cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Novel Biofedelic Skull-Neck-Thorax Model Capable of Quantifying Motions of aged Cervical Spine

Study Design. An in vitro biomechanical study. Objectives. The objectives were to: develop a new biofidelic skull-neck-thorax model capable of quantifying motion patterns of the cervical spine in the presence of a halo-vest, investigate the effects of vest loosening, superstructure loosening, and removal of the posterior uprights, and evaluate the ability of the halo-vest to stabilize the neck within physiological motion limits. Summary of Background Data. Previous clinical and biomechanical studies have investigated neck motion with the halo-vest only in the sagittal plane or only at the injured spinal level. No previous studies have quantified three-dimensional intervertebral motion patterns throughout the injured cervical spine stabilized with the halo-vest or studied the effect of halo-vest components on these motions. Methods. The halo-vest was applied to the skull-neck-thorax model. Six osteoligamentous whole cervical spine specimens (occiput through T1 vertebra) were used that had sustained multiplanar ligamentous injuries at C3/4 through C7/T1 during a previous protocol. Flexibility tests were performed with normal halo-vest application, loose vest, loose superstructure, and following removal of the posterior uprights. Average total range of motion (RoM) for each experimental condition was statistically compared (P<0.05) to the physiological rotation limit for each spinal level. Results. Cervical spine snaking was observed in both the sagittal and frontal planes. The halo-vest, applied normally, generally limited average spinal motions to within average physiological limits. No significant increases in average spinal motions above physiological were observed due to loose vest, loose superstructure, or removal of the posterior uprights. However, a trend towards increased motion at C6/7 in lateral bending was observed due to loose superstructure. Conclusions. The halo-vest, applied normally, effectively immobilized the cervical spine. Sagittal and frontal plane snaking of the cervical spine due to the halo-vest may reduce its immobilization capability at the upper cervical spine and cervicothoracic junction.
NEUROLEPTICS AND LEARNING : EFFECTS OF HALOPERIDOL, MOLINDONE, MESORIDAZINE, AND THIORIDAZINE ON THE BEHAVIOR OF PIGEONS UNDER A REPEATED ACQUISITION PROCEDURE

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of haloperidol (0.3-10 mg/kg), molindone (0.3-5.6 mg/kg), mesoridazine (0.3-10) and thioridazine (0.3-25 mg/kg) on the behavior of pigeons exposed to a repeated acquisition procedure. At sufficiently high doses, each of these neuroleptics increased error rates (interfered with learning) and reduced rate of responding. When the drugs were compared on the basis of absolute doses administered, haloperidol disrupted behavior at doses considerably lower than the other drugs. If, however, chlorpromazine equivalent doses were examined, haloperidol was the least disruptive of the four drugs. Comparing the degree of behavioral disruption produced by the four drugs with their relative neuroreceptor affinities for dopamine D-2, cholinergic muscarinic, histamine H1, alpha-1 adrenergic and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors suggests that behavioral disruption cannot be attributed in any simple way to dopamine or acetylcholine receptor blockade. The relationship between the behavioral effects of neuroleptics and their simple neuropharmacological actions must be considered as highly tentative.
Display density and judgments of number.

The effect of dot density on judgment of numerosity by 60 Ss was studied. Density and judged number were directly related, and the effect of density increased as the number of dots to be judged increased.
The impact of culture contact and desegregation on the whites of an urban high school

Desegregation has generally been presented as an outgrowth of the civil rights movement and as an attempt to redress the educational disadvantages blacks have suffered as the result of a racial imbalance. Given the general theoretical considerations of resource allocation, the assumption has been that reallocations of resources to blacks would necessarily mean reallocation of these resources to blacks from whites. This view is also part of the popular culture where the process of desegregation has caused turmoil and disturbance among whites based, manifestedly at least, on the notion that improving educational benefits for blacks necessarily means a reduction in the same benefits for whites.
Blocking and Japanese causatives

Abstract A principle is proposed that organizes verbs in the lexicon according to their meaning and the number of arguments they require. This principle, which we call the Paradigmatic Structure, acts as a filter for the permanent lexicon, letting all verb stems into the lexicon but only some morphological derivatives. The effects of the Paradigmatic Structure are observed in blocking, in which some but not all morphological derivatives manifest processes regularly associated with verb stems. The Paradigmatic Structure is motivated on the basis of the causative construction in Japanese. The fact that the causative construction is subject to the Paradigmatic Structure demonstrates its word-like characteristic. However, the construction also behaves in a way that suggests that it is syntactically complex. To capture both the word-like and the syntactic behaviors, it is proposed that a parallel structure is projected from the verb, one simplex and the other complex.
Effect of antidepressants on GABAB receptor function and subunit expression in rat hippocampus

