cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Grandparents and child passenger safety.

PURPOSE: This study compares child passenger safety (CPS) practices of grandparents versus parents and determines grandparents' opinions on car safety seats (CSS), barriers to use, and ways to transport grandchildren safely. METHODS: Observational surveys were conducted on a convenience sample of drivers transporting children younger than sixteen years at 25 locations by certified child passenger safety technicians observing children in motor vehicles and recorded use of child passenger restraints. The drivers were surveyed on their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding CPS. Data from drivers identifying themselves as grandparents were analyzed; also, three grandparent focus groups provided opinions on CPS practices. RESULTS: During the study 1758 parents transporting 2713 children and 284 grandparents transporting 391 grandchildren were included. While most drivers were restrained and used child occupant restraints, almost 25% of parents and grandparents chose the incorrect seat to transport the child, and greater than 68% had at least one harness error. Grandparents were more likely to have looser lower anchor straps or seat belts and have children younger than thirteen years in the front seat. The focus group-grandparents had a favorable attitude toward CSS. Grandparents acknowledged the need for CSS but opined that CSS were difficult to use. Physical barriers included arthritis, back pain, mobility, decreased strength, and vision problems. CONCLUSIONS: Grandparents and parents were equally likely to use CSS and choose correct seats. Compared to parents, grandparents were more likely to travel with their grandchildren with CSS installed with looser harnesses or an installed CSS with looser seat belt or lower anchors. Additionally, grandparents were more likely to have a child younger than thirteen years in the front seat. The use of community resources such as permanent fitting stations could help grandparents improve a grandchild's travel safety. Language: en
A model for 8-10 Hz spindling in interconnected thalamic relay and reticularis neurons.

We investigated a simplified model of a thalamocortical cell and a reticular thalamic cell interconnected with excitatory and inhibitory synapses, based on Hodgkin-Huxley type kinetics. The intrinsic oscillatory properties of the model cells were similar to those observed from single cells in vitro. When synaptic interactions were included, spindle oscillations were observed consisting of sequences of rhythmic oscillations at 8–10 Hz separated by silent periods of 8–40 s. The model suggests that Ca2+ regulation of lh channels may be responsible for the waxing and waning of spindles and that the reticular cell shapes the 10-Hz rhythmicity. The model also predicts that the kinetics of gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibitory postsynaptic potentials as well as the intrinsic properties of reticular cells are critical in determining the frequency of spindle rhythmicity.
Effect of Lattice Vibrations in a Multiple-Scattering Description of Low-Energy Electron Diffraction. I. Formal Perturbation Theory

A diagrammatic version of perturbation theory is developed for the description of the influence of lattice vibrations on the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections of low-energy electrons from surfaces of single-crystal solids. The formalism describes the effects on the cross sections of a thermodynamic-equilibrium distribution of both bulk and surface phonon modes. The relationships between our general formalism and the conventional single-scattering analysis of inelastic electron-solid scattering are displayed. Multiple-scattering and virtual-phonon emission from a given ion core are included in the theory via vertex renormalizations of the electron-ion-core scattering vertices. Propagator renormalization is estimated to be small and consequently neglected. The diagrammatic contributions to the elastic scattering cross section are summed explicitly using the approximation that diagrams with internal phonon propagators are small relative to those without such propagators. In this approximation we obtain a set of coupled integral equations for appropriately renormalized scattering amplitudes describing elastic electron scattering from planar layers of ion cores.
Minimum Hellinger Distance Estimation for Finite Mixture Models

Abstract Minimum Hellinger distance estimates are considered for finite mixture models when the exact forms of the component densities are unknown in detail but are thought to be close to members of some parametric family. Minimum Hellinger distance estimates are asymptotically efficient if the data come from a member of the parametric family and are robust to certain departures from the parametric family. A new algorithm is introduced that is similar to the EM algorithm a specialized adaptive density estimate is also introduced. Standard measures of robustness are discussed some difficulties are noted. The robustness and asymptotic efficiency of the estimators are illustrated using simulations.
Improved Parallel Depth-First Search in Undirected Planar Graphs

We present an improved parallel algorithm for constructing a depth-first search tree in a connected undirected planar graph. The algorithm runs in O(log2n) time with n/log n processors for an n-vertex graph. It hinges on the use of a new optimal algorithm for computing a cycle separator of an embedded planar graph in O(log n) time with n/log n processors. The best previous algorithms for computing depth-first search trees and cycle separators achieved the same time complexities, but with n processors. Our algorithms run on a parallel random access machine that permits concurrent reads and concurrent writes in its shared memory and allows an arbitrary processor to succeed in case of a write conflict.
See spot run: using spot instances for mapreduce workflows

