cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of Antimony tris-(O,O-Diethyl Phosphorodithioate), a Passivation Agent for Contaminant Metals in the Catalytic Cracking of Crude Petroleum

Abstract The coordination polyhedron of the antimony atom in antimony tris-(O,O-diethyl phosphorodithioate) is a distorted capped octahedron with a stereochemically active lone pair in the capping position and approximately on a molecular pseudo triad axis which passes through the antimony atom.
Does Child Temperament Play a Role in the Association Between Parenting Practices and Child Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Ineffective parenting practices may maintain or exacerbate attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and shape subsequent development of disruptive behavior disorders (DBD’s) in youth with ADHD. Recent theoretical models have suggested that parenting may exert effects on ADHD via its role in child temperament. The current study aimed to evaluate the indirect effects of parenting dimensions on child ADHD symptoms via child temperament. Youth ages 6–17 years (N = 498; 50.4 % ADHD, 55 % male) completed a multi-stage, multi-informant assessment that included parent, child, and teacher report measures of parenting practices, child temperament, and ADHD symptoms. Statistical models examined the direct and indirect effects of maternal and paternal involvement, poor supervision, and inconsistent discipline on inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity via child temperament and personality traits. Results indicated differential patterns of effect for negative and positive parenting dimensions. First, inconsistent discipline exerted indirect effects on both ADHD symptom dimensions via child conscientiousness, such that higher levels of inconsistency predicted lower levels of conscientiousness, which in turn, predicted greater ADHD symptomatology. Similarly, poor supervision also exerted indirect effects on inattention via child conscientiousness as well as significant indirect effects on hyperactivity-impulsivity via its impact on both child reactive control and conscientiousness. In contrast, primarily direct effects of positive parenting (i.e., involvement) on ADHD emerged. Secondary checks revealed that similar pathways may also emerge for comorbid disruptive behavior disorders. Current findings extend upon past work by examining how parenting practices influence child ADHD via with-in child mechanisms and provide support for multi-pathway models accounting for heterogeneity in the disorder.
Cloning and Characterization of a Mouse σ1 Receptor

A cDNA clone (S2-1a) isolated from a mouse brain cDNA library, using a guinea pig sigma1 cDNA as probe, has high homology to the predicted protein sequence of the guinea pig (88%) and human (90%) sigma1 receptors. Northern analysis revealed a major mRNA of approximately 1.8 kb in a wide range of mouse tissues, with highest levels in brain, liver, kidney, and thymus. Southern analysis and chromosomal mapping in the mouse suggested a single-copy gene in region A5-B2 of chromosome 4. Expression of the clone in MCF-7 and CHO cells led to a pronounced increase in (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding with a selectivity profile consistent with sigma1 receptors. In vitro translation yielded a protein of approximately 28 kDa, as did transfection of a probe containing the hemagglutinin (HA) epitope (S2-1a.HA) into CHO cells, as determined by western analysis using an antibody directed against HA. (+)-[3H]-Pentazocine binding to immunopurified HA-tagged receptor demonstrated conclusively that S2-1a.HA encodes a high-affinity (+)-[3H]pentazocine binding site with characteristics of a murine sigma1 receptor. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide designed from S2-1a potentiated opioid analgesia in vivo.
Collecting Private Funds for Safer Public Spaces: An Empirical Examination of the Business Improvement District Concept

Business improvement districts (BIDs) are a popular economic development tool as evidenced by their proliferation from North America to Africa to Europe. In an effort to provide investors, visitors, and residents with more secure public spaces, the majority of BID organizations pay for supplemental security and sanitation services. Following a brief discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the BID concept, this study describes BID security and sanitation programs and evaluates their impact on patterns of criminal activity in the City of Philadelphia using a customized goegraphic information system. Further, it introduces a point-based method of analysis that simultaneously considers the spatial and temporal characteristics of individual crime incidents. Results from this quantitative–qualitative study suggest that BID security services have a deterrent effect on such criminal activities as theft and burglary. Additionally, this paper makes the case that, as BID organizations continue to emerge, it i...
Three-dimensional optical Fredkin gate arrays applied to residue arithmetic

A recently proposed 3-D architecture for optical interconnection networks is further analyzed and used in the implementation of residue arithmetic operations. It is demonstrated that, for the processing of large numbers, the new architecture is superior to the 2-D models.
FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TESTING FOR COLORECTAL CANCER: Can We Afford Not to Do This?

