cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
International Adaptation: Psychosocial and Parenting Experiences of Caregivers Who Travel to the United States to Obtain Acute Medical Care for Their Seriously Ill Child

Despite the increasing trend of travel for medical purposes, little is known about the experience of parents and other caregivers who come to the United States specifically to obtain medical treatment for their seriously ill child. In this exploratory, descriptive qualitative study, we used a semi-structured narrative guide to conduct in-depth interviews with 22 Spanish- or English-speaking caregivers about the challenges encountered and adaptation required when entering a new medical and cultural environment. Caregivers identified the language barrier and transnational parenting as challenges while reporting hospital staff and their own families as major sources of support. Using the results of the study as a guide, clinical and program implications are provided and recommendations for social work practice discussed.
Near-Coherent QPSK Performance With Coarse Phase Quantization: A Feedback-Based Architecture for Joint Phase/Frequency Synchronization and Demodulation

As communication systems scale up in bandwidth, the limited resolution in high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) is a key challenge in realizing low-cost “mostly digital” transceiver architectures. This motivates a systematic effort to understand the limits of such architectures under the severe quantization constraints imposed by the use of low-precision ADCs. In particular, we investigate a canonical problem of blind carrier phase and frequency synchronization with coarse phase quantization in this paper. We develop a Bayesian approach to blind phase estimation, jointly modeling the unknown data, unknown phase and the quantization nonlinearity. We highlight the crucial role of dither, implemented via a mixed signal architecture with a digitally controlled phase shift prior to the ADC. We show the efficacy of random dither, and then improve upon its performance with a simple feedback control policy that is close to optimal in terms of rapidly reducing the mean squared error of phase estimation. This initial blind phase acquisition stage is followed by feedback-based phase/frequency tracking using an Extended Kalman Filter. Performance evaluations for a QPSK system show that excellent bit error rate (BER) performance, close to that of an unquantized system, is achieved by the use of 8 phase bins (implementable using 4 one-bit ADCs operating on linear combinations of in-phase and quadrature components).
Survey of International Field Education Placements of Accredited Social Work Education Programs

Abstract During the last 2 decades, social work education programs have sought to incorporate cross-cultural and international content into their curriculum, including the establishment of international field placements. This study reports the results of a full survey (N=446) of all accredited social work education programs. Findings include the number of programs placing students internationally, the number of students placed, the countries into which they are placed, whether these students are graduates or undergraduates, and whether these international placements represent an ongoing commitment by the programs. Several factors are examined which are hypothesized to affect a program's willingness to place students internationally.
Exploring Circle Packing Algorithms

We present an interactive tool for visualizing and experimenting with different circle packing algorithms.
Improved speech emotion recognition using error correcting codes

We propose the use of the popular error correcting codes (ECC) in a multi-class audio emotion recognition scenario to improve the emotion recognition accuracy in spoken speech. In this paper, we visualize the emotion recognition system as a noisy communication channel, thus motivating the use of ECC in the emotion recognition process. We assume the emotion recognition process consists of an audio feature extraction module followed by an artificial neural network (ANN) for emotion (represented by a binary string) classification. The noisy communication channel, in our formulation, is the insufficiently learnt ANN classifier which in turn results in an erroneous (binary string) emotion classification. In our system, we use ECC to encode the binary string representing the emotion class using a Block Coder (BC). We show through rigorous experimentation, on Emo-DB database, that the use of ECC improves the recognition accuracy of the emotion classification system in the range of (4.6 – 9.35)% in comparison to the baseline ANN-based emotion classification system.
Spontaneous emphysema in surfactant protein D gene-targeted mice

2000;117;248S Chest Whitsett Susan Wert, Tracy Jones, Thomas Korfhagen, James Fisher and Jeffrey * Protein D Gene-Targeted Mice Spontaneous Emphysema in Surfactant http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/117/5_suppl_1/248S.1.full.html services can be found online on the World Wide Web at: The online version of this article, along with updated information and ISSN:0012-3692 ) http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/site/misc/reprints.xhtml ( written permission of the copyright holder. this article or PDF may be reproduced or distributed without the prior Dundee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062. All rights reserved. No part of Copyright2000by the American College of Chest Physicians, 3300 Physicians. It has been published monthly since 1935. is the official journal of the American College of Chest Chest
Histological Evidence of Muscle Degeneration in Advanced Human Rotator Cuff Disease.

