cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous redox conditions and a shallow chemocline in the Mesoproterozoic ocean: Evidence from carbon–sulfur–iron relationships

Abstract Oxygenation of Earth's oceans in the Proterozoic was a protracted process that began prior to the Great Oxidation Event (GOE) and culminated in deep ocean ventilation following Neoproterozoic glacial episodes, with both of these major thresholds accompanied by profound changes in the evolution of Earth's biosphere. Our understanding of the redox structure of Mesoproterozoic oceans, however, is considerably less certain. Limited proxy investigations of oceanic redox in the Mesoproterozoic have focused largely on early Mesoproterozoic shelf to basinal settings, with comparatively little attention paid to epeiric sea environments that dominate the late Mesoproterozoic sedimentary record. Here we report multi-proxy shale redox data from epicratonic and pericratonic environments of the 1.1 Ga Atar and El Mreiti Groups, Taoudeni Basin, Mauritania. These strata were deposited across the West African craton during global sea level highstand, and provide insight into the redox structure of Mesoproterozoic epeiric seas. Iron speciation, pyrite sulfur isotope, and trace metal concentration data suggest a shallow chemocline and highly heterogeneous redox conditions, with fundamental heterogeneities in sulfate concentration and the extent and persistence of euxinia between onshore and offshore environments. We suggest that a protracted increase in biospheric oxygenation in the late Mesoproterozoic was accompanied by unstable and heterogeneous redox conditions in shallow, nearshore areas, contributing to the fragmentary pattern of early eukaryotic evolution and diversification.
Migrations: An ERIC/ChESS Sample

TI he Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), spon sored by the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest and oldest education information system in the world. The ERIC Clearinghouse for Social Studies/Social Science Education (ERIC/ ChESS) is one of sixteen subject-oriented clearinghouses that compose the ERIC system. The heart of this system, the ERIC database of education-related literature, contains nearly one million citations with abstracts, drawn from a variety of disciplines. Citations to journal articles, teaching and curriculum guides, bibliographies, research reports, and conference papers are included. The ERIC database is available free in many large public and university libraries and on the Internet. The listings below are drawn from the ERIC database and include both teaching materials and general background information on the topic. The key to obtaining the full text of the materials cited below is the unique ERIC number assigned to each item in the database. Journal articles, denoted by "EJ" numbers (for example, EJ549890), can be copied at most academic libraries, borrowed through interlibrary loan, or purchased from article reprint services such as UnCover, UMI, and ISI. Research reports, conference papers, and other materials besides journal articles are denoted by "ED" numbers (for example, ED398110); paper or microfiche copies of most of these documents can be purchased from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS), 7420 Fullerton Road, Suite 110, Springfield, VA 22153-2852; (800) 443-3742; (703) 44
The Wealth and Influence of an Exiled Ottoman Eunuch in Egypt: the Waqf Inventory of Abbās Agha

Etude d'un document ottoman provenant des archives du Palais de Topkapi (Istanbul), et contenant l'inventaire des waqf imperiaux fondes en Egypte par ⊂Abbās Agha, Grand Eunuque (Kizlar Agasi) de l'Empire Ottoman a la fin du 17e s. Le but est de montrer la richesse et l'influence de cet homme sur l'Egypte, et la facon dont il s'est approprie l'exploitation et le benefice des institutions imperiales. Ce document met egalement en lumiere la representation de la cour ottomane dans les plus importantes provinces de son empire.
Magnetic field of the human sensorimotor cortex.

A magnetic field associated with voluntary finger flexion was found to be confined over a well-defined region of the scalp overlying the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the finger. The magnetic field had opposite directions over two regions of the scalp superior and inferior to the classical finger area of the cortex, implying that the field was generated by a source or sources in this area. The field whose onset begins approximately 50 ms prior to muscle activation was associated with a cortical source lying about 2.8 cm beneath the scalp and the active area shifted posteriorly 3–6 mm into the somatosensory area during the finger movement. Consistent with this shift, the early component of the magnetic field prior to flexion of a finger was absent when it was passively moved by the finger of the opposite hand, but the later components were present.
Tissue-engineered intestine: Progress toward a functional and physiological neomucosa

The science of tissue engineering has emerged as a field of great importance, combining the principles of biology and engineering with the goal of developing biological substitutes for human tissues and organs. Using tissue-engineering techniques, a prototype neointestine has been developed. In this article, we summarize the progress toward the generation of a functional and physiological neomucosa that regenerates the characteristic properties of the native bowel.
Investigation of the direction of chip motion in diamond turning

