cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nasal Respiratory Turbinate Function in Birds

Nasal respiratory turbinates are complex, epithelially lined structures in nearly all birds and mammals that act as intermittent countercurrent heat exchangers during routine lung ventilation. This study examined avian respiratory turbinate function in five large bird species (115-1,900 g) inhabiting mesic temperate climates. Evaporative water loss and oxygen consumption rates of birds breathing normally (nasopharyngeal breathing) and with nasal turbinates experimentally bypassed (oropharyngeal breathing) were measured. Water and heat loss rates were calculated from lung tidal volumes and nasal and oropharyngeal exhaled air temperatures (T(ex)). Resulting data indicate that respiratory turbinates are equally adaptive across a range of avian orders, regardless of environment, by conserving significant fractions of the daily water and heat budget. Nasal T(ex) of birds was compared to that of lizards, which lack respiratory turbinates. The comparatively high nasal T(ex) of the lizards in similar ambient conditions suggests that their relatively low metabolic rates and correspondingly reduced lung ventilation rates may have constrained selection on similar respiratory adaptations.
Unification of Yang-Mills theory and supergravity in ten dimensions

We show how to generalize the coupling of n=1 super-Maxwell theory and n=1 supergravity in 10-dimensions to the case of a non-abelian gauge group. We find that the supergravity 2-form potential a/sub ..mu nu../ is coupled to the Yang-Mills gauge potential A/sub ..mu../ via the Chern-Simons 3-form.
Reputational inmate leaders: Some comparative contact patterns

Abstract A small number of studies have presented data on the sociolegal correlates of inmate leadership. These studies have based their results on traditional designs of data collection, including official records and interview questionnaires. The literature has not captured reciprocal contact patterns between inmate leaders and followers, nor has research addressed the question of how leaders differ from nonleader inmates on behavioral dynamics. This article presents the results of a videotaping procedure which captures leader contact patterns in task-related decision making. The general findings support the behavioral leadership studies performed on noninmate populations and suggest that leadership is a transcendental quality which cannot be explained by the functional model of inmate subculture.
Interaction of Io with its torus: Does Io have an internal magnetic field?

Galileo observed a large depression in the background magnetic field during its flyby through Io's plasma wake. Two hypotheses have been put forward to explain the observed magnetic field perturbation. Kivelson et al. [1996a, b] have suggested that although plasma currents are present, Io must possess an internal field in order to explain the large field depression. Frank et al. [1996] on the other hand have suggested that the observed field depression was caused purely by plasma currents generated by Io's interaction with its torus. We present a combined analysis of field and particle data from the flyby. Under certain assumptions, we develop models of Io's interaction with the plasma to calculate the magnetic field resulting from the diamagnetic and non-diamagnetic effects of the Io-plasma interaction. If the assumptions are valid, then it must be concluded that the plasma effects can account for only a fraction (< 30%) of the observed depression and that the principal cause of the reduction in the field strength observed along the trajectory of Galileo is a source inside of Io.
Grading leniency, grade discrepancy, and student ratings of instruction

The purpose of this study was to examine how grading leniency and grade discrepancy (the difference between expected grades and deserved grades) were associated with various dimensions of student ratings of instruction. A sample of 754 undergraduate college students completed a student ratings of instruction instrument and provided responses to a number of other questions on topics such as course difficulty and workload. A series of multilevel regression analyses were conducted and results showed that an instructor's grading leniency, as perceived by students, was positively associated with student ratings on 11 of 12 dimensions of instruction examined. This finding suggests that more lenient instructors tend to receive higher student ratings. The second finding shows that grade discrepancy was negatively associated with most dimensions of instruction. This supports the self-serving bias hypothesis under attribution theory (Gigliotti & Buchtel, 1990) in that students tended to punish instructors with lower ratings when expected grades were lower than students believed they deserved, yet little evidence of a pattern of rewards existed in student ratings when students expected grades higher than they deserved.
Educating for Lives of Purpose: Reflections on NASPA's 2011 Conference Theme

The NASPA 2011 Conference theme will focus on a fundamental goal of higher education, “Educating for Lives of Purpose.” The program will examine how campuses support, encourage, and educate students to pursue lives of purpose and will highlight those demonstrating lives of purpose on campuses and in national and international arenas. Conference participants will hear inspiring stories of students, professionals and national figures as well as listen to sessions on how to create campus climates that stimulate students to find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Tribological Performance of Polymer Coatings in Carbon Dioxide Refrigerant Environment

