cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Amphoteric Ligands Including the Crystal and Molecular Structure of ((Me3SiCH2)2InPPh2)2.

Abstract The new amphoteric ligands (Me3SiCH2)2GaPPh2, (Me3SiCH2)2InPPh2, and (Me3CCH2)2InPPh2 have been prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, cryoscopic molecular weight measurements and 1H NMR, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopic data. An X-ray structural study was carried out to define the nature of [(Me3SiCH2)2InPPh2]2 in the solid state. The compounds were prepared either by a thermolysis reaction between the group 13 metal trialkyl and PPh2H or by a metathetical reaction between the dialkylmetal halide and KPPh2. Cryoscopic molecular weight measurements and 31P NMR spectroscopic data demonstrate that the new compounds exist as monomer-dimer equilibrium mixtures in benzene solution. The colorless crystal of [(Me3SiCH2)2InPPh2]2 contains two discrete molecules of the dimer in each unit cell. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 , with unit cell dimensions of a 10.323(4), b 11.113(5), c 21.509(8) A, α 83.85(5), β 86.66(6), γ 83.27(5)° and πcalcd 1.29 g cm-3. Full matrix least-squares refinement led to a final R value of 0.035 for 3787 observed reflections. The molecule contains four-membered indium-phosphorus rings.
Adrenarche in comparative perspective

Objectives: To addresses the hypothesis that human adrenarche is associated with extended juvenile brain development by comparing the timing of adrenal androgen production, brain development and lactation in a larger comparative mammalian context. Methods: Findings from published literature are used to compare the developmental timing of adrenal androgens, brain glucose utilization and lactation in rats, rhesus macaques and humans. Results: Comparison of the timing of androstenedione and progesterone production with developmental patterns of cortical glucose utilization and the timing of lactation in laboratory rats suggest that the rise and fall of adrenal hormone production centered on weaning plays a role in synaptogenesis during lactation as well as post weaning synaptic pruning. Comparison of the timing of cortical glucose utilization, DHEAS production and weaning in rhesus macaques also suggests that postnatally elevated levels of DHEAS may be related to patterns of synaptic formation and pruning centered on weaning. In contrast among humans, peak cortical glucose utilization occurs well after weaning and the rise in adrenal androgen production coincides with declining cortical glucose utilization with the onset of the juvenile stage. Conclusions: Compared to rats and macaque, in humans the energetic demands of brain development and increased production of adrenal androgens are divorced from the timing of lactation, while the timing of adrenarche and brain development are still associated. Thus the neuroprotective effects of DHEAS may protect synaptic plasticity in metabolically active parts of the brain starting approximately at the age of 7, promoting prolonged development of the human prefrontal cortex. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibits TNF-alpha but poorly induces IL-6 production by fetal rat osteoblasts.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are potent inflammatory cytokines produced by osteoblasts and whose contribution to bone loss occurring in oestrogen deficiency is well documented. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide abundantly concentrated in sensory nerve endings innervating bone metaphyses and periosteum suggesting that it controls bone homeostasis locally. Since CGRP was shown to inhibit TNF-alpha production by T cells and stimulate IL-6 expression by fibroblasts, this study was designed to investigate whether CGRP regulated TNF-alpha and IL-6 production by osteoblasts. We show that CGRP inhibits the production of TNF-alpha by both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and IL-1-stimulated fetal rat osteoblasts. Like CGRP, the cAMP agonists prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP) and forskolin inhibit TNF-alpha production by osteoblasts. Exposure of osteoblasts to a high dose of phorbol myristoyl acetate (PMA) to deplete PKC activity abolished CGRP-mediated TNF-alpha suppression. In contrast with its potent inhibition of TNF-alpha production, we show that CGRP is a weak inducer of IL-6 when compared to PGE2, Bt2cAMP and forskolin. However, in presence of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) CGRP stimulates the production of IL-6. Collectively, these data suggest that the inhibition of TNF-alpha CGRP is cAMP dependent and PMA sensitive and that the concentration of intracellular cAMP may be a regulatory mechanism for IL-6 expression in osteoblasts.
Proteoglycan biosynthesis is required in BC3H1 myogenic cells for modulation of vascular smooth muscle α-actin gene expression in response to microenvironmental signals

Induction of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) alpha-actin mRNA expression during cytodifferentiation of mouse BC3H1 myogenic cells coincides with the accumulation of cell surface- and extracellular matrix-associated sulfated proteoglycans. Inhibition of proteoglycan biosynthesis in myogenic cells using an artificial beta-D-xyloside glycosaminoglycan acceptor was accompanied by a reduction in cell surface/extracellular matrix proteoglycans and VSM alpha-actin mRNA expression while enhancing the secretion of free chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans into the culture medium. Maximum inhibition of VSM alpha-actin mRNA expression required that proteoglycan biosynthesis be blocked during the early phase of cytodifferentiation when myoblasts were fully confluent and quiescent. The inhibitory effect of beta-D-xyloside on alpha-actin mRNA expression resulted from attenuation at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional control points. Sustained proteoglycan biosynthesis was required for induction of VSM alpha-actin mRNA in quiescent myoblasts in response to cytodifferentiation-permissive, substrate-associated macromolecules (SAM) or upon exposure to soluble serum factors capable of transiently stimulating VSM alpha-actin gene transcription. The results suggested that efficient myoblast cytodifferentiation and modulation of VSM alpha-actin mRNA levels depended on intact cell surface proteoglycans to convey signals generated as a consequence of cellular interaction with substrate components and serum factors.
A path-dependent supersymmetric field theory of electric and magnetic charges

