cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ligand effects on the rates of protonolysis and isotopic exchange for platinum(II) alkyls

The protonolysis/deuterolysis of complexes L2PtRX (L = phosphorus ligand, R = alkyl group, X = anionic ligand) has been investigated as a mechanistic probe of the reverse reaction, activation of alkanes by Pt(II). Trans-(Et3P)2PtMeX (X− = triflate (OTF−, F−,NO3−) solvolyze in acidic CD3OD, forming [trans-(Et3P)2PtMe(CD3OD)]+ which reacts slowly with DOTf at room temperature liberating CH3D. In dichloromethane, trans-(Et3P)2PtMe(OTf) reacts with HOTf at low temperatures (−70 to −20°C) to give (Et3P)2PtMe(H) (OTf)2 in rapid equilibrium with the reagents, while at higher temperatures rapid methane loss is preceded by extensive deuterium incorporation (with DOTf) into the Pt(II) methyl group. Upon treatment with acid in CD3OD, trans-(Et3P)2PtMeX (X= Cl, Br) also undergo H/D exchange before elimination of methane, while trans-(Et3P)2PtMel, (depe)Pt(CH3)2 (depe = 1,2-bis(diethylphosphino) ethane) and cis-[(MeO)3P]PtMeCl do not. The α hydrogens of trans-(Et3P)2PtRCl (R = Me, Et, Bz) exchange with deuterium in CD3OD/DOTf with rates following the order Bz < Me < Et, while no exchange is observed in the protonolysis of rans-(Et3P)2Pt(CH2CMe3)Cl which yields (CH3)3CCH2D. These trends are interpreted in terms of effects on relative stabilities of key intermediates, Pt(IV) alkyl hydrides and Pt(II) alkane sigma complexes.
Recovering Policy Implementation

This study identifies themes in the theoretical literature on policy implementation that can then be used to develop a research-based framework for the scholar about how qualitative research can be used to analyze policy implementation through the investigation of informal and formal communication lines. This article draws from existing scholarship to bridge the gap between policy studies and qualitative research to explore innovative ways for scholars to expand our understanding of policy implementation. The article uses the literature to propose a framework that can be used to examine policy implementation. The framework is based on the concepts of Orientation, Degree, Resources, Activity, Autonomy, Societal Values, Institutional Values, Rationale and Power Relationship.
The Parameter-Free Track Structure Model of Scholz and Kraft for Heavy-Ion Cross Sections

Abstract Katz, R. The Parameter-Free Track Structure Model of Scholz and Kraft for Heavy-Ion Cross Sections. Radiat. Res. 160, 724–728 (2003). The “parameter-free”, “local effects” theory of Scholz and Kraft is an extension to mammalian cells of the theory of RBE for dry enzymes and viruses of Butts and Katz. Its claim for parameter freedom has been challenged elsewhere. Here we examine its conceptual base and find errors in its use of the physical concept of cross section and its neglect of the radiobiological relationship between target size and radiosensitivity in evaluating the radiation damage to “point targets”.
Mathematical Thinking of High School Students in Nebraska.

The objectives of the study were to (1) develop an instrument for measuring the mathematical thinking of high school students and (2) determine the effects of the class level and student's gender on the mathematical thinking of high school students in Nebraska. The subjects of the study were 239 high school students (grades 9‐12) selected from 18 Central Nebraska high schools participated in the study. The mathematical thinking instrument was developed by the researcher and administered to all subjects of the study in April 1994. Analyses of data collected indicated that significant differences in mathematical thinking of high school students existed in favour of the higher class level in all cases with the exception of grades 11 and 12. The mean score of the 11th grade students was significantly higher than that of the 12th grade students. In addition, no significant differences were found between the mean scores of male and female high school students at any class level or on any of the six characterist...
Girls on the go: a CS summer camp to attract and inspire female high school students

In this paper, we describe our experience running "Girls on the Go: The Mobile Computing College Experience." We decided to do a residential summer camp for HS-age girls to achieve two goals: to encourage our campers to attend college and to interest them in computer science as a possible career option. We centered the camp around the design of a zoo-themed research tool where campers designed a mobile application to be used by researchers to document and study animal behavior. Post-camp surveys gave statistically significant results indicating that the camp increased the girls' confidence in performing computer science and understanding what computer scientists did.
Effect of epidermal growth factor infusion on fetal rabbit intrauterine growth retardation and small intestinal development

