cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models of brain injury and alterations in synaptic plasticity.

Animal models are crucial for understanding human pathophysiological processes and for understanding how connections are injured, lost, or even regenerated and/or repaired. When animal models are used in conjunction with theoretical computational models, an ideal combination is achieved that potentially yields insight and encourages the formation of new theories concerning connectionism, cognitive functioning, and synaptic mechanisms. Mechanisms regulating glutamate receptor activation and intracellular calcium levels are important for normal synaptic transmission. These mechanisms (and others) are also critical during and after brain injury when the potential exists for these mechanisms to function pathologically. Interestingly enough, the regulation of glutamate receptor activation and intracellular calcium levels is also involved in normal processes of neuronal and synaptic plasticity. In addition, studies have shown that neurotrophins and cytokines, which are released after brain injury, can be neuroprotective and may also be important in synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, synaptic plasticity is a phenomenon thought by many to be necessary for memory encoding. If this is the case, then research described in this review has significant scientific merit concerning plasticity and memory and clinical benefit for understanding pathophysiologic processes associated with brain injury and memory impairment. This paper reviews the application of experimental animal models of brain injury for simulating conditions of stroke, trauma, and epilepsy (and/or seizure generation) and the associated cellular mechanisms of brain injury. The paper also briefly addresses the advantage of using computational models in combination with experimental models for hypothesis building and for aiding in the interpretation of empirical data. Finally, it reviews studies concerning brain injury and synaptic plasticity. J. Neurosci. Res. 65:279–283, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Home monitoring of infants after stage one palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Despite improved early results with the Norwood procedure (stage one palliation), patients remain with at-risk anatomy and interstage mortality continues to be a limitation of staged single ventricle palliation. Retrospective analyses have implicated residual or recurrent anatomic lesions as well as intercurrent illness as causes of interstage mortality. We hypothesized that potentially life-threatening anatomic lesions and illnesses would be manifest before serious physiologic impact by alteration in arterial saturation, failure to gain weight or in the case of dehydration, acute weight loss. As a result, we developed a home monitoring program of daily weights and oxygen saturations to earlier identify those patients at increased risk for interstage death. Frequent monitoring of these physiologic variables between stage one and two palliation identified life-threatening anatomic lesions and illness and permitted timely intervention that ultimately improved survival. All 36 survivors of the stage one palliation discharged from the hospital and entered into the home monitoring program survived the interstage period.
Left prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatment of depression in bipolar affective disorder: a pilot study of acute safety and efficacy.

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to improve depressive symptoms. We designed and carried out the following left prefrontal rTMS study to determine the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of using TMS to treat the depressive symptoms of bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). Methods: We recruited and enrolled 23 depressed BPAD patients (12 BPI depressed state, nine BPII depressed state, two BPI mixed state). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either daily left prefrontal rTMS (5 Hz, 110% motor threshold, 8 sec on, 22 sec off, over 20 min) or placebo each weekday morning for 2 weeks. Motor threshold and subjective rating scales were obtained daily, and blinded Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Young Mania Rating Scales (YMRS) were obtained weekly. Results: Stimulation was well tolerated with no significant adverse events and with no induction of mania. We failed to find a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the number of antidepressant responders (>50% decline in HRSD or HRSD <10 – 4 active and 4 sham) or the mean HRSD change from baseline over the 2 weeks (t=−0.22, p=0.83). Active rTMS, compared with sham rTMS, produced a trend but not statistically significant greater improvement in daily subjective mood ratings post-treatment (t=1.58, p=0.13). The motor threshold did not significantly change after 2 weeks of active treatment (t=1.11, p=0.28). Conclusions: Daily left prefrontal rTMS appears safe in depressed BPAD subjects, and the risk of inducing mania in BPAD subjects on medications is small. We failed to find statistically significant TMS clinical antidepressant effects greater than sham. Further studies are needed to fully investigate the potential role, if any, of TMS in BPAD depression.
Impact of Same-Sex Harassment and Gender-Role Stereotypes on Title VII Protection for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Employees

When victimized in the workplace, gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) employees often find themselves without recourse as Title VII does not recognize sexual orientation to be a protected class. We suggest that recent court decisions that have expanded Title VII to protect individuals from discrimination based upon violations of gender norms can be used to provide a basis for protection of GLB individuals under this statute. Using a review of the role of gender norms in the workplace as well as an analysis of recent court decisions and the Congressional debates on the Federal Marriage Amendment as well as the wording of the Defense of Marriage Act [Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Pub. L. 104-199, Stat. 2419 (September 21, 1996)], this paper provides the theoretical background and conceptual argument (but does not attempt to make the legal argument) to suggest that same-sex harassment and discrimination are considered violations of societal gender norms and should therefore be protected under the expanded coverage of Title VII.
Reactions and properties of oxo and peroxo derivatives of (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-molybdenum and -tungsten

