cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation of electron spin concentration and conductivity in the ladder polymer BBL as a function of electrochemical potential

We present results of electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments on benzimidazobenzophenanthroline (BBL) samples in which the relative concentration of unpaired electrons was monitored as a function of electrochemical doping potential and the number of electrons per repeat unit (ERU). An increasing spin concentration along with increasing conductivity at low doping levels (less than 1/2 ERU) indicates that the conducting species have spin 1/2. An increasing spin concentration along with decreasing conductivity at intermediate doping levels (between 1/2 and 1 ERU) indicates that conduction in dry BBL involves a redox hopping process. The polymer has 2 ERU when fully doped.
Coordination Chemistry and Reactivity of Monomeric Alkoxides and Amides of Magnesium and Zinc Supported by the Diiminato Ligand CH(CMeNC6H3-2,6-iPr2)2. A Comparative Study

The preparation and characterization of a series of closely related magnesium and zinc compounds are reported: LMg(NiPr2)(THF), 1; LZn(NiPr2), 2; LMg(OtBu)(THF), 3; LZn(OtBu), 4; and LZn(OSiPh3)(THF), 6; where L = CH(CMeNC6H3-2,6-iPr2)2. Their dynamic solution behavior has been examined by variable-temperature NMR studies and reveals that THF reversibly dissociates in toluene-d8 or CD2Cl2 and that exchange with free THF occurs by a dissociative process. Compounds 1−4 and 6 all initiate and subsequently sustain ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides. For a related series of compounds LMX(THF)n, where n = 1 or 0, the rate of initial ring-opening follows the order M = Mg > Zn and X = OtBu > NiPr2 > NSi2Me6 > OSiPh3. In THF at 25 °C, compounds 3 and 4 polymerize 100 equiv of rac-lactide to >95% conversion in 5 and 80 min for M = Mg and Zn, respectively, and yield ca. 90% heterotactic PLA, (isi + sis tetrads). The reactions proceed faster in methylene chloride, but for M = Mg, a Bernoulian distribution...
Conserved overlapping and reciprocal expression of msh/Msx1 and apterous/Lhx2 in Drosophila and mice

Here we describe and compare the expression patterns of the murine genes Lhx2 and Msx1 and their Drosophila orthologues apterous (ap) and muscle-segment homeobox (msh). We find that Lhx2 and Msx1 show complementary patterns of expression in most tissues including the neural and cranial epithelium, pituitary gland, olfactory organs, and neural tube; in contrast, Lhx2 and Msx1 are coexpressed in the developing limbs. Strikingly, the spatial relationship between ap and msh expression in Drosophila is very reminiscent of the expression of their murine orthologues. ap and msh show complementary expression in the leg and antennal imaginal discs, brain and ventral ganglion of the central nervous system (CNS), but both are coexpressed in the wing imaginal disc. These observations suggest conservation in the regulation of these genes between Drosophila and mice.
Control of pore sizes in macroporous chitosan and chitin membranes

A novel method for the preparation of macroporous chitosan and chitin membranes is suggested, which employs silica particles as porogen. The macroporous chitosan membranes were prepared by (1) casting an acidic chitosan solution that contains silica particles, (2) removing the solvent by evaporation, and (3) dissolving the silica particles by immersing the membranes into an alkaline solution. This simple method provides chitosan membranes with high porosity and satisfactory mechanical strength, the pore sizes of which can be easily controlled by varying the size of silica particles. The effects of various evaporation conditions and amount of silica on the flow rate of water through the membranes were investigated. In order to prevent their dissolution in acidic solutions, the chitosan membranes were cross-linked under alkaline conditions, using epichlorohydrin as the cross-linking agent. Macroporous chitin membranes were prepared by acetylating the chitosan membranes with acetic anhydride in methanol. In ...
Thermal Expansion of Bismuth Single Crystals Near the Melting Point

Single crystals of Bi highly purified by repeated crystallizations show no decline in the coefficient of thermal expansion as the melting point is approached. It is shown that the presence of impurities (Pb, Ag, Cd, Sn) in very small amounts does cause the coefficient to decline and attain negative values in a range of 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} or 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C below the melting point. On the basis of these observations the discrepancy between previous results by Roberts, and Ho and Goetz concerning the integral (macroscopic) thermal dilatation, and Goetz and Hergenrother, and Jay concerning the lattice expansion of Bi crystals is discussed.
Vagueness, ignorance, and margins for error

We argue that the epistemic theory of vagueness cannot adequately justify its key tenet-that vague predicates have precisely bounded extensions, of which we are necessarily ignorant. Nor can the theory adequately account for our ignorance of the truth values of borderline cases. Furthermore, we argue that Williamson’s promising attempt to explicate our understanding of vague language on the model of a certain sort of “inexact knowledge” is at best incomplete, since certain forms of vagueness do not fit Williamson’s model, and in fact fit an alternative model. Finally, we point out that a certain kind of irremediable inexactitude postulated by physics need not be-and is not commonly-interpreted as epistemic. Thus, there are aspects of contemporary science that do not accord well with the epistemicist outlook.
Growing pains at the crossroads of the world: A submarine cable station in the 1870's

