cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Missed Opportunities for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Objective. To examine patient and medical characteristics which predict a missed diagnostic opportunity (MDO) for colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The sample consisted of 252 patients diagnosed with Stages 1–4 CRC who were diagnosed in the prior six months, had experienced symptoms prior to diagnosis, and were not diagnosed through routine screening. Systematic review of all medical records prior to patients’ diagnosis was conducted. An MDO was defined as a clinical encounter where, even in the presence of presumptive CRC symptoms, the CRC diagnostic process is not started. Results. 92 patients (36.5%) experienced an MDO. Almost 80% of alternate diagnoses were other GI-GU diseases, including hemorrhoids and diverticulitis. Stomach pain, anemia, and constipation were the most common symptoms experienced by the MDO group. These symptoms, and weight loss and vomiting, were more likely to be noted in the charts of the MDO patients ( ). Independent risk factors for MDO included age ( ] and female sex [OR = 2.19 (1.16–4.16), ]. Each additional physician seen, more than doubled the MDO risk [OR = 2.05 (1.53–2.74), ]. Conclusions. Females, younger patients, and those consulting more physicians were all more likely to experience an MDO. Continued increased training of physicians to enhance knowledge of who is vulnerable to CRC is needed in addition to an increased focus to adherence to screening recommendations.
Tutorial: time-multiplexed stereoscopic computer graphics

Time-multiplexed stereoscopic systems, which present the stereoscopic image by alternating right- and left-eye views of a scene on a CRT, are considered. The current technology for stereoscopic computer graphics is introduced, and an overview of factors important to the proper construction and display of computer images in a time-multiplexed environment is provided. The discussion covers the computation of stereoscopic views, stereoscopic display algorithms, horizontal parallax and factors affecting image quality. >
The origin of persistent photoconductivity in amorphous silicon

Abstract The persistent photoconductivity (PPC) effect in doping modulated amorphous silicon multilayers can result from the thermal equilibration of the defect structure in the doped a-Si:H layers. The magnitude, exposure and doping dependence of the PPC effect can be accounted for using the thermal equilibrium model.
Another ERICA trial

Clinical trials constitute the basic science of medical therapeutics. As more clinical trials are being conducted almost every day, more acronyms are being invented with equal frequency. The problem is not that there are so many trial acronyms but that oftentimes the same acronyms are being shared by more than one trial. This is where confusion arises. In the crowded alphabet soup of trial acronyms, more than a few have ended up representing multiple, often unrelated, trials. For example, HEART represents 17 different trials; IMPACT, 13; STOP, 11; BEST, ESPRIT, SMARTand START, each 10; CARE and PACT, each 9; and PRIME, 8 [1,2]. Then there are many, many acronyms that are shared by lesser numbers of different trials [1]. In the article that I coauthored with Julian in 2003 [1], there were two trials sharing the same acronym ERICA: “Establishing Risk reduction In Congestive heart failure in Add on therapy” and “European Risk and Incidence, Coordinated Analysis”. Then there is the ERICA project (Environmental Risk from Ionizing Contaminants—Assessment and management) [3]. Now, comes another ERICA (Efficacy of Ranolazine In Chronic Angina) trial that was reported recently [4]. Do we need another ERICA to confuse the journal readers? I like to suggest an alternative acronym AMERICA (AMlodipine with added Efficacy of Ranolazine In Chronic Angina) to not only avoid confusion but also be more precise. Furthermore, it sounds very patriotic! Erica is a large genus of low-growing much branched evergreen shrubs comprising the true heaths and having whorled needle-like leaves. These plants are prized for their flowers and abundant growth. Erica is also a popular female
Advancement of skeletal age of hypopituitary children treated with thyroid hormone plus cortisone

The effect of administration of thyroid hormone and cortisone on the rates of linear growth and skeletal maturation were evaluated in nine children with idiopathic hypopituitary dwarfism. When no treatment was given, the rates of both linear growth and skeletal maturation were subnormal but proportional. With the administration of thyroid hormone and cortisone, skeletal maturation was significantly accelerated whereas linear growth was barely affected. Treatment with thyroid hormone, cortisone, and growth hormone resulted in proportional advancement of linear growth and skeletal maturation at a supernormal rate. These findings suggest that thyroid hormone and cortisone, given without the simultaneous administration of growth hormone, may adversely affect final stature by unduly stimulating epiphyseal maturation without significantly affecting growth rate.
Asymptotic estimate of the n-loop QCD contribution to the total e+e- annihilation cross section.

A technique for estimating the large-order QCD perturbative contributions to the total {ital e}{sup +}{ital e{minus}} total cross section is presented which is based upon the renormalization group and momentum analyticity. Our estimate for the coefficient of ({alpha}{sub {ital s}}/{pi}){sup 3} has recently been confirmed by two exact calculations. We find that the effective expansion parameter is, in fact, not {alpha}{sub {ital s}}/{pi} but rather 4{pi}{sup 2}{ital eb}{sub 1}({alpha}{sub {ital s}}/{pi}), where {ital b}{sub 1} is the first coefficient in the expansion of the {beta} function.
Personality and performance in "personality": Conscientiousness and openness.

