cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
/spl Hscr//sub 2/ synthesis for active vibration isolation

Vibration isolation is used routinely to reduce unwanted transmission of force or motion from one mechanical subsystem to another. However, in some applications, passive isolation is not sufficient. Active isolation improves performance, but requires actuators, sensors, and control. Although active control of isolation systems is application specific, compensator design is fundamental for given sensor/actuator configurations. State space modelling of simple plants with sensor and performance outputs and disturbance and control inputs is presented. Linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control is applied as a compensator design tool to meet the common /spl Hscr//sub 2/ performance requirements. Frequency weighting is explored as a method of shaping the desired transmissibility. Finally, several experimental active isolation systems are used to highlight the common real world limits to control.
Marek's Disease Herpesvirus-Induced DNA Polymerase

Infection of duck embryo fibroblasts by Marek9s disease herpesvirus (MDHV), strain GA, led to the induction of a novel DNA polymerase. This novel DNA polymerase, designated MDHV-induced DNA polymerase, could be distinguished from the DNA polymerase activities of uninfected duck embryo fibroblasts by its chromatographic behavior on phosphocellulose, by its sedimentation coefficient, and by its catalytic properties. The characteristics of MDHV-induced DNA polymerase which had been purified by phosphocellulose chromatography were investigated. The sedimentation coefficient of the enzyme, as determined by sucrose density gradient centrifugation in the presence of 0.25 M KCl, was 5.9 S . From this sedimentation coefficient, the molecular weight of MDHV-induced DNA polymerase was estimated to be 100,000. MDHV-induced DNA polymerase could not effectively use either poly(dA)·oligo(dT) 12-18 or poly(dC)·oligo(dG) 12-18 as a template-primer. The DNA polymerases from uninfected duck embryo fibroblasts could use these synthetic template-primers. MDHV-induced DNA polymerase also could not use poly(rA)·oligo(dT) 12-18 or poly(rC)·oligo(dG) 12-18 as template-primers or oligo(dT) 12-18 as a primer, indicating that it was not a polymerase of the type R-DNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase, or a terminal nucleotidyl transferase. In vitro synthesis of DNA by MDHV-induced DNA polymerase was markedly inhibited by the addition of (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 to the reaction mixture.
Data compression using wavelet transforms and vector quantization

In this paper a general purpose compression coding algorithm is described, applicable to both sound and image data. Using recent developments in Discrete Wavelet Transforms (DWT) and Vector Quantization (VQ) the algorithm is compared to Direct Vector Quantization (DVQT) methods. Test results show a 19% to 84% improvement in SNR over DVQT for speech data and a 17% to 50% improvement in SNR for image data.
Persulfides: Current Knowledge and Challenges in Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Recent studies conducted in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling have revealed potential importance of persulfides (RSSH) in redox biology. The inherent instability of RSSH makes these species difficult to study and sometimes controversial results are reported. In this review article we summarize known knowledge about both small molecule persulfides and protein persulfides. Their fundamental physical and chemical properties such as preparation/formation and reactivity are discussed. The biological implications of persulfides and their detection methods are also discussed.
The configuration of water on rough natural surfaces: Implications for understanding air-water interfacial area, film thickness, and imaging resolution

[1] Previous studies of air-water interfacial areas in unsaturated porous media have often distinguished between interfacial area corresponding to water held by capillary forces between grains and area corresponding to water associated with solid surfaces. The focus of this work was on developing a better understanding of the nature of interfacial area associated with solid surfaces following drainage of porous media. Stereoscopic scanning electron microscopy was used to determine surface elevation maps for eight different surfaces of varying roughness. An algorithm was developed to calculate the true configuration of an air-water interface in contact with the solid surface as a function of capillary pressure. The algorithm was used to calculate surface-associated water configurations for capillary pressures ranging from 10 to 100 cm water. The results of the work show that, following drainage, the configuration of surface-associated water is dominated by bridging of macroscopic surface roughness features over the range of capillary pressures studied, and nearly all of the surface-associated water is capillary held. As such, the thicknesses of surface-associated water were found to be orders-of-magnitude greater than might be expected at the same capillary pressures based on calculations of adsorbed film thickness. The fact that capillary forces in air-water interfaces dominate surface-associated water configuration means that interface shapes are largely unaffected by microscopic surface roughness, and interfaces are considerably smoother than the underlying solid. As such, calculations suggest that microscopic surface roughness likely has minimal impact on the accuracy of surface-associated air-water interfacial areas determined by limited-resolution imaging methods such as computed microtomography.
Intranuclear microtubules in Tetrahymena pyriformis GL.

Abstract Microtubules with a diameter of 250–300 A were found in the macronuclei of Tetrahymena pyriformis GL, both normal and heat-synchronized cells, throughout the cell cycle. These microtubules were found to be a persistent macronuclear component. Their possible functions were discussed.
Acute phase reactants and risk of bacterial meningitis among febrile infants and children.

