cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Voices of Typers: Examining the Educational Experiences of Individuals Who Use Facilitated Communication

As the number of students with autism grows, professionals must find ways to understand how to best educate this student population. Although current research addresses teaching students with autism, studies on educating autistic students with limited or unreliable verbal speech is nominal. In this qualitative study, interviews with eight autistics who type using the method facilitated communication are analyzed in relation to their educational experiences. The study resulted in a number of key findings that play significant roles in the participants' educational experiences, including (a) the notion of disability hierarchy and the presumption of competence, (b) the importance of building relationships and the perceptions of friendship, (c) developing a sensory friendly environment, and (d) understanding behavior and body movement. Results suggest that the educational needs of these students must be reexamined. Teachers must establish a deeper understanding of the disability and develop innovative practices to best meet the needs of autistic students with limited or unreliable verbal speech in their classrooms.
Pure-Chance Jobs versus a Labor Market: The Impact on Careers of a Random Serial Dictatorship for First Job Seekers

Do workers' first jobs affect their careers? Do such first-job effects (FJEs) vary across worker types? If so, can policy improve upon a "free" labor market by altering initial worker-employer matches? We study these questions using Norway's pre–2013 system of assigning doctors to their first job—residencies—through a random serial dictatorship. This generated individual-level variation in workers' choice sets over employers, which we use as instrumental variables to estimate FJEs. We then decompose workers' preferences over first employers into FJEs-on-earnings and employer "amenity value" components, showing how matches and worker welfare changed in the post–2013 decentralized labor market.
Standards for Evaluating Impact in Entrepreneurship Education Research: Using a Descriptive Validity Framework to Enhance Methodological Rigor and Transparency:

Given calls for more rigorous research able to measure the impact of entrepreneurship education, this study proposes guidelines for enhancing methodological and reporting practices. First, drawing ...
Hydrogen evolution assisted cyclic electroplating for lateral copper growth in wearable electronics

Abstract Recent progress in hydrogen evolution assisted (HEA) electroplating has shown promises for fast lateral growth of copper on various rigid and flexible substrates. In this method, concurrent to the copper reduction, hydrogen bubbles are generated at the cathode resulting in a porous copper layer with a growth rate a few orders of magnitude faster than the standard electroplating method. However, the application of constant voltage does not allow bubbles to leave the surface resulting in non-uniform copper growth and unpredictable nanostructures. To allow the hydrogen bubbles to leave the surface, we have applied a cyclic electroplating method in a voltage range that the electroplating alternates between the HEA and non-HEA modes. The effect of the voltage range and the voltage scan rate on the lateral growth of copper and the quality of the copper layer were investigated on a patterned copper track on a standard printed circuit board (PCB). The fastest growth rate of 55 µm/s was obtained for a voltage range between −1.5 V and −0.8 V with a scan rate of 100 mV/s. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of different samples revealed that the scan rate affects the nanostructure of the grown copper layer. The feasibility of applying the HEA cyclic electroplating method for developing wearable electronics was demonstrated by growing copper on a piece of fabric to make contact with the pins of a light emitting diode.
Biochemistry and Function of Sialidases

Sialidases (EC 3.2.1.18; N-acylneuraminosyl glycohydrolase) are a family of exoglycosidases that catalyze the cleavage of nonreducing sialic acid residues ketosidically linked to mono-or oligosaccharide chains of glycoconjugates. They are widely distributed in viruses, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, and protozoa as well as avian and mammalian species (Rosenberg and Schengrund, 1976; Corfield et al., 1981a; Corfield and Schauer, 1982; Conzelmann and Sandhoff, 1987; Corfield, 1992). Among the various sialidase species, viral and bacterial enzymes have been studied extensively; a number of them have been purified to homogeneity and characterized for their properties and structures. Mammalian sialidases are more labile and often are bound tightly to membranes, hindering successful purification of these enzymes. Much attention, however, has been directed toward these enzymes as interest in the metabolism and biological function of sialoglycoconjugates in mammalian cells has grown in recent years (Schauer, 1982, 1985, 1991; Ledeen, 1989; Schengrund, 1990; Varki, 1992). The term “sialidase” was first proposed by Heimer and Meyer (1956), and “neuraminidase” was introduced a year later (Gottschalk, 1957). Both names have been used interchangeably in the literature. Since the enzyme does not usually apply to neuraminic acid itself, but to its derivatives, sialic acid, the term “sialidase” is deemed more appropriate (Rosenberg and Schengrund, 1976).
Computer Assisted Impact Testing

