cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Discharge and Home Care After Unplanned Cesarean Birth: Nursing Care Time

National strategies to control health care costs have resulted in earlier hospital discharge of many patient groups. Earlier discharge may reduce hospital charges and return patients to their families sooner. However, complications after discharge may go undetected and require readmittance to the hospital and more acute care visits (Britton & Britton, 1984; Jansson, 1985; Rogers et al., 1990; Schwartzberg, 1982). To maintain good patient outcomes while lowering hospital charges, a number of programs of early hospital discharge and home follow-up have been developed for groups of patients at high risk who use a high volume of services (Brooten et al., 1986; McCorkle et al., 1989). Women delivering by unplanned cesarean birth represent such a group. Almost one in four women who give birth in the United States do so by cesarean birth (Taffel, Placek, & Korsary, 1992). The hospital stay after cesarean birth has decreased from a mean of 6.1 days in 1982 to 4.0 days in 1992 (Commission on Professional & Hospital Activities, 1991; 1993). One recent report suggested a 2-day length of stay for women after delivery by cesarean birth, provided they had no complications during pregnancy and delivery and after delivery (Strong, Brown, Brown, & Curry, 1993). Many early discharge programs for high-risk groups have home follow-up services that differ in length, services, and provider (Meissier, 1993). Data are needed on the nurse's time required for home follow-up of childbearing women at high risk when care is based on patient need and provider judgment rather than the reimbursement plan. For women delivering by cesarean birth, most follow-up services have' included one or more home visits by a nurse. The number and length of visits often are dictated by reimbursement systems (Brooten, 1995). Institutions or agencies providing these services usually have a standard fee and maximum time for the visit based on the projected needs of that patient population. However, home visits of varying lengths of time may be necessary, depending on the needs of individual patients and the complexity of their care. Currently, little data are available on the following: (a) the time required by nurses to provide home care to different patient groups; (b) differences in nursing time required within those groups, depending on patient morbidity; and (c) the number and length of home visits or other contacts when dictated by patient need and provider judgment rather than patterns of reimbursement. The purpose of this study was to examine the average time nurses spent planning for early hospital discharge and providing home care to women who delivered by unplanned cesarean birth. It also examined differences in nursing care time required for patients with and without morbidity when dictated by patient need and provider judgment.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES ON THE ORAL MICROBIAL FLORA.

Abstract A comparison of the quantitative changes of seven microbial populations of twelve patients, before and after orthodontic treatment, was made by plating saliva samples on standard selective culture media. The following results were obtained: 1. 1. Prior to orthodontic therapy the total anaerobic population was numerically the highest bacterial category studied. In decreasing numerical order, this population was followed by the total aerobic, the streptococci, veillonella, staphylococci, lactobacilli, and yeast populations. 2. 2. After the placement of orthodontic appliances, the total anaerobes were still the most numerous, followed by the aerobes, streptococci, veillonella, lactobacilli, staphylococci, and yeast. 3. 3. Although all categories showed a numerical increase after the placement of orthodontic appliances, only the lactobacilli increased by a statistically significant amount. 4. 4. The subjects whose treatment involved the greatest number of orthodontic bands and auxiliaries manifested the greatest quantitative increase in the microbial populations studied.
DNA-PKcs mutations in dogs and horses: Allele frequency and association with neoplasia

Previously, spontaneous genetic immunodeficiencies in mice, Arabian foals, and recently in Jack Russell terriers have been ascribed to defects in DNA-PKcs (catalytic subunit of the DNA dependent protein kinase) expression. In severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) foals, a 5 bp deletion at codon 9480 results in a frameshift and a 967 amino acid deletion from the C terminus (including the entire PI3 kinase domain) and an unstable mutant protein. In SCID mice, a single base pair mutation results in a premature stop codon and deletion of 83 amino acids; as in SCID foals, the mutant protein is unstable. Here, we define the mutation within the canine DNA-PKcs gene that results in SCID. In this case, a point mutation results in a stop codon at nucleotide 10,828 and premature termination at a position 517 amino acids before the normal C terminus resulting in a functionally null allele. Thus, this is the third documentation of a spontaneous germline mutation in the C terminus of DNA-PKcs. Emerging data implicate DNA repair factors as potential tumor suppressors. Here, we have ascertained the carrier frequency of the defective DNA-PKcs genes in Arabian horses and in Jack Russell terriers. Our data indicate (in good agreement with a previous report) that the carrier frequency of the equine SCID allele is approximately 8%; in contrast, the carrier frequency of the canine SCID allele is less than 1.1%. We also assessed the frequency of the equine SCID allele in a series of 295 tumors from Arabian horses. We find a statistically significant correlation between the development of a virally induced tumor (sarcoid) and heterozygosity for the equine SCID allele. These data provide further support for an emerging consensus: that DNA-PK may normally act as a tumor suppressor through its caretaker role in maintaining chromosomal stability.
Random controls: A rejoinder