MapReduce is a scalable and fault tolerant framework, patented by Google, for computing embarrassingly parallel reductions. Hadoop is an open-source implementation of Google MapReduce that is made available as a web service to cloud users by the AmazonWeb Services (AWS) cloud computing infrastructure. Amazon Spot Instances (SIs) provide an inexpensive yet transient and market-based option to purchasing virtualized instances for execution in AWS. As opposed to manually controlling when an instance is terminated, SI termination can also occur automatically as a function of the market price and maximum user bid price. We find that we can significantly improve the runtime of MapReduce jobs in our benchmarks by using SIs as accelerators. However, we also find that SI termination due to budget constraints during the job can have adverse affects on the runtime and may cause the user to overpay for their job. We describe new techniques that help reduce such effects.
Optimal Placement of Horizontal- and Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines in a Wind Farm for Maximum Power Generation Using a Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, we consider the Wind Farm layout optimization problem using a genetic algorithm. Both the Horizontal–Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) and Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) are considered. The goal of the optimization problem is to optimally place the turbines within the wind farm such that the wake effects are minimized and the power production is maximized. The reasonably accurate modeling of the turbine wake is critical in determination of the optimal layout of the turbines and the power generated. For HAWT, two wake models are considered; both are found to give similar answers. For VAWT, a very simple wake model is employed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Identifying the Variables Impacting Post-Burn Psychological Adjustment: A Meta-Analysis

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate variables that have the greatest impact on psychological adjustment after burn injury among children, adolescents, and young adults. Methods Meta-analytical procedures were utilized to determine the strength of association indices of identified impact variables. Only 13 articles were utilized due to the scarcity of and statistical limitations of the research. Results The body location variable (.26) had the greatest mean strength of association in relation to psychological adjustment. The burn injury variable (.21) had the second greatest mean strength of association. Finally, both the parental adjustment variable and the child premorbid psychological functioning variable (.15) had the third greatest mean strength of association. Conclusions A major implication of this research is that the impact variables identified will be useful in targeting burn patients who are at risk for psychological adjustment problems.
Quasi-static transduction in mechanically reflective gratings, with application to STW transducers

This paper proposes a simplified method for analysing transduction in SAW transducers, for the case where reflections are mainly due to mechanical effects. The method is based on quasi-static theory, and it is illustrated by application to surface transverse waves (STWs). Fitting the results to the coupled-mode (COM) equations, it is shown that the dispersion curve is in reasonable agreement. The transduction parameter has a relative phase which appears to indicate unidirectionality. However, this is probably because the COM equations are inadequate for the STW case.
TFT-based, multi-stage, active pixel sensor for alpha particle detection

A multi-stage thin film transistor (TFT)-based active pixel sensor (APS), capable of successfully detecting small impulses of charge resulting from incident alpha particle strikes, is presented. Detection of alpha particles is important in the field of neutron detection, where fully integrated thin-film-based detectors are an attractive alternative to conventional 3He-based proportional counters owing to their low-cost and large-area scaling capability, combined with the use of readily available materials. A typical TFT process, however, produces only N-type devices with low electron mobilities – making high-gain CMOS amplifier designs unfeasible. The disadvantages of using a TFT-only APS design are mitigated by cascading multiple low-gain TFT amplifiers, which results in a higher overall pixel gain – subsequently allowing for the successful detection and readout of alpha particle strikes. Presented is a new APS fabricated in an indium gallium zinc oxide TFT process is presented, and successful initial alpha response measurements are reported.
Effects of seed advancement and sowing date on establishment, bolting and yield of sugarbeet.

An advancing and devernalizing treatment for sugarbeet seed has been developed which, in England, allows sowing to be brought forward safely by c. 10 days to around 10 March. Experiments done each year from 1988 to 1991 were used to assess the value of this change. They showed that sugar yield increased by 0·048 t/ha/day because seed advancement resulted in more rapid emergence, and by 0·042 t/ha/day as a result of earlier sowing. As an average of all appropriate data from experiments in England since the 1950s, the advantage of sowing in March is 0·035 t/ha/day. However, the actual change in sowing date which the farmer might achieve will depend on soil type and rainfall. Daily rainfall and evaporation data for eastern England in March and April were used to predict the number and distribution of available machinery work days. On this basis, the average sowing date was predicted to advance by 9 days. Thus the sugar yield improvement which could be produced by advancing and devernalizing beet seed is equivalent to 9 days at 0·035 t/ha/day, plus 0·19 t/ha, or c. 0·5 t/ha. In practice, this should translate into an increase of 0·35 t/ha, or c. 5% of the average yield.
Improved quasi-path restoration in mesh networks

