cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guatemalan hot/cold medicine and Mormon Words of Wisdom : Intercultural negotiation of meaning

This study examines the interactions between an imported religious health code and local medicinal concepts among members of a Latter-day Saints congregation in Antigua, Guatemala. It challenges David Martin's assertion that if any of the rapidly growing religious groups originating in North America is engaged in the (North) Americanization of Latins, then the Mormons would be that group. Based upon ethnographic interviews with active and inactive converts to Mormonism, the data suggest that Guatemalan interpretations of the LDS health code are influenced by both local concepts of hot/cold medicine and North American interpretations promoted by missionaries and churcb leaders. These findings indicate that conversion is always two-sided and that one should expect to find variation among religious practitioners from separate cultures even within a single multinational religious body.
Problems with herbal remedies in anticoagulated home care patients

The increasing popularity of alternative therapies, including herbal remedies, poses new challenges for home health care providers. The cost of herbal remedy use now exceeds $1 billion annually in the United States and is expected to increase. The use of traditional medicine in combination with alternative therapy may lead to complications for patients and their caregivers as evidenced by the adverse effects of certain herbal products in patients who receive traditional anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication.
C. elegans ZAG-1, a Zn-finger-homeodomain protein, regulates axonal development and neuronal differentiation.

Neurons acquire distinct cell identities and implement differential gene programs to generate their appropriate neuronal attributes. On the basis of position, axonal structure and synaptic connectivity, the 302 neurons of the nematode Ceanorhabditis elegans are divided into 118 classes. The development and differentiation of many neurons require the gene zag-1 , which encodes a δEF1/ZFH-1 Zn-finger-homeodomain protein. zag-1 mutations cause misexpression of neuron-specific genes, block formation of stereotypic axon branches, perturb neuronal migrations, and induce various axon-guidance, fasciculation and branching errors. A zag-1 -GFP translational reporter is expressed transiently in most or all neurons during embryogenesis and in select neurons during the first larval stage. Analysis of the zag-1 promoter reveals that zag-1 is expressed in neurons and specific muscles, and that ZAG-1 directly represses its own expression. zag-1 activity also downregulates expression of genes involved in either the synthesis or reuptake of serotonin, dopamine and GABA. We propose that ZAG-1 acts as a transcriptional repressor to regulate multiple, discrete, neuron-specific aspects of terminal differentiation, including cell migration, axonal development and gene expression.
The Equations of the Rolling Resistance of a Tire Rolling on a Drum

Abstract This article attempts to write a mechanical justification of the ISO 18164 norm from a mathematical point of view. There are only minor differences between the final equations and the ones used in the norm. Indeed, this work is a formal derivation of what is already known. The main point of this article is a proper writing of the first law of thermodynamics. The main difference between physical equations and the ones used in the ISO 18164 standard is that the norm neglects the variations of the bearing friction of the tire and of the drum between the skim test and the loaded one. The order of magnitude of the bearing friction term is approximately 0.1 kg∕t at 80 km∕h.
Divorce Therapy: An In‐Depth Survey of Therapists' Views

In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 highly experienced therapists on the criteria of a constructive divorce, the obstacles to achieving such a divorce, and the strategies and tactics of divorce therapy. The primary criterion of a constructive divorce was the successful completion of the process of psychic separation and the protection of the welfare of minor children. Therapy may focus on the decision to get divorced and/or the negotiation of the terms of a divorce settlement. Three types of therapeutic strategies were identified: reflexive intervention by which the therapist orients himself to the marital problems and attempts to gain the trust and confidence of the partners; contextual interventions by which he tries to promote a climate conducive to decision-making; and substantive interventions intended to produce resolution on terms the therapist has come to believe are inevitable or necessary. The nascent state of divorce therapy as an area of therapeutic specialization is noted. The problem of diagnostic criteria for divorce, the relationship between therapists and lawyers, the nature and consequence of therapist impartiality, and the degree to which therapists should mediate the terms of divorce are considered central issues meriting further study.
Studies on the temporal relationships between receptor binding and cellular response, especially concerning the luteinizing hormone release rate.

