cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ShaZam: Charge-Free Wearable Devices via Intra-Body Power Transfer from Everyday Objects

In this work, we investigate a wireless power transfer technology that can unobtrusively charge wearable devices while users interact with everyday objects, such as an office desk, laptop, or car. We design and develop our solution, ShaZam, that exploits the human body as a medium to transfer Radio Frequency (RF) energy-carrier signals from minimally-instrumented daily objects to wearable devices. We focus on establishing the technical groundwork of the proposed technology by incorporating the capacitive coupling mechanism, in which the forward signal path is established through the human body, and the return path is established via capacitive coupling to the surrounding environment. To showcase the feasibility of our technology, we investigate three different use scenarios---i.e., interacting with a keyboard on a desk, a laptop, and the steering wheel of a car---to transfer power to a wrist-worn device. Using data obtained from ten healthy individuals within a setting where uncontrolled electromagnetic interference was relatively low, we demonstrate that we can transfer approximately 0.5 mW - 1 mW of DC power to the wrist-worn device. We also investigate several critical environmental and design parameters that could affect the power transfer and offer design guidelines that optimize performance. Our initial results suggest the potential for a new design paradigm towards completely charge-free wearable devices.
Chaotic deterministic quantization in a 5D general relativity

How to quantize gravity is a major outstanding open question in quantum physics. While many approaches assume Einstein's theory is an effective low-energy theory, another possibility is that standard methods of quantization are the problem. In this paper, I analyze a quantization mechanism based on chaotic dynamics of 5D general relativity (with imaginary time) with BKL dynamics in the mixmaster universe as an example. I propose that the randomness of quantum mechanics as well as its other properties such as nonlocality derive from chaotic flow of 4D spacetime through a 5th dimension, with the metric tensor under Wick rotation to Euclidean space acting as a heat bath for other quantum fields. This is done by showing that the theory meets mixing conditions such that it is chaotically self-quantizing and quantizes other fields to which it is coupled, such that in the limit taking chaotic dynamics scale to zero the quantization is equivalent to a stochastic quantization. A classical stability analysis shows this dimension is likely spacelike.
My Rules for Success

Success means something different to everyone. It can mean wealth, power, happiness, or a hundred other things. There are all kinds of success and all kinds of ways to achieve it. I know bus drivers who are as successful as bankers; I know anonymous computer programmers who are now more successful than some of the biggest sports celebrities. Success can take many forms, but the ingredients for success are basically the same This article is available in Hospitality Review: http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/hospitalityreview/vol15/iss1/1 My Rules For Success
Abstract 3692: Preclinical studies of a mutant p53 reactivating drug in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer therapy suffers from a lack of effective chemotherapy. TP53 is second only to Kras as the most commonly mutated gene in pancreatic cancer with point mutations occurring in 75% of patients. Recently, our laboratory identified NSC319726 (726) as an allele specific p53 mutant reactivating compound (Yu, et al. 2012, Cancer Cell). This compound selectively kills cancer cells that express the p53-R175H mutation by restoring wildtype structure and function to this mutant. It does not reactivate the DNA contact mutant, p53-R273H or p53-R248H. This established 726 as a lead compound for mutant p53 targeted drug development. We are currently investigating the potential of 726 as novel anti-cancer drug through pre-clinical studies in pancreatic cancer. We have investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of 726 in murine pancreatic cancer cell lines derived from the KPC mouse model expressing mutant KrasG12D and different alleles of TP53 (WT, null, p53R172H, p53R270H). Using LC/MS/MS we developed a sensitive assay for detection of 726 in mouse plasma. PK studies indicate a half-life of approximately 4 hours with an AUC of 199.78 ng/ml/h for a single 1mg/kg dose given Intravenously. Treatment of KPC cell lines with 726 indicates that the murine p53R172H protein is reactivated as indicated by loss of mutant conformation and induction of p53 target gene transcription. Cell growth inhibition assays reveal that the cell line KPCp53-R172H is sensitive to 726 while the KPCp53-R270H is not. We have developed a PD assay for 726 consisting of cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining and measurement of transcriptional levels of p53 targets PUMA, Noxa and p21. Using these assays we have tested several doses of 726 and found that we detect activity of 726 in KPCp53-R172H xenograft tumors while at the same time relatively no activity in KPCp53-R270H tumors. These same assays were also performed on KPC autochthanous tumors and again reveal activity of 726 in the KPCp53-R172H mice. Efficacy studies in the KPCp53-R172H xenografts reveal potent tumor growth inhibition at both IV (1mg/kg) and IP (5mg/kg) dosing while no evidence of growth inhibition in KPCp53-R270H. These studies confirm that 726 is an allele-specific p53 mutant reactivating compound and holds promise for future applications in pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Xin Yu, Zhe Li, Oliver S. Eng, Ashley T. Tsang, Hongxia Lin, Murugesan Gounder, Darren R. Carpizo. Preclinical studies of a mutant p53 reactivating drug in pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3692. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3692
An overview of the NASA rotary engine research program

