cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Let’s become fewer”: Soap operas, contraception, and nationalizing the Mexican family in an overpopulated world

This article explores the emergence of Mexico’s campaigns in the 1970s and 1980s to reduce population increase. Using primarily archival material from the National Population Council in Mexico City, the author argues that federal health organizations, in particular the Population Council, embraced the use of oral contraception and family planning as the means to introduce modern role models for a forward-looking Mexico. The majority of billboards, soap operas, and radio spots that aired the message focused on dissuading Mexicans from falling into stereotypical behaviors, among them having too many children. In the attempt to reshape traditional attitudes and link a so-called foreign pill to everyday Mexican actions, however, the campaigns reinforced racial and class divisions while encouraging new gender roles. Although they were successful in reducing the rate of population increase, the campaigns failed to address more pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and migration.
Finite element method (FEM) model of the mechanical stress on phospholipid membranes from shock waves produced in nanosecond electric pulses (nsEP)

The underlying mechanism(s) responsible for nanoporation of phospholipid membranes by nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsEP) remains unknown. The passage of a high electric field through a conductive medium creates two primary contributing factors that may induce poration: the electric field interaction at the membrane and the shockwave produced from electrostriction of a polar submersion medium exposed to an electric field. Previous work has focused on the electric field interaction at the cell membrane, through such models as the transport lattice method. Our objective is to model the shock wave cell membrane interaction induced from the density perturbation formed at the rising edge of a high voltage pulse in a polar liquid resulting in a shock wave propagating away from the electrode toward the cell membrane. Utilizing previous data from cell membrane mechanical parameters, and nsEP generated shockwave parameters, an acoustic shock wave model based on the Helmholtz equation for sound pressure was developed and coupled to a cell membrane model with finite-element modeling in COMSOL. The acoustic structure interaction model was developed to illustrate the harmonic membrane displacements and stresses resulting from shockwave and membrane interaction based on Hooke’s law. Poration is predicted by utilizing membrane mechanical breakdown parameters including cortical stress limits and hydrostatic pressure gradients.
Academic Integrity in the Business School Environment: I'll Get by with a Little Help from My Friends

The incidence of academic dishonesty has been increasing throughout the past few decades. Past research has indicated that business students cheat more than their peers in other disciplines across the university. And, of particular concern to marketing educators, the current research finds that marketing majors cheat significantly more than their peers in other business disciplines. The research results also indicate that students are much more likely to cheat in situations in which friends (versus mere acquaintances) are involved. The study identifies a robust false consensus effect in which the respondents significantly overestimate the degree to which others cheat. Finally, the research investigates behaviors, beliefs, and propensities related to cheating on electronic exams. The article suggests tactical and strategic measures that business schools and their faculty can use to reduce the incidence of academic dishonesty.
Social information transfer in monkeys, apes, and hominids

Information is a key resource for all animals because it permits choices to be made through learning. For the scientist, identifying social learning in noncaptive populations can be difficult. A focus on social information transfer, the criteria for which are more reliably measured in the field, may be preferable. A comparison of social information transfer in nonhuman primates and hominids reveals similarities and differences in two major realms: use of symbolic communication and the relative roles of immatures and adults in information transfer. Both nonhuman primates and hominids are capable of symbolic communication, although it is used in broader contexts, including material culture, in hominids. In monkeys and apes, immatures are themselves responsible to a great extent for obtaining information about critical survival skills. Adults, even parents, rarely intervene to aid or teach them. Humans actively “donate” information to immatures to a much greater degree than do nonhuman primates. Such active information transfer developed gradually during human evolution and occurred via outright teaching, sometimes via material culture such as tools and art; during leisure-time social interaction; and using many types of vocal production, not only full-blown speech. Differences in information-related abilities between nonhuman primates and hominids are quantitative rather than qualitative, but a significant product of human evolution is the ability and tendency to engage in active information transfer of all kinds.
Magnetically actuated optical phase modulator

A magnetically actuated optical phase modulator is described. The phase of a reflected optical beam is modulated by deflecting a Mylar® membrane, coated with a magnetic iron/nickel film, with the field of an electromagnet. A phase change of π for light of wavelength 0.633 µm was achieved with a driving voltage of only 4 V, much smaller than the voltage required for comparable, electrostatically-actuated devices. The modulator can be scaled to micron dimensions for fabrication in arrays, scaled for even lower drive voltage, and operated at megahertz frequencies.
Fall detection using doppler radar and classifier fusion

