cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND POTASSIUM LEVELS IN TUNG SEEDLINGS ON GROWTH, APPARENT PHOTOSYNTHESIS, AND CARBOHYDRATE COMPOSITION.

Nitrogen and potassium are the two fertilizer elements that are needed in largest amounts in most tung orchards of the southern United States. Supplying these elements at the optimum rates and in the proper ratios is an important nutritional problem. Leaf analysis has proved to be a valuable criterion of the nutritional status of tung trees, and, as more basic information on the relation of mineral composition to physiological processes and biochemical constituents is accumulated, it should become even more useful. For example, it would be helpful to know the effect of certain concentrations and ratios of nitrogen and potassium in the leaves on the rate of photosynthesis, which in turn must be intimately related to growth, productivity, and storage and utilization of carbohydrates. The sand-culture technique seemed the best approach to this problem since it afforded a high degree of precision per number of plants, together with greatest ease of control and manipulation. The usual procedure in water or sand cultures is to grow plants in solutions in which the nutrient salts are maintained at definite levels and ratios, and subsequently to make chemical and physiological tests on the plants and on residual or effluent nutrient solutions. In the present study an attempt was made to develop rather specific differences in levels of minerals in the leaves. The composition of representative plants was determined from time to time and the nutrient solutions were adjusted as necessary to produce as nearly as possible the desired mineral concentrations in the plant tissue. The objectives of this experiment were (1) to grow plants containing three levels of nitrogen and potassium in factorial combinations, while maintaining other elements at optimum or above deficiency concentrations, and (2) to determine the effect of these nutritional variations in the plant on growth, apparent photosynthesis, and chemical composition.
Comparison between probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and flood frequency analysis

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) was originally developed from the analogous flood or wind problem and was used for risk analysis in a similar way PSHA was extended later to directly incorporate the uncertainty of ground motion. Such direct incorporation of uncertainty has no clear physical basis and makes it difficult to understand, explain, and use PSHA. These difficulties may result in overly conservative seismic design for safeguarding structures such as buildings, bridges, and nuclear power plants against seismic risk. For example, ground motions with a risk level of 2% probability of exceedance (PE) in 50 years, developed from PSHA [Frankel et al., 1996, 2002],are the basis for national seismic safety regulations and design standards such as the 2000 International Building Code (IBC-2000).
Computer-Based Thermodynamics:

A new computer-based approach to teaching thermodynamics is being developed and tried by two mechanical engineering professors at the U.S. Naval Academy. The course uses sophisticated software, in ...
Online Coupling of Electrochemical Reactions with Liquid Sample Desorption Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

The combination of electrochemistry (EC) and mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool to study redox reactions. This work reports the online coupling of a thin-layer electrochemical flow cell with liquid sample desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) and its applications in investigating various electrochemical reactions of biological molecules such as oxidative formation and reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds and online derivatization of peptides/proteins. As a result of the direct sampling nature of DESI, several useful features of such a coupling have been found, including simple instrumentation, fast response time (e.g., 3.6 s in the case of dopamine oxidation), freedom to choose a favorable ionization mode of DESI or traditional electrolysis solvent systems, and the absence of background signal possibly resulting from ionization when the cell is off (e.g., in the case of dopamine oxidation). More importantly, with the use of this new coupling apparatus, three disulfide bonds of insulin were fully cleaved by electrolytic reduction and both the A and B chains of the protein were successfully detected online by DESI-MS. In addition, online tagging of free cysteine residues of peptides/proteins employing electrogenerated dopamine o-quinone can be performed. These revealed characteristics of the coupling along with examined electrochemical reactions suggest that EC/DESI-MS has good potential in bioanalysis.
USING GENDER: THE PERSONAL, INTERPERSONAL, AND EMOTIONAL STRATEGIES OF DOMESTIC LABOR

Traditional research on domestic labor has conceptualized work done in support of the home as one of the quintessential ways of “doing” gender. New directions in gender and ritual theory raise the possibility that domestic labor may also be about strategy, usefulness and intentions. Through interviews with 24 married couples, I explore the subjective experiences of men and women as they “do” their domestic labor. I find that while husbands and wives are continuing to do gender as a response to interactional accountability demands, they also “use” domestic labor as a vehicle through which they (1) reciprocally craft their gender identity, (2) symbolically communicate with their spouse, and (3) garner emotional energy. Furthermore, the men and women strategically mobilized specific tasks that are most useful in achieving these goals inside their unique dyadic schemas. Through these narratives, I explore the possibility that men and women not only do gender but they can use gender as well.
Infrared studies of poly[3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane]. I. Single crystals

