cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Co-construction and Initiative in Peer Learning Interactions

The aim of the project we discuss in this paper is to develop a computational model of peer learning. We present an extensive analysis of peer learning dialogues, analysis on which our computational model is based. Our model incorporates shifts of initiative as an identifier of knowledge co-construction. We have embedded this model in a peer-learning agent that collaborates with students to solve problems in the domain of computer science data structures.
Dis/unity of Knowledge: Models for the Study of Modern Esotericism and Science

Research on relations between esotericism and science exhibits a fundamental asymmetry. While historians of science have been eager to uncover esoteric contexts for early modern sciences, scholars of modern esoteric movements look almost solely at esotericism in the context of scientific progress. This asymmetry is largely due to a division of intellectual labor following lines of specialization in the humanities. The early modern period has been of supreme interest for historians of science, who have applied their expertise to uncovering important connections. In contrast, late modern esoteric thought has almost exclusively fallen under the purview of religious studies scholars, who lack the tools (and often the interest) to dissect the workings of the sciences. The result has been that, for relations of science and esotericism in the late modern period, the prevailing picture has been one of a unidirectional influence from “proper” science to a culturally parasitic esoteric discourse. The present article aims to remedy this asymmetry. A systematization and evaluation of existing approaches to esotericism/science leads to an argument that new methodology and conceptual tools are needed for a sufficient analysis of esotericism/science relations in the modern world to develop. These tools are found in the interdisciplinary field of science and technology studies.
Corporate Social Responsibility Failures: How do Consumers Respond to Corporate Violations of Implied Social Contracts?

This research documents consumers’ potential to monitor corporations’ License to Operate through their consumption responses to corporate social responsibility failures. The premise is that the type of social contracts or standards in place may determine how consumers, through their individual and collective behaviors, can play a direct role in influencing corporate behavior, when corporations fail to meet social responsibility standards. An experiment conducted with a large sample of consumers in the United States shows that consumers respond differently to a company’s failure in its social responsibilities depending on whether the violated standard is a government mandate or a voluntary commitment and depending on the consumers’ own environmental consciousness. The findings highlight the potential power of individual consumers and consumer collectives in narrowing the governance gaps relative to social and environmental issues and reducing the likelihood of CSR failures.
Termination and suppression of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia by diltiazem

Idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia is known to be responsive to verapamil in many cases. However, the role of other calcium-channel blockers, such as diltiazem, in treating this specific type of ventricular tachycardia is unknown. We report a case of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia in a patient with a structurally normal heart, which was terminated and suppressed in the electrophysiology laboratory by a single dose of diltiazem intravenously, and was subsequently suppressed long-term with sustained-release diltiazem. Our finding suggests that idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia may be managed effectively with diltiazem in both the acute and chronic settings.
Visual landscapes and psychological well‐being

Summary and Discussion The findings suggest that stressed individuals feel significantly better after exposure to nature scenes rather than to American urban scenes lacking nature elements. Compared to the influences of the urban scenes, the salient effect of the nature exposures was to increase Positive Affect — including feelings of affection friendliness, playfulness, and elation. The increase in positive affect produced by the nature scenes is consistent with the finding that the nature exposures also significantly reduced Fear Arousal. According to psychological theories, a reduction in arousal or activation produces pleasurable feelings if an individual is experiencing stress or excessive arousal (Berlyne, 1971, pp. 81–82). In contrast to the nature scenes, the urban views tended to work against emotional well‐being. The major effect of the urban scenes was to significantly increase Sadness. There was also a consistent but non‐significant tendency for the urban scenes to‐aggravate feelings of Anger/...
Determinants of voting on environmental quality: a study of a New Hampshire pulp mill referendum

Abstract A local referendum on a proposed pulp mill in eight New Hampshire towns provides a particularly apt sample for examining preferences on environmental issues. Interviews with 359 voters are examined to test various determinants of voting behavior. A utility maximizing model is tested using multiple-regression logit techniques. Significant variables are respondent's location, income, occupation, and education and the initial environment of the community. There is a brief discussion of public policy issues which these results may illuminate.
A VERSATILE SOLVENT TO REPLACE PHENOL FOR THE PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY OF RADIOACTIVE INTERMEDIARY METABOLITES.

