cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-temperature heat capacity of diopside glass (CaMgSi2O6): A calorimetric test of the configurational-entropy theory applied to the viscosity of liquid silicates

Abstract Heat-capacity measurements have been made between 8 and 370 K on an annealed and a rapidly quenched diopside glass. Between 15 and 200 K, Cp does not depend significantly on the thermal history of the glass. Below 15 K Cp is larger for the quenched than for the annealed specimen. The opposite is true above 200 K as a result of what is interpreted as a secondary relaxation around room temperature. The magnitude of these effects, however, is small enough that the relative entropies S(298)−S(0) of the glasses differ by only 0.5 J/mol K, i.e., a figure within the combined experimental uncertainties. The insensitivity of relative entropies to thermal history supports the assumption that the configurational heat capacity of the liquid may be taken as the heat capacity difference between the liquid and the glass (ΔCp). Furthermore, this insensitivity allows calculation of the residual entropies at 0 K of diopside glasses as a function of the fictive temperature from the entropy of fusion of diopside and the heat capacities of the crystalline, glassy and liquid phases. For a glass with a fictive temperature of 1005 K, for example, this calorimetric residual entropy is 24.3 ± 3 J/mol K, in agreement with the prediction made by RICHET (1984) from an analysis of the viscosity data with the configurational-entropy theory of relaxation processes of Adam and Gibbs (1965). In turn, all the viscosity measurements for liquid diopside, which span the range 0.5-4· 1013 poise, can be quantitatively reproduced through this theory with the calorimetrically determined entropies and ΔCp data. Finally, the unclear significance of “activation energies” for structural interpretations of viscosity data is emphasized, and the importance of ΔCp and glass-transition temperature systematics for determining the composition and temperature dependences of the viscosity is pointed out.
Perinatal n−3 fatty acid imbalance affects fatty acid composition in rat offspring

Abstract This study was designed to investigate the effects of high and low n−3 FA feeding during perinatal period on the growth and FA profiles in the Wistar rat offspring. Female rats were randomized into three diet groups during pregnancy and lactation (L): Control (CON, ratio of n−3/n−6 ∼ 0.14, n = 24); n−3 FA deficient (LOW, ratio of n−3/n−6 ∼ 0, n = 31) and n−3 FA excess (HIGH, ratio of n−3/n−6 ∼ 14.0, n = 23). Milk samples were obtained on L14. After L24, all offspring were fed the control diet until killed at 23–25 weeks of age. There were no group differences in maternal weight gains or offspring birth weights. After birth, the HIGH offspring weighed the least while CON offspring the most. The FA profiles of the CON and LOW milk resembled CON diet, and the HIGH milk resembled HIGH diet. Body FA profiles of males from all groups were similar to the CON milk profile, but the CON and LOW females resembled the CON milk, while the HIGH females resembled the HIGH milk. All HIGH offspring had increased n−3 levels and n−3/n−6 ratios (males: 0.16 ± 0.01; females: 0.23 ± 0.06). Thus LOW dams likely had maternal body fat mobilization that compensated for the deficiency in dietary n−3 FA, while a compensatory mechanism was not observed when intake was high. Excess amount of n−3 FA affected female offspring more than males. These data indicate the long-lasting effects of supplementation and supplementing high amounts of n−3 FA during pregnancy and lactation may not be advisable.
A chemical probe for catalyst nonuniformity

Etude experimentale d'un catalyseur a teneur en Pt suivant une loi de concentration radiale donnee
Chemical digestion and radionuclidic assay of TiNi-encapsulated 32P intravascular brachytherapy sources.

Abstract A very quantitative, destructive assay procedure was devised for accurately measuring the 32 P activity content of TiNi-encapsulated intravascular brachytherapy sources and was applied to four different sources (termed `seeds') which were developed and provided by Guidant Intravascular Intervention (formerly NeoCardia). These seeds are intended for use in the prophylactic treatment of restenosis following balloon angioplasty in heart-disease patients. The assays involved the dissolution of the TiNi jacket, extraction of the activity from the internal 32 P-containing source material, quantitative solution transfers, and a gravimetrically-based dilution; followed by liquid scintillation (LS) spectrometry of the resulting master solution with 3 H-standard efficiency tracing using composition-matched LS cocktails. The LS spectrometry utilized a previously-developed method for resolving the always-present 33 P impurity. The protocol included provisions for accounting for all possible losses of 32 P in the digestion procedure (based on radiochemical tracing experiments), for any unrecovered activity in the remaining source material, and for any residual activity in the solution-transfer and containing vessels. Sections of the TiNi jackets adjacent to the cut-off active seed portions were also assayed for any contained activity. Such destructive assays were required for relating measurements of the absorbed dose spatial distribution for the seeds to theoretic dose modelling and for establishing calibration factors for subsequent non-destructive radionuclidic measurements on the seeds.
Characterizing electrochemical systems in the frequency domain