Laboratory and clinical studies suggest that depression is associated with changes in the hippocampus and that this brain region is a major target for antidepressant drugs. Given the data suggesting that GABA(B) receptor antagonists display antidepressant properties, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of antidepressant administration on GABA(B) receptors in the rat hippocampus to determine whether changes in this regional receptor system may play a role in the response to these agents. Rats were administered (i.p.) the monoamine oxidase inhibitors tranylcypromine (10mg/kg) or phenelzine (10mg/kg), the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (15 mg/kg), or fluoxetine (5mg/kg), a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, once daily for seven consecutive days. Two hours following the last drug treatment the hippocampal tissue was prepared for defining the distribution and quantity of GABA(B) receptor subunits using in situ hybridization and for assessing GABA(B) receptor function by quantifying baclofen-stimulated [(35)S]-GTPgammaS binding. All of these antidepressants selectively increased the expression of the GABA(B(1a)) subunit in hippocampus, having no consistent effect on the expression of GABA(B(1b)) or GABA(B(2)). Moreover, except for fluoxetine, these treatments increased GABA(B) receptor function in this brain region. The results indicate that an enhancement in the production of hippocampal GABA(B(1a)) subunits may be a component of the response to antidepressants, supporting a possible role for this receptor in the symptoms of depression and the treatment of this condition.
Discrimination of second-formant-like frequency transitions

Discrimination of two types of simulated single-second-formant: frequency transitions was studied, transitions where members of a stimulus set shared the same onset frequency and transitions where stimuli of a set shared the same offset frequency. Experiment 1 employed an adaptive procedure to measure just-noticeable differences for transitions that increased in frequency. Experiment 2 obtained complete psychometric functions, based on a three-interval,forced choice procedure,for transitions that either increased or decreased in frequency. In both experiments, better discrimination occurred for longer stimuli, measured in hertz/millisecond, and for transitions that shared the same onset frequency. There were no differences, in Experiment 2, between discrimination of rising and falling transitions. Results are considered from several theoretical perspectives.
A Stress Management Classroom Tool for Teachers of Children with BD.

School-age children, including those with behavioral disorders, are experiencing more stress than ever in the history of public education. Nevertheless, the literature has not addressed the seriousness of stress and how it affects the lives of these children. This article discusses how stress may affect the lives of children with behavior disorders, provides educators with a model for introducing stress management techniques, and closes with strategies for managing stress in the classroom.
Automatic Tuning of the LBL Superhilac Third Injector Transport Line

Testing of a new automatic tuning procedure in an LBL SuperHILAC beam transport line has been conducted with the third injector microcomputer control system. This technique is an advance over the sequential station-by-station automatic tuning method developed for the Bevalac transfer line. The computer now performs steering/focusing adjustments simultaneously on a number of quadrupole and dipole magnets comprising multiple-station sections of the injection line. New magnet currents are computed from equations governing beam optics in a real-time simulation of the beam line. The key to this technique is the calculation of beam transverse emittance utilizing the same control magnets and beam profile monitors used for manual tuning of the line. This emittance calculation requires high resolution beam profile measurements using multi-wire profile monitors recently installed in the third injector line.
Relationship between regional contractile function and S-T segment elevation after experimental coronary artery occlusion in the dog.

The relationship between regional contractile function (ultrasonic crystals) and S-T segment elevation recorded from both endocardial and epicardial electrodes was examined at thoracotomy in dogs with sudden or graded coronary artery occlusion. After sudden occlusion of the left anterior descending artery in 5 dogs, hypokinetic changes were apparent within 10 s. However. S-T segment elevation was first observed in both endocardial and epicardial electrograms at 30 s, synchronous with the onset of dyskinesia. By 5 min after occulsion, endocardial S-T segment elevation (8.6 ± 1.3 mV) and epicardial S-T segment elevation (7.6 ± l.4mV) were essentially identical. In 6 dogs, a carotid-to-coronary shunt was created to perfuse the LAD. A significant reduction in normalised velocity of contraction over the first ⅓ of systole ⅓ (Vn; from 10.1 ± 1.0 to 3.7± 2.5 mm·s−1 cm−1; P < 0.05) was first observed after reduction of coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) to 5.3 kPa (40 mmHg) (P 0.05). Both the end-diastolic segment length and the mean systolic segment length were significantly increased at CPP = 4.0 kPa (30 mmHg). Significant endocardial S-T segment elevation (11.7 ±3.8 mV; P < 0.05) was observed after graded occlusion and reduction of CPP to 6.7 kPa (50 mmHg). Epicardial S-T segment elevation was less than endocardial S-T segment elevation at all levels of CPP and was only significantly increased after reduction of CPP to 4.0 kPa (30 mmHg) (9.0; 1.2 mV; P < 0.05). These data suggest that endocardial S-T segment elevation may be a slightly more sensitive index of ischaemia than is depression of contractile function which, in turn, is more sensitive than epicardial S-T segment elevation.
Model reference adaptive control using stacked identifiers