Current practice guidelines recommend annual fecal occult blood test screening for colorectal cancer in the average-risk population over the age of 50. Efficacy of fecal occult blood test screening is supported by several controlled prospective trials and case-control studies. Implementation of this recommendation, in combination with periodic flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, is feasible, affordable, highly effective, and has the potential for reducing colorectal cancer mortality by at least 50%. With over 50,000 Americans dying of this malignancy each year, we cannot afford not to do this.
Creating Space for Consensus: High-Level Globe-trotting into the Bali Climate Change Conference

The international community has been trying to find a comprehensive and effective solution to the problem of anthropogenic climate change for well over two decades. The fundamental problem posed by climate change is that any solution, if it is to be effective, requires collectively agreed upon global initiatives. If enough countries do not take sufficient action, any collective endeavors to mitigate the problem will be less effective or may even fail. As a result, mitigating climate change requires a high level of international cooperation. In the climate change arena, negotiators spent much of 2007 searching for common ground and securing universal participation in a new global regime to take effect when the first commitment period under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Kyoto Protocol expires at the end of 2012. This article examines one of the strategies used to address this challenge in the lead up to the December 2007 Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia: a variation of track-two diplomacy, where climate change was addressed at numerous workshops and high-level meetings to enable parties to the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to create space for building trust and exploring innovative solutions in determining whether or not to embark on negotiations on a post-2012 regime.
An analysis of the elements essential in the development of a customized TBI program

Bone marrow transplant, once a procedure carried out at a relatively small number of large medical centers, is being employed at an increasing number of non-academic hospitals. The use of total body photon irradiation for the purpose of marrow ablation and immunosuppression can be expected to accompany the outward growth of bone marrow transplantation at these same hospitals. An analysis of the fundamental physical factors associated with total body photon irradiation (TBI) should be of value to facilities considering the incorporation of a total body irradiation program into an existing radiation oncology department. By examining the existing resources of a radiotherapy center and the clinical objectives of the treatment, a facility considering TBI may determine whether or not their center already fulfills the necessary criteria, in addition to the avoidance of potential pitfalls in project implementation.
The cloned rRNA genes of P. lophurae: a novel rDNA structure

The detailed structure of two ribosomal DNA (rDNA) clones CL-1 and HA-2, from the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium lophurae has been examined using hybridization and electron microscopy. The results demonstrate that the clone CL-1 contains two regions homologous to 25s rRNA of approximately 2200 base pairs (bp) and 450 bp in length, separated by a non homologous region of 240 bp. CL-1 also contains two regions of approximately 1100 bp and 550 bp homologous to 17s rRNA, separated by a non homologous region of 230 bp. The clone HA-2 contains a single region of 670 bp, which is homologous to 25s rRNA. This region is flanked by non homologous stretches of DNA 940 bp and 110 bp in length. As HA-2 is known to be adjacent to CL-1 in the genome (1), these results suggest that the 25s rDNA is interrupted twice, and the 17s rDNA once, by stretches of DNA not found in mature rRNA.
Regulation of arachidonate metabolism via lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase by 12-HPETE, the product of human platelet lipoxygenase.

Abstract Human platelets metabolize arachidonic acid via lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase. The labile lipoxygenase product, 12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HPETE), stimulates its own production by increasing lipoxygenase activity. However, 12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), the end-product of the lipoxygenase pathway in human platelets, does not share this activity. In addition, 12-HPETE strongly suppresses prostaglandin and thromboxane production by inhibiting platelet cyclo-oxygenase. These effects of arachidonic acid hydroperoxides exhibit isomeric specificity in platelet homogenates; 12-HPETE is more potent than 11-HPETE, which is more potent than 9- and 8-HPETE. Collagen- and arachidonate-induced platelet aggregation is blocked by 12-HPETE.
The bare lymphocyte syndrome: molecular clues to the transcriptional regulation of major histocompatibility complex class II genes.

We thank the members of the laboratory for their comments on the manuscript. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants AI34000, GM47310, and HD34440.
Molecules to Crystals, Crystals to Molecules ... and Back Again?

Self-assembly of more than one molecular component, modular self-assembly, is a particularly attractive approach to synthesizing new crystalline compounds, because it can be accomplished in one-pot reactions with existing molecular components and it allows for facile fine-tuning of structural and functional features. The challenges and opportunities that face crystal engineering are illustrated by concentrating on the structural diversity that has been exhibited in two classes of compounds that exemplify these opportunities: metal−organic nets and molecular co-crystals.
SPEEK/functionalized silica composite membranes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract Silica and sulfonic acid functionalized silica were synthesized by condensation of appropriate precursors through a sol–gel approach. SPEEK with three different ion exchange capacities (1.35, 1.75 and 2.1 mequiv. g−1) were prepared by sulfonation of PEEK. Composite membranes with 5% and 10% additive loadings were prepared by solvent casting. Characterization by FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of sulfonic acid groups in the functionalized silica additives. The agglomerate size of the additives was estimated by scanning electron microscopy to be between 2 and 5 μm. The room temperature liquid water uptake of the membranes was evaluated. Water uptake increased with SPEEK IEC. Composite membranes exhibited lower water uptakes when compared to pure SPEEK. Proton conductivities of up to 0.05 S cm−1 at 80 °C and 75% relative humidity and 0.02 S cm−1 at 80 °C and 50% relative humidity were recorded for SPEEK composite membranes prepared using sulfonic acid functionalized silica. Hydrogen crossover through the membrane was determined through linear sweep voltammetry on membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Hydrogen crossover current densities for all the MEAs were on the order of 1–2 mA cm−2. MEAs tested showed reasonable performance at 80 °C and 75% and 50% relative humidities.
Acute Respiratory Care of the Newborn