Abstract The action of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone on bovine anterior pituitary was studied at several levels of organization. The hormone was used exclusively in physiologic concentrations (doses) in an identical dynamic setting. The experiments on association kinetics of the immobilized peptide and its receptor protein in solution were designed to provide for unrestrained conformational changes of the latter. The binding of the peptide to isolated anterior pituitary cells estimated the interaction at the cellular level where both the receptor and hormone are presumably mobile. To evaluate the final biological effect of the neuropeptide at organ level under the conditions most closely resembling the physiologic ones, the luteinizing hormone release rate was measured in vitro during the superfusion of tissue slices by a chemically defined medium. The peptide stimulation of preovulatory peak was analyzed to assess the physiologic outcome in vivo. Initially, the molecular receptor protein associated rapidly with the neuropeptide (peak at 1 min). Subsequently, a significant portion was released and then a continuous two-step increase appeared. The binding of the hormone to isolated anterior pituitary cells was faster, but a maximum, a minimum and two plateaus were readily identified. Luteinizing hormone release rate in vitro exhibited the dynamics seemingly mimicking the kinetics of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-receptor interaction. The serum luteinizing hormone in vivo showed a triphasic increase comparable on a time scale to the other three parameters. In may be concluded that the first forward reaction, namely gonadotropin-releasing hormone action of the level of the receptor protein is the driving force of gonadotropin-releasing hormone effect on the pituitary. The mechanism underlying is apparently of physiologic importance, since it operates at molecular, cellular, tissue as well as organ level. An attempt is made to explain the observed temporal changes on the basis of a simple, functional amplification gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor model.
Corporate adjustments to catastrophe: a study of investor reaction to Bhopal

This paper investigates the impact of managerial responses on stock market performance after a major industrial accident. In the Bhopal case, the market is largely driven by the accident itself, which severly depresses stock prices. Defensive managerial signals, in which the company denies that problems ex ist, attempts to lay to rest doubts about the firm's future ability to generate revenues and takes action to resume operations, tend to partially counter news of the event and to stabilize stock prices. Investors, on the other hand, react negatively to accommodative signals in which management accepts responsi bility for the accident and attempts to do something to remedy the situation. The tendency of some investors to buy large quantities of Union Carbide stock in anticipation of a takeover seems to be largely responsible for a strong re bound in stock prices that occurs within nine months of the Bhopal accident. This paper, which is on the boundary of strategic management, sociology and finance, is an empirical analysis of the impact of an organizational disaster on one firm's stock price. It also evaluates the company's effort to manage the crisis and points the way to future research.
Spin distribution of the compound nucleus in heavy ion reactions at near-barrier energies

Gamma ray multiplicities and the (HI,xn) cross sections for the dominan1 reaction channel were measured at near-barrier bombarding energies for the systems a+‘%n and “C+““Sm. The mean value of the spin distribution of the compound nucleus was obtained for each of the systems studied. The results of thesr measurements together with the results of an earlirr study on ‘“O+ ‘%n indicate that at bombarding energies near and below the Coulomb barrier the spin distributions of the compound nucleus are broader than the triangular distributions enpected from a Sharp cutoff model, these deviations being larger for the more massivr projectiles. The differrnt behavior of the thrce rystems clearly indicates the importance of thr centrifuga1 harria penetrability in determining thc spin distribution of the compound nucleus. The absolutc values of the mean angular momentum can be accounted for if ene also includrs deformation effects. A ene-dimensional barrier-penetradon model including the effect of averaging over the orientadon of the deformed target can account for the experimental results.
BIVENTRICULAR STRAIN AND DYSSYNCHRONY IN REPAIRED TETRALOGY OF FALLOT: RELATIONSHIP TO DEATH AND SUSTAINED VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA MEASURED BY CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE

Short- and medium-term survival in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has greatly improved; however the risk of death increases significantly after the third post-operative decade. The purpose of our study was to investigate if ventricular strain and dyssynchrony measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)
Feedback system engineering an expanding professional field

This year, which marks the Centennial of Engineering, also might be said to mark the coming of age of a professional field which was in its infancy a century ago. Feedback system engineering has gone beyond the mere development of new techniques and processes, however; it has created an entirely new philosophy at the design and analysis level.
Natural Convection/Radiation Heat Transfer From Highly Populated Pin Fin Arrays

Experiments were performed to determine the combined-mode natural convection/radiation heat transfer characteristics of highly populated arrays of rodlike cylindrical fins (i.e., pin fins). The fins were oriented with their axes horizontal and were attached to a vertical heated baseplate. The investigated parameters included the number of fins in the array, the fin length and diameter, the baseplate-to-ambient temperature difference, and the presence or absence of adjacent shrouding surfaces. Finning was found to be highly enhancing (up to a sixfold increase in heat transfer), and even the longest fins were highly efficient. When the number of fins was increased for fixed values of the other parameters, the heat transfer increased at first, attained a maximum, and then decreased. Arrays having different diameter fins yielded about the same performance when the surface area of the fin-baseplate assembly was held fixed. Shrouding surfaces positioned close to the array decreased the rate of heat transfer. Calculations showed that the contribution of radiation was substantial and was greatest for more populous arrays, for longer fins, and at small temperature differences.
OPTIMALITY THEORY: CONSTRAINT INTERACTION IN GENERATIVE GRAMMAR

