cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penetrating trauma in patients older than 55 years: a case-control study

Abstract Background: Multiple studies have compared young and elderly blunt trauma patients, and concluded that, because elderly patients have outcomes similar to young patients, aggressive resuscitation should be offered regardless of age. Similar data on penetrating trauma patients are limited. Study design: In a retrospective review, 79 patients with penetrating injuries and age ≥55 were blindly matched for Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Abbreviated Injury Scores (AIS) with 79 penetrating trauma patients aged 15–35 years, who were admitted to the hospital over the same 4 year period (June 1994–June 1998). Mortality rates and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the hospital were compared between the two groups. Results: The average ISS for all patients was 12 (range 1–75) and identical for both groups. Both groups had similar injuries and were evaluated by an equal number and type of diagnostic studies. The mean ISS was not different between severely injured older and younger patients who required ICU admission or died. Among 32 nonsurvivors (18 older and 14 younger), older patients were more likely than younger patients to present with normal vital signs, although the comparison did not reach statistical significance (50% vs. 13%, P=0.25). There was a clinically significant trend for longer ICU (15±30 vs. 3±2 days, P=0.096) and hospital stay (10±18 vs. 6±8 days, P=0.08) among older patients, but mortality rates were similar (23% in older vs. 18% in younger, P=NS). Furthermore, these outcome parameters showed no difference when both groups were classified according to severity of injury or physiologic response. Conclusions: Following penetrating trauma, older patients arriving alive and admitted to the hospital are as likely to survive as younger patients who have injuries of similar severity, but at the expense of longer ICU and hospital stays.
Compensation differences between male and female CEOs for publicly traded firms: a nonparametric analysis

A recent article in the popular press suggested that gender is one determining factor of corporate executives' pay. The average compensation for the top 20 men was more than 10 times larger than for the top 20 women. We would expect, however, that direct compensation from salary and bonuses would be similar for both genders given the public nature of the data. There have been few academic articles on the topic of gender pay differences among top executives. One paper found marginally significant statistical evidence that women CEOs are paid more than their male counterparts. In this paper, we extend the literature by looking at compensation differences of male and female CEOs. Our sample includes over 40 female CEOs for publicly traded companies and matched pairs of comparable male CEOs. In addition, we use data envelopment analysis to derive a gap measure representing the difference between male and female compensation. The results suggest that there is a statistical difference between male and female potential compensation.
Using context to reveal factors that affect physical activity

There are many physical activity awareness systems available in today's market. These systems show physical activity information (e.g., step counts, energy expenditure, heart rate) which is sufficient for many self-knowledge needs, but information about the factors that affect physical activity may be needed for deeper self-reflection and increased self-knowledge. We explored the use of contextual information, such as events, places, and people, to support reflection on the factors that affect physical activity. We present three findings from our studies. First, users make associations between physical activity and contextual information that help them become aware of factors that affect their physical activity. Second, reflecting on physical activity and context can increase people's awareness of opportunities for physical activity. Lastly, automated tracking of physical activity and contextual information benefits long-term reflection, but may have detrimental effects on immediate awareness.
Facility location with increasing production costs

Abstract Facility location models determine the set of locations on a network that minimize the sum of the costs of investment, production, and distribution to meet a known set of demands. In this paper, we introduce a new type of facility location model, which combines aspects of the well-studied simple uncapacitated and capacitated facility location problems. Its distinctive feature is that unit production costs are modeled as increasing with scale of output. Such cost functions have practical value in handling cases in which capacity can be “stretched” by incurring some additional cost (e.g., by adding workers). Indeed, it is shown that average total costs are minimized at a point where average production costs are rising. Four different formulations for this problem are proposed. Using linear programming plus branch-and-bound as a solution method, the four formulations are tested and compared on a set of 216 problems with randomly generated data.
Implementation of complex signal-processing algorithms for position-sensitive microcalorimeters

We have recently reported on a theoretical digital signal-processing algorithm for improved energy and position resolution in position-sensitive, transition-edge sensor (POST) X-ray detectors [Smith et al., Nucl, lnstr and Meth. A 556 (2006) 2371. PoST's consists of one or more transition-edge sensors (TES's) on a large continuous or pixellated X-ray absorber and are under development as an alternative to arrays of single pixel TES's. PoST's provide a means to increase the field-of-view for the fewest number of read-out channels. In this contribution we extend the theoretical correlated energy position optimal filter (CEPOF) algorithm (originally developed for 2-TES continuous absorber PoST's) to investigate the practical implementation on multi-pixel single TES PoST's or Hydras. We use numerically simulated data for a nine absorber device, which includes realistic detector noise, to demonstrate an iterative scheme that enables convergence on the correct photon absorption position and energy without any a priori assumptions. The position sensitivity of the CEPOF implemented on simulated data agrees very well with the theoretically predicted resolution. We discuss practical issues such as the impact of random arrival phase of the measured data on the performance of the CEPOF. The CEPOF algorithm demonstrates that full-width-at- half-maximum energy resolution of < 8 eV coupled with position-sensitivity down to a few 100 eV should be achievable for a fully optimized device.
Mask Technology For X-Ray Nanolithography

