cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution of inhibitory synapses on the somata of pyramidal neurons in cat motor cortex.

The mechanisms by which cortical neurons perform spatial and temporal integration of synaptic inputs are dependent, in large part, on the numbers, types, and distributions of their synapses. To further our understanding of these integrative mechanisms, we examined the distribution of synapses on identified classes of cortical neurons. Pyramidal cells in the cat motor cortex projecting either to the ipsilateral somatosensory cortex or to the spinal cord were labeled by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Entire soma of selected corticocortical and corticospinal cells were examined using serial-section electron microscopy. The profiles of these somata and the synapses formed with each of these profiles were reconstructed from each thin section with a computer-aided morphometry system. All somatic synapses were of the symmetrical, presumably inhibitory type. For both cell types, these synapses were not homogeneously distributed over the somatic membrane, but were clustered at several discrete...
Reflection mode photoacoustic imaging through infant skull toward noninvasive imaging of neonatal brains

The feasibility of transcranial imaging of neonatal brains with reflection mode photoacoustic technology has been explored. By using unembalmed infant skulls and fresh canine brains, experiments have been conducted to examine the ultrasound and light attenuation in the skull bone as well as consequent photoacoustic images through the skull. Mapping of blood vessels in a transcranial manner has been successfully achieved by employing the raster scan of a single-element transducer or a 2D PVDF array transducer. Experimental results indicate that noninvasive photoacoustic imaging of neonatal brain with a depth of 2 cm or more beneath the skull is feasible when working with near-infrared light. This study suggests that the emerging photoacoustic technology may become a powerful tool in the future for noninvasive diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of disorders in prenatal or neonatal brains.
The 8p- syndrome.

A boy with severe retardation of growth and development, minor dysmorphic features, severe congenital heart disease, and a 46,XY,8p-karyotype is described. The clinical findings of this boy are compared with those of others reported monosomic for a portion of the short arm of chromosome 8. The red cell glutathione reductase (GSR) level is normal in our patient.
Evaluation of homogenization for global/local stress analysis of textile composites

Abstract Global/local analysis is essential for textile composites because of their unusually large microstructure. Homogenized engineering properties were used in this study to obtain global solutions. The response of a local region was approximated by several fundamental strain or stress modes. The magnitudes of these modes, which were determined from the global solutions, were used to scale and superpose solutions from refined analyses of the fundamental modes, thus obtaining a refined local solution. Results from numerical experiments showed that the use of homogenized engineering properties often results in significant errors in prediction of global response, especially at boundaries. Also, the local predictions were very sensitive to the choice of fundamental modes.
The demand for US federal farm credit legislation

The federal government has often taken an active role in providing credit to the agricultural sector. Congressional adoption of farm credit legislation is hypothesized to depend on the financial performance of the farm sector. A model is developed to establish an association between credit legislation and underlying economic forces.
When utilities muddle through: pro-poor governance in Bangalore’s public water sector

The aim of this paper is to show how messy and slow paths to reform can have useful lessons for public-sector water utilities in developing countries, most of which continue to operate in a climate of muddling through. Using the case of the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), this paper analyzes the shifts in policy and operations behind the BWSSB’s innovative work to connect the city’s slum dwellers to the piped water supply. Rather than routinely criticize public utilities for their failure to reach the poor, this paper argues that local successes that start small and are slow to diffuse should be recognized and disseminated across organizations. This is particularly important in the wake of the targets set in the Millennium Development Goals, which run the risk of masking both the importance of how public agencies learn and the factors driving genuine changes in organizational behaviour and urban governance.
ALPS: A Bluetooth and Ultrasound Platform for Mapping and Localization

The proliferation of Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) chipsets on mobile devices has lead to a wide variety of user-installable tags and beacons designed for location-aware applications. In this paper, we present the Acoustic Location Processing System (ALPS), a platform that augments BLE transmitters with ultrasound in a manner that improves ranging accuracy and can help users configure indoor localization systems with minimal effort. A user places three or more beacons in an environment and then walks through a calibration sequence with their mobile device where they touch key points in the environment like the floor and the corners of the room. This process automatically computes the room geometry as well as the precise beacon locations without needing auxiliary measurements. Once configured, the system can track a user's location referenced to a map.The platform consists of time-synchronized ultrasonic transmitters that utilize the bandwidth just above the human hearing limit, where mobile devices are still sensitive and can detect ranging signals. To aid in the mapping process, the beacons perform inter-beacon ranging during setup. Each beacon includes a BLE radio that can identify and trigger the ultrasonic signals. By using differences in propagation characteristics between ultrasound and radio, the system can classify if beacons are within Line-Of-Sight (LOS) to the mobile phone. In cases where beacons are blocked, we show how the phone's inertial measurement sensors can be used to supplement localization data. We experimentally evaluate that our system can estimate three-dimensional beacon location with a Euclidean distance error of 16.1cm, and can generate maps with room measurements with a two-dimensional Euclidean distance error of 19.8cm. When tested in six different environments, we saw that the system can identify Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) signals with over 80% accuracy and track a user's location to within less than 100cm.
Peer Tutoring, Individualized Intervention, and Progress Monitoring with At-Risk Second- Grade Readers.

