cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Investigations of the Structural Phase Transition in Gd2(Ti1-yZry)2O7 Pyrochlores

The Gd2(Ti1-yZry)2O7 pyrochlore series undergoes a structural phase transition from pyrochlore (Fd3m) to defect fluorite (Fm3m) that can be driven compositionally by increasing the Zr content or thermally by sintering Zr-rich compositions at temperatures above 1550 °C. Our results demonstrate that ion-beam irradiation can also drive the structural phase transition for Zr-rich compositions. In an effort to understand the effects of composition and ion-beam irradiation on this phase transition, powder X-ray diffraction, polarized Raman, reflection infrared, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments were conducted on Gd2(Ti1-yZry)2O7 pyrochlores prior to and following irradiation with 2 MeV Au2+ ions to a fluence of 5 ions/nm2. Analysis of the vibrational and X-ray absorption data suggests that the structural integrity of the pyrochlore structure is based on distorted corner-shared TiO6 or ZrO6 octahedra. The vibrational spectra indicate that both anion and cation disorder precede the compositionally d...
Actitudes y creencias de futuros postulantes respecto de la calidad de las universidades chilenas.

Durante los anos 2008 y 2009 se realizaron dos distintas investigaciones buscando identificar primeramente -en cada una de ellas- los principales atributos que los estudiantes de 4o Ensenanza Media de las ciudades de Valparaiso y Vina del Mar vinculaban con el concepto de calidad de las Universidades y, en segunda instancia, establecer las actitudes y creencias del grupo estudiado en relacion con las Universidades del CRUCH (2008) y con las Universidad Privadas (2009) de la V Region, Valparaiso, Chile. Utilizando un mismo diseno cuali-cuantitativo (Sistema Galileo) en ambos estudios, se realizaron 88 Entrevistas en Profundidad y se aplicaron 993 cuestionarios en total. Sobre la base de dichas investigaciones del ano 2008 y 2009, el presente articulo reporta un meta-estudio que compara las actitudes y creencias de la poblacion ya indicada, respecto de los principales atributos compartidos que ellos mismos consideraron centrales en relacion con la calidad de las instituciones universitarias. Los atributos investigados en los referidos estudios en relacion con las actitudes y creencias que sostiene y expresa la poblacion estudiada, se refieren al 1) nivel de exigencia, 2) infraestructura, 3) financiamiento, 4) prestigio institucional, 5) calidad de los docentes, 6) empleabilidad futura y, 7) buen ambiente intra-institucional. Se observa que mas alla de las diferencias de actitudes y creencias favorables a las Universidades Tradicionales, hay tambien algunas dimensiones en las que dichas diferencias se atenuan e incluso otras en que se invierten y direccionan en favor de las Universidades Privadas, segun se trate de alumnos de colegios privados, subvencionados o municipalizados.
Task Assignment, Relative and Absolute Performance Evaluation

Screening talent to appropriately assign tasks among agents is an important organizational decision. In this paper, we compare the efficacies of absolute and relative performance evaluation systems in identifying agent talent when information asymmetry is present. We identify conditions under which the firm prefers absolute performance evaluation. We also find that relative performance evaluation schemes are more susceptible to performance manipulation activities by agents. These findings support the use of absolute performance evaluation even though such a system discretizes available data by classifying agent output into "performance buckets" such as pass or fail. We discuss empirical implications.
Zero-power magnetometers with remote optical interrogation

A magnetic-field-sensing system that consists of a miniature zero-power magnetometer, an integrated micromachined corner-cube reflector (CCR), commercially available diode laser, and a photo-detector array, has been designed, fabricated, assembled, and tested. The sensor node occupies a volume of only 1.5 mm/sup 3/ and can detect a magnetic field between 0 to 6 kA/m. The primary application of this technology is in wireless sensing systems that must operate continuously without providing or maintaining the sensor-node energy (e.g., replacing batteries or scavenging energy) or in extremely harsh environments.
Using categorical regression instead of a NOAEL to characterize a toxicologist's judgment in noncancer risk assessment

Noncancer health risk assessment involves the evaluation of multiple types of toxic effects. For regulatory recommendations, such as the Reference Dose (RfD), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relies heavily on expert judgment. This toxicologic judgment mixes toxic impact with likelihood: what effects are adverse, which of these is critical, and which dose is the highest reliable NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level). Uncertainty is indicated by qualitative statements of confidence. Statistical regression using ordered categories of overall toxicity is proposed as a superior alternative. Uncertainty and variability are represented by statistical models, all relevant data are used, not just the NOAEL for the critical effect, and health risk can be estimated at exposure levels above the RfD. >
Lysis of L cells in spinner culture by lymphocyte-produced cytotoxin (human lymphotoxin).

