cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isotopic anomalies of Ne, Xe, and C in meteorites. III. Local and exotic noble gas components and their interrelations.

Abstract Data on gas-rich separates from the Murray and Murchison C2 chondrites are reviewed, in order to characterize their noble-gas components. Revised compositions are obtained for Ne-A1 and Ne-A2, two subcomponents of “planetary” Ne: Ne 20 Ne 22 = 8.86 ± 0.09, 8.46 ± 0.12 ; Ne 21 Ne 22 = 0.0303 ± 0.0007, 0.0348 ± 0.0012 . Ne-AI is associated with a special type of planetary Xe (Xe-P3). Both Ne-A1 and Xe-P3 closely follow Xe-HL, but are located in a separate carrier (Cζ) of high chemical but low thermal resistance (amorphous diamond?); they are present in C1, 2 and unmetamorphosed C3V chondrites, but not in metamorphosed Allende. A new composition is derived for Xe-S: 128/129/130/131/132 = 0.432 ± 0.006/0.119 ± 0.022/1/0.312 ± 0.016/2.030 ± 0.011. However, Xe 130 Xe 132 ratios even in the most enriched samples do not exceed 0.31, suggesting that Xe-S occurs as part of a pseudocomponent, mixed with Xe-P and Xe-HL. A new planetary Xe component, Xe-P5, has been found in the ≥ 1300° fractions of several Murray separates; its carrier is colloidal and resistant to HF and HClO4 but not H3PO4, and hence probably is an oxide mineral. A coarse (>2 μm) spinel fraction from Murray contains fissiogenic Xe matching that from Pu244 in isotopic composition, but the implied Pu244 abundance of 1.2 ppb (14 × C1) is surprisingly high. Less than 12% of the fissiogenic Xe can be from Cm248, which corresponds to an original (Cm 248 Pu 244 ) o ≤ 1.7 × 10 −3 . Murray CJ, a sample strongly enriched in Ne-E(H) and its SiC carrier, contains (2.2) × 10−8 ml/g of presumably spallogenic Ne21; a factor 4–6 more than expected from the recent cosmic-ray irradiation. Although a presolar irradiation of the SiC grains is a distinct possibility, more prosaic explanations, such as recoil of Ne21 from adjacent spinel, must be ruled out first.
Geometrical structure of solvated electrons

Abstract Recent developments in electron magnetic resonance for measuring very weak hyperfine interactions in disordered solids have made possible the determination of the detailed geometrical structure of solvated electrons in glassy matrices of varying polarity. These developments include second moment electron spin resonance lineshape analysis in selectively deuterated solvents, analysis of both the intensity and energy separation of allowed and forbidden spin-flip transitions and analysis of electron spin-echo modulation patterns. Detailed solvated electron geometries in water, methanol, ethanol, methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-methylpentane matrices are given. The dominant interactions controlling solvated electron geometry as a function of the polarity and size of the solvent molecules are elucidated.
Effect of Initiators on the Kumada Catalyst-Transfer Polycondensation Reaction

An investigation for the initiation of a chain-growth polymerization, Kumada catalyst-transfer polycondensation, for the synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene) is described. A novel method for the generation of an active catalyst/initiator complex was developed utilizing the inexpensive, air stable Ni(PPh3)2Cl2 precursor to generate the active Ni(PPh3)4 catalyst in situ. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) polymerization reactions were carried out using aryl halides with various substituents on the phenyl ring as external initiators, and it was found that the type of the functional group present on the initiator plays a crucial role in the polymerization. The new method provided a more efficient way to initiate polymerization yielding polymers with higher regioregularity, larger molecular weight, and lower polydispersity than the previously reported methods.
17 Traditional Growth Curve Compared with Contemporary Local Curve Fails to Identify SGA Infants.

Background: The classification of small for gestation age (SGA) is defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile on growth charts. A commonly used growth chart, Lubchenco (Pediatrics, 1969), was developed in the1960's, but concerns have been raised about its validity due to its use of population at high altitude and the exclusion of racial/ethnic minorities. SGA is associated with infant morbidity and mortality and may be associated with adult-onset disease, the “metabolic syndrome.” the utilization of the traditional growth curve may underestimate the number of children who are born SGA and who have additional neonatal morbidities and increased risk of life-long chronic disease. Objective: To compare the 10th percentile birth weights in a Kansas City newborn sample using the Lubchenco growth curve compared to a curve generated by a local population data. Design/Methods: Retrospective cohort study of births at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The birth records of 5,687 sequential births were assessed to obtain gestational age based on maternal data (last menstrual period or prenatal ultrasound) and birth measurements. Outcome of interest was SGA. The 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles for each gestational age were calculated. Deviations from the Lubchecno growth curves were calculated for each gestational age. The proportion of SGA in the Kansas City cohort, as defined by the Lubchenco chart, was also computed. Results: For infants with gestational age of 32 weeks and above, the Kansas City cohort had substantially larger values for the 10th percentile. The average deviation was 9% (range: 4% to 16%). The proportion of the Kansas City cohort that would be classified as SGA by the Lubchenco growth curve would only be 5%, less than half of the expected value (95% confidence interval 4.5% to 5.6%). Conclusion: A significant number of infants born after 32 weeks gestation are SGA when plotted on locally-generated growth curves compared to the Lubchenco growth curves. It is apparent that the commonly used Lubchenco growth curves may not be appropriate for recognizing SGA in our population. Future investigations will determine whether or not the newborns whose diagnosis has been missed by the use of the Lubchenco charts suffer the morbidity and mortality associated with SGA.
Electronic Structure of Early Transition-Metal Carbonyls: Gas-Phase Photoelectron Spectroscopy of (η5-C5H5)M(CO)4 (M = V, Nb, Ta)

