cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functionalization of nanoclays with ionic liquids for polypropylene composites

Cationic nanoclays were treated by ion exchange with various ionic liquids (ILs) containing cations and anions of different structure and/or molecular weight in order to investigate the effects of the IL structure and cation chain length on extent of clay dispersion, intercalation, and thermal stability. The modified clays containing imidazolium-, pyridinium-, and phosphonium-based cations were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Although the thermal stability of pure ILs was mostly controlled by the type of the anion present, high temperature thermal stability of the modified clays, at the IL cation loadings achieved in this work, was not significantly dependent on type, structure, or size of the cation. The latter parameters, however, were of significant importance in controlling degree of dispersion of the nanoclays during melt compounding with polypropylene (PP). Basal spacing increased proportionally to the size and type of the intercalated cations and showed little change in the PP composites. Although commercial organoclays were shown to be less thermally stable than IL modified clays, they exhibited larger basal spacing and better dispersion characteristics in the polyolefin matrix; however, they increased to the same extent the thermal stability of the PP matrix as the phosphonium modified clays. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Attainment of Skill in Using Science Processes. I. Instrumentation, Methodology and Analysis.

Instrumentation, methodology, and analysis techniques were developed to measure changes in adolescent skills in the estimation of linear distance. Microcomputers were used to present and control the amount of information available to assist students in estimation. Three different levels of difficulty in estimating were developed and students estimated ten positions of a point on a vertical line within each level of difficulty. Strategies used by students to estimate were found, and a model was developed using regression analysis to allow for the separation of variance of trend and individual skill differences. This model was used to predict decreases in number of estimates and decreases in average time per estimate. The number of estimates per position decreased rapidly and a limit was soon achieved. Thus average time per estimate was used as a measure of skill. Students improved performance within the first two levels, but not within the most difficult level. Across levels, average performance improved in spite of increasing difficulty, and a transfer effect appeared to occur over time. It was concluded that micro-computers were a valuable instrument for gathering and recording data. The model using regression analysis was an effective tool to study estimation. Students used effective strategies and improved their estimation skill quickly. Learning did occur, but the level of difficulty of information or practice effect available while solving an estimation problem may limit the extent of improvement.
Investigation of Possible Crystallographic Ordering in Ferromagnetic Ni 3 Co by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

The NMR spin-echo spectra of Ni and Co in disordered and annealed Ni 3 Co alloys are almost identical, indicating that long-range crystallographic order does not occur in this alloy.
HRD Educators’ Views on Teaching and Learning An International Perspective

The ProblemThe development of human resource development (HRD) practitioners and scholars in university-based courses and programs is a significant but underexplored area of research. No recent sch...
Gravitational radiation from point masses in a Keplerian orbit

The gravitational radiation from two point masses going around each other under their mutual gravitational influence is calculated. Two different methods are outlined; one involves a multipole expansion of the radiation field, while the other uses the inertia tensor of the source. The calculations apply for arbitrary eccentricity of the relative orbit, but assume orbital velocities are small. The total rate, angular distribution, and polarization of the radiated energy are discussed.
NUCLEON--NUCLEON BREMSSTRAHLUNG: AN S-MATRIX APPROACH.

A covariant formulation of nucleon-nucleon bremsstrahlung is presented which is unitary and gauge invariant, and has a relatively simple form in the soft-photon limit. Applying the soft-photon approximation to experiment, a large discrepancy is found with the noncoplanar data taken in Harvard geometry, while the fit for the coplanar case is good. The inclusion of non-soft-photon dynamics using $S$-matrix methods is discussed.
Hyperventilation syndrome and asthma

Hyperventilation syndrome is a common and often disabling condition. Traditional treatment consists of reassurance and anxiolytic drugs. Hyperventilation is known to precipitate an asthmatic reaction. A retrospective review of patients with hyperventilation syndrome was performed to ascertain the frequency of asthma as well as the response to bronchodilator medication. Forty-seven patients were seen. Thirty-eight were tested, and asthma was proved in 36. Two additional patients had positive clinical responses with bronchodilators. Thus, asthma was identified in 38 of 47 consecutive patients seen for hyperventilation syndrome (80 percent), and asthma was proved in 36 of 38 of patients tested (95 percent). Hyperventilation syndrome was eliminated in 29 of 35 patients (90 percent) treated with a combination of explanation and bronchodilator treatment.
Cumulative Clamp Load Loss Due to a Fully Reversed Cyclic Service Load Acting on an Initially Yielded Bolted Joint System

