cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of the decarbamoylation rates of physostigmine-inhibited plasma and red cell cholinesterases of man with other species.

Abstract Plasma and red cells from a variety of animal species were used to demonstrate that there is a relationship between the decarbamoylation rates of physostigmine-inhibited plasma and red cell cholinesterases in vitro and the effectiveness of carbamate pretreatment against nerve agent poisoning reported in the literature. Decarbamoylation rates were faster in the non-human primates than in the guinea-pig, and carbamate pretreatment is more effective in these species than in the guinea-pig. The data for the decarbamoylation rates of physostigmine-inhibited enzymes suggests that the non-human primates are the best animal model for extrapolation of protection studies from animal species to man. Control values for red cell acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (μmol/min/mL blood) using acetylthiocholine (1 mM) were higher in the human (4.98) and the rhesus monkey (4.14) than in the marmoset (0.84) and the guinea-pig (0.83). Plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity (μmol/min/mL plasma) using butyrylthiocholine (10 mM) was highest in the rhesus monkey (9.29), intermediate in human (5.10) and guinea-pig (6.06), and lowest in the marmoset (4.07). There was a species difference in the relative activity of AChE: ChE in blood, human (65:35), rhesus monkey (45:55), marmoset (30:70) and guinea-pig (20:80). The rate of recovery of red cell AChE and plasma ChE activities, following incubation of whole blood with physostigmine (1 × 10−7 M), was in the order human > rhesus monkey > marmoset > guinea-pig. During the incubation of red cells with physostigmine there was little recovery of AChE activity for 3–4 hr in any species. During the incubation of plasma with physostigmine there was complete recovery of ChE activity by 2–3 hr in the human and rhesus monkey and a significant recovery by 3 hr in the marmoset and guinea-pig. This suggests that a component of plasma, possibly ChE, was responsible for the degradation of physostigmine, presumably by hydrolysis. There was a marked species difference in the decarbamoylation rates of physostigmine-inhibited enzyme. In the red cell the t 1 2 values (min) were 14.8 (human), 21.2 (rhesus monkey), 17.9 (marmoset) and 31.9 (guinea-pig). In the plasma the t 1 2 values (min) were 11.2 (human), 32.9 (rhesus monkey), 44.1 (marmoset) and 52.4 (guinea-pig).
Eruption chronology and petrologic reconstruction of the ca. 8500 yr B.P. eruption of Red Cones, southern Inyo chain, California

Red Cones are a pair of basaltic cinder cones located 5 km SSW of Mammoth Mountain at the southern end of the MonoInyo volcanic chain, in eastern California. Charcoal recovered at two separate locations beneath the Red Cones scoria-fall deposits indicates that the eruption most likely occurred shortly after 8490 ± 90 14 C yr B.P. and no later than 9325 ± 83 14 C yr B.P., which implicates Red Cones as the most recent eruption of basalt in the Mono-Inyo volcanic chain. Results from geologic fi eld mapping combined with geochemical and petrologic analysis suggest that the ca. 8500 yr B.P. eruption produced 10.1 ◊ 10 6 m 3 of magma, possibly beginning from south Red Cone and later from north Red Cone via Hawaiian, Strombolian, and violent Strombolian eruptions over a minimum of 28 days. All deposits contain plagioclase, olivine, clinopyroxene, chrome-spinel, and titanomagnetite. Material erupted from each cone can be classifi ed as high-aluminum basalts that exhibit calc-alkaline differentiation trends and belong to the medium-K series. Red Cone basalt samples are generally similar in terms of many major and trace element concentrations, but south Red Cone samples typically contain more SiO 2 , Sr, Zr, Rb, and Ba, and less MgO, FeO, CaO, Ni, and Cr than north Red Cone samples. Clinopyroxene-liquid thermo barometry calculations indicate that the majority of Red Cones clinopyroxene crystal cores crystallized at temperatures of 1160‐1210 °C and pressures equivalent to 10‐25 km depth, which supports the possibility of a basaltic dike and sill plexus located 10‐25 km beneath the west and southwest fl anks of Mammoth Mountain.
The Rashomon Effect: When Ethnographers Disagree

Disagreements between ethnographers often arise because of the particular circumstances of field-work or attributes of the ethnographers. A positivist search for truth versus error may be less fruitful than a constructionist examination of the research itself. This article suggests a conceptual framework for such a constructionist approach.
Energy: The smart-grid solution

Massoud Amin outlines how the United States should make its electricity infrastructure self-healing to avoid massive power failures.
Isolation and properties of sorghum α-amylase☆

Abstract α-Amylase was purified and prepared in good yield from sorghum malt by procedures based on ultracentrifugation, salt fractionation, and adsorption on starch granules. The purified enzyme had a specific activity comparable to crystalline barley α-amylase. The enzyme had a pH optimum of 4.6 and was inactivated at pH's below 3.5. It exhibited a minimum solubility in ammonium sulfate solutions at pH 5.8 and required Ca ++ ions for stabilization.
Mixed Matrix Silicone and Fluorosilicone/Zeolite 4A Membranes for Ethanol Dehydration by Pervaporation

