cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Male migration and decision making: are women finally being included?

In a mixed methods interdisciplinary case study approach, this paper explores the role of decision making for women who remain in their rural communities when male migration is considered and, on occasion, acted upon. In a unique approach in the field of migration studies, this paper considers not only women whose husbands have migrated – absent husbands – but also the impact of male migration on women whose husbands have returned – most often from the United States – as well as women whose husbands have never left – anchored husbands. The findings from this study of women in San Juan Guelavia, Oaxaca, Mexico, suggest that women’s involvement in migration decision making pertaining to imminent or potential emigration of husbands remains, in large part, the domain of husbands, but generational differences are shown that may begin to erode men’s traditional patriarchal role. Women with anchored husbands often implement strategies – consciously or subconsciously – to retain husbands in the home and with the ...
Scene rendering for the Smart Weapons Operability Enhancement program

This paper will detail the process of the rendering module of the Smart Weapons Operability Enhancement (SWOE) Process.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pyrolysis of a binary mixture of complex hydrocarbons: Reaction modeling

A reaction model was developed for the pyrolysis of binary mixtures of compounds whose reactions can be apportioned into three or fewer parallel chains coupled by chain transfer. A representative application of this model to the pyrolysis of mixtures of the asphaltene model compounds n-pentadecylben- zene (PDB) and n-tridecylcyclohexane (TDC) illustrates its utility. The model, along with its associated rate constant estimates, quantitatively correlated the experimental temporal variations of the product yields from the individual pyrolyses of PDB and TDC. Model results for binary mixtures of PDB and TDC showed that the pyrolysis rates for both compounds were accelerated by the addition of the second compound. For instance, the pyrolysis of PDB at an initial concentration of 1Oe4 M proceeded at a 36% higher rate in the presence of TDC at an equal concentration. The rate of TDC pyrolysis at (TDC) = 1O-4 M, on the other hand, increased more than nine-fold upon the addition of PDB at a concentration of 10m4M. Unlike the accelerated reaction rates, product selectivities were largely insensitive to the presence of the second compound. These results are consistent with and can be explained on the basis of the influence of concentration on the relative kinetics of bimolecular and unimolecular propagation, chain transfer, and termination steps. The model results also lead to the identification of quantitative criteria for determining when an added compound can act as a rate accelerator. Finally, this study permits speculation into the effects of interactions between alkylaromatic and alkylnaphthenic moieties in asphaltenes on the pyrolysis pathways, products, and kinetics.
Java Applets Enhance Learning in a Freshman ECE Course

The goals of our work have been to enhance the learning environment of our students and to increase the productivity of faculty by freeing them from the drudgery of grading homework and quizzes, as well as the time required to record and compute grades. We have achieved these goals by means of the highly interactive World Wide Web (WWW)-based learning environment provided by MallardTM,1,2 and by the development of several Java applets3 within the Mallard environment to enhance the learning process. These Java applets are the subject of this paper. They include the ability to draw timing diagrams and graphs whose data points can be communicated to the server for grading. Java applets have also been written to simulate a simple microprocessor, and a whiteboard has been implemented as an applet for synchronous communication with on-line tutors. We also present some interesting student survey results on Mallard and Web-based instruction.
Good Times, Bad Times A Keyword Analysis of Letters to Shareholders of Two Fortune 500 Banking Institutions

This corpus-based keyword analysis investigates the letters to the shareholders from two commercial banks, Bank of America and Citigroup, over a 3-year period from 2008, 2009, and 2010. The letters were compiled to facilitate a diachronic analysis, an assessment of language change over a specific period, of profit/loss reporting from two prominent financial institutions over a time period in which the recession commenced, peaked, and concluded. To conduct the analysis on the node texts, two sets of reference corpora were compiled. One reference corpus set consists of the letters to shareholders from eight consistently high-performing corporations not within the commercial banking industry for each of the 3 years; the other reference corpus set consists of the letters from the 10 banking institutions that also appeared in the Fortune 500 listings for the 3-year period. The corpus-based analysis revealed that in years of low performance companies create messages that assert a vision and forward a strategy f...
Risk factors for pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder after traumatic injury

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that may be predictive of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children after a traumatic injury. The study was a retrospective review of data collected from 337 pediatric trauma patients treated in a multidisicplinary outpatient clinic. Results from Chi-square and t-test analyses indicated that gender, ethnicity, age, and injury severity were not risk factors for PTSD. However, mechanism of injury, specifically a gun shot wound (p = .001), was associated with development of PTSD, as was body area of injury, specifically the abdomen (p = .001). Psychiatric screening of patients with gun shot wounds and wounds to the abdomen may help with the early identification and treatment of PTSD.
Long term effects of preplant fumigation of potato fields