In this report we describe a system of technologies we have developed for fabricating, patterning, and replicating x-ray masks with linewidths as fine as 50 nm (0.05 µm). This effort has evolved into a fairly routine service supporting a growing community of researchers at MIT interested in fabricating sub-micron and nanometer scale structures and devices. Strong, transparent, silicon-rich nitride (SiN) membranes bonded to optically-flat Pyrex rings and patterned with gold absorbers form the basic x-ray mask structure. We have recently completed the installation of a vertical thermal reactor (VTR) for the deposition of SiN coatings. Results indicate superb film uniformity, decreased defect counts, and increased strength over previously available nitrides. Patterning of the masks is performed at an off-site location by electron-beam lithography followed by development and gold electroplating at MIT. We describe a new fountain plating bath and mask chuck which allows us to obtain clean, uniform gold films of low stress. Once completed, the so-called “master” masks are replicated onto new x-ray mask substrates which are then processed into “daughter” masks. The resulting polarity-reversed patterns are required in order to achieve the desired pattern in positive resist when printed onto substrates. We will describe our in-house built x-ray aligner which features a high-power electron bombardment source and SiN vacuum isolation window to achieve exposures in a helium environment.
Summary attributable risk estimation from unmatched case‐control data

Abstract We propose an alternative method to obtain summary estimators, variances and confidence intervals for attributable risk measures. This method combines weighted exposure prevalences for cases and controls across strata formed by the cross-classification of relevant covariates to form estimates of attributable risk among the exposed and attributable risk in the target population. The major benefit of this approach over those previously proposed in the literature is that it operates on data summed across strata rather than on estimation of statistics within each stratum. This alternative method for attributable risk measures utilizes the Mantel-Haenszel estimate of an average odds ratio, and can be implemented using the matrix procedure in SAS. This method is appropriate even when the within-stratum sample sizes are too small for other methods to be valid. Simulation results indicate that this method is superior to others with respect to bias and coverage probability for confidence intervals.
S -gene polymorphism in Phlox drummondii

The genetic control of self-incompatibility and the number of S-alleles were studied in a population of Phlox drummondii from Lytle, Texas. Thirty-four seedlings were transplanted to the greenhouse. Each was self-fertilized (using bud pollination) to generate self families of 9–11 plants. Complete diallels were performed within each family. Twenty-four families contained three cross-compatibility phenotypes whose crossing relationships indicated that self-incompatibility was under gametophytic control and governed by one gene. Homozygotes from twenty-four families were crossed in a half-diallel for S-genotype assignment. Thirty S-alleles were detected. Allele frequencies did not deviate significantly from equality.
CoolSpec: A Near‐Infrared Long‐Slit Spectrometer for McDonald Observatory

This paper describes the design, operational goals, and some science accomplishments of the CoolSpec near-infrared spectrometer on the McDonald Observatory 2.7 m Harlan Smith telescope. CoolSpec is a novel and economical design, in which an existing infrared imager is mated to a separate spectrograph, both of which are separately cooled.
Phonon limited performance of III-V nanowire transistors

We use a fully self-consistent three-dimensional quantum mechanical transport formalism to examine the performance of InAs based quantum wire transistors both in the ballistic limit and with phonon scattering included. We present a method for the inclusion of polar optical phonon scattering as a real-space self-energy term. We find that the ballistic performance of the devices can be recovered if the dopants in the system are kept away from the channel entrance and exit. When dopants are present at these key points, we find that the altered carrier energy, particularly in the source, has a significant impact on the device. This ballistic recovery is aided by the fact that at higher energies, polar optical phonon scattering loses its non-locality which leads to a reduced scattering rate in these confined systems.
Clinical significance of perfusion defects by thallium-201 single photon emission tomography following oral dipyridamole early after coronary angioplasty.

