cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of chemical pressure on the electronic and magnetic properties of the spin- 1 2 kagome mineral averievite

We investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of the kagome mineral averievite $(\mathrm{Cs}\mathrm{Cl}){\mathrm{Cu}}_{5}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{10}$ and its phosphate analog $(\mathrm{Cs}\mathrm{Cl}){\mathrm{Cu}}_{5}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{10}$ using first-principles calculations. The crystal structure of these compounds features ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}$ kagome layers sandwiched between ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{P}}^{5+}$/${\mathrm{Cu}}^{2+}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{V}}^{5+}$ honeycomb planes, with pyrochlore slabs made of corner-sharing Cu tetrahedra being formed. The induced chemical pressure effect upon substitution of V by P causes significant changes in the structure and magnetic properties. Even though the in-plane antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling ${J}_{1}$ within the kagome layer is similar in the two materials, the interplane AFM coupling ${J}_{2}$ between kagome and honeycomb layers is five times larger in the P variant, increasing the degree of magnetic frustration in the constituting Cu tetrahedra.
Touch Versus Tech in Service Encounters

The emergence of various service technologies has reshaped how today’s customers interact with the service provider. The current research proposes a service matrix delineating various types of serv...
The effect of employment protection legislation on international trade

Abstract Analyzing the impact of domestic labor regulations on international trade is relevant, in part, because (i) trade negotiations may increasingly constrain countries' ability to implement trade policies and (ii) concerns over international competition driving countries towards a ‘race to the bottom’ in labor standards are rampant. Accordingly, utilizing data from roughly 30 countries across 21 manufacturing sectors over 2001–2009, we examine the impact of employment protection legislation on industry-level trade. Moreover, we attend to concerns over the endogeneity of labor regulations by employing an instrumental variables approach. By using disaggregated data along with the strategies aimed at addressing the endogeneity of labor regulations, we provide a novel contribution to the literature examining the trade and foreign investment implications of employment protection legislation. Overall, such legislation is witnessed to significantly encourage imports in relatively labor-intensive industries.
Observations of inertial currents in a lagoon in southeastern Iceland using terrestrial radar interferometry and automated iceberg tracking

Warming ocean currents are considered to be a contributing factor to the retreat of marine-terminating glaciers worldwide, but direct observations near the ice-ocean interface are challenging. We use radar intensity imagery and an iceberg tracking algorithm to produce half-hourly current maps within an imaged portion of Jokulsarlon, a proglacial lagoon in southeastern Iceland. Over our 43.5-h observation period, the lagoon has clockwise circulation with current speeds of order 3-8cm/s and occasional strong glacier outflows of up to ~15cm/s. The currents driven by the glacial outflows appear to be dominantly inertial. HighlightsWe track iceberg motion in a glacial lagoon using terrestrial radar intensity images.We use a PTV approach to track the icebergs.We interpolate the currents using radial basis functions.Subglacial outflows contribute to inertial circulation in the lagoon.
Cosmic-ray neutrino annihilation on relic neutrinos revisited: a mechanism for generating air showers above the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff

If neutrinos are a significant contributor to the matter density of the universe, then they should have ∼ eV mass and cluster in galactic (super) cluster halos, and possibly in galactic halos as well. It was noted in the early 1980's that cosmic ray neutrinos with energy within δEER = ΓZMZ ∼ 3% of the peak energy ER = 4 (eV/mν) × 1021, eV will annihilate on the nonrelativistic relic antineutrinos (and vice versa) to produce the Z-boson with an enhanced, resonant cross section of O(GF) ∼ 10−32cm2. The result of the resonant neutrino annihilation is a hadronic Z-burst 70% of the time, which contains, on average, thirty photons and 2.7 nucleons with energies near or above the GZK cutoff energy of 5 × 1019 eV. These photons and nucleons produced within our Supergalactic halo may easily propagate to earth and initiate super-GZK air showers. Here we show that the probability for each neutrino flavor at its resonant energy to annihilate within the halo of our Supergalactic cluster is likely within an order of magnitude of 1%, with the exact value depending on unknown aspects of neutrino mixing and relic neutrino clustering. The absolute lower bound in a hot Big Bang universe for the probability to annihilate within a 50 Mpc radius (roughly a nucleon propagation distance) of earth is 0.036%. From fragmentation data for Z-decay, we estimate that the nucleons are more energetic than the photons by a factor ∼ 10. Several tests of the hypothesis are indicated.
Solving Old Puzzles with New Tricks: Addressing Endogeneity and Nonlinearity in Time-on-Market Research

The most commonly used econometric models for time-on-market in housing studies force researchers into a tradeoff between problems of nonlinearity, which may be addressed with a hazard model, and e...
First Steps Toward Synthetic Sample Generation for Machine Learning Based Flare Forecasting

