cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of the Competitive Effects of the Proposed Merger of the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market

In March of 2000 the New York Stock Exchange proposed a merger with The Nasdaq Stock Market. Applying a qualitative assessment to the proposed merger from the organizations' perspective it is argued that the merger would be favorable for both organizations. Applying a quantitative assessment to the proposed merger from an antitrust perspective it is shown that the merger should be disallowed by federal antitrust regulators if the industry is to be treated as any ordinary industry.
Directional evolution in temperature-responsive gene expression in yeast

Gene regulation is a ubiquitous mechanism by which organisms respond to their environment. While organisms are often found to be adapted to the environments they experience, the role of gene regulation in environmental adaptation is not often known. In this study, we examine divergence in cis -regulatory effects between two Saccharomyces species, S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum , that have substantially diverged in their thermal growth profile. We measured allele specific expression (ASE) in the species9 hybrid at three temperatures, the highest of which is lethal to S. uvarum but not the hybrid or S. cerevisiae . We find that S. uvarum alleles can be expressed at the same level as S. cerevisiae alleles at high temperature and most cis -acting differences in gene expression are not dependent on temperature. However, a set of 136 genes with temperature dependent ASE show a directional pattern of evolution with S. cerevisiae alleles exhibiting a stronger temperature response than S. uvarum alleles. Although we find binding sites enriched upstream of temperature responsive genes, there are only weak correlations between binding site and expression divergence. Our results indicate that temperature divergence between S. cerevisiae and S. uvarum has not caused widespread divergence in cis -regulatory activity, but that a subset of genes show evidence of directional evolution, mediated by positive selection or loss of constraint. The difficulty of explaining divergence in cis -regulatory sequences with models of transcription factor binding sites and nucleosome positioning highlights the importance of identifying mutations that underlie cis -regulatory divergence between species.
Stage IIIa Melanoma and Impact of Multiple Positive Lymph Nodes on Survival.

Background For patients with cutaneous melanoma, having >1 positive lymph node (LN) is associated with worse survival. We hypothesized that for stage IIIA patients, N2a disease (2 to 3 positive LN) would be associated with a worse prognosis compared to those with N1a disease (1 positive LN). Study design Stage IIIA melanoma patients in the NCDB Participant User File from 2010 to 2016 were analyzed. Overall survival (OS) between N1a and N2a patients was compared. Subgroup analyses were made between patients undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy alone and those undergoing subsequent completion lymph node dissection (CLND). A separate post hoc analysis of T2a patients undergoing SLN biopsy and CLND from a prospective multicenter randomized clinical trial was performed to validate the findings. Results Records of 2,305 IIIA patients were evaluated. In an adjusted survival model, N2a disease was an independent risk factor for worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, p = 0.0052). In the subgroup analysis, there was no difference in OS between N1a and N2a disease for patients who underwent SLN biopsy without CLND (p = 0.59), but there was a significant difference in OS for patients who underwent SLN biopsy plus CLND (p = 0.0009). The separate clinical trial database confirmed that for patients with SLN-only disease, there was no difference in OS between N1a and N2a disease. Conclusions For stage IIIA melanoma patients, the distribution of micrometastatic lymph node disease (SLN or non-SLN), rather than the absolute number of SLNs, should be considered when individualizing adjuvant therapy recommendations.
Colon Cancer Detection by Designing and Analytical Evaluation of a Water-Based THz Metamaterial Perfect Absorber

Colon Cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. A large part of the reason the number of fatalities is so high is late detection as when detected in the early stages of development 9 out of 10 cases of colon cancer are non-fatal 5 years after detection. Currently the main method of colon cancer detection are colonoscopies which are highly invasive and time intensive procedures. In this work we propose a new diagnostic technique for colon cancer using an InSb based device that works by a change in the spectral response of the metamaterial when exposed to electromagnetic waves in the terahertz regime and combined with cancerous colon tissue as compared to the response when combined with healthy colon tissue. We attribute this change in spectral response is due to the differing optical properties of the healthy and cancerous colon tissue as well as the creation of surface plasmon polaritons within our device.
Chemical and Biological Microactuators

Both chemical and biological actuators are capable of producing very large forces and their energy densities and efficiencies are larger than other types of actuators. Mechanisms that are used in biological systems to extract useful work from chemical reactions are quite interesting and inspiring and can be quite beneficial in the design of novel “artificial” microactuators.
Alternative and Critical Perspectives in Business Ethics

This chapter examines alternative perspectives manifest in course materials and pedagogical methods employed to critically evaluate the theoretical assumptions and common pedagogical techniques that are prevalent in business ethics.
Assessing the detail needed to capture rainfall‐runoff dynamics with physics‐based hydrologic response simulation

