cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“If I Break a Rule, What Do I Do, Fire Myself?” Ethics Codes of Independent Blogs

As the latest tool for disseminated information and editorial comment shaping public opinion, blogging is quickly gaining popularity, prominence, and power. One major controversy for the new medium of circulating news and commentary is to what extent or even whether blogs should have codes of ethics. We examined 30 politically-oriented weblogs. Of these, only a few had a code of ethics, stated or implied. Little cohesion existed between the codes of ethics, but a few themes emerged. Qualitative analysis of the codes of ethics shows that what bloggers valued most included accuracy, credibility, and etiquette. We further provide evidence to support the prevailing thought that, while appearing to be “ethical” seems important to bloggers, blogging ethics and credibility are difficult to operationalize.
Adieu Philippine and Rozier's alternative sound practice

ABSTRACTAdieu Philippine (1962) provides an important test case for sound-to-image relations within French New Wave cinema. The casual mise-en-scene and editing create a strong sense of spontaneity, while the dialogue is full of everyday slang, spoken in natural rhythms. Yet, because the original sound recording proved unusable, Rozier became a sort of archeologist, reconstructing his own soundtrack artificially in the studio. A significant tension results between the image and sounds, and Rozier's film proves to be one of the New Wave's most striking studies of the material nature of cinematic practice.
Comparison of Percent Total GHb With Percent HbA1c in People With and Without Known Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To directly compare results obtained using an ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) HbA 1c method used in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial with two different affinity chromatography methods in which ”total GHb” is determined. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Blood was obtained from a large number of people with and without known diabetes. The specimens were divided and assayed for HbA 1c and for total GHb. Total GHb was determined using a semi-automated gravity-elution boronate affinity chromatography method and an automated boronate affinity HPLC method. The results obtained with the two methods were also compared. RESULTS In subjects without known diabetes, the mean percentage HbA 1c and the range of values were similar to the total GHb values in the same subjects when assayed using the semi-automated affinity gravity-elution method (mean 5.2 ± 0.4 and 5.1 ± 0.4% [SD], respectively). With the affinity HPLC method, results were 5.3 ± 0.4%. The similarity in results was surprising. However, analysis of the data suggests that a large proportion of the material in the HbA 1c fraction measured using this ion-exchange HPLC method is not GHb, as pointed out by others. Although the results were similar in people without known diabetes, in the people with diabetes, the incremental increase was ∼25% greater for the total GHb when compared with the increase in HbA 1c . When corrected for the non-GHb being measured by the HbA 1c method, it can be calculated that ∼40% more GHb is measured using affinity chromatography over the entire range of GHb values. CONCLUSIONS The similarity in the mean and range of percent HbA 1c and in percent total GHb using these different methods can be attributed to two factors: 1) the HbA 1c ion-exchange method measures only ∼ 50–60% of the total GHb present, and 2) ∼ 40–50% of the material being measured in the HbA 1c fraction is not GHb, i.e., offsetting factors fortuitously resulted in values similar to the more specific affinity methods. The greater incremental increase in percent total GHb compared with percent HbA 1c in people with diabetes can be attributed to the greater amount of GHb being measured with the affinity methods.
Titania–germanium nanocomposite as a photovoltaic material

Abstract Titania–germanium (TiO2–Ge) nanocomposite, which comprises Ge nanodots in the TiO2 matrix, is an interesting optoelectronic material. We can easily tailor the structural, optical and electronic properties of the nanocomposite thin films in a wide range by customizing the density and size of Ge dots. The promising properties encouraged us to fabricate solar cells with TiO2–Ge nanocomposites. We fabricated p-Si/TiO2–Ge heterojunction solar cells. The preliminary characterizations of these devices show us the promise of TiO2–Ge nanocomposites for the photovoltaic application.
Transmission electron microscopy investigation of unetched fission tracks in fluorapatite—physical process of annealing

Abstract Light-microscope examination of neutron-bombarded and chemically etched fluorapatite samples that have been annealed at 450°C for 5 h indicate that the etchable fission damage is zero. However, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations of material that has not been chemically etched confirm that unetchable crystalline damage remains prominent such that the track population is not eliminated. Using TEM to examine a suite of furnace-annealed samples, it is possible to reconstruct the physical process by which fission damage is repaired. Annealing is characterized by initial development of an irregular track boundary followed by segmentation of tre track length. As the extent of annealing progress,s, the spacing between segments increases and the segment's shape approaches a spherical morphology. Finally, the spheroidal segments may be annealed.
The 1 X-level of the Hydrogen Molecule

As a result of the analysis of the near infra-red spectra of H2, HD and D2, some new facts have been discovered concerning the so-called 1X-level of the hydrogen molecule which remove many of the uncertainties and difficulties in the interpretation of this level.
Replication and Pedagogy in the History of Psychology IV: Patrick and Gilbert (1896) on Sleep Deprivation