A data acquisition system is described for use in instrumented tests of Charpy impact specimens, both standard and precracked types. The load signal from strain gages in an instrumented striker is amplified and stored in a digital oscilloscope where it is analyzed by the operator. A laboratory calculator is used to assist the operator in the conduct of the test, to store the raw data and other pertinent data taken by the operator, to integrate this data, and to compute parameters needed to determine various alternative measures of fracture toughness. The software described is designed to assist the operator in the conduct of standard and precracked Charpy tests, and much of it is readily adaptable to tests of other types of specimens. Raw data of load versus time are analyzed using values obtained from the operator's interpretation of the raw data. The calculator then operates on the data to compute various results, such as energy to maximum load, total energy absorbed, etc. A magnetic tape is used to store the raw data, test variables, and various other information, such as computed results and operator selected points of load on the load-time record. To assist the operator in the interpretation of the data and in the selection of test conditions for a series of tests, two other peripherals are used. A plotter furnishes a record of test response as a function of test temperature, and a printer provides a detailed record, for each test, of the information stored on the tape.
Internet retail banking: A competitive analysis in an increasingly financially troubled environment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the online retail banking industry and determine if there is evidence that online banking will be a dominant player in the financial services retail marketplace.Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of 22 banks is conducted and it is determined that the barriers to entry that are identified may not be enough to prohibit a substantial number of entrants into the marketplace.Findings – Using Porter's five‐force model to conduct the industry analysis; online banking is still in its infancy, although with great potential. According to FDIC, while approximately 40 percent of the 10,623 banks and thrifts in the US market have a website, only 376 offer transactional internet banking at the time of the study. About 30 internet‐only banks or a pure‐play format operate in the USA. All of the web‐only banks in the USA combined have about 250,000 depositors, out of the nearly six million customers who have stated that they do significant banking activities over th...
A learning algorithm for radial basis function networks: with the capability of adding and pruning neurons

Radial basis function networks (RBFN) have fast learning speed because of their capability of local specialization and global generalization. By allowing the use of basis functions with different sizes (covering area), locations and orientations, RBFNs behave even more powerful and require less neurons. If an algorithm can automatically add and prune neurons, the necessary number of neurons can be further reduced. In this paper, we present such an algorithm. We select the Gaussian functions as basis functions with all the above parameters adjustable. The algorithm adds new RBFs at the places having the largest errors, and prunes neurons that have insignificant contribution. With the adding and pruning capability, it is expected that developing RBFNs for high-dimensional problems will become more feasible. >
Mappings for Reuse in Knowledge-based Systems

By dividing their contents into domain knowledge and problem-solving methods that reason over that knowledge, knowledge-based systems seek to promote reusability and shareability of their components. However, to produce a working system, the components must be connected within a global structuring scheme. We present the design for one such structuring scheme: the virtual knowledge base constructor (VKBC). VKBC enables developers to compose working applications from reusable knowledge-based components. The design is based on the concept of declarative mapping relations, which are explicit specifications of the conversions necessary for the syntactic and semantic connections between entities in the domain knowledge and the problem-solving method components. The mapping relation types supported by the VKBC enable a broad range of compositions and transformations of the modeled domain knowledge to match the input expectations of the selected problem-solving methods. This chapter covers the conceptual design and functional implementation of VKBC as a component of the Protege system. It also describes several evaluation studies applying VKBC to component-based reuse projects.
Identificação das variáveis mais relevantes para categorização de bateladas de produção: reduzindo a variância do percentual de variáveis retidas

O desenvolvimento de metodos de selecao de variaveis em processos produtivos tem encontrado suporte no elevado volume de informacoes coletadas para fins de monitoramento e controle do processo. Embora metodos para a selecao de variaveis com propositos de predicao venham sendo amplamente sugeridos na literatura, a selecao de variaveis com vistas a classificacao de observacoes em processos industriais permanece pouco explorada. Este artigo sugere extensoes no metodo em Anzanello et al. (2009) com vistas a reducao da variância do percentual de variaveis retidas para a classificacao de bateladas de producao em duas classes. As variaveis de processo sao analisadas pela regressao por minimos quadrados parciais (Partial Least Squares - PLS) e ordenadas em termos de importância. As observacoes (representando bateladas de producao) sao classificadas atraves da ferramenta k-vizinhos mais proximos (KVP) a medida que as variaveis sao eliminadas. O melhor subconjunto de variaveis e escolhido via analise de Pareto. O metodo sugerido reduziu o percentual e a variância das variaveis retidas, e conduziu a incrementos sensiveis de acuracia, tanto em dados simulados como em dados de processos industriais.
Event inference in multidomain families with phylogenetic reconciliation

Background Reconstructing evolution provides valuable insights into the processes of gene evolution and function. However, while there have been great advances in algorithms and software to reconstruct the history of gene families, these tools do not model the domain shuffling events (domain duplication, insertion, transfer, and deletion) that drive the evolution of multidomain protein families. Protein evolution through domain shuffling events allows for rapid exploration of functions by introducing new combinations of existing folds. This powerful mechanism was key to some significant evolutionary innovations, such as multicellularity and the vertebrate immune system. A method for reconstructing this important evolutionary process is urgently needed.
Orientation Discrimination in the Cat and its Cortical Loci

