cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrapatellar Straps Decrease Patellar Tendon Strain at the Site of the Jumper's Knee Lesion: A Computational Analysis Based on Radiographic Measurements.

Background: The impetus for the use of patellar straps in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy has largely been based on empirical evidence and not on any mechanistic rationale. A computational model suggests that patellar tendinopathy may be a result of high localized tendon strains that occur at smaller patella–patellar tendon angles (PPTAs).Hypothesis: Infrapatellar straps will decrease the mean localized computational strain in the area of the patellar tendon commonly involved in jumper’s knee by increasing the PPTA.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Twenty adult males had lateral weightbearing and nonweightbearing radiographs of their knees taken with and without 1 of 2 infrapatellar straps at 60° of knee flexion. Morphologic measurements of PPTA and patellar tendon length with and without the straps were used as input data into a previously described computational model to calculate average and maximum strain at the common location of the jumper’s knee lesion during a simulated jum...
K3CrO8 in K3NbO8 as a Proposed Standard for g-Factor, Spin Concentration, and Field Calibration in High-Field EPR Spectroscopy

Currently there is a lack of an internal standard for EPR spectroscopy employing magnetic fields higher than about 3 T. It is here suggested that the solid solution of 0.5% K3CrO8 into K3NbO8 fulfills many of the requirements of such a standard. Its main EPR signal is due to a 3d1 electron and consists of a single sharp peak for single-crystal samples. The peak width ranges from 1.5 G (0.15 mT) at the X-band (Bo = 0.34 T) to 4 G (0.4 mT) at 330 GHz (Bo = 11.8 T). The g-values have been determined as g⊥ = 1.98508 ± 0.00005 and g∥ = 1.94272 ± 0.00005. This high degree of precision is necessary because EPR work at high frequencies can resolve g-tensors to six or seven significant figures. Additionally, K3CrO8 in K3NbO8 provides a field calibration standard via a weak but well-resolved hyperfine structure from its 53Cr isotope (I = 3/2, natural abundance 9.5%): A∥ = 39.55 ± 0.08 G, A⊥ = 11.49 ± 0.05 G. Variable-temperature and variable-frequency studies demonstrate that this sample can serve as a reliable st...
Seal predation on salmon and forage fish schools as a function of tidal currents in the San Juan Islands, Washington, USA

Tidal patterns in feeding behaviour are known in several upper trophic level predators. Although harbour seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) movements between resting and foraging areas are often correlated with tidal phase, little is known about tidal influences on seal foraging because it is difficult to make direct observations of predation events. This study sought to determine whether harbour seals exhibit tidal patterns in their at-sea distribution, abundance, and foraging success and to discuss how changes in capture rates or prey types might affect the ability of an individual to meet its daily energy requirement. During 1995–97, seal abundance in the water during flooding tides was significantly greater than median daily abundance. Seals aggregated near a channel constriction. Salmon accounted for 50% and 87% of observed captures of single, large fish in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Predation on schooling fishes involved juvenile sandlance or herring. Large-fish captures were episodic (16.9% and 27.5% of observations with nonzero capture rates) and occurred more often on the incoming tide near constricted water flow. Median per capita capture rates were highest in currents during slower flooding (0.31 fish·seal–1 h–1). Surface attacks on forage fish schools were more common than large-fish captures (54.0% and 66.7% of observations with at least one attack on forage fish). Night-time and subsurface feeding were not assessed. Given what is known about seal food requirements, tidal differences in capture rates are predicted to have a significant impact on both the hunting strategy and energy intake of individuals. Results support the idea that interactions among tidal currents, topographic features, and fish play a role in structuring marine predator–prey dynamics.
Collective plasmon excitations in C60 clusters.

The electromagnetic response function of a ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ cluster is calculated using linear-response theory. We find that the valence electrons are quite delocalized and show collective excitations. In the low-energy part of the excitation spectrum, the lowest allowed transition at \ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\approxeq}3 eV is strongly screened, and the other transitions below 6 eV are moderately screened, in agreement with experiment. We also predict a giant collective resonance at an unusually high energy of \ensuremath{\approxeq}20 eV.
Impurity effects on the intergranular liquid bismuth penetration in polycrystalline nickel

Abstract The effects of impurities on the intergranular penetration of Bi based liquids in polycrystalline Ni at 700 °C were systematically investigated. In comparison with a nominally pure Ni (99.9945%), the presence of a total amount of
Parametric component detection and variable selection in varying-coefficient partially linear models

In this paper we are concerned with detecting the true structure of a varying-coefficient partially linear model. The first issue is to identify whether a coefficient is parametric. The second issue is to select significant covariates in both nonparametric and parametric portions. In order to simultaneously address both issues, we propose to combine local linear smoothing and the adaptive LASSO and penalize both the coefficient functions and their derivatives using an adaptive L"1 penalty. We give conditions under which this new adaptive LASSO consistently identifies the significant variables and parametric components along with estimation sparsity. Simulated and real data analysis demonstrate the proposed methodology.
Deposition of charged particles from laminar flows in rectangular and cylindrical channels by image force

