cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New thermal neutron prompt γ-ray activation analysis instrument at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research

Abstract A new thermal neutron prompt γ-ray activation analysis (PGAA) instrument was designed and built to replace the original PGAA system at the NIST Center for Neutron Research. By placing a sapphire filter in the neutron beam shutter assembly, the fast neutron fluence rate was reduced by a factor of 5 and low-energy (50–200 keV) γ-ray intensities were reduced by factors of 5–10. The thermal neutron fluence rate was reduced by only a factor of 1.13. A new external beam tube, sample chamber, beam stop, and support structure were built and a new detection system installed. The new beam tube is made of two cylindrical aluminum sections lined with a lithiated polymer. Both sections are kept under vacuum to reduce the number of neutrons scattered by air into the beam tube walls. The sample chamber is also fabricated from aluminum and lined with lithiated polymer, and may be evacuated to minimize the number of neutrons scattered and absorbed by air. The beam tube and sample chamber assembly is suspended from the aluminum support structure. The detection system consists of a 40% efficient (relative) germanium detector (resolution 2.0 at 1332.5 keV) and a bismuth germanate Compton suppressor. The detection system is shielded by lead, surrounded by borated and lithiated polyethylene, and placed on a table attached to the support structure. The new, more compact beam stop is welded to the support structure. Capture γ-ray photopeaks from H, B, C, N, Na, Al, Fe, Ge, I and Pb in the background spectrum were either of lower intensity or eliminated with the new PGAA instrument. The more efficient detection system, positioned closer to the sample, yielded element sensitivity increases of 5–50%. Limits of detection have been greatly reduced compared with those of the original instrument due to reduced Compton and scattered γ-ray backgrounds (especially in the low-energy region), increased sensitivities, and reduction of background γ-ray photopeak intensities.
Actions of NMDA and cholinergic receptor antagonists in the rostral ventromedial medulla upon β-endorphin analgesia elicited from the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray

Analgesia elicited by morphine in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray is mediated in part by NMDA and cholinergic receptors in the rostral ventromedial medulla because selective receptor antagonists applied to the latter structure reduced morphine analgesia elicited from the former structure. Previous studies have demonstrated that morphine and beta-endorphin employ different anatomical and neurochemical pathways in exerting their supraspinal analgesic effects. The present study evaluated whether pretreatment with either competitive (AP7, 3-10 microg) or non-competitive (MK-801, 3-10 microg) NMDA antagonists, or muscarinic (scopolamine, 5 microg) or nicotinic (mecamylamine, 1 microg) cholinergic antagonists administered into the rostral ventromedial medulla altered beta-endorphin (15 microg) analgesia elicited from the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray as measured by the tail-flick and jump tests in rats. Whereas AP7 produced minimal (11%) and transient (30 min) reductions in beta-endorphin analgesia on the jump test, MK-801 produced minimal (9%) and transient (30 min) reductions in beta-endorphin analgesia on the tail-flick test. Whereas mecamylamine failed to reduce beta-endorphin analgesia on either measure, scopolamine produced small (23%) and transient (30 min) reductions in beta-endorphin analgesia on the tail-flick test. Each of these antagonists administered into the rostral ventromedial medulla at comparable or lower doses virtually eliminated morphine analgesia elicited from the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray. The opioid mediation of beta-endorphin analgesia in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray was confirmed by its sensitivity to naltrexone (1-20 microg) pretreatment into the same structure. These data provide further evidence for dissociations between the descending neuroanatomical and neurochemical circuitry mediating the supraspinal analgesic responses induced by morphine and beta-endorphin, and indicate that the latter response is mediated by either non-cholinergic and non-NMDA synapses within the rostral ventromedial medulla, and/or by brainstem sites outside of the rostral ventromedial medulla.
Advances in digraph model processing applied to automated monitoring and diagnosis

Abstract Reliability models contain a great deal of information about the modeled system that can be used for automated diagnosis of the system. Using such a model for real time monitoring and diagnosis of dynamic systems may require frequent reconfiguration and solution of the model. As such, an efficient algorithm must be used for model solution. This paper describes a new algorithm, called SourceDoubls, which efficiently solves for singletons and doubletons of a digraph reliability model. Compared with previous methods, the SourceDoubls algorithm provides up to a second order of magnitude reduction in the amount of time required to solve large digraph models. This significant increase in model solution speed allows complex digraphs containing thousands of nodes to be used as knowledge bases for real time automated monitoring and diagnosis applications. Currently an application to provide monitoring and diagnosis of the Space Station Freedom Data Management System (DMS) is under development at NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC) and NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC). The Control Center Complex (CCC) at JSC is planning to install this application in a console position in the CCC to assist mission controllers responsible for the DMS. This paper contains an overview of this system and provides details of how it will use digraph models processed by the SourceDoubls algorithm to accomplish its task.
The Origins and Activities of Apa's Division of the Psychology of Women:

The activities of APA's Division of the Psychology of Women are traced from the origins of the Division in 1973 to the present. Division 35 evolved in response to pressures relating to the status of women in psychology as well as concerns about the content and practice of the psychology of women. The Division has fostered significant research on the psychology of women, been an important organizing base for women psychologists in their quest for visibility and influence, and provided institutional support for issues of diversity in psychology and society.
Impact of Wine Education on Developing Knowledge and Preferences: An Exploratory Study

Wine is challenging and, at times, intimidating for consumers. Their lack of knowledge in making wine choices may result in less wine consumption and very little experimentation. This study explores wine education courses and whether these courses change consumers' knowledge and preferences about wine. The results showed that what participants actually knew about wine increased after completing a wine education course, but what participants' believe they knew, or self-assessed, did not. Furthermore, the anticipated change in participants' preferences for particular wine styles after completion of the course did not occur. The consumers' rankings of the wines did, however, decrease after their completion of the wine education course.
The effect of heterogeneously-distributed RyR channels on calcium dynamics in cardiac myocytes

Calcium plays an essential role in excitation-contraction coupling in muscle, and derangements in calcium handling can produce a variety of potentially harmful conditions, especially in cardiac muscle. In cardiac tissue specialized invaginations of the sarcolemma, called T-tubules, penetrate deep into each sarcomere, and depolarization of the SL leads to an influx of calcium through voltage-sensitive channels in the T-tubules that in turn triggers further calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine-sensitive calcium channels. Under certain conditions, such as elevated external Ca2+, cardiac cells can release calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum spontaneously, producing a calcium ’spark’ and propagating traveling waves of elevated Ca2+ concentration, without depolarization of the SL (Wier and Blatter, 1991a, Cell Calcium 12, 241–254; Williams, 1993, Cell Calcium 14, 724–735; Cheng et al., 1993a, Science 262, 740–744). However, under normal resting conditions these potentially harmful waves seldom occur. In this paper we investigate the role of the periodic distribution of ryanodine-sensitive channels in determining whether a spark can trigger a wave, using a modification of the kinetic model proposed by Tang and Othmer, 1994b, Biophys. J. 67, 2223–2235, for calcium-induced calcium release. We show that the spatial localization of these channels near the T-tubules has a significant effect on both wave propagation and the onset of oscillations in this system. Spatial localization provides a possible explanation for the differing effects of various experimental protocols on the system’s ability to propagate a traveling wave.
Variation in pediatric traumatic brain injury outcomes in the United States

Objective To ascertain the degree of variation, by state of hospitalization, in outcomes associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a pediatric population.
Impact of Patient Race on Receiving Head CT during Blunt Head Injury Evaluation

Objectives: Prior evidence suggests that physicians may alter process of care based on race/ethnicity. The objective of this study was to determine whether race/ethnicity predicts whether a patient receives computed tomography of the head (head CT) during evaluation of blunt head injury. Methods: This was a nonconcurrent cohort study set in an emergency department of a Level 1 trauma center in a university medical center. Consecutive patients presenting with blunt head injury from January 2000 to December 2000 were enrolled. The main outcome measure was whether or not a patient received head CT during evaluation of blunt head injury. Results: The unadjusted probability of receiving head CT was similar among minority (33.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 30.0% to 38.1%) and non-Hispanic white patients (36.4%; 95% CI = 33.5% to 39.3%). After adjusting for important clinical and socioeconomic predictors, minority patients had a probability of receiving head CT 0.84 times as high as that of non-Hispanic whites, but this result was not statistically significant (95% CI = 0.67 to 1.09). Conclusions: Minority and non-Hispanic white patients may not have significantly different rates of receiving head CT during evaluation of blunt head injury. A multicenter prospective study is necessary to confirm these preliminary findings.
Structure-based Reevaluation of the Mechanism of Class I Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate Aldolase

The enzymatic reaction carried out by class I fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase is known in great detail in terms of reaction intermediates, but the precise role of individual amino acids in the active site is poorly understood. Therefore, on the basis of the crystallographic structure of the complex between aldolase and dihydroxyacetone phosphate a molecular modelling study was undertaken to predict the Michaelis complex with fructose-1,6-bisphosphate and several covalent enzymatic reaction intermediates. This model reveals the unknown 6-phosphate binding site and assigns distinct roles to crucial residues. Asp33 is responsible for aligning the 2-keto function of the substrate correctly for nucleophilic attack by Lys229, and plays a role in carbinolamine formation. Lys146 assists in carbinolamine dehydration and is essential for stabilising the developing negative charge on O4 of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate during hydroxyl proton abstraction by Glu187. Subsequently, Glu187 is also responsible for protonating C1 of the dihydroxyacetone phosphate enamine. In addition, the absolute configuration of the fructose-1,6-bisphosphate carbinol intermediate is shown to be (2S), in agreement with the crystal structure, but opposite from the interpretation in the literature of the stereospecific reduction of the aldolase fructose-1,6-bisphosphate complex with sodium borohydride. It is demonstrated that the outcome of the latter type of experiment critically depends on conformational changes triggered by Schiff base formation.
Habitat Utilization by Postlarval and Juvenile Penaeid Shrimps in Mobile Bay, Alabama

