cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE AGE DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN CANCER FOR CARCINOGENIC EXPOSURES OF VARYING INTENSITY

The time and age dependence of cancer incidence rates resulting from various type of carcinogenic exposure are calculated and compared with observed cancer incidence rates. Implications for the detection of increased cancer incidence are discussed. The calculations assume that exposure affects one of several changes necessary for malignant cell transformation.
Fly environmental control strategy in the city

It is necessary to strengthen environmental management to control the flies density in the city.Environmental management is the main step for controlling and managing the breeding area of flies.
438 ARGINASE AS A PROLIFERATIVE DETERMINANT IN PROSTATE CANCER.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in US men, yet little is known regarding the mechanisms controlling prostatic cell growth. Previous work has shown that arginase II (AII) is expressed at high levels in the normal prostate and at higher levels in prostate tumors. AII is involved in synthesis of polyamines, which are essential for rapidly growing tissues and are found in high levels in prostate cancer. This leads to the hypothesis that increased AII activity may be involved in prostate cancer cell proliferation, through AII9s role in the urea cycle, polyamine synthesis, and nitric oxide metabolic pathways. Western blot analysis with anti-AII antibody on normal prostate (PZ-HPV-7) and prostate cancer (LNCaP, PC-3, DU 145) cell lines showed the highest AII levels in LNCaPs, a more differentiated prostate cancer cell line, compared to levels in the less differentiated PC-3 and DU-145 cell lines, and in the normal PZ-HPV-7. To assess whether increasing AII in normal prostate increases cell proliferation, arginase was over-expressed in normal cells by transfecting PZ-HPV-7 with an AII vector containing GFP and the selectable marker blasticidin. To examine whether AII is hormone dependent or independent, LNCaP cultures were treated with charcoal-stripped media for varying periods to facilitate hormone removal. Charcoal-stripped LNCaPs were compared with normal LNCaPs via Western blotting using anti-AII and anti-PSA (prostate-specific antigen) antibodies. PSA antibody confirmed the hormone-stripping, while AII antibody showed AII levels were congruent with and without hormone-stripping, suggesting AII regulation is hormone independent. In conclusion, this work is essential in elucidating prostate cancer mechanisms and may suggest new directions for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
Modulation of Ca2+ transients and tension by intracellular EGTA in intact frog muscle fibers.

Ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) was used as an intracellular Ca2+ chelator to shorten the duration of the Ca2+ transient and to determine the rate-limit...
A Comparative Investigation of the Stability of DNA and RNA Pseudoknots

Pseudoknots belong to an interesting and diverse RNA structural motif that has significant roles in biological function; one in particular being ribosomal frameshifting. This is a common mechanism found in viruses, where there is a change in the reading frame allowing for different mRNAs to be translated. This arises when a pseudoknot initiates the frameshift at the slippery sequence. The high-efficiency of frameshifting may be attributed to the formation of a local triplex within the pseudoknot, resulting in an increased interaction with the ribosome. Furthermore, the overall structure and conformation of a pseudoknot results from the actual length of the loops, number of stem base pairs and stem-loop interactions. We have previously reported that the higher enthalpy contribution of the DNA pseudoknot with sequence, d(TCTCTT11AAAAAAAAGAGAT5TTTTTTT) (Psk-11), is due to the formation of three base-triplet stacks. This takes place because the “T11” loop is complementary to the stem sequence.In this work, we use a combination of UV spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate the unfolding thermodynamics of two pseudoknot analogs, one with a “dU11” loop (Psk-11U) and the second one with a RNA sequence r(UCUCUU11AAAAAAAA-GAGAU5UUUUUUU) (RNAPsk-11). Both analogs form intramolecular pseudoknots. Their stability and unfolding enthalpies both follow the order: RNAPsk-11 > Psk-11 > Psk-11U. The resulting thermodynamic profiles will be discussed in terms of specific base-pair and base-triplet stacking contributions. Supported by Grant MCB-1122029 from NSF.
Comparative Physiology of Organohalide-Respiring Bacteria

The potential for reductive organohalide respiration is relatively widespread among bacteria. In this chapter, we highlight metabolic differences between facultative and obligate organohalide-respiring bacteria. In addition, we compare the genomic architecture and evolution of the bacteria that comprise the obligate organohalide-respiring Dehalococcoides, Dehalobacter, and Dehalogenimonas genera. Major unresolved questions remain about the necessary and sufficient enzymes for energy conservation coupled to reductive dehalogenation in these microorganisms. Although comparative physiology among these three genera reveals considerable metabolic and eco-physiological diversity consistent with their unique phylogeny, these microorganisms share similar genomic signatures, suggestive of convergent adaptive niche specialization to catabolism of naturally occurring organohalide compounds.
Assessing relationships between conformity and meta-traits in an Asch-like paradigm

