cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase function shifting the balance of nitric oxide and superoxide production

Inducible NOS (iNOS) is induced in diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, and questions remain regarding its regulation. We demonstrate that reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) dose-dependently regulate iNOS function. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-replete iNOS was exposed to increasing concentrations of ROS/RNS and activity was measured with and without subsequent BH4 addition. Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) produced the greatest change in NO generation rate, approximately 95% decrease, and BH4 only partially restored this loss of activity. Superoxide (O2(.-)) greatly decreased NO generation, however, BH4 addition restored this activity. Hydroxyl radical ((.)OH) mildly decreases NO generation in a BH4-dependent manner. iNOS was resistant to H2O2 with only slightly decreased NO generation with up to millimolar concentrations. In contrast to the inhibition of NO generation, ROS enhanced O2(.-) production from iNOS, while ONOO(-) had the opposite effect. Thus, ROS promote reversible iNOS uncoupling, while ONOO(-) induces irreversible enzyme inactivation and decreases both NO and O2(.-) production.
Lung mucociliary transport during high-frequency ventilation.

The effects of high-frequency, low-tidal-volume ventilation (HFV) and conventional intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) on lung mucociliary transport were compared in 5 anesthetized, intubated mongrel dogs using a radioactive label. An aerosol of (/sup 99m/Tc)sulfur colloid was delivered to the dogs' airways and the subsequent clearance of isotope was followed over 4 h of either HFV or IPPV. After 4 h of IPPV, approximately 8 to 10% of the initial activity had cleared from the lung. By contrast, practically all the isotope remained in the lung after 4 h of HFV. Although the reasons for this were not definitely established in this study, several other observations were made that relate to this question. First, large amounts of mucus were visible in the trachea immediately after each of the 4-h HFV studies, whereas this was so in only one of the IPPV studies. Second, in 5 of 6 studies, a bolus of radioactive label placed on the posterior trachea after 4 h of HFV was noticed to disperse and move rapidly toward distal airways under the influence of HFV. Third, despite these findings of disturbed mucociliary transport during HFV, measurements of tracheal velocity, using a radioactive bolus technique during conventional ventilation, weremore » the same after 4 h of HFV as after 4 h of IPPV (18.4 +/- 2.6 and 15.0 +/- 1.6 mm/min, respectively). We conclude that in the anesthetized dog HFV may alter mucociliary transport. This is unlikely to be the result of major structural damage to the mucosal surface, because tracheal mucous velocity measured after 4 h of HFV was not different from that after IPPV. It may be partly explained, however, by the retrograde flow of mucus that was observed during HFV in 5 of 6 studies.« less
I.The polyphasic reduction of oxygen to water by purified cytochrome c oxidase

Abstract The time course of oxygen consumption by purified cytochrome oxidase has been studied in reactions where the fully reduced enzyme was rapidly mixed with molecular oxygen. Similar to intact mitochondria (Reynafarje & Davies, Am. J. Physiol. 258, 1990), the enzyme reduces oxygen to water in a kinetically and well defined polyphasic event. The initial rates of O 2 consumption depended hyperbolically on O 2 concentration, with a bimolecular rate constant of near 10 7 M-1 s-1. The V max of O 2 uptake was, however, a complex function of the concentrations of both enzyme and cytochrome c. It is concluded that the reduction of oxygen to water takes place in a cyclic process in which the oxidase undergoes redox changes at rates depending on the relative concentration of the enzyme and its 3 substrates: O 2 , electrons and protons. No evidence was found for impairments in the intramolecular flow of electrons per se.
Does the use of fetal fibronectin in an algorithm for preterm labor reduce triage evaluation times

AbstractObjective: To determine the effectiveness of a novel algorithm based on fetal fibronectin (FFN) for management of preterm labor (PTL).Methods: A randomized trial was performed on patients who presented with symptoms of PTL at 24–34 weeks. Patients were randomized to algorithms with cervical exams only versus cervical exams plus FFN. In this algorithm, physicians had to discharge patients with a negative FFN result. The primary outcome was the evaluation time for triage. The secondary outcomes were admission to the hospital for PTL, preterm birth <34 weeks and preterm birth <37 weeks.Results: A total of 76 patients were enrolled and randomized (control n = 32, FFN n = 44). There were no differences in triage time, hospital admissions or preterm deliveries (PTDs) between the two groups.Conclusion: An algorithm based on FFN for management of PTL does not reduce evaluation times for triage, hospital admissions or PTDs.
A Choice of Alternative Strategies in Oligopoly Bargaining