Model reference adaptive control is a major design method for controlling plants with uncertain parameters. The primary objective of this paper is to develop a new design approach for the model reference adaptive control of a single-input single-output linear time-invariant plant. The proposed method, called the “Model reference adaptive control using stacked identifiers, “uses a stacked identifier structure that is new to the field of adaptive control. The goal is to make the output of the plant asymptotically track the output of the first identifier, and then driving the output of the first identifier to track that of the second identifier, and so forth, up to the q-th identifier where q is the relative degree of the plant. Lastly, the output of the q-th identifier is forced to converge to that of the reference model. Simulation results shown our paper provides a new adaptive scheme which may give a better transient performance. No state measurement of the plant is required in our method. Since the resulting control systems are nonlinear and time-varying, the stability analysis of the overall system plays a central role in developing the theory.
Cloud-Environment Interface Instability. Part III: Direct Influence of Environmental Shear

Abstract The direct effect of vertical shear of the horizontal wind for the unperturbed environment on the cloud-environment interface instability is investigated. Results indicate that the direct influence of environmental shear typical of atmospheric magnitudes is negligible. This is explained as a result of the large difference between typical magnitudes of environmental shear (usually smaller than 10−2 s−1) and the magnitude of baroclinically generated interfacial shear (typically around 10−1 s−1 for small cumuli).
Primary renal lymphoma

Lymphoma arising in the kidney is rare. Although 31 cases have been reported in the literature, it is likely that most of these neoplasms do not arise in the kidney. This report describes two cases of primary renal lymphoma and compares their clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment, and survival with the previously reported patients who satisfied our criteria for the diagnosis of primary renal lymphoma.
A hydrocarbon fluid-based deuteron ion source for neutron generators

Abstract A deuteron ion source based on a spark discharge between electrodes coated with a deuterated hydrocarbon fluid is investigated. In the prototypic example studied here ion currents extracted from the source were on the order of 0.5 A with a pulse duration of approximately 10 μs. Operation in a laboratory neutron generator provided a neutron yield of ∼10 5 neutrons/pulse with the deuterium–deuterium fusion reaction at a deuteron ion energy of 65 keV. This approach to ion sources for neutron generators has the potential to provide a compact, long-lived, high-output neutron generator for homeland security applications.
Computational analysis of the potential energy surfaces of glycerol in the gas and aqueous phases: effects of level of theory, basis set, and solvation on strongly intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded systems.

The 126 possible conformations of 1,2,3-propanetriol (glycerol) have been studied by ab initio molecular orbital and density functional theory calculations in the gas and aqueous phases at multiple levels of theory and basis sets. The partial potential energy surface for glycerol as well as an analysis of the conformational properties and hydrogen-bonding trends in both phases have been obtained. In the gas phase at the G2(MP2) and CBS-QB3 levels of theory, the important, low-energy conformers are structures 100 and 95. In the aqueous phase at the SM5.42/HF/6-31G* level of theory, the lowest energy conformers are structures 95 and 46. Boltzmann distributions have been determined from these high-level calculations, and good agreement is observed when these distributions are compared to the available experimental data. These calculations indicate that the enthalpic and entropic contributions to the Gibbs free energy are important for an accurate determination of the conformational and energetic preferences of glycerol. Different levels of theory and basis sets were used in order to understand the effects of nonbonded interactions (i.e., intramolecular hydrogen bonding). The efficiency of basis set and level of theory in dealing with the issue of intramolecular hydrogen bonding and reproducing the correct energetic and geometrical trends is discussed, especially with relevance to practical computational methods for larger polyhydroxylated compounds, such as oligosaccharides.
A control theoretic framework for modular analysis and design of biomolecular networks

Abstract Control theory has been instrumental for the analysis and design of a number of engineering systems, including aerospace and transportation systems, robotics and intelligent machines, manufacturing chains, electrical, power, and information networks. In the past several years, the ability of de novo creating biomolecular networks and of measuring key physical quantities has come to a point in which quantitative analysis and design of biological systems is possible. While a modular approach to analyze and design complex systems has proven critical in most control theory applications, it is still subject of debate whether a modular approach is viable in biomolecular networks. In fact, biomolecular networks display context-dependent behavior, that is, the input/output dynamical properties of a module change once this is part of a network. One cause of context dependence, similar to what found in many engineering systems, is retroactivity, that is, the effect of loads applied on a module by downstream systems. In this paper, we focus on retroactivity and review techniques, based on nonlinear control and dynamical systems theory, that we have developed to quantify the extent of modularity of biomolecular systems and to establish modular analysis and design techniques.
Upregulation of autocrine-paracrine renin-angiotensin systems in chronic renovascular hypertension.