A brief overview and technical highlights of the research efforts and studies on rotary engines over the last several years at the NASA Lewis Research Center are presented. The test results obtained from turbocharged rotary engines and preliminary results from a high performance single rotor engine were discussed. Combustion modeling studies of the rotary engine and the use of a Laser Doppler Velocimeter to confirm the studies were examined. An in-house program in which a turbocharged rotary engine was installed in a Cessna Skymaster for ground test studies was reviewed. Details are presented on single rotor stratified charge rotary engine research efforts, both in-house and on contract.
Have a Drink on Us: Mental Health Parity, Rational Addiction, and Off-Setting Behavior

I augment the standard rational addiction model to include an insurance component whereby the effects of addiction can be mitigated. The model implies that increasing the level of insurance in the future induces a forward-looking individual to consume more of a harmfully addictive good currently. I test this implication using the adoption of mental health parity mandates in some states during the 1990s as an exogenous shock on the availability of future insurance. I examine the effects of this shock on the consumption of alcohol and find that parity legislation led to a statistically significant increase in alcohol consumption. To account for the possible endogeneity of the adoption of mental health parity mandates, I perform an instrumental variables analysis of beer consumption, and find that my original analysis underestimates the effect by a factor of ten.
Long Term Capsaicin Administration Effects on Skeletal Muscle Function in Aging Mice

The decline in muscle mass and quality with aging, termed sarcopenia, can decrease physical function and affect overall quality of life. Administration of capsaicin can activate transient receptor ...
Weak avalanche model for SOI and cryogenic analog circuits

A weak avalanche cryogenic model based on transverse field and temperature dependence for different scattering mechanisms that influence channel mobility is developed. The kink effect and weak avalanche are shown in both SOI/SOS (body floating) and bulk (carrier freeze-out) at cryogenic temperatures below 30 K. The negative conductance model based on both 2-dimensional electric field and temperature effect in SOI body tie transistors is also developed. Finally, weak avalanche effects for low Vgs conditions is also described and implemented in SPICE.
Building the world from first principles: declarative machine descriptions and compiler construction

For at least 25 years, the most effective way to retarget systems software has been by using machine descriptions. But “machine description” doesn’t mean what you think. A traditional machine description does contain information about the machine, but its utility is compromised in one of two ways: The description is useful only in support of a particular algorithm, such as instruction-set emulation, LR parsing, or bottom-up tree matching. Information about the machine is inextricably intertwined with information about a particular tool’s internal representation, such as a compiler’s intermediate code.
Monitoring multiple agents: The role of hierarchies

Abstract This paper presents an analysis of principal/multiple-agent problems when there are monitoring possibilities. A principal/owner of a firm has to decide whether or not to employ one or more supervisors who can observe noisy signals on the workers/agents' actions. For both workers and supervisors there is a moral hazard problem. The optimal allocation of monitoring activities and determinants of the decision to hire a supervisor are discussed, and it is explored how multi-level monitoring-hierarchies are structured in such a firm.
Mutant PRPS1: a new therapeutic target in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new study identifies recurrent mutations in the purine biosynthesis gene phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate synthetase 1 (PRPS1) in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This work highlights the importance of this pathway in the pathogenesis of relapse and suggests an approach to predicting and circumventing resistance in ALL.
Latent viral infection of cells in tissue culture. VIII. Morphological observations of psittacosis virus in L cells.

SummaryWith the 6BC strain of psittacosis virus only 10% of L cells could be infected in vitro in several culture media, even with repeated exposure to virus over a period of 8 hours at 37°C or 24 hours at 4°C. However, all cells became susceptible to infection during a period of 96 hours at 37°C, suggesting a sequential change in susceptibility. Using the balanced salt solution of Earle or a synthetic medium deficient in phenylalanine, the virus infected the cells and entered a latent phase as well as it did with a complex horse serum-lactalbumin hydrolysate-yeast extract medium, but virus growth did not occur until the missing amino acid or acids were supplied. No structures characteristic of virus were visible in these cells during the phase of latent infection when examined with the light or electron microscope.† Histochemical studies of the growth of virus in L cells revealed that the virus inclusion body contained RNA and DNA.
Unanswered Questions — Drug-Eluting Stents and the Risk of Late Thrombosis

