cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Speech, hearing, and communication across five national disability surveys: Results of a DISTAB study using the ICF to compare prevalence patterns

This paper describes how the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) can be used as a statistical tool and addresses the implications of the DISTAB study in which speech, hearing and communication prevalence rates were examined in adults across five countries—Canada, France, the Netherlands, South Africa and the United States. The implications of the study results for hearing and swallowing disorders as well as the methodological issues raised by the DISTAB study are described. The authors also address the role of ICF and related methodologies such as cross-walking and the inclusion of persons with communication disorders in future surveys. They recommend that all areas of functioning covered by communication disorders be fully explored in ICF to maximize the use of ICF as a force for social policy.
Reconceptualizing Analysis and Invention in a Post-Technê Classroom: A Comparative Study of Technical Communication Students

Technical communication pedagogy often uses two distinct processes to help students construct user-centered documents: audience analysis and invention. However, posthuman contexts, such as virtual reality, challenge traditional methods for audience analysis and invention. In virtual environments, knowledge is constructed by and through embodied interactions with people, technologies, spaces, and ideas—and the dual processes of analysis and invention are conflated. In this article, I present data from a semester-long comparative study between two technical communication courses. Students in both courses created instructions for filming in a virtual environment, but students from only one of these courses experienced the space/place of virtual reality. The data emphasize the importance of embodied experiences in technical communication pedagogy and practice.
Evaluation of static source code analyzers for avionics software development

This paper describes an evaluation of static source code analyzers. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine their adequacy for use in developing realtime embedded software for aviation electronics where the use of development tools and methods is controlled by a federal regulatory agency. It describes the motivation for the evaluation, results, and conclusions.
Ion-induced defects in semiconductors

Abstract The status of our knowledge of ion-induced defects in semiconductors will be reviewed, including the charge-state dependence of defects, novel defect migration mechanism and enhanced damage production mechanisms. The main emphasis will be on defects in silicon where a panorama of defects is emerging which encompasses the evolution of damage from vacancies and interstitials and their aggregates to stacking faults and dislocations to disordered zones and the development of an amorphous layer.
SIG on contextual techniques: seeing design implications in data

Contextual techniques are used to collect in-depth information on how people work. Through these techniques engineering teams collect the knowledge they need to design products that fit their users well. However, going from customer data to design is not trivial; designers have to know how to look at the data and how to see implications for design out of it. The difference between a small tweak to an existing system and the invention of a whole new approach to a problem domain often lies in how good the designers were at recognizing what their customer data was telling them.
Simple Explicit Equations for Transient Heat Conduction in Finite Solids

Based on the one-term Fourier series solution, a simple equation is derived for low Biot number transient conduction in plates, cylinders, and spheres. In the 0 <Bi <0.3 range, the solution gives approximately three times less error than the lumped capacity solution. For asymptotically low values of Bi, it approaches the lumped capacity solution. A set of equations valid for 0<Bi<1 is developed next. These equations are more involved but give approximately ten times lower error than the lumped capacity solution. Finally, a set of broad-range correlations is presented, covering the 0 <Bi <∞ range with less than 1% error.
Supporting Student Teachers

This article provides practical suggestions for principals for enhancing the success of student teaching experiences in their building. Specifically, principals can develop procedures for welcoming the student teacher, communicate with university officials early and frequently, monitor the quality and variety of the student teaching experience, and provide specific feedback to the student teacher. These actions send powerful positive messages to the student teacher while supporting their successful transition into the teaching profession.
Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Preterm Infants with an Abnormal Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Stimulation Test at 28 Days of Life† 1319

Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Preterm Infants with an Abnormal Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone (TRH) Stimulation Test at 28 Days of Life† 1319
Parasitic pressure losses in diffusers and in their downstream piping systems for fluid flow and heat transfer

