cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Pressure on the Optical Absorption of the Activator System in KCl: Tl

The optical absorption spectrum of thallium-activated potassium chloride has been measured at 2000 atmospheres. The absorption band corresponding to the $^{1}S_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{^{3}P_{1}}^{0}$ transition of ${\mathrm{Tl}}^{+}$ shifts 4 A to longer wavelengths at this pressure. The spectral shift is calculated theoretically from the quantitative configuration coordinate model of KCl: Tl. The occupation probabilities of accessible atomic configurations of the activator system are dependent on pressure, whereas the transition energy for a particular configuration is independent of pressure. The pressure is considered to act hydrostatically on six pistons corresponding to the ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ nearest neighbors. The theoretical shift in absorption under 2000 atmospheres pressure is 5 A to longer wavelengths.
Resolution of Genotypic and Phenotypic Properties of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Temperature-Sensitive Mutant (KOS) tsZ47: Evidence for Allelic Complementation in the UL28 Gene

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) mutant tsZ47 was reported to be temperature sensitive for virus growth and transport of viral glycoproteins to the cell surface and to contain two different mutations (B. A. Pancake, D. P. Aschman, and P. A. Schaffer, (1983) J. Virol. 47,568-585). However, we found that similar amounts of glycoproteins B, C and H were expressed at the cell surface at the permissive and non-permissive temperatures and in addition, tsZ47 virus contained only a single mutation. UL28-null virus, gC delta 7B, failed to complement tsZ47 in mixed infections and tsZ47 replicated in UL28 but not gB transformed cell lines. A ts lesion of tsZ47 was mapped within a 1333 bp region of the UL28 gene by marker-rescue using overlapping DNA fragments. DNA sequencing identified a C to T transversion resulting in an R to W amino acid change at UL28 amino acid position 531. Southern Blot analysis and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that tsZ47, is defective in cleavage and encapsidation of viral DNA. Mutant virus ts1203 (C. Addison, F.J. Rixon, and V.G. Preston, (1990) J. Gen. Virol. 71, 2377-2384) that contains a mutation in the 5' end of UL28, complemented tsZ47 in mixed infections. This suggests that allelic complementation may be occurring and UL28 may encode a protein with independently functioning domains, or that it participates in a multimer.
Two short versions of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List.

In an attempt to fulfill the original purpose of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List (MAACL), two shorter versions were devised. One version was simply a subset of the original items. A second version provided one 6-point semantic differential scale for each of the subscales of the standard MAACL. Concurrent validity was assessed for three separate college student populations and one drug patient population. Also, construct validity was assessed for both versions by measuring changes in negative affect during a single Induced Anxiety session. Correlations between the standard and subset version for total negative affect ranged between 0.49 and 0.99. Correlations between the standard and semantic differential versions for total negative affect ranged between 0.53 and 0.81.
Splitting the 450-MC channels

A recently released FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Docket No. 13847, contains a proposal to subdivide the existing 50 kc channels in the 450-470 mc private land mobile band into twice as many 25 kc channels. Field and laboratory tests conducted to date indicate that the proposed technical standards can be successfully implemented in closely controlled test systems. Some significant problems may arise in actual "user" systems, however, if transmitters and receivers are not properly netted and held to a close RF channel tolerance. Considerable attention must be given to the various factors which determine the amount of receiver performance degradation experienced, if successful implementation of "same area" adjacent channel operation is to be achieved. Existing 450 mc equipment of recent manufacture should provide adequate performance in most systems until the 25 kc split channels are assigned to new users in the same area.
An Inverse Finite Element Method for the Analysis of Stationary Arc Welding Processes

An inverse finite element computer code was developed to facilitate the experimental analysis of two-dimensional stationary arc welding processes. The method uses transient temperature data from thermocouples inbedded in the solid region of the work piece to determine through a Newton-Raphson interpolation procedure the transient position of the solid-liquid interface and the transient temperature distribution in the solid region of the work piece. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated through comparison with results obtained with a direct finite element code and through comparison with experiments.
High-efficiency, dielectric multilayer gratings optimized for manufacturability and laser damage threshold

Ultrashort pulse, high-intensity lasers offer new opportunities for the study of light-matter interaction and for inertial confinement fusion. A 100 Terawatt laser operating 400 fs and 1.053 {mu}m is operational at LLNL, and a 1000 Terawatt (Petawatt) laser will come online in early 1996. These lasers use large-aperture (40 cm and 94 cm diameter, respectively) diffraction gratings to compress the amplified laser pulse. At present, hologrphically produced, gold overcoated photoresist gratings are used: these gratings represent the fuse in the laser chain. Higher laser damage thresholds and higher diffraction efficiencies are theoretically possible with multilayer dielectric gratings (MDG`s). A number of design parameters regarding both the multilayer stack and the etched grating structure can be optimized to maximize the laser damage threshold and also improve the processing latitude for the interference lithography and reactive ion etching steps used during manufacture of these gratings. This paper presents model predictions for the behavior of hafnia/silica MDG`s both during processing and in operation, and presents experimental data on the diffraction efficiency and short- pulse laser damage threshold for optimized witness gratings.
Cloud points for polystyrene in propane and poly(4-methyl styrene) in propane

