cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Design of Redundant Robotic Manipulators for Spatial Positioning that are Optimally Fault Tolerant

This work presents a method for identifying all the kinematic designs of spatial positioning manipulators that are optimally fault tolerant in a local sense. We use a common definition of fault tolerance, i.e., the post-failure Jacobian possesses the largest possible minimum singular value over all possible single locked-joint failures. The large family of physical manipulators that can achieve this optimally failure tolerant configuration is then parameterized and categorized. We develop a general computational technique to evaluate the resulting manipulators in terms of their global kinematic properties, with an emphasis on failure tolerance. Several manipulators with a range of desirable kinematic properties are presented and analyzed, with a specific example of optimizing over a given class of manipulators that possess a specified kinematic constraint.
Interaction of cadmium and benzo[a]pyrene in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus): Effects on acute mortality

Abstract Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), a common estuarine fish species, were exposed to cadmium (Cd) and benzo[a]pyrene (BP) to study the effects of single and combined exposure on acute mortality. Experiments were performed to establish acute, 14 day LD50 values for Cd and BP after intraperitoneal injection. Combinations of 5.6–56 mgkg−1 BP and 0.1–10mgkg−1 Cd were injected concomitantly to investigate interactive effects on mortality. The calculated LD50 value for BP was 35.7 mgkg−1 (95% confidence interval (c.i.): 29.3–43.6), the LD50 value for Cd was 6.5 mgkg−1 (95% c.i.: 4.4–9.5). Based on the LD50 values, toxic units were calculated for the combined dosages of Cd and BP. The results showed that when Cd was dosed at sublethal levels together with lethal BP doses, mortality was lower than expected. When BP was dosed at sublethal levels with sublethal Cd doses, mortality was higher than expected. These results indicate that, depending on the concentrations of the compounds, both synergistic and antagonistic effects can occur when mummichog are exposed to a combination of Cd and BP. Possible mechanisms for these interactive effects may include the inhibition of P450 by Cd and the inactivation of metallothioneins by reactive BP metabolites.
Conceptual and Lexical Development in Second Language Acquisition

Abstract Lexical and conceptual representation in bilingual memory for both novice and expert bilinguals was examined in a series of three experiments. In Experiment 1a, monolingual English speakers learned a set of Spanish–English translations and were then tested using a translation recognition task. Response times to orthographically related foils were longer than response times to unrelated words. Lexical interference was also found to a lesser extent for expert bilinguals. In Experiment 1b, semantically related foils also produced interference, but the interference was greatest for expert bilingual participants. A bilingual version of the Stroop color-word task was used in Experiment 2, and novice and expert bilinguals each demonstrated Stroop effects both within and between languages. The results of all three experiments indicate that both conceptual and lexical links are formed for second language words, even after a single learning session. These results call into question the asymmetrical model of bilingual memory proposed by Kroll and Stewart (1994) which suggests that novice bilinguals rely exclusively on lexical representations when first acquiring a second language.
Contemporary management of stage T1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Purpose: Transitional cell carcinoma involving the lamina propria (stage T1) is associated with a high recurrence and progression rate with implications for patient survival and quality of life. A better understanding of the natural history of and treatment alternatives for this tumor may improve the outcome in patients with this stage of bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: Literature of the last decade was comprehensively reviewed in regard to clinical and pathological diagnosis, adjuvant treatments, prognosis, and the role and timing of cystectomy. The information was gathered from MEDLINE, current urology journals, abstracts from recent urological meetings and personal experience.Results: High grade and the depth of lamina propria invasion are important prognostic factors. Early diagnosis and accurate pathological assessment are essential for determining the most adequate treatment pathway. Initial treatment consists of complete transurethral resection and adjuvant treatment with intravesical instill...
Temperature calibration of heat flux DSC's on cooling

The temperature calibration of a TA Instruments 3200-2920 DSC has been performed on cooling using the isotropic → nematic, isotropic → cholesteric and other liquid crystal → liquid crystal transitions of thermally stable, high purity liquid crystals. The thermal stability of these liquid crystals has been verified by measuring the temperature of the mentioned transitions during cyclic heating and cooling experiments. Correspondence has been established between the real and indicated temperature during cooling for all combinations of heating and cooling rates of practical interest: correction values were determined to the indicated temperature in order to obtain the real temperature on cooling. These correction values were calculated as the average from the temperatures of four or five different liquid crystal transitions for each heating-cooling rate combination. The accuracy of the temperature calibration on cooling is ca. 0.2‡C for heating and cooling rates up to 20‡C min−1.
Biosynthesis of steroid hormones in human gonads VI. in vivo perfusion of the testis with 1-14c-acetate and 7α-3h-cholesterol

