cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Disease Epidemics Stimulate or Repress Entrepreneurial Activity

This study addresses a unique angle by examining an under looked determinant of entrepreneurship related to disease epidemics. In times of natural disasters, such as disease epidemics, new demands emerge that might promote entrepreneurship. Using data on a large cross section of countries, we empirically test whether and to what extent the incidence and severity of disease epidemics affect the prevalence of entrepreneurship. The results show that both the occurrence and severity of epidemics spur entrepreneurial activity. These results highlight a potentially important role served by entrepreneurs in responding to biological disasters. Our findings withstand a series of robustness checks.
Analysis of Dynamic Instability of Steady-State Microtubules In Vitro by Video-Enhanced Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy with an Appendix by Emin Oroudjev

Microtubules are major constituents of the cytoskeleton which display dynamic properties. They exhibit dynamic instability which is defined as the stochastic switching between growing and shortening at microtubule ends. Dynamic instability plays an important role in diverse cellular functions including cell migration and mitosis. Many successful antimitotic drugs and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are known to modulate microtubule dynamics, and it is important to analyze the in vitro dynamic instability of microtubules to study the mechanism of action of microtubule-targeted therapeutics and MAPs. In this chapter, we describe a method to analyze the in vitro dynamic instability of microtubules at steady state using video-enhanced differential contrast (VE-DIC) microscopy in detail. In this method, microtubules are assembled to steady state at 30°C with MAP-free tubulin in a slide chamber in the presence of GTP, using sea urchin axonemes as nucleating seeds. Images of microtubules are enhanced and recorded in real time by a video camera and an image processor connected to a DIC microscope which is maintained at 30°C. We use two software programs to track and analyze the growing and shortening of plus or minus ends of microtubules in the real-time images recorded using VE-DIC. In this chapter, we describe the instructions to use the tracking software Real Time Measurement II (RTM II) program. The instructions to use the analysis software Microtubule Life History Analysis Procedures (MT-LHAP) in Igor Pro software have been described in detail in an appendix (Oroudjev, 2010) following this chapter.
Designing planar transformers for reliability and thermal efficiency

There has been an industry wide reluctance to employ planar designs for transformers and inductors in power supplies and other applications such as switch mode circuits because of high temperature rise and reliability problems associated with the close proximity of the coil and the core layout of planars. Not only can these obstacles be overcome, but also designers can go even further with high reliability and high-density transformers and inductors using planar configurations.
Trade Talk: Narratives of US Identity in the Making of Economic Policy

Trade talks often take place behind closed doors, trade ‘talk’ -- the language used to connect the abstract ideas of the market to concrete experiences of everyday Americans – is now an essential public component of economic policymaking. The elements of trade ‘talk’ such as myths, tropes and images circulate, define, and restrict policy discussions and thus policy possibilities. In the field of foreign policy analysis, substantial research has been done on the causal impact of images on political perceptions, behavior and foreign policy outcomes. By focusing primarily on images and beliefs, some scholars have claimed that individuals have inconsistent belief systems. In contrast, I argue that the belief system and images remain relatively constant; it is the policy narrative that shifts the meaning of images in the current context. Language, in conjunction with images, then, has causal impact on policy possibilities in foreign policy. In this paper, I establish a theoretical and methodological framework for analyzing the narrative contexts of images, and thus attempt to bridge a gap in the literature between cognitive psychological approaches and constructivist approaches to foreign policy. I argue that ‘trade talk’ is formative and reflective of US identity and that through examining narratives of trade policy in the cases of NAFTA, US-China PNTR and post-9/11 economic issues with Muslim allies such as Turkey, it is evident that images and narratives mutually constitute each other forming a unique yet identifiable framework of meaning for the public debate.
Operationalizing Maslow: Religion and Flow as Business Partners

Maslow and Csikszentmihalyi interpret human experience through a broad application of stakeholder theory to provide an expanded framework for ethical business. The aggressive search for mutuality of interest can reconcile conflicting stakeholder needs. Maslow's religious peak experiences work in tandem with Csikszentmihalyi's psychological optimal experiences (flow) to support the proposition that transcendence is an achievable goal, both for individuals and for corporations.
Long intrahemispheric pathways of the human cerebral cortex visualized by dissection (LB21)

Long intrahemispheric pathways of the human cerebral cortex visualized by dissection In order to visualize in the human brain analogous corticocortical pathways linking the parietal and frontal lob...
Multi-torsking: simultaneous measurements of cod behaviour show differences between North Sea and Irish Sea stocks

