cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Organizational Conventions and Gains from Diversity

This paper investigates, by using a highly abstract evolutionary game model, the mechanism of evolution of different organizational conventions, as well as roles of free trade, integration, experiments, emulation and entrepreneurial foresight for exploring gains from organizational diversity. It focuses on an aspect of organization as a voluntary association of economic agents trying to overcome the bounds of their rationality, scope of action and competence, rather than as an 'instrument' for entrepreneurial maximizing behavior, and identifies two generic forms of organization as an information system. The paper concludes by discussing the relevance of the evolutionary game model for understanding actual organizational evolutionary processes in North America and Japan. Copyright 1998 by Oxford University Press.
Efficiency Lower Bounds for Distribution-Free Hotelling-Type Two-Sample Tests Based on Optimal Transport

The Wilcoxon rank-sum test is one of the most popular distribution-free procedures for testing the equality of two univariate probability distributions. One of the main reasons for its popularity can be attributed to the remarkable result of Hodges and Lehmann (1956), which shows that the asymptotic relative efficiency of Wilcoxon's test with respect to Student's $t$-test, under location alternatives, never falls below 0.864, despite the former being exactly distribution-free for all sample sizes. Even more striking is the result of Chernoff and Savage (1958), which shows that the efficiency of a Gaussian score transformed Wilcoxon's test, against the $t$-test, is lower bounded by 1. In this paper we study the two-sample problem in the multivariate setting and propose distribution-free analogues of the Hotelling $T^2$ test (the natural multidimensional counterpart of Student's $t$-test) based on optimal transport and obtain extensions of the above celebrated results over various natural families of multivariate distributions. Our proposed tests are consistent against a general class of alternatives and satisfy Hodges-Lehmann and Chernoff-Savage-type efficiency lower bounds, despite being entirely agnostic to the underlying data generating mechanism. In particular, a collection of our proposed tests suffer from no loss in asymptotic efficiency, when compared to Hotelling $T^2$. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first collection of multivariate, nonparametric, exactly distribution-free tests that provably achieve such attractive efficiency lower bounds. We also demonstrate the broader scope of our methods in optimal transport based nonparametric inference by constructing exactly distribution-free multivariate tests for mutual independence, which suffer from no loss in asymptotic efficiency against the classical Wilks' likelihood ratio test, under Konijn alternatives.
Attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of religiosity, spirituality, and cultural competence in the medical profession: A cross-sectional survey study.

Introduction Religion and spirituality play important roles in the lives of many, including healthcare providers and their patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between religion, spirituality, and cultural competence of healthcare providers. Methods Physicians, residents, and medical students were recruited through social platforms to complete an electronically delivered survey, gathering data regarding demographics, cultural competency, religiosity, and spirituality. Four composite variables were created to categorize cultural competency: Patient Care Knowledge, Patient Care Skills/Abilities, Professional Interactions, and Systems Level Interactions. Study participants (n = 144) were grouped as Christian (n = 95)/non-Christian (n = 49) and highly religious (n = 62)/not highly religious (n = 82); each group received a score in the four categories. Wilcoxon rank sum and Chi-square tests were used for analysis of continuous and discrete variables. Results A total of 144 individuals completed the survey with the majority having completed medical school (n = 87), identifying as women (n = 108), white (n = 85), Christian (n = 95), and not highly religious (n = 82). There were no significant differences amongst Christian versus non-Christian groups or highly religious versus not highly religious groups when comparing their patient care knowledge (p = .563, p = .457), skills/abilities (p = .423, p = .51), professional interactions (p = .191, p = .439), or systems level interaction scores (p = .809, p = .078). Nevertheless, participants reported decreased knowledge of different healing traditions (90%) and decreased skills inquiring about religious/spiritual and cultural beliefs that may affect patient care (91% and 88%). Providers also reported rarely referring patients to religious services (86%). Conclusions Although this study demonstrated no significant impact of healthcare providers' religious/spiritual beliefs on the ability to deliver culturally competent care, it did reveal gaps around how religion and spirituality interact with health and healthcare. This suggests a need for improved cultural competence education.
The Promise of the Pandemic and the (Becoming) Totus Christus

The COVID-19 pandemic both causes a profound suffering and holds a promise of new growth. This article argues that the key condition for the possibility of growth is a discerning and creative trans...
Modeling and Simulation of EV Unscheduled Charging and its Impact on Distribution Systems

