cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safety Evaluation of Sequential Warning Lights in Tapers at Nighttime Work Zones

Safety improvement at nighttime work zones is important because of visibility concerns after dark. The deployment of sequential lights is an innovative method to improve driver recognition of lane closures and work zone tapers. Sequential lights are wireless warning lights that flash in a sequence to delineate clearly the taper at work zones. The effectiveness of sequential lights was investigated with the use of controlled field studies. Traffic parameters were collected at the same field site with and without the deployment of sequential lights. Three surrogate performance measures (the speeds of approaching vehicles, the number of late taper merges, and the locations where vehicles merged into an open lane from a closed lane) were used to determine the impact of sequential lights on safety. The results of this study showed that sequential warning lights had a net positive effect: the warning lights reduced the speeds of approaching vehicles and enhanced driver compliance, and the lights shifted overall...
Hurricane-climate change link unclear

Evidence exists both for and against an influence of anthropogenic climate change on any increased hurricane activity, and no conclusion can be drawn at this time as to whether or not a link exists, an international group of hurricane researchers concluded in a statement released on 4 December 2006. More than 120 researchers from 34 countries met at the Sixth World Meteorological Organization International Workshop on Tropical Cyclones, which was held at the end of November in San Jose, Costa Rica. The workshop participants decided to develop the consensus statement because of increased attention to the subject due to several high-impact tropical cyclone events around the globe, such as the active 2004 and 2005 Atlantic hurricane seasons.
Teacher Resistance to Frequent Rewards and Praise: Lack of Skill or a Wise Decision?

Resistance and the lack of fidelity or integrity in the use of rewards and praise are commonly cited in the behavioral consultation literature, particularly when teachers are asked to manage student behavior using frequent rewards and praise in a systematic manner. There are multiple potential reasons for resistance and lack of implementation fidelity in general, but three pertain specifically to the use of rewards and praise as commonly prescribed by behavioral consultants: (a) conflicts with teacher's philosophy, training, and educational aims; (b) the teacher's recognition that change is not needed; and (c) the teacher's recognition of the limitations of frequent and systematic use of rewards and praise. As discussed in this article, those reasons often are valid but also can be addressed by consultants and researchers in ways that are likely to reduce resistance and increase fidelity of implementation.
Embedding expert knowledge and hypothetical data bases into a data base system

This paper is concerned with adding knowledge to a data base management system and suggests two appropriate mechanisms, namely hypothetical data bases (HDB's) and experts. Herein we indicate the need for HDB's and define the extensions that are needed to a data base system to support HDB's.In addition, we suggest that the notion of "experts" is an appropriate way to add semantic knowledge to a data base system. Unlike most other proposals which extend an underlying data model to capture more meaning, our proposal does not require extensions to the schema. Moreover, the DBMS does not even have to know how an expert functions. In this paper we define an expert and indicate how it would be added to one existing data base system.
Mate guarding in the acorn woodpecker: Within-group reproductive competition in a cooperative breeder

Abstract California populations of acorn woodpeckers ( Melanerpes formicivorus ) show two distinct types of cooperative breeding: Cooperative Polygamy, whereby two or more individuals of the same sex share breeding status and mates, and Helping, whereby non-reproductives assist in rearing young. Because the presence of more than one male within a single social unit could greatly increase the threat of kleptogamy (cuckoldry), we quantified the degree to which males maintain surveillance of their females prior to and during egg laying. In polyandrous groups with two breeding males and one breeding female, both males closely guard the female early in the breeding season. Guarding begins 7–25 days before the first egg is laid and terminates 1–2 days before clutch completion. However, our data indicate that mate guarding is absent in groups that contain only a single male. This suggests that mate guarding in the acorn woodpecker is an expression of within-group reproductive competition, rather than a means by which males prevent their mates from couplating with extra-territorial males. The presence of male helpers, usually older offspring of the breeding female, has a positive effect on the mate-guarding behaviour of male breeders, even though male helpers themselves do not guard females. Female helpers, usually older offspring of the breeding males, do not lay eggs and are not guarded.
Gender, the Marital Life Course, and Cardiovascular Disease in Late Midlife

Drawing on 5 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, we examine the influence of the marital life course on the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular disease among 9,434 middle-aged individuals. Results show that compared to continuously married persons, both men and women with a marital loss have significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease at baseline. Men and women, however, differ in the effects of marital loss on the incidence of cardiovascular disease over the course of the study. Women with a marital loss have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in late midlife compared to continuously married women, whereas marital loss is not associated with men’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Emotional distress and socioeconomic status account for the higher risk of cardiovascular disease among divorced women.
Clustering methodology for classifying distribution feeders

