cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broadband polarization-independent resonant light absorption using ultrathin plasmonic super absorbers

Resonant plasmonic and metamaterial structures allow for control of fundamental optical processes such as absorption, emission and refraction at the nanoscale. Considerable recent research has focused on energy absorption processes, and plasmonic nanostructures have been shown to enhance the performance of photovoltaic and thermophotovoltaic cells. Although reducing metallic losses is a widely sought goal in nanophotonics, the design of nanostructured 'black' super absorbers from materials comprising only lossless dielectric materials and highly reflective noble metals represents a new research direction. Here we demonstrate an ultrathin (260 nm) plasmonic super absorber consisting of a metal–insulator–metal stack with a nanostructured top silver film composed of crossed trapezoidal arrays. Our super absorber yields broadband and polarization-independent resonant light absorption over the entire visible spectrum (400–700 nm) with an average measured absorption of 0.71 and simulated absorption of 0.85. Proposed nanostructured absorbers open a path to realize ultrathin black metamaterials based on resonant absorption.
In vitro recovery of canine gastric mucosal surface hydrophobicity and potential difference after aspirin damage

This study determined how the luminal surface hydrophobicity and transmucosal potential difference (PD) of canine gastric mucosa changed during the recovery period after the tissue was challenged with acidified aspirin. Luminal aspirin reduced both the contact angle and PD of mucosae incubated in Ussing chambers. After the removal of aspirin, surface hydrophobicity was found to recover before PD, and nutrient 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 accelerated the recovery of both parameters. Restoration of luminal surface hydrophobicity may be an important component of how the stomach reestablishes its barrier properties after exposure to a luminal damaging agent.
Dynamics of a transport mediating switch

We show that dynamics of a general toggle switch that mediates transport between cellular compartments, converges to a unique periodic orbit in two limiting cases. These results can be perturbed for a restricted, but biologically ubiquitous model. This robustness may be the reason why only the restricted switch appears to be operating in Nature. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Monetary policy flexibility, risk management, and financial disruptions☆

Abstract This paper argues that the monetary policy that is appropriate during an episode of financial market disruption is likely to be quite different than in times of normal market functioning. When financial markets experience a significant disruption, a systematic approach to risk management requires policymakers to be preemptive in responding to the macroeconomic implications of incoming financial market information, and decisive actions may be required to reduce the likelihood of an adverse feedback loop. The central bank also needs to exhibit flexibility—that is, less inertia and gradualism than would otherwise be typical—not only in moving decisively to reduce downside risks arising from a financial market disruption, but also in being prepared to take back some of that insurance in response to a recovery in financial markets or an upward shift in inflation risks.
Chronic intracerebroventricular insulin attenuates the leptin-mediated but not alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone increase in sympathetic and cardiovascular responses.

The co-existence of hyperinsulinemia and hyperleptinemia of obesity is well established. Additionally, both insulin resistance and leptin resistance are also characteristic of these states. Possible central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms could mediate these responses in that leptin receptors are located on hypothalamic neurons that coexpress neuropeptide-Y (NPY) or proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and both peptides that have been implicated as mediators of the CNS action of leptin. Leptin has been demonstrated to decrease or down regulate NPY expression and increase POMC expression. Insulin also has been demonstrated to decrease NPY and insulin insufficiency is associated with an increased POMC. Since both leptin and insulin share and modulate the same effector systems, we investigated the effect of CNS-induced hyperinsulinemia on the subsequent cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous response to leptin. Normal rats were implanted with intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannula and allowed to recover. They were treated with insulin via i.c.v. cannula for 3 days. Following treatment, they were instrumented for the recording of cardiovascular and sympathetic nervous responses. Intracerebroventricular leptin administration in normal animals result in a progressive increase in both lumbar sympathetic nerve activity and mean arterial pressure. However, in animals pretreated with insulin for 3 days the leptin-induced response was completely attenuated. However, insulin treatment did not affect the POMC peptide product, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alphaMSH), mediated sympathetic nervous and cardiovascular responses. From these studies we conclude that CNS hyperinsulinemia can act to attenuate the leptin-induced increases in sympathetic nervous and cardiovascular system activity. The decreased responsiveness is not due to decreased sensitivity of the melanocortin, alphaMSH, mediated pathway.We suggest that the hyperinsulinemia of obesity may play a role in the obesity-induced leptin resistance.
On the mechanism of catching up

Abstract We draw upon the experiences of Japan and the Asian NIEs, the economies with the longest records of sustained rapid growth. This study then explains the observed patterns of growth with a control theoretical model. With imitation costly, and the benefit of imitative effort rising with technical capability but declining with the reduction of technology backlog, the poorest economies would allow the income gap to open further, but middle income economies would temporarily grow faster than the developed economies, through a first stage of trend acceleration and then a stage of deceleration. Evidence suggests that trade is one of the necessary but insufficient conditions for such a catching up process.
Autothermal Reforming of Methane in a Reverse-Flow Reactor