The characterization and reactivity of complexes (η5-C5Me5)M(O)(η2-O2)Cl (M = Mo, W) and (η5-C5Me5)M(O)Cl3 are described. In addition, the preparation and reactivity of some molybdenum-oxo alkyl complexes are discussed in this paper. The oxo-H2O and oxo-peroxo exchange behavior of these systems was studied with infrared spectroscopy using 18O isotope labeling techniques.
AMINO ACID RACEMIZATION GEOCHRONOLOGY OF REWORKED QUATERNARY MOLLUSKS ON U.S. ATLANTIC COAST BEACHES : IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRONOSTRATIGRAPHY, TAPHONOMY, AND COASTAL SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

Approximately 200 shells (primarily Mercenaria) from 21 beach sites between New Jersey and Florida have been analyzed for the extent of racemization (epimerization) of their fossilized amino acids. The greatest concentration of sites is in North Carolina, in regions least affected by human modification of natural beach sediment-transport processes. These results can be used to estimate the frequency of age mixing of Pleistocene shell material in Holocene depositional environments. Selected shells have also been dated by 14C (conventional and/or AMS) to provide direct calibration of the amino acid epimerization ratios. Shell taphonomic characteristics (particularly color) can be qualitatively related to apparent ages. Data for shell fragmentation, combined with amino acid age estimates, provide insights into probable transport distances of reworked shells. Shells with apparent Pleistocene ages have epimerization values equivalent to those seen in onshore exposures of Pleistocene coastal units. Amino acid epimerization measurements are a comparatively rapid and inexpensive chronologic tool for use in taphonomic and sediment(shell-) transport studies. Paired amino acid-14C analyses on single shells provide insights into geochemical alteration of shells and permit modelling of the residence time of shells on beaches. Greater numbers of analyses at each site are needed before statistically valid estimates of age mixing can be obtained, but the apparent distribution of Pleistocene shells on Atlantic coast beaches appears to be related to the distribution of Pleistocene units in the shoreface and inner shelf, and the thickness of Holocene sedimentary cover in specific areas. These observations provide useful criteria for the evaluation of possible age mixing of shells collected at outcrops of Pleistocene units in the Coastal Plain.
On-line density and crystallinity of polyethylene terephthalate during melt spinning

The density and crystallinity of polyester fiber were measured on the moving threadline during the melt spinning process. The density was calculated by applying the continuity equation at points along the length of the threadline. Experimental inputs to the equation included parallel, on-line measurements of fiber diameter, fiber velocity, polymer mass flowrate, fiber temperature, and fiber birefringence. When spinning speeds exceeded 4500 m/min, a distinct rise in density occurred along the threadline. This rise corresponded with the rise in birefringence.
NONLINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE BUILDING BASE ISOLATED STRUCTURES

Abstract In long base isolated buildings the superstructure may consist of several parts separated by narrow thermal expansion joints. In such cases, neighboring bearings which support adjacent buildings are connected together at their top so that they form a common isolation and prevent impact at the isolation level. The analysis of such buildings constitutes the problem of a multiple base-isolated structure with a common basemat and isolation system. This situation can not be analyzed with the existing algorithms which are capable of analyzing only a single base-isolated structure. The torsional characteristics of the combined system are different than those of individual buildings on individual isolation systems. Hence, the combined system of several buildings on a common isolation system needs to be analyzed in its entirety rather than analyzing each building with its isolation system separately. In this paper an analytical model and an algorithm to analyze multiple buildings on a common isolation system are presented. Verification of the accuracy of the algorithm by comparison with results obtained using a general purpose finite element program are presented. A multiple building base-isolated structure is analyzed and the results are used to demonstrate the importance of analyzing the combined system as against analyzing individual buildings.
Primary site management following induction chemotherapy with cis-platinum, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin

A phase II clinical trial was initiated in 1987 to evaluate a new induction regimen of cis-platinum, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (PFL) for patients with stages III–IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Ninety patients were treated and followed for a median duration of 18 months. The median age was 55 and 87% of the patients had stage IV disease. The rates of complete and overall clinical response following three cycles of PFL were 57% and 80%, respectively; the rate of complete response at the primary site was 72%. Eighty-four percent of patients were treated to the primary site with radiation alone (median dose 68 Gy in daily 1.8-Gy fractions) irrespective of the location of the primary site or initial T-stage. The acute tolerance to full-course radiation following PFL was acceptable. The actuarial rate of primary site control for patients treated, with radiation was 67% at 36 months. An important prognostic indicator for primary site control was a complete clinical response to induction PFL. For patients who achieved a complete response, radiation or surgery followed by radiation controlled primary site disease equally well at 70%. Patients with a partial response did less well. For these patients, surgery and radiation appeared slightly better than radiation alone.
Immunization of mice with an avirulent pseudohyphal form of Cryptococcus neoformans.