The amount of clamp load loss due to a fully reversed cyclic service load is determined for a bolted assembly in which the fastener and the joint were both tightened initially beyond their respective proportional limits. The cyclic reversed load acts in a direction parallel to the bolt axis. During the first half of each cycle, the cyclic load acts as tensile separating force that increases the fastener tension further into the nonlinear range; it simultaneously reduces the joint clamping force. Thus, after the first one half of the cycle, the clamp load is reduced from its initial value due to the plastic elongation of the fastener. During the second half cycle, the cyclic load compresses the joint further into the plastic range; simultaneously, it reduces the fastener tension. Due to the permanent set in the compressed joint, the clamp load is decreased further at the end of the second half cycle of the service load. The cumulative clamp load loss due to the permanent set in both the fastener and the joint is analytically determined using a nonlinear model. Variables investigated in this study include the joint-to-fastener stiffness ratio, the ratio of the initial fastener tension to its elastic limit, and the ratio of the external force to its maximum tensile value that would trigger joint separation.
Academic Goal Orientations and Student Classroom Achievement

Abstract We examined whether college students′ goal orientations affect achievement, strategy use, and metacognition. Dweck and Leggett′s (1988) framework was used to distinguish between learning (i.e., concern for improving one′s competence) and performance (i.e., concern for proving one′s competence) orientations. Individuals were classified as normatively high or low on each dimension, creating a 2 × 2 summary table. ANCOVAs indicated that individuals who scored high on the learning dimension obtained higher achievement scores, used more strategies, and possessed more metacognitive knowledge about cognitive processes even when prior achievement was controlled statistically. These findings supported the view that a strong learning orientation facilitates the development of cognitive skills necessary to increase academic achievement independent of one′s performance orientation. Educational implications were discussed.
Structure and function of telomerase

The study of eukaryotic telomeres at the molecular level began with the discovery of short, tandem repeats at Tetrahymena chromosome ends. In the following two decades, major insights about telomere structure and function have come from investigations of telomerase, the DNA polymerase that synthesizes these repeats. In the past year, three areas of telomerase research have been particularly intense: assays of telomerase activity, isolation of telomerase components, and studies of the regulation of telomerase and telomere length in vivo.
Nonlinear material requirements for passive optical limiting in an optical imaging system

Intensity dependent nonlinear materials placed at an intermediate focal plane in a simple two lens optical imaging system will limit radiation on a detector plane. We report the dependence of the energy and fluence limiting on aperture size, nonlinear material position, and the magnitude of the nonlinearity. The approximate performance of this same imaging system is determined for a laser source located far from the limiter. The nonlinear material requirements to limit the fluence at or below some predetermined level is determined. A dynamic range for the limiting behavior is determined which includes damage to the nonlinear material.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Simple Test for Phase Characteristics of Chart Recorders

A method for quantifying the relative phase shift characteristics of chart recorders is presented. A test signal of the form (cos wot + A cos 3wot) is used, which when normalized for unequal responses at the two frequencies, provides an independent quantitative measure of relative phase shift which can be detennined from examination of the output record. Ihe ease of implementation and interpretation suggests the potential application of this test as both a compliance and quality assurance technique for evaluating the performance of medical chart recording systems.
Intracellular Transport of 3,5,3'-Triiodo-L-Thyronine in Rat Skeletal Myoblasts

Since in skeletal muscle circulating L-T3 is the only source for the hormone bound to nuclei, we investigated the intracellular and intranuclear transport of L-T3 in L6E9 rat skeletal muscle cells. The characteristics of this process were assessed by analyzing the nuclear bound L-T3 as a marker of the internalized hormone and by determining the initial rate of LT3 uptake. [125I]L-T3 cellular uptake at 37 C reached a plateau at 2 h when the nuclear uptake, after an initial lag phase, was still increasing and represented 4.7% of the cellular uptake. Incubation at 4 C caused [125I]L-T3 cellular uptake to decrease by 77% and nuclear uptake to be abolished. A similar effect on [125I]L-T3 nuclear uptake was obtained after myoblasts were incubated at 37 C with a 1000-fold excess of unlabeled L-T3. The addition of various inhibitors of ATP production, cytoskeleton integrity, endocytosis, and Na+, K+-ATPase that did not interfere with [125I]L-T3 binding to the cell surface or to isolated nuclei caused a dose-depen...
Shape Background Modeling : The Shape of Things That Came

Detecting, isolating, and tracking moving objects in an outdoor scene is a fundamental problem of visual surveillance. A key component of most approaches to this problem is the construction of a background model of intensity values. We propose extending background modeling to include learning a model of the expected shape of foreground objects. This paper describes our approach to shape description, shape space density estimation, and unsupervised model training. A key contribution is a description of properties of the joint distribution of object shape and image location. We show object segmentation and anomalous shape detection results on video captured from road intersections. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of building scene-specific and spatially-localized shape background models.
Comments, with reply, on "Numerical simulation" of annular-phased arrays of dipoles for hyperthermia of deep-seated tumors by J.-Y. Chen and O.P. Gandhi

