cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validity of a parent vocabulary checklist for young Spanish speaking children of Mexican immigrants

The primary objective of the current investigation was to examine the concurrent and predictive validity of a parent vocabulary checklist with young Spanish speaking children of Mexican immigrants. This study implemented a longitudinal approach. Nineteen families participated when children were 15-16 months of age, and then again at 30-32 months of age. The Spanish version of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (Inventarios del Desarrollo de Habilidades Communicativas, INV) and spontaneous language samples collected during naturalistic play were used to examine the relationship between observed and reported vocabulary. Vocabulary reported through the INV-II and vocabulary observed at 30-32 months were significantly correlated, suggesting that the INV-II captures a valid representation of vocabulary at this age. Comparatively, vocabulary reported on the INV-I, was not correlated with observed vocabulary at 15-16 months of age or reported or observed vocabulary at 30-32 months of age. These results suggest that the INV-I, when used with 14-16-month-olds, demonstrates limited concurrent and predictive validity. Implications for the clinical use of the INV-I and INV-II are presented.
Alternative laparoscopic technique for cholecystectomy during pregnancy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy had been considered contraindicated during pregnancy. A few brief clinical reports have appeared in the literature, but no trials attesting to the safety to the fetus (and mother) have been published. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy during pregnancy has advantages for the mother in that it speeds her recovery, giving her less pain, and decreasing the chance of incisional hernias from large incisions. Using an open, Hasson technique combined with low-pressure pneumoperitoneum via an “abdominal wall lift,” safety to the fetus is enhanced. Herein is described a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a 14-week-pregnant woman under continuous epidural anesthesia and wearing sequential-compression-device hose; no untoward events occurred.
A case of trisomy 18 mosaicism with peculiar features

A new case of 46XX/47XX 18+mosaicism is presented and the clinical findings of this type of mosaicism are discussed with particular emphasis on congenital asymmetry and elevation of sweat chlorides.
Effects of the neural network s-sigmoid function on KDD in the presence of imprecise data

This research explores a specific step in the Knowledge Discovery of Databases (KDD) process, Data Mining. The actual data mining process deals significantly with prediction, estimation, classification, pattern recognition and the development of association rules. Therefore, this analysis depends heavily on the accuracy of the database and on the chosen sample data to be used for model training and testing. Data mining is based upon searching the concatenation of multiple databases that usually contain some amount of missing data along with a variable percentage of inaccurate data, pollution, outliers and noise. The issue of missing data must be addressed as ignoring this problem can introduce bias into the models being evaluated and lead to inaccurate data mining conclusions. The objective of this research is to address the Effects of the Neural Network s-Sigmoid Function on KDD in the Presence of Imprecise Data using a three factor ANOVA test and Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference statistics.This research investigates the accuracy and impact of Data Imputation Methodologies that are employed when a specific Data Mining algorithm is utilized within a Knowledge Discovery In Databases (KDD) process. This study will employ certain Knowledge Discovery processes that are widely accepted in both the academic and commercial worlds. This work includes testing the impact of missing data on the Neural Network s-Sigmoid Transfer Function type in the Data Mining process, by experimenting with three factors: imputation method, data set size, and level of data missingness.
Intrahepatic distribution of tritiated bilirubin in normal and Gunn rats: subcellular fractionation.

SummaryThe hepatic intracellular distribution of unconjugated bilirubin-3H after its intravenous injection into normal and Gunn (glucuronyl-transferase deficient) rats was studied and found to be similar. The major site of radioactivity was the supernatant fraction in all experiments. It is doubtful that lysosomes play a major role in the transport of bile pigment.
Effects of rubratoxin B on hepatic ATP and cyclic AMP levels in mice

Abstract Rubratoxin B produced in mice a significant decrease in hepatic levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), 1 h after i.p. injection. The toxin also significantly decreased levels of hepatic ATP, but this effect was not seen until 18 h post treatment. Therefore, the reported rubratoxin B-induced decrease in liver glycogen is not mediated through effects on cAMP or ATP. Rather, these actions of the toxin appear to be unrelated aspects of a hepatotoxicity.
Transforming Agricultural Practice: Hindu Narrative and the Moral Imagination

The environmental degradation and social dislocations caused by industrial agriculture have created an urgency to rethink food production and consumption. The proliferation of farmers markets is one example of the public response to perceived problems with the existing food system, however the bewildering array of food choices suggest a need for new guidelines for food and agriculture. This paper asks how expanding the moral imagination through narrative can help us rethink human behavior in the context of agricultural practice. Agriculture is an inherently relational, and rethinking practice means revisiting metaphors and narratives that guide behavior in the biotic community. I use a Hindu agricultural narrative to think through existing practices and the narratives contexts. This story does not romanticize human relations with nature, but instead reflects power dynamics in human (and particularly gendered) relationships, and, more important, in human interactions in the biotic community. My analysis considers relevant tropes and themes, e.g. citizenship and community, so that we can ask "what stories about agriculture do we tell ourselves?" and "what stories might we be telling?" to address the current agrarian crises.
Multisectioned moments of stirling numbers of the second kind

