cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reporting of assignment methods in clinical trials.

Abstract A stratified random sample of the reports of 200 clinical trials, conducted in the 1980s, listed in the February 1991 issue of Controlled Clinical Trials, was reviewed. The four strata were small single-center trials (SST), small multicenter trials (SMT), large single-center trials (LST), and large multicenter trials (LMT). The description of the assignment method in the published reports of the results of the trials was classified into four categories: good description (G), provides details; fair description (F), describes some details; poor description (P), only states that randomization was used; and no description (N). The percentage of good and fair descriptions among the four strata were: SST G F 6 14 SMT G F 6 22 LST G F 20 10 LMT G F 4 22 The proportion of G or F trials is slightly higher in the LST because one third used systematic rather than random assignment, which is easier to describe. Good descriptions usually require only two or three lines of text, and yet the description of the randomization method for most clinical trials is so poor that the reader cannot tell if randomization has been applied properly.
Food Transit Time and Site of Absorption of Nutrients in Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon

AbstractWe determined that the average gastrointestinal tract length of 8–11-month-old Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, a subspecies of Atlantic Sturgeon A. oxyrinchus, was approximately 82% of its fork length. The time required for digesta to pass through the digestive tract was approximately 32 h. Defecation was initiated between 8 and 16 h after feeding. The main site for digestion and absorption of energy, dry matter, and crude protein was the spiral valve region of the intestine, as determined by apparent digestibility coefficients. By the time digesta had reached the lower spiral valve most of the energy, dry matter, and crude protein had been absorbed. Morphological examination of the intestine, including the spiral valve region, revealed a highly developed mucosal surface area, which is essential for efficient nutrient digestion and absorption during the extended period required for the digesta to move through the digestive tract.Received November 19, 2014; accepted January 25...
Nucleotide excision repair of 2-acetylaminofluorene- and 2-aminofluorene-(C8)-guanine adducts: molecular dynamics simulations elucidate how lesion structure and base sequence context impact repair efficiencies

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) efficiencies of DNA lesions can vary by orders of magnitude, for reasons that remain unclear. An example is the pair of N-(2′-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-aminofluorene (dG-C8-AF) and N-(2′-deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-2-acetylaminofluorene (dG-C8-AAF) adducts that differ by a single acetyl group. The NER efficiencies in human HeLa cell extracts of these lesions are significantly different when placed at G1, G2 or G3 in the duplex sequence (5′-CTCG1G2CG3CCATC-3′) containing the NarI mutational hot spot. Furthermore, the dG-C8-AAF adduct is a better substrate of NER than dG-C8-AF in all three NarI sequence contexts. The conformations of each of these adducts were investigated by Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation methods. In the base-displaced conformational family, the greater repair susceptibility of dG-C8-AAF in all sequences stems from steric hindrance effects of the acetyl group which significantly diminish the adduct-base stabilizing van der Waals stacking interactions relative to the dG-C8-AF case. Base sequence context effects for each adduct are caused by differences in helix untwisting and minor groove opening that are derived from the differences in stacking patterns. Overall, the greater NER efficiencies are correlated with greater extents of base sequence-dependent local untwisting and minor groove opening together with weaker stacking interactions.
Prevention of adhesion formation after radical hysterectomy using a sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) barrier: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an adhesion prevention strategy compared to routine care, in which no adhesion prevention measures are taken, through a decision analysis model in the clinical setting of patients undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for Stage IB cervical cancer. Methods. A decision analysis model compared two strategies to manage the risk of adhesion-related morbidity following radical hysterectomy for Stage IB cervical cancer: (1) routine care with no adhesion prevention measures, and (2) the intervention strategy with a HA–CMC anti-adhesion barrier. The cost-effectiveness of each strategy was evaluated from the perspective of society and that of a third party payer. Results. From the perspective of society, the HA–CMC strategy had an overall cost per patient of $1932 and effectiveness of 7.901 QALYs and dominated the routine care strategy, which had a cost per patient of $3043 and effectiveness of 7.805 QALYs. From the perspective of a third party payer, the HA–CMC strategy had an overall cost per patient of $1247 and effectiveness of 7.987 QALYs and dominated the routine care strategy, which had a cost per patient of $1629 and effectiveness of 7.970 QALYs. A series of one-way sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. Conclusions. Under a conservative set of clinical and economic assumptions, an adhesion prevention strategy utilizing a HA–CMC barrier in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy for Stage IB cervical cancer is cost-effective from both the perspective of society as a whole and that of a third party payer.
The reliability of endoscopic examination in assessment of arytenoid cartilage movement in horses. Part I: Subjective and objective laryngeal evaluation.