Abstract A new solvent system, to avoid the use of phenol—water, has been developed for the chromatography of complex mixtures of intermediary metabolites.The solvent contains ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ammonia, water, isobutyric acid and four simple aliphatic alcohols, and is stble at least for many weeks. The advantages and properties of this solvent are discussed, and the mobilities in it of aobut one hundred metabolic intermediates are listed with reference to the mobility of aspartic acid. It has been found that the chromatographic resolution and the sharpness of the spots are greatly improved by the use of papers other than Whatman No. 4. WhatmanNo. 2 is distinctly superior to Whatman No. 4, but the best results have been obtained with Ederol No.202 (J.C. Binzer, Vertriebs-G.m.b.H., Hatzfeld/Eder, West Germany). With these papers the solvent development times are about 30 h for semi-stench and 18 h for n -butanol—propionic acid—water.
Some kinetic properties of human placental estradiol-17β dehydrogenase: Patterns of inhibition by adenine nucleotides

Estradiol dehydrogenase from human placenta catalyzes the reversible interconversion of estradiol-17β and estrone. In the placenta, it is believed to catalyze the irreversible reduction of 16α-hydroxyestrone to estriol, the major estrogen in human pregnancy. It can function with either NAD+ or NADP+ as hydrogen acceptor. The NAD(H)-linked activity of the enzyme is markedly inhibited by 0.5 mm 2′-AMP, and there are no detectable effects of the same concentration of 3′-AMP, 5′-AMP and 3′,5′-cyclic AMP. However, 5′-ATP is a far better inhibitor than any of the other 5′-phosphates of adenosine, such as 5′-AMP, 5′-ADP and 5′-ADPR. Also, the enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by 2′,5′-ADP, but not by 3′,5′-ADP. On the other hand, no inhibitory effects of the nucleotides at a concentration of 0.5 mm on the NADP+-linked activity were observed. The Km values for NADP(H) are much smaller than those of NAD(H). The inhibition of estradiol dehydrogenase by 2′-AMP, 2′,5′-ADP, 5′-ATP, 5′-ADP, 5′-ADPR and 3′,5′-ADP appeared to be competitive with respect to NAD(H) or NADP(H) and non-competitive with respect to steroid. The apparent inhibitor constant (Ki) for 2′-AMP calculated from Lineweaver-Burk plots was 4 μm. This inhibitor constant is about one-tenth that of the Michaelis constant for NAD+ and NADH. Lineweaver-Burk plots were made at several concentrations of 2′-AMP and the slopes plotted against 2′-AMP concentration. The replot was parabolic, indicating more than one binding site for the nucleotide. Similar results were obtained with 5′-ATP, though higher concentrations were required to achieve inhibition than in the case of 2′-AMP. The 2′,5′-ADP is an inhibitor competitive with NAD(H) though not as potent as 2′-AMP. The results clearly suggest the positive contribution of the 2′-phosphate group of the adenosine moiety of NADP+ for binding the cofactor. Nicotinamide mononucleotide does not inhibit the NAD(H)- and NADP(H)-linked activities of estradiol dehydrogenase. The failure of NMN to compete with NAD(H) for the cofactor binding site seems to exclude a major role for this portion of the coenzyme in binding to the dehydrogenase; the 2′,5′-ADP moiety of the cofactor is more important for binding than the NMN group. NMN had no effect upon the inhibition by 2′,5′-ADP. These results indicate a possible role of adenosine nucleotides in regulating the activity of estradiol dehydrogenase.
Merkel cell polyomavirus and extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma

The Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is involved in the development of up to 100% of Merkel cell cancer (MCC) cases. Early studies have reported that the virus was infrequently detected in other small cell or neuroendocrine lung carcinomas, which share histological features with MCC. The present study investigated the presence of MCV in cases of extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (ESCC), which also shares histological features with MCC. A total of 25 cases of ESCC that were diagnosed between 2004 and 2009 were identified at The Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Archived tissue was available for testing in 16 of these cases. A total of 11 tissue specimens of MCC were used as positive controls. DNA that was extracted from the archived tissue was subjected to five separate quantitative (q)PCR assays for the detection of four MCV genomic targets. MCV DNA was detected in 3/16 (19%) of the ESCCs and in all 11 MCCs. In the three MCV-positive ESCCs, the viral target was only detected by either one or two of the PCR assays. In 8/11 MCV-positive MCCs, the DNA tested positive by either three or all four assays and the remaining three MCCs tested positive by either one or two assays. The β-globin endogenous control was detected in all the samples that were tested. Although MCC and ESCC share numerous histological features, MCV is detected at a lower frequency in ESCC. The possible role for MCV in the etiology of ESCC remains uncertain and may account for the rare cases of ESCC with no other identifiable etiology. The failure of other assays to detect MCV may be due to sequence variability in the MCV genome.
A New Rolling Contact Surface and “No Run-In” Performance Bearings

Plasticity indexes are usually used to describe the elastic-plastic deformation properties of a rough surface. The contact surfaces of any new rolling element bearing always change during the bearing run-in period until arriving upon a relatively stable surface texture. In this paper, a new random isotropic surface with very low plasticity index is proposed and created for the surfaces of rolling elements bearings. From both the calculated surface parameters and the run-in torque test results, the special rolling contact surfaces demonstrated «No Run-In» characteristics. Lower running torque is obtained from bearing tests and longer fatigue life is also expected by the subsurface stress analysis
Efficient green lasers for high-resolution scanning micro-projector displays