Abstract We present a supersymmetric field theory of electric and magnetic charges with a genuine string. As a consequence of the conventional and representation preserving constraints, the superstring variable has only a bosonic (space-time) part ξ μ . We discuss the string-independence of the theory.
Domain model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels at low channel density

The "shell" model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels is based on the accumulation of Ca2+ in a macroscopic shell beneath the plasma membrane. The shell is filled by Ca2+ entering through open channels, with the elevated Ca2+ concentration inactivating both open and closed channels at a rate determined by how fast the shell is filled. In cells with low channel density, the high concentration Ca2+ "shell" degenerates into a collection of nonoverlapping "domains" localized near open channels. These domains form rapidly when channels open and disappear rapidly when channels close. We use this idea to develop a "domain" model for Ca2(+)-inactivation of Ca2+ channels. In this model the kinetics of formation of an inactivated state resulting from Ca2+ binding to open channels determines the inactivation rate, a mechanism identical with that which explains single-channel recordings on rabbit-mesenteric artery Ca2+ channels (Huang Y., J. M. Quayle, J. F. Worley, N. B. Standen, and M. T. Nelson. 1989. Biophys. J. 56:1023–1028). We show that the model correctly predicts five important features of the whole-cell Ca2(+)-inactivation for mouse pancreatic beta-cells (Plants, T. D. 1988. J. Physiol. 404:731–747) and that Ca2(+)-inactivation has only minor effects on the bursting electrical activity of these cells.
The Incidence of Metastases From Untreated Ciliary Body and Choroidal Melanoma

• A large survey was conducted to identify patients with choroidal and ciliary body melanomas in whom preoperative evaluation for the presence of metastases was performed. Twenty-nine (2.47%) of 1,214 patients were found to have metastases prior to surgical manipulation of the globe. Liver function enzymes combined with liver-spleen scanning is the most effective means for screening for the presence of metastases in these patients and should be performed in all cases in which surgical manipulation of the globe is anticipated.
Effects of prenatal nutrition on learning and motivation in rats

Abstract The results of two learning experiments revealed that adult male rats whose dams suffered either prenatal zinc deficiency or undernutrition showed, as compared to rats whose dams were fed ad lib, normal diets during pregnancy (1) more resistance to extinction following partial reinforcement, and (2) a faster occurring negative contrast effect when shifted from large to small reward. An incentive-motivation interpretation of the data suggests that the nutritionally deprived and normal animals differ with respect to the incentive value of the consummatory reward. This effect appears to be long-term.
Characterization and mechanistic studies of the dehydrogenation of NHxBHx materials

Abstract In this review we cover the recent developments providing insight into the chemical and physical properties for a series of hydrogen-rich nitrogen–boron–hydrogen materials that are of interest as energy storage media for fuel cell power applications. These materials, ammonium borohydride (ABH2, [NH4][BH4]; 240 g H2/kg; 165 g/l), ammonia borane (AB, [NH3BH3]; 196 g H2/kg; 147 g/l) and diammoniate of diborane (DADB, [NH3BH2NH3][BH4]; 196 g H2/kg; ca. 151 g/l), release hydrogen by a series of moderately exothermic reaction pathways. The advantage of these materials is that hydrogen release is kinetically controlled and occurs at relatively low temperatures and moderate pressures. The challenges are devising economical pathways to regenerate the fully charged hydrogen storage materials off board and understanding and controlling the formation of volatile impurities that decrease the purity of the hydrogen available for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. The focus of this review is on the solid phase ABH2, AB and DADB materials to complement the coverage of AB in other recent review articles (Stephens et al. [1] ; Marder [2] ). Additional discussion is given on the decomposition products of these materials, polyaminoborane (PAB, [NH2BH2]n) and polyiminoborane (PIB, [NHBH]n). The article is organized into three sections: (i) Synthesis and structural characterization; (ii) Kinetics and thermodynamics of hydrogen release and (iii) Outstanding challenges for breakthroughs.
Stereological analysis of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha -containing dorsal root ganglion neurons in the rat: colocalization with isolectin Griffonia simplicifolia, calcitonin gene-related peptide, or vanilloid receptor 1.

