cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tuning Nerve Cell Functions on Distinct Polymer Networks With Controllable Mechanical Properties

Mechanical, chemical, and topological properties are three major factors that influence cell behavior on the substrates.1 In this study, we used two types of biodegradable and photo-crosslinkable polymers, poly(e-caprolactone) triacrylate (PCLTA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), with different molecular weights to demonstrate the roles of mechanical and chemical factors in regulating nerve cell behavior. Crosslinked PCLTAs were hydrophobic while crosslinked PEGDAs were hydrophilic and formed hydrogels. All the networks were amorphous at 37 °C to ensure good controllability of mechanical properties by well-defined crosslinking density. Rat Schwann cell precursor line (SpL201) cells were used to evaluate their performance in terms of proliferation and differentiation. We found that SpL201 cells could proliferate more and differentiate better on stiffer substrates of both networks but differences existed between these two networks because of surface chemistry. The mechanisms how cell functions were tuned by surface properties have been investigated by blocking of β1 integrin prior to cell attachment. We found that SpL201 cells no longer showed dependence on mechanical properties if β1 integrins were blocked. The present results provide guidance for designing optimal nerve conduits made by crosslinked PCLTA and filled with PEGDA hydrogels for peripheral nerve regeneration.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
1:500 Epinephrine in gelatin

Abstract 1.1. The method of administration of 1:500 epinephrine in gelatin is discussed. 2.2. The action of epinephrine in gelatin and its effect on the blood sugar, pulse rates, blood pressure, and bronchial tree are discussed. 3.3. The advantages and disadvantages of 1:500 epinephrine in gelatin are reported. 4.4. Some unusual reactions following the injection of 1:500 epinephrine in gelatin mixture are described.
Selective photo-reduction of N-nitroamines combined with micellar electrokinetic chromatography and laser fluorimetric detection

N-nitroso compounds (NOC) are potent carcinogens. Reliable methods for the analysis of volatile carcinogenic NOC are well established; however selective and sensitive methods for routine analysis of thermally unstable, ionic or non-volatile NOC are still needed. For this purpose, a method based on micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection is described for the simultaneous determination of a broad range of N-nitroso compounds. In this procedure, the nitroso group is photolytically cleaved from the NOC to yield the corresponding amine. The amines are then derivatized with 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl), identified and quantified using MEKC-LIF. For the standard mixture of NOC, this method has good sensitivity and a large dynamic range. The detection limit provided by the method is 9 ppb for N-nitrosopyrrolidine.
Good Inductive Reasons

“F is a good reason for C”, if true at all, could not but have been true — even when F and C are contingent. Much in this claim is true. Much is misleading. Let us sort this out and, en route, discuss a certain pattern of inference, and “the problem of induction”.
Supporting healthcare communication enabled by Information and Communication Technology: can HCI and related cognitive aspects help?

Communication in healthcare makes up an important part of the healthcare professionals' daily practices. Communication encompasses different forms of interaction and dissemination of health-related information, and takes place in contexts such as patient/healthcare professional relationships, and collaborative care. While Information and Communication Technology (ICT) offers a useful means to support the accessibility, the exchange and the sharing of information, the cognitive complexity of these communication processes often remains undermined. Much can be learned from research in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) with its focus on cognitive aspects. This has relevant implications for our work in healthcare communication enabled by ICT.
Patterns of optimized loops

Loop constructs play an important role in obtaining speed-up in parallel programming. In this paper, we explain the solutions applied for optimizing loops in parallel programs in terms of three patterns for parallel programming. These patterns can be used for parallel programming by users who have medium background on parallel programming and compiler courses. They can also be implemented in the compilers as a part of program optimization process.
Microwave spectral study of 3-chloropropionitrile and 3-bromoproprionitrile

Abstract The microwave spectra of the anti conformers of 3-chloropropionitrile and 3-bromopropionitrile have been assigned and analyzed. Rotational constants for the 35 Cl isotopomer (in MHz) are A = 26818.74(35.13), B = 1508.89(0.01), C = 1454.62(0.01) and for the 79 Br isotopomer are A = 26251.22(77.73), B = 1033.69(0.01), C = 1007.76(0.01). Structural computations with a consistent set of constraints have led to a reasonable set of structural parameters for the two molecules. For the chloro species (in A) CC = 1.544, CC(N) = 1.468 and CCl = 1.789, while for the bromo species the values are CC = 1.544, CC(N) = 1.469 and CBr = 1.969. Hyperfine structure arising from the halogens has been partially resolved and analyzed. The experimental values of χ aa have been discussed in terms of the axial symmetry of the CX bonds.
Facial nerve outcome after acoustic neuroma surgery