Restoration of disrupted traffic is critical in today's high-speed self-healing telecommunication networks. A restoration scheme dynamically discovers alternate paths bypassing the failed component. This paper presents an (online) improved quasi-path restoration (IQPR) scheme. IQPR is derived from the two-commodity max-flow algorithm. The running time complexity of IQPR is O(|V|3). Therefore, IQPR is computationally more efficient and more scalable than path restoration (PR). IQPR is faster (in restoration speed) and less complex than PR, and more economical (in spare capacity requirement) than link restoration (LR). Thus, it provides a good alternative to PR when quick restoration of disrupted traffic is desired. The (offline) spare capacity planning problem deals with the allocation of spare capacity to each link in the network, such that the spare capacity requirement is minimized, while guaranteeing the desired level of restoration in the event of a link failure. The spare capacity allocation problems for LR, original quasi-path restoration (OQPR), IQPR, link-disjoint path restoration (LDPR) and PR are formulated as integer linear programming problems. Numerical results illustrate that the restoration schemes studied can be sorted from the least efficient to the most efficient (in the spare capacity requirement) in the following order: LR, OQPR, IQPR, LDPR and PR. The experimental analysis shows that network topology and demand patterns have a significant impact on the spare capacity savings offered by one scheme over the other. Merits and demerits of these schemes are also discussed.
Synchrony between cortical neurons during operant conditioning

Abstract One hundred twenty five pairs of neurons were recorded simultaneously from precentral cortex of Macaca mulatta monkeys during an operant conditioning task. At the end of 5-min behavioral periods, a cross-correlation histogram was generated to look for relationships between the firing of the two cortical neurons. Eighty four (67%) unit pairs showed a significant coincidence of firing within 1 ms of each other. This relationship occurred regardless of whether the units' firing rate fluctuations were correlated or not. These data imply that in the majority of cases, the two units are probably more related than previously reported.
Exploring board game design using digital technologies

This talk presents results of a case study from a course called "History of Games" offered at the School of Art + Design at New Jersey Institute of Technology. After analyzing various traditional board games and their mechanics, students explore the possibility of producing their own original board games by altering various existing game structures through application of new technologies such as digital prototyping, including laser cutting and 3-D printing, and microcontroller technologies. In principle, we can fully emulate the playing of a board game such as Monopoly inside a computer, digitally. However, there is a certain quality of physicality with traditional board games that cannot be experienced through games in fully digital environments. The existence of tangible game pieces, boards, and real human players can produce cooperation, engagement, and tensions unlike those in video games and AR-based applications. Through this project-based course, students further explore how new technologies can help in developing new types of games.
Directional acoustic radiation from a supersonic jet generated by shear layer instability

A theory on the generation mechanism of directional acoustic radiation from a supersonic jet is proposed. The theory is based on the concept of instability of the shear layer at the boundary of the jet close to the nozzle. Theoretical prediction of the directional wave pattern is found to agree with shadowgraphic observation.
Some Variables of Middle and Lower Class in Two Central American Cities

The present study investigates the characteristics of class in two transitional societies as based on interviews in 474 homes. The author examines certain hypotheses (communication, mobility, rationalism, kinship, conformity, optimism, and marital adjustment) by which the middle class may differ in behavior from the lower class. While most of the hypotheses were supported statistically, the middle and lower classes in Central America vary greatly according to traditions and social pressures. J t has been popular to ask whethler there really exists a middle class in Latin America and hiow it may be defined.' The present article assumes the existence of the middle stratum and is concerned with some of its social and psychological characteristics. Interest is focused in the behavioral and attitudinal variables to be found in the lower and middle classes of two transitional societies. The discussion is primarily directed to the so-called "new" middle class.2 It is the author's contention that this new stratum is a product of urbanization and industrialization abetted by commercialism and education. Although this thesis is hardly novel, it merits further investigation. However, the emphasis of the present study is directed to a comparison of class subcultures, rather than their development historically, in El Salvador and Costa Rica. The sample included 79 middle class interviews and * The present study developed out of a SmithMundt visiting professorship at the University of El Salvador in 1958 and a Social Science Research Council grant to return to Central America in 1960. The author is indebted to many individuals in both El Salvador and Costa Rica for the completion of this study. For some of the statistical calculations the author is grateful to Curtis R. Miller of Pacific State Hospital and to John R. B. Whittlesey of Questionnaire Analysis Program I of the University of California Medical Center, Los Angeles, California. 1 A few of the references on middle class would include Theodore R. Crevenaa, ed., Materiales para el Estudio de la Clase Media en la America Latina, 3 vols. (Publicaciones de la Oficina de Ciencias Sociales, Union Panamericana, Washington, D. C., 1950) ; Ralph L. Beals, "Social Stratification in Latin America," The American Jotrnal of Sociology, LVIII (January 1953), 327339; Gino Germani, La Clase Media en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires: Instituto de Sociologia, 1952); and Andrew H. Whiteford, Two Cities of Lati America: A Comparative Description of Social Classes (Beloit, Wisconsin: Logan Museum of Anthropology, Beloit College, 1960), pp. 53-55. 2 Mario Monteforte Toledo, Guatemala, Monografia Sociologica (Mexico: Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Sociales, 1939), pp. 261-262. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.215 on Tue, 30 Aug 2016 04:18:14 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
Effect of Swiss needle cast on Douglas-fir stem ethanol and monoterpene concentrations, oleoresin flow, and host selection by the Douglas-fir beetle