The Stirling number of the second kind, S(n, k), enumerates the ways that n distinct objects can be stored in k non-empty indistinguishable boxes. When k is restricted to a given residue class modulo μ, the moments of the distribution S(n, k) have properties associated with the Olivier functions of order μ evaluated at 1 and −1. The simplest example is Dobinski's formula for the Bell number B n = ∑ k − 0 n S ( n , k ) = e − 1 ∑ λ − 0 ∞ λ n / λ ! The treatment is based on combinatorial arguments and umbral calculus.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Bladder

We illustrate a case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) involving the bladder in a woman with dysuria and review the literature and differential diagnosis. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, also referred to as pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferation, is a rare lesion that can arise in the genitourinary system and is characterized by a fascicular arrangement of myofibroblasts with admixed inflammatory cells and slitlike vessels. Urinary bladder IMT can be a diagnostic pitfall because its histologic features (brisk mitoses, invasion into muscularis propria, and prominent nucleoli) can mimic malignancy. The differential diagnosis of urinary bladder IMT includes sarcomatoid carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. Diagnostic features such as bland nuclear chromatin, ganglion-like cells, pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with long processes, overexpression of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (immunohistochemistry or gene rearrangement studies), and the absence of atypical mitoses help distinguish IMT from its malignant mimics. Current controversies regarding postoperative spindle cell nodule and IMT are discussed.
Laser Communciation Requirements Imposed By High Resolution Sensor Systems

Long-range, wideband data-rate, satellite communication is necessary to support the command-and-control architectures evolving for a number of strategic, tactical, and remote sensing systems. High-resolution sensors which must support wide field-of-view coverage require secure high-rate data links which are resilient to jamming and other interference sources. In particular, spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems are attractive for applications ranging from environmental remote sensing to crisis monitoring. SAR systems can produce high-resolution imagery over protected or restricted areas, independent of local cloud cover conditions.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Detectable troponin levels predict poor prognosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction undergoing internal defibrillator implantation.

Introduction:Troponin levels have been demonstrated to predict mortality in patients with cardiomyopathy. Implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD) devices have been demonstrated to improve survival. It is not clear if ICDs would mitigate the negative outcome predicted by elevated troponin levels. Methods:We collected baseline blood samples for troponin T (TnT) and creatinine kinase-MB fraction in consecutive patients immediately before successful pectoral transvenous ICD implant. Patients were followed for total mortality. For analysis, patients were grouped by TnT detectablility (≥0.01 ng/mL). Results:Fifty-two men, aged 68 ± 10 years, were studied. Mean ejection fraction was 29 ± 12% and 65% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Follow-up duration was 17 ± 8 months. None of the patients had abnormal creatinine kinase-MB fraction levels (1.7 ± 1.1 ng/mL). There were 37 patients with no detectable TnT (Group I) and 15 with detectable TnT (Group II). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of age (68 vs 69, P = NS), ejection fraction (30 vs 29%, P = NS), or proportion of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (68 vs 60%, P = NS). During follow-up 16 (31%) patients died. Patients in group I had mortality of 16% (6/37) compared to 67% mortality (10/15, P < 0.001) in group II. On multivariate analysis, detectable TnT remained an independent predictor of mortality (HR 4.5, CI 1.4–14.25, P = 0.01). Conclusion:In a cohort of patients with cardiomyopathy undergoing ICD implantation for standard clinical indications, presence of detectable TnT was associated with high mortality despite ICD implantation. TnT obtained before ICD implantation may be useful for risk stratification.
Estimating photosynthetically available radiation into open and ice-covered freshwater lakes from surface characteristics; a high transmittance case study

A simple technique, based on several published studies, is presented to estimate photosynthetically available radiation (PAR: 400–700 nm) at the air/water and ice/water interfaces on freshwater lakes. Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan of the Laurentian Great Lakes before, during, and after ice cover is used as a case study. The technique depends on assigning PAR transmittances to air/water or air/ ice surfaces from empirically determined relationships. During ice cover, PAR reaching the water column under the ice exceeded 45 % of incoming PAR, on the average, due to the amount of clear ice present on the bay.
Maximizing Learning From Engaging Across Difference: The Role of Anxiety and Meaning Making