Factors influencing facial nerve preservation and function in acoustic neuroma surgery were studied in 108 cases. Anatomic preservation of the nerve was inversely related to tumor size and improved as the series progressed. When the nerve was saved, normal postoperative function was inversely related to tumor size and was more common if the cochlear nerve was also saved. Most intact nerves eventually recovered some function, but late function was seldom completely normal unless there was some early recovery. The results demonstrate the importance of tumor size, operator experience, and ease of dissection on facial nerve outcome.
Exact Solutions for Simply Supported Laminated Piezoelectric Plates

Exact solutions are presented for the static behavior of laminated piezoelectric plates with simple support. The upper and lower surfaces of the laminate can be subjected to a number of applied loadings, confined in this study to an applied transverse load or a specified surface potential. Each layer of the laminate can be piezoelectric, elastic/dielectric, or conducting, with perfect bonding assumed between each interface. Expressions are obtained for the components of displacement, stress, electric displacement, and potential through the thickness of the laminate. Representative examples are shown to demonstrate the fundamental behavior, and the influence of the piezoelectric coefficients and internal electrodes are discussed.
Emerging areas: urban operations and UCAVs: human effectiveness issues in simulated uninhabited combat aerial vehicles

The advancement in technology has brought a new revolution in the military domain. The success of the two unmanned reconnaissance prototypes Predator and Hunter had paved the way to the development of more challenging remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), such as uninhabited combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), used for locating, identifying, and destroying the enemy targets. As these semiautonomous systems become more and more complex, the use of automation tools become inevitable. Although automation is introduced to reduce operator workload, increase in the automation features also increases the complexity of the system. The complexity of the system is increased by factors like situational awareness, trust, biases, workload, skill degradation as well as many other human factors issues. The purpose of this paper is to describe the research and development of a UCAV interfaces and simulation that can support human factors issues for controlling multiple UCAVs.
IGF-1 protects intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. We have recently found that activation of multiple cellular signaling transduction pathways occurs during ROS-induced intestinal cell apoptosis; the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway plays an anti-apoptotic role during this process. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 activates PI3-K pathway to promote cell survival; however, the effects of IGF-1 treatment during gut injury are not clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IGF-1 protects intestinal cells from ROS-induced apoptosis. Materials and methods Rat intestinal epithelial (RIE)-1 cells were treated with either IGF-1 (100 n m ), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ; 500 μ m ), or combination. Western blotting was performed to assess phosphorylation of Akt, a downstream effector of PI3-K. Cell Death Detection ELISA, DCHF, and JC-1 assays were performed to demonstrate protective effects of IGF-1. Wortmannin, an inhibitor of PI3-K, was used to show PI3-K-dependent mechanism of action for IGF-1. Results H 2 O 2 treatment resulted in increased intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis with intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization; IGF-1 pre-treatment attenuated this response without affecting ROS production. H 2 O 2 -induced phosphorylation of Akt was further increased with IGF-1 treatment; wortmannin abolished these effects in RIE-1 cells. Conclusions PI3-K pathway is activated during ROS-induced intestinal epithelial cell injury; IGF-1 exerted an anti-apoptotic effect during this response by PI3-K activation. A better understanding of the exact role of IGF-1-mediated activation of PI3-K may allow us to facilitate the development of novel therapy against NEC.
Advances in Na+/I− symporter (NIS) research in the thyroid and beyond

The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates active iodide uptake in the thyroid-the essential first step in thyroid hormone biosynthesis-and in other tissues, such as salivary and lactating mammary glands. Thyroidal radioiodide uptake has been used for over 60 years in the diagnosis and effective treatment of thyroid cancer and other diseases. However, the NIS cDNA was only isolated in 1996 by expression cloning in Xenopus laevis oocytes, marking the beginning of the molecular characterization of NIS and the study of its regulation, both in the thyroid and other tissues. One of the most exciting current areas of NIS research-radioiodide treatment of extrathyroidal cancers-was launched by the discovery of functional expression of endogenous NIS in breast cancer and by the ectopic transfer of the NIS gene into otherwise non NIS-expressing cancers. This review summarizes the main findings in NIS research, emphasizing the most recent developments.
Transition of Care for Young Adult Survivors of Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: Rationale and Approaches

Purpose Young adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer are an ever-growing population of patients, many of whom remain at lifelong risk for potentially serious complications of their cancer therapy. Yet research shows that many of these older survivors have deficient health-related knowledge and are not engaging in recommended health promotion and screening practices that could improve their long-term outcomes. The purpose of this review is to address these disparities by discussing how formal transition of care from pediatric to adult-focused survivorship services may help meet the unique medical, developmental, and psychosocial challenges of these young adults. Design Literature review and discussion. Results This article summarizes current research documenting the medical needs of young adult survivors, their suboptimal compliance with recommended follow-up, and the rationale, essential functions, current models, and innovative approaches for transition of follow-up care. Conclusion Systematic health care transition constitutes the standard of care for young adult survivors of childhood cancer. In developing a transitional care program, it is necessary to consider the scope of services to be provided, available resources, and other local exigencies that help determine the optimal model for use. Additional research is needed to improve health services delivery to this population. Effective advocacy is needed, particularly in the United States, to ensure the availability of uninterrupted health insurance coverage for survivorship services in young adulthood. J Clin Oncol 28:4810-4818. © 2010 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Crisis as Impetus Toward Conflict Resolution in Cyprus

