cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newly and lately industrializing exporters: LDC manufactured exports to the United States, 1977–1984

Abstract This paper investigates the contribution of transnational outsourcing to the growth of developing country manufactured exports during the period of global high interest rates and slow growth in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The origins and prospects of less developed countries' (LDC) manufactured exports are first examined from alternative perspectives emphasizing LDC trade policy and the changing technological and competitive conditions affecting manufactured exports. Results show that in the period studied, the rate of manufactured export growth by LDCs to the United States was more closely associated with the role of outsourcing in their exports than with their standing on measures of trade policy “orthodoxy” established by the World Bank. Nonetheless, while the share of transnational corporation (TNC) affiliates in total LDC manufactured exports grew over the period studied, some of the most successful LDC exporters had declining TNC-affiliated shares.
Impact of weight-loss surgery and diabetes status on serum ALT levels.

Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is used to detect non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and has been associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Bariatric procedures result in significant weight loss and a rapid resolution of T2DM. We aimed to study the impact of bariatric interventions on ALT levels in patients with or without T2DM and compare this effect between different types of weight-loss procedures.
Confounding by indication: the case of calcium channel blockers.

Purpose To review conceptual issues regarding confounding by indication in the context of studies of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Methods Review of literature, with special attention to two articles in the current issue. Results Conflicting arguments about the presence of uncontrollable confounding by indication in studies of CCBs are reviewed and criticized. Studies with potential confounding by indication can benefit from appropriate analytic methods, including separating the effects of a drug taken at different times, sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounders, and instrumental variables and G-estimation. Conclusions Whether confounding by indication accounts for observed associations is often difficult to determine; this is the case in studies of CCBs. When confounding by indication is suspected, a variety of methods to deal with it may be useful. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The light hydrocarbons in petroleum: a critical review

Abstract The largest petroleum fraction is between C 1 and C 9 , the so-called light hydrocarbons (LHs). They are catagenic products, formed between ∼ 75 and 140°C, but their mode of origin remains controversial. Although cracking enjoys broad support, there is little evidence, and inconsistencies argue against it. The higher hydrocarbons, for example, are too stable to source the LHs at these temperatures. Moreover, LHs do not resemble cracking products. Many are structurally like bio-precursors, but others are not and there is no dominance in natural structures consistent with cracking. Essentially all isomers are found within the alkanes, cycloalkanes and aromatics with no discernible preference for natural structures. Isomer distributions are nearly constant from oil to oil and far from thermodynamic equilibrium. It is unlikely that the LHs are formed without catalytic support. Ratios of isoalkanes are almost constant in all oils and invariant within oils from a common source. This places a powerful constraint on any theory attempting to explain their origin: Certain isoheptane ratios must remain constant throughout the course of LH generation . This is inconsistent with cracking of bio-precursors and consistent with a catalytic process in which the LHs descend from a few precursors in a process controlled by steadystate kinetics. There are two opposing views on the origin of natural gas: thermal cracking and catalysis by transition metals. Non-biogenic gas contains ∼ 85% methane, but thermal cracking consistently gives products depleted in methane. Catalysis by transition metal oxides (V, Co, Fe, and Ni), on the other hand, duplicates natural gas. Gas fractionation in migration might explain high-methane gas, and it has been offered as an alternative to catalysis, but there is little to support this idea and evidence against it. The opposing theories on the origin of LHs are critically reviewed here. I also review the early literature on composition, the distribution of LHs in sediments, and some applications, including maturity and oil correlations.
Acute Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 and Recombinant Growth Hormone on Liprotein(a) Levels in Baboons

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an established factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) that acts possibly by increasing cholesterol deposition in arterial wall and promoting thrombosis. The only known Lp(a)-lowering agents, niacin and neomycin, often produce intolerable side effects. We observed that administration of growth hormone (GH) increases but insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) decreases Lp(a) levels in patients with GH deficiency. To explore the mechanisms for the hormonal effects and to search for an effective pharmaceutical agent, we examined the suitability of the baboon as an animal model by investigating the effects of GH and IGF-1 on Lp(a). We selected 5 baboons with high (group 1) and 5 with low (group 2) Lp(a) levels. Group 1 baboons first received a bolus subcutaneous injection of IGF-1 (300 microg/kg body weight). After a period of 7 days, they were given a bolus infusion of recombinant human (rh)GH (300 microg/kg body weight). For group 2 baboons, the order of injection was reversed, and rhGH was given first and followed by IGF-1. Blood samples were collected during the day before and for 3 days following each injection. Levels of plasma Lp(a), insulin, GH, and IGF-1 were measured for each time point. While rhGH appeared not to raise Lp(a) levels among baboons with extremely low levels (6.8 +/- 1.1 mg/dL at baseline v 6.6 +/- 0.9 mg/dL, n = 5), IGF-1 significantly reduced Lp(a) levels among those with high levels within 2 hours of injection (57.0 +/- 6.6 mg/dL v 37.4 +/- 6.2 mg/dL, or a 34% reduction, n = 3, P =.013). Our study for the first time demonstrated that IGF-1 can lower plasma Lp(a) levels by more than 30% within 2 hours in baboons and the effects are sustained for at least 1 week. The effect is likely mediated through increased Lp(a) degradation, but the responsible organs remain to be identified. On the other hand, rhGH appeared to have no effect on those animals with very low Lp(a) levels.
On the structure presheaf of a differential ring

