cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reporting Frequency and Market Monitoring in Reward Crowdfunding Markets

I study the role of voluntary reporting by the entrepreneur and monitoring by the funders in improving reward crowdfunding outcomes. Reward crowdfunding is a growing source of funding for entrepreneurs with limited access to traditional financing. The limited regulation in reward crowdfunding markets, however, leaves it up to the entrepreneur and the funders to solve their agency problems. Using data from one of the largest reward crowdfunding platforms, I find that entrepreneurs who provide less frequent voluntary updates experience more market monitoring related to product development. The entrepreneur responds to this monitoring by adjusting their announcement quality but not the update frequency. Finally, I find that funders who are responsive in their monitoring of the entrepreneur improve project outcomes. Taken together, my results support that voluntary reporting and market monitoring can work together to self-regulate reward crowdfunding markets.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Associated Chronic Cough: A Population-Based Analysis of Patient Presentations in the United States.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is an extremely prevalent illness in the United States; however, clinicians report that its association with chronic cough is often overlooked and undiagnosed. We used the CERNER Health Facts® database to analyze the statistical prevalence. Our findings indicate that there is a minority of patients who are untreated for this common complaint. We propose considering this on the differential diagnosis and following current treatment guidelines with proton pump inhibitors to effectively treat this complaint.
Effect of dietary phosphorus deprivation on renal handling of calcium and phosphorus

It has been shown (1–6) that chronic Pi deprivation decreases urinary Pi excretion, but increases Ca excretion, suggesting a close relationship between Ca and Pi in renal adaptation to a variation in dietary Pi intake. However, in chronic Pi deprivation, plasma concentrations of Pi and Ca, and filtered loads of these ions are altered. It is therefore difficult to differentiate whether changes in urinary excretion of these ions were due to changes in filtered loads, or due to changes in tubular reabsorption of these ions independent of filtered loads.
Public standards and patients' control: how to keep electronic medical records accessible but private.

# Public standards and patients' control: how to keep electronic medical records accessible but private {#article-title-2} A patient's medical records are generally fragmented across multiple treatment sites, posing an obstacle to clinical care, research, and public health efforts.1 Electronic medical records and the internet provide a technical infrastructure on which to build longitudinal medical records that can be integrated across sites of care. Choices about the structure and ownership of these records will have profound impact on the accessibility and privacy of patient information. Already, alarming trends are apparent as proprietary online medical record systems are developed and deployed. The technology promising to unify the currently disparate pieces of a patient's medical record may actually threaten the accessibility of the information and compromise patients' privacy.2 In this article we propose two doctrines and six desirable characteristics to guide the development of online medical record systems. We describe how such systems could be developed and used clinically. #### Summary points Electronic medical record systems should be designed so that they can exchange all their stored data according to public standards Giving patients control over permissions to view their record—as well as creation, collation, annotation, modification, dissemination, use, and deletion of the record—is key to ensuring patients' access to their own medical information while protecting their privacy Many existing electronic medical record systems fragment medical records by adopting incompatible means of acquiring, processing, storing, and communicating data Record systems should be able to accept data (historical, radiological, laboratory, etc) from multiple sources including physician's offices, hospital computer systems, laboratories, and patients' personal computers Consumers are managing bank accounts, investments, and purchases on line, and many turn to the web for gathering information about medical conditions; they will expect this level of control to be extended to online medical portfolios # Medical information: access and privacy {#article-title-3} No single institution can hope to encompass a patient's entire record. Ideally, it should be possible to create or assemble …
Patient Crying in Psychotherapy: Who Cries and Why?

Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, USAAim: The aim of the present study is to further the understanding of who cries in therapy and therelation of technique with crying behaviour in therapy.Method: Psychological assessment feedback sessions, prior to the initiation of formal therapy for 52patients beginning psychotherapy at a university-based clinic were coded for discrete crying segments.Data about patient characteristics and the process of the session were collected at the time of thesession. Therapist’s interventions were recorded verbatim and independently rated.Results: The number of times a patient cried during their session correlated negatively with global assess-ment of functioning scores and positively with measu res of borderline personality disorder pathology aswellasameasureofseverityofchildhoodsexualabuse. Patients ’cryingbehaviourdemonstratedsigniﬁcantnegative correlations with the overall experience of the session (bad/good), smoothness and positivity. Groupdifferences between criers and non-criers re ﬂected these trends as well. No signi ﬁcant correlations or groupdifferences were found with regard to patient-rated or the rapist-rated alliance as it relates to crying behaviour.Analysisindicatesthattherapistin terventionpriortopatientcryingmostoftenencouragedtheexplorationandexpression of difﬁcult affect, new perspectives on key issues or the patient ’s fantasies and wishes.Discussion: Our study addresses a signiﬁcant gap in the clinical literature on crying. Crying behaviourseems to be related to certain clinical variables and has a negative impact on patient experience of thesession in which they cry, although the alliance remained unaffected.Limitations: Small sample, outpatients with mild/moderate psychopathology and graduate traineesprovided therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:† Patients with greater problems in emotional dysregulation, borderline personality disorder symptomsand greater severity of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to display greater affective intensityduring the beginning of treatment.† Results suggest that the alliance may remain strong despite patients experiencing a session in whichthey cried as difﬁcult.† Therapeutic interventions that focus on affect, new understanding of old patterns and patient fantasieswith outpatient clinical populations appeared to be associated with crying in session.Keywords: crying, affect expression, affect regulation, borderline personality disorder, therapeutic alliance
Keeping Dictators Honest: the Role of Population Concentration