Abstract The susceptibility of L cells in spinner and monolayer culture to lysis by lymphocyte-produced cytotoxin (“lymphotoxin”) is very similar. These observations disprove the suggestion that the cytotoxin works by detaching monolayer-adapted L cells which subsequently die in suspension.
In-vitro permeability of porcine oral mucosa after epithelial separation, stripping and hydration

Abstract The permeability of porcine skin, gingiva, floor of mouth and buccal mucosa was measured in perfusion chambers using isotopically-labelled water and horseradish peroxidase. Values obtained for the permeability of the epithelium of each of these regions, after separation from the connective tissue with EDTA, did not differ significantly from those obtained for the intact tissue; however, the connective tissue alone had a permeability 2–8 times greater than that of the whole tissue. Stripping the surface layers of the floor of mouth mucosa increased its permeability to that of connective tissue. These results indicate that the functional permeability barrier of the oral mucosa, like that of skin, is located in the epithelium and occupies the superficial layers. After exposure to an aqueous environment for up to 67 h, the permeability of skin and keratinized oral mucosa showed similar but slight increases whereas that of non-keratinized mucosa showed a more rapid rise. These differences may reflect the different composition of the intercellular permeability barrier in keratinized and non-keratinized oral tissues.
Spatial and seasonal changes in the species composition of armored dinoflagellates in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

To compare the spatial and temporal (seasonal) distribution of dinoflagellates, vertical net hauls were taken along similar cruise tracks in the Scotia Sea, Weddell Sea and across the Polar Front Zone in the austral spring and the austral fall. Sixty-three species of armored dinoflagellates were identified and enumerated. Chisquare and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed to define spatial and seasonal patterns in genera and species assemblages. The dominant genera were Protoperidinium, Dinophysis and Ceratium. The Polar Front Zone was an important biogeographical barrier with Blepharocysta, Gonyaulax, Heteroschisma, Oxytoxum and Podolampas occurring mainly north of the Front. Species found primarily in the austral spring were Ceratium fusus, Ceratium lineatum, Dinophysis antarctica, Dinophysis simplex, Gonyaulax digitale, Protoperidinium pyriforme and Protoperidinium variegatum. Austral fall species included Dinophysis tuberculata and Protoperidinium elegantissum. Distribution of armored dinoflagellates in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean is influenced at the generic level by spatial considerations, particular with relation to the Polar Front Zone, whereas species composition can be effected by both region and season.
The effects of reaction conditions on porous chelating polymers designed for the decontamination of nuclear waste

The effect of a number of synthetic variables on the affinities of resorcinol-formaldehyde-iminodiacetic acid resins for137Cs and90Sr was determined. Porosity was introduced into the resins by inclusion of CaCO3 as a solid template during the synthesis. Among the variables examined were reaction temperature, reactant ratio, choice of basic catalyst, and amount of added template. Only reaction temperature was found to have a clearly defined influence on affinity. Cesium-137 affinity increased with increasing reaction temperature. Affinity for90Sr was independent of reaction temperature below reflux temperature, but dropped drastically for resins synthesized at reflux. These results are explained mechanistically. The reproducibility of the resin synthesis is also examined.
Circulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Indices of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health: Data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

Background Besides its well-established role in nerve cell survival and adaptive plasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is also involved in energy homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation. Although BDNF is present in the systemic circulation, it is unknown whether plasma BDNF correlates with circulating markers of dysregulated metabolism and an adverse cardiovascular profile.
Effects of Hydrogen Bonding within a Damaged Base Pair on the Activity of Wild Type and DNA-intercalating Mutants of Human Alkyladenine DNA Glycosylase

Abstract Human alkyladenine DNA glycosylase “flips” damaged DNA bases into its active site where excision occurs. Tyrosine 162 is inserted into the DNA helix in place of the damaged base and may assist in nucleotide flipping by “pushing” it. Mutating this DNA-intercalating Tyr to Ser reduces the DNA binding and base excision activities of alkyladenine DNA glycosylase to undetectable levels demonstrating that Tyr-162 is critical for both activities. Mutation of Tyr-162 to Phe reduces the single turnover excision rate of hypoxanthine by a factor of 4 when paired with thymine. Interestingly, when the base pairing partner for hypoxanthine is changed to difluorotoluene, which cannot hydrogen bond to hypoxanthine, single turnover excision rates increase by a factor of 2 for the wild type enzyme and about 3 to 4 for the Phe mutant. In assays with DNA substrates containing1,N 6-ethenoadenine, which does not form hydrogen bonds with either thymine or difluorotoluene, base excision rates for both the wild type and Phe mutant were unaffected. These results are consistent with a role for Tyr-162 in pushing the damaged base to assist in nucleotide flipping and indicate that a nucleotide flipping step may be rate-limiting for excision of hypoxanthine.
Three-dimensional, rapid shear flow of particles with continuous size distributions

