cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Construction Accidents—Top Management’s Role

A study of the policies and practices used by top managers in construction firms has demonstrated that top managers, by their own actions, can significantly reduce accident costs in their companies. Data were collected from a questionnaire survey, an in-depth study of one company, and face-to-face interviews with top managers and safety directors in 23 construction firms. Data from the interviews were analyzed using each company's workmen's compensation insurance experience modification rate as a measure of safety. From the analysis, guidelines were developed which can be used by top managers who want to reduce accidents in their own companies. The data indicate that top managers should know about accident rates on individual projects, and use this knowledge in decisions about salary and promotion of field managers. They should use their cost reporting system to encourage safety, and should insist on orientation of newly hired workers, and detailed work-planning at the job level.
Strategy for Geophysical Observations at Laser Sites — McDonald Observatory

Measurements of geoid height and of convergent or divergent velocities between segments of the Earth’s lithosphere are objectives of a world-wide laser ranging program. However, substantial geological and geophysical evidence indicates that rigid horizontal motion of major lithospheric plates is an imperfect approximation, especially near plate boundaries and continental margins. Therefore, continuous geophysical surveillance must be maintained in the vicinity of laser sites to estimate local anomalies in tectonic movement. Except for first order geodetic methods, an indirect approach combining tilt, strain and seismic measurements must be used. Regarding tilt and strain, the secular deformations to be measured are larger than the tidal or teleseismic transients observed with conventional instruments, but a higher standard of long-term stability is required in the new application. This will probably be achieved at some sacrifice in sensitivity. In addition to stability, low-cost installation and maintenance are important considerations for a world network of sites. A local seismic network can delineate active faults by detection of microearthquakes and can aid in estimating the near- field displacements from macroseismic events. At McDonald Observatory, we installed a permanent seismograph station (MOT) and also operated a temporary network of four short-period seismographs for three months in 1975. With these network data, about 15 earthquakes were located within 200 km of the Observatory. We plan to expand the program in 1976 by installing a permanent network of seismograph stations linked to the Observatory by radio telemetry. Presently, we are also evaluating the sensitivity and stability of a biaxial bubble tiltmeter. Further instrument development work will be done at McDonald and in the Hockley Mine Observatory. It is hoped that the measurement strategy developed for the McDonald Observatory will be a useful model for world-wide mobile laser ranging stations.
Soil Greenhouse Gas and Ammonia Emissions in Long-Term Maize-Based Cropping Systems

Legume rotations and animal manures can reduce synthetic fertilizer use in row crops, but only long-term experiments can elucidate effects of multiple legume rotations and decades of manure additions on soil gas emissions. In 2006 and 2007, we measured soil-atmosphere fluxes of N 2 O, NH 3 , and CO 2 in maize (Zea mays L.) crops within a replicated experiment comparing continuous maize to maize-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) rotations initiated in 1969. In both systems, comparisons of synthetic fertilizer N and manure N were initiated in 1990. With synthetic fertilizer as the main N source, mean CO 2 ―C fluxes (from March 31st to October18th) were lower from continuous maize (CC, 512 ± 132 g m ―2 growing season ―1 ) than from maize following alfalfa (CA, 691 ± 91 g m ―2 growing season ―1 ). In contrast, with manure as the main N source, mean soil CO 2 -C fluxes from CC (943 ± 111 g m ―2 growing season ―1 ) were greater than from CA (682 ± 21g m ―2 growing season ―1 ). Soil CO 2 -C emissions correlated with long-term inputs of manure. Synthetically fertilized continuous maize had lower N 2 O-N fluxes (0.36 ± 0.26 g m ―2 growing season ―1 ) than other treatments (0.55-0.58 g m ―2 growing season ―1 ). Nitrous oxide-N fluxes were not correlated with current N inputs or soil nitrate concentrations, suggesting that long-term treatment effects (e.g., on soil structure, labile C, or microbial communities) contribute to contemporary N 2 O variation. Elevated NH 3 fluxes (>5 mg NH 3 -N m ―2 h ―1 ) followed manure applications, but within weeks there were no significant treatment differences in NH 3 fluxes. These results suggest that short-term or single-factor studies may not capture important interactions among crop rotations and N sources affecting greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils.
Portability of the GN(R)A Hairpin Loop Motif between RNA and DNA

Hairpins are common nucleic acid secondary structures that serve many structural and functional roles. Recently, we reported that r(UNCG) and r(GNRA) hairpin families use molecular mimicry and elec...
Host effect on vesicular stomatitis virus morphogenesis and "T" particle formation in reptilian, avian, and mammalian cell lines.

