cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A single‐center strategy to minimize blood transfusion in neonates and children undergoing cardiac surgery

SummaryBackground The transfusion of blood products in the setting of uncontrolled bleeding is unquestionably lifesaving. However, in many instances, the decision to transfuse is based on physician gestalt rather than medical evidence. When indications for transfusion are unclear, the benefits of blood products must be balanced against their significant risks and associated costs. As our institution is a referral center for patients of Jehovah's Witness faith, this population has pushed our development of techniques to achieve the goal of bloodless surgery. Our practices in caring for this population have become our standard practice for managing all patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. Objectives To evaluate our success in minimizing the use of blood products during pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods After IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent cardiac surgery utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), for biventricular repair procedures. The study was conducted at a single institution (Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH)) during the period: January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. Results A total of 209 patients were included. Overall, 81 patients (38.8%) and 81 of 136 (59.6%) weighing more than 6 kg received no blood products (bloodless) during their entire hospital stay. Bloodless surgery was most successful in patients weighing more than 18 kg, followed by patients weighing 6–18 kg. All 73 patients who weighed <6 kg received blood transfusion during their hospitalization. Conclusion The techniques that we have developed to initially care for our Jehovah's Witness families may be applied to other pediatric and adult surgical procedures.
Early differentiation and migration of cranial neural crest in the opossum, Monodelphis domestica

SUMMARY Marsupial mammals are born at a highly altricial state. Nonetheless, the neonate must be capable of considerable functional independence. Comparative studies have shown that in marsupials the morphogenesis of many structures critical to independent function are advanced relative to overall development. Many skeletal and muscular elements in the facial region show particular heterochrony. Because neural crest cells are crucial to forming and patterning much of the face, this study investigates whether the timing of cranial neural crest differentiation is also advanced. Histology and scanning electron microscopy of Monodelphis domestica embryos show that many aspects of cranial neural crest differentiation and migration are conserved in marsupials. For example, as in other vertebrates, cranial neural crest differentiates at the neural ectoderm/epidermal boundary and migrates as three major streams. However, when compared with other vertebrates, a number of timing differences exist. The onset of cranial neural crest migration is early relative to both neural tube development and somite formation in Monodelphis. First arch neural crest cell migration is particularly advanced and begins before any somites appear or regional differentiation exists in the neural tube. Our study provides the first published description of cranial neural crest differentiation and migration in marsupials and offers insight into how shifts in early developmental processes can lead to morphological change.
Early pathological changes in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: a report of two asymptomatic cases occurring prior to the AIDS epidemic

Serial sections of formalin-fixed, paraffinembedded blocks from two asymptomatic, non-AIDS cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) were stained with a double-label immunocytochemical method for detection of glial fibrillary acidic protein and JC virus (JCV) capsid proteins and with luxol fast blue/hematoxylin-eosin. In case 1 small, rounded lesions of about 1-mm diameter were seen within a restricted area in the posterior part of the superior frontal gyrus of both cerebral hemispheres, suggesting an early manifestation of the disease. Fully developed demyelinated lesions of the classical type with JCV-infected oligodendrocytes appeared in the white matter and along its border with the cortex. Lesswell-developed lesions, believed to be precursors to the fully developed ones, were seen in the gray and white matter. Of special interest were areas which contained small collections of enlarged, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes without capsid antigen and which seemed to lack destruction of myelin as judged from the appearance of matching serial sections stained for myelin. Large lesions in the brain of case 2 showed the well-known features of advanced PML. The close relation between some astrocytes and oligodendrocytes with viral antigen raises the possibility of early intercellular passage of virus. Vacuolation, seen within or near lesions in both cases, has previously been noted in the CNS infected by HIV, but not in PML. It is suggested that PML, a disease of both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, may actually begin in astroglial cells which, under the influence of a restricted JCV infection, become reactive, express GFAP and pass on virus to the more highly susceptible oligodendrocytes with which they are in contact.
Using Rule Based Design in Engineer to Order Industry: An SME Case Study

In this paper, the development and usage of rule-based design (RBD) in an industrial engineer-toorder (ETO) application is presented. First, three different design and geometric modeling processes are discussed for specifying customized bottle packaging systems, assemblies, and components. These processes include: (1) a manual method in which custom design specifications are uniquely created using two-dimension CAD software, (2) a custom in-house Visual Basic automated system built on a commercially available three-dimension solid modeling package, and (3) a commercially available rule-based system integrated with a commercially available three-dimensional solid modeling software tool. The advantages and limitations of the different modeling approaches are presented and evaluated qualitatively. Second, a detailed case study of an ETO sub-assembly is presented in which the third approach is used to create rule-based design applications. The rules for this sub-assembly are formulated and preliminary observations are reported. Guidelines for building and preparing solid models used in RBD are developed.
Dispersion and anisoplanatic effects from the atmospheric density gradient