Cloud-point pressures are measured and correlated with the SAFT1 equation of state for polystyrene/propane and poly(4-methyl styrene)/propane. The SAFT1 parameters for polystyrene are then used to correlate polystyrene solutions in other solvents, for example, n-butane and n-pentane.
Development of a Compliant Nanothermal Interface Material

The power density requirements continue to increase and the ability of thermal interface materials has not kept pace. Increasing effective thermal conductivity and reducing bondline thickness reduce thermal resistance. High thermal conductivity materials, such as solders, have been used as thermal interface materials. However, there is a limit to minimum bondline thickness in reducing resistance due to increased fatigue stress. A compliant thermal interface material is proposed that allows for thin solder bondlines using a compliant structure within the bondline to achieve thermal resistance <0.01 cm2 C/W. The structure uses an array of nanosprings sandwiched between two plates of materials to match thermal expansion of their respective interface materials (ex. silicon and copper). Thin solder bondlines between these mating surfaces and high thermal conductivity of the nanospring layer results in thermal resistance of 0.01 cm2 C/W. The compliance of the nanospring layer is two orders of magnitude more compliant than the solder layers so thermal stresses are carried by the nanosprings rather than the solder layers. The fabrication process and performance testing performed on the material is presented.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Analyzing mobile offshore bases using accelerated boundary-element methods

Abstract In this paper we describe the application of the precorrected-FFT accelerated boundary-element method to linear, frequency-domain and nonlinear time-domain seakeeping analyses for a complete MOB. Acceleration reduces the computational run-time and memory cost for these boundary-element methods from order O(N2) to order O(N log N) , where N represents the number of computational elements. In the MOB examples considered, exploiting accelerated methods reduced CPU time by nearly two orders of magnitude and memory by nearly an order of magnitude.
Parental economic hardship and children's achievement orientations

While children’s orientations to achievement are strong predictors of attainments, little is known about how parental economic hardship during recessionary times influences children’s orientations to their futures. The Youth Development Study has followed a community sample of young people in St Paul, Minnesota from mid-adolescence through their mid-thirties with near-annual surveys, and has recently begun surveying the children of this cohort. Using linked parent and child data, the present study examines the relationship between parental economic hardship and children's achievement orientations in the aftermath of the recent “Great Recession.” Initial OLS analyses draw on 345 parent-child pairs, with data collected from parents in 2011 as well as during the preceding decade, and from their children (age 11 and older) in 2011. Then, first difference models are estimated, based on a smaller sample (N=209) of parents and children who completed surveys in both 2009 and 2011. Our findings indicate that when families are more vulnerable, as a result of low parental education and prior parental unemployment experience, children’s achievement orientations are more strongly threatened by the family’s economic circumstances. For example, as parental financial problems increased, efficacy declined only among children of the least well-educated parents. Low household incomes diminished educational aspirations only when parents experienced unemployment during the ten years prior to the recent recession. Parental achievement orientations, as adolescents, were also found to moderate the impacts of shifts in the family’s economic circumstances. Finally, boys reacted more strongly to their parents’ hardship.
Historians and Miracle Claims

Most biblical scholars and historians hold that the investigation of a miracle report lies outside of the rights of historians acting within their professional capacity. In this essay, I challenge this position and argue to the contrary. A definition of history should not a priori exclude the possibility of investigating miracle claims, since doing so may restrict historians to an inaccurate assessment of the past. Professional historians outside of the community of biblical scholars acknowledge the frequent absence of a consensus; this largely results from conflicting horizons among historians. If this is the present state among professionals engaged in the study of non-religious history, it will be even more so with historians of Jesus. Finally, even if some historians cannot bring themselves to grant divine causation, they, in principle, can render a verdict on the event itself without rendering a verdict on its cause.
Endogenous endothelial cell signaling systems maintain vascular stability