Soon after the first Atlantic cable was laid in 1866, social and technical adjustments were made at the terminal stations which were essential to its successful operation. This critical period of change extended through the 1870's. Activity at Heart's Content is examined through reference to the original logs and letter books.
Vascular Microdissection in Strabismus Surgery

• Microdissection of the muscular vessels allows recessions, resections, or transpositions of the recti muscles without interrupting the blood flow to the corresponding anterior ciliary arteries. This avoids postoperative impaired blood flow to the anterior segment and may play a role in preventing anterior segment ischemia syndrome. The use of a fine-hooked cannula and microscissors, in addition to the usual strabismus surgery instruments, is described.
Mapping tissue oxygen in vivo by photoacoustic lifetime imaging

Oxygen plays a key role in the energy metabolism of living organisms. Any imbalance in the oxygen levels will affect the metabolic homeostasis and lead to pathophysiological diseases. Hypoxia, a status of low tissue oxygen, is a key factor in tumor biology as it is highly prominent in tumor tissues. However, clinical tools for assessing tissue oxygenation are limited. The gold standard is polarographic needle electrode which is invasive and not capable of mapping (imaging) the oxygen content in tissue. We applied the method of photoacoustic lifetime imaging (PALI) of oxygen-sensitive dye to small animal tissue hypoxia research. PALI is new technology for direct, non-invasive imaging of oxygen. The technique is based on mapping the oxygen-dependent transient optical absorption of Methylene Blue (MB) by pump-probe photoacoustic imaging. Our studies show the feasibility of imaging of dissolved oxygen distribution in phantoms. In vivo experiments demonstrate that the hypoxia region is consistent with the site of subcutaneously xenografted prostate tumor in mice with adequate spatial resolution and penetration depth.
Effects of the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil on the isolated cultured rat lens

The isolated cultured rat lens has been used to examine the effects of the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil on lenticular polyol accumulation and sugar cataract formation. Lenses incubated in medium containing 35 mmol/L glucose accumulated sorbitol over a seven-day period without the appearance of overt opacities. Sorbitol accumulation was inhibited in a dose response fashion by sorbinil with an IC50 of 3.1 X 10(-6) mol/L. In lenses incubated in the presence of 29.5 mmol/L xylose, xylitol accumulation was accompanied by an increase in the water content of the lens and the development of a classical sugar cataract. All of these effects could be prevented by the addition of sorbinil to the culture medium. Complete inhibition of cataract formation required greater than an 80% inhibition of the xylitol accumulation. Reversal of a preformed xylose cataract by sorbinil could be achieved if the inhibitor was added at the stage of cortical opacities (20 h). Cataract progression proceeded normally over the next 48 hours and then the lens slowly began to clear. The rate of the reversal was dependent on the dose of sorbinil.
Colistin Therapy in a 23-Week Gestational-Age Neonate with Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Pneumonia

Multidrug-resistant pathogens are becoming more difficult to treat with significantly increasing infection rates. The lack of new antibiotics to combat these strains has led to the resurgence of older antibiotics. This case highlights the first reported use of colistimethate sodium treatment in a 23-week gestational-age neonate with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia who developed acute renal failure and seizures shortly after initiation of treatment.
Data analytics opportunities in a smarter planet

New applications of computing are being enabled by instrumentation of physical entities, aggregation of data, and the analysis of the data. The resulting integration of information and control permits efficient and effective management of complex man-made systems. Examples include transportation systems, buildings, electrical grids, health care systems, governments, and supply chains. Achieving this vision requires extensive data integration and analysis, over diverse, rapidly changing, and often uncertain data. There are many challenges, requiring both new data management techniques as well as new mathematics, forcing new collaborations as the basis of the new "Data Science". Needs and opportunities will be discussed in the context of specific pilots and projects.
Uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein): a renal ligand for lymphokines

The protein portion of the immunosuppressive glycoprotein uromodulin is identical to the Tamm-Horsfall urinary glycoprotein and is synthesized in the kidney. Evidence that the glycoproteins are the same is based on amino acid sequence identity, immunologic cross-reactivity, and tissue localization to the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop. Nucleic acid sequencing of clones for uromodulin isolated from a complementary DNA bank from human kidney predicts a protein 639 amino acids in length, including a 24--amino acid leader sequence and a cysteine-rich mature protein with eight potential glycosylation sites. Uromodulin and preparations of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein bind to recombinant murine interleukin-1 (rIL-1) and human rIL-1 alpha, rIL-1 beta, and recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF). Uromodulin isolated from urine of pregnant women by lectin adherence is more immunosuppressive than material isolated by the original salt-precipitation protocol of Tamm and Horsfall. Immunohistologic studies demonstrate that rIL-1 and rTNF bind to the same area of the human kidney that binds to antiserum specific for uromodulin. Thus, uromodulin (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein) may function as a unique renal regulatory glycoprotein that specifically binds to and regulates the circulating activity of a number of potent cytokines, including IL-1 and TNF.
Fiction Selection in Ontario Public Libraries-How Important Are Reviews?

