cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cold leg condensation model for analyzing loss-of-coolant accident in PWR

Abstract Direct contact condensation in the cold leg of pressurized water reactor is an important phenomenon during a postulated loss-of-coolant accident. The amount of condensation in the cold legs impacts the thermal hydraulic behavior of the reactor coolant system and eventually the integration of reactor nuclear core. A cold leg condensation model was developed for the W COBRA/TRAC-TF2 safety analysis code. The model correlated the COSI test data and addressed the scaling issues with respect to geometry, pressure, and steam and water flow rates expected during a typical PWR LOCA. The correlation was found to be in good agreement with separate effects and integral effects experimental data and implemented in the W COBRA/TRAC-TF2 safety analysis code. The cold leg condensation model was assessed against various small break and large break LOCA separate effects tests such as COSI experiments, ROSA experiments and UPTF experiments. Those experiments cover a wide range of cold leg dimensions, system pressures, mass flow rates, and fluid properties. All the predicted condensation results match reasonably well with the experimental data. Scalability discussions on the diameter, flow area, length, superficial velocity, Reynolds number of both cold leg and SI line, and Froude number of SI line in the Westinghouse COSI test facility were provided. The distortion of the SI jet Reynolds number is moderate. The scaling analysis together with the validation matrix covering a wide range of cold leg diameter, SI flow rate and SI Reynolds number support the scalability of the developed cold leg condensation model to the full scale PWR application.
Interpreting archaeological topography: 3D data, visualization and observation

This book is a combined effort between the editors, authors, and ArchaeoLandscapes Europe, an organization self-described as “established to support the development of aerial approaches and remote ...
Effects of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on high-fat diet-induced metabolic and renal alterations in rats

Abstract Aims We investigated the effects of the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) blocker pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic and renal alterations in obese and lean Zucker rats (OZR and LZR, respectively). Main methods Rats were fed a HFD resembling the typical “Western” diet or a regular diet (RD) and allowed free access to tap water or tap water containing PDTC (150 mg/kg body weight) for 10 weeks; rats were then sacrificed. Total ROS production rates were measured using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and superoxide production was measured with lucigenin assay. Blood, plasma, and urine were analyzed. Semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were conducted to assess NFκB mRNA levels and DNA binding activities, respectively; immunofluorescence was performed to assess protein levels. Key findings OZR-HFD rats exhibited significantly higher levels of total renal cortical reactive oxygen species production, plasma lipids, insulin, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urinary albumin excretion than all other groups (p Significance Our data suggest that NFκB blockade may prove beneficial in treating the nephropathy often associated with metabolic syndrome.
Tomographic reconstruction of polygons from knot location and chord length measurements

In this work, we develop statistically based algorithms to reconstruct binary polygonal objects from sparse and noisy tomographic-based observation data. Traditional approaches to the reconstruction of geometric objects from projection data often lead to highly nonlinear estimation problems. To avoid the difficulties associated with such nonlinear problems, we first examine the problem of reconstruction of an object based on knot location measurements, i.e., measurements of the locations of abrupt change in the projections. The ties between this problem and that of multitarget radar tracking enable us to develop a sequential hypothesis-testing algorithm requiring only the solution of a series of linear estimation problems. In particular, data association hypotheses are generated, under each of which the inversion is linear. The complexity of the association possibilities are kept in check through the use of constraints on the reconstruction imposed by the tomography problem. The solution of this first problem is then used as an initialization to a more complete reconstruction which, while utilizing all the projection data, is nonlinear. We demonstrate that the estimates provided by the first, efficient algorithm are of good quality on their own, and, when combined with a fully nonlinear inversion, produce excellent object estimates.
Lyapunov exponents of nilpotent Itô systems with random coefficients

The paper considers the top Lyapunov exponent of a two-dimensional linear stochastic differential equation. The matrix coefficients are assumed to be functions of an independent recurrent Markov process, and the system is a small perturbation of a nilpotent system. The main result gives the asymptotic behavior of the top Lyapunov exponent as the perturbation parameter tends to zero. This generalizes a result of Pinsky and Wihstutz for the constant coefficient case.
Projected surface radiative forcing due to 2000–2050 land-cover land-use albedo change over the eastern United States

Satellite-derived contemporary land-cover land-use (LCLU) and albedo data and modeled future LCLU are used to study the impact of LCLU change from 2000 to 2050 on surface albedo and radiative forcing for 19 ecoregions in the eastern United States. The modeled 2000–2050 LCLU changes indicate a future decrease in both agriculture and forested land and an increase in developed land that induces ecoregion radiative forcings ranging from −0.175 to 0.432 W m−2 driven predominately by differences in the area and type of LCLU change. At the regional scale, these projected LCLU changes induce a net negative albedo decrease (−0.001) and a regional positive radiative forcing of 0.112 W m−2. This overall positive forcing (i.e., warming) is almost 4 times greater than that estimated for documented 1973–2000 LCLU albedo change published in a previous study using the same methods.
DTALite: A queue-based mesoscopic traffic simulator for fast model evaluation and calibration