Douglas-fir growing on the western slopes of the Oregon Coast Range are experiencing an unprecedented outbreak of Swiss needle cast (SNC) caused by the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii. SNC can produce substantial physiological stress in host trees by reducing needle gas exchange and enhancing premature needle abscission, resulting in slower growth. Based on the frequent link between stressed trees and insect activity, we explored the potential influence of SNC on Douglas-fir beetle, Dendroctonus pseudotsugae, activity and some tree physiological parameters that may influence beetle attraction (i.e., constitutive ethanol and monoterpene contents of woody tissues) and host susceptibility (i.e., wound-induced resin flow). Woody tissue ethanol concentrations, wound-induced resin flow, and beetle attraction were all reduced as SNC severity increased. Although trees affected by SNC attracted fewer beetles, the number of attacks did not decline, the attacks were more likely to penetrate to sapwood depth, and the galleries were longer than in healthier trees, most likely due to a weakened oleoresin defense. However, there have been no current reports of increased Douglas-fir beetle activity on SNC stressed trees, and no rapid increases in beetle population numbers, or outbreaks associated with these diseased forests. SNC stressed trees may remain free from attacks because pioneering beetles have difficulty recognizing them as being stressed with low ethanol concentrations. Furthermore, beetle populations may not be increasing since stressed trees appear unsuitable for reproduction, as no eggs, larvae, or adult beetles were observed in excavated galleries on any attacked trees. However, if large volumes of host materials became available as a result of some catastrophic event (e.g. wildfire or wind-throw), and the beetles can reproduce successfully enough to increase population densities then the potential for a devastating outbreak of Douglas-fir beetle in SNC stressed trees might be exacerbated because they have compromised oleoresin defense systems, and may be killed with fewer beetle attacks.
Absence of Patient-to-Patient Intrahospital Transmission of Staphylococcus aureus as Determined by Whole-Genome Sequencing

Nosocomial transmission of pathogens is a major health care challenge. The increasing spread of antibiotic-resistant strains represents an ongoing threat to public health. Previous Staphylococcus aureus transmission studies have focused on transmission of S. aureus between asymptomatic carriers or used low-resolution typing methods such as multilocus sequence typing (MLST) or spatyping. To identify patient-to-patient intrahospital transmission using high-resolution genetic analysis, we sequenced the genomes of a consecutive set of 398 S. aureus isolates from sterile-site infections. The S. aureus strains were col- lected from four hospitals in the Houston Methodist Hospital System over a 6-month period. Importantly, we discovered no evi- dence of transmission of S. aureus between patients with sterile-site infections. The lack of intrahospital transmission may re- flect a fundamental difference between day-to-day transmission events in the hospital setting and the more frequently studied outbreak scenarios. IMPORTANCE Previous studies have suggested that nosocomial transmission of S. aureus is common. Our data revealed an unex- pected lack of evidence for intrahospital transmission of S. aureus between patients with invasive infections. This finding has important implications for hospital infection control and public health efforts. In addition, our data demonstrate that highly related pools of S. aureus strains exist in the community which may complicate outbreak investigations.
Voices of Leadership.

This study examines the impact of a leadership education retreat through the eyes of six undergraduate college men who participated in The Institute for Men of Principle at a midwestern college. What influences shape their definition and experience of leadership? Entry and exit interviews were conducted along with field notes from observations during the five-day curriculum. The study finds that early socialization experiences are paramount. In addition, participants uniformly struggle with acquiring and keeping the role of leader. Being a leader also plays a crucial role in the self-esteem of the participants. Analysis of the curriculum reveals that the application of leadership theory during hands-on activities was effective in shaping their views Framing leadership as a team endeavor and the need for personal congruence as a leader were the strongest consistent changes in participants' perceptions. The case is made for qualitative and longitudinal investigation for assessing leadership education programs.
Offshore Structure Foundations

