cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Interlayer Between Semiconductors on Interfacial Thermal Transport

Due to the high surface–to–volume ratio in nanostructured components and devices, thermal transport across the solid–solid interface strongly affects the overall thermal behavior. Materials such as Si, Ge, SiO2 and GaAs are widely used in advanced semiconductor devices. These materials may have differences in both crystal structure and Debye temperature. We have shown that the thermal transport across such interfaces can be improved by inserting an interlayer between the two confining solids.If the two confining solids are similar in crystal structure and lattice constant but different in Debye temperature, it is predicted from the molecular dynamics modeling that an over 50% reduction of the thermal boundary resistance can be achieved by inserting a 1– to 2–nm–thick interlayer which has similar crystal structure and lattice constant as the two solids. In this case, the Debye temperature of the optimized interlayer is approximately the square root of the product of the Debye temperatures of the two solids. However, if the interlayer has large lattice mismatches with the two confining solids, a thin disordered layer is formed in the solid and in the interlayer adjacent to their interface. Such a disordered layer can distort the phonon density of states at the interface and strongly affects the interfacial phonon transport. In this case, it is found that a 70% reduction of the thermal boundary resistance can be achieved if the lattice constant of the interlayer is smaller than that of the two solids and the Debye temperature of the interlayer is approximately the average of the Debye temperatures of the two solids.On the other hand, if the two solids have a large difference in both lattice constant and Debye temperature, the optimized interlayer should have a lattice constant near the average of the lattice constants of the two solids. For this case, an over 60% reduction of the thermal boundary resistance can be achieved if the Debye temperature of the interlayer is equal to or slightly higher than the square root of the product of the Debye temperatures of the two solids. The calculated phonon density of states shows that the distorted phonon spectra induced by large lattice mismatches are generally broader than the phonon spectra of the corresponding undistorted case. The broader interfacial phonon spectra increase the overlap between the phonon spectra of the two solids at the interface which leads to improved thermal boundary transport.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Critically ill polyneuropathy associated with burns: a case report.

Abstract A severe sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy is reported in a patient with burns covering 35 per cent of the body surface area, severe sepsis and acute renal failure. It presented as difficulty in weaning the patient from a ventilator. Attention is drawn to the condition of critically ill polyneuropathy which has been recently noted in severe illnesses and sepsis. From a search of the literature we believe this to be the first report of this condition in association with thermal injury.
Ca2+ as an Air Impurity in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells

is found at the contact regions between the gas diffusion layers (GDL) and bipolar plates of the cathode at all test conditions. Theamount of precipitation becomes sufﬁcient to cause mass transport issues.© 2014 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0561410jes] All rights reserved.Manuscript submitted May 23, 2014; revised manuscript received July 3, 2014. Published July 16, 2014. This was Paper 1332presented at the San Francisco, California, Meeting of the Society, October 27–November 1, 2013.
A simple set of salient weights for the major dimensions of MMPI scale variation

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the factor structure of the MMPI's 14 basic scales can be represented by quantities that are familiar to users. These are: (a) the equally weighted sum of Scales F, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 0 (profile elevation), (b) the equally weighted sum of Scales L and K minus Scale F (test-taking attitudes or "faking good" vs. "faking bad"), (c) the equally weighted sum of Scales 2 and 0 vs. Scale 9 ("Optimism" vs. "Pessimism"), (d) Scale? alone, and (e) Scale 5 alone. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that these weights reproduce MMPI scale intercorrelations well in two large, but rather different samples of 1000 protocols each, respectively derived from job applicants to positions requiring screening for emotional stability and inmates in the Federal Correctional System. Further replications were conducted using data from psychiatric outpatients and theology students.
Trends in Ambulatory Prescribing of Antiplatelet Therapy among US Ischemic Stroke Patients: 2000–2007

Objective. Study objectives were to assess temporal trends and identify patient- and practice-level predictors of the prescription of antiplatelet medications in a national sample of ischemic stroke (IS) patients seeking ambulatory care. Methods. IS-related outpatient visits by adults were identified using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey for the years 2000-2007. We assessed prescribing of antiplatelet medications using the generic drug code and drug entry codes in these data. Temporal trends in antiplatelet prescribing were assessed using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test for trend. Results. We identified 9.5 million IS-related ambulatory visits. Antiplatelet medications were prescribed at 35.5% of visits. Physician office prescribing of the clopidogrel-aspirin combination increased significantly from 0.5% in 2000 to 22.0% in 2007 (P = 0.05), whereas prescribing of aspirin decreased from 17.9% to 7.0% (P = 0.50) during the same period. Conclusion. We observed a continued increase in prescription of the aspirin-clopidogrel combination from 2000 to 2007. Clinical trial evidence suggests that the aspirin-clopidogrel combination does not provide any additional benefit compared with clopidogrel alone; however, our study findings indicate that even with lack of adequate clinical evidence physician prescribing of this combination has increased in real-world community settings.
GEOGRAPHY, SPATIAL ANALYSIS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

