cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation and X-ray diffraction studies of berkelium hydrides

Abstract Berkelium hydrides have been prepared by reaction of berkelium metal with hydrogen gas and have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction. Both face centered cubic (f.c.c.) and hexagonal products were obtained. Products with an average f.c.c. lattice parameter of a 0 = 0.5248(5) nm are considered to be non-stoichiometric dihydrides, BkH 2 + x , by analogy with lanthanide and other actinide-hydrogen systems. This result is in reasonable agreement with the only previous report of a berkelium hydride (f.c.c., a 0 = 0.523(1) nm). Hexagonal hydride products with average lattice parameters a 0 = 0.3726(7) nm and c 0 = 0.6663(20) nm are taken to be BkH 3 . The existence of BkH 3 establishes that the heavy trivalent lanthanide-like behavior of the transuranium actinide-hydrogen systems extends through berkelium.
Short‐term study abroad: a transformational approach to global business education

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to offer an approach to global business education that offers a transformative experience for students and results in greater confidence and expertise.Design/methodology/approach – A model of global business competence is described, as well as an approach to global business education involving a short‐term study abroad experience. Transformational learning practices were embedded in the course design. Surveys were collected at two different times in the short‐term study abroad course to demonstrate changes in students' confidence and expertise. The first survey was conducted after completing reading assignments and classroom‐based instruction (Time 1) and the second was collected upon returning from the study abroad experience (Time 2).Findings – Results indicated a significant change in students' perceptions of their global business competence from Time 1 to Time 2, indicating the benefits of the short‐term study abroad experience beyond classroom instruction and re...
Nuclear receptor coregulators

It has been postulated that nuclear receptors (NRs) regulate transcription via inter- actions with chromatin and the basal transcription machinery at the promoters of genes. Coregulators (coactivators or corepressors) are important in mediating these interactions and thereby modulating positive or negative receptor activity. A large number of putative coacti- vators have been isolated, several of which will be reviewed with respect to certain "criteria" initially proposed for coactivators. We will discuss, with reference to in vitro and in vivo ex- periments, the main steps in initiation that are influenced by coactivators: (1) initiation (e.g., SRC-1 family, CBP); (2) repetitive transcription (e.g., TRAPs/DRIPs); (3) RNA processing (PGC-1, etc); and (4) termination/turnover (E6-AP, etc). A variety of enzyme functions have been implicated in the coactivator complex including acetylase, methylase, ubiquitin ligase, kinase, and phosphatase activities. Moreover, coactivators and corepressors appear to exist in the steady-state cell as a series of multiprotein complexes referred to collectively as the "coregulatorsome". Different subcomplexes within the coregulatorsome may have different levels of preference for individual receptors or promoters, likely contributing to context-spe- cific functions of NRs in target tissues.
On‐line systems of disciplines and specialty areas in science and technology

Over 130 on-line bibliographic data bases in science and technology, available through common vendors as of December 1979, are identified and reviewed. These have been classified as (1) discipline-wide, transdisciplinary, or multidisciplinary and (2) specialty or problem-oriented. Selected data bases of both types are discussed, including areas covered and functions served.
Hydrogel-nanoparticle composites for optically modulated cancer therapeutic delivery.

Abstract A poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) (NIPAAm-co-AAm) hydrogel with near-infrared (NIR) absorbing silica–gold nanoshells was designed as a platform for pulsatile delivery of cancer therapeutics. This hydrogel was designed to have a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) above physiologic temperature, such that the material will transition from a hydrated state to a collapsed state above ~ 40 °C. Additionally, the silica–gold nanoshells used were designed to have a peak extinction coefficient in the NIR, where penetration of light through tissue is maximal. This heat-triggered material phase transition of the composite was found to follow exposure of NIR light, indicating the ability of the NIR absorption by the nanoshells to sufficiently drive this transition. The composite material was loaded with either doxorubicin or a DNA duplex (a model nucleic acid therapeutic), two cancer therapeutics with differing physical and chemical properties. Release of both therapeutics was dramatically enhanced by NIR light exposure, causing 2–5 x increase in drug release. Drug delivery profiles were influenced by both the molecular size of the drug as well as its chemical properties. The DNA therapeutic showed slower rates of nonspecific delivery by passive diffusion due to its larger size. Additionally, only 70% of the more hydrophobic doxorubicin was released from the material, whereas the more hydrophilic DNA showed over 90% release. Further, hydrogel composites were used to deliver the doxorubicin to CT.26-WT colon carcinoma cells, eliciting a therapeutic response. This work validates the potential application for this material in site-specific cancer therapeutic delivery.
Vanadium(V) hydrazido(2-) thiolate imine alkoxide complexes.

