cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of Safety Prediction Models for Influence Areas of Ramps in Freeways

The objective of this study was to build safety prediction models for collisions that occur in the influence areas of freeway ramps. Specifically, this study addresses the safety effectiveness of left-hand ramps that have not been well quantified in previous studies. The models quantified safety effects of traffic, geometric, and environmental factors using three statistical methods based on an underlying negative binomial distribution: (1) a generalized linear model with only main effect variables, (2) a generalized linear model with main effects and interaction terms, and (3) the new Hauer method model. The results showed that, all else being equal, left-hand ramps appear to have significantly higher collision frequencies than right-hand ramps, and on-ramps have higher collision frequencies than off-ramps. The analysis also shed light on the three modeling procedures. The new Hauer procedure represented linear and nonlinear relationships very well with diverse functional forms for each explanatory variable, whereas a generalized log-linear model did not adequately develop relationships for some explanatory variables. Meanwhile, the generalized log-linear model with interaction terms fit the data as well as the new Hauer procedure.
Smooth muscle cell hypertrophy of renal cortex arteries with chronic continuous flow left ventricular assist.

Abstract Background Pathophysiology of long-term continuous flow left ventricular assist is not well described. With many of these devices becoming available, it is important to examine for possible pathologic effects. In this study we examined the relationship between diminished pulsatility and pathologic changes in renal cortical arteries. Methods Twenty-nine calves were implanted with various continuous flow left ventricular assist systems in a left ventricle-descending thoracic aorta bypass configuration. Pulsatility was quantified by pulse pressure and pulsatility index. Pathologic changes of the renal cortex arteries were described and evaluated by medial thickness, medial/vascular cross-sectional area ratio, and smooth muscle cell count, to quantify hypertrophy or hyperplasia. Seven calves, which underwent a sham-implant, were used as controls. Results Systolic arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and pulsatility index were significantly lower and diastolic pressure was significantly higher than before implant in pump-implanted animals. Twenty-three of 29 pump-implanted calves (79.3%) had medial smooth muscle cell hypertrophy in renal cortex arteries, whereas none of sham-implanted calves had any abnormal lesions. When the pump-implanted calves were grouped according to the presence of smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, there was a clear trend toward lower pump flow rate in calves with lesions. Renal function was within the normal range in all calves. Conclusions There appears to be a relationship between smooth muscle cell hypertrophy in renal cortex arteries and continuous flow left ventricular assist. Furthermore, although the pathologic changes are likely multifactorial, these lesions appear to be related to lower pump assist rates.
In vivo oxygen toxicity in invertebrates and vertebrates.

Abstract 1. Representatives of six diverse species were exposed in vivo to 5 atm absolute of 100% oxygen and the toxic action of oxygen was measured by quantitating decreases in oxygen consumption. 2. Terrestrial and marine organisms showed marked decreases in oxygen consumption within 3 hr of hyperbaric oxygen exposure. 3. Species from fresh water habitats were more resistant to oxygen toxicity and a possible explanation of these findings is given.
STUDIES ON THE OXIDATION AND REDUCTION OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES : II. THE HEMOTOXIN OF THE WELCH BACILLUS.

A study has been made of the oxidation and reduction of the hemotoxin of the Welch bacillus. The oxidation of the lysin results in the loss of its hemolytic activity. The "inactive" oxidation product of the Welch lysin may be reversed to the "active" lysin by treatment with biological or chemical reducing agents. The lysin, both in its reduced and oxidized form, is irreversibly inactivated by the same heat treatment. The pH of the system is an important factor in the oxidation of the lysin, the process proceeding much more rapidly at a pH above 7.0.
Adopting Direct Democracy Tests of Competing Explanations of Institutional Change

Why was direct democracy adopted in some U.S. states and not others? In this article, we sort through the various arguments advanced in the predominantly historical literature by using event histor...
In Quest of Error's Sly Imprimatur: The Concept of “Authorial Intent” in Modern Textual Criticism

By common consent the constitution of an author's text is the highest aim a scholar can set before himself.It is not easy to imagine any historian advancing such a claim these days--or at least meaning it. In fact many historians might not even be sure what Burnet meant by it. Yet, if the metier of textual criticism in history has fallen on hard times, it might not be quite true that there is no place for it at all, even in African historiography. At first glance, to be sure, it might seem quite beside the point to discuss “constituting” any text, written or oral, that Africanists might use as a source, since it must most often seem as if these texts are quite straightforward existing in the state we chance upon them and in that state only.As is so frequently the case in the study of African history, for example, the only genuine sources for the life and activities of St. Patrick are two brief Latin texts he composed (or so it is widely believed), but which have survived only in versions committed to writing some two and a half centuries after his death. Well might we ask of materials like this: what text is to be “constituted” here? why is it necessary to engage in monotonous and time-consuming efforts to warrant the accuracy--that is, the verbal accuracy--of such texts? what is it possible to do anyway? and what is to be gained by doing it? As it happens, contemporary textual critics would have several answers to each of these questions, but here I want to deal only with a single facet of modern textual critical activity, its unending preoccupation with “authorial intent,” leaving the discussion of several other pertinent issues for another time.
Microstructure of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. cv. ‘NC 7’) cotyledons during development

