cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates both intracellular calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) mobilization and transmembrane cation influx in single ovarian (granulosa) cells: recruitment as a cellular mechanism of LH-[Ca2+]i dose response.

The gonadotropic hormones, LH and FSH, activate adenylyl cyclase in their respective target cells and thereby initiate many biochemical responses. In addition to stimulating cAMP production, both LH and FSH promote agonist-specific increases in the cytoplasmic concentration of free calcium ions ([Ca2+]i) in gonadal cells. Here, we have applied single cell fluorescence video microscopy with the Ca2+-sensitive dye fura-2 to investigate the mechanism(s) by which LH induces a rise in the[ Ca2+]i in individual (swine) granulosa cells collected from single Graafian follicles. Stimulation with LH induced a rapid onset, biphasic, spike- and plateau-like[ Ca2+]i signal in responsive granulosa cells. The cellular mechanisms mediating this biphasic LH-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i were examined by external Ca2+ removal and via the manganese (Mn2+) quench technique, which showed that LH triggers initial intracellular Ca2+ mobilization followed by delayed transmembrane Ca2+ influx. Single cell Ca2+ assessment of the ...
Isolation and X-ray crystal structure of a monomeric, σ-bonded aryllithium etherate complex [Li(Et2O)2-2,4,6-Ph3C6H2]

Abstract The organolithium etherate complex [Li(Et 2 O) 2 -2,4,6-Ph 3 C 6 H 2 ], 1 , has been crystallized from an ether/hexane solution, and characterized by 1 H NMR and X-ray crystallography. The complex 1 has the rare mononuclear structure, and it is the first instance of a monomeric aryllithium etherate crystal structure in which the Li + ion interacts in σ-fashion to the organic moiety. The Li + ion, which is solvated by two ethers, has trigonal planar coordination and the LiC distance is 2.074(16) A. Although 1 is a sterically crowded molecule its structural features display little evidence of steric strain.
Soccer Moms UNITE! Affluent Families and the Utilization of Grassroots Strategies for Education Reform.

Research exploring the impact of social class on family and school relationships indicates that families with high levels of socioeconomic status (SES) possess resources that enable participation in traditionally accepted forms of family engagement (Henderson and Mapp, in, A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement, 2002; Lareau, in, Home advantage: Social class and parental involvement in elementary education, 2000; in, Unequal childhoods: The importance of social class in family life, 2003). Despite these capital based advantages there is a small, but growing number of affluent families seeking alternative forms of family engagement through participation in community based organizations (CBOs) (Winton and Evans in Canadian J Edu Admin Policy 156:1–30, 2014; Winton in Canadian J Edu Admin Policy 114:69–92, 2010). This article explores the experiences of affluent parents in one community-based organization in order to better understand their motivations and the benefits of participation. This study utilized a qualitative case study approach to examine the research questions. Drawing upon data from a larger multi-group case study (Evans in J Family Diver Edu 1:21–39, 2014), this article focuses on the experiences of families who participated in the Lexington, Massachusetts chapter of Stand for Children (SFC). Data sources include interviews with SFC members, observations of meetings and public events, and organization documents. The findings indicate that while affluent participants in SFC were actively involved in traditional forms of family engagement, their perceptions of individual power and efficacy were limited to the classroom or school level. Efforts to impact education beyond the micro-level required the acquisition of new skill sets and the expansion of social networks, which was facilitated through participation in SFC. Members reported that participation in SFC resulted in both the acquisition of technical advocacy skills and increased feelings of empowerment. This study challenges commonly held assumptions regarding the power of affluent families, discusses the appeal of CBOs to these same families, and raises the possibility of cross-class coalition building as a means to influence district, state, and national level reforms.
Growth in Cecal Mucus Facilitates Colonization of the Mouse Intestinal Tract by Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Intestinal colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is common in some groups of hospitalized patients and has been associated with an increased risk of staphylococcal infection. We tested the hypothesis that growth of MRSA in the colonic mucus layer is required for establishment of intestinal colonization. Mice treated with oral streptomycin before oral administration of MRSA developed persistent intestinal colonization, and the cecal mucus layer contained high concentrations of MRSA. MRSA strains grew rapidly when inoculated into cecal mucus in vitro but were unable to replicate under anaerobic conditions in cecal contents of saline- or streptomycin-treated mice. Oral vancomycin treatment reduced the density of 1 MRSA strain in stool but had no effect on a second strain. These results suggest that the cecal mucus layer provides an important niche that facilitates intestinal colonization by MRSA. Oral nonabsorbed antibiotics may be ineffective in eradicating some MRSA strains from the intestinal tract.
Crosscultural comparison on nursing image