Unanswered Questions — Drug-Eluting Stents and the Risk of Late Thrombosis By the end of 2004, drug-eluting stents were used in nearly 80% of percutaneous coronary interventions in the United States, and within 3 years, several million drug-eluting stents had been implanted worldwide. Dr. William Maisel writes that, unfortunately, much remains uncertain about the long-term safety of the devices.
Pragmatic Assessment Impacts Support for Distance Education

Collection managers challenged by service to distance education may find pointers in comparing Murray State University Libraries' assessment model to local situations. Information revealed through queries of participants in distance education curricula could serve as a basis upon which to formulate future assessments regarding resources, usage, and service. First, the pragmatic feature of assessing support for curricula encourages closer monitoring. The second provocation arises from usage data as a guidepost for collection development. Finally, readers cognitive of strength that stems from the combination of resources and services may find prompting in meeting the students' research needs.
Electrical Wiring of Redox Enzymes

In a redox enzyme the functional electron transfer center, normally surrounded by an insulating protein matrix, can be electrically connected to an external source of current through a path of fast electron-relaying redox couples. Such “wiring” is achieved through electrostatically or covalently binding to the enzyme-proteins high molecular weight redox polycations having segments anchored to electrodes. With the wired enzymes subsecond response time amperometric biosensors can be built.
Dorsal root ganglion neurons are destroyed by exposure in utero to maternal antibody to nerve growth factor

Rats and guinea pigs, when immunized with mouse nerve growth factor, produce antibodies that cross-react with their own nerve growth factor. The antibodies reach developing offspring of these animals both prenatally (rats and guinea pigs) and postnatally (rats). Depriving the fetus of nerve growth factor in this way results in the destruction of up to 85 percent of dorsal root ganglion neurons as well as destruction of sympathetic neurons. Sensory neurons of placodal origin in the nodose ganglion were not affected. These data demonstrate that dorsal root ganglion neurons go through a phase of nerve growth factor dependence in vivo.
Successful Implementation of a Behavioral Safety Program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory Plutonium Facility

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is one of two design laboratories in the United States Department of Energy (DOE) weapons complex, with over 60 years of experience in handling hazardous and radioactive materials. Actinide research and development are performed in two nuclear facilities. The Plutonium Facility has been in operation since 1978, and the Chemistry and Metallurgy Research (CMR) Facility was built in 1952. The Nuclear Materials Technology (NMT) Division is responsible for operating both facilities in a safe and environmentally sound manner. At these NMT Division nuclear facilities, the primary hazards that are associated with chemicals and radioactive materials are well controlled, with minimal risk to the workforce and the public. Most workforce injuries are physical or ergonomic in nature. In an effort to increase safety awareness and to decrease accidents and incidents, a program focusing on identifying and eliminating unsafe behaviors was initiated. This process is named ATOMICS (for Allowing Timely Observations Measures Increased Commitment to Safety). Workers are trained on how to conduct safety observations of one another and given guidance on specific behaviors to note. Observations are structured to have minimal impact on the workload and are shared by the entire workforce. This program has effectively decreased an already low accident rate and will make long-term sustainability possible. The behavior-based safety process engages the workforce in the implementation and utilization of their own safety initative. The process is based on the simple act of having workers observe other workers and provide feedback on safe and at-risk behaviors. Observations typically take 10 to 15 minutes. Observations are strictly conducted under the conditions that no names are used and no blame is placed. A prospective observer takes 2 days of training on how to perform observations. To date, this behavioral safety program has been effective in further reducing the low accident/injury rate for the division. Most of the division’s workforce has taken observer training, and about half of those trained perform approximately 2500 observations per year on work conducted in NMT Division nuclear facilities.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Plutonium and americium in anoxic marine sediments: Evidence against remobitization

Abstract 239 + 240Pu activities of 100–450dpm/kg are found down to 15–18 cm in anoxic Saanich Inlet sediments, with a subsurface maximum in undisturbed deposits. Integrated 239 + 240Pu inventories which overlap delivery estimates are present both in two cores of anoxic sediments from Saanich Inlet and in one core of oxic sediments 65 km away in Dabob Bay, Washington. 241 Am 239 + 240 Pu ratios in Saanich Inlet sediments overlap ratios in unfractionated midnorthern latitude fallout, in oxic sediments from the Washington continental shelf, and in anoxic sediments from two basins off southern California and Mexico. The 239 + 240 Pu 137 Cs ratios in three intervals of Saanich Inlet sediments are also in agreement with ratios previously reported for oxic coastal marine sediments. The Pu inventories, the Am Pu and Pu Cs ratios, and the Saanich Inlet Dabob Bay comparison all argue that Pu is not rapidly remobilized in anoxic sediments. The subsurface 239 + 240Pu activity maximum is not in agreement with the historical record of peak Pu fallout in 1963–1964 unless our 210Pb-derived sedimentation rates are incorrectly high. However, they are in good agreement with previous 210Pb and varve chronologies in Saanich Inlet, and also give reasonable dates for times when 239 + 240Pu and SNAP-9A supplied 238Pu first appear in the sediments. We conclude they properly date the maximum in sedimentary 239 + 240Pu activity at 1970–1973, and seek explanations for the 7–10yr time lag after peak fallout. 239 + 240Pu inventories in one core from the eastern basin of the Cariaco Trench and in two cores from Golfo Dulce. an anoxic basin off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, are also in reasonable agreement with fallout delivery to these latitudes when excess 210Pb inventories and fluxes are used to verify recovery of at least a major fraction of the most recently deposited sediments.
Proteolytic cleavage of the developmentally important cadherin BT-R1 in the midgut epithelium of Manduca sexta.

