cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Energy Nuclear Level Scheme of Rh 104

Investigations of the low-energy level properties (level energies, spins, and parities) of ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{104}$ have been undertaken from studies of the coincidence relationships existing between the low-energy capture gamma rays produced by thermal neutron capture in ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{103}$ using NaI(Tl) scintillation crystals as detectors. It is known from the decay scheme of the 4.4-min ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{104m}$ isomer that ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{104}$ has energy levels at 52, 96, and 129 keV with spins and parities of 2-, 2+, and 5+, respectively. The data obtained in these investigations have been combined with the isomeric level data in order to determine the properties of several additional levels. Additional levels in ${\mathrm{Rh}}^{104}$ have been determined at the following energies, with the level spin and parity in parenthesis after the energy; 184 keV (1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}), 192 keV (3+), 269 keV (3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}), 450 keV, and either 229 keV (3+) or 325 keV (4+). These spin and parity assignments were made on the basis of a $K$ internal conversion coefficient analysis of the coincidence data together with consideration of the relative cascade intensities. On the basis of the possible odd-proton and odd-neutron configurations open to the 184- and 269-keV levels, and considering the transition intensities to the lower levels, it was determined that the negative-parity assignment is most probable for both of these levels, with the levels having configuration assignments of $({p}_{\frac{3}{2}})({d}_{\frac{5}{2}})$. The 192-keV level together with the 229- or 325-keV level most probably have either ${[{({g}_{\frac{9}{2}})}^{5}]}_{\frac{7}{2}}{({d}_{\frac{5}{2}})}^{n}$ or ${({g}_{\frac{9}{2}})}^{5}{({d}_{\frac{5}{2}})}^{n}$ configurations. In fact, if it is the 229-keV level which does exist, as the available evidence might seem to indicate, then, since they both have spins and parities of 3+, the 192-keV level would have one of these configurations while the 229-keV level would have the other.
Rechargeable cathodes based on Li2CrxMn2−xO4

Abstract Phases in the solid-state solution series Li 2 Cr x Mn 2− x O 4 were prepared as single-phase compounds over the range 0 x 3+ , with a smaller ionic radius, is substituted for Mn 3+ . The X-ray powder diffraction patterns of phases in the range 1.5≤ x 2 , while the diffraction patterns of Li 2 Cr x Mn 2− x O 4 phases over the range 0 x ≤1.25 resemble that of λ-Li 2 Mn 2 O 4 . Selected phases of Li 2 Cr x Mn 2− x O 4 were formed into cathodes and evaluated in lithium-ion cells with petroleum coke-based anodes.
p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) is essential for equine neutrophil migration

Abstract Equine laminar tissues do not contain resident neutrophils and have less superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than other equine tissues, which makes them inherently more vulnerable to damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by neutrophils that enter the tissues. In the advanced clinical stages of acute laminitis, pathologic events in affected feet include a breakdown in the basement membrane, neutrophil infiltration, and platelet–neutrophil aggregates in laminar dermal veins, highlighting the contribution of neutrophils to the pathophysiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to determine the role of p38 MAPK in the mechanism underlying equine neutrophil migration to potentially reveal therapeutic targets that may limit lamellar damage from the neutrophil influx that occurs in acute laminitis. We determined that the endogenous chemoattractant LTB4 transiently activated p38 MAPK and induced chemotaxis of equine primary neutrophils. Inhibition with the p38 MAPK specific inhibitor SB203580 reduced LTB4-induced migration in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 2.8 μM. We then examined the potential mechanisms underlying the ability of SB203580 to abolish migration. We determined that inhibition of p38 MAPK with 10 μM SB203580 disrupted the ability of neutrophils to polarize in response to LTB4 and PAF. In contrast, p38 MAPK did not appear to be required for chemoattractant- or PKC-induced β2 integrin-dependent adhesion or chemoattractant-induced upregulation of surface β2 integrins, but was required for TNFα-induced adhesion. These findings support a function for p38 MAPK in equine neutrophil migration and suggest the potential for the ability of p38 MAPK inhibition to limit neutrophilic inflammation in the laminae during acute laminitis.
Optimal Scheduling of Parallel Queues with Stochastic Flow Models: The cμ-rule Revisited

Abstract We consider a classic scheduling problem for optimally allocating a resource to multiple competing users and place it in the framework of Stochastic Flow Models (SFMs). We derive Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA) gradient estimators for the average holding cost with respect to resource allocation parameters. These estimators are easily obtained from a sample path of the system without any knowledge of the underlying stochastic process characteristics. Exploiting monotonicity properties of these IPA estimators, we prove the optimality of the well-known c μ-rule not only for the two-queue case (as in earlier work) but for an arbitrary finite number of queues and stochastic processes under non-idling policies.
Cultural classifications of societies and how they affect cross‐cultural management