Densities of juvenile and postlarval Farfantepenaeus aztecus, F. duorarum, and Litopenaeus setiferus were compared in vegetated fringing marsh and adjacent nonvegetated areas over a range of environmental conditions in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Densities of all three species were significantly greater in vegetated than nonvegetated areas, with 82% of all penaeids found in vegetated areas. Among vegetated sites, significantly lower densities were found in oligohaline areas, whereas mesohaline areas had the highest densities. Significant positive correlations were found between density and salinity for F. aztecus and F. duorarum but not for L. setiferus. Emergent vegetation is important habitat for F. aztecus and F. duorarum as reported from other locations, and our data support a similar conclusion for L. setiferus. Shoreline emergent marsh vegetation is particularly important in Mobile Bay as it represents the only extensive vegetated habitat readily available to F. aztecus, F. duorarum, and L. setiferus.
Adult feeding affects fecundity of the predator, Calosoma sycophanta (Col.: Carabidae)

Calosoma sycophanta L. adults were fed either gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) larvae or split grapes for set periods of time while their reproduction was monitored. Few female beetles reproduced unless fed gypsy moth larvae during the first week after they ended hibernation. Even females initially fed grapes that were later fed larvae had reduced reproduction. The implications these results have for relationships between beetle and gypsy moth populations are discussed.
Discrimination of yellow rust and powdery mildew in wheat at leaf level using spectral signatures

Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. Tritici) and powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) are two serious diseases that severely intimidated yield and grain quality of winter wheat around the world. Since the preferable habitat conditions of them are similar, there is a high possibility that both diseases occurred in field simultaneously. To facilitate a differentiation of control procedures (i.e. using different fungicide), the discrimination of yellow rust and powdery mildew is a necessity. As a fast and nondestructive technique in obtaining the plant status information in real time, remote sensing has been successfully applied in the monitoring of crop diseases in several cases. However, studies addressing the discrimination of different crop diseases are rare. The aim of the present work was to assess the capability of remote sensing in discriminating yellow rust and powdery mildew at leaf level. For each disease, a total of 30 leaf samples were collected for spectral measurement, including both infected and non-infected leaves. Prior to the analysis, the spectral data were undertaken a normalization, to minimize the spectral difference caused by the cultivars. The spectra of normal leaves were compared with that of both infected ones (yellow rust and powdery mildew) through an independent t-test. Within the bands that were significantly different between normal and diseased leaves, a further band selection was conducted to differentiate powdery mildew from yellow rust using the same independent t-test. Only those disease sensitive bands that have the discriminative power were retained. Their discriminative capability was examined by a fisher linear discrimination analysis (FLDA). It turned out that the discrimination model yielded satisfactory estimation of sample categories, with an overall accuracy over 0.9. Therefore, it is evident that the hyperspectral remote sensing is a promising way to discriminate yellow rust and powdery mildew.
Use of a pH meter for bacterial screening of whole blood platelets

BACKGROUND: Bacterial contamination of blood products is a leading cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. Transfusion services are now compelled to employ methods of detecting bacteria in platelet (PLT) components. The use of pH screening of whole-blood PLTs (WBPs) was evaluated with a pH meter at the time of issue as a surrogate test for bacterial contamination. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All WBPs selected for transfusion in May through September 2004 were tested individually for pH at time of issue. Those with a pH value of less than 7.0 were cultured in an automated culture system for 5 days. The white blood cell (WBC) and PLT counts in 56 representative WBP units that failed pH screening were compared to WBP units with acceptable pH values. RESULTS: Of the 37,060 WBP units that underwent pH screening, 405 had a pH value of less than 7.0 (1.1%). Four of those units were culture positive (1.0%) for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, diphtheroids, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Only one cocomponent red blood cell (RBC) unit was culture-positive and grew the same bacteria (S. aureus) as the WBP unit. The rate of pH failure increased with WBP storage length with the greatest rate of pH failures occurring in 5-day-old WBPs. The units that failed pH screening had significantly more WBCs and PLTs than units with acceptable pH values. CONCLUSION: pH screening of WBPs at issue prevented transfusion of bacterially contaminated WBPs and RBCs. This method, however, results in significant PLT wastage. Higher WBC and PLT content likely explains pH failures not due to bacterial contamination.
ACCESSIBILITY AND ERGONOMIC ANALYSIS OF ASSEMBLY PRODUCT AND JIG DESIGNS

