cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperkalemia Enhances the Effect of Adenosine on IK,ADO in Rabbit Isolated AV Nodal Myocytes and on AV Nodal Conduction in Guinea Pig Isolated Heart

Background —The atrioventricular (AV) node is insensitive to changes in extracellular potassium concentration, [K+]o, because of the absence of the inward rectifier potassium current (IK1). However, we propose that in the presence of adenosine, elevated [K+]o should increase the adenosine-activated inward rectifier potassium current (IK,ADO) in AV nodal myocytes and hence augment the negative dromotropic effect of the nucleoside. Methods and Results —The effects of normal (4.8 mmol/L) and high (8.0 mmol/L) [K+]o on adenosine-induced changes in resting membrane potential (Vm), IK,ADO, and membrane resistance (Rm) in rabbit isolated AV nodal myocytes and in AV nodal conduction delay (atrium-to-His bundle, AH, interval) in guinea pig isolated hearts were determined with the use of whole-cell patch-clamp and His bundle electrogram techniques, respectively. High [K+]o alone did not significantly affect membrane current, Rm, or Vm in AV nodal myocytes. However, high [K+]o in the presence of adenosine (3 μmol/L) markedly increased Im (−0.249±0.038 to −0.571±0.111 nA, P <0.05) at −100 mV and reduced Rm (151±21 to 77±8 MΩ, P <0.02). Adenosine still hyperpolarized Vm from −48±2 to −65±1 mV ( P <0.001). High [K+]o alone did not significantly affect the AH interval in isolated hearts. However, high [K+]o markedly lengthened the AH interval prolongation caused by adenosine (4 μmol/L, 7.9±0.8 vs 22.1±3.0 ms, P <0.001). The potentiating effect of high [K+]o on adenosine-induced delay in AV nodal conduction was abolished by BaCl2 (100 μmol/L). Conclusions —By increasing IK,ADO and decreasing Rm of AV nodal myocytes, elevated [K+]o, augments the depressant effect of adenosine on AV nodal conduction.
Measuring curvature and velocity vector fields for waves of cardiac excitation in 2-D media

Excitable media theory predicts the effect of electrical wavefront morphology on the dynamics of propagation in cardiac tissue. It specifies that a convex wavefront propagates slower and a concave wavefront propagates faster than a planar wavefront. Because of this, wavefront curvature is thought to be an important functional mechanism of cardiac arrhythmias. However, the curvature of wavefronts during an arrhythmia are generally unknown. We introduce a robust, automated method to measure the curvature vector field of discretely characterized, arbitrarily shaped, two-dimensional (2-D) wavefronts. The method relies on generating a smooth, continuous parameterization of the shape of a wave using cubic smoothing splines fitted to an isopotential at a specified level, which we choose to be -30 mV. Twice differentiating the parametric form provides local curvature vectors along the wavefront and waveback. Local conduction velocities are computed as the wave speed along lines normal to the parametric form. In this way, the curvature and velocity vector field for wavefronts and wavebacks can be measured. We applied the method to data sampled from a 2-D numerical model and several examples are provided to illustrate its usefulness for studying the dynamics of cardiac propagation in 2-D media.
Feynman’s Relativistic Electrodynamics Paradox and the Aharonov-Bohm Effect

An analysis is done of a relativistic paradox posed in the Feynman Lectures of Physics involving two interacting charges. The physical system presented is compared with similar systems that also lead to relativistic paradoxes. The momentum conservation problem for these systems is presented. The relation between the presented analysis and the ongoing debates on momentum conservation in the Aharonov-Bohm problem is discussed.
Performance of respirable dust samplers with fibrous dust.

Polydisperse fiberglass particles were dispersed in air by means of a Wright dust feeder in order to calibrate several commonly used two-stage air samplers. The particle size-weight distributions of the airborne fiberglass dust and the dust collected in the samplers were determined by sedimentation analysis in water using a micro-balance. The sampling rates selected for the instruments were those previously reported by workers demanding instrument performance for spherical, unit density particles in accordance with the British Medical Research Council or U.S. Atomic Energy Commission lung deposition models. Results showed that fibers classified according to their aerodynamic equivalent diameters in devices which establish streamline flow of air behaved differently than spherical particles of corresponding size in cyclone collectors. A higher instrument sampling rate was required to achieve fiberglass dust collection in accordance with calibration standards for spheres. It was also determined that, accordi...
The use of percutaneous coronary intervention in black and white veterans with acute myocardial infarction

It is uncertain whether black white differences in the use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) persist in the era of drug eluting stents. The purpose of this study is to determine if black veterans with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are less likely to receive PCI than their white counterparts. This study included 680 black and 3529 white veterans who were admitted to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers between July 2003 and August 2004. Information for this study was collected as part of the VHA External Peer Review Program for quality monitoring and improvement for a variety of medical conditions and procedures, including AMI. In addition, Department of Veterans Affairs workload files were used to determine PCI utilization after hospital discharge. Standard statistical methods including the Chi-square, 2 sample t-test, and logistic regression with a cluster correction for medical center were used to assess the association between race and the use of PCI ≤ 30 days from admission. Black patients were younger, more often had diabetes mellitus, renal disease, or dementia and less often had lipid disorders, previous coronary artery bypass surgery, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than their white counterparts. Equal proportions of blacks and whites underwent cardiac catheterization ≤ 30 days after admission, but the former were less likely to undergo PCI (32% vs. 40%, p < 0.0001). This difference persisted after multivariate adjustment, although measures of the extent of coronary artery disease were not available. Given the equivalent use of cardiac catheterization, it is possible that less extensive or minimal coronary artery disease in black patients could account for the observed difference.
Restoration of tight junction structure and barrier function by down-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in ras-transformed Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.