Marine foundations are used to transmit structural design loadings to the subsoil. The type of foundation element to be employed will depend on (1) the nature of loading, (2) the stiffness and strength of the surface sediments, and (3) the desires of the builder. A summary of the common platform types is shown in Figure 18.1. The two major foundation types are those that employ a surface loading mechanism (shallow foundations) and those that extend down through the surface sediments to a lower layer (deep foundations). An example of a foundation system for surface loading is the mat used on a gravity platform. The deep pile that is used on a jacket platform is an example of a deep foundation system. Examples of various marine foundation types are presented in Figures 18.2a and 18.2b.
Prototyping the M68060 for concurrent verification

For large designs such as advanced microprocessors, emulation prototyping eliminates costly silicon respins and dramatically shortens time to market. A "virtual silicon" prototype can run trillions of verification vectors in only a few weeks, beating conventional software logic simulators by up to six orders of magnitude.
Dynamics of Cultural Change: The Human Development Perspective

The relationship between economic development, cultural change, and political liberalization is often explored through the lens of classic modernization theory. Recent scholarship attempts to extend classic theory to be more closely aligned with empirical reality. Under the human development perspective, economic prosperity acts as a catalyst for cultural development, leading to social values that favor liberalization, and thus promotes effective democracy. Using a systems dynamic approach, we formalize the dynamic causal structure specified in the human development perspective, develop a novel econometric procedure (Genetic Algorithm Nonlinear Least Squares) to estimate the parameters of highly nonlinear, continuous time models, and verify our formal model using five waves of data from the World Values Survey. Our results indicate that development is strongly nonlinear and path dependent: Economic progress is a necessary condition for successful secularization and expressive political behavior, which are antecedents for lasting democratic institutions. Thus, policies and institutional arrangements must be tailored to, not outpace, a nation's level of economic progress to create demand for a secular and expressive political marketplace where democratic institutions can sustain and thrive.
Dynamic performance assessment: grazing and related phenomena

Performance specifications place restrictions on the dynamic response of many systems, including power systems. Quantitative assessment of performance requires knowledge of the bounding conditions under which specifications are only just satisfied. In many cases, this limiting behavior can be related to grazing phenomena, where the system trajectory makes tangential contact with a performance constraint. Other limiting behavior can be related to time-driven event triggering. In all cases, pivotal limiting conditions can be formulated as boundary value problems. Numerical shooting methods provide efficient solution of such problems. Dynamic performance assessment is illustrated in the paper using examples drawn from protection operation, transient voltage overshoot, and induction motor stalling.
Identification of failing tests with cycling registers

A method is presented of operating on signatures from a cycling register such that the complexity of identifying multiple failing tests is comparable to that of identifying a single failing test. The method has some interesting aliasing characteristics. The authors show the probability of aliasing and suggest how it can be kept relatively small. The efficiency of the method decreases as the number of failing tests increase. The reduction in efficiency is due to an increase in aliasing probability caused by footprints being lost in the cycling registers. The larger the number of failing tests, the greater is the chance that aliasing will occur. >
Parallel evaluation of conjunctive queries

The availability of large data centers with tens of thousands of servers has led to the popular adoption of massive parallelism for data analysis on large datasets. Several query languages exist for running queries on massively parallel architectures, some based on the MapReduce infrastructure, others using proprietary implementations. Motivated by this trend, this paper analyzes the parallel complexity of conjunctive queries. We propose a very simple model of parallel computation that captures these architectures, in which the complexity parameter is the number of parallel steps requiring synchronization of all servers. We study the complexity of conjunctive queries and give a complete characterization of the queries which can be computed in one parallel step. These form a strict subset of hierarchical queries, and include flat queries like R(x,y), S(x,z), T(x,v), U(x,w), tall queries like R(x), S(x,y), T(x,y,z), U(x,y,z,w), and combinations thereof, which we call tall-flat queries. We describe an algorithm for computing in parallel any tall-flat query, and prove that any query that is not tall-flat cannot be computed in one step in this model. Finally, we present extensions of our results to queries that are not tall-flat.
On the Foundation of Evaluation.

In this article the derivation of a general retrieval effectiveness measure is investigated. It is shown that the measure cannot be justified on the basis of formal considerations associated with measurement theory. The implications of the mathematical condition which defines the relative importance a user assigns to precision and recall are also investigated. Inconsistencies in the definition of the associated weight are resolved, and it is shown that the influence of the weight on the effectiveness measure can produce counterintuitive results. An alternative effectiveness measure provided by the MZ-metric is recommended. © 1986 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
GPU-based inverse rendering with multi-objective particle swarm optimization