We report an attempted replication of G. T. W. Patrick and J. A. Gilbert’s pioneering sleep deprivation experiment ‘Studies from the psychological laboratory of the University of Iowa. On the effects of loss of sleep’, conducted in 1895/96. Patrick and Gilbert’s study was the first sleep deprivation experiment of its kind, performed by some of the first formally trained psychologists. We attempted to recreate the original experience in two subjects, using similar apparatus and methodology, and drawing direct comparisons to the original study whenever possible. We argue for a strong influence of an ‘Americanized’ Wundtian psychology on Patrick and Gilbert, a claim supported biographically by their education and by their experimental methods. The replication thus opens interesting new perspectives, which are unlikely to be generated by any other historical approach.
On-chip energy harvesting using thin-film thermoelectric materials

Recent advances in superlattice based thermoelectric (TE) materials hold promise for realizing thin-film TE modules that can be embedded inside a chip package. Significant research effort has been devoted towards evaluating the feasibility of embedded thin-film TE modules for hot-spot cooling applications. Note, these embedded TE modules can also harvest electrical energy from the waste heat dissipated by the chip. In this work, we explore the on-chip energy harvesting capabilities of Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 superlattice based TE materials using rigorous finite element simulations. In addition, an inductive DC-DC power converter was designed for up-converting the output voltage of the TE module. The end-to-end conversion efficiency of this harvesting system has been optimized through the co-design of TE module and its power converter. Using the optimized harvesting system, we show that it is possible to harvest up to 4mW from a 3mm2 hot-spot with a heat-flux of 200W/cm2. Our results indicate that designing the TE module and its power converter independently could lead to a sub-optimal system. In addition, the contact parasitics in the TE module degrade the intrinsic performance of the TE material by as much as 3x. However, when the contact parasitics in the TE module are reduced, the system can suffer from increased resistance mismatches as well as conduction power losses in the converter circuit. Therefore, even if contact parasitics are reduced, it may not provide a significant improvement in the energy harvesting performance at the system level.
A randomized controlled trial of a feedback method for improving empathic accuracy in psychotherapy

Objectives. To develop and evaluate a feedback method for reducing empathic errors in psychotherapy. Design. Randomized controlled trial conducted in a university-affiliated out-patient psychiatric clinic. Methods. Sixteen non-psychotic patients treated for Axis I disorders by 12 psychiatry residents were randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. In both conditions, at the end of each session, patients rated their own functioning on the Global Assessment of Functioning scale, and therapists predicted patients' ratings. Patients predicted their therapist's accuracy and therapists rated their confidence in their own predictions. In the intervention condition, therapists and patients reviewed their respective ratings from the previous session together. In the control condition, ratings were given directly to the investigator without being reviewed by either patients or therapists. Results. Therapists in the intervention condition showed greater overall accuracy than controls as well as evidence of increasing empathy later in therapy on the Barrett-Lennard empathy subscale. Patients in the control group perceived their therapists as significantly more or less accurate than was warranted according to the accuracy measure (over-/under-idealization). Therapists in the control group were more likely than those in the intervention group to overestimate their own accuracy (overconfidence). Affective responses to the instrument were positive overall and did not differ by condition. Conclusion. An intervention such as the one tested in this study may be a practical and useful method for improving accuracy of understanding in a variety of training and clinical settings.
Determination of in situ dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and alkalinity for marine sedimentary porewater

Abstract Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentration and total alkalinity in marine sediment vary with biological activity, mineral diagenesis and past bottom ocean water composition. Reliable interpretation of this data is often compromised due to precipitation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) during sediment recovery, processing and sample storage. Here we present and test a method that corrects for this precipitation and consequently allows quantification of in situ carbonate system chemistry. Our method relies on the over-determination of the dissolved carbonate system by (i) measuring DIC, alkalinity and calcium, and (ii) explicitly assuming CaCO3 saturation in the sediment. We experimentally tested this method using data from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1368 in the South Pacific Gyre. Our results show that we can accurately reproduce in situ aqueous carbonate system chemistry if DIC, alkalinity and calcium concentration are measured simultaneously. At Site U1368, the correction for sampling associated precipitation is equivalent to 4.5 and 8.9% of the measured DIC and alkalinity, respectively. The method is well suited for any sediment porewater that is saturated with respect to calcium carbonate; consequently, it is applicable for approximately 50% of the global oceanic seafloor.
Pregravid body mass index is negatively associated with diet quality during pregnancy.