For large zenith angles, the atmospheric density gradient causes differential refraction of beams at different wavelengths. As a result, the wavefronts of two different lasers differ not only because of diffractive effects but also because of the different pathway through atmospheric turbulence. The anisoplanatic effects of this pathway separation differ from a strict angular divergence of the beams because of the cumulative nature of the refractive bending. Differential equations describing ray trajectories and analytic expressions for piston- tilt removed anisoplanatic degradation will be presented. Analytic results will be compared with predictions of wave optics calculations. Explicit piston and tilt removal make the phase variances a direct measure of the optical quality usable directly to calculate strehls.
Diagnostic Value of Echocardiography in Suspected Endocarditis An Evaluation Based on the Pretest Probability of Disease

Background We hypothesized that for the diagnosis of endocarditis, (1) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) would be most valuable in patients with an intermediate clinical probability of the disease and (2) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) would be most useful in patients with an intermediate probability when TTE either does not yield an adequate study or indicates an intermediate probability of endocarditis. We also sought to investigate the influence of echocardiographic results on antibiotic usage and its duration. Methods and Results TTE and TEE were performed in 105 consecutive patients with suspected endocarditis. Patients were classified as having either low, intermediate, or high probability of endocarditis on the basis of clinical criteria and separately on the basis of both TTE and TEE findings. TTE and TEE classified the majority (82% and 85%, respectively) of the 67 patients with a low clinical probability of endocarditis as having a low likelihood of the disease. Of the 14 patients wit...
Ultra-high dose-rate effects in radiosensitive bacteria.

(1969). Ultra-high Dose-rate Effects in Radiosensitive Bacteria. International Journal of Radiation Biology and Related Studies in Physics, Chemistry and Medicine: Vol. 14, No. 6, pp. 573-575.
The Take-Up of Employer-Sponsored Insurance Among Americans with Mental Disorders: Implications for Health Care Reform

Little is known about how take-up of private health insurance coverage differs between those with and without mental disorders. This study seeks to fill this gap by using data from the 2004-2008 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine differences in offers and take-up of employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) among adults aged 27-54. Little evidence that mental disorders are associated with take-up of offers of ESI coverage was found. This suggests that take-up rates in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces by those with and without mental disorders may be similar. The ACA is especially important to Americans with mental disorders, many of whom lack access to ESI coverage to pay for mental health treatment either through their own job or through a spouse's job.
Thermal-gradient mass transfer in lithium-stainless steel systems

Abstract The corrosion of type 316 stainless steel by flowing Li was studied as a function of time in thermal-convection loops. After a transient period, the corrosion rates were observed to be constant with time with values ranging from 10 to 20 mg/m2 h. Preliminary analysis indicated that the corrosion rate is controlled by the diffusion of Fe through the liquid Li boundary layer. The deposition processes involved the formation of crystals of nearly pure Cr in the cold legs of the loops.
Improved strain tolerance in aligned-MgO-whisker reinforced (Bi,Pb)/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Ca/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 10/ tapes

The strain tolerance of monofilamentary BSCCO 2223 tapes has been improved by reinforcing with aligned-MgO whiskers. Tapes reinforced with 15 vol.% whiskers are found to exhibit a superconducting transition temperature of 106 K and a critical current density of 2/spl times/10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/ at 77 K. The magnetic field dependence of current density of the reinforced tapes is found to be identical to that the unreinforced tapes. The reinforced tapes are found to sustain 90% of their initial current density even at a bend strain of 0.6%. >
Strength of deep-inelastic scattering for 58Ni+124Sn at sub-barrier energies

Abstract Deep-inelastic scattering and fission yields have been measured for 58Ni+124Sn at laboratory energies between 230 and 290 MeV. Even at energies below the Coulomb barrier, deep-inelastic scattering contributes significantly to the total reaction cross section and has a strength similar to that of fusion. Together with previous measurements, these results allow the complete decomposition of the total reaction cross section into its main components.
A model for identifying HERG K+ channel blockers

Acquired long QT syndrome (LQTS) occurs frequently as a side effect of blockade of cardiac HERG K(+) channels by commonly used medications. A large number of structurally diverse compounds have been shown to inhibit K(+) current through HERG. There is considerable interest in developing in silico tools to filter out potential HERG blockers early in the drug discovery process. We describe a binary classification model that combines a 2D topological similarity filter with a 3D pharmacophore ensemble procedure to discriminate between HERG actives and inactives with an overall accuracy of 82%, with false negative and false positive rates of 29% and 15%, respectively. This model should be generally applicable in virtual library counterscreening against HERG.
Function-Based Selection and Characterization of Base-Pair Polymorphisms in a Promoter of Escherichia coli RNA Polymerase-ς70