The reaction of (Me3Si)2TIP with V(NNMe2)(OAr)3 results in the production of V(NNMe2)(TIP)(OAr), where TIP is 2-((2-thiolatophenylimino)methylene)phenolate. The aryloxide is readily displaced by ISiMe3 to form an insoluble iodide complex formulated as V(NNMe2)(TIP)(I). The iodide was used to prepare three different complexes: [V(NNMe2)(TIP)(dmpe)]I, [V(NNMe2)(TIP)(Butbpy)][OTf], and [V(NNMe2)(TIP)(Butbpy)][SbF6]. The phosphine derivative, [V(NNMe2)(TIP)(dmpe)]I, was characterized by X-ray diffraction and shows a quite short N–N distance of 1.293(3) A indicative of a dominant isodiazene resonance form.
Chloride-activated water permeability in the frog corneal epithelium.

We have previously reported that the isolated frog corneal epithelium (a Cl−-secreting epithelium) has a large diffusional water permeability (Pdw ≈ 1.8×10−4 cm/s). We now report that the presence of Cl− in the apical-side bathing solution increases the diffusional water flux, Jdw (in both directions) by 63% from 11.3 to 18.4 μl min−1 · cm−2 with 60 mm [Cl] exerting the maximum effect. The presence of Cl− in the basolateral-side bathing solution had no effect on the water flux. In Cl−-free solutions amphotericin B increased Jdw by 29% but only by 3% in Cl−-rich apical-side bathing solution, suggesting that in Cl−-rich apical side bathing solution, the apical barrier is no longer rate limiting. Apical Br− (75 mm) also increased Jdw by 68%. The effect of Cl− on Jdw was observed within 1 min after its addition to the apicalside bathing solution. HgCl2 (0.5 mm) reduced the Cl−-increased Pdw by 31%. The osmotic permeability (Pf) was also measured under an osmotic gradient yielding values of 0.34 and 2.88 (x 10−3 cm/s) in Cl−-free and Cl−-rich apical-side bathing solutions respectively. It seems that apical Cl−, or Cl− secretion into the apical bath could activate normally present but inactive water channels. In the absence of Cl−, water permeability of the apical membrane seems to be limited to the permeability of the lipid bilayer.
a Hydraulic Transient Model of the Upper ST. Lawrence River for Water Resources Studies

: A one-dimensional hydraulic transient model has been designed for water resource studies of Lake Ontario and the Upper St. Lawrence River. The model simulates water surface profiles and flows in the St. Lawrence River between Lake Ontario and the Moses-Saunders Power Dam under both open water and ice-covered conditions. Errors in water surface elevations were found to be less than 0.2 feet during quasi-steady conditions on the river. Comparable errors occurred during the ice-covered conditions. A sensitivity analysis found the model to be most sensitive to the roughness coefficients and the flow through the power dam.
Thoracoscopic Lobectomy: A Safe and Effective Strategy for Patients Receiving Induction Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background Thoracoscopic lobectomy is an accepted oncologic approach for early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent lobectomy after induction therapy to determine the feasibility of thoracoscopic lobectomy compared with conventional thoracotomy lobectomy. Methods The outcomes of 97 consecutive patients with NSCLC who received induction therapy followed by lobectomy from 1996 to 2005 were reviewed. Outcome variables analyzed included complete resection, chest tube duration, length of hospitalization, 30-day mortality, hemorrhage, pneumonia, respiratory failure, and other major complications. The Student t test and χ 2 or R×C contingency tables were used to compare continuous and categoric variables, respectively. Results Lobectomy was performed by thoracotomy in 85 patients and thoracoscopically in 12 patients (1 conversion), with complete resection in all patients. All patients received induction chemotherapy, and 74 (76%) received induction radiotherapy as well: 66 of 85 (78%) in the thoracotomy group and 8 of 12 (67%) in the thoracoscopy group. The overall median survival was 2.3 years, with no difference between the groups. Patients undergoing a thoracoscopic lobectomy had a shorter median hospital stay (3.5 vs 5 days, p = 0.0024) and chest tube duration (2 vs 4 days, p Conclusions Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a feasible approach for selected patients undergoing resection after induction therapy, and is associated with shorter hospital stay and chest tube duration. Long-term follow-up of survival will determine the role of thoracoscopic lobectomy in the management of patients after induction therapy.
Oliver Kahn Lecture: Composition and structure of the V[TCNE]x (TCNE = tetracyanoethylene) room-temperature, organic-based magnet – A personal perspective

Abstract V II [ TCNE ] - z [ TCNE ] 2 - 1 - z / 2 (1 [ TCNE ] − bonded to four VII sites bridged by diamagnetic μ4-[TCNE]2− is described, and is sufficient to account for the observed Tc exceeding room temperature and the observed relatively high conductivity. The z = 2 limiting structure with the same layers, but bridged by S = 1/2 μ- [ TCNE ] − is identified and provides for a 3-D magnetic structure. Nonetheless, the magnet does not diffract, and the featureless morphology observed from TEM studies suggests that it is a glassy material. Attempts to grow crystalline V[TCNE]x by several slow diffusion methods were unsuccessful, and did not result is a magnetically ordered material. This suggests that the V[TCNE]x room temperature magnet is a kinetic phase, and preparing a crystalline kinetic product will be challenging.
Thermal conductivity of hot-pressed 123 YBCO superconducting oxides: Anisotropic behavior at high and very low temperatures