Describes cultural classifications of societies, based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, to form a basis of managerial styles which expatriate managers, in particular, can use as a reference tool. Goes into more detail about: power distance, collectivism/individualism, strong/weak uncertainty avoidance, masculinity/femininity, Confucian dynamism, master of destiny/fatalistic, improvement/maintenance of status quo, enterprise, personnel selection, attitudes towards wealth, sharing in decision making, objective/emotional analysis, and high/low context cultures. Relates this to cross‐cultural management styles, but points out some problems, not least multiple classifications of cultures. Suggests that this article should be used as a starting point, rather than an ultimate cultural guide to conducting business globally.
Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms: Views of Three Artificial Intelligence Concepts Used in Modeling Scientific Systems

Students' conceptions of three major artificial intelligence concepts used in the modeling of systems in science, fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms were investigated before and after a higher education science course. Students initially explored their prior ideas related to the three concepts through active tasks. Then, laboratories, project work, use of computer modeling of scientific systems, and cooperative group work were used to help students construct key characteristics of each concept. Finally, they applied each concept in contexts different from that in which it had been previously studied. In postcourse interviews using a set of scenarios for each of the major course concepts, 49% of students' applications included key characteristics of the concepts studied versus an application of 5% in precourse interviews. Students' post interview applications were inconsistent even though they were more frequent, indicating a state of transition in their conceptual change. Applications were most consistent when used with scenarios deemed very familiar to the students, indicating the effects of context in conceptual change.
Inter-flavin electron transfer in the ground state in the absence of external electron donors and acceptors

Inter-flavin electron transfer of N5-alkylflavinium cation 3 occurred in the ground state to primarily give the flavosemiquinone 4 and the superoxidized flavin 7. This provided insight into some chemistry of 7: a rapid addition followed by a (second) inter-flavin electron transfer of the derived 4a- flavin adduct radical 6 giving 3 and, consequently, an additional formation of 4.
Relationship of apolipoprotein A5 and apolipoprotein C3 levels to serum triglycerides in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background The role of apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) in modulating triglyceride levels in humans is incompletely understood. Some researchers have reported modest positive correlations of ApoA5 with triglycerides while others have reported negative correlations. A recent report suggested that ApoA5 gene expression may be influenced by insulin. In type 2 diabetes, some groups have reported higher levels of ApoA5 compared to normals while others have reported lower levels. Methods To better understand the relationships between ApoA5, apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3), and triglycerides in type 2 diabetes, ApoA5 levels were measured and correlated with triglyceride, insulin, and HbA1c levels. ApoC3 levels were measured and correlated with triglycerides. Results In patients with type 2 diabetes, ApoA5 levels were elevated compared to normals, with several patients having markedly increased levels confirmed by Western blotting. ApoA5 levels were positively correlated with triglycerides ( r = 0.60) but were not correlated with either HbA1c or serum insulin levels. ApoC3 levels were highly positively correlated with triglycerides ( r = 0.88). Conclusions These data indicate that in patients with type 2 diabetes ApoA5 levels are positively correlated with triglycerides but are not correlated with HbA1c or insulin levels. ApoC3 levels are strongly positively correlated with triglycerides in these patients.
Human Cardiac Stem Cells Isolated from Atrial Appendages Stably Express c-kit

The in vivo studies of myocardial infarct using c-kit+/Lin− cardiac stem cells (CSCs) are still in the early stage with margin or no beneficial effects for cardiac function. One of the potential reasons may be related to the absence of fully understanding the properties of these cells both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we aimed to systematically examine how CSCs adapted to in vitro cell processes and whether there is any cell contamination after long-term culture. Human CSCs were enzymatically isolated from the atrial appendages of patients. The fixed tissue sections, freshly isolated or cultured CSCs were then used for identification of c-kit+/Lin− cells, detection of cell contamination, or differentiation of cardiac lineages. By specific antibody staining, we demonstrated that tissue sections from atrial appendages contained less than 0.036% c-kit+/Lin− cells. For the first time, we noted that without magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), the percentages of c-kit+/Lin− cells gradually increased up to ∼40% during continuously culture between passage 2 to 8, but could not exceed >80% unless c-kit MACS was carried out. The resulting c-kit+/Lin− cells were negative for CD34, CD45, CD133, and Lin markers, but positive for KDR and CD31 in few patients after c-kit MACS. Lin depletion seemed unnecessary for enrichment of c-kit+/Lin− cell population. Following induced differentiation, c-kit+/Lin− CSCs demonstrated strong differentiation towards cardiomyocytes but less towards smooth and endothelial cells. We concluded that by using an enzymatic dissociation method, a large number, or higher percentage, of relative pure human CSCs with stable expression of c-kit+ could be obtained from atrial appendage specimens within ∼4 weeks following c-kit MACS without Lin depletion. This simple but cost-effective approach can be used to obtain enough numbers of stably-expressed c-kit+/Lin− cells for clinical trials in repairing myocardial infarction.
Lymphocyte in vitro cytotoxicity: characterization of mouse lymphotoxin.