Abstract Tested the relation between the “Big Five” personality factors on the NEO-PI and students' academic performance in a research-oriented personality psychology course. In keeping with predictions, the results indicated that conscientiousness was a successful predictor of course grade, objective test performance (reflecting rote learning), and independent credit points (reflecting effort, particularly early completion of projects). Openness, especially intellectual openness, also contributed to explaining course grade and objective test performance. However, final exam essay points (an indicator of higher level integration and synthesis) was unrelated to the NEO-PI factors. The results add to the construct validity of the NEO-PI and suggest that it can predict non-self-report criteria.
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty‐effect of the moveable guide wire on the complication rate

Beginning with the first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) performed at Baystate Medical Center, 152 consecutive procedures were analyzed. Sixty were done using USCI-G (nonsteerable) series catheters. In two patients both a G and S (steerable) catheter were used. In 90 procedures the S system was used exclusively. Among the attempted angioplasties with the G series catheter, the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was successful in 47 (78%). Eight coronary occlusions were induced and all these patients underwent coronary bypass surgery. There were no deaths, but three patients (5%) had acute myocardial infarctions (MI). The two patients in whom both G and S catheters were used had occlusions. One went to surgery and died postoperatively of uncontrollable ventricular arrhythmias. The other patient had a myocardial infarction and recovered. Of the 90 attempts with the exclusive use of the steerable system, 75 were successful (83%). Three coronary occlusions were induced in the 90 attempts and two of the patients had coronary artery bypass surgery. None of the three sustained a myocardial infarction. In summary, the proportion of patients requiring emergency surgery was significantly reduced from 13.3% (8 of 60) to 2.2% (2 of 90) (p=0.02), the incidence of myocardial infarction was reduced from 5 to 0%, and there was a slight increase in the siccess rate of the procedure after the introduction of the steerable system. It is concluded that the steerable system increases the safety of PTCA.
Recent developments in very-high-speed magnetic storage techniques

Synopsis: Developments of new magnetic elements have shown that rapid-access memory systems with complete operating cycles of a fraction of a microsecond are feasible. This paper describes the theory of operation of some of these elements and presents experimental data on the performance of samples.
Use of alternative surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence in Illinois in 1999

Abstract Purpose: We sought to determine whether there were any differences in the characteristics of patients, charges, and complications associated with the various providers and procedures for stress urinary incontinence. Methods: Cases were identified using the 1999 Illinois state hospital discharge data for inpatient and outpatient facilities. Both ICD-9 and CPT codes were used for the primary diagnosis and procedures associated with female stress urinary incontinence. Results: Of 1,031 women identified, most underwent either a retropubic urethral suspension (N = 298) or a urethral sling procedure (N = 196). The remaining procedures included bladder neck injections (N = 151), levator muscle operations (N = 45), or unspecified (N = 341). Retropubic urethral suspension was more frequently performed than sling procedures by gynecologists (40% versus 18.4%) in an inpatient setting (86.2% versus 69.4%) and was associated with longer hospital stays (2 days versus 1 day), lower operating room charges ($2,684 versus $3,065) and lower overall charges ($7,676 versus $8,301). Suprapubic urethral sling procedures were more likely to be performed by urologists (38.3% versus 18.4%) and be reimbursed through Medicare (36.1% versus 22.3%). The overall immediate complication rates for the two procedures were not statistically different (8 %) and did not differ based on provider specialty. Conclusion: Gynecologists were more likely to perform a retropubic urethral suspension than a suprapubic urethral sling procedure; however, provider specialty did not alter the total charges, length of hospital stay, and short-term complication rates. The retropubic urethral suspension was associated with longer hospital stays but lower overall charges and operating room charges.
Energetics of phosphate frameworks containing zinc and cobalt: NaZnPO4, NaH(ZnPO4)2, NaZnPO4·H2O, NaZnPO4·43H2O, and NaCoxZn1−xPO4·43H2O

Differential scanning calorimetry and high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry were used to study the enthalpy of the {alpha}-{beta} phase transformation of NaZnPO{sub 4} and enthalpies of formation of {alpha}-NaZnPO{sub 4}, NaH(ZnPO{sub 4}){sub 2}, NaZnPO{sub 4}.H{sub 2}O, and NaCo{sub x}Zn{sub 1-x}PO{sub 4}.4/3 H{sub 2}O (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3). The enthalpies of formation from the oxides of cobalt substituted in NaZnPO{sub 4}.4/3 H{sub 2}O do not depend on cobalt content, confirming similar acid-base interactions for Zn-PO{sub 4} and Co-PO{sub 4}. While water molecules stabilize zinc phosphate frameworks through solvating a cation or forming extra hydrogen bonds, the partial substitution of water for sodium oxide to form NaH(ZnPO{sub 4}){sub 2} represents the formation of an acidic compound with weaker acid-base interactions and less exothermic enthalpy of formation from oxides than Na{sub 2}(ZnPO{sub 4}){sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: Relative stability of NaZnPO{sub 4} dense phases, open frameworks, and hydrated frameworks. Enthalpy of interaction between water and NaZnPO{sub 4} frameworks is presented by reaction: NaZnPO{sub 4} (cr, open framework) + nH{sub 2}O (l) {yields} NaZnPO{sub 4}.nH{sub 2}O (cr, hydrated framework)
A lemma for the problem of exponentially convergent adaptive identification and state observation schemes

