cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modelling inflation in Georgia

The article explains the behaviour of inflation in Georgia in the post-stabilization period. Long-run equation linking prices with money and exchange rate, as well as short-run, dynamic equation for inflation are estimated. The inflation equation is stable, points to a dominant role of exchange rate in the inflation behaviour. The equation explains well the behaviour of inflation after the Russian crises, when inflation increased sharply but was quickly brought under control when the National Bank of Georgia kept its monetary policy tight and exchange rate stable.
POSSIBLE DOORWAY-STATE STRUCTURE IN THE SCATTERING OF NEUTRONS BY Fe.

Abstract An analysis of 150 keV wide structure observed in the scattering of neutrons by Fe at energies between 0.35 and 0.96 MeV is based on the doorway-state interpretation of such structure. The methods of analysis are presented in some detail. The distribution of compound-nucleus widths and spacings as well as the measured differential cross sections and polarizations are shown to be reasonably consistent with predictions that result from the doorway-state hypothesis.
Intra- and extracellular calcium modulates stereocilia stiffness on chick cochlear hair cells.

Abstract Segments of the chick basilar papilla were isolated and maintained in culture medium. The sensory hair bundle of individual hair cells was observed with light microscopy and stimulated with a water microjet at 600 Hz. Hair bundle motion was slowed by illuminating the microscope with stroboscopic light, and water jet intensity was systematically varied in decibel (dB) steps until a visual detection level (VDL) threshold of hair bundle motion was achieved. The VDL threshold of many hair cells was measured in each isolated papilla. However, only one of eight extracellular calcium concentrations (0.0, 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.25, 6.0, and 12.0 mM) was used with each papilla. In a second series, a calcium ionophore (ionomycin) was added to the culture medium, and VDL thresholds were again measured at seven of these extracellular calcium concentrations. With extracellular calcium alone, the stimulus level needed to achieve threshold was reduced by 2.73 dB between 0.1 and 0.01 mM. This change in threshold represented a 1.37-fold decrease in hair bundle stiffness. When ionomycin was added to the culture medium, a progressively greater stimulus intensity was needed to achieve threshold as calcium concentration increased. The 11.7-dB increase in threshold, with the addition of ionomycin, between 0.0001 and 6.0 mM extracellular calcium was equivalent to a 3.85-fold increase in bundle stiffness. These large changes in hair-bundle stiffness, as a function of the extra- or intracellular calcium environment, may play an important role in the micromechanical behavior of the hair cell during sound simulation.
Evolving self-image, pubertal manifestations, and pubertal hormones: preliminary findings in young adolescent girls

Abstract Purpose: Recent studies indicate that negative self-image increases in white females during early adolescence. This study was designed to examine the effects of physical and hormonal change during puberty on evolving self-image. Methods: The study sample consisted of 54 girls aged 10–14 yrs (mean 12.2 ± 0.9). Evaluations at baseline and one-year follow-up included the Self-Image Questionnaire for Young Adolescents (SIQYA), physical examination, and assays of serum FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, and DHEAS. Tanner stage was assessed separately for breast and pubic hair, and the girls were classified as early-, mid-, or late-maturers for each. Results: Pearson correlations between baseline and follow-up scores on the nine SIQYA scales ranged from 0.28–0.72 (P Conclusion: We conclude that the rate of breast development and FSH level have independent, opposite effects on body image during early adolescence.
Electronic Structure of Aqueous Sulfuric Acid from First-Principles Simulations with Hybrid Functionals.

We carried out the first ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous sulfuric acid solutions using hybrid density functionals and a concentration (∼1 mol/L) similar to that of electrolyte solutions used in photocatalytic water splitting experiments. We found that while the semilocal functional PBE greatly overestimates the degree of dissociation of the HSO4– ion, the hybrid functional PBE0 yields results in qualitative agreement with those of recent Raman measurements. Our findings highlight the importance of using hybrid functionals in the description of anion solvation. We further analyzed the electronic structure of the solution and found that the energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital of the anion is above that of the water valence band maximum only in the case of SO42–. This indicates that SO42– may be kinetically favored, instead of HSO4–, in scavenging photoexcited holes from photoanodes in water oxidation reactions.
Passive Trap for Monitoring Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Flight Activity

A new passive trap, constructed of rigid, clear plastic panes (0.3 m by 0.3 m), coated with an STP Oil Treatment film as an adhesive, was developed for monitoring codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), movement within and between orchard canopies. Tests showed that the trap was effective in recapturing released codling moth adults, that the adhesive was not attractive to moths, and that the adhesive was still effective after remaining on a trap for 1 wk in the field. Field experiments demonstrated that the passive pane-trap method is as efficient for catching moths as molasses-baited traps but that it is less efficient than pheromone-baited and blacklight traps placed in an orchard at equal densities. However, total capture of moths in plots treated with pane traps increased with trap density.
The Myofilament Lattice: Studies on Isolated Fibers III. The effect of myofilament spacing upon tension

