cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinal transplants into the anterior chamber of the rat eye.

Developing retinas from 13-18-day fetuses and 2-day neonatal Long-Evans rats transplanted into the anterior chamber of adult eyes of the same or different strain (Lewis) survive and differentiate. Light and electron microscopic studies show that the transplants undergo histogenetic differentiation, resulting in the development of neurons and Muller glial cells and formation of nuclear and plexiform layers. Vascular connections develop between the host iris and the retinal transplant. Vessels and nerves, presumably of iridal origin, were seen on the surface of some transplants. Possible manifestations of graft rejection were monitored; signs of tissue rejection in transplants performed in the Long-Evans rats, an outbred strain, were rare and if present they were mild, at least during the survival periods of up to 91 days allowed in these experiments. Transplants into the eyes of Lewis rats were also well tolerated during the survival period. These observations indicate that retinal transplantation to the adult eye of a genetically different host can be successfully achieved and that both embryonic and perinatal retinas are suitable as donor tissue for ocular transplants. The procedure offers ample opportunities for the study of problems related to retinal plasticity.
Irreversible binding of [3H] (−) N-chloroethylnorapomorphine to mammalian brain tissue

A proposed dopamine (DA) receptor labeling agent, [3H](-)N-chloroethylnorapomorphine (3H-NCA) underwent relatively little chemical change at 25 degrees C and pH 6.4 up to an hour of incubation. At low (nM) concentrations it bound rapidly and avidly to a membrane preparation of calf caudate nucleus, but the binding did not saturate over two hours of incubation or at ligand concentrations between 0.2 nM and 10 microM. While similarly bound [3H]-(-)apomorphine was rapidly displaced by DA and other agents that interact with DA receptors, 3H-NCA could not be displaced by unlabeled DA, apomorphine and (+)butaclamol, nor by denaturation of the tissue with trichloracetic acid (TCA). There was no evidence of selectivity of binding of 3H-NCA in regions of rat brain, and binding occurred even to TCA-denatured caudate tissue. Catechol-aporphines prevented binding of 3H-NCA to calf caudate membranes by up to 30%, but this effect was not stereoselective and was lost at concentrations of 3H-NCA above 100 nM. In contrast, DA and ADTN as well as neuroleptics and adrenergic agonists had no such effect. The results suggest that while 3H-NCA may bind irreversibly, and possibly covalently, it does not have high selectivity for labeling dopamine D-3 or D-2 receptor sites, but may be partially selective for an aporphine binding site.
Robot navigation in very cluttered environments by preference-based fuzzy behaviors

One of the key challenges in application of Autonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) is navigation in environments that are densely cluttered with obstacles. The control task becomes more complex when the configuration of obstacles is not known a priori. The most popular control methods for such systems are based on reactive local navigation schemes that tightly couple the robot actions to the sensor information. Because of the environmental uncertainties, fuzzy behavior systems have been proposed. The most difficult problem in applying fuzzy-reactive-behavior-based navigation control systems is that of arbitrating or fusing the reactions of the individual behaviors, which is addressed here by the use of preference logic. This paper presents the design of a preference-based fuzzy behavior system for navigation control of robotic vehicles using the multivalued logic framework. As shown in simulation and experimental results, the proposed method allows the robot to smoothly and effectively navigate through cluttered environments such as dense forests. Experimental comparisons with the vector field histogram method (VFH) show that the proposed method usually produces smoother albeit longer paths to the goal.
Individuality of glycoproteins in human aorta

Summary The presence of a family of glycoproteins in cardiovascular connective tissue has been demonstrated with the specific members of the family of aorta proteins varying from individual to individual. The findings illustrate an example of macromolecular individuality suspected to occur in cardiovascular tissue. Certain correlations of the presence or absence of different glycoprotein bands with race, sex, and blood types suggested trends which may aid in establishing a genetic basis of glycoprotein variants in cardiovascular tissue. Further, the glycoprotein compounds were observed to be antigenic in nature. The observations of individual differences make them somewhat unique in connective tissue.
Bridging the gap from mask to physical design for multiple patterning lithography

Due to the delay of EUVL, multiple patterning techniques have been used to extend the 193nm lithography to 22nm/14nm nodes, and possibly further. There are many studies on MPL layout decompositions at the mask synthesis stage to resolve the coloring conicts, minimize the stitches, balance the mask density, or even mitigate the undesirable overlay eects. Meanwhile, there are studies showing that it is very important to consider the multiple patterning implications at earlier physical design stages so that the overall design and manufacturing closure can be reached. In this paper, we will show some recent results and propose a unied physical design methodology for standard cell compliance, pin access, routing, and placement to bridge the gap from mask/layout decomposition to physical design, while accommodating various requirements from double/triple patterning lithography in certain \correct by construction" manner.
Recrystallization kinetics within adiabatic shear bands