Study objective: To test the hypothesis that quantitation of either C-reactive protein (CRP) or the total peripheral WBC count can improve clinical detection of underlying bacterial meningitis among young febrile children. Design: Cross-sectional survey of selected symptoms of central nervous system infection, signs of meningeal irritation and/or elevated intracranial pressure, levels of CRP in serum, and total peripheral WBC counts among unselected pediatric patients undergoing lumbar punctures for evaluation of acute febrile illnesses. Setting: Emergency department and acute care "walk-in" clinic of an urban, university-affiliated general hospital. Participants: 160 previously well, acutely febrile infants and children (median age, 6 months). Results: The prevalence of bacterial meningitis was 6%. Sensitivity of symptoms was 1.00 and specificity was 0.17. Sensitivity of signs was 0.70 and specificity was 0.81. Of the acute phase reactants, sensitivity of a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL was 0.80, while that of a total peripheral WBC count of more than 15,000/mm 3 was 0.40. The presence of signs and/ or a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL correctly identified all children with bacterial meningitis (sensitivity, 1.00). The absence of signs and a CRP level of 1.0 mg/dL or less correctly identified 71 of 150 children without bacterial meningitis (specificity, 0.47). Of 125 children without meningeal signs, the combination of symptoms and a CRP level of more than 1.0 mg/dL correctly identified all three children with bacterial meningitis (sensitivity, 1.00). The absence of these symptoms and/or a CRP level of 1.0 mg/dL or less correctly identified 80 of 122 children without bacterial meningitis (specificity, 0.66). Conclusion: Quantitation of CRP but not the total peripheral WBC count can increase the sensitivity of physical examination findings and the specificity of symptoms for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Measurement of CRP in serum is useful as an adjunct to history and physical examination for the detection of acute bacterial meningitis in the acutely febrile child.
Protecting water resources in biofuels production

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates a five-fold increase in current biofuels production. This will substantially increase the current production of corn-based ethanol despite widespread concerns over its negative impact on the availability and quality of already stressed water resources. The National Academy of Sciences9 (NAS) recently-released report on water use in biofuels production (principally corn-based ethanol) proposes improved on-farm irrigation efficiency and water recycling within biorefineries to reduce the impact on water availability. In a classic case of unintended consequences, we demonstrate that these measures may decrease the sustainability of biofuels production by increasingly stressing water supplies. Instead, these measures may be more effective in reducing the water quality impact of biofuels production—a role that the NAS report does not emphasize.
Structure in Counseling Supervision

Structure is proposed as a vehicle for reducing supervisee anxiety in supervision. There are five components involving roles and responsibilities, information, counseling theory, evaluation and feedback. Structure is presented as a proactive anxiety management strategy.
A replication-deficient adenovirus enhances liposome-mediated nucleic acid transfer into a stable cell line expressing T7 RNA polymerase

Liposome-mediated transfer of nucleic acids into a cell line expressing bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase was enhanced by addition of a replication-deficient adenovirus (Ad5-259A) to transfection mixtures. Increasing quantities of Ad5-259A resulted in a dose-related (up to 30-fold) enhancement of reporter gene activity expressed in BT7-H cells transfected with plasmid DNA containing the reporter sequence fused to the internal ribosome entry site of encephalomyocarditis virus. Similarly, Ad5-259A enhanced reporter gene expression 7-fold following transfection of DNA containing the reporter sequence under transcriptional control of the Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat. Addition of Ad5-295A to transfection mixtures increased the proportion of cells staining positively for reporter gene activity, from 2 to 25% when the reporter was expressed via the T7 polymerase and from 20 to 50% when the reporter was under the control of a eucaryotic promoter. Thus, Ad5-259A enhanced reporter protein activities expressed by cytoplasmic T7-directed transcription and cap-independent initiation of translation, or nuclear transcription and cap-dependent translation. Transfection enhancement was blocked by neutralizing antibody to Ad5, and is most likely related to the endosome-disrupting activities of the virus. Adenovirus enhancement of liposome-mediated transfection provides a useful method for efficient nucleic acid transfer into eucaryotic cells.
Changes in the expression of single-copy DNA during development of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum.

Abstract Ribonucleic acid extracted from four stages during the developmental cycle of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum was hybridized with purified single-copy nuclear DNA. The hybrids formed were shown to have the high thermal stability indicative of single-copy DNA/RNA hybrids and the DNA extracted from them reassociates with single-copy DNA. The hybridization studies indicate that there are, during development, qualitative and quantitative changes in the portion of the single-copy portion of the genome transcribed. Over-all, 56% of the genome (approximately 16 to 17 × 106 nucleotide pairs) are represented by transcripts between the amoeba and midculmination stages. Some 18 to 20% of the genome consist of sequences which are represented at all stages while approximately 36 to 38% of the genome consist of sequences which are represented only at particular developmental stages. The possible uncertainties of these numbers are discussed.
Effects of disodium EDTA on the cardiovascular responses to prostaglandin E1.