The ability of homogeneous and mixed matrix membranes prepared using standard silicone rubber, poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), and fluorosilicone rubber, poly(trifluoropropylmethylsiloxane) (PTFPMS), to dehydrate ethanol by pervaporation was evaluated. Although PDMS is generally considered to be the benchmark hydrophobic membrane material in pervaporation, water/ethanol molar permselectivity of a pure PDMS membrane was found to be 0.89 for a feed containing 80/20 w/w ethanol/water at 50°C, indicating a slight selectivity for water. Fluorinated groups in PTFPMS improved the water-ethanol permselectivity to 1.85, but decreased the water permeability from 9.7 × 10−12 kmol · m/m2 · s · kPa in PDMS to 5.1 × 10−12 kmol · m/m2 · s · kPa (29,000 and 15,200 Barrer, respectively). These water permeabilities are attractive, particularly since the rubbery materials should not experience the steep declines in water permeability observed with most standard dehydration membranes as water concentration in the feed decreas...
A Spatial-Economic Multimodal Transportation Simulation Model For US Coastal Container Ports

Assessing the potential demand for container ports and related multimodal transportation is critical for several purposes, including financial feasibility analysis and the evaluation of net economic benefits and their distribution. When developed in conjunction with a geographical information system, port-related demand analysis also provides needed input for assessment of selected environmental issues, such as truck traffic on local roads and related potential external costs, such as air pollution and noise. However, container port demand analysis is very difficult due to the complexities of international trade in containerised goods, inter-port competition, and potential strategic behaviour by several parties. Difficulties also arise from the many factors to be considered, major data requirements, and the computationally intensive nature of the problem. This paper summarises the development and application of a spatial-economic, multimodal container transportation demand simulation model for major US container ports. The underlying economic framework assumes shippers minimise the total general cost of moving containers from sources to markets. The model is validated and then used to estimate (1) annual container transportation service demand for major container ports, (2) the market areas served by selected ports, and (3) the impact on port demand and interport competition due to hypothetical changes in port use fees at selected ports. This paper first describes the model and the underlying economic reasoning, followed by the assumptions, computational algorithms, and the software architecture. Then, the trade data, transportation networks, and economic variables are described. After that, model simulation results are presented with qualifications, needed refinements, and future directions.
Negative Results for Equivalence Queries

We consider the problem of exact identification of classes of concepts using only equivalence queries. We define a combinatorial property, approximate fingerprints, of classes of concepts and show that no class with this property can be exactly identified in polynomial time using only equivalence queries. As applications of this general theorem, we show that there is no polynomial time algorithm using only equivalence queries that exactly identifies deterministic or nondeterministic finite state acceptors, context free grammars, or disjunctive or conjunctive normal form boolean formulas.
Calcium ion improves electrophoretic transfer of calmodulin and other small proteins.

Abstract Inclusion of 2 m m CaCl2 in standard electrotransfer buffer improves detection of transferred calmodulin 20-fold. Detection of the calcium-binding proteins calmodulin and α-lactalbumin displays similar improvement, some other small proteins show slightly improved detection, while other proteins, especially those ⩾30 kDa, show none. The effect of CaCl2 on transfer is a result of enhanced retention of protein by the binding matrix. Our results suggest that addition of CaCl2 more effectively removes sodium dodecyl sulfate from proteins, increasing protein-binding to polyvinylidene difluoride and nitrocellulose membranes. The enhanced membrane-binding of calmodulin is not due to specific binding of calcium ion, as other divalent cations are similarly effective. Detection of native calmodulin is also slightly enhanced after transfer with added CaCl2, suggesting an additional, minor effect of the added ion. The increased binding brought about by inclusion of calcium ion in transfer buffer offers a very useful means for improving the sensitivity of assays that involve electrotransfer.
Diastereoselectivity of Enolate Anion Protonation. Reaction of HCN with the Enolate of 3-Fluorobutanoic Acid. An ab Initio Molecular Orbital Study

The protonation of the enolate of 3-fluorobutanoic acid by hydrogen cyanide was chosen as a suitable computational model for the H/D exchange reaction of ethyl 3-ethoxybutanoate in ethanol-d. A diastereomeric excess of 82% is found in the experimental system, compared to calculated selectivities which range from 84 to 91%, dependent on the level of theory used. Both cis and trans enolates yield similar diastereomeric ratios. In the lowest energy transition state for each diastereomeric pathway the C−F bond is oriented anti to the incipient C−H bond. These two transition states are differentiated by steric forces, the higher energy diastereomer having a gauche interaction between the CH3 and CO2H groups. The orientation of the C−F bond in these two transition states is rationalized as a stabilizing orbital interaction between the electron rich σ orbital of the enolate−HCN bond and the low-lying σ* orbital of the C−F bond, an interaction also proposed by Anh to explain the selectivity of nucleophilic additi...
Knowledge management in hospitals: a process oriented view and staged look at managerial issues

