cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neonatal lung growth in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: evaluation of lung density and mass by pulmonary MRI.

Outcomes of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are primarily dependent on the severity of pulmonary hypoplasia. It is previously unknown whether postnatal lung growth in infants with CDH represents true parenchymal lung growth or merely an expansion in volume of the existing tissue. We hypothesized that lung volume growth in CDH infants will be accompanied by an increase in lung mass and that CDH infants will demonstrate accelerated catch-up growth of the more hypoplastic lung. We used fetal and post-CDH repair MRI of 12 infants to measure lung volume and density, which was used to calculate lung mass. The average increase in right lung mass was 1.1 ± 1.1 g/week (p = 0.003) and the average increase in left lung mass was 1.8 ± 0.7 g/week (p < 0.001). When the ratio of left-to-right lung mass of the prenatal MRI was compared to post-repair MRI, the ratio significantly increased in all infants with average prenatal and post-repair ratios of 0.30 and 0.73, respectively (p = 0.002). Lung growth in infants with CDH is indeed growth in lung mass (i.e. parenchyma), and the lungs demonstrate catch-up growth (i.e., increased rate of growth in the more hypoplastic ipsilateral lung).
Flow diverters as a scaffold for treating direct carotid cavernous fistulas

Background Direct carotid–cavernous sinus fistulas (dCCFs) are high flow arteriovenous shunts between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Recently, we have used the pipeline embolization device (PED) to treat dCCFs. Methods We describe our experience treating patients with dCCFs in whom the PED was placed as the primary treatment modality. Results Five patients with dCCFs were treated with PEDs deployed in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery spanning the fistula. All patients also underwent either adjunctive transvenous or transarterial embolization. The PED served both as the primary treatment modality and as a scaffold that facilitated safe and efficacious transvenous embolysate administration by altering the flow dynamics through the fistula and providing a physical barrier that protected the internal carotid artery. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. One of the five patients exhibited complete angiographic resolution of the fistula immediately after the procedure. The remaining four patients experienced complete obliteration of the fistula without additional treatment, which suggests that the PED induced alteration promoted thrombosis of the fistula. Therefore, 100% of patients in this series exhibited complete and durable obliteration of the fistula and complete resolution of symptoms following treatment. Conclusions We believe that use of the PED to treat dCCFs may be a safe and efficacious strategy that facilitates parent vessel protection during transvenous embolization. Furthermore, the flow alterations induced by the PED may promote thrombosis of incompletely occluded fistulas. This is the largest reported series of non-iatrogenic dCCFs treated with use of the PED as the primary initial treatment strategy.
The Relationship of Developmental Tasks to Life Satisfaction, Moral Reasoning, and Occupational Attainment at Age 28

This study was conducted to empirically investigate the relationship of several developmental tasks to the developmental outcomes of Life Satisfaction, Moral Reasoning, and Occupational Attainment at age 28. Structured retrospective interviews of 62 Midwestern men and women in their late twenties were converted to variable scores and submitted to quantitative analyses. The results indicated differing patterns of influence on each of the outcomes, clarifying the relative importance of each developmental task, and also highlighting the multi-faceted nature of human development.
Relationships Among Population Size, Environmental Factors, and Reproduction in Lupinus perennis (Fabaceae)

Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is an indicator of Midwestern U.S.A. oak savannas and the main larval food for endangered Karner Blue butterflies. In the past 100 y, this perennial has declined in distribution and abundance. To determine if this decline was related to population size and/or environmental factors and to better understand patterns of reproduction, we compared frequencies of seed coat colors, seed production variables, and environmental factors among 16 populations ranging in size from 25 to 8300 plants. Seedlings were germinated in the greenhouse to measure early offspring vigor. A seed color/substrate field experiment examined differences in seed removal to look at predation risk. Higher seed production was associated with increased population size, while fewer seeds per fruit were associated with increased bare ground, and higher fruits per stem and seed mass were found as soil pH increased. Although seedling emergence declined with increased bare ground, seedling growth was most correlated with pH and light, but not population size. Small populations had reduced seed color variation. Seed removal rates averaged 65% across all treatments, but dark-colored seeds had higher predation than light-colored seeds, regardless of substrate. Seed removal increased over time and was influenced by vegetative cover and distance to roads and water. Our results suggest managers should minimize the amount of bare ground and strive to maintain population sizes over 500 in order to restore and conserve Lupine populations.
High-Selectivity Tunable Filters With Dual-Mode SIW Resonators in an L-Shaped Coupling Scheme