We present a novel, GPU-accelerated per-pixel inverse rendering (IR) optimization algorithm based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), IRPSO. IRPSO estimates the per-pixel scene attributes including reflectance properties of a 3D model, and is fast enough to do in situ visualization of the optimization in real-time. We utilize the GPU framebuffer as a computational domain, where each pixel is treated as an independent computational "swarm". We propose a parallel framework that recovers the reflectance at each pixel location in a massively parallel fashion. The algorithm's high parallel efficiency is demonstrated through our GPU/GLSL shader implementation of the method. IRPSO is validated experimentally on examples including simulated ground truth images.
Bronchial vascular contribution to lung lymph flow

The lymphatic vessels of the lung provide an important route for clearance of interstitial edema fluid filtered from pulmonary blood vessels. However, the importance of lung lymphatics for the remo...
Zone Melting Recrystallization of Patterned Films and Low-Temperature Graphoepitaxy

Zone melting recrystallization (ZMR) of Si films on SiO 2 has produced large-area films with electrical properties approaching those of bulk wafers. The mechanisms of film formation and the use of patterning to control orientation and defect distribution are briefly reviewed. Some examples of the use of patterning are: single-grain films have been produced by means of planar constrictions; subboundaries and impurities have been entrained to lie along straight lines separated by ∼100μm through the use of lithographically defined grating patterns; a vertical-constriction technique has enabled (100) texture to be achieved in 50μm-thick Si films; a lithographically-defined orientation filter, which takes advantage of growth-velocity anisotropy, has been used to select a predetermined azimuthal orientation. Patterning is also fundamental to graphoepitaxy. Current research emphasizes low temperature processes based on solid-state surface-energy-driven secondary grain growth.
A New Low-Sidelobe Pattern Synthesis Technique for Equally Spaced Linear Arrays

A class of nonuniformly excited, equally spaced linear arrays (ESLAs) that can meet design requirements for half-power beamwidth and sidelobe level (SLL) without any limitation is introduced. These arrays are constructed using the patterns of uniformly excited arrays as building blocks, thus lending themselves to simple analytical descriptions and analysis. A design procedure is presented, which can be used to determine the required number of elements and the excitation currents to achieve the specified radiation properties. For these arrays, the element currents always decrease monotonically from a maximum at the array center to a minimum value at edge elements. This property can be exploited to limit the current taper ratio (CTR) when the number of elements is very large. Simulation results indicate that these arrays can provide half-power beamwidths, directivities, and SLLs comparable to those of other desirable array choices, such as Chebyshev arrays, with the same number of elements and interelement spacings. It is shown that, in fact, when the number of elements is sufficiently large, the array introduced here outperforms the Chebyshev array by providing larger directivity and allowing a smaller CTR to be achieved. Numerical results for broadside and endfire arrays are given.
Homozygous deletions of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) are more frequent than p16INK4A (CDKN2) homozygous deletions in primary non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC)

Homozygous deletions of the tumor suppressor gene p16INK4A and deficiency of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP), both located on chromosome 9p21, have been independently reported in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To determine the frequency of co-deletion of these two genes, we investigated 50 samples of primary NSCLC using a quantitative PCR-ELISA. All specimens were fixed in formalin, paraffin embedded and stored until assayed. Histologic subtypes included 25 adenocarcinomas (50%), 21 squamous cell carcinomas (42%) and four large cell carcinomas (8%). Homozygous deletions of MTAP exon 8 could be detected in 19 of 50 NSCLC samples (38%). Adenocarcinoma (11 of 25, 44%) showed a higher deletion frequency than squamous cell carcinoma (six of 21, 29%). In contrast, homozygous p16INK4A deletions were detected in only nine of 50 (18%) samples using specific primers for p16INK4A exon 1alpha. No difference between the histological subtypes and p16INK4A deletion frequency was observed. We further investigated the ten samples with MTAP deletions but intact p16INK4A exon 1alpha with primers specific for p16INK4A exon 3, the exon nearest to MTAP exon 8. Interestingly, none of the ten samples had deletion of the p16INK4A exon 3 coding region. Fine mapping analysis performed in ten samples showed a frequent breakpoint between MTAP exon 4 and exon 5. In addition, p16 protein expression could not be detected in five out of six samples with intact p16 but deleted MTAP locus. These data show a high frequency of homozygous MTAP deletions in NSCLC which is associated with detectable co-deletion of p16INK4A in only half of the cases. This result suggests the existence either of another tumor suppressor gene telomeric of p16INK4A or of deletions involving 3'-untranslated (3'-UTR) regulatory regions of p16INK4A that can interfere with its expression or function.
Disability Discourse: Overview and Critiques of the Medical and Social Models

ABSTRACTOver time, the meaning of disability has been understood in a variety of ways. The way in which disability is understood is important because the language people use to describe individuals with disabilities influences their expectations and interactions with them. For physical education teachers, philosophical orientation in regard to disability discourse can influence how they treat and interact with students with disabilities in their classes. Most recently, the medical and social models have been the two prominent models of disability discourse. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the medical and social models of disability discourse by comparing, contrasting, and critiquing the models. Further, we present practical examples using different hypothetical scenarios involving the same student with disabilities to depict how a teacher with a medical model orientation compared to a teacher with a social model orientation would interact and work with a student with a disability ...
Direct and reversible immobilization and microcontact printing of functional proteins on glass using a genetically appended silica-binding tag.