We performed two sets of in vitro selections to dissect the role of the −10 base sequence in determining the rate and efficiency with which Escherichia coli RNA polymerase-ς 70 forms stable complexes with a promoter. We identified sequences that (i) rapidly form heparin-resistant complexes with RNA polymerase or (ii) form heparin-resistant complexes at very low RNA polymerase concentrations. The sequences selected under the two conditions differ from each other and from the consensus −10 sequence. The selected promoters have the expected enhanced binding and kinetic properties and are functionally better than the consensus promoter sequence in directing RNA synthesis in vitro. Detailed analysis of the selected promoter functions shows that each step in this multistep pathway may have different sequence requirements, meaning that the sequence of a strong promoter does not contain the optimal sequence for each step but instead is a compromise sequence that allows all steps to proceed with minimal constraint.
Electron microscopic studies of procollagen from cultured human fibroblasts

Abstract Tropocollagen was extracted from the extracellular fibers of the cell layers of cultured human fibroblasts and procollagen was isolated from the medium. The tropocollagen precipitated as segment long spacing (SLS) aggregates from an ATP-acetic acid solution, but procollagen formed predominantly fibrous long spacing (FLS) crystallites in the same solution. The procollagen aggregates were distinguished from those of tropocollagen by the presence of globular caps at one (SLS form) or both (FLS form) ends. The globular caps were selectively removed by limited digestion with pepsin. They are thought to be formed from the nonhelical, aminoterminal peptides of the procollagen molecule. These globular peptides coil back 200 A on the long axis of the molecule and contribute no more than 90 A to its length. They appear to prevent the molecules from aggregating as native fibers in vitro.
Degenerative Brain Disease

Inherited degenerative diseases of the brain are chronically progressive and often lead to severe debilitation. The cerebellum is particularly susceptible to degenerative processes. For lysosomal storage disorders, the metabolic defect is often known and diagnostic tests are available. For other abiotrophies, the inborn error of metabolism is not known and diagnosis is made on postmortem. Pathogenesis of brain dysfunction is not well understood in a majority of the neurodegenerative diseases.
The impact of organizational culture on attraction and recruitment of job applicants.

This research examined how job pursuit and application decisions of male and female job applicants are impacted by beliefs about the organization’s culture. Participants responded to questions regarding job pursuit intentions, organizational preference, and organizational choice for two hypothetical organizations, depicted in recruitment brochures as having either a competitive (“masculine”) or supportive (“feminine”) organizational culture in a 2 × 2 repeated measures design. Choosing the supportive culture required the trade-off of lower salary. The results indicate that organizational culture interacts with gender to influence applicant attraction. Men were more likely than women to intend to pursue a job with the competitive organization; however, the majority of both men and women reported stronger interest in working for the supportive organization, even though salary would be lower. This provides an empirical basis for organizational decision makers to integrate more supportive “feminine” values into the organizational culture and to highlight these values in recruitment literature. Perceived organizational culture plays a significant role in applicant decision making and both male and female applicants indicated a willingness to accept a lower salary in return for a supportive organizational culture. This has significance for organizations that seek to attract high quality applicants but whose direct compensation is lower than that offered by competitors. This is the first study to use an experimental design to manipulate organizational culture and salary trade-offs depicted in recruitment literature to examine the impact on applicant attraction.
Wind tunnel investigation of the effects of a rectangular-shaped building on dispersion of effluents from short adjacent stacks

Abstract In a wind tunnel study, the influence of the highly turbulent region found in the lee of a model building upon plumes emitted from short stacks was examined through smoke visualization and tracer gas concentration mappings. A thick, simulated atmospheric boundary layer was used to provide background dispersion. A rectangular-shaped building with its length equal to twice its height and width was oriented with the long side perpendicular to the approaching wind. The stack was placed midway along the lee side of the building. In all phases of the study, each smoke or tracer release from the stack was repeated with the building removed. This allowed for a simple demonstration of the building wake effects. A simple mathematical model was developed that provided good estimates of concentrations in the building wake. The building influence was found to be reduced with increases in the effective source height. Application of the “2.5 times rule”, i.e. an effective source height at 2.5 times the height of the building, resulted in maximum ground-level concentration in the wake being approximately 20 per cent higher than found in the absence of the building. A stack 1.5 times the height of the building resulted in maximum ground-level concentrations in the wake being 250 per cent higher, a far more significant effect.
Active Vibration Control of Active Fuel Management Engines Using Active Engine Mounts