A lemma is presented and proved that concerns the exponential convergence property of a special class of probing signals employed in model reference adaptive identification and state observation schemes. The lemma, an interesting result in itself, is useful in finding exponential bounds for the parameter errors in adaptive identification schemes.
Cross-Shelf and Out-of-Bay Transport Driven by an Open-Ocean Current

ThispaperstudiestheinteractionofanAntarcticCircumpolarCurrent(ACC)‐likewind-drivenchannelflow with a continental slope and a flat-bottomed bay-shaped shelf near the channel’s southern boundary. Interaction between the model ACC and the topography in the second layer induces local changes of the potential vorticity (PV) flux, which further causes the formation of a first-layer PV front near the base of the topography. Located between the ACC and the first-layer slope, the newly formed PV front is constantly perturbed by the ACC and in turn forces the first-layer slope with its own variability in an intermittent but persistent way. The volume transport of the slope water across the first-layer slope edge is mostly directly driven by eddies and meanders of the new front, and its magnitude is similar to the maximum Ekman transport in the channel. Near the bay’s opening, the effect of the topographic waves, excited by offshore variability, dominates the cross-isobath exchange and induces a mean clockwise shelf circulation. The waves’ propagationisonlytowardthewestandtendstobeblockedbythebay’swesternboundaryinthenarrow-shelf region. The ensuing wave‐coast interaction amplifies the wave amplitude and the cross-shelf transport. Because the interaction only occurs near the western boundary, the shelf water in the west of the bay is more readily carried offshore than that in the east and the mean shelf circulation is also intensified along the bay’s western boundary.
Amygdala stimulation produces two types of hippocampal aftercharges in the urethane-anesthetized rat

Abstract How seizures spread during epileptiform events has been the subject of intensive investigations over the years. The present study explored the relationship between the amygdala and the hippocampus during afterdischarges. Stimulating electrodes were placed in the amygdala and CA3 regions of the left side in urethane-anesthetized rats. Recording microelectrodes were placed in the dentate gyrus on the left and the CA1 cell layer on the right. Afterdischarges were elicited by stimulus trains between 10 and 50 Hz to the amygdala. Most of the afterdischarges consisted of broad positive potentials in dentate gyrus and no shift of the DC potential. When the stimulus trains were repeated, the afterdischarge evolved, first by spreading to the contralateral side and then by the appearance of maximal dentate activation. The onset of maximal dentate activation was indicated by the appearance of bursts of large amplitude population spikes and a negative shift of the DC potential. These data demonstrate that two types of afterdischarges can be produced in the hippocampus of the anesthetized rat after amygdala stimulation. The observations support the hypothesis that maximal dentate activation represents synchronized reverberatory activity throughout the hippocampal-parahippocampal circuit and indicate that amygdala stimulation can access this circuit in the anesthetized animal.
Effect of heat stress on the inhibition and recovery of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activation state.

Experiments were conducted to determine the relative contributions of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) activation state vis-a-vis Rubisco activase and metabolite levels to the inhibition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) photosynthesis by heat stress. Exposure of leaf tissue in the light to temperatures of 40 or 45 °C decreased the activation state of Rubisco to levels that were 65 or 10%, respectively, of the 28 °C control. Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) levels increased in heat-stressed leaves, whereas the 3-phosphoglyceric acid pool was depleted. Heat stress did not affect Rubisco per se, as full activity could be restored by incubation with CO2 and Mg2+. Inhibition and recovery of Rubisco activation state and carbon dioxide exchange rate (CER) were closely related under moderate heat stress (up to 42.5 °C). Moderate heat stress had negligible effect on Fv/Fm, the maximal quantum yield of photosystem II. In contrast, severe heat stress (45 °C) caused significant and irreversible damage to Rubisco activation, CER, and Fv/Fm. The rate of Rubisco activation after alleviating moderate heat stress was comparable to that of controls, indicating rapid reversibility of the process. However, moderate heat stress decreased both the rate and final extent of CER activation during dark-to-light transition. Treatment of cotton leaves with methyl viologen or an oxygen-enriched atmosphere reduced the effect of heat stress on Rubisco inactivation. Both treatments also reduced tissue RuBP levels, indicating that the amount of RuBP present during heat stress may influence the degree of Rubisco inactivation. Under both photorespiratory and non-photorespiratory conditions, the inhibition of the CER during heat stress could be completely reversed by increasing the internal partial pressure of CO2 (Ci). However, the inhibition of the CER by nigericin, a K+ ionophore, was not reversible when the Ci was increased at ambient or high temperature. Our results indicate that inhibition of photosynthesis by moderate heat stress is not caused by inhibition of the capacity for RuBP regeneration. We conclude that heat stress inhibits Rubisco activation via a rapid and direct effect on Rubisco activase, possibly by perturbing Rubisco activase subunit interactions with each other or with Rubisco.
Effect of infrared coating nonuniformity on optical systems