The present study investigated associations between personality and conformity. Early work on this subject employed impactful, experimentally realistic procedures to induce conformity, yet lacked v...
073_16719-A1 Evaluation of Right Atrial-Coronary Sinus Pressure Gradients in Patients With LV Dysfunction Referred for ICD Implantation. Description of the Phenomenon of Coronary Sinus Flow Reversal and Its Incidence

We have described coronary sinus (CS) flow reversal (FR) during non-occlusive venography during CRT-D implantation. The incidence and effects of this phenomenon is unknown. This likely occurs due to dynamic changes in the Right Atrial pressure (RAp) and Coronary Sinus pressure (CSp) during the
Examining the alternative model for personality disorder in daily life: Evidence for incremental validity

The alternative model for personality disorders includes a single dimension of personality dysfunction severity (Criterion A) and five dimensions of personality dysfunction styles (Criterion B). Some consider Criteria A and B distinctions redundant, and this appears mostly true in cross-sectional designs. The present research demonstrated that incremental validity can be found when examining personality dysfunction longitudinally. Participants (n = 175) completed a 14-day electronic diary, capturing daily levels of Criteria A and B, along with daily outcomes of personality dysfunction across several domains. Criteria A and B incremented each other across these domains. Moreover, Criterion B trait scores were associated with expected domains of functioning, evidencing convergent and discriminant validity. We discuss the implications for the alternative model for personality disorders, and the usefulness of longitudinal methods to uncover temporal dynamics in personality dysfunction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
Ultrasonic Velocity Change and Dispersion Due to Porosity in Composite Laminates

Voids or porosity in carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) caused by improper curing, moisture in the prepreg and other reasons can degrade the mechanical properties of the composite components [1–3]. Voids caused by trapped air in the layup process or volatile gas released in the curing process tend to occur at the interface between the plies of unidirectional prepregs and are usually elongated along the adjacent fiber directions [4]. On the other hand, voids in woven composites tend to be more spherical. Matrix dominated strengths such as transverse tensile and interlaminar shear strengths are affected the most by the presence of porosity. Quantitative nondestructive evaluation (QNDE) methods for the detection and characterization of porosity in composites are therefore highly desirable.
An Incompleteness Theorem for the Natural World

The philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz is perhaps best known for the fierce controversy that arose between him and Sir Isaac Newton over the invention of calculus. The S-like integral sign that we use to this day is in fact a notation invented by Leibniz.
Computer Simulation Studies of the Adsorption of Kr in a Pore of Triangular Cross-Section

Abstract Computer simulation studies of the sorption of krypton in pores of equilateral triangular cross-section are reported. The pore walls are taken to be stacks of structureless graphite basal planes. Energies of adsorption and monolayer structures were determined at temperatures ranging from 100 to 200 K. It is shown that the atoms sorbed nearest the pore walls form well-ordered solid-like layers at temperatures up to roughly 130 K, for a complete monolayer. Partial disordering of this layer occurs when the temperature is raised above 130 K.
Groups and Group Homomorphisms

This chapter introduces the notion of an abstract group, one of the fundamental objects of both algebra and geometry and very much at the heart of linear algebra. In the early stages, the student will perhaps see only a rather arbitrary looking (but attractive!) informal axiomatic system. This is a gross deception. The definition distills millennia of mathematical experience. Another theme also emerges: objects are not nearly so interesting in themselves as the relationships they bear to one another. In the case of groups, these relationships are expressed by group homomorphisms.
OLDER DRIVERS’ ACCEPTANCE OF LONGITUDINAL AND LATERAL VEHICLE WARNING SYSTEMS

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are rapidly being introduced into new vehicles with each new model year, and their incorporation into the driving task stands to benefit drivers of all ages. However, evidence from studies with largely younger samples suggests that there might be attentional issues that arise when dealing with the alerts from both longitudinal (Forward Collision Warning; FCW) and lateral (Lane Departure Warning; LDW) warning systems that might lead to diminished safety benefits and/or negative effects on system acceptance. In this study, older drivers (N = 128) were randomly assigned to experience one of four system combinations over a ~25-minute drive in a driving simulator: no FCW or LDW, FCW-only, LDW-only, or both FCW and LDW. Participants completed a system acceptance scale before and after experience with their system to gauge their attitudes. Participants’ usefulness and satisfaction scores were similarly positive before and after using their assigned system(s), leading to a lack of significant results between the different conditions on pre- and post-drive difference scores. Regression analyses assessing possible predictors of post-drive usefulness and satisfaction ratings found that female gender was a significant predictor of more positive post-drive usefulness ratings of FCW systems. These findings show that older drivers’ attitudes towards FCW and LDW systems are largely positive and do not differ when these systems are used in tandem, and that older female drivers find FCW systems to be useful after experiencing them on a short, simulated drive.
The Relationship between Time of Day and Student Check Ride Performance

The purpose of this research is to investigate if there is a relationship between check ride performance and the time of day that these check rides occur. The population for this study was students in the flight training program at a midsized-midwestern university. The study utilized the results of more than 10,000 check rides, specifically examining the outcome with respect to time of day. A Chi Squared test yielded a significant finding for the data overall (χ²=363.910, df =2, n =10998, p <.001) indicating that there is a difference in the actual evaluation outcomes when compared to starting time versus the expected outcomes. Further study of chronotypes in aviation and specifically flight training was recommended.
A dynamic constructivist approach to culture: Moving from describing culture to explaining culture.

