cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of employer-sponsored child care on female labor supply behavior: Evidence from the nursing profession

This paper studies the effects of employer-sponsored child care on two dimensions of the labor supply behavior of women with young children: annual hours worked and attachment to the employer. Data from the 1988 Biennial Survey of Illinois Registered Nurses are used in the empirical analysis. The provision of employer-sponsored child care is found to have significant positive effects on both aspects of labor supply.
Piezoelectric devices for ocean energy: a brief survey

Piezoelectric materials directly convert strain energy into electric energy and vice versa and are commonly used in sensing and actuating applications. They have been employed in mediums frequently undergoing vibrations, allowing harnessing of power at a small scale. Ideas of using the piezoelectric effect as a power take-off mechanism for ocean energy emerged in the 1970s and are still at a developing stage. This article overviews recent development on the application of the piezoelectric processes to the ocean field and provides a building block for future research work of ocean engineers who are interested in such possibilities. A brief discussion on the selection of the piezoelectric materials for different ocean-engineering applications is presented. Significant research projects on ocean-energy extraction through the use of these materials are then described and discussed with special scrutiny on the viability of proposed designs and their experimental or numerical validation. Various harvesting techniques in an ocean environment are categorized and compared. The challenges ahead and the outlook for success in this area are outlined.
Is the use of QOL data really any different than other medical testing

QOL data and routine clinical data such as laboratory data, whether used in clinical practice or research, can be viewed by clinicians in the same way. Both provide important patient-related information using instruments which are reliable and valid. Both require that the clinician or researcher understand how to utilize and interpret the data and gain comfort with doing so through experience. It is through this repeated usage of QOL data that clinicians will, hopefully, come to accept QOL data as a routine and invaluable part of their practice and view it just as they view other clinical data. Whether it is a clinician looking at QOL data or laboratory data for the first time, or a clinical researcher including QOL data in a clinical trial for the first time, training, repetitive use, and experience is necessary to feel comfortable with integrating the data to recommend an appropriate clinical action or to capture the meaningful effect.
Patterning of ventral telencephalon requires positive function of Gli transcription factors

The ability of neuroepithelial cells to generate a diverse array of neurons is influenced by locally secreted signals. In the spinal cord, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is known to induce distinct cell fates in a concentration-dependent manner by regulating the activities of the three Gli transcription factors in neural precursors. However, whether Gli-mediated Shh signaling is also required to induce different cell types in the ventral telencephalon has been controversial. In particular, loss of Shh has little effect on dorsoventral patterning of the telencephalon when Gli3 is also removed. Furthermore, no ventral telencephalic phenotypes have been found in individual Gli mutants. To address this issue, we first characterized Shh-responding ventral telencephalic progenitors between E9.5 and E12.5 and found that they produce neurons migrating to different layers of the cortex. We also discovered a loss of Nkx2.1 and Nkx6.2 expression in two subgroups of progenitors in embryos lacking major Gli activators. Finally, we analyzed the telencephalic phenotypes of embryos lacking all Gli genes and found that the ventral telencephalon was highly disorganized with intermingling of distinct neuronal cell types. Together, these studies unravel a role for Gli transcription factors in mediating Shh signaling to control specification, differentiation and positioning of ventral telencephalic neurons.
Some further analysis of the essential blocking recurrence

In previous work,1 a random graph model of concurrency control was developed, in which there are n concurrent transactions (represented as vertices of a graph), and where for each pair of transactions (vertices), a conflict (edge between the vertices) initially occurs independently with probability p. Given such a graph, a scheduling function selects a subset of transactions to complete based on the conflicts and possibly on an ordering of the transactions. At the end of each unit of time, the transactions selected by the scheduling function to complete are removed from the graph, and are replaced by new transactions from a transaction sequence. For each pair of transactions in the new graph, if the transactions were both in the previous graph then a conflict occurs between them if and only if there was a conflict in the previous graph; otherwise one or both of the transactions are new and a conflict occurs independently with probability p.
Removal of order domain content in rotating equipment signals by double resampling

Abstract Fixed frequency content (i.e. component or structural resonances) in spectra obtained from rotating equipment can be masked by the strong sources at harmonics (order) of the shaft running speed. The ratio of the fixed frequency components to the order components can be greater than 60 dB making interpretation of resonances in the spectra difficult. Hence the order components are viewed as a corrupting phenomenon. An approach to remove the order components from the spectra, without affecting the remaining frequency domain information is presented in this work. The technique utilises a sequence of data sampling and transformations, between the time, order and frequency domains as follows: (1) Vibration data is sampled using a constant time basis (Δt). (2) The times corresponding to a constant angular basis (Δθ) are determined. (3) The vibration data is interpolated to a constant angular basis (Δθ). (4) The constant angle sampled data is transformed via the FFT to the order domain. (5) The high amplitude order components are now exactly bin centred and can be removed from the spectra. (6) An inverse FFT is applied to return to a constant angular increment sampled (Δθ) array, sans order content. (7) The constant angular increment sampled (Δθ) array is interpolated to an array sampled with constant time basis (Δt). (8) A FFT is applied and then standard spectral estimation procedures used to compute the vibration spectra with the high-level orders removed. The theoretical and implementation details of the double resampling approach are discussed. The approach is applied to experimental torsional vibration data acquired from a laboratory test rig designed to simulate a turbine rotor. The test results show that the method can recover fixed frequency components (i.e. turbine blade natural frequencies) in the presence of order components 50 dB higher.
On the photodecomposition of chlorophyll in vitro. I. Reaction rates.

