cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT: ORIGINS, APPLICATIONS, EXCEPTIONS, AND EXPANSIONS IN PUBLIC SERVICE

Abstract The author describes the development of the employment at will doctrine in American law and the creation of statutory and judicial exceptions to ameliorate its effects. Legal scholarship criticizing and defending the doctrine is reviewed, as are reform initiatives. Against this backdrop, the author considers the expansion of at-will employment to the civil service workforce. The author concludes that constitutional objections to the expansion will not succeed in halting it, and predicts that this expansion will have a detrimental effect on the transparency of governmental operations and management.
The effects of carbon, oxygen, sulfur and potassium adlayers on CO and H2 adsorption on Fe(100)

Abstract The adsorption and desorption of CO and hydrogen was studied on clean Fe(100) and Fe(100) with adiayers of carbon, oxygen, sulfur, and potassium using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature programmed desorption. Hydrogen was found to be dissociatively adsorbed on Fe(100) with a binding energy of 86 kJ/mole. CO absorption was found to be complex, involving several molecular binding states as well as dissociated CO. The activation energy for dissociation of CO on Fe(100) was estimated to be 105 kJ/mole. Sulfur, oxygen, and carbon adlayers all reduced the binding energies for CO and hydrogen and inhibited CO dissociation. Potassium was observed to enhance the CO and hydrogen binding strengths and increase the amount of CO dissociation relative to the clean surface. These results have been compared to LCAO calculations for CO adsorption on an Fe(100) surface with adiayers. The model calculations showed that adiayers of carbon, oxygen, and sulfur reduced the CO binding energy on Fe(100) by bonding with the same Fe(3d) orbitals as the CO(2π ∗ ) orbitals would. Potassium was found to enhance the CO binding energy on Fe(100) due to interactions between the K(4s) orbital and the CO(2π ∗ ) orbitals.
Prospective comparison of helical CT (HCT), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for preoperative esophageal cancer (EC) staging

Prospective comparison of helical CT (HCT), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) for preoperative esophageal cancer (EC) staging
Statins and Delirium: Is There a Role?

Delirium is a serious but potentially avoidable complication in critically ill patients. Various pathophysiological processes have been associated with delirium development; however, neuroinflammation hypothesis and pleiotropic effects are the reasons why HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have been evaluated for delirium prevention. Statin therapy is associated with favorable outcomes in critically ill patients, but significant variability of results exists in patients who received these agents postoperatively. Study design methodological weaknesses, inconsistent delirium assessment, and lack of information on sedation regimens may have confounded these outcomes. Furthermore, no evidence exists on the type of statin, lipophilic or non-lipophilic, that is associated with the most benefit or when therapy with a statin should be initiated. Thus, the efficacy of HMGM-CoA reductase inhibitors on delirium prevention has not been fully established and non-pharmacological methods should remain mainstay of therapy.
Evaluation of ultrasonic aggregate stability and rainfall erosion resistance of disturbed and amended soils in the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA

Abstract Application of organic soil amendments to disturbed soil has been shown to improve aggregate stability and reduce soil susceptibility to erosion. Employing ultrasonic aggregate stability assessment techniques described earlier [Fristensky, A. and Grismer, M.E., 2008. A simultaneous model for ultrasonic aggregate stability assessment. Catena, 74: 153–164.], we assess the effect of two experimental organic soil amendments – a compost and a woodchip mulch incorporated at a rate of 2000–6000 kg ha− 1 N-equivalence – on soil aggregation and aggregate stability at four drastically disturbed sites within the Lake Tahoe Basin, USA. Experimental plots were established 1–3 years prior to testing. The soils were of granitic or volcanic origin, and disturbed by either ski run or road development. Soil treatments were observed to significantly (p Rainfall simulations (72–120 mm h− 1) were performed on the treatment plots, and results were compared with the ultrasonic aggregate stability indices. Significant (p
Trypanosoma cruzi: Analysis of the Population Dynamics of Heterogeneous Mixtures1

Utilizing the previously reported inter-clonal differences in total DNA/organism, flow cytometry was used to analyze the population dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi clone mixtures growing in liquid medium or vertebrate cells. The growth of clone mixtures in liquid medium can be described by unique parameters reflecting exponential growth rate (r), stationary phase population density (1/k), and the interaction between the clones (h). The relative numbers of each clone in the population change rapidly with time and the results arc in quantitative agreement with mathematical models of competitive population growth. The relationship between the parameters for T. cruzi is such that, in general, there is no dynamic equilibrium with coexistence of clones with different growth rates; under all culture protocols, the faster growing clone will prevail. A computer simulation of the vertebrate cell cycle of T. cruzi suggests that clone mixtures grow relatively independently; the basic attributes of the model were substantiated experimentally. Although wide fluctuations in the proportion of each clone released occurred, the faster growing clone again predominated. Finally, these results underline the importance of working with well-defined clones in the laboratory to avoid inconsistencies and paradoxical results and stress the importance of the rapid isolation of single cell clones from clinical specimens when studying the relationship of the parasite to human disease.
Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy study of the refolding reaction of the alpha-subunit of tryptophan synthase reveals nonmonotonic behavior of the rotational correlation time.

Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy of a bound extrinsic probe was studied in an effort to characterize dynamic properties of the transient partially folded forms that appear during the folding of the α-subunit of tryptophan synthase (αTS) from Escherichia coli. Previous studies have shown that αTS, a single structural domain, can be cleaved into autonomously folding amino- and carboxy-folding units comprising residues 1−188 and 189−268, respectively [Higgins, W., Fairwell, T., and Miles, E. W. (1979) Biochemistry 18, 4827−4835]. By use of a double-kinetic approach [Jones, B. E., Beechem, J. M., and Matthews, C. R. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 1867−1877], the rotational correlation time of 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate bound to nonpolar surfaces of folding intermediates was measured by time-correlated single photon counting at varying time delays following initiation of folding from the urea-denatured form by stopped-flow techniques. Comparison of the rotational correlation times for the full-length αTS ...
Mental health and substance abuse services for adolescents: Clinical and service system issues

This paper addresses changes in the prevalence, type, and severity of problems being presented by adolescents, and the familial, social, and cultural supports and context for adolescent behavior. Also described are the types of clinical training, financing, service system, and research supports that must be addressed if the field is to adequately meet the needs of adolescents with serious and persistent problems.
Studies on Phenolic Steroids in Human Subjects. XV. Biliary and Urinary Excretion Patterns of Estrone

ABSTRACT The metabolism of radioactive estrone (estrone-6,7-3H or estrone-4-14C) was investigated in 4 women with T-tube drainage of bile. The preponderant amount of radioactivity in the bile was found to be located in the sulfoglucosiduronate area. This area was shown to contain the sulfoglucosiduronates of 15α-hydroxyestriol, estriol and 16-epiestriol, as well as the sulfate of “acidic” compounds. On the other hand, about 40% of the urinary radioactivity consisted of monoglucosiduronates, the aglycones of which were shown to be 15α-hydroxyestriol, estriol, 16-epiestriol and estrone. Sulfoglucosiduronates comprised a small percentage of the urinary radioactivity. Based on the results presented, a scheme of the metabolism of estrone is presented.
Sex-Role Egalitarianism as a Moderator Variable in Decision-Making: Two Validity Studies:

Two validity studies tested the proposition that the extent to which a decision-maker holds a sex-role egalitarian attitude moderates the tendency to evaluate males and females differentially. In Study 1, 109 undergraduate students evaluated the qualifications of male or female applicants for stereotypically male or female jobs. In Study 2, another 109 undergraduate students expressed agreement! disagreement with decisions made by a committee; decision outcomes were varied to favor males, females, or neither. In both studies, participants were also administered the Sex-Role Egalitarianism Scale. Study I results indicated the predicted three-way interaction between egalitarianism, applicant sex, and job type for qualifications ratings. Study 2 results consistently demonstrated the moderating effect of egalitarian attitude across repeated measures of the dependent variable.
Metabotropic glutamate and muscarinic cholinergic receptor-mediated preferential inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate component of transmissions in rat ventral tegmental area

Abstract Presynaptic inhibition is one of the major control mechanisms in the CNS. Our laboratory recently reported that presynaptic GABA B and adenosine A 1 receptors mediate a preferential inhibition on N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents recorded in rat midbrain dopamine neurons. Here we extended these findings to metabotropic glutamate and muscarinic cholinergic receptors. Intracellular voltage clamp recordings were made from dopamine neurons in rat ventral tegmental area in slice preparations. (±)-1-Aminocyclopentane- trans -1,3-dicarboxylic acid (agonist for groups I and II metabotropic glutamate receptors) and L(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4; agonist for group III metabotropic glutamate receptors) were significantly more potent for inhibiting N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents, as compared with inhibition of excitatory postsynaptic currents mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors. Such preferential inhibition of the N -methyl- d -aspartate component was also observed for muscarine (agonist for muscarinic cholinergic receptors). Inhibitory effects of (±)-1-aminocyclopentane- trans -1,3-dicarboxylic acid, L-AP4, and muscarine were blocked reversibly by their respective antagonists [(RS)-α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine, (RS)-α-methyl-4-phosphonophenylglycine, and 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide]. In addition, all three agonists increased the ratio of excitatory postsynaptic currents in paired-pulse studies and did not reduce currents induced by exogenous N -methyl- d -aspartate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid. Interestingly, the glutamate release stimulator 4-aminopyridine (30 μM) and the glutamate uptake inhibitor L- anti-endo -3,4-methanopyrrolidine dicarboxylate (300 μM) preferentially increased the amplitude of N -methyl- d -aspartate excitatory postsynaptic currents. Thus, agonists for metabotropic glutamate and muscarinic cholinergic receptors act presynaptically to cause a preferential reduction in the N -methyl- d -aspartate component of excitatory synaptic transmissions. Together with the evidence for GABA B and adenosine A 1 receptor-mediated preferential inhibition of the N -methyl- d -aspartate component, the present results suggest that limiting glutamate spillover onto postsynaptic N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors may be a general rule for presynaptic modulation in midbrain dopamine neurons.
Long-term redox switching stability of polypyrrole