Abstract 14 C-acetate (22.2 μg) and 3 H-cholesterol (0.39 μg) were injected into the spermatic artery of a 58-year-old man. In the following 45 min., 137.5 ml blood (64.5 ml plasma) were collected from the corresponding vein. Here 3 H/ 14 C-double labeled dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone were isolated and identified by chromatography, by formation of the acetates and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones and by crystallization with non-labeled standards. Venous cholesterol, purified by digitonin precipitation, bromination and crystallization with standard, contained only 3 H activity. The data suggested that the testis was able in vivo to synthesize steroid hormones de novo from acetate as well as from cholesterol. Significant amounts of 3 H and 14 C activity were found to be coupled with sulfuric acid.
High-Temperature Switching Characteristics of 6H-SiC Thyristor

A 280 V 6H-SiC thyristor has been fabricated and characterized. The switching characteristics of the SiC thyristor were investigated over a temperature range from 23 °C to 400 °C, with a switched current density of 4900 A/cm 2 being observed under pulse bias condition. The thyristor has shown a dV/dt of 400 V/ms. Both the turn-on time and turn-off time increase significantly at 400 °C. The thyristor forward breakover voltage decreases by only 5% when the operating temperature is increased from 23 °C to 400 °C.
An Introduction to the Variable Inertia Flywheel (VIF)

A flywheel with variable moment of inertia, combining the functions of energy storage and power control is introduced. Potential designs are presented and the basic physical governing equations developed. Examples of the flywheel system powering a constant angular rate, frictional load, and an accelerating automobile are presented. Limitations of and potential for future development which become evident in the examples are discussed.
Rare, Nonsynonymous Variant in the Smooth Muscle-Specific Isoform of Myosin Heavy Chain, MYH11, R247C, Alters Force Generation in the Aorta and Phenotype of Smooth Muscle Cells

Rationale: Mutations in myosin heavy chain ( MYH11 ) cause autosomal dominant inheritance of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. At the same time, rare, nonsynonymous variants in MYH11 that are predicted to disrupt protein function but do not cause inherited aortic disease are common in the general population and the vascular disease risk associated with these variants is unknown. Objective: To determine the consequences of the recurrent MYH11 rare variant, R247C, through functional studies in vitro and analysis of a knock-in mouse model with this specific variant, including assessment of aortic contraction, response to vascular injury, and phenotype of primary aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Methods and Results: The steady state ATPase activity (actin-activated) and the rates of phosphate and ADP release were lower for the R247C mutant myosin than for the wild-type, as was the rate of actin filament sliding in an in vitro motility assay. Myh11 R247C/R247C mice exhibited normal growth, reproduction, and aortic histology but decreased aortic contraction. In response to vascular injury, Myh11 R247C/R247C mice showed significantly increased neointimal formation due to increased SMC proliferation when compared with the wild-type mice. Primary aortic SMCs explanted from the Myh11 R247C/R247C mice were dedifferentiated compared with wild-type SMCs based on increased proliferation and reduced expression of SMC contractile proteins. The mutant SMCs also displayed altered focal adhesions and decreased Rho activation, associated with decreased nuclear localization of myocardin-related transcription factor-A. Exposure of the Myh11 R247C/R247C SMCs to a Rho activator rescued the dedifferentiated phenotype of the SMCs. Conclusions: These results indicate that a rare variant in MYH11 , R247C, alters myosin contractile function and SMC phenotype, leading to increased proliferation in vitro and in response to vascular injury. # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-33}
Mediators of the relationship between social support and positive health practices in pregnant women.

Background:Literature suggests that there is a need to study a broadly conceived variable of positive health practices in pregnant women and to examine theoretically related variables that help to explain positive health practices in pregnant women.Objectives:The aims of this study were to examine t
Becker's theory of the family: Preposterous conclusions

Economic theory as applied to the family should increase our understanding of the phenomena we are studying, and allow us to implement fruitful intervention in cases where we are not satisfied with what is occurring. Much if not all of the theory of the family fails to achieve these aims. Examples are given from the most recent edition of Gary Becker's Theory of the Family, where the analysis leads to conclusions that are, on their face, preposterous. This kind of theorizing leads, as does almost all neoclassical theory, to a conclusion that the institutions depicted are benign, and that government intervention would be useless at best and probably harmful. But it isn't necessarily so.
Skeletal troponin C reduces contractile sensitivity to acidosis in cardiac myocytes from transgenic mice

Abstract Depressed contractile function plays a primary role in the pathophysiology of acute myocardial ischemia. Intracellular acidification is an important factor underlying the inhibition of force production in the ischemic myocardium. The effect of acidosis to depress contractility is markedly greater in cardiac as compared to skeletal muscle; however, the molecular basis of this difference in sensitivity to acidosis is not clearly understood. In this report, we describe transgenic mice that express the fast skeletal isoform of troponin C (sTnC) in cardiac muscle. In permeabilized single cardiac myocytes the shift in the midpoint of the tension-pCa relationship (i.e., pCa50, where pCa is -log[Ca2+]) due to lowering pH from 7.00 to 6.20 was 1.27 +/- 0.03 (n = 7) pCa units in control cardiac TnC (cTnC) expressing myocytes and 0.96 +/- 0.04 (n = 11) pCa unit in transgenic cardiac myocytes (P < 0.001). The effect of pH to alter maximum Ca(2+)-activated tension was unchanged by TnC isoforms in these cardiac myocytes. In a reciprocal experiment, contractile sensitivity to acidosis was increased in fast skeletal muscle fibers following extraction of endogenous sTnC and reconstitution with purified cTnC in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that TnC plays an important role in determining the profound sensitivity of cardiac muscle to acidosis and identify cTnC as a target for therapeutic interventions designed to modify ischemia-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction.
BRCA1 methylation contributes to the triple-negative breast cancer phenotype.