This study examined the effect on at-risk second graders of twice weekly peer-tutoring sessions with repeated readings combined with once per week tutoring by a college student. The college student addressed onsets and rimes appearing in errors made by the second graders during peer tutoring and noted by the peer tutors. The authors monitored reading progress weekly using curriculum-based measurement (CBM) reading probes administered by graduate students from a local school psychology specialist program. Tutored students who completed the program attained a median gain of 30 words read correctly (WRC) over the 10-week period of the study. A comparison group showed a median gain of 20 words read correctly. Peer tutors and tutees consistently reported satisfaction with the experience.
Sexual abuse antecedent to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and compulsive overeating: Three case reports

This paper examines the role of childhood sexual abuse antecedent to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and compulsive overeating. Three case reports are used to illustrate the development of eating disorders in the context of sexual abuse. Implications are discussed in terms of the need for professionals to develop sensitivity to this potential antecedent in order to apply appropriate intervention strategies with sexual abuse victims seeking treatment for an eating disorder.
Black College Undergraduates, Enrollment, and Earned Degrees: Parity or Under Representation?.

In 1972, approximately 727,000 Black Americans were enrolled in some form of postsecondary education, both graduate and undergraduate (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1973a). In 1970, American colleges enrolled 424,653 undergraduates of which 340,754 were attending full time. However, the story of higher education for Black Americans started a long time ago. Black Americans came to the United States before the pilgrims arrived in Jamestown on the Mayflower in 1620. A few Blacks arrived a year earlier on a slave ship. Since that time Black Americans have been fighting against great odds to achieve a full and meaningful existence in this country, with equality and freedom. Today, the fight for full equality and freedom is still short of fulfillment. Black Americans are continuing their fight for a bigger share of this country's resources through its legitimizing or credentializing institutions; colleges and universities are among the most important
Wave front fragmentation due to ventricular geometry in a model of the rabbit heart.

The role of the heart’s complex shape in causing the fragmentation of activation wave fronts characteristic of ventricular fibrillation (VF) has not been well studied. We used a finite element model of cardiac propagation capable of simulating functional reentry on curved two-dimensional surfaces to test the hypothesis that uneven surface curvature can cause local propagation block leading to proliferation of reentrant wave fronts. We found that when reentry was induced on a flat sheet, it rotated in a repeatable meander pattern without breaking up. However, when a model of the rabbit ventricles was formed from the same medium, reentrant wave fronts followed complex, nonrepeating trajectories. Local propagation block often occurred when wave fronts propagated across regions where the Gaussian curvature of the surface changed rapidly. This type of block did not occur every time wave fronts crossed such a region; rather, it only occurred when the wave front was very close behind the previous wave in the cycle and was therefore propagating into relatively inexcitable tissue. Close wave front spacing resulted from nonstationary reentrant propagation. Thus, uneven surface curvature and nonstationary reentrant propagation worked in concert to produce wave front fragmentation and complex activation patterns. None of the factors previously thought to be necessary for local propagation block (e.g., heterogeneous refractory period, steep action potential duration restitution) were present. We conclude that the complex geometry of the heart may be an important determinant of VF activation patterns.
Resisting Persuasion by Illegitimate Means: A Metacognitive Perspective on Minority Influence

The present research tests a new metacognitive perspective on resistance in minority influence situations. It is proposed that when people initially resist persuasive messages from sources in the numerical minority, they can lose attitude certainty if they perceive that they have based their attitudes on the source's minority status and also believe this is an illegitimate basis for resistance. In three studies, participants were presented with a message from a minority source. In Study 1, participants became less certain of their attitudes after resisting this message. In Study 2, this effect only emerged when participants were led to believe they had based their attitudes on the source's minority status and this was an illegitimate thing to do. In Study 3, this effect was shown to have implications for persuasion in response to a second message. The implications of these findings for classic minority influence effects are discussed.
Event timing and shape analysis of vibration bursts from power circuit breakers