Abstract The use of various impedance spectroscopies, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS), and those defined using various electrochemical, hydrodynamical, and mechanical conjugate variables, for studying physico-electrochemical systems is briefly reviewed with emphasis on identifying and defining a common theoretical basis. In particular, we explore the concepts of “conjugate properties” and “reciprocity”, the applicability of the Kramers-Kronig transforms, and the distinction between an impedance and a transfer function. We argue that the interpretation of impedance data in terms of electrical analogs and in terms of classical linear systems theory (LST) is possibly too restrictive, and that a more general basis is required to accommodate the broad range of “impedance spectroscopies” that are now being developed.
Innovations in ambulatory-care education.

There is a widening consensus that ambulatory care must play a far greater part in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. The GPEP Report noted that "Although fewer than five percent of ...
Mouse brain ribosomal subunits: role of ribosome-associated factors on aminoacyl-tRNA binding and polypeptide synthesis.

Abstract The role of ribosome-associated factors (RAF) on aminoacyl-tRNA binding and subsequent polypeptide synthesis by ribosomal subunits was examined. Ribosomal subunits were prepared by puromycin-KCl treatment which removed RAF and were isolated on KCl-sucrose gradients. Neither subunit alone was capable of supporting poly U-directed phenylalanine incorporation into protein, although when added in equal molar amounts, active translation occurred. This translational activity was inhibited in the presence of diphtheria toxin. The addition of RAF was shown to stimulate the binding of [ 3 H]phenylalanyl-tRNA to the small, but not the large, subunits; this stimulation appeared to be due to factors other than EF-1. In contrast to intact ribosomes, polyphenylalanine synthesis by ribosomal subunits required a higher concentration of Mg 2+ for optimal activity (18mM) . In addition, RAF stimulated phenylalanine incorporation into polypeptides by these subunits. This effect was not observed with intact ribosomes. This enhancement appeared to be associated with the dynamic interaction of the subunits themselves rather than with EF-2 activity. It was clearly shown that the removal and readdition of ribosome-associated factors can modulate translational activity.
Isolation and characterization of norleucine-resistant baby hamster kidney cells.

Abstract Variants resistant to low and high levels of the methionine analogue norleucine were isolated in baby hamster kidney cells and in two clonal sublines, B1 and TG2. Clones resistant to high levels of norleucine were observed only after chemical mutagenesis, whereas clones capable of growing in low concentrations of norleucine occurred with equal frequency spontaneously and after mutagenesis. The variants were characterized with respect to uptake of 14 C-norleucine and 14 C-methionine. Five clones were found to be deficient in 14 C-norleucine uptake, and of these, four showed reduced 14 C-methionine uptake. The variants were tested also for increased activity of N 5 -methyl-tetrahydrofolate: homocysteine methyltransferase, the enzyme which catalyses the terminal reaction in methionine biosynthesis. In four clones, higher levels of the methyltransferase were present than in the wild-type cells, suggesting overproduction or stabilization of this enzyme.
Detection, Removal, and Effect of Unpolymerized Methylmethacrylate in Intraocular Lenses

Gas-liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, or Raman spectroscopy were used to determine the level of monomer in intraocular lenses and in the preforms used in each step of the manufacturing process. Heating, lathing, molding, and grinding caused an increase in monomer content, presumably the result of depolymerization. The tendency of methylmethacrylate to volatilize, repolymerize, or dissolve precludes high monomer contents from persisting in intraocular lenses. Vacuum ovens or water baths significantly reduced the monomer content to levels of 0.5% or less. Lenses with a monomer content higher than that found in currently available commercial lenses had no effect on rabbit kidney cell cultures. Lens fragments with a similarly elevated monomer content were indistinguishable from lenses with a low monomer content in rabbit eyes. According to these data, monomer does not appear to be a toxic agent in currently available intraocular lenses.
Advances in phytoremediation.

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remedy contaminated soils, sediments, and/or groundwater. Sorption and uptake are governed by physicochemical properties of the compounds, and moderately hydrophobic chemicals (logarithm octanol--water coefficients = 1.0--3.5) are most likely to be bioavailable to rooted, vascular plants. Some hydrophilic compounds, such as methyl-tert-butylether and 1,4-dioxane, may also be taken up by plants via hydrogen bonding with transpiration water. Organic chemicals that pass through membranes and are translocated to stem and leaf tissues may be converted (e.g., oxidized by cytochrome P450s), conjugated by glutathione or amino acids, and compartmentalized in plant tissues as bound residue. The relationship between metabolism of organic xenobiotics and toxicity to plant tissues is not well understood. A series of chlorinated ethenes is more toxic to hybrid poplar trees (Populus deltoides x nigra, DN-34) than are the corresponding chlorinated ethanes. Toxicity correlates best with the number of chlorine atoms in each homologous series. Transgenic plants have been engineered to rapidly detoxify and transform such xenobiotic chemicals. These could be used in phytoremediation applications if issues of cost and public acceptability are overcome.
Winter cover crop enhances 2,4-D mineralization potential of surface and subsurface soil