Research in bilateral bargaining has shown reciprocal and tough strategies to be superior to soft strategies in producing favorable bargaining outcomes. However, previous research has not examined the effectiveness of opponent strategies in oligopoly bargaining. It was hypothesized that in oligopoly bargaining a soft reciprocal strategy would produce better outcomes than either tough reciprocal or tough strategies. Female students from introductory psychology classes bargained utilizing three programmed strategies. Subjects were afforded the opportunity to bargain with the strategy of their choice and to change opponents (strategies) as they wished. Results indicated that subjects (1) bargained more often with the soft reciprocity strategy than with either the tough reciprocity or tough strategy, (2) made more concessions to the soft reciprocity strategy, (3) reached more agreements with the soft reciprocity strategy. Furthermore, although the soft reciprocity strategy earned the lowest profit per agreement, it also earned the largest total profit by virtue of the greater number of agreements.
Hypervelocity projectile acceleration with a railgun using a two-stage gas gun injector

Abstract Unique potential applications of electromagnetic railguns [R.S. Hawke, IEEE Trans. Nucl. NS-28 (2) (1981) 1542] have motivated a decade of continuous development throughout the world. This effort has led to routine acceleration of projectiles of from 1 g to about 1 kg, to velocities of nearly 4 km/s. Attempts to reach higher velocities have met with problems in the 6- to 8-km/s range [J.V. Parker, Proc. 4th Symp. on Electromagnetic Launch Tech., Austin, TX, 1988, to be published in IEEE Trans. Mag.]. The principal problem is “restrike”, which causes shunting of the propulsive plasma armature by the formation of a second plasma short circuit in the breech region of the railgun. One means of impeding restrike is the use of a two-stage light-gas gun (2SLGG) as a projectile injector. A joint development project was initiated in early 1986 between the Sandia National Laboratories Albuquerque (SNLA) and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The project is based on the use of a 2SLGG to inject projectiles at about 7 km/s. The injection gas is hydrogen, which serves to inhibit formation of the secondary arc and to minimize barrel ablation and armature contamination. Results and status of this work are discussed.
Weight-based rt-PA thrombolysis protocol for acute native arterial and bypass graft occlusions

PURPOSE To determine technical success and complications with weight-adjusted dosing of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for arterial and bypass graft occlusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS During an 8-month period, prospective data were collected on patients undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis. Retrospective review of all medical charts and blood bank data were performed for confirmation. All patients underwent a standard weight-adjusted protocol for catheter-directed thrombolysis. Thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA (0.2 mg/mL) was defined as low-dose when 0.02 mg/kg/h rt-PA was used and high-dose when 0.04 mg/kg/h of rt-PA was used. Low-dose heparin therapy was used. Total infusion time, total dose, and hourly rate of dose were calculated. Technical success, defined as complete removal of all clot without surgical intervention, complications, and frequency of transfusions were tabulated. RESULTS A total of 35 patients underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis with rt-PA, including a total of 21 bypass grafts (60%) and 14 native arteries (40%). Mean age was 57 years (± 22.5; range, 3 mo to 83 y). Average rate of heparin infusion was 472.8 U/h (± 227). Success rates for graft thrombolysis were 90% (18 of 21). Success rates for native vessels were 79% (11 of 14). In patients who underwent only a low-dose protocol, the transfusion rate was 15% and major complications were 10%. In patients with a combined low-dose/high-dose administration, the transfusion rate was 46% and major complications were 13%. Overall success rate and major complication rates were 86% (30 of 35) and 11% (four of 35), respectively. Frequency of transfusions was 37% (13 of 35; mean, 2.8 U). CONCLUSION Although weight-adjusted dosing for rt-PA provides a high efficacy of relieving ischemia, the rate of complications, especially bleeding, seems excessive in comparison to historical experience with urokinase. Administration of short-term high doses of rt-PA did not appear to have any beneficial effect. Further investigation with lower dosing and concentration should be considered.
Carbohydrate supplementation to enhance swimming performance: Strengths and limitations

Abstract A double-blind crossover study of the effect of carbohydrate supplementation in the form of a glucose polymer solution (GPS) on ad libitum food intake and swimming performance was conducted. Recorded dietary intake for 10 collegiate swimmers showed a significant increase in energy, carbohydrate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and magnesium when 16 ounces of GPS was consumed compared to an aspartame-flavored placebo. There was no significant difference in the time required for 20 athletes to swim 200 yeards in their best stroke when time trials were preceded for three days by administration of GPS or placebo after practice. The importance of practice was apparent from the significantly imporved performance over the course of the study, regardless of placebo or GPS. In conclusion, while the GPS resulted in increased carbohydrate and energy intake, the protocol employed had no effect on performance of the swimming event.
Ideational code‐switching: Walking the talk about supporting student creativity in the classroom

