cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing climate tracking of montane rodent distributions over the past century within the Great Basin ecoregion

Abstract Geographic ranges of many taxa have shifted poleward or up-slope under warming. Little is known, however, about the consistency of these dynamics among multiple mountains within a species’ geographic range. We assess climate tracking over the past century for four montane rodents, across the Ruby Mountains and Toiyabe Range within the Great Basin ecoregion of western North America. To do this, we generated species distribution models (SDMs, Maxent) in each mountain range during historical (1923–1940) and modern (2005–2015) time periods. Nineteen bioclimatic variables were derived from 800 m resolution monthly PRISM climate group data. SDMs trained on historic occurrences and climate were projected onto modern climates to estimate expected species distributions along each elevational gradient. Occurrence-based Observed Modern SDMs were compared to these Expected Modern SDMs, with congruence between the two representing the degree of climate tracking. Climate tracking predicted up-slope range expansions and contractions in the Ruby Mountains, while stasis or down-slope contractions were predicted in the Toiyabe Range. Observed Modern SDMs rarely matched climate tracking expectations, and the same species showed variable responses among mountains. Deviations are partially explained by changes in the contribution of temperature vs. precipitation over time. Additionally, optimal niche space in the Ruby Mountains shifted in elevation, but shifted in both elevation and latitude in the Toiyabe Range. Our results indicate that data from one elevational gradient may not be predictive of range dynamics elsewhere, even across similar environmental conditions and habitats, even for the same species. Conservation efforts will be better served by strategies that consider both inter- and intraspecific variation in responses to climate change over space and time.
A Multiband and Multifunctional Metasurface for Polarization Conversion Applications

This paper presents a multiband multifunctional metasurface performing both linear and circular polarization conversion. The unit cell of the proposed metasurface consists of fish like structure. The frequency bands in which linear polarization conversion is achieved with 90% efficiency are 9.7-11.66 GHz and 19.2-20.8 GHz. Circular polarization conversion is also achieved with the unique design of metasurface at two frequency bands of 9.13-9.34 GHz and 12.9-17.8 GHz. Furthermore, metasurface is angularly stable against oblique incidences up to 45°. The multiband and multifunctional structure can be used for many applications like satellite communication, radar cross section reduction, navigation system and radar tracking.
The tradeoff between noise, data rate, and power consumption of transimpedance amplifiers for optical receivers

The inverter-based shunt-feedback transimpedance amplifier (TIA) has become an essential building block for high-speed receivers for optical interconnects in advanced technologies due to its low operating voltage and high efficiency. Previously, the design of TIA’s optimal noise is based on the relationship between the photodetector’s capacitance, $$C_{{\mathrm {D}}}$$ , and the TIA’s capacitance, $$C_{{\mathrm {I}}}$$ . In this paper, we present a method to calculate the accurate size of the inverter-based amplifier, feedback resistance $$R_F$$ , and load capacitance $$C_o$$ for the optimal noise. Next, we further discuss the impact of the quality factor, channel length, and input parasitics on these parameters. Our analysis is applied to 65 nm CMOS technology based on MATLAB calculations. The predicted results agree well with the simulation results, offering valuable interpretations and conclusions that reveal the inherent tradeoffs among noise, data rate, and power consumption in the broadband optical TIA.
Executive Function, Language Dominance and Literacy Skills in Spanish-speaking Language-minority Children: A Longitudinal Study.

Abstract In the United States, children whose home language is Spanish are at increased risk for the development of reading difficulties. Studies have reported a link between executive function (EF) and reading; few studies have examined this linkage in Spanish-speaking language-minority (LM) children. This longitudinal study examined the association between preschool EF and kindergarten reading-related skills in 241 Spanish-speaking LM children (M-age in preschool = 54.23 months, SD = 6.17). In preschool, children completed measures of inhibitory control (IC) and working memory (WM) in their dominant language, and early literacy skills in Spanish and English. In the fall of their kindergarten year, children completed code- and language-related literacy measures in both languages. A 2-factor model (IC and WM) accounted for children's preschool EF. Most zero-order correlations between EF factors and kindergarten outcomes in Spanish (rs = 0.03-0.40) and English (rs = 0.05-0.35) were statistically significant. For English-language outcomes, WM was more strongly associated with code-related skills and IC with language-related skills; for Spanish-language outcomes, WM was more strongly related to both code- and language-related skills than IC. There was little difference in the associations between EF and reading outcomes based on the language in which EF was measured (i.e., the child's dominant language). When controlling for early literacy skills in the same language as the kindergarten outcomes, EF contributed significant unique variance to kindergarten skills in English but not in Spanish. For Spanish language outcomes, early literacy skills appear to mediate the role of preschool EF. The results suggest that children's development in cognitive domains, such as EF, may have an important role in the acquisition of core early reading skills for Spanish-speaking LM children.
Realistic spin