[1] Concept development simulation with distributed, physics‐based models provides a quantitative approach for investigating runoff generation processes across environmental conditions. Disparities within data sets employed to design and parameterize boundary value problems used in heuristic simulation inevitably introduce various levels of bias. The objective was to evaluate the impact of boundary value problem complexity on process representation for different runoff generation mechanisms. The comprehensive physics‐based hydrologic response model InHM has been employed to generate base case simulations for four well‐characterized catchments. The C3 and CB catchments are located within steep, forested environments dominated by subsurface stormflow; the TW and R5 catchments are located in gently sloping rangeland environments dominated by Dunne and Horton overland flows. Observational details are well captured within all four of the base case simulations, but the characterization of soil depth, permeability, rainfall intensity, and evapotranspiration differs for each. These differences are investigated through the conversion of each base case into a reduced case scenario, all sharing the same level of complexity. Evaluation of how individual boundary value problem characteristics impact simulated runoff generation processes is facilitated by quantitative analysis of integrated and distributed responses at high spatial and temporal resolution. Generally, the base case reduction causes moderate changes in discharge and runoff patterns, with the dominant process remaining unchanged. Moderate differences between the base and reduced cases highlight the importance of detailed field observations for parameterizing and evaluating physics‐based models. Overall, similarities between the base and reduced cases indicate that the simpler boundary value problems may be useful for concept development simulation to investigate fundamental controls on the spectrum of runoff generation mechanisms.
The usefulness of gestational sac and placental sonographic morphology in differentiating between second-trimester tubal and abdominal pregnancy: Case report and a review of literature

Second-trimester tubal pregnancy is rarely encountered and published cases are limited. There are no established sonographic criteria to differentiate it from abdominal pregnancy; however, differences in their medical management make this distinction important. We report a case of a 14-week 5-day tubal pregnancy that presented near rupture. Sonography demonstrated many overlapping features with abdominal pregnancy. In addition, the extrauterine gestational sac was rounded and well defined and the placenta was crescent-shaped. We propose that these sonographic features represent a second-trimester tubal pregnancy rather than an abdominal pregnancy.
Weathering and Taming the Storm in 'Hard Times': The Case of Nande Economic Influence and Power in North Kivu, DRC

Current literature on the conflict in the eastern provinces of The Democratic of Congo (DRC) tends to focus on the Hobbesian aspects of a decade long war and the impacts on state and society. The current focus of many policy analysts and human rights organizations working on the DRC focuses on the formal and informal criminal networks that continue to reinforce a predatory economy in light of an extremely weak, and fragmented, state.This study differs from present scholarship in that it looks at the new forms of political and economic space that have opened up and looks specifically at the Nande ethnic group in North Kivu province. The Nande have capitalized on the weakness and fragility of the DRC state and transcended these obstacles by constructing a new economic and political order that can be felt throughout the entire North Kivu province. Not only have the Nande weathered the storm during difficult political and economic times, but also they have tamed the storm and constructed a new order that will change the dynamics of eastern DRC for the foreseeable future.Relying on local histories and data collected in North Kivu province from 2005 to 2007, this study will show that the crisis in eastern DRC has been beneficial for the Nande at the expense of others.
Impact of Spodoptera frugiperda neonate pretreatment conditions on Vip3Aa19 insecticidal protein activity and laboratory bioassay variation

BACKGROUND Variation in response to insecticidal proteins is common upon repetition of insect bioassays. Understanding this variation is a prerequisite to detecting biologically important differences. We tracked neonate Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) susceptibility to Vip3Aa19 over 17 generations using standardized bioassay methods. Five larval pretreatment conditions and one bioassay condition were tested to determine whether susceptibility was affected. These included: storage time; prefeeding; storage at reduced temperature; storage at reduced humidity; colony introgression of field-collected individuals. Extremes of photoperiod during the bioassay itself were also examined. RESULTS LC50 values for two strains of S. frugiperda varied 6.6-fold or 8.8-fold over 17 generations. Storage time and humidity had no impact on Vip3Aa19 susceptibility, whereas prefeeding significantly reduced subsequent mortality (by 27%). Storage at reduced temperature increased mortality for one colony (from 45.6 to 73.0%) but not for the other. Introgression of field-collected individuals affected susceptibility at the first generation but not for subsequent generations. A 24 h bioassay photophase significantly reduced susceptibility (by 26%) for both colonies. CONCLUSION Certain pretreatment and bioassay conditions were identified that can affect S. frugiperda Vip3Aa19 susceptibility, but innate larval heterogeneity was also present. Our observations should help to increase the consistency of insecticidal protein bioassay results. © 2015 Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Tyzzer's disease in a foal. Light- and electron-microscopic observations.

