cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Some functions and uses of literacy in the deaf community

Differences in patterns of literacy can be understood in terms of communicative needs as governed by culturally learned notions about the appropriateness of a given communicative mode for a given social activity and by practicality as determined by biological structures and processes. It is through literacy that the deaf person can share in the linguistic experiences of the society at large, since written language is not distorted by the handicapped auditory sense. This study provides the first analysis of the ways writing is used among the deaf and between deaf and hearing communicators. Four groups were consulted and observed: the social community of deaf adults who sign, families in which parents are hearing and at least one child is deaf, families in which parents are deaf and children are hearing or deaf, deaf and hearing schoolteachers. Families with hearing parents use virtually no writing, whereas families with deaf parents and deaf adults in general use writing for several functions. The reading abilities of deaf school leavers seldom exceed fourth grade level; nevertheless, deaf adults use writing daily for exchange of information in the home, in public, on the job, and for communication by means of a telephone adaptation with a keyboard. The uses of literacy are largely conversational, personal, and instrumental. Commercial print in the form of captioned television and movies is also available. Deaf children born to deaf parents are socialized into these uses. Deaf children born to hearing parents are not. Writing which occurs in classrooms with deaf children is largely limited to lesson work, even when teachers are deaf. Literacy programs should take into account the communicative needs of deaf adults and the patterns of literacy use in deaf families. (Literacy, deafness, crosscultural analysis, ethnography of communication)
The influence of parental styles on children's consumption

Purpose – This study aims to examine parental styles based on levels of nurturing and authoritarianism to determine mothers ' awareness of children ' s media exposure, likelihood of setting media and consumption limits and communications with children about commercial messages. Design/methodology/approach – The research design included a survey aimed at mothers of children ages four-eight. The researchers collected demographic, behavioral and consumption information regarding the mother ' s youngest child. Findings – The results suggest that nurturing mothers are more aware of advertising aimed at children and talk more to children regarding advertising and consumption than authoritarian mothers. Mothers who are nurturing and not authoritarian are more likely to yield to requests and favor more regulation than other parents. Research limitations/implications – The research is based on a convenience sample of mothers who were willing to provide confidential personal information about their children. Practi...
Problems and Paradigms: Relating biochemistry to biology: How the recombinational repair function of RecA protein is manifested in its molecular properties

The multiple activities of the RecA protein in DNA metabolism have inspired over a decade of research in dozens of laboratories around the world. This effort has nevertheless failed to yield an understanding of the mechanism of several RecA protein-mediated processes, the DNA strand exchange reactions prominent among them. The major factors impeding progress are the invalid constraints placed upon the problem by attempting to understand RecA protein-mediated DNA strand exchange within the context of an inappropriate biological paradigm – namely, homologous genetic recombination as a mechanism for generating genetic diversity. In this essay I summarize genetic and biochemical data demonstrating that RecA protein evolved as the central component of a recombinational DNA repair system, with the generation of genetic diversity being a sometimes useful byproduct, and review the major in vitro activities of RecA protein from a repair perspective. While models proposed for both recombination and recombinational repair often make use of DNA strand cleavage and transfer steps that appear to be quite similar, the molecular and thermodynamic requirements of the two processes are very different. The recombinational repair function provides a much more logical and informative framework for thinking about the biochemical properties of RecA and the strand exchange reactions it facilitates.
Credit market frictions and the allocation of resources over the business cycle

Abstract In a seminal paper, Davis and Haltiwanger (1990) demonstrated that recessions are associated with increased job reallocation. The conventional view has interpreted this as evidence of “cleansing”: less productive jobs are destroyed in recessions, and resources are reallocated to more productive uses. This paper argues instead that in the presence of credit market frictions, reallocation might go the other way, directing resources from more efficient to less efficient uses. This will occur if more efficient production arrangements are also more vulnerable to credit constraints. I show that this pattern arises endogenously in an equilibrium model, and offer some evidence that firms with higher output per worker tend to borrow more, suggesting they are more vulnerable to credit constrains.
Endoscopic therapy of pseudocysts in chronic pancreatitis

The optimal drainage strategy for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts in the setting of chronic pancreatitis remains controversial. Endoscopic therapy has evolved as a primary treatment modality for drainage of these symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts. Although there are no prospective comparative data between endoscopic, percutaneous (radiological), and surgical drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, endoscopic therapy appears to have acceptable success, recurrence, and complication rates to be considered first-line therapy. The endoscopic approach of placing stents may be performed through a transpapillary (through the papilla), or transmural (transgastric or transduodenal) approach. Transpapillary drainage is performed when a clear communication between the pseudocyst and the main pancreatic duct exists. Transmural entry and drainage may be performed using a variety of techniques, with or without the use of endoscopic ultrasound guidance. Transduodenal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts appears to be associated with a lower recurrence rate than transgastric drainage, probably because of the creation of a permanent internal drainage tract. This article summarizes the techniques of endoscopic therapy for draining symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts arising in the setting of chronic pancreatitis.
Review of Imaging in Advertising: Verbal and Visual Codes of Commerce, by Fern Johnson, Routledge, 2008

In Imaging in Advertising: Verbal and Visual Codes of Commerce, Fern Johnson posits that advertisements need to be analyzed for both their verbal and visual elements. Though most people understand ...
Introduction to bacterial motility and chemotaxis.