shown to be a very important initial step in all these reactions.9 It has been postulated that this initial step is promoted by antibody associated with the membrane of immune cells that have active sites directed toward target-cell antigens. Several authors have suggested that this close contact directly causes cell destruction as a result of lymphocyte-target-cell membrane interaction.10'-13 However, it has been reported that lymphoid-cell-target-cell membrane interactions are insufficient to account for target-cell damage and, moreover, only a viable lymphoid cell possesses the capacity to cause destruction of the target cell.14 15 Our studies suggest that membrane interactions can lead to additional steps: (a) lymphocyte activation and (b) release of a toxic cell-free factor termed lymphotoxin (LT).15 17 Once released, LT is nonspecifically toxic to cells and causes in vitro target-cell damage that is morphologically similar to lymphocytedirected cytolysis.'6 Subsequent studies have revealed that lymphocytes obtained from many animal species, including maii, cain be induced to release LT in vitro (in the absence of target cells)."7 Substances which induce LT release in vitro are chemically unrelated,'8 cause lymphocyte transformation,'9 and induce nonimmune lymphocytes to cause target-cell destruction.6 7t 16 While the mechanism(s) of how these substances induce lymphocyte activation and LT release is unknown, they may interact with the lymphoid-cell membrane. The present report describes some of the physical and chemical characteristics of LT released in vitro by phytohemagglutinin-activated human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods.-Tissue culture reagents, cell lines, and agglutinating agents: Tissue culture materials and cell lines used in these studies have been described previously."5 The cell culture medium used was Eagle's minimal essential medium (MEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA) was purchased from Difco Laboratories, Detroit, Michigan. Human lymphotoxin (HLT) production: Suspensions of nonimmune small lymphocytes were obtained from human adenoid tissue as previously described.'7 The cell suspensions routinely consisted of 95%0 small lymphocytes which were 90-95% viable. Three hundred ug of PHA was added to a suspension of lymphocytes (300 X 106 cells) in 100 ml of MEM, and the suspensions were incubated at 37?C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air. After 72-96 hr of incubation, the medium was collected and pooled. Cells and cell debris were removed by centrifugation at 1500 X g for 30 min, and the supernatant fluid was passed through a Millipore filter (0.45-A pore size) and stored at -18OC until used.
Structure and reactivity of a chiral cyclononadienone

The structure and reactivity of a highly enantioenriched dissymmetric cyclononadienone are described.
Consumer preference and mechanical property assessment of maine wild blueberries for the fresh pack market

Maine wild fresh blueberries were purchased from a cooperative twice (tests 1 and 2) during the 1997 field season and used to determine the relationship of consumer preference and textural properties. Berry diameter was used to establish 3 size classes and a consumer panel evaluated teaspoon-sized samples and indicated their opinion of flavor, texture and overall quality attributes using a 9-point hedonic scale. Ranked preference for size was conducted in a separate area following the acceptability evaluation. At the same time the consumer samples were drawn, three berries were subsampled and subjected to a compression test. Two replications of the test were made to evaluate texture/sensory interactions of Maine wild blueberries throughout the harvest period; test 1, one week into the four-week harvest. Based on size class, there were no significant differences in acceptability attributes; however, differences were detected in the mechanical tests. Slight differences in consumer preference were detected in test 2, which took place three weeks into the harvest cycle, and significant differences were also found in the mechanical tests. Differences between test 1 and 2 can be attributed to blueberry maturity. These results compare with previously published data on Maine wild blueberries.
A multivariate analog of Marsden's identity and a quasi-interpolation scheme

Let ϕ be a linear combination of certain box splines and\(\hat \phi \) its Fourier transform, such that\(\hat \phi \left( 0 \right) \ne 0\) and\(D^\beta \hat \phi \left( {2\pi k} \right) = 0\) for all κ∈ZN{0} and β≤α. In this paper we construct an expression of the multivariate polynomial (·-y)α in terms of a linear combination of the integer translates of ϕ(·), where the coefficients can be computed recursively using only the information on\(D^\beta \hat \phi \left( 0 \right)\), β ≤ α. As an application, a quasi-interpolation scheme based only on function values on (scaled) integers κ∈ZN is constructed that gives a “multivariate order” of approximation that includes both coordinate and total orders.
Detection of OH toward the Extreme Carbon Star IRC +10216

We report the detection of the 1665 and 1667 MHz main lines of OH (hydroxyl) and upper limits on the 1612 MHz satellite line of OH toward the carbon-rich AGB star IRC +10216. We find a beam-averaged fractional abundance x(OH) ~ 4 × 10-8. This detection supports the identification by Melnick et al. of the 110-101 transition of water vapor with a 556.936 GHz rest-frequency emission feature detected toward IRC +10216, since OH is the expected photodissociation product of water vapor. The shape of the OH lines, however, differs significantly from the shape expected on the basis of the observations of Melnick et al. Possible explanations for the anomalous shapes of the 1665 and 1667 MHz lines are discussed. The most likely explanations for the unexpected OH line shapes are either masing or an asymmetric distribution of OH molecules around IRC +10216.
Travel Time and Subjective Well-Being