OPTIMALITY THEORY: CONSTRAINT INTERACTION IN GENERATIVE GRAMMAR. Alan Prince and Paul Smolensky. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004. Pp. xi + 289. 39.95 paper.This book is very similar to the manuscript (written by the same authors and bearing the same title) that has been circulating among phonologists since 1993. As mentioned by the authors in the preface, “those familiar with an earlier version of the text will not find new notions and notations here” (p. ix). For this reason, the 2004 publication date may seem anachronistic, as it does not reflect the state of Optimality Theory (OT) in 2004, but rather in 1993. The most notable difference between the two versions of this text is the disappearance of two sections (on variable rules and stochastic grammars and on declarative phonology) that were to be added in the manuscript form.
Optimization of a cAMP response element signal pathway reporter system

A sensitive cAMP response element (CRE) reporter system is essential for studying the cAMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element binding protein signal pathway. Here we have tested a few CRE promoters and found one with high sensitivity to external stimuli. Using this optimal CRE promoter and the enhanced green fluorescent protein as the reporter, we have established a CRE reporter cell line. This cell line can be used to study the signal pathway by fluorescent microscope, fluorescence-activated cell analysis and luciferase assay. This cell line's sensitivity to forskolin, using the technique of fluorescence-activated cell sorting, was increased to approximately seven times that of its parental HEK 293 cell line, which is currently the most commonly used cell line in the field for the signal pathway study. Therefore, this newly created cell line is potentially useful for studying the signal pathway's modulators, which generally have weaker effect than its mediators. Our research has also established a general procedure for optimizing transcription-based reporter cell lines, which might be useful in performing the same task when studying many other transcription-based signal pathways.
Temperature sensitivity of fluorescence probes in the presence of model membranes and mitochondria.

Although there is no dirth of models describing the structure of membranes, a universally accepted description of membrane structure with respect to function eludes us, a situation due in part to the lack of techniques with which to attack the problem. In recent years fluorescent compounds have been used as “probes” of membrane structure; the usefulness of this technique is characterized by the ease in obtaining information not only on the probe environment, mobility, location, but also on kinetics of probe response to changes in membrane structure.
Isolation of volatiles with insecticidal properties from the genus Tagetes (Marigold)

The results of optimizing Soxhlet and Simultaneous Distillation-Extraction (SSDE) procedures for the isolation of natural insecticides fromTagetes erecta, Tagetes patula, andTagetes minuta, members of theCompositae family, are presented. Extraction procedures were developed and validated that produced the extract with the highest degree of biocidal activity. The highest activity was obtained with extracts isolated by SSDE using methylene chloride. Initial work was carried out on a micro-SSDE. Preparative SSDE was used to provide large quantities of extracts for bioassays. Bioassays were used to govern optimization procedures usingAedes aegypti andAnopheles stephensi adults and larvae as target organisms.Tagetes minuta was determined to be the most active of the three species studied. Evaluation of activity and recovery versus extraction time was investigated. It was determined that an extraction time of ten hours resulted in the highest activity and over 90% recovery of the oils. Finally, supercritical fluid extraction of the flowers with CO2 was compared to SSDE.
Progress in understanding the human immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Summary Development of an effective vaccine against tuberculosis hinges on an improved understanding of the human immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Work in this area at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has led to advances in four areas: (1) natural killer cells contribute to innate immunity by lysing M. tuberculosis -infected mononuclear phagocytes, and to adaptive immunity by enhancing the CD8+ T-cell effector function and inhibiting expansion of T regulatory cells; (2) Interferon-γ plays a central role in resistance to many intracellular pathogens, including M. tuberculosis , and we have identified three transcription factors that bind to the Interferon-γ proximal promoter and increase Interferon-γ transcription in live T-cells that are activated by M. tuberculosis antigens; (3) A DNA vaccine that encodes the M. tuberculosis 10fts;kDa culture filtrate protein and the lysosomal integral membrane protein-2 was produced to direct vaccine antigens to the MHC class II processing and presentation pathway. When this vaccine was coated with polyethylenimine and administered to mice, it yielded a remarkably potent pulmonary immune response that reduced the bacillary burden by 90% after M. tuberculosis challenge; (4) The early secreted antigenic target of 6fts;kDa (ESAT-6) is a putative vaccine antigen. We found that high concentrations of this antigen markedly inhibit Interferon-γ production by T-cells and are working to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Developing methods to enhance NK cell functions that favor protective immunity, increase interferon-γ transcription, elicit protective pulmonary immune responses and prevent ESAT-6 from inhibiting T-cell function will contribute significantly to development of antituberculosis vaccines.
Lightning Induced Voltages on Power Lines: Theory

