cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Books only got us so far: the need for multi‐genre inquiry

This study examines the instructional steps I took, based on gaps between what was happening in a graduate literacy class I taught and what I had intended to happen. This study describes the ways that I re‐imagined the class and what came about when I created a pedagogical approach that featured multi‐genre inquiry. I define inter‐discursivity as a signal of learning (i.e. when traces of language from one genre spill over into the language of other genres), and I searched for examples of this overlapping language in data. In doing so, I found that the multi‐genre approach led to moments of inter‐discursivity as teachers extended their understandings by appropriating language from one genre into another.
Inhibition of fatty-acid amide hydrolase enhances cannabinoid stress-induced analgesia: Sites of action in the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray and rostral ventromedial medulla

Abstract Recent research in our laboratory has demonstrated that stress activates an endogenous cannabinoid mechanism that suppresses sensitivity to pain [Nature 435 (2005) 1108]. In this work, CB1 antagonists administered systemically blocked stress-induced analgesia induced by brief, continuous foot-shock. The present studies were conducted to examine the role of cannabinoid CB1 receptors in the brainstem rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and midbrain dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG) in cannabinoid stress-induced analgesia (SIA). Pharmacological blockade of vanilloid TRPV1 receptors with capsazepine, administered systemically, did not alter cannabinoid SIA, suggesting that cannabinoid SIA was not dependent upon TRPV1. Microinjection of the competitive CB1 antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A) into either the RVM or dorsolateral PAG suppressed stress antinociception in this model. Rimonabant was maximally effective following microinjection into the dorsolateral PAG. The fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor arachidonoyl serotonin (AA-5-HT) was subsequently used to block hydrolysis of endocannabinoids and enhance SIA. Systemic and site-specific injections of AA-5-HT into either the dorsolateral PAG or RVM induced CB1-mediated enhancements of SIA. Palmitoyltrifluoromethylketone, a potent inhibitor of FAAH and phospholipase A2 activity, administered systemically, exerted similar effects. In all conditions, the antinociceptive effects of each FAAH inhibitor were completely blocked by coadministration of the CB1 antagonist rimonabant. The present results provide evidence that a descending cannabinergic neural system is activated by environmental stressors to modulate pain sensitivity in a CB1-dependent manner.
Efficient use of reference group cues in a single dimension

If there are groups whose endorsements voters can use as positive (or negative) cues, we demonstrate that voters do not need to know anything directly about candidate positions to be able to identify the candidate whose issue positions and performance is likely to be closest to the voter's own preferences. In one dimension we show that, given certain simplifying assumptions, voters are best off adopting the choice recommended by the single reference group to which they are closest. We also show that even a decision by reference groups not to endorse any candidate may be informative to voters.
Semi-geostrophic Flow over Orography in a Stratified Rotating Atmosphere. Part I: Some Aspects of Nonuniform Flow over an Isolated Obstacle.

Abstract Steady, three-dimensional, inviscid flow over orography is examined by means of a semi-geostrophic model. A nonuniform basic current, represented by a deformation flow, is employed. A constant Coriolis parameters ƒ and uniform potential vorticity (constant Brunt-Vaisala frequency N) characteristic this model. A nondimensional mountain height ϵ/D ≲ 0.5, based on the deformation depth D ∼ 3 × 103 m, and a Rossby number Ro ≲ 0.3, based on the mountain breadth L ≳ 3.5 × 105 m, provide constraints on the flow field. Analytic solutions are represented in geostrophic coordinate space as the sum of the deformation flow and an anticyclonic mountain vortex. Although the two solutions are independent in geostrophic coordinate space, these flows are coupled nonlinearly in the transformation to physical coordinate space. A solution is presented for flow over an isolated mountain. The decomposition of the physical space solution into fields of translation, rotation, divergence, and deformation forms the basis ...
Nanoscale TiB precipitates in laser deposited Ti-matrix composites

Abstract Metal-matrix composites based on boride reinforcements in a titanium base matrix have been deposited in situ from a powder feedstock consisting of a blend of Ti-alloy and elemental boron powders using the laser engineered net-shaping (LENS™) process. These composites exhibit a homogeneous multi-scale microstructure consisting of micron to sub-micron as well as nanometer scale TiB precipitates in a metal matrix. While the coarser precipitates result from rapid solidification of the liquid, the nanometer-scale precipitates are likely to form from the solid-state decomposition of a boron supersaturated Ti-base matrix. Such nanometer-scale TiB precipitates can play a prominent role in determining the mechanical properties of these composites.
Impacts of zooplankton grazing and excretion on short-interval fluctuations in chlorophyll a and nitrogen concentrations in a well-mixed estuary☆