The growing deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in the utility grid raises concerns regarding the current distribution infrastructure's capability to accommodate such a rapidly increasing load demand. This paper presents a methodology for modeling and simulating EV charging demand in residential distribution systems. The modeling approach can be used to study the impact of unscheduled charging and also for energy management studies. Since each driver or a group of drivers has a particular behavior, the daily EV plug-in profile variations are characterized to show the individual driving behavior. This approach is more suitable for energy management studies and charging coordination algorithms. The impact of unscheduled charging is investigated using the IEEE 13- Node Test Feeder with 601 EVs, which represents a 50 % penetration level. Tesla Model 3 EV is used, and the 13- Node Test Feeder is simulated in the MATLAB software. Statistical studies, using a year worth of data, show the significant effect of unscheduled charging on the quality of the distribution system operation. Feeders that are impacted the most in terms of violating the voltage limit and current limits are highlighted, and the violation statistics are presented.
The Principles of Quantum Mechanics. I. Classical Waves and the Schrödinger Equation

Classical mechanics is based on the laws of motion discovered by Sir Isaac Newton, and is also called Newtonian mechanics. It is now known to be accurate only for objects of relatively large mass and for relatively high energies, as it consists of theories with arbitrary assumptions of quantization, devised to explain phenomena that classical physics could not explain. This theory consists primarily of the black-body radiation theory of Planck, the photoelectric effect theory of Einstein, and the hydrogen atom theory of Bohr. De Broglie sought a physical justification for Bohr's assumption of quantization, and hypothesized that all particles move with a wavelike character with a wavelength. According to the concept of wave-particle duality, electrons and other objects have some of the properties of classical waves and some of the properties of classical particles. Schrodinger discovered a wave equation for these matter waves. The solutions to the time-independent Schrodinger equation for three example systems are presented: the particle in a hard box, the free particle, and the harmonic oscillator.
Processing Factors Affect Fresh Pork Color and Water Holding Capacity

It is well understood that many producer inputs influence fresh pork quality. These inputs include swine genetics, nutrition and handling. It is necessary to develop harvest procedures that maintain the quality defined by preslaughter inputs. Maintenance of quality is a key component during the harvest and chilling phase of the pork production chain. The results of this project are important because they demonstrate that subtle differences in the harvest process have the potential to improve fresh pork color and water holding capacity. Proteins that contribute to pork color and water holding capacity are damaged by a combination of high temperature and acid (low pH) conditions. The shorter duration of scalding used in this study resulted in an earlier initiation of carcass chilling, a slightly lower loin temperature 2 hours postmortem, and a higher loin pH 2 hours postmortem. The end result is an improvement in pork color and water holding capacity.
Advertising Self-Regulation in a Broader Context

Abstract As the world braces itself for a unified European marketplace, it is critical that we look at the industries likely to be influenced by, and in turn shape, European integration. The advertising industry and its handling of unification are particularly important given that advertising is the voice of the marketplace and a major communications force, shaping cultural norms and values. In order to ensure the free movement of goods, communications about those goods must also move freely. At this time, however, each European country has its own rules and regulations for advertising. One of the major issues facing European advertising as the European Union (EU) comes together is the regulation of cross-border advertising. In 1991 the European Commission issued a call to action for the European advertising industry and almost immediately the industry began work on a trans-border complaints system. Since then the European Advertising Standards Alliance has worked diligently to iron out issues resulting f...
International union against cancer

This article described progressive interest in cancer education on three continents with an increasing number of national and multinational groups having a formalized role in cancer. A great deal of this activity has been stimulated by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) through surveys, regional conferences, courses, etc. Further action at the continental, national, and local level will be strengthened considerably with the formation of new "coordinating councils" for cancer education in Europe, Latin America, and the Asian-Pacific region. These "coordinating councils" include representatives of most organizations with an interest in cancer education. A long list of projects for possible consideration by these councils is noted.
Chapter Two - Pathways to Diverse Ergot Alkaloid Profiles in Fungi

This chapter focuses on the ergot alkaloid pathway and how it differs among different producers, as well as on recent data on genes involved in ergot alkaloid production. Molecular methods for manipulation of the ergot alkaloid pathway have been established in three different ergot alkaloid producers, and the functions of several genes in the pathway have been demonstrated by gene knockout analyses. The ergot alkaloid gene clusters have provided numerous new candidate genes that will likely encode enzymes that catalyze additional steps in the ergot alkaloid pathways. Gene knockout analysis and subsequent characterization of the knockout mutants provides a strategy to determine the functions in the pathway of the gene products. Mutants derived from such analyses should also be useful tools for determination of the contribution of specific alkaloid or groups of alkaloids to the ecological success of the producing fungus.
Limitation of human reproduction

Abstract In retrospect, it appears that all of the terminations were undertaken after adequate observation and thorough consideration. In spite of this caution, certain of the abortions failed to give the expected benefit, and did not relieve the underlying disorder. In a few cases the interruptions were probably delayed too long. On the whole, it seems clear that considerably more good was accomplished than is indicated by the arbitrary designations in the result columns. A number of conclusions may be drawn: 1. 1. Therapeutic abortion is a necessary, but relatively infrequent, obstetric procedure. 2. 2. It should be done only to save or to prolong significantly the life of the mother, or to prevent the transmission of serious hereditary defects. 3. 3. It should be attempted only after adequate consultation, only in reputable hospitals, only by competent operators, and only after both the husband and wife (or legal guardian) consent. 4. 4. It is rarely, if ever, an emergency procedure, and should not be undertaken until the patient is in the best possible condition for it. 5. 5. It is not without some risk of operative complications, and even fatality. 6. 6. Sterilization is indicated whenever the same problem would arise in a subsequent pregnancy.
From Gateway to MultiSite Gateway in one recombination event

