cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of anthropogenic radioisotopes to estimate rates of soil redistribution by wind II: The potential for future use of 239+240Pu

Abstract In the previous paper, the use of soilborne 137 Cs from atmospheric fallout to estimate rates of soil redistribution, particularly by wind, was reviewed. This method relies on the assumption that the source of 137 Cs in the soil profile is from atmospheric fallout following the period of atmospheric weapons testing so that the temporal and, to a certain extent, the spatial patterns of 137 Cs deposition are known. One of the major limitations occurs when local or regional sources of 137 Cs contamination mask the pulse from global fallout, making temporal estimates of redistribution difficult or impossible. Like 137 Cs, Pu exhibits strong affinity for binding to soil particle surfaces, and therefore, re-distribution of Pu inventory indicates inferred soil re-distribution. Compared to 137 Cs, 239 Pu and 240 Pu offer several important advantages: (a) the two major Pu isotopes have much longer half-lives than 137 Cs and (b) the ratio 240 Pu/ 239 Pu is used to examine whether the Pu is from stratospheric fallout. In this paper, we review the literature concerning Pu in soil and of current attempts to use this tracer to estimate rates of soil redistribution. We also present preliminary, unpublished data from a pilot study designed to test whether or not 239+240 Pu can be used to estimate rates of soil redistribution by wind. Based on similarities of profile distribution and relative inventories between 137 Cs measurements and 239+240 Pu measurements of split samples from a series of fields with documented wind erosion histories, we conclude that 239+240 Pu may well be the anthropogenic radioisotope of choice for future soil redistribution investigations.
An Analysis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Middle-Aged Patients:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of anterior cruciate ligament surgery in middle-aged patients. Forty-five consecutive patients over 40 years old (average age, 44.6 years) who had arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with midthird patellar tendon autografts were evaluated. The patients returned for interviews, physical examinations, radiographs, Biodex dynamometer strength testing, and KT-1000 arthrometer testing at an average of 37 months after their surgeries (range, 24 to 96 months). The mean Lysholm and Gillquist score was 91, which corresponds to symptoms only with vigorous activity. The overall scores from the International Knee Documentation Committee form were 29 (64%) normal or nearly normal and 2 (4%) severely abnormal. Side-to-side differences as determined by the KT-1000 arthrometer were 5 mm in 5 patients at 30 pounds of anterior displacement. Seventy-six percent of the patients (N = 34) returned to their preoperative activity levels. Three patients required repeat arthroscopic surgery for persistent knee pain and two patients had graft ruptures. This study shows that when middle-aged patients undergo surgery, their results can be successful and satisfying to a degree similar to those of younger patients.
Release of Feeding by the Sweet Taste in Rats: The specificity of Oral Satiety

Saccharin intake in hungry rats occurs in discrete “meals”, indicating that a period of saccharin drinking produces a temporary “oral satiety”. We show that such satiety does not suppress the intake of solid food (powdered rat chow), of liquid food (milk), or even of a nutritive sweet solution (glucose) unless it is very dilute. Therefore, oral satiety does not reflect the reduction of a generalized hunger state or of a specific carbohydrate hunger. Having drunk one concentration of saccharin to satiety, the rat will resume drinking if offered a higher concentration but not if offered a lower one, even if the lower one is more palatable than the original concentration. Therefore, in the saccharin-satiated rat, the resumption of drinking requires an increase in stimulus intensity, even if it means a decrease in palatability of the solution offered. We suggest that it is gustatory adaptation that terminates a saccharin meal in the hungry rat.
Ranked set sampling with unequal samples.

Summary. A ranked set sampling procedure with unequal samples (RSSU) is proposed and used to estimate the population mean. This estimator is then compared with the estimators based on the ranked set sampling (RSS) and median ranked set sampling (MRSS) procedures. It is shown that the relative precisions of the estimator based on RSSU are higher than those of the estimators based on RSS and MRSS. An example of estimating the mean diameter at breast height of longleaf-pine trees on the Wade Tract in Thomas County, Georgia, is presented.
On the radius and diameter of the clique graph

Abstract In 1986 Peyrat, Rall and Slater established a characterization of graphs G for which the diameter of the clique graph d ( K ) is exactly d ( G ) + 1. We extend their result by characterizing those conditions which lead to all possible values for the radius and diameter of the clique graph of G in terms of the corresponding values for G .
“You’re Trying to Know Me”: Students from Nondominant Groups Respond to Teacher Personalism