Abstract Background/purpose Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) infants have impaired gastrointestinal function with resultant feeding difficulties and predisposition to necrotizing enterocolitis. Supplemented amniotic fluid swallowed by the developing fetus is a potential prenatal treatment for IUGR. Rabbits have naturally occurring IUGR fetuses based on uterine position. To determine intestinal response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) infusion, this rabbit model of IUGR was studied. Methods Eight pregnant rabbits underwent placement of intraamniotic catheters into 2 normal and 2 IUGR fetuses per mother on gestational day 24 of a 31-day gestation. Miniosmotic pumps infused either EGF (about 300 μg/kg/d) or control solution forming 4 study groups (EGF-Favored [Fav] v . Cont-Fav; EGF-IUGR v . Cont-IUGR). On gestational day 31, the fetal gastrointestinal tracts were harvested for analysis. Intestinal epithelial cell proliferation was studied by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, villus heights were measured, and EGF mRNA was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Statistical analysis was performed using Students' t test. Results Fetal survival rate was 87%. EGF-IUGR fetal weights were increased compared with Cont-IUGR fetuses. EGF infusion significantly increased IUGR fetal small intestinal villus height and BrdU-positive small intestinal (SI) crypt cells, all approaching Cont-Fav levels. EGF mRNA was expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions Supplemental amniotic EGF normalizes fetal weight and intestinal proliferation in the IUGR fetal rabbit. The inclusion of EGF in supplemental amniotic feeding solutions is supported.
Extremely Low On-Resistance and High Breakdown Voltage Observed in Vertical GaN Schottky Barrier Diodes with High-Mobility Drift Layers on Low-Dislocation-Density GaN Substrates

Vertical GaN Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were fabricated on freestanding GaN substrates with low dislocation density. High quality n-GaN drift-layer with an electron mobility of 930 cm2 V-1 s-1 was obtained by optimizing the growth conditions by reducing the intensity of yellow luminescence using conventional photoluminescence measurements. The specific on-resistance (RonA) and the breakdown voltage (VB) of the SBDs were 0.71 mΩ cm2 and over 1100 V, respectively. The figure of merit (VB2/RonA) was 1.7 GW/cm2, which is the highest value among previously reported SBDs for both GaN and SiC.
Spaces of Operators, the ψ-Daugavet Property, and Numerical Indices

Suppose ψ : [0, ∞) → [1, ∞) is a strictly increasing function. A Banach space X is said to have the ψ-Daugavet Property if the inequality $$\|I_X\,{+}\,T\|\,{\geq}\, \psi(\|T\|)$$ holds for every compact operator T : X → X. We show that, if 1 < p < ∞ and K(lp)↪ X ↪ B(lp), then X has the ψ-Daugavet Property with $$\psi(t)\,{=}\,(1\,{+}\,c_p t^q)^{1/q}$$ (here $$q\,{=}\,\max\{2,p\}$$ and c p is an absolute constant). We also prove that a C*-algebra A is commutative if and only if $$1\,{+}\,\|T\|\,{=}\,\sup\{\|I_A\,{+}\,\omega T\|\,||\omega| \,{=}\, 1\}$$ for any $$T: A \,{\rightarrow}\, A$$ . Together, these results allow us to distinguish between some types of von Neumann algebras by considering spaces of operators on them.
Bicuspid aortic valve: inter-racial difference in frequency and aortic dimensions.

Objectives The objective of this study was to examine the similarities and differences in Caucasian (C) and African-American (AA) patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with respect to morphology, severity of aortic stenosis/insufficiency, and aortic dilation. Background BAV is a common congenital valve abnormality, accounting for a large number of valve replacements. Methods A total of 229 patients with the diagnostic code BAV were identified retrospectively from our computerized adult echocardiographic database, which consists of 91,896 studies performed at the University of Chicago Medical Center from 1998 to 2009, representing 40,878 patients. Of those, 183 patients with BAV were included in this retrospective BAV single-center cohort study and reanalyzed with a comprehensive assessment of aortic dimensions, aortic valve morphology and function, clinical cardiovascular risk factors, and patient characteristics. Results Of the 183 patients with BAV, 138 were C and 45 were AA. Our echocardiographic database encompasses approximately 65% AA, 31% C, and 4% other races, for an estimated frequency of BAV in AA patients of 0.17% and a frequency in C patients of 1.1% (p = 0.001). There were no significant inter-racial differences regarding sex, height, weight, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, tobacco use, cardiac medications, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The AA cohort was older (age 50 ± 17 years vs. 43 ± 17 years, p Conclusions This is the first study to report racial differences among patients with BAV with reduced aortic dimensions in AA patients despite the presence of more risk factors, suggestive of marked heterogeneity in the BAV population and indicating race as a potential disease modifier in BAV.
A blood vessel model constructed from collagen and cultured vascular cells

A model of a blood vessel was constructed in vitro. Its multilayered structure resembled that of an artery and it withstood physiological pressures. Electron microscopy showed that the endothelial cells lining the lumen and the smooth muscle cells in the wall were healthy and well differentiated. The lining of endothelial cells functioned physically, as a permeability barrier, and biosynthetically, producing von Willebrand's factor and prostacyclin. The strength of the model depended on its multiple layers of collagen integrated with a Dacron mesh.
Divergence in nonspecific hydrophobic packing interactions in the apo state, and its possible role in functional specialization of mitochondrial and microsomal cytochrome b5.