Furedy, Poulos, and Schiffman (1975) have made a conclusion in direct contradiction to available data in skin conductance conditioning which show clearly that a stimulus designated to be random was, in fact, random with respect to an unconditioned stimulus. It was also pointed out that the overlap criterion does illustrate the weakness of the Toronto studies; that the random stimulus in the Prokasy, Williams, Kumpfer, and Lee (1973) paper was not excitatory; and that controlled studies for at least a decade have shown the first-interval response to be associative.
Kidney transplant rejection and tissue injury by gene profiling of biopsies and peripheral blood lymphocytes.

We used DNA microarrays (HG-U95Av2 GeneChips, Affymetrix) to determine gene expression profiles for kidney biopsies and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in transplant patients including normal donor kidneys, well-functioning transplants without rejection, kidneys undergoing acute rejection, and transplants with renal dysfunction without rejection. We developed a data analysis schema based on expression signal determination, class comparison and prediction, hierarchical clustering, statistical power analysis and real-time quantitative PCR validation. We identified distinct gene expression signatures for both biopsies and PBLs that correlated significantly with each of the different classes of transplant patients. This is the most complete report to date using commercial arrays to identify unique expression signatures in transplant biopsies distinguishing acute rejection, acute dysfunction without rejection and well-functioning transplants with no rejection history. We demonstrate for the first time the successful application of high density DNA chip analysis of PBL as a diagnostic tool for transplantation. The significance of these results, if validated in a multicenter prospective trial, would be the establishment of a metric based on gene expression signatures for monitoring the immune status and immunosuppression of transplanted patients.
Recent Developments With VUV And Soft X-Ray Detector Systems

Recent developments with detector systems for use at vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and soft x-ray wavelengths have emphasized improvements in the detective quantum efficiencies and the capability for high-resolution imaging while retaining a high photometric accuracy. This paper compares and contrasts the performance characteristics of the three principal classes of imaging detector systems currently under active development, namely, the bare Charge-Coupled Device (CCD), the intensified CCD, and the microchannel plate (MCP) coupled to different imaging electronic readout systems.
Delinquent Behavior, Violence, and Gang Involvement in China

This study examines the relationship between delinquent behavior and gang involvement in China. We assess the feasibility of self-report methodology in China and whether established findings in US and European settings on the relationship between gang involvement, violence specialization, and delinquent behavior extend to the Chinese context. Data were gathered from 2,245 members of a school-based sample in Changzhi, a city of over 3 million people in Northern China. Drawing from a detailed survey questionnaire that measures prominent theoretical constructs, multi-level item response theory modeling was used to examine the association of gang involvement with general and specific forms of delinquency, notably violence specialization. Over half of the sample engaged in some form of delinquency over the prior year. Eleven percent of the sample reported gang involvement. Large bivariate differences in overall delinquency and violence specialization between gang and non-gang youth were observed. Multivariate analyses with measures of low self-control, household strains, family and school attachment, parental monitoring, and peer delinquency reduced the bivariate effect sizes, but current and former gang members had higher log odds of overall delinquency and violence specialization. In helping fill gaps of knowledge on gangs and delinquency in the world’s most populous country, this study observed self-reported rates of delinquency and gang involvement not unlike Western countries. Findings on the relationship between gangs and delinquency, particularly violence, are consistent with the current literature and support the invariance hypothesis of gang involvement.
Performance of high‐efficiency AMOLED displays

In this paper, the performance of active-matrix-driven small-molecule OLED displays incorporating high-efficiency electrophosphorescent dopants were analyzed. These enable triplet excitons to contribute to light emission and have led to pixel efficiencies of over 40 lm/W. By considering a conventional two TFT per pixel addressing scheme, we show how this OLED design enables the fabrication of very-low-power-consumption displays (lower than AMLCDs). We simulate display performance and perform a trade-off analysis comparing the power consumption of displays driven by both amorphous-silicon and low-temperature poly-Si TFTs.
Vesical endometriosis following bladder injury

The development of endometriosis in the area of a previous bladder wall injury is described. This represents the first documented case of endometriosis occurring after such injury.
SU‐E‐J‐36: Combining CBCT Dose Into IMRT Treatment Planning

