cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D intake and mental health-related quality of life in older women: the Iowa Women's Health Study.

Abstract Objective Vitamin D deficiency and mood disorders are both prevalent among the elderly. We evaluated the association between vitamin D intake and mental health-related quality of life (QOL) among elderly women participating in a large population-based study. Study design This study was a cross-sectional analysis of the Iowa Women's Health Study, a prospective study of cancer risk factors among post-menopausal women in Iowa that began in 1986. Additional survey data was collected from the cohort members in 1987, 1989, 1992, 1997, and 2004. Data for this analysis came from the 2004 questionnaire. Main outcome measure Mental health-related QOL was assessed using five scales from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-form Health Survey. QOL scores were analyzed as continuous variables using linear regression, controlling for age, energy intake, BMI, education, smoking, living arrangement, antidepressant usage, comorbidity history, and physical activity. Results Low vitamin D intake ( Conclusions Women who consumed
Minimum L 1 norm SAR image formation

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image formation using an L1 norm minimization approach is discussed. The use of algorithms such as the Polar Format Algorithm with L1 norm minimization combines the advantages of a far field scattering assumption with the additional capabilities of gap filling, inherent sidelobe mitigation, and feature decomposition. This paper presents some of the ongoing work at Integrity Applications Incorporated in the area of advanced SAR image formation in which focuses on a properly posed forward operator, the implicit implementation of which facilities processing very large datasets with an even larger number of unknowns.
Complete urinary tract extirpation : The university of Maryland experience

Abstract Objectives Complete urinary tract extirpation (CUTE) involves simultaneous bilateral nephroureterectomy, cystectomy or cystoprostatectomy, and the creation of a urinary diversion, if needed. Case reports of this operation have been published, but to our knowledge, this is the largest case series yet reported. We sought to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients who underwent CUTE. Methods From 1994 to 2005, 9 patients underwent CUTE at our institution. We performed a retrospective chart review of these patients. The data reviewed included demographics, operative time, length of stay, complications, recurrences, and overall survival. Results Nine patients who underwent CUTE were identified. The mean patient age at the operation was 61 years. Five patients were men. The mean operative time was 356 minutes. Two patients required a blood transfusion. The length of stay averaged 10.8 days (range 6 to 47). Four patients had functioning renal allografts before and after surgery. Three patients needing dialysis received renal allografts postoperatively. The overall survival rate at a mean follow-up of 31 months was 86%. Conclusions Although this report presented a small number of patients, it has illustrated that CUTE can be performed safely and allow definitive surgical treatment of patients with complex genitourinary pathologic findings.
Multifunctional integrated sensor in A 2×2 mm epitaxial sealed chip operating in a wireless sensor node

We present multifunctional integrated sensors (abbreviated MFISES) that combine temperature, humidity, pressure, air speed, chemical gas, magnetic, and acceleration sensing on a single 2×2 mm chip. We fabricate MFISES in a wafer scale encapsulation process (called epi-seal) to hermetically seal the sensor functions with moving parts at low vacuum, and then surface micromachine the environmental sensors on top of the sealed layer. The encapsulation process provides very stable conditions for the pressure, magnetic, and acceleration sensors and enables the deployment of MFISES in dynamic environmental conditions without special packaging post-process. We demonstrate MFISES in a sensor node that combines energy harvesting, power management, and low power electronics to wirelessly transmit sensor data using a cloud-based service. The data can be processed and stored using server-side internet tools and then shared with any internet connected device. MFISES combined with the sensor node hardware demonstrates pivotal enabling technology in the emerging areas of wireless sensor networks and the Internet of Things.
Study of Target Edge Response Viewed Through Atmospheric Turbulence over Water

Photographed edge response of a quadrant target made through atmospheric turbulence at a range of 1.6 km 10.7 m above water was found to fit an error function form quite accurately. A theoretical estimate of the intensity point spread function based upon a parabolic approximation to the wave structure function for a point source is consistent with the data. Assuming the validity of the approximation, thermal values of Cn give turbulence inner scales in the millimeter range.
Learning the Ropes: Communities of Practice and Social Networks in the Public Sector

ABSTRACT How do public agencies integrate new employees and shape their learning process? How do newcomers’ connections, formed with experienced professionals, help them “learn the ropes”? Public managers may find themselves asking such questions as they employ tactics to transition newcomers into productive organizational members who fit in well. At the same time that managers work to shape newcomer learning, newcomers proactively develop their own ties within the organization for information and support. This study examines organizational socialization tactics in a state agency using longitudinal qualitative and social network data. We investigate the dynamics of organizationally instituted communities of practice and individual level egocentric networks in the context of newcomer adaptation. Our analysis reveals that while both are venues for newcomer learning and information acquisition there exists a distinction in real-time learning and practice between these two knowledge sources. Our article devel...
The optimum design of honeycomb solar ponds and a comparison with salt gradient ponds