Abstract Polypyrrole (PP) films, including poly(pyrrole chloride) (PP-Cl), polypyrrole/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PP/PSS) and poly(pyrrole p -toluenesulfonate) (PP-TOS), were synthesized from various electrolyte/solvent systems. The films were subjected to potential cycling to equilibrate the electroactivity in various switching media. In most cases, the use of a different solvent from the synthesis medium strongly decreased the electroactivity of the PP. The effect of this solvent exchange was strongest in PP-Cl and relatively small in PP/PSS and PP-TOS. After equilibration, the films were subjected to multiple potential steps between the reduced and oxidized states while monitoring the charge passed. The electroactivity changes, measured as the amount of switching charge passed relative to the initial switching charge, were monitored with the number of double potential steps as a probe of the long-term stability. In general, the order of long-term switching stability of PP was determined to be PP-TOS>PP/PSS>PP-Cl, with each system exhibiting unique responses based on its electrochemical history.
Bimodification of Mesoporous Silicon Oxide by Coupled “In Situ Oxidation at the Interface and Ion Exchange” and its Catalytic Activity in the Gas-Phase Toluene Oxidation

A bimodification synthesis method—“in situ oxidation at the interface (IOI) coupled with an ion exchange”—has been developed for the internal surface modification of mesoporous silicon oxide (MPS) templates. First, manganese oxide was formed at the internal surface of the MPS template through IOI. In the IOI method, high-valent oxo-anions of manganese (MnO4 � ) were used for the selective oxidation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) groups of the Pluronic P123 (PEO20PPO70PEO20; PPO = poly(propylene oxide)) surfactant and they formed manganese oxide at the organic–inorganic (corona) interface. The oxide formation was restricted at the corona interface by a positively charged CTA + (cetyltrimethylammonium) head group of the cationic surfactant CTABr. Then, the second modification of the MPS template was also performed by introducing promoter cations (Cs + ,K + ,o r H + ) through an ion exchange reaction
Cytomorphology of Common Malignant Tumors of the Breast

A definitive cytologic diagnosis of breast cancer is usually possible when using the six major criteria of malignancy (cellularity, dyshesion, monomorphism, anisonucleosis, irregular nuclear membranes, prominent nucleoli) as part of the triple test. Carcinomas of special type have unique clinical and cytologic features that pathologists need to consider, because these may confuse interpretation. Complete subtyping of carcinomas may not always be possible by fine needle aspiration. Diagnostic accuracy for breast carcinoma is excellent. False-negative diagnoses are infrequent and chiefly due to sampling issues. False-positive diagnoses are extremely rare. Uniform report terminology should be used to ensure that diagnostic information is conveyed appropriately and consistently to guide the next diagnostic or treatment step.
Wealth, Power, and the Internal Revenue Service: Changing IRS Audit Policy through Litigation

Objectives. Although scholars have recognized that the wealth and power of litigants has substantial influence on litigation outcomes, there has been less recognition of the ability of the wealthy to sway agency policy through litigation. I argue that the wealthy, through lawsuits and the outcomes from the litigation, influence Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits of the wealthy and the less affluent. Methods. I examine IRS state audit rates and use ordinary least squares regression with panel corrected standard errors. Results. I show that wealthy litigants can influence the IRS to decrease audits of the wealthy and increase audits of the less affluent. Conclusions. The wealthy appear to have the ability to influence IRS policy through lawsuits. Litigation can influence agency policy.
Influence of varying rumen temperature on central cooling or warming and on regulation of voluntary feed intake in dairy cattle.

Abstract Four experiments were conducted with rumen-fistulated Holstein heifers to study the effect of slightly lowering or increasing rumen temperature on tympanic and rectal temperature and on voluntary feed intake. Hourly infusions of cold (5 C) or warm (49 C) water effected slight changes in rectal and tympanic temperature when compared to a control (30 C) infusion. Rumen temperature was altered but quickly returned to normal. No significant effect on hay intake was observed. When the infusion rate was increased to every half-hour, a more marked change in rectal and tympanic temperature was observed and the rumen temperature remained altered for a longer period of time. Compared to a control (30 C) treatment, infusions of cold (5 C) water increased (P
Correlates of modified Stroop tasks, reading ability, and mental ability among college students.