Abstract— Chlorophyll solutions are irreversibly bleached by light in the presence of oxygen. The action spectra parallel the absorption spectra for both chlorophyll a and b. The reaction is of second order with a Q10 of 1.26. The reaction rates for chlorophylls a and b are of the same order of magnitude. Depending upon the light source, the initial rate for chlorophyll a is slightly higher, by a factor of 1.15 to 1.30. The rate for pheophytin is lowe 3 by several orders of magnitude. No pheophytin has been detected in the reaction products of the irradiated chlorophyll solutions in the absence of water.
Lumbar Disc Disorders and Low-Back Pain: Socioeconomic Factors and Consequences

Socioeconomic factors are important risk factors for lumbar pain and disability. The total costs of low-back pain in the United States exceed $100 billion per year. Two-thirds of these costs are indirect, due to lost wages and reduced productivity. Each year, the fewer than 5% of the patients who have an episode of low-back pain account for 75% of the total costs. Because indirect costs rely heavily on changes in work status, total costs are difficult to calculate for many women and students as well as elderly and disabled patients. These methodologic challenges notwithstanding, the toll of lumbar disc disorders is enormous, underscoring the critical importance of identifying strategies to prevent these disorders and their consequences.
Top-k queries on uncertain data: on score distribution and typical answers

Uncertain data arises in a number of domains, including data integration and sensor networks. Top-k queries that rank results according to some user-defined score are an important tool for exploring large uncertain data sets. As several recent papers have observed, the semantics of top-k queries on uncertain data can be ambiguous due to tradeoffs between reporting high-scoring tuples and tuples with a high probability of being in the resulting data set. In this paper, we demonstrate the need to present the score distribution of top-k vectors to allow the user to choose between results along this score-probability dimensions. One option would be to display the complete distribution of all potential top-k tuple vectors, but this set is too large to compute. Instead, we propose to provide a number of typical vectors that effectively sample this distribution. We propose efficient algorithms to compute these vectors. We also extend the semantics and algorithms to the scenario of score ties, which is not dealt with in the previous work in the area. Our work includes a systematic empirical study on both real dataset and synthetic datasets.
Strong bottom currents and cyclogenesis in Drake Passage

[1] Observations from 38 bottom-moored Current and Pressure Recording Inverted Echo Sounders (CPIES) deployed in Drake Passage during the 2007–2008 International Polar Year provide unprecedented coverage of near-bottom currents and pressures spanning the entire Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Year-long-mean currents exceed 10 cm s−1 north of the Polar Front, and mean directions are not, in general, aligned with the surface fronts. Topographic steering is most evident at the continental margins. Deep eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is maximum at about 200 cm2 s−2 between the Subantarctic and Polar Fronts, coinciding with the location but about one quarter of the value of a maximum in surface EKE. Multiple high-speed current events, with peak speeds of 60–70 cm s−1 and lasting 30 to 70 days, are coherent across sites separated by 45 km. The observed spinup of eddies coinciding with meanders in the surface fronts is consistent with deep cyclogenesis.
Planung von Investitionen in Green Information Systems

Unternehmen stehen vor der Aufgabe, den Einsatz von Rohstoffen effizient und schadstoffarm zu gestalten. Dazu konnen Investitionen in Green Information Systems (IS) einen hohen Beitrag leisten. Unternehmen sind jedoch bei der Planung von Green-IS-Projekten Unsicherheiten unterworfen. Deshalb werden in diesem Beitrag die fur eine Investition notwendigen Planungsschritte unter Berucksichtigung der Besonderheiten von Green IS durchlaufen. Im Rahmen einer erfolgreichen Projektplanung von Green-IS-Investitionen sollten alle relevanten okonomischen und okologischen Einflussfaktoren in einem Planungsmodell abgebildet werden.
Lmx1a regulates fates and location of cells originating from the cerebellar rhombic lip and telencephalic cortical hem