Abstract Infrared spectra of poly[3,3-bis(chloromethyl)oxacyclobutane] (Penton) single crystals indicate that annealing perfects the crystals in a manner not involving a change in the relative amount of side-group rotational isomers. Other spectral and nonspectral considerations indicate that Penton has a highly crystalline but imperfect paracrystalline structure. The spectral differences between the two polymorphic forms are associated with differences in the magnitude of crystalline interactions rather than differences in relative amounts of side-group rotational isomers. An explanation for the nonthickening annealing behavior of Penton single crystals is offered.
The Development and Implementation of a Replacement Cost Model for Measuring Human Capital: A Field Study

This article builds on and extends previous research in the area of Human Resource Accounting (HRA). Its purpose is to present a study involving the development and application of a model for measuring the replacement cost of people. Specifically, the study involved the development and application of a human resource replacement cost model for Industrial Engineers in the US Navy.
SPECTROSCOPIC SITE DETERMINATIONS IN ERBIUM-DOPED LITHIUM NIOBATE

Rare-earth (e.g., ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$) based, guided wave optical amplification in lithium niobate (${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$) integrated optic systems is a new and important addition to the field of integrated optics. The application of total site selective spectroscopy to rare-earth-doped ${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$ provides the most complete spectroscopic characterization of this class of materials to date. In a previous publication we identified six spectroscopic sites in Er:${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$ using total site selective spectroscopy, two of which are cluster sites which upconvert light using nonradiative energy transfer between Er ions within a given site. In this paper ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ site identifications are made based on a consideration of solid solution defect equations in conjunction with an experimental study of the site distribution as a function of dopant concentration (0.4--2.0 mol % Er:${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$) and the Li/Nb ratio in the crystal. The Li/Nb ratio was altered using a vapor phase equilibration technique. Our results indicate that increasing the ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$O content of Er:${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$ not only reduces the cluster site concentration by \ensuremath{\sim}30% but also increases the amount of light absorbed in the crystal by \ensuremath{\sim}15%. This observation is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of post growth materials processing in rare-earth-doped ${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$ to effect a change in absorption or cluster site concentration. In addition, increasing the dopant concentration increases ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}$O deficiency in Er:${\mathrm{LiNbO}}_{3}$ crystals. Simple solid solution defect model calculations agree with these experimental results. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and epidural pneumatosis in a young woman in the Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Pneumomediastinum is a relatively rare, yet typically benign, clinical condition that usually presents in young men. Objective This report will describe a relatively rare event of pneumomediastinum with epidural extension in a young woman and will discuss the etiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options for this condition. Case Report The patient presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with typical symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain, but was found on computed tomography to have epidural pneumatosis. No precipitating event was found. Conclusion This case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with associated epidural pneumatosis in a young woman presenting to the ED is a relatively benign condition that typically does not require any significant work-up or treatment.
Consecutive zeros in convolutional codewords

The maximum length of all zero sequences in the codewords of a convolutional code is presented as an index of the quality of a code. We give upper and lower bounds on the maximum length for convolutional codes of constraint length m and rate 1n. We show that the lower bound is m(n-1) and present a constructive algorithm for generating codes of arbitrarily long constraint length which achieve this bound.
Abstract 2281: Signaling from lysosomes to mitochondria sensitizes head and neck cancer cells to photodynamic treatment: Role of mitoferrin 2

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves activation by light of a photosensitizer in a tissue, resulting in singlet oxygen formation and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions between lysosomes and mitochondria in promoting PDT killing of head and neck cancer cells. Three head and neck cancer cell lines (UMSCC1, UMSCC14 and UMSCC22) were subjected to PDT with Pc 4, a mitochondria-targeted photosensitizer. After comparable Pc 4-PDT, cell killing was greater in UMSCC22 than UMSCC1 or UMSCC14 cells. Pc 4-PDT caused 85% cell killing in UMSCC22 cells compared to 20% killing in UMSCC1 or UMSCC14 cells. In non-erythroid cells, mitoferrin 2 (Mfrn2) is an iron transporter in the mitochondrial inner membrane, and PDT-sensitive UMSCC22 cells expressed >5 times higher Mfrn2 protein levels compared to PDT-resistant UMSCC1 and UMSCC14 cells as determined by Western blotting. Bafilomycin, an inhibitor of the vacuolar proton pump of lysosomes and endosomes enhanced Pc 4-PDTcytoxicity. Mfrn2 protein overexpression in low Mfrn2 expressing cells enhanced sensitivity to Pc 4-PDT plus bafilomycin. Conversely, knocking down (90% knock down) Mfrn2 by siRNA decreased cells’ sensitivity to the Pc 4-PDT plus bafilomycin treatment. Iron chelators (desferrioxamine and starch-desferrioxamine) and the inhibitor of the mitochondrial calcium (and ferrous iron) uniporter, Ru360, protected against PDT plus bafilomycin treatment from Pc 4- mitochondria-mediated cell killing. In conclusion, the data suggest that lysosomal iron release and mitochondrial iron uptake through Mfrn2 act synergistically to induce PDT-induced cell killing. Furthermore, Mfrn2 represents a possible biomarker in predicting efficacy of the PDT treatment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2281. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2281
Plasma-aided template synthesis of inorganic nanotubes and nanorods

