cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulatory water concentration in suckling and fasting northern elephant seal pups

This study examined circulatory water concentrations in the neonatal northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) in order to determine how suckling and fasting would alter the percentage of water in the whole blood, plasma, and red blood cells (RBC). Plasma water concentration dropped by about 3% during suckling and recovered about 1% during the fast (92.38±0.48% <1 week old, 90.15±0.36% weaning, 91.02±0.68% end of fast). RBC water values during this time were more variable than plasma values: RBC water increased about 1% during the first 2 weeks of suckling (from 67.80±0.28% to 68.68±0.51%) but dropped to slightly below original neonatal values by weaning 67.15±0.63%. The first several weeks of fasting were marked by wide variability in RBC water, but by the end of the fast RBC water was comparable to that at weaning. These results indicate: 1) Northern elephant seal pups do not exhibit circulatory dehydration during 10 weeks of fasting; 2) Measurements of plasma or RBC metabolites (such as plasma glucose or RBC hemoglobin) may show variations or trends due not to metabolic regulation but rather to changes in circulatory water concentration.
In vivo expression of GFP transgene delivered via a replicating feline leukemia virus

We previously described replication-competent feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vectors with high-level and stable expression of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) or a suicide transgene in cell cultures in vitro. Considering that FeLV might potentially be used to deliver therapeutic genes in vivo, we first evaluated the expression of the GFP gene introduced in cats by the FeLV, Rickard subgroup A (FRA) construct. Eight newborn kittens were either inoculated with pFRA-GFP plasmid DNA intradermally, or challenged intraperitoneally with FRA-GFP-infected feline fibroblasts. During a 12-week observation period, five cats were shown to be progressively viremic. Quantitative PCR and RT-PCR analyses of plasma and tissue samples from these cats showed that GFP was retained in FeLV DNA or RNA to a variable degree, ranging from 0.002 to 27.890%. Tissue DNA samples were analyzed by PCR for the status of GFP and the env-transgene complex. While the proviruses carrying the GFP transgene were shown to be minor species, all tissues, however, retained the full-length GFP transgene. Despite the occurrence of predominant species with various deletions in the viral genome, approximately 1-3% of the total cell population was GFP-positive in the lymphoid tissues as visualized by laser confocal microscopy. Co-localization of immunofluorescent cells indicated that CD3-positive T cells, dendritic cells and macrophages were the major targets for GFP expression. These findings on the detectable in vivo expression of GFP for as long as a period of 3 months could be viewed positively for contemplating a therapeutic strategy for control of FeLV infection in the cats.
The Downside of the Internet: Cheating and Technology in Higher Education

Within student affairs and higher education, technology is consistently a major topic of discussion. When placed in the context of the work of Lawrence Kohlberg, a new perspective is added to this dialogue. This paper addresses the gap between perceived and actual realities regarding moral development and current technology in higher education.
Image Repair Strategies, Local News Portrayals and Crisis Stage: A Case Study of Duke University's Lacrosse Team Crisis

The case analysis presented here studies Duke University's strategic use of communication to defend its image during the scandal involving its men's lacrosse team. Benoit's (1995, 1997) image repair theory is used to analyze Duke's strategy in 54 public statements, news releases, and documents. Additionally, 870 local newspaper stories about the Duke case from The News & Observer (n = 443) and The Herald Sun (n = 427) are analyzed by crisis stage. Results show that Duke initially relied most on simple denial and mortification to defend its athletes, and engaged in bolstering, corrective action, separation, and attacking one's accuser to defend the university's reputation. Findings suggest a new defense category: expression of disappointment, which is related to the concept of separation. Use of the strategy of attacking one's accuser was associated with the most positive local news coverage.
Isolated Peptidoglycan Glycosyltransferases from Different Organisms Produce Different Glycan Chain Lengths

Peptidoglycan is an essential component of bacterial cell wall. The glycan strands of peptidoglycan are synthesized by enzymes called peptidoglycan glycosyltransferases (PGTs). Using a high-resolution SDS-PAGE assay, we compared the glycan strand lengths of four different PGTs from three different organisms (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus). We report that each enzyme makes a polymer having an intrinsic characteristic length that is independent of the enzyme:substrate ratio. The glycan strand lengths vary considerably, depending on the enzyme. These results indicate that each enzyme must have some mechanism, as yet unknown, for controlling product length. The observation that different PGTs produce different length glycan chains may have implications for their cellular roles and for the three-dimensional structure of bacterial peptidoglycan.
The relationship of soil surface roughness with hydrologic variables on natural and reclaimed range land in New Mexico

Abstract Soil surface roughness values have been used to predict runoff and infiltration rates from crop lands, forest lands, and range lands. The strength of association between roughness and runoff and infiltration has been weak as shown with correlation analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine relationships of roughness on the contour to roughness perpendicular to the contour as related to infiltration rates and sediment production on range lands. Roughness up and down slopes (vertical) gave a higher correlation than roughness along the contour (horizontal). Adding or subtracting the vertical and horizontal roughness did not increase correlation values. Highest correlation values resulted from entering vertical and horizontal roughness values into a multiple regression equation.
Friction and Wear Behavior of 2-D and 3-D Fiber Reinforced Metal-Matrix Composites