In the Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cell line, the proteins occludin and ZO-1 are structural components of the tight junctions that seal the paracellular spaces between the cells and contri...
Studies of jet production rates in e+e- annihilation at Ecm=29 GeV

Production rates of multijet hadronic final states are studied ine + e − annihilation at 29 GeV center of mass energy. QCD shower model calculations with exact first order matrix element weighting at the first gluon vertex are capable of reproducing the observed multijet event rates over a large range of jet pair masses. The method used to reconstruct jets is well suited for directly comparing experimental jet rates with parton rates calculated in perturbative QCD. Evidence for the energy dependene of α s is obtained by comparing the observed production rates of 3-jet events with results of similar studies performed at higher center of mass energies.
Linear focal elastosis: Keloidal repair of striae distensae

Abstract Linear focal elastosis and striae distensae coexisted in a 32-year-old black man in their typical distribution on the lower back. Many striae appeared when he lost 50 lb in 1991. Only some of them became hypertrophic and others remained atrophic; striae distensae of the shoulders and buttocks remained atrophic, whereas most in the lumbosacral region became indurated and cordlike. Histologically, the former lacked elastic fibers and the latter showed a marked increase in thick elastic fibers. Linear focal elastosis in some patients may represent hyperplasia of elastic fibers in response to their damage. This "elastic fiber keloid" seems to be equivalent to collagen keloid, i.e., ordinary keloid, in the lumbosacral region. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;39:309-13.)
Ocular penetration of acyclovir and its peptide prodrugs valacyclovir and val-valacyclovir following systemic administration in rabbits: An evaluation using ocular microdialysis and LC-MS

Purpose. To investigate the ocular penetration of acyclovir and its prodrugs following systemic administration and to elucidate the mechanism of penetration. Methods. Hydrophilic peptide prodrugs of acyclovir were infused intravenously in New Zealand albino rabbits over 45 min at a dose equivalent to 30 mmoles/kg acyclovir. Aqueous and vitreous humor samples were obtained utilizing ocular microdialysis and blood samples were obtained from the mid ear vein using a cannula. Results. The plasma bioavailability for acyclovir, valacyclovir and val-valacyclovir were similar with area under curve values being 896.24 (±143.58), 776.54 (±197.52), 824.69 (±217.43) min.µmoles/L respectively. Anterior segment area under curve values were 53.70 (±35.58), 139.85 (±9.43) and 291.05 (±88.13) min.µmoles/L respectively while the mean residence time values were 46.47 (±24.94), 76.30 (±7.24) and 188.39 (±80.73) min respectively. Vitreous levels of the prodrugs were not measurable. Conclusions. The valine and valine-valine es...
From phase-based to displacement-based gating: A software tool to facilitate respiration-gated radiation treatment

Background: The Varian Real-Time Position Management (RPM) system allows respiratory gating based on either the phase or displacement (amplitude) of the breathing waveform. A problem in clinical application is that phase-based gating, required for respiration-correlated (4D-CT) simulation, is not robust to irregular breathing patterns during treatment, and a widely used system version (1.6) does not provide an easy means to change from a phase-based gate into an equivalent displacement-based one. We report on the development and evaluation of a robust method to convert phase-gate thresholds, set by the physician, into equivalent displacement-gate thresholds to facilitate its clinical application to treatment. Methods: The software tool analyzes the respiration trace recorded during the 4D-CT simulation and determines a relationship between displacement and phase through a functional fit. The displacement- gate thresholds are determined from an average of two values of this function, corresponding to the start and end thresholds of the original phase gate. The software tool was evaluated in two ways: first, whether in-gate residual target motion and predicted treatment beam duty cycle are equivalent between displacement-gating and phase-gating during 4D-CT simulation (using retrospective phase recalculation); second, whether residual motion is improved with displacement-gating during treatment relative to phase-gating (using real-time phase calculation). Residual target motion was inferred from the respiration traces and quantified in terms of mean and standard deviation in-gate displacement relative to the value at the start of the recorded trace. For retrospectively-calculated compared with real-time-calculated breathing traces, we evaluate the inaccuracies of real-time phase calculation by measuring the phase gate position in each trace as well as the comparison of the mean in-gate displacement and standard deviation of the displacement. Results: Retrospectively calculated data from 10 patients were analyzed. The patient-averaged mean ± standard deviation displacement was reduced from 0.16 ± 0.14 cm for phase-gating under simulation conditions to 0.12 ± 0.08 cm for displacement-gating. Evaluation of respiration traces under treatment conditions (real-time phase calculation) showed that the average displacement gate threshold results in a lower in-gate mean and residual motion (variance) for all patients studied. The patient-averaged mean ± standard deviation displacement was reduced from 0.26 ± 0.18 cm for phase-gating (under treatment conditions) to 0.15 ± 0.09 cm for displacement-gating. Conclusions: Real-time phase gating can lead to inaccuracies when the breathing trace is irregular or because of other unidentified reasons. In such cases, the in-gate displacement differed by as much as 2 mm between phase-based and displacement-based gating for the real-time phase calculation. Displacement-based gating is equivalent to phase-based gating for retrospectively-calculated phase information.
Nanoscale displacement of the image of an atomic source of radiation