The commenter asserts that it would be dangerous to take computed local values of specific absorption rate (SAR) seriously and use them as a basis for patient treatment, as suggested by J.-Y. Chen and O.P. Gandhi (ibid., vol.39, p.209-16, Mar. 1992) in the above-titled paper. He lists 11 reasons that support his assertion. The authors refute the commenter's claims, based on his use of simple models and whole-body SAR or average SAR in large regions of the body. >
A low-cost, single phase induction generator

A low cost, single phase induction generator suitable for use in stand-alone electric power systems is presented. A novel technique is described to actively control the generator voltage by varying the numberof shunt capacitors connected to the generator. Forced commutation of the switching SCR's is not required. Models are derived to analyze the small signal performance of an induction generator. Data from a 4 mW engine-generator set are presented. This paper describes the design of a low-cost, stand-alone engine-generator set. The feasibility of using an induction machine is demonstrated. A novel method of providing excitation current while regulating the generator voltage is described. Models are developed to characterize the performance of the overall system, and data from a 4 kW prototype are presented.
Corporatism Without Labor? Industrial Policymaking in the American States

This paper extends previous analyses of industrial policy from a corporatist perspective. We advocate a mid-level measure of group influence; the measure is based upon analysis of newspaper stories. A preliminary exploration of NewsBank data is reported, and several interesting trends in economic development policy are isolated. Business and education are heavily involved in policymaking whereas labor and political parties are not at all involved. On the whole, a meso-corporatist model in which business, state government, and education are partners seems to fit better than a business capture model. Some speculations are offered about this new American form of corporatism and its resemblance to the Japanese case.
Perspectives of Effective and Sustainable Community-based Natural Resource Management: An Application of Q Methodology to Forest Projects

Community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) has been recognised as an effective governance approach for sustainably managing commons or common-pool resources. Yet there is limited empirical research on answering the critical question: What are the principles and key characteristics that are needed to ensure long-term effective and sustainable CBNRM programmes? The research described here helps answer this question. For the first phase of this research, multiple perspectives from research teams were collected and organised into a matrix of 12 organisational principles and 60 key characteristics. These were then vetted using a large published collection of World Bank CBNRM case studies. The second phase of this research included site visits and the use of Q-sort methodology to understand the perspectives of a range of constituency groups associated with three successful forestry CBNRM sites. These sites are located in the Apuseni Mountains, Romania, Randolph, New Hampshire, and Ixtlαn de Juαrez, Oaxaca, Mexico. The findings, based on conducting principle component multi-variable analysis of the sociological and organisational data, point to four unique perspectives of what is essential for effective governance of their common-pool resources. There were also a number of areas of consensus across all four sites. Some of these findings transcend cultural differences, while others are directly associated with specific local conditions and cultural characteristics.
Frequency of Ureteroscope Damage Seen at a Tertiary Care Center

Purpose: There is controversy regarding ureteroscope durability. Little is known regarding the subsequent durability of a flexible ureteroscope after major damage has been incurred and the ureteroscope has been repaired. Maintenance and repair are associated with significant cost. We reviewed and assessed the frequency and cause of ureteroscope damage at our medical center.Materials and Methods: From December 2001 we prospectively recorded the specific use of all ureteroscopes and any resultant damage at a single tertiary care institution. We then reviewed a total of 601 ureteroscopic cases involving 654 semirigid and flexible ureteroscope uses from December 2001 to November 2004. Cases were performed by multiple residents and fellows under the supervision of 3 attending urologists (CML, RJL and VGB). Retrograde and antegrade cases involving stones, urothelial carcinoma, strictures and diagnostic evaluations were included. Repairs for the respective ureteroscopes were performed by the original manufacture...
Camelina water use and seed yield response to irrigation scheduling in an arid environment

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is a promising, biodiesel-producing oilseed that could potentially be implemented as a low-input alternative crop for production in the arid southwestern USA. However, little is known about camelina's water use, irrigation management, and agronomic characteristics in this arid environment. Came- lina experiments were conducted for 2 years (January to May in 2008 and 2010) in Maricopa, Arizona, to evaluate the effectiveness of previously developed heat unit and remote sensing basal crop coefficient (Kcb) methods for predicting camelina crop evapotranspiration (ET) and irrigation scheduling. Besides Kcb methods, additional treatment factors included two different irrigation sched- uling soil water depletion (SWD) levels (45 and 65 %) and two levels of seasonal N applications within a randomized complete block design with 4 blocks. Soil water content measurements taken in all treatment plots and applied in soil water balance calculations were used to evaluate the predicted ET. The heat-unit Kcb method was updated and validated during the second experiment to predict ET to within 12-13 % of the ET calculated by the soil water balance. The remote sensing Kcb method predicted ET within 7-10 % of the soil water balance. Seasonal ET from the soil water balance was significantly greater for the remote sensing than heat-unit Kcb method and signifi- cantly greater for the 45 than 65 % SWD level. How- ever, final seed yield means, which varied from 1,500 to 1,640 kg ha -1 for treatments, were not significantly different between treatments or years. Seed oil contents averaged 45 % in both years. Seed yield was found to be linearly related to seasonal ET with maximum yield occurring at about 470-490 mm of seasonal ET. Differ- ences in camelina seed yields due to seasonal N applica- tions (69-144 kg N ha -1 over the 2 years) were not
A Study of the "Environments" of Japanese Universities.