Natural refrigerants have gained significant interest due to environmental reasons. Among different natural refrigerants such as water, air, and ammonia, Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is the main candidate to replace commonly used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants in air-conditioning compressors due to its environmental benefits. One of the main advantages of implementing CO2 , from an environmental point of view, lies in its relative low global warming potential (GWP) which is three orders of magnitude lower than commonly used HFC refrigerants. Coupled with the new refrigerants is also the need to use some form of protective coatings on the tribopairs. In this study unlubricated (presence of CO2 refrigerant only) experiments were performed to evaluate the tribological performance of three different polymeric-based coatings deposited on Durabar G1 gray cast iron disks. Specifically, Fluorolon 325, Impreglon 1704 PEEK, and PEEK/Ceramic/ PTFE blends were tested against 52100 hardened steel pins. Results showed lower friction coefficient and wear in the Fluorolon 325 case compared to the Impreglon 1704 PEEK and PEEK/Ceramic/PTFE coatings. These results are comparable with earlier studies using PTFE-based coatings [1].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Surface functional groups on acid-activated nutshell carbons

Nutshells from agriculturally important nut crops (almond, black walnut, English walnut, macadamia nut and pecan) were converted to granular activated carbon using phosphoric acid activation in nitrogen or air. Surface functional groups (carbonyl, phenols, lactones, carboxyl) were quantified by titration with bases of different ionization potential. The degree of copper uptake was correlated with the presence of various functional groups on these carbons. The results indicate that acid-activation strategies which provide the greatest contact of nutshells with air during carbonization and activation also have the greatest quantity of surface functional groups and the highest copper uptake. Also, the type of nutshell used for activated carbon production has little effect on the types of surface functional groups produced and subsequent copper adsorption. This study demonstrates that a judicious choice of activation strategy for nutshell precursors can produce activated carbons with numerous surface functional groups and high copper adsorption activity.
Systematic testing for resource leaks in Android applications

The use of mobile devices and the complexity of their software continue to grow rapidly. This growth presents significant challenges for software correctness and performance. In addition to traditional defects, a key consideration are defects related to the limited resources available on these devices. Resource leaks in an application, due to improper management of resources, can lead to slowdowns, crashes, and negative user experience. Despite a large body of existing work on leak detection, testing for resource leaks remains a challenging problem. We propose a novel and comprehensive approach for systematic testing for resource leaks in Android software. Similar to existing testing techniques, the approach is based on a GUI model, but is focused specifically on coverage criteria aimed at resource leak defects. These criteria are based on neutral cycles: sequences of GUI events that should have a “neutral” effect and should not lead to increases in resource usage. Several important categories of neutral cycles are considered in the proposed test coverage criteria. Experimental evaluation and case studies were performed on eight Android applications. The approach exposed 18 resource leak defects, 12 of which were previously unknown. These results provide motivation for future work on analysis, testing, and prevention of resource leaks in Android software.
Preoperative Evaluation of Patients with Suspected Ovarian Cancer

A diagnosis of ovarian cancer should be suspected when a postmenopausal woman presents with a pelvic mass. The presence of ascites, which can be detected clinically or by ultrasound, increases the accuracy of the diagnosis. CA 125, although nonspecific in the premenopausal patient population, is very sensitive in postmenopausal patients when used in combination with clinical impression and an abnormal ultrasound. CAT scan is more sensitive than ultrasound, but may not alter surgical management. Preoperative preparation of the bowels should consist of a polyethylene glycol lavage in combination with oral and systemic antibiotics and is indicated for any woman with a mass adherent to the cul de sac. Preoperative total parenteral nutrition should be reserved for severely malnourished patients as determined by objective criteria. Early surgical intervention is a key component for the treatment of these patients, and extensive diagnostic testing should be used temperately in order to ensure expeditious treatment of these patients. In the future, the most significant impact on the survival of patients with ovarian cancer will be in the development of improved methods of screening and early detection. It is hopeful that clinical trials currently being conducted will bring us closer to that goal.
Negotiating with Terrorists: The Case of the Basques and Spain

After 40 years of violence, in March 2006, a ceasefire was announced between Basque separatists and Spain. This article analyzes the failure of the subsequent peace process from three perspectives: (a) the use of the Northern Ireland peace process as a model for the Basque–Spain negotiations, (b) the pattern of concessions and non-concessions in light of established psychological theory and research on concession-making and reciprocity, and (c) the background conditions for the peace process in light of Pruitt's (2007) readiness theory and central coalition theory.
Long-term outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with a minimum of three years follow-up

We describe efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted laparoscopic vaginal vault prolapse repair with long-term follow-up. We reviewed the records of 40 consecutive patients with posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse who underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy at our institution between September 2002 and September 2006. Patient analysis focused on complications, patient satisfaction, and morbidity, with a minimum of 36 months’ follow-up. Median follow-up was 62 months (range 36–84) and mean age was 67 (43–83) years. Mean operating time was 3.1 (2.15–5) h with a median operating time of 2.9 h. All but four were discharged home on postoperative day one; three patients left on postoperative day two and one left on postoperative day seven. Three developed recurrent grade 3–4 rectoceles and two vaginal extrusion of mesh. Thirty-eight of the 40 patients (95%) were satisfied with their outcome. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive technique for vaginal vault prolapse repair, combining the advantages of open sacrocolpopexy with the decreased morbidity of laparoscopy. We found a short hospital stay, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction with a minimum of 3 years’ follow-up.
Antiradiation Compounds X. Derivatives of 3,3-Dimercaptoacrylonitrile

The dipotassium salt of 2-cyano-3,3-dimercaptoacrylonitrile was found to give fair protection to mice versus X-rays. Derivatives prepared for further radioprotective evaluation include dialkyl thioethers, metal complexes, and fused heterocyclic dithioles. A series of 3,3-dimercaptoacrylonitriles bearing aromatic and heterocyclic rings was also obtained from the condensation of arylacetonitriles with carbon disulfide in the presence of alkoxide ion. Of these various derivatives, the zinc complex and the benzoyl derivative showed some radioprotective properties.
Exploring Library Discovery Positions: Are They Emerging or Converging?