Autothermal methane reforming (ATR) is an alternative to steam reforming for synthesis gas and hydrogen production. It meets the intensive energy demand of methane reforming by combining exothermic oxidation and endothermic steam reforming. However, ATR runs into autothermal limitations if the water-to-oxygen feed ratio is increased to optimize hydrogen production. We have previously shown that regenerative heat integration in a reverse-flow reactor (RFR) can overcome autothermal limitations in syngas production via catalytic partial oxidation of methane. Here, we extend our studies onto ATR in a RFR. Our results show that regenerative heat integration strongly increases the range of autothermal operation for ATR towards higher H 2 O:CH 4 feed ratios. RFR operation allows for improved syngas yields and much higher H 2 /CO ratios in the product stream. Improvements are most pronounced for high flow rates, which makes ATR-RFR particularly well suited to compact reactors for small-scale and decentralized processes.
Shaping of the characteristics of temperature-sensitive elements

A method for shaping the characteristics of temperature-sensitive elements is described, together with a practical example. The proposed method permits the shaping of characteristics of the temperature-sensitive elements in order to obtain the desired form. This method could be applied successfully to any temperature-sensitive element providing that the coefficient of the temperature-sensitive element is larger than that of the desired characteristic, and that the characteristic of the temperature-sensitive element does not change with the applied voltage.
ANALYSIS OF FIELD EMITTER SURFACES BY VERY HIGH RESOLUTION AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

Etude de la segregation des impuretes a la surface d'un emetteur de champ en platine par spectrometrie Auger et par microscopie ionique a emission de champ
Layered Porphyrin Coordination Polymers Based on Zinc···Nitro Recognition: Reversible Intercalation of Nitrobenzene

A new coordination synthon, Zn···NO2 recognition, is used in the synthesis of a layered porphyrin coordination polymer (Zn-5,15-di(4-nitrophenyl)-10,20-di(p-tolyl)-porphyrin, 1-Zn) with 44 topology. This solid is thermally stable and incorporates nitrobenzene molecules between the layers to form 1-Zn−PhNO2. The Zn···NO2 recognition exists in 1-Zn and 1-Zn−PhNO2; it is formed by coordination bonding between a Zn2+ ion embedded in a porphyrin core and one of the O-atoms of the nitro group. The structure of 1-Zn−PhNO2 is also layered and contains 44 networks such as those found in 1-Zn. The two structures, however, differ significantly in several intra- and interlayer parameters. Despite these differences, removal of nitrobenzene from the crystals of 1-Zn−PhNO2 yields crystalline 1-Zn. When soaked in nitrobenzene, these desolvated 1-Zn crystals yield crystalline 1-Zn−PhNO2. These reversible solid-to-solid transformations demonstrate the robustness of Zn···NO2 recognition in holding the 44 networks together i...
Recurrent non-immune hydrops fetalis with gracile bones and dysmorphic features in siblings

We report on two siblings with recurrent non-immune hydrops fetalis of unknown etiology. The proposita was born at 32-week gestation with hydrops fetalis. She died at less than 1 hr of age despite resuscitative efforts. Her brother was born years later to the same parents. He was also born at 32-week gestation and lived 40 min. At birth, both individuals were noted to have marked edema of the entire body, slightly low set ears, small nose, mild micrognathia, small chest, camptodactyly, single transverse palmar creases, rhizomelic shortening of the upper extremities, slight ankle varus deformity bilaterally and bilateral humeral fractures. Postnatal chromosomal analysis of the first patient was normal. In both cases, evaluation for lysosomal storage disorders utilizing skin fibroblasts was negative. The radiographs and autopsies were done on both patients and showed diffuse soft-tissue edema, gracile bones, especially in the upper extremities and ribs, and bilateral humeral fractures in both children. Both patients had absence of germ cells. The skeletal system in both appeared otherwise normal. After testing for infectious, chromosomal, hematological, hepatic and metabolic causes, we were unable to identify the etiology of the condition in the above patients. Further, we have been unable to identify a reported genetic condition with the features present in these cases. As such, we believe that the disorder in the individuals reported here represent a new autosomal recessive condition. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Case Study: Bibliotherapy and Extinction Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in a 5-Year-Old Boy

ABSTRACT Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, no case studies of children younger than 7 years old have been published. This case report describes a 5-year-old boy with severe OCD. Treatment consisted of parent-and teacher-directed extinction of compulsive reassurance-seeking, and bibliotherapy with an age-appropriate book on OCD. Compulsive behavior decreased rapidly and remained at a low level through the remainder of treatment. At posttreatment and at 1-and 3-month follow-up assessments, the patient's OCD symptoms were markedly improved. This report suggests that very young children may respond well to brief CBT.
NASCAP Modelling of Environmental-Charging-Induced Discharges in Satellites