This article considers how teachers can begin to reconcile their value for creativity with a pedagogy that supports it. First, teachers’ experiences of finding themselves caught in the middle between valuing creativity and helping students conform to the constraints of the classroom are considered. Next, the role that constraints play in creativity is discussed. Finally, a new way of thinking about creative expression, called ideational code‐switching, is proposed. Ideational code‐switching represents the ability to move between intrapersonal creative interpretations and interpersonal creative expression. The article closes with suggestions for how teachers can support students’ ideational code‐switching and thereby encourage creative expression in their classroom.
Less Common Trace Elements in Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits--Theory and Application: ABSTRACT

Trace elements commonly associated with sandstone-type uranium deposits include V, Mo, Se, and some As, Cu, and Pb. Because V, Mo, and Se are usually included in separate phases, all uranium-free, their use as pathfinders for uranium deposits is straightforward but often hindered by high background from the non-ore country rocks or other non-ore phases. Data for numerous End_Page 823------------------------------ other trace elements have been gathered, but many are of limited use owing to low precision and accuracy of analytical methods or failure to separate authigenic from detrital minerals. It is essential to separate the < 2-µ fraction from barren oxidized, barren reduced, and mineralized rocks from sandstone-type uranium deposits to address quantitatively the problems of paragenesis. Elements now considered important which are commonly enriched in the authigenic fraction include the rare earth elements (REE), Sb, Ta, Ba, Cs, Rb, Sr, Co, Ni, and others. The chalcophile elements allow definition and tracing of redox fronts, Rb/Sr systematics, and Rb/Cs ratio aspects of primary versus remobilized mineralization. Tantalum and antimony for primary reduced from re-reduced ground and th REE distribution patterns for rocks penetrated by uraniferous solutions are different from those of barren rocks. End_of_Article - Last_Page 824------------
Interpretation of Raman spectra of Ge/Si ultrathin superlattices

We present a study of Raman scattering by phonons in ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathit{m}}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{\mathit{n}}$-type ultrathin superlattices. We calculate the Raman spectra of ideal unstrained structures and then successively include strain and interface smudging. The calculations reveal interesting systematics about quasiconfinement. It is shown that quasiconfinement, strain, and interface smudging have to be treated concurrently in the interpretation of observed spectra. The nature of the ``Ge-Si''-like mode often seen in experimental spectra is elucidated. Using the information base built up from the study of theoretical spectra, we analyze experimental spectra of superlattices grown on Si(100) and Ge(100) substrates to obtain quantitative information useful for structural characterization of the samples studied.
Ideology and Violence in Civil Wars: Theory and Evidence from Mozambique and Angola

Theories that seek to explain patterns of violence in civil wars frequently pass over the issue of ideology. This paper argues that ideology may shape the use of selective versus indiscriminate violence by an armed group. The role of ideology is examined in the cases of Frelimo in Mozambique and the MPLA in Angola in their countries' wars of independence and civil wars. Using archival and newspaper data, I find that the Marxist–Leninist ideology of Frelimo and the MPLA led initially to their practice of restraint in violence against civilians, and that as elite ideological commitment eroded, this led to a corresponding increase in violence. I also challenge the role played by ideology in Jeremy Weinstein and Macartan Humphreys' group organization theory of civil war violence.
Against Relativism: Cultural Diversity and the Search for Ethical Universals in Medicine , by Ruth Macklin. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. 304 pp.

Ruth Macklin's new book, Against Relativism , says in its subtitle that it intends to address cultural diversity and the search for ethical universals in medicine. This it does very well. Every chapter includes some discussion of cultural relativism, cultural anthropology, or postmodernism, and her analyses are acute and scathing. Macklin is unabashed in her defense of the principles of medical ethics, and she gives a strong argument that principles are essential elements of any ethical system that is to successfully survive the skeptical doubts of relativism.
Phase behavior and morphology of poly(ethylene oxide) blends

Crystallization studies on blends of high and low molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have been carried out to characterize phase behavior and morphology. At low crystallization temperatures, both components cocrystallize into a common crystal lattice. The thickness of the cocrystal is found to vary with the blend composition. At high fractions of the low molecular weight polymer, the cocrystal is thin, suggesting a folding of the long-chain polymer into the lattice of the low molecular weight chain. At lower fractions of the low molecular weight polymer, the cocrystal is thicker, resembling the higher molecular weight polymer. At higher crystallization temperatures, the components form a defective cocrystal which dynamically phase splits into its components. The crystal transformation in the blend occurs by thinning of low molecular weight chains and thickening of high molecular weight chains. The formation of crystal templates of both components eventually results in phase-segregated growth. Mod...
Slavery, Partisanship, and Procedure in the U.S. House: The Gag Rule, 1836–1845