In order to explain the apparently paradoxical presence of acceptable governance in many non-democratic regimes, economists and political scientists have focused mostly on institutions acting as de facto checks and balances. In this paper, we propose that population plays a similar role in guaranteeing the quality of governance and redistribution. We argue and demonstrate with historical evidence that the concentration of population around the policy making center serves as an insurgency threat to a dictatorship, inducing it to yield to more redistribution and better governance. We bring this centered concept of population concentration to the data through the Centered Index of Spatial Concentration developed by Do & Campante (2008). The evidence supports our predictions: only in the sample of autocracies, population concentration around the capital city is positively associated with better governance and more redistribution (proxied by post-tax inequality), in OLS and IV regressions. Finally, we provide arguments to dismiss possible reverse causation as well as alternative, non-political economy explanations of such regularity, discuss the general applicability of our index and conclude with policy implications.
A common information-based multiple access protocol achieving full throughput

We consider a multiple access communication system where multiple users share a common collision channel. In this system, coordination among users is essential to resolve collision issues. However, each system user can only observe its own local traffic and the feedback from the channel. Without a centralized controller, it is challenging to design an efficient coordination protocol. We present a decentralized common information-based multiple access protocol (CIMA). We show that under CIMA collision is totally avoided without channel sensing and the full throughput region of the collision channel is achieved. In addition, simulation results indicate that the CIMA protocol incurs low transmission delay.
On the Linearization of Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems

We consider a single-input nonlinear discrete-time system of the form ?: x(t+l) = f(x(t),u(t)) where xeIRN, ueIR, and f(x,u): IRN+1?IRN is a C? IRN-valued function. Necessary and sufficient conditions for approximate linearizability are given for ?. A sufficient condition for local linearizability is also given.
Detecting abrupt changes in ARMA signals

The authors describe a novel method for detecting changes in time series represented by autoregressive moving average models, based on a method by Nikiforov (see I.V. Nikiforov, 1986, I.V. Nikiforov and I.N. Tikhohov, 1986, and A.F. Kushnin et al., 1983). They review previous work by Nikiforov, describing a derivation of the sequential change detection method. The application of Nikiforov's method to autoregressive models and its extension to ARMA models are described. Examples of the algorithm's performance are given. >
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome in critically ill patients: protocolized versus nonprotocolized management.

BACKGROUNDApproximately 18% to 25% of patients with alcohol use disorders admitted to the hospital develop alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Symptom-triggered dosing of benzodiazepines (BZDs) seems to lead to shorter courses of treatment, lower cumulative BZD dose, and more rapid control of symptom
Changes in soil pH and extractable phosphorus following application of turkey manure incinerator ash and triple superphosphate.

During the incineration of turkey manure, a wide variety and concentration of nutrients are conserved in the turkey manure ash (TMA). In particular, the high concentration of citrate-soluble phosphorus (P) (43 g kg−1) may make it a suitable P source for crop production. The ash is alkaline with a pH of 12.2. We conducted a soil incubation study using a low-P soil with a pH of 6.2 to evaluate the effects of TMA on soil pH and extractable P. Two TMA rates, based on citrate-soluble P (10.9 and 21.9 mg kg−1), were compared with equivalent rates of triple superphosphate (TSP). In addition, a 0-P control was included. At the rates tested, TMA slightly increased soil pH, but this increase would be of minor agronomic importance. At equivalent P rates, changes in water-soluble P (WSP) concentrations with TMA and TSP were similar. Changes in iron-oxide-strip–extractable P (FeO P) and Bray 1 P concentrations were greater with TMA than with TSP. In contrast, changes in Olsen P concentrations were greater with TSP tha...
It is time to think in different terms: re-considering subluxation.

