cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endothelin inhibits the atrial natriuretic factor stimulated cGMP production by activating the protein kinase C in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Summary Preincubation of rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells with endothelin inhibits the atrial natriuretic factor (ANF)-induced cGMP accumulation in these cells in a concentration dependent manner. The maximal inhibition of 64% was afforded by 1×10 −6 M endothelin and the half maximal inhibition (IC 50 ) was achieved with 1×10 −9 M endothelin. Endothelin (1×10 −6 M) also increased the plasma membrane bound protein kinase C (PKC) activity by 4 fold. Hormone-dependent increase in PKC activity was limited to plasma membranes only and some decrease in cytosolic PKC activity was observed. However, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) (1×10 −6 M) provoked a total loss of cytosolic PKC activity and a net gain in membranous PKC activity indicative of the translocation of the enzyme. Pretreatment of these cells with H-7, a PKC inhibitor, released the endothelin and PMA-mediated attenuation of ANF-stimulated cGMP formation. These results suggest that PKC is involved in the regulation of ANF-induced cGMP accumulation and that the vasoconstrictor activity of endothelin might involve inhibition of the vasorelaxant activity of ANF through the inhibition of cGMP accumulation in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the rat aorta.
Neuronal Migrations and Axon Fasciculation Are Disrupted in ina-1 Integrin Mutants

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors implicated in cell adhesion and signaling. Our analysis of C. elegans ina-1 alpha integrin mutants provides the first genetic evidence that migrating neurons require integrins. Mosaic analysis and expression studies show that ina-1 acts autonomously in cells to promote their migrations. Although axons generally extend to their normal targets in ina-1 mutants, bundling of axons into fascicles is defective, defining a previously unrecognized role for integrins. In addition to these neuronal phenotypes, ina-1 mutants also display many morphogenetic defects. Finally, we show that the C. elegans INA-1 alpha integrin subunit associates with the PAT-3beta subunit in vivo, suggesting that these proteins function together in cell migration, axon fasciculation, and morphogenesis.
Electrical resistivity, electronic heat capacity, and electronic structure of Gd5Ge4

Temperature and dc magnetic-field dependencies of the electrical resistivity (4.3--300 K, 0--40 kOe) and heat capacity (3.5--14 K, 0--100 kOe) of polycrystalline ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ have been measured. The electrical resistivity of ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ shows a transition between the low-temperature metallic and high-temperature insulatorlike states at \ensuremath{\sim}130 K. In the low-temperature metallic state both the resistivity and electronic heat capacity of ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ indicate a possible presence of a narrow conduction band. Both low- and high-temperature behaviors of the electrical resistivity of ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ correlate with the crystallographic and magnetic phase transitions induced by temperature and/or magnetic field. Several models, which can describe the unusual behavior of the electrical resistance of ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ above 130 K, are discussed. Preliminary tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital calculations show that ${\mathrm{Gd}}_{5}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{4}$ behaves as a metal in the low-temperature magnetically ordered state, and as a Mott-Hubbard ``semiconductor'' in the high-temperature magnetically disordered state.
Loss of melanotic phenotype in vitro by differentiated retinal pigment cells: demonstration of mechanisms involved.

Abstract Loss of melanotic phenotype has been investigated quantitatively in short-term monolayer cultures of embryonic chick retinal pigment cells (Hamburger-Hamilton stages 30, 31). Three principal mechanisms contribute to the observed loss of phenotype: (1) simple dilution by cell growth (defined as increase in cell protein) of melanin, tyrosinase activity, and the rate of melanin biosynthesis; (2) decay of tyrosinase activity; and (3) cessation of tyrosinase synthesis. By 36 hours of culture these three mechanisms have caused a major alteration of the melanotic phenotype. The differential effects of inhibitors of protein synthesis (cycloheximide and puromycin) and RNA synthesis (actinomycin D) suggest that at least two different groups of genes are responsible for the maintenance of melanin biosynthesis. The basic control of the melanotic phenotype seems to be concerned with the expression of the tyrosinase genes.
Establishment of pregnancy after embryo transfer in mares with gonadal dysgenesis.

Embryo transfer was performed in three mares with gonadal dysgenesis. Karyotypes of the mares were as follows: Mare 1, 63,XX, 64,XX, 65,XX; Mare 2, 63,X; and Mare 3, 65,XXX. The mares were administered progesterone in oil, 300 mg intramuscularly daily, starting 1 or 2 days after donor mare ovulation. Embryos were transferred on day 7 after donor ovulation. Mare 1 became pregnant developing fetus on necropsy on day 45 of gestation. Mare 3 became pregnant after the third embryo transfer, but the embryo was lost between day 14 and day 18 of gestation. Mare 2 received embryos on six occasions without maintaining pregnancy after transfer. Mares with gonadal dysgenesis treated with progesterone can establish and maintain pregnancy after embryo transfer, but there may be differences in this capability among mares, possibly related to the cause of the gonadal dysgenesis.
Newton's method and Schwarzian derivatives