BT-R1 (Mr = 210 kDa) represents a new type of insect cadherin that is expressed specifically in the midgut epithelium during growth and development of Manduca sexta larvae. It also is a target rece...
Relationships with opponent and partner in mixed motive bargaining.

With the exception of a few recent studies (Hermann and Kogan, 1968; Thibaut and Gruder, 1969), research on mixed-motive bargaining has neglected intergroup negotiations in favor of focus on interpersonal negotiations. Negotiations in the "real world," however, often involve a spokesman who bargains on behalf of a constituency against an adversary who is also a group representative. In order to understand the process of resolving conflict between groups, it is necessary to investigate the iIndependent and joint effects of each negotiator's relationship with his constituency and with his adversary. To this end, the present experiment varied independently a negotiator's accountability to his partner and to his opponent to determine the effects on his bargaining of the extent to which he felt answerable to each of these parties. Accountability to partner and to opponent were manipulated independently but in an analogous
Nonlinear Modes of a 2-DOF Inverted Pendulum

A number of practical structures such as compliant offshore towers can be physically modeled, as a first approximation, as an inverted pendulum. The nonlinear dynamics of such model can present some complex features due to the nonlinear coupling among its degrees-of-freedom. In this paper a model of a spatial inverted pendulum restrained by three inclined extensional springs is adopted. Geometric imperfections are considered, and the solutions for both perfect and imperfect systems are presented herein. Especial attention is given to the determination of the nonlinear vibration modes. Non-similar and similar NNMs are obtained analytically by direct application of asymptotic methods and the results show important NNM features such as instability and multiplicity of modes. Poincare maps of the conservative system are used to identify the existence of modes that do not have a linear counterpart. Analytical approximations are derived for these nonlinear modes by the use of a two-dimensional polynomial fitting procedure obtained by the application of the Levenberg-Marquardt method. The points coordinates used in the fitting procedure were obtained through numerical integration of the governing equations of motion. Such analytical expressions can then be used in modal reduction, parametric analysis and in the derivation of important features of the system such as its frequency-amplitude relations and resonance curves.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Yes, and by the way … thoughts on “Whither design space?”

Having no fundamental difficulties with Woodbury and Burrow's article, I explore some implications of their work based on my experience, and that of PhD students advised by me, with developing design support systems. I suggest that such systems need a distinct task layer on top of the computational layer, where the power of a system rests. I also express unease with some details of the article under review, in the hope of contributing to a wider discussion.
Resuscitative thoracotomy performed in the operating room.

Abstract The efficacy of resuscitative thoracotomy in the trauma patient has been questioned. Survival rates are variable, but a review of resuscitative thoracotomy in the emergency department of our institution documented an overall survival rate of only 1.8%. Higher survival rates may be anticipated in patients initially presenting with signs of life who can be transported directly to the operating room prior to the need for resuscitative thoracotomy. To test this hypothesis, the clinical course of all injured patients undergoing urgent or exigent thoracotomy in the operating room between July 1983 and June 1989 was reviewed. There were 34 patients undergoing exigent/resuscitative thoracotomy, 8 with penetrating injuries, 25 with blunt trauma to multiple systems, and 1 with isolated blunt chest trauma. Eight median sternotomies were performed and 26 left or bilateral thoracotomies. Twenty-six patients underwent concurrent exploratory celiotomy. The overall survival rate was 9% (3 of 34). The survival rate for patients with penetrating injuries was 37.5% (3 of 8) and 0% (0 of 26) for those with blunt trauma. Fifty-four patients underwent urgent/nonresuscitative thoracotomy with an overall survival rate of 74% (40 of 54). Combined group survival rates were 49% overall, 77% for patients with penetrating wounds, and 22% for patients with blunt trauma. These data underscore the futility of resuscitative thoracotomy in patients with blunt trauma who have deteriorated to the point of being in extremis . The relatively high salvage rates in patients with penetrating injuries support continued use of resuscitative thoracotomy when vital signs are lost, particularly if the injury is to the thorax. Variability in reported survival rates may be primarily due to the mix of patients with blunt trauma and penetrating injuries and disagreement as to what constitutes a resuscitative thoracotomy.
Interleukin-1β inhibits Ca2+ channel currents in hippocampal neurons through protein kinase C