Gas-phase photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate the bonding between early transition metals and carbonyl and cyclopentadienyl ligands for the molecules (η5-C5H4R)M(CO)4 (R = H, M = V, Nb, Ta; R = SiMe3, M = Nb, Ta; R = COCH3, M = Nb). The lowest ionization energy region contains two overlapping ionizations that arise from the two orbitals that are occupied according to the formal d4 metal configuration. However, the character of these ionizations is dominated by the carbonyls rather than by the metals, as evidenced by the extensive C−O stretching vibrational progressions observed with these ionizations, by the trends in the ionization cross sections between the molecules and with different ionization sources, and by the relative lack of shifts of these ionizations with metal substitution from vanadium to niobium to tantalum or with trimethylsilyl and acetyl substitutions on the cyclopentadienyl. The second group of ionizations for these molecules corresponds to orbitals with predominantly cycl...
Bender-Gestalt Constriction as an Indicator of Depression in Psychiatric Patients

Summary The present study explored the validity of constriction as an indicator of depression. Twenty-five patients displaying constriction in their Bender records and 25 patients not showing this indicator were compared with regard to MMPI Depression scores. A significant difference was found between D scores of these two groups (p<.05), supporting the validity of the indicator as an index of depression. Constriction was found to be infrequent, occurring in only 5.5% of the patient records. Although the indicator seems to be of some value as an indicator of depression its utility is lessened due its low rate of occurrence.
Infectious Complications and Cost-Effectiveness of Open Resuscitation in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit after Cardiac Surgery

From July, 1982, to May, 1984, 2,412 patients underwent cardiac surgery. Open resuscitation through a midline sternotomy was performed in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) 88 times in 64 patients one minute to 10 days after admission. There were 49 initial survivors; 31 patients had primary closure in the SICU (Group 1), and 18 patients had delayed closure (Group 2). In Group 1 there was 1 death. Wound infection developed in 2 of the 30 survivors--Escherichia coli in 1 and Staphylococcus epidermidis in 1. The latter required subsequent debridement. In Group 2 there were 8 survivors and no wound infections. Fifteen patients could not be resuscitated because of ventricular arrhythmia (13%), asystole (33%), cardiogenic shock (47%), and tamponade (7%). Only 2 of 38 patients, or 5%, experienced wound infections. This study demonstrates that open resuscitation in the SICU is a safe, rapid, and cost-effective procedure that will allow earlier intervention, diagnosis, and treatment. In no instance was death attributed to wound infection, and at our institution, this method resulted in cost savings of more than $1,000 per patient.
Atypical protein kinase C phosphorylates IKKαβ in transformed non-malignant and malignant prostate cell survival

Abstract Mechanistic pathways involving atypical protein kinase C-ι (aPKC-ι) have been targeted in various cancer cells such as lung cancer, brain and prostate due to PKCι’s antiapoptotic function, and role in cell proliferation and cell survival. In the current study, we examined the involvement of PKC-ι in the NF-κB pathway following treatment of prostate cells with the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Results demonstrated that androgen-independent DU-145 prostate carcinoma is insensitive to TNFα while transformed non-tumorigenic prostate RWPE-1 cells showed a slight sensitivity to TNFα. However, androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cells are more sensitive to TNFα treatment and undergo apoptosis. Results demonstrated that in DU-145 cells, TNFα-induced PKC-ι in phosphorylation of IKKαβ. In RWPE-1 cells, PKC-ζ phosphorylates IKKαβ. Degradation of IκBα was observed in all three cell lines, allowing NF-κB/p65 translocation to the nucleus. Although, IKKα is weakly activated in LNCaP cells, the upstream kinase phosphorylation of IKKαβ via aPKCs was not observed. Hence, aPKCs may play a role in activation of NFκB pathway in prostate cancer cells.
The fractionation and purification of gliadins by hydrophobic interaction chromatography