The screening process for DG interconnection procedures needs to be improved in order to increase the penetration of PV systems on the distribution grid. A significant improvement in the current screening process could be achieved by finding a method to classify the feeders in a utility service territory and determine the sensitivity of particular groups of distribution feeders to the impacts of high PV deployment levels. This paper presents a method for separating a utility's distribution feeders into unique clusters using the k-means clustering algorithm. An approach for determining the feeder variables of interest for use in a clustering algorithm is also described. The Cubic Clustering Criterion is used as a quality metric for determining the optimum number of clusters in a large dataset of over 3000 feeders from western utilities. An approach is illustrated for choosing the feeder variables to be utilized in the clustering process and a method is identified for determining the optimal number of representative clusters.
An exploratory analysis of global managerial mindsets: a case of U.S. textile and apparel industry

Abstract Increase in business across international borders has led to many studies demonstrating the need for “global” managers. However, few operational frameworks for a global mindset have been proposed. This paper discusses the characteristics of such a global mindset in terms of conceptualization/contextualization abilities. In particular, the paradigm developed by Kefalas [Thunderbird Int. Bus. Rev. 40 (6) (1998) 547-561] was used to determine whether managers in U.S. textile and apparel industries can be defined as “globally minded”. Empirical results indicate that U.S. managers scored higher on conceptualization than on contextualization. The study demonstrates the importance of training on the development of global mindsets and the need for U.S. managers to improve their abilities in adapting to the local context, i.e., contextualization. It is recommended that global corporations should place more emphasis on the training of these skills prior to international assignments of their managers.
Randomized comparison of differing periods of twice-a-day triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Background : We assessed the efficacy, compliance, and tolerability of the twice-a-day triple therapy, amoxycillin, omeprazole, and clarithromycin, for Helicobacter pylori and studied the effect of treatment duration (7, 10 or 14 days) on these factors. Methods : One-hundred and fifty subjects with H. pylori infection documented by 13 C-urea breath test were randomly assigned to a 7, 10 or 14-day course of amoxycillin 1 g b.d., omeprazole 20 mg b.d. and clarithromycin 500 mg b.d. Subjects returned at the end of therapy for pill count and assessment of side-effects. Subjects returned for a repeat 13 C-urea breath test 4 weeks after the end of therapy. Results : Poor compliance ( < 80% of medications taken) was seen in 0 subjects at 7 days, 6% at 10 days, and 10% at 14 days (P = 0.03 by χ 2 test for trend ; difference for 7 vs. 14 days = 10% ; 95% CI, -2 % to 18% ; P = 0.056). Intention-to-treat eradication rates were 86% at 7 days, 90% at 10 days and 92% at 14 days. Per-protocol eradication rates were 86% at 7 days, 91% at 10 days, and 95% at 14 days (P = 0.11 ; difference for 7 vs. 14 days = 9% ; 95% CI, -2% to 21% ; P = 0.17). Conclusions : One week of twice-a-day amoxycillin, omeprazole and clarithromycin is well tolerated and provides a good rate of H. pylori eradication. Increasing the duration of therapy decreases compliance but has the potential to modestly improve efficacy if the patient takes the full complement of medication.
Columbia's newsblaster: new features and future directions

Columbia's Newsblaster tracking and summarization system is a robust system that clusters news into events, categorizes events into broad topics and summarizes multiple articles on each event. Here we outline our most current work on tracking events over days, producing summaries that update a user on new information about an event, outlining the perspectives of news coming from different countries and clustering and summarizing non-English sources.
Remediating Unintelligible Utterances of a Child With a Mild Hearing Loss

An individualized phonological cycles remediation plan was designed and implemented for a highly unintelligible 4-year-old child with an unusual hearing loss. At the age of 6:3 (yrs:mos), the clien...
Designing interactivity in media interfaces: a communications perspective

Interactivity has become ubiquitous in the digital media landscape. Numerous interactive tools are designed, tested, deployed and evaluated. Yet, we do not have generalizable knowledge about the larger concept of interactivity and its psychological impact on user experience. As a first step toward a theory of interface interactivity, this paper identifies three species of interactivity corresponding to three central elements of communication - source, medium, and message. Interactivity situated in any of these three loci of communication can provide cues and affordances that operate either individually or together to capture users' attention and determine the nature and depth of their processing of online content as well as contribute to their perceptions, attitudes and behavioral intentions. This paper discusses psychological mechanisms by which the three classes of interactivity tools affect users, with the specific purpose of drawing out design implications and outlining UI challenges for strategic development of interactive interfaces.
Electron in a Transverse Harmonic Cavity

Recent experiments with heavy ions and planned experiments with ultraintense lasers require nonperturbative solutions to quantum field theory for predicting and interpreting the results. To propel this theoretical direction, we solve the nonperturbative problem of an electron in a strong transverse confining potential using Hamiltonian light-front quantum field theory. We evaluate both the invariant mass spectra and the anomalous magnetic moment of the lowest state for this two-scale system. The weak external field limit of the anomalous magnetic moment agrees with the result of QED perturbation theory within the anticipated accuracy.
Progesterone Action in Endometrial Cancer, Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, and Breast Cancer