Abstract Management of the chips generated in diamond turning is often critical since contact between chips and the workpiece can result in superficial damage to the finished surface. Controlling chip motion is not a trivial process as the proper positioning of an oil or an air stream requires an understanding of the dynamics of a diamond turned chip and the machining parameters that affect it. Previous work [1] introduced the chip curvature parameter, χ, which is useful in predicting chip radius of curvature over a wide range of cutting speeds, depths of cut, tool geometries and workpiece material properties. To control chip motion, however, an understanding of the direction chips leave the tool/workpiece interface must also be obtained. Cutting experiments were performed investigating the influence of cutting speed, depth of cut, feed rate, tool path angle, tool geometry and tool orientation on the directional characteristics of the motion of diamond turned chips. Flow angle measurements obtained during cutting were found to remain within ± 10° of predictions from a simple geometrical model originally proposed for conventional machining.
Student pharmacist perspectives on providing pharmacy-access hormonal contraception services

Abstract Objectives To assess student pharmacists' interest and opinions in providing reproductive health services, particularly hormonal contraception (HC), in their future practices. Methods This descriptive, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study was conducted in California between February and May 2007. Surveys were distributed to 790 second- and third-year student pharmacists to measure interest, opinions, and perceived barriers in providing HC services. Results 502 survey responses (63.5% response rate) were received. Student pharmacists reported interest in providing HC services (96.2%) to both minors and adults (53.3%), adults (40.6%), or minors (6.2%). Students felt that patients would benefit from improved access and advice (94.0%). Inadequate pharmacist time was deemed an extremely important barrier in determining whether pharmacists could efficiently and effectively provide HC services, followed by lack of private counseling area in the pharmacy, inadequate patient health information, and lack of appropriate incentive structure. Students were interested in providing other reproductive health services, specifically preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs; 89.2%) and STI treatment for the partners of patients presenting with valid STI prescriptions (88.4%). Conclusion Student pharmacists were very interested in providing pharmacy access to HC and related reproductive health services as future practitioners. The willingness of student pharmacists to provide this support indicates that pharmacy access to HC could be a viable service.
Strength Evaluation of Polymer Composite Spur Gear by Finite Element Analysis

Modern advanced polymer composite materials have opened a new level of noiseless, lubricant free, high resilience and precision gearing in power and motion transmission. The proper understanding and evaluation of gear strength and performance is an important prerequisite for any reliable application. In this paper, a 20% short glass fiber reinforced nylon66 spur gear fabricated by injection molding has been carefully investigated. A three-dimensional finite element model was used to simulate the multi-axial stress-strain behaviors of a gear tooth under the dynamic load for a complete working cycle with a special geometry, operating condition, fiber orientation and volume fraction. The strength of composite gears has been compared with isotropic un-reinforced nylon66 and steel gears. The tooth root region of a gear which usually experiences high stress and potential to failure has been carefully investigated. This computer simulation method can be used as a useful tool for evaluating strength and predicting failure of the polymer composite gears.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Nephrogenic adenoma of the urethra presenting as gross hematuria in a child.

A 15-year-old boy presented with intermittent blood spotting on the underwear and 1 episode of gross hematuria associated with dysuria. Urinalysis revealed 1 to 3 red blood cells per high power field. Kidney and bladder ultrasound, excretory urography and retrograde urethrography were normal. Cystoscopy revealed normal bladder findings and 3 small yellowish polypoid structures on the ventral and left lateral walls of the bulbous urethra, which were biopsied and fulgurated. Biopsies revealed nephrogenic adenoma (see figure). Hematuria has not recurred postoperatively.
Spalling types and mechanisms in the erosion-corrosion of metals at high temperature

Abstract Spalling of scales has been observed during the isothermal erosion-oxidation attack of several metals. Some typical results are presented, showing that such spalling can arise from more than one mechanism.
The five-fold surface of quasicrystalline AlCuFe: preparation and characterization with LEED and AES

We report the first surface characterization of a large, single-grain sample of quasicrystalline AlCuFe. The sample is oriented with its surface perpendicular to a five-fold axis, and has the bulk composition 63.4-24.0-12.6 at%. Following our method of preparation, the surface yields an exceptionally sharp and rich five-fold pattern in low-energy electron diffraction. The spot spacings and symmetries are consistent with expectations for this surface, based upon the unreconstructed structure.
A theoretical framework for antigay aggression: review of established and hypothesized effects within the context of the general aggression model.