Die Wirkung des Dinatrium-EDTA auf die Kreislaufreaktionen des Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) wurde an narkotisierten Hunden untersucht. Das Ausmass der positiv chronotropen und inotropen Einflusse des PGE1 war wahrend der Infusion von EDTA bedeutend geringer als das des PGE1 vor der EDTA-Gabe. Die Gegenwart oder das Einstromen von Kalziumionen scheint in der pharmakologischen Wirkung des PGE1 eine Rolle zu spielen.
Family Theory and the Scientific Method

The evolution of family interactional research reveals a transformation from the theoretical concerns of a novel cybernetic paradigm to methodological problems of a prior mechanistic one. This change can be understood, within a cybernetic perspective, as an example of the characteristic functioning of adaptive systems attempting to maintain themselves unchanged under changed circumstances. A turn to a focus on method results in theoretical self-correction and the implicit retention of a mechanistic paradigm. This eliminates those most novel aspects of family interactional research that suggested the beginning of a cybernetic paradigm. A mechanistic methodology for family interaction research can be understood as an analogue to ritual in social systems. A primary attribute of ritual, sanctity, self-reflexively defines certain basic premises as unquestionable. By this, it regulates the beliefs of those who act it out, and eliminates the most radial novelty that confronts these beliefs. The evolution of family interactional research and its changing relationship to its methodology is an example of this process, the introduction and rejection of novelty by self-regulating systems. In this case, a challenge to the basic premises of a mechanistic paradigm is subverted, using its method as the arbitrator of validity in family interactional research.
BLOOD PRESSURE PERCENTILE CHARTS IN AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CHILDREN

Blood pressures (BP) were measured in 3,000 school children aged between 7 & 13 years in the Adelaide metropolitan area. Schools cover wide socio-economic groups. All measurements were by one nurse at schools using a London School of Hygiene Blind Reading Sphygmomanometer. Each child had BP measured sitting. The first reading was taken as soon as practical after the child had been seated. Subsequent readings were 5 & 10 minutes later. First, 4th & 5th sounds were recorded. Each child had a cuff that totally encircled the upper arm and was the maximum width that would fit. Mean BP at the initial recording ranged from 98/58/55 at 7 to 118/70/68 at 13. At 5 minutes the range was 95/58/56 at 7 to 113/70/68 at 13, and at 10 minutes 90/55/54 at 7 to 108/67/65 at 13. There was a steady rise in all BP recordings with age. In each age group there was a consistent fall from zero time to 10 minutes. This was more pronounced with systolic than diastolic readings. At all ages there was a small difference in BP between boys and girls - boys being consistently higher. Adequate percentile charts for BP in Australian children have not previously existed. Our figures show lower mean BP than studies in North American children, stressing importance of such studies in individual populations. Recording of readings at 5 & 10 minutes are useful in the overall assessment of BP in children.
A Note on Syntactic Relationships in Nonfluency

The spontaneous verbalization patterns of eight adult stutterers were analyzed as each paraphrased a story which previously had been read silently. This verbal production was then analyzed in accor...
Crystallographic effects in modeling fundamental behavior of MEMS silicon resonators

Abstract This paper presents the effects of silicon crystal properties on fundamental behavior of MEMS resonators. MEMS resonators are commonly built from single crystal silicon with proven long-term stability. Frequency and quality factor ( Q ) of silicon resonators, however, depend on the silicon crystal orientation and its interplay with the resonance mode. It is experimentally shown that Q of resonators can vary up to 25% with change in crystal orientation. Anisotropy also causes a split in frequencies of degenerate mode pairs of disk resonators, splitting also occurs in nominally isotropic polysilicon devices where theoretically not expected. In this paper, we model resonators based on crystallographic properties to predict and explain these experimental results. Tuning forks quality factor dependence on orientation in (100) and (111) wafers as well as frequency splitting of disk resonators is examined. Incorporating appropriate silicon crystal elasticity into finite-element modeling and accounting for geometric implications of these resonators we demonstrate that the frequency splitting and quality factor of those devices can be accurately predicted.
Thermal decomposition of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine on Si(100)-2 × 1

Abstract The surface reaction of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) with Si(100) has been studied with temperature programmed desorption spectroscopy (TPD), temperature programmed static secondary ion mass spectrometry (TPSSIMS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Adsorption of DMH on Si(100) at 170 K followed by annealing to 1100 K results in significant decomposition to form surface carbide and nitride. TPD results show that the only gas phase desoprtion products are hydrogen and dimethylamine. Furthermore, decomposition occurs over a broad temperature range; XPS and TPSIMS results indicate C N bond cleavage beginning at 400 K and by 600 K, all the C N bonds have dissociated. We propose a molecular level mechanism that involves partial decomposition upon adsorption followed by extensive bond cleavage to form surface carbide and nitride.
Inertial Confinement Fusion at Los Alamos