Progesterone receptor (PR) mediates the actions of the ovarian steroid progesterone, which together with estradiol regulates gonadotropin secretion, prepares the endometrium for implantation, maintains pregnancy, and differentiates breast tissue. Separation of estrogen and progesterone actions in hormone-responsive tissues remains a challenge. Pathologies of the uterus and breast, including endometrial cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and breast cancer, are highly associated with estrogen, considered to be the mitogenic factor. Emerging evidence supports distinct roles of progesterone and its influence on the pathogenesis of these diseases. Progesterone antagonizes estrogen-driven growth in the endometrium, and insufficient progesterone action strikingly increases the risk of endometrial cancer. In endometriosis, eutopic and ectopic tissues do not respond sufficiently to progesterone and are considered to be progesterone-resistant, which contributes to proliferation and survival. In uterine fibroids, progesterone promotes growth by increasing proliferation, cellular hypertrophy, and deposition of extracellular matrix. In normal mammary tissue and breast cancer, progesterone is pro-proliferative and carcinogenic. A key difference between these tissues that could explain the diverse effects of progesterone is the paracrine interactions of PR-expressing stroma and epithelium. Normal endometrium is a mucosa containing large quantities of distinct stromal cells with abundant PR, which influences epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation and protects against carcinogenic transformation. In contrast, the primary target cells of progesterone in the breast and fibroids are the mammary epithelial cells and the leiomyoma cells, which lack specifically organized stromal components with significant PR expression. This review provides a unifying perspective for the diverse effects of progesterone across human tissues and diseases.
A comparison of critical thinking in groups of third-year medical students in text, video, and virtual PBL case modalities.

ABSTRACTPurposeTo determine whether critical thinking in problem-based learning (PBL) group discourse differed according to case modality.MethodThe study was conducted in 2000 in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver. Third-year medical students on t
The NMR spectra of N,N-dimethyl 2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethylphosphonamidous chloride and related compounds

Abstract An investigation of the nonequivalence of the α-fluorines in N,N-dimethyl 2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethylphosphonamidous chloride and a number of similar compounds has been carried out. The chemical shift difference between the α-fluorines has been observed to be very dependent upon temperature, solvent and concentration. These results are consistent with rapid rotation on the NMR time scale about the PC bond. The temperature variation of the 19F NMR spectrum of N,N-dimethyl 2,2-dichloro-1,1-difluoroethylphosphonamidous chloride is consistent with the pattern usually observed for difluoromethylene groups attached to an asymmetric center. However, unusual temperature variations were observed for dilute solutions in CFCl3. These observations are rationalized by considering the relative importance of intrinsic asymmetry in determining the chemical shift difference between the α-fluorines.
Concentration dependence of 4-methylbenzophenone choleic acid crystal phosphorescence: Evidence for a percolation driven structural transformation

Abstract Steady state phosphorescence spectra at 4.2 K were obtained for different concentrations of 4-methylbenzophenone (MBP) doped into deoxycholic acid (DCA) crystals. The spectra indicate that at concentrations of 14% and below, the sample consists of choleic acid crystals partially filled with MBP and as the concentration increases to 16%, enough guest sites are filled with MBP to cause the local structure to change to that of the stoichiometric crystal. The stoichiometric ratio of DCA to MBP was determined to be 2:1. Spectral shifts characteristic of energy transfer processes are not observed over the concentration range of 4% to 33% MBP.
Childrearing Attitudes among Mothers Volunteering and Revolunteering for a Psychological Study

Although the generality of findings in personality research is often limited by biases resulting from the use of volunteer Ss, this problem has not often been studied in non-student populations where there are no captive Ss to provide baseline data. A sample of 168 mothers was recruited by newspaper advertisement for a study of childcare attitudes using the Maternal Attitude Scale, a Likert-type questionnaire. of these volunteers, 64% revolunteered for additional studies. Significant results indicated that mothers who did not revolunteer felt less satisfaction in caring for infants, felt less ability to achieve reciprocity with the child, and expressed more conventional and stereotyped childcare attitudes than mothers who elected to revolunteer.
A Computational Model of Interstitial Transport in Murine Sarcoma With Heterogeneous Vasculature: A Sensitivity Analysis

Extravasation of large therapeutic agents into tumor tissue following systemic injection is marked by heterogeneous distribution. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon include high interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and non-uniform vascular permeability; they have been shown to be major obstacles delivery of macromolecules clinically [1]. Until recently, blood flow in a single vessel or capillary networks with variations in space and time has been explored using computational tumor models [2]. These studies do not account for heterogeneous tissue transport properties in regions of leakier vessels [3].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Internal sources of development finance: Concepts, issues and strategies P.C. Kumar Quorum Books, 1994, 161 pp.