A limitation of most past studies of university environments is that they have been restricted to institutions in the United States. Accordingly, as a first step in providing a broader context for such studies, this study applied two approaches to the measurement of environments to 124 Japanese universities: factor analysis of statistical data and classification of faculties according to Holland's personality typology. Both procedures yielded a reasonably clear and meaningful pattern of results that was generally similar to the pattern of results in the United States, but with differences that appear related to the organization of higher education in Japan. More generally, the results tend to support the conclusions that size, wealth, and technical emphasis are key dimensions for describing universities, and that an organization can be measured through a census of its personality types.
A Matrix for Decision Analysis in Macro-Practices

Abstract This paper introduces a decision matrix to the knowledge foundation of macro-practice as a strategy to highlight the idiosyncratic and parochial perspectives to key decision models available to the practitioner to demonstrate the benefits of an alternative perspective that integrates into one conception of a variety of decision models and as a classification of decision schemata to modes of intervention. An overarching purpose is to demonstrate the significance of horizontal and vertical information transfer for social policy planning and development, social programming and management, and social project planning and operations. From this emerges a macro-practitioner engaged in human creative and rational activity.
World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, 2009: Cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance

This is the first of four articles summarizing presentations at the Seventh World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, held in San Francisco, California, on 5–7 November 2009, pertaining to cellular mechanisms of insulin resistance. ### Circadian rhythms and insulin resistance Peter Grant (Leeds, U.K.) introduced the topic of circadian rhythms and their relationship to insulin resistance. The thrifty genotype hypothesis (1) suggests a survival advantage of insulin resistance, presumably during periods of famine. Insulin resistance should then be considered a physiologic process, with duration the critical issue, so that prolonged insulin resistance leads to disease—rather than what might be considered beneficial insulin resistance after increased nutrient ingestion in preparation for famine. Animals that prepare themselves for hypernation have adipocyte hypertrophy, hyperphagia, inflammatory changes, hyperinsulinemai, hyperglycemia, and reduced energy expenditure—all short- to medium-term processes. Seasonal animals have marked insulin resistance just prior to hibernation (2), with seasonal cycling related to the fat phenotype; a secondary period of fat accumulation occurs during springtime. There is an endogenous clock that sets up oscillating systems in virtually every tissue, synchronized by a central clock regulatory mechanism. “You disrupt the clock at your own peril,” Grant noted, with sleep duration a risk factor for development of diabetes. Cardiovascular physiology is under circadian variation, affecting blood pressure, endothelial function, vascular tone, lipid metabolism, platelet and leukocyte function, and thrombosis. Effects of shift working in man include gastrointestinal, reproductive, and metabolic disturbances; insulin resistance; fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridema; and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), “so this is not a minor change.” One could hypothesize that seasonal insulin resistance benefits the hibernating animal, but “man seems,” Grant said, “to have completely lost contact with ‘the animal,’ … [putting] on weight year after year.” Joseph Bass (Chicago, IL) reviewed information about the molecular clock and its linkage to metabolic control. There are hypothalamic …
Gene structure and precursor processing of a novel Bacillus subtilis spore coat protein.

Summary The gene for an unusual 8kD Bacillus subtilis spore coat polypeptide has been cloned and sequenced. It contains high percentages of proline, glycine and tyrosine, lacks thirteen amino acids, and is present as the carboxyl two-thirds of an open reading frame encoding a 12 kD polypeptide. Two presumptive precursors which could be converted to the 8kD antigen by incubation with trypsin were found in extracts of cells or spores of a strain containing multiple copies of this gene. Large amounts of these coat antigens were also present in extracts of a germination-defective mutant which is altered in spore coat structure. There was little 8kD coat protein in the mutant, however, implying that processing is dependent on proper coat assembly. This gene was mapped to the metA region of the B. subtilis chromosome, a unique location as is true for other spore coat genes. Transcription and translation occurred late in sporulation (stage V) and the upstream region contained sequences similar to those found in other spore coat genes.
Reducing Teacher Prompts in Peer-Mediated Interventions for Young Children with Autism:

The purpose of this study was to examine an intervention package designed to support the transfer of a peer-mediated intervention for young children with autism to a setting in which teacher verbal prompts were not provided. Three preschool children with autism and four nondisabled peers, all enrolled in an integrated special education class, participated. Teachers first taught peers social initiation strategies for promoting the social interactions of the children with autism and then provided verbal prompts when necessary to peers in structured play setting. In a second structured play setting, teachers did not provide prompts to peers. Initiations increased in the setting in which teachers provided verbal prompts, but not in a second setting. In the third phase of the study, a correspondence training/visual feedback (CTVF) package was introduced in the second setting and resulted in substantial increases in peer initiations. In the final phase of the study, the peer-initiation intervention was disconti...
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a recombinant LigA fragment comprising repeat domains 4 to 7.5 as an antigen for diagnosis of equine leptospirosis.

Leptospira immunoglobulin (Ig)-like (Lig) proteins are a novel family of surface-associated proteins in which the N-terminal 630 amino acids are conserved. In this study, we truncated the LigA conserved region into 7 fragments comprising the 1st to 3rd (LigACon1-3), 4th to 7.5th (LigACon4-7.5), 4th (LigACon4), 4.5th to 5.5th (LigACon4.5–5.5), 5.5th to 6.5th (LigACon5.5–6.5), 4th to 5th (LigACon4-5), and 6th to 7.5th (LigACon6-7.5) repeat domains. All 7 recombinant Lig proteins were screened using a slot-shaped dot blot assay for the diagnosis of equine leptospirosis. Our results showed that LigACon4-7.5 is the best candidate diagnostic antigen in a slot-shaped dot blot assay. LigACon4-7.5 was further evaluated as an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antigen for the detection of Leptospira antibodies in equine sera. This assay was evaluated with equine sera (n = 60) that were microscopic agglutination test (MAT) negative and sera (n = 220) that were MAT positive to the 5 serovars that most commonly cause equine leptospirosis. The indirect ELISA results showed that at a single serum dilution of 1:250, the sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 80.0% and 87.2%, respectively, compared to those of MAT. In conclusion, an indirect ELISA was developed utilizing a recombinant LigA fragment comprising the 4th to 7.5th repeat domain (LigACon4-7.5) as a diagnostic antigen for equine leptospirosis. This ELISA was found to be sensitive and specific, and it yielded results that concurred with those of the standard MAT.
Rehabilitation of adaptive immunity and regeneration of beta cells

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing β cells that most frequently occurs in genetically predisposed children. Recent observations illustrating the regenerative capability of the endocrine pancreas in addition to advances in stem cell and gene therapy technologies enable the exploration of alternatives to allogeneic islet transplantation. Living-cell-mediated approaches can abrogate autoimmunity and the consequent destruction of β cells without the need for immunosuppressive drugs. Such approaches can be used as a foundation for new protocols that more easily translate to the clinical setting. The twin goals of controlling autoimmune disease and promoting stable regeneration of insulin-producing β cells should be considered the cornerstones of the successful development of a cure for this chronic disease.
Is There Alpha in Institutional Emerging-Market Equity Funds?

Can active fund managers outperform the passive index in the global emerging-markets equity arena? To answer this question, the author delineates emerging-market fund strategies and applies multifactor approaches to a unique data set, consisting of institutional emerging-market managers’ returns from Russell Investments. This analysis produced five major findings from January 1997 to June 2011: 1) product varieties have proliferated in this asset class; 2) active management can work in this asset class, but investors have relied more on research to hire good managers; 3) value managers tend to have higher alphas historically, but the supply of value managers is smaller than that of growth-or market-oriented managers; 4) price momentum, valuation, Asia, and the resources sector are key risk drivers; and 5) active risks from this asset class are still present, so it’s important to diversify across multiple strategies and styles to mitigate unwanted risks. Alphas are obtainable, but they are not free.
Use of the bovine with an artificial heart as an experimental pharmacologic model. Peripheral vascular and direct cardiac effects of a large dose of dopamine.