Abstract A computer model of the thermal performance of a floating honeycomb pond cover has been developed. The model considers solar transmittance through the cover and heat losses due to long-wave radiation, conduction, and convection. Convection stability within the honeycomb cells is addressed. The study concludes that an optimized honeycomb cover for industrial process heat should be 6–9 cm thick with 1.25 – 1.5 cm diameter cells. Two case studies are presented. The cost of building honeycomb solar ponds and salt gradient ponds are compared. Published costs by a leading honeycomb manufacturer suggest the honeycomb strategy might be competitive. Practical design considerations for honeycomb ponds are also raised.
Disproportionate Collapse Design Considerations — A Comprehensive Approach

Recent efforts to develop progressive collapse guidelines in the United States reveal an interest in improving design requirements to address disproportionate collapse, especially in the context of blast-resistant design. As a result, several ongoing research projects are investigating structural response under disproportionate collapse conditions. Generally, disproportionate collapse considers the complete loss of a critical load-carrying element - typically a column - that leads to a disproportionate collapse of other parts of the structure. However, simply considering disproportionate collapse through a complete member removal, as is typical per current design procedures, does not account for disproportionate failures that may occur due to localized effects. Engineers need to consider all possible failure mechanisms in design, including disproportionate collapse, for a more accurate determination of the initiation of a global failure. Inspired by such tragedies as the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse where the localized connection failure led to the disproportionate collapse of two entire walkways, this study examines expanding the definition of disproportionate collapse to consider local failures and their effect on members or systems. By characterizing the response and behavior of a structural member after localized failure occurs, appropriate design considerations can be developed. Results from this study will highlight the localized effects on the structural capacity considering disproportionate collapse and show why these types of failures must be considered by design professionals, code developers, and research efforts.
Properties of Zein Films Coated with Drying Oils

Zein films prepared by resin were coated with either flax oil or tung oil and cured by UV- or γ-radiation. Coated zein films were then evaluated for tensile and water barrier properties. Film microstructure was examined by transmitted light microscope. Tensile strength, elongation, and toughness of oil-coated samples increased substantially with respect to uncoated films. Flax oil coated samples showed an increase in elongation of 300%. It was suggested that oil coatings fill in pinholes and cracks existing in zein films, affecting their mechanical properties. Water vapor permeability also decreased statistically for coated film (except for tung oil coated−UV treated films), suggesting water vapor transfer was controlled by film hydrophobicity and microstructure. Moreover, the liquid water transmission rate of coated films was at least 10 times slower than for control films. Examination of film microstructure revealed that flax oil coatings had uniform coverage and smooth finish, which explained their hig...
Underuse of colorectal cancer screening in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries.

BACKGROUND. To the authors' knowledge, few population-based studies to date have considered the serial use of colorectal cancer screening tests, which are usually recommended at specific intervals. METHODS. The study included a cohort of cancer-free Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥70 years who were identified in 1998. Inpatient, physician, and outpatient Medicare claims for colorectal screening procedures from 1991 through 1997 and 1998 through 2004 were used to categorize patients as receiving previous and subsequent complete screening, respectively. Codes were also used to identify patients at increased neoplasia risk. Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure time to receipt of complete screening in follow-up. RESULTS. The cohort consisted of 153,469 Medicare beneficiaries. Previous complete screening was performed in 29.2% of the cohort, including 76.7% of the increased risk group and 22.9% of other patients (P 1 method (4.1%). Subsequent screening was strongly associated with receipt of previous screening (35.7% vs 21.2% of others; P < .001), and was also more frequent in younger and white patients. The differences were maintained in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS. In a population-based cohort of Medicare beneficiaries, despite insurance reimbursement, there is significant underuse of colorectal testing. Given the ability of screening tests to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, continued efforts to promote screening are clearly warranted. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Self-assembling cytotoxins

Decanal and N-amino-N'-1-octylguanidine (AOG), combined at 28 microM each, mediated erythrocyte lysis within 80 minutes under physiological conditions. By contrast, no lysis was observed after 20 hours with either decanal (56 microM) or AOG (100 microM) alone. The pronounced synergism observed for these chemicals and similar reactive pairs of chemicals is due to the self-assembly of more cytotoxic hydrazones in situ. Decanal and AOG also exhibit synergistic activity against cultured human cells (HeLa) and bacteria (Escherichia coli J96). This synergism may be useful in the design of cytotoxins that would self-assemble selectively from nontoxic precursors within tumors, while sparing normal tissue.
Conjugation of Nedd8 to CUL1 enhances the ability of the ROC1-CUL1 complex to promote ubiquitin polymerization.

