cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Young Children's Exposure to Mathematics: The Child Care Context

Four preschool teachers from two preschool settings were observed to explore the contribution of child care experiences on the development of young children's understanding of mathematics. Teachers were also interviewed regarding their attitudes and beliefs about the importance of early education, children's understanding of mathematics prior to formal schooling, and their role in facilitating mathematical knowledge. Although the programs and teachers differed in terms of program orientation, teaching style, student participation, and interactions with students, the programs did not differ in terms of the amount or content of mathematics presented to children. During the classroom observations that were conducted, very little mathematics was presented in any of the classrooms either directly or indirectly to students. In contrast, teachers said that they believed that mathematics was important and that they engaged in mathematical discussions in their classroom interactions. Discussion of the lack of math presented in the classroom and the discrepancy of teachers' beliefs and teaching behaviors are discussed.
IGF-I alters energy expenditure and protein metabolism during parenteral feeding in rats.

In this study, 20 micrograms.kg.-1.h-1 of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was infused into normal healthy rats to examine the effects of IGF-I on glucose, protein, and energy metabolism in either overnight-fasting or parenteral-feeding states. The fed state was maintained by continuous intravenous feeding of a complete diet containing 838 kJ.kg-1.d-1, 2 g N.kg-1.d-1, and no fat. At each nutritional state, one-half of the animals received IGF-I infusion while the other half received saline as control. [14C-1]leucine and [3H-6]glucose were used to determine the effects of IGF-I on protein and glucose kinetics during fed and fasting states. The results showed that 1) infusion of IGF-I at this amount did not alter plasma glucose appearance and only marginally decreased plasma glucose concentrations in both nutritional states; 2) during fasting, IGF-I did not show anabolic effects on protein metabolism either at the whole-body level or in individual tissues. However, during feeding, IGF-I significantly stimulated exogenous nitrogen utilization by the whole body; and 3) IGF-I reduced the thermogenic effect of feeding. The results suggest that parenteral feeding may be an important variable in the response of protein anabolism to IGF-I in vivo.
Quantification Analysis of the Input Current in the Multiphase Buck Converter and Its Application

This paper presents a new analysis methodology to quantify the input current for the multiphase buck converter (MBC) with arbitrary number of phases operating in both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). Consequently, it is the first time that the mathematic formula that expresses the input current is derived and therefore all of the possible input current waveform cases are presented. The analysis result can be used as a design tool to predict the converter performance and further optimize the design including component selection, control strategy design. Moreover, it can serve as a foundation for further research of multiphase buck converter.
Field Measurement and Calibration of HDM-4 Fuel Consumption Model on Interstate Highway in Florida

Fuel consumptions are measured by operating passenger car and tractor-trailer on two interstate roadway sites in Florida. Each site contains flexible pavement and rigid pavement with similar pavement, traffic and environmental condition. Field test reveals that the average fuel consumption differences between vehicle operating on flexible pavement and rigid pavement at given test condition are 4.04% for tractor-trailer and 2.50% for passenger car, with a fuel saving on rigid pavement. The fuel consumption differences are found statistically significant at 95% confidence level for both vehicle types. Test data are then used to calibrate the Highway Development and Management IV (HDM-4) fuel consumption model and model coefficients are obtained for three sets of observations. Field measurement and prediction by calibrated model shows generally good agreement. Nevertheless, verification and adjustment with more experiment or data sources would be expected in future studies.
Probabilistic Reasoning and the Science of Complexity

Stimulated by curiosity as well as by necessity, we undertake studies of various phenomena and the processes that seem to produce them. Our initial explanations of the process by which some phenomenon is produced may often be oversimplified or possibly entirely mistaken. But, as our research continues we begin to recognize more elements of this process and the manner in which they appear to interact in producing the phenomenon of interest. In other words, as discovery lurches forward we begin to capture more of what we might regard as complexities or subtleties involving these elements and their interactions. In the last decade or so there has been growing interest in the study of complexity itself. Research in what has been called the science of complexity [Waldrop, 1992, 9; Casti,1994, 269-274] has brought together persons from many disciplines who, in the past, might not have been so congenial to the thought of collaborating. At present there are various accounts of what complexity means and how it emerges. In some studies it is observed that simple processes can produce complex phenomena; in others, it is observed that what we often regard as simple phenomena are the result of complex processes. But these observations are not new by any means. Years ago Poincare observed [1905, 147]:
Study and simulation of CMOS LC oscillator phase noise and jitter

In this work we review the processes of phase noise and jitter in electronic oscillators and the relationship between the two. Frequency and time domain simulation techniques and results are presented through the study of performance enhancement for a CMOS LC oscillator. The studied enhancements significantly reduce flicker noise upconversion, while the results demonstrate good agreement between time and frequency domain design approaches.
Weight Loss is Greater with Consumption of Large Morning Meals and Fat-Free Mass Is Preserved with Large Evening Meals in Women on a Controlled Weight Reduction Regimen