Noninvasive vibration diagnostic techniques are implemented to assess the mechanical condition of power circuit breakers. A diagnostic system, the prototype commercial portable diagnostic system (PCPDS) has been developed Hardware of the PCPDS includes a portable computer, and a data acquisition unit and computer communication cards. Signal processing techniques include the discrete energy statistics envelope, short-time power spectrum, timing extraction algorithm and chi-square based shape test. Decision-making is carried out via a voter program, to which individual results from the timing and shape analysis programs are passed. Statistical and empirical thresholds have been established, that classify the circuit breaker as being in normal-transitional-abnormal (green-yellow-red) condition.
Permeable homes: A historical political ecology of insects and pesticides in US public housing

Abstract This paper traces changes in the political ecology of insects and chemicals in US public housing since Congress founded public housing in 1937. Drawing upon the literature of critical geographies of home, urban political ecology, and medical history, it argues that the constitution of “public” and “private” space within public housing was deeply entangled with pest control practices there. Prior to 1945, reformers treated the housing as a commons, in part compelled by the mobility of bedbugs and the pesticide used to combat them, both of which were seen as serious health threats. Managers were also motivated by social welfare ideologies, while residents eagerly assisted with communal control policies in order to achieve freedom from the health insults of bedbugs. Following 1945, however, new synthetic pesticides like DDT seemed to stay safely within one apartment unit, encouraging housing managers to abandon community-oriented pest control practices. Meanwhile, curtailed budgets, particularly after the Housing Act of 1949, left the infrastructure of public housing to decay, rendering units more physically permeable even as managers neglected the communities there. The new pesticides nearly eradicated bedbugs, but tenacious populations of German cockroaches blossomed thanks to the permeable buildings and synthetic pesticides. Residents grew increasingly resistant to pesticide use as they observed that cockroach populations went unabated. The paper serves as a case for applying political ecology frameworks to domestic spaces, and also argues that housing quality and domestic pesticide use are not merely private responsibilities but should be regarded as environmental justice issues.
Paleozoic-Mesozoic crayfish from Antarctica: Earliest evidence of freshwater decapod crustaceans

Discovery of an Early Permian claw from Antarctica extends the fossil record of crayfish by ∼65 m.y. and demonstrates that decapod crustaceans had radiated into freshwater habitats by the late Paleozoic. Burrows in Lower Triassic rocks of Antarctica are among the oldest apparently constructed by crayfish. Their morphology is similar to modern crayfish burrows, and this demonstrates that burrowing behavior was established early in the evolution of this group. The new discoveries show that the earliest Permian crayfish were distributed in high paleolatitudes of southernmost Pangea, where they lived in freshwater lakes fed by glacial meltwater. Modern crayfish habitat, used as a guide to crayfish temperature tolerance, indicates that summer temperatures of streams and lakes near the South Pole that supported the crayfish probably reached 10–20 °C during Permian-Triassic interglacial intervals.
Vestibular evaluation--electronystagmography, rotational testing, and posturography

This report describes a battery of tests that is utilized by several clinical laboratories to investigate vestibular and balance function. The electronystagmogram evaluates eye movements, inner ear function, brainstem function and cerebellar function. Sinusoidal vertical axis rotation is a sensitive measure of horizontal semicircular canal function that is often complimentary to the caloric stimulation portion of the electronystagmogram. Visual-vestibular interaction rotation testing is designed to evaluate brainstem, cerebellar and oculomotor function. Dynamic posturography facilitates measurement of standing balance and permits a quantification of the role of proprioception, vision and the vestibular system in the maintenance of standing balance.
Sonia Hirt with Diane Zahm (Eds.), The Urban Wisdom of Jane Jacobs (New York: Routledge, 2012).

Nothing could better describe Jane Jacobs’s significance than her self-identification as a “student of cities” to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Students, as all professors know, can be an ...
Early effects of desalivation upon fluid consumption and taste acuity in the rat

Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that desalivation produces long-term changes in preference behavior of rats; however, the early effects and time course of such changes are unclear. Desalivate and control rats were tested in a two-bottle, 24-hr preference paradigm with 0.15 M and 0.30 M potassium chloride, 2.5 × 10 −3 M hydrochloric acid, and 1.28 × 10 −6 M quinine sulfate, starting on the day of desalivation and continuing for 40 or 49 days. Several effects were seen. The totally desalivated rats manifested significantly decreased aversion to all the solutions. The decreased aversion occurred within the first 48 to 96 hr after desalivation. The changes in fluid intake and preference behavior were not dependent upon the increased water consumption frequently observed in desalivated rats as total volume intakes in controls and desalivates were similar. Finally, the alterations observed changed over time after desalivation. These changes in preference behavior and fluid intake seem related to alterations in gustatory acuity and suggest that saliva plays a major role in some aspect(s) of gustation.
Incorporating a Vocational Component into a School Psychological Evaluation: A Case Example.