To investigate the influence of reviews on public library fiction selection in a large, diverse geographic region, a study of fiction selection in Ontario public libraries vary greatly in the extent to which they depend on reviews for the selection of hardcover English language fiction. Overall, reviews are less important than non-review sources. This seems due to the existence of reliable pre-publication pre-review selection aids from sources such as the Ontario Library Services Center (OLSC) and the scarcity of pre-publication reviews of Canadian fiction. The study predicts similar diversity in other North American public libraries with considerable regional variation and, since pre-publication reviews of fiction from U.S. publishers are plentiful, with greater reliance on reviews by U.S. libraries.
Regulation of Angiogenesis by Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases

In addition to their canonical roles in translation the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (ARSs) have developed secondary functions over the course of evolution. Many of these activities are associated with cellular survival and nutritional stress responses essential for homeostatic processes in higher eukaryotes. In particular, six ARSs and one associated factor have documented functions in angiogenesis. However, despite their connection to this process, the ARSs are mechanistically distinct and exhibit a range of positive or negative effects on aspects of endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and survival. This variability is achieved through the appearance of appended domains and interplay with inflammatory pathways not found in prokaryotic systems. Complete knowledge of the non-canonical functions of ARSs is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying the physiological regulation of angiogenesis.
The strontium geochemistry of carbonates in kimberlites and limestones from Riley County, Kansas

Kimberlites containing possible primary (carbonatitic) carbonates intrude Permian limestones and shales in Riley County, Kansas. Four types of carbonates have been investigated for their Sr isotope ratios and total Sr contents. The carbonate types recognized are: 1) post-emplacement veins; 2) local limestones; 3) pre-emplacement (possible primary carbonate) veins; and 4) replacement and interstitial carbonates. The average87Sr/86Sr measurements are: 1) 0.7086, 2) 0.7081, 3) 0.7038, and 4) 0.7060. The average total Sr contents (in ppm) are: 1) 304, 2) 338, 3) 4280, and 4) 982. These data suggest derivation of post-emplacement veins from the local country rocks, a probable original carbonatitic source for the pre-emplacement veins, and a mixture of carbonatitic and sedimentary carbonates for the interstitial and replacement material.
Differential Integration of Ca2+-Calmodulin Signal in Intact Ventricular Myocytes at Low and High Affinity Ca2+-Calmodulin Targets

Cardiac myocyte intracellular calcium varies beat-to-beat and calmodulin (CaM) transduces Ca2+ signals to regulate many cellular processes (e.g. via CaM targets such as CaM-dependent kinase and calcineurin). However, little is known about the dynamics of how CaM targets process the Ca2+ signals to generate appropriate biological responses in the heart. We hypothesized that the different affinities of CaM targets for the Ca2+-bound CaM (Ca2+-CaM) shape their actions through dynamic and tonic interactions in response to the repetitive Ca2+ signals in myocytes. To test our hypothesis, we used two fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensors, BsCaM-45 (Kd = ∼45 nm) and BsCaM-2 (Kd = ∼2 nm), to monitor the real time Ca2+-CaM dynamics at low and high affinity CaM targets in paced adult ventricular myocytes. Compared with BsCaM-2, BsCaM-45 tracks the beat-to-beat Ca2+-CaM alterations more closely following the Ca2+ oscillations at each myocyte contraction. When pacing frequency is raised from 0.1 to 1.0 Hz, the higher affinity BsCaM-2 demonstrates significant elevation of diastolic Ca2+-CaM binding compared with the lower affinity BsCaM-45. Biochemically detailed computational models of Ca2+-CaM biosensors in beating cardiac myocytes revealed that the different Ca2+-CaM binding affinities of BsCaM-2 and BsCaM-45 are sufficient to predict their differing kinetics and diastolic integration. Thus, data from both experiments and computational modeling suggest that CaM targets with low versus high Ca2+-CaM affinities (like CaM-dependent kinase versus calcineurin) respond differentially to the same Ca2+ signal (phasic versus integrating), presumably tuned appropriately for their respective and distinct Ca2+ signaling pathways.
1569 SERIAL LUMBAR PUNCTURE (LP) IN INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE (IVH)