We discuss Newton's method with respect to obtaining convergence to a fixed point with orders of convergence greater than 2. We identify the role played by the Schwarzian derivative in controlling the convergence of Newton's map to a super stable fixed point.
FET memory systems

The metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is finding widespread application as a technology for memory systems, due both to advantageous device and technology characteristics, and to the unique requirements of the memory environment. The technology has proven quite versatile, and among the applications are random access systems, shift registers, and read-only storage. Both complementary and noncomplementary technologies have been used. The backgrounud and philosophy of using MOSFETs as a memory technology are reviewed, and the recent developments, trends, and the current state of the art are summarized.
Philosophy, critical thinking and ‘after-birth abortion: why should the baby live?’

Confronted with an article defending conclusions that many people judge problematic, philosophers are interested, first of all, in clarifying exactly what arguments are being offered for the views in question, and then, second, in carefully and dispassionately examining those arguments, to determine whether or not they are sound. As a philosopher, then, that is how I would naturally approach the article ‘After-birth abortion: why should the baby live?’, by Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva. Very few philosophical publications, however, have evoked either more widespread attention, or emotionally more heated reactions, than this article has. Because of that, I am going to proceed, initially, in a different fashion, and rather than focusing upon the specific arguments that Giubilini and Minerva offer for their conclusions, I am going to suggest that there are crucial background issues that need to be placed on the table, that any thoughtful reader needs to consider. I shall then go on to discuss how philosophers approach the topic of abortion, and attempt to arrive at sound conclusions concerning its moral status. Finally, I shall offer my assessment of the article by Giubilini and Minerva. Many philosophy journals, because of their focus on intellectual questions that are quite remote from central human concerns, and also likely to involve, sooner or later, some difficult technical issues, have a readership that consists almost entirely of professional philosophers. This is not so, however, in the case of journals concerned with ethical questions, and especially issues of an applied sort, such as are addressed in ‘After-birth abortion’, where interested readers will include, for instance, professional philosophers, and individuals who work in the healthcare and legal professions, and whose philosophical training may well have been very limited. I want to begin, therefore, with some discussion of the nature of philosophy. The importance of …
High-performance architectures for IP-based multihop 802.11 networks

The concept of a forwarding node, which receives packets from upstream nodes and then transmits these packets to downstream nodes, is a key element of any multihop network, wired or wireless. While high-speed IP router architectures have been extensively studied for wired networks, the concept of a "wireless IP router" has not been addressed so far. We examine the limitations of the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol in supporting a low-latency and high-throughput IP datapath comprising multiple wireless LAN hops. We first propose a wireless IP forwarding architecture that uses MPLS with modifications to 802.11 MAC to significantly improve packet forwarding efficiency. We then study further enhancements to 802.11 MAC that improve system throughput by allowing a larger number of concurrent packet transmissions in multihop 802.11-based IP networks. With 802.11 poised to be the dominant technology for wireless LANs, we believe a combined approach to MAC, packet forwarding, and transport layer protocols is needed to make high-performance multihop 802.11 networks practically viable.
Connolly and Hirschmann receive 2011 N. L. Bowen Awards: Citation for James A. Connolly

James A. Connolly and Marc M. Hirschmann received the 2011 N. L. Bowen Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting, held 5–9 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes “outstanding contributions to volcanology, geochemistry, or petrology.”
A Museum of the Book

The Modern Language Association of America recently sent a circular to all its members, beginning, “Where would you look if you wanted to find articles, written in Spanish, documenting speech pathology in six‐year‐old children?” For myself, I would have to answer “I don't know,” and in the back of my mind lurk Rhett Butler's famous parting words to Scarlett O'Hara. No doubt any scrap of knowledge is preferable to complete ignorance, but creative research requires that the same mind frame the questions, recognize the answers, and perceive their relevance.
Modeling of rhythmic behavior in neutral lipid production due to continuous supply of limited nitrogen: Mutual growth and lipid accumulation in microalgae

Abstract The relative effects of three precise nitrogen limitation regimes on green micro-algae were assessed using the Trebouxiophycean alga Coccomyxa subellipsoidea grown in a chemostatic bioreactor system. The data provides further evidence that growth and triglyceride (TAG) accumulation are concurrent and independently proportional to the degree of nitrogen limitation in algae. Additionally, TAG accumulation was observed to proceed via oscillations with respect to time and percent dry weight quantity. The predator–prey model was applied to fit the experimental data and to obtain the physiological significance of these oscillations. The results determine the conditions of maximum neutral lipid productivity with respect to nitrate stress and highlight an area of potential future research.
Habituation of reinforcer effectiveness.