Abstract Rapid granular flows occur in nature and industry and often contain particles of many sizes. Over the last two decades, significant theoretical and experimental effort has been directed at rapid granular flows with monodisperse or binary particle-size distributions. In contrast, the behavior of rapid granular flows with more than two particle sizes has received only limited attention. The particle-size distributions in many natural and industrial granular flows may be represented as continuous distributions (e.g., Gaussian or lognormal distributions), providing incentive for the investigation of rapid granular flows with these particle-size distributions. As an extension of previous work for two-dimensional simulations of rapid shear flows with Gaussian and lognormal particle-size distributions, this work is directed at three-dimensional flows with continuous size distributions. Event-driven, discrete-particle (“molecular dynamic”) simulations are employed for the three-dimensional simple shear flow of smooth, spherical particles with Gaussian and lognormal particle-size distributions. The results parallel those found previously in two dimensions and demonstrate the effect of distribution width on the stress tensor and granular energy.
Experimental Determination of the Transport Number of Water in Nafion 117 Membrane

The transport number of water in Nafion 117 membrane over a wide range of water contents is determined experimentally using a concentration cell. The transport number of water, the ratio f[sup m][sub o]/Z[sub o], is about 1.4 for a membrane equilibrated with saturated water vapor at 25[degrees]C, decreases slowly as the membrane is dehydrated, and falls sharply toward zero as the concentration of water approaches zero. In this paper, the relationship between the transference number, the transport number, and the electro-osmotic drag coefficient is presented, and their relevance to water management is solid-polymer-electrolyte fuel cells is discussed. Results are compared with other data available in the literature and with the theoretical maximum.
A note about the identifiability of causal effect estimates in randomized trials with non-compliance.

Abstract We show that assumptions that are sufficient for estimating an average treatment effect in randomized trials with non-compliance restrict the subgroup means for always takers, compliers, defiers and never takers to a two-dimensional linear subspace of a four-dimensional space. Implications and special cases are exemplified.
Applying narrowband remote-sensing reflectance models to wideband data

Remote sensing of coastal and inland waters requires sensors to have a high spatial resolution to cover the spatial variation of biogeochemical properties in fine scales. High spatial-resolution sensors, however, are usually equipped with spectral bands that are wide in bandwidth (50 nm or wider). In this study, based on numerical simulations of hyperspectral remote-sensing reflectance of optically-deep waters, and using Landsat band specifics as an example, the impact of a wide spectral channel on remote sensing is analyzed. It is found that simple adoption of a narrowband model may result in >20% underestimation in calculated remote-sensing reflectance, and inversely may result in >20% overestimation in inverted absorption coefficients even under perfect conditions, although smaller (~5%) uncertainties are found for higher absorbing waters. These results provide a cautious note, but also a justification for turbid coastal waters, on applying narrowband models to wideband data.
Photocatabolism of acetone by nonsulfur purple bacteria

Tests for the capacity of nonsulfur purple bacteria to photocatabolize acetone revealed that certain strains of Rhodobacter (Rb.) capsulatus and Rhodomicribium (Rm.) vannielii could grow on this organic compound. Phototrophic growth of R. capsulatus strain B10 on acetone was CO2 dependent. Dark anaerobic or dark aerobic growth of R. capsulatus on acetone was not observed, although microaerobic growth in the dark did occur. Of a total of 13 species of nonsulfur purple bacteria examined, only strains of Rb. capsulatus and Rm. vannielii were found capable of photoheterotrophic growth on acetone.
Mapping UML designs to Java

Tools for the generation of code from model descriptions are valuable in helping developers maintain consistency between a model and its implementation. In this paper, we describe a new method for generating Java implementation code from UML diagrams. Our method accepts UML diagrams specified at a higher-level than current tools, and places fewer constraints on the supported UML constructs, like multiple generalizations and association classes. Unlike current tools, it generates implementation code that shields system implementers from the low-level details of how associations and other UML constructs are mapped to Java. Furthermore, it supports the modular design of systems according to concerns[2, 10] by being able to generate code from a set of related UML diagrams. While our discussion is focused on the special problem of generating Java implementation code, the issues discussed in this paper are applicable more generally to object-oriented implementation languages.
Quantification of monohydroxy-PAH metabolites in urine by solid-phase extraction with isotope dilution-GC–MS

For measurement of biomarkers from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure, an analytical method is described quantifying hydroxylated PAH (OH-PAH) in urine samples. This method determined monohydroxy metabolites of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo[c]phenanthrene, and benz[a]anthracene. The sample preparation consisted of enzymatic hydrolysis, solid-phase extraction and derivatization with a silylating reagent. Five carbon-13 labeled standards were used for isotope dilution. Analytes were separated by gas chromatography (GC) and quantified with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). This method produced good recoveries (41–70%), linearity, and specificity. Data were corrected for blank levels from the naphthalene, fluorene, and phenanthrene metabolites. Method detection limits ranged from 2 ng L–1 for 1-hydroxypyrene to 43.5 ng L–1 for 1-hydroxynaphthalene. Using quality control charts from two urine pools, the method can be readily applied to biomonitoring PAH exposure.
Reduction of quantum noise in image estimation by use of twin-photon beams