Abstract We report measurements of the thermal conductivity k on hot-pressed sintered Y Ba2Cu3O7-δ samples over a wide temperature range, 0.055 50 K, and at very low temperatures, T 100 K the behavior of k is nearly constant with temperature up to 270 K, while at low temperatures (T < 0.2 K) k departs from a T 3 dependence and either becomes linear in T when the heat current is parallel to the pressing direction or it becomes quadratic, i.e. T 2 dependent when the heat current is perpendicular to the press direction.
Angiographic frequency of anterior circulation intracranial aneurysms

✓ A retrospective angiographic analysis was designed to extrapolate the frequency of angiographically defined asymptomatic intracranial aneurysms in the anterior circulation from a relatively unbiased clinical series. A total of 9295 angiograms were reviewed from January, 1980, to January, 1987, and, based on these, 278 patients with minimal bias for the presence of an aneurysm were selected. Three patients were found to have incidental aneurysms; thus, the angiographic frequency of patients with asymptomatic aneurysms in this series was 1%. This patient population is skewed toward the older age groups and probably over-represents the incidence of these aneurysms in the population at large. Comparing current subarachnoid hemorrhage statistics and the low frequency of asymptomatic aneurysms suggests that a larger percentage of these aneurysms than was previously thought subsequently rupture. This study contrasts sharply with previous reports quoting a high incidence of aneurysms, and significantly alters t...
Bridges between microtubules and neurofilaments visualized by stereoelectron microscopy.

Using stereoelectron microscopy, cross-links or bridges are clearly visualized between 10-nm neurofilaments and microtubules in the intact axon of Loligo pealei . There is an average periodicity of about 40 nm. Both neurofilament to neurofilament and microtubule to microtubule bridges are seen. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using 4% Fairbanks gels and coelectrophoresis with flagellar dynein and spectrin has shown that the three larger polypeptides of axoplasm have molecular weights of approximately 220 000, 380 000, and 580 000.
CCD Clock Drivers with Large Amplitude, Fast-Switching and Low-Power

The application of many CCDs (Charge-Coupled-Device) in a large system requires efficient clock drivers capable of delivering to capacitive loads large voltage swing, fast rise and fall times with low power consumption. The driver circuit described meets these requirements using off-the-shelf inexpensive transistors. Notable aspect is the absence of bias-current in the drivers with each output capable of delivering 17 V in 5 ns.
Does the expansion of Chinese state-owned enterprises affect the innovative behavior of private enterprises?

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) have expanded rapidly in China since 2003. Through an empirical study using Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database and Patent Application Database from 2004 to 2007, we found that the expansion of SOEs negatively affected the innovation of private enterprises. Chinese private enterprises usually do not have extensive assets or strong ability to obtain debt financing, and thus are less likely to maintain investments in RD based on the second dimension, we divided the SOEs into those belonging to higher level governments (central or provincial) (HSOEs) and th...
Finite temperature properties of SU(2) gauge field on a random lattice

Abstract The finite temperature properties of SU(2) gauge fields on a random lattice are studied by the Monte Carlo method. The results indicate the existence of a deconfining transition at high temperature. The scale parameter of the random lattice is estimated.
Pros and cons of hard and resilient denture base materials

This article is a discussion of various materials used for denture bases and how they affect denture stability and retention, tissue tolerance, thermal conductivity, comfort and oral health, and other factors. General use of metal or resilient denture base liners is not recommended. Results obtained with these materials are varied and unpredictable. The needs of most edentulous patients can be met using conventional resin denture bases.
Accommodation and convergence during sustained computer work.

Abstract Purpose With computer usage becoming almost universal in contemporary society, the reported prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) is extremely high. However, the precise physiological mechanisms underlying CVS remain unclear. Although abnormal accommodation and vergence responses have been cited as being responsible for the symptoms produced, there is little objective evidence to support this claim. Accordingly, this study measured both of these oculomotor parameters during a sustained period of computer use. Methods Subjects (N = 20) were required to read text aloud from a laptop computer at a viewing distance of 50 cm for a sustained 30-minute period through their habitual refractive correction. At 2-minute intervals, the accommodative response (AR) to the computer screen was measured objectively using a Grand Seiko WAM 5500 optometer (Grand Seiko, Hiroshima, Japan). Additionally, the vergence response was assessed by measuring the associated phoria (AP), i.e., prism to eliminate fixation disparity, using a customized fixation disparity target that appeared on the computer screen. Subjects were asked to rate the degree of difficulty of the reading task on a scale from 1 to 10. Results Mean accommodation and AP values during the task were 1.07 diopters and 0.74∆ base-in (BI), respectively. The mean discomfort score was 4.9. No significant changes in accommodation or vergence were observed during the course of the 30-minute test period. There was no significant difference in the AR as a function of subjective difficulty. However, the mean AP for the subjects who reported the least and greatest discomfort during the task was 1.55∆ BI and 0, respectively ( P = 0.02). Conclusions CVS, after 30 minutes was worse in subjects exhibiting zero fixation disparity when compared with those subjects having a BI AP but does not appear to be related to differences in accommodation. A slightly reduced vergence response increases subject comfort during the task.
Completion Pericardiectomy for Recurrent Constrictive Pericarditis: Importance of Timing of Recurrence on Late Clinical Outcome of Operation