Abstract Precipitation of charged particles by their image force from laminar flows in rectangular and cylindrical channels is investigated theoretically. Calculations are based on the analysis of limiting trajectories of particles which enables the determination of the precipitation efficiency for channels of different dimensions. Results for cylindrical tubes are applicable to the deposition of charged particles in human lung airways.
Gene expression profiles in dendritic cells conditioned by 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analog

Abstract Inhibition of dendritic cell (DC) maturity is an important immunomodulatory effect of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) and related analogs (D3 analogs). The mechanisms underlying 1α,25(OH)2D3-mediated DC modulation are Vitamin D receptor (VDR)-dependent and likely involve direct or indirect regulation of multiple genes. Gene expression profiles of bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) generated in the absence or presence of a potent D3 analog were analyzed using microarray technology. Results for D3 analog-conditioned DCs were also compared with glucocorticoid-conditioned BMDCs and with BMDCs conditioned with D3 analog and glucocorticoid combined. Of ∼12,000 gene products assayed, 52% were considered to have detectable expression in unconditioned BMDCs. Based on relative expression levels, 5.3% of these expressed genes were “silenced” or “suppressed” in D3 analog-conditioned BMDCs and 2.1% were “augmented”. In addition, 1.7% of gene products undetectable in control BMDCs were “induced” by D3 analog. Functional grouping of modulated genes demonstrated important effects of D3 analog on immunoreceptors, on chemokines and chemokine receptors, on growth factors/cytokines and related receptors, and on neuroendocrine hormones and related receptors. Many of these gene products were unaffected or differently regulated by glucocorticoid suggesting specific VDR-mediated regulatory effects. Confirmation of microarray analysis results for two differentially regulated chemokines (MIP-1α and RANTES) was obtained by RT-PCR and ELISA. The methodology provides novel insights into DC gene regulation by 1α,25(OH)2D3 agonists.
A Reverse Engineering Tool for Extracting Protocols of Networked Applications

Networked applications play a significant role in today's interconnected world. It is important for software engineers to be able to understand and model the behavior of these applications during software maintenance. Some networked applications use legacy protocols in ways they were not intended to be used. Others use newly created protocols that are designed in an ad hoc way to simply meet requirements. Protocol usage needs to be understood so that applications can be effectively tested and maintained. In this paper we propose the first step in achieving this goal by presenting a dynamic analysis tool, called PEXT, that can reverse engineer a networked application's underlying protocol by analyzing a collection of packets captured from the application at runtime. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this tool by extracting a protocol from an FTP application, and comparing the extracted protocol to the documented FTP protocol defined in RFC 959.
The c-Myc-interacting adaptor protein Bin1 activates a caspase-independent cell death program.

Cell death processes are progressively inactivated during malignant development, in part by loss of tumor suppressors that can promote cell death. The Bin1 gene encodes a nucleocytosolic adaptor protein with tumor suppressor properties, initially identified through its ability to interact with and inhibit malignant transformation by c-Myc and other oncogenes. Bin1 is frequently missing or functionally inactivated in breast and prostate cancers and in melanoma. In this study, we show that Bin1 engages a caspase-independent cell death process similar to type II apoptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage, substratum detachment, vacuolated cytoplasm, and DNA degradation. Cell death induction was relieved by mutation of the BAR domain, a putative effector domain, or by a missplicing event that occurs in melanoma and inactivates suppressor activity. Cells in all phases of the cell cycle were susceptible to death and p53 and Rb were dispensable. Notably, Bin1 did not activate caspases and the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor ZVAD.fmk did not block cell death. Consistent with the lack of caspase involvement, dying cells lacked nucleosomal DNA cleavage and nuclear lamina degradation. Moreover, neither Bcl-2 or dominant inhibition of the Fas pathway had any effect. In previous work, we showed that Bin1 could not suppress cell transformation by SV40 large T antigen. Consistent with this finding, we observed that T antigen suppressed the death program engaged by Bin1. This observation was interesting in light of emerging evidence that T antigen has roles in cell immortalization and human cell transformation beyond Rb and p53 inactivation. In support of a link to c-Myc-induced death processes, AEBSF, a serine protease inhibitor that inhibits apoptosis by c-Myc, potently suppressed DNA degradation by Bin1. Our findings suggest that the tumor suppressor activity of Bin1 reflects engagement of a unique cell death program. We propose that loss of Bin1 may promote malignancy by blunting death penalties associated with oncogene activation.
Facilitation of performance on a divergent measure of creativity: A closer look at instructions to "be creative"