Vocational assessment services increasingly are being provided to handicapped secondary school students as a result of recent federal legislation. This article describes the need for such services and describes a vocationally oriented psychological evaluation completed on a handicapped adolescent by a school psychologist. The relevance of traditionally derived school psychological assessment data in vocational programming, the value of expanding assessment batteries to include vocationally specific assessment techniques, and the writing of vocationally oriented psychological reports are discussed.
Microscopic-damage based criterion for fatigue failure prediction

Abstract A computer-aided X-ray rocking curve analyser was developed to monitor the accrued microstructural damage occurring during low cycle fatigue of an aluminium alloy. These results indicated a linear relationship between the X-ray rocking curve half-width and the fraction of life. The resultant damage-assessment curve provided a nondestructive means of estimating the time to failure in a sample with unknown prior loading history. This failure criterion was found to be independent of the strain amplitude and was equally applicable to either high cycle or low cycle fatigue.
Queering Masturbation in Lorde's Life and Writing

In his article "Queering Masturbation in Lorde's Life and Writing" Eric Sipyinyu Njeng discusses masturbation in Audre Lorde's life and works to signal an important aspect of her oeuvre often neglected in scholarship. Lorde stands out among prominent queer queens by demonstrating theory corporeally thereby going beyond mere theory and positing her body as a space of complex sexual passions. When Judith Butler speaks of gender as performative rather than embodied, Lorde theorizes and foregrounds this in her works and self and celebrates a sexual matrix that ranges from heterosexuality to homosexuality to auto-sexuality. Lorde places masturbation between the binary hetero/homosexual options which privilege one form over the other suggesting that the hetero/homoerotic dichotomy is not transacted on a level field of emotional and analytical impartiality, but of homophobic pressure intent on devaluing other forms of sexuality. By forcing the third singularly corporeal option between the two, Lorde interpellates generalized homophobia and antimasturbatory sentiment which remain pervasive in culture and society. Eric Sipyinyu Njeng, "Queering Masturbation in Lorde's Life and Writing" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.3 (2014): Thematic Cluster Love, Sexualities, and Marriage in Literature
Effects of water and other dielectrics on crack growth

Effects of water and a variety of organic liquids on crack-growth rates in soda-lime-silica glass was investigated. When water is present in organic liquids, it is usually the principal agent that promotes subcritical crack growth in glass. In region I, subcritical crack growth is controlled primarily by the chemical potential of the water in the liquid; whereas in region II, crack growth is controlled by the concentration of water and the viscosity of the solution formed by the water and the organic liquid. In region III, where water does not affect crack growth, the slope of the crack-growth curves can be correlated with the dielectric constant of the liquid. It is suggested that these latter results can be explained by electrostatic interactions between the environment and charges that form during the rupture of Si-O bonds.
Student participation in dual enrollment and college success

The study investigated the impact of dual enrollment participation on the academic preparation of first-year full-time college students at a large comprehensive community college and a large research university. The research design was causal-comparative and utilized descriptive and inferential statistics. Multivariate analysis of variances were used to address the specific research question of whether dual enrollment participation and course completion impacts the cumulative college grade point average and first completed year persistence rates of first-year full-time college students. The results of the study revealed that dual enrollment participation does have a statistically significant role in higher cumulative college GPA for first-year full-time college students at both institutions studied. Students that attended the community college did not have statistically significant better persistence rates, but students at the research university who had prior dual enrollment credits did have statisticall...
Dynamics of Unemployment Insurance Claims: An Application of ARIMA-GARCH Models

Time-series analysis of weekly initial claims over 1967–2012 reveal the following: (1) Initial claims are highly seasonal and cyclical, but do not follow a specific trend. Seasonality follows a “W” pattern over the 52 week period. (2) Initial claims are subject to conditional volatility and volatility clustering. The EGARCH and CGARCH specifications provide reasonable representations of the conditional volatility. The former suggests the existence of asymmetries in conditional variance. The latter implies that both permanent and transitory shocks affect volatility, but the effect of permanent shocks is more pronounced. (3) Both models perform well in terms of forecasting as well as within- and out-of-sample model selection criteria.
Between three languages: composite structure in interlanguage

This article seeks to establish connections between two different language contact phenomena, interlanguage and codeswitching. The data used in this analysis come from two sources: an interlanguage corpus which has English as the target language, but also contains material from the speaker's two first languages, Spanish and German; and a German-English codeswitching corpus containing data from 20 relatively balanced bilinguals. A comparison of these two corpora indicates that similar patterns appear in both types of bilingual output, and that the differences can be explained in terms of proficiency. The analysis is framed within the Matrix Language Frame model and relies on the concepts of complex lexical structure and a composite Matrix Language. It is argued that interlanguage grammar is a composite of features from the speaker's previously learned languages as well as the target language. The composite arises when levels of complex lexical structure come from different languages. This perspective on the study of languages in contact sheds light on the issue of L1 transfer and the structure of interlanguage grammar.
The impact of adjunctive iliac stenting on femoral-femoral bypass in contemporary practice