We present a realistic model in which spin measurements are represented by functions. By employing a simple amplitude density, we derive the usual spin distributions and matrices for the spin-1/2 case. The spin-1 case is also considered. Moreover, we derive the amplitude density itself from deeper principles involving a real-valued influence function.
Collective Manipulation and Construction

Many practical applications can make use of robot collectives that can manipulate objects and construct structures. Examples include applications in warehousing, truck loading and unloading, transporting large objects in industrial environments, and assembly of large-scale structures. Creating such systems, however, can be challenging. When collective robots work together to manipulate physical objects in the environment, their interactions necessarily become more tightly coupled. This need for tight coupling can lead to important control challenges, since actions by some robots can directly interfere with those of other robots. This chapter explores techniques that have been developed to enable robot swarms to effectively manipulate and construct objects in the environment. The focus in this chapter is on decentralized manipulation and construction techniques that would likely scale to large robot swarms (at least 10 Open image in new window robots), rather than approaches aimed primarily at smaller teams that attempt the same objectives. This chapter first discusses the swarm task of object transportation; in this domain, the objective is for robots to collectively move objects through the environment to a goal destination. The chapter then discusses object clustering and sorting, which requires objects in the environment to be aggregated at one or more locations in the environment. The final task discussed is that of collective construction and wall building, in which robots work together to build a prespecified structure. While these different tasks vary in their specific objectives for collective manipulation , they also have several commonalities. This chapter explores the state of the art in this area.
Aging and Housing:: A Note on How Housing Expresses Social Status

Housing is conceptualized as a source of positive or negative status. Some environmentally related indicators of status are generated to open new lines of inquiry. The social class limits of new housing as a Source of accorded status are discussed.
The Riemann Problem for Systems of Conservation Laws

We shall begin this chapter by studying the Riemann problem for an important class of equations which we designate as p-systems. This class includes as a special case the equations of isentropic as well as isothermal gas dynamics. For these equations one can give a complete solution of the Riemann problem for any two constant states. In §B we shall study the general properties of shocks and rarefaction waves, while in §C we shall solve the Riemann problem for general hyperbolic systems of conservation laws, but only when the initial states are sufficiently close.
Research and Theory on Multi-Media Learning Effects

A survey of available multi-media and interactive videodisc research, reviews is presented. Conclusions are offered that: 1) multiple media, including videodisc technology, are not the factors that influence learning; 2) the measured learning gains in studies of the instructional uses of multiple media are mostly likely due to instructional methods (such as interactivity) that can be used with a variety of single and multiple media; 3) the aspects of dual coding theory which formed the basis for early multi-media studies have not been supported by subsequent research; and 4) future multi-media and interactive videodisc research should focus on the economic benefits (cost and learning time advantages) of new technology.
Observations and Theories of Langmuir Circulation: A Story of Mixing

The study of Langmuir circulation has a strongly interdisciplinary history; the first half of this work is a brief and eclectic review of this. Much of the research has been motivated by interest in the biology and chemistry of the mixed layer. These, in turn, are sensitive to details of typical particle trajectories; i.e., to high-order statistics of the flow such as time and space lagged covariances. In contrast, descriptions of the mixed layer have progressed from means (mixed layer velocity, temperature, and depth) to variances only recently. With the development of new observation techniques, and of complex numerical models, building upon equations for the development of Langmuir circulations developed by A. Craik and S. Leibovich in the late 1970’s, it appears that descriptions of these high-order statistics may be attainable. However, systematic discrepancies appear in the observations that remain to be explained: e.g., the magnitude of near-surface velocities associated with Langmuir circulation varies over a factor of 4 between different wind events for apparently similar conditions, yet is well behaved within each individual event. The last part of this work dwells on some recent observations and the nature of this unexplained variability.
A reorganização do layout como estratégia de otimização da produção

As organizacoes estao inseridas em ambientes competitivos que exigem o aprimoramento das praticas na area de manufatura, destacando o arranjo fisico como um grande desafio na gestao industrial. Este artigo teve como objetivo demonstrar a importância do layout como uma forma de aumentar a competitividade de organizacoes. A consolidacao teorica partiu dos conceitos de layout, dos diferentes modelos existentes e investimentos associados a minimizacao de custos. Assim, estabeleceu-se uma compreensao do fluxo produtivo organizacional e a sensibilidade necessaria para reflexoes sobre a melhoria de processo em uma industria produtora de cilindros hidraulicos na Serra Gaucha. A metodologia utilizada foi de um estudo exploratorio e descritivo, realizado atraves de um estudo de caso. Para tanto, a pesquisa contou com dados primarios realizados atraves de entrevistas semiestruturadas e dados secundarios coletados a partir de documentos e relatorios organizacionais. O resultado do estudo apontou oportunidades de aperfeicoamento no fluxo produtivo, propiciando a conquista de maior capacidade de producao e incremento nos lucros para a organizacao, antecipando o retorno sobre o capital investido no negocio.
X-Irradiation of the Developing Male Germ Cells of Tribolium Confusum.