: “A complex of functional and/or struc-tural and/or pathological changes that compromise neu-ral integrity and may influence organ system functionand general health” (5).I was present at the Houston Conference, (6) and fol-lowing that conference, Joe Howe and I wrote the sec-tion on radiographic manifestations of spinal subluxa-tion. (7) The drawings were mine and the radiographscame from my office. We did this work and submitted itbecause there was a “political need” for this kind ofevidence. Neither Joe Howe nor I were convinced thatthis was a good direction to take, because it placed us ina legislative box, which neither of us could support fromany kind of scientific evidence.I remember the development of the ACC definition verywell because it happened that I offered the followingdefinition: “A subluxation is any articular change thatalters the ability of the nervous system to integrateorgan systems.” Naturally, our group could not let it bethat simple, though I surely wish we had. Regardless,what we have done during the past century is adopt aword that has specific meaning to the rest of the scien-tific and health care community and tried to change itsmeaning into something much more complex than theword itself implies.By simple word breakdown, the word must mean onlyone thing; “
Social perspectives of e-contact center for loyalty building

Abstract Recently, e-contact centers have gained popularity among online companies as a preferred channel to communicate with their customers. E-contact centers are respected among e-retailers and online customers because they provide customers value within a social construct. This research suggests that an e-contact center serves as an effective marketing vehicle, which can be used for establishing and maintaining desired relationships with customers. E-contact centers enhance the relationship between e-retailers and online customers by providing social values and quality interpersonal service to customers. Despite the strategic importance of e-contact centers in relation to customer loyalty, little attention has been given to the topic. To remedy this, the primary objective of this study is to assess the impacts of social elements (i.e. perceived social value and interpersonal service quality) delivered by e-contact centers on customers' loyalty formation processes. Loyalty formation process is parsimoniously explained by an integrative model, which incorporates interpersonal service quality, social value, retailer satisfaction, and e-contact center satisfaction constructs.
Primordial Lithium: Keck Observations in M92 Turnoff Stars

We present new Keck I/HIRES observations at R = 45,000 (=3 pixels) of seven stars near the turnoff of the old, metal-poor globular cluster M92. In three of these stars, we have signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) of 40 pixel-1, and in the other four, the S/N is near 20. The Li abundance in star 18 is high compared with the halo field-star plateau and is similar to that in the remarkable Li-rich halo field star BD +23°3912. In addition to the high Li abundance in star 18, there is a dispersion in Li abundance in our seven stars covering the full range of a factor of 3. We have attempted to determine whether the excess Li in star 18 is due to less than average Li depletion in this star from an even higher initial abundance, as predicted by the Yale rotational models, or whether it is due to the extraordinary action of Li production mechanisms in the material that formed this star. We have found no convincing evidence that favors Li production: (1) Stars 18, 21, and 46 have identical Ba abundances, which argues against Li production carrying an s-process signature. (2) These three stars have indistinguishable Ca, Cr, Fe, and Ti, which argues against supernova Li production. (3) We discuss ν-process production of Li and find no convincing observational evidence for this from the strengths of the Mg, Ca, and Fe lines. (4) The similarity in age of these cluster stars argues against cosmic-ray Li production that requires age differences of gigayears. The most likely explanation for the Li dispersion is differential Li depletion from a (possibly significantly) higher primordial Li abundance due to differences in the initial angular momentum in each star followed by spin-down; the most rapid rotators destroy the most Li, whereas the initially slower rotators preserve more Li.
Laparoscopic transduodenal sphincteroplasty.

Background: Common bile duct stones are a difficult problem, often leading to conversion to an open operation or repeated endoscopic procedures. Both strategies are associated with added morbidity....
ANASAZI MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AT CHACO CANYON, NEW MEXICO

A basic requirement in all human activity concerned with architectural planning and construction is measurement. This paper is addressed to this topic within one specific Pre-Columbian culture—the Chaco Canyon Anasazi. By use of the quantum hypothesis, 480 room dimensions from the sites of Pueblo Bonito and Pueblo del Arroyo were examined to derive not only the dimensional values for their unknown units of measure, but also to determine the aspects of social behavior represented by them. Five different measurement units were isolated, ranging from 20 to 30 inches in length. By the spatial-temporal pattern of their distribution, some inferences into the social organization of the ancient builders and architects of these towns are inferred.
Post-transcriptional regulation in higher eukaryotes: The role of the reporter gene in controlling expression

We have investigated whether reporter genes influence cytoplasmic regulation of gene expression in tobacco and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Two genes, uidA encoding beta-glucuronidase (GUS) from Escherichia coli and Luc, encoding firefly luciferase (LUC), were used to analyze the ability of a cap, polyadenylated tail, and the 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions (UTR) from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) to regulate expression. The regulation associated with the 5' cap structure and the TMV 5'-UTR, both of which enhance translational efficiency, was reporter gene-independent. The poly(A) tail and the TMV 3'-UTR, which is functionally equivalent to a poly(A) tail, increase translational efficiency as well as mRNA stability. The regulation associated with these 3' ends was highly reporter gene-dependent; their effect on GUS expression was almost an order of magnitude greater than that on LUC expression. In tobacco, the tenfold reporter gene effect on poly(A) tail or TMV 3'-UTR function could not be explained by a differential impact on mRNA stability; GUS and LUC mRNA half-life increased only twofold when either the poly(A) tail or TMV 3'-UTR was present. In CHO cells, however, GUS mRNA was stabilized to a greater extent by a poly(A) tail or the TMV 3'-UTR than was LUC mRNA.
Fertilizing potential in vitro of semen from young beef bulls containing a high or low percentage of sperm with a proximal droplet.