This work presents a new sol–gel deposition method to synthesize high purity SiO2 and ZrO2 nanotubes and nanorods using track-etched membrane templates. Oxygen plasma pretreatment ensures pore-filling of the precursor solution and covalent bonding between template and precursor, while pyrolysis of the template–nanostructure composite completely removes organics and produces inorganic nanostructures. The nanotube/nanorod aspect ratio was tunable by the pore size and thickness of the template, while the wall thickness (from tube to rod) was controlled by the precursor concentration. The solvent-free plasma treatment and pyrolysis provide an efficient synthetic route to produce high purity inorganic nanostructures.
Tumor control in long-term survivors following superficial hyperthermia

Abstract Sixty tumors with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were treated with radiation and superficial microwave hyperthermia (915 MHz). The overall local control rate was 50% (3060). The most important factor in outcome was appropriateness of the hyperthermia applicator. Tumors covered by at least the 25% iso-SAR contour achieved 65% local control versus 21% local control with less than 25% SAR coverage ( p 43 ). If each monitored tumor catheter achieved t 43 ≥ 30 minutes in at least one session, then tumor control was significantly ( p 43 ≥ 30 versus 25% with Min t 43 43 ≥ 30, a statistically significant ( p = 0.02) difference could be demonstrated between the group meeting both the SAR and the minimum tumor time/duration standards as opposed to those meeting only one standard. The actuarial local progression-free survival for tumors most likely to have had adequate hyperthermia (defined as SAR ≥ 25% and Min t 43 > 30) and all other tumors did not begin to separate significantly until 8 to 12 months after treatment. Implications for future randomized studies are discussed.
Sequential and non-sequential acceptance sampling plans for autocorrelated processes using ARMA(p,q) models

This paper presents variable acceptance sampling plans based on the assumption that consecutive observations on a quality characteristic(X) are autocorrelated and are governed by a stationary autoregressive moving average (ARMA) process. The sampling plans are obtained under the assumption that an adequate ARMA model can be identified based on historical data from the process. Two types of acceptance sampling plans are presented: (1) Non-sequential acceptance sampling: In this case historical data is available based on which an ARMA model is identified. Parameter estimates are used to determine the action limit (k) and the sample size(n). A decision regarding acceptance of a process is made after a complete sample of size n is selected. (2) Sequential acceptance sampling: Here too historical data is available based on which an ARMA model is identified. A decision regarding whether or not to accept a process is made after each individual sample observation becomes available. The concept of Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) is used to derive the sampling plans. Simulation studies are used to assess the effect of uncertainties in parameter estimates and the effect of model misidentification (based on historical data) on sample size for the sampling plans. Macros for computing the required sample size using both methods based on several ARMA models can be found on the author's web page http://pages.towson.edu/aminza/papers.html .
Preparation and Characterization of Macroporous Silicate Films

A straightforward procedure for engineering porosity in thin silicate films has been demonstrated. Macroporous silicate films were fabricated by doping a silica sol prepared from the acid-catalyzed...
Attitude State Estimation with Multirate Measurements for Almost Global Attitude Feedback Tracking

A state estimation scheme that does not depend on the statistical distribution of bounded measurement noise is presented. This scheme is used to provide state estimates for feedback in an attitude tracking control scheme that exhibits almost global asymptotically stable tracking of a desired attitude trajectory with perfect state measurements. The control and estimation schemes use the global, unique representation of rigid body attitude provided by rotation matrices. Attitude and angular velocity state estimate updates are obtained from discrete multi-rate measurements using a deterministic filtering scheme. Propagation of discrete state estimates is carried out with a Lie group variational integrator, which preserves the orthogonality of rotation matrices during numerical propagation without reprojection. This integrator is also used to numerically simulate the feedback system. The performance of this attitude tracking control scheme is then compared with that of a recently reported quaternion observer-based continuous feedback attitude tracking scheme. This quaternion-based attitude tracking scheme is shown to exhibit unstable, unwinding behavior. Numerical
Atomistic Computer Modeling of Intermetallic Alloys

The paper gives a brief overview of our recent work on atomistic computer modeling of ordered intermetallic compounds of the Ni-Al and Ti-Al systems. Atomic interactions in these systems are modeled by semi-empirical potentials fit to experimental and first-principles data. The methodology includes a large variety of techniques ranging from harmonic lattice dynamics to molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. The properties studied include lattice characteristics (elastic constants, phonons, thermal expansion), point-defect properties, atomic diffusion, generalized stacking faults, dislocations, surfaces, grain boundaries, interphase boundaries, and phase diagrams. We especially emphasize the recent progress in the understanding of diffusion mechanisms in NiAl and TiAl, calculation of stacking fault energies in Ni3Al in relation to dislocation behavior, and calculations of / 0 interface boundaries in Ni-Al alloys.
Free vibration of composite beams including rotary inertia and shear deformation

Abstract Exact solutions are presented for the free vibration of symmetrically laminated composite beams. First-order shear deformation and rotary inertia have been included in the analysis. The solution procedure is applicable to arbitrary boundary conditions. Results have been presented to demonstrate the effect of shear deformation, material anisotropy and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of advanced composite beams.
Late-Life Sibling Relationships: Does Race Affect Typological Distribution?