Bacteria swim by rotating semirigid, left-handed helical flagellar filaments; counterclockwise (CCW) rotation produces straight swims, known as “runs,” and clockwise (CW) rotation generates abrupt changes in direction, known as “tumbles.” As a cell moves through its environment, alternately running and tumbling, it detects spatial gradients of attractants and repellents by making temporal comparisons of their concentration. These chemicals bind to receptors in the cell envelope to modulate the activity of the chemotactic signal transducers, proteins that span the cytoplasmic membrane. Signals generated by the transducers control the motion of the flagella to promote migration up attractant gradients and down repellent gradients. Chemotactic adaptation, accomplished by methylation-demethylation of the transducers, cancels out these signals. Adaptation is an essential component of the “memory” that allows bacteria to use a temporal mechanism to detect spatial gradients. Both signaling and adaptation are mediated by changes in the level of phosphorylation of several cytoplasmic chemotaxis (Che) proteins. The activity of the transducers regulates the rate of autophosphorylation of the CheA protein, which then passes the phosphate on to other proteins. In particular, phosphorylated CheY protein controls the frequency of tumbling because it promotes CW flagellar rotation, and the CheB esterase modulates adaptation because its nonphosphorylated form removes methyl groups from the transducers much more slowly than its phosphorylated form.
Never Let the Passions Be Your Guide: Descartes and the Role of the Passions

Commentators commonly assume that Descartes regards it as a function of the passions to inform us or teach us which things are beneficial and which are harmful. As a result, they tend to infer that Descartes regards the passions as an appropriate guide to what is beneficial or harmful. In this paper I argue that this conception of the role of the passions in Descartes is mistaken. First, in spite of a number of texts appearing to show the contrary, I argue that Descartes does not regard it as the role of the passions to inform us about what is beneficial or harmful. Second, although Descartes calls the passions good and useful, I argue that Descartes does not think we should allow ourselves to be guided by them. When we recognize that the function of the passions is largely motivational and not informative, we can more easily understand Descartes's practical advice in The Passions of the Soul that happiness requires us to guide our passions instead of letting our passions guide us.
Multi-generation health risks of persistent organic pollution in the far north: use of the precautionary approach in the Stockholm Convention

Abstract Precautionary regulation of persistent, toxic substances is controversial because of continued and irresolvable uncertainties in ecotoxicology. This is especially an issue for people who eat wild food, still a common practice in the Arctic. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been shown to interfere with hormone function and genetic regulation. In animal studies, myriad dysfunctions can be induced (manifested later in life) by low-dose POPs exposure during development. The ubiquity of POPs in biological tissue makes all organisms subject to developmental exposure. The Arctic, where subsistence living is common, is a sink region for POPs. To curtail bioaccumulation and biomagnification, the United Nations has created the Stockholm Convention in May 2001, which targets 12 chemicals for virtual elimination. Using the precautionary approach, the treaty also enables the listing of new targets as threats are recognized. The “dirty dozen” are well-documented developmental toxics and other POPs are expected to exhibit similar patterns of accumulation and harm. Arctic peoples insist that waiting for irrefutable evidence is poor planning. Nevertheless, the United States, a major signatory, has proved reluctant to ratify the language that would enable this expedient listing of new targets. Such reluctance allows health threats in the Arctic and around the world to grow. This paper reviews the theoretical background for and current evidence regarding the global issues of endocrine disruption and POPs contamination, especially as they relate to wildlife and people in the far north. It is concluded that there is an urgent need for the US to ratify the full text of the Stockholm Convention, including the provision for the listing of new targets.
Effects of benzo(a)pyrenf and tetrachlorodibenzo(p) dioxin on fetal dolphin kidney cells: Inhibition of proliferation and initiation of DNA damage