Four summer field studies ranging in duration from 31 to 48 h were completed near the mouth of the well-mixed Newport River estuary, Beaufort, North Carolina U.S.A. Short-interval sampling (1–3 h) revealed a distinct diel fluctuation in chlorophyll a concentration, with an afternoon peak followed by a decline usually beginning several hours before sunset. Tides, rainfall and runoff had little effect on this pattern. During one study, abundances at three depths (surface, 1·5 m, 6·5 cm above the 1·8 to 2·8 m bottom) and in situ measurements of gut fullness of adult, female Acartia tonsa Dana, a common phytoplanktivorous copepod, were determined simultaneously with chlorophyll a measurements. Estimates of grazing by postnaupliar copepods > 75 μm explained approximately 9% of the change in ambient chlorophyll a concentration during the large afternoon decline, 19% during the nocturnal decline. Approximately 20% of the daily net primary production was grazed by the postnaupliar copepod community. Short-interval sampling revealed that fluctuations in inorganic nitrogen concentration, unlike chlorophyll a concentration, were affected by tidal phase and runoff as indicated by NO3− + NO2− concentrations. Ammonium peaks occurred during nocturnal ebb tides except when rainfall and runoff were great enough to mask that pattern. Converting food ingested to nitrogen excreted, we calculated that about 16% of the nocturnal inorganic nitrogen increase could be explained by excretion by postnaupliar copepods (> 75 μm). Field NH4+: urea ratios were much higher than the 2:1 ratio of these excretion products reported for copepods in this estuary. This is further evidence that copepod excretion was not primarily responsible for the observed ammonium peaks. These results indicate that postnaupliar copepods play a minor role in summer grazing losses and nitrogen remineralization in this well-mixed estuary.
Tunable Dielectric and Piezoelectric Characteristics of Lead Magnesium Niobate Titanate Relaxor Thin Films

Ferroelectric relaxor thin films Pb[(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 ) 0.9 Ti 0.1 ]O 3 (90PMNIOPT) have been fabricated by the sol-gel technique. The dielectric, piezoelectric and electrostrictive characteristics have been investigated. Experimental results show that the dielectric permittivity and effective piezoelectric coefficients of the films can be tuned by varying dc bias fields which offers the useful features in designing smart micro transducer and actuator systems. Dielectric constants of the films are in the range of 5000 to 6000. The electric field induced strain is on the order of 10 −3 , and the maximum effective d 33 coefficient of 90PMINI0PT films is as large as 265 pC/N at 31 kV/cm. The electrostrictive coefficient Q 11 is on the order of 1.2 c×10 −2 m 4 /C 2 and M 11 is 3.5 c×10 −16 m 2 /V 2 .
Confined-Unconfined Changes above Longwall Coal Mining Due to Increases in Fracture Porosity

Subsidence and strata movement above longwall (total extraction) coal mines produce complex hydrologic responses that can occur independently of drainage to the mine. One response is dewatering from confined to unconfined conditions in bedrock aquifers as a result of loss of water into new void space created by fracture and bedding separations. This dewatering process has been little studied but accounts for several hydraulic and geochemical effects of longwall mining. This article presents a conceptual model of the process and reviews evidence from case studies. Confined bedrock aquifers in subsiding zones exhibit dramatically steep head drops because of the low value of confined storage coefficients relative to the volume of water drained into the new fracture void space. The aquifer changes rapidly to an unconfined condition. Tight units to which air entry is restricted may even develop negative water pressures. In the unconfined state, sulfide minerals present in the strata readily oxidize to soluble hydrated sulfates. When the aquifer re-saturates, these salts are rapidly mobilized and produce a flush of increased sulfate and total dissolved solids (TDS) levels. Observations made in our previous studies in Illinois are consistent with the confined-unconfined model and include rapid head drops, changes to unconfined conditions, and increases in sulfate and TDS during re-saturation of a sandstone aquifer. Studies reported from the Appalachian coalfield show aspects consistent with the model, but in this high-relief fractured setting it is often difficult to distinguish aquifers from aquitards, confined from unconfined states, and the fracture-porosity cause of head drops from several others that occur during mine subsidence.
Reye's syndrome: Salicylates and mitochondrial functions