In this paper we propose an integrative model of habituation of reinforcer effectiveness (HRE) that links behavioral and neural based explanations of reinforcement. We argue that habituation of reinforcer effectiveness (HRE) is a fundamental property of reinforcing stimuli. Most reinforcement models implicitly suggest that the effectiveness of a reinforcer is stable across repeated presentations. In contrast, an HRE approach predicts decreased effectiveness due to repeated presentation. We argue that repeated presentation of reinforcing stimuli decreases their effectiveness and that these decreases are described by the behavioral characteristics of habituation (McSweeney and Murphy, 2009;Rankin et al., 2009). We describe a neural model that postulates a positive association between dopamine neurotransmission and HRE. We present evidence that stimulant drugs, which artificially increase dopamine neurotransmission, disrupt (slow) normally occurring HRE and also provide evidence that stimulant drugs have differential effects on operant responding maintained by reinforcers with rapid vs. slow HRE rates. We hypothesize that abnormal HRE due to genetic and/or environmental factors may underlie some behavioral disorders. For example, recent research indicates that slow-HRE is predictive of obesity. In contrast ADHD may reflect ‘accelerated-HRE’. Consideration of HRE is important for the development of effective reinforcement based treatments. Finally, we point out that most of the reinforcing stimuli that regulate daily behavior are non-consumable environmental/social reinforcers which have rapid-HRE. The almost exclusive use of consumable reinforcers with slow-HRE in pre-clinical studies with animals may have caused the importance of HRE to be overlooked. Further study of reinforcing stimuli with rapid-HRE is needed in order to understand how habituation and reinforcement interact and regulate behavior.
Perceptions of Fiber and Fabric Uses and the Factors Contributing to Military Clothing Comfort and Satisfaction

Attitudes of military consumers toward commercial and military fibers, fabrics, and military battle dress uniforms (BDU) are assessed using item-by-use appropriateness scaling and conjoint analysis...
A new paradigm of meaning

Doing philosophy after Kant amounts to conceptualizing our ordinary empirical activities (including the ordinary empirical activities of the professional scientist). Within philosophy, we are not to challenge those activities, and we are not to add to them; for example, we are not to establish that there are more or fewer objects than ordinarily assumed, or that acts that we ordinarily judge right are in fact wrong. Rather, we are to ask ourselves how our ordinary activities can be understood; we are to tell ourselves a story (or many stories) in which those activities find a place. For some, the existence of such stories will give a justification or a foundation to the relevant activities; for others, no such justification is even conceivable, and all that the stories do is satisfy our need for stories, or soothe the anxiety that follows upon our being thrown into the world. But whatever their ultimate destination, some stories are better than others, and make sense of the relevant activities in a more convincing, less strained way. In the end, those are the stories we would rather hear. Because the stories are usually formulated in terms of (reference to) entities of which we have no immediate presentations, entities like minds or sets or properties or what have you, the language of the stories will largely be one of evocation and allusion. This language will use empirical notions in a metaphorical way, that is, in such a way as to loosen their definite conditions of application and thereby transform a number of questions ordinarily asked about them into pseudo questions. Still, the fact that some empirical notions are used and not others is important, since it is on the associations suggested by those notions that our understanding (or maybe illusion of understanding) of the story and our interest in it are based. Thus development in this story-telling enterprise comes in two forms: there are times when the basic metaphors are articulated (to put it sympathetically, or stret ched, if we do not want to be so nice) to cover cases to which they do not have a natural application, and times when a suggestion is made to use different metaphors altogether. In Kuhn's language, there are times of normal science and times of revolution.
Hypothesis: thalidomide embryopathy-proposed mechanism of action.

We propose that thalidomide affects the following pathway during limb development: Growth factors (FGF-2 and IGF-I) attach to receptors on limb bud mesenchymal cells and initiate some second messenger system (perhaps SP-1), which activates αv and β3 integrin subunit genes. The resulting αv β3 integrin proteins stimulate angiogenesis in the developing limb bud. Several steps in this pathway depend on the activation of genes with primarily GC promoters (GGGCGG). Thalidomide, or a hydrolysis or metabolic breakdown product, specifically binds to GC promoter sites and inhibits the transcription of those genes. Inhibition of the genes interferes with normal angiogenesis, which results in truncation of the limb. Teratology 61:189–195, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Learning to live with the Angel in the house

(1977). Learning to live with the Angel in the house. Women's Studies: Vol. 4, Virginia Woolf, pp. 181-200.
The effect of encapsulated nanosized catalysts on the combustion of composite solid propellants