Given the realities of today’s world, the goal of achieving vehicular fuel economy is of paramount importance. One cost effective solution to improve fuel economy without major modification of engines is using Active Fuel Management (AFM), which refers to on-demand cylinder activation and deactivation. One general characteristic of AFM engines is higher level of ignition force resulting in higher torque variation. Consequently the noise and vibration (N&V) performance of a vehicle with an AFM engine can reach an unacceptable level with aggressive cylinder deactivation. One solution to improve fuel economy without degrading N&V performance is the use of Active Engine Mount (AEM). This paper studies the control methods for active engine mount. Both open-loop and closed-loop control are developed based upon single-tone adaptive feed-forward control framework. The details of the algorithm are discussed and the stability and the robustness are examined. Integrated open-loop and closed-loop control is proposed to ensure fast response, enhance performance and robustness. A series of simulations are performed to demonstrate the control algorithm. It is shown that the integrated open-loop and closed-loop control algorithm yields the most promising results.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Media multitasking: Issues posed in measuring the effects of television sexual content exposure

Adolescents who see more sexual content on television are more likely to initiate intercourse over the subsequent year. The present study hypothesized that use of the Internet while watching television would moderate this relationship. A national sample of 1,762 12–17-year-olds completed a telephone survey at baseline and one year later. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to predict intercourse initiation by follow-up among baseline virgins and to test for an interaction between sexual content exposure and self-reported multitasking. The interaction was significant; exposure to sexual content on television was more strongly related to sexual initiation among multitaskers. Divided attention may allow television messages to “slip past the radar” of viewers who would reject these messages if they devoted cognitive resources to critically examining them. Future studies of television-viewing effects may need to assess multitasking to avoid missing effects in this important subgroup of viewers.
Studies on the acridine orange staining of two purified RNA viruses: poliovirus and tobacco mosaic virus.

Abstract The acridine orange staining technique has been used to study purified concentrates of tobacco mosaic virus and poliovirus in the fluorescence microscope. Brilliant flame red fluorescence characteristic of RNA was observed in both cases. It has been calculated that approximately 50 closely packed particles represent the limit of sensitivity of the acridine orange staining technique for small RNA viruses. Concentrates prepared from poliovirus grown in the presence of acridine orange dye have also been examined and found to exhibit a brilliant apple green fluorescence without any additional staining. This “vital staining” was susceptible to ribonuclease digestion, thus indicating incorporation of the dye into the developing virus particle and association with its nucleic acid. Tobacco mosaic virus was found to be permeable to acridine orange in the unfixed state, poliovirus only after treatment with alcoholic fixatives. The mechanics of the staining and incorporation processes are discussed.
Ligand-induced capping of surface proteins on trifluoperazine-treated macrophages☆

Abstract Peritoneal exudate macrophages directly endocytose cross-linked membrane proteins such as conA receptors and histocompatibility proteins. Under identical conditions lymphocytes and transformed macrophages cap these proteins. We hypothesized that macrophages are programmed for endocytosis after membrane protein cross-linking, as opposed to lymphocytes which cap their cross-linked membrane proteins. In the presence of trifluoperazine, a calmodulin antagonist which inhibits endocytosis, a proportion of macrophages capped their membrane proteins.
CONCENTRATION OF PROGESTIN IN THE SERUM OF THE RABBIT DURING PREGNANCY, THE PUERPERIUM AND FOLLOWING CASTRATION

ACOMPLETE understanding of the role of progesterone in pregnancy has been handicapped in the past by the lack of sensitive assay that could be used on small amounts of blood. Pregnanediol determinations are of limited significance since they measure the degradation products of progesterone and steroids of a similar nature and also reflect not only the level of the hormone in the blood but also variations in the metabolism of the hormone. Early attempts to measure the progestin level of the blood in women (Clauberg, Thiel and Ziecker, 1933; Block, 1936) and pregnant rabbits (Block, 1936) failed to reveal any activity. Block reported the presence of less than 1 rabbit unit in 12 liters of blood obtained from pregnant sows. The use of the rabbit-intrauterine test revealed the presence of progestin in the blood of human beings during pregnancy (Haskins, 1941; Hoffmann and von Lam, 1948) however the results were extremely variable.
Analysis of T cell receptor γ chains from adult CD4‐CD8‐ thymocytes

The role of T cell receptor (TcR) gamma genes in T cell development has not been determined. To extend our understanding of the repertoire of TcR gamma expression, we prepared a cDNA library from CD4-CD8- adult BALB/c thymocytes and cloned and sequenced 15 TcR gamma genes from this cDNA library. We found that two clones were transcripts of the unrearranged C gamma 2 gene and that three clones terminated in the J gamma 2 region. Nine of the remaining clones were V gamma 1.2 J gamma 2 C gamma 2 genes and five of these were in frame. Only one clone corresponded to C gamma 1 and resulted from an in-frame V gamma 2 J gamma 1 C gamma 1 join. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the gamma chain proteins from the surface of both BALB/c and C57BL/6 adult CD4-CD8- thymocytes did not detect the 32-kDa V gamma 1.2 C gamma 2 protein, but did detect the 35-kDa V gamma C gamma 1 protein. These results suggest that despite the abundance of full-length functional V gamma 1.2 C gamma 2 transcripts in the thymocyte subset, the protein product is not expressed on the cell surface as the predicted 32-kDa gamma protein. Finally, our analysis of the V-J joining of the gamma genes reveals both flexibility at the V-J junction and extensive N-region nucleotide addition that lead to diversity of the predicted protein sequence.
Temporal relationship between trunk and thigh contributes to balance control in load carriage walking

