cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Application of Machine Learning in League Index Prediction

Along with the technological developments and the commercial utilization of 4G, electronic sports and live broadcasting institutions have got huge progresses. Thus, it is vital and meaningful to optimize the gaming circumstances and maximize the gaming experiences of players and this is why exploring the main contributing factors or players' league indexes as well as constructing predictive models are so necessary and pragmatic. It is the experiences and the observations that the traditional methods applied for judgments, which cannot handle massive data and will end up with low-accuracy outcomes, whereas the situations can be processed effectively, precisely and objectively via machine learning. In this paper, via processing over 3338 data of 19 variables extracted from real game players, descriptive statistical analysis has been firstly processed for identifying the real factors that influence the players' league indexes, then, six well-known machine learning models are used to build the prediction models. We have discovered that, during the tests, Artificial Neural Network model offers the best prediction and correctly predicts over 45.4% of the testing data.
Single photon imaging and sensing of highly obscured objects around the corner

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical imaging and sensing of objects imply new capabilities valuable to autonomous technology, machine vision, and other applications, in which case very few informative photons are buried in strong background counts. Here, we introduce a new approach to NLOS imaging and sensing using the picosecond-gated single photon detection generated by nonlinear frequency conversion. With exceptional signal isolation, this approach can reliably achieve imaging and position retrieval of obscured objects around the corner, in which case only 4 × 10−3 photons are needed to be detected per pulse for each pixel with high temporal resolution. Furthermore, the vibration frequencies of different objects can be resolved by analyzing the photon number fluctuation received within a ten-picosecond window, allowing NLOS acoustic sensing. Our results highlight the prospect of photon efficient NLOS imaging and sensing for real-world applications.
Time-Resolved Raman Studies of the Transport Properties of Excitons in GaAs Quantum Wells

Time-resolved, space-imaged Raman spectroscopy has been employed to study the transport properties of excitons in GaAs quantum wells. For an injected exciton density of nex=1.5×1011 cm-2, the experimental results show that exciton transport can be well described by a simple diffusion model. Based on the temperature and well-width dependence of the deduced diffusion constant, we demonstrate that at low temperatures (i.e. T < 60K), the transport of excitons in GaAs quantum wells is primarily governed by two dominant mechanisms: acoustic phonon scattering and interface roughness scattering.
EXSEMA-An EXpert System for SElecting Simulation Software for Manufacturing Applications

This paper describes the development of EXSEMA, an expert system (ES) prototype for providing advice on the most appropriate simulation software environment for a particular manufacturing application. During a typical consultation session the user is prompted for information which describes the proposed application and the existing development and organization constraints. EXSEMA then identifies the simulation system which provides the best fit with the user’s needs and provides appropriate explanations.
Energetics and Technology of the Biological Disposal of Wastes

Publisher Summary The need to control and direct the processes for the biological disposal of waste matter is becoming increasingly imperative owing to a number of factors, such as technological improvements, increased hygienic requirements, and changes in the human habitat. Solid urban waste must be considered in terms of its quantity, the continuing increase differing only in extent from one place to another, and its quality with significant variations in its composition. Changes in these aspects have become much more apparent in recent years and represent one of the most evident signs of changes in the daily life of man. The quantity of waste matter and its composition represent an index of the level of life achieved by the population concerned. An accurate analysis of the factors that lead to changes in the quantity and quality of waste matter demonstrates the ways in which society now depends on the increasing use of new materials in packaging and the massive use of disposable products such as paper, plastic, and glass. Ever increasing quantities of these products are found in solid urban wastes and reduce considerably their specific weight.
Accumulation of micron sized iron oxide particles in endothelin-1 induced focal cortical ischemia in rats is independent of cell migration

Purpose Endogenous labeling of stem/ progenitor cells via intracerebroventricular injection of micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIOs) has become standard methodology for MRI of adult neurogenesis. While this method is well characterized in the naive rodent brain, it has not been fully investigated in disease models. Here, we describe methodological challenges that can confound data analysis when this technique is applied to a rat model of stroke, the endothelin-1 model of focal cortical ischemia. Methods We intended to track endogenous neuroblast migration from the subventricular zone to the stroke area using previously described methods for in vivo labeling of endogenous neuroblasts with MPIOs and following migration with high resolution MRI. Results MPIOs accumulation in stroke regions of endothelin-1-treated brains involves two dynamic steps: an initial rapid cell independent mechanism, followed by slower MPIOs accumulation. While the latter may in part be attributable to cell dependent delivery of the particles, the cell independent mechanism complicates the interpretation of the data. Strategies aimed at prelabeling the stem cell niche reduced cell independent MPIOs accumulation, but failed to abolish it. Conclusion We conclude that MRI-based neural stem/progenitor cell tracking via direct injection of MPIOs into the lateral and third ventricles, requires significant validation in models of brain disease/trauma. Magn Reson Med 71:1568–1574, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Convention