AbstractA number of emerging dynamic traffic analysis applications, such as regional or statewide traffic assignment, require a theoretically rigorous and computationally efficient model to describe the propagation and dissipation of system congestion with bottleneck capacity constraints. An open-source light-weight dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) package, namely DTALite, has been developed to allow a rapid utilization of advanced dynamic traffic analysis capabilities. This paper describes its three major modeling components: (1) a light-weight dynamic network loading simulator that embeds Newell’s simplified kinematic wave model; (2) a mesoscopic agent-based DTA procedure to incorporate driver’s heterogeneity; and (3) an integrated traffic assignment and origin–destination demand calibration system that can iteratively adjust path flow volume and distribution to match the observed traffic counts. A number of real-world test cases are described to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of the prop...
Factors affecting soil erosion hazards and conservation needs for tropical steeplands

Abstract Understanding the basic processes and factors that are responsible for inducing land degradation, particularly soil erosion and associated phenomena is critical to the conceptualization, design, and implementation of productive, stable, and sustainable agricultural systems. This is particularly so on steeplands where the potential for soil erosion and runoff water losses is high. The productivity and degradation hazards on these lands are determined by the site's climate, soil and topography. However, their uniqueness lies more with their topographic constraints than with other factors. Use of steeplands is an increasingly common situation in the tropics because of high population pressures and continuing encroachment on hilly lands. Erosion potential and actual erosion in these settings may exceed tens or even hundreds of tons of soil loss per hectare per year; thus the selection and design of cropping systems, land management systems, and water management systems must be tailored to attain effective runoff and erosion control in order to avoid their detrimental impacts both on-site and off-site. Contrary to the customary arguments for the ‘long-term’ nature of erosion impacts; enhancing the conservation-effectiveness of rainfed farming on tropical steeplands can be shown to provide both short- and long-term benefits to the farming system, the overall economy, and the environment. Productivity-enhancing crop and soil and water conservation management approaches (biological measures) may be more important than structural measures in imparting long-term sustainability. Incorporating indigenous knowledge into project design should be emphasized to assure the farmer's involvement and cooperation in planning, implementing, and maintaining conservation measures.
Probabilistic design criteria for cylinders and spheres under thermal stresses

On presente des equations pour les ecarts types de moyens des contraintes thermiques dans des cylindres et des spheres
Processing center location analysis for multiple branch banks

Abstract Recently banks in the United States and Great Britain have acquired large numbers of branch offices. These banks have just begun to recognize that the operations arm of their business must be restructured and consolidated to take advantage of the economies of scale possible with a multibranch system. This entails the identification of the appropriate number and location of regional check processing centers and the assignment of individual branches to each center. A network transshipment model (or netform) has been developed to aid management in this critical, strategic decision. Used in conjunction with a simulation model which analyzes the minute by minute flow of work, the transshipment model suggests preferred processing sites and branch assignments. Using data collected from a bank recently involved in the process, the use of the model is illustrated.
Time domain CFIEs for electromagnetic scattering problems

Time domain integral equations complement other methods for solving Maxwell's equations by handling infinite domains without difficulty and by reducing the computational domain to the surface of the scatterer. In this paper we study the discretization error when convolution quadrature is used to discretize two new regularized combined field integral equation formulations of the problem of computing scattering from a bounded perfectly conducting obstacle.
The association between childhood maltreatment experiences and the onset of maltreatment perpetration in young adulthood controlling for proximal and distal risk factors

The evidence for association between child maltreatment victimization and later maltreatment perpetration is both scant and mixed. The objective of the present study was to assess the association between childhood maltreatment experiences and later perpetration of maltreatment in young adulthood controlling for proximal young adult functioning, prior youth risk behaviors, and childhood poverty. The study included 6,935 low-income children with (n=4,470) or without (n=2,465) maltreatment reports prior to age 18 followed from ages 1.5 through 11 years through early adulthood (ages 18-26). Administrative data from multiple regional and statewide agencies captured reports of maltreatment, family poverty and characteristics, system contact for health, behavioral risks and mental health in adolescence, and concurrent adult functioning (crime, mental health and poverty). After controlling for proximal adult functioning, repeated instances of neglect or mixed type maltreatment remained associated with young adult perpetration. Females and subjects with adolescent history of runaway, violent behaviors or non-violent delinquency also had higher risk. Greater caregiver education remained associated with reduced risk. The study concludes that prevention of recurrent neglect and mixed forms of maltreatment may reduce risk of maltreatment for future generations. Intervening to increase parental education and decrease adolescent risk behaviors may offer additional benefit.
Making Homework Work at Home: The Parent's Perspective