The enzyme Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is widely distributed in the nervous system. A previous report describes immunostaining for CaMKII alpha in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In this study, CaMKII alpha is colocalized in the rat with three putative markers of nociceptive DRG neurons, isolectin Griffonia simplicifolia (I-B4), identifying small-diameter, "peptide-poor" neurons; calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), identifying " peptide-rich" neurons; or the vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1), identifying neurons activated by heat, acid, and capsaicin. Lumbar 4 and 5 DRG sections were labeled using immunofluorescence or lectin binding histochemistry, and percentages of single and double-labeled CaMKIIalpha neurons were determined. Stereological estimates of total neuron number in the L4 DRG were 13,815 +/- 2,798 and in the L5 DRG were 14,111 +/- 4,043. Percentages of single-labeled L4 DRG neurons were 41% +/- 2% CaMKII alpha, 38% +/- 3% I-B4, 44% +/- 3% CGRP, and 32% +/- 6% VR1. Percentages of single-labeled L5 DRG neurons were 44% +/- 5% CaMKII alpha, 48% +/- 2% I-B4, 41% +/- 7% CGRP, and 39% +/- 14% VR1. For L4 and L5, respectively, estimates of double-labeled CaMKII alpha neurons showed 34% +/- 2% and 38% +/- 17% labeled for I-B4, 25% +/- 14% and 19% +/- 10% labeled for CGRP, and 37% +/- 7% and 38% +/- 5% labeled for VR1. Conversely, for L4 and L5, respectively, 39% +/- 14% and 38% +/- 7% I-B4 binding neurons, 24% +/- 12% and 23% +/- 10% CGRP neurons, and 42% +/- 7% and 35% +/- 7% VR1 neurons labeled for CaMKIIalpha. The mean diameter of CaMKII alpha - labeled neurons was approximately 27 microm, confirming that this enzyme was preferentially localized in small DRG neurons. The results indicate that subpopulations of DRG neurons containing CaMKII alpha are likely to be involved in the processing of nociceptive information. Thus, this enzyme may play a critical role in the modulation of nociceptor activity and plasticity of primary sensory neurons.
Resource Allocation Auctions within Firms

There is growing interest in the use of markets within firms. Proponents have noted that markets are a simple and efficient mechanism for allocating resources in economies in which information is dispersed. In contrast to the use of markets in the broader economy, the efficiency of an internal market is determined in large part by the endogenous contractual incentives provided to the participating, privately informed agents. In this paper, we study the optimal design of managerial incentives when resources are allocated by an internal auction market, as well as the efficiency of the resulting resource allocations. We show that the internal auction market can achieve first-best resource allocations and decisions, but only at an excessive cost in compensation payments. We then identify conditions under which the internal auction market and associated optimal incentive contracts achieve the benchmark second-best outcome as determined using a direct revelation mechanism. The advantage of the auction is that it is easier to implement than the direct revelation mechanism. When the internal auction mechanism is unable to achieve second-best, we characterize the factors that determine the magnitude of the shortfall. Overall, our results speak to the robust performance of relatively simple market mechanisms and associated incentive systems in resolving resource allocation problems within firms.
High frequency optical subcarrier generator

The authors describe an electro-optical oscillator capable of generating high stability optical signals at frequencies up to 70 GHz. Signals as high as 9.2 GHz were generated with an optical wavelength of 1310 nm using the oscillator, and a comb of stable frequencies was produced by modelocking the oscillator. >
Home Monitoring of Middle Ear Fluid by Parents Using Spectral Gradient Acoustic Reflectometry

Home Monitoring of Middle Ear Fluid by Parents Using Spectral Gradient Acoustic Reflectometry
Coalescence Filter Media with Drainage Channels

Fibrous filters are used to remove liquid aerosols from gas streams. Filter media capture fine liquid droplets; the captured liquid droplets coalesce to form big drops and saturate the filter media. This captured liquid typically drains from the filter by gravity. The saturation, or liquid holdup in the filter, constricts the gas flow, reduces capture efficiency, increases pressure drop, and increases the operating costs of the filter. Liquid holdup in the filter also decreases the on-stream life of the filter and requires replacing the filter, which requires shutting down the process and/or equipment being used, which adversely affects the economy of the process. Filter performance improves when the liquid saturation is reduced without reduction in capture efficiency. In this article, glass microfiber filter media are modified with nonwoven polypropylene fabric drainage structures to reduce saturation and drag resistance. The experimental results show that the geometry with embedded nonwoven drainage cha...
Electrical properties of canine subendocardial Purkinje fibers surviving in 1-day-old experimental myocardial infarction.