Abstract Small recrystallized grains (0.1-0.2 μm diameter) are observed to form in adiabatic shear bands of shock-prestrained copper. However, the mechanism for recrystallization under the high strain, high-strain-rate conditions within shear bands is somewhat unclear. The kinetics of two classical mechanisms for recrystallization, high angle boundary migration and subgrain coalescence, are compared with the time-temperature profile determined for these adiabatic shear bands. It was found that the kinetics of the existing models are inadequate to explain the observed grain sizes, with the kinetics being several orders of magnitude slower than the deformation, time and/or the cooling time of the shear bands. Tests conducted at liquid nitrogen temperature also demonstrated that temperature did not play a major role in dynamic recrystallization under these circumstances. A dynamic recrystallization model is suggested in which mechanically-driven subgrain rotations assist the mechanism for recrystallization. This approach may enable dynamic recrystallization to proceed at very high strain rates, with only limited thermal assistance.
Induction of physical dependence in rats by ethanol inhalation without the use of pyrazole

Abstract Rats were exposed to increasing air ethanol concentrations (14 to 28 mg/liter) over a 10-day period without the use of pyrazole. There was a positive correlation between the rising air ethanol concentrations in the chamber and the concentrations of ethanol in the blood. On Day 10 the animals were removed from the chamber with a mean blood ethanol concentration of 3.13 mg/ml and observed for signs of withdrawal over a 24-hr period. During this time all animals manifested spontaneous signs of withdrawal and convulsions on handling. There was a positive correlation between the spontaneous signs and convulsions on handling. The disappearance of ethanol from the blood followed zero-order kinetics over the first 7 hr. In the withdrawal phase of the experiments a definite negative correlation existed between the decreasing blood ethanol concentrations and the rise in the scores for convulsions on handling. This inhalation procedure is a simple, reproducible approach for causing physical dependence on ethanol in rats without the use of pyrazole and with the maintenance of original body weight.
Surfactant‐Assisted Synthesis of Alumina with Hierarchical Nanopores

Using surfactant-assisted synthesis, aluminas with hierarchical nanopores are produced. The hierarchical structures are composed of mesopores of 4 nm diameter, and macropores with diameters of about 300 nm. The structures were found to be stable to the thermal removal of the surfactant. Synthesis factors affecting the appearance of the hierarchically structured alumina material are presented. A potential mechanism for the formation of the uniquely structured aluminas is proposed.
Infrared Spectra of Carbohydrates (700–250 cm −1 ) Determined by both Attenuated Total Reflectance and Transmission Techniques

Infrared transmission and attenuated total reflectance spectra (ATR) of 20 carbohydrates are presented in the range 700 to 250 cm−1. Good ATR spectra can be obtained in this region of the spectrum, and the region is useful for the identification of the various carbohydrates. Among other compounds, α and β sugars and their derivatives can be distinguished from each other by the transmission or ATR techniques.
Environmental Change in Australia Since 1788

This thoroughly revised and updated edition of Environmental Change in Australia Since 1788 reviews the environmental changes that have occurred in Australia since European settlement.
Rearrest and Probation Violation Outcomes Among Probationers Participating in a Jail-Based Substance-Abuse Treatment Used as an Intermediate Sanction

This study compares the characteristics of two groups of probationers ordered to jail-based substance-abuse treatment as an intermediate sanction. It further reviews rearrest and probation failure outcomes of the two groups, along with the demographic, clinical, and criminal factors associated with those outcomes. Probationers jailed for probation violations had higher rates of rearrest and probation failure in the first year after program completion compared to probationers jailed immediately after conviction. Factors associated with rearrest and probation failure varied widely between the two outcomes and between the two probation groups. This study concludes that jail-based substance-abuse treatment should be an option in a range of intermediate sanctions and treatments for selected probationers.
In vivo amyloid imaging in Alzheimer’s disease

Targeted approaches to therapy for Alzheimer’s disease have evolved based on detailed understanding of the genetic, molecular biologic, and neuropathologic basis of the disease. Given the potential for greater treatment efficacy in the earlier stages of the disease, the notion of early diagnosis has become more relevant. Current clinical and imaging diagnostic approaches lack reliability in the preclinical and prodromal phases of the disease. We review emerging studies on imaging of the molecular substrate of the disease, most notably the amyloid peptide, which hope to increase early diagnostic efficacy. We offer a brief overview of the demographics, diagnostic criteria, and current imaging tests, followed by a review of amyloid biology and developments in cerebral amyloid imaging yielded by recent in vitro, in vivo and human studies.
Simulating the Interaction between a Respirator and a Headform Using LS-DYNA