Abstract Peanut pods ( Arachis hypogaea L. cv. ‘NC 7’) were sampled on a single harvest date. The fresh pods were opened, and the seeds were divided into four developmental categories: (1) very immature; (2) immature; (3) mature; and (4) very mature; according to interior pericarp surfaces, testa color and textural characteristics, and seed size and shape. Seeds for each developmental stage were processed for SEM and TEM evaluations of cotyledonary cells. The primary factors, namely, cell size and type of storage substances synthesized, which contributed to the differences occurring in the microstructure of cotyledonary cells at the selected developmental stages prior to and during maturation are described.
Modeling the airline hub location and optimal market problems with continuous approximation techniques

This paper presents continuous approximation techniques for the airline hub location and optimal market problems, and illustrates the usefulness of continuous approximation modeling in airline operations and network design with example applications. The continuous approximation models are developed for airline operations in restricted and unrestricted single-hub systems. The models can support strategic planning of many-to-many airline distribution systems. Using the proposed models, the effects of changing domestic air travel demand in the United States over the years on optimal hub location are evaluated. Different levels of indifference areas of the optimal hub location are also analyzed in order to investigate the sensitivity of the studied logistic problem to the hub location. It is found that none of the existing major airline hubs fall within the 5% indifference area. However, the 10% indifference areas include Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas, homes to United, Delta, and American Airlines, respectively. The impact of a competitive airline network structure with regard to the hub location is also studied. This study addresses a gap in the airline service planning literature on modeling the optimal market for an airline in a competitive structure with multiple airlines and already located hubs. Results from the continuous model can also provide guidelines for constructing solutions to the more detailed, but computationally heavy discrete design models.
Remarks on form factor bounds

Improved model independent upper bounds on the weak transition form factors are derived using inclusive sum rules. A comparison of the new bounds with the old ones is made for the form factors h{sub A{sub 1}} and h{sub V} in B{yields}D{sup *} decays. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Prolonged benefit of nitroglycerin ointment on exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris

Abstract The effect on exercise tolerance of 2 per cent nitroglycerin ointment and placebo was studied on the bicycle ergometer in 10 patients with angina pectoris, a positive exercise test, and documented coronary artery disease. After a control stress test sufficient to produce angina pectoris and > 1 mm. horizontal or downsloping ST segment depression, nitroglycerin ointment or placebo was administered in a random, double-blinded manner and stress tests were repeated at 1 hour and 3 hours. End points for the exercise stress test were angina and 1 mm. ST segment depression. Forty-eight hours later, stress tests were again performed at 1 hour and 3 hours after administration of the alternate preparation. Work load (watts) plus duration of exercise (minutes) were calculated for each stage of the bicycle ergometer protocol and exercise tolerance was expressed as the sum of this product for all stages completed. Nitroglycerin ointment produced a significant increase in exercise tolerance from a control value of 877 ± 129 watt-minutes to 1165 ± 173 watt-minutes at 1 hour and 1040 ± 137 watt-minutes at 3 hours. Duration of exercise also increased significantly after nitroglycerin ointment from 13.7 ± 1.4 minutes in the control stress test to 16.8 ± 1.4 minutes at 1 hour and 16.3 ± 1.2 minutes at 3 hours. Exercise induced ST segment depression decreased significantly at 1 hour and 3 hours after nitroglycerin ointment but not after the placebo. The placebo produced a small, but statistically significant, increase in exercise tolerance and duration of exercise at 1 hour after its application. However, these increases were significantly smaller than the one observed after nitroglycerin ointment. No changes were observed 3 hours after application of the placebo. Double product at peak exercise was unchanged after nitroglycerin or placebo ointments at 1 hour and 3 hours. These data indicate that nitroglycerin ointment is capable of producing an improvement in exercise tolerance and a reduction in the magnitude of exercise-induced ST segment depression up to 3 hours in patients with coronary artery disease and angina pectoris.
Direct matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric analysis of glycosphingolipids on thin layer chromatographic plates and transfer membranes.