Altogether there are six species of Pacific salmons and one species of true salmons in the North Pacific Ocean. All are anadromous, that is, they live most of their life at sea, but return to fresh water to spawn, sometimes going hundreds of miles upriver to the spawning grounds. Each species varies in its ocean and freshwater habits, however, and it is worth while to describe the essential differences before discussing the management programs.
On the Concept of Cis-Regulatory Information: From Sequence Motifs to Logic Functions

The regulatory genome is about the “system level organization of the core genomic regulatory apparatus, and how this is the locus of causality underlying the twin phenomena of animal development and animal evolution” (E.H. Davidson. The Regulatory Genome: Gene Regulatory Networks in Development and Evolution, Academic Press, 2006). Information processing in the regulatory genome is done through regulatory states, defined as sets of transcription factors (sequence-specific DNA binding proteins which determine gene expression) that are expressed and active at the same time. The core information processing machinery consists of modular DNA sequence elements, called cis-modules, that interact with transcription factors. The cis-modules “read” the information contained in the regulatory state of the cell through transcription factor binding, “process” it, and directly or indirectly communicate with the basal transcription apparatus to determine gene expression. This endowment of each gene with the information-receiving capacity through their cis-regulatory modules is essential for the response to every possible regulatory state to which it might be exposed during all phases of the life cycle and in all cell types. We present here a set of challenges addressed by our CYRENE research project aimed at studying the cis-regulatory code of the regulatory genome. The CYRENE Project is devoted to (1) the construction of a database, the cis-Lexicon, containing comprehensive information across species about experimentally validated cis-regulatory modules; and (2) the software development of a next-generation genome browser, the cis-Browser, specialized for the regulatory genome. The presentation is anchored on three main computational challenges: the Gene Naming Problem, the Consensus Sequence Bottleneck Problem, and the Logic Function Inference Problem.
Entropy Index as a Measure of Heartbeat Irregularity

A method is proposed to analyze the heartbeat waveform that can yield a reliable characterization of the structure after only a few pulses. The measure suggested is entropy index that is related to the one found effective in describing chaotic behaviors in a wide variety of physical systems. When applied to the ECG data that include ventricular fibrillation, the index is shown to change drastically within a few pulses. Wavelet analysis is used to exhibit different scaling behaviors in different phases.
Leading New Lawyers: Leadership and Legal Education

Lawyers may become leaders, but leaders also may become lawyers. The path to leadership can begin in law school. This short essay describes a leadership development course developed and implemented at a law school over the last four years.
Multi-probe relaxation dispersion measurements increase sensitivity to protein dynamics

Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) relaxation dispersion measurements are a valuable tool for the characterization of structural transitions on the micro-millisecond timescale. While the measurement of (15)N relaxation dispersion is now routine, the measurements with alternative nuclei remain limited. Here we report (15)N as well as (1)H R2 relaxation dispersion measurements of the N23PP/S148A "dynamic knockout" mutant of dihydrofolate reductase. The (1)H dispersion measurements are complementary to (15)N data as many additional residues are observed to have dispersive behavior for the (1)H nucleus. Simultaneous fitting of the dispersion profiles for the two nuclei increases the accuracy of exchange parameters determined for individual residues and clustered groups of residues. The different sensitivity of the two nuclei to changes in backbone torsional angles, ring currents, and hydrogen bonding effects provides important insights into the nature of the structural changes that take place during the exchange process. We observe clear evidence of direct and indirect hydrogen bond effects for the (15)N and (1)H chemical shift changes in the active-site, modulation of ring current shielding in the CD-loop and backbone torsional changes in a cluster of residues associated with the C-terminus. This work demonstrates the power of combined (1)H and (15)N probes for the study of backbone dynamics on the micro-millisecond timescale though the analysis of chemical shift changes.
Phonon quarticity induced by changes in phonon-tracked hybridization during lattice expansion and its stabilization of rutile TiO 2

Although the rutile structure of TiO_2 is stable at high temperatures, the conventional quasiharmonic approximation predicts that several acoustic phonons decrease anomalously to zero frequency with thermal expansion, incorrectly predicting a structural collapse at temperatures well below 1000 K. Inelastic neutron scattering was used to measure the temperature dependence of the phonon density of states (DOS) of rutile TiO_2 from 300 to 1373 K. Surprisingly, these anomalous acoustic phonons were found to increase in frequency with temperature. First-principles calculations showed that with lattice expansion, the potentials for the anomalous acoustic phonons transform from quadratic to quartic, stabilizing the rutile phase at high temperatures. In these modes, the vibrational displacements of adjacent Ti and O atoms cause variations in hybridization of 3d electrons of Ti and 2p electrons of O atoms. With thermal expansion, the energy variation in this “phonon-tracked hybridization” flattens the bottom of the interatomic potential well between Ti and O atoms, and induces a quarticity in the phonon potential.
Temporal stability and cross-situational consistency of affective, behavioral, and cognitive responses.