The effect of ionic strength on the generation of tension and upon the interfilament spacing in living intact and skinned single striated muscle fibers from the walking leg of crayfish (Orconectes) were determined by isometric contraction studies correlated with low-angle X-ray diffraction. Sarcomere lengths were determined by light diffraction. Tensions were induced in intact fibers by caffeine in the bathing medium and by ionophoretic microinjection of calcium. Tensions were induced in skinned fibers by a buffered calcium-EGTA solution. The interfilament spacing of intact and skinned fibers over the range of ionic strengths investigated were determined by X-ray diffraction and correlated with the physiological data. It is demonstrated that the ionic strength affects the tension-generating capacity of the muscle as it affects the chemo-mechanical transform of excitation-contraction coupling. It is further demonstrated that interfilament spacing changes encountered during shortening and with variation in the osmotic strength have no effect upon the tension-generating capacity of muscle.
Electron and proton magnetic resonance studies of the effect of rhodopsin incorporation on molecular motion in dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers

Abstract The effect of rhodopsin incorporation on molecular motion in L-α-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayers is analyzed with nitroxide ESR and proton NMR techniques. A partial, binary phase diagram for DMPC-rhodopsin is constructed by studying the partitioning of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempo) between polar and hydrophobic domains as a function of temperature and system composition. Proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation measurements show that rhodopsin is associated with a domain of approx. 50 DMPC molecules which have reduced choline methyl mobilities. ESR studies, utilizing nitroxide-labeled fatty acid probes, indicate that rhodopsin immobilizes the outer half of the hydrophobic region in rhodopsin containing DMPC bilayers. Additional ESR studies, involving a nitroxide label placed in the middle of the membrane, as well as proton chain methyl spin-lattice relaxation measurements, indicate only slight rhodopsin-induced immobilization in the central part of the membrane.
With or without you: The impact of partner presence and attachment on exploration☆

Abstract Past research has examined the link of attachment anxiety and avoidance with exploration in adults, though results have been inconsistent and have relied primarily on self-reports. We hypothesized that the presence of the attachment figure (i.e., romantic partner) would play a critical moderating role on exploration duration and enjoyment. Eighty-six couples were randomly assigned to explore alone or with the partner in order to examine the moderating effect of partner presence on the effects of individuals' anxiety and avoidance as well as the partner's anxiety and avoidance. Consistent with hypotheses, there were significant two-way interactions of partner presence with anxiety, avoidance, and partner anxiety. When exploring alone, more (vs. less) anxious individuals spent less time exploring and felt less positive affect. When exploring with the partner, more (vs. less) avoidant individuals spent less time exploring and felt less positive affect. Individuals with more anxious partners felt more positive affect after exploring alone than with the partner, whereas individuals with more avoidant partners were not affected by the partner's presence. Above and beyond individuals' attachment style, partner presence and partner attachment style have implications for exploratory behavior.
An update on China in the political economy of information and communications

In prior research I have attempted to bring out the salience of two converging political‐economic trends. One originates in the communications and information sector, which throughout prior decades has evolved into the lead zone of business investment and profit‐making. The second stems from China, whose reinsertion into global capitalism has generated a powerful economic surge: in 2007, International Monetary Fund projects, for the first time, China will contribute more to global economic growth than any other nation. How, I asked, are these two vectors of change related? What connections exist between capitalism's most dynamic industry and its most expansionary growth zone? The present article constitutes a progress report on these issues, which continue to be fundamental.
Ballistic phonon emission from electron-hole droplets: Application to the nuclear recoil problem

The production of phonons after photoexcitation of Si is greatly influenced by electron-hole droplets. At moderate excitation densities droplets are formed and the process of quasidiffusion is bypassed by emission of ballistic phonons from droplets. We review these ideas and discuss the possibility of droplet formation in the course of plasma cooling which follows the ionization process of a nuclear recoil.
Semiempirical predictions and correlations of CO emissions from utility combustion turbines

Semiempirical models for gas-turbine combustor emissions distinguish between the dominant subprocesses of combustion related to pollutant emissions. They assign characteristic times, which are based on combustor geometry, fuel characteristics, and operating conditions, to these subprocesses. Linear ratios of these characteristic times, or of sums of the times weighted with empirical constants, are proportional to the emissions indices of oxides of nitrogen and of carbon monoxide (CO). The capability of a semiempirical model to predict and correlate CO emissions from two heavy-duty, dual-fuel (natural gas and fuel oil) diffusion flame combustors without inert injection is assessed. The model is termed the characteristic time model. Since the characteristic time model had not been used to correlate or predict CO emissions from stationary, heavy-duty combustors prior to this study, application of the models to the heavy-duty emissions data was not expected to, and did not yield acceptable predictions or correlations. Thus, modification of the characteristic time model was performed. A new algorithm determines the CO oxidation quench position in the combustor and provides a reasonable correlation of the CO data.
Numerical solution of multivariate polynomial systems by homotopy continuation methods

