cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Highway Safety and Operation by Using Crash Prediction Models with Accident Modification Factors

The linear programming model that is presented optimizes the crash and delay costs of highway networks by selecting safety and operational improvements with implementation costs within a constrained budget. The costs that are minimized in this study are those of crashes plus the costs of delay times. This optimization model works with crash prediction models that estimate the expected number of crashes by using base models and accident modification factors (AMFs). In these models the base model predicts the expected number of crashes for a base highway or intersection. The AMFs modify the prediction on the basis of the specific characteristics of each highway segment or intersection. Several improvement alternatives for different highways and intersections within a network would mean many improvement combinations, each with a different cost for implementation, which would cause certain crashes and delay. The proposed model uses linear optimization to find the combination of improvements with the lowest total of crash and delay costs within an acceptable range of implementation costs. The optimization model is presented in conjunction with crash prediction models borrowed from the Interactive Highway Safety Design Model software. The optimization model could be modified to work with other types of crash prediction models. A test case study containing a network of three highways and 13 intersections is presented. The corresponding optimization problem is solved with the CPLEX software. The variations of crash and delay cost savings versus improvement costs are studied, and the results are discussed.
Evoked potential variability

An unsupervised correlation-based clustering method was developed to assess the trial-to-trial variability of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs). The method first decomposes single trials into three frequency bands, each containing activity primarily associated with one of the three major AEP components, i.e., P50, N100 and P200. Next, single-trial evoked potentials with similar post-stimulus characteristics are clustered and selectively averaged to determine the presence or absence of an AEP component. The method was evaluated on actual AEP and spontaneous EEG data collected from 25 healthy participants using a paradigm in which pairs of identical tones were presented, with the first stimulus (S1) presented 0.5 s before the second stimulus (S2). Homogeneous, well-separated clusters were obtained and substantial AEP variability was found. Also, there was a trend for S2 to produce fewer ‘complete’ (and significantly smaller) responses than S1. Tests conducted on spontaneous EEG produced similar clusters as obtained from EP data, but significantly fewer stimuli produced responses containing all three EP components than seen in AEP data. These findings suggest that the clustering method presented here performs adequately to assess trial-to-trial EP variability. Also, the results suggest that the sensory gating observed in normal controls may be caused by the fact that the second stimulus generates fewer ‘responsive’ trials than the first stimulus, thus resulting in smaller ensemble averages.
Relationship between lead levels on painted surfaces and percent lead in the particles aerosolized during lead abatement.

Quantifying airborne lead on lead abatement work sites is critical in assessing worker lead exposures. Airborne lead levels depend on both the concentration of aerosolized particles and the percent lead in those particles. The lead level on the painted surface being abated may affect the percent lead in aerosolized particles. Experiments were performed in the University of Cincinnati Environmental Test Chamber (volume , 24.3 m 3 ) using wood doors painted with lead-based paint. Three methods were used for paint removal: dry scraping, wet scraping, and dry machine sanding. Particles aerosolized during lead abatement activities were collected on filters using the Button Personal Inhalable Aerosol Samplers (SKC Inc., Eighty Four, PA) mounted in the workers' breathing zone. The filters were subsequently analyzed for percent lead in the particles. A portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrument (NITON-700, NITON Inc., Bedford, MA) was used to measure surface lead levels of the doors. The accuracy of the XRF ins...
Damage to Macor glass-ceramic from high-dose 14 MeV neutrons

Abstract Macor machinable glass-ceramic was irradiated to fluences up to 1 × 1023 14 MeVn/m2 at room temperature. Post-irradiation measurements were carried ut to determine changes in high-frequency electrical conductivity, hardness, and density. It was found that neutron damage caused slight increases in conductivity and hardness. The major change noted was in density, where a fluence of 4 × 1022n/m2 caused swelling of 1.55 vol% while a dose of 1 × 1023n/m2 resulted in a lower swelling value (0.82 vol%). This unusual behavior is explained by a model involving expansion of the mica phase of Macor and contraction of the glassy phase. Implications of the present results for engineering performance of Macor at these and higher fluences are discussed.
A perturbation analysis of mode interaction in postbuckling behavior and imperfection sensitivity

Abstract A perturbation method is presented for the analysis of postbuckling behavior and imperfection sensitivity of elastic structures which have more than one buckling mode. The method is exemplified by analyzing a complete spherical shell under external hydrostatic pressure. For this analysis, use is made of two- and three-mode models of the shell derived earlier from the shallow shell equations.
Natural Infrasound of Five Seconds Period

BOTH infrasonic air pressure waves with periods of 4–6 sec, known as microbaroms1, and seismic ground waves or microseisms, are generated within marine cyclonic storms. This communication considers briefly the origin of microbaroms and their relationship to microseisms and describes and interprets the recently observed semi-diurnal variation of microbaroms. The general characteristics of microbaroms have been described elsewhere—for example, as summarized by Donn and Posmentier2.
Comparing the similarity of time-series gene expression using signal processing metrics