Fish behaviour can vary considerably in response to environmental and biological conditions. We used electronic Data Storage Tags (DSTs) to investigate the behaviour of cod in different environments; 74 North Sea cod and 20 Irish Sea cod were tagged and released in late-March 1999. So far, 32 tags (>2000 days of data) have been returned from the North Sea and four (>700 days) from the Irish Sea. The maximum recorded depth of a North Sea cod was 84 m, while Irish Sea cod utilised a depth range of 154 m. Active depth changes were of greater magnitude and rate in Irish Sea cod than North Sea cod. In addition, Irish Sea cod were continually active and made proportionally more active depth changes than North Sea cod, which were very active during migration (March—June) but exhibited little vertical movement during the summer months. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the behaviour patterns of cod from different stocks have been measured simultaneously over extended periods at such a fine temporal scale. In addition to describing considerable inter-stock differences in behaviour, our results suggest that while cod in the Irish Sea remain active and highly mobile throughout the year, North Sea cod reduce their movements during the summer feeding period. Our findings will contribute to the development of more biologically realistic management models used for evaluating the efficacy of fisheries technical measures, such as closed areas.
Effects of streptozotocin treatment in growth hormone (GH) and GH antagonist transgenic mice

To investigate GH's role in diabetic end organ damage, experimental diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) in bovine GH (bGH) or bGH antagonist transgenic mice and in their nontransgenic (NTG) litter mates. Body growth, blood glucose, serum insulin-like growth factor-I levels, liver GH receptor (GHR) binding, and kidney histology of these animals were evaluated. After administration of multiple low doses of STZ, 90% of the mice developed hyperglycemia. The diabetic animals, especially those expressing GH and GH antagonist transgenes, demonstrated retarded body growth and reduced insulin-like growth factor-I levels when compared with their nondiabetic litter mates. Kidney histology revealed severe glomerulosclerosis in diabetic and nondiabetic bGH transgenic mice. Diabetic NTG mice exhibited moderate kidney lesions. Diabetic bGH antagonist transgenic mice possessed normal glomeruli indistinguishable from those seen in nondiabetic NTG mice. GHR-binding assays revealed that liver GHR-binding sites we...
Complete Cytoreduction Offers Longterm Survival in Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Appendiceal Tumors of Unfavorable Histology

Background Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a rapidly evolving treatment for metastatic appendiceal neoplasms. The aim of this study was to show the effect of complete cytoreduction (CC) on survival in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for high-grade appendiceal neoplasm. Study Design A retrospective study of a prospective database of 56 patients (from 1999 to 2007) with appendiceal neoplasms treated with CRS and HIPEC was carried out. Histology of the disease, CC score, and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score were assessed independently and collectively for each group of patients. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Results Three-year overall survival was 60%. The median peritoneal cancer index score was 25 or higher. Survival analysis by tumor histology was 80% for patients with low-grade tumors and 52% for patients with high-grade tumors (p = 0.024). Survival by completeness of cytoreduction was 78% for patients with a low CC score (0 to 1) and 28% in patients with a high CC score (2 to 3; p=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the low-grade and high-grade tumors when a complete cytoreduction was performed in both groups of patients: 80% versus 68% (p = 0.69). Conclusions CRS and HIPEC is an effective treatment for patients with disseminated appendiceal tumors. High-grade tumors also benefit from this approach and should not be excluded from CRS and HIPEC. Every effort should be made to achieve a complete cytoreduction regardless of the tumor histology.
Load shedding in smart grid: A reliable efficient Ad-Hoc broadcast algorithm for smart house

Load shedding is required when there is an imbalance between electricity demand (customers' usage) and electricity supply (the ability of the electricity network to generate and transport the required amount of electricity to meet this demand). Hybrid novel design methodology is proposed to enhance the underfrequency load shedding in terms of consumer satisfaction level. A Consumer Priority Assignment Unit (CPAU) is proposed to be placed in each smart house. It gives the consumer the option to decide which loads to be shed. A reliable efficient self-pruning Ad-Hoc broadcast algorithm is proposed. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm nearly maintain the efficiency of the generic algorithm, at the same time it enforces higher reliability and prevents nodes (CPAUs) from taking wrong decisions.
Bacterioplankton growth and production at the Louisiana hydrocarbon seeps

The growth rate and potential production of bacterioplankton in cold hydrocarbon seeps located along the Louisiana coast were determined using a pulse-labeling technique. Surprisingly, community doubling times are on the order of 1.1 h, which compares to laboratory-grown cultures. We also found that there are differences in growth rates on relatively small geographic scales, suggesting the influence of site-specific geological features (e.g., gas hydrate mounds). Proceeding downslope to deeper waters, methane-oxidizing bacteria appeared to play a more significant role in community productivity. These preliminary experiments indicated, quite unexpectedly, that water column microbes are growing at a more rapid rate than in any other marine system so far studied and that methane may serve as a primary nutrient (carbon) source in these seep-associated microbial assemblages.
A Family-Oriented Psychiatric Inpatient Unit†

This article presents the structure and policies of a psychiatric inpatient unit that was developed with the goal of fully integrating family-oriented treatment approaches into its therapeutic program. There is an explanation of different methods to involve families in the hospital treatment process and delineation of a variety of treatment techniques specific for families of inpatients. The role of the nursing staff is described as well as some of the contradictions and paradoxes that are inherent in this type of inpatient unit.
Assessment of liver fat in an obese patient population using noncontrast CT fat percent index

