cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Universality, nonuniversality, and the effects of anisotropy on diffusion-limited aggregation.

Large numbers (hundreds) of quite large [(4--8)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ lattice sites or particles] diffusion-limited-aggregation (DLA) clusters have been grown on two-dimensional square, hexagonal, and triangular lattices to investigate the effects of lattice anisotropy. Similar simulations have been carried out to explore other types of anisotropy, such as anisotropy in the diffusion process and sticking. Our results suggest that the DLA process is sensitive to anisotropy of low symmetry. DLA on the triangular and hexagonal lattices (both with sixfold effective symmetry) lead to structures which can be characterized by a radius of gyration exponent \ensuremath{\beta} of 0.585\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003 (the same as that found for off-lattice DLA). For the square lattice an effective value of about 0.60 is found for the largest cluster sizes used and anisotropy in diffusion or sticking with threefold symmetry leads to even larger radius-of-gyration exponents. Our results suggest that off-lattice DLA and DLA in systems with about fivefold or higher symmetry belong to one universality class and that DLA in environments of lower symmetry lead to structures in a different universality class or classes. Our results for square-lattice DLA are consistent with the theoretical predictions of Turkevich and Sher, but our results for the hexagonal and triangular lattices do not agree with their theoretical prediction. However, in these cases, the discrepancy can be rationalized by using ideas contained in the work of Turkevich and Sher.
Managing risks in mega defense acquisition projects: Performance, policy, and opportunities

Abstract This research explores key aspects involved in the process of managing risk associated with acquisition projects within the US Department of Defense (DOD). First, various US Government Accountability Office reports are analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the DOD’s overall program management practices, as well as individual projects. Then, the evolution and progress of United States Army’s Future Combat Systems project is examined in detail as a case study to substantiate the argument that insufficient risk management has contributed to project delays and cost overruns significantly. Poor risk management performance and practices are not unique to the Army, but arises from a system bred into the process of gaining approval to implement projects in the DOD. Incorporating a comprehensive risk management plan in the planning phase and filling key project management positions with personnel trained to recognize sound proposals from contractors would make significant strides toward improving overall project management practices in the DOD.
A NOTE ON INTERGENERATIONAL MOBILITY AND INTRAHOUSEHOLD BALANCE OF POWER

This paper studies how family's decisions about investments in children are an important determinant of adults' earnings, and thus of persistence in income differentials. We propose a model of investment in children that allows parents to have different preferences using a collective household framework, and investigate how the intrahousehold distribution of power affects children outcomes and the transmission of economic status across generations. The results suggest that failure to account for intrahousehold balance of power as source of household heterogeneity might affect the interpretation of the structural parameters of interest and the evaluation of earnings persistence.
Primary idiopathic chylopericardium

Primary idiopathic chylopericardium is rare and represents a fraction of all pericardial effusions in the pediatric population. Most cases of chylopericardium occur as a complication of cardiac surgery or after trauma. They may also be caused by tuberculosis, neoplasm, or congenital lymphangiomatosis. Primary idiopathic chylopericardium is a rare disease with unknown etiology. In assessing pediatric patients with an enlarged cardiac silhouette one should be aware of this entity and its presentation. We report two cases of primary idiopathic chylopercardium, one of which at 6 weeks of age is the youngest case to our knowledge so far reported.
In Vitro Binding of Vitamin E to Selected Dietary Fiber Sources

An in vitro method was used to assess interaction between whole fiber (WF) sources and vitamin E under simulated physiological conditions (pH 2, pH 7, pH 2–7; bile salt 5–15 mM; 37°C). Dose-response and binding characteristics (via Scatchard analysis) were examined. Binding of vitamin E by lupin and gum were higher (p≤0.05) at pH 2 and pH 7 than at the sequential treatment. Oat bran, treated at pH 7 or sequentially, showed increased (p≤0.05) binding of vitamin E as fiber level increased (25 - 100 mg). Scatchard plots revealed two specific noninteracting binding sites for sugarbeet and barley bran. Affinities (Kd) and capacities (n) were compared among fibers. Affinities for vitamin E were: sugarbeet>oat>lupin>barley>gum. Capacities were: barley > gum > lupin > sugarbeet > oat. Vitamin E binding to DF is complex, multifactorial, and not due to a single mechanism.
The Effects of the Herbicides Diquat® and Dichlobenil (Casoron®) on Pond Invertebrates Part I. Acute Toxicity