Light emitted by an atomic source of radiation appears to travel along a straight line (ray) from the location of the source to the observer in the far field. However, when the energy flow pattern of the radiation is resolved with an accuracy better than an optical wavelength, it turns out that the field lines are usually curved. We consider electric dipole radiation, a prime example of which is the radiation emitted by an atom during an electronic transition, and we show that the field lines of energy flow are in general curves. Near the location of the dipole, the field lines exhibit a vortex structure, and in the far field they approach a straight line. The spatial extension of the vortex in the optical near field is of nanoscale dimension. Due to the rotation of the field lines near the source, the asymptotic limit of a field line is not exactly in the radially outward direction and as a consequence, the image in the far field is slightly shifted. This sub-wavelength displacement of the image of the source should be amenable to experimental observation with contemporary nanoscale-precision techniques.
Improvement of numerical instabilities in topology optimization using the SLP method

In this paper, we present a method for preventing numerical instabilities such as checkerboards, mesh-dependencies and local minima occurring in the topology optimization which is formulated by the homogenization design method and in which the SLP method is used as optimizer. In the present method, a function based on the concept of gravity (which we named "the gravity control function") is added to the objective function. The density distribution of the topology is concentrated by maximizing this function, and as a result, checkerboards and intermediate densities are eliminated. Some techniques are introduced in the optimization procedure for preventing the local minima. The validity of the present method is demonstrated by numerical examples of both the short cantilever beam and the MBB beam.
The Spectrum and Structure of Singlet CH$_2$

The red absorption bands of CH$\_2$, previously shown to correspond to a transition between singlet states, have been analysed in detail. In the lower electronic state $\tilde a^1$A$\_1$ the molecule is a strongly asymmetric top with rotational constants A$\_{000}$ = 20$\cdot$14, B$\_{000}$ = 11$\cdot$16 and C$\_{000}$ = 7$\cdot$06 cm$^{-1}$. From these constants a CH distance of 1$\cdot$11 $\overset{\circ}{\mathrm A}$ and an HCH angle of 102$\cdot$4$^\circ$ is obtained. In the upper state b$^1$B$\_1$ the molecule is nearly linear, having an HCH angle of about 140$^\circ$ and a CH distance of 1$\cdot$05 $\overset{\circ}{mathrm A}$. Most of the observed absorption bands correspond to excitation of the bending vibration $\nu'\_2$ in the upper state (v'$\_2$ = 6, 8, $\ldots$, 18). In some of them in addition the symmetric stretching vibration $\nu\_1$ is singly excited. The levels 1, v$\_2$-4, 0 cause strong perturbations in the levels 0, v$\_2$, 0 for v$\_2$ = 8, 10, 12, 14. In the lower state only one excited vibrational level 0, 1, 0 has been established which yields $\nu''\_2$ = 1352$\cdot$6 cm$^{-1}$. Fragments of some other singlet absorptions in the near ultraviolet and in the vacuum ultraviolet have been observed and are briefly described. The upper state of the near ultraviolet system is probably the predicted $^1$A$\_1$ state corresponding to $^1\Sigma^+$ in the linear conformation.
Comparative Assessment of Automated Nucleic Acid Sample Extraction Equipment for Biothreat Agents

ABSTRACT Magnetic beads offer superior impurity removal and nucleic acid selection over older extraction methods. The performances of nucleic acid extraction of biothreat agents in blood or buffer by easyMAG, MagNA Pure, EZ1 Advanced XL, and Nordiag Arrow were evaluated. All instruments showed excellent performance in blood; however, the easyMAG had the best precision and versatility.
Efficient k-nearest neighbor searches for multi-source forest attribute mapping

In this study, we explore the utility of data structures that facilitate efficient nearest neighbor searches for application in multi-source forest attribute prediction. Our trials suggest that the kd-tree in combination with exact search algorithms can greatly reduce nearest neighbor search time. Further, given our trial data, we found that enormous gain in search time efficiency, afforded by approximate nearest neighbor search algorithms, does not result in compromised kNN prediction. We conclude that by using the kd-tree, or similar data structure, and efficient exact or approximate search algorithms, the kNN method, and variants, are useful tools for mapping large geographic areas at a fine spatial resolution.
Inhibition of leukocyte acid phosphatase by heparin.