13 men and 13 women in college viewed 40 modified Stroop tasks consisting of line drawings with embedded words and nonwords. Scores on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and a mental abilities measure were correlated with percent errors on the modified Stroop tasks. Significant correlations (.34 to .70) were found.
Nanofabrication of a quantum dot array: atomic force microscopy of electropolished aluminum

One step required for the fabrication of a quantum dot array on an aluminum substrate is the preparation of a flat aluminum surface. To enable the optimization of the electropolishing procedure, atomic force microscopy was used to examine the morphology of electropolished polycrystalline aluminum surfaces that were prepared under different electropolishing conditions. The electropolishing voltage, time, and temperature were varied. Two distinctly different surface morphologies were observed for different electropolishing conditions and transitional structures were observed for intermediate conditions. It was found that the type of surface morphology and the surface roughness could be controlled primarily with the electropolishing voltage while temperature and time had relatively little effect over the range examined in this study.
Carbon fiber growth kinetics and thermodynamics using temperature controlled LCVD

Abstract The chemical kinetics of carbon fiber deposition using Laser Chemical Vapor Deposition (LCVD) was studied. Using methane as the precursor at a total pressure of 78.4 kPa, the activation energy was 176 kJ/mol and the order of the reaction was 3.47. Using propylene as the primary reagent at a total pressure of 21.3 kPa, the activation energy was 286 kJ/mol and the order of the reaction was 1.90. The values are based on measured temperatures ranging from 1720 to 2170 °C. The cause of volcano shaped deposits was also explored through experimentation and thermodynamic modeling, and found to be an etching reaction induced by the elevated temperatures at the center of the laser spot.
Arginase I–Producing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Renal Cell Carcinoma Are a Subpopulation of Activated Granulocytes

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) producing arginase I are increased in the peripheral blood of patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MDSC inhibit T-cell function by reducing the availability of L-arginine and are therefore considered an important tumor escape mechanism. We aimed to determine the origin of arginase I-producing MDSC in RCC patients and to identify the mechanisms used to deplete extracellular L-arginine. The results show that human MDSC are a subpopulation of activated polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells expressing high levels of CD66b, CD11b, and VEGFR1 and low levels of CD62L and CD16. In contrast to murine MDSC, human MDSC do not deplete L-arginine by increasing its uptake but instead release arginase I into the circulation. Activation of normal PMN induces phenotypic and functional changes similar to MDSC and also promotes the release of arginase I from intracellular granules. Interestingly, although activation of normal PMN usually ends with apoptosis, MDSC showed no increase in apoptosis compared with autologous PMN or PMN obtained from normal controls. High levels of VEGF have been shown to increase suppressor immature myeloid dendritic cells in cancer patients. Treatment of RCC patients with anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab, however, did not reduce the accumulation of MDSC in peripheral blood. In contrast, the addition of interleukin-2 to the treatment increased the number of MDSC in peripheral blood and the plasma levels of arginase I. These results may provide new insights on the mechanisms of tumor-induced anergy/tolerance and may help explain why some immunotherapies fail to induce an antitumor response.
The Application Study of Image Recognition Technology in Substation Sequential Control

This paper proposes a method based on image recognition technology to identify the status of the isolation Switch and Breaker in Substation. It is based on Smart robot, and can replace operator to identify the status of the Switch or Breaker after switching operation. It crates conditions for one-key-sequence-control through the research of the SIFT algorithm, Hough algorithm and KNN algorithm. The application of the Lanxi substation proved that it has a high practical value.
Metaphorical analysis and hermeneutical interpretation in analytical group psychotherapy

The principle of hermeneutical interpretation (i.e., the art and discipline of analyzing the symbols of sacred texts) is explained and applied to the analytical group situation. It is maintained that the approach employed by this methodology provides a viable manner for understanding patients' unconscious communications. In particular, the relationship between metaphorical communication and the hereand now therapeutic experience is discussed. It is argued that the unconscious manifests itself as a set of metaphorical expressions. The paper presents two clinical vignettes illustrating how this hermeneutical methodology can aid the therapist to “read” the unconscious meanings of such metaphors.
Effect of spermine on the translocation of Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase

Abstract Adipose cytosol treated with spermine showed an aggregation of a cytosolic component which was isolated by centrifugation at 16 000 × g for 20 min. The resultant pellet contained 10% of protein, 40% of lipid and over 75–97% of Mg2+-dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase activities present in the original cytosol. The specific activities of these enzymes increased 4-fold by the spermine treatment. Characterization of lipids in this component indicated the presence of mainly phospholipids. These studies suggest that the interaction between spermine, the cytosolic component and microsomal membranes may be involved in the translocation of Mg2+ -dependent phosphatidate phosphohydrolase.
Palladium-nanoparticle-coated carbon nanotube gas sensor

Abstract Flexible hydrogen gas sensors were fabricated using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with Pd nanoparticles for the detection of H 2 gas at room temperature. A comparative gas-sensing study was carried out on both the Pd-nanoparticles-decorated and undecorated MWCNT sheets in order to examine the effect of Pd nanoparticles on the gas-sensing performances at room temperature. Experimental results showed that the MWCNTs/Pd sensor exhibited fast response and recovery as well as high sensitivity compared with the pure MWCNT sensor. The improved sensing properties of this sensor were attributed to the spillover effect of Pd nanoparticles and the highly conductive MWCNT sheet.
LESSONS LEARNED ABOUT PUBLIC HEALTH FROM ONLINE CROWD SURVEILLANCE.