A study of the charging and discharging characteristics of a typical geosynchronous satellite experiencing time-varying geomagnetic substorms, in sunlight, is conducted. The NASA Charging Analyzer Program (NASCAP) is used. An electric field criteria of 1.5×105 volts/cm to initiate discharges and transfer of 67% of the stored charge is used in this study, based on ground test results. The substorm characteristics are arbitrarily chosen to evaluate effects of electron temperature and particle density (which is equivalent to current density). It has been found that while there is a minimum electron temperature for discharges to occur, the rate of discharges is dependent on particle density and duration times of the encounter. Hence, it is important to define the temporal variations in the substorm environments.
Measuring DNA Synthesis Rates with [1-13C]Glycine

We have devised and evaluated a stable-isotopic method for measuring DNA synthesis rates. The probe is [1-13C]glycine that is incorporated into purines via de novo biosynthesis. The human hepatoma cell line HEP G2 was grown in medium containing [1-13C]glycine, the cells were harvested at various times, and the DNA was extracted. Following hydrolysis to the nucleosides, a reversed-phase HPLC separation was used to provide separate peaks for deoxythymidine (dT), deoxyadenosine (dA), and deoxyguanosine (dG). The HPLC effluent was continuously fed into a chemical reaction interface and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (HPLC/CRI/IRMS). The isotope ratio of the CO2 produced in the CRI was used to monitor for enrichment. The cells were grown continuously for 5 days in labeled medium and also in a 1-day pulse labeling experiment where the washout of label was observed for the subsequent 9 days. As predicted from the role of glycine in de novo purine biosynthesis, the isotope ratio of the pyrimidine dT did not c...
Rate of Activity as a Function of Intertidal Height within Populations of some Littoral Molluscs

THE physiological reality and profound ecological significance of the phenomenon of regulation of rate functions towards a constant, in response to maintained temperature differences, within the species in poikilotherms, has been widely recognized in recent times. Much attention has been directed in this connexion to a study of populations spatially separated by a wide range of latitude1–3 or temporally separated by the annual cycle of seasons4,5. Indications of the existence of similar intraspecific differences between high and low members of populations of intertidal invertebrates are reported in the present communication.
An investigation into the influence of inter-aggregate spacing and the extent of the ITZ on properties of Portland cement concretes

Abstract Conventionally-designed concretes were prepared with different sand particle size distributions, so as to systematically vary the extent of aggregate-cement paste interface and the mean spacing between sand grains. The range of fineness modulus of the sands fully encompassed the range of sands normally used in concretes. The concretes were batched at w/c ratios of 0.30 and 0.50 and cured for various periods before carrying out determinations of mechanical properties and of “rapid chloride permeability”. The conventional notions of the effect of the ITZ on concrete properties would predict that a reduction in strength and an increase in chloride permeability would accompany increased ITZ interfacial area and closer spacing between sand grains. In general, no such influence was found. It appears from this research that the traditional notions of the adverse influence of the ITZ on the properties of conventional concretes may not be accurate, within the realms of conventional concrete and typical inter-aggregate spacings.
Effect of blood storage on radiation-induced micronuclei in human lymphocytes

Abstract To evaluate the effect of blood storage on the yield of micronuclei (MN) in both irradiated (in vivo and ex vivo) and unirradiated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL), we applied the MN assay in cytokinesis-blocked (CB) PBL obtained from healthy subjects (n=11), and from cancer patients (n=10) who were undergoing fractionated partial-body radiotherapy (xRT). The heparinized blood samples were exposed to 137 Cs -irradiation (0 Gy or 2 Gy) immediately after blood collection and were stored upright in test tubes either at room temperature (22°C) or in the refrigerator (5°C). Duplicate whole blood cultures from each sample were set up at 0 h, 96 h, and 120 h after ex vivo irradiation. Giemsa (10%) stained slides were prepared from each culture. MN yield was determined per 1000 binucleated cells. As compared to that obtained from the corresponding fresh blood samples, we found that (1) the 22°C blood storage temperature did not affect MN yields in PBL of either healthy subjects or cancer patients up to 96 h, either with or without ex vivo irradiation; and (2) while blood samples were stored at 5°C, the MN yield increased significantly in PBL of healthy subjects (with or without ex vivo irradiation) at 120 h, and in cancer patients (with ex vivo irradiation) at 96 h and 120 h. Since handling of the blood sample is important for CBMN assay during shipment or in the laboratory, our findings showed that blood storage at 22°C or at 5°C up to 96 h appeared to provide insignificant variations of the MN results as compared to fresh blood samples. However, the 96 h of blood storage at 5°C elevated the MN frequency in ex vivo irradiated PBL of cancer patients who were undergoing xRT.
Limited warm ischemia during elective partial nephrectomy has only a marginal impact on renal functional outcomes.