Essentially a text book, this volume explores the operation of financial institutions and markets as they provide an important part of the institutional framework within which economic development is pursued. As such, Kumar provides a valuable summary of relevant material from the monetary and financial economics literature. The discussion of taxation as a source of financial capital is adept at addressing the special circumstances of developing counties as well as insights regarding supply-side effects of tax structure. Privatization as a development tactic is carefully considered and Kumar provides a service in demonstrating that one should not be naive in assuming privatization will yield efficiency or revenues gains in all market structures and with all organizational cultures. An excellent presentation of the comparative static analysis of the topic, the treatment would be strengthened by a more explicit and more extensive analysis of issues related to time and sequencing.
Reproducibility of visual activation during checkerboard stimulation in functional magnetic resonance imaging at 4 Tesla.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the reproducibility of visual activation by checkerboard stimulation, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at 4 Tesla (T). Methods: Four subjects were studied with fMRI at 4 T during checkerboard visual stimulation. The functional images were realigned and spatially normalized to the standard brain. For each subject, statistical parametric maps were made for each study, and the reproducibility was determined based on the number of supra-threshold voxels (Z > 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5). Results: The mean ratio for the number of supra-threshold (Z > 4.5) voxels was 0.75, and the mean ratio for the overlapping voxels was 0.61. Restricting the region of interest within the posterior half of the brain improved reproducibility values at the low threshold (Z > 3.5), but did not improve the values at the higher thresholds. Conclusions: Despite the fact that more than half of the supra-threshold voxels were found to be active for the repeated scans, visual activation with checkerboard stimulation seems to be less reproducible than that by flash stimulation.
Ad hoc smoothing parameter performance in kernel estimates of GPS-derived home ranges

Accuracy of home-range estimates in animals is influenced by a variety of factors, such as method of analysis and number of locations, but animal space use is less often considered and frequently over-generalized through simulations. Our objective was to assess effect of an ad hoc (h_ad hoc) smoothing parameter in kernel analysis from two species that were predicted to have different patterns of utilization distributions across a range of sample sizes. We evaluated variation in home-range estimates with location data collected from GPS collars on two species: mule deer Odocoileus hemionus and coyotes Canis latrans. We calculated home ranges using 95% and 50% kernel contours using reference (h_ref and h ad hoc smoothing parameters. To evaluate the influence of sample size, we calculated home ranges using both smoothing parameters for random subsamples of 5, 10, 25 and 50% of GPS locations and compared area estimates to estimates for 100% of GPS locations. On mule deer, we also conducted visual relocations ...
Hybrid amorphous silicon (a-Si:H)–LiNbO3 electro-optic modulator

Abstract Here we report the demonstration of a GHz-speed Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) modulator that uses an amorphous Silicon waveguide to strongly confine light. The compact (
Regulation of gene expression and secretory functions in oxygen-sensing pheochromocytoma cells

The cellular response to hypoxia is complex. Specialized oxygen chemosensitive cells that are excitable respond to reduced O2 by membrane depolarization, altered gene expression, and neurotransmitter secretion. We have used the O2-sensitive pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line to investigate the cellular response to hypoxia. Here, we present evidence that membrane depolarization and increased intracellular free Ca2+ are major regulatory events in these cells. Membrane depolarization is mediated by the inhibition of a slow-inactivating voltage-dependent potassium (K) channel. Evidence from molecular biology and patch-clamp studies indicate that the O2-sensitive K channel is a member of the Kv1 family. We also reviewed findings on the regulation of gene expression in PC12 cells during hypoxia. An increase in intracellular free Ca2+ is required for hypoxia-induced transcription of a number of genes including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of catecholamine neurotransmitters, and several of the immediate early genes. We also reviewed the role of dopamine (DA) and adenosine (ADO) receptors in regulation of membrane depolarization and gene expression.
Retinal oximetry with a multi-aperture camera

Oxygen saturation measurements in the retina is an essential measurement in monitoring eye health of diabetic patient. In this paper, preliminary result of oxygen saturation measurements for a healthy patient retina is presented. The retinal oximeter used is based on a regular fundus camera to which was added an optimized optical train designed to perform aperture division whereas a filter array help select the requested wavelengths. Hence, nine equivalent wavelength-dependent sub-images are taken in a snapshot which helps minimizing the effects of eye movements. The setup is calibrated by using a set of reflectance calibration phantoms and a lookuptable (LUT) is computed. An inverse model based on the LUT is presented to extract the optical properties of a patient fundus and further estimate the oxygen saturation in a retina vessel.
Choosing Demands Strategically: The Distribution of Power, the Distribution of Benefits, and the Risk of Conflict

The idea that leaders choose their foreign policy strategically to accomplish their foreign policy goals is not new. The possibility that the goals themselves are chosen strategically is. Recent ga...
Activation of the Lck Tyrosine Kinase Targets Cell Surface T Cell Antigen Receptors for Lysosomal Degradation

