cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empowerment and resident attitudes toward tourism: Strengthening the theoretical foundation through a Weberian lens

Abstract This study expands Perdue, Long, and Allen’s (1990) original model of resident attitudes toward tourism in two significant ways. It first proposes Weber’s theory of formal and substantive rationality (WFSR) as a way to strengthen social exchange theory. Secondly, WFSR is operationalized by using the Resident Empowerment through Tourism Scale (RETS) as substantive antecedents and the Personal Economic Benefit from Tourism Scale as a formal antecedent influencing resident attitudes. Ten of 14 hypotheses were confirmed, with Psychological Empowerment and Personal Economic Benefit having direct and positive effects on Support for Tourism. Implications include recognition of the importance of tailoring destination marketing and management efforts to empower residents psychologically, socially, and politically.
Caffeine-induced seizures: apparent proconvulsant action of N-ethyl carboxamidoadenosine (NECA).

Abstract The effect of adenosine agonist pretreatment on the seizure activity of caffeine was investigated in NIH Swiss mice. The seizure ED 50 of caffeine alone was determined to be 223 mg/kg and this was reduced to 68 mg/kg following pretreatment with 0.30 mg/kg N-ethyl carboxamidoadenosine (NECA). Additionally, NECA dose-dependently increased the seizure potency of 100 mg/kg caffeine (a dose which is normally subconvulsant). A proconvulsant effect of NECA was also detected following intracerebroventricular administration of 2.5 ug NECA, however the same doses of N 6 -cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) and 2-chloroadenosine (2 Cl-ADO) did not precipitate seizures. The data reveal proconvulsant actions of both peripherally and centrally administered NECA towards caffeine-induced seizures. Such actions need to be reconciled with the general anticonvulsant action of adenosine and adenosine agonists.
Preferential binding of imaginal disk cells to embryonic segments of Drosophila.

Cell recognition and selective adhesion may be important in pattern formation; such processes in Drosophila melanogaster could be responsible for the maintenance of segment boundaries1, the morphogenesis of metamorphosing imaginal disks2, and the paths of axon outgrowth during neurogenesis3. As cells from different imaginal disks of Drosophila are able to recognize and sort out from one another4,5, we decided to investigate whether these larval cells could recognize and bind to the epidermis of intact embryos. We report here that imaginal disk cells bind preferentially to the epidermis of the embryonic segments from which they are derived: thoracic disk cells to thoracic segments and genital disk cells to abdominal segments. Furthermore, thoracic disk cells recognize and bind, without preference, to all segments of the homoeotic mutant Df(3R)P9 (ref. 6). We conclude, therefore, that cells of the same segmental origin have similar recognition properties at different developmental stages.
RELIABLE INFORMATION AND RATIONAL POLICY DECISIONS: DOES GUN RESEARCH FIT THE BILL?*

Cet article dresse un etat de la recherche sur la detention d'armes a feu aux Etats-Unis et sur les differentes politiques engagees en vue de leur controle. Ces politiques peuvent agir soit sur la demande, comme l'operation cessez-le-feu de Boston, agissant a la source du trafic d'armes, ou sur l'offre, comme le programme une arme par mois visant a reguler les ventes chez les detaillants legaux
Selectide Technology: Bead-Binding Screening

Abstract The Selectide process is a random synthetic chemical library method based on the one-bead one-peptide (structure) concept. A "split-synthesis" method is used to generate huge random libraries (10 6 -10 8 ). At the end of the synthesis, each bead expresses only one chemical entity (e.g., peptide). The whole library is then tested simultaneously for binding to a specific acceptor molecule of biologic interest. The ligand bead that interacts specifically with the acceptor molecule is then isolated for structure determination. Once a binding motif is identified, a secondary library (based on the motif of the primary screen) is generated and screened under a more stringent condition to identify leads of higher affinity. This process can be applied to both peptide and nonpeptide (small organic) libraries. In the case of nonsequencable structure libraries, the coding principle has to be applied for structure elucidation of positively reacting beads. Coding peptide is synthesized in parallel to the screening structure, and classical Edman degradation (one or multiple-step) is used for structural analysis. To exclude the possibility of interaction of the macromolecular target (e.g., receptor, enzyme, antibody) with the coding structure, a synthetic technique for segregation of the surface (screening structure) and the interior (coding structure) of the beads was developed. The one-bead one-structure process is invaluable in drug discovery for lead identification as well as further optimization of the initial leads. It also serves as an important research tool for molecular recognition.
Magnetic behavior of na films with Fe, Co, and Ni impurities.

Thin films of Na with Fe, Co, and Ni impurities are investigated. The magnetization of the impurities is measured by means of the anomalous Hall resistance. Fe and Co show a moment of about $6{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, while for Ni no moment is detected. Furthermore, the magnetic dephasing of the conduction electrons is measured by means of weak localization. The dephasing rate $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ of the $3d$ impurities differ qualitatively. For Fe impurities, $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ is so large that it cannot be measured. For Co, $1/{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}$ has a moderate value while Ni shows hardly a dephasing effect at all.
An autoregulatory element maintains HOXA10 expression in endometrial epithelial cells.