The clinical significance of myocardial perfusion defects present early after angiographically successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was assessed in 53 patients using thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography combined with pharmacologic vasodilation induced by a large dose (300 mg) of orally administered dipyridamole. Myocardial tomographic images were obtained at a mean of 20 +/- 6 h (SD) before and 2.9 +/- 2.7 days after angioplasty. Before angioplasty, 15 (28%) of the 53 patients developed angina after dipyridamole administration, in contrast to only 3 (7.5%) of 40 patients after angioplasty (p less than 0.001). The mean percent luminal area stenosis decreased from 93 +/- 6% before angioplasty to 34 +/- 17% after angioplasty (p less than 0.001). Myocardial perfusion defects, present in 49 (93%) of the 53 patients before angioplasty, were reversible in 44 patients (83%), all of whom underwent dilation of arteries supplying the ischemic areas. After angioplasty, 26 (65%) of 40 patients had no ischemic defects, whereas 14 (35%) of the patients still had an ischemic defect in the vascular territory of the dilated artery. After a mean follow-up period of 21.7 months, 13 (33%) of 39 patients developed restenosis, 10 of whom had an ischemic defect early aftermore » angioplasty. Restenosis developed in 10 (71%) of 14 patients with an ischemic defect after angioplasty, but in only 3 (11.5%) of the patients without an ischemic defect (p = 0.007). In conclusion, thallium-201 tomography after oral dipyridamole affords convenient assessment of the physiologic significance of coronary stenosis present before angioplasty and the residual stenosis after angioplasty.« less
Seasonal variation in diagnostic enzymes and biochemical constituents of captive northern bobwhites and passerines

Abstract 1. 1. A variety of biochemical measurements were taken periodically in captive northern bobwhite ( Colinus virginianus L.), European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris L.), red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus L.) and common grackles ( Quiscalus quiscula L.) to determine whether baseline values remain sufficiently stable throughout the year for general clinical use in the absence of concurrent control specimens. 2. 2. Variables included whole blood hemotacrit and hemoglobin, plasma lactate dehydrogenase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alinine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, butyrylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, albumin, total protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides, and brain acetylcholinesterase. Butyrl- and acetylcholinesterase were included because of their specific uses in toxicology. 3. 3. Significant seasonal differences were detected for each of the variables except brain acetylcholinesterase in at least one of the species. Significant species differences were detected during at least one season for all of the variables measured. 4. 4. All species were maintained outdoors, but only northern bobwhites came into reproductive condition and showed sex-differences in the clinical variables during their normal breeding season. 5. 5. It was concluded that reference values for the 18 clinical variables measured could be calculated from our data for adult specimens of the species studied, and that results for one species cannot be extrapolated with certainty to any other species. 6. 6. Estimated normal bounds for each of the 18 variables measured by commonly used clinical procedures are presented for reproductively quiescent northern bobwhites, European starlings, red-winged blackbirds, and common grackles.
RecA Filament Dynamics during DNA Strand Exchange Reactions

The role of ATP hydrolysis in RecA protein-mediated DNA strand exchange reactions remains controversial. Competing models suggest that ATP hydrolysis is coupled either to a simple redistribution of RecA monomers within a filament to repair filament discontinuities, or more directly to rotation of the DNA substrates to drive branch movement unidirectionally. Here, we test key predictions of the RecA redistribution idea. When ATP is hydrolyzed, DNA strand exchange is accompanied by a RecA exchange reaction, between free and bound RecA protomers in the interior of RecA filaments, that meets a central prediction of the model. The RecA protomer exchange is not required for, and does not occur during, the "search for homology" in which the single-stranded DNA within a RecA-ssDNA nucleoprotein filament is homologously aligned with the duplex DNA. Instead, the RecA exchange is triggered by the completion of strand exchange (a strand switch to generate a hybrid DNA product) in any given segment of the filament. In effect, formation of hybrid DNA leads to a change in filament conformation to one with properties approximating those of RecA filaments bound to double-stranded DNA. Addition of the RecA K72R mutant protein to a reaction with the wild type protein leads to the formation of mixed filaments and a poisoning of the DNA strand exchange reaction. Under some conditions, a facile RecA protomer exchange is observed, and significant ATP is hydrolyzed, even though DNA strand exchange is entirely blocked by the mutant protein. A redistribution of RecA protomers coupled to ATP hydrolysis is not sufficient in itself to explain how ATP hydrolysis facilitates DNA strand exchange. A RecA protomer exchange may nevertheless play an important role in the DNA strand exchange process.
High-fidelity adiabatic quantum computation via dynamical decoupling

We introduce high-order dynamical decoupling strategies for open-system adiabatic quantum computation. Our numerical results for the random-unitary map model demonstrate that a judicious choice of high-order dynamical decoupling method, in conjunction with an encoding which allows computation to proceed alongside decoupling, can dramatically enhance the fidelity of adiabatic quantum computation in spite of decoherence.
Plasma-driven permeation of deuterium in nickel