The cerebellar rhombic lip and telencephalic cortical hem are dorsally located germinal zones which contribute substantially to neuronal diversity in the CNS, but the mechanisms that drive neurogenesis within these zones are ill defined. Using genetic fate mapping in wild-type and Lmx1a−/− mice, we demonstrate that Lmx1a is a critical regulator of cell-fate decisions within both these germinal zones. In the developing cerebellum, Lmx1a is expressed in the roof plate, where it is required to segregate the roof plate lineage from neuronal rhombic lip derivatives. In addition, Lmx1a is expressed in a subset of rhombic lip progenitors which produce granule cells that are predominantly restricted to the cerebellar posterior vermis. In the absence of Lmx1a, these cells precociously exit the rhombic lip and overmigrate into the anterior vermis. This overmigration is associated with premature regression of the rhombic lip and posterior vermis hypoplasia in Lmx1a−/− mice. These data reveal molecular organization of the cerebellar rhombic lip and introduce Lmx1a as an important regulator of rhombic lip cell-fate decisions, which are critical for maintenance of the entire rhombic lip and normal cerebellar morphogenesis. In the developing telencephalon Lmx1a is expressed in the cortical hem, and in its absence cortical hem progenitors contribute excessively to the adjacent hippocampus instead of producing Cajal-Retzius neurons. Thus, Lmx1a activity is critical for proper production of cells originating from both the cerebellar rhombic lip and the telencephalic cortical hem.
Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Anesthesia Using the Plumb Bob Method

The plumb bob technique is a recently described, innovative approach to supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. Validated by computerized tomographic analysis in volunteers, the method uses the reliable relationship of the brachial plexus to easily identified anatomic landmarks. Brachial plexus location is greatly simplified by a true vertical, or plumb bob, needle approach at the junction of the clavicle and the lateral head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The needle is passed through successive steps in a parasgittal plane until the plexus is contacted. Large or muscular patients often require a slight caudad angulation from the plumb bob in the parasagittal plane to achieve plexus contact; thin patients often require a slight cephalad angulation from the plumb bob. Ease of plexus location and the high degree of complete plexus blockade associated with the supraclavicular approach result in a technqiue optimally suited for a busy upper extremity surgery pratice. Needle adjustments required to stimulate the different elements of the brachial plexus are readily apparent, greatly facilitating the teaching of the technique to residents-in-training. Risk of pneumothorax remains a concern, and adjustments in the orginally described plumb bob approach are presented as a method to eliminate this complication.
Tracking logistical constraints across missions and organizations: a multipurpose information infrastructure

The goal of many enterprises is to develop and execute plans and schedules that achieve stated goals while simultaneously minimizing the cost of logistics management and maximizing resource productivity. This goal is a challenge in space flight environments where just-in-time logistics management can't be supported and large scale planning and scheduling requires collaborations and negotiations that cross many divisions and departments. Although there have been many systems proposed and/or developed that address one or more of these concerns, a key element missing in these systems is the tight coupling that is necessary between maintenance, logistics, and operations. This close relationship is particularly important in space operations where changes to scheduled missions and/or the logistics chain can greatly impact overall operations. Based on previous work on combined maintenance and operations planning/scheduling for Marine Aviation, we propose a software-based infrastructure that coordinates planning, scheduling, and execution across multiple departments and disciplines.
A class of non-linear filters for periodic signals

The problems of parameter estimation for noisy signals having multiple sinusoidal components, some or all of which may be harmonically related are addressed. A nonlinear observer approach is used to derive a filter possessing local stability. The results of simulations are presented to illustrate that the authors' method can offer improved performance compared to an extended Kalman filter. >
Three Models of Global Community

Debates about global justice tend to assume normative models of global community without justifying them explicitly. These models are divided between those that advocate a borderless world and those that emphasize the self-sufficiency of smaller political communities. In the first case, there are conceptions of a community of trade and a community of law. In the second case, there are ideas of a community of nation-states and of a community of autonomous communities. The nation-state model, however, is not easily justified and is one that has been criticized extensively elsewhere. The model of a community of trade underlies both advocates of market-oriented development and exponents of global schemes of redistribution of resources and incomes. I analyze the work of Charles Beitz, Peter Singer, and Thomas Pogge to show that the assumption that global interdependence is beneficial is poorly justified. The model of a community of law, as seen in the work of Henry Shue and others, is the basis for arguments against state sovereignty and in favor of international human rights regimes. I argue that this model suffers either from a problem of practicability or of hegemony. Finally, the model of a community of autonomous communities uses notions of patriotism and sovereignty to maintain that disengagement and independence are the best routes to global peace and justice.
On the Theory of the Anisotropic Thermoelement

The anisotropic thermoelement (AT) has been studied in generation and cooling modes. A procedure to account for temperature dependences of material kinetic coefficients has been elaborated. The distributions of physical fields in the anisotropic thermoelement have been found. The efficiency and electromotive force (EMF) of the anisotropic thermoelement in the EMF and current generation modes have been calculated. Maximum temperature difference values, cooling capacities, and coefficients of performance have been determined for cooling mode with the use of Bi and CdSb materials.
Nature and Society: Anthropological Perspectives

Nature and Society: Anthropological Perspectives. Philippe Descola and Gisli Palsson. eds. New York: Routledge, 1996. 310pp.
Changes in expression of the DNA repair protein complex DNA-dependent protein kinase after ischemia and reperfusion