Background:Cellular remodeling in rotator cuff muscles following a massive rotator cuff tear is poorly understood. The aim of the current study was to provide histological evidence to elucidate the mode of muscle loss in advanced human rotator cuff disease and to assess tissue-level changes in relat
Effective Leadership for Curricular Change

Educational institutions are increasingly expected to make larger and quicker in their curricula to address expanding knowledge, advances in changes technology, and the needs of their graduates to succeed in a changing world. Thus, it is important to understand how leaders can best lead or facilitate curricular for understanding and change. This chapter reviews the dominant approaches studying leadership, and then focuses on recent research on academic leadership, for curricular change. Leadership behaviors found and specifically, leadership most effective in guiding educational organizations through curricular change include being “flexible”, developing and communicating a shared vision, viewing the organization through more than one perceptual “frame”, utilizing “assertive participative governance ”, building and maintaining a common organizational culture and set of values, and actively engaging in goal setting.
Program note: Expanding healthy housing and environmental awareness in rural communities through local and national partnerships

ABSTRACTHealthy homes are an important contributor to individual and family health. Sharing healthy home information with individuals in rural communities can be challenging because of limited resources and transportation challenges. One effective way to increase consumer awareness of healthy homes, especially in rural areas, is through collaboration. The national Healthy Homes Partnership (HHP) is a 15-year-old public outreach education program that addresses housing deficiencies and risks associated with poor indoor air quality. Between September 2014 and November 2015, HHP had 9,617 direct and 2,000,838 indirect educational contacts. State partners created advisory coalitions to bring together organizations with the common goals of reducing housing hazards and improving health. This paper highlights the efforts of the Healthy Homes Partnership, including examples of effective outreach from multiple states. Healthy housing efforts have demonstrated that local outreach along with online information can b...
Do Functional Requirements for Embryos and Larvae Have a Place in Evo-devo?

One goal of studies of evolution and development is to test hypotheses about the history of changes in developmental processes and the resulting forms of organisms. Aspects of development in extant organisms are mapped onto a phylogenetic tree. The fossil record and inferences on divergence from rates of molecular changes adds information about what forms existed when. Studies with this goal can reveal how developmental processes have changed and diverged or persisted. Another goal is to understand why a sequence of forms in a life history evolved and not some other. To meet this second goal one must also develop and test hypotheses about requirements for performance in the environments experienced during development. In the first half of the twentieth century, features of the marine environment and marine life histories stimulated research on the performance of embryos and larvae. Performance requirements were discussed at the 1981 Dahlem conference but their integration with discussions of developmental processes and developmental constraints was limited. Combining information on performance and developmental processes can yield a better understanding of the evolution of development. Examples include: the reasons for having embryos in a life history, risk and duration of embryonic cell cycles, the size and density of swimming blastulae, the effects of larval shapes on stability in swimming, costs and benefits of dispersal of planktonic larvae, the modularity and plasticity of the rudiments of juvenile structures, and reasons for stasis and change in body plans. Information on developmental processes, phylogeny, and the paleontological record is insufficient for understanding why development has evolved as it has.
Dynamic Pressure Ratio Allocation for Electric Supercharger and Turbocharger Coordination

To improve transient torque response of an aggressively downsized turbocharged spark-ignition engine, a series sequential boosting configuration that utilizes an electrically driven supercharger to assist the main turbocharger compressor is considered. The system is overactuated with two actuators (i.e. turbocharger wastegate, electric supercharger motor) and one output, the total boost pressure. A dynamic pressure ratio allocation method is designed that apportions the control reference to each actuator. The method is based on the characteristics of each actuator, i.e., the turbocharger is generally more efficient but has a slower dynamic response relative to the electrical supercharger. Therefore, the turbocharger is always asked to deliver the desired boost pressure while the electrical supercharger is utilized only as necessary in transients to make up for any deficit. The control design is validated in a test vehicle and good performance is observed. Transitions between the electric supercharger and turbocharger are smooth and without noticeable disturbances.
Cholelithiasis, Cholecystitis, and Cholecystodochotomy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy alters biliary physiology and promotes biliary sludge and gallstone formation. Although asymptomatic cholelithiasis occurs in approximately 3.5% of pregnancies, cholecystitis is common during pregnancy. Acute cholecystitis is the second most frequent non-obstetric emergency of pregnancy, with approximately 40% of acute cases requiring surgery. This chapter discusses the impact of pregnancy on the gallbladder and biliary physiology, evaluating the pregnant patient with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, and cholecystectomy in the gravid patient.
Welcome to Fairyland: queer Miami before 1940: by Julio Capó Jr., Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina Press, 2017, 400 pp., US$90.00 (hardcover), ISBN 978-1-4696-3519-4, US$29.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4696-3520-0

Julio Capo Jr. has given us a masterful work and methodological goldmine that points in new directions for tourism, queer, and urban histories. Employing a transnational perspective, he positions t...
Ride-Hailing Platforms: Competition and Autonomous Vehicles