Abstract Conceptual ratings for ‘Nurse' and ‘Feminine' were investigated across 30 language/culture communities. Data were from Osgood's Atlas of Affective Meanings , which contains ratings of 1200 males from each culture on 620 concepts, using Semantic Differentials. The study provides important information regarding the image of nurses crossculturally and the close link between nursing and femininity. In general, both ‘Nurse' and Feminine' were preceived to be good and active, yet weak. A crosscultural view of the nurse as impotent may limit nursing's ability to deliver health care.
Global land acquisition: neo-colonialism or development opportunity?

Increasingly, developing nations which are land rich are sanctioning the sale or transfer of user rights of large tracts of farmland for foreign investment. While this issue is of relatively recent origin, caused in large measure by the recent global food crisis and related to desires by food importing countries to have greater control over their food supply, the impact on food security could be very significant. Because of the newness of the matter, most of the available evidence is found outside traditional academic literature. Poor, smallholder farmers without formal land titles currently occupy much of the land sold in these transactions, threatening the internal food security of the lessor state. Factors driving the global acquisition of land include development aid shortfalls, the global food crisis, the burgeoning middle class in middle- and high-income nations, and the increasing acceptance of biofuels as a viable alternative source of fuel by governments of these nations. The risks associated with the global acquisition of land on food security of the seller country are manifold. This article reviews the current literature available on the subject and makes policy suggestions for equitable investment and benefit-sharing for all stakeholders. Opportunities and risks abound but if the risks are mitigated, then the global acquisition of land has the potential to be an unparalleled development opportunity for lessor states.
A Review and Integration of Classification Systems Relevant to Teams in Organizations

Although the determinants of team effectiveness differ across team types, no taxonomy of teams has been widely accepted by researchers or practitioners. This article reviews classification schemes advanced in the psychology and management literatures, and offers an integrative taxonomy consisting of 14 team types classified on 7 underlying contextual dimensions (i.e., fundamental work cycle, physical ability requirements, temporal duration, task structure, active resistance, hardware dependence, and health risk). The 14 team types are divided into two clustersintellectual work teams (executive, command, negotiation, commission, design, and advisory) and physical work teams (service, production, performance, medical, response, military, transportation, and sports). The discussion addresses the taxonomy's relation to existing classifications, and its role in furthering an understanding of team effectiveness.
New Jersey's family cap and welfare births: An examination of racial differences in fertility within the framework of proximate determinants

New Jersey's family cap policy was designed to encourage responsible childbearing among welfare recipients by placing an economic disincentive on births conceived while the mother was receiving welfare. In this study, we use data from an experiment conducted with 8,400 women from October 1992 to December 1996 to determine which of the proximate determinants (abortion, contraception, or family planning visits) are critical in women's decisions to give birth while on welfare. We use structural equations modeling to trace the total effect of these proximate determinants on births and the indirect effect of family cap, time on welfare, mother's age, and race. Our analysis shows that length of time on welfare, family cap limitations, and mother's race are indicative of distinctive patterns of proximate determinant use.
Involvement of thoracic nerve afferents in the respiratory response to chest compression

Abstract Chest compression elicits extravagal neural reflexes which can alter the respiratory pattern. Experiments were conducted to determine the source of the afferents responsible for the respiratory response to chest compression (CC). The effects of CC on V t , f, T i , T e , blood gases, end-tidal CO2, and blood pressure were studied in anesthetized, vagotomized dogs and cats. In dogs, thoracic wall afferents were eliminated by thoracic dorsal rhizotomies (TDR) and/or spinal block (SB). There were two different respiratory responses to CC. In one (I), Tt decreased and T e resulting in a decreased f. The second (II) resulted in a decreased T i and T e . The I response was still present, but weaker, in animals after TDR (1–4), TDR (5–9), TDR (1–9), T5 or T10 SB and absent in those with T1SB. The II response was still present after TDR (1–4), TDR (5–9), TDR (1–9), or T10SB and absent after T5SB. The results indicate that: (1) afferents responsible for the I response to CC arise from the upper, middle and lower thoracic wall, (2) afferents responsible for the II response arise from the middle and lower thoracic wall, and (3) the responses are not due to changes in chemical drive, blood pressure or lung receptors.
A test for copositive matrices