The mechanism by which TCR expression is regulated was explored by expressing a constitutively active form of the tyrosine kinase Lck (Lck505F) in T cells. Expression of Lck505F down-regulated TCR levels, an effect that was even more pronounced in CD45- T cells, in which the activity of this tyrosine kinase is further enhanced. Cells expressing Lck505F synthesized all TCR subunits, but lysosomal degradation of assembled receptors was enhanced. TCRs were rapidly internalized and degraded after removal of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that had permitted cell surface expression. Finally, TCR levels on thymocytes were increased by an Lck inhibitor, and activation- but not phorbol ester-induced internalization of TCRs on Jurkat cells was prevented by inhibition or loss of Lck. These studies identify a regulated nonreceptor tyrosine kinase-mediated pathway for targeting cell surface receptors for lysosomal degradation.
ac susceptibility of Sr 3 CuPt x Ir 1-x O 6 : A magnetic system with competing interactions and dimensionality

${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{CuPt}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ir}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ has been cited as an example of a one-dimensional quantum spin chain with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions. We have measured the ac susceptibility of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{CuPt}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ir}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ with $x=0,$ 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7, in magnetic fields of 0--60 kOe, and at temperatures down to 0.275 K. Our data show that the $x=0$ endpoint, ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{CuIrO}}_{6},$ exhibits long-range ferromagnetic order at $T=20.1$ K, contrary to results from dc susceptibility studies which indicated that it remained a one-dimensional ferromagnet to below 4 K. When platinum is substituted for iridium, antiferromagnetic couplings are introduced, and the susceptibility shows a diminishing signature of the three-dimensional ferromagnetic transition. Furthermore, the low-temperature susceptibility exhibits peaks which appear and evolve as x is increased. These results lead to a rich phase diagram in temperature and Pt concentration space. We find that the behavior of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{3}{\mathrm{CuPt}}_{x}{\mathrm{Ir}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ cannot be simply described by the random quantum spin chain theories that were developed, in part, to address this system.
Mechanism of Peptide Separations by Solid Phase Extraction Capillary Electrophoresis at Low pH

A device for on-line extraction and concentration of peptides from a dilute sample matrix prior to direct capillary electrophoretic analysis is described. The technique, termed solid phase extraction capillary electrophoresis (SPE-CE), can facilitate analysis of peptides in the low nanograms per milliliter range. Peptides from a sample matrix are adsorbed on a reversed phase resin (C-8 or C-18) cartridge in-line with an uncoated fused-silica capillary and subsequently released for free zone electrophoresis by injection of an organic elutant. Unlike previous designs and commercially available packed-inlet capillaries, the device is easily constructed from common laboratory materials and is applicable to a wide range of conventional instrumentation and methods. This device and method has been developed for use in our laboratory as a stand-alone preparative technique, specifically to provide a second-dimensional orthogonal separation of biologically derived HPLC fractions of peptides in a single analysis. To...
Critical dimension metrology for MEMS processes using electrical techniques

Electrical critical dimension (ECD) test structures have been adapted for use in a surface micromachining environment and fabricated along side various MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) structures. These freestanding ECD test structures, which are exposed to air on all surfaces (that is, no encompassing oxide), provide the ability to measure two key metrological process parameters, sheet resistance and feature width, that can affect the threshold at which released fixed-fixed beam MEMS structures experience deflection due to residual compressive strain.
Staphylococcus aureus Cell Wall Stress Stimulon Gene-lacZ Fusion Strains: Potential for Use in Screening for Cell Wall-Active Antimicrobials

lacZ fusion strains were constructed using the promoters of five cell wall stress stimulon genes: pbp2, tcaA, vraSR, sgtB, and lytR. All fusion strains were induced only in the presence of cell wall-active antibiotics, suggesting the potential of these strains for use in high-throughput screening for new cell wall-active agents.
Temperature dependence of chromatic dispersion in various types of optical fiber

The temperature dependence of chromatic dispersion is examined for various types of fiber. Its coefficient is found to depend strongly on the dispersion slope. Dispersion-flattened fiber has a significantly low coefficient of -0.0005ps/nm/km/°C, compared with -0.0038ps/nm/km/°C for large-core nonzero dispersion-shifted fiber. Transmission lines with low dispersion slopes consisting of pure silica core fiber and dispersion-compensating fiber also exhibit low coefficients of less than -0.001ps/nm/km/°C because of their compensating effects.
Radium-226 whole-body gamma counting and 222Rn breath analysis: report on a subject exposed to uranium mill tailings.