Serial LP in IVH may be effective in preventing progressive hydrocephalus. 34 infants with IVH were randomly assigned daily LP's for 20 days (early tap group, N=16) or to an observe group (N=18). There were no significant differences with respect to sex, birthweight (early tap, x=1172 g, observe x=1257 g), gestational age (early tap, x=29.6, observe, x=30.1), incidence and severity of RDS, and mean age at diagnosis by 1st computerized tomography (CAT) (early tap, x=9.9 days, observe, x=7.7 days). 9 of 16 and 8 of 18 of the early tap and observe groups respectively had ventricular dilatation at 1st CAT. CAT was done every 10 days until ventricular size was stable on 2 successive scans. 8 of 16 infants in the early tap group had increasing dilatation at 2nd CAT. 5 infants in the observe group had increasing dilatation at 2nd CAT. These babies were further randomized to a late tap group (N=4) to receive 20 daily LP's or to remain in the observe group (N=1). After 20 days of LP's, 11 early tap infants had stable ventricular size; 5 had progressive hydrocephalus. At the same time 12 observe infants had stable ventricular size, 2 had progressive hydrocephalus. All 4 late tap infants had stable ventricular size after 20 LP's. 5 of 16 early tap infants and 1 of 18 of the initial observe infants required shunts (X2 = 2.28, P-NS). Including the 4 late tap infants with the early tap group, 5 of 20 tapped and 1 of 14 observe infants required shunts (X2 = 1.22, P-NS). Serial LP's were not effective in preventing progressive hydrocephalus and the need for shunting.
TGA3 is a distinct member of the TGA family of bZIP transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana

TGA 1a is a well-characterized transcription factor that may mediate the root-specific and auxin-responsive expression of some plant genes. In tobacco, Southern blot and genomic cloning analyses have shown that TGA 1a consists of at least four closely related genes. Since TGA 1a belongs to the bZIP class of transcription factors, the protein products of the tobacco TGA 1a family are likely to form hetero-dimers with each other in addition to the homo-dimers. In order to find a model plant system that may have less genomic complexity, we have now characterized a TGA 1a-related gene (TGA3) from Arabidopsis thaliana. Southern blot analyses at high stringency suggest that Arabidopsis contains only one copy of TGA3 per haploid genome. However, low stringency Southern blot analyses with homologous and heterologous probes suggest that there is a multigene family of TGA1a-related genes present in Arabidopsis, of which TGA1, TGA2 and TGA3 are members. Although these gene members share a highly conserved bZIP region, they are not genes with high homologies at the nucleotide level. Similar to TGA1a of tobacco, TGA3 is most highly expressed in root tissues and recombinant TGA3 protein shows similar DNA-binding site specificity to that of TGA1a in vitro. Comparison of the genomic organization between TGA3 and the tobacco homologue PG13 reveals striking conservation in the sizes and positions of exons and introns in the region surrounding the bZIP domain.
Gel'fand-Graev's reconstruction formula in the 3D real space.

Purpose: Gel’fand and Graev performed classical work on the inversion of integral transforms in different spaces [Gel’fand and Graev, Funct. Anal. Appl. 25(1) 1–5 (1991)]. This paper discusses their key results for further research and development.Methods: The Gel’fand–Graev inversion formula reveals a fundamental relationship between projection data and the Hilbert transform of an image to be reconstructed. This differential backprojection (DBP)/backprojection filtration (BPF) approach was rediscovered in the CT field, and applied in important applications such as reconstruction from truncated projections, interior tomography, and limited-angle tomography. Here the authors present the Gel’fand–Graev inversion formula in a 3D setting assuming the 1D x-ray transform.Results: The pseudodifferential operator is a powerful theoretical tool. There is a fundamental mathematical link between the Gel’fand–Graev formula and the DBP (or BPF) approach in the case of the 1D x-ray transform in a 3D real space.Conclusions: This paper shows the power of mathematics for tomographic imaging and the value of a pure theoretical finding, which may appear quite irrelevant to daily healthcare at the first glance.
Mechanistic Aspects of Samarium-Mediated σ-Bond Activations of Arene C−H and Arylsilane Si−C Bonds

To investigate the potential role of Sm−Ph species as intermediates in the samarium-catalyzed redistribution of PhSiH3 to Ph2SiH2 and SiH4, the samarium phenyl complex [Cp*2SmPh]2 (1) was prepared by oxidation of Cp*2Sm (2) with HgPh2. Compound 1 thermally decomposes to yield benzene and the phenylene-bridged disamarium complex Cp*2Sm(μ-1,4-C6H4)SmCp*2 (3). This decomposition reaction appears to proceed through dissociation of 1 into monomeric Cp*2SmPh species which then react via unimolecular and bimolecular pathways, involving rate-limiting Cp* metalation and direct C−H activation, respectively. The observed rate law for this process is of the form: rate = k1[1] + k2[1]2. Complex 1 efficiently transfers its phenyl group to PhSiH3, with formation of Ph2SiH2 and [Cp*2Sm(μ-H)]2 (4). Quantitative Si−C bond cleavage of C6F5SiH3 is effected by the samarium hydride complex 4, yielding silane and [Cp*2Sm(μ-C6F5)]2 (5). In contrast, Si−H activation takes place upon reaction of 4 with o-MeOC6H4SiH3, affording th...
An annotation on the pulse in aortic regurgitation: Thomas Cuming, 1822