The morphogenesis of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in three reptilian cell lines (turtle heart, gecko lung, and viper spleen) was studied by thin section electron microscopy. Simultaneous growth studies were conducted in reptilian, chick embryo fibroblast, and BHK/21 cells to compare the yields of infectious VSV during serial passages.
Role of Na-H Exchangers and Vacuolar H + Pumps in Intracellular pH Regulation in Neonatal Rat Osteoclasts

Osteoclasts resorb bone by pumping of H+ into a compartment between the cell and the bone surface. Intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis requires that this acid extrusion, mediated by a vacuolar-type H+ ATPase, be complemented by other acid-base transporters. We investigated acid-extrusion mechanisms of single, freshly isolated, neonatal rat osteoclasts. Cells adherent to glass coverslips were studied in the nominal absence of CO2/HCO3-, using the pH-sensitive dye BCECF and a digital imaging system. Initial pHi averaged 7.31 and was uniform throughout individual cells. Intrinsic buffering power (beta 1) decreased curvilinearly from approximately 25 mM at pHi = 6.4 to approximately 6.0 mM at pHi = 7.4. In all polygonally shaped osteoclasts, and approximately 60% of round osteoclasts (approximately 20% of total), pHi recovery from acid loads was mediated exclusively by Na-H exchange. In these pattern-1 cells, pHi recovery was 95% complete within 200 s, and was blocked by removing Na+, or by applying 1 mM amiloride, 50 microM ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA), or 50 microM hexamethyleneamiloride (HMA). The apparent K1/2 for HMA ([Na+]o = 150 mM) was 49 nM, and the apparent K1/2 for Na+ was 45 mM. Na-H exchange, corrected for amiloride-insensitive fluxes, was half maximal at pHi 6.73, with an apparent Hill coefficient for intracellular H+ of 2.9. Maximal Na-H exchange averaged 741 microM/s. In the remaining approximately 40% of round osteoclasts (pattern-2 cells), pHi recovery from acid loads was brisk even in the absence of Na+ or presence of amiloride. This Na(+)-independent pHi recovery was blocked by 7-chloro-4-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol (NBD-Cl), a vacuolar-type H+ pump inhibitor. Corrected for NBD-Cl insensitive fluxes, H+ pump fluxes decreased approximately linearly from 96 at pHi 6.8 to 11 microM/s at pHi 7.45. In approximately 45% of pattern-2 cells, Na+ readdition elicited a further pHi recovery, suggesting that H+ pumps and Na-H exchangers can exist simultaneously. We conclude that, under the conditions of our study, most neonatal rat osteoclasts express Na-H exchangers that are probably of the ubiquitous basolateral subtype. Some cells express vacuolar-type H+ pumps in their plasma membrane, as do active osteoclasts in situ.
PROTEIN DISPLACEMENT DURING CLASSIFICATION OF GLANDED COTTONSEED

The effects of classification of glanded cottonseed flour on protein displacement were studied. Media were liquid (nonpolar solvent) and air. The fines and coarse fractions had different ratios of water-soluble functional and storage proteins than the starting material. The difference in protein distribution was reflected in the contents of essential amino acids of each fraction. Fines or “overs” fractions had lower amounts of some limiting essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine and leucine as compared with the coarse fraction. Degossypolised cottonseed flour therefore had lower protein quality than the starting material. Although the fines fractions have lower amounts of essential amino acids as compared with the coarse fractions, they did not differ in the type of proteins as shown by gel electrophoresis.
Teaching receptor theory to biochemistry undergraduates

Receptor:ligand interactions account for numerous reactions critical to biochemistry and molecular biology. While students are typically exposed to some examples, such as hemoglobin binding of oxygen and signal transduction pathways, the topic could easily be expanded. Theory and kinetic analysis, types of receptors, and the experimental assay techniques should be included to properly prepare students for careers in research, medicine, or professional programs. In this article we offer a range of material for teaching these concepts to students.
The politics of ethnicity: Russians in the New Ukraine

(1994). The politics of ethnicity: Russians in the New Ukraine. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 46, No. 2, pp. 261-283.
Red cell D antigen sites and titration scores in a family with weak and normal Du phenotypes inherited from a homozygous Du mother.

The family of an obstetrical patient with an unusually weak Du phenotype has been studied. Strong positive reactions in the Du test were observed with the cells of four siblings who are of the DucE phenotype whereas very weak reactions were obtained with the proposita and one sib who are DuCe. The father is Rh negative thus proving the mother to be homozygous Du (DuCe/DucE). The two Du phenotypes and the homozygous Du mother were compared by titration scores and by the uptake of labeled anti-D. The correlation was good between the titration score and the number of D antigen sites. However, red blood cells with normal D antigen content and one of the two weakly reactive DuCe/dce cells had titration scores that were too low in comparison to the number of D sites.
Seasonality of births in bighorn sheep

Two populations of bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis ) in contrasting habitats at the same latitude were studied for 3 years to examine effects of climate and nutrition on seasonality of births. The number of births peaked during February and March in the Mojave Desert and during mid-June in the Rocky Mountains. Yearly differences in seasons of birth were apparent in the Mojave Desert, but not in the Rocky Mountains. Comparisons with captive and transplanted populations revealed that desert subspecies of bighorn sheep gave birth earlier in the year and had longer seasons of birth than northern subspecies. Bighorn sheep appear to give birth when temperature and nutrition are most conducive to survival of offspring.
Regulatory forbearance: A reconsideration