Abstract Theory and research on antigay aggression has identified different motives that facilitate aggression based on sexual orientation. However, the individual and situational determinants of antigay aggression associated with these motivations have yet to be organized within a single theoretical framework. This limits researchers' ability to organize existing knowledge, link that knowledge with related aggression theory, and guide the application of new findings. To address these limitations, this article argues for the use of an existing conceptual framework to guide thinking and generate new research in this area of study. Contemporary theories of antigay aggression, and empirical support for these theories, are reviewed and interpreted within the unifying framework of the general aggression model [Anderson, C.A. & Bushman, B.J. (2002). Human aggression. Annual Review of Psychology, 53, 27–51.]. It is concluded that this conceptual framework will facilitate investigation of individual and situational risk factors that may contribute to antigay aggression and guide development of individual-level intervention.
A Review of: “Spiegel, Herbert, & Spiegel, David. Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis (2nd edition). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2004. Pp. xxvii + 545. $57.00 U.S.”

After 25 years, the second edition of Trance and Treatment: Clinical Uses of Hypnosis has finally arrived. This book provides readers not familiar with the field of hypnosis an essential foundation...
Carbon nanotube free-standing membrane as gas diffusion layer in hydrogen fuel cells

The feasibility of using a carbon nanotube free-standing membrane (CNTFSM) as a gas diffusion layer (GDL) in hydrogen proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been investigated as an alternative to conventional carbon fibres. The CNTFSM has the potential to lead to thinner GDLs and thereby decrease the thickness of the membrane-electrode assembly. This has significant implications for increasing power and energy density (weight and volume) of a fuel cell system. We report the successful demonstration of a PEMFC that operates with a CNTFSM-based GDL.
Synovial sarcoma outcome following conservation surgery and radiotherapy

This retrospective review of 85 patients presents the prognostic factors and disease outcome for localized synovial sarcoma treated with conservation surgery and radiotherapy. Tumors were located in the lower extremity (48), upper extremity (20), trunk (11), and head and neck (6). All patients were treated with limited excision and radiotherapy. Sixty-seven patients had surgery followed by radiation and 18 had preoperative radiation. Postoperative radiation was delivered to a mean dose of 62 Gy, whereas the mean dose for preoperative radiation was 50 Gy. Thirty-five patients, mostly with tumors exceeding 5 cm, received adjuvant adriamycin-based chemotherapy (median adriamycin dose 406 mg/m2). At a median follow-up of 8.4 years the 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates were 76%, 63%, and 57%. Mortality was almost entirely due to metastatic relapse. Metastases developed in 36 patients yielding an actuarial 10-year metastatic rate of 48%. In multivariate analysis, tumor size was the dominant determinant of metastases with a lesser contribution due to patient age (those < or = 20 years having fewer metastases). Tumor site and histology were not independently significant. Ten-year metastatic rates according to tumor size, s, were s < or = 2 cm, 0%; 2 < s < or = 5 cm, 35%; 5 < s < or = 10 cm, 59%; 10 cm < s, 100%. Our retrospective data failed to reveal benefits for adjuvant chemotherapy either in univariate or multivariate analysis. Eight patients (9%) had local recurrence as the initial failure and 4 others had local failure after disease appeared elsewhere, yielding a 5-year actuarial local recurrence rate of 14%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A bed-load transport model for rough turbulent open-channel flows on plane beds

Data from flume studies are used to develop a model for predicting bed-load transport rates in rough turbulent two-dimensional open-channel flows moving well sorted non-cohesive sediments over plane mobile beds. The object is not to predict transport rates in natural channel flows but rather to provide a standard against which measured bed-load transport rates influenced by factors such as bed forms, bed armouring, or limited sediment availability may be compared in order to assess the impact of these factors on bed-load transport rates. The model is based on a revised version of Bagnold's basic energy equation ibsb = ebω, where ib is the immersed bed-load transport rate, ω is flow power per unit area, eb is the efficiency coefficient, and sb is the stress coefficient defined as the ratio of the tangential bed shear stress caused by grain collisions and fluid drag to the immersed weight of the bed load. Expressions are developed for sb and eb in terms of G, a normalized measure of sediment transport stage, and these expressions are substituted into the revised energy equation to obtain the bed-load transport equation ib = ω G3·4. This equation applies regardless of the mode of bed-load transport (i.e. saltation or sheet flow) and reduces to ib = ω where G approaches 1 in the sheet-flow regime. That ib = ω does not mean that all the available power is dissipated in transporting the bed load. Rather, it reflects the fact that ib is a transport rate that must be multiplied by sb to become a work rate before it can be compared with ω. It follows that the proportion of ω that is dissipated in the transport of bed load is ibsb/ω, which is approximately 0·6 when ib = ω. It is suggested that this remarkably high transport efficiency is achieved in sheet flow (1) because the ratio of grain-to-grain to grain-to-bed collisions increases with bed shear stress, and (2) because on average much more momentum is lost in a grain-to-bed collision than in a grain-to-grain one. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the three-dimensional, solution-phase structure of the macrolide antibiotic oxolide in CD2Cl2 and D2O from NMR constraints.