Abstract In solid rocket propellants, nano-sized catalysts are expected to be more effective than their micron-sized counterparts due to their higher surface area and increased contact with the oxidizer. However, propellant processing becomes more difficult and ultimate mechanical properties can be negatively impacted as catalyst size is reduced. One proposed solution to these issues is to encapsulate a nano-sized catalyst inside the oxidizer. We have previously created composite particles with nano-sized iron oxide catalyst encapsulated in fine ammonium perchlorate (AP). In this paper we explore the effect of the composite particles on the burning rate and flame structure of an AP-based composite propellant. The propellant containing the composite nano-iron oxide/AP particles was compared to a baseline propellant without catalyst, a propellant formulated with micron-sized catalyst, and a propellant with nano-sized catalyst mixed directly. All catalyzed propellants contained the same catalyst mass fraction. High-speed (5 kHz) OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) and high-speed surface imaging were used to examine differences in flame structure and coarse crystal burning characteristics and determine how the encapsulated catalyst influences the global burning rate. It was found that the burning rate of the propellant with the encapsulated catalyst was 90% higher than that of the baseline propellant, 44% higher than the propellant with micron-scale catalyst, and 15% higher than that of the propellant with nano-sized catalyst added directly. Our results indicate that the high global burning rate of the propellant with the encapsulated catalyst is due to an accelerating effect on the fine AP/binder matrix burning rate, assumed to be caused by the intimate contact between the fine AP and catalyst. At elevated pressures (4.4–7.1 atm) flame structure and burning surface morphology change as the catalyst size and location is changed. The coarse crystals are observed to protrude more from the burning surface as the catalyst size decreases. The microscale flame structure is observed to transition from jet-like to lifted arches as the pressure and catalyst size increase.
A new color vision test based on color from motion

We present a new color vision test based on an effect called color from motion (CFM) that we have described in the literature (Cicerone et al., 1995; Miyahara and Cicerone, 1997; Chen and Cicerone, 2002a,b). The CFM stimulus that we used consisted of a field of colored, randomly positioned dots on a bright achromatic background. The dots in the target region were different from those in the surround in chromaticity or luminance (or both). The stimulus consists of multiple frames, identical except that the color assignments of some dots are changed from frame to frame. When the frames are cycled rapidly, observers report that apparent motion is accompanied by subjective color spread seen in achromatic regions. Color normal individuals can see CFM in displays with dots differing only in chromaticity or only in luminance. The subject's task was to indicate the perceived direction of motion of the target region, under conditions that varied the trajectory of the target. The test was validated in two main ways. (1) Color normal and color deficient individuals viewed CFM stimuli defined by luminance differences alone to determine the smallest luminance difference between target and surround elements that is required to produce CFM. (2) Color normal and color deficient individuals viewed a CFM stimulus defined by chromaticity differences alone. In the absence of luminance differences, dichromats are incapable of performing the task above chance levels. The advantage of this test is its ease of administration, making it potentially available for use with young children and under field conditions.
Sex differences in the amphetamine stimulated release of catecholamines from rat striatal tissue in vitro

Sex and estrous cycle-related differences in the amphetamine (AMT)-stimulated release (pg/mg/min) of catecholamines (CA) from rat striatal and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) fragments were measured in an in vitro perifusion system. In striatal tissue from intact males, AMT stimulated the release of both norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA). The AMT-stimulated release of DA from striatal tissue obtained from intact females varied with the stage of the estrous cycle. This increase in DA release was lower in striatal tissue from proestrous females than from females in estrus(P < 0.05) or diestrus1 (P < 0.01). The NE release stimulated by AMT was greater than basal release only on estrus and diestrus 2. Following castration (CAST) or CAST plus 500 μg testosterone propionate (TP), daily for 4 days, striatal tissue fragments from male rats continued to release CA in response to AMT stimulation. In contrast, ovariectomy (OVX) severely attenuated the AMT-stimulated release of both CA. Treatment of OVX females with 5 μg estradiol benzoate (EB), daily for 4 days, or 1.2 mg progesterone (P) slightly increased the AMT-stimulated release of DA but not NE. Treatment of OVX females with 5 μg EB, daily for 4 days, plus 1.2 mg P completely restored the AMT-stimulated release of both CA. Interestingly, MBH fragments from intact of gonadectomized rats, with or without hormonal treatment, demonstrated a consistent AMT-stimulated release of DA regardless of the sex of the animal. The AMT-stimulated NE release from these MBH fragments was less consistent, but there were no significant differences between the groups. These results demonstrate that the AMT-stimulated release of DA from striatal tissue in vitro is sex, hormonal, and tissue dependent.
Visualization of the coronary circulation during angiocardiography.