Theory is presented which shows that nearby lightning return strokes can induce voltage surges of either positive or negative polarity on an overhead line depending on the location of the lightning relative to the line. The Telegraphers' Equations are solved with the return stroke vertical and horizontal electric fields as forcing functions. The hori zontal electric fields are calculated from measured or assumed vertical fields and assuned earth conductivities. For a typical return stroke, voltage waveforms are presented for a line of 500 m length and one of 5 km length for the following conditions: earth conductivities between 10-2 mhos/m and 10-5 mhos/m, earth permittivities between ??= 15 and ??= 3, and lightning ground strike points between 0.2 km and 5.0 km of the line at a variety of positions around the line. Measured voltages on a 460 m test line described in a companion paper are compared with calculated voltage waveforms derived from measured vertical electric fields, in accordance with the developed theory. Calculated waveshapes are found to be in moderately good agreement with the measurements, but calculated magnitudes are about a factor of 4 lower than measured. Possible errors in both theory and measurement are discussed. Voltage measurements reported by other investigators are, in general, consistent with the present theory
Plasma jet behavior and modeling associated with the plasma spray process

Abstract In the first part of this overview, the behavior of a typical plasma spray jet will be discussed, including the effects of arc behavior on the jet, transition to turbulence, gas entrainment, jet instabilities, demixing effects and the associated problems of measuring temperature and velocity fields using spectroscopy and enthalpy probes. The second part will be devoted to modeling attempts of the plasma jet, and modeling results will be presented of particle behavior in a plasma jet, including particle trajectories, particle velocities, and their heating histories.
Maps of regional evapotranspiration and runoff/precipitation ratios in the northeast United States

Regional maps of evapotranspiration (ET) and runoff/precipitation ratios (RP) are rare for the United States. We have found mapping of ET and RP to be a useful part of our work on runoff mapping, which in turn was a necessary part of our assessments of effects of acidic deposition. Maps of ET and RP could be useful in other water resource analyses as well. Toward this end we present maps of these variables that we have prepared for the northeastern United States. We compute ET and RP from the water balance equation with measured runoff and precipitation and (in one case) modeled estimates of precipitation. We have mapped ET and RP in three different ways. First, we have mapped them by Major Land-Use Resource Areas (MLRA). We have performed this mapping for both a long-term period (1951–1980) and an especially wet water year, water-year 1984 (WY84). Second, we have mapped ET and RP using an automated contouring procedure in association with modeled estimates of precipitation from PRISM (Precipitation-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model). Third, we have manually contoured the variables based on measured values of runoff and precipitation as they appear to relate to elevation, land use, and vegetation. Our maps compare well with each other and with the relatively few prior efforts at such mapping for the region. Our findings indicate that ET tends to be much more conservative over time than RP, which tended to be greater in the wet year (WY84). As would be expected, the three approaches have relative strengths and weaknesses. Mapping by MLRA may be more useful when measured estimates are few or when lack of local expertise limits contouring subjectively. Contouring allows for more detailed representation of patterns. Automated contouring has the advantages of efficiency and reproducibility, whereas manual contouring allows the exercise of potentially more accurate expert local knowledge, when it exists.
Hand-held dynamometry reliability in persons with neuropathic weakness

Abstract Objective: To determine test-retest reliability of hand-held dynamometry (HHD) in measuring strength of persons with neuropathic weakness. Design: Intratester and intertester reliability of HHD-measured strength over a 7- to 10-day period. In addition, HHD knee strength was compared with criterion standard of fixed dynamometry (FD). Setting: Human performance laboratory of a university. Participants: Convenience sample of ambulatory outpatients with Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, Type I (HMSN) ( n = 10) and able-bodied controls (CTL) ( n = 11). Main Outcome Measure: Maximal isometric torque. Results: Intratester intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were high, generally ranging from .82 to .96 for HHD- and FD-measured strength for both HMSN and CTL groups. There were no significant differences between sesions for HHD-measured strength, while FD-measured strength was only significantly different for knee extension ( p p Conclusion: HHD appears to be a reliable method to measure maximal isometric strength in persons with neurogenic weakness, and may be useful to quickly and objectively evaluate strength in the clinical setting.
Eyebrow transplantation: alternative body sites as a donor source