Videorecordings of the laryngeal activity of 108 unsedated horses were obtained at rest by passing a flexible videoendoscope into the nasopharynx through the right ventral meatus. All videotaped images were reviewed once, and 72 were reviewed twice, by three veterinarians. Laryngeal cartilage movement was assessed subjectively with a five-tier grading system. The mean intraobserver agreement was 83.3% (range, 75.0%-90.2%) with a kappa statistic of .65 to .98. The mean interobserver agreement was 79.0% (range, 70.4%-80.6%) with a kappa statistic of .51 to .90. A computer program was developed to measure the left:right ratio of the rima glottidis. The mean left:right ratio for horses assigned a median laryngeal grade of I was 0.84 (range, 0.55-1.03); for grade II, 0.82 (0.50-1.12); for grade III, 0.59 (0.39-0.91); and for grade IV, 0.24 (0.07-0.35).
Instream flow models for mixed deciduous riparian vegetation within a semiarid region

Empirical evidence from a semiarid watershed of the southwestern United States (Verde River basin, Arizona) indicated that abundance and species richness of mixed deciduous riparian forests varied in a curvilinear and quantifiable fashion as a function of stream flow parameters. Three indicators of riparian abundance—foliage area, stem basal area and stand width—increased most significantly with growing season flow volume, a surrogate indicator of riparian water availability. Tree species richness varied in a bell curve fashion with flood size, with the greatest richness occurring at streams with intermediate flood magnitudes. These instream flow models have management implications for riparian habitats. They suggest that flow volume (and the related attributes of water-table recharge and floodplain soil wetting) is the primary factor regulating riparian vegetation abundance in the Verde River watershed, and provide a first approximation of the extent of riparian loss expected from flow diversion or other types of flow reduction.
Functional significance of cannabinoid-mediated, depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) in the hippocampus.

A number of recent studies have demonstrated that a well-known form of short-term plasticity at hippocampal GABAergic synapses, called depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), is in ...
Predictors of Older Adults’ Personal and Community Mobility: Using a Comprehensive Theoretical Mobility Framework

Purpose of the study Forty-six percent of older adults report limitations in their mobility, and maintaining mobility is considered an important factor in keeping adults independent and active in later life. This study tests a comprehensive theoretical framework of mobility (Webber, S. C., Porter, M. M., & Menec, V. H. [2010]. Mobility in older adults: A comprehensive framework. The Gerontologist, 50[4], 443-450. doi:10.1093/geront/gnq013) identifying multiple determinants that additively influence mobility (financial, psychosocial, environmental, physical, and cognitive), as well as cross-cutting influences of gender, culture, and biography. Design and methods Structural equation modeling was used to examine several models of mobility using data from 6,112 respondents in the Health and Retirement Study (mean age: 74.74, 85% white, 41% male, 57% married). Results The original measurement model fit the data well. When both personal and community mobility were simultaneously predicted, only the physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental determinants were retained in the independent models. Age and marital status also predicted personal and community mobility. Although most of these relationships were in the expected direction, interestingly when both forms of mobility were included in the model, poorer cognitive ability was associated with greater personal mobility in the final model. Implications Results indicate the importance of accounting for and examining comprehensive models of mobility. The factors affecting older adults' mobility are complex, and these relationships need to be explored in more depth to ensure the maintenance of individuals' independence and quality of life.
Estimating the effect of Ge doping on the acoustic damping coefficient via a highly Ge-doped MCVD silica fiber

We estimate the effect of Ge doping on the acoustic damping coefficient of silica fibers. We show that an acoustically multimode fiber with a characteristic central index dip, such as that observed in modified chemical-vapor deposition (MCVD)-type fibers, can provide adequate data for a reasonable estimation. This may result from the fact that the scattering integral of each acoustic mode in such a waveguide is strongly position-dependent in the radial direction where there is a varying Ge content.
Regulation of estrogen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in rat hypothalamus by sex steroid hormones