Abstract Dolphin kidney cells (CDK) were exposed in vitro to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in the presence or absence of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo(p)dioxin (TCDD), a cytochrome P450-inducing agent, and/or α-naphthoflavone (α NF), an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 induction. BaP inhibited mitosis in CDK cells in a dose-dependent manner. TCDD, while inhibiting cell proliferation, did not show a strict dose-dependent mode of action. BaP inhibition of mitosis was decreased by αNF, which also decreased the inhibitory effects of TCDD on CDK proliferation. BaP treatment initiated both 3H-thymidine incorporation and the increased alkali lability of DNA functions of the initiation of excision repair. Cells pre-treated with TCDD and then exposed to BaP exhibited increased BaP-DNA adduct levels and increased DNA excision repair. These data indicate that dolphin cells metabolized BaP in vitro as a function of cytochrome P450-associated activities, that BaP metabolites covalently bound to cellular DNA and initiated excision repair. Inhibition of the cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of BaP decreased the BaP-associated inhibition of mitosis in dolphin cells.
A comparison of ER-2 measurements of stratospheric water vapor between the 1987 Antarctic and 1989 Arctic Airborne missions

Vertical profiles of water vapor inside the Antarctic vortex have been compared with those taken outside it over Punta Arenas (53 deg S, 71 deg W). A similar exercise was performed with Arctic vortex profiles and those taken over Stavanger (59 deg N, 6 deg E). Residual water, defined as the stratospheric water vapor mixing ratio with the contribution from methane oxidation subtracted, is also shown as profiles inside and outside the vortex for both missions. The Arctic and Antarctic profiles of water vapor and residual water are compared. Locally dehydrated air was evident both inside and outside the Antarctic vortex, but such dehydration was not evident in and around the Arctic vortex. Arctic profiles of residual water are consistent with nontropical entry for some air.
Reactor residence-time distribution effects on the multistage polymerization of olefins—II. Polymer properties: bimodal polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene

Most polyolefin products are prepared by solid-catalyzed olefin polymerization in continuous processes. The natural presence of reactor residence-time distributions implies a distribution of polymer properties in the final product, which can have a significant effect on the quality of the resin. In this work we apply a population balance approach for the prediction of important polymer properties such as molecular-weight and copolymer composition distributions. The modeling concepts are illustrated with examples of bimodal polypropylene produced in two stirred-bed reactors in series and linear low-density polyethylene. For linear low-density polyethylene, comparisons between a well-mixed reactor and a fluidized bed with particle-size-selection effects are shown. It is demonstrated that residence-time distribution effects play a significant role on the establishment of polymer architecture properties such as molecular-weight and average copolymer composition distributions.
Experimental studies of a deformable-mirror adaptive optical system*

The measured characteristics of two different deformable mirror designs are presented. Each mirror is uncooled and has 37 piezoelectric actuators. The mirrors have comparable frequency response usable to over 20 kHz, but possess quite different actuator influence functions. One exhibits an exp(−αr1.5) characteristic and the other has an exp(−γr2.5) characteristic. The latter mirror is used in an 18-channel multidither adaptive optical system to perform both phase dither and phase correction functions. The measured characteristics of this system’s performance include a 2 ms convergence time and effective turbulence compensation. Evidence is presented of “2Nπ” servo ambiguities, a behavior which reduces an adaptive system’s overall phase compensation performance. The performance of the deformable mirror adaptive system is compared to an equivalent segmented (piston) mirror system.
Biosynthesis and compartmentalization of rat-intestinal vitamin-D-dependent calcium-binding protein.

We have purified the primary translation product of rat intestinal vitamin-D-dependent calcium-binding protein mRNA from wheat germ and ascites cell-free systems. We show that calcium-binding protein is neither synthesized as a larger precursor nor likely to be exported from the intestinal epithelium. Our conclusions are based on the following observations. (1) The primary translation product, NH2-terminally labeled with formyl[35S]methionine, comigrates with the mature cytoplasmic protein during electrophoresis through denaturing gels. (2) It does not possess a cleavable signal peptide sequence or internal signal equivalent as judged by co- and post-translational cleavage assays in vitro. (3) The NH2 terminus of the cell-free product is acetylated. (4) Comparison of the NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the primary translation product and cyanogen bromide peptides obtained from the blocked, purified cytoplasmic protein. The kinetics of calcium-binding protein mRNA accumulation and decay in rachitic intestinal epithelium after primary and secondary stimulation with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol) were studied using the cell-free translation system. The results are reminiscent of other steroid-hormone-inducible systems. Both the rate of mRNA accumulation and the peak response were greater after secondary stimulation.
The Politics of Dominant Party Formation: United Russia and Russia's Governors

Abstract This article analyses the emergence of United Russia (Edinaya Rossiya) as a dominant party by examining the behaviour of Russia's governors. Using original data on when governors joined United Russia, the article demonstrates that those governors with access to autonomous political resources were more reluctant to join the dominant party. By showing that Russian elite members made their affiliation decisions on the basis of calculations about their own political resources rather than simply being coerced by the Kremlin, this article provides evidence for a theory of dominant party formation that casts the problem as a two-sided commitment problem between leaders and elites.
A L-band spherical section long slot antenna array with metamaterial ground plane for satellite communications