This paper explores the relative impacts of commute time on subjective well-being (SWB) with data from a Gallup-Healthways survey. Two different measures of SWB—a comprehensive measure of overall well-being and whether people experienced happiness for most of the day yesterday—are analyzed to address various definitions of SWB. The first measure takes a global view of SWB that encompasses both experienced and remembered utility, and the second measure looks at SWB as experienced utility dealing with feelings of happiness. With ordinary least squares and logit regression models, commute time is found to be statistically significant and negatively related to both the global evaluation of SWB and the experientially focused measure of SWB. Because this study uses 4 years of well-being data from the United States, results provide robust support that commute time does have a significant role in well-being in this country. The analysis also finds a strong correlation between commute time and congestion, which su...
Pyomyositis in patients with the human immunodeficiency virus: An unusual form of disseminated bacterial infection

Abstract purpose and patients: Pyomyositis, a common disease in the tropics, is rare in the continental United States, with approximately 83 cases described in the literature in the past two decades. The occurrence of pyomyositis complicating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been reported in 10 patients since 1986. We report six cases of this entity in patients with advanced HIV disease seen in our institution over a 20-month period. A common denominator in all of our patients was muscle injury, induced by either exercise or trauma. Unlike most previous reports of HIV-associated pyomyositis, the clinical picture in our cases was complicated by the development of abscesses in multiple muscle groups, requiring prolonged antimicrobial therapy and repeated drainage procedures for successful management. Interestingly, one patient developed concomitant rhabdomyolysis—an otherwise rare event in classical pyomyositis. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant infecting organism in this as well as all other series. Of note, we also observed and report the first case, to our knowledge, of gram-negative pyomyositis in an HIV-infected individual. The pathogenic implications of this catalase-producing gram-negative isolate are discussed in the context of neutrophil abnormalities in HIV disease. conclusion: Like tropical pyomyositis, its HIV-associated counterpart appears to be multifactorial in origin. Its recent recognition suggests that, in addition to underlying abnormalities of host defense, factors relating to the prolonged survival of patients with late-stage disease, including myopathy, might play an important contributory role.
Rate-distortion optimizations for motion estimation in low-bit-rate video coding

We make a case that taking the number of bits to code each motion vector into account when estimating motion for video compression results in significantly better performance at low bit rates, using simulation studies on established benchmark videos. First, by modifying a `vanilla' implementation of the H.261 standard, we show that choosing motion vectors explicitly to minimize rate (in a greedy manner), subject to implicit constraints on distortion, yields better rate-distortion tradeoffs than minimizing notions of prediction error. Locally minimizing a linear combination of rate and distortion results in further improvements. Using a heuristic function of the prediction error and the motion vector code-length results in compression performance comparable to the more computationally intensive coders while requiring a practically small amount of computation. We also show that making coding control decisions to minimize rate yields further improvements.
Determination of DC Bus Fault Currents for Thyristor Converters

Maximum surge current is one of the important ratings of semiconductor rectifiers. There are several methods in the literature for calculating dc bus fault currents. These methods have largely been devoted to rectifier equipment without phase control.
Aging Successfully in the 21st Century: Does Kinesiology Hold the Silver Bullet?

According to Rowe and Kahn (1998), aging successfully hinges on our ability to avoid disease or disability, maintain a high level of cognitive and physical capacity, and remain actively engaged in life. This article addresses five issues that have the potential to shape future intra- and interdisciplinary research efforts aimed at addressing important issues related to the aging process and the role of physical activity across the lifespan. In short, they address what should be studied, how it should be studied, and how what is studied should be measured to provide a more-complete answer to the problems being addressed. One important future issue for the professional discipline that is also discussed in this article is the need to provide a curriculum that restores the balance between theory and practice so that graduates of kinesiology are better equipped to serve an aging society.
Becoming Verbally Aggressive Toward One's Child: A Study of the Mother's Perspective

