cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Philosophy, design, and evaluation of soft-mounted engine rotor systems

Gas turbine engine rotors are conventionally supported by bearings mounted on relatively stiff supports. The resulting vibratory loads and deflections can be reduced significantly by judiciously soft-mounting the bearings through squirrel cages and/or squeeze films. In addition to minimizing loads and stresses in an engine, it is important that clearances during conditions of maneuvers, thermal bow, and rotor whirl due to unbalance (even under extraordinary conditions such as loss of blades) be controlled. For high-speed rotors, it becomes necessary to support the rotors on resiliently mounted bearings to achieve vibration-free, long-life, close-clearance engines. In this paper, the design philosophy, criteria, and methods of evaluation for soft-mounted turbine engine rotor systems used in General Electric aircraft engine design are described. A major constituent of this method is a computer program for system vibration and static analysis [VAST]. This program is capable of finding natural frequencies, normalized modes, and responses due to any distribution of exciting forces considering gyroscopic and shear-deflection effects. Aircraft mounting and excitations from the helicopter rotor are also included in the computer analysis. General Electric's T700 turboshaft engine, under development for the U.S. Army, serves to illustrate the squeeze film, softmounting concept of design. Results from tests of the T700 engine, Advanced Technology Axial Centrifugal Compressor (ATACC), T64 turboshaft, TF34 turbofan, and other engines are summarized verifying the advantages of soft-mounted rotor systems.
The Effects of Interethnic Contact on Ethnic Identity: Evidence from Latvia

A specialist on interethnic conflict investigates Russians and Latvians in post-Soviet Latvia to specify the conditions under which ethnic groups converge and diverge. The relationship between contact and identity is examined through the use of several kinds of demographic data, including data on school choice, mixed marriages, changes in registered "nationality," and emigration. The analysis is used to consider the effects of interethnic contact on ethnic identity and the issue of ethnic identity and change.
DNA--benzo[a]pyrene adducts formed in a Salmonella typhimurium mutagenesis assay system.

Abstract The DNA adducts formed in Salmonella typhimurium when bacteria are incubated with radioactive benzo[ a ]pyrene and liver microsomal enzymes from several sources has been investigated. When enzyme preparations from Aroclor 1254 or 3-methylcholanthrene induced C57BL/6N (B6) mice were used to mediate activation, the predominant product was an adduct between the 10 position of 7 β ,8 α -dihydroxy-9 α ,10 α epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[ a ]pyrene and the N-2 position of deoxyguanosine. Similar results were obtained with human liver and with Aroclor-induced rat-liver enzyme preparations. This adduct is also the major DNA product previously found when human tissues or certain rodent cells were incubated with benzo[ a ]pyrene. On the other hand, when activation of benzo[ a ]pyrene was mediated by a phenobarbital-induced B6 mouse-liver enzyme preparation, the extent of binding was quite low and the profile of DNA adducts in S. typhimurium DNA was quite different. Thus, under appropriate conditions, the activation and DNA binding of benzo[ a ]pyrene in the microsome mediated S. typhimurium mutagenesis assay generally resembles that seen in intact mammalian cells. Caution must be exercised, however, in the choice of microsome-activation systems.
Permeabilization, Staining and Culture of Living Drosophila Embryos

The organic solvent octane has been used routinely to permeabilize the hydrophobic vitelline membrane surrounding the Drosophila embryo, thereby allowing the movement of small molecules into the egg. We present evidence that hexane is a more effective permeabilizing agent than octane and compare the effects of these solvents on uniformity of permeabilization and embryonic viability. The ability of each solvent to make the embryo accessible to a range of biological stains was compared. The effect of octane versus hexane permeabilization on subsequent embryonic viability was measured at seven different stages during early embryogenesis. We found that although hexane is a superior solvent for permeabilizing the vitelline membrane, it decreases the viability of embryos exposed between 0 and 3 hr of age. Older embryos treated with either hexane or octane are usually viable. We also showed that molecules with a molecular mass of 984 Daltons or more did not diffuse into the embryo following treatment with either hexane or octane. Results presented here challenge a phase-partition model that has been proposed previously to explain the molecular basis of permeabilization of the Drosophila egg. An alternative model is described as well as an optimized protocol for permeabilizing and staining Drosophila embryos at any stage during early embryogenesis while maintaining viability for subsequent culture.
Religious effects on health status and life satisfaction among black Americans.