Using a typology of sibling relationships in old age (Gold, 1989a), effects of race on distribution of relationships were studied. Differences between elderly white and black sibling pairs on several dimensions were also examined. Analyses of interview data suggest that race is systematically related to distribution, but that other demographic variables do not significantly affect the distribution of dyads among categories in the typology. Using log linear models, it was shown that the interaction between race, type, and dyadic gender composition was significant. Data also suggest that black dyads are represented more frequently in the positive categories, and white dyads are more likely to be categorized as "apathetic" or "hostile."
Association of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants 1255

Association of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants 1255
Neutralization of Micrurus distans distans venom by antivenin (Micrurus fulvius)

Neutralization of Micrurus distans distans venom by antivenin (Micrurus fulvius) was investigated. Pooled, lyophilized venom from a single specimen was used in all experiments. Micro-Ouchterlony demonstrated multiple precipitin lines between M. distans distans venom and M. fulvius antivenin (AV). The efficacy of M. fulvius AV in neutralizing M. distans distans and M. fulvius venoms in vivo was tested using CD-I mice. All mice received venom plus saline or AV. Survival times were improved in all animals receiving AV. Clinical observation in both groups showed that modes of death were similar. Antivenin (M. fulvius) Wyeth may be useful in the treatment of M. distans distans envenomation.
Residual-minimization least-squares method for inverse heat conduction

Abstract A numerical method is systematically developed for resolving an inverse heat conduction problem in the presence of noisy discrete data. This paper illustrates the effect of imposing constraints on the unknown function of interest. A Volterra integral equation of the first kind is derived and used as the starting point for residual-minimization, least-squares methodology. Symbolic manipulation is exploited for purposes of augmenting the computational methodology. Preliminary indications suggest that the imposition of physical constraints on the system drastically reduces the level of mathematical sophistication needed for accurately approximating the unknown function of interest. These constraints are actually available in many design studies or from models which are derived by physical processes.
Biphasic Calcium Phosphate: A Scaffold for Growth Plate Chondrocyte Maturation

While skeletal development can occur by either intramembranous or endochondral bone formation, all current tissue engineering approaches for bone repair and regeneration try to mimic intramembranou...
Individualized impression trays from existing complete dentures

This technique can be used to avoid the making of preliminary impressions for complete dentures in patients with abnormally small oral openings. With this method, the patient must have existing dentures, and the border extensions must be adequate to serve as individualized impression trays.
Low-temperature properties of the ± J Ising spin glass in two dimensions

The replica Monte Carlo simulation method and finite-size transfer-matrix method are used to study low-temperature properties of the $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}J$ Ising spin glass in two dimensions. We find the spin-glass susceptibility exponent $\ensuremath{\gamma}=5.11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05$ with a zero-temperature transition. The ground-state entropy ${s}_{0}=0.071\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.007$ by Monte Carlo simulation agrees well with previous transfer-matrix calculation, and the specific heat at low temperature has an asymptotic form $\frac{c}{{k}_{B}}\ensuremath{\approx}\frac{1.3{J}^{2}}{{({k}_{B}T)}^{2}}{e}^{\frac{\ensuremath{-}2J}{({k}_{B}T)}}$, which indicates an energy $2J$ as low-lying excitations. We show that the replica Monte Carlo method is much faster than standard annealing for finding ground states.
Destructive leader traits and the neutralizing influence of an "enriched" job

Abstract This study tested a model of the interactive effects of perceived job characteristics and potentially destructive leader traits on the physical and psychological strain of their subordinates and their job attitudes and commitment to the organization. A composite measure of the characteristics of enriched jobs (job scope) was positively related to more favorable outcomes (e.g., organizational commitment) and negatively related to unfavorable outcomes (e.g., somatic complaints). Hierarchical linear modeling tested the moderating effects of leader hostility and leader negative affectivity on the effects of perceived job scope. Subordinates ( n = 203) with leaders ( n = 47) scoring high on hostility and low job scope consistently exhibited less favorable outcomes than subordinates with low hostility supervisors and low job scope and high hostility supervisors and high job scope . Leader trait negative affectivity exhibited similar interaction effects for three of the outcomes (organizational commitment, overall job satisfaction, and anxiety). The implications of these findings for leadership are discussed.
Perturbational analysis of steady-state and transient-beam fanning in thin and thick photorefractive media