Abstract This paper is concerned with the structure sheaf on the spectrum of a differential ring and its restriction to various subspaces of the spectrum. In particular, we show that the presheaf obtained by restricting has a simple description in terms of differential rings of fractions, and that for a large class of differential rings, the restricted presheaf is actually a sheaf. We then consider applications of this result to several problems in differential algebra.
Overcoming the Effects of Matrix Interference in the Measurement of Urine Protein Analytes

Using multiplex bead assays to measure urine proteins has a great potential for biomarker discovery, but substances in urine (the matrix) can interfere with assay measurements. By comparing the recovery of urine spiked with known quantities of several common analytes, this study demonstrated that the urine matrix variably interfered with the accurate measurement of low abundance proteins. Dilution of the urine permitted a more accurate measure of these proteins, equivalent to the standard dilution technique when the diluted analytes were above the limits of detection of the assay. Therefore, dilution can be used as an effective technique for overcoming urine matrix effects in urine immunoassays. These results may be applicable to other biological fluids in which matrix components interfere with assay performance.
Five-Bar Cylinder-Crank Two-DOF Parallel Manipulators for Singularity-Free Path Generation

Parallel manipulators have the merits of high stiffness, load-bearing, operation speed and precision positioning capabilities that are required in many industrial applications. The main challenges for parallel manipulators are their limited workspace and singularity-free path generation capability. This paper is focused on the singularity-free path generation of five-bar cylinder-crank two-DOF parallel manipulators. The linkage feasibility conditions are derived based on the elimination of dead point position within the workspace. The workspace is generated using the curve-enveloping theory. The singularity characteristics and linkage configurations are presented. The singularity-free path generation capability is analyzed. The performance index contours within the workspace are produced using the condition number of the manipulator Jacobian matrix. This paper shows that five-bar cylinder-crank two-DOF parallel manipulators can be used as effective singularity-free path generators if properly designed. The results of this paper provide a useful map for the proper design of this type of parallel manipulator.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Challenges in data management for functional genomics.

Biological databases face challenges in four main areas: (1) integration, interoperation and federation; (2) ontologies and definitions of semantics; (3) community annotation; and (4) integration o...
The Tunisian Solar Thermal Market: A Change of Scale☆

Abstract In the face of continuous increase in oil demand in the international market over the last few years, coupled with the stabilization of national hydrocarbon resources and the growth in the national demand of energy, since 2000 the energy balance in Tunisia has been characterized by an energy production deficit. Therefore, since 2005, Tunisia has committed to a national plan of energy conservation and renewable energy development, with the goal to reduce (fossil) energy consumption 24% by 2016 and 40% by 2030. Conscious of the energy challenges, the Tunisian Government through the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) has established an ambitious program to promote solar water heaters (SWH), called “PROSOL”, which has already increased the installation rate of solar thermal from 7 000 m2/year to 80 000 m2/year. PROSOL is being implemented in three steps: residential, tertiary, and industrial. The Residential PROSOL financial mechanism focuses on the removal of two major barriers to the final consumer: the heavy initial investment and the high payback time in comparison with other conventional technologies. Promoting the quality of solar installations is a central objective of the program PROSOL Tunisia. Installation objectives in the tertiary sector during the period 2010 – 2016 are 30 000 m2, with 15 000 m2 already completed and 4 000 m2 expected completed in 2013 alone. Financing is supported by UNEP and ANME and is provided at several points in the project cycle including subsidies of feasibilities studies, capital cost, and maintenance. The third mechanism is Industrial PROSOL. Since 2010, this solar process heat program has been developed with the aim to install 30 000 m2 in the industrial sector during the period 2010 - 2016. This is a pilot phase for establishing a funding mechanism appropriate to the industrial sector, identifying barriers to the development and implementation of the first solar installations in industrial process in Tunisia. The first installation of 955 m2 in the textile sector will be in operation by the end of 2013.The PROSOL Program creates a real change of scale in the market for solar water heaters in Tunisia. The typical indicators of development continue to advance for this market as the programs advance, including a substantial increase in local manufacturing, local job creation, financial and energy savings to the State, and emissions avoidance. Finally, the requirement of QUALISOL and SWH certification based on Solar Keymark standards ensures a lasting quality and durability to the sustained growth of the solar thermal market in Tunisia.
Knight and the Austrians on Capital and the Problem of Socialism