The author reviews the work going on at Los Alamos aimed at inertial confinement. The Los Alamos effort has concentrated on target physics recently. In particular targets for indirect drive applications. The program is divided into four parts: target theory and design; target experiments; target fabrication; and laser science. The author reviews these programs briefly, touching on the work being done in each of the areas. Large scale codes have been developed to model implosion physics, and are currently being compared to NOVA shots. In conjunction with Livermore, effort has concentrated on x-ray drive symmetry and hohlraum plasma dynamics. Target diagnostics and construction programs are also being pursued. KrF laser technology is still being developed on a small scale with an 800J, 200ps single sided illumination laser called Mercury.
The Diffraction Pattern Due to an Absorbing Prism

An equation is derived for the case of Fraunhofer diffraction through an absorbing prism limited by an aperture. This reduces for the case of zero absorption to the usual equation, and for the case of an infinite absorbing prism, to a witch. Curves are plotted to show how the diffraction bands fade out with increased absorption. The theory is checked by photographs of light sent through a liquid prism of India ink solution. The chromatic resolving power of an infinite absorbing prism is derived. The equation is modified for the grazing angles used in x-rays and an angular half-width of the diffraction pattern of 2.37″ of arc is computed for the case of Bearden and Shaw’s experiment on the refractive index of quartz at 1.S4A.
The Future of the UTC Time Scale

ABSTRACT: The international atomic time scale used by broadcast services throughout the world is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). UTC, defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R), is maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in cooperation with the International Earth reference and Rotation Service (IERS). Measurements from timing centers around the world are used to determine UTC. The IERS monitors Earth rotation so UTC can be adjusted to within 0.9 seconds of Earth rotation time (UT1). The adjustments, known as leap-seconds, were implemented in 1972 to permit UT1 to be recovered from UTC for celestial navigation. The frequency of leap seconds is dependent on the dynamics of the decelerating Earth. Current telecommunications systems do not introduce leap seconds in timing their data streams. Consequently, deliberations are ongoing within the ITU-R on the issue of a continuous time scale without leap seconds. The questions and issues will be discussed.
Significance of indole-3-carbinol and its metabolite in human cancers

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that a significant difference exists in the incidence of cancer among different ethnic groups. This difference is known to be partly attributed to dietary factors. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its in vivo dimeric product 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) are produced from naturally occurring glucosinolates in the family Cruciferae. They have received much attention as dietary components that have an inhibitory affect on cancer. I3C and DIM up-regulate the expression of phase I and phase II enzymes, suggesting an increased role in the detoxification and inhibition of carcinogens. They also inhibit the growth of cancer cells through the modulation of genes that are related to the control of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, signal transduction, oncogenesis, transcription regulation and protein phosphorylation. Moreover, I3C and DIM inactivate NF-κB, Akt and MAPK signalling pathways, all of which are believed to be potential targets in cancer prevention and therapy. Collectively, several studies have provided evidence for pre-clinical and clinical activities of I3C and DIM against some cancers. Hence, significant advances have been made to date that show I3C and DIM as promising agents for cancer chemoprevention and/or treatment. This review summarises the well accepted inhibitory effects of I3C and DIM on cancer cells and provides a comprehensive view on their molecular mechanism(s) of cancer chemoprevention.
Digital Radio: Systems, Markets and Trends

Microwave digital radios are now entering operational service. 8 PSK RF modulated radios are very attractive for high channel density applications. This paper reviews some of the basic design considerations for digital radios, discusses current state-of-the-art and also markets, present and future.
The structure and energetics of [B, C, F, H3]+: quantum chemistry shows multiple minima

There is a marked paucity of reliable energetics data for ions containing boron, carbon, fluorine and hydrogen. Even one of the conceptually most simple ions, [B, C, F, H3]+, is poorly understood because its sole measurement is part of a 40-year-old electron impact study on CH3BF2. Intuition suggests this ion has the structure [CH3BF]+. What else could it be—it is isoelectronically related to the well-known CH3CN, [CH3CO]+ and [CH3N2]+? What about [BH3CF]+, isoelectronic to the well-known BH3CO and [BH3CN]−? We use high level quantum chemical calculations in the current study to disclose 10 minima: [CH3BF]+ is the most stable and [BH3CF]+ is not even a minimum. Derived quantitative energy differences and qualitative reasoning are used for the understanding of the various isomeric forms of the [B, C, F, H3]+ ion, and by inference and extension in future studies, other ions containing boron, carbon and fluorine.
Early markers of HIV infection and subclinical disease progression.