The Tritium Plasma Experiment has been used to measure the temperature dependence of the plasma-driven permeation of 100 eV deuterium through nickel. Experiments were performed over the temperature range 473 K to 773 K with fluxes on the order of 3 × 1016D/cm2-s. In contrast to other recently reported data for hydrogen isotopes in nickel, the permeation rate agreed with that expected from the Baskes model for the surface recombination rate coefficient. The validity of this model is discussed. In-situ surface analysis by Auger electron spectrometry was used to measure the surface contamination during the plasma exposure. Measurements for two samples with different amounts of carbon on the surface gave similar permeation rates, suggesting that surface carbon does not significantly affect the deuterium surface recombination rate for nickel.
Thermal effects on the magnetic properties of titanium modified cobalt ferrite

The temperature dependence of the magnetic properties of titanium modified cobalt ferrite is presented. The change of maximum magnetization obtained at H ≈ 2.4 MA/m between any two temperatures increases systematically with composition, which is desirable for applications in devices. Variation in magnetocrystalline anisotropy and coercivity were different from previous studies on cation substituted cobalt ferrite. At lower concentrations, the effect of lower thermal energy dominated the effect of non-magnetic cation substitutions in controlling the anisotropy. The reverse was the case at higher concentrations. The temperature dependence of coercivity is dominated by the contribution of magnetocrystalline anisotropy to coercivity, while the compositional dependence of coercivity is dominated by microstructural contribution through the pinning of domain walls.
The pharmacology of indomethacin, a prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitor, in larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

Abstract We describe the uptake, metabolism and elimination of the prostaglandin biosynthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, by an insect. Radioactive indomethacin was injected into the hemocoels of tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta , and the movement of the compound within their bodies was monitored. Indomethacin rapidly moved from hemolymph circulation into all major tissues, and was slowly metabolized within tissues. Over 90% of the radioactive indomethacin was cleared from the hemolymph in less than 10 min after injection. Less than half of the indomethacin was removed from the tissues during the first 24h after injection. Further, the indomethacin appeared to be metabolized into polar products after it came into contact with the frass. Because the compound is quickly taken into tissues and remains unmetabolized within the tissues for physiologically relevant periods of time, we propose that indomethacin is an appropriate probe to use in studies of the physiological actions of eicosanoids in insects and other invertebrates.
Effect of acute intravenous administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the episodic secretion of immunoassayable growth hormone in the rat

Abstract Blood samples from unrestrained, unanesthetized, male rats (300–350 g) were obtained every 15 min. for 9 consecutive hrs. (1000–1900 h). Each rat received, intravenously, a vehicle injection (controls) or a 2.0 mg/kg dose of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at 1300 h to determine the effect of this drug on the spontaneous episodic secretion of plasma immunoassayable rat growth hormone (rGH). Acute administration of THC suppressed the secretion of rGH, as is evident from mean plasma level (p
QAM digital radio outage probability in the presence of multipath fading and additive noise

The results of investigations concerning the characterization of the performance of quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) digital radio in the presence of selective fading and additive noise are presented. The prediction of outage probability due to multipath fading is accomplished by using Rummler's simplified three-path model. The three-path model for characterization of the transmission medium is described. The procedure of outage calculation is outlined. A mathematical model is defined that is used to calculate the error performance of QAM systems in the presence of intersymbol interference and additive noise. The results obtained by using both the method of signatures and Monte Carlo simulation are presented. >
Student and Faculty Perceptions of Undergraduate Research Experiences in Computing

Undergraduate research experiences are promoted and funded for their potential in increasing students’ likelihood of pursuing graduate degrees, increasing their confidence, and expanding their awareness of their discipline and career opportunities. These outcomes, however, depend on the social, organizational, and intellectual conditions under which students conduct research. Large-scale comparative studies suggest that computer science undergraduate researchers participate in fewer of the activities that lead to membership in a “culture of research.” This interview-based study illuminates the experiences of both undergraduates and their faculty research mentors in computer science summer and academic year programs. Twenty-five undergraduates and 31 faculty mentors, the majority women, were interviewed. Their stories reveal best and worst case research conditions for students, the special benefits to women who have experienced harassment in their classes, unconscious biases of faculty, the wisdom of faculty who guide undergraduates to successful research outcomes, and faculty’s perceptions of benefits for themselves, their departments, and the students they mentor.
Dosimetric differences between intraoperative and postoperative plans using Cs-131 in transrectal ultrasound–guided brachytherapy for prostatic carcinoma

The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between intraoperative and postoperative dosimetry for transrectal ultrasound–guided transperineal prostate implants using cesium-131 (131Cs). Between 2006 and 2010, 166 patients implanted with 131Cs had both intraoperative and postoperative dosimetry studies. All cases were monotherapy and doses of 115 were prescribed to the prostate. The dosimetric properties (D90, V150, and V100 for the prostate) of the studies were compared. Two conformity indices were also calculated and compared. Finally, the prostate was automatically sectioned into 6 sectors (anterior and posterior sectors at the base, midgland, and apex) and the intraoperative and postoperative dosimetry was compared in each individual sector. Postoperative dosimetry showed statistically significant changes (p < 0.01) in every dosimetric value except V150. In each significant case, the postoperative plans showed lower dose coverage. The conformity indexes also showed a bimodal frequency distribution with the index indicating poorer dose conformity in the postoperative plans. Sector analysis revealed less dose coverage postoperatively in the base and apex sectors with an increase in dose to the posterior midgland sector. Postoperative dosimetry overall and in specific sectors of the prostate differs significantly from intraoperative planning. Care must be taken during the intraoperative planning stage to ensure complete dose coverage of the prostate with the understanding that the final postoperative dosimetry will show less dose coverage.
A model of concept formation