Abstract Load carriage walking (LCW) challenges a person's balance as the load increases their forward trunk inclination, shifting the center of mass (COM) forward with respect to the base of support (BOS). We examined LCW to understand whether and how healthy people adjust the temporal relationship (TR) between the trunk and leg for balance control. Ten subjects were recruited to perform unloaded walking and LCW. The TR between the trunk and leg was measured by the continuous relative phase. The maximum forward displacement of the COM with respective to the BOS (FDCOM BOS ) was recorded during the stance phase. We found that the TR was shifted in LCW, and the shift was associated with a decrease in the maximum FDCOM BOS . The findings suggest that the TR between the trunk and leg contributes to balance control, and it may be a variable that needs to be addressed in gait rehabilitation.
Anatomy of the pelvic diaphragm and anorectal musculature as related to sphincter preservation in anorectal surgery.

Abstract 1. 1. The anatomy of the anorectal sphincter musculature is described in detail. 2. 2. The various components of this musculature important to sphincter control are enumerated. 3. 3. Methods for preserving these important structures in fistula surgery and bowel resection are described. 4. 4. Surgical incisions (devised on an anatomic basis) which have proved useful from the standpoint of sphincter preservation are suggested.
A NEW FOSSIL FLOWER AND ASSOCIATED COPROLITES: EVIDENCE FOR ANGIOSPERM-INSECT INTERACTIONS IN THE SANTONIAN (LATE CRETACEOUS) OF GEORGIA, U.S.A.

Plant‐insect interactions are readily identifiable in the fossil record when insect activities cause damage to plant tissues, for example, leaf mining, piercing, galls. However, the inference of insect pollination of extinct plants usually must be based on comparative morphology of plants and insects or based on phylogenetic relationships and pollination habits of extant taxa. The presence of insect coprolites can provide additional evidence supporting the inference of plant‐insect interactions based on the morphology and composition of the fossilized feces. In this article, we describe Noferinia fusicarpa gen. et sp. nov. based on fossil flowers and fruits recovered from the Buffalo Creek Member of the Gaillard Formation (late Santonian, Cretaceous) of central Georgia. The morphology of the flowers—differentiated perianth, basally connate calyx and corolla, inferior ovary, and possible nectiferous pores surrounding the base of the style—is consistent with generalized insect pollination. Associated with N...
The ionosphere, radio navigation, and global navigation satellite systems

Abstract This article is a review of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for space scientists who are interested in how GNSS signals and observables can be used to understand ionospheric dynamics and, conversely, how ionospheric dynamics affect the operational capabilities of GNSS receivers. The most common form of GNSS is the Global Positioning System (GPS); we will first review its operating principles and then present a discussion of errors, of which ionospheric propagation is the most significant. Methods and systems for mitigating errors will be introduced, along with a discussion of modernization plans for GPS and for entirely new systems such as Galileo. In the second half of this article the effects of the ionosphere on GPS signals will be examined in more detail, particularly ionospheric propagation, leading to a discussion of the relation of TEC to ranging errors. Next, the subject of scintillations will also be introduced and connected to the presence and scale sizes of irregularities. Scintillations will be examined as spatial and temporal structures. The method of measuring scintillation pattern drift and ionospheric velocity will be discussed. We conclude by examining ionospheric effects on GPS at midlatitudes.
Cultural values and public policy: The case of international development aid

Abstract This paper investigates whether the quantity and character of aggregate expenditures on foreign aid by donor governments are related to the cultural values held by the people of the donor countries. In particular, we study whether any association exists between three measures of donors’ foreign aid expenditures and two dimensions of culture. We find that the shares of national income governments spend on aid, the proportion of total aid provided in the form of grants, and the proportion of aid directed to humanitarian relief are all related in statistically significant and quantitatively important ways to the location of the cultural values of people in the donor countries on two continua, one from “traditional” to “rational” beliefs about social organization and authority, and the other from “survival” to “self-expression” as the focus of individual aspirations. These results contribute to our understanding of the political economy of aid, and to a growing literature on how culture shapes economic policies, institutions, and performance.
A multiple-parameter comparison of immunocompetence and tumor resistance in aged BALB/c mice