Abstract Introduction: The mechanism by which hypertension is maintained in renovascular hypertension remains poorly defined. Because plasma angiotensin II does not correlate with blood pressure in RVH, we postulated that activation of tissue-specific autocrine-paracrine renin-angiotensin systems may upregulate local production of angiotensin II and maintain hypertension in chronic RVH. Methods: RVH was induced with a two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) rat model. Animals were killed at 1 or 12 weeks after surgery (acute or chronic RVH). Angiotensin II was quantitated with radioimmunoassay. Angiotensin II-type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor density was determined with immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: Blood pressure was significantly elevated in 2K1C animals compared with sham animals at 1 week (141 ± 5 mm Hg versus 98 ± 3 mm Hg; P P P = not significant) or chronic (40.1 ± 17.4 fmol/mL versus 27.1 ± 6.5 fmol/mL; P = not significant) RVH. During acute RVH, intrarenal angiotensin II was significantly increased in both the clipped (126.0 ± 16.2 fmol/g versus 62.0 ± 6.2 fmol/g; P P P P P = not significant) but increased nearly three-fold over control animals during chronic RVH (1129.0 ± 149.3 fmol/g versus 400.6 ± 59.1 fmol/g; P 1 receptor density was noted in renal tubules of clipped and unclipped kidneys or in the adrenal glands of 2K1C animals during acute or chronic RVH compared with control animals. Conclusion: Tissue angiotensin II production is upregulated in the kidneys and adrenal glands in chronic RVH, and AT 1 receptor density is maintained in these tissues, providing a potential mechanism for maintenance of hypertension in RVH. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:386-92.)
Polyclonal type II natural killer T cells require PLZF and SAP for their development and contribute to CpG-mediated antitumor response.

CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells are innate-like T cells with potent immunomodulatory function via rapid production of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines. NKT cells comprise well-characterized type I NKT cells, which can be detected by α-galactosylceramide-loaded CD1d tetramers, and less-studied type II NKT cells, which do not recognize α-galactosylceramide. Here we characterized type II NKT cells on a polyclonal level by using a Jα18-deficient IL-4 reporter mouse model. This model allows us to track type II NTK cells by the GFP+TCRβ+ phenotype in the thymus and liver. We found type II NKT cells, like type I NKT cells, exhibit an activated phenotype and are dependent on the transcriptional regulator promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) and the adaptor molecule signaling lymphocyte activation molecule-associated protein (SAP) for their development. Type II NKT cells are potently activated by β-D-glucopyranosylceramide (β-GlcCer) but not sulfatide or phospholipids in a CD1d-dependent manner, with the stimulatory capacity of β-GlcCer influenced by acyl chain length. Compared with type I NKT cells, type II NKT cells produce lower levels of IFN-γ but comparable amounts of IL-13 in response to polyclonal T-cell receptor stimulation, suggesting they may play different roles in regulating immune responses. Furthermore, type II NKT cells can be activated by CpG oligodeoxynucletides to produce IFN-γ, but not IL-4 or IL-13. Importantly, CpG-activated type II NKT cells contribute to the antitumor effect of CpG in the B16 melanoma model. Taken together, our data reveal the characteristics of polyclonal type II NKT cells and their potential role in antitumor immunotherapy.
Indices of severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome do not change during medroxyprogesterone acetate therapy.

Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) could change the frequency and/or duration of disordered breathing events (DBEs) in patients with the obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome by altering pharyngeal muscle function relative to diaphragm and external intercostal function. Ten male patients with OSA syndrome underwent an initial polysomnogram with monitoring of EEG, EOG, myohyoid EMG, oral and nasal airflow, abdominal and thoracic movement, and SaO2. The patients were then entered into a randomized, double-blind crossover study using MPA, 150 mg/day, and MPA placebo. Each patient took tablets for one week and then had a second polysomnogram. After a three week washout, the patient again took tablets for a week prior to the third and final sleep study. There was no significant difference between drug and placebo for DBE time (expressed as a percentage of sleep time), DBE frequency, DBE mean duration or mean fall in O2 saturation during DBEs. We conclude that treatment with MPA does not alter indices of severity of the OSA syndrome. (Chest 1999; 96:262–66)
Maritime Transportation System of Systems management framework: a System of Systems Engineering approach

This research develops an engineering approach that brings meaning to the context of Maritime Transportation System of Systems (MTSoS) and increases understanding of how to govern it more effectively. We suppose that: System of Systems (SoS) can be identified by its distinguishing characteristics; Maritime Transportation Systems (MTS) can be considered as a SoS in which constituencies seek their own goals; and its integrated objective is to transfer goods safely and efficiently. Based on these premises, we present our management framework. The proposed framework enables us to engineer and manage MTS more effectively from a System of Systems Engineering (SoSE) perspective.
Quantitative detection of syntrophic fatty acid-degrading bacterial communities in methanogenic environments