Purpose: Cone beam CT (CBCT) is increasingly used in patient setup for IMRT. Daily CBCT may provide effective localization, however, it introduces concern over excessive imaging dose. Previous studies investigated the calculation of excess CBCT dose, however, no study has yet treated this dose as a source of therapeutic radiation, optimized in consideration of PTV and OARs constrains. Here we present a novel combined MV+kV inverse optimization engine to weave the CBCT and MV dose together such that CBCT dose is used for both imaging and therapeutic purposes. This may mitigate some of the excess imaging dose effects of daily CBCT and allow complete evaluation of the CBCT dose prior to treatment. Methods: The EGSnrc Monte Carlo system was used to model a Varian Trilogy CBCT system and 6 MV treatment beam. Using the model, the dose to patient from treatment beam and imaging beam was calculated for ten patients. The standard IMRT objective function was modified to include CBCT dose. Treatment plan optimization using the MOSEK optimization tool was performed retrospectively with and without assuming kV radiation dose from CBCT, assuming one CBCT per fraction. Results: Across ten patients, the CBCT delivered peaks of between .4% and 3.0% of the prescription dose to the PTV, with average CBCT dose to the PTV between .3% and .8%. By including CBCT dose to skin as a constraint during optimization, peak skin dose is reduced by between 1.9% and 7.4%, and average skin dose is reduced by .2% to 3.3%. Conclusions: Pre-treatment CBCT may deliver a substantial amount of radiation dose to the target volume. By considering CBCT dose to skin at the point of treatment planning, it is possible to reduce patient skin dose from current clinical levels, and to provide patient treatment with the improved accuracy that daily CBCT provides.
Action of Miracil D and related compounds on histone synthesis and phosphorylation in regenerating liver

Abstract The effect of Miracil D and hycanthone on 3H-amino acid incorporation into histones was studied under conditions known to cause a greater than 90% inhibition of thymidine incorporation into DNA of regenerating rat liver. A dose level of 50 mg of either drug per kg body weight administered 8 h after partial hepatectomy caused an approximate 50% inhibition of amino acid incorporation into fl, f2b and combined f2a plus f3 histone in 24-h regenerating liver. There was little or no effect on amino acid nitrogen concentration or incorporation of 3H-amino acid into the acid-soluble fraction, cytoplasmic proteins or acid-insoluble nuclear proteins. Under the same conditions, Miracil D caused a 65% inhibition of 32P incorporation into lysirierich f1 histone whereas a structurally related compound, GE-99, did not have a significant inhibitory effect on this parameter nor on [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. Temporal studies with hycanthone revealed a suppression of the increased phosphorylation of fl histone in regenerating rat liver without influencing the phosphorylation of other histones. The data support the concept of coordinated control of DNA synthesis and phosphorylation of fl histone.
Activation of visceral thin-fiber afferents increases respiratory output in cats

Respiratory responses to chemical activation of thin-fiber afferents from the stomach and the gallbladder were measured in anesthetized cats. Capsaicin or bradykinin applied to the serosal surface of either the stomach or the gallbladder elicited increases in breathing and phrenic nerve activity. Transection of the cervical vagi or the carotid sinus nerves had no effect on these responses. However, the respiratory responses to visceral stimulation were abolished by bilateral transection of the splanchnic nerves. We conclude that activation of thin-fiber afferents from the stomach and gallbladder causes a reflex increase in respiratory output. The initial afferent limb of this reflex is via the splanchnic nerves.
Micromachined 50-um x 250-um silicon torsional mirror arrays for optical signal processing

We propose an array of electrostatically driven torsional mirrors for optical signal processing. This 10-element device is 1-dimensional with pixels of 50 micrometers X 250 micrometers . The device is basically a hybrid integrated optical device which is fabricated in silicon and can be integrated with photodetectors and processing electronics to create elements of the so-called 'smart pixel' class of spatial light modulators. This class of devices will find application in many areas of optical processing including optical interconnects, optical switching, optical image analysis and optical neural networks. We discuss the design and fabrication of mirror arrays and electrode strips that are used to actuate them. The resonant frequency and deflection angle v.s. applied voltage of the fabricated devices are measured and compared with theoretical predictions.
A Thomas-Fermi model of nuclei. II. Fission barriers and charge distributions☆

Abstract The Thomas-Fermi model of average nuclear properties described in Part I (Myers and Swiatecki, Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 204 , 1990, 401–431) is simplified further and then applied to the calculation of fission barriers and charge distributions. An extensive comparison with experimental data reveals a small but clear-cut barriers vs size discrepancy: if the radius constant r 0 is chosen to be 1.13 fm so as to reproduce measured nuclear sizes, the calculated fission barriers are too high. The suggestion is made that an extension of the Thomas-Fermi method is called for in order to describe the presence in nuclei of the “quantal halo”, i.e., of the classically forbidden region around the nuclear surface where matter exists at negative kinetic energy.
Toluene solubilization induces different modes of mixed micelle growth.