The authors consider Knight's critique of Austrian capital theory and the problem of socialism.
Supporting Distributed Communities of Practice with Interactive Television

In this study, we examined three distance-learning programs conducted over Vision Athena, an interactive television distance-learning system. Emphasis in each project was on using interactive television to engage learners in communities of practice in designed, or intentional, learning environments. Specific findings of what kinds of communities emerged are reported for each case. Cutting across the three cases, we found that interactive television was a useful tool for providing learners access to authentic resources, and affording learners opportunities to participate in authentic communities of practice. How the instructors facilitated student and expert interactions also played a key role in how each environment emerged. In these cases designing communities of practice as learning environments in secondary school settings necessitates changing the role of the instructor, student, and the expert from traditional models, allowing more access to community resources, and creating opportunities for trajectory through communities of practice.
Cardiovascular Health, Part 2: Sports Participation in Athletes With Cardiovascular Conditions

Context:An athlete’s health may be endangered if he or she continues to compete after diagnosis of certain cardiovascular conditions. The most worrisome risk is sudden cardiac death; the annual rate in US athletes is 1 in 50 000 to 200 000.Evidence Acquisition:Part 2 of this review highlights the current guidelines and controversies surrounding compatibility of participation with a variety of cardiac conditions in competitive and recreational athletics. Data sources were limited to peer-reviewed publications from 1984 to the April 2009.Results:The guidelines published by the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology provide a framework for safe competitive and recreational sports participation in athletes with a broad spectrum of inherited and acquired cardiovascular disorders. These guidelines are necessarily conservative because it is not currently possible to individualize risk prediction. Few data are available in many areas, particularly in the noncompetitive arena or in o...
The Influence of Cotton Seed Weight on Fibers Per Seed and Fiber Property Uniformity

ABSTRACT Increasing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber weight per seed in some genotypes has the potential to increase micronaire values to levels that trigger price discounts. Strategies need to be developed that limit cell wall deposition. Seed weight decreases as the number of seeds per boll increases. Characterization of the relationship between seed weight, fibers per seed and fiber properties will supply basic information for strategy development. Stoneville 474 and FiberMax 832 were grown under irrigated conditions in 1998 and 1999. First position flowers were harvested on the day of anthesis for fiber density and perimeter analysis. Remaining first position bolls were harvested after boll opening and bolls were individually analyzed for weight and fiber properties. Initial fiber densities were similar for both cultivars. Mean fiber length and cell wall thickness were positively correlated with final seed weight. Fiber length variability decreased as seed weight increased. The decrease in length ...
Condensation heat transfer in a mixed flow regime

Experiments were performed on condensing steam within a horizontal pipe to determine a valid criterion for the flow transition from the initial annular regime to the final stratified regime. It was established that the stress ratio, F = solτwρLgδ, determined the flow regime. Thus F > 29 Annular 29 ⩾ F ⩾ 5 Transition F < 5 Stratified describes the relevant flow regime. On this basis, a Nusselt number correlation is proposed: Ntr = Nan + F−2924(Nan−str). A Nusselt number computed on the basis of this correlation exhibits errors of similar magnitude to established methods for annular and stratified flow condensation.
On the Invariance of the Sum of Coefficients Alpha for Factors under Orthogonal Rotation

It is proved that the sum of coefficients alpha for factors (common factors or components) is invariant under orthogonal rotation.
Development of a Global Microwave Land Surface Emissivity Retrieval

Microwave remote sensing over land has lagged behind remote sensing over oceans. This is due to the larger land emissivity values and their changes on daily to seasonal timescales. The lack of surface emissivity knowledge has hindered full exploitation of the capabilities of operational satellite sensors such as AMSU and SSM/I in remote sensing and data assimilation. Microwave land surface models that can be used to predict the emissivity have been developed and show promise, but independent global measurements of emissivity are needed for comparison. We have developed an optimal estimation retrieval, demonstrated with AMSU data, which retrieves global emissivity at frequencies from 23 to 183 GHz. A simultaneous retrieval of the temperature and water vapor profiles as well as cloud liquid water is performed. The simultaneous retrieval allows the masking effects of water vapor and some clouds to be reduced. The method does not currently use infrared data as a surface temperature constraint in clear sky regions. Initial comparisons with the NOAA NESDIS Microwave Emissivity Model are encouraging. The retrieval provides an independent estimate of emissivity, which is especially useful over difficult surface types such as snow and ice. These early results point the way to the creation of dynamic global emissivity fields which have applications to satellite microwave data assimilation, remote sensing of soil moisture, and future microwave sensors.
Early urethral catheter removal following radical prostatectomy: A pilot study