In spring 2012, we were enrolled in a field-based graduate course in the International Peace and Conflict Resolution program at Arcadia University titled, Divided Cities: Nicosia, Cyprus. The cours...
Uniqueness implies existence for various classes of nth order boundary value problems

In this paper, we show uniqueness implies existence for y(n) = f(t, y, y′, ..., y(n−1)) subject to boundary conditions of the form Li(y) = yi, where Li: C(n−1)([a, b], R) → R are continuous linear functionals and f satisfies an appropriate growth condition.
Biosecurity and Bird Movement Practices in Upland Game Bird Facilities in the United States

Since 1996, the emergence of Asian-origin highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 has spurred great concern for the global poultry industry. In the United States, there is concern over the potential of a foreign avian disease incursion into the country. Noncommercial poultry operations, such as upland game bird facilities in the United States, may serve as a potential source of avian disease introduction to other bird populations including the commercial poultry industry, backyard flocks, or wildlife. In order to evaluate how to prevent disease transmission from these facilities to other populations, we examined biosecurity practices and bird movement within the upland game bird industry in the United States. Persons that held a current permit to keep, breed, or release upland game birds were surveyed for information on biosecurity practices, flock and release environments, and bird movement parameters. Biosecurity practices vary greatly among permit holders. Many facilities allow for interaction between wild birds and pen-reared birds, and there is regular long-distance movement of live adult birds among facilities. Results suggest that upland game bird facilities should be targeted for biosecurity education and disease surveillance efforts.
Junction-gate FET RF power amplifier

A junction-gate power field-effect transistor of recent design has been found to yield greater than 25 watts CW at 30 MHz in two modes of circuit configuration. In this investigation, favorable characteristics are explored for potential device utility as a high-reliability low-distortion RF power amplifier.
Memoir of a surgical nutritionist.

To begin to describe my introduction to medicine, I would like to resurrect some childhood memories. My earliest distinct memory was of being taken at the age of 4 years into my father's medical office, which was in our home, and being weighed. I weighed 44 pounds—a number I can perhaps record as my earliest piece of nutritional research. It certainly was not original, but at least it was quantitative. When I was 11 years of age, an older sister who was studying chemistry was retained by my father to run urinalyses. I was in the office watching her when she added Fehling's solution to a urine specimen that, when boiled, brought down a heavy precipitate. My father came in, examined the results, and looked extremely grave; I was told this meant the patient had diabetes mellitus and probably would not live 2 years. This was in 1918 before the
Evaluating and managing intimate partner violence.

An estimated 18% to 25% of female primary care and prenatal patients suffer from intimate partner violence, and 31% to 44% of women report some abuse during their lifetimes. Violence is often unreported because women fear the batterer's reprisals, time-consuming court procedures, shame, blame, and unreliable legal sanctions. Screening for domestic violence should be a routine aspect of health care. Clinicians must ask direct questions about violence and detect subtle and overt clues. This article presents the historical context of violence and examines screening, evaluation, treatment, and ethics. Language: en
Engaging the user: Co-browsing at the reference desk

Current configurations reference desk computers in academic libraries do not maximize student learning. To more fully engage students at the reference desk requires greater recognition that the computer is an integral part of the interaction between student and librarian. A functional reference desk should provide both students and librarians with the tools to collaborate on searching. These include continuous and unobstructed views of the computer monitor and individual possession of keyboard and mouse. Such a system is in place at Seton Hall University and in the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
Erlang sampling of an alternating poisson process

Random sampling over a finite time period produces inter-observation times with approximate exponential distributions. When observations are not made at every generated time, but only every kth time, inter-observation times are approximately Erlang distributed. An expression is given for sampling efficiency of these methods when sampling an alternating Poisson process to produce an estimate of the proportion of time occupied by one of the two states. This expression is a function of k that quantifies the advantage of skipping observations and includes the special cases of random sampling, for which k=l, as well as the more efficient case of fixed interval sampling, for which k=∞. Direct application can be made to the field of work sampling.
Beyond brands: Happy adolescents see the good in people