This study explores college students’ reactions to engaging in experiences with diverse others that students found uncomfortable, interactions that disrupted students’ current beliefs or values. Our examination of these experiences was grounded in theory and research on intergroup contact and anxiety and developmental models of self-authorship leading to intercultural maturity. We found three types of reactions to these experiences: Some students were “stuck,” unsure of how to respond; some were prone to continue exploring; and some reframed their perspectives to reflect capacities associated with advanced intercultural maturity. We offer recommendations for managing intergroup anxiety and scaffolding learning to support reframing one's perspectives to maximize learning from engaging in difference.
Are We There Yet? User-Centered Temporal Awareness

It's not unreasonable to think that the technologies we use in our daily lives could help us make these sorts of decisions. For example, analysis of computer usage patterns can reveal our probable availability to colleagues. But, even better, it should be possible for devices to make some of these decisions for us while still leaving us with a comfortable level of control. We refer to such systems as exhibiting temporal awareness. One way to realize temporally aware computing in everyday use is via wearable devices. Such devices could collect time-related information from the items and environments we interact with and create a personal temporal model. They could then use this information to change our behavior.An example of temporal awareness in action, the AreWeThereYet? Player is a digital audio player that can compose a program of audio media likely to fit within the user's available listening time. AWTY estimates this time using the listener's current location and predicted destination as well as some knowledge of previous journeys.
Efficient DNA-mediated transfer of selectable genes and unselected sequences into differentiated and undifferentiated mouse melanoma clones.

We have found that three phenotypically dissimilar mouse B16 melanoma subclones are competent recipients for DNA-mediated gene transfer. Two of these approach and a third, amelanotic clone B78H1, surpasses mouse LTK− cells in frequencies of transferent colony formation after treatment with either of two codominantly selectable plasmid vectors, pSV2gpt or pGCcos3neo. Melanoma transferents incorporate both selectable plasmid-homologous sequences and substantial amounts of unselected donor DNA into their cellular DNAs. In addition they retain the distinctive states of differentiation characteristic of the untreated clones. Frequencies of pGCcosSneo-mediated transfer of neo gene-encoded antibiotic resistance into B78H1 can reach 10−2 in response to treatment with as little as 15 ng plasmid/ml coprecipitate/dish. B78H1 cells readily give rise to “secondary” transferents for the neo gene after treatment with DNA from a “primary” B78H1 neo transferent. This gene transfer system has potential applications for study of regulation of melanoma and neural crest differentiation and malignancy.
30 years of documentation and the design of communication

This special panel session celebrates the 30th edition of the ACM SIGDOC conference. The panelists and moderator are all SIGDOC Chairs representing different eras in SIGDOC's rich history, from its humble beginnings in 1975 to the present. The panel session represents a unique opportunity to hear from experts who have the ability to place new developments in the design of communication in a historical context.
Visualizing oxygen anion transport pathways in NdBaCo2O5+δ by in situ neutron diffraction

The layered perovskite NdBaCo2O5+δ (NBCO) was characterized using neutron powder diffraction under in situ conditions from 577–852 °C and in 10−1 to 10−4 atm oxygen. The best fit to the data was obtained in the tetragonal (P4/mmm) space group. No oxygen atom vacancy ordering was observed that warranted a lowering of the symmetry to orthorhombic (Pmmm). Two P4/mmm structural models were investigated: Model 1 (no split sites) and Model 2 (split Nd and O2 sites). Transport of oxygen through the material via the vacancy hopping mechanism likely involves the nearest-neighbor oxygen atom sites in the Nd layer. Total oxygen stoichiometry values were in the range 5.51 ≤ δ ≤ 5.11. The tetragonal lattice parameters increased with temperature as expected. However, the a-axis expands while the c-axis contracts with decreasing pO2 at a given temperature due to increasing vacancy concentration in the Nd layer.
Learning a visual pattern discrimination with, and without, KOR

Using the differential method, 168 college students learned two visual pattern discriminations of equivalent difficulty-one under a no knowledge-of-resuits (NKOR) condition and one with knowledge-of-re suits (KOR) for correct responses. Ss required more trials in the KOR condition than in the NKOR condition on the first task. KOR by Order was significant at the .001 level. Males were more adversely affected than females, although the patterns were previously established as equivalent in difficulty for the sexes. KOR by Sex was significant at the .025 level. Results are discussed in terms of the nature of the task and transfer effects.
Eye color and the pupillary attributions of college students to happy and angry faces

As a means of clarifying certain of Hess’ (1975) unsubstantiated conclusions concerning the role of pupil size in nonverbal communication, the relationship between eye color and the pupillary attributions of college students to Hess’ happy-angry face task was measured. The results supported Hess’ claim that eye color is related to sensitivity to pupillary cues but were incongruent with his notion that blue-eyed people are especially sensitive due to some selective evolutionary process.
HOW TO COMBINE NONMONOTONIC LOGIC AND RAPID PROTOTYPING TO HELP MAINTAIN SOFTWARE