To the Editor: Aesthetic improvement of eyebrows or their reconstruction after damage caused by trauma or burns is not an uncommon procedure in the field of hair transplantation. The usual hair donor source for such transplantation is the scalp-occipital area. 2, 3 However, this option is not feasible in some instances because the hair is both too coarse and grows excessively long for the intended eyebrow recipient site. One alternative for the donor source is leg hair, which has been successfully used to improve hairlines in males. Advantages of using leg hair for eyebrow transplantation are that it is significantly finer compared with typical head hair, and naturally short as a result of a brief anagen (growth) phase. 5,6 The latter results in leg hair being similar in length to eyebrow hair, which also permits transplanted leg-to-eyebrow hair to be trimmed much less frequently compared with scalp hair.
Zinc-Bound Thiolate−Disulfide Exchange: A Strategy for Inhibiting Metallo-β-lactamases

The mononuclear zinc thiolate complexes [(TpPhMe)Zn(S-R)], where TpPhMe is hydrotris((3-methyl-5-phenyl)pyrazolyl)borate and (S-R) is benzyl thiolate, 4-nitrophenylthiolate, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl...
Neonatal skin care.

The relative importance of neonatal health and neonatal skin care has been highlighted in recent years as infant mortality rates have decreased while death rates during the neonatal period remain unacceptably high in many areas of the world. During the neonatal period, many newborns develop preventable, clinically apparent skin problems, and many more, especially preterm neonates, experience morbidity caused by compromised skin barrier integrity. Several strategies are available for protecting the integrity and promoting the hygiene of the skin and augmenting its function as a barrier to TEWL and heat loss and the entrance of infectious or toxic agents. Research defining optimal applications of many of these strategies, however, and the development of new approaches in skin care is one of the greatest challenges in pediatric dermatology and holds promise for improving neonatal outcome in the future. The ability to modulate epidermal barrier function and integrity relies largely on the topical use of protective materials and substances and manipulation of the external environment. As understanding of epidermal barrier development advances, perhaps pharmacologic manipulation of barrier development, as now practiced for augmentation of neonatal lung maturity, will become a reality. In the meantime, greater awareness among neonatal health care practitioners of state-of-the-art strategies for optimizing skin integrity in neonates is an important step toward improving neonatal health.
Components of an optimal online environment

Experts were polled in the area of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) research to determine components of an optimal constructivist/collaborative online learning environment. One hundred seventy-seven panelists were asked to participate. Eighteen panelists responded contributing 93 components. They were then asked to rate these components on a scale of 0--7. Thirteen panelists responded. The components were then ranked according to average score. The top ten ranking components were calculated. The "Most Popular" components rated "5" or better, were determined by majority. A third round seeking a consensus was attempted.
On a nonclassical interpretation of the dirichlet problem for a fourth-order pseudoparabolic equation

For a fourth-order pseudoparabolic equation with nonsmooth coefficients in a rectangular domain, we consider the Dirichlet problem with nonclassical conditions that do not require matching conditions. We justify the equivalence of these conditions and the classical boundary conditions for the case in which the solution of the problem is sought in a Sobolev space.
Probabilistic evaluation of shallow groundwater resources at a hypothetical carbon sequestration site

Carbon sequestration in geologic reservoirs is an important approach for mitigating greenhouse gases emissions to the atmosphere. This study first develops an integrated Monte Carlo method for simulating CO2 and brine leakage from carbon sequestration and subsequent geochemical interactions in shallow aquifers. Then, we estimate probability distributions of five risk proxies related to the likelihood and volume of changes in pH, total dissolved solids, and trace concentrations of lead, arsenic, and cadmium for two possible consequence thresholds. The results indicate that shallow groundwater resources may degrade locally around leakage points by reduced pH and increased total dissolved solids (TDS). The volumes of pH and TDS plumes are most sensitive to aquifer porosity, permeability, and CO2 and brine leakage rates. The estimated plume size of pH change is the largest, while that of cadmium is the smallest among the risk proxies. Plume volume distributions of arsenic and lead are similar to those of TDS. The scientific results from this study provide substantial insight for understanding risks of deep fluids leaking into shallow aquifers, determining the area of review, and designing monitoring networks at carbon sequestration sites.
Nitrification kinetics and ammonia-oxidizing community respond to warming and altered precipitation

Changes in nitrification rates due to climate change have the potential to influence soil nitrogen availability, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mechanisms through which temperature and precipitation affect nitrification and the nitrifying microbial community in the field are largely unknown. We examined the effects of warming (up to ~4°C) and altered precipitation (−50%, ambient, +50%) on potential nitrification kinetics, or potential nitrification rates over a range of ammonium (NH4+) concentrations. We also examined responses of the abundance and composition of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which play a critical role in nitrification. This work took place over two years in an old-field ecosystem in Massachusetts, USA, as part of the Boston-Area Climate Experiment (BACE). Across all dates and during June and August 2010, drought decreased the half-saturation constant, Km, or the concentration of NH4+ at the half-maximal potential nitrific...
International Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Around the Globe