(1993). GEOGRAPHY, SPATIAL ANALYSIS, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE. Urban Geography: Vol. 14, Geography and Spatial Analysis: Evolution and Outlook I, pp. 442-446.
Results of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in the 1990s: A population-based analysis of 2335 cases

Abstract Objective: The safety and efficacy of conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair are undergoing increased examination in parallel with the development of less invasive repair methods. Because most published studies of elective AAA repair report operations performed in tertiary referral institutions and thus may not reflect the outcome in the surgical community at large, the current population-based study was undertaken to document the results obtained across a broad spectrum of clinical practice in a defined geographic area and to examine the factors that influence the outcomes. Methods: The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database was used to identify all the elective AAA repairs that were performed in all the nonfederal acute care hospitals in the state from 1990 to 1995. Results: Elective AAA repair was performed on 2335 patients (mean age, 70.4 years) in 46 of the 52 (88%) nonfederal acute care hospitals in the state, including seven high-volume (>100 cases), nine moderate-volume (50 to 99 cases), and 30 low-volume ( P = .002). Mortality rates were higher for women (4.5% vs 3.2%; P = .17), for blacks (6.7% vs 3.2%; P = .046), and for patients with renal failure (11.8% vs 3.4%; P = .11) but not for patients with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and pulmonary disease. The operative mortality rate was inversely correlated with hospital volume (4.3% in low-volume hospitals, 4.2% in moderate-volume hospitals, and 2.5% in high-volume hospitals; P = .08), although no differences were noted in the mean ages or comorbidity levels of patients who underwent operations in these three hospital populations. The operative mortality rate was inversely correlated with the experience of the individual surgeon: one case, 9.9%; two to nine cases, 4.9%; 10 to 49 cases, 2.8%; 50 to 99 cases, 2.9%; and more than 100 cases, 3.8% ( P = .01). Multivariate analysis results identified patient age ( P = .002), low hospital volume ( P = .039), and very low surgeon volume ( P = .01) as independent predictors of operative mortality. The mean length of stay and mean hospital charges were 10.6 days and $17,589 and decreased with increasing surgeon volume: one case, 22.7 days/$32,800; two to nine cases, 10.6 days/$18,509; 10 to 49 cases, 10.0 days/$16,611; 50 to 99 cases, 10.9 days/$17,843; and more than 100 cases, 9.6 days/$16,682 ( P P Conclusion: Elective AAA repair is a safe procedure in contemporary practice in Maryland. Operative risk is increased among the elderly and when operations are performed by surgeons with very low volumes or in low-volume hospitals. Hospital lengths of stay were shorter and charges were lower when elective AAA repair was performed by surgeons with higher volumes. (J Vasc Surg 1999;30:985-95.)
Rat endometrial stromal-epithelial response to estrogen infusion.

Abstract Morphologic changes at the interface of rat endometrial luminal epithelial cells and the stromal cells immediately adjacent were examined and correlated with hypertrophy of the epithelial cells during estradiol (E 2 ) infusion (I μg E 2 /24 h). White the lamina densa in castrate endometrium was thread-like, it became thicker and apparently more granular in some areas below the luminal epithelium during E 2 infusion. However, no changes were seen in the intensity of laminin-like immunoreactivity at various time points up to 96 hours after beginning infusion, suggesting that these alterations were due to changes in nonlaminin components. The stromal cells adjacent to the basal lamina in the castrate state had cell processes extending toward the epithelium that terminated on the basal lamina. Under estrogen infusion, stromal cell bodies migrated close to and became oriented along the basal lamina. No interruptions were seen in the lamina densa or in the laminin-like immunoreactivity in the basal lamina. Thus, there were no direct morphologic interactions betweeen epithelial and stromal cells induced by estrogen. Some of the stromal cells developed a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and some developed multiple elaborate processes within 41 hours after minipump implantation. Within 28 hours, nuclear hypertrophy had occurred in 15% of the epithelial cell layer. If interactions occur between stromal and epithelial cells, and morphologic evidence presented here suggests they do, then all such interactions are through an intact lamina densa-laminin layer, and any chemical mediators affecting cells on opposite sides of the lamina densa must migrate through it.
On the duplex nature of the skate retina.

The skate retina contains only one type of photoreceptor which has rod-like properties in the dark-adapted state. In the presence of background illumination, the receptors take on cone-like properties, i.e., their photoresponses become much faster, are less sensitive to light, and can be elicited in the presence of very bright backgrounds. Although the transformation is an extremely slow process, the skate retina performs like that of animals with mixed, rod-cone retinae. In this report we examine some postreceptoral features which may relate to this remarkable behavior. We show, for example, that the skate photoreceptor terminals make two kinds of junctions (ribbon synapses and basal junctions) that appear analogous to the two kinds of synaptic contacts made by cone terminals in other species. Furthermore, two types of horizontal cells are seen in the skate retina. Although the light-evoked responses of these horizontal cells are similar, there are differences in their current profiles recorded under voltage clamp, and in the nature of their dendritic processes. We have also observed several unusual postreceptoral structural features that may have some bearing on the response properties of the skate retina. In addition, a comparison of the adaptive properties of the receptor potential with those of intraretinal responses (b-wave, PNR) reveals differences that suggest strongly the presence of a network adaptive mechanism originating within the proximal retina. The network mechanism appears to be controlled to a large extent by the extracellular concentration of potassium [K+]0; i.e., changes in [K+]0 affect significantly the sensitivities of the b-wave and PBR, but have little effect on responses arising in the distal retina.
Nanoindentation and microstructural evolution of polycrystalline gold