Abstract The paper presents necessary and sufficient conditions that a symmetric matrix be copositive or strictly copositive. The conditions are given in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the principal submatrices of the given matrix.
Measurement of depression in dementia : self vs clinician rating

The presence of depression was evaluated in a cross-section of 50 outpatients with dementia using the self-rated Geriatric Depression Scale and the clinician-rated Cornell Depression Scale. Impaired insight, as manifested by unawareness of dementia, correlated with dementia severity and discriminated a group of patients in whom the self-rated scale failed to show evidence of depression. Discrepancy between the two types of scales occurred among mildly as well as moderately demented patients when insight was impaired. Recognition of this discrepancy suggests that reliance on self-ratings may underestimate the presence and degree of depression among patients with dementia.
Polymer glasses: From gas to nanoglobular glass

When quenching a liquid to form a glass, order-of-magnitude changes in cooling speed have small effects on the glass's properties. It is now shown that laser-assisted vapour deposition produces nanostructured glassy polymer films with a higher glass transition temperature and lower density than conventional quenched polymer glasses.
Three-Dimensional Solution Structure of the Calcium-Signaling Protein Apo-S100A1 As Determined by NMR†,‡

S100A1, a member of the S100 protein family, is an EF-hand containing Ca(2+)-binding protein (93 residues per subunit) with noncovalent interactions at its dimer interface. Each subunit of S100A1 has four alpha-helices and a small antiparallel beta-sheet consistent with two helix-loop-helix calcium-binding domains [Baldiserri et al. (1999) J. Biomol. NMR 14, 87-88]. In this study, the three-dimensional structure of reduced apo-S100A1 was determined by NMR spectroscopy using a total of 2220 NOE distance constraints, 258 dihedral angle constraints, and 168 backbone hydrogen bond constraints derived from a series of 2D, 3D, and 4D NMR experiments. The final structure was found to be globular and compact with the four helices in each subunit aligning to form a unicornate-type four-helix bundle. Intermolecular NOE correlations were observed between residues in helices 1 and 4 from one subunit to residues in helices 1' and 4' of the other subunit, respectively, consistent with the antiparallel alignment of the two subunits to form a symmetric X-type four-helix bundle as found for other members of the S100 protein family. Because of the similarity of the S100A1 dimer interface to that found for S100B, it was possible to calculate a model of the S100A1/B heterodimer. This model is consistent with a number of NMR chemical shift changes observed when S100A1 is titrated into a sample of (15)N-labeled S100B. Helix 3 (and 3') of S100A1 was found to have an interhelical angle of -150 degrees with helix 4 (and 4') in the apo state. This crossing angle is quite different (>50 degrees ) from that typically found in other EF-hand containing proteins such as apocalmodulin and apotroponin C but more similar to apo-S100B, which has an interhelical angle of -166 degrees. As with S100B, it is likely that the second EF-hand of apo-S100A1 reorients dramatically upon the addition of Ca(2+), which can explain the Ca(2+) dependence that S100A1 has for binding several of its biological targets.
Digital computer diagnosis of cardiac arrythmias in a single-lead electrocardiogram