Research has suggested that instructing subjects to "be creative" enhances performance on alternate uses creativity tasks. However, previous research has con founded the effect of instructions to "be creative" with the effects of guidelines defining response quality criteria. These factors were separated by providing one of four instructions to 132 college students: creativity (C/NG), creativity plus guidelines (C/G), guidelines only (S/G), or standard alternate uses instructions (S/NG) that do not mention creativity or provide guidelines. Results indicated that males performed best in the C/G condition and females did so in the C/NG condition; standard instructions were least beneficial in eliciting maximal creative performance. The role of instructions in improving valid assessment of creativity is discussed. Suggestions for further research on the observed sex differences in response to instructions are presented.
Competing in the looking‐glass market: imitation, resources, and crowding

I examine two dominant processes of organizational interdependence—imitation and resource competition—and develop a theory that integrates predictions about firms' propensity to change market locations based on both. The cornerstone of the model is the argument that both processes operate concurrently and are driven by the departure of peer firms from a shared resource space. I also argue that the imitation effect, which reflects shared perceptions and interpretations among ecologically proximate peers, hinges on the competitive intensity faced by each individual organization in its market location. Analyses of U.S. automobile manufacturers' moves between the industry's three main market segments confirm the predictions of the theory and point to the merits of using an ecological approach to the evolution of market segmentation and the formation of industry structure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents: biologic, cognitive, psychologic, behavioral, and social issues.

Biologic cognitive psychologic behavioral and social factors place adolescents at high risk for acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Biologic factors such as features of the infections to which adolescents are exposed immunologic naivete developmental features of the adolescent genital tract and the biology of high-risk sexual practices present unique problems for adolescents. Cognitive factors include knowledge self-efficacy and risk perception. Psychologic issues affecting STD risk are distress self-esteem history of forced or pressured sex or sexual abuse stigma and impulsivity. Behaviors relevant in adolescence include early onset of sexual activity multiple and concurrent sexual partners inconsistent condom use sexual partner--related factors (including partner notification) substance use and same-sex sexual behaviors (gay/lesbian/bisexual youth). Social factors affecting adolescent sexual risk include parental and peer factors poverty and lack of insurance inadequate sexual health education lack of access to confidential STD-related care provider practices dating violence homeless and runaway youth juvenile detention media exposure and effects and legal issues such as the right to confidential care and statutory rape. Understanding the myriad issues affecting adolescents increased risk for STDs is essential to developing and implementing effective interventions to improve their sexual health. (excerpt)
Reduction of surface roughening due to copper contamination prior to ultra-thin gate oxidation

Roughening of the polished side of a silicon wafer caused by copper contamination present on the unpolished side of the wafer was quantified by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). The copper contamination was introduced via a contaminated buffered hydrochloric acid solution on the unpolished side of the silicon wafer while the polished side was protected. The protection was then removed, and the wafer placed in a clean HF solution. As a result, the copper on the unpolished side catalyzed electrochemical dissolution of the polished side of the silicon. Power spectral density analysis of hundreds of AFM images showed a 10-fold increase in surface roughness with features between 30 and 300 nm in diameter. Time-dependant dielectric breakdown measurements showed a significant decrease in oxide quality in these wafers. However, the introduction of HCl to the HF solution significantly reduced the roughening process.
Multivariate normal integrals and contingency tables with ordered categories

Ak-dimensional multivariate normal distribution is made discrete by partitioning thek-dimensional Euclidean space with rectangular grids. The collection of probability integrals over the partitioned cubes is ak-dimensional contingency table with ordered categories. It is shown that loglinear model with main effects plus two-way interactions provides an accurate approximation for thek-dimensional table. The complete multivariate normal integral table is computed via the iterative proportional fitting algorithm from bivariate normal integral tables. This approach imposes no restriction on the correlation matrix. Comparisons with other numerical integration algorithms are reported. The approximation suggests association models for discretized multivariate normal distributions and contingency tables with ordered categories.
The role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in steroid hormone specificity