The passive electrical properties of subendocardial Purkinje fibers surviving in infarcted regions of canine ventricle 24 hours after coronary ligation were studied by using microelectrode techniques and cable theory. In normal hearts, cells within the subendocardial Purkinje fiber strands were found to be well coupled to each other but electrically isolated from neighboring myocardium. Voltage response to intracellular current injection was consistent with one-dimensional cable behavior and yielded estimates of passive electrical properties in general agreement with previous work on free-running Purkinje strands (membrane length constant, 1.2 +/- 0.1 mm; membrane time constant, 7.3 +/- 0.8 msec; input resistance, 67.4 +/- 7.4 K omega; membrane resistance, 8.2 +/- 0.7 K omega.cm; axial resistance, 0.52 +/- 0.06 M omega/cm; membrane capacitance, 960 +/- 102 nF/cm) (n = 21). On the day after coronary ligation, subendocardial Purkinje fiber action potentials were prolonged and slightly depolarized. Significant increases were measured in input resistance (+40.5%), membrane resistance (+43.9%), and axial resistance (+47.5%), whereas membrane capacitance was found to be significantly decreased (-24.3%) (n = 19). Conduction velocity, membrane length constant, membrane time constant, and the time constant and capacitance for the foot of the action potential remained unchanged. These results are consistent with electrical uncoupling between adjacent cells, which will increase internal resistivity, accompanied by changes in cellular phospholipid content, which can increase membrane resistance and alter membrane capacitance. Alternatively, the results can be explained by a simple model in which the apparent electrical structure is altered by changes in electrical coupling alone, with specific electrical properties remaining constant. Although the mechanisms underlying the observed changes remain uncertain, the present study indicates that myocardial infarction is associated with alterations in the passive electrical structure of surviving subendocardial Purkinje fibers, which, together with changes in action potential configuration, may provide a substrate for the generation of ventricular arrhythmias 24 hours after coronary ligation.
Five Years of Appellate Problems after Booker

In United States v. Booker the U.S. Supreme Court rendered the Federal Sentencing Guidelines advisory rather than mandatory, committing sentencing decisions to the discretion of the district courts. But the Booker decision did not end with discretion. The Supreme Court also instituted appellate reasonableness review of all sentencing decisions. These two aspects of Booker’s remedy – discretion in district courts and appellate review for reasonableness – pull in opposite directions. Discretion means choice; there is no single correct sentence in any case. Substantive appellate review, by contrast, limits that choice. Appellate review promotes uniformity, and in particular adherence to the Guidelines, by cabining discretion. Since Booker, the Court has not resolved the tension between discretion and appellate review. Instead, the Court has sought to maintain district court discretion, while at the same time using appellate review to promote adherence to the Guidelines. This commentary notes that the incompatibility of discretion and appellate review has manifested itself in at least three different ways. The Court has issued decisions with conflicting language, abandoned ordinary features of presumptions and appellate review, and suggested imprecisely defined new legal tests. This commentary identifies instances where these developments have occurred and traces the resulting confusion and conflict in the circuits.
The Early History of Optics at the National Bureau of Standards

The early history of the establishment of the National Bureau of Standards and of its work in optics is surveyed, as evidenced by its publications appearing in the period 1901–1925.
Integrated genetic algorithms and cloud technology to solve travelling salesman problem on Hadoop

Genetic algorithms are an evolutionary technique that use crossover and mutation operators to solve optimization problems using a survival of the fittest idea. They have been used successfully in a variety of different problems, including the traveling salesman problem. Hadoop is one of the most common cloud computing platform in large-scale commercial environment. Complete and strong infrastructure which can help us reduced much development time. We use genetic algorithm solved traveling salesman problem on Hadoop platform to save huge computing processes and time.
Stereospecific synthesis of tetradeuterated (R)‐ and (S)‐ifosfamide

The tetradeuterated analogues of (R)- and (S)-ifosfamide [(S)- and (R)-2-(2-chloro-2,2-dideuterioethyl)amino-3-(2-chloroethyl)-6,6-dideuterio-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,2-oxazaphosphorin-2-oxide, (S)- and (R)-1-d4] were synthesized by modification of a literature procedure. The enantiomers of α-methylbenzylamine were employed as the resolving agents in the multi-step synthesis in a 9% overall yield. The selected labeled positions should minimize potential isotope effects useful for the investigation of stereoselective metabolism of ifosfamide by pseudoracemate methodology
Enhanced dynamic electromechanical properties of electrophoresis assembled carbon nanotube-polymer piezoelectric transducers

This paper presents a controllable electrophoresis for assembled single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)/polymer transducers under an electric field excitation. The directed assembled high-density SWNT networks are verified with SEM micrograph and Raman spectroscopy. The dynamic electromechanical properties are characterized by a combinative approach of piezoelectric excitation and laser vibrometer measurement. A remarkable performance enhancement for such thin-film transducers in both resonant frequency and quality factor is demonstrated, compared with pure polymer. This observed enhancement can not only be exploited to tailor the thin-film transducers for desired electromechanical properties, but also create versatile and promising pathways for next-generation actuators, sensors, and microsystems with a high performance.
Quality improvement in end-of-life critical care.