Purpose: Ischemic damage during partial nephrectomy increases with each minute of warm ischemia, leading some groups to advocate hypothermia in all cases or partial nephrectomy without vascular occlusion as a primary technique. The renal functional implications of these approaches have not been well studied in patients who undergo elective partial nephrectomy.Materials and Methods: We evaluated early and late renal functional outcomes in 1,132 patients with 2 functioning kidneys and normal preoperative serum creatinine who underwent partial nephrectomy without regional ischemia (58), with less than 30-minute warm ischemia (809) or with cold ischemia (265).Results: The preoperative, postoperative and latest glomerular filtration rates were not significantly different in the 3 groups. At latest followup the relative decrease in renal function was less in cases without regional ischemia than in those with less than 30-minute warm ischemia and those with cold ischemia (0.5% vs 13% and 11%, respectively, p <0....
THE EFFECT OF TOP ENVIRONMENT AND FLOWERING UPON TOP-ROOT RATIOS.

Several papers and many references in other manuscripts have dealt with the relation of growth of the tops and growth of the roots of plants. These generally present data showing the effect of soil types, moisture or mineral elements upon top-root ratio (2, 4, 10). The idea is quite prevalent in some agricultural circles that the relative amount of roots on a plant is determined, if not controlled, by the soil. On the other hand, there are several other factors which can be shown to modify greatly the top-root ratio. Among these are variety, light intensity (10), photoperiod, partial defoliation, girdling, fruiting, and growth substances (14). For example, the amount as well as character of the root system of piece-root grafted apple trees varies with the variety of scion used (5, 9). The type or amount of reserves accumulated in perennial plants as the apple has marked effects upon the subsequent top-root ratio (fig. 1). It has been reported in the literature that plants grown in short days have relatively few roots (1, 11). This conclusion may be strengthened if the plants are not grown to maturity. Also, having few roots in short photoperiods is an effect which may be incidental to the fact that the plants under observation come to flower in short days. Plants which blossom in long photoperiods have been seen to have fewer roots in long photoperiods (6), indicating a correlation between flowering and limited root development. This was found to be the case by Withrow, who used nitrogen supply as a variable with photoperiod (13). She states: "... plants, for the most part, were able to form proportionately larger tops as compared to roots under that photoperiod which brought about flowering as compared to that photoperiod under which the plants remained vegetative. Nitrogen supply did not usually alter the direction of this response, although under either photoperiod there were proportionately larger tops as compared to roots at high nitrogen levels than when the nitrogen supply is limited. ' ' Nitrogen is generally credited with increasing the top-root ratio (2, 4, 10). The data presented in this paper were collected to measure to what extent the ratio of top to root is influenced by some factors in the environment of the top ; also, to see if the relative amount of root formation is consistently related to the function of flowering and fruiting regardless of whether a plant has a greater ratio of roots in short photoperiods, long photoperiods, cool temperatures, warm temperatures or other specific cultural environment.
The Problematic Paralbunea Hu and Tao, 1996: Homonymy, Generic Nom. Nov., and Correct Taxonomic Placement

The fossil genus Paralbunea Hu and Tao, described as an anomuran albuneid, is a junior homonym of Paralbunea Serene and a possible synonym of either the brachyuran raninid Ranilia H. Milne Edwards, 1837, or Cosmonotus Adams and White, 1848. The type series of P. taipeiensis Hu and Tao is composed of at least two species belonging to two raninid genera and appears (in part) assignable to the genus Ranilia and (in part) to Cosmonotus grayi Adams and White, 1848. However, due to both limited availability and poor quality of the holotype of Paralbunea taipeiensis, and destruction of the paratypes, this taxon cannot be unequivocally synonymized with any particular raninid taxon and a new name is proposed to replace Hu and Tao's preoccupied generic name. Caution is urged when describing purported albuneid fossils, due to strong convergence with raninid crabs, which are far more common in the fossil record.
Increased proline transport resulting from growth of normal and Kirsten sarcoma virus-transformed BALB 3T3 cells in the presence of N6, O2′-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate

Abstract Proline transport in Kirsten sarcoma virus-transformed BALB 3T3 (Ki-3T3) cells was increased approximately twofold by 0.5 m m dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), and the increase was observed whether transport was assayed in the presence or absence of cycloheximide. Two days of exposure to the analog was required for maximum stimulation. Increased proline transport contributed almost entirely to the increased incorporation of [ 14 C]proline into noncollagen protein but for only 13% of the increased incorporation into collagen of dbcAMP-treated Ki-3T3 cells. Proline transport was further characterized using an assay system containing 0.1 m m cycloheximide, which did not affect transport over a 30-min period. The K m for proline was decreased from 6.5 to 3.4 m m by dbcAMP treatment of Ki-3T3. Proline transport in Ki-3T3 proceeds almost entirely via the A system, and the effect of dbcAMP appears to be on this system specifically since glycine and glutamine transport, which are heterogeneous, were not affected but transport of N -methylaminoisobutyrate, a specific A system substrate, was increased by dbcAMP treatment. Although 0.5 m m butyrate increased proline transport in Ki-3T3 cells to a similar degree as dbcAMP, the effect of the latter appeared related to its action as a cAMP analog since N 6 -monobutyryl cAMP, having a stable butyryl group, and 8-bromo-cAMP also increased proline transport while dbcGMP did not. The rate of proline transport in normal BALB 3T3 cells was only 30–40% lower than that of Ki-3T3 cells at various growth stages, and dbcAMP and 8-bromo-cAMP treatment also increased proline transport in the normal cells. The results of these studies suggest that dbcAMP and other cAMP analogs induce the synthesis of an altered component of the A system for amino acid transport and that the effect of these compounds is unrelated to the effect of transformation on proline transport.
Amphitrite ornata dehaloperoxidase (DHP): investigations of structural factors that influence the mechanism of halophenol dehalogenation using "peroxidase-like" myoglobin mutants and "myoglobin-like" DHP mutants.