A finite-element (FE) microstructurally based dislocation density multiple-slip crystalline formulation that is coupled to molecular dynamic (MD) simulations has been used to predict how nanoindentation affects behavior in crystalline gold polycrystals at scales that span the molecular to the continuum level. Displacement profiles from MD simulations of nanoindentation were used to obtain scaling relations, which are based on indented depths, grain sizes, and grain aggregate distributions. These scaling relations are then used in a microstructurally based FE formulation that accounts for dislocation density evolution, crystalline structures, and grain sizes. This hierarchical methodology can be used to ascertain inelastic effects, such as shear-slip distribution, pressure accumulation, and dislocation density and slip-rate evolution at physical scales that are commensurate with ductile behavior at the microstructural scale.
Negotiator Cognitions: A Descriptive Approach to Negotiators' Understanding of Their Opponents

Abstract Substantial evidence exists that negotiators frequently fail to attain readily available and mutually beneficial outcomes. This paper provides a preliminary model of why these failures occur. We assume that negotiators are decision makers, and that their errors derive from cognitive processes ignored by utility-maximization theories. We focus on one part of the model: the systematic tendency to ignore the cognitions of opponent negotiators. Empirical evidence clarifying negotiators' cognitive processes is generated using verbal protocol techniques in a controlled negotiation task. The results show that subjects simplify the negotiation task, in part by ignoring contingencies introduced by the knowledge possessed by their opponents. The discussion focuses on how subjects simplify the task and how the decision-making perspective helps redirect the negotiation literature.
An accounting analysis of the risk‐return relationship in bull and bear markets

Abstract This study provides evidence that accounting beta (earnings and cash flow-based) provides information consistent with the risk-return relationship in up- and down-markets. We are not able, however, to provide similar evidence using market beta. Considering that investors' ability to assess the risk-return trade-off in up- and down-markets is central to efficient portfolio formation, the results suggest that accounting data can provide appropriate measures of portfolio upside and downside risk.
Organic matter diagenesis in the sediments of the San Pedro Shelf along a transect affected by sewage effluent

Abstract A study was conducted to examine the rate of organic matter degradation within the sediments adjacent to the Whites Point Los Angeles County sewage outfall system on the San Pedro Shelf. Benthic chamber deployments were made at three stations in a transect away from the outfall pipe during three cruise periods (October 1990, February and October 1991). The fluxes of phosphate, silicate and radon-222 showed the most significant difference (factor of 3) between stations proximal and distal to the sewage effluent outfall pipe; the fluxes of nitrate, ammonia, alkalinity and TCO 2 showed some gradient (a factor of 1.5–2) and the uptake of oxygen showed no variability between sites. Carbon oxidation in these sediments is driven primarily by net oxygen consumption and secondarily by net sulfate reduction. Net sulfate reduction accounts for about 30% of the carbon oxidation near the outfall pipe and 10–15% at the distal sites. Measurements of radon-222 fluxes and radon emanation rates from sediments indicate that the intensity of bio-irrigation is greater by a factor of 2 at sites away from the outfall pipe, but also shows that bio-irrigation does take place at the site adjacent to the pipe. The total amount of particulate organic carbon (POC) oxidized in the sediments around the outfall is ∼2×10 7 g C/d. An estimate of carbon burial in this region is 4×10 7 g C/d. The outfall system could supply ∼3×10 7 g C/d of which 12–20% is estimated to have been deposited in the region. Hence, effluent-derived POC, although it may be a part of the total organic carbon pool undergoing diagenesis and burial on the sea floor, is not likely the only source of carbon to this system. Primary productivity in the surface ocean could supply 9–13×10 7 g C/d to the sea floor. A balanced carbon budget requires that half the primary production is exported to the sea floor, although this budget does not account for other sources of POC to the region.
Stand structure, fuel loads, and fire behavior in riparian and upland forests, Sierra Nevada Mountains, USA; a comparison of current and reconstructed conditions