The apolar nature of wheat gliadins has been studied. Apolar properties have been exploited to fractionate components by hydrophobic interaction chromatography and fractions have been analysed further by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Experiments were carried out in pH 5.0 buffer in absence of additives such as urea or dimethylformamide. Gliadin was not retarded by ethyl or butyl agarose but showed a strong affinity for both the phenyl and octyl derivatives. The strength of the hydrophobic interactions was such that aqueous alcohol was required to achieve appreciable desorption. Even so, only two-thirds of the bound gliadin could be eluted with aqueous ethanol alone; complete desorption required the presence of small concentrations of tetramethylammonium chloride. The elution of protein from columns followed the general order ω-,β-, α-, and γ-gliadin, respectively. This procedure provides a simple system for the fractionation of wheat prolamines under mild conditions. Results suggest that a higher degree of resolution may be attainable by further modification of experimental conditions. Interaction of gliadin with nonpolar groups covalently bound to agarose apparently reflects the presence of hydrophobic patches on the surface of the gliadin molecule.
Gate oxide metrology and silicon piezooptics

We describe the use of spectroscopic ellipsometry and other characterization techniques for gate oxide process metrology in manufacturing of CMOS transistors for the 130 nm node and beyond. Specifically, we describe the difficulties associated with the introduction of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates, alternative gate dielectrics (silicon oxynitride or metal oxides), and strained Si channels. We predict that spectroscopic ellipsometry by itself will no longer be sufficient for gate oxide metrology, which will make the CMOS gate stack process much more difficult to control.
Performance of a 1kW (16-Cell) High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell Stack Prototype: An Experimental Evaluation

In this study, we designed and built a 1 kW (16-cells) stack prototype of high temperature PEM fuel cell with 440cm2 active area of each individual cell. The purpose of this research is to experimentally study the performance of our newly built high temperature PEM fuel cell stack at different operating conditions and to judge the performance for possible commercialization aspects. The performance of the fuel cell stack in terms of current-voltage characteristics has been experimentally measured for each of the cells in the 16-cell stack (1kW). Experimental data of this type is required to develop and validate the fuel cell models to understand and optimize the operation of the stack and further stack design improvements. The fuel cell stack is fed with industry-grade (99.999%) pure hydrogen. The fuel cell stack was extensively tested at 145°C and the current-voltage characteristics were determined by varying the current loads. The results will be very helpful to understand the cell performance in terms of current-voltage characteristics of 1kW PEM fuel cell stack.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Altered biochemical responses by rat Sertoli cells and peritubular cells cultured under simulated diabetic conditions

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the secretion of androgen-binding protein and lactate by 16-day-old rat Sertoli cells is altered when these cells are cultured in simulated diabetic conditions. Incorporation of 3H-uridine into RNA by peritubular cells cultured in simulated diabetic conditions was also studied. The cells were exposed to various concentrations of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, sodium bicarbonate (to alter the pH of the medium), mannitol (to influence the osmolarity of the medium), or a combination of these compounds. All of the metabolic parameters when tested alone or in combination were capable of increasing lactate secretion by Sertoli cells above control values. Basal secretion of androgen-binding protein, however, was not influenced by any individual component or when all components were tested together. FSH-stimulated levels of androgen-binding protein secretion was depressed only when the Sertoli cells were exposed to all the components simultaneously. Incorporation of uridine by peritubular cells was decreased by exposing the cells to butyrate or mannitol, while no effect was observed with glucose treatment. These results indicate that Sertoli cell and peritubular cell function can be directly altered by several specific metabolic parameters associated with diabetes.
Adult Anxiety Disorders in Relation to Trait Anxiety and Perceived Stress in Childhood

It is well established that objective early life stressors increase risk for anxiety disorders and that environmental stressors interact with dispositional factors such as trait anxiety. There is less information on how subjective perception of stress during childhood relates to later clinical anxiety. This study tested whether childhood perceived stress and trait anxiety were independently and interactively associated with adult anxiety disorders. Forty-seven adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders (M age = 34 yr., SD = 11) and 29 healthy participants (M = 33 yr., SD = 13) completed the adult Perceived Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Global Perceived Early Life Events Scale as a measure of perceived stress during childhood. In a logistic regression model, high childhood perceived stress (β = 0.64) and trait anxiety (β = 0.11) were associated with significantly greater odds of adult anxiety disorder. The association between childhood perceived stress and adult anxiety remained significant when controlling for adult perceived stress. These findings suggest that children's perception of stress in their daily lives may be an important target of intervention to prevent the progression of stress into clinically significant anxiety.
Liberalism, Optimism, and Group Morale: A Study of Student Attitudes

(1938). Liberalism, Optimism, and Group Morale: A Study of Student Attitudes. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 451-467.
The role of carbon dioxide in the oxidative dimerization of methane over Li/MgO

CO2 is strongly adsorbed on Li/MgO as a surface carbonate and desorbs concomitantly with Li with an activation energy of desorption of 210 kJ/mol. The C2 product is strongly influenced by the presence of CO2,0.5 Torr being sufficient to substantially lower the rate of C2 production and to establish an activation energy for reaction of 210 kJ/mol. In the absence of CO2, the activation energy of C2 production falls to 105 kJ/mol.
Nociceptors and the peripheral nervous system's role in pain