The classic bounding pulse of aortic regurgitation was described by several authors before Corrigan made his comprehensive study of the disorder in 1832. The case report of Thomas Cuming, published 10 years earlier, is worthy of review. This Dublin practitioner not only presented signs and symptoms of aortic regurgitation proved at autopsy, but also attempted with considerable success to relate the signs to circulatory dynamics.
Patients With Uncontrolled Components of Metabolic Syndrome Have Increased Risk of Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

Metabolic syndrome (MetS)-a diagnostic grouping of diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity-has been indicated as a risk factor for perioperative complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study investigates the impact of MetS on perioperative complications, specifically the importance of controlling MetS components. One hundred thirty-three patients undergoing TJA with all four components of MetS were identified. They were matched one-to-one with patients without MetS. Control of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension was assessed. Thirty-five patients with MetS were found to have at least a single uncontrolled component. The complication rates were 49%, 8%, and 8% for uncontrolled MetS, controlled MetS, and no MetS, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed independent associations between control of MetS components and both perioperative complications and length of stay. Both surgeons and patients should be aware of the substantial risk of dangerous complications following TJA in patients with uncontrolled metabolic syndrome.
Stray losses in squirrel-cage induction motors

The correct understanding of the physical origin of stray losses is essential if machines are to be designed with minimum additional losses.
Biomechanical and Microstructural Analysis of Wildtype (C57BL6) Mouse Aorta

It is generally accepted that the formation of an aneurysm in the infrarenal aorta is a complex and multi-factorial disease, however little is known about how biomechanical factors may play a role in the progression of aneurysmal disease. Although it is known that human aneurysmal tissue is remodeled in the disease process [1] and that such reorganization leads to altered function [2], the underlying mechanisms by which such changes remains an important unanswered question in the literature. The purpose of this study is to develop a means for determining the biomechanical alterations that occur within the aorta to better understand aneurysmal disease progression.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Optimal residual algorithms for linear operator equations

Abstract Traditionally, we measure the quality of an approximation to the solution of a linear operator equation by its error. However, the worst case error is sometimes an unsatisfactory measure of uncertainty, especially for ill-posed problems. In this paper, we propose that the residual be used instead of the error as our measure of uncertainty. We describe optimal information and ask to what extent linear algorithms can be optimal. These results are applied to the ill-posed problem of inverting a finite Laplace transform. In particular, we find that there are instances where there are no finite-residual linear algorithms for this problem, although the problem is convergent; i.e., there are nonlinear algorithms whose residual tends to zero.
CD1d-dependent macrophage-mediated clearance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from lung

CD1d-restricted T cells are implicated as key players in host defense against various microbial infections. However, the mechanisms involved and the role they play, if any, at the mucosal surfaces where pathogenic infections are initiated is unknown. In a murine pneumonia model established by intranasal application of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, CD1d(-/-) mice showed markedly reduced pulmonary eradication of P. aeruginosa compared with wild-type mice; this was associated with significantly lower amounts of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and reduced numbers of neutrophils within the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Corollarily, treatment of mice with alpha-galactosylceramide--a lipid that activates CD1d-restricted T cells--increased the amount of interferon-gamma; this was associated with rapid pulmonary clearance through enhanced phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa by alveolar macrophages. These results reveal a crucial role played by CD1d-restricted T cells in regulating the antimicrobial immune functions of macrophages at the lung mucosal surface.
Factors predicting language lateralization in patients with perisylvian vascular malformations. Clinical article.

Object The authors conducted a study to determine the factors associated with right-sided language dominance in patients with cerebrovascular malformations. Methods Twenty-two patients with either arteriovenous malformations (AVMs [15 cases]) or cavernous malformations (7 cases) underwent functional MR (fMR) imaging studies of language function; a 3.0-T head-only unit was used. Lateralization indices were calculated separately for Broca and Wernicke areas. Lesion size, Spetzler-Martin grade, and the distance between the lesion and anatomically defined language cortex were calculated for each patient. Results Right-sided language dominance occurred in 5 patients, all of whom had AVMs within 10 mm of canonical language areas. Three patients had right-sided language dominance in the Wernicke area alone whereas 2 had right-sided language dominance in both Broca and Wernicke areas. Wada testing and intraoperative electrocortical stimulation were performed as clinically indicated to corroborate fMR imaging find...
N2 adsorption in LiX zeolite : Isotopic transient analysis