Objective To investigate the association between pregravid weight status and diet quality. Design Institute of Medicine body mass index (BMI) cut-off points of 26.0-29.0 kg m- 2 for overweight and >29 kg m- 2 for obese were used to categorise women's weight status. Dietary information was obtained by self-report at 26-28 weeks' gestation using a modified Block food-frequency questionnaire. The Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P) included: servings of grains, vegetables and fruits, folate, iron and calcium intake, percentage calories from fat, and meal pattern score. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between weight status and tertiles of DQI-P controlling for potential individual confounders. Setting A clinical-based population recruited through four prenatal clinics in central North Carolina. Subjects A total of 2394 women from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition study were included in this analysis. Results Evidence of a dose-response relationship was found between BMI and inadequate servings of grains and vegetables, and iron and folate intake. Pregravid obesity was associated with 76% increased odds of falling into the lowest diet quality tertile compared with underweight women after controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion A modest association was found between pregravid weight status and diet quality. If corroborated, these findings suggest that overweight pregnant women should be targeted for nutrition counselling interventions aimed to improve diet quality.
Background independent effective action from D = 1 matrix model

Abstract We derive the background independent from of the Das-Jevicki action. The tachyon terms are given to all orders by a generally covariant form of the Das-Jevicki action. The graviton-dilaton sector is the usual low energy effective action. This enables us to examine questions such as the back reaction of the tachyon on the metric. In particular the reason why the usual Liouville term is an exact solution of the conformal invariance conditions, as well as the fact that it has no back reaction, become manifest. We comment on the propagation of a tachyonic perturbation in the background of a black-hole metric.
Micropressures and capillary filtration coefficients in single vessels of the cremaster muscle of the rat

Abstract The pressure and filtration parameters of the microcirculation in the exteriorized cremaster muscle were studied in young rats anesthetized with pentobarbital or urethane. The filtration coefficient and capillary pressures were calculated by means of the Starling equation from fluid movements across the walls of selected capillaries during micro-occlusion, coupled with estimations of the osmotic pressure of the plasma colloids. The filtration coefficient “ K ” was determined as 0.0065 μ 3 /μ 2 /sec/cm H 2 O pressure and, the capillary velocity averaged 700 μ/sec. Pressure was calculated as 32 cm H 2 O on the arterial end of the capillary bed and 22 cm H 2 O in the efficuent venules. Pressures were measured directly in small arterioles and collecting venules with a micropipette using a null electronic servo system. The pressures determined by direct puncture and by calculation were essentially the same. The architecture of the bed in this muscle did not show the entensive postcapillary, venular drainage vessels described for the bat wing.
Testing the spread of status value theory

Abstract How can a nominal descriptive term acquire status beliefs and definitions giving it connotations of differential social worth and competence? Cecilia L. Ridgeway and her associates have developed one theory explaining such effects. Recently Joseph Berger and Hamit Fisek offered a new theory using different mechanisms. We report the first experimental tests of the new theory. One mechanism describes spread of status value through referent individuals who possess both nominal and status characteristics. A second mechanism predicts spread of status value directly from status elements including education and income, without intervening referent actors. Results show that both mechanisms can create positive and negative status value for a nominal characteristic as predicted.
A new classification system for radiation detectors

In Part I, a classification system for radiation detectors is proposed. The system is based upon the manner in which the noise equivalent power depends upon the time constant and the sensitive area, when the sensitivity is limited either by radiation fluctuations or by internally generated noise.The major part of Part I is devoted to establishing the reference condition for the measuring of the noise equivalent power. In establishing the reference condition of measurement (Section 6), the output of the detector in the absence of a signal is first equalized so that the noise power per unit frequency band width is constant. The reference time constant is then defined in terms of the relative response as a function of signal modulation frequency (Section 7). The equalization is then modified by the addition of an RC low pass filter with a time constant equal to the reference time constant, and the noise equivalent power is measured. The power so obtained is termed the noise equivalent power in reference condition A, denoted by Pm. This procedure has the property that the noise equivalent power of the detector is measured in the presence of noise whose band width is equal to the band width of the detector.In order to establish the reference condition of measurement it is necessary to consider the various sources of noise which are involved in detectors (Section 2), and the various types of time constants (Section 3). The important concept of responsivity-to-noise ratio is defined in Section 4. A general theorem involving the sensitive area and the responsivity-to-noise ratio is established in Section 5.After the question of detectors with non-uniform spectral sensitivity is discussed in Section 8, the classification system is defined in Section 9: A detector is a Type I detector if its noise equivalent power depends upon its sensitive area A and its reference time constant τ in accordance with Pm=A12/k1τ12,where k1 is independent of A and τ. A Type II detector is defined by Pm=A12/k2τ,and more generally, a Type n detector is defined by Pm=A12/knτ12n.The usefulness of the proposed classification is illustrated in Section 10 by its application to sequential scanning systems.In Part II the classification system proposed in Part I is used to determine the type number of each of eight different kinds of detectors. By a detailed analysis of each kind of detector, it is found that all of the detectors studied are either Type I or Type II detectors. The results of the analysis are summarized in Table I.The detectors studied include bolometers (Section 2), thermocouples and thermopiles (Section 3), the Golay detector (Section 4), photographic plates and films (Section 5), vacuum and gas photo-tubes and photo-multiplier tubes (Section 6), and dipole antennas (Section 7). In the case of the dipole antenna it is shown that Johnson noise becomes equivalent to the noise produced by radiation fluctuations.
Experimental application of a generalized continuum model to nondestructive testing