The application of nematicides resulted in increased potato yields, and populations ofPratylenchus penetrans were lower for 3 years after application; but longevity of benefits of fumigating potato fields varied with the kind and amount of nematicide, application methods and with growing conditions after fumigation. Fumigation of two fields in the fall of 1965 with Vorlex, Telone, D-D, and mixtures of chloropicrin with Telone or D-D resulted in 70% to 90% control of the meadow nematode,P. penetrans, after two crops in one field, and 50% to 70% control after three crops in another. Yield increases of Kennebec potatoes averaged 42% and 16% in successive crops in the first field and yield increases of Katahdin potatoes averaged 13%, 22% and 16% in three successive crops in the other field. Fumigation resulted in 30 to 70% less vascular browning in tubers in the first two crops but there was no effect in the third crop. There was no effect on black scurf in any crop. Root injury varied proportionally with populations ofP. penetrans in roots in 1967. Populations ofP. penetrans regained injurious levels in three other fields after one crop when abundant root growth in moist 1967 followed spring fumigation with Telone and D-D. Under poor conditions for sealing of the soil following fumigation in the spring of 1968, counts ofP. penetrans collected at different soil depths after fumigation showed excellent kill below 3 inches and poorer kill in the upper 2 inches of soil.
Drama vs. Lecture‐demonstration in television teaching

(1969). Drama vs. Lecture‐demonstration in television teaching. Western Speech: Vol. 33, No. 2, pp. 126-131.
Enhancing static facial features increases intimidation

Abstract Previous research has established that a face's width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is pivotal in influencing observer evaluations, as individuals with a high fWHR are perceived as intimidating along multiple dimensions. Specifically, high-fWHR individuals are considered untrustworthy, aggressive, and prejudiced. Unlike other facial features involved in intimidation, fWHR is dependent upon bone structure and thus static. The current research examines whether individuals, in an effort to appear more intimidating, increase their perceived fWHR by manipulating the angle at which their faces are viewed. In Study 1, participants spontaneously posing as “intimidating” for photos had a greater fWHR compared to when they posed for a baseline photo. Additionally, individuals with smaller baseline fWHRs, who would be particularly likely to benefit from augmenting their perceived fWHR, increased their fWHR more than individuals with larger fWHRs by tilting their heads more sharply. In Study 2 participants evaluated targets posed with their faces tilted or non-tilted. When targets were presented with their faces tilted they were evaluated as more intimidating than non-tilted baseline photos of the same target. This effect was greater for targets with larger baseline fWHRs. Up- or down-tilt and target gender differentially moderated this relationship. The current research presents evidence that individuals behaviorally manipulate their perceived fWHR in order to appear more intimidating.
Enhanced magnetic relaxation of 3He at substrate quadrupole frequency

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements have been performed on thin films of 3 He on a CaF 2 substrate. The CaF 2 was preplated with a monolayer of N 2 which has a quadrupolar resonance. The 3 He spin-lattice relaxation time was measured from 2 to 15 MHz at a temperature of 96 mK. Similar measurements were made on a system of liquid 3 He above two layers of N 2 on a Carbolac substrate at .4 K. Sharp minima in the 3 He T 1 are observed at the N 2 quadrupole frequency and at twice the quadrupole frequency in both systems.
The precursor of mouse β-globin messenger RNA contains two intervening RNA sequences

Abstract We have investigated the locations of the poly(A), the mRNA-specific sequences and the RNA sequences that are eventually cleaved from the 1860 nucleotide precursor of mouse β-globin mRNA. Biochemical and electron microscopic data demonstrate that there are two intervening RNA moieties in the precursor which separate the β-globin mRNA sequences into three portions containing 480, 205 and 155 nucleotides. One of the two intervening RNA moieties contains 780 nucleotides. The size of the smaller intervening RNA has not been determined precisely, but it is 125 nucleotides or less. The largest mRNA-specific fragment is derived from the 3′ terminus of the precursor, and contains the 3′ terminal poly(A) and 330 mRNA-specific transcribed nucleotides. At least one, and probably both, intervening RNAs occur within the coding portion of the mRNA sequences. The larger of the intervening RNAs is located next to the 480 nucleotide mRNA-specific fragment, and the smaller intervening RNA is located between the 205 and 155 nucleotide mRNA-specific fragments. These experiments are consistent with the notion that the intervening sequences in the DNA of mouse β-globin genes are transcribed into the mRNA precursor and are excised from the RNA by post-transcriptional events.
Coarsening in a Viscous Matrix

When a viscous material is three-dimensionally constrained (as when a gel or slurry of glass is infiltrated into the interstices of a particle packing), heat treatment leads to coarsening of the pore-size distribution, rather than densification. The smaller pores generate greater capillary pressure; therefore, they shrink and force the large pores to expand. In this article, the kinetics of coarsening are analyzed, and sample calculations are performed for a body with a lognormal distribution of pore sizes.
Some cultural differences in sanctioning behavior