Urban school districts have increasingly enacted policies of personalism, such as converting large schools into smaller schools. Such policies ask teachers to develop supportive, individual relationships with students as a presumed lever for student achievement. Research on student–teacher relationships generally supports policies of personalism. Much of this literature also considers these relationships’ sociocultural dimensions, and so leads to questions about how low-income youth and youth of color might respond to teacher efforts to develop closer relationships with them. This qualitative study, conducted over 1 year with 34 youth at 3 small, urban high schools, explores how youth from nondominant groups responded to teacher personalism. Data show that teacher practices consistent with culturally-responsive pedagogy and relational trust literature do promote student–teacher relationships. However, tensions arose when participants perceived that teacher personalism threatened their privacy or agency. Sociocultural and institutional contexts contributed to these tensions, as participants navigated personalism amidst experiences that constrained their trust in schools. A staged model of student–teacher relationships integrates these findings and extends current thinking about culturally-responsive personalism. These findings inform implications for teacher practice and policies of personalism.
Surface depletion thickness of p-doped silicon nanowires grown using metal-catalysed chemical vapour deposition

An accurate evaluation of the radial dopant profile in a nanowire is crucial for designing future nanoscale devices synthesized using bottom-up techniques. We developed a very slow wet chemical etchant for gradually reducing the diameters of metal-catalysed, boron-doped silicon nanowires with varying diameters and lengths. Particular care has been taken to perform the experiment at room temperature to prevent dopant segregation, which is common in high temperature processes. By ensuring identical surface conditions subsequent to diameter reduction, the resistance of the nanowires was measured and, as anticipated, was found to increase with decreasing diameter. As the diameters were shrunk using wet-chemical etching, nanowires exhibited a non-linear increase of the resistance when the diameter was reduced to ~50 nm. This is an indication of near-complete depletion in the nanowires caused by nanowire surface charges. The dopant concentration of the nanowires was found to be 2.1 × 1018 cm−3 and the corresponding surface charge density was around 2.6 × 1012 cm−2.
General and specific spatial autocorrelation: Insights from country-level analysis of species imperilment ☆

Abstract We explore the consequences of including both general and specific controls for spatial autocorrelation in country-level models of species imperilment. A general spatial autocorrelation term constructed as a binary contiguity matrix aggregates an unknown number of possible influences, some of which exert a negative impact on species imperilment in the referent country, others of which exert a positive impact. Adding spatial dependency measures that are based on specific cross-border effects can substantially change not only the size and statistical significance of the general spatial dependency term but also the size, sign, and/or statistical significance of the explanatory variables.
Altruistic behavior and the parent-child relationship.

Tested the hypothesis that altruistic behavior relates positively to having parents who (a) are altruistic; (b) frequently use victim-centered discipline techniques, especially those suggesting reparation and apology; and (c) frequently express affection. Ss were 40 male and 40 female 5th graders-all middle class, white, firstborns of above average IQ. Their altruistic behavior was assessed in terms of peer reputation. Parental data were obtained from separate interviews with mothers and fathers. Altruistic behavior in girls related significantly to altruistic values of their mothers (p < .05) and fathers (p < .10) and to frequent use of victim-centered discipline by fathers. Altruism in boys related significantly to altruistic values of fathers, to affection, and to use of victim-centered discipline by mothers. Results suggest that altruistic children have at least one parent (usually the same sex) who communicates altruistic values, thus serving as model, and one who uses victim-centered discipline (usually the opposite sex). Affection appears influential only in the mother-son dyad. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
A generalized lattice model for clustering metagenomic sequences

Metagenomics involves the analysis of genomes of microorganisms sampled directly from their environment. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies allow a high-throughput sampling of small segments from genomes in the metagenome to generate a large number of reads. In order to study the properties and relationships of the microorganisms present, clustering of the sampled reads into groups of similar species is important. Clustering can be performed either by mapping the sampled reads to known sequencing databases, though this hinders the discovery of new species; or based on the inherent composition of the sampled reads. We propose a two-dimensional lattice based probabilistic model for clustering metagenomic datasets. The probability of a species in the metagenome is defined as a lattice model of probabilistic distributions over short sized genomic sequences (or words). The two dimensions denote distributions for different sizes and groups of words respectively. The lattice structure allows for additional support for a node from its neighbors when the probabilistic support for the species in the current node is deemed insufficient. Unlike other popular clustering algorithms such as Scimm, our algorithm guarantees convergence. We test our algorithm on simulated metagenomic data containing bacterial species and observe more than 85% precision. We also evaluate our algorithm on an in vitro-simulated bacterial metagenome and show a better clustering even for short reads and varied abundance. The software and datasets can be downloaded from https://github.com/lattcl us/lattice-metage.
An economic study for the co-generation of liquid fuel and hydrogen from coal and municipal solid waste

Abstract The objective of this paper is to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a new process for co-liquefying coal and plastic wastes. This assessment is based on incorporating recent experimental data on plastic/coal liquefaction within a conceptual process framework. A preliminary design was developed for two process configurations. The primary difference between the configurations is the source of hydrogen (coal versus cellulosic waste). The assessment was based on co-liquefying 720 tons per day of plastic waste with an equivalent amount of coal on a weight basis. The plant products include hydrocarbon gases, naphtha, jet fuel and diesel fuel. Material and energy balances along with plant-wide simulation were conducted for the process. Furthermore, the data on plastic-waste availability, disposal and economics have been compiled. The results from the economic analysis identify profitability criteria for gross profit and thus return on investment based on variable conversion, yield and tipping fee for plastic waste processed.
Reforming child institutional care in the Post-Soviet bloc: The potential role of family-based empowerment strategies