Web-scale discovery service systems and platforms are continuing to evolve and become more commonly adopted in academic libraries. Functioning as more than next-generation catalogs due to their volume and associated Web services, they invite strategic inquiry and launch libraries into deeper questioning and continuous critical thinking concerning discovery system best practices. This article explores emerging library discovery positions and discovery requirements gleaned through position postings from Autocat, Code4Lib, ERIL-L, and NGC4Lib listserv e-mails, from February 2012 through July 2014, along with a 2013 scan of Association of Research Library (ARL) staff directories’ Web sites. As seen through the lens of recent discovery position postings and names of discovery positions at ARL libraries, staffing solutions suggest strategic oversight and deep understanding of discovery systems, metadata, and users. This study of 36 discovery positions reveals directors or managers as comprising the highest numb...
The criterion-related validity of personality measures for predicting GPA: A meta-analytic validity competition.

Interest in the role of personality traits in predicting academic performance outcomes has steadily increased over the last several decades, enough to produce a number of meta-analyses that summarize this research (e.g., Poropat, 2009; Richardson, Abraham, & Bond, 2012). These previous meta-analyses combine a variety of alternative personality measures under the assumption that they all reflect the same personality traits and thus predict outcomes similarly. The current meta-analysis tests this assumption by comparing different personality measures when predicting postsecondary grade point average (GPA). The operational validities (r+) of 5 frequently used measures of the Big Five personality traits were compared: the NEO Personality Inventory--Revised (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI; Costa & McCrae, 1992), the Big Five Inventory (BFI; e.g., Benet-Martinez & John, 1998), Goldberg's (1992) unipolar Big Five Factor Markers (Markers), and the Big Five International Personality Item Pool (IPIP; Goldberg, 1999). A systematic review of the psychological literature from 1992 to 2012 was conducted, identifying 51 studies containing 274 correlations. Conscientiousness demonstrated the strongest criterion-related validity for predicting GPA (r+ = .23), consistent with previous meta-analyses; in addition, this overall validity was found to be robust across measures (r(BFI)(+) = .24, r(IPIP)(+) = .21, r(Markers)(+) = .15, r(NEO-FFI)(+) = .24, r(NEO-PI-R)(+) = .26). Although the criterion-related validities for Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience (Intellect) differed by measure, they were generally low (r+s < .10). Practical implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Twill: A Hybrid Microcontroller-FPGA Framework for Parallelizing Single-Threaded C Programs

Increasingly System-On-A-Chip platforms which incorporate both microprocessors and re-programmable logic are being utilized across several fields ranging from the automotive industry to network infrastructure. Unfortunately, the development tools accompanying these products leave much to be desired, requiring knowledge of both traditional embedded systems languages like C and hardware description languages like Verilog. We propose to bridge this gap with Twill, a truly automatic hybrid compiler that can take advantage of the parallelism inherent in these platforms. Twill can extract long-running threads from single threaded C code and distribute these threads across the hardware and software domains to more fully utilize the asymmetric characteristics between processors and the embedded reconfigurable logic fabric. We show that Twill provides a significant performance increase on the CHStone benchmarks with an average 1.63 times increase over the pure hardware approach and an increase of 22.2 times on average over the pure software approach while in general decreasing the area required by the reconfigurable logic compared to the pure hardware approach.
Interpreting Blocks and Random Factors

Abstract Can blocks be tested in a randomized blocks design? It is well known that two different formulations of the linear mixed model yield conflicting answers to this question. This article examines the model formulations from the point of view of statistical relevance. Viewing blocking as a device to increase efficiency leads to a hypothesis concerning blocks that is distinct from the hypothesis of no “block main effect.” Relevant tests and interval estimates are reviewed. The merits of the two model formulations are compared, and recommendations are made to enhance the clarity and heuristic usefulness of mixed linear models.
Evaluation of floc structures

Abstract Direct measurements of floc size and settling velocity are used to determine floc density distributions. In general, the results show that small flocs, containing relatively few primary particles, are highly compacted, while larger flocs exhibit densities which decrease rapidly with size. The density of the very largest flocs seems to level off at about the density of the original suspensions. Measurements have been carried out on well-characterized mineral suspensions containing particles of various sizes and mineral types flocculated under a variety of conditions. Based on a comparison of these results and on data from the literature, a generalized form for the floc density distribution is postulated.
A theobromine derived silver N-heterocyclic carbene: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial efficacy studies on cystic fibrosis relevant pathogens