Patients, clinicians and policy makers are increasingly interested in measuring and improving the quality of health care at the end of life. The intensive care unit (ICU) is characterized by high mortality and frequent use of life-sustaining treatments, making critical care a natural target for these efforts. Indeed, multiple local and regional quality improvement efforts now specifically target the dying experience for ICU patients, patients at risk for ICU admission, and their families. These activities either target ICU caregivers through educational programs and quality incentives, or target patients and their families directly through palliative care and efforts to improve decisions around the end of life. Although these initiatives hold great promise, they also face inherent challenges—it is difficult to measure the quality of end-of-life care, we lack practical targets for affecting quality, and uncertain political climates can often preclude serious discussions about end-of-life care. Moreover, these programs may lead to unintended consequences, potentially negatively impacting the very care they seek to improve. Future innovations surrounding how we measure the quality of end-of-life care and paradigm shifts in the way we think about ICU quality may help us to fully realize the goal of improving the dying process for ICU patients.
Two-scale mechanism-based theory of nonlinear viscoelasticity

Abstract The paper presents a mechanism-based two-scale theory for a generalized nonlinear viscoelastic continuum. The continuum is labeled as generalized since it contains extra degrees of freedom typical of past high-order continuum theories, though a new formulation is presented here tailored to meet the needs of the physical description of the viscoelastic solid. The microstress that appears in the equations, often criticized for a lack of physical meaning, is assigned in this work to viscous free chains superimposed on a nonlinear elastic backbone composed of crosslinks and reinforcement. Mathematically, hyperelasticity is used to describe the equilibrium backbone (macroscale), and an improvement of tube models for reptation dynamics describes the free chain motion at the microscale. Inhomogeneous deformation is described by inclusion of a microstrain gradient into the formulation. Thus, the theory is nicely suited for materials with microstructure where localization of strains and inhomogeneous deformation occur in addition to viscoelastic damping mechanisms due to free chains. Besides the microstress, physical meaning of the additional boundary conditions arising in the general theory is also presented. Since the proposed material model is mechanism-based, macroscopic performances are functions of microstructural variables describing the polymer chemistry so that parametric material design concepts may be gleaned from the model. Several physical phenomena are captured through numerical simulation of the class of materials of interest: size effects, strain localization, and the fracture process. Results agree qualitatively with both experimental data and direct numerical simulation for filled elastomeric solids.
Image sensor with focal plane change event driven video compression

An image sensor with focal plane based hardware acceleration of video compression is presented. The 90 x 90 pixel CMOS image sensor provides in-pixel professing of intensity changes, serving as an analog memory and processor for temporal image difference computation. Surveillance quality videos of up to a 48:1 compression ratio via a temporally compensated DCT based compression algorithm is attained with just an 18.5 MHz micro-controller. Power consumption is 225 mW during full operation and 6mVV during full sleep mode that continuously monitors for change events to trigger encoding.
Self-organized network-layer security in mobile ad hoc networks

Protecting the network layer in a mobile ad hoc network is an important research topic in wireless security. This paper describes our unified network-layer security solution in ad hoc networks, which protects both routing and packet forwarding functionalities in the context of the AODV protocol. To address the unique characteristics of ad hoc networks, we take a self-organized approach by exploiting full localized design, without assuming any a priori trust or secret association between nodes. In our design, each node has a token in order to participate in the network operations, and its local neighbors collaboratively monitor it to detect any misbehavior in routing or packet forwarding services. Upon expiration of the token, each node renews its token via its multiple neighbors. The period of the validity of a node's token is dependent on how long it has stayed and behaved well in the network. A well-behaving node accumulates its credit and renews its token less and less frequently as time evolves. In essence, our security solution exploits collaboration among local nodes to protect the network layer without completely trusting any individual node.
Multiple Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescents: An Examination of Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data.

Background: Chronic disease risk factors tend to cooccur. Purpose: This study examined the cooccurrence of 8 negative health behaviors in a representative sample of urban adolescents to inform educational interventions. Methods: The prevalence, cooccurrence, and clustering of suicide attempt, lifetime history of sexual activity, tobacco use, cell phone use while driving, risky weight loss, daily soda consumption, sedentary behavior, and extreme video game use were examined among 1354 high school students. Results: Fifty-three percent of the sample were female and 61% were black. Most (80.3%) engaged in 1 to 3 risk behaviors, 10.4% reported none, and 0.5% had engaged in 6 to 8. Ever having sex was the most common cooccurring risk behavior and 4 distinct clusters of risk behaviors emerged: cluster 1 (N = 325) ever having sex; cluster 2 (N = 236): frequent soda drinking; cluster 3 (N = 402): sedentary + extreme video game use; cluster 4 (N = 391): current smoking + attempted suicide + cell phone use while dr...
Photoeffects in common-source and common-drain microwave GaAs MESFET oscillators

Abstract Photoeffects in common-source and common-drain mode GaAs MESFET oscillators show that the common-source mode oscillator has an optical-frequency sensitivity approx. 5 times higher than that of the common-drain mode, principally caused by the oscillator frequency dependence upon C gs . Although the photoinduced frequency change can be duplicated by a small decrease (0.2–0.6 V) in gate bias voltage, 1 MHz capacitance data indicates that a change in the effective space charge density in the gate depletion layer (not a change in built-in voltage) is the source of the C gs variation.
In defense of assertion