A new L-band long slot antenna array design is described. Besides the use of long slot array to provide dual polarization radiation pattern in the 1-2 GHz band, the antenna is integrated with a metamaterial ground plane to provide compact design and improved gains. Simulation results of S-parameters and radiation patterns will be presented and the design trade-off will be discussed in details.
Semiparametric Estimation for the Additive Inverse Gaussian Frailty Model

In survival analysis it is usually assumed that, conditional on observable covariates, life times are statistically independent. In many situations this assumption is not reasonable because individuals are naturally or artificially grouped, and within groups survival times may be associated. Frailty models are commonly employed to model dependent event times. In this article, the additive inverse Gaussian frailty model is studied. This model assumes that within each group individual frailties are correlated. Each frailty is the sum of two parts, a part shared by all group members and an individual specific part, and both parts follow the inverse Gaussian distribution. The EM algorithm is used to estimate frailty parameters and risk coefficients. Variances of these estimates are also computed. Testing procedures are discussed to discriminate between submodels.
The fatty acid content of meat and poultry before and after cooking

Fatty acids distribution of various cuts of pork, lamb, beef, turkey, and chicken before and after cooking were analyzed by the spectrophotometric method. Results indicate that only a small amount of the polyunsaturated fatty acids was lost with ordinary methods of cooking. The reliability of these apparent fatty acid values after cooking is discussed. A table of fatty acid composition of these meats as eaten is also presented for dietary purposes.
The cedar DBMS: a preliminary report

The Cedar DBMS is a database management system developed as part of the Cedar programming environment. The system has several unusual aspects, including its interface for applications programming in a strongly-typed procedural language and its distribution of computation and data over a network. This paper describes the design goals, architecture, and implementation of the Cedar DBMS.
A new N,N,O chelate for transition metal chemistry: Fe5 and Fe6 clusters from the use of 6-hydroxymethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (hmbpH).

The initial use of the anion of 6-hydroxymethyl-2,2'-bipyridine (hmbpH) as a chelate in coordination chemistry is described. The syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetochemical characterization are reported of four new iron(III) clusters [Fe502(OH)(02CMe)5(hmbp)3](ClΟ 4 )2 (1) and [Fe 6 Ο 2 (ΟH) 2 (Ο 2 CR) 6 (hmbp)4](NO 3 ) 2 (R = Ph (2), Me (3), Bu t (4); hmbpH = 6-hydroxymethyl-2,2'-bipyridine). The reaction of Fe(ClΟ 4 ) 3 , hmbpH, and sodium acetate in a 1:1:∼4 ratio in EtOH gave 1, and the reaction between [Fe 3 O(O 2 CR) 6 (H 2 O) 3 ](NO 3 ) (R = Ph, Me, Bu') and hmbpH in a 1:1 ratio in MeCN gave 2-4, respectively. The core of 1 consists of a [Fe 4 (μ 3 -O) 2 ] 8+ butterfly unit to which is attached a fifth Fe atom by bridging O atoms. The core of 2-4 also consists of a [Fe 4 (μ 3 -O) 2 ] 8+ butterfly unit to which are attached an Fe atom on either side by bridging O atoms. Variable-temperature (T) and -field (H) solid-state DC and AC magnetization (M) studies were carried out on complexes 1-4 in the 5.0-300 K range. Fitting of the data revealed that 1 has an S = 5/2 ground state spin whereas 2-4 possess an S = 5 ground state. Fitting of the M/Nμ B vs HIT data by matrix diagonalization and including only axial zero-field splitting (ZFS) gave values of the axial ZFS parameter |D| of 0.75, 0.36, 0.46, and 0.36 cm -1 for 1-4, respectively.
Spontaneous reduction of acute intussusception in children

Abstract Five cases of acute recurrent intussusception in children are described in which spontaneous reduction occurred after one or more attacks. In three patients operation was carried out, the intussusception reduced and the appendix removed; in two no operation was performed. Clinical cure was observed in all cases with no further attacks for a significant interval. Analysis of these cases, as well as of thirty others culled from the literature, emphasizes the importance of recurrent intussusception as a cause of obscure abdominal complaints in children. The clinical manifestations, terminology, diagnosis and treatment have been briefly discussed.
Stimulatory Tests of Growth Hormone Secretion in Prepubertal Major Depression: Depressed versus Normal Children