Importantly, Bickhard (2004) submits that causality resides in the processes, not the substances. We can draw a parallel development to the study of culture. Early cultural research focused on describing the unique characteristics of people from different nations, such as the study of “national characters” (see review of this history by LeVine, 2001). This type of research focused on the differences or similarities between national and racial/ethnic groups. It treated cultures as monolithic entities that are static and attributed differences or similarities between cultures to traits that are deeply rooted within the national or ethnic groups belonging to those cultures. According to this approach, as long as a given group possesses certain characteristics, its members should inevitably display the corresponding patterns of responses. Unfortunately, these early assumptions seldom provided an understanding of the processes through which culture influences affect, cognition, and behaviors.
Effect of medial surface shape on voice production in a MRI-based three-dimensional phonation model

Our previous studies using simplified vocal fold geometry have shown that medial surface shape, particularly the vertical thickness, has an important effect on the closure pattern of vocal fold vibration. The goal of this study is to investigate if similar effect can be observed for medial surface shape that occurs in realistic human phonation, using a parametric MRI-based three-dimensional vocal fold model. Manipulation of medial surface shape is achieved through a two-level control of the superior and inferior portion of the medial surface, based on experimental observations. Simulations show that, in general, both superior-medial bulging and inferior-medial bulging of the medial surface, which leads to an increased vertical thickness and a more rectangular glottal configuration, increase the closed quotient of the vocal fold vibration. Changes in medial surface shape also have significant effect on the phonation threshold pressure. This effect of the medial surface shape varies significantly across larynges, indicating the important effect of subject-specific laryngeal geometry. The results point to the importance of taking into consideration of the medial surface shape in clinical management of voice disorders. [Work supported by NIH.]Our previous studies using simplified vocal fold geometry have shown that medial surface shape, particularly the vertical thickness, has an important effect on the closure pattern of vocal fold vibration. The goal of this study is to investigate if similar effect can be observed for medial surface shape that occurs in realistic human phonation, using a parametric MRI-based three-dimensional vocal fold model. Manipulation of medial surface shape is achieved through a two-level control of the superior and inferior portion of the medial surface, based on experimental observations. Simulations show that, in general, both superior-medial bulging and inferior-medial bulging of the medial surface, which leads to an increased vertical thickness and a more rectangular glottal configuration, increase the closed quotient of the vocal fold vibration. Changes in medial surface shape also have significant effect on the phonation threshold pressure. This effect of the medial surface shape varies significantly across lar...
Oral Resolvin D1 attenuates early inflammation but not intimal hyperplasia in a rat carotid angioplasty model.

Abstract Inflammation ensuing from vascular injury promotes intimal hyperplasia (IH) and restenosis. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) is a lipid mediator that attenuates IH in vivo when delivered locally to the vessel wall in animal models. We tested the hypothesis that peri-procedural oral administration of RvD1 could blunt the local inflammatory response to angioplasty, and attenuate downstream IH. Carotid angioplasty was performed on rats fed with either RvD1 or vehicle through oral gavage, starting one day prior to injury until post-operative day (POD) 3 or 14 when arteries were harvested. To study pharmacokinetics and bioactivity of oral RvD1, we measured plasma RvD1 by ELISA, whole blood phagocytosis activity using flow cytometry, and cAMP levels in the thoracic aorta by ELISA. Carotid arteries were harvested on POD3 for staining (anti-CD45, anti-Myeloperoxidase (MPO), anti-Ki67 or dihydroethidium (DHE) for reactive oxygen species), mRNA expression of target genes (quantitative RT-PCR), or on POD14 for morphometry (elastin stain). RvD1 plasma concentration peaked 3 h after gavage in rats, at which point we concurrently observed an increase in circulating monocyte phagocytosis activity and aortic cAMP levels in RvD1-treated rats vs. vehicle. Oral RvD1 attenuated local arterial inflammation after angioplasty by reducing CD45+, MPO+, Ki67+ cells, and DHE staining intensity. Oral RvD1 also reduced the expression of several pro-inflammatory genes within the injured vessels. However, oral RvD1 did not significantly reduce IH. Oral RvD1 attenuated acute inflammation within the arterial wall after angioplasty in rats, but did not significantly affect IH.
Analysis on surveillance of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Beijing municipality, 2006-2010