Many algorithms have been used to cluster genes measured by microarray across a time series. Instead of clustering, our goal was to compare all pairs of genes to determine whether there was evidence of a phase shift between them. We describe a technique where gene expression is treated as a discrete time-invariant signal, allowing the use of digital signal-processing tools, including power spectral density, coherence, and transfer gain and phase shift. We used these on a public RNA expression set of 2467 genes measured every 7 min for 119 min and found 18 putative associations. Two of these were known in the biomedical literature and may have been missed using correlation coefficients. Digital signal processing tools can be embedded and enhance existing clustering algorithms.
Outcomes of combination treatment of fecal incontinence in women

Objective To describe how women with fecal incontinence (FI) respond to combined pharmacologic therapy and pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME). Study Design Validated questionnaires (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire) were mailed to 80 women who received combined therapy for FI and had complete baseline assessments. Regression models were constructed to identify predictors of change in questionnaire scores. Results Response rate was 69%. Mean age was 59 ± 12 years. All women were taught PFME with digital palpation, and 87% of the women received medications. FI severity scores and quality-of-life (QOL) improved from baseline to follow-up ( P P = .02, respectively). A fair/normal external anal sphincter (EAS) contraction resulted in greater improvements in FI severity (13 points, P = .006) and QOL scores (22 points, P Conclusion FI severity and QOL improved after combination therapies, and a fair/normal EAS contraction predicted greater improvement.
Heart and soul: stress and the metabolic syndrome.

(2001). Heart and Soul: Stress and the Metabolic Syndrome. Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal: Vol. 35, No. 3, pp. 172-177.
Network externalities, layered protection and IT security risk management

This paper considers two important issues related to security risk management. First, the presence of network externalities in security risks. Second, the distinction of general (network) and system-specific protection measures. We found the optimal allocation of security resources (investments) in protecting every system in an organization. The results show that the consideration of network externalities and layered protection changes the risk mitigation decisions significantly. In addition, accurate estimation of system risk plays a critical role in the success of risk management. Otherwise, the use of a uniform baseline protection approach may be more desirable when the misjudgment of relative system risks is likely to occur.
The work of Jerome H. Skolnick: a pioneer in policing

‘Deception is acceptable.’ Jerome H. Skolnick, a renowned academic authority in the area of police misconduct, stated this during a conversation with me in February 2012 (Kimora, personal communica...
The respiratory distress syndrome and-or cyanotic congenital heart disease.

C A s E 1, a 1,0.25 Gm. male infant, was born at another hospital at 30 weeks' gestation to an 18-year-old, primigravida, B, Rhpositive mother, who had eclampsia and premature separation of the placenta. Labor lasted two hours and 36 minutes, and the delivery was spontaneous. The Apgar score was 9. Upon arrival in the nursery the child had tachypnea and slight intercostal retractions. Serum calcium determinations varied between 5.2 and 6.4 rag. per 100 ml., and the serum phosphorus was 5.8 mg. per 100 ml. The child was given 10 per cent dextrose in water and sodium bicarbonate by umbilical vein catheter. Retractions continued and were accompanied by grunting. Despite being placed in oxygen, the infant was "cyanotic, although active" and soon had an apneic spell, from which he was resuscitated by positive-pressure oxygen administered by mask. Shortly thereafter, the blood pH was 7.15, Paco2 (CO2 tension) 50 mm. Hg, standard bicarbonate 15 mEq. per liter, Pa02 16 mm. Hg; and 0 2 saturation 14 per cent. Six milliequivalents of sodium bicarbonate was administered, and the pH rose to 7.22. Because of persistent cyanosis--his physicians
Evaluation of an ADCP fish-bias rejection algorithm

Downward-looking surface-moored Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data is at times biased towards lower values when compared to mechanical current meters (MCM). This bias has been shown to be caused by the attraction of large pelagic fish to surface moorings. RD Instruments ADCPs have an optional algorithm which attempts to limit velocity bias due to fish. The algorithm compares echo intensity amplitude among the four beams of the instrument and rejects samples in which the highest and lowest echo intensity amplitude differ by more than a given level. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated at deployments in the eastern and western equatorial Pacific. Bias was found to be reduced in some cases, but remained in others. The cause of residual bias is shown to be the presence of fish in all four acoustic beams-a condition not considered by the algorithm. A post-processing method of correcting fish bias in ADCP velocity data is presented. The method involved computing vertical modes of the bias from ADCP-MCM differences using empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). The vertical structure of the EOFs was interpolated to the higher vertical resolution of the ADCP and then applied as a correction to the ADCP data. The quality of ADCP data was significantly improved by this correction. >
Is American Bureaucracy an Immobilized Gulliver or a Regenerative Phoenix?: Reconsidering the Alleged Demise of Federal Bureaucratic Power

Over the past quarter century, federal bureaucracies have been affected by numerous changes-many of which were designed to restrictbureaucratic autonomy. Several scholars have concluded that bureau...
Hibernoma formation in transgenic mice and isolation of a brown adipocyte cell line expressing the uncoupling protein gene.