Respiratory problems account for most of the morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period. Etiology of respiratory difficulties and specific nursing assessments and interventions relevant to the neonate experiencing respiratory distress are discussed.
Characterization of stage-specific tyrosinated α-tubulin immunoperoxidase staining patterns in Sertoli cells of rat seminiferous tubules by light microscopic image analysis

Abstract Microtubules are involved in many structural and functional changes that occur in Sertoli cells during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. However, few studies have addressed stage-specific changes in the distribution of microtubules that accompany the process of spermatogenesis. This study provides a stage-by-stage immunohistochemical evaluation of Sertoli cell microtubules in paraffin sections of whole rat testes using an antibody to tyrosinated α-tubulin. Microtubules that contain tyrosinated tubulin are considered to be less stable and are therefore expected to populate Sertoli cells undergoing dynamic changes during spermatogenesis. A quatitative method was developed to analyze the relative tyrosinated α-tubulin staining in different stages of the cycle. Immunostaining patterns of the stages were separated into five different groups. Stages VII–VIII had the least amount of tyrosinated α-tubulin, while stages IX–XI contained the greatest amount. The staining patterns were consistent with established structural changes in the seminiferous epithelium, such as the formation of ectoplasmic specializations, the presence of microtubule nucleation sites along the periphery of the apical cytoplasm, and the translocation of elongate spermatids from deep crypts in the Sertoli cell to the tubule lumen. These data should provide improved methods for the evaluation of microtubules in the study of Sertoli cell responses to environmental toxicants and testicular diseases.
Flavonols as Luminescent Probes of Water Activity in Foods and Pharmaceuticals

Flavonols are naturally occurring antioxidants with complex photophysical properties. Their emission sensitivity to polarity and hydrogen bonding ability of the local environment suggests their potential as luminescent probes for water activity. Water activity, aw, is an important parameter for ensuring food safety and quality, as it is a determining factor for microbial growth and biochemical reactions.This study focused on 3-hydroxyflavone (3HF), a synthetic molecule that constitutes the backbone of naturally occuring flavonols. However, the photophysical properties and sensitivity to aw of other flavonoid glycosides were also explored. All flavonols were tested in binary solvent mixtures of different aw.3HF is an excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer probe that exhibits dual fluorescent emission bands corresponding to its normal (λem = 405nm) and photo-induced tautomeric (λem = 525nm) form. The normalized intensity of the photo-induced tautomer was sensitive to aw of binary mixtures, with a marked decrease in intensity at aw > 0.8, likely due to progressive aggregation of 3HF molecules. Additional sensitivity to aw was observed in terms of the location of the emission bands. The difference in wavelength between the normal (N) and tautomer (T) forms decreased monotonically at aw > 0.4 due to a hypsochromic shift of the tautomer band. The relative position of the T∗ towards N∗ band as a function of aw was modelled using a log-logistic function. A critical aw value above which the sensitivity of 3HF significantly increased was estimated based on the model.Quercetin and additional flavonoid glycosides were also responsive to changes in aw; e.g., quercetin's fluorescence intensity decreased at aw > 0.6.Although additional validation of these probes in model food systems is required, the available data support the potential use of flavonols as probes of aw in foods and edible pharmceuticals.
Entry-Level Jobs, Mobility, and Urban Minority Unemployment

This article documents the functional transformation of our older, larger cities from centers of goods processing to centers of information processing. It shows that their entry-level industries, which once provided ready employment for less skilled residents, are declining precipitously. These industries are being replaced, in part, by knowledge-intensive industries whose requisites for employment entail substantial education and, hence, preclude large segments of inner-city minority populations. Urban demographic-employment base mismatches are analyzed, as are their consequences, including rising rates of minority unemployment, labor force nonparticipation, and welfare dependency. Special attention is given to place-targeted welfare programs anchoring unemployed minorities in areas of severe blue-collar job decline, and to new policies that would enhance the spatial mobility of minorities from economically distressed inner cities.
Metabolism of d -xylose in Schizosaccharomyces pombe cloned with a xylose isomerase gene

The Escherichia coli xylose isomerase gene was transformed into Schizosaccharomyces pombe for direct d-xylose utilization. In order to understand d-xylose metabolism and determine the limiting factors on d-xylose utilization by the transformed yeast, d-xylose transport, xylose isomerization, and xylulose phosphorylation were investigated. The results indicated that low activity of xylose isomerization in the cloned yeast was the limiting step for d-xylose fermentation. An in vitro study showed that yeast proteases decreased xylose isomerase activity. Xylitol, a by-product of d-xylose fermentation, had no effect on the activity of xylose isomerase.
Patterns of Co-Authorship in International Epidemiology