How does happiness affect adolescents’ stereotypes of other people? Using a collage methodology with 60 adolescents aged 12–18, we find that happier adolescents hold more positive stereotypes of others compared to those who are less happy. We also find that happier adolescents are less likely to form impressions of people based on surface level cues such as the products and brands that people own. Finally, our results show that happier adolescents have a more nuanced view of others, (e.g., some cool kids wear expensive brands, but some shop at thrift stores), compared to their less happy counterparts, who tend to oversimplify their view of others (e.g., all cool kids wear expensive brands, all doctors drive a BMW).
Wideband photoacoustic tomography using polymer microring resonators

Photoacoustic tomography is an imaging technique based on the reconstruction of distribution of acoustic pressure, generated by the absorption of short laser pulses in biological tissues. The detected ultrasound signals can be represented by the convolution of the structure of objects, the laser pulse, and the impulse response of the ultrasound detectors. Detector's wideband response is essential for imaging reconstruction of multiscale objects by utilizing a range of characteristic acoustic wavelengths. Optical detection of ultrasound has the advantage of realizing high-frequency widebandwidth ultrasound detection. Previously we have demonstrated a polymer microring resonator based ultrasound detector with flat spectral response from dc to high frequency, over 90 MHz at -3-dB. By using a reconstruction algorithm to simulate the photoacoustic tomography of microspheres of different sizes, we compared the imaging performance of the microring resonators and piezoelectric transducers. Due to the broadband response, the former was able to faithfully detect both the boundaries that are characteristics of high spatial frequencies and the inner structure consisting primarily of low spatial frequency components. Piezoelectric transducers can only preserve one of the two aspects, depending on the choice of detector's central frequency. Experimental results demonstrate the benefit of broadband response of polymer microring resonators.
Chronic caloric restriction partially protects against age-related alteration in serum metabolome.

Calorie restriction (CR) remains the most robust metabolic intervention to extend lifespan and improve healthspan in several species. Using global and targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approaches, here we show that chronic CR prevents age-related changes in specific metabolic signatures. Global metabolomic analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detected more than 7,000 metabolites in sera from ad-libitum-fed young, aged, and aged C57BL/6 mice maintained on 40 % CR. Multivariate statistical analysis of mass spectrometry data revealed a clear separation among the young, aged, and aged–CR mice demonstrating the potential of this approach for producing reliable metabolic profiles that discriminate based on age and diet. We have identified 168 discriminating features with high statistical significance (p ≤ 0.001) and validated and quantified three of these metabolites using targeted metabolite analysis. Calorie restriction prevented the age-related alteration in specific metabolites, namely lysophosphatidylcholines (16:1 and 18:4), sphingomyelin (d18:1/12:0), tetracosahexaenoic acid, and 7α-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, in the serum. Pathway analysis revealed that CR impacted the age-related changes in metabolic byproducts of lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. Our data suggest that metabolomics approach has the potential to elucidate the metabolic mechanism of CR’s potential anti-aging effects in larger-scale investigations.
Infectious endocarditis caused by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans is a very uncommon cause of infectious endocarditis. The organism was first described in 1912.1 Thjotta and Sydnes2 reported its isolation in pure culture from a long standing abscess which had developed after tooth extraction. Subsequently this organism was found to be part of the normal flora, and the organism was defined as a slow growing, fastidious gram negative bacillus.3 Carbon dioxide is essential for the growth of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Approximately 50 cases of endocartitis due to A. actinomycetemcomitans have been reported4 since the first case reported in 1964.5The purpose of this report is to document a case of endocarditis due to A. actinomycetemcomitans and to stress the value of the echocardiogram in the assessment of patients with endocarditis.
“I'll see it when I believe it!”*: Investigating Nervous System/Reproductive System Interactions in Animal Organisms

From the time of August Weismann's characterization of fundamental differences between the role of the reproductive system (to preserve the “immortal” germplasm) and the other, somatic tissues of the organism (to maintain the organism) biologists have inherited an interesting organismic conundrum. How, indeed, are we to understand the relationship between the somatic systems (especially the nervous system—that characterize the animal organism) and the reproductive system, within that organism ? In this paper it is argued that: (1) neuron-gamete-organism interactions are essential, organismic phenomena that have scarcely begun to be investigated; (2) with reference to at least three different kinds of animals it is possible to determine developmental, structural, functional and behavioral relationships between the (species-oriented) reproductive systems, and the (individual, organism -oriented) nervous systems of those animals; and (3) results of such investigations make sense only in terms of the peculiar evolutionary history and environmental adaptations of specific kinds of animal organisms.
Effect on life style from governmental and free enterprise cooperation