Abstract The need for precise design of piping systems and of ducts which interconnect fluid flow and heat transfer equipment of different dimensional scales depends on the availability of basic fluid flow information. One of the most ubiquitous features in a system which transports fluids is the occurrence of changes in flow cross section. In particular, enlargements of the flow cross section give rise to parasitic pressure losses both in the enlargement fitting and in the piping system that is downstream of the enlargement. The most commonly used enlargement fittings are diffusers. Although there is some information about pressure losses that are caused by flows in diffusers, it is highly contradictory and, equally significant, the available information takes no account of the heightened pressure losses in the downstream piping which are due to the highly disturbed flow that exits the diffuser. This investigation was undertaken to provide definitive information on diffuser-created parasitic pressure losses that occur in response to all possible operating conditions, including the Reynolds number at the diffuser inlet, the diffuser opening angle, and the ratio of the exit and inlet diameters of the diffuser. This information is cast in dimensionless form and is presented as incremental departures from a simply calculated baseline case. In addition, the lengths of pipe downstream of the diffuser that are required to dampen the irregularities of the diffuser exit flow are presented as a necessary prerequisite for the proper use of the incremental pressure drop results. It was found that the incremental pressure drop increases monotonically with increasing diffuser opening angle. In general, the incremental pressure drop values for a given diffuser opening angle decrease with increasing Reynolds number and tend to level off as the Reynolds number further increases.
Role of tissue factor in the maternal immunological attack of the embryo in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Recurrent fetal loss affects 1-5% of women of childbearing age. Immunological mechanisms may account for 40% of recurrent miscarriages, and in particular, the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) appears to be implicated in 7-25% of the cases. Because antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies have thrombogenic properties, fetal loss in patients with APS has been ascribed to thrombosis of placental vessels. However, we have shown that inflammation, specifically activation of complement with generation of the anaphylotoxin C5a, is an essential trigger of fetal injury. Thrombosis and inflammation are linked in many clinical conditions. Tissue factor (TF), the major cellular initiator of the coagulation protease cascade, plays important roles in both thrombosis and inflammation, and its expression is increased in patients with APS. Here we describe how TF, acting as a proinflammatory molecule, induces trophoblast injury and fetal death in a mouse model of APS. Importantly, we will discuss how TF contributes to C5a-induced oxidative burst in neutrophils leading to trophoblasts and fetal injury in APS. The finding that TF is an important effector in aPL-induced inflammation may allow the development of new therapies to abrogate the inflammatory loop caused by tissue factor and improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with aPL antibodies. Statins downregulate TF-induced inflammation and rescued the pregnancies in aPL-treated mice, suggesting they may be a good treatment for women with aPL-induced pregnancy complications.
Power Sum Distributions: An Easier Approach Using the Wald Distribution

Abstract Power sum distributions arise in communications noise and highway noise models. Inverse Gaussian or Wald distributions with the same index of dispersion are similar and infinitely divisible, and often closely approximate lognormal distributions, and, thus, are more suitable than lognormals for theoretical studies. The Wald distribution is an exact model for Poisson distributed point sources with Erlang (O) emissions of noise power.
Brief note: a mathematical analysis of stellar structure and sunspots

Abstract A systematic mathematical derivation of the origin of the sunspots, the synchronizing between the occurrence of sunspots and the energy generation of the sun, and the characteristic of Maunder's butterfly diagram are obtained.
Strengthening soy protein hydrogels filled with protein-coated montmorillonite nanoclay by glutaraldehyde crosslinking

Abstract To strengthen interactions in bio-nanocomposite systems, montmorillonite (MMT) was intercalated by surface-coating with soy protein before being incorporated within soy protein dispersions for cross-linking by glutaraldehyde (GA). Dynamic small strain tests were utilized as a non-destructive method to reveal the improvement of network structure in the bio-nanocomposite system. The storage modulus ( G ′) and loss modulus ( G ″) gradually increased with increasing GA concentration during isothermal treatment at 23, 60 and 90 °C. The incorporation of intercalated MMT resulted in an order of magnitude increase in the moduli. The moduli were higher at pH 5.5 than those at pH 6.5 and 10.0. At a GA concentration equal to 10 g/100 g mass of soy protein, G ′ and G ″ in the absence of MMT increased with an increase in temperature, while those in the presence of intercalated MMT showed the opposite trend due to restructuring of aggregated MMT. The present results confirmed that the mechanical strength of bio-nanocomposite systems can be significantly improved by first intercalating MMT with protein and subsequently cross-linking with the continuous phase protein molecules. The established chemical cross-linking method and conditions can be beneficial for preparing bio-nanocomposite materials with enhanced mechanical properties.
Passive aerodynamic stabilization by beetle elytra (wing covers)

Summary. Most beetles extend their elytra laterally during flight, where they can act as fixed airfoils; typically, such elytra are held at a pronounced dihedral angle. We fixed extended elytra of June beetles (Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) and tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) over a range of dihedral angles (-10° to 45°) and towed them in a water tunnel. We also towed them with flexed elytra (i.e. in the resting position). (Reynolds number was used to maintain dynamic similarity with air.) We measured the maximum rolling angle and the lateral oscillation rate as two indices of stability. There was no relationship between oscillation rate and dihedral angle, or between maximum roll angle and dihedral angle. At all dihedral angles tested, however, beetles were much more stable than when they were towed with the elytra flexed. We also included a third beetle type, flower beetle (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniine), which normally flies with flexed elytra. We measured stability indices for these beetles with elytra only in the flexed position. When all beetles were tested with flexed elytra, flower beetles showed no difference in maximum roll angle, but more stability in oscillation rate than the other two beetle types.
Developmental restrictions on recombination in Nicotiana.