This paper explores the possibility of automated support for detecting inconsistencies in software systems and requirements. The inconsistencies are introduced when the environment of the software system changes. We refer to the software environment as its context. We review the recent research progress on nonmonotonic logics, pointing out the significance of these results to software maintenance. We explain how a practical implementation of such logics can be obtained via a simple extension to logic programming in the form of an answer procedure that realizes the Extended Logic Semantics [7] for nonmonotonic logic programs that have a unique answer set (which is a large and useful class of logic programs). We augment the existing automated capabilities of the Computer-Aided Prototyping System (CAPS) for rapid prototyping via the extension to logic programming to provide an improved automated capability for detecting certain kinds of inconsistencies created by implicit requirements changes. We illustrate the significance of this capability via an example prototype for a problem originally suggested by Lehman.
Eosinophils and mast cells in leishmaniasis

Leishmania spp. are parasitic protozoa endemic in tropical and subtropical regions and the causative agent of leishmaniasis, a collection of syndromes whose clinical manifestations vary according to host and pathogen factors. Leishmania spp. are inoculated into the mammalian host by the bite of an infected sand fly, whereupon they are taken up by phagocytosis, convert into the replicative amastigote stage within macrophages, reproduce, spread to new macrophages and cause disease manifestations. A curative response against leishmaniasis depends in the classical activation of macrophages and the IL-12-dependent onset of an adaptive type 1 response characterized by the production of IFN-γ. Emerging evidence suggests that neutrophils, dendritic cells and other immune cells can serve as either temporary or stable hosts for Leishmania spp. Furthermore, it is becoming apparent that the initial interactions of the parasite with resident or early recruited immune cells can shape both the macrophage response and the type of adaptive immune response being induced. In this review, we compile a growing number of studies demonstrating how the earliest interactions of Leishmania spp. with eosinophils and mast cells influence the macrophage response to infection and the development of the adaptive immune response, hence, determining the ultimate outcome of infection.
A yeast expression vector and leucine selection in Escherichia coli to aid in the identification of novel genes.

Abstract The complete sequencing of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome provides a powerful tool for studying and elucidating essential cellular processes. To aid in the application of this resource to investigations into the molecular mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation, a simple procedure was designed to generate a unique 2-μm LEU2-selectable yeast expression vector. Putative genes easily inserted into this vector are under control of the ADH1 promoter and transcription terminator sequences. Furthermore, a LEU2 selection in both yeast and Escherichia coli was used to allow the isolation of underrepresented plasmid from a pool of multiple vectors. Together, these advances in technology will be useful in the systematic analysis of novel yeast gene function.
A reunion of ideas: Complementary inquiry and collaborative interventions of spirituality, religion, and psychology

The intent of this special issue is to extend community psychology's voice in the growing discourse about spirituality, religion, and psychology. While lively debate will continue about particular religious beliefs, the social significance of religious and spiritual experiences cannot be overlooked. These papers will not enter the debate over the existence of a higher power, but rather they will contribute to the development of knowledge and greater understanding of how these phenomena are interwoven into social life. Some authors focus on how religion and spirituality can serve as independent variables that have an impact on phenomena of interest, from the individual to the institution. In other papers, spirituality is treated more as a dependent variable, important as an outcome in its own right. In several of the papers, religion and spirituality are integral parts of an intervention. In sum, when religion and spirituality are viewed as legitimate variables of psychological study, they offer seemingly endless perspectives on human behavior. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Serials Format Inventory Project: How Far Can Academic Libraries Go with “Electronic Only”?

The movement to replace print serials subscriptions with electronic or electronic-only subscriptions has been underway in academic libraries since the late 1990s. However, recent research, publishers' policies, and the experiences of libraries that have deliberately chosen to move in this direction suggest that there is a fairly well-defined limit to the percentage of serial titles that can be obtained electronically. This article describes the results of a serials inventory project at the Auburn University Libraries (Alabama) which resulted in moving 56 percent of its journal titles to electronic-only format but left the libraries with 30 percent of its collection remaining in print-only format.
Grafting of poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) on chemically modified silicon oxide surfaces

Three approaches for constructing self-assembled poly (γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) (PBLG) monolayers on silicon(100) native oxide surfaces are investigated. In the first method (scheme A), we deposit PBLG onto the surface by reacting the N-terminus of the PBLG with a preformed surface chloroformate group. In the second method (scheme B), we use (aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APS) as the initiator for a bulk polymerization, leading to synthesis of PBLG having a triethoxysilane end group, which will react directly with surface silanol moieties. In the third method (scheme C), we initiate polymerization of the N-carboxy anhydride of γ-benzyl-l-glutamate by a surface-attached APS. Through the comparison of the ellipsometric thicknesses of the PBLG films prepared by these three different methods, we have found that the “grafting to” protocols (schemes A and B) are more successful than the “grafting from” approach (scheme C) in constructing chemisorbed PBLG films. We have found from FTIR that PBLG retains its original...
A model predictive control approach for real-time optimization of reentrant manufacturing lines