Objective To understand the epidemiological situation of soil-transmitted nematode infections in Beijing during 2006-2010,and the awareness rate of villagers about the major parasitic diseases in 14 districts.Methods The residents at monitoring spot of Daxing District in Beijing were examined for Ascaris lumbricoides,Trichuris trichiura and hookworms with modified Kato-Katz thick smear"one stool specimen-three slides" from September to November from 2006 to 2010.Adhesive cellophane anal swab method was applied for examining the eggs of Enterobius vermicularis in children aged 3-12,other parasite species detected were registered as well.At the same time,soil samples of 10 household garden and surrounding were collected for microscopic examination on fertilized or unfertilized Ascaris eggs and identification of live and dead fertilized Ascaris eggs.A questionnaire survey about major parasitic diseases was carried out in 14 districts of Beijing,2010.One village was selected each district.Other districts in the city center were not included.Results A total of 5 172 persons was investigated during 5 years,including 356 children aged 3-12.Cases infected by soiltransmitted nematodes were not detected.A total 200 soil samples was collected and no Ascaris eggs was detected in the soil.A total of 283 villagers coming from 14 districts was investigated about relevant knowledge of major parasitic diseases control,their pass rate of prevention knowledge was 85.16％(241/283) and the pass rate of health behavior was 91.52％ (259/283).Conclusion The infection rate of soil-transmitted nematodes at monitoring spot of Beijing was low,the proportion that villagers take correct measures to prevent the parasite diseases was high,but the risk of infection still exists.It is necessary to continue monitoring and developing health education. Key words: Nematode infection; Soil-transmitted nematode disease; Monitoring spot; Awareness rate
Asymptotically Distribution-Free Simultaneous Confidence Region of Treatment Differences in a Randomized Complete Block design.

SUMMARY For a randomized complete block design with additive block effects, an asymptotically distribution-free simultaneous confidence region of pairwise treatment differences is presented. The corresponding confidence bound has an explicit form and is easily obtained. Asymptotic relative efficiency comparisons with other known confidence regions are made to show the advantage of the proposed procedure. The case of treatment against control is also discussed.
Managing Views on Disabilities

Among the many tasks grandparents have when caring for their grandchildren with disabilities, one that can be particularly exasperating is managing how people respond to disabilities. Despite the successes of the Disability Rights Movement, ableism is commonplace throughout the US. People with disabilities are often subjected to overt and covert discrimination, excluded, marginalized, and bullied. Negative reactions are often shaped by whether disabilities are visible, the age of the people with disabilities, or the severity of the disabilities. Dealing with public reactions is part of leaving the house. Some people are warm, friendly, and accepting. Some look away. Others stare or make rude comments. Most, but not all, of the grandparents we interviewed had put substantial thought into developing a restrained, often educational, response to any signs of disrespect. It is emotional work, constantly having to decide whether to acknowledge and whether to react to other people’s views on disabilities. It is yet another type of care work and, like most care work, exhausts grandparent time, energy, and patience.
68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT: The Optimum Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) Internal Reference

Rationale and Objectives Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) is an important semiquantitative measurement used in the clinical and research domains to assess radiopharmaceutical concentration in tumors versus normal organs, but is susceptible to many factors beyond the tumor biological environment. So, the aim of this study is to identify the optimum internal reference among organs with physiological uptake in 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (DOTA PET/CT) scans. Materials and Methods This HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study with waiver of consent included retrospective imaging review of 180 consecutive patients with neuroendocrine tumors presenting for DOTA PET/CT image acquisition: Ga-68 DOTATATE dose was reported as (0.054 mCi/Kg) scans between September 2018 and May 2019. Mean value of body weight normalized SUV (SUVbw) and lean body mass normalized SUV (SUL) of liver and spleen were measured. Information about the patients and scan characteristics were collected. The paired Grambsch test was used to compare variance among the measured SUVs. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess correlation between SUVs and potential patient- and scan-specific confounding factors. Results Variance of SUL was significantly lower than variance of SUVbw in both liver and spleen (p-value Conclusion SUL is a more reproducible, less variable, and therefore more reliable quantitative measure in DOTA PET/CT scans, compared SUVbw. Among the available organs with physiological uptake, liver SUL is the optimum internal reference given the liver's larger size and uniform SUL values resulting in lower variability and better reproducibility.
Finite Time Guarantees for Continuous State MDPs with Generative Model

In this paper, we present Online Empirical Value Learning (ONEVaL), an ‘online’ reinforcement learning algorithm for continuous MDPs that is ‘quasi-model-free’ (needs a generative/simulation model but not the model per se) that can compute nearly-optimal policies and comes with nonasymptotic performance guarantees including prescriptions on required sample complexity for specified performance bounds. The algorithm relies on use of a ‘fully’ randomized policy that will generate a β-mixing sample trajectory. It also relies on randomized function approximation in an RKHS for arbitrarily small function approximation error, and an ‘empirical’ estimate of value from the next state by several samples of the next state from the generative model. We demonstrate its’ good numerical performance on some benchmark problems. We note that the algorithm requires no hyper-parameter tuning, and is also robust to other concerns that seem to plague Deep RL algorithms.
Structural Gendered Racism Revealed in Pandemic Times: Intersectional Approaches to Understanding Race and Gender Health Inequities in COVID-19

The pandemic reveals; the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the historically rooted inequities of our society to the forefront. We argue that an intersectional analysis is needed to...
Bringing geography to the community: community-based learning and the geography classroom.