Objective HOXA10 is necessary for endometrial receptivity and regulated by sex steroids. Secretory phase HOXA10 expression increases in endometrial epithelial cells, despite the loss of progesterone receptor. Stromal-epithelial molecular communication likely transmits progesterone signaling from progesterone receptor containing stromal cells to epithelium. Here we investigated an alternative hypothesis, persistent HOXA10 expression by autoregulation. Study design Nested segments of the HOXA10 5′ regulatory region were cloned into a pGL3-Luciferase reporter construct and tested for HOXA10 -induced reporter activity. Direct binding was assayed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results One 370 base pair element drove reporter gene expression specifically in response to HOXA10 in Ishikawa cells but not in BT-20 cells. This element contained a site that bound HOXA10 protein. Conclusion HOXA10 expression is driven by an autoregulatory element in the 5′ regulatory region of the gene. Autoregulation is a novel alternative molecular mechanism by which steroid-induced gene expression can be maintained in the absence of steroid receptors.
Oxygen/Hydrogen-Planar-Laser-Induced Fluorescence Measurements and Accuracy Investigation in High-Pressure Combustion

DOI: 10.2514/1.39013 Inflow species concentration measurements in reacting flows at high pressures, based on nonintrusive methods, have been acquired so far for isolated conditions in a range of experimental devices and by using a variety of methods. Furthermore, extensive assessments of the uncertainties associated with the measurement techniques are lacking. In general, these methods have been based on calibrations determined from assumptions that were not sufficiently quantified to provide a detailed range of the uncertainties associated with these measurements. This work quantifies the uncertainties associated with OH measurement in an oxygen–hydrogen system produced by a shear, coaxial injector typical of those used in rocket engines. Planar OH distributions are obtained for a range of pressures from 10 to 53 bar, providing instantaneous and averaged distribution in a unified study, using the same experimental setup and maintaining the rest of the parameters the same. The uncertainty of 18 different parameters was evaluated and the overall root mean square error was found as 21.9, 22.8, 22.5, and 22.9% at 10, 27, 37, and 53 bar, respectively.
Childbearing, Reproductive Control, Aging Women, and Health Care: The Projected Ethical Debates

Of the many social trends that will have an impact on the ethical debates surrounding women's health in the 21st century, three are discussed the shifting demographics of age and race in the United States; the fundamental change in the health care system to a community‐based, preventive model; and the equal voice of women in the government. Using these trends as a framework, this article hypothesizes the ethical debates that will occur in the 21st century concerning such issues as fetal viability, abortion, contraception, infertility, genetic engineering, aggressive versus nonaggressive treatment of aging women, scarce resources, menopause, organ transplants, sexism in biomedical research, fertility in postmenopausal women, birthing centers, fetal surgery, and fetal therapy.
Upper Rib Fractures Following Median Sternotomy

First and second rib fractures occurred in 11 (16%) of 69 patients undergoing median sternotomy. Although 6 patients had no symptoms related to the rib fractures, 5 patients had postoperative chest, shoulder, and arm pain suggestive of angina pectoris or postpericardiotomy syndrome. The correct diagnosis of pain related to postoperative upper rib fracture may be made by direct visualization of the fracture on supine anteroposterior radiographs, elicitation of pain by palpation of the rib or motion of the upper extremity, lack of response to nitroglycerin, and negative electrocardiogram and cardiac enzyme levels. Upper rib fractures following median sternotomy are usually radiographically detectable within the first three postoperative days. Placement of the Ankeney sternal retractor with the upper blade in a lower position (fourth intercostal space) may reduce the incidence of this postoperative complication.
Does supplemental instruction really work and what is it anyway

ABSTRACT Supplemental instruction (SI) has been in existence in the USA since the late 1970s but too many institutions still do not realize the range of academic benefits for students from this program. The researchers describe an SI program in the USA at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 1987 to 1990. They present inferential statistical data on the impact of this form of assistance on student academic performance as a measure of learning. The results indicate that students attending SI sessions earn higher final grade averages and receive fewer low grades and withdrawals than non-attendees. These favorable results are so in spite of the fact that SI attendees enter college with lower predicted academic potential and indicators of industriousness.
Phonetic Coding and Order Memory in Relation to Reading Proficiency: A Comparison of Short-Term Memory for Temporal and Spatial Order Information.

Since children with reading disability are known to have problems using a phonetic memory strategy, it was expected that their recall of order would be inferior to that of good readers in situations where a phonetic strategy is optimal, i.e., when temporal order recall, but not necessarily spatial order recall, is required. On separate tests for retention of temporal sequence and spatial location, the good readers were better than the poor readers on the temporal order task as expected, but contrary to expectation, they maintained their superiority on the spatial task as well. Nevertheless, differences in the error patterns of the good and the poor readers are supportive of earlier evidence that links poor readers' short-term memory deficiencies to reduced effectiveness of phonetic representation.
High-resolution identification of human adiponectin oligomers and regulation by pioglitazone in type 2 diabetic patients.