Fusion of disulfide-constrained or linear versions of the Car9 dodecapeptide to model fluorescent proteins support their on-contact and oriented immobilization onto unmodified glass. Bound proteins can be released and the surface regenerated by incubation with L-lysine. This noncovalent chemistry enables rapid and reversibe microcontact printing of tagged proteins and speeds up the production of bicontinuous protein patterns.
A product life cycle assessment model based on AHP methodology in support of green design

Life cycle assessment(LCA) is an important technology in carrying out green design and manufacturing,which is the basis of any LCA methodology.First,an analytic hierarchy process life cycle environmental impact assessment model was proposed under the framework of ISO14000. Some characteristics of this model,such as flexibility,definiteness,and transparency were discussed.Then,its application process was presented.Finally,a case study was used to illustrate the application of this method.
The Current Situation of Network Security and Security Protection

This paper presents the current situation of Network security , then raises four types of security threats on network, finally , the author sets forth some measures to solve network security.
Perceived distress tolerance accounts for the covariance between discrimination experiences and anxiety symptoms among sexual minority adults.

Abstract Sexual orientation-related discrimination experiences have been implicated in elevated rates of anxiety symptoms within sexual minority groups. Theory suggests that chronic discrimination experiences may dampen the ability to tolerate distress, increasing vulnerability for anxiety. This study examined the role of distress tolerance, or the capacity to withstand negative emotions, as a construct underlying associations between discriminatory experiences and anxiety among sexual minority adults. Participants (N = 119; Mage = 36.4 ± 14.8; 50% cisgender male, 31% cisgender female, 19% transgender; 37% non-Latino white) were recruited from Houston, Texas. Measures administered included the Heterosexist Harassment, Rejection, and Discrimination Scale (discrimination experiences), Distress Tolerance Scale (distress tolerance), and the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (anxiety). The association of discrimination experiences and anxiety through distress tolerance was assessed using covariate-adjusted mediation modeling. Results indicated that sexual orientation-related discrimination experiences were significantly and positively associated with anxiety and that this association was mediated through lower distress tolerance. Significant indirect effects were specific to cognitive (versus somatic) anxiety symptoms. Results suggest that distress tolerance may be an explanatory mechanism in the association between discriminatory experiences and cognitive symptoms of anxiety and a potentially relevant target within clinical interventions to address anxiety-related health disparities among sexual minority adults. However, more sophisticated designs are needed to delineate causal associations.
The queen, the prince, and the ideologue: Alonso Ortiz’s notions of queenship at the court of the Catholic Kings

In the court of the Catholic Monarchs (r. 1474-1516), Isabel I of Castile and Fernando II of Aragon, that of a ruling queen, humanists constructed theories of what it meant to be a ruler. Alonso Ortiz, one of the humanists attached to their court, composed the Latin text, Liber de educatione Johannis Serenissimi Principis et primogeniti regum potentissimorum Castelle Aragonum et Siciliae Ferdinandi et Helisabet inclyta prosapia coniugum clarissimorum, a book that reflects an idealized and disempowered humanist vision of elite women that contrasts with the agency they wielded in historical fact.
When Are Local Incumbents Held Accountable for Government Performance?: Evidence from US School Districts

Do voters hold local officials accountable for government performance? Using over a decade of panel data on school district elections and academic achievement in California, I causally identify the effect of test score changes on school board incumbent re-election rates and show that incumbents are more likely to win re-election when test scores improve in their districts—but only in presidential election years. This effect disappears in midterm and off-years, indicating that election timing might facilitate local government accountability.
Fundamental Analysis of Car Manufacturing Companies in India for 1.4.2005 to 31.3.2016