AbstractRespirator use is an integral part of occupational safety and health practice. The challenge is to design respirators with the best fit and highest comfort level for all workers of diverse anthropometry. This paper presents a method to simulate the interaction between a respirator and a headform, and solutions for the universal design of respirators. Three-dimensional digital headforms and respirators are obtained using reverse engineering techniques. The commercial software, LS-DYNA, is used to model and simulate the interaction between a respirator and headform to determine the key factors that affect respirator fit and comfort. Both the respirator and headform are modeled as shell elements and are deformable. The results show that strap forces play an important role in pressure distribution on the face.
Prions, protein homeostasis, and phenotypic diversity

Prions are fascinating but often misunderstood protein aggregation phenomena. The traditional association of the mammalian prion protein with disease has overshadowed a potentially more interesting attribute of prions: their ability to create protein-based molecular memories. In fungi, prions alter the relationship between genotype and phenotype in a heritable way that diversifies clonal populations. Recent findings in yeast indicate that prions might be much more common than previously realized. Moreover, prion-driven phenotypic diversity increases under stress, and can be amplified by the dynamic maturation of prion-initiating states. In this article, we suggest that these qualities allow prions to act as ‘bet-hedging' devices that facilitate the adaptation of yeasts to stressful environments, and might speed the evolution of new traits.
Qing Women's Poetry on Roaming as a Female Transcendent

Youxian shi (poetry on roaming as a transcendent) has long been a conventional poetic genre in Chinese literature. It has been the common conception that youxian poetry was most popular from the Wei dynasty (220-265) through the Tang dynasty (618-907), and up until now, scholarly studies on the genre seemed to focus exclusively on Tang and pre-Tang periods. This gives the impression that after the Tang nothing of interest was written in this particular genre. Consequently, very little scholarly attention has been given to the youxian poems composed in post-Tang periods. This article examines youxian poems by Qing (1644-1911) women, specifically those poems entitled Nu youxian (roaming as a female transcendent). With the increasing consciousness of "self," the rise of groups of women writers, and the popularity of women's culture in late imperial China, youxian poems provided a unique literary space for women's poetic and autobiographical voices, certainly deserving more scholarly attention. I argue that by presenting female transcendents or women pursuing transcendence at the center of a poem and re-inscribing the traditional literary images, the poets created a stronger female subjectivity that reflected women's desires in their intellectual and spiritual lives. I also propose that nu youxian was a new subgenre of youxian poetry, emerging only in the context of the efflorescence of women's poetry.
High PVC film-forming composite latex particles via miniemulsification, Part 3: Optical properties

The optical properties of films cast from latexes comprising TiO2 particles encapsulated in poly(styrene-co-n-butyl acrylate) prepared by miniemulsification and having high loading (11–70% pigment volume concentration (PVC)) were investigated. Contrast ratio (CR) measurements for all batches showed that a 3 mil film (obtained at 43% PVC) was the minimum thickness at which 98% CR could be achieved. Also, the greatest hiding power (HP) (535 ft2/gal) was obtained at 43% PVC. In addition, gloss measurements showed that as the TiO2 loading increased, the gloss decreased, indicating that the increasing amount of TiO2 contributed to a reduction in the surface smoothness. The effects of surfactant concentration (sodium lauryl sulfate) on the encapsulated particle size and the optical properties of the encapsulated films for the 11% PVC system are described. The effect of varying the sonifier operating conditions on the TiO2 particle size, encapsulated particle size, and the optical properties of the encapsulated films for the 43% PVC system was also investigated. A comparative study of the optical properties of films cast from encapsulated latex particles with films cast from physical blends of polymer particles and pigment at the same TiO2 loading and film thickness was made. The optical properties (i.e., CR and gloss) showed a clear advantage of the miniemulsification process over the blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4526–4537, 2006
Driving Macroergonomics Home: A Community Ergonomics Conceptualization

The proliferation of medical device technology is profound. Hospitals and clinics traditionally “housed” medical technologies and the technological environments (ICUs, ORs, and ERs). Today, medical technologies have transferred into homes (hospice care, home chemotherapy, and WEB TV cardiac rehabilitation). While the goal of macroergonomics is to fully harmonize work systems at both the macro-and microergonomic levels, it fails to address the service interfaces of a community based health care system. The integration of concepts from macroergonomics and community ergonomics is proposed here to help health care professionals deliver quality services to patients and clients. An example of the community ergonomics process, from the home health care perspective, is presented.
Predicting low temperature physical hardening in asphalt binders

Abstract The effect of the glass transition behavior on the rate and magnitude of physical hardening was studied for modified and unmodified asphalt binders. The analysis showed that the rate of physical hardening peaks at the glass transition temperature and becomes relatively insignificant beyond the limits of the glass transition region. Following the free volume concept, it was shown that physical hardening can be modeled as a function of isothermal time by a modified mechanical creep model. Such a model was developed in this study and used to predict physical hardening as a function of glass transition, conditioning time, and temperature.
Evaluation of cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancer with CT and MRI: tips, traps, and a systematic approach.