The outer mitochondrial membrane isoform of mammalian cytochrome b5 (OM b5) is distinguished from the microsomal isoform (Mc b5) by its considerably greater stability. In contrast, OM and Mc apocytochrome b5 (apo-b5) exhibit similar thermodynamic stability. Contributing substantially to the greater stability of OM b5 relative to that of Mc b5 is the presence of Leu at position 71. Replacing Leu-71 in OM b5 with the corresponding Mc b5 residue (Ser) not only diminishes holoprotein stability but also markedly compromises apoprotein stability. The studies reported herein were undertaken to clarify the role played by Leu-71 in stabilizing OM b5s relative to Mc b5s, and were motivated by the possibility that stability is related to other differences in OM and Mc b5 properties that are important for their specialized subcellular roles. The results of these studies show that Leu-71 plays an essential role in maintaining the structural integrity of the heme-independent folding core of OM apo-b5 (core 2), despite ...
Use of nurse practitioners in pediatric kidney transplant: a model for providing comprehensive care to children and families.

It is well documented that kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for children with end-stage renal disease. Pediatric kidney transplant patients are a complex population because of their need for lifelong immunosuppression, potential for delayed growth and development, and increased risk of heart disease and cancer. Although many large pediatric kidney transplant programs use nurse practitioners, the role of the nurse practitioner is still emerging in relation to the transplant coordinator role. This article describes the practice of pediatric nurse practitioners caring for children who require a kidney transplant and why nurse practitioners are ideal for providing comprehensive care to this population. Transplant programs are regulated by the United Network for Organ Sharing and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Both organizations require transplant programs to designate a transplant coordinator with the primary responsibility of coordinating clinical aspects of transplant care....
Treatment efficacy: voice disorders

This article reviews the literature on the efficacy of treatment for voice disorders primarily using studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Voice disorders are defined, their frequency of occurrence across the life span is reported, and their impact on the lives of individuals with voice disorders is documented. The goal of voice treatment is to maximize vocal effectiveness given the existing disorder and to reduce the handicapping effect of the voice problem. Voice treatment may be (a) the preferred treatment to resolve the voice disorder when medical (surgical or pharmacological) treatments are not indicated; (b) the initial treatment in cases where medical treatment appears indicated; it may obviate the need for medical treatment; (c) completed before and after surgical treatment to maximize long-term post-surgical voice; and (d) a preventative treatment to preserve vocal health. Experimental and clinical data are reviewed that support these roles applied to various disorder types: (a) vocal misuse, hyperfunction and muscular imbalance (frequently resulting in edema, vocal nodules, polyps or contact ulcers); (b) medical or physical conditions (e.g., laryngeal nerve trauma, Parkinson disease); and (c) psychogenic disorders (e.g., conversion reactions, personality disorders). Directions for future research are suggested which maximize clinical outcomes and scientific rigor to enhance knowledge on the efficacy of voice treatment.
Airborne Concentrations of Asbestos‐in‐air in Buildings and Exposure of Occupants: Risk and Regulatory Implications

Concern for the health risk of occupants in buildings containing asbestos fireproofing, acoustic materials or lagging, among other products, has led to several investigations of airborne asbestos concentrations in buildings and exposure assessments of occupants and maintenance personnel. The purpose of this paper is to summarize these results, to place in perspective exposure to occupants and maintenance personnel, and to estimate risks based on these exposures. Regulatory implications of these results are discussed. It is concluded that asbestos-in-air measurements carried out with the most appropriate methods in buildings with damaged or undamaged asbestos-containing materials consistently show extremely low concentrations comparable to those measured outdoors for fibers greater than 5 μm in length. Risks to occupants in such buildings are correspondingly very low. Potential exposures are higher to those performing building maintenance procedures that may disturb the asbestos-containing materials. Operations and maintenance procedures are effective in protecting maintenance personnel through engineering controls, work practices and personal protective devices, which are used to a greater or lesser extent depending on the specific activity.
Thermal Conductivity of Magnesium Oxide From Absolute, Steady-State Measurements.

The thermal conductivity of polycrystalline magnesium oxide has been measured over the temperature range from 400 K to 1300 K using a modified guarded-hot-plate design. Three different thicknesses of specimens having 93 % of theoretical density were tested to verify the operation, accuracy, and reproducibility of our apparatus. The measured thermal conductivity ranges from 30 W ? m ‐1 ? K ‐1 down to 8W ? m ‐1 ? K ‐1 and has an inverse-temperature functionality. The results agree well with literature values for this material.
Risk Aversion and International Markets: Does Asset Trade Smooth Real Income?*

In a two-country model, complete asset markets do not guarantee that individuals will choose to eliminate all (diverifiable) risk in aggregate consumption. the presence of nontraded goods forces individuals to choose between reducing uncertainty in aggregate consumption and in the composition between traded and nontraded goods. This choice depends on a comparison of the standard coefficient of relative risk aversion with a second type of risk aversion that becomes relevant when nontraded goods are present, one that captures aversion to risk in composition. Regardless of the decision made, asset trade always reduces the risk premium.
Tracking Short-Term Physical and Biological Changes in the Central Basin of Lake Erie