Several parameters of cell-mediated and humoral immunity were measured in young-adult and aged BALB/c mice and compared with resistance to the ascites form of intraperitoneal induced P815 mastocytoma. It was found that the age-related decline of in vitro phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responsiveness by spleen cells approximated the marked decrease of old mice to tumor-cell challenge and approached that characteristically seen in humoral immunity. Thus, decreased PHA responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes provided as sensitive an estimate of the age-related decline of immunocompetence in old mice as other classical parameters of cell-mediated immunity (e.g. graft-vs-host reaction or in vivo cellular proliferation of parental spleen cells in lethally-irradiated F1 recipients). Results could be interpreted to represent a decreased ability of noncycling T-cells to be released to a functional cycling state.
Mischocyttarus flavitarsis in Arizona: Social and Nesting Biology of a Polistine Wasp

The nesting biology of Mischocyttarus flavitarsis in southeastern Arizona is described and compared with that of three tropical species of Mischocyttarus. Behavioral characteristics of ♀♀ on nests, productivity and survivorship of nests and adults, and mating behavior of (♂♂ are emphasized. Predation on and parasitism of nests and adults are discussed in relation to social behavior.
BIOTIN, B12, AND OTHER VITAMIN REQUIREMENTS OF A STRAIN OF MAMMALIAN CELLS GROWN IN CHEMICALLY DEFINED MEDIUM.

Abstract A strain of mouse cells designated NCTC2071 has been cultured for years in chemically defined medium NCTC 109 free of antibiotics or any undefined supplements. This strain, derived from clone NCTC 929-L, and free of pleuropneumonia-like organisms, was examined with respect to vitamin requirements. The effects of the 18 vitamins in medium 109 on cell survival, rates of proliferation, and morphology were determined in long-term studies. Inter-relationships between the vitamins and other components of the medium such as the nucleic acid derivatives were explored. In a coenzyme-free modification of medium 109, the cells required 5 vitamins for survival, namely, niacinamide (or niacin), thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenate, and choline chloride. In addition, pyridoxal (or pyridoxine) prevented destruction of cells when subjected to mechanical agitation, and folic acid and biotin slightly increased rates of cell proliferation but were not required for continuous cell propagation. Eight vitamins appeared to have no significant effects on the cells, namely, vitamins A, D, K, E, C, p -aminobenzoic acid, B 12 , and i -inositol. When cells were cultured in a medium lacking all the nucleic acid derivatives except deoxycytidine, a requirement for folic acid was demonstrated. Neither thymidine nor vitamin B 12 completely substituted for this requirement. In a medium containing the seven vitamins and only two of the five nucleic acid derivatives, the cells required biotin for survival, a requirement that was not detected when cells were grown in the complete medium. The lots and/or levels of cysteine in medium 109 were found to be toxic for single well-isolated cells. A toxicity of glutathione was counteracted by vitamin C. However, all three reducing agents could be eliminated without detectable reduction in cell growth. A stimulatory effect of vitamin B 12 on cell proliferation was observed under one set of conditions. Cells that had been cultured for a long period in a medium lacking all nucleic acid derivatives exhibited a marked stimulatory response to the vitamin. However, cells cultured for months in an identical medium except that it contained thymidine and deoxycytidine failed to show any response to the vitamin. Interpretations of these results are discussed. The influence of the type of chemically defined medium on the transplantability and/or malignancy of the cells was tested. Several new formulations of chemically defined media with evaluations of their action on these cells are presented.
Cold dilute neutron matter on the lattice. I. Lattice virial coefficients and large scattering lengths

We study cold dilute neutron matter on the lattice using an effective field theory. We work in the unitary limit in which the scattering length is much larger than the interparticle spacing. In this article we focus on the equation of state at temperatures above the Fermi temperature and compare lattice simulations to the virial expansion on the lattice and in the continuum. We find that in the unitary limit lattice discretization errors in the second virial coefficient are significantly enhanced. As a consequence the equation of state does not show the universal scaling behavior expected in the unitary limit. We suggest that scaling can be improved by tuning the second virial coefficient rather than the scattering length.
Localization of anti-personnel landmines using multi-bistatic ground-coupled ground penetrating radar

Ground-penetrating radar is a mature technology which has a promising application in humanitarian demining. The technology is fast, inexpensive, and capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic target casings. However, the efficacy of conventional air-coupled GPR has been limited by the rough air-soil interface, below which landmines are typically buried. Much of the recent literature focuses on advanced signal processing techniques in an attempt to remove the effects of the rough surface. Conversely, this work proposes the use of ground-contact antennas, which greatly improves signal penetration and reduces the rough ground clutter, thereby simplifying data analysis. Achieving contact between the surface and antennas can be done by integrating the antennas onto the feet of a non-articulated walking robotic platform. Finally, rather than imaging the subsurface, this localization method implements a robust geometric analysis to detect and localize a target with a minimal number of GPR scans. By using fewer scans and simpler data processing techniques, this method is capable of increasing the surveying speed of traditional GPR methods.
E-Arithmetic: non-visual arithmetic manipulation for students with impaired vision