Community-based learning is a pedagogical technique designed to bring students out of the classroom and into their communities. Students typically pair with local nonprofit organizations to complete work which ties into their scholarship. Faculty, students, and community members can all benefit from these partnerships, and university-community relations are strengthened by them. These connections deepen the educational experience and improve student success and retention, and build civic engagement skills that benefit the university community and the student’s home community (Strait, Turk, and Nordyke in: JR Strait, K Nordyke (eds), Pedagogy Of Civic Engagement, High-Impact Practices, and e-Service- L Earning, Stylus Publishing, Virginian, 2015; Bednarz in Journal of Geography in Higher Education 32:87–100, 2008; Mohan in Journal of Geography in Higher Education 19:129–142, 1995). Spatial citizenship, while vital to such engagement and to effective community participation, is seldom taught in traditional pedagogy (Kanwischer, Schulze, and Gryl in: Thomas Jekel, Adrijana Car, Josef Strobl, and Gerald Griesebner (eds), Spatial citizenship—dimensions of a curriculum, Wichmann Verlag, Berlin, 2012). Connecting place to pedagogy with spatially-enabled learning helps students investigate complex global concepts at a manageable local scale. Geography is an intrinsic part of scholarship, to varying degrees, and spatial thinking can bring added dimension and value to the educational process (Vogler in: Thomas Jekel, Adrijana Car, Josef Strobl, and Gerald Griesebner (eds), Wichmann Verlag, Berlin, 2012). The intersectionalities which exist within the community, when examined with a spatial lens, are the core of community geography, a praxis-focused method of engaged scholarship (Shannon in Progress in Human Geography, 10.1177/0309132520961468, 2020). Community-based learning is not clearly defined, yet some established models exist. Place-based learning communities move cohorts of students through a curriculum that is centered on local community issues, with the community as both laboratory and lens, and building place attachment (Schweizer, Davis, and Thompson in Environmental Communication 7:42–62, 2013). Service learning, while less clearly defined, typically involves direct work with community organizations, identifying, investigating, and contributing to solutions for local issues (Strait, Turk, and Nordyke in: JR Strait, K Nordyke (eds), Pedagogy Of Civic Engagement, High-Impact Practices, and e-Service- L Earning, Stylus Publishing, Virginian, 2015; Cal Corps Public Service in Designing Community-Based Courses, 1–45, 2015). Built around the concept of place, the added dimension of improved spatial citizenship benefits both community and students. This paper will review community-based learning as practiced through upper-division service learning courses in geography at two universities, and the development of a new course, as methods of engagement with local communities through a spatial lens.
Foreign Intervention in Africa: From the Cold War to the War on Terror

Foreign Intervention in Africa chronicles the foreign political and military interventions in Africa from 1956 to 2010, during the periods of decolonisation and the Cold War, as well as during the periods of state collapse and the 'global war on terror'. In the first two periods, the most significant intervention was extra-continental. The USA, the Soviet Union, China, Cuba and the former colonial powers entangled themselves in countless African conflicts. During the period of state collapse, the most consequential interventions were intra-continental. African governments, sometimes assisted by powers outside the continent, supported warlords, dictators and dissident movements in neighbouring countries and fought for control of their neighbours' resources. The global war on terror, like the Cold War, increased foreign military presence on the African continent and generated external support for repressive governments. In each of these cases, external interests altered the dynamics of Africa's internal struggles, escalating local conflicts into larger conflagrations, with devastating effects on African peoples.
Learning Expressive Models of Gene Regulation

A central challenge in computational biology is to uncover the mechanisms and cellular circuits that govern how the expression of various genes is controlled in response to a cell's environment. This challenge presents many interesting opportunities for machine-learning methods, especially those that employ expressive representations. In this talk, I will discuss recent research in using machine-learning approaches to (i) recognize regulatory elements in genomic sequences, (ii) uncover networks of interactions among genes, and (iii) characterize the cellular responses induced by various stimuli. I will highlight tasks that call for models that use expressive representations, and discuss lessons learned about what types of representational attributes are important for these tasks.
Adaptive generation of decision functions for classification of digitally modulated signals