Abstract Transgenic mice were produced containing the adipocyte-specific regulatory region from the adipocyte P2 (aP2) gene linked to the simian virus 40 transforming genes. Most of the transgenic mice developed brown fat tumors (hibernomas) in their interscapular brown adipose tissue. Hibernoma formation was noticeable in some of the mice as early as 1 day after birth and most of the mice developed very large tumors by 1 month of age. All of the tumor tissue expressed the brown fat-specific uncoupling protein (UCP) gene as well as the aP2 gene. Several of the tumors have been used to establish cultured cell lines and at least one of these lines can be induced to differentiate into brown adipocytes. The cultured adipocytes express mRNA for UCP upon stimulation with N6,O2'-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, norepinephrine, isoproterenol or D7114, a beta 3 adrenergic agonist. Thus, regulation of the key thermogenic gene UCP can now be studied in an established cell line.
Optimal control of the DISC engine using hierarchical and quantized control

In this paper, we present an approach for controlling switched systems that reduces the complexity of determining both a control input and mode sequence to a dynamic programming problem in finding an optimal set of states to track in each operating mode, using custom controllers in each mode to perform such tracking. The results are focused on an application to the direct injection stratified charge (DISC) engine, which uses two modes of operation to provide a tradeoff between power and fuel economy. In this application, a new type of torque and air-to-fuel ratio controller, based on multi-parametric quadratic programming, is utilized.
Two dimensional PIC simulation of a Langmuir probe in a plasma beam

Summary form only given, as follows. A 2d/3v electrostatic particle-in-cell (PIC) code has been developed to simulate a Langmuir probe in a plasma beam. The code was written to enable the use of the Langmuir probe in plasma regimes for which no closed-form analytical solutions exist; this is the case for a probe in an ion beam, such as the plume of an ion thruster. Langmuir probes are used to determine local plasma properties, such as electron temperature, by careful dissection of the probe's V-I characteristic. To interpret experimental data from a Langmuir probe, one must separate ion from electron current. This process is well documented for quiescent plasmas; however, no systematic techniques are available for interpreting data obtained using an electric probe in an ion beam ad hoc estimates of probe ion current in beam plasmas may lead to order of magnitude errors in the calculation of electron temperature. The PIC code described in this paper was written to elucidate the beam-probe interaction and provide systematic techniques for legitimately interpreting experimental data. Elements of the PIC technique in general will be discussed; in particular, methods used in fluxing particles across boundaries. Code results will be presented. Code and theoretical probe traces for an infinite cylindrical probe in a quiescent plasma will be shown to be in agreement. Also, code results for a plasma beam will be compared with experimental data from the UTSI three-grid ion thruster.
Multiportal robotic access to the anterior cranial fossa: a surgical and engineering feasibility study.

Objective. Integration of robotic surgical technology into skull base surgery is limited due to minimum angle requirements between robotic tools (narrow funnel effect), steep angle of approach, and instrumentation size. The objectives of this study were to systematically analyze surgical approach portals using a computer model, determine optimal approaches, and assess feasibility of the derived approaches on robotic surgical systems. Study Design. Computer analysis on 10 computed tomography scans was performed to determine approach trajectories, angles between robotic tools, and distances to specified skull base target locations for transorbital and transnasal surgical approach portals. Setting. Dry laboratory and cadaver laboratory. Subjects and Methods. The optimal combinations were tested on the da Vinci and Raven robotic systems. Results. Multiportal analyses showed the angles between 2 robotic tools were 14.7, 28.3, and 52.0 degrees in the cases of 2 transnasal portals, combined transnasal and medial orbit portals, and bilateral superior orbit portals, respectively, approaching a prechiasmatic target. The addition of medial and superior transorbital portals improved the skull base trajectory angles 21 and 27 degrees, respectively. Two robotic tools required an angle of at least 20 degrees between them to function effectively at skull base targets. Conclusion. Technical feasibility of robotic transorbital and transnasal approaches to access sella and parasellar target locations was demonstrated. This technique addresses the 2 major drawbacks of (1) the narrow funnel effect generated from portals in close proximity and (2) the steep angle of approach to the skull base, as observed in previous studies analyzing transoral, transcervical, transmaxillary, and transhyoid portals.
Nucleolar localization elements of Xenopus laevis U3 small nucleolar RNA.