Interleukin-1 beta depresses the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel currents in acutely dissociated guinea-pig hippocampal CA1 neurons. This depression is observed with pathophysiological concentrations found in the cerebrospinal fluid (> or = 1.0 pg interluekin-1 beta/10 microliters). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (in concentrations 25-fold higher than interleukin-1 beta) completely blocked the interleukin-1 beta-induced depression of the Ca2+ channel current. This suggests that interleukin-1 beta action is through a specific interaction with an interleukin-1 membrane receptor site. The application of other cytokines and growth factors (interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor), or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) had no effect, indicating specificity of action of interleukin-1 beta. The depression of the Ca2+ channel current by interleukin-1 beta was prevented by the extracellular application of pertussis toxin, and by the intracellular application of GDP[beta S], H-7, staurosporine or bisindolylmaleimide. Application of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also depressed the Ca2+ channel current, but this phorbol ester-induced depression was not additive to that induced by interleukin-1 beta. These results suggest mediation of interleukin-1 beta action through a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein coupled interleukin-1 receptor associated with the activation of protein kinase C. The depression of the Ca2+ channel current by interleukin-1 beta may be involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability during pathological conditions and in the induction and/or progression of neurodegenerative processes.
Establishing Alignment in Aphasia Couples Therapy in a Woman With Wernicke’s Aphasia A Case Study

Alignment refers to the interactive use of similar words to accomplish a linguistic and cognitive “common ground” in conversations. Alignment is thought to be unconscious, relying on priming mechan...
The isolation from human parotid saliva and partial characterization of the protein core of a major parotid glycoprotein.

Abstract A protein was isolated from stimulated human parotid saliva which appears to be the core protein of a major parotid glycoprotein. This molecule was isolated by sequential chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-200, and Sephadex G-25 from the parotid saliva of a single individual. The core protein had an amino acid composition similar to that of the protein moiety of the parotid glycoprotein and cross reacted immunologically with this glycoprotein. Immunoelectrophoretic analyses of both stimulated and unstimulated parotid saliva revealed that the core protein was not detectable in the unstimulated secretion. These data indicated that gustatory stimulation resulted in the secretion of incompletely synthesized molecules.
Capital Operating Time and Total Factor Productivity Growth in France

Data on the weekly operating time of capital improve the measurement of effective capital input in production. The production function of the French business sector is found to be consistent with a Cobb-Douglas technology under constant returns to scale. Total factor productivity growth, estimated as an unobservable variable, has declined steadily since the late 1970s, but more slowly since 1994. During the 1990s, a secular increase in shift work raised the operating time of capital and began to contribute positively to growth, albeit only slightly.
Cognitive match interface design, a base concept for guiding the development of user friendly computer application packages

The authors present a base concept which unites the various prescriptions for creating and implementing a user friendly computer system. Making the system operate and interact with the user in a manner which parallels the flow of the user's own thought processes is the key issue. The authors illustrate this concept with examples from a system they recently developed to create and store patient records for the health care industry. Additionally they outline a procedure for creating patient/client data storage systems.
Some connections between the Littlewood-Richardson rule and the construction of Schensted

Abstract The Littlewood-Richardson construction is shown to yield the same collection of standard tableaux as the Schensted construction applied to permutations defined by general skew tableaux.
Studies on responding under fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement: II. The scalloped pattern of the cumulative record

Responding under fixed-interval schedules usually generates either scalloped or break-and-run cumulative records. Earlier, it was generally accepted that the characteristic pattern was the scallop, but in recent years there has been an increasing emphasis on the break-and-run pattern. The break-and-run pattern has been shown quantitatively to provide a good fit of certain fixed-interval patterns. In the present work, responding during fixed-interval 1000-second components of a multiple fixed-interval 1000-second fixed-ratio 50 responses schedule was examined in two rhesus monkeys. Even after responding had started in an interval, there was a high tendency for responding to accelerate over subsequent 100-second segments of the interval. In segments with responding, the rate increased from one segment to the next in 303 of 389 segments in one monkey and in 310 of 419 segments in the other. The size of the increase was substantial, the rate in the fifth segment after responding started being an average of 4.5 times higher than the rate in the first segment after responding started. Hence, the usual pattern of responding in individual intervals was of sustained and substantial acceleration, vindicating numerically the conclusion derived from inspection of the scalloped patterns of the cumulative records.
A chronotopic approach to genre analysis: An exploratory study