Fertilizing potential of semen containing a high percentage of sperm with a proximal droplet was evaluated using IVF. Design criteria: (a) specified semen with >100 x 10(6) sperm/mL with >40% progressively motile spermatozoa, after collection via electro-stimulation; (b) designated a droplet group, bulls whose semen contained >30% spermatozoa with a proximal droplet and 15% for all control bulls. At second evaluation, only three droplet bulls still had >30% of spermatozoa with a proximal droplet. Cleavage rates increased accordingly; only four droplet bulls had 34% cleaved ova. Three control bulls had or = 34% cleaved ova. Considering all 60 ejaculates, correlation between percentage of spermatozoa with a proximal droplet and percentage of cleaved ova was -0.49 (P 30% spermatozoa with a proximal droplet is strong evidence that fertilizing potential of the bull will be low until the incidence decreases.
Sucrose avoidance by American robins (Turdus migratorius): implications for control of bird damage in fruit crops.

Altering the relative sugar content in fruit is a potential alternative to chemical, aural and visual repellents to control bird damage to cultivated fruit crops. Some frugivorous birds, such as the American robin (Turdus migratorius), lack the digestive enzyme sucrase, and therefore cannot digest sucrose. It was predicted that robins would avoid consumption of foods that contain sucrose. When offered sweetened agar cubes that contained glucose, fructose, sucrose, or a hexose mixture, total consumption was significantly lower and faecal sugar concentration higher in the sucrose tests. In tests involving two sugars, mean total consumption was reduced when sucrose was eaten. Development of high-sucrose fruits warrants further investigation as a means to mitigate bird damage to certain fruit crops.
Angiogenic capacity of M1- and M2-polarized macrophages is determined by the levels of TIMP-1 complexed with their secreted proMMP-9

A proangiogenic function of tissue-infiltrating monocytes/macrophages has long been attributed to their matrix metalloproteinase-9 zymogen (proMMP-9). Herein, we evaluated the capacity of human monocytes, mature M0 macrophages, and M1- and M2-polarized macrophages to induce proMMP-9-mediated angiogenesis. Only M2 macrophages induced angiogenesis at levels comparable with highly angiogenic neutrophils previously shown to release their proMMP-9 in a unique form, free of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). Macrophage differentiation was accompanied by induction of low-angiogenic, TIMP-1–encumbered proMMP-9. However, polarization toward the M2, but not the M1 phenotype, caused a substantial downregulation of TIMP-1 expression, resulting in production of angiogenic, TIMP-deficient proMMP-9. Correspondingly, the angiogenic potency of M2 proMMP-9 was lost after its complexing with TIMP-1, whereas TIMP-1 silencing in M0/M1 macrophages rendered them both angiogenic. Similar to human cells, murine bone marrow–derived M2 macrophages also shut down their TIMP-1 expression and produced proMMP-9 unencumbered by TIMP-1. Providing proof that angiogenic capacity of murine M2 macrophages depended on their TIMP-free proMMP-9, Mmp9-null M2 macrophages were nonangiogenic, although their TIMP-1 was severely downregulated. Our study provides a unifying molecular mechanism for high angiogenic capacity of TIMP-free proMMP-9 that would be uniquely produced in a pathophysiological microenvironment by influxing neutrophils and/or M2 polarized macrophages.
The influence of rural-urban migration on migrant's fertility behavior in Cameroon.

Preliminary analysis of Cameroon fertility data suggests that rural stayers do not have a significantly higher fertility than rural-urban migrants in contrast to hypotheses suggested in the literature. Bongaarts and Caldwell both suggest that modernization plays a role in African fertility and migration patterns by increasing exposure to childbearing. Supply constraints are changed by higher levels of education short duration of postpartum abstinence less prevalence of polygamy and more stable marriages. The influence of relatives may be weaker and the fear of losing a husband greater which influence earlier returns to sexual relations. Because the levels of fertility of stayers and movers may be equal does not suggest that movers do not adapt fertility to urban norms. Analysis was conducted with d ata from the 1978 Cameroon World Fertility Survey on 8219 women aged 15-54 years for rural nonmigrants rural-rural migrants and rural-urban migrants. Rural-urban migrants were found to be better educated have fewer cases of infertility and have more stable first marriages. Descriptive statistics are provided for migrants and nonmigrants. Cross classification analysis shows that fertility is not lower for women with higher education even when migration status is controlled for. Multivariate regression results in an autoregressive model in a first difference form indicated that the fertility rate of rural-urban migrant women was significantly higher than that of rural staryers during the period of 5-9 years after migration. The urban effect acts to reduce migrants fertility by about .13 births. Comparisons are made with Mexican and Korean migration behavior which reflect decreased fertility after migration of 1.5 births and 2.6 births respectively. The suggestion is that the fertility-increasing effect of supply conditions in Cameroon is significantly offset by the fertility-depressing adaptation effect of migration to urban areas. It is expected that eventually fertility will decline as economic development continues and womens educational levels increase. Stability in marriages will increase womens confidence needed to control fertility and contribute to the increased use of contraceptives.
Metabolic phenotype of methylmalonic acidemia in mice and humans: the role of skeletal muscle