Abstract The median tolerance limits (TLm) of Diquat (1:1-ethylene-2:2′ dipyridylium dibromide) and Dichlobenil (2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile) to one amphipod and larvae of five species of aquatic insects were determined. Diquat was over 300 times more toxic to the amphipod (Hyalella azeteca) than to the mayfly (Callibaetis sp.) while the caddisfly (Limnephilus sp.), tendipedid (Tendipedidae), damselfly (Enallagma sp.), and dragonfly (Libellula sp.) in that order, were more resistant. The addition of pond mud to the test vessels changed the 96-hour TLm of Diquat for the amphipod from 0.046 to 6.8 mg/liter. Dichlobenil was less toxic than Diquat to the amphipod but more toxic to the aquatic insects. Dichlobenil had a narcotizing effect that was recorded as an immobilization concentration (IC50). The addition of pond mud did not reduce the toxicity of Dichlobenil to the caddisfly. The 4% granular formulation of Dichlobenil had a 72-hour “lag” before an effective concentration was obtained equivalent to the toxi...
Comparison of acucise endopyelotomy and endoballoon rupture for management of secondary proximal ureteral stricture in the porcine model

At this point in time, endopyelotomy is first-line therapy for both primary and secondary adult ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) in many medical centers. However, the potential, albeit small, for significant bleeding with any endoincision of the UPJ has sparked interest in the simple, less morbid technique of endoballoon rupture. To date, no comparative data are available on the effectiveness of these two techniques. Thirty female minipigs were randomized to cutting balloon (Acucise) endopyelotomy (AEP) (N = 13), endoballoon rupture (EBR) (N = 13), or a control arm (N = 4). Following baseline retrograde pyelogram (RPG) and diuretic renogram (DRG), a secondary proximal ureteral stricture was created by laparoscopic ligation of the UPJ. After 8 weeks, AEP or EBR was performed in each of the study pigs. In 16 pigs (8 AEP, 8 EBR), a 7F 22-cm ureteral stent was placed (chronic arm). After 6 weeks, the stent was removed, and a second RPG and DRG were performed. Three months post-treatment, after RPG and DRG, the renal units were harvested, and histologic sections of the affected UPJ, contralateral normal ureter, and ipsilateral kidney were examined. Ten pigs (5 AEP, 5 EBR) underwent harvest immediately after treatment (acute arm). The four control animals remained untreated. At 8 weeks, all minipigs had obstructive findings on RPG and DRG. All UPJs could be treated but one, which had an impassable stricture; there were no perioperative complications. In the acute arm, all UPJs were patent. All five AEP ureters had evidence of an uneven cut and cautery effect. Of the EBR ureters, two had smooth tears and three had ragged tears, and none had evidence of cautery effect. In the chronic arm, 3 months after either AEP or EBR, all minipigs had a patent UPJ, yet only 5 of 16 had an improved 1 1/2 by DRG. Histologic sections of the affected UPJs from 20 minipigs in the chronic arm (8 AEP, 8 EBR, 4 controls) were indistinguishable among the three groups; each revealed significant periureteral fibrosis and chronic inflammation with a mainly unremarkable muscular layer. However, histologic sections of 25 treated kidneys, including both acute and chronic animals (13 AEP, 12 EBR), revealed endstage renal disease (N = 10), chronic inflammatory changes (N = 7), or normal tissue (N = 8). Again, there was no trend favoring either AEP and EBR. In summary, in this laboratory study, we could detect no difference in outcome between an incisional endopyelotomy and an endoballoon rupture for treating secondary UPJO.
Linsanity and the shaking of interethnic boundary

Jeremy Lin is an Asian American, was an excellent college student, and is a humble young man. However, he went beyond these good but not necessarily required qualities for being a successful profes...
Synthesis and Structure of a Mo3S4 Cluster Complex with Seven Cluster Electrons

A trinuclear molybdenum cluster having 7 d-electrons, (Cp*Mo)3S4 (1), has been synthesized from reduction of Cp*Mo(StBu)3 by Na/Hg. Extended Huckel calculations on (CpMo)3S4 indicate that the unpaired electron resides in the 2e orbital, which is slightly antibonding with respect to the cluster atoms. In fact, the Mo3S43+ cluster expands compared with a 6 electron Mo3S44+ core. We found evidence for a distortion of the cluster, albeit very small, due to the Jahn−Teller effect.
CRT-807 Prognostic Impact of Improvement in Intra-Operative Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressure and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Patients Undergoing Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Previous studies have demonstrated reduced survival in high risk patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR who had elevated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) at baseline. However, effects of elevated intra-operative PASP on long term outcomes in these patients are not clearly defined. We
Left atrial appendage exclusion using an Amplatzer device

Patients with atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk of having a cardioembolic stroke. Most of the thrombi responsible for these ischemic events originate in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Several surgical and percutaneous endovascular techniques have been explored to occlude the LAA. As an alternative of the surgical closure, percutaneous exclusion of the LAA is a new approach used to prevent strokes in high-risk patients with AF and contraindication to long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. Currently, two devices have been developed specifically for percutaneous occlusion of the LAA the PLAATO system and the WATCHMAN filter system. Although the Amplatzer septal occluder device was not originally intended to occlude the LAA it has been used with success in our centre for this purpose. We present an illustrative case of a patient with AF no longer suitable for chronic OCA referred for percutaneous exclusion of the LAA. She was treated successfully with an Amplatzer septal occluder. Although our experience with this device holds promise, future trials will be necessary to explore this strategy.
The evolution of IT towards cloud computing in China and U.S.