An experimental characterization of the abrasive wear behavior of three-dimensionally braided alumina fiber/Al-Li composites has been presented. The friction and wear proper ties of the braided composite have been compared with those of unidirectional alumina fiber/Ali-Li composite and the unreinforced matrix material. The effects of fiber volume fraction, fiber orientation, contact pressure, and the abrasive particle size on the rate and mechanism of wear as well as the coefficient of friction of composites have been ex amined.
Involutions in a compact ring

Abstract The involutions in a compact ring with identity are investigated. It is shown that if the number m of involutions in an arbitrary ring A is finite and greater than one, then m is even. A characterization of those compact rings A having precisely one or two involutions is given. Moreover, those compact rings A for which 2 is a unit in A and the set of involutions in A forms a finite abelian group are characterized by the number of involutions in A .
Elevation of cytosolic [Ca2+] due to intracellular Ca2+ release retards carbachol stimulation of divalent cation entry in rat parotid gland acinar cells.

This study examines the activation of divalent cation entry into rat parotid gland acinar cells by using Mn2+ as a Ca2+ surrogate cation. Following muscarinic-cholinergic stimulation of dispersed parotid acini with carbachol (10 microM), the onset of internal Ca2+ release (cytosolic [Ca2+], [Ca2+]i, increase) and the stimulation of Mn2+ entry (increase in fura2 quenching) are not simultaneously detected. [Ca2+]i elevation, due to intracellular release, is detected almost immediately following carbachol addition and peak [Ca2+]i increase occurs at 6.0 +/- 0.8 sec. However, there is an interval (apparent lag) between carbachol addition and the detection of stimulated Mn2+ entry. This apparent lag is decreased from 26 +/- 3.1 sec to 9.2 +/- 1.5 sec when external Mn2+ ([Mn2+]0) is increased from 12.5 to 500 microM. It is not decreased further with increase in [Mn2+]0 from 500 microM to 1 mM (9.8 +/- 2.1 sec), although both intracellular free Mn2+ and [Mn2+-fura2]/[fura2] increase. Thus, at [Mn2+]0 < 500 microM, the observed lag time is partially due to a limitation in the magnitude of Mn2+ entry. Furthermore, neither peak [Ca2+]i nor the time required to reach peak [Ca2+]i is significantly altered by [Mn2+]0 (12.5 microM to 1 mM). At every [Mn2+]0 tested (i.e., 12.5 microM-1 mM), the apparent lag is significantly greater than the time required to reach peak [Ca2+]i. However, when carbachol stimulation of the [Ca2+]i increase is attenuated by loading the acini with the Ca2+ chelator, 2-bis(O-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate (BAPTA), there is no detectable lag in carbachol stimulation of Mn2+ entry (with 1 mM [Mn2+]0). Importantly, in BAPTA-loaded acini, carbachol stimulates Mn2+ entry via depletion of the internal Ca2+ pool and not via direct activation of other divalent cation entry mechanisms. Based on these results, we suggest that the apparent lag in the detection of carbachol stimulation of Mn2+ entry into parotid acinar cells is due to a retardation of Mn2+ entry by the initial increase in [Ca2+]i, due to internal release, which most likely occurs proximate to the site of divalent cation entry.
A Note on N-Body Computations with Cutoffs

We provide a theoretical analysis of the communication requirements of parallel algorithms for molecular dynamic simulations. We describe two commonly used algorithms, space decomposition and force decomposition, and analyze their communication requirements; each is better in a distinct computation regime. We next introduce a new hybrid algorithm that further reduces communication. We show that the new algorithm is optimal, by providing a matching lower bound.
Analysis of pneumococcal PspA microheterogeneity in SDS polyacrylamide gels and the association of PspA with the cell membrane

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a protection-eliciting surface protein found on all pneumococci. Although highly cross-reactive, it displays interstrain variation in its size and in the expression of individual antibody reactive epitopes. PspA was not released in significant amounts from pneumococcal membranes treated with sodium carbonate, but was solubilized with SDS. Thus, PspA is either an integral membrane protein or is attached to an integral membrane component. By SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis, we found two predominant molecular sizes of PspA in each strain examined. The smaller band was about the size expected from the inferred amino acid sequence of PspA and the larger band appeared to be a dimer of the monomer PspA. When higher concentrations of lysate were run on SDS gels, it was also possible to detect many additional high molecular weight components that reacted with antibodies to PspA. These multiple high molecular weight PspA bands were not due to the attachment of PspA to peptidoglycan or teichoic acids, did not appear to be composed of degraded PspA and most likely resulted from non-covalent polymerization or aggregation of PspA.
Petrogenesis of the Sugarloaf syenite, Pikes Peak batholith, Colorado