Tyzzer's disease was diagnosed in a 17-day-old foal after the demonstration of multiple foci of hepatic necrosis and organisms morphologically compatible with Bacillus piliformis in hepatocytes at the margins of the necrotic foci. The bacilli were 300 to 500 nm in diameter with occasional giant bacilli 1000 nm in diameter. Many intranuclear organisms were seen, and an apparent sequence of nuclear penetration by these organisms was demonstrated. There was hemorrhage in the heart and inflammatory changes in the mesenteric lymph node. Enteritis was not present in the jejunum, which was the only portion of intestine available for examination.
Rate of Ammonia Liberation in Tryptic and Peptic Digestion of Casein

Summary1. In tryptic digestion the liberation of ammonia was due to an enzymic activity associated with the trypsin preparation used, whereas in peptic digestion the ammonia liberation was due to the acidity only. 2. The more rapid liberation at first in a pepsin digest than in the control can be explained on the basis of the physical atid chemical change in the substrate due to peptic proteolysis. 3. Kidney-extract did not hasten ammonia liberation. The aminolytic and amidolytic activity in the extract was high and seemed to follow the same course as with trypsin. 4. The concentration of antiseptic used under the conditions described did not retard either activity.The author wishes to express her appreciation to Professor F. C. Koch for his helpful criticisms and suggestions.
Phytoplasma Casts a Magic Spell that Turns the Fair Poinsettia into a Christmas Showpiece

The poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima Wild, is a tropical plant indigenous to Mesoamerica and tropical Mexico. The subtle interactions between a phytoplasma and poinsettia result in dwarfing and mo...
Cardiovascular Responses to Feeding in Newborn Piglets

Cardiovascular responses to feeding have been observed in several species during various periods of development and have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular regulation. In the rat, these responses are characterized by short-lasting, large increases in blood pressure (BP) and moderate increases in heart rate. These responses appear to be sympathetically mediated because pretreatment with ganglionic blockers eliminates the increase in BP associated with milk ingestion. The present study was designed to determine if similar cardiovascular responses occur during feeding in the newborn piglet. Piglets were obtained on postnatal d 2 and fed a milk diet via automatic feeder 6 times a day. On postnatal d 6, the piglets were instrumented with an external carotid artery catheter and an internal jugular vein catheter. On postnatal d 8 and 9, direct arterial BP and heart rate were recorded during feeding. BP responses to milk ingestion were immediate, and they reached a maximum increase of 50% above baseline on both test days and followed a response profile similar to that previously described in the 15-d-old rat. An increase in heart rate was also observed, reaching a maximum of 42% above baseline. The results show that early in life piglets have large cardiovascular responses to milk ingestion similar to those observed in young rats and human infants. These responses appear to model the cardiovascular responses to feeding observed in human infants and might be useful as a noninvasive method for assessing neonatal autonomic reactivity. These responses also have the potential to cause adverse effects in newborns already at risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
Identification of unique murine tumor associated antigens by tumor infiltrating lymphocytes using tumor specific secretion of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor

Stimulation of multiple CD8+ murine tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) lines and one TIL clone with the tumor of origin of the TIL induced at least three-fold more secretion of TNF and/or INF-gamma than was elicited by other syngeneic, methylcholanthrene (MCA) induced sarcomas. TIL which specifically secreted lymphokines were generated from three different sarcomas. Specific lymphokine secretion was a stable characteristic of the lines over time. IL-2 was necessary for maximal lymphokine secretion by TIL. These investigations demonstrate that lymphokine secretion by CD8+ lymphocytes derived from tumor bearing mice can be used to define unique tumor associated antigens on at least three different sarcomas and may be valuable in studies of the biologic nature of these antigens and of the adoptive immunotherapy of cancer.
Comparison of the benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) test, DNA probes, and immunological reagents for ability to detect anaerobic periodontal infections due to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Bacteroides forsythus.

Most forms of periodontal disease are associated with the presence or overgrowth of anaerobic species that could include Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Bacteroides forsythus among others. These three organisms are among the few cultivable plaque species that can hydrolyze the synthetic trypsin substrate benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA). In turn, BANA hydrolysis by the plaque can be associated with periodontal morbidity and with the presence of these three BANA-positive organisms in the plaque. In this investigation, the results of the BANA test, which simultaneously detects one or more of these organisms, were compared with the detection of these organisms by (i) highly specific antibodies to P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and B. forsythus; (ii) whole genomic DNA probes to P. gingivalis and T. denticola; and (iii) culturing or microscopic procedures. The BANA test, the DNA probes, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or an indirect immunofluorescence assay procedure exhibited high sensitivities, i.e., 90 ot 96%, and high accuracies, i.e., 83 to 92%, in their ability to detect combinations of these organisms in over 200 subgingival plaque samples taken from the most periodontally diseased sites in 67 patients. This indicated that if P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and B. forsythus are appropriate marker organisms for an anaerobic periodontal infection, then the three detection methods are equally accurate in their ability to diagnose this infection. The same statement could not be made for the culturing approach, where accuracies of 50 to 62% were observed.
Behavioral Effects of Rearing Dogs With Cats During the 'Critical Period of Socialization'