At first we model the way an intelligence ''I'' constructs statements from phrases, and the how ''I'' interlocks these statements to form a string of statements to attain a concept. These strings of statements are called progressions. That is, starting with an initial stimulating relation between two phrases, we study how ''I'' forms the first statements of the progression and continues from this first statement to form the remaining statements in these progressions to construct a concept. We assume that ''I'' retains the progressions that it has constructed. Then we show how these retained progression provide ''I'' with a platform to incrementally constructs more and more sophisticated conceptual structures. The reason for the construction of these conceptual structures is to achieve additional concepts. Choice plays a very important role in the progression and concept formation. We shows that as ''I'' forms new concepts, it enriches its conceptual structure and makes further concepts attainable. This incremental attainment of concepts is a way in which we humans learn, and this paper studies the attainability of concepts from previously attained concepts. We also study the ability of ''I'' to apply its progressions and also the ability of ''I'' to selectivity manipulate its conceptual structure to achieve new concepts. Application and elective manipulation requires of ''I'' ingenuity and insight. We also show that as ''I'' attains new concepts, the conceptual structures change and circumstances arise where unanticipated conceptual discoveries are attainable. As the conceptual structure of ''I'' is developed, the logical and structural relationships between concepts embedded in this structure also develop. These relationships help ''I'' understand concepts in the context of other concepts and help ''I"1'' communicate to another ''I"2'' information and concept structures. The conceptual structures formed by ''I'' give rise to a directed web of statement paths which is called a convolution web. The convolution web provides ''I'' with the paths along which it can reason and obtain new concepts and alternative ways to attain a given concept. This paper is an extension of the ideas introduced in [1]. It is written to be self-contained and the required background is supplied as needed.
Mir aber zerriss es das Herz: Der stille Widerstand der Elisabeth Schmitz [It broke my heart, though. The silent resistance of the Elisabeth Schmitz]

Mir aber zerriss es das Herz: Der stille Widerstand der Elisabeth Schmitz [It broke my heart, though. The silent resistance of the Elisabeth Schmitz] Manfred Gailus Gottingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprech...
Wetting layers in electrolyte solutions

When a predominantly nonpolar mixture is in contact with a chemically ionizable substrate, thick wetting layers of a predominantly polar phase can form on the substrate. This paper considers the effects of added salt on such layers. In the limit of low salt concentrations, the equilibrium thickness reduces to a result previously derived by the author. In the limit of high salt concentrations, the thickness reduces to a Debye screening length times a known function of two dimensionless parameters.
Antibody inhibitors to von Willebrand factor metalloproteinase and increased Binding of von Willebrand factor to platelets in ticlopidine-associated Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

In patients who developed ticlopidine-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), autoantibodies to von Willebrand factor metalloproteinase were formed; this led to the same type of von W...
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy.

DURING THE LAST 10 YEARS, laparoscopic renal surgery has moved from an experimental technique1 to an approach that many would consider standard and preferable in many clinical situations.2,3 Despite the excellent results that have been widely reported with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy,2,3 open surgery is still preferred by many urologists who treat patients with renal malignancies. We have previously described the methodology and demographic results of an Internet and postal survey of American urologists.4 In this survey, a total of 205 responses were received from members of the American Urological Association (93 via the Internet, 112 via post). Respondents represented a cross-section of geographic areas, and the majority were members of single-specialty group practices. Most of those responding to the survey reported that 10% to 25% of their practices was devoted to endourology. In the present report, the results concerning laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy are reported. Four questions regarding laparoscopic renal surgery were included in the survey:
High School Students' Goal Orientations and Their Relationship to Perceived Parenting Styles

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among Baumrind's three parenting styles, parent involvement (both parenting variables as perceived by student), and mastery and performance goal orientations of high school students. The sample consisted of 196 students enrolled in two Florida high schools. Many expected relationships appeared in line with the parenting and goal theory literature. Maternal authoritativeness was related to a mastery orientation. Maternal authoritarianism and permissiveness were related to a performance orientation. Differential findings were evident with regard to student ethnicity. Appearance of stronger relationships among maternal parenting styles and student goal orientation may be due to the nontraditional living arrangements reported; a number of students reported not living with their fathers. Parent involvement was positively related to a mastery orientation for all students. Student gender and parental education were not significant factors in this study. Conclusions are tempered by limitations of a relatively small sample.
THE LUNAR OPPOSITION SURGE : OBSERVATIONS BY CLEMENTINE