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses whether a processing hierarchy exists in the cat, similar to the one described in monkeys. Since the use of anatomical criteria that has proved insufficient to distinguish a detailed hierarchy between areas in the cat, a rather coarse division between lower order areas (Tier I areas) and higher order areas (Tier I1 areas) is made. As Tier I areas, two areas which receive the strongest input from the LGNd— that is, areas 17 and 18. Tier II areas included all those areas which receive direct input from areas 17 and 18 that is, areas 19, 20a, 21a and 21b, AMLS and PMLS. This study utilizes an experimental plan in which cats were trained to discriminate between differently oriented contours. The behavioral effects of bilateral anatomical lesions of Tier I and Tier II areas were assessed. The effects of cortical lesions on the discrimination of bar stimuli, followed by an account of lesion effects on illusory contour discrimination are discussed. The result description divides the postoperative observation period into two parts. Short-term post-operative measurements correspond to measurements obtained in the first four months after the surgery (—that is, a maximum of 80 testing sessions). Measurements obtained in a later stage are referred to as long-term measurements.
Reexamination of the Relationship Between Disclosure and Cost of Capital

This study examines how information environment and industry concentration affect the relations between firms’ financial disclosure quality and cost of capital. Information environment is proxied by firm size, and industry concentration is proxied by four-firm concentration ratio. The study finds a significant negative association between financial disclosure quality and cost of capital only for small firms and firms in more concentrated industries. The results of this study suggest that the contradictory findings in the extant accounting literature (Botosan, 1997; Botosan and Plumlee, 2002; Cheng et al., 2006) may be driven by variation in their sample in terms of firm size. The findings in this paper suggest that managers of small firms should recognize the significant role of disclosure in reducing cost of capital and increase their financial disclosure to enhance firm value.
The Inuit as geographers: The case of Eenoolooapik

Recent studies reveal an increasing number of instances in which Qallunaat benefited from Inuit knowledge of the lands and waters upon which they had lived for centuries. One of the best recorded examples of Inuit geographical knowledge is found in the story of Eenoolooapik, who led to the European rediscovery of Cumberland Sound 250 years after it was first explored and named by John Davis. Taken as a young man from Baffin Island to Scotland in 1839, Eenoolooapik excited whaling captain William Penny with stories of a large, whale-rich body of water then unknown to European and American whalers. “Eenoo,” as he was popularly called, drew a map of the coastline of eastern Baffin showing a deep bay known by the Inuit as “Tenudiackbeek,” and upon their return the next summer, Penny skeptically followed Eenoolooapik’s directions into a large bay in which the Inuk had spent his childhood. Thus the youngster’s geographical knowledge of his homeland resulted in the opening to whalers of a long-lost body of water in which, in the next decade, shore stations were established that offered seasonal employment to the Inuit and dramatically changed their lives. The story of Eenoolooapik is told in a small book by Alexander M’Donald, A Narrative of Some Passages in the History of Eenoolooapik […] published in Edinburgh in 1841. This is probably the only nineteenth-century full-length biography of an Inuk published during the subject’s lifetime; and because copies of the book are exceedingly rare, the following article provides a synopsis as a means of portraying more fully the geographical contributions of Eenoolooapik.
Theoretical aspects of self-propagating reaction fronts in condensed medium

Exothermic chemical reactions are capable otautocatalytic self-propagation in a condensed reactive medium as a thermal wave. These take place in self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, frontal polymerization, curing of epoxy resins, and various solid-phase reaction processes. The lack of accurate analytical solutions for the front velocity and spatial parameter distributions has led to a period of approximate analytical solutions based on the infinitely narrow reaction zone assumption. A more accurate reaction zone approximation is presented that results in new equations for temperature and concentration spatial distributions as well as the wave velocity. Necessaty conditions for nondegeneration of the combustion wave were also obtained.
The business of translation: The Johns Hopkins University Discovery to Market program

This article describes the design and implementation of a technology commercialization course at a major research university. It discusses the integration between the scientific research enterprise and the business of innovation through an practice based course, the resources required, the challenges encountered, and the results of the initiative. Policy implications from the lessons learned are discussed. Suggestions on how such a program could be implemented in other institutions of higher learning, together with thoughts on future directions and improvements are offered.
Pathology and laboratory medicine.

Modern clinical treatment protocols demand precise diagnoses. While traditional hematoxylineosin slides continue to be the primary tool for histopathological diagnoses, these are no longer sufficient for the diagnosis and treatment of many patients. Pathologists are now using many supplemental approaches to provide more complete and valid information for patient care. While diagnoses are requiring increasing sophistication, the amount of tissue available for study by the pathologist is continually decreasing. In the past, most specimens were large, surgically resected masses or open biopsy specimens. Today, the mix of specimens has shifted toward small biopsy specimens, fine-needle aspirations, and other cytological preparations. Thus, the pathologist is faced with the challenge of using highly sophisticated techniques to obtain the maximum information from increasingly small samples from the patient. In this article, we will discuss some of the new knowledge and modern diagnostic techniques that aid the pathologist in meeting this challenge, especially molecular
Lack of detectable equine herpesviruses 1 and 2 in paraffin-embedded specimens of equine sarcoidosis.