This study tests a theoretical model linking religiosity, health status, and life satisfaction using data from the National Survey of Black Americans, a nationally representative sample of Blacks at least 18 years old. Findings reveal statistically significant effects for organizational religiosity on both health and life satisfaction, for nonorganizational religiosity on health, and for subjective religiosity on life satisfaction. Analyses of structural invariance reveal a good overall fit for the model across three age cohorts ( or = 55) and confirm that assuming age-invariance of structural parameters does not significantly detract from overall fit. In addition, after controlling for the effects of several sociodemographic correlates of religiosity, health, and well-being, organizational religiosity maintains a strong, significant effect on life satisfaction. These findings suggest that the association between religion and well-being is consistent over the life course and not simply an artifact of the confounding of measures of organizational religiosity and health status.
Interdiffusion in thin conductor films — chromium/gold, nickel/gold and chromium silicide/gold

The diffusion of chromium, nickel and chromium silicide into gold has been studied using thin film techniques. Electrical measurements of film diffusion couples were made at several temperatures and these data are related to the interdiffusion of the metals. It was found that the activation energy for resistance changes in the films is somewhat greater than one-half of that for bulk diffusion indicating the predominance of a grain boundary diffusion mechanism; however, a drastically lowered temperature coefficient of resistance also indicates some interdiffusion by lattice diffusion. Under the conditions of these experiments, the chromium, nickel, and chromium silicide diffuse from the substrate through the gold to the outer surface of the gold where they are oxidized.
Macroeconomic Policy, Investment, and Urban Unemployment in Less Developed Countries

The two sector Harris-Todaro model, extended to include a government sector and aggregate demand, is used to analyze the effects on output, prices, and employment of policies designed to mitigate urban unemployment. An increase in aggregate demand will be inflationary even though output will increase. Government job creation will be inflationary, will stimulate manufacturing output, but may result in a decrease in agricultural output. Investment in agriculture will increase agricultural output, decrease manufacturing output, and decrease price level. Investment in manufacturing results in an increase in manufacturing output, agricultural output and employment will decline, and prices will fall.
Interference of Real-Time PCR Quantification of Vibrio vulnificus by a Novel DNase from the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

A novel DNase from oyster tissue with an optimum temperature at 65°C was found to interfere with the real-time PCR (Rti-PCR) quantification of Vibrio vulnificus. The DNase activity of oyster extracts at 65°C was 7.5-fold higher than that at 35°C after 30 min of DNA digestion and was linear at 50°C, 55°C, 60°C and 65°C for at least 80 min. The oyster DNase activity was strongly inhibited by EDTA, suggesting that EDTA sequestered the enzyme cofactor Mg++. The Ct values from Rti-PCR amplification of DNA from V. vulnificus cells heated at 65°C or 70°C in the presence of oyster tissue were larger than the Ct values from DNA derived from cells heated at these temperatures in the absence of oyster tissue, which suggested that oyster DNase is a potential PCR inhibitor. These observations suggest that Rti-PCR inhibition was most probably due to the DNase entering the cells at 65°C and 70°C. Activated carbon coated with benonite was used to remove oyster DNase and other PCR inhibitors, resulting in a minimum detect...
Influence of wind on chronic ultraviolet light-induced carcinogenesis.

SUMMARY Wind enhances the carcinogenic effect of chronic ultraviolet radiation (UVL). This was demonstrated in hairless mice that were irradiated for 42 weeks with mercury are lamps. One group of animals was exposed to continuous wind flow of 2.7 m/s except for the daily 1-2 min time interval when they were removed from the wind tunnel and irradiated. Another group of animals received identical irradiation but were protected from wind. The first tumour appeared in the UVL and wind group after 105 days of irradiation, and at 164 days of irradiation all surviving mice in the group had developed tumours. The group of mice receiving identical irradiation but protected from wind had their first tumour appear at 154 days of irradiation, and by 164 days of irradiation only 40% of the mice had developed tumours.
How Foreign Language Teachers Get Taught: Methods of Teaching the Methods Course

Abstract: This study examined the methodological training of preservice secondary foreign language teachers through the lens of the college methodology course syllabus from 32 participating postsecondary institutions, survey data from the related methods instructors, and questionnaires from 10 of the instructors. The findings indicate that preservice foreign language methodological training, while based on common beliefs that theory informs practice and that the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century (National Standards, 1999) should frame instruction and assessment, is accomplished in a great variety of ways. Most significantly, because there are few courses that address meeting the needs of diverse learners, preservice teachers may not be connecting an eclectic blend of instructional practices to learner needs. There is also evidence that while the Standards are recognized in theory as important to instruction, they are not being fully integrated into teaching practices.
The critical edition in rhetorical scholarship. A guide to its preparation

The methodology used in preparing critical editions of rare texts varies with the preferences of the editor and the demands of his publisher. The beginning scholar whose research leads him to edit a text significant in the history of rhetorical literature may find this variance perplexing, perplexing enough, perhaps, to cause him to retreat from his intended project. In the hope of unifying critical methodology in text editing and of encouraging historical research in rhetorical literature, the following guide is presented, a guide which suggests a procedure for structuring an introductory essay, presenting an edited text, and compiling a set of general notes.
Image reconstruction in photoacoustic tomography with truncated cylindrical measurement apertures