The performance of an adaptive technique for the generation of decision functions used in classification of several types of digitally modulated signals-binary amplitude-shift keying (BASK), binary phase-shift keying (BPSK), quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK), and binary frequency-shift keying (BFSK)-is discussed. A computer simulation is performed to measure the properties of the classifier which is trained with one signal from each class. The method correctly identifies all the signals considered during this experiment. The most interesting result from a small number of trials is considered to be that a novel feature, useful for the identification of the number of phase states of BPSK and QPSK signals, is seen to provide adequate information identification at SNRs down to 5 dB. This feature is the existence of narrowband energy near M times the carrier frequency for M-ary PSK signals. >
Cultivating Intellectual Development: Comparing Women-Only Colleges and Coeducational Colleges for Educational Effectiveness

This study, using national surveys and multilevel models, examines the effectiveness of 4-year women-only and coeducational colleges in cultivating women students' intellectual development. No significant differential effect of attending either type of institution was discovered relative to students' critical thinking ability and analytical and problem-solving skills. Women-only colleges seem to provide neither a superior nor an inferior growth experience for female students compared with coeducational institutions. However, analyses suggest that women-only colleges have a significantly greater positive impact on development of intellectual self-confidence. Campus environment as well as college experiences of women students at women-only and coeducational colleges are discussed to explain the reasons for the differential institutional effect. Analyses also indicate that compared with female students in coeducational settings, students in women-only colleges are more likely to participate in college activities that are intellectually stimulating and cultivating.
Situation Awareness Measurement Enhanced for Efficient Monitoring in the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a heterogeneous network of objects that communicate with each other and their owners over the Internet. In the future, the utilization of distributed technologies in combination with their object applications will result in an unprecedented level of knowledge and awareness, creating new business opportunities and expanding existing ones. However, in this paradigm where almost everything can be monitored and tracked, an awareness of the state of the monitoring systems' situation will be important. Given the anticipated scale of business opportunities resulting from new object monitoring and tracking capabilities, IoT adoption has not been as fast as expected. The reason for the slow growth of application objects is the immaturity of the standards, which can be partly attributed to their unique system requirements and characteristics. In particular, the IoT standards must exhibit efficient self-reliant management and monitoring capability, which in a hierarchical topology is the role of cluster heads. IoT standards must be robust, scalable, adaptable, reliable, and trustworthy. These criteria are predicated upon the limited lifetime, and the autonomous nature, of wireless personal area networks (WPANs), of which wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a major technological solution and research area in the IoT. In this paper, the energy efficiency of a self-reliant management and monitoring WSN cluster head selection algorithm, previously used for situation awareness, was improved upon by sharing particular established application cluster heads. This enhancement saved energy and reporting time by reducing the path length to the monitoring node. Also, a proposal to enhance the risk assessment component of the model is made. We demonstrate through experiments that when benchmarked against both a power and randomized cluster head deployment, the proposed enhancement to the situation awareness metric used less power. Potentially, this approach can be used to design a more energy efficient cluster-based management and monitoring algorithm for the advancement of security, e.g. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs), and other standards in the IoT.
Dynamic control of light emission faster than the lifetime limit using VO2 phase-change.

Modulation is a cornerstone of optical communication, and as such, governs the overall speed of data transmission. Currently, the two main strategies for modulating light are direct modulation of the excited emitter population (for example, using semiconductor lasers) and external optical modulation (for example, using Mach–Zehnder interferometers or ring resonators). However, recent advances in nanophotonics offer an alternative approach to control spontaneous emission through modifications to the local density of optical states. Here, by leveraging the phase-change of a vanadium dioxide nanolayer, we demonstrate broadband all-optical direct modulation of 1.5mm emission from trivalent erbium ions more than three orders of magnitude faster than their excited state lifetime. This proof-of-concept demonstration shows how integration with phase-change materials can transform widespread phosphorescent materials into high-speed optical sources that can be integrated in monolithic nanoscale devices for both free-space and on-chip communication.
Conflicting Perspectives: Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Historiography

Historians have found the task of defining medieval chivalry to be an elusive task. Chivalry was at the intersection of warrior culture, aristocratic values and religious ideals. By analyzing twelfth-century historians William of Malmesbury, Henry of Huntingdon, and Orderic Vitalis, I have found that contemporary historians were just as conflicted over these factors as modern historians. Twelfth-century commentators all ascribed different precedence to social and moral factors and the examination of their connections between these values brings the nature of chivalry as a system of interactions between social groups into the open.
The interactions of thrombin with borosilicate glass surfaces.