From the 24th through the 28th Congresses, the House of Representatives operated under versions of a “gag rule” that blocked petitions dealing with abolition and related matters. This article presents the gag rule as not only a historically important window into slavery deliberations in Congress but also a case study in majority party restrictions of minority rights—and in the boundaries that constituency politics can place on majority power. Through analysis of vote choices and voting changes over time, I demonstrate that the gag rule's partisan origins gave way as northern members voted against party and with specific constituency pressures as well as general sectional sentiment. The gag rule shows the power of electoral considerations and constituency in the early U.S. House, and it also illustrates the force that constituency can have over majority procedural maneuvering.
Characterization of the sequence and architectural constraints of the regulatory and core regions of the human interleukin-2 promoter

The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) is produced by T cells when they recognize a foreign antigen. Transcription of the IL-2 gene is tightly controlled by the combined actions of multiple transcriptional activators. However, the contribution of sequences in the IL-2 core promoter and the architecture of the IL-2 regulatory region to setting levels of IL-2 transcription are not understood. We have probed these properties of the human IL-2 promoter to understand how the regulatory and core promoter regions cooperate in response to T cell stimulation, thereby setting high levels of inducible transcription. We found that the IL-2 core promoter contains a TATA box that is critical for inducible expression. Moreover, the spacing and orientation between the IL-2 regulatory and core promoter regions is important for setting the level of transcription. The regulatory region of the IL-2 promoter is capable of mediating high levels of expression even when the helical phasing between transcription factor binding sites is perturbed. Although long considered an enhancer, our studies indicate that the regulatory region in the IL-2 promoter is better considered as a proximal regulatory element, since it lacks multiple properties associated with enhancer elements.
Customer driven innovation: Quicken® Rental Property Manager

In an effort to find and solve new unmet customer needs, the Quicken® Personal Finance Group (QPFG) embarked on a mission to create innovative new products that would truly make a difference in people's lives. Quicken® Rental Property Manager is the first of these products and the first "version 1.0" outside of Quicken® Personal Finance Software to be released from the Quicken® group in a decade. This paper will focus on how the team blazed a new trail within an organization that is facing the challenge of a maturing financial software market, and was entrenched in twenty-one years of legacy processes and mindsets. Specifically, how the team:• used customers to identify and define the innovation• developed new processes for gathering user feedback throughout the project• successfully designed a simple, intuitive, easy-to-use customer experience• successfully delivered on the organization's challenge
Exciton Coupling and Dipolar Correlations in a Columnar Liquid Crystal: Photophysics of a Bent-Rod Hexacatenar Mesogen

A novel bent-rod hexacatenar liquid crystal is reported that displays a hexagonal columnar (Colh) phase. The organization of conjugated hexacatenar mesogens in the columnar phase is of interest for their anisotropic electronic properties. The emissive nature of the mesogens varies over the temperature range of the Colh phase and the spectral shifts were analyzed in terms of an exciton-coupling model. The variation of the emission band in this phase is consistent with varying degrees of rotational disorder between the mesogens. The bent-rod shape and highly dipolar nature of the liquid crystal core (mesogen) promotes (as suggested by computation, X-ray diffraction, and photophysical studies) a high degree of antiparallel intermolecular correlations between nearest neighbors. The antiparallel organization is novel and differs from structures previously identified in other polycatenars. These studies illustrate the utility of the exciton-coupling model to probe the nature and degree of intermolecular correla...
Ultrasonographic anatomy of normal prostate gland: Reconstruction by computer graphics

Computer graphic reconstructions of the prostate were made in both the transverse (axial) and longitudinal (sagittal) planes at different levels on the basis of the normal anatomic model of McNeal. Additional images then were created to give a picture of what the ultrasonogram should look like at each level, and these were compared with actual ultrasonograms of the normal prostate. A precise yet simple terminology is suggested for prostate ultrasonographic descriptions.
Revealing “space” in spatial externalities: Edge-effect externalities and spatial incentives

Abstract This paper analyzes the spatial incentives created by distance-dependent negative spatial externalities, titled “edge-effect externalities.” It illustrates standard externality results in a spatial context and derives several new results. While the externality creates an incentive for a recipient to distance himself from the externality-generating land use, this distance is too small from a social standpoint, rationalizing buffer zones imposed by regulatory authorities. Further, the market rental rate of land for the externality recipient is higher than socially optimal, resulting in a potential barrier to entry for the impacted land use. Finally, although the recipient understands and can geographically avoid externality damage, standard market failure occurs. Results are demonstrated using graphical and land rent interpretations of familiar aspatial general equilibrium conditions. The paper thus strives to provide a more thorough exposition of the spatial impacts of this class of externalities than provided elsewhere in the literature.
Overdose with sustained-release lithium preparations

Two cases of overdose with sustained-release lithium preparations are presented. Initial serum lithium levels were in the therapeutic or subtherapeutic range. Subsequent levels were in the toxic range. These cases illustrate the potential danger of delayed toxicity with ingestion of these agents.
Twin formation during the atomic deposition of copper