Problem Definition: Ride-hailing platforms, which are currently struggling with profitability, view autonomous vehicles (AVs) as important to their long-term profitability and prospects. Are competing platforms helped or harmed by platforms' obtaining access to AVs? Are the humans that participate on the platforms--driver-workers and rider-consumers--(hereafter, agents) collectively helped or harmed by the platforms' access to AVs? How do the conditions under which access to AVs reduces platform profits, agent welfare, and social welfare depend on the AV ownership structure (i.e., whether platforms or individuals own AVs)? Academic/Practical Relevance: AVs have the potential to transform the economics of ride-hailing, with welfare consequences for platforms, agents, and society. Methodology: We employ a game-theoretic model that captures platforms' price, wage and AV fleet size decisions. Results: We characterize necessary and sufficient conditions under which platforms' access to AVs reduces platform profit, agent welfare, and social welfare. The structural effect of access to AVs on agent welfare is robust regardless of AV ownership: agent welfare decreases if and only if the AV cost is high. In contrast, the structural effect of access to AVs on platform profit depends on who owns AVs. The necessary and sufficient condition under which access to AVs decreases platform profit is high AV cost under platform-owned AVs, and low AV cost under individually-owned AVs. Similarly, the structural effect of access to AVs on social welfare depends on who owns AVs. Access to individually-owned AVs increases social welfare; in contrast, access to platform-owned AVs decreases social welfare--if and only if the AV cost is high. Managerial Implications: Our results provide guidance to platforms, labor and consumer advocates, and governmental entities regarding regulatory and public policy decisions affecting the ease with which platforms obtain access to AVs.
The Fundamentals of the 21-cm Line

Author(s): Furlanetto, Steven R | Abstract: We review some of the fundamental physics necessary for computing the highly-redshifted spin-flip background. We first discuss the radiative transfer of the 21-cm line and define the crucial quantities of interest. We then review the processes that set the spin temperature of the transition, with a particular focus on Wouthuysen-Field coupling, which is likely to be the most important process during and after the Cosmic Dawn. Finally, we discuss processes that heat the intergalactic medium during the Cosmic Dawn, including the scattering of Lyman-alpha, cosmic microwave background, and X-ray photons.
Biologics and therapeutics

Abstract Biologics can be defined as any agent derived from a living organism or natural substance. Vaccines, blood components, allergens, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and recombinant therapeutic proteins are all included in this category. This chapter will focus on cell-based therapy other than hematopoietic stem cell transplant and modifiers of immune responses.
Seeding of breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231LUC+) to the mandible induces overexpression of substance P and CGRP throughout the trigeminal ganglion and widespread peripheral sensory neuropathy throughout all three of its divisions:

Some types of cancer are commonly associated with intense pain even at the early stages of the disease. The mandible is particularly vulnerable to metastasis from breast cancer, and this process ha...
Factors Associated with Insomnia Symptoms in a Longitudinal Study among New York City Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Few studies have examined the longer-term psychological impact of COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs). Purpose: We examined the 10-week trajectory of insomnia symptoms in HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: HCWs completed a web-based survey at baseline (9 April–11 May 2020) and every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. The main outcome was the severity of insomnia symptoms in the past week. Multivariable-adjusted generalized estimating equation analyses examined factors associated with insomnia symptoms. Results: n = 230 completed surveys at baseline. n = 155, n = 130, n = 118, n = 95, and n = 89 completed follow-ups at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. Prevalence of insomnia symptoms of at least moderate severity was 72.6% at baseline, and 63.2%, 44.6%, 40.7%, 34.7%, and 39.3% at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. In multivariable analyses, factors significantly associated with increased odds of insomnia symptoms were younger age (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96–1.00), working in a COVID-facing environment (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15–2.67) and hours worked (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.27). Conclusions: The initial high rates of insomnia symptoms improved as time passed from the peak of local COVID-19 cases but four out of ten HCWs still had moderate-to-severe insomnia symptoms ten weeks after baseline.
Theologizing Latinamente: Had Anselm Known Us!:

After a historical and cultural grounding of Prosper of Aquitaine's lex orandi, lex credendi and of Anselm of Canterbury's notion that theology is fides quarens intellectum, this article examines t...
Hemoglobin levels among male agricultural workers: analyses from the Demographic and Health Surveys to investigate a marker for chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) has been found at high frequency in several lowland agricultural areas including Meso-America and Sri Lanka. Whether CKDu also occurs in other countries with large agricultural populations remains uncertain, primarily due to lack of systematic data on kidney function. Hemoglobin (Hgb) levels could be an ancillary marker for presence of kidney dysfunction. Our goal is to estimate the causal effect of agricultural work on Hgb level in men. A causal effect may indicate the presence of CKDu. Methods: We use Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from seven African and Asian countries (Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and India). We use optimal full matching and permutation inference to estimate the causal effect of agricultural work on altitude-adjusted Hgb levels after adjusting for six known confounders. To assess potential bias due to unmeasured socioeconomic differences, we use multiple control groups that differ in non-agricultural occupation. We then conduct sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our causal conclusions to unmeasured confounding. Results: Data were available for 41,180 agricultural workers and 55,705 non-agricultural workers in seven countries. On average, Hgb levels were 0.09 g/dL (95% CI [-0.12, -0.07]) lower among agricultural workers compared to matched controls. Significant effects were observed in Ethiopia, India, Lesotho, Senegal, and Uganda, with effects from 0.10 to 0.32 g/dL lower hemoglobin among agricultural workers. The effect was not attenuated in sensitivity analyses involving both better-off and worse-off occupational controls. Discussion: We find evidence that men engaged in agricultural work in five of the seven countries studied have modestly lower Hgb levels compared with other men living in rural areas. Since underlying kidney disease could be a potential explanation for this finding, our data support consideration to integrating kidney function assessments within DHS surveys and other population-based surveys.
Benchmarks for Pennsylvania Plastics Industry