Social behavior of dogs raised singly with cats from 25 days to 16 weeks of age was studied. A series of tests evaluated the effects of such restricted social experience and later recovery and comparisons were made between cats and dogs that had or had not prior social experience with an alien species. Dogs raised with cats showed a marked intra-species avoidance and lack of species or self-identity. The intra-specifically directed greeting was absent but reappeared following intra-species socialization, together with species or self-identity. Only cats with prior experience with a dog interacted socially with dog raised dogs while the latter always solicited play from cats.
Steerable frequency-invariant beamforming for arbitrary arrays

Frequency-invariant beamforming aims to parameterize array filter coefficients such that the spectral and spatial response profiles of the array can be adjusted independently. Solutions to this problem have been presented for specific sensor configurations often requiring a larger number of sensors. However, in practical applications, the number and location of sensors are often restricted. This paper proposes to find an optimal linear basis transformation that decouples the frequency response from the spatial response. A least-squares optimal basis transform can be computed numerically for arbitrary sensor configurations, for which typically no exact analytical solutions are available. This transform can be further combined with a spherical harmonics basis resulting in readily steerable broadband beams. This solution to broadband beamforming effectively decouples the array geometry from the steering geometry. Furthermore, for frequency-invariant beams, this approach results in a significant reduction in the number of beam-design parameters. Here, the method is demonstrated for an optimal design of far-field response for an irregular linear array with as few as three sensors.
Dose errors due to inhomogeneities in balloon catheter brachytherapy for breast cancer.

Purpose To evaluate dose errors in balloon catheter brachytherapy of breast cancer due to inhomogeneities, such as iodine-containing radiographic contrast medium in the balloon, the lack of scattering medium, and the low density of lung that are not considered by commercial treatment planning systems (TPS). Methods and materials By accounting for these inhomogeneities in breast/lung phantoms, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to calculate doses in the breast and lung. Doses were also calculated by a commercial TPS. The Monte Carlo doses and the TPS doses were compared along the transverse and longitudinal axes of the source. Results The Monte Carlo doses were lower by 4–10% on the prescription line than the TPS doses, depending on the concentration (5–25% by volume) of the contrast medium, and on the direction from the source. The lack of scattering medium around the breast contributes to the differences more than the attenuation by the contrast medium. Attenuation contributed approximately 1.0–4.8% at the concentrations investigated in this study. Conclusions Current treatment planning systems, which assume a source in a large homogeneous water-equivalent medium, significantly overestimate doses in breast brachytherapy.
Ischaemic postconditioning protects isolated mouse hearts against ischaemia/reperfusion injury via sphingosine kinase isoform-1 activation

Aims Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays a vital role in cytoskeletal rearrangement, development, and apoptosis. Sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), the key enzyme catalyzing the formation of S1P, mediates ischaemic preconditioning. Ischaemic postconditioning (POST) has been shown to protect hearts against ischaemia/reperfusion injury (IR). To date, no studies have examined the role of SphK1 in POST. Methods and results Wild-type (WT) and SphK1 null (KO) mouse hearts were subjected to IR (45 min of global ischaemia and 45 min of reperfusion) in a Langendorff apparatus. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximum velocity of increase or decrease of LV pressure (±d P /d t max), and LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were recorded. Infarction size was measured by 1% triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. POST, consisting of 5 s of ischaemia and 5 s of reperfusion for three cycles after the index ischaemia, protected hearts against IR: recovery of LVDP and ±d P /d t max were elevated; LVEDP was decreased; infarction size (% of risk area) was reduced from 40 ± 2% in the control group to 29 ± 2% of the risk area in the POST group ( P < 0.05, n = 4 per group). Phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases detected by Western blotting was increased at 10 min of reperfusion. The protection induced by POST was abolished in KO hearts. Infarction size in KO hearts (57 ± 5%) was not different from the KO control group (53 ± 5% of risk area, n = 4, P = NS). Conclusions A short period of ischaemic POST protected WT mouse hearts against IR. The cardiac protection induced by POST was abrogated in SphK1–KO mouse hearts. Thus, SphK1 is critical for successful ischaemic POST.
Dosimetric evaluation of the interplay effect in respiratory-gated RapidArc radiation therapy