Abstract The coronary arteries and the coronary sinus may occasionally be identified in the films taken during routine angiocardiography in man. The arteries are seen mainly in children, in whom the aorta and its branches are usually more clearly outlined. In adults, the coronary sinus is sometimes filled in retrograde fashion from the right auricle.
On the onset of inertial recirculation in barotropic general circulation models

Abstract A nonlinear ordinary differential equation which models the western boundary layer of quasi-geostrophic barotropic models of the wind-driven circulation has been investigated by Il'in and Kamenkovich and more recently by Ierley and Ruehr. For mild nonlinearity the boundary layer model has two possible outflow solutions which match to a Sverdrup interior. For stronger nonlinearity, no solutions exist. In the weakly nonlinear case we use linear stability theory to resolve the problem of multiple solutions. A highly stretched regional model of the full quasi-geostrophic equations is used to investigate the disappearance of solutions of the boundary layer model. We find that a failure of the boundary layer model is coincident with the onset of recirculation in the solution of the partial differential equations at a sufficiently large ratio of basin scale to viscous boundary-layer scale. For less extreme ratios, the onset of recirculation is deferred, and hence its relation to a failure of the boundar...
Creep transitions in an Al-Zn alloy

The creep behavior of an Al-10 at. pct Zn alloy was investigated at temperatures in the range 573 to 800 K and in a normalized shear stress range, τ/G, extending from 10•6 to 10•3, where τ is the applied shear stress andG is the shear modulus. The results reveal the presence of four deformation regions: region I (very low stresses), region II (low stresses), region III (intermediate stresses), and region IV (high stresses). In regions II and III, the creep characteristics including the stress exponent, the shape of the creep curve, and the nature of creep transients after stress reductions are consistent with dislocation climb and viscous glide, respectively. The experimental transition stresses between region II (climb) and region III (glide) were compared with those predicted from the deformation criterion for solid-solution alloys, and it is demonstrated that the correlation between experiment and prediction becomes satisfactory when corrections concerning the appropriate diffusion coefficients for describing glide-controlled creep and climb-controlled creep, the stacking fault energy of the alloy, and the contributions of Suzuki interaction and Fisher interaction to solute atom drag forces are incorporated in the analysis. Experimental data in region IV are not sufficient to unambiguously identify the rate process, but calculations show that the values of the transition stress between region III and region IV agree reasonably well with those of the critical stress for dislocation breakaway from a solute-atom atmosphere. The characteristics of deformation in region I are still under investigation.
EFFECTS OF ANDROGENS AND ESTROGENS ON β-GLUCURONIDASE IN INBRED MICE1,2

In recent years, Morrow et al. (1949, 1950) reported that certain pure inbred strains of mice exhibited strikingly low concentrations of β-glucuronidase in the liver, spleen and kidney. Cohen and Bittner (1951) found that mammary tissue β-glucuronidase activity bore a relationship to the strain of mice employed, extremely low concentrations being found in the C3H strain. Among the interesting questions which these findings provoked is the one of whether or not tissue β-glucuronidase in these low-glucuronidase strains is responsive to extrinsic factors. It is known that certain glucuronidogenic drugs will produce an increase in β-glucuronidase activity in the non-sex organs (Fishman, 1940)) and that estrogen will restore uterine β-glucuronidase activity of the castrated mouse to normal levels Fishman and Fishman, 1944; Fishman, 1947) with no alteration in the non-sex organ glucuronidase. (Fishman, 1947; Harris and Cohen, 1951). An exception to this lack of effect in the non-sex organs was reported by Kerr,...
Integrating the Teaching of Science and Social Studies.

This paper calls for the integration of science and social studies curricula in elementary and secondary schools. An expected response to this call would be a charge of fadism or "here we go again." Teachers at all levels, beseiged with frequent requests to do more and do it well with fewer resources, are justified in approaching suggestions for curricular change with reason and caution. These increasing demands on teachers must not prevent us, however, from intelligent reflective thought concerning important curricular linkages for the future. The integration of science and social studies teaching, we believe, is one such promising direction.
Object analysis patterns for embedded systems

Some of the most challenging tasks in building a software system are capturing, refining, and analyzing requirements. How well these tasks are performed significantly impacts the quality of the developed software system. The difficulty of these tasks is greatly exacerbated for the software of embedded systems as these systems are commonly used for critical applications, have to operate reliably for long periods of time, and usually have a high degree of complexity. Current embedded systems software development practice, however, often deals with the (requirements) analysis phase in a superficial manner, instead emphasizing design and implementation. This research investigates how an approach similar to the well-known design patterns, termed object analysis patterns, can be applied in the analysis phase of embedded systems development, prior to design and coding. Specifically, our research explores how object-oriented modeling notations, such as the Unified Modeling Language (UML), can be used to represent structural and behavioral information as part of commonly occurring object analysis patterns. This work also investigates how UML-based conceptual models of embedded systems, based on the diagram templates in the object analysis patterns, can be automatically analyzed using the Spin model checker for adherence to properties specified in linear-time temporal logic (LTL) using a previously developed UML formalization framework. We have applied these patterns to several embedded systems applications obtained from the automotive industry. This paper describes one of our case studies and illustrates how our approach facilitates the construction of UML-based conceptual models of embedded systems and the analysis of these models for adherence to functional requirements.
Conspiracy Beliefs About Birth Control: Barriers to Pregnancy Prevention Among African Americans of Reproductive Age