The function of the endothelium is to provide a network to allow delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues throughout the body. This network comprises adjacent endothelial cells that utilize adherens junction proteins such as vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) to maintain the appropriate level of vascular permeability. The disruption of VE-cadherin interactions during pathologic settings can lead to excessive vascular leak with adverse effects. Endogenous cell signaling systems have been defined, which help to maintain the proper level of vascular stability. Perhaps the best described system is Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1). Ang-1 acting through its receptor Tie2 generates a well-described set of signaling events ultimately leading to enhanced vascular stability. In this review, we will focus on what is known about additional endogenous cell signaling systems that stabilize the vasculature, and using Ang-1/Tie2 as a model, we will address where our understanding of these additional systems is lacking.
The influence of preform on the modes of vibrating beams

A theoretical analysis is presented of a vibratory system in which it is possible to eliminate an unwanted mode of vibration by using that mode as an initial deformation of the system. The analysis shows that this is possible in straight beams with end restraints in axial deformation. The mathematical problem leads to an eigenvalue problem of a type not normally encountered. In the paper examples are given for the changes in eigenfrequency and mode shape produced by the initial preformed shape of the beam for cases where the preform is proportional to a mode of the straight beam and when the preform is unrelated to any mode
Probability distribution of latitudes of re- entry and impact following decay of polar orbits.

Satellites in near-circular decaying polar orbits experience drag forces at equatorial latitudes substantially greater than those at polar latitudes (due to the oblateness of the atmosphere). The effect of this drag variation upon probability distributions of re-entry and impact latitude is investigated by determining a probability distribution of orbit altitude a revolution or so prior to re-entry; deriving functional relationships between orbit altitude, re-entry latitude, and impact latitude; and transforming variables to form the latitude distributions. Results for the particular case of satellites with ballistic parameters of 16 psf indicate that the probability density of re-entry latitude is about three times greater at the equator than at the poles. The probability density of impact latitude is comparatively uniform.
Determination of the low-frequency linear electro-optic effect in tetragonal batio sub 3.

LF linear electro-optic effect at 5461 angstroms in single crystal barium titanate in temperature range from 5 to 120 degrees C
A versatile PC-based range finding system

The authors present an active triangulation-based range finding system composed of an independent laser system generating a sheet of light projected on the object to be measured, which is placed on a linear or a rotary table driven by a personal computer. This computer includes a video digitizer board to which two cameras, looking at the scene from both sides of the sheet of light, are connected. Besides its low cost, this system has several advantages over similar systems. First of all, two cameras are used to limit the occlusion problem, and a method is proposed to integrate range data obtained from these cameras into a single range image. The calibration of each camera is very simple, provides subpixel accuracy, and is performed only once as the laser or the camera does not move. The data acquisition uses an interpolation technique that produces very accurate depth measurements. The system also provides intensity data in registration with the range data. The application of all these techniques is illustrated by showing numerous examples of the range and intensity data acquisition from various complex objects. >
The Economics of Long‐Term Care for the Mentally Ill

Systems of long-term care for the mentally ill have been largely shaped by financing and reimbursement, rather than sound treatment principles. An undue emphasis on institutional care and the lack of coordination among providers can be attributed to perverse economic incentives and multiple payers. This article argues that, because of the special nature of long-term psychiatric disabilities, there is a predictable underutilization of long-term psychiatric services. It considers three types of settings: state hospitals, nursing homes, and community care, discussing current financing mechanisms in each. Finally, it presents characteristics of ideal systems and examines several proposed financing models according to these characteristics.
Staying sane on the tenure track

A tenure-track appointment is a wonderful thing, but it really should come with an instruction manual. This article is a loosely-coupled collection of thoughts and advice on surviving a tenure-track appointment. The focus is on concrete tips and advice for an engineering-school appointment, which was my path, but perhaps some of the ideas are also valid in other environments, such as business schools and mathematics or computer science departments.
Constraint-Based Motion Planning of Deformable Robots

We present a novel algorithm for motion planning of a deformable robot in a static environment. Given the initial and final configuration of the robot, our algorithm computes an approximate path using the probabilistic roadmap method. We use "constraint-based planning" to simulate robot deformation and make appropriate path adjustments and corrections to compute a collision-free path. Our algorithm takes into account geometric constraints like non-penetration and physical constraints like volume preservation. We highlight the performance of our planner on different scenarios of varying complexity.
The oxidation of a gasoline surrogate in the negative temperature coefficient region