For precision optical systems, the focus and tilt errors caused by coating thickness nonuniformity can be a serious concern. These errors are wavelength dependent and hence cannot be compensated in an IR optical system by aligning and focusing with an auxiliary visible alignment laser. It is shown here that the coating design can be modified so as to make the aberrations caused by coating thickness nonuniformity approximately equal at the IR design wavelength and the wavelength of the auxiliary laser. In that case, focusing and alignment with an auxiliary laser can substantially correct the effect of coating nonuniformity.
Different types of day care and their relationship to maternal satisfaction, perceived support, and role conflict

Mothers using three different kinds of day care arrangements for their preschoolers: home day care providers, day care centers, andau pairs, were asked to rate their satisfaction with these types of care on a multidimensional scale. Measures of perceived support from spouse and employer, role conflict and maternal separation anxiety were also completed. While demographic variables including mother's age, education, and income proved to be highly correlated with the kind of day care chosen, role conflict and anxiety about being separated from her child were unrelated to type of arrangement used. Although the mothers generally reported at least moderate levels of satisfaction with different aspects of their child's care, those using day care centers were significantly less satisfied with the availability of their arrangements. Mothers using both centers and home day care providers also expressed significantly more concern with the amount of attention their child received.
Managing Aging Effects on Used Fuel Dry Cask for Very Long-Term Storage

The cancellation of the Yucca Mountain repository program in the Unites States raises the prospect of very long-term storage (i.e., >120 years) and deferred transportation of used fuel at the nuclear power plant sites. While long-term storage of used nuclear fuel in dry cask storage systems (DCSSs) at Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installations (ISFSIs) is already a standard practice among U.S. utilities, recent rule-making activities of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) indicated additional flexibility for the NRC licensees of ISFSIs and certificate holders of the DCSSs to request initial and renewal terms for up to 40 years. The proposed rule also adds a requirement that renewal applicants must provide descriptions of aging management programs (AMPs) and time-limited aging analyses (TLAAs) to ensure that the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) that are important to safety in the DCSSs will perform as designed under the extended license terms. This paper examines issues related to managing aging effects on DCSSs for very long-term storage (VLTS) of used fuels, capitalizing on the extensive knowledge and experience accumulated from the work on aging research and life cycle management at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) over the last 30 years. The technical basis for acceptable AMPs and TLAAs is described, as are generic AMPs and TLAAs that are being developed by Argonne under the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Used Fuel Disposition Campaign for R&D on extended long-term storage and transportation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Powder properties and their influence on dry powder inhaler delivery of an antitubercular drug.

The purpose of this study was to determine if aerosol delivery of drug loaded microparticles to lungs infected withMycobacterium tuberculosis may be achieved by predicting dispersion of dry powders through knowledge of particle surface properties. Particle sizes of rifampicin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (R-PLGA), rifampicin alone, and lactose and maltodextrin carrier particles (bulk and 75-125-μm sieved fractions) were determined by electron microscopy for the projected area diameter (Dp) and laser diffraction for the volume diameter (Dv). Surface energies (Y) of R-PLGA, rifampicin alone, lactose, and maltodextrin were obtained by inverse phase gas chromatography, surface areas (Sa) by N2 adsorption, and cohesive energy densities by calculation. Particle dispersion was evaluated (Andersen nonviable impactor) for 10% blends of R-PLGA and rifampicin alone with bulk and sieved fractions of the carriers. Dp for R-PLGA and rifampicin alone was 3.02 and 2.83 μm, respectively. Dv was 13±1 and 2±1 μm for R-PLGA and rifampicin alone, respectively, indicating that R-PLGA was more aggregated. This was evident in Y of 35±1 and 19±6 mJ/m2 for R-PLGA and rifampicin alone. Dp for lactose and maltodextrin (sieved and bulk) was approximately 40 mm. Bulk maltodextrin (Dv=119±6 mm) was more aggregated than bulk lactose (Dv=54±2 mm). This was a result of the higher Sa for maltodextrin (0.54 m2/g) than for lactose (0.21 m2/g). The Y of bulk lactose and maltodextrin was 40±4 and 60±6 mJ/m2 and of sieved lactose and maltodextrin was 39±1 and 50±1 mJ/m2. Impaction studies yielded higher fine particle fractions of R-PLGA from sieved lactose, 13%±3%, than from sieved maltodextrin, 7%±1%, at 90 L/min. An expression, based on these data, is proposed as a predictor of drug dispersion from carrier particles.
Maternal role attainment with medically fragile infants: Part 1. measurement and correlates during the first year of life†