Peripheral vascular and direct cardiac effects of a single intravenous injection of a large dose of dopamine (50μg/Kg) were determined in ten unanesthetized calves before and after replacement of their natural hearts (NH) with pneumatically driven artificial hearts (AH). Data were recorded before and three minutes after injection of dopamine, when alpha adrenergic effects were maximal. Dopamine markedly increased systemic vascular resistance (from 919 to 1490 dyne ˙ sec/cm5 in NH calves and 896 to 1420 dyne ˙ sec/cm5 in AH calves), mean aortic pressure (from 105 to 144 torr in NH calves and 109 to 129 torr in AH calves), mean pulmonary artery pressure (from 20 to 25 torr in NH calves and 18 to 30 torr in AH calves), and mean right atrial pressure (from 5 to 8 torr in NH calves and 6 to 10 torr in AH calves). Dopamine significantly decreased stroke volume (from 100 to 90 ml in NH calves and 101 to 74 ml in AH calves) and cardiac output (from 8.7 to 7.3 L/min in NH calves and 9.2 to 6.7 L/min in AH calves). Heart rate was significantly reduced by dopamine in NH calves (from 87 to 81 beats/min) but was fixed (91 beats/min) in AH animals. Changes in stroke volume, cardiac output and mean pulmonary artery pressure were significantly greater in AH calves while mean aortic pressure was increased significantly more in NH calves. Increases in right atrial pressure and systemic vascular resistance after dopamine were similar in both groups of animals. Dopamine also produced marked changes in respiratory dynamics. The compound significantly decreased tidal volume (from 612 to 344 ml in NH calves and 582 to 236 ml in AH calves), minute volume (from 19.6 to 10.3 L/min in NH calves and 20.4 to 6.6 L/min in AH calves) and minute oxygen uptake (from 488 to 430 ml in NH calves and 507 to 355 ml in AH calves). Dopamine also reduced respiratory rate, but only in AH calves (from 35 to 28 breaths/min). Changes in respiratory rate, minute ventilation and oxygen uptake were significantly greater in AH than NH animals. These data demonstrate that large bolus injections of dopamine can produce significant decreases in cardiac output and respiratory dynamics. They also indicate that an animal with an artificial heart, or at least an artificial heart which is unable to respond to the positive inotropic effect of dopamine, will experience a more marked reduction in cardiac output and minute ventilation than an animal with its natural heart.
Links Between Radiation Track Structure, Radiochemical Species, and Cell Survival

A stochastic track-structure dependent model is presented based on DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) interacting in a time and distance dependent manner, and in competition with DSB repair, to form exchange-type chromosomal aberrations. Cellular survival is assayed on a cell-by-cell basis. A single model is capable of quantitatively explaining all the main features of low and high LET mammalian survival curves, at low and high doses.
The Impact of Prenatal Stress on the Developing Fetus and Child

Organization of the central nervous system (CNS) and dependent behaviors are vulnerable to teratological disturbances during fetal ontogeny. The most characteristically studied agents taken by the pregnant mother have included nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs.1,2 Depending on the kind and quantity of the agent, the range of effects on the offspring has spanned from shorter gestation, smaller birth size, poorer neuromuscular development, slower reflex functioning, and greater placidity to severe life-threatening symptoms of withdrawal, congenital deformity, intellectual retardation, and death. To the list of disruptive prenatal influences must now be added the teratological behavior of maternal stress.3-5 In previous reviews3-5 I have formulated premises and presented evidence that (1) stress affects the developing organism at any stage of life but that (2) prenatal stress has a particularly potent and lasting impact on the developing fetus, when the neural circuitry underlying later biochemical-behavioral events is being laid down.
Beyond the operating room: a look at legal liability in body contouring procedures.

Background: Malpractice claims affect the cost and quality of health care. Objective: In this study, the authors examine legal litigation following body contouring surgery and identify factors influencing malpractice litigation outcomes. Methods: The Westlaw legal database was searched for jury verdict and settlement reports related to body contouring procedures and medical malpractice. Cases included for analysis were examined for year of report, geographic location, patient demographics, procedure performed, alleged injury, causes of action, verdict, and indemnity payments. Results: Of 113 cases, the most common injuries sustained were disfigurement (33.6%) and the necessitation of a revision procedure (33.6%). The most common cause of action cited was negligence (84.1%). Median plaintiff ages differed significantly ( P = .003) between cases favoring the defendant (44.5 years) and those favoring the plaintiff (36 years). Of the alleged injuries, those cases citing an iatrogenic injury were 2.5 times more likely to result in either damages awarded or settlement (relative risk [RR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.66–3.80). Cases that cited disfigurement were 87% more likely to result in damages awarded to the plaintiff (RR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.08–3.26). Conclusions: Based on this study of body contouring litigation, younger plaintiff age and iatrogenic injury strongly favored plaintiffs in either awarded damages or a settlement. Disfigurement favored plaintiffs only in awarded damages. Our study emphasizes the need for adequate communication with the patient explaining realistic aesthetic results and risks of the procedure. In addition, iatrogenic organ injury must be handled expeditiously. Incorporating these recommendations into clinical practice may promote an improved physician-patient relationship while reducing litigatious health care costs.
Effect of Vitamin B12 on Nucleic Acid Metabolism of the Rat

Summary1. The amounts of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the livers of rats fed a vit. B12 deficient diet were significantly lower per g of fresh or of dry liver or of liver nitrogen than those for the supplemented rats. No difference was observed, however, in the amounts of RNA and DNA per cell for the deficient or supplemented rats. The amount of nucleic acids per g of spleen or kidney was the same Spherule Antigen and Complement Fixation for the deficient and supplemented group. 2. Other studies indicated that the rates of incorporation of N15 glycine into the purines of RNA were lower for the deficient animals. 3. These studies suggest that in a vit. B12 deficiency the reduced rate of nucleic acid synthesis in the liver reduced the rate of cell divisions.
Identification of an atrazine-degrading benzoxazinoid in Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides).