Although manufacturing, in general, is declining in the United States, plastics manufacturing is growing in many regions of Pennsylvania. Plastics firms in Pennsylvania supply more than one-half of the plastics materials required by Pennsylvania's fastest growing industries. At the same time, Pennsylvania plastics manufacturers have opportunities to capture an increasing share of the Pennsylvania market for plastics, in spite of strong competition from neighboring counties (Canada and Mexico) and trading partners (Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, and Japan); out-migration of younger workers; relatively high energy cost; and needs for infusion of new investment and venture capital, for improvement of worker skills to fit the 'new economy,' and for reduction of business costs taxes and real estate.
VENTURE CAPITALISTS IN FIRM GOVERNANCE: IMPACT ON FOUNDER TURNOVER

Prior literature tells us VCs are responsible for ousting founders from their leadership positions and replacing them with professional management around IPO time. This argument assumes all founders are equally incapable of running a company beyond the initial startup phase. We question that assumption and propose that the relationship between VC involvement and founder-CEO turnover around IPO time is moderated by other variables such as the pre-IPO performance of the firm, the nature of the involvement of the VCs, and the prior experience of the founder-CEOs. Our hypotheses are tested on 108 founder-CEOs of IPO firms and supported to a large extent. Implications are discussed.
Silicon Effects on Properties of Melt Infiltrated SiC/SiC Composites

Silicon effects on tensile and creep properties, and thermal conductivity of Hi-Nicalon SiC/SiC composites have been investigated. The composites consist of 8 layers of 5HS 2-D woven preforms of BN/SiC coated Hi-Nicalon fiber mats and a silicon matrix, or a mixture of silicon matrix and SiC particles. The Hi-Nicalon SiC/silicon and Hi-Nicalon SiC/SiC composites contained about 24 and 13 vol% silicon, respectively. Results indicate residual silicon up to 24 vol% has no significant effect on creep and thermal conductivity, but does decrease the primary elastic modulus and stress corresponding to deviation from linear stress-strain behavior.
Teaching and Learning English in Costa Rica: A Critical Approach (Enseñanza y aprendizaje del inglés en Costa Rica: enfoque crítico)

English teaching programs, particularly in foreign language contexts focus on linguistic and methodological aspects rather than on ideological ones, in spite of their importance to examine the political nature of teaching and learning English because it connects language classrooms to larger social dynamics. Critical applied linguistics is an approach that addresses “questions of power, difference, access, and domination,” and how they are produced. This articles explores the social, national, and global forces that shape English language teaching in Costa Rica. Los programas de ensenanza del ingles, en especial los de su ensenanza como idioma extranjero, se centran en aspectos linguisticos y metodologicos; no en los ideologicos, no obstante su importancia para analizar las relaciones entre aspectos pedagogicos y procesos sociales dinamicos mas extensos. La linguistica aplicada critica estudia «cuestiones de poder, diferencia, acceso y dominacion» y la manera en que estos elementos se producen. Se exploran las fuerzas sociales, nacionales e internacionales que dan forma a la ensenanza y adquisicion del ingles en Costa Rica.
CSF1 over-expression has pleiotropic effects on microglia in vivo (844.13)

Increased microglial numbers and activated microglial phenotypes are associated with many central nervous system (CNS) disorders including gliomas, neurodegeneration and brain injury. Thus, microglia are being tested as potential drug targets. Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF1), an important cytokine for microglia and macrophages, is upregulated in these CNS disorders, but the effects of CSF1 on microglial phenotypes have not been well-characterized in vivo. To study the effects of CSF1 over-expression on microglia in the unperturbed CNS in vivo, we generated a transgenic mouse model in which CSF1 is inducibly over-expressed in the GFAP compartment. We found that CSF1 over-expression results in increased microglial proliferation, increased microglial numbers and an altered microglial phenotype compared to control mice. Microglia in CSF1 over-expressing mice do not exhibit gene expression profiles typical of either M1 or M2 polarization, however they are defective in their response to the inflamma...
New York Local Governments Respond to Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

While climate change is not exclusively a land use issue, some of the most effective strategies to slow climate change can be accomplished through modifications to building codes, zoning ordinances and other land use regulations. However, to be truly effective and to attain quantifiable results, local governments must implement a variety of tools and techniques and send a consistent message to residents. This paper collects and explores various approaches recently adopted by local governments throughout the State of New York, allowing municipal attorneys and policymakers to consider options for adoption of locally based initiatives designed to reduce our carbon footprint.
The English Language Teacher in Global Civil Society