The effects of aspirin (acetylsalicylate, ASA) and related compounds in the presence of Ca2+ on the oxidative metabolism of isolated rat liver mitochondria were studied. Intact mitochondrial preparations preincubated with ASA + Ca2+ exhibited a transient stimulation of the state 4 respiratory rate with NAD+-linked substrates, followed by an inhibition which could not be released by the addition of ADP or uncoupler. Maximum respiratory rates were achieved by subsequent addition of NAD+ or succinate. The Ca2+-transport inhibitors ruthenium red and ethylene glycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) prevented these effects. Five brands of commercial aspirin were tested and were as effective as purified ASA. Tylenol (acetaminophen) could reproduce these effects only at much higher (greater than or equal to 10-fold) concentrations. Other salicyl derivatives showed results qualitatively similar to ASA, with potencies in the order: acid much much greater than ASA much greater than alcohol greater than or equal to catechol greater than amide, salicylate being approximately 10-fold more potent than ASA. The magnitude of the effect seen depended on the Ca2+ (endogenous + exogenous) and salicylate concentrations/mg mitochondrial protein, and on the length of the preincubation. Added inorganic phosphate was also required. That salicylate + Ca2+ induces an increase in the permeability of the mitochondrial inner membrane was demonstrated by the observation that 90% of the intramitochondrial NAD(P)+ was released into the surrounding medium upon preincubation of intact mitochondria with these agents. Salicylate + Ca2+ had virtually no effect on respiration with succinate (+ rotenone) as substrate at salicylate concentrations which markedly affected NAD+-linked substrate oxidation. The presence of rotenone in the preincubation mixture prevented the damaging effects of salicylate + Ca2+ on the mitochondrial membrane, suggesting that the redox state of intramitochondrial pyridine nucleotides can modulate these effects. The results reported here are similar to those reported previously by our laboratory for the effects of Reye's plasma and allantoin + Ca2+, and indicate that, like these agents, salicylate and salicyl compounds can potentiate the Ca2+-induced damage to the mitochondrial inner membrane and may be another factor responsible for Reye's syndrome.
Rationality and Institutional Contingency: The Varying Politics of Economic Regulation in the Fire Insurance Industry

Are the politics of economic regulation contingent on institutions? Drawing on arguments about institutional mediation and the institutional bases of rational action, we explore how institutions shape the dynamics invoked in two theories of regulation. We argue that institu- tional arrangements affect both the clarity and the content of group inter- ests in regulation. Event history analyses of U.S. states' passage of e re insurance regulation from 1906 to 1930 support these arguments in several ways. Market-heterogeneity dynamics specie ed by cartel-capture theory affected the passage of regulation only under some conditions— namely, relatively depoliticized settings with little overt cone ict or uncer- tainty about policy outcomes. In addition, interest group dynamics were conditioned by the consolidation of interorganizational e elds around a par- ticular model of market order, which allowed divergent interest groups to converge in support of regulation. The research suggests ways of thinking about theoretical generality and specie city, regulatory politics, and the relationship between institutional theory and rationality.
Impact of a television film on attitudes toward mental illness

The possible impact of a prime time television film portraying a mentally ill killer was investigated. Groups of college students were shown the film with and without a film trailer reminding viewers that violence is not characteristic of mentally ill persons. A third group viewed a film not about mental illness. Postfilm responses to the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale indicated that those who saw the target film expressed significantly less favorable attitudes toward mental illness and community care of mentally ill persons than did those who saw the control film, regardless of whether of not they received the trailer along with the target film. Results support concerns that media depictions add to mental illness stigma and also suggest that corrective information alone may be sufficient to counteract the stigmatizing impact of such audience-involving mass media portrayals.
Causes of Chipping of a Stiff‐Mud Facing Brick

A smooth-textured face brick manufactured from a buff-burning fire clay was studied to determine causes of chipping during handling. An impact test was devised to evaluate the chipping resistance of brick and specimens prepared in the laboratory. The cause of chipping is related to a high degree of orientation of plate like particles produced by friction between the clay column and the die during extrusion. Mullite needles are stratified at the surface during firing as they are formed in the plane of the oriented kaolinite particles. Weak interlayer bonding forces at the surface of the brick allow chips to be removed with the application of low impact forces. Improvements in chipping resistance were observed when the particle size of the ground clay was increased or when calcined clay was added to the raw mixture to reduce the number of fine plate like particles which are more easily oriented in one plane than are the larger more equidimensional particles. Lengthening the time at the maturing temperature during firing and decreasing the cooling rate also improved the chipping resistance of the brick.
Statistical simulation of fiber fragmentation in a single-fiber composite

A probabilistic model of fiber fragmentation in a single-fiber composite is presented. The model takes into account the random nature of both fiber and interfacial strengths. The Monte Carlo technique has been chosen for computational realization, and the interface is assumed to be elasto-plastic. In contrast with existing solutions, which use a random generation of flaw locations (or fragment lengths), the present approach is based on the generation of random fiber and interfacial strengths along the fiber and interface, respectively. Numerical calculations of the fragment length distributions are presented as functions of the statistical characteristics of the fiber and interfacial strengths. A significant influence of the fiber strength variability on the distribution and the average value of fragment lengths is shown. In general, the variability of the interfacial strength affects the fragment length distribution as well. A strategy for the measurement and calculation of the interfacial strength distribution from the single-fiber fragmentation test is presented. The strategy is illustrated by using a series of single-fiber glass glass/epoxy composites with five different fiber surface treatments. Statistical parameters for the interfacial strength are evaluated by using a set of dimensionless graphs and tables.
Transitions from Hadley to Rossby Flows in Internally Forced Rotating Spherical Systems.