Background: The objective of this study was to identify current patterns of international collaboration based on authorship of epidemiological articles. Methods: All articles published in nine high-impact public health journals in 2006 were read, and information about the study country and the authors’ countries of affiliation was extracted. All countries were assigned to an income level using World Bank classifications. This paper presents results for the 1686 articles that focused on a single study country. Results: International collaboration is common, but the dominant partnerships vary by the income level of the study country. 74.2% of articles reporting on research conducted in low- and middle-income study countries involved co-authors from two or more countries, and nearly all of these international collaborations included co-authors from both low/middle-income and high-income countries. Only 13.0% of studies based in high-income countries involved co-authors from two or more countries, and the majority of these studies involved co-authors with affiliations solely from high-income countries. More than 90% of articles from both low/middle- and high-income study countries included at least one co-author from the study country. Conclusion: There is a high rate of local co-authorship in both low/middle- and high-income study countries. Most articles that focus on high-income countries include only authors from high-income countries. Most articles that focus on low- and middle-income study countries are “north-to-south” international collaborations that include co-authors from both low/middle- and high-income countries. “South–south” partnerships are rare.
The energetics of nitric oxide generation upon protonation of diazeniumdiolates

Abstract The enthalpies for formation of nitric oxide (NO) upon protonation of gas-phase diazeniumdiolates were examined by combining the enthalpy for loss of two NO molecules from the ion, obtained from collision-induced dissociation (CID) threshold energy measurements, with the gas-phase acidity, ΔHacid(R2NH), of the corresponding amine. CID of the N-methylaniline-substituted diazeniumdiolate ion resulted in the formation of N-methylanilide anion by loss of two NO and the nitrosamine radical anion that results from single NO loss. Simultaneous modeling of the cross-sections for the two channels gave a ΔH298=1.23±0.17 eV for loss of two NO molecules. From the dissociation energy of the ion and the gas-phase acidity of N-methylaniline, the enthalpy for formation of the amine and two NO molecules upon protonation of the diazeniumdiolate is determined to be −335.7±4.4 kcal/mol. CID of the diethyl and piperidyl-substituted diazeniumdiolates gave NO− and N2O2 − ions in addition to the corresponding amide. Attempts to model the data to obtain dissociation energies were unsuccessful. Density functional calculations predict a small substituent effect on the enthalpy on formation of NO upon protonation of diazeniumdiolates in the gas phase, but little difference for the solvated ions.
Concerning elastic and plastic components of deformation

Abstract The common assumption of defining elastic and plastic strain increments about a stressed configuration by adding and removing an infinitesimal increment of stress, Δσ and recording the resulting reversible and residual strain increments is examined. It is shown that part of the residual strain arises from rotation of the body, because, throughout the process it is subject to the stress σ. This component of the residual strain is associated only with elastic deformation and is incorrectly ascribed to plastic flow. Definition of plastic flow as permanent deformation after all macroscopic stresses are removed eliminates the anomaly and provides a sound theory for materials which do not exhibit plastic flow on unloading.
Quantifying the potential for marine reserves or harvest reductions to buffer temporal mismatches caused by climate change

Climate change has caused shifts in seasonal timing of climatic events such as the onset of spring upwelling, which can lead to temporal mismatches between fish spawning and production of zoopklank...
Effects of hypesthesia on oral behaviors of the orthognathic surgery patient

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare Orthognathic surgery patients with and without significant hypesthesia with respect to perceived problems with specific oral behaviors. Patients and Methods: Data from 116 patients 6 months after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and mandibular advancement were analyzed. Tactile sensation in the right and left mental nerve areas was determined using monofilaments and brush strokes (von Frey hairs). The right infraorbital region was used as a control. A difference of 450 mg of force between the control and test sites was considered significant hypesthesia. Patients rated their level of subjective problems with swallowing liquids or solids, smiling, spitting, kissing, speaking, eating, and drooling on a scale from 1 (none to mild) to 7 (extreme). A value of 5 or greater was considered significant impairment. Results: Hypesthesia was shown in 23 patients (19.8%) with the monofilaments and in 29 patients (25.0%) using brush stroke direction. In each of these two groups, a significant correlation was observed between hypesthesia and difficulty in chewing and kissing. No correlation was observed between any of the remaining seven oral behaviors and hypesthesia. Conclusion: These findings suggest that only certain oral behaviors are affected by hypesthesia of the mental nerve.
Histone-like protein in the prokaryote Thermoplasma acidophilum.