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a method to diagnose cardiac arrythmias from a singlelead ECG utilizing a digital computer programmed to identify R-R intervals and QRS widths, but no P-waves. This method is part of a larger system for on-line computer monitoring of several physiological variables in postoperative and intensive care patients. The ECG signal was transmitted to a PDP-9 computer where it was sampled 60 times/sec, converted to digital data, and then further converted to first order descending difference values upon which all identification procedures were done. A QRS complex, for example, was identified when the absolute first order descending difference value was greater than a certain level for each test ECG. Means, standard deviations and other statistical parameters were calculated from the R-R interval and QRS durations. Other, more complex, logical processes were used to evaluate the degree of irregularity. This was all done rapidly enough to provide real-time analysis. Eighteen types of arrythmias may be identified from these variables. Their validity was tested by comparison with the diagnoses made by a cardiologist. At present, the program can diagnose normal tracings, tachycardia and bradycardia, premature atrial contractions, premature ventricular contractions, atrial fibrillation with a high degree or reliability (90–95 per cent), intermittent and complete bundle branch blocks and sinus arrythmias with a moderate degree of reliability (80 per cent). For several other arrythmias, such as ventricular and paroxysmal tachycardias, sinus arrest, bigeminy and trigeminy, there is not sufficient evidence as yet to test validity. With only a single-lead and without P-wave identification, the system seems to identify quite reliably many of the arrythmias which threaten postoperative patients.
The influence of advection on the spatial variability of nutrient concentrations on the Texas-Louisiana continental shelf

Abstract Water column nutrient concentrations are presented for winter 1989 over the continental margin of the northwest Gulf of Mexico. Three physical processes advect waters of different nutrient concentrations onto the Texas-Louisiana shelf. These advection processes: (1) river discharge; (2) bay discharge; and (3) shelf-edge upwelling, influence the large-scale spatial variations of nutrient concentrations observed over the shelf. On the inner shelf near Atchafalaya Bay, river discharge injects high concentrations of silicate, phosphate, nitrate and nitrite into near surface water. Farther west, near Galveston and Port Aransas, inner shelf waters have high silicate and phosphate concentrations due to nutrient enrichment in the discharges from Galveston Bay and Corpus Christi Bay. Finally, upwelling at the shelf edge can introduce high nutrient midwater near the base of the mixed layer over the outer shelf. This upwelled water usually has higher silicate, phosphate and nitrate concentrations than those in the overlying surface water. However, if upwelled from below the nitrite maximum, the upwelled water can have quite low nitrite concentrations. The shelf edge upwelling is a result of bottom Ekman upwelling caused by a northeastward current on the outer shelf. At the shelf edge off Galveston the data show that upwelling was not occurring at the time of the study but dissolved oxygen saturation levels and nutrient concentrations show that it had occurred.
Formation and relaxation of 2D island arrays in metal(100) homoepitaxy

We present a comprehensive analysis of both the formation of near-square islands during deposition in submonolayer metal (100) homoepitaxy, as well as the subsequent post-deposition relaxation of these island arrays. We highlight recent fundamental advances in our understanding of the nucleation and growth of islands, as well as of the kinetic pathways controlling the relaxation of island arrays (including a study of the “collision” and coalescence of diffusing islands). Extensive Scanning Tunneling Microscopy results are presented for the AgAg(100) system at 295K, and these are analyzed utilizing kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of appropriate lattice-gas models.
Misoprostol versus low-dose oxytocin for cervical ripening: a prospective, randomized, double-masked trial.

Abstract Objective: A variety of cervical ripening agents exist, yet none is ideal. We performed a prospective, randomized, double-masked comparison of low-dose minimal-escalation oxytocin to misoprostol in a predominantly high-risk population. Study Design: Patients were allocated prospectively in a double-masked, randomized, stratified basis by an investigational pharmacist between December 1996 and December 2000 to receive either active intravenous oxytocin and placebo intravaginal misoprostol or intravenous placebo oxytocin and 50 μg of active intravaginal misoprostol. The infusion rate of oxytocin was increased from 1 to 4 mU/min; misoprostol (25 μg) was repeated at 4 hourly intervals if there were Results: Demographic characteristics did not differ between study groups nor did the indications for induction. Overall, the interval to delivery was less in the misoprostol group; however, vaginal delivery occurred in 61% versus 66% (not significant) of patients in the misoprostol versus oxytocin group. Indication for cesarean delivery in the misoprostol group was fetal intolerance to labor in 27% compared with 8% in the oxytocin groups ( P P Conclusion: Our data indicate that misoprostol and low-dose minimal-escalation oxytocin appear to be equally effective for cervical priming. Low-dose oxytocin may have a preferential role in the high-risk parturient whose fetus is at increased risk for fetal intolerance to labor (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:273-80.)
EFFICIENT AND ACCURATE FOUR-NODE QUADRILATERAL Co PLATE BENDING ELEMENT BASED ON ASSUMED STRAIN FIELDS