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with gating capability has had increasing adoption in many clinics in the United States. In this new technique, dose rate, gantry rotation speed, and the leaf motion speed of multileaf collimators (MLCs) are modulated dynamically during gated beam delivery to achieve highly conformal dose coverage of the target and normal tissue sparing. Compared with the traditional gated intensity-modulated radiation therapy technique, this complicated beam delivery technique may result in larger dose errors due to the intrafraction tumor motion. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the dosimetric influence of the interplay effect for the respiration-gated VMAT technique (RapidArc, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). Our work consisted of two parts: (1) Investigate the interplay effect for different target residual errors during gated RapidArc delivery using a one-dimensional moving phantom capable of producing stable sinusoidal movement; (2) Evaluate the dosimetric influence in ten clinical patients’ treatment plans using a moving phantom driven with a patient-specific respiratory curve. Methods: For the first part of this study, four plans were created with a spherical target for varying residual motion of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 cm. Appropriate gating windows were applied for each. The dosimetric effect was evaluated using EDR2 film by comparing the gated delivery with static delivery. For the second part of the project, ten gated lung stereotactic body radiotherapy cases were selected and reoptimized to be delivered by the gated RapidArc technique. These plans were delivered to a phantom, and again the gated treatments were compared to static deliveries by the same methods. Results: For regular sinusoidal motion, the dose delivered to the target was not substantially affected by the gating windows when evaluated with the gamma statistics, suggesting the interplay effect has a small role in respiratory-gated RapidArc therapy. Varied results were seen when gated therapy was performed on the patient plans that could only be attributed to differences in patient respiratory patterns. Patients whose plans had the largest percentage of pixels failing the gamma statistics exhibited irregular breathing patterns including substantial interpatient variation in depth of respiration. Conclusions: The interplay effect has a limited impact on gated RapidArc therapy when evaluated with a linear phantom. Variations in patient breathing patterns, however, are of much greater clinical significance. Caution must be taken when evaluating patients’ respiratory efforts for gated arc therapy.
Afterload dependence of echocardiographic left ventricular ejection force determination

Abstract Isaaz et al 1 have proposed a new echocardiographic index of left ventricular (LV) contractile function based on the force imparted to blood ejected during the accelerative phase of systole, according to Newton's second law. This index correlated with ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure 1 and responded appropriately after replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism. 2 Using a mock circulation and clinical example, we have shown that LV ejection force as determined by Isaaz et al 1 is a strongly afterload-dependent index of contractile function.
On the mass of the Cepheid X Cygni

Using a new non-Lagrangian hydrodynamic radiation transport code, models of the Cepheid X Cygni have been calculated and compared with new observations. Adopting an effective temperature of 5300 K, the luminosity was varied for stellar masses of 6, 8, and 9 solar masses in order to obtain a period of 16.4d. The results indicate that in order to find reasonable agreement between the light curves as calculated and observed, the mass used in the models must be nearly the evolutionary mass, not some 60% less as found in earlier work for Cepheids with periods from 7d to 10d. In addition, the new observations support the physical reality of the so-called 'artificial viscosity dip'.
Development of an internet-based protocol to facilitate randomized clinical trials in pediatric surgery.

Abstract Background/Purpose: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) perhaps are the best method available for the comparison of therapeutic interventions, yet these studies remain scarce in the pediatric surgery literature. The infrequency of surgical conditions, parents' refusal to participate, and difficulty with standardizing operative technique are potential obstacles to conducting multicenter randomized trials. Novel applications of information technology can potentially overcome these obstacles and facilitate randomized trials in pediatric surgery. Methods: Through collaboration with our Biostatistics Department, an Internet-based protocol was developed to facilitate our own multicenter trial for the surgical treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. A secure, on-line data entry system was developed to manage all aspects of patient care data. Data are validated during the entry phase and directly uploaded into a clinical database for safety monitoring and analysis. Multimedia resources available online were developed to encourage standardization of surgical and nonoperative therapy. Comprehensive informed consent, educational and other support resources are available on line for the parents and family members of patients. These include an 8-minute video detailing pathophysiology, treatment options, and important informed consent issues surrounding the trial. The website also provides administrative support to study centers and periodic updates on trial progress to the medical community at large. Conclusions: Internet-based protocols may facilitate trials in pediatric surgery by reducing administrative costs, improving standardization of surgical technique, and potentially increasing enrollment success rates. Future investigation will examine the impact of this protocol on the education, knowledge base, and attitudes of parents, as well as determine the efficiency and overall cost effectiveness of this data management strategy. J Pediatr Surg 37:990-994. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
El retorno de los muertos vivientes (al Caribe). Juan de los muertos y los zombis en el cine cubano contemporáneo