Abstract Objectives Postoperative urethral catheter drainage after radical prostatectomy is bothersome to patients. A pilot study was initiated to determine if urethral catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible. Methods Thirty-three consecutive men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy were prospectively studied and followed for a minimum of 6 months (mean, 8.5). Postoperative cystography was utilized to direct early catheter removal. Results Of 33 patients, 27 (82%) underwent successful catheter removal at a mean of 4.2 postoperative days. No patient experienced urinary retention, urinoma development, pelvic abscess, or anastomotic stricture. Urinary continence is excellent (no pads required) in 70% and good (stress incontinence requiring 1 to 2 pads/24 hours) in 18% of patients at last follow-up. Conclusions Following radical prostatectomy, early catheter removal prior to hospital discharge is feasible. Early results suggest no deleterious consequences. Prospective monitoring of more patients is needed to determine if this practice is widely applicable.
Gender Effects on the University Selection Process

ABSTRACT Do male and female students really behave differently and want different things from a college education? The present study was and designed to address this issue and extend what was previously known regarding gender differences in the university selection process. A convenience sample of 183 undergraduate students (83 males and 100 females) from a large, midwestern university responded to a campus-intercept survey. Results indicate that male and female students differ in terms of the importance placed on various attributes of a university and in one source used to choose a university. Implications for the development of a strategic marketing process are discussed.
Median to radial nerve transfer to restore wrist and finger extension: technical nuances.

BACKGROUND Traditional methods for restoring finger and wrist extension following radial nerve palsy include interposition nerve grafting or tendon transfers. We have described the utilization of distal nerve transfers for the restoration of radial nerve function in the forearm. OBJECTIVE We review the neuroanatomy of the forearm and outline the steps required for the implementation of this transfer. METHODS AND RESULTS We use a step-by-step procedural outline and detailed photographs, line drawings, and video to describe the procedure. CONCLUSION This approach is technically feasible and is a reconstructive option for patients with this nerve deficit.
Steel Hardness Effects in Boundary Lubricated Sliding: An In-Situ SEM Study

A pin-on-cylinder test apparatus was used to perform low speed, steel-on-steel sliding experiments in-situ in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Through modifications to the SEM, these experiments could be run with a thin film of hydrocarbon oil applied to the sliding surface. Studies have been performed using AISI 4340 steel, both annealed and through hardened, for the pin and cylinder in combinations of soft (annealed)-versus-soft, hard-versus-soft and hard-versus-hard. All three material combinations show a progressive smoothing in the wear truck as the number of sliding passes increases, plus agglomeration of wear debris interspersed with oil around the contact. Both of these effects lead to failure of the contacts due to insufficient lubrication. The combinations involving annealed steel fail catastrophically by an apparent third body abrasive mechanism while the failure of the hard versus hard combination involves intermittent plowing, resulting in more localized damage. Presented as a Society of...
Hydration of the Bisulfate Ion: Atmospheric Implications

Using molecular dynamics configurational sampling combined with ab initio energy calculations, we determined the low energy isomers of the bisulfate hydrates. We calculated the CCSD(T) complete basis set (CBS) binding electronic and Gibbs free energies for 53 low energy isomers of HSO4–(H2O)n=1–6 and derived the thermodynamics of adding waters sequentially to the bisulfate ion and its hydrates. Comparing the HSO4–/H2O system to the neutral H2SO4/H2O cluster, water binds more strongly to the anion than it does to the neutral molecules. The difference in the binding thermodynamics of HSO4–/H2O and H2SO4/H2O systems decreases with increasing number of waters. The thermodynamics for the formation of HSO4–(H2O)n=1–5 is favorable at 298.15 K, and that of HSO4–(H2O)n=1–6 is favorable for T < 273.15 K. The HSO4– ion is almost always hydrated at temperatures and relative humidity values encountered in the troposphere. Because the bisulfate ion binds more strongly to sulfuric acid than it does to water, it is expec...
Enumeration of m-tuples of permutations and a new class of power bases for the space of symmetric functions

In this paper, we continue a long line of research which shows that many generating function identities for various permutation statistics arise from well known symmetric function identities by applying certain ring homomorphisms on the ring of symmetric functions. This idea was first introduced in a 1993 paper of Brenti who used it to show that the generating functions of permutations of the symmetric group S"n by descents and excedances could be derived in such a manner. In this paper, we define certain (q,t)-analogues of Brenti's homomorphism that lead to generating functions for statistics on m-tuples of permutations. Our results generalize previous work of generating functions for permutations statistics due to Carlitz, Stanley, and Fedou and Rawlings. We also introduce some new bases of symmetric functions which are necessary to extend Brenti's results on generating functions for permutations by excedances to m-tuples of permutations. Finally, we study the image of our homomorphisms on analogues of the q-basis of symmetric functions studied by Ram and King and Wybourne to describe the irreducible characters of the Hecke algebras of type A.
A method to obtain kinematic intensities from low-energy electron diffraction data