Forty-eight Ss responded to a questionnaire which incorporated structural and outcome variables known to be related to sanctioning behavior in the United States. Twelve Ss represented each of two age groups (11–13 and 16–19) and two nationalities (Cuban and U. S.). Results showed considerable cultural generality in the operation of variables influencing sanctioning behavior, but the strength of these variables was a function of age, nationality, outcome quality, and outcome intensity.
Energy-Based Split Vector Quantizer Employing Signal Representation in Multiple Transform Domains

Mikhael, W., and Krishnan, V., Energy-Based Split Vector Quantizer Employing Signal Representation in Multiple Transform Domains, Digital Signal Processing11 (2001) 359?370Vector quantization schemes are widely used for waveform coding of one- and multidimensional signals. In this contribution, a novel energy-based, split vector quantization technique is presented, which represents digital signals efficiently as measured by the number of bits per sample for a predetermined signal reconstruction quality. In this approach, each signal vector is projected into multiple transform domains. In the learning mode, for a given transform domain representation, the transformed vector is split into subvectors (subbands) of equal average energy estimated from the transformed training vector ensemble. An equal number of bits is assigned to each subvector. A codebook is then designed for each equal energy subband of each transform domain representation. In the running mode, the coder selects codes from the domain that best represents the signal vector. The proposed multiple transform, split vector quantizer is developed and its performance is evaluated for both single-stage and multistage implementations. Several single transform vector quantizers for waveform coding exist, some of which employ energy-based bit allocation. Sample results using one-dimensional speech signals confirm the superior performance of the proposed scheme over existing single transform vector quantizers for waveform coding.
Local and global dynamics of the basement membrane during branching morphogenesis require protease activity and actomyosin contractility

Many epithelial tissues expand rapidly during embryonic development while remaining surrounded by a basement membrane. Remodeling of the basement membrane is assumed to occur during branching morphogenesis to accommodate epithelial growth, but how such remodeling occurs is not yet clear. We report that the basement membrane is highly dynamic during branching of the salivary gland, exhibiting both local and global remodeling. At the tip of the epithelial end bud, the basement membrane becomes perforated by hundreds of well-defined microscopic holes at regions of rapid expansion. Locally, this results in a distensible, mesh-like basement membrane for controlled epithelial expansion while maintaining tissue integrity. Globally, the basement membrane translocates rearward as a whole, accumulating around the forming secondary ducts, helping to stabilize them during branching. Both local and global dynamics of the basement membrane require protease and myosin II activity. Our findings suggest that the basement membrane is rendered distensible by proteolytic degradation to allow it to be moved and remodeled by cells through actomyosin contractility to support branching morphogenesis.
Ribosomal mutations affecting efficiency of amber suppression

Abstract The effect of strA mutations on the efficiency of amber and ochre suppressors, known to be mutated tRNA's, has been measured in vivo in isogenic strains. This effect is expressed in terms of translation rate of the amber codon, using bacterial and T4 amber mutants. Both translation through an adequate tRNA and through misreading are co-ordinately affected at different degrees by different strA mutations. The efficiency of different suppressor species is generally reduced by a given strA mutation at different degrees. This degree does not depend on the anticodon and probably also not on the amino acyl moiety. The efficiency of one species (suIII) is in fact enhanced when tested with T4 mutants while it is normally reduced when tested with bacterial mutations. Indirect evidence indicates that this tRNA is modified by T4 infection, probably in a structural element which determines its interaction with the ribosome. It is proposed that the strA protein influences the interaction of the ribosome (possibly binding) with the tRNA, controlling thereby the rate of chain elongation.
In-process force measurement for diameter control in precision cylindrical grinding.

This article shows the theory and implementation of a force measurement-based approach to controlling workpiece diameter in cylindrical grinding. A simple model proposed is used to relate infeed velocity to grinding force. The model is extended to accurately control the amount of material removed in outer diameter plunge grinding given the normal force, which may be monitored in real-time. The model incorporates the key parameters, including the structural loop stiffness, the plunge infeed velocity, and the wheel and workpiece properties. However, only the infeed velocity must be explicitly known. The contribution of this work is experimental validation that the lag between infeed and stock removal can be predicted using force feedback without a priori knowledge of the grinding system. This allows very accurate diameter control (0.25 μm of nominal), even in the presence of thermal drift, wheel wear, and machine error.
Staged reconstruction for middle aortic syndrome