Objective In this article, we present a 4-step approach to evaluating lymph nodes in the setting of head and neck squamous cell and thyroid carcinoma and highlight important tips and traps. Conclusion The presence and extent of nodal metastases in head and neck cancer has a great impact on treatment and prognosis. Pretreatment CT and MRI of the neck are commonly performed to evaluate for nodal metastases.
The thermopile: An anisotropic temperature sensor

Abstract This article discusses the operation of thermopiles when used under non-isothermal baseline conditions. Although isothermal baselines are the common thread among existing thermopile applications, this article demonstrates that these sensors can also be used to detect subtle thermal events that are superimposed over much larger steady-state or transient temperature gradients. The larger temperature variation will not contribute to the transduced voltage as long as specific thermal symmetry conditions are matched with a specific thermopile design. This article discusses this sensing anisotropy that corresponds to certain thermopile designs, and experimental results are presented which demonstrate the relative performance under several thermal conditions. Thermopile performance characteristics of baseline voltage, baseline drift and noise, and signal sensitivity have been compared experimentally for isothermal and high gradient conditions. When symmetry conditions were met, certain thermopile geometries exhibited a sensing anisotropy of more than 1000:1.
Design of macro/mini manipulators for optimal dynamic performance

This article investigates the problem of redundant manipulator design for optimal dynamic performance as applied to the design of macro/mini structures. The dynamic performance of a manipulator is characterized by the inertial and acceleration properties of the end-effector. However, for redundant manipulators the characteristics of motions in the end effector null space must also be considered. This article presents a methodology for analyzing the performance requirements for the null space motions. The analysis results in a decomposition of the overall design problem into a set of smaller subproblems. Optimization techniques are then used to determine the design parameters which improve manipulator dynamic performance. The decomposition greatly reduces the search space of the overall optimization. Here this methodology is presented along with the models and measures upon which it is based. The approach is illustrated in. The selection of design parameters for a simple six-degree-of-freedom planar mechanism.
Dependence of Coating Thickness on Viscosity of Coating Solution Applied to Fruits and Vegetables by Dipping Method

ABSTRACT: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solutions were used as coating systems in this study and solution concentrations, viscosity, densities, and surface tensions were characterized. Fuji apples were coated by dipping and stored 4 d at room temperature, after which the internal oxygen and carbon dioxide were measured. Results indicated that coating thickness varied with viscosity, concentration, density, and draining time of the biopolymer solution. Coating thickness relates to the square root of viscosity and the inverse square root of draining time, which agrees with the theoretical approach for flat plate dip-coating inlow-capillary-number Newtonian liquids. These results indicate the possibility of controlling coating thickness and internal gas composition based on coating solution properties. Keywords: coating thickness, viscosity, fruits, vegetables, modified atmosphere
Telerobotic manipulator for hazardous environments

The Center for Engineering Design at the University of Utah, in collaboration with Sarcos Research Corporation and others, recently developed the Dextrous Teleoperation System (DTS). The DTS is a master/slave 10 degree of freedom (dof) arm that includes a 3 dof dextrous end effector. The system has demonstrated a number of significant remote manipulation capabilities. This article discusses design considerations, features, and capabilities of the slave Dextrous Arm. An earlier article discussed potential applications, general features, and system capabilities of the DTS. Subsequent articles will discuss the master and control systems.
Microbiota-Mediated Inflammation and Antimicrobial Defense in the Intestine

The diverse microbial populations constituting the intestinal microbiota promote immune development and differentiation, but because of their complex metabolic requirements and the consequent difficulty culturing them, they remained, until recently, largely uncharacterized and mysterious. In the last decade, deep nucleic acid sequencing platforms, new computational and bioinformatics tools, and full-genome characterization of several hundred commensal bacterial species facilitated studies of the microbiota and revealed that differences in microbiota composition can be associated with inflammatory, metabolic, and infectious diseases, that each human is colonized by a distinct bacterial flora, and that the microbiota can be manipulated to reduce and even cure some diseases. Different bacterial species induce distinct immune cell populations that can play pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, and thus the composition of the microbiota determines, in part, the level of resistance to infection and susceptibility to inflammatory diseases. This review summarizes recent work characterizing commensal microbes that contribute to the antimicrobial defense/inflammation axis.
Programmable interface between a cellular system and VLSI microcomputer chip

Current solid-state technology permits fabrication of an integrated silicon array chip which can generate and sense the 2-D electrical patterns as well as to store and process them. The same chip can be a substrate in a steady-operated perfusive life-support system for a cellular culture, tissue, organ, etc. (biosystem). The chip and the feeding steady-flow system form a kind of artificial environment (AE) for the biosystem. The AE can be a model for a control system specifying the biosystem activity, in particularly, the production of specific proteins. The different prospects of online pattern-directed electronic control of cellular activity are presented. This AE-biosystem combination can also be a model for an information-intensive pattern-based human-computer interface. >
Graphic modeling using heterogeneous hierarchical models