The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pulmonary infections in the cystic fibrosis (CF) population has prompted the investigation of innovative silver based therapeutics. The functionalization of the naturally occurring xanthine theobromine at the N1 nitrogen atom with an ethanol substituent followed by the methylation of the N9 nitrogen atom gives the N-heterocyclic carbene precursor 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,7,9-trimethylxanthinium iodide. The reaction of this xanthinium salt with silver acetate produces the highly hydrophilic silver carbene complex SCC8. The in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of this newly synthesized complex was evaluated with excellent results on a variety of virulent and MDR pathogens isolated from CF patients. A comparative in vivo study between the known caffeine derived silver carbene SCC1 and SCC8 demonstrated the ability of both complexes to improve the survival rates of mice in a pneumonia model utilizing the clinically isolated infectious strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA M57-15.
Determination of the dissolved anion composition of ancient lakes from fossil ostracodes

The mineralogy of evaporite and other precipitated minerals, together with geochemical studies, has provided traditional sources of information about the major dissolved ion composition (solutes) of ancient lakes. The paleocompositional resolving power of these methods is generally greatest in high-salinity lakes that precipitate numerous solute-sensitive evaporite minerals as opposed to dilute saline lakes that precipitate only a few minerals. Ostracodes live in dilute saline lakes where a species occurrence is determined by the relative proportions of the lake's major dissolved anions, so that each species describes specific areas on an anion trilinear diagram. Moreover, the upper salinity tolerance of each species appears to depend upon the types of major anions in solution and is therefore anion-specific. Knowledge about both anion and anion-salinity tolerances of an ostracode may ultimately provide a means of estimating absolute anion concentrations in paleolakes. Because ostracodes are common fossils in lake sediments, they provide an important new source of original paleocompositional information suitable for many geologic, climatic, geochemical, and paleontologic studies.
Surface-Mediated Growth of Transparent, Oriented, and Well-Defined Nanocrystalline Anatase Titania Films

A new, surface-mediated method to grow transparent, oriented, and well-defined nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 films has been developed. The morphology of crystals is tunable from octahedral pyramids to truncate octahedral pyramids. These novel nanocrystalline films could have implications not only for practical applications but also for understanding the structure and orientation dependent properties of the important anatase material.
Rabies vaccine freed of the factor causing allergic encephalitis.

SummaryA method has been presented for the removal from rabies vaccine of the factor which causes allergic encephalomyelitis. This factor is not removed by extraction with benzene and ether, but preliminary treatment of the vaccine with these solvents facilitates separation by subsequent treatment. The presence of calcium acetate prevents the loss of antigen when the vaccine is washed. It does not prevent removal of the encephalitic factor which appears to be water soluble. About one-half of the total nitrogen of the vaccine is removed by this washing process. The technic may be briefly summarized as follows:1. A suspension of infected brain in water is dried from the frozen state.2. The dried brain is extracted with benzene followed by ether (Live virus may be killed in this stage by heating in benzene).3. After removal of the ether the dried brain is suspended in distilled water.4. Sufficient solution of calcium acetate is added to make final concentration of M/10 calcium acetate, and the suspension is ...
The use of broadband microseisms for hydraulic-fracture mapping

The authors conducted a series of hydraulic-fracture experiments to examine improvements in seismic-fracture diagnostic technology that are available with the application of advanced receiver capabilities. They present characteristics of the microseisms, tool response behavior, and the results of the tests.
Impact of chaparral wildfire-induced sedimentation on oviposition of stream-breeding California newts (Taricha torosa).

We examined the effects of chaparral wildfire on stream-breeding California newts (Taricha torosa) in a 750-m stretch of a perennial Santa Monica Mountain stream (Los Angeles County). Detailed field surveys of 1992 and 1993 established the composition (run, riffle, pool) of this habitat and determined the oviposition sites of newts. We also quantified California newt egg mass density and estimated the density of newt adults. A chaparral wildfire burned the entire study site on 2 November 1993. Using the same methods, we collected field survey data in 1994 and 1996. Erosion following the 1993 wildfire produced major changes in stream morphology and composition. Pools and runs represented approximately 40–50% of pre-fire stream area. In the spring following the fire, the stream consisted of less than 20% run and pool. Pools that did remain were often smaller and shallower. The average density of adult California newts did not differ among years. The total number of newt egg masses observed in the spring after the fire was approximately one-third of egg mass counts from pre-fire surveys. Most California newt egg masses were laid in pools and runs; California newts prefer deeper slow-moving water. We conclude that fire-induced landslides and siltation have eliminated pools and runs, thus reducing the amount of habitat suitable for oviposition. Habitat alterations caused by fire likely account for the observed reduction of egg masses at the stream.
Do Appalachian herbaceous understories ever recover from clearcutting