The three-dimensional structure of the antibiotic oxolide, (9S,11S)-11-amino-9-deoxo-11,12-deoxy-9,12-epoxyerythromycin, was determined in CD2Cl2 through constrained molecular mechanics with constraints derived from proton NMR. The calculations yielded a well-defined global minimum. Data acquired for oxolide in D2O, although not as complete, indicate that the antibiotic adopts the same conformation in water. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pain in cognitively impaired nursing home patients

Pain is an understudied problem in frail elderly patients, especially those with cognitive impairment, delirium, or dementia. The focus of this study was to describe the pain experienced by patients in skilled nursing homes, which have a high prevalence of cognitive impairment. A random sample of 325 subjects was selected from ten community skilled nursing homes. Subjects underwent a cross-sectional interview and chart review for the prevalence of pain complaints, etiology, and pain management strategies. Pain was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and four unidimensional scales previously utilized in younger adults. Thirty-three percent (33%) of subjects were excluded because they were either comatose (21%), non-English speaking (3.7%), temporarily away (sick in hospital) (4.3%), or refused to participate (3.7%). Of 217 subjects in the final analysis, the mean age was 84.9 years, 85% were women, and most were dependent in all activities of daily living. Subjects demonstrated substantial cognitive impairment (mean Folstein Mini-Mental State exam score was 12.1 +/- 7.9), typically having deficits in memory, orientation, and visual spatial skills. Sixty-two percent reported pain complaints, mostly related to musculoskeletal and neuropathic causes. Pain was not consistently documented in records, and pain management strategies appeared to be limited in scope and only partially successful in controlling pain. None of the four unidimensional pain-intensity scales studied in this investigation had a higher completion rate than the Present Pain Intensity Scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (65% completion rate). However, 83% of subjects who had pain could complete at least one of the scales. We conclude that cognitive impairment among elderly nursing home residents present a substantial barrier to pain assessment and management. Nonetheless, most patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment can be assessed using at least one of the available bedside assessment scales.
Clustered Arginine Residues of Bacteriophage λ N Protein are Essential to Antitermination of Transcription, but Their Locale Cannot Compensate for boxB Loop Defects

Abstract The N protein coded by bacteriophage λ plays an essential role in the completion of λ transcription by recognizing the boxB sequence in nascent transcripts and then aggregating with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and four other E. coli proteins into an unstoppable transcription complex. In order to explore the functionality of N protein and the specific recognition between N and boxB, 14 amino acid positions near the amino-terminal end of N λ were mutated extensively. The mutant proteins were scored for N function in vivo by a two-plasmid construct that visualizes readthrough transcription as lacZ expression in colonies of E. coli. Mutation was achieved by single TAG replacements, translated through suppression into 13 different amino acids, or by scrambling at assorted three-codon sets. Of the 14 amino acid positions tested (Tablets 5 and 6), six remained functional with a wide variety of substitutions, while substitution was sometimes deleterious at one Ala and two Gln positions. At each of the five Arg positions, however, maintenance of Arg occupancy proved important for N function. Despite effective screening for increased N function at boxBs with defective loops, no N mutant, simple or complex, was found to change the order of preference of wild-type Nλ for boxBs with defective loops. Thus, although multiple amino-terminal Arg positions are found to be important for N function, mutations in the region spanning the five Arg residues were not found to compensate for defects in boxB loop.
Circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: Biologic staging beyond tumor burden

Abstract Background The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) predicts overall survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, it is unknown whether CTCs have superior value compared with other standard prognostic factors. We compared the prognostic significance of CTCs with clinical and laboratory measures of tumor burden and phenotypic subtype of disease. Patients and Methods One hundred fifty-one patients with MBC evaluated between 2000 and 2006 were included in this retrospective analysis. Circulating tumor cells were isolated and enumerated in whole blood using an immunomagnetic bead system (CellSearch™ System). Overall survival was evaluated according to the level of CTCs (negative: Results The median age of patients was 53 years (range, 24–88 years), and 44% of the patients had > 5 CTCs. The median overall survival for negative versus positive CTCs were 29.3 months and 13.5 months, respectively ( P P = 0.003). The prognostic value was independent of measure of tumor burden and type and line of therapy, and phenotypic subtype of the disease. Conclusion Circulating tumor cells have superior and independent prognostic value of tumor burden and disease phenotype and might represent an important marker of tumor biology in MBC. Detection of CTCs should be considered for new staging stratification of patients with MBC.
Firm ownership patterns and motives for voluntary pollution control