Background Invitrogen Gateway technology exploits the integrase/att site-specific recombination system for directional cloning of PCR products and the subsequent subcloning into destination vectors. One or three DNA segments can be cloned using Gateway or MultiSite Gateway respectively. A vast number of single-site Gateway destination vectors have been created while MultiSite Gateway is limited to few destination vectors and therefore to few applications. The aim of this work was to make the MultiSite Gateway technology available for multiple biological purposes.
The phospholipid and phospholipid fatty acid composition of human serum lipoprotein fractions.

The phospholipide compositions of human serum lipoproteins have been determined on "ultracentrifugally separated serum lipoprotein classes by silicic acid column chromatography and infrared spectrophotometry. The phospholipides were separated into a fraction containing phosphatidylethamolamine and phosphatidyl serine, a lecithin fraction, and a sphingomyelin fraction. All phospholipides are present in each lipoprotein class, but their distributions in each class are sufficiently different to be characteristic. Analyses were run on sera from five individuals and only small deviations from the average values were observed. In a few cases the fatty acids of the separated phospholipides were analyzed by gas chromatography. (auth)
Future evolution of traditional journals and social media medical education.

Over the past two decades, the Internet has emerged as a powerful tool for the dissemination of medical knowledge. The routine online publication of peer-reviewed journals and the standardisation of the portable document format (.pdf) marked a coming of age for Internet technology allowing readers, authors and editors to quickly access articles old and new and share them efficiently. Although the most prestigious medical journals still view the paper versions of their journals to be the pinnacle product, it is now standard for articles to be e-published online ‘ahead of print’, weeks to months before the paper passes through the press, and arrives on the doorstep. Thus, for most web-savvy and voracious readers, by the time physical journals appear in mailboxes, important or controversial new research has often already been read, discussed and debated at length in online and ‘real life’ forums. Emails have been written and responses have been sent to the editors. Opinions have been formed. However, because of print delays, some of the most thought-out and qualified opinions (i.e. experts’ Letters to the Editor) have been embargoed from general consumption, waiting instead until future issues can be published. Meanwhile, print errors remain uncorrected. As the goals of peer-reviewed medical journals are to foster medical progress and improve research as a whole, this obsolete model must be phased out. The window between the acquisition of research knowledge and clinical translation can often gape longer than a decade. This was perhaps an acceptable although suboptimal reality before the advent of Internet-based technologies, but the recent social media revolution has made this untenable. If peer-reviewed journals adapt to a new reality, not only will such delays be shortened, but also the journals will find themselves to be more relevant than ever. On the other hand, those publications that fail to adapt will cease to be potent in the most meaningful ways. In this editorial, we suggest three key ways that peer-reviewed journals can maintain and increase their relevance in today’s milieu: first, by embracing real-time interactivity; second, by embracing new tools to measure clinical impact; and third, by finally eliminating print publication. Social media medical education might be the inspiration for many of these changes. However, medical social media is still in its nascent stages; it must evolve as well. It requires adoption and adaptation of systems for peer review and information verification to allow trust by clinicians. Furthermore, the time demands of product creation will not be sustainable unless there is a path for academic advancement to support these activities.
Uniqueness of principal points for univariate distributions

Abstract This paper presents a proof of uniqueness of k principal of the univariate normal distributions. A sufficient condition of uniqueness is given, and a normal mixture example is discussed.
Estradiol and progesterone potentiate adenosine's depressant action on rat cerebral cortical neurons.

Abstract 1. 1. The effects of 17β-estradiol and progesterone on the uptake of adenosine by rat cerebral cortical synaptosomes have been correlated with the ability of these gonadal steroids to potentiate the depressant actions of adenosine on the spontaneous firing of rat cerebral cortical neurons. 2. 2. 17β-estradiol hemisuccinate competitively inhibited adenosine uptake with a Ki of 0.5 μM (Lineweaver-Burk plot) or 0.78 μM (Dixon plot). The Ki for progesterone was 0.34 μM (Lineweaver-Burk plot) or 0.36 μM (Dixon plot). 3. 3. When applied by iontophoresis, both steroids potentiated the depressant effects of adenosine on the firing of rat cerebral cortical neurons. 4. 4. Potentiation of the effect of endogenously released adenosine would account for the central depressant actions of these steroids.
Pervaporation separation of aromatic/aliphatic hydrocarbons by a series of ionically crosslinked poly(n-alkyl acrylate) membranes