Let P(x) = 0 be a system of n polynomial equations in n unknowns. Denoting P = (p1,…, pn), we want to find all isolated solutions offor x = (x1,…,xn). This problem is very common in many fields of science and engineering, such as formula construction, geometric intersection problems, inverse kinematics, power flow problems with PQ-specified bases, computation of equilibrium states, etc. Elimination theory-based methods, most notably the Buchberger algorithm (Buchberger 1985) for constructing Grobner bases, are the classical approach to solving (1.1), but their reliance on symbolic manipulation makes those methods seem somewhat unsuitable for all but small problems.
Quantitation of Carcinogenic Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines and Detection of Novel Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Cooked Meats and Grill Scrapings by HPLC/ESI-MS

A tandem solid-phase extraction method was used to isolate carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) from cooked meats. The following 10 HAAs were identified by HPLC/ESI-MS/MS: 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (2-AalphaC), 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeAalphaC), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (IQx), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (8-MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), 2-amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (7,8-DiMeIQx), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-1,7,9-trimethylimidazo[4,5-g]quinoxaline (7,9-DiMeIgQx), and 2-amino-1-methylimidazo[4,5-b]quinoline (IQ[4,5-b]); the latter HAA has not previously been reported in cooked meats. The concentrations of these HAAs ranged from <0.03 to 15 ppb in cooked meats and poultry, to 75 ppb in cooked beef extract, and to 85 ppb in grill scrapings. The product ion scan mode was used to confirm the identities of these HAAs. Six other compounds were detected that appear to contain the N-methylimidazoquinoxaline skeleton on the basis of their product ion spectra, and these compounds are probable isomers of IQx, 8-MeIQx, and DiMeIQx. A number of known HAAs and novel HAAs of unknown genotoxic potential are formed at appreciable levels in cooked meats.
Influence of complications and extent of weight loss on quality of life after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Introduction Obesity decreases health-related quality of life, but bariatric surgery improves it. This study evaluates the effect of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, postoperative complications, and percentage of excess body weight loss on quality of life.
Emotion Recognition During Speech Using Dynamics of Multiple Regions of the Face

The need for human-centered, affective multimedia interfaces has motivated research in automatic emotion recognition. In this article, we focus on facial emotion recognition. Specifically, we target a domain in which speakers produce emotional facial expressions while speaking. The main challenge of this domain is the presence of modulations due to both emotion and speech. For example, an individual's mouth movement may be similar when he smiles and when he pronounces the phoneme /IY/, as in “cheese”. The result of this confusion is a decrease in performance of facial emotion recognition systems. In our previous work, we investigated the joint effects of emotion and speech on facial movement. We found that it is critical to employ proper temporal segmentation and to leverage knowledge of spoken content to improve classification performance. In the current work, we investigate the temporal characteristics of specific regions of the face, such as the forehead, eyebrow, cheek, and mouth. We present methodology that uses the temporal patterns of specific regions of the face in the context of a facial emotion recognition system. We test our proposed approaches on two emotion datasets, the IEMOCAP and SAVEE datasets. Our results demonstrate that the combination of emotion recognition systems based on different facial regions improves overall accuracy compared to systems that do not leverage different characteristics of individual regions.
The transformation behavior of a U-16.4 at % Nb-5.6 at % Zr alloy

Abstract The isothermal transformation kinetics of a γ-phase U-16.4 at % Nb-5.6 at % Zr alloy have been studied by resistometric techniques between 130 and 590° C. Three distinct regions of transformation were observed. Above 420° C the transformation proceeded by nucleation and growth and progressed to the equilibrium α + γ 2 phases. Aging at temperatures between 270 and 400° C resulted in the appearance of a transition α ″ monoclinic phase that remained stable after even 7 days of aging at 380° C. Aging below 250° C produced a tetragonal γ 0 phase. A negative temperature coefficient of resistance is observed at temperatures below 400° C when the material is quenched from a 900° C anneal. It is suggested that 400° C represents an athermal γ to γ S transformation and that the negative resistance coefficient results from a continual change of lattice parameters of γ S with decreasing temperature.
Inhibition of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis by pentobarbital.