This article reports the design of high-selectivity tunable bandpass filters with constant absolute bandwidth (CABW) using dual-mode (DM) substrate-integrated-waveguide (SIW) resonators. The even and odd modes are coupled to the source and load using an L-shaped coupling scheme instead of the conventional doublet scheme, and thus, each mode produces either one reflection zero or one transmission zero (TZ). Each resonator has one contactless tuner to change the frequencies of both modes simultaneously, and a controllable separation between the two modes can be obtained over the whole tuning range (TR). The proposed resonator is utilized as the building block in four prototype filters with different TZ locations. The first filter is in a principle back-to-back topology, and it distributes TZs on both sides of the passband and has a CABW across the entire TR. The rest three further explore techniques to improve the out-of-band selectivity, i.e., introducing source/load coupling to increase the reject level and relocating the TZs on one side of the passband to build a spectrum with high rejection. All filters are based on two DM SIW resonators with only two tuners. Compared to state-of-the-art works, the proposed filters offer a wide constant-BW TR, low insertion loss, high selectivity, and good nonlinear performance.
Brain-on-a-chip systems for modeling disease pathogenesis

Abstract This chapter reviews the design, manufacture, applications, and future directions of microphysiological in vitro models of the nervous system, commonly referred to as a brain-on-a-chip (BOC), spinal cord-on-a-chip, or neural system-on-a-chip. State-of-the-art BOC designs are critically reviewed, including compartmentalized neuronal chambers with static fluid, microfluidic systems, and three-dimensional (3D) scaffold and scaffold-free cell culture models. Biofabrication strategies for these on-a-chip systems are reviewed with a focus on the use of computer-aided biofabrication processes, such as 3D bioprinting. Applications to fundamental research in neuropathogenesis and neuroregeneration are discussed, especially systems with in-situ stimulation and sensing capabilities. We conclude by identifying emerging areas in microphysiological neural systems that require further attention, including the design of targeted molecular-scale bioelectronic interfaces toward the creation of bionic BOC platforms.
256 Rye with or without purple top turnips for stocker calf grazing as part of a Southeastern U.S. integrated crop-livestock system

The objective was to evaluate stocker calf performance and grazing potential of double-crop annual forages during the winter as a diversified crop-livestock system. Angus crossbred steers (n = 56) were stratified by BW (275 ± 1.3 kg) and hip-height (118.3 ± 0.66 cm) into 12 groups (n = 4 to 6/group) and randomly assigned to graze either monoculture rye (RYE) or rye and turnip mixture (MIX). The study was conducted at two locations in eastern North Carolina. Each treatment had 3 replicate pastures (6 to 9 ha) per location with a stocking rate of 0.6 ha/steer. Winter annual treatments were planted following corn grain harvest in early October, with the MIX producing 64% ± 2.9% rye and 36% ± 2.0% turnip (leaf and root) on a DM basis. Two-day consecutive weights of steers were taken at initiation and completion of the grazing period. Mineral and water were available ad libitum. Data were analyzed using Mixed Procedure of SAS and differences were declared at P 0.10): free choice mineral intake, 201 g/d and 216 g/d; ADG 0.99 kg/d and 1.05 kg/d; gain per hectare 104 kg/ha and 110 kg/ha; and hip-height growth 8.9 cm and 8.1 cm. The increased forage availability for the MIX did not result in greater ADG or gain per hectare when stocking rate and grazing period remained constant.
Coupled mechanical-electrical-thermal modeling for short-circuit prediction in a lithium-ion cell under mechanical abuse

Abstract In order to better understand the behavior of lithium-ion batteries under mechanical abuse, a coupled modeling methodology encompassing the mechanical, electrical and thermal response is presented for predicting short-circuit under external crush. The combined mechanical-electrical-thermal response is simulated in a commercial finite element software LS-DYNA® using a representative-sandwich finite-element model, where electrical-thermal modeling is conducted after an instantaneous mechanical crush. The model includes an explicit representation of each individual component such as the active material, current collector, separator, etc., and predicts their mechanical deformation under quasi-static indentation. Model predictions show good agreement with experiments: the fracture of the battery structure under an indentation test is accurately predicted. The electrical-thermal simulation predicts the current density and temperature distribution in a reasonable manner. Whereas previously reported models consider the mechanical response exclusively, we use the electrical contact between active materials following the failure of the separator as a criterion for short-circuit. These results are used to build a lumped representative sandwich model that is computationally efficient and captures behavior at the cell level without resolving the individual layers.
Does Balance Among Areas of Institutional Quality Matter for Economic Growth

Countries with better institutions, as measured by the Economic Freedom of the World index, have greater prosperity, growth, and well‐being. However, the previous literature has ignored interrelationships among the subareas, instead implicitly assuming substitutability and independence. We hypothesize that when some areas are weak, better scores in other areas are not a simple substitute. We find that including a simple measure of the within‐country standard deviation among coexisting area scores results in a meaningfully significant improvement in the empirical growth specifications. Based on our findings, this should become routine practice in future empirical work. We also explore interactions among areas and find ones with legal system and property rights most important to include. These findings suggest a need to reconsider the implicit assumption of independence among area scores, as well as a balanced approach to institutional reform in practice. Improving the worst areas is more beneficial to growth.
Walking together, walking apart: conservative Judaism and neo-Hasidism

The essay examines the relationship between Conservative Judaism and the neo-Hasidic movement that has come about in the 1960 s-1970 s in American Judaism. It analyzes moments of interaction and mu...
Aggregation of grains in a turbulent pre-solar disk