Mice were immunized with a viable, avirulent strain ofCryptococcus neoformans. Lymphocyte blastogenic assays showed a 10-fold increase in reactivity of sensitized spleen cells, and histopathologic examination revealed marked splenic hyperplasia. Thirty-two days after intravenous inoculation with a virulent strain ofC. neoformans, none of the control animals survived whereas 60 percent of the immunized mice were alive with no clinical evidence of disease. This animal model shows that protective immunity can be established, and once developed, provide a better model for the study of important aspects of immunity in fungal disease.
Does using the Internet make people more satisfied with their lives? The effects of the Internet on college students' school life satisfaction.

ABSTRACT This research examined whether the Internet improves life satisfaction. The study surveyed 195 college students, and a structural model was built to explain effects of the Internet on school life satisfaction using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In line with social cognitive theory and literature on social effects of the Internet, current data supported the hypotheses that Internet use, perceived online social support, and online social self-efficacy had direct positive impacts on school life satisfaction. Offline extroversion, online extroversion, online social self-efficacy, and online social outcome expectations influenced school life satisfaction indirectly: offline extroversion acted through social online self-efficacy and online extroversion; online social self-efficacy acted through online extroversion, online social outcome expectations, and perceived online social support; online extroversion acted through online social outcome expectations; online social outcome expectations acte...
Node Behavior Based Fast Malware Detection for Enterprise Networks

Node behavior profiling is a promising tool in many aspects of network security, especially in malware detection. In this paper, based on node behavior profiles proposed in the literature, we propose a fast anomaly detection scheme using SPRT (Sequential Probability Ratio Test) for malware/worm detection. The key idea of this paper is, instead of checking most of the nodes in a network, only a small number of sample nodes are required for detection with the help of SPRT. In our initial studies, we evaluate the fast detection scheme using real enterprise data (LBNL traces). The results show that the fast detection scheme achieves good performances in terms of low false positive and high detection rates.
Trace metal control of phytochelatin production in coastal waters

Concentrations of particulate phytochelatin, a metal-binding peptide produced by eukaryotic phytoplankton, ranged from 2 to 50 μmol (g Chl a) -1 in samples collected from small harbors in southeastern New England. Although there was no obvious relationship between phytochelatin and total Cu concentrations, phytochelatin varied systematically with free Cu concentrations [Cu 2+ ]. Transects in which there was high [Cu 2+ ] revealed high phytochelatin concentrations with a general decrease seaward. In those where [Cu 2+ ] remained low and constant, phytochelatin levels also remained low and constant. Incubation experiments confirmed that Cu rather than Cd is likely responsible for the elevated concentrations of phytochelatin at our field sites, though Zn may also be important. Intracellular phytochelatin concentrations in laboratory cultures of Skeletonema costatum, a coastal diatom, increased with increasing concentrations of Cu and Zn in a metal-specific dose-response relationship. Additions of 12 nM Zn' (inorganic Zn) to Cu-stressed cultures reduced phytochelatin production, suggesting that Zn competitively inhibits uptake of Cu. Antagonistic effects of metals in the field, as well as physiological differences between organisms growing in the field and in the laboratory, can probably explain why phytochelatin concentrations in S. costatum are higher than in particulate field samples at the same [Cu 2+ ].
Metal-oxide thin films with reduced residual absorption deposited in a reactive low-voltage ion-plating process with N2 activation

Mechanisms have been investigated for increasing the abundance of atomic oxygen in the process environment during reactive low-voltage ion plating, a plasma-assisted evaporation process. Feeding several percent of nitrogen into the coating chamber led to enhanced oxidation and consequential reduction of residual optical absorption of ion-plated oxide films of tantala.
Resistance of Concrete Masonry Walls with Membrane Catcher Systems Subjected to Blast Loading

This paper describes a methodology for analyzing the impulse pressure response of unreinforced concrete masonry walls that have been retrofitted with membranes that are not bonded to the masonry (catcher systems). Membrane catcher systems can be used to protect building occupants from secondary debris resulting from blast pressure, and the effectiveness of systems comprised of polymers, composites, geotextiles, and thin steel and aluminum sheets has been researched extensively over the past fifteen years. The methodology presented herein is based upon the large displacement response of the unreinforced masonry wall, with and without compression membrane arching, and the subsequent tension membrane resistance of the catcher system. The necessary equations are developed in the form of nonlinear resistance functions, which are then used in single-degree-of-freedom analyses to develop dynamic response predictions. The applicability of the approach is substantiated through comparison to full-scale blast test r...
Overcoming disease-induced growth factor resistance in therapeutic angiogenesis using recombinant co-receptors delivered by a liposomal system