The cooperation between government and free enterprise in solid waste management affects our life style by way of promoting our bodily and mental well-being through the proper management of solid wastes generated by us, and by advancing our material welfare through resource recovery. Private enterprise provides the service and government sees to it that the service is efficient, sanitary, environmentally acceptable, and reasonable, much as with a public utility. This cooperation, peculiar to solid waste management, owes its historical origin to a combination of governmental neglect and the nature of solid wastes.
Nonverbal sensitivity: consequences for learning and satisfaction in genetic counseling

Purpose - This study aims to explore the role of interactants' nonverbal sensitivity, anxiety and sociodemographic characteristics in learning and satisfaction within the genetic counseling context. Design/methodology/approach - This is a combined simulation and analogue study. Simulations were videotaped with 152 prenatal and cancer genetic counselors and nine simulated clients. The videotapes were shown to 559 subjects recruited to act as analogue clients (ACs) with the instruction to imagine themselves as the client in the simulation. The profile of nonverbal sensitivity (PONS), a video and audio test of accuracy in the interpretation of nonverbal cues, was administered to both the genetic counselors and ACs. In addition, the ACs completed a literacy screen and post session measures of learning and session satisfaction. Findings - The study finds that ACs' post-session knowledge score was positively associated with both their own and the counselors' audio PONS scores. Also related to knowledge were clients' literacy, younger age and non-minority ethnicity. Ratings of session satisfaction were inversely related to ACs' and counselors' video PONS scores and ACs' literacy and anxiety. Research limitations/implications - While based on the performance of a large number of practicing genetic counselors, simulated and analogue clients are used to explore study questions. Practical implications - The nonverbal sensitivity of both providers and ACs plays a role in medical communication and its cognitive and affective consequences. These findings warrant greater attention to nonverbal dynamics in future research and interventions. Originality/value - No similar studies have investigated the role of nonverbal sensitivity in predicting learning and satisfaction for users of health care services.
Integrating sandwich: a new method of measurement of the light absorption coefficient for atmospheric particles.

A new technique has been developed for determination of optical depths δa as low as 0.0005 for thin layers of absorbing materials or particles. The measurement involves optical amplification of the absorption and is not affected by the scattering properties of the absorber. This is accomplished by introducing the absorber into the virtually isotropic radiation field between two high-reflectance diffusing wafers and measuring the resultant attenuation of the transmitted light. The technique has been directed toward determination of the absorption coefficient of atmospheric aerosols in remote and relatively unpolluted locations. Provided appropriate collection filters and sampling conditions are used, the method can establish an absorption coefficient for the aerosol as low as 5 × 10−9 m−1 within a 10-h sampling period. A proportionally higher absorption coefficient requires proportionally less sample time. This paper discusses instrument design, the theoretical optical model, laboratory calibration, and a field test of the technique.
Hypocellular bone marrow with increased blasts

Twenty patients with hypocellular bone marrow and increased blasts (HBMIB) were reviewed. The median age was 60 years with a male:female ratio of 17:3. History of alcohol abuse was noted in 30%, potential exposure to toxic chemicals in 20%, second malignancies in 20%, and aplastic anemia in 25%. Pancytopenia with marrow hypocellularity and increased marrow blast cells were characteristic hematopathologic features. Marrow hypocellularity was moderate to severe (less than or equal to 25%) in over half of the cases and mild to moderate (greater than 25, less than or equal to 35%) in the remainder. Blast cells were the predominant cellular elements in the marrow displaying scanty to moderate amounts of cytoplasm, round to oval nuclei, and one or more nucleoli. Special stains were performed in 19 cases. Blast cells morphologically displayed myeloid features, but Sudan black B and/or peroxidase positivity was noted in only ten patients. The overall mortality was high, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy. At 1 year follow-up, 11 patients had received chemotherapy and eight of these eleven were dead compared to three of nine patients dead in those not receiving chemotherapy. Only two patients developed "overt" leukemia evidenced by hypercellular marrow and over 30% blast cells in the peripheral blood. HBMIB is a distinct clinicopathologic entity characterized by severe marrow failure and a low response rate to chemotherapy.
Complete MR angiography and Doppler ultrasound as the sole imaging modalities prior to carotid endarterectomy

Objective: To assess the combination of duplex Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and complete carotid magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the non-invasive imaging of carotid disease and their effect on outcomes. Determine inter-reader agreement of carotid MRA. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and ten carotid bifurcations were evaluated using DUS, 2D and 3D time-of-flight MRA from the aortic arch to the Circle of Willis in 55 patients. Percentage stenoses were determined by two blinded readers using standardized criteria. Clinical follow-up was by chart review. Results: Correlation of Doppler and MRA was excellent (r=0.903, P Conclusions: Carotid MRA correlates well with DUS with good inter-reader agreement. MRA confirms Doppler findings, expands anatomical information and identifies tandem lesions from the aortic arch to the Circle of Willis which can affect surgical management. This approach to carotid artery imaging appears to have no negative effect on surgical outcome.
Electrons on dielectrics and contact electrification