The medical field in recent years has been facing increasing pressures for lower cost and increased quality of healthcare. These two pressures are forcing dramatic changes throughout the industry. Managing knowledge in healthcare enterprises is hence crucial for optimal achievement of lowered cost of services with higher quality. The following paper focuses on developing and fostering a knowledge management process model. The process is then viewed through the lenses of various strategic management and competitive frameworks.
Psychotherapy and Science

Professor Weimer’s essay is an important contribution, and we applaud his persuasive arguments against “scientistic methodolatry”; indeed, his classification of the twentieth century as an “age of [scientistic] superstition” rings all too true. He rightly emphasizes the centrality of the “tacit dimension” of Polanyi and Hayek in the quest for knowledge, and his reconceptualization of both science and psychotherapy as “rhetorical processes” is a brilliant integrative effort—obviously radical and perhaps somewhat past the mark but undeniably inventive and suggestive.
Sex Differences in the Sources of Genetic Liability to Alcohol Abuse and Dependence in a Population‐Based Sample of U.S. Twins

Background: There are substantial sex differences in all levels of alcohol involvement among U.S. adults. The goal of this study was to test whether the magnitude and sources of genetic and environmental influences on liability for alcohol abuse and dependence differ for men and women. Methods: Structured personal interviews were used to assess DSM-III-R- and DSM-IV-defined alcohol abuse and dependence among 5091 male and 4168 female twins (including 1546 identical, 1128 same-sex fraternal, and 1423 opposite-sex pairs) born in Virginia between 1934 and 1974. Twin correlations were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: The magnitude of twin-pair resemblance was similar across several definitions of alcoholism and was substantially higher among identical than fraternal pairs. The proportion of population variation in liability attributed to genetic factors was substantial among both women (55-66%) and men (51-56%), and we found little evidence of a role of environmental factors shared by family members. In all definitions studied, we could reject a model that the genetic sources of liability in the two sexes overlap completely. Conclusion: In this first population-based study of alcoholism among male and female twins from the U.S., we found that genetic factors play a major role in the development of alcoholism in both sexes, that the magnitudes of genetic influence were equally high for men and women, and that the genetic sources of vulnerability are partially, but not completely, overlapping in men and women.
Modeling of thermal conductivity of nanofiber-based nanocomposite

Two-dimensional composite materials made from aligned nano- and micro-fibers and wires hold great promise for various applications. We develop an analytical model for the thermal conductivity in the longitudinal direction of these composites by solving the phonon Boltzmann transport equation. The analytical model agrees well with a recently reported numerical model. The solution of Boltzmann transport equation shows that the scattering of phonons in the host medium at the fiber interface reduces the thermal conductivity of the host medium. Finally we show that the model predicts the data on the thermal diffusivity of bismuth-telluride nanowire/alumina composites reasonably.
EVOLUTION OF PEST‐INDUCED DEFENSES IN BRASSICA PLANTS: TESTS OF THEORY

Theory on the evolution of pest-induced defenses in plants predicts (1) a negative genetic correlation between induced and constitutive (basal) levels of secondary metabolites, and (2) costs of maintaining high constitutive levels of secondary metabolites. We tested these predictions with genetically diverged populations created by artificial selection on myrosinase and glucosinolate levels in Brassica rapa. Glucosinolates and their breakdown products from the action of the enzyme myrosinase are putative defensive compounds in brassicas. Theory also suggests that effects of genetic changes in secondary metabolites may depend on resource availability, so nitrogen, a main constituent of glucosinolates and myrosinase was added in fertilizer treatments to assess costs. We used the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans and diamondback moth larvae Plutella xylostella as induction agents in comparisons of the diverged myrosinase populations. We found pleiotropic effects among constitutive myrosinase levels and pathogen-induced levels of myrosinase, glucosinolates, and resistance to diamondback moth larvae. In field experiments, genetic increases in myrosinase production were associated with significant decreases in estimated seed production, despite potential benefits from increased resistance to flea beetles Phylotreta cruciferae. No genotype-by-nitrogen interaction was found. Although costs were detected, our results indicate, in contrast to theory, mainly positive pleiotropic effects between constitutive levels of secondary metabolites and induced responses.
The Effect of Supercenter-format Stores on the Healthfulness of Consumers’ Grocery Purchases

We examine the effect of supercenter market share on consumers' food-at-home purchasing habits in the United States. We measure healthfulness several different ways to ensure robustness, but all measurements place a greater value on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains than on processed foods high in sugar and sodium. We find that from 1998--2006 consumers generally purchased less healthful foods at supercenters than they do at supermarkets. Moreover, a one-percent increase in the local market share of supercenters results in a decrease in purchase healthfulness for groceries of 0.10 to 0.46 percent. This relationship is statistically significant and robust. Copyright 2013, Oxford University Press.
Survival following lung transplantation for silicosis and other occupational lung diseases

Background Information is scant assessing outcomes in lung transplantation (LT) in advanced occupational lung diseases (OLD).
High- $Q$ Tunable Microwave Cavity Resonators and Filters Using SOI-Based RF MEMS Tuners