Results are reported for analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) of native glycosphingolipids (GSLs) after development on thin layer chromatographic plates and after heat transfer of the GSLs from the plates to several types of polymer membranes. The spectral quality is better for membrane-bound analytes, in terms of sensitivity, mass resolution and background interference. The sensitivity gain compared with liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS) of GSLs on thin layer plates is 1–2 orders of magnitude (detection limits of 5–50 pmol vs. 1–10 nmol). Resolution and mass accuracy (0.1%) are limited by the irregular membrane surfaces and this effect cannot be entirely compensated by delayed extraction. The best results were obtained with a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) P membrane, with irradiation from a nitrogen laser. Although the Nafion® membrane could not be used for molecular weight profiling, its acidic character led to sample hydrolysis at the glycosidic linkages, thus yielding a series of fragments that could be used to determine the sequence of carbohydrate residues. Structural information could also be obtained by post-source decay (PSD) experiments on mass-selected precursor ions. Samples containing both neutral and acidic components were characterized in a 1:1 combination of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 2-amino-5-nitropyridine. GSLs that exhibited binding to antibodies in an overlay assay on the TLC plate were transferred to membranes and analyzed by MALDI-TOFMS without interference from the antibody or the salts and buffers used during the binding and visualization steps. Taking advantage of the insights into sample preparation gained from these studies, future research will extend this approach to analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI-FTICRMS) with an external ion source. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of ethanol on protein kinase C activity induced by filamentous actin.

Protein kinase C (PKC) can be activated by interaction with filamentous actin (F-actin) in the absence of membrane lipids (S.J. Slater, S.K. Milano, B.A. Stagliano, K.J. Gergich, J.P. Curry, F.J. Taddeo and C.D. Stubbs, Biochemistry 39 (2000) 271-280). Here, the effects of ethanol on the F-actin-induced activities of a panel of PKC isoforms consisting of 'conventional' (cPKC) alpha, betaI, gamma, 'novel' (nPKC) delta, epsilon and 'atypical' (aPKC) zeta were investigated using purified PKC and F-actin. Ethanol was found to inhibit the Ca2+- and phorbol ester-dependent activities of cPKCalpha and betaI, and the Ca2+- and phorbol ester-independent activity of cPKCgamma, whereas the activities of nPKCdelta, epsilon and aPKCzeta were unaffected. Although the activities of cPKCalpha and betaI induced by saturating levels of phorbol ester were inhibited by ethanol, the binding of these isozymes to F-actin was unaffected within the same phorbol ester concentration range. Conversely, within submaximal levels of phorbol ester, cPKCalpha and betaI activities were unaffected by ethanol whereas binding to F-actin was inhibited. The potency of the inhibition of F-actin-induced cPKCbetaI activity increased with n-alkanol chain length up to n-hexanol, after which it declined. The results indicate that PKC activities associated with F-actin, and therefore cellular processes involving the actin cytoskeleton, are potential targets for ethanol action. The effects of ethanol on these processes may differ according to the particular regulating PKC isoform, its intracellular localization and the presence of activators and cofactors.
The data acquisition system for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) is a DOE funded laboratory that is under construction at what is now the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. Scheduled for commissioning in 2022, there are ongoing, lively discussions about the data acquisition system for FRIB, what it will look like and the role it will play in FRIB experiments. This paper reports on the current overall design goals, technologies and work in progress to meet those goals.
Walking the tightrope of faculty support

Determining the desired relationship between IT professionals and faculty is an important step in setting expectations and developing programs to achieve that relationship. Two colleges discuss how they have found a balance between a small staff and the rising interest by faculty to integrate technology into their classrooms and research.
A Portion of Life Solidified: Understanding Ancient Egypt Through the Integration of Archaeology and History

Archaeological evidence is often perceived as either illustrating the historical record or where independent, dealing mainly with small things of little larger importance, like the domestic economy. The search for individual action in the archaeological record seems futile compared to the richness of the historical record at places like Deir el Medina. The founder of modern Egyptian archaeology, W.M. Flinders Petrie, realized the potential for archaeology to reveal not just cultural generalities, but insights into the lives of individuals, most of whom left no written record behind. Both archaeological and historical evidence have unique limitations and challenges in interpretation, but at the same time truly integrating text and archaeology has the potential to yield greater insights into the nature and dynamics of Egyptian society than each source alone could produce.
The IUE and Hubble Space Telescope GHRS Spectrum of the “Hybrid”/PG 1159-Type Central Star of the Planetary Nebula NGC 7094

Absorption features in the IUE spectrum of the "hybrid" PG 1159-type central star of NGC 7094 have been identified and measured. We report equivalent widths for photospheric Fe VI and Fe VII features, interstellar and circumstellar absorptions, and variability of O V λ1371 and C IV λ1549 P Cygni profiles. The terminal wind velocity of -3680 ± 300 km s-1 was determined from the high-dispersion C IV P Cyg feature. Some features from IUE and Hubble Space Telescope GHRS data are compared.
In Search of a Theoretical Explanation for the Credit Card Effect