Abstract Adiponectin is an adipokine with insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, and cardiac protective actions. It homo-oligomerizes into trimers, hexamers, and higher molecular weight (HMW) species, which are not fully characterized. We describe high-resolution separation of adiponectin oligomers under native conditions in polyacrylamide gel coupled with methods for producing standards to provide facile and accurate identification of the oligomers. Using these procedures, adiponectin trimers in human and rodent plasma were found to migrate as two distinct populations. Distributions of these two populations are linearly proportional in plasma from type 2 diabetic patients before (R2 = 0.903, P
A psychophysical study of high-frequency arm lifting

Abstract Ergonomics research on worker lifting in industry, and the many tools and methods that have resulted from it, have most often concentrated on the maximum amount of weight that a worker is capable and willing to lift in a given situation. In most psychophysical research on lifting, the frequency is one of a number of controlled variables along with container size, lift range, etc. Most of the relatively few studies that have investigated frequency as the response variable have used relatively heavy loads. In the study reported here, the focus was on the lifting of light weights and the subject acceptance of maximum frequency of lift for a two-handed lifting task. The lift range was set at approximately knuckle to shoulder height and was intended to simulate industrial jobs where the worker is tasked with either loading or unloading relatively light weight items to or from a processing line operation. Twelve college-age male subjects were used. Two conditions of weight, 0.7 kg (1.5 lb.) and 4.45 kg (10 lb.) were used and the subject adjusted his frequency of lift by communicating with the researcher, who adjusted a metronome to pace the task. The subjects were instructed to work at as fast a rate as they could for an hour period without becoming overheated, overly tired, out of breath or in pain. Measurements of oxygen consumption and heart rate were taken to supplement the psychophysical measure of lift frequency. Two replications of each weight condition were performed. At the conclusion of the metronome-paced sessions, an additional session for each weight condition was performed where the subject was instructed to lift as fast and consistently as they could with no external cuing device. The mean frequencies of lift identified in the experiment were 31.21 lifts per minute and 23.50 lifts per minute for the 0.7 kg and 4.5 kg lift weights respectively. The two weight conditions were significantly different from each other in their effects on subject metabolic energy expenditure with the subjects tending to work significantly harder physiologically at the heavier weight. Relevance to industry: The high frequency lifting of light weight objects in industry is very common although it has not received much specific research attention. It was the intent of this study to investigate subject psychophysical and physiological responses to the high frequency arm lifting of light weights in order to give insight into suggested limits for this type of work.
Ouabain inhibition of ion transport and respiration in renal cortical slices of ground squirrels and hamsters.

1. 1. The inhibitory effects of ouabain on oxygen consumption, K+ uptake and Na+ extrusion by renal cortical slices of ground squirrels and hamsters were determined. 2. 2. The maximum inhibition of K+ uptake at 38° in slices of kidney cortex of ground squirrel which had been leached of K+ occurred in 25 μM ouabain. Inhibition was actually less in higher concentrations of ouabain. 3. 3. The reduction of respiration at 38° due to ouabain was parallel to the inhibition of K+ uptake. The uninhibited respiration was 18.0 μl O2/mg dry wt./h and the minimal O2 uptake was 11.9 in 25 μM ouabain. Extrusion of Na+ was inhibited by ouabain in a manner parallel to that of K+ uptake, but in 25 μM ouabain about half the normal extrusion of Na+ occurred. 4. 4. At 5° the sensitivity of ground squirrel kidneys to ouabain was less, so that 25 μM ouabain caused only slight inhibition and 3125 μM was required for maximal inhibition of K+ uptake, of respiration and of Na+ extrusion. There was greater total inhibition of Na+ extrusion by ouabain at the lower temperature than at 38°. 5. 5. The reduced sensitivity at low temperature was apparently due to reduced attachment or access of inhibitor to its active site. When slices were pretreated in low concentration of ouabain (25 μM) at 38° they were completely inhibited at 5° with or without additional inhibitor. 6. 6. The inhibition due to ouabain at 38° cannot be readily reversed by washing. 7. 7. Hamster kidney cortex was relatively insensitive to ouabain. In 25 μM ouabain at 38° there was negligible inhibition of K+ uptake and a concentration of 3125 μM was required for a maximal effect.
Hurricane Katrina: Was There a Political Economy of Death?