Abstract In the aircraft industry, the design of floor assembly jigs (FAJs) is an important activity that directly affects productivity. It involves tool frame generation and locator and clamp placement to ensure that the assembly components are held properly with respect to each other to meet the required tolerances. The tool designer also has to analyze the design to ensure that the assembly process does not pose accessibility and ergonomics related problems. The current approach is dependent on the experience of the tool designer and the limited visualization possible on commercial CAD systems. This leads to extensive redesign when accessibility and ergonomic related problems are detected on the physical prototype. In this research, an integrated Virtual Reality-based environment is being developed for the analysis of assembly product and jig designs. CAD models of the assembly product and jig are imported into a Virtual Reality (VR)-based visualization system for accessibility analysis. A motion tracking system is integrated to allow ergonomic posture analysis. The combined VR and motion tracking system allows evaluation of alternate assembly sequences and the jig design. In this paper, the theoretical basis for the analysis environment is presented along with details of the prototype implementation of this system. Relevance to industry Floor assembly jigs are used extensively by the aircraft industry. Improvement of their design process will lead to savings in better design and reduced development time and cost. Better designs will require fewer changes after the jigs have been fabricated. The overall result will be a reduction in product realization time and cost and improved product quality.
A comparison of the test tube and the dialysis tubing in vitro methods for estimating the bioavailability of phosphorus in feed ingredients for swine.

The validity of a simplified in vitro test tube (TT) method was compared with a more complicated dialysis tubing (DT) method to estimate the percentage of available phosphorus (P) in 41 plant origin and five animal origin feed ingredients for swine. The TT method using 1.0 or 0.25 g samples was compared with the DT method using 1.0 g samples at two pancreatic incubation times (2 vs 4 h) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Each DT and TT method treatment was replicated three and six times, respectively. Both methods utilize three enzymatic digestions: (i) predigestion with endoxylanase and beta-glucanase for 1 h, (ii) pepsin digestion for 2 h, and (iii) pancreatin digestion for 2 or 4 h. For the TT method, the entire procedure was conducted in a 50 mL conical centrifuge tube and replicated six times. For the DT method, the first two digestions were conducted in a 10 mL plastic syringe before the contents were quantitatively transferred into a segment of DT for the pancreatic digestion. The percentages of hydrolyzed P for plant origin ingredients measured by the DT method using 1.0 g samples and the TT method using 0.25 g samples were highly correlated (r = 0.94-0.97, P or = 0.4) with published in vivo available P values. In conclusion, the accuracy and validity of the TT method using 0.25 g samples with a 2 h pancreatic digestion time was equal to or superior to the DT method using 1.0 g samples with a 4 h pancreatic digestion time for estimating P availability in plant origin feed ingredients.
RECYCLING OF RETICULOENDOTHELIAL IRON IN VIVO IN THE ABSENCE OF APOTRANSFERRIN

Plasma iron is largely derived from macrophage recycling of iron from red blood cells (RBC). We hypothesize that iron-free transferrin (apoTf) is required for iron distribution to the erythron but is not obligatory for release of macrophage iron. We tested this hypothesis using a strain of mutant mice with atransferrinemia. These mice have serum Tf concentrations of 1% or less, suffer from iron-limited erythropolesis but exhibit parenchymal organ iron-overload. We synthesized 59Fe-methemalbumin, incorporated it in vitro into sheep RBC and coated the sheep RBC with IgG. Coated and uncoated sheep RBC were injected IV and IP respectively into both normal and atransferrinemic (Hpx) mice. At intervals the quantity of 59Fe in the blood and selected tissues was determined. In normal mice the 59Fe disappeared from blood with a t1/2 of 3.1 min. By 30 min. 20-30% of the injected counts were found in liver and spleen. By 72h, hepatic and splenic iron fell and 15% of the injected counts were detected in RBC. Hpx animals cleared injected sheep RBC and deposited 59Fe in the liver and spleen in a similar way. By contrast, Hpx mice were unable to recycle iron to the erythron (<1%) but did recycle iron to other organs. By 1 wk, 6% of the injected counts were found in the acinar cells of the pancreas. These data indicate that apoTf is not required for recycling of RES iron to the parenchymal organs but is required for recycling to the erythron. Iron distribution in the Hpx mouse closely resembles that in children with congenital atransferrinemia.
Tracking the Thought-Fox: Sylvia Plath's Revision of Ted Hughes

In commentator radio January broadcast of 1961, Owen entitled Ted Leeming Hughes "Two of about and a Kind: Sylvia their Poets Plath marriage, in were Partnership." and interviewed their poetry, Plath by BBC in and a commentator Owen Leeming about their marriage, and their poetry, in a radio broadcast entitled "Two of a Kind: Poets in Partnership." Plath and Hughes must have known that Leeming would question them about their influence on each others poetry, yet, when he did so, both seemed caught off guard. When he asked them, for instance, whether there was anything in their collections "to* or "about* each other (apart from the dedications), Plath responded with an unusually muddled answer one that reveals her deep ambivalence and anxiety about the very nature of poetic "partnership" itself:
Liquid Propulsion: Historical Overview, Fundamentals, and Classifications of Liquid Rocket Engines