The Clementine mission to the Moon in 1994 provided the first multispectral observations of the lunar opposition surge below a few degrees. The brightness of the Moon increases more than 40% between solar phase angles of 4 deg and 0 deg. The opposition effect exhibits a small wavelength dependence: the surge is -3-4% larger at 0.41 microns than at 1.00 microns. This result suggests that the principal cause of the lunar opposition surge is shadow hiding, while coherent backscatter, if present, makes only a minor contribution. The amplitude of the effect depends significantly on terrain: the surge is about 10% greater in the lunar highlands. This difference is attributed to textural variations between the two terrains. The Clementine measurements provide a new basis for deriving spectral geometric albedos, phase integrals, and Bond albedos. A value of 0.11 +/- 0.01 was found for the lunar bolometric Bond albedo. This value is at the low end of the historical published values, but not as low as the recent result of 0.080 +/- 0.002.
Antithyroid Compound(s) Produced by Escherichia coli: Preliminary Report

ABSTRACT This series of experimental studies was prompted by several epidemiological field studies of endemic goiter which demonstrated a relationship between bacterial pollution of drinking water and the prevalence of endemic goiter. An in vivo assay for antithyroid activity in the rat was developed. Antithyroid activity was demonstrated in cell-free, lyophilized, broth cultures of four species of organisms. The most consistent producer of antithyroid activity was E. coli and the material was partially purified by ultrafiltration. Dose response studies demonstrated antithyroid activity with known goitrogens and a satisfactory dose response was obtained from various fractions following ultrafiltration. However, based on estimated molecular weights of filtrates, antithyroid activity varied between batches but it was consistently present. The significance of this research is briefly discussed and further experimental work towards purification of the compound and demonstration of its mechanism of activity in...
The Resilience of the Aging Self

Abstract Two issues are raised concerning the "aging self" as conceptualized by many current theories about the life span course of self-maintenance. In particular, we address the model proposed by Brandtstadter and Greve (Developmental Review, 14, 52-80, 1994). First, this model assumes that the process of aging places considerable strain on the self. Although we acknowledge that aging people experience losses, and that the ratio of gains and losses becomes increasingly negative, we question whether such losses constitute a threat to the self. Second, we argue that Brandtstadter and Greve′s model implies that changes in goal salience are a result of coping with blocked goals. An alternative approach to age-related changes in goal salience is discussed. In this approach, specific goals are thought to change as a function of place in the life cycle.
Explaining the Black-White Gap in Labor Force Participation among Women Heading Households

For the first time in this century, Black women are participating in the labor force at lower rates than are White women. The Black-White gap in female labor force participation is driven by those in the severest need of income-women heading households. I compare three explanations of the Black-White gap in labor force participation among female household heads-lack of human capital, lack of opportunities resulting from industrial restructuring, and disarticulation from mainstream institutions as described by theories of the "underclass." Using a representative national sample from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, I find that lower rates of labor force participation among Black women heading households are determined by Black-White differences in human capital as well as by characteristics associated with a breakdown in the processes linking Black women to the labor market. Overall, the largest impediments to labor force participation among women heading households are dropping out of high school, having a child under the age of six in the household, and being a long-term welfare recipient.
Does knowledge of finance mitigate the gender difference in financial risk-aversion?

Abstract We investigate the gender difference in financial risk aversion using a survey of finance professors from universities across the United States. We compare their actual portfolio allocations to that of respondents in the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). We find that among highly educated individuals, women are significantly more risk averse than men. However, we find that when men and women have both attained a high level of financial education, they are equally likely to invest a significant portion of their portfolio in risky assets, suggesting that financial education mitigates the gender difference in financial risk aversion.
Strains of Toxoplasma gondii used for tachyzoite antigens to stimulate spleen cells of infected mice in vitro affect cytokine responses of the cells in the culture.