An estimate of the transmittance of an object is examined in a twin-photon beam setup. The estimate is based on observing both the photons of one beam and the photons of the twin beam after passage through the object. The performance of the estimate (bias, variance, and mean-square error) is compared to the conventional single-beam measurement. The improvement depends on the photon flux, the counting time, the quantum efficiencies of the detectors, and the value of the measured transmittance itself. In general, a performance advantage is achieved for sufficiently high photon flux or long counting time.
Estimating Fluvial Mass Transport to Lakes and Reservoirs: Avoiding Spurious Self-correlations

ABSTRACT Three approaches to estimating fluvial mass transport to receiving waters are reviewed: concentration-discharge regressions, load-discharge regressions, and concentration discharge product methods. Concentration-discharge regressions are applied when constituent concentration (C) depends on river discharge. Several dilution, concentration and mixed-effects linear regression models are illustrated. The load (L)-discharge (Q) regression form: log L = a + b (log Q), where L = CQ, is widely used to estimate mass transport because it yields high coefficients of determination (R2) when concentration-discharge regressions do not. This is illustrated for Truckee River, Nevada, using eight years of monthly total nitrogen concentration ([TN]) and discharge data. However, the observed high R2 (0.92) results from product spurious self correlation, where the discharge term appears on both sides of the regression equation, and is not due to a dependency of [TN] on discharge. When concentrations do not depend o...
Activity of Penicillin Against Hemophilus ducreyi in vitro.

Summary and ConclusionsThe activity of penicillin on the growth of 5 strains of H. ducreyi was tested in vitro by the serial dilution method. H. ducreyi was found to be penicillin sensitive. This sensitivity was less than that of Streptococcus hemolyticus and paralleled that of the test strain of Staphylococcus aureus.
Ygor: An Object Oriented Distributed Telescope Control System Framework

The software designed to monitor and control the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) was generalized into Ygor, an object oriented framework for control system implementation. Ygor is deployed on the GBT on a variety of platforms, together making up the GBT Monitor and Control system. The design of the Ygor system will be presented along with the design philosophy leading to these design decisions. Implementation details and case studies will be used to illustrate the advantages of this system.
An Investigation of Psychologists' Practices and Attitudes toward Participation in Capital Evaluations

ABSTRACT This study is the first national survey of forensic psychologists regarding their practices and attitudes toward participating in various types of capital evaluations. Participants were 231 licensed forensic psychologists who voluntarily responded to a mailed survey. A predictive model for levels of opposition and patterns of participation for each type of capital evaluation was determined, as well as were general levels of agreement with a number of professional “guidelines.” The results of this study suggest that although most psychologists are not opposed to participating in most types of capital evaluations, competence for execution evaluations receive the greatest amount of opposition. Implications of these results are discussed.
THE SOLITARY PULMONARY NODULE

The radiologic evaluation of the solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a common diagnostic dilemma. Although available clinical data and findings on conventional radiographs are important components in determining the imaging approach to the SPN, evaluation with CT often is necessary for detailed evaluation. This article reviews the radiologist's approach to the evaluation of the SPN, with a particular focus on the role of thin-section CT for morphologic and density analysis. The relative use of contrast-enhanced CT and nuclear medicine, particularly positron emission tomography, in detecting nodule enhancement is discussed. If the use of low-dose helical CT for screening for early lung cancer in the form of a SPN becomes widespread practice, it is likely that radiologists will encounter an increasing number of smaller SPNs in the near future.
Backward hadrons from deep inelastic lepton scattering on nuclei

Abstract We consider the predictions of a quark cluster model for backward hadrons produced in deep inelastic scattering of leptons from nuclear targets. After making some kinematic comments, we show that the counting rules for the longitudinal momentum distribution supplemented by a standard parametrization of the transverse momentum distribution produce a decent representation of the available high energy experimental backward proton results.
Epilepsy, surgery, and the elderly

Treatment of elderly patients with epilepsy may present unique challenges to physicians. Co-morbid conditions and drugs to treat such conditions are common in elderly patients, possibly complicating epilepsy therapies that are dependent on drugs alone. For this reason, surgical intervention may be an attractive option for elderly patients with epilepsy, particularly for medically intractable patients with key disease features, such as lateralization and precisely localized epileptic foci. Curative procedures, including lobectomy and lesionectomy, are most likely to lead to seizure freedom, but not all patients are candidates for such procedures. When a curative surgical procedure is not an option, palliative procedures, including vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, may be viable options. Vagus nerve stimulation has been reported to reduce seizure rates and improve quality of life in elderly patients with epilepsy. Currently, widespread therapeutic application of deep brain stimulation is limited by risks, costs, and pending studies.
MANAGERIAL COGNITION: A MISSING LINK IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

This article explores the linkages between cognitive science and strategic management research. It begins by noting that Schendel and Hofer, in their classic work Strategic Management: A New View of Business Policy and Planning, implicitly assumed a cognitive basis for much of the strategy-making process but did little to systematize a cognitive approach. Next, the article examines the foundations of modern cognitive science. Several areas of recent research that are particularly relevant to strategic thinking are reviewed. The article concludes with a call for a more explicit cognitive emphasis in strategic management.
Interfacial structure of θ precipitates in Al5wt.%Cu alloys☆