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an inherently three-dimensional imaging technique with great potential for a wide range of biomedical imaging applications. In certain applications such as imaging of small animals or human limbs, it is natural to employ a measurement geometry in which the photoacoustic data are recorded on a cylindrical aperture. Analytic PAT reconstruction formulas are available for infinite cylindrical apertures, which are obviously not experimentally realizable. In this work, we investigate data suffciency conditions and iterative reconstruction algorithms for exact image reconstruction in PAT assuming various truncated cylindrical measurement apertures. We employ known results regarding singularity detection in PAT to achieve this. Three dimensional computer-simulation studies are conducted to corroborate the theoretical conjectures.
A domain-specific language for experimental game theory

Experimental game theory is increasingly important for research in many fields. Unfortunately, it is poorly supported by computer tools. We have created Hagl, a domain-specific language embedded in Haskell, to reduce the development time of game-theoretic experiments and make the definition and exploration of games and strategies simple and fun.
Proposed method of measuring first-order speed of light anisotropy

Abstract An experimental technique by which it may prove possible to detect speed of light anisotropy by direct first-order measurement of v/c is proposed. The method has the advantage of requiring a single laser.
An Aperiodic Pair of Tiles inEnfor Alln≥ 3

We give a set of only two tiles inEnfor eachn? 3; these sets of tiles admit only non-periodic tilings inEn. The construction is based on similarities of the cubic lattice; a two-dimensional analogue of the construction can be found in Goodman-Strauss, Europ. J. Combinatorics (to appear).
Replacement of Menhaden Fish Meal Protein by Solvent-Extracted Soybean Meal Protein in the Diet of Juvenile Black Sea Bass Supplemented with or without Squid Meal, Krill Meal, Methionine, and Lysine

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to determine the extent to which menhaden fish meal protein (FMP) can be replaced by solvent-extracted soybean meal protein (SBP) in the diet of juvenile black sea bass Centropristis striata. Diets were formulated replacing FMP by SBP at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60% (experiment 1) and 0, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100% (experiment 2), with supplementation with squid meal, krill meal, and attractants in both experiments. Experiment 3 was designed to replace FMP by SBP at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% without supplemental squid and krill meal and at 60% and 70% with supplemental methionine and lysine. Diets were fed twice daily to triplicate groups of fish (N = 15 per group) in 75-L tanks containing recirculating seawater. Fish were fed for 6, 10, and 8 weeks in experiments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. No significant differences in body weight gain, feed efficiency, and survival were observed among treatments in experiment 1. In experiment 2, no significant differences in percen...
Realisation of doped-channel MISFETs with high breakdown voltage in AlGaAs/InGaAs based material system

The authors report the realisation of a doped-channel MISFET with high drain-source and gate-drain breakdown voltages of 41 and -37 V, respectively, and a record low output conductance of 150 mu S/mm. These characteristics are achieved through the use of n-type highly doped In/sub 0.26/Ga/sub 0.74/As as the channel material and a short period (AlAs)/sub 3/(GaAs)/sub 4/ superlattice as the gate insulator and the lower barrier grown on GaAs
Teaching computer organization with HDLs: an incremental approach

This paper describes the use of Verilog HDL in a series of design projects for an undergraduate computer organization course. Students are given Verilog "working models" of pedagogical designs that can first be simulated to enhance initial learning and then extended and modified to develop more in-depth understanding. Projects include adder/ALU design and processor design using the single cycle, multicycle, and pipelined processor implementations presented in the popular Patterson and Hennessy text. This incremental approach allows students to focus on the underlying concepts of the course as they become more familiar with Verilog. The models and supporting project assignments are available online at http://foghorn.cadlab.lafayette.edu/ece313/.
Gamma Interferon Signaling in Oligodendrocytes Is Critical for Protection from Neurotropic Coronavirus Infection

Neurotropic coronavirus induces acute encephalomyelitis and demyelination in mice. Infection of BALB/c (H-2d) mice expressing a dominant negative gamma interferon (IFN-γ) receptor specifically in oligodendrocytes was examined to determine the influence of IFN-γ signaling on pathogenesis. Inhibition of IFN-γ signaling in oligodendrocytes increased viral load, infection of oligodendrocytes, oligodendrocyte loss, demyelination, and axonal damage resulting in increased mortality. IFN-γ levels and the inflammatory response were not altered, although the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA was increased. These data indicate that IFN-γ signaling by oligodendroglia reduces viral replication but affects both demyelination and tissue destruction in a host-specific manner.
Global mobility based scheduling

The paper addresses the scheduling aspects of the problem of synthesizing control-dominated and processor-like systems from their behavioral descriptions. It is demonstrated that global mobility based scheduling can be used for fast design space exploration, generates schedules comparable to those produced by other global scheduling techniques, and can find operations to be moved into the branch delay slot created by a pipelined controller. >
Measurement of renal artery pressure in the rat