Abstract This article reviews the role that the peripheral nervous system plays in pain perception. The first section describes the functional properties of the primary sensory element—the nociceptor—and how its behavior is related to pain perception. The second section describes the current state of knowledge concerning the way our nociceptive sensing system changes as a result of tissue injury, including those changes related to sympathetic nervous system modulation of pain.
Problems associated with flow modelling procedures for low-rise structures

Abstract This paper discusses new criteria for the simulation of ABL surface layers in wind tunnels for the purpose of predicting wind loads on low-rise structures. These criteria are either based on the conclusions of several aerodynamic experiments dealing with pressure forces on bluff and lifting bodies (either 2D or 3D) or on model/full scale comparison studies of surface pressures observed on the Texas Tech University experimental building. Evidence is presented that for scaled models at a 1/100 ratio, duplication of the small-scale turbulence parameter S is more important than simulation of the velocity profile (zo) or the integral length scale (Lxu). Simulation of the surface layer flow developed over complex terrain requires careful simulation of both S and the lateral turbulence intensity (Sv/U). New wind tunnel simulation techniques must be developed to take care of this latter requirement. High suction pressures at the edges and corners of roofs cannot be predicted from wind tunnel tests using conventional simulation methods. Inadequate simulation of secondary flow effects associated with vortex generation at these locations are responsible for these deficiencies.
EGO INVOLVEMENT AND BRAND COMMITMENT: NOT NECESSARILY THE SAME

Although some researchers have assumed a positive relationship between consumers' involvement in products and their commitment to brands, there are times when just the opposite occurs. In some instances, involvement with a product can be high while commitment to brands is low, or product involvement can be low when commitment to a brand is high.
A summary of hingeless-rotor structural loads and dynamics research.

Abstract This paper presents a summary of research programs dealing with helicopter hingeless rotor structural loads and dynamics. The programs include (i) flight investigations, (ii) dynamic-model wind-tunnel tests, and (iii) derivation and substantiation of simplified analytical techniques for the prediction of critical structural loads in maneuver flight. Comparison of measured data and analytical results will be utilized in order to clarify the trends observed in the flight and wind-tunnel results.
Co-infusion with a TrkB-Fc Receptor Body Carrier Enhances BDNF Distribution in the Adult Rat Brain ☆

Fusion proteins comprising the Fc domain of human IgG and extracellular domains of receptor tyrosine kinases can neutralize the activity of their cognate ligands when administered in molar excess. We have generated a fusion protein using the ectodomain of TrkB (TrkB-Fc). Although the ability of TrkB-Fc to neutralize the activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in vitro has been demonstrated, there have been no conclusive demonstrations of its ability to neutralize the activity of BDNF in vivo. We co-infused TrkB-Fc with BDNF into the cortex and hippocampus of adult rats to determine whether TrkB-Fc would interfere with the ability of BDNF to upregulate neuropeptide Y (NPY). We report here that rather than neutralizing the activity of exogenous BDNF, co-infusion with the TrkB-Fc fusion protein greatly increased the volume of tissue in which neuropeptide Y immunostaining was upregulated. In addition, TrkB-Fc greatly enhanced BDNF's distribution through adult brain parenchyma. TrkB-Fc also markedly increased the otherwise limited diffusion of BDNF into brain parenchyma following intraventricular infusion. These results show that rather than neutralizing or sequestering BDNF, the TrkB-Fc, at close to molar equivalence to BDNF, can function as a carrier for BDNF and thus enhance the delivery or penetration of this polypeptide into the brain.
Efficacy of Immunotherapy Based on Skin End-Point Titration:

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of skin end-point titration (SET) as a method of assessing skin responsiveness, selecting antigens, and initiating treatment for successful inhalant immunotherapy. Study Design: This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind investigation. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: an experimental group treated for all positive antigens, and a control group treated for all positive antigens, with the exception of the study antigens. Quality of life was assessed with 3 dependent measures, and response to nasal challenge and nasal endoscopic evaluations were conducted. Ten patients completed the 6-month study. Results: There were significant improvements in the emotional component of sinus-related disability, in response to nasal challenge, and in the endoscopic appearance of the mucosa, regardless of patient group. There was a trend toward improved quality of life among experimental subjects. Conclusions: SET-based immunotherapy reduces self-rated disability over time. In addition, SET-based immunotherapy allows decrease in nasal reactivity and normalizes the endoscopic appearance of the nose. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;123:183–7.)
Impact of industrial needs on advances in laser technology

Lasers have become accepted "tools" by a number of industries. Everything from cars to heart pacemakers to greeting cards are now using lasers to cut, drill, clad, heat treat, and weld/join. The market for industrial laser systems is expanding. For the first quarter of 2004 the sales in lasers systems increased 40% to over $120 million1. Some of this increase in sales may be due to the fact that lasers are now considered reliable and have proven to be economical. The primary industrial laser systems today are the CO2 and Nd:YAG (lamp pumped) lasers especially at the higher powers. Both laser designs have evolved in power, beam quality, and reliability. At the same time laser manufacturers have developed methods to decrease the fabrication cost for the lasers. While these improvements have had a major impact on the operating cost of lasers, significant additional improvements do not seem possible in the near future for these lasers. As a result other advances in laser technologies (diode, diode pumped Nd:YAG, disc, and Yb fiber) are being examined.
Macroreentrant ventricular tachycardia and coronary artery disease in cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis.