The possibility of global-scale transitions between the Hadley and Rossby atmospheric regimes is investiated using a simple three-dimensional rotating spherical model without a boundary layer structure, bottom topography, or cumulus friction, and the expected occurrence of the Hadley to Rossby transition is demonstrated. It is shown that a transition from Hadley flow to wavenumber-5 Rossby flow is preferred, in agreement with standard baroclinic instability results. This result gives a reasonable Rossby wave bifurcation from the Hadley solution. For the cases examined, it was found that the upper symmetric Hadley regime does not exist and that the Hadley to Rossby transition depends on the values of the eddy viscosities.
Thermal ignition phenomena in chain-addition copolymerizations

Thermal ignition theory has been extended to include free-radical copolymerizations resulting in dimensionless criteria for runaway and ignition. These criteria were verified by computer simulation and preliminary experimentation. Approximate, but greatly simplified, material and energy balances describing nonisothermal copolymerizations were developed which are similar in form to those describing nonisothermal homopolymerizations. Regions of close agreement, as well as disagreement, between conversion and temperature histories from these approximations and those from the exact balances are described.
States of Undress: Nakedness and the Colonial Imagination

The politics and aesthetics of nakedness was, for Victorians, both complex and slippery, the result of ambivalent nineteenth-century attitudes toward the unclothed body. This essay argues that such vexed attitudes about nudity and nakedness in Victorian Britain cannot fully be comprehended without reference to the experience of empire. Colonialism's seemingly timeless fascination with indigenous undress provoked a number of questions about human difference, evolution, and the nature of civilization. Analyzing different readings of nakedness in the worlds of science (especially anthropology), high art, and popular culture, this essay examines the enduring association between savagery and the lack of clothing.
Transformable Structures: Design Features and Preliminary Investigation

Innovative building conceptions, that allow for the change of the building's shape and form, can offer advantages for certain types of applications compared to conventional structures. The conception, design, and realization of transformable building structures require the use of innovative building technologies, and the development of new analytical methods and procedures. Geometric complexity is usually a characteristic of the architectural expression of transformable structures, and their initial geometric configuration and representation is one of the earliest and most challenging phases in their design. A preliminary investigation with computer simulation and animation studies can help identify problems in their initial geometric conception.
DC-coupled Doppler radar sensor with software-configured fine-tuning architectures for precise monitoring of complex motion patterns

In most of the traditional miniature Doppler radar systems, AC coupling is used between the RF front-end and baseband amplifier. However, the AC coupling can lose very low frequency and DC information, which represent the stationary moment when detecting the movement of the object under test. Although a larger coupling capacitor can alleviate the problem to some extent, it will slow down the system response by increasing the settling time. DC-coupled radar sensors using fine-tuning architectures are proposed in this paper to preserve the DC information. This solution is realized for both on-chip design and board-level design. In the on-chip design, a two-stage variable gain amplifier (VGA) with software-configured DC tuning is proposed. In the board-level design, the AC coupling capacitors are removed and an adaptive feedback loop is used to perform DC offset calibration. Simulations and experiments show that the proposed DC-tuning architectures can completely relieve the radar sensor from circuit saturation and allow it to accurately monitor motions with stationary moments.
Advanced mitigating techniques to remove the effects of wind turbines and wind farms on primary surveillance radars

In the past decade many countries have launched programs to deploy wind turbines as alternative sources of electrical energy. When deployed in wind farms this technology has raised concerns from both air traffic control (ATC) and military authorities. This is due to the fact that the turbine blades return radar echoes that have the potential to distract and confuse the air traffic picture by creating false detections that can effectively mask genuine aircraft returns. Most of the mitigation solutions offered today are either primarily based on such measures as range-azimuth gating or inhibiting track initiation in the vicinity of wind farms. These draconian measures can result in a significant degradation in radar performance and potential air traffic control disruption. They may also require costly redesign of the existing radars. This paper presents a set of 'clean' solutions that mitigate, and in some cases completely eliminate the effect of wind turbine returns. The solution is based on the combination of discrimination techniques applied at the pre-detection, detection and post detection stages of the radar signal processing chain. The suit of mitigation solutions developed does not adversely affect aircraft detection, and can be readily retrofitted to the existing ATC primary surveillance radars (PSR).
Impact of environmental controls on childhood asthma.