Consistency and stability of feelings were examined in reports that were completed on 3,512 occasions randomly sampled from the lives of 42 subjects. The stability and consistency of responses depended on the situations, individuals, and responses involved. High degrees of consistency were unusual for single responses, although mean levels of responding tended to be both highly stable and consistent. The consistency and stability of variables covaried, suggesting a connection between the two. Persons who were more consistent across one pair of situations tended to be more consistent across other situational pairs. The results indicate that the question of whether personality consistency exists does not have a simple answer, and requires knowledge of the persons, situations, responses, and level of analysis involved.
Applying Systems Engineering in a Renewable Energy Research & Development Environment

This paper examines lessons learned in systems engineering research and development at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and explores new ideas for future process enhancements.
The assessment of neurological systems with functional imaging.

In recent years a number of multivariate approaches have been introduced to map neural systems in health and disease. In this review, we focus on spatial covariance methods applied to functional imaging data to identify patterns of regional activity associated with behavior. In the rest state, this form of network analysis can be used to detect abnormal topographies reflecting regional changes in distributed neural systems. In activation experiments, this approach can be used to quantify network–performance relationships in normal and disease cohorts. Functional changes in the relevant neural systems are likely to underlie the behavioral abnormalities observed in a variety of disease and treatment conditions.
The effect of hemoglobin on the haptoglobin-anti-haptoglobin reaction.

Abstract Antisera against Haptoglobins 2-2, 2-1 and 1-1 were used to study antigenic changes of these haptoglobins after their combination with hemoglobini. It was found that in each instance the hemoglobin blocked several antigenic deteminant of the native haptoglobins. Many of the specific antigenic determinants of Hp2-2, however, remained free, so that the anti-Hp2-2 sera could distinguish the Hp2-2 hemoglobin complex from Hp1-1. Quantitative studies showed that one mole of hemoglobin was necessary to block the maximum number of antigenic determinants of one mole of Hp1-1.
The persistence of aberrations in mice induced by gamma radiation as measured by chromosome painting

Abstract Fluorescence in situ hybridization, or chromosome painting, has become an invaluable tool in the cytogenetic evaluation of historical or chronic exposure because it can be used to detect stable genetic damage, such as translocations, which persist through cell division, quickly and easily. The recent development of chromosome-specific composite DNA probes for the mouse has allowed the use of chromosome painting in this commonly used animal model. In order to measure the persistence of radiation-induced translocations, C57BL 6 female mice were given a whole body acute dose of 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 Gy 137Cs gamma rays at 8 weeks of age. Metaphase chromosomes from both peripheral blood and bone marrow cells were obtained from four mice in each dose group at 1, 8, 15 and 30 days post-irradiation. Chromosomes 2 and 8 were painted, while the remaining chromosomes were counterstained with propidium iodide. DAPI counterstain was used to differentiate between translocations and dicentrics because it brightly labels the centromeric heterochromatin. The equivalent of 100 cells from each tissue was scored from each mouse. The results show that the percentage of reciprocal translocations, at least at doses of 3 Gy or lower, did not decrease with time in either tissue. In contrast, the frequency of non-reciprocal translocations induced by doses of 3 Gy or lower, remained unchanged in the peripheral blood, but decreased after a week in the bone marrow, then remained constant. An increase in these two types of aberration was observed between 15 and 30 days in the bone marrow and may have been due to clonal expansion. Dicentrics decreased with time in both tissues, almost none remained in the bone marrow after 8 days. These data suggest that reciprocal translocations are persistent and will serve as an effective biodosimeter for radiation exposure.
'We do dishes, but we don't do windows': function-based modeling and recognition of rigid objects

Generic recognition for computer vision is a goal that is still far from reality. Part of the problem rests in the inherent limitations of current `model-based' vision. Our approach moves away from specific geometric or structural models and instead focuses on the functionality of the object as the property which drives the recognition process. This results in a representation that is generic in the sense of capturing an entire category of objects. One important assumption underlying the form and function approach is that a `small' number of `primitive' concepts about shape, physics, and causation will suffice to define the functionality of a broad range of categories. If multiple new `primitives' were required to define each additional category, then much of the advantages of the function-based approach over the traditional model-based approach would be lost. This paper presents some initial experimental results from the GRUFF-3 system, which uses function-based representation to recognize rigid objects in the superordinate category dishes. The performance of this system has been evaluated on a database of approximately 200 shapes.
Ridge crest versus swale: contrasting plant–water relations and performance indexes in two understory plant species in a coastal maritime forest