The effect of toluene solubilization on the size and mobility of Triton X100 (TX100) micelles and TX100/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) mixed micelles was studied by turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering, and capillary electrophoresis. Micelle growth due to toluene solubilization was observed for both surfactant systems; however, two different modes of growth were seen. Mixed micelles in 0.1 M NaCl are spherical (apparent diameter dapp = 8 nm) and remain so while taking up 3 mM toluene, with a volume increase per micelle of ΔVm = 50 nm3. In 0.5 M NaCl, the large dapp of both nonionic and mixed micelles (14 and 24 nm, respectively) indicate ellipsoidal or rodlike shapes, and their large increases in dapp upon addition of 3 mM toluene thus correspond to elongational growth, with the same ΔVm = 50 nm3. Further addition of toluene to TX100/SDS in 0.5 M NaCl results in a dramatic increase in micelle size followed by an unexpected bimodal size distribution. The addition of excess toluene leads to the formation of...
What Is the Role of Constructivist Teachers within Faculty Communication Networks

Using the biology faculty of one high school (n = 9) and the mathematics faculty of another (n = 16), this study tested the hypothesis that constructivist teachers play an active role within teacher communication networks (the constructivist-teacher hypothesis). This hypothesis contrasts with the view that constructivist teachers operate alone and largely severed from communications among colleagues. Two types of representations of communication patterns among faculty members (i.e., sociographs) were created and analyzed for each faculty. One type of sociograph plotted communications concerning content/pedagogical issues while the other type plotted social/informal communications. Trained raters assessed constructivist-teaching practices using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP). Positive relationships were found between constructivist-teaching practices and the frequency and significance of communications within both faculties—more so for content/pedagogical issues than for social/informal communications. Importantly, peers sought out constructivist teachers more often than they did traditional teachers, presumably seeking advice regarding teaching practice. Results support the constructivist-teacher hypothesis and indicate that constructivist teachers are not isolated from their peers. Instead, they appear to play an active role, particularly when colleagues are discussing issues related to content and pedagogy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 44: 490–505, 2007
Radiance and Polarization of Light Reflected from Optically Thick Clouds

The reflected radiance and polarization are calculated for clouds with optical thicknesses from 10 to 100. The results are presented for both the haze C and nimbostratus model. The peak in the single scattered polarization at 140 degrees for the nimbostratus model persists even with all the multiple scattering events that occur for the largest optical thicknesses considered here. The calculations are made by a Monte Carlo technique, which includes the effect of multiple scattering through all orders and a realistic anisotropic phase function for single scattering appropriate for the distribution of particle sizes in the cloud. The effect of the surface albedo is included in the calculations for the optical thickness of 10. The variation of the radiance and polarization with both the nadir and azimuthal angle is given for several solar zenith angles.
Staff Development on a Shoestring: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians

Staff development frequently underlies a successful implementation of innovative library services and systems. As Marcia Trotta emphasizes in her book, Staff Development on a Shoestring, ongoing staff training and growth is critical to delivering first-rate library services, achieving optimal performance levels, implementing change, and preparing for the future. A program of continuing education is critical for preventing library stagnation and staff burn-out. Employees that are motivated to learn and are given opportunities for personal growth are central to a library which is implementing innovative new services and changing workflows.
Lubrication regime transitions at the piston ring-cylinder liner interface

AbstractAn experimental apparatus and an analytical model have been developed to investigate and determine the lubrication condition and frictional losses at the interface between a piston ring and cylinder liner. In order to obtain a solution for the lubrication condition between the piston ring and cylinder liner, the system of Reynolds and film thickness equations subject to boundary conditions were simultaneously solved. The effects of boundary and mixed lubrication conditions were implemented using the Greenwood-Tripp stochastic approach. The Elrod cavitation algorithm was used to investigate the effects of fluid rupture and reformation at the top and bottom dead centres. The experimental results indicate that the piston ring and liner experience all the different lubrication regimes (i.e. boundary, mixed, and hydro-dynamic lubrication) during a stroke. A comparison between experimental and analytical results indicated that they are in good agreement and the analytical model developed for this study ...
Extent and spatial patterns of grass bald land cover change (1948–2000), Oregon Coast Range, USA

Globally, temperate grasslands and meadows have sharply declined in spatial extent. Loss and fragmentation of grasslands and meadows may impact biodiversity, carbon storage, energy balance, and climate change. In the Pacific Northwest region of North America, grasslands and meadows have declined in extent over the past century. Largely undocumented in this regional decline are the grass balds of the Oregon Coast Range, isolated grasslands in a landscape dominated by coniferous forests. This study was conducted to quantify the spatial extent and patterns of grass bald change. Five balds in the Oregon Coast Range were evaluated using historical aerial photographs and recent digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ). Over the time period of study (1948/1953 to 1994/2000), bald area declined by 66%, primarily from forest encroachment. The number and average size of bald vegetation patches declined, while edge density increased. Tree encroachment into balds was inversely related to distance from nearest potential parent trees. Spatial patterns of bald loss may result from a forest to bald gradient of unfavorable environmental conditions for tree establishment and/or seed dispersal limitation. Species dependent on balds may be at risk from loss of bald area and increased fragmentation, although metrics of habitat fragmentation may not reflect species-specific habitat requirements. Tree encroachment patterns and increased bald edge densities suggest increasing rates of bald loss in the future. The remote sensing nature of this study cannot determine the fundamental causes of bald decline, although prior research suggests climate change, cessation of native burning, successional changes in response to prior wildfires, and cessation of livestock grazing all may have potential influence.
Current distribution in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell with active water management