L'etude experimentale, applicable a tous les metaux, a porte sur des panneaux de particules de bois
Subunit mutations affect ethanol actions on GABAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

1. Mutations of specific amino acids were introduced in transmembrane domains (TM) of GABA(A) receptor alpha2, beta1 and gamma2L subunits. The effects of these mutations on the action of ethanol were studied using the Xenopus oocyte expression system and two-electrode voltage-clamp recording techniques. 2. Mutant alpha2 subunits containing S270I (TM2) or A291W (TM3) made the receptor more sensitive to GABA, as compared to wild-type alpha2beta1gamma2L receptor. The mutation S265I (TM2) of beta1 and S280I (TM2) or S30IW (TM3) in gamma2L subunits did not alter apparent affinity of the receptor for GABA. M286W (TM3) in the beta1 subunit resulted in a receptor that was tonically open. 3. Using an EC5 concentration of GABA, the function of the wild-type receptor with alpha2beta1gamma2L subunits was potentiated by ethanol (50-200 mM). The mutations in TM2 or TM3 of the alpha2 subunit diminished the potentiation by ethanol. The action of ethanol was also eliminated with a mutation in the TM2 site of the beta1 subunit. Ethanol produced significant inhibition of GABA responses in receptors containing the combination of alpha2 and beta1 TM2 mutants with a wild-type gamma2L subunit. A small but significant reduction in the potentiation by ethanol was observed with gamma2L TM2 and/or TM3 mutants. 4. From these results, we suggest that in heteromeric GABA(A) receptors composed of the alpha, beta and gamma subunits, ethanol may bind in a cavity formed by TM2 and TM3, and that binding to the alpha or beta subunit may be more critical than the gamma subunit.
Electron microscopic study on the effect of alternate-day hydrocortisone therapy on lymphocyte populations in rat spleen and lymph nodes

The ultrastructural effects of 400 mg/M2/day of hydrocortisone sc, given alternatively from day 7 through day 19, were studied on the lymphocyte populations in the white pulp of the spleen and in the cortex of the mesenteric lymph nodes of the immunologically immature rat. Results were consistent with both a direct lytic effect of hydrocortisone on small lymphocytes of the nodular cortex of the mesenteric lymph nodes and an indirect effect on small lymphocytes of the periarterial lymphatic sheath (PALS) of the spleen supplied via the thymus. In contrast, medium-sized lymphocytes in the PALS appeared to be unaffected by hydrocortisone, while medium-sized lymphocytes of the nodular cortex of the mesenteric lymph nodes exhibited a temporary depletion of cytoplasmic organelles. Hydrocortisone appeared to depress protein synthesis in these latter cells. The decrease in numbers of lymphoblasts and plasmablasts observed in the nodular cortex of the mesenteric lymph nodes and the white pulp of the spleen is consi...
Circular bist testing the digital logic within a high speed serdes

High Speed Serializer Deserializers (serdes) are traditionally tested using functional BIST. This paper presents an improved BlST for testing the digital part of a serdes using circular BET.
A unified approach to the probability of error for noncoherent and differentially coherent modulations over generalized fading channels

We present a unified approach to determine the exact bit error rate (BER) of noncoherent and differentially coherent modulations with single and multichannel reception over additive white Gaussian noise and generalized fading channels. The multichannel reception results assume independent fading in the channels and are applicable to systems that employ post-detection equal gain combining. Our approach relies on an alternate form of the Marcum Q-function and leads to expressions of the BER involving a single finite-range integral which can be readily evaluated numerically. Aside from unifying the past results, the new approach also allows for a more general solution to the problem in that it includes many situations that in the past defied a simple solution. The best example of this occurs for multichannel reception where the fading on each channel need not be identically distributed nor even distributed according to the same family of distributions.
What Is Special About Special Education for Students with Learning Disabilities

In this article, the ways in which special education for students with learning disabilities was perceived as “special” historically and what we know about effective special education instructional practices for students with learning disabilities currently are summarized. The influence of monitoring progress, providing explicit and systematic instruction, understanding the critical factors associated with progress in academic areas such as reading and math, and teaching students in small groups with many opportunities to practice and obtain feedback are essential features of special education for students with learning disabilities. A model for providing integrated services between general and special education for students with learning disabilities is described.
Mechanisms of environment induced subcritical flaw growth in AISI 4340 steel