This article views homework through the eyes of parents in a rural area whose children with disabilities spent a majority of their time in general education classrooms. The qualitative analysis of data from individual interviews, focus groups, and parent action research logs yielded five themes: (a) Parents felt ill-prepared to help their children with homework; (b) parents wanted more information about the classroom teachers' expectations of their child and of their roles as parents in helping with homework; (c) parents wanted their children to be given individualized homework assignments; (d) parents valued hands-on homework and projects in which the whole family could participate; and (e) parents wanted a two-way communication system that would allow them to become partners on their child's instructional team.
Strengthening and Toughening Mechanisms in Martensitic Steel

Low carbon martensitic steels are often produced by reaustenitizing and quenching (RA/Q). Direct quenching (DQ) has gained interest in the past few decades and requires quenching immediately after working above or below the austenite recrystallization temperature to form martensitic microstructures. In the current study, microalloyed ASTM A514 steel is used to produce martensite from either equiaxed or pancaked prior austenite grain (PAG) microstructures. The equiaxed PAG conditions simulate microstructures produced by RA/Q and the pancaked PAG conditions simulate microstructures produced by controlled rolling (CR) before DQ. Controlled rolling followed by DQ was simulated with double hit compression in a Gleeble® 3500. The prior austenite grain size (PAGS) was varied between 9 and 75 μm prior to controlled rolling. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms are being investigated in the as-quenched (AsQ), low temperature tempered (LTT: 200 °C), and high temperature tempered (HTT: 600 °C) conditions. The equiaxed PAG condition has a Hall-Petch (H-P) relationship between yield strength (or microhardness) and PAGS in the AsQ condition. There is not a H-P relationship between PAGS and microhardness in the CR-DQ conditions. The CR-DQ conditions generally exhibit higher microhardness than the RA/Q conditions with similar PAGS, with the most significant differences in the larger PAGS conditions. Toughness was only measured in the equiaxed PAG conditions. The smallest PAGS has the lowest ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) with the highest strength in the AsQ and LTT conditions. The smallest PAGS has the lowest DBTT and the lowest strength in the HTT condition.
Steer and pasture responses for a novel endophyte tall fescue developed for the upper transition zone.

A 2-yr grazing experiment was conducted with crossbred steers (8 to 10 mo and with initial BW of 304 kg ± 34 kg in 2008 and 277 kg ± 24 in 2009) to evaluate animal performance and pasture responses of a late maturing tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh; KYFA9301] population infected with the AR584 novel, non-toxic endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum; NE9301) as compared with Kentucky 31 fescue infected with the common toxic endophyte strain (KY31), 'Jesup' MaxQ fescue infected with the AR542 endophyte (MaxQ), and endophyte-free KYFA9301 (EF9301). Treatments were assigned for seeding in 1.0-ha pastures in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Pastures were grazed from 6 May to 23 July in 2008 (76 d) and 2 April to 25 June in 2009 (84 d). Each pasture was grazed with 4 tester steers and put-and-take steers were used to maintain forage mass at 2,500 ± 250 kg DM/ha. Shrunk BW was taken at initiation and termination of grazing each year. Rectal and skin temperatures were recorded, and jugular blood was collected each year at approximately d 28, 56, and study completion. Forage samples were collected at 2-wk intervals for analyzing CP, IVDMD, ADF, and NDF. Responses were analyzed with mixed models, and preplanned orthogonal contrasts were used to compare KY31 with non-toxic fescues, EF9301 vs. novel endophyte fescues, and NE9301 vs. MaxQ. All steer responses were similar (P > 0.10) among the non-toxic fescues. Average daily gains and total BW gain/ha for the 3 non-toxic fescues were greater (P 0.40) among endophyte-fescue combinations, but by the end of the grazing season, stocking rate was greater (P < 0.001) for KY31 than for the non-toxic fescues and was greater (P = 0.053) for NE9301 than for MaxQ. Results indicated that NE9301 is as effective as EF9301 and MaxQ in improving BW gain and alleviating fescue toxicosis and that NE9301 can provide greater carrying capacities than MaxQ in late June and July.
The Influence of Cognitive Test Anxiety across the Learning-Testing Cycle.