Abstract Vapor deposited copper films with 〈111〉 growth texture usually contain twin plates stacked normal to the growth direction. However, twins are rarely seen when growth occurs in other principle crystallographic directions. Atomistic modeling indicated that during 〈111〉 growth, adatoms occupied either parent or twin surface lattice sites with almost equal probability, resulting in a high nucleation density of twin domains. During growth on either {110} or {100} surfaces, adatoms were only able to occupy parent lattice sites, and no twin nucleation occurred. A phase field method was used to model the twin domain evolution during 〈111〉 growth as a function of deposition rate and temperature. Simulation results indicated that twin domains evolved by rapid lateral expansion with very little vertical thickening. The lateral expansion was found to be fast compared with the deposition rate, and as a result twin domains usually grew to occupy the entire width of a growth column, in good agreement with experimental observations. The model indicated that the twin structures formed during the 〈111〉 growth of copper are not directly controllable by either the processing temperature or the deposition rate.
Hypertension in Pediatric Patients: Current Issues

Objective To present current information on the diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiologic features of hypertension in children. Design The guidelines published by the Task Force on Blood Pressure Control in Children in 1987 are critically evaluated, and more recent data are discussed. Results Prevention of the consequences of hypertension necessitates recognition of the condition. Although hypertension in the pediatric age-group is an uncommon finding, it does exist. The diagnosis is based on careful technique, repetitive blood pressure measurements, and comparison with established norms. Normal blood pressure values for children have been derived from a series of large cross-sectional studies. Although they have certain shortcomings, they are useful. Height and weight are important determinants in the use of the normative data. The selection of a blood pressure cuff that completely encircles the arm is crucial. Tracking—the persistence of systolic and diastolic pressures at stable percentiles—is not a constant finding, but children at risk for development of hypertension as adults may be identifiable. As in the adult population, children with hypertension have no signs or symptoms that clearly distinguish primary from secondary hypertension. Conclusion Treatment of children with hypertension should be individualized. Etiologic evaluation is probably best performed at referral centers.
Complex dynamical flow phases and pinning in superconductors with rectangular pinning arrays

We examine vortex pinning and dynamics in thin-film superconductors containing logarithmically interacting Pearl vortices moving through square and rectangular pinning arrays for varied vortex densities including densities significantly larger than the pinning density. For both square and rectangular pinning arrays, the critical depinning force shows maxima only at certain integer matching fields where the vortices can form highly ordered lattices. For rectangular arrays the depinning force and commensurability effects are anisotropic, with a much lower depinning threshold for vortex motion in the easy-flow directions. We find evidence for a crossover in pinning behavior in rectangular pinning arrays as the field is increased. We also show analytically, and confirm with simulations, that for ${B=2B}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ the strongest pinning for one direction of the driving force can be achieved for rectangular pinning arrangements rather than square ones. Under an applied driving force we find a remarkable variety of distinct complex flow phases in both square and rectangular arrays. These flow phases include stable sinusoidal and intricate pinched patterns where vortices from different channels do not mix. As a function of the driving force certain flow states become unstable and transitions between different phases are observed that coincide with changes in the net vortex velocities. In the rectangular arrays the types of flow observed depend on the direction of drive. We also show that two general types of plastic flow occur: stable flows, where vortices always flow along the same paths, and unstable or chaotic flows.
A miniature analytical instrument for nucleic acids based on micromachined silicon reaction chambers

In this paper, we describe a miniature analytical thermal cycling instrument (MATCI) to amplify and detect DNA via the polymerase chain reaction in real-time. The MATCI is an integrated, miniaturized analytical system that uses silicon-based, high-efficiency reaction chambers with integrated heaters and simple, inexpensive electronics to precisely control the reaction temperatures. Optical windows in the silicon and solid-state, diode-based detection components are employed to perform real-time fluorescence monitoring of product DNA production. The entire system fits into a briefcase and runs on rechargeable batteries. The applications of this miniaturized nucleic acid analysis system include clinical, research, environmental, and agricultural analyses as well as others which require rapid, portable, and accurate analysis of biological samples for nucleic acids. This paper describes the MATCI and presents results from ultrafast thermal cycling and real-time PCR detection. Examples include human genes and pathogenic viruses and bacteria.
Catecholamine-induced modification of the functional state of β-adrenergic receptors

Abstract Within the plasma membrane of cells there are a variety of proteins involved in the reception, transduction and amplification of extracellular signals. Neurotransmitters and many hormones serve as intercellular signal molecules that alter target cell function upon interaction with cell surface, structure-specific receptors. Beta adrenergic receptors (BAR) can be included in this class of plasma membrane proteins that mediate intercellular communication; it is one aspect of the regulation of this function that is the subject of this article.
Electronic Cigarettes: Vulnerability of Youth