Current treatment options for ischemia include percutaneous interventions, surgical bypass or pharmacological interventions aimed at slowing the progression of vascular disease. Unfortunately, while each of these treatment modalities provides some benefit for patients in the short-term, many patients have resistant or recurrent disease that is poorly managed by these therapies. A highly appealing strategy for treating ischemic disease is to stimulate the revascularization of the tissue to restore blood flow. While many techniques have been explored in this regard, clinically effective angiogenic therapies remain elusive. Here, we hypothesized that the presence of co-morbid disease states inherently alters the ability of the body to respond to angiogenic therapies. Using a mouse model of diabetes and obesity, we examined alterations in the major components for the signaling pathways for FGF-2, VEGF-A and PDGF under normal and high fat dietary conditions. In skeletal muscle, a high fat diet increased levels of growth factor receptors and co-receptors including syndecan-1, syndecan-4 and PDGFR-α in wild-type mice. These increases did not occur in Ob/Ob mice on a high fat diet and there was a significant decrease in protein levels for neuropilin-1 and heparanase in these mice. With the aim of increasing growth factor effectiveness in the context of disease, we examined whether local treatment with alginate gel-delivered FGF-2 and syndecan-4 proteoliposomes could overcome the growth factor resistance in these mice. This treatment enhanced the formation of new blood vessels in Ob/Ob mice by 6 fold in comparison to FGF-2 delivered alone. Our studies support that disease states cause a profound shift in growth factor signaling pathways and that co-receptor-based therapies have potential to overcome growth factor resistance in the context of disease.
Simrar: Simulated receiver and recorder for statistical measurements

Simrar is an analog radio receiver simulator and statistical recorder. The simulator is composed of typical analog computer components which provide versatility in simulating receiving systems. A control circuit automatically cycles the machine through a present number of statistical trials. On each trial, amplitude discriminator circuits determine if the input to the measurement system has exceeded a selected threshold level. Counters record the total number of trials on which each threshold level has been exceeded, and over a large number of trials an accurate estimate is obtained for the probability that a level will be exceeded. The author describes the design and operation of Simrar in fixed time and sequential decision processes. Although its principal use has been in studies of signal detection, the versatility of Simrar makes it a useful device in more general statistical studies.
Experience in the broadening of a single-purpose simulation model

Simulation models are often developed for a single purpose. However, once a model is accepted by management and other stake-holders, it is quite common and desirable to wish to broaden the application of the model to several areas. This is not always a straight-forward evolution because a model designed to evaluate one performance measure may not be well-suited for others. This paper summarizes the experience of the Y-12 National Security Complex?s simulation modeling group in broadening its equipment-scoping simulation model into a model that could examine plant mass balance, model internal products including complex feedback loops, include chemical sampling and analysis, evaluate in-process storage, and perform basic scheduling analyses. Results of the effort were successful and the paper concludes that single-purpose-model broadening can be achieved with the correct mix of planning and execution.
Assay of enzymatic activity by electrochemical detection of reduced coenzyme.

A highly sensitive electrochemical assay of the enzymatic activities of aqueous samples of lactate dehydrogenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase has been developed using an improved amperometric determination of NADH concentration in the test solution. An anode current sensitivity of 750 μA/mmol of NADH was obtained with a platinum-mesh electrode in an H cell modified to permit vigorous stirring of the anolyte. Fouling of the platinum anode was significantly decreased by working at a pH ≥ 8.1. The rate of increase in net anode current in substrate solutions containing as little as 2 × 10−3 unit of enzyme/ml correlated well with the rate of change in absorbance at 340 nm for each sample. The reproducibility of the assay of enzyme activity was about ± 10%.
Natural vibration characteristics of gravity structures

A forced vibration procedure is presented to estimate fundamental and higher frequencies of vibrations and associated mode shapes of gravity structures. The gravity structures considered are retaining walls and gravity dams. The validity of the proposed procedure is tested on three test problems of varying complexity for which the natural vibration frequencies and mode shapes either have known analytical solutions or have been determined via numerical means/field tests by others. Also included are the results of natural vibration frequencies and associated mode shapes for a spillway control structure located near the abutment end of an embankment dam obtained using the proposed procedure. For all problems considered, fundamental frequency and mode shape results using the proposed procedure are compared with the results obtained using an alternative procedure in which static deflections due to the structure's own weight are used as the starting point for free vibrations by setting the gravity vector to zero. All results compare well. The merits of the proposed procedure are discussed. Published in 2006 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vision-only Approach and Landing

Landing an aircraft in a remote landing zone autonomously presents several challenges. Firstly, the exact location, orientation, and elevation of the landing zone is not always known; secondly, the accuracy of the aircrafts navigation solution is not always su‐cient for this type of precision maneuver. This paper explores a method for estimating the relative position and attitude of the aircraft to marked landing area using only the images from a single camera. The corners of the landing zone are marked with red beacons. The position of these beacons in the camera image are extracted using simple and e‐cient image processing techniques. Then the location of the corners are used as the measurements for an extended Kalman fllter, which is designed to estimate the relative position, velocity, attitude and angular rates of the aircraft. The performance of this navigation algorithm is demonstrated using simulation.
Progress toward electrical injection of spin-polarized electrons into semiconductors