Abstract A study was conducted to determine if the use of a winter cover crop in a summer vegetable crop rotational system might influence the potential of surface and subsurface layers of a Willamette silt loam soil to mineralize the herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). On three occasions between April and September 1994, and three occasions between February and June 1995, soil samples were recovered from the Ap horizon (0–20 cm), and from within the argillic B (80–100 cm) horizon of field plots managed in either a summer vegetable crop–winter fallow rotation, or a summer vegetable crop–winter cover crop (cereal rye) rotation. Composite samples of soil were prepared from the four replicates of each of the two field treatments, and the mineralization of 6 mg 2,4-D kg −1 examined under laboratory conditions. 2,4-D was mineralized more quickly in the 0–20-cm soil from the cover crop treatment than the winter fallow treatment on five of the six sampling occasions. 2,4-D mineralization characteristics of the 80–100-cm soil differed between the cover crop and winter fallow treatments and also differed between sampling dates. In February, 2,4-D mineralization rates developed slowly and persisted at suboptimal rates for at least 10 d in both treatments. In April and June, daily 2,4-D mineralization rates increased more rapidly in soil from the cover crop treatment than in samples taken from the winter fallow treatment. Although no differences were detected in mineralization characteristics of subsurface soil sampled from the two treatments while the sweet corn summer crop was growing (July), treatment differences were again discernible immediately after the summer crop was harvested (September). Our findings identified a potential bonus of using a winter cover crop, i.e. enhancing the potential of subsurface soil microflora to mineralize herbicides that might leach from the surface.
Twisted inner products and contraction inequalities on spaces of contravariant and covariant tensors

Abstract Given positive integers n and p, and a complex finite dimensional vector space V, we let S n , p ( V ) denote the set of all functions from V × V × ⋯ × V -( n + p copies) to C that are linear and symmetric in the first n positions, and conjugate linear symmetric in the last p positions. Letting κ = min { n , p } we introduce twisted inner products, [ · , · ] s , t , 1 ⩽ s , t ⩽ κ , on S n , p ( V ) , and prove the monotonicity condition [ F , F ] s , t ⩾ [ F , F ] u , v is satisfied when s ⩽ u ⩽ κ , t ⩽ v ⩽ κ , and F ∈ S n , p ( V ) . Using the monotonicity condition, and the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality, we obtain as corollaries many known inequalities involving norms of symmetric multilinear functions, which in turn imply known inequalities involving permanents of positive semidefinite Hermitian matrices. New tensor and permanental inequalities are also presented. Applications to partial differential equations are indicated.
Monte carlo simulations of phase coexistence for polymeric and ionic fluids

Abstract This paper reviews some recent developments in molecular simulation methodologies for the determination of phase equilibria of polymeric and ionic systems. The chain increment method which is based on an extension of Widom's test particle expression to polymeric systems can be used to calculate the chemical potentials of long chains. A recent calculation of vapor-liquid phase diagrams for a bead-spring polymeric model for chain lengths of 20, 50 and 100 based on this technique is described. The technique has also been applied to obtain the chemical potential and adsorption isotherms for confined polymers. For strongly interacting or associating fluids, such as ionic systems, conventional simulation algorithms fail because of the presence of large clusters that inhibit internal equilibration and particle transfers. Multiparticle moves and distancebiased pair transfers enable reliable calculations for such systems. Applications to calculation of phase coexistence for the restricted primitive model for ionic solutions are discussed.
Use of magnetic resonance imaging to differentiate optic neuritis and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy

Abstract Objective To determine if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the optic nerves obtained during the acute phase can distinguish patients with optic neuritis (ON) from those with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Design Retrospective, neuroradiologic, observational study. Participants Sixty-four patients diagnosed as having either ON or NAION who were diagnosed by clinical criteria and imaged by MRI. Methods Demographic information on the MRI scans was masked and the patients were presented randomly and in a blinded fashion to a neuroradiologist (JDR) for determination of abnormalities. Reproducibility was assessed by presenting 10 of the scans a second time to the same neuroradiologist. Main outcome measures The presence or absence and location of abnormal MRI signals of the optic nerve. Results Evaluation of reproducibility revealed identical interpretations of the ten scans submitted a second time. The optic nerve was abnormal in the clinically affected eye in 31 of the 32 ON patients but in only 5 of the 32 NAION patients. Thirty of the 31 ON patients who received gadolinium had enhancement, and 27 of the 32 ON patients had increased short T 1 inversion recovery signal in the clinically affected optic nerve. The five NAION patients with abnormal scans in the clinically affected eye had increased short T 1 inversion recovery signal, and in two of these, there also was enhancement of the optic nerve. For the ON patients, enhancement involved the entire length of the intraorbital optic nerve in 18 cases and the intracranial segment of the optic nerve in 19 cases. Conclusions Our study shows that MRI scanning of the optic nerve shows significantly different results between patients clinically diagnosed with either ON or NAION.
Inhibition of transcription and strand-specific DNA repair by α-amanitin in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Recent studies have shown preferential repair of UV-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in the transcribed strand of the expressed dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene in human and rodent cells. We have tested the hypothesis that the strand-specific repair of such transcription-blocking lesions is dependent upon concurrent transcription. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) B11 cells with an amplified DHFR gene were treated with alpha-amanitin before irradiation with UV (254 nm) and during post-irradiation incubation. Nuclear run-off analysis verified inhibition of transcription in the DHFR gene. CsCl density gradient analysis showed that alpha-amanitin at the levels used does not significantly interfere with overall genomic repair replication or semiconservative replication. However, we did observe a dramatic reduction in the removal of CPD from the transcribed strand in the 14 kb KpnI fragment within the DHFR gene in treated cells. We conclude that strand-specific repair of an active gene in CHO cells is dependent upon the activity of the transcribing RNA polymerase. Our results support the model that transcription complexes stalled at CPD signal the repair machinery to achieve efficient repair of the transcribed strand in active genes.
Medical student contact with patients on a surgery clerkship: is there a chance to learn?

Abstract BACKGROUND: Earlier studies of medical students on nonsurgical rotations have shown that clinical clerks usually first interact with their patients late in the clinical course. This would seem disadvantageous to the student's learning because they would have less opportunity to generate diagnoses or a management plan. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire designed to assess the nature of medical student-patient interactions in all potential clinical sites was administered to third year medical students during their surgical clerkship. Students received questionnaires each day to evaluate their clinical experiences from the previous day. RESULTS: The results from 311 student-patient encounters were collected and analyzed by clinical site as follows: outpatient clinics, outpatient surgery, inpatient surgery, day of surgery admission, inpatient consults, or emergency room consults. Students reported significantly more opportunities to elicit chief complaint, generate potential diagnosis, develop or suggest a management plan, and perform the initial examination when in the clinic setting. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, students were given relatively few opportunities to be the first to interact with any patient in any setting. They infrequently had an opportunity to independently generate a hypothesis or generate a management plan. Currently, the clinic offers the best opportunity for the student to complete these processes.
Research on cooperative learning and achievement: What we know, what we need to know.

Research on cooperative learning is one of the greatest success stories in the history of educational research. While there was some research on this topic from the early days of this century, the amount and quality of that research greatly accelerated in the early 1970's, and continues unabated today, a quarter-century later. Hundreds of studies have compared cooperative learning to various control methods on a broad range of measures, but by far the most frequent objective of this research is to determine the effects of cooperative learning on student achievement. Studies of the achievement effects of cooperative learning have taken place in every major subject, at all grade levels, in all types of schools in many countries. Both field studies and laboratory studies have produced a great deal of knowledge about the effects of many types of cooperative interventions and about the mechanisms responsible for these effects. Further, cooperative learning is not only a subject of research and theory; it is used at some level by millions of teachers. A recent national survey (Puma, Jones, Rock, & Fernandez, 1993) found that 79% of elementary teachers and 62% of middle school teachers reported making some sustained use of cooperative learning.
Retroperitoneal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor : Evaluation with serial FDG-PET

Retroperitoneal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), a rare type of neurogenic tumor, was diagnosed in a 14-year-old girl with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Immunochemistry demonstrated spindle cells positive for S-100 protein. The patient had multiple tumor recurrences and she was evaluated with serial F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). A tumor in the right iliac wing showed increased FDG uptake on PET. FDG-PET played an important role in therapy planning and subsequent follow up. This case emphasizes the important role FDG-PET could play in the staging, restaging, and posttherapy follow up of MPNST.
Isolation and kinetic properties of the larval brain phosphofructokinase from the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar

Abstract 1. 1. Phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK) was isolated from gypsy moth larval brain by affinity chromatography using ATP-Sepharose. 2. 2. Gypsy moth brain PFK is a tetrameric enzyme composed of a single type of subunit. 3. 3. The insect brain PFK is inactive in the absence of allosteric activators fructose 2,6-bisphosphate or AMP. Citrate antagonized the activation of PFK by cyclic-AMP but was a relatively poor inhibitor of the moth PFK. 4. 4. The Michaelis constants for ATP (71 μM) and fructose-6-phosphate (55 μM) were determined at pH 8.0 in the presence of fructose 2,6,-bisphosphate. 5. 5. The enzyme displayed co-operativity with respect to substrate and adenine nucleotides.
Portfolios for determining initial licensure competency