Abstract Copolymers of methyl-, ethyl-, or n -butyl acrylate with acrylic acid were synthesized and used to fabricate ionically crosslinked, via aluminum acetylacetonate, membranes for the separation of toluene/ i -octane mixtures by pervaporation at high temperatures. The effects of n -alkyl side-chain length, pervaporation temperature, and feed composition on the normalized flux and the selectivity for toluene/ i -octane mixtures are determined. The relationship between chemical structure and the pervaporation properties of these polyacrylate membranes are discussed in terms of their swelling behavior. The pervaporation performance of these acrylate-based membranes is compared to other membrane materials reported in the literature. At 100 °C for a feed containing 50 wt.% toluene, the normalized flux of permeate increased from about 20 to over 1000 kg μm m −2 h −1 in going from the methyl to n -butyl acrylate, while the toluene over i -octane selectivity decreased from 13 to about 2.5. Thus, these materials provide a wide range of options within the standard productivity versus selectivity trade-off.
Effects of antipsychotic drugs on 5-HT2 receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex: microiontophoretic studies.

Abstract Microiontophoretic application (10–80 nA) of the relatively selective serotonin 2 (5-HT 2 ) agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ((±)-DOI), suppressed medial prefrontal cortical (mPFc) cell's firing rate in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was antagonized by the antipsychotic drugs (APDs) clozapine (CLOZ) and spiperone (SPIP), with displaying a greater potency in blocking DOI's action in the mPFc. In contrast, the typical APDs haloperidol (HAL) and l -sulpiride (SUL) failed to block DOI's effect. These results suggest that certain APDs interact with 5-HT 2 receptors. Although 5-HT 2 antagonism alone may not distinguish typical versus atypical APDs, it is possible that their 5-HT 2 /dopamine 2 (D 2 ) binding ratio is important.
Analysis of Passivated A-286 Stainless Steel Surfaces for Mass Spectrometer Inlet Systems by Auger Electron and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy

Various commercially available surface treatments are being explored for use on stainless steel components in mass spectrometer inlet systems. Type A-286 stainless steel coupons, approximately 12.5 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick, were passivated with one of five different surface treatments; an untreated coupon served as a control. The surface and near-surface microstructure and chemistry of the coupons were investigated using sputter depth profiling using Auger electron spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the surface treatments studied appeared to change the surface morphology dramatically, as evidenced by lack of tool marks on the treated samples in SEM images. In terms of the passivation treatment, Vendors A-D appeared to have oxide layers that were very similar in thickness to each other (0.7–0.9 nm thick), as well as to the untreated samples (the untreated sample oxide layers appeared to be somewhat larger). Vendor E’s silicon coating appears to be on the order of 200 nm thick.
Inadvertent stenting of left main coronary artery complicated by later in-stent restenosis.

Stenting of both the protected and unprotected left main coronary artery has been described. This case presents a patient who had inadvertent left main stent deployment. A 47-year-old female presented with a non–Q-wave infarction and subsequent angina leading to angiography and angioplasty of her proximal ramus intermedius artery. Recurrent angina and ECG changes necessitated repeat coronary angiography and angioplasty on the same day with Wiktor stent deployment to treat a resultant dissection. Poststent deployment pictures revealed that the stent had been partially deployed in the left main coronary artery. Additional balloon dilatations were performed at the ostia of the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries through the stent. Three months later the patient presented with progressive angina and was discovered to have severe distal left main stenosis. In a case such as this, stent removal may be preferable to leaving an unnecessary stent within the left main coronary artery. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 48:194–197, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The timing of academic difficulties among maltreated and nonmaltreated children.

Abstract Objective: In this study we examined the relationship between child maltreatment and the timing of academic difficulties. Method: This study uses survival analysis to investigate the timing of risk of experiencing an academic difficulty for the first time. Three types of academic difficulties were examined—grade repetitions, poor English grades, and poor math grades. The sample included approximately 300 maltreated and 300 nonmaltreated children aged 5–18. Results: Maltreated children displayed greater risk than nonmaltreated children of repeating a grade and receiving a poor English and mathematics grade for the first time across most elementary years. Maltreated and nonmaltreated children share the same peaks in risk: first grade for their first grade repetitions and kindergarten for their first poor English and math grade. The best-fitting discrete time hazards models suggested underlying temporal patterns of risk vary according to the type of academic difficulty. For instance, maltreated children were at substantially higher risk than nonmaltreated children of repeating kindergarten and first grade. From second through sixth grade, maltreated and nonmaltreated children were indistinguishable in their risk of repeating a grade for the first time. In contrast, discrete-time hazards modeling showed that while the absolute risk of receiving a poor English or mathematics grade changes across the elementary years, the relative risk by maltreatment status does not. Conclusions: While maltreated and nonmaltreated children share the same peaks in risk, the relative risk changes across time for grade repetitions but not for the first occurrence of a poor English or mathematics grade. In summary, this study highlights the importance of time in understanding the relationship between child maltreatment and academic difficulties.
Conformation of oligonucleotides attached to gold nanocrystals probed by gel-electrophoresis