The use of carrier spin as a new degree-of-freedom in semiconductor devices offers new functionality and performance. However, efforts to implement semiconductor spintronics have been crippled by the lack of an efficient and practical means to electrically inject spin polarized carriers into a semiconductor device heterostructure. This paper summarizes progress toward that end using magnetic semiconductors and ferromagnetic metals as spin injecting contacts. We describe a very successful approach which employs a ferromagnetic metal/tunnel barrier contact, where the tunnel barrier is simply a tailored Schottky barrier which forms naturally between the ferromagnetic metal and the semiconductor itself. Initial efforts have demonstrated electron spin polarizations of at least 32% in GaAs quantum-well LED heterostructures. Significantly higher spin injection efficiencies are anticipated in optimized structures. These results demonstrate that spin injecting contacts can be formed using a very familiar and widely employed contact methodology, providing a ready pathway for the integration of spin transport into semiconductor processing.
The Characteristics of Alumina Scales Formed on Fe‐Based Yttria‐Dispersed Alloys

L'alliage etudie comporte 20% Cr, 4,5% Al, 0,5% Ti et 0,5% Y 2 O 3 . La cinetique d'oxydation de l'alliage a ete etablie a diverses pressions partielles d'oxygene, dans le domaine de temperature 1000-1200°C
Validation Web Site: A Combustion Collaboratory over the Internet

The Soot Model Development Web Site (SMDWS) is a project to develop collaborative technologies serving combustion researchers in DOE national laboratories, academia and research institutions throughout the world. The result is a shared forum for problem exploration in combustion research. Researchers collaborate over the Internet using SMDWS tools, which include a server for executing combustion models, web-accessible data storage for sharing experimental and modeling data, and graphical visualization of combustion effects. In this paper the authors describe the current status of the SMDWS project, as well as continuing goals for enhanced functionality, modes of collaboration, and community building.
Relocation and characterization of the August 2009 microearthquake swarm above the Socorro magma body in the central Rio Grande Rift

[1] Earthquake swarms, often attributed to magma or fluid movement in the uppermost crust, have differing statistics depending on tectonic setting, with volcanic swarms producing b-values of up to 2.5 and continental rift swarms having b-values ∼0.8-1. Along the Rio Grande continental rift (RGR) in the western US, earthquake swarms have occurred in the area of the Socorro Magma Body (SMB), including the 2009 swarm of 431 events (magnitudes −1.0 to 2.5) over 26 days. We characterize the 2009 swarm to define spatial and temporal patterns to help understand the role of the SMB on the swarm. Our relocations suggest a small seismogenic volume of 34.5 km3 and focal mechanisms of the largest events are consistent with regional stress patterns. The b-value of 0.9 is more characteristic of continental rift zones than volcanic swarms, suggesting more emphasis on the preexisting highly fractured crust rather than direct influence of magmatic movement.
Turfgrass species and cultivar influences on survival and parasitism of fall armyworm

Interactions between host plant resistance and biological control may beneÞt or hinder pest management efforts. Turfgrass cultivars have rarely been tested for extrinsic resistance charac- teristics such as occurrence and performance of beneÞcial arthropods on plant genotypes with resistance to known turf pests. Parasitism of fall armyworm,Spodopterafrugiperda (J.E. Smith), among six turfgrass genotypes was evaluated. The six grasses tested (Sea Isle-1 and 561-79 seashore paspalum, Paspalum vaginatum Swartz; TifSport and TifEagle hybrid Bermuda grass, Cynodon dactylon (L.) C.transvaalensis (Burtt-Davy); and Cavalier and Palisades zoysiagrass,Zoysiajaponica von Steudel and Z. matrella (L.) Merrill, respectively) represented a range in resistance to S. frugiperda. Differential recovery of larvae released as Þrst instars resected this gradient in resistance of Cavalier Palisades TifSport TifEagle 561- Sea Isle-1 Larval recovery (percentage of initial number released) was greatest in May, less in July and August, and least in October, probably resecting the increase in activity of on-site predators and disease pressure. Parasitism of the fall armyworm by the braconid Aleiodes laphygmae Viereck varied among turfgrass genotypes. Parasitism was greatest during July. In total, 20,400 Þrst instars were placed in the Þeld; 2,368 were recovered; 468 parasitoids were subsequently reared; 92.2% were A. laphygmae. In the Þeld, the greatest percentage of reduction in S. frugiperda larvae by A. laphygmae occurred on the armyworm-susceptible seashore paspalums (51.9% on Sea Isle-1 in July). Cotesia marginiventris Cresson and Meteorus sp. also were reared from collected larvae. No parasitoids were reared from larvae collected from resistant Cavalier zoysiagrass.A.laphygmae and C. marginiventris were reared from larvae collected from the other Þve grass cultivars. No parasitoids of older larvae or pupae were observed.
GIANT BATHYSIPHON (ASTRORHIZINA: FORAMINIFERA) FROM THE LATE CRETACEOUS HUNTERS COVE FORMATION, SOUTHWESTERN OREGON