Abstract Standard transmission electron microscopy techniques are applied to the study of the interface between the f.c.c. aluminum matrix (κ) and the complex b.c.t. CuAl2 (θ) precipitates. Interfacial structure is found to be prevalent on an interface which has often been considered to be incoherent. Both contrast experiments and hot-stage electron microscopy reveal that growth of the interface proceeds by the ledge mechanism. During the high temperature experiments the growth ledges assume a stable position in the thin film about which small fluctuations occur. Small changes in temperature cause these positions to become unstable. The density of positionally stable growth ledges increases with increasing severity of the quench.
Magnetic interactions and reversal of artificial square spin ices

Artificial spin ices are nanoscale geometrically engineered systems that mimic the behavior of bulk spin ices at room temperature. We describe the nanoscale magnetic interactions in a square spin ice lattice by an experimentally verified model that accounts for the correct shape of the magnetic islands. Magnetic force microscopy measurements on lithographically fabricated lattices are compared to Monte Carlo simulations of the reversal process of two lattices with different lattice spacings. Lattice node statistics and correlations show significant differences in the reversal mechanism for lattices with different spacings. The effect of structural variations is also compared for the two lattice reversals.
Toxicity of chlorine dioxide to early life stages of marine organisms

With increasing interest in minimizing exposure to chlorine, many electric generating and water treatment plants are exploring the use of alternative biocides such as chlorine dioxide. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide does not react with ambient organic compounds to form potentially carcinogenic trihalomethanes such as chloroform. However, the toxicity of chlorine dioxide to aquatic organisms has received little study. No information exists on chlorine toxicity to marine organisms. Furthermore, West Coast electric power stations usually discharge chlorine intermittently once or twice daily and substantial mixing of receiving water occurs between treatments. Therefore, this study sought to obtain information on chlorine dioxide toxicity using an exposure schedule typical of generating stations which discharge into the marine environment. Early life history stages of a plant, invertebrate and fish were tested since these stages are generally acknowledged to be most sensitive to toxicants and are the stages that are most likely to be exposed to the effluent.
The Cretaceous basal conglomerate in Kansas

Abstract The basal Cretaceous conglomerate, consisting of material derived from the east and northeast, was deposited by westward flowing streams on an eroded surface of Paleozoic rocks. The unnamed stratigraphic unit, composed of pebble- and cobble-size material, is exposed locally along the outcrop belt from Clay County southwestward to Kiowa County.
Effects of uremia and vitamin D on bone and the ultrastructure of thyroid parafollicular cells and parathyroid chief cells in the rat

The tibial metaphysis in uremic rats administered vitamin D had long thin trabeculae lined by fusiform osteoblasts and a few osteoclasts. In vitamin D-treated sham-operated rats metaphyseal trabeculae were reduced greatly in length and covered with numerous osteoclasts and cuboidal osteoblasts. Cortical bone in the diaphyses in both groups had increased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. Serum calcium, phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen were significantly greater in uremic rats given vitamin D compared to sham-operated rats administered vitamin D. Thyroid parafollicular cells in vitamin D-treated uremic rats had evidence of increased secretory activity with prominent Golgi apparatuses, well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, and depletion of mature secretory granules. Parafollicular cells in sham-operated rats given vitamin D had less prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatuses and were depleted only partially of secretory granules. Parathyroid chief cells in both groups receiving vitamin D appeared to be less active than in uremic rats given placebo. Uremic rats administered placebo had metaphyseal trabecular bone of intermediate length lined with plump osteoblasts and frequent osteoclasts. Serum calcium was significantly lower than in vitamin D-treated uremic rats. Parathyroid chief cells were interpreted to be relatively active with complex interdigitations of plasma membranes and well developed Golgi apparatuses. Thyroid parafollicular cells were fully granulated and had poorly developed organelles. It was suggested that the altered response of metaphyseal bone to vitamin D in uremic rats was due to an elevated serum phosphorus and increased calcitonin release.
Fred Loe, MD, and the History of Trachoma

Trachoma has been one of the most blinding diseases in the history of ophthalmology. From its initial description in antiquity until the late 1930s, no specific treatment or effective cure had been known, and the only expedient had been to destroy the diseased tissue containing the infectious agent, rendering the disease inactive. Virtually all medical, mechanical, and surgical treatments were unsatisfactory, with cure rates of approximately 20%. Therapy for trachoma had barely advanced from the measures used by the ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman physicians. All prior therapies became obsolete in 1938 when Fred Loe, MD, working on an American Indian reservation, introduced sulfanilamide as a treatment of trachoma, achieving a 90% cure rate. One of the most unusual aspects of Loe's career was that he had no formal training in ophthalmology and was completely self-taught as an ophthalmologist.
Evaluation of curie constants of ferroelectric crystals from pyroelectric response