Critics of regulatory forebearance argue that the resulting moral hazard produces higher costs when a depository institution is ultimately resolved. This paper derives a formula for the minimal survival rate necessary to make forbearance the least cost policy. When applied to the empirical results produced by critics of the policy, it appears that the forbearance practice of the 1980s was a cost saver to taxpayers.
Large lot zoning, property taxes, and metropolitan area

Abstract The paper is a study in positive economics. Two- and three-sector models are used to determine the effects on urban land and housing markets of land use controls such as minimum lot size, maximum density, and maximum bulk requirements. The effects of these controls on rural-urban land conversion and on the effects of property taxes on urban land markets are also investigated. The land use requirements are found to accelerate rural-urban land conversion in some cases and affect the impact of property taxes on urban land and housing markets.
Suppression of the mTORC1/STAT3/Notch1 pathway by activated AMPK prevents hepatic insulin resistance induced by excess amino acids

Nutrient overload is associated with the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms for developing insulin resistance in the presence of exc...
The Effect of Chronic Timolol in an Animal Model for Myocardial Infarction

The effect of no drug or timolol (5 mg/kg, PO, for 1, 2, or 8 weeks on postganglionic cardiac sympathetic neural discharge, blood pressure, heart rate and beta-receptor density after acute coronary occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was compared. Beta-receptor density, determined by binding of 3H-dihydroalprenolol, was examined in the myocardium (LA = left atrium, RA = right atrium, LV1 = proximal and LV2 = distal left anterior descending artery distribution, LV3 = posterior left ventricle, S = septum, and RV = right ventricle). In control cats (no coronary occlusion or timolol) beta-receptor density of LV2 and LV3 was greater (P less than .05) than LA, RA, LV1, and RV. LV3 was greater (P less than .05) than S and RA, and LA was less than S. Longer treatment with timolol increased beta-receptor density. When compared with no timolol, beta-receptor density was greater in RA after 8 weeks and in LV1 after 2 weeks and not different in LV2 and S. Beta-receptor density and LV3 and RV were greater after 8 weeks than after 1 week or no timolol. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between dose and beta-receptor density revealed an increase (P less than .05) for all heart areas. Heart rate did not vary before timolol and was decreased after all doses of timolol. Timolol increased the mean times to coronary occlusion-induced death although the increase was not statistically significant. Timolol did not prevent postganglionic cardiac sympathetic neural discharge associated with arrhythmia. Timolol may increase beta-receptor density and decrease synaptic norepinephrine, causing a decreased release per cardiac sympathetic nerve impulse. Alternatively, molecules of timolol may accumulate in nerve endings and be released in greater concentrations at the receptors. This could explain the protection against coronary occlusion-induced arrhythmia and death.
REDUCED EXPRESSION AND ALTERED SUBCELLULAR LOCALIZATION OF THE CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE INHIBITOR P27KIP1 IN HUMAN COLON CANCER

The p27Kip1 protein is a negative regulator of the cell cycle and a potential tumor suppressor gene. Reduced expression of the p27Kip1 protein has been reported in several human tumors and has been associated with higher tumor grade and increased mortality in breast, lung, colon, prostate, bladder, and gastric cancers. On the other hand, increased expression of the p27Kip1 protein, in the absence of gene mutation, has been observed in primary colon and breast cancers. It was recently suggested that sequestration in the cytoplasm might be an alternative way to inactivate p27Kip1-associated inhibitory activity. This study was undertaken to further evaluate p27Kip1 expression in primary colon tumors and to verify whether differences exist between normal and cancer tissues in terms of subcellular localization of this protein. Both normal and neoplastic tissues expressed variable amounts of the p27Kip1 protein, as assessed by western blot analyses. Although the mean values were not different between tumor and normal mucosa samples, the expression of total p27Kip1 was reduced in a subset of tumors. Decreased levels of total p27Kip1 were associated with high tumor grade (P=0.03) and stage (P=0.04). Moreover, while there was no significant difference in nuclear p27Kip1, the amount of p27Kip1 in the cytoplasmic fraction was significantly higher in the tumor samples than in the normal mucosa samples (P=0.0001). These results suggest that p27Kip1 expression is lost in a subset of colorectal tumors and that alterations in the subcellular localization of this protein might play a role in colon carcinogenesis. Mol. Carcinog. 26:172–179, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The length of the alternation set as a factor in determining when a best real rational approximation is also a best complex rational approximation

Abstract The purpose of this note is to characterize when the length of the alternation set can be used to determine if a best real rational approximant of a real continuous function on a real interval is also a best complex rational approximant.
Can the Wisdom of Aging be Activated and Make a Difference Societally