Abstract Fire plays an important role in shaping many Sierran coniferous forests, but longer fire return intervals and reductions in area burned have altered forest conditions. Productive, mesic riparian forests can accumulate high stem densities and fuel loads, making them susceptible to high-severity fire. Fuels treatments applied to upland forests, however, are often excluded from riparian areas due to concerns about degrading streamside and aquatic habitat and water quality. Objectives of this study were to compare stand structure, fuel loads, and potential fire behavior between adjacent riparian and upland forests under current and reconstructed active-fire regime conditions. Current fuel loads, tree diameters, heights, and height to live crown were measured in 36 paired riparian and upland plots. Historic estimates of these metrics were reconstructed using equations derived from fuel accumulation rates, current tree data, and increment cores. Fire behavior variables were modeled using Forest Vegetation Simulator Fire/Fuels Extension. Riparian forests were significantly more fire prone under current than reconstructed conditions, with greater basal area (BA) (means are 87 vs. 29 m 2 /ha), stand density (635 vs. 208 stems/ha), snag volume (37 vs. 2 m 3 /ha), duff loads (69 vs. 3 Mg/ha), total fuel loads (93 vs. 28 Mg/ha), canopy bulk density (CBD) (0.12 vs. 0.04 kg/m 3 ), surface flame length (0.6 vs. 0.4 m), crown flame length (0.9 vs. 0.4 m), probability of torching (0.45 vs. 0.03), predicted mortality (31% vs. 17% BA), and lower torching (20 vs. 176 km/h) and crowning indices (28 vs. 62 km/h). Upland forests were also significantly more fire prone under current than reconstructed conditions, yet changes in fuels and potential fire behavior were not as large. Under current conditions, riparian forests were significantly more fire prone than upland forests, with greater stand density (635 vs. 401 stems/ha), probability of torching (0.45 vs. 0.22), predicted mortality (31% vs. 16% BA), and lower quadratic mean diameter (46 vs. 55 cm), canopy base height (6.7 vs. 9.4 m), and frequency of fire tolerant species (13% vs. 36% BA). Reconstructed riparian and upland forests were not significantly different. Our reconstruction results suggest that historic fuels and forest structure may not have differed significantly between many riparian and upland forests, consistent with earlier research suggesting similar historic fire return intervals. Under current conditions, however, modeled severity is much greater in riparian forests, suggesting forest habitat and ecosystem function may be more severely impacted by wildfire than in upland forests.
Risk Management and Risk Preferences in Agriculture: Discussion

These papers indicate that the process of individual decision making under risk is at least conceptually clear. When faced with risky situations, farmers choose risk management strategies based on their appropriate risk preferences. Unfortunately public decision making about agricultural risk management is not this well developed. Issues concern both what public risk management programs are needed for agriculture and the likely impacts of such programs. The papers presented here contain a number of intriguing implications about public risk management issues in agriculture, even though they do not directly address these issues. I will focus my remarks on these implications instead of making a detailed review or criticism of the papers. Agricultural risk is a factor in two important groups of policy issues. One concerns Federal Crop Insurance and disaster payments. At the Western Agricultural Economics Association (WAEA) meetings last year, I discussed the issues concerning the government's role in providing disaster assistance to farmers (Miller and Trock). The U.S. Congress still is debating this question and appears moving toward a greatly expanded federal crop insurance program with some public subsidy to reduce farmer premiums. Answers to questions concerning both farmer needs for this assistance and its structural impacts are critically important if rational economic decisions are to be made on this program. A second group of policy issues that are related to risk concern the structure of agriculture. Here the policy debate is not cast in terms of risk; it concerns family farms, the structure of agriculture, and the impact of policy on this structure. But risk may be one of the key mechanisms that links policy and structural change. The current U.S. farm pro-
Linearly Separable Codes for Adaptive Threshold Networks

The significance of the coding assignment in linear threshold networks used for pattern recognition has been discussed. A heuristic procedure for generating linearly separable codes for a sample set of patterns has been outlined. Experimental results showing the recognition performance of codes so chosen have been shown. The performance of these codes is comparable to the 1-out-of-n code commonly used, but more optimum codes may exist. More work on the coding assignment problem is in order and should allow more efficient linear threshold networks in the pattern recognition application.
TGFβ Primes Breast Tumor Cells for Metastasis

The microenvironment of a tumor is known to influence tumor progression and spread to distant sites (metastasis). Padua et al. (2008) now show that transient exposure of breast cancer cells to the signaling molecule transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) promotes their extravasation from blood vessels and entry into the lung by upregulation of the adipokine angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4). Their work shows that the later stages of metastasis can be influenced by transient signals produced in the primary tumor microenvironment.
Project SCORE: Signal Communication by Orbiting Relay Equipment

The development program which led to the successful launching and demonstration of the first satellite communication is described in this summary paper. A brief description of the system is included, the results obtained during the operational phase are described, and the impact of the results on future satellite programs discussed.
Fuzzy analysis for a greenhouse spider mite management system

Abstract This study investigated an application of fuzzy modelling and conventional dynamic programming, to optimal biological control of a greenhouse mite/cucumber system. Based on a fuzzy model and a hypothetic nonfuzzy economic criterion of control cost and crop loss caused by pest mites, the optimal management strategies (with minimal control cost and crop loss) are obtained.
Relation of glomerular injury to preglomerular resistance in experimental hypertension