Surfaces of dielectrics (insulators) often become charged following contact with metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics with or without rubbing. The mechanism and participants in the charge transfer (electrons or ions), although widely investigated, are still controversial. Whereas the identity of the charge carrier cannot be distinguished by electrostatic measurements, we have recently found that charges on a dielectric surface, e.g. for polymers like Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) and Lucite [poly(methylmethacrylate) or (PMMA)], can carry out different chemical redox reactions, e.g. metal deposition, ion reduction, and chemiluminescence. This suggests that electron transfer occurs in electrification. This chemical approach allows determination of the surface density of electronic charge as well as processes involved in charging and discharging the dielectrics. An overview of this work is presented.
Forecasting Drought Using the Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID): A Case Study

AbstractDrought forecasting can aid in developing mitigation strategies and minimizing economic losses. Drought may be forecast using a drought index, which is an indicator of drought. The agricultural reference index for drought (ARID) was used as a tool to investigate the possibility of using climate indices (CIs) as predictors to improve the current level of forecasting, which is El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) based. The performances of models that are based on linear regression (LR), artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuron-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), and autoregressive moving averages (ARMA) models were compared with that of the ENSO approach. Monthly values of ARID spanning 56 yr were computed for five locations in the southeastern United States, and monthly values of the CIs having significant connections with weather in this region were obtained. For the ENSO approach, the ARID values were separated into three ENSO phases and averaged by phase. For the ARMA models, monthly time ...
Development and characterization of an Fv-1-sensitive retrovirus-packaging system: single-hit titration kinetics observed in restrictive cells.

Abstract We have constructed an RNA-packaging-deficient mutant of N-tropic murine leukemia virus WN1802N by removal of 330 nucleotides located between the upstream long terminal repeat and the start of the gag gene region. Transfection into mink CCL64 cells produced a cell line capable of packaging retrovirus vectors into ecotropic, Fv-1 N-tropic virions. Using retrovirus vectors that confer resistance to the antibiotic G418, we demonstrated that the magnitude of restriction in BALB/3T3 and SIM.R cells (both Fv-1b/b) and in RFM/3T3 cells (Fv-1nr/nr) is approximately 100-fold compared with that in AKR or NIH 3T3 cells (both Fv-1n/n). Furthermore, titration kinetics were single hit in restrictive cells. Colonies of antibiotic-resistant cells recovered after infection of genotypically restrictive cultures were phenotypically restrictive when reinfected, ruling out selection of stably nonrestrictive subpopulations. These results suggest that the ability to infect some fraction of cells in a genotypically restrictive culture does not require specific abrogation and that multihit kinetics may not be an essential feature of Fv-1 restriction.
A Study of the Hydrothermal Reconstitution of the Kaolin Minerals1

The progressive reconstitution of the thermally decomposed members of the kaolin group (the so-called "meta" phases) has been studied as a function of time, temperature and water vapor pressure of reconstitution, with a view to determining the extent of "pseudomorphism" after the parent structure. The nature of the dehydroxylated diekite which shows a 14A reflection has been investigated further but no additional x-ray data characteristic of a 14A-type structure can be found. The sequence of rehydration shows that all the meta phases tend to form kaolinite, but the actual sequence of events depends on the parent material. Under the proper conditions well-crystallized kaolinite is obtained from all the meta phases. However, the original minerals themselves could not be converted directly to kaolinite within the time limits of the experiments.
Competing risk and heterogeneity of treatment effect in clinical trials

It has been demonstrated that patients enrolled in clinical trials frequently have a large degree of variation in their baseline risk for the outcome of interest. Thus, some have suggested that clinical trial results should routinely be stratified by outcome risk using risk models, since the summary results may otherwise be misleading. However, variation in competing risk is another dimension of risk heterogeneity that may also underlie treatment effect heterogeneity. Understanding the effects of competing risk heterogeneity may be especially important for pragmatic comparative effectiveness trials, which seek to include traditionally excluded patients, such as the elderly or complex patients with multiple comorbidities. Indeed, the observed effect of an intervention is dependent on the ratio of outcome risk to competing risk, and these risks – which may or may not be correlated – may vary considerably in patients enrolled in a trial. Further, the effects of competing risk on treatment effect heterogeneity can be amplified by even a small degree of treatment related harm. Stratification of trial results along both the competing and the outcome risk dimensions may be necessary if pragmatic comparative effectiveness trials are to provide the clinically useful information their advocates intend.
Construction and performance of an experimental phased array acoustic imaging transducer