From the viewpoint of standard theory, firms have sometimes seemed to overcontrol pollution. However, Gordon (1990) and others have noted that the more diversified investors are the greater the degree of internalization of externalities. This paper explores the implications of diversification for the firm's choice of pollution in comparison with alternative explanations of voluntary pollution control, such as profit-seeking through regulatory influence, and altruism. The paper also addresses issues arising from the spatial aspects of pollution, and the relationship between stockholder and managerial incentives for pollution control. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The phosphorylation of the integral membrane m1 protein of influenza virus

The phosphorylation of the internal and integral membrane (M1) protein of influenza virus was studied. Four points can be made based on the data: (1) The M1 contains at least two moles of phosphate per mole of M1. (2) Phosphorylation of M1 is conserved between influenza A, B and C viruses. Other characteristics of the M1 are also conserved, such as solubility in organic solvent, heterogeneity and ability to partition into lipid vesicles. (3) M1 is phosphorylated in cells infected with a vaccinia recombinant (vP273) containing only the gene of M1, either as a result of a vaccinia virus associated kinase or a cellular one. (4) The phosphate is located within or in close proximity to the major stretch of neutral and hydrophobic amino acids found in M1, as determined by analyzing cyanogen bromide fragments.
Placental transport of immunoglobulin G.

Maternal antibodies transported across the placenta protect the newborn. Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations in fetal blood increase from early in the second trimester through term, most antibodies being acquired during the third trimester. IgG1 is the most efficiently transported subclass and IgG2 the least. Transfer across the syncytiotrophoblast of the chorionic villi is mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor, FcRn. Immune complexes are absorbed in the stroma of the villi, probably by FcγRI, FcγRII, and FcγRIII on placental macrophages. The mechanism of IgG transport across the endothelium of fetal capillaries is not understood. Endothelial cells in terminal villi express FcγRIIb. However, it is not known whether this receptor transports IgG or prevents transport of immune complexes to the fetus.
A Method for Training Honey Bees to Forage at Feeding Stations

A method is described to simplify and accelerate the initial stages of training honey bees, Apis mellifera L., to forage at feeding stations. Multiple gravity feeders, placed on an extended hive entrance runway, train bees to walk, then fly to the feeders as the distance to the feeders increases. Constant observation and manipulation are unnecessary during the training; one operator can train multiple colonies simultaneously.
Automatic semantic activation and episodic memory encoding

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of a briefly presented pattern-masked stimulus on (1) subjects' latency' to make a lexical decision regarding a subsequent letter string and (2) their episodic encoding of that letter string in long-term memory. During the first half of the experiment subjects participated in a primed lexical decision task (LDT). Half of the subjects received the primes at a preexperimentally determined critical threshold, whereas the remaining half received the primes at a suprathreshold level. The primes were either related ( GRAPE ). neutral ( XXXXX ), or unrelated ( BOX ) to the targets ( JAM ). The results of this priming task indicated that subjects responded faster to words which followed a related prime than to words which followed an unrelated prime in both the suprathreshold and, more interestingly, in the threshold condition, where the subjects were actually unable to reliably report the presence of the prime. Subjects were then given an episodic recognition test for the target words which were presented during the LDT. In the crucial conditons, the target was either contextually paired with the same related priming word or a different related word. For example, if the subject received the prime GRAPE followed by the target JAM , then at recognition the subject either received the pair GRAPE JAM or TRAFFIC JAM , with the task being to simply recognize the second word in each pair. The recognition results indicated that for the suprathreshold condition there was a large delecterious effect of switching context between study and test, whereas, for the threshold condition, there was virtually no effect of switching context. These results were viewed as indicating that it is possible to produce activation in semantic memory via a threshold stimulus, as indicated by the obtained priming effect; however, this activation does not appear to be useful in directing conscious attention for long-term storage.
DNA Motion Capture Reveals the Mechanical Properties of DNA at the Mesoscale

Single-molecule studies probing the end-to-end extension of long DNAs have established that the mechanical properties of DNA are well described by a wormlike chain force law, a polymer model where persistence length is the only adjustable parameter. We present a DNA motion-capture technique in which DNA molecules are labeled with fluorescent quantum dots at specific sites along the DNA contour and their positions are imaged. Tracking these positions in time allows us to characterize how segments within a long DNA are extended by flow and how fluctuations within the molecule are correlated. Utilizing a linear response theory of small fluctuations, we extract elastic forces for the different, ∼2-μm-long segments along the DNA backbone. We find that the average force-extension behavior of the segments can be well described by a wormlike chain force law with an anomalously small persistence length.
HomeProxy: exploring a physical proxy for video communication in the home

HomeProxy is a research prototype that explores supporting video communication in the home among distributed family members through a physical proxy. It leverages a physical artifact dedicated to representing remote family members to make it easier to share activities with them. HomeProxy combines a form factor designed for the home environment with a "no-touch" user experience and an interface that responsively transitions between recorded and live video messages. We designed and implemented a prototype and conducted a pilot study with eight pairs of users. Our study demonstrated the challenges of a no-touch interface and the promise of offering quick video messaging in the home.
An architecture for flexible manufacturing cells with alternate machining and alternate sequencing

One of the characteristics of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is that they can consider multiple part routing due to alternate machining and alternate sequencing in the processing of parts. This paper presents a new architecture based on colored Petri nets (CPNs) that allows the supervisory controller of a flexible manufacturing cell to consider alternate machining and alternate sequencing in real time control of the cell. This capability for real time alternate routing is an extension of prior research on the application of CPN to modeling FMSs.
The Farm Poor: Counted, Miscounted, or Discounted?