The imbalanced class problem is intrinsic to solar flare forecasting, as are other issues we find in data-driven forecasting problems that are often hidden within an imbalanced dataset. One method of dealing with imbalanced data is to balance the data by using synthetic oversampling to create synthetic examples of the minority class. Though synthetic oversampling techniques have been applied to problems in medicine, finance, security, and other areas, we have not seen these approaches used in solar flare forecasting. We investigate two methods of synthetic oversampling, Rapidly Converging Gibbs Sampler (RACOG) and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE). We devise three naive synthetic oversampling techniques for compar-ison. We rely on data provided by the Space Weather ANalytics for Solar Flares (SWAN- SF) benchmark dataset. Our results indicate that synthetic oversampling can be effective for machine learning based solar flare forecasting.
Valvular Heart Disease

This article reviews existing magnetic resonance imaging techniques used to evaluate valvular heart disease. Specifically, this article discusses the capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging for (1) the detection and quantification of valvular regurgitation; (2) the detection and quantification of valvular stenosis; (3) the quantification of left ventricular dimension, function, and loading conditions with valvular heart disease; and (4) the monitoring of changes in valvular and ventricular function with time and with therapy.
Development Channelization, Partisanship, and Populism: Possibilities for Rural Renewal in the Death Throes of Coal:

In the last few decades, the United States has experienced several related and significant societal trends—the transition of the energy system away from coal, the intensification of partisan polari...
A Brief Introduction to Classical, Statistical, and Quantum Mechanics

Classical mechanics of discrete systems Wave mechanics Statistical mechanics Quantum mechanics Bibliography Index.
Federal Incarceration by Contract in a Post-Minneci World: Legislation to Equalize the Constitutional Rights of Prisoners

In the 2012 case Minneci v. Pollard, the United States Supreme Court held that federal prisoners assigned to privately-run prisons may not bring actions for violations of their Eighth Amendment right against cruel and unusual punishment and may instead bring actions sounding only in state tort law. A consequence of this decision is that the arbitrary assignment of some federal prisoners to privately-run prisons deprives them of an equal opportunity to vindicate this federal constitutional right and pursue a federal remedy. Yet all federal prisoners should be entitled to the same protection under the United States Constitution—regardless of the type of prison to which they are assigned. This Note discusses the national trend toward prison privatization and the current asymmetry in legal protections and remedies available to prisoners depending on whether they are assigned to federally-run or privately-run prisons. It concludes by proposing federal legislation that would provide uniformity in the protection of federal prisoners against cruel and unusual punishment.
Markets, Moral Aspects of

How do the principles of right and wrong, as well as the sacred and profane, get put on display in economic transactions? How have social scientists examined the moral aspects of economic transactions and the informal rules governing commercial trade that spring from transcendental concerns? And what have been some of the detrimental moral consequences of market exchange? Keywords: consumerism; consumption; culture
Optimum Co-Design for Spectrum Sharing between Matrix Completion Based MIMO Radars and a MIMO Communication System

Spectrum sharing enables radar and communication systems to share the spectrum efficiently by minimizing mutual interference. Recently proposed multiple-input multiple-output radars based on sparse sensing and matrix completion (MIMO-MC), in addition to reducing communication bandwidth and power as compared with MIMO radars, offer a significant advantage for spectrum sharing. The advantage stems from the way the sampling scheme at the radar receivers modulates the interference channel from the communication system transmitters, rendering it symbol dependent and reducing its row space. This makes it easier for the communication system to design its waveforms in an adaptive fashion so that it minimizes the interference to the radar subject to meeting rate and power constraints. Two methods are proposed. First, based on the knowledge of the radar sampling scheme, the communication system transmit covariance matrix is designed to minimize the effective interference power (EIP) at the radar receiver, while maintaining certain average capacity and transmit power for the communication system. Second, a joint design of the communication transmit covariance matrix and the MIMO-MC radar sampling scheme is proposed, which achieves even further EIP reduction.
Anesthesia Preoperative Clinic Referral for Elevated Hba1c Reduces Complication Rate in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

days) were recorded. Results: Patients (197 men, 6 women) underwent 71, 131, and 1 total hip, knee, and shoulder replacements, respectively. Patients undergoing TJA with uncontrolled HbA1c and those with HbA1c < 10%, but not those with HbA1c < 8%, had a higher incidence of coronary disease and hypercholesterolemia than patients without DM. An increase in complication rate was observed in DM patients with uncontrolled HbA1c versus patients without DM (P < 0.001); the complication rate progressively decreased with tighter HbA1c control. More DM patients with preoperative HbA1c that was uncontrolled or ≥ 10% required prolonged LOS versus those without DM (P < 0.001 and P = 0.0404, respectively). Conclusions: APC referral for elevated HbA1c reduces complication rate and the incidence of prolonged hospitalization during the first year after surgery in diabetics undergoing TJA.
Estrogen Regulation of Protein Synthesis and Cell Growth in Human Breast Cancer