Abstract In countries of the former Soviet Union (fSU), children in institutional care are one of the most vulnerable groups. Placing institutionalized children in a safe family environment could potentially improve children's psychosocial functioning and reduce risks of poor developmental outcomes. This paper provides a review of current deinstitutionalization efforts in the region, identifies potential challenges, describes the need for economic empowerment interventions and outlines directions for future research. In the fSU region, a significant number of children are placed in institutions because of poverty related issues. Family reunification is included among the key strategies for reforming the institutional care system in the region. However, financial support provided to low-income families within the deinstitutionalization programs is below the minimal costs of living. Few interventions aimed at deinstitutionalization have explicitly focused on addressing family poverty, one of the main reasons for institutionalization in the region. More research is warranted to examine the added benefits of integrating family-level economic empowerment strategies in deinstitutionalization efforts that could lift biological parents out of poverty, help them reunite with their children and reduce the risk of future institutionalization.
Wave-vector space picture for radiationless focusing and beaming

Radiationless interference of an electromagnetic wave occurs in the near field when the feature sizes of the waves are at the deep subwavelength scale. We present the propagation in such a regime using a wave-vector space picture. Using this picture, we reproduce the condition to achieve near-field focusing. We also design the initial field distribution needed for near-field beaming, where an intensity distribution maintains its shape as it propagates. We conclude the discussion by proposing a possible implementation of the near-field beaming scheme.
A COMPARISON OF REINFORCER ASSESSMENT METHODS: THE UTILITY OF VERBAL AND PICTORIAL CHOICE PROCEDURES

We compared three methods of stimulus preference assessment for verbal children and specifically evaluated the utility of a verbal choice procedure for assessing relative reinforcer value. Using a token system, relative preference for five categories of reinforcers, representing 15 different stimuli, was assessed by three methods: a reinforcer survey, a verbal stimulus-choice questionnaire, and a pictorial stimulus-choice procedure. Results showed that the verbal and pictorial stimulus-choice assessments accurately identified high- and low-preference categories for 3 of 4 participants. Survey results alone often rated multiple categories as high preference, were less likely to identify low-preference categories, and were less likely to correspond with the results of a reinforcer assessment.
A picosecond circular dichroism study of photosynthetic reaction centers from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.

Picosecond transient circular dichroism spectra are reported for the primary intermediates in the photocycle of reaction centers isolated from Rhodobacter sphaeroides. The time-resolved circular dichroism spectra of the two electron transfer intermediates (BChl 2 ) + BPh L − Q A and (BChl 2 ) + BPh L Q A − reveal a large, nonconservative, and fairly stationary CD band at 800 nm. These results suggests that mechanisms other than exciton interactions need to be included in order to explain the optical activity of this biological system
Inapparent ocular infection by Chlamydia trachomatis in experimental and human trachoma.

There is substantial indirect evidence which suggests that Chlamydia trachomatis can generate inapparent, persistent infections in human. To confirm this directly, we examined ocular chlamydial infection in both the cynomolgus monkey model of trachoma and in patient samples from a trachoma-endemic area. In monkeys, ocular infection was studied over time using direct immunofluorescence cytology (DFA) and a molecular hybridization screening system which targets chlamydial ribosomal RNA. In eleven animals infected once with B serovar, DFA and probe screening of parallel conjunctival swabs gave congruent results through day 42 post-infection. Thereafter, DFA showed clearing of chlamydia and was negative by day 70, as in previous studies. In contrast, hybridization analysis indicated a continuing presence of chlamydial RNA in all samples from all animals through the end of the experiment at day 84 post-infection. Similarly, analysis of swabs from trachoma patients showed that a number of DFA-negative samples g...
Benefit of theophylline administration in tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Tacrolimus (TAC), a widely used nephrotoxic calcineurin inhibitor, is associated with renal vasoconstriction possibly through adenosine receptor activation. Theophylline (THEO), an adenosine receptor inhibitor, protects against the nephrotoxicity of drugs associated with renal vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that coadministration of low dose THEO in rats would prevent TAC-induced nephrotoxicity. Sprague-Dawley rats pair-fed a low-sodium diet were randomized into three groups (n=10/group): the control (CONTROL) group received the vehicle for both medications; the TAC group received TAC 6 mg/kg/day and vehicle; and the TAC+THEO group received TAC and THEO 17 mg/kg/day. On day 21, a timed urine collection was obtained for creatinine clearance. On day 22, serum creatinine, THEO and whole blood TAC concentrations were determined. One kidney was removed for formalin fixation and histological assessment. In the TAC group, serum creatinine increased while creatinine clearance decreased compared to CONTROL (0.3±0.0 vs. 0.4±0.0 mg/dl and 0.53±0.06 vs. 0.34±0.04 ml/min/100 g body weight respectively, p<0.05), while TAC+THEO did not differ from control. There were no significant differences in renal histology. Concurrent administration of low-dose THEO prevented the TAC-induced decline in renal function, consistent with a role for adenosine in TAC-induced nephrotoxicity.
Modulation-sensitivity enhancement in electro-optic slab waveguides