Abstract Pentobarbital in concentrations as low as 0.02 mg/g body weight inhibits DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells growing in the peritoneal cavity of mice and in other rapidly proliferating tissues of mice, such as the jejunum and spleen. Pentobarbital also inhibits DNA synthesis when incubated directly in vitro with a suspension of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The phosphorylation of thymidine to its mono-, di- and triphosphates is not affected either in vivo or in vitro . The inhibitory effect of pentobarbital on DNA synthesis is quickly reversible both in tissue cultures of HeLa cells and in ascites cells in vivo .
Multiple focal nodular hyperplasia syndrome: diagnosis with dynamic, gadolinium-enhanced MRI

We present a rare case of multiple focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) with greater than 20 FNH lesions and coexistent liver hemangiomata. Particular attention is paid to the MRI characteristics of this disease process and the features of "multiple FNH syndrome" are discussed.
The limits of systems-making organizations

This paper provides an ontology of organizational structures intended for software-intensive systems-making. An archetype is presented and scaled in stages to support larger, more complex projects. Artifacts at each stage are identified and analyzed. The first artifact analyzed is the engine of scaling, specialization. Organizations that have been scaled for the purpose of developing large complex systems will be shown to themselves become large and complex, in part for matching the problem to be solved but also for self-management. Specialization first occurs with the separation of the role of designer into designers and managers whereby the designer's role and activities can be abstracted into a limited set of objects to be manipulated by managers. Design is transformed into a model of design. The problem (or challenge) for managers is of normalization of dysfunction, whereby the model becomes both mistaken for and more valued than the object modeled. The result of having transformed essential roles and activities into objects in a hierarchical organization will be shown to (one) increase the positive effects on managing large-scale organizations, (two) increase the negative effects on design outcomes and (three) prevent the logical association of item one with item two. Disassociations incurred through specialization and normalization of dysfunction will be shown to be counter-productive in that they create and sustain high process but low sense organizations. Conclusions will be presented on the nature of large organizations, on the nature of their risk evaluations, and on the inevitability of dysfunctions and pathologies to lead not only to project failure but also to immediately forget the same
Intermolecular Electron-Transfer Reactions in Soluble Methane Monooxygenase: A Role for Hysteresis in Protein Function

Electron transfer from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to the hydroxylase component (MMOH) of soluble methane monooxygenase (sMMO) primes its non-heme diiron centers for reaction with dioxygen to generate high-valent iron intermediates that convert methane to methanol. This intermolecular electron-transfer step is facilitated by a reductase (MMOR), which contains [2Fe-2S] and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) prosthetic groups. To investigate interprotein electron transfer, chemically reduced MMOR was mixed rapidly with oxidized MMOH in a stopped-flow apparatus, and optical changes associated with reductase oxidation were recorded. The reaction proceeds via four discrete kinetic phases corresponding to the transfer of four electrons into the two dinuclear iron sites of MMOH. Pre-equilibrating the hydroxylase with sMMO auxiliary proteins MMOB or MMOD severely diminishes electron-transfer throughput from MMOR, primarily by shifting the bulk of electron transfer to the slowest pathway. The biphasic reactions for electron transfer to MMOH from several MMOR ferredoxin analogues are also inhibited by MMOB and MMOD. These results, in conjunction with the previous finding that MMOB enhances electron-transfer rates from MMOR to MMOH when preformed MMOR-MMOH-MMOB complexes are allowed to react with NADH [Gassner, G. T.; Lippard, S. J. Biochemistry 1999, 38, 12768-12785], suggest that isomerization of the initial ternary complex is required for maximal electron-transfer rates. To account for the slow electron transfer observed for the ternary precomplex in this work, a model is proposed in which conformational changes imparted to the hydroxylase by MMOR are retained throughout the catalytic cycle. Several electron-transfer schemes are discussed with emphasis on those that invoke multiple interconverting MMOH populations.
Direct interaction of two polarity complexes implicated in epithelial tight junction assembly.

Tight junctions help establish polarity in mammalian epithelia by forming a physical barrier that separates apical and basolateral membranes. Two evolutionarily conserved multi-protein complexes, Crumbs (Crb)–PALS1 (Stardust)–PATJ (DiscsLost)1,2,3,4 and Cdc42–Par6–Par3–atypical protein kinase C (aPKC), have been implicated in the assembly of tight junctions and in polarization of Drosophila melanogaster epithelia5,6,7,8. Here we identify a biochemical and functional link between these two complexes that is mediated by Par6 and PALS1 (proteins associated with Lin7). The interaction between Par6 and PALS1 is direct, requires the amino terminus of PALS1 and the PDZ domain of Par6, and is regulated by Cdc42-GTP. The transmembrane protein Crb can recruit wild-type Par6, but not Par6 with a mutated PDZ domain, to the cell surface. Expression of dominant-negative PALS1-associated tight junction protein (PATJ) in MDCK cells results in mis-localization of PALS1, members of the Par3–Par6–aPKC complex and the tight junction marker, ZO-1. Similarly, overexpression of Par6 in MDCK cells inhibits localization of PALS1 to the tight junction. Our data highlight a previously unrecognized link between protein complexes that are essential for epithelial polarity and formation of tight junctions.
RESPONSE OF SLAB BRIDGES BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER REPAIR