IT industry is both fundamental and strategic to a country's economy, and it will continue to play a critical role in industry upgrade and economic development in the foreseeable future. The future of IT industry lies in cloud computing. In recent years, many countries in the world respond enthusiastically to cloud computing. The U.S., Japan and European countries have created strategies to develop cloud computing, aiming to become the leader in the new era. The Chinese government also sees cloud computing as a historic opportunity to rebuild competitive advantages and leapfrog western countries. Against this backdrop, this article compares and contrasts the evolution of IT towards cloud computing between China and western countries especially the U.S. Due to differences in cultures, development stages of IT industries, roles of governments as well as IT companies, we believe future cloud computing ecosystems will be very different between China and the U.S. Fully understanding these differences will greatly help governments as well as companies identify right strategic investments.
Nonconvergence in the Computation of Turbomachinery Performance

Some examples are described of premature nonconvergence and resulting loss of solution of an iterative computer-based procedure for predicting the off-design performance data of an axial-flow pump. Caution in interpreting nonconvergence in similar procedures is suggested. A brief description is given of how the axisymmetric, constant density, steady, adiabatic, locally inviscid blade-element flow model subject to the simple radial-equilibrium condition is used as the basis of the present computation procedure with losses and deviation angles based on correlations of numerous pump rotor data. The base velocity estimation procedures, as well as the loss and deviation angle calculation methods used, are shown to have significant influence on solution convergence. While the examples described are specific, it is believed that the related conclusions are generally applicable to turbomachine flows involving large blade-row exit axial velocity gradients and/or near-zero local axial velocities.
Randomized comparison of 3 different-sized biopsy forceps for quality of sampling in Barrett's esophagus

Background Several types of forceps are available for use in sampling Barrett's esophagus (BE). Few data exist with regard to biopsy quality for histologic assessment. Objective To evaluate sampling quality of 3 different forceps in patients with BE. Design Single-center, randomized clinical trial. Patients Consecutive patients with BE undergoing upper endoscopy. Interventions Patients randomized to have biopsy specimens taken with 1 of 3 types of forceps: standard, large capacity, or jumbo. Main Outcome Measurements Specimen adequacy was defined a priori as a well-oriented biopsy sample 2 mm or greater in diameter and with at least muscularis mucosa present. Results A total of 65 patients were enrolled and analyzed (standard forceps, n = 21; large-capacity forceps, n = 21; jumbo forceps, n = 23). Compared with jumbo forceps, a significantly higher proportion of biopsy samples with large-capacity forceps were adequate (37.8% vs 25.2%, P = .002). Of the standard forceps biopsy samples, 31.9% were adequate, which was not significantly different from specimens taken with large-capacity (P = .20) or jumbo (P = .09) forceps. Biopsy specimens taken with jumbo forceps had the largest diameter (median, 3.0 mm vs 2.5 mm [standard] vs 2.8 mm [large capacity]; P = .0001). However, jumbo forceps had the lowest proportion of specimens that were well oriented (overall P = .001). Limitations Heterogeneous patient population precluded dysplasia detection analyses. Conclusions Our results challenge the requirement of jumbo forceps and therapeutic endoscopes to properly perform the Seattle protocol. We found that standard and large-capacity forceps used with standard upper endoscopes produced biopsy samples at least as adequate as those obtained with jumbo forceps and therapeutic endoscopes in patients with BE.
Designing evidence-based communications programmes to promote handwashing with soap in Vietnam.

Since 2006, the Vietnam Ministry of Health and the Vietnam Women's Union, with support from the World Bank's Water and Sanitation Programme (WSP), have been carrying out a behaviour change communications programme to promote handwashing with soap among women and primary schoolchildren with the objective of reducing the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases in children under five. In developing communications campaigns for both groups, the same process was employed, including: use of a framework to analyse research findings; design of campaign concepts for pre-testing and adjustment; production and implementation of communications activities; and development of a monitoring system. This process resulted in complementary campaigns: one for carers and an education-entertainment campaign for children that uses a cartoon series to promote handwashing with soap. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for programme managers of behaviour change programmes and includes examples of the communications materia...
The dilemma of delirium: Clinical and research controversies regarding diagnosis and evaluation of delirium in hospitalized elderly medical patients

Abstract Delirium, with occurrence rates from 14% to 56%, associated mortality rates from 10% to 65%, and excess annual health care expenditures from $1 to $2 billion, poses a common and serious problem for hospitalized elderly patients. Delirium is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed by physicians caring for elderly patients. Cognitive testing is rarely done as part of the admission evaluation of elderly hospitalized patients. Specific diagnosis has been difficult, since diagnostic criteria and instruments are still being developed. The etiology of delirium is complex and multifactorial, and both predisposing (host vulnerability) and precipitating factors must be considered. The recommended approach to the evaluation of delirium is empiric, in the absence of objective efficacy data. The cornerstone of evaluation includes a careful history, physical examination, and review of the medication list-since medications are the most common reversible cause of delirium. Research is needed to establish a cost-effective approach and to clarify the role of further testing, such as cerebrospinal fluid examination, brain imaging, and electroencephalography. This article is intended to heighten the awareness of clinicians as well as to stimulate research to address this important, neglected problem for elderly hospitalized patients.
Concede or Deny: Do Management Persuasion Tactics Affect Auditor Evaluation of Internal Control Deviations?