Abstract Feinberg (1986) conducted a series of experiments in which he manipulated the presence or absence of credit card stimuli in context of experimental tasks requiring subjects to evaluate the worth of products, indicate how much they would be willing to donate to a charity, or to actually donate money. In all experiments, he detected that the mere presence of credit card paraphernalia led to greater valuations and donations. Feinberg proffered two theoretical explanations to account for his findings: classical conditioning and a weapons effect. These were merely conjectured rather than empirically tested. Hence, although Feinberg's research is well known to many consumer behavior scholars, his fascinating finding remains absent of a compelling theoretical explanation. Moreover, Feinberg (1990) himself and Hunt et al. (1990) have failed to replicate Feinberg's (1986) original findings. The purpose of the present research is to attempt to replicate Feinberg's (1986) results and also to test the theoretical explanations that he proposed. To this end, two studies were conducted. Study 1 tested the classical conditioning mechanism. Although this study obtained some support for Feinberg's original credit card effect, the results clearly reveal that classical conditioning is not the explanatory mechanism underlying this result. Study 2 tested the weapons effect mechanism. Findings from this study failed to replicate the credit card effect, thereby also rejecting the weapons effect as a suitable explanation for his original results.
Hypervelocity impact response of aluminum multi-wall structures

Abstract All habitable long-duration spacecraft developed for a mission into the meteoroid and space debris environment must include adequate protection against perforation of pressurized components by meteoroid and space debris particle impact. These impacts occur at extremely high speeds and can damage flight-critical systems, which can in turn lead to catastrophic failure of the spacecraft and possibly loss of life. This paper presents the results of an investigation in which the perforation resistance of aluminum multi-wall structures is analyzed under a variety of hypervelocity impact loading conditions. A comparative analysis of the impact damage in structural systems with two or more bumpers and the damage in single-bumper systems of similar weight is performed to determine the advantages and disadvantages of employing more than one bumper in structural wall systems for long-duration spacecraft. The analysis indicates that a significant increase in protection against perforation by hypervelocity projectiles can be achieved if a single bumper is replaced by two bumpers of similar weight while the total wall spacing is kept constant. It was also found that increasing the number of bumpers beyond two while keeping the total stand-off distance constant does not result in a substantial increase in protection over that offered by two bumpers of similar weight.
Laboratory Measurements of 3 → 2 X-Ray Line Ratios of F-like Fe XVIII and Ni XX

The intensity ratios of 3 {yields} 2 emission lines of Fe XVIII and Ni XX were measured on the Livermore electron beam ion trap (EBIT-I) with a flat-field grating spectrometer. The results were compared with distorted-wave (DW) calculations obtained with the Flexible Atomic Code and recent close-coupling calculations using the R-matrix code. The measured 3s {yields} 2p/3d {yields} 2p ratios are about 20-40% higher than the theoretical values. When more extended configuration interaction is included in the DW theory, the agreement with the measurements improved slightly. At the beam energies of these measurements, no significant resonance contribution is expected to be present, and the discrepancies represent the uncertainties in the direct excitation cross sections.
On the exceptional series, and its descendants

Abstract Many of the striking similarities which occur for the adjoint representation of groups in the exceptional series (cf. [1–3]) also occur for certain representations of specific reductive subgroups. The tensor algebras on these representations are easier to describe (cf. [4,5,7]), and may offer clues to the original situation. The subgroups which occur form a Magic Triangle, which extends Freudenthal's Magic Square of Lie algebras. We describe these groups from the perspective of dual pairs, and their representations from the action of the dual pair on an exceptional Lie algebra. To cite this article: P. Deligne, B.H. Gross, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 335 (2002) 877–881.
Nebulized Sodium Bicarbonate in the Treatment of Chlorine Gas Inhalation

In this two year retrospective review, 86 cases of chlorine gas inhalation from 49 medical facilities were treated with nebulized sodium bicarbonate on the recommendation of the Kentucky Regional P...
Islet grafting and imaging in a bioengineered intramuscular space.