Over the course of the history of today's rockets, liquid rocket engines have been used as primary propulsion for most space launch vehicles and early ballistic missiles. The visions of historical figures such as Tsiolkovsky, Goddard, and Oberth have become reality, resulting in humans reaching the moon and space exploration programs that stretch beyond the earth's orbit. A liquid rocket engine uses fuel and oxidizer in liquid form. Various combinations of liquid propellants have been characterized, tested, and flown. Engines are also classified according to the engine power cycle, which determines how the propellants reach the combustion chamber. Liquid rocket engines utilize numerous design power cycles and propellants depending on the application and design requirements. This chapter provides an overview of liquid rocket propulsion. Key historic achievements associated with pioneering efforts and development of large operational liquid rocket engines are first discussed. The fundamentals of liquid rocket engines are then described along with underlying design theory and practical experience. Lastly, the classifications of liquid rocket engines are provided in terms of application, engine cycle, and propellant combination. Keywords: liquid propulsion; history; fundamentals; liquid rocket engine; classifications; liquid propellant; monopropellant; bipropellants; cryogenic propellant; storable propellant; hypergolic propellant; mixture ratio; engine components; propellant tank; propellant feed system; engine cycle; pressure fed; gas generator; preburner; staged combustion; expander; turbopump; injector; thrust chamber; nozzle; propellant valve; thrust vector control; thrust; specific impulse
Loss of STAT5 causes liver fibrosis and cancer development through increased TGF-β and STAT3 activation

The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of hepatocellular carcinoma are not fully understood. Liver-specific signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5A/B–null mice (STAT5-LKO) were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and histological analyses revealed liver fibrosis and tumors. Transforming growth factor (TGF)–β levels and STAT3 activity were elevated in liver tissue from STAT5-LKO mice upon CCl4 treatment. To define the molecular link between STAT5 silencing and TGF-β up-regulation, as well as STAT3 activation, we examined STAT5-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts and primary hepatocytes. These cells displayed elevated TGF-β protein levels, whereas messenger RNA levels remained almost unchanged. Protease inhibitor studies revealed that STAT5 deficiency enhanced the stability of mature TGF-β. Immunoprecipitation and immunohistochemistry analyses demonstrated that STAT5, through its N-terminal sequences, could bind to TGF-β and that retroviral-mediated overexpression of STAT5 decreased TGF-β levels. To confirm the in vivo significance of the N-terminal domain of STAT5, we treated mice that expressed STAT5 lacking the N terminus (STAT5-ΔN) with CCl4. STAT5-ΔN mice developed CCl4-induced liver fibrosis but no tumors. In conclusion, loss of STAT5 results in elevated TGF-β levels and enhanced growth hormone–induced STAT3 activity. We propose that a deregulated STAT5–TGF-β–STAT3 network contributes to the development of chronic liver disease.
Modelling and signal processing for the nonlinear thin film recording channel

The implementation of high-density partial response channels in disk drives has been hampered by nonlinear interactions between transitions occurring in the write process. The degree of nonlinearity is not characterized by the density relative to the isolated transition pulsewidth, but rather by the transition spacing in relation to the transition width. For this reason the authors ignore the read process entirely and focus on the written magnetization, or write channel output. The origins of the nonlinearities are discussed. A simple generalization of the linear superposition model which is valid at higher densities is introduced. The Euclidean distance of suspected minimum distance paths is plotted versus density to estimate the performance roll-off of the nonlinear channel when maximum likelihood sequence detection is used. >
Navigating as an African American Female Scholar: Catalysts and Barriers in Predominantly White Academia

As a teacher-scholar, this autoethnographic is an account of my personal journey in higher education at a predominantly White university. I recount childhood experiences that led me to critical incidents experienced as a doctoral student and tenure-track professor that served as both institutional barriers encountered and catalysts for growth. I examine the manner in which I was able to navigate within the borders they created for me as an African American woman emerging scholar. The counter-narratives are grounded in critical race theory, guided by womanist epistemology, while offering insight into the ways in which marginalization is perpetuated in academia and how space was created to redefine and reclaim self within these borders. My hope is that this article will bring more exposure to the voice of African American in White academia and to add to the open dialogue that is needed with members from the center dominant group.
Gender Differences in the Management and Prognosis of Myocardial Infarction Among Patients > 65 Years of Age