C HARLES DICKENS, in A Tale of Two Cities, opens with the state\Cy ment, "It was in the best of times, it was in the worst of times, ... it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair... ." This perhaps echoes the sentiment of many people in the United States today. Our economy is in the best of times for many but in the worst of times for others. For some, their economic position puts them in a real spring of hope. For others, their future appears as a winter of despair. In order to more equitably share the wealth of our nation with its less affluent citizens, guidelines are needed to determine who the less affluent are, what constitutes poverty, and what some attributes of the poor are. Lack of financial resources is the handiest explanation of poverty. The current definition has been built around income: How much is necessary to maintain a family of four persons at a given level of living. This definition of poverty was developed for use by the Council of Economic Advisers in the President's war on poverty. Later the Social Security Administration (SSA) developed a poverty line centering around $3,000. In this definition, a family of four was considered "poor" if their total annual cash income was less than $3,000; a single unrelated individual, if his annual income was less than $1,500 [4]. The SSA refined this definition by including such variables as family composition, sex of head, and place of residence, (farm or nonfarm). The resulting poverty index is the officially adopted poverty definition of the Council of Economic Advisers and the Office of Economic Opportunity. In 1955 the Household Food Consumption Survey indicated that families of four persons, regardless of income level or place of residence, spent about one-third of their annual income on food. It was thus assumed that an income of at least three times the cost of the economy food plan was necessary to keep a family out of poverty. Using the economy food plan, as developed by the USDA, and a multiplier of "3," as obtained from the 1955 survey, a poverty cutoff level was established. Thus, if the food plan was priced at $1,000, the resulting income would be $3,000. Any family of four with an income of less than $3,000, spending $1,000 or more for food would be considered to be in poverty. This same survey showed that about 40 percent of food consumed by farm families was produced at home. This means that the average farm
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Movement Parameters in Individuals with down Syndrome

This investigation compared spatial and temporal gait movement parameters of a sample of individuals with Down syndrome (n=12) and one of individuals without disabilities (n=12). All participants were evaluated on responses to a preferred pace and fast walk with the GAITRite Electronic Walkway. Spatial outcomes included step and stride length, step and stride width, toe-in/toe-out, and base of support. Temporal outcomes included step time, velocity, single and double leg support time, stance, and swing time. There were significant group differences for step length, step width, stride length, and velocity in the preferred walk condition. Significant group differences for step length, step width, and stride length were observed in the fast walk condition. Percentage differences also indicated lower scores for all spatial and temporal variables in relation to the control group. The ability to control gait movements appears to reflect earlier movement experiences, so it may be possible to use variable sensory feedback and specific training to modify and adjust movement responses and improve gait performance in Down syndrome.
Mechanical coupling and direct torque measurement of outer-rotor polysilicon micromotors

This paper presents preliminary results on investigation of involute and cycloidal tooth profiles with respect to their suitability for mechanical coupling of surface micromachined mechanisms, and results on direct measurement of the output torque of mechanically loaded polysilicon outer-rotor micromotors. Results have shown that although micromotors with involute and cycloidal shaped gear teeth successfully drive another micromotor, involute shaped teeth micromotors operate more consistently and more smoothly than those with cycloidal teeth. For torque measurement of outer-rotor micromotors, the micromotor is driven to bend a beam, the deflection of which is used to measure the output torque of the motor. In order to couple the micromotor torque to the beam, a partial rotor ring is attached to the free end of a cantilever beam. By measuring the maximum deflection that the micromotor can bend the beam during operation, the output force and torque of the micromotor can be calculated using beam theory. Results show that forces up to 1.04 /spl mu/N, or torques up to 156 pN-m are available from outer-rotor micromotors with pitch radii from 75 /spl mu/m to 150 /spl mu/m.
Data-Centric Routing in Sensor Networks: Single-hop Broadcast or Multi-hop Unicast?