Abstract This study tested the hypothesized negative impact of cognitive test anxiety in the test preparation, performance, and reflection phases. Data available from the participants ( n = 124) included test anxiety, study skills, perceived threat of tests, and performance attributions. Preparation phase data revealed, compared to their counterparts, that students with high-cognitive test anxiety reported lower study skills ( d = 0.83), rated tests as more threatening ( d = 1.18), and prepared less effective test notes. Performance phase effects revealed that the high-anxiety group performed worse on tests ( d = 0.96) and reported higher levels of emotionality ( d = 1.42). Test reflection phase reports demonstrated a relationship between cognitive test anxiety and helplessness attributions. The results are interpreted through a process model, proposing that cognitive test anxiety is associated with detrimental perceptions and behaviors in all phases of the learning–testing cycle.
A direct determination of ARMA algorithms for the simulation of stationary random processes

Abstract An efficient technique to determine autoregressive moving average (ARMA) algorithms for simulating realizations of multivariate random processes with a specified (target) spectral matrix is presented. The computation of the parameters of the ARMA model is accomplished by relying on the minimization of frequency domain errors. The need to perform a spectral factorization is discussed and some new algorithms to perform this operation are presented. Finally, the features of this technique are critically assessed and examples of application are given in context with nonlinear mechanics problems.
Multidisciplinary program to study warm core rings

A major research program is underway, sponsored principally by the National Science Foundation, to study warm core rings off t he East Coast of the United States. The program involves more than 25 principal investigators and 13 different institutions. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is actively participating through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a n d their National Earth Satellite Service. NASA is cooperating with aircraft overflights during cruises and by sponsoring some shipboard work.
DISRUPTIONS IN WOMEN'S SELF-PROMOTION: THE BACKLASH AVOIDANCE MODEL

Women experience social and economic penalties (i.e., backlash) for self-promotion, a behavior that violates female gender stereotypes yet is necessary for professional success. However, it is unknown whether and how the threat of backlash interferes with women's ability to self-promote. The present research examined the effects of fear of backlash and self-regulatory mode on women's self-promotion success by testing the backlash avoidance model (BAM), a model designed to account for disruptions in women's self-promotion. Two studies employing U.S. undergraduate samples examined self-promotion both in a live interview and written context. Results supported the BAM's predictions that self-promoting women's fear of backlash inhibits activation of a goal-focused, locomotive regulatory mode, which subsequently interferes with self-promotion success. This process was not evident for self-promoting men (Study 1) or peer-promoting women (Study 2), groups who demonstrated reliably more promotion success than self...
Soluble Mn(III) in suboxic zones

Soluble manganese(III) [Mn(III)] has been thought to disproportionate to soluble Mn(II) and particulate Mn IV O 2 in natural waters, although it persists as complexes in laboratory solutions. We report that, in the Black Sea, soluble Mn(III) concentrations were as high as 5 micromolar and constituted up to 100% of the total dissolved Mn pool. Depth profiles indicated that soluble Mn(III) was produced at the top of the suboxic zone by Mn(II) oxidation and at the bottom of the suboxic zone by Mn IV O 2 reduction, then stabilized in each case by unknown natural ligands. We also found micromolar concentrations of dissolved Mn(III) in the Chesapeake Bay. Dissolved Mn(III) can maintain the existence of suboxic zones because it can act as either an electron acceptor or donor. Our data indicate that Mn(III) should be ubiquitous at all water column and sediment oxic/anoxic interfaces in the environment.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DYNAMICS

In this article, industrial evolution is driven by endogenous technology choices of firms, generating a rich environment that includes the possibility of a dramatic shakeout. The likelihood, magnitude, and timing of this shakeout are characterized and depend not only on the size of an innovation but also on cost structure. In this setting, trade liberalization reduces the likelihood of a shakeout, resulting in more stable industrial structures. However, when shakeouts arise in global markets, the distribution of exits can vary widely across countries. Furthermore, conditions exist where a shakeout occurs in a closed economy but not in an open economy.
Public Administrative Liability for Constitutional Torts, the Rehnquist Court, and Public Administration:

Under the Burger Supreme Court (1969-1986) public administrative liability for violation of individuals' constitutional rights increased dramatically. In consequence, public administrators were wel...
Fabrication of Piezoelectric Sensors for Biomedical Applications

Biosensors are a special class of chemical sensors that take advantage of the high selectivity and sensitivity of biologically active material. We are currently investigating the characteristics of various deposited electrode coatings (Au and Pt) on 10 MHz quartz crystals using the sputtering method. We are also investigating the effect of magnetic behavior (by intermixing Fe and Ni with electrodes) on the binding nature of antigen with the substrate. A change in mass occurs due to the binding of antigens and antibodies on the surface of the thin film coating. The frequency change as a result of a change in mass makes it possible to use these crystals as biological sensor devices. This paper describes the construction of antibody-based piezoelectric crystals capable of detecting mycobacterial antigens in diluted cultures of attenuated M. tuberculosis. The microstructural features of these crystals have been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The crystallographic properties have been characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. The long term objective of this research is to develop a rapid quantitative method of analysis for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and other infections caused by mycobacteria, using biosensor technology.
Spectroscopic Studies of Five Purified Histones from Calf Thymus