Reperfusion of ischemic tissue causes an immediate increase in DNA damage, including base lesions and strand breaks. Damage is reversible in surviving regions indicating that repair mechanisms are operable. DNA strand breaks are repaired by nonhomologous end joining in mammalian cells. This process requires DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), composed of heterodimeric Ku antigen and a 460,000 Da catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). In this study, a rabbit spinal cord model of reversible ischemia was used to demonstrate the effect of acute CNS injury on the activity and expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase. The DNA-binding activity of Ku antigen, analyzed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, increased during reperfusion after a short ischemic insult (15 min of occlusion), from which the animals recover neurological function. After severe ischemic injury (60 min of occlusion) and reperfusion that results in permanent paraplegia, Ku DNA binding was reduced. Protein levels of the DNA-PK components—Ku70, Ku80, and DNA-PKcs—were monitored by immunoblotting. After 60 min of occlusion, the amount of DNA-PKcs and the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) decreased with the same time course during reperfusion. Concurrently 150 and 120 kDa fragments were immunostained by an anti-DNA-PKcs monoclonal antibody. This antibody was shown to cross-react with α-fodrin breakdown products. The 120 kDa fodrin peptide is associated with caspase-3 activation during apoptosis. Both DNA-PKcs and PARP are also substrates for caspase-3-like activities. The results are consistent with a model in which after a short ischemic insult, DNA repair proteins such as DNA-PK are activated. After severe ischemic injury, DNA damage overwhelms repair capabilities, and cell death programs are initiated.
Relying on Fin Erosion to Identify Hatchery‐Reared Brown Trout in a Tennessee River

Abstract Hatchery-induced fin erosion can be used to identify recently stocked catchable-size brown trout Salmo trutta during annual surveys to qualitatively estimate contributions to a fishery. However, little is known about the longevity of this mark and its effectiveness as a short-term (≤1 year) mass-marking technique. We evaluated hatchery-induced pectoral fin erosion as a mass-marking technique for short-term stocking evaluations by stocking microtagged brown trout in a tailwater and repeatedly sampling those fish to observe and measure their pectoral fins. At Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, 99.1% (228 of 230) of microtagged brown trout in outdoor concrete raceways had eroded pectoral fins 1 d prior to stocking. Between 34 and 68 microtagged and 26–35 wild brown trout were collected during eight subsequent electrofishing samples. In a blind test based on visual examination of pectoral fins at up to 322 d poststocking, one observer correctly identified 91.7% to 100.0% (mean of 96.9%) of microtagg...
Basic Phenomena and Applications to Thin Films

The concepts of surface tension and thermocapillarity are introduced and incorporated into development of a lubrication-type model for viscous flow in a thin liquid film. A method of numerical solution of the resulting evolution equation for film thickness is introduced. Stokes flow equations and general boundary conditions at interfaces are discussed. The approaches to modeling the effect of London–van der Waals dispersion forces in ultra-thin films are reviewed.
Abstract C33: Cardiovascular health among black and white breast cancer patients initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy

Purpose: Breast cancer patients may have poor outcomes due to the toxic effects of breast cancer treatments in the presence of co-morbid conditions. Thus, it is hypothesized that racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes are, in part, related to a higher prevalence of certain co-morbid conditions prior to treatment among black compared to white women. As a first step to addressing this hypothesis, this analysis examined racial differences in cardiovascular health and co-morbid conditions among breast cancer survivors initiating aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. Methods: Baseline data were analyzed from 49 white and 29 black women participating in an ongoing cohort study of the cardiovascular health of breast cancer patients over the first year of AI therapy. Prior to initiating AI therapy, women enrolling in the study completed a questionnaire and had a cardiovascular health evaluation that included a carotid intimal medial thickness (cIMT) ultrasound. Cardiovascular disease risk percentile was assigned using the cIMT data; category assignment was based on published age- and race-specific percentile risk categories from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Results: The white breast cancer patients were slightly older than their black counterparts (mean 62.5 years versus 61.5 years; p=0.6) and less likely to have had chemotherapy (32.6% versus 42.3%; p=0.4). After adjusting for age, the black breast cancer patients were more likely than their white counterparts to report having been diagnosed with hypertension (odds ratio (OR) 6.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0, 22.9) and diabetes (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.6, 10.2). However, mean cIMT (mean 0.65 mm versus 0.64; p = 0.6) and the distribution of patients in the cardiovascular disease risk percentile categories did not differ significantly by race (p=0.6). Conclusions: Black breast cancer survivors have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular co-morbid conditions compared to their white counterparts. The presence of these cardiovascular co-morbidities at diagnosis may affect treatment choices if continued follow-up demonstrates an adverse impact of estrogen deprivation therapy on cardiovascular outcomes. Enrollment into this study is currently ongoing. This research was supported by a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Health Disparities Career Catalyst grant. Citation Format: Lisa Gallicchio, Carla Calhoun, Kathy J. Helzlsouer. Cardiovascular health among black and white breast cancer patients initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C33. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C33
Starting Out: The Interventional Cytopathologist: A New Clinician/Pathologist Hybrid