Abstract In order to use low-energy electron diffraction as a tool for surface crystallography, it would be useful to extract the single scattering, or kinematic part, from the intensity data. Details of a method to do this by taking data with different diffraction geometry but at fixed momentum transfer are presented. The method is illustrated by data from Ni and Ag. The temperature dependence of the averaged intensity is presented. The multiple scattering contributions to the averaged intensity can be accounted for by an effective atomic scattering factor. Conditions for the applicability of the method are discussed. From the resulting kinematic intensities, the surface atomic arrangements can be determined by simple modifications of conventional crystallographic analysis.
Benchmarking interactive systems: Producing the software

The author has recently developed a new methodology of benchmarking, which is being applied to a procurement in which (a) a single integrated interactive application is to span a distributed configuration of computing hardware, (b) the configuration is unknown when the benchmark is being developed, and (c) the application software will be written after the benchmark has been run. The buyer prepares a simulation model of the intended application in the form of programs that will run on the hardware being benchmarked. Each competing vendor is expected to tune the performance of this model to the hardware configuration that he has proposed, so he will require several versions of the model. This presents the buyer with a formidable software-production problem, which is further complicated by a requirement for extreme flexibility and reliability. The paper addresses the software-production problem and describes its solution. The solution was to develop an automated code-production system based on two principal design features. First, the model and its translator are both written in the same language; secondly, the common language is selected on the basis of readability and extensibility. The paper examines why this approach to the code-production problem was successful. Though the code-production system was developed to support a particular benchmarking approach, it should also be useful in other modeling situations. Indeed it might be of interest in any field where readability, reliability, ease of maintenance, and economy of programming effort are considered important.
Organizational Correlates of Citizens' Participation Association Effectiveness.

Contingency theories seem inadequate for explaining the nature of citizens 'participation organization.
Is there a place for medical students as teachers in the education of junior residents

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate a novel resident education model that turns the traditional surgical hierarchy upside down, termed a ‘‘reverse’’ peer-assisted learning curriculum. METHODS: Thirty surgical topics were randomized between medical students and chief residents on each clinical team, with 1 topic being presented briefly during morning rounds. An exam evaluating junior residents’ knowledge of these topics was administered before and after 1 month of presentations. A questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the junior residents’ perceptions of this teaching model. RESULTS: Thirty-four residents participated. There was a significant improvement in the mean examination score (54 vs 74, P , .05). No significant difference was noted in the mean score differentials of topics presented by either the medical students or the chief resident (21 vs 18, P 5.22). More than 80% of the residents responded positively about the effectiveness of this exercise and agreed that they would like to see this model used on other services. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the hypothesis that medical students can teach surgical topics to junior residents at least as effectively as their chief residents. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Random surface growth with a wall and Plancherel measures for O (

We consider a Markov evolution of lozenge tilings of a quarter-plane and study its asymptotics at large times. One of the boundary rays serves as a reflecting wall. We observe frozen and liquid regions, prove convergence of the local correlations to translation-invariant Gibbs measures in the liquid region, and obtain new discrete Jacobi and symmetric Pearcey determinantal point processes near the wall. The model can be viewed as the one-parameter family of Plancherel measures for the infinite-dimensional orthogonal group, and we use this interpretation to derive the determinantal formula for the correlation functions at any finite-time moment.
Role of Technical Literature in Science and Technology Development and Exploitation

Utilization of the technical literature in the complete science and technology (ST (2) evaluate science and technology programs; (3) avoid research duplication; (4) identify promising research directions and opportunities; (5) perform myriad oversight tasks; and, in general, (6) support every step of a strategic research planning/selection/management/evaluation process that makes optimal use of S&T investment resources. In addition, recent counter-terrorism concerns have highlighted the need for ready access to, and analysis of, databases that could link people with institutions and activities. In the S&T arena, this requires linking research performers with organizations, countries and technical areas. There are five necessary conditions for ready access to, and exploitation of, the global technical li...
Purely leptonic decays of bottom and charm mesons

Abstract Recent measurements of leptonic decays of D S mesons and searches for leptonic decays of B mesons are presented. The average D S leptonic branching fraction is used extract the decay constant fD S = 246 ± 27 MeV. No evidence for leptonic B decays is observed, and the limit on the branching fraction is interpreted in the context of type II Higgs doublet models.
Effect of radar undesirable characteristics on the performance of spectral feature landmine detection technique