: Life history characteristics of many herbaceous understory plants suggest that such species recover slowly from major perturbations such as clear cutting. We examined herbaceous cover and richness in the understories of nine primary (“old-growth”) forests in the southern Appalachian Mountains and of nine comparable secondary forests, ranging in age from 45 to 87 years since clear cutting. Neither cover nor richness increased with age in the secondary forests. This suggests three possibilities: (1) that recovery is so slow or variable among sites that 87 years is insufficient time to detect it; (2) that such forests will never recover to match remnant primary forests because climatic conditions are different today than when the forests became established; or (3) that herbaceous plants colonize pit and mound microtopography caused by the death of trees, so that recovery must await the growth, death, and decomposition of the trees of the secondary forest. Whatever the mechanism, herbaceous understory communities in the mixed-mesophytic forests of the Appalachians appear unlikely to recover within the present planned logging cycles of 40–150 years, suggesting a future loss of diversity of understory herbaceous plants. Resumen: Las caracteristicas del periodo de vida de numerosas plantas herbaceas, sugiere que estas especies se recuperan lentamente de grandes perturbaciones como la tala debosques. Nosotros examinamos la cubierta herbacea y abundancia en el sotobosque de nueve bosques primarios (antiguo crecimiento) en los Montes Apalaches del Sur, y los comparamos con nueve bosques secundarios que no han sido talados por periodos que van de 45 a 87 anos. La riqueza y la abundancia no han aumentado con el tiempo en el bosque secundario. Esto sugiere tres posibilidades: (1) que la recuperacion es tan lenta o variable entre sitios que 87 anos resultan insuficientes para detectarla, (2) que este tipo de bosques nunca se recuperara al nivel de los bosques primarios originales, ya que las condiciones climaticas actuales son diferentes a las existentes cuando los bosques fueron originariamente establecidos, o (3) que plantas herbaceas colonizan la microtopografia del suelo que ha sido removido a causa de la descomposicion de los arboles muertos, y por consiguiente la recuperacion debe esperar el crecimiento, muerte y descomposicion de los bosques secundarios. Cualquiera sea el mecanismo, la cubierta herbacea de las comunidades de bosques mesofiticos mixtos en los Apalaches, no parece estar recuperandose dentro del ciclo previsto para la tala de arboles que es de 40 a 150 anos. Esto sugiere una perdida futura en la diversidad de las plantas que conforman la cubierta herbacea.
Aminoguanidine suppresses basal macromolecular extravasation during diabetes mellitus.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of aminoguanidine on basal macromolecular efflux from the microcirculation of the hamster cheek pouch during diabetes mellitus. We used intravital fluorescent microscopy and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans (FITC-dextran; mw = 70 and 20K) to examine basal macromolecular extravasation in nondiabetic hamsters, nondiabetic hamsters treated with a topical application of aminoguanidine (0.5 mM), diabetic hamsters (6–10 weeks after injection of streptozotocin), and diabetic hamsters treated with a topical application of aminoguanidine (0.5 mM). Increases in macromolecular efflux were quantitated by calculating the clearance (ml/s × 10−6) of FITC-dextran-70K and -20K. In nondiabetic hamsters, the clearance of FITC-dextran-70K and -20K remained relatively constant during the experimental period, although the clearance of FITC-dextran-70K was less than that for FITC-dextran-20K. Topical application of aminoguanidine did not alter basal permeability characteristics in nondiabetic hamsters. In diabetic hamsters, clearance of FITC-dextran-70K and -20K also remained relatively constant during the experimental period. However, the magnitude of clearance of FITC-dextran-70K and and -20K was significantly greater in diabetic compared to nondiabetic hamsters (P < 0.05). Topical application of aminoguanidine restored basal permeability characteristics of diabetic hamsters to that observed in nondiabetic hamsters. These findings suggest that acute treatment of the microcirculation in vivo with aminoguanidine ameliorates basal increases in extravasation of macromolecules during diabetes mellitus. We suggest that aminoguanidine suppresses basal macromolecular efflux in diabetic hamsters via inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. Thus, it appears that the use of aminoguanidine may be an important therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetes-related vascular dysfunction.
Self-Assembly of Phenylene Ethynylene Diazonium Salts on Metal Surfaces as Potential Molecular Wires

A series of substituted phenylene ethynylene diazonium salts were prepared from the corresponding anilines by the action of nitrosonium tetrafluoroborate in sulfolane-acetonitrile solvent. Formation of self-assembled layers of the diazonium salts in acetonitrile solution was demonstrated on Au, Cu and Pt surfaces. The self-assembly rate of the diazonium salts was found to be markedly dependent on the electron withdrawing character of the substituents attached to the aromatic rings.
Mechanisms for the decomposition and dehydrogenation of Li amide/imide