Using a perturbational-analysis and Fourier-transform techniques, we solve the Kukhtarev equations to analyze the steady-state and the transient beam fanning in a photorefractive material. Steady-state results are calculated with both thin- and thick-sample models for the photorefractive material, and the results are compared. The thin-sample results are corroborated with a simple physical argument based on an Airy function approach. We find the nature of the dependence of beam fanning on the beam size and sample thickness. Furthermore, we calculate the transient buildup of beam fanning using the thick-sample model.
The Death Knell for Constitutional Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Claims in Immigration Proceedings

The article addresses the Attorney General's recent decision in Matter of Compean, Bangaly & J-E-C-, in which he determined that aliens may not assert a constitutional claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in immigration proceedings. Along with this constitutional holding, the Attorney General also found that the Board could grant relief in the exercise of its discretion, and established a comprehensive substantive and procedural framework for resolving such claims. This issue is perhaps the most contentious current issue in immigration law. Three federal courts of appeals have ruled consistent with the Attorney General's decision, yet the eight other federal courts of appeals with jurisdiction under section 242 of the Immigration and Nationality Act have concluded that aliens do have a due process right to the effective assistance of counsel. Moreover, the decision overrules two previous decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals assuming that the Fifth Amendment did guarantee such a right. Accordingly, the reorientation of the legal debate represented by the Attorney General's definitive decision is difficult to understate.
Asymmetrical Contributions of Subunit Pore Regions to Ion Selectivity in an Inward Rectifier K+ Channel

We have investigated aspects of ion selectivity in K+ channels by functional expression of wild-type and mutant heteromultimeric G protein-coupled inward-rectifier K+ (GIRK) channels in Xenopus oocytes. Within the K+ channel pore (P) region signature sequence, a large number of point mutations in GIRK1 and GIRK4 subunits have been made at a key tyrosine residue--the "signature" tyrosine of the GYG. Studies of mutant GIRK1/GIRK4 heteromultimers reveal that the GIRK1 and GIRK4 subunits contribute asymmetrically to K+ selectivity. The signature tyrosine of GIRK1 can be mutated to many different residues while retaining selectivity; in contrast, the analogous position in GIRK4 must be tyrosine for maximum selectivity. Other residues of the P region also contribute to selectivity, and studies with GIRK1/GIRK4 chimeras reveal that an intact, heteromultimeric P region is necessary and sufficient for optimal K+ selectivity. We propose that the GIRK1 and GIRK4 P regions play roles similar to the two P regions of an emerging family of K+ channels whose subunits each have two P regions connected in tandem. We find different consequences between similar mutations in inward-rectifier and voltage-gated K+ channels, which suggests that the pore structures and selectivity mechanisms in the two classes of channel may not be identical. We confirm that GIRK4 subunits alone can form functional channels in oocytes, but we find that these channels are measurably permeable to Na2+ and Ca2+.
RHIC 25 kW refrigerator and distribution system, construction, testing, and initial operating experience

The installation and testing of most of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) cryogenic system is complete. The RHIC cryogenic system consisting of the modified ISABELLE refrigerator, and other new cryogenic components, has been completed from the 25 kW refrigerator through one sixth of the 3.8 km circumference RHIC accelerator up to the 4:00 valve box. This paper covers the progress to date with respect to construction and installation of the helium distribution system, including the vacuum jacketed piping and valve boxes, recoolers, and controls. In addition, the 25 kW refrigerator has been operated on three seChapaute occasions over the past two years. These first experiences with the operation of the refrigerator and warm compressor system, along with some test results will be discussed here.
Shoulder tenotomies to improve passive motion and relieve pain in patients with spastic hemiplegia after upper motor neuron injury

Hypothesis Shoulder adduction and internal rotation contractures commonly develop in patients with spastic hemiplegia after upper motor neuron (UMN) injury. Contractures are often painful, macerate skin, and impair axillary hygiene. We hypothesize that shoulder tenotomies are an effective means of pain relief and passive motion restoration in patients without active upper extremity motor function. Materials and methods A consecutive series of 36 adults (10 men, 26 women) with spastic hemiplegia from UMN injury, shoulder adduction, and internal rotation contractures, and no active movement, who underwent shoulder tenotomies of the pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, teres major, and subscapularis were evaluated. Patients were an average age of 52.2 years. Pain, passive motion, and satisfaction were considered preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Average follow-up was 14.3 months. Preoperatively, all patients had limited passive motion that interfered with passive functions. Nineteen patients had pain. After surgery, passive extension, flexion, abduction, and external rotation improved from 50%, 27%, 27%, and 1% to 85%, 70%, 66%, and 56%, respectively, compared with the normal contralateral side (P Discussion We observed improvements in passive ROM and high patient satisfaction with surgery at early follow-up. Patients who had pain with passive motion preoperatively had significant improvements in pain after shoulder tenotomy. Conclusion Shoulder tenotomy to relieve spastic contractures resulting from UMN injury can be an effective means of pain relief and improved passive range of motion in patients without active motor function.
Detection Of a Random Walk Signal in the Regime of Low Signal to Noise Ratio and Long Observation Time