A factor that could affect the performance of ground penetrating radar for landmine detection is self-signature. The radar self-signature is created by the internal coupling of the radar itself and it appears constant in different scans. Although not varying much, the radar self-signature can create hyperbolic shape or anomaly pattern after ground alignment and thereby increasing the amount of false detections. This paper examines the effect of radar self-signature on the performance of the subspace spectral feature landmine detection algorithm. Experimental results in the presence of strong radar self-signatures will be given and performance comparison with the pre-screener that is based on anomaly detection will be made.
The Development of an Injury Corridor to Assess Lower Extremity Injuries Resulting From Anti-Vehicular (AV) Landmine/Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Blasts in Military Vehicles

Detonations of anti-vehicular (AV) landmines and improvised explosive devices (IED) have accounted for more than half of the U.S. Military hostile casualties and wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) [1]. Military tactical and combat vehicles are being up-armored to defeat this ubiquitous threat and mitigate injuries to vehicle occupants. In order to define the optimal level of protection required to neutralize a given blast magnitude, a fundamental understanding of human injury tolerances must be established for loading conditions representative of AV blast impacts. Unlike automotive impact testing, AV landmine/IED explosions produce high amplitude and short duration vertical impact accelerations. The lower extremity is the predominantly injured body region following AV blasts. Detonations occurring under the vehicle produce localized floorboard deformation and transmit high axial loads onto the ankle/foot/tibia complex of the occupant causing injuries to the lower leg. [2,3]Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Neuroanatomical differences in toddler boys with fragile x syndrome and idiopathic autism.

Context Autism is an etiologically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder for which there is no known unifying etiology or pathogenesis. Many conditions of atypical development can lead to autism, including fragile X syndrome (FXS), which is presently the most common known single gene cause of autism.
Diurnal modulation of long-term potentiation in the hamster hippocampal slice.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) was examined in hippocampal slices from Syrian hamsters entrained to a LD 14:10 cycle. Population spike (PS) amplitudes from CA1 pyramidal cells were measured before (control) and after tetanizing the Schaffer/collateral commissural pathway. Slices from animals sacrificed during the day, between zeitgeber time (ZT) 0430 and 0530, were incubated, and then tetanized between ZT 1340 and 1930, where ZT=0 denotes lights on. Slices from animals sacrificed during the night, between ZT 1830 and 1930, were incubated, and tetanized between ZT 0030 and 0410. LTP, a sustained increase in PS amplitude following tetanus, was evoked in both groups. PS amplitude increased by 102.7+/-20.3% in animals sacrificed during the day and by 48.0+/-7.5% in animals sacrificed during the night (p<0.05). Thus hamster slices prepared during the day show more robust LTP (a doubling of PS amplitude), a difference persisting in slices incubated for several hours.
MIRAGE-EFFECT MEASUREMENT OF THERMAL DIFFUSIVITY. PART I: EXPERIMENT.

A mirage-effect thermal-wave method for the measurement of thermal diffusivities of solids is described. Data from two different laboratories are provided for various pure elements and compound sem...
Social group salience and interethnic cooperation

Abstract This research was designed to test the adequacy of H. Tajfel's (1978, Differentiation between social groups: Studies in the social psychology of intergroup relations, New York/London: Academic Press) theory of social identity for predicting cooperative behavior among members of ethnically mixed groups. Equally divided by sex, subjects were 24 Anglo-American and 24 Hispanic undergraduate students attending the University of California, Riverside. Subjects were exposed to cooperative and competitive feedback in four-member, same-sex groups which varied in the ratio of Anglo to Hispanic subjects to create two conditions—a 3 to 1 versus a 1 to 3 in-group to out-group composition. Results showed that members of both ethnic groups were equally cooperative when their own group was in the numerical majority (low-salience condition). In the high-salience condition, however, when their own group was in the numerical minority, Hispanic subjects were significantly more competitive than Anglo subjects. In addition, while Hispanics were significantly more competitive in the minority than in the majority condition, Anglos showed a slight tendency to be less competitive in the minority than in the majority condition. These results are discussed in light of social identity theory and its application to the study of interethnic cooperation/competition in heterogeneous groups.
Image texture predicts avian density and species richness.