Objectives Most reports of femoral-femoral bypass (FFB) were published before the era of endovascular intervention. This study examines the utilization and impact of adjunctive endovascular intervention on FFB in contemporary practice. Methods We reviewed 253 FFB performed in 247 patients between 1984 and 2010. Primary endpoints, including graft patency, primary-assisted patency, limb salvage, and survival, were assessed using Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictors of primary endpoints. Results The indication for FFB included claudication (27%; n=69) and critical limb ischemia (72%; n=184). Forty-eight patients (19%) were treated urgently for acute ischemia. Mean follow-up was 5.6 ± 5.5 years. Over the study interval, adjunctive iliac percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)/stent placement increased significantly from 0% to 54% ( P trend P trend P = .004). Patients with inflow iliac PTA/stents also had diminished 5-year assisted primary patency of 61% compared with 85% for axillofemoral bypass patients and 87% in patients without inflow revascularization ( P = .002). Adjunctive iliac PTA/stenting did not impact limb salvage or overall survival. Five-year primary patency among claudicants and critical leg ischemia patients was 65% and 68%, respectively. Conclusions The incidence of iliac PTA/stent placement in conjunction with FFB has increased significantly over time in contemporary practice. Reliance on iliac stent placement for FFB inflow is paradoxically associated with both diminished primary and assisted primary graft patency when compared with historical controls. These findings highlight the importance of patient selection and inflow consideration when performing FFB.
Prevention of occupational human immunodeficiency virus exposure: A guide for the otolaryngologist

As the global epidemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to expand, otolaryngologists have become increasingly aware of the potential occupational risk of transmission by this and other blood-borne pathogens. "Universal Precautions" as delineated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) forms the basis for most recommendations to decrease potential occupational exposure transmission. This article reviews these recommendations as they might apply to both the surgical and office practice of otolaryngology. Because a cure for this devastating disease does not currently appear imminent, physicians and other healthcare workers must learn and use safe practice patterns to decrease the risk to themselves and to others in their work environment.
The Selection and Medical Management of Patients with Mitral Stenosis Treated by Mitral Commissurotomy

The selection of patients for mitral commissurotomy must be made after considering all manifestations of the rheumatic state. A conservative approach is urged and no patients should be operated upon without evidences of increasing pulmonary hypertension and right heart strain. The preparation of the patient, the management of the arrhythmias during surgery and the postoperative care are the full responsibilities of the physician. A team composed of physiologists, cardiologists and surgeons must work together.
Multilayer Composite Diamond Heat Spreaders for Electronic Packaging

Heat spreader characteristics of single layer and multilayer diamond composite substrates are determined by bonding to electronic device wafers. Preparation of diamond substrates, metallization and bonding procedures to device wafers are described. Infrared microscopy imaging of the bonded device wafers is used to determine the heat spreading characteristics. Advantages associated with multilayer diamond composite heat spreaders are discussed.
Activity monitor intervention to promote physical activity of physicians-in-training: randomized controlled trial.

Background Physicians are expected to serve as role models for healthy lifestyles, but long work hours reduce time for healthy behaviors. A hospital-based physical activity intervention could improve physician health and increase counseling about exercise. Methods We conducted a two-phase intervention among 104 medical residents at a large hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Phase 1 was a 6-week randomized controlled trial comparing daily steps of residents assigned to an activity monitor displaying feedback about steps and energy consumed (intervention) or to a blinded monitor (control). Phase 2 immediately followed and was a 6-week non-randomized team steps competition in which all participants wore monitors with feedback. Phase 1 outcomes were: 1) median steps/day and 2) proportion of days activity monitor worn. The Phase 2 outcome was mean steps/day on days monitor worn (≥500 steps/day). Physiologic measurements were collected at baseline and study end. Median steps/day were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Mean steps were compared using repeated measures regression analyses. Results In Phase 1, intervention and control groups had similar activity (6369 vs. 6063 steps/day, p = 0.16) and compliance with wearing the monitor (77% vs. 77% of days, p = 0.73). In Phase 2 (team competition), residents recorded more steps/day than during Phase 1 (Control: 7,971 vs. 7,567, p = 0.002; Intervention: 7,832 vs. 7,739, p = 0.13). Mean compliance with wearing the activity monitor decreased for both groups during Phase 2 compared to Phase 1 (60% vs. 77%, p<0.001). Mean systolic blood pressure decreased (p = 0.004) and HDL cholesterol increased (p<0.001) among all participants at end of study compared to baseline. Conclusions Although the activity monitor intervention did not have a major impact on activity or health, the high participation rates of busy residents and modest changes in steps, blood pressure, and HDL suggest that more intensive hospital-based wellness programs have potential for promoting healthier lifestyles among physicians. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01287208.
Assessment of Renal Hemodynamic Effects of Nesiritide in Patients With Heart Failure Using Intravascular Doppler and Quantitative Angiography