Background: Equine sarcoidosis is a rare, multisystemic, noncaseating, granulomatous and lymphoplasmacytic disease of unknown etiology. A recent report described a horse with granulomatous skin disease displaying histologic, electron microscopic, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings consistent with equine herpesvirus 2 (EHV-2). Objective: To investigate the presence of EHV-2 and equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) in 8 horses with sarcoidosis. Animals: Eight horses with sarcoidosis, reported previously. Methods: Retrospective study. PCR assays of the tissues were performed to detect DNA associated with EHV-1 and EHV-2. For both herpesviruses the target was their respective glycoprotein B gene. Positive controls consisted of DNA from viral cultures of culturettes from naturally occurring respiratory infections of EHV-1 and EHV-2. Results: The PCR analyses for both equine herpesviruses' DNA were negative in all 8 horses. Conclusion: The failure to detect DNA from EHV-1 and EHV-2 in paraffin-embedded skin of these 8 horses does not discount EHV-1 or EHV-2 as causing some cases of ES, but lends support to the presumably multifactorial etiologic nature of the disease.
Extra-articular Snapping Hip: A Literature Review

Context:Snapping hip, or coxa saltans, is a vague term used to describe palpable or auditory snapping with hip movements. As increasing attention is paid to intra-articular hip pathologies such as acetabular labral tears, it is important to be able to identify and understand the extra-articular causes of snapping hip.Evidence AcquisitionThe search terms snapping hip and coxa sultans were used in PubMed to locate suitable studies of any publication date (ending date, November 2008).Results:Extra-articular snapping may be caused laterally by the iliotibial band or anteriorly by the iliopsoas tendon. Snapping of the iliopsoas tendon usually requires contraction of the hip flexors and may be difficult to differentiate from intra-articular causes of snapping. Dynamic ultrasound can help detect abrupt tendon translation during movement, noninvasively supporting the diagnosis of extra-articular snapping hip. The majority of cases of snapping hip resolve with conservative treatment, which includes avoidance of ag...
MEMS electric-field sensor with lead zirconate titanate (PZT)-actuated electrodes

A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) electric-field sensor (EFS) is presented in which the ambient electric field (E-Field) is modulated by vertical electrode displacement using lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) piezoelectric actuators. The device is fabricated with a multi-layer copper-on-PZT process, which enables large (~10 μm) displacement and high aspect ratio electrode structures as needed for sensitive detection. The modulated displacement current between two electrodes, measured using a transimpedance amplifier, is proportional to the ambient, sensed E-Field. Fabricated EFS devices yielded a responsivity of 830 fA/(V/m) and a limit of detection down to 0.19 V/m/rtHz in vacuum (0.30 V/m/rtHz in air) with a 491-Hz E-field applied.
Haloacetic acid and Trihalomethane Formation from the Chlorination and Bromination of Aliphatic β-Dicarbonyl Acid Model Compounds

While it is known that resorcinol- and phenol-type aromatic structures within natural organic matter (NOM) react during drinking water chlorination to form trihalomethanes (THMs), limited studies have examined aliphatic-type structures as THM and haloacetic acid (HAA) precursors. A suite of aliphatic acid model compounds were chlorinated and brominated separately in controlled laboratory-scale batch experiments. Four and two beta-dicarbonyl acid compounds were found to be important precursors for the formation of THMs (chloroform and bromoform (71-91% mol/mol)), and dihaloacetic acids (DXAAs) (dichloroacetic acid and dibromoacetic acid (5-68% mol/mol)), respectively, after 24 h at pH 8. Based upon adsorbable organic halide formation, THMs and DXAAs, and to a lesser extent mono and trihaloacetic acids, were the majority (> 80%) of the byproducts produced for most of the aliphatic beta-dicarbonyl acid compounds. Aliphatic beta-diketone-acid-type and beta-keto-acid-type structures could be possible fast- and slow-reacting THM precursors, respectively, and aliphatic beta-keto-acid-type structures are possible slow-reacting DXAA precursors. Aliphatic beta-dicarbonyl acid moieties in natural organic matter, particularly in the hydrophilic fraction, could contribute to the significant formation of THMs and DXAAs observed after chlorination of natural waters.
Comparative Public Administration And Policy

The objectives of this article are to (1) define the contributions of the Comparative Public Administration to knowledge of governance, management of public services, and national development; (2) assess the relevance of these contributions to the African experience; (3) examine how comparative research, despite certain limitations, had steered public administration out of its ethnocentric and provincial mode of analysis into a wider global horizon of search and discovery; and (4) examine the relevance of development administration concepts to practice in Africa, particularly during the formative phase of post-colonial experience. The article offers suggestions for change strategies.Points for practitionersComparing public administration practices of a country with those of other countries, with past performance, or with benchmarks is vital for administrative improvement and for developing reform strategies. Administrative knowledge, derived through cross-cultural comparative analysis, provides a broader ...
Beyond Traditional Statistical Methods

