Bridge Deck Construction Using Type K Cement

Because drying shrinkage cracking is a major source of bridge deck cracking, and because shrinkage compensating concrete (SCC) is known to substantially reduce shrinkage cracking, the use of SCC should be closely examined in an effort to increase the durability and service life of bridge decks. One of the concerns regarding the use of SCC is its more demanding construction requirements for placement time and for curing. This paper addresses relevant material and construction issues that have resulted in the successful use of SCC for bridge decks. The Ohio Turnpike Commission (OTC) has used SCC exclusively for its new and replacement bridge decks for the past 12 years, and they have been very satisfied with its performance to date. The OTC's evaluation of SCC is that it greatly mitigates shrinkage cracking. The OTC's requirements for SCC at the concrete plant, in-transit, and at the job site are included in this paper. The OTC's construction procedures are presented in the form of a chronological sequence of photographs illustrating the construction activities on a new SCC deck placement in 1994.     

Synthesis of Solid Phosphate Compounds of Ti(III) and Ti(IV)

Several new methods for the synthesis of TiPO₄ are described. Crystalline phosphate compounds containing boron and titanium in a single III or mixed (III, IV) oxidation states have been synthesized and identified by X-ray diffraction. An additional family of phosphate compounds containing only Ti(III, IV) has also been synthesized and identified. All the compounds exhibit attractive colors, e.g., bright green, blue, purple, and black, and are stable at room temperature in air and in boiling water.     

Separation of cholesterol,and fatty acylglycerols,acids and amides by thin-layer chromatography

A rapid unidimensional thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) method for the separation of neutral lipids is described, using two sequential solvent systems of different polarity. Excellent separations of mono-, di- and triglycerides, fatty acids, fatty amides, and cholesterol are thereby achieved. Separation is accomplished at room temperature and requires 25 min. Reference to brand of firm name does not constitute endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture over others of a similar nature not mentioned.     

Daily repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves mood in depression

Converging evidence points to hypofunction of the left prefrontal cortex in depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) activates neurons near the surface of the brain. We questioned whether daily left prefrontal rTMS might improve mood in depressed subjects and report a pilot study of such treatment in six highly medication-resistant depressed inpatients. Depression scores significantly improved for the group as a whole (Hamilton Depression Scores decreased from 23.8 +/- 4.2 (s.d.) at baseline to 17.5 +/- 8.4 after treatment; t = 3.03, 5DF, p = 0.02, two-tailed paired t-test). Two subjects showed robust mood improvement which occurred progressively over the course of several weeks. In one subject, depression symptoms completely remitted for the first time in 3 years. Daily left prefrontal rTMS appears to be safe, well tolerated and may alleviate depression.     

Texas dental hygienists benefits and satisfaction survey

The purpose of this study was to determine the satisfaction and fringe benefits of Texas dental hygienists and compare the data to a recent national study. A blind survey was forwarded to 5,294 active, licensed dental hygienists to obtain data for Texas. Responses were received from 2,172 dental hygienists, a 41 percent response rate. The greatest number of responses came from the larger cities in Texas: Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Fifty-eight percent of Texas hygienists receive paid vacation, 25 percent medical insurance, 37 percent sick pay, and 26 percent receive some type of retirement. Nationally, the figures are higher. The survey also sought to determine satisfaction levels. Most dental hygienists are satisfied with their salary (65%), their career (85%), and feel secure in their employment (92%), while only 46 percent are satisfied with benefits. The survey results are inconclusive for hygienists' in the state of Texas based on the 41 percent response rate. Practical information may assist employers in recruitment and retention of a dental hygienist into the practice.     

Teacher ratings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms: Factor structure and normative data.

Behavior rating scales are a primary method for screening and identifying children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The factorial structure and normative data of a teacher rating scale containing the 18 symptoms of ADHD were examined in this study. Factor analyses and assessment of differences in ADHD ratings across sex, age, and ethnic group were conducted with 4,009 children and adolescents who attended kindergarten through 12th grade in 31 U.S. school districts. Two factors (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) were derived, and normative data for a nationally representative sample were presented. Boys, younger children, and African Americans received higher ratings of ADHD symptoms. Limitations of this investigation and potential uses of this scale in clinical practice and research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Faking and selection: Considering the use of personality from select-in and select-out perspectives.

The effects of faking on criterion-related validity and the quality of selection decisions are examined in the present study by combining the control of an experiment with the realism of an applicant setting. Participants completed an achievement motivation measure in either a control group or an incentive group and then completed a performance task. With respect to validity, greater prediction error was found in the incentive condition among those with scores at the high end of the predictor distribution. When selection ratios were small, those in the incentive condition were more likely to be selected and had lower mean performance than those in the control group. Implications for using personality assessments from select-in and select-out strategies are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Salt Mixture and in vivo Digestibility of Groundnut Oil in Rats

Coefficient of true digestibility of refined groundnut oil in rats, fed a diet containing 4% Hawk and Oser's salt mixture which is stoichiometrically equivalent to Osborne-Mendel's salt mixture and which provides 473.4 mg calcium and 71.6 mg magnesium per 100 g diet was found to be 96.6. Corresponding figure with a similar diet but containing 2% salt mixture-351 of Hubbel et al. providing 434.2 mg calcium and 20.9 mg magnesium per 100 g diet was only 90.0. Higher digestibility of the oil with the Hawk-Oser's salt mixture was due to lesser excretion of soap (in the main) and neutral fat, compared to that obtained with the diet containing the other salt mixture. In Hawk and Oser's salt mixture, the sources of calcium are citrate, hydrogen phosphate and carbonate of calcium whereas in the other salt mixture, it is exclusively derived from calcium carbonate. It seems that source of calcium in a diet has profound effect on the digestibility of a fat.