The purpose of this study was to determine whether meal ingestion pattern [large morning meals (AM) vs. large evening meals (PM)] affects changes in body weight, body composition or energy utilization during weight loss. Ten women completed a metabolic ward study of 3-wk weight stabilization followed by 12 wk of weight loss with a moderately energy restricted diet [mean energy intake +/- SD = 107 +/- 6 kJ/(kg.d)] and regular exercise. The weight loss phase was divided into two 6-wk periods. During period 1, 70% of daily energy intake was taken as two meals in the AM (n = 4) or in the PM (n = 6). Subjects crossed over to the alternate meal time in period 2. Both weight loss and fat-free mass loss were greater with the AM than the PM meal pattern: 3.90 +/- 0.19 vs. 3.27 +/- 0.26 kg/6 wk, P < 0.05, and 1.28 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.16 kg/6 wk, P < 0.001, respectively. Change in fat mass and loss of body energy were affected by order of meal pattern ingestion. The PM pattern resulted in greater loss of fat mass in period 1 (P < 0.01) but not in period 2. Likewise, resting mid-afternoon fat oxidation rate was higher with the PM pattern in period 1 (P < 0.05) but not in period 2, corresponding with the fat mass changes. To conclude, ingestion of larger AM meals resulted in slightly greater weight loss, but ingestion of larger PM meals resulted in better maintenance of fat-free mass. Thus, incorporation of larger PM meals in a weight loss regimen may be important in minimizing the loss of fat-free mass.
Histamine inhibition of concanavalin A-induced suppressor T-cell activation.

Abstract In vitro exposure to concanavalin A (Con A) results in the induction of T cells which suppress the in vitro generation of trinitrophenol (TNP)-modified self-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Such suppressor populations do not contain detectable CTLs or CTL precursors specific for TNP-modified syngeneic target cells. Histamine (10 −3 M ) inhibits both the DNA synthetic response and the generation of suppressor T lymphocytes induced by Con A.
Nitrodestannylation. A new synthesis of conjugated nitro cyclo olefins

Abstract A new process for the conversion of cyclic ketones to 1-nitro olefins, as outlined below, is described.
The use of interior penalty functions to overcome lognormal distribution parameter estimation anomalies

The maximum likelihood statistical modelling problems for the three-and four-parameter lognormal distributions possess the unusual future that the theoretical maximum likelihood parameter estimates are inadmissible values for which the likelihood function is postively infinite. Accordingly, “local-maximum” likelihood parameter estimates corresponding to the primary relative maximum of the likelihood function must be derived. Although these estimates often possess many of the properties associated with ordinary maximum likelihood estimates, their numerical computation is not altogether straightforward since solutions corresponding to the global maximum of the likelihood function must be avoided. A procedure for overcoming these estimation anomalies is presented. The numerical examples also presented and discussed indicate that the procedure, which employs interior penalty function techniques, is robust. Extensive practical experience with the procedure supports this conclusion.
Frequentist properties of a Bayesian analog to Fabian's bound

Abstract Fabian proposed a confidence upper bound for the distance of the selected treatment's mean to “the best”. We consider a Bayesian approach to Fabian's problem. We derive some properties of the Bayesian approach and compare it with other methods by simulation.
A note on the analysis of designs in which subjects receive each stimulus only once

Abstract In social psychological experiments, the manipulations of interest are often presented to subjects along with, or as part of, some stimulus. An example would be a manipulation of the verbal label associated with a stimulus photograph, in a person perception study. Ordinarily it is not possible for stimuli to be completely crossed with treatments because subjects cannot be exposed to any stimulus more than once. In such designs it is wise to counterbalance the assignment of stimuli to treatment conditions, but this gives rise to difficulties in the analysis of the experimental data. Data from such designs have frequently been misanalyzed in the published literature. This paper presents a method of constructing a counter-balancing scheme to simplify the analysis, and appropriate methods of analysis for both the simplified and the general case. It is emphasized that stimuli are generally best treated as a random factor in such designs, permitting increased generalizability, but the case where the stimulus factor is fixed is also considered.
Critical temperatures and pressures of the ternary system, ethane—n‐pentane—n‐heptane

The critical temperatures and critical pressures established in the vapor-liquid equilibrium studies of the ethane —n-pentane—n-heptane system, in conjunction with the critical behavior of the three corresponding binary systems, were used to develop the critical behavior of this ternary system. The results of this development are presented in the form of triangular plots for critical temperature and critical pressure and cover the complete range of composition for this system.
Radon transforms on Grassmann manifolds

If n = p + q + 1, the affine Grassmann manifolds G(p, n) of p-planes and G(q, n) of q-planes in Rn are dual homogeneous spaces of the Euclidean motion group M(n), with ξ ϵ G(p, n) and η ϵ G(q, n) being incident if and only if ξ meets η at a right angle. The resulting integral transform from functions on G(p, n) to functions on G(q, n) generalizes both the classical Radon transform and its dual. We show that this transform intertwines the actions of certain M(n)-invariant differential operators on G(p, n) and G(q, n), and we prove an inversion formula for this transform when n is odd, generalizing the Radon inversion formula, and obtaining in particular an inversion formula for the dual transform.
Linear Multiobjective Control Strategies for Wind-Excited Buildings