Air delivery is typically the greatest parasitic power loss in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems. We here present a detailed study of an active water management system for PEMFCs, which uses a hydrophilic, porous cathode flow field, and an electroosmotic (EO) pump for water removal. This active pumping of liquid water allows for stable operation with relatively low air flow rates and low air pressure and parallel cathode channel architectures. We characterize in-plane transport issues and power distributions using a three by three segmented PEMFC design. Our transient and steady state data provide insight into the dynamics and spatial distribution of flooding and flood-recovery processes. Segment-specific polarization curves reveal that the combination of a wick and an EO pump can effect a steady state, uniform current distribution for a parallel channel cathode flow field, even at low air stoichiometries (αair = 1.5). The segmented cell measurements also reveal the mechanisms and dynamics associated with EO pump based recovery from catastrophic flooding. For most operating regimes, the EO pump requires less than 1% of the fuel cell power to recover from near-catastrophic flooding, prevent flooding, and extend the current density operation range. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
An integrated optic RE spectrum analyzer in a ZnO-GaAs-AlGaAs waveguides

A report is presented on the realization of an integrated optic RF spectrum analyzer (IOSA) that combines a wideband acoustooptic Bragg cell and a pair of waveguide lenses in ZnO/GaAs/Al/sub 0.15/Ga/sub 0.85/As composite waveguide 7*23 mm/sup 2/ in size. A total of 10 and 40 channels at the center frequencies of 167 MHz and 500 MHz, respectively, and a frequency resolution of 5.5 MHz were realized. The diffraction efficiencies of 11.5%/W and 4.0%/W of RF drive power at the center frequencies of 167 MHz and 500 MHz, respectively, and a dynamic range larger than 16 dB were measured. Further integration of this IOSA (integrated optic spectrum analyzer) with a laser source, a photodetector array, and electronic driving circuits could produce a monolithically integrated optic RF spectrum analyzer. >
Who Governs Global Affairs? The Role of Institutional Corruption in U.S. Foreign Policy

Since the mid-twentieth century, the United States has emerged as a global superpower wielding influence on the lives of millions around the world. The foreign policy decisions of U.S. lawmakers have a global reach and should not be shaped by special interests. This paper analyzes the dynamics of campaign finance and lobbying in U.S. foreign policy through the lens of institutional corruption. The central argument is that the business community possesses the resources necessary to influence foreign policy leaders and frame global affairs in ways that fit its interests. Ethnic groups and foreign governments have also been shown to be highly influential when they hire K Street lobbying firms to persuade lawmakers. And while think tanks are known for their role as a source of expertise on global affairs that guide the foreign policy debate, evidence suggests that their research is also influenced by corporate agendas. One of the most surprising and unfortunate findings is that the public is the least influential group among actors aiming to shape U.S. foreign policy.
Coproduction of liquid transportation fuels and C6_C8 aromatics from biomass and natural gas

The coproduction of liquid transportation fuels and C6C8 aromatics from the thermochemical conversion of biomass and natural gas (BGTL+C6_C8) is investigated in this article. An optimization-based process synthesis framework incorporating multiple synthesis gas conversion technologies, such as Fischer–Tropsch synthesis or methanol conversion, is described. Production of aromatics can proceed through several technologies, such as naphtha reforming and aromatization of hydrocarbons via a metal-promoted H-ZSM-5 catalyst. This is the first article in the literature to incorporate an aromatics complex for the coproduction of liquid fuels and C6C8 petrochemicals within a rigorous process synthesis and deterministic global optimization framework. The optimal process topologies across several case studies are discussed and the results indicate that the coproduction of aromatics with liquid fuels can significantly increase the profitability of these refineries. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2015 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 831–856, 2015
Structural Stability and Conductivity of Phase-Stabilized Cubic Bismuth Oxides

Bismuth oxide, when stabilized in the face-centered cubic phase by lanthanide doping, has one of the highest oxygen-ion conductivities among all solid oxide electrolytes. We previously reported a time-dependent aging phenomenon in phase-stabilized bismuth oxides that involves ordering of the anion sublattice, as distinct from a crystallographic phase change, and results in decreased conductivity. In this paper, we report on the structural stability of the disordered lattice in terms of aging, as a function of both dopant species and dopant concentration. The aging rate decreases with both increased dopant cation radius and increased dopant concentration.
Creating Effective Web-Based Learning Environments: Relevant Research and Practice