The objective of this study was to develop and document a simple technique for the direct measurement of renal artery pressure (RAP) in the rat. RAP was recorded in 13 Sprague-Dawley rats using a glass micropipette fitted to a low displacement pressure transducer. Average mean arterial pressure recorded from a femoral artery catheter was 107.2 +/- 3.2 mmHg compared with a RAP of 103.8 +/- 3.7 mmHg (P less than 0.05). To determine whether the measurement affected renal blood flow (RBF), RBF was determined using radiolabeled microspheres, both before and while recording left RAP. No differences existed between the initial left and right RBFs [7.3 +/- 0.4 %CO/gm (percent cardiac output per gram tissue) vs. 7.3 +/- 0.4 %CO/gm, P greater than 0.9]. The micropipette in the left renal artery did not alter left RBF (control, 7.3 +/- 0.4 %CO/gm vs. experimental, 7.6 +/- 0.4 %CO/gm; P greater than 0.2). Right RBF did not change between successive flow determinations (P greater than 0.5) indicating that a change in renal hemodynamics unrelated to the protocol did not occur. The techniques presented provide an accurate, simple method for the direct measurement of RAP in the rat.
Resources and attitudes of the principals in the public dental programs of the San Antonio area.

Inasmuch as practitioners of dental public health have been advised, time after time, to survey their communities and then plan programs in view of needs and resources, it seemed of interest to learn how two sophomore dental students would plan, carry out, and appraise their survey.
Learning algorithms for adaptive processing and control

Linear and nonlinear adaptive filtering algorithms are described, along with applications to signal processing and control problems. Specific topics addressed include adaptive least mean square (LMS) filtering, adaptive filtering with discrete cosine transform LMS (DCT/LMS), adaptive noise cancelling, fetal electrocardiography, adaptive echo cancelling, inverse plant modeling, adaptive inverse control, adaptive equalization, adaptive linear prediction, and nonlinear filtering and prediction. >
Natural Variation and Differential Diagnosis of Skeletal Changes in Tuberculosis

Twenty-six documented cases (17 blacks, 9 whites) of skeletal tuberculosis from the Hamann-Todd Osteological Collection, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, were analyzed for lesion variability and patterns of multiple site involvement. In addition, several documented cases of pathologic conditions (osteomyelitis, vertebral fractures, and malignant bone tumors) that resemble skeletal tuberculosis were photographed and described for use in differential diagnosis. The range of variation of tuberculous lesions was found to be considerable. Thirty-eight percent (10/26) of the cases display skeletal lesions in two or more regions concomitantly. The average number of vertebrae affected, as well as the incidence of multiple bone involvement, were found to be higher in blacks. Certain combinations of skeletal lesions (e.g., spine-rib, spine-rib-sternum, and spine-hip) may be useful in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in dry bone material.
A generalised exchange theorem for matroid bases

Let b and c be bases of a matroid. Then for any integer r, there exists an injection σ from r−subsets I of b to r-subsets σ(I) of c such that b – I + σ(I) is a base for all I. This result has implications for the structure of matroid base graphs.
Trazodone Effects on Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Non-REM Arousal Threshold.

Rationale: A low respiratory arousal threshold is a physiological trait involved in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathogenesis. Trazodone may increase arousal threshold without compromising upper airway muscles, which should improve OSA.Objectives: We aimed to examine how trazodone alters OSA severity and arousal threshold. We hypothesized that trazodone would increase the arousal threshold and improve the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) in selected patients with OSA.Methods: Subjects were studied on two separate nights in a randomized crossover design. Fifteen unselected subjects with OSA (AHI ≥ 10/h) underwent a standard polysomnogram plus an epiglottic catheter to measure the arousal threshold. Subjects were studied after receiving trazodone (100 mg) and placebo, with 1 week between conditions. The arousal threshold was calculated as the nadir pressure before electrocortical arousal from approximately 20 spontaneous respiratory events selected randomly.Measurements and Main Results: Compared with placebo, t...
Antarctica and supercontinental evolution: clues and puzzles

Antarctica has been known as the “keypiece” of the Gondwana supercontinent since publication of Du Toit's 1937 classic book Our Wandering Continents. It is also important to reconstruction of the early Neoproterozoic supercontinent Rodinia. Laurentia, with its circumferential late Precambrian rifted margins, can be regarded as the ‘keypiece’ of Rodinia. The Southwest US–East Antarctica (SWEAT) hypothesis suggested former juxtaposition of the Pacific margins of Laurentia and East Antarctica. Several new lines of evidence support this hypothesis in a revised form, but must be reconciled with opening of the Pacific Ocean basin predating amalgamation, not only of Gondwana, but even of today's East Antarctic craton. The sequence of events is envisaged to have been: (1) formation prior to 1·6 Ga of a craton, including Laurentia and the Mawson craton, that extended from South Australia along the present Transantarctic margin to the Shackleton Range; (2) suturing of southernmost Laurentia to the Kalahari craton along the Grenville, Namaqua–Natal–Maud orogenic belt ca. 1·0 Ga; (3) rifting of the East Antarctic margin (Mawson craton) from western Laurentia ca. 0·7 Ga; (4) pan-African suturing of the Mawson craton to southernmost Laurentia as Gondwana amalgamated, forming the ephemeral Pannotia supercontinent; and (5) end-Precambrian separation of Laurentia as Iapetus opened.
Flexure mounts for high performance astronomical lenses