In this paper we present a web-based system that enables children with impaired vision to handle basic arithmetic knowledge: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Taking into consideration the accommodation of varied levels of vision disability - minor to severe - the new system provides an electronic auditory alternative to the currently used tools.
Predictability of a low-order interactive ensemble

Abstract. In this paper, numerical and analytical studies were performed to uncover the mechanisms controlling the changes in ensemble spread of a low-order coupled model with multiple atmospheric realizations. An interactive ensemble approach was applied to a coupled dynamical system based on two versions of the Lorenz 63 model designed in order to imitate the behavior of a coupled system with different time scales. In the dynamic system used in this work the spread of ensemble members is highly dependent on the mean state corresponding to asymmetries in predictability. The slowness of the slow model and the intensity of the boundary forcing anomalies both contribute to the asymmetry and phase locking of both subsystems. The mechanisms controlling the fast model spread were uncovered revealing uncertainty dynamics depending on the location of ensemble members in the fast model phase space and implicitly on the slowness and magnitude of the slow model anomalies.
Weak chaos in an area-preserving mapping for sound ray propagation

Abstract A nonseparable underwater acoustic wave propagation problem is studied in the geometric limit. The combination of internal refraction and reflecting boundaries leads to a noncontinuously differentiable area-preserving mapping, to which the KAM theorem does not apply. The phenomenon of weak chaos, wherein an arbitrarily small perturbation to the separable problem causes observable chaotic behavior, is shown to occur.
Surgical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Operative treatment of GERD has become more common since the introduction of LARS. Careful patient selection based on symptoms, response to medical therapy, and preoperative testing will optimize the chances for effective and durable postoperative control of symptoms. Complications of the LARS are rare and generally can be managed without reoperation. When reoperation is necessary for failed antireflux surgery, it should be performed by high-volume gastroesophageal surgeons.
Corrections to the Friedmann equations from loop quantum gravity for a universe with a free scalar field

In loop quantum cosmology, the quantum dynamics is well understood. We approximate the full quantum dynamics in the infinite dimensional Hilbert space by projecting it on a finite dimensional submanifold thereof, spanned by suitably chosen semiclassical states. This submanifold is isomorphic with the classical phase space and the projected dynamical flow provides effective equations incorporating the leading quantum corrections to the classical equations of motion. Numerical work has been done using quantum states which are semiclassical at late times. These states follow the classical trajectory until the density is on the order of 1% of the Planck density then deviate strongly from the classical trajectory. The effective equations we obtain reproduce this behavior to surprising accuracy.
Characterization of newly developed microsatellite loci in the stemmed yellow violet, Viola pubescens (Violaceae).

Viola pubescens is a perennial herb with a mixed mating system involving the production of both open, chasmogamous flowers and closed, cleistogamous flowers. Using a nonradioactive protocol, 12 microsatellite primers that amplified loci with perfect and imperfect repeats were developed in the species. As examined in five populations of V. pubescens using multiplex reactions, all loci exhibited polymorphism with an average of 5.4 alleles. Most primers also amplified in 12 additional Viola species and one cultivar, revealing the possibility of wide applicability across the genus. This is the first known report of microsatellite loci developed in Viola and the Violaceae.
Delay constrained energy efficient transmission strategies for wireless devices

In this paper, we address the problem of energy efficient packet scheduling in a wireless environment. We consider a wireless transmitter which is limited by its finite battery resource. Our objective is to design a transmission schedule that maximizes battery lifetime subject to some delay constraints. To achieve this, we exploit two previously unconnected ideas: (i) channel coding can be used to conserve energy by transmitting at reduced power levels over longer durations; (ii) electro-chemical mechanisms in batteries allow them to recover energy during idle periods. While the first idea favors extending transmission durations, the second idea requires the transmitter to be idle to allow for recovery. Therefore, a strategy which is based entirely on either one or the other idea is not optimal. We provide a framework to merge these two ideas. We consider two kinds of delay constraints, one a deadline constraint and the other an average delay constraint and show that energy aware scheduling strategies for both these scenarios can result in significant energy savings.
Contingency spaces and measures in classical and instrumental conditioning.