Abstract #4050 Triple-negative breast cancers are tumors characterized by their lack of hormone receptors (ER and PR) and HER2. They are the most aggressive form and account for 10–17% of all breast carcinomas. A subgroup of triple negative tumors with a basal-like phenotype share morphological features and similar gene expression profiles with tumors from BRCA1 mutation carriers. It has recently been shown that inactivation of BRCA1 in breast epithelial stem cells restricts subsequent progenitor cells to a basal cell phenotype and promotes expansion of ER negative cells (Liu et al 2008, PNAS). While mechanisms of BRCA1 inactivation in sporadic tumors are not completely elucidated, methylation of the BRCA1 promoter is one important mechanism that contributes to loss of BRCA1 expression in sporadic breast cancer. We hypothesize that inactivation of BRCA1 by epigenetic mechanisms such as promoter methylation contributes to the triple negative phenotype. Materials and Methods : Using a combination of methylation specific PCR and Immunohistochemistry, 120 primary breast cancers were analyzed for methylation of the BRCA1 promoter and protein expression of ER, PR and HER2. All tumors with negative staining for ER, PR and HER2 were classified as triple negative and all others were classified as non triple-negative. Results: We were able to classify 111 of the 120 (%) tumors by IHC. We found that 30 out of 111 (27%) tumors were ER, PR, and HER2 negative (triple negative). BRCA1 methylation was detected in 14 out of 30 (47%) triple negative tumors, compared with 10 out of 81 (12%) other tumor phenotypes (p Conclusion : These data suggest that BRCA1 inactivation by mutation or methylation may in part drive breast tumor progression toward the triple negative phenotype. Ongoing work will evaluate epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in triple negative breast cancers This abstract is supported by Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the Lee Jeans Entertainment Industry Fund. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 4050.
Ideology as "Metabiology": Rereading Burke's "Permanence and Change.".

The role of ideology in Kenneth Burke's texts, addressed by Frederic Jameson twenty years ago, remains a timely question, as seen in recent books by Stephen Bygrave and Robert Wess. I explore the implications of this debate for rhetorical criticism, arguing that, in Permanence and Change, Burke develops a “metabiological” theory of ideology that is based upon the interrelated concepts of “metabiology, “ “orientation, “ and “recalcitrance. “ This theory of ideology provides the outlines for a metabiological rhetorical criticism, a criticism that goes beyond radical perspectivism, grounding the possibility of normative claims in the dialectical interplay between the symbolic and the nonsymbolic.
A Mid-IR Multivariate Analysis Study on the Gross Calorific Value in Longleaf Pine: Impact on Correlations with Lignin and Extractive Contents

Twenty 70-year-old longleaf pine trees from a spacing, thinning, and pruning study were harvested, from which samples were analyzed for gross calorific value (GCV). A strong correlation was found between GCV and extractive contents for the unextracted wood samples. Although lignin content should impact GCV, no correlation was found between the variation in GCV with lignin content for the extractive-free wood samples. Mid-IR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis provided strong correlations between the mid-IR-predicted and calorimetry-determined values for the unextracted wood samples. Plotting the regression coefficients for GCV and extractive contents showed that the same mid-IR bands were responsible for the strength of these models. Spectral differences were observed between the different extract samples, and relative peak intensities appeared to be dependent upon the extractive contents from the wood samples. Thus, models were also built based on the corresponding wood extractive contents using the actual extracts. These provided good correlations, suggesting a proportional change in extractive compositions coinciding with the total amount of extractives present in the unextracted wood samples.
Cell cycle: Driving the centrosome cycle

Abstract Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) control major transitions as cells pass through the cell cycle. It has recently been shown that centrosome duplication in vertebrates requires Cdk2 activity and can be driven solely by Cdk2–cyclin E complexes.
The ascending and descending projections of the red nucleus in the cat : An experimental study using an autoradiographic tracing method