Recombinations of certain characteristics of one parent with those of another are not found in the F2 generation of some interspecific crosses. Amongpossible contributory causes to this restriction the following have been discussed (Anderson, 1939, 1949; Dempster, 1949): (1). Disharmonies-structural, genetic or physiological-which lead to differential elimination of genetic recombinations in gametes or zygotes formed by the F1; (2). Pleiotropy; (3). Linkage; (4). Multifactorial control of the hereditary differences. Analysis of segregation for corolla shape differences in populations derived from the hybrid Nicotiana Langsdorjfii X N. alata has been used as illustrative material in Anderson's studies. Supplementary to the writer's investigations on the inheritance of quantitative characters in the cross N. Langsdorffii x N. 'Sanderae (Smith, 1937, 1943), developmental studies were made on the corollas of parental species, F1 and representative F2's. The ontogenetic relationships observed have a direct bearing on the problem of recombination restrictions and provided the basis for conclusions reached in the present paper.
Coleridge's theory of symbol and the distinction between reason and understanding: A genealogical recovery of the Baconian method of science

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's thought has been seen by many scholars to be derivative of German Idealism, especially Kantian critical philosophy. The present article challenges that claim by offering an analysis of Coleridge's interpretation of Francis Bacon's founding of the empirical method. Through the course of this discussion, Coleridge's understanding of the distinction between the intellective faculties of reason and understanding will be established, and will be shown to run counter to Kantian epistemology. Coleridge's dialectical approach to the role of reason in the operations of the understanding will be applied to their uses in scientific discovery, aesthetics, and religious thought. The various uses of symbolic representation in the context of these different endeavors will be given critical expression, revealing the unity of the human mind and nature, of subject and object. Ultimately, it is by appeal to the existence of God that the intelligibility of these various fields of symbolic representation are established. Coleridge's interpretation of Bacon offers a way of reconciling Baconian empiricism with Platonic Forms, in a genealogical recovery of the concealed methodology established in his Novum Organum. The overall argument proceeds critically, through a discussion of the subjective operations of the symbol-making powers of human thought, in the sciences and mathematics, in aesthetic, and in theological speculation and religious representation, revealing the Romantic origins of modernity.
A horseradish peroxidase-autoradiographic study of parietopulvinar connections in Saimiri sciureus.

Descending connections from parietal cortex to pulvinar in squirrel monkey were investigated with the autoradiographic method. Somatosensory areas I (SI) and II (SII) were found to project to the oral (PuO) and medial (PuM) subdivisions of the pulvinar. Projections from the posterior parietal region were recorded in circumscribed areas of PuM and the lateral (PuL) and inferior (PuI) subdivisions of pulvinar. Retrograde labeling with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) demonstrated that rostral parietal cortex including the lateral cortex of SI and the rostral part of area 5 received reciprocal projections from PuO and rostral PuM. Injections of HRP into medial and lateral regions of SI also resulted in labeled cells in PuO and PuM. Within the limitations of the HRP technique, the latter results suggest a direct pathway from pulvinar to primary sensory cortex. The experimental results confirm the accepted view of projections from parieto-temporo-occipital “association” cortex to PuM, PuL and PuI. In addition, reciprocal connections of rostral parietal cortex with PuO and PuM were demonstrated.
Filament compliance influences cooperative activation of thin filaments and the dynamics of force production in skeletal muscle.

Striated muscle contraction is a highly cooperative process initiated by Ca2+ binding to the troponin complex, which leads to tropomyosin movement and myosin cross-bridge (XB) formation along thin filaments. Experimental and computational studies suggest skeletal muscle fiber activation is greatly augmented by cooperative interactions between neighboring thin filament regulatory units (RU-RU cooperativity; 1 RU = 7 actin monomers+1 troponin complex+1 tropomyosin molecule). XB binding can also amplify thin filament activation through interactions with RUs (XB-RU cooperativity). Because these interactions occur with a temporal order, they can be considered kinetic forms of cooperativity. Our previous spatially-explicit models illustrated that mechanical forms of cooperativity also exist, arising from XB-induced XB binding (XB-XB cooperativity). These mechanical and kinetic forms of cooperativity are likely coordinated during muscle contraction, but the relative contribution from each of these mechanisms is difficult to separate experimentally. To investigate these contributions we built a multi-filament model of the half sarcomere, allowing RU activation kinetics to vary with the state of neighboring RUs or XBs. Simulations suggest Ca2+ binding to troponin activates a thin filament distance spanning 9 to 11 actins and coupled RU-RU interactions dominate the cooperative force response in skeletal muscle, consistent with measurements from rabbit psoas fibers. XB binding was critical for stabilizing thin filament activation, particularly at submaximal Ca2+ levels, even though XB-RU cooperativity amplified force less than RU-RU cooperativity. Similar to previous studies, XB-XB cooperativity scaled inversely with lattice stiffness, leading to slower rates of force development as stiffness decreased. Including RU-RU and XB-RU cooperativity in this model resulted in the novel prediction that the force-[Ca2+] relationship can vary due to filament and XB compliance. Simulations also suggest kinetic forms of cooperativity occur rapidly and dominate early to get activation, while mechanical forms of cooperativity act more slowly, augmenting XB binding as force continues to develop.
Sexual responsiveness and its relationship to vaginal stimulation-produced analgesia in the rat.