Borosilicate glass (G) and commercial poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMM) surfaces were examined at pH 7, monovalent ionic strength 0.14 and 22 degrees C. Thrombin concentrations ranged from 6 X 10(-9) to 5.2 X 10(-8)M. Decreases in thrombin concentration in 10 ml vessles were determined by clotting time assay. Adsorption to PMM vessels is small. These were examined to establish the validity of the method. For G-vessels, the terminations of initial rapid decreases, associated with adsorption equilibrium, are accounted for mainly by an average isotherm having an association constant of 1.8 X 10(7) l./mol. Adsorption equilibrium is accompanied by a slower rate of decrease consistent with the surface denaturation of 2.5%/min of adsorbed molecules. Molecules remaining adsorbed to the surfaces of 1 mm i.d. G-capillaries were examined using the sequence of thrombin adsorption, buffer washing for times tw, removal of buffer and introduction of a fibrinogen aliquot for determination of effective surface thrombin concentration by a capillary clotting time. Most adsorbed molecules (less than 90%) essentially desorb within tw = 2 min, a second class (greater than 8%) desorb in tw similar to 30 min, and members of additional classes are still present after tw = 1440 min. For all of the properties examined, there is a small variance between vessels taken at the same time from the same batch, and a larger variance between groups of vessels taken at different times from the same batch or from different batches.
Disruption of transforming growth factor β signaling and profibrotic responses in normal skin fibroblasts by peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ

Objective In fibroblasts, transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) stimulates collagen synthesis and myofibroblast transdifferentiation through the Smad intracellular signal transduction pathway. TGF beta-mediated fibroblast activation is the hallmark of scleroderma and related fibrotic conditions, and disrupting the intracellular TGF beta/Smad signaling may provide a novel approach to controlling fibrosis. Because of its potential role in modulating inflammatory and fibrotic responses, we examined the expression of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) in normal skin fibroblasts and its effect on TGF beta-induced cellular responses. Methods The expression and activity of PPAR gamma in normal dermal fibroblasts were examined by Northern and Western blot analyses, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and transient transfections with reporter constructs. The same approaches were used to evaluate the effects of PPAR gamma activation by naturally occurring and synthetic ligands on collagen synthesis and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression. Modulation of Smad-mediated transcriptional responses was examined by transient transfection assays using wild-type and dominant-negative PPAR gamma expression constructs. Results The PPAR gamma receptor was expressed and fully functional in quiescent normal skin fibroblasts. Whereas ligand activation of cellular PPAR gamma resulted in modest suppression of basal collagen gene expression, it abrogated TGF beta-induced stimulation in a concentration-dependent manner. This response was mimicked by overexpressing PPAR gamma in fibroblasts, and was blocked by a selective antagonist of PPAR gamma signaling or by transfection of fibroblasts with dominant-negative PPAR gamma constructs. Furthermore, PPAR gamma ligands abrogated TGF beta-induced expression of alpha-SMA, a marker of myofibroblasts. Stimulation of Smad-dependent transcriptional responses by TGF beta was suppressed by PPAR gamma despite the absence of a consensus PPAR gamma-response element in the targeted promoters. Ligand-induced activation of fibroblast PPAR gamma had no effect on protein expression of cellular Smad3 or Smad7. Conclusion By abrogating of TGF beta-induced stimulation of collagen gene expression, myofibroblast transdifferentiation, and Smad-dependent promoter activity in normal fibroblasts, PPAR gamma may play a physiologic role in the regulation of the profibrotic response. Furthermore, our results suggest that PPAR gamma activation by pharmacologic agonists may represent a novel approach to the control of fibrosis in scleroderma.
Faculty and administrator perceptions of their environments: Different views or different models of organization?

Individuals' perceptions of the culture and climate of the organizations in which they work influence their motivation and individual performance. Using a theoretical model of institutional culture, organizational climate, and faculty motivation, this study examines how faculty and academic administrators differ in their perceptions; whether these differences in perceptions are affected by institutional type; and to what extent faculty and administrators have different implicit models of their institutions (i.e., see different organizational variables as predictors of faculty motivation and involvement). The goals of this investigation are to shed additional light on the relationship between institutional variables and faculty performance, to examine the existence of differing implicit models, and to provide new insights for administrators in managing their postsecondary institutions.
Effects of preincubating human peripheral blood lymphocytes on their ability to bind sheep red blood cells.

Abstract The effect of preincubating human peripheral lymphocytes at 37°C or 4°C for various lengths of time on their subsequent ability to form rosettes with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was investigated. Lymphocytes suspended in either medium or medium containing fetal calf serum (FCS) and preincubated at 37°C for 30 min exhibited marked decrease in rosette formation with a return to normal values by 120 min. However, neither lymphocytes suspended in medium and preincubated at 4°C nor lymphocytes suspended in medium containing normal human serum (HS) and preincubated at 37°C exhibited this phenomenon.
Liver subcellular fatty acid profiles of chicks fed diets containing hydrogenated fats and varying linoleate levels