Coastal-ridge plains are progradational landforms composed of elevated ridges and low-lying swales. The transitions between ridges and swales are steep, promoting dynamic shifts between xeric and mesic systems. Two understory plants that co-occur in ridge plains of North American mid-Atlantic maritime forests are Sabal minor and Ilex vomitoria. As coastal-ridge plains foster varying amounts of surface and sub-surface water driven largely by topography, the purpose of this study was to evaluate plant–water relations and chlorophyll a fluorescence in these two species. Ridge plants had lower leaf- and xylem-water potentials, lower osmotic potential (I. vomitoria), and lower symplastic water content (S. minor). Although there were no differences in potential- and effective-quantum yields, there were decreases in fluorescence performance index for ridge I. vomitoria and swale S. minor. While the data support potential water-stress conditions in ridge plants of both species, the data also suggest that I. vomit...
Primary therapy for early-stage cervical cancer: radical hysterectomy vs radiation.

Objective We compared survival for women with early-stage cervical cancer who were treated with primary radiation or radical hysterectomy. Study Design Patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database with stage IB1-IIA cervical cancer were examined. Radical hysterectomy was compared with primary combination external-beam and brachytherapy radiation. Results A total of 4885 patients were identified. Multivariate analysis showed that radical hysterectomy was associated with a 59% reduction in mortality rate (hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35–0.50). After stratification by tumor size, hysterectomy was associated with a 62% reduction in mortality rate (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.30–0.48) for tumors that were 6 cm in size, survival was equivalent between radical hysterectomy and radiation. Conclusion Our data indicate that, in women with cervical cancer lesions of
Roots of the canonical bundle of the universal Teichmüller curve and certain subgroups of the mapping class group

1.1. Throughout this paper, let S be a fixed, smooth (C ~) orientable closed surface of genus g > 2. Let S be equipped with a preferred complex structure; we denote the Riemann surface byX0, and the Teichmtiller space ofX o by T 0. There is a Fuchsian group Fg operating in the unit disk so that X o = U/F o. The universal Teichmiiller curve V o is a fibre space over Teichmtiller space, with Xt, the fibre over tE TO conformally equivalent to the Riemann surface represented by te T 0. (Each X t is diffeomorphic to S.) V o is a complex manifold of dimension 3 9 2 , and we denote its canonical line bundle by K(V0). We define L, a holomorphic complex line bundle over Vo, to be an n th root of K(V0) iffL | K(V0). The purpose of this paper is to study the n ttt roots of K(V0); in particular, we investigate an action of the Teichmtiller modular group Mod(Fg) (= mapping class group) on the (finite) set of n th roots. Denote the tangent and cotangent bundles of a manifold M by T(M) and T*(M), respectively; To(M) and T~(M) denote the corresponding bundles with their zero sections removed. David Mumford observed (informal communication) that over a single Riemann surface X, the n th roots correspond to certain homomorphisms 2: HI(To(X), Z.)~Z.. He suggested trying to work out the action of Mod(F 0) in terms of its action on these homomorphisms. 1.2. Let f : S ~ S be a diffeomorphism, and ]" its equivalence class in Mod(Fg). Mod(Fo) acts on V 0 as a group of biholomorphic maps, and that action induces (by pullback) an action on the set of holomorphic complex line bundles which a r e n th roots of K(V0). The n tla roots are a finite set of order n 2g. The action of Mod(Fg) on that set gives a homomorphism Mod(Fg)--*Perm(n2~ where Perm(n 2g) is the permutation group on a set of order n 2g. Let Go, . denote the kernel of that homomorphism, that is, the subgroup of Mod(Fo) which acts trivially on all n tla roots. These groups are of particular interest, because they are normal subgroups of finite index in Mod(Fg). The study of the action of Mod(Fg) o n n th roots leads to the following characterization of these subgroups :
Global perceptions of local temperature change

Research based on a survey across 89 countries demonstrates that individuals who live in places with rising average temperatures are more likely than others to perceive local warming. The study also suggests that personal experience of the impacts of climate change may shift public opinion about the reality of global warming.
Some steps towards implementing E-government

Governments around the world are implementing electronic government. Today governments at all levels reply to millions of citizen queries electronically. Electronic-government (e-government) promises accurate, agile, transactions and delivery of services and information to businesses, citizens and governments agencies. More, e-government plays a part towards the enhancement of democracy. Beyond doubt businesses continue to interact electronically with other businesses and their clients because they have to do so, in order to be efficient. E-government utilizes information technology (IT) to provide all the access to a wide range of public services. This paper puts forward some steps for a better implementation of electronic government. The paper disputes that several key success factors are appropriate for e-government implementation.
New advances in widespread/burn scar management

Burn injury outcome has improved significantly in recent years in relation to survival and patient rehabilitation. However, scarring and its accompanying aesthetic and functional sequelae still rem...
Heavy Quarks Above the Top at the Tevatron