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) plays an important role as an alternative diagnostic modality to surgery. Pathologists interested in this patient-oriented procedure have an opportunity to offer it through a hospital affiliation or a private practice. The latter introduces challenges inherent in the development of any clinical discipline. However, FNA represents a distinctive practice development opportunity because it embodies a patient service that is not yet widely available, provides greater contact between patients and pathologists, and enhances the use of other pathology services. This article encourages the reader to consider the challenges and rewards of the patient-oriented practice of an "interventional cytopathologist.”
Low Kilovoltage Radiography in the Detection of Parasites of the Western Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis1, 2

Low kilovoltage radiography of western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), pupal cases makes possible identification of normal budworm pupae and those containing Hymenoptera and Diptera parasites. The method, filming techniques, and radiographic-anatomic correlation are described. Kodak M and MA-2 film were equal in necessary image detail for identification purposes, but the M film did provide a slightly sharper and clearer image than MA-2 film. Polaroid P/N 55 film did not provide images adequate for identification.
A method for obtaining monolayer cultures of human fetal cells from term placentas.

SummaryTechnics are presented for obtaining monolayer cultures of human fetal cells from the chorionic villi of mature placentas. Mixed cultures of epithelioid and spindle cells are obtained with these methods. The fetal origin of the cells in culture is confirmed with studies of the sex chromatin pattern of the nuclei and by examination of histological sections of the trypsinized tissue for the presence of decidua. Detection of chorionic gonadotrophin in the medium of 2 cultures of cells from mature placentas is reported.The investigators are indebted to Dr. Herbert R. Morgan for consultation and advice during these studies and to Virginia Eldridge and Eleanor Dudley for technical assistance.
Optimum Cut-Off Points of Waist Circumference for Identifying Metabolic Syndrome in Shanghai Adults of 35-74 Years of Age

[Objective] To determine the optimum cut-off points of waist circumference(WC) for assessing obesityassociated metabolic syndrome in Shanghai adults of 35-74 years old. [Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai with a representative sample of 7 414 Chinese adults aged 35-74 years using multistage random sampling technique. The WC levels associated with at least 2 risk factors of metabolic syndrome with proper susceptibility and specificity were identified in the two gender groups. [Results] With waist circumference increasing, the odd ratios(OR) of clustering of risk factors increased significantly, the specificity and positive predictive values of association with≥2 risk factors also elevated, but related sensitivity and negative predictive values were lowered. When the WC levels were ≥85 cm for male and ≥80 cm for female, the sensitivity values of association with ≥2 risk factors were 68.33%(male) and 70.17%(female), while the specificity values were 58.48%(male) and 58.36%(female) respectively. These points showing the shortest distances(0.522 1 for male and 0.512 2 for female) in the receiver operating characteristic curves were elected as the cut-off points for the two gender groups in the studied population. [Conclusion] WC≥85 cm for male and ≥80 cm for female can well reflect the margin of metabolic syndrome associated risk factors cluster, and serve as the optimum cut-off points for identifying obesity-associated metabolic syndrome in the studied residents.
Silicon-Carbide Power MOSFET Performance in High Efficiency Boost Power Processing Unit for Extreme Environments

Silicon-Carbide device technology has generated much interest in recent years. With superior thermal performance, power ratings and potential switching frequencies over its Silicon counterpart, Silicon-Carbide offers a greater possibility for high powered switching applications in extreme environment. In particular, Silicon-Carbide Metal-Oxide- Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors' (MOSFETs) maturing process technology has produced a plethora of commercially available power dense, low on-state resistance devices capable of switching at high frequencies. A novel hard-switched power processing unit (PPU) is implemented utilizing Silicon-Carbide power devices. Accelerated life data is captured and assessed in conjunction with a damage accumulation model of gate oxide and drain-source junction lifetime to evaluate potential system performance at high temperature environments.
Coronary artery bypass without cardioplegia

Cardioplegic myocardial protection has become the standard for coronary artery bypass. In contrast, we report 500 consecutive coronary artery bypass operations with intermittent aortic clamping for distal anastomoses, left ventricular venting, and 30°C hypothermia. Average patient age was 62 years (range of 30 to 89 years). The number of patients who had urgent or emergency operations was 194 (39%); 251 patients had unstable angina, and 123 others had preinfarction angina (pain at rest in the hospital); 27 had evolving myocardial infarction. The average number of grafts was 3.3 per patient, and the average ischemic time was 7.65 minutes per graft. There were five hospital deaths (1 %); none resulted from poor myocardial protection that caused low cardiac output. Only three survivors (0.6%) required a balloon pump to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass: two had acute infarctions preoperatively, and the other had an ejection fraction of 0.30 and intractable atrial arrhythmias. Only two other patients (0.4%) received any inotropic infusions postoperatively. Eighteen patients (3.6%) had a perioperative infarction. These results, particularly the virtual absence of postoperative inotropic support, in unselected patients of whom 80% had acute coronary syndromes, indicate that intermittent ischemia can provide excellent myocardial protection for coronary bypass. Brief periods of intermittent ischemia alleviate concern about cardioplegic protection via occluded coronaries or internal mammary grafts and provide a simple and safe option for myocardial protection during coronary artery bypass.
Adaptation to copper stress influences biofilm formation in Alteromonas macleodii.