Abstract Objective To develop a simplified method to quantify liver fat using computed tomography (CT) fat % index (CT FPI ) compared to liver spleen method (CT L/S , CT L−S ). Methods Noncontrast CT of the liver was performed in 89 patients (overweight, obese, severely obese) to quantify fat, using the following: CT FPI =[(65−patient HU)/65]×100, normal live r =65 HU. Results There was a strong linear correlation between CT FPI and the standard method of assessing liver fat using CT L/S ( r =−0.901), CT L−S ( r =−0.911). Hepatic HU and CT FPI were significantly different in the severely obese group compared to other two groups ( P Conclusion Significant correlation indicates equal diagnostic accuracy of the two methods in appropriately calibrated scanners.
Scientific Applications: Computer synthesis of Holograms for 3-D display

Optical and digital holography are reviewed. The mathematical model and computational techniques of the authors' digital holographic process are discussed, and applications of computer holography are suggested.Computer holograms have been made of three-dimensional objects which give faithful reconstructions, even in white light. A new approach based on point apertures for the image is discussed. Photographs of the images reconstructed from digital holograms are presented
Global VLBI Observations of the High-Velocity H I Absorption toward NGC 1275

We present global VLBI observations of the ~8100 km s-1 H I absorption feature detected toward the strong radio nucleus 3C 84 of NGC 1275 in the Perseus cluster (Vsys ~ 5200 km s-1). The observations were obtained using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), the phased Very Large Array (VLA), and three stations of the European VLBI Network (EVN). Our results provide the first high dynamic range image of this feature at high spectral and spatial resolutions. We detect six distinct absorption peaks with optical depths ranging from 0.1 to 0.45, and multiple weak features with τ ≤ 0.1. The compactness of the background radio source 3C 84, which has a linear extent of only about 16 pc, limits the conclusions that can be drawn as to the nature of the intervening object, which must be falling toward the center of the Perseus cluster at ~3000 km s-1. However, the detected absorption peaks indicate the existence of several H I clouds with velocity differences and widths similar to those seen in Galactic neutral hydrogen absorption and similar to some of the H I absorption seen in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The most prominent H I clouds extend from 12 to 30 mas (milliarcseconds) on the plane of the sky. The derived H I column densities, assuming Ts = 50 K, range over (0.35-3.8) × 1020 cm-2, and the implied volume densities range between 1.4 and 11 cm-3.
Home Ownership Differences Between Hispanics and Anglos in the United States

While recent work points to home ownership as a key factor in the exacerbation and perpetuation of racial/ethnic inequality, no research has studied Hispanic/Anglo differences in home ownership. I use data from the 1981 Annual Housing Survey to examine Hispanic/Anglo differences in home ownership net of socioeconomic characteristics, life-cycle factors, and geographic location. I also assess the differential effects of these determinants on the probability of home ownership between Anglos and each of the five major Hispanic subpopulations. The results demonstrate that Hispanics are significantly less likely to own homes than comparable Anglos. Moreover, Cubans, Central or South Americans, and Puerto Ricans experience much greater inequality in the probability of home ownership than Mexican Americans, Other Hispanics, or blacks. These findings point to the importance of incorporating home ownership into the study of economic inequality.
Initial development of an auditory continuous performance test for preschoolers

Continuous performance tests, while readily available for school-aged children, are used sparingly with preschoolers. Research assessing auditory sustained attention in preschoolers has had mixed success, partly due to the task difficulty for children under age five. In particular, three-year-old children have shown great difficulty with these tasks because of test length, number of distracter stimuli, and short lnterstimulus intervals. To address these concerns, the Auditory Continuous Performance Test for Preschoolers (ACPT-P) was developed. The ACPT-P is an auditory, computer-based, go no-go, continuous performance test, using one target stimulus and one distracter, presented with a fixed interstimulus interval over a five-minute period.This study examined the psychometric properties and initial validity of the ACPT-P in a sample of 87 typically developing preschoolers. In our sample, children as young as 36 months completed the ACPT-P with few omission or commission errors. Results also indicated a de...
Determination of Laminar, Turbulent, and Transitional Foam Flow Losses in Pipes

In arriving at a method for predicting friction losses in laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes for flowing foam, it was found Reynold's numbers and Fanning friction factors could be calculated with effective foam viscosity, actual foam density, average velocity, and ture pipe diameter. Further, it was found the relationship between Reynold's number and Fanning friction factor for foam was identical to that of single-phase fluids. The test data were taken under controlled flow in capillary tubes and 1-1/4 in. and 2-3/8-in. oil field seamless tubing. Friction losses of foam within 2-7/8-in. tubing and 4-1/2-in. and 5-1/2-in. casing during fracture treatments have been accurately predicted using the proposed method. (12 refs.)
Preionization kinetics of an X-ray preionized XeCl gas discharge laser