Herman Cappelen has recently argued in favor of what he calls “the no assertion view”, where the putative speech act is replaced with Paul Grice’s category of ‘sayings’. To make his case, Cappelen produces four arguments against Timothy Williamson’s normative view of assertion, holding that the same arguments can be used mutatis mutandis against other non-normative views of assertion. In this paper I examine all four of Cappelen’s arguments against normative theories of assertion, and conclude that they fail.
Sponge−Vesicle Transformation in Binary Mixtures of Ionized Phospholipid Bilayers

The ionized phospholipids NaDLPG and NaDMPG each undergo a transformation from a sponge phase to unilamellar vesicles at a critical temperature T* (Koshinuma; et al. Langmuir 1999, 15, 3430). The p...
Materials chemistry of chiral macromolecules. 1. Synthesis and phase transitions

This paper describes work on synthesis of chiral macromolecules as part of a materials chemistry study which seeks to establish links in these systems among molecular structure, three-dimensional molecular organization, and properties. The basic materials chemistry hypothesis driving this work is that chiral forces among stereogenic centers may serve as guiding fields to organize polymers in two or three dimensions. It follows that physical properties could be directly or indirectly controlled by chirality. In order to promote strong forces among chiral centers the chains were designed to have stereogenic carbons substituted by the strongly dipolar cyano group and spaced by 16 atoms along the backbone. The preparative chemistry of chiral macromolecules is challenging given the limited number of polymerization methodologies and the inherent translational periodicity of synthetic polymers. The authors have synthesized here low symmetry chiral macromolecules in which the only symmetry element retained is polar translation; achiral homogues lacking the nitril function, the configurationally disordered polymer, and dimeric model compounds were prepared as well. 25 refs., 15 figs., 4 tabs.
Gas-phase reactions of hydrazine with nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, and oxygen

The homogeneous gas-phase reactions of hydrazine with nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, oxygen, and a mixture of oxygen and nitric oxide were studied in an adiabatic flow reactor. Reaction rates, over-all activation energies, and reaction orders were obtained at comparable experimental conditions for the four reactions. The results demonstrate that hydrazine oxidation can occur both with and without prior decomposition of the hydrazine and depends upon the particular oxidizer. Reactant concentrations of 0.3×10−7 to 3×10−7 (moles/cc) in a nitrogen carrier flowing through a 4-in.-diameter quartz duct were used. The total pressure was 1 atm, the tempera ture range 800° to 1050°K. The adiabatic flow reactor provides for rapid reactant mixing and thereby allows study of the hydrazine/nitrogen dioxide reaction with premixed reactants. Experimentally determined reaction rates, reaction orders, and activation energies are summarized below. The hydrazine/nitrogen dioxide reaction occurs in two distinct steps, the reduction of nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide followed by the reduction of nitric oxide. hydrazine/nitrogen dioxide Step I: d[N2H4]/dt=−k[N2H4][NO2] k=1015.83 exp (−26700/RT)[cc mole−1 sec−1] Step II: d[N2H4]/dt=−k[N2H4] k=1010.17 exp (−39600/RT)[sec−1] hydrazine/oxygen d[N2H4]/dt=−k[N2H4] k=109.91 exp (−37200/RT) [sec−1] hydrazine/nitric oxide and oxygen d[N2H4]/dt=−k[N2H4] k=1010.35 exp (−39100/RT) [sec−1] hydrazine/nitric oxide d[N2H4]/dt=−k[N2H4] k=1011.48 exp (−45400/RT)
Polysome-ribosome dynamics in the acute response of the liver to carcinogens

Abstract The disaggregation of liver polysomes induced by ethionine is reversed by the administration of adenine. This reversal by adenine is progressively lost with time such that only a minimal degree of reformation of polysomes is observed after 20 hr of ethionine intoxication, despite the return of the ATP concentration to control values. Protein synthesis either in vivo or in vitro follows closely the polysome profile. A similar correlation is present after animals are treated with puromycin. After ethionine or puromycin, the liver shows a large degree of reformation of polysomes from ribosome precursors in the presence of a dose of cycloheximide sufficient to inhibit protein synthesis over 90%. The reformed polyribosomes are normal both by functional and morphological criteria. These results indicate that the disaggregation of polysomes with ethionine or puromycin is due to a change in the location of the rate-limiting step in the polysome-ribosome equilibrium. Presumably, the presence of cycloheximide relocates the rate-limiting step back to the polysome. In contrast to these results are those with carbon tetrachloride and dimethylnitrosamine. With carbon tetrachloride, cycloheximide prevents completely disaggregation but has no effect on the ribosome pattern once disaggregation has been induced. With dimethylnitrosamine, cycloheximide is not effective in either preventing or reversing the polysome disaggregation.
A high-strength, high-conductivity Al–Ti deformation processed metal metal matrix composite