Steady-state isotopic transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA) is a very powerful technique used in heterogeneous catalysis to measure coverages and reactivities of surface intermediates. This paper reports the results of a study by SSITKA of N 2 adsorption behavior (physisorption) in a LiX zeolite around room temperature. By varying the partial pressure of N 2 in the feed stream, N 2 adsorption isotherms at temperatures between 303 and 338 K were able to be measured at equilibrium conditions with SSITKA using isotopic switches between 14 N 2 and 15 N 2 . The amount of N 2 adsorbed per total Li cation content varied between (1 and 6.0) x 10 -2 molecules/cation. The isosteric heats of adsorption of N 2 as a function of coverage were calculated from the measured isotherms using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The obtained values (around 5.0 kcal/mol) are in good agreement with ones obtained from data collected using traditional techniques. On the basis of the results of this study, application of SSITKA to the investigation of adsorption from multicomponent sorbing mixtures offers exciting possibilities.
Using the classroom to cultivate student support for participation in campus Life: The call for civic education interventions

Extracurricular campus activities mirror the effects of associational life on political participation (Kuh 1995; Pascarella, Ethington, and Smart 1988; Verba, Schlozman, and Brady 1995). As encouraging student participation in such activities can be difficult (Kuh, Schuh, Whitt, Andreas, Lyons, Strange, Krehbiel, and MacKay 1991), this project describes an effort to promote peer enhancement of campus life. Students in a persuasion course developed a campaign to increase participation on campus. Pre- and postsemester questionnaires, as well as focus groups, reveal that students anticipated participating in more campus and community activities, and their attitudes toward the purpose of college broadened. Self-efficacy regarding several political tasks also improved. Students in a control group experienced no similar changes, suggesting that classroom activities can address current college students' political apathy. The conclusion calls for political scientists, who are the most familiar with declining poli...
4.1.1 Diogenes, a Process for Finding Unintended Consequences

Companies, governments and individuals often create products, processes and procedures that solve a particular problem, only to discover that their solution has created a second problem, worse than the first. These secondary problems are often unintended consequences. Finding unintended consequences, as a part of the development process, will likely increase safety, reduce financial risk and improve customer satisfaction. This paper contains the design for a new process, named Diogenes, that will help systems engineers predict unintended, but foreseeable, consequences of a new system that is being designed. This paper contains the use cases, design diagrams, test procedure, validation and verification for Diogenes.
Technology enablers for supply chain management

This paper describes the current business conditions and the four key factors that need to be integrated in order to improve the supply chain. The paper discusses how enterprise resource planning (ERP) is increasingly being used as a technology enabler for supply chain management and problems associated with its implementation.
Stochastically curtailed tests under fractional brownian motion

Stochastic curtailment has been considered for the interim monitoring of group sequential trials (Davis and Hardy, 1994). Statistical boundaries in Davis and Hardy (1994) were derived using theory of Brownian motion. In some clinical trials, the conditions of forming a Brownian motion may not be satisfied. In this paper, we extend the computations of Brownian motion based boundaries, expected stopping times, and type I and type II error rates to fractional Brownian motion (FBM). FBM includes Brownian motion as a special case. Designs under FBM are compared to those under Brownian motion and to those of O’Brien–Fleming type tests. One- and two-sided boundaries for efficacy and futility monitoring are also discussed. Results show that boundary values decrease and error rates deviate from design levels when the Hurst parameter increases from 0.1 to 0.9, these changes should be considered when designing a study under FBM.
How BMC is scaling agile development

This report examines the large-scale deployment of agile software development in the Infrastructure Management Business Unit of BMC Software. The paper identifies and demonstrates several critical success, factors $such as empowerment, risk taking, and top-notch agile consulting - applying agile methodology as part of the overall software engineering "stack" and changing organizational structures. In particular, it highlights the relationship between empowerment and risk-taking, and suggests that the two should be managed in tandem as the foundation on which successful agile projects can evolve. Finally, the paper emphasizes the importance of implementing agile methodology across multiple corporate functions $marketing, sales, support, professional services, etc. It concludes with a review of the benefits that this approach provides to the end customers.
Adaptive routing in Burroughs network architecture

The routing function used for Burroughs Network Architecture (BNA) to determine the best routes for traffic through the network is known as the Burroughs Integrated Adaptive Routing System, or BIAS™1Based on the algorithm devised for the MERIT Computer Network [3], BIAS™ is a decentralized, deterministic system which adapts to changes in network topology automatically. The Current BIAS™ routing architecture incorporates improvements [1] in the original algorithm which significantly reduce the recovery time from failures of nodes or links and is virtually loop-free, even during recovery from those failures.BIAS™ automatically re-determines the best routes for traffic throughout the network in response to the following changes to the network topology: a node (an end system or intermediate system) is added to the network;a node is removed from the network;the cost of transiting a node is changed;a logical link (LAN, leased or switched circuit, X.25 virtual circuit) is added to the network;a link is removed from the network; and/orthe cost of transiting a link is changed.
Identifying salient sounds using dual-task experiments