ABSTRACT Background Because attempts to improve initial licensure examinations have not been grounded in measurement theory, partial and inadequate remedies have led to a cycle of refutations, defenses and political polarization. Types of Studies Reviewed The author reviewed the psychometric literature, focusing on high-stakes professional decisions. Editorials in the dental literature and position papers of involved organizations often use words from this literature without incorporating its fundamental concepts. Results The reliability of one-shot initial licensure examinations is estimated to be approximately r = .40, which is a value well under the standard for such tests in other professions. Validity has not been investigated rigorously, but the one-shot format and proposals to remove live patients certainly would reduce validity. The use of portfolios—a small number of evaluations in several realistic task domains—is a viable means of achieving psychometric standards for initial licensure decisions. Clinical Implications Boards are charged with making valid and reliable licensure decisions, not with conducting examinations. At a minimum, they must define the competencies of beginning practitioners and establish the psychometric criteria for their decisions (neither of which are done currently). Gathering data then can be delegated to whoever is best qualified to meet these standards.
Effects of Sudden vs. Chronic Illness Death on Bereavement Outcome.

Eighty-six bereaved participants were interviewed shortly after the death of a close family member and again eighteen months later. The Grief Experience Inventory and MMPI were administered on both occasions. Responses were separated into three groups according to the mode of death; sudden death (N = 33), long-term chronic illness (N = 27), and short-term chronic illness death (N = 26). Analysis of data yielded no statistically significant differences among groups but indicated some important trends. The short-term chronic illness group made the most favorable adjustment to bereavement. While the sudden death and long-term chronic illness death groups sustained higher intensities of bereavement at eighteen months, there appeared to be both qualitative and quantitative differences between the reactions of these two groups. The sudden death group indicated an internalized emotional response described as an “anger-in” or intropunitive response causing them to sustain prolonged physical stress. The long-term ...
Venous-Arterial Admixture in the Lungs in Primary and Secondary Polycythemia

By use of a polarographic technic for measuring arterial oxygen tension, venous-arterial shunting in the lungs was investigated in patients with primary and secondary polycythemia before and after treatment and in nonpolycythemic normal and emphysematous subjects.
On the Status of the Existence of Subnormally Fong Characters

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to construct an example which shows that a key theorem in Poimenidou (J. Algebra151 (1992), 192-217) is false, thereby invalidating the main result of that paper. Thus the question remains open as to whether every element of Bπ(G), where π is a set of prime numbers and G is a finite π-separable group, has a subnormally Fong character associated with it.
Thymus-like lymph mode in nude mice

PANTELOURIS has reported1 that 1 out of 60 autopsied nude mice possessed a suspected normal thymus, but histological examination was not possible. Here, we report on five nude mice with distinct lobulated thymus-like organs in the thymus area, but which can be shown to be lymph nodes, rather than thymus.
The Grimké sisters and the emergence of the woman's rights movement

The Grimke sisters from South Carolina spoke publicly against slavery. But the appearance of females on the public platform violated strong social mores. To sustain their role as public agitators, the Grimkes developed a rationale for woman's rights. The essay draws from Richard Gregg's thesis that an important function of protest rhetoric is to support one's ego and confirm one's selfhood, but concludes that when protestors become autonomous, they may separate from the movement to pursue their own goals.
Magnetoabsorption in n-type InSb from 8 to 15 μm

Abstract Magnetoabsorption measurements in n-type InSb at T≅30K have been made between ∼ 8 and 15 μm using magnetic fields up to 150 kOe. The observed absorption peaks are identified as due to combined resonance, harmonics of cyclotron resonance and the corresponding LO phonon-assisted resonances. These resonant absorptions are considered to be important in the interpretation of the observed magnetic field behavior of the threshold and output power of the InSb spin-flip Raman laser pumped with 10.6 μm CO2 laser.
STUDENTS' EVALUATION OF A COMPUTER-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEM IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Study identified two attitude factors for students' assessment of computer-based instruction, PLATO Learning Impact and Learning Obstacles.
Stress in nursing and intentions of leaving the profession.

This investigation examined nurses' intentions to leave their profession in response to problems related to occupational stress in a national sample of hospital nurses. The majority of the 283 nurse respondents were RNs, most worked the day shift, and the mean length of practice was 15–4 yr. Occupational stress was assessed on the Nurse Stress Inventory, which assesses eight factors: Professional Distress, Patient Care and Motivation, Time and Workload Management, Personal Time Disruptions, Emotional Manifestations, Behavioral Manifestations, Fatigue Manifestations, and Physiological Manifestations. Subscale scores were summed and averaged to derive a Total Stress Score. Each of nine group analyses of variance indicated significantly stronger stress for leavers than for stayers. Six of ten nurses indicated an intention to leave the profession.
Rómulo Betancourt: From a Communist Anti-Imperialist to a Social Democrat with US Support