This paper presents the modeling, design, fabrication, and measurement of microelectromechanical systems-enabled continuously tunable evanescent-mode electromagnetic cavity resonators and filters with very high unloaded quality factors (Qu). Integrated electrostatically actuated thin diaphragms are used, for the first time, for tuning the frequency of the resonators/filters. An example tunable resonator with 2.6:1 (5.0-1.9 GHz) tuning ratio and Qu of 300-650 is presented. A continuously tunable two-pole filter from 3.04 to 4.71 GHz with 0.7% bandwidth and insertion loss of 3.55-2.38 dB is also shown as a technology demonstrator. Mechanical stability measurements show that the tunable resonators/filters exhibit very low frequency drift (less than 0.5% for 3 h) under constant bias voltage. This paper significantly expands upon previously reported tunable resonators.
Managing the Career Plateau

Managerial careers are characterized by early rapid upward mobility followed by inevitable leveling-off or plateauing. Based on interviews with managers in nine major organizations, a general dynamic model of managerial careers is presented. Some key issues associated with the career plateau are isolated and suggestions for managing the plateau process are offered.
Interface of Candida albicans Biofilm Matrix-Associated Drug Resistance and Cell Wall Integrity Regulation

Candida albicans frequently infects medical devices by growing as a biofilm, i.e., a community of adherent organisms entrenched in an extracellular matrix. During biofilm growth, Candida spp. acquire the ability to resist high concentrations of antifungal drugs. One recently recognized biofilm resistance mechanism involves drug sequestration by matrix β-1,3 glucan. Using a candidate gene approach, we investigated potential C. albicans β-1,3-glucan regulators, based on their homology to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including SMI1 and protein kinase C (PKC) pathway components. We identified a role for the SMI1 in biofilm matrix glucan production and development of the associated drug resistance phenotype. This pathway appears to act through transcription factor Rlmp and glucan synthase Fks1p. The phenotypes of these mutant biofilms mimicked those of the smi1Δ/smi1Δ biofilm, and overexpression of FKS1 in the smi1Δ/smi1Δ mutant restored the biofilm resistant phenotype. However, control of this pathway is distinct from that of the upstream PKC pathway because the pkc1Δ/pkc1Δ, bck1Δ/bck1Δ, mkk2Δ/mkk2Δ, and mkc1Δ/mkc1Δ biofilms retained the resistant phenotype of the parent strain. In addition, resistance to cell-perturbing agents and gene expression data do not support a significant role for the cell wall integrity pathway during the biofilm formation. Here we show that Smi1p functions in conjunction with Rlm1p and Fks1p to produce drug-sequestering biofilm β-glucan. Our work provides new insight into how the C. albicans biofilm matrix production and drug resistance pathways intersect with the planktonic cell wall integrity pathway. This novel connection helps explain how pathogens in a multicellular biofilm community are protected from anti-infective therapy.
Argon ion excitation by relativistic electrons. I, Collision cross sections and deposition efficiencies

Calculations of the electron impact excitation cross sections and deposition efficiencies for singly ionized argon with electrons of energies up to and including relativistic values have been made using the first Born approximation and the generalized oscillator formalism. Deposition efficiencies for fast electrons were generated from the Peterson and Green integral equation. Cross sections and efficiencies were produced for 29 transitions from the ground state configuration of Arii to excited energy levels with (Ne)3s23p44s and (Ne)3s23p43d configurations and for 40 transitions between excited energy levels from 4s and 3d to 4p orbitals. Efficiencies are constant for electron energies above 1 keV to 10 MeV. Electrons ejected from inner shells contribute up to 12% of the efficiency of the transition for electrons above 10 keV.
Breaking the Theoretical Limit of SiC Unipolar Power Device - a Simulation Study

Abstract SiC is known as the next generation material for power semiconductor devices. One important issue in the design of high voltage power devices is the trade-off between breakdown voltage and specific on-resistance. In this paper, possibility of developing 4H–SiC devices beyond its own unipolar theoretical limit R SP _ ON ∝ V BR 2.43 by using the super-junction concept has been investigated for the first time. Effects of structural parameters on the voltage blocking capability and specific on-resistance are studied. Device structures achieving optimum FOMs (Figure of Merit) at various voltage ranges have been designed and their advantages over the conventional structures are quantified. In addition, simple models have also been developed and verified by 2D numerical simulations for 4H–SiC super-junction structures to predict their voltage blocking and forward conduction capability. The results show that, with currently available technology, device FOM (for the same VBR) exceeding the 4H–SiC theoretical unipolar limit by 300% is possible.
Optofluidically Tuned Fluorescence Enhancement by Plasmonic Nanocup Arrays