Falling is a common health problem for elders. It is reported that more than one third of seniors 65 and older fall each year in the United States. We develop a dual Doppler radar system for fall detection. The radar system generates a specific Doppler signature for each human activity which is then categorized by a set of classifiers as fall or non-fall. However, different classifiers may produce different decisions for the same signature. In this paper, we propose a fusion methodology based on the Choquet integral that combines partial decision information from each sensor and each classifier to form a final fall/non-fall decision. We employ Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC) to represent the Doppler signatures of various human activities such as walking, bending down, and falling. Then we use three different classifiers, kNN, SVM and Bayes, to detect falls based on the extracted MFCC features. Each partial decision from a classifier is represented as a confidence. We apply our fusion method to a dataset that consists in 450 activity samples (109 falls and 341 non-falls).
Wire chamber aging

Abstract An overview of wire chamber aging is presented. A history of wire aging studies and the manifestations of wire aging are reviewed. Fundamental chemical principles relating to wire chamber operation are presented, and the dependences of wire aging on certain wire chamber operating parameters are discussed. Aging results from experimental detectors and laboratory experiments are summarized. Techniques for analysis of wire deposits and compositions of such deposits are discussed. Some effects of wire material and gas additives on wire aging are interpreted in chemical terms. A chemical model of wire aging is developed, and similarities of wire chamber plasmas to low-pressure rf-discharge plasmas are suggested. Procedures recommended for reducing wire aging effects are summarized.
A new acquisition, guiding, and image quality monitoring system for the W.M. Keck Observatory

Acquiring a desired object in the field of view, focusing the telescope and then guiding during the exposure are essential aspects of making astronomical observations. The majority of facilities provided for these functions at the Observatory are more than 10 years old. The operability and technical performance of these facilities are known to impact the efficiency of observing. The current systems provide only limited capabilities for monitoring the quality of the image delivered by the telescope. Notably, the Keck telescopes are the only large telescopes that do not provide automatic focus control. The goal of this project is to develop an integrated system for acquisition, guiding and image quality measurement for the Keck telescopes. In this paper we report on the design of the hardware and software for the new system. The system will consist of three major components: a visible wavelength band acquisition camera, image quality measurement capability, and software for acquisition, guiding and image quality monitoring. This system will replace the acquisition and guiding hardware and software for existing instruments and also become the observatory standard for new instruments. The expected benefits to science include increased efficiency for spectroscopic observations, improved quality for imaging observations, and valuable supplementary data on delivered image quality during all observations. The cameras will be equipped with photometric filters and will be calibrated to enable auxiliary science functions such as photometry. Observing efficiency will be improved with the increased sensitivity of the acquisition cameras, the improved performance of guiding and focusing, and more efficient acquisition and setup of observations.
Calculation of optical transitions in NiI 2 and CoI 2 under pressure

A calculation of the electronic spectra of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{2+}$ in insulating ${\mathrm{CoI}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{Ni}}^{2+}$ in insulating ${\mathrm{NiI}}_{2}$ as a function of pressure is presented. The results depend crucially on the variation with pressure of the crystallographic (c/a) and u parameters. Level crossings are expected as a function of increasing pressure, including a possible change in the symmetry of the ground state for ${\mathrm{NiI}}_{2}$.
Measurement of Carbon Dioxide Column via Space Borne Laser Absorption

In order to better understand the budget of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere it is necessary to develop a global high precision understanding of the carbon dioxide column. In order to uncover the 'missing sink that is responsible for the large discrepancies in the budget as we presently understand it calculation has indicated that measurement accuracy on the order of 1 ppm is necessary. Because typical column average CO2 has now reached 380 ppm this represents a precision on the order of .25% for these column measurements. No species has ever been measured from space at such a precision. In recognition of the importance of understanding the CO2 budget in order to evaluate its impact on global warming the National Research Council in its decadal survey report to NASA recommended planning for a laser based total CO2 mapping mission in the near future. The extreme measurement accuracy requirements on this mission places very strong requirements on the laser system used for the measurement. This work presents an analysis of the characteristics necessary in a laser system used to make this measurement. Consideration is given to the temperature dependence, pressure broadening, and pressure shift of the CO2 lines themselves and how these impact the laser system characteristics Several systems for meeting these requirements that are under investigation at various institutions in the US as well as Europe will be discussed.
The treatment of sleep-maintenance insomnia with stimulus-control techniques.

Abstract Sleep-maintenance insomniacs received either a stimulus-control (n = 7) or a credible placebo treatment (n = 8), administered in small groups for 4 weeks. Self-reports of time awake after sleep onset, total number of arousals and number of arousals exceeding 10 min were collected at baseline, at termination of treatment (post-treatment), and at a 3-month follow-up. Results showed a statistically- and clinically-significant reduction on all three dependent measures from baseline to post-treatment for both groups; these gains were maintained through the follow-up period. However, the results achieved with stimulus-control procedures were not significantly different from reductions found with a credible placebo condition. These findings compare favorably with other reports of behavioral treatments of both onset and maintenance insomnia.
Fast Discharge, High Energy Density Capacitor Performance