The most important strength in today’s volatile financial market is information. Investors always confused on the information as to where to invest, when to invest and how much to invest their money. Generally, the information derives from market or some different sources. To act on this information, analysts, experts, and researchers start researching whether the information has positive or negative impact. At individual level, an investor can also do the fundamental analysis, which will give him a better foundation for his investment decisions. This analysis helps investors in taking decision. If investor will take decision based on wrong information, the losses incurred could be tremendous and harmful and the recovery of the investment can take a lot of time or sometimes it can be irrecoverable. Hence, investors should spend a sizable amount of time for scrutinizing financial position of the company, shares of the company and calculating estimations of the same. The fundamental analysis helps to understand the patterns in company’s financial performance. One can easily predict the future performance based on fundamental analysis by using financial statements. It is generally useful for long-term investment. As quoted by John Forman, “Fundamental analysis is very powerful in terms of determining long-term direction, but lacks short-term applicability”. The researchers used some of the important key variables for a period of 10 years i.e. from 2006-07 to 2015-16 for top five automobile companies (Car-Indian Manufacturing) namely TATA Motors DVR, Mahindra CIE Automotive, SML-Isuzu, Force India and Maruti Suzuki India. The researchers also compared the fundamentals of these 5 companies and applied different statistical tools.
Classic Tours, Inc.: Financial Projections for Starting a Business

The purpose of this case is to allow students to confront the issues related to starting a new service business in the group tour segment. Students are also asked to record projected transactions, prepare projected financial statements, and perform a break-even analysis. This case is intended for use early in a course on financial accounting and reporting.
Patient Perceptions of Illness Identity in Cancer Clinical Trial Decision-Making

When patients are diagnosed with cancer, they begin to negotiate their illness identity in relation to their past and future selves, their relationships, and their group memberships. Thus, how patients view their cancer in relation to their other identities may affect how and why they make particular decisions about treatment options. Using the Communication Theory of Identity (CTI), the current study explores: (1) how and why illness identity is framed across identity layers in relation to one particular cancer treatment: participation in a cancer clinical trial (CT); and (2) how and why patients experience identity conflicts while making their treatment decisions. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were analyzed for 46 cancer patients who were offered a CT. Results of a grounded theory analysis indicated that patients expressed separate identity frames (e.g., personal, relational, and communal), aligned identity frames (e.g., personal and communal), and identity conflicts (e.g., personal-personal). This study theoretically shows how and why patient illness identity relates to cancer treatment decision-making as well as how and why patients relate (and conflict) with the cancer communal identity frame. Practical implications include how healthcare providers and family members can support patient decision-making through awareness of and accommodating to identity shifts.
Intergroup contact and helping: How quality contact and empathy shape outgroup helping:

Do previous intergroup contact experiences predispose a person to be more inclined to help outgroup members? The present work explores whether the quality of one’s contact experiences with an outgr...
A Micro-Level Integration of Diagnostic and Appreciative Approaches: A Paradoxical Approach

The field of organization development (OD) has been characterized by using a problem-based approach or a diagnostic mindset which, although well-equipped to restore a normative standard of function...
Parental allele-specific genome architecture and transcription during the cell cycle

A normal human somatic cell inherits two haploid genomes. Individual chromosomes of each pair have distinct parental origins and parental alleles are known to unequally contribute to cellular function. We integrated chromosome conformation (form) and gene transcription (function) analyses to dissect the dynamics of the maternal and paternal genomes in lymphoblastoid cells during the cell cycle. We found a distinct set of homologous alleles with very different activity often located close to boundaries of euchromatin and heterochromatin domains. We also identified a set of allele-biased topologically associating domains (TADs) that were small sized and had higher gene density. Thousands of genes show allelically biased expression (ABE) with false discovery rate
Enlisting Peer Cooperation in the Service of Alcohol Use Prevention in Middle School.

This article reports on a cluster randomized trial of cooperative learning (CL) as a way to prevent escalation in alcohol use during middle school (N = 1,460 seventh-grade students, age 12-13, seven intervention and eight control schools). We hypothesized that CL, by bringing students together in group-based learning activities using positive interdependence, would interrupt the process of deviant peer clustering, provide at-risk youth with prosocial influences, and in turn, reduce escalations in alcohol use. Results indicated that CL significantly reduced growth in deviant peer affiliation and actual alcohol use, and effects for willingness to use alcohol were at the threshold of significance (p = .05). CL also attenuated the link between willingness to use alcohol and later alcohol use.
Deliberate practice and nurse competence

Abstract Background Increasing demand for accountability in health care requires that we understand how nurses continually increase their expertise. Development of expertise has been linked to deliberate practice in many domains but little is known about how deliberate practice impacts the expertise of registered nurses. Objectives Evaluate the relationships among experience, education, deliberate practice, and competence as an empirical referent of expertise, and to identify which of the independent variables makes the highest contribution to competence. Methods Cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study design was used. A purposive sample of RNs from one large, Midwestern teaching hospital was surveyed. Results After taking into consideration demographic variables, education and experience, deliberate practice made the greatest contribution to competence. No significant relationship was found between years of experience or education and competence. Conclusion This study provides empirical evidence for the relationship of deliberate practice to competence, a promising concept for explaining the development of skill acquisition in nursing.