Objectives We evaluated the magnitude and site of action of the nesiritide mediated renal vasodilatory effect in patients with heart failure (HF). Background Nesiritide, a recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide is approved for the treatment of acute decompensated HF and has been shown to exert favorable hemodynamic, neurohormonal, and symptomatic effects. The renal effect of nesiritide in HF patients has not been well defined. Methods In 15 patients with acute decompensated HF, intravascular Doppler and quantitative angiography of the renal artery were used to assess the effect of nesiritide on renal artery diameter and velocity time integral as well as renal blood flow and vascular resistance. Nesiritide was administered intravenously at a standard dose of 2 μg/kg bolus followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.01 μg/kg/min. Assessment of nesiritide effect was made at 15 min. Results Nesiritide infusion was associated with a significant central hemodynamic effect including a fall in mean pulmonary artery pressure (36 ± 12 mm Hg to 31 ± 13 mm Hg, p Conclusions The nesiritide effect on the renal circulation in patients with HF is complex, with a marked vasodilatory action on the large, conductance renal arteries but a concomitant fall in velocity time integral and no effect on renal vascular resistance or renal blood flow. Lack of increase in renal blood flow may be due to a fall in renal blood pressure or an intrarenal vasoconstrictive effect.
Optically pumped potassium laser

Abstract We present an optically pumped continuous wave potassium vapor laser operating in a single longitudinal and a single transverse mode at 770 nm. The measured value of the input power to the output power slope efficiency was 20%.
Rapid Method for Determining the Rate of DNA Synthesis and Cellular Proliferation

Abstract A new method has been developed for determination of DNA synthesis during cell proliferation. The method is based on the metabolism of [U- 13 C 6 ]glucose to deoxyribose (DR) and then incorporation of [U- 13 C 5 ]DR into newly synthesized DNA. Extracted cellular DNA is subjected to HCl hydrolysis (2 h at 100°C), which converts DR into levulinic acid. The 13 C enrichment in DR is determined in the trimethylsilyl derivative of levulinate using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The method is rapid and sensitive. It can precisely determine 13 C enrichment below 1 at.% excess in as little as 4 ng DNA. We have used this method to determine the rate of cell proliferation in vitro and the level of DR in a given amount of DNA. The current approach has significant advantages over previously described methods and overcomes several difficulties related to the determination of DNA synthesis both in vivo and in vitro.
An Examination of Preservice Teaching Intensity in Relation to In-Service Teacher Retention and Attrition

The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice teacher intensity, time on and off task, and effectiveness in relation to in-service teacher retention/attrition. Senior music education majors (N = 150) made a videotape of their “best” teaching during the final weeks of student teaching. Excerpts were observed, evaluated, and teacher time on/off task was recorded using the Simple Recording Interface for Behavioral Observation (Duke & Farra, 1996). Each subject's teaching status as K—college music educator in 1995 and 2001 was then determined. No differences were found for intensity, effectiveness, or time on / off task in relation to teaching status assessed, suggesting that preservice teaching performance does not indicate continuing participation in music education as an in-service music teacher. Further analysis revealed that mean interval duration of teacher off task affects ratings of intensity and effectiveness more than do frequency and duration of on task. Application to teacher training an...
Study of π−π− correlations in the reaction pp → π−π−+ anything at 28.5 GeV/c

Abstract Correlations between π−π− pairs are studied in the reaction pp → π−π−+ anything at 28.5 GeV/c. We find that if we examine the data for each multiplicity separately, the major portion of the data (90%) shows no significant two-particle correlations.
Mammogram-directed fine-needle aspiration of nonpalpable breast lesions

A prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of mammogram directed fine-needle aspiration cytology in women with nonpalpable abnormalities detected on mammogram. Seventy patients were entered into the research protocol, with 61 patients undergoing mammogram directed fine-needle aspiration. Forty-three of the aspirates were adequate for diagnosis. Fine-needle aspiration yielded an accurate diagnosis in 12 of the 14 carcinomas in which the sample was considered adequate, for a sensitivity of 87%. No patients were falsely diagnosed with malignant disease, a specificity of 100%. The predictive value of a positive test was 100%, and that of a negative test was 93%. We conclude that fine-needle aspiration cytology can aid in making a diagnosis when nonpalpable breast abnormalities are detected on mammogram.
Adults without health insurance: do state policies matter?