Thiol-modified single stranded oligonucleotides of different lengths (8 to 135 bases) were attached to the surface of 10 nm diameter Au nanocrystals with different DNA/Au ratios (1, 2, ..., saturation). The electrophoretic mobility of these conjugates was determined on 2% agarose gels, and the effective diameter of the DNA/Au conjugates was determined. This diameter depends on the conformation of the oligonucleotides adsorbed on the Au surface. For low surface coverage, nonspecific wrapping of the DNA around the nanoparticles was observed. For high surface coverage, short oligonucleotides were shown to be oriented perpendicular to the surface and fully stretched. For high surface coverage and long oligonucleotides, the inner part close to the Au surface was determined to be fully stretched and pointed perpendicular to the surface, whereas the outer part adopts random coil shape.
Capital expenditure decision making in small firms

Abstract A number of studies have been conducted to determine the extent to which large firms utilize sophisticated techniques in capital expenditure decision making. This research effort focuses on financial decision making procedures of small firms, exploring the techniques utilized to evaluate investment opportunities, methods employed to adjust for risk, purposes of expenditures and concern for profitability, and the source and cost of funds. In light of the recent debate on the capital shortage issue, small firms were also asked what type of tax reform they deemed most desirable to stimulate capital investments.
Surgical Salvage after Failed Irradiation for Vestibular Schwannoma

Objectives/Hypothesis: Compare vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgical outcome between patients with prior irradiation and those not previously treated. Study Design: Retrospective review with matched control group. Methods: Review of tumor adherence to the facial nerve, facial nerve grade, and complications in 38 patients with radiotherapy as a primary procedure before VS surgical removal and a matched random sample of 38 patients with primary surgery. The majority of the irradiated group had gamma knife radiation therapy. Mean time from irradiation to surgical salvage was 3.3 years (SD = 3.2), with a minimum of 5.2 months and a maximum of 15.8 years. Most (89.5%) patients in each group underwent a translabyrinthine approach. Mean tumor size at surgery was 2.6 cm in each group. Results: The irradiated group had more moderate to severe adherence of tumor than the controls (89% vs. 63%, P ≤ .01). They also had a lower rate of good facial function (House-Brackmann grade I/II) (37% vs. 70%) and a higher rate of poor function (grades V or VI) (50% vs. 18%) at follow-up (P ≤ .019). Results were similar when including only those with good preoperative function (50% vs. 72% and 32% vs. 15%) but did not achieve statistical significance. Surgical time and complications did not differ. Conclusion: Patients who have undergone irradiation for VS and require surgical salvage may have a more difficult surgery and poorer outcomes than those not previously irradiated. When making their initial choice of treatment, patients should be counseled that surgery might be more difficult after failed stereotactic irradiation.
Simulated effects of precipitation and nitrogen on Serengeti grassland productivity.

In the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, precipitation and soil nitrogen vary greatly between northwestern tallgrass areas and southeastern shortgrass areas, with the tallgrass having higher total precipitation and lower soil fertility. We used a model of grassland productivity, carbon/nitrogen cycling, and abiotic factors to test the hypothesis that tallgrass productivity is limited primarily by nitrogen availability while shortgrass productivity is limited by water. Under observed grazing intensities and ungrazed conditions, precipitation exerted primary control over grassland productivity for both regions, with differences in soil texture mediating soil water availability to the grasses. Mineral nitrogen availability interacted with water availability to influence productivity at precipitation levels ⩾ 130% of the mean. Nitrogen mineralization and precipitation were positively related for each grassland type, however, nitrification varied both between grassland types and between grazed and ungrazed conditions. Combined mineralization and nitrification could not maintain soil mineral nitrogen levels in the face of plant nitrogen uptake stimulated by increased precipitation, thus providing the mechanism by which nitrogen becomes a secondary limiting factor for both grasslands. Model experiments indicated that the pattern of primary limitation by precipitation and secondary limitation by nitrogen was robust to model assumptions concerning ungulate deposition of urine and dung nitrogen to the soil.
Unusual Reductive Coupling of Alkynes and Ketones: Reactivity of Titanacycles Supported by Dimethylsilylcalix[4]arene (DMSC) Ligands

Reaction of [(DMSC)Ti{1,2,4-(Me3Si)3C6H3}] (1) with 1 equiv of bipyridine (bpy) or 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-dipyridyl (dmbpy) and a slight excess of RC⋮CH quantitatively produced [(DMSC)Ti(η2-RC⋮CH)(L2)]...
Fault-Tolerant Multicasting on Hypercubes