Film capacitors with energy densities of greater than 1 J/cc and suitable for millisecond and microsecond discharge applications requiring limited life have been characterized. A variety of polymer films have been tested in model capacitors storing and delivering hundreds of Joules of energy at voltages of 2-10 kV. Self-healing metallized film electrodes have been utilized in these designs to achieve electric fields greater than 500 MV/m. Maximum operating voltage for short-term and long-term use was determined. Life tests were then performed with the goal of achieving at least 1000 charge/discharge cycles at maximum energy density. Degradation and failure of the capacitor samples was determined by measurements of capacitance and dissipation factor. Failure modes in continuous DC, normal charge/discharge pulse service, and short-circuit fault conditions have been determined. Design modifications to increase life and energy density were made based on those analyses. Full-scale capacitors in the 10 kJ to 300 kJ range have been manufactured and tested to end of life
An example of dimensional regularization with antisymmetric tensors

Abstract Dimensional regularization with antisymmetric tensors is discussed on the basis of a specific example, the two-dimensional WZW model. A manifestly self-consistent definition of eμν is used, violating the full Lorentz invariance of the dimensionally continued space-time. The ensuing apparent pathology in the renormalization procedure is resolved by a careful study of the renormalization group. The argument is checked and illustrated by explicit calculations up to three loops.
B7-H1 limits the entry of effector CD8+ T cells to the memory pool by upregulating Bim

Protective T‑cell immunity against cancer and infections is dependent on the generation of a durable effector and memory T‑cell pool. Studies from cancer and chronic infections reveal that B7-H1 (PD-L1) engagement with its receptor PD-1 promotes apoptosis of effector T cells. It is not clear how B7-H1 regulates T‑cell apoptosis and the subsequent impact of B7-H1 on the generation of memory T cells. In immunized B7-H1-deficient mice, we detected an increased expansion of effector CD8(+) T cells and a delayed T‑cell contraction followed by the emergence of a protective CD8(+) T‑cell memory capable of completely rejecting tumor metastases in the lung. Intracellular staining revealed that antigen-primed CD8(+) T cells in B7-H1-deficient mice express lower levels of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bim. The engagement of activated CD8(+) T cells by a plate-bound B7-H1 fusion protein led to the upregulation of Bim and increased cell death. Assays based on blocking antibodies determined that both PD-1 and CD80 are involved in the B7-H1-mediated regulation of Bim in activated CD8(+) T cells. Our results suggest that B7-H1 may negatively regulate CD8(+) T‑cell memory by enhancing the depletion of effector CD8(+) T cells through the upregulation of Bim. Our findings may provide a new strategy for targeting B7-H1 signaling in effector CD8(+) T cells to achieve protective antitumor memory responses.
Auto and transactivation of FGF expression: potential mechanism for regulation of myogenic differentiation.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are potent inhibitors of myogenic differentiation. The recent observation that the endogenous expression of acidic and basic FGF by myogenic cells decreases coordinately with differentiation suggests a regulatory role for these growth factors in myogenesis. Inasmuch as other proteins known to influence myogenesis (e.g., MyoD1 and myogenin) activate their own expression as well as the expression of other members of their family, we hypothesized that the FGFs might be capable of similar autoregulation. We examined the effect of exogenously supplied FGF on the abundance of the mRNAs encoding acidic and basic FGF in Sol 8 myoblasts, and demonstrate that either acidic or basic FGF stimulate, through paracrine mechanisms, the accumulation of the mRNAs encoding both of these FGFs. Thus FGFs can auto- and transregulate their own expression in a manner analogous to that observed for the myogenic determination proteins. In addition, similar to that previously observed for MyoD1, both acidic and basic FGF suppress myogenin expression in myoblasts. These results suggest two mechanisms whereby endogenously produced FGFs participate in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state of myogenic cells. These data provide support for paracrine, and suggest potential autocrine, roles for FGFs in the regulation of myogenic differentiation.
Persuasive Communication: Marketing Health Promotion

How can nurses become more effective health educators? The message-learning approach to persuasive communication provides useful strategies for direct patient education and, when integrated with other teaching techniques, helps health educators promote change in the health behavior of their patients. IIIIIII N urses and physicians, in their role as helping professionals, serve as both educators and persuaders. ~ Persuasion is inherent in the efforts of these professionals to promote health. One means of enhancing the effectiveness of educators is to integrate specific persuasive communication strategies based on theories of social marketing and consumer behavior with other health education approaches. Persuasive communication is an interaction between the recipient of the message and the source of the message, who consciously tries to influence the recipient's attitudes or behaviors by means of a specifically designed persuasive message, z This article explores strategies based on the message-learning approach to persuasive communication that are applicable to nursing.
Time, Events, and Places: Reflections on Economic Analysis

Whereas many economic theorists hold both time and space in abeyance so as to simplify their analytics, economic geographers are beginning to question the utility of these strategies. Three papers which propose alternative conceptions are reviewed, criticized, and compared. It is noted that all three papers place a great deal of emphasis on understanding spatial differentiation; as a process and as a theoretical category. However plausible these conceptions, it is also noted that theorising the role of time in urban and regional economic analysis is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, these papers provide a diverse and interesting beginning point for further research.
Reduced ciliary neuronotrophic factor-like activity in nerves from diabetic or galactose-fed rats.