Sex steroid hormone receptors are thought to mediate the actions of their respective hormones by functioning as ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors that alter the expression of specific sets of hormone-responsive genes. Particularly high densities of estrogen receptor (ER)-containing neurons are located in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) and ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus (VMHvl) of the hypothalamus, and these cell groups are thought to play key roles in the neuroendocrine control of reproductive function. Thus, hormonal regulation of ER gene expression in ARH and VMHvl neurons represents a direct mechanism by which circulating sex steroids could affect the responsiveness of these neurons to hormonal activation. We used in situ hybridization histochemistry to evaluate the influence of estradiol and testosterone on levels of ER mRNA within the ARH and VMHvl of adult male and female rats. In female rats, estradiol treatment reduced levels of ER mRNA in the ARH and VMHvl within 24 h relative to levels in both ovariectomized control animals and intact estrous females. Comparable results were obtained in male rats, except that testosterone did not significantly attenuate ER mRNA hybridization in the VMHvl until after 3 days of hormone treatment, and only a minor decrease was noted in the ARH, which was not statistically significant. In both male and female animals, the overall density of labeling found over individual cells in emulsion-dipped autoradiograms was consistently lower in hormone-treated animals compared with that over cells in gonadectomized controls, suggesting that the observed decreases in ER mRNA hybridization measured over the ARH and VMHvl are due to changes in cellular levels of ER mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor is coordinately regulated by the activin-like kinase receptors 1 and 5 in endothelial cells.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is tightly regulated to achieve normal angiogenesis. The objective was to examine regulation of VEGF by the activin-like kinase receptors (ALKs) ALK1 and ALK5. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) enhanced and suppressed VEGF expression, respectively, in aortic endothelial cells, as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, cell proliferation, and tube formation. The use of small interfering RNA revealed that TGFβ1 stimulated VEGF expression by activating ALK5, TGFβ type II receptor, and SMAD2, whereas BMP-9 suppressed it by activating ALK1, BMP type II receptor, and SMAD1. ALK1 signaling occurred independently of ALK5 activity. Partial ALK1 deficiency in vitro and in vivo resulted in elevated VEGF expression. In vitro, increased BMP-9 levels normalized VEGF expression in cells with partial, but not severe, ALK1 deficiency. Time course experiments revealed that an increase in ALK1 expression induced by BMP-4, an angiogenic stimulus, preceded induction of ALK5 and VEGF in control cells. In ALK1-deficient cells, however, VEGF expression occurred earlier and was abnormally high, even though ALK5 was not induced. Our results suggest that ALK1 and ALK5 are both essential for correct regulation of VEGF, and that disruption of either pathway leads to disease.
The Cost of Recovering Uranium from Seawater by a Braided Polymer Adsorbent System

This article provides an independent cost estimate for uranium production from seawater through the braid-type adsorbent recovery system proposed by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Production costs were developed with standard engineering cost estimation techniques using vendor data and plant design and operational data. The analysis includes life cycle discounted cash flows, economies of scale, and propagation of uncertainties. A reference case based on the Japan Atomic Energy Agency assessment, with a fresh adsorbent capacity of 2 kgU/t ads and 6 recycles, yielded a production cost of $1230/kg uranium with a 95 percent confidence interval of [$1030/kg U, $1430/kg U] when component cost uncertainties alone were considered. Sensitivity studies confirmed that adsorbent capacity, number of recycles, and capacity degradation are major cost drivers. If capacity and number of recycles increases to 6 kg U/t ads and 20, respectively, with no degradation and unchanged adsorbent production costs, the uraniu...
The current excitement in bioinformatics-analysis of whole-genome expression data: how does it relate to protein structure and function?

Whole-genome expression profiles provide a rich new datatrove for bioinformatics. Initial analyses of the profiles have included clustering and cross-referencing to ‘external’ information on protein structure and function. Expression profile clusters do relate to protein function, but the correlation is not perfect, with the discrepancies partially resulting from the difficulty in consistently defining function. Other attributes of proteins can also be related to expression — in particular, structure and localization — and sometimes show a clearer relationship than function.
Bringing Biology Back In: The Unresolved Issue of “Epigenesis” in Kant

Epigenesis has become a far more exciting issue in Kant studies recently, especially with the publication of Jennifer Mensch’s Kant’ Organicism. In my commentary, I propose to clarify my own position on epigenesis relative to that of Mensch by once again considering the discourse of epigenesis in the wider eighteenth century. In order to situate more precisely what Kant made of it in his own thought, I distinguish the metaphysical use Kant made of epigenesis from his rejection of its aptness as a theory for life science. In that light, I raise questions about the scope and authority of philosophy vis a vis natural science.
Single photon emission from spatially controlled periodic arrays of II-VI quantum dots

We have developed a means of spatially organizing II-VI colloidal quantum dots into periodically patterned templates with high accuracy. Individual quantum dots are readily accessible by photoexcitation and show single photon emission with antibunching characteristics.
Research on Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Virus: The Way Forward

The voluntary moratorium on gain-of-function research related to the transmissibility of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus should continue, pending the resolution of critical policy questions concerning the rationale for performing such experiments and how best to report their results. The potential benefits and risks of these experiments must be discussed and understood by multiple stakeholders, including the general public, and all decisions regarding such research must be made in a transparent manner.
Toward Radicalizing Community Service Learning

This article advocates a radicalized theoretical construction of community service learning. To accomplish this radicalization, I initially take up a discussion of traditional understandings of CSL rooted in pragmatic/progressive thought. I then suggest that this traditional structural foundation can be radicalized by incorporating Deborah Britzman's (1998) “difficult knowledge” and Cornell West's (1989) historic catastrophe into that traditional structure. In conclusion, I discuss the implications that such a radicalized understanding of CSL entails.
Acute tolerance to clonidine hypotension and bradycardia in normotensive and hypertensive rats.