The growth and evolution of grains in the protostellar nebula are investigated within the context of turbulent low-mass disk models developed by previous investigators. Because of grain collisions promoted by the turbulent velocities, particles aggregate to millimeter size in times of the order of 1000 yrs. During the growth the particles acquire a large inward radial velocity due to gas drag (Weidenschilling, 1977) and spiral into the sun. The calculations indicate that the final size of the particles does not exceed a few centimeters. This result is not very sensitive to the specific nebula parameters. For all conditions investigated it seems impossible to grow meter- or kilometer-sized bodies that could decouple from the gas motion. An additional argument is given that shows that only particles smaller than centimeter size can survive drift into the growing sun by being transported radially outward by turbulent mixing. This agrees well with the maximum size of inclusions and chondrules. Since sedimentation of grains and subsequent dust disk instability is effectively inhibited by turbulent stirring, the formation of planetesimals and planets cannot be explained in the above scenario without further assumptions.
Enzymes as Active Matter

Nature has designed multifaceted cellular structures to support life. Cells contain a vast array of enzymes that collectively perform essential tasks by harnessing energy from chemical reactions. D...
Aquatic Toxicity of Chemical Road Dust Suppressants to Freshwater Organisms

Unpaved roads make up at least 14 million kilometers of the worldwide road network. Although investigations of road runoff often are focused on paved roads, unpaved roads contribute large volumes of runoff to roadside aquatic habitats and introduce unique constituents to runoff, such as chemical dust suppressants. At least 200 products across five chemical categories are commercially available for road dust suppression and are typically applied at rates up to 4.5 L/m2. Many of these products are poorly described and are lacking basic information on environmental transport, fate, and potential toxicity to roadside organisms. We characterized the aquatic toxicity of 27 commercially available dust control products, including 13 biobased products from the U.S. Department of Agriculture BioPreferred catalog, using juvenile rainbow trout. Acute toxicity varied by more than 1000-fold among products, with 96-h LC50 values ranging from 1.7 to > 16,000 mg/L. Toxicity was not well-predicted by product category. Testing with selected products after simulated weathering under UV radiation did not provide evidence of photoenhanced toxicity. Additional tests with freshwater mussels, juvenile crayfish, pond snails, and amphibian larvae indicated that juvenile rainbow trout were reasonable surrogates for these organisms for a subset of products. This effort represents one of the first comparative studies of dust suppressant toxicity and provides important information for assessing risk to aquatic resources from a widely used but understudied class of contaminants in road runoff.
The Christensen Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis System: An Overview

Summary Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of the complex constellation of problems that make up what some clinicians refer to as TMD is an extremely challenging and complex problem. There is a small but significant population of patients for whom treatment options are quite limited, including patients with severe degenerative joint disease that encompasses a host of underlying pathologic conditions. Another segment of this population includes patients who have received multiple operations to the TMJ. There is increasing evidence that partial or TJR with prosthetic devices offers a safe and effective treatment option for most of these patients. Extensive patient evaluation and postsurgical support are essential components of effective treatment for these patients. Although return to normal function in most cases is not feasible, significant improvement in function and reduction in pain is achievable in most of these severely disabled patients using the Christensen TMJ partial or total joint prosthesis.
Domain analysis: research-based reverse design for languages for specific purposes

This study introduces an evidence-centered approach to reverse design for languages for specific purposes (LSP) courses called domain analysis. The article describes the research framework and its potential to provide consistent empirical rigor to the necessarily decentralized field of LSP by reporting on one study using domain analysis in the legal Spanish context. The research questions examine the parameters of the domain under study—legal Spanish for law students at one university—and the target functional outcomes for those students. The results included parameters that were limited to public interest law in the U.S. context. Eight topic areas emerged as central to that context and functional outcomes were identified for reading, listening, and speaking. Though sight translation was a necessary skill, writing was not needed in the domain.
Effects of Method of Vaccination on the Performance and Health of Feeder Calves

Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex (BRD) has caused tremendous losses in the cattle industry by increasing the number of animals lost to death, by increasing the cost of health maintenance, and by decreasing the rate of growth and conversion of feed to gain.
The IYLM Model Is a Pre-General Theory Model That Is Equivalent to Keynes’s mid 1934 Draft Copy Version