Abstract Background/Purpose: Middle aortic syndrome is a rare condition that involves narrowing of the abdominal aorta and its visceral branches. The authors propose staged vascular repair to minimize renal ischemia and facilitate use of native arterial tissue for reconstruction. Methods: Three adolescents (age 8½, 12½, 13½) presented with severe hypertension. Subsequent evaluation showed coarctation of the abdominal aorta extending above the celiac axis. All 3 patients had bilateral renal artery stenoses. There also were tight stenoses of the celiac or superior mesenteric arteries. In the first stage the right renal artery stenosis was relieved. In the youngest patient, this was accomplished by balloon angioplasty. However, in the other 2, right renal autotransplantation was performed to the right iliac vessels using end-to-side anastomoses of the renal artery and vein. Cold perfusion was used. The second stage was performed 2 to 5 months later via a thoracoabdominal approach in 2 patients. A Dacron tube graft was utilized from above the coarctation to the iliac bifurcation. The left renal arteries were detached and anastomosed end to side to the bypass graft. In 1 child there were actually 3 separate renal arteries that required reimplantation. In the youngest patient the aortic narrowing was relieved by a long Dacron patch aortoplasty and interposition of an internal iliac artery graft to the left renal artery. Results: All 3 patients recovered well and returned to full activities. There was no measurable rise of BUN or serum creatinine postoperatively. Postoperative renal scans showed good renal perfusion bilaterally. Follow-up results 2 to 10 years later continue to show well functioning reconstructions. Conclusion: A staged approach is an effective reconstruction for children with middle aortic syndrome which minimizes risk to renal function. J Pediatr Surg 36:1252-1254. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
Infection Control Issues in Construction and Renovation

Construction or renovation projects in hospitals pose special challenges. Infection control personnel should be involved in all phases of these projects to ensure that patients, visitors, and staff are protected from unnecessary exposure to infectious agents. Infection control personnel must identify the infection risks posed by each project and must plan ways to minimize the risk. Infection control personnel also must ensure that municipal, county, state, and federal infection control guidelines and regulations are met. This article will discuss basic infection control issues encountered during construction and renovation, offer practical suggestions for addressing these issues, discuss common questions that infection control personnel must address, and describe outbreaks related to construction and renovation.
GROWTH, STRUCTURES, AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF III-NITRIDE QUANTUM DOTS

This article reviews the advances in the growth of III-nitride quantum dots achieved in the last few years and their unique properties. The growth techniques and the strcutural and optical properties associated with quantum confinement, strain, and polarization in GaN/AlxGa1-xN and InxGa1-xN/GaN quantum dots are discussed in detail.
Face-to-Face Proximity Estimation Using Bluetooth On Smartphones

The availability of “always-on” communications has tremendous implications for how people interact socially. In particular, sociologists are interested in the question if such pervasive access increases or decreases face-to-face interactions. Unlike triangulation which seeks to precisely define position, the question of face-to-face interaction reduces to one of proximity, i.e., are the individuals within a certain distance? Moreover, the problem of proximity estimation is complicated by the fact that the measurement must be quite precise (1-1.5 m) and can cover a wide variety of environments. Existing approaches such as GPS and Wi-Fi triangulation are insufficient to meet the requirements of accuracy and flexibility. In contrast, Bluetooth, which is commonly available on most smartphones, provides a compelling alternative for proximity estimation. In this paper, we demonstrate through experimental studies the efficacy of Bluetooth for this exact purpose. We propose a proximity estimation model to determine the distance based on the RSSI values of Bluetooth and light sensor data in different environments. We present several real world scenarios and explore Bluetooth proximity estimation on Android with respect to accuracy and power consumption.
Multiple Predictors of Asian American Children's School Achievement

Research Findings: A structural equation model (SEM) and multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) model were used to test family factors, parent psychological well-being, parent–child home activity, and parent school involvement in relation to children's school achievement. Data for this study were drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten (ECLS-K), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The sample for this study was 1,100 Asian American kindergartners and their parents. Practice or Policy: The results of this study are as follows: (a) Family factors, especially parental education levels and family income, were significantly associated with Asian American students' school achievement; (b) parent–child home activity was significantly related to students' school achievement but in a negative direction; (c) parental school involvement was not found to be significant in predicting students' school achievement; (d) parental p...
Chemistry of C-Trimethylsilyl-Substituted Heterocarboranes. 32. Synthetic and Structural Investigations on Half-Sandwich Lanthanacarboranes: Important Synthons in Metallacarborane Chemistry

The reactivities of the monosodium-complexed carborane precursors nido-1-Na(C4H8O)-2-(R)-3-(SiMe3)-2,3-C2B4H5 (R = SiMe3 (1) or Me (2)) with a number of lanthanide halides were investigated. The re...
Inhibition of photosynthesis and leaf conductance interactions induced by SO2, NO2 and SO2 + NO2