We have developed practical, high performance flexure mounts for large astronomical lenses in the Binospec spectrograph. Flexure mounts are an attractive alternative to the widely used elastomeric lens mounts when high axial stiffness is a priority and coupling fluids are incompatible with elastomers. We describe coupling fluid seals for the flexure mounts.
The Ancient Maya

Review of Sharer, Robert J. and Loa P. Traxler (2006) The Ancient Maya. Sixth edition. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Tillage system effects on 15-year carbon-based and simulated N budgets in a tile-drained Iowa field

Abstract Tillage influences N fate and transport by changing soil structure, aeration, macropore continuity, plant-residue placement, and organic-matter mineralization rates. Our objective was to use 15-year N budgets to compare four primary tillage treatments for continuous corn ( Zea mays L.) production on tile-drained Aquic Hapludolls (FAO: Haplic Phaeozems) in northeastern Iowa, USA. A carbon-based N budget used annual grain yield, grain-N concentrations measured in 1992, changes in surface-soil C content between 1977 and 1988 or 1992, surface-soil C : N ratios, and measurements of NO 3 –N lost in tile-drainage water. It accounted for 98, 104, 99, and 99% of the fertilizer N applied to moldboard-, chisel-, ridge-, and no-tillage-treatments, respectively. Averaged for 1977 through 1992, increased soil organic matter, harvested grain, and tile drainage accounted for ≈42, 45, and 13% of the N budget, respectively. Simulated N budgets were computed using version 3.25 of the root-zone water quality model (RZWQM). The best grain-yield predictions for 13 of the 15 years were 9% higher than the measured values, and if extreme outliers were eliminated, the predicted values were correlated (r 2 =0.75) with the average measured yield for the four tillage treatments. Simulations for 1988 and 1989 failed completely because RZWQM could not accurately describe hydrology associated with low rainfall seasons. Predicted total N accumulation was much higher than measured in 1990, 1991, or 1992. Estimates of profile NO 3 –N, mineralization, seepage loss, and denitrification were not satisfactory, presumably because the model failed to simulate an accurate hydrology for the different tillage practices. We conclude that the simulation results were not suitable for predicting the fate of fertilizer N. However, both approaches for computing N budgets suggested that adopting ridge tillage, without changing N rates and other management practices related to N application technology and crop sequencing, will not reduce the potential for off-site water quality degradation.
Dispersion quality of metal particle inks measured by a magnetic probing technique and its relation to tape quality

The dispersion quality of magnetic inks made from iron-based metal particle has been investigated using a magnetic probing technique known as dispersion by magnetic measurement (DIMAG). A comparison of the DC magnetic field (DCON) values measured at different binder levels to the tape characteristics shows that dispersions with large negative DCON signals result in good-quality tapes. The DIMAG technique is useful in a qualitative characterization of the dispersion quality of metal particle inks prepared at different wetting binder concentrations. The sensitivity of the DIMAG signal to the binder level and the correlation between the DIMAG signal and tape quality imply that the DIMAG technique has the potential of providing information on optimum ink formulations. >
Stem cells and retinal repair.

Retinal stem cells (RSCs) are multipotent central nervous system (CNS) precursors that give rise to the retina during the course of development. RSCs are present in the embryonic eyecup of all vertebrate species and remain active in lower vertebrates throughout life. Mammals, however, exhibit little RSC activity in adulthood and thus little capacity for retinal growth or regeneration. Because CNS precursors can now be isolated from immature and mature mammals and expanded ex vivo, it is possible to study these cells in culture as well as following transplantation to the diseased retina. Such experiments have revealed a wealth of unanticipated findings, both in terms of the instructive cues present in the mature mammalian retina as well as the ability of grafted CNS precursors to respond to them. This review examines current knowledge regarding RSCs, together with other CNS precursors, from the perspective of investigators who wish to isolate, propagate, genetically modify, and transplant these cells as a regenerative strategy with application to retinal disease. r 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Considerations for Functional Training in Adults After Head Injury

Functional deficits in head-injured patients are a major concern to physical therapists involved in the rehabilitation process. Functional outcomes are affected by deficits in behavior, cognition, communication, and sensorimotor abilities. These deficits interact frequently and must be considered in planning and implementing treatment. The purpose of this paper is to describe the deficits affecting functional abilities, to discuss the rationale for functional assessment, and to provide treatment suggestions for functional retraining. The suggestions include retraining of protective and equilibrium responses and advanced locomotor skills and use of assistive devices or orthoses. Problems are identified in functional outcome reporting methods. Research endeavors are addressed for physical management during the recovery process and its relationship to functional outcomes.
Analyses of unusual long-period earthquakes with extended coda recorded at Katmai National Park, Alaska, USA