ORAMINIFERANS BELONGING to the genus Bathysiphon G. O. and M. Sars in G. O. Sars, 1872 are among the largest fossil protists ever described, some species having tubular tests exceeding 100 mm in length (Miller, 1995). One species, Bathysiphon aaltoi Miller, 1986, from mid-Cretaceous fine-grained turbidites within the Franciscan Complex of northern California, may be the largest fossil foraminiferan ever collected with an estimated test length of approximately 150 mm (Miller, 1991, 1997). Species of comparable size are known from the modern deep-ocean floor (where they often rival or surpass the size of co-occurring metazoans) and are an important component of deep-sea benthic ecosystems (Gooday, 1983; Gage and Tyler, 1991; Gooday et al., 1992). In the tectonically active parts of the Pacific Rim, these giant protists are commonly found in flysch successions in association with typical deepwater trace fossils such as graphoglyptids. These remarkable tubular fossils often are the only body fossils found in abundance in Mesozoic to Cenozoic turbidite deposits in these regions, and the association appears to be indicative of deep seafloor settings strongly influenced by sedimentation and nutrient cycling from adjacent landmasses. In the regional geologic literature, however, bathysiphonids have been misidentified as body fossils of ‘‘worms’’ or as tubular trace fossils. In this report, I describe a new species of Bathysiphon from the Hunters Cove Formation, a thick sequence of Campanian‐ Maastrichtian turbidites in southwestern Oregon (Figs. 1, 2). This new taxon joins the pantheon of largest foraminiferans on record, having glassy, tubular tests up to 100 mm long and 5 mm wide. It differs from other large, Cretaceous Bathysiphon in having straight, thin-walled tests featuring vague axial striae on the outer surface. The taphonomy and paleoecology of this giant foraminiferan are briefly evaluated based on comparison with modern examples of Bathysiphon and with other Cretaceous examples from the same region. GEOLOGIC SETTING
PERCEIVED VERSUS REALIZED BENEFITS IN E-COMMERCE ADOPTION

The Internet has revolutionized the capacity to share information across organizations, resulting in radical transformations of organizational practices for procuring supplies, delivering goods and services, and carrying out financial transactions. Organizations around the world are capitalizing on new technologies such as the Internet and World Wide Web to develop e-business. Evolving e-business models, integrated solutions and improved technological infrastructures are continuously changing the way businesses are conducted. Despite the hype of the Internet for e-business, the benefits realized from e-commerce adoption among firms are unclear in terms of perceived versus realized benefits. Using case studies in three organizations the writer examines the impact of perceived versus realized benefits in e-commerce adoption. The findings reveal that the type and focus of perceived versus realized benefits is unique for each organization. The paper also discusses the implications of this study to theory and practice including the lessons learned by these organizations.
Insurance Practices of Utility Contractors

The experiences and practices concerning construction-related insurance were the focus of a nationwide survey conducted with utility contractors. The survey obtained information related to: contract requirements for insurance, general liability coverage, workmen's compensation insurance, particular services provided by insurance companies, and specific practices of contracting firms relating to insurance matters. The results show specific differences of the practices of contractors depending on whether the owner is public or private. Additional differences were noted in the practices of firms in differing sizes. In general, the different practices of contractors appear to reflect differences in business philosophy or in the in-house capability of company personnel.
Matching Without Groups

Optimal matching without groups, or optimal nonbipartite matching, offers many additional options for matched designs in both observational studies and experiments. One starts with a square, symmetric distance matrix with one row and one column for each subject recording the distance between any two subjects. Then the subjects are divided into pairs to minimize the total distance within pairs. The method may be used to match with doses of treatment, or with multiple control groups, or as an aid to risk-set matching. An extended discussion of Card and Krueger’s study of the minimum wage is used to illustrate.
Current Global Status of Dengue Diagnostics

Aims: Dengue Virus is a re-emerging infectious disease that is transmitted through mosquitos. Dengue is a significant health concern because of the number of people it affects globally. Clinical diagnosis of dengue is not possible because the symptoms are similar to other febrile-diseases. Therefore, the only way to truly diagnose dengue is via laboratory methods. Many diagnostics tests exist to accomplish this; however, these tests have disadvantages. Rapid, point-of-care, commercially available diagnostic test kits have come onto the market to bridge the gap for those without high tech laboratories and personnel. This paper extends the knowledge of a meta-analysis conducted in 2011 on the performance of commercially available diagnostic tests. The purpose of this review was to compare and contrast the accuracy of commercial dengue diagnostic tests. Study Design: Systematic Review and Analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA between August 2013 and July 2014. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using multiple database searches using the search terms “dengue diagnostics” and “evaluation”. Results: Only articles written in English evaluating the accuracy, via sensitivity and specificity, of commercially available diagnostics tests were included. Fifteen articles and a meta-analysis were included in this paper for review. Many diagnostic tests were evaluated in these articles. Bio-Rad’s STRIP was the most evaluated test. Most tests were evaluated once in a country which doesn’t create enough reliability to make any inferences. The best performing test across all studies and Review Article Smith and Azizan; JABB, 2(2): 79-95, 2015; Article no.JABB.2015.011 80 countries seems to be Bio-Rad’s NS1 STRIP. Conclusion: Overall, these tests perform fairly well and more evaluation needs to occur to get a better idea of the true accuracy of the test.
Not So Black and White: Race and Promotion in Major League Baseball, 1951-1955