The influence of preionization conditions on the performance of a XeCl gas discharge laser preionized by a short, high intensity x-ray pulse, has been studied. The laser output energy and optical pulse temporal characteristics have been used to determine the roles of initial electron density and of electron attachment to HCl and to impurities. Although the short pulse preionization technique functions well for XeCl when the laser voltage pulse has a short risetime (≲20 ns), it is less well suited to XeCl lasers using slowly rising voltage pulses (>50 ns), or to F2 containing gas mixtures (KrF and XeF lasers).
Energy exchange and leaf temperature behavior of three plant species

Abstract Leaf temperature differences have been observed among species; however, no direct comparison has been made relative to species-specific thermal kinetic windows. To evaluate the leaf temperature response within the same environment, a field study was conducted on cotton ( Gossypium hirsulum L.), cucumber ( Cucumis sativa L.) and bell pepper ( Capsicum frutescens L.). Individual leaves were monitored for leaf temperature, transpiration, and leaf and aerodynamic resistances. An energy balance model was used to estimate the sensible and latent heat fluxes. Cotton exhibited a lower leaf temperature, lower leaf resistance, and higher transpiration than cucumber and pepper under the same environmental conditions. Mid-day leaf resistances for cotton, cucumber, and pepper were 17.5, 64.7, and 25.0 sec/m, respectively, while aerodynamic resistances for all species were between 10 and 17.5 sec/m. Leaf temperatures for this same interval were 26.2°C for cotton, 29.5°C for cucumber and 32.1°C for pepper. Transpiration rates maintained leaf temperatures within the predefined thermal kinetic window. We propose that a unique link exists between the biological and physical energy exchange mechanisms in which the leaf temperature is maintained within optimum limits for physiological function as indicated by enzyme kinetics.
Fractal aggregates in sputter-deposited NbGe2 films.

Fractal-like structures have been observed in sputter-deposited thin films of Nb${\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$. These structures exhibit a striking resemblance to those produced by computer simulations of diffusion-limited aggregation using the Witten-Sander model. An effective fractal dimensionality of about 1.9 has been determined from digitized photomicrographs. Our results indicate a two-stage growth process in which an initial structure with a fractal dimensionality of about 1.7 is thickened by a subsequent growth process.
Profiles of Wind and Temperature from Towers over Homogeneous Terrain.

Abstract Wind and temperature Profiles from three towers were examined under conditions of fairly homogeneous fetch. With numerically small Richardson numbers, no significant deviations from logarithmic profiles were detected up to 150 m. Under non-neutral conditions, Monin-Obukhov scaling described the profiles well, provided that surface values of the scaling parameters were used. Nondimensional wind profiles in stable air agree well with corresponding profiles in the surface layer. In unstable air the nondimensional functions deviated slightly from the functions found near the ground. In particular, for large |z/L|, ϕm approached |z/L|&minus½ rather than |z/L|−¼ Nondimensional temperature profiles showed some systematic differences from the corresponding profiles near the ground. In a few cases the lapse rate reversed above some height, so that the normalized temperature gradient became negative.
Superficial granulomatous pyoderma

Superficial granulomatous pyoderma, recently described as a variant of pyoderma gangrenosum, would be better termed pathergic granulomatous cutaneous ulceration as the seven previously described cases, as well as our own two cases, have significant dermal involvement histologically and heal with scarring. In contrast to pyoderma gangrenosum, lesions of superficial granulomatous pyoderma respond to less toxic anti-inflammatory agents.
Triggered Release of Pharmacophores from [Ni(HAsO3)]-Loaded Polymer-Caged Nanobin Enhances Pro-apoptotic Activity: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study

Nanoscale drug delivery platforms can provide an attractive therapeutic strategy for cancer treatments, as they can substantially reduce the adverse side effects associated with toxic small-molecule anticancer agents. For enhanced therapeutic efficacy to be achieved with such platforms, a tumor-specific drug-release trigger is a critical requirement. This article reports the use of a pH-sensitive polymer network that surrounds a nanoscale liposome core to trigger the release of both encapsulated hydrophilic, membrane-impermeable NiII cations and amphipathic, membrane-permeable AsIII anticancer agents under acidic conditions commonly encountered in hypoxic tumor tissues and late endosomes. Computational modeling studies provide clear evidence that the acid-triggered drug-release mechanism for this polymer-caged nanobin (PCN) platform arises from a pH- and temperature-responsive conformation change of the cross-linked polymer cage. As a result, the simultaneous release of both of the active agents in this m...
Inhibitory Effect of Gamma Interferon on BK Virus Gene Expression and Replication