Background. Because the hepatic portal system may not be the optimal site for islet transplantation, several extrahepatic sites have been studied. Here, we examine an intramuscular transplantation site, bioengineered to better support islet neovascularization, engraftment, and survival, and we demonstrate that at this novel site, grafted beta cell mass may be quantitated in a real-time noninvasive manner by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Methods. Streptozotocin-induced rats were pretreated intramuscularly with a biocompatible angiogenic scaffold received syngeneic islet transplants 2 weeks later. The recipients were monitored serially by blood glucose and glucose tolerance measurements and by PET imaging of the transplant site with [11C] dihydrotetrabenazine. Parallel histopathologic evaluation of the grafts was performed using insulin staining and evaluation of microvasularity. Results. Reversal of hyperglycemia by islet transplantation was most successful in recipients pretreated with bioscaffolds containing angiogenic factors when compared with those who received no bioscaffolds or bioscaffolds not treated with angiogenic factors. PET imaging with [11C] dihydrotetrabenazine, insulin staining, and microvascular density patterns were consistent with islet survival, increased levels of angiogenesis, and with reversal of hyperglycemia. Conclusions. Induction of increased neovascularization at an intramuscular site significantly improves islet transplant engraftment and survival compared with controls. The use of a nonhepatic transplant site may avoid intrahepatic complications and permit the use of PET imaging to measure and follow transplanted beta cell mass in real time. These findings have important implications for effective islet implantation outside of the liver and offer promising possibilities for improving islet survival, monitoring, and even prevention of islet loss.
Social Science Contributions to Rural Development Policy in the 1980s

Because it will help to frame the subsequent discussion in this paper, let me begin by defining rural development policy. As I see it, rural development policy involves deliberate action by federal, state, and local governments and private institutions and individuals to achieve three goals: (a) improved rural income levels and employment opportunities; (b) improved access by rural residents to adequate housing and essential community facilities and services; and (c) responsible use of rural resources and the rural environment to
Electronic heterodyne recording of interference patterns

An electronic heterodyne technique is being investigated for video (i.e., television rate and format) recording of interference patterns. In the heterodyne technique electro-optic modulation is used to introduce a sinusoidal phase shift between the beams of an interferometer. For phase modulation frequencies between 0.1 and 15 MHz an image dissector camera may be used to scan the resulting temporally modulated interference pattern. Heterodyne detection of the camera output is used to selectively record the interference pattern. An advantage of such synchronous recording is that it permits recording of low-contrast fringes in high ambient light conditions. The application of this technique to the recording of holograms is discussed.
Growth of slip bands during fatigue of 6061-T6 aluminum

The growth of persistent slip bands (psb), the initial surface manifestation of metal fatigue, was measured with a photoelectron microscope equipped with a fatigue stage. Once the psb had been identified and located, the specimen was subjected to a final detailed examination by scanning electron microscopy. In 6061-T6 aluminum psb initiated within a grain, usually at the site of an inclusion. The psb appeared as a small extrusion and elongated across the grain by the sequential addition of new extrusions. As the psb elongated, the initial extrusions became more pronounced and eventually microcracks developed. Under constant amplitude loading, the rate of elongation of a psb in polycrystalline material varied inversely as the length, whereas in a large grain specimen the rate remained constant. This difference is attributed to the constraints imposed upon a small grain by the surrounding material. The growth laws can be accounted for in terms of a simple two phase model in which the psb has a much lower yield stress than the matrix of the grain.
Strategic alliance in a closed-loop supply chain, a case of manufacturer and eco-non-profit organization

Abstract Increasing attention is being given now a days to developing environmental management (EM) strategies for the supply chain. This research: (1) investigates the factors leading to the development of a closed-loop supply chain, (2) describes the closed-loop supply chain design, (3) focuses on the collection challenges companies have been facing. More specifically, this paper tends to (4) show that manufacturers can create value by implementing a partnership with an eco-non-profit community organization in the collection process of used products for the closed-loop supply chain. This study focuses on the reuse-a-shoe program of Nike and the creation of Throwplace.com to point out the benefits of strategic alliances between manufacturers and eco-non-profit organizations.
Conditioning a distance-dependent competition index to indicate the onset of inter-tree competition

Data from a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) spacing trial were used to investigate relationships between a distance-dependent competition index (CI) and the inflection age of sigmoidal single-tree cumulative basal area curves. Inflection ages increased with increasing initial growing space (GS), consistent with the hypothesis of maximum usable GS. Competition intensity as measured by the CI was generally smallest at a given point in time for trees with large inflection ages, but the trend varied by planting density. CI values at the inflection age also varied with planting density. The CI was modified so that it gave a constant CI value at the inflection age, on average, across all planting densities. Effects of site quality were accounted for to a limited degree, but the range of sites was narrow in the spacing trial. The modified CI should be useful as an absolute measure of competition independent of spacing.
Extraction of junctional complexes from triad junctions of rabbit skeletal muscle