This experimental study investigated the preignition reactivity behavior of a gasoline surrogate in a pressurized flow reactor over the low and intermediate temperature regime (600-800 K) at elevated pressure (8 atm). The surrogate mixture, a volumetric blend of 4.6% 1-pentene, 31.8% toluene, 14.0% n-heptane, and 49.6% 2,2,4-trimethyl-pentane (iso-octane), was shown to reproduce the low and intermediate temperature reactivity of full boiling range fuels in a previous study. Each of the surrogate components were examined individually to identify the major intermediate species in order to improve existing kinetic models, where appropriate, and to provide a basis for examining constituent interactions in the surrogate mixture. n-Heptane and 1-pentene started reacting at 630 K and 640 K, respectively, and both fuels exhibited a strong negative temperature coefficient (NTC) behavior starting at 700 and 710 K, respectively. Iso-octane showed a small level of reactivity at 630 K and a weak NTC behavior starting at 665 K. Neat toluene was unreactive at these temperatures. The surrogate started reacting at 630 K and exhibited a strong NTC behavior starting at 693 K. The extent of fuel consumption varied for each of the surrogate constituents and was related to their general autoignition behavior. Most of the intermediatesmore » identified during the surrogate oxidation were species observed during the oxidation of the neat constituents; however, the surrogate mixture did exhibit a significant increase in intermediates associated with iso-octane oxidation, but not from n-heptane. While neat toluene was unreactive at these temperatures, in the mixture it reacted with the radical pool generated by the other surrogate components, forming benzaldehyde, benzene, phenol, and ethyl-benzene. The observed n-heptane, iso-octane, and surrogate oxidation behavior was compared to predictions using existing kinetic models. The n-heptane model reasonably predicted the disappearance of the fuel, but overpredicted the formation of several of the smaller intermediates. The iso-octane model significantly overpredicted the reaction of the fuel and formation of the intermediates. The 1-pentene model reasonably predicted the fuel consumption, but underestimated the importance of radical addition to the double bond. The results of this study provide a critical experimental foundation for the investigation of surrogate mixtures and for validation of kinetic models. (author)« less
Transchondral fractures (osteochondritis dissecans) of the talus.

Detached osteochondral fragments from the dome of the talus have been described in orthopaedic publications by a variety of confusing terms. A clarification of this conflicting terminology is suggested. We believe that the traumatic etiology of the lesion has been confirmed both clinically and experimentally. The problems of clinical and roentgenographic diagnosis are discussed and illustrated by case histories. Various forms of treatment are evaluated, and the prognosis appraised.
Glutamate and choline levels predict individual differences in reading ability in emergent readers

Reading disability is a brain-based difficulty in acquiring fluent reading skills that affects significant numbers of children. Although neuroanatomical and neurofunctional networks involved in typical and atypical reading are increasingly well characterized, the underlying neurochemical bases of individual differences in reading development are virtually unknown. The current study is the first to examine neurochemistry in children during the critical period in which the neurocircuits that support skilled reading are still developing. In a longitudinal pediatric sample of emergent readers whose reading indicators range on a continuum from impaired to superior, we examined the relationship between individual differences in reading and reading-related skills and concentrations of neurometabolites measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both continuous and group analyses revealed that choline and glutamate concentrations were negatively correlated with reading and related linguistic measures in phonology and vocabulary (such that higher concentrations were associated with poorer performance). Correlations with behavioral scores obtained 24 months later reveal stability for the relationship between glutamate and reading performance. Implications for neurodevelopmental models of reading and reading disability are discussed, including possible links of choline and glutamate to white matter anomalies and hyperexcitability. These findings point to new directions for research on gene-brain-behavior pathways in human studies of reading disability.
Streptolysin O clearance through sequestration into blebs that bud passively from the plasma membrane.

Cells survive exposure to bacterial pore-forming toxins, such as streptolysin O (SLO), through mechanisms that remain unclear. Previous studies have suggested that these toxins are cleared by endocytosis. However, the experiments reported here failed to reveal any evidence for endocytosis of SLO, nor did they reveal any signs of damage to endosomal membranes predicted from such endocytosis. Instead, we illustrate that SLO induces a characteristic form of plasma membrane blebbing that allows cells to shed SLO by the process known as ectocytosis. Specifically, ‘deep-etch’ electron microscopy of cells exposed to SLO illustrates that the toxin is rapidly sequestered into domains in the plasmalemma greatly enriched in SLO pores, and these domains bleb outwards and bud from the cell surface into the medium. Such ectocytosis is even observed in cells that have been chemically fixed before exposure to SLO, suggesting that it is caused by a direct physical action of the toxin on the cell membrane, rather than by an active cellular reaction. We conclude, therefore, that ectocytosis is an important means for SLO clearance and hypothesize that this is a primary method by which cells defend themselves generally against pore-forming toxins.
Immobilization of swift foxes with ketamine hydrochloride-xylazine hydrochloride.