Abstract Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a metabolic lipid disorder characterized by a defect in the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids, is a rare disease with 1 The His-Purkinje system macroreentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an uncommon arrhythmia, and accounts for the underlying mechanism in approximately 6% of induced sustained monomorphic VT. 2,3 We herein describe a patient with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, a history of sudden cardiac death and 2 morphologies of VT due to 2 different mechanisms.
Assessing the impact of transportation energy policies on travel behavior: A preliminary approach

Abstract With the continuing recognition that our nation's energy resources are indeed limited, the Federal government, as well as many state governments, is considering a number of policies for alleviating the impacts of fuel shortages. To the extent that these policies deal with the use and supply of motor fuel (particularly gasoline) they may have important impacts on transportation systems. This paper examines a number of energy conservation policies and assesses, at a general level, their likely transportation impacts. Then, the ability of existing transportation modeling techniques to rigorously assess the impacts of these policies, is examined. In particular, where the available modeling devices appear unable to deal with the impact of energy policies on the overall demand for travel and on the choice of mode preliminary suggestions on revisions to the models are offered.
Globalization and diversity: Contributions from intercultural research

Abstract This special issue features six articles that address some of the perils and opportunities rendered by globalization. A description of the theme, globalization and diversity, is offered, followed by a brief overview of the six differing perspectives on the theme represented in this issue. The focal issues examined in the featured articles range from the macro-level issues of global acculturative pressure on traditional cultures and their identities and meso-level responses of organizations and local communities to such pressure, to micro-level issues of psychological dislocation and intercultural conflict intensified by increasing ethnic diversity in global urban centers, international exchange programs designed to help facilitate intercultural engagement and global aptitude among college students, and the emerging phenomenon of individual identity transformation beyond the perimeters of a single culture. Together, the six articles are offered as a cross-disciplinary effort in search of a broader understanding of the complex and all-encompassing process of globalization and varied human responses to it.
Effect of obesity in the rat on renal transport of organic acids and bases.

SummaryThe effect of obesity on accumulation of PAH by rat renal cortical slices was determined using an in vitro slice technique. Accumulation of PAH was significantly depressed in animals made obese by feeding a high-fat diet. Accumulation of PAH decreased with increasing age, body weight and kidney weight independent of diet.Organic base accumulation was determined to demonstrate the specificity of the effect of the high-fat diet and obesity on organic acid transport. Accumulation of the base NMN was not different in renal tissue from grain-fed and high-fat-fed animals. There was no correlation between NMN accumulation and body weight. In high-fat-fed animals NMN accumulation by renal cortical slices decreased with increased age and kidney weight. Age and kidney weight in the grain-fed animals was not related to NMN accumulation.The data suggest that obesity and/or the constituents of the high-fat diet have a depressant effect upon the kidney. Since NMN accumulation was not influenced it is concluded t...
Familial Atrial Tachyarrhythmia With Short PR Interval

A family had an unusual and perhaps unique familial dysrhythmia. The proband had a short PR interval with normal QRS and chronic recurrent paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome). The arrhythmia produced left ventricular dysfunction. Both paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) and left ventricular dysfunction were reversed with administration of digoxin and propranolol hydrochloride. Three family members had paroxysmal or chronic atrial fibrillation, first diagnosed at a relatively young age (23 years, 38 years, and early 40s, respectively). Five additional family members had short PR intervals with normal QRS, and eight other family members had borderline short PR intervals. The mode of inheritance appeared to be autosomal dominant with varying expressivity. We have described a familial syndrome characterized by PAT or atrial fibrillation in its advanced form with short PR interval as a possible identifying trait. The future course of members with isolated short PR is unknown.
The Ownership Society and Health 2006 AcademyHealth's Chair's Address.