Exposure to allergens early in life can lead to sensitization and the development of childhood asthma. It is thought that increased exposure with the advent of modern housing is likely contributing to the rise in prevalence of childhood asthma during the past few decades. The progression from allergen exposure to sensitization and asthma development has been noted with respect to dust mites, pets, cockroach, mouse, mold, tobacco smoke, endotoxin, and air pollution, although some have found a protective effect with pet and endotoxin exposure. Recent studies have shown that allergen remediation may be beneficial in reducing asthma morbidity and development, although there is also some evidence to the contrary. Examples of allergen remediation that have been studied include the use of dust mite–impermeable covers, high-efficiency particulate air filtration, integrated pest management, home repairs, ventilation improvement, and pet removal. Several multifaceted, randomized controlled trials have shown that reducing multiple early allergen exposures with environmental controls is associated with a decreased risk of asthma.
Determining Mode-I Cohesive Parameters for Nugget Fracture in Ultrasonic Spot Welds

Ultrasonic spot welds have been used as a model system to investigate how to determine the mode-I cohesive parameters associated with interfacial fracture of a spot weld. Numerical analyses indicated that, while multiple combinations of the two cohesive parameters (characteristic strength, , and toughness, Γ I ) could result in virtually indistinguishable behaviors for individual geometries, only a single pair of parameters can provide a unique set of behaviors for different test geometries. This provides the basis for determining the cohesive parameters by comparing numerical predictions to experimental observations. In particular, a direct uniaxial tensile test was found to be particularly useful for measuring the characteristic strength of an ultrasonic weld. With the characteristic strength known, the toughness of the weld was determined by fitting numerical predictions to experimental observations of the load–displacement curves obtained from T-peel specimens bonded with the ultrasonic weld. These two parameters were then used without modification to predict the performance of welded U-peel specimens. The numerical predictions for this third configuration were in excellent agreement with the experimental results, verifying that it may be possible to use cohesive-zone parameters to predict the behavior of different geometries of spot welds formed under nominally similar conditions.
Phase sensitive reflectometry and the unambiguous determination of scattering length density profiles

Exact methods for determining the complex neutron reflection amplitude for a thin film, which make use of multiple measurements of the specularly reflected intensities of composite systems, composed of the film adjacent to a reference layer and/or surrounding media, have been developed over the past several years. These techniques are valid even where the Born or distorted wave Born approximations break down. Thus, given both the modulus and phase of the specular reflection, a first-principles inversion can be performed which yields the scattering length density (SLD) depth profile of the film directly. Ideally, if the reflection amplitude is known for all wave vector transfers Q, the associated SLD profile is unique. Applying the aforementioned methods to a purely real SLD profile, which, effectively, is almost always that encountered in neutron reflection, at least two distinct reflectivity curves, corresponding to two different composite film systems, are required to determine the phase by direct algebraic computation, independently at each value of Q. Each of the composite systems consists of the common unknown part of the film plus a different reference layer segment and/or surrounding medium (e.g., the backing). Recently, investigations of certain classes of SLD profiles have been reported in the literature which examine whether a single X-ray reflectivity curve, given certain a priori knowledge about the system, i.e., about known parts of the film SLD and/or substrate, suffices to reconstruct the phase. Employing the exact formulation of phase sensitive reflectometry, we consider several illustrative and realistic cases in which a minimum of two reflectivity curves are required to distinguish the true SLD profile.
Debunking ‘Race’ and Asserting Social Determinants as Primary Causes of Cancer Health Disparities: Outcomes of a Science Education Activity for Teens

Cancer health disparities are often described as the unequal burden of cancer deaths in one racial/ethnic group compared to another. For example, national cancer statistics in the USA shows that Blacks die the most for 9 of the top 10 cancers in men and women. When asked about the underlying causes for this disparity, teen participants speculated that it is primarily due to genetics or biology. This speculation appears to be based on a false concept of ‘race.’ A science activity was created to counter the false concept that genetics/biology underlie the categorization of humans into different ‘races.’ This activity provided teen participants with first-hand evidence of how they are all related at one genetic locus, and how they are more genetically related across racial/ethnic groups than within them. Results of surveys given before and after the activity show that they change their perceptions of ‘race.’ Before the activity, they view themselves as most related at the genetic level to 1–2 well-known individuals (i.e., celebrities) who they perceive as members of their own ‘race’ mainly because of similar appearance. After the activity, they view themselves as related to more/all the celebrities or they state that they do not know to whom they are most related. This increased awareness of the uncertainty between the apparent ‘race’ of an individual and their genetics drives teens to dismiss genetics or biology as the primary cause of racial/ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes. Instead, they consider the unequal distribution of the social determinants of health as the primary cause of cancer disparities.
Integrator design for high-frequency active filter applications

The combined effects of deviation from ideal in integrator magnitude and phase on the performance of integrator-based active filters is investigated. The limitations of using the integrator Q -factor as a measure of integrator performance are discussed. Conditions for minimizing the operational amplifier gain bandwidth product effects on integrator-based active filters are established which are dependent only upon the characteristics of the integrators. Inverting and noninverting integrators for use in active filters which are independent of first-order and second-order operational amplifier time constant effects and require no amplifier matching are introduced. These new integrators are compared with existing actively compensated configurations directly and in a filter structure. Experimental results are presented which confirm the theoretical development.
Psychosocial work characteristics and cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults: The CARDIA study.