The SCF-ROC1 ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase (E3) ubiquitin ligase complex targets the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of protein substrates required for the regulation of cell cycle progression and signal transduction pathways. We have previously shown that ROC1-CUL1 is a core subassembly within the SCF-ROC1 complex, capable of supporting the polymerization of ubiquitin. This report describes that the CUL1 subunit of the bacterially expressed, unmodified ROC1-CUL1 complex is conjugated with Nedd8 at Lys-720 by HeLa cell extracts or by a purified Nedd8 conjugation system (consisting of APP-BP1/Uba3, Ubc12, and Nedd8). This covalent linkage of Nedd8 to CUL1 is both necessary and sufficient to markedly enhance the ability of the ROC1-CUL1 complex to promote ubiquitin polymerization. A mutation of Lys-720 to arginine in CUL1 eliminates the Nedd8 modification, abolishes the activation of the ROC1-CUL1 ubiquitin ligase complex, and significantly reduces the ability of SCFHOS/β-TRCP-ROC1 to support the ubiquitination of phosphorylated IκBα. Thus, although regulation of the SCF-ROC1 action has been previously shown to preside at the level of recognition of a phosphorylated substrate, we demonstrate that Nedd8 is a novel regulator of the efficiency of polyubiquitin chain synthesis and, hence, promotes rapid turnover of protein substrates.
Comparison of tissue factor and prostacyclin production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells on Dacron vascular prostheses and Dacron smooth films

The functional capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) grown on Dacron (polyethylene terephthalate; PET) vascular prosthetic material was compared with the function of cells on smooth surfaced PET, tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), and Natrix-coated TCPS. Prosthetic materials include two knitted fabrics (Bionit I and II) and two woven preparations (DeBakey Soft Woven and Extra Low Porosity). Two entities produced by HUVEC that influence blood coagulation were assessed: the procoagulant tissue factor (TF) and the anticoagulant prostacyclin (PGI2). Although TF activity was stimulated on all substrates by endotoxin (LPS), there was no difference among prostheses and no difference among smooth surface materials, but TF was reduced in cells on the prosthetic materials relative to those on smooth surface substrates. The reduced TF production by HUVEC on prosthetic material could be reversed by returning them to TCPS. In contrast, PGI2 production on prostheses was comparable to that on smooth surfaces for both stimulated and unstimulated cells. Stimulation with histamine (1 microM) gave a 2.4-fold increase in PGI2 whereas mellitin (10 micrograms/ml) increased production 12.5-fold. The differential response of HUVEC with regard to these two coagulation factors, one of which is secreted and the other membrane bound, may reflect the distorted shape of cells on fibers of the prosthesis.
Low-noise wide-band amplification system for acquiring prebreakdown current pulses in liquid dielectrics

A low-noise wideband amplification system consisting of a preamplifier with input protection circuit and an amplifier were developed for measuring the prebreakdown currents in liquid dielectrics. The system design considerations and experimental results are presented. The preamplifier was voltage-sensitive with a voltage gain of 154 V/V, and had a bandwidth of 56 MHz and an equivalent noise voltage spectral density of 0.93 nV/Hz/sup 1/2/. The amplifier had a voltage gain of about 12 and a bandwidth of 58 MHz and was capable of driving mod 2 mod V across two paralleled 50 Omega loads. The overall system had a gain of 92400 V/A when loaded with 50 Omega , and it had a minimum detectable current of 1.9 mu A for an overall bandwidth of about 29 MHz. >
Strategies for Elimination of Poliomyelitis in Different Parts of the World with Use of Oral Poliovirus Vaccine

Since its first mass use in 1960, oral polio vaccine ( OPV ) has largely eliminated paralytic poliomyelitis from temperate-climate and subtropical regions of the world that have good health services and a combined total population of almost 2,000 million people. The various strategies used in these countries have been highly successful even where, as in the USA, large numbers of children received no vaccine or only a single dose of OPV . During the period of 1981-1982, only 2.8 cases per 100 million total population per year were reported in the USA. The main challenge in the present era is the economically undeveloped tropical and subtropical regions with inadequate health services that are inhabited by more than half of the world population, where recent surveys for residual paralysis due to poliomyelitis have shown that the incidence of the disease has been higher than it was in the USA and other predominantly temperate-climate countries before the vaccine era. The problem in these countries is that the majority of children receive no vaccine and that the extensive year-round dissemination of virulent polioviruses requires a different strategy of vaccination from that used in the temperate-climate countries. The special point about the annual mass vaccinations with OPV for all children younger than three, four, or five years of age-which have proven highly successful in Cuba (for the past 20 years), in Brazil (during the past three years), and recently also in Mexico-is that all the children are usually vaccinated within one or two days, which quickly breaks the chain of transmission of the virulent viruses, and the annual campaigns create and maintain the maximum number of children with resistant intestinal tracts.
Cannibalising the transcendent margin: reflections on conglomeration, LBOs, recapitalisations and other manifestations of corporate Mania