Recent developments in models with warped extra dimensions have opened new possibilities for vectorlike quark studies at hadron colliders. These new vectorlike quarks can mix sizably with light standard model quarks without violating low energy constraints. We perform a model-independent analysis to determine the Tevatron reach in the search for new quarks. We find that the Tevatron has great potential to observe such quarks via their electroweak single production due to their mixing with valence quarks. With 4(8) fb -1 integrated luminosity, one may reach a 5σ statistical significance for a heavy quark of mass 580(630) GeV if the heavy quark-Standard Model quark mixing parameter is order one.
Estimating horizontal drain design by the finite-element and finite-difference methods

The presence of water is one of the most critical factors contributing to the instability of tailings embankments. Nonexistent or inefficient drainage facilities usually result in a high phreatic surface that can cause the embankment to fail. One possible solution, especially for remedial situations, is the installation of horizontal drains. An investigation into the effects of horizontal drains on the phreatic surface of tailings embankments was conducted by the Bureau of Mines. A laboratory model was constructed to correlate the effects of various drain spacing and length combinations with results from computer codes. A three-dimensional finite-element computer code and a two-dimensional finite-difference computer code were used. Two existing tailings embankments were modeled and potentiometric data were compared to the computer results. The two-dimensional finite-difference code and the three-dimensional finite-element code produced nearly the same location for the phreatic surface between drains. The location of the phreatic surface from the codes was slightly above the phreatic surface of one field application and followed the trend of the other closely. The phreatic surface location of the laboratory model was slightly above that of the computer-generated phreatic surface. The distance between the phreatic surfaces of these models became larger as drain length increased or drain spacing decreased. Dimensionless graphs were constructed for estimating phreatic surface location for embankments with horizontal drains.
Receptor subtypes mediating facilitation by serotonin of excitability of spinal motoneurons.

Abstract Serotonin receptor ligands, with differential affinity for subtypes of serotonin (5-HT) receptors, were administered intravenously or iontophoretically to urethane-anesthetized rats and the effects of these compounds on glutamate-evoked firing of spinal motoneurons were tested. The excitability of spinal motoneurons was markedly enhanced after intravenous administration of the selective 5-HT1A ligand 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (DPAT) in rats with acute spinal transections at C1. However, local application of DPAT, directly into the ventral horn by microiontophoresis, inhibited the glutamate-evoked firing of motoneurons in direct contrast to the facilitatory effects of iontophoretically applied 5-HT. The DPAT-induced inhibition may have been nonspecific, since it was not antagonized by methysergide. Other 5-HT agonists, with relatively selective affinity for 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors, increased the excitability of spinal motoneurons when applied iontophoretically or intravenously. The excitatory effect of iontophoretically applied 5-HT was antagonized by the nonselective 5-HT antagonist, methysergide and by ketanserin and ritanserin, which have relatively selective affinity for 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors. These results indicate that 5-HT1A receptors do not mediate facilitation of excitability of motoneurons produced by local application of 5-HT directly into the vicinity of the motoneurons. However, the marked increase in firing of motoneurons that was caused by intravenous administration of DPAT in spinal transected rats, suggests that 5-HT1A receptors in the spinal cord may participate in 5-HT-induced enhancement of somatomotor outflow, at sites presynaptic to the moto-neurons. The iontophoretic results suggest that 5-HT1B, 5-HT1C and 5-HT2 receptors may all play a role in facilitation of the excitability of spinal motoneurons by locally applied 5-HT. Differentiation between these subtypes of receptor awaits the development of more completely selective agonists and antagonists.
Unilateral coronal synostosis (anterior plagiocephaly): current clinical perspectives

Unilateral coronal synostosis is a frequently seen form of craniosynostosis that results in an anterior plagiocephalic shape to the ipsilateral forehead and orbit. Compensatory bulging of the contralateral side always occurs and most surgeons agree that a bilateral reconstruction is required. Details of the timing and techniques to achieve a symmetrical, proportional upper face will vary according to the craniofacial center's philosophy, but a team approach, with the pediatric craniofacial surgeon and the pediatric neurosurgeon working together, is an essential ingredient to achieving an unobstrusive face in a child born with unilateral coronal synostosis. More accurate methods of documenting the presenting deformity and the initial and late reconstructive results are needed.
Autonomy and Relatedness as Fundamental to Motivation and Education

AbstractThe institutionalization of education in the modern era removed the processes of learning and cultural transmission from contexts in which children were often guided by adults to whom they were closely attached and from activities of significance in everyday life. Despite the arbitrary nature of modern classroom structures, it is argued that some of the fundamental needs that energized learning prior to compulsory schooling still have relevance within the classroom. The fundamental needs for autonomy and relatedness are highlighted and suggested to be strongly influenced by the quality of interpersonal conditions at home and in school. Several recent studies are reviewed that examine the effects of autonomy support and quality of relatedness with respect to motivational orientations and learning outcomes. It is concluded that the success of cognitive agendas in educational settings is dependent upon affective processes within the classroom and that the creation of an optimal classroom climate serv...
Policies and Performance of South African Television