The associations of high job demands, low decision latitude and job strain with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among 2665 black and white working men and women were examined in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study--a large, prospective, multi-center study of the development of CVD risk factors in young adults aged 18-30 years at baseline (1985-1986). Multiple linear and multiple logistic regression were used in cross-sectional analyses to examine the associations of job demands, decision latitude and job strain with blood pressure, total serum cholesterol, alcohol use and cigarette consumption. Inverse associations with risk factors were found for high job demands, low decision latitude and job strain. Few associations supported the hypotheses that high job demands, low decision latitude or job strain are associated with increased levels of CVD risk factors. We discuss possible explanations for these findings, including methodologic, age and gender differences between studies. In addition, we discuss the validity of job strain measures for women and minority workers.
A comparative study between mean length of utterance in morphemes (MLUm) and mean length of utterance in words (MLUw)

Prior to Brown’s (1973) introduction of mean length of utterance in morphemes (MLUm), child language researchers and speech-language pathologists used mean length of utterance in words (MLUw) as a measurement of a child’s gross language development. After Brown (1973) and others documented MLUm to be a measure which was correlated with the development of morphological and syntactic skills in young children, the practice of counting MLUm became more widely used and accepted. In the present study, MLUw and MLUm scores of 40 language transcripts from typically-developing, English-speaking children between the ages of 3;0 and 3;10 were compared. Results indicated that MLUm and MLUw are almost perfectly correlated. This finding suggests that MLUw can be used as effectively as MLUm as a measurement of a child’s gross language development.
Collaborative partnerships to support faculty development in the information age

The purpose of this paper is to describe and reflect upon the successful results of an innovative collaborative partnership among faculty and professional support staff at the University of Richmond.
SU‐GG‐I‐130: An Evaluation of Image Quality and Dose for a Hologic Selenia Digital Mammography System with a Tungsten Anode X‐Ray Tube

Purpose:Image quality and breast dose for an amorphous selenium detectordigital mammographysystem with a tungsten (W) anode x‐ray tube and rhodium (Rh) and silver(Ag) filters were compared to an equivalent model system with a molybdenum(Mo)anode x‐ray tube and Mo and Rh filters. Method and Materials: Signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) and mean glandular dose (MGD) were measured for 4, 6 and 8‐cm thick breast equivalent material slabs and an aluminum contrast object. Values were compared over a range of kVp and mAs selections for Mo/Mo, Mo/Rh, W/Rh and W/Ag anode/filter combinations. The kVp selection that resulted in the highest SDNR for each thickness and anode/filter combination was determined. SDNR at the optimum kVp for each anode/filter was then compared. The automatic exposure control (AEC) selections for the W and Mosystem were also compared with regards to SDNR and MGD. Results: W/Rh was found to produce the highest SDNR over a wide MGD range, followed by W/Ag, Mo/Rh and Mo/Mo. The W anodesystem provided a 30–35% improvement in SDNR for the same breast dose as compared to the Moanodesystem. When the SDNR of the W anode and M anodesystems are matched, the W anodesystem resulted in a 40–50% reduction in MGD. Using the W anodesystem default AEC for selection of exposure parameters, a 7–25% improvement in SDNR and a 10–30% reduction in MGD was achieved, as compared to the Moanodesystem.Conclusion: The W anodesystem provides superior image quality for the same breast dose. The default AEC for this system provides a compromise between image quality improvement and decreased dose as compared to the Moanodesystem.
Wavelet Transforms and Ocean Current Data Analysis

Abstract The recently advanced approach of wavelet transforms is applied to the analysis of ocean currents. The conventional analyses of time series in the frequency domain can be readily generalized to the frequency.and time domain using wavelet transforms. An application of wavelet analysis to a set of observed current data acquired during the spring of 1991 in Lake Michigan shows some significant time-localized characteristics that would not be detected using the traditional Fourier transform approach.
Translesion Synthesis past Equine Estrogen-derived 2′-Deoxyadenosine DNA adducts by Human DNA polymerases η and κ

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of developing breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Equilin and equilenin are the major components of the widely prescribed drug used for HRT. 4-Hydroxyequilenin (4-OHEN), a major metabolite of equilin and equilenin, promotes 4-OHEN-modified dC, dA, and dG DNA adducts. These DNA adducts were detected in breast tumor and adjacent normal tissues of several patients receiving HRT. We have recently found that the 4-OHEN-dC DNA adduct is a highly miscoding lesion generating C → T transitions and C → G transversions. To explore the mutagenic potential of another major 4-OHEN-dA adduct, site-specifically modified oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single diastereoisomer of 4-OHEN-dA (Pk-1, Pk-2, and Pk-3) were prepared by a postsynthetic method and used as DNA templates for primer extension reactions catalyzed by human DNA polymerase (pol) η and κ that are highly expressed in the reproductive organs. Primer extension catalyzed by pol η or pol κ occurred ra...
Managing painful diabetic neuropathy.