One of two boys born in September 1949 who played on U mill tailings between age 8 and 12 was diagnosed as having leukemia at age 15.5. The exposed and control subjects were well matched; they were approximately the same age and both were 1.85 m (6' 1) in height and weighed 75.2 kg (165 pounds). The result obtained by gamma spectrometric method for the exposed subject was 0 +/- 17 Bq (0 +/- 470 pCi), while that for the control subject was 4 +/- 15 Bq (100 +/- 400 pCi). The result obtained by the Rn breath method for the exposed subject was 4.4 +/- 0.7 Bq (120 +/- 20 pCi), while that for the control was 5.4 +/- 1.4 Bq (150 +/- 38 pCi). These results suggest that the {sup 226}Ra body burden of the exposed subject is within the range of those observed in subjects exposed only through normal food sources, which have a mean {sup 226}Ra content of 1.5 Bq (range: 0.4-4.4 Bq) so that no significant mill-tailing intake is indicated. The best estimate of alpha particle dose to the red marrow from {sup 226}Ra and its decay products was 0.05 mGy at age 14 andmore » 0.10 mGy at age 38. This dose, when compared to that observed in the dial painters, suggests that the leukemia was not caused by uptake of Ra from the mill tailings.« less
A regulator's view of comparative effectiveness research.

Background ‘Comparative effectiveness’ is the current enthusiasm, and for good reason. After knowing a treatment works, the most critical question is how it compares with alternatives. Comparative studies are not commonly conducted by drug companies and they represent a significant methodological challenge. Comparative data could include evidence of overall superiority to an alternative or advantages in identifiable subsets, for example, people who do not respond to or tolerate alternatives, or members of a genetic subset and could also include convincing evidence that there is little difference between two treatments.Purpose To describe regulations, guidance, and Food and Drug Administration experience related to studies of comparative effectiveness, including approaches to showing superiority and problems encountered in showing similarity.Methods Review of Food and Drug Administration regulations and guidance and experience with showing superiority and similarity, particularly related to randomized tria...
UGMDR: a unified conceptual framework for detection of multifactor interactions underlying complex traits

Biological outcomes are governed by multiple genetic and environmental factors that act in concert. Determining multifactor interactions is the primary topic of interest in recent genetics studies but presents enormous statistical and mathematical challenges. The computationally efficient multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) approach has emerged as a promising tool for meeting these challenges. On the other hand, complex traits are expressed in various forms and have different data generation mechanisms that cannot be appropriately modeled by a dichotomous model; the subjects in a study may be recruited according to its own analytical goals, research strategies and resources available, not only consisting of homogeneous unrelated individuals. Although several modifications and extensions of MDR have in part addressed the practical problems, they are still limited in statistical analyses of diverse phenotypes, multivariate phenotypes and correlated observations, correcting for potential population stratification and unifying both unrelated and family samples into a more powerful analysis. I propose a comprehensive statistical framework, referred as to unified generalized MDR (UGMDR), for systematic extension of MDR. The proposed approach is quite versatile, not only allowing for covariate adjustment, being suitable for analyzing almost any trait type, for example, binary, count, continuous, polytomous, ordinal, time-to-onset, multivariate and others, as well as combinations of those, but also being applicable to various study designs, including homogeneous and admixed unrelated-subject and family as well as mixtures of them. The proposed UGMDR offers an important addition to the arsenal of analytical tools for identifying nonlinear multifactor interactions and unraveling the genetic architecture of complex traits.
Limits of behavioral efficiency for workers in heat stress

This paper describes three zones which differentiate the limits of human behavioral efficiency in heat stress. They are: (1) a zone of thermal intolerance, (2) a zone which identifies the upper thermal tolerances for unimpaired cognitive and neuromuscular performance, and (3) a zone of thermal equilibration. Description of the boundaries to these zones through concurrent identification of time/intensity specifications and physiological criteria allows their broad application across both traditional industrial industrial conditions and activity in unusual occupational environments (e.g., those requiring enclosed garment useage), where contemporary indices based on physical values of the ambient surround are of restricted applicability. It is suggested that these criteria, based upon performance change, can be used to augment current heat stress standards which are founded upon physiological evidence of impairment.
An intercomparison of the modulation transfer functions of square and circular focal spots.

In field emission x‐ray tubes, the target is conical in shape and the projection of the focal spot along the central axis a circular disk. To determine the resolution capability of such tubes, a theoretical expression has been derived for the MTF of a circular focal spot. It has been shown that the MTF is given by the equation MTF = 2J 1 [πf 0 δ(m − 1) / m] / [πf 0 δ(m − 1) / m] where m is the magnification factor, f 0 the spatial frequency in the object plane, and δ the diameter of the focal spot. J 1 stands for the Bessel function of the first order. The above expression has been tested experimentally and used to compare circular focal spots with square focal spots.
Outsourced, Offshored Software-Testing Practice: Vendor-Side Experiences

In the era of globally distributed software engineering, the practice of outsourced, off shored software testing (OOST) has witnessed increasing adoption. Although there have been ethnographic studies of the development aspects of global software engineering and of the in-house practice of testing, there have been fewer studies of OOST, which to succeed, can require dealing with unique challenges. To address this limitation of the existing studies, we conducted -- and, in this paper, report the findings of -- an ethnographically-informed study of three vendor testing teams involved in OOST practice. Specifically, we studied how test engineers perform their tasks under deadline pressures, the challenges that they encounter, and their strategies for coping with the challenges. Our study provides insights into the differences and similarities between in-house testing and OOST, the influence of team structures on the degree of pressure experienced by test engineers in the OOST setup, and the factors that influence quality and productivity under OOST.
Sexual abuse in the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect: an appraisal.