An empirical implication of egalitarianism in the provision of public disaster relief services is that the probability of surviving a natural disaster should not be conditioned on a household’s position in the income distribution, or its racial characteristics. In this paper, we utilize data on deaths attributed to Hurricane Katrina in the City of New Orleans to estimate a political economy model of the public provision of disaster rescue services. Parameter estimates reveal that the probability of dying as a result of Hurricane Katrina, at both the census tract and individual level, increased with respect to being black and poor. Our results suggest that there was a departure from egalitarian principles in the provision of public disaster rescue services during Hurricane Katrina, and are consistent with a political economy of race and class governing decisions about the allocation of public resources to ameliorate population environmental risks.
Two simulated annealing algorithms for noisy objective functions

We present two new variants of the simulated annealing algorithm (with a decreasing cooling schedule) that are designed for solving discrete simulation optimization problems. We also provide conditions under which our methods converge almost surely to the set of global optimal solutions, discuss the implications of our results for both transient and steady-state simulations, and provide some numerical results.
Are Lizards Toast

Lizards should be relatively invulnerable to warming: They are very good at evading thermal stress, tolerate high body temperatures, and resist water loss. Nevertheless, on page 894 of this issue, Sinervo et al. ( 1 ) document extinctions of lizard populations on five continents and argue that global warming is responsible. They use a simple biological model, validated against observed extinctions, to predict that warming will drive almost 40% of all global lizard populations extinct by 2080. If their prediction is even close to correct, lizards may be “the new amphibians” ( 2 ) in a race toward extinction.
Sequence specificity of DNA alkylation by the antitumor natural product leinamycin.

Reaction with thiol converts the antitumor natural product leinamycin to an episulfonium ion that alkylates the N7-position of guanine residues in double-stranded DNA. The sequence specificity for DNA alkylation by this structurally novel compound has not previously been examined. It is reported here that leinamycin shows significant (>10-fold) preferences for alkylation at the 5‘-G in 5‘-GG and 5‘-GT sequences. The sequence preferences for activated leinamycin are significantly different from that observed for the structurally simple episulfonium ion generated from 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. DNA alkylation by activated leinamycin is inhibited by addition of salt (100 mM NaClO4), although the degree of inhibition is somewhat less than that seen for 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide. This result suggests that electrostatic interactions between the activated leinamycin and the N7-position of guanine residues facilitate efficient DNA alkylation. However, the observed sequence preferences for DNA alkylation by ac...
The Consequences of Concurrent Campaigns for Citizen Knowledge of Congressional Candidates

Congressional campaigns do not occur in isolation, but concurrently with many other races. What are the effects of overlapping campaigns for how people learn about congressional candidates? On one hand, intensely fought races on the same ballot may encourage people to extend interest to contemporaneous races. Alternatively, competing campaigns may distract voters and limit learning about down-ticket contests. Using American National Election Studies data from 1996 to 2002, I test the consequences of state level presidential, senatorial, and gubernatorial campaign intensity on citizen learning about congressional candidates. I find that while the local intensity of the presidential race has little effect on knowledge of House candidates, the intensity of the Senate race is positively associated with candidate recognition. These effects vary depending on the nature of the election, where House candidates benefit from intense Senate races on the ballot particularly in midterm election years.
Conservation of Bond Order during Radical Substitution Reactions: Implications for the BEBO Model

The bond energy−bond order model has been used extensively to predict behaviors and energetics of species where ab initio calculations are still too expensive. However, the accuracy of bond order conservation, even for small polyatomic systems, is still unknown. In this paper, we use ab initio calculations at the PMP2 = (full)/6-31 g* and G-2 level to examine bond order conservation for the following gas-phase radical substitution reactions: H* + CH3OH → CH3H* + OH, H* + CH3OH → HOH* + CH3, H* + CH3OH → HH* + CH2OH, H* + CH3OH → HH* + CH3O, H* + CH3OH → H + CH2H*OH, H* + CH3OH → H + CH3OH*. We find that total bond order is approximately conserved during atom transfer reactions, but is not conserved during the more complicated hydrogenolysis reactions or during hydrogen exchange on oxygen. An early transition state is predicted for hydrogen exchange on oxygen, and late ones for the hydrogenolysis reactions. Even though the transition state structures may differ greatly from the ab initio predictions, the ...
Effects of atrial pacing on global and regional left ventricular function in coronary heart disease assessed by digital intravenous ventriculography.

Abstract Digital i.v. ventriculography in conjunction with rapid atrial pacing was used to assess the effects of ischemic stress on global and regional function in 22 patients referred for cardiac catheterization (5 had normal coronary arteries and 17 had > 70% diameter reduction of at least 1 major coronary artery). End-diastolic, end-systolic and stroke volume indexes and the ejection fraction were determined by an area-length technique from the mask mode images before and after pacing. In addition, segmentar responses were quantitated using a radial shortening method. Subjects with normal coronary arteries showed no overall change in the postpacing volume or ejection fraction indexes. Coronary patients showed no overall change in postpacing end-diastolic volume (86 ± 25 ml/m2 at control vs 90 ± 31 ml/m2 after pacing, difference not significant), but there was a significant increase in endsystolic volume (25 ± 15 ml/m2 at control vs 32 ± 18 ml/m2 after pacing, p
Extrinsic field effect and absolute para-hydrogen conversion rate on lutetia