Analysis of the phase modulation characteristics of electro-optic or acousto-optic waveguide modulators reveals that a significant increase of modulation sensitivity, per unit of applied field, above that of conventional, bulk devices can occur in multimode waveguides with tight confinement. In the limit, an enhancement of as much as a factor of 3 is theoretically attainable. Explicit formulas for relative modulation sensitivity are given for both TE- and TM-mode polarizations, and illustrative curves are presented for a wide variety of structural parameters. Semiquantitative experimental verification of the effect is presented, using results of a GaAs electro-optic thin-film modulator at 10.6 μm.
Humanizing School Principals

This article describes materials used, issues raised, and experiences shared in a problem- solving workshop for principals led by the author.
René Kager, Harry van der Hulst and Wim Zonneveld (eds.) (1999). The prosody–morphology interface . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Pp. ix + 442.

This volume consists of a subset of the papers presented at a workshop on Prosodic Morphology which took place in June 1994 at the Research Institute for Language and Speech at Utrecht University. We wish to acknowledge the helpful comments of Colin Wilson and Rachel Walker, neither of whom should accept any responsibility for any remaining errors or unreadability. There are two main themes that hold the volume together; the first and most obvious theme is the interface between morphology and phonology/prosody, and the second is the use of Optimality Theory (OT; Prince & Smolensky 1993) to analyse aspects of this interface. We comment on the individual chapters of the volume in § 2 below, and offer some general concluding remarks in § 3.
Molecular dendritic transporter nanoparticle vectors provide efficient intracellular delivery of peptides.

We present the synthesis of a modular delivery system that is composed of two main macromolecular building blocks, dendritic molecular transporter molecules and a polymeric scaffold in a size dimension of 5−10 nm. The conjugated dendritic molecular transporter units proved to be critical for the delivery of the polymer nanoparticle into 3T3 cells and illustrates the dendritic molecular transporter promoted intracellular uptake of polymer particles derived from intramolecular chain collapse processes. In a sequence of modification steps, pyridinyldithio linker was introduced to undergo thiol−disulfide exchange reactions with peptide sequences containing cysteine amino acid units to furnish peptide−nanoparticle conjugates with cleavable disulfide linkers. The intracellular uptake of the nanoparticle conjugates and the delivery of the peptidic cargo were studied via dual labeling of the nanoparticle with Alexa Fluor 568 dye and fluorescein (FITC) markers on the peptide in mammalian cell lines such as NIH 3T3...
Maintaining professional integrity in the midst of interdisciplinary collaboration

Abstract Nurses are encountering many opportunities and incentives to engage in interdisciplinary initiatives. The aim of these initiatives, which are sponsored by private foundations, academic institutions, and managed care entities, is to increase the quality and efficiency of health care. Maintaining professional integrity in the midst of interdisciplinary collaboration is complex and warrants close examination. Contextual issues, which include differing values, professionalism, boundary questions, communication, and power, affect the success of interdisciplinary activities.
THERMIONIC SCREENING OF BODIES IN THE ATMOSPHERE AND INTERPLANETARY SPACE

Thermionic emission of electrons from a body entering a planetary atmosphere or traveling near a star, calculating electric potential and electron density distribution at the surface
How Infants Adapt Speech-Processing Capacities to Native-Language Structure:

As infants learn the sound organization of their native language, they use this developing knowledge to make their first attempts to extract the underlying structure of utterances. Although these first attempts fail to capture the full complexity of features that adults use in perceiving and producing utterances, they provide learners with the opportunity to discover additional cues to the underlying structure of the language. Three examples of this developmental pattern are considered: learning the rhythmic organization of the native language, segmenting words from fluent speech, and identifying the correct units of grammatical organization.
Relationship of Family History Scores for Stroke and Hypertension to Quantitative Measures of White-Matter Hyperintensities and Stroke Volume in Elderly Males

White-matter hyperintensities (WMHI) are frequently associated with cerebrovascular risk factors in the elderly, particularly hypertension, and have been interpreted as a subclinical form of ischemic
Time reversal optical tomography locates fluorescent targets in a turbid medium