Injections of [3H]leucine were stereotaxically placed in the red nucleus of cats, and the ascending and descending rubral projections were traced by following the transport of isotopically labeled protein from red nucleus cell bodies to their terminals. The chief advantage of this technique over fiber degeneration methods is that it is possible to selectively trace a fiber system which is originating in a region containing fibers of passage. Slow axopasmic flow was utilized to demonstrate the course of the efferent fibers as well as their terminal fields. The descending projections to the facial and lateral reticular nuclei, the inferior olivary complex, and the spinal cord, previously established by fiber degeneration methods, were confirmed. In addition, a number of projections were found which have not previously been reported in the cat. These included projections to the main sensory trigeminal nucleus, and nucleus oralis and nucleus caudalis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus, the descending vestibular nucleus, the cuneate and gracile nuclei, and cell groups x and z. No evidence was found of a projection to thalamic nuclei which have been thought to receive rubral efferents in the cat on the basis of degeneration studies. Transport of label by surrounding reticular cells did not account for any of these results.
Semisynthetic synthesis and biological activity of a Clostridial-type ferredoxin free of aromatic amino acid residues

Abstract Clostridium M-E ferredoxin has been chemically modified by replacing the only aromatic amino acid residue it contains, Tyr2, with leucine. The resulting Clostridium M-E [Leu2]ferredoxin, which is devoid of aromatic amino acid residues, is as active as the native Clostridium M-E ferredoxin or as Clostridium acidi-urici ferredoxin as an electron carrier in the phosphoroclastic enzyme system.
Sexual Permissiveness and Religious Orientation

orientation (n = 48) tended to be less permissive than persons classified as indiscriminately proreligous (n = 40). Further, both groups were less permissive than extrinsically religious subjects (n = 63). The relationship of religiosity to sexual behaviors and attitudes was examined using measures of sexual permissiveness and religious orientation. Allport devised a religious orientation scale which identifies three types of individuals: intrinsically religious persons who live their religion, the extrinsically religious who use their religion, and indiscriminately proreligious people who as yet have not established their religious standards (Allport & Ross, 1967). Attitudinal diFferences in premarital sexual permissiveness for the three religious types were examined. It was predicted that intrinsically religious persons, because they live their religion, would be less permissive than persons classified as indiscriminately proreligious, who, in turn, would be less permissive than extrinsically religious persons. Subjects (65 males, 86 females; ages ranged From 16 to 54 years but most were 18 ro 25 years old) attending either a Methodist or Presbyterian church were asked to complete the 20item religious orientation scale and a 10-item measure designed to assess theit premarital sexual permissiveness. Each scale was in Likert format and based on end-points ranging from 1 (definitely disagree) to 5 (definitely agree). Based on their religious orientation scores, respondents were classified as intrinsically (n = 48), extrinsically (n = 63), or indiscriminately proreligious (n = 40). Subjects' scores on the permissiveness scale were examined using a one-way analysis of variance with the three levels of religiosity employed as the selection variable. This analysis gave strong support for the predicted pattern (F=21.0, p<.001). Intrinsically religious persons (M = 22.7) were indeed less permissive than the indiscriminately proreligious group (M = 24.1) who were less permissive than the extrinsic group (M = 30.1). Newman-Keuls comparisons showed groups were significantly different with the exception of the intrinsically and indiscriminately proreligious groups. Thus, the results supported the prediction that religious orientation is related to premarital sexual permissiveness.
Peripheral fatigue: high-energy phosphates and hydrogen ions.

Abstract Peripheral fatigue results from an overactivity-induced decline in muscle function that originates from non–central nervous system mechanisms. A common symptom of fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or weariness because of overexertion, such as that associated with intense or prolonged physical exercise. Fatigue is worsened by low physical fitness and chronic illnesses. These conditions may intensify fatigue to levels that limit physical and social functioning and severely diminish health-related quality of life. Although etiologic aspects of peripheral fatigue are often associated with regulatory system (neurologic, endocrine, immunologic, muscular) and support system (cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, digestive, skeletal) limitations, final mediation occurs in muscle cells as a result of altered crossbridge functioning. Specifically, the final product and ionic metabolite accumulation that result from adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis appear to inhibit crossbridge formation and activation. Thus, clinical manifestations of peripheral fatigue often can be observed as limitations placed upon muscle or cardiorespiratory endurance, here defined as fatigue resistance. An overview of the common pathways by which peripheral fatigue can be mediated is provided. Product inhibition of contractile chemistry is brought into focus as a common pathway through which the mechanisms of peripheral fatigue often act.
Development of an Inverse Method to Estimate Overall Building and Ventilation Parameters of Large Commercial Buildings

The authors propose an inverse method to estimate building and ventilation parameters from non-intrusive monitoring of heating and cooling thermal energy use of large commercial buildings. The procedure involves first deducing the loads of an ideal one-zone building from the monitored data, and then in the framework of a mechanistic macro-model, using a multistep linear regression approach to determine the regression coefficients (along with their standard errors) which can be finally translated into estimates of the physical parameters (along with the associated errors). Several different identification schemes have been evaluated using heating and cooling data generated from a detailed building simulation program for two different building geometries and building mass at two different climatic locations. A multistep identification scheme has been found to yield very accurate results, and an explanation as to why it should be so is also given. This approach has been shown to remove much of the bias introduced in multiple linear regression approach with correlated regressor variables. The authors have found that the parameter identification process is very accurate when daily data over an entire year are used. Parameter identification accuracy using twelve monthly data points and daily data over three months of the year wasmore » also investigated. Identification with twelve monthly data points seems to be fairly accurate while that using daily data over a season does not yield very good results. This latter issue needs to be investigated further because of its practical relevance.« less
Urea formation and urea cycle enzymes in the cestode, Hymenolepsis diminuta