Abstract Among the goals of the 1979 and 1980 experiments were the documentation of physical processes thought to be important to chemical and biological processes, and the provision of data suitable for the development and improvement of lake models, particularly those involving vertical exchanges or interactions with the sediments. The area chosen for study was considered to have a relatively uniform horizontal distribution of properties so that vertically acting processes should be more easily observed. Nevertheless, a preliminary examination of the combined physical and biochemical data collected from a ship anchored in mid-basin for three week-long episodes in 1979 and one in 1980 shows evidence of changes produced by the advection of water of differing quality. In this study, measured currents at depths of 10 m, 20 m, and 21 m are analyzed to provide timescales for the horizontal flushing and mixing of a mid-basin control volume of 10-km diameter. Knowledge of these timescales is useful in the design of biochemical experiments. Data from current meters, thermistor arrays, and meteorological buoys are used to construct a heat daily budget of a control volume in mid-lake. This study confirms the presence of horizontal variability in the distribution of temperature and transport processes that produce significant changes at timescales of less than a day. We examine several one-dimensional (vertical) models and one two-dimensional model (horizontal and vertical) by other authors that draw on Lake Erie data. The models are successful in tracking changes at seasonal timescales; deviations from observed daily averages at shorter timescales are attributed to a combination of transport processes and horizontal patchiness. The deviations do not appear to cause long-term discrepancies between the observations and the models, indicating that the patchiness acts as a random “noise” in an essentially homogeneous environment. The central basin of Lake Erie remains a preferred site for the study of a wealth of locally-acting processes. Finally, we discuss the limitations placed on “control volume” experiments by existing measurement techniques and by the transport processes and we make recommendations for improved experiments.
Sex, puberty, and the timing of sleep EEG measured adolescent brain maturation

The steep adolescent decline in the slow wave (delta, 1–4 Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) of nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep is a dramatic maturational change in brain electrophysiology thought to be driven by cortical synaptic pruning. A perennial question is whether this change in brain electrophysiology is related to sexual maturation. Applying Gompertz growth models to longitudinal data spanning ages 9–18 y, we found that the timing of the delta decline was significantly (P < 0.0001) linked to timing of pubertal maturation. This timing relation remained significant when sex differences in the timing of the delta decline were statistically controlled. Sex differences and the relation to the timing of puberty jointly explained 67% of the between-subject variance in the timing of the delta decline. These data provide a demonstration of a temporal relation between puberty and an electrophysiological marker of adolescent brain development. They can guide research into whether the neuroendocrine events of puberty are mechanistically linked to cortical maturation or whether, instead, the two maturational processes are parallel but independent programs of human ontogenesis.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF INFRARED LASER‐INDUCED CHEMISTRY*

— –We examine whether chemical reactions can be selectively stimulated by the absorption of infrared photons which individually do not satisfy activation energy requirements. By a modification of available rate theory we demonstrate that a non-thermal enhancement of a chemical reaction is in principle possible, and is primarily dependent upon the extent to which a molecular mode can be coherently driven. An assumed coherent response to laser radiation leading to a minimally detectable rate enhancement places realistic constraints on the allowable magnitudes of vibrational and phase relaxation times for the mode. The inclusion of anharmonic limitations on the amount of energy stored in the mode results in the placement of more stringent though not impossible limitations on the relaxation times. A non-linear reaction rate dependence on light intensity suggests that a Q-spoiled laser be used. Optimum experimental conditions should involve the use of liquids at a temperature where thermal rates are just beneath the level of detection.
Spontaneous Lymphatic Vessel Formation and Regression in the Murine Cornea

Lymphatic research signifies a new field of discovery and has attracted considerable attention during the past few years.1–5 Unlike blood vasculature, lymphatic vessels are not easily visible. The lymphatic network penetrates most tissues in the body, and its dysfunctions have been found in a broad spectrum of disorders, including transplant rejection, cancer metastasis, delayed wound healing, inflammatory and immune diseases, and lymphedema.1,3–8 To date, there is little effective treatment for lymphatic disorders; it is, therefore, a field with an urgent demand for new experimental models and therapeutic protocols. The cornea, the tissue in the forefront of the visual pathway, provides a clear structure for the passage of light. It is also one of few adult tissues in the body normally devoid of any vessel types, blood or lymphatic. In addition, because of its transparent nature and accessible location, the murine cornea has been extensively exploited as a tool for vascular studies. As estimated by Judah Folkman, the grandfather of tumor vascular research, more than one-third of our basic knowledge on blood vessels is derived from studies with the cornea. More recently, the use of this unique tissue in the new area of lymphatic research has started to generate promising data.1 While most studies have focused on the prevention of lymphatic formation, little is known about how to induce lymphatic regression, which bears even more clinical significance in many diseases in which the already formed lymphatics play a major pathologic role. However, there is no natural model with which to study the processes of lymphatic regression to reveal pivotal mechanisms or factors for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated whether the murine cornea is devoid of lymphatic vessels because of a primary absence of lymphatic formation from the beginning of its embryogenesis or a secondary event of lymphatic regression, which occurs naturally as the cornea matures. In addition, the differential behavior between the blood and the lymphatic vessels under normal development and inflammation conditions was also examined.
Assessing the Development of Inflated Responsibility Beliefs: The Pathways to Inflated Responsibility Beliefs Scale