Tolerance to the antihypertensive effect of clonidine has been observed in humans but there are few studies showing either acute or chronic tolerance to clonidine hypotension in experimental animals. We determined whether tachyphylaxis to acute clonidine hypotension could be demonstrated in normotensive Sprague Dawley rats by i.v. injections of 2 repetitive clonidine doses of either 1.5, 3.0, 5.0, or 10.0 micrograms/kg, or in SHR rats by repeated intracerebroventricular injections of 1.5 or 3.0 micrograms/kg, while monitoring arterial blood pressure. Second doses of clonidine were given 30 minutes after recovery of arterial pressure from the first dose. At 3.0 micrograms/kg and greater, the hypotension produced by the second dose was at least 50% less than that elicited by the first dose. By contrast, no acute tachyphylaxis was observed to the decrease in tension caused by clonidine in the transmurally stimulated isolated guinea pig ileum after 2 repeated exposures to clonidine, with intervening wash, at concentrations between 5 X 10(-10) M to 5 X 10(-8) M. Also, no tachyphylaxis occurred to the initial hypertensive phase of clonidine in Sprague Dawley rats.
ISOZYME VARIATION WITHIN AND AMONG HOST-SPECIALIZED VARIETIES OF LEPTOGRAPHIUM WAGENERI

Isozyme variation of 76 isolates representing the three taxonomic varieties of Leptographium wageneri was studied using starch gel electrophoresis. Of 21 enzymes tested, 10 were polymorphic, having from two to six electromorphs. Only 14 combinations (electrophoretic types) of the 29 electromorphs of the polymorphic enzymes were found, each restricted to a single variety. Within each variety, one electrophoretic type was abundant and broadly distributed, and populations of additional types were geographically isolated or restricted. Ordination of genetic distances (D) among the electrophoretic types revealed three non-overlapping, well separated clusters that corresponded to the three varieties. Gene diversity (H) in each variety was low (0.017 to 0.040), but genetic differentiation between varieties was high, with a coefficient of gene differentiation (GST) for the species of 0.860. These results suggest that the designation of the three host-specialized, morphologic variants as varieties is justified and suggest the rarity or lack of genetic recombination in nature.
Muscle fat utilization during exercise: controversial only methodologically.

The following is the abstract of the article discussed in the subsequent letter: Intramuscular triacylglyerols (IMTGs) represent a potentially important energy source for contracting human skeletal muscle. Although the majority of evidence from isotope tracer and 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy
The UW-PTMS

The University of Washington Penning Trap Mass Spectrometer (UW-PTMS) is now producing measurements with uncertainties approaching 10 parts per trillion (ppt). We have recently published (Van Dyck, Jr. et al., Int. J. Mass Spectrom. 251:231-242, 2006) detailed analysis of several systematic shifts which can be important at this level of accuracy. Experimental studies of these effects in our older PTMS, combined with preliminary analysis of 2H data, and re-analysis of the previously reported 4He (Van Dyck, Jr. et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 92:220802/1, 2004) and 16O (Van Dyck, Jr. et al., Hyperfine Interact. 132:163-175, 2001) data, gives more accurate atomic mass values for 16O, 4He, and 2H. Currently we are taking data for a new measurement of the 3He atomic mass, and working on some improvements to the PTMS, including a new amplifier system for phase-sensitive detection of the ion’s axial motion, and a new computer-controlled ultra-stable voltage source for the Penning trap’s ring electrode, used to adjust the ion’s axial frequency. These new systems will allow us to simultaneously manipulate individual ions in two nearby Penning traps, and some sources of noise will be the same for both traps. We plan to investigate several techniques which should reduce measurement time and improve accuracy by working with the two ions simultaneously.
Economic Diversification: Case Study of the Kingdom of Bahrain

The global financial and economic crises exposed one of the major weaknesses of a Bahrain and its reliance on too few export commodities and one or two sectors. Such dependence makes Bahrain vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and demand. The purpose of this study looks at how the government of Bahrain can diversify its economy and analyze Bahrain’s economic diversification profiles in particular. The paper begins by examining some of the major determinants of diversification and will also look at how the private sector plays a key role by being at the forefront of innovation, research and development and production. Good governance is needed to create an enabling environment for investment and trade; to manage natural resources; and to set policies to develop strategic sectors. A regional approach to economic diversification is particularly important, especially given the small size of Bahrain’s economy and the benefits of economies of scale from regional initiatives. Lastly, infrastructure and human resources help to facilitate trade, productivity and innovation and are key drivers of diversification. Diversifying the Bahrain economy is not an easy task. One of the key challenges is how to overcome over-specialization. The country has a developed systems and know-how in oil and gas sector but may find it difficult to transfer these to other sectors and activities. Also, significant trade barriers exist and Bahraini firms may not be able to compete against their peers in other parts of the world because of a lack of access to finance, administrative hurdles, weak productive capacities, and other impediments to competitiveness. These challenges need to be addressed if diversification efforts are to gain traction. The study is important because when the financial crisis hit, it affected the economies of almost all countries worldwide. In this crisis however, the countries with a poor economic diversification suffered more than those where they have a relatively well diversified economy. It is therefore important for an emerging country like Bahrain, although relatively wealthy, to diversify its economy.
Clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular outcomes in a series of 66 patients with Pierre Robin sequence and literature review: 22q11.2 deletion is less common than other chromosomal anomalies