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the estrogen regulation of protein synthesis and cell growth in human breast cancer. Estrogen regulation of protein synthesis and cell growth represents a balance among complex molecular and cellular interactions. Through the estrogen receptor, estrogen binds to nuclear DNA and modulates the transcription of specific genes. These gene products can influence intracellular events in the estrogen-sensitive cell directly, as is the case with enzymes that support DNA synthesis. Estrogen effects in the estrogen-sensitive cell can be indirect, mediated by autocrine growth stimulators such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-α which are produced in response to estrogen, or autocrine growth inhibitors such as TGF-β, whose production is inhibited by estrogen. These factors subsequently bind to cell surface receptors and influence a secondary wave of cellular events. Through paracrine-acting growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), estrogen can influence the growth of breast cells in a different, indirect manner. Epithelial cells which produce PDGF in response to estrogen can stimulate the growth of surrounding stromal cells. Estrogen-regulated proteins such as plasminogen activator and collagenase act on the tissues surrounding the breast epithelium and influence the biological behavior important to growth, such as tumor invasion and metastasis.
Going from principles to rules in research ethics.

In research ethics there is a canon regarding what ethical rules ought to be followed by investigators vis-a-vis their treatment of subjects and a canon regarding what fundamental ethical principles apply to the endeavor. What I aim to demonstrate here is that several of the rules find no support in the principles. This leaves anyone who would insist that we not abandon those rules in the difficult position of needing to establish that we are nevertheless justified in believing in the validity of the rules. I conclude by arguing that this is not likely to be accomplished. The rules I call into question are the rules requiring: - that studies be designed in a scientifically valid way - that risks to subjects be minimized - that subjects be afforded post-trial access to experimental interventions - that inducements paid to subjects not be counted as a benefit to them - that inducements paid to subjects not be 'undue' - that subjects must remain free to withdraw from the study at any time for any reason without penalty. Both canons, the canon on principles and the canon on rules, are found in the overlap among ethical pronouncements that are themselves canonical: the Nuremberg Code, the Declaration of Helsinki, the Belmont Report, CIOMS's International Ethical Guidelines for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects, and NBAC's 2001 report, Ethical Issues in International Research: Clinical Trials in Developing Countries.
The Prevalence of HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 Antigens in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

• HLA-B12 antigen was found in 50% and HLA-B7 was present in 49% of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Either one of the antigens B12 or B7 was noted in 88% of such glaucoma patients. The prevalences of B12, B7, or of either antigen were much greater in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma than in the general population or in patients with normal intraocular pressure. The prevalences in patients with ocular hypertension (IOP > 20 mm Hg) were intermediate between the ocular normotensives and the patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. The close association between HLA-B12 and HLA-B7 and primary open-angle glaucoma suggested immunologic components of the disease and possible convenient genetic markers. ( Arch Ophthalmol 95:224-225, 1977)
Reflective Leadership By Selected Community College Presidents

This phenomenological study addressed the following question: How do community college presidents experience self-reflection in their leadership roles? Male and female community college presidents of diverse racial backgrounds were interviewed to better understand how they experienced self-reflection in their own leadership. Three themes emerged: mindfulness, discovery, and authenticity revealing the essence of reflective leadership, self-care. Presidents spent deliberate time in introspection and inquiry, expanding self-awareness to lead others.
Fractionation of linear polyethylene during bulk crystallization under high pressure

Two linear polyethylene fractions (Mη, 11,260 and 100,000) and mixtures of these fractions have been isothermally crystallized from the melt under pressures up to 3000 atm. Characterization of individually crystallized fractions with transmission electron microscopy indicates that pressure can be used to produce a crystallite whose thickness is a measure of the chain length within it. Although the high molecular weight fraction yields spherulites containing individually varying lamellae thicknesses, the maximum thickness of each lamella is a measure of the chain length within it. Both electron micrographs and differential thermal analysis results show that crystallization of homogeneous mixtures of the high and low molecular weight fractions under high pressure results in a distinct fractionation and segregation according to molecular weight.
Statistical Model Computation with UDFs