The Experience Corps®, a community-based intergenerational program, was developed to promote the health of older adults, while simultaneously addressing unmet social and academic needs in public elementary schools. The model was designed to draw on, and potentially activate, the wisdom of older adults. This paper explores the nature of wisdom-related knowledge and how older adults may apply such knowledge when tutoring and mentoring young children, as well as the potential for the intergenerational transmission of wisdom from the older adult volunteers to the school children being mentored by them. Developing an understanding of these issues may provide a basis for the creation of more extensive wisdom-generating opportunities for both older and younger generations.
Implementation and Evaluation of Commodity Hardware and Software in an Open World Spoken Dialog Framework

Several published papers describe various frameworks to implement an Open World Dialog system. This research conducts a critical review of one system using commodity hardware and software, independent of the vendor and authors. The results delineate the parts of the system that are implemented via the SDK and identify the components that require development. Furthermore, we estimate the difficulty of implementing each component of the dialog system using the SDKs.
Application of the quasi-subsubregular solution model: The iron-carbon system

The quasi-subsubregular solution model introduced by Chuang et al. represents the most complex approach yet to dealing with both compositional and temperature nonregularity in metallic solutions. Evaluation of the model in relation to the Fe-C equilibrium diagram demonstrates that its applicability in dilute solutions is highly dependent on the accuracy of the experimental data from which its coefficients are derived. Lower-temperature equilibria between α-ferrite, aus-tenite, and pure graphite were modeled with reasonable accuracy; the modeling of higher-temperature equilibria in the system was less successful. In particular, experimental difficulties with the measurement of the thermodynamic properties of liquid Fe-C alloys limited the ability of the model to accurately predict the phase diagram. The model can also be used to determine infinite-dilution activity coefficients and to test the adherence of dilute-solution phases to Henrian behavior.
A laser frequency lock referenced to a single trapped ion

Abstract A frequency lock has been developed which frequency stabilizes a portion of the output from an ultrastable diode laser to the narrow 5s 2 S 1/2 –4d 2 D 5/2 transition at 445 THz (674 nm) of a single, trapped and laser cooled 88Sr+ ion. Digital processing is used to record quantum jump data and to servo the frequency applied to an acousto-optic modulator which is used to scan a portion of the laser output across two, symmetrically displaced Zeeman components. Stable locking has been obtained resulting in uncertainties in the ion transition referenced laser frequency of less than 150 Hz.
Sources of variability in attack rates of Euchaeta elongata Esterly, a carnivorous marine copepod☆

Abstract An accurate and precise measure of ingestion is important for understanding trophic interactions in the plankton. This paper describes effects on the ingestion rate of the carnivorous marine copepod Euchaeta elongata Esterly of several biotic and abiotic factors operating in the pelagic environment. Sources of variability in the attack rate included, in order of decreasing influence: 1. (1) light, 2. (2) prey activity (live vs. heat killed), 3. (3) predator condition (with and without antennae), 4. (4) prey type, 5. (5) time of day, 6. (6) prey density, and 7. (7) mixing regime. While these responses were observed in the laboratory, they are consistent with E. elongata's behavior in the field. No significant changes were noted in the attack rate in response to the presence of prey exudate, number of predators per experiment duration, container size, reproductive state of predator, or temperature. The adult female copepods were exclusively carnivorous. An experimental method based on these results is described for use in further investigations on the predatory feeding ecology of E. elongata.
A fast and accurate algorithm for volume determination in MRI

The determination of volumes in clinical MRI studies are prohibitive because of the time required to compute an accurate volume. Techniques that speed up the calculation are prone to large errors which make most impractical for an accurate diagnosis. A linear filter, called the eigenimage filter, has been developed that separates a desired feature from other features which interfere with its observation in an image. Using the images produced by this technique (eigenimages), the amount of operator interaction required to calculate volumes are significantly reduced. The technique also has the ability to correct for partial volume averaging effects and as a result a more accurate volume can be determined. The technique was applied to a computer simulation and two phantom studies. The time required to calculate the volume was less than 1 min per slice and the errors in accuracy and reproducibility were less than 2% for all studies.
Thymidine kinase (TK) induction after infection of TK-deficient rabbit cell mutants with bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1): Isolation of TK− BHV-1 mutants☆

Cytosol thymidine kinase (TK) activity is enhanced at 6 hr after bovine embryo tracheal (EBTr) and rabbit skin fibroblast (RAB-9) cells are infected with the Los Angeles and Cooper strains of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1). To learn whether this enhancement resulted from the induction of a virus-specific TK activity, biochemical and genetic studies were carried out. The biochemical experiments demonstrated that: (i) the BHV-1-induced TK activity had a relative disc PAGE mobility (Rm) characteristic of other herpesvirus-encoded TKs and distinctly different from the Rm value of the cytosol TK of host cells; and (ii) the BHV-1-induced TK was significantly more sensitive to competitive inhibition by arabinosylthymine (araT) than the cytosol TKs of EBTr and RAB-9 cells. The genetic experiments entailed the isolation of a bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd)-resistant rabbit cell line [RAB(BU)] deficient in cytosol TK activity and of BrdUrd- and araT-resistant BHV-1 mutants. RAB(BU) cells acquired TK activity after they were infected by wild-type, TK+ BHV-1, but not drug-resistant BHV-1 mutants. The experiments strongly suggest that wild-type BHV-1 induces a virus-specific TK activity.
Preliminary assessment of laser Doppler flowmetry for determining timing of division of the cross-finger flap