A semiquantitative glomerular damage index (GDI) was determined for overall (O), superficial (S), and juxtamedullary (JM) glomeruli in four models of experimental hypertension in the rat to assess the severity and distribution of injury in light of present day knowledge of glomerular hemodynamics. After a four week period of similar hypertension, comparison of Group 1 (renal ablation) with Group 2 (aortic ligature) revealed OGDIs of 0.420 +/- 0.064 (SEM) vs. 0.062 +/- 0.019, P less than 0.0001, SGDIs of 0.250 +/- 0.071 vs. 0.035 +/- 0.007, P less than 0.0089, and JGDIs of 0.455 +/- 0.071 vs. 0.155 +/- 0.036, P less than 0.002. Within Group 1 the SGDI and JMGDI were not significantly different but within Group 2 the SGDI was less (P less than 0.005) than the JMGDI. Arterial/arteriolar damage was comparable in both groups. After an eight week period of similar hypertension, comparison of Group 3 (deoxycorticosterone-saline) with Group 4 (stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats) showed OGDIs of 0.301 +/- 0.065 vs. 0.128 +/- 0.023, P less than 0.025, SGDIs of 0.289 +/- 0.096 vs. 0.072 +/- 0.015, P less than 0.044, and JMGDIs of 0.394 +/- 0.083 vs. 0.307 +/- 0.062, NS. Within Group 3 the SGDI and JMGDI were not significantly different, but within Group 4 the SGDI was less (P less than 0.002) than the JMGDI. Vascular damage in the two groups was comparable. Taking into account known physiologic data, the findings are consistent with the idea that increased preglomerular resistance is protective of glomeruli, whereas decreased resistance with increased pressure and/or flow is injurious.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Antimicrobial Strategies in the Prevention of Dental Caries

Antimicrobial agents, applied either professionally or delivered from dentifrices or mouthwashes, could reduce caries by controlling plaque formation, suppressing cariogenic species, or by inhibiting bacterial metabolism. Chlorhexidine has proven anticaries activity; other agents might also prevent caries by means of their antiplaque properties. Sugar substitutes stabilize the microflora by reducing the number of acid challenges to plaque and stimulating saliva flow; some also have antimicrobial properties, especially against mutans streptococci. Vaccines have been prepared from purified antigens of mutans streptococci. These vaccines confer protection in non-human primates, but have yet to be tested in a human clinical trial.
Muscarinic cholinergic binding in human erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract Human erythrocyte ghosts contain a small population of muscarinic cholinergic receptors, as evidenced by their high affinity binding of radiolabeled quinuclinidinyl benzilate ([ 3 H]QNB). The apparent K D is 1.3 × 10 −9 M and the receptor sites are saturated at a QNB concentration of 5 nM. The number of sites is 23 fmoles/mg membrane protein. The pharmacological profile of the specific binding is similar to that of neural membranes. The binding is not stereoselective for the d and 1 isomers of QNB, a situation which prevails in the muscarinic receptors of another peripheral cholinergic system, the rat iris, but not in the central nervous system.
The neutrino as a tachyon

Abstract We investigate the hypothesis that at least one of the known neutrinos travels faster than light. The current experimental situation is examined within this purview.
Handheld, Portable Ultrasound in the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery: A New, Inexpensive Tool for the Rapid Diagnosis of Common Neonatal Problems

The use of ultrasound imaging in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has become an essential part of the evaluation and delivery of care for most neonates. Until recently, ultrasound machines were large, expensive, and often not immediately available, particularly at night and during weekends. Additionally, serial studies to define the evolution of an acute clinical situation were often not practical because of the dedicated time required and the expense involved. The recent introduction into our NICU of a high-quality, reasonably priced, and completely portable neonatal ultrasound unit (Sonosite, Bothell, WA) has now made it possible for neonatologists to rapidly obtain the hour-by-hour information that can be extremely helpful in the evaluation of a critically ill neonate. This paper illustrates some of the capabilities of this simplified device, and the value of having continuous on-site ultrasound availability in the NICU.
A new layered mineral from the Mighei carbonaceous chondrite

The poorly characterized phase (PCP) of the Mighei CM2 carbonaceous chondrite is investigated using high-resolution TEM. Electron-microprobe analyses of samples from both olivine chondrules and the matrix are included in a table. Chondrule PCP is found to have higher concentrations of S and Ni and lower concentrations of Si, Mg, and Al than matrix PCP. TEM shows that PCP in this chondrite is an intergrowth of three phases (in various proportions): a major component containing Fe, S, Ni, and O in wavy rolled layers spaced about 5.4 A apart, an Fe-rich serpentinelike phyllosilicate with 7-A layer spacing, and submicron grains of magnetite, chromite, and phosphate. It is proposed that chondrule PCP contains mainly the 5-A phase with some grains, while matrix PCP consists mostly of the 5-A and 7-A phases.
Strategic Human Resource Practices: Introducing Alternatives for Organizational Performance Improvement in the Public Sector

Can public sector organizations increase productivity through competition in spite of inherent limitations, such as budget constraints? This study addresses that question by examining the impact of four factors that contribute to employees’ expectations regarding competitive work environments on organizational performance in terms of overall quality of work and client satisfaction. The four factors measured include rewards for merit such as salary and benefits, opportunities, organizational rules, and the capacity to deal with risks as perceived by employees. Using data on public and nonprofit sector employees, expectations for merit rewards were positively related to employees’ perception of organizational performance when the conditions of performance-based organizational rules and risk-taking behaviors were also satisfied. Moreover, employees’ perceptions of organizational performance tended to increase when they felt that organizational rules were oriented toward performance plus organizational members and top leaders exhibited greater risk-taking behaviors. However, no correlation was evident between employees’ expectations of opportunities and perceived organizational performance.
Human repetitious DNA, satellite DNA and chromosome interarm fibres.