Keynes ‘s General Theory has two separate, but interrelated models. Keynes called these models the D-Z and IS-LP(LM) models. The D-Z model deals only with expected results and outcomes. Expectations, uncertainty and confidence are dealt with by Keynes through his analysis of D=D1+D2 and Z=Z1 +Z2, where D1 measures expected consumption expenditures by consumers and D2 measures expected investment expenditures by businessmen based on Keynes’s Marginal Efficiency of Capital (mec) concept. This model is built mathematically in chapters 20 and 21 of the General Theory after having been introduced briefly in chapter 3. Chapter 20 deals with the Goods and Labor markets. Keynes incorporates the Money market into the D-Z model on pp. 304-306 of the General Theory. The IS-LM(LP) model is an entirely separate model that deals with the actual or realized results of an economy. It is presented in its final form on pages 298-303 of the General Theory. Its form is Y=C+I, where C equals actual consumption expenditures and I equals actual investment expenditures. I has absolutely nothing to do with expectations or expected mec results. Keynes did not publish his December, 1933, four equation model presented in December 4th to his students or the very similar mid 1934 first draft copy of the General Theory because these models mixed up realized variables with expected variables. The IYLM model of O’Donnell and Rogers (2016; Cambridge Journal of Economics) presents a model that is very similar to the earlier four equation models that Keynes realized were a conceptual breakthrough, but which were badly flawed mathematically and technically. Their IYLM model mixes up realized and expected results and does not make any sense mathematically because you can’t add realized consumption and expected investment to equal realized aggregate demand as done by O’Donnell and Rogers (2016). Their main error was their inability to recognize the interrelated, but separate nature of Keynes’s two models.
Peripheral insulin resistance is associated with copeptin in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background Insulin resistance is associated with cardiovascular disease risk and worsened kidney function. Patients with CKD have higher levels of insulin resistance. Elevated levels of copeptin (a surrogate for vasopressin levels) have been associated with an increased incidence and progression of CKD, and with incident diabetes mellitus. The purpose of our study was to examine the relationship between insulin resistance, copeptin, and CKD. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate if insulin resistance was associated with higher copeptin levels in nondiabetic patients with stage 3–4 CKD versus controls. We measured plasma copeptin levels and used data from 52 patients with stage 3–4 CKD and 85 controls (eGFR ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) enrolled in the Insulin Resistance in Chronic Kidney Disease (IRCKD) study. We then used a multivariable linear-regression model to assess the independent relationship between peripheral or hepatic insulin resistance and copeptin across levels of eGFR. Results We found that in patients with CKD (eGFR of 30–60 ml/min per 1.73 m2), but not in controls, peripheral insulin resistance was significantly correlated with higher levels of log copeptin (r=−0.21, P=0.04). In patients with CKD, when adjusted for age, sex, BMI, serum osmolality, log IL6, and log leptin/adiponectin ratio, each 1 SD decrease in insulin sensitivity was associated with a 39% increase in serum copeptin levels. The relationship between hepatic insulin resistance, copeptin, and eGFR is similar between controls and patients with reduced eGFR. Conclusion Peripheral insulin resistance is associated with elevated copeptin levels in nondiabetic patients with stage 3–4 CKD. Further research into how the interaction between peripheral insulin resistance and elevated vasopressin affects CKD progression could be of interest.
Cgmquantify: Python and R Software Packages for Comprehensive Analysis of Interstitial Glucose and Glycemic Variability from Continuous Glucose Monitor Data

Goal: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is commonly used in Type 1 diabetes management by clinicians and patients and in diabetes research to understand how factors of longitudinal glucose and glucose variability relate to disease onset and severity and the efficacy of interventions. CGM data presents unique bioinformatic challenges because the data is longitudinal, temporal, and there are infinite ways to summarize and use this data. There are over 25 metrics of glucose variability used clinically and in research, metrics are not standardized, and little validation exists across studies. The primary goal of this work is to present a software resource for systematic, reproducible, and comprehensive analysis of interstitial glucose and glycemic variability from continuous glucose monitor data. Methods: Comprehensive literature review informed the clinically-validated functions developed in this work. Software packages were developed and open-sourced through the Python Package Index (PyPi) and the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). cgmquantify is integrated into the Digital Biomarker Discovery Pipeline and MD2K Cerebral Cortex. Results: Here we present an open-source software toolbox called cgmquantify, which contains 25 functions calculating 28 clinically validated metrics of glucose and glycemic variability, as well as tools for visualizing longitudinal CGM data. Detailed documentation facilitates modification of existing code by the community for customization of input data and visualizations. Conclusions: We have built systematic functions and documentation of metrics and visualizations into a software resource available in both the Python and R languages. This resource will enable digital biomarker development using continuous glucose monitors.
Unstable Axion Quintessence Revisited

In axion quintessence, the cosmological era with an energy contrast in dark energy 0.1 < Omega_DE < 0.9 may represent a significant fraction of the universe's lifetime if the minimum of the axion potential is negative (unstable axion quintessence), thus resolving the cosmic coincidence problem, as pointed out in Ref. [1]. Further details of the evolution of the quintessence field, the scale factor of the universe, and the Hubble parameter are presented here, focussing on models with Omega_DE,0 = 0.72 and recent dark energy average equation of state parameter -1 < w_0 < -0.85. For these parameter values, the contracting universe enters a late time era of kination, the negative Hubble parameter acting like a negative friction term in the Klein-Gordon equation, and the axion field makes many transits of--but never remains in--its vacuum state. Robust, scaled cosmological equations are derived for simulating the evolution of the scalar field, the scale factor, and the Hubble parameter during a contracting phase of the universe. These equations allow the simulations presented here to proceed much closer to the singularity at the end of the collapsing universe than any previous simulations.
EVIDENCE FOR INDIRECT EFFECTS OF RADIATIONS OF HEAVY IONS AND ELECTRONS ON HAIR DEPIGMENTATION