Abstract Inflated responsibility beliefs are hypothesized to be a central feature of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; Rachman, 1998, 2002; Salkovskis, 1985), but the etiology of these beliefs remains untested. Salkovskis and colleagues (1999) proposed 5 primary pathways to the development of inflated responsibility beliefs (e.g., heightened responsibility as a child, exposure to rigid and extreme codes of conduct as a child). The current paper presents 2 studies developing a self-report measure—the Pathways to Inflated Responsibility Beliefs Scale (PIRBS)—of these hypothesized pathways. In the first study, an initial version of the scale is developed and the number of items are reduced. In the second study, the revised scale is shown to provide a reasonable match to the proposed structure and to have good internal consistency, retest reliability, and convergent and divergent validity. These initial data suggest that the PIRBS may be useful for studying the etiology of inflated responsibility beliefs that are hypothesized to be central to the development of OCD. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Urinary Retention in an Adolescent with a History of Urethral Transection

Abstract Background Urinary retention is rare in adolescence. Here I describe such a case in a patient who had transected her urethra in a motor vehicle accident at 3 years of age. The presumptive diagnosis of urethral stricture was proven incorrect. Objectives Both to present a complicated and unique case whose history pointed strongly to one diagnosis initially but turned out very differently than expected; and to give an example of the use of bedside ultrasonography in the Emergency Department as a diagnostic tool in an unusual circumstance. Case Report A 13-year-old girl was evaluated for 3 days of urinary retention. Her history of pelvic fracture and urethral transection in childhood suggested a urethral stricture. Her work-up revealed, however, a vaginal stricture and resultant hematocolpos compressing the urethra. Upon surgical excision, the stricture was confirmed to be scar tissue, rather than a coincidental congenital septum. Conclusion Hematocolpos is an uncommon but well-described cause of urinary retention in premenarchal females. This is a difficult diagnosis in any circumstance, and this patient’s complex history complicated the process. It was the bizarre bedside ultrasound that prompted further work-up than simple urethral catheterization and urologic follow-up, which her urologist had suggested over the phone. This patient’s case is unique in the literature.
Macro Policy Goals in the Postwar Period: A Study in Revealed Preference

I. Framework of the analysis, 26. — II. Macro policy weights in the postwar period, 30. — III. Conclusion, 43.
Ethanol and the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and prolactin in ovariectomized rats.

Abstract Conscious ovariectomized rats were administered either saline or an ethanol (ETOH)-saline solution via a permanent intragastric cannula, and plasma LH, FSH and PRL were measured by RIA of jugular blood samples drawn every 10 min through an indwelling silastic catheter. Control injections of saline into the gastric cannula did not modify any of the plasma hormone concentrations. Animals which were administered ETOH, showed marked decreases in the plasma concentrations of LH. Compared to basal levels, a significant decrease in the area under the secretion curve of LH occurred during the initial hour after ETOH administration. This decline continued with the lowest levels of plasma LH being detected at approximately 1.5 hours following the ETOH injection. Additionally, no LH pulses were detected in any of the ETOH-treated animals during the second hour after ETOH; thus, reducing the number of LH pulses observed in ETOH vs. saline-injected animals. Comparable increases in the area under the LH curve occurred following a challenge dose of LHRH in both saline and ETOH-injected rats, indicating that pituitary responsiveness was the same for both groups. In contrast to LH, ETOH did not significantly alter the pattern of FSH secretion, as represented by the area under the curve and the number of FSH pulses. In addition to the differential effects of ETOH on the pulsatile release of LH and FSH, the present data also indicate that these two gonadotropins have different secretory patterns. With regard to PRL, ETOH-injected animals showed a significant elevation in plasma PRL levels during the first hour following ETOH administration. Thus, the present studies indicate that acute ETOH administration causes an alteration in the pulsatile secretion of LH, but not FSH and induces PRL release. These data also support the hypothesis that there is a separate hypothalamic control of LH and FSH secretion, and additionally provide further evidence that ETOH-induced depressions in LH levels are due to a diminished release of hypothalamic LHRH.
Flow Inside Microchannels With Liquid-Walls

We demonstrate the ability to create ‘liquid-walls’ in hydrophilic microfluidic channels, without the need for hydrophobic patterning. This is achieved by stopping the liquid using sudden expansion in cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction. Further, these walls can be switched off dynamically either manually or by using simple microfluidic logic. The maximum break pressure for these walls is determined by the surface free energy of the liquid, the advancing contact angle of the liquid on substrate and the channel geometry. This system can be used in liquid-gas chemical reactors, passive microfluidic valves, microfluidic pressure switches and in eliminating air entrapment issues.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Impact of Ability and Participation on Trustworthiness and Task Performance in Virtual Teams