Sugarloaf Peak is one of seven sodic plutons that lie within or adjacent to the ca. 1.08-Ga Pikes Peak batholith in central Colorado. This report represents the first study of the Sugarloaf pluton. Major element and modal analyses from the other six plutons (Lake George, Tarryall, Rampart Range, West Creek, Mt. Rosa, and Spring Creek), together with data presented here, indicate that sodic and potassic rocks from all of them were produced by fractional crystallization of mantle-derived basaltic magmas. The Sugarloaf pluton is composed of fine-grained, medium-grained, coarse-grained, and pegmatitic syenite. The syenites lack quartz and are dominated by perthitic feldspar and ferrorichterite amphibole. The fine-grained syenite intrudes the medium- and coarse-grained syenites. The Sugarloaf pluton is surrounded by coarse-grained Pikes Peak Granite, which is the predominant rock type in the batholith. The linear arrangement of six of the seven sodic plutons parallel to major Precambrian fault trends suggests that the emplacement of Sugarloaf pluton may be rift-related. The Sugarloaf syenites have high total alkalis, high FeO (total), low CaO, and low MgO concentrations. They are also enriched in rare earth elements (REE) and high field strength elements (HFSE). Pronounced trace element variation among the Sugarloaf syenites can be explained partially by models of fractional crystallization. A plot of Ba versus Sr shows that compositions of the syenites closely follow modeled fractionation vectors for potassium feldspar. The fractional crystallization trends show that fine-grained syenite is the most chemically evolved, consistent with field relations that show the fine-grained syenite intruded the medium- and coarse-grained syenites. Accessory mineral fractionation, release of volatiles, or removal of pegmatitic fluids also may have influenced geochemical variations among the Sugarloaf syenites.
Both primary and secondary abdominal compartment syndrome can be predicted early and are harbingers of multiple organ failure.

Background: Primary (1°) abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) is a known complication of damage control. Recently secondary (2°) ACS has been reported in patients without abdominal injury who require aggressive resuscitation. The purpose of this study was to compare the epidemiology of 1° and 2° ACS and develop early prediction models in a high-risk cohort who were treated in a similar fashion. Methods: Major torso trauma patients underwent standardized resuscitation and had prospective data collected including occurrence of ACS, demographics, ISS, urinary bladder pressure, gastric tonometry (GAP CO2 = gastric regional CO 2 minus end tidal CO 2 ), laboratory, respiratory, and hemodynamic data. With 1° and 2° ACS as endpoints, variables were tested by uni- and multivariate logistic analysis (MLA). Results: From 188 study patients during the 44-month period, 26 (14%) developed ACS-11 (6%) were 1° ACS and IS (8%) 2° ACS. 1° and 2° ACS had similar demographics, shock, and injury severity. Significant univariate differences included: time to decompression from ICU admit (600 ± 112 vs. 360 ± 48 min), Emergency Department (ED) crystalloid (4 ± 1 vs. 7 ± 1 L), preICU crystalloid (8 ± 1 vs. 12 ± 1L), ED blood administration (2 ± 1 vs. 6 ± 1 U), GAP CO2 (24 ± 3 vs. 36 ± 3 mmHg), requiring pelvic embolization (9 vs. 47%), and emergency operation (82% vs. 40%). Early predictors identified by MLA of 1° ACS included hemoglobin concentration, GAP CO2 , temperature, and base deficit; and for 2° ACS they included crystalloid, urinary output, and GAP CO2 . The areas under the receiver-operator characteristic curves calculated upon ICU admission are 1° = 0.977 and 2° = 0.983. 1° and 2° ACS patients had similar poor outcomes compared with nonACS patients including ventilator days (1° = 13 ± 3 vs. 2° = 14 ± 3 vs. nonACS = 8 ± 2), multiple organ failure (55% vs. 53% vs. 12%), and mortality (64% vs. 53% vs. 17%). Conclusion: 1° and 2° ACS have similar demographics, injury severity, time to decompression from hospital admit, and bad outcome. 2° ACS is an earlier ICU event preceded by more crystalloid administration. With appropriate monitoring both could be accurately predicted upon ICU admission.
MECHANISM OF STABILIZATION OF COHESIVE SOILS BY TREATMENT WITH ORGANIC CATIONS1

The amount of moisture in a soil and its orientation to individual soil particles may be influenced by small additions of organic cationic compounds. Clay particles adsorb these cations, and because of their hydrophobic nature a waterproofing effect occurs. Thermodynamic considerations are presented to explain the strength retention of treated soils.
Vitamin A deficiency and inflammation: the pivotal role of secretory cells in the development of atrophic, hyperplastic and metaplastic change in the tracheal epithelium in vivo.