[1] A swarm of six long-period (LP) events with slowly decaying coda wave amplitudes and durations up to 120 s, was recorded by seismic stations located in the proximity of Mt. Griggs, a fumarolically active volcano in the Katmai National Park, Alaska, during December 8–21, 2004. Spectral analyses reveal the quasi-monochromatic character of the waveforms, dominated by a 2.5 Hz mode frequently accompanied by a weaker high-frequency onset (6.0–9.0 Hz). Particle motion azimuths and inclination angles show a dominant WNW-ESE direction of polarization for all the signals, and suggest that seismic energy is radiated by a stable source at shallow depth. Damping coefficients between 0.0014 and 0.0063 are estimated by fitting an exponential decay model to the signal's coda; corresponding quality factors range from 78 to 351. The source of the waveforms is modelled as a resonant cavity filled with a fluid/gas mixture.
Occurrence of Newer β-Lactamases in Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from 24 U.S. Hospitals

Despite the discovery of novel beta-lactamases such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), imported AmpC, and carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamases at least a decade ago, there remains a low level of awareness of their importance and how to detect them. There is a need to increase the levels of awareness of clinical laboratories about the detection of newer beta-lactamases. Therefore, a study was conducted in 2000 to investigate the occurrence of these beta-lactamases in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates at 24 U.S. medical centers. To enhance the likelihood of detecting imported AmpC and carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamases, participating laboratories were permitted to include archived strains (1996 to 2000) that were intermediate or resistant to either cefoxitin or imipenem. The beta-lactamase production of 408 isolates positive by screening of 1,123 isolates was investigated by ESBL phenotypic confirmation tests; and for AmpC and carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamases, three-dimensional tests, isoelectric focusing, beta-lactamase inhibitor studies, spectrophotometric assays, induction assays, and molecular tests were used. ESBL-producing isolates were detected at 18 of the 24 sites (75%), imported AmpC-producing isolates were detected at 10 sites (42%), inducible imported AmpC-producing isolates were detected at 3 sites (12.5%), and a molecular class A carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzyme was detected at 1 site (4%). No class B or D carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzymes were detected. ESBLs and imported AmpC beta-lactamases were detected at a significant number of sites, indicating widespread penetration of these enzymes into U.S. medical institutions. Because these enzymes may significantly affect therapeutic outcomes, it is vital that clinical laboratories be aware of them and be able to detect their occurrence.
Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, And Case Analysis

Today, some faculty members are trying to show students how to learn, not just teach them the subject matter. These faculty members believe that the acquisition of life-long learning skills will enhance a student's intellectual growth well beyond the semester's coursework. A typical active learning approach emphasizes the students' role in constructing knowledge by engaging in inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving. The first part of this paper discusses what active learning is and why it is desirable; the second part suggests how to use two sided pedagogical approach, the A is for Analysis model (Taylor, 1998 ) and problem-based learning (Gallagher, 1997), to implement the concepts and help students recognize that context creates complexity. It is an experiential learning exercise that focuses on interpersonal relationships, goal conflicts, self­ awareness and social awareness of relationships.
Faculty Member Performance Evaluation And Salary Pricing Modeling For Lebanese Private Universities

The purpose of this paper is to present an objective evaluation model that can be applied on private Lebanese universities. A set of interrelated equations is established in order to reflect objectively the results of the faculty member’s performance evaluation. A simulation application is presented to illustrate the particularities of this model and its impact on the salary “pricing”.
the construction of human rights: accounting for systematic bias in common human rights measures

Empirical human rights researchers frequently rely on indexes of physical integrity rights created by the Cingranelli-Richards (CIRI) or the Political Terror Scale (PTS) data projects. Any systematic bias contained within a component used to create CIRI and PTS carries over to the final index. We investigate potential bias in these indexes by comparing differences between PTS scores constructed from different sources, the United States State Department (SD) and Amnesty International (AI). In order to establish best practices, we offer two solutions for addressing bias. First, we recommend excluding data before 1980. The data prior to 1980 are truncated because the SD only created reports for current and potential foreign aid recipients. Including these data with the more systematically included post-1980 data is a key source of bias. Our second solution employs a two-stage instrumented variable technique to estimate and then correct for SD bias. We demonstrate how following these best practices can affect results and inferences drawn from quantitative work by replicating a study of interstate conflict and repression.
Quantitative Multiparametric MRI Features and PTEN Expression of Peripheral Zone Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to investigate associations between quantitative image features of multiparametric MRI of the prostate and PTEN expression of peripheral zone prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A total of 45 peripheral zone cancer foci from 30 patients who had undergone multiparametric prostate MRI before prostatectomy were identified by a genitourinary pathologist and a radiologist who reviewed histologic findings and MR images. Histologic sections of cancer foci underwent immunohistochemical analysis and were scored according to the percentage of tumor-positive cells expressing PTEN as negative (0–20%), mixed (20–80%), or positive (80–100%). Average and 10th percentile apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, skewness of T2-weighted signal intensity histogram, and quantitative perfusion parameters (i.e., forward volume transfer constant [Ktrans], extravascular extracellular volume fraction [ve], and reverse reflux rate constant between the extracellular space and plasma...
Rethinking the value of sending vasectomy specimens for histologic examination: an analysis of arterial vasculature and failure to transect the vas deferens.