Abstract A technique for electrically connecting to the PZT elements in a phased array transducer of a cardiac imaging probe is described. The transducer is a stack consisting of a PZT substrate with metallized faces and is bonded to an acoustic absorber across a thin alumina substrate of proper acoustic impedance. The PZT substrate is sawed into an array of elements and a metal foil with an integrally moulded acoustic lens is bonded to the tops of the elements to form the common ground connection. The transducer stack is enclosed in an alumina box and the electrical connection to the PZT elements is made by silk-screened metallic conductors on the sides of the box. The stack transducer module is enclosed in a two part linen bakelite case which is sealed by injecting silicone rubber. A technique that was used to prepare the surface of the acoustic absorber, which resulted in wide bandwidth transducers, is described. Finally, we show the pulse-echo response of the completed transducer imaging a point target in water.
Some Observations Concerning the Chiastic Structure of the Gospel of Matthew

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 8-9 and 21-2 each contain three structural triads. The former narrative passage contains three sets of three miracles; in the latter passage, another narrative section, we again find three structural triads: three symbolic actions, three parables, and three questions posed to Jesus. According to the structure of the gospel proposed by C. H. Lohr, these two narrative sections lie in chiastic correspondence. This parallel, of three structural triads between two sections which are arguably in chiastic correspondence, lends considerable weight to the argument for the presence of a chiastic structure in the Gospel of Matthew.
The Origin DNA-Binding and Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Domains of Simian Virus 40 Large T Antigen Are Distinct

Little is known about the ability of simian virus 40 (SV40) T antigen to bind single-stranded DNA. We demonstrate here that a mutant (259-708) missing the first 258 amino acids of T antigen and its origin-binding domain bound single-stranded DNA at close to normal levels, whereas a mutant containing only the first 259 amino acids failed to bind any single-stranded DNA. The 259-708 mutant also assembled into high-molecular-weight oligomers in the presence of single-stranded DNA. Its ATPase activity was stimulated by single-stranded DNA similarly to the wild type (WT). Furthermore, WT T antigen’s ability to bind to single-stranded DNA was inhibited by the binding of two monoclonal antibodies that recognize a region after residue 362. These results show that the domain responsible for binding to single-stranded DNA is completely separate from the origin-binding domain.
Examining Elements of Campus Sexual Violence Policies Is Deterrence or Health Promotion Favored

The promulgation of sexual violence policies can be viewed from both criminal justice and public health perspectives. The public health model focuses on prevention through health promotion in contrast to a criminal justice analysis based primarily on deterrence. Because each perspective has a unique focus, policies may have different implications and outcomes. This study subjects campus sexual violence policies to analysis from public health and criminal justice perspectives. Campus sexual violence policies were obtained from a sample of 100 United States colleges and universities in 1998. A descriptive analysis of the types of sexual violence prevention programs and dissemination of knowledge about the policies is presented. Data on actual policies collected were analyzed employing content analytic techniques. Overall, deterrence-based prevention efforts were the most common element, followed by risk- or opportunity-reduction approaches. Implications for campus sexual violence prevention efforts of mergi...
BIOMETRIC GENETIC ANALYSIS OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RAT

The spontaneously hypertensive rat is the most widely studied animal model of essential hypertension, yet the genetics of transmission of high blood pressure in this strain have not been clearly defined. It has been proposed that in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, blood pressure follows a simple additive mode of inheritance and that the hypertension is primarily determined by a single major locus. To investigate the genetics of transmission of increased blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, we performed a biometric genetic analysis of multiple, direct measurements of arterial pressure in unanesthetized, unrestrained rats derived by crossing spontaneously hypertensive rats with two different inbred normotensive strains, the Charles River Wistar-Kyoto rat and the Lewis rat. In both crosses, approximately 60% of the variation in blood pressure could be assigned to genotypic variation. The data fit an additive-dominance model of inheritance in which alleles decreasing blood pressure were partially dominant. Thus, in offspring derived from crosses between spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats or spontaneously hypertensive rats and Lewis rats that are raised under ordinary laboratory conditions, increased blood pressure is not determined by simple additive effects of alleles at a single major locus. The current findings are consistent with the possibility that in the spontaneously hypertensive rat, hypertension may arise from mutations in alleles that ordinarily act in a dominant fashion to suppress blood pressure.
Loop shaping for robust performance using Rbode plot

H/sub /spl infin// and /spl mu/-synthesis have been widely used to design controllers to achieve robust performance. However, these automated tools often do not provide much insight into the relationship between the open loop frequency response and the performance in the presence of model uncertainties. This paper presents a method for translating the robust performance criterion into contours on the open loop Rbode plot of a compensated SISO system so that robust controllers can be directly synthesized with classical loop shaping. The design concept is to shape the open loop response to avoid intersections between the contours and magnitude and phase graphs. In contrast to the asymptotic criteria in the literature, these contours incorporate both phase and magnitude information, and provide precise bounds in the vicinity of the 0 dB crossover frequency. An application of this concept to the design of the controller for an lateral tape motion compensation system shows its utility.
Primary Screening for Cervical Cancer: Incorporating New Guidelines and Technologies into Clinical Practice