Data dissemination strategies and communication protocols that minimize the use of energy can significantly prolong the lifetime of a sensor network. Data-centric dissemination strategies seek energy efficiency by employing short metadata descriptions in advertisements (ADVs) of the availability of data, short requests (REQs) to obtain the data by nodes that are interested in it, and data transmissions (DATA) to deliver data to the requesting nodes. An important decision in this process is whether the DATA transmission should be made at full power in broadcast mode or at low power in multi-hop unicast mode. The determining factor is shown in this paper to be the fraction of nodes that are interested in the DATA, as shown by the number of REQs that are generated. Closed form expressions for this critical fraction of interested nodes is derived when the nodes have no memory or infinite memory for state information and when transmissions are reliable and not reliable. These results can be used during both the design and operation of the network to increase energy efficiency and network longevity
The Value of Mandatory Second Opinion Pathology Review of Prostate Needle Biopsy Interpretation Before Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose: We determined the value of mandatory second opinion pathology review to interpret prostate needle biopsy before radical prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: In all cases referred to our institution for radical prostatectomy in 1 year we compared pathological parameters in original and reviewed pathology reports, including benign, atypical or malignant diagnosis, final Gleason score, positive core number, core highest cancer percent and perineural invasion or extraprostatic extension. A major Gleason score discrepancy was defined as a change to a different risk category (6, 7 and 8–10). We defined a significant difference in the highest percent of cancer in a core as 30% or greater.Results: Of the 855 cases originally diagnosed as prostatic adenocarcinoma cancer was confirmed in 844 (98.8%) by needle biopsy and prostatectomy, of which 9 (1%) were atypical and 2 (0.2%) were benign upon review. A major discrepancy in Gleason score was present in 124 cases (14.7%), of which 57 (46.0%) were upgraded a...
Tris-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts: Novel templates as antagonists at nicotinic receptors mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release.

Abstract A series of tris-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium salts has been synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) mediating nicotine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release from superfused rat striatal slices and for inhibition of [ 3 H]nicotine and [ 3 H]methyllycaconitine binding to whole rat brain membranes. The 3-picolinium compound 1,3,5-tri-{5-[1-(3-picolinium)]-pent-1-ynyl}benzene tribromide (tPy3PiB), 3b , exhibited high potency and selectivity for nAChR subtypes mediating nicotine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release with an IC 50 of 0.2 nM and I max of 67%.
Slaughter Horse Transportation–Science, Societal Concerns, and Legislation

Abstract Transportation conditions of slaughter horses for human consumption have become a visible issue in the media during the last decade. Animal protection groups successfully lobbied Congress during the 1996 Farm Bill to establish regulations governing the care of slaughter horses during transport. These regulations were based partially on funded research projects initiated in 1997 examining types of transport vehicles, fitness of horses for travel, types of injuries, length of transit, dehydration and water management, and stocking density. Using the results of these independent research studies along with public input, a comprehensive set of regulations was drafted and published for public comment in 1999. In the proposed regulations, conveyances with two or more stacked levels will be prohibited from transporting equines 5 yr after the publication of the final rule. Additionally, the maximum transit length will be 28 h, and no electrical prods can be used on equines in commercial transport for any purpose, including loading and unloading. Each horse must have a completed owner-shipper certificate with a statement of fitness to travel as defined by the ability to bear weight on all four limbs, the ability to walk unassisted, and not being blind in both eyes. The shipper must present the owner-shipper certificates to a USDA representative and not leave the slaughter facility until equines have been examined by a USDA representative. Civil penalties of up to $5000 US may be assessed for any violation of the final rule.
RNA binding mediates the local cooperativity between the β-sheet and the C-terminal tail of the human U1A RBD1 protein

Pairwise coupling theory is applied here to determine the energetic interactions between two elements of the N-terminal RNA binding domain (RBD) of the human U1A protein. The novel application of the theory to this system incorporates both measurements of protein stability and RNA binding to define thermodynamic cycles. In this first example of the application, two regions of the protein are selected for study: tyrosine 13, one of the conserved aromatic residues on the surface of the beta-sheet, and the C-terminal tail of the RBD. The six initial pairwise coupling free energies derived from this system describe the communication between these positions, both in the free and RNA-bound states of the protein. The results show that in the absence of RNA, these two elements of the protein act independently. However, when RNA is bound, there is indirect coupling between Tyr13 and the tail, mediated through the RNA. Subsequent thermodynamic cycles involving additional perturbations to the C-terminal tail further define the communication between the C terminus and the beta-sheet. This work demonstrates the general applicability of the pairwise coupling theory to protein:nucleic acid interactions, and illustrates the necessity of such analyses to describe the network of energetic interactions that comprise RNA recognition by this RBD.
Self-Help Groups as Participatory Action