Preface Part I. The English Language Teacher in Global Civil Society Chapter 1. The Big Picture Chapter 2. Global Civil Society Chapter 3. Global Civic Culture Chapter 4. Global Citizens Part II. The English Language Teacher in Local Civil Society Chapter 5. Sustainable Peace Chapter 6. Local Uncivil Societies Chapter 7. Pro-social Capitalists Chapter 8. Education for Global Citizenship Part III. The English Language Teacher and Pedagogies of Transition Chapter 9. Conflict Transformation Chapter 10. Tolerance Chapter 11. Remembrance Chapter 12. Reconciliation Chapter 13. Forgiveness
Sonic hedgehog is essential to foregut development

Congenital malformation of the foregut is common in humans, with an estimated incidence of 1 in 3000 live births1, although its aetiology remains largely unknown. Mice with a targeted deletion of Sonic hedgehog ( Shh) have foregut defects that are apparent as early as embryonic day 9.5, when the tracheal diverticulum begins to outgrow. Homozygous Shh-null mutant mice show oesophageal atresia/stenosis, tracheo-oesophageal fistula and tracheal and lung anomalies, features similar to those observed in humans with foregut defects. The lung mesenchyme shows enhanced cell death, decreased cell proliferation and downregulation of Shh target genes. These results indicate that Shh is required for the growth and differentiation of the oesophagus, trachea and lung, and suggest that mutations in SHH and its signalling components may be involved in foregut defects in humans.
Studying the Relationship of Task Performance to the Variables of Chronological Age, Mental Age, and IQ

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationship of task performance to the variables of chronological age (CA), mental age, and intelligence quotient (IQ). The chapter discusses a specific critique of Harter's analysis and the sources of problems that have been encountered to attribute performance changes to the differences in CA, MA, or IQ. It also discusses the proposal that the studies of the so-called effects of CA, MA, and IQ should be planned as multi group studies that will permit an extended mapping and analysis of the three-dimensional surface that represents the regression of task performance on CA, MA, and IQ. Methodological questions are discussed as each becomes important either for an understanding of the limitations of the original analysis or for the development of the new analysis. The chapter also discusses an assessment of the new procedures and with the implications of the present analysis both for (a) the interpretation of the role of CA and MA in performance and (b) the design of future experiments. It also discusses proposed graphic procedures for analyzing data in response surface form and for evaluating the ruled surface model.
The Ecology of Power: Culture, Place, and Personhood in the Southern Amazon, A.D., 1000–2000

Knowledge about the social geography of (pre)historical Amazonia is still relatively limited. The last few decades have seen an increase in attention to this lacuna as the region continues to attra...
Qualitative Spatial Reasoning: A Semi-quantitative Approach Using Fuzzy Logic

Qualitative reasoning is useful as it facilitates reasoning with incomplete and weak information and aids the subsequent application of more detailed quantitative theories. Adoption of qualitative techniques for spatial reasoning can be very useful in situations where it is difficult to obtain precise informationand where there are real constraints of memory, time and hostile threats. This paper formulates a computational model for obtaining all induced spatial constraints on a set of landmarks, given a set of approximate quantitative and qualitative constraints on them, which may be incomplete, and perhaps even conflicting.
Effects of prohibitive and informative judicial instructions on jury decision making

A study was conducted to determine the extent to which jurors follow judicial instructions. Based upon Brehm’s (1966) theory of psychological reactance, it was hypothesized that prohibitive judicial instructions will not be adhered to as well as similar instructions formulated in a more informative tone. The reactive effects of prohibitive instructions were predicted to be exaggerated when an irrelevant defendant characteristic such as race was an issue. Three hundred and sixteen mock jurors read one of four versions of a hypothetical criminal case varying the type of instructions (prohibitive or informative) and race of defendant (white or black) and rendered both individual judgments and jury verdicts on the case. Results confirmed that juries reacted against prohibitive instructions but more closely followed informative instructions. It was also found that individual jurors were harsher toward white than black defendants, however, group discussion effectively eliminated this reverse racism bias.
Celebration of a Lifetime's Achievements in Nutrition by Franz Halberg

By adding TIME to the existing body of knowledge in all of biology and medicine, and by recognizing the crucial role this new element was to play in all matters of life, Franz Halberg developed the new science of chronobiology. By insisting on an inferential statistical foundation, a microscopy in time was born. Meal timing as a synchronizer of circadian rhythms played an important role in the development of Chronobiology. Franz later added a telescopy in time by his methodical scrutiny of non-photic as well as photic environmental influences on biota, from which chronomics flourished.
A low‐temperature bulk electrolysis cell for in situ resonance Raman spectroelectrochemistry: Observation of the FeIVO stretching frequency for electrogenerated ferryl tetramesitylporphyrin