Day-old male broiler chickens were fed semipurified diets containing 5% lipid from one of four different lipid sources: corn oil (CO), partially hydrogenated soybean oil (HSBO), a spent restaurant grease (SRG) and a purified mixture of triolein, tripalmitin and tristearin (OPS). Diets CO and HSBO contained adequate amounts of linoleic acid, but diets SRG and OPS were deficient in linoleate. In addition, SRG and HSBO containedtrans isomers of 16∶1 and 18∶1. The diets were fed for 3 wk to determine the effects of low linoleate levels andtrans isomers on fatty acid profiles in liver microsomes, mitochondria and cytosol. Chicks fed HSBO had the highest body weights, while those fed SRG and OPS had the lowest. The incidence and severity of dermatitis were similar for all treatments. The proportions of linoleate and arachidonate in lipids from liver subcecullar fractions were reduced significantly in chicks fed OPS and SRG; however levels of 20∶3ω9 were not increased. Feeding HSBO, which is high in both linoleate and linolenate, resulted in higher levels of 18∶3ω3 and 20∶5ω3 in liver subcellular fractions and lower levels of 20∶4ω6 than those seen in chicks fed CO. The isomeric forms of 18∶1 present in the partially hydrogenated fats (HSBO and SRG) appeared to be incorporated into the lipids of liver fractions. The results of this study show that dietary lipids influence fatty acid, profiles of chick liver microsomes, mitochondria and cytosol. Decreases in linoleate and arachidonate in these organelles occur before overt essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency signs in chicks fed EFA-deficient diets.
Use of a Calcium Chelating Agent(NaEDTA) in Cardiac Arrhythmias

The interrelated effects of digitalis and various cations on cardiac rhythmicity are the subject of much recent interest. This paper presents additional data on this subject that carry important therapeutic implications. The chelating agent, disodium ethylene diamine tetra acetate (NaEDTA), has been used intravenously in 14 instances of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmia. Digitalis had been administered previously in 13 instances, and various degrees of digitalization were encountered. This report summarizes our experience with NaEDTA as a test of the degree of digitalis therapy and as treatment of the arrhythmias observed.
Labeling of manufactured products containing radioactive materials.

Abstract Radioactive materials are now being used in a variety of commercial products which are readily available to both industry and the general public. Some of these products contain quantities of radioactive materials which can be hazardous to unsuspecting customers or to those persons who handle the products in large numbers. It is necessary that each item containing a hazardous amount of radioactive material be conspicuously marked with the conventional radiation symbol. It is equally important that such marking not be used on items which do not present a radiation hazard. Various radiation protection codes and standards now in effect or under development contain special provisions for labeling such products but these regulations are widely different. Some of the factors involved in establishing sound labeling standards are discussed and a method for deriving suitable limits is proposed.
Thickness ratio effects on quasistatic actuation and sensing behavior of laminate magnetoelectric cantilevers

In this work, the magnetoelectric cantilever composed of a layer of Galfenol and a layer of PZT-5H is studied for novel applications such as surgical ablation tools and cutting tools for machining applications. For developing a suitable model for the magnetoelectric cantilever, an energy based approach for the non-linear constitutive behavior of the magnetostrictive material and linear piezoelectric constitutive equations will be coupled with Euler Bernoulli model for composite beams. The cantilever is held in a uniform magnetic field and the magnetic field is measured by a Gaussmeter. The tip-deflection of the cantilever is detected by a laser triangulation sensor. The piezoelectric response can be studied with low noise preamplifier. Four PZT-5H layers with different thickness are separately bonded on the top of the same Galfenol layer and characterized to study the thickness ratio effects on the quasistatic actuation and sensing behavior of the composite cantilever.
Effect of primer pheromones and pollen diet on the food producing glands of worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L.).

Cooperative brood care is highly developed in the honey bee such that workers called nurses use their hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands to biosynthesize proteinaceous secretions that are progressively provisioned to larvae. The role that honey bee primer pheromones play in the functional physiology of food producing glands was examined. The combined and separate effects of queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) and brood pheromone (BP) on amount of protein extractable from hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of workers reared for 12 days with and without pollen diets was measured. In rearing environments with a pollen diet, BP, and QMP + BP pheromone treatments significantly increased extractable protein from both glands. Bees reared with QMP + pollen had amounts of protein extractable from both glands that were not significantly different from control bees (no pheromones, no pollen). Pollen in the diet alone significantly increased amounts of protein extractable from glands versus control. In rearing environments without pollen, QMP + BP had a synergizing effect on amount of protein in both glands. The QMP + BP treatment was the only rearing environment without a pollen diet where protein amounts were significantly greater than the control. The synergizing effect of QMP + BP on extractable mandibular and hypopharyngeal gland protein suggests a highly derived role for the combined effect of these two primer pheromones on honey bee cooperative brood care. Mandibular gland area was significantly and positively correlated with extractable protein. Amounts of extractable protein from both glands declined significantly with age of workers in all treatments. However, treatment significantly affected rate of decline. The adaptive significance of gland protein amounts in response to pheromones and pollen diet are discussed.