Its first three years have offered a broadcasting policy characterized by a pro-government stance and programming for the white majority.
Inhalation pharmacokinetics of 1,2-dichloroethane after different dietary pretreatments of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

The effect of the pretreatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats with phenobarbital (PB), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and disulfiram (DSF) on the inhalation kinetics of 1,2-dichloroethane [ethylene dichloride (EDC)] was studied by the gas uptake method. A closed recirculating system was constructed and characterized. The rate curves in all the pretreatment regimens showed saturable dependence on EDC concentration. These saturable dependencies (Michalis-Menten) appeared to be associated with enzymatic metabolism. In general, a two-compartment, steady-state pharmacokinetic model described the uptake data. Data were transformed by Hanes plots to calculate the inhalational Km, the ambient EDC concentration at which uptake proceeded at half maximum rate, and Vmax, the maximum rate of uptake (i. e., maximum rate of metabolism). Although PB and BHA pretreatments did not affect the Km of EDC, PB pretreatment increased the Vmax while DSF pretreatment decreased both the Km and Vmax.
Ablation of liquid benzene by pulsed ultraviolet (248 or 308 nm) laser radiation

Abstract Irradiation of liquid benzene with laser pulses (248 nm, ≈ 20 ns fwhm) at fluences > 0.2 J/cm 2 caused ablation of the liquid surface. The shock wave which was transmitted through the liquid when the ablated material left the surface was detected by a piezoelectric transducer. When the liquid surface was constrained by a quartz plate, the threshold for ablation increased ( > 0.4 J/cm 2 ),the intensity of the shock wave was amplified by an order of magnitude, and carbon was formed abundantly as a product. Ablation was observed with 308 nm laser pulses also even though there is no corresponding one-photon absorption. Ablation of benzene is attributed to the absorption of more than 2 photons per molecule.
Spermicidal Activity of nonoxynol-9 and Analogs: Quantitative Assessments by Flow Cytometry

AbstractA flow cytometer-based method was developed for the quantitative assessment of spermicidal action of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) against human sperm. Two fluorescent dyes were chosen: carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) was employed as an indicator for viable sperm, while propidium iodide (PI) identified the sperm membrane integrity disrupted by spermicidal agents. Living, motile sperm were identified by the green fluorescence of CFDA, while the red fluorescence of PI reflected the ability of the spermicide to kill sperm. Both living and dead sperm were effectively resolved from the acellular components of seminal fluid. N-9 was used as a model spermicidal agent to study the feasibility as well as establish the various technical aspects of this method. Further studies with a series of structurally-related nonoxynol analogs, using the method established, demonstrated that N-9 is the most effective spermicidal agent. The spermicidal activity of N-9 and analogs was also determined by a a computer-assisted seme...
Magtrieve™: a convenient catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols

Abstract We find that Magtrieve™ (CrO 2 ) catalyzes the oxidation of a wide variety of alcohols with periodic acid as the terminal oxidant. Mild conditions, short reaction times, and facile aqueous work-up make this a most attractive method. Olefins are not oxidized under these conditions; thus alcohols react selectively in the presence of alkenes. Conditions have been optimized with respect to catalyst loading, solvent, and co-oxidant; and the scope of the reaction includes primary and secondary benzylic, allylic, and aliphatic alcohols.
Effect of Fluid-Solid Interactions on Symmetry Breaking in Closed Nanoslits

The possibility of symmetry breaking of the fluid (argon) density distribution across a long closed slit with identical walls composed of solid carbon dioxide was noted in previous papers by the authors. The main conclusion was that there is a range of average densities in which symmetry breaking occurs and that outside that range the fluid density profile is symmetrical. A critical temperature Tsb was also identified below which symmetry breaking can occur. In this paper, symmetry breaking is examined for walls made of other materials and it is shown that it occurs only when the energy parameter efw of the fluid−wall interaction in the Lennard-Jones potential satisfies the inequalities efw1 ≤ efw ≤ efw2, where efw1 and efw2 are temperature-dependent critical values of efw. The value of efw1 increases and that of efw2 decreases with increasing temperature. The comparison of the theory with Monte Carlo simulations confirms the existence of symmetry breaking across the slit. The possibility of symmetry brea...
Parallel-coupled dual racetrack ring silicon modulator for advanced modulation formats

We propose and analyze a parallel-coupled dual racetrack-ring silicon modulator. OUr simulations show that a wide variety of advanced modulation formats suh as QPSK and 16-QAM can be achieved in such a structure.
Erythrocyte Automosaicism in Some Persons of Known Genotype