Multicast (one-to-many) communication has important applications in parallel architecture and communication networks. This paper considers the multicast problem for a d dimensional binary hypercube in the presence of F link failures, where F < d. We develop a fault-tolerant (FT) multicast heuristic, namely lookahead-multicast, by including FT features into the existing fault-free hypercube multicast heuristic. The proposed FT multicast heuristic is deadlock-free and can ensure successful multicast. Reliability measures and simulation results are reported towards the performance of this approach. It is also compared with another FT multicast heuristic.
An overview of relative sin T theorems for invariant subspaces of complex matrices

Abstract Relative perturbation bounds for invariant subspaces of complex matrices are reviewed, with emphasis on bounding the sines of the largest principal angle between two subspaces, i.e. sin Θ theorems. The goal is to provide intuition, as well as an idea for why the bounds hold and why they look the way they do. Relative bounds have the advantage of being better at exploiting structure in a perturbation than absolute bounds. Therefore the reaction of subspaces to relative perturbations can be different than to absolute perturbations. In particular, there are certain classes of relative perturbations to which subspaces of indefinite Hermitian matrices can be more sensitive than subspaces of definite matrices.
An EPR study of copper(II)-substituted biguanide complexes. Part III

Abstract The EPR and optical spectra of bis(diethylbiguanide)copper(II) base and its salts and mono(diethylbiguanide)copper(II) salts have been measured both in the solid state and in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in order to elucidate the structure and nature of the bonding between the central metal atom and the ligand. From the spectral data the degree of covalency of σ- and π-bonds of the copper(II) ion with the nitrogen atoms of the ligands have been calculated. The σ-bonds present a moderate degree of covalence while the in-plane π-bonds possess a strong covalent character. The covalency of the biguanide complexes is attributed to the strong σ-interaction of the copper(II) ion with deprotonated imino ligand bonding sites and electron delocalization over the chelate ring. The superfine structure of some compounds may be ascribed to the interaction of the unpaired electron of the copper(II) ion with four equivalent or nearly equivalent nitrogen atoms of the ligands. The general properties of the complexes studied, which contain the equivalent CuN42− chromophore, are summarized.
The zein proteins of maize endosperm

Abstract The storage protein in maize seed is composed of a group of alcohol-soluble polypeptides called zeins. These proteins are synthesized and deposited in the endosperm during seed development and are metabolized during seed germination.
Three‐dimensional characterization of conducting polymer arrays using secondary ion mass spectrometry

Image depth profiling with dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), using ion microscopy and digital imaging, provided high spatial resolution 3D images of patterned polymer films prepared from [Ru(Me4bpy)2(vpy)2]2+ and {Fe[(CH2Br)2bpy]3}2+. Although 3D SIMS has been widely applied to semiconductor device characterization, this study represents a first attempt to characterize conductive polymer arrays. The SIMS studies were useful in localizing the polymer domains, and the extent of polymer mixing within the film structures. Volume‐rendered images and reconstructed local area depth profiles indicated that electropolymerization of the poly‐Fe complex was not limited to the channels in the poly‐Ru resist produced by optical lithography. Quantification of the SIMS image depth profiles required consideration of detection system nonlinearities, ion yield variations (especially transients at the film/substrate interface), and native and sputter induced roughness of the polymer films.
A New Model for the Thermal Conductivity of Molten Salts

Anewmodelbasedonroughhard-spheretheoryisproposedforthethermal conductivity of molten salts. The model incorporates a smooth hard-sphere contribu- tion using the properties of argon, as well as characteristic parameters based on the melting point of the molten salt. It is demonstrated that it is possible to correlate the thermal conductivity of monovalent and multivalent molten salts within experimen- tal error using this approach. Furthermore, in salts with a common anion, the single adjustable parameter in the model exhibits regular behavior with the molecular weight ofthesalt.Itisalsoshownthatthethermalconductivityofseveralmolten-saltmixtures can be predicted without any mixture parameters.
Nano-donuts from pH-dependent block restructuring in amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymer vesicles at the air-water interface

To understand the nature of polymers capable of forming multiply bound polymer chains (MBPCs) on surfaces, the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) have been utilized to investigate surface morphology of the amphiphilic triblock copolymer (P2VP-b-dPS-b-P2VP, Mn = 125,000, dPS:P2VP = 1:1) at the air-water interface. The LB monolayer studies were carried out via π–A isotherms, compression-expansion cycles, kinetic stability, and nanoscopic surface morphological behavior. A strong pH effect was observed on the surface limiting area, stability, and morphology forming various 2-D aggregates. In particular, well-ordered interesting nanostructures (nano-donut formation) of the triblock copolymer aggregates depend on the effect of pH on the hydrophilic P2VP blocks, acting as a “cushion” at the air-water interface. In addition, equilibrium factors between the adsorption of the hydrophilic outer blocks (related to its solubility) and the entanglement of the hydrophobic dPS blocks during the evaporation of the spreading solution may play a critical role.
Passive mode locking with an active nonlinear directional coupler: positive group-velocity dispersion