Two multiobjective control strategies are presented and applied to the wind-excited benchmark problem. The first strategy, referred to as the energy-to-peak based controller, deals with a class of “energy-bounded” excitations, whereas the second strategy, referred to as the peak-to-peak based controller, addresses a class of peak-bounded excitations. Both control strategies are derived by minimizing the sum of weighted peak response quantities with the constraints (or penalties) on the peak values of another set of quantities such as the control resources. Both the state feedback and dynamic output feedback controllers are derived and presented. The design syntheses of these two control strategies are developed and formulated within the framework of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), so that the LMI toolbox in \IMATLAB\N can be used effectively and conveniently. These two control strategies are applied to the wind-excited 76-story benchmark building to demonstrate their applicability and control performances. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed control strategies are viable for civil engineering structures, and their performances are excellent in comparison with that of the linear quadratic Gaussian sample controller.
Scientific evidence and policy change: lowering the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers to 0.08% in the USA

The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and key partners conducted a systematic review of the effectiveness of 0.08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) laws on alcohol-related traffic mortality. Review findings of strong evidence of effectiveness were presented by partners during US Congressional hearings contributing to the passage of a bill requiring states to lower the legal BAC limit to 0.08% (80 mg of alcohol/100 ml of blood) or lose a portion of their federal highway funds. The bill was signed into law, making 0.08 the new national standard. Extensive and targeted dissemination of the evidence and recommendations to key stakeholders and partners built support for policy change at the state level.
Work in Progress: Replacing "Traditional Lectures" with Face-to-Face Directed Problem Solving Sessions and On-Line Content Delivery

An experimental format is described in which the "lecture content" for a core junior-level ECE course was delivered via on-line streaming video (referred to as "virtual lecture"), and the regularly-scheduled class meeting times were used for instructor-directed, collaborative problem solving sessions (referred to as "directed problem solving"). A "traditional lecture" division of the course was offered simultaneously, to provide students an opportunity to select the course format they felt best matched their individual learning style. Results, including survey data and comparative performance on common exams, are presented for the initial trials conducted.
Precise determinations of ionization potentials and EF-state energy levels of H 2 , HD, and D 2

We report measurements of excited states in the three stable isotopic variants of molecular hydrogen: ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$, and HD. The lowest rovibrational levels of the ${\mathit{EF}}^{1}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$ state have been measured by Doppler-free two-photon laser spectroscopy for all three molecules. The accuracy is 0.015 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, and will improve to 0.003 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ when wavelength calibrations of ${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ reference transitions are completed. We also describe accurate measurements of high Rydberg np states in HD, and their analysis using multichannel quantum-defect theory. For HD these measurements give a result of 124 568.479(20) ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ for the ionization potential, in excellent agreement with theory. For ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$, the measurements of EF-state transitions give results slightly lower than previous experimental values, but the ionization potential remains in good agreement with theory. For ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ the results reported here, when taken in combination with recent measurements of transitions between excited states by Jungen et al. [J. Mol. Spectrosc. (to be published)], yield a value for ionization potential that is again quite close to the theoretical result.
Exploring nurses’ personal dignity, global self-esteem and work satisfaction

Background:This study examines nurses’ perceptions of dignity in themselves and their work. Nurses commonly assert concern for human dignity as a component of the patients’ experience rather than as necessary in the nurses’ own lives or in the lives of others in the workplace. This study is exploratory and generates potential relationships for further study and theory generation in nursing.Research questions:What is the relationship between the construct nurses’ sense of dignity and global self-esteem, work satisfaction, and identified personal traits?Participants and research context:This cross-sectional correlation study used a stratified random sample of nurses which was obtained from a US University alumni list from 1965 to 2009 (N = 133).Ethical considerations:University Institutional Review Board approval was achieved prior to mailing research questionnaire packets to participants. Participation was optional and numerical codes preserved confidentiality.Findings:Statistical results indicated a moder...
“Ansiedad de Influencia” versus Intertextualidad Autoconsciente en Tiempo de Silencio de Martín-Santos

(1988). “Ansiedad de Influencia” versus Intertextualidad Autoconsciente en Tiempo de Silencio de Martin-Santos. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 119-132.
Vena Cava Filters in Surgery and Trauma

Vena cava filters are widely used to prevent pulmonary embolic events in patients who have known venous thromboses, or in select patients deemed to be at high risk for these events. There are few prospective or well-controlled data regarding the efficacy and appropriate indications for vena cava filter use in surgical patients. High-risk surgical patients such as those who have multiple injuries, malignancy, and those undergoing bariatric procedures may benefit from vena cava filter placement. The authors discuss the available data regarding indications, efficacy, and outcomes to assist the surgeon in deciding when to use this technology.
Effects of processing and storage on walnut (Juglans regia L) tannins