Abstract The results of an experiment designed to study the effect of several variables on the subcritical crack growth rate of a high-strength steel in a water environment are presented in this paper. Double cantilever beam specimens of an AISI 4340 steel, heat treated to a yield strength level of 217,000 psi with a fracture toughness of K Ic = 51.5 ksi (in.) 1 2 , were employed to study crack extension rates. The environmental variables included temperature, pH of the liquid environment, electric charging, and the combined effect of pH and electric charging. Tapered double cantilever beam specimens were designed so that the ℷ level was maintained constant at a constant load, and independent of crack length. Thus, steady-state crack growth measurements were possible in constant load and constant environment experiments. With this specimen design, it was possible to make a series of measurements that covered the entire range of effects of a particular variable using only one specimen. It was concluded from the results that both hydrogen embrittlement and chemical corrosion assisted crack growth. The relative contributions of the two mechanisms were dependent on the pH and the applied potential.
Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow How ESPN’s SportsCenter has Changed Television Sports Talk

In this article, the focus is both on sports talk and on the particular variation of that discourse produced by ESPN’s SportsCenter, arguably the most hip and watched show of its kind. SportsCenter blends all the social concerns about race—the raced nature of athletics (and the distribution of talent)—with a uniquely postmodern view of popular culture. Through its hip presenters, SportsCenter refracts hip-hop culture, contemporary politics, and “high art.” This show does not distinguish between the “high” and the “low,” it refuses to privilege the sacred over the profane, and it makes equal use of the ridiculous and the sublime—all the while knowing its (sport’s) stuff, always with an ironic, parodic, even cynical nod, nudge, and wink. SportsCenter, a resonant repository of contemporary life, values “coolness” above all else. This is sports talk, where those on the air know how to talk that talk because they, apparently (if only vicariously), routinely walk that walk.
Towards A Structural Analysis of Pre-Islamic Poetry

Modern views on pre-Islamic poetry have not markedly advanced our understanding of the structure of the poem beyond the views of the critics of the first three centuries of Hijra. In fact, if anything, modern views are more rigidly formulated, show a greater tendency towards generalizations, and are far less perceptive, as well as being based on a degree of knowledge and familiarity with the poetry inferior to that of the early critics. Ibn Qutayba's famous passage which attempts a description of the process through which the poet developed his poem remains one of the most perceptive statements on the subject. He, at least, had the objectivity and modesty to attribute the view expressed in his passage to ba'd ahl al-adab (a person, or people, of knowledge in the field of language and poetry). Ibn Qutayba does not claim that the statement he quotes was based on an analysis of the properties of the corpus of the poetry. However, the most interesting aspect of this statement is that it interprets the structural properties of the poem in psychological terms. It does not label the process a conventional device imposed by the tradition and by the poets' lack of desire to break away from that tradition. The interpretation the statement offers is also functional, in that it asserts that the process of growth in the poem is not arbitrary and illogical but purposeful, conscious, and pertaining to the total structure of the poem. In this sense Ibn Qutayba's remark is also structural, because it considers the structure of the poem in relation to the structure of other poems in the tradition.
Black America: from community health care to crisis medicine.

This study traces the major policy shifts in medical care that have affected disadvantaged African-Americans and the response of this community's medical leadership to these changes. Since World War II policy has passed through three major phases. The first--engagement--ran from the mid-1960s through the mid-1970s. During this phase a community health policy orientation prevailed as national government targeted resources to health care programs for needy blacks and other poor Americans. From the late 1970s to the mid-1980s the period of submersion occurred: black community health professionals and political leaders experienced a new-found inclusion in health policy debate, but, at the same time, broader policy-making circles in government and health care reduced medical resources for the inner-city poor. Finally, in the third phase--crisis recognition--a network developed of community health advocates who seek to reorient the health system so that it addresses needs within urban American's "New Ghettos."
LONG-TERM UROLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS IN SURVIVORS YOUNGER THAN 15 MONTHS OF ADVANCED STAGE ABDOMINAL NEUROBLASTOMA

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term urological complications in survivors of infant advanced stage abdominal neuroblastoma.Materials and Methods: The records of patients who presented during an 8-year period with surgical problems related to the kidney and who had survived advanced stage (IV and IV-S) neuroblastoma were reviewed.Results: Of 7 patients identified 3 had complications of obstruction from retroperitoneal fibrosis and 4 had renal cell carcinoma. In the renal cell carcinoma group 3 patients had synchronous, multifocal, bilateral tumors and 1 had a tumor in a solitary kidney. Pathological examination of renal cell carcinoma revealed oncocytoidy with solid and papillary patterns. One patient underwent bilateral nephrectomy but in the remaining 3 renal preservation surgery was performed. All 7 patients have no progression of secondary complications 2 to 8 years after initial presentation.Conclusions: Survivors of advanced stage abdominal neuroblastoma may be predisposed to long-term urological com...
Geographic Clusters in Underimmunization and Vaccine Refusal