We show that the active nonlinear coupler laser proposed by us can produce picosecond pulse trains in dual-core fiber lasers with positive group-velocity dispersion. These pulses are accurately described by a linearly chirped soliton profile. The linear chirp should make it possible to obtain subpicosecond pulses widths through extracavity chirp compensation.
Epidermal growth factor accelerates recovery of LLC-PK1 cells following oxidant injury

In renal tubular epithelial cells, oxidant injury results in several metabolic alterations including ATP depletion, decreased Na+K+ ATPase activity, and altered intracellular sodium and potassium content. To investigate the recovery of LLC-PK1 cells following oxidant injury and to determine if recovery can be accelerated, we induced oxidant stress in LLC-PK1 cells with 500 µM hydrogen peroxide for 60 min. Identical cohorts of oxidant-stressed cells were incubated in recovery medium without epidermal growth factor (EGF) or recovery medium containing 25 ng EGF per ml. ATP levels, Na+K+ ATPase activity in whole cells, Na+K+ ATPase activity in disrupted cells, and intracellular sodium and potassium ion content were determined at 0, 5, 24, 48, and 72 h following oxidant injury in each cohort of cells. In oxidant-stressed cells recovering in medium without EGF, ATP levels, Na+K+ ATPase activity, and intracellular ion content improved but continued to remain substantially lower than control values at all time points following oxidant stress. In cells recovering in medium with EGF, ATP levels, Na+K+ ATPase activity, and the intracellular potassium-to-sodium ratio were significantly higher at nearly all time points than values in cells recovering in medium alone. In cells recovering with added EGF, Na+K+ ATPase activity had improved to control levels, whereas ATP levels and intracellular ion content approached control values by 72 h following oxidant stress. We conclude that oxidant-mediated ATP depletion, altered Na+K+ ATPase activity, and intracellular ion content remain depressed for several d following oxidant stress and that EGF accelerated recovery of LLC-PK1 cells from oxidant injury.
A Test Methodology for Studying Liquid Penetration of Barrier Materials

A test apparatus for determining pressure at liquid breakthrough as a function of flow rate is designed and constructed. The method reveals that as flow rate increases, the volume of material penetrated by the liquid increases. In addition, pressure at penetration does not strongly depend on flow rate and even decreases with flow rate for some materials. Peak pressure and distance to peak increase with flow rate. Steady-state pressure increases with flow rate but not according to the Poiseuille equation, as would be expected. This test method permits comparison of materials in terms of barrier perfor mance.
Statistical and generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy of multiple ionization States. Fluorescence of neurotransmitter serotonin.

Fluorescence spectra of neurotransmitter serotonin are analyzed with generalized and statistical two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. A comparison is provided for these two emerging data analysis techniques. Both methods reveal correlations between spectral variables and demonstrate enhanced sensitivity in detecting the dynamic spectral changes over conventional one-dimensional spectroscopy. Both statistical and generalized 2D correlation analysis emphasize simultaneous spectral changes in response to external perturbations. Generalized 2D correlation spectroscopy further reveals the difference in rates of these dynamic changes. Using 2D correlation analysis, a third ionization species of serotonin is identified using pH and excitation wavelength perturbation. This species is a doubly deprotonated serotonin with very low fluorescence quantum yield, confirmed by using a laser excitation at longer wavelength and at higher pH. Taking advantage of the spectral differences between excitation of serotonin ...
Judged complexity as a function of schema related variables

The present study is an application of schema theory to complexity judgments. Three schemata, varying in regularity, and three levels of redundancy were combined to form nine conditions of stimulus complexity. The results indicate that the schema rule and redundancy level additively influence judged complexity.
Comparison of multidetector computed tomography and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for left ventricular assessment in patients with heart failure.

Along with coronary evaluation, 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) permits comprehensive assessment of left ventricular (LV) anatomy and function; however, how it compares with 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients with heart failure (HF) is not known. In this study, we compared 25 patients with ejection fractions of 0.20). The mean lateral and septal wall thicknesses by TTE and MDCT were 10 ± 1.4 and 11 ± 1.5 mm and 10 ± 1.3 and 10 ± 1.4 mm (r = 0.77 and 0.76, respectively, both p >0.20). The mean LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and stroke volume by TTE and MDCT were 123 ± 45, 78 ± 31, and 44 ± 21 ml and 140 ± 58, 92 ± 43, and 48 ± 24 ml, respectively (r = 0.62, 0.67, and 0.60, respectively, all p >0.20). The regional wall motion assessment correlation was good between the 2 modalities (κ = 0.61). The interobserver correlation between the 2 MDCT readers ranged from good (r = 0.72 for LV end-diastolic volume) to excellent (r = 0.84 for septal wall thickness). In conclusion, MDCT provides comparable results to TTE for LV structure and functional assessment among patients with HF.
Lying with man as with woman: rethinking the impact of religious discourse on gay community strength.