Abstract 1. 1. The rat parasite, Hymenolepsis diminuta , was shown to form urea as a metabolic end-product during aseptic incubations in vitro . 2. 2. More ammonia than urea was produced under the experimental conditions employed, but the rate of urea production indicates that the formation of this compound may be of quantitative significance in the nitrogen metabolism of these flatworms. 3. 3. Although the mechanism for urea synthesis in Hymenolepsis was not established, incorporation of bicarbonate-C 14 into the urea formed was shown to take place. By extrapolation from what is known of urea biosynthesis in ureotelic vertebrates, this suggests a urea cycle or similar mechanism in this organism. 4. 4. Activities of the urea cycle enzymes, ornithine transcarbamylase and arginase, were detected in cell-free preparations of the parasites and were partially characterized for comparison with their vertebrate counterparts.
Intraaortic balloon pump insertion after percutaneous revascularization in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease

Severe aortoiliac peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is considered a contraindication for the placement of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) because of a high risk of limb ischemia. Recent advances in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting have altered the treatment of iliac stenoses such that the results of PTA with stenting compare favorably with surgery. We reviewed our experience with placement of IABP between July 1994 and February 1996. Of 64 patients receiving IABP, 17 had known or suspected peripheral vascular disease. Severe iliac or distal aortic stenoses were present in 9. These 9 patients underwent PTA with or without stenting prior to 10 IABP insertions. Limb ischemia occurred in 10% of PVD patients treated with percutaneous revascularization, compared to 11% in patients without PVD. No patient had a serious vascular complication or required vascular surgery. We conclude that percutaneous revascularization in patients with severe aortoiliac PVD, for whom this IABP insertion had previously been considered contraindicated, results in a low rate of limb ischemia.
Oil, urbanization, and ‘pacted’ ethnic politics: Indigenous movements in Latin America

According to resource curse theory, oil may cause ethnic rebellions. However, this article proposes a conditional explanation for the oil-causes-rebellions curse by examining indigenous movements in oil-producing countries in Latin America. I argue that oil price drops and oil-caused land conflicts increase the likelihood of rebellions if indigenous peoples remain under-urbanized, as evidenced by the 1994 Zapatista rebellion in Mexico. Conversely, indigenous peoples are likely to pursue an ethnic politics that is ‘pacted’ if oil-led economic activities have urbanized them. In Venezuela and Ecuador, oil has created an urban-indigenous class. When Venezuela and Ecuador introduced neoliberal reforms to deal with their economic crises caused by oil price drops, indigenous peoples made efforts to codify indigenous rights in the constitution as a pact. I conclude that this conditional explanation fits Latin America due to two regional factors: ethno-corporatist legacies and diffusion effects.
FRIEDA: Flexible Robust Intelligent Elastic Data Management in Cloud Environments

Scientific applications are increasingly using cloud resources for their data analysis workflows. However, managing data effectively and efficiently over these cloud resources is challenging due to the myriad storage choices with different performance-cost trade-offs, complex application choices, complexity associated with elasticity and, failure rates. The explosion in scientific data coupled with unique characteristics of cloud environments require a more flexible and robust distributed data management solution than the ones currently in existence. This paper describes the design and implementation of FRIEDA - a Flexible Robust Intelligent Elastic Data Management framework. FRIEDA coordinates data in a transient cloud environment taking into account specific application characteristics. Additionally, we describe a range of data management strategies and show the benefit of flexible data management schemes in cloud environments. We study two distinct scientific applications from bioinformatics and image analysis to understand the effectiveness of such a framework.
Structure of the 13C-enriched O-deacetylated glucuronoxylomannan of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A determined by NMR spectroscopy.

Abstract The complete assignment of 1H and 13C chemical shifts for 99% uniformly 13C-labeled O-deacetylated glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) of Cryptococcus neoformans serotype A isolate 9759-Mu-1 was accomplished by the analysis of HCCH-TOCSY and HCCH-COSY spectra. The sequence of the glycosyl residues was determined by a GHMBC experiment using 20% uniformly 13C-labeled GXM; GXM was prepared by a novel procedure that insured the virtual exclusion of adjacent 13C-labeled carbon atoms. For each residue in the GXM of 9759-Mu-1 we determined its linkage position, its anomeric configuration, and its position in the repeating sequence as follows:
Reliability and validity of scores from the index of learning styles.