The Nucleolar Localization Elements (NoLEs) of Xenopus laevis U3 small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) have been defined. Fluorescein-labeled wild-type U3 snoRNA injected into Xenopus oocyte nuclei localized specifically to nucleoli as shown by fluorescence microscopy. Injection of mutated U3 snoRNA revealed that the 59 region containing Boxes A and A9, known to be important for rRNA processing, is not essential for nucleolar localization. Nucleolar localization of U3 snoRNA was independent of the presence and nature of the 59 cap and the terminal stem. In contrast, Boxes C and D, common to the Box C/D snoRNA family, are critical elements for U3 localization. Mutation of the hinge region, Box B, or Box C9 led to reduced U3 nucleolar localization. Results of competition experiments suggested that Boxes C and D act in a cooperative manner. It is proposed that Box B facilitates U3 snoRNA nucleolar localization by the primary NoLEs (Boxes C and D), with the hinge region of U3 subsequently base pairing to the external transcribed spacer of pre-rRNA, thus positioning U3 snoRNA for its roles in rRNA processing.
Protein Structural Domain Assignment with a Delaunay Tessellation Derived Lattice

We describe a fully automated method of protein structural domain assignment using a Potts model which we call DePot (an abbreviation for Delaunay- Potts). It is a heavily modified version of a method described previously by WR Taylor. Each amino acid residue is represented as a site in an irregular lattice derived from the Delaunay tessellation of the protein structure. Domain membership is represented by a spin value and each site has a spin which can change under the influence of its neighbors. Spins are allowed to interact subject to an Ising ferromagnetic-like energy function until clusters of like spins emerge and these clusters define domains. DePot is simple and easy to implement and the assignments agree well with previously published methods.
Mescalism and Peyotism

The original says "are said to," "Havard, quoting one Bellanger, says," and "according to Dr. Rothroek’s informant." It points out that "in any case, a rupture of the hard, leathery coat of the bean would be required for the release of the alkaloid in the bean-flesh" – an important consideration, since any number of whole beans might be swallowed with impunity if the hard covering should remain intact.
Coping strategies and first year performance in postsecondary education

Coping was hypothesized to explain additional variance in first year grade point averages (GPAs) controlling for cognitive ability and conscientiousness. First year GPAs were assessed as criterion for performance in the first year. Results indicate active coping, denial, behavioral disengagement, and alcohol disengagement are related to first year GPA. Denial and alcohol disengagement coping strategies were significant predictors and negatively related to first year GPA in the final regression equation controlling for cognitive ability and conscientiousness. Latent growth modeling analysis demonstrated cognitive ability predicted both the intercept and slope of first year GPA. Conscientiousness was a predictor of initial GPA but not change. Lastly, coping was a significant predictor of change in GPA. Implications for research and theory are discussed.
A Comparison of Fully Polarimetric X-Band ISAR Imagery of Scaled Model Tactical Targets

Construction of the new 350GHz compact range has been completed and it is able to collect fully polarimetric scaled Xband radar data with 6-inch full-scale range resolution. In order to investigate the reproduction of X-band data using scale models, fully polarimetric high-resolution radar signature data has been collected on several targets which include a high-fidelity in-house built 1/16 th scale T72 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and a commercially available 1/35 th scale model T72 modified to match its features. A correlation study of ISAR images has been performed between the X-band data sets collected on these models, a full-scale T72, a 1/35 th scale model heavy equipment transporter, and several different 1/16 th scaled targets of similar size. The ISAR images formed from the data were compared using several techniques which include a two-dimensional cross-correlation of the images against one another, and the comparison of the images pixel-by-pixel to measure the percentage differences. It will be shown that the T72 data sets compare well across the three different radar platforms. It has also been found that there are persistent sharp features in the two-dimensional cross-correlation maps that are located where the real target is matched even when other parameters have changed by a significant amount. These features continue to occur when the target has been imbedded in a complex two-target scene with the heavy equipment transporter.
A Review of α1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

α(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is an underrecognized genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 5,000 individuals and predisposes to liver disease and early-onset emphysema. AAT is mainly produced in the liver and functions to protect the lung against proteolytic damage (e.g., from neutrophil elastase). Among the approximately 120 variant alleles described to date, the Z allele is most commonly responsible for severe deficiency and disease. Z-type AAT molecules polymerize within the hepatocyte, precluding secretion into the blood and causing low serum AAT levels (∼ 3-7 μM with normal serum levels of 20-53 μM). A serum AAT level of 11 μM represents the protective threshold value below which the risk of emphysema is believed to increase. In addition to the usual treatments for emphysema, infusion of purified AAT from pooled human plasma-so-called "augmentation therapy"-represents a specific therapy for AAT deficiency and raises serum levels above the protective threshold. Although definitive evidence from randomized controlled trials of augmentation therapy is lacking and therapy is expensive, the available evidence suggests that this approach is safe and can slow the decline of lung function and emphysema progression. Promising novel therapies are under active investigation.
Structure of Acidothermus cellulolyticus family 74 glycoside hydrolase at 1.82 Å resolution.