A simple, small-volume, low-temperature bulk electrolysis Raman spectroelectrochemical cell has been constructed which allows collection of resonance Raman (RR) spectra in situ from a rapidly stirred electrolysed solution. The cell has been used to obtain the first RR spectrum of electrochemically generated ferryl tetramesitylporphyrin (TMPFeIV O), formed at −40°C by electrooxidation of TMPFeIIIOH in CH2CI2 solution.
Growth and Geotropic Responses of Avena Coleoptiles to 4-Amino-3,5,6-Trichloropicolinic Acid

The elongation and geotropic responses of coleoptile sections of Avena sativa L. to various concentrations of 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (Tordon) proved to be qualitatively similar to those previously reported for 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (TCBA). Tordon stimulated growth in a range of concentrations from 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4M but higher concentrations were inhibitory. Geotropic curvature was extensively depressed by 1 × 10−5 and 1 × 10−4M Tordon, concentrations which accelerated elongation. A similar differential effect has been reported for TCBA and other auxins. Several other picolinic acids and related compounds were tested, but only very slight responses were noted.
Maximal total absolute displacement of a permutation

We determine those permutations that have maximal absolute total displacement on a finite subset of real numbers, and give some corollaries.
The Fable of the Allegory: The Wizard of Oz in Economics

Abstract L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has become popular as a teaching tool in economics. It has been argued that it was written as an allegory of Populist demands for a bimetallic monetary system in the late 19th century. The author argues that Baum was not sympathetic to Populist views and did not write the story as a monetary allegory.
Compute Critical and Normal Depths of Arch and Elliptical Pipes

AbstractArch and elliptical pipes are commonly used as roadway culverts. The pipe section is composed of three radii, which result in complex equations to compute cross-sectional geometry and hydraulic parameters, such as normal and critical depths. Basic sizing charts do not allow direct calculation of hydraulic properties of these pipe sections. Therefore, general formulas were developed to compute hydraulic properties for any given arch pipe cross section. An Excel workbook capable of calculating normal and critical depths for given flow rates was created using the developed formulas and the solver function. Worksheets to compute geometric properties and water surface profiles using the direct-step method were also developed. These user-friendly worksheets are useful for hydraulic design and analysis of arch and elliptical culverts. A case study was conducted on several standard pipe geometries to demonstrate the comparative results from the developed workbook and existing sizing charts.
Metabolism of chlorsulfuron by plants: Biological basis for selectivity of a new herbicide for cereals

Abstract A major factor responsible for the selectivity of chlorsulfuron [2-chloro- N -[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)aminocarbonyl]benzenesulfonamide] (formerly DPX-4189), as a postemergence herbicide for small grains is the ability of the crop plants to metabolize the herbicide. Chlorsulfuron is the active ingredient in Du Pont “Glean” weed killer. Tolerant plants such as wheat, oats, and barley rapidly metabolize chlorsulfuron to a polar, inactive product. This metabolite has been characterized as the O -glycoside of chlorsulfuron in which the phenyl ring has undergone hydroxylation followed by conjugation with a carbohydrate moiety. Sensitive broadleaf plants show little or no metabolism of chlorsulfuron.
Decreasing rice and cowpea yields in alley cropping on a highly weathered Oxisol in West Sumatra, Indonesia

A hedgerow intercropping study was conducted for 7 years in West Sumatra, Indonesia on an acid and highly A1-saturated (72%) soil to determine growth and yield responses of tree hedgerows and upland rice and cowpea intercrops. Three tree species,Paraserianthes falcataria, Calliandra calothyrsus, andGliricidia sepium, and a no tree control were planted at three lime rates of zero, 375 kg ha−1, and liming to 25% Al+H saturation. Annual fertilizer inputs of 20 kg P and 50 kg K ha−1 were kept low to approximate low input farming systems. The trees were pruned 4 to 6 times per year and prunings applied to the intercrops.Paraserianthes andCalliandra grew vigorously, whileGiricidia grew poorly and was replaced after four years withFlemingia macrophylla. Hedgerow growth and yields were reported in a previous paper [Evensen et al., 1994].
Effects of stimulus frequency and reinforcement variables on reaction time

Abstract Pigeons pecked at one of two black forms, “+” or “O,” either of which could appear alone on a white computer monitor screen. In baseline series of sessions, each form appeared equally often, and two pecks at it produced food reinforcement on 10% of trials. Test series varied the relative probability or duration of reinforcement or frequency of appearance of the targets. Peck reaction times, measured from target onset to the first peck, were found to vary as a function of reinforcement probability but not as a function of relative target frequency or of reinforcement duration. Reaction times to the two targets remained approximately equal as long as the probability of reinforcement, per trial, was equal for the targets, even if the relative frequency of the targets differed by as much as 19 to 1. The results address issues raised in visual search experiments and indicate that attentional priming is unimportant when targets are easy to detect. The results also suggest that equalizing reinforcement probability per trial for all targets removes differential reinforcement as an important variable. That reaction time was sensitive to the probability but not the duration of reinforcement raises interesting questions about the processes reflected in reaction time compared with rate as a response measure.
Holographic electroweak symmetry breaking from D-branes