Cytokine responses of lymphocytes against Toxoplasma gondii are usually studied by stimulating the cells from infected animals with tachyzoite lysate antigens (TLA) in vitro. We examined whether strains (genotypes) of the parasite used for TLA affect the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in the culture of spleen cells obtained from mice infected with the ME49 (type II) strain. The amounts of IL-2 and IL-4 detected in the culture supernatants following stimulation with TLA of the RH (type I) strain were significantly greater than those detected following stimulation with TLA of the ME49 strain at 2 and 4 weeks after infection, respectively. These results suggest that antigen variations among the strains of T. gondii affect cytokine production of lymphocytes of infected mice. Therefore, to obtain accurate information on cytokine production by immune lymphocytes of infected hosts, it is important to use the identical strain of T. gondii for both infection of animals and preparation of TLA to stimulate the lymphocytes in vitro.
The role of buffer layer in strontium bismuth tantalate based ferroelectric gate mos structures for non-volatile non destructive read out memory applications

Abstract Metal Ferroelectric Insulator Semiconductor (MFIS) structure has been fabricated with strontium bismuth tantalate (SBT) as the ferroelectric thin film and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) as the insulating buffer layer. SBT film was deposited by spin-on metal organic deposition (MOD) technique. ZrO2 film was deposited by electron beam evaporation. The capacitance versus voltage characteristics(C-V) of the MFIS structure shows hysteresis and the direction of hysteresis corresponds to ferroelectric polarization. The C-V characteristics of MFIS structure shows memory window of 1.8 volts for a write/erase voltage of 9V at a sweep rate of 1 sec/1.8V. In order to understand the role of coercive voltage on the memory window in MFIS structures, C-V characteristics metal-ferroelectric-metal (MFM) structures with various SBT film thickness’ were also studied.
Optimum Image Reconstruction from a Finite Set of Generalized Projections

The so-called PDFT algorithm is introduced as generalized sampling scheme. The algorithm is shown to fuse the data from different subsystems and improve the resolution of the image estimate.
Stimuli-responsive europium-containing metallo-supramolecular polymers

A series of stimuli-responsive films based on metallo-supramolecular polymers have been prepared and studied. The metallo-supramolecular polymers are comprised of a 4-oxy-2,6-bis-(1′-methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine ditopic endcapped poly(tetrahydrofuran) with different ratios of Zn2+ and Eu3+. A combination of the optical properties of the Eu3+ complex along with its more labile nature results in the formation of highly stimuli-responsive materials. The films of the Eu3+-containing metallo-supramolecular polymers show a pronounced optical response to an increase in temperature or upon exposure to chemicals such as triethyl phosphate, which was used as a mimic for organophosphate pesticides and nerve gas agents.
A case report: Thoracic duct lymphocyte drainage in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract A 24-year-old woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis was treated by removing 170 × 109 lymphocytes through a thoracic duct fistula which drained continuously for 46 days. Marked clinical improvement occurred during the first 2 weeks of drainage and persisted until about 6 weeks after the fistula was discontinued, when articular inflammation recurred. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations and cell-mediated, transplantation, and humoral immune responses were suppressed in varying degrees after 4–6 weeks of drainage, but serum complement, inflammatory responses, and bone marrow granulocyte reserves were not adversely affected. Although the mechanisms responsible for the clinical response are not known; it is possible that cells contained in the thoracic duct lymph may have been continuously required in order to sustain the synovial inflammation of this patient.
Effect of a Vertical Stack of Aligned Subwavelength Metal Hole Arrays on Extraordinary Transmission Spectra

We report on the effect of stacking a pair of metallic subwavelength hole arrays on the extraordinary transmission spectrum. A novel fabrication process was developed to create a self-aligned vertical stack of subwavelength metal gratings with precise control of the separation between the two metal films. For separations within the coupling region of the evanescent surface modes of the metal films, minor sharpening of the transmission filter characteristics was observed.
Photometric Ambient Occlusion

We present a method for computing ambient occlusion (AO) for a stack of images of a scene from a fixed viewpoint. Ambient occlusion, a concept common in computer graphics, characterizes the local visibility at a point: it approximates how much light can reach that point from different directions without getting blocked by other geometry. While AO has received surprisingly little attention in vision, we show that it can be approximated using simple, per-pixel statistics over image stacks, based on a simplified image formation model. We use our derived AO measure to compute reflectance and illumination for objects without relying on additional smoothness priors, and demonstrate state-of-the art performance on the MIT Intrinsic Images benchmark. We also demonstrate our method on several synthetic and real scenes, including 3D printed objects with known ground truth geometry.
Efficient solution of stochastic systems: Application to the embankment dam problem

Abstract The embankment dam problem of the benchmark study is treated using the newly developed Stochastic Model Reduction for Polynomial Chaos Representations method. The elastic and shear moduli of the material, in the present problem, are modeled as two stochastic processes that are explicit functions of the same process possessing a relatively low correlation length. The state of the system can thus be viewed as a function defined on a high dimensional space, associated with the fluctuations of the underlying process. In such a setting, the spectral stochastic finite element method (SSFEM) for the specified spatial discretization is computationally prohibitive. The approach adopted in this paper enables the stochastic characterization of a fine mesh problem based on the high dimensional polynomial chaos solution of a coarse mesh analysis. After relatively reducing the dimensionality of the problem through a Karhunen–Loeve representation of the stochastic variables, the SSFEM solution consisting of a high dimensional polynomial in Gaussian independent variables is obtained for the coarse mesh problem. Then the attained solution is used to define a new basis for solving the fine mesh problem. The paper presents some new algorithms for the estimation of chaos coefficients in the presence of complex non-Gaussian dependencies. A numerical convergence study is presented together with a discussion of the results.
Optical Absorption of Copper and Copper-Rich Copper Nickel Alloys at Room Temperature