Reversible reaction involving Li amide (LiNH${}_{2}$) and Li imide (Li${}_{2}$NH) is a potential mechanism for hydrogen storage. Recent synchrotron x-ray diffraction experiments [W. I. David et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 129, 1594 (2007)] suggest that the transformation between LiNH${}_{2}$ and Li${}_{2}$NH is a bulk reaction that occurs through nonstoichiometric processes and involves the migration of Li${}^{+}$ and H${}^{+}$ ions. In order to understand the atomistic mechanisms behind these processes, we carry out comprehensive first-principles studies of native point defects and defect complexes in the two compounds. We find that both LiNH${}_{2}$ and Li${}_{2}$NH are prone to Frenkel disorder on the Li sublattice. Lithium interstitials and vacancies have low formation energies and are highly mobile, and therefore play an important role in mass transport and ionic conduction. Hydrogen interstitials and vacancies, on the other hand, are responsible for forming and breaking N-H bonds, which is essential in the Li amide/imide reaction. Based on the structure, energetics, and migration of hydrogen-, lithium-, and nitrogen-related defects, we propose that LiNH${}_{2}$ decomposes into Li${}_{2}$NH and NH${}_{3}$ according to two competing mechanisms with different activation energies: one mechanism involves the formation of native defects in the interior of the material, the other at the surface. As a result, the prevailing mechanism and hence the effective activation energy for decomposition depend on the surface-to-volume ratio or the specific surface area, which changes with particle size during ball milling. These mechanisms also provide an explanation for the dehydrogenation of LiNH${}_{2}$ + LiH mixtures.
Synthesis of ultrananocrystalline diamond films by microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition system

Summary form only given. Microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPACVD) is one of the techniques used to grow ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films in the laboratory. UNCD films are characterized as smooth films consisting of few-10's nanometer sized crystals of diamond. The exceptional properties of these films, such as high hardness and chemical inertness combined with their small crystal size and smoothness and excellent mechanical properties such as high Young's modulus, fracture toughness and low coefficient of friction, have suggested applications as a protective, hard coating material, a material/substrate for micromechanical systems and a robust conducting coating for electrochemical electrodes. The objective of this study is to deposit both thin (less than 100 nm thick) and thick (~50 micrometer thick) UNCD films of high quality across 7.5 cm diameter substrates. In this paper we report on the development of process methods to grow UNCD films using a MPACVD system. Three different gas mixtures studied include H2:Ar:CH4, N2:Ar:CH4 and H2:He:CH4. For these three plasma discharges the process for UNCD film deposition is investigated over a wide pressure range (60-180 torr) and substrate temperature range (400-8000 C). UNCD films are grown on Si (100), p-type boron doped, substrates with thicknesses ranging from 58 nm to greater than 70 mum. The effect of various inputs such as feed gas mixture, pressure, substrate temperature and nucleation methods on growth rate, surface morphology, uniformity, and conductivity of UNCD diamond films is investigated. The highest growth rate of 1.12 mum/h was achieved at 180 torr, with gas mixtures of H2:Ar:CH4 = 4:100:2 seem and 3 kW microwave power. Film surface roughness, as low as 10 nm, was obtained as measured by AFM microscope
Why do some US universities generate more venture-backed academic entrepreneurs than others?

In this study, I identify academic entrepreneurs using biographical information on start-up founders contained in a comprehensive venture capital database. Multivariate analyses are conducted to investigate why some US universities generate more venture-backed academic entrepreneurs than others. I find that national academy membership and total faculty awards are the most significant variables in explaining the number of venture-backed entrepreneurs from a university. In contrast, the abundance of venture capital near the university has no significant effect, which is surprising given that this study focuses exclusively on venture-backed entrepreneurs.
USE OF ALBENDAZOLE IN FEED TO CONTROL FASCIOLOIDES MAGNA INFECTIONS IN CAPTIVE WHITE-TAILED DEER (ODOCOILEUS VIRGINIANUS)

Thirty-six adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) naturally infected with Fascioloides magna were captured and randomly assigned to four groups. Each group was fed pelleted feed coated with albendazole for each of seven consecutive days to deliver the drug at a dose rate of approximately 0.0, 5.0, 8.5, or 16.5 mg/kg bodyweight/day. At 7 wk posttreatment, each animal was euthanized and necropsied. Effects of albendazole treatment included significant reduction (P < 0.05) in parasite egg count per gram of feces and increase in serum albumin concentration (P < 0.05). Smaller parasites or remains of dead parasites were seen at the end of migratory tracks in the treated groups. Efficacy of the drug was 82 to 84%.
Investigating Diffusion with Technology

The activities described here allow students to explore the concept of diffusion with the use of common equipment such as computers, webcams and analysis software. The procedure includes taking a series of digital pictures of a container of water with a webcam as a dye slowly diffuses. At known time points, measurements of the pixel densities (darkness) of the digital pictures are recorded and then plotted on a graph. The resulting graph of darkness versus time allows students to see the results of diffusion of the dye over time. Through modification of the basic lesson plan, students are able to investigate the influence of a variety of variables on diffusion. Furthermore, students are able to expand the boundaries of their thinking by formulating hypotheses and testing their hypotheses through experimentation. As a result, students acquire a relevant science experience through taking measurements, organizing data into tables, analysing data and drawing conclusions.
Synthesis of Chiral Liquid Crystalline Polysiloxanes