Statistical models are generally computed outside a DBMS due to their mathematical complexity. We introduce techniques to efficiently compute fundamental statistical models inside a DBMS exploiting User-Defined Functions (UDFs). Specifically, we study the computation of linear regression, PCA, clustering, and Naive Bayes. Two summary matrices on the data set are mathematically shown to be essential for all models: the linear sum of points and the quadratic sum of cross products of points. We consider two layouts for the input data set: horizontal and vertical. We first introduce efficient SQL queries to compute summary matrices and score the data set. Based on the SQL framework, we introduce UDFs that work in a single table scan: aggregate UDFs to compute summary matrices for all models and a set of primitive scalar UDFs to score data sets. Experiments compare UDFs and SQL queries (running inside the DBMS) with C++ (analyzing exported files). In general, UDFs are faster than SQL queries and not much slower than C++. Considering export times, C++ is slower than UDFs and SQL queries. Statistical models based on precomputed summary matrices are computed in a few seconds. UDFs scale linearly and only require one table scan, highlighting their efficiency.
Hospital and provider patient volumes, cesarean section rates, and early postpartum invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Objective We sought to examine whether hospital and provider volumes and cesarean section rates influenced early postpartum invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Methods We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a representative sample of US community hospitals. Multivariate hierarchical regression models were used to estimate odds ratios adjusted for hospital total discharges, nurse:patient ratio, urbanicity, teaching status, bed size, ownership, and geographic region and patient age, race, expected payer, and comorbidities. Results The total sample size for the hospital analysis was 3,487,350 deliveries, which included 555 cases of MRSA infection. The total sample size for the provider analysis was 1,186,703 deliveries, with 221 cases of MRSA infection. Hospital and provider patient (deliveries) volumes and cesarean section rates were not associated with early postpartum invasive MRSA infection. Conclusions Barring major bias in our estimates, our results suggest that transmission from providers may not be a predominant route of postpartum MRSA infection in US hospitals.
Local Interfacial Structure in Downward Two-Phase Bubbly Flow

The local interfacial structure for vertical air-water co-current downward two-phase flow was investigated under adiabatic conditions. A multi-sensor conductivity probe was utilized in order to acquire the local two-phase flow parameters. The present experimental loop consisted of 25.4 mm and 50.8 mm ID round tubes as test sections. The measurement was performed at three axial locations: L/D = 13, 68 and 133 for the 25.4 mm ID loop and L/D = 7, 34, 67 for the 50.8 mm ID loop, in order to study the axial development of the flow. A total of 7 and 10 local measurement points along the tube radius were chosen for the 25.4 mm ID loop and the 50.8 mm ID loop, respectively. The experimental flow conditions were determined within bubbly flow regime. The acquired local parameters included the void fraction, interfacial area concentration, bubble interface frequency, bubble Sauter mean diameter, and interfacial velocity.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Kinetic modeling of NO selective reduction with C3H6 over Cu-SSZ13 monolithic catalyst

Abstract A mechanistic-based kinetic model is developed for selective catalytic reduction of NO with C 3 H 6 on Cu chabazite (Cu-SSZ13) monolithic catalyst based on bench scale flow reactor studies and in-situ DRIFTS measurements. The SCR mechanism involves reaction between oxygenates (partially oxidized hydrocarbon species) and NO to form isocyanates species ( NCO), detected by DRIFTS, which are further reduced to N 2 . We have shown in an earlier study that reaction intermediates, most likely surface isocyanates, poison the active sites on the catalytic surface resulting in the inhibition of other reactions (Raj et al., 2013 [7]). The kinetic model was developed in steps, starting with steady-state CO oxidation, followed by C 3 H 6 oxidation, and then the C 3 H 6 + NO + O 2 reaction system. This approach ensured consistency in the parameter estimation and resulted in a more robust model. The models for CO + O 2 , C 3 H 6 + O 2 and C 3 H 6 + NO + O 2 were also validated using a new set of steady state experiments. The monolith model predicts the observed negative order with respect to C 3 H 6 and positive order with respect to O 2 for the C 3 H 6 oxidation reaction. For the C 3 H 6 + NO + O 2 reaction system, the predicted NO and C 3 H 6 conversions agree well with both steady state and transient experimental data. The model captures the significant shift of C 3 H 6 light-off to higher temperature in the presence of NO due to formation of the inhibiting NCO surface species as well as slow transients associated with surface intermediates and their effect on the extent of reactions.
Complicating the World of Reading Assessment: Toward Better Assessments for Better Teaching

In this article, we share with readers our hopes, fears, and predictions for reading assessment in American schools at a critical policy juncture—the production of new assessments to measure achievement of the Common Core State Standards. It isn't just Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium in play. There is a new stream of progressive-minded pedagogical reform rekindling the fire for higher-order thinking, project-based learning, and learning that transfers to new and different situations and problems. This is a perfect storm—a genuine opportunity to change the course of assessment for accountability and classroom decision-making. Our hope is that readers will find our perspectives useful as we collectively avail ourselves of this unique opportunity.
Plaster standards to measure water motion