Abstract A two layer hierarchical framework for optimization, control, and scheduling of semi-conductor reentrant lines is proposed. In this framework, model predictive control (MPC) is used at the top layer for real-time optimization (RTO). This layer acts as an interface between long-term planning (months) and scheduling (minutes). An l1-norm MPC, which uses a discrete linear model, addresses the long-term (shifts) inventory control problem while minimizing cycle time. It can also address the inventory and production control problems. The receding horizon feature of MPC allows the algorithm to simultaneously act as a long-term optimizer and as a controller. This algorithm is implemented as a linear programming (LP) problem, which is solved at the beginning of each shift. At the lower level, a variable priority policy (VPP) tracks the commands generated by the optimizer/controller providing the detailed operation of the discrete event fabrication line. The approach is illustrated with a case study of a five-machine, six-step line example developed by Intel.
Exploring relationships between mutagenic and carcinogenic potencies

Abstract Salmonella mutagenic and rodent carcinogenic potencies are calculated for 112 compounds recently studied by the U.S. National Toxicology Program. 28 of the 112 compounds are seen to exhibit simultaneous non-zero mutagenic and carcinogenic potencies. These are combined with an earlier list of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds (McCann et al., 1988) in order to study possible trends in the data. A significant positive correlation is exhibited between mutagenic and carcinogenic potencies in the combined date, although the observed scatter is too great for the overall result to be predictive. Classification by chemical class further indicates positive correlations near one for chemicals classified as nitroaromatic and related compounds. Patterns in mutagenic and carcinogenic potency over time are also examined. Mean potencies of recently-studied compounds are seen to trend lower than those of compounds studied 10 or more years ago.
Heart-Rate Variability as a Quantitative Measure of Hypnotic Depth

Abstract The authors investigated whether heart-rate variability can serve as a device for real-time quantitative measurement of hypnotic depth. This study compared the continuous self-rated hypnotic depth (SRHD) of 10 volunteers with heart rate, amplitude, and frequency changes from a time-frequency analysis of heart-rate variability (HRV). The authors found significant linear relationships between SRHD and the high-frequency (HF) component of HRV. Specifically, SRHD was correlated negatively with the frequency of the HF component and positively with the amplitude of the HF component. Unexpectedly, the average temporal trend in SRHD fit well (R 2 = .99) to the step response of a first-order system with a 4-minute time constant. The findings suggest that the reactivity of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system reflected in HRV could become part of a real-time, quantitative measure of hypnotic depth.
MACROECONOMIC SHOCKS AND THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK PREMIA

In this paper we empirically examine the sources of the volatility of the foreign exchange risk premia. Using a nonlinear structural Vector Autoregression (VAR) model based on no-arbitrage condition to identify various macroeconomic shocks and the foreign exchange risk premia, we find that more than 80% of the volatilities of the currency risk premia can be accounted for by the standard macroeconomic shocks that drive output and inflation. By explicitly modelling the currency risk premia in the VAR system, we also offer a potential reconciliation for the seemingly contradicting observations from the previous VAR analysis of the exchange rate “overshooting” behavior under exogenous monetary innovations.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Recurrent Stroke: Closure is the Best Option: Yes

Patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) experiencing ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms should not routinely undergo closure. A clear relationship between PFO and stroke has not yet been proven. Even if PFOs are shown to predispose to stroke, medical therapies for stroke prevention in patients with PFOs have not been adequately tested, making comparisons with invasive treatment difficult, and probably premature. Several small, uncontrolled studies have suggested a relationship between PFO and stroke. Recent data, however, indicate that these studies may overestimate the association. In one study, PFOs were found in 20.8% of 519 randomly selected asymptomatic community-based controls compared with 16.5% of 158 patients referred for evaluation of cryptogenic stroke, demonstrating no increase in the prevalence of PFO among patients with stroke compared with a random nonhospitalized reference population.1 Only 2 prospective multicenter studies of substantial size have evaluated the stroke recurrence risk in patients with PFO. These studies provide the best data for guiding the management of patients with PFO and ischemic cerebrovascular events. The French PFO-ASA Study Group evaluated 216 young patients (aged 18 to 55, mean age 40) with PFO and cryptogenic stroke and compared them with …
Quantitative High-Temperature Oxidation of Porcelain Enameled Iron