ABSTRACT Objective Blunted stimulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion after pharmacological stimuli has been linked to depressive and anxiety disorders throughout the life span. This study sought to better characterize this dysregulation in prepubertal depression. Method GH regulation was compared in 38 medically healthy prepubertal children with current major depressive disorder and 19 control children who were medically and psychiatrically healthy. The study evaluated GH stimulatory responses to three pharmacological challenge agents: (1) insulin-induced hypoglycemia, using 0.1 IU/kg intravenous regular insulin; (2) 1.3 μg/kg intravenous clonidine; and (3) 1.0 μg/kg intravenous human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH). Results The results provide replication and extension of earlier findings. GH responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia and to GHRH stimulation were blunted in depressed children compared to the normal controls. Clonidine stimulation results yielded a similar picture but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Overall these results further strengthen the evidence showing GH dysregulation in childhood depression. However, the blunted GH response seen with GHRH (which reflects pituitary hyporesponsivity) was in contrast to our original hypothesis and has implications regarding the site (or sites) of dysregulation.
A Botswana Education: Experiences in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Abstract This article examines the early experiences of a teacher of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Botswana, Africa, followed by his time as a teacher trainer and his earlier graduate school experiences. As a case study, this article offers personal and professional insights about “new” teachers, teacher preparation, language learning and multiculturalism.
Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac239 Infection of Major Histocompatibility Complex-Identical Cynomolgus Macaques from Mauritius

Nonhuman primates are widely used to study correlates of protective immunity in AIDS research. Successful cellular immune responses have been difficult to identify because heterogeneity within macaque major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes results in quantitative and qualitative differences in immune responses. Here we use microsatellite analysis to show that simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-susceptible cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) from the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius have extremely simple MHC genetics, with six common haplotypes accounting for two-thirds of the MHC haplotypes in feral animals. Remarkably, 39% of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques carry at least one complete copy of the most frequent MHC haplotype, and 8% of these animals are homozygous. In stark contrast, entire MHC haplotypes are rarely conserved in unrelated Indian rhesus macaques. After intrarectal infection with highly pathogenic SIVmac239 virus, a pair of MHC-identical Mauritian cynomolgus macaques mounted concordant cellular immune responses comparable to those previously reported for a pair of monozygotic twins infected with the same strain of human immunodeficiency virus. Our identification of relatively abundant SIV-susceptible, MHC-identical macaques will facilitate research into protective cellular immunity.
Photoactivated capture molecule immobilization in plasmonic nanoapertures in the ultraviolet

We demonstrate a photoactivated surface coupling scheme for achieving spatial overlap between biomolecules of interest and optical near field excitation. Using aluminium nanoapertures, we obtained increased coupling efficiency of biotinylated capture probe oligos to the photoactivated surface due to ∼3× nanoaperture enhancement of UV light. We further validate DNA sensor functionality via the hybridization of Cy-5 labeled target oligos, with up to 8× fluorescence enhancement obtained from a commercial microarray scanner. This generic photoimmobilization strategy is an essential step to realizing miniaturized plasmon enhanced detection arrays by virtue of localizing capture molecules to the region of plasmonic enhancement.
The NeuroHomology Database

Abstract The NeuroHomology database is a knowledge-based database that contains related sets of data on brain structures, connections and homologies in different species. In this paper we propose a set of rules, embedded in the database, for evaluation of the similarity between brain structures and of the neuroanatomical connections as reflected in the literature. The NeuroHomology database is a tool for search of neurobiological information and an expert system for evaluation of the similarity between brain structures in different species. This can be useful for computational neuroscientists when data about putative homologous structures is used in computational models of brain structures.
A large volume, portable, real-time PCR reactor

A point-of-care, diagnostic system incorporating a portable thermal cycler and a compact fluorescent detector for real-time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on disposable, plastic microfluidic reactors with relatively large reaction volume (ranging from 10 µL to 100 µL) is described. To maintain temperature uniformity and a relatively fast temperature ramping rate, the system utilizes double-sided heater that features a master, thermoelectric element and a thermal waveguide connected to a second thermoelectric element. The waveguide has an aperture for optical coupling between a miniature, fluorescent reader and the PCR reaction chamber. The temperature control is accomplished with a modified, feedforward, variable structural proportional-integral-derivative controller. The temperature of the liquid in the reaction chamber tracks the set-point temperature with an accuracy of ± 0.1 °C. The transition times from one temperature to another are minimized with controllable overshoots (< 2 °C) and undershoots (< 5 °C). The disposable, single-use PCR chip can be quickly inserted into a thermal cycler/reader unit for point-of-care diagnostics applications. The large reaction chamber allows convenient pre-storing of dried, paraffin-encapsulated PCR reagents (polymerase, primers, dNTPs, dyes, and buffers) in the PCR chamber. The reagents are reconstituted “just in time” by heating during the PCR process. The system was tested with viral and bacterial nucleic acid targets.
Impact of vehicle usage on consumer choice of hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract We analyze the vehicle usage and consumer profile attributes extracted from both National Household Travel Survey and Vehicle Quality Survey data to understand the impact of vehicle usage upon consumers’ choices of hybrid electric vehicles in the US. In addition, the key characteristics of hybrid vehicle drivers are identified to determine the market segmentations of hybrid electric vehicles and the critical attributes to include in the choice model. After a compatibility test of two datasets, a pooled choice model combining both data sources illustrates the significant influences of vehicle usage upon consumers’ choices of hybrid electric vehicles. Even though the data-bases have in the past been used independently to study travel behavior and vehicle quality ratings, here we use them together.
Compact analytical modeling of squeeze film damping with arbitrary venting conditions using a Green's function approach