An examination of the evolution of Romulo Betancourt's views in the 1930s and 1940s shows how he came to look for a close relationship with the United States just as the State Department, and later the Central Intelligence Agency, were coming to view reformist movements such as Betancourt's Accion Democratica as the best possible bulwark against communism in Latin America. The resulting international relationship during the three years of democratic government in Venezuela known as the trienio was cordial and potentially durable. Its failure is indicative of both the importance of local political leadership in the maintenance of democratic openings and the strength of nationalist notions of political legitimacy in US policy.
Monodisperse SiC/vinyl ester nanocomposites: Dispersant formulation, synthesis, and characterization

A novel dispersant “mono-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl succinate” was formulated for dispersing 30-nm SiC nanoparticles in vinyl ester resin. The eight carbon rule was used as the guideline to achieve a particle–particle separation of 20 to 60 nm for colloid stability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to characterize the SiC particle surfaces. Only a negligible amount of oxidized layer was observed; which illustrates that the SiC surface is basic. Thus, the Lewis base-Lewis acid reactions make the functional group –COOH an effective adsorbate to the SiC nanoparticle surface. The organofunctional group “methacrylates,” which exhibits the best wet strength with polyester copolymerizes with styrene monomers in the vinyl ester during cure. Hence, this novel dispersant also acts as an efficient coupling agent that reacts with both SiC and vinyl ester. The monolayer coverage dosage of 62 fractional wt% of the dispersant was used to attain the minimum filled resin viscosity. The multicomponent compositional imaging using atomic force microscopy confirmed the monodisperse SiC nanoparticles in vinyl ester. The 3 vol% SiC reinforced vinyl ester achieved a 75% increase in modulus, 42% increase in strength, and 75% increase in toughness as compared with the neat resin without nanofiller reinforcement.
Predicting Early Awakening from Coma after Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction – Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), family members and healthcare providers base early supportive management decisions, at least in part, on expected prognosis. In the comatose patient with ICH, this short-term prognosis is most overtly characterized by regaining of consciousness. Methods – A retrospective consecutive cohort of 51 patients admitted to a neuroICU with ICH and admission Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8 was identified. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association of baseline characteristics and treatment parameters associated with awakening. Results – Awakening from coma was observed in 53% of ICH patients: 83% with an initial GCS score of 7-8, 43% with an initial score of 5-6, and 20% with an initial score of 3-4. Awakening from coma in the cohort of 27 patients who regained consciousness occurred in 59% of patients by day 2, 89% by day 7, and 96% by day 9. In multivariable analysis, only higher admission GCS score was associated with a greater likelihood of awakening from coma (OR 4.9 [95%CI 1.9–13] per 2-point category, p=0.001). DNR status during the first 24 hours was not associated with awakening but was at later time points. Conclusion – GCS score is the predominant initial predictor of early awakening in patients who present in coma after ICH. Patients who regained consciousness typically did so within the first 9 days of hospital admission.
Failure to Thrive—A Retrospective Profile

"This paper presents the incidence of growth failure in 44 patients for which no organic cause was discovered after investi gation. This group of patients, collectively termed failure-to-thrive, represents the sec ond largest diagnostic category of patients with growth failure admitted to a children's hospital in one year. An examination of various features of this group from a review of the medical and psychosocial histories is made and changes in growth patterns in hos pitalization and follow up are documented."
Comparative Results of a Distal Modular Sleeve, Circumferential Coating, and Stiffness Relief Using the Anatomic Porous Replacement II

One hundred forty-eight primary Anatomic Porous Replacement II (APR-II, Intermedics Orthopaedics, Austin, TX) noncemented total hip arthroplasties were studied at follow-up periods of 2 to 5 years. Because the stem geometry has not changed since 1988, it was possible to study three adjunctive criteria for porous-coated hip arthroplasties. The APR-II stem geometry was used in three groups: APR-II stem in 56 hips, APR-IIS stem with distal sleeve in 44 hips, and APR-IIT stem with circumferential coating and hollow stem in 48 hips. The APR-IIT was followed 2 years; the APR-II and APR-IIS were followed an average of 3.4 years (range, 2–5 years). For comparison of the results within these three groups 2-year results were compared. The results of the APR-II and APR-IIS at the last follow-up examination are also reported. There was no statistical difference within the three groups for any clinical comparison: 82% had excellent results, 14% good, 2% fair, and 2% poor. At the 2-year follow-up examination, radiographic fixation of the APR-IIS was worse than that of the APR-II and APR-IIT (P < .0005). The APR-IIS uses a distal sleeve, which results in an adverse stiffness ratio between bone and stem. Fixation of the APR-IIT was better than that of the APR-II (P < .0005), probably because the APR-IIT had an increased volume and circumferential level of porous coating and was hollowed for stiffness relief. At final follow-up examination, fixation of the APR-IIS was still worse than that of the APR-II (P < .0005). There was no progressive loss of fixation for either the APR-II or APR-IIS between 2 and 5 years. Only 1 of 148 patients was revised for osteolysis. No other stem or acetabular component is loose. The adjunctive use of a modular sleeve seems to have little advantage, whereas stiffness relief of the stem seems to be beneficial. Circumferential porous coating seems the most important factor for durable fixation.
Modeling solar wind mass‐loading in the vicinity of the Sun using 3‐D MHD simulations