According to Keynesian wisdom, we should concentrate on the short run, because in the long run we are all dead. This truism notwithstanding, I believe that all of us identified with major corporate enterprises and the financial community generally must devote ourselves to surmising the long run. Our resource-allocation decisions will regularly affect the fate, for good or ill, of generations of consumers, security holders, workers and communities. I identify the phrase 'transcendent margin' with the late A.A. Berle, Jr.; the phrase is intended to describe the responsibility that each generation of entrepreneurs (hence corporate managers) has to transmit to future generations: an economic, industrial, technological infrastructure that is stronger and sounder than the one that was acquired. Briefly, this margin or surplus value represents the productivity of the present generation that is not consumed by it, but is passed along to enrich posterity. For me this transcendence, this commitment to higher levels of consciousness, is an integral aspect of what we dub civilisation. Alas! That which should be a self-evident verity diverges sharply from recent and current experience.
KETOROLAC (+)R AND (-)S STEREOISOMER PHARMACOKINETICS FOLLOWING IV ADMINISTRATION OF RS KETOROLAC TO CHILDREN. • 432

Ketorolac (KT) is administered as a racemic mixture although cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity resides with the (-S) stereoisomer. Little is known about KT stereo-specific pharmacokinetics. We studied plasma pharmacokinetics of(+R) and (-S) KT in 8 children (median age 11.8 yrs) following a 0.6 mg/kg IV dose of racemic KT. Twelve timed plasma samples were collected over 720 minutes after the dose. (+R)-KT and (-S)-KT were measured by HPLC using a CHIRACEL OJ-R column. Kinetic values were estimated from non-linear iterative fit of the the plasma concentrations to a bi-exponential or tri-exponential equation with 10 minutes infusion function. Significant differences were observed between the two enantiomers: Cmax was higher, AUC greater, t1/2elim longer, and Cl less for (+R)-KT. There was no difference between the enatiomers in Vd or t1/2dist. Table
The effect of chlorine position on the distribution and excretion of four hexachlorobiphenyl isomers

Abstract The distribution and excretion of four symmetrical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) isomers, 2,3,5,2′,3′,5′-hexa-; 2,3,6,2′,3′,6′-hexa-; 2,4,5,2′,4′,5′-hexa-; and 2,4,6,2′-4′,6′-hexachlorobiphenyl, were studied in the male rat. The study of three of these hexachlorobiphenyl isomers permitted an assessment of the importance of each unchlorinated position in the absence of adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms on the biphenyl rings. The study of 2,3,6,2′,3′,6′-hexachlorobiphenyl allowed an assessment of the importance of adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms in an otherwise highly chlorinated PCB. 2,3,6,2′,3′,6′-Hexachlorobiphenyl was rapidly metabolized and excreted relative to the hexachlorobiphenyls which did not have adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms. The other hexachlorobiphenyls were very slowly metabolized by the male rat and have extremely long half-lives in this species. The results of these studies demonstrate the importance of adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms to the metabolism of PCBs and imply that when the position of PCB chlorination is such as to inhibit the formation of an arene oxide intermediate then PCB metabolism proceeds very slowly. These studies allo indicate that in the absence of adjacent unsubstituted carbon atoms, the preferred mechanism of PCB metabolism may be by the insertion of a hydroxyl group at the meta position.
Enhanced student learning in the introductory physics laboratory

We have taken laboratory experiments, modified them to include aspects of peer instruction and collaborative learning, and used pre- and post-tests to measure student learning gains in two of these labs. Our modification includes adding conceptual questions to the laboratory that lab groups answer online and then, as directed by the instructor, they discuss their answers with other students. By comparing student performance on pre- and post-tests in two laboratories that used this technique and two that did not (the control group), our data indicate that this modification substantially increases student learning (increases the average student learning gain from pre- to post-test by 50-100%). It seems that using labs with these modifications increases students' readiness to communicate and their ability to transfer knowledge or apply concepts to novel situations.
Late 19th Century Abundance Trends of the Eskimo Curlew on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

Abstract. The Eskimo Curlew (Numenius borealis), now near extinction, was intensively hunted during fall migration along the Atlantic coast from Labrador to Long Island through the late 19th century. Scores of post-1850 records from this region have been gleaned from the literature but the rate of population decline has never been assessed. George H. MacKay's shooting journal, which has been largely overlooked, includes quantitative data on curlew abundance trends from 1875 to 1897 on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. MacKay observed 650 curlews and his party bagged 87 during 231 hunting days logged during the flight period (21 August–2 October) over 22 hunting seasons. The last major flights were observed in 1881. Although he continued to hunt enthusiastically through the early 1890s, annual totals of curlews observed by MacKay declined significantly (rs, = 0.40, p < 0.05) from 1875 to 1897, as did annual bag totals (rs = -0.41, p < 0.05). Annual bag totals of American Golden Plovers (Pluvialis dominica),...
True Belief Belies False Belief: Recent Findings of Competence in Infants and Limitations in 5-Year-Olds, and Implications for Theory of Mind Development