Plaster of paris blocks (clod cards) were re-evaluated as devices to measure water motion in freshwater and marine environments. Clod cards, developed in 1971, have only been used as indicators of relative water motion. We generated standard curves relating the dissolution rates of clod cards to water speed, temperature, and salinity by attaching the cards to a mechanical arm rotating in a tank of water. Free convection experiments were also conducted by suspending clod cards in quiescent solutions held in ice chests. We describe calibration methods that use either forced convection or free convection to correct field results for the effects of temperature and salinity on dissolution rates of clod cards. Although dissolution rates were lower in freshwater than brackish or seawater, salinity in the range of 20–40‰ did not greatly affect dissolution. Properly calibrated, clod cards now offer a simple, practical method for measuring integrated water motion, expressed in readily visualized rate units, over a wide range of temperatures, salinities, and water speeds.
Culture and Slide Preparation of Leukocytes from Blood of IMACACA

Leukocyte-rich plasma is recovered from monkey blood by centrifugation. Portions of the plasma are planted in a medium consisting of 70% NCTC 109, 10% F 10, 15% fetal bovine serum, 5% human cord serum, and phytohemagglutinin (0.1 ml/5.0 ml of medium). Incubation is 48–72 hr, followed by colchicine 24 hr, hypotonic treatment with water 1–1 1/4 hr, and fixation in absolute methanol-glacial acetic acid (3:1). Permanent spreads are made by ejecting drops of suspension onto iced slides and flame drying. Staining is done in cresyl violet acetate. Because of some inconsistencies encountered in the spreading of monkey cells, alternate methods have been suggested for trial until one is found that works uniformly for the technician.
Transcriptional regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 gene in pancreatic β-cells

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been shown to negatively affect pancreatic β-cell function, and its inducible synthesis is mediated in part by cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2). Regulation of basal and inducible COX-2 gene expression in pancreatic β-cells is not fully understood. In this report, we used pancreatic β-cells (RINm5F) to explore the molecular mechanisms regulating COX-2 promoter activity. Through deletion analysis of a –907/+70-bp 5′ upstream region of the mouse COX-2 gene, we identified an inhibition domain (–804/–371) and an activation domain (–371/+70). The highest promoter activity was seen when the promoter was reduced to –371 bp. Several cis-acting elements were selected for site-directed mutations in the activation domain. We identified three sites that were essential for basal COX-2 promoter activity: 1) CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP), 2) aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and 3) cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Single mutation of each individual site inhibited 70–80% of basal COX-2 promoter activity. Double mutation of the AhR and CREB-binding sites showed synergy in repressing COX-2 promoter activity as did mutation of all three sites. We demonstrated that the transcription factors from RINm5F nuclear extracts specifically bound to oligonucleotides containing C/EBP, AhR, or CREB consensus sites. Forskolin, an activator of adenyl cyclase, increased COX-2 promoter activity via the CREB site. COX-2 promoter activity was also increased by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, an AhR activator, through the AhR site. Both forskolin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increased COX-2 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. We consider these three transcriptional regulators of COX-2 expression to be potential targets for the prevention of β-cell damage mediated by PGE2.
Home-Town Values and High Accountability: A Texas Recipe for Districtwide Success in an Urban School District

This article reports the findings from a case study of urban school district effectiveness taken from a larger, multistate study. The case study district, Galena Park Independent School District in Galena Park, Texas, was chosen for inclusion in the study based on quantitative analysis of student achievement data in Texas. An education production function model was used to compare how well school districts actually performed to how well the model predicted they would perform given a certain level of resources. Qualitative data were gathered through extensive fieldwork in the school district and were analyzed using codes based on a theoretical framework of district effectiveness developed a priori by the research team. Key findings reveal how the political, administrative, and professional systems in Galena Park were brought into coherent alignment to support district reform efforts. A finding of particular importance was the productive coexistence of both professional and administrative accountability wit...
The influence of plasma proteins on human platelet metabolism

Abstract This study, which focuses on certain essential parameters of platelet metabolic activity—oxygen consumption, lactate production and cyclic AMP (cAMP) content—indicates that platelet metabolism is significantly influenced by the plasma protein environment. Thus, platelet oxygen consumption in platelet-rich plasma was 88 per cent higher than oxygen consumption of washed platelets. Oxygen consumption of washed platelets could be restored to values comparable to those obtained for platelet-rich plasma by the addition to the washed platelet suspensions of either autologous plasma, purified albumin or purified IgG immunoglobulin. In contrast, the addition of fibrinogen and purified IgA myeloma protein from a patient with bleeding diathesis and platelet dysfunction had no effect on oxygen consumption of washed platelets. Platelet lactate production was identical in platelet-rich plasma and washed platelet suspensions. The addition to washed platelets of autologous plasma, albumin or gamma globulin did not affect lactate production; however, when either fibrinogen or the purified IgA myeloma protein were added to suspensions of washed platelets, lactate production increased significantly over the values observed in either platelet-rich plasma or washed platelets. cAMP levels were considerably lower in washed platelets than in platelets in platelet-rich plasma. When gamma globulin and albumin were added to suspensions of washed platelets, cAMP levels further decreased; and this reduction in cAMP content was progressive with time. In contrast, the addition of fibrinogen to suspensions of washed platelets caused no change in platelet cAMP content. Thus, different plasma proteins affected different parameters of platelet metabolism in different ways. Although an understanding of the mechanisms whereby plasma proteins affect platelet membrane function and metabolic activity is lacking, our experiments underscore the need for a concise definition of the plasma protein environment in the assessment of human platelet metabolism.
A New Convergent Strategy for the Synthesis of Calixarenes via a Triple Annulation of Fischer Carbene Complexes