AbstractAn Alteromonas macleodii strain was isolated from copper-containing coupons incubated in surface seawater (Key West, FL, USA). In addition to the original isolate, a copper-adapted mutant was created and maintained with 0.78 mM Cu2+. Biofilm formation was compared between the two strains under copper-amended and low-nutrient conditions. Biofilm formation was significantly increased in the original isolate under copper amendment, while biofilm formation was significantly higher in the mutant under low-nutrient conditions. Biofilm expression profiles of diguanylate cyclase (DGC) genes, as well as genes involved in secretion, differed between the strains. Comparative genomic analysis demonstrated that both strains possessed a large number of gene attachment harboring cyclic di-GMP synthesis and/or degradation domains. One of the DGC genes, induced at very high levels in the mutant, possessed a degradation domain in the original isolate that was lacking in the mutant. The genetic and transcriptional m...
Characterization of Prospective Memory and Associated Processes

Attention in prospective memory research has focused simultaneously on processes that affect prospective memory retrieval and associated scheduling within ongoing tasks. In concert, newer, and often, more sophisticated approaches are being developed. The first part of this chapter focuses on measurement of response times in ongoing tasks and how these response time distributions are affected by holding an intention. The ex-Gaussian distribution is one example that characterizes response time distributions well. Parameters within this model have been used recently to indicate evidence of costs to holding intentions. We also review evidence accumulation models, such as drift diffusion models and linear ballistic accumulator models that have been applied to model choice and response time information. The application of multinomial processing tree (MPT) models to prospective and ongoing task responses is also covered. Finally, we review a very recent computational process model of prospective memory—an effort that is relatively new in the prospective memory field.
Role of apolipoproteins, ABCA1 and LCAT in the biogenesis of normal and aberrant high density lipoproteins

In this review, we focus on the pathway of biogenesis of HDL, the essential role of apoA-I, ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in the formation of plasma HDL; the generation of aberrant forms of HDL containing mutant apoA-I forms and the role of apoA-IV and apoE in the formation of distinct HDL subpopulations. The biogenesis of HDL requires functional interactions of the ABCA1 with apoA-I (and to a lesser extent with apoE and apoA-IV) and subsequent interactions of the nascent HDL species thus formed with LCAT. Mutations in apoA-I, ABCA1 and LCAT either prevent or impair the formation of HDL and may also affect the functionality of the HDL species formed. Emphasis is placed on three categories of apoA-I mutations. The first category describes a unique bio-engineered apoA-I mutation that disrupts interactions between apoA-I and ABCA1 and generates aberrant preβ HDL subpopulations that cannot be converted efficiently to α subpopulations by LCAT. The second category describes natural and bio-engineered apoA-I mutations that generate preβ and small size α4 HDL subpopulations, and are associated with low plasma HDL levels. These phenotypes can be corrected by excess LCAT. The third category describes bio-engineered apoA-I mutations that induce hypertriglyceridemia that can be corrected by excess lipoprotein lipase and also have defective maturation of HDL. The HDL phenotypes described here may serve in the future for diagnosis, prognoses and potential treatment of abnormalities that affect the biogenesis and functionality of HDL.
THERMODYNAMICS OF LaNi5 + H2 BY DIFFERENTIAL HEAT FLOW CALORIMETRY: HYSTERESIS AND ENTROPIES