ABSTRACT: In an internal control audit, the consequences and assessment subjectivity of control problems motivate managers to try to persuade auditors to lower the assessed severity of an observed control deviation. We report an experiment in which 106 audit seniors evaluate either information technology (IT) or manual control deviations that are potentially indicative of significant deficiencies, after exposure to persuasion tactics based in either concession or denial. For IT control deviations, we find that auditors assess the significance of deficiency lower and the perceived adequacy of management's explanation higher for concessions than for denials. For manual control deviations, we find no differences between concessions and denials. Our results provide evidence of a systematic bias in auditor judgment and indicate a rationale for the ubiquity of management persuasion attempts around control deviations—sometimes they work.
Shape memory alloy honeycombs: experiments & simulation

Metallic foams and honeycombs, with their light-weight, high speciflc stifiness, and well-developed energy absorption characteristics, are of obvious utility in engineering applications. However, these structures, often made of aluminum, sufier permanent deformation after crushing. Cellular structures made from shape-memory alloys (SMAs) are particularly intriguing for their potential to deliver shape memory and/or superelasticity in a light-weight material. Realization of open-celled Nitinol has recently become possible via a (newly discovered by Profs. D. Grummon at Michigan State Univ. and J. Shaw at Univ. of Michigan) transient-liquid reactive brazing system for creating robust metallurgical Nitinol-Nitinol bonds. With this technique, prototype sparse cellular honeycomb structures have been made and tested, showing up to 50% repeatedly recoverable strains. Two difierent microgeometry NiTi honeycombs have been tested, a hexagonal for isothermal conditions and a corrugated for thermal cycling. Moreover, the isothermal experiments are simulated using a model that accounts for flnite rotations and hysteretic responce of the ligaments and geometric imperfections of the flnite size samples.
710 Safety and Outcomes of Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett's Esophagus in Older Subjects: Results From a BETRNet Consortium

whom 180 underwent ER prior to RFA. Ultimately, a complete response for neoplasia (CR-N) and intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM) was achieved in 251 (96%) and 235 (90%) of 262 patients, respectively (24 remain under treatment). There were 38 (13%) patients with 50% BE regression at 3 mo. In these poor initial responders, CR-N was ultimately achieved in 83% (vs 98% in good responders; p 0.01), CR-IM in 60% (vs 93%, p 0.01). Poor responders required a median time for RFA treatment of 11 mo (vs 6 mo; p 0.01) and a median 4 RFA-sessions (vs 3; p 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified the following baseline predictors of poor response at 3 mo: regeneration of ER scar with BE tissue (OR 4.7; p 0.01, Table 1); baseline esophageal narrowing (asymptomatic) pre-RFA (OR 4.6; p 0.02); years of neoplasia before RFA (OR 1.2; p 0.03) (Table 1). Surprisingly, BE length was not associated with poor response at 3 mo. Conclusion: This prospective multicenter study confirms the high success rate of RFA for eradicating BE. Patients with a poor initial response to c-RFA showed a higher rate of ultimate failure for CR-N/CR-IM, required more treatment sessions, and had a longer treatment period than those with a good initial response to cRFA. A poor initial response to c-RFA does not depend on the Barrett’s segment length, but is more likely to occur in patients who regenerate their ER wound with BE, have neoplasia in BE for a longer time period prior to RFA or have a narrowing of their esophagus prior to RFA.
Avian hepatic T3 generation by 5'-monodeiodination: characterization of two enzymatic pathways and the effects of goitrogens.

Abstract 1. 1. The enzymatic nature of 5'-monodeiodination (5'-D) in avian liver homogenates was demonstrated by abolishment of activity by iopanoic acid (IOP). 2. 2. T3 production from T4 was dependent on enzyme and substrate concentrations, incubation time, incubation temperature, and pH. 3. 3. Two pathways of 5'-D activity were present in avian liver and exhibited characteristics similar to those described in mammalian tissues. 4. 4. Type II activity was identified as propylthiouracil (PTU)-insensitive activity. Type I (PTU-sensitive) was determined by difference between Total and Type II. 5. 5. Km values were 1.58 μM T4 for Total activity and 0.90 nM T4 for Type II, corresponding to the characteristics of the mammalian pathways. 6. 6. The effects of goitrogens on avian hepatic 5'-D were equivalent to those reported for the mammalian enzyme.
Expression of cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in tissues and cysts surrounding Didymocystis wedli (Digenea, Didymozoidae) in the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis)