Low concentrations of heparin (<1 unit/ml) inhibit by 80% the activity of leukocyte acid phosphatase. Leukocyte β-glucuronidase is less sensitive to heparin, and alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme are unaffected. The possible inhibitory effects of heparin should be considered in all measurements of leukocyte enzymatic activities.
Characteristics of hand motion of eye surgeons

Overall manual accuracy and motion frequency in simulated microsurgery have been studied. Eye surgeons were tested in two tasks: attempting to hold an instrument still, and repeatedly actuating. The RMS error and overall motion range were measured. Spectral analysis was also performed. The average RMS errors for the two test conditions were 49 /spl mu/m and 133 /spl mu/m, respectively, and the average range of motion while trying to hold still was 202 /spl mu/m. Substantial low-frequency motion occurred under both conditions. On average, 98.9% of the total power of voluntary movements tested was found to be below 2 Hz.
Times and Amplitudes of the Phases PKiKP and PKIIKP

Summary Theoretical information on possible waves reflected from the terrestrial inner core is obtained from the partitioning of energy of P waves incident on its surface. The amplitudes of PKiKP and PKIIKP are compared with those of PKIKP for allowable density and rigidity contrasts. A similar comparison for PKJKP is made in order to show the dependence of its amplitude on Poisson's ratio in the inner core. The phase PKiKP is not likely to possess appreciable energy compared with PKIKP except at distances greater than 105°. Near the anticentre, PKIIKP may have an amplitude about half that of PKIKP observed in the neighbourhood of 140°. Some observations bearing on the PKiKP phase are discussed.
A general framework for verification and validation of large eddy simulations

A general framework (methodology and procedures) for verification and validation (V&V) of large eddy simulations in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is derived based on two hypotheses. The framework allows for quantitative estimations of numerical error, modeling error, their coupling, and the associated uncertainties. To meet different needs of users based on their affordable computational cost, various large eddy simulation (LES) V&V methods are proposed. These methods range from the most sophisticated seven equation estimator to the simplest one-grid estimator, which will be calibrated using factors of safety to achieve the objective reliability and confidence level. Evaluation, calibration and validation of various LES V&V methods in this study will be performed using rigorous statistical analysis based on an extensive database. Identification of the error sources and magnitudes has the potential to improve existing or derive new LES models. Based on extensive parametric studies in the database, it is expected that guidelines for performing large eddy simulations that meet pre-specified quality and credibility criteria can be obtained. Extension of this framework to bubbly flow is also discussed.
Effective Learning Approaches for Sustainability: A Student Perspective

The authors offer an exploratory glimpse into the perceived effectiveness of learning approaches presently being used to teach students about sustainability in a business school setting. Sustainability is a topic of growing importance in business and business education. Using teaching approaches generated through self-reports related to the Principles for Responsible Management Education, a student population was used to determine which of these learning approaches are perceived as most effective. Students perceived sustainability to be important for businesses, and agreed that they would prefer to work for a company that embraces sustainability as a core value.
Injury/Illness Physician Referral Profile From a Youth University-Sponsored Summer Sport Camp Program

Participation at university-sponsored summer sport camps is popular among youth athletes; however, there is a dearth of information to describe the injuries/illnesses experienced by camp participants. Data from a university-sponsored sport camp program from 2008 to 2011 were accessed retrospectively. The sport camp program had approximately 80 camps for 28 sports over 12 weeks annually. Male and female participants were 10 to 17 years old. Athletic trainers maintained medical documentation and provided medical referrals. Referrals were made for 9.9% (n=478) of all injuries/illnesses. Emergency department referrals were made for 2.9% of injuries/illnesses. University health services received 42.5% of referrals. There were 1.1 referrals per 100 participants. Boys comprised 60.7% of referrals. Rugby had the highest referral rate--5.0 per 100 participants. These data help increase physician preparedness and guide the delivery of sports medicine services for related sport camp programs as a means to improve quality of care delivered to participants.
Lumber, law, and Social Change: The legal History of Willard Hurst

Lumber, like steel, cotton, wheat, coal-heavy and dirty stuff! It was the growing, mining, transporting, manufacture, sale, and use of these products that fueled American economic growth in the nineteenth century, building the economic infrastructure of the country. The power of all this production can hardly be imagined today: it was the stuff of Carl Sandburg's poetry; of Woody Guthrie's songs; and of legends larger than life, Paul Bunyan and John Henry. Surely James Willard Hurst felt some sense of this power when he chose lumber as a context in which to describe the growth and development of American law: not a biography of a great chief justice, not a survey of all of American law, not a study of our changing Constitution, but a history of the development of law in relation to a single industry, in a single state: Law and Economic Growth: The Legal History of the Lumber Industry in Wisconsin, 1836-1915. The book, first published in 1964, and now reissued in a second edition on its twentieth anniversary, is a landmark in American legal history, and a major statement of the whole "law and society" movement, so prominent in Wisconsin legal scholarship. Reviewers commonly remark on the awesomeness of the task of even reviewing the book: it is well known for its length (946 pages), its documentation (more than 300 pages of footnotes in very fine print), and the complexity of its analysis. Hurst is widely acknowledged to have read all the legal sources available, including every case involving the lumber industry in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and major county courts.
Luis Llorens Torres and the Impossible Return: Identity, Conflict and Hope in the National Poem of Puerto Rico