Abstract Increasing amounts of pressure applied to the cervix produce a dose-response-like elevation of pain threshold in rats. This vaginal stimulation-produced analgesia (VSPA) is facilitated in animals given estrogen (E) doses sufficient to induce high levels of sexual receptivity. It has been proposed that enhancement of VSPA may serve to decrease any noxious input associated with multiple intromissions by the male. In this study, the anti-nociceptive effect of VSPA was compared in animals given E doses insufficient to increase receptivity with animals made receptive using subthreshold E levels + progresterone (P) in an attempt to determine if enhancement of VSPA is associated with the receptive state of the animal or the dose of E used. Tail flick latencies and tail shock vocalization thresholds were measured in groups of E, E + P and oil-treated rats during application of 0, 100 and 200 g of force on the cervix. Within oil, E and E + P-treated animals, significant increases in tail flick latencies were observed at 100 and 200 g with respect to baseline (0 g). Moreover, at 100 g of force E treated animals displayed a significant increase in tail flick latency over oil and E + P treated rats. In contrast, tail shock vocalization was increased at 100 and 200 g levels of probing in oil and E + P groups but was not facilitated by E. In the present study, as in previous work, VSPA was potentiated by E; however, this potentiation was not correlated with steroid-induced receptivity. That E was found to enhance tail flick latency and not tail shock vocalization threshold suggests that these responses are influenced by different control systems. Since it has been previously shown that naloxone antagonizes the effectiveness of VSPA in tail flick latency but not tail shock vocalization threshold tests, the differential responses to E observed here may be a reflection of steroid interaction with endogenous opiate systems. The outcome of this study demonstrates that E rather than sexual receptivity enhances VSPA as measured by the tail flick test.
ASSESSMENT OF MUTATIONS IN KI-RAS AND P53 IN COLON CANCERS FROM AZOXYMETHANE- AND DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE-TREATED RATS

Mutations in the Ki-ras oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene are known to occur at high frequencies in human colon cancers. We measured the frequency of mutations in these two genes in colon adenocarcinomas obtained from a widely used experimental model of human colon carcinogenesis: F344 rats treated with the carcinogens azoxymethane (AOM) or dimethylhydrazine (DMH). We detected codon 12 mutations in Ki-ras in approximately 60% of colon adenocarcinomas induced by either carcinogen. We characterized the rat p53 intron-exon junctions to construct primers for polymerase chain reaction amplification of this gene. We discovered that the rat p53 gene was structurally different from the human p53 gene, as the rat gene was missing one intron between exons 6 and 7. Both single-stranded DNA conformational polymorphism analysis and direct DNA sequencing of the highly conserved regions of rat exons 5-7 were conducted because the corresponding human regions (exons 5-8) have been reported as being mutated most frequently in human colon cancers. Using these methods, we were unable to identify any p53 mutations in the highly conserved regions of exons 5-7 in either AOM- or DMH-induced colon adenocarcinomas. These data confirm that Ki-ras was mutated in most colon cancers in AOM- or DMH-treated rats but indicate that molecular alterations in the p53 gene, if they occur in this animal model, are different from most p53 mutations in human colon cancers.
Changes in serum CA-125 can predict optimal cytoreduction to no gross residual disease in patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Abstract Objective To evaluate the predictive power of serum CA-125 changes in the management of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery (NACT-IDS) for a new diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). Methods Using the Cancer Registry databases from our institutions, a retrospective review of patients with FIGO stage IIIC and IV EOC who were treated with platinum-based NACT-IDS between January 2006 and December 2009 was conducted. Demographic data, CA-125 levels, radiographic data, chemotherapy, and surgical–pathologic information were obtained. Continuous variables were evaluated by Student's t test or Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test. Results One hundred-three patients with stage IIIC or IV EOC met study criteria. Median number of neoadjuvant cycles was 3. Ninety-nine patients (96.1%) were optimally cytoreduced. Forty-seven patients (47.5%) had resection to no residual disease (NRD). The median CA-125 at diagnosis and before interval debulking was 1749U/mL and 161U/mL, respectively. Comparing patients with NRD v. optimal macroscopic disease (OMD), there was no statistical difference in the mean CA-125 at diagnosis (1566U/mL v. 2077U/mL, p=0.1). There was a significant difference in the mean CA-125 prior to interval debulking, 92 v. 233U/mL (p=0.001). In the NRD group, 38 patients (80%) had preoperative CA-125≤100U/mL compared to 33 patients (63.4%) in the OMD group (p=0.04). Conclusions Patients who undergo NACT-IDS achieve a high rate of optimal cytoreduction. In our series, after treatment with taxane and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients with a preoperative CA-125 of ≤100U/mL were highly likely to be cytoreduced to no residual disease.
The use of a parity-equity model to evaluate faculty salary policies