Dehaloperoxidase (DHP), discovered in the marine terebellid polychaete Amphitrite ornata, is the first heme-containing globin with a peroxidase activity. The sequence and crystal structure of DHP argue that it evolved from an ancient O2 transport and storage globin. Thus, DHP retains an oxygen carrier function but also has the ability to degrade halophenol toxicants in its living environment. Sperm whale myoglobin (Mb) in the ferric state has a peroxidase activity ∼10 times lower than that of DHP. The catalytic activity enhancement observed in DHP appears to have been generated mainly by subtle changes in the positions of the proximal and distal histidine residues that appeared during DHP evolution. Herein, we report investigations into the mechanism of action of DHP derived from examination of “peroxidase-like” Mb mutants and “Mb-like” DHP mutants. The dehalogenation ability of wild-type Mb is augmented in the peroxidase-like Mb mutants (F43H/H64L, G65T, and G65I Mb) but attenuated in the Mb-like T56G DH...
New Evidence for the Theory of Groups Trade Association Lobbying in Washington, D.C

Group theorists led by Olson have observed that common interests do not produce collective action, except under conditions that overcome the free-rider incentive. While collective action theories have captured the imagination of the discipline, there has been surprisingly little examination of the relationship between business collective action and patterns of market structures. Research has instead focused more on firm-level political activity. Accordingly, this research addresses the original theoretical propositions by examining industry associations’ political activity nationally. Some forty years after the formulation of the theoretical argument, we find evidence supporting the logic of collective action. More concentrated industries are likelier to have politically active associations than more competitive industries.
Recent Advances in Boron Technology

The author has directed the boron fuels program at Midwest Research Institute under a subcontract to Callery Chemical Company for the past six years. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Missouri in 1948 and his M.A. in Chemistry in 1949. He has written several technical papers in the areas of boron chemistry, organic synthesis and high temperature reactions of hydrocarbons. Mr. Carpenter was Assistant Manager of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division at Midwest Research Institute until recently. He is now Manager of the Washington office of the Callery Chemical Company.
Behavioral Activation and the Variability of Cerebral Glucose Metabolic Measurements

Variability in cerebral glucose metabolism was examined between and within subjects when paired studies were performed in the resting state or in a behaviorally activated state. Both normal and demented subjects were studied twice each, from 1 to 6 weeks apart, under near-identical conditions, using positron emission tomography (PET) and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose. Resting state studies were repeated in nine normal and four demented subjects. A picture-viewing test, used for activation during PET, was used repeatedly in seven normal and five demented subjects. Within-subject variability, as assessed by the percent difference in metabolic rates in paired studies, was reduced by 60–70% for activation state compared to resting state studies in normals. It is concluded that PET studies of brain metabolism, which are designed to study the active brain, should indeed be performed in functionally activated states, as in addition to demonstrating metabolism during a defined functional state, activation studies show ...
Non-precious metal electrocatalysts with high activity for hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline electrolytes

A ternary metallic CoNiMo catalyst is electrochemically deposited on a polycrystalline gold (Au) disk electrode using pulse voltammetry, and characterized for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity by temperature-controlled rotating disk electrode measurements in 0.1 M potassium hydroxide (KOH). The catalyst exhibits the highest HOR activity among all non-precious metal catalysts (e.g., 20 fold higher than Ni). At a sufficient loading, the CoNiMo catalyst is expected to outperform Pt and thus provides a promising low cost pathway for alkaline or alkaline membrane fuel cells. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and parallel H2-temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments on structurally much simpler model alloy systems show a trend that CoNiMo has a hydrogen binding energy (HBE) similar to Pt and much lower than Ni, suggesting that the formation of multi-metallic bonds modifies the HBE of Ni and is likely a significant contributing factor for the enhanced HOR activity.
Basic Concepts and Models of Family Stress

The article's purpose is to introduce the reader to key concepts and models of family stress that family scientists have identified and developed. I describe process models of individual and family stress. I provide definitions for critical concepts in family stress theory and research and introduce the work of a number of contributors to family stress theory development: Hill and other early theorists, Antonovsky, Boss, Burr, Patterson, and the McCubbins. Measurement of stressors is addressed by examining instruments commonly used to tap stressors at the (a) micro level (daily hassles and uplifts), (b) meso level (life events), and (c) macro level (traumatic life events). I also consider the use of multiple indicators of stressors. I conclude with a description of commonly used individual- and family-level stress manifestation measures and discuss salutogenic paradigms of health.
On Tests for Multivariate Normality