Abstract: The psychodynamic exploration of the content of literary works and of the personal lives of their authors oftentimes reveals how they can be mutually reflective of the other. Such is the case of the poem, “Valle de Collores” (The Valley of Collares), considered by many to be the national poem of Puerto Rico and of the author Luis Llorens Torres (1876-1944), regarded as the “Poet Laureate of Puerto Rico.” The timelessness and wide appeal of certain literary works has been attributed, among other reasons, to the fact that they address universal inner conflicts that affect all human beings. The poem “Valle de Collores” is the narrative of a country boy who leaves home to face the larger world and, as he reaches adulthood, he looks back and expresses his impossible longing to return to the rural home of his childhood. It is a description of the universal struggles of human development and of separation-individuation, loss and mourning and a longing to return, and a wish to merge with the early parental objects of childhood. The poem also parallels the history of the Puerto Rican people, in their transition from a rural society under Spanish rule to an industrialized society as an American Commonwealth. This difficult transition resulted in a massive immigration of Puerto Ricans to the United States that continues to this day. The poem also represents the longing of many Puerto Rican immigrants to return to their island home, and to a simpler time of more fundamental values. The land that is left behind and longed for becomes a metaphor for the early maternal imago.
Evaluation of biological seed treatments in combination with management practices for the control of seed-borne late blight in potato

Abstract Using an effective fungicide in combination with good management practices during seed tuber cutting and storage, prior to planting, is essential to reducing late blight. The efficacy of two biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum), and a commercially formulated mixture of the chemical fungicides fludioxonil plus mancozeb, applied as seed treatments in combination with different management practices, were evaluated for the control of seed piece decay caused by Phytophthora infestans. Treatments were made 10 days prior to planting and at planting, and tubers were stored at either 18 °C and 95%RH with forced air ventilation at 5950 l min−1(optimal conditions), at 25 °C in the dark without ventilation (sub-optimal conditions), or not stored prior to planting. Seed piece and sprout health were evaluated in vitro and agronomic impacts in field experiments. Results showed that the biocontrol agents provided good control of seed piece decay when seed was re-stored under optimal conditions, but not under sub-optimal conditions. Under optimal conditions, treatment with T. harzianum provided better control of seed piece decay than B. subtilis, reducing disease incidence and severity on average by 73% and 86% respectively. B. subtilis reduced disease incidence and severity on average by 27.5% and 54.5% respectively. Treatment with fludioxonil + mancozeb reduced seed piece decay incidence and severity under both storage regimes. Under optimal conditions, disease incidence and severity was reduced on average by 73% and 86.5% respectively. Under sub-optimal conditions, disease incidence and severity was reduced on average by 45% and 59% respectively.
THE ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF HORMONAL PROTEINSTHYROID PROTEIN AND INSULIN

A great impediment to endocrine therapy is the futility of oral medication. This is largely due to the protein nature of many hormones. To be sure, some clinicians have felt that huge doses might be effective. Most controlled observations in animals, however, have not shown this to be the case. It has usually been said that such protein molecules were inactive because they were disrupted by the enzymes of the digestive tract. Nevertheless, studies on thyroid protein and on insulin,3 conducted in this laboratory, suggest certain qualifications of this statement. First, enzymic inactivation of these proteins may be reversible. Secondly, as is already known for thyroid protein, both of these hormones can produce consistent effects by mouth. There is even evidence that their split products may be active. The oral administration of thyroid protein.
Reliability of Roof Panels in Coastal Areas Considering Effects of Climate Change and Embedded Corrosion of Metal Fasteners

AbstractRoof panels have been recognized as the most vulnerable components in wood construction under hurricane events, which can result in enormous economic losses and human casualties. This paper presents a reliability analysis of roof panels considering effects of climate change on altering patterns of hurricane hazard and embedded corrosion of metal fasteners in hurricane risk assessment. On the one hand, it has been found that the hurricane wind intensity may increase due to the effects of climate change, and the intensified hurricanes will result in more severe damage to coastal constructions. On the other hand, there is corrosion on the shanks of the fasteners that are tightly embedded in the wood roof panels, and the reduced diameter of shanks will reduce the uplift capacity of roof panels. Uncertainties in hurricane wind load and roof panel uplift resistance (the effects of embedded corrosion on the diameter of metal fasteners) are considered. The effectiveness of several retrofitting strategies ...
Life-Cycle Cost Comparison for Steel Reinforced Concrete and Fiber Reinforced Polymer Bridge Decks