During his acceptance speech at the 2004 Republican National Convention, President Bush called upon America to “build an ownership society,” where “more people will own their health plans and have confidence of owning a piece of their retirement” (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040902-2.html). These views are amplified on the White House's website, which contains a Fact Sheet about “America's Ownership Society,” (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/08/20040809-9.html) with two examples in the area of health care: health savings accounts (HSAs) and the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Setting Proficiency Standards for School Leadership Assessment: An Examination of Cut Score Decision Making

Purpose: Performance evaluation informs professional development and helps school personnel improve student learning. Although psychometric literature indicates that a rational, sound, and coherent standard-setting process adds to the credibility of an assessment, few studies have empirically examined the decision-making process. This article sheds light on the inner workings of setting cut scores for leadership proficiency from the deliberative perspectives of expert-panel participants, including principals, teachers, district supervisors, and researchers. Research Design: Qualitative methods are used to observe and document a standards-setting process as it takes place and to analyze the results. Findings: The findings indicate that setting cut scores for principal leadership proficiency is a cognitively demanding but achievable process for effective implementation of carefully designed procedures. The study also provides insight regarding the influence of external factors, such as backgrounds of panelists, consideration of school contexts, and concerns about consequence during the standard-setting deliberation.
Effects of silver ions (Ag+) on contractile ring function and microtubule dynamics during first cleavage in Ilyanassa obsoleta

The terminal phase of cell division involves tight constriction of the cleavage furrow contractile ring, stabilization/elongation of the intercellular bridge, and final separation of the daughter cells. At first cleavage, the fertilized eggs of the mollusk, Ilyanassa obsoleta, form two contractile rings at right angles to each other in the same cytoplasm that constrict to tight necks and partition the egg into a trefoil shape. The cleavage furrow contractile ring (CF) normally constricts around many midbody microtubules (MTs) and results in cleavage; the polar lobe constriction contractile ring (PLC) normally constricts around very few MTs and subsequently relaxes without cleavage. In the presence of Ag+ ions, the PLC 1) begins MT-dependent rapid constriction sooner than controls, 2) encircles more MTs than control egg PLCs, 3) elongates much more than control PLCs, and 4) remains tightly constricted and effectively cleaves the polar lobe from the egg. If Ag(+)-incubated eggs are returned to normal seawater at trefoil, tubulin fluorescence disappears from the PLC neck and the neck relaxes. If nocodazole, a drug that depolymerizes MTs, is added to Ag(+)-incubated eggs during early PLC constriction, the PLC is not stabilized and eventually relaxes. However, if nocodazole is added to Ag(+)-incubated eggs at trefoil, tubulin fluorescence disappears from the PLC neck but the neck remains constricted. These results suggest that Ag+ accelerates and gradually stabilizes the PLC constriction by a mechanism that is initially MT-dependent, but that progressively becomes MT-independent.
Measurements on half-wavelength helix resonators

Abstract Dimensions and performance of a number of half-wavelength 50 MHz cylindrical helix resonators are reported. The phase velocities are between 0.023 and 0.102 of the velocity of light, and the shunt impedances vary between 13 and 31 Mω/m. The effect of end-spacing and other resonator dimensions on the shunt impedance has been measured. The shunt impedance measurements are compared with sheath-model theory. Two prototype linac resonators have been tested ar rf power levels up to 16 kW, which produced axial accelerating fields up to 1 MV/m. It was learned that helix resonators cannot be operated stably without some form of feedback frequency control, due to electromagnetically driven mechanical oscillations in the frequency range 110–150 Hz.
Tricyclic antidepressant use and risk of fractures: A meta‐analysis of cohort and case‐control studies

Because studies of the association between tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) treatment and risk of fracture have shown inconsistent findings, we sought to assess whether people who take TCAs are at increased risk of fracture. Relevant studies published by June 2012 were identified through database searches of Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ISI Web of Science, and WorldCat Dissertations and Theses from their inception, and manual searching of reference lists. Only original studies that examined the association between TCA treatment and risk of fracture were included. Two investigators independently conducted literature searches, study selection, study appraisal, and data abstraction using a standardized protocol. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Because of the heterogeneity of these studies, random-effects models were used to pool estimates of effect. Overall, TCA use was associated with significantly increased fracture risk (relative risk [RR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–1.60; p < 0.001). Increased fracture risk associated with TCA use was also observed in studies that adjusted for bone mineral density (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.24–1.90; p < 0.001) or depression (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.28–1.67; p < 0.001). Strength of association with TCA exposure duration ≥6 weeks (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00–1.28) was substantially weaker than association with TCA exposure duration <6 weeks (RR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.41–4.08). Prior TCA exposure had no significant effect on fracture risk (RR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86–1.26; p = 0.70). After accounting for publication bias, we found the overall association between TCA use and fracture risk to be slightly weaker (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24–1.50) but still significant (p < 0.001). Findings of this meta-analysis indicate that treatment with TCAs may convey an increased risk of fracture, independent of depression and bone mineral density. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ethnicity of Caucasians and Its Efetsct on Vitamin/Mineral Supplement Use.