Continuous reinforced concrete slab bridges rely on reinforcing steel bars near the top of the deck over the piers to carry negative moment. Transfer of forces in these bars may be jeopardized by deterioration and repair procedures that involve variable depth removal of deteriorated concrete around the bars. Partial or full loss of continuity could overstress the bottom reinforcement. Truckload testing of three bridges with various levels of damage was conducted before, during, and after repair in an attempt to quantify the level of loss of continuity and to examine the effectiveness of repair in terms of increasing the load transfer and enhancing the overall stiffness. Test results show loss of stiffness during repair but increased stiffness after completion of repair. The continuity was found to be lost during repair, and the slab dead load positive moments may be increased by as much as 50%. After repair, the continuity was restored, and the live-load distribution was essentially unaltered. For the test bridges, the redistribution of dead-load moment to the positive-moment zones did not appreciably affect the overall bridge rating factor. The amount of moment redistribution may be controlled through planning of repair steps.
A model of career development for a multicultural work force

This article highlights a career development model (Coleman, 1989) designed for use with multicultural and diverse populations. Individuals from these backgrounds sometime encounter difficulties with their career development, and the model was created to focus on the particular issues, needs, and concerns of multicultural populations. The career development model consists of six components: 1) Introduction and Orientation; 2) Self-Assessment; 3) Decision Making; 4) Educational, Occupational, and Community Information; 5) Preparation for Work, Leisure, and Retirement; and 6) Research and Evaluation. A discussion of the barriers encountered by multicultural populations is included, along with implications for counseling and development professionals.
Pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules of the gynaecological tract: Review of a diagnostic pitfall

The filamentous bacterium actinomyces can cause serious gynaecological tract infections, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and tubo-ovarian abscess. Thus, definitive diagnosis of actinomycotic granules (AMGs) in gynaecological specimens is clinically important. Non-infectious pseudoactinomycotic radiate granules (PAMRAGs) can mimic the microscopic appearance of AMGs. PAMRAGs may be more common than actinomycotic infections in specimens from patients using intrauterine devices and may be seen in patients with PID. Although the composition and aetiology of PAMRAGs is unclear and variable, a panel of histochemical stains can aid in diagnosis. On haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections, AMGs show as distinct granules with basophilic peripheral radiating filaments and a dense central eosinophilic core, whereas H&E stained sections of PAMRAGs feature refractile granules with irregular club-like peripheral projections and no central dense core. The filaments of AMGs are Gram positive on Brown and Brenn (B&B) stain and are highlighted with Gomori methenamine silver stain (GMS). They stain negatively with a modified acid fast bacillus (AFB) stain, aiding in the distinction of actinomyces from nocardia. PAMRAGs show negative or non-specific staining with B&B, GMS, and AFB stains. Therefore, knowledge of these staining properties and the distinguishing characteristics of PAMRAGs and AMGs enables recognition of this important diagnostic pitfall.
Co-regulation of stress in uterus and during early infancy mediates early programming of gender differences in attachment styles : Evolutionary, genetic, and endocrinal perspectives

According to evolutionary, genetic, and endocrinal perspectives, gender differences are modulated by the interaction between intra-uterine stress, genetic equipments, and the availability of the facilitating environment during the newborn period. The social message of fitness over obstacles during socialization and the discussion of secure/non-secure attachment styles should take into consideration the brain functions, which are altered differently in response to intra- and extra-uterine stress in each gender.
Crack and Cocaine Use among Adolescents in Psychiatric Treatment: Associations with HIV Risk.

Crack and cocaine use among adults has been associated with co-occurring psychiatric disorders as well as other drug use and unprotected sex. However, this issue is relatively unstudied in adolescents. This study collected data from 282 adolescents (mean age = 14.9 years) treated in intensive psychiatric treatment settings to understand the relationship between crack/cocaine use and HIV risk. Thirteen percent of youths reported ever using crack or cocaine. Use was not associated with age, gender, race/ethnicity, or SES. After controlling for known factors that influence unprotected sex, the odds that those with a history of crack/cocaine use engaged in inconsistent condom use was six times greater than that for those youths who did not ever use. Thus, crack/cocaine use is prevalent even among younger adolescents with psychiatric disorders who are not in drug treatment. Its use is associated with high rates of sexual and other risk behaviors. A history of use should alert clinicians to a wide variety of po...
Combined Therapy with an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of chronic combination therapy with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) in the management of heart failure.DATA SOURCES:Clinical literature was accessed through MEDLINE (January 1966–June 2000). Key search terms included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; losartan; combined modality therapy; drug effects; heart failure, congestive; and receptors, angiotensin.DATA SYNTHESIS:Heart failure is widely prevalent and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality, even with currently recommended care. At the moderate doses studied for patients with mild heart failure in brief trials, combined ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy was well tolerated and had an additive effect in reducing blood pressure and relieving symptoms of heart failure.CONCLUSIONS:An ARB combined with an ACE inhibitor may benefit heart failure patients who are receiving all other recommended therapies. Further t...
USE OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO DIAGNOSE SINUSITIS IN A GOAT