Abstract Effects of 2-h exposures to 0–1 μmol mol −1 SO 2 , NO 2 and (1:1) SO 2 + NO 2 on CO 2 uptake by standardized snap bean leaves were studied. Interactions resulting from pollutant-induced changes in leaf conductance were evaluated. Minimum exposure concentrations required to depress CO 2 exchange rates (CER) under the test conditions were:0.17 μmol mol −1 SO 2 , 0.38 μmol mol −1 NO 2 , and 0.08 μmol mol −1 of each pollutant in the 1:1 mixture. Treatments with 1 μmol mol −1 NO 2 reduced CER 10% without affecting leaf conductance. One μmol mol −1 SO 2 depressed CER by 50%. Leaf conductances increased in SO 2 -treated leaves showing 30% inhibition of CER. Greater inhibition led to subsequent stomatal closure. Inhibition caused by the individual pollutants (applied singly) was linear over the range of concentrations investigated. The dual-pollutant mixture produced a synergistic response that was most pronounced at the lower pollutant concentrations. The potentiated effect was correlated with marked stomatal closure. Experimental plants for this study were grown under low moisture stress conditions to enhance stomatal opening in the plant stock material and reduce (damp) the potential for further SO 2 -induced stimulation of stomatal opening. The experiments were designed to obtain limiting data for the test conditions.
Uniqueness of solutions to single-stage isobaric flash processes involving homogeneous mixtures

All single-stage isobaric flash processes involving multicomponent homogeneous mixtures are shown to have unique two-phase solutions. No simplifications with regard to nonideal phase behavior are made. The main result for the isothermal, isobaric (TP) case is established with the aid of a different characterization of material stability, the Gibbs-Duhem equation, and the Cauchy interlace theorem. Results for the other traditional specifications of heat duty and pressure (QP), and total vapor flow rate and pressure (VP) are proved by establishing a one-to-one correspondence between the solution sets for TP and QP and the solution sets for TP and VP flash problems, respectively. Construction of these one-to-one mappings results in some interesting analysis associated with the appropriate plane curves in the TQ and TV planes. Some new properties of the underlying matrices involved in the phase equilibrium of homogeneous mixtures are presented.
Three-dimensional data storage using the photochromic protein bacteriorhodopsin

A three-dimensional computer memory architecture based on the optical properties of the integral membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin has been previously proposed. However, confirmation of the very important branched photocycle property of this protein has not been shown. Data confirming the existence of a branched photocycle by writing a long term stable bit of information within the center of a cube of protein is presented. The stable photoproduct is formed by pulsing a 635 nm laser followed by an intersecting 690 nm laser pulse. At the point of intersection a stable branched photo-product appears. We found that at elevated temperatures the rate of production of the stable photoproduct is greatly increased and therefore the experiments are performed at 40/spl deg/C. Data representing absorbance changes at 690 nm due to the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle at 40/spl deg/C is presented. This information is required to set the timing of the light pulses required to write a bit. Then the pulse-pulse experiment is performed with a corresponding increase in transmission observed during the 690 nm light pulse. This confirms the production of the stable photoproduct. The experiment is then repeated with both lasers pulsing simultaneously. If the photoproduct is formed from a branch off of the photocycle, the simultaneous pulses should form much less photoproduct, despite an equivalent number of photons. Data showing this result is presented confirming the branched production of the stable photoproduct, thus proving the three dimensional computer memory architecture.
Rational Design and Nanofabrication of Gecko‐Inspired Fibrillar Adhesives

Gecko feet integrate many intriguing functions such as strong adhesion, easy detachment, and self-cleaning. Mimicking gecko toe pad structure leads to the development of new types of fibrillar adhesives useful for various applications. In this Concept article, in addition to the design of adhesive mimics by replicating gecko geometric features, we show a new trend of rational design by adding other physical, chemical, and biological principles on to the geometric merits, for enhancing robustness, responsive control, and durability. Current challenges and future directions are highlighted in the design and nanofabrication of biomimetic fibrillar adhesives.
Commercially available gaming systems as clinical assessment tools to improve value in the orthopaedic setting: a systematic review.

Abstract Introduction Commercially available gaming systems (CAGS) such as the Wii Balance Board (WBB) and Microsoft Xbox with Kinect (Xbox Kinect) are increasingly used as balance training and rehabilitation tools. The purpose of this review was to answer the question, “Are commercially available gaming systems valid and reliable instruments for use as clinical diagnostic and functional assessment tools in orthopaedic settings?” and provide a summary of relevant studies, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and generate conclusions regarding general validity/reliability of WBB and Xbox Kinect in orthopaedics. Materials and methods A systematic search was performed using MEDLINE (1996–2013) and Scopus (1996–2013). Inclusion criteria were minimum of 5 subjects, full manuscript provided in English or translated, and studies incorporating investigation of CAG measurement properties. Exclusion criteria included reviews, systematic reviews, summary/clinical commentaries, or case studies; conference proceedings/presentations; cadaveric studies; studies of non-reversible, non-orthopaedic-related musculoskeletal disease; non-human trials; and therapeutic studies not reporting comparative evaluation to already established functional assessment criteria. All studies meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were appraised for quality by two independent reviewers. Evidence levels (I–V) were assigned to each study based on established methodological criteria. Results 3 Level II, 7 level III, and 1 Level IV studies met inclusion criteria and provided information related to the use of the WBB and Xbox Kinect as clinical assessment tools in the field of orthopaedics. Studies have used the WBB in a variety of clinical applications, including the measurement of center of pressure (COP), measurement of medial-to-lateral (M/L) or anterior-to-posterior (A/P) symmetry, assessment anatomic landmark positioning, and assessment of fall risk. However, no uniform protocols or outcomes were used to evaluate the quality of the WBB as a clinical assessment tool; therefore a wide range of sensitivities, specificities, accuracies, and validities were reported. Conclusion Currently it is not possible to make a universal generalization about the clinical utility of CAGS in the field of orthopaedics. However, there is evidence to support using the WBB and the Xbox Kinect as tools to obtain reliable and valid COP measurements. The Wii Fit Game may specifically provide reliable and valid measurements for predicting fall risk.
Normative Performance on an Executive Clock Drawing Task (CLOX) in a Community-Dwelling Sample of Older Adults