IT is of interest that RNA (cRNA) made complementary in vitro to human repetitious DNA has been found to hybridize with human chromosomal DNA at the centromeres and at the ends of the arms in light microscope cytological preparations1. These are the locations where we saw the largest number of DNA-containing interarm fibres in electron micrographs of whole mount human mitotic chromosomes2 (Fig. 1).
Social finance: commerce and community in developing countries

Purpose – This paper adopts the conceptual framework of institutional analysis and development (IAD). The main focus is on the “commons,” a general term referring to a resource shared by a group of people or a community who are possibly vulnerable to social dilemmas. In this paper, the vulnerable are communities in developing countries; the resource is economic and social wellbeing; the dilemma is how this wellbeing can be shared. Social finance, among others actions, might be a means of reaching a favorable outcome. The purpose of this paper is to identify institutions in the developing world where a commons approach is attempted.Design/methodology/approach – A major part of the research consists of examining knowledge, specifically digital knowledge, as a commons, and then looking at situations in developing countries where information and communication technology plays a prominent role. The spotlight is on the widespread use of cell phones to meet social, business, and service needs. The paper is desig...
A Practical Application of Self-Management for Students Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder:

Five sixth-grade students diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), taking psychostimulants for treatment of ADHD symptoms, and enrolled in a general education classroom parti...
The first radiosynthesis of [11C]AZD8931 as a new potential PET agent for imaging of EGFR, HER2 and HER3 signaling

Abstract The reference standard AZD8931{2-(4-((4-((3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)amino)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-yl)oxy)piperidin-1-yl)-N-methylacetamide} (11a) was synthesized from methyl 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoate or ethyl 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoate and 2-chloro-N-methylacetamide in 11 steps with 2–5% overall chemical yield. The precursor N-desmethyl-AZD8931{2-(4-((4-((3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)amino)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-yl)oxy)piperidin-1-yl)acetamide} (11b) was synthesized from methyl 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoate or ethyl 4,5-dimethoxy-2-nitrobenzoate and 2-bromoacetamide in 11 steps with 2–4% overall chemical yield. The target tracer [11C]AZD8931 {2-(4-((4-((3-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)amino)-7-methoxyquinazolin-6-yl)oxy)piperidin-1-yl)-N-[11C]methylacetamide} ([11C]11a) was prepared from N-desmethyl-AZD8931 (11b) with [11C]CH3OTf under basic condition (NaH) through N-[11C]methylation and isolated by HPLC combined with solid-phase extraction (SPE) in 40–50% radiochemical yield based on [11C]CO2 and decay corrected to end of bombardment (EOB) with 370–1110 GBq/μmol specific activity at EOB.
Optimal design of layered structures under dynamic loading

Abstract A direct search procedure is presented to treat problems of optimization of layered structures subjected to dynamic loading conditions. The procedure combines the basic idea of the complex method of Box to locate the next trial point, with a local direct pattern search of Hooke and Jeeves to insure the continuous accelerative movement toward the optimum. The method is applied to two problems of optimal design for minimum tensile stress at the interfaces in layered structures under time-harmonic loads and transient loads, respectively.
Temperature dependence of the work function of Cu layers on a W(110) plane

Abstract Temperature coefficients of the work function for Cu layers in the range 0 ≤ n ≤ 6 where n is the number of monolayers were measured from 90 to 500 K by a Kelvin probe method. dφ/dT is negative at all coverages and has a strong maximum of −1.5×104eV/K at n=1 at 90 K. A qualitative discussion of these findings is given. The design and operating characteristics of the Kelvin probe are also described.
Distribution Deviation of Large Aggregates from Uniformity in Waste Containment Concrete. II: Experimental Results and Quality Assurance

A quality control methodology was implemented for aggregate distribution in concrete that can be used in waste containment using the analytical method developed in Part I of this paper. This involves the comparison of three concrete placement methods: rodding, vibration, and placement with neither rodding nor vibration. The concrete mix consists of coarse (#4 stone and #67 stone) aggregate and fine aggregate, the latter of which is sand (making up 29.4% by weight). The experimental results have been used herein to develop quality control charts based on the deviation index, the range of the deviation index within each cylinder, and nonconformity of the aggregate to even distribution, respectively. The nonconformity quality control chart is found to be the most appropriate scheme for evaluating aggregate distribution deviation. The results obtained from the nonconformity quality control chart show that the upper control limit, when specified at three times the square root of the mean deviation index, has a value of 23.4. This is a relatively large value and the deviation indices per slice all fall below it, indicating that the quality of the concrete mix is satisfactory.
Understanding the relationships between interest in online math games and academic performance