Conflicting evidence exists regarding gender differences in the management and outcomes of myocardial infarctions (MIs). In this study, it was hypothesized that the management and outcomes of MIs would not differ by gender after proper adjustment for age, access to care, MI characteristics, and co-morbidities. Data from a published MI validation study, which sampled 2,200 MI hospitalizations in Medicare beneficiaries with the prescription drug benefit for detailed hospital chart review, were used. Gender differences in the use of MI-related procedures and recommended cardiovascular medications as well as short- and long-term mortality were assessed using multivariate regression. A total of 1,625 patients were identified (80% women) with confirmed MIs for whom complete clinical information was available. Compared with men, women were older and had higher body mass index. Women were more likely to have diabetes, renal dysfunction, and depression, but less likely to have had previous MIs, chronic lung disease, cancer, and to use tobacco. The characteristics of the index MIs were similar, except for non-Q-wave MIs being more common in men. The management of the MIs during admission was similar. During follow-up of up to 6.6 years, men were 40% more likely to die than women (95% confidence interval 21% to 62%), but no mortality difference was observed in patients aged 65 to 74 years (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.36), whereas in those aged ≥75 years, men were more likely to die than women (hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 1.82). In conclusion, for older patients, the management of MIs did not significantly differ between men and women. Men, especially those aged ≥75 years, however, had worse short- and long-term prognoses compared with women of a similar age. The mortality was highest and the gender effect was more pronounced during the MI hospitalizations.
Thermal pressure applied to the prediction of viscosity of simple substances in the dense gaseous and liquid regions

The reduced thermal pressure-temperature ratio has been used to relate residual viscosity modulus for argon, krypton, and xenon into a unique relationship applicable for the dense gaseous and liquid regions. For these monatomic substances the critical compressibility factor is zc = 0.291. Values of (∂PR/∂TR)pR vs. (μ —μ*)ζ on log-log coordinates produced a linear relationship. For these simple substances, this relationship was used to predict viscosities with an average deviation of 3.0% for fifty eight experimental values. This relationship was also applied for the prediction of viscosities for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide. The approach developed in this study merits further examination with several additional substances. The lack of adequate thermal pressures in the dense gaseous and liquid regions of substances other than argon limits the use of this study to substances having critical compressibility factors zc = 0.291.
Fast memory-efficient full-wave 3D simulation of power planes

A circuit-equivalent frequency-domain electromagnetic simulation for packaging structures is proposed. Simulations are carried out using an iterative memory-efficient approach — quasi-minimal residual method. The convergence of the solver is accelerated by the use of a suitable preconditioner. Results for a power-plane example, with and without aperture, are presented.
3-Dimensional Imaging Modalities for Phenotyping Genetically Engineered Mice

A variety of 3-dimensional (3D) digital imaging modalities are available for whole-body assessment of genetically engineered mice: magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT), optical projection tomography (OPT), episcopic and cryoimaging, and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). Embryo and adult mouse phenotyping can be accomplished at microscopy or near microscopy spatial resolutions using these modalities. MRM and microCT are particularly well-suited for evaluating structural information at the organ level, whereas episcopic and OPT imaging provide structural and functional information from molecular fluorescence imaging at the cellular level. UBM can be used to monitor embryonic development longitudinally in utero. Specimens are not significantly altered during preparation, and structures can be viewed in their native orientations. Technologies for rapid automated data acquisition and high-throughput phenotyping have been developed and continually improve as this exciting field evolves.
Dietary habits and exercise behaviours in persons at risk for peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study

Background To determine dietary habits, exercise behaviours and knowledge of disease in a racially diverse group of patients at risk for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Methods An ethnically diverse cohort of persons age ≥39 years with at least one traditional risk factor for PAD was recruited. We obtained data on ethnicity, exercise behaviour, eating patterns and PAD knowledge. Results Of the 50 participants who completed screening for PAD, the mean age was 64.4±11.5 years and 15 (30%) were African American, 12 (24%) were Latino, 13 (26%) were Native American, and 10 (20%) were white. The scores and standard errors for avoiding fried foods were 2.80 (0.11) for African Americans, 3.06 (0.13) for Latinos, 3.54 (0.13) for Native Americans (p=0.0002), and 3.31 (0.11) for whites. Mean minutes of weekly exercise were not significantly different by group. Traditional risk factors for PAD were identified by 28% of participants prior to video presentations as compared to 60% following the presentations. Conclusion African Americans were more likely to eat fried foods than other ethnicities. Efforts are needed to identify novel approaches to improve dietary habits and levels of physical activity in individuals at risk for PAD. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2011;11:253-258
Uncertainties in, and interpretation of, carbon flux estimates using the eddy covariance technique

[1] Whole ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange estimated with the eddy covariance (EC) technique has been central to studies on the responses of terrestrial ecosystems to disturbance and intra-annual and interannual variations in climate, but challenges exist in understanding and reducing the uncertainty in estimates of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2. We review the potential uncertainties associated with the eddy covariance technique, including systematic errors from insensitivity to high-frequency turbulence, random errors from inadequate sample size associated with averaging period, vertical and horizontal advection issues, and selection criteria for removing periods of inadequate mixing from further analyses. We also discuss benefits and caveats of using independent measurements to evaluate EC-derived NEE, such as comparisons of EC-derived annual NEE and allometric net ecosystem production estimates (NEP) and interpretation of nighttime NEE with scaled chamber-based estimates of ecosystem respiration.
Two-color photoexcitation of Rydberg states via an electric quadrupole transition