Abstract A method is described for determining the Curie constant (Cc) of ferroelectric crystals below the Curie temperature (Tc) from the pyioelectric response. It is shown from Devonshire's phenomenological theory of ferroelectricity that the material parameter (p/ϵ) of the pyroelectric response is given by p/ϵ =PS/Cc , where Ps is the spontaneous polarization. This relationship is tested in detail for Sr0.5Ba0.5Nb2O6 crystals. The value of Cc obtained from the Curie-Weiss law, ϵ = CC /(T - Tc ), which is valid above Tc , is compared to the value of Cc obtained below Tc for SBN and other ferroelectric crystals and reasonable agreement is observed.
Application of bond length-strength analysis to 5f element fluorides

Abstract The considerable body of single-crystal data available on 5f element fluoride structures is analyzed using Zachariasen's formulae for bond lengths and bond strengths. The utility of the approach is demonstrated. Some reassignments are suggested by the analyses.
Mechanical degradation of high molecular weight polymers in dilute solution

The mechanical shear degradation of polydisperse polyisobutene and monodisperse polystrene in oils of different viscosities in the concentration range of 0.1% to 1% was studied using a high-shear concentric cylinder viscometer under laminar and uniform well-defined shear field conditions. Molecular weight distributions (MWDs) were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Degradation of polydisperse polyisobutene solutions narrows the distributions principally through the breaking down of large molecules. Degradation of monodisperse polystyrene broadens the distributions at lower shear stress. At higher shear stresses, the distributions do not broaden as much but are still broader than those of the original polymer. The final Mw/Mn ratios are considerably different from the value of 2 expected for random degradation. Hence, the degradation is likely a nonrandom process. It was found that the extent of degradation has a negative concentration dependence coefficient at relatively high molecular weight and a positive concentration dependence at lower molecular weight. Competing mechanisms of “stretching” and “entanglements” for degradation were postulated to explain the results. The degradation data indicate that the shear stress is the controlling parameter, not the shear rate. The shear degradation is independent of initial molecular weight and viscosity of the solvent.
Properties of fibers produced from soy protein isolate by extrusion and wet-spinning

Fibers were produced from soy protein isolate by both wet-spinning and extrusion. In the wet-spinning process, aged, alkaline protein solution was forced through a spinnerette into an acid coagulating bath. In the extrusion process, a twinscrew extruder forced a protein isolate-water mixture through a die. The physical properties of the fibers were measured at various water activities. The fibers produced by both methods were brittle and lacked tensile strength (tenacity). The addition of glycerol reduced brittleness in extruded fibers. Zinc and calcium ions decreased the brittleness of wet-spun fibers. The tenacity of soy fibers was significantly improved by post-spinning treatments, including acetic anhydride, acetaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, a combination of glutaraldehyde and acetic anhydride, and stretching. The best extruded fibers were produced with a mixture of 45% soy protein, 15% glycerol, and 40% water, finished with a combination of glutaraldehyde and acetic anhydride and then stretched to 150% their original lengths. The best wet-spun fibers were produced with a 19.61% soy protein suspension at pH 12.1; coagulated in a 4% hydrochloric acid solution that contained 3.3% sodium chloride, 3.3% zinc chloride, and 3.3% calcium chloride; and followed by treatment with 25% glutaraldehyde and stretching to 170% their original lengths.
Parent-offspring and sibling adoption analyses of parental ratings of temperament in infancy and childhood.

A first step toward understanding the etiology of personality is to investigate the relative impact of genetic and environmental factors using twin and adoption designs. Twin studies of infants and young children indicate substantial genetic influence for parental ratings of temperament in the preschool years. Adoption studies, however, have not previously been reported during the early years of life. We present parent-offspring comparisons for temperament (emotionality, activity, sociability, and impulsivity) for adopted and nonadopted children yearly from 1 to 7 years of age and their biological, adoptive, and nonadoptive parents. Also presented are correlations for adoptive and nonadoptive siblings when each child was 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age. In contrast with twin results, little evidence is found for genetic influence. The average correlation between biological parents and their adopted-away children for data averaged over the 7 years is only .03. Similarly, the average parent-offspring correlation in nonadoptive families (.08) is no greater than in adoptive families (.12). Results for nonadoptive and adoptive siblings also indicate little genetic influence. The difference between the twin and adoption results may be due to environmental effects or to nonadditive genetic variance.
Approximate techniques of J estimation applicable to part-through surface cracks