Here, a 1.82 A resolution X-ray structure of a glycoside hydrolase family 74 (GH74) enzyme from Acidothermus cellulolyticus is reported. The resulting structure was refined to an R factor of 0.150 and an Rfree of 0.196. Structural analysis shows that five related structures have been reported with a secondary-structure similarity of between 75 and 89%. The five similar structures were all either Clostridium thermocellum or Geotrichum sp. M128 GH74 xyloglucanases. Structural analysis indicates that the A. cellulolyticus GH74 enzyme is an endoxyloglucanase, as it lacks a characteristic loop that blocks one end of the active site in exoxyloglucanases. Superimposition with the C. thermocellum GH74 shows that Asp451 and Asp38 are the catalytic residues.
Characterization of the maintained vegetative phase deletions from diploid wheat and their effect on VRN2 and FT transcript levels.

Allelic differences at the VRN1 (AP1/CAL/FRU), VRN2 (ZCCT) and VRN3 (FT) vernalization genes affect flowering time in wheat. The two maintained vegetative phase (mvp) mutants from Triticummonococcum L., previously reported as carrying a single gene (VRN1) deletion, are incapable of flowering. In this study, we show that both mvp lines have larger deletions that include the genes AGLG1, CYS, PHYC, VRN1 and possibly others. The original mvp deletions were generated in lines that lack the VRN2 gene. Therefore, to study the effect of the mvp deletions on the regulation of VRN2 we generated populations segregating for both genes simultaneously. The two mvp deletions co-segregated with the non-flowering phenotype, but surprisingly, the lines homozygous for the mvp mutations showed reduced transcript levels of both VRN2 and FT relative to the wild type. The VRN1 deletion is an unlikely cause of the down-regulation of VRN2 since VRN2 transcript levels are higher in the fall, before VRN1 is expressed, and are down-regulated by VRN1. Since both VRN2 and FT are regulated by light and photoperiod, their down-regulation in the mvp mutants might be related to the deletion of the PHYC photoreceptor. However, alternative hypotheses including combinations of other genes deleted in the mvp mutants cannot be ruled out. Until the specific gene(s) responsible for the down-regulation of VRN2 and FT and the non-flowering phenotype are precisely identified, it is premature to use these results to postulate alternative flowering models.
The Health of U.S. Racial and Ethnic Populations

This article provides an overview of racial and ethnic disparities in health in the United States. It describes limitations linked to the quality and method of presentation of the available data. It also considers the complex ways in which immigrant status, race, and SES combine to affect health and outlines important directions for research that would enhance our understanding of the ways in which social factors can lead to changes in health status.
Region-Of-Interest X-Ray Tomography (ROIT)

Region-of-interest tomography (ROIT) reconstructs a convex region within an object on a specified sampling grid with relatively small dose and higher resolution. In this paper, we introduce a new algorithm for ROIT. This algorithm is based on a variable sampling scheme in which the external region is sampled coarsely whereas a finer sampling is used for the region of interest. After the data is collected, the coarsely sampled data is interpolated at the sampling interval as the finely sampled data. The interpolated coarsely sampled data and the finely sampled data are assimilated and entered into a reconstruction of the ROI. We have obtained encouraging results in experimental computer simulations of our technique. These results are summarized in this paper.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal Bone Fractures in Children A Review with Emphasis on Long-Term Sequelae

A 10-year retrospective study of pediatric basilar skull fractures identified 120 patients with temporal bone fractures, of which 92 had otolaryngologic and audiologic evaluations. The otologic data provide documentation of the nature, common physical findings, complications, and management of these fractures. The prognosis of hearing impairment in children caused by temporal bone fractures is elucidated, as 76 of the 92 patients were available for long-term follow-up. Close interaction between involved services evaluating and treating pediatric trauma cases is mandatory for optimal patient outcome. A literature review of the presentation, complications, and management of pediatric temporal bone fractures is presented.
Infrared-transparent mullite ceramic

Mullite ceramic, transparent in the infrared, was prepared by hot-pressing and hot-isostatically pressing starting materials derived from alkyloxides. A composition with 72.3 wt% Al2O3 yielded transparent, submicrometer grain size bodies at 1630°C, whereas higher temperatures produced glass-containing microstructures. A composition with 76 wt% A12O3 formed precipitates of α-Al2O3 at the consolidation temperature, which could be removed by subsequent annealing between 1800° and 1850°C. Spectral transmittance and absorption coefficients of the bodies are reported. The formation of the second phases was linked to phase equilibria and grain growth that promoted compositional equilibration of the mullite phase. The results suggest adjustments to phase boundaries in the high-temperature segment of the SiO2-Al2O3 phase diagram.
Selenium Levels in Bird Eggs and Effects on Avian Reproduction