There is an increasing need to develop field immobilization techniques that allow researchers to handle safely swift foxes (Vulpes velox) with minimal risk of stress or injury. We immobilized captive swift foxes to determine the safety and effectiveness of ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride at different dosages. We attempted to determine appropriate dosages to immobilize swift foxes for an adequate field-handling period based on three anesthesia intervals (induction period, immobilization period, and recovery period) and physiologic responses (rectal temperature, respiration rate, and heart rate). Between October 1998–July 1999, we conducted four trials, evaluating three different dosage ratios of ketamine and xylazine (2.27:1.2, 5.68:1.2, and 11.4:1.2 mg/kg ketamine:mg/kg xylazine, respectively), followed by a fourth trial with a higher dosage at the median ratio (11.4 mg/kg ketamine:2.4 mg/kg xylazine). We found little difference in induction and recovery periods among trials 1–3, but imm...
Marital Adjustment in Farm Couples Across the Family Life Cycle

An investigation of the effects of life cycle stage, gender, education level, em ployment, and income level on the dyadic adjustment of farm couples was con ducted on a sample of 492 married couples from a six-state area. It was found that gender and income level were not significant factors in the respondents' reported level of marital adjustment. However, there was a significant effect on marital adjustment for the interactions of: life cycle stage by educational level of wives, life cycle stage by employment of wives, and life cycle stage by educational level of wives by employment of wives.
Larger Infant Size at Birth Reduces the Negative Association between Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Breastfeeding Duration

Women who are overweight or obese prepregnancy have shorter durations of producing milk (PM) and feeding breast milk exclusively (FBM-ex) than normal-weight women. We proposed that infant size at birth may reduce the negative associations between prepregnancy BMI and the durations of PM and FBM-ex. We used data from 2798 participants in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II and characterized infant size at birth as weight-for-gestational age (WGA). To assess possible mediation of the associations between maternal BMI and the durations of PM and FBM-ex by infant size at birth, Baron and Kenny's methods, the Sobel test, and bootstrapping were used. As expected, prepregnancy BMI was negatively associated (P < 0.0001) with the durations of PM and FBM-ex; it also was positively associated (P < 0.0001) with infant size at birth. However, infant WGA was positively associated (P < 0.0003) with the durations of PM and FBM-ex after adjustment for BMI. Thus, the negative associations between BMI and the durations of PM and FBM-ex were reduced by infant WGA; i.e. the statistical removal of infant size at birth increased the magnitude of the negative associations between BMI and the durations of PM and FBM-ex. Thus, the tendency of heavier mothers to deliver heavier infants reduces the true magnitude of the association between maternal prepregnancy BMI and shortened breastfeeding duration.
Recently exposed vegetation reveals Holocene changes in the extent of the Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru

Abstract Radiocarbon dating of well-preserved, in-place vegetation exposed by the retreating Quelccaya Ice Cap of southeastern Peru constrains the last time the ice cap's extent was smaller than at present. Seventeen plant samples from two sites along the central western margin collectively date to 4700 and 5100 cal yr BP and strongly indicate that current ice cap retreat is unprecedented over the past ∼ 5 millennia. Seventeen vegetation samples interbedded in a nearby clastic sedimentary sequence suggest ice-free conditions at this site from ∼ 5200 to at least ∼ 7000 cal yr BP, and place minimum constraint on early- to mid-Holocene ice cap extent.
An experiment to test bug density in students' code (abstract only)

A normal industry standard measure, bug density (bugs per thousand non-commented source line of code), is a through mechanism to assess code quality. If it is used for evaluating students' code, students will realize their ability to write bug free code from professional context. The main issues of using bug density for object oriented languages are creating a comprehensive test suit, and running them against all solutions as the test cases are written as part of solutions may fail to compile against other codes. We provide a novel four phase Java specific solution: 1) developing a comprehensive master test suit by collecting all the students written valid test cases; 2) transforming the test cases to use late binding so that they can run against any solution; 3) running the entire tests against all the programs and removing redundant test suits; and 4) estimating bugs/KSLOC by determining the relationship between test case failures in the master suite and latent bugs hidden in student programs. The first two phases of this ongoing research are applied to two programming assignments in two different courses encompassing 147 student programs and 240,158 individual test cases. Experimental results show that we have indeed removed compile-time dependencies from test cases using late binding and thus, have resolved the main technical challenge of using bug density for accessing students' code. Our experimental results will help students to realize the quality of their code in terms of industry standard.
Toward a Common Language of Disablement

FUNDAMENTAL to advancing the science of disablement is the ability to communicate with one another and to speak in a common language that is understood across related professional fields and disciplines. Within the United States, Nagi's Disablement Model has proven useful as a language used by researchers to delineate the consequences of disease and injury, both at the level of body systems, the person, and society (1–4). For Nagi, impairment refers to a loss or abnormality at the tissue, organ, and body system level. At the level of the individual, Nagi uses the term functional limitations that represent restrictions in the performance of specific tasks by a person. The term disability, as defined by Nagi, refers to the limitation in performing socially defined roles and tasks expected of an individual within a sociocultural and physical environment. These roles and tasks are organized in spheres of life activities such as those of the family or other interpersonal relations; work, employment, and other economic pursuits and education, recreation, and self-care.
Conflicts of Interest and Management in Managed Care