We showed previously that the proliferation of hamster airway secretory cells decreases during vitamin A deficiency (VAD) but later increases when submucosal inflammation develops (Virchows Arch [B] 59:231–242, 1990). This observation has important biological implications since two morphological extremes (atrophy and quiescence versus hyperplasia and hyperproliferation) are reported in the literature for VAD tracheal epithelium in vivo. In the present study, histological slides of tracheal rings from 35-day-old control and VAD hamsters (Virchows Arch [B] 45:197–219, 1984) were reviewed again. Rings from VAD hamsters were selected based on the absence or presence of a florid submucosal inflammation. Quantitative analyses were made on the cartilaginous part of rings from the anterior third of the trachea. When inflammation was absent, a mucociliary pseudostratified epithelium was, for the most part, maintained. The mitotic rate (MR, 6 h colchicine blockade) of secretory cells was markedly reduced (29-fold) but that of basal cells was not changed significantly. Moreover, cell density was not changed by VAD but ciliated cells and secretory cells were decreased and basal cells were increased, proportionally. We call this “minimal morphological change.” Thinning (atrophy) of the minimally changed epithelium was associated with focal cell sloughing. Small scattered foci of epidermoid metaplasia (multiple layers of highly keratinized cells which were extremely flat, so that the epithelium was thin and attenuated) were also seen. We call this “atrophic epidermoid metaplasia.” When inflammation was present, hyperplastic changes (stratification and epidermoid metaplasia) predominated and cells were in mitosis at all epithelial levels (low, middle, superficial) except in the most superficial (terminally differentiated) squames. The tracheal epithelium was thickened and hypercellular. The cells were piled up at the stratified lesions, and epithelial height, cell density and epithelial MR were significantly increased compared with the non-inflamed VAD epithelium. The effects of VAD and inflammation on cell proliferation were analyzed further by studying 7h bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling patterns of cells in VAD tracheal epithelium, with and without submucosal inflammation. In addition, inflammation was induced in “minimally changed epithelium” by mild mechanical injury. The BrdU labelling patterns confirmed that DNA synthesis by secretory cells is reduced markedly by VAD. However, this suppression is overidden by the influx of inflammatory cells (the nature of the stimulus is unknown). The results indicate that the morphological contrasts (atrophy and hyperplasia) seen in the trachea during VAD in vivo are related to extremes in proliferation rates of tracheal secretory cells, regulated by VAD alone (minimal replication) and by inflammation (maximal replication).
Structural stability of Bi-based cuprates

Abstract The relative structural stability of the Bi 2 Sr 2 Ca n -1 Cu n O 2 n +4+δ compounds upon doping has been studied in terms of the lattice mismatch between the rock-salt (BiO) 2 block and the perovskite block. Modification of the bond length in the rock-salt block by extra oxygen atoms or larger cations such as Pb is shown to be an important mechanism for the stabilization of the Bi compounds. The oxygen stoichiometric ( δ =0) and Pb free Bi cuprates are shown to be unstable. The minimum amount of extra oxygen to stabilize the n =2 structure is estimated to be δ min ≈0.08. It is shown that Pb (in the + 2 state) which substitutes Bi, effectively increases the stability of the Bi compounds, noticeably the n =3 phase, and favorably affects the kinetic process of phase formation. The minimum amount of Pb to stabilize the oxygen stoichiometric n =2 compound, Bi 2- x Pb x Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 , is estimated to be X min ≈0.32–0.33.
Radiation-induced resistance changes in TaO x and TiO 2 memristors

TaO x and TiO 2 memristors have been irradiated with 800 keV Ta ions, 28 MeV Si ions, and 10 keV X-rays. TaO x devices were also irradiated with 70 keV electrons. Displacement damage effects are studied using 800 keV Ta ions and both technologies show changes in resistance for fluences greater than 1010 cm−2. TaO x devices show gradual resistance degradation in the off-state with increasing fluence. TiO 2 devices show gradual inconsistent increases in off-state resistance with inconsistent abrupt decreases. TaO x devices show more stability and consistent off-state resistances than TiO 2 devices. Ionization effects are investigated using 28 MeV Si ions, 70 keV electrons, and 10 keV X-rays. During 28 MeV Si irradiation, both technologies change from the off-state to the on-state when a critical ionizing dose is reached without applying voltage or current to the device. The critical threshold is calculated using SRIM to be on the order of 60 Mrad(Si) or higher. 10 keV X-ray irradiation of doses up to 18 Mrad(Si) per step show little effect on either technology. A single TaO x device irradiated with 70 keV electrons changed from the offstate to the on-state at a calculated dose on the order of 100 krad(Si), suggesting a difference in charge yield compared to the 28 MeV Si irradiation.
Confidence interval estimation for a linear contrast in intraclass correlation coefficients under unequal family sizes for several populations

Confidence intervals [based on F-distribution and (Z) standard normal distribution] for a linear contrast in intraclass correlation coefficients under unequal family sizes for several populations based on several independent multinormal samples have been proposed. It has been found that the confidence interval based on F-distribution consistently and reliably produced better results in terms of shorter average length of the interval than the confidence interval based on standard normal distribution for various combinations of intraclass correlation coefficient values. The coverage probability of the interval based on F-distribution is competitive with the coverage probability of the interval based on standard normal distribution. The interval based on F-distribution can be used for both small sample and large sample situations. An example with real life data has been presented.
What happens during the free-choice period? Evidence of a polarizing effect of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation

Abstract The “undermining effect” [e.g., Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999) A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation, Psychological Bulletin, 125 (6) 627–668], whereby extrinsic rewards decrease intrinsic motivation, is typically tested using the free-choice paradigm. The arbitrary length of the free-choice period, however, might obscure the process of undermining. We used a foreshortened free-choice period – immediately and after 1 week – to glimpse the process of undermining with 61 college students who engaged in an intrinsically interesting activity under a reward or no-reward condition. Analyses revealed a polarizing effect of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation for the immediate and delayed assessments. We consider this effect in relation to the process of undermining, and suggest a potential personality-based moderator of the effect.
Monomolecular film properties of cellulose and amylose triacetates at the air‐water interface

Surface pressure-area isotherms of cellulose triacetate and amylose triacetate at the air-water interface were determined on a vertical and horizontal film balance. Both polymers show anomalous behavior on the vertical balance, including: higher compressibilities than obtained on the horizontal balance, movement of the vertical plate, and atypical hysteresis of the isotherms. The behavior of the cellulose triacetate film is attributed to heterogeneous gelation of the monolayer at low pressures. A mechanism involving the lateral tilting of pyranose units at the interface and subsequent stabilization of the monolayer by van der Waal's interactions accounts for the properties of this film. A helical conformation for amylose triacetate at the air-water interface is proposed to explain the low compressibility of this monolayer.
Insulin stimulation of glucose entry in chick fibroblasts and HeLa cells.

Abstract 3 to 5-fold stimulation by insulin of the rate of D-glucose entry into chick fibroblasts in culture is observed in cells transferred for several hours to medium containing little (50 to 100 μg/ml) or no D-glucose. No stimulation is obtained in cells trans-ferred for the same period to “high” glucose (1 mg/ml) medium. The latter finding probably accounts for the consistent failure of earlier studies to demonstrate stimulation. Pyruvate alone is as stimulatory as insulin and reverses the D-glucose “repression”. Hela cells are as sensitive to insulin as chick cells.
Antitussive Activity of a Series of Dialkylaminodiphenylbutanol Esters

The effect of structural modifications upon the antitussive activity of a series of dialkylaminodiphenylbutanol esters was examined. In an attempt to investigate a possible correlation of pharmacological activities, the compounds were also evaluated for their spasmogenic effect upon the intestine and their analgesic activity. Antitussive activity was determined in guinea pigs by means of SO 2 -induced cough. Spasmogenic activity was determined by inserting a balloon into the duodenum of anesthetized dogs. Analgesic activity was determined by the rat-tail heat method. The optimum antitussive structure tested within this series was α- dl -2-propionoxy-l,2-diphenyl-3-methyl-4-dimethylaminobutane hydrochloride. The optimum analgesic structure tested in this series was the 2-acetoxy analog of the same compound. Some degree of correlation was shown among the activities, although exceptions were noted.
Unusually strong orbit-lattice interactions in the RVO 3perovskites

The thermal conductivity kappa(T) of the RVO3 crystals was measured. At T>T(infinity), RVO3 crystals conduct heat like a glass; the phonon contribution to kappa(T) is completely suppressed by spin and orbital fluctuations. In the interval T(N) T(infinity), a phononlike kappa(T) was observed at T<T(N). This study shows clear-cut evidence of strong orbit-lattice coupling in RVO3 perovskites. Thermal conductivity measurement could be used as a sensitive probe to study orbital ordering.
Explanatory models for cancer among African-American women at two Atlanta neighborhood health centers: The implications for a cancer screening program

This paper examines cultural models for breast and cervical cancer among low-income African-American women over 40, in order to better understand how those models might affect cancer screening behavior. The study is part of The Community-Based Cancer Screening Project, which is sponsored by Emory University, Grady Memorial Hospital, and the American Cancer Society. The Screening Project attempts to increase the use of mammography, clinical and self-examination of the breast, and cervical Pap smear among women aged 40 or older in a predominantly African-American, low-income, low educational level population that is currently underserved by any screening activities. The study of cultural models of cancer within the project was prompted by the recognition that if screening programs targeted at specific, underserved, populations are to succeed, cultural as well as logistical barriers to screening must be overcome. Patients and clinicians must each understand how the other perceives cancer, its prevention, and its treatment. Only with this mutual understanding as a foundation, can physicians and their clients cooperate to improve cancer screening rates. Our research results indicate that the cancer models held by the patient population differ significantly from those held by clinicians. Women attending the clinics endure cancer screening tests that to them seem to serve only as heralds of a disease that will ultimately kill them. Most women doubt there is a cure for cancer, though some believe a person may live if the disease is caught in time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Quantification of costs for dispute resolution procedures in the construction industry