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) is thought to confer aldosterone specificity to mineralocorticoid target cells by protecting the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) from occupancy by endogenous glucocorticoids. In aldosterone target cells the type 2 11beta-HSD is present, which, in contrast to the type 1 11beta-HSD, has very high affinity for its substrate, is unidirectional and prefers NAD as cofactor. cDNAs encoding 11beta-HSD2 have been recently cloned from different species, and the cell-specific expression of its mRNA and protein were determined. 11Beta-HSD2 is expressed in every aldosterone target tissue. Northern analysis revealed that the rabbit 11beta-HSD2 is expressed at high levels in the renal collecting duct and at much lower levels in the colon. RT-PCR experiments demonstrated that 11beta-HSD2 mRNA is present only in aldosterone target cells within the kidney. We determined the subcellular localization of the rabbit 11beta-HSD2 using a chimera encoding 11beta-HSD2 and the green fluorescent protein (GFP). This construct was stably transfected into CHO and MDCK cells. The expressed 11beta-HSD2/GFP protein retained high enzymatic activity, and its characteristics were undistinguishable from those of the native enzyme. The intracellular localization of this protein was determined by fluorescence microscopy. 11Beta-HSD2-associated fluorescence was observed as a reticular network over the cytoplasm whereas the plasma membrane and the nucleus were negative, suggesting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localization. Co-staining with markers for ER proteins, the Golgi membrane, mitochondria and nucleus confirmed that 11beta-HSD2 is localized exclusively to the ER. To determine what structural motifs are responsible for the ER localization, we generated deletion mutants missing the C-terminal 42 and 118 amino acids, and fused them to GFP. Similarly as with the intact 11beta-HSD2, these mutants localized exclusively to the ER. Both C-terminal deletion mutants completely lost dehydrogenase activity, independently whether activity was determined in intact cells or homogenates. These results indicate that 11beta-HSD2 has a novel ER retrieval signal which is not localized to the C-terminal region. In addition, the C-terminal 118 amino acids are essential for NAD-dependent 11beta-HSD activity.
Obesity, social class, and mental illness. 1962.

The relationship between obesity and mental health was investigated, using data obtained from 1,660 persons selected as representative of 110,000 inhabitants of a residential area of New York City. In addition to confirming the previously noted relationship between obesity and age, preliminary analysis revealed a striking relationship between obesity and socioeconomic status of origin. The prevalence of obesity was 7 times higher among women reared in the lowest social class category as compared with those reared in the highest category. Scores made by the obese respondents on 9 mental health indices were compared with scores made by individuals of average weight. The obese respondents made more pathological scores on 8 of the 9 measures and on 3 of these the difference was statistically significant (“immaturity,” “rigidity,” and “suspiciousness”).
Advancements in the local reaction center electron transfer theory and the transition state structure in the first step of oxygen reduction over platinum

Abstract This paper demonstrates the importance of calculating both the reduction and oxidation electrode potential-dependent activation energy curves, Ea(U), and then evaluating the respective derived Ea(U) curves from them when using constrained variation theory for electron transfer to a local reaction center, an approach developed in this lab. A structure parameter averaging is introduced for calculating improved results if the calculated and derived results are not in satisfactory agreement. This averaging technique is used to improve upon a previous study of the first step of O2 reduction to hydrogen peroxide or water when bonded to platinum and to show the role that twisting of Pt–O–O–H+ can play by increasing its electron affinity and lowering the activation energy. By the same token, oxidation of peroxide proceeds with a higher barrier when the molecule is allowed to be twisted, which is its stable structure.
Eccentricity growth and orbit flip in near-coplanar hierarchical three-body systems

The secular dynamical evolution of a hierarchical three-body system in which a distant third object orbits around a binary has been studied extensively, demonstrating that the inner orbit can undergo large eccentricity and inclination oscillations. It was shown before that starting with a circular inner orbit, large mutual inclination (40°-140°) can produce long timescale modulations that drive the eccentricity to extremely large values and can flip the orbit. Here, we demonstrate that starting with an almost coplanar configuration, for eccentric inner and outer orbits, the eccentricity of the inner orbit can still be excited to high values, and the orbit can flip by ~180°, rolling over its major axis. The ~180° flip criterion and the flip timescale are described by simple analytic expressions that depend on the initial orbital parameters. With tidal dissipation, this mechanism can produce counter-orbiting exoplanetary systems. In addition, we also show that this mechanism has the potential to enhance the tidal disruption or collision rates for different systems. Furthermore, we explore the entire e 1 and i 0 parameter space that can produce flips.
Temperature Variation Insensitive Energy Efficient CMOS Circuits in a 65nm CMOS Technology

A design methodology based on optimizing the supply voltage for simultaneously achieving energy efficiency and temperature variation insensitive circuit performance is presented in this paper. Circuits exhibit temperature variation insensitive delay characteristics when operated at a supply voltage 67% to 68% lower than the nominal supply voltage. At scaled supply voltages, integrated circuits consume low power at the cost of reduced speed. The proposed design methodology of optimizing the supply voltage for temperature variation insensitive circuit performance is, therefore, particularly attractive for low power applications with relaxed speed requirements. The supply voltages that yield minimum energy and minimum energy-delay product are identified at two different temperatures for circuits in a 65 nm CMOS technology. The energy and speed at the supply voltages providing temperature variation insensitive propagation delay, minimum energy, and minimum energy-delay product are compared. Results indicate that energy efficient integrated circuits with deeply scaled supply voltages can also be made insensitive to temperature fluctuations by considering the temperature dependence of speed in the supply voltage optimization process.
Diffusion of the Linear CH3S−Au−SCH3 Complex on Au(111) from First Principles

Recent experimental and computational advances have clearly established the importance of the linear alkylthiolate−Au−alkylthiolate (RS−Au−SR) complex at the interface between the thiolate groups and the gold surface. By using density functional theory-based first principles method, here we show that the elementary diffusion step of this linear complex on Au(111) has a barrier of only ∼0.5 eV in the case of methylthiolate, indicating great mobility of the linear complex on Au(111). The role of this low barrier in the formation of a self-assembled monolayer of thiolate groups in the form of RS−Au−SR on Au(111) is discussed.
The Fisher, Neyman-Pearson Theories of Testing Hypotheses: One Theory or Two?