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is an important craniofacial anomaly that can be seen as an isolated finding or manifestation of multiple syndromes. 22q11.2 deletion and Stickler syndrome are cited as the two most common conditions associated with PRS, but their frequencies are debated. We performed a retrospective study of 66 patients with PRS and reviewed their genetic testing, diagnoses, and clinical findings. The case series is complemented by a comprehensive literature review of the nature and frequency of genetic diagnosis in PRS. In our cohort 65% of patients had associated anomalies; of these, a genetic diagnosis was established in 56%. Stickler syndrome was the most common diagnosis, comprising approximately 11% of all cases, followed by Treacher Collins syndrome (9%). The frequency of 22q11.2 deletion was 1.5%. Chromosome arrays, performed for 72% of idiopathic PRS with associated anomalies, revealed two cases of 18q22→qter deletion, a region not previously reported in association with PRS. A review of the cytogenetic anomalies identified in this population supports an association between the 4q33-qter, 17q24.3, 2q33.1, and 11q23 chromosomal loci and PRS. We found a low frequency of 22q11.2 deletion in PRS, suggesting it is less commonly implicated in this malformation. Our data also indicate a higher frequency of cytogenetic anomalies in PRS patients with associated anomalies, and a potential new link with the 18q22→qter locus. The present findings underscore the utility of chromosomal microarrays in cases of PRS with associated anomalies and suggest that delaying testing for apparently isolated cases should be considered.
Scaling Instability in Buckling of Axially Compressed Cylindrical Shells

In this paper, we continue the development of mathematically rigorous theory of “near-flip” buckling of slender bodies of arbitrary geometry, based on hyperelasticity. In order to showcase the capabilities of this theory, we apply it to buckling of axially compressed circular cylindrical shells. The theory confirms the classical formula for the buckling load, whereby the perfect structure buckles at the stress that scales as the first power of shell’s thickness. However, in the case of imperfections of load, the theory predicts scaling instability of the buckling stress. Depending on the type of load imperfections, buckling may occur at stresses that scale as thickness to the power 1.5 or 1.25, corresponding to the lower and upper ends, respectively, of the historically accumulated experimental data.
Connected environments

Can new interfaces contribute to social and environmental improvement? For all the care, wit and brilliance that UIST innovations can contribute, can they actually make things better - better in the sense of public good - not merely lead to easier to use or more efficient consumer goods? This talk will explore the impact of interface technology on society and the environment, and examine engineered systems that invite participation, document change over time, and suggest alternative courses of action that are ethical and sustainable, drawing on examples from a diverse series of experimental designs and site-specific work Natalie has created throughout her career.
Looking at algae with Foldscopes

My peers and I in CSUMB’s Marine Ecological Systems class were fortunate enough to receive Foldscopes. These little tools aren’t just fun to look at–they’re fun to use! It takes a little trial and error to get used to them. After folding it up in class, I went home and tried familiarizing myself with the scope by looking at a few easily accessible objects under the lens (like a strand of my hair, grains of salt, and an ant sacrificed in the name of science). At first, I was struggling and couldn’t see anything too clearly. I then realized I had my lens plate in the wrong way (figure 1). After flipping the plate around I was able to see objects in better detail (figure 2). There are plenty of ways to use and customize these Foldscopes. As you familiarize yourself with it, you learn more about what works and what is the best way for you to use your scope BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Musculoskeletal injury review in the U.S. space program.

Astronauts in NASA's space program are expected to remain fit to complete their on-orbit tasks and to function effectively in the event of contingency operations. Due to the generally self-directed exercise program and reliance on competitive sports and running for conditioning, plus limited emphasis on training techniques and rehabilitation, there have been a surprising number of orthopedic injuries and surgeries in this small adult population. This article examines the orthopedic injury history of U.S. astronauts during the period from 1987-95. The type of injury, activity involved, and subsequent surgical interventions are cataloged. There were a total of 26 fractures, 36 serious ligament, cartilage, or soft tissue injuries, and 28 orthopedic surgical procedures in this adult group with a mean astronaut corps size of only 94. Women accounted for 16% of the study population but accounted for only 1 of 28 surgical procedures. Knee injuries required surgical intervention 19 times. Running, skiing, and basketball were most frequently associated with injuries. The descriptive data regarding frequency of adverse events and activity associated with injuries is presented. These injury patterns are analyzed and suggestions made for future improvement, including decreased reliance on running and competitive athletics for conditioning, improved personal fitness training preflight, and coordinated rehabilitation postflight. Also recommended is the use of a lap pool for preflight total body fitness training, since swimming provides conditioning to those muscle groups used during spaceflight, and for variably weighted gravity rehabilitation postflight.
Polyolefin-supported recoverable/reusable Cr(III)-salen catalysts.