In this study, a qualitative, case-based method of research was used to study how mothers experience becoming verbally aggressive toward their children. The objective of the study was to explicate the mother's perspective and articulate it as a coherent whole. Ten mothers (ages 25–66) provided descriptions of becoming verbally aggressive toward their children that were analyzed using the Giorgi method of empirical-phenomenological analysis (e.g., Giorgi, 1985, 2009). The aim of the study was to elucidate the qualitative significance of becoming verbally aggressive toward one's child as lived by the mothers themselves. How the results might shed light on maternal verbal aggression as a form of psychological maltreatment (i.e., verbal abuse) was also considered.
Exhaled nitric oxide decreases upon acute exposure to high-altitude hypoxia.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator that plays a role in blood flow and oxygen delivery. Acute hypoxia downregulates NO synthesis, a response that may exacerbate hypoxic stress by decreasing blood flow. This study was designed to test the hypotheses that pulmonary NO decreases upon acute exposure to high-altitude hypoxia and that relatively low levels of NO at altitude are associated with greater stress as reflected in more symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). A sample of 47 healthy, adult, nonsmoking, sea-level residents provided measurements at sea level, at 2800 m, and at 0-, 2-, and 3-h exposure times at 4200 m altitude on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Measurements were made of exhaled NO, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, heart rate, and reported symptoms of AMS. The partial pressure of NO concentration in exhaled breath decreased significantly from a sea level mean of 4.2 nmHg to 3.8 nmHg at 2800 m and 3.4 nmHg at 4200 m. NO concentration in exhaled breath did not change significantly over a 3-h exposure at 4200 m and recovered to pre-exposure baseline upon return to sea level. There was no significant association between the level of NO exhaled and the number of self-reported symptoms of AMS during this brief exposure. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 18:196–202, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Soil Physical Property Changes After Skidder Traffic With Varying Tire Widths

Eight combinations of skidder tires, ranging in total width from 0.7 m to 2.2 m, were evaluated for rut formation potential on two soils in south-central Alabama. One was a mixed pine-hardwood bottomland; the other was an upland, predominantly pine stand. Each soil/tire combination was replicated twice. Changes in soil profile after one, three, seven, and nine loaded passes were used as indices of soil disturbance. The number of skidder passes was the most significant factor influencing rut formation. The effect was linear up to nine passes on both test sites. The first pass on the upland site accounted for half the average rut depth and area. The magnitude of the displacement after one pass was related to tire width. Each subsequent pass caused a uniform smaller increment in depth and area. The magnitude of the increase was independent of tire width. On the bottomland site, however, each pass resulted in an increment in both depth and area the magnitude of which was a function of tire width. Average rut cross-sectional area on the bottomland site ranged from 0.13 m2 to 0.75 m2 for nine passes. Depth of ruts ranged from 1.7 cm to 3.6 cm for nine passes on the upland soil, and from 1.4 cm to 21.2 cm for nine passes on the bottomland soils. Soil physical properties were not affected by skidder traffic regardless of tire width.
Evaluation of Surgically Retrieved Temporomandibular Joint Alloplastic Implants: Pilot Study

Purpose The purpose of this study was to perform a retrieval analysis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) alloplastic interpositional implants and test possible correlation between implant failure features and patient clinical outcomes. In addition, we investigated the implants' surface and examined the foreign body reaction associated with different types of alloplastic materials. Materials and Methods Twelve implants (Proplast/Teflon [Vitek, Houston, TX] and Silastic [Dow Corning, Midland, MI]) were surgically removed from the patients' TMJs. Implant surface failure features (fracture length, perforation of the implants) were observed using stereomicroscopy and recorded for description of the failure mechanisms and to statistically compare with clinical outcomes. Patients' clinical data (pain symptoms and mandibular function) were collected and examined. Clinical outcomes were obtained relative to symptom severity (Symptom Severity Index [SSI]) and jaw function (modified Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire [mMFIQ]). Peri-implant soft tissues and implants were analyzed with light microscopy and stereo zoom microscopy. Electron microprobe analysis of implant fragments and peri-implant tissues was performed. Results The statistical results showed that only the presence of implant perforation was statistically associated with the SSI, specifically with the pain tolerability dimension. No statistical association was seen between any of the other implant failure predictors and the SSI and between the predictors and the mMFIQ. Stereo zoom microscopy suggested that Proplast/Teflon implants (n = 7) were susceptible to perforation, layer tearing, fracture and fiber extrusion. The Silastic implants (n = 3) revealed a possible center perforation with fracture lines towards the periphery and fiber extrusion. Teflon implant wear debris particles appear to trigger a multinucleated giant cell foreign body reaction. Conclusion Facial pain was a significant correlate to perforation and breakdown of the alloplastic TMJ interpositional implants, and most likely was the reason for implant removal.
Winter King: Henry VII and the Dawn of Tudor England. By Thomas Penn. (New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 2012. Pp. xxi, 448. $30.00.)