Abstract The Fisher and Neyman-Pearson approaches to testing statistical hypotheses are compared with respect to their attitudes to the interpretation of the outcome, to power, to conditioning, and to the use of fixed significance levels. It is argued that despite basic philosophical differences, in their main practical aspects the two theories are complementary rather than contradictory and that a unified approach is possible that combines the best features of both. As applications, the controversies about the Behrens-Fisher problem and the comparison of two binomials (2 × 2 tables) are considered from the present point of view.
On the modulation of cosmic-ray nuclei with Z>2 during their propagation

The effect of spallation and ionization loss on the relative abundances and energy spectra of cosmic-ray nuclei of charge greater than two, during their propagation in the interstellar and interplanetary space, has been determined. Comparison of the results with experimental observations indicates that cosmic-ray nuclei travel an amount of interstellar hydrogen proportional to (e2−1)−x (wheree is the total energy of the nuclei in terms of their rest mass) withx between 0.16 and 0.25 and with the high-energy nuclei (e=4) traversing 2 to 2.5 g/cm2 of interstellar hydrogen.
Picosecond ultrasonic microscopy of semiconductor nanostructures

We describe a new picosecond ultrasonics method for the study of nanostructures. A sound pulse is generated when an ultra-short laser pulse is absorbed in a transducer structure. The sound then propagates across a thin layer of water and is reflected from the surface of the sample being examined. A resonant optical cavity is used to improve the efficiency of optoacoustic detection and generation of the sound. We report on experiments in which sound is reflected from patterned nanostructures. In these experiments, we are able to study the propagation of sound down channels of width as small as 35 nm.
Androgen-accelerated bone maturation in mice is not attenuated by Faslodex, an estrogen receptor blocker

Androgens accelerate bone maturation, but it is unclear to what extent this process may be mediated by estrogens derived from aromatization of androgens. In this study, we investigated whether an estrogen-blocking agent, Faslodex (ICI 182,780), can attenuate testosterone-accelerated skeletal maturation in immature mice. On days of life 2-8, mouse pups received either testosterone propionate (50 microg/100 g body weight), Faslodex (100 microg/100 g body weight), a combination of Faslodex + testosterone, or vehicle alone. Skeletal maturation was assessed in the forepaw and the lumbar spine. Testosterone caused acceleration of bone maturation (p < 0.05, compared with vehicle), predominantly of axial bones. Faslodex, however, failed to block the effect of testosterone, such that the mice receiving Faslodex + testosterone had skeletal maturation scores similar to those treated with testosterone alone. These results suggest that androgens have the capacity to stimulate bone maturation directly, probably via their own receptors.
The expanding spherical inhomogeneity with transformation strain

Within the context of linear elastodynamics, the radiated fields (including inertia) for a spherical inhomogeneous (of different elastic constants) inclusion with dilatational transformation strain (or eigenstrain), expanding in general motion under applied loading, can been obtained on the basis of Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method by using the strain field of the expanding homogeneous spherical inclusion (as a function of the eigenstrain) to determine the equivalent eigenstrain. With the equivalent dynamic eigenstrain (which is dependent on the boundary motion), the radiated fields for the inhomogeneous spherical expanding inclusion can be obtained. Based on them, the “driving force” (self-force) on the moving boundary can be computed, and this is the rate of mechanical work (with inertia) required to create an incremental region of inhomogeneity with eigenstrain, i.e with the elastic constants changing as the region of the eigenstrain expands. The self-force depends on the history of the motion, and, in the presence of external loading the driving force yields a Peach-Koehler type force, which exhibits coupling of the applied loading to the history of the motion of the boundary velocity.
Using Simultaneous Nasometry and Standard Audio Recordings to Detect the Acoustic Onsets and Offsets of Speech

Simultaneously collected nasometric and standard audio recording data were compared to determine the extent to which the acoustic onsets and offsets of speech could be determined from Nasometric si...
Metabolism of Form emanate Acaricide in Orange Seedlings