Liquid crystal monomers and polymers which display chiral smectic C phases are good candidates for electro-optical devices because of their optical or ferroelectric properties and fast switching time. The key functionality responsible for these properties is the chiral endgroup. In order to better understand the effect of structural variation of chiral endgrops on polarization, liquid crystalline amides, derived from natural amino acids and aromatic acids, were prepared. A non-traditional polymerization procedure, chlorohydrosilylation-hydrolysis will be used to prepare the polysiloxane.
Commentary: Evaluating the tuberculosis burden in prisoners in Pakistan

The authors make three overall conclusions on the basis of their data: first that the prevalence of LTBI [latent TB infection] is alarmingly high in this prison population; second that conditions in the prisons suggest transmission of TB within the facility; and thirdly that infection control measures need to be taken in prisons (to diagnose people with TB) that will reduce transmission. Each conclusion might benefit from review in the context of the work and recommendations of others. (excerpt)
Beyond simple rule extraction: the extraction of planning knowledge from reinforcement learners

This paper discusses learning in hybrid models that goes beyond simple rule extraction from backpropagation networks. Although simple rule extraction has received a lot of research attention, to further develop hybrid learning models that include both symbolic and subsymbolic knowledge and that learn autonomously, it is necessary to study autonomous learning of both subsymbolic and symbolic knowledge in integrated architectures. This paper describes knowledge extraction from neural reinforcement learning. It includes two approaches towards extracting plan knowledge: the extraction of explicit, symbolic rules from neural reinforcement learning, and the extraction of complete plans. This work points to the creation of a general framework for achieving the subsymbolic to symbolic transition in an integrated autonomous learning framework.
Pole-Zero Analysis of Distributed Radio-Frequency Acceleration Systems

It is shown that the frequency-dependent input impedance of a lossless distributed network may be represented by the frequencies of the input impedance poles and zeros. Then, given the network reactance at a single frequency other than that of a pole or zero, one may apply Foster's reactance theorem to determine the input impedance at any frequency.1 Using the frequency-dependent impedance representation, one may calculate the response of the system to any periodic driving function.
Abnormalities in Circulating Beta Cell Peptides in Chronic Renal Failure: Comparison of C-Peptide, Proinsulin and Insulin

Serum insulin, proinsulin and C-peptidewere measured in six patients with chronicrenal failure and 12 controls in the fasting stateand following oral glucose and iv arginine. Fastinglevels of insulin (0.13 ± 0.05 nM vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 nM),proinsulin (0.12 ± 0.06 nM vs. 0.02 ± 0.01 nM) andC-peptide (3.35 ± 1.35 nM vs. 0.65 ± 0.26 nM) werehigher in patients with chronic renal failure than incontrols, the increase in proinsulin (7.5-fold) andC-peptide (4.9-fold) exceeding that of insulin (2.4-fold). Following glucose, insulin rose 11.7 times(60 min) in controls, while the increment in chronicrenal failure patients was less at 7.5-fold (90 min).C-peptide peaked at 3.7-fold (90 min) in controlsand fell toward basal levels at 240 min. In contrast,in chronic renal failure patients, C-peptide peakedlater (180 min) reaching levels of 7.51 nM (1.9-foldincrease), and at 240 min remained near maximumlevels (7.18 nM). The glucose stimulated C-peptidelevels in patients with chronic renal failure weresignificantly higher (...
Objective algorithms for the retrieval of optical depths from ground-based measurements

Optical depth retrieval by means of Langley regression is complicated by cloud transits and other time-varying interferences. An algorithm is described that objectively selects data points from a continuous time series and performs the required regression. The performance of this algorithm is compared by a double-blind test with an analysis done subjectively. The limits to accuracy imposed by time-averaged data are discussed, and an additional iterative postprocessing algorithm is described that improves the accuracy of optical depth inferences made from data with time-averaging periods longer than 5 min. Such routine algorithms are required to provide intercomparable retrievals of optical depths from widely varying historical data sets and to support large networks of instruments such as the multifilter rotating shadow-band radiometer.
Measurement of Speed by Cross Correlation Using Pulse Frequency Signals

The transit time of a marker in a moving medium can be found by correlating the output of two transducers. A new method of determining the peak of the correlation function is described. Integral pulse frequency (IPF) signals are generated from the output of the two transducers and a binary sequence is formed. The IPF correlation function, a new approximation to the correlation function, is calculated from the binary sequence. A correlator based on the IPF correlation function has the simplicity of the polarity correlator but is sensitive to the shape of the waves being correlated. Computer simulations are presented that demonstrate the applicability of the correlator to transit time measurement.
Advances in molecular imaging: targeted optical contrast agents for cancer diagnostics

Over the last three decades, our understanding of the molecular changes associated with cancer development and progression has advanced greatly. This has led to new cancer therapeutics targeted aga...
LDPC-Coded OFDM for Optical Communication Systems with Direct Detection