Few early modern monarchs have warranted their own television series, but Henry VIII was no ordinary monarch. In fact, his shadow was so long that he has obscured his father's legacy as well as tha...
A modular 100 Mc/sec digital timer

Abstract A digital time analyzer employing flexible plug-in logic and time base frequencies up to 100 Mc/sec is described. Tests and performance in muon and pion lifetime experiments indicate linearity to better than 0.1%. The analyzer is comprised entirely of commercially available modular circuit elements.
Analytical Predictions of SGEMP Response and Comparisons with Computer Calculations

An analytical formulation for the prediction of SGEMP surface current response is presented. Only two independent dimensionless parameters are required to predict the peak magnitude and rise time of SGEMP induced surface currents. The analysis applies to limited (high fluence) emission as well as unlimited (low fluence) emission. Cause-effect relationships for SGEMP response are treated quantitatively, and yield simple power law dependencies between several physical variables. Analytical predictions for a large matrix of SGEMP cases are compared with an array of about thirty-five computer solutions of similar SGEMP problems, which were collected from three independent research groups. The theoretical solutions generally agree with the computer solutions as well as the computer solutions agree with one another. Such comparisons typically show variations less than a "factor of two".
A Misspliced Form of the Cholecystokinin-B/Gastrin Receptor in Pancreatic Carcinoma Role of Reduced Cellular U2AF35 and a Suboptimal 3′-Splicing Site Leading to Retention of the Fourth Intron

Abnormal splicing of primary RNA transcripts of normal genes is a recognized mechanism for the production of some abnormal proteins found in cancer cells. A misspliced form of the cholecystokinin-B/gastrin (CCK-B) receptor recently was reported to be present in colon carcinoma, where it was postulated to play a role in stimulating tumor growth (M. R. Hellmich et al., J. Biol. Chem., 275: 32122-32128, 2000). Here, we report the presence of the same abnormal protein in pancreatic carcinoma and explore the molecular basis for this missplicing event. Reverse transcription-PCR and sequencing were used to demonstrate the presence of a misspliced form of the CCK-B receptor having its fourth intron retained in three pancreatic cancer cell lines and in tumor tissue, but not in surrounding healthy pancreas, from two patients with pancreatic carcinoma. A mini-gene construct representing the region of this gene from its third through its fifth exon and containing the two intervening introns was produced and transiently expressed in the MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cell line. Specific reverse transcription-PCR reactions with both vector-derived and receptor-specific primers demonstrated the presence of both correctly fully spliced and selectively misspliced forms of this receptor. Mutagenesis of the mini-gene demonstrated that a suboptimal sequence at the 3'-end of intron 4 contributed to this missplicing. This focused attention on the U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle auxiliary splicing factors (U2AFs) known to interact specifically with this domain. Indeed, quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated a reduced level of expression of one of these factors, U2AF35, in pancreatic cancer cells compared with healthy pancreas. Furthermore, the relative amount of missplicing of the CCK-B receptor mini-gene in the pancreatic cancer cell line was reversed by transfection of the cells with U2AF35 cDNA. This work describes the presence of an additional abnormal protein in pancreatic cancer and describes a new molecular mechanism for its production, providing additional potential therapeutic targets.
Domain-Specific Coreference Resolution with Lexicalized Features

Most coreference resolvers rely heavily on string matching, syntactic properties, and semantic attributes of words, but they lack the ability to make decisions based on individual words. In this paper, we explore the benefits of lexicalized features in the setting of domain-specific coreference resolution. We show that adding lexicalized features to off-the-shelf coreference resolvers yields significant performance gains on four domain-specific data sets and with two types of coreference resolution architectures.
Unions and The Environment: Pathways to Global Labor Environmentalism

During the last two decades labor unions at the national, regional, and global levels have developed environmental agendas that add to their long-standing and well-justified concerns with occupational safety and health. Yet, it is also fair to say that the internalization of environmental priorities by the broader labor movement remains tentative and contested. The goal of this article is to address three challenges encountered on the road to global union environmentalism, in each case highlighting some promising initiatives undertaken by unions in response. These are the challenges of forming a global labor agenda on the environment, of strengthening the links and deliberations among unions, particularly those in the reconfigured core of the world political economy, and of moving away from business environmentalism and in the direction of social environmentalism.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection with Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis Complicated by Symptomatic Lactic Acidosis

Lactic acidosis has been reported as a complication associated with antiretroviral therapy; in particular, usually with use of nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. We describe a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient with a history of lipodystrophy who presented with hepatic insult associated with documented human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE). Despite a normal serum lactate level before the onset of acute coinfection, the patient developed symptomatic hyperlactatemia while receiving appropriate treatment for HGE. To date, this is the first presentation of symptomatic hyperlactatemia in a patient with HIV infection and HGE.
Proton-exchange membranes composed of slightly sulfonated poly(ether ketone ketone) and highly sulfonated crosslinked polystyrene particles

Abstract Proton-exchange membranes composed of sulfonated poly(ether ketone ketone) (SPEKK) and sulfonated crosslinked polystyrene (SXLPS) particles were made by solution casting using N -methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). The proton conductivity of SPEKK membranes with relatively low ion-exchange capacity (IEC = 0.8–1.3 meq/g) was greatly enhanced by the addition of the SXLPS particles (IEC = 5.2 meq/g). The proton conductivity exhibited a sigmoidal dependence on the SXLPS particle concentration, and values of 0.04–0.07 S/cm were achieved for SXLPS weight fractions >0.4. The equilibrium water sorptions of the composite membranes increased proportionately with increasing SXLPS concentration. However, for a comparable membrane IEC, the composite membranes absorbed considerably less water than pure SPEKK when the overall IEC exceeded 1.5 meq/g. For particle weight fractions >0.2, the dispersion of the particles was fairly uniform, but for lower concentrations, the particles settled and were concentrated on just one side of the solution-cast membrane. This asymmetric structure could have merit for some applications, and its properties are under investigation.
Principles and Applications of Wafer Curvature Techniques for Stress Measurements in Thin Films