Laser-based projectors are gaining increased acceptance in mobile device market due to their low power consumption, superior image quality and small size. The basic configuration of such micro-projectors is a miniature mirror that creates an image by raster scanning the collinear red, blue and green laser beams that are individually modulated on a pixel-bypixel basis. The image resolution of these displays can be limited by the modulation bandwidth of the laser sources, and the modulation speed of the green laser has been one of the key limitations in the development of these displays. We will discuss how this limitation is fundamental to the architecture of many laser designs and then present a green laser configuration which overcomes these difficulties. In this green laser architecture infra-red light from a distributed Bragg-reflector (DBR) laser diode undergoes conversion to green light in a waveguided second harmonic generator (SHG) crystal. The direct doubling in a single pass through the SHG crystal allows the device to operate at the large modulation bandwidth of the DBR laser. We demonstrate that the resultant product has a small footprint (<0.7 cc envelope volume), high efficiency (>9% electrical-to-optical conversion) and large modulation bandwidth (>100 MHz).
COMPARISON OF STRATEGIES FOR ROUTING SHIPMENTS THROUGH TRANSPORTATION TERMINALS

Abstract This paper compares four routing strategies according to their ability to consolidate material. Two measures of consolidation are used: the number of transportation links and the number of terminals. Decreasing the number of links and number of terminals leads to increased consolidation and reduced operating and shipping costs. The effectiveness of each routing strategy depends on the number of origins and destinations, as well as the flow of material and distance between origins and destinations. The best application for each strategy is discussed.
Statistical feature selection for enhanced detection of brain tumor

Feature-based methods are widely used in the brain tumor recognition system. Robust of early cancer detection is one of the most powerful image processing tools. Specifically, statistical features, such as geometric mean, harmonic mean, mean excluding outliers, median, percentiles, skewness and kurtosis, have been extracted from brain tumor glioma to aid in discriminating two levels namely, Level I and Level II using fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence in the diagnosis of brain tumor. Statistical feature describes the major characteristics of each level from glioma which is an important step to evaluate heterogeneity of cancer area pixels. In this paper, we address the task of feature selection to identify the relevant subset of features in the statistical domain, while discarding those that are either redundant or confusing, thereby improving the performance of feature-based scheme to distinguish between Level I and Level II. We apply a Decision Structure algorithm to find the optimal combination of nonhomogeneity based statistical features for the problem at hand. We employ a Naive Bayes classifier to evaluate the performance of the optimal statistical feature based scheme in terms of its glioma Level I and Level II discrimination capability and use real-data collected from 17 patients have a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Dataset provided from 3 Tesla MR imaging system by MD Anderson Cancer Center. For the specific data analyzed, it is shown that the identified dominant features yield higher classification accuracy, with lower number of false alarms and missed detections, compared to the full statistical based feature set. This work has been proposed and analyzed specific GBM types which Level I and Level II and the dominant features were considered as feature aid to prognostic indicators. These features were selected automatically to be better able to determine prognosis from classical imaging studies.
VULNERABILITY OF URBAN PARK FORESTS TO FIRE RELATED SPECIES LOSSES

Summary The vulnerability to fire related species losses of ten large (≥ 400 ha) urban park forests located in the coastal northeastern United States was examined by comparing which fire adapted and fire sensitive native and invasive tree species are present in the forests. Fire adaptation was found for 55% of the ninety-three native species and 47% of the fifteen invasive species. The ten parks are vulnerable to fire related species losses because nearly half of the species are fire sensitive. Species presence in parks reveals the possible effect of past fires because fire adapted species are evenly distributed across the range of presence in one to ten parks while two-thirds of the fire sensitive species are present in only one to five parks. Fire adapted native species presence among parks is not related to the geographic proximity of the parks but could be related to soil type and planting and management history.
The Sources and Uses of Annual Giving at Selective Private Research Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges

Abstract Selective private research universities and liberal arts colleges differ in the shares of their annual giving coming from different sources (alumni, other individuals, foundations, corporations) and the shares of their annual giving applied to different uses (current operations, buildings and equipment, enhancing their endowments). After providing background data on the aggregate variation in these shares over time and their variation across institutions at a point in time, our econometric analyses use data from a panels of selective private research universities and liberal arts colleges that span a 31-year period to provide explanations for differences across institutions in the sources and uses of giving. These differences are seen to depend upon a number of institutional characteristics. One key finding is that richer institutions, as measured by endowment per student, devote a larger share of their annual giving to further building their endowments. This contributes to the increasing dispersion of wealth across private academic institutions.
Cisplatin Sensitivity in Hmgb1−/− and Hmgb1+/+ Mouse Cells

The study presented here investigates the effect of HMGB1 knockout on the sensitivity of mouse embryonic fibroblasts treated with the anticancer drug cisplatin. We evaluated both the growth inhibition by cisplatin and cisplatin-induced cell death in the Hmgb1−/− cells and its wild-type counterpart. No significant differences were observed in the responses of these cells to cisplatin, indicating that HMGB1 does not play a significant role in modulating the cellular responses to cisplatin in this context. Since HMGB1 significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in other cells, these results illustrate the importance of cell type in determining the ability of this and probably other cisplatin-DNA-binding proteins to influence the efficacy of the drug.
Attitudes toward Southeast Asian Immigrants in a Wisconsin Community.