Localized irradiations of hair follicles of mice, made possible by short- range heavy ions from a heavy ion linear accelerator and by collimated narrow slft beams of accelerated electrons, demonstrafe depigmentation effects remote from the site of original irradiation damage and also depigmentation effects delayed until the second hair growth following irradiation. To explain these indirect effects, the tentative hypothesis is again proposed that suggests that the upper permanent external sheath is the true germ. It produces the new lower external sheath and bulb of each hair generation, and damage from irradiation causes it to fail in fts capacity of incorporating and culturing the potential melanocytes which are present primarily in the dermal papilla or the resting epithelial tab conventionally called the germ. In any case, with respect to pigmentation and melanocytes, there are indirect effects of irradiation. (auth)
Dispelling dog dogma: an investigation of heterochrony in dogs using 3D geometric morphometric analysis of skull shape.

SUMMARY Heterochrony is an evolutionary mechanism that generates diversity via perturbations of the rate or timing of development that requires very little genetic innovation. As such, heterochrony is thought to be a common evolutionary mechanism in the generation of diversity. Previous research has suggested that dogs evolved via heterochrony and are paedomorphic wolves. This study uses three-dimensional landmark-based coordinate data to investigate heterochronic patterns within the skull morphology of the domestic dog. A total of 677 adult dogs representing 106 different breeds were measured and compared with an ontogenetic series of 401 wolves. Geometric morphometric analysis reveals that the cranial shape of none of the modern breeds of dogs resembles the cranial shapes of adult or juvenile wolves. In addition, investigations of regional heterochrony in the face and neurocranium also reject the hypothesis of heterochrony. Throughout wolf cranial development the position of the face and the neurocranium remain in the same plane. Dogs, however, have a de novo cranial flexion in which the palate is tilted dorsally in brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds or tilted ventrally in dolichocephalic and down-face breeds. Dogs have evolved very rapidly into an incredibly morphologically diverse species with very little genetic variation. However, the genetic alterations to dog cranial development that have produced this vast range of phylogenetically novel skull shapes do not coincide with the expectations of the heterochronic model. Dogs are not paedomorphic wolves.
A SUBSET SELECTION PROBLEM EMPLOYING A NEW CRITERION

Publisher Summary The extensive literature on ranking and selection procedures depends heavily on the use of two alternative criteria that are philosophically out of tune with the decision theoretic framework. This chapter describes a new criterion for selecting a subset of k populations and also describes two subset selection procedures introduced by Gupta, Desu, and Sobel in terms of this criterion. Results based on a Monte Carlo studies show that the Gupta procedure is highly efficient. The criterion used in the chapter is advanced in terms of a natural loss function for only one potential application and is not intended to be universally relevant. Calculations are carried out in an invariant Bayesian framework using normal distributions and normal priors. Comparisons are based on Monte Carlo simulations for the case of k = 8 populations.
Elastic and Inelastic Electron Scattering from C 12 and O 16

Elastic and inelastic electron scattering from ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ has been studied for various scattered electron angles, using primary beam energies from 600 to 800 MeV. These studies cover a range of the square of the momentum transferred to the nucleus of 2.79 to 11.45 ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ for ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, and 2.79 to 8.52 ${\mathrm{F}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ for ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. A procedure for subtracting the effects of energy loss due to radiation of the electrons is developed. With the resolution obtained in this experiment it is possible to resolve elastically scattered electrons from inelastically scattered electrons. In many instances it is also possible to resolve electrons which have excited discrete nuclear levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. Inelastic electron scattering due to excitation of nuclear levels is observed for the 4.43-MeV ${2}^{+}$ and 9.6-MeV ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$, and for the 6.1-MeV levels in ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$. Differential cross sections for excitation of these levels as well as for elastic scattering are determined. Absolute values of the cross sections are obtained by comparison with known absolute proton cross sections. Analysis of the data using the first Born approximation shows that the root-mean-square radii of ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ and ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}$ are 2.40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 F and 2.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04 F, respectively.
Microfluidic characterization of a valved glaucoma drainage device with implications for enhanced therapeutic efficacy

In this paper, we report on the microfluidic characterization of a valved glaucoma drainage device (the Ahmed/spl trade/ glaucoma valve). Using a microfluidic test set-up, we have simulated the aqueous humor flow and post implantation fibrous tissue encapsulation of the external plate. We have shown that, contrary to the prevailing belief, the valve significantly contributes to the total pressure even after the fibrous capsule formation. This was demonstrated both by disabling the valve using sharp dissection, and by bypassing it using a polyimide microtube. ANSYS/spl trade/ and Fluent/spl trade/ simulations verified the pressure measurements following the microtube insertion. Further reduction of intraocular pressure after fibrous capsule formation could significantly reduce the potential for glaucoma progression.
Identity Development and Life Plan Maturity: A Comparison of Women Athletes and Nonathletes