A parity-equity model was developed for estimating the influences of a comprehensive list of factors classified as rational or nonrational equity and parity (marketplace). In a multiple regression analysis of faculty salaries for two years, the parity-equity model accounted for 86% of salary variance: over 60% by professional rank; approximately 16% by other rational equity factors; 3% by college and departmental parity; 3% by college and department affiliation; and 1% by nonrational equity factors. This model is recommended for studying, year-to-year changes in salary policies and for checking the importance of each factor in salary increase deliberations.
Advances in understanding the generation and evolution of the toroidal rotation profile on DIII-D

Recent experiments using DIII-D's capability to vary the injected torque at constant power have focused on developing the physics basis for understanding rotation through the detailed study of momentum sources, sinks and transport. Non-resonant magnetic braking has generally been considered a sink of momentum; however, recent results from DIII-D suggest that it may also act as a source. The torque applied by the field depends on the rotation relative to a non-zero 'offset' rotation. Therefore, at low initial rotation, the application of non-resonant magnetic fields can actually result in a spin-up of the plasma. Direct evidence of the effect of reverse shear Alfven eigenmodes on plasma rotation has been observed, which has been explained through a redistribution of the fast ions and subsequent modification to the neutral beam torque profile. An effective momentum source has been identified by varying the input torque from neutral beam injection at fixed βN, until the plasma rotation across the entire profile is essentially zero. This torque profile is largest near the edge, but is still non-negligible in the core, qualitatively consistent with models for a so-called 'residual stress'. Perturbative studies of the rotation using combinations of co- and counter-neutral beams have uncovered the existence of a momentum pinch in DIII-D H-mode plasmas, which is quantitatively similar to theoretical predictions resulting from consideration of low-k turbulence.
Single nanowire photovoltaics

This tutorial review focuses on recent work addressing the properties and potential of semiconductor nanowires as building blocks for photovoltaic devices based on investigations at the single nanowire level. Two central nanowire motifs involving p-i-n dopant modulation in axial and coaxial geometries serve as platforms for fundamental studies. Research illustrating the synthesis of these structural motifs will be reviewed first, followed by an examination of recent studies of single axial and coaxial p-i-n silicon nanowire solar cells. Finally, challenges and opportunities for improving efficiency enabled by controlled synthesis of more complex nanowire structures will be discussed, as will their potential applications as power sources for emerging nanoelectronic devices.
Correlation of the surface composition of degassed 347 stainless steel with thermally desorbed H2 and CO

Abstract Variations in the surface composition of stainless steel after a 24 h, 250 °C bakeout over the temperature range of room temperature to 800 °C have been correlated with desorption of H 2 and CO. The surface composition of the 347 stainless steel was monitored by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and desorption kinetics were determined from temperature desorption spectroscopy (TDS). Non-linear TDS was used to resolve the surface hydrogen from the bulk hydrogen. H 2 and CO were observed to desorb from degassed 347 stainless steel by second-order kinetics, i.e., the gases were generated from atoms at the surface. The oxygen exchange from the surface Cr x O y , Fe x O y to the residing carbon in the surface complex appears to control the CO generation. The onset of H 2 desorption occurred slightly ahead of the CO, reached a maximum almost simultaneously (∼420 °C) and then declined in concert with the AES detected surface C and O. Non-linear TDS applied to large, cylindrical samples of 347 stainless steel showed H 2 and CO surface desorption completely resolved from H 2 bulk desorption. The steady state hydrogen desorption rate following the bakeout is bulk diffusion limited and was found to be 5.6×10 −12 Torr l/(s cm 2 ). Some discussion of the surface complex stress on the aforementioned oxide decomposition with temperature is also presented. Similar experiments on 304L stainless steel gave the same results as were observed on 347 stainless steel.
Electron storage rings as x-ray lithography sources: an overview

Synchrotron radiation from dipole magnets in electron storage rings has emerged as a useful source of x-rays for lithography. To meet the need for these sources numerous groups around the world have embarked on projects to design and construct storage rings for x-ray lithography. Both conventional electromagnets as well as superconducting (SC) dipoles have been incorporated into the various designs. An overview of the worldwide effort to produce commercial xray sources will be presented. To better illustrate the elements involved in these sources a closer examination of the Superconducting X-ray Lithography Source Project (SXLS) at BNL will be presented.
Diphtheria Toxin and Related Proteins: Effect of Route of Injection on Toxicity and the Determination of Cytotoxicity for Various Cultured Cells