BK virus (BKV) is widely accepted to be the causative agent of polyomavirus nephropathy. In immunocompromised individuals, especially kidney transplant recipients, BKV can replicate in kidney epithelial cells, causing loss of renal function and eventual destruction of the graft. Advances in immunosuppressive therapies may be partially responsible for the increasing incidence of polyomavirus nephropathy among transplant recipients by more effectively eliminating components of the immune system, such as gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing lymphocytes, that keep BKV infections at a subclinical level. In this study, we investigated the role of IFN-γ in regulating lytic infection by BKV. Treatment with IFN-γ inhibited the expression of the viral early protein large tumor antigen (TAg) and the late protein VP1 in a dose-dependent manner. We detected 1.6- and 12-fold reductions in TAg transcripts at 48 and 96 h postinfection, respectively, with 250 U/ml IFN-γ, suggesting that IFN-γ-mediated inhibition occurs at the level of transcription. Furthermore, IFN-γ inhibited the level of viral progeny production as much as 50-fold at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.5 and 80-fold at an MOI of 0.1. The inhibitory effects of IFN-γ were similar for three different strains of BKV examined. These results indicate an important role for IFN-γ in regulating BKV lytic infection.
Adduction in the hexadecane—decane—urea—isopropanol system—I composition distribution studies

Abstract Composition measurements of urea adducts with two competing straight-chain hydrocarbons showed that the instantaneous adduct composition is independent of the urea and isopropanol concentrations in the solution. Instantaneous adduct composition depended solely on the relative concentrations of the two hydrocarbon in solution and could be predicted by assuming that the equilibrium constants for urea adduction with the individual hydrocarbons play the same role in adduction as relative volatilities do in distillation.
Underwater Acoustic Communications: Design Considerations on the Physical Layer

Acoustic propagation is characterized by three major factors: attenuation that depends on the signal frequency, multipath propagation, and low speed of sound (1500 m/s). The channel has a sparse impulse response, where each physical path acts as a time-varying low-pass filter, and motion introduces additional Doppler spreading and shifting. Because propagation is best supported at low frequencies, acoustic communication systems are inherently wideband. The way in which these facts influence the design of signal processing methods is considered for single-carrier and multi-carrier systems. Moreover, the facts that the available bandwidth and transmission power depend heavily on the distance, and that channel latency is high, bear important implications on the design of network architectures and related protocols.
Lesbian-headed stepfamilies

This paper examines the lesbian stepfamily. It considers the family structure, parenting roles, gender composition of the couple, the distribution of family labor, and the impact of familial and community support. It discusses some of the challenges facing lesbian-headed stepfamilies, their strengths, capacities and competencies, and the strategies these families use for coping with stigma and intolerance. The paper concludes with implications for policy and practice with lesbian stepfamilies.
A degradable brush polymer–drug conjugate for pH-responsive release of doxorubicin

To achieve high precision and efficacy in disease treatment, biodegradability and environmental responsivity are highly desired in drug delivery systems. Having a polylactide (PLA)-based biodegradable scaffold conjugated with doxorubicin (DOX) moieties via pH-responsive linkages, a brush polymer–drug conjugate (BPDC) was synthesized and studied. The biodegradable scaffold, PLA-graft-aldehyde/polyethylene glycol (PLA-g-ALD/PEG), was prepared via a copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide click reaction. Subsequently, the BPDC was obtained by conjugating doxorubicin with the scaffold through an acid-sensitive Schiff base linkage. The well-controlled structures of the resulting BPDC and its precursors were verified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance and gel permeation chromatography characterization. As revealed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, the BPDC had a well-defined nanostructure with the size of 10–30 nm. A drug release study of the BPDC demonstrated a much faster release of DOX at the pH of 5.5 than at the pH of 7.4. Both cell internalization and cytotoxicity studies of the BPDC in MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicated its significant potential for application as a novel anticancer nanomedicine.
Jovian X-Ray Aurora and Energetic Oxygen Ion Precipitation

The X-ray line spectra of highly charged oxygen ions excited by charge transfer interaction with the molecular hydrogen in the auroral atmosphere of Jupiter are calculated. The calculations utilize our calculated cross sections of state-selective charge transfer and the available cross-section data of ionization and stripping. Comparison of these spectra with high-resolution spectral observations may provide a sensitive probe of the characteristics of the heavy ions precipitating into the Jovian auroral atmosphere. On the basis of the much higher X-ray efficiency of heavy ions than of electrons, it is concluded that the Jovian aurora may be accounted for by a combination of energetic heavy-ion precipitation and energetic electron precipitation, which produces the auroral X-ray and ultraviolet emissions, respectively.
The Portrayal of Parents in the School Mathematics Reform Literature: Locating the Context for Parental Involvement