Young adult males of the flour beetle, T. confusum, have been shown to require about four days, following eclosion, to reach sexual maturity. Subjecting two or three day old males to 1450 or 2900 r of x rays depresses their fertility, as evidenced by the increase in the percentage of inviable eggs produced by their mates. This inviability, probably due in part to the induction of dominant lethals, reaches a maximum value 11 to 12 days following irradiation and then declines. In general, the pattern of response suggests that the various stages of spermatogenesis of T. confusum are differentially sensitive to x-rays. No evidence was found for recovery of irradiated sperm stored by females, or of extended effects on the fertility of the treated males. (auth)
Assays for parathyroid hormone and their use in patients with end-stage renal disease.

New second-generation immunometric PTH assays have been developed. The assays measure full-length biologically active PTH(1–84) exclusively and do not detect amino-terminally-truncated PTH fragments,
Sea turtle red blood cell parameters correlated with carapace lengths

Abstract 1. 1. Sea turtles with longer lengths of upper shells have higher packed volumes of red cells, larger red cells by length-width product and volume, lower red cell counts, and probably more rounded red cells. 2. 2. These concomitants may have significant physiological implications.
Turning Lights Out with Linear Algebra

(1998). Turning Lights Out with Linear Algebra. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 300-303.
The Tao of transversality as a global approach to truth: A metacommentary on Calvin O. Schrag

L'A. commente la situation de la philosophie postmoderne dans son rapport a la verite. Il expose et analyse la proposition de Schrag d'adopter une «transversalite» vis a vis de la verite, concue comme le moyen de la communicabilite
Learning behavior styles with inverse reinforcement learning

We present a method for inferring the behavior styles of character controllers from a small set of examples. We show that a rich set of behavior variations can be captured by determining the appropriate reward function in the reinforcement learning framework, and show that the discovered reward function can be applied to different environments and scenarios. We also introduce a new algorithm to recover the unknown reward function that improves over the original apprenticeship learning algorithm. We show that the reward function representing a behavior style can be applied to a variety of different tasks, while still preserving the key features of the style present in the given examples. We describe an adaptive process where an author can, with just a few additional examples, refine the behavior so that it has better generalization properties.
Towards a discipline of real-time programming

Programming is divided into three major categories with increasing complexity of reasoning in program validation: sequential programming, multi-programming, and real-time programming. By adhering to a strict programming discipline and by using a suitable high-level language molded after this discipline, we may drastically reduce the complexity of reasoning about concurrency and execution time constraints. This may be the only practical way to make real-time systems analytically verifyable and ultimately reliable. A possible discipline is outlined and expressed in terms of the language Modula.
Longitudinal Image Based Study of Cerebral Aneurysms: Growth, Contacts and Hemodynamics During Aneurysmal Progression

Improving current procedures for the evaluation and treatment of cerebral aneurysms requires a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing their formation, progression and rupture. It is generally accepted that these mechanisms are multi-factorial, involving: hemodynamics, wall biomechanics and mechano-biology, and contacts with peri-aneurysmal structures [1]. However, little is known about the relative importance and interactions of these factors. The broad objective of our research is to investigate the mechanisms of aneurysm progression by studying cerebral aneurysms that are followed longitudinally in time with non-invasive 3D imaging. In this context, the goal of this paper is to highlight the importance of considering possible contacts between the aneurysm and peri-aneurysmal structures and studying their effects on the aneurysm evolution. For this purpose, we present a computational analysis of a growing aneurysm in contact with bones at the base of the skull.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Does computer-based training impact maintenance costs and actions? An empirical analysis of the US Navy’s AN/SQQ-89(v) sonar system

The United States Navy decided in the early 2000s to replace traditional, instructor-led schoolhouse training with computer-based training (CBT). While employing CBT may produce gains in knowledge acquisition and lower costs for repetitive, low-skill work, there is a lack of empirical evidence whether these benefits exist for more highly skilled Navy operations. Anecdotal evidence suggests that CBT failed to sufficiently prepare new sailors for sophisticated systems’ maintenance and operation. To determine the validity of this evidence, we examine how CBT has affected the AN/SQQ-89(v) sonar. We empirically analyse whether the Navy’s introduction of CBT significantly altered fleet maintenance costs, actions and training requirements, by assembling a unique data set of ships, locations, personnel, maintenance costs and maintenance actions. Controlling for the Navy’s plan to man the system, the number of authorized billets and the number of personnel on board, we find that CBT adversely impacts costs, action...
Is There a Future for the Teaching Profession

This essay raises the question, “Is there a future for the teaching profession?” Beginning with a brief story illustrating the difficulties teachers and teacher educators face, this essay addresses...
Nitrogen fixation specific regulatory genes of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Rhizobium meliloti share homology with the general nitrogen regulatory gene ntrC of K. pneumoniae