This paper considers the detection of a Markov signal in additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Here, the Markov signal is taken to be a certain class of random walk processes. A closed form expression of the likelihood ratio (LR) is derived for a general Markov signal in AWGN. Then, under the conditions of low signal to noise ratio (SNR) and long observation time, necessary conditions are derived for the LR of the random walk to be approximated by a bank of filtered energy (FE) detectors, as well as by a single FE detector. The FE detector is an intuitive way to perform detection; however, it is not necessarily optimal. The results are applicable to the detection of an electron spin in a magnetic resonance force microscopy (MRFM) experiment.
EVALUATION OF ABILITY OF SUPERPAVE SHEAR TESTER TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN MIXTURES WITH DIFFERENT AGGREGATE SIZES

A study was conducted to determine whether the results from the Superpave shear tester (SST) could measure the effect of nominal maximum aggregate size on rutting susceptibility of asphalt mixtures without the need of a model. Four mixtures were analyzed using direct measurements from the SST. Two of the mixtures were prepared with AC-5 asphalt cement and nominal maximum aggregate sizes of 19.0 mm and 37.5 mm. The other two were prepared with AC-20 asphalt cement and the same two gradations. The results were analyzed statistically and compared with the performance of the respective mixtures tested by the FHWA Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF). The specimens were compacted to a target air voids of 7 percent using the Superpave gyratory compactor. The testing sequence consisted of performing the simple shear at constant height (SSCH) test followed by the frequency sweep at constant height (FSCH) test at 40°C and 58°C. These temperatures were chosen because they represent, respectively, the highest temperat...
Metformin and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: are statins the missing link?

We read with great interest, the recent article titled ‘Metformin decreases hepatocellular carcinoma risk in a dose-dependent manner: population-based and in vitro studies’ by Chen and colleagues published online in July in the Journal .1 In this large, population-based, case-control study using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, they reported that in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), metformin use is associated with a decrease in the risk of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in a dose- and duration-dependent manner. Metformin users had a 21% lower risk of HCC on multivariate stratified analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders (age, gender, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, liver cirrhosis, DM duration and antidiabetic …
Diet and risk of colon cancer in a large prospective study of older women: an analysis stratified on family history (Iowa, United States)

Objective: The purpose was to investigate whether dietary associations with risk of colon cancer in women differ by family history of the disease. Methods: Data were analyzed from a prospective cohort study of 35,216 Iowa (United States) women aged 55 to 69 years at baseline. Through 31 December 1995, 241 colon cancers were identified through record linkage with the State Health Registry. The cohort was stratified on family history of colon cancer in first-degree relatives; nutrient intakes were divided into tertiles. Results: Analyses using Cox regression revealed that the association of most dietary components with colon cancer incidence were similar for individuals with and without a family history. However, total calcium intake was associated inversely with colon cancer among women with a negative family history (relative risk [RR]=0.50 for upper cf lower tertile, P < 0.001), but was unrelated to incidence for women with a positive family history (RR=1.1 for upper cf lower tertile, P=0.69). Similarly, total vitamin E intake was associated with lower risk among women with a negative family history (RR=0.67 for upper cf lower tertile, P=0.04), but not among women with a positive family history (RR=0.87 for upper cf lower tertile, P=0.67). High intakes of fiber, fruits, and vegetables were each weakly inversely associated with risk among family-history negative women, but not among family-history positive women. Conclusions: These data, if corroborated, suggest that dietary factors typically associated with lower risk may be less effective risk-reduction interventions against colon cancer for individuals with a family history of colon cancer.
Fatigue during High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Application to Bodybuilding

Resistance exercise is an activity performed by individuals interested in competition, those who wish to improve muscle mass and strength for other sports, and for individuals interested in improving their strength and physical appearance. In this review we present information suggesting that phosphocreatine depletion, intramuscular acidosis and carbohydrate depletion are all potential causes of the fatigue during resistance exercise. In addition, recommendations are provided for nutritional interventions, which might delay muscle fatigue during this type of activity.
The impact of regulatory enforcement and consultation visits on workers' compensation claims incidence rates and costs, 1999-2008.