ABSTRACT A fluorescence optical tomography approach that extends time reversal optical tomography (TROT) to locate fluorescent targets embedded in a turbid medium is introduced. It uses a multi-source illumination and multi-detector signal acquisition scheme, along with TR matrix formalism, and mu ltiple signal classification (MUSIC) to construct pseudo-image of the targets. The samples consisted of a single or two small tubes filled with water solution of Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye as targets embedded in a 250 mm × 250 mm × 60 mm rectangular cell filled with Intralipid-20% suspension as the scattering medium. The ICG concentration was 1µM, and the Intralipid-20% concentration was adjusted to provide ~ 1-mm transport length for both excitation wavelength of 790 nm and fluorescence wavelength around 825 nm. The data matrix was constructed using the diffusely transmitted fluorescence signals for all scan positions, and the TR matrix was constructed by multiplying data matrix with its transpose. A pseudo spectrum was calculated using the signal subspace of the TR matrix. Tomogr aphic images were generated using the pseudo spectrum. The peaks in the pseudo images provided locations of the target(s) with sub-millimeter accuracy. Concurrent transmission TROT measurements corroborated fluorescence-TROT findings. The results demonstrate that TROT is a fast approach that can be used to obtain accurate three-dimensional position information of fluorescence targets embedded deep inside a highly scattering medium, such as, a contrast-enhanced tumor in a human breast. Keywords: Times reversal, optical tomography, fluorescence, indocyanine green (ICG), near infrared (NIR) imaging, turbid media, breast cancer
Tensor scale-based anisotropic region growing for segmentation of elongated biological structures

Over decades, segmentation has remained a salient task in most medical imaging applications confronting multi-faced challenges including limited image quality. In this paper, we present a new anisotropic region growing segmentation approach for vascular or other elongated structures. A fundamental challenge during tracing vascular structures is broken continuity of structures by noise and other imaging artifacts coupled with leaking through blurring and soft boundaries. Anisotropic region growing solves this problem using tensor scale that captures local structure orientation and geometry using an ellipsoidal model. A new fuzzy connectivity based algorithm is developed that uses tensor scale to facilitate region growing along the local structure while arresting cross-structure leaking. The performance of the method has been quantitatively evaluated on non-contrast human pulmonary CT imaging and the results found are promising.
CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 regulate synovial fibroblast invasion in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives CXCL10 is expressed in increased levels in highly invasive fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from arthritic DA rats and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study we analyzed the role of CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 on the regulation of the invasive properties of FLS.
ACHIEVEMENT GAINS OF LOW-ACHIEVING STUDENTS USING COMPUTER-ASSISTED VS REGULAR INSTRUCTION '

Supporting academic achievenlent of students who poorly has long been a concern (1) . Traditional programs, however, present scheduling problems, loss of time, and labeling of sti~dents (4) . Hayes ( 3 ) Found traditional programs for low-achieving students provide less than expected cognitive gains and recommended the use of computer-assisted instruction. Also, computer-assisted instruction contributes to mouvation and higher level thinking skills for students by providing immediate feedback, a variety of learning modes, and self-paced exercises (2) . A study was conducted in one school system to assess the achievement gains of low-achievers using computer-assisted versus traditional instruction. O n e school used compurer-assisted insrruction daily in reading and mathemarics for lowachieving students in Grade 5 (rz=63) while control students, Grade 5 (tz=48), in another school received traditional insrruction. Test scores were analyzed only for studenn wirh both preand posrtesr scores. Students were similar in race, sex, and age. The reading comprehension and mathematics sections of the Iowa Test of Basic Slulls were administered to both computer-assisted and control students as a pretest (M 1995 scores) and posrtest (M 1996 scores). Mean scores were analyzed by analysis of covariance with pretest scores controlling for initial differences between groups. Means of the computer-assisted group increased from preto posttest in reading from 30.2 to 39.0 (SD: 10.2 to 4.4) and in mathematics from 33.9 to 40.0 (SD: 11.2 to 3.7). Control students' preand posttest means increased from 30.2 to 31.4 (SD: 9.9 to 8.7) in reading and from 33.7 to 38.3 (SD: 11.1 to 5.8) in mathematics. Analysis of covariance indicated the computer-assisted group means were significantly higher in reading (F2,61 = 12.40, p< .001), with the higher scores attributed to rhe daily computer-assisted instruction.
Deep inelastic scattering from the nuclear medium

Abstract We reexamine deep inelastic scattering from nuclei under assumptions commonly employed in the literature: that quarks remain confined in hadronic constituents of nuclei, that the nuclear cross section is the average of the free-space cross section of hadron i weighted by the probability of finding i in the nucleus, and that there are no final state interactions between the debris of hadron i and the rest of the nucleus. We develop a cluster expansion for the cross section of deep inelastic lepton scattering and the Drell-Yan process on nuclei. Using the “instant” from of dynamics, we find that large contributions to these processes arise from nuclear interactions and correlations. However, our theory differs in detail from other approaches, and we find that binding alone is unlikely to explain the EMC effect. Also, in contrast to many recent papers on the subject, we conclude that the contribution of pions (and other nonnucleonic consistuents of the nucleus) is strongly suppressed.
Where giving birth is a forecast of death: maternal mortality in four districts of Afghanistan, 1999–2002