Abstract We have determined the complete nucleotide sequences of three functionally related nitrogen assimilation regulatory genes from Klebsiella pneumoniae and Rhizobium meliloti. These genes are: 1) The K. pneumoniae general nitrogen assimilation regulatory gene ntrC (formerly called glnG), 2) the K. pneumoniae nif-specific regulatory gene nifA, and 3) an R. meliloti nif-specific regulatory gene that appears to be functionally analogous to the K. pneumoniae nifA gene. In addition to the DNA sequence data, gel-purified K. pneumoniae nifA protein was used to determine the amino acid composition of the nifA protein. The K. pneumoniae ntrC and nifA genes code for proteins of 52,259 and 53,319 d respectively. The R. meliloti nifA gene codes for a 59,968 d protein. A central region within each polypeptide, consisting of approximately 200 amino acids, is between 52% and 58% conserved among the three proteins. Neither the amino termini nor the carboxy termini show any conserved sequences. Together with data that shows that the three regulatory proteins activate promoters that share a common consensus sequence in the -10 (5'-TTGCA-3') and -23 (5'-CTGG-3') regions, the sequence data presented here suggest a common evolutionary origin for the three regulatory genes.
A re-examination of the spino-reticulo-diencephalic pathway in the cat

One commonly accepted idea is that affective aspects of pain sensation are derived from a flow of information from the spinal cord through the reticular formation to the intralaminar thalamus and subthalamus. Little is known, however, about the extent to which spinoreticular terminations and reticulodiencephalic neuronal cell bodies overlap. This study used a combination of anterograde and retrograde tracing techniques to compare these distributions in the cat. Whereas spinoreticular terminations were concentrated caudally and laterally, neurons projecting to intralaminar thalamus and subthalamus were concentrated rostrally and medially. Thus, information conveyed from the spinal cord to the reticular formation appears to have direct access to intralaminar thalamus and subthalamus only by way of a few widely scattered neurons. When considered with the results of others, these results encourage less emphasis on a putative spino-reticulo-diencephalic pathway for pain. Rather, the reticular formation's role in pain is more likely to involve its full complement of interconnected descending and ascending connections.
Ecosystem Succession and Nutrient Retention: Vitousek and Reiners' Hypothesis

What mechanisms mediate the flow of energy and cycling of nutrients during ecological succession? Are they linked in time and across space? In 1969, Eugene P. Odum proposed a series of hypotheses that caused the ecological community to think critically about patterns and processes (sensu Watt 1947) during ecological succession and how they might be linked in a causal manner. Odum’s perspective on the process of succession, or “the strategy of ecosystem development” as he termed it, was undoubtedly shaped by the intellectual influence of his mentor, Victor Shelford, as well as Shelford’s contemporaries such as Fredrick Clements. They shared the idea that ecological communities possessed emergent properties, wherein the whole is greater than the sum of its parts (sensu Phillips 1934). Inasmuch, the 24 hypotheses Odum (1969) articulated were an amalgam of holism and reductionism that created his rationale for the way energy flows and nutrients cycle within ecosystems. It is within this context that Peter Vitousek and Bill Reiners derived ideas that are fundamental to our understanding of energy flow and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, ideas that have profoundly shaped my thinking as an ecologist.
Identifying Families with Likely Genetic Protective Factors against Alzheimer Disease

Summary Elderly individuals who lived beyond the age of 90 years without dementia were hypothesized to have increased concentrations of genetic protective factors against Alzheimer disease (AD), conferring a reduced liability for this disease relative to less-aged nondemented elderly. However, testing this hypothesis is complicated by having to distinguish such a group from those who may lack genetic risk factors for AD, have had protective environmental exposures, or have escaped dementia for other reasons. Probands carrying genetic protective factors, however, should have relatives with lower illness rates not only for earlier-onset disease, when genetic risk factors are a strong contributing factor to the incidence of AD, but also for later-onset disease, when the role of these factors appears to be markedly diminished. AD dementia was assessed through family informants in 6,660 first-degree relatives of 1,049 nondemented probands aged 60–102 years. The probands were grouped by age (60–74, 75–89, and 90–102 years), and the cumulative survival from AD and 10-year–age-interval hazard rates of AD were calculated in their first-degree relatives. Cumulative survival from AD was significantly greater in the relatives of the oldest proband group (aged 90–102 years) than it was in the two younger groups. In addition, the reduction in the rate of illness for this group was relatively constant across the entire late life span. The results suggest that genetic factors conferring a lifelong reduced liability of AD may be more highly concentrated among nondemented probands aged ⩾90 years and their relatives. Efforts to identify protective allele–bearing genes that are associated with very late–onset AD should target the families of nonagenarians and centenarians.
A novel near-infrared fluorescence sensor for detection of thrombin activation in blood.