The metabolic fate of formetanate-14C in orange seedlings was examined at regular intervals during the 20-day post treatment period. Formenetanate was degraded slowly by the orange seedlings; 20 days after foliar treatment 20.5% of the applied radioactivity chromatographed as the parent compound. Formetanate was rapidly trans located into the leaves following injection into stems. About 21 % of the total applied radioactivity in the leaves was Formetanate by 4 days after stem injection. Formetanate metabolites isolated from orange seedlings included demethylformetanate, m -amino pheny1- N -methylcarbamate, m -formaminophenyl- N -methylcarbamate, m -formaminophenol, m -amino phenol, and m -dimethylaminomethyleneamino phenol. In addition, formetanate, m -formaminophenyl- N -methylcarbamate, m -formaminophenol, and amino phenol were released when the water-soluble fractions of leaves and stems were incubated with β -glucosidase.
Prevalence of divorce among parents of children with cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases

Data on the prevalence of divorce and separation among parents of children with cystic fibrosis and other chronic diseases indicate that marital breakdown is no more prevalent among these couples t...
SIMPLE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FINITE TIME LAPLACE TRANSFORM ANALYSIS OF THE PERIODICALLY REVERSED SWITCHED CAPACITORS

The Finite Time Laplace Transform unifies the basis of periodically reverse switched capacitors and periodically switched capacitors. Several examples utilizing both of these switched capacitors are given. Both capacitors have additive semi-null functions which are removed by either a staircase input signal or a post-sampler. The impedance concept is retained and the simplified analysis is more readily accessible than the ubiquitous charge analysis in the literature. There is questionable substance to allegations of a time-variant nature to any switched capacitor.
Psychopharmacological interactions between nicotine and ethanol

Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory evidence has shown a positive correlation between cigarette smoking and ethanol use, and previous studies suggest some commonality in the neural pathways mediating effects of nicotine and ethanol. In this study, the subjective and behavioral interactions among nicotine, ethanol, and the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine were investigated. The main objectives were to determine how the rewarding effects of nicotine might be modified by ethanol, and to compare the effects of ethanol with those of a nicotinic antagonist (mecamylamine). A total of 48 smokers who regularly consumed alcoholic beverages participated in four laboratory sessions presenting a 2 (nicotine vs. denicotinized cigarette smoke)x2 (10 mg oral mecamylamine hydrochloride vs. placebo)x2 (ethanol.5 g/kg vs. placebo) design, with ethanol as a between-subjects factor. Dependent measures included blood alcohol concentration (BAC), as assessed by breath alcohol detector; subjective drug effects; and rate of ad lib smoking during a 2-hr period. Results showed that peak BAC averaged.03 g/dl in the ethanol condition. Ethanol potentiated some of the subjective rewarding effects of nicotine, including smoking satisfaction, stimulant as well as calming effects, and relief of craving for cigarettes. During the ad lib smoking period, mecamylamine decreased satisfaction associated with the nicotine-containing cigarettes; mecamylamine also induced smoking but only in the placebo ethanol condition. These results highlight the potent interaction between ethanol and nicotinic systems, and suggest that ethanol can potentiate the rewarding effects of nicotine as well as offset some of the effects of a nicotinic antagonist.
Increasing the representation of minorities in the teaching profession

Abstract This article will discuss the impact of demographic trends in the United States and state‐mandated teacher certification practices on the minority teacher population in elementary and secondary schools. The potential for teacher certification procedures which rely on standardized tests to drastically reduce the future minority teacher pool will be described. Collaborative educational programs between testing companies, state education agencies, and educational institutions will be proposed as a way to increase the representation of minorities in the teaching profession.
Dielectric properties and tunability of (Sr,Bi)TiO3 with MgO additive

Abstract The ceramics of ferroelectric relaxor (Sr,Bi)TiO3 modified by MgO were prepared by the solid state reaction. The phase assemblage was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). Dielectric behavior of (Sr,Bi)TiO3 ceramics with MgO additive was studied in the temperature range from 150 to 450 K, with and without external electric field. The dc electric field (E) showed a slight influence on the dielectric properties of these ceramics. The dielectric loss (tanδ∼0.01) and a tunability (∼4–6%) were obtained for the ceramics around 300 K. The small tunability is attributed to the quantum paraelectric matrix of SrTiO3.
Distribution of Guanine Deaminase in Mouse Brain

Guanine deaminase was measured in nearly 100 different areas of mouse brain. The levels are relatively high in all parts of the telencephalon, both gray and white. It is especially active in parts of the olfactory tubercle and amygdala. Levels in the diencephalon range from low to as high as in the telencephalon. Brain areas caudal to the diencephalon, including all parts of the cerebellum, are almost uniformly below the level of detection. The enzyme is also virtually absent from the retina. The extreme range of concentration suggests that guanine deaminase might play a role in the metabolism of a neuroeffector.
Risk-Sensitive Dynamic Market Share Attraction Games