Is women's athletic participation related to identity development and differential life plans? Using a sample of 59 predominantly white, college women (26 Division III athletes and 33 nonathletes), we examined whether women higher in identity achievement would describe more mature life plans, ones with greater complexity and stronger commitment to life goals. Results indicated that athletic participation moderated the relationship between identity achievement and life plan maturity. While identity achievement was positively associated with life plan commitment for athletes, identity achievement and life plan complexity were significantly correlated for nonathletes. Implications for counseling young women around these issues are discussed.
Performance of a Nova beamline with high-damage threshold glass

The Nova laser amplifier system at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was designed to deliver 80-120 kJ of 1.05-μm laser radiation in 1.0-3.0-ns pulse-to-frequency conversion crystals, The crystals (type II /type II KDP) convert this efficiently to give 50-80 kJ of second harmonic or 40-70 kJ of third harmonic light, which is focused onto fusion targets in a target chamber.1 Single-beam and full-system trials done shortly after completion of the facility demonstrated that the laser amplifier and harmonic conversion systems could easily meet these operating goals.2 We are presently prevented from routinely operating at these levels because of the threat of damage to the glass in the output amplifier stages. The laser glass in the amplifiers and the BK-7 optical glass in other components contain a few particles per liter of small metallic platinum inclusions, which cause damage to the glass at fluences exceeding 2.0 J/cm2.3 This has caused us to limit energy routinely available from Nova to 50-60 kJ at 1.05 /μm, which yields 20-25 kJ of the third harmonic on-target.
A Novel Strategy for Utilizing Voice Coil Servoactuators in Tensile Tests of Low Volume Protein Hydrogels

We present a novel tensile testing system optimized for the mechanical loading of microliter volume protein hydrogels. Our apparatus incorporates a voice coil servoactuator capable of carrying out fixed velocity extension-relaxation cycles as well as extension step protocols. The setup is equipped with a plastic cuvette permitting day-long incubations in solution. To demonstrate the functionality of the device, we photochemically crosslinked polyproteins of the I91 immunoglobulin domain from the muscle protein titin to create solid hydrogels that recapitulate elastic properties of muscle. We present data from tensile tests of these low volume biomaterials that support protein unfolding as a main determinant of the elasticity of protein hydrogels. Our results demonstrate the potential use of protein hydrogels as biomaterials whose elastic properties dynamically respond to their environment.
Bottom-up, hard template and scalable approaches toward designing nanostructured Li2S for high performance lithium sulfur batteries

Li2S with a high theoretical capacity of 1166 mA h g−1 and the capability to pair with lithium free anodes has drawn much attention for lithium sulfur (Li–S) battery applications. However, the fast battery decay and the low capacity retention due to dissolution of intermediate polysulfides in electrolytes limit its development. Designing a nanosized and nanostructured host for Li2S through facile techniques is one of the ways to alleviate the dissolution and improve Li–S battery performance; nevertheless, it is technically difficult to synthesize nanosized and nanostructured hosts for Li2S because Li2S is highly sensitive to moisture and oxygen. Herein, a novel technique, i.e., a bottom-up, hard template and scalable method, is proposed to engineer nanoLi2S composites with core–shell structures as cathodes of Li–S batteries. The size of the as-prepared nanostructured Li2S is around 100 nm. With the assistance of FETEM, HRTEM and EFTEM elemental mapping, an excellent core–shell structure has been confirmed and the outside carbon shell has a thickness of 20–50 nm, effectively retarding polysulfide outflow and dissolution. A high initial capacity of 915 mA h g−1 at 0.2 C has been achieved upon electrochemical cycling and the battery still has exceptional capacity retention after prolonged 200 cycles with a limited decay of 0.18% per cycle. Also, at 0.5 C the electrode exhibits 60% capacity retention with a long life of 300 cycles. We attribute these good performances to the nano-architecture constructed by the novel and facile method.
PALEOINDIAN LIFEWAYS OF THE CODY COMPLEX

PALEOINDIAN LIFEWAYS OF THE CODY COMPLEX, edited by Edward J. Knell, and Mark P. Muniz. Salt Lake City, USA: The University of Utah Press, 2013, 340 pp. (Hardback), $60.00. ISBN-13: 9781607812302As...
Minimum energy disjoint path routing in wireless ad-hoc networks

We develop algorithms for finding minimum energy disjoint paths in an all-wireless network, for both the node and link-disjoint cases. Our major results include a novel polynomial time algorithm that optimally solves the minimum energy 2 link-disjoint paths problem, as well as a polynomial time algorithm for the minimum energy k node-disjoint paths problem. In addition, we present efficient heuristic algorithms for both problems. Our results show that link-disjoint paths consume substantially less energy than node-disjoint paths. We also found that the incremental energy of additional link-disjoint paths is decreasing. This finding is somewhat surprising due to the fact that in general networks additional paths are typically longer than the shortest path. However, in a wireless network, additional paths can be obtained at lower energy due to the broadcast nature of the wireless medium. Finally, we discuss issues regarding distributed implementation and present distributed versions of the optimal centralized algorithms presented in the paper.
Effects of tetrahydrocannabinols on cyclic AMP levels in rat brain areas.

Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol senkt die Adenylcyclase und die Phosphodiesterase im Mittelhirn und verursacht gleichzeitig eine Erhohung des cAMP-Gehaltes.
Performance of Repetitive Tasks Induces Decreased Grip Strength and Increased Fibrogenic Proteins in Skeletal Muscle: Role of Force and Inflammation

Background This study elucidates exposure-response relationships between performance of repetitive tasks, grip strength declines, and fibrogenic-related protein changes in muscles, and their link to inflammation. Specifically, we examined forearm flexor digitorum muscles for changes in connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; a matrix protein associated with fibrosis), collagen type I (Col1; a matrix component), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1; an upstream modulator of CTGF and collagen), in rats performing one of two repetitive tasks, with or without anti-inflammatory drugs. Methodology/Results To examine the roles of force versus repetition, rats performed either a high repetition negligible force food retrieval task (HRNF), or a high repetition high force handle-pulling task (HRHF), for up to 9 weeks, with results compared to trained only (TR-NF or TR-HF) and normal control rats. Grip strength declined with both tasks, with the greatest declines in 9-week HRHF rats. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses of HRNF muscles showed increased expression of Col1 in weeks 3–9, and CTGF in weeks 6 and 9. Immunohistochemistry confirmed PCR results, and also showed greater increases of CTGF and collagen matrix in 9-week HRHF rats than 9-week HRNF rats. ELISA, and immunohistochemistry revealed greater increases of TGFB1 in TR-HF and 6-week HRHF, compared to 6-week HRNF rats. To examine the role of inflammation, results from 6-week HRHF rats were compared to rats receiving ibuprofen or anti-TNF-α treatment in HRHF weeks 4–6. Both treatments attenuated HRHF-induced increases in CTGF and fibrosis by 6 weeks of task performance. Ibuprofen attenuated TGFB1 increases and grip strength declines, matching our prior results with anti-TNFα. Conclusions/Significance Performance of highly repetitive tasks was associated with force-dependent declines in grip strength and increased fibrogenic-related proteins in flexor digitorum muscles. These changes were attenuated, at least short-term, by anti-inflammatory treatments.
On the Behavior of Certain Maximum Likelihood Estimators from Large, Randomly Censored Samples

Abstract In the case the survival distribution of a life length X is of the form ln[1 - Fx (x)] = -αQ(βx) for x > 0, where the hazard function Q is known but α or β or both are unknown, the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators of the shape and scale parameters is found for large randomly censored samples. The covariance matrix of is expressed in terms of the distribution of the random variable that can be observed, namely, Y = min(X, T); here T is the random censoring time independent of X. Sufficient conditions are found (such as T having only finite support) to ensure that the estimates are strongly consistent and asymptotically normal. Application is made to decreasing hazard rate distributions.
Changes in Hemoglobin Level Distribution in US Dialysis Patients From June 2006 to November 2008

Background Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have had a positive effect on anemia treatment in dialysis patients. However, several events in recent years, including new clinical study results, ESA product label revisions, and coverage and reimbursement policy changes, have had an impact on ESA dosing patterns and consequently on hemoglobin (Hb) distribution characteristics in this patient population. Study Design Retrospective observational study using patient-level data from ∼87% of dialysis centers in the United States. Setting & Participants Dialysis patients who were receiving outpatient care at dialysis facilities during June 2006-November 2008 were included in this study. Predictor Recent events affecting ESA treatment practice patterns in US dialysis patients. Outcomes & Measurements Hb level distribution. Results Mean Hb level decreased by 0.37 g/dL during the indicated period. Additionally, standard deviation (SD) of the Hb level distribution decreased by 0.14 g/dL and skewness increased by −0.10. Hb measurements in specific ranges changed as follows: >12 g/dL, decreased by 11.3 percentage points;10-12 g/dL, increased by 9.4 percentage points; and 13 g/dL for ≥3 months decreased by 2.9 percentage points. Limitations Potential bias in dialysis center selection and lack of information for patient characteristics. Conclusions Recent events affecting ESA use in dialysis patients have had the desired effect of increasing the proportion of Hb measurements within the US Food and Drug Administration recommended target range of 10-12 g/dL and decreasing the proportion of Hb measurements >12 g/dL. However, the proportion of Hb measurements 12 g/dL range need to be considered, together with risks of having low Hb levels.
An Intraseasonal Prediction Model of Atlantic and East Pacific Tropical Cyclone Genesis