We report the observation of an electric quadrupole transition between the 4s′[1/2]o0 and 3d[3/2]o2 states in the spectrum of argon and use it in the first step of a scheme to excite Rydberg states. The initial identification of the transition is based on one-color, two-photon photoionization. A different experiment utilizing two-color, two-photon photoexcitation to Rydberg states confirms the identification. Despite the unavoidable background of one-color, two-photon photoionization, the latter experimental technique makes possible two-photon spectroscopy of Rydberg states using a resonant intermediate state populated by an electric quadrupole transition.
Testing the Paradigms of Exotic Species Invasion in Urban Riparian Forests

Abstract Exotic species research has generated several paradigms about the effects of invasion on native ecosystems and the site characteristics that promote invasibility. We are interested in translating these theoretical paradigms into management recommendations. Using vegetation surveys of urban riparian forests in central North Carolina, we tested the competition and resource availability paradigms. We assessed the association between exotic and native species and identified potential resources that promote invasion. Exotic and native species richness was negatively correlated (r = −0.66, p = 0.0009), conforming to the predictions of the competition paradigm. In particular, native woody species were negatively associated with several exotic growth forms. Two of the most common exotic species, Hedera helix (English ivy) and Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stilt grass), did not co-occur with several native woody plants, suggesting that they may preclude the establishment and regeneration of native woody...
Surviving colonization and the quest for healing: Narrative and resilience among California Indian tribal leaders

American Indians must negotiate the cultural and psychological legacy of colonialism as they construct coherent, purposive individual and communal narratives. Analysis of the life stories of highly generative members of these groups who have emerged as leaders offers important insights for psychological adaptation in the context of the historical legacy of colonialism. Based on an interpretive analysis of the life stories of two California Indian tribal leaders, we posit a resilient-strength-based approach to narrative identity development to complement and counter the historical trauma discourse. Native American identity emerged as the major source of psychological resilience in the life stories analyzed. This identity manifested and was supported through a commitment to the wellness of tribal community, spiritual practices, and beliefs. For these men, their relationship to their grandmothers was central in molding their identities and serving as a source of resilience throughout their lives. As leaders of a federally unrecognized tribal group, they have adopted a narrative of survivance (Vizenor, 2008), which appears to buffer psychosocial stress and provide a resilient narrative identity. Based on these findings, we theorize an indigenous California Native psychology of resilience.
Quantum dots for neuroscience research: new tools for old problems?

The dawn of the era of nanotechnology for neuroscience research is upon us, and several components in the arsenal of recently developed nanotools hold great potential for the advancement of clinical detection and drug delivery. Historically, neuroscience research has been driven forward by technological breakthroughs; therefore, the advent of this new set of tools portends well for the continued advancement in our basic understanding of nervous system development and function. In particular, several recent studies have demonstrated the superior optical properties of fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (or quantum dots [QDs]) when compared with conventional flourophores. As the ability to label tissue, cells and subcellular components of the nervous system has been essential for the progress in our understanding of all aspects of the nervous system, these QD properties are a potentially significant advantage. Over the past 30 years, there have been rapid steps forward in the neurosciences attributable to two main forces: a growing and dedicated group of trained researchers, and exciting breakthroughs in technology. On the human front, many new neuroscientists have joined the ranks, swelling the attendance of the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience from 1396 on its inception in 1971 to 34,815 by 2005 and thereby turning it into the largest annual scientific conference in the world. In terms of technology, we have progressed from viewing large sheets of nervous tissue using histological stains to genetically labeling individual types of nerve cells with fluorescent proteins, uncovering the intricate components of the synapse and unraveling the regenerative powers of neural stem cells. Most of these accomplishments have been made possible by machines (e.g., functional MRI) and genetic tools, which have progressively changed our ability and capacity to view and manipulate the nervous system.
Health Care Decision Making by Mothers for their Adolescent Daughters Regarding the Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine

Abstract Study Objective In this study we sought to understand the predictors of a mother's decision (behavior) to vaccinate her daughter with the initial dose of the HPV vaccine. Design This prospective, cross sectional study involved a convenience sample of 68 mother-daughter dyads recruited to test the hypothesis that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables (attitudes toward vaccine, perception of others' opinions, and perceived difficulty in obtaining vaccine) would explain a mother's decision to consent for her daughter to receive the first dose of the HPV vaccine. Main Outcome Measures Mothers and daughters independently completed survey instruments that measure the variables of the TPB (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control). Instruments also included measures of parenting style and conflict. Results The mother's intention to vaccinate was predicted by her attitude (β = .41, P P = .002), and perceived behavioral control (β = .24, P = .005). The pathway connecting intention to the decision (yes or no) to vaccinate was significant (β = .41, P Conclusions The TPB model demonstrates potential influences on a mother's intention to choose to initiate the HPV vaccination series for her daughter. Influences of attitude, subjective norms and perceived control are potential targets for interventions and tailored social marketing to improve vaccine acceptance.
Transitive Closure of Data Records: Application and Computation