Tuna long distance migrations and exposure to wide range of ambient water temperatures facilitate infections with several parasitic groups. This is reflected in the remarkable diversity of tuna parasite communities, especially members of Didymozoidae superfamily (Poche, 1907) (Trematoda, Digenea). Didymocystis wedli is the most frequent species encountered in bluefin tuna parasitizing gill filaments, therefore suggested as a biological marker to differentiate between discrete tuna Atlantic stocks. Because of its high occurrence in gill tissue and inflammatory reaction as the consequence, the aim of our study was to asses if inflammatory madiation through expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha is present locally at the site of D. wedli encystment, as well as if the systematic expression of cytokines can be detected in different tissues of infected versus uninfected fish. Quantification of localized cytokine expression was done on paraffine embedded gill sections by in situ hybridization, while quantitative PCR was used to mesured cytokine transcripts in skin mucus, kidney, spleen, gills and liver. Our results suggest that tuna constitutive expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in gills and skin implies a well-adapted innate immunity present at the barrier between the organism and environment. Upregulation of both cytokines in Didymocystis-infected gills not followed by a systematic response evidences the ongoing of an inflammatory process specific for the parasitation site. However, the lack of intensive cytokines response to D. wedli observed by molecular and histological data that fails to eliminate the parasite, could be related to the "old" age of the parasitic process.
Latino Adolescents Perception of Parenting Behaviors and Self-Esteem: Examining the Role of Neighborhood Risk.

We examined the relations among parenting behaviors, adolescents' self-esteem, and neighborhood risk with a Midwestern sample of 324 Latino adolescents. The findings suggest that boys' self-esteem is influenced by both mothers' and fathers' parenting behaviors, whereas girls' self-esteem is influenced by mothers' behaviors only. In addition, the findings provide partial support for the notion that parenting influences on psychological outcomes vary based on neighborhood context.
Multiscale unit-memory convolutional codes

In this study, authors propose structure to unit memory (UM) convolutional codes that greatly simplify their decoding when using sequential or suboptimal L-decoders. The multiscale structure proposed in this study preserves the word-oriented nature of unit memory codes (UMCs), but allows for processing the code in blocks of sizes less than the memory of the code with non-Viterbi-type decoders. At one end of the multiscale structure are generic UMCs. At the other end are structured systematic UMCs that can be decoded with the same ease as conventional multimemory convolutional codes with sequential or L-decoders. As a special case, the authors show quick-look parity check systematic codes of arbitrary rates that are better than previously known optimum minimum distance systematic convolutional codes. These codes are derived from block codes and the convolutional code can be decoded using the syndrome decoder of the underlying block code. The authors present simulation results and analysis to support the proposed multiscale UM convolutional codes.
Extension block splinting for the proximal interphalangeal joint.

he proXimal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is par­ticularly susceptible to acute ligamentous in­jury, and such an injury can result in swelling without ligament laXity, collateral ligament laXity and disruption, or a partial or complete avulsion of the volar plate with or without bony involvement. Many articles have been written about methods for treat­ment of injuries to this joint (Bowers,
Effects of restricted flow at the surface of saturated clay

The deflection of, and the pore pressure at, the surface of a saturated clay mass are computed by modelling the mass mathematically as a consolidationg half-space. Specifically, attention is focused on the effect of a surface cover which impedes, though does not entirely prevent, the flow of the pore water. A number of results of interest are reported, generalizing work reported earlier by McNamee and Gibson8.
Simulation and measurement of a Guided Microwave Spectrometry system

Previously a novel microwave measurement device known as the Guided Microwave Spectrometry (GMS) system was developed which proved capable of non-destructively measuring the composition of various mixtures of known constituents [Jean, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, Vol. 55, No. 1, 180-186, 2006]. It operates by measuring the cut-off and passband responses of a section of rectangular waveguide filled with a homogeneous or composite material which can be solid, liquid, or multiphase. While the system can perform multiple-component analysis and finds broad applications in food, chemical, and pharmaceutical studies, the effects of the structure parameters (e.g., waveguide dimensions, coupling loop size, etc.) on the system behavior remain to be explored. Furthermore, it is desirable to examine and understand the GMS system responses to more complex, non-homogeneous mixtures.
Periconceptional vitamin supplementation to prevent neural tube defects: How can we do it?