Needs are not uniquely American. From Johannesburg and Helsinki to Cairo and Santiago, they are assessed around the world in a variety of contexts and conditions. Needs assessments often cross borders and cultural boundaries, attempting to systematically assist communities, organizations, and people in making better informed decisions. This complexity can improve the results of an assessment, while at the same time presenting the assessor and the methods used with many practical challenges. In response, the focus of this chapter has to do with successfully conducting needs assessments in diverse international contexts. Offering practical tips, the foundation of the chapter provides real-world guidance for handling many of the obstacles faced in needs assessments. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
The general stress response factor EcfG regulates expression of the C-2 hopanoid methylase HpnP in Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1

Lipid molecules preserved in sedimentary rocks facilitate the reconstruction of events that have shaped the evolution of the Earth's biosphere. A key limitation for the interpretation of many of these molecular fossils is that their biological roles are still poorly understood. Here, we use Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1 to identify factors that induce biosynthesis of 2-methyl hopanoids (2-MeBHPs), progenitors of 2-methyl hopanes, one of the most abundant biomarkers in the rock record. This is the first dissection of the regulation of hpnP, the gene encoding the C-2 hopanoid methylase, at the molecular level. We demonstrate that EcfG, the general stress response factor of alphaproteobacteria, regulates expression of hpnP under a variety of challenges, including high temperature, pH stress, and presence of nonionic osmolytes. Although higher hpnP transcription levels did not always result in higher amounts of total methylated hopanoids, the fraction of a particular kind of hopanoid, 2-methyl bacteriohopanetetrol, was consistently higher in the presence of most stressors in the wild type, but not in the ΔecfG mutant, supporting a beneficial role for 2-MeBHPs in stress tolerance. The ΔhpnP mutant, however, did not exhibit a growth defect under the stress conditions tested except in acidic medium. This indicates that the inability to make 2-MeBHPs under most of these conditions can readily be compensated. Although stress is necessary to regulate 2-MeBHP production, the specific conditions under which 2-MeBHP biosynthesis is essential remain to be determined.
Implementation of non-linear estimators using quadrature formulae†

Abstract A new method of non-linear estimator implementation called quadrature formula method is presented. It is different from other methods in that emphasis is placed directly upon approximating the weighted integral of the conditional density function rather than the function itself. Valuable perspective is developed by relating this method to certain former methods based on density function approximation. In particular, it is shown that the point mass representation method is included as a special ease of the quadrature formula method with an accuracy consistent with that of a rectangular rule. The fundamental spline approximation method when formulated in the context of quadrature formula method turns out to be comparable to a trapezoidal rule. Of significant practical interest is the fact that improved accuracy can he achieved with essentially the same amount of labour required by the point mass representation method, an amount which practically is the minimum of all the existing methods. In additi...
On completeness of shape functions for finite element analysis

Some elements commonly used for analysis are examined for examined for completeness of polynomial interpolation and computational efficiency. Extensions to n-dimensional space are shown to be natural consequences of the interpolation, thus all elements considered here allow for finite element approximation in higher than three-dimensional spaces (e.g. space–time interpolations). From the study it is concluded that ‘serendipity’ class elements from the most efficient elements up to third-degree polynomial approximations. The method used here to develop the serendipity shape functions allows for different orders of interpolation along each edge. Thus, in zones where high accuracy is required meshes can now be easily changed from linear to quadratic or higher-order elements. Computations on some simple problems have demonstrated this to be a superior method than using large numbers of low ordered elements.
Diagnostic/Prescriptive Instruction: a Reconsideration of Some Issues:

Over the past decade, increasing numbers of educators have used diagnostic/prescriptive instruction as a remedial system when working with problem learners. A basic philosophical controversy exists regarding two fundamentally different models — task analysis and ability training — which popularly serve to undergird diagnostic/prescriptive instruction. These different models reflect the debate and discussion that has evolved in one of the most rapidly expanding, controversial areas in special education. Research efforts have not conclusively demonstrated the efficacy of either model. Thus, instructional programs designed to improve academic skill development should be viewed cautiously and monitored carefully.
Harmonic resonance analysis for PEP-II power factor correction upgrades

Recent upgrades to the high voltage utility distribution network at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center have been accompanied by the installation of a large number of power supplies associated with the PEP-II B Factory project. These power supplies include a diverse assortment of single and three phase units, in two, six and twelve pulse configurations with chopped, pulsed and continuous loading. Viewed as harmonic power sources in a range from a hundred to several kilohertz, they have the potential to be in resonance with the utility system network, a condition to be avoided. This paper analyzes and evaluates these resonance conditions with a view toward adding electric power factor correction upgrades to achieve substantial cost savings associated with power factor penalty avoidance. Similar studies and upgrades at SLAC in the past have reduced electric power costs over time by several hundred thousand dollars thus providing the incentive to evaluate the recent upgrades to the PEP-II network.
Co-ordinate mapping and analysis of vehicle trajectory for anomaly detection