Thrombosis is an important pathophysiologic component of many cardiovascular diseases. Thrombin, a serine protease, plays a central role in thrombosis formation. Detection and imaging of thrombin activity may thus be of considerable biomedical interest. The goal of this study was to design, synthesize, and characterize a novel thrombin-activated near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe. The probe consisted of a thrombin-cleavable peptide spacer (...D-Phe-Pip-Arg...; Pip=pipecolic acid) and contained a terminal fluorescence reporter which was quenched when conjugated to a biocompatible delivery vehicle. A control peptide spacer was synthesized that differed by one amino acid. Following thrombin addition, the probe was activated within minutes. The NIRF signal increased by a factor of 27-fold within 20 minutes, and was inhibited by hirudin, a specific thrombin inhibitor. NIRF optical imaging experiments confirmed rapid activation of the probe in both buffer and human blood. The control probe showed minimal activation in all experiments. In addition to potentially furthering our understanding of thrombin regulation in vivo, the thrombin-activated near-infrared probe may have broad clinical application to the diagnosis of arterial and venous thrombosis.
Optical Neural Net And Symbolic Substitution Production System

New optical neural net and symbolic substitution production system architectures are described. Several new learning aspects of these architectures are noted and initial results obtained with a multiple object/part identification problem are noted as demonstrations of optical symbolic filters and production systems.
HPLC of Fluorescent Products of Acetaminophen Reaction with Peroxidase

Abstract HPLC was utilized in this work to follow the progress of the reaction of acetaminophen and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of horseradish peroxidase. Several fluorescent as well as ultraviolet-detectable compounds where detected and separated by HPLC on a reversed-phase column. These reaction products are polymers of acetaminophen. The compounds are stable and fluoresce directly over a wide pH range without the need for further chemical reactions. Surfactants enhance the fluorescence intensity. The fluorescent compounds have several potential practical applications as sensitive tests for: hydrogen peroxide, peroxidase activity and also as an indicator reaction for coupled enzymatic assays such as glucose and uric acid.
Adenosine Deaminase ADAR1 Increases Gene Expression at the Translational Level by Decreasing Protein Kinase PKR-Dependent eIF-2α Phosphorylation

ADAR1 (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) catalyzes the deamination of adenosine to inosine on RNA substrates with double-stranded character. Here, we show that coexpression of ADAR1 in mammalian cells markedly increases plasmid-based gene expression in transfected cells. The enhanced expression was independent of the nature of the promoter (viral and cellular) used to drive gene expression, of the protein reporter (luciferase and RRP) tested, and of the human cell line examined (293T and HeLa). Exogenous protein levels were increased by approximately 20-fold to approximately 50-fold when ADAR1 was coexpressed, whereas RNA transcript levels changed by less than 2-fold. The activation of PKR (protein kinase regulated by RNA) protein kinase and the phosphorylation of translation initiation factor eIF-2alpha seen following plasmid DNA transfection were both greatly reduced in ADAR1-transfected cells. Stable knockdown of the PKR kinase increased reporter gene expression in the absence, but not in the presence, of ADAR1 coexpression. Both size forms of ADAR1-the p150-inducible form and the p110-like constitutive form-enhanced plasmid-based gene expression. Taken together, these results indicate that the ADAR1 deaminase increases exogenous gene expression at the translational level by decreasing PKR-dependent eIF-2alpha phosphorylation.
Computed tomographic artifact simulating acute subdural hematoma

Radiologists are alerted to the need to distinguish subdural hematoma from an artifact of computed tomography.
LAND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ELECTRONIC PAGES) AS A PART OF IVHS

Abstract Electronic yellow pages (Electronic Pages) are proposed as a part of establishing information systems for an Intelligent Vehicle Highway System (IVHS) program. The basic requirement for trip planning is an information system which has a list of all available facilities (Yellow Pages). Usually the requirement for Yellow Pages is greater in nonwork trips compared to work trips. Present computerized systems are static databases of facilities, and interfaces to these types of systems are complicated with many restrictions. Additionally, the information provided by these systems does not fulfil user needs.
On polar sets for Lévy processes

On reprend des resultats de Port et Stone (1969), Kanda (1978) et Glover et Rao (1987) en utilisant des considerations sur l'energie developpees dans Pop-Stojanovic et Rao (1969)
Neurologic Manifestations of Lyme Disease, the New “Great Imitator”

The causative agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, is a highly neurotropic organism that not only can produce symptomatic neurologic disease but also can exist dormant within the central nervous system (CNS) for long periods. Two distinct types of neuroborreliosis occur at different stages of Lyme disease. Second-stage Lyme meningitis resembles aseptic meningitis and is often associated with facial palsies, peripheral nerve involvement, and/or radiculopathies. Lyme meningitis may be the first evidence of Lyme disease, occurring without a history of erythema chronicum migrans or flu-like illness. Third-stage parenchymal involvement causes a multitude of nonspecific CNS manifestations that can be confused with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and psychiatric derangements. Manifestations of CNS parenchymal involvement in Lyme disease are generally associated, however, with a history of erythema chronicum migrans, meningitis, or carditis. Both second- and third-stage Lyme neuroborrelioses are commonly misdiagnosed because they are relatively uncommon and because they mimic many better-known disorders.
Comparisons of Deep Inelastic e p and e n Cross-Sections