The National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect was a major, government sponsored effort to collect data on reported and unreported child abuse. It used a systematic representative sample methodology and very precisely developed definitions of child abuse. This paper review some of the main limitations of the study in regard to findings on sexual abuse. First, there is probably less "new" data in the study on sexual abuse than on other forms of abuse, since so many of the study cases of sexual abuse were "officially reported' cases. In addition, the study limited its definition of sexual abuse only to cases where a caretaker was the perpetrator , a definition that is much more restrictive than what is used in many treatment programs. Finally, the data on perpetrators has a number of problems that stem from the study's definitions of sexual abuse. The paper makes suggestions for future incidence type studies of sexual abuse.
Research and data systems to promote equal access to postacute rehabilitation

The first national study in Israel of post-acute rehabilitation service use for elderly patients with stroke and hip fracture reported regional variation in care receipt. Although lower likelihood of admission to inpatient rehabilitation was observed in districts with known shortages of rehabilitation beds, supply alone did not explain the findings. This commentary explores other potential contributing factors. It argues that greater uniformity in the process and documentation of discharge planning in combination with decision support would help to standardize provider behavior. Implementation of a system of functional status data collection that is linked to administrative data is recommended to enable examination of the impact of care receipt and variation. Additional research is needed to provide a clearer understanding of factors contributing to regional variation and to identify solutions to ensure equal access to post-acute rehabilitation services in Israel.
The Arc of Neoliberalism

For three decades, neoliberalism dominated the global political economy. Defined as an explicit preference for private over public control, neoliberalism represented a dramatic break from postwar policies. This article examines the historical development of neoliberalism through three perspectives: as an economic policy, as an expression of political power, and as an ideational hegemony. We reject the notion of neoliberal inevitability and suggest how it came to dominate all other possible alternatives. The review emphasizes the critical importance of political preferences and influences as well as the central role ideas played in defining policy paradigms.
An iterative ADI-FDTD with reduced splitting error

We present a new iterative alternating-direction-implicit finite-difference time-domain (ADI-FDTD) method. By recognizing the ADI-FDTD method as a special case of a more general iterative approach to solve the Crank-Nicolson (CN) FDTD scheme, the splitting error in ADI-FDTD can be reduced systematically. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the improved accuracy of this method.
The Wilms' tumor suppressor Wt1 is expressed in the coronary vasculature after myocardial infarction.

Expression of the Wilms’ tumor gene Wt1 in the epicardium is critical for normal heart development. Mouse embryos with inactivated Wt1 gene have extremely thin ventricles, which can result in heart failure and death. Here, we demonstrate that Wt1 can be activated in adult hearts by local ischemia. Wt1 mRNA was increased more than twofold in the left ventricular myocardium of rats between 1 day and 9 wk after infarction. Wt1 expression was localized by means of mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells in the border zone of the infarcted tissue. A strikingly similar distribution was seen for vascular endothelial growth factor and two different cell proliferation markers in the coronary vessels of the ischemic heart. No Wt1 could be detected in the vasculature of the noninfarcted right ventricles. Wt1 expression in the coronary vessels of the ischemic heart was mimicked by exposure of rats to normobaric hypoxia (8% O2) and 0.1% CO, respectively. These findings demonstrate that Wt1 is expressed in the vasculature of the heart in response to local ischemia and hypoxia. They suggest that Wt1 has a role in the growth of coronary vessels after myocardial infarction.
Combination Surgical Excision and Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser for Treatment of Rhinophyma

Rhinophyma is a severe late complication of rosacea, which is characterized by progressive hyperplasia of sebaceous glands and connective tissue involving the lower two-thirds of the nose. It can be an emotionally devastating disorder, and serve as a medium for occult cancers and other health problems. Many surgical treatments have been advocated, as well as dermabrasion and laser therapy. In light of the problems faced with these individual therapy modalities, we advocate a combination therapy of surgical debulking and fractionated Carbon dioxide laser therapy. By excising the tissue first, we not only decreased the amount of time needed for the procedure, we were also able to preserve a histopathologic specimen that can be examined for occult cancers. After debulking, the fractionated carbon dioxide laser is then used to blend. By using fractionated carbon dioxide, we avoided the complications associated with non-fractionated carbon dioxide lasers, such as delayed healing times, hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, scarring, and persistent redness. We report our experience in two patients with rhinophyma who underwent a combination of surgical excision and fractional Co2 laser therapy for treatment. Pre- and postoperative protocols and treatment parameters are discussed. Both patients had excellent cosmetic and functional results and were followed for at least one year.
Antenna-coupled bolometers for millimeter waves