This article examines the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs about birth control (e.g., the belief that birth control is a form of Black genocide) and their association with contraceptive attitudes and behavior among African Americans. The authors conducted a telephone survey with a random sample of 500 African Americans (aged 15-44). Many respondents endorsed birth control conspiracy beliefs, including conspiracy beliefs about Black genocide and the safety of contraceptive methods. Stronger conspiracy beliefs predicted more negative attitudes toward contraceptives. In addition, men with stronger contraceptive safety conspiracy beliefs were less likely to be currently using any birth control. Among current birth control users, women with stronger contraceptive safety conspiracy beliefs were less likely to be using contraceptive methods that must be obtained from a health care provider. Results suggest that conspiracy beliefs are a barrier to pregnancy prevention. Findings point to the need for addressing conspiracy beliefs in public health practice.
Accuracy considerations in self- calibrating A/D converters

Self-calibration techniques can remove linearity errors of weighted-capacitor data converters caused by element matching errors. However, various additional factors can affect the accuracy of a selfcalibrating A/D converter. These include charge injection from certain transistor switches, error in the capacitor in the correction path, voltage coefficient of precision-ratioed capacitors, and noise. The effects of each of these factors on a self-calibrating A/D converter are analyzed. Correction techniques for each factor are presented.
Epidemiological shift in the prevalence of pertussis in Taiwan: implications for pertussis vaccination

In Taiwan, routine pertussis immunization has been implemented for more than 40 years and a low incidence of pertussis was maintained until an 80-fold increase in cases occurred in 1992. The unexpected increase emphasized the significance of pertussis. This study evaluated a total of 2452 reported cases of pertussis during 1993–2004 and surveillance data on incidence, age distribution and seasonality. The highest morbidity was in infants aged <1 year, and upward trends in the incidence of pertussis were significant for infants aged <1 year and adolescents aged 10–14 years. The highest mean number of cases was observed in August and upward trends were in colder months. This study indicates that the epidemiology of pertussis may have been changed by waning immunity in Taiwan. Increased surveillance activities, especially in older age groups, and additional booster doses of acellular pertussis vaccine for children aged 6–8 years and adolescents/young adults aged 15–20 years are necessary to control and prevent pertussis.
LIFE HISTORY AND BIOLOGY OF PHYCIODES PHAON (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE)

The butterfly Phyciodes phaon (Edwards), the Phaon crescent, was reared in the laboratory on its host plant, Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene, at 27°C with 16:8 (L:D) photoperiod and fluorescent lighting. Eggs are laid in clusters on the underside of host leaves and hatch in about 5 days. Newly hatched larvae aggregate and feed on the underside of the leaf. Later instars disperse on the host plant and continue to feed on the leaves. Larvae develop through five instars based on head capsule, weight, and size measurements. The duration of each instar and the pupal stage were determined. Adults mate 2-3 days after emergence, and females begin laying eggs after 2 more days. The life cycle from egg to adult requires 23-31 days. The butterfly is easy to rear and mating occurs in laboratory cages under artificial lighting. The butterfly has been reared continuously in the laboratory for about 3 years with no evidence of disease in the colony.
UAV Path Planning in a Dynamic Environment via Partially Observable Markov Decision Process

A path-planning algorithm to guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for tracking multiple ground targets based on the theory of partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) is presented. A variety of features of interest are shown to be easy to incorporate into the framework by plugging in the appropriate models, which demonstrates the power and flexibility of the POMDP framework. Specifically, it is shown how to incorporate the following features by appropriately formulating the POMDP action space, transition law, and objective function: 1) control UAVs with both forward acceleration and bank angle subject to constraints; 2) account for the effect of wind disturbance on UAVs; 3) avoid collisions between UAVs and obstacles and among UAVs; 4) track targets while evading threats; 5) track evasive targets; and 6) mitigate track swaps.
Implementing The Results Of A Manufacturing Simulation In A Semiconductor Line

Semiconductor manufacturing is an extremely complex process. The requirements for ultraclean environments and intricate production capabilities result in capital intensive facilities and equipment. Wafer fabrication involves hundreds of individual tools performing multiple processes to produce an array of sophisticated end products. Worldwide competitive realities produce ongoing pressures to reduce the time and cost of both development and manufacturing activities. Simulation provides a practical and powerful method for analyzing and optimizing such a complex environment. This paper presents an overview of a modeling and simulation effort designed to quantify turnaround time improvement opportunities in a leading-edge semiconductor development line. Product turnaround time is a key determinant of success in semiconductor manufacturing due to its contribution in critical areas including contamination, yield-learning, and process control. The focus of the simulation project was the analysis of line loading levels and their impact oil turnaround time. The results of the project led to policy changes and significantly improved turnaround time performance. The paper presents an overview of the line modeled, a discussion of the line characteristics incorporated in the model, and the simulation results. The changes implemented in the line are discussed, and the resultant improvements described.
Mechanical- and Physical-Property Changes of Neutron-Irradiated Chemical-Vapor-Deposited Silicon Carbide