Abstract The discovery that folic acid can reduce neural tube defect rates offers a great opportunity for primary prevention. Unfortunately, women must receive the folic acid before or immediately after conception, before many know that they are pregnant. Thus, we are faced with a difficult choice: (1) ask all women at risk of getting pregnant to take supplements, or (2) fortify the food supply to ensure that all women at risk receive additional folic acid. Neither approach is ideal. Many women will not take vitamin supplements. Fortification at sufficiently high levels to provide all women with 400 μg of folic acid will expose other segments of the population to unacceptably high levels. Because many women of child-bearing age are unaware of the benefits of folic acid, a vigorous education campaign should begin immediately to encourage women at risk to take supplements. Adding 70 μg of folic acid per 100 g of grain could be justified easily because this amount is removed from grain in processing. If it is technically feasible, adding up to 140 μg is likely to be safe, and could prevent more NTDs. A major educational campaign and modest fortification of grain with folic acid may be the best practical solution.
Inhibition of monoterpene cyclases by inert analogues of geranyl diphosphate and linalyl diphosphate

Abstract The tightly coupled nature of the reaction sequence catalyzed by monoterpene synthases has prevented direct observation of the topologically required isomerization step leading from geranyl diphosphate to the enzyme-bound, tertiary allylic intermediate linalyl diphosphate, which then cyclizes to the various monoterpene skeletons. X-ray crystal structures of these enzymes complexed with suitable analogues of the substrate and intermediate could provide a clearer view of this universal, but cryptic, step of monoterpenoid cyclase catalysis. Toward this end, the functionally inert analogues 2-fluorogeranyl diphosphate, (±)-2-fluorolinalyl diphosphate, and (3 R )- and (3 S )-homolinalyl diphosphates (2,6-dimethyl-2-vinyl-5-heptenyl diphosphates) were prepared, and compared to the previously described substrate analogue 3-azageranyl diphosphate (3-aza-2,3-dihydrogeranyl diphosphate) as inhibitors and potential crystallization aids with two representative monoterpenoid cyclases, (–)-limonene synthase and (+)-bornyl diphosphate synthase. Although these enantioselective synthases readily distinguished between (3 R )- and (3 S )-homolinalyl diphosphates, both of which were more effective inhibitors than was 3-azageranyl diphosphate, the fluorinated analogues proved to be the most potent competitive inhibitors and have recently yielded informative liganded structures with limonene synthase.
Flexibility and Time Dependence in Activity Scheduling Models

Activity scheduling models describe how people build daily activity schedules, given the opportunities and constraints they face. Many current models fail to adequately account for interdependence of these opportunities and constraints over time. This limits their ability to model aspects of behavior such as routine patterns, the desire for flexibility, and responses to urgent needs. Time dependence issues affect user responses to many transportation policies, including ridesharing incentives, flex-time, and paratransit strategies. Time dependence can be better captured by conceptualizing the activity scheduling process as a regulation and control process, the objective of which is to obtain an activity program that is both feasible and personally optimal. Activity schedules evolve over time as a result of regulatory action taken in response to the arrival of disturbances. An example is provided to illustrate the application of these concepts to the activity scheduling process. While it can incorporate us...
Hazards of Bicycling: From Handlebars to Lightning

The bicycle, an invention that provides joy and transportation to millions of people, can also be a source of disabling injuries and death. The victims of bicycle accidents are usually in good health and often young. Most of the fatal head injury cases are teenagers. In this article, I have chosen four areas of bicycle trauma that frequently brings the bicycle patient to the attention of a neurologist. These areas are (1) head trauma as a consequence of road collisions; (2) compressive ulnar neuropathy; (3) impotence, probably due to compression of the pudendal nerve or its branches; and (4) lightning-related bicycle injuries. The one thing that all four categories have in common is that they are often preventable. Helmet usage and common sense would lower the number of serious head trauma cases by 50%. Compressive ulnar and pudendal neuropathies can be prevented or reduced if the cyclist would frequently change his or her position in relation to the handlebar and saddle. In the majority of cases of compressive neuropathies, the symptoms improve if the patient takes a holiday from bike riding. Lightning injuries can be avoided or lessened if the cyclist takes proactive measures to limit his or her exposure during thunderstorms. These proactive measures include knowing the climate patterns of the area and knowing where the nearest safe shelter is located.
Inhibition of Human Basophil Leukotriene Release by Antiinflammatory Steroids

We have previously shown that 24-hour culture of human basophils with the antiinflammatory steroid dexamethasone produces an inhibition of the IgE-dependent release of histamine. In contrast, similar
The Effect of Dietary Fat Level on Heat Prostration of Broilers

Abstract Three trials were conducted to study the effect of dietary fat level on mortality that was due to heat prostration in 8-week-old male broilers. The four diets contained 1, 3, 7 and 10 percent added animal fat and were fed ad libitum for the 4- to 8-week experimental period. At 8 weeks of age, the dry-bulb temperature was increased from 21.1° C. with a dew point temperature of 10.0° C. to 40.6° C. over 6 hours, with a dewpoint temperature of 23.9° C. The temperature was held at 40.6° C. for 2 hours, then decreased to 26.7° C. over 30 minutes. Mortality that was due to heat prostration was recorded at 30-minute intervals during the stress test. The results obtained indicate that the dietary level of animal fat did not affect mortality due to heat prostration. This finding is significant since more concentrated rations are sometimes fed to commercial broilers during the summer in an attempt to improve growth and feed utilization.
A Systems Engineering Methodology for Information Systems