Walnut tannins were maximally extracted with absolute methanol and an extraction time of 60min. Storage (21 days at 25°C) significantly reduced (20-40% reduction) the assayable tannin content in walnuts. The ranges of tannin content in freshly cracked inshell and shelled walnuts were respectively 372-1095 and 363-667 mg catechin equivalent per 100 g dry weight. The assayable tannin content in inshell and shelled walnuts was 10-20% higher when the particle size was reduced from 2- to 8-mesh. Using 0.5 as compared to 2% (w/v) vanillin as colour development reagent yielded 15-20% higher assayable tannin contents. The assay colour development reached a maximum after 20min of incubation at 25°C. Roasting (204°C for 5 min) caused a small (14%) but significant reduction in assayable tannins. Soaking in aqueous alkali solutions was more effective (44-100% reduction) than soaking in aqueous acid solutions (6-76% reduction) in decreasing the assayable tannin content in walnuts. Microwave heating in distilled deionised water resulted in 93-98% reduction in walnut assayable tannins. Blanching at 100°C for 2min was as effective as alkali soaking in significantly reducing the amount of extractable walnut tannins (98% reduction). The tannin content in blanched walnuts was positively related to astringency scores (r = 0.92). Les noix entreposees a 25 ° pendant 21 jours subissent une diminution de 20 a 40 % de la teneur en tanins. Le grillage provoque une diminution de 14% du taux de tanins. Le trempage dans une solution alcaline est plus efficace que le trempage en solution acide. Le blanchiement a 100° pendant 2 minutes est aussi efficace que le traitement alcalin. L'evaluation de l'astringence de la noix est faite en fonction de son traitement. L'effet des polyphenols sur l'interaction entre les proteines de la noix et les IgE est observe.
Sources of Voting Cues for the Congressional Black Caucus

At the beginning of the Ninety-Second Congress in 1971, a new subgroup, the Black Caucus, appeared in the House of Representatives. Its membership included every black representative as well as the nonvoting delegate from the District of Columbia.' From the outset the Caucus performed several legislative and nonlegislative roles successfully. Widespread recognition and legitimacy were achieved as a result of a highly publicized confrontation with the White House (Congressional Quarterly Almanac, 1972: 659-660), through frequent and articulate contributions to floor debate (Congressional Record, 1971: H1207-H1214, H2375-J2389, H5349-H5494), and by means of a series of informal investigative hearings on racism in American life (Kupferstein, 1972: 10-12; Cooley, 1972: 20-24). By the end of the Ninety-Second Congress, the Black Caucus was seen both within Washington and within the black community as a major and significant spokesman for black aspirations and interests (Delaney, 1972).
Equine seminal plasma derived lactoferrin regulates binding of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to spermatozoa

Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein (w 80 kDa), which is present in equine seminal plasma and in the endometrium. It has important roles in enhancing cell-tocell interaction and in immune functions. Based on results from previous studies on PMNsperm binding and of lactoferrin in the host defense mechanism, we hypothesized that lactoferrin modulates the interaction of PMNs with spermatozoa in the uterus. The objectives of this study were to examine the role of lactoferrin in PMN-sperm binding and to characterize mRNA and protein expression of lactoferrin in the testis and epididymis. Lactoferrin was purified from equine seminal plasma by HPLC and identity of the protein was confirmed by western blot. Semen was collected and pooled from four stallions, washed twice in LRS at 600 x g and freeze-killed in liquid N2 followed by thawing at room temperature. Blood derived PMNs (3x105/ mL; pooled from 2 mares) were incubated 30 min with spermatozoa (4.2x106/mL) stained with propidium iodide (PI). PMNs and spermatozoa were incubated in the presence of Hank’s balanced salt solution, seminal plasma (pooled from 4 stallions), or lactoferrin (150 ug/mL). PMNsperm binding was determined using flow cytometry; PMNs were identified based upon FSC-SSC, and spermatozoa based upon PI labeling. A total of three experiments were performed in triplicates. Expression of lactoferrin in the testis and epididymis (caput, corpus and cauda) of four stallions was characterized by qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Data were tested for normal distribution, and ANOVA was used for statistical comparisons. Both lactoferrin 62.5 3.3% and seminal plasma 76.5 0.3% significantly enhanced binding of PMNs to dead spermatozoa when compared to control media treatment 42.9 1.6% (p<0.05). mRNA for lactoferrin was highly expressed in the corpus epididymis, followed by the cauda and the caput, but was absent in the testis. Results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry with highly stained cells in the luminal epithelium of the corpus epididymis, followed by cauda and caput, but was absent in the testis. Western blots revealed presence of lactoferrin in the cauda and corpus with no visible bands in the caput or testis. Lactoferrin is a seminal plasma protein that is mainly expressed in the corpus and cauda epididymis of stallions. Seminal plasma enhances binding of PMNs to dead spermatozoa in vitro and purified lactoferrin was able to reproduce this effect. These findings suggest that one of the roles of lactoferrin in the reproductive tract of the mare is enhancing cell-to-cell interaction between PMNs and spermatozoa, which might facilitate elimination of dead sperm from the uterus in vivo. We have previously demonstrated a role for another seminal plasma protein (CRISP-3), in reducing binding between live spermatozoa and PMNs, allowing transport of this population of spermatozoa to the oviduct in an inflamed uterine environment.
Color photometry of surface features on Ganymede and Callisto