This study examined the levels of ciliary neuronotrophic factor (CNTF)-like activity in the sciatic nerve of rats with short-term streptozotocin-induced diabetes or dietary supplementation with 40% galactose. CNTF-like activity, found in nerve extracts by in vitro bioassay, was reduced to 20% of control values after 1 or 2 months of galactose feeding (both P P
Pediatric cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation techniques: A laboratory study

The use of primary posterior capsulectomy and anterior vitrectomy during pediatric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has been advocated as a means of preventing the development of posterior capsule opacification. In this study, we used pediatric eyes obtained postmortem to compare two different sequences in the surgical procedure: (1) anterior capsulectomy, lens substance removal, primary posterior capsulectomy with anterior vitrectomy, and IOL implantation in the capsular bag; (2) anterior capsulectomy, lens removal, IOL implantation in the capsular bag, and primary posterior capsulectomy with anterior vitrectomy. Both sequences could be safely performed in the laboratory setting while maintaining stable capsular fixation of the IOL. Placing the IOL in the capsular bag was easier when the posterior capsule was intact (sequence 2). However, both techniques appear feasible for clinical use. Surgeons not familiar with mechanized primary posterior capsulectomy can gain clinically relevant experience by operating on pediatric autopsy eyes in a laboratory setting.
Quantification of terrestrial ecosystem carbon dynamics in the conterminous United States combining a process-based biogeochemical model and MODIS and AmeriFlux data

Abstract. Satellite remote sensing provides continuous temporal and spatial information of terrestrial ecosystems. Using these remote sensing data and eddy flux measurements and biogeochemical models, such as the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM), should provide a more adequate quantification of carbon dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems. Here we use Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Land Surface Water Index (LSWI) and carbon flux data of AmeriFlux to conduct such a study. We first modify the gross primary production (GPP) modeling in TEM by incorporating EVI and LSWI to account for the effects of the changes of canopy photosynthetic capacity, phenology and water stress. Second, we parameterize and verify the new version of TEM with eddy flux data. We then apply the model to the conterminous United States over the period 2000–2005 at a 0.05° × 0.05° spatial resolution. We find that the new version of TEM made improvement over the previous version and generally captured the expected temporal and spatial patterns of regional carbon dynamics. We estimate that regional GPP is between 7.02 and 7.78 Pg C yr−1 and net primary production (NPP) ranges from 3.81 to 4.38 Pg C yr−1 and net ecosystem production (NEP) varies within 0.08–0.73 Pg C yr−1 over the period 2000–2005 for the conterminous United States. The uncertainty due to parameterization is 0.34, 0.65 and 0.18 Pg C yr−1 for the regional estimates of GPP, NPP and NEP, respectively. The effects of extreme climate and disturbances such as severe drought in 2002 and destructive Hurricane Katrina in 2005 were captured by the model. Our study provides a new independent and more adequate measure of carbon fluxes for the conterminous United States, which will benefit studies of carbon-climate feedback and facilitate policy-making of carbon management and climate.
Inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) causes contraction in skeletal muscle only under artificial conditions: evidence that Ca2+ release can result from depolarization of T-tubules.

It has been proposed that in striated muscle inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) may serve as a chemical transmitter linking membrane depolarization to Ca2+-release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Key to that hypothesis of excitation-concentration (EC) coupling was the observation that skinned muscle fibres contract on the application of InsP3. Yet skinned fibres do not always respond in this way, and in our hands intact fibres do not contract when InsP3 (1 μM–1 mM) is microinjected into them. Glycerol-shocked fibres do contract, however, and so do intact fibres that have been depolarized to about −50 mV by increasing [K+]0. These observations and related pharmacological evidence support the hypothesis that InsP3 causes a low-level depolarizing current to cross the T-tubular membrane. This current is sufficient to depolarize the T-tubules to the threshold for contraction only when the tubules are sealed over or when they are already close to the threshold. The InsP3-induced Ca2+ release sometimes observed in skinned muscle fibres and in vesicles derived from junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum probably often results from an action on sealed-over transverse tubules; in such situations it is an artifact of cell disruption. The fact that high concentrations of InsP3 do not cause contraction in normal muscle fibres is strong evidence against the hypothesis that InsP3 plays a central role in EC coupling in skeletal muscle.
Effects of dimethyoxymethane blending into diesel fuel on soot in an optically accessible DI diesel engine