Abstract The impact of hostile and neutral or favorable religious discourse on gay community strength, as quantified by the efficiency of six types of gay colonization of public space, was examined in 200 American cities. Baptist and Holiness-Pentecostal membership was negatively correlated with most types of colonization, pro-gay Protestant and Catholic membership was mostly irrelevant, and Jewish membership was positively correlated at significant levels. In a logistic regression on dichotomized strength, only Jewish membership was a significant covariate. Results are discussed in the context of cultural studies and queer theory.
The nature of the orbits of charged dust injected into the Jovian magnetosphere during the tidal break-up of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9

Assuming that the spin and magnetic axis of Jupiter are strictly parallel and that the grain charge remains constant we have derived two integrals of the 3D equations of motion of charged dust grains moving within the co-rotating regions of the Jovian magnetosphere taking into account both planetary gravitation and magnetospheric rotation. We then apply this model to study the fate of fine dust injected into the Jovian magnetosphere as a result of the tidal disruption of comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 during its first encounter with Jupiter in July 1992. This analysis, which uses the integrals of the equation of motion rather than the equation of motion itself as was done by Horanyi (1994), does not allow us to calculate the orbits or the orbital evolution of the grains. But it does allow us to construct the spatial regions to which the grains are confined, at least initially before evolutionary effects take over. We have chosen three points along the path of the disintegrating comet for the injection of dust and used two values for the uncertain floating potential of the dust in the inner Jovian magnetosphere. Grains can have three different fates, depending on their size, their acquired potential and their point of injection. While the smallest grains are quickly lost by collision with the planet at high latitudes independent of the sign of their charge, those in an intermediate but narrow size range, injected near the equatorial plane can be trapped in a region close to it, this being true for both positive and negative grains. While somewhat larger positive grains may be initially ejected outward by the co-rotational electric force, similar negative grains, pulled inward by this force collide with the planet at low latitudes. In all cases the largest grains, which are dominated by planetary gravity, initially escape from the inner magnetosphere by following in the path of the comet. Using a detailed time dependent numerical calculation of the jovicentric orbits of the charged dust debris of the disintegrating comet, that allows for variation in the grain potential, while also allowing for perturbations of the grain orbits due to solar radiation pressure and solar gravity Horanyi (1994) found that grains in the size range (1.5μm <a < 2.5μm) which initially make large excursions from the planet, will eventually form a ring in the radial range 4.5R J <r < 6R J . Our present analytical calculation cannot make such a prediction about the evolutionary fate of the dust debris. It can, however, estimate the size of the grains that are initially confined to regions near the points of injection, before evolutionary effects become important.
Problems in the Measurement of Urinary TRH

Many studies of TRH physiology have been based on the radioimmunoassay of TRH in urine. In view of the inability of serum to deactivate urine TRH and the interference of urea with the TRH assay, measurement of urine TRH by radioimmunoassay may not be a true reflection of the actual concentration of TRH.
METABOLISM OF ADRENAL STEROIDS IN DYING PATIENTS

The status of adrenocortical function and the metabolism of corticosteroids associated with impending death have not been well defined. The possibility exists that death may be associated with “exhaustion” of the adrenal cortex (1). It has been reported that the plasma potassium concentration of dying patients is higher than that seen in normal subjects (2, 3), a finding compatible with the presence of adrenal insufficiency. On the other hand, there is some evidence which suggests that there may be hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex at the time of death, although no rigorous proof of this has yet been submitted. Thus, it has been shown by several investigators that severely ill or stressed patients excrete large amounts of 17-ketosteroids and corticosteroids in the urine (4, 5).
Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Technology: Its impact on the electrification of the transportation industry.

The efficiency of any electric vehicle (EV) is limited by the efficiency of its power electronic motor drive. Currently, EVs use conventional silicon (Si) insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or Si metal?oxide?semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies. Si technology prevents traction motor drives from exceeding the low switching frequencies (tens of kilohertz) due to excessive switching losses. This is important as the size of passive components (and thus cost) is inversely related to the switching frequency.
Physics of the Be(0001) surface core-level spectrum.

First-principles calculations for slabs as many as 13 layers thick show that the three surface core-level features observed on Be(0001) correspond to core-electron ionizations in its three outermost atomic layers. The calculations also imply that the experimental peak identified with core ionization in the bulk is a composite; theoretical core-ionization potentials for the fourth and deeper layers differ by as much as 90 meV. The sign and surprisingly large magnitudes of the Be(0001) surface core-level shifts (SCLS's) are attributed to unusually large surface-state contributions to the three outer layers' local densities of states. Both initial- and final-state effects are substantial in the SCLS's, and their contributions are additive.