We observe several interesting phenomena in a technicolor-like model of electroweak symmetry breaking based on the $\mathrm{D}4\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\mathrm{D}8\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}\overline{\mathrm{D}8}$ system of Sakai and Sugimoto. The benefit of holographic models based on D-brane configurations is that both sides of the holographic duality are well understood. We find that the lightest technicolor resonances contribute negatively to the Peskin-Takeuchi $S$-parameter, but heavy resonances do not decouple and lead generically to large, positive values of $S$, consistent with standard estimates in QCD-like theories. We study how the $S$ parameter and the masses and decay constants of the vector and axial-vector techniresonances vary over a one-parameter family of D8-brane configurations. We discuss possibilities for the consistent truncation of the theory to the first few resonances and suggest some generic predictions of stringy holographic technicolor models.
New materials for spintronics

Advances in spintronic materials are hampered by interface and defect issues met in thin-film heterostructures that are difficult and expensive to fabricate. Therefore, discovery of new materials exhibiting a spectrum of structural, chemical and physical properties is desirable. We review two novel material classes with promising properties for applications. First, (Ba,Sr)(Fe,Co)2±xRu 4±x O 11 single crystals exhibit long-range ferromagnetic (FM) order at temperatures as high as 490 K, and semiconducting properties well suited for spin injection. Second, we have observed a strongly field-dependent, anisotropic electrical conductivity in bulk single crystals of Ca 3 (Ru1- x Cr x ) 2 O7 (0 ≤ × ≤ 0.20), which opens new avenues for understanding the physics of the spin valve effect, and development of devices that do not require precision heterostructures.
Familial risk and colorectal cancer screening health beliefs and attitudes in an insured population.

Abstract Objective . To examine the relationship between health beliefs and attitudes toward colorectal cancer screening, strength of family history risk, and being appropriately screened for colorectal cancer. Methods . In February 2004, 7000 randomly selected members of a multi-specialty group practice located in Boston, MA were mailed a brief survey that was used to ascertain colorectal cancer family history. A follow-up survey that contained questions representing selected constructs of the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and healthcare experiences was then mailed to all 355 individuals who reported a family history in the initial survey and 710 randomly selected participants with no colorectal cancer family history. Results . Participants who were appropriately screened had higher mean scores for perceived cancer risk, subjective norms, and perceived benefits and lower scores for perceived barriers. Multivariate findings indicate that having high perceptions of risk for colorectal cancer was a significant correlate of being screened appropriately among individuals with a strong family history. Conclusions . For those at greatest colorectal cancer risk due to family history, ensuring that these individuals understand their personal risk might lead to increased colorectal cancer screening participation. Future intervention research is warranted to examine if raising perceptions of risk can increase screening behaviors in individuals with colorectal cancer risk due to family history.
Synthesis and structures of an unusual germanium(II) calix[4]arene complex and the first germanium(II) calix[8]arene complex and their reactivity with diiron nonacarbonyl

The protonolysis reaction of the germanium(ll) amide Ge[N(SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 2 with calix[4]arene and calix[8]arene furnishes the two germanium(ll) calixarene complexes {calix[4]}Ge 2 and {calix[8]}Ge 4 , respectively, which have been crystallographically characterized. The calix[4]arene complex contains a Ge 2 O 2 rhombus at the center of the molecule and is one of the only four germanium(ll) calix[4]arenes that have been structurally characterized. The calix[8]-arene species is the first reported germanium calix[8]arene complex, and it exhibits an overall bowl-shaped structure which contains two Ge 2 O 2 fragments. The latter complex reacts with Fe 2 (CO) 9 to yield an octairon compound, which has also been structurally characterized and contains four GeFe 2 triangles arranged around the macrocyclic ring. The germanium(ll) centers are oxidized to germanium(IV) in this process, with concomitant reduction of the neutral diiron species to Fe 2 (CO) 8 2- anions.
Near infrared imaging of micro-structured polymer-metal surface pattern

Two-dimensional infrared scanning microscopy images of micro-structured surface patterns in an organic transistor device with metal electrode stripes on a polymer channel layer have been demonstrated. A compact single mode optical fiber scanning probe which has a micro dome-shape lens at the tip end was used for the scanning in which reflected beam intensities are coupled back to the optical fiber transceiver depending on the returned power of the sample material. Based on the experiment, the obtained structural dimensions of the micro structure specimen were well matched to the designed ones. These images were compared to the digital microscopy photos for a potential usage to conduct not only the in situ microscopic electrode pattern monitoring of the device but also to non-destructively investigate any surface reflecting material in micrometer scales.
Positional effects in a monostratal grammar of German