Web-based learning environments are a great asset only if they are designed well and used as intended. The urgency to create courses in response to the growing demand for online learning has resulted in a hurried push to drop PowerPoint notes into Web-based course management systems (WBCMSs), devise an electronic quiz, put together a few discussion questions, and call it a course. My mentor once quipped that "good learners will learn, in spite of our bad learning environments." Nevertheless, instructors cannot expect that all students will have the skills to navigate online courses and learn within them, particularly if they are only digital reincarnations of poor face-to-face learning environments and practices.
Application of quantum dot nanoparticles for potential non-invasive bio-imaging of mammalian spermatozoa.

Background Various obstacles are encountered by mammalian spermatozoa during their journey through the female genital tract, and only few or none will reach the site of fertilization. Currently, there are limited technical approaches for non-invasive investigation of spermatozoa migration after insemination. As the knowledge surrounding sperm behavior throughout the female genital tract still remains elusive, the recent development of self-illuminating quantum dot nanoparticles may present a potential means for real-time in vitro and in vivo monitoring of spermatozoa.
MAIL SURVEY RESPONSE RATE A META-ANALYSIS OF SELECTED TECHNIQUES FOR INDUCING RESPONSE

This article reports the results of a meta-analysis of experimental studies which have examined ten different factors felt to influence response rates to mail surveys. The form of meta- analysis used clearly defines the individual impact of each of the factors examined. Results indicate that prenotification and follow-ups increase the response rate, as does the type of outgo- ing postage used. Furthermore, studies sponsored by a university receive greater returns. Increases in the size of the monetary incentive used appear to have decreasing marginal gains. Finally, some evidence exists to suggest that the color of the question- naire influences response rate. The extensive use of mail surveys coupled with the low response rates typically encountered has made the issue of mail survey response rate improvement an intriguing topic. High response rates have the obvi- ous benefits of increased sample size, reduced costs associated with follow-up contacts, and reduced concern over nonresponse bias. Many experiments have been conducted to measure the effectiveness of one or more of the factors expected to influence response rates. The purpose of this paper is to apply a form of meta-analysis to reported experimental findings to isolate and estimate the individual impact of several typical response rate enhancement techniques. The meta-analysis technique used avoids the problems associated with past similar efforts but is more restrictive in the factors which can be exam-
Cytokine Production by Subsets of CD4 Memory T Cells Differing in P-Glycoprotein Expression: Effects of Aging

We have shown previously that the mouse CD4 memory cell subset can be divided into two subpopulations based on differential expression of P-glycoprotein. Cells with high levels of P-glycoprotein can be detected by extrusion of the fluorochrome Rhodamine 123; they are referred to as R123lo cells. These R123lo T cells increase with age and have been shown not to respond to anti-CD3 and IL-2 by proliferation or IL-4 production. We report here (a) that the failure of the R123lo CD4 memory population to respond to anti-CD3/IL-2 stimulation cannot be overcome by addition of anti-CD28, PMA, IL-4 or IL-12, alone or in various combinations, and (b) that this age-dependent subset exhibits impaired production of IL-5 and IL-10 as well as decreased proliferation. R123lo CD4 memory cells from young mice are also deficient in IFN gamma secretion by this subset. Although the R123lo cells respond poorly to receptor-dependent agonists, they can be triggered to proliferate and produce IFN gamma by the combination of PMA and ionomycin. In addition to increasing the proportion of R123lo cells in the memory CD4 pool, aging also leads to a decline in the ability of R123hi cells to produce IL-5 and IL-10. Thus, the accumulation of R123lo cells cannot by itself account for the poor proliferation and Th2 cytokine production of aged T cells in cytokine-supplemented culture conditions.
Semantic web representations for reasoning about applicability and satisfiability of federal regulations for information security

In this paper, the Nomos 2 framework for modeling law-compliant solutions in software system design is applied in the context of the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014. Information security regulatory statements with a high variability space are examined to explore the utility and limits of the Nomos 2 framework for information security regulations. Additionally, Nomos 2 concepts are modeled in a semantic web representation for reasoning about the applicability and satisfiablity of FISMA regulations for information systems. The use of freely available semantic web toolsets for knowledge modeling and reasoning are demonstrated in an example scenario requiring the determination of FISMA related authorities and functions.
Design a Highly Reactive Trifunctional Core Molecule To Obtain Hyperbranched Polymers with over a Million Molecular Weight in One-Pot Click Polymerization