In methanogenic habitats, volatile fatty acids (VFA), such as propionate and butyrate, are major intermediates in organic matter degradation. VFA are further metabolized to H2, acetate and CO2 by syntrophic fatty acid-degrading bacteria (SFAB) in association with methanogenic archaea. Despite their indispensable role in VFA degradation, little is known about SFAB abundance and their environmental distribution. To facilitate ecological studies, we developed four novel genus-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, with primer sets targeting known SFAB: Syntrophobacter, Smithella, Pelotomaculum and Syntrophomonas. Primer set specificity was confirmed using in silico and experimental (target controls, clone libraries and melt-curve analysis) approaches. These qPCR assays were applied to quantify SFAB in a variety of mesophilic methanogenic habitats, including a laboratory propionate enrichment culture, pilot- and full-scale anaerobic reactors, cow rumen, horse faeces, an experimental rice paddy soil, a bog stream and swamp sediments. The highest SFAB 16S rRNA gene copy numbers were found in the propionate enrichment culture and anaerobic reactors, followed by the bog stream and swamp sediment samples. In addition, it was observed that SFAB and methanogen abundance varied with reactor configuration and substrate identity. To our knowledge, this research represents the first comprehensive study to quantify SFAB in methanogenic habitats using qPCR-based methods. These molecular tools will help investigators better understand syntrophic microbial communities in engineered and natural environments.
Selective, electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In2O3 nanowires using an air-stable surface modifier.

Selective electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In2O3 nanowires (NWs) has been achieved, using monolayer coatings of para-dimethoxybenzene derivatives. Monolayer coatings of 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)butyl-phosphonic acid (DMP-PA) were deposited on planar indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and In2O3 NWs. The electrochemical behavior of the monolayer coating was first studied using ITO electrodes, as a model system for In2O3 nanowires. When a potential of 950 mV vs. a Ag/AgCl reference electrode is applied to an ITO electrode coated with DMP-PA in PBS buffer, the para-dimethoxyphenyl groups are converted to para-benzoquinone (BQ). The electrochemically formed benzoquinone groups react readily with alkyl thiol groups via a Michael addition. The reaction strategy optimized on ITO was applied to an In2O3 NW mat sample coated with DMP-PA. Applying a potential of 950 mV to metal electrodes deposited on NWs converts the DMP-PA NW coating to BQ-PA, which reacts with a thiol-terminated 20-base oligonucleotide. These NWs showed strong fluorescence response after paring with the dye labeled compliment, demonstrating that the probe was bound to the NW surface and that it remained active toward hybridization with its compliment. The unactivated DMP-PA coated NWs showed no response, demonstrating the selective electrochemical functionalization of NWs and the potential of using them in multiplex sensing. We also compared the para-dimethoxybenzene derivative to the conventional hydroquinone analog. The results show that the former can largely enhance the selectivity during the functionalization of both ITO and In2O3 NWs.
A field intercomparison of three cascade impactors

ABSTRACT Cascade impactors separate aerosol particles inertially and collect them for later analysis. While laboratory calibrations typically indicate performance close to design specifications, during field operation impactors are subject to a number of sampling artifacts, including particle bounce, inlet and internal losses, and particle size changes as pressure drops within the impactor. To test the vulnerability of some commonly used impactors to these problems under Held conditions, we participated in a shipboard intercomparison off the coast of Washington state between a micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI), a Berner low-pressure impactor, and a Sierra high-volume slotted impactor. Since there were some inconsistencies in the results, a second intercomparison was performed at Bellows Beach, Hawaii, between two MOUDIs and the Berner impactor. Impactor samples were analyzed for soluble inorganic ions including Na+, K+, Cl−, and NO− 3, primarily from large (>1 μm) sea salt particles and NH+ 4...
Prioritising usability considerations on B2C websites

Business-to-Consumer (B2C) websites are widely used nowadays. The success of B2C websites could be directly affected by their usability. A survey study was conducted to investigate and prioritise the importance of 19 usability considerations with respect to users’ purchase intentions on B2C websites. Responses from 287 web users were obtained and analysed. Factor analysis reveals that users’ purchase intention on B2C websites is affected, in descending order of importance, by the following five usability factors: trustworthiness, shopping support, information access efficiency, ease of comprehension and hedonic quality. Some interesting differences among ethnic (American and Chinese), gender (men and women) and age (18 to 25 and 26 to 35) groups are also observed. Prioritised usability considerations can help website design teams plan their development efforts.
Utilization of Intraoperative TEE to Assess Supraventricular Tachycardia-Inducing Right-Sided Cardiac Compression by the Liver, Post-Liver-Transplantation Status

This unique and interesting case report involves a patient who recently underwent a combined liver and kidney transplant (due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) and subsequently suffered from episodes of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) secondary to the new liver graft compressing the right atrium and ventricle. After this was diagnosed, the patient underwent operative plication of the right hemidiaphragm. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was used to demonstrate cardiac compression from the liver and demonstrate resolution of compression after plication of the hemidiaphragm.
West and Rhode River pollution mitigation