Triadin in skeletal muscle exists as a disulfide linked oligomer. It does not dissolve well in CHAPS detergent even in 1 m KCl, but is solubilized after reduction to its monomer by the addition of 2-mercaptoethanol. Purified reduced triadin is not retained on a hydroxylapatite column in the presence of 30 mm Potassium phosphate, while the junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor purified in the absence of triadin are both retained. In contrast, triadin solubilized as a detergent extract of reduced triadic vesicles is retained by the hydroxylapatite column and elutes concomitantly with the junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor. These findings contrast with the observation that native non-reduced triadin is tightly bound to hydroxylapatite and can be separated from the dihydropyridine receptor and the junctional foot protein with elevated potassium phosphate concentrations. Triadin derived from a detergent extract of reduced vesicles is retained with the hydroxytapatite column in the presence of 180 mm potassium phosphate (0 KCl) which eluted a portion of the junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor. Triadin can then be eluted with the remaining portion of junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor upon the addition of KCl (820 mm) to the 180 mm potassium phosphate medium. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the enrichment of junctional proteins in the 180 mm KPi/820 mm KCl eluate. Rate zonal centrifugation of the 180 mm KPi/820 mm KCl eluate shows that a portion of triadin co-migrates with the dihydropyridine receptor indicative of a much higher molecular weight entity than monomeric triadin. Triadin and the dihydropyridine receptor were, however, separated from the junctional foot protein on rate zonal centrifugation. The dissociated proteins of the complex elute from hydroxylapatite columns similar to the purified proteins. Triadin in the high salt hydroxylapatite extract could also be immunoprecipitated by a monoclonal antibody to the junctional foot protein. Furthermore, the dihydropyridine receptor is immunoprecipitated by a monoclonal antibody directed against triadin providing another indication of a complex between the three proteins. Collectively, these results demonstrate a role for triadin as the linkage between the junctional foot protein and dihydropyridine receptor creating a ternary complex at the triad junction in skeletal muscle.
Evaluation of Prenatal Hydronephrosis: Novel Criteria for Predicting Vesicoureteral Reflux on Ultrasonography

Purpose: Radiographic evaluation for prenatal hydronephrosis often includes voiding cystourethrography to ascertain whether vesicoureteral reflux is present. We sought to determine whether use of voiding cystourethrography could be limited to those patients at greatest risk for vesicoureteral reflux. We hypothesized that vesicoureteral reflux could be predicted by findings on renal/bladder ultrasonography of hydroureter, renal dysmorphia and/or duplication.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of patients with prenatal hydronephrosis who underwent initial postnatal ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrography during a 3-year period. The presence of vesicoureteral reflux on voiding cystourethrogram was correlated to ultrasound findings, including hydronephrosis grade, presence of hydroureter, renal dysmorphia or duplication, with ultrasound considered positive for any of the latter 3 findings.Results: Of 262 patients 47 (18%) had vesicoureteral reflux. Ultrasound was positive in 24 of 29 patient...
Education DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A TOOL FOR ASSIGNING STUDENTS TO GROUPS FOR CLASS PROJECTS

Group project work is an integral part of many university courses. Assigning students to project groups can be difficult because of the students' diverse backgrounds. Many instructors therefore decide not to assign group projects. This paper develops and validates an instrument that assigns both experienced and inexperienced students to different project groups, thereby creating a balanced, fair environment. The instrument is checked for reliability and validity and then is used to assign students to different project groups. Based on group performance, the end-of-the-semester results also are provided. Path analysis is used to test a causal model. Conclusions and implications for future research are presented.
Geothermal Gradients in Mississippi Embayment: ABSTRACT

A statistical analysis of bottom-hole temperatures from oil and gas wells in the northern Mississippi embayment suggests that the geothermal gradient below a depth of 1 km is low (22.2°C/km) and for the New Madrid seismic zone, it is even lower (15.7°C/km). These data support the tentative conclusion of Swanberg et al that ground-water convection is the source of near-surface heat in shallow water wells of the region. Research by Mitchell et al had suggested a high geothermal gradient in the crust and upper mantle beneath the New Madrid seismic zone as a plausible explanation for the lower than average compressional wave velocities observed there. Warmer than normal wells in the northern Mississippi embayment are scattered at random and may be attributed to rand m error in the data. Deep wells in the southern Mississippi embayment are substantially hotter than wells at a comparable depth farther north. The regional geothermal gradient below a depth of 1 km from northern Louisiana to central Mississippi is 26.9°C/km. From central Mississippi to central Alabama, the geothermal gradient (23.1°C/km) is comparable to that of the northern Mississippi embayment. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1460------------
Steady-state and dynamic behavior of fast gas—liquid reactions in non-adiabatic continuous stirred tank reactors