Cross sections for inelastic scattering of electrons from hydrogen and deuterium were measured for incident energies from 4.5 to 18 GeV, at scattering angles of 18\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 26\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 34\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and covering a range of squared four-momentum transfers up to $20 {(\frac{\mathrm{GeV}}{c})}^{2}$. Neutron cross sections were extracted from the deuterium data using an impulse approximation. Comparisons with the proton measurements show significant differences between the neutron and proton cross sections.
Psychometric Reevaluation of Parental Press for Academic Achievement and Postsecondary Planning Scale

Objective:Psychometric details of the Parental Press for Academic Achievement and Postsecondary Planning Scale (PPS), developed by Chicago Consortium of Chicago School Research, are scarce. The purpose of this study was to reexamine the properties of this 7-item measure.Method:The study utilized cross-sectional, self-reported data from 100 low-income, first-generation undergraduate students at a university in the southern United States.Results:Factor analysis on the PPS revealed two dimensions with all items loaded, accounting for 81.44% of the variance. Reliability of the PPS was sound, that is, average interitem correlation was .62 and Cronbach’s α and split-half coefficients were .918 and .923, respectively. Convergent validity was suggested via significant correlations between the PPS and its theoretically similar constructs, that is, valuation of high school (r = .32) and parental support for college (r = .82).Conclusion:The PPS appears to be psychometrically appropriate for appraising students’ perc...
A Recommended Curriculum in Computer Science and Engineering

Digital computers go back to the early 1940's, but significant work in computer science and engineering educaion was not to be seen until the 1960's. Originally, the customer training and education provided by the manufacturers resented virtually the only computer education available. Then in the 1950's, a large number of private computer schools emerged to fill the burgeoning demand for computer personnel. Finally, with encouragement from industry and guidance from the professional societies, computer science and engineering programs began to be offered in institutions of higher learning.
Sentinel node in the era of neoadjuvant therapy and locally advanced breast cancer

The most important determinant of prognosis for patients with breast cancer is the status of the axillary lymph nodes. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been performed for over a century to stage the cancer, achieve regional control, and perhaps improve survival. In accordance with tradition, ALND has been performed on all patients with the diagnosis of invasive breast cancer. In the early 1990s, this dogma was challenged because of the significant morbidity associated with ALND (paresthesia, extremity lymphedema) and the fact that greater than 50% of all breast cancers are node negative. A less morbid but highly accurate staging procedure, lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) was introduced. Currently, the de facto standard of care in breast cancer is to perform LM and SNB in patients with small tumors and clinically negative axilla. While numerous methodological issues are being raised, the utility of LM and SNB identification continues to expand. In the current review we assess the application of this technique to locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. What role does SNB play in locally advanced disease? Is LM and SNB accurate for patients with advanced disease? What influence do axillary metastases have on further treatment? What is the role of SNB in the planning for neoadjuvant patients? The skillful management of patients with breast cancer lies in the delicate balance between maximizing the efficacy of treatment and minimizing its morbidity and failure.
Influence of flap thickness on visual and refractive outcomes after laser in situ keratomileusis performed with a mechanical keratome

Purpose To study the effect of flap thickness on visual acuity and refractive outcomes after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using 2 blade types with a mechanical microkeratome. Setting Emory Vision, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Methods This retrospective analysis was of LASIK cases performed between January 2005 and June 2006 using an Amadeus I microkeratome and an ML7090 CLB blade (blade A) or a Surepass blade (blade B). Outcomes analyzed included flap thickness, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), the enhancement rate, and surgical complications 3 months postoperatively. Results Two hundred sixty-three eyes of 153 patients were analyzed; blade A was used in 158 eyes and blade B, in 105 eyes. The mean flap thickness was significantly thinner with blade A than with blade B (107 μm ± 12 [SD] versus 130 ± 20 μm) (P .10), and there was no difference in the complication rates. Conclusion Flap thickness did not affect visual or refractive outcomes with a mechanical microkeratome with either blade type. Financial Disclaimer No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Processing of Advanced Cast Alloys for A-USC Steam Turbine Applications