A continuous gain-in-weight method was used to measure quantitatively the oxidation taking place at elevated temperatures for long periods of time on enameled and unenameled iron. The oxidation was studied as a function of time and temperature on both bare and enameled iron. Specimens were subjected to variations in (1) enamel thickness, (2) thickness of electroplated-nickel deposit, and (3) metal surface preparation of the iron. The rate of oxidation of enameled iron was lower than that of bare specimens at all temperatures. This effect was most significant at lower temperatures; it decreased in extent as the test temperature was increased to 1850°F. An increase in enamel thickness was very effective in reducing the rate of oxidation. To a lesser extent, an increase in nickel-plate thickness on both enameled and unenameled specimens, and the use of sandblasting instead of mechanical abrasion and chemical cleaning as a method of metal preparation before enameling, also reduced the rate of oxidation. After the initial oxidation had proceeded at a linear rate, the oxidation rate of enameled and unenameled specimens followed a parabolic relation.
Production of radioisotopes by direct electron activation

High-energy electrons bombarded on materials can induce radioactivity by either directly knocking out neutrons or by first converting a fraction of the electron kinetic energy into electromagneticenergy, with subsequent neutron emission induced by the photons produced. The purpose of this paper was to develop a calculation method for estimating neutron emission and radionuclide production by high-energy (15–25 MeV) electrons directly interacting with a nucleus. The reaction (e,n) is considered using the method of virtual photons. The cross section for electron bombardment of lead,tantalum, rhenium, and tungsten targets is calculated. The electron cross sections are roughly 100 times less than the corresponding photon cross sections. The cross section increases monotonically with incident energy. A traveling wave linear accelerator was used for a qualitative test of the magnitude and energy dependence of the calculated cross sections. Tantalum was bombarded with electrons and the resultant emission of neutrons was inferred from the induced activation of 180 Ta . The energy dependence and magnitude of the calculated electron cross sections agree with experiment within experimental uncertainties. It is concluded that accurate estimates of electron activation via the direct process is possible.
Power saving algorithms for wireless sensor networks on IEEE 802.15.4

IEEE 802.15.4 is the global standard protocol designed for low-power and low-rate wireless personal area networks. When applied to sensor networks, extra care should be taken due to their requirements for multihop communication with minimum energy consumption. In this article we first discuss potential problems with the energy consumption in sensor networks using IEEE 802.15.4. Then six representative categories of algorithms are presented. The algorithms reside in between the MAC and a network layer. All operations of the MAC are performed through the standard interfaces of IEEE 802.15.4 without altering the standard protocol. The energy consumption and latency of the algorithms are evaluated by analysis and experiments, and the feasibility of real implementations is also discussed.
Imagining predictions: mental imagery as mental emulation

We argue that the primary function of mental imagery is to allow us to generate specific predictions based upon past experience. All imagery allows us to answer ‘what if’ questions by making explicit and accessible the likely consequences of being in a specific situation or performing a specific action. Imagery is also characterized by its reliance on perceptual representations and activation of perceptual brain systems. We use this conception of imagery to argue that all imagery is simulation—more specifically, it is a specific type of simulation in which the mental processes that ‘run’ the simulation emulate those that would actually operate in the simulated scenario. This type of simulation, which we label emulation, has benefits over other types of simulations that merely mimic the content of the simulated scenario.
μ-Opioid modulation in the rostral solitary nucleus and reticular formation alters taste reactivity: evidence for a suppressive effect on consummatory behavior

The neural control of feeding involves many neuromodulators, including the endogenous opioids that bind μ-opioid receptors (MORs). Injections of the MOR agonist, Damgo, into limbic and hypothalamic forebrain sites increase intake, particularly of palatable foods. Indeed, forebrain Damgo injections increase sucrose-elicited licking but reduce aversive responding (gaping) to quinine, suggesting that MOR activation may enhance taste palatability. A μ-opioid influence on taste reactivity has not been assessed in the brain stem. However, MORs are present in the first-order taste relay, the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST), and in the immediately subjacent reticular formation (RF), a region known to be essential for consummatory responses. Thus, to evaluate the consequences of rNST/dorsal RF Damgo in this region, we implanted rats with intraoral cannulas, electromyographic electrodes, and brain cannulas aimed at the ventral border of the rNST. Licking and gaping elicited with sucrose, water, and quinine were assessed before and after intramedullary Damgo and saline infusions. Damgo slowed the rate, increased the amplitude, and decreased the size of fluid-induced lick and gape bouts. In addition, the neutral stimulus water, which typically elicits licks, began to evoke gapes. Thus, the current results demonstrate that μ-opioid activation in the rNST/dorsal RF exerts complex effects on oromotor responding that contrast with forebrain effects and are more indicative of a suppressive, rather than a facilitatory effect on ingestion.
Electron-microscopic evidence for particles smaller than 250 Å in very low density lipoproteins of human plasma

Abstract Particle size distributions of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) in man were examined by electron microscopy. A comparison was made, between normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects. The results showed that the VLDL fraction frequently contained particles between 100–250 A in diameter and in some cases particles less than 100 A were observed.
On the theory of Hallen integral equation