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is proposed as an efficient coded modulation technique suitable for optical communication systems. We show that in long-haul fiber optics communications, LDPC-coded OFDM increases spectral efficiency, and reduces the influence of residual chromatic dispersion and the influence of fiber nonlinearities. LDPC-coded OFDM is as also a promising polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) compensation technique. In free space optical communications, LDPC-coded OFDM improves the immunity to the atmospheric turbulence; while in multimode fiber links, it reduces the influence of intermodal dispersion. In plastic optical fiber links it reduces the influence of dispersion and helps to overcome the bandwidth limitations. Several power efficient OFDM schemes and LDPC codes suitable for use in LDPC-coded OFDM optical communication systems are introduced.
Learning and Transfer: A General Role for Analogical Encoding

Teaching by examples and cases is widely used to promote learning, but it varies widely in its effectiveness. The authors test an adaptation to case-based learning that facilitates abstracting problem-solving schemas from examples and using them to solve further problems: analogical encoding, or learning by drawing a comparison across examples. In 3 studies, the authors examined schema abstraction and transfer among novices learning negotiation strategies. Experiment 1 showed a benefit for analogical learning relative to no case study. Experiment 2 showed a marked advantage for comparing two cases over studying the 2 cases separately. Experiment 3 showed that increasing the degree of comparison support increased the rate of transfer in a face-to-face dynamic negotiation exercise. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
Should We Target the Sympathetic Nervous System in the Treatment of Obesity-Associated Hypertension?

An estimated 60% to 70% of hypertension may be attributed to obesity.1 As our population increases in weight and girth, obesity-associated hypertension will be an increasing medical problem, contributing to greater health care costs and reversing the gains that we have achieved in the treatment of hypertension. Considering that 30% of hypertensive subjects are undiagnosed, 40% remain untreated, and, of those being treated, 65% do not meet treatment goals,2 the opening of the spigot of obesity-associated hypertension will result in an ever-growing number of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, particularly because obesity is a predictor of poor blood pressure control.3 It is important, therefore, to understand the pathophysiology of obesity-associated hypertension. This commentary focuses on the role that the sympathetic nervous system plays in this condition and its relevance to treatment. Landsberg4 postulated that obesity induces sympathetic activation as a compensatory mechanism to increase resting energy expenditure and restore energy balance; sympathetically mediated hypertension is the price to pay for this beneficial metabolic effect. A competing MONA LISA (Most Obesities kNown Are Low In Sympathetic Activity) hypothesis postulates that lower sympathetic activity is an initiating event leading to decreased energy expenditure and obesity.5 In white populations, in whom most of the studies have been done, the preponderance of evidence supports the concept that sympathetic activation accompanies obesity-associated hypertension. There is less agreement about the cause of sympathetic activation; potential culprits include the increase in insulin, leptin, and angiotensin II; the decrease of adiponectin; and the sleep apnea6,7 associated with obesity. Despite the disparity of these mechanisms, it is interesting that all of them act in the central nervous system to increase sympathetic outflow. This central sympathetic activation is not generalized; rather, it is selectively increased in organs relevant to blood pressure regulation, including the kidney, …
2-tridecanone, tomatoes and Heliothis zea: potential incompatibility of plant antibiosis with insecticidal control

The allelochemic, 2-tridecanone, which conditions resistance in the wild tomato Lycopersicon hirsutum f. glabratum to Manduca sexta and plays an important role in the resistance to Leptinotarsa decemlineate is shown to induce an enhanced level of tolerance to the carbamate insecticide carbaryl in a third important insect pest of tomato, Heliothis zea. This phenomenon has important implications regarding the compatibility of using tomato cultivars having 2-tridecanone-mediated insect resistance in conjunction with insecticides to manage the full spectrum of tomato insect pests. RESUME La 2-Tridecanone, les tomates et Heliothis zea: incompatibilite potentielle de l'antihiose de la plante avec le traitement insecticide Le 2-Tridecanone est present dans les extremites des poils glandulaires des feuilles de Lycopersicon hirsutum et glabratum (PI 134417). On a precedemment mis en evidence son role capital dans la resistance du PI 134417 a Manduca sexta L. et a Leplinotarsa decemlineata Say, mais sa faible importance dans la resistance a Heliothis zea Boddie. Au cours de cette etude, la paralysie temporaire des larves neonates de H. zea par le 2-Tridecanone associe aux. feuilles a ete observee, mais cette substance induit chez ces larves un systeme de detoxification qui entraine, non seulement une recuperation apparemment complete, mais provoque une resistance au carbaryl, insecticide au carbamate, 3–4 fois plus elevee. Dans les programmes d'amelioration de la tomate, toute selection pour une resistance elevee a M. sexta et L. decemlineata attribuable a une forte teneur en 2-Tridecanone, sans selection parallele pour la resistance a H. zea, caractere genetique separe, produirait des lignees de tomates chez lesquelles la protection contre H. zea serait plus difficile par suite de la resistance au carbaryl induite par le 2-Tridecanone.