We present the first one-pot one-batch synthesis of hyperbranched polymers with over a million molecular weight and low polydispersity in the copper-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) polymerization of AB2 monomer. In contrast to the traditional triazido core molecule that failed to produce high molecular weight polymer, a novel tris-triazoleamine-based B3 molecule was designed, which complexed with CuI catalyst and activated the azido reactivity in both B3 and B3-containing polymers. The polymerization demonstrated linear increase of polymer molecular weights with the feed ratio of [AB2]0:[B3]0 with no need of slow monomer addition. At the same time, a higher ratio of [CuI]0:[B3]0 showed no influence on molecular weight but significantly increased the polymerization rate and produced hyperbranched polymers with higher degree of branching. The one-pot polymerization using [AB2]0:[B3]0:[Cu]0 = 2700:1:10 produced hyperbranched polymers with molecular weight Mn = 1.01 × 106 and polydispersity Mw/Mn...
Optical cell tracking analysis using a straight-forward approach to minimize processing time for high frame rate data

Tracking of rolling cells via in vitro experiment is now commonly performed using customized computer programs. In most cases, two critical challenges continue to limit analysis of cell rolling data: long computation times due to the complexity of tracking algorithms and difficulty in accurately correlating a given cell with itself from one frame to the next, which is typically due to errors caused by cells that either come close in proximity to each other or come in contact with each other. In this paper, we have developed a sophisticated, yet simple and highly effective, rolling cell tracking system to address these two critical problems. This optical cell tracking analysis (OCTA) system first employs ImageJ for cell identification in each frame of a cell rolling video. A custom MATLAB code was written to use the geometric and positional information of all cells as the primary parameters for matching each individual cell with itself between consecutive frames and to avoid errors when tracking cells that come within close proximity to one another. Once the cells are matched, rolling velocity can be obtained for further analysis. The use of ImageJ for cell identification eliminates the need for high level MATLAB image processing knowledge. As a result, only fundamental MATLAB syntax is necessary for cell matching. OCTA has been implemented in the tracking of endothelial colony forming cell (ECFC) rolling under shear. The processing time needed to obtain tracked cell data from a 2 min ECFC rolling video recorded at 70 frames per second with a total of over 8000 frames is less than 6 min using a computer with an Intel® Core™ i7 CPU 2.80 GHz (8 CPUs). This cell tracking system benefits cell rolling analysis by substantially reducing the time required for post-acquisition data processing of high frame rate video recordings and preventing tracking errors when individual cells come in close proximity to one another.
Abstract 5202: MUC1 oncogene is required for EGF/Src-driven carcinoma cell metastasis

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Src tyrosine kinase signaling promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and have been associated with increased metastatic capacity of tumor cells. We observed that EGFR/Src signaling leads to the activation of integrin αvβ5 on carcinoma cells, resulting in an increased invasive capacity without influencing primary tumor growth in vivo (Ricono, et al 2009). We explored potential downstream effectors of Src that may influence this metastatic cascade using an in silico screening approach. Leads were selected based on their ability to influence EGFR/Src/αvβ5-dependent invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane model. Here, we report the transmembrane glycoprotein mucin-1 (MUC1) as an essential mediator of the EGFR/Src/αvβ5 signaling axis leading to the metastasis of carcinoma cells in vivo. Disruption of MUC1 expression selectively abolished EGF/Src/αvβ5-dependent migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo without influencing primary tumor growth. Importantly, EGFR- and Src-dependent phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail of MUC1 (MUC1-CT) facilitated cleavage of MUC1-CT. Once cleaved, MUC1-CT was able to associate with β-catenin, enter the nucleus and modulate gene expression relevant to the metastatic properties of these cells. These findings support a critical role for MUC1 in the regulation of EGFR/Src/αvβ5-dependent metastasis of a wide range of carcinomas. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5202.
The Eye as Weapon in If Beale Street Could Talk

If the eye is indeed the light to the soul, then James Baldwin lays many of his characters bare in If Beale Street Could Talk (Signet, 1975). The people in the novel, by looking at each other-not with just casual glances, but with intense eye contact-reveal many of their subconscious thoughts and feelings. On a superficial level, they use eye contact to fight battles that might require guns, knives, and other more physical weapons if the characters were in a different societal context and, on a deeper level, they use the eye to commune in metaphysical terms. If "Beale Street" could talk, the talk would be of people, people in trouble, people who love, suffer, sacrifice, and hope. Baldwin's novel is about them, about their interaction by voice, body language, and eye contact. This is the method by which he conveys to readers his belief in black community and spirituality. Eye contact is both real and symbolic confrontation, be it for purposes of communion, seduction, or conquest. One character is usually dominating the other; the use of eye contact can result in calming a disturbed person down, inspiring a depressed person, encouraging sexual submission, or creating feelings of terror in persons who lack authority and social status. At the heart of all of these confrontations is the idea of transformation, of converting people to a different point of view, of change of mind or change of attitude.
Renal renin in unilaterally nephrectomized hypertensive rats.