Indentation and density measurements have revealed important changes in the mechanical and physical properties of silicon carbide (SiC) due to neutron irradiation. Specifically, the changes in the elastic modulus, hardness, fracture toughness, and density with irradiation have provided an understanding of the expected performance of SiC and SiC composites in nuclear applications. After the accumulated damage has saturated, these mechanical properties were affected primarily by the irradiation temperature. Chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) SiC was irradiated above the saturation fluence and yielded volumetric swelling of 2.6% and 1.3% for irradiation temperatures of 100--150 C and 500--550 C, respectively. At the same respective temperatures, the elastic modulus decreased from an unirradiated value of 503 GPa to {approximately} 420 and 450 GPa. Conversely, the hardness increased from 36 GPa for the unirradiated at 100--150 C and 500--550 C, respectively. Interestingly, these two independent properties approached almost-constant levels after exposure to a fluence of 0.5 {times} 10{sup 25} n/m{sup 2}, E > 0.1 MeV. Indentation fracture toughness measurements, which were within the range of values in the literature for conventional fracture toughness procedures for SiC, increased from {approximately} 2.8 MPa{center_dot}m{sup 1/2} for the unirradiated samples to 3.7 and 4.2 MPa{center_dot}m{sup 1/2} for the samples that weremore » irradiated at 100--150 C and 500--550 C, respectively.« less
Reliability and validity of the American Hospital Association's national longitudinal survey of health information technology adoption.

Objective To evaluate the internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity of a battery of items measuring information technology (IT) adoption, included in the American Hospital Association (AHA) IT Supplement Survey. Methods We analyzed the 2012 release of the AHA IT Supplement Survey. We performed reliability analysis using Cronbach's α and part-whole correlations, construct validity analysis using principal component analysis (PCA), and criterion validity analysis by assessing the items' sensitivity and specificity of predicting attestation to Medicare Meaningful Use (MU). Results Twenty-eight items of the 31-item instrument and five of six functionality subcategories defined by the AHA all produced reliable scales (α's between 0.833 and 0.958). PCA mostly confirmed the AHA's categorization of functionalities; however, some items loaded only weakly onto the factor most associated with their survey category, and one category loaded onto two separate factors. The battery of items was a valid predictor of attestation to MU, producing a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.72. Discussion The battery of items performed well on most indices of reliability and validity. However, they lack some components of ideal survey design, leaving open the possibility that respondents are not responding independently to each item in the survey. Despite measuring only a portion of the objectives required for attestation to MU, the items are a moderately sensitive and specific predictor of attestation. Conclusions The analyzed instrument exhibits satisfactory reliability and validity.
Crisis Intervention With Mentally Ill Chemical Abusers: Application of Brief Solution- Focused Therapy and Strengths Perspective

This article presents the application of Roberts’ seven-stage crisis intervention model in working with mentally ill chemical abusers. Roberts’ model will be combined with strengths perspective and brief solution-focused therapy to provide an effective framework for addressing the unique needs of mentally ill chemical abusers within a managed care treatment environment. This article will present three case examples and one impromptu intervention to demonstrate methods for clinicians to apply in addressing this challenging and complex population. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 2:197‐216 (2002)]
Large Red Shift of PL Peak Energy in High Growth Rate a-Si:H Prepared by Hot-Wire CVD

We characterized the electronic states and microstructure of high-growth-rate a-Si:H films by employing photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopies. The growth rate was from 50 to 115 A/s compared to the standard rate of less than 10 A/s. For the high-growth-rate a-Si:H films, we observed typical a-Si:H features in Raman but new features in PL. The new PL features are: a) the PL peak energy is as low as ∼1.15 eV compared to the standard ∼1.4 eV at 80 K; and b) the total intensity is more than one order of magnitude higher then the standard. We suggest that the nano-scale microstructure may be responsible for the anomalous PL features.
Spatio-temporal variations of vehicle traffic in VANETs: facts and implications

Via statistical analysis of several sets of empirical data collected from realistic scenarios, we realize that exponential model is a good fit for highway vehicle traffic. This model provides a single parameter (the exponent of vehicle density λs) to describe traffic variation. We reveal that highway traffic drastically varies over time (of different scales), across geographic locations and over technology adoption phases. Considering multi-hop geocast and single-hop broadcast, we show via both mathematical analysis and simulations the performance of path availability in the former, and packet delivery ratio in the latter, with respect to short- and long-term traffic variation.Therefore, we argue that the critical challenge in vehicular networking is dealing with traffic variation over the small scale (due to differences in vehicular density over space and time) and over the long term (due to market penetration).
Why Can’t I Continue to Take My Narcotics? The Long-Term Negative Effects of Narcotics