Abstract An 80 vol.% Al–20 vol.% Ti composite was produced by powder metallurgy and deformation processing. Axisymmetric deformation processing to a true strain of 13.9 produced a composite with sub-micron Ti filaments (textured with the hexagonal close packed 〈 10 1 0 〉 direction parallel to the specimen's cylindrical centerline) in an Al matrix. The ultimate tensile strength of the composite was 890 MPa, and its electrical resistivity was 43 n Ω m, which is believed to be a higher ratio of ultimate tensile strength to resistivity than the ratios in any commercially available Al alloy. Strength and resistivity were unaffected by a 86 000s anneal at 473 K. The composite's Al and Ti react to form Al 3 Ti at 600 K.
Raman spectroscopic study of conformational changes in the amorphous phase of poly(lactic acid) during deformation

Abstract The conformational distribution change of amorphous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) induced by deformation has been studied using Raman spectroscopy. Spectroscopic features associated with the rotational isomeric states ( ttt , ttg ′, tg ′ t , tg ′ g ′) have been established experimentally and supported by normal coordinate analysis. Deformation induced a significant increase in the most favorable tg ′ t conformation. Based on the relative intensities of Raman-active skeletal modes, a quantitative method has been developed that can be used to elucidate structural changes in a variety of deformed polymer samples. For biaxially oriented PLA films, the overall tg ′ t conformation increased from the 76% in undeformed sample to a value as high as 92%. The change in conformational distribution in the amorphous phase follows a different trend (76–88%) as compared to the increase in sample crystallinity (0–43%). A large change in amorphous chain conformation occurred at relatively low draw ratios. In contrast, the large change in the degree of crystallinity occurred at higher draw ratios.
Tune-split effects at the ALS storage ring

This paper is concerned with operational characteristics of the Advanced Light Source (ALS) storage ring, a synchrotron light source of the third generation that is capable of operating between 1.0 and 1.9 GeV beam energy. Even though the magnetic properties of its lattice magnets appeared to be very well understood an anomaly was observed with the measured betatron tunes when the working point of any of the three quadrupole families or the bend magnets was switched from the upper to the lower hysteresis branch. In no case was it then possible to recover the standard horizontal and vertical tune values simultaneously at any given excitation current; either one was considerably off normal when the other one was set to the proper value. The nature of this so-called "tune-split effect" was investigated, and the solution to the problem is presented here, together with an outlook on consequences for operational scenarios resulting from this effect.
Overcoming the Cinderella Myth: A Mixed Methods Study of Successful Stepmothers

Abstract Using a family systems framework, a mixed methods approach was used to understand the challenges, resources and coping strategies of stepmothers. The Delphi method was used to identify the primary challenges of stepmothers. Ethnographic interviews with self-described “successful” stepmothers were then conducted to better understand these challenges and the coping methods and styles used to manage them. Analysis resulted in thematic content related to role and contextual challenges. Coping themes included the importance of positive communication, attitudes and attributes, marital quality, as well as formal and informal supports. Suggestions for researchers and practitioners are provided.
Conformational changes in a pore-forming region underlie voltage-dependent “loop gating” of an unapposed connexin hemichannel

The structure of the pore is critical to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying selective permeation and voltage-dependent gating of channels formed by the connexin gene family. Here, we describe a portion of the pore structure of unapposed hemichannels formed by a Cx32 chimera, Cx32*Cx43E1, in which the first extracellular loop (E1) of Cx32 is replaced with the E1 of Cx43. Cysteine substitutions of two residues, V38 and G45, located in the vicinity of the border of the first transmembrane (TM) domain (TM1) and E1 are shown to react with the thiol modification reagent, MTSEA–biotin-X, when the channel resides in the open state. Cysteine substitutions of flanking residues A40 and A43 do not react with MTSEA–biotin-X when the channel resides in the open state, but they react with dibromobimane when the unapposed hemichannels are closed by the voltage-dependent “loop-gating” mechanism. Cysteine substitutions of residues V37 and A39 do not appear to be modified in either state. Furthermore, we demonstrate that A43C channels form a high affinity Cd2+ site that locks the channel in the loop-gated closed state. Biochemical assays demonstrate that A43C can also form disulfide bonds when oocytes are cultured under conditions that favor channel closure. A40C channels are also sensitive to micromolar Cd2+ concentrations when closed by loop gating, but with substantially lower affinity than A43C. We propose that the voltage-dependent loop-gating mechanism for Cx32*Cx43E1 unapposed hemichannels involves a conformational change in the TM1/E1 region that involves a rotation of TM1 and an inward tilt of either each of the six connexin subunits or TM1 domains.
Toward a new paradigm of innovation on the mobile platform: redefining the roles of content providers, technology companies, and users

Innovation on the mobile platform has focused on the development of infrastructure and devices with mobile carriers and device manufacturers leading the effort. With the commoditization of voice traffic, there has been shift toward content innovation. In order for innovation to continue to flourish on the mobile platform, a new paradigm must be adopted. Rather than the current linear approach in which carriers dictate the terms to content providers and users, this new paradigm is more networked and ecological in structure. The key constituents include content providers, technology companies (both carriers and device manufacturers) and users of the mobile platform all of whom play important roles and continually interact to foster innovation. A case study on TJNet, an Italian mobile content provider, illustrates the new paradigm.
The effect of lung volume reduction surgery on chronotropic incompetence.