False belief tasks have enjoyed a monopoly in the research on children’s development of a theory of mind. They have been granted this status because they promise to deliver an unambiguous assessment of children’s understanding of the representational nature of mental states. Their poor cousins, true belief tasks, have been relegated to occasional service as control tasks. That this is their only role has been due to the universal assumption that correct answers on true belief tasks are inherently ambiguous regarding the level of the child’s understanding of mental states. It has also been due to the universal assumption that nothing in the child’s developing theory of mind would lead to systematically incorrect answers on true belief tasks. We review new findings that 4- and 5-year-olds do err, systematically and profoundly, on the true belief versions of all the extant belief tasks. This reveals an intermediate level of understanding in the development of children’s theory of mind. Researchers have been unaware of this intermediate level because it produces correct answers in false belief tasks. A simple two-task battery—one true belief task and one false belief task—is sufficient to remove the ambiguity from each task. The new findings show that children do not acquire an understanding of beliefs, and hence a representational theory of mind, until after 6 years of age, or 2 years later than most developmental psychologists have concluded. This raises the question of how to interpret other new findings that infants are able to pass false belief tasks. We review these new infant studies, as well as recent studies on chimpanzees, in light of older children’s failure on true belief tasks, and end with some speculation about how all of these new findings might be reconciled.
Peer Pals: Supporting Positive Social-Emotional Behaviors in a Kindergarten Classroom

This case study of a kindergarten classroom explores the importance of engaging students in building a caring and supportive learning culture. In a global education environment increasingly dominated by standardized evaluation, goals for nurturing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development through education are gradually being replaced by cognitive development and attainment of basic academic skills. The article considers the value of positive peer interaction as “peer pals” to develop reciprocal relationships and communication skills that lead to empathy and better understanding and appreciation for diversity. The study emphasizes the profound impact that positive social interactions have on children's minds and behavior during the early years of elementary education, which are formative years for their social and intellectual development.
Inflammatory Mediators and S-100β Protein Concentrations in Neonates and Infants With Congenital Heart Disease

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery experience an ab normal whole-body inflammatory response after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The inflam matory response to CPB may cause postoperative or gan dysfunction and morbidity, especially in the pedi atric population. The systemic inflammatory response may be initiated during CPB by blood contact with the foreign surface of the pump circuit, ischemia-reperfu sion injury, and endotoxemia. Although significant mortality is rare, most patients undergoing CPB expe rience some degree of organ dysfunction as a result of the inflammatory response.
Conflicting demands in correspondence: Abigail Adams on women's rights

Abigail Smith Adams’ correspondence to her husband, John Adams, on the topic of women's rights is examined in this essay. It is determined that the apparent inconsistencies in these letters are a result of the conflicting demands of Adams’ rhetorical situation.
Delineating the karstic flow system in the upper Lost River drainage basin, south central Indiana: using sulphate and δ34SSO4 as tracers

Abstract A karstic flow system in the upper Lost River drainage basin in south central Indiana, USA, was investigated using SO4 concentration and δ34SSO4 as tracers. The flow system was characterized as vadose flow and phreatic diffuse flow. Vadose-flow samples were collected from 7 epikarstic outlets after storm events. Phreatic diffuse flow samples were collected from the Orangeville Rise, the major emergence point for the drainage basin, during the base flow periods. Discharge from the Orangeville Rise was constant during the base flow periods but showed large variations in flow rate (0.3–11.7 m3/s), SO4 concentration (11–220 mg/l), and δ34SSO4 (+5.2 to +15.0‰) after storm events, due to the mixing of rain, vadose flow, and phreatic diffuse flow in the conduits that feed the Orangeville Rise. Sulphate concentrations and δ34SSO4 were unique in vadose flow (SSO4: 13–24 mg/l; δ34SSO4: +1.9 to +3.8‰) and phreatic diffuse flow (SO4: 220 mg/l; δ34SSO4: +15.0‰). Mean SO4 concentration of rainwater in the study area was measured as 1.8 mg/l. Using a 3-component mixing model for water in the karstic conduits, the mixing ratios of rain (16.5%), vadose flow (58.5%), and phreatic diffuse flow (25.0%) components were calculated in the Orangeville Rise discharge. These mixing ratios attained using SO4 concentration as a tracer indicated the important role of the vadose zone as a water storage area in karst aquifers.
Efficient and change-resilient test automation: an industrial case study

Test automation, which involves the conversion of manual test cases to executable test scripts, is necessary to carry out efficient regression testing of GUI-based applications. However, test automation takes significant investment of time and skilled effort. Moreover, it is not a one-time investment: as the application or its environment evolves, test scripts demand continuous patching. Thus, it is challenging to perform test automation in a cost-effective manner. At IBM, we developed a tool, called ATA [1], [2], to meet this challenge. ATA has novel features that are designed to lower the cost of initial test automation significantly. Moreover, ATA has the ability to patch scripts automatically for certain types of application or environment changes. How well does ATA meet its objectives in the real world? In this paper, we present a detailed case study in the context of a challenging production environment: an enterprise web application that has over 6500 manual test cases, comes in two variants, evolves frequently, and needs to be tested on multiple browsers in time-constrained and resource-constrained regression cycles. We measured how well ATA improved the efficiency in initial automation. We also evaluated the effectiveness of ATA's change-resilience along multiple dimensions: application versions, browsers, and browser versions. Our study highlights several lessons for test-automation practitioners as well as open research problems in test automation.
Stokes's theorems for non-Abelian fields

We study Wilson loops in quantum chromodynamics to discuss two versions of a non-Abelian Stokes theorem, one of which is stated as an expansion in local operators of the theory.
Preparation and properties of thermo-stable aromatic copolyimide fibers.