Auditory saliency refers to the characteristics of a sound that cause it to attract the attention of a listener. Pre-attentive or bottom-up saliency has to do with automatic processing in the human auditory system that does not require and often precedes attention. Unlike visual saliency, where eye-tracking is a commonly used evaluation method, with auditory saliency, there is no easily trackable physical correlate that can be used for evaluation. Other auditory saliency models [1, 2] have been evaluated using tests that did not specifically target bottom-up saliency. In this paper, we present a method to conclusively isolate bottom-up auditory saliency. There are also several important applications to bottom-up saliency in auditory scene analysis, auditory display design and analysis, and speech processing.
Designing a Formal Model Facilitating Collaborative Information Sharing for Community Cyber Security

Communities are becoming more vulnerable to cyber attacks as their reliance on critical cyber infrastructures is growing. Due to the interdependency among different cyber infrastructures, collaborative information sharing is necessary and important to help a community detect potential risks, prevent cyber attacks at an early stage, and facilitate incident response as well as preparedness activities in communities. In this paper we propose a group-centric collaborative information sharing framework that aims to improve community cyber security. By analyzing specific information sharing requirements in the community, we design a formal policy model for this framework. Our model is illustrated by several information sharing scenarios in the community.
Economic impact of influenza vaccination in preschool children.

Objective. The economic impact of routine vaccination of preschool children with inactivated influenza vaccine was investigated. Design. A decision analysis was performed using data from the literature. Direct and indirect costs of each vaccination strategy were calculated and compared with a strategy of not vaccinating. Setting. Two settings were evaluated: a setting in which vaccination was available during flexible hours and a setting in which vaccination was available only during usual work hours (8:00 am–5:00 pm). Results. Vaccination resulted in a net cost savings in both settings. The net savings per vaccine recipient were $21.28 in the flexible setting and $1.20 in the restricted setting. Although the analysis was performed for the inactivated vaccine, sensitivity analysis showed that the nasal vaccine could also result in a net cost savings depending on the price of the cold-adapted vaccine when it is licensed. Conclusion. Vaccinating preschool children is economically advantageous. Serious consideration should be given to recommending vaccination in this age group.
An Investigation of the Klein-Nishina Formula for X-Ray Scattering, in the Wave-Length Region 50 to 20 X-Units

An x-ray tube and a spectrograph were used to produce monochromatic beams of wave-length from 50 to 20 x-units. The absorption coefficient per electron for each beam was measured in carbon and aluminum. Results indicate it is unlikely that the Klein-Nishina formula for the scattering coefficient per electron is in error by more than one percent in this region of wave-lengths.
Neurogenesis in the subventricular zone and rostral migratory stream of the neonatal and adult primate forebrain.

Throughout life, the anterior part of the postnatal rodent subventricular zone (SVZa), surrounding the lateral ventricles, contains a prolific source of neuronal progenitor cells that retain their capacity to concurrently generate neurons and migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulb, where they differentiate into interneurons. This study was designed to determine whether the SVZ and RMS of the postnatal primate also harbor a specialized population of neuronal progenitors with the capacity to divide while they migrate. In order to reveal the spatial-temporal changes in the distribution and composition of the neuronal progenitor cells in the primate SVZ and RMS, seven rhesus monkeys, ranging in age from 2 days to 8 years, were given a single injection of the cell proliferation marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) 3 h before they were perfused. The phenotypic identity of the BrdU(+) cells was revealed by double labeling sagittal sections with cell type-specific markers. From birth onward the distribution of BrdU(+) cells with a neuronal phenotype is extensive and largely overlapping with that of the rodent. Similar to the rodent brain the neuronal progenitors are most numerous in neonates. The BrdU(+) neurons in the primate forebrain extend lateral and ventral to the lateral ventricle and all along the RMS. The cytoarchitectonic arrangement and appearance of the neuronal progenitor cells is quite varied in the primate compared to the rodent; in some locations the cells are aligned in parallel arrays resembling the neuronal chains of the adult rodent RMS, whereas in other positions the cells have a homogeneous "honeycomb" arrangement. The chains are progressively more pervasive in older primates. Akin to the RMS of adult rodents, in the primate SVZ and RMS the astrocytes often form long tubes enveloping the chains of neuronal progenitors. Our study demonstrates that the primate forebrain, similar to the rodent forebrain, harbors a specialized population of mitotically active neuronal progenitor cells that undergo extensive rearrangements while continuing to proliferate throughout life.
Human disturbance and natural habitat: a biome level analysis of a global data set

This paper presents an analysis of conversion of natural habitat to human use on a global scale. Human disturbance of natural systems is classified in a three-category system and ranked using a Habitat Index based on remaining undisturbed and partially disturbed land. Data is analysed by biome and biogeographic province, allowing identification of the biomes and provinces which have been the most impacted by human activity. Temperate biomes are found to be generally more disturbed than tropical biomes. Four of the top five most disturbed biomes are temperate. Certain biomes and geographic areas stand out as conservation priorities, notably the islands of Southeast Asia, Mediterranean vegetation types, Temperate Broadleaf Forests and Tropical Dry Forests. Areas for which data deficiencies exist are identified.
Usability Design and Psychological Ownership of a Virtual World