The West and Rhode Rivers cover 80 square kilometers of watershed and subestuary along the Chesapeake Bay. Key metrics for water quality were found to deviate substantially from desired threshold levels, indicating poor water quality in the subestuary [1]. The project's sponsor, the West and Rhode Riverkeeper, needed to identify and implement mitigation measures to improve water quality in the subestuary. The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) outlined a set of mitigation measures; however, the report did not include quantitative predictions from the implementation of mitigation measures or a qualitative assessment of the Riverkeeper's objectives. CWP recommended mitigation measures to reduce the influx of nutrients without a concise evaluation of the problem space to determine if nutrient reduction resulted in measurable improvements in water quality. This project designs a decision support system (DSS) which enables the Riverkeeper to quantitatively predict the effect of implementing mitigation measures on water quality. The DSS facilitates key tradeoff analysis in accordance with the Riverkeeper's objectives and identifies an additional mitigation measure. The DSS is comprised of a utility function that is reflective of the Riverkeeper's values, and a predictive tidal nutrient/sediment transport model system. Since nitrogen and sediment are considered surrogate measures of water quality, the model yields a transfer function from watershed use to water quality by predicting nitrogen and sediment concentrations in the subestuary. A cost benefit analysis and a final rank order of potential mitigation measures are derived from the DSS.
Neutronics Features of a Dual Coolant Lithium Lead Test Blanket Module for ITER

Neutronics analysis was performed for a dual coolant lithium lead blanket module to be tested in ITER. The total radial depth of the TBM is 41.3 cm followed by a 30 cm thick inlet/outlet piping zone. The calculated local tritium breeding ratio in the DCLL TBM is 0.741. The annual tritium production in the TBM is 2.4 g. The total nuclear heating in the TBM is 0.982 MW. The total thermal power to be removed from the TBM is 1.357 MW
Nonlinear behaviors of contrast agents relevant to diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Abstract The nonlinear properties of an encapsulated microbubble of a contrast agent were studied theoretically and experimentally. A modified nonlinear differential equation (Herring equation) was used to describe the radial oscillation of the microbubble and solved numerically. It was found that the nonlinear resonance frequency, at which the peak radial oscillation amplitude occurs, was a decreasing function of the acoustic amplitude of a driving ultrasonic pulse. Optical images of the contrast agent microbubbles under various ultrasonic exposure conditions: 1. sham exposure; 2. 2-MHz spatial peak acoustic pressure=200 kPa, I SATA = 260 mW/cm 2 , duty cycle=7.5%, repetition period=0.0266 ms; 3. 0.5-MHz spatial peak acoustic pressure=200 kPa, I SATA = 130 mW/cm 2 , duty cycle=7.5%, repetition period=0.1067 ms; have also shown that the lower-frequency ultrasound (US) excitation (0.5 MHz) is more effective in disruption of the microbubbles due to acoustic inertial cavitation than the higher frequency US (2 MHz). (E-mail: jwu@zoo.uvm.edu)
Measuring Organizational Growth: Issues, Consequences and Guidelines

Although the literature contains an impressive volume of studies attempting to identify determinants of organizational growth, researchers have recently noted important inconsistencies in findings. They may be explained, in part, by the variety of approaches used to measure growth. Our study provides a critical review of the literature to identify issues regarding the measurement of growth. We examine alternative approaches in order to assess the consequences of using inappropriate measures. Consequently, we consider three concepts as well as three different measurement formulas. Based on comprehensive data from 193 firms in 48 industries for 20 periods, results from comparative regression analyses reveal that the significance of relationships between determinants and organizational growth, as well as amount of explained variance, depend on the specific approaches used to measure growth. Finally, we provide some guidelines to help researchers select appropriate techniques for measuring organizational growth.
Substrate recognition in ER‐associated degradation mediated by Eps1, a member of the protein disulfide isomerase family

Pma1-D378N is a misfolded plasma membrane protein in yeast that is prevented from delivery to the cell surface and targeted instead for ER-associated degradation (ERAD). Degradation of Pma1-D378N is dependent on the ubiquitin ligase Doa10 and the ubiquitin chaperone Cdc48. Recognition of Pma1-D378N by the ERAD pathway is dependent on Eps1, a transmembrane member of the protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) oxidoreductase family. Eps1 has two thioredoxin-like domains containing a CPHC and a CDKC active site. Although Eps1 interaction with wild-type Pma1 was not detected, Eps1 co-immunoprecipitates with Pma1-D378N. Eps1 interaction with Pma1-D378N requires the CPHC motif, although both thioredoxin-like domains appear to cooperate in substrate recognition. In the absence of the native transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail of Eps1, degradation of Pma1-D378N is slowed, suggesting that Eps1 facilitates presentation of substrate to membrane-bound components of the degradation machinery. Genetic interactions with other mutants of the ERAD machinery and induction of the unfolded protein response in eps1Δ cells support a general role for Eps1 as a recognition component of the ERAD pathway.
The oxidation of succinate by ascites tumor cells.