Abstract A dynamic model is set up for a non-adiabatic gas—liquid continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with fast pseudo-first-order reactions. For exothermic reactions, analytic necessary and sufficient criteria are obtained for steady-state uniqueness and multiplicity. The multiplicity patterns thus obtained are shown to be consistent with previous experimental results; this indicates applicability of the model to describe steady-state uniqueness and multiplicity of actual gas—liquid CSTRs. A new type of multiplicity pattern, called ‘persistent multiplicity’ is identified and a previous experimental observation is thus recognized. Stability analysis is carried out to provide necessary and sufficient conditions for local stability of steady states; it is found that the occurrence of limit cycles is usually not possible, at least for the reaction system of this work.
An emergency evasive maneuver algorithm for vehicles

In this paper a collision avoidance algorithm based on the driver's input is presented. In a near collision situation many drivers try to avoid the obstacle by steering; however, there are many instances that they cannot perform a successful avoidance maneuver, since some may steer too much and go off the road, and others may not steer enough and collide with the obstacle. In this research, an algorithm for activating a collision avoidance system based on the driver's input is presented and tested on human subjects in a car driving simulator.
A drone in every driveway.

The article discusses the possibility that flying cars could be mass produced in the 50 years following 2013. According to the article, the possible dangers arriving from airspace congestion could be reduced using technology developed for unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous cars. Topics include the Transition aircraft built by the manufacturer Terrafugia Inc. and the personal air and land vehicle (PAL-V) ONE from the manufacturer PAL-V Europe. Sport Pilot certificates for Light-Sport aircraft piloting are mentioned.
Novel functions for type II procollagen.

AbstractCartilage is unique in being established as an avascular tissue during development. Cartilage also has the property of being resistant to tumor invasion with tumors arising on the periphery of cartilage and in bone, but sparing the cartilage. These properties have been investigated for many years beginning in the 1970’s. Many anti-angiogenic molecules have been isolated from cartilage in small amounts. Portions of molecules from cartilage also possess anti-angiogenic properties when released from the parent protein by degradative extracellular enzymes. This review highlights a new anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor moiety from cartilage, the NH2-propeptide of type IIB collagen. When released from the procollagen during synthesis, the propeptide has the capacity to act on its own to protect the cartilage by killing of endothelial cell, osteoclasts and tumor cells.
The pediatric intern retreat: 20-year evolution of a continuing investment.

ABSTRACT For the past 22 years the interns in pediatrics at the University of Washington and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center have been relieved of all clinical duties in order to participate in a five-day retreat. The retreat provides an opportunity for the interns to learn more about their classmates, build stronger bonds, and provide mutual support. This retreat has been supported by the hospital, the department of pediatrics, faculty, fellows, and community physicians. The authors describe the history of the Intern Retreat, present its goals, daily activities, and faculty, and discuss how the retreat is funded and supported by the hospital and the medical community.
Developing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging for engineering applications

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful, noninvasive measurement method which can be used to obtain spatially resolved information about fluid distributions within media. In the present work, an approach for quantitatively analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data is extended for use with multiple spatial dimensions. A relaxation model is introduced and then used in an inverse problem to obtain local estimates of relaxation distributions. These distributions are then used to obtain spatial distributions of the intrinsic magnetization, the key quantity for quantification of NMR images. The inverse problem utilizes B-spline basis functions to represent the unknown relaxation distribution and a regularization term to stabilize the solution. The impact of the regularization is controlled through the use of a regularization parameter which is chosen using a data driven, computerized method based on nonparametric regression. The approach is demonstrated on laboratory data obtained from a Bentheimer...
Matrix element analyses of dark matter scattering and annihilation

We provide a compendium of results at the level of matrix elements for a systematic study of dark matter scattering and annihilation. We identify interactions that yield spin-dependent and spin-independent scattering and specify whether the interactions are velocity and/or momentum suppressed. We identify the interactions that lead to $s$-wave or $p$-wave annihilation, and those that are chirality suppressed. We also list the interaction structures that can interfere in scattering and annihilation processes. Using these results, we point out situations in which deviations from the standard lore are obtained.
PHOSPHOLIPID BIOSYNTHESIS AND SECRETION IN CULTURES OF TYPE II ALVEOLAR EPITHELIAL TUMOR CELLS: THE EFFECT OF THEOPHYLLINE