Abstract This paper will examine Bakhtin’s theory that a genre’s unity is defined by its chronotope [Bakhtin, M. M. (1981). Forms of time and of the chronotope in the novel. In M. Holquist (Ed.), The dialogic imagination: Four essays (pp. 84–258). Austin: University of Texas Press] and assume that, if this is true, the rhetorical unity within a specific genre could also be defined by its chronotope. Central to this theory will be the idea that the individual ‘moves’ [Swales, J. M. (1981). Aspects of article introduction . Birmingham, UK: University of Aston Language Studies Unit] within genres are defined by their use of time and space. In this way, the chronotope can be used as a device to analyze specific genres that are of interest to ESP composition, and can then be used as an instructional tool for the teaching of these particular genres to students within the ESP community. A corpus of L1 and L2 cover letters will be reviewed and linguistic markers of time and space will be compared to establish chronotopic move markers and chronotopic generic differences. The research summarized will consider what the pedagogical and semantic implications of these generic differences might be.
A Comparison of Two Scales Measuring Attitudes Towards Statistics.

The present investigation compared two statistics attitude scales, the Statistics Attitude Survey (SAS) by Roberts and Bilderback (1980) and the Attitudes Toward Statistics (ATS) by Wise (1985). Wise had claimed that the SAS was partially invalid because many of the items appeared to be achievement oriented rather than attitudinal in nature. The SAS and ATS were combined in one scale and administered to 280 introductory statistics students at the beginning of the course. Course grades were obtained at the end of the course. Analyses showed high reliabilities for both SAS and ATS but a correlation of nearly .9 between the two scales. In addition, none of the correlations between the two scales with several criteria, including course grades, were significantly different. It was concluded that the ATS was essentially an alternate form of the previously developed SAS.
Thorium and rare-earth metals as analogs for actinide elements

Th is a good analog for Pu in its tetravalent state, which is the common oxidation state in most subsurface geologic environments. For both elements the stable solid form under most conditions is the dioxide, and the principal dissolved species in equilibrium with it is the undissociated hydroxide. Stability constants for complexes with common ligands are similar, those for Pu being generally somewhat larger because of the smaller size of the Pu4+ ion, but ligand concentrations in most groundwaters are too low for complex formation in the tetravalent state to increase concentrations appreciably. Differences in chemical behavior arise because Pu has stable oxidation states above and below 4+. In particular, carbonate complexes of tri-, and penta- or hexavalent Pu are stable enough to make the dioxide more soluble than Th dioxide under conditions of low Eh and pH, and of high Eh and pH, respectively. Unless carbonate concentrations are unusually high, however, the predicted solubilities of the two dioxides are similar and well below maximum permissible concentrations over a wide range of Eh and pH expectable in and near a repository. Thus the low mobility of Th demonstrated at Morro do Ferro, Brazil, is good evidence that the leakage of Pu from a breached subsurface repository will be exceedingly small. The rare-earth elements are even better analogs for the heavier actinides Am and Cm. These actinides under repository conditions can exist only in the trivalent state, and stability constants for their compounds and complexes are very similar to those for the trivalent rare-earth metals. The similarity reflects the close resemblance in ionic radii, especially the radii of the lighter rare-earth elements. Hence the observed low concentrations of La and Nd in groundwater and surface water at Morro do Ferro are a good indication that neither Am nor Cm will escape from a breached repository in unacceptable amounts.
Women and Patriotism in Jim Crow America – By Francesca Morgan

Who and what constitute the nation? Can one be patriotic and still disagree with the policies of the present state? From the 1880s to the 1930s, a handful of major black and white women's voluntary...
One-dimensional stretching functions for Cn patched grids, and associated truncation errors in finite-difference calculations

SUMMARY In this work the truncation-error criteria of Thompson and Mastin (1985) are combined with conditions of vanishing second and higher derivatives at both endpoints for the purpose of deriving new classes of onedimensional stretching functions for mesh refinement in finite-difference numerics. With these elementary stretching functions, matching of the slopes between adjacent grid patches then automatically confers C" regularity upon the composite stretching function. Formulated with reference to two conceptions of truncation order (fixed relative distribution against fixed number of nodes) the resulting mappings are shown to provide particularly advantageous node distributions at both ends simultaneously (with concomitantly higher truncation error in between). Viewed overall, the truncation-error functions compare favourably with those for sinh, tanh and erf - mappings whose utility for mesh refinement was established by Thompson and Mastin. The numerical labour of implementing the new stretching functions is only slightly greater than that required for the error function. An illustrative derivation involving c" patching leads to two-sided stretching functions, which allow the slopes at both ends to be prescribed arbitrarily. This formulation differs from a previous approach described by Vinokur (1983).
The Wald–Wolfowitz Theorem Is Violated in Sequential Mastery Testing