The bioethics literature on managed care has devoted significant attention to a broad range of conflicts that managed care is perceived to have introduced into the practice of medicine. In the first part of this paper we discuss three kinds of conflict of interest: conflicts of economic incentives, conflicts with patient and physician autonomy, and conflicts with the fiduciary character of the physician–patient relationship. We argue that the conflicts are either not as serious as they are often alleged to be or not unique to managed care. In part two we argue that managed care represents a new paradigm for medical care that features a new concept of management. We discuss three types or levels of management that managed care highlights, namely, administrative, clinical, and resource, which together offer a more sophisticated vantage point from which to assess patient care. We do not endorse managed care, but attempt to highlight some of the positive changes brought by managed care that were difficult to attain under traditional reimbursement systems.
Comparison of immediate postoperative pain in implant-based breast reconstructions.

Summary Background Implant-based techniques represent the most common form of breast reconstruction. However, substantial postoperative pain has been associated with implant-based breast reconstruction. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate immediate postoperative pain in implant-based breast reconstruction. Methods We reviewed 378 patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction between January 2004 and December 2012. Each patient's visual analog scale (VAS) score, pain medication, and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) attempts were used to assess in-hospital postoperative pain. We evaluated timing of reconstruction post mastectomy, tissue expander (TE) designed fill volume, TE initial fill volume, and single-stage immediate implant (II) versus TE reconstruction. Results No significant differences in pain parameters were noted between the immediate and delayed postmastectomy reconstruction cohorts. TEs with larger (>300 cc) designed volumes required significantly more narcotic use ( p = 0.02) and PCA attempts ( p 250-cc) TE initial fill group starting on postoperative day 2, but overall differences in VAS score and PCA attempts were not significant. Morphine equivalence ( p p = 0.03) of the TE cohort were significantly higher than those of the II cohort. Conclusion Patients undergoing TE-based implant reconstruction show greater analgesic use than those with single-stage II-based reconstruction. This may indicate a higher immediate postoperative pain in TE procedures than in II procedures. Furthermore, higher initial fill and designed volume of TE require more morphine equivalence postoperatively. These findings may warrant further preoperative discussion for better pain management and patient satisfaction.
The inevitability of C4 photosynthesis.

Elements of C4 photosynthesis—a complex adaptation that increases photosynthetic efficiency—may have evolved first to correct an intercellular nitrogen imbalance, and only later evolved a central role in carbon fixation.
Mapping cropland-use intensity across Europe using MODIS NDVI time series

Global agricultural production will likely need to increase in the future due to population growth, changing diets, and the rising importance of bioenergy. Intensifying already existing cropland is often considered more sustainable than converting more natural areas. Unfortunately, our understanding of cropping patterns and intensity is weak, especially at broad geographic scales. We characterized and mapped cropping systems in Europe, a region containing diverse cropping systems, using four indicators: (a) cropping frequency (number of cropped years), (b) multi-cropping (number of harvests per year), (c) fallow cycles, and (d) crop duration ratio (actual time under crops) based on the MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series from 2000 to 2012. Second, we used these cropping indicators and self-organizing maps to identify typical cropping systems. The resulting six clusters correspond well with other indicators of agricultural intensity (e.g., nitrogen input, yields) and reveal substantial differences in cropping intensity across Europe. Cropping intensity was highest in Germany, Poland, and the eastern European Black Earth regions, characterized by high cropping frequency, multi-cropping and a high crop duration ratio. Contrarily, we found lowest cropping intensity in eastern Europe outside the Black Earth region, characterized by longer fallow cycles. Our approach highlights how satellite image time series can help to characterize spatial patterns in cropping intensity—information that is rarely surveyed on the ground and commonly not included in agricultural statistics: our clustering approach also shows a way forward to reduce complexity when measuring multiple indicators. The four cropping indicators we used could become part of continental-scale agricultural monitoring in order to identify target regions for sustainable intensification, where trade-offs between intensification and the environmental should be explored.
Vascular metabolism and energetics.