A strict approach to solution of the Hallen integral equation for the current density of a symmetric active dipole is proposed. It is shown that the nucleus of the equation has a logarithmic characteristic. The solution, which at the dipole edges, satisfies the Meiksner's condition of the /spl rho/1/2/spl rarr/0 type (at /spl rho//spl rarr/0) was found, that assures uniqueness of the desired solution.
Implementing Speech-Recognition Microprocessor into Intelligent Control-System of Home-Appliance

This study is a creative and initial work focused on designing an intelligent living-space with automatic control system to control all home appliances in the living space. First of all, the system was constructed with two parts; one is remote control mechanism with Bluetooth (BT) module mounting on both master controller module (remote controller) and slave receiver module (on every home appliance), the other is to design the remote controller with speech-recognition and function of self-learning human voice so that people could directly give command to control appliances, In this paper we focused on the technique of speech-recognition microprocessor. After implementing the finished projects, the whole system was proved to be great successful and the final result of this research has achieved both National patent authorized by Patent Bureau of Taiwan Economy Ministry, and The First Prize of National Award of Practical Projects Design authorized by Taiwan Education Ministry.
Assessing Multicultural Competence in Counselor Trainees: A Review of Instrumentation and Future Directions

As the diversity within the U.S. population continues to increase, multicultural counseling competency (MCC) remains a central focus in counselor education and research. Accordingly, assessment of competencies is necessary to ensure culturally appropriate counseling services to an increasingly diverse clientele. This article discusses available tools for evaluating counselors' awareness, knowledge, and skills for working with culturally diverse clients, as well as new directions and trends in MCC assessment.
Genetic and proteomic approaches to identify cancer drug targets

While target-based small-molecule discovery has taken centre-stage in the pharmaceutical industry, there are many cancer-promoting proteins not easily addressed with a traditional target-based screening approach. In order to address this problem, as well as to identify modulators of biological states in the absence of knowing the protein target of the state switch, alternative phenotypic screening approaches, such as gene expression-based and high-content imaging, have been developed. With this renewed interest in phenotypic screening, however, comes the challenge of identifying the binding protein target(s) of small-molecule hits. Emerging technologies have the potential to improve the process of target identification. In this review, we discuss the application of genomic (gene expression-based), genetic (short hairpin RNA and open reading frame screening), and proteomic approaches to protein target identification.
Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of in-vehicle reach tasks for digital human models considering anthropometric measurement uncertainty

For design using digital human models, human anthropometry data are required as input and are extracted from measurements. There is inherent error associated with these measurements which impacts the output of the simulation. Current techniques in digital human modeling applications primarily employ deterministic methods which are not well suited for handling variability in anthropometric measurement. An alternative to deterministic methods is probabilistic/sensitivity analysis. This study presents a probabilistic sensitivity approach to gain insights into how uncertainty in anthropometric measurements can affect the results of a digital human model with the specific application of vehicle-related reach tasks. Sensitivity levels are found to determine the importance of variability in each joint angle and link length to the final reach. A55-degree of freedom (DOF) digital human model is introduced to demonstrate the sensitivity approach for reach tasks. Seven right-hand reach target points and two left-hand reach target points (creating a total of 14 reach tasks) within a vehicle are used to compare the sensitivities in the joint angles and link lengths resulting from measurement uncertainty. The results show that the importance of each joint angle or link length is dependent on the characteristics of the reach task and sensitivities for joint angles, and link lengths are different for each reach task.
Absorption, fluorescence, and quantum yield for growth in nitrogen-limited Dunaliella tertiolecta

The effects of steady state nitrogen limitation on the optical properties of Dunalielh tertiolecta were investigated. Growth rate was varied in a continuous culture under constant irradiance and temperature with absorption, fluorescence, and cellular characteristics including pigment contents determined at each steady state. The cellular concentration of Chl a increased with growth rate while Chl-a-specific absorption and fluorescence both decreased. In addition, the quantum yield for growth varied by more than a factor of 3.5 over the growth conditions examined, with the highest yield in the most rapidly growing cells. The decrease in magnitude of Chl-a-specific optical properties is caused by pigment package effects and changes in the abundance of accessory pigments relative to Chl a. Changes in absorption and fluorescence properties are consistent with theoretical predictions for discrete packages. In addition, pigment-based reconstruction techniques overestimate the magnitude ofboth in vivo and unpackaged absorption by D. tertiolecta under these growth conditions. The observed variability in Chl-a-specific absorption and quantum yield is a fundamental aspect of phytoplankton physiology that should be incorporated into models of oceanic primary production.
Two tricks in one bundle: helix–turn–helix gains enzymatic activity