Radiographic examination proved incapable of determining the extent and severity of chronic sinusitis in a goat. Computed tomography was subsequently used to clearly define the nature and extent of the lesion.
Changes in high cloud conditions

Changes in high cloud (any cirriform or cloud layer above 20,000 ft. or 6.1 km) were analyzed by comparing data from 1966–70 to 1950–54 for eight cities in the United States. Six stations showed increases in high cloud while two had minor decreases. Areas with high‐cloud increases (comparing 1966–70 to 1950–54) have the following characteristics: increased jet traffic; strong upper air flow; and high‐cloud coverage of less than half of the sky. The largest increases in high clouds occurred in the late afternoon. Also, increases were noted when there were either no low clouds or considerable low cloudiness.
Associative substitution reactions of metal carbonyls

I thank Professor Croatto for kindly inviting me to contribute an article for this special issue commemorating the 100th volume of Inorganica Chirnica Acta. This journal is of particular interest to me because some of the seminal discussions on the need for such a journal took place in our laboratory the year (1963-64) Professor Belluco did postdoctoral research with us. I am also pleased to be asked to contribute because of my personal and professional ties with the Journal.
Expectations, Realities, and Perceptions of Subject Specialist Librarians' Duties in Medium-Sized Academic Libraries

This study surveys 138 librarians in 21 medium-sized academic libraries to identify time on tasks and value of tasks to address problems between the expectations of library administrators and the perceptions of librarians to their job descriptions. The results validate that the administration's expectations are within the norm.
Postnatal Refinement of Auditory Hair Cell Planar Polarity Deficits Occurs in the Absence of Vangl2

The distinctive planar polarity of auditory hair cells is evident in the polarized organization of the stereociliary bundle. Mutations in the core planar cell polarity gene Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2) result in hair cells that fail to properly orient their stereociliary bundles along the mediolateral axis of the cochlea. The severity of this phenotype is graded along the length of the cochlea, similar to the hair cell differentiation gradient, suggesting that an active refinement process corrects planar polarity phenotypes in Vangl2 knock-out (KO) mice. Because Vangl2 gene deletions are lethal, Vangl2 conditional knock-outs (CKOs) were generated to test this hypothesis. When crossed with Pax2–Cre, Vangl2 is deleted from the inner ear, yielding planar polarity phenotypes similar to Vangl2 KOs at late embryonic stages except that Vangl2 CKO mice are viable and do not have craniorachischisis like Vangl2 KOs. Quantification of planar polarity deficits through postnatal development demonstrates the activity of a Vangl2-independent refinement process that rescues the planar polarity phenotype within 10 d of birth. In contrast, the Pax2–Cre;Vangl2 CKO has profound changes in the shape and distribution of outer pillar cell and Deiters' cell phalangeal processes that are not corrected during the period of planar polarity refinement. Auditory brainstem response analyses of adult mice show a 10–15 dB shift in auditory threshold, and distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements indicate that this mild hearing deficit is of cochlear origin. Together, these data demonstrate a Vangl2-independent refinement mechanism that actively reorients auditory stereociliary bundles and reveals an unexpected role of Vangl2 during supporting cell morphogenesis.
Flight crew physical fitness: a baseline analysis.

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether flight crew personnel are physically fit in comparison to published standards for the average American adult. Setting: The study group consisted of pilots, paramedics and nurses in two similarly configured and geographically located rotorwing air medical transport programs. Method: A physical fitness assessment of flight crew members was conducted. The results were compared with published standards for average adult males and females (AVG). Percentage of fat in body composition (FM%), aerobic fitness (VO2MAX), muscular endurance (ME), muscular strength (MS) and flexibility (FL) measurements were obtained using accepted testing methods. Results: The study population consisted of 29 male and 21 female individuals. The following were their mean scores. Males averaged: pFAT = 19% (AVG = 20.0%); VO2MAX = 41.0 (AVG = 42.5); ME = 37.0 (AVG = 28.5); MS = 125.0 (AVG = 86.5); FL = 5.2 (AVG = 1.4); Females averaged: pFAT = 28.0% (AVG = 26.5%); VO2MAX (AVG = 34.0); ME = 27.0 (AVG = 21.0); MS = 83.0 (AVG = 76.5); FL = 4.5 (AVG = 3.4). Conclusion: These baseline data suggest the study population of air medical flight crew was physically fit compared to the average American adult.
Disruptions in surgical flow and their relationship to surgical errors: an exploratory investigation.