The coordination of energy metabolism with energy utilization is crucial to all cells. The matching of ATP utilization with ATP synthesis is particularly critical to normal vascular function because the amount of its preformed phosphagen {ATP plus phosphocreatine (PCr)} is small relative to the rates of utilization concomitant with contraction. The oft cited, but still useful example indicative of this situation is the fact that the preformed phosphagen store would be exhausted before the peak of an isometric contraction is obtained.
IMPACT ENERGY ABSORPTION OF SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY HYBRID COMPOSITE BEAMS

A quasi-static model has been developed to calculate the impact force and the energy absorbed by a shape memory alloy/graphite/epoxy hybrid composite beam impacted at low velocity by a spherical nose steel projectile. The objective of this modeling effort is to further understand the energy absorption mechanisms involved in the low-velocity impact of SMA hybrid composite. This model has been developed based on the energy balance principle, and includes the local contact deformation, the global bending deformation, and the transverse shear deformation, as well as the martensitic phase transformation of the shape memory alloy fibers embedded in the hybrid composite beam. The Timoshenko beam solution is obtained in terms of Euler-Bernoulli solution, which provides an easy way to evaluate the effect of shear deformation on energy absorption. It is found that the impact energy absorption is increased due to the stress-induced martensitic phase transformation in shape memory alloy fibers, which goes in agreement with previous experimental work. It also shows that the transverse shear deformation and local contact deformation of the SMA hybrid composite beam are important parts of the energy absorption during a low-velocity impact. In conclusion, the developed model was able to shed some light on the impact energy absorption mechanisms cf SMA hybrid composites subjected to low-velocity impact.
Integration of biochemical sensors into wearable biomaterial platforms

With rapidly inflating healthcare costs, a limited supply of physicians and an alarming surge in lifestyle diseases, radical changes must be made to improve preventative medicine and ensure a sustainable healthcare system. A compelling solution is to equip the population with wearable health monitors to continuously record representative and actionable physiological data. Herein, we present a preliminary design and evaluation of a biochemical sensor node enabled by a substrate comprised of a nanocellulose thin-film that conforms to the skin and carries a printed sensor element. The nanocellulose layer ensures conformal and biocompatible contact with the skin, while a printed layer provides a high surface-area electrode. While the recognition/transduction element can be exchanged for many different sensing motifs, we utilize the general structure of an electrochemical glucose sensor.
Interrelations between progesterone and the ovary, pituitary, and central nervous system in the control of ovulation and the regulation of progesterone secretion.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses interrelations between progesterone and the ovary, pituitary, and central nervous system in the control of ovulation and the regulation of progesterone secretion. The relationships between progesterone and the central nervous system (CNS), the pituitary, and the ovary have been chosen as a framework upon which to build the discussion of these problems because progesterone affects the activity of these three essential elements of the reproductive system in ways that are directly or indirectly related to the growth of follicles and ovulation. Regardless of where, in the process of ovulation, the primary point of action of progesterone lies, a complete picture of its participation in the control of ovulation can be had only by considering its primary action in relation to all possible secondary ones. The fact that the administration of progesterone induces ovulation does not prove, of course, that spontaneous ovulation is the result of the action of progesterone.
The Associations of Age and Ethnicity on Substance Use Behaviors of Adolescent and Young Adult Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Objective The aim of this study was to examine the associations between age and ethnicity on the development of substance use behaviors among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) adolescent and young adult (AYA) childhood cancer survivors. Methods Participants were recruited from a single institution through the CHOC Children's Hospital Cancer Registry and included 55 Hispanic and 61 NHW AYA childhood cancer survivors, ages 12 to 33 years (Mean age ± SD: 19 ± 4.2). Smoking, alcohol, and drug use were measured using the Child Health Illness Profile – Adolescent Edition. Results Hispanic AYA survivors were less likely to be medically insured and reported lower household income than their NHW counterparts (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After controlling for socioeconomic differences and gender, age and ethnicity were significant predictors of substance use among AYA survivors. Hispanic survivors reported less lifetime use of cigarette smoking compared with NHW survivors (OR 0.17, 95% CI, 0.03-0.80). Older age, for both Hispanic and NHW survivors, was found to be a risk factor for lifetime substance use and current alcohol/hard liquor consumption and binge drinking (P < 0.05). Conclusions Young adult childhood cancer survivors and NHW survivors are at greatest risk for developing substance use behaviors. The frequency of substance use among AYA survivors appears to increase as they transition into adulthood. These findings emphasize the need to improve long-term health behavior screening and develop effective interventions on reducing substance use behaviors in this vulnerable population.
Universality, Higher Organising Principles and Emergence

In this chapter, I explore some conceptions of emergence associated with universality and higher organising principles. The main focus is the idea of universality in critical phenomena, which is the fact that large classes of different systems exhibit the same behaviour in undergoing second-order phase transitions.
The Limits of Testamentary Arbitration