Absolute nondissociative para-hydrogen conversion rates have been measured on activated lutetia. A rate change averaging -50 percent was found when the catalyst was placed in a magnetic field of 40 Oe. In the temperature region of 300/sup 0/K and at pressures of 2 to 8 kN.m/sup -2/, the rate data are most nearly consistent with a vibrational mechanism. No major change in mechanism, as compared with that on the paramagnetic rare earths, has been found on Lu/sub 2/O/sub 3/.
Acetaldehyde, Not Ethanol, Impairs Myelin Formation and Viability in Primary Mouse Oligodendrocytes

Background Excessive ethanol (EtOH) drinking is associated with white matter loss in the brain at all stages of life. Myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs) are a major component of white matter, but their involvement in EtOH-mediated white matter loss is unclear. Myelination continues throughout the life with highest rates during fetal development and adolescence. However, little is known about the effects of EtOH and its principal metabolite acetaldehyde (ACD) on OLs at the cellular level. Methods We compared the responses to different concentrations of EtOH or ACD by primary OLs in culture. Results EtOH did not cause significant cell death at concentrations lower than 120 mM, even after 24 hours. In comparison, ACD was highly lethal at doses above 50 μM. High concentrations of EtOH (120 mM) and ACD (500 μM) for 24 hours did not reduce myelin in mature OLs. Myelin production and OL differentiation were significantly impaired by 7 days exposure to 500 or 50 μM ACD but not 120 mM EtOH. Conclusions This study shows that OLs are relatively resistant to EtOH, even at a concentration more than 4 times the typical blood EtOH concentrations associated with social drinking (10 to 30 mM). In contrast, OLs are much more sensitive to ACD than EtOH, particularly with long-term exposure. This suggests that part of white matter loss in response to EtOH, especially during high rates of myelin formation, may be due in part to the effects of its principal metabolite ACD.
Regulation of Cardiac Contractility

ABSTRACT Contractility describes the relative ability of the heart to eject a stroke volume (SV) at a given prevailing afterload (arterial pressure) and preload (end-diastolic volume; EDV). Various measures of contractility are related to the fraction as the SV/EDV or the ejection fraction, and the dynamics of ejection as determined from maximum pressure rise in the ventricles or arteries or from aortic flow velocities determined by echocardiography. At the cellular level, the ultimate determinant of contractility is the relative tension generation and shortening capability of the molecular motors (myosin cross-bridges) of the sarcomeres as determined by the rates and extent of Ca activation, the turnover kinetics of the cross-bridges, and the relative Ca responsiveness of the sarcomeres. Engagement of the regulatory signaling cascades controlling contractility occurs with occupancy and signal transduction by receptors for neurohumors of the autonomic nervous system as well as growth and stress signaling ...
Finite Element Modeling of GMAW Process: Evolution and Formation of Residual Stresses Upon Cooling

Fusion arc welding processes often generate substantial residual stresses, which may alter the performance of welded structures. Residual stresses are the results of incompatible elastic and plastic deformations in a body. Destructive techniques are generally used to experimentally determine residual stresses. Employment of these methods would not often be possible or practical in industry. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) finite element simulations and experimental work have been performed to analyze the thermomechanical problem of GMAW and to obtain a full-field view of the residual stress field. One of the purposes of this study is to examine the formation of residual stresses upon cooling of a weldment. Comparisons of the results of 2D and 3D finite element models reveal many three-dimensional features in the thermomechanical problem of GMAW. The magnitude of longitudinal residual stresses obtained from the 2D model, however, compares well with the results obtained from the 3D model.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Yearnings: televisual love and melodramatic politics in contemporary China

To trace the complex “passion for meaning” (Barthes) that animated the consumption and interpretation of Yearnings, a television melodrama that aired in China just a year and a half after the Tiananmen demonstrations, requires moving beyond a dichotomy between “the political” and “the popular.” This article argues that Yearnings became a nationwide controversy because it allegorizes post-Tiananmen dilemmas of national identity in relation to socialism and in relation to the diverse class and gender positionings of the characters as well as the viewers. Textualist and reader-response analyses of popular culture need to be broadened by an ethnographic approach that asks sociodiscursive questions about the operations of popular culture as a site for the constitution of national subjects, one that offers complicated possibilities for oppositional practices. [China, national identity, popular culture, gender and class, politics of representations, the state]
Bleeding complications after contemporary pharmacoinvasive therapy for ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Pharmacoinvasive therapy for the treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a strategy that combines early restoration of coronary flow via pharmacologically induced thrombolysis with subsequent, prompt percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Prior studies suggesting a heightened bleeding risk of PCI performed early after fibrinolysis predated contemporary pharmacoinvasive practice including use of femoral closure devices (CD), fibrin specific thrombolytics, lower doses of heparin and stents.
Evolution of traffic grooming from SDH/SONET to flexible grid

We review the evolution of traffic grooming from SDH/SONET to evolutionary flexible-grid and elastic-rate technologies and summarize the relevant issues. Sliceable optical transponder is identified as a novel technology that could potentially impact the future grooming paradigm.
Origin of the anomalous photovoltaic signal in Y-Ba-Cu-O.