Abstract Calf thymus histones have been fractionated by column chromatographic procedures with carboxymethyl cellulose and Sephadex. Characterization of some of the fractions was performed by acrylamide gel electrophoresis, amino acid composition, peptide mapping, and sedimentation. Five of the fractions obtained were shown to be essentially homogeneous. Ultraviolet absorption spectra, optical rotatory dispersion, and circular dichroism of five histones have been determined. These histones exhibit spectra through which it is thus possible to differentiate them. The rotatory dispersion results indicate that the different conformational behavior of these five histones depends on environmental conditions such as salt concentration and organic solvent concentration. A "slightly lysine-rich" histone fraction was found to contain a minute amount of nonprotein components, which appears to be tightly bound oligonucleotide. X-ray diffraction patterns and infrared spectra exhibited by this fraction are also presented.
Block decimated analysis-synthesis filter banks

Analysis-synthesis filter banks with nonuniform subsamplers (block decimators) are introduced, and their design is studied. In such systems, the channel downsamplers and upsamplers are allowed to be nonuniform, which results in a different type of reconstruction problem from that of uniformly subsampled systems. In the present work, it is shown that it is possible to design perfect reconstruction block decimated systems. Because of the decimation structure, however, the frequency domain behavior of the block decimated systems can be very different than that of uniformly subsampled systems. Block decimated systems can be analyzed in two different forms: from a time domain perspective, which results in a set of reconstruction conditions on the system filters; or using an indirect approach in which the system is converted into a uniform band system. Both approaches are described and discussed. >
Molecular Characterization of the Major Wheat Domestication Gene Q

The Q gene is largely responsible for the widespread cultivation of wheat because it confers the free-threshing character. It also pleiotropically influences many other domestication-related traits such as glume shape and tenacity, rachis fragility, spike length, plant height, and spike emergence time. We isolated the Q gene and verified its identity by analysis of knockout mutants and transformation. The Q gene has a high degree of similarity to members of the AP2 family of transcription factors. The Q allele is more abundantly transcribed than q, and the two alleles differ for a single amino acid. An isoleucine at position 329 in the Q protein leads to an abundance of homodimer formation in yeast cells, whereas a valine in the q protein appears to limit homodimer formation. Ectopic expression analysis allowed us to observe both silencing and overexpression effects of Q. Rachis fragility, glume shape, and glume tenacity mimicked the q phenotype in transgenic plants exhibiting post-transcriptional silencing of the transgene and the endogenous Q gene. Variation in spike compactness and plant height were associated with the level of transgene transcription due to the dosage effects of Q. The q allele is the more primitive, and the mutation that gave rise to Q occurred only once leading to the world's cultivated wheats.
A tutor for satellite system operators

The authors propose and evaluate ITSSO (intelligent tutoring system for satellite operators), an architecture for the design of an intelligent tutoring system for operators of NASA ground control systems. An experiment compared the performance of subjects trained with ITSSO to the performance of subjects trained via conventional hands-on experience. Although ITSSO did not result in uniformly better performance, the study provides a number of important insights into the issues and problems involved in the successful design and evaluation of intelligent tutoring systems for operators of complex systems. >
A novel technique for sea of gates global routing

We present a novel global routing and cross-point assignment methodology for sea-of-gates (SOG) designs. Using the proposed congestion driven spanning trees (CDST), and continuously analyzing the congestion at all steps, nets are incrementally globally routed in one of the six well thought of heuristic steps of our methodology. This eliminates the need for rip-up and re-route and enables our approach to achieve good completion rates. We tested our flow on a number of testcases from the industry. The net lengths produced by our flow were compared to the theoretical lower-bound (steiner tree) and were found to be at most 4% worse. We compared the results of creating the net segments by the classical MST verses the CDST and observed an 80% improvement in the number of incomplete nets. Completing the detailed routing using a commercially available detailed router validated the results of the proposed global routing and cross-point assignment.
Fibrinogen Nanofibril Growth and Self‐Assembly on Au (1,1,1) Surface in the Absence of Thrombin