A telephone survey was conducted of 458 adult residents of La Crosse, Wisconsin, a community with over 2,000 Hmong immigrants, as well as lesser numbers of other Southeast Asian (SEA) immigrants. K...
Characterization of Total and Individual Sterols in Canola Sprouts

In this study, the contents of total and individual phytosterols in sprouts made from seeds of seven canola (Brassicanapus L.) lines (Acropolis, Banjo, Jetton, KS-7740, KSM3-1-124, Mussette and Virginia), grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg and Suffolk), were determined. Canola sprouts contained, on an average, 36.3 g sterols in 100 g of unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP), 10.7 mg sterols in 1 g of oil and 2.4 mg sterols in 1 g of dry sprouts. The contents of individual phytosterols (μg per g of oil) in canola sprouts were 1,162 brassicasterol, 3,799 campesterol, 34 stigmasterol, 5,359 β-sitosterol, 201 Δ5-avenasterol and 97 Δ7-stigmastenol. Canola lines had significant effects on the contents of oil, brassicasterol and campesterol. Locations had significant effects on the oil, UNSAP, total sterols, brassicasterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The oil content in canola sprouts was positively correlated with total sterols and Δ5-avenasterol, whereas oil content was negatively correlated with brassicasterol content. In general, the contents of campesterol and β-sitosterol increased with an increase in total sterol content. The concentrations of sterols were in the following decreasing order: β-sitosterol > campesterol > brassicasterol > Δ5-avenasterol > Δ7-stigmastenol > stigmasterol. These results indicate that canola sprouts may have the potential as a natural source of dietary sterols and might be desirable for human nutrition.
Membrane proteins related to water transport in human erythrocytes.

CLASSICAL interpretations of the mechanism of water transport across mammalian red cell membranes assume the existence of aqueous membrane pores1–3. As the permeability coefficient to water measured under an osmotic pressure gradient is usually significantly higher than the corresponding value measured under diffusional flow, the human red cell membrane is thought to act both as a selective solvent and a molecular sieve. Its ability to function as a molecular sieve depends on the existence of the pores, which could be assembled from aggregates of integral membrane proteins which span the membrane4. It is generally agreed that at least two proteins span the human red cell membrane5–7. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis we have found that a band which contains one of these proteins is selectively labelled by a water-transport inhibitor.
The Physics of Type Ia Supernova Light Curves. II. Opacity and Diffusion

We examine the nature of the opacity and radiation transport in Type Ia supernovae. The dominant opacity arises from line transitions. We discuss the nature of line opacities and diffusion in expanding media and the appropriateness of various mean and expansion opacities used in light-curve calculations. Fluorescence is shown to be the dominant physical process governing the rate at which energy escapes the supernova. We present a sample light curve that was obtained using a time-dependent solution of the radiative transport equation with a spectral resolution of 80 km s-1 and employing an LTE equation of state. The result compares favorably with light curves and spectra of typical supernovae and is used to illustrate the physics controlling the evolution of the light curve and especially the secondary maxima seen in infrared photometry.
The internal dynamics of flows and formation of singularities

The Lagrangian description of the space derivatives of velocity and temperature—the internal dynamics of flows—is considered. The hierarchy of closed systems of limited numbers of nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the internal dynamics is obtained. Each system of this hierarchy corresponds to new local solutions of the hydrodynamics equations. Some analytical solutions, describing deformation and rotation of fluid particles and formation of singularities, are presented. Various applications of the internal dynamics, including parametrization and numerical simulation of turbulent flows, are indicated.
Computer generation of textures

A method for displaying fixed or time-varying textured patterns under computer control is described. The luminance profiles of these patterns is fixed in one dimension (Y axis), but can be arbitrarily complex in the other dimension (X axis) since they are synthesized by software. An example of the use of the method in texture matching experiments is given.
Apoptotic cell death induced by c-myc is inhibited by bcl-2.