The design of functional soluble polyolefins for use as supports for salen ligands and metal complexes is described. Examples and applications that use both polyisobutylene (PIB)- and polyethylene (PEOlig)-bound recoverable/recyclable salen ligands/metal complexes are detailed. In the case of using PIB as a support, the polymer-bound complexes can be recovered through the use of latent biphasic or a thermomorphic mixed solvent systems. In the case of PEOlig-supported complexes, the thermomorphic PEOlig-bound salen species can be dissolved in “hot” solvents and quantitatively recovered as solids upon cooling to room temperature. Both the PIB- and PEOlig-bound salen catalysts were shown to catalyze the ring-opening of epoxides with various nucleophiles. Both sorts of polyolefin-bound catalysts can be recycled and reused with no observed loss in activity. However, limitations of catalyst concentration make chiral versions of these complexes uncompetitive in comparison to conventional chiral salen catalysts t...
A school-based counseling program for parents of learning disabled children using paraprofessional co-counselors.

This study evaluated counseling groups held in four public schools for parents of learning disabled children utilizing parents of exceptional children as paraprofessional co-counselors. The counseling groups were evaluated using 13 of the 23 participating parents for whom data were available. Control groups were formed on a post hoc basis by matching for family education. Parents who participated in the counseling increased the frequency of their visits with their children's teachers subsequent to initiation of the counseling groups, but no other improvements were found.
Gap junction communication in alveolar epithelial cells.

functional integrity of the lungrequires maintenance of a tissue architecture specialized to optimize diffusion of gas between the alveolar lumen and pulmonary capillary blood. Efficiency of gas exchange in the alveolar region reflects evolution of a highly conserved diffusion barrier with a large
OpenSees-based Numerical Implementation of Beam-to-Beam Impact Behavior of Concrete Structures Subjected to Strong Earthquakes

Most investigations on progressive collapse analysis of structures subjected to extreme actions cannot modify analytical model according to real-time damage evolution status,and various impact processes caused by failed structural components during progressive collapse cannot be considered as well. Such issues associated with impact are truly crucial in numerically predicting structural responses during progressive collapse analysis. According to the beam-to-beam impact mechanism developed for reinforced concrete frame structures,impact force-time history is determined by using Matlab language and then is incorporated into OpenSees platform to modify structural model. The effect of beam-to-beam impact behavior on the responses of RC concrete frame structures excited by strong earthquakes can be reasonably reflected. The results of these procedures are compared with those from conventional time history analysis for an example RC frame. It can be concluded that the incorporation of Matlab and OpenSees Tcl language can compute impact force time history and modify structural model in real-time. With the consideration of beam-to-beam impact and progressive failure of components,the horizontal displacement and rotation of the structure increase while the vertical displacement decreases to some extent.
Reliability Test of Deal-Proneness Measures: Some Preliminary Findings

Reliability of five measures of deal-proneness was investigated using facial tissue purchase records of over 200 households from the Chicago Tribune Panel. Data were classified into three groups each representing one year’s purchase history. Examination of test-retest reliability of the five measures indicated that most of the measures have a low degree of reliability. The tests of convergent validity indicated that the five measures had a high degree of similarity.
Prognosis and Treatment of Headaches

The prognosis and methods of coping with headaches were studied by telephone interview in 98 children followed for 10 years after diagnosis at the Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University and Children’s Hospital, Halifax, Canada.
Voices Less Heard

ABSTRACT Asthe HIV infectionrate among African American women steadily increases, the body of research focusing on the lives, health, and concerns of HIV-positive African American women remains insufficient. Through primarily qualitative techniques, this study aims to gain insight into the health issues and concerns of HIV-positive African American women. Focus groups with small numbers of HIV-positive African American women were conducted to understand what factors strengthen and weaken medication adherence for women, determine what women's needs are about these issues, and to find out how medical community and service providers can help meet women's needs about adherence. Results from a series of face-to-face interviews with 98 HIV-positive African American women provided insightson how women with HIV and AIDS take care of themselves, and to what extent various life experiences and events influence self-care and adherence. Focus group findings identified factors that weaken and strengthen current medica...
The Turn-of-The-Quarter Effect in Momentum and Reversal in U.S. Stocks: Price Pressure as the Result of Tax-Loss Sales and Window Dressing