We present partial results showing that risk-sensitive oligopolists would spend less on advertising than would their risk-neutral counterparts. The model is an infinite-horizon stochastic game in which each firm's “goodwill” is a random function of both its own and its competitors' current and past advertising expenditures. Single-period firm profits have a market share attraction form. Each firm seeks to maximize its expected exponential utility of the sum of discounted profits. We analyze the impact that risk sensitivity and other parameters have on equilibrium advertising strategies by exploiting the special structure of the stochastic game model.Journal of Economic LiteratureClassification Number: C73.
School composition and peer effects in distinctive organizational settings

Abstract This chapter reviews the research on school composition and peer effects from three comparative perspectives—Catholic and public schools, single-sex and coeducational schools, and small and large schools. Most of the research is sociological, focuses on high schools, and draws on national samples. The chapter seeks to discern cumulative trends in this research as it has evolved over the past two decades. Catholic schools have consistently edged public schools in achievement, but whether they offer additional benefits to minority and economically disadvantaged students is inconclusive. Although earlier studies suggested a single-sex school advantage, more recent research finds no difference between the two school types. Student achievement is higher in smaller schools, specifically schools in the 600–900 range, and in smaller schools achievement is more equitably distributed. While most of the reviewed research examined compositional rather than peer effects, some studies have offered theoretical perspectives that implicate peer effects. Research on compositional and peer effects would be enhanced by further development of theory, education databases designed to investigate multilevel questions, broader application of multilevel statistical techniques, and a search for the mechanisms through which compositional and peer effects operate.
Experimental Investigation of SPSW Web Plate Stress Field Development and Vertical Boundary Element Demand

AbstractSteel plate shear walls (SPSW) are an efficient but largely underutilized building lateral force resisting system. The system consists of a moment frame (the boundary frame) with slender steel web plates that are welded or bolted inside the boundary frame, forming a diaphragm. The resulting structure resembles a vertical plate girder. The system resists lateral load primarily through tension field action of the postbuckled web plate. The magnitude and orientation of this tension field is governed by the relative stiffness of the web plate and boundary frame. The 2010 Seismic Provisions currently require that the tension field inclination angle be either 40° or computed using a closed-form equation derived from elastic analysis. It is demonstrated through experimentation and finite-element analyses that the tension field inclination may migrate, from an initially low angle under an elastic postbuckled state, toward 45° as the plate is loaded plastically. The resulting flexural demand on the vertica...
Social Integration and Suicide in the Caribbean Islands

Among the Caribbean islands, suicide rates were higher for the more populous islands, confirming a prediction from Durkheim.
Visualisation of surface acoustic waves

A simple method for acoustic-surface-wave visualisation is described which is applicable to both piezoelectric and non-piezoelectric surfaces. Briefly, a uniform layer of small particles, comparable to the wavelength, is distributed over the acoustic surface. The acoustic-beam pattern of an incident surface wave is then traced out by scattering the particles out of the propagation path. Experiments at 100 MHz on lithium-niobate surfaces are described.
Beyond the Lettered City: Indigenous Literacies in the Andes

If the Spanish created the ‘lettered city’ as described by Angel Rama, an urban location of civilization with the learned and the literate, then colonial Andean people created an alternative letter...
3D volumetric ultrasound imaging with a 32×32 CMUT array integrated with front-end ICs using flip-chip bonding technology

3D ultrasound imaging is becoming increasingly prevalent in the medical field. Compared to conventional 2D imaging systems, 3D imaging can provide a detailed view of tissue structures that makes diagnosis easier for the physicians. In addition, 2D image slices can be formed at various orientations to the transducer, making the examination less dependent on the skill of the sonographer. However, various challenges exist in developing a 3D imaging system, such as integration of a large number of elements, as well as post-processing of datasets received from a large number of channels. 2D transducer arrays are typically integrated with custom ICs in the probe handle to perform some intermediate beamforming and to reduce the number of cable connections to the imaging system. Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have emerged as an alternative to piezoelectric transducers. Being a MEMS device, they greatly benefit from flexibility and ease of fabrication, and can be seamlessly integrated with electronics. Previous work demonstrates 3D stacking of CMUTs and dummy ICs with an intermediate interposer layer. However, that represents more of a mechanical demonstration of 3D integration. In this paper, we present a fully functional 3D ultrasound imaging system comprising a 32×32 2D CMUT array, 3D-stacked with front-end ICs using flip-chip bonding technology. The imaging system is capable of capturing real-time volumetric ultrasound data, and displaying 2D and 3D ultrasound images.
Preclinical toxicological studies of carbidopa and combinations of carbidopa and levodopa.