BACKGROUND No medical education studies have investigated the validity of scores from Felder's Index of Learning Styles (ILS). This study evaluated the reliability of ILS scores, and compared them with scores from Pelley's Learning Styles Type Indicator (LSTI). METHOD Internal medicine residents completed the ILS twice and the LSTI once. RESULTS A total of 138 residents consented. Cronbach's alpha and test-retest correlation for ILS scores were 0.61 and 0.75 (active-reflective dimension), 0.78 and 0.81 (sensing-intuitive), 0.70 and 0.60 (visual-verbal), and 0.67 and 0.81 (sequential-global). The multitrait-multimethod matrix provided evidence of convergence and discrimination for scores from the active-reflective and sensing-intuitive dimensions of the ILS and LSTI. Cronbach's alpha for LSTI scores ranged from 0.19 to 0.69. CONCLUSIONS These data support the reliability and validity of scores from the ILS active-reflective and sensing-intuitive dimensions.
The Measurement of U.S. Real Capital Input, 1929-1967

The purpose of this paper is to develop methods for the measurement of real capital input. These methods are based on perpetual inventory estimates of capital stock and corresponding estimates of capital service prices. Stocks and service prices are adjusted for relative utilization of capital. The resulting estimates represent a separation of income from capital into price and quantity components. Estimates of capital input in current and constant prices are constructed for corporate business, non-corporate business, and households and non-profit institutions in the United States for the period 1929–1967. These estimates are prepared in a form suitable for integration into the U.S. National Income and Product Accounts.
Time-resolved photodissociation and threshold collision-induced dissociation of anionic gold clusters

Abstract Bond dissociation energies and fragmentation patterns of small gold anionic clusters, Au n − , are studied by the time-resolved photodissociation lifetime ( n =6, 7) and energy-resolved threshold collision-induced dissociation ( n =2–7) methods. The main fragmentation channels are found to be loss of an atom or loss of a dimer. Time-resolved photofragmentation and both prompt and delayed electron loss are observed upon photon absorption. Dissociation energies are extracted using a statistical model for the unimolecular decomposition following collisional excitation or photoexcitation. Values obtained from the two methods overlap within the error bars. Dissociation energies for the loss of an atom from gold cluster anions, D 0 (Au n −1 − –Au), show even–odd alternation.
Reactions of Metal Acetylacetonates

Certain metal acetylacetonates undergo reactions characteristic of aromatic systems. Outstanding among these are electrophilic substitutions and the formation of a stable diazonium fluoroborate. Unsymmetrically substituted chelates have been prepared by stepwise substitution of trifunctional complexes. Chemical and physical properties of such mixed-ring complexes provide evidence for intramolecular interannular electronic effects transmitted through the metal ion.
The impact of extended practice on rate of mental rotation

9-, 13-, and 20-year-olds were tested on 3840 trials of a mental rotation task in which they judged if pairs of stimuli presented in different orientations were identical or mirror images. Response time increased linearly as a function of the difference in orientation of the stimuli, and the slope of this function was used to estimate rate of mental rotation. At all ages, mental rotation became faster over trials. Age differences in rate of mental rotation were eliminated after approximately 1500 trials. At all ages the influence of practice was well characterized by hyperbolic and power functions. Furthermore, children's and adolescents' data were well fit by hyperbolic and power functions in which most of the parameters of those functions were constrained to adults' values. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms underlying the impact of practice.
Modeling of ultrashort pulsed laser ablation in water and biological tissues in cylindrical coordinates

A numerical model combining the ultrafast radiative transfer and the ablation rate equation is proposed to investigate the transient process of plasma formation during laser plasma-mediated ablation of absorbing-scattering media. The focus beam propagation governed by the transient equation of radiative transfer is solved by the transient discrete ordinates method to account for scattering effect. The temporal evolution of the free-electron density governed by the ablation rate equation is calculated using a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method to examine various effects such as the multiphoton, chromophore, and cascade ionizations. The threshold of optical breakdown, the shape and maximum length of plasma growth for ablation in water are predicted by the present model and compared with the existing experimental and numerical data. Good agreements have been found. The dynamic process of plasma formation for ablation in the model skin tissue is simulated. A parametric study with regard to the influences of the ionization energy and the critical free-electron density on the ablation threshold of the tissue is conducted.
Reading disorders in children

Reading disorders in children present a complex and often frustrating set of problems. Often this frustration leads to a search for a logically simple cure. Current research has failed to implicate vision as a source of these problems. Dyslexia is a much more global dysfunction, and its treatment is also broader in scope. This article examines the causes and effective treatments for children with dyslexia. It also examines treatments that are ineffective and based upon the erroneous concept that reading disorders are secondary to abnormalities of vision.
M p (G)≠ M q (G) ( p −1 + q − =1)

There exists a compact groupG havingM 4/3(G)≠M 4(G). This answers in the negative (the dual reformulation of) a question of Eymard (Seminaire Bourbaki, 1969/70).
Field-dependent magnetic susceptibility in exchange enhanced Pd-Rh alloys at 200 kG

Abstract Direct observations of a field dependent magnetic susceptibility in strongly exchange enhanced Pd(Rh) alloys are presented. An exchange enhancement of about 9 is obtained (based on estimates of band parameters) for Pd 0.95 Rh 0.05 and a negative curvature of the density of states (at E F ) versus energy is deduced.
Differential effects of 3-PPP enantiomers on extracellular dopamine concentration in the caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens of rats.