[1] Collisionless shocks due to mass-loading were first discussed to describe the solar wind flow around a cometary atmosphere, showing its choking effects on the flow. Recent observations have led to an increased interest in mass-loading occurring in the solar corona due to both sungrazing comets and collisional debris production by sunward migrating interplanetary dust particles. The 1-D simulations with a hydrodynamic model have illustrated the impact on the solar wind from abrupt mass-loading in the coronal region. Full 3-D magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using a solar corona model based on the Block-Adaptive-Tree-Solarwind-Roe-Upwind-Scheme code provide a more realistic coronal environment for modeling specific events applicable to modeling the mass-loaded coronal wind. A specific application is introduced modeling the mass-loading effects from a sungrazing comet.
MINUPROX - An Advanced Proximity Correction Technique for the IBM El-2 Electron Beam Tool

MINUPROX - (Minimum Neighborhood Proximity Correction) is a novel approach to proximity correction used with the IBM EL-2 E-Beam direct exposure tool. Based on earlier work by M. Parikh, it differs from his approach primarily by only correcting those shapes that form the edge definition o the image. Reflecting experimental observations that the dose assignment to the edges of the image is much more critical than the assignment made to the interior, MINUPROX separates the edges from the interior of the image and only applies proximity corrections to the edges. The interior is assigned a predetermined dose, thus saving considerable computation time otherwise spent on its correction. Correction of the edges is performed on a neighborhood basis, thus ensuring that similar shapes in similar environments will be assigned similar doses. Both positive and negative images are handled with equal efficiency, and the lower range of the tool is extended down to geometries of 1.0 micro-meter.
Quantum tunneling of the magnetic moment in a free nanoparticle

Abstract We study tunneling of the magnetic moment in a particle that has full rotational freedom. Exact energy levels are obtained and the ground-state magnetic moment is computed for a symmetric rotor. The effect of mechanical freedom on spin tunneling manifests itself in a strong dependence of the magnetic moment on the moments of inertia of the rotor. The energy of the particle exhibits quantum phase transitions between states with different values of the magnetic moment. Particles of various shapes are investigated and the quantum phase diagram is obtained.
The Private Health Insurance Choices of Medicare Beneficiaries: How Much Does Price Matter?

This article presents, critiques, and analyzes the influence of prices on insurance choices made by Medicare beneficiaries in the Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap markets. We define price as health insurance premiums for the Medicare Advantage and Medigap markets, and total out-of-pocket costs (including premiums and cost sharing) for the Part D market. In Medicare Advantage and Part D, prices only partly explain insurance choices. Enrollment decisions also may be influenced by other factors such as the perceived quality of the higher-premium plans, better provider networks, lower cost-sharing for services, more generous benefits, and a preference for certain brand-name products. In contrast, the one study available on the Medigap market concludes that price appears to be associated with plan selection. This may be because Medigap benefits are fully standardized, making it easier for beneficiaries to compare alternative policies. The article concludes by discussing policy options available to Medicare.
Expanding the boundaries: enhancing dentistry's contribution to overall health and well-being of children

The Surgeon General's Report, Oral Health in America, is the first comprehensive assessment of oral, dental, and craniofacial health in the history of our nation. The intent of this report is to alert all Americans to the full meaning of oral health and its importance to general health and well-being across the life span. Moreover, the report has been released at a time of enormous changes in human history as well as opportunities. The convergence of public health policies, "quality of life" expectations, global informatics, a new century of biotechnology, the advent of nanotechnology, the completion of the human genome project, changes in the management of health care, and the acknowledgment of enormous health disparities heralds a call to action. These changes affect children and their caregivers and the elderly. They also affect the social, economic, and health issues associated with special patients, including those with developmental disabilities. This paper highlights dentistry's future and how oral health is broadening the impact on patient and community health and dental practice, with a focus on children's oral health. The paper provides recommendations and suggests a call to action.
Values, ethics, and attitudes toward national forest management: An empirical study

This study measures environmental values and ethics and explores their relation ships to attitudes toward national forest management. The principal research methods were literature review and a survey of Vermont residents concerning man agement of the Green Mountain National Forest. Descriptive findings suggest respondents (1) favor nonmaterial values of national forests, (2) subscribe to a diversity of environmental ethics, including anthropocentric and bio-/ecocentric, and (3) support emerging concepts of ecosystem management. Environmental values and ethics explain approximately 60% of the variation in attitudes toward national forest management.
FIGALPHA , A GERM CELL SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR INVOLVED IN THE COORDINATE EXPRESSION OF THE ZONA PELLUCIDA GENES