Background Disruptions in surgical flow have the potential to increase the occurrence of surgical errors; however, little is known about the frequency and nature of surgical flow disruptions and their effect on the etiology of errors, which makes the development of evidence-based interventions extremely difficult. The goal of this project was to study surgical errors and their relationship to surgical flow disruptions in cardiovascular surgery prospectively to understand better the effect of these disruptions on surgical errors and ultimately patient safety. Methods A trained observer recorded surgical errors and flow disruptions during 31 cardiac surgery operations over a 3-week period and categorized them by a classification system of human factors. Flow disruptions were then reviewed and analyzed by an interdisciplinary team of experts in operative and human factors. Results Flow disruptions consisted of teamwork/communication failures, equipment and technology problems, extraneous interruptions, training-related distractions, and issues in resource accessibility. Surgical errors increased significantly with increases in flow disruptions. Teamwork/communication failures were the strongest predictor of surgical errors. Conclusion These findings provide preliminary data to develop evidenced-based error management and patient safety programs within cardiac surgery with implications to other related surgical programs.
High Speed Model Implementation and Inversion Techniques for Ferroelectric and Ferromagnetic Transducers

Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials are employed as both actuators and sensors in a wide variety of applications including fluid pumps, nanopositioning stages, sonar transducers, vibration control, ultrasonic sources, and high-speed milling. They are attractive because the resulting transducers are solid-state and often very compact. However, the coupling of field to mechanical deformation, which makes these materials effective transducers, also introduces hysteresis and time-dependent behavior that must be accommodated in device designs and models before the full potential of compounds can be realized. In this article, we present highly efficient modeling techniques to characterize hysteresis and constitutive nonlinearities in ferroelectric and ferromagnetic compounds and model inversion techniques which permit subsequent linear control designs.
Polypropylene toughened with calcium carbonate mineral filler

filled materials increased significantly at ambient temperature for both material samples and molded plastic parts. A similar improvement was demonstrated in Dynatup and Izod impact tests at low temperatures down to –40°C. The level of toughness increase achieved by the addition of CaCO3 is close to the toughness produced using rubber at 23°C, and even better at lower temperatures.
The Role of Judaism in Family Relationships.

This article explores the religious and social underpinnings of family as a central social structure to Jewish life. Torah and Talmudic sources, conceptual papers, and empirical research that address the relevance of family to Judaism are examined. Suggestions for working with Jewish families in a therapeutic setting are provided. Este articulo explora los fundamentos religiosos y sociales de la familia como estructura social central en la vida judia. Se examinan fuentes de la Torah y el Talmud, ensayos conceptuales e investigaciones empiricas que tratan la relevancia de la familia en el judaismo. Se proporcionan sugerencias para trabajar con familias judias en un entorno terapeutico.
Gallium arsenide surface modification by low-energy argon and nitrogen ion implantation

Abstract An investigation of GaAs surface modification under ion bombardment has been carried out using low-energy (10 keV) Ar and N ion implantation and studying the electrical characteristics of subsequently formed Schottky barrier devices. The GaAs surface barrier is altered for ion doses as low as 1012 cm−2 and the barrier is found to decrease for n-GaAs and increase for p-GaAs under bombardment from either implant species. The ion bombardment is also found to cause significant carrier compensation, resulting in series resistance and shunt conductance.
No time to lose: time constraints and physical activity in the production of health

Although individuals are all endowed with the same time budgets—1,440 minutes per day—time use patterns differ owing to heterogeneity in preferences and in other constraints. In today’s health policy arena there is considerable discussion, but little conclusive strategy, about how to improve health outcomes by increasing levels of physical activity. In this paper, we explore how individuals with different levels of human capital (educational attainment) allocate time to physically-demanding activities that we characterize as health-producing behaviors. Our hypothesis is that many individuals are confronted with significant constraints on their allocation of time to exercise, and that these constraints differ importantly by level of human capital (e.g., educational attainment). However, the prediction of how human capital influences time allocated to physical activity is ambiguous because there are both substitution and wealth effects at work: since the shadow price of non-labor time use is relatively greater for high-wage individuals, they may spend less time engaged in health-promoting activities (as has been documented for activities like sleep); yet individuals who have amassed high levels of human capital are both more able to afford health-producing behaviors and more likely to prefer greater levels of produced health. We explore a set of empirical questions suggested by this framework using data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS), administered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We focus on respondents ages 25–64 using the combined 2005 and 2006 ATUS data. The ATUS data are based on daily time use diaries completed by individuals aged 15 and older, including information on a large number of detailed physical activity time uses. We compare time allocated to physical activity to time allocated to sleep, household and personal activities, care for others, work, and non-exercise leisure activities. Since the ATUS time use categories are mutually exclusive and exhaustive (i.e. “multitasking” is not accommodated) we employ econometric share equation techniques to enforce the adding-up requirement that time use is constrained to 1,440 minutes per day. Our findings largely bear out the hypothesis that different levels of human capital endowment (educational attainment) result in different manifestations of how time is used in ways that may produce different health outcomes. While more-educated individuals tend to sleep much less than less-educated individuals and to work more hours, they are more likely to allocate time to physical activity in their leisure time. Our application of economic share equation techniques allows us to extend the literature by demonstrating not only how educational status is associated with time allocated to physical activity, but also where the other minutes of the day are allocated to and from.
Median Sternotomy T Incision for Thymectomy in Myasthenia Gravis