Electronic cigarettes have become popular and are heavily promoted as a safer cigarette and an aid to quit smoking. Although they may have value in reducing cigarette use among smokers, they are of limited value in smoking cessation and pose many problems, particularly in children. Nicotine is highly addictive and affects virtually all cells in the body. It is particularly harmful to developing brains and other organs. The electronic nicotine delivery systems are largely uncontrolled and safety risks are manifold. Initiating nicotine use and increasing dependence in the population may be linked with increased tobacco and other addictive substance abuse even if the individual electronic cigarette delivers less harm than a combustible cigarette does.
Conceptual and Methodological Issues in Research on School Administrator Career Behavior

Recent research has focused on issues of retention and turnover among K–12 school administrators, yet it fails to address some important complexities in administrator career paths. This article examines three conceptual and methodological issues in the current literature involving administrative turnover: the complexity of role and place in administrators’ job transitions, job opportunity and choice open to administrators, and static versus dynamic approaches to assessing administrators’ movement and retention. This evaluation includes empirical examples from the authors’ study of administrator career paths in Delaware. The authors conclude that these issues have not yet been adequately acknowledged in the literature but that they have significant implications for how administrator career behavior is measured and understood for both research and policy.
Electronic and phonon transport in Sb-doped Ti0.1Zr0.9Ni1+xSn0.975Sb0.025 nanocomposites

The thermoelectric behavior of n-type Sb-doped half-Heusler (HH)–full-Heusler (FH) nanocomposites with general composition Ti0.1Zr0.9Ni1+xSn0.975Sb0.025 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.1) was investigated in the temperature range from 300 to 775 K. Samples used for structural characterization and transport measurements were obtained through the solid-state reaction of high purity elements at 950 °C and densification of the resulting polycrystalline powders using a uniaxial hot press. X-ray diffraction study of the powder samples suggested the formation of single-phase HH alloys regardless of the Ni concentration (x value). However, high resolution transmission electron microscopy investigation revealed the presence of spherical nanoprecipitates with a broad size distribution coherently embedded in the HH matrix. The size range and dispersion of the precipitates depend on the concentration of Ni in the starting mixture. Well dispersed nanoprecipitates with size ranging from 5 nm to 50 nm are observed in the nanocomposite with x = 0.04, while severe agglomeration of large precipitates (>50 nm) is observed in samples with x = 0.1. Hall effect measurements of various samples indicate that the carrier concentration within the Sb-doped HH matrix remains nearly constant (∼7 × 1020 cm−3) for samples with x = 0.02 and x = 0.04, whereas a significant increase of the carrier concentration to ∼9 × 1020 cm−3 is observed for the sample with x = 0.1. Interestingly, only a marginal change in thermopower value is observed for various samples despite the large difference in the carrier density. In addition, the carrier mobility remains constant up to x = 0.04 suggesting that the small nanoprecipitates in these samples do not disrupt electronic transport within the matrix. Remarkably, a large reduction in the total thermal conductivity is observed for all nanocomposites, indicating the effectiveness of the embedded nanoprecipitates in scattering phonons while enabling efficient electron transfer across the matrix/inclusion interfaces.
Three-Dimensional Boundary Layers Over an Infinite Swept Bump and Free Wing

Three-dimensional laminar boundary layers past an infinite swept bump and free wing were investigated numerically using the fractional step method. The objective of the work was to study the effect of surface curvature induced changes in pressure gradient and changes in the freestream flow on boundary layer skewness and growth. Simulation results demonstrate that for flows over the bump the first transition from adverse to favorable pressure gradient occurs at the front concave/convex inflexion and the second transition from favorable to adverse pressure gradient occurs at the summit. For flows past a free wing, the only transition from favorable to adverse pressure gradient occurs in front of the summit and the subsequent adverse pressure gradient is larger than the corresponding value for the bump. For both the bump and wing, the increase of initial skewing angle from 0 to 30 deg causes a 10 percent reduction in the length of the wake; the wake behind the wing is about 12 percent longer in streamwise extent than the corresponding wake behind the bump. Integral parameters in the flows over the bump display a wavy trend due to the two transitions of the pressure gradient. On the other hand, the single transition from favorable to adverse pressure gradient brings about a monotonic increase of the integral parameters for flows past the wing. Near separation and reattachment, surface-streamlines are skewed strongly in the spanwise direction. Conditions of flow detachment for the bump and wing are in good agreement with correlations for laminar separating flows with power-law velocity profiles as well as correlations for wall-curvature-induced turbulent separating flows.
Herbivores, Vascular Pathways, and Systemic Induction: Facts and Artifacts