Active managers have strong incentives to concurrently realize tax losses and window dress portfolios at the ends of calendar quarters. Consequently, stocks with capital losses experience downward price pressure, and a large share of returns to momentum strategies is earned at these times. This turn-of-the-quarter effect is absent prior to 1983, and is strong in big stocks afterward. Price pressure appears as: abnormal returns in factor model regressions, significant return responses in Fama-MacBeth cross-sectional regressions, and trends in cumulative abnormal daily returns. While price pressure in December creates return reversals in January, quarter-end price pressure continues into the following month.
The price tag of economic development incentives: is it too small for citizens to care?

This article explores the impact of property tax abatements on tax rates. Using the case study approach, the research uses data from Monroe County, Indiana, and finds that the impact of abatements on tax rates is negligible. The method consists essentially of calculating the difference between actual tax rates and hypothetical tax rates assuming abatement are not awarded. The results suggest that public officials may see in abatements a symbolic and relatively harmless policy tool for purposes of garnering political support from businesses and citizens. The article discusses these findings in light of current law suits brought against prominent abatement programs.
An economics strategy for criticality – Application to rare earth element Yttrium in new lighting technology and its sustainable availability

Abstract In the sustainability of the US economy to restrictions in the supply of various rare earth elements (REEs) have been of great concern over the last decade. This research examines the “criticality” of Yttrium, the most commonly used rare earth element in new lighting technology, wind turbine additive, and other renewables for a sustainable society. Criticality depends on source's supply, relevant uses, and substitutes. Yttrium currently comes largely from only a few areas in south China, increasing the resulting economic vulnerability in short term. In the medium term, however, the supply threat for Yttrium may decrease as more sources become available. In south China, which is the major source of world Yttrium supply, Yttrium is produced with other REEs. As Yttrium's content is high in the ion adsorption clays in south China, its supply is not likely to be disturbed by price changes of other co-products. In north China (Baiyun Ebo), where the content of Yttrium is lower, rare earth elements are usually produced as by-product of iron. Meanwhile, Yttrium production causes a variety of environmental/sustainability issues, making the supply stream vulnerable to more stringent environmental politics. Yttrium is employed in a variety of uses, and difficult to replace in compact fluorescent lights (CFL) as phosphor, and other renewable energy such as additives in wind turbine. The short-run high demand for CFLs increases the criticality of Yttrium. In the longer term, however, the demand for CFLs is expected to fall.
Predicting and replacing the pathological Gleason grade with automated gland ring morphometric features from immunofluorescent prostate cancer images

The Gleason grade is the most common architectural and morphological assessment of prostate cancer severity and prognosis. There have been numerous algorithms developed to approximate and duplicate the Gleason scoring system, mostly developed in standard H&E brightfield microscopy. Immunofluorescence (IF) image analysis of tissue pathology has recently been proven to be robust in developing prognostic assessments of disease, particularly in prostate cancer. We leverage a method of segmenting gland rings in IF images for predicting the pathological Gleason, both the clinical and the image specific grades, which may not necessarily be the same. We combine these measures with nuclear specific characteristics. In 324 images from 324 patients, our individual features correlate well univariately with the Gleason grades and in a multivariate setting have an accuracy of 85% in predicting the Gleason grade. Additionally, these features correlate strongly with clinical progression outcomes [concordance index (CI) of 0.89], significantly outperforming the clinical Gleason grades (CI of 0.78). Finally, in multivariate models for multiple prostate cancer progression endpoints, replacing the Gleason with these features results in equivalent or improved performances. This work presents the first assessment of morphological gland unit features from IF images for predicting the Gleason grade, and even replacing it in prostate cancer prognostics.
Shearing Flows of Granular Materials

We study the shearing flow behavior of granular materials, using a theory based on one proposed by Goodman and Cowin in 1971. Solutions to the equations of motion are presented for the problem of shear flow between two paralled plates. The results show in some cases the narrow, dilatant shear zones observed experimentally and in certain geological processes.
Bridging mechanisms in multiethnic communities: Place-based communication, neighborhood belonging, and intergroup relations

ABSTRACTUsing communication infrastructure theory (CIT), this study examines how place-based communication, including neighborhood interpersonal discussion, geo-ethnic media, and local organizations, may have the potential to promote multiethnic intergroup relations through forging a sense of neighborhood belonging. Based on survey data consisting of 405 diverse community members, this study employs structural equation modeling to test the relationships among residents’ connection to place-based communication, their level of neighborhood belonging, out-group contact frequency, and perceived interaction quality across six interethnic dyads. Findings suggest that place-based communication does impact multiethnic intergroup interaction, but the direction and magnitude of such effects diverge along ethnic lines.
Amino acid modulation of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens mediates sex differences in nicotine withdrawal.