The CLOX is a clock drawing test used to screen for cognitive impairment in older adults, but there is limited normative data for this measure. This study presents normative data for the CLOX derived from a diverse sample of 585 community-dwelling older adults with complete cognitive data at baseline and 4-year follow-up. Participants with evidence of baseline impairment or substantial 4-year decline on the Mini-Mental State Examination were excluded from the normative sample. Spontaneous clock drawing (CLOX1) and copy (CLOX2) performances were stratified by age group and reading ability from the Wide Range Achievement Test, 3rd edition (WRAT-3). Lowest mean CLOX scores were observed for the oldest age group (75+ years old) with the lowest WRAT-3 reading scores. For all groups, average scores were higher for CLOX2 than CLOX1. These normative data may be helpful to clinicians and researchers for interpreting CLOX performance in older adults with diverse levels of reading ability.
X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks in human sperm

A methodology for quantifying DNA double-strand breaks in human sperm is described. Sperm from three healthy human donors on three separate days each were irradiated with 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 cGy X-rays. Linear dose-response effects were observed in migrated DNA from sperm nuclei when electrophoresed under neutral conditions. RNase and proteinase K treatments for longer duration were necessary, to decondense the chromatin and presumably to release the broken DNA for migration in the electrophoretic field in a dose-dependent manner. An increase in DNA migration was observed with as low as 12.5 cGy, but damage was observed in all samples at 25 cGy. No evidence of repair of these X-ray-induced DNA double-strand breaks was observed during a 2 h period.
Ethanolamine and phosphoethanolamine inhibit mitochondrial function in vitro: Implications for mitochondrial dysfunction hypothesis in depression and bipolar disorder

Abstract Background A growing body of experimental evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction, including alterations in phospholipid metabolism, might be involved in the pathophysiology of affective illnesses, such as depression and bipolar disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the phosphomonoester phosphoethanolamine (PE) and the lipid metabolite choline (Cho), which are known to be altered in depression and bipolar disorder, and/or their precursors/metabolites, might directly affect mitochondrial bioenergetic function in vitro. Methods To this end, rates of oxygen consumption in freshly isolated, intact mitochondria were determined polarographically in the presence and absence of PE, Cho, ethanolamine (Etn), glycerophosphoethanolamine (GPE), and glycerophosphocholine (GPC). Results The data demonstrate that PE and Etn inhibit mitochondrial respiratory activity in a dose-dependent manner, whereas Cho, GPC, and GPE have no measurable effect on bioenergetic function. Conclusions This reflects a specific inhibition by Etn and PE on mitochondrial function rather than a more generalized phenomenon induced by similarities in structure between the lipid metabolites. These results also suggest a possible relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and altered phospholipid metabolism in the brains of patients with depression and bipolar disorder.
On The Infinitely Hard Problem Of Consciousness

I show that the recursive structure of Leibniz's Law requires agents to perform infinitely many operations to psychologically identify the referents of phenomenal and physical concepts, even though the referents of ordinary concepts (e.g. Hesperus and Phosphorus) can be identified in a finite number of steps. The resulting problem resembles the hard problem of consciousness in the fact that it appears (and indeed is) unsolvable by anyone for whom it arises, and in the fact that it invites dualist and eliminativist responses. Moreover, if this is the hard problem then we can predict that regardless of the strength of the argument for physicalism, and regardless of physicalism's truth, an ineliminable dissatisfaction is bound to accompany any physicalist theory of consciousness. Accordingly, I suggest that this is the hard problem of consciousness, and therefore that the hard problem arises from a recursively degenerate application of Leibniz's Law.
The gore excluder US multi-center trial: analysis of adverse events at 2 years