The effect of route of injection on the toxicity of intact diphtheria toxin, cross-reacting material (CRM45), and diphtherial fragment A was compared in several animal species. By ordinary routes of injection, neither CRM45 nor fragment A was toxic, even in species for which 0.1 micrograms of toxin/kg of body weight was lethal. After intracerebral injection, however, small amounts of CRM45 led to paralysis and death, even in mice and rats--species that are resistant to toxin administered intravenously. High doses of fragment A were nontoxic even by the intracerebral route. The cytotoxic dose od CRM45 was approximately 10(-7) M for a variety of cell lines derived from toxin-sensitive or toxin-resistant species. Cultured at Schwann's cells, however, were more sensitive CRM45 than other cell lines tested and 50-100 times more sensitive to toxin than cells cultured from other adult rat tissues. Fragment A has virtually no cytotoxicity for any mammalian cell line tested.
The resilience of PV during natural disasters: The hurricane Sandy case

This paper will present data on the resilience of typical PV systems following natural disasters, and provide recommendations for integrating PV into emergency response systems. Information from multiple sources shows that during the October 29, 2012 hurricane Sandy, virtually all PV systems received no damage by the storm and, if not disconnected, they produced electricity following the storm. The same was observed in previous disasters. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, PV systems were used to support the Gulf States' disaster response efforts. The Fukushima earthquake and tsunami destroyed three nuclear reactors causing “meltdown” and radiation releases, whereas the many thousands of PV roof-top arrays were left undamaged. These experiences show that PV systems, in addition to being environmentally benign, can also sustain extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis.
Are Jamaica’s Direct Taxes on Labor “Fair”?

The Government of Jamaica imposes a variety of taxes on the earnings of labor. Jamaica’s direct taxes and charges on labor income include the pay-asyou-earn (PAYE) income tax and five payroll taxes. In total, these taxes generate nearly one-third of the total tax revenues of the government in fiscal year 2002-2003, with the PAYE itself responsible for more than one-fifth of total revenues. This article uses unique micro-level data to analyze the vertical and, especially, the horizontal equity of these taxes. The authors find that the taxes are generally progressive in their overall pattern of incidence but that they also introduce significant horizontal inequities due to their uneven coverage and their many special provisions.
Shielding-Effectiveness Measurements with a Dual TEM Cell

Small-aperture theory is used to investigate the dual transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell. Analyzing coupling through an empty versus loaded aperture leads to a simple model of dual-TEM-cell material shielding-effectiveness (SE) measurements. Experimental data are compared to theory with good agreement in the case of an empty aperture. Some of the difficulties in analyzing a loaded aperture are discussed.
Plutonium anomaly in nature.

The 239Pu/238U ratios are reexamined in volcanic ashes and rock, uranium mineral and other contemporary terrestrial samples and also in the atmospheric samples. This ratio in rain samples collected at Fayetteville (36°N, 94°W), Arkansas, reaches up to 10-5 (atom/atom), which is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of volcanic ashes and rock and about five or six orders of magnitude higher than the 239Pu/238U ratio of 10-12 (atom/atom) typical of uranium minerals. The data obtained from our measurements indicate that the high 239Pu/238U ratios observed in this contemporary terrestrial samples are due to fallout contaminations.
Synthesis of dendronized diblock copolymers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization and their visualization using atomic force microscopy.

Dendronized diblock copolymers are prepared via ring opening metathesis polymerization. Atomic force microscopy imaging of individual molecules clearly establishes the presence of structurally distinct blocks.
Whole-body amino acid composition and comparative aspects of amino acid nutrition of the goldfish, golden shiner and fathead minnow

Abstract Pond-raised fingerling goldfish (Carassius auratus), golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas) and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were analyzed for whole-body amino acid composition. All three species had similar amino acid patterns in whole-body tissue. These compositional data were also used to compute essential amino acid ratios ( A E ratios) which were compared with the quantified amino acid requirements of another cyprinid species, the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The whole-body A E ratios of the three baitfish species were very similar to the A E ratios of the carp requirement values. Since previous studies have established a high correlation between whole-body amino acid patterns and dietary amino acid requirement patterns of several fish species, the whole-body amino acid values determined in this study will provide indices for formulating diets for the goldfish, golden shiner and fathead minnow.
Leishmania, macrophages and complement : a tale of subversion and exploitation