During the 1999 and 2000 spring and summer seasons, we collected and analyzed 544 eggs, 273 from background sites and 271 from mining sites to measure and compare selenium (Se) levels. We collected and analyzed eggs from 31 avian species. Our data indicated an increase in Se levels in birds on mining sites, i.e., 16 of 24 species (67%) had significantly higher Se levels. The remaining species did not have large enough sample sizes for statistical tests. For all eggs collected on mining sites, the distribution of Se levels was as follows: 57% were less than 5 ppm, 30% were between 5 and 10 ppm, 8% were between 10 and 16 ppm, and 5% were >16 ppm. We concluded that relatively few birds (i.e., <8%) that occupied habitats associated with mining activity in southeast Idaho have Se levels that exceed the threshold level recommended by Adams et al. (2002). In 2001 we obtained reproductive data on 298 American robin (Turdus migratorius) nests and 325 red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) nests. Analysis included nest success, clutch size, hatching success, fledging success, egg weight, and neonate weight. Thus, we had 12 measures of reproduction for comparison between mining and background sites. We found no significant difference between sites for 11 of these measures. The remaining measure, nest success for robins, was significantly higher in mining sites.
Beyond Chronic Wretchedness in the Horn of Africa: New Perspective? Part Two

For decades the peoples of the Horn of Africa have been in the grip of a deep economic, political and social crisis. The curse of bad governance, and the consequences of liberation, civil and inter-state wars, drought and man-made famine continue to impose untold suffering on the population of the region. Today, all the countries in the Horn of Africa face uncertain future. Without genuine and rapid transformation of the governance regimes in the entire Horn the indigent people will sink into unimaginable misery. The purpose of the roundtable is to generate bigger and better ideas that may enable the elites from the Horn of Africa to see beyond the chronic wretchedness of the region and envision better future for their people and their countries. The panelists are some of the finest scholars from the region who can chart new perspective for the future of the Horn of Africa.
Effects of castration and androgen treatment on androgen-receptor levels in rat skeletal muscles

The effects of castration and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment on levels of skeletal muscle androgen receptor (AR) were examined in three groups of adult male rats: 1) intact normal rats, 2) rats castrated at 16 wk of age, and 3) rats castrated at 16 wk of age and given DHT for 1 wk starting at week 17. All animals were killed at 18 wk of age. Castration caused a decrease (P 0.05) change for any of the treatments. These findings suggest that the effects of castration and androgen replacement differentially affect skeletal muscle mass and AR levels.
The Strategic Timing of Cyber Exploits

Nations are accumulating cyber resources in the form of stockpiles of zero-day exploits and other novel methods of engaging in future cyber conflict against selected targets. This paper analyzes the optimal timing for the use of such cyber resources. A simple mathematical model is offered to clarify how the timing of such a choice can depend on the stakes involved in the present situation, as well as the characteristics of the resource for exploitation. Our model deals with the question of when the resource should be employed, given that its use today may well prevent it from being available for use later. The analysis provides some new concepts, theory, applications and distinctions to promote the understanding of this new domain of cyber conflict. Case studies include the Stuxnet attack on Iran’s nuclear program, the Iranian cyber attack the energy firm Saudi Aramco, the persistent cyber espionage carried out by the Chinese military, and an analogous case of economic coercion by China in a dispute with Japan. Implications of the rapidly expanding market for zero-day exploits are also analyzed. The goal of the paper is to promote the understanding of this new domain of cyber conflict in order to mitigate the harm it can do, and harness the capabilities it can provide.
Coarse particle fracture with the ultrafast load cell

Microscale information about single particle fracture can be incorporated into the macroscale model of the whole size reduction process in the mill. The ultrafast load cell (UFLC) device provides a substantial amount of information about fracture characteristics of a particle under impact loading. UFLC captures high-resolution compressive force signals during particle breakage. The measurement of the compressive force at the instant of fracture of the particle allows computation of a number of comminution-related particle properties, as well as the energy absorbed during fracture. In the current study, limestone particles 50 mm in size were fractured to obtain specific fracture energies. Then, based on the experimental data, two models were proposed to quantify the fracture process. The specific fracture energy distribution of the particles in the range of 6 to 50 mm was defined by the well-known Weibull distribution. The other model is a probabilistic fracture model. This model is a link between energy events occurring in a grinding mill and the breakage rates of particles. The impact energy spectra or energy events occurring in a grinding mill can be obtained with a discrete element method (DEM) simulation. One can model the breakage rates of the mill material by combining the energy spectra with the probabilistic fracture model. This novel approach for the modeling of breakage rates via DEM and UFLC is shown here.
Awake intubating laryngeal mask airway placement in a morbidly obese patient with ankylosing spondylitis and unstable thoracic spine

Intubating laryngeal mask airways can be used to provide continuous ventilation throughout intubation. This is a case of a morbidly obese (body mass index = 58) 65-year-old woman with T10 and T11 compression fractures. Optimal positioning for airway management was hindered by her unstable spine, minimal neck range of motion, and extreme pain with any movement. An intubating laryngeal mask airway was placed in the awake, topically anesthetized patient, and the laryngeal mask airway and endotracheal tube combination was left in place throughout surgery.
Manifestations of Elazar's Political Subcultures: State Public Opinionand the Content of Political Campaign Advertising