Data quality improvement has become a critical issue for many companies and organizations because poor data quality degrades organizational performance whereas improved data quality results in cost saving and customer satisfaction. Activities such as identify and removing "duplicate" database records from a single database, and correlating records from different databases that identify the same real world "entity" are used routinely to improve data quality. Due to huge databases having several hundred millions to several billions records, and continuously growing, efficient techniques and algorithms are needed. One way to speed up the processing is to adopt a two-step approach, where potential candidate records are grouped together in step one. After that each group is further processed and analyzed in step two. The so called "transitive closure problem" is a formal formulation of what needs to be done in step one. This paper introduces a record grouping problem called transitive closure, and proposes algorithms to solve the transitive closure problem. The paper also reports on the empirical study of the proposed algorithms and comments on their implementations.
Accelerating the development of emotion competence in Head Start children: Effects on adaptive and maladaptive behavior

Separate studies of rural and urban Head Start systems tested the hypothesis that an emotion-based prevention program (EBP) would accelerate the development of emotion and social competence and decrease agonistic behavior and potential precursors of psychopathology. In both studies, Head Start centers were randomly assigned to treatment and control/comparison group conditions. In Study 1 (rural community), results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses showed that compared to the control condition (Head Start as usual), EBP produced greater increases in emotion knowledge and emotion regulation and greater decreases in children's negative emotion expressions, aggression, anxious/depressed behavior, and negative peer and adult interactions. In Study 2 (inner city), compared to the established prevention program I Can Problem Solve, EBP led to greater increases in emotion knowledge, emotion regulation, positive emotion expression, and social competence. In Study 2, emotion knowledge mediated the effects of EBP on emotion regulation, and emotion competence (an aggregate of emotion knowledge and emotion regulation) mediated the effects of EBP on social competence.
RESISTANCE OF GLASS BOTTLES TO NEUTRAL ALCOHOLIC SOLUTIONS

Bottle surface tests with alcoholic solutions of various strengths and with distilled water show that corrosion decreases with increasing alcoholic concentration. The tendency to form flakes usually, though not always, decreases with increasing alcoholic concentration. The results show no relation that will hold for all glass bottle compositions between extraction values with distilled water in any accelerated test and extraction values or the tendency to form flakes in neutral alcoholic solutions.
Influence of inoculating forage with lactic acid bacterial strains that produce ferulate esterase on ensilage and ruminal degradation of fiber.

Abstract By releasing ferulic acid from cell wall arabinoxylans, ferulate esterase (FE) can increase susceptibility of plant cell walls to enzymatic hydrolysis. As some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce FE, we investigated effects of ensiling perennial ryegrass (PRG) with LAB that produce FE on ruminal NDF degradation (NDFD) of the resulting silages. Among the 10,000 LAB screened, approximately 500 produced FE and 8 ( i.e. , Lactobacillus buchneri PTA-6138 and NRRL B-30866; Lactobacillus crispatus NRRL B-30868, 30869 and 30870; Lactobacillus reuteri NRRL B-30867; Lactobacillus brevis NRRL B-30865 and an unidentified Lactobacillus NRRLB-30871) were studied in detail. The PRG was harvested and ensiled with or without (control) inoculation with each individual LAB, in triplicate laboratory silos for 30 days. Silages were analyzed for fermentation characteristics, dried, ground (6 mm) and incubated in situ in Dacron bags (50 μm pore size) for 48 h in the rumens of three ruminally cannulated steers adapted to a diet of grass silage. L. buchneri strains increased silage pH and acetate (P L. buchneri PTA-6138 with Lactobacillus paracasei tolerans PTA-6135 (X11C38) on NDFD of whole plant corn silage (WPCS), forage (DM, 337 g/kg) was harvested and ensiled with or without inoculation in two silos of 2 tonnes each and allowed to ferment for 180 days. Fresh silage from each silo was fed to three ruminally cannulated steers in a cross-over experiment with two periods of 14 days that included 10 days for adaptation. WPCS was incubated in situ , as described above, in all six steers in a split–plot experiment with diet as the main plot and inoculation of silage as the subplot. Feeding inoculated silage did not influence NDFD and there was no interaction between the silage fed and inoculation of the silage incubated in situ . However, inoculation of forage with X11C38 increased NDFD by 15.8% (P=0.019). Since L. buchneri can improve aerobic stability (AS) of silage, we also determined effects of X11C38 on AS of WPCS. Forage from four hybrids was harvested, and each ensiled with or without inoculation in four laboratory silos that were stored for 50–57 days. AS was determined by recording silage temperature with oxygen exposure in a thermostable environment. Inoculation with X11C38 extended the duration of AS for all hybrids by 42–105 h (P