Jackie Robinson was the first acknowledged Black player in 20th century Major League Baseball (MLB). By 1951, a few Black players had performed credibly at the Major League level, while others were integrating Minor League Baseball. Unlike other labor situations where proxies for productivity must be used, Minor League players at the AAA level—the level just below the Major Leagues—performed and compiled their playing statistics under similar competitive environments. Using regression analysis, we test whether there is evidence of discrimination in promoting Black players to the Major Leagues, based on productivity data from the early 1950s.
Some church ; some don't

Les AA. utilisent les donnees de la General Social Survey entre 1972 et 1991 afin d'evaluer la participation religieuse par âge et par periode. Deux sous-ensembles sont presents: les groupes de preference religieuse, c'est a dire les protestants analyses selon le sexe et l'origine et les catholiques blancs analyses selon le sexe; l'ideologie de la denomination avec les protestants blancs analyses selon le sexe et l'ideologie religieuse. Ceux qui considerent la religion comme un phenomene important frequentent l'Eglise de maniere hebdomadaire tandis que les autres ne s'y rendent qu'une fois par mois
Development and survival of the endoparasitoid Campoletis sonorensis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) reared from gossypol-exposed Heliothis virescens(F.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Effects of the cotton allelochemical, gossypol, on the development and survival of Campoletis sonorensis (Cameron) were studied in Heliothis virescens (F.) larvae exposed for different lengths of time and dose to the chemical. We used three feeding methods: exposure of the host to gossypol from neonate stage onward, from 24 h before parasitization, and 24 h after parasitization. A gossypol concentration of 0.013% (wt gossypol/fresh wt diet) from the neonate stage onward positively affected the growth of the endoparasitoid, probably due to the stimulated growth of H. virescens . However, this dose of gossypol did not induce significant positive parasitoid growth when fed to the host after parasitism. When the gossypol dose before parasitism was increased to 0.1% and above, the growth and weight of the adult parasitoid were significantly reduced. Although the weights of the parasitoids were affected, C. sonorensis were capable of developing from hosts exposed to a dose that precluded development of Heliothis to the adult stage. Exposure of Heliothis to 0.4% doses and higher before parasitism resulted in host death, which led to parasitoid mortality. Time to cocoon formation and time to adult parasitoid emergence increased significantly at the dose of 0.2% and above. Gossypol at doses of 0.013–0.4% in the diet of H. virescens did not show any significant effect on longevity of C. sonorensis adults.
Dexmedetomidine Applications During Fiberoptic Tracheal Intubation of the Patient With a Difficult Airway

Objective. To provide a general descriptive account and review of the literature regarding the use of dexmedetomidine for sedation during fiberoptic bronchscopic (FOB) intubation. Data Source. A co...
Breed effects and heterosis in advanced generations of composite populations for growth traits in both sexes of beef cattle.

Heterosis effects for birth weight, ADG from birth to weaning, 200-d weight, ADG from weaning to 368 d, 368-d weight, 368-d height, 368-d condition score, and 368-d muscling score (males only) were evaluated separately for each sex in F1, F2, and combined F3 and F4 generations in three composite beef cattle populations. Breed effects were evaluated for the nine parental breeds (i.e., Red Poll [R], Hereford [H], Angus [A], Limousin [L], Braunvieh [B], Pinzgauer [P], Gelbvieh [G], Simmental [S], and Charolais [C]) that contributed to the three composite populations (MARC I = 1/4 C, 1/4 B, 1/4 L, 1/8 H, 1/8 A; MARC II = 1/4 G, 1/4 S, 1/4 H, 1/4 A; and MARC III = 1/4 R, 1/4 P, 1/4 H, 1/4 A). Breed effects were significant for all traits evaluated. The large differences among breeds for growth and size traits in combined additive direct and additive maternal genetic effects (Gi + Gm) provide an opportunity to use genetic differences among breeds to achieve and maintain optimum additive genetic (breed) composition for growth and size traits to match cattle genetic resources to a wide range of production and marketing situations. Combined individual and maternal heterosis was significant in the F1, F2, and combined F3 and F4 generations for each composite population and for the mean of the three composite populations in both sexes for most of the traits evaluated. In both sexes, heterosis retained in combined F3 and F4 generations was greater (P less than .05) than expected based on retained heterozygosity for birth weight, ADG from weaning to 368 d, and for 368-d weight and did not differ (P greater than .05) from expectation for other traits. These results support the hypothesis that heterosis in cattle for traits related to growth and size is due to dominance effects of genes.
Variable Construction and Causal Discovery for Cognitive Tutor Log Data: Initial Results.