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Parental refusal and delay of childhood vaccines has increased in recent years and is believed to cluster in some communities. Such clusters could pose public health risks and barriers to achieving immunization quality benchmarks. Our aims were to (1) describe geographic clusters of underimmunization and vaccine refusal, (2) compare clusters of underimmunization with different vaccines, and (3) evaluate whether vaccine refusal clusters may pose barriers to achieving high immunization rates. METHODS: We analyzed electronic health records among children born between 2000 and 2011 with membership in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. The study population included 154 424 children in 13 counties with continuous membership from birth to 36 months of age. We used spatial scan statistics to identify clusters of underimmunization (having missed 1 or more vaccines by 36 months of age) and vaccine refusal (based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes). RESULTS: We identified 5 statistically significant clusters of underimmunization among children who turned 36 months old during 2010–2012. The underimmunization rate within clusters ranged from 18% to 23%, and the rate outside them was 11%. Children in the most statistically significant cluster had 1.58 ( P CONCLUSIONS: Underimmunization and vaccine refusal cluster geographically. Spatial scan statistics may be a useful tool to identify locations with challenges to achieving high immunization rates, which deserve focused intervention.
Cholesterol esters in developing rat brain: enzymes of cholesterol ester metabolism.

— Three enzymes of cholesterol ester metabolism, a cholesterol-esterifying enzyme which incorporates free fatty acids into cholesterol esters without participation of CoA, and two cholesterol ester hydrolases with differing pH optima, all showed distinct changes in developing rat brains. The specific activity of the esterifying enzyme was approx. 20 percent of the adult level at birth, increased gradually to the adult level by 20 days of age and remained constant thereafter. The pH 4.2 hydrolase at birth also had a specific activity of about 20 per cent of the adult level but it increased rapidly to reach a peak at 13 days, by which time the activity had increased eight-fold. The activity declined somewhat thereafter to reach the adult level by 23–30 days. In contrast, there already was 60 per cent of the adult specific activity of the pH 6.6 cholesterol ester hydrolase at birth. The activity remained constant until 12 days and then doubled during the next two weeks, reaching a broad peak, then declining slightly to reach the adult activity by 50 days. Therefore, the developmental changes of both of the hydrolases appeared to be related to the process of myelination. The period of active myelination (10–30 days) was characterized by the sharp rise in the activity of pH 6.6 cholesterol ester hydrolase and by the rapid decrease of pH 4.2 cholesterol ester hydrolase.
The decay widths, the decay constants, and the branching fractions of a resonant state

We introduce the differential and the total decay widths of a resonant (Gamow) state decaying into a continuum of stable states. When the resonance has several decay modes, we introduce the corresponding partial decay widths and branching fractions. In the approximation that the resonance is sharp, the expressions for the differential, partial and total decay widths of a resonant state bear a close resemblance with the Golden Rule. In such approximation, the branching fractions of a resonant state are the same as the standard branching fractions obtained by way of the Golden Rule. We also introduce dimensionless decay constants along with their associated differential decay constants, and we express experimentally measurable quantities such as the branching fractions and the energy distributions of decay events in terms of those dimensionless decay constants.
Creating a New Paradigm for Premedical Undergraduate Studies: Physicians' Perceptions of Subjects and Skills Critical for Success in Medical School and Practice.

Background/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine subjects and skills that are per­ceived by practicing physicians as essential for success in medical training and practice. Previous studies suggest that better premedical preparation for a future career as a physician may reduce the need for expanded study of non-clinical subjects and skills in the graduate medical curriculum. Methods: The study was performed with a random sample of licensed physicians in Ohio (n=2,100), who were queried utilizing a survey instrument of 54 questions including demograph­ics and perceptions on eight subjects and sixteen skills essential for success in medical school and practice. Completed surveys (n=356) were found to be representative of the national demographics of practicing physicians, including similar age, education, gender, type of practice, and specialty. Results: Respondents indicated that the subjects of business, communications, and technology were rated as most important for physician success, while communications, natural sciences and technology were most important for students. Skills identified as most essential to both training and practice included the ability to utilize technology, being honest and truthful, ability to explore, self-educate and research, and ability to communicate orally. Conclusions: The findings of the study support previous research and indicate that some students entering medical school may not have the breadth of study that practitioners identify as best pre­paring them for success as a student and practitioner. Keywords: Medical education, curriculum
Identifying Interventions to Improve the Retention of Biracial Students: A Case Study.