Abstract The DNA of the prokaryote Thermoplasma acidophilum is associated with a histone-like protein that has the following properties: it has a high content (23%) of basic amino acids, is positively charged at neutral pH, is soluble in acid, and can stabilize DNA against thermal denaturation. In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in the presence of either sodium dodecylsulfate or urea, it migrates at the same rate as histone IV (F2a1) of calf thymus. The amino acid composition, however, is unusually rich in the amides of acidic amino acids (16–20%), and it does not appear to be closely homologous to any of the classes of eukaryotic histones. Escherichia coli DNA, on the other hand, was associated with no detectable acid-soluble proteins, and the nucleoprotein thermally denatured at a lower temperature than pure DNA.
324 NEGATIVE SELECTION DOES NOT FURTHER INCREASE THE EFFICIENCY OF A PROMOTER TRAP

Every year more than 100 000 people need organ transplants and in 2009 there were only 20 139 deceased organ donors. Genetically modified swine may be able to fill this unmet clinical need. It is clear that multiple transgenes will be required to make porcine organs or cells compatible with human recipients. Efficiencies in production of xenotransplantation pigs could be gained if multiple transgenes could be sequentially stacked at a single locus. The larger purpose of this project is to evaluate a site-specific recombination system as a tool to sequentially add multiple transgenes to the porcine α galactosyltransferase (α1,3-Gal) locus. One xenotransplantion related transgene, human decay accelerating factor (hDAF), is likely to be a part of any successful project because hDAF can prevent acute rejection by deactivating the complement system. To generate transgenic pigs that express an hDAF transgene that is genetically linked to an α1,3-Gal disruption, an α1,3-gal gene targeting vector was constructed with homologous arms that were 4.8 kb (5′ arm) and 1.8 kb (3′ arm) and were derived from genomic sequence from intron 8 and exon 9 of the α-Gal locus. Within exon 9, an IRES-Neo cassette and a CAG-hDAF cassette were inserted. A Phi-C31 AttB site was also included in the construct to later receive additional transgenes via a site-specific recombination system. This vector (pBB7) is designed to utilise a promoter-trap strategy as a method of enrichment for targeting events. We hypothesised that further enrichment could be obtained by the addition of a negative selectable marker. The goal of the experiment presented here was to evaluate this hypothesis by adding a truncated diphtheria toxin cassette (TdT) to pBB7 as a negative selection directed against random integration events. Two additional plasmids were constructed that harbored TdT, pBB8.1 (single TdT addition) and pBB8.2 (addition of 2 TdT cassettes). Four treatments (Trt) were performed in triplicate: Trt1, pBB7; Trt2, pBB8.1; Trt3, pBB8.2; and Trt4, pBB7 co-transfected with TdT. Targeting efficiencies were 13.9, 11.1, 5.6, and 6.1%, respectively. Successful targeting was assessed by PCR with primers specific for a targeting event. The first pair of primers flanked the 5′ arm of the construct and the neomycin resistance gene cassette. The second pair of primers flanked the 3′ arm of the construct and hDAF gene cassette. Although all treatments produced targeting events at very high rates, TdT inclusion in the vector (1 or 2 copies) or as a co-transfectant did not further improve the promoter trap strategy. It is concluded that a negative selectable marker may not further improve the efficiencies provided by a promoter trap strategy.
Positive and negative mood: Association with natural killer cell activity

Abstract Negative mood (e.g., emotional distress) is known to affect immune function, but little research has addressed effects of positive mood. In the present study, positive and negative mood (over a day) were examined for their relations to natural killer cell activity (NKCA) in 48 healthy women. Results indicated that women reporting some negative mood (N = 26) had lower levels of NKCA than women who had no negative mood, while those with higher levels of positive mood had higher NKCA. However, as indicated by the significant interaction between positive and negative mood, the relation between positive mood and NKCA depended upon the women's experience of negative mood. Higher levels of positive mood were related to higher levels of NKCA only among the women who reported having some negative mood over the day. These results raise the possibility that positive mood may moderate, or buffer, the effects of negative mood on immune function.
Nonlinearity, data-snooping, and stock index ETF return predictability

Abstract This paper examines daily return predictability for eighteen international stock index ETFs. The out-of-sample tests are conducted, based on linear and various popular nonlinear models and both statistical and economic criteria for model comparison. The main results show evidence of predictability for six of eighteen ETFs. A simple linear autoregression model, and a nonlinear-in-variance GARCH model, but not several popular nonlinear-in-mean models help outperform the martingale model. The allowance of data-snooping bias using White’s Reality Check also substantially weakens otherwise apparently strong predictability.
Accelerating hydrogen absorption in a metal hydride storage tank by physical mixing