Abstract This investigation concerns the accuracy with which three different J estimation schemes can predict the variation of applied Jwith applied strain for semi-elliptical surface cracks. The three estimation schemes considered were a weight function technique proposed by Bhandari, a modification of the EPRI estimation scheme proposed by Ainsworth, and Turner's Engineering-J design curve. Each of these techniques is simple enough to employ in design, the most arduous calculation required being that needed to determine the linear elastic stress intensity factor. Estimation scheme accuracy was assessed by comparing J predictions to finite-element results for three small semi-elliptical surface cracks in a moderately hardening steel loaded in either pure tension or pure bending. The results obtained indicate that, for applied strains up to three times the yield strain, both the weight function and the modified EPRI schemes under estimate applied J by between 23 and 83% depending on the applied strain level. Conversely, Turner's Engineering-ssJ design curve provides accurate or conservative (i.e. over) estimates of applied J in both tension and bending provided total crack size is less than 3% of the total cross sectional area and maximum crack depth is less than 25% of the plate thickness. Application to larger and deeper cracks loaded in tension is not recommended as the design curve does not conservatively account for net section yielding in these situations. The design curve can still be applied in bending to cracks of size up to 7.4% of the total cross sectional area. However, the degree of conservatism inherent in this application may be considered excessive in certain situations.
Gender and ethnic differences in survival in a cohort of HIV positive clients.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine gender and ethnic differences in survival of persons receiving treatment for HIV infection to determine if differences existed, and if they did, to assess the possibility of explaining these differences by examining other factors, such as age, disease severity when beginning treatment, alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, educational level, living arrangements, antiretroviral treatment, PCP prophylaxis, sexually transmitted diseases, mode of transmission and opportunistic infections. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of all clients receiving treatment at an HIV only clinic from its opening in early 1988 until the end of May 1993. Statistical methods used to examine the data included incidence density ratios, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Breslow (generalized Wilcoxon) tests of equality of survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models both with and without time dependent covariates. RESULTS In the cohort (37% African American, 7% Hispanic American and 25% female), 220 deaths occurred during 1223 person years of follow-up. Compared to European American males, the following incidence density ratios were observed: European American females: 0.50, Hispanic American females: 0.70, Hispanic American males: 0.96, African American females: 1.28 and African American males: 2.38. The differences were noted above for gender/ethnicity groups were significant at the p < 0.0001 level. After adjusting for disease stage (as measured by laboratory testing of CD4 positive T-lymphocytes), educational level, and age, no differences in survival by gender or ethnicity remained. Disease stage and educational level had the greatest prognostic significance. CONCLUSIONS European Americans entered treatment at a much earlier disease stage (as measured by CD4 positive T-lymphocyte counts) and had higher educational levels (a surrogate for socioeconomic status) than African Americans. These factors may explain the longer survival in European Americans as compared to African Americans in this cohort.
Unusual solvatochromism in phosphonylatedpolythiophenes. Poly[3-(11-diethylphosphorylundecyl)thiophene]

Highly stereoregular poly[3-(11-diethylphosphorylundecyl)thiophene] 2 is soluble in both aprotic and protic solvents, yet displays a remarkable solvatochromism involving a hydrogen bond network with the phosphonate moiety.
Avian retrovirus RNA-directed DNA synthesis: Transcription at the 5′ terminus of the viral genome and the functional role for the viral terminal redundancy

Abstract The size and structure of DNA synthesized on 35 S RNA·tRNAtrp template primer complexes in reconstructed reactions by the avian retrovirus RNA-directed DNA polymerase in vitro have been elucidated. Under standard enzymatic reaction conditions three major species of DNA are initiated on tRNAtrp at the 5′ end of the viral genome. Two of these are single stranded in nature and exhibit lengths of 70 and 100 nucleotides. The third is hairpin in structure and is 185 nucleotides in length. A precursor-product relationship has been demonstrated between DNA70, DNA100, and the hairpin DNA185 species. Furthermore, it appears that hairpin DNA185 is formed during DNA synthesis rather than after DNA synthesis as a consequence of the intramolecular folding of complementary sequences present in the DNA185 transcript. Finally, we present data indicating that, in addition to conversion of DNA100 to hairpin DNA, the DNA100 species can attach to the 3′ end of the viral genome presumably by base pairing with the terminally redundant sequences at the 3′ terminus to provide a primer for the continuation of DNA transcription at this end of the viral RNA. These data provide a functional role in proviral DNA synthesis for the terminally repeated genomic sequences.
Undocumented childhood immigrants, the Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in the USA

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to critically examine two possible solutions to the lack of citizenship rights of children who lack documentation. Many industrialized countries must deal with undocumented children who have resided in the country most of their lives. In the USA, immigrants brought as children by their parents illegally are not eligible to receive financial help in most states for higher education, receive federal health care, or obtain driver's licenses. Even if they are qualified, they cannot legally work. Design/methodology/approach – The article provides an in-depth analysis of the Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The benefit of this study is to critically examine two possible solutions to the problem of undocumented children who have lived most of their lives in the USA. Findings – The two solutions are analyzed in terms of broader conceptions of citizenship and human rights. Citizen rights are contested rights in the USA for undocumented immigrants and th...
New training strategies for constructive neural networks with application to regression problems