Abstract The univariate skewness and kurtosis statistics, and b 2, and The W statistic proposed by Shapiro and Wilk are generalized to test a hypothesis of multivariate normality by use of S.N. Roy's union-intersection principle. These generalized statistics are invariant with respect to nonsingular matrix multiplication and vector addition. Two univariate test statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Cramer-Von Mises, are used to test whether transformed vector observations follow a χ2 distribution. The significance points, and powers against selected alternatives, of these five test statistics are obtained by Monte Carlo methods. These studies showed that adequate powers may be achieved for small sample sizes.
Migrants’ Competing Commitments: Sexual Partners in Urban Africa and Remittances to the Rural Origin

Migrants form nonfamilial ties in urban destinations, which could compete with origin families for a share of remittances. A framework of competing commitment predicts that new relationships affect remittances depending on the extent to which they substitute for the benefits provided by origin families. Analyses of data from urban migrants in Kenya show that serious nonmarital sexual partners substitute for psychosocial support from the rural family and that material transfers migrants give to these partners significantly reduce remittances. The findings have implications for the ways scholars conceive of competition, the nature of exchange, and substitution of support across intimate relationships.
High Resolution Inverse Raman Spectroscopy Of The CO Q Branch

Preliminary results of a high resolution spectroscopic study of the pressure dependence of the Raman vibrational Q-branch spectrum of pure CO are reported. Measurements are made at room temperature over the pressure range 0.5 to 6 atm. The technique of quasi-cw inverse Raman spectroscopy utilizing a pulsed single-frequency laser source is employed. This approach gives enhanced sensitivity compared to earlier work which employed cw lasers, allowing extension of that work to higher accuracy, higher J states, and higher pressure. The goal of this work is to test the accuracy of a modified exponential-gap rate law model which is used to predict the pressure dependent spectra.
A microfluidic affinity sensor for the detection of cocaine

Abstract We present a microfluidic aptamer-based biosensor for specific cocaine detection. The device consists primarily of a microchamber packed with aptamer-functionalized microbeads that act as a sensing surface, integrated with an on-chip heater and temperature sensor. The sensor employs a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) system in which a fluorophore-quencher pair of carboxyfluorescein and Dabcyl generates a signal-on response to cocaine. We demonstrate device operation by successfully detecting cocaine with a four orders of magnitude linear response in micromolar to nanomolar concentrations. The detection limit of the device is further lowered to 10 pM by concentration of a highly diluted cocaine sample, which compares well with the most sensitive detection techniques currently available. The temperature-dependent binding of aptamer–analyte complexes is then used to effect thermal release of cocaine from the sensing surface. It is found that a temperature of 37 °C can fully regenerate the sensor in pure buffer. Furthermore, testing indicated that sensor response is consistent after repeated regeneration. These results demonstrate that aptamer-based sensing on a microfluidic platform has the potential to enable low-cost, rapid, and highly specific detection of cocaine in practical applications.
Eisenhower, Humphrey and Neustadt: a Note on the Battle of the Budget for Fy 1958

IN Presidential Power, Richard Neustadt (1980: 133) concludes that the Presidency is no place for amateurs. An amateur will frequently fail to see and respond to the personal power stakes in the issues he deals with, resulting in presidential weakness. To demonstrate the ineffectiveness of an amateur, Neustadt presents a case study of the Eisenhower Presidency. It is based on Treasury Secretary George Humphrey's criticism of the fiscal year 1958 budgetcriticism that was proclaimed at a press conference on the very day January 15, 1957) that Eisenhower's budget message was delivered to Congress. By claiming that, if such large and expanding budget expenditures were continued, the United States would suffer a recession that would "curl your hair," Humphrey appeared to be breaking ties with his President. Instead, the Washington community was flabbergasted to learn that Eisenhower had approved--even edited--the Treasury Secretary's press conference statement (though not Humphrey's off-the-cuff remark about a hair-curling depression). In Neustadt's analysis, only an amateur in politics would have allowed such a blunder, which squandered the bargaining advantages earned from Eisenhower's 1956 electoral landslide victory and put the President on the defensive throughout 1957. In 1960, Neustadt (1980: 120) wrote, "Eisenhower is only to be known, as yet, by what he has said publicly and by what men around him will say privately. Appraisal on the basis of such sources calls for caution. . . . But at the present everything suggests that, with his motivations as with his methods, Eisenhower has been a sort of [Franklin] Roosevelt in reverse." For Neustadt, Roosevelt's professional style of leadership represented the "one best way" to operate as president. However, revisionist scholars (Ambrose 1984; Burke 1985; De Santis 1976; Greenstein 1982; Henderson 1988; Hoxie 1983; Joes 1985; Richardson 1979), utilizing the expanding information available at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, have seriously challenged the notion
Universal Aspects of Symbolic Healing: A Theoretical Synthesis