Background Recurrent right-side heart failure after operation for constrictive pericarditis (CP) may be caused by incomplete pericardiectomy, recurrent constriction due to exuberant scar tissue, or diastolic dysfunction. Because the risks and benefits of reoperation are not well defined, we reviewed the outcome of completion pericardiectomy. Methods From 1993 to December 2010, 41 patients underwent redo pericardiectomy. Thirty-eight patients had the initial operation elsewhere, and 3 had first pericardiectomy at our clinic. All patients had the diagnosis of CP at initial operation. We divided patients into two groups according to the interval between the first and second pericardiectomies: group A, 1 year or less, n=20; group B, more than 1 year, n=21. Results The mean age was 57.6 ± 12.7 years, and there were 34 males (83%). Twenty-six patients (63%) were in New York Heart Association class II, 10 (24%) were in class III, and 5 (12%) were in class IV. Etiologies were idiopathic in 20 (49%), prior cardiac surgery in 13 (32%), radiation in 6 (15%), and trauma in 2 (5%). There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between group A and group B. The 30-day and in-hospital mortalities were 7% (n = 3) and 12% (n = 5), respectively. Overall 5-year survival was 49%, and was significantly better in group A than group B (73% versus 29%, p = 0.032). In multivariate analysis, New York Heart Association class III or IV and the interval between operations longer than 1 year were significant risk factors for death ( p = 0.010 and p = 0.027, respectively). Conclusions The significant early mortality of repeat pericardiectomy emphasizes the importance of complete pericardial resection at first operation and accurate diagnosis of recurrent constriction. The poor clinical outcome of late (more than 1 year) reoperation suggests that many of these patients may have unrecognized diastolic dysfunction or recurrent mediastinal scarring as the cause of right-side heart failure rather than incomplete initial pericardiectomy.
Removal of liver activity contamination in teboroxime dynamic cardiac SPECT imaging with the use of factor analysis.

One of the major problems associated with technetium 99m teboroxime cardiac imaging is the high concentration of activity in the liver. In some cases it is impossible to diagnose defects on the inferior wall because of the finite resolution and scatter that cause images of the inferior wall and the liver to overlap. The least-squares factor analysis of dynamic structures method, with correction for non-unique solutions, was used to remove the liver activity from the image. The method was applied to dynamically acquired Tc-99m teboroxime data. The liver activity removal method was tested through use of computer simulations and tomographically acquired canine and patient cardiac studies. In all studies the least-squares factor analysis of dynamic structures method was able to extract the liver activity from the series of dynamic images, thereby making it possible to remove it quantitatively from the entire series. The method was used successfully to remove the liver activity that partially overlapped the inferior wall in normal hearts. The method tends to increase the contrast between defects and normal myocardial tissue in abnormal hearts. The method presented can be used to assist in diagnosis of cardiac disease when dynamically acquired teboroxime data are used. Because the contrast between the defect and normal myocardial tissue can be changed, the processed image cannot be used by itself to make an accurate diagnosis. However, with the liver activity removed, the image provides additional information that is very useful in the imaging of patients whose liver activity overlaps the inferior heart wall. (J Nucl Cardiol 2002;9:197–205.)
Rapid release of iron from ferritin by siderophores.

Abstract The ability of the microbial Siderophores deferriferrichrome, deferriferrichrome A , and enterobactin to remove iron from ferritin has been investigated. In contrast to previously published data with other chelators, all three Siderophores rapidly released iron from the mammalian storage protein Enterobactin was found most efficient at removing ferritin-bound iron. Using this siderophore, the mechanism by which ferritin sequesters iron was studied The relative iron saturation level of ferritin influenced the rate of chelation by the microbial Siderophores.
New optomechanical approach to quantitative characterization of fatigue behavior of dynamically loaded structures

The basic relationships between stress and strain under cyclic conditions of loading are not at present well understood. It would seem that information of this type is vital for a fundamental approach to understand the fatigue behavior of dynamically loaded structures. In this paper, experimental and computational methods are utilized to study the fatigue behavior of a thin aluminum cantilever plate subjected to dynamic loading. The studies are performed by combining optomechanical and finite element methods. The cantilever plate is loaded periodically by excitation set at a fixed amplitude and at a specific resonance frequency of the plate. By continuously applying this type of loading and using holographic interferometry, the behavior of the plate during a specific period of time is investigated. Quantitative information is obtained from laser vibrometry data which are utilized by a finite element program to calculate strains and stresses assuming a homogeneous and isotropic material and constant strain elements. It is shown that the use of experimental and computational hybrid methodologies allows identification of different zones of the plate that are fatigue critical. This optomechanical approach proves to be a viable tool for understanding of fatigue behavior of mechanical components and for performing optimization of structures subjected to fatigue conditions.
High Speed Semiconductor Lasers For Interconnects

We review current techniques in modeling the semiconductor laser through the use of equivalent circuits that predict semiconductor laser performance under high frequency modulation and high speed switching conditions as well as the influence of material parameters and characteristics. Factors governing the intrinsic response of the laser are discussed. We then discuss the influence of packaging and chip parasitics on the modulation response.
A quantitative theory of acute tolerance to alcohol.