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in US Air Force personnel between 1985 and 1989 was examined through a mandatory serological survey, and through annual examination of infected patients. CD4+ cell counts were determined by flow cytometry; β 2 microglobulin and neopterin were measured by immunoassay. During this period 933 cases were found, of which 161 were documented seroconversions, giving an incidence rate of 15.6/100 000 person-years. For patients with > 400 CD4 cells μl −1 , the rate of initial occurrence of opportunistic infection was 1 and 4% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. HIV-infected persons with μl −1 , in contrast, had rates of 21% at 1 year and 36% at 2 years. In a cross-sectional study, β 2 microglobulin concentration was shown to increase in both the serum and spinal fluid of patients infected with HIV as their blood CD4 numbers declined. Neopterin levels in serum and spinal fluid showed a similar trend, with significantly lower neopterin concentrations in the group that had > 1000 CD4+ T cells compared to the 0–600 CD4+ cell group. Longitudinal studies included correlation of HIV p24 antigen with CD4 counts over a 1 year period. The p24 antigen-positive group had a 21% decline in CD4+ T cells, while the antigen-negative group had a 14% decline. Specific helper T-cell subsets were also examined over a 6 month period. A significant decline was seen in the CD4+/CD29+, CD4+/CD45R+, and overall CD4+ subsets which was not seen in AZT™-treated patients. A significant increase in the CD4+/CD29+ memory T-cell subset, which is responsible for response to recall antigens and is capable of γ-interferon secretion, was noted in the AZT-treated group.
Lack of genetic linkage evidence for a trans-acting factor having a large effect on plasma lipoprotein[a] levels in African Americans

The distribution of plasma lipoprotein[a] (Lp[a] ) concentrations, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, varies greatly among racial groups, with African Americans having values that are shifted toward higher levels than those of whites. The underlying cause of this heterogeneity is unknown, but a role for "trans-acting" factors has been hypothesized. This study used genetic linkage analysis to localize genetic factors influencing Lp[a] levels in African Americans that were absent in other populations; linkage results were analyzed separately in non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic whites, and African Americans. As expected, all three samples showed highly significant linkage at the approximate location of the lysophosphatidic acid locus. The white populations also independently had regions of significant linkage on chromosome 19 (LOD 3.80) and suggestive linkage on chromosomes 12 (LOD 1.60), 14 (LOD 2.56), and 19 (LOD 2.52).? No linkage evidence was found to support the hypothesis of another single gene with large effects specifically segregating in African Americans that may account for their elevated Lp[a] levels.-Barklej, R. A., A. C. Brown, C. L. Hanis, S. L. Kardia, S. T. Turner, and E. Boerwinkle. Lack of genetic linkage evidence for a trans-acting factor having a large effect on plasma lipoprotein[a] levels in African Americans.
Luteolysis in the rhesus monkey: Ovarian venous estrogen, progesterone, and prostaglandin F2α-metabolite

Abstract The role of prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α) in luteolysis in the non-human primate is poorly understood. We have recently reported that chronic PGF 2 α infusion to the corpus luteum via Alzet pump, induced premature, functional luteolysis in the rhesus monkey. In the present study we sought to determine the ovarian events leading to spontaneous luteolysis in the monkey. Rhesus monkeys underwent laparotomy during the early luteal (4–5 days after the preovulatory estradiol surge, PES), mid-luteal (7–9 days PES), and late luteal (10–14 days PES) phases or at the first day of menses (M). Concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, estrone, and 13, 14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF 2 α (PGFM) were measured in the ovarian venous effluents ipsilateral and contralateral to the ovary bearing the corpus luteum. Steroid levels in the ovarian vein on the corpus luteum side were significantly higher than the non-corpus luteum side throughout the cycle. PGFM levels were similar on both sides until the late luteal phase, when the effluent of the ovary bearing the corpus luteum contained significantly more PGFM (206±3) vs. 123±9 pg/ml, mean±sem); this disparity increased further at the time of menses (241±38 vs. 111±22 pg/ml). These data are the first to show an asymmetric secretion of PGFM in the ovarian venous effluent in the primate and suggest that PGF 2 α of ovarian and possibly of corpus luteum origin may be directly involved in luteal demise.
Ontogeny of secretory function and cholecystokinin binding capacity in immature rat pancreas.

Isolated acini were prepared from the pancreas of immature rats (age <1 hr. – 48 hrs) in order to study the development of the secretory process. The ultrastructural integrity of the acinar cells was maintained after digestion and stimulation with secretagogues. Acini prepared from rats aged 24 – 48 hours responded to both CCK-8 and carbachol with significant increases in amylase release. Although typical biphasic dose response curves were obtained, the curves were shifted to the right by 1 – 2 log units, compared to the responses of adult acini. At ages younger than 24 hours, acini were insensitive to secretagogues but were sensitive to the calcium ionophore A23187. CCK receptors were virtually absent from membranes prepared from newborn pancreases, but binding of CCK, although small, was measureable at 12 hours and slowly increased up to 48 hours. A greater amount of binding was seen at 72 hours, which appeared constant up to 14 days. At 21 days, adult levels of binding were found. These results confirm previous studies that the rat pancreas is insensitive to secretagogues in the first 24 hours of life. After age 24 hours the secretory process is intact but less sensitive to secretory agents than the more mature pancreas. In the case of CCK, this may be due to lesser numbers of CCK receptors and/or affinity of CCK for its receptor.
Dental nurse training in crisis

This is your page to write to and open up topics for debate, reply to each other and offer advice. The letters we have for this issue discuss the importance of being appreciated and dental nurse training. What are your thoughts and contributions? These can be about your profession only or about working in dentistry in general.
Effect of dimethylthiourea on paraquat toxicity in rats.