Controversy exists over the surgical approach for thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. Opinion is divided between transcervical thymectomy and transsternal thymectomy performed through a median sternotomy. A technique that combines the advantages of a small, cosmetic T incision with good visualization through a partial sternotomy is presented. We have utilized this technique in more than 35 patients during the past ten years with excellent results.
An Analysis of Self-Construals, Motivations, Facebook Use, and User Satisfaction

Rare studies have focused on how and why people use social networking sites (SNSs) utilizing individual-level variables such as self-construals and social/nonsocial motivations. This study proposes that the self-construal construct provides a good instrument for measuring the relationship between people's understanding of self as a predictor of social computing (Facebook use) and satisfaction. A survey was conducted with students from a large western U.S. university. Results indicate that interdependent self-construal is associated with social-motivations to use SNS, and such motivations lead to satisfaction with SNS use. In contrast, independent self-construal failed to predict SNS use. This finding supports the need to examine the influence of “cultural self” and “social motivations” when interpreting social media use behavior. Suggestions for future research are addressed.
The surgical treatment of mitral insufficiency associated with torn chordae tendineae.

In 1963 Kay and Egerton 1 and in 1965 Kay, Tsuji, and Redington2 reported on the surgical treatment of mitral insufficiency associated with torn chordae tendineae.
Review of ohmic contacts to compound semiconductors

A solid state switch is required to pass very high current densities, J, upon demand. Electrical access to the switch is through ohmic contacts which interface the device to the external circuit. Thus, accurate characterization of these contacts is essential in the design of the switch. Most work to date has centered around the electrical characteristics of switches, in particular the resistance R, and a reduction in joule (J2R) heating. In this paper we consider both the electrical characteristics and the thermal stability of the ohmic contacts on the operation of solid state switches. Thermal stability is important due to the inherent heating of the switch during its on time. Further, some applications will place switches in environments requiring operation at high temperature. The paper describes the present status of ohmic contacts to GaAs and InP.
2547 – Prevention and early intervention in postpartum depression risk

Post-partum depression is a significant public health problem. Birth and neonatal outcomes suffer as a result of maternal depression. As such, effectively treating depression is imperative to the overall health of mother and child. Psychopharmacological interventions are effective in alleviating depresses symptoms. However, the evidence of the safety of their use during nursing is inconclusive. Moreover, women themselves express the desire for non-psychopharmacological options when deciding to manage their depression. The efficacy of specific psychological interventions for the prevention and treatment of post-partum depression has been addressed recently by several studies. In 2011, the Mental Health Department of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) received a grant from the Ministry of Health to assess, in Italy, the feasibility and efficacy in actual practice of the demonstrably effective approach based on clinical work and research conducted by Milgrom J. at the Infant Clinic of the Parent-Infant Research Institute, Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre, in Melbourne, Australia (Milgrom J, Negri LM, Gemmill AW, McNeil M, Martin PR., 2005). The preliminary results of that assessment will be presented at the congress.
Characterization of single functionalized quantum dots using combined atomic force and confocal fluorescence microscopy

Fluorescent nanocrystals (quantum dots or QDs) have a number of unique properties that overcome the limitations of conventional organic dyes. However, the optical properties of QDs have been observed to be strongly dependent upon their local chemical environment including novel surface coatings, which have been developed to render QDs water soluble and conjugation ready leading to their use as fluorescent tags and optical sensors for a variety of biological and biomedical applications. The quantitative utility of QDs in complex biological systems requires that their optical properties be well understood and interrelated with their chemical functionalization on the surface and their interactions with surface-conjugated materials. In this report, quantitative measurement of adhesion forces between a hydrophilic or a hydrophobic AFM probe and an amine-functionalized single QD or a hydrophilic substrate were obtained to demonstrate the utility of the atomic force microscopy (AFM) as a tool to probe surface functionalities of single functionalized QDs. We also present procedures to combine AFM and confocal fluorescence microscopy in an effort to simultaneously probe optical characteristics and physical/chemical properties of single or clustered functionalized QDs at the nanoscale.