La pelicula Juan de los muertos (2011), de Alejandro Brugues, transforma y adapta el tema del zombi a la geopolitica cubana, creando un filme nacional que encaja perfectamente en los parametros del subgenero y reposiciona al cine cubano en los mapas cinematograficos contemporaneos. Con esta pelicula el cine de la isla se suma a la cartografia de los muertos vivientes, con una propuesta que es a la vez continuacion y novedad, pelicula de horro­r a la vez que comedia negra con tintes politicos. Para el analisis de Juan de los muertos he tenido en cuenta los clasicos del cine de zombis — de los cuales se nutre — asi como filmes latinoamericanos que han incursionado en el tema, usandolo como una herramienta de critica social.
Progressive failure and post-buckling response of tapered composite plates under uni-axial compression

Abstract The objective of the present work is to predict the first-ply failure load, the ultimate failure load, the buckling load, the associated maximum transverse displacements, and locations and modes of failure of tapered laminated plates under the action of uni-axial compression. A non-linear finite element formulation is developed based on the first-order shear deformation theory and the geometric non-linearity in the von Karman sense. The tensor polynomial form of the maximum stress criterion is used in conjunction with a progressive failure simulation methodology. A parametric study on tapered composite plates is conducted, considering the influences of different laminate configurations, taper configurations and fiber orientation angles.
Determination of metallo-organic species in lubricating oil by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is one of the few techniques capable of multielement determinations with low detection limits. However, when an organic matrix is nebulized into the ICP-MS, carbon condenses on the cooled interface cones, sooting and blocking the apertures. A second disadvantage of nebulizing organics into the ICP-MS is that carbide compounds formed in the ICP may act as molecular interferences for some elements, making it difficult or impossible to detect these elements. Electrothermal vaporization (ETV) was chosen as a sample introduction technique because it reduced the problems associated with conventional nebulization. When using ETV for sample introduction, the analyte was separated from the sample matrix, which made it possible to analyze oil samples while eliminating oxygen addition and reducing molecular interferences due to the organic matrix. We have developed a method for the determination of Al, Mg, Fe, and Y metallo-organic compounds in lubricating oil by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A pneumatically-operated graphite plug holder was added to the ETV so that the dosing hole could be plugged during the ETV heating cycle.
Capacitance studies of light induced effects in undoped a-Si:H

Abstract Metastable light-induced defects in undoped a-Si:H were studied by a new capacitance profiling technique which can be used to observe changes in the dangling bond (DB) density of states near midgap. These results are correlated with electrical conductivity and electron spin resonance measurements. Shifts in the Fermi level postion, EF, are determined by coplanar conductivity as well as sandwich geometry ac admittance measurements. Most samples show a significant increase in the DB density after light exposure; however, two films appeared much more stable against light induced effects with regard to such increases or shifts in EF. In general the shifts in EF are not simply correlated with changes in DB density. Furthermore, our results appear to explicitly rule out the model in which light exposure creates dangling bond defects by breaking of weak valence band silicon bonds.
Fluctuation analysis in small chemically reacting systems

A theory of noise fluctuations is developed which is applicable to systems of any size in which unimolecular or bimolecular reactions are occurring. The main difference between small and large reacting systems is that in the former the probability of finding a particle in a particular state does not obey a Gaussian distribution, but satisfies a distribution which reflects the mechanism of the chemical reaction. This difference is reflected in the main result of the theory: an autocorrelation function that is expressible as a sum of exponentials, the amplitudes of which are explicit functions of the moments of the distribution. Thus, by using small systems, the autocorrelation function,in principle, allows the elucidation of reaction mechanisms. Numerical simulations indicate that for reacting systems having ten or fewer particles, the deviation of the autocorrelation function from a single exponential should be easily detectable, and that estimates of the first four moments of the distribution should be possible. Accurate inference of the distribution, however, will require further mathematical and experimental advances.
Recombination of geminate (OH, eaq−) pairs in concentrated alkaline solutions: lack of evidence for hydroxyl radical deprotonation

Abstract Picosecond dynamics of hydrated electrons and hydroxyl radicals generated in 200 nm photodissociation of aqueous hydroxide and 400 nm (3-photon) ionization of water in concentrated alkaline solutions were obtained. No deprotonation of hydroxyl radicals was observed on the sub-nanosecond time scale, even in 1–10 M KOH solutions. This result is completely at odds with the kinetic data for deprotonation of OH radical in dilute alkaline solutions. We suggest that the deprotonation of hydroxyl radical is slowed down dramatically in concentrated alkaline solutions.
Differential rearing affects responsiveness of rats to depressant and convulsant drugs.