We evaluated the utility of dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a hydroxyl radical scavenger, as potential therapy for paraquat poisoning. Seventy-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (DMTU-paraquat, paraquat, DMTU, control) and studied for up to 10 days. Clinical observations (dyspnea, weakness), mortality, hepatic and renal function tests, body weights, and histologic studies were performed. There was no mortality in the DMTU and control groups although various histologic and biochemical studies suggested that DMTU may be both hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. In contrast, 74% of DMTU-paraquat rats and 39% of paraquat rats died (p < 0.01). In addition, toxicity was clearly earlier in the DMTU-paraquat group than in the paraquat group. Hence, rather than being protective, treatment with dimethylthiourea was associated with increased mortality in paraquat-poisoned rats.
Creating a Culture of Professional Development: A Milestone Pathway Tool for Registered Nurses

The nursing shortage continues to be a significant threat to health care. Creating a culture of professional development in health care institutions is one way to combat this shortage. Professional development refers to a constant commitment to maintain one's knowledge and skill base. Increasing professional development opportunities in the health care setting has been shown to affect nurse retention and satisfaction. Several approaches have been developed to increase professional development among nurses. However, for the most part, these are "one size fits all" approaches that direct nurses to progress in lock step fashion in skill and knowledge acquisition within a specialty. This article introduces a milestone pathway tool for registered nurses designed to enhance professional development that is unique to the individual nurse and the specific nursing unit. This tool provides a unit-specific concept map, a milestone pathway template, and a personal professional development plan.
Exchange-correlation energy of a metallic surface: Wave-vector analysis

The exchange-correlation energy of a jellium metal surface is analyzed in terms of the wavelength of the fluctuations that contribute to it, using a three-dimensional scheme different from that used by other authors. It is shown that with this scheme there exists an exact limiting form at long wavelengths which includes all many-body correlations and which is independent of the surface density profile. The local-density approximation is formulated as a function of wavelength, and it is shown to be exact at short wavelength. The interpolation scheme between these limits, which was discussed previously, is formulated and checked more completely and used to calculate surface energies.
From world citizenship to purified patriotism: Obama’s nation-shaping in a global era

This analysis responds to two questions in recent scholarship. The first is Ulrich Beck’s call for scholars to empirically explore how nationhood is evolving in a global context – whether and how nation-states are being cosmopolitanised. The second concerns normative debates regarding what form belonging should take in a global era – patriotic attachments or cosmopolitan ones. The rhetoric of Barack Obama provides empirical fodder for both explorations. As a leader who proclaimed and was widely noted for his cosmopolitan sensibilities, yet ultimately relied heavily on themes of patriotism and American exceptionalism, Obama’s case confirms that nationhood remains a potent form of collectivity in the contemporary era; suggests that although the conditions of globalisation may be facilitative ones with regard to cosmopolitanisation, they are not sufficient ones; and calls into question Martha Nussbaum’s recent claim that if ‘purified’, patriotism lends itself to a ‘striving for global justice and inclusive h...
THE FAULT OF MEMORY: "Southern Italy" in the Imagination of Immigrants and the Lives of Their Children in Italian Harlem, 1920-1945

Conflict in immigrant communities between parents and children over the right way to live is cast in the idioms of geography. Immigrants tell their children stories about the place they left as a d...
ACTIVE WARNING SYSTEMS: SYNTHESIS

Active warning systems are traffic control devices consisting of variable signs or flashing beacons with conventional warning signs, which are activated by sensors detecting real-time roadway, environmental, and operational hazards. Currently most active warning systems detect and warn drivers of variable weather or pavement conditions, high-risk vehicle operating speeds, or the presence of intermittent hazards such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or wild animals. Within the Intelligent Transportation Systems framework, active warning systems applications detect these and other variable hazards and communicate these warnings directly to the vehicle or operator. Because most active warning systems are relatively recent, limited long-term system performance data are available. Testing and evaluation of active warning signs should continue to more firmly establish their benefits to highway safety and traffic operations. This paper provides an overview of available active warning systems and discusses their implementation requirements and potential benefits based on results and recommendations from evaluation studies.
DELIVERY OF SUBSTANCES INTO CELLS AND TISSUES USING A PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT PROCESS