[© Health Affairs] Policy attention for the uninsured has focused recently on children, despite the fact that nonelderly adults represent about three-quarters of the uninsured. Nationally, adults are 40 percent more likely than children to be uninsured and less than half as likely to have public coverage. Although their approaches differ greatly, all states cover some adults through their Medicaid programs, partially funded by a 50?77 percent federal match. Using data from the National Survey of America's Families (NSAF), this paper examines how different state approaches affected the number of nonelderly adults who obtained public coverage in 1996.
Electrophysiological Markers of Aging in the Auditory System

Physiological changes in the auditory system are known to underlie perceptual deficits commonly associated with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), such as difficulties understanding speech in backgro...
Sea surface height and steric height increases in the Southern Hemisphere

[1] Sea surface height has increased by 3 millimeters per year, globally averaged, since 1993. Some fraction of sea surface height change is due to added water from melting glaciers, for instance, and some is due to increasing heat and salinity changes (steric effects). Focusing on the Southern Hemisphere, Sutton and Roemmich analyzed temperature and salinity data from the Argo float array in relation to earlier data from the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) to estimate the steric changes. These were compared with the total sea surface height changes over the same period seen in satellite altimetric data. They found that on decadal time scales, about half of the rise in sea surface height in the Southern Ocean is due to steric effects, with the proportion increasing southward. The accompanying increase in ocean heat content south of 30°S can account for most of the global heat content change during this period. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2011GL046802, 2011)
Oral Cancer Prevention Advances with a Translational Trial of Green Tea

This perspective on Tsao et al. (beginning on p. 931 in this issue of the journal) discusses green tea extract, which was shown for the first time to have dose-dependent effects in a clinical chemopreventive setting (oral premalignant lesions). This translational trial provides important data on angiogenesis and other biomarkers on which to base future clinical research, which should include trials of green tea extract or polyphenols combined with other natural or synthetic compounds to enhance chemopreventive effects.
Skin effects of occupational kneeling.

To evaluate chronic knee trauma associated with kneeling, we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey among floorlayers and tilelayers, two trades that require kneeling. Bricklayers and millwrights were studied for comparison. Approximately 28% of the 432 questionnaire respondents volunteered for a subsequent medical examination. Ultimately, data were analyzed for 112 floorlayers, 50 tilesetters, and 235 “comparison” workers. We found that the history of past skin infection in the knee area was about four times more prevalent among floorlayers (7.1%) than among workers in the other two categories combined (1.8%). Unilateral or bilateral patellar skin thickening and erythema were found to be more prevalent among those who kneel: 79% of floorlayers and 98% of tilelayers vs 35% of the control group were found to have skin thickening; 52% of floorlayers and 49% of tilelayers vs 24% of the control group were found to have erythema on the frontal aspect of the knee.
Genome-wide identification, phylogeny and expression analysis of SUN, OFP and YABBY gene family in tomato

Members of the plant-specific gene families IQD/SUN, OFP and YABBY are thought to play important roles in plant growth and development. YABBY family members are involved in lateral organ polarity and growth; OFP members encode transcriptional repressors, whereas the role of IQD/SUN members is less clear. The tomato fruit shape genes SUN, OVATE, and FASCIATED belong to IQD/SUN, OFP and the YABBY gene family, respectively. A gene duplication resulting in high expression of SUN leads to elongated fruit, whereas a premature stop codon in OVATE and a large inversion within FASCIATED control fruit elongation and a flat fruit shape, respectively. In this study, we identified 34 SlSUN, 31 SlOFP and 9 SlYABBY genes in tomato and identified their position on 12 chromosomes. Genome mapping analysis showed that the SlSUN, SlOFP, and SlYABBY genes were enriched on the top and bottom segments of several chromosomes. In particular, on chromosome 10, a cluster of SlOFPs were found to originate from tandem duplication events. We also constructed three phylogenetic trees based on the protein sequences of the IQ67, OVATE and YABBY domains, respectively, from members of these families in Arabidopsis and tomato. The closest putative orthologs of the Arabidopsis and tomato genes were determined by the position on the phylogenetic tree and sequence similarity. Furthermore, expression analysis showed that some family members exhibited tissue-specific expression, whereas others were more ubiquitously expressed. Also, certain family members overlapped with known QTLs controlling fruit shape in Solanaceous plants. Combined, these results may help elucidate the roles of SUN, OFP and YABBY family members in plant growth and development.
Chloride Corrosion Threshold of Reinforcing Steel in Alkaline Solutions—Open-Circuit Immersion Tests