Over the past 10 years there has been tremendous growth in our understanding of molecular, chemical, and morphological induction of traits involved in the resistance of plants to herbivores. Although it is well established that the patterns of induction can be constrained by a plant's vascular architecture, studies often fail to account for these constraints. Failure to do so has the potential to severely underestimate both the patterns and extent of induction. Here I review (1) the evidence for vascular control of induced responses, (2) how interspecific variation in phyllotaxy influences spatial patterning of induction, (3) the factors, phloem transport and volatile production, that may break down vascular constraints and lead to more widespread induction, and (4) the experimental approaches that could be compromised when vascular architecture is not considered. I show that vascular constraints in systemic induction are commonplace, but vary among species. I suggest that when induction is more widespread than expected from patterns of phyllotaxy, differences in vascular connectivity and volatile production may be responsible. I argue that advances in the mechanisms of systemic induction, cross-talk between different signal transduction pathways, specificity of induction, costs and benefits of systemic induction, and the effects of induced changes on herbivores and their natural enemies require that experiments be designed to examine and/or control for vascular constraints in systemic induction.
Effect of Plant Lectins on the Larval Development of European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Southern Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Twenty-six plant lectins were tested for antiinsect properties against neonate European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hiibner), and Southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, larvae. Lectins from wheat, Triticum vulgaris L., castor beans, Ricinus communis L., and camels foot tree, Bauhinia purpurea L., were lethal to neonate O. nubilalis larvae when applied topically to the diet surface as a 2% solution. The LC50’s for lectins from R. communis, T. vulgare , and B. purpurea incorporated into the artificial diet were 0.29, 0.59, and 0.73 mg/g of diet, respectively. Surviving larvae had a 50% weight loss compared with control larvae at these concentrations. No other lectins affected larval growth or mortality of O. nubilalis . Lectins from R. communis , pokeweed ( Phytolacca Americana L.), and green marine algae, Codium fragile (Suringar), were toxic to neonate D. undecimpunctata howardi larvae when applied topically (2%) to the artificial diet. Several other lectins inhibited larval growth by >40% compared with the control. These lectins were from jackfruit, Artocarpus integrifolia Lamarck, hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth, osage orange, Maclura pomifera Rafinesque, Bandeiraea simplicifolia (Baillon), and T. vulgaris . Transformation of the genes coding these lectins could be beneficial in the development of insect resistance in important agronomical crops.
Role of chemical and visual cues in food recognition by leatherback posthatchlings (Dermochelys coriacea L).

Summary We raised leatherback posthatchlings in the laboratory for up to 7 weeks to study the role of visual and chemical cues in food recognition and food-seeking behavior. Turtles were reared on a formulated (artificial gelatinous) diet and had no contact with test m aterials until experiments began. Subjects were presented with visual cues (a plastic jellyfish; white plastic shapes [circle, square, d iamond] similar in surface area to the plastic model), chemical cues (homogenates of lion’s mane jellyfish, Cyanea capillata;moon jellyfish, Aurelia aurita; and a ctenophore, Ocyropsis sp., introduced through a water filter outflow), and visual and chemical cues presented simultaneously. Visual stimuli evoked an increase in swimming activity, biting, diving, and orientation toward the object. Chemical cues elicited an increase in biting, and orientation into water currents (rheotaxis). When chemical and visual stimuli were combined , turtles ignored currents and oriented toward the visual stimuli. We conclude that both cues are used to search for, and locate, food bu t that visual cues may be of primary importance. We hypothesize that under natural conditions turtles locate food visually, then, as a c onsequence of feeding, associate chemical with visual cues. Chemical cues then may function alone as a feeding attractant.
Estimating Impact of Signal Hardware Improvements

Signal equipment upgrades (e.g., multiple timing plan capability and signal interconnection) are commonly used to improve the quality of traffic flow in urban arterials and networks. The findings of the assessment of the effects of alternative control scenarios to assist practicing engineers in conducting analyses to determine the effectiveness of proposed signal equipment upgrades are presented. The effectiveness of hardware improvements was evaluated against the optimal timings with the available equipment to differentiate the benefits from installing hardware from the benefits from signal timing optimization. Alternative signal operations strategies were simulated through the NETSIM model on eight real-world test networks. Field data on traffic performance were collected before and after the installation of improved hardware in three demonstration projects. The analysis of the results quantified the effects of design and traffic characteristics on the expected benefits from hardware improvements. Comparison with field results from several hardware projects in California indicates that the study procedures and recommendations provide reasonable estimates of the improvements likely to be achieved from signal control upgrades.
EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF DECISION MAKERS' RACE AND GENDER ON ACTUAL PROMOTIONS TO TOP MANAGEMENT

The effects of decision makers' race and gender on promotion decisions about applicants of diverse race and gender for 51 top management positions in a cabinet-level U.S. federal department over a 12-year period were examined. Promotion decisions were made in a 2-stage process. First, a review panel decided which applicants to refer for the position. Second, the selecting official selected one of the referred applicants for the position. Overall, decisions by review panels of different race and gender composition and by selecting officials of different race and gender were to the advantage of female applicants and to the disadvantage of African American and Hispanic male applicants. These effects were not fully accounted for by race or gender differences in applicant qualifications, or by any of several theoretical explanations for the effects of race and gender on promotions to top management.
The preparation and characterization of ultra-thin silicon dioxide films on a Mo(110) surface