Photometric properties of selected surface features on Ganymede and Callisto are studied, using Voyager images over phase angles from 10 to 124 deg, taken with a clear filter (effective wavelength of approximately 0.5 microns). Normal reflectances on Ganymede average 0.35 for the cratered terrain, and 0.44 for the grooved terrain; the ubiquitous cratered terrain on Callisto is 0.18. The photometric properties of these regions are described by a simple scattering function, where the function of the phase angle is qualitatively similar to that of the moon, i.e., concave upward. By contrast, bright craters on both satellites have functions of the phase angle which are concave downward. The scattering function is not Lambertian, and may be due to an admixture of a small amount of dark, opaque silicate grains with the frost deposits. The brightest craters on Callisto have reflectances which are 10% lower than the brightest craters on Ganymede, and both have similar scattering laws.
Simultaneous growth of pure hyperbranched Zn3As2 structures and long Ga2O3 nanowires.

Through a facile and highly repeatable chemical vapor method, pure three-dimensional hyperbranched Zn3As2 structures and ultralong Ga2O3 nanowires were simultaneously grown with controllable locations in the same experiment. The hyperbranched Zn3As2 consists of cone-shaped submicro-/nanowires and has a single-crystalline tetragonal structure. This is the first report of nano Zn3As2 and hyperbranched Zn3As2 structures. The as-grown Ga2O3 nanowires are monoclinic single crystals. A vapor−solid−solid mechanism is suggested for the growth of the Ga2O3 nanowires, and a vapor-solid mechanism, for the Zn3As2 structures.
Hinting about causes of deformation: visual explorations of a novel inverse problem in medical imaging

In previous papers in this series, we have extended the praxis of image warping by thin-plate splines to accord with information about edge direction and other features of affine derivatives at landmarks. It is interesting to consider the derived warp that is induced solely by the changes of edge induced by a landmark displacement. To the extent that this latter transformation resembles the former we may speak of the landmark displacement as a hypothetical `cause' of the change observed in the edge image, a cause to be estimated by an inverse regression between these energetically oblique subspaces. The apparent `scales' of these specifications are discrepant even when they agree in all large- scale features of deformation. We show how nontrivial regressions arise when edge-information is collinear with interlandmark segments. Other forms of affine constraints on mappings are not interchangeable with landmark displacements, but correspond rather to relationships among diverse subspaces of derivative specifications likewise apparently discrepant in scale and spatial localization. These derivative-constrained splines, which all arise as singular perturbations of the original landmark- driven spline, thereby supply a very flexible and diverse language of image changes to complement various current approaches emphasizing the tracking or `evolution' of features pertaining to single images.
Literature, Ideology, and the Imaginary

In his paper "Literature, Ideology and the Imaginary," Marcello Potocco analyses the elusive relation between literature and ideology. developed by Castoriadis -brings the possibility to reconsider the relation between the literary structure, its reception, and ideology. While ideology is seen as a radical expression of the social imaginary in modern society, it can only manifest itself through the ideological function, which does not necessarily destruct the aesthetic experience. In a literary structure, elements may exist that enable a strong identification with the extra identifications with significations of the social imaginary. I play a secondary role, while conceptual for the reader's identification. An ideological structure retains a largely conventional, "pragmatic" relation between the signifiers and the signified, linking them to the social imaginary a uniform interpretative code. Neverth a text always depends on the social, extra interpellate as a socio-historical force imposed on a text. > ISSN 1481-4374
Yes, a technorhetorician can get tenure

Abstract Members of the Computers and Writing community are aware that it is all too common to find themselves or colleagues in tenure trouble. Interestingly, technorhetoricians are not the first identifiable group often in tenure jeopardy. Indeed, it has been commonplace among rhetoric and composition faculty to expect those who assume discipline-related administrative positions (e.g., Director of First-Year Writing, Writing Center Director, Writing Across the Curriculum Director) to become vulnerable at tenure time. Based on my eleven years of administrative experience and more years as senior faculty who works with mentoring junior colleagues, both in my own department and at other institutions, I will look closely at the problem of gaining tenure in English departments when one is not a literary specialist. Then, using Ernest Boyer’s (1990) new definitions of scholarship as a springboard, I will suggest several possible approaches to establishing a successful tenure case.
Direct versus indirect effects of habitat fragmentation on community patterns in experimental landscapes