Abstract The elapsed time before division of the cross-finger flap depends on adequate neovascularization from the recipient digit. Although subjective assessment of capillary filling in the flap after application of a tourniquet to the donor finger usually is accurate, on occassion, interpretation of observations may be equivocal. In these circumstances, noninvasive office measurement with use of the laser Doppler permits a sequential determination of relative flap perfusion. This objective data facilitates an appropriate clinical decision by the hand surgeon to ensure flap viability after pedicle division.
Synthesis and Characterization of Perfluoro Quaternary Ammonium Ion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract : In this work alkaline exchange membranes were prepared from the 3M perfluorinated ionomer by functionalization with two amine species that were further alkylated to quaternary ammonium cations. The methyl amine polymer was successfully quaternized to produce an ion exchange capacity (IEC) of 0.72 meq g-1, while the isopropyl amine did not quaternize resulting a negligible IEC of 0.02 meq g-1. Membrane swelling under a range of humidity conditions was characterized before and after thermal annealing through small angle x-ray scattering. Swelling in the methyl cationic membrane was isolated to the ionic domain and showed little change by thermal annealing. The as-cast aminated isopropyl membranes exhibited inconsistent morphological ordering and hysteresis during humidity cycling. Thermal annealing of the isopropyl amine membrane induced structural reorganization that resisted change during humidity cycling. This work highlights the importance of morphology and thermal conditioning of ion exchange membranes to produce consistent long-term performance.
Intrinsic ribonucleic acid synthesis in mitochondria of Agaricus campestris underscoring the probability of an extra-nuclear genetic system

Abstract An intrinsic metabolism of RNA was disclosed in the mitochondria of the common meadow mushroom, Agaricus campestris . It is suggested that the biosynthetic properties of this nucleic acid might complement those of mitochondrial DNA, thus strengthening the likelihood of a functional extrachromosomal system with genetic potentials.
The effect of egg shell quality on penetration by Pseudomonas fluorescens.

Abstract MICROBIAL spoilage of eggs is an economic loss to the poultry industry and can also be a serious hazard to health. Penetration of bacteria through the egg shell may be increased by improper washing methods and by the presence of small quantities of iron or possibly other metals in the washing solution. The literature contains many reports concerned with egg spoilage. Comprehensive reviews by Hadley and Caldwell (1916) and Lorenz et al. (1952) indicate the long standing seriousness of the problem. More recently, Garibaldi (1961) demonstrated an increased incidence of flurescent spoilage in eggs due to iron in the washing water. Hartung and Stadelman (1962) reported increased penetration of the shell membrane by the organism Pseudomonas fluorescens in the presence of 10 p.p.m. of iron or magnesium. Garibaldi and Bayne (1962) observed that 10 p.p.m. of iron greatly enhanced penetration of the egg shell membrane by 22 strains of 10. . .
Origins and working conditions of female sex workers in urban Thailand: Consequences of social context for HIV transmission

Abstract This paper examines the social origins and working conditions of selected female commercial sex workers in Thailand. Quantitative data gathered from 678 commercial sex workers (CSWs) in low-price brothels, tea houses and other work sites in three urban centers were supplemented by focus discussions and in-depth interviews. The commercial sex establishments were selected from lists provided by local health officials. Social factors associated with entry into commercial sex work and condom use for sexual intercourse were investigated as they operate on contextual, intermediate and proximate levels. Women from the North region of Thailand predominated (68%) and they tended to be younger than the 27% from the Northeast. The majority of all women maintained financial ties to the home by sending income to parents, siblings and other relatives but this pattern is stronger among Northern women. Qualitative data suggest that women were systematically recruited into prostitution from villages in the North and their work enabled them to comply with traditional family support roles. Women from the Northeast revealed a more complex pattern of entry with intrafamily strife, divorce, efforts to find other employment, and entry into sex work at a later age than the women from the North. Northeastern women were more than twice as likely as Northern women to have had a husband as their first sex partner (55% vs 22%). The lives of CSWs were found to be tightly controlled by brothel owners and managers, although 8% were living with a husband or partner, and non-commercial sexual relationships in the month prior to interview were reported by up to 23%. Data indicate need for even more intensive education on HIV transmission, especially with respect to risk of transmission in the absence of AIDS symptoms. Appearance and a trusting relationship were the common reasons given for not using condoms. With the most recent client, 92% reported use if the client was not known and 70% reported use if the client had visited the same CSW three or more times. Education on HIV must take these attitudes and motivations into account as well as sanctions for brothel owners who do not enforce condom use. The proportion of Thai men who visit brothels in addition to other sexual partners, high rates of HIV among CSWs, and inconsistent use of condoms create a complex web that accelerates the spread of the HIV epidemic in Thailand.
Evaluation and management of the adult patient with transposition of the great arteries following atrial-level (Senning or Mustard) repair