Mutations in methylmalonyl-CoA mutase cause methylmalonic acidemia, a common organic aciduria. Current treatment regimens rely on dietary management and, in severely affected patients, liver or combined liver-kidney transplantation. For undetermined reasons, transplantation does not correct the biochemical phenotype. To study the metabolic disturbances seen in this disorder, we have created a murine model with a null allele at the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase locus and correlated the results observed in the knock-out mice to patient data. To gain insight into the origin and magnitude of methylmalonic acid (MMA) production in humans with methylmalonyl-CoA mutase deficiency, we evaluated two methylmalonic acidemia patients who had received different variants of combined liver-kidney transplants, one with a complete liver replacement-kidney transplant and the other with an auxiliary liver graft-kidney transplant, and compared their metabolite production to four untransplanted patients with intact renal function. Enzymatic, Western and Northern analyses demonstrated that the targeted allele was null and correctable by lentiviral complementation. Metabolite studies defined the magnitude and tempo of plasma MMA concentrations in the mice. Before a fatal metabolic crisis developed in the first 24–48 hours, the methylmalonic acid content per gram wet-weight was massively elevated in the skeletal muscle as well as the kidneys, liver and brain. Near the end of life, extreme elevations in tissue MMA were present primarily in the liver. The transplant patients studied when well and on dietary therapy, displayed massive elevations of MMA in the plasma and urine, comparable to the levels seen in the untransplanted patients with similar enzymatic phenotypes and dietary regimens. The combined observations from the murine metabolite studies and patient investigations indicate that during homeostasis, a large portion of circulating MMA has an extra-heptorenal origin and likely derives from the skeletal muscle. Our studies suggest that modulating skeletal muscle metabolism may represent a strategy to increase metabolic capacity in methylmalonic acidemia as well as other organic acidurias. This mouse model will be useful for further investigations exploring disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions in methylmalonic acidemia, a devastating disorder of intermediary metabolism.
In support of public and private treasures: the AICCM Victorian Division’s disaster response to the Victorian fires of 2009

AbstractIn early 2009 Victoria endured extreme temperatures and massive bush fires. More than 7,500 people were displaced and more than 2000 homes were lost throughout 78 townships within 19 councils. Most tragically, 173 people died and hundreds were injured. It was days and weeks before the full extent of the destruction could begin to be established. Months later, Victorian communities are all still grappling to come to terms with the enormity of this event. This paper relates the course of the AICCM response to the bushfires, noting key factors that influenced the process. In addition, it assesses those actions taken and summarises the lessons learned from the endeavour. It is written in the hope that the suggestions will assist the development and implementation of a national disaster preparedness program to improve Australia’s capacity to preserve and salvage cultural heritage threatened by disasters. This paper is not comprehensive rather it should be taken as a record of events that may act as dis...
Evidence for Changes in Sensitivity to Testosterone Negative Feedback on Gonadotropin Release During Sexual Development in the Male Rat

Male rats were castrated at different ages and injected sc once daily for 2 days with either oil or various doses of testosterone propionate (TP). Castration elevated serum gonadotropins at all ages studied from day 15 to clay 88, but the response was maximal for LH at 58 days and minimal at 15 days. The elevation of FSH was minimal at 88 days but similar at other ages. Whereas 10 μg/100 g body wt of TP were sufficient to prevent the rise in serum FSH and LH which occurred 2 days after castration in 15-day-old rats and 10 M-g were still effective in 28-day-old animals, the suppressibility of serum gonadotropins decreased with age and by 58 days the 10 μg/100 g body wt dose was no longer effective. Higher doses of TP suppressed the increase in serum LH and FSH at all ages studied. The results suggest that the sensitivity of the hypothalamic pituitary unit to the negative feedback of testosterone declines during sexual development and that this change, which is especially noticeable at the time of puberty, ...
On-Board Aircraft Engine Bearing Prognostics: Enveloping or FFT Analysis?