The temperature and polarization dependence, and anisotropy of the laser-generated voltage response in Y-Ba-Cu-O under no-current-bias conditions were examined. It was found that the photogenerated current flowed predominantly along the c axis of the Y-Ba-Cu-O crystal, and was laser-polarization independent. The strong temperature dependence observed indicated that the signal was related to the 240-K structural transformation which was also responsible for other anomalies in the early days of Y-Ba-Cu-O research. The anomalous photovoltaic response is due to an asymmetry along the c axis of the Y-Ba-Cu-O orthorhombic crystalline structure.
Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs

Association‐sponsored benchmarking programs are developed, organized, and implemented by a professional association of member institutions. Methods used often include survey‐type data collection instruments or traditional benchmarking strategies with site visits. These types of programs can be effective tools for identifying and adapting best practices at relatively low cost for association members while generating revenue for the association. However, association benchmarking programs must be carefully planned, properly promoted, implemented in timely manner, and effectively reported to members in order to be successful.
Reduction of early-onset group b streptoccal sepsis with universal screening and intrapartum antimicrobial therapy for preterm and colonized term parturients

Abstract Objective: To determine if universal group B streptococcal (GBS) screening at 35–36 weeks of gestation with intrapartum antimicobial prophylaxis for all women delivering preterm and colonized term parturients is effective in reducing early-onset GBS sepsis. Study design: Retrospective analysis of rates of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) during three time periods: period 1—no systematic GBS prevention scheme; period 2—universal GBS screening/selective antibiotics; and period 3—universal GBS screening/antibiotics for all preterm and colonized term parturients. Results: There was a progressive statistically significant decrease in the incidence of early-onset GBS neonatal sepsis associated with universal screening and increased intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of EOS from non-GBS bacteria noted between study periods. Conclusion: Universal GBS screening with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for preterm parturients and GBS colonized women delivering at term reduces the incidence of early-onset GBS sepsis when compared with no systematic prevention scheme. ∗ . EOS-GBS ∗ Non-GBS EOS N Rate/1,000 N Rate/1,000 Period 1 (N = 8,170) 14 1.7 5 0.6 Period 2 (N = 7,009) 6 0.9 4 0.6 Period 3 (N = 9,757) 3 0.3 4 0.4 ∗ P 2 .
Density Evolution for Expectation Propagation

Expectation propagation (EP) is a theoretical extension of the belief propagation family of message passing algorithms for statistical inference which allows for efficient handling of models with continuous random variables as well as second or higher order correlation via the use of standard exponential families of probability measures. Here we provide theoretically rigorous justifications for the use of density evolution to analyze the convergence and performance behavior of the family of algorithms in the large system regime by extending and expanding on the corresponding results for belief propagation decoding and turbo decoding.
Performance and acceptance of respirator facial seals.

Three respirator full face masks with different paripheral seal designs (flat, inner flap, and pneumatic) were modified to permit study of the facial seal component. Twelve subjects participated in the study. Each subject completed a three-hour test session on each mask. The first half of each session was devoted to a study of leakage at five seating forces; the second half of the session was devoted to a comfort study of the same mask under the same five seating forces. To test for the differences in' leakage for a given seating force a uranine aerosol test was used to challenge the integrity of the facial seal and permit quantitative measurement of percent leakage. Differences in apparent seating force (and therefore comfort) between the three facial seal designs were studied utilizing a psycho-physical technique. A suggested physiological correlate of comfort, galvanic skin potential, was also measured during the second half of the session. Significant differences were noted in the performance of one o...
What's Wrong with CBE?

Judith Alamprese is Director of the Education and Training Group at Cosmos Corporation, Washington, DC, where she is responsible for initiatives in adult education, policy analysis, and job training. She has directed more than 20 projects in the fields of adult literacy and basic skills, ESL, job training, interagency coordination, professional development, program evaluation, and alternative assessment. She also has served as the Chair of the Research Task Force of the National
Design considerations in a Rolamite knee joint prosthesis.