Copolyimide fibers were prepared by thermal imidization method, starting from 4, 4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), and 3, 3', 4, 4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), and their tensile and thermal properties were evaluated. In general, long term thermal stability (290°C) of the copolyimide fibers increased with increasing content of BTDA, because the copolymers containing more BTDA unit had lower crystallinity and lacked the physical deterioration by heat aging. In the case of the same polymer composition, thermal durability of the fiber drawn at lower temperature was better than that drawn at higher temperature because of the same reason. Dimensional stability at a high temperature (450°C) was good for the fibers containing PMDA ≥ 60mole%. A typical example was as follows: the fiber of PMDA/BTDA (mole ratio 60/40) hot-drawn 1.5 times at 350°C had tenacity (T) of 4.0g/d, elongation (E) of 16% and initial modulus of 62g/d, and percents retained of T and E after 112h at 290°C in air were 91 and 92%, respectively, and its shrinkage at 450°C was only 6%.
Mycoplasma contamination greatly enhances the apparent transport and concentrative accumulation of formycin B by mammalian cell culture.

S49 mouse leukemia cells exhibit both equilibrative and Na+-dependent, concentrative formycin B transport. The latter represents only a minor nucleoside transport component and is detectable only when equilibrative nucleoside transport is inhibited by dipyridamole or another transport inhibitor. Thus in uncontaminated S49 cells formycin B accumulated only to slightly above the intracellular equilibrium level. In contrast, in suspensions of S49 cells contaminated with mycoplasma, formycin B accumulated in the intracellular water space in unmodified form to 40–50-times the extracellular concentration in a dipyridamole-independent manner during 90 min of incubation at 37°C. The mycoplasma active formycin B transport system was inhibited by all nucleosides tested, including thymidine and deoxycytidine, which are not substrates for the concentrative nucleosid transporter of S49 cells. Mycoplasma contamination was detected by the presence of cell-associated adenosine phosphorylase activity.
People, Products, and Pursuits: Exploring the Relationship between Consumer Goals and Product Meanings

Does a relationship exist between a consumer's goals and the meaning associated with a product? Two product meaning categories are considered—a functional meaning that highlights the attributes and benefits associated with the product, and a symbolic meaning that captures more intrinsic and abstract notions about the purchase. A dynamic goal structure is considered that consists of three distinct levels of motivation—the having level, the doing level, and the being level. This article explores the relationship between both sets of constructs by utilizing a depth-interview methodology to focus on informants' motivations, thoughts and feelings, and underlying meanings associated with purchases. The data offer preliminary support for four distinct linking constructs. These findings exhibit a first step toward understanding the simultaneous impact of motivation, product meaning, and consumption context on consumers' decision making. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Postpartum Early Hospital Discharge and Follow-up Practices in Canada and the United States

Background:Although official guidelines and recent legislation have addressed early postpartum hospital discharge and follow-up, little is known about the practices of obstetricians in Canada and the United States on this issue. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to two separate random samples of 2000 Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in the United States and all Canadian Fellows. Practices and perceptions were compared with those recommended in the literature, recent legislation, and guidelines of ACOG and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Results: In contrast to concerns expressed in the medical literature and official AAP/ACOG guidelines, many physicians considered potential psychosocial and demographic risk factors relatively unimportant in making early discharge decisions, preferring to emphasize aspects of the patient's medical condition, hospital course, and social support. Although the official guidelines encourage follow-up for all patients discharged early, additional visits are routinely advised by only 39 percent of obstetricians after vaginal delivery and by 68 percent after cesarean section. After vaginal delivery 39 percent of obstetricians used telephone follow-up and 37 percent after cesarean delivery. Moreover, although the official guidelines recommend follow-up within 48 hours of discharge, only one-half of the obstetricians surveyed advised follow-up at this time. In contrast to the guidelines, most obstetricians defined early discharge as that occuring within 24 hours after vaginal delivery and 72 hours after cesarean delivery; most defined optimal lengths of stay within the 48-hour (after vaginal delivery) and 96-hour (after cesarean delivery) periods considered short by the guidelines. Conclusions:Current postpartum early discharge and follow-up practices emphasize the physical health of the mother and place little emphasis on social risk. They appear to be influenced by perceptions of the appropriateness of the length of stay and are not in agreement with professional guidelines. (BIRTH 25:3 September 1998)
In situ hybridization of rnRNA expression for IP3 receptor and IP3-3-kinase in rat brain after transient focal cerebral ischemia