This study examines the notion of syntactic position as it is manifested in German. Transformational approaches standardly rely on configurational notions such as specifier or head for positional effects. A closer investigation of German subordinate structures finds the standard positional dichotomy between heads and specifiers wanting. At the same time, the distributional facts strongly argue for an explicit recognition of the notion of syntactic position, albeit one that is not based on tree-configurational notions, but instead in terms of linearly defined classes of distribution among constituents within the clause. Finally it is argued that this approach provides the basis for characterizing clause types which naturally generalizes over different immediate dominance relations.
Medical Cost Offset, Meta‐analysis, and Implications for Future Research and Practice

In confirming the existence of the medical cost-offset effect, the Chiles et al. meta-analytic review (this issue), though impressive, is not able to address the three criteria for efficiency/effectiveness in savings as proposed by the Bethesda Conference. These are (1) organized settings in contrast to traditional ones, (2) specificity in terms of focused and targeted interventions, and (3) collaboration with primary care. This commentary discusses the findings of this meta-analytic review in the light of these criteria, as well as their implications for future research and practice.
Physicochemical aspects of the blood compatibility of polymeric surfaces

The hypothesis is advanced that electrical conduction and semiconduction properties of some natural biopolymers and synthetic polymers may have a relationship to blood compatibility. Newly developed impervious, thin carbon coatings perform best biologically when deposited on smooth polymeric and nonpolymeric surfaces. The biological performance of grafted polyacrylamide hydrogels is influenced by both substrate and hydrodynamic effects which may be more dominant in blood compatibility than surface energy forces. Although the latter are undoubtedly involved in bioadhesion, their contributions do not correlate well with the overall biological performance of synthetic materials. Species-related hematological differences of experimental animals, particularly calves, dogs, and primates, significantly influence the biological performance of materials which must be considered in the human application of medical devices in which biomaterials are in contact with blood.
Association between Synaptic Vesicles and Neurotubules

NUMEROUS electron microscopic studies of peripheral axons and central ganglia of vertebrates and invertebrates have supported two hitherto unrelated generalizations. These are, first, that the chief axoplasmic components, extending beyond the neurone cell body, are neurofilaments and neurotubules; second, that these structures are accompanied by concentrations of small axoplasmic vesicles where a chemically mediated synapse is established with the surface of an adjacent excitable cell. While it has often been suggested1–3 that these “synaptic vesicles” contain transmitter molecules discharged into the intercellular gap between pre- and post-synaptic surfaces when excitation reaches the nerve junction, it is by no means clear how the vesicles are charged with transmitter, for, in contrast to the situation in neurosecretory cells where visible products pass into the axon from the cell body, synaptic vesicles have not been observed to follow this route.
Severe tracheobronchial stenosis and cervical vertebral subluxation in X-linked recessive chondrodysplasia punctata

Radiologic manifestations of X-linked chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX1) typically include chondrodysplasia, epiphyseal stippling, punctate calcification of cartilage, distal phalangeal hypoplasia, and nasal/midface hypoplasia. We present an infant with CDPX1 demonstrating calcification and stenosis of the entire trachea and mainstem bronchi, as well as possible anterior C1 subluxation due to progression of congenital vertebral dysplasia.
A low dimensional Kalman filter for systems with lagged states in the measurement equation

Abstract This note describes how the Kalman filter and the Kalman smoother can be modified to allow for the vector of observables to be a function of lagged state variables without increasing the dimension of the state vector in the filter.
Resting handgrip force and impaired cardiac function at rest and during exercise in COPD patients.

Summary Background Cardiac function measured as the oxygen pulse (O 2 pulse) is impaired during exercise (CPET) in patients with COPD. We investigated the relationship between handgrip force and O 2 pulse in COPD and controls. Methods We measured anthropometrics, lung function, respiratory muscle force, handgrip (HG) force and fat free mass (FFM) at rest in 18 men with COPD (FEV 1 % = 45 ± 20) and 15 controls. We then performed a symptom limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with similar load and used heart rate, and oxygen pulse (VO 2 /HR) to express cardiac function at rest and during exercise. We corrected the O 2 pulse by FFM. Results Patients and controls were similar in BMI and FFM. COPD patients had lower handgrip (37.8 ± 7 vs. 55 ± 2) kg. O 2 pulse and HG were associated ( r = 0.665). At rest, COPD patients had faster heart rate (76 ± 11 vs. 61 ± 5) and lower oxygen pulse. COPD patients had lower oxygen pulse mL/beat at exercise isotime (10.6 ± 3.7 vs. 14.3 ± 2.7), even adjusted by muscle mass. Conclusion Handgrip is associated with impaired heart function at rest and during exercise in COPD patients even adjusting for muscle mass differences. Lower handgrip may be a marker of impaired cardiac function in COPD patients.