Roller bearing prognosis requires the detection of a bearing defect signature in the earliest possible stage in order to avoid a minor or catastrophic mechanical failure. Defects can occur in any of the bearing parts, inner and outer race, cage and rolling elements. It is possible to identify the defective component of the bearing based on the specific vibration frequencies that are excited. However, the pattern of vibration spectrum changes as the bearing deteriorates through different stages. Depending on which failure stage the bearing is in, different techniques are required to find fault signatures in different frequency ranges. Techniques such as enveloping analysis that works in the high frequency region require higher data sampling rates and therefore more expensive data acquisition hardware than techniques conducted in low frequency region. This paper compares two popular rolling element bearing diagnostics techniques — spectrum analysis in the bearing characteristic frequency range and enveloping analysis in the high frequency range — using aircraft engine test rig data. The techniques are compared both in terms of the time of detection and data sampling requirement; this analysis provides guidance for technology adoption in future field deployment. Results demonstrate that enveloping analysis is able to detect bearing defects much earlier than the spectrum analysis, but it requires a higher data sampling rate. The bearing defect characteristic frequency is detectable in low frequency spectrum only in the late stage of the failure and it is contaminated by other harmonics such as shaft unbalance. From a practical perspective, the final choice of the technology adopted for deployment should be based on an analysis of hardware requirements and tolerance of detection latency.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
An automatic instrument for investigating the elastic peoperties and controlling the quality of refractories

The design of an automatic resonance-frequency gage (ARFG) has been developed and a property has been produced. The instrument can be used for measuring the frequencies and for determining, on the basis of correlations, other parameters of the product concerned. The precision (±1.5%) and reliability of these measurements are higher than can be achieved in nonautomated testing. The speed and simplicity of the frequency-measuring process makes possible the continuous monitoring of the phase conversions in refractories during heating or cooling. The ARFG can be used for flaw and crack detection and for piece-by-piece quality control in automatic production lines for special-purpose refractories.
Permeability modification by in-situ gelation with a newly discovered biopolymer

This paper reports that, in a typical gelled polymer process, a polymer reacts with a metal ion to yield a 3D crosslinked system. The success of the process depends on monitoring a large number of variables, including the concentrations of the metal ions, polymer, and reducing agent. Controlling these variables in field-scale tests is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Devising a process with fewer variables is therefore desirable. The in-situ gelation process in this paper uses a newly discovered biopolymer produced by Cellulomonas flavigena Strain KU. The bacteria produce the biopolymer when cultured in a simple salts medium containing any one of the variety of hexoses, pentoses, disaccharides, or such inexpensive substrates as starch or molasses as the carbon and energy sources for growth. The polymer produced remains associated with the producer bacteria, causing them to aggregate and to settle out from the growth medium. The polymer is extracted from the bacteria easily by suspension in dilute alkali. Upon neutralization of such extracts, the polymer precipitates as a hydrogel. The gelation process is reversible, and the hydrogels are stable at high temperatures. A linear coreflood was performed to reveal the feasibility of using the microbial polymer for the in-situ gelationmore » process. The core initially was waterflooded and then flushed with acid. The subsequent injection of an alkaline solution of the polymer resulted in in-situ formation of hydrogels.« less
Structural insights into the assembly and shape of Type III restriction-modification (R-M) EcoP15I complex by small-angle X-ray scattering.

Abstract EcoP15I is the prototype of the Type III restriction enzyme family, composed of two modification (Mod) subunits to which two (or one) restriction (Res) subunits are then added. The Mod subunits are responsible for DNA recognition and methylation, while the Res subunits are responsible for ATP hydrolysis and cleavage. Despite extensive biochemical and genetic studies, there is still no structural information on Type III restriction enzymes. We present here small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and analytical ultracentrifugation analysis of the EcoP15I holoenzyme and the Mod2 subcomplex. We show that the Mod2 subcomplex has a relatively compact shape with a radius of gyration (RG) of ∼ 37.4 A and a maximal dimension of ∼ 110 A. The holoenzyme adopts an elongated crescent shape with an RG of ∼ 65.3 A and a maximal dimension of ∼ 218 A. From reconstructed SAXS envelopes, we postulate that Mod2 is likely docked in the middle of the holoenzyme with a Res subunit at each end. We discuss the implications of our model for EcoP15I action, whereby the Res subunits may come together and form a “sliding clamp” around the DNA.
Diverging gender attitudes regarding casual sex: A cross-sectional study.

Students at five educational levels ranging from seventh graders to college seniors were surveyed regarding their attitudes about the acceptability of casual sex. A striking developmental contrast was found: males became increasingly accepting of casual sex; females were consistently opposed to casual sex at all educational levels.
Advances in respiratory imaging

Although conventional radiography is still the first diagnostic imaging approach to respiratory disease, CT is proving to be invaluable as an adjunctive procedure in characterizing nasal and thoracic pathologic findings. CT eliminates superimposition of overlying structures and offers superior contrast resolution as compared with conventional radiography. These advantages allow for more precise characterization and localization of lesions and are invaluable for guiding rhinoscopic, bronchoscopic, and surgical procedures.
Test Strategy for Microprocessers