The ability of the enantiomers of 3-PPP (3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine) to modify the extracellular concentration of dopamine (DA) in the caudate-putamen and the nucleus accumbens of awake rats was assessed using intracranial microdialysis. The enantiomers and the racemate were directly infused at 3 incremental concentrations (1–100 μM) or systemically administered by subcutaneous injection (10 mg/kg). Both systemic administration and direct infusion of (−)3-PPP at the highest concentration (100 μM) significantly increased extracellular DA in both brain regions. This increase was also seen in the presence of higher extracellular DA levels following reuptake inhibition by nomifensine (10 μM). In contrast to the effects of (−)3-PPP, systemic administration of both (+)3-PPP and (±)3-PPP decreased DA levels. Infusion of (±)3-PPP led to slight increases in DA levels in both brain regions at the highest concentration (100 μM), while (+)3-PPP at 100 μM also produced a significant increase in the caudate-putamen, but not in the nucleus accumbens. However, in the presence of nomifensine-induced elevations in extracellular DA, (+)3-PPP produced a significant decrease in DA concentrations in both brain regions. These results support previous findings that the enantiomers of 3-PPP show unique profiles in their in vivo effects on DA terminal functions. Furthermore, these effects are dependent on the mode of 3-PPP administration, the brain region in which DA overflow is measured, and the level of basal extracellular DA.
NMR investigations of ultraslow diffusion in incommensurate insulators and in biomedical systems (e.g. lung)

Abstract This paper discusses two new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques for studying ultraslow atomic and molecular motions, and describes their applications to several very dissimilar situations: (1) modulation wave motions in incommensurate insulators, (2) ultraslow atomic motions between chemically inequivalent sites, and (3) restricted diffusion of water molecules in lung. Modulation wave motions and ultraslow atomic diffusion between inequivalent sites have been detected via observations of a Hahn echo decay that is shorter than the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill decay and is characterized by an exponential dependence on the cube of the echo time. They have also been detected by 2D exchange difference spectroscopy. Restricted diffusion in lung has been studied by measurements of the stimulated echo decay using very large (∼1 T/cm) static magnetic field gradients. With this technique the diffusion coefficient D has been measured at very short times, resulting in the detection of the transition from free to restricted diffusion, which in turn allows an estimate to be made of the separation of the restricting boundaries.
Progesterone to prevent spontaneous preterm birth

Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prevention is an important healthcare priority. Preterm parturition is one of the 'great obstetrical syndromes' and is caused by multiple etiologies. One of the mechanisms of disease is the untimely decline in progesterone action, which can present as a clinically silent sonographic short cervix in the midtrimester. The detection of a short cervix in the midtrimester is a powerful risk factor for preterm delivery. Vaginal progesterone can reduce the rate of preterm delivery by 45% and the rate of neonatal morbidity (admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, respiratory distress syndrome, need for mechanical ventilation, etc.). To prevent one case of spontaneous preterm birth <33 weeks of gestation, 11 patients with a short cervix would need to be treated (based on an individual patient meta-analysis). Vaginal progesterone reduces the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in women with a short cervix, both with and without a prior history of preterm birth. In patients with a prior history of preterm birth, vaginal progesterone is as effective as cervical cerclage to prevent preterm delivery. 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate has not been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in women with a short cervix.
The safety effects of child-resistant packaging for oral prescription drugs. two decades of experience

Objective. —To evaluate the effectiveness of child-resistant packaging in reducing the mortality rate for children younger than 5 years from the unintentional ingestion of oral prescription drugs. Design. —Annual mortality rates for children younger than 5 years associated with the unintentional ingestion of oral prescription drugs are constructed for 1964 through 1992. The effect of child-resistant packaging on the child mortality rate during the postintervention period (1974 through 1992) is evaluated with a multivariate time series regression model. The analysis controls for changes in the consumption of oral prescription drugs over time and for long-term safety trends. Setting. —United States. Subjects. —Children younger than 5 years. Main Outcome Measure. —Estimated reductions in the child mortality rate associated with the use of child-resistant packaging. Results. —After controlling for covariates, the use of child-resistant packaging was associated with an annual reduction in the oral prescription drug—related mortality rate of 1.40 (95% confidence interval, 0.85-1.95) deaths per million children younger than 5 years. This suggests a reduction of about 460 child deaths from 1974, the year oral prescription drugs became subject to child-resistant packaging requirements, through 1992—a mortality rate reduction of about 45% from levels projected without the child-resistant requirements. Conclusion. —Child-resistant packaging reduces child mortality from the unintentional ingestion of oral prescription drugs. (JAMA. 1996;275:1661-1665)
A reversible NO complex of FeII(TIM): an nitrosyl