The main goal of this work is to determine the economic feasibility of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) as the primary material for construction of short span bridge decks. The analysis is based on a comparison of the lifecycle costs for a cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete bridge and FRP bridge deck over a 60-year time horizon; both have dimensions of 8.0 m (26.3 ft) long by 8.3 m (27.2 ft) wide. The total cost estimate using the FRP material ranges from $82 to $182 per square foot ($882–$1958 per sq meter) with a range average of $132 per square foot ($1,420 per sq meter). It is also shown that the breakeven construction cost of the FRP deck is $113 per square foot ($1216 per sq meter) for a discount rate of 2%. The main factors affecting the analysis are costs of material, traffic delays, and discount rate.
Synthetic Landau levels for photons

Synthetic photonic materials are an emerging platform for exploring the interface between microscopic quantum dynamics and macroscopic material properties. Photons experiencing a Lorentz force develop handedness, providing opportunities to study quantum Hall physics and topological quantum science. Here we present an experimental realization of a magnetic field for continuum photons. We trap optical photons in a multimode ring resonator to make a two-dimensional gas of massive bosons, and then employ a non-planar geometry to induce an image rotation on each round-trip. This results in photonic Coriolis/Lorentz and centrifugal forces and so realizes the Fock–Darwin Hamiltonian for photons in a magnetic field and harmonic trap. Using spatial- and energy-resolved spectroscopy, we track the resulting photonic eigenstates as radial trapping is reduced, finally observing a photonic Landau level at degeneracy. To circumvent the challenge of trap instability at the centrifugal limit, we constrain the photons to move on a cone. Spectroscopic probes demonstrate flat space (zero curvature) away from the cone tip. At the cone tip, we observe that spatial curvature increases the local density of states, and we measure fractional state number excess consistent with the Wen–Zee theory, providing an experimental test of this theory of electrons in both a magnetic field and curved space. This work opens the door to exploration of the interplay of geometry and topology, and in conjunction with Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency, enables studies of photonic fractional quantum Hall fluids and direct detection of anyons.
Self-Regulated Strategy Development Instruction for Teaching Multi-Step Equations to Middle School Students Struggling in Math

Six middle school students identified as having a specific learning disability or at risk for mathematical difficulties were taught how to solve multi-step equations by using the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) model of instruction. A multiple-probe-across-pairs design was used to evaluate instructional effects. Instruction was provided 4 days per week, 45 min per session, for 12 weeks as part of the Response to Intervention (RtI) framework. Results showed a functional relation between SRSD instruction and students’ ability to solve multi-step equations. All but one student were able to maintain gains. Students’ self-efficacy increased as a result of instruction, instruction was provided with high degrees of fidelity by a special educator, and student interviews revealed an overall satisfaction with SRSD instructional procedures.
Cross-Cultural Technology Design: Creating Culture-Sensitive Technology for Local Users. Huatong Sun

One of the great challenges and opportunities of the modern technological economy is the creation and delivery of satisfactory user experiences. In Cross-Cultural Technology Design: Creating Cultur...
Theory of Mind and Children’s Engagement in Fantasy Worlds:

We examined the relationship between theory of mind (ToM) and engaging in fantasy worlds in a short-term longitudinal study. Engagement in fantasy worlds might advance ToM because engaging in alter...
Oxidation of Epitaxial- and Polycrystalline-SiGe Alloys

Epitaxial-SiGe (epi-SiGe) and polycrystalline-SiGe (poly-SiGe) films with Ge concentrations ranging from 5 to 30% were wet-oxidized with TCA at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1,000°C. The oxidation rate of epi-SiGe decreases with increasing Ge concentration for temperatures ≥900°C, but increases for temperatures ≤800°C. The oxidation of poly-SiGe, on the other hand, is found to depend only weakly on the Ge concentration for oxidation temperatures ≥ 800°C. At 700°C, the rate increases with Ge concentration and can exceed that at 800°C. RBS spectra show that in epi samples oxidized at >900°C, Ge is completely rejected from the oxide and Ge rejection results in a pile-up at the oxide/epi-SiGe interface. At 800°C, Ge is partially incorporated in the oxide for high Ge containing films and rejected for lower Ge containing films. At 700°C, Ge is fully incorporated in the oxide. On the other hand, in poly samples oxidized at ≥ 800°C, Ge is completely rejected from the oxide, resulting in a pile-up at the interface and diffusion into the poly-SiGe. At 700°C, however, Ge is partially incorporated into the growing oxide when layers with high Ge concentration (≥20%) are oxidized. Most of the Ge is still rejected from the oxide and diffuses into the poly-SiGe layer. Our results on both epi and poly samples can be explained by assuming that at low temperatures the diffusion of the oxidant through the growing oxide is rate limiting whereas at high temperatures the rate is determined by the concentration of Si at the oxide/alloy interface. In the low temperature limit, the Si to Ge ratio in the oxide is identical to that of the alloy. At high temperatures, SiO2 is formed. In the intermediate regime, the composition of the oxide depends on the degree to which Ge can be rejected from the oxide. The Ge removal rate from the interface of polycrystalline films exceeds that of single crystal films because of the enhanced diffusion of Ge along grain boundaries.
Evaluation of Insecticides as Protectants against Pests of Stored Grain and Seeds