The high-temperature components within conventional supercritical coal-fired power plants are manufactured from ferritic/martensitic steels. To reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, the efficiency of pulverized coal steam power plants must be increased to as high a temperature and pressure as feasible. The proposed steam temperature in the DOE/NETL Advanced Ultra Supercritical power plant is high enough (760°C) that ferritic/martensitic steels will not work for the majority of high-temperature components in the turbine or for pipes and tubes in the boiler due to temperature limitations of this class of materials. Thus, Ni-based superalloys are being considered for many of these components. Off-the-shelf forged nickel alloys have shown good promise at these temperatures, but further improvements can be made through experimentation within the nominal chemistry range as well as through thermomechanical processing and subsequent heat treatment. However, cast nickel-based superalloys, which possess high strength, creep resistance, and weldability, are typically not available, particularly those with good ductility and toughness that are weldable in thick sections. To address those issues related to thick casting for turbine casings, for example, cast analogs of selected wrought nickel-based superalloys such as alloy 263, Haynes 282, and Nimonic 105 have been produced. Alloy design criteria, melt processing experiences, and heat treatment are discussed with respect to the as-processed and heat-treated microstructures and selected mechanical properties. The discussion concludes with the prospects for full-scale development of a thick section casting for a steam turbine valve chest or rotor casing.
Electrochemically modulated liquid chromatographic separation of triazines and the effect of pH on retention

Abstract Electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography (EMLC) manipulates analyte retention by changing the potential applied (Eapp) to a conductive stationary phase. This paper applies EMLC to the separation of a set of seven triazines which are commonly used but environmentally hazardous herbicides. Experiments herein examine the influence of Eapp and the pH of the mobile phase on triazine retention. The results are discussed in terms of: (1) retention of triazines of dissimilar acid strengths and by correlations with the pH of the mobile phase; (2) how changes in Eapp and acid–base equilibria modulate elution; (3) qualitative insights into EMLC-based retention; and (4) potential merits of EMLC in realizing the rapid separation of the seven-component triazine mixture.
Automated Marketing Research Using Online Customer Reviews

Market structure analysis is a basic pillar of marketing research. Classic challenges in marketing such as pricing, campaign management, brand positioning, and new product development are rooted in an analysis of product substitutes and complements inferred from market structure. In this paper, we present a method to support the analysis and visualization of market structure by automatically eliciting product attributes, and brand’s relative positions, from online customer reviews. First, we discover attributes and attribute dimensions using the "Voice of the Consumer," as reflected in customer reviews, rather than that of manufacturers. Second, the approach runs automatically. Third, we support rather than supplant managerial judgment by reinforcing or augmenting attributes and dimensions found through traditional surveys and focus groups.We test the approach on six years of customer reviews for digital cameras during a period of rapid market evolution. We analyze and visualize results in several different ways including comparisons to expert buying guides, a laboratory survey, and Correspondence Analysis of automatically discovered product attributes. Managerial insights drawn from the analysis are evaluated with respect to proprietary market research reports from the same time period analyzing digital imaging products.
Correlation between intraocular pressure control and progressive glaucomatous damage in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Fifty-five patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and early glaucomatous damage who had medical therapy and laser trabeculoplasty were followed up for four to 11 years or until progressive glaucomatous damage was documented. Factors associated with the stability or progression of glaucoma were evaluated. Eyes with mean intraocular pressure higher than 21 mm Hg during the follow-up period uniformly had progressive glaucomatous changes. Conversely, eyes with mean intraocular pressure less than 17 mm Hg remained stable, and approximately half of the eyes with mean intraocular pressure between 17 and 21 mm Hg had progressive glaucomatous changes. Patients who remained stable were slightly younger than those with progressive glaucomatous changes (P
The Release of Ammonia Nitrogen from Urea, Ammoniated Molasses, and Soybean Oil Meal in the Presence of Rumen Microorganisms,

Summary Four series of experiments have been employed to determine the relative amounts of free ammonia nitrogen released from urea, ammoniated cane molasses (15.4% protein equivalent), ammoniated invert molasses (33.3% protein equivalent), and soybean oil meal in the presence of rumen microflora and the enzyme urease. In the first fermentation series, urea and the two ammoniated molasses were compared by means of the artificial rumen technique. In the second fermentation series, soybean oil meal and the two ammoniated invert molasses were compared by means of an artificial rumen. Urea, soybean oil meal, and the two ammoniated molasses were incubated for 1 hour at 40° C. with and without the presence of the enzyme urease in the media. In a fourth experiment, urea and the two ammoniated molasses were added to the rumen of a fistulated steer subsisting on a diet of Korean lespedeza hay. The level of free ammonia nitrogen in the rumen liquor was determined. Evidence is presented to indicate that there was some free ammonia in both samples of ammoniated molasses. The amount of free ammonia associated with these materials did not increase significantly with prolonged fermentation in an artificial rumen, nor was there a significant amount released in the presence of the enzyme urease. Considerable amounts of ammonia nitrogen were released from urea in the presence of microflora both in vitro and in vivo and in the presence of the enzyme urease. The release of ammonia nitrogen from soybean oil meal approximated that in a control flask in the presence of rumen microflora in an artificial rumen. The enzyme urease effected release of a significant amount of ammonia nitrogen from soybean oil meal, but this amount was very small compared to the amount released from urea.
Operating Systems Research for Reconfigurable Computing