Experiments were performed in an optically accessible DI diesel engine to investigate the effects of the addition of dimethoxymethane (DMM) to diesel fuel. The DMM was blended into the baseline diesel fuel to obtain 2% and 4% oxygen by fuel mass. Laser light extinction was used to measure soot variation during combustion as well as exhaust soot levels; NOx, CO2 and CO concentrations in the exhaust were measured using gas analyzers. In addition heat release analysis and direct photography were used to characterize the combustion process. The addition of DMM led to significant reductions in soot, but heat release analysis showed that it also caused significant changes in combustion characteristics, with increases of up to 1.7° of crank angle in ignition delay as well as increases in the fraction of premixed burn. Then, 2-ethylhexylnitrate was used to compensate for the effects on heat release characteristics to determine the relative importance of chemical and heat release effects in reducing soot. A fuel b...
Model Studies of Ionosphere/Thermosphere Coupling Phenomena on Both Large and Small Spatial Scales and from High to Low Altitudes

Significant progress has been made during the last decade with regard to our understanding of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling phenomena. However, the bulk of the modelling studies have been concerned with global-scale features and have been based on empirical (average) inputs for the important magnetospheric parameters (electric fields, particle precipitation, Birkeland currents, etc.). Therefore, the bulk of the studies pertain to the climatology of the ionosphere-thermosphere system, On the other hand, it is well known that the ionosphere-thermosphere system exhibits a considerable amount of structure. In the ionosphere, there are small-scale (≤1km), medium-scale (-10km), and large-scale (≥100km) density structures. The small-scale structures are generally produced on the edges of the larger structures via plasma instabilities and are called irregularities, while the medium- and large-scale structures are called blobs and patches. The extent to which these structures affect the global-scale coupling of the ionosphere and thermosphere is unknown. These and other ionosphere-thermosphere coupling issues will be discussed.
Abstract 3852: Improved coiled-coil design enhances interaction with Bcr-Abl and induces apoptosis

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The fusion protein Bcr-Abl responsible for the oncogenic activity in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) depends heavily on oligomerization for function. Formation of Bcr-Abl oligomers occurs through a coiled-coil domain existing at the N-terminal portion of the Bcr segment. Previously, we have shown that disruption of this oligomerization utilizing a modified coiled-coil domain (CCmut2) both decreases the proliferation of CML cells and results in the induction of apoptosis. An important contributing factor to these results stems from the increased destabilization of CCmut2 homo-dimers. This phenomenon occurs due to the rationally mutated residues in the modified coiled-coil which allow for favorable interactions with the wild-type Bcr-Abl, but destabilizing interactions with other CCmut2 molecules, thus discouraging the formation of CCmut2 homo-dimers. In turn, this increases the availability and affinity for the modified coiled-coil to interact with and inhibit endogenous Bcr-Abl in CML cells. An additional mutation (K39E) was included that could potentially further destabilize the mutant homo-dimer. Added to the other mutations found in CCmut2 (C38A, S41R, L45N, E48R, Q60E), the new construct was termed CCmut3. To show that CCmut3 results in enhanced binding to a wild-type coiled-coil domain (representative of endogenous Bcr-Abl), 2 separate assays were performed. Colocalization studies were used to show the degree to which CCmut3 localizes intracellularly with Bcr-Abl. Additionally, a mammalian two-hybrid assay was conducted to show the relative selective dimerization between CCmut3 and the Bcr-Abl coiled-coil. Next, caspase 3/7 assays were performed and showed the ability of CCmut3 to induce apoptosis. The CCmut 3 also showed nuclear segmentation (a measurement of late-stage apoptosis) and decrease in oncogenic proliferation (via the colony forming assay). Taken together, these results provide strong evidence for using CCmut3 as a therapeutic for CML. Lastly, attempts to truncate the CCmut3 to find the smallest possible sequence needed (e.g., helix 2) to bind and kill cells effectively is currently underway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3852. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3852
Darier's disease of the oral mucosa: clinical case report with ultrastructural evaluation.

An electron microscopic study of the intraoral lesions of Darier's disease demonstrated a defect of desmosomes and tonofilaments in the early development of affected mucosa. Marked cytoplasmic vacuolation, keratohyaline granule formation and nuclear pyknosis as reported in skin acantholytic cell ultrastructure was not conspicuous in the oral mucosa of the case reported. The clinical diagnosis, histopathologic diagnosis, pedigree and treatment of Darier's disease is discussed.
Worstward Ho: Explaining Estonian Euroskepticism

Many people in Estonia voted against EU accession because it was in their economic interest to do so.
Credible Performances: The Performativity of Science Studies