A theory of acute tolerance to alcohol is proposed that includes two assumptions: 1) acute tolerance is a linear process with time, and 2) the slope of the line is a measure of the magnitude of the acute tolerance effect. Evidence that supports the validity of the theory is presented both from studies in which blood alcohol level (BAL) was manipulated experimentally and from studies based on the one-dose method that is common in human research. The slope of the acute tolerance line defined by this theory is a measure of the-percent decrement in maximum alcohol effect per unit time. Thus, quantitative comparisons can be made of acute tolerance effects obtained under different environmental conditions or experimental treatments, including comparisons of different drugs. Limitations of the proposed theory and the relation of this theory to other theories of tolerance to alcohol are discussed.
Transfusions of Whole Blood Prevent Spontaneous Diabetes Mellitus in the BB/W Rat

Weekly transfusions of whole blood from a nondiabetic subline of BB/W rats reduced the incidence of diabetes in susceptible BB/W rats from 39 to 0 percent and the incidence of pancreatic insulitis from 64 to 6 percent. Responsiveness of lymphocytes to concanavalin A was found to be low in rats with diabetes or insulitis. Transfusion restored concanavalin A responsiveness to levels observed in control rats free of diabetes or insulitis. These data suggest that whole blood alters the course of autoimmune BB/W rat diabetes.
SU‐E‐J‐127: Diaphragm Motion Heterogeneity as a Result of Gravity‐Induced Pleural Pressure Variation During Free Breathing

Purpose: To investigate the physical relationship between diaphragm motion heterogeneity and gravity direction for lung motion modeling. It is hypothesized that diaphragm motion overcomes gravity‐induced pressure (GIP) to provide even common pleural pressure (CPP) around the chest wall during free breathing. Methods: A respiratory motion model was developed to account for GIP over CPP at posterior (P) and anterior (A) chest wall. The movement of the diaphragm to compensate for GIP was assumed proportional to GIP, given GIP<|CPP‖max. Thus, the P/A ratio of diaphragm motion (M‐PA) should equal the P/A ratio of pleural pressure (P‐PA). To estimate GIP, lung density and AP separation were measured on full‐inhalation phase CT, assuming the lung as viscous fluid. At anterior side(supine), both S‐I and P‐A motions produced CPP with an assumed equal contribution. Software was developed to quantify and visualize lung density gradient. 4DCT images from 12 supine patients and 5 patients in both supine and prone positions were analyzed. Local lung densities were monitored at 4 regions: A, P, I and S, and the density ratios (D‐PA and D‐SI) were calculated for all supine and prone scans. Results: For the 12 supine patients, it was found that diaphragm motion was location dependent: A=0.7(σ=0.3)cm, I=1.4(σ=0.5)cm, and P=2.4(σ=1.0)cm. A lung gradient aligned with gravity: D‐PA=1.6(σ=0.5) while D‐SI=1.0(σ=0.2). Calculated GIP=3.7(σ=0.9)cmH2O [=2.7(σ=0.7)mmHg] was similar to |CPP|max (− 3mmHg at inhalation). The estimated M‐PA=4 [=P‐PA=(2xCPP)/(0.5xCPP)] was consistent with the measured M‐PA=3.9(|=1.6). In the 5 patients with both supine and prone scans, 4 reversed the motion ratio from supine [M‐PA=3.7(|=1.6)] to prone [M‐PA=1.1(|=0.8)]. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a population‐based physical relationship of local motion of the diaphragm and the direction of gravity. Posterior diaphragm (supine) was predicted and confirmed to move about 4 times more than anterior diaphragm. Further study on individual‐based physical relationships is currently under investigation.
METHODS OF LINKING WITH SMALL SAMPLES IN A COMMON‐ITEM DESIGN: AN EMPIRICAL COMPARISON

A series of resampling studies was conducted to compare the accuracy of equating in a common-item design using four different methods: chained equipercentile equating of smoothed distributions, chained linear equating, chained mean equating, and the circle-arc method. Four operational test forms, each containing more than 100 items, were used for the equating, with new-form samples of 100, 50, 25, and 10 examinees and reference-form samples three times as large. Accuracy was assessed in terms of the root-mean-squared difference (over 1,000 replications) of the sample equatings from the criterion equating. Overall, chained mean equating produced the most accurate results for low scores, but the circle-arc method produced the most accurate results, particularly in the upper half of the score distribution.
Asymptotic properties of random subsets of projective spaces