This is an invited reply to Professor E. Gary Spitko's provocative and creative article, The Will as an Implied Unilateral Arbitration Contract. Professor Spitko argues that arbitration clauses in wills are enforceable because there is a "donative freedom contract" between the state and property owners. As a result, Professor Spitko concludes that all parties -- including omitted heirs who allege that a will is invalid -- are compelled to arbitrate any claim relating to the estate. Conversely, I explain why the Federal Arbitration Act and its state analogues are narrower. In my view, they exclude lawsuits filed by individuals who have not accepted money or property under the terms of the instrument. In addition, I contend that this carve out is necessary to prevent opportunists from using testamentary arbitration to insulate their conduct from judicial review.
Mechanism of Fibronectin Binding to Human Trabecular Meshwork Exosomes and Its Modulation by Dexamethasone

Exosomes are emerging as important mediators of cell-matrix interactions by means of specific adhesion proteins. Changes in the tissue-specific exosomal protein expression may underlie pathological conditions whereby extracellular matrix turnover and homeostasis is disrupted. Ocular hypertension due to extracellular matrix accumulation in the trabecular meshwork is a hallmark of glucocorticoid-induced glaucoma. In the trabecular meshwork, exosomal fibronectin mediates cell matrix interactions at cellular structures called “invadosomes”. Trabecular meshwork cells use invadosomes to turn over their surrounding matrix and maintain passageways for flow of aqueous humor. In this study, we observed that human trabecular meshwork explants treated with dexamethasone released exosomes with significantly reduced amounts of fibronectin bound per exosome. Further, we found that exosome-fibronectin binding is heparan sulfate-dependent, consistent with our observation that trabecular meshwork exosomes are enriched in the heparin/heparan sulfate binding annexins A2 and A6. In this way, dexamethasone-treated explants released exosomes with a significant reduction in annexin A2 and A6 per exosome. Interestingly, we did not detect exosomal matrix metalloproteinases, but we identified abundant dipeptidyl peptidase 4, a serine protease whose activity was reduced on exosomes isolated from dexamethasone-treated explants. Together, our findings demonstrate mechanistically how corticosteroid-induced alterations in exosomal adhesion cargo and properties can account for the pathological matrix accumulation seen in many glaucoma patients.
F2-Isoprostanes Reflect Oxidative Stress Correlated With Lean Mass and Bone Density but Not Insulin Resistance.

Context F2-isoprostanes (F2-isoPs) are biomarkers for oxidative stress in humans and have been shown to be elevated in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Therefore, F2-isoPs are often implicated in oxidative stress contributing to insulin resistance, although this has not been rigorously examined. Objective To determine whether urinary F2-isoPs are predictive of insulin sensitivity and other clinical metabolic parameters. Participants Sedentary, weight-stable, nondiabetic adults equilibrated on a standard isocaloric diet. Main Outcome Measures Insulin sensitivity via hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, urinary F2-isoPs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Results No correlation was found between 15-F2t-IsoP nor its major metabolite, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-15-F2t-IsoP, with insulin sensitivity, even after adjusting for age, race, sex, BMI, and smoking status. 15-F2t-IsoP was also not associated with body fat. However, there was a strong negative correlation between 15-F2t-IsoP and lean body mass (LBM; r = -0.46, P = 0.0001), bone mineral content (BMC; r = -0.58, P < 0.0001), bone mineral density (BMD; r = -0.65, P < 0.0001), and skeletal muscle protein 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE; r = -0.54, P = 0.0239), another marker of oxidative stress. 15-F2t-IsoP was also positively associated with circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol, and increased as a function of age. Conclusions Urinary 15-F2t-IsoP and its major metabolite are not associated with insulin sensitivity, suggesting the lipid peroxidation process that produces F2-isoPs does not reflect oxidative stress reactions operative in insulin resistance. However, urinary F2-isoPs were negatively correlated with LBM, BMC, BMD, and muscle 4-HNE. Because lean and bone mass decline as a function of biological aging, F2-isoPs may reflect the oxidative stress operative in the aging process.
Is observation really appropriate for small choroidal melanomas.

Abstract Many, if not most, patients with a suspected small choroidal melanoma are currently managed by observation until tumor enlargement is documented. Current evidence appears to be insufficient to determine the correctness of this approach. A randomized clinical trial that could resolve this issue is probably not feasible. In the absence of satisfactory evidence, the decision about how to manage such patients depends on a subjective benefit-risk analysis that takes into account two competing but indeterminate risks: the risk of inadequate treatment for those patients who have a true melanoma and the risk of excessive treatment for those who have a benign nevus. Technologic advances and development of effective treatment for metastatic disease may eliminate most of the concern that currently accompanies observation as management for such tumors in the future.