APOPTOSIS is a form of physiological cell death, characterized by chromatin condensation, cytoplasmic blebbing and DNA fragmentation1, which often depends on RNA and protein synthesis by the dying cell2–4. The c-myc proto-oncogene, usually implicated in cell transformation, differentiation and cell-cycle progression5–9 also has a central role in some forms of apoptosis10–13. These opposing roles of myc in cell growth and death require that other gene products dictate the outcome of c-Myc expression on a cell. A candidate for such a modifying gene is bcl-2, whose product prolongs cell survival14–16 and blocks apoptosis in some systems17–21. Here we demonstrate that Bcl-2 prevents apoptotic death induced by c-Myc, provide a mechanism whereby cells can express c-Myc without undergoing apoptosis, and give a possible explanation for the ability of Bcl-2 to synergize with c-Myc in cell transformation21–23.
Effects of K+ on the catalytic and regulatory properties of homoserine dehydrogenase of Pseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract Partially purified homoserine dehydrogenase ( l -homoserine; NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.3) isolated from Pseudomonas fluorescens requires K+ for its stability. At 1 mM K+, the apparent first-order rate constant for enzyme inactivation at 25° was 25-fold higher than that observed at 20 mM K+. A dissociation constant, KD, of 3 mM of the ion-enzyme complex was calculated. Following inactivation of the enzyme by depletion of K+, the activity could be regenerated to a large extent by incubation with KCl and NADP+; no other cation was nearly as effective as K+. Binding of K+ on the enzyme molecule also plays an important part in the regulation of enzyme activity by the allosteric modifier l -threonine. At 1 mM K+, the catalytic activity was strongly inhibited by 10 mM l -threonine, whereas, at 10 mM K+ concentration in the assay mixture, l -threonine inhibition was almost completely abolished; threonine and K+ were kinetically competitive. It is proposed that K+ can induce specific conformational changes in the protein molecule that are either sensitive or insensitive to feedback inhibition control; in addition, the cation is necessary for the maintenance of the protein structure to ensure catalytic activity.
Congenital and childhood dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A case report and review of the literature

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) occurs most commonly on the trunk, affects all races, and often develops between the second and fifth decades of life. It is uncommon in childhood and is sometimes mistaken for a vascular lesion, as it often presents as a blue macule or small nodule. Review of the English literature revealed approximately 152 cases of DFSP developing before 16 years of age and only 19 claimed congenital cases. A case of congenital dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is presented with a literature review and discussion of congenital and childhood presentations of the tumor.
Metabolism of tyramine-3H and octopamine-3H by rat brain

Abstract Octopamine-3H or tyramine-3H injected into the cisterna magna of rats is rapidly metabolized and quickly disappears from brain. The disappearance of tyramine-3H is more rapid than octopamine-3H. Monoamine oxidase inhibition diminishes the disappearance of these amines from brain, suggesting that the unaltered amines do not pass freely from brain to blood. The major metabolite formed after intracisternal injection of octopamine-3H is the neutral metabolite, 4-hydroxyphenylglycol, or its conjugate. The principle metabolite formed from tyramine-3H is 4-hydroxyphenyl-acetic acid. These findings support the contention that β-hydroxylated aldehydes formed by deamination of phenylethanolamines in cerebral tissue are reduced to glycol derivatives, while non-β-hydroxylated intermediates formed by deamination of phenyl-ethylamines are oxidized mainly to acids.
How the laser-induced ionization of transparent solids can be suppressed

A capability to suppress laser-induced ionization of dielectric crystals in controlled and predictable way can potentially result in substantial improvement of laser damage threshold of optical materials. The traditional models that employ the Keldysh formula do not predict any suppression of the ionization because of the oversimplified description of electronic energy bands underlying the Keldysh formula. To fix this gap, we performed numerical simulations of time evolution of conduction-band electron density for a realistic cosine model of electronic bands characteristic of wide-band-gap cubic crystals. The simulations include contributions from the photo-ionization (evaluated by the Keldysh formula and by the formula for the cosine band of volume-centered cubic crystals) and from the avalanche ionization (evaluated by the Drude model). Maximum conduction-band electron density is evaluated from a single rate equation as a function of peak intensity of femtosecond laser pulses for alkali halide crystals. Results obtained for high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses demonstrate that the ionization can be suppressed by proper choice of laser parameters. In case of the Keldysh formula, the peak electron density exhibits saturation followed by gradual increase. For the cosine band, the electron density increases with irradiance within the low-intensity multiphoton regime and switches to decrease with intensity approaching threshold of the strong singularity of the ionization rate characteristic of the cosine band. Those trends are explained with specific modifications of band structure by electric field of laser pulses.
Vascular Welding Using The Argon Laser

This study compared the histology, biochemistry, and tensile strength of laser welded and sutured canine venotomies, arteriotomies and arteriovenous fistulas. Bilateral femoral, carotid or jugular vessels were studied with one repair (control) closed with interrupted 6-0 polypropylene sutures, and the contralatral repair (experimental) welded with the argon laser. Specimens were examined at weekly intervals from 1 to 4 weeks for each type of repair and evaluated histologically by hematoxylineosin, elastin and trichrome stains, biochemically by the formation of [3H] hyaroxyproline as an index of collagen synthesis, ana mechanically by tensile strength determinations. At removal, all experimental closures were patent without hematomas, aneurysms or luminal dilatation. Histologic and biochemical examination and tensile strength determinations suggest that laser welaing may be an alternative to sutures for repair of large diameter venotomies, arteriotomies and arteriovenous fistulas, as they heal comparable to suture repairs up to 4 weeks postoperatively.
Comparison of thermal and infrared spectroscopic analyses in the formation of polyurethane, unsaturated polyester, and their blends