Political scientists have recently become more interested in describing and explaining the rich regional, state, and local political diversity of the United States. A substantial body of research has already investigated sub-national differences in such variables as economic development (income, industrialization, education, urbanization), population attributes (age, race), community structures (mass media outlets, business failures), political processes (participation, competition), and public policy (levels of expenditure, levels and sources of revenue, innovation).' These analyses have used a variety of statistical techniques to search for similarities between groupings of geographical units, and have utilized data over considerable lengths of time.2
Yellow Traps as Monitoring Tools for Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Chrysanthemum Greenhouses

Sequential sampling plans were developed using yellow sticky traps to capture adults of Liriomyza trtfolii (Burgess)(Diptera: Agromyzidae) in chrysanthemum greenhouses. Two types of yellow traps were employed: a large plastic trap (30.5 by 30.5 cm) with a maximum percentage of reflectance of 81 at 575 nm and a small fluorescent cardboard trap (11.4 by 14.0 cm) with a maximum percent reflectance of 156 at 575 nm. Separate sampling plans were developed for each trap. Trapping at several locations from 1981 to 1983 revealed that the variance/mean relationship of catches was consistent from year to year, location to location, and trap type to trap type. A requirement is that traps must be positioned only over homogeneous blocks of chrysanthemums (i.e., chrysanthemums planted less than 30 days apart). Standard formulae (Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s patchiness regression) were fit to the data. Iwao’s patchiness regression best described the variance/mean relationship ( R2 = 99.9 and 97.4 for small and large traps, respectively). Stoplines were then generated with a fixed level of precision of 0.25. Validation of the sampling plan for large traps in 1982 demonstrated that only 18% of the traps throughout the growing season need be counted to achieve the fixed level of precision.
Maternal nutrition in the 1980s.

The essential first step is to establish the scope and dimensions of the problems relating to maternal nutrition, assemble our data, and get our evidence and statistics in order.
When it's hard to be sure of the patient's own goals.

As the new world of managed care transforms your professional life, it also poses new ethical problems. This month, Managed Care welcomes to its pages columnist John La Puma, M.D., who will address the ethical concerns introduced by capitation and similar features of a fast-changing environment.
Shakespeare and Incarceration

Chapter 3 examines three embedded aspects of Shakespeare’s dramaturgy that convert its performance texts to reconstructive and habilitative uses: the quality of inwardness in Shakespearean verse, a creative performative tension between varieties of stage speech, and the improvisational nature of Shakespeare’s scenic constructions. Shakespeare uses these mimetic tools to represent characters in mental and social states of acute disturbance and dysfunctionality, the stage imitation of which challenges SBB actors to confront their own past behaviors and deeds and master them by imaginatively bringing them back to life. Undeterred by the pressure-pot effect of tribal conflicts and penitentiary routines, the encounter inmate actors have with Shakespeare’s poetry leads to discoveries about both themselves and Shakespeare’s art. The central sections of this chapter examine the procedural means by which full-length Shakespeare plays each year are mounted behind bars—how Shakespeare makes it from page to stage as prison theater.
T-Cell Factors That Promote B-Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

The goal of this chapter is to summarize and discuss the studies that have sought to understand just how helper T cells help B cells to proliferate and differeniate into antibody-secreting cells by the production of T-cell factors. The studies of Mitchison and others (Mitchison, 1969) showed that effective T-cell help was only delivered to B cells when both T cell and B cell recognized determinants on the same antigen molecule. This observation led to the hypothesis that T-cell help was delivered via an obligatory cell-cell interaction, and it was later shown that such interactions were major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted. Our own studies (Dutton et al, 1971) and those of others (Schimpl and Wecker, 1972) showed that in certain experimental models T cells could be replaced by factors contained in culture supernatants of activated T cells. For awhile, there were those who suggested that the latter mechanism represented a special case seen only with erythrocyte antigens or with previously activated B cell. It is now clear that both mechanisms of T-cell help exist. It is thought that some B cells become activated only via direct cell-cell interaction and that others can be affected directly by T-cell factors (Singer et al., 1982). It has been shown that a major fraction of all resting B cells can be driven through activation, proliferation, and differentiation to immunoglobulin secretion solely with the aid of the appropriate soluble agents—antiimmunoglobulin and T-cell culture supernatants (Howard and Paul, 1983). All B cells can be made to respond to the B-cell mitogens, dextran sulfate, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in the presence of macrophage-derived factors (Wetzel and Kettman, 1981).
Influence of Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate on Heat Inactivation of Aspergillus flavus , Penicillium puberulum and Geotrichum candidum.