This article overviews how the rapid changes to field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices have refocused operating systems research within reconfigurable computing. Where the goal was once to simply use existing operating systems, FPGA-based OS research may now be in the new position of helping define the look and feel of next-generation operating systems for evolving chip-heterogeneous multiprocessor systems.
Covariances and linear predictability of the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The problem of understanding linear predictability of elements of the ocean circulation is explored in the Atlantic Ocean for two disparate elements: (1) sea surface temperature (SST) under the storm track in a small region east of the Grand Banks and, (2) the meridional overturning circulation north of 30.5°S. To be worthwhile, any nonlinear method would need to exhibit greater skill, and so a rough baseline from which to judge more complex methods is the goal. A 16-year ocean state estimate is used, under the assumption that internal oceanic variability is dominating externally imposed changes. No evidence exists of significant nonlinearity in the bulk of the system over this time span. Linear predictability is the story of time and space correlations, and some predictive skill exists for a few months in SST, with some minor capability extending to a few years. Sixteen years is, however, far too short for an evaluation for interannual, much less decadal, variability, although orders of magnitude are likely stably estimated. The meridional structure of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC), defined as the time-varying vertical integral to the maximum meridional volume transport at each latitude, shows nearly complete decorrelation in the variability across about 35°N—the Gulf Stream system. If a time-scale exists displaying coherence of the MOC between subpolar and subtropical gyres, it lies beyond the existing observation duration, and that has consequences for observing system strategies and the more general problem of detectability of change.
Robust Secure Transmission in MISO Channels with Imperfect ECSI

This paper studies robust transmission schemes for MISO wiretap channels with imperfect channel state information (CSI) for the eavesdropper link. Both the cases of direct transmission and cooperative jamming with a helper are investigated. The error in the eavesdropper's CSI is assumed to be norm-bounded, and robust transmit covariance matrices are obtained based on worst-case secrecy rate maximization, under both individual and global power constraints. Numerical results show the advantage of the proposed robust design. In particular, under a global power constraint, although cooperative jamming is not necessary for optimal transmission with perfect eavesdropper's CSI, we show that robust jamming support can increase the secrecy rate in the presence of channel mismatch.
Proton magnetic resonance in solid ethane

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance line width and second moment for solid ethane has been measured between the temperatures of 3 K and 80 K. Above 51 K, the measured value of the second moment is 16 gauss 2 . This is consistent with a picture in which the ethane molecules are rapidly reorienting about their C 3 axes. Between 51 and 48 K there is a line width transition. Below 48 K, the measured value of the second moment has increased to 21 gauss 2 . It remains at 21 gauss 2 down to 3 K. This value is still much less than the estimated rigid lattice second moment indicating that some sort of motion, probably quantum tunnelling, persists in the crystal at the lowest temperatures measured.
Comparison of Force and Peak EMG during a Maximal Voluntary Isometric Contraction at Selected Angles in the Range of Motion for Knee Extension

For 5 adults maximal isometric strength at 110 degrees, 90 degrees, 70 degrees, 50 degrees, and 30 degrees of knee flexion for the vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis varied across angles but EMG responses were similar. That motor recruitment patterns were similar throughout the range of joint motion requires replication on a larger sample.
Lung tumors in mice induced by "whole-life" inorganic arsenic exposure at human-relevant doses.

In mice, inorganic arsenic in the drinking water in the parts per million range via the dam during in utero life or with whole-life exposure is a multi-site carcinogen in the offspring. However, human arsenic exposure is typically in the parts per billion (ppb) range. Thus, we studied “whole-life” inorganic arsenic carcinogenesis in mice at levels more relevant to humans. Breeder male and female CD1 mice were exposed to 0, 50, 500 or 5,000 ppb arsenic (as sodium arsenite) in the drinking water for 3 weeks prior to breeding, during pregnancy and lactation, and after weaning (at week 3) groups of male and female offspring (initial n = 40) were exposed for up to 2 years. Tumors were assessed in these offspring. Arsenic exposure had no effect on pregnant dam weights or water consumption, litter size, offspring birthweight or weight at weaning compared to control. In male offspring mice, arsenic exposure increased (p < 0.05) bronchiolo-alveolar tumor (adenoma or carcinoma) incidence at 50-ppb group (51 %) and 500-ppb group (54 %), but not at 5,000-ppb group (28 %) compared to control (22 %). These arsenic-induced bronchiolo-alveolar tumors included increased (p < 0.05) carcinoma at 50-ppb group (27 %) compared to controls (8 %). An increase (p < 0.05) in lung adenoma (25 %) in the 50-ppb group compared to control (11 %) occurred in female offspring. Thus, in CD1 mice whole-life arsenic exposure induced lung tumors at human-relevant doses (i.e., 50 and 500 ppb).