Summary Background Maternal mortality in Afghanistan is uniformly identified as an issue of primary public-health importance. To guide the implementation of reproductive-health services, we examined the numbers, causes, and preventable factors for maternal deaths among women in four districts. Methods We did a retrospective cohort study of women of reproductive age (15–49 years) who died between March 21, 1999, and March 21, 2002, in four selected districts in four provinces: Kabul city, Kabul province (urban); Alisheng district, Laghman province (semirural); Maywand, Kandahar province (rural); and Ragh, Badakshan province (rural, most remote). Deaths among women of reproductive age were identified through a survey of all households in randomly selected villages and investigated through verbal-autopsy interviews of family members. Findings In a population of 90 816, 357 women of reproductive age died; 154 deaths were related to complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or the puerperal period. Most maternal deaths were caused by ante-partum haemorrhage, except in Ragh, where a greater proportion of women died of obstructed labour. All measures of maternal risk were high, especially in the more remote areas; the maternal mortality ratio (per 100 000 livebirths) was 418 (235–602) in Kabul, 774 (433–1115) in Alisheng, 2182 (1451–2913) in Maywand, and 6507 (5026–7988) in Ragh. In the two rural sites, no woman who died was assisted by a skilled birth attendant. Interpretation Maternal mortality in Afghanistan is high and becomes significantly greater with increasing remoteness. Deaths could be averted if complications were prevented through optimisation of general health status and if complications that occurred were treated to reduce their severity—efforts that require a multisectoral approach to increase availability and accessibility of health care.
The metabolism of selenite and selenomethionine in mouse fibroblasts grown in tissue culture

Recent reports have provided evidence that selenium is an essential growth factor for cells grown in tissue culture. The aim of the work reported in this paper was to evaluate mouse fibroblasts as a model for the study of selenium metabolism in mammalian cells.The results showed that transformed mouse lung fibroblasts grown in media containing 9.1% bovine serum did not show a growth response to added selenium as selenite over the range of 10-1000 ng/mL. Uptake of selenium by cells was a direct function of the selenium concentration in the medium. The rate of uptake varied with the time of exposure of the cells to the selenium, and to the form of selenium in the medium.Experiments using radioactive selenium showed that(75)Se from selenite was rapidly absorbed into the cell wall, but slowly incorporated into the soluble protein fraction.(75)Se from selenomethionine was more slowly absorbed into the cells, but once inside, it became rapidly incorporated into soluble cytoplasmic proteins.Cell fractionation and gel filtration procedures established that(75)Se from selenite was rapidly incorporated into glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx), whereas(75)Se from selenomethionine was initially incorporated into a wide spectrum of proteins and only after a longer period did the(75)Se peak become associated with GSHpx.These findings suggest fundamental differences exist in the manner in which mammalian cells initially absorb and metabolize different selenium compounds.
Studies on the Ca2+ transport mechanism of human erythrocyte inside-out plasma membrane vesicles. V. Chlortetracycline fluorescence.

Abstract The measurement of chlortetracycline fluorescence was employed as a probe for measuring the process to calcium transport by human erythrocyte inside-out vesicles. Chlortetracycline is a divalent metal chelator which increases its fluorrescence when bound to calcium in the presence of a membrane. Addition of calcium and ATP to inside out vesicles in the presence of chlortetracycline increased the chlortetracycline fluorescence as a function of time following an initial delay. Only after a threshold level of calcium had been accumulated did the fluorescence increase. The presence of both ATP and calcium were required. The addition of calmodulin increased the rate and absolute magnitude of the chlortetracycline fluorescence change. Similarly, calmodulin stimulated the rate and extent of 45 Ca transport by inside-out vesicles. Moreover, the presence of saponin abolished both chlortetracycline fluorescence change and 45 Ca uptake; a non-hydrolyzable ATP analog would not substitute for ATP in either 45 Ca transport or chlortetracycline fluorescence experiments. Comparison between the slopes of the linear portions of chlortetracycline fluorescence change and calcium transport time courses at varied free calcium concentrations showed a consistent ratio between the slopes. This suggests that calcium transport change can be calibrated by employing chlortetracycline fluorescence. Based on this data, it is concluded that chlortetracycline fluorescence is a rapid and accurate method for monitoring calcium transport by human erythrocyte inside-out vesicles.
Oxidative assembly of octahedral nickel(II)-tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane (Tpm∗) complexes by reaction of Ni(COD)2 (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with putative oxene and nitrene precursors