Leishmania are intracellular protozoan parasites which reside primarily, if not exclusively, in host mononuclear phagocytes. Several studies have demonstrated that infectious promastigotes rapidly and efficiently fix complement when they encounter serum components during their transmission to the mammalian host. Activation of the complement system by a microorganism can have 3 distinct biological effects. First, fixation of the terminal complement components can result in complement-mediated lysis. Second, fixation of the 3rd component of complement can lead to opsonization of the organism for uptake by phagocytic cells. Finally, the elaboration of the complement anaphylotoxins, C3a and C5a, can lead to inflammation. In the present chapter, we discuss the interaction of leishmania promastigotes with the complement system. We show that infectious promastigotes avoid the lytic effects of complement and resist fixation of the terminal complement components. At the same time, however, these organisms depend on fixation of opsonic complement to invade host mononuclear phagocytes efficiently. We discuss the mechanisms which allow metacyclic leishmania promastigotes to exploit the opsonic properties of complement and the receptors on macrophages involved in leishmania recognition. The role of complement mediated inflammatory processes in the host response to leishmania infection is an area which requires additional study.
Synthesis and monoamine transporter binding of 2-(diarylmethoxymethyl)-3β-aryltropane derivatives

3β-Aryltropane analogues wherein the 2-position was substituted with various diarylmethoxyalkyl groups were synthesized and evaluated for binding at the dopamine transporter (DAT), serotonin transp...
Lateral posterior parietal activity during source memory judgments of perceived and imagined events

Memories of real and imagined events are qualitatively distinct, and therefore may be supported by different neural mechanisms. In the present study, we tested whether brain regions are differentially activated during source discriminations of perceived versus imagined events. During the encoding phase, subjects perceived and imagined images of objects in response to a cue word. Then, at test, they made judgments about whether old and new cue words corresponded to items that were previously perceived or imagined, or if they were new. The results demonstrated that the left lateral posterior parietal cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were significantly more active during source attributions of perceived compared to imagined events. In addition, activity in these regions was associated with successful item memory (hits>correct rejections) for perceived, but not imagined events. These findings of a source-based dissociation of successful retrieval activity have important implications regarding theories of parietal contributions to recognition memory.
Weather Window Determination of Top-Tensioned Riser Deployment With Guidewires

To replace 20 of the 42 top-tensioned production risers for the Statoil Snorre A platform, the planned riser deployment will use a guidewire and guide frame system. A suitable weather window needed to be determined for the deployment to avoid clashing the deploying risers and adjacent connected risers. Such clashing could cause severe consequences such as connector leakage and equipment damage.Riser collision during operation and production was studied extensively [1, 2]. However, little investigation has been conducted on clashing during deployment. Due to the importance of the disturbed wave elevation and wave kinematic effects on the riser response by earlier study [3], RIFLEX was chosen for the simulation. RIFLEX simulates the disturbed wave kinematics. However, RIFLEX has limited capabilities to model the deployment guidance system and calculate the minimum riser clearance.This paper focuses on the simulation of the riser deployed with guidewires and guide frames and calculation of the clearance between the deploying riser and the connected risers.First, the guide frame and 4-guidewire system (see Fig. 2 and 3) was simplified as a rigid beam and a sliding linear spring (see Fig. 4 and 5). A derivation of the relationship between the guidewire tension and deployment depth was developed and implemented into a RIFLEX model.Second, due to different responses caused by the disturbed wave kinematics, different deploying and installed riser pairs in the well bay were selected to find the smallest clearance during a three-hour random sea state. The smallest clearance was determined from five different deployment depths and weather conditions in the initial plane of the riser pairs.Last, a clashing criterion is discussed and used for the deployment weather window determination. This paper also points out that a slightly wider weather window could be possible, depending on the deployment depth.Recent successful deployment of the new risers confirmed the riser installation analysis.© 2013 ASME
Scepticism about the argument from divine hiddenness

Some philosophers have argued that the paucity of evidence for theism – along with basic assumptions about God's nature – is ipso facto evidence for atheism. The resulting argument has come to be known as the argument from divine hiddenness. Theists have challenged both the major and minor premises of the argument by offering defences. However, all of the major, contemporary defences are failures. What unites these failures is instructive: each is implausible given other commitments shared by everyone in the debate or by theists in particular. Only challenges which are plausible given both common sense and other theistic commitments will undermine the argument from divine hiddenness. Given that such defences universally fail, the best hope for a successful challenge to the argument comes from more general sceptical responses. This sort of response is briefly sketched and defended against four independent objections.
Protecting the Solution: A ‘High-Tech.’ Method to Guarantee Individual Effort in Accounting Classes∗

Abstract Advocates of the case method in accounting education have provided strong arguments in favour of this classroom approach. However, a primary objection has been unanswered. Cases generate ‘canned’ solutions that, when passed between students, jeopardize the accountability of individual efforts and the educational value of the exercise. Although students have leveraged computer technology to exacerbate this problem, academic staff generally have not ‘fought fire with fire.’ This paper shows how computer technology, through the use of artificial intelligence, can restore the confidence that each student will work his/her own case solution and, therefore, will extract the intended educational value from the effort. With computer technology made to act intelligently, the case method in accounting classes should become more robust as a primary pedagogical device. ∗The authors are willing to share the data in this paper
Theory of friction‐limited DNA unwinding