An analytical method based upon a Green's function solution to the linearized Reynolds equation is presented which allows the resulting forces from compressible squeeze film damping to be rapidly calculated for arbitrary acoustic venting conditions along the edges of a moveable structure. The resulting models are computationally compact, and thus applicable for dynamic system simulation purposes. Arbitrary deflection profiles can also be treated, enabling the calculation of damping effects for cantilevers, diaphragms, tilting plates, and drum-head modes. The method is theoretically described and a catalog of several useful cases is then presented to illustrate its use.
Unravelling the signal-transduction network in B lymphocytes

The Alliance for Cellular Signaling has chosen the mouse B lymphocyte as a model system to understand basic principles that govern cellular signalling. Progress to that end has focused initially on establishing a reproducible experimental cell system and characterizing essential signalling responses. Although unravelling this complex network will take years, findings revealed in the interim will prove immensely useful to the scientific community at large.
Monitoring the effects of rapid onset of drought on non-irrigated maize with agronomic data and climate-based drought indices

a b s t r a c t The 2003 growing season at Mead, NE began with moist and relatively cool conditions that persisted through most of June. During this moist phase of the season, soil water and parameters such as evapo- transpiration (ET) and gross primary productivity (GPP) were nearly identical between a rainfed maize site (RMS) and an irrigated maize site (IMS). A drying phase began in late June, causing decline in soil water at RMS and the necessity of irrigation treatments at IMS. The drying phase turned into a "stressed" phase by early August, as only 10 mm of precipitation fell in a 40-day period between mid-July and late August. Conditions at RMS began to deteriorate even more rapidly after maize entered the critical repro- ductive stage, as the depletion of soil water led to (implied) reductions in stomatal conductance, which led to significant reductions in ET and GPP, compared to the well-watered IMS. Two drought indices, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), were utilized to show the effectiveness of short-term indices at detecting flash drought versus field measurements. Results showed that both the 1-month SPI and the 1-month SPEI were quite sensi- tive to the onset of the flash drought and closely followed the decline in soil water and other biophysical parameters at RMS relative to IMS. Significant precipitation returned and led to some recharge prior to harvest but was far too late to be of any help to the maize at RMS, as the yield difference of 6.3 Mg/ha between RMS and IMS revealed the detrimental effects of a rapid onset of drought during the critical reproductive stage of maize. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Low-frequency noise statistics for the breakdown characterization of ultrathin gate oxides

We have investigated the statistics of low-frequency noise in the tunneling current of ultrathin oxides (2.5–4nm) in metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors as a function of the applied voltage stress. The statistical analysis includes (i) non-Gaussianity (nG), which is a measure of the degree of temporal correlation in the noise, and (ii) ratio of integrated noise power to the dc leakage current (R). The occurrence of high peaks in nG indicates the appearance of new percolation paths, and the subsequent conduction through these paths is indicated by R. Our results show that the nG and R characteristics are generic for the oxides of different thickness and growth quality and have the potential, in conjunction with leakage itself, of being used as a prognosticator of oxide reliability.
Research and Application of SNMPv3 Security Mechanism in Electricity Network Management System

The safety of the electricity network management system has become the important issue of concern by people today. SNMPv3 increased the security management mechanism on the basis of v1 and v2c, can resist the massage tampering, data intercepted, and other network security attacks effectively, ensured the reliability of network management better. This paper studies the modular frame structure of SNMPv3, introduces a new message structure and messages interaction process, shows the process of message handling based on USM(user-based security model). Finally, the USM is implemented in the actual electricity network management.
Climatology of the “Instant Occlusion” Phenomenon for the Southern Hemisphere Winter