Results are presented from a series of tests with varying dosages of each of 86 insecticides in acetone solution sprayed on wheat for protection against adults of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryza (L.), granary weevil, Sitophius granaries (L.), and confused flour beetle, Tribolium confusum Duv., and larvae of the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granariun Everts. Mortalities of adult insects recorded after an exposure of 14 days and of khapra larvae after an exposure of 28 days to treated grain was the only criterion used to assess the effectiveness of insecticide deposits of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, and 200 p.p.m. Malathion, owing to its present use as a grain protectant under existing residue tolerances, was considered the standard insecticide in making comparisons between compounds. Because of the resistance of khapra larvae to insecticides, only organic phosphates, but not all of those tested, were effective against all the species of test insects. Methyl parathion, phorate, parathion, and Phosdrin@ (2-methoxycarbonyl-1-methylvinyl dimethyl phosphate) were more effective than malathion (10 p.p.m.) as indicated by lower dosages required for 100% mortality of all species of the test insects, while Am. Cyanamid 12009 ( O,O -diethyl S-n -propylthiomethyl phosphorodithioate), DDVP, Diazinon® ( O,O -diethyl O -(2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate), and Dibrom®(1,2-dibromo-2,2-dichloroethyl dimethyl phosphate) were equally as effective. Although less efficient than malathion in preliminary tests, the desirability for further evaluation of Guthion® ( O,O -dimethyl S -4-oxo-l,2,3-benzotriazin-8 (4H)-ylmethyl phosphorodithioate), ronnel, and dimethoate was indicated by the relatively high mortalities of khapra larvae exposed to wheat treated with these compounds. By excluding khapra larvae and considering only the results from tests with the rice weevil, granary weevil, and confused flour beetle, more compounds are favored. Methyl parathion, phorate, parathion, dieldrin, Guthion, Am. Cyanamid 12009, Chlorthion® ( O -(3-chloro-4-nitrophenyl) O,O -dimethyl phosphorothioate), Dibrom, endrin, and Phosdrin were more effective than malathion (10 p.p.m.) as indicated by lower dosages required for 100% mortality of these three species of insects. DDVP, Diazinon, and dimethoate were equally as effective, while lindane and ronnel were slightly less effective than malathion. DDT and related compounds were among the least toxic to all insects, and Sevin® (1-naphthyl methylcarbamate) was the least effective of the 36 compounds tested, failing to cause 100% mortality of test insects of any species with the maximum dosage of 200 p.p.m.
Framework and research of believable network

The believable network that be seemed that is a new network can remedy the various safe bug in the traditional network and turn passive recovery into active attack.So it can end the vicious network action in the headstream.Firstly the key technology of the be-lievable network is synthetized,secondly the attempering arithmetic of task set is put forward and the model of believed-value spreading is improved.After that,the modified defense mechanism of traditional network safety is combined with the former results and the notion of believed buffer is imported.In the last,the model of framework of believable network is built.
Experimental and computational investigations of the potential improvement in helmet blast-protection through the use of a polyurea-based external coating

Purpose – The design of the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) currently in use was optimized by its designers in order to attain maximum protection against ballistic impacts (fragments, shrapnel, etc.) and hard-surface/head collisions. Since traumatic brain injury experienced by a significant fraction of the soldiers returning from the recent conflicts is associated with their exposure to blast, the ACH should be redesigned in order to provide the necessary level of protection against blast loads. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – In the present work, an augmentation of the ACH for improved blast protection is considered. This augmentation includes the use of a polyurea (a nano-segregated elastomeric copolymer) based ACH external coating. To demonstrate the efficacy of this approach, blast experiments are carried out on instrumented head-mannequins (without protection, protected using a standard ACH, and protected using an ACH augmented by a polyurea explosive-resistant coatin...
Tiotropium (Spiriva) for COPD.

Tiotropium improves dyspnea, decreases COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations, decreases albuterol use, improves health-related quality of life and increases mean trough FEV1. Tiotropium was more effective than ipratropium and salmeterol in improving TDI scores. It was more effective than ipratropium and equal to salmeterol in decreasing COPD exacerbations.
Individual Determinants of Aggression: Personality, Attitudes, and Genes

It is a truism in social psychology that behavior is a joint function of the person and the environment. In short, an individual’s actions in any given context are assumed to stem both from various aspects of the situation and from the numerous states, dispositions, or characteristics that he or she brings to it. This is an eminently reasonable generalization and one that has been supported by several decades of social research (cf. Shaw & Costanzo, 1970). Thus, it is not at all surprising to learn that it has also been widely accepted in the study of aggression. Indeed, most recent theorizing concerned with such behavior has assumed that it stems from both external variables involving the situation or environment and internal factors centering on individual aggressors (e.g., Bandura, 1973; Goldstein, 1975; Zillmann, 1978).
International Circulation of Human Capital or “Brain Drain”

The movement of labour, and especially educated labour, from poorer to richer countries has excited considerable public concern in many countries, particularly since the early 1960s. In respect of educated labour the movement has been popularly described as “brain drain”.
Two viewing angles for holographies in radar and light

In this work, a new topic, which is to synthesize (recover) the holograms between two or more recorded holograms with a large angle discrepancy, is presented. The technique aims at enlarging view angle, speeding up the recording process by reducing sensing points, and increasing resolution in holographic radar and light. Our method to tackle the problem is proposed. We analyze the problem in both single target and multiple targets cases. Given recorded magnitudes at receiving elements, nearby magnitudes of virtual receiving elements can be approximated. The accuracy of the approximation is also evaluated.
Influences on teleconsultation project utilization rates: the role of dominant logic.