Measurement of the curvature induced in a wafer (or other flat plate) by the stress in a thin film has long been used as a convenient and accurate technique for the determination of the stress. Numerous improvements over the years have led to instruments that provide simple and rapid measurements of stress as a function of the time and temperature for any desired thermal history. A computer controlled instrument using laser scanning will be briefly described and its capabilities and limitations discussed. Applications of the technique to a variety of thin film materials will be discussed. In addition to the effects of differences in thermal expansion, stresses associated with various deposition techniques, gain or loss of material, phase transformations and flow will be considered. In aluminum based systems, themal expansion, plastic flow and phase transformation play major roles. Refractory metals show, in addition, large stresses associated with the deposition process. In inorganic dielectric systems thermal expansion effects are usually relatively small; deposition effects and the gain or loss of material are the dominant effects. Silica based glasses formed by chemical vapor deposition, for example, show large stress changes due to gain or loss of water, and plasma deposited silicon nitride films show large effects associated with hydrogen. Overall, determination of the stress as a function of time and temperature is a valuable part of the evaluation of a thin film material for use in a VLSI device.
Science Café Course: An Innovative Means of Improving Communication Skills of Undergraduate Biology Majors

To help bridge the increasing gap between scientists and the public, we developed an innovative two-semester course called Science Cafe. In this course, undergraduate biology majors learn to develop communication skills to be better able to explain science concepts and current developments in science to non-scientists. Students develop and host outreach events on various topics relevant to the community, thereby increasing interactions between budding scientists and the public. Such a Science Cafe course emphasizes development of science communication skills early, at the undergraduate level, and empowers students to use their science knowledge in everyday interactions with the public to increase science literacy, get involved in the local community and engage the public in a dialogue on various pressing science issues. We believe that undergraduate science majors can be great ambassadors for science and are often overlooked since many aspire to go on to medical/veterinary/pharmacy schools. However, science communication skills are especially important for these types of students because when they become healthcare professionals, they will interact with the public as part of their everyday jobs and can thus be great representatives for the field.
Microseism propagation between two sites on the deep seafloor

Pressure and electric field fluctuations detected at two sites separated by a distance of 32 km on the deep seafloor are found to be partially coherent at frequencies between 0.05 and 0.6 Hz. The phase relationships observed between the two sites suggest coherent wave trains from three source regions produce the observed coherence. Plausible estimates for the azimuths to the sources can be obtained if Rayleigh wave phase velocities are assumed. Each source region is associated with a different peak in the power spectra of the pressure and electric field fluctuations. One source region is along the California coastline where microseisms between 0.05 and 0.1 Hz are generated by the steepening and breaking of swell along that coast. The two other source regions are in deep water where microseisms are produced by nonlinear interaction of surface gravity waves. These microseisms have frequencies which are double the frequency of principal surface gravity wave components. A region to the southeast of the two sites is associated with microseisms near 0.16 Hz, and a region to the northwest is associated with microseisms near 0.25 Hz.
Improved measurements of intracellular nitric oxide in intact microvessels using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate

4,5-Diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA) has been widely used for the measurement of nitric oxide (NO) in living cells and tissues. We previously established a method that demonstrated platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced endothelial NO production in intact venules using DAF-2 DA. In previous applications, the loading dye was removed from the extracellular space before NO measurements. However, in high permeability vessels, endothelial cells quickly released the accumulated intracellular DAF-2 after the washout, which compromises the NO measurement. The objective of this study was to investigate if the presence of DAF-2 DA during NO measurements could overcome the dye retention problem and enhance the sensitivity of NO detection. Experiments were conducted in individually perfused rat venules, and endothelial NO was measured using fluorescence imaging under basal and stimulated conditions with continuous perfusion of DAF-2 DA. Continuous dye perfusion was found to promote a relatively constant endothelial dye concentration in both normal and high permeability vessels throughout the experiment. With the use of this method, the basal and stimulated NO was quantified after endothelial DAF-2 concentrations reached a steady state. Our results showed enhanced sensitivity of detecting PAF-stimulated NO compared with a previous method. We also found that the hydrolyzed intracellular DAF-2, the precursor of DAF-2 triazole, contributed significantly to the measured fluorescence and that an appropriate subtraction of non-NO-dependent intracellular DAF-2 fluorescence is critical for the assessment of NO in living tissues. This method overcame the dye leakage problem, enhanced the sensitivity of NO detection, and improved NO quantification, demonstrating significant advantages over existing methodologies using DAF-2.
Cross-Linguistic Variations in L2 Morphological Awareness.