In this article, using reform recommendations that call for parental involvement as a springboard, I provide an analysis of the positioning of parents in the school mathematics reform literature. Employing Foucault's (1980) conception of "regimes of truth," I demonstrate how the literature has created the accepted discourse for mathematics education reform. I then argue that the professionalization of teachers has distanced parents from schools and led to conflict between parents and mathematics educators and that to reconcile this conflict, ways in which parents can be included in mathematics education must be considered. It is essential first, however, to understand issues central to involving parents in mathematics education. A research agenda for parental involvement in mathematics education is presented.
Compliance Guide: OSHA and National Electrical Code Requirements for Grounding and Ground-Fault Protection on Construction Sites

After more than three years of deliberations, including several public hearings, OSHA has issued standards covering ground-fault protection for personnel on construction sites. These standards became effective on February 22, 1977. The requirements in the new standards are in addition to, not in lieu of, any other requirements for system-grounding and equipment-grounding conductors on construction sites. The new standards apply to 120-V 15- and 20-A single-phase receptacle outlets that are not a part of the permanent wiring of the buildings or structures on construction sites. The standards also cover flexible cords sets and cord- and plug-connected equipment that are energized from the above receptacle outlets. The grounding and ground-fault protection requirements for these receptacle outlets, cords, and portable equipment are included in this paper.
Application of Optimal Control and Optimal Regulator Theory to the ``Integrated'' Control of Insect Pests

``Integrated'' control of pest species refers to a combination of physical, chemical, and biological actions for purposes of regulation. Attempts at the theoretical optimization of pest control exist in the literature (find seven such studies cited in the reference section). These studies have been analytical studies with simplified models or have been dynamic programming studies with low-order models. In this correspondence the numerical solution of the two-point boundary value problem of the optimal control of pests is illustrated. Such procedures are often subject to convergence problems but always hold the promise of being applicable to higher order models. Linear quadratic regulation about an optimal open loop trajectory is illustrated by example. Another feature here is a description of a ``dollar cost'' performance index. The effect of increasing ``marginal'' cost of control (i.e., increase of the partial derivative of cost with respect to control) is demonstrated. One of the advantages of the numerical method utilized is that the order of the model can be increased to include a dynamic crop state. A dynamic crop state is necessary for the proper calculation of the cumulative economic damage by a pest.
The Career Institute : A Collaborative Career Development Program for Traditionally Underserved Secondary (6–12) School Students

Career development is integral to students' academic and social—personal development, and addressing students' needs in this area is recognized as an important responsibility of the professional school counselor. However, efforts to address students' career development tend to be lacking or services are provided in a disconnected manner. This article provides a brief overview of the literature on career development in schools and presents a schoolwide career development program that is integrated into the school curriculum, collaboratively implemented with teachers, and begins in the sixth grade. The value of this programmatic effort is discussed, and recommendations for program development are offered.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in Clinical Pharmacology

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and easy technique for stimulating neurons in the human central nervous system. Studies combining TMS with drugs in healthy subjects and patients have advanced our knowledge of how TMS activates brain circuits and led to new techniques for evaluating the function of specific systems. For example, TMS techniques can detect effects on axon membranes, glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses and the influence of catecholaminergic systems, as well as group differences due to genetic variations in the response to drugs. With this knowledge base, TMS can now be used to explore and compare the effects of drugs on brain systems and may also serve as a surrogate for behavioral responses in clinical trials.
Bond-orientational correlation in liquids and glasses

Abstract The nature of atomic bond-orientational anisotropy and order in liquids and glasses is considered based upon recent molecular dynamics studies. A possibility of spin-glass-like freezing of the local bond-orientational order (BOO) parameter is demonstrated. A close relationship between the anelasticity of metallic glasses and BOO through the response of BOO to stresses is discussed. It is suggested that stresses may be in part mediating interactions between the local BOO parameters.
Effects of early-season foliar fertilization on cotton growth, yield, and nutrient concentration

Abstract Many producers are using foliar fertilizers on seedling cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with the intent of promoting early vigor and increasing yields. However, the hypothesis that foliar feeding young cotton increases seedling vigor and yield has not been rigorously tested. We conducted 5 studies during 1990 to 1992 to investigate the value of one, two or three foliar applications of 12–48–8 fertilizer to seedling cotton. Two studies also included foliar‐applied urea. Plant height and whole‐plant phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) were determined two weeks after each application in two studies. Yield and P and N concentrations were not influenced by foliar fertilizers in any study. Seedling height was not influenced by applications of 12–48–8. A slight early‐season height advantage was observed with foliar‐applied urea at one location. Our results suggest that application of foliar N and P fertilizers to seedling cotton has little agronomic value.
Generalized Latin squares and their defining sets

A generalized Latin square of type (n,k) is an nxn array of symbols 1,2,...,k such that each of these symbols occurs at most once in each row and each column. Let d(n,k) denote the cardinality of the minimal set S of given entries of an nxn array such that there exists a unique extension of S to a generalized Latin square of type (n,k). In this paper we discuss the properties of d(n,k) for k=2n-1 and k=2n-2. We give an alternate proof of the identity d(n,2n-1)=n^2-n, which holds for even n, and we establish the new result d(n,2n-2)>=n^[email protected][email protected]?. We also show that the latter bound is tight for n divisible by 10.
Probabilistically complete kinodynamic planning for robot manipulators with acceleration limits