Abstract Reinforcing steel bars with three types of surface conditions (as-received mill scale, prerusted in 3.5% sodium chloride [NaCl] solution, or sandblasted) were exposed in open-circuit immersion (OCI) tests in pH 12.6 saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2) solution (SCS) and pH 13.3 (SPS1) and pH 13.6 (SPS2) simulated concrete pore solutions. These solutions were free of chlorides at the beginning of the test to allow the steel specimens to passivate. Then the chloride concentration ([Cl−]) was increased in several steps. The corrosion potential was monitored, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests were performed periodically on selected specimens. It was found that active corrosion for all three surface conditions tookplace in the pH 12.6 SCS andpH 13.3 SPS1, when the [Cl−] reached threshold levels. However, sustained active corrosion of steel was not found inpH 13.6 SPS2 in a testing period of ∼ 2 years, although the final [Cl−] in that solution reached 3.0 M. Removing the mill scale or ...
Echo-state-network-based real-time wind speed estimation for wind power generation

Wind turbine generators (WTGs) are usually equipped with one or more well-calibrated anemometers to measure wind speed for system monitoring, control, and protection. The use of these mechanical sensors increases the cost and hardware complexity and reduces the reliability of the WTG system. This paper proposes an echo-state-network (ESN)-based real-time wind speed estimation algorithm for WTG systems. The ESN is designed to provide a nonlinear inverse model of the WTG dynamics, which is used to estimate the wind speed in real time from the measured WTG output electrical power and shaft speed at any turbine blade pitch angle. The estimated wind speed is then used for wind-speed-sensorless control of the WTG system. The proposed algorithm is verified by simulation studies on a 3.6-MW wind turbine equipped with a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG).
Cleavage of [4Fe-4S]-type clusters: breaking the symmetry.

The cleavage of [4Fe—4S]-type clusters is thought to be important in proteins such as Fe—S scaffold proteins and nitrogenase. However, most [4Fe—4S]2+ clusters in proteins have two antiferromagneti...
Optical Characterization of a One-Dimensional Array of Narrow Antiwires

We present a self-consistent field theory for the infrared absorption coefficient of a simple model of an array of narrow antiwires in an external magnetic field. A detailed study is made of the way in which the collective modes change from a cyclotron mode when the confining potential is weak, to tunneling coupled modes for intermediate antiwire potential strength, and then to edge and 1D lattice magnetoplasmon modes for strong potentials. By using incident light with tunable frequencies in the interband excitation regime, contactless photoreflectance measurements may be carried out and the data compared with our calculations. By fitting the numerical results to the peak positions of the photoreflectance spectrum, the number of electrons in each wire may be extracted.
Air Traffic Decision Analysis During Convective Weather Events in Arrival Airspace

Decision making during convective weather events in the terminal area is shared among pilots and air traffic management, where uninformed decisions can result in wide-spread cascading delays with high-level impacts. Future traffic management systems capable of predicting terminal impacts will mitigate these unnecessary delays; however in order to realize this vision, it is important to understand the decision mechanisms behind convective weather avoidance. This paper utilizes an arrival adaptation of the Convective Weather Avoidance Model (CWAM) to investigate the catalysts for arrival traffic management decision making. The analysis is broken down by category of terminal airspace structure in addition to the type of decision. The results show that pilot behavior in convective weather is heavily dependent on the terminal airspace structure. In addition, pilot and air traffic management decisions in convective weather can be discriminated with large-scale weather features. I. Introduction
Induced preference for host plant chemicals in the tobacco hornworm: contribution of olfaction and taste

Many herbivorous insects induce preferences for host plants. Recent work in Manduca sexta indicates that induced preferences are mediated by a “tuning” of the peripheral taste system to chemicals within host plant foliage. We tested this hypothesis by rearing caterpillars on artificial diet or potato foliage, and then examining olfactory- and taste-mediated responses to potato foliage extract. First, we confirmed earlier reports that consumption of potato foliage tunes the peripheral taste system by reducing responsiveness to glucose and increasing responsiveness to foliage extract. Second, we offered caterpillars a choice between disks treated with foliage extract (experimental) or solvent alone (control). The foliage-reared caterpillars approached and consumed the experimental disks disproportionately, whereas the diet-reared caterpillars approached and consumed both disks indiscriminately. This indicated that induced preferences involve olfaction and taste. Third, we ran choice tests with foliage-reared caterpillars deprived of either olfactory or gustatory input. Caterpillars lacking olfactory input approached both disks indiscriminately, but fed selectively on experimental disks. In contrast, caterpillars lacking gustatory input approached experimental disks selectively, but fed indiscriminately on both types of disk. We conclude that even though olfaction helps caterpillars locate potato foliage, it is the “tuned” gustatory response that ultimately mediates the induced preference.