For decades, ecologists have measured habitat attributes in the field to understand and predict patterns of animal distribution and abundance. However, the scale of inference possible from field measured data is typically limited because large-scale data collection is rarely feasible. This is problematic given that conservation and management typical require data that are fine grained yet broad in extent. Recent advances in remote sensing methodology offer alternative tools for efficiently characterizing wildlife habitat across broad areas. We explored the use of remotely sensed image texture, which is a surrogate for vegetation structure, calculated from both an air photo and from a Landsat TM satellite image, compared with field-measured vegetation structure, characterized by foliage-height diversity and horizontal vegetation structure, to predict avian density and species richness within grassland, savanna, and woodland habitats at Fort McCoy Military Installation, Wisconsin, USA. Image texture calculated from the air photo best predicted density of a grassland associated species, grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), within grassland habitat (R2 = 0.52, p-value <0.001), and avian species richness among habitats (R2 = 0.54, p-value <0.001). Density of field sparrow (Spizella pusilla), a savanna associated species, was not particularly well captured by either field-measured or remotely sensed vegetation structure variables, but was best predicted by air photo image texture (R2 = 0.13, p-value = 0.002). Density of ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus), a woodland associated species, was best predicted by pixel-level satellite data (mean NDVI, R2 = 0.54, p-value <0.001). Surprisingly and interestingly, remotely sensed vegetation structure measures (i.e., image texture) were often better predictors of avian density and species richness than field-measured vegetation structure, and thus show promise as a valuable tool for mapping habitat quality and characterizing biodiversity across broad areas.
Using E-mail To Survey Internet Users In The United States: Methodology And Assessment

The Internet's potential for academic and applied research has recently begun to be acknowledged and assessed. To date, researchers have used Web page-based surveys to study large groups of on-line users and e-mail surveys to study smaller, more homogenous on-line user groups. A relatively untapped use for the Internet is to use e-mail to survey broader Internet populations on both a national and international basis. Our experience using e-mail to study a national sample of Internet users is presented, beginning with a discussion of how a sample of on-line users can be selected using a ‘people finder’ search engine. We include an evaluation of the demographic characteristics of the respondent pool compared to both a web page-based survey and a telephone survey of Internet users. Considerations for researchers who are evaluating this method for their own studies are provided.
The roles of inflammation, STAT transcription factors, and nerve growth factor in viral reactivation and herpes keratitis

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has an inhibitory effect while inflammatory cytokines may stimulate herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation. NGF binds to its receptor trkA on terminal axons and signals the neuron cell body in the ganglion. Many cytokines may also signal neurons through their specific receptors, affecting STAT transcription factors within the cell bodies. We studied the effects of trigeminal ganglion (TG) explantation, a powerful HSV reactivation stimulus, on the NGF/trkA and the JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Immunohistochemistry and gel shifting experiments were performed using anti-STAT, anti-trkA, or negative control antibodies on mouse TGs. The expression of neuronal trkA was greatly reduced or eliminated by 3 days postexplantation. In contrast, the expression of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5b, as well as phosphotyrosine-STAT3 were relatively preserved in these explanted TGs. Gel-shifting experiments indicated that TG nuclear extracts bind specifically to the HSV-1 LAT promoter, an important viral ...
Frequency of Three Malpositions Among Full-Term Parthenogenetic Embryos

Abstract INTRODUCTION SINCE 1956, parthenogenetic turkey embryos in considerable numbers have been encountered each season at Beltsville in unfertilized eggs of virgin Beltsville Small White (BSW) and heterozygous Bronze turkey eggs. Approximately 25% of all the parthenogenetic embryos encountered each year survive until the last week of incubation. Of these, only 3 to 8% of total embryos emerge unaided or are helped from the shell. Waters (1935) has shown that full-term chicken embryos (and presumably turkey embryos) from fertilized eggs get into abnormal positions and yet hatch. In spite of this finding, it was nevertheless of interest to examine some full-term parthenogentic embryos that failed to hatch and record the numbers found in three malpositions, each of which could be a barrier to hatching. Furthermore, the respective frequencies of these positions might furnish additional data on the original orientation of the embryos. MATERIAL AND METHODS Daily settings of unfertilized eggs from . . .
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and spontaneous carpal fusion.

The pathology and radiographic examination of spontaneous carpal coalition in arthrogryposis suggests that loss of joint spaces is an acquired feature and does not stem from primary lack of joint space formation as has been previously suggested. The characteristic total carpal fusion in arthrogryposis is unique and may aid in differential diagnosis when present. Finally, the anatomical location is selective and no fusions have been described in the feet of subjects with this disorder. Emphasis in the future should be towards obtaining further joint specimens for pathologic study and making careful radiographic examinations to determine the evolution of die coalition and possible occurrence in other anatomic sites.
Chronic mild sleep restriction accentuates contextual memory impairments, and accumulations of cortical Aβ and pTau in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract Age-associated dysregulation of sleep can be worsened by Alzheimer′s disease (AD). AD and sleep restriction both impair cognition, yet it is unknown if mild chronic sleep restriction modifies the proteopathic processes involved in AD. The goal of this work was to test the hypothesis that sleep restriction worsens memory impairments, and amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) and pTau accumulations in the brain in a mouse model of AD, with a focus on a role for circulating glucocorticoids (GC). Male 3xTgAD mice were subjected to sleep restriction (SR) for 6 h/day for 6 weeks using the modified multiple platform technique, and behavioral (Morris water maze, fear conditioning, open field) and biochemical (immunoblot) outcomes were compared to mice undergoing daily cage transfers (large cage control; LCC) as well as control mice that remained in their home cage (control; CTL). At one week, both LCC and SR mice displayed significant elevations in plasma corticosterone compared to CTL (p
Color Vision: Mice See Hue Too