Regression problem is an important application area for neural networks (NNs). Among a large number of existing NN architectures, the feedforward NN (FNN) paradigm is one of the most widely used structures. Although one-hidden-layer feedforward neural networks (OHLFNNs) have simple structures, they possess interesting representational and learning capabilities. In this paper, we are interested particularly in incremental constructive training of OHL-FNNs. In the proposed incremental constructive training schemes for an OHL-FNN, input-side training and output-side training may be separated in order to reduce the training time. A new technique is proposed to scale the error signal during the constructive learning process to improve the input-side training efficiency and to obtain better generalization performance. Two pruning methods for removing the input-side redundant connections have also been applied. Numerical simulations demonstrate the potential and advantages of the proposed strategies when compared to other existing techniques in the literature.
Using the Overhead Projector for Homework Correction

While teacher-made transparencies for the overhead projector have become commonplace in the foreign language classroom, student-made ones are less frequently found. A very efficient method for checking homework assignments employs student-made transparencies of the assigned exercises as the working model in the classroom to be corrected or discussed as necessary. Procedures and suggestions are presented, as are advantages and disadvantages of the system.
Microwave spectrum and rotational isomerism of ethoxy ethyne

Abstract The microwave spectrum of ethoxy ethyne, CH 3 CH 2 OCCH, has been investigated in the region 12.4–32.0 GHz.The spectrum demonstrates the coexistence of two rotational isomers, an anti form and a gauche form. The rotational constants for the anti form are A = 29500 ± 200 MHz, B = 2502.178 ± 0.007 MHz and C = 2380.034 ± 0.008 MHz and for the gauche form A = 11799.84 ± 0.02 MHz, B = 3422.405 ± 0.007 MHz and C = 2887.691 ± 0.007 MHz. From these rotational constants a plausible structure has been derived which gives the gauche dihedral angle as 108 ± 3° (from the anti position). The dipole moment components for the anti form are μ a = 1.62 ± 0.03 D, μ b = 1.01 ± 0.03 D and μ c = 0 D (assumed) with μ T = 1.91 ± 0.05 D, and for the gauche form μ a = 1.72 ± 0.04 D, μ b = 0.64 ± 0.07 D and μ c = 0.85 ± 0.02 D with μ T = 2.02 ± 0.07 D. Several vibrational satellite lines were also assigned, and relative intensity measurements yielded the torsional frequencies 100 cm −1 for the anti and 78 cm −1 for the gauche form. The energy difference between, the two rotamers was determined to be 138 ± 90 cal mole −1 , the anti form the more stable. A Fourier expansion of the potential for the O-C ethyl torsion gave the first four coefficients to be: V 1 = −0.41, V 2 = 0.04, V 3 = 1.42 and V 4 = 0.77 kcal mole −1 .
Healing of Electroshock-Induced Hemorrhages in Hatchery Rainbow Trout

Abstract We monitored healing in electroshock-induced hemorrhages of myomere blood vessels produced by individually exposing hatchery rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to direct current (N = 502) and pulsed direct current (N = 708). We used voltage gradients and exposure times that were suspected to produce high injury rates to facilitate observation of injury duration in muscle tissue. At 1 d postexposure, 86.1% of the test fish exposed to DC and 81.6% of those exposed to pulsed direct current (PDC) had at least one hemorrhage. Fish exposed to DC averaged 1.86 injuries at 1 d postshocking, and those exposed to PDC averaged 1.45 injuries. Number of hemorrhage injuries per fish began declining by 15 d postshocking in both groups. The severity of injuries initially increased through 15 d postshocking and then decreased through the remaining 3–5 weeks of the tests. At the end of the test, injuries induced by DC had declined by 78.0% (36 d postshocking), and those induced by PDC declined by 92.4% (57 d postsh...
Methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity: roles for glutamate and dopamine efflux.

The neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine (METH) on striatal dopaminergic neurons have been hypothesized to be mediated by excess dopamine (DA) release. In addition, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists block METH-induced DA depletions. This suggests that glutamate also mediates the toxic effects of METH. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that DA and glutamate efflux contribute to METH-induced neurotoxicity. In vivo microdialysis in rats was used to measure extracellular concentrations of striatal DA and glutamate following 3 injections of METH (10 mg/kg, i.p.), each injection given 2 hours apart. One week following the dialysis experiment, rats were sacrificed and the ventral lateral striata were assayed for DA content. Glutamate concentrations in the dialysate increased by over 4-fold after the third METH injection. In these same animals, striatal DA tissue content was significantly depleted. In separate groups of rats, pretreatment with haloperidol (2 mg/kg at the first METH injection) significantly increased METH-induced DA efflux. The haloperidol pretreatment attenuated the extracellular increase in glutamate produced by METH and blocked subsequent neurotoxicity to DA neurons. In contrast, pretreatment with the DA uptake blocker, GBR-12909 (10 mg/kg, 30 min before each METH injection) significantly attenuated the increased DA release produced by METH but did not change glutamate efflux. However, pretreatment with GBR-12909 did protect against the tissue content depletion of DA in the striatum. Based on these findings, it appears that increased DA and glutamate release in the striatum are important and possibly interact in the development of METH-induced neurotoxicity.