The extent to which disputes affect the construction industry has been well-documented. There are a plethora of anecdotal stories, and even some data that explain how unresolved conflict can impact project cost, schedule, and quality. In response, many systems and procedures have been developed to address disputes and their resolution within the construction industry. However, no data exist that quantitatively compare these various alternatives and the real costs of resolving a dispute using methods other than litigation. This paper presents a framework for identifying and capturing the transactional costs incurred to resolve disputes throughout the full spectrum of resolution options. Transactional cost data from 46 recently completed construction projects, totaling over $2 billion of total installed costs, confirm that these sums can account for a large portion of the settlement/award amount, the original claim amount, and even the total contract value when using some dispute resolution methods. Further...
Distributed file access (session overview)

Distributed file access is a key aspect of distributed system design. The ease and the efficiency with which files on remote machines can be accessed has a very pervasive influence on the overall success and acceptance of a distributed system. Careful design is required to achieve these goals. Techniques for efficient remote file access are therefore an area of active research.The papers in this session provide quite a diverse sampling of recent efforts in the construction and the evaluation of distributed file systems. The paper by David Cheriton and Paul Roy describes the design and the performance of a file server supporting a collection of diskless workstations connected by a local area network. A much more loosely coupled environment is described by Peter Weinberger: His paper discusses the integration of a number of independently administered UNIX† machines into a network-wide file system. Finally, Paul Leach presents an evaluation of a commercial system based on a network-wide single level store.
Engineered nanotopographic structures for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

Nanotopographic structures occur naturally within the extracellular matrix of many tissues, influencing a wide range of properties through mechanotransductive interactions. Synthetic cell-nanotopography interactions have been explored as a way of controlling cell behaviors including orientation, adhesion, migration, proliferation and cytoskeletal organization. Until recently these processes have been explored using traditional cell culture substrates for laboratory investigations, including titanium, glass, ceramics, silicon, polystyrene and PolyDiMethylSiloxane (PDMS), as well as on numerous disordered nanostructured materials such as collagen. Nanopatterned PDMS exhibits unique utility for in vitro studies including fundamental studies on cell-nanotopography interactions as well as structures that can serve as template for tissue organization. Emerging research is exploring nanoscale mechanotransduction on biodegradable substrates suitable for implantation, thereby paving the way for the development of engineered tissues with tunable mechanical and functional properties. Here recent developments in nanoscale modification of substrates for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are described, with an emphasis on how these studies might ultimately lead to advanced approaches for patient care.
A Mechanistic Approach to Matrix Cracking Coupled with Fiber–Matrix Debonding in Short-Fiber Composites

A micro-macro mechanistic approach to damage in short-fiber composites is developed in this paper. At the microscale, a reference aligned fiber composite is considered for the analysis of the damage mechanisms such as matrix cracking and fiber/matrix debonding using the modified Mori-Tanaka model. The associated damage variables are defined, and the stiffness reduction law dependent on these variables is established. The stiffness of a random fiber composite containing random matrix microcracks and imperfect interfaces is then obtained from that of the reference composite, which is averaged over all possible orientations and weighted by an orientation distribution function. The macroscopic response is determined using a continuum damage mechanics approach and finite element analysis. Final failure resulting from saturation of matrix microcracks, fiber pull-out and breakage is modeled by a vanishing element technique. The model is validated using the experimental data and results found in the literature as well as the results determined for a random chopped fiber glass/vinyl ester system.
Is caveolin involved in normal proximal tubule function? Presence in model PT systems but absence in situ.

Kidney proximal tubule (PT) cells are specialized for the uptake and transport of ions, solutes, peptides, and proteins. These functions are often regulated by hormones that signal at the cell surf...
Bovine TB controls.

DEN Leonard ( VR , May 24, 2014, vol 174, pp 535-536) makes a compelling case in support of the BVA's comprehensive policy on bovine TB and we can fully understand his frustration over the way the issue is communicated by the mainstream media. With the support of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, the BVA has consistently made the case for the targeted, humane culling of badgers to be part of the Government's overall TB eradication strategy, both in England and in Wales. We firmly believe that a comprehensive approach, employing all of the available tools, is the only way we will be able to eradicate the disease rather than simply maintaining or controlling it. We have …
Glial cell response to 3,4-(+/-)-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its metabolites.

3,4-(±)-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-(±)-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), a primary metabolite of MDMA, are phenylethylamine derivatives that cause serotonergic neurotoxicity. Although several phenylethylamine derivatives activate microglia, little is known about the effects of MDMA on glial cells, and evidence of MDMA-induced microglial activation remains ambiguous. We initially determined microglial occupancy status of the parietal cortex in rats at various time points following a single neurotoxic dose of MDMA (20 mg/ kg, SC). A biphasic microglial response to MDMA was observed, with peak microglial occupancy occurring 12- and 72-h postMDMA administration. Because direct injection of MDMA into the brain does not produce neurotoxicity, the glial response to MDMA metabolites was subsequently examined in vivo and in vitro. Rats were treated with MDA (20 mg/kg, SC) followed by ex vivo biopsy culture to determine the activation of quiescent microglia. A reactive microglial response was observed 72 h
Measurement of prostate movement over the course of routine radiotherapy using implanted markers