The importance of efficiently representing each abstract level of a complex model has become significant for many reasons. Because of the size of complex models, an organizational methodology is needed as an aid during both development and investigation of a system. In addition, some modeling formalisms are design to describe certain classes of systems while others are general enough to represent a broad class of systems. Therefore, the ability to use multiple formalisms is advantageous when the model is complex. In this paper, we define Heterogeneous Hierarchical modeling (HH modeling) as a modeling methodology which allows an investigator to use multiple formalisms and to organize these formalisms hierarchically. We then present Hybrid Model Theory which supports HH modeling by theoretically unifying graphic-based formalisms such as Petri nets, block models and state machines. An example is given which demonstrates top-down refinement of a partial model using a variety of established, well-known formalisms.
ETHNOGRAPHIC CONTENT ANALYSIS OF COUPLE AND THERAPIST PERCEPTIONS IN A REFLECTING TEAM SETTING

An ethnographic content analysis was used to examine couple and therapist perspectives about the use and value of reflecting team practice. Postsession ethnographic interviews form both couples and therapists were examined for the frequency of themes in seven categories that emerged form a previous ethnographic study of reflecting teams (Sells, Smith, Coe, Yoshioka, & Robbins, 1994). The study demonstrated that quantitative numerical data and qualitiative narrative data can examine the same phenomenon from multiple perspecrives and allow for greater accuracy and stability in study findings. Ethnographic content analysis is briefly cosntrasted with conventional modes of quantitative cosntent analysis to illustrate its usefulness and rationale for discovering emergent patterns, themes, emphases, and process using both inductive and deductive methods of inquiry.
The Dissolution of MgO and Mg ( OH ) 2 in Aqueous Solutions

This paper reports studies of the rates of dissolution of natural Brucite, optical grade , and commercial in aqueous solutions. Natural Brucite dissolves by means of a surface reaction requiring protons, and while some protonated ions accelerate the dissolution no inhibitors were found. Dissolution of less perfect is normally diffusion limited; several substances which reduced the rate of dissolution of such were found. first reacts with water to form an layer and the rate is controlled by dissolution of the .
Stability of Vlasov equilibria. Part 2. One non-ignorable co-ordinate

The solution of the linearized Vlasov equation is given for an arbitrary equilibrium Hamiltonian in which there is only one non-ignorable co-ordinate. The solution written in terms of integrals with respect to time which only extend over the bounce period of an equilibrium orbit in its equivalent one-dimensional potential. A closed-form solution and a solution based on a Fourier expansion are given. Explicit formulae are presented for Cartesian and cylindrical co-ordinates.
Irruptive population dynamics in Yellowstone pronghorn.

Irruptive population dynamics appear to be widespread in large herbivore populations, but there are few empirical examples from long time series with small measurement error and minimal harvests. We analyzed an 89-year time series of counts and known removals for pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in Yellowstone National Park of the western United States during 1918–2006 using a suite of density-dependent, density-independent, and irruptive models to determine if the population exhibited irruptive dynamics. Information-theoretic model comparison techniques strongly supported irruptive population dynamics (Leopold model) and density dependence during 1918–1946, with the growth rate slowing after counts exceeded 600 animals. Concerns about sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) degradation led to removals of >1100 pronghorn during 1947–1966, and counts decreased from approximately 700 to 150. The best models for this period (Gompertz, Ricker) suggested that culls replaced intrinsic density-dependent mechanisms. Contrary...
Time autocorrelation function analysis of master equation and its application to atomic clusters

We derive the energy fluctuation Δ2E, and the time autocorrelation κ(τ) and its Fourier transformation—the fluctuation spectra S(ω)—of the master-equation transition matrix. The contribution from each eigenmode of the transition matrix to these fluctuation quantities reveals the relevant importance of the individual mode in the relaxation processes. The time scales associated with these relaxation processes are determined by the corresponding eigenvalues. Unlike traditional time evolution analysis, the autocorrelation function and fluctuation spectra analysis does not involve an arbitrary initial population. It is also more suitable for analyzing the underlying dynamic, kinetic behavior near the equilibrium and the behavior of the long-time-scale rare events. We utilize our technique to analyze the solid-liquid phase coexistence of the 13-atom Morse cluster and the fcc-to-icosahedral structure transition of the 38-atom Lennard-Jones cluster. For the processes studied, the fluctuation spectra from the mast...
Suppression of Extravillous Trophoblast Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Uterine Spiral Artery Invasion by Estrogen during Early Baboon Pregnancy