A new method for the synthesis of unsymmetrical calix[4]arenes is described which involves the reaction of a diyne with a bis-carbene complex of chromium. This synthesis of calixarenes is unique in that it involves the formation of two of the four benzene rings of the calixarene and the macrocyclic ring of the calixarene in the same step. Thus, two of the four benzene rings of the calixarene are identical, but the other two rings may each be different, giving a general method for the synthesis of calixarenes in which there are either two or three differently substituted benzene rings. This protocol gives access to a large family of unsymmetrical calixarenes by the proper choice of arene substitution in the starting diyne and the starting carbene complex. Nine examples are presented in which the yields in the key triple annulation step range from 22 to 41%. The overall yields of calixarenes from commercially available starting materials compare favorably with those from existing methods for the synthesis o...
Infrared study of superlattice formation in Ti1+xSe2☆

Infrared reflectivity measurements have been made on two Ti1+xSe2 crystals of different stoichiometry over the range 200 cm−1 to 4000 cm−1 before and after the formation of a 2ao × 2co superlattice. In both crystals at room temperature a heavily damped Drude edge is observed at about 1000 cm−1. At liquid helium temperatures, below the phase transition, the Drude minimum of a non-stoichiometric crystal (x ⋍ 0.02, Tc = 155 K) is at 750 cm−1 whereas the low temperature minimum of a more stoichiometric sample (Tc = 198 K) is below 350 cm−1. Also, new absorption peaks are seen to develop below Tc at about 3700 cm−1 and 3300 cm−1 for the non- stoichiometric and stoichiometric-crystals respectively. The observed phenomena are related to the energy gaps which open up in the band structure below the phase transition temperature.
The barrier to linearity in the HNCO molecule

The barrier to linearity in the HNCO molecule has been determined from ab initio quantum mechanical computation to be 4.8 ± 0.5 kcal/mole. Careful attention is paid to the effects of geometry optimization, correlation effects, and the magnitudes of errors which can occur in the computations. A useful procedure for evaluating the accuracy of estimated optimized geometries from correlated wavefunctions is presented. The shape of the HNC bending potential, allowing full geometrical relaxation, has been determined. Its curvature at the minimum gives an effective bending force constant of 0.24 mdyne A/rad2.
The Dissemination of Policy Research to Policymakers

Suppose that, despite certain appearances, significant policy research results did in fact reach most of those practitioners who could and would make use of them, and in a relatively timely way. What processes might produce this result? Some conjectures are offered, along with certain political and policy implications.
Model-based visualization of ultrasound images

Ultrasound imaging is the most pervasive, cost effective, portable, high-resolution, and non-ionizing modality of diagnostic imaging available. The use of ultrasounds, however, has been hampered by the noise properties and poor contrast inherent in such imagery. A novel processing system is currently being developed that overcomes some of these disadvantages by producing a high-quality rendering of the anatomical structure of interest. In particular, a normal anatomical atlas is used as the starting point; this atlas is produced from either CT or MR imagery. As the ultrasound probe is moved along the body, image registration techniques, as well as external instrumentation that monitors the position and attitude of the ultrasound probe, are used to provide a continuous mapping between the ultrasound observations and the atlas. As discrepancies between the atlas and the observed anatomy occur, the atlas is deformed to reflect actual observations. Operated in this mode, the system displays the deformed high-resolution atlas to the user, providing a high- contrast, low-noise rendering of the patient's anatomy. In scenarios such as battlefield critical care, where large, immobile C/T or MR scanners are not feasible, deformation of a high quality atlas to match real-time ultrasound imagery can provide for much improved assessment and treatment possibilities.
A model for a bladder replacement plasty by an ileal reservoir — An experimental study in dogs

Cutaneous urinary diversion requires appliances, unless a pouch and a valve mechanism are used (Kock-pouch). In order to avoid a stoma, repeated self-catheterizations, and the complications which may occur from malfunction of the distal valve, we created a modified ileal pouch with the advantages of a low-pressure system with good capacity and no reflux. By anastomosing the distal part of the reservoir to the urethra and using the male patient's own sphincter, the second nipple can be avoided and a urostoma is obviated. The feasibility of this procedure has been studied in 4 dogs.
Asymptotic normality of the lengths of a class of nonparametric confidence intervals for a regression parameter