Abstract Reactions of [Ni0(COD)2] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) with meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid, phenyl-N-tosylimidoiodinane or 2-(tert-butylsulfonyl)iodosylbenzene were performed in THF solution in the presence of one equivalent of tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)methane (Tpm∗), yielding the product complexes [Tpm∗NiII(OH2)(3-ClC6H4CO2)2] (2), [(Tpm∗)2NiII][NiII(NHTs)4] (3), and [Tpm∗NiII(OH)2(OH2)] (4), respectively. Products 2–4 arise from oxidation of solvated [Ni0(COD)2], with subsequent ligation of Tpm∗ and substrate fragments leading to assembly of disparate octahedral nickel(II) centers. For comparative purposes, the previously reported complex [(Tpm∗)NiII(OH2)Cl2] (1) was also obtained from Tpm∗ and NiCl2. All complexes were characterized spectroscopically, and complexes 1–3 were also structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography.
New Inequalities among the Critical-Point Exponents for the Spin-Spin and Energy-Energy Correlation Functions

Two new inequalities, (i) ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\ge}\frac{2\ensuremath{\beta}(2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta})}{(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}+2\ensuremath{\varphi}[\frac{2\ensuremath{\beta}}{(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}]$ and (ii) $\frac{(\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}1)}{\ensuremath{\delta}}\ensuremath{\ge}\frac{2(2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta})}{\ensuremath{\delta}(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}+2\ensuremath{\varphi}[\frac{2}{\ensuremath{\delta}(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}]$, are derived among critical-point exponents that describe the behavior of the two-spin correlation function ${C}_{2}(T, H, \stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}})\ensuremath{\equiv}〈{s}_{0}^{z}{s}_{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}}}^{z}〉\ensuremath{-}〈{s}_{0}^{z}〉〈{s}_{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}}}^{z}〉$, subject to plausible assumptions (rigorous for Ising magnets). Here ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ describe the divergence as $T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{T}_{c}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and as $H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+}$, respectively, of the "generalized correlation length" ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}(T, H)$, defined as the $2\ensuremath{\varphi}\mathrm{th}$ root of the normalized $2\ensuremath{\varphi}\mathrm{th}$ spatial moment of ${C}_{2}(T, H, \stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}})$. Also derived are the corresponding inequalities among exponents that describe the behavior of the energy-energy correlation function. Inequality (i) is shown to lead to an inequality between primed and unprimed exponents. Moreover, if ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is independent of $\ensuremath{\varphi}$, then (i) implies that ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\ge}\frac{2\ensuremath{\beta}}{(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}$ and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\ge}(2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta}){\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, while if ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ is independent of $\ensuremath{\varphi}$, then (ii) implies $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\ge}\frac{2}{\ensuremath{\delta}(d\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta})}$ and $\frac{(\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}1)}{\ensuremath{\delta}}\ensuremath{\ge}(2\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\eta})\ensuremath{\mu}$.
“Race-neutral” schemes for diversity

When universities replace their racially preferential admissions policies with raceneutral policies such as percent plans, have they successfully avoided the legal challenges posed by explicit race-conscious policies? Kingsley Brown argues that it likely depends on whether traditional non-racial criteria for admissions decisions are subordinated to the new criteria for reasons of racial balancing. If he is correct, the University of Texas, in adopting its 10 percent plan, has shown itself once again to be constitutionally challenged.
Phase-change material for reconfigurability in THz band

We propose phase-change materials (PCMs) to demonstrate the reconfigurablility of THz filter. Here vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ) is studied since it shows insulator-to-metal transition properties at temperature of 70 °C. A broadband ON/OFF filter using frequency selective surfaces (FSS) integrated with VO 2 is designed to improve selectivity of THz sensing devices. Simulation and measurement results show an excellent agreement in frequency range of 0.1 – 1 THz. Transmission is centered around 0.55 THz below 70 °C and is cut off when the filter is heated above 70 °C. Therefore, ON/OFF switching in filters is achieved by employing VO 2 .
Age-Related Changes in Gait and Obstacle Avoidance Capabilities in Older Adults: A Review

Walking is a fundamental motor skill that significantly affects the level of independence in older adults today. Changes in gait and obstacle avoidance strategies have been well documented in the literature, and falling has been shown to be one of the most significant health care concerns in the elderly population today. Falls are a major contributor to the increasing morbidity rates seen in the older population, and in many cases, alterations in gait or stepping ability have played a significant role. This reviewexamines the specific changes seen in gait and obstacle avoidance in the elderly population and some of the underlying changes seen in sensory capability that play a role in safe and efficient ambulation in older adults. Normal gait (unassisted ambulation) will be presented, followed by an examination of the literature that has examined changes in performance factors associated with gait and obstacle avoidance strategies.
Conducting Human-Subject Experiments with Virtual and Augmented Reality

As virtual and augmented reality hardware and software have grown more mature over the past decade, the focus of the field is shifting away from the basic engineering technology, and towards the science and applications of VR and AR techniques. Increasingly, virtual and augmented reality researchers are conducting human-subject experiments, both to understand the way humans perceive, manipulate, and cognate with VR and AR information, and to quantify the utility of VR and AR in different application contexts.
The Skinny on Success: Body Mass, Gender and Occupational Standing Across the Life Course