Habitat area and fragmentation are confounded in many ecological studies investigating fragmentation effects. We thus devised an innovative experiment founded on fractal neutral landscape models to disentangle the relative effects of habitat area and fragmentation on arthropod community patterns in red clover (Trifolium pratense). The conventional approach in experimental fragmentation studies is to adjust patch size and isolation to create different landscape patterns. We instead use fractal distributions to adjust the overall amount and fragmentation of habitat independently at the scale of the entire landscape, producing different patch properties. Although habitat area ultimately had a greater effect on arthropod abundance and diversity in this system, we found that fragmentation had a significant effect in clover landscapes with ≤40 % habitat. Landscapes at these lower habitat levels were dominated by edge cells, which had fewer arthropods and lower richness than interior cells. Fragmentation per se did not have a direct effect on local-scale diversity, however, as demonstrated by the lack of a broader landscape effect (in terms of total habitat area and fragmentation) on arthropods within habitat cells. Fragmentation—through the creation of edge habitat—thus had a strong indirect effect on morphospecies richness and abundance at the local scale. Although it has been suggested that fragmentation should be important at low habitat levels (≤20–30 %), we show that fragmentation per se is significant only at intermediate (40 %) levels of habitat, where edge effects were neither too great (as at lower levels of habitat) nor too weak (as at higher levels of habitat).
The Fine Structure of the Heliozoan, Actinosphaerium nucleofilum*

SYNOPSIS. Actinosphaerium nucleofilum has been studied by light and electron microscopy. Thin sections of this organism reveal the relatively compact endoplasm to consist of numerous vacuoles and mitochondria. Scattered in the cytoplasm are dense particles, presumably ribonucleoprotein particles, endoplasmic reticulum of the rough variety and a tubular endoplasmic reticulum of the smooth variety. The many nucleido not appear to be randomly scattered in the cytoplasm but rather to be arranged in a circular pattern. Each is bounded by a double membrane envelope. A Golgi complex, consisting of isolated bodies with an ultrastructure similar to that described by others, is usually seen associated with each nucleus. The ectoplasm contains many vacuoles of varying diameter, each of which is limited by a thin membrane; vacuoles containing dense granular material, and mitochondria. The radially arranged axiopodia are extensions of the ectoplasm. The periphery is largely composed of vacuoles, some of which contain dense granules, and mitochondria. The axial rod is birefringent and consists of many fine filaments oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the axiopodium. The constituent filaments penetrate deep into the endoplasm where they end in the vicinity of nuclei. The fibrillar component of the axiopodia may represent contractile units.
Fighting the Good Fight The Relationship Between Belief in Evil and Support for Violent Policies

The rhetoric of good and evil is prevalent in many areas of society and is often used to garner support for "redemptive violence" (i.e., using violence to rid and save the world from evil). While evil is discussed in psychological literature, beliefs about good and evil have not received adequate empirical attention as predictors of violent versus peaceful intergroup attitudes. In four survey studies, we developed and tested novel measures of belief in evil and endorsement of redemptive violence. Across four different samples, belief in evil predicted greater support for violence and lesser support for nonviolent responses. These effects were, in most cases, mediated by endorsement of redemptive violence. Structural equation modeling suggested that need for cognitive closure predicts belief in evil, and that the effect of belief in evil on support for violence is independent of right-wing authoritarianism, religious fundamentalism, and dangerous world beliefs.
A mathematical model of cell cycle effects in gastric cancer chemotherapy.

A mathematical model is presented to investigate the relationship between drug order and treatment response in gastric cancer chemotherapy involving a taxane (either paclitaxel or docetaxel) coupled with flavopiridol. To model treatment effects, we simulate treatment by bolus injection and employ a pulsing condition to indicate cell kill as well as instantaneous changes to the cell’s transition rates. Cell population growth is described using an ordinary differential equation model whereby we examine the treatment effects upon cells in various stages of the cell cycle. Ultimately, the results generated support prior clinical investigations which indicate that for an enhanced synergistic effect, flavopiridol must be administered following taxane therapy.
Creating food for deep space

Explorers and scientists have to eat, whether they're on top of a mountain, deep in the sea, or in space. NASA scientists are working to develop a viable food program by 2030 that could feed six crew members for a 3-year mission to Mars.
Management of disabilities associated with achondroplasia

Achondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia that manifests as short stature. Impairment and complications range over many disciplines including orthopedics, pediatrics, neurology, and otolaryngology. The major impairments of the extremities are short limbs, limited elbow and hip extension, and knee and leg deformities that can cause disabilities in arm function and locomotion. Hydrocephalus, a narrow foramen magnum, spinal deformity, and spinal canal stenosis can cause neurological problems, leading to disabilities in locomotion, communication, and learning. Malfunctions of the otolaryngeal system such as otitis media, upper respiratory obstruction, deafness, speech delay, and malocclusion are interrelated and can also lead to disabilities in communication and learning. Although such disabilities may cause social handicaps, most children receive a normal education. Their social maturity scale is comparable to that of normal children, but their scale of locomotion is not. The reported occupational level of female adult patients is lower than that of their unaffected siblings. When managing patients, orthopedists should consider the overall aspects of achondroplasia, including natural development and complications other than orthopedic factors.
Exploring pregnancy-related changes in alcohol consumption between black and white women.