AbstractA real-time statistical model based on the work of Leroy and Wheeler is developed via multiple logistic regression to predict weekly tropical cyclone activity over the Atlantic and east Pacific basins. The predictors used in the model include a climatology of tropical cyclone genesis for each ocean basin, an El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index, and two indices representing the propagating Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO). The Atlantic model also includes a predictor representing the variability of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Main Development Region (MDR). These predictors are suggested as useful for the prediction of tropical cyclogenesis based on previous work in the literature and are further confirmed in this study using basic statistics. Univariate logistic regression models are generated for each predictor in each region to ensure the choice of prediction scheme. Using all predictors, cross-validated hindcasts are developed out to a seven-week forecast lead. A formal stepwise pr...
Diffusion zone process a new method for growing crystals

The diffusion zone process, which is a new method for growing crystals from solutions, is described. This method essentially consists in the preparation of a solution of the solute from which crystals are to be grown in a suitable solvent and in the diffusion of a second solvent (in which solute is less soluble than in the first mentioned solvent), into the original solution through a semipermeable membrane. Aqueous, organic solvent, and melted salt solutions may be used for the purpose. The method is versatile and often leads to results where ordinary methods fail to produce crystals of appreciable size. Cases in point are carotenoid pigments and the transition metal complex amines which may be grown to centimeter sizes using the diffusion zone process. Der Diffusionszonenprozes, eine neue Methode zur Zuchtung von Kristallen aus Losungen, wird beschrieben. Diese Methode besteht in der Hauptsache in der Vorbereitung einer Losung der Substanz, von der Groskristalle erzeugt werden sollen, in einem geeigneten ersten Losungsmittel. In einem weiteren Schritt wird ein zweites Losungsmittel, in dem die Substanz weniger loslich ist als im ersten, in die ursprungliche Losung durch eine halb-durchlassige Membran eindiffundiert, wobei der Beginn der gewunschten Kristallbildung meist von Keimen an der Membran ausgeht. Wasserige, organische und Salzschmelzen-losungen konnen fur den Zweck Verwendung finden. Die Methode ist vielseitig und fuhrt oft zu Resultaten in Fallen, wo gewohnliche Methoden keine Kristalle von experimentell nutzbarer Grose ergeben. Als Beispiel seien die Karotenoidfarbstoffe und die Uber-gangsmetallaminkomplexe erwahnt, die sich mittels der Diffusionszonenmethode zu zenti-metergrosen Kristallen zuchten lassen.
ARIZONA'S COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Over the past 40 years, Arizona has developed one of the most extensive community college systems in the country. Beginning as junior colleges, today's community college system offers coordinated university articulation, business and industry training, specialized degrees and certificates, distance learning, flexible courses, Internet access, and lifelong learning. With annual general fund expenditures exceeding $344 million in 1994‐1995, 35 community college sites in 12 of the 15 counties provided educational services to more than 300,000 students (headcount). With more than 78,000 full‐time student equivalents annually attending Arizona community colleges, student tuition rates and local financial support for the community colleges has increased in recent years, and state funding has decreased as a percentage of overall budgets. Innovation and high technology are hallmarks of Arizona's community college system, and the system is prepared to face the significant challenges of a changing workforce, an exp...
Protein Kinase B/Akt Prevents Fatty Acid-induced Apoptosis in Pancreatic β-Cells (INS-1)

Free fatty acids (FFA) have been reported to reduce pancreatic beta-cell mitogenesis and to increase apoptosis. Here we show that the FFA, oleic acid, increased apoptosis 16-fold in the pancreatic beta-cell line, INS-1, over a 18-h period as assessed by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining and caspase-3 and -9 activation, with negligible necrosis. A parallel analysis of the phosphorylation activation of protein kinase B (PKB) showed this was reduced in the presence of FFA that correlated with the incidence of apoptosis. At stimulatory 15 mm glucose and/or in the added presence of insulin-like growth factor 1, FFA-induced beta-cell apoptosis was lessened compared with that at a basal 5 mm glucose. However, most strikingly, adenoviral mediated expression of a constitutively active PKB, but not a "kinase-dead" PKB variant, essentially prevented FFA-induced beta-cell apoptosis under all glucose/insulin-like growth factor 1 conditions. Further analysis of pro-apoptotic downstream targets of PKB, implicated a role for PKB-mediated phosphorylation inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha/beta and the forkhead transcription factor, FoxO1, in protection of FFA-induced beta-cell apoptosis. In addition, down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic tumor suppressor protein, p53, via PKB-mediated phosphorylation of MDM2 might also play a role in partially protecting beta-cells from FFA-induced apoptosis. Adenoviral mediated expression of wild type p53 potentiated FFA-induced beta-cell apoptosis, whereas expression of a dominant negative p53 partly inhibited beta-cell apoptosis by approximately 50%. Hence, these data demonstrate that PKB activation plays an important role in promoting pancreatic beta-cell survival in part via inhibition of the pro-apoptotic proteins glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha/beta, FoxO1, and p53. This, in turn, provides novel insight into the mechanisms involved in FFA-induced beta-cell apoptosis.