We report on the development of antenna-coupled bolometers using Transition-Edge Sensors (TES) for millimeter waves. Our design uses a double-slot dipole antenna which feeds superconducting niobium microstrip. Microstrip filters are used to define the frequency band to which the bolometers are sensitive. The microstrip is terminated with a load resistor and the dissipated power is measured using a TES. We present the results of electrical and optical characterization of single bolometer pixels and discuss the development of a large bolometer array based on this design. This array is being developed for a Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarization anisotropy experiment.
Experimental Studies of Water Wetting in Large-Diameter Horizontal Oil/Water Pipe Flows

Internal pipeline corrosion in oil production and transportation is always associated with the presence of water, and the likelihood of corrosion generally increases with the volume fraction of water. When the walls of the pipeline are wetted with oil no corrosion is possible. Highly turbulent flow was associated with negligible corrosion due to water entrainment by the flowing oil, whereas low flow rates or intermittent flow have been associated with corrosive conditions. In this study, four advanced techniques (wall conductance probes, corrosion monitoring, wall sampling and flow pattern visualization) were used to determine phase wetting on the internal wall of pipe at different superficial oil and water velocities in the large diameter oil-water horizontal flow. Four flow patterns were observed: stratified flow, stratified flow with mixed layer, semi-dispersed and dispersed flows. Three types of phase wetting regimes (water wetting, intermittent wetting and oil wetting) were determined. A phase wetting map was obtained based on the overlapping information from these techniques. It is clear that the critical oil velocity of water entrainment increases with increasing input water cuts. The water cut has a significant effect on the critical oil velocity for water entrainment. Based on the results of corrosion monitoring, it is also found out that no corrosion occurs under oil wetting. At same superficial oil velocity, corrosion rate under water wetting is much higher than that under intermittent wetting.
Effects of dopaminergic drug treatments on in vivo radioligand binding to brain vesicular monoamine transporters.

The effects of various dopaminergic drug treatments on the in vivo regional brain distribution of high-affinity radioligands ([11C]dihydrotetrabenazine and [11C]methoxytetrabenazine) for the rat brain vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) were determined. Acute treatments with reserpine (2 mg/kg i.p.), tetrabenazine (10 mg/kg i.v.) or related benzoisoquinolines significantly reduced radiotracer binding in vivo. In contrast, radiotracer distributions remained unchanged after treatments with other dopaminergic drugs, whether given by single injection (haloperidol, 1 mg/kg i.p., pargyline 80 mg/kg), repeatedly (pargyline, 80 mg/kg s.c., 14 days), or by continuous infusion (deprenyl, 10 mg/kg/day, 5 days; L-DOPA methyl ester 100 mg/kg/day, 5 days). Repeated injections of tetrabenazine (5 mg/kg i.p., twice daily, 3 days) did not alter in vivo radioligand binding measured after allowing drug washout from the brain. These studies support the proposal that in vivo PET imaging of VMAT2 radioligands in patients with extrapyramidal movement disorders will not be affected by concurrent use of L-DOPA or deprenyl.
Obesity and the Role of Food Marketing: A Policy Analysis of Issues and Remedies

Abstract The Centers for Disease Control has declared obesity a public health epidemic: More than 30% of U.S. adults are obese, and obesity now equals smoking as the leading preventable cause of disease and death. The authors explore policy issues associated with the accelerated growth of obesity in the U.S. population, particularly policy related to the debated influence of food marketing practices on obesity. The authors discuss possible market failures that influence consumer food choices and address the role of existing informational and regulatory policies in moderating the alleged threat of food marketing practices to public health. They consider various types of policy remedies that have been proposed as ways to reduce societal obesity costs, and they offer an agenda for further research to address knowledge gaps that represent barriers to effective public policy decisions.
Tractor-Trailer Drag Reduction Strategies Determined from CFD

Tractor-trailers have a higher drag coefficient than other vehicles due to their bluff-body shape. Over the years, numerous add-on devices have been invented to help reduce the drag. The current research investigates new add-on devices in the form of humps to reduce the base-drag of tractor-trailers. In the current investigation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in the form of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations is used to determine viable design strategies and optimize the new add-on device designs. A baseline model was built using an Ahmed body in both 2D and 3D. The predicted drag coefficient of the 3D Ahmed baseline model showed good agreement with experimental data. The 2D and 3D simulations with hump(s) showed some difference in drag reduction that was dependent on the hump geometry. A significant 3D effect existed. Results from the baseline validations as well as from simulations of tractor-trailer-like configurations with hump add-on devices are shown to demonstrate the drag reduction possible.