In the linear regression model. the asymptotic distributions of certain functions of confidcncc bounds of a class of cunfidence intervals for the regrczsion parameter arc investigated. The class of confidence intervals we consider in this paper are based on the usual linear rank statistics (signed as well as unsigned). Under suitable assumptions. if the confidence intervals are based on the signcd linear rank statistics. it is established that the lengths. properly normalized, of the confidcnce intervals converge in law to the standard normal distributions: if the confidence intervals arc based on the unsigned linear rank statistics. it IS then proved that a linear function of the confidence bounds converges in law to a normal distribution.
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: the Vanderbilt experience

Abstract Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus unresponsive to treatment with proton pump inhibitors. A combination of immediate, IgE-mediated and delayed, and non–IgE-mediated immune reactions to foods and aeroallergens is thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Optimal methods to assess for food allergen sensitization have been debated. Patients with EoE often have comorbid atopic diseases. Objective To characterize pediatric patients diagnosed with EoE at a single institution within the southeastern United States. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate 211 pediatric patients with EoE at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Aeroallergen and food sensitization profiles obtained by skin prick testing (SPT), atopy patch testing (APT), and history of associated atopic diseases were analyzed. Results Older patients with EoE showed greater aeroallergen sensitization; the most common allergens were pollens and dust mite. Younger patients showed greater sensitization to foods by SPT and APT. The most common foods identified by SPT were peanut, egg, and soy. The most common foods identified by APT were potato, pork, and wheat. Comorbid atopic disease was common. Patients with atopic dermatitis did not show significantly greater sensitization to foods by SPT or APT compared with patients without atopic dermatitis. Conclusion In pediatric patients with EoE, sensitization to aeroallergens increases with age, whereas sensitization to foods decreases with age. Concomitant atopic disease is common. APT is useful to identify additional food allergens not detected by SPT. A history of atopic dermatitis does not appear to be associated with nonspecific positivity by SPT or APT.
Magnetotransport mechanisms in strongly underdoped YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} single crystals

We report magnetoresistivity measurements on strongly underdoped YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} (x=6.25 and 6.36) single crystals in applied magnetic fields H{parallel} c axis. We identify two different contributions to both in-plane {Delta}{rho}{sub ab}/{rho}{sub ab} and out-of-plane {Delta}{rho}{sub c}/{rho}{sub c} magnetoresistivities. The first contribution has the same sign as the temperature coefficient of the resistivity {partial_derivative} ln {rho}{sub i}/{partial_derivative}T (i={l_brace}c,ab{r_brace}). This contribution reflects the incoherent nature of the out-of-plane transport. The second contribution is positive, quadratic in field, with an onset temperature that correlates to the antiferromagnetic ordering.
Translational Research: Creating Excellent Evidence-Based Pediatric Nursing Practice

Translating research into evidence-based practice and best clinical practices creates excellence in pediatric nursing practice. EXCELLENCE IN PEDIATRIC nursing practice is created by translating research evidence into best clinical practices to improve the quality of pediatric nursing care for children and their families (Christian, 2011). Clinical nursing research involves systematic inquiry conducted to develop, refine, and expand nursing knowledge to guide nursing practice and improve health and quality of life of clients (Polit & Beck, 2012). This integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and decision making results in best clinical practices that improve the quality of care (DiCenso, Guyatt, & Ciliska, 2005; Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2005; Sackett, Straus, Richardson, Rosenberg, & Haynes, 2000). Best clinical practices identified from clinical experiences provide essential evidence that is tested through research and then translated into practice. In this way, translational research completes the process by creating evidence-based practice based on research evidence to ultimately improve the quality of pediatric nursing care. Translating research into evidence-based practice and best clinical practices may be accomplished through a variety of methods (Polit & Beck, 2012). For example, systematic reviews of the literature are foundational to the development of clinical practice guidelines and provide the basis for conclusions about existing evidence. Clinical pathways and clinical scenarios facilitate translation of research evidence into improved models of care (DiCenso et al., 2005). Research studies designed to test the effectiveness of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines provide a mechanism to evaluate outcomes and analyze the cost and benefits of implementing practices (Polit & Beck,
Martian topography and surface properties as seen by radar: The 1971 opposition

Taking advantage of the favorable opposition of 1971, the Goldstone radar system, operating at 2388 MHz, was used to scan the Martian surface. Measurements of altitude and reflected power were taken approximately every 3 days. Each measurement represents an area 8 km E-W by 80 km N-S, the highest resolution attained to date. Altitude measurements obtained on different observing days were combined to produce altitude profiles for three complete rotations, each at different latitudes. Large-scale variations in altitudes cover a range of 14 km. Altitude changes of 5 in 30 km of longitude were observed. The altitude profiles show the heavy cratering of the surface, and several large craters (50-100 km) 1-2 km deep are easily seen.
Adaptive Control Of Multisensor Systems