Abstract Carbidopa was administered po at 25, 45 and 135 mg/kg/day to monkeys for up to 1 year and to rats for up to 96 weeks. No physical signs were produced in monkeys although rats exhibited flaccidity at all dosage levels. No deaths, weight changes, or changes in the results of ophthalmologic, hematologic, or pathologic examinations were produced in either species. Carbidopa given to dogs resulted in pyridoxine deficiency, which was prevented by coadministration of pyridoxine. Rats and monkeys were given combinations of carbidopa and levodopa ( 10 20 , 10 50 , and 10 100 mg/kg/day ). Rats given the highest dosage level daily for 2 years exhibited decreased activity, ptyalism, and retardation of weight gain. Some evidence of temporary salivary gland acinar hypertrophy was also noted. Increased activity at the middle and high dosage levels was noted in monkeys given the combined drugs for one year. No other physical signs or ophthalmologic, hematologic, or pathologic changes were noted. Carbidopa inhibits extracerebral decarboxylase activity so that lower doses of levodopa can be used in treatment of Parkinsonism with a reduction in side effects.
Collaboration and technology linkages: a strategic supplier typology

This study uses frameworks from the strategic management and operations strategy literatures to explore the relationships among collaboration, technology, and innovation in small and medium-sized manufacturers. Statistical analysis of the responses of 200 New Hampshire manufacturing companies in four SIC code industries (fabricated metals, industrial equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, and instruments) leads to the development of a strategic supplier typology which is useful in explaining the differences in the composition and performance of various types of suppliers. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic theories of end-user computing: an assessment and critique

The authors review prominent dynamic theories of end-user computing and end-user computing management. These theories were put forward by: Henderson and Treacy (1988); Huff, Munro, and Martin (1988); Alavi, Nelson and Weiss (1987); Munro, Huff and Moore (1987); Brown and Bostrom (1989); and Magal, Carr, and Watson (1988). The paper evaluates these theories and suggests approaches that MIS theory builders can take to strengthen end-user theory in the future. >
Effects of surface treatment and bonding agents on bond strength of composite resin to porcelain

This study evaluated porcelain repair by use of various surface treatments and hydrophilic bonding resins. The surface treatments were air abrasion (sandblasting), roughening with a diamond, etching with 9.6% hydrofluoric acid, and a combination of the latter two methods. A silane coupling agent was applied to all porcelain surfaces, and composite resin was bonded to porcelain with All-Bond 2, Amalgambond, or Clearfil Porcelain bonding agents. Shear bond strengths were determined on a universal testing machine. The most effective surface treatment was the combination of diamond roughening and hydrofluoric acid etching, but it was not significantly better than the other methods. The Clearfil Porcelain Bond system showed a greater repair strength than the other two materials but was statistically different only from Amalgambond resin.
Student Evaluations of Twenty-eight Social Psychology Texts

Text authors write for teachers, it is said, but this study shows a way to obtain consumer assessment while providing a learning experience.
Length oscillation induces force potentiation in infant guinea pig airway smooth muscle

Deep inspiration counteracts bronchospasm in normal subjects but triggers further bronchoconstriction in hyperresponsive airways. Although the exact mechanisms for this contrary response by normal ...
Value-based multiplexing of time-critical traffic

The concept of message 'value' is used as a means of measuring performance. A 'value function' is defined for each message and represents its value to the intended recipient as a function of the total delay in transporting it. These value functions not only incorporate the usual notions of relative priority (i.e. importance) between different messages but also capture the time-critical characteristics that arise in many applications. Value-based network operation could permeate all layers of communications operation, provided messages are tagged with their value functions. Emphasis is placed here on a single node that multiplexes messages for a single transmitter, and a value-based multiplexing protocol called maximum utility scheduling for transmission (MUST) is defined. Simulation results are presented, and they indicate that MUST outperforms any of the conventional protocols of FIFO (first in, first out), LIFO (last in, first out), and fixed priorities. Both nonpreemptive and preemptive repeat disciplines are considered. Some possible areas for extending this research are suggested. >
Protein synthesis in eukaryotic organisms: New insights into the function of translation initiation factor EIF‐3

The pathway for initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells has been defined and refined over the last 25 years using purified components and in vitro reconstituted systems. More recently, powerful genetic analysis in yeast has proved useful in unraveling aspects of translation inherently more difficult to address by strictly biochemical approaches. One area in particular is the functional analysis of multi-subunit protein factors, termed eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), that play an essential role in translation initiation. eIF-3, the most structurally complex of the eIFs, has until recently eluded this approach. The identification of the yeast GCD10 gene as the structural gene for the zeta subunit of yeast eIF-3(1) and the analysis of mutant phenotypes has opened the door to the genetic dissection of the eIF-3 protein complex.
Security in wireless residential networks

The installation rate of residential networks is expected to accelerate in the next few years with wireless networking being by far the technology of choice due to attractive features such as ease of use. A wide variety of traditional computing devices and embedded Internet appliances will be networked in homes. However, due to the broadcast nature of these networks and the heterogeneity of devices on these networks, new security problems will arise since the different types of devices have different security requirements and capabilities. We provide an overview of wireless residential networks, security issues for these networks and security in current wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth. We then suggest a security architecture based on a classification of security services, containment and algorithm agility that will be suitable for wireless residential networks.