Loss of intracellular calcium homeostasis has been regarded an important factor underlying neuron cell death after cerebral ischemic insult. In the brain, a major mechanism for regulation of intracellular calcium is through the signal transduction pathway involving hydrolysis of poly-phosphoinositides and release of the second messenger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). IP3 mobilizes calcium by interacting with an intracellular receptor. Upon its release after agonist stimulation, this second messenger is catabolized by a 3-kinase and a 5-phosphatase. In this study, in situ hybridization was carried out to examine the mRNA expression of IP3, receptor (IP3R) and IP3 3-kinase (IP3K) in rat brain cortex after transient focal cerebral ischemia induced by temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the common carotid arteries (CCAs). Results indicate a large decrease (52%) in IP3R mRNA levels in the ischemic cortex as compared to that in the contralateral side at 4 h after a 45 min ischemic insult. By 16 h, practically no IP3R mRNA could be detected in the ischemic cortex. On the other hand, IP3K mRNA levels remained unaltered until 16 h after reperfusion, during which time, expression in the infarct core decreased but that surrounding the core area increased instead. Hybridization of adjacent brain sections with probes for neuron specific enolase (NSE) and beta-actin indicated also a time-dependent decrease in mRNA levels after ischemia, but these changes were less dramatic as compared to IP3R. At 16 and 24 h after reperfusion, there was an increase in beta-actin mRNA in cortical areas outside the MCA cortex, suggesting of reactive gliosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Effect of Student Discussion Frequency on Fifth-Grade Students’ Mathematics Achievement in U.S. Schools

Student discussion about mathematics has been said to improve the mathematical understanding of students. Yet, some studies suggest that this may not be the case (i.e., Shouse, 2001). Therefore, the authors used hierarchical linear modeling to investigate the effect frequent discussion has on math achievement. Findings showed no statistically significant mean difference in math achievement between weekly and less than weekly discussion in fifth-grade mathematics classrooms, but significant variability in the effect of discussion on achievement was found across classrooms and schools. This indicates that weekly discussion can have large positive effects in some classrooms/schools and negative effects in others. These results and their implications are discussed in context with current literature.
Mechanical & Cell Culture Properties of Elastin-Like Polypeptide, Collagen, Bioglass, and Carbon Nanosphere Composites

Collagen, the most commonly used extra-cellular matrix protein for tissue engineering applications, displays poor mechanical properties. Here, we report on the preparation and characterization of novel multi-component composite systems that incorporate a genetically engineered, biocompatible polymer (elastin-like polypeptide, ELP), biodegradable ceramic (45S5 bioglass), carbon nanosphere chains (CNSC), and minimal amount (~25% w/w) of collagen. We hypothesized that incorporation of bioglass and CNSC would improve mechanical properties of the composites. Our results showed that the tensile strength and elastic modulus nearly doubled after addition of the bioglass and CNSC compared to the control ELP–collagen hydrogels. Further, MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were cultured within the composite hydrogels and a thorough biochemical and morphological characterization was performed. Live/dead assay confirmed high cell viability (>95%) for all hydrogels by day 21 of culture. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin (OCN) production assessed the pre-osteoblast differentiation. Normalized ALP activity was highest for the cells cultured within ELP–bioglass–collagen hydrogels, while normalized OCN production was equivalent for all hydrogels. Alizarin red staining confirmed the mineral deposition by the cells within all hydrogels. Thus, the multi-component composite hydrogels displayed improved mechanical and cell culture properties and may be suitable scaffold materials for bone tissue engineering.
Low temperature suppression by chlorine of diffusion of gold in silver chloride

Abstract The tracer-sectioning technique was used to study the diffusion of aurous ion in silver chloride. Above 260°C, the diffusion proceeds interstitially with an activation energy of 0.47 eV. When the diffusion anneal was carried out in an external chlorine atmosphere, the diffusion coefficient was depressed. This behavior is explained in terms of the effect of chlorine on the cation vacancy concentration, and agrees quantitatively with results obtained from optical absorption studies by Ulrici, Koswig and Stasiw. Analysis of the data yields 0.62 eV for the heat of the reaction: ½Cl 2 = Cl − +cation vacancy + hole .
Effects of sucrose concentrations on single-alternation performance in rats

In Experiment 1, rats received single-alternation training with 32% or 4% sucrose reward (Phase 1) followed by a shift in reward from 32% to 4%, and vice versa (Phase 2). In Phase 1, high reward facilitated alternation performance over low reward. In Phase 2, performance on rewarded trials increased as reward increased but was unchanged as reward decreased. Performance on nonrewarded trials showed negligible effects of shifts in reward. In Experiment 2, rats received goalbox placements with 32% or 4% sucrose alternated with nonreward in Phase 1; and in Phase 2, they received alternation runway training with the same or the opposite reward from that of placements. Performance on rewarded trials was faster, the higher the reward in runway training; performance on nonrewarded trials was slower, the higher the reward in placements. In Experiment 3, Phase 1 provided placements with 64%, 32%, 16%, or 4% sucrose or dry mash alternated with nonreward; Phase 2 provided alternation runway training with dry mash reward. Alternation prerformance developed more rapidly, the higher the sucrose concentration in placements. Only 64% sucrose produced performance superior to that for dry-mash placements.
Employee and Customer Perceptions of Service Quality in an Indian Firm