Abstract Purpose: To measure the range and frequency of occurrence of intertreatment movement of the prostate gland over the course of radiotherapy, and to demonstrate that the prostate may move independently of the surrounding bones of the pelvis. Methods and Materials: Ten patients underwent implantation of radiopaque markers around the prostate. Orthogonal protal films were taken at multiple stages during the course of treatment and digitized. An image registration tool was used to solve for film detector placement and, subsequently, to determine positional changes between structures on a reference portal image pair and all subsequent pairs for each patient. Transformations describing prostate movement were measured independently of those describing setup variations of the pelvic girdle. Results: Translation and/or rotation of the prostate was detected in 70% of the treatments for which films were taken. The maximum measured displacement was 7.5 mm along a major axis. Typical translatins of the prostate were between 0–4 mm. The translation and rotation had a predominant direction, suggesting a natural axis for prostate movement. Conclusion: Although significant prostate displacement can occur between treatments, the typical range of movement seen along a major axis was less than 5 mm. Proper treatment planning should consider the movement of the target independent of surrounding bony anatomy. Advances in online portal imaging, image registration, and dynamic field shaping may permit shaped fields that encompass the prostate gland in its position at the time of treatment, allowing for the use of smaller fields while ensuring proper target coverage.
Prehospital end-tidal carbon dioxide differentiates between cardiac and obstructive causes of dyspnoea

Background Differentiating between cardiac and obstructive causes for dyspnoea is essential for proper management, but is difficult in the prehospital setting. Objective To assess if prehospital levels of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) differed in obstructive compared to cardiac causes of dyspnoea, and could suggest one diagnosis over the other. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study among patients transported by emergency medical services during a 29-month period who were diagnosed with either obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure (CHF) by ICD-9 codes. Initial prehospital vital signs, including ETCO2, were recorded. Records were linked by manual archiving of emergency medical services and hospital data. Results There were 106 patients with a diagnosis of obstructive or cardiac causes of dyspnoea that had prehospital ETCO2 levels measured during the study period. ETCO2 was significantly lower in patients diagnosed with CHF (31 mm Hg 95% CI 27 to 35) versus obstructive pulmonary disease (39 mm Hg 95% CI 35 to 42; p Conclusions Lower levels of ETCO2 were associated with CHF, and may serve as an objective diagnostic adjunct to predict this cause of dyspnoea in the prehospital setting.
Responses by wild house mice (Mus musculus) to various stimuli in a novel environment

a b s t r a c t House mice (Mus musculus) pose a threat to the native flora and fauna on islands, and can cause significant damage wherever they have been introduced. Methods used to eradicate invasive rodents, like house mice, at high population densities may not be appropriate for intercepting them at lower densities. A better understanding of the immediate behavior of house mice when first introduced to a novel environment would help managers develop effective biosecurity techniques to protect against new invasions. To address this problem, we conducted a controlled laboratory experiment that simulated an invasion by wild house mice into a novel environment. We quantified and compared the immediate behaviors of wild house mice (n = 40) by testing various odors and other attractants, including odors (e.g., foods and conspecific), shelter, water, and a control. There was a significant difference in mouse responses to these treatments (P ≤ 0.0001). We found that the most common immediate reaction of invading mice was to seek shelter in a den box ( = 47.7 box entries) rather than responding to the other potential attractants presented. Secondarily, the mice were interested in some food scents, particularly bacon grease ( = 18.3 box entries), peanut butter ( = 17.0 box entries), and cheese ( = 14.5 box entries). The sex of the mouse did not influence their responses to odors and attractants (P ≥ 0.243), however, we noted that females visited male feces and urine odors ( = 17 visits) more than males visited female feces and urine odors ( = 11 visits). Fewest visits were to the empty box ( = 8.0 box entries) and the water box ( = 5.1 box entries) Based on our findings, we surmise that a secure den box which included certain food odors might entice and hold mice in a restricted area for a short duration in a novel environment. If done properly, this arrangement could be utilized for early detection and response to newly-invading house mice. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Human Factors Issues Associated with Teaching Over a Virtual World

Second Life (SL) is one of the most popular Virtual Worlds (VW) available on the web, with over 15 million registered accounts and over 50,000 registered users online at any given time (de Freitas, 2008). A number of universities offer classes taught via VWs, however little information is available on the human factors issues associated with teaching and learning via a VW. This paper is a practice-oriented analysis of information gathered during a pilot test of didactic and behavioral training offered over SL, using Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as a test case. Results indicate that human factors issues including social, communication, and technological concerns impact class interactions and feelings of trust. Participants report gaining didactic knowledge, a willingness to recommend VW training to others, and being open to future training via a VW. Recommendations to modify in-person training for VW use include targeted, early education of class members to potential differences in VW training...
Assessment of the Cylex ImmuKnow cell function assay in pediatric heart transplant patients.