Abstract The sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) has important optimality properties when sequential observations are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.). Most famously, the Wald–Wolfowitz theorem states that under i.i.d., no other method has both better error rates and better average sample lengths. This article presents three counterexamples to demonstrate that the Wald–Wolfowitz theorem does not hold in sequential mastery testing (SMT), an application of the SPRT where observations are not i.i.d. Consequences of this violation are discussed.
Has the pendulum swung too far in postoperative pain control

Abstract Background The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations declared pain level to be the “fifth vital sign.” This has led to increased efforts to reduce patients' pain scores. Current postoperative analgesic modalities may not be entirely safe. We prospectively studied pain and sedation scores to determine whether postoperative patients were reaching sedation levels similar to patients undergoing “conscious sedation” (eg, colonoscopy cases). “Conscious sedation” patients have been shown to achieve states of sedation, which at time result in oxygen desaturation. Methods Fifty-three patients within three groups were compared in an observational study. Group 1 included “conscious sedation” patients undergoing colonoscopy. Group 2 included postoperative patients using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Group 3 included postoperative patients under nurse-controlled analgesia (NCA). Levels of sedation were monitored using the 6-point Ramsay sedation scale. Pain and oxygen saturation were monitored using an 11-point verbal scale and finger pulse oximetry, respectively. Patients were monitored for up to 12 hours in the postoperative period or for the length of their colonoscopy procedure. Results Patients in groups 1 and 2 reached similar sedation levels. Conclusions Patients may reach dangerous levels of sedation during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Patients using PCA devices warrant close observation during this time period.
The Relevance of Firm-Learning Theories to the Design and Evaluation of Manufacturing Modernization Programs

There is a need for rigorous definitional and empirical specification of what is meant by firm learning and the growing number of variants on this important theme. Based on a review of the literature on firm learning, the authors present a series of propositions about the state of knowledge regarding organizations' learning behaviors and capabilities. These propositions are then tested through a survey of firms in the plastics industries in the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Empirical results suggest that firms are limited in their ability to acquire and apply new information in the face of needed change.
Evaluating Local Policy Adoption Campaigns in California: Tobacco Retail License (TRL) Adoption

As part of its state-wide “denormalization” campaign, the California Tobacco Control Program has funded local tobacco control projects to secure tobacco retail licenses (TRLs) in their communities. TRL policies generate funding by requiring tobacco retailers within a jurisdiction to obtain a license, which is in addition to the state license that tobacco retailers are legally required to purchase to sell tobacco products. The funding provided by TRLs enables local law enforcement to carry out inspection and enforcement operations. This paper examines the unique processes by which local project campaigns attempt to get TRL policies adopted in communities across the State of California. Twenty-two local projects submitted final evaluation reports pertaining to the adoption of TRLs, and the reports from these projects form the basis of the analysis. Successful campaigns tended to include the following strategies: (1) determining policy readiness; (2) gathering local data; (3) identifying and working with a “champion”; (4) building relationships with local law enforcement agencies and decision makers; and (5) educating community and decision makers. The major challenges faced by local projects included budget cuts and staffing issues, concern about creating an unfavorable environment for business by imposing more regulations and fees, and complaints about using law enforcement resources for tobacco control in light of more “pressing” public safety issues. These challenges proved difficult for local projects to overcome, and also highlight the need for projects to create and carry out strong but flexible tactical plans that incorporate the aforementioned strategies.
Second harmonic generation from PbTiO3-based ferroelectric thin films

Abstract Sol-gel-derived lead titanate, lead lanthanum titanate, lead zirconate titanate and lead lanthanum zirconate titanate films were prepared. Second harmonic generation (SHG) activity from these films was explored as a function of composition, processing, phase assemblage, microstructure and orientation. Undoped PbTiO3 films exhibited strong, angular-dependent SHG signals. Incorporation of La and Zr resulted in a decrease in the signal magnitude.
Differential distribution of cubilin and megalin expression in the mouse embryo