Nous presentons un modele completant les conceptions existantes de la relation entre employes et clients dans la domaine des services qui propose que la perception de l’efficacite du service par l’agent comme predictive de l’efficacite du service percue par le client. L’efficacite du service se refere a la perception qu’ont les agents de repondre ou meme d’aller au-dela des attentes relatives au service de la part de l’organisation et des clients exteriors. Nous avons enquete la relation entre l’efficacite du service, la maturite de l’equipe, et la qualite du service dans la filiale indienne d’une organisation internationale de produits de bureaux. Les agents de service appartenant a 18 equipes autonomes ont classe leur propre efficacitea repondre aux attentes de la direction et des clients exterieurs. Les donees preexistantes sur la maturite de ces equipes etaient recueillies aupres l’organisation. 114 clients de la meme societe, choisi au hazard, evaluaient la qualite du service fourni, leur satisfaction de ce service et les effets attendus par le client. Nous avons trouve des liaisons positives entre l’efficacite du service, la maturite du groupe et la qualite de service. Ces resultants servent a enrichir la litterature reliant les comportements des employes aux effets sur les clients pour les societes operant dans les economies emergeantes. We proposed a model complementing existing conceptions of the relationship between service employees and their customers, that proposes service effectiveness as an employee-level predictor of customer-perceived service quality. Service effectiveness refers to employees’ perceptions of meeting or even exceeding the service-related expectations of the organisation and external customers. We investigated the relationship between service effectiveness, team maturity, and service quality in an Indian branch of an international office products organisation. Service employees belonging to 18 self-managed teams rated their own effectiveness in meeting the expectations of management and external customers. Pre-existing team maturity data for these teams were obtained from the organisation. Simultaneously, 114 randomly selected customers of the same company evaluated the quality of service provided, their satisfaction with the service, and intended customer outcomes. We found positive links between service effectiveness, group maturity, and service quality. These results also help extend the literature linking employee behaviors with customer outcomes to companies operating in emerging economies.
Interoceptive Cue Exposure for Depersonalization: A Case Series

Abstract Cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder relies heavily on interoceptive exposure. Specifically, therapists induce physical symptoms associated with panic in order to produce habituation to those sensations. Many common symptoms of panic are easily induced, such as increased heart rate and dizziness. However, depersonalization is a difficult symptom to induce in the office. Three uncontrolled cases are presented here where a novel intervention, the use of 3D glasses, was used to successfully induce depersonalization with positive effect. The application of the procedure resulted in rapid habituation within session, and all three patients had significant reductions in panic following treatment. Additional research is necessary to examine the application of this, and other, novel methods for inducing depersonalization as part of a comprehensive approach to treating panic and other psychiatric conditions where depersonalization is present.
Delisting of wastes from metal-finishing and electroplating operations

Nature specifique des dechets solides de stations d'epuration d'eaux usees de revetement metallique. Reglementation
Display strobing: An effective countermeasure against visual blur from whole-body vibration

Abstract Crews and equipment in aerospace vehicles, including spacecraft at launch, can be exposed to significant vibration. Prior to this study, we examined the ability of vibrating observers to read alphanumeric symbology on stationary (i.e., non-vibrating) flight-relevant display formats and noted performance degradation with increasing vibration amplitude and decreasing font size. Here we test the efficacy of a display strobing countermeasure for the reading decrements caused by the same 12-Hz whole-body vibration in the surge (chest-to-spine) direction applied in our prior studies. To produce the strobe countermeasure, we triggered the backlight of a stationary liquid crystal diode (LCD) display panel to flash in synchrony with the 12-Hz vibration of the observer’s seat while experimentally varying both the strobe duty cycle and phase angle between the strobe onset and the vibration cycle zero-crossings. Strobing proved an effective countermeasure, restoring reading error rates during 0.7g (6.9 m/s2 half-amplitude) whole-body vibration to levels indistinguishable from those achieved under the non-strobed (equivalent luminance) non-vibrating baseline condition and improving response times although not fully to the baseline. While we noted differences in the “preferred” phase angle of individual observers, on average, no overall effect of phase angle was detected. Likewise, no effect was seen for the two duty cycles and their respective equivalent luminance levels. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of strobing for multi-axis and multi-frequency vibration, and for displays with moving images.
Nanoparticle‐Structured Ligand Framework as Electrode Interfaces

Nanostructured electrode based on gold nanoparticle network was developed for selective detection of metal ions.