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) are two widely used techniques for the measurement of polymerization kinetics. Reactions of several thermoset polymers: a polyurethane, two unsaturated polyester resins, and polyurethane-polyester blends, were measured by these two methods. Results indicate that the thermal method is easy to use, and can generate both kinetic and thermal information. It is, however, less accurate and cannot detect detailed reaction mechanisms because the measurement relies upon the overall heat generation during reaction. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, on the other hand, can provide detailed kinetic information for multicomponent reactions such as styreneunsaturated polyester and polyurethane-polyester blends. Data analysis, however, is more tedious and requires reliable calibration. For an accurate kinetic measurement, both methods should be used because the results from both experiments can calibrate each other.
Maximizing funding from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for pharmacy residency programs.

Q: Why is more pharmacy residency program funding needed? A: The shortage of pharmacy practice residency positions has challenged the profession to create more residency opportunities. In 2011, more than 3277 applicants competed for only 2173 available postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency
Recent Progress in Two-stage Mixed-integer Stochastic Programming with Applications to Power Production Planning

We present recent developments in two-stage mixed-integer stochastic programming with regard to application in power production planning. In particular, we review structural properties, stability issues, scenario reduction, and decomposition algorithms for two-stage models. Furthermore, we describe an application to stochastic thermal unit commitment.
Observation of gas-phase molecular dications formed from neutral organics in solution via qemical electron-transfer reactions by using electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

The first observation of organic dications formed by multiple electron loss in electrospray mass spectra is reported. The dications of β-carotene, canthaxanthine, cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin, and nicke(II) octaethylporphyrin were created in solution via chemical electrontransfer reactions and detected in the gas phase by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ES-MS) using a flow-injection experiment. The analytes were injected into a flowing solvent-oxidant stream (10 μL/min) composed of dried methylene chloride containing ≈ 0.1% by volume trifluoroacetic acid and 0.1% by volume antimony pentafluoride (SbF5). The dications created in this oxidizing solvent system were preserved for detection by rapidly transferring them from the reactive solvent-oxidant system to the gas phase, where, in the absence of the solvent system, they were “long-lived” and amenable to mass analysis. This work demonstrates means to produce ions novel to ES-MS and means to detect and study by ES-MS species that are short-lived in solution. In addition, this work shows that electrospray ionization can potentially be used to generate gas-phase dications for mass spectrometric study that are difficult to produce directly from gas-phase neutrals by other ionization techniques (e.g., M2+ from β-carotene).
Role of SHP-2 in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Mediated Suppression of Myogenesis in C2C12 Myoblasts

Ligand activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) represses myogenesis and promotes activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (Erks). The precise mechanism through which the FGFR transmits both of these signals in myoblasts remains unclear. The SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase, SHP-2, has been shown to participate in the regulation of FGFR signaling. However, no role for SHP-2 in FGFR myogenic signaling is known. In this study, we show that stimulation of C2C12 myoblasts with FGF-2 induces SHP-2 complex formation with tyrosyl-phosphorylated FGFR substrate 2 alpha (FRS-2 alpha). Both the catalytic activity and, to a much lesser extent, the Grb2 binding-tyrosyl phosphorylation sites of SHP-2 are required for maximal FGF-2-induced Erk activity and Elk-1 transactivation. When overexpressed in C2C12 myoblasts, wild-type SHP-2, but not a catalytically inactive SHP-2 mutant, potentiates the suppressive effects of FGF-2 on muscle-specific gene expression. In addition, expression of a constitutively active mutant of SHP-2 is sufficient to prevent myogenesis. The constitutively active mutant of SHP-2 induces hyper-tyrosyl phosphorylation of FRS-2 alpha but fails to stimulate or potentiate either FGF-2-induced Erk activation or Elk-1 transactivation. These data suggest that in myoblasts, SHP-2 represses myogenesis via a pathway that is independent of the Erks. We propose that SHP-2 plays a pivotal role in FGFR signaling in myoblasts via both Erk-dependent and Erk-independent pathways.
X-band telecommunications design for large data volume earth observing missions

This study examines high data rate telecommunications architectures in support of the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) mission. The capabilities of in-service ground stations and radio systems were evaluated in a trade study. An Averaging Data Model was created to narrow down prospective architectures. An Improved-Precision Data Model was created to simulate the data flow across time. Ideal (no failure) as well as ground station and onboard failure scenarios were analyzed. The results from the simulation show that with current technology there is adequate capability to downlink mission-required data. The analysis shows that a data rate of 800 Mbps and a 3.2 Tb solid-state recorder for onboard storage would sufficiently support the mission requirements in ideal operation as well as protect it against a degree of failure. This work was conducted over the summer of 2009 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory with the support of the National Space Grant Consortium.
Local atomic order and individual pair displacements of Fe46.5Ni53.5 and Fe22.5Ni77.5 from diffuse x-ray scattering studies.