This research analyzes teleconsultation from both a mechanistic and complex adaptive system (CAS) dominant logic in order to further understand the influence of dominant logic on utilization rates of teleconsultation projects. In both dominant logics, the objective of teleconsultation projects is to increase access to and quality of healthcare delivery in a cost efficient manner. A mechanistic dominant logic perceives teleconsultation as closely resembling the traditional service delivery model, while a CAS dominant logic focuses on the system’s emergent behavior of learning resulting from the relationships and interactions of participating healthcare providers. Qualitative case studies of 17 teleconsultation projects that were part of four health sciences center (HSC) based telemedicine networks was utilized. Data were collected at two points in time approximately 10 years apart. Semi-structured interviews of 85 key informants (clinicians, administrators, and IT professionals) involved in teleconsultation projects were the primary data collection method. The findings indicated that the emergent behavior of effective and sustainable teleconsultation projects differed significantly from what was anticipated in a mechanistic dominant logic. Teleconsultation projects whose emergent behavior focused on continuous learning enabled remote site generalists to manage and treat more complex cases and healthcare problems on their own without having to refer to HSC specialists for assistance. In teleconsultation projects that continued to be effectively utilized, participant roles evolved and were expanded. Further, technology requirements for teleconsultation projects whose emergent behavior was learning did not need to be terribly sophisticated. When a teleconsultation project is designed with a mechanistic dominant logic, it is less likely to be sustained, whereas a teleconsultation project designed with a CAS dominant logic is more likely to be sustained. Consistent with a CAS dominant logic, teleconsultation projects that continued to be utilized involved participants taking on new roles and continuously learning. This continuous learning enabled remote site generalists to better handle the constantly changing nature of the problems faced. A CAS dominant logic provides a theoretical framework which explains why the teleconsultation literature about the role of technology, which is based on a mechanistic dominate logic, does not have adequate explanatory power.
Integrated surface acoustic wave based sensors for fluidic applications

This paper illustrates the extension of Rayleigh wave based surface acoustic wave (SAW) device sensors previously developed by the authors to integration with microfluidics. The SAW device is first modeled with a microchannel and then analyzed using finite element method. Precise fabrication, alignment and bonding of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels on diced Y-Z lithium niobate substrates are accomplished. Low glycerin concentrations in deionized (DI) water are analyzed. Simulation results and vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements of the device with the microchannel integration are given. With new microchannel integrated SAW device, sensitivity of −0.53 (% glycerin) is achieved at peak frequency of 86.1 MHz. Minimum signal-to-noise ratio is found as 7.51 dB.
A Role for Progesterone-Regulated sFRP4 Expression in Uterine Leiomyomas.

Context Despite progesterone's key role in uterine smooth muscle tumorigenesis, the mechanisms by which it promotes the growth of uterine leiomyomas remain poorly understood. Objective The aim of this study was to identify gene products mediating the effects of progesterone in uterine leiomyomas. Design Gene expression profiling was used to identify putative progesterone-regulated genes differentially expressed in uterine leiomyomas, which were then studied in vitro. Methods Gene expression was comprehensively profiled with the Illumina WG BeadChip (version 2.6) and analyzed with a bioinformatic algorithm that integrates known protein-protein interactions. Genomic binding sites for progesterone receptor (PR) were interrogated by chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR). Small interfering RNA was used to study gene function in primary cell lines. Results Our analyses identified secreted Frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) as a key gene product functionally linked to PR activation whose expression was 2.6 times higher in leiomyomas than myometrium (n = 26, P < 0.01) and 2.5 times higher during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle (n = 26, P < 0.01). Direct binding between PR and sFRP4 promoter was observed by ChIP-qPCR. Robust overexpression of sFRP4 was also observed in primary cultures derived from leiomyoma. Progesterone preferentially inhibited sFRP4 expression and secretion in leiomyoma cultures in a dose-dependent manner sensitized by estradiol. Knockdown of sFRP4 inhibited proliferation and apoptosis in primary cultures of both myometrium and leiomyoma. Conclusions Overexpression of sFRP4 is a robust, progesterone-regulated feature of leiomyomas that increases smooth muscle proliferation. More work is needed to elucidate how progesterone's ability to modulate sFRP4 expression contributes to uterine smooth muscle tumorigenesis.
From Neanderthal to neuroscience: healing with sound and voice

Sound and music have been an important part of the human experience as far back as our historical records reach, and cultures all around the world have used aural modalities to heal and communicate...