Although the Internet is widely used by students in both formal and informal environments, little is known about how and where youth spend their time online. Using Internet search and Web analytics data, this study discovered a large-scale phenomenon associated with the poor performance of elementary school students in the USA that has been overlooked by educational researchers. This study found that approximately 10 million Internet users in the USA, many of whom are presumably youth, spend about 89 million hours in a year on a popular math game site that targets children. The number of game site users is equivalent to half of the K-5 Internet population in the USA. However, there is little evidence that the math games on the website meet the criteria for effective instruction as described in the literature. This study found a significant negative correlation between search volumes for the game site in the 50 states in the USA and 4th grade students' performance in mathematics and reading. Moreover, Internet users in the states with greater numbers of low-income families and fewer college graduates were more likely to search for the game site. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Radioprotective effects of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase mimics on ataxia–telangiectasia cells

Abstract We tested several classes of antioxidant manganese compounds for radioprotective effects using human lymphoblastoid cells: six porphyrins, three salens, and two cyclic polyamines. Radioprotection was evaluated by seven assays: XTT, annexin V and propidium iodide flow cytometry analysis, γ-H2AX immunofluorescence, the neutral comet assay, dichlorofluorescein and dihydroethidium staining, resazurin, and colony survival assay. Two compounds were most effective in protecting wild-type and A-T cells against radiation-induced damage: MnMx-2-PyP-Calbio (a mixture of differently N-methylated MnT-2-PyP+ from Calbiochem) and MnTnHex-2-PyP. MnTnHex-2-PyP protected WT cells against radiation-induced apoptosis by 58% (p = 0.04), using XTT, and A-T cells by 39% (p = 0.01), using annexin V and propidium iodide staining. MnTnHex-2-PyP protected WT cells against DNA damage by 57% (p = 0.005), using γ-H2AX immunofluorescence, and by 30% (p 10-fold more SOD-active; consequently it is >50-fold more potent as a radioprotectant, as supported by six of the tests employed in this study. Thus, lipophilicity and antioxidant potency correlated with the magnitude of the beneficial radioprotectant effects observed. Our results identify a new class of porphyrinic radioprotectants for the general and radiosensitive populations and may also provide a new option for treating A-T patients.
The relationship of neuroendocrine carcinomas to anti-tumor therapies in TRAMP mice.

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine differentiation and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) have been linked to androgen deprivation in prostate cancers. No previous study has directly connected neuroendocrine phenotypes to chemotherapy. The pathogenesis of prostatic NEC has not yet been determined. METHODS Using the transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model, we studied tumor progression after hormone ablation (castration) and/or chemotherapy (docetaxel), and analyzed the incidence of NEC as a function of the anti-tumor therapies. Non-treated mice were used as controls. Protein expressions in tumor tissues were analyzed by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Although all animals developed prostate cancer, no NEC was found in control mice. However, over 30% of the mice that received an anti-tumor therapy developed NEC. A similar incidence of NEC was found in the castration-only and docetaxel-only treatment groups, while a higher incidence was observed in the combined treatment (castration and docetaxel) group. The NEC-bearing mice had smaller tumors in their prostates and lived longer than mice with adenocarcinoma (ADC-only). However, NEC tumors had a higher proliferative index and greater potential for metastasis and drug-resistance, as evidenced by significantly higher expression levels of PCNA, S100A4, and Pgp, but lower levels of E-cadherin. SV40 T-antigen was highly expressed in both NEC and ADC tumors. CONCLUSIONS Stress induced by anti-cancer treatments may play a role in NEC development. Although NEC and ADC differ in their expressions of many proteins, a high level of SV40 T-antigen in both tumor types suggest a common progenitor. Prostate 69: 1763–1773, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a conserved extrachromosomal element isolated from the avian malarial parasite Plasmodium gallinaceum.

Abstract We have identified a conserved, repeated, and highly transcribed DNA element from the avian malarial parasite Plasmodium gallinaceum. The element produced multiple transcripts in both zygotes and asexual blood stages of this parasite. It was found to be highly conserved in all of five malarial species tested and hybridized at reduced stringency to other members of the phylum Apicomplexa, including the genera Babesia, Eimeria, Toxoplasma, and Theileria. The copy number of the element was about 15, and it had a circularly permuted restriction map with a repeat unit length of about 6.2 kilobases. It could be separated from the main genomic DNA by using sucrose gradients and agarose gels, and it migrated separately from the recognized Plasmodium chromosomes on pulse-field gels. In the accompanying paper (S. M. Aldritt, J. T. Joseph, and D. F. Wirth, Mol. Cell. Biol. 9:3614-3620, 1989), evidence is presented that element contains the mitochondrial genes for the protein cytochrome b and a fragment of the large rRNA. We postulate that this element is an episome in the mitochondria of the obligate parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa.
Oocyte retrieval versus conversion to intrauterine insemination in patients with poor response to gonadotropin therapy