Background: Although epidemiological data indicate that White women are more likely to drink and binge drink before pregnancy, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is more common in the Black population than among Whites in the United States. Differences in drinking cessation between Black and White women who become pregnant may help explain the disparity in FAS rates. Methods: The study sample was comprised of 280,126 non-Hispanic Black and White women, ages 18 to 44, from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) 2001 to 2005 data sets. Predictors of reduction in alcohol consumption (in drinks per month) and binge drinking (>4 drinks on one occasion) by pregnant and non-pregnant women were identified with logistic regression. The effect of interactions of pregnancy status with age, education, and Black or White race on drinks per month and binge occasions were explored using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Pregnant White women averaged 79.5% fewer drinks per month than non-pregnant White women (F = 1250.1, p < 0.001), and 85.4% fewer binge drinking occasions (F = 376, p < 0.001). Pregnant Black women averaged 58.2% fewer drinks per month than non-pregnant Black women (F = 31.8, p < 0.001) and 64.0% fewer binge occasions (F = 13.8, p < 0.001). Compared to Black women, White women appear to make a 38% greater reduction in drinks per month, and a 33% greater reduction in binge occasions. Conclusions: Non-Hispanic White women appear more likely to reduce drinks per month and binge drinking occasions than non-Hispanic Black women during pregnancy. These findings may help explain disparities in FAS in the United States, though this cross-sectional sample does not permit claims of causation. To better describe the impact of differential drinking reduction on FAS rates, future studies of longitudinal data should be done.
High dose rate brachytherapy: its clinical applications and treatment guidelines.

Brachytherapy has the advantage of delivering a high dose to the tumor while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. With proper case selection and delivery technique, high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy has great promise, because it eliminates radiation exposure, allows short treatment times, and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Additionally, use of a single-stepping source, allows optimization of dose distribution by varying the dwell time at each dwell position. However, when HDR brachytherapy is used, the treatments must be executed carefully, because the short treatment times do not allow any time for correction of errors, and mistakes can result in harm to patients. Hence, it is very important that all personnel involved in HDR brachytherapy be well trained and be constantly alert.It is expected that the use of HDR brachytherapy will greatly expand over the next decade and that refinements will occur primarily in the integration of imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, int...
Fetal growth restriction: risk factors for unplanned primary cesarean delivery

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors before or during labor to predict primary cesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart tracing in cases of fetal growth restriction (FGR) undergoing a trial of labor.Study design: We reviewed charts of all patients with singleton, non-anomalous fetuses found to have FGR and delivered from January 2008 to December 2012. Characteristics of patients delivered by cesarean were compared to those who had delivered vaginally.Results: Two hundred and twenty-two patients were delivered with FGR. Fifty-nine patients were excluded due to cesarean delivery prior to labor. Of the remaining 153 patients, 84% delivered vaginally and 16% underwent cesarean delivery. Of the 131 patients who underwent induction, 83% delivered vaginally. Rates of cesarean were higher for primigravity, oligohydramnios and prostaglandin use. However, logistic regression showed that oligohydramnios (odds ratio [OR]: 3.98; CI: 1.35–11.76) and prostaglandin use (OR: 3....
String solutions in the S2 nonlinear σ-model with a gauge field

A variant of the S2 nonlinear σ-model of Faddeev with an Abelian gauge field is considered. By using a direct variational method we demonstrate the existence of string-like solutions in this model and we establish the regularity of these solutions.
What is the correct management of stage i UPSC

UPSC has been identified as a distinct variant of endometrial cancer and it has been reported to be associated with more aggressive behavior and a worse prognosis compared to endometrioid adenocarcinomas of the endometrium. Various studies have demonstrated survival rates of 15–51% for clinical stage I disease and 35–90% for surgical stage I/II disease. Aside from the very limited number of studies that incorporate comprehensive surgical staging, the majority of these reports used clinical parameters for staging or very limited surgical staging techniques and information. A significant amount of controversy surrounds the optimal management of patients with stage I UPSC, and appropriate management of these patients has yet to be firmly established. The low incidence of this particular type of cancer, the variety of surgical interventions, and the wide variety of post-operative adjuvant therapies have made it extremely difficult to identify the optimal management of patients with UPSC. Prior to 2004, adjuvant treatment recommendations for surgical stage I UPSC were largely based on very small retrospective patient series (<20 patients), only a fraction of which included surgically staged patients. A recent publication reported the outcomes of surgical stage I UPSC patients from four institutions(1). Recurrence rates were lower than that published in previous studies, suggesting a potential benefit of comprehensive surgical staging in these patients. The risk of recurrence and mean overall survival were similar between surgical stage I UPSC patients who were managed conservatively versus those treated with adjuvant radiation therapy. Moreover, this study also suggests a potential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in these patients.
Territorial marking in the female mongolian gerbil: Short-term reactions to hormones