BACKGROUND: Studies of regulatory effectiveness have shown mixed evidence of impact of inspections on injury rates. We examine changes in workers compensation claims rates and costs for Washington employers having either an inspection, with or without citation, or a voluntary consultation activity. METHOD: We merge 10 years of enforcement and consultation activity with workers compensation records at the individual workplace level for stable firms with a single business location and at least 10 full-time employees. The change in claims incidence rates (CIRs) was estimated, controlling for workplace claims rate history, size, and industry. Separate analyses were performed for non-musculoskeletal and musculoskeletal (MSD) CIRs, claims costs and for enforcement activities with citation and without citation. RESULTS: Enforcement activities are associated with a significant reduction in CIRs and costs. Similar results may also be attributable to consultations. Inspections were associated with a 4% decline in time-loss claims rates relative to uninspected workplaces. The effect strengthens when MSD claims are excluded. Citations for non-compliance are associated with a 20% decline in non-MSD CIRs relative to uninspected workplaces. There is also some evidence for a reduction in MSD claims rates beginning in the second year following inspection. Enforcement and consultation activity is associated with substantial decreases in claims costs. CONCLUSIONS: Enforcement activities make a significant contribution to reducing CIRs and costs. Similar results following consultations may also exist. Inspections with citations are more effective than those without. Claims rates for non-MSD injuries, related to hazards covered by specific standards, are more affected in the year following the visit, while those for MSDs take longer to begin falling. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Communication visibility in shared virtual worlds

Though the service of shared virtual worlds is an active area of research, little effort has been made to optimize such systems for urban world spaces. Tracking the motion, action, and communication of thousands of users in a city requires an application of visibility for spatial and logical subdivision of updates. We propose the City-Level Optimizations for Virtual Environments (CLOVES) substrate for the MIT City Scan (automated urban geometry acquisition) project. CLOVES includes a generalized spatial subdivision optimized for visibility; a Graduated Visibility Set (GVS) generator; associated interest management techniques; and model service to distributed heterogeneous clients.
Collagen-stimulated unidirectional translocation of cholesterol in human platelet membranes

When human platelets are stimulated with collagen or thrombin, the asymmetric distribution of membrane lipids is disrupted as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine translocate from the inner monolayer to the outer monolayer. Coincident with the stimulus-dependent rearrangement of membrane phospholipids is a rapid redistribution of cholesterol from the outer to the inner membrane monolayer. This redistribution of cholesterol was observed when the stimulus was collagen or ADP. The data presented here show that epinephrine stimulation does not promote cholesterol translocation but does potentiate collagen-promoted movement of cholesterol. To investigate the process of cholesterol translocation, experiments were performed to determine whether collagen stimulated reverse cholesterol movement; i.e. from the inner to the outer monolayer. For this study, the fluorescent sterol cholestatrienol (C-3) was incorporated into platelet membranes by exchange from cholesterol-containing phosphatidylcholine small unilamellar vesicles. C-3 was then removed selectively from the outer monolayer by treatment of the platelets with bovine serum albumin (BSA). During the subsequent incubation of BSA-treated platelets, C-3 moved spontaneously into the outer from the inner monolayer. This translocation had an apparent half-time of approximately 25 min and was unaltered by the presence of collagen. These results suggest that collagen treatment of platelets selectively facilitates the inward movement of the sterol. We have hypothesized that cholesterol translocation may be thermodynamically driven as a result of an unfavorable entropy, resulting in cholesterol translocation out of an environment becoming enriched in phosphatidylethanolamine. The unidirectional nature of collagen-promoted cholesterol movement from the phosphatidylethanolamine-rich outer monolayer is consistent with this interpretation.
Understanding of Asthma Management: Medicaid Parents’ Perspectives

Objective: This article explores parental caregiver perspectives on barriers to asthma care in the Medicaid system. Methods: Focus groups were held for parents of children with persistent asthma to identify barriers to asthma care for children insured by Medicaid in the Ypsilanti, MI area. Semistructured questions regarding health goals, asthma care, and access were used. Themes were defined as distinct categories or concepts regarding aspects of asthma care and coded. Results: Thirty-six adults participated in four focus groups, 89% were the biological mother, and 64% were African American. Major themes identified included caregiver emotions, caregiver/patient knowledge, environmental issues, school/daycare support, Medicaid health-care system issues, the role of medical providers, and emerging adolescence. Parents demonstrated asthma awareness but were not confident in their role as the child's disease manager. A specific gap was seen in the caregiver's level of self-efficacy to control exposure to asthma triggers, monitor the child's symptoms, and modify medications based on asthma symptoms. Conclusion: Medicaid-insured families face unique barriers related to income and insurance limitations as well as issues common to others with asthma. Caregivers demonstrated a high level of asthma knowledge, but like other caregivers gaps between knowledge and behavior existed. Barriers to asthma care that may be specific to Medicaid-insured patients included difficulty maintaining continuity of care due to physician participation in Medicaid programs, and concerns about possible differences in asthma care from health-care providers due to their Medicaid insurance status.
Pediatric peroneal spastic flatfoot in the absence of coalition. A suggested protocol