We demonstrate fluidically tuned fluorescence enhancement on the colorimetric substrate with the plasmonic effects induced by the periodic gold nanocup arrays. The fluorescence enhancement by the plasmonic effect has been studied extensively by varying the geometries of nanostructures or the morphology of nanoparticles. In this study, however, the fluorescence enhancement without changing these parameters but simply by varying surrounding media on the colorimetric plasmonic surface is accomplished. The dynamic responses of fluorescence from self-assembled monolayer of dyes on the surface were monitored by flowing various fluids with different refractive indices. The dependence of the radiative decay rate as well as the scattering cross-section on the surrounding dielectric properties results into the selective enhancement of the fluorescence intensity, having a maximum at different surrounding refractive index for different fluorophores with different emission band centers.
Preventing Hypokalemia in Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND Many therapies used in critical care cause potassium depletion. Current practice relies on potassium replacement protocols after a patient becomes hypokalemic. Potassium bolus therapy creates risk for patients, is costly, and increases nurses' workload. OBJECTIVES To determine if administering potassium preemptively in maintenance intravenous fluid would prevent episodes of hypokalemia and reduce the need for potassium boluses. METHODS Medical records of 267 patients with normal potassium and creatinine levels at admission who did not receive total parenteral nutrition were reviewed. The 156 patients who met the study criteria were categorized by group: those who received potassium via maintenance intravenous fluid (treatment; n = 76) and those who did not (control; n = 80). The treatment group had potassium chloride or acetate added to intravenous fluid delivered at 36 to 72 mmol/d. RESULTS The 2 groups did not differ significantly in age, race, sex, or admitting diagnosis. Type of diagnosis, length of stay, and potassium and creatinine levels at admission did not affect the number of potassium boluses for either group. The patients given maintenance potassium preemptively received significantly fewer (P < .001) potassium boluses (0.8) than did the control group (2.73), for a mean savings of $231 per patient for the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Patients with normal potassium and creatinine levels at admission benefitted from a maintenance intravenous dose of potassium of 72 to 144 mmol/L per day. Compared with control patients, patients receiving this dose avoided detrimental hypokalemic events, had fewer invasive procedures and lower costs, and required less nursing care.
Prognosis of left ventricular geometric patterns in the Framingham heart study

Objectives. The goal of this study was to determine the incremental prognostic value of left ventricular geometric patterns beyond that provided by cardiovascular disease risk factors, including left ventricular mass. Background. Left ventricular geometry may be classified into the following four mutually exclusive groups on the basis of left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness: concentric hypertrophy (increased mass and increased relative wall thickness), eccentric hypertrophy (increased mass and normal relative wall thickness), concentric remodeling (normal mass and increased relative wall thickness) and normal geometry (normal mass and normal relative wall thickness). The prognosis associated with these patterns in a population-based sample is not known. Methods. Proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic importance of left ventricular geometry in 3,216 subjects in the Framingham Heart Study who were ≥40 years old and free of clinically apparent cardiovascular disease, after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors and left ventricular mass. The follow-up period was 8 years. Results. Subjects with concentric hypertrophy had the worst prognosis, followed by those with eccentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling and normal geometry. Subjects with concentric hypertrophy also had the highest left ventricular mass. The association between type of geometry and prognosis was largely attenuated by adjustment for baseline differences in left ventricular mass. The odds ratio for incident cardiovascular disease in subjects with concentric hypertrophy compared with those who had normal geometry was 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8 to 2.1) in men and 1.2 (95% CI 0.6 to 2.3) in women after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, including left ventricular mass. Conclusions. In a population-based sample of subjects without cardiovascular disease, knowledge of left ventricular geometry provided little prognostic information beyond that available from left ventricular mass and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Complex Genetics and the Etiology of Human Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect. Despite considerable advances in care, CHD remains a major contributor to newborn mortality and is associated with substantial morbidities and premature death. Genetic abnormalities appear to be the primary cause of CHD, but identifying precise defects has proven challenging, principally because CHD is a complex genetic trait. Mainly because of recent advances in genomic technology such as next-generation DNA sequencing, scientists have begun to identify the genetic variants underlying CHD. In this article, the roles of modifier genes, de novo mutations, copy number variants, common variants, and noncoding mutations in the pathogenesis of CHD are reviewed.
The Economics of University Indirect Cost Reimbursement in Federal Research Grants

The federal government has been the most important source of funds for academic research since the 1950s. Nearly a third of this support takes the form of indirect cost recovery (overhead). Long a source of conflict between universities and the government, in recent years the indirect cost controversy has escalated, with most research universities intensively investigated for alleged abuses. This essay examines the nature of indirect costs and the sources of the conflicts about them. The main argument is that the types of costs that are covered by overhead charges must be paid for the research intensity of universities to be retained; however, the existing system for reimbursing these costs creates unnecessary distortions in the operation of universities and has very high transactions costs. Instead, both universities and the federal government would be better off if the existing indirect cost reimbursement system were replaced by a system of fixed reimbursement rates that were not related to a university?s actual indirect costs.
Porous pSiCOH Ultralow-k Dielectrics for Chip Interconnects Prepared by PECVD

Porous pSiCOH materials with ultralow dielectric constants (ulk) have been developed with dielectric constants reaching values below 2.0. The pSiCOH films, composed of Si, C, O, and H atoms, are prepared by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), showing that PECVD can be used to prepare porous materials. The pSiCOH films are deposited as dual-phase materials, and the porosity is formed in them by curing the as-deposited films by thermal anneals, electron beams, or UV irradiation. The porous pSiCOH dielectrics are suitable for integration in the interconnects of VLSI chips of the 45-nm-and-beyond technology nodes, and films with dielectric constants of 2.4 have already been implemented in upcoming 45-nm products. This review discusses the fabrication of pSiCOH films and the characterization of their structure, porosity, and electrical and mechanical properties. The limitations of some of the characterization techniques of these amorphous thin films are also addressed.
The Triplet State