We have recovered the local atomic structures in a fcc ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{46.5}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{53.5}$ solid solution near an equilibrium temperature of 600 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C with an improved version of the recently demonstrated three x-ray energy (3\ensuremath{\lambda}) method. We have also reevaluated the 3\ensuremath{\lambda} data from a ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{22.5}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{77.5}$ crystal which significantly changed the results. Both the Warren-Cowley short-range order parameters \ensuremath{\alpha} and the first moment of the mean static displacements for Fe-Fe, Fe-Ni, and Ni-Ni pairs are recovered. Comparisons of the \ensuremath{\alpha}'s from ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{22.5}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{77.5}$ with neutron-scattering results show good agreement, and both compositions have \ensuremath{\alpha}'s with a strong similarity to those from ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$Au quenched from above the ordering temperature. Displacements from the average lattice of less than 0.001 \AA{} can be recovered. For both ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{46.5}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{53.5}$ and ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{22.5}$${\mathrm{Ni}}_{77.5}$ the average Fe-Fe first-neighbor distance of 2.564(5) \AA{} is much larger than the average derived from the lattice spacing for the alloys and is independent of concentration. However, the Ni-Ni, first-neighbor distance follows the average lattice, and the Fe-Ni first-neighbor distances are smaller than average. Both the Ni-Ni and Fe-Ni first-neighbor distances increase with Fe concentration. The relatively large and strongly chemically specific bond distances observed here may be a more meaningful concept for understanding the magnet properties of these Ni-rich alloys than the relative lesser change in volume of the Fe atom. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Creep Constitutive Model and Component Lifetime Estimation: The Case of Niobium-Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel Weldments

The θ-projection parametric method was used to analyze the creep strain versus time data, obtained in uniaxial tension, from weldments fabricated using a niobium-modified 9Cr-1Mo steel as the weld metal (Ellis, Private communication, 1991, provided the data). We used these data to illustrate a methodology whereby the θ-projection method may be used to obtain estimates of component design creep lifetimes, for specified sets of design stress, temperature, and strains. Furthermore, it is suggested that the creep strain results may be consistent with dislocation climb being the creep deformation mechanism in the alloy.
Parameterization of the evaporation of rainfall for use in general circulation models

Abstract A parameterization of evaporation losses below cloud base is presented for use in general circulation models to assist in quantification of water content in the hydrological cycle. The scheme is based on detailed model calculations of the evolution of raindrop spectra below cloud base and includes the processes of collision coalescence/breakup. Evaporation is expressed as a percentage decrease in the liquid water mixing ratio, and the parameterization is formulated as an algebraic equation in (i) the cloud-base values of the mixing ratio and the drop concentration, (ii) the fall distance, and (iii) the lapse rate of temperature in the subcloud environment. Results show that when compared to the detailed model calculations, good estimates of evaporation (usually within 20% and often within 10%) are obtained for a wide range of conditions. An analysis of the errors in evaporation calculations associated with errors in the parameterization variables is performed.
The similarity-attraction relationship: Is there an ideal one?

Abstract It is proposed that we are attracted to similar individuals because: (1) such individuals are similar to our ideals and (2) such individuals are similar to ourselves. Previous studies have employed a similarity manipulation which has confounded these two components. When the components are separated, similarity to the ideal was expected to exert a major influence and similarity to the self a minor influence on attraction. A series of experiments orthogonally manipulated similarity to self and similarity to ideal with a new technique involving content-free dimensions. The results indicated a consistent main effect for ideal similarity on liking and no consistent main effect for similarity to the self. Finally, the results also indicated that given any two of the three variables—similarity to self, similarity to ideal, and own self to own ideal discrepancy—subjects seemed able to infer the other or third variable in a fairly logical fashion.
An expert system for use in the prescription of electronic augmentative and alternative communication devices

A prototype expert system (PES) has been developed to prescribe electronic augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices based on device selection technique for a nonspeaking population. An expert system offers many advantages to a variety of problem-solving activities and, in particular, to AAC device prescription. The appropriate device selection technique depends on the individual's capabilities and needs. Rules representing these relationships were developed and programmed on an IBM″ Personal Computer AT using the M.1®expert system development tool. The performance of the PES was evaluated by comparing computer-generated recommendations for selection technique to 10 case histories of nonspeaking individuals. Independently, a speech-language pathologist rated the performance of the PES using the same case histories. Results of this study demonstrate successful construction of the PES to the extent that its recommendations agreed with those in the case histories and of the speech-language pat...
Relaxation and nonradiative decay in disordered systems. II. Two-fracton inelastic scattering.