“You alone can do it, but you cannot do it alone” uniquely captures the combination of self-help (personal responsibility) and mutual aid (interdependence with others) that characterizes voluntary self-help groups (SHGs) and self-help organizations (SHOs). The slogan also emphasizes action, the participatory action of self-help/mutual aid, not organization or form.
Learning From Explicit Versus Implicit Texts

SUMMARY The present studies assess whether academically less successful fifth graders can be helped to improve their abilities to learn from relatively complex passages that require learners to generate their own elaborations. In the first experiment, less successful students received either an explicit passage on the first trial (the explicit passage provided elaborations that made the information less arbitrary) or an implicit passage (no elaborations were provided in the text); both groups then received a second, implicit passage to learn. The less successful students who received explicit passages on the first trial remembered as much about the passages as successful students. Nevertheless, exposure to an explicit passage on the first trial did not help the less successful students improve their ability to learn from the implicit passage received on the second trial. Both groups of less successful students (those who received either an explicit passage or an Implicit passage first) performed more poorly on the second trial than their academically successful peers. The results of Experiment 2, which involved more focused training, indicate that less successful fifth graders could indeed learn from implicit passages that required spontaneous, self-generated elaborations. Implications for helping students learn to learn are discussed.
Nonmaterialized motion information in transport networks

The traditional way of representing motion in 3D space-time uses a trajectory, i.e. a sequence of (x,y,t) points. Such a trajectory may be produced by periodic sampling of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The are two problems with this representation of motion. First, imprecision due to errors (e.g. GPS receivers often produce off-the-road locations), and second, space complexity due to a large number of samplings. We examine an alternative representation, called a nonmaterialized trajectory, which addresses both problems by taking advantage of the a priori knowledge that the motion occurs on a transport network.
Gender differences and programming environments: across programming populations

Although there has been significant research into gender regarding educational and workplace practices, there has been little investigation of gender differences pertaining to problem solving with programming tools and environments. As a result, there is little evidence as to what role gender plays in programming tools---and what little evidence there is has involved mainly novice and end-user programmers in academic studies. This paper therefore investigates how widespread such phenomena are in industrial programming situations, considering three disparate programming populations involving almost 3000 people and three different programming platforms in industry. To accomplish this, we analyzed four industry "legacy" studies from a gender perspective, triangulating results against each other and against a new fifth study, also in industry. We investigated gender differences in software feature usage and in tinkering/exploring software features. Furthermore, we examined how such differences tied to confidence. Our results showed significant gender differences in all three factors---across all populations and platforms.
The Surveying Engineer and NAD-83

Parameters used for NAD-83 and the datum shifts expected in the Pacific Northwest are reviewed. The suggested changes needed in State laws are discussed with reference to suggestions for a model law by NGS. The current use of State Plane Coordinates by survey engineers is discussed in terms of boundary, control, and multi-purpose cadastre surveys and the expected change of technique and records are analyzed.
Homebuilt: Laser Shotgun Insanity

Laser diode technology has taken massive leaps over the past decade, and its implications are following close behind. Very-highpowered blue and green laser diodes have become readily and cheaply available to a wide range of industries, whereas in the not so distant past, the sheer thought of a low-power blue laser diode lasting more than a couple thousand hours seemed like complete fantasy. These small, efficient, and powerful devices are a miracle in the world of science and engineering, where their unique combination of properties is unmatched in any other device. Their rich, colorful emission is unparalleled in projectors, and their wavelength tunability makes them great for use in scientific research.
Chinese Cinema Cities: From the Margins to the Middle Kingdom

Writing about screen media and Chinese identities is a contentious and complicated task. In some ways it’s similar to writing about “European media,” an endeavor that would seem odd to most readers given the diverse terrain traversed by these media, a terrain on which societies have struggled for centuries to sustain distinctive voices in numerous languages. Although political regimes have at times brought Europeans together through military might and strategic alliances, their successes have been comparatively fleeting. Europe today continues to struggle with the process of unification and remains differentiated along lines that were solidified by the Westphalian system of states and the waves of nationalism that washed across European societies during the nineteenth century.
The Extent and Risk of Violent Victimization Among International College Students Enrolled in the United States A Gendered Analysis

Although the risk of being violently victimized in college has been established for college students in the United States in general, this risk has not been explored for international college students. Using data from the Fall 2012 National College Health Assessment Survey, the extent to which international college students experience violent victimization is assessed. In addition, the risk factors for violent victimization for international students are compared with those for domestic students. Finally, in multivariate analyses, whether being an international student influences risk of violent victimization is examined and whether this relationship is moderated by gender is considered. Findings indicate that international students in general have lower risk profiles, in that they reported lower rates of drug use, binge drinking, being a first-year undergraduate student, and having a disability. Multivariate analyses, however, revealed that being an international student reduces the odds of violent victimization among only females.