While most pediatric patients with peroneal spastic flatfoot demonstrate tarsal coalitions, not all do. The absence of coalition may present a diagnostic challenge and make appropriate treatment difficult. Past and present etiologic theories, diagnostic modalities, and treatments are outlined in this article. The common peroneal nerve block is of great value in the diagnosis and treatment of peroneal spastic flatfoot with or without coalition. With adjunctive treatments, increased motion and decreased symptomatology are often obtained. A protocol, applied to five cases described herein, is suggested.
First principles predictions of intrinsic defects in aluminum arsenide, AlAs : numerical supplement.

This Report presents numerical tables summarizing properties of intrinsic defects in aluminum arsenide, AlAs, as computed by density functional theory. This Report serves as a numerical supplement to the results published in: P.A. Schultz, 'First principles predictions of intrinsic defects in Aluminum Arsenide, AlAs', Materials Research Society Symposia Proceedings 1370 (2011; SAND2011-2436C), and intended for use as reference tables for a defect physics package in device models.
Mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns activate γδ T-cells

Gamma delta T-cells have been shown to be important in the early immunoinflammatory response to injury, which can be independent of infection. This sterile inflammatory response is believed to be, in part, associated with danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Mitochondrial DAMPs (MTDs) have been shown to be important in trauma-induced neutrophil activation, but it is unknown whether MTDs activate other innate immune cells, such as γδ T-cells. To study this, splenic CD3+ γδ T-cells were isolated from αβ T-cell-deficient C57BL/6 mice and mitochondria isolated from wild type mouse livers. MTDs were isolated from mitochondria by sonication and centrifugation. Gamma delta T-cells were incubated with various concentrations of MTDs (0–500 µg/ml) for 24 h. T-cells were phenotyped for TLR expression by flow cytometry and the supernatants assayed for cytokine and growth factor content. MTDs caused a dose-dependent increase in TLR2 and TLR4 expression by γδ T-cells. Both the percentage of cells positive for ...
SLA-Based Service Composition in Enterprise Computing

The composition of services has been a useful approach to integrating business applications within and across organizational boundaries. In this approach, individual services are federated into composite services which are able to execute a given task subject to a service level agreement (SLA). An SLA is a contract agreed between a customer and a service provider who define a set of several quality of services (QoS). An SLA violation penalty is a way to ensure the credibility of an advertised SLA by a service provider. In this paper, we consider a set of computer resources used by a service broker who represents service providers to host enterprise applications for differentiated customer services subject to an SLA and its violation penalty. We present a novel framework for a QoS-constrained resource provisioning problem, and propose a capacity planning approach to optimizing computer resources for all service sites owned by service providers subject to multiple QoS metrics defined in the SLA and their violation penalties. Simulation results show that the proposed approach is efficient for reliable resource planning in service composition.
Asynchronous processor design for digital signal processing

Asynchronous processors, which do not require an external clocking signal, give better performance than comparable synchronous processors in situations for which global synchronization with a high-speed clock becomes a limiting factor to system throughput. Automatic synthesis and the ability to decouple the timing considerations from the design of computational blocks make this approach particularly attractive in reducing design effort when systems become complex. A number of issues relevant to asynchronous programmable processors such as interconnection circuit specifications, circuit design, data flow control, program flow control, feedback and initialization, and I/O interface are discussed. >
Area postrema and aortic or vagal afferents converge to excite cells in nucleus tractus solitarius

Area postrema neurons enhance baroreflex function, perhaps by augmenting baroreceptor afferent processing in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). If so, NTS neurons should receive convergent excitatory inputs from area postrema neurons and baroreceptors. The aims of this study were to record extracellular activity of NTS neurons to determine whether 1) area postrema and aortic baroreceptor afferents converged in NTS, 2) area postrema and vagal afferents converged in NTS, and 3) the convergent inputs were facilitative. Studies were performed in pentobarbital sodium- or alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rabbits. Forty-six of 194 NTS neurons received inputs from the area postrema and aortic depressor nerve. Twelve of the 23 inputs showed facilitative summation; unit response rate evoked by paired inputs (79%) doubled the predicted (calculated) response rate for simple addition (37%). Fifty-eight of 114 NTS neurons received excitatory inputs from the area postrema and vagus. Eleven of the 13 inputs showed facilitative summation; unit response to paired inputs (87%) doubled the predicted response (44%). Area postrema neurons may augment the processing of aortic and vagal inputs by NTS neurons and, hence, enhance the reflex output of these afferent pathways.
Forage Productivity of Rangeland Along the Santa Fe Trail in 1846

Forage productivity of rangeland along the Santa Fe Trail in 1846. DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v27i1_goodan