This study was part of a broader effort to identify and characterize promising atrazine-degrading phytochemicals in Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides; EG) roots for the purpose of mitigating atrazine transport from agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify atrazine-degrading compounds in EG root extracts. Eastern gamagrass roots were extracted with methanol, and extracts were subjected to a variety of separation techniques. Fractions from each level of separation were tested for atrazine-degrading activity by a simple assay. Compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Results from the experiments identified 2-β-d-glucopyranosyloxy-4-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA-Glc) as the compound responsible for atrazine degradation in the root extract fractions collected. 2-β-d-Glucopyranosyloxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (HBOA-Glc) was also identified in the root extract fractions, but it did not demonstrate activity against atr...
Lack of Response to Georgia Cement Kiln Dust in Broiler Chicks

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to evaluate varying levels and/or different sources of cement kiln dust (CKD) added to diets composed of natural ingredients on the performance of broiler chicks to 3 to 4 weeks of age. Adding 3% or more CKD to a diet unbalanced for calcium and phosphorus resulted in growth depression and a rachitic condition. Adding 1.5 or 3% CKD to diets in which calcium and phosphorus levels and ratios were the same failed to improve the performance of chicks. Results of these studies indicate that CKD does not contain factors that will enhance performance of poultry fed practical rations.
Landslides on Fluidlike Zones in the Deposits of Glacial Lake Hitchcock, Windsor County, Vermont

Landslides, in fine-grained lake deposits of glacial Lake Hitchcock, Vermont, consist of blocks of material that moved downslope on a layer of fluidlike material. The main cause of these slope landslides was high pore-water pressures. The 6 months preceding the landslides were marked by above-average precipitation leading to saturated soils and elevated pore-water pressures. About the time of the landslides in late May 1984, there were 3 days of rain with an intensity of 1 to 3 in. per day. Many of the 1984 landslides occurred in the vicinity of old landslides. The landslides have well-developed head scarps and are bounded by either lateral boundary shear planes or en echelon tension fractures. Tension fractures are common throughout the landslides, and in many places they divide the lower portions of the landslide into separate blocks. In many cases, the fluidlike soil from beneath the blocks squeezed into the fissures that developed between the blocks. Lobes of fine-grained, saturated material came out from beneath the slide blocks in the scarp area. These lobes have snouts similar to those found on debris-flow deposits.
Origins of extreme broadening mechanisms in near-edge x-ray spectra of nitrogen compounds

We demonstrate the observation of many-body lifetime effects in valence-band x-ray emission. A comparison of the N $K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ emission of crystalline ammonium nitrate to molecular-orbital calculations revealed an unexpected, extreme broadening of the NO $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ recombination---so extensively as to virtually disappear. GW calculations establish that this disappearance is due to a large imaginary component of the self-energy associated with the NO $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ orbitals. Building upon density-functional theory, we have calculated radiative transitions from the nitrogen $1s$ level of ammonium nitrate and ammonium chloride using a Bethe-Salpeter method to include electron-hole interactions. The absorption and emission spectra of both crystals evince large, orbital-dependent sensitivity to molecular dynamics. We demonstrate that many-body effects as well as thermal and zero-point motion are vital for understanding observed spectra. A computational approach using average atomic positions and uniform broadening to account for lifetime and phonon effects is unsatisfactory.
243 SUSTAINED FETAL BRADYCARDIA WITH 1:1 ATRIOVENTRICULAR CONDUCTION AND LONG Q-T SYNDROME.