Many examples of enzymes that have lost their catalytic activity and perform other biological functions are known. The opposite situation is rare. A previously unnoticed structural similarity between the lambda integrase family (Int) proteins and the AraC family of transcriptional activators implies that the Int family evolved by duplication of an ancient DNA-binding homeodomain-like module, which acquired enzymatic activity. The two helix-turn-helix (HTH) motifs in Int proteins incorporate catalytic residues and participate in DNA binding. The active site of Int proteins, which include the type IB topoisomerases, is formed at the domain interface and the catalytic tyrosine residue is located in the second helix of the C-terminal HTH motif. Structural analysis of other 'tyrosine' DNA-breaking/rejoining enzymes with similar enzyme mechanisms, namely prokaryotic topoisomerase I, topoisomerase II and archaeal topoisomerase VI, reveals that the catalytic tyrosine is placed in a HTH domain as well. Surprisingly, the location of this tyrosine residue in the structure is not conserved, suggesting independent, parallel evolution leading to the same catalytic function by homologous HTH domains. The 'tyrosine' recombinases give a rare example of enzymes that evolved from ancient DNA-binding modules and present a unique case for homologous enzymatic domains with similar catalytic mechanisms but different locations of catalytic residues, which are placed at non-homologous sites.
Is proportion burned severely related to daily area burned

The ecological effects of forest fires burning with high severity are long-lived and have the greatest impact on vegetation successional trajectories, as compared to low-to-moderate severity fires. The primary drivers of high severity fire are unclear, but it has been hypothesized that wind-driven, large fire-growth days play a significant role, particularly on large fires in forested ecosystems. Here, we examined the relative proportion of classified burn severity for individual daily areas burned that occurred during 42 large forest fires in central Idaho and western Montana from 2005 to 2007 and 2011. Using infrared perimeter data for wildfires with five or more consecutive days of mapped perimeters, we delineated 2697 individual daily areas burned from which we calculated the proportions of each of three burn severity classes (high, moderate, and low) using the differenced normalized burn ratio as mapped for large fires by the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity project. We found that the proportion of high burn severity was weakly correlated (Kendall τ=0.299) with size of daily area burned (DAB). Burn severity was highly variable, even for the largest (95th percentile) in DAB, suggesting that other variables than fire extent influence the ecological effects of fires. We suggest that these results do not support the prioritization of large runs during fire rehabilitation efforts, since the underlying assumption in this prioritization is a positive relationship between severity and area burned in a day.
Picosecond laser microscopy for investigating localization of alpha particle induced soft error rates in deep submicron CMOS VLSI

Alpha-particle induced soft error rates (SER) due to naturally occurring radioisotopes in process metals are a serious reliability issue for deep-submicron CMOS technologies where continued scaling reduces the critical charge required to upset sensitive drains, in, for example, the off MOSET of an SRAM cell. With increased scaling the subsequent diffusion of charge from an ion strike covers a larger number of cells leading to increased multiple bit upset (MBU) rates in highly efficient designs. The amount of charge shared amongst neighboring nodes is critical in determining the overall SER. Charge sharing proceeds via two mechanisms: diffusion of carriers from the alpha strike to charge collecting nodes which depends on minority carrier diffusivity and the induction of charge on capacitive coupled nodes (V. Ferlet-Cavrois et al., 2003) as described by Ramo's theorem (S. Ramo, 1939). Results indicate the first mechanism to be dominant in terms of the quantity of charge collected which can lead to SER. Picosecond lasers have been widely used in simulating the energy-loss of MeV ions to better understand radiation phenomena by providing high-fidelity spatio-temporal information on charge collection processes (D. McMorrow et al., 1992), (J.S. Melinger et al., 1994). In this paper we describe the newly completed JPL picosecond laser microprobe for investigating SER and use it to investigate the temperature dependence of charge collection/sharing in a TSMC 0.18 mum CMOS "ring-like" test structure specifically designed for this task.
Evolution of the Membrane and Bulk Phase Theories

Charles E. Overton, a distant cousin of Charles Darwin, investigated the permeability of a variety of living animal and plant cells (e.g., muscle, erythrocytes, root hair, and algal filaments) to some 500 compounds. He found that the introduction of polar groups (e.g., carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups) into a chemical substance decreases its permeability into cells, while lengthening of the carbon chain, or esterification of carboxyl or hydroxyl groups, increases it. These observations became a part of Overton’s Rules. A specific example is the series of hydroxylic compounds, which follow this order of decreasing permeability: monohydric alcohol (ethanol and methanol) > dihydric alcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol) > trihydric alcohol (e.g., glycerol) > tetrahydric alcohol (e.g., erythritol) > hexahydric alcohol (e.g., mannitol) > hexoses and di- and trisaccharides. This observation appeared to indicate a positive correlation between the lipophilic nature of the compounds and their permeability.