The two localized-vibrational quanta (Raman) relaxation process is calculated for a localized electronic state. The calculation is expected to be relevant to relaxation at elevated temperatures where the principal vibrational excitations are of high energy (and hence of short length scale). Localization of the vibrational eigenstates is most likely for this regime. Vibrational localization can be geometrical in origin (as on a fractal network, with the quantized vibrational states fractons), or as a consequence of scattering (analogous to Anderson localization, with the quantized vibrational states localized phonons). The relaxation rate is characterized by a probability density which is calculated for both classes of localization under the assumption that the electronic and vibrational energy widths are larger than the maximum electronic relaxation rate. The time profile of the initial elec- tronic state population is calculated. The long-time behavior begins as ${t}^{[1/2(a\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1)]}$exp[-${c}_{1}$(t${)}^{1\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}/(a\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1)}$], where a=4q+2d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} and 4q+2d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}-2 for Kramers and non-Kramers transitions, respectively. Here, d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{} is the fracton dimensionality and q=d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}${d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$/D. The fractal dimensionality is D, and ${d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ is defined by the range dependence of the fracton wave ). The long-time behavior thus begins as a stretched exponential. After a crossover time, the long-time behavior varies as (lnt${)}^{\ensuremath{\eta}\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/2}$${t}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}{c}_{1}}$(ln t${)}^{2\ensuremath{\eta}}$ where ${c}_{1}$ is a constant and \ensuremath{\eta}=D/${d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$. This portion of the time decay is faster than any power law but slower than exponential or stretched exponential.In the presence of rapid electronic cross relaxation, the time profile is exponential, with a low-temperature relaxation time 1/${T}_{1}^{\mathrm{ave}}$ proportional to ${T}^{2d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}[1+2({d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}/D)]\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and ${T}^{2d\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}[1+2({d}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}/D)]\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ for Kramers and non-Kramers transitions, respectively. These results may explain recent fractional temperature exponents found for electronic spin-lattice relaxation in macromolecules and nuclear spin-lattice relaxation in glasses.
Gender Differences in Cholesterol Nucleation in Native Bile: Estrogen Is a Potential Contributory Factor

The incidence of gallstone disease is two to three times higher in women than in men, and female sex hormones, particularly estrogens, have been implicated as contributory factors. Cholesterol nucleation is the initial step in gallstone pathogenesis and proceeds from cholesterol-rich phospholipid vesicles. The aim of this study was to investigate if there is a difference in cholesterol nucleation rates in male and female bile and whether estrogen influences nucleation rates by interacting with cholesterol-rich regions known as “lipid rafts” that exist within the cholesterol-phospholipid vesicles of the bile. Cholesterol nucleation from native prairie dog bile and the interaction of estrogens with lipid rafts in model bile solutions were investigated using Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Female native bile samples showed a greater reduction in energy transfer than did male native bile, indicating that cholesterol nucleation occurred more readily in female bile than in male bile. Model bile experiments demonstrated that the addition of estrogen has a significant effect, either cholesterol nucleation or raft disruption, but only in samples containing cholesterol-rich rafts. These results suggest that estrogen interacts with cholesterol-rich rafts in vesicles within bile to promote cholesterol nucleation and predispose females to gallstone formation.
Elucidating the roles of enthalpy, entropy, and donor atom in the chelate effect for binding different bidentate ligands on the same metal center

Abstract We present a thermodynamic study of the chelate effect for a series of P–P, N–N, and P–N bidentate ligands binding to PdCl2(MeCN)2 in acetonitrile (MeCN), using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to measure the solution-phase binding thermodynamics. The chelate effect is considered to be an entropic effect, that is, the enthalpic contributions attributed to binding for comparable monodentate and bidentate ligands are nearly identical, meaning that changes in ΔG are due to favorable changes in ΔS upon displacement of bound solvent molecules. However, our results demonstrate that enhanced enthalpic contributions (i.e. large and exothermic) control the stability of the chelated complexes and generally are accompanied by large entropic penalties. We discuss the contribution of solvent reorganization and its role in enthalpy–entropy compensation for the binding equilibria studied.
Children's Use of Prototypes in Pattern Classification.

DRUMMOND, THOMAS B.; WILLIAMS, TANNIS M.; and AIKEN, LEONA S. Children's Use of Prototypes in Pattern Classification. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1973, 44, 686-688. In a schematic concept formation task, second and fifth graders were required to sort 60 computergenerated, 8-sided polygons into their 2 classes. In sorting each pattern the child could ask to see either of the 2 class prototypes, both, or neither. Use of the 4 possible prototype information strategies did not vary with age, but fifth graders were significantly more accurate than second graders. The results indicated that age differences in schematic concept formation are due more to the efficiency of information use than to differences in strategy or the selection of information to be used.