This study investigated the effects of L1 processing experience on L2 morphological awareness. Preliminary cross-linguistic comparisons indicated that morphological awareness in two typologically distinct languages, Chinese and English, differs in several major ways. Based on the comparisons, three specific hypotheses were formulated: compared with learners with a typologically similar L1 background, Chinese learners of English as an L2 would be less sensitive to intraword structural salience, less efficient in structural analysis, and more adept at integrating word-internal (morphological) and word-external (context) information. These hypotheses were tested empirically with two groups of adult L2 learners of English with contrasting L1 backgrounds (Chinese and Korean). The data demonstrated that virtually no difference existed between the two ESL groups in their intraword structural sensitivity, and that, although Chinese learners were notably slower than Korean learners in performing intraword structural analysis, they were far more efficient in integrating morphological and contextual information during sentence processing. Viewed collectively, these findings seem to suggest that L1 processing experience influences the development of L2 morphological awareness in specific and predictable ways.
Job Demands and Job Search Among High-Level Managers in the United States and Europe

High-level managers are often faced with challenging demands at work, and much of the managerial development literature has researched the responses to these challenges. The authors propose an exte...
Pediatric urological laparoendoscopic single site surgery: single surgeon experience.

Abstract Objective The aim was to assess the feasibility and outcomes of pediatric urological laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed of all children who underwent LESS surgery at a single pediatric institution from September 2010 to July 2013. Patient demographics, intraoperative details, narcotic usage, and complications were reviewed. The umbilicus was used as the surgical site in all cases. All procedures were performed with a flexible tip laparoscope, a multichannel port, standard 3- or 5-mm laparoscopic instrumentation, and articulating instruments. Results Sixty-one patients (50 male, 11 female) were identified. Procedures included 18 orchidopexies, 15 nephrectomies, 11 varicocelectomies, nine nephroureterectomies, four partial nephrectomies, one ureterectomy, one ureterolithotomy, one orchiectomy, and one utricle excision. The ureterolithotomy was converted to open surgery for failure to progress. The utricle excision was converted to conventional laparoscopy by adding one accessory port and one skin puncture because of the close proximity of the vas deferens to the utricle. Intraoperative complications included one vas deferens injury during orchidopexy in a postpubertal male. Postoperative complications occurred in six patients: five grade II and one grade IIIb. Conclusions Pediatric urological LESS procedures are technically feasible, safe, and effective. Further evaluation is warranted to better define its role in pediatric urological surgery.
Equity Risk Premiums (ERP): Determinants, Estimation and Implications

Equity risk premiums are a central component of every risk and return model in finance and are a key input into estimating costs of equity and capital in both corporate finance and valuation. Given their importance, it is surprising how haphazard the estimation of equity risk premiums remains in practice. In the standard approach to estimating equity risk premiums, historical returns are used, with the difference in annual returns on stocks versus bonds over a long time period comprising the expected risk premium. We note the limitations of this approach, even in markets like the United States, which have long periods of historical data available, and its complete failure in emerging markets, where the historical data tends to be limited and volatile. We look at two other approaches to estimating equity risk premiums - the survey approach, where investors and managers ar asked to assess the risk premium and the implied approach, where a forward-looking estimate of the premium is estimated using either current equity prices or risk premiums in non-equity markets. We close the paper by examining why different approaches yield different values for the equity risk premium, and how to choose the "right" number to use in analysis. (In an addendum, we also look at equity risk premiums during the market crisis, starting on September 12, 2008 through October 16, 2008.)
PRINCIPLES OF PHYLOGEOGRAPHY AS ILLUSTRATED BY FRESHWATER AND TERRESTRIAL TURTLES IN THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

▪ Abstract Geographic patterns in mtDNA variation are compiled for 22 species of freshwater and terrestrial turtles in the southeastern United States, and the results are employed to evaluate phylogeographic hypotheses and principles of genealogical concordance derived previously from similar analyses of other vertebrates in the region. The comparative molecular findings are interpreted in the context of intraspecific systematics for these taxa, the historical geology of the area, traditional nonmolecular zoogeographic information, and conservation significance. A considerable degree of phylogeographic concordance is registered with respect to (a) the configuration of intraspecific mtDNA subdivisions across turtle species, (b) the principal molecular partitions and traditional morphology-based taxonomic boundaries, (c) genetic patterns in turtles versus those described previously for freshwater fishes and terrestrial vertebrates in the region, and (d) intraspecific molecular subdivisions versus the bounda...
Premature excitation and onset of reentrant ventricular tachycardia.

It was hypothesized that quantitative sinus rhythm electrogram measurements could be used to predict conduction events that result from premature stimulation and reentrant ventricular tachycardia i...