Taken within its own terms, Science on Stage delivers a more than credible performance. Staging the constitution of scientific authority as an influential form of cultural production, the text deploys a dramaturgical device to render visible and audible the workings of the 'social machinery of credibility' (Hilgartner, 2000: 146). Taking three publicly contested National Academy of Sciences (NAS) reports on diet, nutrition, and health as his proximate object, Hilgartner demonstrates how scientific authority is constituted as a cultural achievement through the finite set of social routines, protocols, and textual processes that comprise science advice.' Through the literal application of the metaphor of the theater, he casts science advice as a series of morality plays designed to guarantee textual and social credibility in ways that foreclose dissent, and thus reproduce the institution of the NAS as a source of consensual expertise. By treating this production of expert advice as 'performance', Hilgartner joins a widening current of scholars who extend and sometimes over-extend performance studies to the practices of politics and everyday life.2 We in science and technology studies (STS) argue that scientists repeatedly enact an 'interested' form of disinterest that lies at the base of their claims to authority and credibility. Taken in by their own act, the actors use stage management techniques that prevent their audiences from seeing this performance as the authoritarian ruse that it is (Butler, 1995). By subjecting their engrossment to scrutiny from a critical position like that of STS, we are in the business of 'breaking frame', to use Erving Goffman's term: 'All frames involve expectations of a normative kind as to how deeply and fully the individual is to be carried into the activity organized by the frames' (Goffman, 1974). Engrossment, involvement, or
Interpretation of fringes in stress-holo-interferometry

Previous studies had concluded that stressholo-interferometry patterns consist of the independent superposition of the isopachic family (with half-order fringe shifts) and the isochromatic family. It is shown here that this interpretation is not always valid and can result in serious errors in some cases. In particular, it is demonstrated that the position, and even the existence of the fringes, are affected by the interaction of the isopachics and isochromatics. This effect is most pronounced when the two families of fringes are nearly parallel and of approximately the same spatial frequency. The independent superposition interpretation is most accurate when the two families of fringes are orthogonal, whatever the ratio of spatial frequencies might be. These properties are illustrated using computer-generated holographic interference patterns.
Seasonal changes in the reproductive system of the female white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, in captivity and in the field. 2. The incubation patch.

The ventral apterium of free-living female White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii) becomes an incubation patch during the breeding season. At this time, it loses its feathers, increases in wet and defatted dry weight, and undergoes marked histological alterations. At times of year other than the breeding season, the apterium consists of a low squamous epidermis and a thin, poorly vascularized dermis of dense connective tissue. The dermis is separated from subcutaneous tissue by an internal elastic lamina. During the breeding season, the epidermis is a proliferative, stratified squamous eptihelium with well-defined basal, intermediate, transitional, and cornified layers; and the dermis consists of a superficial layer of collagen and a deep layer of highly vascular areolar connective tissue, noticeably edematous and mildly inflamed. Blood vessels are frequently in large groups in the center of the dermis. Edema and hypervascularity are most pronounced during incubation, but the epidermis is best developed during egg-laying. The apterium reverts to its basal state after the incubation period. Captive females, which do not breed, do not develop incubation patches.
Anion-exchange preparation of a 232U radiotracer for α-particle liquid scintillation counting

Abstract Daughter product ingrowths, which could act as analytical interferences, are removed from 232U(VI) stock solutions prior to use as an α-particle emitting radiotracer in conjunction with detection by liquid scintillation counting. The preparative benchtop separation procedure employs elution with HCl through a BioRad AG1-X8 anion-exchange resin column, and fraction collection. The importance of the separation of the 232U isotope from daughter products, characterized by high recovery, is illustrated by liquid scintillation energy spectra. Rapid ingrowth in the purified fraction also limits the period of time after purification in which the radiotracer is usable.
Analyzing power for /sup 4/He(p,p)/sup 4/He scattering at 11. 93 and 17. 00 MeV

An angular distribution of the analyzing power for /sup 4/He(p,p)/sup 4/He elastic scattering was measured at 17.00 MeV to an absolute precision of +- 0.01. The normalization uncertainty was verified by measurements at 11.93 MeV, 112/sup 0/ (lab), where A/sub y/ is known to reach 1.0. The data are presented in tabular and graphical form along with predictions from published phase shifts.
Influence of Surface Segregation on Wetting of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) Series and Pb-Containing Solder Alloys

Wetting of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) series solder alloys to solid substrates is strongly influenced by surface segregation of low-level bulk impurities in the alloys. We report in situ and real-time Auger electron spectroscopy measurements of SAC alloy surface compositions as a function of temperature as the alloys are taken through the melting point. A dramatic increase in the amount of surface C (and frequently O) is observed with temperature, and in some cases the alloy surface is nearly 80 at.% C at the melting point. The C originates from low-level impurities incorporated during alloy synthesis and inhibits wetting because C acts as a blocking layer to reaction between the alloy and substrate. A similar phenomenon has been observed over a wide range of (SAC and non-SAC) alloys synthesized by a variety of techniques. That solder alloy surfaces at melting have a radically different composition from the bulk uncovers a key variable that helps to explain the wide variability in contact angles reported in previous studies of wetting and adhesion.
Study of the effects of transoral gastroplasty on insulin sensitivity and secretion in obese subjects.