We present a method to simultaneously search for student-level variables constructed from Cognitive Tutor log data and graphical causal models. We seek causal explanations of behavior in Cognitive Tutors, including “gaming the system” and off-task behavior, selecting variables by their contribution to causal structure and strength learning.
A New Picosecond Source in the Vibrational Infrared

The successful generation of picosecond pulses in the vibrational infrared by stimulated electronic Raman scattering (SERS) of visible pulses from an amplified synchronously pumped dye laser operating with rhodamine dyes is reportedl. The simplicity and efficiency of SERS as a frequency shifting technique have been amply demonstrated with nanosecond pulses2−4. SERS has the advantages of using a non-damageable medium and having no phase-matching requirements. Cotter and Wyatt have shown that picosecond SERS from the cesium 6s–7s transition (see Fig. la) can generate infrared even more efficiently than the corresponding nanosecond process5.However, the practical utility of their system was limited by the difficulty in generating high power picosecond pump pulses in the blue-green. Because of this difficulty, a SERS technique based on a reliable synchronously pumped dye laser operating with rhodamine dyes is desirable.
Diagnosis of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent disorder impacting millions of people’s lives throughout the world. Our goal in this chapter is to define the condition as it has evolved over the past few decades. We will then review the basis for establishing a diagnosis, which includes a thorough symptom assessment as well as physical exam and urine studies. The use of adjunctive tests will also be reviewed, although their utility is limited in the diagnosis of an index patient with OAB.
The Availability of Conscious Knowledge: A Comment on Lindseth (2016)

Lindseth (2016) reported that direct instruction and practice using the German verb-inversion rule resulted in higher accuracy in an oral test for college students, supporting the hypothesis that explicit linguistic knowledge can become implicit linguistic knowledge. It is quite likely, however, that the conditions for the use of conscious knowledge (the monitor) were met on the test
SHOCK-WAVE DAMAGE OF RING-STIFFENED CYLINDRICAL SHELLS

A solution methodology for the nonlinear plastic response of the central bay of a ring stiffened cylindrical shell subject to shock wave loading is presented. The solution is based on a simple structural model that uses an analogy between a cylindrical shell and a string-on foundation in which ring stiffeners are modeled as lumped masses and springs. By requiring dynamic equilibrium within the central bay of the shell, one may reduce the problem to solving an inhomogeneous wave equation for which the motion of the ring stiffener is introduced into one of the boundary conditions of the string. The initial boundary value problem is solved by using a modified Galerkin approximation
Occurrence of anisakid larvae (Nematoda: Ascardidia) in fishes from Alaska and Idaho

All 25 sablefish ( Anoplopoma fimbria ) examined from two bays near Sitka, Alaska, were infected with anisakid larvae. There were 1 to 11 larvae per infected fish, with worms encysted in the musculature of the body wall of 5 fish and in the liver of 4 fish. For the other hosts the viscera was the site of infection. Chinook salmon ( Onchorhynchus tshawytscha ) from Barrow, Alaska, and Obsidian, Idaho, were also infected with anisakid larvae. These data extend the known northern distribution of the anisakids along the Pacific Coast for sablefish and chinook salmon. The pathogenesis of the migratory pathway of anisakid larvae is described, and comments on human health implications are presented.
Integrated modeling approach for optimal management of water, energy and food security nexus

Abstract Water, energy and food (WEF) are inextricably interrelated. Effective planning and management of limited WEF resources to meet current and future socioeconomic demands for sustainable development is challenging. WEF production/delivery may also produce environmental impacts; as a result, green-house-gas emission control will impact WEF nexus management as well. Nexus management for WEF security necessitates integrated tools for predictive analysis that are capable of identifying the tradeoffs among various sectors, generating cost-effective planning and management strategies and policies. To address these needs, we have developed an integrated model analysis framework and tool called WEFO. WEFO provides a multi-period socioeconomic model for predicting how to satisfy WEF demands based on model inputs representing productions costs, socioeconomic demands, and environmental controls. WEFO is applied to quantitatively analyze the interrelationships and trade-offs among system components including energy supply, electricity generation, water supply-demand, food production as well as mitigation of environmental impacts. WEFO is demonstrated to solve a hypothetical nexus management problem consistent with real-world management scenarios. Model parameters are analyzed using global sensitivity analysis and their effects on total system cost are quantified. The obtained results demonstrate how these types of analyses can be helpful for decision-makers and stakeholders to make cost-effective decisions for optimal WEF management.
Sum of a Random Number of Correlated Random Variables that Depend on the Number of Summands

The mean and variance of a sum of a random number of random variables are well known when the number of summands is independent of each summand and when the summands are independent and identically...