The contingency between conditional and unconditional stimuli in classical conditioning paradigms, and between responses and consequences in instrumental conditioning paradigms, is analyzed. The results are represented in two- and three-dimensional spaces in which points correspond to procedures, or procedures and outcomes. Traditional statistical and psychological measures of association are applied to data in classical conditioning. Root mean square contingency, o, is proposed as a measure of contingency characterizing classical conditioning effects at asymptote. In instrumental training procedures, traditional measures of association are inappropriate, since one degree of freedom—response probability—is yielded to the subject. Further analysis of instrumental contingencies yields a surprising result. The well established “Matching Law” in free-operant concurrent schedules subsumes the “Probability Matching” finding of mathematical learning theory, and both are equivalent to zero contingency between responses and consequences.
Modeling synchronous voltage source converters in transmission system planning studies

A voltage source converter (VSC) can be beneficial to power utilities in many ways. To evaluate the VSC performance in potential applications, the device has to be represented appropriately in planning studies. This paper addresses VSC modeling for EMTP, power flow and transient stability studies. First, the VSC operating principles are overviewed and the device model for EMTP studies is presented. The ratings of VSC components are discussed, and the device operating characteristics are derived based on these ratings. A power flow model is presented and various control modes are proposed. A detailed stability model is developed, and its step-by-step initialization procedure is described. A simplified stability model is also derived under stated assumptions. Finally, validation studies are performed to demonstrate performance of developed stability models and to compare it with EMTP simulations.
Elasticity, Strength, and Other Related Properties of Some Refractory Castables

Young's modulus of elasticity, transverse strength, extensibility, and load resistance were determined at a series of test temperatures on six groups of laboratory-prepared refractory castables which had (a) no heat-treatment, (b) heat-treatment at 1050°C., and (c) heat-treatment at 1300°C. The data suggested that the alterations in composition that occur with a rise in temperature were related to corresponding changes in modulus of elasticity and strength. The effects of dehydration, conversion of amorphous alumina to γ-alumina, and silica inversions were evident. The cement content and temperature of operation as well as the heat-treatment of the castables affected all these mechanical properties to varying degrees.
Official Development Assistance and Foreign Direct Investment Flows to Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: Foreign direct investment is believed to have a positive impact on the economies of the developing countries but its determinants are not yet fully established. This paper empirically investigates the relationship between official development assistances and foreign direct investment flows using panel data from 11 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 1990–2003. The results show that bilateral official development assistance has a significant and positive influence on foreign direct investment flows. The results also show that trade openness, growth rate in the labor force, and exchange rates have a positive and significant effect on foreign direct investment flows. But multilateral development assistance, the growth rate in GDP per capita, the country's composite risk level, and the index for political freedom and civil liberties do not have a statistically significant effect on foreign direct investment flows. The policy implication of the positive and significant influence of the bilateral official development assistance on foreign direct investment is that the recipient countries need to formulate policies that improve their economic relationships with the donor countries in order to attract greater foreign direct investment flows from the multilateral corporations located in these countries.
A First Egret-Unid-Related Agenda for the Next-Generation Cherenkov Telescopes

The next generation of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) will open the regime between ≈ 30 GeV and 200 GeV to ground-based gamma observations with unprecedented point source sensitivity and source location accuracy. I examine the prospects of observing the unidentified objects (UNIDs) of the Third EGRET Catalog using the IACT observatories currently under construction by the CANGAROO, HESS, MAGIC and VERITAS collaborations. Assuming a modest spectral steepening similar to that observed in the inverse Compton component of the Crab Nebula spectrum and taking into account the sensitivity of the instruments and its zenith angle dependence, a detailed list of 78 observable objects is derived which is then further constrained to 38 prime candidates. The characteristics of this agenda are discussed.
A Multilevel Approach to Relating Subjective Workload to Performance After Shifts in Task Demand

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this laboratory experiment was to demonstrate how taking a longitudinal, multilevel approach can be used to examine the dynamic relationship between subjective workload and performance over a given period of activity involving shifts in task demand. BACKGROUND: Subjective workload and conditions of the performance environment are oftentimes examined via cross-sectional designs without distinguishing within-from between-person effects. Given the dynamic nature of performance phenomena, multilevel designs coupled with manipulations of task demand shifts are needed to better model the dynamic relationships between state and trait components of subjective workload and performance. METHOD: With a sample of 75 college students and a computer game representing a complex decision-making environment, increases and decreases in task demand were counterbalanced and subjective workload and performance were measured concurrently in regular intervals within performance episodes. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. RESULTS: Both between- and especially within-person effects were dynamic. Nevertheless, at both levels of analysis, higher subjective workload reflected performance problems, especially more downstream from increases in task demand. CONCLUSION: As a function of cognitive-energetic processes, shifts in task demand are associated with changes in how subjective workload is related to performance over a given period of activity. Multilevel, longitudinal approaches are useful for distinguishing and examining the dynamic relationships between state and trait components of subjective workload and performance. APPLICATION: The findings of this research help to improve the understanding of how a sequence of demands can exceed a performer's capability to respond to further demands. Language: en