Abstract A five-winter satellite study of the ‘instant occlusion" mode of extratropical cyclogenesis has been undertaken for the Southern Hemisphere oceans. The phenomenon shows a maximum frequency of occurrence over latitudes 30–55°S, where it is closely associated with the locations of the winter “climatic fronts” The longitudes of Australasia and the eastern Indian Ocean are particularly favored for "instant occlusion” developments. Month-to-month variations in the frequency of their occurrence are relatedtothebemispheric-scale changes in total cyclonic vortex activity observed during the winter season.
Diphenhydramine for the prevention of akathisia induced by prochlorperazine: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract Study Objectives: The utility of intravenous prochlorperazine as an antiemetic agent and abortive therapy for headache may be limited by the frequent occurrence of akathisia, the distressing effects of which have been shown to disrupt patient care. We tested the hypothesis that adjuvant diphenhydramine reduces the incidence of akathisia induced by prochlorperazine. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in the emergency department of an academic tertiary care medical center with an annual census of 95,000 emergency patient visits. We enrolled a convenience sample of 100 adult patients who received 10 mg of intravenous prochlorperazine for the treatment of nausea/vomiting or headache. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive a 2-minute infusion of prochlorperazine with either 50 mg of diphenhydramine or placebo. The incidence of akathisia at 1 hour was measured by using explicit diagnostic criteria. To measure the influence of treatment on sedation, the subjects noted, on a 100-mm visual analog scale, their degree of sedation before and after treatment. Results: Akathisia developed in 18 (36%) of 50 subjects in the control group and in 7 (14%) of 50 subjects in the diphenhydramine group, a 61% relative reduction. The addition of adjunct diphenhydramine resulted in an absolute reduction of 22% in the incidence of akathisia (95% confidence interval [CI] 6% to 38%; P =.01). The odds ratio for akathisia with the use of adjuvant diphenhydramine was 0.39 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.85). Mean sedation scores increased 12 mm after infusion of prochlorperazine alone (95% CI 3 to 21 mm) compared with a 33-mm increase after infusion of prochlorperazine with adjuvant diphenhydramine (95% CI 24 to 42 mm). The 12-mm difference between the groups was statistically significant (95% CI 9 to 34 mm, P Conclusion: Adjuvant diphenhydramine reduces the incidence of akathisia induced by prochlorperazine and is associated with an increase in sedation. [Vinson DR, Drotts DL. Diphenhydramine for the prevention of akathisia induced by prochlorperazine: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med. February 2001;37:125-131.]
Simple n-protecting groups for β-lactam synthesis

Abstract Allyl and 2,2-diethoxyethyl groups on β-lactam nitrogen can be removed via the enol acetate to give N-unsubstituted β-lactam under mild conditions.
Indirect predictors of peak skin dose during high risk interventional procedures: A data driven approach to find a better method than total fluoroscopy time

Purpose Evaluate various indirect predictors of peak skin dose during fluoroscopically-guided interventional procedures to find the best marker to identify patients beyond thresholds for skin injury. Materials and Methods High risk (higher dose) procedures including embolization, TIPS, visceral Tc-MAA, and renal/mesenteric angiography and stent placement procedures were selected for analysis. Procedural dose protocol pages displaying tube angles and respective doses were obtained weekly from September 2011 to August 2012. Peak skin doses (PSD) were estimated using techniques developed at our institution for cases that exceed the 60 minute fluoroscopy threshold per our radiation safety protocol. Indirect predictors of peak skin dose were assessed and the best cutoff values were selected to predict 2 Gray (Gy) and 3 Gy PSDs as minimum thresholds for possible skin damage. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the selected best cutoffs to values quoted in recent literature. Results A total of 208 procedures were collected. The mean PSD (1.5±1.1 Gy), mean total dose (2.2±1.6 Gy) as total air kerma (TAK), mean total fluoroscopy time (FT) (25±18.6 min), mean total dose-area-product (DAP) (423±302 Gycm2), and mean total procedure time (212±79.6 min) were calculated. FT (30/60 min) was a very poor predictor of PSD, statistically underperforming compared to TAK and DAP at all levels. At the 2 Gy PSD threshold, TAK (2.7 and 3.0 Gy) performed slightly better than DAP (437 and 300 Gycm2) with our best cutoffs not statistically different from reported cutoffs. At the 3 Gy PSD threshold, our best TAK cutoff (3.9 Gy) significantly outperformed the reported 5 Gy TAK cutoff as well as DAP (647 and 500 Gycm2) equivalents which were similar to each other. Specificity, sensitivity, NPV, PPV, accuracy, and confidence interval analysis was performed. Conclusion Fluoroscopy time was a very poor predictor of PSD during interventional procedures and statistically underperformed compared to total dose (TAK). Doses of 2.7 Gy and 3.0 Gy (TAK) were statistically similar to predict a PSD of 2 Gy, while our cutoff of 3.9 Gy TAK had a significantly better overall performance for predicting a PSD of 3 Gy or higher.
Muon Charge-Ratio Measurement and Comparison with Prediction from Hadronic Scaling

The cosmic-ray muon charge ratio has been measured for muon momenta 0.7-4.5 TeV/c. It has also been calculated for a constant primary composition by applying scaling to nuclear-target data. The measurements, together with those at lower energies, are in good agreement with our predictions for primary collision energies up to 40 TeV.
Long‐Term Follow‐up of Pulse Width Threshold of Transvenous and Myo‐epicardial Leads