Background The Cylex ImmuKnow (Cylex, Columbia, MD) cell function assay (CICFA) is a commercially available test of immune response that purportedly identifies solid organ transplant patients at risk for either acute rejection (AR) or infection. Data on the utility of this test in pediatric heart transplant patients are very limited. This study tested the hypothesis that CICFA is a clinically useful test in this transplant population. Methods All children undergoing heart transplantation at the study center (1989–2006) for whom CICFA levels were obtained were reviewed. The association of CICFA levels with episodes of AR and significant infections was determined. Results Among 83 patients (34 girls, 41%), 367 CICFA levels were obtained (median, 4.0; interquartile range [IQR], 2.0–6.0 per patient). There were 26 episodes of AR in 17 patients (20%) and 38 infections in 34 patients (41%). CICFA levels were similar among patients with AR at the time of the CICFA measurement (median, 325 [IQR, 163–480] adenosine triphosphate [ATP] ng/ml) vs patients without AR (median, 330 [IQR, 227–441] ATP ng/ml; p = 0.36). CICFA levels were similar among patients with infections within 1 month of CICFA measurement (median, 295 [IQR, 216–366] ATP ng/ml) and those without infections (median, 330 [IQR, 226–453] ATP ng/ml; p = 0.24). Conclusions The CICFA is not predictive of AR or significant infections in pediatric heart transplant patients. On the basis of the available evidence, this assay cannot be recommended as part of the routine management of pediatric heart transplant patients.
Dietary Antioxidants and Cardiovascular Disease

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the basic science behind the hypothesis that antioxidants that might prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). It reviews the observational epidemiology that relates to this hypothesis, and discusses the results of randomized trials examining primary and secondary prevention of CVD through dietary supplementation. The risks and benefits of various aspects of diet are likely to accrue over years or even decades, and eating habits change over time. Studies of diet and chronic disease may have to continue for many years and be updated periodically. Quantitative assessment of diet is based on self-reports, which results in misclassification. Dietary habits tend to be imbedded in cultural practices and associated with lifestyle factors, making it difficult to separate the effects of diet from other related factors on a given disease. One of the most consistent findings in dietary research is that those who consume higher amounts of fruits and vegetables have lower rates of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Possible explanations for these apparent protective effects include higher dietary fiber intake, the replacement of fats and cholesterol, or specific micronutrients in fruits and vegetables, particularly those with antioxidant properties.
Surface plasmon interference nanolithography.

A new nanophotolithography technique based on the interference of surface plasmon waves is proposed and demonstrated by using computer simulations. The wavelengths of the surface plasmon waves at metal and dielectric interfaces can reach the nanometer scale while their frequencies remain in the optical range. As a result, the resolution of this surface plasmon interference nanolithography (SPIN) can go far beyond the free-space diffraction limit of the light. Simulation results show that one-dimensional and two-dimensional periodical structures of 40−100 nm features can be patterned using interfering surface plasmons launched by 1D gratings. Detailed characteristics of SPIN such as field distribution and contrast are also investigated.
Buried objects and void detection using RF Tomography

Radio Frequency Tomography (see L. Lo Monte et al., “Radio Frequency Tomography for Tunnel Detection”, IEEE Trans. Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Vol. 48, No. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 1128–1137) has been proposed as an attractive ground penetrating radar (GPR) application. RF Tomography uses MIMO sensors to detect targets for relatively wide regions, without requiring human presence on the field, by spreading inexpensive sensors. RF Tomography employs narrowband electrically small antennas and sufficiently low frequency to look into deeply buried objects. Also, RF Tomography is not limited by diffraction limit. However, in order to implement RF tomography in real scenarios, a Green's function must account for irregular terrain and eliminate direct path and reflections from the interface with non-uniform background objects. Our previous simulated results showed the detection of a cubic PEC object inside a duct background. Additionally, our experimental results demonstrated the detection of copper cylinders buried in box filled with sand (T. Negishi et al., “Numerical Green's Function for Radio Frequency Tomography with Complex Geometry,” URSI Commission B International Symposium on Electromagnetic Theory, Hiroshima, Japan, May 2013), and the technique is well tested by simulation.
On the Uplink Capacity of an 802.16j System

A multihop relay extension for IEEE 802.16e systems is the subject of ongoing standardization activities within the IEEE 802.16j Task Group. The emerging IEEE 802.16J standard enhances the 802.16e PHY and MAC to enable support of multihop routes between a mobile station and a base station through intermediate relay stations. Since it is believed that the capacity of a single-hop 802.16e system is uplink-limited, this paper evaluates potential capacity gains attained with the relay enhancement of the 802.16e uplink. The capacity here denotes either cumulative throughput for data traffic or total number of users for voice traffic supported, under certain system-specific constrains detailed below. We first develop a simplified one-dimensional model of a relay-enhanced 802.16e system and estimate the capacity gains via analysis and numerical optimization. Motivated by the capacity gains predicted by this first-order analysis, simulation results obtained from a full two-dimensional simulator modeling a realistic deployment of a relay-enhanced system are then presented. Based on the simulation results, a parametric analysis of relay deployment cost vs. the capacity gain is also presented.