Abstract [Fe(TIM)(CH 3 CN) 2 ](PF 6 ) 2 ( 1 ) (TIM = 2,3,9,10-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclodeca-1,3,8,10-tetraene) forms a complex with NO reversibly in CH 3 CN (53±1% converted to the NO complex) or 60% CH 3 OH/40% CH 3 CN (81±1% conversion). Quantitative NO complexation occurs in H 2 O or CH 3 OH solvents. The EPR spectrum of [Fe(TIM)(solvent)NO] 2+ in frozen 60/40 CH 3 OH/CH 3 CN at 77 K shows a three line feature at g =2.01, 1.99 and 1.97 of an S= 1 2 FeNO 7 ground state. The middle line exhibits a three-line N-shf coupling of 24 G indicating a six-coordinate complex with either CH 3 OH or CH 3 CN as a ligand trans to NO. In H 2 O [Fe(TIM)(H 2 O) 2 ] 2+ undergoes a slow decomposition, liberating 2,3-butanedione, as detected by 1 H NMR in D 2 O, unless a π-acceptor axial ligand, L=CO, CH 3 CN or NO is present. An equilibrium of 1 in water containing CH 3 CN forms [Fe(TIM)(CH 3 CN)(H 2 O)] 2+ which has a formation constant K CH 3 CN=320 M −1 . In water K NO K CH 3 CN since NO completely displaces CH 3 CN. [Fe(TIM)(CH 3 CN) 2 ] 2+ binds either CO or NO in CH 3 CN with K NO / K CO =0.46, sigificantly lower than the ratio for [Fe II (hemes)] of ∼1100 in various media. A steric influence due to bumping of β-CH 2 protons of the TIM macrocycle with a bent S= 1 2 nitrosyl as opposed to much lessened steric factors for the linear FeCO unit is proposed to explain the lower K NO / K CO ratio for the [Fe(TIM)(CH 3 CN)] 2+ adducts of NO or CO. Estimates for formation constants with [Fe(TIM)] 2+ in CH 3 CN of K NO =80.1 M −1 and K CO =173 M − are much lower than to hemoglobin (where K NO =2.5×10 10 M −1 and K CO =2.3×10 7 ) due to a reversal of steric factors and stronger π -backdonation from [Fe II (heme)] than from [Fe II (TIM)(CH 3 CN)] 2+ .
Freezing of Moduli by N=2 Dyons

In N=2 ungauged supergravity we have found the most general double-extreme dyonic black holes with arbitrary number n{sub v} of constant vector multiplets and n{sub h} of constant hypermultiplets. They are double-extreme: (1) supersymmetric with coinciding horizons, (2) the mass for a given set of quantized charges is extremal. The spacetime is of the Reissner-Nordstroem form and the vector multiplet moduli depend on dyon charges. As an example we display n{sub v} complex moduli as functions of 2(n{sub v} + 1) electric and magnetic charges in a model related to a classical Calabi-Yau moduli space. A specific case includes the complex S, T, U moduli depending on 4 electric and 4 magnetic charges of 4 U(1) gauge groups.
Axiomatic Design of a Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) Wafer Carrier with Zoned Pressure Control

Axiomatic Design was used to develop a complete platform for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of silicon wafers. A functional requirement of the machine emerging from the axiomatic design process is the control of the wafer-scale polishing uniformity. Mechanisms to maintain control of the uniformity were designed, and integrated into a wafer carrier, which holds the wafer during polishing and applies normal pressure to the polishing interface. The wafer carrier is capable of controlling the pressure in four annular zones on a 200 mm wafer, as well as the pressure of the surrounding retaining ring. Initial testing of the wafer carrier indicates a successful design, offering removal non-uniformity of 1.7% after polishing 5,700 A of SiO2 from the surface of a silicon wafer.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The servo-control system for an omnidirectional mobile robot

The authors describe the design and implementation of a motor drive control system for an omnidirectional wheelbase, the Ilonator platform, developed at the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. The experimental mobile platform is mounted on four omnidirectional wheels which permit a full three degrees of freedom (3 DOF) in the plane. The distributed servo-control system is coordinated by onboard computer which converts 3-DOF acceleration commands into individual velocity commands for the four wheels. Four HCTL-1000 motor control chips close the velocity-control feedback loops for the wheels. Details of the platform kinematics and motion command structure, servo hardware design and implementation, software for command and joystick control, and the experimental tuning of the controller parameters are presented. >
The power of in-class debates

The students in three sections of a class rated their knowledge and identified their view before and after each of five in-class debates. The degree of self-reported knowledge was significantly different after four of the five debates. Between 31% and 58% of participants changed their views after participating in or observing each debate. Some changed their opinion even when they defended the side consistent with their original view. Despite their fears of participating in a debate, prior to the first debate, approximately 75% of the participants stated that they would consider using debate as an instructional strategy, and after the debates, this increased to about 85%. In both instances, males were more likely to respond positively than were females.