We have estimated the proportions of non-A and non-B erythrocytes in some members of four families in which both parents were blood group AB, including two B homozygotes. The exceptional cell frequencies were not discernibly correlated with age. The B homozygotes had fewer non-B exceptional cells than their AB parents or sibs, but too many to represent independent losses of the B alleles. These results are not in agreement with the simplest expectations based on the mutational hypothesis of automosaicism.
Regulation of Mastomys ECL Cell Function by Transforming Growth Factor Alpha

Little progress has been made in the understanding of the pathobiology of gastric neoplasia over the past 4 decades. This reflects the paucity of information available regarding the biology of gastric mucosal cell proliferation. More recently it has become apparent that growth factor regulation of cell proliferation is of considerable relevance in initiating mucosal mitogenesis. We have recently identified the histamine secreting enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cell as a pivotal cellular regulator of gastric acid secretion. In addition to its critical role in initiating acid secretion, we have proposed that the ECL cell may produce agents responsible for the regulation of mucosal cell proliferation. We have therefore hypothesized that such a function may be subserved by production of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα). TGFα is known to play a significant role both in normal physiology and in the transformation of naive cells into a neoplastic form. We therefore proposed that increased levels of gastrin induced by low acid states might stimulate TGFα secretion and that this agent might be capable of regulating ECL cell DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. We used the mastomys rodent to generate an in vivo hypergastrinemia model using long-term histamine-2 receptor blockade (loxtidine 1 mg/kg/day). In order to evaluate the cell-specific effects, we developed a pure isolated ECL cell system from the mastomys stomach. This utilized pronase digestion (1.0 mg/ml) and EDTA exposure (1 mM) of the mucosa followed by particle size separation with countercurrent elutriation and density purification on a Nycodenz step gradient. ECL cells were obtained with a purity of 90-95%. Histamine secretion from ECL cells was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). TGFα content was measured by RIA, and TGFa expression was measured by RNAse probe protection assay. DNA synthesis was quantified by measuring bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into cultured cells. TGFα levels were increased in fundic mucosa after 16 weeks of hypergastrinemia (from 4.3 ± 0.6 to 32.6 ± 2.6 fmole/mg protein, P < 0.05). TGFα message was identified in the ECL cells by RNAse probe protection assay, and was fourfold amplified in ECL cell tumors after 16 weeks of exposure to hypergastrinemia. Gastrin stimulated (10 nM) histamine secretion in isolated naive ECL cells was inhibited by TGFα (IC 50 2 X 10 -10 M). DNA synthesis was stimulated by gastrin (EC 50 2 X 10 -11 M) and TGFa (EC 50 5 x 10 -9 M). These data are consistent with the proposal that elevated gastrin levels are associated with ECL cell TGFα production and that TGFα stimulates ECL cell DNA synthesis.
The department chair position in academic nursing

There is a dearth of information on the role of the department chairperson in the nursing literature. As defined in this article, a chairperson is the middle manager and interface between the dean and the faculty. Chairperson refers to the leader of an adult health, maternal/parent child, community, or mental health department who reports to the dean of the School of Nursing. Using transitional theories as the undergirding framework, this article describes the transition from faculty to a chairperson position and the roles and responsibilities of the position. The chairperson must facilitate positive relationships, increase faculty productivity, and empower faculty. This constitutes the foundation for chairperson to facilitate greater faculty development, teaching excellence, and relationships. Implications for ways that nursing leaders may improve this position through the evaluative process are explored.
003 – Autonomy of Children With Type I Diabetes on Insulin Pump Therapy

Background: The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) utilizing insulin pumps has been increasing markedly among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Insulin pumps, compared to multiple daily injections, deliver insulin in a more physiologic way, allowing for improved matching of insulin delivery to insulin requirements and greater lifestyle flexibility. However, effective and safe use of pump therapy requires a high level of motivation for both the patient and caregivers. The American Diabetes Association has published agespecific recommendations regarding diabetes self-management. As expected, these recommendations incorporate increasing autonomy with older age. Aims: This study sought to explore parent-reported autonomy and long-term outcomes of children with T1D using CSII. Methods: One hundred ninety-three patients with T1D ages 2–19 years (mean 12.2 ± 3.7) who had been on insulin pump therapy were recruited. Variables included age, sex, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and time on insulin pump. Parents were administered a 17-point survey assessing autonomy developed from an adaptation of the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire. The parentreported autonomy data were correlated with glycemic control and other measures of compliance. Results: The mean parent-reported autonomy score was 6.3 ± 4.6. Autonomy score increased significantly with greater age (r = 0.746, p b 0.001). Higher parent-reported autonomy scores were significantly associated with HbA1c (r = 0.182, p = 0.012), percent insulin as basal (r = 0.261, p b 0.001), and boluses per day (higher autonomy, fewer boluses r = −0.289, p b 0.001). Conclusions: This study is the first to describe ages at which parents say children have assumed full autonomy of diabetes care using pump therapy. Overall, the data suggest that it is not until the teenage years that children begin to assume full responsibility for most aspects of pump care. Increased autonomy correlates significantly with worse HbA1C and other measures of compliance, such as percent insulin as basal rate and boluses per day. Clinical Implications: The pediatric endocrine nursing role of guiding shared responsibility of care with pump therapy could lead to improved glycemic control. Pumps allow children the opportunity to increase independent decision-making, while simultaneously reducing parental burden of medical management.
Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals

Crystal engineering has evolved in such a manner that it is now synonymous with the paradigm of supramolecular synthesis, that is, it invokes self-assembly of existing molecules to generate a wide range of new solid forms without the need to break or form covalent bonds. This review addresses how crystal engineering has been applied to active pharmaceutical ingredients, API's, with emphasis upon how pharmaceutical co-crystals, a long known but little explored alternative to the four traditionally known forms of API, can be generated in a rational fashion. Case studies on Carbamazepine (CBZ) and Piracetam are presented which illustrate the relative ease with which pharmaceutical co-crystals can be prepared and their diversity in terms of composition and physical properties.
Factors influencing time to death after withdrawal of life support in neurocritical patients.

Objective: Improving our ability to predict the time of death after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) could have a significant impact on rates of organ donation after cardiac death and allocation of appropriate medical resources. We sought to determine which pre-WLSM clinical factors were associated with earlier time to death in patients with catastrophic neurologic disease. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent WLSM from 2002 to 2008 in a neurologic intensive care unit. Individuals who died within 60 minutes were compared to those who died beyond this time from the point of WLSM. Patients declared brain dead or not intubated and cases with insufficient data were excluded. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were reviewed. Statistical analysis was based on multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 149 comatose patients satisfied our inclusion criteria. A total of 75 patients had cardiac arrest in p = 0.005) and cough reflexes (OR = 4.46, 95% CI 1.93–10.3, p = 0.0005), extensor or absent motor response (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.01–7.91, p = 0.048), and an oxygenation index greater than 4.2 (OR = 3.36, 95% CI 1.33–8.5, p = 0.011) were associated with earlier death. Conclusions: Specific neurologic signs and respiratory measurements are associated with earlier death after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures in the neurologic intensive care unit. This subset of comatose patients with irreversible neurologic injury may be suitable for organ donation after cardiac death protocols. These attributes need validation in a prospective data set.
Study of direct-reaction cross sections in collisions between heavy ions☆

Abstract Cross sections for all transfer channels, as well as inelastic and elastic scattering have been measured near the Coulomb barrier for 18 O+ 118 Sn and well above the barrier r 16 O+ 48 Ca. The total direct cross sections are decomposed into partial wave contributions, the largest of which are found to be of the same order of magnitude as elastic scattering. The implications of these results for the mechanism of heavy-ion direct reactions is discussed.
Two-part marginal cost pricing equilibria: Existence and efficiency

Two-part tariffs are explored in a general equilibrium model with increasing returns to scale. Two-part marginal cost pricing equilibria are not generally Paretoefficient. The Second Fundamental Theorem of Welfare Economics may also fail. We introduce a notion of consumer surplus as the willingness to pay for access to the increasing returns good. The individuals's hookup charge is set to a fixed fraction of his consumer surplus. If aggregate consumer surplus exceeds the losses of the regulated monopoly, then exact two-part marginal cost pricing equilibria exist. Further, for efficient allocations having positive net surplus, the Second Fundamental Theorem of Welfare Economics holds.
Evaluation of Selected Binding Domains for the Analysis of Ubiquitinated Proteomes

Ubiquitination is an abundant post-translational modification that consists of covalent attachment of ubiquitin to lysine residues or the N-terminus of proteins. Mono- and polyubiquitination have been shown to be involved in many critical eukaryotic cellular functions and are often disrupted by intracellular bacterial pathogens. Affinity enrichment of ubiquitinated proteins enables global analysis of this key modification. In this context, the use of ubiquitin-binding domains is a promising but relatively unexplored alternative to more broadly used immunoaffinity or tagged affinity enrichment methods. In this study, we evaluated the application of eight ubiquitin-binding domains that have differing affinities for ubiquitination states. Small-scale proteomics analysis identified ~200 ubiquitinated protein candidates per ubiquitin-binding domain pull-down experiment. Results from subsequent Western blot analyses that employed anti-ubiquitin or monoclonal antibodies against polyubiquitination at lysine 48 and 63 suggest that ubiquitin-binding domains from Dsk2 and ubiquilin-1 have the broadest specificity in that they captured most types of ubiquitination, whereas the binding domain from NBR1 was more selective to polyubiquitination. These data demonstrate that with optimized purification conditions, ubiquitin-binding domains can be an alternative tool for proteomic applications. This approach is especially promising for the analysis of tissues or cells resistant to transfection, of which the overexpression of tagged ubiquitin is a major hurdle.