A hierarchical and adaptive control scheme of multisensor systems is introduced for improvement of image understanding, correspondence (registration) problem and sensory data fusion. The neural network approach provides adaptiveness and learning to not only the control level of the overall system architecture, but also the processing level of the image frames. Furthermore, our improved sensing capability enhances the performance of large, complex, integrated sensor-driven robotic systems.
Measurement of Inductance of DC Machines

Information is presented showing the general suitability of present measurement techniques outlined in IEEE Std 113-Standard Test Code for Direct Current Machines. The significance of machine parameters so determined is shown to be compatible with the most common usage of the application data. Revisions of the present test procedures are proposed.
Advanced materials for fusion technology

The challenging environment associated with a fusion reactor (radiation, heat flux, chemical compatibility and thermomechanical stresses) will require the utilization of advanced structural materials in order to enable the successful development of fusion energy. Research supported by the international fusion materials programs and the broader materials science community is providing important advances in the development of improved materials that also satisfy the requirements for reduced long-term activation and low short-term decay heat. An overview is given regarding recent work on high-performance ferritic/martensitic and bainitic steels, nanocomposited oxide-dispersion-strengthened ferritic steels, vanadium alloys and SiC ceramic composites, which are candidate structural materials for fusion systems. Several of these advanced alloys developed by fusion researchers are being spun off for near-term commercial applications in other fields, such as fossil energy.
Organo-soluble polyimides : Synthesis and polymerization of 2,2'-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4', 5,5'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride

2,2‘-Bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4‘,5,5‘-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (6FBPDA) was synthesized from 1-iodo-4,5-dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene via a six-step synthetic route. The dianhydride was polymerized with eight different substituted 4,4‘-diaminobiphenyls in refluxing m-cresol containing isoquinoline to afford a series of fluorinated aromatic polyimides. The polyimides were soluble in polar aprotic, ether and ketone solvents. They had intrinsic viscosities that ranged from 1.70 to 6.72 dL/g in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone or m-cresol at 30 °C. The polymers underwent 5% weight losses when subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis between 440 and 570 °C in air and nitrogen atmospheres. The polymers could be solution cast into water-white, flexible, tough films which exhibited “in-plane” structural anisotropy. Their glass transition temperatures along the directions parallel to the film surface (in-plane) ranged from 327 to 345 °C (thermal mechanical analysis). Multiple relaxation processes associated with segme...
Strong consistency of sample path derivative estimates

Abstract We give general conditions for strong consistency of sample-path-based derivative estimators. Such estimators are useful in gradient-based optimization of complex stochastic systems. The results substantially generalize and extend previous results.
Portable Electric Appliance Usage by Households

Information on portable electric appliance use has been based on estimates and small nonrandom samples from the Association of Home Appliance Manufac turers (AHAM) or the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Reported here is an analysis of use by a random sample of 275 families selected from customers of four electric utility companies serving rural and urban areas within 100 miles of Columbus, Ohio. Findings are compared with the AHAM and EEI estimates. Family charac teristics with a positive significant relationship to use of small electric appliances were number of people in the household, level of education of the home man ager, and number of appliances owned (analysis of covariance). Variables not related to usage were urban or rural location, employment of the participant, and “yes” or “no” response to the necessity to consider energy consumption when shopping for an appliance. Mean number of small appliances owned was 26 (S.D., 9; range, 6 to 81). Six use-group profiles were identified for 56 appliances in a cluster analysis. Usage reported by the sample was generally less than re ported by AHAM and EEI.
A third grader's way of thinking about linear function tables

Abstract This paper is inscribed within the research effort to produce evidence regarding primary school students’ learning of algebra. Given the results obtained so far in the research community, we are convinced that young elementary school students can successfully learn algebra. Moreover, children this young can make use of different representational systems, including function tables, algebraic notation, and graphs in the Cartesian coordinate grid. In our research, we introduce algebra from a functional perspective. A functional perspective moves away from the mere symbolic manipulation of equations and focuses on relationships between variables. In investigating the processes of teaching and learning algebra at this age, we are interested in identifying meaningful teaching situations. Within each type of teaching situation, we focus on what kind of knowledge students produce, what are the main obstacles they find in their learning, as well as the intermediate states of knowledge between what they know and the target knowledge for the teaching situation. In this paper, we present a case study focusing on the approach adopted by a third grade student, Marisa, when she was producing the formula for a linear function while she was working with the information of a problem displayed in a function table containing pairs of inputs–outputs. We will frame the analysis and discussion on Marisa's approach in terms of the concept of theorem-in action (Vergnaud, 1982) and we will contrast it with the scalar and functional approaches introduced by Vergnaud (1988) in his Theory of Multiplicative Fields. The approach adopted by Marisa turns out to have both scalar and functional aspects to it, providing us with new ways of thinking of children's potential responses to functions.