A continuous cell culture line derived from a human lung tumor which has morphological characteristics of type II alveolar epithelial cells was studied for the ability to synthesize and secrete phospholipid. The cells contained 0.213 mg lipld/mg protein of which 41% was phosphatidylcholine (16% of the phosphatidylcholine was dlsaturated). The specific activities of choline kinase and choline phosphotransferase were 381 and 1030 pmoles/min/mg protein, respectively. The cells incorporated choline into phosphatidylcholine (28% of the phosphatldylcholine was disaturated) and secreted phosphatidylcholine into the culture medium (28% of the phosphatidylcholine was disaturated). To study the influence of the adenylate cyclase-cyclic AMP system on these processes, cells were cultured in the presence of 10−3M theophylline. Lipid content and composition were not significantly changed. Choline kinase and choline phosphotransferase specific activities were 172% and 88% of control values, respectively. Choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine was 209% of the control value (28% of the phosphatidylcholine was disaturated). Acute stimulation of phospholipid secretion was not produced by theophylline addition. Homogeneous cell cultures can be used to study the effects of hormones on phospholipid biosynthesis and secretion.
Rana cascadae tadpoles aggregate with siblings: an experimental field study

Previous laboratory studies have shown that Rana cascadae larvae preferentially associated with siblings over non-siblings in choice tests. This study, conducted during three consecutive summers, tests the hypothesis that R. cascadae larvae aggregate nonrandomly with respect to sibship in natural ponds. Pairs of sibships were reared in separate tanks or together in the same tank in the laboratory. Each sibship within a pair was then stained with neutral red or methylene blue dye and released together in a natural pond. Over a period of several days, aggregations of tadpoles within test ponds were repeatedly captured, censused for sibship composition, and released. In control tests, two groups of tadpoles from the same sibship were dyed different colors and released together. In total, 25 different tests were conducted using tadpoles from 31 sibships and 456 aggregations were sampled. The distribution of color compositions of aggregations in control tests did not differ from an expected random distribution. Color compositions of aggregations in experimental tests differed from controls and from an expected random distribution. Aggregations in these tests tended to be dominated by one of the two colors (sibships). We conclude that R. cascadae tadpoles recognize and prefer to aggregate with siblings in natural field conditions. Circumstances of early rearing (i.e., whether tadpoles were reared with siblings or in mixed sibling/non-sibling groups) had no influence on preferences to associate with siblings, but there was an inverse correlation between group size and sibling association.
Nutritional and sensory evaluation of Atriplex triangularis leaves

Abstract Leaves of Atriplex triangularis (AT), a highly salt-tolerant plant, were evaluated for nutritional and sensory characteristics. Samples of frozen AT, along with commercial brands of spinach and mustard green, were analyzed for proximate composition, ascorbic acid and vitamin A. Several minerals were determined on dried samples of AT and spinach. Sensory evaluations of these vegetables were conducted. On the basis of the nutritional analysis and the sensory evaluation, AT leaves have good potential for use as a green leafy vegetable.
Demographic and social Considerations for U.S. Rural Economic Policy

F A demographer has anything worth saying, he welcomes the chance to expose others to the approach of his field and the implications of his insights. But this joy is tempered when he is asked to do so in years ending in 8, or even 7 or 6. For, although his wisdom may abound in the early years of a decade, much of it has become commonplace or clouded with uncertainty near the end of the decennial period. This is particularly true when the subject considered is the rural population, for, as officially defined, it can be measured only in a full census and cannot be acceptably approximated in intercensal sample surveys. However, if an opportunity for such a presentation does not come in a year ending in 2 or 3 or 4, one does the best one can in a year ending in 8. There are some facets of the rural demographic picture that it is unnecessary to demonstrate. Everyone knows that with the decline in farm employment the farm population has dropped rapidly. We have all heard that the rural population is a smaller proportion of the total population than formerly. And, for that matter, it is now reasonably common knowledge that the majority of rural people no longer live on farms or work directly in farming. Each of these facts has clearly affected the thinking of policy makers, in the last decade particularly. There are other demographic conditions, however, that are not as clear cut or as well understood either in their trends or their implications. I should like to focus on several such features that I regard as significant and in need of explication. One recurring problem in furnishing information about rural areas is the inevitable and understandable desire of policy makers to have generalizations and brevity. Yet, in the case of rural areas, national generalizations can often be misleading and potentially harmful. If there is one point about American rural demography that needs emphasis, it is that there are widely divergent demographic conditions in the rural population associated with different geographic regions and ethno-cultural
Development of a noncompact source theory with applications to helicopter rotors

A new formulation for determining the acoustic field of moving bodies, based on acoustic analogy, is derived. The acoustic pressure is given as the sum of two integrals, one of which has a derivative with respect to time. The integrands are functions of the normal velocity and surface pressure of the body. A computer program based on this formulation was used to calculate acoustic pressure signatures for several helicoptor rotors from experimental surface pressure data. Results are compared with those from compact source calculations. It is shown that noncompactness of steady sources on the rotor can account for the high harmonics of the pressure system. Thickness noise is shown to be a significant source of sound, especially for blunt airfoils in regions where noncompact source theory should be applied.