The purpose of this study was to extend scholarship on maternal role attainment (MRA). We used a triangulation of behavioral and self-report variables to measure MRA—identity, presence, and competence—with mothers of medically fragile infants (n = 81), and explored characteristics that influenced MRA longitudinally. Competence and presence were best measured using both self-report and observational methods, whereas identity was best measured with a questionnaire. Mothers with less worry reported higher levels of identity. Presence was higher with less alert infants, whereas competence was higher with more alert infants, lower parental role stress, higher education, and being married. Mothers with more illness-related distress and less alert infants, and unmarried and less educated mothers may need interventions to enhance MRA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:20–34, 2011
Graceful Decline?: The Surprising Success of Great Power Retrenchment

There is broad scholarly consensus that the relative power of the United States is declining and that this decline will have negative consequences for international politics. This pessimism is justified by the belief that great powers have few options to deal with acute relative decline. Retrenchment is seen as a hazardous policy that demoralizes allies and encourages external predation. Faced with shrinking means, great powers are thought to have few options to stave off decline short of preventive war. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, however, retrenchment is not a relatively rare and ineffective policy instrument. A comparison of eighteen cases of acute relative decline since 1870 demonstrates that great powers frequently engage in retrenchment and that retrenchment is often effective. In addition, we find that prevailing explanations overstate the importance of democracies, bureaucracies, and interest groups in inhibiting retrenchment. In fact, the rate of decline can account for both the extent a...
Fibroblast growth factor 23 and the heart.

Purpose of reviewElevated serum levels of the phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are strongly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and mortality, and are also independently associated with left ventricular hypertrophy, a major contributor to cardiovascular d
Power of peripheral designers: how users learn to design

In information system development, end-users often participate in design and in many cases learn to design their own system. Design, however, requires a distinct approach that users typically are not familiar with. The unique position in which users find themselves makes users' learning even more complicated: They have no interest in designing and becoming designers. To understand how users learn to design despite such difficulties, longitudinal ethnography was conducted in an accounting system development project. The analysis reveals how a user progressively acquired the design capability in two months. In the beginning, the user treated the problem as given and rejected design proposed by designers that did not solve the given problems. The user then gradually learned the details of the system and started to explore various configurations of features; however, this design focused on parts, with the problem remaining fixed. The user finally demonstrated her design capability by constructing creative designs both in parts and on the whole. Drawing on situated learning theory, the notion of the peripheral designer is used to illustrate this type of design practice. The user became a peripheral designer in that she could design in a competent but peripheral manner without becoming a full designer. Power relationships posed challenges to this learning. The notion of the peripheral designer clarifies what designing is, beyond active participation in discussion and configuration of parts, and delineates a realistic picture of how a user learns to design in the real world.
Molecular-Beam Magnetic-Resonance Studies of the Nitrogen Molecule

The radio-frequency spectra corresponding to the reorientations of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ nuclear moment and the molecular rotational magnetic moment have been studied in ${\mathrm{N}}_{2}^{15}$ by the molecular-beam magnetic-resonance method. A magnetic-resonance molecular-beam apparatus with an electron-bombardment detector was used for the experiments. In order to study these small moments, very narrow multiple slits were employed. The intensity of the molecular beam was maintained at the normal level through the use of multiple beams. From an analysis of the ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ resonance, the magnitude of the spin-rotational constant for the ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}$ nucleus was determined to be 22\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1 kc/sec. This result can be shown to be consistent with available nitrogen chemical-shift data when the sign of the spin-rotational constant is positive. The magnitude of the rotational magnetic moment was found to be 0.2593\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0005 nuclear magnetons per rotational quantum number.
Evaluation of high functional avidity CTL to Gag epitope clusters in EIAV carrier horses.

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are critical for lentivirus control including EIAV. Since CTL from most EIAV carrier horses recognize Gag epitope clusters (EC), the hypothesis that carrier horses would have high functional avidity CTL to optimal epitopes in Gag EC was tested. Twenty-two optimal EC epitopes were identified; two in EC1, six in EC2, and seven each in EC3 and 4. However, only five of nine horses had high functional avidity CTL (≤11 nM) recognizing six epitopes in EC; four in relatively conserved EC3; and one each in EC1 and 2. Horses with high functional avidity CTL had significantly more days since the last clinical episode than horses with low avidity CTL, and this was not explained by analyzing duration of infection. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between the CTL functional avidity of the nine horses and the days since the last clinical episode. Gag CTL epitope escape variants were found in three horses, but only one of these was recognized by high functional avidity CTL. Thus, not all carrier horses had high functional avidity CTL to Gag EC, but those that did had longer periods without disease episodes.
Estimates of Molecular Weights of Low Molecular Weight Linear Polyethylenes via Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Abstract The van der Wyk equation, 1/Tf = a + b/Z (where Tf is the melting point in K, Z is the number of carbons in the alkane and a and b are constants), for the prediction of melting points of straight chain alkanes up to 60 carbons has been reexamined. The original van der Wyk equation had a = 0.002395 and b = 0.0171. Reexamination has found a = 0.0023675 and b = 0.017407. Modifications of the van der Wyk equation have also been made to estimate the molecular weight of linear low molecular weight polyethylenes of low polydispersities made by such methods as anionic polymerization. Estimates of Mn (number weight molecular average) (± 17%) may be made when a = 0.002414 and b = 0.01433. Estimates of Mw, (weight average molecular weight) (± 19%) may be made when a = 0.002435 and b = 0.01736. Estimates of peak molecular weight (± 13%) may be made when a = 0.002440 and b = 0.01285. Factors which contribute to error in the estimates are also discussed.
Stimulation of oscillatory uterine contraction by the PCB mixture Aroclor 1242 may involve increased [Ca2+]i through voltage-operated calcium channels.