We have shown that advancing the increase in maternal serum estrogen levels from the second to the first third of baboon pregnancy suppressed extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) spiral artery invasion. Because vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes EVT invasion, the present study determined whether EVT VEGF expression is altered by prematurely elevating estrogen in early pregnancy. Placental basal plate was obtained on d 60 of gestation (term is 184 d) from baboons treated daily on d 25–59 with estradiol (0.35 mg/d sc), which increased maternal peripheral serum estradiol levels 3-fold above normal. Overall percentage of uterine arteries (25 to more than 100 μm in diameter) invaded by EVT assessed by image analysis in untreated baboons (29.11 ± 5.78%) was decreased 4.5-fold (P < 0.001) by prematurely elevating estrogen (6.55 ± 1.83%). VEGF mRNA levels in EVT isolated by laser capture microdissection from the anchoring villi of untreated baboons (6.77 ± 2.20) were decreased approximately 5-fold (P < 0.05, ANOVA) by estradiol (1.37 ± 0.29). Uterine vein serum levels of the truncated soluble fms-like receptor, which controls VEGF bioavailability, in untreated baboons (403 ± 37 pg/ml) were increased 3-fold (P < 0.01) by estrogen treatment (1127 ± 197 pg/ml). Thus, placental EVT expression of VEGF mRNA was decreased and serum soluble truncated fms-like receptor levels increased in baboons in which EVT invasion of the uterine spiral arteries was suppressed by advancing the rise in estrogen from the second to the first third of pregnancy. We suggest that VEGF mediates the decline in EVT vessel invasion induced by estrogen in early primate pregnancy.
Increased Intracranial Pressure in Spontaneous CSF Leak Patients Is Not Associated with Papilledema

ObjectiveSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks typically present in patients with undiagnosed idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) secondary to pressure erosion of the skull base. Despi...
Perceptions and beliefs of nursing and medical personnel about needle-handling practices and needlestick injuries

A survey of 1473 nursing and medical personnel employed in two hospitals in a large metropolitan area was conducted to determine perceptions and beliefs about needle-handling practices and needlestick injuries. Additional questions in the survey focused on responsibility for discarding needles and syringes and the correct practice for disposal of needles and syringes in various situations presented. Analyses were based on 488 responses (33%). Nurses at the 437-bed University Hospital handled more needles and experienced more needlestick injuries than did nurses at the 300-bed Community Hospital. Needle-handling and needlestick injuries among medical personnel at the two hospitals were similar, although University Hospital interns and residents and University Hospital fourth-year medical students handled more needles than did the medical staff at either hospital. A total of 164 (33.6%) respondents reported receiving one or more needlestick injuries during 1983. A large proportion of respondents in each group reported that they did nothing about the needlestick injuries they experienced. Carelessness was perceived by all groups to be the most common reason for needlestick injuries. Most respondents reported some knowledge of proper needle disposal techniques and perceived lack of knowledge as the least important reason for needlestick injuries.
Comparative stability study of unit-dose repackaged furosemide tablets

The stability of a 40 mg furosemide tablet drug product repackaged in a unit-dose USP class A blister pack and the identical product in its original container made of HDPE material was studied under ICH long-term conditions of 25°C and relative humidity (RH) of 60% and accelerated stressed conditions of 40°C and 75% RH. Samples from original and repackaged drug products were periodically removed from storage conditions and subjected to pharmaceutical and spectroscopic analysis. Results indicate the potency 91.5 ± 0.9% of the tablet strength for the original packaging drug product vs 91.6 ± 4.0% for the repackaged product are statistically similar for long-term and accelerated stress conditions. Tablet hardness (6.0 ± 0.3 KP) and loss on drying (3.2%) was the same for original and repackaged drug products under both stressed conditions indicating similar moisture sorption behavior. Non-invasive spectroscopic techniques did not show any differences in moisture content. Dissolution and TGA results were simil...
Localized prediction of continuous target variables using hierarchical clustering

We propose a novel technique for the efficient prediction of multiple continuous target variables from high-dimensional and heterogeneous data sets using a hierarchical clustering approach. The proposed approach consists of three phases applied recursively: partitioning, localization and prediction. In the partitioning step, similar target variables are grouped together by a clustering algorithm. In the localization step, a classification model is used to predict which group of target variables is of particular interest. If the identified group of target variables still contains a large number of target variables, the partitioning and localization steps are repeated recursively and the identified group is further split into subgroups with more similar target variables. When the number of target variables per identified subgroup is sufficiently small, the third step predicts target variables using localized prediction models built from only those data records that correspond to the particular subgroup. Experiments performed on the problem of damage prediction in complex mechanical structures indicate that our proposed hierarchical approach is computationally more efficient and more accurate than straightforward methods of predicting each target variable individually or simultaneously using global prediction models.
Witnessing Interparental Violence and Acceptance of Dating Violence as Predictors for Teen Dating Violence Victimization

We examined the association between witnessing interparental violence, attitudes about dating violence, and physical and psychological teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. Participants were 918 teens with dating experience. Witnessing interparental violence and acceptance of dating violence were significant predictors of TDV victimization. Acceptance of dating violence was also a partial mediator between witnessing interparental violence and TDV victimization. Witnessing mother-to-father violence and acceptance of female-perpetrated violence were the most consistent predictors. TDV programs aiming to prevent victimization could benefit from targeting youth exposed to father-to-mother and mother-to-father violence, targeting attitudes about violence, and tailoring interventions to gender-specific risk factors.
An epidemiologic study of the respiratory effects of trona dust.