Abstract The Internet has forever changed the way people access information and make decisions about their healthcare needs. Patients now share information about their health at unprecedented rates on social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and on medical discussion boards. In addition to explicitly shared information about health conditions through posts, patients reveal data on their inner fears and desires about health when searching for health-related keywords on search engines. Data are also generated by the use of mobile phone applications that track users' health behaviors (e.g., eating and exercise habits) as well as give medical advice. The data generated through these applications are mined and repackaged by surveillance systems developed by academics, companies, and governments alike to provide insight to patients and healthcare providers for medical decisions. Until recently, most Internet research in public health has been surveillance focused or monitoring health behaviors. Only...
Drug Abuse and the Schools

In reviewing some of the background information regarding the extent of drug abuse and the types of measures presently being used, this article describes in more detail the role of the school in drug abuse.It is the contention of this writer that the school cannot be effective in this area unless its role is clearly defined. Such factors as the teacher, the school, decision-making, law-enforcing and motivation are, among others, briefly discussed.Emphasis is placed on drug education from the viewpoint of youth, whereby the objectives should relate to students' use or abuse of drugs and not in programming students to behave in a predetermined manner (determined by those, other than students).In addition, the school's relationship and the responsibilities of other institutions within the society are identified and reviewed.
Ozone correlations between mid-tropospheric partial columns and the near-surface at two mid-atlantic sites during the DISCOVER-AQ campaign in July 2011

The current network of ground-based monitors for ozone (O3) is limited due to the spatial heterogeneity of O3 at the surface. Satellite measurements can provide a solution to this limitation, but the lack of sensitivity of satellites to O3 within the boundary layer causes large uncertainties in satellite retrievals at the near-surface. The vertical variability of O3 was investigated using ozonesondes collected as part of NASA’s Deriving Information on Surface Conditions from COlumn and VERtically Resolved Observations Relevant to Air Quality (DISCOVER-AQ) campaign during July 2011 in the Baltimore, MD/Washington D.C. metropolitan area. A subset of the ozonesonde measurements was corrected for a known bias from the electrochemical solution strength using new procedures based on laboratory and field tests. A significant correlation of O3 over the two sites with ozonesonde measurements (Edgewood and Beltsville, MD) was observed between the mid-troposphere (7–10 km) and the near-surface (1–3 km). A linear regression model based on the partial column amounts of O3 within these subregions was developed to calculate the near-surface O3 using mid-tropospheric satellite measurements from the Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) onboard the Aura spacecraft. The uncertainties of the calculated near-surface O3 using TES mid-tropospheric satellite retrievals and a linear regression model were less than 20 %, which is less than that of the observed variability of O3 at the surface in this region. These results utilize a region of the troposphere to which existing satellites are more sensitive compared to the boundary layer and can provide information of O3 at the near-surface using existing satellite infrastructure and algorithms.
Sequential hemi-body radiotherapy in advanced multiple myeloma.

Eleven patients, with advanced multiple myeloma refractory to standard chemotherapy were treated with a regimen of sequential hemi-body radio-therapy consisting of 800 rad midplane in a single dose to each half. 9/10 patients experienced significant relief of skeletal pain and there were 5/11 objective tumor responses with one complete remission. Treatment-related morbidity was significant and consisted primarily of nausea and emesis, bone marrow suppression, and pneumonitis. This therapy is helpful in the management of advanced myeloma, and should be studied earlier in the course of the disease.
Pedestrian injuries due to collisions with bicycles in New York and California.

Abstract Introduction Scant attention has been given to pedestrians injured in accidents resulting from collisions with cyclists. This scholarly neglect is surprising given the growing popularity of cycling. This study examines the incidence of pedestrians injured by cyclists in New York between 2004 to 2011 and in California from 2005 to 2011. The study also profiles the pedestrians injured in these two states during these two time frames. Method The data for this study are based upon patient-level hospital records from New York and California. The data for New York comes from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) under the auspices of New York State's Department of Health. The data for California come from two sources: the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Results The rate of pedestrians injured in collisions with cyclists has decreased over time. This decline has occurred despite the increase in the number of cyclists in these states during this same time period. Two possible explanations for this decline are: (a) less exposure of children to cyclists, and (b) improvements in the cycling infrastructure. Practical applications Although the rate of injuries to pedestrians from collisions with cyclists has been decreasing, improvements to the cycling infrastructure will need to continue. Bike lanes, particularly protected bike lanes, have been shown to be an effective way of reducing cycling–pedestrian accidents. The results of the current study are consistent with this research. Educational campaigns aimed at cyclists that emphasize the safety of all road users – including pedestrians – will also need to continue to assure that this downward trend in the number of accidents is not reversed.
Napping in College Students and Its Relationship With Nighttime Sleep