Experiments were conducted to determine if two preservatives, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, had a synergistic effect with heat on inactivation of conidia of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium puberulum and vegetative cells of Geotrichum candidum . A second objective was to determine if heated conidia had increased sensitivity to preservatives in a recovery medium. As the pH of heating menstrua was decreased from 7.0 to 2.5, the rates of inactivation of molds were increased. Conidia were not as adversely affected by acid pH as were vegetative cells. At 50 ppm, potassium sorbate caused a significant (P⩽0.05) increase in the rate of thermal inactivation of A. flavus and G. candidum ; 100 ppm had a significant effect on P. puberulum . Sodium benzoate caused significant decreases in decimal reduction times of A. flavus and P. puberulum when present at a concentration of 50 ppm in heating media. Viable heated conidia of A. flavus and P. puberulum had increased sensitivity to potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, indicating heat injury. However, the relative effects of the two preservatives on colony formation in recovery agar were reversed from those noted in heating media, i.e., at comparable concentrations, potassium sorbate was more effective than was sodium benzoate for inhibiting colony formation.
Abstract 315: Potential Regulation of Intimal Hyperplasia by ADAM12 and Polo-Like Kinase-1 in Human Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Patients

Proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the key events in the development of intimal hyperplasia, causing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) failure. Although internal mammary artery (IMA) is comparatively immune to restenosis, saphenous veins (SV) are most commonly used bypass conduits. The underlying mechanisms that makes SV graft more prone to restenosis are not known as yet. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and kinases may be potential contributing factors in uncontrolled proliferation, migration and invasion of the graft conduit. In this study, we compared SMCs cultured from SV with IMA of the same patients undergoing CABG. The mRNA expression of polo-like kinases (PLKs), HER-2, ADAM 12L (long-form) and ADAM12S (short-form) were quantified by real-time PCR. The mRNA expression of cell proliferation related protein Ki-67 was measured in both conduits. Migration rate was determined using scratch assay. The mRNA expression of PLK-1, PLK-3, PLK-4, HER-2, ADAM 12L and ADAM12S were significantly higher in human SV SMCs compared to IMA SMCs. Also, SV SMCs showed higher proliferation and migration than IMA SMCs, which may be associated with increased expression of PLKs, ADAM 12 and HER-2. The protease domain of ADAM12 can cleave ECM substrates and cause migration. PLK1 is overexpressed in a variety of pathophysiological conditions and its expression correlates with cellular progression. In contrast, PLK-2 mRNA expression was higher in IMA SMCs compared to SV SMCs. The kinase activity of PLK-2 inhibits oncogenic transformation. Thus, overexpression of PLK 1 and ADAM12 in human SV bypass conduit may cause uncontrolled proliferation, migration and invasion leading to its increased incidence of intimal hyperplasia and vein graft failure in CABG patients.
Multivariate analysis of spatial–temporal scales in melanoma prevalence

Melanoma is a particularly deadly form of skin cancer arising from diverse biological and physical origins, making the characterization and quantification of relationships with recognized risk factors very complex. Melanoma has known associations with ultraviolet light exposure. Natural variations in solar electromagnetic irradiation, length of exposure, and intensity operate on different and therefore uncorrelated time scale frequencies. It is necessary to separate and investigate the principal components, such as the annual and solar cycle components, free from confounding influences. Kolmogorov-Zurbenko spatial filters applied to melanoma prevalence and environmental factors affecting solar irradiation exposure are able to identify and separate the independent space and time scale components of melanoma. Multidimensional analysis in space and time produces significantly improved model fit of what is in effect a linear regression of maps, or motion picture, in different time scales between melanoma rates and prominent factors. The resulting multivariate model coefficients of influence for each unique spatial-temporal melanoma component help quantify the relationships and are valuable to future research and prevention.
Neutron induced nuclear counter effect in Hamamatsu silicon PIN diodes and APDs

Neutron induced nuclear counter effect in Hamamatsu silicon PIN diodes and APDs was measured by irradiating fast neutrons from 252Cf and 241Am-Be sources directly to these devices. It was found that the entire kinetic energy of these fast neutrons may be converted into electron signals in these devices, leading to anomalous signals of up to a few millions electrons in a single isolated readout channel. The overall rate of the neutron induced nuclear counter effect in APDs is found to be about a factor of ten less than that in PIN diodes. Increasing the APD gain was also found to reduce the neutron induced nuclear counter effect. An intelligent front-end chip capable of selecting uncontaminated signal is proposed to eliminate the nuclear counter effect completely without significant cost increase.
Frobenius–Perron theory of modified ADE bound quiver algebras

Abstract The Frobenius–Perron dimension for an abelian category was recently introduced in [5] . We apply this theory to the category of representations of the finite-dimensional radical square zero algebras associated to certain modified ADE graphs. In particular, we take an ADE quiver with arrows in a certain orientation and an arbitrary number of loops at each vertex. We show that the Frobenius–Perron dimension of this category is equal to the maximum number of loops at a vertex. Along the way, we introduce a result which can be applied in general to calculate the Frobenius–Perron dimension of a radical square zero bound quiver algebra. We use this result to introduce a family of abelian categories which produce arbitrarily large irrational Frobenius–Perron dimensions.