ABSTRACT Trona (sodium sesquicarbonate) is mined from an underground deposit in Wyoming and processed for use in glass, paper, detergent, and chemical applications. Trona dust is alkaline (pH 10.5) and can have an irritant effect on respiratory airways, mucous membranes, and the skin. A study population of 142 underground miners and 88 surface workers from one facility volunteered for an epidemiologic study. Their mean age was 37.6 yr and mean duration of employment was 10.0 yr. The percentage with chronic cough and phlegm was 23%; both symptoms were more common among smokers than nonsmokers. Thirty-three percent of the workers complained of dyspnea when hurrying on level ground or walking up a slight hill. Half of the workers complained of upper respiratory tract symptoms and eye irritation. Both smokers and exsmokers had significant declines of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1.0) with age; exsmokers also had declines with work-years when compared to a nonsmoking comparison population. Nonsmokers ...
Exercise, Nrf2 and Antioxidant Signaling in Cardiac Aging

Aging is represented by a progressive decline in cellular functions. The age-related deformities in cardiac behaviors are the loss of cardiac myocytes through apoptosis or programmed cell death. Oxidative stress (OS) and its deleterious consequence contribute to age-related mechanical remodeling, reduced regenerative capacity, and apoptosis in cardiac tissue. The pathogenesis of OS in the elderly can predispose the heart to other cardiac complications such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cardiac myopathy, and so on. At the molecular level, oxidant-induced activation of Nrf2 (Nuclear erythroid-2-p45-related factor-2), a transcription factor, regulates several genes containing AREs (Antioxidant Response Element) and bring the respective translates to counteract the reactive radicals and establish homeostasis. Myriad of Nrf2 gene knockout studies in various organs such as lung, liver, kidney, brain, etc. have shown that dysregulation of Nrf2 severely affects the oxidant/ROS sensitivity and predispose the system to several pathological changes with aberrant cellular lesions. On the other hand, its gain of function chemical interventions exhibited oxidant stress resistance and cytoprotection. However, thus far, only a few investigations have shown the potential role of Nrf2 and its non-pharmacological induction in cardiac aging. Therefore, here we review the involvement of Nrf2 signaling along with its responses and ramifications on the cascade of OS under acute exercise stress (AES), moderate exercise training (MET), and endurance exercise stress (EES) conditions in the aging heart.
Effects of Vibrational Nonequilibrium on the Chemistry of Two-Temperature Nitrogen Plasmas

A new two-temperature chemical kinetics model for nitrogen plasmas is presented. The model is used together with the vibrationally-specific collisional-radiative model to study the effects of vibrational nonequilibrium distributions on the chemical composition of two-temperature atmospheric pressure nitrogen plasmas. It is found that over a wide range of conditions the vibrational levels follow Boltzmann distributions and that the vibrational temperature Tv is well approximated by gas temperature Tg at low electron number densities and by electron temperature Te at high electron number densities. This result suggests that simple kinetic models with two-temperature rate coefficients can be used to reliably model nonthermal plasmas. The calculation also yields a surprising result that, for a given constant gas temperature, the steady-state electron number density exhibits an S-shaped dependence on the electron temperature. This S-shaped behavior is caused by competing ionization, charge transfer reactions, two-body dissociative recombination, and three-body electron recombination reactions, and therefore is characteristic of molecular plasmas.
Eye conditions among 5- to 7-year-old Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren in Southern California.

BACKGROUND The prevalence rates and specific risk factors for development of eye conditions among Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren are unknown. This information is necessary to understand their eye care needs and to improve access to eye care for this rapidly growing population. METHODS Data obtained from a computer database of vision screening examinations conducted by the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic from October 1987 through December 1996 were analyzed for 2,687 Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren between 5 and 7 years of age. RESULTS Myopia (8.9%) and astigmatism (15.8%) represented the majority of visual disorders. Mean myopic refractive error was -1.21 +/- 0.83 D among bilateral myopes. Color-vision deficiency was prevalent among 2.8% of male children, extraocular muscle imbalance among 3.0% of children, and amblyopia among 1.0% of children. All other conditions were present in less than 4% of children screened. CONCLUSIONS Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren may be at higher risk for development of juvenile myopia than white, Hispanic, and African-American children. Prevalence rates of other disorders are comparable to those obtained for other ethnic groups. This information can be used in planning to meet the eye care needs of Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren.
Genetics of Neonatal Airway Disorders