Abstract Gerbils mark territories with a ventrally located sebaceous scent gland. For the male the response and gland morphology are strictly androgen dependent. In this study of the female, supplemental injections of testosterone elevated marking beyond that of either normal males or females and increased gland size. Estrogen, progesterone, and growth hormone were without effect. Regardless of hormone state there appeared a strong relation between marking, gland size, and gland secretion (gland blot).
Release of 2-aminofluorene from N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene by hydrazinolysis.

Abstract High temperature (160°C) hydrazinolysis is demonstrated to be a useful chemical transformation reaction for releasing an aminopolyaromatic hydrocarbon, 2-aminofluorene, from a parent DNA adduct, N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene.
Glueballs and non-perturbative QCD

Theoretical ideas related to the existence of glueballs in QCD are reviewed. These include non-perturbative phenomena such as confinement, instantons. vacuum condensates and renormalons. We also discuss glueball dominance of the trace of the stress-tensor. the mass content of the nucleon and a theorem on the lightest glueball state.
Holo-sterol Carrier Protein-2: 13C NMR INVESTIGATION OF CHOLESTEROL AND FATTY ACID BINDING SITES *

Abstract Although sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) stimulates sterol transfer in vitro, almost nothing is known regarding the identity of the putative cholesterol binding site. Furthermore, the interrelationship(s) between this SCP-2 ligand binding site and the recently reported SCP-2 long chain fatty acid (LCFA) and long chain fatty acyl-CoA (LCFA-CoA) binding site(s) remains to be established. In the present work, two SCP-2 ligand binding sites were identified. First, both [4-13C]cholesterol and 22-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-23,24-bisnor-5-cholen-3β-ol (NBD-cholesterol) binding assays were consistent with a single cholesterol binding site in SCP-2. This ligand binding site had high affinity for NBD-cholesterol, K d = 4.15 ± 0.71 nm. 13C NMR-labeled ligand competition studies demonstrated that the SCP-2 high affinity cholesterol binding site also bound LCFA or LCFA-CoA. However, only the LCFA-CoA was able to effectively displace the SCP-2-bound [4-13C]cholesterol. Thus, the ligand affinities at this SCP-2 binding site were in the relative order cholesterol = LCFA-CoA > LCFA. Second, 13C NMR studies demonstrated the presence of another ligand binding site on SCP-2 that bound either LCFA or LCFA-CoA but not cholesterol. Photon correlation spectroscopy was consistent with SCP-2 being monomeric in both liganded and unliganded states. In summary, both 13C NMR and fluorescence techniques demonstrated for the first time that SCP-2 had a single high affinity binding site that bound cholesterol, LCFA, or LCFA-CoA. Furthermore, results with 13C NMR supported the presence of a second SCP-2 ligand binding site that bound either LCFA or LCFA-CoA but not cholesterol. These data contribute to our understanding of a role for SCP-2 in both cellular cholesterol and LCFA metabolism.
Using model reduction to predict the soil-surface C 18 OO flux: an example of representing complex biogeochemical dynamics in a computationally efficient manner

Abstract. Earth system models (ESMs) must calculate large-scale interactions between the land and atmosphere while accurately characterizing fine-scale spatial heterogeneity in water, carbon, and other nutrient dynamics. We present here a high-dimension model representation (HDMR) approach that allows detailed process representation of a coupled carbon and water tracer (the δ18O value of the soil-surface CO2 flux (δ Fs)) in a computationally tractable manner. δ Fs depends on the δ18O value of soil water, soil moisture and temperature, and soil CO2 production (all of which are depth dependent), and the δ18O value of above-surface CO2. We tested the HDMR approach over a growing season in a C4-dominated pasture using two vertical soil discretizations. The difference between the HDMR approach and the full model solution in the three-month integrated isoflux was less than 0.2% (0.5 mol m−2 ‰), and the approach is up to 100 times faster than the full numerical solution. This type of model reduction approach allows representation of complex coupled biogeochemical processes in regional and global climate models and can be extended to characterize subgrid-scale spatial heterogeneity.
High-pressure liquid chromatographic assay for chloramphenicol, chloramphenicol-3-monosuccinate, and chloramphenicol-1-monosuccinate

A high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the sensitive and rapid determination of chloramphenicol, chloramphenicol-3-monosuccinate, and chloramphenicol-1-monosuccinate is presented. The procedure utilizes a reversed-phase chromatographic column with UV absorption detection. The assay is useful for monitoring patients receiving chloramphenicol, determining the pharmacokinetics of parenteral chloramphenicol sodium succinate, and certifying sterile chloramphenicol sodium succinate.