The relationship between trust and task performance in virtual teams is well established. Currently, studies examine key antecedent to trust in groups, the perceived ability of other group members. While it has been shown that perceived ability of teammates contributes to trust, little is known about how the perceptions of ability are formed in virtual teams. In this study, teams performed a decision-making task in a synchronous computer-mediated communication environment. As teams were limited to verbal communication, the authors examined the relationship between participant ability and verbal communication amount, as well as team member perceptions of their partnersâ€™ ability based on the amount of participation. The results show that participants who perceive themselves to have higher ability communicate more, whereas those who speak more are rated by their teammates to have lower ability. Based on the results, post hoc analysis explored the relationship between reduced participation and perceived ability.
Status of the Fast Focusing DIRC (fDIRC)

Abstract We have built and successfully tested a novel particle identification detector concept, the Fast Focusing DIRC (fDIRC). The prototype's concept is based on the BaBar DIRC with several important improvements: (a) much faster pixelated photon detectors based on Burle MCP-PMTs and Hamamatsu MaPMTs, (b) a focusing mirror allowing a smaller photon detector, reducing the sensitivity to backgrounds in future applications, (c) electronics capable of measuring the single photon resolution to better than σ ≈100–200 ps. The fDIRC is the first RICH detector to successfully correct the chromatic error by timing.
Geometric approaches to nonplanar quadric surface intersection curves

Quadric surfaces occur frequently in the design of discrete piece parts in mechanical CAD/CAM. Solid modeling systems based on quadric surfaces must be able to represent intersection curves parametrically and in a fashion that allows the underlying surfaces to be partitioned. An algebraic approach originally developed by Levin meets these needs but is numerically sensitive and based on solutions to fourth-degree polynomial equations. In this paper we develop geometric approaches that are robust and efficient, and do not require solutions to polynomials of degree higher than 2.
Renal Tubular Acidosis Associated with Toluene Sniffing

Abstract "Sniffing" of toluene-containing substances, such as paint, paint thinners and glue, has been thought to be associated primarily with neurologic complications. In our study causality is documented between toluene sniffing and a severe renal tubular acidification defect. Toluene was an ingredient (60.4 per cent) of the paint sniffed by one patient, and pure toluene was sniffed by the other. Both had toluene in the blood. The tubular defect was documented by the presence of metabolic acidosis (pH, 7.2 to 7.3) with a normal "anion gap," hyperchloremia (level of 118 to 120 mEq per liter) and an inappropriately high urinary pH (>6.0). There was no evidence of azotemia, or of excessive excretion of bicarbonate, phosphate, amino acids or glucose in the urine. Complete recovery, followed by recurrence of the tubular defect, was demonstrated on several occasions during avoidance and use of toluene "sniffing." A life-threatening complication of toluene sniffing may be the induction of a renal tubular acidi...
Small-signal stability analysis of offshore wind farms with LCC HVDC

Stability of the offshore ac collection bus in offshore wind farms employing high-voltage dc (HVDC) transmission has to be maintained through control of all converters connected to the bus - wind turbine inverters, HVDC rectifiers, and STATCOM. This paper addresses the stability and control of such ac buses when the HVDC rectifier is implemented by using line-commutated converters (LCC). A small-signal impedance model is developed for each of the converters involved, and a system small-signal model is formulated by modeling each wind turbine inverter as a current source, the STATCOM as a voltage source, and the HVDC rectifier as a load. Impedance-based stability criteria are then applied to determine control requirements for the wind inverters and the STATCOM that ensure system stability while minimizing hardware cost.
Intensity and the evoked occipitogram in man.

Abstract Individual differences in the waveforms of the visually evoked occipitograms in three trained observers have been shown to persist over 4–5 log units of stimulus intensity. In addition, some differences in the waveforms evoked by different monochromatic lights are reported for color-normal observers. The waveforms for one deuteranomalous observer are indistinguishable despite changes in both wavelength and intensity. In the normal observers, however, the waveforms do change as a function of intensity. For some colors these changes are such as to transform the responses for one wavelength into those for another. For some other colors, waveform differences persist despite intensity changes.
Production of Lyman-Alpha Radiation by 20- to 120-keV Hydrogen-Atom Impact on He, Ne, Ar, and N 2