Inflammatory bowel disease will frequently result in a great deal of pain for individual patients. This pain is frequently treated with narcotic or opioid pain medications. While the initial goal is to use these medications over the short term, their use often will become that of chronic dependence. Chronic narcotic use in IBD patients can lead to poor outcomes for patients in several aspects of their life. This chapter outlines several of the detrimental effects that chronic opioid use can have on IBD patients and explores alternative approaches for pain control in IBD patients.
Kinetic Modeling of Peritoneal Dialysis

This chapter presents the anatomy and physiology of the peritoneal barrier as background for understanding the complex process of the transperitoneal transport system. Kinetic models are presented in three general forms: membrane models, compartmental models, and distributed models. Applications of each of these are offered to illustrate the use of each model scheme.
An Investigation of Price-, Quality-, and Deal-Oriented Retail Market Segments

This study investigated the existence and nature of retail market segments based on shoppers’ emphasis on price, quality, and deals benefits. Five groups were found: Deal Seekers, Price Watchers, Quality Selectors, Quality Users, and Price-Quality Selectors. In general, those who seek mainly quality benefits depend on national brands and brand loyalty as selection criteria. Those who emphasize price and deal benefits are willing to take a chance with different products to reach their shopping goals. Those who want to maximize both price and quality benefits show greater concern about making the right decision than those who concentrate on price comparison when selecting products.
Friends of the First Amendment? Amicus Curiae Briefs in Free Speech/Press Cases During the Warren and Burger Courts

This study, relying upon a pre-existing data set compiled by other researchers, quantitatively examines the trends and effect of amicus curiae brief filing in free speech/press cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in the years between 1953 and 1986. Out of 4,441 cases analyzed in this study, 181 cases were in the free speech/press topic area, and 124 of them had at least one amicus brief filed. The study findings demonstrate general trends in the filing and outcome of the cases; general trends of amicus curiae brief filing in free speech/press cases; the influence of amicus curiae briefs indicated in the Court opinion and indicated in litigation success; the most active participants of amicus brief filing in free speech/press cases; and the top ten free speech/press cases with the most number of amicus curiae briefs. This study suggests that various media organizations and civil rights groups would be wise to continue to engage in amicus curiae filings in free speech/press cases to defend First Amendment freedoms.
Mono- and Bimetallic Aluminum Alkyl, Aryl, and Hydride Complexes of a Bulky Dipyrromethene Ligand

Reactions of an appropriate organoaluminum reagent with a sterically demanding dipyrromethene (2) produced the monomeric complexes (N,N)AlR2 (where (N,N) is deprotonated dipyrromethene; R = Me (3),...
Reliability of the Straight-Arm Hang for Testing Muscular Endurance among Children 2 to 5

(1979). Reliability of the Straight-Arm Hang for Testing Muscular Endurance among Children 2 to 5. Research Quarterly. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance: Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 735-738.
The Virginia Heritage Project: An Update

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Libraries at ODU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications by an authorized administrator of ODU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@odu.edu. Repository Citation Graves, Tonia, "The Virginia Heritage Project: An Update" (2002). Libraries Faculty & Staff Publications. Paper 20. http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/libraries_fac_pubs/20
Identification of the Allelic Variation of Puroindoline Alleles in Xinjiang Wheat Landraces

【Objective】Grain hardness is an important characteristics for processing quality in common wheat,and Puroindoline genes Pina and Pinb have been reported to be closely related with the grain hardness and end-use quality of wheat.The study of it can provide useful genetic information for seeds breeding.【Method】Altogether 105 Xinjiang wheat landraces were examined with Single Kernel Characterization System(SKCS),specific primer PCR amplification and modified SDS-PAGE of Triton X-114 extracted protein to investigate the distribution of grain hardness and its puroindoline alleles.【Result】 The results indicated that hard wheats were the most popular phenotype in Xinjiang wheat landrace.The percentages of hard wheat,soft wheat,and mixed wheat were 69.5%,5.7%,24.8%,respectively.The average value of SKCS hardness index for Xinjiang wheat landraces is 63.5.The whole nine puroindoline alleles were revealed in the surveyed wheat.Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1p、 Pina-D1k(null)/null、Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1ab、Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1a、Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1b、Pina-D1l/Pinb-D1a、Pina-D1r/Pinb-D1a、Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1ac and Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1p with detected numbers of 62,13,12,13,1,1,1,1,1 were present in Xinjiang wheat puroindoline types.Among them,Pina-D1r/Pinb-D1a was a newly found genotype in hard wheat.And the percentages of Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1p with 59.1% were the highest in Xinjiang wheat landrace.The two types: Pina-D1k(null)/null and Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1ab have close relationship with their locations and ecotypes.They are mainly in winter wheat of southern Xinjiang.The hardness of Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1a(wild type) was obviously weaker than the mutants.Pina-D1k(null)/null has the highest hardness in the nine puroindoline alleles,but the difference between Pina-D1k(null)/null、Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1p and Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1ab is not so great.【Conclusion】The study of grain hardness and distribution of puroindoline genotypes provided useful theoretical basis for improving the wheat quality and breeding seeds.