Problems encountered with existing total knee prostheses are briefly summarized. Existing prosthesis designs giving anatomically correct relative planar motion between femur and tibia are reviewed. A design incorporating a Rolamite suspension is proposed and evaluated. The design has the advantages of being closely anatomical in its motion having negligible friction or wear and requiring no lubrication. If substantial tendon damage is present the Rolamite design is easily modified to include a gear and rack.
Lymphocyte Transformation after Exposure to Antigen at 4° C

SENSITIZED lymphocytes need to be exposed to antigens for only a short time in vitro to commit them to transform into blast cells1. It is not known how, if at all, antigen is incorporated into or onto sensitized cells. There is good evidence that after lymphocyte transformation antigen can be found in non-specific macrophages, but not in the specifically transformed blast cells themselves2. Dr H. J.-P. Ryser (personal communication) suggested that a study of the influence of temperature on the duration of exposure of lymphocytes to antigen needed in vitro to induce blast transformation might suggest whether biological processes were involved. If an enzyme-mediated biological system controls recognition or uptake of antigen, a short exposure to antigen at 4° C should not cause sensitized lymphocytes to transform. Our experimental results do not support this hypothesis.
Intranigral Microinjection of Neurotensin Suppresses Feeding in Food Deprived Rats

This study was conducted to determine whether the substantia nigra is involved in the anorectic effect of centrally administered neurotensin. Microinjection of neurotensin (2.5 - 10.0 micrograms) into the substantia nigra produced a significant suppression of feeding in 18 hour food deprived rats. To determine if the anorectic effect resulted from a general impairment of sensory-motor functioning, eight behaviors were measured in a separate study. Significant effects were found in only two of the eight behavioral categories (sniffing and eating), and only at the highest neurotensin dose (10.0 micrograms). These results suggest that the substantia nigra may be involved in the anorectic effect of neurotensin.
Screening for psychiatric disorders in chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract Psychiatric disorders are common in chronic fatigue (CF) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). To determine the usefulness of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), a self-report measure of psychological distress, in identifying those with psychiatric illnesses, a structured psychiatric interview and the GHQ were administered to 120 CF and 161 CFS patients seen in a referral clinic. Overall, 87 (35%) patients had a current and 210 (82%) a lifetime psychiatric disorder. Compared to patients without psychiatric disorders, GHQ scores above the threshold (⩾ 12) were more frequent among patients with current (p
Iron piracy: acquisition of transferrin‐bound iron by bacterial pathogens

Summary The mechanism of iron utilization from transferrin has been most extensively characterized in the pathogenic Neisseria species and Haemophilus species. Two transferrin-binding proteins, Tbp1 and Tbp2, have been identified in these pathogens and are thought to be components of the transferrin receptor. Tbp1 appears to be an integral, TonB-dependent outer membrane protein while Tbp2, a lipoprotein, may be peripherally associated with the outer membrane. The relative contribution of each of these proteins to transferrin binding and utilization is discussed and a model of iron uptake from transferrin is presented. Sequence comparisons of the genes encoding neisserial transferrin-binding proteins suggest that they are probably under positive selection for variation and may have resulted from inter-species genetic exchange.
Relationship of the ventilatory response to cotton bract extract and the cells and proteins of the lung.

Many healthy subjects who have had no exposure to cotton textile dusts will experience significant reductions in expired flow rate following an inhalational challenge with an aqueous extract of cotton bracts (CBE). Differences noted among individuals in the magnitude of the bronchial response to a standardized preparation of CBE suggest variable airway reactivity. The mechanism of this response and the reasons for its variability among these naive subjects are unknown. We have studied this problem by performing bronchoalveolar lavage on 13 volunteer subjects with no history of textile dust exposure. Two to three months later, a bronchial provocation with aqueous CBE was performed by an investigator blinded to the lavage results. Subjects with greater than 20 percent drop in flow rate at 40 percent of vital capacity during a partial forced expiration (MEF 40 percent [P]) following CBE had a reduction in total recoverable alveolar macrophages, with a resultant increase in the percentage of recoverable lymphocytes. The magnitude of response (MEF 40 percent [P]) correlated directly with the measured lymphocyte percentage (r=0.69 p less than 0.01) and inversely with the total numbers of recovered cells.
Poster: Uintah Hybrid Task-Based Parallelism Algorithm

Uintah is a software framework that provides an environment for solving large-scale science and engineering problems involving the solution of partial differential equations. Uintah uses a combination of fluid-flow solvers and particle-based methods for solids, together with adaptive meshing and asynchronous task-based approach with automated load balancing. When applying Uintah to fluid-structure interaction problems, the combination of adaptive meshing and the movement of structures through space present a formidable challenge in terms of achieving scalability on large-scale parallel computers. Adopting a model that uses MPI to communicate between nodes and a shared memory model on-node is one approach to achieve scalability on large-scale systems.This scalability challenge is addressed here for Uintah, by the development of new hybrid runtime and scheduling algorithms combined with novel lock-free data structures, making it possible for Uintah to achieve excellent scalability for a challenging fluid-structure problem with mesh refinement on as many as 256K cores.
Cardiovascular Effects of Human-Pet Dog Interactions