Abstract A novel method to improve the hydrogen absorption rate in a metal hydride tank is proposed by introducing physical mixing of the metal hydride powder to promote heat removal and accelerate the kinetics of the hydriding process. Experiments were conducted with and without mixing to demonstrate that the hydrogen absorption rate can be improved significantly by mixing. Mixing was achieved by tilting the cylindrical metal hydride tank back and forth by 90° during charging. A mathematical model was also developed to simulate the effects of physical mixing. The model results indicate that physical mixing enhances heat transfer by redistributing the hydride powder from the hot core to the boundary and facilitates heat removal by convection at the tank walls. After validating the model against experimental results, the effect of physical mixing on accelerating hydrogen storage was explored by changing the mixing rate and the convection coefficient at the tank wall, and by increasing the thermal conductivity of the hydride bed by adding aluminum foam. It was found that while higher mixing rates generally improve the absorption rate, the benefits of mixing are reduced for higher convection coefficients, and for higher weight fractions of Al foam. Simulations were also conducted with and without mixing as a function of tank size. The results show that the benefit of physical mixing increases with tank size.
Employment and Local Public Sector Unions

This study examines the longitudinal effects of unionization on employment levels in 13, 749 departments of city and county government with unchanged union status between 1977 and 1982. The resluts demonstrate that, holding constant 1977 employment per capita, 1982 employment pr capita is 3.1 per cent higher in departments with bargaining units, compared to nonunion department. Employment levels in departments with nonbargaining associations are equal to nonunion levels, but associations may increase employment relative to levels employers would choose because they also set compensation above nonunion levels. The political context of local public sector employment is probably responsible for these effects.
Partial venous thrombosis of the pancreatic allografts after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Despite new advances in transplantation, complete venous thrombosis (VT) of the pancreas after simultaneous pancreas--kidney (SPK) transplantation usually results in graft loss. Data are limited regarding the outcome and treatment of partial VT of the pancreas allograft. From July 1994 to December 1999, 126 patients with IDDM/ end-stage renal disease underwent SPK with systemic bladder drainage at the University of Miami. We retrospectively reviewed our experience regarding the outcome and treatment options of partial VT of the pancreas allografts. From July 1994 to April 1997, partial VT was not seen in the first 66 SPK patients induced with anti-CD3 rnAb and oral or intravenous (i.v.) tacrolimus (TAC) in the operating room. From May 1997 to June 1999, 14 (29%) out of 48 patients had VT. These cases were identified following the i.v. use of TAC with anti-IL-2R antibody-induction therapy (7/15) or without (7/33). Partial thrombosis of the splenic vein (PTSV) was documented in 10 patients, 2 had complete thrombosis of the splenic vein (CTSV), 1 had partial thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein (PTSMV), and 1 patient had PTSV and PTSMV. These were identified incidentally during routine color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU). None of these SPK recipients demonstrates a change in clinical parameters. The first 8 patients were systemically heparinized, followed by oral anticoagulation, except 1 patient with CTSV. He progressed to complete thrombosis of the pancreas allograft and was treated with percutaneous thrombectomy and urokinase infusion, followed by heparinization and oral anticoagulation. One patient required exploration for bleeding. In an attempt to reduce the morbidity of heparinization, we treated the next 6 patients with PTSV with aspirin followed by serial CDU. All 14 patients had preservation of the endocrine and exocrine pancreatic functions. CDU showed resolution with recanalization of the thrombosed vein(s). From July 1999 to December 1999, 12 SPK recipients were administered TAC orally with or without induction therapy with anti-IL-2R antibody. So far, in this group, VT has not been identified. In summary, a total of 14 out of 126 patients (11%) had isolated VT with a mean follow-up of 36.4 months. Based on our experience, we suggest that extensive VT after pancreas transplantation, including splenic and superior mesenteric VT, be treated with heparin and subsequent oral anticoagulation for 3 months. For more limited, partial splenic VT, aspirin may be sufficient. Follow-up CDU is critical for a successful outcome. The i.v. use of TAC appears to be a risk factor for the increased incidence of VT. Currently, using IL-2rmAb as induction, TAC is started orally on postoperative days 3 or 4 and aspirin on postoperative day 2.
Radiotherapy for breast cancer in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers: Clinical issues and management dilemmas

Although radiotherapy is an integral part of the treatment of breast cancer, its role for patients who are carriers of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations has been questioned. This article reviews the data regarding radiation-associated complications in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers, then compares the outcomes following breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with germline mutations and those with sporadic disease. Risk reduction strategies that could impact both ipsilateral and contralateral breast events are presented. The significant reduction in the incidence of breast cancer following bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is also discussed, as well as the potential for adverse psychological sequelae.
Why It Is So Difficult to Form Effective Community Coalitions

Reviews of large-scale community coalition evaluations suggest that most have not been successful either in involving a broad array of institutions or in meeting their outcome goals. Informed by the literature and by insights from fieldwork, a social-structural theoretical explanation is offered for this lack of success. To summarize: coalition structures and the concept of community are loosely defined; local structures attempt to cope with problems that have regional, state, national, and international roots; ethnic, class, and racial divisions lead to cooptation; the narrative of past failed interventions creates current problems; organizations with different sizes and institutional affiliations have problems in working together; and the presence of many organizations leads to confused decision-making processes. In addition, drug and alcohol prevention program funding is dwarfed by the funds of the alcohol and illegal drug industries. Recognizing these issues in advance and focusing interventions can help to alleviate the effects of these structural problems.
Isotropic radiation from an electrically small loop-loaded printed dipole