Absolute cross sections have been determined for the production of Lyman-$\ensuremath{\alpha}$ radiation by 20-120-keV ground-state hydrogen atoms impacting on He, Ne, Ar, and ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$. Atom impact on He follows the predicted energy dependence of Levy's Born wave calculation of $2p$ excitation beyond 30 keV. Although the experimental value remains about 25% higher than the theoretical value in this region, the agreement is well within experimental error. For Ne, Levy's scaled Born calculation for $2p$ excitation agrees reasonably well with experiment. However, it is particularly apparent for impact on Ar that the scaled Born calculation underestimates the excitation at the higher energies. All cross sections decrease more rapidly with energy initially than at the higher energies, where a characteristic flattening of the cross-section-vs-energy curve occurs, suggesting the importance of simultaneous excitation of the target and projectile atoms at these energies.
The Unique Roles of Hybrid Lipids in Lipid Membrane Domain Size and Order

Hybrid lipids (HL) are phospholipids with one saturated and one unsaturated chains. Although it is believed that hybrid lipids can act as linactants (i.e., 2D surfactants) in cell membranes to reduce line tension of lipid domains, as a group, their fundamental roles in membrane heterogeneity have not yet been systematically investigated. In this study, three hybrid lipids of different degrees of chain unsaturation (i.e., 16:0-18:1PC (POPC), 16:0-18:2PC (PLPC), and 16:0-20:4PC (PAPC)) are compared in their abilities to alter the composition, order and compactness of lipid domains. The liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered (Lo+Ld) phase boundaries of HL/di18:0PC(DSPC)/cholesterol systems were determined from giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV). We found that the Lo and Ld lipid domains in PAPC/DSPC/CHOL and PLPC/DSPC/CHOL mixtures are micron-sized, and only POPC/DSPC/CHOL system has nanoscopic domains. The results show that some poly-unsaturated HLs essentially behave like the double-unsaturated di18:1PC (DOPC), and the mono-unsaturated POPC clearly displays both properties of unsaturated lipid and linactant. The obtained phase boundaries indicate that both POPC and PLPC have significant partition in the Lo phases. Our MD simulations reveal that these hybrid lipids decrease the order and compactness of Lo domains. Thus, hybrid lipids distinguish themselves from other lipids in this combined “partitioning and loosening” ability in Lo domains, and this ability could facilitate membrane proteins to partition into lipid-raft-like domains in biomembranes. Our line tension measurement and Monte Carlo simulation both show that even in the best cases, HLs are weak linactants with only modest ability in reducing line tension. Furthermore, the reduction is through two separated mechanisms: one through reducing the compositional differences of Lo and Ld domains, and the other through weak linactant action.
An Overview of Possible Integration of Green Design Principles Into Mechatronic Product Development Through Product Lifecycle Management

People that work on the development of mechatronic products do not have enough data related to the end of the product lifecycle when making decisions related to the product design. Sustainable design tools in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems could enable more sustainable designs with ‘greener’ decision-making. PLM tools, which are supporting designs of mechatronic products, are lacking more consideration about the product’s overall lifecycle ecological footprint. Most decisions that are made during the design phase are based on costs of materials and processes that are involved in development and manufacturing, not to the service, reuse, recycling and disposal of such products. This study will investigate the possibility of including the data related to the end of the product lifecycle. Integrating green design tools into the PLM systems would help mechatronic engineers to develop more sustainable designs. This paper will investigate the current state of the art in the area of Product Lifecycle Management systems that support design and realization of mechatronic projects. It discusses some ideas that can be used for determining a framework for data capturing of electro-mechanical product related data. This would connect decisions in earlier phases with the ones in final stages of a product lifecycle. This data can be used for the environmental footprint determination.© 2009 ASME
Family Purchasing Roles in Two Countries

This paper examines family decision-making roles among samples of consumers from the United States and Venezuela. The findings suggest considerable differences between the manner in which family purchasing decisions are made in the two countries for a wide variety of products and services. In general, the results indicate the dominance of the husband within the Venezuelan sample, whereas the U.S. sample is characterized by more joint husband/wife decisions.
Modeling and performance analysis of high-speed, low-power InAs nanowire field-effect transistors

The performance metrics of InAs nanowire (NW) field-effect transistors (FETs) are investigated using an analytical 2-band model and a semiclassical ballistic transport model. The analysis of the diameter dependence of the current, gate delay, power-delay product, and energy-delay product of InAs NW FETs are presented. Because of their small density of states, relatively large diameter, ≤ 60 nm, InAs NW FETs operate in the quantum capacitance limit (QCL). Both the energy-delay and power-delay products are reduced as the diameter is reduced, and optimum designs are obtained for diameters in the range of 10 – 40 nm. Power-delay product varies from 2 × 10–20 J to 63 × 10–20 J for all devices with a source Fermi level range of 0.1 – 0.2 eV. The gate delay time for all devices varies from 4 – 16 fs and decreases as the NW diameter increases. These NW FETs provide both ultra-low power switching and high-speed (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nerve growth factor stimulates development of substance P in the embryonic spinal cord.