SummaryJuxtaglomerular index, renal pressor activity and width of the zona glomerulosa were normal in unilaterally nephrectomized hypertensive rats maintained on a normal sodium intake, increased in those subjected to sodium depletion and decreased in those receiving 1% saline. This indicates that renin formation and secretion are most likely the result of the sodium state of the animal rather than loss of a renin-stimulating agent in the contralateral or unclipped kidney. Failure of sodium to influence the degree of hypertension in unilaterally nephrectomized hypertensive rats militates against a direct quantitative relationship between blood pressure and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Geography and the Gerrymander

The gerrymander is an American name for a political abuse, which, though by no means exclusively American, has been most widely practiced and generally tolerated in this country. It is a device for the partial suppression of public opinion that simulates agreement with democratic institutions. The subterfuge, therefore, has no place in countries in which oligarchic control is legitimized. Nor is it suited to European conditions, because it is difficult there to shift electoral boundaries. European electoral units in large part have a clearly defined historical basis, which in turn rests upon geographic coherence. This solidarity is commonly so great that it cannot be disregarded. American political divisions on the other hand show in major part very imperfect adjustment to economic and historic conditions, largely, because many of the divisions were created in advance of such conditions. They are, in the main, not gradual growths, but deliberate and arbitrary legislative creations, made without adequate knowledge of the conditions that make for unity or disunity of population within an area. Political divisions tend, therefore, to be less significant than in European countries and to be regarded more lightly. It is in particular the smaller unit, such as the county, that has been manipulated for electoral purposes. In spite of their poorly drawn individual boundaries, groups of counties can be organized into larger electoral units in such a manner as to represent a common body of interests predominating. On the other hand they can be so arranged as to mask these interests. The lack of proper coherence in the individual county may be rectified in large measure in the group, or it may be intensified. Gerrymandering accomplishes the latter result.
Intentionality and Conflict in The Best Laid Plans Interactive Narrative Virtual Environment

In this paper, we present The Best Laid Plans, an interactive narrative adventure game, and the planning technologies used to generate and adapt its story in real time. The game leverages computational models of intentionality and conflict when controlling the non-player characters (NPCs) to ensure they act believably and introduce challenge into the automatically generated narratives. We evaluate the game’s ability to generate NPC behaviors that human players recognize as intentional and as conflicting with their plans. We demonstrate that players recognize these phenomena significantly more than in a control with no NPC actions and not significantly different from a control in which NPC actions are defined by a human author.
293 ASSESSING THE SATISFACTION OF SPANISH-SPEAKING PATIENTS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXISTING LANGUAGE POLICIES AT TWO HEALTH CARE FACILITIES IN BERNALILLO COUNTY.

Purpose To determine if Spanish-speaking patients are satisfied with the implementation of existing language policies at two designated health care facilities in Bernalillo County. Participants Spanish-speaking patients ( N = 100) presenting for routine health care at designated health care facility. Methods and Main Results Participants were identified as solely Spanish-speaking patients and were asked to participate in the study on a volunteer basis. The first facility used was one of the University of New Mexico (UNM) Family Health Clinics and the second was a First Choice Community Health Clinic both in Albuquerque, NM. A total of 50 patients at each facility were asked to fill out a 13-question patient questionnaire that was used as the fundamental tool in assessing patient satisfaction with their health care encounters. Both men and women were participants, and all were between the ages of 18 and 100. In multivariate analysis, 83% of participants at the UNM clinic and 93% of participants at the First Choice Clinic were satisfied with the interpreter services provided at their medical encounters ( p = .2928). However, differences were found in using family and friends as means to interpret in one facility versus the other ( p = .0012). Conclusions No difference was found between patient satisfaction on interpreter services provided at two different health care facilities. However, differences were found in using family and friends as means to interpret. Such interpreters usually only translate and do not place the message into the appropriate social, cultural, and medical context as a professional interpreter is trained to do.
Psychological Age and Fashion Innovations

Research on fashion innovativeness has consistently found both male and female fashion innovators to be younger than other clothing buyers. Although this is a potentially useful descriptive finding, further research should be devoted to greater understanding of the relationship between age and fashion innovativeness. An opportunity is afforded by the concept of psychological age or how consumers feel and look, their interests, and what they do. Data from a sample of 607 randomly selected middle-class adults from five states confirmed the weak negative correlation between chronological age and fashion innovativeness (r= −.23) and showed in addition that even when the effect of chronological age was statistically controlled, fashion innovators reported younger psychological age than others, that is, they said that they felt, looked, behaved, and had younger interests than non-innovators.