The effects of postweaning housing in environmental complexity (EC) or isolation cage (IC) conditions upon the development of anesthesia following sodium pentobarbital administration and upon seizure susceptibility following metrazol administration were studied in separate groups of rats. Male and female EC rats lost the righting reflex and developed unconsciousness more rapidly following sodium pentobarbital injection (105 mg/kg, IP) than did littermate IC rats. Male EC and IC rats did not differ in the CD 50 (50% convulsion dosage by log probit analysis) following injection of a range of metrazol doses (20 to 35 mg/kg, IP) when they were kept in a quiet dimly lighted room. However, the addition of stroboscopic light stimulation (1–100 Hz) to the above procedure (doses 17.5 to 30 mg/kg) reduced the CD 50 for the IC rats but did not affect the CD 50 for the EC rats. The results support the view that brain excitability is lower in animals reared in environments providing higher levels of sensory stimulation.
Can serum surfactant protein D or CC-chemokine ligand 18 predict outcome of interstitial lung disease in patients with early systemic sclerosis?

Objective. To examine the predictive significance of 2 pneumoproteins, surfactant protein D (SP-D) and CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), for the course of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease. Methods. The pneumoproteins were determined in the baseline plasma samples of 266 patients with early SSc enrolled in the GENISOS observational cohort. They also were measured in 83 followup patient samples. Pulmonary function tests were obtained annually. The primary outcome was decline in forced vital capacity (FVC percentage predicted) over time. The predictive significance for longterm change in FVC was investigated by a joint analysis of longitudinal measurements (sequentially obtained FVC percentage predicted) and survival data. Results. SP-D and CCL18 levels were both higher in patients with SSc than in matched controls (p Conclusion. SP-D correlated with concomitantly obtained FVC, while CCL18 was a predictor of short-term decline in FVC. However, neither SP-D nor CCL18 was a longterm predictor of FVC course in patients with early SSc.
Group performance as a function of leadership behavior and task structure: Toward an explanatory theory☆

Abstract The need to incorporate task effects in leadership theories has long been recognized, yet few studies are directed toward this endeavor. The present study addresses this need by developing a cognitively based theory specifying the relations among task structure, leadership behavior, and group performance. The theory assumes that a common problem space facilitates group problem solving. Two testable hypotheses are suggested: (1) task structure and the leadership behavior of developing orientation have similar effects on problem space communality and, thus, are inversely related, and (2) the instrumentally of developing orientation is an inverse function of task structure. These hypotheses were examined in a laboratory experiment investigating problem solving behavior on six tasks varying in structure. Findings support the first, but not the second hypothesis. These results led to a more sophisticated performance theory which was supported by a path analysis. The potential moderating effects of other task characteristics were discussed, and several means of dealing with methodological difficulties arising from the interactive effects of task characteristics were suggested.
Barbarian Invasions and the Racialization of Art History

OCTOBER 139, Winter 2012, pp. 59–76. © 2012 October Magazine, Ltd. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A historical and cultural model of remarkable strength and longevity has, through its mythical dimensions, structured art-historical writing in Europe since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Surprisingly, given how profound a stamp it has left on the field—right down to the formal categories with which the discipline sought to order its objects scientifically—the historiography of art has not paid it much attention. Even before Edward Gibbon published his monumental History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776–1788), eighteenth-century Europe, especially France, extensively debated the role “barbarians” played in the formation of modern nations. But nobody had yet assigned “the barbarian invasions” a pivotal role in European history, and nobody had seen them as the matrix and origin of contemporary conflicts. It was not until barbarian times returned to the heart of European
Kinetics of deterioration of trimethylene bis-(4-formylpyridinium bromide) dioxime in dilute aqueous solutions.

The degradation of trimethylene bis-(4-formylpyridinium bromide) dioxime, TMB-4, occurs by two mechanisms. The first is a hydrolytic reaction of the acid form (of the oxime catalyzed by hydrogen ion, and the second, a dehydration reaction. The latter may proceed by either of two pathways—a hydroxyl ion catalyzed dehydration of the acid form of the oxime, or a spontaneous dehydration of the oximade species. Velocity and various thermodynamic constants were determined for each of the mechanisms postulated. General equations were derived that relate the half-life of TMB-4 solutions to pH and temperature.
Fusobacterium necrophorum infections: Virulence factors, pathogenic mechanism and control measures

Fusobacterium necrophorum, a Gram-negative, non-spore-forming anaerobe, is a normal inhabitant of the alimentary tract of animals and humans. Two types of F. necrophorum, subspecies necrophorum (biotype A) and funduliforme (biotype B), have been recognized, which differ morphologically, biochemically, and biologically. The organism is an opportunistic pathogen that causes numerous necrotic conditions (necrobacillosis) such as bovine hepatic abscesses, ruminant foot abscesses and human oral infections. The pathogenic mechanism of F. necrophorum is complex and not well defined. Several toxins, such as leukotoxin, endotoxin, haemolysin, haemagglutinin and adhesin, have been implicated as virulence factors. Among these, leukotoxin and endotoxin are believed to be more important than other toxins in overcoming the host's defence mechanisms to establish the infection. F. necrophorum is encountered frequently in mixed infections and, therefore, synergisms between F. necrophorum and other pathogens may play an important role in infection. Several investigators have attempted to induce protective immunity against F. necrophorum using bacterins, toxoids, and other cytoplasmic components. Generally, none of the immunogens has afforded satisfactory protection against Fusobacterium infections. Because of the unavailability of suitable immunoprophylaxis, the control of F. necrophorum infection has depended mainly on the use of antimicrobial compounds.
The comprehensibility of non-native speech*