Although open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms remains the standard of care, endovascular repair is becoming an attractive alternative as more long-term outcome data become available to show its safety and efficacy. The authors review data on the 2-year outcome of the pivotal US multicenter, prospective Gore Excluder Trial. Patients treated with the Excluder endograft (W.L. Gore, Flaggstaff, AZ) had less blood loss (310 +/- 19 v 1,590 +/- 124 mL; P <.0001), required fewer homologous transfusions (6% v 32%; P <.0001), and had faster inpatient recovery (2.0 +/- 0.1 v 9.8 +/- 1.4 days; P <.0001) compared with those treated with open repair. Early major adverse events were reduced significantly in the patients treated with the endograft (14% v 57% in control; P <.0001), and this persisted at 2 years. There was no difference in overall survival rate (P =.13). There were no deployment failures, early conversions, or aneurysm ruptures. At the 2-year time-point, trunk migration occurred in 1%, limb migration in 1%, limb narrowing in 1%, endoleak in 20%, and aneurysm growth in 14%. There was a 7% annual reintervention rate in the endograft group in the first 2 years. The Excluder endograft is a safe and effective treatment compared with open surgical repair for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms with appropriate anatomy.
Egg-thiamine Status and Occurrence of Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in Atlantic Salmon from the St. Marys River, Michigan

Early mortality syndrome (EMS) is the term used to describe the mortality of juvenile salmonids due to thiamine deficiency within the Great Lakes basin. EMS appears to be related to the presence of thiaminase found in prey fish such as alewives Alosa pseudoharengus, rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, and gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum. Since 1985, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Lake Superior State University's Aquatic Research Laboratory, has raised Atlantic salmon Salmo salar for stocking in the St. Marys River region near Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The current study correlates egg-thiamine concentrations from 45 individual family groups with egg and larval mortality as well as length, weight, and condition data obtained from spawning females. Thiamine concentrations were measured at three stages of egg-development using a newly developed rapid reversed-phase solid-phase extraction (RP-SPE) method of thiamine analysis. Results suggest a threshold average total egg-thiamine concentration of approximately 1.0 (nmol/g egg) for normal larval survival. Thiamine analysis indicated no significant change in egg-thiamine concentrations from prefertilization to the eyed stage of development. Female parent weight showed an inverse relationship with egg-thiamine levels. Thiamine immersion of larval sac-fry eliminated the occurrence of EMS for this study population. Due to low cost and ease of use, the RP-SPE method for large scale egg-thiamine analysis has the potential to impact basin wide management decisions with respect to salmonid stocking programs.
Oxidation of water by a nonhaem diiron(IV) complex via proton-coupled electron transfer

A high-potential nonhaem (μ-oxo)diiron(IV) complex was found to oxidize water to a hydroxyl radical via PCET, instead of forming an O–O bond. The rate-determining step requires a second water molecule, proposed to act as a base to promote proton transfer. This work shows that additional factors besides a high redox potential are required to effect O–O bond formation.
Forkhead Box M1 Regulates the Transcriptional Network of Genes Essential for Mitotic Progression and Genes Encoding the SCF (Skp2-Cks1) Ubiquitin Ligase

The Forkhead box m1 (Foxm1) gene is critical for G(1)/S transition and essential for mitotic progression. However, the transcriptional mechanisms downstream of FoxM1 that control these cell cycle events remain to be determined. Here, we show that both early-passage Foxm1(-)(/)(-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and human osteosarcoma U2OS cells depleted of FoxM1 protein by small interfering RNA fail to grow in culture due to a mitotic block and accumulate nuclear levels of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) proteins p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1). Using quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation and expression assays, we show that FoxM1 is essential for transcription of the mitotic regulatory genes Cdc25B, Aurora B kinase, survivin, centromere protein A (CENPA), and CENPB. We also identify the mechanism by which FoxM1 deficiency causes elevated nuclear levels of the CDKI proteins p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1). We provide evidence that FoxM1 is essential for transcription of Skp2 and Cks1, which are specificity subunits of the Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex that targets these CDKI proteins for degradation during the G(1)/S transition. Moreover, early-passage Foxm1(-)(/)(-) MEFs display premature senescence as evidenced by high expression of the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, p19(ARF), and p16(INK4A) proteins. Taken together, these results demonstrate that FoxM1 regulates transcription of cell cycle genes critical for progression into S-phase and mitosis.
National Trends in Elementary Instruction: Exploring the Role of Social Studies Curricula

Using data from the National Center for Educational Statistics research spanning fifteen years, researchers examined the impact of national educational policy implementation on the role of social studies in elementary schools. Specifically, with the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in 2007 and the continuation of federal-mandated testing of English language arts (ELA) and mathematics in grades three through five, researchers sought to understand how policy decisions to extend testing to science affected teacher decisions in regard to instructional time allocations for core subject areas of ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies in elementary schools. Results of this quantitative study offer large-scale evidence of the declining role of social studies in an era in which testing is clearly linked to subject-area importance. Findings provide an overview of the national scope of testing and the ramifications for social studies in elementary schools. Researchers conclude that curriculum st...
Comparison of OFDMA and SC-FDMA channel access techniques in a passive optical network environment