Abstract : A random graph on n vertices is a random subgraph of the complete graph on n vertices. By analogy with this, the present paper studies the asymptotic properties of a random submatroid omega(r) of the projective geometry PG(r-1,q). The main result concerns Kr, the rank of the largest projective geometry occurring as a submatroid of omega(r). We show that with probability one, for sufficiently large r, Kr takes one of at most two values depending on r. This theorem is analogous to a result of Bollobas and Erdos on the clique number of a random graph. However, whereas from the matroid theorem one can essentially determine the critical exponent of omega(r), the graph theorem gives only a lower bound on the chromatic number of a random graph. (Author)
Language Trends in the Leading Colleges for Women

AS an aftermath of the war and the Army's experience in the teaching of foreign languages, many schools and colleges have reorganized their courses and changed their language requirements. A great deal has been written describing the innovations in the men's colleges, but not much has been said concerning what is being done in the leading women's colleges. This somewhat sketchy paper is an attempt to describe, without trying to evaluate, what was learned from direct observation by attendance at classes and from conversations with heads of departments, professors and instructors in French and Spanish during visits to seven of the most prominent colleges for women. During this investigation, two facts stood out above all others, namely: (1) the increased amount of class time devoted to elementary language courses; (2) the emphasis on the aural-oral approach. Except in one case, the three-periods-per-week course is a thing of the past. In two colleges, elementary classes in French and Spanish meet six periods per week. In another, elementary French meets five times per week and elementary Spanish six times. In a fourth, where three meetings per week was the practice the past year, these courses will meet five times. In the remaining two, classes meet four times a week. In order to compensate for the additional time, some colleges give more credit for the course. Others deduct two hours from assignment time. When classes meet only four times, no special provision is made.
Metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene by murine splenic cell types

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine which splenic cell type(s) of B6C3F1 mice was capable of metabolizing B(a)P. Separation of splenocytes based on density by centrifugation through discontinuous Percoll gradients along with immunomagnetic negative selection or antibody-mediated complement lysis was utilized to obtain highly enriched populations of splenocytes for B(a)P metabolism studies. Immunofluorescent cell staining in conjunction with flow cytometry and examination of Giemsa-stained cytospin cell preparations indicated that B- or T-cell populations of greater than 95% purity and an 80–90% pure population of splenic macrophages were routinely attained. Splenic cell populations were incubated with [ 3 H]B(a)P for 24 hr. High-pressure liquid chromatography was used to separate and quantitate the B(a)P metabolites generated by the enriched splenic cell populations. The results of these studies demonstrate that the macrophage is the cell type responsible for the metabolism of B(a)P within the spleen. The major metabolites of B(a)P produced were as follows: an unidentified peak of polar metabolites containing polyhydroxylated metabolites, B(a)P-9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrodiol, and B(a)P-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrodiol. Other splenic cell types examined, including B and T cells, polymorphonuclear cells, or the spleen capsule did not produce amounts of B(a)P metabolites significantly above background levels. Based on these findings, macrophages are the splenic cell types which metabolize B(a)P. As a result, macrophages may be the cell type targeted by B(a)P resulting in suppression of splenic humoral immune responses.
Locus of Control Redux: Adolescents’ Choice to Refrain From Violence

While research suggests that an external locus of control predicts violence among offenders, it is unclear whether an internal locus of control (ILOC) acts as a protective factor against involvement in violent behaviors. Furthermore, we know little about the contextual factors that influence the development of an ILOC. This study analyzes the relationship between ILOC and involvement in violent behaviors, examines contextual influences on the development of an ILOC, and assesses whether contextual influences affect the relationship between locus of control and violence. Data are derived from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, a multi-cohort accelerated longitudinal research study of youth living in 80 Chicago neighborhoods during 1994. Focusing on 1,767 youths aged 9 to 19, results indicate that an ILOC is a significant predictor of abstention from violence, even when controlling for individual characteristics and family and neighborhood contextual factors known to influence violence. Several family and neighborhood contextual factors influence an ILOC orientation. Results also indicate that those who are younger, female, and non-Hispanic are more likely to express an ILOC. Implications of the results are discussed.
Stabilizing control of a class of unknown nonlinear systems using dynamic neural networks

This paper presents an online modeling and control strategy for a class of linearizable nonlinear systems with unknown parameters and nonlinearities. A dynamic neural network (DNN) is utilized for modeling of nonlinear systems in their equivalent feedback linearized form. Lyapunov techniques are used to derive the adaptation rules for training the DNN's weight matrices. An adaptive state feedback stabilizing control is developed based on the equivalent DNN model of the systems. An observer is also designed to estimate the states of the DNN model of the system. Subsequently, an adaptive output feedback stabilizing control law is derived for unknown nonlinear systems, using their equivalent DNN model, with guaranteed closed-loop stability. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone within the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis in the ovariectomized, estrogen/progesterone-treated rat: A quantitative immunocytochemical study using image analysis