Ultra-thin silicon dioxide films have been deposited on an oxygen-covered Mo(ll0) surface at room temperature by evaporating silicon in an oxygen background (- 1 X 10W5 Torr). The growth mechanism and structural properties of the 50, films were characterized with temperature programmed desorption, Auger electron, electron energy loss, and infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopies. The interaction of oxygen with Mo010) was also investigated. The SiO, films grow a complete first layer before the growth of bulk film at room temperature. The gas phase precursor for the SiO, film is SiO, produced by oxidative etching of silicon. The as-deposited SiO, films are proposed to consist of short-ranged networks of [SiO,]. Upon annealing to 1400 K, the small networks of [SiO,] fuse together, with the films assuming the electronic and bonding structures of vitreous silica. The SiO, films are thermally stable up to 1600 K with stability increasing with film thickness. At high temperatures, silicon dioxide is reduced by the MO substrate to form volatile SiO and MOO,.
Russia's New Look Army Reforms and Russian Foreign Policy

In December 2009 the first stage of an ambitious military reform of the Russian Federation's army was implemented: the former Soviet, and post-Soviet, four-tiered command structure: military district-army-division-regiment, was replaced with a three tiered command structure: military district-army-brigade. In this process, the brigade replaced the division as the primary tactical unit in the Russian army, and most “cadre-strength” units, partially manned divisions which would be brought up to full strength with reservists in wartime, were eliminated as well. These reforms effectively put an end to the mass-mobilization army that formed the basis of the Tsarist Army and its Soviet and Russian successors since 1874. These reforms are obviously of enormous military importance, but they may also provide insight into how Russia's elites perceive external and internal threats to the Russian Federation, and how Russia currently fits into the contemporary world community. In this light, these reforms may provide ...
Summary and recommendations

The objectives are primarily to detect the presence and define the source of the illness. A major evaluation is the history, since this can establish relations of symptoms to work exposure, including latent periods of sensitization or symptom responses. In addition, the history, physical, and laboratory examinations may help to establish the category into which a disease process may fall. Thus asthma would be categorized as immediate hypersensitivity or a type I response, whereas hypersensitivity pneumonitis would fit into the category of a type III immune response. The evaluat,ion of\ the environment may demonstrate a variety of antigenic suspects that can be studied by appropriate serologic techniques. An experimental technique to be used with caution is bronchial challenge with pulmonary function studies to identify antigen and correlate exposure to apparent disease state. Both a preventive and confirmatory diagnostic approach can be achieved by reduction of exposure.
Auditory Training: Evidence for Neural Plasticity in Older Adults

Improvements in digital amplification, cochlear implants, and other innovations have extended the potential for improving hearing function; yet, there remains a need for further hearing improvement in challenging listening situations, such as when trying to understand speech in noise or when listening to music. Here, we review evidence from animal and human models of plasticity in the brain's ability to process speech and other meaningful stimuli. We considered studies targeting populations of younger through older adults, emphasizing studies that have employed randomized controlled designs and have made connections between neural and behavioral changes. Overall results indicate that the brain remains malleable through older adulthood, provided that treatment algorithms have been modified to allow for changes in learning with age. Improvements in speech-in-noise perception and cognition function accompany neural changes in auditory processing. The training-related improvements noted across studies support the need to consider auditory training strategies in the management of individuals who express concerns about hearing in difficult listening situations. Given evidence from studies engaging the brain's reward centers, future research should consider how these centers can be naturally activated during training.
Recognition of double‐stranded RNA by proteins and small molecules

Molecular recognition of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a key event for numerous biological pathways including the trafficking, editing, and maturation of cellular RNA, the interferon antiviral response, and RNA interference. Over the past several years, our laboratory has studied proteins and small molecules that bind dsRNA with the goal of understanding and controlling the binding selectivity. In this review, we discuss members of the dsRBM class of proteins that bind dsRNA. The dsRBM is an approximately 70 amino acid sequence motif found in a variety of dsRNA-binding proteins. Recent results have led to a new appreciation of the ability of these proteins to bind selectivity to certain sites on dsRNA. This property is discussed in light of the RNA selectivity observed in the function of two proteins that contain dsRBMs, the RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and an adenosine deaminase that acts on dsRNA (ADAR2). In addition, we introduce peptide-acridine conjugates (PACs), small molecules designed to control dsRBM-RNA interactions. These intercalating molecules bear variable peptide appendages at opposite edges of an acridine heterocycle. This design imparts the potential to exploit differences in groove characteristics and/or base-pair dynamics at binding sites to achieve selective binding.