ABSTRACT Biologists commonly wish to introduce a wide range of substances into living cells. Such substances include biological stains, proteins (antibodies or enzymes), and genetic material (either RNA or DNA). The cell membrane and, in the case of plant ceils, the cell wall pose formidable barriers which exclude many macromolecules. The concept of particle bombardment has been put forward as a universal mechanism for transporting substances into any living cell. An acceleration device has been designed and constructed which can accelerate small tungsten particles (1 to 4 urn in diameter) to velocities of about 1,000 to 2,000 ft/sec. We have found that these particles can penetrate cell walls and membranes and enter cells in a nonlethal manner. Thousands of cells can be penetrated simultaneously, in situ, as they occur in tissues. Particle bombardment has been shown to be effective in delivering foreign substances into a variety of plant species, including onion, tobacco, corn, and rice. This new method ...
Feasibility of Backcalculation of Nonlinear Flexible Pavement Layer Parameters from Nondestructive Testing

Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods are typically used to measure the variations in the modulus of different pavement layers. The falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) and the seismic pavement analyzer (SPA) are two of the NDT devices used for this purpose by the Texas Department of Transportation. Since the loads applied by the FWD to the pavement are similar to those exerted by traffic, the FWD moduli are used in pavement design and analysis without adjusting them for the nonlinear behavior of the materials. Seismic moduli are similar to linear elastic moduli since they correspond to small external loads. A constitutive model that considers nonlinear behavior of pavement materials is essential in order to convert seismic moduli to those appropriate for the state of stress applied by a truck. Nonlinear parameters needed for these models can normally be obtained from laboratory testing. A study was carried out to determine whether these nonlinear parameters can be estimated from the FWD deflection basin alone or from integration of the seismic and FWD data. FWD deflection alone in most cases does not seem to contain enough information to reliably provide the nonlinear parameters of the layers. Combining the seismic and deflection data would allow the estimation of some of the nonlinear parameters for weaker pavement structures. In the authors' experience, the most reliable way to estimate the nonlinear parameters of base and subgrade is still laboratory testing.
Effects of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process on pysical and electrical properties of Bi4La4-xTi3O12 (BLT) thin film

Abstract Bi3.35La0.75Ti3O12 (BLT) thin (90 nm) film was prepared on a Pt/TiOx/SiO2/Si substrate by metalorganic decomposition (MOD) method, and its microstructure was controlled by rapid thermal annealing (RTA) conditions of temperature and sequence under a fixed furnace annealing (FA) at 650°C. For the conventional RTA before the deposition of Pt top electrode, a random oriented porous film composed of small grains was formed at 500°C, while a strongly c-axis oriented dense film with large grain size was produced at 700°C. The switching polarization (P*−Pˆ) was dependent on both crystalline orientation and grain size, and its highest value of 12 μC/cm2 was obtained at 600°C from the optimized BLT film with weak c-axis orientation and medium grain size. On the other hand, for the modified RTA after top Pt deposition, a random oriented film was formed to have high P*−Pˆ of 12 μC/cm2 irrespective of RTA temperatures of 600 and 700°C.
Fighting or Dancing: Archaeology and Folklore Traces

The connections between archaeology and traditions or folklore may be thought of as a dance, in which archaeological traces complement or constitute elements of folklore, and traces of folklore complement and constitute archaeological interpretation. On the other hand, archaeology and folklore may engage in competition about the “true” past(s). In this paper I will explore the tensions between these perspectives, and the tensions between archaeology and many forms of folklore.
An experimental study of the CO2CH4 reforming-methanation cycle as a mechanism for converting and transporting solar energy☆

The CO2CH4 reforming-methanation chemical cycle provides an attractive means of transporting solar energy to a central station in accord with the Solchem concept. A number of receiver elements (chemical reactors) have been tested in the laboratory in an effort to optimize the catalyst parameters and the catalyst-reactor configuration. These tests led to the design and fabrication of both prototype and full scale production model Solchem receivers which were operated successfully at the White Sands Solar Furnace. The development of energy delivery methanation reactors is proceeding along with the design of both laboratory and field-model closed-loop Solchem systems.
834: Seafood in pregnancy and mercury levels in umbilical cord blood

levels in umbilical cord blood Reni Soon, Timothy Dye, Nicholas Ralston, Marla Berry, Lynnae Sauvage University of Hawaii, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Honolulu, HI, University of North Dakota, Energy & Environmental Research Center, Grand Forks, ND, University of Hawaii, Cell & Molecular Biology, Honolulu, HI OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of maternal fish consumption during pregnancy on umbilical cord mercury (Hg) concentrations in a multiethnic cohort of US women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort pilot study examining antenatal fish consumption and neonatal outcomes in Hawaii. The first 100 women who met eligibility criteria and consented were enrolled. After delivery umbilical cord blood was collected and women completed a dietary survey of their last month of pregnancy. RESULTS: 86% of women reported eating fish during the previous month, with 9% eating more than the recommended limit of 12 oz per week. 75% of Filipina ate fish, which was significantly less than nonFilipina (p .05). Women of most ethnicities consumed similar quantities of fish, with the exception of Japanese women, who consumed significantly less fish than non-Japanese, and Pacific Islander women, who consumed significantly more. Fish consumption varied significantly by income status, with 30% of poor women averaging more than 12 oz per week. Fish consumption did not vary by women’s age, or education. 44% of all women had 5 g Hg/L or more. Filipina were significantly less likely to have elevated Hg levels when compared with non-Filipina ( .05). Mercury levels did not vary by other demographic characteristics. Women who reported eating more than 12 oz of fish per week were significantly more likely to have 5 g Hg/L or more, but mean Hg levels were not significantly higher (6.1 3.3 v 5.0 3.7). The odds ratio for elevated Hg, however, was significant among fish-consumers compared with non-consumers (5.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 27.1). CONCLUSION: Despite variation by ethnicity and income status in fish consumption during pregnancy, there exists a strong correlation between fish consumption and mercury levels. Almost half of the women in this study had elevated mercury levels. This project was supported by grants NCRR U54RR026136 and NIMHD U54MD007584 from the National Institutes of Health.
African-Americans and the Quest for Civil Rights, 1900-1990