Abstract No specific function has been ascribed to the high gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) content of the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT). The objective of this study was to determine whether levels of GnRH within the OVLT are altered during cyclic gonadotropin secretion. GnRH levels were determined at various times during an estrogen/progesterone (E/P)-induced LH surge. Groups of E/P and sesame oil-treated animals were decapitated at 12.00 h, 14.00 h, 16.00 h, 18.00 h, and 22.00 h following the P or oil treatment. Morphological localization, as well as quantitation of immunoreactive GnRH within discrete regions of the brain was achieved by combining unlabeled antibody immunocytochemistry with computerized image analysis. Analysis of GnRH levels in the OVLT revealed that at any of the 5 times examined, there was: (1) no significant differences among controls, (2) no significant difference among E/P-treated animals, and (3) no significant differences between E/P-treated versus control animals. In contrast, ME GnRH levels in E/P-treated rats showed that the expected decreased prior to the onset of the LH surge. These findings suggest that the level of GnRH detected in axon terminals within the OVLT cannot be related directly to the serum LH status of ovariectomized, E/P-treated rats. It is therefore possible that GnRH within the OVLT might function in a neuromodulatory role, rather than as a direct regulator of cyclic gonadotropin secretion.
In-Group Identification, Social Dominance Orientation, and Differential Intergroup Social Allocation

Abstract Three varieties of differential intergroup social allocation were examined in a sample of American students as a function of degree of in-group legitimacy, self-esteem, sex, and social dominance orientation within a standard minimal-groups experimental paradigm. The results are consistent with both social identity theory and much previous research in this area: The greater the in-group identification, the greater the allocation of social value in favor of the in-group. The results are also consistent with the expectations of social dominance theory and show that, even after the effects of gender, self-esteem, and in-group identification were considered, the greater the social dominance orientation, the greater the allocation of social value in favor of the in-group. For two of the three indexes of social value, there was a statistically significant interaction between in-group identification and social dominance orientation. Subjects showing strong acceptance of their in-group classification and ...
Neutrino capture by r -process waiting-point nuclei

We use the quasiparticle random-phase approximation to include the effects of low-lying Gamow-Teller and first forbidden strength in neutrino capture by very neutron-rich nuclei with $N=50,$ 82, or 126. For electron neutrinos in what is currently considered the most likely r-process site the capture cross sections are two or more times previous estimates. We briefly discuss the reliability of our calculations and their implications for nucleosynthesis.
Spatial patterns of lacustrine fish assemblages in a catchment of the Mississippi Alluvial Valley

In the alluvial valley of the lower Mississippi River, floodplain lakes form isolated aquatic fragments that retain differing degrees of connectivity to neighbouring rivers. Within these floodplain lakes it was hypothesized that fish species composition, relative abundance, and biodiversity metrics would be shaped largely by aquatic connectivity within a catchment. Fish assemblages in 13 floodplain lakes (five on-channel; eight off-channel) were assessed with electrofishing in 2006–2012 in the Bear Creek catchment, Mississippi, USA. Bear Creek spans approximately 80 km before draining into the Yazoo River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. Fish assemblages in on-channel and off-channel lakes were different, and fish assemblages in on-channel lakes were as a group more homogeneous than off-channel lakes. Moreover, a longitudinal gradient in fish assemblages occurred in on-channel lakes. The observed patterns in fish assemblages are linked largely to differing intensities in connectivity among lakes within the catchment. Lakes with irregular connections have greater individuality, whereas lakes with continuous or chronic connection are more similar. The wide variation in connectivity could be a key to the distinctive biodiversity of catchments and the focus of fish conservation programmes. Off-channel floodplain lakes are among the first landscape elements to vanish as a consequence of agricultural development. These habitats tend to accumulate sediments at fast rates and are converted to agricultural land as soon as suitable drainage can be attained. Considering that off-channel lakes with limited connectivity contribute greatly to the heterogeneity of fish assemblages, such losses pose great concerns to conservation of biodiversity. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Modeling the lifespan of discourse entities with application to coreference resolution

A discourse typically involves numerous entities, but few are mentioned more than once. Distinguishing those that die out after just one mention (singleton) from those that lead longer lives (coreferent) would dramatically simplify the hypothesis space for coreference resolution models, leading to increased performance. To realize these gains, we build a classifier for predicting the singleton/coreferent distinction. The model's feature representations synthesize linguistic insights about the factors affecting discourse entity lifespans (especially negation, modality, and attitude predication) with existing results about the benefits of "surface" (part-of-speech and n-gram-based) features for coreference resolution. The model is effective in its own right, and the feature representations help to identify the anchor phrases in bridging anaphora as well. Furthermore, incorporating the model into two very different state-of-the-art coreference resolution systems, one rule-based and the other learning-based, yields significant performance improvements.
Financial Literacy: An Essential Component of Mathematics Literacy and Numeracy.

With rising personal and public debt, public and private employers increasingly shifting financial responsibility to individuals, and an increase in both the number of financial investment options and predatory lending practices, today’s students need to be financially literate.This paper defines financial literacy and justifies its place in the mathematics curriculum. After describing the gaps in young people’s understanding of financial literacy, which is more pronounced among women and minorities, this paper provides examples of financial literacy exercises. College students’ solutions demonstrated that the level of financial literacy is low. The majority of students were unfamiliar with financial principles and concepts. Students found it difficult to estimate answers and judge the reasonableness of their solutions. Reading comprehension and general cognitive skills led students to incorrect answers. The difficulties students had reinforce the need for financial education and developing students’ general cognitive skills.
An unforeseen chain of events: lethal effects of pesticides on frogs at sublethal concentrations.