ABSTRACT Partial entropies for the system LaNi5+H2 are derived from previously reported p-c and partial enthalpy measurements. Hysteresis in these quantities in the two phase region is discussed in the light of the various models which have been proposed to explain the pressure isotherm hysteresis.
Synchronization of ovulation using GnRH or hCG with the CO-Synch protocol in suckled beef cows.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate replacing GnRH with hCG and the effects of 48-h calf removal (CR) on pregnancy rates of cows syn- chronized with the CO-Synch protocol. Suckled beef cows (n = 467) at two locations were assigned to treat- ment by breed, age, and calving date. Treatment in- cluded either GnRH with (n = 121) or without CR (n = 117) or hCG with (n = 115) or without CR (n = 114) using the CO-Synch protocol. On d 0 and 9, cows re- ceived either hCG (2,500 IU, i.m.) or GnRH (100 g, i.m.), and on d 7 all cows received PGF2α (25 mg). At one location, blood samples were collected from all cows (n = 203) on d −14, −7, 0, 7, 9, and 16. Calves were removed on d 7 and returned on d 9 (48 h) from approxi- mately half of the cows that received GnRH or hCG. Cows that were detected in estrus between d 6 and 9 were bred approximately 12 h later and received no further injections. Cows not observed in estrus by d 9 received a second injection of either GnRH or hCG and were timed-inseminated. The AI pregnancy rates for GnRH-treated cows with or without CR and hCG- treated cows with or without CR were 46, 49, 35, and 34%, respectively (P = 0.44). Pregnancy rates of cows differed by treatment × age interaction (P = 0.07), hor- mone (P = 0.09), and hormone × age (P = 0.01) but not by CR (P = 0.66) or CR × age (P = 0.33). Among 2-yr- olds, pregnancy rates were higher for cows treated with hCG without CR than for cows that received GnRH with calf removal, whereas cows treated with hCG with CR and GnRH without CR were intermediate. In addi- tion hCG-treated 2-yr-olds had higher pregnancy rates than GnRH-treated 2-yr-olds regardless of calf pres- ence, but the reverse was true for older cows. Overall, GnRH-treated cows (48%) had a higher (P = 0.09) preg- nancy rate than hCG-treated cows (34%). Among anes- trous cows, GnRH and hCG were similar (P = 0.40) in their ability to induce ovulation and corpus luteum formation after the first and second injections of GnRH (31 and 76%, respectively) or hCG (39 and 61%, respec- tively). More (P = 0.001) hCG-treated cows exhibited short estrous cycles following timed AI. We conclude that hCG is not a suitable replacement for GnRH to synchronize ovulation with the CO-Synch protocol in multiparous cows, although further evaluation among primiparous cows is warranted using hCG with the CO- Synch protocol.
Exact calculations of the ground state of model neutron matter

We report results of Monte Carlo variational calculations for a simple model of neutron matter for three different internuclear potentials. We have also done exact Monte Carlo calculations for the ground state of one of these systems. A wave function for the solid phase with full symmetry is proposed. None of the three systems crystallize. The validity of the Wu-Feenberg expansion and hard-sphere modeling for these systems are discussed. (AIP)
Cover Crop Impacts on Soil Water Status

Water is a primary concern for producers in the Great Plains; as such, research is warranted to quantify how much cover crops affect the amount of soil water available to subsequent cash crops. Cover crop mixes have been marketed as a means to conserve water in no-till cropping systems following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvest. The objectives of this study are to quantify changes in soil profile water content in the presence of different cover crops and mixtures of increasing species complexity, to quantify their biomass productivity and quality, and to quantify the impact of cover crops on subsequent corn (Zea mays L.) yields. We hypothesized the change in soil water brought on by the cover crop treatments would be correlated to the quantity of biomass produced and the species composition, rather than mixture complexity. Soil moisture was measured using a neutron probe to a depth of 9 ft. Results from 2013–14 showed no difference in water use between cover crop mixtures and single species. Cover crops depleted the soil profile by a maximum of 3.5 in. during growth, but fallow was able to gain 0.75 in. of water during the same period. At the time of corn planting, soil moisture under all cover crops had replenished to levels at cover crop emergence, except for the brassicas, which had extracted water from deeper in the profile. Corn yields were reduced following the grass cover crops and the six-species mix. Corn yields were more closely related to the carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio of the cover crop residue than to profile soil moisture at corn emergence. The fact that yields were similar for corn after fallow and for corn after brassica cover crops implied that water was not the cause of yield reductions after the other cover crops.
Dynallax: dynamic parallax barrier autostereoscopic display

Parallax barrier strip autostereoscopic (AS) virtual reality (VR) displays have been constructed by placing a barrier of lines in front of an LCD display device. Together with a head tracking system and associated software to interleave portions of left and right eye images in appropriate positions on the display device, an AS effect is achieved that can be quite compelling. In the past, the barrier was a static component that imposes certain limitations on the system. The barrier is manufactured to produce various system parameters such as number of viewers, type of autostereo system, size of working area. For example, in a static barrier head-tracked system the number of viewers is invariably one because of these static barrier limitations. Substituting a dynamic parallax barrier for the static barrier frees the system from such constraints. Not only can barrier parameters be easily adjusted, but the barrier can be disabled entirely, converting the AS system to a 2D display. View distance range is expanded; moreover optimum optical conditions are maintained throughout the range. The inherent sensitivity to latency in a head-tracked parallax barrier system is mitigated by translating the dynamic barrier image in response to rapid head movements. Finally, by dynamically controlling the parallax barrier in real time, more than two eye channels are produced, for example to accommodate two viewers and provide each viewer with an independent pair of stereo perspectives. A prototype system called Dynallax is researched and developed to demonstrate the qualities of a dynamic parallax barrier for AS. This is a small single-panel prototype based on a stacked dual-LCD display that is scalable by tiling. Besides investigating Dynallax on a purchased stacked display, improvements in dual stacked LCD construction are investigated by constructing a custom display from dissimilar components. Finally, results are shared with the scientific community through publication in a distinguished virtual reality conference.
Caffeine Delays Light-entrained Activity and Potentiates Circadian Photic Phase-resetting in Mice.