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants associated with spontaneous abortion and shortened gestation length in women and animals. In previous studies, we showed that PCB mixtures and noncoplanar ortho -substituted PCB congeners increased contractions in pregnant rat uterus. In the present study, we hypothesized that the PCB mixture Aroclor 1242 (A1242) stimulates oscillatory uterine contraction in pregnant uterus by increasing intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). Pretreatment of uterine strips with ryanodine or thapsigargin, to deplete specific intracellular calcium stores, did not prevent the increased frequency of oscillatory contraction due to 50 μM A1242, whereas thapsigargin effectively blocked carbachol-induced stimulation of uterine contraction. However, 100 μM A1242 was unable to increase contraction in the absence of extracellular calcium or in the presence of the voltage-operated L-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine. A1242 (100 μM) was observed to partially depolarize the cell membrane of myometrial cells from pregnant rats, as measured with a potential-sensitive carbocyanine dye. Changes of [Ca 2+ ] i were monitored in single myometrial cells loaded with the fluorescent calcium-sensitive probe fura-2. Cells exposed to 100 μM A1242 showed a delayed and sustained increase of [Ca 2+ ] i , and this increase was completely blocked in the absence of extracellular calcium or the presence of nifedipine. Therefore, the data suggest that depolarization of the cell membrane by A1242 enabled myometrial cells to increase [Ca 2+ ] i through activation of voltage-operated calcium channels, and the increased [Ca 2+ ] i consequently stimulated contraction of uterine smooth muscle.
Regional labor market adjustment to structural shocks: An international comparison

Abstract Previous research indicates that local industry composition significantly influences unemployment in the American Rust Belt. This paper uses a dual market model to compare evolutions of structural joblessness in German regions with those of a Rust Belt area in the United States. Results indicate that German labor markets exhibit both intriguing similarities and differences to the US benchmark case. In particular, the contrasts between the two areas highlight the less distinct labor supply flexibility of Western European labor markets as demonstrated by unemployment responses to changes in regional employment prospects.
On the theory of the electrostatic interaction between parallel cylindrical polyelectrolytes

Abstract A detailed study is presented of the repulsive electrostatic interaction between two parallel polyelectrolyte cylinders immersed in an ionic bathing medium. Careful analysis of pH and ionic strength effects is made possible by the introduction of a self-consistent surface boundary condition for the electrostatic potential. That potential is found by developing an organized solution of the linearized Poisson—Boltzmann equation for the two cylinder geometry. The use of this technique allows correction terms to be exhibited explicitly. It is found that a simple superposition of cylindrically symmetric potentials is adequate at most cylinder separations and it is also verified that of the two generally used approximate boundary conditions, the constant charge rather than the constant potential method is to be preferred for polyelectrolyte systems. The results of this study may have direct applications in questions of the stability of cylindrical polyelectrolyte arrays, such as those seen in tobacco mosaic virus systems and the A -band lattice of myosin in vertebrate striated muscle.
Interior gradient estimates for solutions to the linearized Monge-Ampère equation

Let ϕ be a convex function on a convex domain Ω⊂Rn, n⩾1. The corresponding linearized Monge–Ampere equation is trace(ΦD2u)=f, where Φ:=detD2ϕ(D2ϕ)−1 is the matrix of cofactors of D2ϕ. We establish interior Holder estimates for derivatives of solutions to such equation when the function f on the right-hand side belongs to Lp(Ω) for some p>n. The function ϕ is assumed to be such that ϕ∈C(Ω¯) with ϕ=0 on ∂Ω and the Monge–Ampere measure detD2ϕ is given by a density g∈C(Ω) which is bounded away from zero and infinity.
Integration of the carotid baroreflex with a simple pulsatile cardiovascular model

A mathematical model of short-term arterial pressure regulation by the carotid baroreflex was integrated with a simple cardiovascular model to study the interactions between the baroreguation and the pusating heart. The cardiovascular system was modeled as an electric circuit, consisting of the left ventricle as a time-varying capacitance, the systemic circulation as a four-element RLC circuit, the pulmonary circulation as a constant capacitor with a dependent current source, the left atrium as a constant capacitor, and the heart valves as ideal diodes in series with resistors. The baroreflex model receives the systemic arterial pressure to adjust the heart rate, the maximum elastance of the left ventricle, the systemic vascular resistance, and the unstressed blood volume in the systemic vein, and thus maintain the mean arterial pressure close to its setpoint. The key hemodynamic variables simulated from this integrated model were closed to their values provided in literature. Validation tests also suggested that this simple model could simulate the baroregulation phenomena very similar to that obtained from a detailed cardiovascular model. This model can be used as a tool in applications such as pathology and medical device development in which a simple cardiovascular model provides the advantages.
Effects of antiscalants to mitigate membrane scaling by direct contact membrane distillation