The mouse zona pellucida is composed of three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3, encoded by single-copy genes whose expression is temporally and spatially restricted to oocytes. All three proteins are required for the formation of the extracellular zona matrix and female mice with a single disrupted zona gene lack a zona and are infertile. An E-box (CANNTG), located approximately 200 bp upstream of the transcription start sites of Zp1, Zp2 and Zp3, forms a protein-DNA complex present in oocytes and, to a much lesser extent, in testes. It has been previously shown that the integrity of this E-box in Zp2 and Zp3 promoters is required for expression of luciferase reporter genes microinjected into growing oocytes. The presence of the ubiquitous transcription factor E12 in the complex was used to identify a novel basic helix-loop-helix protein, FIGalpha (Factor In the Germline alpha) whose expression was limited to oocytes within the ovary. The ability of FIGalpha to transactivate reporter genes coupled to each of the three mouse zona promoters in heterologous 10T(1/2) embryonic fibroblasts suggests a role in coordinating the expression of the three zona pellucida genes during oogenesis.
An approach to regression testing using slicing

The authors present a novel approach to data-flow-based regression testing that uses slicing type algorithms to explicitly detect definition-use pairs that are affected by a program change. An important benefit of the slicing technique is that, unlike previous techniques, no data flow history is needed nor is the recomputation of data flow for the entire program required to detect affected definition-use pairs. The program changes drive the recomputation of the required partial data flow through slicing. Another advantage is that the proposed technique achieves the same testing coverage as a complete retest of the program without the need for maintaining and updating a test suite. >
Alcohol Dependence and Domestic Violence: Incidence and Treatment Implications

ABSTRACT This article presents findings from a study that sought to measure the incidence of domestic violence among a group of alcoholics and the reduction in violence after completion of treatment. Variables such as attendance and sponsorship were also examined to determine their importance in managing domestic violence in recovery.
Eventrons: a safe programming construct for high-frequency hard real-time applications

While real-time garbage collection has achieved worst-case latencies on the order of a millisecond, this technology is approaching its practical limits. For tasks requiring extremely low latency, and especially periodic tasks with frequencies above 1 KHz, Java programmers must currently resort to the NoHeapRealtimeThread construct of the Real-Time Specification for Java. This technique requires expensive run-time checks, can result in unpredictable low-level exceptions, and inhibits communication with the rest of the garbage-collected application. We present Eventrons, a programming construct that can arbitrarily preempt the garbage collector, yet guarantees safety and allows its data to be visible to the garbage-collected heap. Eventrons are a strict subset of Java, and require no run-time memory access checks. Safety is enforced using a data-sensitive analysis and simple run-time support with extremely low overhead. We have implemented Eventrons in IBM's J9 Java virtual machine, and present experimental results in which we ran Eventrons at frequencies up to 22 KHz (a 45 μs period). Across 10 million periods, 99.997% of the executions ran within 10 μss of their deadline, compared to 99.999% of the executions of the equivalent program written in C.
SBC Hand: A Lightweight Robotic Hand with an SMA Actuator Array implementing C-segmentation

This paper presents a lightweight robotic hand that uses an SMA actuator array. The SMA wires are activated via joule heating, implementing SBC. A coordinate transformation architecture which reduces activation signal dimensionality, known as C-segmentation, is presented. A robotic hand with 16 controlled DOF and 32 independent SMA axes was developed to demonstrate the advantages of joule-heated SBC; the total weight of the robotic hand system was less than 800 grams. 16 different grasping postures were successfully recreated by using only 8 C-segments. It was concluded that a very lightweight robotic hand with simple controls can effectively reproduce the necessary configurations for conventional grasping situations.
Effect of Crumb Rubber Modifier Dissolution on Storage Stability of Crumb Rubber–Modified Asphalt

Crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) extensively suffers from high-temperature storage instability. Because of the higher density of the crumb rubber modifier (CRM) particles, they settle down to the bottom of storage tanks and cause variation between physical properties of the top and bottom samples. The storage stability of the CRMA changes under different interaction parameters and consequently different mechanisms of interaction. In this research the mechanism of separation under different levels of CRM dissolution was investigated by using Stokes' law. The extent and mechanism of CRM dissolution in asphalt was controlled through regulating interaction temperature and interaction mixing speed. A standard storage stability test was conducted on CRMA samples to measure the corresponding storage stability index. Viscosity of the liquid phase of CRMA was measured at the same temperature as that of the storage stability test (163°C), with the use of a rotational visco-meter, to study the effect of viscosit...