Recent research on human-dog interactions showed that talking to and petting a dog are accompanied by lower blood pressure (BP) in the person than human conversation. To clarify whether cognition, conditioning, or tactual contact exerted the major influence in this so-called “pet effect,” 60 male and female undergraduates with either positive or neutral attitudes toward dogs interacted with a dog tactually, verbally, and visually while BP and heart rate were recorded automatically. Results revealed that (a) subjects' BP levels were lowest during dog petting, higher while talking to the dog, and highest while talking to the experimenter and (b) subjects' heart rates were lower while talking or touching the dog and higher while both touching and talking to the dog. Touch appeared to be major component of the pet effect, while cognitive factors contributed to a lesser degree. Implications for coping with hypertension are discussed, and suggestions for futher research are stated.
Multiple allergies to the pollen and seed antigens of ricinus communis (castor bean)

Abstract Ten individuals shown by skin test PCA reaction in monkeys to be allergic to castor bean seed proteins were skin-tested for sensitivity to the castor bean pollen. Nine of these gave mild reaction to the pollen. Blood sera from the 10 individuals together with those of 3 other castor bean-allergic individuals were tested by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the cynomolgus monkey, Macaca irus . Six of the 9 giving positive skin sensitivity to the pollen also gave positive PCA reactions in the monkey. Of the 3 who were not skin-tested with pollen, the sera of 2 gave PCA reactions to pollen when tested in the monkey. The evidence indicates that the pollen and seed have certain allergenic components in common, but that allergic reactions to the pollen are less severe than to the seed meal. In certain instances, pollen from castor bean plants grown in fields or as ornamental plants near houses may be involved in the initial sensitization of humans to the castor bean seed proteins or meal.
Impact of needleless connector change frequency on central line-associated bloodstream infection rate.

Background Bloodstream infection is the most common pediatric health care-associated infection and is strongly associated with catheter use. These infections greatly increase the cost of hospital stay. Methods To assess the association between needleless connector (NC) change frequency and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate, we modeled monthly pediatric stem cell transplant (SCT) CLABSI rate in 3 periods: baseline period during which NC were changed every 96 hours regardless of infusate (period 1); trial period in which NC were changed every 24 hours with blood or lipid infusions (period 2); and a return to NC change every 96 hours regardless of infusate (period 3). Data on potential confounders were collected retrospectively. Autocorrelated segmented regression models were used to compare SCT CLABSI rates in each period, adjusting for potential confounders. CLABSI rates were also assessed for a nonequivalent control group (oncology unit) in which NC were changed every 24 hours with blood or lipid use in periods 2 and 3. Results SCT CLABSI rates were 0.41, 3.56, and 0.03 per 1,000 central line-days in periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the CLABSI rate was significantly higher in period 2 compared with both period 1 ( P = .01) and period 3 ( P = .003). In contrast, CLABSI rates on the oncology unit were not significantly different among periods. Conclusion In pediatric SCT patients, changing needleless connectors every 24 hours when blood or lipids are infused is associated with increased CLABSI rates. National recommendations regarding NC change frequency should be clarified.
Single, Dual and Tri-Band-Notched Ultrawideband (UWB) Antennas Using Capacitively Loaded Loop (CLL) Resonators

Two compact, printed, ultrawideband (UWB) monopole antennas with tri-band notched characteristics are reported. The notched filters are achieved by introducing printed, electrically small, capacitively-loaded loop (CLL) resonators. The directly driven elements consist of printed top-loaded CLL-based monopoles and 50 Ω microstrip feed lines. By adding three CLL elements close to the feed line, band-notch properties in the WiMAX (3.3-3.6GHz), lower WLAN (5.15-5.35GHz) and higher WLAN (5.725-5.825GHz) bands are achieved. Each antenna system is contained on a 27×34mm2 sheet of Rogers Duroid 5880 substrate. One is designed with three additional CLL elements; the other is achieved with only two. Comparisons between the simulation and measurement results show that these UWB antennas have broadband matched impedance values and stable radiation patterns for all radiating frequencies.
A Note on the Correlation of Gains and Initial Status

By writing the familiar equation for the correlation of gains and initial status in a form which reveals that the correlation does not depend on the standard deviations of pretest and posttest scores separately, but only on their ratio, it is possible to exhibit a one-parameter family of functions which throws new light on this relationship. The same family of functions provides information about the correlation between the true components of gains and initial status, as well as information about the correlation between the error components of gains and initial status.
Ranking Model for Facial Age Estimation

Feature design and feature selection are two key problems in facial image based age perception. In this paper, we proposed to using ranking model to do feature selection on the haar-like features. In order to build the pairwise samples for the ranking model, age sequences are organized by personal aging pattern within each subject. The pairwise samples are extracted from the sequence of each subject. Therefore, the order information is intuitively contained in the pairwise data. Ranking model is used to select the discriminative features based on the pairwise data. The combination of the ranking model and personal aging pattern are powerful to select the discriminative features for age estimation. Based on the selected features, different kinds of regression models are used to build prediction models. The experiment results show the performance of our method is comparable to the state-of-art works.