In our discussion in Chapter 1 of the various photophysical processes which can occur in an organic molecule upon absorption of light, we saw that two types of electronic excited states are possible. The first, initially reached upon excitation, is the singlet, in which the electronic spins remain paired. The second, obtained from the excited singlet through a process known as intersystem crossing, is the triplet state, in which the electron spins are antiparallel or unpaired. We have seen in subsequent chapters that a considerable amount of photochemistry is found to arise from the triplet state and in some cases it was suggested that the apparent greater reactivity of the excited triplet as compared to the excited singlet state arises from the greater lifetime of the former. However, we have not considered the questions: What exactly is a triplet state? Why should it be a longer lived state than the singlet? How are its properties different from the singlet? How are these properties determined? In this chapter we will attempt to answer these and other questions concerning the nature of the triplet state.
Deceleration of age-associated changes in the preovulatory but not secondary follicle-stimulating hormone surge by progesterone.

Recently, it has been reported that mating can delay the age-associated decline in reproductive function of female rats. Since circulating progesterone (P) levels are elevated for a 2- to 3-wk interval during pregnancy, the following study was conducted to determine whether intermittent elevation in P levels can alter the rate of reproductive aging in female rats. Beginning at 2 mo of age, 4-day-cycling, virgin rats were divided into two groups. In one group, 3 Silastic capsules containing crystalline P were inserted s.c. into each rat while rats in another group each received 1 empty capsule. After 2 wk, the capsules were removed for 2 wk. Thereafter, implantation and removal of capsules was repeated 5 additional times. Rats receiving P capsules became acyclic 3-4 days after exposure to P and resumed cyclicity 4-7 days after removal of P-capsules. One month after the last series of capsules was removed (rats “ 8-mo-old), rats exhibiting consecutive 4-day cycles were inserted with indwelling atrial cannulae and bled at 4-h intervals from 1400 h on proestrus (Pr) to 1000 h on estrus (E). At 1600 h E, rats were killed and trunk blood was collected. For comparison, a group of 3-mo-old (young) rats was bled on Pr and E. In 8-mo-old rats that received empty capsules, 27% exhibited 4-day cycles compared to 66% of the young rats. However, in contrast to rats that received empty capsules, 63.1% of P-treated rats exhibited 4-day cycles. Surges of preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) surges were attenuated in 8-mo-old rats given empty capsules compared to young rats. Furthermore, levels of plasma FSH in these 8-mo-old rats were lower at 2200 h Pr and during the secondary surge of FSH at 0200 and 0600 h E than levels observed at these times in young rats. However, by 1600 b E, plasma FSH levels were higher in 8-mo-old rats not receiving P than in young rats. In striking contrast, periovulatory profiles of plasma FSH levels were indistinguishable between young and P-treated rats except at 1000 and 1600 h E when plasma FSH levels were higher in P-treated rats. These results demonstrate that age-associated lengthening of estrous cycles and impairments in neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating preovulatory surges of LH and FSH can be prevented, at least temporarily, by previous intermittent exposure to P. These results also suggest that the disruption of estrous cycles and preovulatory surges in older rats is not completely coupled to chronological age. In contrast, the inability of P to prevent altered secretion of FSH during the latter portion of the secondary FSH surge indicates that the etiology of age-associated changes in periovulatory secretion of FSH is multifactorial.
Organoboranes for synthesis. 7. An improved general synthesis of primary amines from alkenes via hydroboration-organoborane chemistry

Abstract Triorganylboranes, R 3 B, and diorganylborinic esters, R 2 BOR', react readily with preformed chloramine or hydroxylamine- 0 -sulfonic acid to produce the corresponding primary amines, RNH 2 . However, the product of the reaction following hydrolysis is the boronic acid, RB(OH) 2 , limiting the yield to 67% for R 3 B and to 50% for R 2 BOR'. This problem has now been overcome with the help of lithium dimethylborohydride, readily converted in situ to dimethylborane. The hydroboration of representative alkenes by dimethylborane provides the corresponding monoorganyldimethylborane, RMe 2 B. Treatment of this intermediate with hydroxylamine- O -sulfonic acid provides the desired amines, RNH 2 , in isolated yields of 73% to 95%. The reaction proceeds with complete retention, reproducing the precise structure of the organic group in the organoboranes, RMe 2 B.
View-based tool integration in database-centered environment