For the first time, OFDMA and SC-FDMA are compared experimentally as candidate uplink access techniques for next-generation PONs. Important issues like peak-to-average power ratio, optical beat interference, and symbol delay are studied and experimentally measured.
Review of a Pivotal Human Factors Article: “Humans and Automation: Use, Misuse, Disuse, Abuse”

Objective: This paper considers the influence of “Humans and Automation: Use, Misuse, Disuse, Abuse” and examines how it relates to the evolving issue of human-automation interaction. Background: Automation presents important practical challenges that can dramatically affect satisfaction, performance, and safety; philosophical challenges also arise as automation changes the nature of work and human cognition. Method: Papers cited by and citing “Humans and Automation” were reviewed to identify enduring and emerging themes in human-automation research. Results: “Humans and Automation” emerges as an important node in the network of automation-related papers, citing many and being cited by many recent influential automation-related papers. In their article, Parasuraman and Riley (1997) integrated previous research and identified differing expectations across designers, managers, and operators regarding the need to support operators as a source of automation problems. They also foresaw and inspired research th...
Effects of a Novel Dental Gel on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Comparative Study.

Objectives: The goal of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study was to evaluate the effects of a novel dental gel on plaque and gingival health. The dental gel was designed to (1) break up and prevent re-accumulation of microbial biofilm, and (2) inhibit metal mediated inflammation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five subjects with moderate gingival inflammation (Loe and Silness Gingival Index ≥2) and pocket depths <4 were randomly assigned to brush twice daily for 21 days with the test or the control dental gel. On Days 0, 7, 14 and 21, plaque levels (Quigley-Hein, Turesky Modification Plaque Index), gingival inflammation (Loe and Silness Gingival Index) and gingival bleeding (modified Sulcus Bleeding Index) were determined by one blinded, investigator using a pressure sensitive probe. Results: After 3 weeks, all 3 clinical indices were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05) and significantly lower in the test group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The novel dental gel formulation was provided effective plaque control and reduced gingival inflammation. Clinical Relevance: A novel dentifrice formulation may be an effective tool for plaque removal and maintaining gingival health.
Economic Feasibility Research—An Aid to Area Development Planning

W ITH the emergence of a new era of interest in regional economic development, the question of the economic feasibility of establishing new marketing and processing facilities has gained prominence. Primary interest is focused upon the broad problem of creating employment opportunities via expanding existing industries or developing new ones. While questions of economic feasibility have been answered by economic practitioners for many eons, feasibility research, as such, has not achieved any degree of respectability among theoreticians and academicians. Providing a somewhat fresh approach to research of this type is the primary aim of this paper.
Comparison Between Homo-And Hetero-Epitaxial Layers by Photoreflectance Spectroscopy

MOCVD grown GaAs and InP epitaxial layers have been studied using photoreflectance spectroscopy. Homogeneous and heterogeneous structures were employed to investigate the influence of the mismatch induced strain and dislocations. All the tested spectra contained a sharp peak related to the fundamental absorption edge and a pronounced Franz-Keldysh oscillation. The data analysis revealed a consistent difference in bandgap, temperature coefficients of the bandgap, and surface electric field, in the order of the degree of mismatch. For GaAs/GaAs and GaAs/Si samples, the bandgaps derived from the three point method were 1.436 and 1.324eV, respectively. Values of 1.334, 1.325, and 1.294 eV for the bandgap were found for InP/InP, InP/GaAs, and InP/GaAs/Si, respectively. For GaAs epitaxial layers, the intensity of the surface field bore a ratio of 1.18:1 between GaAs and Si substrates. For InP epitaxial layers, the ratio was 1.23:1.12:1 in the sequence of InP, GaAs, and GaAs/Si substrates. Such a measure must be related to the mismatch in the heteroepitaxy structures. A shoulderlike peak, 18-23 meV below the gap-energy peak (E o ), was found for GaAs samples, which could be impurity related. A broad shoulder-like peak 30 meV below the fundamental absorption edge was also observed only for InP/GaAs/Si and hence attributed to some shallow defect levels induced by antiphase disorder.
Coxsackie A7 virus and the Russian poliovirus Type 4.

Conclusions1. The Russian Type 4 polio-virus is Coxsackie A7. 2. The Russian virus is capable of causing polio-type lesions in the monkey CNS. 3. American strains of Coxsackie A7 are likewise pathogenic for monkeys and in certain inoculated animals produce histological changes in the CNS which are indistinguishable from those caused by polioviruses. 4. Coxsackie A7 infections are probably prevalent in the U.S.