Abstract Background and aims Transoral gastroplasty (TOGA) recently emerged as a new, feasible and relatively safe technique for the surgical treatment of obesity. However, so far there are no data on the effects on insulin sensitivity in the literature. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of TOGA on insulin sensitivity and secretion. Methods and results Nine glucose normo-tolerant obese subjects (age:41±6years; BMI:42.49±1.03kg/m 2 ) were studied. Fat-free mass (FM) and fat mass (FM) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance; plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and 3months after the operation. Insulin sensitivity was calculated using the oral-glucose insulin-sensitivity index, and insulin secretion by C-peptide deconvolution. Three months after surgery, a significant ( P =0.008) reduction of BMI to 35.65±0.65kg/m 2 , with a decrease of FM and FFM from 57.22±2.19 to 41.46±3.02kg ( P =0.008) and from 59.52±1.36 to 56.67±1.10kg ( P =0.048) respectively, was observed. Insulinemia was significantly reduced at fast and at 120min after OGTT; in contrast, no significant change in glucose concentration was observed. Insulin sensitivity significantly increased (348.45±20.08 vs. 421.18±20.84ml/min/m 2 , P =0.038) and the incremental area of insulin secretion rate (total ISR) significantly decreased (from 235.05±27.50 to 124.77±14.50nmol/min/m 2 , P =0.021). Total ISR correlated with weight, BMI and FM ( r =0.522, P =0.028; r =0.541, P =0.020; r =0.463, P =0.049, respectively). BMI represented the most powerful predictor of ISR decrease ( R 2 =0.541, P =0.020). Conclusion Transoral gastroplasty allows a significant weight loss 3months after the intervention as well as an amelioration of insulin sensitivity with subsequent reduction of the insulin secretion.
Asymmetric 1,4-disubstitution of 1,3-dienes: Palladium(II)-catalyzed formation of azido-ketones from 1,3-cyclohexadiene

The oxidation of cyclohexadiene in a mixed aqueous solvent in the present of azide ion produced 4-azido-2-cyclohexene-1-one, 1, and 2-azido-3-cyclohexene-1-one, 2, in a four electron transfer in about a 70% yield. The overall reaction is a net air oxidation. These enantioselectivies are higher than any obtained previously for addition to 1,3-dienes. The conversion of 1 to 2 involves a [3,3]sigmatropic rearrangement.
A direct effect of the uterus on the surges of prolactin induced by cervical stimulation in the rat.

Electrical stimulation of the uterine cervix eventuates in a 13-day pseudopregnancy characterized by nocturnal and diurnal surges of PRL secretion and constantly elevated levels of serum progesterone. Upon removal of the uterus shortly after cervical stimulation (CS), both surges of PRL are continued beyond day 13, and decline of progesterone secretion by the pereisting corpora lutea is prevented. This study describes the effects of absence of the uterus and persistent secretion of progesterone on continuation of daily PRL surges. CS on proestrus (day 0) and estrus (day 1) and hysterectomy on day 5 resulted in nocturnal and diurnal PRL surges prolonged through day 16, while sham-hysterectomized (hyst) rats no longer showed surges on day 16. Cervically stimulated ovariectomized (OV) rats which were hyst on day 5 presented attenuated nocturnal surges of PRL until day 16. However, no diurnal surges were present at this time. Neither surge continued until day 16 in OV-CS-shamhyst rats. OV-CS rats with intact ...
Evolving Smart Grid Information Management Cloudward: A Cloud Optimization Perspective

Smart grid (SG) is a power system with advanced communication and information technologies integrated and leveraged. In this paper, we study an optimization problem of leveraging the cloud domain to reduce the cost of information management in the SG. We propose a cloud-based SG information management model and present a cloud and network resource optimization framework to solve the cost reduction problem in cloud-based SG information storage and computation.
Cross-Validation of Prediction Equations for Resting Energy Expenditure in Young, Healthy Children

Abstract Objective To examine the accuracy of several prediction equations for resting energy expenditure (REE) in children. Design REE was measured in 113 prepubertal children (60 girls and 53 boys aged 3.9 to 7.8 years old, weighing 14.7 to 30.0 kg) using indirect calorimetry and compared with values estimated from the prediction equations of Altman and Dittmer, The Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/WHO/UNU), Maffeis et al, and Harris and Benedict. Statistical analysis Measured REE (MREE) was compared with predicted REE (FREE) by means of regression analysis. Prediction equations were considered accurate if the regression of MREE vs FREE was not significantly different from the line of identity (slope=l.0; intercept=0). Precision was assessed by the multiple correlation coefficient of the regression of MREE vs FREE. Results MREE was 938±119 kcal/day, and FREE was 1,057+224 kcal/day for the Altman and Dittmer equations, 956±84 kcal/day for the FAO/WHO/UNU equations, 948±64 kcal/day for the equations of Maffeis et al, and 954+102 kcal/day for the Harris-Benedict equations. The regression of MREE vs FREE was significantly different from the line of identity for all prediction equations except the FAO/WHO/UNU equations (slope=0.96, P =.735; intercept=–15 kcal/day, P =.885 for girls and slope=1.08, P =.635; intercept=-62 kcal/day, P =.635 for boys). None of the equations was precise for MREE vs FREE (for all, R 2 Conclusion Most prediction equations for REE in children do not accurately or precisely estimate REEs. The exception is the FAO/WHO/UNU equations, which are reasonably accurate and precise for practical purposes. J Am Diet Assoc. 1997;97: 140–145 .
Finite amplitude distortion and its relationship to linear derating formulae for diagnostic ultrasound systems