Painful neuropathy affects up to 5% of patients with diabetes. Although the pain is often difficult to treat, the choice of drugs has broadened. Included are tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, anticonvulsants, and antiarrhythmics.
Effect of pressure on low-temperature transport in GaAs-Ga0.8In0.2As strained layer superlattices☆

The effect of hydrostatic pressure to 8 kbar on the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillation frequency, the electron effective mass and the mobility was measured using solid He pressure techniques on n-type GaAs-Ga0.8In0.2As strained layer superlattice materials grown by molecular beam epitaxy.
The C-polynomial of a knot

Abstract We derive, from the A -polynomial of a knot, a single variable polynomial for the knot, called C -polynomial, and explore topological and geometrical information about the knot encoded in the C -polynomial.
Female Sexuality, Citizenship, and Law The Strange Case of Louise Comacho

The relationship between sexuality and law encompasses the regulation of sexual activities, expressions, behaviors, and choice of sexual partners. Although the most visible forms of sexual regulation occur in the policing of homosexual activities, heterosexual activities are not exempt, especially the activities of heterosexual females. This article examines how immigration and citizenship law provided the legal basis for the attempted deportation of an American-born female citizen under the “moral turpitude” clause of immigration law. It is a historical snapshot of a moment in which immigration restrictions, sexual politics, and law intersected to create a unique situation that compromised the civic rights of an American-born woman.
On-line pyrolysis of hydrocarbons coupled to high-precision carbon isotope ratio analysis

Abstract High-precision carbon isotope ratios are reported for gas phase pyrolysis products of toluene and n-alkanes from C5 to C10. Toluene yields benzene and methane exclusively, while n-alkanes yield methane and α-olefins. Pyrolysis product isotope ratios were determined with a mean precision of SD( δ 13 C ) 15‰ on average compared to the parent alkanes for all but octane, where it was enriched by almost 1‰. Complementary binary fragment isotope ratios were closely correlated to the isotope ratio of the parent. These data show that high-precision isotope ratios of hydrocarbon pyrolysis products are indicative of source and will be useful for fingerprinting and on-line position-specific isotope analysis (PSIA).
Newcomer socialization: The role of supervisors, coworkers, friends and family members.

The present study examined referents for sensemaking and the relationships between choice of referent and socialization outcomes. Newly hired employees of a state department of mental health were surveyed at two time periods approximately six months apart. Results indicated that newcomer use of friends and family as referents for sensemaking predicted socialization outcomes at Time 1, whereas use of supervisors and coworkers as referents for sensemaking predicted socialization outcomes at Time 2. The implications of these results for practice are discussed.
Morphological and mechanical properties of extruded polypropylene/nylon-6 blends

Blends of polypropylene and nylon-6 extruded into ribbons at varying draw ratios generated laminar morphologies under our conditions. For the binary system, the size and distribution of the dispersed phase is coarse. The addition of an ionomer to the nylon prior to blending compatibilized the phases and produced much finer domains. The tensile properties of the virgin matrix material respond to the draw ratio in a parabolic manner attaining a maximum at intermediate values. Blending with nylon-6 attenuates the effect without improving the tensiles markedly. The compatibilized system however demonstrates greatly improved mechanical properties.
An investigation of the combustion synthesis of MoSi2 β-SiC composites through electric-field activation

Abstract Using field-activated combustion synthesis (FACS), composites of (1− x ) MoSi 2 − x SiC were prepared directly from elemental powders. Systems with 0 x ≤0.18 can sustain a combustion wave but the product contained unreacted Si and C in addition to MoSi 2 and β -SiC. Systems with x >0.18 do not sustain a wave without the application of an external electric field. Composites of MoSi 2 and β -SiC can be synthesized for 0≤ x ≤1.0 in the presence of fields above threshold field values. The threshold value decreased with increasing x value. Both combustion wave velocity and temperature increased nearly linearly with an increase in field above the threshold value for any given composition ( x value). The influence of carbon particle size on the dynamics of the synthesis and the effect of the magnitude of the field on the nature and microstructure of the product were also investigated.
Patient variables impact lumbar spine dual energy X-ray absorptiometry precision

Changes in bone mineral density are used to monitor osteoporosis therapy. To determine whether a change in bone mass is clinically significant, the precision of bone mineral density measurements must be known. We therefore measured the impact of vertebral body exclusion on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) precision. At one university and one Veterans Affairs DXA center, three radiology technologists each scanned 30 participants twice, with repositioning between scans, to estimate DXA precision. Three International Society for Clinical Densitometry-certified physicians reviewed all lumbar spinal scans to note the presence of focal structural defects. We calculated precision for subsets of vertebrae, and for virtual samples of patients with and without physician-identified vertebral focal structural defects. We graphed the reciprocal of least significant change versus bone area to determine the dependence of precision on interpreted scan area. Within each sample, greater interpretable bone area improved precision. The contribution of interpreted bone area to precision differed among the samples, ranging from 57 to 94%. Greater population bone mineral density heterogeneity and presence of focal structural defects each decreased precision. All bone densitometry centers must determine precision using a sample representative of their served populations. Failure to do so may lead to incorrect determination of least significant change. Population heterogeneity, vertebral body exclusion and presence of focal structural defects each decreases precision.
The electroreduction of several metallo-octakis(methylthio)tetraazaporphyrins