The field of toxicology has traditionally assessed the risk of contaminants by using laboratory experiments and a range of pesticide concentrations that are held constant for short periods of time (1–4 days). From these experiments, one can estimate the concentration that causes no effect on survival. However, organisms in nature frequently experience multiple applications of pesticides over time rather than a single constant concentration. In addition, organisms are embedded in ecological communities that can propagate indirect effects through a food web. Using outdoor mesocosms, we examined how low concentrations (10–250 μg/L) of a globally common insecticide (malathion) applied at various amounts, times, and frequencies affected aquatic communities containing zooplankton, phytoplankton, periphyton, and larval amphibians (reared at two densities) for 79 days. All application regimes caused a decline in zooplankton, which initiated a trophic cascade in which there was a bloom in phytoplankton and, in sev...
Absence of Transgenerational Phenotypic Plasticity in Fecundity in the Parasitoid Anagrus erythroneurae (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae).

To improve biological pest control, we would like to understand the main factors that limit the reproductive success of key biological control agents, including parasitoid wasps. Previous research with proovigenic parasitoids in the genus Anagrus collected from multiple field sites revealed positive correlations between parasitoid fecundity and local host density. In this article, we test whether this variation in fecundity is a reflection of transgenerational phenotypic plasticity. We exposed females in laboratory microcosms to either low or high host densities and then quantified the fecundity of their adult daughters. Mean fecundity of daughters did not differ across host density treatments, arguing against the operation of phenotypic plasticity. Significant variation in mean fecundity across different families instead suggested the possibility that genetic variation may underlie the observed fecundity differences.
A biomimetic VLSI sensor for visual tracking of small moving targets

Taking inspiration from the visual system of the fly, we describe and characterize a monolithic analog very large-scale integration sensor, which produces control signals appropriate for the guidance of an autonomous robot to visually track a small moving target. This sensor is specifically designed to allow such tracking even from a moving imaging platform which experiences complex background optical flow patterns. Based on relative visual motion of the target and background, the computational model implemented by this sensor emphasizes any small-field motion which is inconsistent with the wide-field background motion.
Effects of chronic aminodarone therapy on ventricular tachycardia induced by programmed ventricular stimulation

Several studies have reported upon the inducibility of ventricular tachycardia (VT) with programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) during chronic amiodarone therapy; however, few studies have systematically described and compared the morphology, duration, and cycle length of VT induced by PVS before and after amiodarone. In this study, 26 patients with symptomatic VT or ventricular fibrillation were evaluated by PVS by means of one to three extrastimuli (ES) before treatment and after 2 months of amiodarone therapy. Before amiodarone, sustained unimorphic VT was induced in 21 patients (group A) and symptomatic, nonsustained VT was induced in five patients (group B). After 65 +/- 8 days of amiodarone (total dose 64.5 +/- 8.9 gm, mean +/- S.D.), 15 of 21 patients (71%) in group A had sustained VT, five patients (24%) had nonsustained VT, and one patient had no VT induced. Four of five patients (80%) in group B had sustained VT and one patient had no VT induced. VT was induced by the same or by fewer number of ES in 79% of cases. When the morphologies of the VT induced before and after amiodarone were compared, the morphology of VT induced after amiodarone was the same in only 8 of 24 patients (33%), unimorphic but different in 14 patients (58%), and polymorphic in the remaining two patients. No correlation was found between the serum concentrations of amiodarone, desethylamiodarone, tetraiodothyronine, triiodothyronine, or reverse triiodothyronine, and similarities or differences in VT morphology, VT cycle length, or the relative number of ES required to induce VT after treatment with amiodarone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A clinical evaluation of the Dideco Kids D100 neonatal oxygenatora

In August 2006, Duke University Perfusion Services had the opportunity to be the first institution in the United States to clinically evaluate the Dideco D100 Neonatal Oxygenator. The device was used on six pediatric patients to facilitate correction or palliation of their cardiac defects, which included two arterial switch operations, two truncus arteriosus repairs, one stage 1 Norwood and one repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. The average patient weight was 3.1 kg. The average cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 135 minutes and the average cross-clamp time was 61 minutes. Arterial and venous blood gasses were drawn and used to calculate oxygen transfer. The average oxygen transfer was 14.8 +/- 10.3 ml/O2/min. The Dideco D100 Oxygenator is the first oxygenation device designed specifically for neonates. The Dideco D100 is a microporous hollow-fiber device. It has a static priming volume of 31 ml and a maximum rated flow of 700 ml/min. The integral hard-shell venous reservoir has a minimum operating level of 10 ml and a reservoir capacity of 500 ml. For this evaluation, the Dideco Kids D100 Neonatal Oxygenator performed adequately on patients weighing up to 5 kg. This device provides an excellent first step towards offering very small children appropriate circuitry without having to sacrifice safety or performance.