In this article I propose that symbolic healing has a universal structure in which the healer helps the patient particularize a general cultural mythic world and manipulate healing symbols in it. Problems currently existing in the explanation of symbolic healing are examined. The relationship between Western psychotherapy and magical healing is explained, the Junction qfshamanic ecstasy is discussed, and symbolic healing is explained in terms of a theory of living systems.
Thermally Targeted Delivery of a c-Myc Inhibitory Polypeptide Inhibits Tumor Progression and Extends Survival in a Rat Glioma Model

Treatment of glioblastoma is complicated by the tumors’ high resistance to chemotherapy, poor penetration of drugs across the blood brain barrier, and damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation to normal neural tissue. To overcome these limitations, a thermally responsive polypeptide was developed for targeted delivery of therapeutic peptides to brain tumors using focused hyperthermia. The peptide carrier is based on elastin-like polypeptide (ELP), which is a thermally responsive biopolymer that forms aggregates above a characteristic transition temperature. ELP was modified with cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enhance delivery to brain tumors and mediate uptake across the tumor cells’ plasma membranes and with a peptide inhibitor of c-Myc (H1). In rats with intracerebral gliomas, brain tumor targeting of ELP following systemic administration was enhanced up to 5-fold by the use of CPPs. When the lead CPP-ELP-fused c-Myc inhibitor was combined with focused hyperthermia of the tumors, an additional 3 fold increase in tumor polypeptide levels was observed, and 80% reduction in tumor volume, delayed onset of tumor-associated neurological deficits, and at least doubled median survival time including complete regression in 80% of animals was achieved. This work demonstrates that a c-Myc inhibitory peptide can be effectively delivered to brain tumors.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Ir−Pt Alloy Films

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to prepare thin-film mixtures of iridium and platinum. By controlling the ratio between the iridium(III) acetylacetonate/oxygen cycles for Ir ALD and the (trimethyl)methylcyclopentadienyl platinum(IV)/oxygen cycles for Pt ALD, the Ir/Pt ratio in the films could be controlled precisely. We first examined the growth mechanisms for the pure Ir and Pt ALD films, as well as the mixed-metal Ir−Pt ALD films, using in situ quartz crystal microbalance and quadrupole mass spectrometer measurements. These studies revealed that the nucleation and growth of each of the noble metals proceeds smoothly, with negligible perturbation caused by the presence of the other metal. As a consequence of this mutual compatibility, the composition, as well as the growth per cycle for the Ir−Pt films, followed rule-of-mixtures formulas that were based on the ratio of the metal ALD cycles and the growth rates of pure Ir and Pt ALD. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements revealed that the films depo...
Predictors of second‐language reading performance

Abstract This study identified individual, instructional and socio‐cultural factors that are reliable predictors of limited‐English‐proficiency (LEP) children's reading performance in English. The reading comprehension section of the Metropolitan Achievement Test was used to assess the reading skills of 91 LEP students (K‐12) with different linguistic backgrounds in a U.S. school system. Information about the independent variables was gathered from a special questionnaire. The data were analysed by means of multiple regression analysis. The results of this regression analysis showed that in this sample, grade, Vietnamese language background, percentage of English spoken at home, higher level paternal occupation, and a relatively high number of students in the English‐as‐a‐second‐language class had positive effects on the reading skills of the subjects. With these data it was impossible to separate the impact of length of U.S. residence from length of ESL instruction in U.S. Intensity of ESL instruction sh...
Right Parietal Lobe-Related “Selflessness” as the Neuropsychological Basis of Spiritual Transcendence

The purpose of this study is to replicate studies that suggest that a frontal-parietal circuit is related to spiritual-religious experiences, and specifically that a decreased focus on the self (i.e., selflessness), associated with decreased right parietal lobe (RPL) functioning, serves as the primary neuropsychological foundation for spiritual transcendence. Participants included 20 outpatients with brain injury referred for neuropsychological assessment. Outcome variables included measures of spirituality (Inspirit: Kass, Friedman, Lesserman, Zuttermeister, & Benson, 1991; Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality [BMMRS]: Fetzer Institute & National Institute on Aging Working Group, 1999) and neuropsychological abilities (i.e., bilateral parietal, temporal, and frontal lobes). Consistent with previous research, Pearson correlations indicated that decreased RPL functioning is significantly associated with increased spiritual transcendence as measured by the Inspirit (and BMMRS spiritu...
A Comparison of Latent Growth Models for Constructs Measured by Multiple Items

Univariate latent growth modeling (LGM) of composites of multiple items (e.g., item means or sums) has been frequently used to analyze the growth of latent constructs. This study evaluated whether LGM of composites yields unbiased parameter estimates, standard errors, chi-square statistics, and adequate fit indexes. Furthermore, LGM was compared with 2 alternatives: LGM with fixed error variances and the curve-of-factors model (McArdle, 1988), which is a multivariate latent growth model. It was found that the 2 univariate models only yield adequate results when the items are essentially tau-equivalent and there is strict factorial invariance. The curve-of-factors model was found to produce adequate results in all conditions, but it usually requires large sample sizes.
Motor-vehicle crash-injury risk factors among American Indians