Today's courses in statistical methods, for the most part, focus on the same methods that were taught 30 years ago. The actual practice of statistics has moved beyond these traditional statistical methods. Modern methods—including dynamic graphics, nonlinear estimation, resampling, and other simulation-based inference methods—are being used by many scientists and engineers. However, these methods generally are not included in courses in statistical methods, especially at the undergraduate level. This article discusses the development of a collection of instructional modules, built around actual applications from science and engineering. Each module is self-contained and includes instructional materials such as: objectives, examples, lecture materials, computer implementation of the methodology, homework, class/discussion exercises, and assignments. The modules are intended as a resource for instructors to experiment with and explore the use ofmodern statistical methodology inundergraduate statistics metho...
The Last Thousand Feet on Everest: Physiological Aspects

A MOUNTAINEER at rest on the North Col of Mount Everest (bar. 335 mm.) probably consumes nearly. the same amount of oxygen as at sea-level. This amount, 250-350 c.c. S.T.P. per minute, is required for the maintenance metabolism of muscle tonus, the resting heat production and the work of breathing and the heart beat. If a mountaineer ever rests on the summit of Everest (bar. 240 mm.), even there he will probably consume nearly the same amount. On any less, anywhere, he would die.
Distribution of phospholipids labeled with 3H-choline and relationship between membranous organelles in amoebae, as studied by electron-microscopic radioautography

Amoebae were injected with a solution of 3H-choline, and samples were prepared for electron-microscopic radioautography at intervals between 15 min and 24 h thereafter. At the earliest interval, the rough endoplasmic reticulum was the most heavily labeled organelle. At subsequent intervals, the proportion of silver grains over the rough endoplasmic reticulum decreased rapidly, while that associated with other membranes increased. Most notably this involved a rapid rise in labeling of vacuoles, up to 1 h, and a more gradual increase in plasma membrane labeling up to 2 h. The results suggest that phospholipids are synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and are then transferred to other cellular membranes. A sequence of transfer steps suggested by the order of increases in labeling of different types of membranes is rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth membranes and nuclear membranes, vacuoles, and the plasma membrane.
A Range-Based Finite Difference Approach to Valuing Options in Markov Switching Regimes*

Abstract Recognizing the inflexibility inherent in standard capital budgeting analysis, recent research has provided new insights using a real options framework. This paper uses the explicit finite difference approach to value real options. However, instead of assuming a constant return and volatility term, we assume that these variables are sensitive to changes in the economic environment. Accordingly, we adapt our approach to incorporate a Markov switching feature. Further, we recognize that some of the modeling assumptions can be violated in a practical application. Therefore, we recommend using range based estimates of the real option value, as opposed to a point estimate. *This research was initiated when Andrea Vidozzi and Luca Vidozzi were graduate students at the College of Business and Management, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago.
Human Evolution: Turning Back the Clock

The timing of human evolution can be inferred from DNA sequence comparisons, but this requires an accurate estimate of the mutation rate. While recent data suggested a lower rate and a longer timeline, a new study reinstates the previous timeline.
ORGANIZATIONAL SLACK IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS: A COST VARIANCE ANALYSIS

Stack is a central theoretical concept for which we suggest original measurement procedures. Cost variance analysis is used to measure labor organizational slack (LOS) in a national sample of Ameri...
Errors in Wind Fields Derived from Multiple-Doppler Radars: Random Errors and Temporal Errors Associated with Advection and Evolution

Abstract Simulations from a time-dependent model of moist convection have been used to assess magnitudes of errors in the estimates of derived wind fields from the synthesis of data from a network of Doppler radars. The two types of errors considered are, first, those due to temporal changes in the scales of deep convection resolved by the model, and second, those due to the random contributions of radial velocity estimates by scales smaller than model resolution (noise). Due to the coarse spatial resolution of the model, much of the assumed noise error is due to spatial scales between the model's resolution (∼1 km) and the Doppler radar sampling scale (∼100 m) and should not be considered in reality as “white” noise with respect to the radar sampling problem. The results presented in this paper must be interpreted only in terms of wind estimates derived by using radar sample volumes comparable to the models resolution. Much higher spatial resolution experiments with the model are necessary to clearly del...
Can mentors prevent and reduce burnout in new chairs of departments of obstetrics and gynecology: results from a prospective, randomized pilot study.