Transposition of the great arteries is a common but serious congenital heart malformation. It is estimated that approximately 9,000 patients in the US live with an atrial-level repair. Barry Love and colleagues discuss the anatomy, potential late complications, and appropriate therapies in this patient group—everything needed to properly care for these patients.
Stimulated emission at 257 nm from optically‐pumped AlGaN/AlN heterostructure on AlN substrate

Optically pumped deep-ultraviolet lasers operating at room temperature are demonstrated from heterostructures consisting of AlxGa1−xN/AlN grown on (0001) AlN substrate. The substantial reduction of the threading dislocation density by using a native AlN substrate over sapphire substrates is critical to the realization of the photo-pumped lasers. The threshold power density was 1.88 MW cm−2. The layers below the active region were Si-doped and had bottom waveguide and cladding layer n-type structures required for diode lasers, thus demonstrating the feasibility of deep UV lasing for the proposed structures on AlN substrates by current injection, provided that effective hole injection layers are included.
The Ratio Bias in Surveys

Abstract Sample survey data are commonly expressed by the ratio mean r = y/x, where both y and x are random variables, each the sum of a survey variable. Most commonly, x is simply the sample size and r the sample mean. Simplicity of computing and presenting this mean gives it considerable advantages, particularly in multi-purpose surveys. Though consistent, it is not an unbiased estimator. Our empirical investigations, set in a theoretical framework, show that the bias in most practical surveys is usually negligible; the ratio of bias to standard error (B/σ) was small in every test, even those based on small subclasses. This bias ratio (B/σ) is necessarily less than Cx, the coefficient of variation of the sample size, which appears as a useful criterion for judging the adequacy of survey samples. It can usually be controlled with practical procedures of stratification and selection with probabilities proportional to size. The difference (r – r′) of two ratio means is used frequently either to measure cha...
Nitrogen mineralization potential of dairy manures and its relationship to composition

The objectives of this study were to determine the variability in mineralization of dairy manure N, to determine if N mineralization can be predicted by compositional factors or by near- or mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Dairy manures (n =107) were collected from farms in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. The composition of these manures ranged from 14 to 386 g dry matter kg–1, 0.9 to 9.5 kg total N/m3, and 0.3 to 4.7 kg NH4 +-N/m3. Manure-amended soil was aerobically incubated at 25°C and concentrations of NH4 +-N and NO3 –-N were determined at day 2 and day 56. The manures were highly variable in their N mineralization characteristics, ranging from a net mineralization of 54.9% to a net immobilization of 29.2% of the organic N. When compositional parameters were individually regressed against percentage mineralized organic N, the highest correlation coefficient (r) was 0.164. A stepwise regression of all 11 variables yielded a maximal r of 0.486. These results suggest that the availability of dairy manure organic N is highly variable and that the availability cannot be predicted from simple compositional parameters. No relationship was found between near-infrared spectral characteristics and N mineralization suggesting that no simple relationship exists between N mineralization and compositional characteristics. There appears to be some potential for the use of mid-infrared for determining the mineralization potential of manures.
Design of automatic control of multi-axle motor vehicles with a hydrostatic wheel drive

The paper is concerned with the design of a system for control of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) based on a multi-axle all-wheel drive chassis with hydrostatic wheel drive. A technique is also suggested for improving the efficiency of the driveline system by means of effective control of the hydrostatic drive that improves the energy performance of the wheel robot.
Ultrastructure of the phenol-storing cells in the roots of banana

Abstract The cytoplasm of the phenol-storing cells in the roots of banana is characterized by a well-developed system of endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria and dictyosomes, and large plastids that possess a homogeneous matrix and occur in close association with elements of the endoplasmic reticulum. The phenolic material occurs as amorphous deposits in the vacuoles, but the site of synthesis of the phenolic material could not be determined.
Impact of Provider-led, Technology-enabled Radiology Management Program on Imaging

Abstract Objective The study objective was to assess the impact of a provider-led, technology-enabled radiology medical management program on high-cost imaging use. Methods This study was performed in the ambulatory setting of an integrated healthcare system. After negotiating a risk contract with a major commercial payer, we created a physician-led radiology medical management program to help address potentially inappropriate high-cost imaging use. The radiology medical management program was enabled by a computerized physician order entry system with integrated clinical decision support and accountability tools, including (1) mandatory peer-to-peer consultation with radiologists before order completion when test utility was uncertain on the basis of order requisition; (2) quarterly practice pattern variation reports to providers; and (3) academic detailing for targeted outliers. The primary outcome measure was intensity of high-cost imaging, defined as the number of outpatient computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear cardiology studies per 1000 patient-months in the payer's panel. Chi-square test was used to assess trends. Results In 1.8 million patient-months from January 2004 to December 2009, 50,336 eligible studies were performed (54.1% CT, 40.3% MRI, 5.6% nuclear cardiology). There was a 12.0% sustained reduction in high-cost imaging intensity over the 5-year period ( P 001). The number of CT studies performed decreased from 17.5 per 1000 patient-months to 14.5 ( P 01); nuclear cardiology examinations decreased from 2.4 to 1.4 ( P 01) per 1000 patient-months. The MRI rate remained unchanged at 11 studies per 1000 patient-months. Conclusion A provider-led radiology medical management program enabled through health information technology and accountability tools may produce a significant reduction in high-cost imaging use.
Nicotine withdrawal disrupts both foreground and background contextual fear conditioning but not pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response in C57BL/6 mice.