A loop-loaded dipole that combines the impedance and radiation characteristics of a small dipole and a small loop on a printed circuit board is proposed. Simulation shows a near-isotropic radiation pattern from a self-resonating 0.1λ antenna prototype with 3.8dB maximum gain deviation in the full space.
Development of a patrol robot for home security with network assisted interactions

In this paper we present the development of a patrol robot system for home security with some considerations on its interaction functionalities. The system integrates a variety of sensors to gather environmental information and detect abnormal events including fire alarm, intruder alert and lethal gas leakage. To facilitate a security robot to live with people in a home environment, we implement some dedicated human-robot interactions, including a face mask with several facial expressions and a force feedback steering wheel controller. All of the sensor measurements and the dedicated interactions can be remotely accessed via the Internet. We further design an indoor patrol algorithm that can autonomously command the mobile robot to move randomly, avoid obstacles, or steer along a wall baseline based on ultrasonic and vision data fusion. Finally, we apply the patrol robot system to patrol the second floor of EE building of our campus and provide several experimental results for validating its performance.
Race, Class, and Place Evaluating Mobility Outcomes for African Americans

There is an ongoing debate about levels of segregation, their causes, and their long-term direction. The debate is between those who, while acknowledging some role for economic forces, place the emphasis for continuing segregation on discrimination and White prejudice and those who place greater emphasis on income, wealth, and residential preferences. This debate is further illuminated with a detailed analysis of African American suburbanization using a combination of data from the 2000 Census and the Current Population Survey. The analysis confirms other research that shows substantial suburban growth of African American populations. It adds to that research by showing that those African American populations who move to the suburbs have substantially more income and wealth and higher levels of education than African American populations who move within the metropolitan cores. In addition, suburban African Americans live in more integrated settings than those who live in the central city. The implications of this finding bolster the view that income does matter in residential choices for African Americans.
Safety of contraceptive methods for women with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review ☆

Abstract Background Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their clinicians may have unique concerns about certain methods of contraception. Study Design We conducted a systematic review of the literature in the MEDLINE database through February 2009 for peer-reviewed journal articles on use of any method of contraception, or progestins or estrogens, and progression of RA. Results We identified eight articles that met the inclusion criteria: six examined oral contraceptives (OCs), one progesterone, and one estrogen. We found no studies on other methods of contraception. For OCs, no consistent pattern of improvement or worsening of disease emerged and most patients showed little change in RA symptoms. We saw little improvement in the studies examining progesterone and estrogen. Conclusion Although sparse and based primarily on older studies of poor quality, this information suggests that OC use is unlikely to affect RA disease progression. Research is needed on other forms of contraception, such as DMPA and IUD.
Neurofilament antibodies and spiral ganglion neurons of the mammalian cochlea.

The spiral ganglia of the cat, gerbil, mouse, rat, and human were immunohistochemically stained with various monoclonal neurofilament antibodies. Three antibodies to the 200-kD neurofilament protein (R-3, Drager et al., '84; ICN anti-200, clone NE14, Debus et al., '83; RT-97, Wood and Anderton, '81) labeled the somata of type II spiral ganglion neurons but not those of type I ganglion neurons. In the extreme base of the cochlea of cats, mice and rats, there was intense labeling of a few (less than 0.5% of the total ganglion population) large neurons resembling type I ganglion neurons. Several other neurofilament antibodies (Amersham anti-68, Amersham and ICN anti-160, and SMI-32) did not specifically label type II ganglion neurons but instead labeled all neurons of the spiral ganglion. These two patterns of labeling prompted us to investigate the cause for this difference. Because antibodies against the 200-kD neurofilament protein preferentially labeled type II neurons and because 200-kD neurofilament is highly phosphorylated, we treated cochlear tissue with alkaline phosphatase in order to remove phosphate groups. This treatment eliminated the intense labeling of type II neurons with R-3, ICN anti-200, and RT-97, but had no effect on the intense labeling of ganglion cell bodies observed with the other neurofilament antibodies tested. This evidence suggests that labeling occurs because of the cytoplasmic presence of phosphorylated 200-kD neurofilament protein in type II ganglion neurons. Populations of neurons may thus differ in their neurofilament epitopes and monoclonal antibodies can be used to mark such differences.
Two-channel direct-bit detection receiver for 16-psk modulated signals