We introduce acceleration-limited planning for manipulators as a middle ground between pure geometric planning and planning with full robot dynamics. It is more powerful than geometric planning and can be solved more efficiently than planning with full robot dynamics. We present a probabilistically complete RRT motion planner that considers joint acceleration limits and potentially non-zero start and goal velocities. It uses a fast, non-iterative steering method. We demonstrate both the power and efficiency of our planner using the problem of hitting a nail with a hammer, which requires the robot to reach a given goal velocity while avoiding obstacles. Our planner is able to solve this problem in less than 100 ms. In contrast, a purely geometric planner is unable to hit the nail at the desired velocity, whereas a standard kinodynamic RRT is multiple orders of magnitude slower.
Explaining Economic Assistance By Non-Democratic Regimes: A Statistical Analysis of Authoritarian Aid to Less Developed Countries

This study examines the factors that account for patterns of economic aid distribution by authoritarian donors. The aid allocation decisions of four types of authoritarian political systems—Soviet Union, Eastern European countries, People's Republic of China, and members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries—are compared with those of the United States for the period 1976–1989. A model of donor decision-making incorporating political, trade, and developmental objectives is applied to the aid activities of each donor type, using a pooled cross-sectional time series design. The results indicate substantial variation in the objectives underlying the economic aid activities of different types of authoritarian donors, as well as some similarities between types of authoritarian donors and the US. These differences make it difficult to generalize about the aid allocation behavior of authoritarian regimes and pose a challenge to cumulation of research about the bilateral aid allocation process.
Coanda ejector: why it works

From thrust augmenters to material movers Coanda ejectors have many applications in industry. Despite these widespread potential uses, the operating principles of these ejectors are not clearly understood. Hence it is often difficult to design these ejectors for specific applications. The purpose of this study was to experimentally elucidate the key physics of Coanda ejectors. The measurement of the velocity profiles inside the ejector were successfully accomplished by angling the beams of a laser anemometer with respect to the axis of the ejector. Also turbulence intensities, turbulence spectrum, correlation function and wall pressure distributions were measured. The results from this study indicate that there exists a universal velocity distribution for all velocity profiles at different locations, operating conditions and ejectors. Also based on the experimental results we postulated a mechanism for the operation of the Coanda ejectors that is different from classic ejectors.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Permutation equivalence of cubic rotation symmetric Boolean functions

Rotation symmetric Boolean functions have been extensively studied for about 15 years because of their applications in cryptography and coding theory. Until recently little was known about the basic question of when two such functions are affine equivalent. The simplest case of quadratic rotation symmetric functions which are generated by cyclic permutations of the variables in a single monomial was only settled in 2009. For the much more complicated case of cubic rotation symmetric functions generated by a single monomial, the affine equivalence classes under permutations which preserve rotation symmetry were determined in 2011. It was conjectured then that the cubic equivalence classes are the same if all nonsingular affine transformations, not just permutations, are allowed. This conjecture is probably difficult, but here we take a step towards it by proving that the cubic affine equivalence classes found in 2011 are the same if all permutations, not just those preserving rotation symmetry, are allowed. The needed new idea uses the theory of circulant matrices.
Combined cytotoxic action of paclitaxel and ceramide against the human Tu138 head and neck squamous carcinoma cell line.

Purpose: Paclitaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of recalcitrant ovarian and breast as well as other neoplasms, is being investigated for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Our previous studies have demonstrated that exogenously added ceramide enhances apoptosis in paclitaxel-exposed human leukemic cells. In this study, we showed that exogenous ceramide augmented paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in Tu138 cells in vitro when added simultaneously in combination with the paclitaxel. Methods: The combined cytotoxic effects of paclitaxel and ceramide exposure against Tu138 cells were assessed by an MTT dye assay, cell cycle analysis, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) assay, and isobologram analysis for synergistic activity. Results: The MTT dye assay results indicated augmentation of time- and concentration-dependent paclitaxel-mediated cell cytotoxicity by simultaneous ceramide treatment. Paclitaxel treatment of Tu138 cells also resulted in an accumulation of cells in the G2-M phase of the cell cycle. This paclitaxel-mediated G2-M phase accumulation decreased significantly with the addition of ceramide, indicating that combined paclitaxel/ceramide treatment resulted in the elimination of Tu138 cells from the S and/or G2-M phases of the cell cycle. Furthermore, ceramide enhancement of paclitaxel-mediated apoptosis was also detected by the TUNEL assay. Conclusion: Our results suggest that paclitaxel/ceramide combination therapy may be an attractive alternative to conventional methods of chemotherapy for head and neck cancer, and should be further explored.
Treatment of hepatitis C related thrombocytopenia with interferon alpha