Nicotine withdrawal is associated with multiple symptoms such as anxiety, increased appetite, and disrupted cognition in humans. Although animal models have provided insights into the somatic and affective symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, less research has focused on the effects of nicotine withdrawal on cognition. Therefore, in this study, C57BL/6J mice were used to test the effects of withdrawal from chronic nicotine on foreground and background contextual fear conditioning, which present the context as a primary or secondary stimulus, respectively. Mice withdrawn from 12 days of chronic nicotine (6.3 mg/kg/day) or saline were trained and tested in either foreground or background contextual fear conditioning; nicotine withdrawal-associated deficits in contextual fear conditioning were observed in both conditions. Mice were also tested for the effects of withdrawal on pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex (PPI), a measure of sensory gating, and on the acoustic startle reflex. Mice withdrawn from 12 days of chronic nicotine (6.3 or 12.6 mg/kg/day) or saline underwent one 30-min PPI and startle session; no effect of withdrawal from chronic nicotine on PPI or startle was observed for either dose at 24 h after nicotine removal. Therefore, mice were tested at different time points following withdrawal from 12.6 mg/kg/day chronic nicotine (8, 24, and 48 h after nicotine removal). No effect of withdrawal from chronic nicotine was observed at any time point for PPI. Overall, these results demonstrate that nicotine withdrawal disrupts two methods of contextual learning but not sensory gating in C57BL/6J mice.
Development of staring hyperspectral imagers

There is much interest in developing staring hyperspectral imagers using tunable filters that acquire a 2-d spectral image and build up an image cube as a function of time. At ARL, we are developing hyperspectral imagers using a number of novel tunable filter technologies. These include acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs), diffractive optics technology that can provide single spectral region as well as simultaneous image cubes in two or more spectral regions, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based Fabry-Perot (FP) tunable filters to develop miniature imagers. New materials are being developed to design AOTFs, MEMS technology based diffractive optics lenslet arrays and FP tunable filters are being investigated to develop miniature hyperspectral imagers. In this paper, a brief overview of this research is presented.
The social psychology of political radicalization

The social psychology of political radicalization Friction: How radicalization happens to them and us, by Clark McCauley and Sophia Moskalenko, New York, NY, Oxford University Press, 2011, 225 pp, ...
Dynamical finite element analysis for elastic waves in beams and plates

Abstract A special method of analysis, hereafter referred to as “Direct Analysis”, is described and applied to the solution of the problem of traveling flexural waves in beams and plates, for which shear correction and rotatory inertia are considered. Finite beams and plates are considered so that the influence of reflected waves is included. The proper boundary conditions for these problems, several input stress pulses, as well as the effect of the length of the bounded medium (beam or plate) on the magnitude of the stress are considered. Implications to design of structures are discussed. The characteristic features of the Direct Analysis are then presented.
Distinguishing three strong saturation properties in nonstandard analysis

Abstract Three results in [14] and one in [8] are analyzed in Sections 3–6 in order to supply examples on Loeb probability spaces, which distinguish the different strength among three generalizations of k-saturation, as well to answer some questions in Section 7 of [15]. In Section 3 we show that not every automorphism of a Loeb algebra is induced by an internal permutation, in Section 4 we show that if the ℵ 1 - special model axiom is true, then every automorphism of a Loeb algebra is induced by a point-automorphism, in Section 5 we show that not every measure-preserving homomorphism from a small subalgebra to a Loeb algebra is induced by an internal permutation, without assuming full-saturation, in Section 6 we show that, under some cardinality assumptions, the ℵ 1 - isomorphism property does not guarantee the compactness of a Loeb space, and in Section 7 an application of the ℵ 1 - special model axiom is given on the existence of ergodic transformations of a Loeb space, which partially answers Problem 2.3 of [5].
The Cognitive Correlates of Functional Status: A Review From the Committee on Research of the American Neuropsychiatric Association