We compared cycle characteristics and outcomes for planned in vitro fertilization cycles with five or fewer developing follicles that proceeded to retrieval (n = 170) with those that converted to intrauterine insemination (IUI) (n = 50). The risk of no embryo transfer was 24% in cycles that proceeded to retrieval. Live birth rate per cycle started was similar for IUI (6%) compared with retrieval (7%).
Thermodynamics of Nanoscale Calcium and Strontium Titanate Perovskites

The surface enthalpies of nanocrystalline CaTiO3 and SrTiO3 perovskites were determined using high-temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry in conjunction with water adsorption calorimetry. The nanocrystalline samples were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements. The integral heats of water vapor adsorption on the surfaces of nanocrystalline CaTiO3 and SrTiO3 are � 78.63 � 4.71 kJ/mol and � 69.97 � 4.43 kJ/mol, respectively. The energies of the hydrous and anhydrous surfaces are 2.49 � 0.12 J/m 2 and 2.79 � 0.13 J/m 2 for CaTiO3 and 2.55 � 0.15 J/m 2 and 2.85 � 0.15 J/m 2 for SrTiO3, respectively. The stability of the perovskite compounds in this study is discussed according to the lattice energy and tolerance factor approach. The energetics of different perovskites suggest that the formation enthalpy becomes more exothermic and surface energy increases with an increase in ionic radius of the “A” site cation (Ca, Sr, and Ba), or with the tolerance factor. PbTiO3 shows a lower surface energy, weaker water binding, and a less exothermic enthalpy of formation than the alkaline-earth perovskites.
Precision measurement of the 7Be solar neutrino interaction rate in Borexino

The rate of neutrino-electron elastic scattering interactions from 862 keV {sup 7}Be solar neutrinos in Borexino is determined to be 46.0{+-}1.5(stat){sub -1.6}{sup +1.5}(syst) counts/(day{center_dot}100 ton). This corresponds to a {nu}{sub e}-equivalent {sup 7}Be solar neutrino flux of (3.10{+-}0.15)x10{sup 9} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} and, under the assumption of {nu}{sub e} transition to other active neutrino flavours, yields an electron neutrino survival probability of 0.51{+-}0.07 at 862 keV. The no flavor change hypothesis is ruled out at 5.0 {sigma}. A global solar neutrino analysis with free fluxes determines {Phi}{sub pp}=6.06{sub -0.06}{sup +0.02}x10{sup 10} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} and {Phi}{sub CNO}<1.3x10{sup 9} cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} (95% C.L.). These results significantly improve the precision with which the Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein large mixing angle neutrino oscillation model is experimentally tested at low energy.
A pipelined single-bit controlled sorting network with O(Nlog/sup 2/N) bit complexity

We propose a pipelined optical sorting network to sort N w-bit inputs using O(wNlogN) single bit-controlled 2/spl times/2 switching elements. The network is compared to the standard Batcher (1968) sorter which requires (O(Nlog/sup 2/N)) two-input comparators for sorting N log N-bit words. However each comparator in the Batcher sorter has to perform a word comparison between two log N bit inputs, as opposed to single-bit controlled switching elements in the proposed scheme. An alternative implementation of the proposed network maintains the same hardware complexity while showing an O(loglogN) improvement in latency over the Batcher sorter. The proposed network is based on binary radix sort and utilizes a pair of self-routing reverse banyan networks to implement each step of the radix-sort algorithm. A distributed single-bit control scheme due to a particular non-blocking property of the reverse banyan network is used to route packets through each reverse banyan. Given the high cost of optical switches, the low hardware and control complexity of the network makes it easy to replace electronic switching elements with 2/spl times/2 lithium niobate directional couplers, thus making the network attractive for high-speed optical applications.
Associations between continental‐scale snow cover anomalies and air mass frequencies across eastern North America

The spatial extent of snow cover has been shown to affect diverse meteorological variables, including surface air temperatures, atmospheric moisture, longwave and shortwave radiation budgets, and sensible and latent heat fluxes. However, little research has directly addressed the role of snow cover extent in the production and/or maintenance of diverse air mass types. The major hypothesis of this study is that continental-scale snow cover anomalies should influence air mass frequencies because of their important effects on land-surface energy budgets. To test this hypothesis, satellitederived Northern Hemisphere snow cover data were used in conjunction with a unique air mass classification routine to ascertain the association between air mass frequencies and snow cover anomalies across eastern North America. Results indicate that continental-scale snow cover anomalies are strongly associated with changes in the frequency of air masses over eastern North America. However, strong mid-tropospheric circulation anomalies are often associated with the snow cover and air mass frequency changes, making it difficult to judge the relative importance of the snow cover anomaly to the variations in air mass frequency. During the months of November, December, January and April, circulation patterns are present that would lead to the observed snow cover anomalies and associated air mass frequency changes. Thus, we hypothesize that snow cover anomalies (resulting from the strong circulation anomalies) help to enhance changes in the air mass frequencies of the region. However, during the months of February and March no strong circulation anomalies are apparent, suggesting that during these months snow cover may play a dominant role in air mass frequency variations. Copyright  2002 Royal Meteorological Society.