Objective This study assessed burnout in new chairs of obstetrics and gynecology and whether mentoring by experienced chairs would prevent or reduce burnout. Study Design We performed a year-long prospective, randomized trial. Questionnaires were sent to new chairs to obtain demographic information and to identify need for mentoring and level of burnout. Fourteen chairs in the intervention group selected a mentor; 13 chairs served as controls. After 1 year, questionnaires were completed to determine stress and burnout and the impact of mentoring. Results Financial issues were the major stressors. New chairs identified human resources, finances, and relationships with school leaders as areas of greatest need for mentoring. Few chairs exhibited burnout. No differences were observed in burnout at the start of the study or after 1 year in the study groups. Mentors and new chairs found the mentoring relationship difficult to establish and maintain. Conclusion Long-distance mentoring by experienced chairs did not alter burnout in new chairs of obstetrics and gynecology. Local mentors appear to be more effective.
Impedance of a circular-disc printed-circuit antenna

The driving-point impedance of a printed-circuit antenna consisting of a circular disc separated by a dielectric from a ground plane is investigated experimentally. The impedance is measured as a function of the operating frequency for various disc diameters, thicknesses and permittivities of the dielectric and feed point positions. In addition, a theoretical parallel RLC circuit model is proposed and compared with the experimental data.
Interviewer effects on self-reported substance use among homeless persons

Abstract This study examines respondent editing of survey responses to questions regarding substance use. Previous research has identified several types of interviewer effects that may be associated with respondent editing, including direct and social distance effects. Little is known, however, regarding how these potential effects may influence self-reported substance use behavior. Data analyzed for this study were collected as part of a survey of substance use among homeless persons conducted in Cook Country, Illinois. A total of 481 respondents were sampled at random in emergency and transitional shelters, soup kitchens, drop-in centers, and single room occupancy (SRO) hotels. Overall, a direct, gender-based effect was observed, with homeless respondents of both genders more willing to reveal substance use behaviors to male interviewers. Some race- and age-related direct effects were also identified, with White and older interviewers obtaining more reports of substance use. These findings yield important evidence regarding respondent editing of self-reported substance use and have implications for the common practice of demographically matching interviewers and respondents.
Outpatient treatment of bleb infection

Objective: To determine the outcome of outpatient treatment of bleb infection after trabeculectomy. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: University referral center. Patients: Twelve eyes with bleb infection and without clinical vitreous involvement of 11 patients treated as out-patients from January 1994 to May 1996. Interventions: After culture of the bleb surface, treatment consisted of intensive topical antibiotics alone (9 eyes), combined with subconjunctival antibiotic injection (1 eye), oral antibiotics (1 eye), or both (1 eye). Five eyes received topical corticosteroids. Main Outcome Measures: Visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and bleb characteristics. Results: All eyes responded to treatment within 24 to 48 hours, and recovered visual acuity to within 1 line of the preinfection level. Intraocular pressure continued to be controlled after resolution of infection in 11 eyes (92%); 1 bleb failed and medical therapy was resumed. Bleb leaks were noted during treatment of infection in 11 eyes, and 5 eyes (42%) underwent bleb revision. Organisms cultured from the bleb surface included Staphylococcus aureus (8 eyes), Haemophilus influenzae (2 eyes), and Streptococcus (1 eye). Outpatient treatment costs were estimated to be 78% less than inpatient treatment costs, per 24 hours. Conclusion: Outpatient treatment of bleb infection was efficacious in this group of patients.
The Right to Education in a Globalized World

This article explores the fundamental issues related to education as a human right, particularly in the context of rapid globalization. The 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Na...
Space–Time Structure of Diabatic Heating in Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation

AbstractThe space–time structure of the leading monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) in three-dimensional diabatic heating is studied. Using the ERA-Interim data of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, the diabatic heating data were constructed by the residual method of the thermodynamic equation. The MISO was extracted by applying multichannel singular spectrum analysis on the daily anomalies of three-dimensional diabatic heating over the South Asian monsoon region for the period 1979–2011.The diabatic heating MISO has a period of 45 days, and exhibits eastward propagation in the equatorial Indian and Pacific Oceans and northward propagation over the entire monsoon region. The horizontal structure shows a long tilted band of heating anomalies propagating northeastward. The period, horizontal pattern, and propagation properties of the diabatic heating MISO are similar to those found in precipitation, outgoing longwave radiation, and circulation in earlier studies. The vertical struc...
Duration and severity of hypoglycemia needed to induce neuropathy