Objectives: The testicular, deferential, and cremasteric arteries and their branches surround the vas deferens (VD), leaving them susceptible to injury during vasectomy. Literature describing the caliber of arteries seen in vasectomy specimens is lacking, making it difficult to categorize the significance of an observed artery. We aimed to establish reference values for arterial size typically encountered in vasectomy specimens and assess our institutional experience with failure to transect the VD. Methods: The luminal diameter of the largest artery in 231 consecutive VD specimens from 116 patients was measured microscopically. For comparison, the diameter of the largest artery within 10 spermatic cord cross-sections from inguinal orchiectomies was obtained. The immediate vasectomy failure rate based on histologic assessment was calculated using specimens from 2008 to 2012. Results: The luminal diameter of the largest artery encountered in a vasectomy specimen was 1.00 mm or less in 96.5% of cases. Artery sizes greater than or equal to 2.50 mm were only seen in spermatic cord resections. From 2008 to 2012, three (0.36%) of 837 patients undergoing vasectomy had specimens that showed failure to transect both VD. Conclusions: Although the American Urologic Association and European Association of Urology state that histologic evaluation of vasectomy specimens is not required, we encourage the surgeon to send VD specimens for histologic examination. Doing so allows early identification of the failure to transect the VD and the resection of surrounding vasculature, providing quality control feedback to the surgeon.
Field Effectiveness of the Granulosis Virus of the Green Cloverworm as Compared with Bacillus thuringiensis and Selected Chemical Insecticides on Soybean

On Aug. 16, 1972, a granulosis virus was field-tested at 1 × 1011 capsules/acre against Plathypena scabra (F.) larval populations in a soybean field near Cambridge, Iowa. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner and selected chemical insecticides were applied to small plots in a complete randomized-block design for comparison. No significant differences existed between the check and virus-treated plots for the first 4 days after application, whereas all plots treated with chemical insecticides R. thuringiensis were significantly different from the check. Larval numbers in virus-treated plots differed significantly from those of the check, beginning with the 6th day after treatment, with no significant differences between virus, B. thuringiensis , and 5 out of 6 chemical insecticide treatments on that date.
EITC Use in Shared Placement Cases

We use a unique data set containing information from state individual income tax returns, Wisconsin unemployment insurance wage data, and data collected by hand from Wisconsin courthouses to examine the earned income tax credit (EITC) usage by divorced men and women with children. We show that a large percentage of divorced adults with children file tax returns. Moreover, many receive the EITC benefit through the tax system, which results in substantial additional resources for the household. We find little evidence of divorced parents engaging in strategic allocations of their children to maximize EITC claims. We also find that many EITC-eligible low-income parents fail to claim it. A potentially cost-effective way to increase the resources available to low-income working families is to provide easy-to-understand information on child-related provisions in the tax code at the time the court order is established.
Abstract A51: Postsurgery survival improvement of breast cancer in a community hospital in New York City during the periods 1997–2004 vs. 2005–2010

Background: For the past two decades, breast cancer survival has significantly improved. Surgical resection, combined with pre and/or post-operative radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, is the primary therapy for breast cancer. Although overall breast cancer survival has improved, there is limited survival data from inner city patients treated at safety net community hospitals. The aim of this study is to assess post-surgery survival in a community hospital with a predominantly African American (AA) population Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from The Brooklyn Hospital Center9s cancer registry, from 1997 to 2010. Of the 1538 patients in the registry, 201 were excluded leaving 1337. Among the 1337 patients, 1055 are AA, 235 are white, and 57 are Asian (not included in the data analysis). The study is divided into two time periods 1997–2004 (Period A) and 2005–2010 (Period B). Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS and Epi info software. Kaplan–Meier survival probabilities are calculated and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: There is no significant difference in age between subjects in period A and period B; the average age at diagnosis is 61.04 (SD± 13.99) and 59.95 (SD± 13.80) for periods A and B respectively. Significant differences were observed in the percentage of patients with high grade differential and advanced pathologies in period A as compared to period B with the latter group exhibiting a high percentage of low grade differential and early pathology stages (p Over the time periods, surgical techniques have evolved enormously and have gone from radical excisions of breast, skin, pectoral muscle, and auxiliary lymph nodes to breast-conserving lumpectomy followed by sentinel lymph node biopsy. These improvements combined with early detection have made surgery more acceptable to our inner city population indicating that improved survival rates can be obtained in this difficult patient population. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A51.
Application of the Trumpet Graph in the Syringe Pump and Infusion Pump's Flow Rate Test