Abstract The electroreductive chemistry of free base and metal-substituted 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis(methylthio)tetraazaporphyrins has been investigated in pyridine at a Pt electrode. The free base, Mg, Ni, Cu and Zn derivatives were electroreduced in three discrete one-electron transfers. For all five complexes, electroreduction produced mono-, di- and tri-aniomic complexes with an enrichment of electron density on the macrocyclic ring. For the Co derivative, electron transfer reactions involving both the central metal atom and the macrocyclic ring were observed. Electron transfer pathways are proposed based upon voltammetric, coulometric and spectroelectrochemical results.
Health and disease in southern Africa: a comparative and vulnerability perspective

Using a vulnerability and comparative perspective, this paper examines the status of health in southern Africa highlighting the disease complex and some of the factors for the deteriorating health conditions. It is argued that aggregate social and health care indicators for the region such as life expectancy and infant mortality rates often mask regional variations and intra-country inequalities. Furthermore, the optimistic projections of a decade ago about dramatic increases in life expectancy and declines in infant mortality rates seem to have been completely out of line given the current and anticipated devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in southern Africa. The central argument is that countries experiencing political and/or economic instability have been more vulnerable to the spread of diseases such HIV/AIDS and the collapse of their health care systems. Similarly, vulnerable social groups such as commercial sex workers and women have been hit hardest by the deteriorating health care conditions and the spread of HIV/AIDS. The paper offers a detailed discussion of several interrelated themes which, through the lense of vulnerability theory, examine the deteriorating health care conditions, disease and mortality, the AIDS/HIV situation and the role of structural adjustment in the provision of health care. The paper concludes by noting that the key to a more equitable and healthy future seems to lie squarely with increased levels of gender empowerment.
Preparation of new blocked diisocyanate for dental application

A novel two-stage method of preparing 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methoxyphenol or cholorophenol blocked 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate (TDI) was devised. The first stage reaction of TDI with HEMA was carried out in petroleum ether heterogeneously with the precipitation of the intermediate product, monoadduct, in the reaction solution, and followed by a second stage homogeneous reaction of monoadduct with the blocking agent, chlorophenol, or methoxyphenol, in ethyl acetate. In both reactions the inhibitor, chloranil, and the catalyst, dibutyltin dilaurate, were used. A total of eight products were achieved. Results of elemental analyses of these products along with their LC chromatograms, NMR, and IR spectra indicated that these materials were indeed the compounds expected. Testing results of these materials as dental adhesives will be reported in a separate paper.
ICRF produced thermal barriers in a three-cell axisymmetric tandem mirror

A thermal barrier plasma potential structure in a three-cell axisymmetric tandem mirror has been produced using only the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF), with a central cell density of up to 1013 cm−3 and a central cell ion temperature of approximately 40 eV. Thermal barrier like potential dips occurred in the region of a magnetic field gradient, at a magnetic beach of a slow wave launched in the end cell. The barrier formation is a result of a combination of radiofrequency trapping, radiofrequency enhanced potentials and μ∇B forces. The barrier pumping is consistent with μ∇B forces and θ × drifts.
Prioritization of ground water contaminants and sources

The objective of this research was to identify chemical, physical, bacteriological, and viral contaminants, and their sources, which present the greatest health threat in public ground water supplies in the USA; and to classify (prioritize) such contaminants and relative to their health concerns. The developed contaminant prioritization methodology was based on frequency of occurrence and adverse health effects. Adverse health effects were based on carcinogenic potency, toxicity, hazardous chemical priorities and drinking water standards. Application of the methodology for wellhead protection areas, (WHPAs) revealed that approximately 200 different contaminants have been detected in the nation's public ground water supplies. The seven chemical constituents with the highest priority were arsenic, chromium, cadmium, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1, 1-dichloroethylene, and ethylene dibromide. Other contaminants of concern were trichloroethylene, nitrates, barium, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene, tetrachloroethylene, selenium, lead, toluene, mercury, gross alpha radiation, methylene chloride, coliform bacteria, metolachlor, metribuzin, 1, 1, 2, 2-tetrachloroethane, dibromochloroethane, simazine, radium-266, and toxaphene. The contaminant source prioritization methodology was also based on frequency of occurrence. Over 30 categories of sources were evaluated, with the eight with highest priority including agricultural activities, hazardous waste sites, landfills, industrial operations, septic tank systems, oil and gas field activities, urban land use, and underground storage tanks.