Fibrinogen (fg) molecules were observed to form very well organized patterns of nanofibrils by self-assembling on Au (1,1,1) surface without any addition of thrombin, growing in two orientations (longitude and transverse). This observation is new and unique for gold surfaces, in contrast with Mica or HOPG surfaces. Based on the experimental results, we proposed an assembly mechanism: Au-S interactions and its activated interactions in the ‘αC-domain’ are two main causes for the patterned assembly on Au(1,1,1) surface, and ‘D: D’ and ‘γXL’ interactions help the elongation and strengthening of the fibril assembly.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum in the commercial egg-laying hen: A historical perspective considering the effects of pathogen strain, age of the bird at inoculation, and diet on performance and physiology

SUMMARY The effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) on the performance and physiology of the commercial laying hen have been shown to vary in relation to the strain of MG and the age of the bird when challenged. In an effort to protect birds against more virulent field strains of MG on multiple-age commercial farms where eradication is not feasible, milder strains of MG have been introduced as live vaccines to help displace the natural field strains. The benefits and drawbacks of the individual and combined use of these various vaccine strains are discussed in this article, along with a comparative analysis of their subsequent effects on various performance and physiological variables and their interrelationships. Prelay inoculations of either the 6/85- or ts11-strains of MG used in conjunction with an overlay of the F-strain of MG during lay have the potential of being an effective vaccination regimen for the continual protection of commercial flocks against field strain MG infections while preventing the adverse effects on performance associated with an individual inoculation of the F-strain of MG. In an additional effort to positively modify the effects of MG vaccination regimens on layer production, outcomes of the use of various dietary supplements have been explored. A 1.50% level of poultry fat alone or the combination of phytase and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol alone have shown potential in alleviating depressions in the egg production of layers by as much as 6.3 and 2.7%, respectively, as a result of being vaccinated with the F-strain of MG. Consideration of the information provided in this article concerning differences in the effects of the MG strain, the age at which MG vaccines are given, and the use of dietary supplementation on laying hen performance and physiology may be useful in improving the productivity and profitability of the commercial egg industry.
Indole-3-Carbinol and 3-3′-Diindolylmethane Antiproliferative Signaling Pathways Control Cell-Cycle Gene Transcription in Human Breast Cancer Cells by Regulating Promoter–Sp1 Transcription Factor Interactions

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound that occurs naturally in Brassica vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli, can induce a G1 cell-cycle arrest of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells that is accompanied by the selective inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6) expression and stimulation of p21(Waf1/Cip1) gene expression. Construction and transfection of a series of promoter-reporter plasmids demonstrate that the indole-regulated changes in Cdk6 and p21(Waf1/Cip1) levels are due to specific effects on their corresponding promoters. Mutagenic analysis reveals that I3C signaling targets a composite transcriptional element in the Cdk6 promoter that requires both Sp1 and Ets transcription factors for transactivation function. Analysis of protein-DNA complexes formed with nuclear proteins isolated from I3C-treated and -untreated cells demonstrates that the Sp1 DNA element in the Cdk6 promoter interacts with an I3C-inhibited protein-protein complex that contains the Sp1 transcription factor. In indole-treated cells, a fraction of [(3)H]I3C was converted into its natural diindole product (3)H-labeled 3-3'-diindolylmethane ([(3)H]DIM), which accumulates in the nucleus; this suggests that DIM may have a role in the transcriptional activities of I3C. Mutagenic analysis of the p21(Waf1/Cip1) promoter reveals that in transfected breast cancer cells, DIM (as well as I3C) stimulates p21(Waf1/Cip1) transcription through an indole-responsive region of the promoter that contains multiple Sp1 consensus sequences. Furthermore, DIM treatment regulates the presence of a nuclear Sp1 DNA-binding activity. Our results demonstrate that both the Cdk6 and p21(Waf1/Cip1) promoters are newly defined downstream targets of the indole-signaling pathway, and that the observed transcriptional effects are due to a combination of the cellular activities of I3C and DIM.
Entrepreneurial Action, Unique Assets, and Appropriation Risk: Firms as a Means of Appropriating Profit from Capability Creation

This paper examines organizational boundary choice from an entrepreneurial perspective. Entrepreneurs create new profit opportunities by recombining existing assets into novel combinations based on their subjective judgment under conditions of uncertainty. In doing so, they become vulnerable to ex post appropriation by owners of uniquely complementary assets, especially where ex ante uncertainty translates into ex post causal ambiguity. Firms are a means by which entrepreneurs overcome this problem, maximizing the appropriation of pure profits from their actions. The paper formalizes this insight in an integrative model of entrepreneurial governance choice, highlighting the trade-off between the risk of appropriation and the incremental cost of asset ownership. Comparative statics from this model provide predictions about the conditions under which hierarchical governance will be preferred. In particular, they suggest that firms are preferred where entrepreneurial action results in the creation of combinations of assets that are rare, valuable, and difficult to imitate i.e., the creation of strategic capabilities. The paper thus contributes to work on the dynamics of capabilities and transaction costs, highlighting the structurally uncertain nature of capability creation and its implications for the theory of the firm.
Successful support and separation from veno–venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a three-month-old patient following bidirectional Glenn procedure

While extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a useful mechanism of providing support in pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction following surgery for congenital heart disease, outcomes have varied dramatically between distinct cardiac diagnoses. Reported outcomes of ECMO support following a bidirectional Glenn procedure in patients with single ventricle physiology are uniformly poor due in part to physiological and anatomical challenges inherent to cannulation in this population. We describe a unique veno-venous cannulation that can be applied to this patient population and has allowed for successful decannulation in our practice.
On-chip DC-DC converters for three-dimensional ICs

Guidelines for distributing a buck converter rectifier for application to three-dimensional (3-D) circuits is described. The 3-D rectifier exploits the properties of transmission lines to generate and distribute power supplies to different planes. As compared to a conventional rectifier, the proposed rectifier circuit only requires moderately size capacitors without the use of onchip inductors. A case study in a 0.18µm CMOS 3-D technology demonstrates the generation of a 1.2 volt power supply delivering 700mA peak current.
The interpretability of family history reports of alcoholism in general community samples: findings in a midwestern U.S. twin birth cohort.

Background Although there is a long tradition in alcoholism research of using family history ratings, the interpretability of family history reports of alcoholism from general community samples has yet to be established.
Minimizing Differences of Convex Functions with Applications to Facility Location and Clustering

In this paper, we develop algorithms to solve generalized Fermat---Torricelli problems with both positive and negative weights and multifacility location problems involving distances generated by Minkowski gauges. We also introduce a new model of clustering based on squared distances to convex sets. Using the Nesterov smoothing technique and an algorithm for minimizing differences of convex functions introduced by Tao and An, we develop effective algorithms for solving these problems. We demonstrate the algorithms with a variety of numerical examples.
Alcohol-Related Consequences Mediating PTSD Symptoms and Mental Health–Related Quality of Life in OEF/OIF Combat Veterans

ABSTRACTVeterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have been found to be at increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders, leading to negative mental health–related quality of life (MHRQoL). The current study examined the unique impact of alcohol consumption levels versus alcohol-related consequences on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and MHRQoL in a sample of OEF/OIF combat veterans (N = 205, median age 29, 95% men). Mediation analyses indicated that the effect of PTSD symptoms on MHRQoL was explained only by alcohol-related consequences and not by alcohol consumption. Findings highlight the importance of including alcohol-related consequences in clinical assessment and intervention programs for OEF/OIF veterans. Additionally, this study enhances knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms of functional impairment related to PTSD and alcohol use disorders.
Era of specialty pharmaceuticals expands opportunities for pharmacists