Database-centered environment architectures differ significantly from file-based architectures. Consequently they require a different set of primitives for tool support. This paper describes a form of tool composition called cotools which provides many of the benefits of UNIX pipes in terms of being able to reuse existing tools in tool composites, and allowing tools to operate concurrently ad incrementally on data. However, the tool language and the composition model is tailored to provide these benefits in a database-centered environment where tools do not directly communicate with each other. The effect of communication is achieved by allowing member tools in a cotool to access common data in a coordinated manner while allowing the changes made to data by one tool immediately visible to other tools in the cotool. Since database transactions normally maintain consistency in a database by disallowing interleaved data manipulation amongst separate applications, certain modifications to the concept of transactions are required. One of goals from a systemic point of view is to allow the benefits of tool cooperation without completely violating the transactions idea, which is a very clean mechanism for maintaining data consistency in a shared data store.
Toward Best Practices in Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed- Method Research: A Social Justice Perspective

Various research methods can be appropriate for social justice aims. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method approaches offer different kinds of strengths in advancing a social justice agenda. This article recaptures and expands upon the ideas presented by the authors of this special issue, recommending best practices in research for social justice in the following areas: (a) cultural competence and the role of the researcher(s); (b) formulating the focus of the research; (c) selection of the underlying paradigm and research method/design; (d) the research team: formation, process, and issues of power; (e) power and relationship with research participants; and (f) data gathering, analysis, and reporting.
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in Missouri

Murphy (1964) documented at least four mule deer (all males) in northern Missouri. The first was a yearling killed September 24, 1956, near High Hill, Montgomery County, by Leonard Kolling (confirmed by Missouri Dept. Conservation biologists Murphy and R.L. Dunkeson). In November, 1958, a buck was killed in Carroll County, by an archer. On November 30, 1962, an adult was killed by an automobile on Interstate 29 near Dearborn, Platte County, and on November 12, 1963, another male was struck by an automobile near Kodiak, Andrew County.
Focal adhesions are foci for tyrosine-based signal transduction via GIV/Girdin and G proteins

GIV/Girdin is a multimodular signal transducer and a bona fide metastasis-related protein. As a guanidine exchange factor (GEF), GIV modulates signals initiated by growth factors (chemical signals) by activating the G protein Gαi. Here we report that mechanical signals triggered by the extracellular matrix (ECM) also converge on GIV-GEF via β1 integrins and that focal adhesions (FAs) serve as the major hubs for mechanochemical signaling via GIV. GIV interacts with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and ligand-activated β1 integrins. Phosphorylation of GIV by FAK enhances PI3K-Akt signaling, the integrity of FAs, increases cell-ECM adhesion, and triggers ECM-induced cell motility. Activation of Gαi by GIV-GEF further potentiates FAK-GIV-PI3K-Akt signaling at the FAs. Spatially restricted signaling via tyrosine phosphorylated GIV at the FAs is enhanced during cancer metastasis. Thus GIV-GEF serves as a unifying platform for integration and amplification of adhesion (mechanical) and growth factor (chemical) signals during cancer progression.
Abstract 16: Tribbles1 Regulates Hepatic Lipogenesis in Mice through Post-Translational Regulation of C/EBPα

Tribbles1 (TRIB1) was recently identified in genome-wide association studies as being associated with plasma levels of VLDL, HDL, LDL, and TG as well as coronary artery disease in humans. Here we report studies in a Trib1 liver-specific knockout mouse (Trib1_LSKO) created via AAV-mediated delivery of Cre recombinase into mice with a floxed allele of Trib1. Four weeks after infection, Trib1_LSKO mice exhibit a 25% increase in liver weight (p<0.01) as compared to controls given null virus, and examination of hepatic lipids reveals a 78% increase in TG content (p<0.001) of Trib1_LSKO livers. Hepatic transcription of lipogenic genes (i.e. Scd1, Fasn, and Acaca) was increased greater than 2-fold in Trib1_LSKO mice, and when in vivo lipogenesis was measured, Trib1_LSKO animals exhibited significantly increased hepatic production of fatty acids (2.2-fold, p=0.02), diacylglycerol (1.8-fold, p<0.01), and TG (3.6-fold, p<0.001). Microarray and subsequent pathway analysis of Trib1_LSKO livers revealed altered transc...
Closed Subgroups of a Locally Compact Group

(1971). Closed Subgroups of a Locally Compact Group. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 78, No. 9, pp. 1011-1012.
Quantifying groundwater travel time near managed recharge operations using 35S as an intrinsic tracer

Summary Identifying groundwater retention times near managed aquifer recharge (MAR) facilities is a high priority for managing water quality, especially for operations that incorporate recycled wastewater. To protect public health, California guidelines for Groundwater Replenishment Reuse Projects require a minimum 2–6 month subsurface retention time for recycled water depending on the level of disinfection, which highlights the importance of quantifying groundwater travel times on short time scales. This study developed and evaluated a new intrinsic tracer method using the naturally occurring radioisotope sulfur-35 ( 35 S). The 87.5 day half-life of 35 S is ideal for investigating groundwater travel times on the 35 S found in water as dissolved sulfate ( 35 SO 4 ) were measured in source waters and groundwater at the Rio Hondo Spreading Grounds in Los Angeles County, CA, and Orange County Groundwater Recharge Facilities in Orange County, CA. 35 SO 4 travel times are comparable to travel times determined by well-established deliberate tracer studies. The study also revealed that 35 SO 4 in MAR source water can vary seasonally and therefore careful characterization of 35 SO 4 is needed to accurately quantify groundwater travel time. More data is needed to fully assess whether or not this tracer could become a valuable tool for managers.
Review for the Engineering Recommendation G5/4 by Electricity Association in the UK