The theory of friction-limited DNA unwinding is developed explicitly for moderate tind large perturbations. This extension of the earlier theory of the relaxation kinetics is necessary because of the complex nature of the rate limitation for small perturbations. The assumption of the theory that is violated under relaxation conditions is that base pairing reactions occurring at a constant local degree of twist of the strands are fast compared to the net unwinding of the molecule. However, these reactions that are slow for small perturbations have a large activation energy, and become faster than friction-limited un winding for large enough temperature jumps and sufficiently large DXA molecules. Thus only the rate for moderate and large perturbations is clearly limited by frictional resistance to turning the molecule in solution. The model used is a diffusional unwinding of the two strands, driven by the accompanying decrease in free energy. For large perturbations a numerical solution of the diffusion equation is required, since the diffusion coefficient is not constant. Two new parameters must be introduced into the equilibrium statistical theory to describe friction-limited unwinding kinetics. These are the force constant b, for winding up coil regions and the frictional coefficient per base pair βcfor rotating coil regions in solution. We find by fitting the theory to experiment that b = 1.8 × 10−13 ergs/ rad2- and βc = 3.5 × 10−21 erg see/base pair, both for DNA melted in alkali at 0.4.M Na + and ∼30 °C. The latter value is in agreement with predictions based on the viscosity of single stranded DNA in alkali. The quoted value of bcan be interpreted to mean that the number of conformational states of a nucleolide is reduced by an average factor of 1.55 when it is wound around another strand to the degree of twist in a double helix, but without forming a base pair.
X-chromosome replication patterns in adult, newborn and prenatal opossums

Somatic cells from the opossums Monodelphis domestica and Didelphis virginiana were labelled with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), treated with colchicine, stained with acridine orange and examined using fluorescence microscopy. BrdU-incorporated metaphase spreads from females of M. domestica at developmental stages from late bilaminar blastocysts to adults showed replication asynchrony of the two (acrocentric) X chromosomes. The long arm of one X chromosome was the latest replicating region in the entire chromosome complement and is presumed to represent transcriptional inactivation and X dosage compensation. The minute short arm of the same X, which contains a nucleolar organizer region, was earlier replicating and synchronous with the short arm of its homologue and is thus assumed to escape inactivation. BrdU-incorporated spreads from cells of fetuses, neonates and adults of D. virginiana also showed a late replicating (submetacentric) X chromosome. The pattern was different from that of M. domestica because of the different morphology and the presence of large blocks of constitutive heterochromatin in both homologues. The timing and pattern of replication of the single X in males of both species resembled the earlier replicating X in females. The array of molecular techniques now available offers the best means for investigating X-chromosome replication and activity states of X-linked genes in the earliest stages of marsupial embryogenesis.
Radio Tomography for Roadside Surveillance

Radio tomographic imaging (RTI) has recently been proposed for tracking object location via radio waves without requiring the objects to transmit or receive radio signals. The position is extracted by inferring which voxels are obstructing a subset of radio links in a dense wireless sensor network. This paper proposes a variety of modeling and algorithmic improvements to RTI for the scenario of roadside surveillance. These include the use of a more physically motivated weight matrix, a method for mitigating negative (aphysical) data due to noisy observations, and a method for combining frames of a moving vehicle into a single image. The proposed approaches are used to show improvement in both imaging (useful for human-in-the-loop target recognition) and automatic target recognition in a measured data set.
Analytical Sensitivity Studies of the Optimum Machining Conditions for Milling, Drilling, Reaming, and Tapping

An analytical method for sensitivity studies in the determination of the optimum machining conditions for the single point turning process was previously presented by Ermer and Faria [4]. In the present paper, an analytical method for sensitivity studies in the determination of the optimum machining conditions for milling, drilling, reaming and tapping is presented, assuming that the optimizing criterion is minimum cost or maximum production rate. A nomogram is given which provides a simple and efficient way to carry out quantitative sensitivity analyses.
Observations of transduced mandibular movements with cholinergic drugs in myoneural junction disease.

Abstract With the advent of increased dental services in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, the dentist may have occasion to study patients with various neuromuscular disabilities that are related to the muscles of mastication. It is known that motor unit potential is measurable under drug therapy. The investigation reported here was pursued to ascertain the quantitative values of coordinated oral muscle activity by means of the transduced rhombus and the measurable biting pressure. Research techniques, such as transduction of mandibular movements in normal persons and persons afflicted with neuromuscular disorders, should be explored in greater depth. Illumination of the stomatognathic clinical problems may be broadened by such tools in developing treatment procedures.