This report reviews the state of the literature and opportunities for research related to the cognitive correlates of functional status. The prediction of functional capacity on the basis of cognitive test performance is an important aspect of neuropsychological assessment. Moreover, functional impairment or "disability" is an essential part of dementia case finding. Nevertheless, relatively little attention has been given to the empirical study of the specific cognitive correlates of functional outcomes. What literature is available suggests that 1) the variance in functional status that can be specifically attributed to cognition is surprisingly modest; 2) some cognitive domains may be more relevant to functional capacity than others; 3) some measures of executive control function are relatively strong correlates of functional capacities, particularly medical or financial decision-making; and 4) "general" cognitive screening tests are surprisingly strong correlates of functional status. These findings are of particular significance to dementia case finding, epidemiology, and treatment. The extensive literature on functional status has yet to be integrated with the equally extensive literature on cognitive assessment. Better integration of cognitive and functional assessments would offer greater clinical utility. However, psychometric batteries may have to be redesigned to maximize their capacity to capture the variance in functional outcomes.
Thermal and Mechanical Evolution of the Michigan Basin

Abstract We examine the formation of the Michigan Basin in terms of elastic flexure of the lithosphere. The shape of the flexure accurately determines the flexural rigidity of the lithosphere and the lateral extent of the load responsible for the flexure. The amplitude of differential subsidence then gives the magnitude of the load. Gravity anomalies in the southern peninsula of Michigan further restrain the dimensions of the load. We propose a model for the formation of the Michigan Basin involving mantle diapirs. We suggest that the first stage in its evolution was diapiric penetration of the lithosphere by hot asthenospheric mantle rock to the vicinity of the Moho. The heating of the lower crust by these hot rocks caused the transformation of lower crust, meta-stable gabbroic rocks to eclogite. Initially the lighter mantle rocks nearly balanced the heavier eclogite. As the mantle rocks cooled by conduction, the basin subsided under the load of the eclogite. The thermal contraction mechanism is supported by evidence that the flexural rigidity of the lithosphere increases with time. This is the effect of thickening of the elastic lithosphere as cooling progresses.
The Development of a Preliminary Creativity Scale for the MMPI-2: The C Scale

A creativity scale was developed for the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Indicator, 2nd edition (MMPI-2). A criterion-based, contrasting group strategy was implemented using the Creative Behavior Inventory (CBI; Hocevar, 1979) to define high versus low creative groups. Two-thirds of the valid 192 data sets were randomly selected to identify the MMPI-2 items included for consideration in the creativity (C) scale. The remaining third of the sample served to determine the psychometric properties of the 31 item C scale, which was found to have adequate discriminant ability and reliability. MMPI-2 scales with significant correlations to the C scale were Scale 4, Scale 5, Scale 9, and Scale O; as well as GF, MAC-R, ES, and SOD.
Higher dimensional problems in the discrete calculus of variations

The purpose of this paper is to formulate a calculus of variations for certain discrete systems which are governed by second order partial difference equations. This is accomplished by deriving necessary conditions for a multiple sum to be extremal. The procedure used to obtain the necessary conditions yields boundary terms which in turn load to natural boundary conditions and conservation laws for the discrete system.
Kinetics of vapor and liquid transport in glassy polyblends of polystyrene and poly (2,6‐dimethyl 1,4‐phenylene oxide) Part II

The kinetics of n-hexane vapor and n-hexane liquid sorption in solution cast films of polystyrene, poly(phenylene oxide), and blends of these homopolymers were studied over a significant range of temperature and penetrant activity. The kinetics of concomitant solvent crazing, apparent at high penetrant activities, were also monitored. In all cases the kinetics of sorption and crazing obeyed predominantly Case II or relaxation-controlled behavior. Although the rates of crazing and sorption at high activities was much more rapid in the homopolymers than in the blends, the sorption rate at lower penetrant activities increased monotonically with increasing poly(phenylene oxide) content. These kinetic results qualitatively superimpose upon the equilibrium relationships reported in Part I of this series. Specifically, at a fixed temperature, the rate of crazing was virtually a unique function of equilibrium n-hexane content independent of polymer composition and largely independent of penetrant activity. The coupling between rate of sorption and equilibrium penetrant content was dramatic. In limiting cases, the sorption rate increased by a factor of 10,000 apparently due to a twofold increase in equilibrium penetrant concentration. This seemingly complicated kinetic behavior is explained rather simply in terms of the equilibrium relationships between organic penetrants and polymeric glasses developed and interpreted in the first part of this series.
Stability of peptides in high-temperature aqueous solutions

Estimated standard molal thermodynamic properties of aqueous dipeptides and their constituent amino acids indicate that temperature increases correspond to increased stability of peptide bonds relative to hydrolysis reactions. Pressure increases cause slight decreases in peptide bond stability, which are generally offset by greater stability caused by temperature increases along geothermal gradients. These calculations suggest that peptides, polypeptides, and proteins may survive hydrothermal alteration of organic matter depending on the rates of the hydrolysis reactions. Extremely thermophilic organisms may be able to take advantage of the decreased energy required to form peptide bonds in order to maintain structural proteins and enzymes at elevated temperatures and pressures. As the rates of hydrolysis reactions increase with increasing temperature, formation of peptide bonds may become a facile process in hydrothermal systems and deep in sedimentary basins.