A simple two-channel receiver for 16-PSK modulated signals is proposed and its performance evaluated. Assuming an additive white Gaussian noise interference model, the receiver is shown to be optimum in a minimum biterror- rate (BER) sense. Using Gray-code mapping and direct detection of individual bits, the overall receiver performance is evaluated as a function of Eb/N0 and variable phase parameters α and β. These variable phase parameters can be adjusted according to the intended application. A set of values for α and β that is independent of Eb/N0 exists for the minimisation of the overall BER. However, in applications where individual data streams are interleaved to produce a (higher rate) composite data stream, the value of α and β that is required to equalise the error rates in the delivered individual data streams, is a function of Eb/N0. Although this represents a slight system disadvantage, it is partly offset by the simplicity with which the receiver is able to deliver deinterleaved data to the intended users.
Is the Glass Three‐Quarters Full or One‐Quarter Empty?

opment of immunosuppression [5]. Once in the CNS [6], HIV establishes a chronic infection that predominantly involves monocytes, perivascular macrophages, microglial cells, and, to some extent, a restricted infection of astrocytes [7, 8]. Since the earliest years of the HIV epidemic, there has been great interest in studying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in HIV infection, because this compartment represents a "window" into HIV replication, treatment response, and damage in brain parenchyma. Th study by Spudich et al. [9] in this issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases provides new information about the virological responses to ART in the CSE It represents a cross-sectional analysis of 139 HIV-positive subjects categorized as having therapeutic success or failure on the basis of their virological response to ART. The estimated blood-brain barrier penetration of antiretroviral regimens was categorized using 2 methods, including one used in an ongoing National Institutes of Health-funded study of the effects of antiretroviral therapy on CNS HIV infection-the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Effects
Further Support for Active Surveillance in the Management of Low-Volume, Low-Grade Prostate Cancer

Since the introduction of testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the diagnosis of prostate cancer has increased substantially worldwide. The rise in incident cases is directly related to the intensity of PSA testing and is most dramatic in North America where annual PSA testing is commonplace. In the United States, annual incidence rates almost doubled from 1980 to 2010 and are now 2.5 times higher than those in the United Kingdom where PSA testing is much less widespread [1,2]. PSA testing has particularly affected younger men such that newly diagnosed prostate cancer is now 8.2 and 6.7 times higher for men 45–54 and 55–64 yr of age, respectively, in the United States comparedwith the United Kingdom. These numbers contrast dramatically with the number of prostate cancer deaths recorded worldwide. Eight men are now diagnosed with prostate cancer for every one man who dies from this disease. A major consequence of widespread, repeated PSA testing is the increased incidence of low-volume, lowgrade disease often presenting as one or two cores containing modest quantities of Gleason 3 + 3 disease. Autopsy studies have suggested that prostate cancer is prevalent, but the finasteride chemoprevention trial clearly demonstrated that low-grade prostate cancer is muchmore common than was previously suspected [3]. All prostate cancers will probably progress, but many will progress at a remarkably slow rate. Lu-Yao et al recently explored the 10-yr outcomes ofmen > 65 yr of agewith newly diagnosed prostate cancer who did not receive definitive therapy. Ten-year prostate cancer mortality was 5.9% and 6.2% for men age 66–69 and 70–74 yr, respectively, who were diagnosed with moderately differentiated disease (Gleason 5–7) [4]. Since then, changes in the application of the Gleason scoring system have resulted in the upgrading of
Properties of the Deser-Laurent theory of gravitation

The flat-space theory of gravitation proposed by Deser and Laurent is studied further. The «Schwarzschild singularity» is closely examined, and found to lead to a real singularity in the behavior of test particles. Two general schemes for the coupling of gravitation to matter are considered. Minimal coupling leads to passive behavior identical with general relativity; fully linearized coupling leads to the result that light no longer follows null geodesics of the effective metric (except to first order), and to apparent inconsistencies in the dogmatic application of kinetic theory. The static interior solution in both coupling schemes is investigated, although not solved exactly. In particular, the nonlocal nature of this theory gives rise to 1/r3 terms in theexterior field. These, however, alter the predictions of the theory only in second-order terms, and never to first order. It is inferred that, as in general relativity, there is a limiting value ofM/R, above which static solutions do not exist. A numerical study of a pressure-free collapsing dust shell shows that matter can, in this theory, travel faster thanc, the velocity of propagation of gravitational waves. Moreover, the shell collapses to within its Schwarzschild radius, though whether it remains there long enough for the formation of a singularity is not ascertained. The Deser-Laurent theory remains a viable if less elegant alternative to general relativity.
Characterization of two Mg2+ transporters in sealed plasma membrane vesicles from rat liver.

The plasma membrane of mammalian cells possesses rapid Mg2+ transport mechanisms. The identity of Mg2+ transporters is unknown, and so are their properties. In this study, Mg2+ transporters were ch...
Long-term registries: Answering tough questions with big data?

Over the past 2 decades, the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) has seen remarkable success in developing new therapies. Regulatory approval has been given to 9 different therapeutic entities. Given these treatment options, clinicians are faced with the challenge of deciding which therapy to recommend to individual patients.