This study presents data collected from both natural settings and controlled experiments in order to describe native speaker responses to non-natives and to discuss what variables of a non-native's speech might elicit these responses. We present the results of three experiments. The first investigates native speaker reactions to requests for information by both native and non-native speakers in a natural setting. Experiment two is a controlled study focussing on two variables of non-native speech—pronunciation and grammar—and the response of native speakers to these variables. Experiment three examines the relationship between these variables and native speaker comprehension. Experiment four focuses on the effect of ordering on comprehensibility. We then discuss the role all of these factors play in the comprehensibility of non-native speech. We suggest that comprehensibility is achieved through a complex interaction of many factors and that it is comprehensibility which largely contributes to the use of foreigner talk by native speakers.
Nucleotide sequence of HLA-B*5505, which expresses a unique HLA class I polymorphism.

The nucleotide sequence reported in this article will appear in the GenBank database under the accession number U63653. The name HLA-B*5505 was officially assigned by the WHO Nomenclature Committee in 1996. This follows the agreed policy that, subject to the conditions stated in the most recent nomenclature report (1), names will be assigned to new sequences as they are identified. Lists of such new names will be published in the following WHO nomenclature report.
Improved High Efficiency Stacked Microstructured Neutron Detectors Backfilled With Nanoparticle $^{6}$ LiF

Silicon diodes with large aspect ratio trenched microstructures, backfilled with 6LiF, show a dramatic increase in thermal neutron detection efficiency beyond that of conventional thin-film coated planar devices. Described in this work are advancements in the technology using detector stacking methods to increase thermal neutron detection efficiency, along with the current process to backfill 6LiF into the silicon microstructures. The highest detection efficiency realized thus far is over 42% intrinsic thermal neutron detection efficiency by device-stacking methods. The detectors operate as conformally diffused pn junction diodes each having 1 cm2 area. Two individual devices were mounted back-to-back with counting electronics coupling the detectors together into a single dual-detector device. The solid-state silicon device was operated at 3 V and utilized simple signal amplification and counting electronic components that have been adjusted from previous work for slow charge integration time. The intrinsic detection efficiency for normal-incident 0.0253 eV neutrons was found by calibrating against a 3He proportional counter.
Degradation of Silicone Polymer at Different Soil Moistures

Silicone polymers [poly(dimethylsiloxane)s, PDMS] are used in down-the-drain consumer products and enter soil through disposal of municipal sludge. We examined PDMS hydrolysis over a range of soil moistures in soils from different geographical regions. [14C]PDMS 350 cSt was added (50 mg kg-1) to a Michigan Alfisol (Londo sandy clay loam) at six water potentials. Hydrolysis (5-week incubation) was 16, 2.0, 0.14, and 0.09% wk-1 at −76, −18, −5.4, and −1.2 MPa, respectively. Hydrolysis at −0.26 and −0.05 MPa was too slow to distinguish from experimental variability. When dry Londo soil was amended with PDMS and then remoistened to −0.05 MPa, hydrolysis was 0.19% wk-1, meaning that remoistening of soil slows the reaction. Similarly, PDMS hydrolysis in remoistened soils (−0.04 to −0.1 MPa) from Ohio (Alfisol), Georgia (Ultisol), and Puerto Rico (Oxisol) was 0.41, 1.25, and 1.26% wk-1, respectively. Best-fit regression equations (R 2 > 0.99) showed a linear dependence of rate constant on water potential from −0...
Analysis of Laminated Composites Containing Distributed Piezoelectric Ceramics

A finite element formulation was developed for modeling the dynamic as well as static response of laminated composites containing distributed piezoelectric ceram ics subjected to both mechanical and electrical loadings. The formulation was derived from the variational principle with consideration for both the total potential energy of the structures and the electrical potential energy of the piezoceramics. An eight-node three- dimensional composite brick element was implemented for the analysis, and three- dimensional incompatible modes were introduced to take into account the global bending behavior resulting from the local deformations of the piezoceramics. Experiments were also conducted to verify the analysis and the computer simulations. werall, the compari sons between the predictions and the data agreed fairly well.