Abstract The effects of antiscalants on mitigating the potential for membrane scaling by calcite and gypsum, respectively, were investigated during the direct contact membrane distillation process (DCMD) implemented with porous hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) hollow fibers having a porous fluorosilicone coating on the fiber outside surface. The surface tension and the membrane breakthrough pressure were tested for different kinds of antiscalants. At room temperature, antiscalant solutions behave like tap water. Based on this result, DCMD scaling experiments with CaSO4 or CaCO3 as a scaling salt were conducted. The supersaturation indices of the scaling salts used correspond to sea water concentrated 5 times for CaSO4 (∼75 °C) or half of the maximum saturation index (SI) reached during the concentration of sea water to 10 times for CaCO3 (∼73 °C). The results show that antiscalants K752 and GHR could dramatically extend the induction period for the nucleation of gypsum and calcite, respectively; further they slow down the precipitation rate of crystals, even at a dosage of only 0.6 mg/L. By comparison, a larger amount of antiscalant could further slow down the precipitation and also extend the induction period for both calcite and gypsum systems. There was no sign of any drop in the water vapor flux nor any increase in the distillate conductivity. Concentrates or reject streams from reverse osmosis desalination processes containing antiscalants may therefore be conveniently concentrated further by DCMD.
Antiestrogens Inhibit Xenoestrogen-Induced Brain Aromatase Activity But Do Not Prevent Xenoestrogen-Induced Feminization In Japanese Medaka (Oryzias latipes)

In fish, exposure to estrogen or estrogen-mimicking chemicals (xenoestrogens) during a critical period of development can irreversibly invert sex differentiation. In medaka, a male-to-female reversal upon exposure to a xenoestrogen is accompanied by an increase in brain aromatase expression and activity. However, whether this increase is the direct cause of sex reversal is unknown. In this study we further examined the role brain aromatase plays in genesis of developmental abnormalities in response to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Further, the effects of a mixture of apparent antagonistic environmentally relevant EDCs on development were examined to determine if their combined actions could lessen each other’s impacts. To this end, hatchling medaka were subjected in a 2-week flow-through immersion exposure to an estrogen mimic [dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p′-DDT)] and to pharmaceutical [fadrozole (FAD)] and environmental aromatase inhibitors [tributyltin (TBT)] alone and in combination. Brain aromatase expression and enzyme activity were measured on exposure days 5, 9, and 14 by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and tritiated water release assay, respectively. We recorded sex reversals at sexual maturity by examining the phenotypic and genotypic sex of d-rR–strain medaka. Results indicate that FAD and TBT inhibit aromatase activity in o,p′-DDT–treated fish but do not prevent feminization, indicating that increased brain aromatase activity is not critical to EDC-induced male-to-female sex inversion. The observation that estradiol biosynthesis inhibitors do not block the effect of the xenoestrogen suggests that in the environment, exposure to seemingly antagonistic EDCs does not necessarily lessen the harmful impacts of these compounds.
A family of new, high order NS-α models arising from helicity correction in Leray turbulence models

Abstract This report gives a reinterpretation of the NS- α model which leads to a family of high order NS- α -deconvolution models with NS- α as the zeroth order case. First, we show that the Navier–Stokes- α model arises by adding helicity correction to Leray- α model. Higher order Leray models have recently been proposed in [W. Layton, R. Lewandowski, A high accuracy Leray-deconvolution model of turbulence and its limiting behavior, Anal. Appl. 6 (1) (2008); W. Layton, C. Manica, M. Neda, L. Rebholz, Numerical analysis and computational testing of a high-accuracy Leray-deconvolution model of turbulence, Numer. Methods Partial Differential Equations, in press]: the so-called Leray-deconvolution models, that employ van Cittert approximate deconvolution to decrease consistency error. We use an analogous helicity correction idea to develop a family of higher order accurate NS- α type models, the NS- α -deconvolution models. We prove several mathematical and physical properties for this new family of models and discuss the design of efficient algorithms for them.
Mostly the mother: Concentration of adverse employment effects on mothers of children with autism

Abstract Creating comprehensive and effective social welfare and anti-poverty policy is an ever-elusive task. A key component of such policies and their related programs is the encouragement and protection of parents’ employment. However, such efforts become more complicated when families are faced with additional challenges such as difficulties, which may arise when parenting a child with a disability. Although both paid employment and parenting are widely understood as far from gender-neutral activities, how adverse employment effects become concentrated on mothers is less well understood. This article examines circumstances under which negative employment effects become concentrated on mothers of children with autism. The results of the analysis suggest focusing policy on addressing short term threats to the continued success of established careers and on workplace reentry could help counter factors which tend to result in having mothers’ careers disproportionately affected as a result of having a child with a disability.
Coincidence resolving time of large coaxial Ge(Li) detectors