Introduction Sustained fetal bradycardia is a rare condition that occurs in Case A fetus underwent echocardiographic evaluation at 34 weeks of gestation for sustained bradycardia at 95 to 100 bpm. The study demonstrated 1:1 atrioventricular (AV) conduction and normal cardiac anatomy and function. The fetus remained stable throughout pregnancy without signs of congestive heart failure. After delivery, at 37 weeks9 gestation, the electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm at 99 bpm with a prolonged Q-Tc interval of 608 msec. Because of sinus bradycardia, the infant underwent permanent pacemaker implantation and, following the pacemaker, was placed on propranolol. After the diagnosis was made in this patient, evaluation of family members revealed that two maternal uncles have long Q-T syndrome, and one older brother and three cousins have a borderline Q-Tc. Conclusion Fetal bradycardia with 1:1 AV conduction may be the first sign of long Q-T syndrome, a potentially lethal genetic condition. Early diagnosis, along with institution of appropriate therapy in the patient and previously undiagnosed affected relatives, may avoid fatalities. The team approach to this and other fetal cardiac conditions is critical. Coordination between the perinatologist and pediatric cardiologist optimally guides obstetric and postnatal management.
Argumentation of Data-send Security for Pre-pay Electrical Energy Meter

This paper analyses data-send security for pre-pay electrical energy meter through data-send interface and data encryption,and puts forward that noncontact IC card and CPU card through DPA test of pre-pay electrical energy meter.
An Approach to Calculate Electric Field Strength Produced by AC Currents Flowing Through Vertical Conductor

In engineering applications,there are many occasions where conductors including vertical antennas and transmission towers are arranged in perpendicular to the ground,and which can be treated as vertical conductor under a certain condition.The current induced in vertical conductor produces electromagnetic filed in surrounding space,and such an electromagnetic field will interfere original electromagnetic field,so the research on electromagnetic field produced by alternative current flowing through vertical conductor becomes one of important items of electromagnetic compatibility.Based on the Sommerfeld’s theory of vertical dipole field and the Sommerfeld-type integration expressed by Bessel function and Struve function,an approximate relation between vertical component and horizontal component of electric field produced by alternative current in finite-length conductor is derived,thus the analytical expression of vertical component of electric field strength is obtained.This research result offers a method for the numerical calculation of vertical component of electric field strength.
Fast Gaussian process posteriors with product trees

Gaussian processes (GP) are a powerful tool for nonparametric regression; unfortunately, calculating the posterior variance in a standard GP model requires time O(n2) in the size of the training set. Previous work by Shen et al. (2006) used a k-d tree structure to approximate the posterior mean in certain GP models. We extend this approach to achieve efficient approximation of the posterior covariance using a tree clustering on pairs of training points, and demonstrate significant improvements in performance with negligible loss of accuracy.
A balloon-dilatable pulmonary artery band in the dog. Results at one year.

Increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension are frequent problems in infants with congenital heart disease. Although the use of pulmonary artery banding to limit pulmonary blood flow has decreased, the procedure may still be beneficial in certain forms of complex heart disease. The ability to noninvasively relieve the obstruction caused by the band may significantly reduce later operative complexity or even avoid reoperation entirely. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a balloon-dilatable pulmonary artery band. Twenty 1-week-old dogs had a band of an absorbable suture material (Vicryl; Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, N.J.) placed around the main pulmonary artery. Eight dogs underwent angioplasty 6 months after band placement and also underwent follow-up catheterizations 3 and 6 months after angioplasty. Balloon angioplasty acutely reduced both the right ventricle-pulmonary artery pressure gradient (from 37 ± 7 mm Hg to 3 ± 1 mm Hg, p
Constraint answer set programming versus satisfiability modulo theories

Constraint answer set programming is a promising research direction that integrates answer set programming with constraint processing. It is often informally related to the field of Satisfiability Modulo Theories. Yet, the exact formal link is obscured as the terminology and concepts used in these two research areas differ. In this paper, we make the link between these two areas precise.
Landscape formation processes and archaeological preservation in the Ethiopian Highlands: a case study from the Lalibela region

This thesis describes two field seasons of research around the historic church of Gannata Maryam, in the western highlands of Ethiopia, and the subsequent analysis of the landscape and material rec...
The Fall and Rise of the Kishon River

This paper recounts the environmental history of a main waterway in Northern Israel—the Kishon, and deploys this history to examine the evolution of Israel water policy as it struggled to bridge the growing gap between its ambitions of development and the realities of its limited water supply. The first part of the paper describes the decay of the Kishon since the early 1950s, and the multiple scientific, political and legal attempts to alleviate its misfortunes, and discusses the reasons for their failings. Some of these reasons were administrative by nature, but the paper suggests a deeper reason, rooted in the ideological core of the infant state that was overwhelmingly concerned with the development of its infrastructure, and invited the pioneering Israeli society to consider the demise of the Kishon as a necessary sacrifice for progress. The second part of the paper describes the late-20th century developments that allowed for the recovery of the ailing river. Changing social mores, the growing importance of environmental politics, the advance of Israel’s water technologies, and an environmental scandal that endowed the rehabilitation of the Kishon with a new political and moral meaning, have all contributed to the rehabilitation of the river. Once a testament for the sacrifices involved in a struggle to create a viable state, the Kishon has become a theater for a confident society that has triumphed in its struggle against nature.