Harmonic standard in power system is one of the most important standards of power quality. The Engineering Recommendation G5/3, namely the Limits for harmonics in the United Kingdom electricity supply system, had vastly impacts many national harmonic standards in the world, including national standard in China. Here, firstly the Engineering Recommendation G5/4 published by Electricity Association in February 2001, i.e., Planning Levels for harmonic voltage distortion and the connection of non-linear equipment to transmission systems and distribution networks in the United Kingdom, is reviewed. It will be available for reference to the revisal for national harmonic standard GB/T14549-1993 entitled Quality of electric energy supply- Harmonics in public supply network.
A Comparative Study on Small Opacities in High Kilovoltage Plain Chest Film Radiography versus HRCT Scan Taken from Workers Exposed to Occupational Dusts

[Objective] To compare the ability to present small opacities on high kilovoltage plain chest film versus high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT).[Methods]A retrospective analysis was conducted on HRCT and high kilovoltage plain chest films performed in 137 workers(125 males and 12 females) who were exposed to dust occupationally [arc welding fumes,n=56;SiO2 dust,n=37;other dusts(aluminum,graphite,cement,etc.),n=44].HRCT examination consisted of a series of 2-mm-thick sections with 10-mm intersection spacing from the apex of lungs to the diaphragm.All images were photographed and observed at window widths of 1 500HU and levels of-700HU.The profusion of small opacities on chest radiography was compared with that on HRCT.CT and radiographic profusion total scores were also compared.[Results] There was a correlation between HRCT and radiography in the profusion scores of small opacities(r=0.655,P0.01).HRCT showed a higher ability to present small opacities than high kilovoltage plain chest film(P0.01).The HRCT scans found 115 cases with small opacities(type s=86;type p=5;type p/s=8;type s/p=15;type q=1),while the chest radiography saw 86 cases with small opacities(type s=25;type p=5;type p/s=28;type s/p=24;type q/p=3;type q/s=2).When the chest radiographs showed small opacities(n=86),6 cases showed no abnormality on HRCT(7%).While the chest radiographs were normal in 50 cases,small opacities were detected on HRCT in 34 cases(68%).The upper and posterior lung predominance of small opacities was obvious on HRCT.[Conclusion]The chest HRCT is complementary to plain radiography for better early detection of small opacities,and therefore possesses good diagnostic value for accurately evaluating small opacities.
The Nomenclature of Cyclic and Polycyclic Compounds

This chapter begins with a description of the naming and numbering of basic heterocyclic ring systems. These are then used to create fused-ring systems that are named using prefix–suffix nomenclature. The rules for properly orienting and numbering such compounds are discussed. Methods for naming and drawing a variety of simple and complex substituents, as well as designating sites of saturation are then reviewed. Conjunctive nomenclature is introduced for systems having aliphatic chains attached to aromatic rings. The drawing of salts and a method of specifying stereochemistry at multiple chiral centers then completes that section of this chapter. Bridged-ring and spiro compounds are discussed next along with the nomenclature and numbering of such systems. Finally, the special nomenclature of several classes of compounds of medicinal interest such as steroids, prostaglandins, and morphinans is reviewed.
Introduction: Reading, Reception, and the Rise of Transatlantic ‘English’

Uncovering the extent to which ‘English’ functioned as a transnational, rather than a national construct, the editors' introduction describes ‘Englishness’ as a portable set of imaginative identifications created as much for the diaspora—for the ‘English abroad’—as for the people of a particular geographical and national origin; it thus describes ‘English literature’ as a transnational invention shaped by readers and writers on both sides of the Atlantic. The notion that readers and reading cultures play a significant role in the construction of English literature is a guiding assumption of the volume, and the introduction argues for the importance of analyzing the material archive of readers’ engagement with literature dispersed both temporally and geographically. Finally, the introduction situates the phenomenon of ‘author love’ in the increasingly personalized and affective literary culture that emerged over the course of the nineteenth century, a culture in which books and literary texts were understood both as objects of affection in their own right and as vehicles for affective relations between authors and readers.
Breast lesion detection and characterization with 3D features

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is highly effective as breast cancer screening adjunct technology. Automation can greatly enhance the efficiency of the clinician sifting through the quantum of data in ABUS volumes to spot lesions. We have implemented a fully automatic generic algorithm pipeline for detection and characterization of lesions on such 3D volumes. We compare a wide range of features for region description on their effectiveness at the dual goals of lesion detection and characterization. On multiple feature images, we compute region descriptors at lesion candidate locations obviating the need for explicit lesion segmentation. We use Random Forests classifier to evaluate candidate region descriptors for lesion detection. Further, we categorize true lesions as Malignant or other masses (e.g. Cysts). Over a database of 145 volumes, with 36 biopsy verified lesions, we achieved Area Under the Curve (AUC) values of 92.6% for lesion detection and 89% for lesion characterization.