Abstract Cervical cancer screening has been a remarkable success story in the United States. The annual Papanicolaou (Pap) test is ingrained in the U.S. healthcare system, yet recent evidence suggests that many women do not need yearly screening. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) newest guidelines, published in December 2009, challenge traditional cervical cancer screening modes and intervals with level-A recommendations for starting later and screening low-risk women less frequently. The aim of this article is to provide an evidence-based approach to incorporation of the new cervical cancer screening guidelines into clinical practice by reviewing the goals of screening, epidemiology of human papillomavirus and cervical cancer, costs of overscreening, and rationale for the specific recommendations.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ionic Liquids: Influence of Polarization on IL Structure and Ion Transport

Many-body polarizable force field has been developed and validated for a wide class of ionic liquids. Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed on 29 ionic liquids. This presentation will focus on ability of developed force fields to predict condensed phase properties and on understanding the influence of many-body polarizable interactions on the ionic liquid structure and transport.
The Effect of Acidification Damages on the Economic Value of the Adirondack Fishery to New York Anglers

A travel cost model is used to estimate losses in the net economic value of the Adirondack recreational fishery resulting from damages caused by acidic deposition. Annual losses to New York resident anglers are estimated to be approximately $@@‐@@1 million per year in 1976 dollars. Although there are many reasons why these damages understate the full extent of losses to both current users and others, this research represents one of the initial attempts to quantify one type of cost associated with the acidic deposition problem.
Fundamental limits in robustness and performance for unstable, underactuated systems

We derive bounds on the /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// norm of a weighted output sensitivity function and a weighted output complementary sensitivity function for an underactuated, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO), linear, time-invariant (LTI), unstable plant in feedback with an internally stabilizing, LTI controller. These bounds indicate a limit to the achievable robustness and performance for such systems and thus, are valuable tools for performing system design tradeoffs.
Stability of the offset V osteotomy: Effects of fixation, orientation, and surgical translocation in polyurethane foam models and preserved cadaveric specimens

Abstract Polyurethane foam models and cadaver specimens were used to examine the stability of the offset V first metatarsal osteotomy. Uniform osteotomies were performed in all specimens by using a specially designed jig. Specimens in the polyurethane foam model series (n = 10) varied with respect to fixation type, fixation orientation, and degree of lateral translocation of the osteotomy. All specimens were loaded to failure in an Instron testing machine (Instron, Canton, MA). The plantar wing-pin (Kirschner wire) osteotomy group showed statistically significantly greater stiffness ( P = .0119) and load at failure ( P = .0027) than the dorsal wing-pin group. Cadaveric offset V specimens received the same amount of capital fragment lateral translocation but had different fixation types and orientations. Using the identical protocol as the models, the cadaveric dorsal wing-screw group showed statistically significantly less displacement at failure than the plantar wing-screw, plantar wing-pin, and dorsal wing-pin groups ( P = .0262). The dorsal wing-pin group with a synthetic tension band showed a statistically significant greater stiffness ( P = .0054) and peak load at failure ( P = .0004) compared with the dorsal wing-pin group without the tension band. The most stable offset V construct in the polyurethane foam model was the plantar wing-pin group. The preserved cadaveric specimens yielded different results. The cadaveric dorsal wing-pin group with the synthetic tension band showed superior stability compared with all other non-tension-band groups. These results indicate the importance of tension band effects provided by capsular and ligamentous structures, which are typically ignored in surgical optimization research. (The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery 42(2):53-62, 2003)
The growth and differentiation of the regenerating spinal cord of the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

The present work describes the ultrastructure of the spinal cord in the regenerating tail of the lizard, Anolis. The distal growing region of the tail contains the advancing ependymal tube which is relatively devoid of axons but already contains channels between ependymal cell processes which anticipate their ingrowth. More proximally, fascicles of naked axons having their origin in the stump are present in the ependymal channels. Therefore, the pattern of fiber regeneration in the spinal cord is prescribed by the ependyma and not by the growing axons. Details of the ultrastructure of proximal, intermediate, and distal regions of the regenerate are reported. Particular attention is paid to the structure and differentiation of the ependymal cells and the relation of the ependyma to other glial cells, to nerve fibers, and to meningeal tissues.
Logic-based factory design

A methodology for knowledge-based factory desigh is presented, with emphasis on a logic-oriented implementation in PROLOG, a logic programming language. The implementation, FADES ( FAcilities Design Expert System ) provides a partial demonstration of the methodology proposed. Current status of research, difficulties encountered, and future direction are examined and discussed.