Abstract The incorporation of succinate-1,4-C14 into the respiratory CO2 under conditions which are presumed to reflect oxalacetate decarboxylation was stimulated by the addition of glucose or by lowering the pH. The stimulation by glucose disappeared in the presence of bicarbonate, Tris, or strongly buffered phosphate, in agreement with the idea that the stimulatory effect of glucose is principally related to its effect in lowering the pH. The respiration of ascites tumor cells was found to be markedly depressed by inhibitors of DPN-cytochrome c reductase, such as progesterone or amytal, but the addition of succinate restored respiration. This respiration, presumably succinoxidase, was diminished by a decrease in pH. Thus, it is concluded that the over-all effect of pH on succinate oxidation depends on (a) the activity of succinoxidase which is decreased by lowering the pH, and (b) the decarboxylation process which increases as the pH is lowered.
Infliximab treatment for severe granulomatous disease in common variable immunodeficiency: a case report and review of the literature

Background Granulomatous disease resembling sarcoidosis is a well-described condition associated with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Its treatment remains problematic, and new therapeutic options are needed. Objectives To report the efficacy of treatment with infliximab, a chimeric anti-tumor necrosis factor α monoclonal antibody, in a patient with granulomatous CVID and to review the literature on the treatment of patients with granulomatous CVID. Methods A 22-year-old white man with CVID developed acute multiorgan failure, with granulomatous inflammation on lung and liver biopsy specimens. He was initially treated with antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids for 5 weeks without improvement. High-dose infliximab was then infused weekly for 6 weeks and then monthly for 9 months. The response to infliximab was determined by changes on clinical examination, imaging studies, and histologic studies. Results The patient's condition dramatically improved after 1 dose of infliximab infusion, with decreasing hepatosplenomegaly, ventilatory support requirements, and pulmonary infiltrates. Ventilatory support was successfully discontinued within 3 weeks. The corticosteroid dose was tapered without reactivation of the disease. After 9 months of therapy, follow-up imaging studies showed resolution of pulmonary infiltrates, no hepatosplenomegaly, and no portal hypertension, and a percutaneous liver biopsy revealed no granulomas; then, infliximab use was discontinued. The patient remains free of granulomatous disease after 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe visceral granulomatous CVID successfully treated with infliximab. Infliximab may be an effective therapy for granulomas in CVID. Further studies of infliximab and other tumor necrosis factor α antagonist therapies in granulomatous CVID are warranted.
Structural Measures of Undergraduate ePortfolios in Three Educational Contexts

Undergraduate-constructed eportfolios from three programs were used to promote learning goals and aid assessment. We developed objective structural measures of these eportfolios to quantify their descriptions as a function of their context as well as their connections to learning outcomes. ePortfolio objective measures included number of pages, internal links, external links, crosslinks, and document links at hierarchical levels within the website. Results showed strong and significant hierarchical organization, high variability, and high productivity in two educational contexts (a summer research program and a “capstone course”), compared to a third context (a general education eportfolio). These results indicate promise for objective measures of eportfolios as accurate and comprehensive descriptions that may differentiate program learning and assessment goals.
A Difficult Climb or Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief Paths

(2009). A Difficult Climb or Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief Paths. Math Horizons: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 12-29.
Biologically motivated cancer risk models

A two-stage dose response model is proposed for use in cancer risk assessment. The model assumes that transformation probabilities and cellular dynamics are exposure- and time-dependent.
Magnetically responsive colloidal photonic crystals

Magnetically responsive colloidal photonic crystals have been fabricated by using highly charged superparamagnetic Fe3O4 colloidal nanocrystal clusters (CNCs) as the building blocks. The colloids form chainlike structures with regular interparticle spacing of a few hundred nanometers along the external field so that the system strongly diffracts light. The diffraction wavelength can be tuned across the entire visible spectrum by simply changing the strength of the magnetic field. The fast and reversible response suggests great potential of these photonic materials in applications such as displays and sensors. Further modification of the Fe3O4 CNCs with silica coating allows the dispersion of the particles in nonaqueous solutions. The modified particles also self-assemble into ordered structures in alcohol solvents under an external magnetic field. Embedding droplets of such a colloidal solution in a polymer matrix produces solid composite materials with magnetically responsive optical properties.
Postacute rehabilitation care for hip fracture: who gets the most care?

Objectives: To determine the extent to which demographic and geographic disparities exist in postacute rehabilitation care (PARC) use after hip fracture. Design: Cross-sectional analysis of 2 years (2005�06) of population-based hospital discharge data. Setting: All short-term acute care hospitals in four demographically and geographically diverse states (AZ, FL, NJ, WI). Participants: Individuals aged 65 and older (mean 82.9) admitted to the hospital with a hip fracture who survived their inpatient stay (N = 64,065). The sample was 75.1% female and 91.5% white, 5.8% Hispanic, and 2.7% black. Measurements: Whether the participant received institutional PARC; for participants who did not receive institutional care, whether they received home health (HH) care; and for participants who received institutional care, whether they received skilled nursing facility (SNF) or inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) care. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify demographic and geographic disparities in PARC use. Results: Considering PARC on a continuum from more to fewer hours of care per day (IRF?SNF?HH?no HH), minorities and individuals of lower socioeconomic status (SES) generally received a lower volume of care. Individuals on Medicaid or who were uninsured were less likely to receive institutional care (odds ratio (OR) = 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.18�0.30) and to receive HH (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.30�0.70) and more likely to receive SNF than IRF care (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.36�3.05). Hispanics were less likely to receive institutional care (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.62�0.79), and Hispanics (OR = 1.31) and blacks (OR = 1.49) were more likely to receive SNF than IRF care. There were also geographic differences in PARC. Conclusion: Several demographic and geographic disparities in PARC use were identified. Future research should confirm these findings and further elucidate factors that contribute to the observed disparities.
Smart Polymers for Neural Interfaces