The duration and severity of hypoglycemia needed to induce neuropathy is not known. To test these variables, the percentage of teased fibers of peroneal and tibial nerves showing graded pathologic abnormalities was estimated in groups of rats that had been made hypoglycemic for various times and severities one week earlier. The techniques used maintained core temperature, pO2, pCO2, and hematocrit within physiologic limits. A control group was anesthetized and mechanically ventilated but insulin was not given. A second control group underwent no experimental manipulation. Life could not be sustained with hypoglycemia below 1 mmol/l. In 23 rats that were hypoglycemic (1.4 +/- 0.2 mmol/l, mean +/- S.E.M.) for various times less than 11 h, the frequency of axonal degeneration of teased myelinated fibers (0%-1%) was not different than in controls. In 9 young rats that were hypoglycemic (1.4 +/- 0.0 mmol/l) for various times of 12 or more hours, the frequency of fiber degeneration was significantly higher than in controls (P less than 0.01) and increased to as high as 26%. By contrast, in 5 older rats that were hypoglycemic (1.5 +/- 0.1 mmol/l) for various times of 12 or more hours, the frequency of degeneration was not different from that of controls. Both duration and severity of hypoglycemia are risk factors for fiber degeneration. The peripheral nerves are more vulnerable to prolonged severe hypoglycemia in younger rats than in older rats.
Measurements of multiphoton ionization coefficients with ultrashort ultraviolet laser pulses

Multiphoton ionization coefficients of atmospheric gases were measured with ultrashort ultraviolet laser pulses. The values were obtained using two different experimental setups and the pressure range covered four orders of magnitude. The coefficients were pressure-independent and consistent with numbers predicted by the nonresonant Keldysh theory.
Effects of phosphatidic acid on parathyroid hormone release, intracellular free Ca2+, and inositol phosphates in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells.

The observation that increases in extracellular Ca2+ or the addition of divalent cations, such as Ba2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, or Sr2+, stimulate the accumulation of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) and its breakdown products in parathyroid cells strongly supports the idea that polyphosphoinositides are hydrolyzed under these conditions. Since phosphatidic acid is produced as a result of polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, and it has been proposed that phosphatidic acid may be a second messenger for Ca2+ mobilization, we examined the effects of this compound on parathyroid cells. We assessed PTH release, intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and inositol polyphosphate accumulation in response to phosphatidic acid. Natural phosphatidic acid reduced PTH release at 1.0 mM extracellular Ca2+ by 18 ± 6%, 48 ± 5%, 59 ± 10%, and 79 ± 6% at concentrations of 1, 10, 50, and 100 μg/ml, respectively (n = 5–11). The effect was not dependent on the presence of extracellular Ca2+, since phosphatidic acid (100 μg/ml) inhibited PTH secreti...
Regresion analysis with multicollinear predictor variables: definition, derection, and effects

For over fifty years researchers have encountered difficulties with least squares estimators when predictor variables in a regression analysis are multicollinear. Extensive research efforts over the last ten to fifteen years have resulted in a clear understanding of many aspects of this problem and have, generated a great deal of controversy over possible solutiors. In this survey the nature and effects of predictor-variable multicollinearities are examined. Emphasis is placed on discussions of the multicollinearity problem itself rather than on classical or Bayesian solutions to the problem.
Internalization of Carcinogenic Lead Chromate Particles by Cultured Normal Human Lung Epithelial Cells: Formation of Intracellular Lead-Inclusion Bodies and Induction of Apoptosis

Occupational exposure to certain particulate hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] compounds, such as lead chromate, has been associated with lung cancer and respiratory tract toxicity. We have previously shown that apoptosis is a major mode of death in cultured rodent cells treated with soluble sodium chromate and particulate lead chromate. Here we report the cellular and molecular effects of lead chromate and sodium chromate in normal human lung small airway epithelial (HSAE) cells, which may be one of the targets for Cr(VI)-induced lung cancer and respiratory tract toxicity. Phagocytosed lead chromate particles and intracellular lead-inclusion bodies (LIB) were observed by transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by X-ray analysis. HSAE cells exposed to lead chromate and sodium chromate underwent dose-dependent apoptosis. The cellular uptake and genomic interactions of both Cr and lead (Pb) were examined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) coupled with a novel, direct-injection high-efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN). Using this approach, we have quantitated a dose-dependent formation of Cr-DNA adducts and DNA-associated Pb in lead chromate-treated HSAE cells. The formation of LIB in normal human lung cells exposed to lead chromate indicates that ionic Pb is released from the particles and thus might contribute to the cell toxicity caused by lead chromate. Internalization and dissolution of lead chromate particles and the interaction of ionic Cr and Pb with DNA, may be components of the mechanism of lead chromate carcinogenesis. Lead chromate-induced apoptosis may be a mechanism to eliminate cells with chromium- and/or lead-damaged DNA.
Linear vs. nonlinear acceleration in plasma turbulence. I. Global versus local measures

Magnetized turbulent plasmas are generally characterized as strongly or weakly turbulent based on the average relative strengths of the linear and nonlinear terms. While this description is useful, it does not represent the full picture and can be misleading. We study the variation of linear and nonlinear accelerations in the Fourier space of a magnetohydrodynamic system with a mean magnetic field and broad selection of initial states and plasma parameters. We show that the local picture can show significant departures from what is expected from the general global picture. We find that high cross helicity systems that are traditionally believed to have relatively weaker nonlinearities, compared to low cross helicity systems, can show strong nonlinearities in parts of the Fourier space that are orthogonal to the mean magnetic field direction. In some cases, these nonlinearities can exceed in strength the level of nonlinearities recovered from low cross helicity systems.
Infants of Depressed Mothers Exhibit Atypical Frontal Electrical Brain Activity during Interactions with Mother and with a Familiar, Nondepressed Adult