A transgenic mouse has been generated with three cone types, instead of the normal murine two. Remarkably, some of these mice use the extra cone to make trichromatic color discriminations similar to those that are the basis of human color vision.
On the relationship between winter thunder and the climatic change in China in the past 2200 years

An analysis of winter thunder records in China from 250 B.C. to A.D. 1900 shows that there is a relationship between the pattern of winter thunder frequency fluctuation with that of temperature fluctuation. We hypothesized that such a temperature—thunder relationship may possibly be due to the strong frontal movement by cold air masses of well-defined low temperature.
Gonçalves Matos, Ana. Literary Texts and Intercultural Learning: Exploring New Directions. Bern, Switzerland: Peter Lang, 2012. Pp. x, 205. $55.95, paper. ISBN 978–3–03430–720–8.

A review of the book "Literary Texts and Intercultural Learning: Exploring New Directions," part of the Intercultural Studies and Foreign Language Learning series, by Ana Goncalves Matos, is presented.
Resident competency in obstetric anal sphincter laceration repair.

OBJECTIVE To estimate objectively the proficiency of obstetrican-gynecologist (ob-gyn) residents in third-degree perineal tear repair. METHODS A total of 40 ob-gyn residents from 13 residency programs demonstrated their technique of perineal laceration repair on a modified beef tongue model. Two faculty members with expertise in repairing obstetric anal sphincter injury evaluated the residents using a checklist. The checklist identified three key steps of the procedure, including 1) repair of the internal anal sphincter; 2) selection of proper suture material; and 3) repair of the external anal sphincter, further evaluated using three subcomponents. RESULTS The overall pass rate was 42.5% (17/40). Many residents missed critical steps of the repair. Year of training (P=.763), parent residency program (P=.5), and prior experience (P=.48) had no significant effect on the pass rate. There was greater than 90% concordance between the evaluators (r=0.9, P<.001). Satisfaction with the modified beef tongue model was higher than with current training methods in their program (7.81 compared with 6.92 on a scale of 1-10, P=.001). CONCLUSION Ob-gyn residents demonstrated substandard skill in repairing anal sphincter laceration. The low pass rate of 42.5% suggests lack of adequate training in repair. The model had a high resident satisfaction, and high interobserver correlation was noted using the checklist. Thus, identification and evaluation of key steps using a standardized checklist may lead to standardization of repair and ensures consistency and quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
Verbal discrimination transfer in two paradigms as a function of conceptual similarity and anticipation interval

In the acquisition of a first verbal discrimination list, the variable manipulated was conceptual similarity, high or low, among both the correct and the incorrect words within the list. Upon transfer to a second verbal discrimination list, the variables were transfer paradigm, conceptual similarity for the words within the second list and anticipation interval (longer or shorter than on List 1). In the Type 1 paradigm correct words in List 1 appeared as incorrect words in List 2. In the Type 2 paradigm correct words in List 1 were replaced by conceptually similar words, which were incorrect, in List 2. In the Control paradigm all words in List 1 were unrelated to the words in List 2. Conceptual similarity did not affect List-1 learning. On List 2 both the Type 1 and Type 2 paradigms produced positive transfer, compared to the Control, on early trials. Transfer in the Type 1 paradigm was uneffected by conceptual similarity, but in the Type 2 paradigm high similarity resulted in more transfer than low similarity. The longer anticipation interval produced better performance in all groups but did not differentially influence transfer in any paradigm. In later transfer the Type 1 but not the Type 2 paradigm resulted in positive transfer.
The ejectisomes of the flagellate Chilomonas paramecium: visualization by freeze-fracture and isolation techniques

Freeze-fracture procedures were used to visualize ejectisomes and adjacent plasma membrane specializations in the flagellate protozoan Chilomonas paramecium. The ejectisomes are membrane-bounded, cylindrically rolled, extrusive organelles. Small ones occur in large number beneath the plasma membrane of the body and considerably larger ones are located around the gullet membrane. The intra-membrane particle distribution is different in each type. In small ejectisomes, the portion of the membrane in contact with the plasma membrane of the body has a P-face rosette of five particles while the plasma membrane has not been observed with a rosette. Small ejectisomes and plasma membrane both contain aggregations of particles a short distance from the contact or docking site. Slightly beneath the plasma membrane is the periplastic sheet with which we speculate the small ejectisomes interact during the docking phenomenon. No obvious rosettes have been observed in large ejectisomes. Some other ejectisomal structures are presented and discussed.