Stringe pump and infusion pump are frequently-used in clincal and have ahigh risk.This paper described the trumpet graph and its calculate principle and characteristics.Compared some pump's trumpet graph made in different manufactures,analyzed their shapes,illustrated the mean of trumpet graph in stringe pump and infusion pump's test.
Investigation on disinfectant application and disinfection effect of childcare institution in a district in Beijing

Objective To know the application condition of disinfectant and disinfection efficacy in childcare institution,find out the weak links of control and prevention of infectious disease in childcare institution,and propose solutions. Methods Field sampling and bacterial quantitative detection method were used to investigate and detect the disinfectant and its usage condition of 61 childcare facilities in a district of Beijing. Results The total qualified rate of stock disinfectant solution was 75. 34%,and the total qualified rate of using disinfectant samples was 71. 91%. Coliform was detected out from11. 86% of childcare institutions investigated,and the total number exceeding standard accounted for 18. 64%. The overall qualified rate of the private garden was higher than the public garden within the scope of the investigation. Conclusion There are many problems existing in the disinfection work of childcare facilities. We should strengthen the training and guidance,and the content should be specific and operable.
Genetic Control of the Antibody Response

The individual's capacity to produce a circulating antibody response to a particular antigen has been found to vary on a genetic basis. Moreover, specific genes that control immune response have now been identified and localized within the same chromosomal region as the genes that govern transplantation reactions. Immune response controls appear to be expressed in thymus-derived cells.
Redemption Fees and Information-Based Runs

We construct a parsimonious model to study how a redemption fee affects runs on financial institutions when investors are asymmetrically informed about fundamentals. Although the fee eliminates the first-mover advantage, it influences learning by uninformed investors and may, thereby, either increase or decrease run potential. Additionally, the fee may create a last-mover advantage for informed investors, resulting in a wealth transfer from uninformed to informed investors. Furthermore, the fee may either raise or lower social welfare through its impact on the efficiency of the investors' investment allocations.
Particular applications of food irradiation fresh produce

Abstract On fresh fruits and vegetables, irradiation at low and medium dose levels can effectively reduce microbial counts which can enhance safety, inhibit sprouting to extend shelf-life, and eliminate or sterilize insect pests which can serve to facilitate trade between countries. At the dose levels used for these purposes, the impact on quality is negligible. Despite the fact that regulations in many countries allow the use of irradiation for fresh produce, the technology remains under-utilized, even in the light of an increase in produce related disease outbreaks and the economic benefits of extended shelf life and reduced food waste. Putative concerns about consumer acceptance particularly for produce that is labeled as irradiated have deterred many companies from using irradiation and retailers to carry irradiated produce. This section highlights the commercial use of irradiation for fresh produce, other than phytosanitary irradiation which is covered in supplementary sections.
Performing Menken: Adah Isaacs Menken and the Birth of American Celebrity

This book was first published in 2003. Performing Menken uses the life experiences of controversial actress and poet Adah Isaacs Menken to examine the culture of the Civil War period. Menken managed to portray herself as both respectable and daring, claiming for herself various (differing) racial and ethnic identities. Playing male roles on stage, she became the reigning femme fatale. Yet she was also known as an intellectual, publishing poetry and essays. She shared friendships with the greatest writers of her time, including Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, and Alexandre Dumas, pere. Performing Menken also looks at what Menken's choices reveal about her period. It explores the roots of the cult of celebrity that emerged from the crucible of war. While discussing Menken's racial and ethnic claims and her performance of gender and sexuality, Performing Menken focuses on contemporary use of social categories to explain patterns in America's past and considers why such categories appear to remain important.
Syphilis in Women

Syphilis, caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum , is an important sexually transmitted infection (STI) for women, and is readily transmitted between sexual partners. Transmission to the fetus is associated with high fetal morbidity, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth. Although syphilis is easily treatable with inexpensive and widely available antibiotics (penicillin), particularly in its early stages, recent epidemics have occurred in the US, China, Russia, Europe, and Africa. These epidemics result largely as a consequence of risky behaviors and sexual networks among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US and Europe, social disruption, exchange of sex for drugs or money in Eastern Europe, and lack of appropriate health services for susceptible and infected persons in some settings. Clinically, signs and symptoms of the disease are often absent, making detection difficult and allowing for sexual transmission to occur unimpeded. The presence of the genital ulcers caused by T. pallidum promotes acquisition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), so that this treatable STI likely provides more fuel for the global AIDS pandemic. Efforts to control syphilis include serological screening of susceptible persons (especially pregnant women and individuals with other STIs) and are largely responsible for the marked decline in incidence in the US over the past two decades. However, while the disease has become highly localized in the US, global elimination will require substantial investment in addressing the basic socioeconomic inequities that perpetuate this infection. Moreover, a resurgence of syphilis among MSM in many industrialized countries likely poses an increased risk for women who are sexually exposed to those MSM who also have sex with women.