Thrombocytopenia is a common extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Treatment with steroids may be effective, but can exacerbate the viral infection. Interferon alpha (INF) has documented efficacy in the treatment of HCV, but its use in the treatment of HCV thrombocytopenia is controversial. We treated eight patients with HCV-related thrombocytopenia, who had platelet counts of fewer than 50 x 10(9)/l (range: 16 to 46 x 10(9)/L) with INF 3 MU SQ three times a week. Planned duration of treatment was 24 weeks. Five patients had no evidence of hepatic cirrhosis, three had cirrhosis, and two had palpable splenomegaly. Only three patients tolerated the full course of treatment, and all three had improvement in their platelet counts to greater than 50 x 10(9)/l. Two other patients had improvement in platelet counts to more than 50 x 10(9)/l with shorter duration of treatment (six and 16 weeks, respectively). The mean increase in platelet count in the five responders was 44 x 10(9)/lL (range: 28 to 90 x 10(9)/l). The average peak platelet count in the responders was 81 x 10(9)/l (range: 62 to 136 x 10(9)/l). Duration of response ranged from four to 18+ months, with the shortest responses observed in the two patients treated with a shorter course of INF. Response was independent of the presence of cirrhosis. Responding patients had improvement in hepatic transaminases, reduction in cryoglobulin and anticardiolipin antibodies, and HCV plasma RNA when tested. Relapse was associated with an increase in these laboratory markers of HCV infection. We conclude that INF can be an effective treatment in patients with HCV-related thrombocytopenia.
Formation of L-xylulose from L-gulonic acid in rat kidney.

Abstract Evidence is presented for the presence of an active enzyme system in rat kidney for the conversion of l -gulonolactone or l -gulonic acid to l -xylulose. Identification of the end product was established by a carrier dilution technique, specific enzymatic and colorimetric assays, and column and paper chromatographic data. Evidence is also presented for the formation of a small amount of xylitol as a further product in this reaction. A scheme for the metabolism of l -gulonolactone involving the pentose phosphate pathway is presented.
The Will Rogers Phenomenon in Urological Oncology

Purpose: Improvement in the prognosis of patient groups due to stage or grade reclassification is called the Will Rogers phenomenon. We determined the significance of the Will Rogers phenomenon in urological oncology.Materials and Methods: Studies referring to the Will Rogers phenomenon in urological oncology were identified through a MEDLINE® search. Samples of articles not referring to the phenomenon directly but likely to be biased by it, such as articles comparing contemporary data to historical controls, were also reviewed.Results: In prostate cancer the Will Rogers phenomenon is the result of the late 1990s acceptance that Gleason scores 2 to 4 should not be assigned on prostate biopsy. Consequently grade inflation occurred and current readings are almost 1 Gleason grade higher compared to past readings of the same biopsy. The result is an illusion of improvement in grade adjusted prognosis. In bladder cancer the Will Rogers phenomenon arises from improvement in histopathological processing of cyste...
Exercise and sleep in community-dwelling older adults: evidence for a reciprocal relationship.

Exercise behaviour and sleep are both important health indicators that demonstrate significant decreases with age, and remain modifiable well into later life. The current investigation examined both the chronic and acute relationships between exercise behaviour and self-reported sleep in older adults through a secondary analysis of a clinical trial of a lifestyle intervention. Seventy-nine community-dwelling, initially sedentary, older adults (mean age = 63.58 years, SD = 8.66 years) completed daily home-based assessments of exercise behaviour and sleep using daily diary methodology. Assessments were collected weekly and continued for 18 consecutive weeks. Multilevel models revealed a small positive chronic (between-person mean-level) association between exercise and wake time after sleep onset, and a small positive acute (within-person, day-to-day) association between exercise and general sleep quality rating. The within-person exercise and general sleep quality rating relationship was found to be reciprocal (i.e. sleep quality also predicted subsequent exercise behaviour). As such, it appears exercise and sleep are dynamically related in older adults. Efforts to intervene on either sleep or exercise in late-life would be wise to take the other into account. Light exposure, temperature regulation and mood may be potential mechanisms of action through which exercise can impact sleep in older adults.
Benefits and Risks of Anticoagulation Resumption Following Traumatic Brain Injury

RESULTS Medicare beneficiaries with traumatic brain injury were predominantly female (64%) and white (92%), with a mean (SD) age of 81.3 (7.3) years, and 82% had atrial fibrillation. Over the 12 months following hospital discharge, 55% received warfarin during 1 or more 30-day periods. We examined the lagged effect of warfarin use on outcomes in the following period. Warfarin use in the prior period was associated with decreased risk of thrombotic events (relative risk [RR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.67-0.88]) and increased risk of hemorrhagic events (RR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.29-1.78]). Warfarin use in the prior period was associated with decreased risk of hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke (RR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.72-0.96]).