Biracial students represent a growing number of students on many campuses and an increasingly significant segment of the population of the United States. Nevertheless, this group of students rarely...
Topographic Mapping From ERS-1 And Seasat Radar Interferometry

A radar interferometric technique for topographic mapping of surfaces yields a high resolution, globally consistent approach to generation of digital elevation models. The technique is illustrated with maps generated from SEASAT and European Space Agency Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) data. A SEASAT interferometric image of a forested area which includes some unvegetated lava flows is analyzed. An analysis of errors expected from application of the technique to maps generated from ERS-1 data is presented. An orbital scenario for a global mapping mission is outlined.
On the Analysis of Symmetrical Three-Line Microstrip Circuits

The immittance parameters for the case of symmetrical coupled three-line microstrip or other inhomogeneous six-port structures are derived in terms of the normal modes of the coupled system. The analytical results obtained reduce to the heretofore known results when the line parameters are interrelated in a specified manner, and should be useful in the study and accurate design of three-line couplers and other microwave circuit elements.
Design for a 5-Watt PPM transmitter for the Mars laser communications demonstration

The Mars laser communication demonstration uses a PPM communication system operating from 25-kbps to greater than 30-Mbps at 1064-nm with a 5-W transmitter. Design, performance, and qualification of the transmitter subsystems are described.
Learning momentum: integration and experimentation

We further study the effects of learning momentum as defined by Arkin, Clark and Ram (1992) on robots, both simulated and real, attempting to traverse obstacle fields in order to reach a goal. Integration of these results into a large-scale software architecture, MissionLab, provides the ability to exercise these algorithms in novel ways. Insight is also sought in reference to when different learning momentum strategies should be used.
Design of a mobile gait monitoring system

In this paper, a mobile gait monitoring system (MGMS) is proposed for the diagnosis of abnormal gait and rehabilitation. The proposed MGMS consists of Smart Shoes and a micro signal processor with a touch screen display. It monitors patients' gait by observing the ground contact forces (GCFs) and the center of GCF (CoGCF). Since visual feedback about patients' gait and normal GCF patterns are provided by the MGMS, patients can practice the rehabilitation treatment by trying to follow the normal GCF patterns without restriction of time and place. Also the GCF data are saved in a micro SD card, and the gait abnormalities (GA) are calculated after the rehabilitation treatment. The effectiveness of the proposed gait analysis methods with the MGMS have been verified by preliminary trials with patients suffering from gait disorders.
A system to make visible the structure and execution of student programs

Visual models help to convey programming insights and computer science principles. This paper describes the design criteria for a software system which automatically constructs visual models as a program runs. Line-by-line execution and data structures are dynamically updated on a display screen. The system can be used either by an instructor in class demonstrations, or by the student in running his or her own programs.Motivations for the design criteria are discussed, along with tradeoffs in implementation. A system has been developed for the Pascal programming language, running on a variety of popular microcomputers.
Cap ‘n’ collar B cooperates with a small Maf subunit to specify pharyngeal development and suppress deformed homeotic function in the Drosophila head

The basic-leucine zipper protein Cap 'n' collar B (CncB) suppresses the segmental identity function of the Hox gene Deformed (Dfd) in the mandibular segment of Drosophila embryos. CncB is also required for proper development of intercalary, labral and mandibular structures. In this study, we provide evidence that the CncB-mediated suppression of Dfd requires the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian small Maf proteins, Maf-S, and that the suppression occurs even in the presence of high amounts of Dfd protein. Interestingly, the CncB/Maf-S suppressive effect can be partially reversed by overexpression of Homothorax (Hth), suggesting that Hth and Extradenticle proteins antagonize the effects of CncB/Maf-S on Dfd function in the mandibular segment. In embryos, multimers of simple CncB/Maf-S heterodimer sites are transcriptionally activated in response to CncB, and in tissue culture cells the amino-terminal domain of CncB acts as a strong transcriptional activation domain. There are no good matches to CncB/Maf binding consensus sites in the known elements that are activated in response to Dfd and repressed in a CncB-dependent fashion. This suggests that some of the suppressive effect of CncB/Maf-S proteins on Dfd protein function might be exerted indirectly, while some may be exerted by direct binding to as yet uncharacterized Dfd response elements. We also show that ectopic CncB is sufficient to transform ventral epidermis in the trunk into repetitive arrays of ventral pharynx. We compare the functions of CncB to those of its vertebrate and invertebrate homologs, p45 NF-E2, Nrf and Skn-1 proteins, and suggest that the pharynx selector function of CncB is highly conserved on some branches of the evolutionary tree.
Disorders of the toenail

Abstract Disorders of the toenail are very common and treatment of these disorders is a necessary component of comprehensive foot care. Indications and techniques for treatment modalities are discussed and include both surgical and nonsurgical methods such as partial/ total nailplate excision, partial/total matricectomy, and the terminal syme procedure.
Micro-fluidic applications of telephone cord delamination blisters

Argon pressure significantly affects the residual stress in sputter deposited thin films and coatings. In case of W thin films, high residual stresses on the order of 1-2 GPa are quite common. With the rest of sputtering parameters being equal, argon pressure determines the sign and the value of residual stress. When the amount of stored elastic energy in the film due to the residual stress exceeds the interfacial toughness, fracture normally occurs. Telephone cord buckling delamination blisters are commonly observed in compressed thin films. These mechanically active features form by a loss of adhesion between the film and the substrate due to residual stress relief, and exhibit directional growth under certain conditions. This paper considers telephone cord delamination channels for micro-fluidics applications, as this could to be a valuable, reliable, and inexpensive method of forming open channels.
Non-utilization of the Pap Test Among Women with Frequent Health System Contact.