We divide microprocessor testing into three distinct phases: verification of the control and data transfer functions; verification of the data-manipulation functions; and verification of the input-output functions. Here we deal in detail only with the first of these. To verify control, appropriate additional signals inside the chip are used and made observable at the terminal pins of the microprocessor chip. Complete instruction sequences, executed in a test mode, then serve to verify the control functions. Procedures for doing this are given and also for verifying data transfer functions.
Molecular Identity and Functional Characterization of Chloride Intracellular Channel (CLIC) Proteins in Cardiac Mitochondria

CLIC proteins have six different paralogs in mammals (CLIC1-6) and exist in both soluble and integral membrane forms. Preconditioning rabbit ventriculocytes with IAA-94, an inhibitor of CLICs, before ischemia, increased myocardial infarction implicating CLICs role in cardioprotection. However, the molecular identity of cardiac CLIC, and the mechanism of CLIC-mediated cardioprotection is unknown. In this study, we focused on establishing the molecular identity, localization and functional role of CLICs in cardiac tissue of R. novergicus. Relative qPCR analyses indicate CLIC4, CLIC5 and CLIC1 as the most abundant CLICs present in the ventricle. CLIC4 (50±0.1%) and CLIC5 (75±3%) localize to the mitochondria of adult cardiomyocytes (n=3). Cardiac CLIC4 and CLIC5 are present in 40±2% and 74±3% of Percoll-purified mitochondria (n=3), respectively. Also, the only CLIC present in D. melanogaster showed mitochondrial localization in cardiac tubes. Further, IAA-94 partially blocked the channel activity of Percoll-purified mitochondrial membrane proteins reconstituted in a planar lipid bilayer. We also investigated the role of CLICs in modulation of ROS production by ETC. In the presence of succinate (complex II/III) and glutamate/malate (complex I), addition of 100 μM IAA-94 resulted in a robust release of ROS from mitochondria. The EC50 was found to be 16.5 +¬ 0.15 μM (n=3) for succinate. Initial fast release was followed by a significant reduction (82.5±3% n=3, p<0.05) in rate of ROS production. The ROS release is specific to chloride conductance inhibition, as it also occurs with DIDS (ClC blocker). Blocking mPTP by cyclosporine A did not alter ROS release generated by CLIC inhibition indicating it is independent of mPTP (n=3). In conclusion, we have deciphered the molecular identity of a cardiac CLIC, established its mitochondrial localization and a role of Chloride conductance in modulation of mitochondrial ROS generation.
Families-at-risk and home-based intervention: A therapist training model

Home-based family therapy programs are designed to provide intensive family intervention for at-risk children and adolescents. However, examination of the literature reveals limited publications about training therapists for this difficult task. The purpose of this paper is to describe a therapist training model based upon a family-as-context approach to crisis intervention. Specific units covered during the course include: family-as-a-system, structural family therapy, family crisis intervention, family assessment and simulation. It is concluded that the effective prevention of placement for at-risk children and adolescents requires both a home-based family treatment program and a specific therapist training model for family intervention.
Abstract 4202: Sex disparities in the cutaneous response to acute ultraviolet light exposure

Epidemiological evidence has identified a 3-fold increase in squamous cell skin cancer incidence in men compared to women. The historical explanation for this sex-bias is increased occupational exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Our studies demonstrated, however, that when chronically exposed to equivalent doses of UV light, male mice developed more skin tumors that were larger and more aggressive than those arising in female mice. Additionally, the skin of male mice acutely exposed to UV light had higher levels of oxidative DNA damage and decreased total antioxidant capacity compared to females (Thomas-Ahner, JM Cancer Research 2007). The hypothesis for the current study is that the topical application of anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant compounds may differentially affect the acute UVB induced inflammatory response in the sexes. To test this hypothesis, female and male Skh-1 mice were exposed to 2240J/m2 UVB light followed immediately by topical application of either an anti-inflammatory compound (Solaraze), an antioxidant (Vitamin E), or a combination of the 2 compounds. Animals were sacrificed at 24 and 48 hrs following a single exposure and topical treatment. Skin was analyzed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity as a measure of neutrophil infiltration, catalase activity, and immunohistochemically for the presence of p53 protein in the epidermis. In response to UVB exposure, vehicle treated female mice had significantly increased MPO activity compared to male mice. Topical treatments with Solaraze, Vitamin E or the combination significantly reduced MPO levels in female mice but had no effects on the already low levels of UV-induced MPO in male skin. Catalase is a key enzyme used for detoxifying hydrogen peroxide in the skin. Baseline levels of catalase were lower in male skin compared to female skin and UVB exposure significantly reduced catalase in both sexes. Topical treatment with Solaraze significantly increased male catalase activity to levels similar to female unirradiated skin while vitamin E partially restored catalase activity in female mice but had no effect in male skin. The single exposure to UVB induced higher numbers of p53 positive epidermal cells in male skin, however at this time point topical treatment had no effect on UVB-induced p53 levels in either sex. Our data suggests that UVB differentially effects inflammation in the sexes and that topical application of anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant compounds have differential effects on markers of an acute inflammatory response in the skin. Future studies will evaluate the effects of additional compounds and delivery vehicles following both acute and chronic UVB exposure. This work was supported by NIH NCI CA133629. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4202.
A comparison of ceftazidime and tobramycin in the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections

Sixty-two patients with complicated urinary tract infections were treated by random allocation with either ceftazidime (0.5 g every 12 h) or tobramycin (3 mg/kg/day). All patients had underlying urological conditions and a urinary tract infection with an organism sensitive to both ceftazidime and tobramycin. Thirty-two patients received tobramycin and 30 patients received ceftazidime. Thirty-two of the infections were caused by Pseudomonas spp., 16 by Escherichia coli, and the remainder by various Gram-negative organisms. Cure rates were approximately 85% in both treatment groups and side effects were minimal.
Comparison of natural and forced ventilation for radon mitigation in houses

Radon mitigation by natural basement ventilation was compared to mitigation by forced ventilation (pressurization) and to mitigation by the operation of a modified heating and air conditioning (HAC) system in a series of experiments conducted during the spring and summer in a research house. Both natural ventilation and basement pressurization reduced average basement radon concentrations from 800 Bq m−3 to less than 150 Bq m−3. Natural ventilation reduced radon levels both by dilution and by decreasing basement depressurization and thus the radon entry rate. Basement pressurization reduced radon levels by increasing ventilation and lowering subslab radon levels, but is significantly more difficult to implement than natural ventilation. The operation of the forced air HAC system with a duct that supplied additional outside air to the return side did not reduce indoor radon concentrations. These experiments have clearly demonstrated the relationship between the outdoor-basement pressure differential and the radon entry rate, ventilation rate, and radon levels.
Dynamic Fracture of Natural Rubber3

Abstract This paper illustrates how the fracture energy of a tensile strip made of unfilled and 25 phr carbon black-filled natural rubber varies with far-field strain rate in the range 0.01–71 s−1....
Thermal energy storage in the ground: Comparative analysis of heat transfer modeling using U-tubes and boreholes

Large scale thermal energy storage for solar heating applications can be accomplished in the ground through the installation of an array of vertical heat exchange boreholes or U-tubes. Simulation modeling of the storage subsystem and its integration with the total system is essential for design and performance evaluation. Although U-tube storage design is especially attractive in clay soils and preferable to boreholes in many geological conditions, only a borehole simulation model is currently available, validated, and integrated into a system simulation model. This article presents a comparative analysis of the heat transfer from boreholes and U-tubes using analytical solutions, finite element modeling, and the available simulation model. The analysis is used to support the development of a methodology by which the heat transfer of any U-tube configuration can be modeled by appropriately specifying parameters in the borehole storage simulation model. The borehole model can then be used to model the storage subsystem integrated within a total system simulation model.
Physiological Effects of FHC-Causing K104E Mutation in the Myosin Regulatory Light Chain

We have studied the physiological effects of the Lysine 104 to Glutamic Acid (K104E) mutation in the ventricular myosin regulatory light chain (RLC), shown to cause familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using transgenic (Tg) mouse cardiac muscle preparations carrying the K104E-RLC mutation. We observed a slight but significant decrease in maximal force (ΔFmax≅8kN/m2) and an increase in the Ca2+-sensitivity (ΔpCa50≅0.1) of isometric contraction in glycerinated skinned muscle fibers from Tg-K104E compared to Tg-WT mice. No mutant related changes in rigor binding of transgenic K104E mouse myosin to pyrene-actin were observed. Likewise, no changes in actomyosin or myofibrillar ATPase activities were monitored. Histological examination of Masson's trichrome stained Tg-hearts showed signs of fibrosis in 8 mo-old Tg-K104E mice compared to age matched Tg-WT. These observed changes in myocyte organization in Tg-K104E mice could be due to ∼4-fold decrease in the myosin heavy chain-RLC interaction determined by the binding of bacterially expressed K104E mutant to RLC-depleted porcine myosin. Echocardiography examination of senescent Tg-K104E mice confirmed a hypetrophic phenotype and showed a significantly enlarged interventricular septum and LVPWd (left ventricular posterior wall in diasole), ∼1.6-fold increase in LV mass and significantly decreased LVIDs (LV inner diameter in systole) compared to Tg-WT mice. However, EF (ejection fraction) was higher in Tg-K104E mice (73±8%) compared to 61±7% observed in Tg-WT mice. In addition, Doppler E velocity was also 1.3-fold higher in Tg-K104E mice compared to Tg-WT. These results confirm a mutation induced hypertrophic phenotype in Tg-K104E mice, similar to the patients carrying this FHC-mutation. No drastic changes at the level of actomyosin interaction or in cardiac function assessed in Tg-K104E mice suggest that the mutation might be associated with good prognosis. Supported by NIH-HL071778 (DSC).