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine and comprehend the effects of ethnicity on vitamin/mineral supplement use. Health professionals contend that healthy individuals should be able to meet their nutritional needs from dietary sources, yet the use of vitamin/mineral supplements is practiced by approximately 30-50% of adults in the United States today. This study examined vitamin/mineral supplement use and the relationship between sex, age, education, income and ethnicity of adult Southern and Eastern European Caucasians, living in Omaha, Nebraska. The study population consisted of 331 subjects: 284 adults (6 ethnic groups of interest), plus 47 adults (from a multiple ethnic background), as the control group. Approximately 54% of the subjects took vitamin/mineral supplements regularly. The majority of the subjects rated their overall health as very good or good. Logistic regression analyses indicated that sex, age, education, income and ethnicity collectively, but not individually, were significant predictors of vitamin/mineral supplement use. It was also observed that these variables were indicators of what supplements were taken, and why they were taken or not taken. It appears that strong social dimensions evident in ethnic groups, specifically Southern and Eastern European Caucasians, cannot be separated from the other strong controlling factors of supplement use: sex, age, education and income.
Cerebrospinal fluid glycine in nonketotic hyperglycinemia. Effect of treatment with sodium benzoate and a ventricular shunt

Abstract In three infants with nonketotic hyperglycinemia, glycine was increased three-to fourfold in plasma, 13- to 28-fold in lumbar spinal fluid, and was higher yet in ventricular fluid. Oral sodium benzoate lowered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glycine by >40%, but did not change the abnormal plasma: CSF ratio. An adult control, made hyperglycinemic with oral glycine, had a normal plasma: CSF ratio. Treatment of one patient with sodium benzoate from birth did not prevent mental retardation; the degree of brain stem depression was a function of CSF glycine in another patient. The persistance of glycine elevation in CSF, although therapy maintained normal concentration in plasma, appears to be caused by overproduction in brain and limitation of the high-capacity lumbar spinal reabsorptive mechanism. Treatment through lowering of CNS glycine by use of a ventricular shunt was explored.
Elucidation of the Mechanism of Enhanced Insulin Uptake and Release from pH Responsive Hydrogels

Environmentally responsive hydrogels composed of poly(methacrylic acid-g-ethylene glycol) (P(MAA-g-EG)) have shown promise for oral insulin delivery due to their pH responsive complexation behavior. A series of hydrogel formulations were polymerized with varying amounts of crosslinker and varying monomer volume fraction. The mesh size of the network depended primarily on pH, varying from 8.0 to 27.2 nm. Insulin loading efficiency varied directly with crosslink density, ranging from 42.7 to 84.9% of available insulin loaded into the hydrogels. The release of insulin was performed with each polymer formulation at 5 pH levels ranging from 2.7 to 6.8. Insulin release was less than 20% for all formulations tested with insulin for the duration of the 3 hour release study for all pH levels considered except when the pH was 6.8, at which point the release occurred as a burst. Loading studies performed with insulin glargine, an insulin analog with an increased pl, showed the same trends as native insulin. However, the release of insulin glargine only occurred at a pH level above that of the pl of the protein. These results indicate that hydrogen bonds and ionic interactions between the protein and P(MAA-g-EG) may strongly influence its loading and release behavior in vitro.
Static impedance behavior of programmable metallization cells

Abstract Programmable metallization cell (PMC) devices work by growing and dissolving a conducting metallic bridge across a chalcogenide glass (ChG) solid electrolyte, which changes the resistance of the cell. PMC operation relies on the incorporation of metal ions in the ChG films via photo-doping to lower the off-state resistance and stabilize resistive switching, and subsequent transport of these ions by electric fields induced from an externally applied bias. In this paper, the static on- and off-state resistance of a PMC device composed of a layered (Ag-rich/Ag-poor) Ge30Se70 ChG film with active Ag and inert Ni electrodes is characterized and modeled using three dimensional simulation code. Calibrating the model to experimental data enables the extraction of device parameters such as material bandgaps, workfunctions, density of states, carrier mobilities, dielectric constants, and affinities.
Scuffing mechanism of near-surface material during lubricated severe sliding contact

Abstract Scuffing, defined as a sudden catastrophic failure of lubricated sliding contact, is one of the least understood tribological failure processes, in spite of its great technological significance. It is usually accompanied by a large sudden rise in friction, contact temperature, and noise. Occurrence of scuffing results in loss of surface integrity and functionality of the tribological components. Although extensive phenomenological studies have been conducted on scuffing because of its implication regarding machine-element reliability, the basic mechanism of the failure process is still not well understood. Consequently, prediction and sometimes prevention of scuffing failure are difficult. Based on the recent observation of microstructural changes accompanying scuffing failure and various other phenomenological observations, a scuffing mechanism is proposed that involves adiabatic shear instability in the near-surface material at the sliding contact interface. Localized shear instability occurs when the rate of thermal softening due to the heat of plastic deformation exceeds the rate of work hardening—this is scuffing initiation. Propagation of scuffing to final catastrophic failure is determined by a balance between heat generation and heat dissipation. If the rate of heat generation by more plastic deformation exceeds the rate of heat dissipation, scuffing propagates; otherwise, the scuffing process is quenched. Once validated, this proposed mechanism will facilitate the prediction of scuffing based on material properties. It will also provide a mechanism-based strategy for scuffing failure prevention in tribological components.
Embolization of a Symptomatic Systemic to Pulmonary (Right-to-left) Venous Shunt Caused by Fibrosing Mediastinitis and Superior Vena Caval Occlusion