In this lavishly illustrated volume, Sean Dennis Cashman surveys the history of civil rights in twentieth-century America. The book charts the principal course of civil rights against the dramatic backdrop of two world wars, the Great Depression, the affluent society of the postwar world, the cultural and social agitation of the 1960s, and the emergence of the new conservatism of the 1970s and 1980s. Cashman describes the profound upheaval that African-Americans experienced as they moved from the outright racism of the South through the Great Migration northward from 1915, and sets the contribution of African-American leaders within their historical context: Booker T. Washington, W. E. B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, A. Philip Randolph, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and many others. The work also describes the shift in emphasis in the movement from legal cases brought before the courts to mass protest movements and, later, the change in direction from civil rights to Black Power and, later, Pan-Africanism. Far more than just a history of civil rights leaders, this book explains how the achievements of African-American writers, artists, singers, and athletes contributed to a wider understanding of the humanity and culture of black Americans. Cashman details, among others, the achievements of the Harlem Renaissance, the films of Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson, and the works of Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison. Written in an engaging style, the text is accompanied by a wealth of illustrations, some well known, others in print for the first time.
Surgical treatment of osteomyelitis

Infections of bone continue to plague patients and surgeons alike. Advances in antimicrobial therapies have improved the potential for cure while at the same time fostering the development of ever more resistant organisms. Modern approaches depend on multidisciplinary management of the patient, yet surgical treatment continues to be a cornerstone of osteomyelitis management. Advances in surgical techniques have increased the potential for salvage and cure. However, the success of treatment remains dependent upon the accuracy of diagnosis and the completeness of preoperative planning. The surgical approach to osteomyelitis requires a thorough understanding of the goals of treatment as well as expertise in a wide range of operative techniques. Preconceived treatment approaches based on one or two favored techniques cannot accommodate the variety of circumstances in which bone infection presents. Judicious appraisal and surgery can in many cases lead to satisfying outcomes.
The Effect of Temperature on Life History Traits of Culex Mosquitoes

Climatic changes forecasted in the coming years are likely to result in substantial alterations to the distributions and populations of vectors of arthropod-borne pathogens. Characterization of the effect of temperature shifts on the life history traits of specific vectors is needed to more accurately define how such changes could impact the epidemiological patterns of vector-borne disease. Here, we determined the effect of temperatures including 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32°C on development time, immature survival, adult survival, mosquito size, blood feeding, and fecundity of both field and colonized populations of the Culex mosquitoes Culex pipiens L., Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Culex restuans Theobald. Our results demonstrate that temperature significantly affects all of these traits, yet also that the extent of this effect is at times incongruent among temperatures, as well as being population and species-specific. Comparisons of colonized mosquitoes with field populations generally demonstrate decreased adult and immature survival, increased blood feeding and egg production, and significant variation in the effects of temperature, indicating that such colonies are not fully representative of natural populations. Results with field populations in general indicate that increases in temperature are likely to accelerate mosquito development, and that this effect is greater at temperatures below 24°C, but also that temperature significantly increases mortality. Among field populations, Cx. restuans were most affected by temperature increases, with decreased longevity relative to other species and significant increases in adult and immature mortality measured with each incremental temperature increase. Despite the unique climates characteristic of the geographic ranges of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. pipiens, evidence of significant species-specific adaptation to temperature ranges was not seen. Taken together, these results indicate that geographic region, as well as species and population differences, must be considered when measuring the effect of temperature on vector populations.
Scientific inquiry: A model for online searching

Scientific inquiry is proposed as a philosophical and behavioral model for online information retrieval. The nature of scientific research is described and online analogs to the research concepts of variable, hypothesis formulation and testing, operational definition, validity, reliability, assumption, and the cyclical nature of research are established. A case is made for the inevitability of end-user searching. It is argued that the model is of interest not only for its own sake, for the intellectual parallels that can be established between two apparently disparate human activities, but as a useful framework for discussion and analysis of the online search process from an educational and evaluative viewpoint.