Abstract.Objective: To examine the habit of napping and its relationship with nighttime sleep in college students. Participants: Four hundred and forty undergraduate students who responded to an anonymous online survey in April 2010. Methods: Three questions were asked to determine the frequency, length, and timing of napping during the past month. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The PSQI score significantly differed among self-reported nap-frequency (p = .047) and nap-length (p = .017) groups, with those who napped more than 3 times per week and those who napped more than 2 hours having the poorest sleep quality. Students who napped between 6 and 9 pm had shorter sleep on school nights compared with students in other nap-timing groups (p = .002). Conclusions: College students who are self-reported frequent, long, and late nappers may have a higher risk of poor nighttime sleep quality and more severe sleep deprivation.
Entanglements at Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces

Entanglementsrestrictthemobilityofthepolymermoleculesinthebulkandinconcentratedsolutionsandareatthebasisofmanyoftheuniqueandunusualdynamicpropertiesofpolymers. Qualitatively,onecanenvision an entanglement as a crossing of polymerchainswhich,whensubjectedtoastrain,remainsintactandhencemechanicallyactive. Themolecularweightof the polymer between the cross-link points,
The Relevance of Sensory Processing Disorder to Social Work Practice: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a disruption in the organization of sensory input, and affects up to three million children in the United States. SPD can have a serious impact on the ways that children behave, play, and learn, and yet, it may be overlooked or misunderstood by social work practitioners. The purpose of this article is to inform social work practice regarding SPD, strengthening the biological component of biopsychosocial assessment. After an introduction to the disorder, this article discusses differential diagnosis and practice implications, and concludes with a statement on interdisciplinary treatment.
Bilateral Ebstein-like anomaly with atrial septal defect.

We report an unusual congenital cardiac anomaly consisting of a downward displacement of all leaflets of both atrio-ventricular valves. In addition to these changes, an atrial septal defect of the secundum type was noted. In light of the extreme rarity of this interesting anomaly complex, we reviewed the literature and compare the morphologic features of the present case with classic Ebstein's anomaly. ( Jpn Heart J 36 : 119-125, 1995)
Evaluation of alternative tool combinations in a flexible manufacturing system

Abstract Flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) are often viewed as systems capable of processing a wide variety of parts in random order. The extent to which this is achieved is determined by the number of tools of each type that are active in the system at the same time. Too few tools can result in low system utilization and throughput. Too many tools in the system, however, can increase system cost. A continuous-time Markov chain model and an accompanying cost model are presented in this paper as an analytical means of examining the interrelationships between the number of tools and system performance and evaluating alternative tool combinations. A numerical example is given to illustrate the interrelationships and test the sensitivity of the model. Because of the large number of equations required to be solved, a computer program was written to obtain the results.
A Fatigue Life Comparison of Two-Row Tapered Roller Bearings and Spherical Roller Bearings

Tests were run to compare the fatigue life of two-row tapered roller bearings to that of spherical roller bearings. Both bearing types had an outer diameter of 110 mm with the spherical roller bearing having a 22 percent larger dynamic radial load rating than the tapered roller bearings. All tests were run at 165 percent of the respective two-row dynamic radial load ratings. The results show that both the indirect mounting (double cup or outer ring) and the direct mounting (double cone or inner ring) tapered roller bearings gave significantly better fatigue lives than the spherical roller bearings. These results appear to contradict the present ISO 281 standard which assigns a 1.15 bm rating factor to spherical roller bearings compared to a bm rating factor of 1.10 for that of tapered roller bearings. Presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan May 17–21, 1998
Competitive binding of protein kinase Cα to membranes and Rho GTPases