Despite improvements in health access, many underserved women abstain from cervical cancer screening. A self-administered questionnaire was used to identify factors determining whether medically underserved women attending a safety net health system regularly are screened for cervical cancer. Approximately 11 % of study subjects had never received a Pap test despite an average of nearly four clinic visits in the preceding 12 months. Never screeners were significantly younger, more likely to be Hispanic, non-U.S. born and less likely to have healthcare continuity. In multivariable analysis, odds for never screening were independently lower among women with male partner support (aOR 0.29) and physician’s recommendation for screening (aOR 0.34) and higher among women who believed screening visits are too long (aOR 2.53). Educating male partners of Hispanic and immigrant women in addition to addressing recognized situational barriers may help to improve cervical cancer screening rates.
Deficiency of Specific Proteins in the Inborn Errors of Mucopolysaccharide Metabolism

This paper will summarize recent studies on the nature and function of those proteins which are deficient in the mucopolysaccharidoses.
Interpersonal Relationships and the Development of Student Interest in Science

This study explored how interpersonal relationships may affect the development of interest in science from college students’ perspectives. Semi-structured interviews with twenty-four college students were conducted and analyzed. The findings indicated that interpersonal relationships could start and sustain students’ interest in science; negative interpersonal relationships could cause students to lose interest in science. Four qualities were often associated with the interest-raising relationships: (1) The influential figure was perceived as having a positive relation with science. (2) The influential figure actively mediated the relation between the student and science. (3) The influential figure conveyed as well as created positive emotions about science when he or she did science with the student. (4) The influential figure and the student had a personal relationship characterized by caring, sharing, and/or launching. Interest-lowering relationships lacked these qualities. Implications for education and future research were discussed.
Numerical Modeling of a Deep, Fixed Bed Combustor

A computational model to evaluate the anticipated performance characteristics of a deep, fixed bed combustor/gasifier utilizing whole trees as the source of fuel is presented. This combustor/gasifier is the heat source for a proposed steam-driven electric power plant utilizing whole trees as the source of fuel. In the simulation model presented, hardwood logs 20 cm in diameter are burned in a 3.7 m deep fuel bed. Solid and gas velocity and CO, CO2, H2O, hydrocarbon, and O2 profiles are calculated. This deep bed combustor obtains high energy release rates per unit area due to the high inlet air velocity and extended reaction zone. The lowest portion of the overall bed is an oxidizing region and the remainder of the bed acts as a gasification and drying region. The overfire air region completes the combustion. Approximately 40% of the energy is released in the lower oxidizing region. The wood consumption rate obtained from the computational model is compared with test results obtained from full scale testin...
Syndesmotic ankle sprains in football: a survey of national football league athletic trainers.

Abstract Objective: To obtain information regarding syndesmotic ankle sprains and to identify a specific treatment modality that reduces the recovery time for syndesmotic ankle sprains. Design and Setting: A mailed survey conducted from the Sports Medicine Department of Tufts University. Subjects: I sent a survey to the head athletic trainers of all 30 National Football League teams. Of the surveys mailed, 23 (77%) were returned. Measurements: The survey consisted of 8 questions pertaining to syndesmotic ankle sprains with respect to mechanism of injury, playing surface, diagnostic tests, immediate and follow-up treatment modalities, best treatment, recovery time, and taping procedure. Results: A variety of causes were noted as being responsible for syndesmotic ankle sprains; the most frequently described mechanism of injury involved a rotational component. Playing surface was not thought to be a factor in the incidence of syndesmotic ankle sprains. Most athletic trainers (96%) indicated that plain radiographs were part of the diagnostic process, while 52% noted that magnetic resonance imaging was also ordered for suspected syndesmotic ankle sprains. The most frequently used modalities during the acute stage were ice, electrical muscle stimulation, casting or bracing (or both), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Proprioception training, ultrasound, and taping were the most commonly used modalities during follow-up treatment. Immobilization, cortico-steroid injection, and ice and exercise were reported to be the best treatments for reducing recovery time of syndesmotic ankle sprains. Conclusions: To date, no treatment plan or modality for syndesmotic ankle sprains has been shown to effectively provide an early and safe return to football. Therefore, the need is clear for prospective studies comparing treatment protocols and severity of injury.