The aversive effect of nicotine withdrawal is greater in female versus male rats, and we postulate that this sex difference is mediated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Nicotine withdrawal induces decreases in NAc dopamine and increases in acetylcholine (ACh) levels in male rats. To our knowledge, these neurochemical markers of nicotine withdrawal have not been compared in female versus male rats. Given the role of amino acids in modulating NAc dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission, concomitant measures of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate levels were also compared across sex. Rats received continuous nicotine exposure for 14 days, and then NAc dialysate was collected during baseline and following administration of the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine to precipitate withdrawal. Chronic nicotine exposure was associated with larger increases in baseline dopamine, GABA and glutamate levels in the NAc of female versus male rats, whereas baseline ACh was only increased in male rats. During withdrawal, both sexes displayed equivalent increases in NAc ACh levels. As expected, male rats displayed decreases in dopamine, coupled with increases in GABA and decreases in glutamate levels, suggesting the possibility of increased inhibitory tone in the NAc during withdrawal. Relative to males, female rats displayed larger decreases in NAc dopamine and related increases in GABAergic transmission. As female rats also showed elevated glutamate levels that persist during withdrawal, it is suggested that sex differences may arise from increased glutamatergic drive of inhibitory tone in the NAc. The findings provide a potential mechanism whereby the aversive effects of nicotine withdrawal are enhanced in female rats.
What is the Optimum Duration of Tamoxifen Adjuvant Therapy?: More studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of tamoxifen treatment in patients with node-positive breast cancer.

Finally, there are fascinating biologic reasons to address this issue further. In essence, our understanding of the mechanism of action of tamoxifen and other hormonal agents is changing. Initial theories suggested these agent were cytostatic and essentially acted by "freezing" cells in the early G1 phase of the cell cycle. Thus, it was logical to hypothesize that it may be necessary to administer adjuvant tamoxifen indefinitely to keep the breast cancer cell frozen in the early G 1 phase to prevent tumor
Understanding system specifications written in natural language

This paper describes research in understanding system specifications written in natural language. This research involves the implementation of a natural language interface, PHRANSPAN, for specifying the abstract behavior of digital systems in restricted English text. A neutral formal representation for the behavior is described using the USC Design Data Structure. A small set of concepts that characterize digital system behavior are presented using this representation. An intermediate representation loosely based on Conceptual Dependency is presented. Its use with a semantic-based parser to translate from English to the formal representation is illustrated by examples.
CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS CONSIDERING DESTINATION THERAPY LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE AND A SHARED DECISION-MAKING INTERVENTION: CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES IN THE DECIDE-LVAD TRIAL

A dedicated caregiver is required for patients considering a left ventricular assist device as destination therapy (DT LVAD); thus, caregivers are integral to the decision-making process. There is little known about this caregiver population. We conducted a 6-center, stepped-wedge trial. After
Midwest agriculture and ENSO: A comparison of AVHRR NDVI3g data and crop yields in the United States Corn Belt from 1982 to 2014

Abstract A time series of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data were compared to National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) corn yield data in the United States Corn Belt from 1982 to 2014. The main objectives of the comparison were to assess 1) the consistency of regional Corn Belt responses to El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection signals, and 2) the reliability of using NDVI as an indicator of crop yield. Regional NDVI values were used to model a seasonal curve and to define the growing season — May to October. Seasonal conditions in each county were represented by NDVI and land surface temperature (LST) composites, and corn yield was represented by average annual bushels produced per acre. Correlation analysis between the NDVI, LST, corn yield, and equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies revealed patterns in land surface dynamics and corn yield, as well as typical impacts of ENSO episodes. It was observed from the study that growing seasons coincident with La Nina events were consistently warmer, but El Nino events did not consistently impact NDVI, temperature, or corn yield data. Moreover, the El Nino and La Nina composite images suggest that impacts vary spatially across the Corn Belt. While corn is the dominant crop in the region, some inconsistencies between corn yield and NDVI may be attributed to soy crops and other background interference. The overall correlation between the total growing season NDVI anomaly and detrended corn yield was 0.61(p = 0.00013), though the strength of the relationship varies across the Corn Belt.
The Intestinal Phosphate Transport under Condition of Experimental Hypercalcemia

The progress in knowledge about Vitamin D metabolism and mechanisms of its action in the last ten years has brought us to the formulation of several questions about hormonal factors involved in phosphate transport mechanisms, phosphate homeostasis and phosphate homeostasis hormonal regulation. Beside broadly described phosphaturic effect of parathyroid hormone also active metabolite of Vitamin D3, 1,25 (OH)2D3, in serum phosphate homeostasis recently has been suggested as an important factor /1/.