Postoperative pulse width thresholds were measured at a constant of 5 volts in 140 patients. In 41 patients, transvenous atrial and/or ventricular leads were implanted at a median age of 13 years (3-78 yrs). Myo-epicardial leads were implanted in 99 patients at a median age of 8 3/4 years (1 wk to 76 yrs). The initial rapid rise of threshold was found to persist not longer than to the third follow-up period of 11 days to 5 weeks in all atrial and transvenous ventricular leads; in myo-epicardial ventricular leads it persisted until the period of more than 5 weeks to 6 months. During initial rise, pulse width threshold m + sem did not exceed 0.45 ms. We therefore suggest that a pulse width setting of 0.5 ms at 5 V is a safe setting for this period. In only one patient did a late rise of threshold occur. The comparison of pulse width thresholds of transvenous versus myo-epicardial leads showed lower mean values for transvenous atrial leads in each follow-up period, but the difference was not statistically significant. The pulse width thresholds of transvenous ventricular leads were significantly lower than those of myo-epicardial leads in some follow-up periods. We therefore conclude that transvenous leads have a slight advantage with regard to postoperative pulse width threshold.
Medical clearance and the psychiatric patient: An emergency medicine perspective

Abstract The psychiatrist and the emergency physician interact frequently in the course of the treatment and disposition of psychiatric patients in the Emergency Department setting. Adequate and meaningful communication between the specialties involved in the care of these patients is paramount. Costly and unnecessary medical workups can be avoided if a reasonable medical history and physical exam is performed by the psychiatrist, the emergency physician, or both, as appropriate. On the other hand, when suspicion exists on the part of the physician, focused laboratory and x-ray evaluations is both appropriate and necessary for the proper care of these patients. Complete history and physical exams, repeated periodically as necessary, and good communication are the keys to quality medical care for psychiatric patients.
The role of the clergy in community mental health service: A critical assessment

Efforts to expand mental health manpower have taken three major directions: (1) increased use of consultation, (2) creating entirely new roles, and (3) offering training to persons engaged in roles or occupations presumably at strategic points of contact between the public and the mental health system (clergy, police, hairdressers, and bartenders). In this paper the role of modern clergy is examined along several dimensions in order to provide a more rational basis for determining their true potential as mental health service extenders or gatekeepers. Role aspects examined are: public acceptance, approachability, community stature, role separation, and professional identity. Clergy seem to be both appropriate and available as mental health resources.
ACID-SOLUBLE NUCLEOTIDES OF JUICE VESICLES OF CITRUS FRUIT

Nucleotides from fruit of “Orlando” tangelo (Citrus reticulata x C. paradisz) and “Hamlin” and “Pineapple” sweet oranges (C. sinensis) extracted with perchloric acid, were separated by anion-exchange chromatography using formic acid:aqueous ammonium formate as the eluting solvent. Tentative identification of the various fractions was made by comparing the retention time of unknowns with standards fractionated by the same procedure and by adsorption spectral analyses. With the use of these methods, acid-soluble nucleotides were found to be present in appreciable quantities in mature fruit. Those in concentration that could be tentatively identified were CMP, AMP, CDP, UMP, ADP, CTP, GDP, UDP and ATP. The latter was further assayed by the luciferin-luciferase method. The possible significance of the nucleotides to fruit quality was discussed.
Virtual reality training improves simulated laparoscopic surgery performance in laparoscopy naïve medical students.

Purpose: With the expanding role of laparoscopy in urologic practice, efficient and safe training has become paramount. Virtual reality simulation may potentially aid training, but it requires validation before it can be incorporated into training programs. The objective of this study was to assess whether training on a virtual reality (VR) laparoscopy simulator (LAP Mentor™) can improve performance of virtual laparoscopic procedures. Materials and Methods: After a basic introduction to the LAP Mentor, 32 inexperienced medical students performed a baseline VR cholecystectomy that was observed and scored by two observers using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). The students were then randomized to two groups: Group 1 trained on the simulator without supervision during a total of six 30-minute sessions, and group 2 received no training. Students were then reevaluated on a second VR cholecystectomy by the same observers. Results: All 32 students completed the study. The two grou...
Coarsening and shape transformation of NiFe2O4 precipitates in a NiO matrix

Abstract Coarsening and shape transformation of individual NiFeO4 particles in a NiO matrix has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A TEM sample of Fe-doped NiO containing NiFe2O4 particles was subjected to a series of heat treatments in air. By examining the same area of the TEM sample before and after each heat treatment, it was possible to observe the effects of the heat treatments on the morphology of many individual spinel particles. The spinel particles transformed from the initial dendritic morphology to an octahedral morphology. Simultaneously, coarsening was observed to occur by two mechanisms: the shrinkage and eventual disappearance of small particles coupled with the growth of large particles and the coalescence of nearby particles which are similar in size. The kinetics of shape transformation were also monitored and occurred approximately 30 times more rapidly at 875°C than at 850°C.