The rates of motor-vehicle crash mortality are highest among American Indians and Alaska Natives, compared to other ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors for motor-vehicle crashes and occupant injuries between rural and urban American-Indian (AI) drivers, and between rural AI and non-AI rural drivers. A statewide traffic-accident database was linked to the Indian Health Service patient-registration database to identify crashes that involved American-Indian drivers. Using a cross-sectional design, crashes occurring in a two-county region during 1989 and 1990 were studied. A total of 9329 motor-vehicle crashes involving 16,234 drivers and 6431 passengers were studied. Two percent of drivers were American Indian. Compared to American-Indian drivers in urban crashes, rural crashes involving American-Indian drivers were more likely to result in injury or death (38% vs 64%, p < 0.001). The difference in risk for crashes between urban and rural non-AI drivers was not as high (42% vs 33%). Only 44 percent of rural American-Indian motor-vehicle occupants reported wearing seat belts, compared to 70 percent of urban American-Indian occupants (p < 0.05). Rates of driver alcohol impairment, as assessed by the police, were much higher among AI drivers and highest among rural AI drivers. We conclude that, compared to non-American-Indian drivers, AI drivers are less likely to be restrained and more likely to be alcohol-impaired at the time of the crash. These risks are higher among rural AI drivers than urban AI drivers.
Angiographic Demonstration of Spontaneous Diffuse Three Vessel Coronary Artery Spasm

The spontaneous occurrence of diffuse three vessel coronary artery spasm was documented during routine coronary angiography in three patients with a history of variant angina. Quantitative angiographic analysis of 18 arterial segments demonstrated that the mean luminal diameter of 1.47 mm during spasm increased to 2.47 mm after the administration of nitroglycerin (p less than 0.0001). The underlying coronary arteries were normal or near normal. Although multivessel spasm has previously been considered to be uncommon and its spontaneous occurrence during angiography only rarely documented, these cases suggest that it may be more common than previously recognized. In addition to important diagnostic considerations, this phenomenon may have important implications regarding the pathophysiologic role of endothelium in coronary artery spasm.
Induction of temperature-sensitive 6-thioguanine-resistant mutants as a measure of base-pair substitution mutations in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract A method which allows quantification of the frequency of temperature-sensitive (ts) 6-thioguanine-resistant mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells is described. These mutants, as well as non-ts type of mutant, contain altered hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) enzyme activity. The frequency of these altered enzyme mutants allows estimation of the fraction of total mutagenic events in the hgprt gene which results from base-pair substitution and thus provides a measure of the type of lesions induced by mutagenic agents. With an alkylating agent, ethyl methanesulfonate, 16–22% of the total induced mutants show these altered protein phenotypes, while none were found with the putative frameshift mutagen, ICR-191.
Serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the effects of childhood adversity on posttraumatic stress disorder risk: a replication study.

We reported that the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) moderates the effect of childhood adversity on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk [Xie et al. (2009); Arch Gen Psychiatry 66 (11): 1201–1209]. In the present study, we considered 5,178 subjects (a group with generally high substance dependence comorbidity, as for our previous study) using similar methodology to replicate our previous results. We used logistic regression analyses to explore the interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype and childhood adversity on PTSD risk. We found that, as reported in our previous study, in individuals with childhood adversity, the presence of one or two copies of the S allele of 5-HTTLPR increased the risk to develop PTSD. This gene–environment interaction effect was present in European Americans (EAs), but not in African Americans (AAs; EAs, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.07–2.08, P = 0.019; AAs, OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.60–1.35, P = 0.62). The statistical power to detect this interaction effect was increased when data were combined with those from our previous study [Xie et al. (2009); Arch Gen Psychiatry 66 (11): 1201–1209]. The findings reported here replicate those from our previous work, adding to a growing body of research demonstrating that the 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates risk for anxiety and depression phenotypes in the context of stress and adverse events. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perioperative Hemodynamic Management and Pharmacotherapeutics of Patients Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become an attractive alternative treatment option for many patients with specific thoracic aortic disease. New devices and advanced image-guided procedures are continuously expanding the indications and improve neurological outcomes. Hemodynamic management of these patients is a critical aspect in reducing neurological deficit and it is different compared to patients undergoing open thoracic aortic operations. There are two different phases of blood pressure management for patients with thoracic aortic disease. Before and during the critical steps of TEVAR anti-impulsive therapy facilitates safe positioning and stent deployment. After stent grafts are deployed, controlled hypertensive blood pressure levels are achieved to avoid spinal cord ischemia. This precise blood pressure strategy is essential to ensure a safe procedure and good long-term results.
Sub-franchising: A multi-unit alternative to traditional restaurant franchising

Sub-franchising is a variation of the classic relationship between a franchisor and franchisees. A franchisor contracts with a sub-franchisor to expand the franchisor's system in a given territory....