Complex information systems are often developed without systematic consideration of architectural alternatives partially because systems engineers have lacked a methodology for performing quantitative trade studies of networked systems of sensors, processors, and communications systems. In this paper an approach is discussed for analyzing time-critical information systems and performing systems trades. Information systems are described in terms of design factors with discrete factor levels. Object-oriented models are constructed of the information systems and simulations are run to obtain system measures of performance. Design of experiments is used to drastically reduce the number of models required. The approach is illustrated for an example combat identification information system. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 3: 68–81, 2000
Team Processes and Safety of Workers: Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Processes of Construction Crews

AbstractHigh-risk sectors emphasize teamwork as a key strategy for systematic error management and accident prevention. In the construction sector, however—a sector that accounts for 6% of the employment and 20% of the occupational fatalities in the United States—current theories and practices of accident prevention ignore the important role of team processes. This study investigates the team processes that influence construction workers’ safety, and discusses the challenges in developing effective teamwork in construction crews. The paper first summarizes the literature on team performance with a focus on construction work groups. The review identifies the key cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of teamwork affecting workers, safety. These teamwork components provide the criteria for evaluating the attributes of construction operations and context that create challenges to effective teamwork at the production level. This discussion also reviews practices that construction supervisors use to i...
Tracing faith-based service landscapes: the contours of messiness at the Open Door Community in Atlanta

A burgeoning geographic literature examines the politics of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in neoliberalized social welfare landscapes. This scholarship on FBOs in the “postsecular city” argues for a “messy middle ground” that explores moments of subversion and resistance, but avoids drawing a clear dividing line between those groups that advance neoliberal agendas and those that resist them. In this paper, I use a case study approach to examine the contours of “messiness” at the Open Door Community, an FBO in Atlanta. The subjectivity of FBO participants is argued as integral to the complex set of perspectives that pre-empt any easy classification of FBO politics. Multiple, conflicting subjectivities and power disparities characterize even FBOs with emancipatory agendas.
Normal vertebral dimensions and normal variation in serial measurements of vertebrae

A total of 568 lateral spine radiographs of 191 generally healthy white perimenopausal women were used to determine the limits of normal for shape and dimensions of the vertebral bodies most often involved in osteoporotic fracture. Anterior and posterior vertebral heights for T7-L4 were used to compute wedge shape, relative posterior height, and relative serial change. Wedge shape was defined as anterior height minus posterior height divided by posterior height. Relative posterior height was defined as the posterior height of a vertebra minus the posterior height of the vertebra superior divided by the posterior height of the vertebra superior. The degree of normal wedging depended on position: wedge values progressed down the spine, from a mean of -0.106 at T7 to 0.048 at L4. The minimum normal wedge value ranged from -0.209 at T7 to -0.083 at L4. Radiographs on a cohort of 28 osteoporotic women were evaluated both by ordinary clinical reading of the radiographs and by using the standards developed from the normal subjects. Initial agreement between the two modes of assessment was 85.4%, and in resolving the remaining disagreements the clinician agreed that he had initially misread the films in all but 3.2%. On the basis of this limited experience, we conclude that the use of such objective standards, in a computer-operated algorithm, is more accurate than routine radiographic assessment. Serial x-rays spanning a 15-20 year period in these women permitted determination of both reproducibility and longitudinal change in vertebral dimensions in the perimenopause. The mean relative serial change was not significantly different from zero for all vertebrae.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Scanning for competitive intelligence: a managerial perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to advance and investigate empirically how entrepreneurial attitude and normative beliefs influence managerial scanning for competitive intelligence and how managerial scanning efforts subsequently impact managerial interpretation of organizations' strengths and weaknesses in the competitive arena.Design/methodology/approach – A structural equation model was tested with survey data from 309 managers in the USA.Findings – The results indicate that entrepreneurial attitude orientation and market orientation significantly impact managerial scanning for competitive intelligence, which in turn leads to managerial representations of competitive advantage.Research limitations/implications – This paper demonstrates that scanning for competitive intelligence is more an entrepreneurial activity than a routine activity for managers, and that managerial scanning efforts can be maximized in highly market‐oriented organizations that value competitive intelligence collection and di...
Nanocrystalline silicon for photovoltaics and integrated photonics

This paper investigates the applications of nanocrystalline semiconductors, and in particular silicon nanostructures, in the areas of integrated photonics and photovoltaics. The fundamental principles, properties, and performance advantages resulting from the incorporation of nanostructures in photovoltaic and photonic devices are examined. Several device structures as well as fabrication and characterization approaches that are expected to lead in devices with improved performance and/or lower manufacturing cost are proposed and discussed.
Damage Assessment With Nonlinear Vibro-Acoustic Modulation Technique