Behavioral information can be inferred from the trajectory of a rigid object. We propose a method to detect anomalies in the approach of a vehicle by observing the patterns in its velocity and describe methods for more effective analysis of the velocity trajectory. First we define a hypothetical co-ordinate system in which the axes are specified with respect to the road and distances are true ground measurements. In this co-ordinate system the (axial) velocity is a one dimensional quantity. We estimate the “normal” trends in the velocities by activity path modeling after scaling the velocities by the vehicle's average speed. We detect an anomaly if a vehicle's velocity does not fall in the available path models. Finally, we use the shape of the trajectory to determine turns and other significant maneuvers. We also detect an anomaly if a vehicle's velocity falls in a path model which is inconsistent with the shape of its trajectory. We observe that our proposed co-ordinate system also improves trajectory shape analysis by suppressing false turns.
Fifty Years of Bicycle Policy in Davis, California:

Davis, California, has long been known as the bicycle capital of the United States. In the 1960s, citizens lobbied for bike lanes to make bike travel safer. After 2 years of lobbying and 1 year of engineering, Davis created the first bike lanes in postwar America. After 1967, transportation in Davis was oriented toward the bicycle. The city's Public Works Department staff developed many innovative designs and programs that were fine-tuned in Davis and then exported elsewhere. The university and city worked together on engineering, education, enforcement, and encouragement efforts. In the 1980s, greenways were added to the system. Davis now has 50 mi of bike lanes and 50 mi of off-street paths in a 10-square-mi city, making a highly functional bicycle transportation system. However, bicycling levels have decreased since 1990, falling from 28% of work trips in 1980 to 14% in 2000. City and University of California, Davis, staff attribute this to changing demographics, intercity commuting, and increased tran...
Paracrystalline Microboudinage in a Metamorphic Reaction Sequence

A reaction sequence involving different mineral phases may be used as a relative time scale against which a deformational sequence can be plotted and tested as paracrystalline. In the example reported, deformation involves micro-boudinage due to elongation parallel to the schistosity, and the reaction sequence is from relict primary clinopyroxene to tremolite to Mg-chlorite in a regionally metamorphosed ultramafic rock from the Northern Cascades of Washington.
Age at referral and mortality from critical congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Newborn pulse oximetry screening is recommended to promote early referral of neonates with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and reduce mortality; however, the impact of late referral on mortality is not well defined. The purpose of this population-based study was to describe the association between timing of referral to a cardiac center and mortality in 2360 liveborn neonates with CCHD. METHODS: Neonates with CCHD born before pulse oximetry screening (1996–2007) were selected from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and linked to state birth and death records. Age at referral was ascertained from date of first cardiac procedure at a cardiac center. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate factors associated with late referral and mortality; the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate 3-month survival. RESULTS: Median age at referral was 1 day (25th–75th percentile: 0–6 days). Overall, 27.5% (649 of 2360) were referred after age 4 days and 7.5% (178 of 2360) had no record of referral. Neonatal mortality was 18.1% (277 of 1533) for those referred at 0 to 4 days of age, 9.0% (34 of 379) for those referred at 5 to 27 days of age, and 38.8% (69 of 178) for those with no referral. No improvement in age at referral was found across the 2 eras within 1996–2007. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of neonates with CCHD experienced late or no referral to cardiac specialty centers, accounting for a significant number of the deaths. Future population-based studies are needed to determine the benefit of pulse oximetry screening on mortality and morbidity.
Sharp Reduction of Contact Resistivities by Effective Schottky Barrier Lowering With Silicides as Diffusion Sources

An extremely low contact resistivity of 6-7 × 10-9 Ω·cm2 between Ni0.9Pt0.1Si and heavily doped Si is achieved through Schottky barrier engineering by dopant segregation. In this scheme, the implantation of B or As is performed into silicide followed by a low-temperature drive-in anneal. Reduction of effective Schottky barrier height is manifested in the elimination of nonlinearities in IV characteristics.
German Antifascist Refugees in America and the Public Debate on “What Should be Done with Germany after Hitler,” 1941–1945