Abstract Large volume coaxial Ge(Li) detectors have poor timing properties due to the slow and widely varying pulse shapes. To investigate the influence of detector geometry and the effectiveness of timing techniques, wide and narrow dynamic range time resolution measurements were made for three shapes of high efficiency detectors using four timing methods. The resolution obtained with true coaxial detectors was about a factor of two better than the others. Timing methods which attempt to compensate for pulse shape variations were substantially better than leading edge discrimination, especially for wide dynamic range.
A Portrait of Older Californians With Disabilities Who Rely on Public Services to Remain Independent

Low-income older adults with disabilities in California depend on a variety of public programs to help them remain in their own homes. The availability of those services has been in flux since 2009 because of cuts caused by the recession. This article reports on a qualitative study of 33 California seniors who depend on fragile arrangements of paid and unpaid assistance. Thematic analyses of in-depth interviews conducted with these older adults and their caregivers indicate that the disability needs of these individuals are often unstable, with both physical and mental health status sometimes changing day to day. Most have nowhere else to turn for help if their public services are cut. All share the common goal of staying at home and maintaining their independence. Public services serve as a crucial link in the support networks of these individuals.
600. Transduced Cells with Lentiviral Vector Expressing gp41-Derived c-Peptide Are Protected from HIV-1 Infection

The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein is composed of a complex between the surface subunit gp120, which binds to cellular receptors, and the transmembrane subunit gp41. Upon activation of the envelope glycoprotein by cellular receptors, gp41 undergoes conformational changes that mediate fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. The gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat region interacts with the N-terminal coiled-coil region to form a six-stranded core structure. As the limitations of anti-retroviral drug therapy, such as toxicity and resistance, interest in alternative therapeutic approaches for HIV-1 infection is growing. Based on HIV-1 glycoprotein, peptides derived from gp41 C-terminal heptad repeat region (C- peptides) are potent HIV-1 entry inhibitors by binding to gp41 N- terminal coiled-coil region. We hypothesize that expression of a membrane-bound C-peptides will confer HIV-1 resistance to target cells. Efficient gene delivery and stable expression of a membrane- bound C-peptides to target cells was accomplished using a self- inactivating lentiviral vector. Also, to achieve maximal expression and antiviral activity, the scaffold for presentation of the peptide on the cell surface was optimized. The HIV-1 entry inhibition effect by membrane-bound C-peptides can be mimicked by a fusion process between cells expressing the HIV envelope glycoprotein (gp160) and cells expressing both C-peptides together with human CD4 receptors. In this report, fusion events were monitored by the luciferase reporter system.
The electron donor-acceptor exciplex of N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,4,6-trimethylnaphthalene

Abstract Exciplex fluorescence between N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) and 1,4,6-trimethylnaphthalene (1,4,6-TMN) in isooctane was studied at room and elevated temperatures. This new exciplex, resulting from the association of the DMA donor to the TMN acceptor, was characterized by steady-state and time-resolved emission fluorescence spectroscopy. Temperature-dependent measurements of the exciplex fluorescence reveal that the quenching mechanism leading to exciplex formation is sufficiently favorable to permit the exciplex to exist at temperatures approaching 150°C. These results presage the utility of the DMA-TMN system as a new and viable diagnostic for the visualization of the gas/liquid distribution in flows.
Markers of oxidative stress in placental villi exposed to ethanol.

Ethanol exposure during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). The mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. Recent studies in several organ systems, including the placenta, suggest that oxidative stress is involved. In this study we investigated the presence and levels of three oxidative stress markers in placental villous tissue exposed to ethanol. Villous tissues from normal placentas were perfused with Dulbeco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with HEPES buffer, sodium bicarbonate, and glucose at pH 7.4. After stabilization, 100 mM ethanol was added to the pefusate. After 2 hours of pe fusion, the tissue was removed, fixed and stained for nitrotyrosine, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4HNE) and 8-hydroxyguano sine (8-OHDG). Staining within the trophoblasts was quantified with densitometry. Nitrotyrosine and 4HNE immunostaining was seen in the trophoblasts. 4HNE was also seen in the stroma. In contrast, 8-OHDG was seen only in the stroma and endothelial cells in the fetal circulation. Ethanol exposure significantly increased nitrotyrosine levels in the trophoblasts beyond levels in the control tissue. Nitrotyrosine and 8-OHDG levels were also increased in stroma. Within the placental villi, markers of oxidative stress are present in the trophoblasts and stroma after a short period of ethanol exposure. There is an increase in oxidative stress, primarily involving the nitric oxide pathway, in the trophoblasts as well as DNA damage in the stroma. Lipid peroxidation is not acutely changed in our 2-hour exposure window. (J Soc Gynecol Investig 2006; 13: 118—21) Copyright © 2006 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.