Caffeine is widely used to reduce sedation and increase alertness. However, long-term caffeine use may disrupt circadian (daily, 24-h) rhythms and thereby negatively affect health. Here, we examine...
Light-induced magnetization changes in aggregated and isolated cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

The light-induced magnetization changes in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are reinvestigated to probe the mechanism of photomagnetic behavior and to uncover the essential criteria required to observe the effect. Irradiation with white light results in pronounced demagnetization as evidenced by a decrease in the coercivity (ΔHc ∼ 3 kOe at 10 K) and a drop in the high field magnetization at 70 kOe. Wavelength dependent studies show the optical excitation driving the effect is broad in nature. Power and temperature (T) dependent measurements reveal strikingly different photomagnetic behaviors for the high field magnetization and coercive fields with energy scales of 25 K and 200 K, respectively. Importantly, the magnitude of the light-induced change in the magnetization is found to be specific to the synthesis protocol, with aggregated nanoparticles showing a larger effect than isolated particles. Mossbauer spectroscopy provides additional evidence of the differences between the aggregated and isolated nanoparticle samples. For T ≲ 25 K, the photo-response arises from magnetic disorder generated by an elevated electronic temperature in the surface layer of the particles, thereby leading to a decrease in magnetic volume. For 25 K ≲ T ≲ 200 K, the electronic and phononic reservoirs are more intimately coupled, so the photo-induced magnetic response follows the temperature dependence of the magneto-crystalline anisotropy. A similar response in manganese ferrite suggests that the mechanism is general.The light-induced magnetization changes in cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are reinvestigated to probe the mechanism of photomagnetic behavior and to uncover the essential criteria required to observe the effect. Irradiation with white light results in pronounced demagnetization as evidenced by a decrease in the coercivity (ΔHc ∼ 3 kOe at 10 K) and a drop in the high field magnetization at 70 kOe. Wavelength dependent studies show the optical excitation driving the effect is broad in nature. Power and temperature (T) dependent measurements reveal strikingly different photomagnetic behaviors for the high field magnetization and coercive fields with energy scales of 25 K and 200 K, respectively. Importantly, the magnitude of the light-induced change in the magnetization is found to be specific to the synthesis protocol, with aggregated nanoparticles showing a larger effect than isolated particles. Mossbauer spectroscopy provides additional evidence of the differences between the aggregated and isolated nanopar...
Preserving the Value of Tables of Contents Online

Abstract This article outlines research investigating the coverage of women's studies periodical titles on three table of contents (TOC) databases: UnCover, Faxon Finder, and ContentsFirst. The author looked at how many women's studies periodicals appeared on each system; what types of women's studies periodicals were excluded; and most importantly, whether the online TOC databases provided the same information as printed tables of contents pages. The printed tables of contents for three years' worth of twenty-four women's studies periodical titles were checked against each database. Certain “article types” such as book reviews and poetry were found to be mislabeled or did not appear at all on the online versions. Thus, the value of these databases as accurate table of contents sources should be questioned.
Test for the parametric part in partial functional linear regression based on B-spline

In this paper, we investigate the hypothesis test of the parametric component in partial functional linear regression model based on B-spline. The test statistic is constructed by using the residua...
An escape-room inspired game for genetics review

ABSTRACTActive learning strategies engage students in instruction by making them an integral part of the teaching process. Gamification is one type of active learning approach that incentivises stu...
Examining First Date Goals across Different Types of Date Initiation

Individual goals for first dates are examined in the context of requesting the first date, accepting a first date request, going on a blind date, and going on a group date in a sample of 211 colleg...
Assessing the manageable portion of ground-level ozone in the contiguous United States.

Regional air quality models are widely being used to understand the spatial extent and magnitude of the ozone non-attainment problem and to design emission control strategies needed to comply with ...
Vascular pathology and hearing disorders

Transduction of sound is metabolically demanding, and normal function of the microvasculature in the inner ear is critical for maintaining endocochlear potential (EP), ion transport, and fluid balance. A reduction in blood flow to the ear leads to a shortage of nutrients and oxygen in the tissue, and creates a ‘toxic’ environment with accumulation of harmful metabolites. To sustain hearing acuity, a healthy cochlear microenvironment must be maintained. Dysfunction of blood supply has been identified in different forms of hearing loss, including in loud sound-induced hearing loss, age-related hearing loss, and genetic hearing loss. This short review focuses on recent findings in cochlear microvascular pathophysiology relevant to cochlear health and hearing loss. A better understanding of the role of the micro-circulation in the inner ear will provide a foundation for preventing and treating vascular associated hearing disorders.