Formulation of indices that can be used as predictors of biological effects of ultrasound involves a process called derating, in which measurements of the sound field made in water are extrapolated to estimates of the magnitude of the sound fields in the tissues of the body. All indices that have been formulated up to the present time assume that the propagation of ultrasound is linear. In fact, under most exposure conditions for which biological effects may be a concern, sound propagation is highly nonlinear. A nonlinear propagation model has been used in this study to evaluate the nature of the effects that occur under realistic exposure conditions encountered in diagnostic procedures. Because of the way that the thermal index is defined, it turns out that ignoring nonlinear propagation leads to underestimates of tissue temperature increments that typically are less than 40%. As currently implemented, the mechanical index may be underestimated by more than a factor of two because it ignores the saturation of the sound fields that result from nonlinear propagation. For large propagation distances in soft tissues (e.g., 10 cm at 3 MHz in liver); however, it is physically difficult to exceed tissue pressures corresponding to MI > 2 because of these same saturation phenomena.
Apoptosis: Only the Good Die Young?

Summary Despite its deadly nature, apoptosis has rapidly become a fashionable area of research in a number of areas ranging from oncology to immunology to cardilogy. The challenge for EM researchers is to convert recent developments in the field of apoptosis as outlined in the accompanying review into mechanistic insights, diagnostic modalities, and novel therapies.
Update on new oral cephalosporins

Abstract Only cefprozil and cefpodoxime have been shown to be more effective than comparison agents, and they appear to better tolerated than amoxicillin-containing regimens. The potent Gram-negative activity of cefpodoxime is attractive for selective clinical situations (e.g., in place of a quinolone). However, it has not been tested for the treatment of serious Gram-negative infections. Either of these agents would appear to be preferable to cefaclor in terms of efficacy, safety, and cost. Usage patterns similar to that currently applicable to cefaclor should also be applied to the use of either of these drugs, as they should be reserved for patients who have not responded to first-line therapy or in penicillin-allergic patients who cannot tolerate erythromycin or trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole.
Responsiveness of Pineal N-Acetyltransferase and Melatonin in the Cotton Rat Exposed to Either Artificial or Natural Light at Night

In three separate experiments, the effect of acute exposure to either artificial or natural light during darkness of pineal N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity and melatonin content was studied in the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). The exposure of animals to an artificial-light irradiance of 160,000 microW/cm2 during darkness for either 1 s, 5 s, or 30 min was followed by a precipitous decline in pineal NAT activity and melatonin content when measured at either 15 or 30 min after light onset. When cotton rats were acutely exposed to light at night for 5 s, irradiances of either 3.2, 32, 320, and 3,200 did not suppress either pineal NAT or melatonin 30 min later; however, if the 5-s exposure had an irradiance of either 32,000 or 160,000 microW/cm2, the pineal enzyme activity and indole content were depressed. Moonlight, which had a maximal irradiance of 0.32 microW/cm2, was unable to suppress pineal NAT activity and melatonin content even when the animals were exposed to the moonlight for 30 min. The treatment of cotton rats with either norepinephrine or its agonist, isoproterenol, before their exposure to light at night retarded slightly the suppressive effect of light on the pineal constituents measured. Also, these drug treatments suppressed the pre-exposure levels of both NAT activity and melatonin content in the cotton rat pineal gland.
Real-time processing of electromyograms in an automated hand-forearm ergometer data collection and analysis system.

The previous automated hand-forearm ergometer system [1-3] required a subject to squeeze two bars together at a controlled pace while force and displacement data were recorded and displayed by a LabVIEW virtual instrument (VI). A trial would continue, e.g., until the subject reached the point of fatigue. EMG data acquired in parallel by a separate subsystem would then be supplied to post-processing algorithms that would identify individual EMG bursts and calculate the median power frequency (MDF) and mean power frequency (MPF) of each burst based on its frequency spectrum. These bursts and their respective parameters were then graphed and analyzed to obtain a postexperiment assessment of fatigue onset and the trajectories of these parameters as task failure approached.