Previously, we have shown that protein kinase C (PKC) forms a direct high-affinity, isozyme-specific and membrane lipid-independent interaction with Rho GTPases [Slater, S. J., Seiz, J. L., Stagliano, B. A., and Stubbs, C. D. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 4437-4445]. Since the cellular activation of PKCalpha involves an initial translocation from cytosolic to membrane compartments, the present study investigates the interdependence between the direct protein-protein interaction of PKCalpha with the Rho GTPase, Cdc42, and the protein-lipid interactions of PKCalpha with membranes. It was hypothesized that the interaction of PKCalpha with membrane-bound Cdc42 would contribute to the overall membrane-binding affinity of the kinase by providing an additional anchor. However, it was found that the incorporation of isoprenylated Cdc42 into membranes resulted in an apparent decrease in the membrane-binding affinity of PKCalpha, whereas the association of PKCbetaI, PKCdelta, PKCepsilon, and PKCzeta was each unaffected. The presence of membrane-bound Cdc42 resulted in a rightward shift in both the PS- and Ca2+-concentration response curves for PKCalpha membrane association and for the ensuing activation, whereas the maximal levels of binding and activation attained at saturating PS and Ca2+ concentrations were in each case unaffected. Overall, these findings suggest that PKCalpha undergoes a isozyme-specific interaction with membrane-bound Cdc42 to form a PKCalpha-Cdc42 complex, which possesses a membrane-binding affinity that is reduced relative to that of the individual components due to competition between Cdc42 and PS/Ca2+ for binding to PKCalpha. Consistent with this, it was found that the interaction of PKCalpha with membrane-bound Cdc42 was accompanied by the physical dissociation of the PKCalpha-Cdc42 complex from membranes. Thus, the study provides a novel mechanism by which the membrane association and activation of PKCalpha and Cdc42 may be regulated by competing protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions.
The use of ceftizoxime in neonates

Ceftizoxime was used to treat 20 infants with suspected bacterial infections. The dosages of ceftizoxime ranged from 140 mg to 300 mg/kg/day with a mean of 232 mg/kg/day. The duration of therapy ranged from 1 to 12 days with a mean of 4.5 days. Satisfactory clinical response was seen in 86% (13/15) of the evaluated cases. Five cases could not be evaluated. Bacteria were recovered from nine infants and included: group B streptococcus (4), Staphylococcus aureus (2), Streptococcus faecalis (1), Flavobacterium meningosepticwn (1) and Serratia marcescens (1). A generalized erythematous maculpapular rash occurred in one infant receiving ceftizoxime. Two other infants had transient mild hyperbilirubinaemia which resolved without discontinuing the antibiotic. Ceftizoxime may be an acceptable antibiotic for treating suspected neonatal infections.
Multivariable Linear Digital Control via State Space Output Matching.

Abstract : A direct state space approach to the digital control of multivariable linear systems is presented. Control is provided by minimizing the mean square error between controlled plant outputs and specified desired output trajectories at sampling instants. Linear equations for digital control inputs are solved in constant forward and feedback gain form. Numerical applications to problems in simple model following, digital redesign, and direct digital design are given. (Author)
Nuclear Power-Fusion

The earliest speculations about nuclear power—first, about nuclear fusion— followed soon after the publication of Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity. A story related by Edward Teller tells of the young George Gamow’s being offered, in 1929, the nightly use of the full electric power grid of Leningrad if he would undertake to create in the laboratory the fusion energy that Atkinson and Houtermans were claiming to be sufficient to explain stars (Teller, 1981). Then, when fission was discovered in 1939, fusion took a back seat as the more readily exploitable fission process forged ahead, culminating in the first fission power reactors in the 1950s.
Exploiting isolobal relationships to create new ionic liquids: novel room-temperature ionic liquids based upon (N-alkylimidazole)(amine)BH2+“boronium” ions

Readily prepared imidazole-based boronium ions form stable, hydrophobic, room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) with unique electronic and spectroscopic characteristics.
Texture Segmentation by Minimizing Vector-Valued Energy Functionals: The Coupled-Membrane Model

This paper presents a computational model that segments images based on the textural properties of object surfaces. The proposed Coupled-Membrane model applies the weak membrane approach to an image WI(σ,θ, x, y), derived from the power responses of a family of selfsimilar quadrature Gabor wavelets. While segmentation breaks are allowed in x and y only, coupling is introduced to in all 4 dimensions. The resulting spatial and spectral diffusion prevents minor variations in local textures from producing segmentation boundaries. Experiments showed that the model is adequate in segmenting a class of synthetic and natural texture images.
Validity: Whose Construction Is it in the Teaching and Learning Context?

If a test is intended to impact teaching and leaning, how can we make a case for its validity? Currently, it is argued, the case for the validity of a test considers only the test maker's view of what the scores mean and whether they are useful for teachers and learners. Although the test maker's perspective is a necessary one, it is insufficient to validate a test, so an expanded framework for validating tests is needed. The expansion proposes using teachers'/professionals' and students' perspectives as necessary information in the validation of what test scores mean and whether they are useful to teachers and learners.
1.5: Development of field emission cathodes, electron gun and a slow wave structure for a terahertz traveling wave tube

High power terahertz (THz) sources and amplifiers hold the potential to greatly improve remote sensing and high bandwidth communication. To enable these applications, a Traveling Wave Tube (TWT) operating at 0.22 THz and a multi-cathode Field Emission (FE) electron gun are developed and characterized using a Particle-in-Cell simulation. Three candidate high current density cathode materials, Halfnium Carbide (HfC), carbon fibers, and Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) were tested, characterized and their emission properties compared and used to verify simulations. A current of 3.0 mAmps for a single 100 micron diameter single walled nanotube rope was experimentally achieved and used as the basis of the FE gun design. Simulations of the FE gun and THz TWT were coupled and the effects of multiple and single tip FE gun beam characteristics on the TWT gain, bandwidth, and efficiencies are examined for several beam optic configurations.
Photovoltaics: The endless spring