Several studies have analyzed the impact of obesity on occupational standing. This study extends previous research by estimating the influence of body mass on occupational attainment over three decades of the career using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study. In a series of covariance structure analyses, we considered three mechanisms that may alter the career trajectories of heavy individuals: (1. employment-based discrimination, (2. educational attainment, and (3. marriage market processes. Unlike previous studies, we found limited evidence that employment-based discrimination impaired the career trajectories of either men or women. Instead, we found that heavy women received less post-secondary schooling than their thinner peers, which in turn adversely affected their occupational standing at each point in their careers.
High-rate and high-energy gamma-ray spectroscopy using charge trapping and ballistic deficit correction circuits

A study of the resolution of large, coaxial, reverse electrode, HPGe detectors was performed over the energy range from 100 keV to 10 MeV and triangular amplifier shaping times from 0.5 mu s to 6 mu s. Resolutions were calculated using an approach based on the Trammell-Walter equation. The effect of ballistic deficit was included in the calculations by the introduction of a term, the ballistic efficiency, to the Trammell-Water equation. Experimental data were collected over an energy range from 122 keV to 2.6 MeV on three detectors with relative efficiencies of 76%, 56%, and 29%. For these three detectors, the data indicated that the triangular shaping amplifier with charge trapping and ballistic deficit correction offered better resolution than a gated integrator for shaping times >or=2 mu s, while the gated integrator produced better resolution for shaping times >
Spontaneous Aortic Lesions in Rabbits I. Morphologic Characteristics

A number of morphologically distinct, spontaneously occurring lesions are present in the rabbit aorta. Intimal atheromata occur in newborn rabbits, decrease in incidence as the rabbit becomes weaned, and are a rarity in the adult. Intimal mesenchymal thickening is first seen in weanling rabbits and is almost universally present in the adult. Medial sclerotic changes involving exclusively the inner one-half of the media and termed "type A" lesions are present in weanling and adult, but not in newborn rabbits. Type A lesions have a variable gross appearance, but a fairly uniform microscopic appearance, which shows principally fragmentation and calcification of elastic lamina and accumulation of acid mucopolysaccharides. "Type B" lesions, medial sclerosis involving exclusively the outer half of the media, usually occur throughout the entire aorta, and only in adult rabbits.
FIRMS‘ BOUNDARIES AND THE DIVISION OF LABOR: EMPIRICAL STRATEGIES

A large theoretical literature focuses on the question: What determines firms' boundaries? Recently, Garicano and Santos and Holmstrom and Milgrom have proposed theories in which firms' boundaries reflect the division of labor across individuals. This paper discusses strategies for generating and testing empirical propositions from this emerging class of theories. We propose that variation in the returns to specialization is extremely useful to test and quantify the effect of the division of labor on firms' boundaries. We discuss the use of two shifters to the returns to specialization, and relate how we exploit one of these, market size, in preliminary work on the determinants of law firms' boundaries in the United States. (JEL: L14, L22, L24, L84)
Boston Keratoprosthesis Treatment of Herpes Zoster Neurotrophic Keratopathy

Topic The successful use of the Boston keratoprosthesis in a severely inflamed ulcer in herpes zoster neurotrophic keratopathy. Clinical Relevance Approximately 10% to 20% of patients with herpes zoster will develop herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). Antiviral medication forms the foundation of pharmacologic treatment for acute herpes zoster, but management of HZO is supplemented with topical and systemic antimicrobials and corticosteroid agents as well as surgical interventions. However, HZO is associated with poor healing, as evidenced by a high occurrence of ulceration, superinfection, and surgical failure. Methods A 95-year-old man was referred for corneal edema in the right eye. There was a history of acute herpes zoster in the right eye 10 months previously. Slit-lamp examination revealed lagophthalmos, ectropion, total corneal anesthesia, and marked inferior corneal edema. Despite surgical repair of all lid abnormalities and aggressive lubrication and management of rosacea blepharitis, the corneal surface remained unhealthy. Four months later, the patient presented with an inflamed hypopyon ulcer, culture positive for abundant Pseudomonas and Candida albicans. The ulcer progressed to descemetocele in the face of aggressive antimicrobial therapy, vision was light perception (LP), and perforation became imminent. A Boston keratoprosthesis was used to replace the severely damaged cornea, and extracapsular cataract extraction of a mature cataract was also performed. Results One week after surgery, the inflammation was almost entirely resolved, and cultures of the host button were negative for any organisms. Vision gradually increased from LP to 20/60 over the ensuing 4 months. Conclusion The Boston keratoprosthesis procedure successfully salvaged and restored vision in this high-risk herpes zoster eye in which standard keratoplasty would almost certainly have failed.