Thermomechanical properties of smart polymers can be specifically tuned to address critical problems in neural interfaces. A compilation of materials and approaches is presented from each of three often overlapping research communities: shape memory polymers, hydrogels, and neural interfaces. The path toward chronically implantable devices for neural recording and stimulation relies on careful control of mechanical, chemical, electronic and geometric properties of next generation devices. These phenomena are described and put into a context of modulus changing materials, as opposed to the current focus on shape changing materials, as a paradigm that may lead to new discoveries addressing unmet clinical needs.
Exercise responses before and after long-term treatment with oral milrinone in patients with severe heart failure

Administration of the positive inotropic vasodilator milrinone results in immediate improvement in the maximal and submaximal metabolic responses to exercise. To determine whether these effects persist during long-term therapy, nine patients with severe congestive heart failure were evaluated by upright maximal exercise testing before therapy (baseline), after 10 +/- 1 weeks of oral therapy, and during double-blind, placebo-controlled readministration of intravenous milrinone after withdrawal of oral drug for 24 hours. During long-term oral therapy, maximal oxygen uptake was unchanged (baseline 792 +/- 72 ml per minute, oral therapy 820 +/- 83 ml per minute), whereas the anaerobic threshold was increased significantly from 570 +/- 53 ml per minute to 681 +/- 61 ml per minute. After withdrawal of milrinone, maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold decreased significantly; subsequent intravenous administration caused significant increases in maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold, back to the values measured during oral therapy. After oral milrinone withdrawal, maximal oxygen uptake decreased below baseline values, suggesting progression of the underlying disease. The anaerobic threshold expressed as a percent of maximal oxygen uptake was significantly increased during oral therapy (baseline 73 +/- 2 percent, oral therapy 84 +/- 2 percent) and remained significantly increased after drug withdrawal, suggesting a peripheral circulatory effect. These results indicate that in selected patients with severe congestive heart failure, milrinone exerts persistent effects on the metabolic responses to both maximal and submaximal exercise. Because of progressive deterioration in exercise capacity during long-term oral therapy, the effects of milrinone may not be apparent unless it is withdrawn. The relation of milrinone therapy to disease progression is not known.
Role of minerals in the thermal alteration of organic matter--I: generation of gases and condensates under dry condition.

Pyrolysis experiments conducted at 200 and 300 C on kerogen and bitumen from the Monterey formation and on the Green River Formation kerogen with montmorillonite, illite, and calcite added are described. The pyrolysis products are identified and gas and condensate analyses are performed. A catalytic effect is detected in the pyrolysis of kerogen with montmorillonite; however, illite and calcite display no catalytic activity. The increased production of C1-C6 hydrocarbons and the dominance of branched hydrocarbons in the C4-C6 range reveals a catalytic influence. It is observed that the catalysis of montmorillonite is greater during bitumen pyrolysis than for kerogen, and catalysis with minerals affects the production of CO2. It is concluded that a mineral matrix is important in determining the type and amount of gases and condensates forming from organic matter under thermal stress.
Lower radiation exposure from body CT imaging for trauma at a dedicated pediatric hospital.

Abstract Purpose We compare radiation exposure from body CT imaging for blunt trauma performed at outside hospitals (OH) versus our children's hospital (CH). Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all children transferred to our facility for management of trauma after undergoing a body CT scan at an OH from June 2011 to August 2013. Radiation from OH images was compared to our CH by matching to age, gender, and nearest date. Radiation measures included dose length product (DLP), computed tomography dose index (CTDI), and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE). Results Fifty-one children were transferred from 39 OH. Abdomen/pelvis and chest/abdomen/pelvis imaging was performed in 30 and 21 children, respectively. Demographics are shown in Table 1. Results are illustrated in Tables 2 and 3. Contrast was utilized in 45 (1 oral, 41 IV, 3 both) and 51 (49 IV, 2 both). CT scans were performed at OH and CH, respectively (P=0.03). Conclusions Children receive significantly less radiation exposure with body CT imaging for blunt trauma when performed at our dedicated CH. CT scans were significantly more likely to be ordered with appropriate contrast at our CH.
Timolol: Its Effectiveness in Different Types of Glaucoma

A study is presented on the effectiveness of timolol maleate in the treatment of 76 cases of various types of glaucoma. Timolol lowered intraocular pressure significantly in almost every diagnostic category, although there was marked variability within the diagnostic categories themselves. The therapeutic trial approach is suggested as an aid in selecting persons who will respond adequately to timolol drops.