Abstract Development of the putative neurotransmitter, substance P (SP), in the embryonic rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord was defined in vivo. SP was not detectable by radioimmunoassay before day 17 of gestation (E17). On E17, cervical sensory ganglia contained 4 pg SP/ganglion, rising to 49 pg/ganglion at birth. The dorsal cervical spinal cord contained 0.75 ng SP/mg protein on E17, rising to 6 ng SP/mg protein on postnatal day 3. The ventral spinal cord contained approximately 20% of the SP content in the dorsal spinal cord at each gestational age. Intrauterine forelimb amputation partially prevented the normal developmental increase of SP in sensory ganglia destined to innervate that limb, suggesting that target structures regulate the development of peptidergic neurons. Conversely, treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulated development of SP in the DRG. Moreover, NGF treatment increased SP in the dorsal spinal cord, suggesting that NGF can modulate development within the CNS, as well as peripheral structures. It is likely that the CNS effect reflects NGF action on peripheral ganglia, but a direct effect on the spinal cord has not been excluded. However, treatment with antiserum to NGF failed to significantly inhibit development of ganglion SP. The system of SP-containing neurons in the DRG may provide a convenient model for defining events regulating peptidergic maturation.
Dream Disorders and Treatment

Consensus does not exist regarding what should constitute a "dream disorder." Conditions with disordered dreaming may be thought of as primary (ie, arising from changes in dreaming per se) or secondary to extrinsic disorders that impinge on structures involved in dreaming. The major primary disorder of dreaming, nightmare disorder, is covered in depth in this article. Definition of nightmare, diagnostic criteria for nightmare disorder, and differential diagnosis are discussed. The value of a sleep-disorders perspective on nightmares, and the possible exacerbating effects of sleep disorders that cause arousals, are indicated. The importance of a perspective that appreciates nightmares as richly and personally meaningful, with links to complex psychological factors present and past, is emphasized. Two types of treatment approaches are discussed: approaches that target the symptom of nightmares in relative isolation, and approaches that aim at working out psychological issues viewed as causing nightmares and a variety of other interconnected symptoms and problems. The former type of treatment includes the cognitive-behavioral approach "imagery rehearsal therapy," and the medication prazosin. The latter approach entails exploratory or psychodynamic psychotherapies. The approaches are seen as so different in scope, aim, and conceptual framework as to defy ready comparison. I think that a thorough psychological/psychiatric evaluation is essential for informed consideration in conjunction with the patient's choice of treatment approach. Sleep terrors are discussed as a non-rapid eye movement sleep arousal disorder that at times may be linked to broader psychological issues warranting consideration of psychotherapy. Brief summaries are provided of dream disorders secondary to other sleep disorders, drug and alcohol effects, medical disorders, and organic brain damage.
Teaching Undergraduate Biophysics using Excel

A new approach is presented for teaching biophysics to a broad audience, including undergraduates with no calculus background. The classic two-box system from statistical mechanics is chosen as an example, to illustrate how this approach can be implemented. In the sample exercise, students develop a simple Excel spreadsheet “from scratch”. This spreadsheet implements a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulation algorithm. The basic transport mechanism is the transfer of a randomly selected particle from one box to the other. In a directed, activity-based exercise, students write an algorithm for the simulation, check and debug the algorithm using “by hand” calculations. Students then use the spreadsheet they have developed to discover for themselves the consequences of changing the number of particles (N) and the initial distribution of the particles. By analyzing their simulation output, students see how the system approaches equilibrium and how fluctuations in the system depend on system size. By investigating the trend in fluctuations with system size, students discover that fluctuations become negligible in macroscopic systems. Finite difference equations are derived and implemented in an Excel spreadsheet to model the kinetics of the two box system. Students then compare the theoretical predictions for the average behavior of the system with the “random” data from the KMC “computer experiment”, to investigate the qualitative and quantitative differences between these microscopic and macroscopic approaches. The students also make a histogram of system states taken from an equilibrium simulation with N=150 particles and compare it with predictions of the binomial distribution for the same system, to demonstrate the preponderance of the most probable states in the ensemble average. This pedagogical approach is quite different from using “canned” computer demonstrations, as students design, implement and debug the simulations themselves - ensuring that they understand the model system intimately.
In-situ reinforced MoSi2 composites by mechanical alloying

Intermetallics have been the focus of recent interest in the development of high temperature structural materials. This paper reports that MoSi{sub 2} is one of the promising candidate materials for such applications due to its excellent oxidation resistance, low density, and high electrical and thermal conductivity. However, it is plagued by low room temperature fracture toughness and elevated temperature strength, in addition to intermediate temperature pesting behavior. While powder processing appears to be the preferred route to the fabrication of MoSi{sub 2}, it results in the incorporation of substantial amounts of an amorphous silica phase upon consolidation. The presence of these amorphous silica particles is thought to be detrimental to the mechanical properties, as they can serve as potential crack nucleation sites that ultimately degrade the room temperature strength and toughness. The elevated temperature properties are also degraded by the silica due to its softening characteristics at temperatures above 1473K. It has also been shown that the presence of both silica and free silicon degrades the protective diffusion barrier coatings on ductile fiber reinforced MoSi{sub 2} composites.