The optical absorption of Cu and Cu-Ni alloys was measured on solid samples at room temperature. Light in the visible and ultraviolet region was used. It was found that the wavelength position of the main absorption edge did not change with alloying. It disappeared, however, for alloys with 20 and 25 at.% Ni. The position of the secondary absorption peak moved slightly to lower wavelengths with increasing nickel concentration. The measurements indicate that the optical properties of Cu-Ni alloys cannot be described with a rigid-band model. It is more likely that the addition of nickel to copper creates "virtual energy states," instead of shifting the Fermi energy.
Unifying the Algebra for All Movement

There exists an increased focus on school mathematics, especially first-year algebra, due to recent efforts for all students to be college and career ready. In addition, there are calls, policies, and legislation advocating for all students to study algebra epitomized by four rationales of the Algebra for All movement. In light of this movement, there must be a clear consensus about what is taught in the name of algebra. Yet, researchers documented this is not the case. The present research proposes to unify the leading algebra standards and assessment framework documents to identify the key ideas of algebra. The analysis resulted in six key ideas: (a) Variables, (b) Functions, (c) Patterns, (d) Modeling, (e) Technology, and (f) Multiple Representations. Outlined is the research process and resulting unification of existing algebra framework documents, and consideration is given for its uses in educational policy regarding algebra and potential directions for future research.
Initial Iowa Results with the Multichannel Cochlear Implant from Melbourne

Two subjects who use the Melbourne multichannel cochlear implant were studied. Live-voice word, consonant, and vowel recognition tests, and a speech-tracking task were administered at regular intervals during the first 90 days after implantation. Results indicated 30-50% correct recognition of vowels (given 9 alternatives) and about 30-60% correct recognition of consonants (given 12 alternatives). Speech tracking showed from two to three times faster rates with the implant and vision compared to a vision-alone condition. After 3-4 months of implant experience, a number of recorded tests from the Minimal Auditory Capabilities battery and the Iowa Cochlear-Implant tests were then administered. These results indicated about 80% recognition of everyday sounds in a five-choice closed-set condition and about 50% recognition of everyday sounds in an open-set condition. The subjects were 50% correct at identifying the accented words in a sentence and about 50% correct at determining the number of syllables in a word. One subject was unable to recognize a sentence as a statement or a question. Background noise (+10 dB S/N) reduced their performance on a four-choice spondee test to chance. Both subjects were able to identify a sound as either a voice or a modulated noise at 95% correct, and both could recognize speaker sex at 95% correct. Neither could discriminate whether two (successive) sentences were spoken by the same speaker or by two different speakers. Remarkably, one subject identified 45% and the other 85% of the words in sentences that were preceded by a contextual picture using sound alone. One subject identified 13% of the words in sentences in sound alone even without contextual information.
Molecular determinants for Csk-catalyzed tyrosine phosphorylation of the Src tail.

Phosphorylation of a critical tail tyrosine residue in Src modulates its three-dimensional structure and protein tyrosine kinase activity. The protein tyrosine kinase Csk is responsible for catalyzing the phosphorylation of this key Src tyrosine residue, but the detailed molecular basis for Src recognition and catalysis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigate this phosphorylation event using purified recombinant Csk and Src proteins and mutants. It was shown that the apparent kcat and Km values for Csk phosphorylation of catalytically impaired Src (dSrc) are similar to the parameters for Csk-catalyzed phosphorylation of the Src family member Lck. The SH3 (Src homology 3) and SH2 (Src homology 2) domains of dSrc were fully dispensable with respect to rapid phosphorylation, indicating that the catalytic domain and tail of dSrc are sufficient for the high efficiency of dSrc as a substrate. Of the eight Src tail residues examined, only the fully conserved Glu (Y-3 position) and Gln (Y-1 position) ...
Shell model calculations for mass 12 nuclei, pertinent to a test of the conserved vector current theory

Abstract Results of shell-model calculations are being reported, which determine wheter two proposed experiments with mass 12 nuclei serve as good tests of the conserved vector current theory of β-decay. The measurement of the β-spectra in the decays of B 12 and N 12 to the ground state of C 12 seems to give a very good test of the conserved vector current theory. As a by-product; calculations are reported for various transition probabilities within the mass 12 nuclei: those involving the first excited state of C 12 are in poor agreement with experiment.