Cubilin and megalin are cell surface proteins that work cooperatively in many absorptive epithelia to mediate endocytosis of lipoproteins, vitamin carriers, and other proteins. Here we have investigated the coordinate expression of these receptors during mouse development. Our findings indicate that while there are sites where the receptors are co-expressed, there are other tissues where expression is not overlapping. Apical cubilin expression is pronounced in the extraembryonic visceral endoderm (VE) of 6-9.5 days postcoitum (dpc) embryos. By contrast, little megalin expression is evident in the VE at 6 dpc. However, megalin expression in the VE increases as development progresses (7.5-9.5 dpc), although it is not as uniformly distributed as cubilin. Punctate expression of megalin is also apparent in the region of the ectoplacental cone associated with decidual cells, whereas cubilin expression is not seen in association with the ectoplacenta. Strong expression of megalin is observed in the neural ectoderm, neural plate and neural tube (6-8.5 dpc), but cubilin expression is not apparent in any of these tissues. At 8.5 dpc, megalin is expressed in the developing endothelial cells of blood islands, whereas cubilin is absent from these cells. Finally, cubilin, but not megalin, is expressed by a subpopulation of cells dispersed within the 7.5 dpc embryonic endoderm and having a migratory morphology. In summary, the co-expression of cubilin and megalin in the VE is consistent with the two proteins functioning jointly in this tissue. However, the differential distribution pattern indicates that the proteins also function independent of one another. Furthermore, the finding of megalin expression in blood island endothelial cells and cubilin expression in embryonic endoderm highlight potential new developmental roles for these proteins.
Application of the electrical analog technique in fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract The electrical analog technique which has been previously used for the determination of normalized stress intensity factors in isotropic plates and in bimaterial plates is extended to the case of fiber-reinforced composites. The technique is based on the similarities between electrical and certain mechanical problems. Specifically, the fact that electric potential in a conductor as well as displacement in two dimensional elasticity problems in antiplane loading both obey the Laplace equation is made use of in determining normalized stress intensity factors ( K N ) in bimaterial plates and in fiber-reinforced composites. The K N determined by the electrical analog technique corresponds to the anti-plane problem. Since the behavior of cracks in the vicinity of interfaces is qualitatively similar in both plane and antiplane loading, the K N determined by the electrical analog technique provides useful information for the design of composites. This paper uses the electrical equivalence of the J- integral for the determination of K N . The specific problems examined include cracks in bimaterial plates, the behavior of a crack in the vicinity of fibers of higher modulus than the matrix, and the role of debonding and fiber fracture on K N . Fiber-reinforced composites and bimaterial plates were electrically simulated by electroplating copper or nickel on part of the surface of steel foils. The electroplated regions have higher electrical conductivity than the unplated regions and simulate materials of higher modulus in the corresponding mechanical problems.
African-American and Hispanic adolescents' intentions to delay first intercourse: parental communication as a buffer for sexually active peers.

Abstract Purpose Parents and peers often create conflicting influences on adolescent sexual delay. This study examines the moderating effects of mothers' responsiveness during sex discussions on the negative relationship between sexually active peers and sexual delay among African-American and Hispanic adolescents. Methods Interview data from 530 African-American and Hispanic non–sexually active high school students were used to examine the effects of mother-adolescent sex discussions and peer norms on intentions to delay or initiate intercourse within the next year. Logistic regression was performed to test the moderating effects of adolescents' reports of mothers' responsiveness (openness, comfort, and understanding during sex discussions) on the relationship between perceived peer sexual activity and adolescent sexual delay. Results The relationship between mothers' responsiveness during sex discussions, peer sexual activity, and their effects on adolescent sexual delay is complex. Mother's responsiveness had a buffering effect on the negative effects of sexually active peers. Among adolescents who perceived a high percentage of their peers to be sexually active, those who reported that their mothers had above-average responsiveness were 1.6 times more likely to plan to delay intercourse than were adolescents who reported that their mothers had average responsiveness. Conclusions Parents and peers are mutually contingent influences in the dynamic social context of adolescents' lives. Although sexually active peers have a negative effect on adolescent sexual delay, responsive parent-adolescent sex discussions can buffer these effects. Intervention efforts can help parents develop the knowledge and communication skills they need to discuss sexual topics with their children effectively.
Let's See a Boy and a Balloon: Argument Labels and Syntactic Frame in Verb Learning.

It is by now well established that toddlers use the linguistic context in which a new word—and particularly a new verb—appears to discover aspects of its meaning. But what aspects of the linguistic context are most useful? To begin to investigate this, we ask how 2-year-olds use two sources of linguistic information that are known to be useful to older children and adults in verb guessing tasks: syntactic frame and the semantic content available in the noun phrases labeling the verb’s arguments. We manipulate the linguistic contexts in which we present novel verbs to see how they use these two sources of information, both separately and in combination, to acquire the verb’s meaning. Our results reveal that, like older children and adults, toddlers make use of both syntactic frame and semantically contentful argument labels to acquire verb meaning. But toddlers also require these two sources of information to be packaged in a particular way, into a single sentence that identifies “who did what to whom.”