Summary Background Chronotropic incompetence (CI) is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with COPD. Treatments that improve pulmonary function and exercise capacity may affect CI. Objectives are to evaluate CI before and after lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and determine if changes in CI are associated with changes in pulmonary function and exercise capacity. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 75 patients who underwent LVRS and who had complete cardiopulmonary exercise testing and concurrent pulmonary function tests two months before and about 6 months after surgery. Additionally we evaluated 28 control patients that were randomized to medical treatment as part of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial at our center. We studied CI using the percent of predicted heart rate reserve=(heart rate peak−heart rate rest)/((208−0.7×age)−heart rate rest)×100, before and after surgery and compared it to the control group. Results Mean percent of predicted heart rate reserve improved from 41% to 50% ( p -value Conclusions CI improves after LVRS in a population of patients with COPD. CI improvements are associated with the increases in pulmonary function and exercise capacity. This improvement is seen in a domain of known cardiopulmonary impairment prior to surgery that improves as a positive response to the therapy of LVRS.
Third-Party Negligence Claims Against Counsel: A Proposed Unified Liability Standard

When should attorneys be liable to nonclients for negligence? If attorney third-party liability law is, as one commentator laments, "hopelessly confused," then the standards addressing third-party negligence claims against counsel deserve much of the blame. Courts typically approach the problem under one of four theories: privity, third-party beneficiary law, California balancing, and the composite approach of the Restatement of the Law Governing Lawyers. These approaches yield different outcomes on basic questions, and fail to offer principled accounts for their recognition or rejection of duties. This article takes up the search for a principled standard. It reconceptualizes the problem as two distinct questions: why should we impose on attorneys duties of care to third parties; and, why should we limit such attorney duties? This article contends that we impose duties of care on attorneys for the same reason that we impose such duties on tortfeasors generally: because their unreasonable behavior can harm the third parties identified by the duty, or "nexus," standards of negligence law. We limit attorney duties when the attorney's unique role implicates interests that warrant differentiation of attorneys from tortfeasors generally. In conflating these two questions, the current approaches manipulate the nexus standards to limit attorney duties of care. Because the real source of such limits lies elsewhere, the current approaches are consigned to vague, impressionistic accounts or categorical denials of duties without reason. Limits on attorney negligence duties derive not from revision of these nexus standards but from the attorney's unique and conflicting obligations to others. This article contends that attorneys differ from others for third-party, negligence-liability purposes not because of their tort or contract obligations to clients, but rather because their professional-ethical standards impose duties that are not imposed on tortfeasors generally. Thus, this article proposes an "ethical differentiation" standard: an attorney should owe a duty of care to a nonclient if: (1) such duty is recognized under the nexus standards of negligence law that are applicable to all tortfeasors; and (2) no attorney-ethics obligation contradicts the nexus-based duty. In application, the proposed standard offers an array of heretofore undeveloped distinctions between classes of cases in which duties of care should be countenanced or denied. The standard also offers insight on perhaps the most vexing question posed by such claims: whether an attorney owes a duty of care to a third party to investigate before furthering a transaction when the attorney has reason to suspect client wrongdoing.
Educational Technology Funding Models.

Library and cross-disciplinary literature all stress the increasing importance of instructional technology in higher education. However, there is a dearth of articles detailing funding for library instructional technology. The bulk of library literature on funding for these projects focuses on one-time grant opportunities and on the architecture and design of spaces for public computers. This article seeks to examine the financial implications of educational technology funding for libraries and how ultimately libraries can be absorbed into a strategic, campus-wide technology funding cycle. Theoretical models of cyclical funding were analyzed, primarily through EduCause articles, resulting in five key elements of fiscally responsible funding practice: (a) leadership, (b) strategic planning, (c) collaboration, (d) changing organizational structures, and (e) flexibility. Findings generated were used to examine the financial implications of maintenance, rates of return of Instructional Technology, capital and operating budgets, and short- and long-term funding plans on funding models. This article seeks to examine the financial implications of educational technology funding for academic libraries and how ultimately libraries can be absorbed into a strategic, campus-wide technology funding cycle. American colleges and universities were expected to spend $6.94 billion on technology during 2006, a 35% increase compared with the prior year, with hardware representing one-half of the total technology spending. The average technology budgets at private institutions rose by 26%, compared with 20% at public institutions (Market Data Retrieval, 2006, p. 2).