I work with an amazing group of physicians and scientists. Together, we are working on new and in­ novative ways to use the immune system to treat cancer. As an on­ cology pharmacy specialist, I am in a unique position to help my research team care for can­ cer patients who are participating in our clinical trials. Because of the unique nature of the team that I work with, I often find myself bridging the gap between the experimental and standard of care. It’s a fascinating and often challenging line to walk. Specialty pharmacy—what is that exactly? Specialty pharmacy practice is sometimes difficult to de­ fine. Most of the time, when people refer to specialty pharmacy, they’re talking about biopharmaceuticals and other high cost medications. (Think of all the ads you see on TV for the latest drug for psoriasis or rheu­ matoid arthritis.) Because of the high cost of the medications themselves as well as the serious side effects that can accompany them, many of these drugs include education and regis­ tration programs (formally, these are called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy [REMS] programs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA]) to assist patients and prescrib­ ers in optimizing outcomes while addressing and managing potential adverse events. This is the niche that specialty pharmacists occupy. Admittedly, I work on the very front end of the specialty pharmacy spectrum: the groups that I work with are often the ones that first ob­ serve and define the serious side ef­ fects associated with some of these specialty pharmaceuticals. We often also help describe the successful ap­ proaches to managing these side ef­ fects so that other practitioners can safely make use of these drugs with their patients. As an example, the group that I work with participated in some of the early trials of ipilim­ umab, a drug that was approved a couple of years ago for the treatment of skin cancer. During those trials, they described an unusual auto­ immune colitis which, if left untreat­ ed, could be life threatening.1 They later described an approach to man­ aging the autoimmune colitis that became part of educational materials Era of specialty pharmaceuticals expands opportunities for pharmacists
Preresection intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) abnormalities predict seizure-onset zone and outcome in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Summary Objective The predictive value of intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) in pediatric epilepsy surgery is unknown. In a population of children undergoing ECoG followed typically by invasive extraoperative monitoring (IEM) and resection, we aimed to determine the relationship between frequent ECoG abnormalities and the seizure onset zone and outcome after resection. Methods We retrospectively identified 103 children with preresection ECoG of sufficient technical quality. ECoG records were scored based on electrode location and frequency, blinded to the seizure-onset zone and outcome. Electrographic seizure and spike locations were identified. Locations of seizures and spike populations were then compared to the location of seizure-onset zone defined by IEM using subdural electrodes and resection margin. Results Electrographic seizures were identified in 11 (11%) of 103 patients. A spike population of one or more was noted in 79 (77%) of 103 patients. In 50 (63%) of 79 patients, spike populations correlated with seizure-onset zone location. The overall surgical outcome was good (ILAE 1 to 3) in 53 (52%) of 101 patients. Outcome was good in seven (78%) of nine patients when electrographic seizure location was resected. The best outcomes were obtained with resection of both the seizure-onset zone and ECoG abnormalities to include seizures and spike locations (22/33 good outcome, 67%, p = 0.008). There was a significantly better outcome in children with complete resection of ECoG-identified spike populations (14/26, 62% good outcome) compared to when none were resected (4/14, 29%, p = 0.043). Significance Electrographic seizures and frequent spikes are frequently seen on pre-resection ECoG in children. The brain locations corresponding to these discharges are highly concordant with the seizure-onset zone; resection of these regions is correlated with good seizure outcome. Further research is needed to design interventions that increase the reliability of ECoG prediction of the epileptogenic zone and obviate the need for IEM.
Public Opinion on the Future of Employment-Based Health Benefits: Findings From the 2011 Health Confidence Survey

This paper examines public opinion surrounding the future of employment-based health coverage. Data come from the EBRI/MGA 2011 Health Confidence Survey (HCS), a survey that examines a broad spectrum of health care issues, including Americans’ satisfaction with health care today, their confidence in the future of the health care system and the Medicare program, and their attitudes toward health care reform. Enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) of 2010 has raised many questions about whether employers will continue to offer health coverage in the future. In 2014, state-based health insurance exchanges will be available to individuals without employment-based coverage. These exchanges change the playing field in that workers will no longer need to rely on their employer to obtain health coverage. Workers will benefit from a number of insurance market reforms, such as guaranteed issue, modified community rating, subsidies, and increased choice of health plan. Over the long-term, public confidence that employers and unions will continue to offer health coverage has fallen. In 2011, 57 percent of individuals with employment-based coverage were extremely or very confident that their employer or union would continue to offer health coverage, down from 68 percent in 2000. Most of the erosion in confidence occurred between 2000 and 2002. Individuals have a low level of confidence that they can afford to purchase health coverage on their own even if their employer or union gave them the money to do so. In 2011, 20 percent were extremely or very confident that they could afford to purchase coverage; 30 percent were somewhat confident; and 48 percent were not too or not at all confident. According to the 2011 HCS, individual confidence in one’s ability to compare different plan options and choose the best plan is neither high nor low. When it comes to confidence levels in an objective rating system being able to help an individual choose the best available plan, again, most people are somewhere in the middle. The vast majority of the population, 62 percent, reported that they were not at all familiar with health insurance exchanges, a key provision in the health reform law of 2010 (PPACA). However, the public does have opinions about the oversight of them: A majority of the population is not confident in the ability of the federal or state governments to run the exchanges, and 42 percent are not confident in private insurers’ ability to run them. The PDF for the above title, published in the November 2011 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another November 2011 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “How Do Financial Literacy and Financial Behavior Vary by State?”
The response of polymer optical fiber (POF) to bending and axial tension for the application of a POF sensor for automotive seat occupancy sensing

The automotive industry is a promising area for innovations in the field of polymer optical fiber (POF) sensors as the industry currently uses the POF mostly for data transmissions. Since an optical fiber sensor has a high bandwidth, is small in size, is lightweight, and is immune to electromagnetic interference, it offers higher performance than that of its electrical-based counterparts such as the strain gage, elastomeric bladder, and resistive sensor systems. This enhanced performance makes an optical fiber sensor a suitable material for sensing seat occupancy for improved safety features in automobiles. The overall goal of this research is to develop a textile-based optical fiber sensor for automotive seat occupancy with high accuracy and reproducibility. In this study, the bending and tensile loading responses of POF were investigated, where two perfluorinated (PF) graded index (GI) POFs with two different core/cladding diameters, 62.5/750 and 62.5/490 μm, were used. The bending loss and the light at...