The debate over “what should be done with Germany after Hitler” became so intense in America in 1943–44 that competitive organizations were created to influence public opinion and official postwar planning. German refugees fought on both sides in the crossfire of opinion. Recent historical scholarship has discussed the failure of the German political emigration to gain formal political recognition from the United States government and the right to participate in Allied planning for postwar Germany. Though correct, this contention should not obscure the significant role that some of the anti-Nazi exiles played in framing the public debate on the treatment of Germany. They swam against the tide of extreme anti-German sentiments at the height of the Second World War, and their views found considerable resonance among American intellectuals. The public debate on the Allied policy for postwar Germany was more extensive than many historical accounts suggest in focusing on the proposals of Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau and the infighting within President Roosevelt's administration. German antifascist emigrants in America devised the arguments and rhetorical tools against the movement for a draconian peace long before the political controversy over the Morgenthau Plan in September 1944. Their contribution to the wartime debate on Germany's future helped to prepare Americans to accept the modification of Washington's tough policy for occupied Germany before the Cold War turned a onetime enemy into an ally. By the terms in which they cast this debate, they contributed also to the marginalization of the Holocaust in the wartime discourse on Germany more than historians have hitherto recognized.
Diffraction Effects in Interferometry

Besides the geometrical errors, interferometry suffers errors due to diffraction, because the wavefront aberrations of the test and reference beams change as they propagate. This paper addresses errors due to diffraction effects in interferometry.
Socially Responsible Investments

What do we know about socially responsible investments? What distinguishes socially responsible companies from conventional companies? Should investors expect socially responsible investments to yield higher or lower returns than conventional investments? What has been the performance of socially responsible portfolios relative to conventional portfolios? What are the tracking errors of socially responsible portfolios and what can investors do to reduce them? In this article I answer questions about socially responsible investments. Many financial advisors perceive socially responsible portfolios as undiversified portfolios whose performance is sure to trail that of conventional portfolios. But reality is different from perception. Financial advisors can construct for their investors portfolios that perform as well as conventional portfolios, or even better, whether through mutual funds or separate accounts.
Understanding Political Influence in Modern-Era Conflict:A Qualitative Historical Analysis of Hassan Nasrallah’s Speeches

This research examines and closely analyzes speeches delivered by Hezbollah’s secretary general and spokesman, Hassan Nasrallah. We reveal that several significant political phenomena that have occurred in Lebanon were impacted by the intensity of speeches delivered by Nasrallah; these three events being the 2006 War, the Doha Agreement, and the 2008 prisoner exchange. Nasrallah’s speeches with significant key words and themes, that are reflective of the three selected events, have been collected from various transcribed news media sources and analyzed using a qualitative historical approach. Finally, the research study uses latent analysis to assess Nasrallah’s underlying implications of his speeches by identifying key words and themes that he uses to influence his audience
Clinical activity of laromustine (Onrigin™) in hematologic malignancies

Laromustine (Onrigin™), formerly known as Cloretazine® (VNP40101M), belongs to a novel class of alkylating agents – the sulfonylhydrazines – and was selected for clinical development based on its broad anti-tumor activity in preclinical models. Laromustine is metabolized to yield 90CE and methylisocyanate, the former rapidly produces an alkylating, chloroethylating species, similar to the chloroethylating species generated by carmustine. However, several features distinguish laromustine from carmustine and possibly account for their biological differences in vitro and in vivo. The chloroethylating species responsible for laromustine’s alkylator effect is relatively specific for guanine and forms a crosslink after incorporation into DNA. Laromustine has significant activity in both older patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, including those with very poor-risk disease, and in patients with relapsed disease. Further clinical studies are required wit...
Microstructure and electronic properties of zinc nitride thin films

Results from an initial study on the preparation, microstructure, and optical and electrical properties of zinc nitride films are presented. Zinc nitride has a lower bandgap than ZnO and can be fabricated in a thin film form by sputtering and other methods. This material has a potential as a new semiconductor material in photovoltaic, optoelectronic and other applications, offering additional advantages such as environment-friendly processing and potentially low fabrication cost. A main goal of our studies, which are still in progress, is establishing correlations between the fabrication conditions and the structure and relevant properties. Junctions and interfaces with metals or zinc oxide will be of interest as well.
An Evaluation of the Causes, Extent, and Initiators of Herding Behavior

The existence of investor herding behavior has been documented in many studies. In this study the causes and extent of investor herding behavior for DOW firms is analyzed for the years 2007 to 2011. Herding starts with influential investment initiators who attract early imitators, who in turn attract later imitators. In particular, the role of the industry outlook, the financial performance of the firm, and the characteristics of the initiators of the herding process are examined. Our results show that investor herding behavior has increased, and is highest with firms in rapidly growing or declining industries and with highly successful or weak earnings performance. Two key initiators of the herding process were found to be legal insiders and activist investors. These findings provide significant insights with respect to investment strategies.