An overview of the developments in the photovoltaic field over the past decade or two is presented. Accomplishments in the terrestrial field are reviewed along with projections and challenges toward meeting cost goals. The contrasts and commonality of space and terrestrial photovoltaics are presented. Finally, a strategic philosophy of photovoltaics research highlighting critical factors, appropriate directions, emerging opportunities, and challenges of the future is given.
Transitioning Between Pediatric and Adult Clinics

Improved outcomes of children with renal transplants have resulted in a high rate of survivorship among young adults. In 2008, approximately 1,500 late adolescent and young adults with solid organ transplants in the United States have been reported to have graft survival rates of at least 5 years.1 Teenagers with kidney transplants have the highest rates of graft loss due to acute and chronic rejection and the highest rates of nonadherence.2,3
RFID restaurant POS system

In order to reduce the labor cost, improve the service quality, and achieve energy saving and carbon reduction for restaurants, this paper integrated a RFID, server and graphical man-machine interface to develop an ordering system for restaurants. The system can improve the service efficiency, lower the operating cost, and reduce environmental burden.
Distribution of zeranol in bovine tissues determined by selected ion monitoring capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Bovine tissues, including liver, muscle, kidney, bile, serum, and urlne, have been quantified by selected ion monltorlng capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry to establish the dlstrlbutlon of the ansbollc drug, zeranol, and its metabolites, taleranol and zearalanone, after administration of zeranol to 9 bovine animals. The method used to isolate, confirm, and quantify zeranol is undergoing validation by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). Application of this method demonstrates utility in determining residue levels of zeranol in a variety of tissues with levels ranging over 4 orders of magnitude (i.e., 100 parts per trillion (ppt) to 1 part per million (ppm)). The analyte levels determined in this study complement previously reported pharmacokinetlc data on the distribution of zeranol in addition to providing more specific information for taleranol and zearalanone. In this quantitative study it is shown that the liver is the main organ of deposition for zeranol, taleranol, and zearalanone, that taleranol is the main metabolite in the bovine, and that zeranol is efficiently eliminated.
The Gene, ialA, Associated with the Invasion of Human Erythrocytes by Bartonella bacilliformis, Designates a Nudix Hydrolase Active on Dinucleoside 5′-Polyphosphates

ialA, one of two genes associated with the invasion of human red blood cells by Bartonella bacilliformis, the causative agent of several diseases, has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The protein, IalA, contains an amino acid array characteristic of a family of enzymes, the Nudix hydrolases, active on a variety of nucleoside diphosphate derivatives. IalA has been purified, identified, and characterized as an enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of members of a class of signaling nucleotides, the dinucleoside polyphosphates, with its highest activity on adenosine 5′-tetraphospho-5′-adenosine (Ap4A), but also hydrolyzing Ap5A, Ap6A, Gp4G, and Gp5G. In each case, a pyrophosphate linkage is cleaved yielding a nucleoside triphosphate and the remaining nucleotide moiety.
Postradiation cutaneous vascular tumors of the breast: a review

Postradiation vascular tumors fall into two categories: (1) postradiation cutaneous angiosarcoma, malignant vascular neoplasms with significant morbidity and mortality; and (2) atypical vascular lesions (AVL), vascular tumors that reportedly behave in a benign manner. Postradiation vascular tumors not only present a therapeutic problem for clinicians, but they present an increasingly common diagnostic dilemma for pathologists. Although first described separately 15 years ago, the relationship between postradiation cutaneous angiosarcoma and AVL remains controversial. It appears that, in at least some cases, angiosarcoma can arise in the context of AVL, suggesting that these lesions are part of a spectrum of the same disease process. This latter view point is supported by the significant clinical and histologic overlap found between both tumors. Herein, we will discuss the evolution of this topic while reviewing the various clinical, histopathologic, and prognostic characteristics of postradiation cutaneous angiosarcoma and AVL.
Sensitivity of conventional memory tests in multiple sclerosis: comparing the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery and the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS.

BackgroundCognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) affecting roughly 45–60% of patients. Because memory deficits have significant impact on employment, caregiver burden, and social...
Cys-loop receptors: new twists and turns

New hypotheses and predictions have arisen from recent work revealing atomic-scale or near-atomic-scale structures of receptors in the 'Cys-loop' superfamily. How general is the cation-pi interaction between the natural ligand and a tryptophan residue in the aromatic box, and does this interaction extend to other ligands? What is the pathway from the binding site to gating, and what are the conformational changes during gating and desensitization? Is current flow through intracellular 'portals' in the wall of the channel a general feature? This article discusses these and related questions, emphasizing nicotinic ACh receptors and also discussing data from other members of this superfamily.