Paradoxical embolization can occur when a right-to-left shunt allows a venous thromboembolus to escape filtration by the lungs. Venous collateral pathways draining into the left heart incited by superior vena cava obstruction are a rare acquired right-to-left shunt. Herein, the authors report on a case of transient ischemic attack in a patient with vena caval occlusion secondary to histoplasmosis-related fibrosing mediastinitis, with subclavian vein thrombosis and a right-to-left extracardiac shunt diagnosed with echocardiography. Despite the complexity of the collateral network, this shunt was successfully eradicated with coil embolization.
Checking extended CTL properties using guarded quotient structures

We extend CTL logic to a logic called COUNT CTL (CCTL) for specifying properties of concurrent programs with large number of processes. We present a model checking algorithm for symmetric or partially symmetric systems when their correctness specification is given in CCTL. The model-checking algorithm employs Guarded Quotient Structures introduced in [9]. The GQS structures can be succinct representations for the reachability graphs of partially symmetric or even asymmetric systems. Our algorithm exploits state symmetries for fast evaluation. The algorithm is top down in nature, and automatically incorporates formula decomposition and sub-formula tracking.
Polysoaps. II. Effect of added hydrocarbon on reduced viscosity of an n‐dodecyl bromide addition compound of poly‐2‐vinylpyridine

The effect of isooctane and n-dodecane on the reduced viscosity of aqueous solutions of a polysoap, derived from poly-2-vinylpyridine (D.P. 2000) by partial quaternization with n-dodecyl bromide, was determined. It was found that the reduced viscosity of polysoap solutions decreased linearly with added hydrocarbon, indicating that the polysoap molecule coils are contracted by the solubilizate. This contraction is ascribed to an increase in the van der Waals' attractive energy furnished by the solubilized hydrocarbon molecules. When the saturation limit of the hydrocarbon was reached, addition of more hydrocarbon caused no further decrease in the reduced viscosity. This phenomenon furnishes a new method for measuring solubilization of hydrocarbons by polysoaps. Solubilization values of isooctane obtained by this procedure were compared with those found previously by the vapor pressure method. The close agreement confirms the validity of both experimental methods. The efficiency of solubilization and the percentage depression of the reduced viscosity were not sensitive to changes in the polysoap concentration. The following differences in the solubilization behavior of the polysoap toward isooctane and dodecane were observed: (1) isooctane was solubilized to a greater extent than dodecane; (2) the maximum reduced viscosity depression obtainable with isooctane was greater than that obtainable with dodecane; (3) gram for gram, the dodecane was the more efficient at depressing the reduced viscosity.
The generic placement of a morphologically enigmatic species in Asteraceae: evidence from ITS sequences

Bidens cordylocarpa is a high polyploid species restricted in distribution to stream sides in the mountains of Jalisco, Mexico. The morphologically enigmatic species was originally described as a member of the genus Coreopsis, but later transferred to Bidens, largely because the involucral bracts appear most similar to Bidens. Characters of the cypselae, often useful in generic placement, are of no value for this species because the fruits have features not detected in either Bidens or Coreopsis. Sequences from the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) were used to assess the relationships of Bidens cordylocarpa. The molecular phylogeny places B. cordylocarpa in a strongly supported clade of Mexican and South American Bidens, and provides more definitive evidence of relationships than morphology, chromosome number, or secondary chemistry. Molecular, morphological, and chromosomal data suggest that B. cordylocarpa is an ancient polyploid, perhaps the remnant of a polyploid complex.
Of inequality and irritation: new agendas and activism in Malaysia and Singapore

Democratization may best be understood in terms of movement towards fair representation and empowerment across all society. Electoral authoritarian, or “hybrid”, regimes fall far short of this mark, but not identically so. Malaysia and Singapore, quintessential hybrid regimes, demonstrate well how specific institutional configurations matter. As socio-economic grievances meet with new space for articulation, both these states have seen efforts to press liberalization from the grassroots up, by opening access to policy agendas or bringing new voices to the table. Those efforts span both institutional and non-institutional domains, from electoral mobilization, to mass protests for institutional reform, to endeavours to reshape relations between voters and parties. Available now across classes and cleavages to an atypical extent, the spread and scope of such tactics begs a reassessment of space and options for voice in specific illiberal orders. The progress of these efforts informs our understanding of part...
Synthesis ofN4-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-?-D-glucopyranosyl)-L-asparagine analogues. Complete NMR assignments of chloroacetamide, bromoacetamide and glycinamide analogues

N4-(2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-L-asparagine is the principle linkage in the structure of N-linked glycoproteins. Complete assignments of the 1H and 13C NMR spectra for three analogues of the naturally-occurring N-glycosylic structure were made for N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)chloroacetamide, N-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)bromoacetamide and N1-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)glycinamide. The methylene groups adjacent to the N-glycosylic bond are AB spin systems. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.