This chapter reviews the genetic diagnostic approach to an infant who presents with an airway disorder and the types of genetic testing currently available. The genetics of specific airway malformations, and identifiable syndromes commonly associated with significant airway malformations, are discussed.
Aiming the Immune System to Improve the Antitumor Efficacy of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (RT) has historically been the most common approach used to achieve local tumor control in cancer patients. However, emerging evidences over the last decades suggest an important role for RT in modulating or amplifying the antitumor immune response upon induction of cancer cell death through its direct cytocidal effect. RT alters multiple components of the tumor microenvironment which affect both the immune cell phenotype and function as well as the interactions between tumor and the immune system. Despite the documented immunostimulatory effects, RT alone rarely induces effective antitumor immunity resulting in systemic tumor rejection. RT can also reinforce immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment, which negatively impacts on the tumor response to RT. Preclinical and clinical data show that combination RT and immunotherapy can elicit powerful antitumor efficacy through either strengthening the immune activation or counteracting immune suppression. In this review, we summarize the immunological changes in the tumor microenvironment upon exposure to radiation. We also highlight radiation triggered molecular and cellular pathways that may contribute to immune evasion and tumor recurrence. Rational and optimized combination of RT and immunotherapy to achieve synergistic antitumor activities for systemic eradication of cancer cells and development of durable antitumor immunity will also be discussed.
Rehabilitation Strategies and Outcomes of the Sarcoma Patient

Sarcomas are a relatively rare cancer that, depending on the location, can cause significant neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and require rehabilitation interventions to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life. This review focuses on sarcoma subtypes that frequently cause these complications: bony and soft tissue sarcomas leading to limb salvage or amputation, desmoid tumors, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Rehabilitation approaches and outcomes are discussed, as well as considerations for childhood sarcoma survivors transitioning to adulthood.
Disfluent but effective? A quantitative study of disfluencies and conversational moves in team discourse

Situated dialogue systems that interact with humans as part of a team (e.g., robot teammates) need to be able to use information from communication channels to gauge the coordination level and effectiveness of the team. Currently, the feasibility of this end goal is limited by several gaps in both the empirical and computational literature. The purpose of this paper is to address those gaps in the following ways: (1) investigate which properties of task-oriented discourse correspond with effective performance in human teams, and (2) discuss how and to what extent these properties can be utilized in spoken dialogue systems. To this end, we analyzed natural language data from a unique corpus of spontaneous, task-oriented dialogue (CReST corpus), which was annotated for disfluencies and conversational moves. We found that effective teams made more self-repair disfluencies and used specific communication strategies to facilitate grounding and coordination. Our results indicate that truly robust and natural dialogue systems will need to interpret highly disfluent utterances and also utilize specific collaborative mechanisms to facilitate grounding. These data shed light on effective communication in performance scenarios and directly inform the development of robust dialogue systems for situated artificial agents.
A 2D Voronoi-Based Random Tree for Path Planning in Complicated 3D Environments

Path planning in complicated 3D environments with narrow passages and rooms is a challenging problem, which is usually time consuming for geometric searching methods or incomplete for sampling-based methods. Focusing on these issues, this paper presents a new algorithm named 2D Voronoi-based Random Tree which combines the completeness of the voronoi diagram based 2D path searching methods and the efficiency of sampling based path planning methods. In this method, 2D voronoi diagram is created and used to guide the growth of random trees in complicated 3D environments. In each iteration of random trees growth, a new node on voronoi edges is selected by moving forward to the target with a fix step length along edges. And then, the 3D particles are distributed locally around this node and be selected according to a cost function for the random trees growth. By doing so, this method can find a valid path in complicated 3D environments with narrow passages and rooms while improving its efficiency and completeness. To demonstrate its effectiveness, efficiency and robustness, the proposed method is examined and compared with RRT algorithm in various practical complex 3D environments.
The Medicare Access And CHIP Reauthorization Act And The Corporate Transformation Of American Medicine

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) may accelerate the movement of physicians into corporate employment by hospitals and, to a lesser extent, by health insurers and other corporations. This article briefly summarizes the demographics of US physician practice, the potential advantages and disadvantages of physician employment by large corporations, and the evidence to date on the performance of large versus small physician practices and hospital-employed versus independent physicians. It describes the features of MACRA likely to lead physicians to seek corporate employment and the steps the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has taken through MACRA to aid small independent physician practices. I conclude that MACRA’s net effect is likely to be accelerated corporate employment of physicians and that there is an urgent need for more evidence on the impact of different types of provider organization on the quality and cost of care, and on patient, physician, and staff expe...