Virtual worlds, immersive three-dimensional virtual spaces where users interact with projected identities of other users (avatars) and objects, are becoming increasingly popular and continue to grow as highly interactive, collaborative, and commercial cyberspaces. However, extant research in this context has not paid much attention to usability design of a virtual world and corresponding effects on users' psychological desire to own and control the space and objects within it and subsequent behavior intention. In this study, we apply concepts of Web site usability and psychological ownership to develop a model that illustrates the relationships between seven usability factors (legibility, firmness, coherence, variety, mystery, classic, and expressive visual aesthetics), four antecedents of psychological ownership (cognitive appraisals, perceived control, affective appraisals, and self-investment), psychological ownership, and use intention. A cross-sectional study with 239 Second Life users was conducted. The results demonstrate that designing a usable virtual world that induces strong psychological ownership is crucial to attract users to spend more time, participate in more activities, and revisit the virtual world. This is an important finding for forward-looking e-business managers looking to invest their limited resources in designing a usable virtual world. In addition, by using our model and corresponding survey items, designers can benchmark and evaluate the usability of their current virtual worlds, compare the results to the designs of competitors, and upgrade the offerings of virtual worlds, as needed, by allocating available resources to the most influential design factors to suit their specific needs.
Neuronal CRTC-1 Governs Systemic Mitochondrial Metabolism and Lifespan via a Catecholamine Signal

Low energy states delay aging in multiple species, yet mechanisms coordinating energetics and longevity across tissues remain poorly defined. The conserved energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its corresponding phosphatase calcineurin modulate longevity via the CREB regulated transcriptional coactivator (CRTC)-1 in C. elegans. We show that CRTC-1 specifically uncouples AMPK/calcineurin-mediated effects on lifespan from pleiotropic side effects by reprogramming mitochondrial and metabolic function. This pro-longevity metabolic state is regulated cell nonautonomously by CRTC-1 in the nervous system. Neuronal CRTC-1/CREB regulates peripheral metabolism antagonistically with the functional PPARα ortholog, NHR-49, drives mitochondrial fragmentation in distal tissues, and suppresses the effects of AMPK on systemic mitochondrial metabolism and longevity via a cell-nonautonomous catecholamine signal. These results demonstrate that while both local and distal mechanisms combine to modulate aging, distal regulation overrides local contribution. Targeting central perception of energetic state is therefore a potential strategy to promote healthy aging.
Antigen and cytokine receptor signals guide the development of the naïve mature B cell repertoire

Immature B cells are generated daily in the bone marrow tissue. More than half of the newly generated immature B cells are autoreactive and bind a self-antigen, while the others are nonautoreactive. A selection process has evolved on the one hand to thwart development of autoreactive immature B cells and, on the other hand, to promote further differentiation of nonautoreactive immature B cells into transitional and mature B cells. These negative and positive selection events are carefully regulated by signals that emanate from the antigen receptor, whether antigen-mediated or tonic, and are influenced by signals that are generated by receptors that bind cytokines, chemokines, and other factors produced in the bone marrow tissue. These signals, therefore, are the predominant driving forces for the generation of a B cell population that is capable of protecting the body from infections while maintaining self-tolerance. Here, we review recent findings from our group and others that describe how tonic antigen receptor signaling and bone marrow cytokines regulate the selection of immature B cells.
Search for pulsed X rays from 3U0833-45 (Vela pulsar)

A search for pulsed X rays from 3U0833-45 has been carried out. The Uhuru error box for this source (∼8′ × 24′) contains the Vela pulsar. We obtain an upper limit of ∼ the intensity of 3U0833-45 for periodic pulsing with the 89-ms period of the Vela pulsar. Other evidence for X-ray emission from the Vela pulsar is reviewed.
Impact of nanometal catalysts on the laser vaporization synthesis of single wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract The effects of catalyst particle size on the purity, yield, and purification efficiency of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) synthesized via pulsed laser vaporization were investigated. The purity of as-produced SWCNT material synthesized using Ni and Co nanometal (∼13 nm diameter) catalyst particles was compared to material synthesized using conventional micronmetal (2–3 μm diameter) particles. The SWCNT material from nanometal catalysts demonstrated a 50% increase in SWCNT purity as assessed by optical absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A change in the thermal oxidation properties was also observed with the nanometal-SWCNTs exhibiting a suppression of the exothermic oxidation of post-synthesis catalyst. Statistical analysis of the TGA residue yielded mean post-synthesis catalyst particle diameters of 18 ± 6 nm and 3 ± 1 nm for the micronmetal and nanometal produced material, respectively. When a thermal oxidation profile was performed, the micronmetal-produced material showed the typical decrease in SWCNT purity with increasing oxidation temperature while the nanometal-produced material showed increasing SWCNT purity with increasing temperature. Overall, the use of nanometal catalysts significantly increases synthesis yield and offers novel thermal oxidation procedures to thermally remove carbonaceous impurities without the aid of acid treatments for the development of potential large-scale purification processing.