Assessment of structural deterioration due to in-service and environmental loads is an essential element in ensuring safety, operability and long life of various structures and structural components. There is an increasing need for technologies that could allow for monitoring material degradation at the micro/meso scale before the onset of the macro-scale fracture. In this contribution, we report results of the real-time monitoring of the material micro/meso scale degradation using the nonlinear acoustic vibro-modulation technique. The technique explores nonlinear acoustic interaction of high frequency ultrasound and low frequency structural vibration at the site of the incipient damage. It is shown that micro/meso scale degradation increases the material nonlinearity leading to modulation of the high frequency ultrasonic signal by low frequency vibration, quantified by the nonlinear acoustic damage index (DI). The correlation of DI measured for hundreds of test coupons with material degradation was confirmed using traditional ultrasonic and SEM examinations.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Diving Bradycardia and Withdrawal Bradycardia in Caiman crocodilus

DIVING animals have been reported to respond with a drastic reduction in heart rate when their head is submerged; this is known as “diving bradycardia”. The phenomenon has been reported in dozens of species including some that do not ordinarily dive1. The bradycardia is extreme; for example, the heart rate of the alligator drops from 41 to 3 (ref. 2). We here suggest that a significant portion of the reduction reflects the animal's psychological state.
Value stocks and market efficiency

We form portfolios based on firm book-to-market equity ratios and apply stochastic dominance tests. Value (high book-to-market) portfolios dominate low book-to-market portfolios. Thus, value stocks are not rationally priced by the market and the book-to-market ratio is not an efficiently priced proxy for equity risk. We also find that the superior performance of value stocks is not due to the January effect.
Band model for transition-metal chalcogenides having layer structures with occupied trigonal-bipyramidal sites

Abstract From symmetry arguments, the occupied d bands of superconducting NbSe2 and semiconducting WSe2 are identified as | ± 2, ∓ 1 2 〉 , which is split from the next higher d band | ± 2, ± 1 2 〉 by the energy gap Eg = 2kcλ − Wb. Wb is the mean bandwidth and kcλ the effective spinorbit coupling parameter.
The elastic field caused by a general ellipsoidal inclusion and the application to martensite formation

Abstract The elastic field throughout an ellipsoidal inclusion in an indefinitely-extended anisotropic material is investigated when an eigenstrain (a stress-free transformation strain) is periodically distributed throughout the inclusion. This is an extention of the results obtained by J.D. Eshelby (1961) for uniform eigenstrains and by R.J. Asaro and D.M. Barnett (1975) for polynomial eigenstrains. The solution is applied to the evaluation of elastic strain energies of a disc-shaped martensite with alternating twins and of a spherical precipitate with a banded structure. The significant amount of the elastic strain energies explains the necessity of the supercooling of austenite steel for the martensitic transformation to occur.
Theoretical comparison of donor-density graded base and uniformly doped base in Pnp AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors

Abstract A theoretical analysis is developed to calculate both the base transit time and base sheet resistance of Pnp AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors with various base donor-density grading schemes. We demonstrate that, while for a given base transit time the donor-density graded base allow a thicker base layer than the uniform base, the graded base can potentially have higher base sheet resistance than that of the uniform base. Some care needs to be exercised in choosing a proper grading scheme to result in a minimum base sheet resistance for any given base transit time. If a proper grading scheme is used, the graded base should be used instead of the uniform base to simultaneously achieve the smallest τ B and lowest R SH .
Assessment and Management of Insomnia

INSOMNIA IS A COMMON TREATABLE disorder of insufficient or poorquality sleep, with adverse daytime consequences. Insomnia presents as trouble falling asleep (long-sleep latency), trouble staying asleep (excessive or prolonged awakenings), or feeling nonrestored from sleep. Insomnia can be a primary disorder emerging in childhood or later, a conditioned (psychophysiological) disorder, or comorbid with a psychiatric, medical, or other sleep disorder. Insomnia can be transient (related to stress, illness, travel) or chronic (occurring nightly for 6 months). Persistent untreated insomnia is a strong risk factor for major depression. Insomnia must be distinguished from sleep-state misperception and short sleep states without symptoms. More than 50 epidemiological studies have shown that one third of various general populations have insomnia symptoms and that 9% to 21% have insomnia with serious daytime consequences, such as bodily fatigue, diminished energy, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, low motivation, loss of productivity, irritability, interpersonal difficulties (with family, friends, coworkers), increased worrying, anxiety, and depression. Chronic sleep loss, which occurs in untreated insomnia, is a major risk factor for fatigue-related automobile crashes and industrial accidents, loss of jobs, marital and social problems, poor health, metabolic and endocrine dysregulation with impaired ability to maintain weight control, coronary heart disease, major depression, and suicidality. Insomnia is associated with enormous direct and indirect costs, as much as $14 billion in the United States in 1995. Physicians should therefore establish an effective clinical strategy for eliciting and managing insomnia complaints. Use of a sleep-trained nurse, psychologist, or both on a consultation basis or as a member of the physician’s medical practice should be considered. One study has reported on the benefit of behavioral treatment of insomnia provided by a trained clinic nurse in a general medical practice. However, the cost-effectiveness of incorporating a sleep-trained nurse or psychologist into a medical practice has yet to be reported.