Previous studies have shown that infants of depressed mothers exhibit atypical frontal brain electrical activity when they are interacting with their mothers. Whereas typically developing infants exhibit greater left versus right frontal brain activity, infants of depressed mothers have been found to exhibit reduced relative left frontal activity. The left frontal brain region has been associated with the expression of positive emotions. In the present study, the question of whether the atypical pattern of brain activity found in infants of depressed mothers generalizes to situations not involving mother was addressed. Brain electrical activity was recorded from 13- to 15-month-old infants of depressed (N = 59) versus nondepressed (N = 40) mothers during a baseline condition, and during several social conditions that included a playful social interaction with a familiar experimenter. Infants of depressed mothers exhibited reduced left relative to right frontal activity during the baseline condition, and during interactions with their mothers and with the familiar experimenter. The present results suggest that the atypical pattern of electrical brain activity found in infants of depressed mothers generalizes to a variety of situations, including positive interactions with nondepressed adults.
Research on intercity freight and passenger transportation; An economist's perspective

AF Daughety's paper is largely concerned with technical aspects and policy implications of economic research on intercity freight and, to a certain extent, intercity passenger transport. This author elaborates on that paper in the broader context of transport economics. The comments presented are organized according to general and specific issues raised in the paper. For abstract of paper by Daughety, AF see IRRD 287442. (TRRL)
Modeling body temperature and thermal inertia of large-bodied reptiles: Support for water-filled biophysical models in radiotelemetric studies

Abstract Radiotelemetric studies of snakes often use temperature-sensing transmitters to measure the body temperatures associated with microhabitat selection. By combining this information with standard operative temperatures obtained through the use of copper models, researchers are provided with a more detailed view of the thermal environment. Here, we provide data from three independent experiments that support the additional use of water-filled biophysical models to more accurately model the body temperature and thermal inertia of larger-sized free-ranging reptiles. With the use of copper and water-filled biophysical models, researchers can evaluate both standard operative temperatures and simulations of body temperature within different microhabitats, respectively.
Precocious Vaginal Opening and Cornification in Rats Following Injections of Extracts of Steer Median Eminence and Pars Tuberalis1

Experiments were carried out to determine whether stored gonadotropin in the pituitary of immature female rats could be released by injections of hypothalamic extracts. The extracts were prepared from pars tuberalis and median eminence tissue of steers and were injected for 8 days, beginning on the 21st day of age. Significant acceleration of the vaginal opening time resulted from injections of extracts of pars tuberalis and the combination of pars tuberalis and median eminence. Extracts of median eminence alone had no observable effect. None of the extracts caused vaginal opening in hypophysectomized rats. The pars tuberalis and median eminence extracts both contained LH and the pars tuberalis extract contained a small amount of FSH. However, injections of the amount of LH found in the combined extracts plus a larger amount of FSH in immature rats did not accelerate vaginal opening time or cornification. The results suggest that the extracts contained an FSH-releasing factor which caused FSH to be releas...
The Last Taoist Grand Master at the T'ang Imperial Court: Li Han-kuang and T'ang Hsüan-tsung

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the interest of the T'ang emperors in the Taoist religion was far more than a matter of casual curiosity. From the days of Li Yuan's rise as T'ang Kaotsu, Taoists had actively promoted the ascendance of the T'ang, and had received official recognition for assisting the T'ang to demonstrate its legitimacy. A key element in the initial legitimation of T'ang rule had been an age-old prophecy that the coming Taoist messiah -and perfect ruler -would be surnamed Li. While that prophecy had been circulated in various segments of pre-T'ang society, it had received particular prominence with the Shang-ch'ing (or Mao-shan) order of Taoism. For that and other reasons, it was primarily the Taoist masters of the Shang-ch'ing order whom the T'ang emperors regularly patronized. The association of the T'ang court with Shang-ch'ing Taoism commenced in the days of Kao-tsu, when the Shang-ch'ing master Wang Yuan-chih (528-635) had confirmed the T'ang founder in his possession of Heaven's mandate. By confirming Li Yuan in his imperial authority,
Coal gasification in a deintegrated electricity industry

Abstract This paper examines coal gasification in the context of a regulated utility purchasing power from an independent power producer (IPP). It outlines various contractual approaches that might be used to achieve coordination between the profit motive of the IPP and the desirability of limiting the potential escalation of natural gas prices through a backstop technology. These approaches are formulated as options. A numerical method to value the gasification option is presented. The option value is found to be significant (although uncertain). The transactions costs associated with writing contracts to incorporate the option value are substantial. Vertical integration may handle these issues more easily.