SUMMARY Based on the assumed element strain fields and the interrelated displacement-rotation interpolations, a four-node (12 dof) quadrilateral Co finite element, designated as QCCP-2, for the analysis of thick/thin plates is developed in this paper. The four-node Co plate element presented here possesses a linear bending strain field, and the element stiffness matrices are given explicitly. Therefore, the present four-node Co plate element is more efficient and accurate than the existing four-node Co plate elements where the constant strain stiffness matrices are obtained by numerical integration. By the use of the interrelated displacement-rotation interpolations, QCCP-2 is capable of automatically satisfying the Kirchhoff assumption for the case of thin plates. Consequently, QCCP-2 is not only free of shear locking, but also free from the numerical ill-conditioning. Furthermore, QCCP-2 passes the patch test of thin plates. The four-node quadrilateral Co elements presented here can automatically reduce to the corresponding three-node triangular elements. Several numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the Co plate bending element QCCP-2.
Fitnamo: using bodydata to encourage exercise through google glass™

Current mobile health apps allow users to track and monitor their fitness statistics and enjoy exercise. As the next generation of mobile devices arrives, new apps must be developed to improve upon current exercise experiences. We introduce Fitnamo, a mobile health app designed for Google Glass. Fitnamo offers entertaining exercise routines through the use of augmented reality games and uses a novel motivational nudging system to encourage users to be active.
A general approach to the synthesis of 14C‐labeled photoactive acrylic acids

Condensation of aromatic carboxaldehydes with [2-14C]-malonic acid under Knoevenagel conditions provides corresponding β-aryl substituted [α-14C]-acrylic acids. The reaction is applicable to both aromatic and heteroaromatic aldehydes under controlled reaction conditions leading to moderate to good yields.
Increased DNA methyltransferase expression in rhabdomyosarcomas

In normal somatic cells, the methylation pattern of DNA is stably maintained by DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase (DNA methyltransferase). Increased expression of DNA methyltransferase has been detected in many types of human cancer and has been thought to play an important role in tumorigenesis. In our study, we developed a standardized reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to determine the mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase in rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue cancer in children. Using this assay, expression of DNA methyltransferase was analyzed for 32 rhabdomyosarcomas and 12 normal skeletal muscle samples. All tumor samples, of which 18 were embryonal and 14 were alveolar subtype, showed increased expression of DNA methyltransferase after normalization to beta-actin. Compared to normal skeletal muscle, the average increase of DNA methyltransferase expression was 6.7-fold (6.7 +/-()0.96) in the embryonal tumors and 3.7-fold (3.7 +/- 0.46) in the alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas. The difference in the average increase of the DNA methyltransferase expression was statistically significant in the 2 rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes, which have distinct etiologies and clinical behaviors. Our results are consistent with previous reports that an increase in DNA methyltransferase activity is associated with neoplastic transformation; however, the role of increased DNA methyltransferase expression in the development and progression of rhabdomyosarcoma needs to be investigated in future studies.
A control system for OFDM networked autonomous underwater vehicles

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) networks are becoming increasingly popular in scientific, commercial, and military applications. AUVs are used in undersea exploration and environmental monitoring for tasks such as detection of oilfields and marine life, distributed tactical surveillance for offshore and seaport defense and mine reconnaissance. AUV networks are also becoming an important interest in an effort to enhance the capabilities of underwater sensor networks (UWSNs). In this paper we propose a control system for networked autonomous underwater vehicles that includes both hardware and software modules. The system integrates various communication and sensor devices, such as an IMU and an OFDM acoustic modem and contains a graphical user interface for optional manual remote control and monitoring of AUVs in the network from a base station.
A dancer's well-being: the influence of the social psychological climate during adolescence.

Abstract Objectives Research suggests promoting task-involving dance climates is beneficial to well-being (Quested & Duda, 2009, 2010). Likewise, caring climates are integral to optimizing well-being ( Fry et al., 2012 ). However, perceptions of a caring climate have not been examined in dance studios and little is known about the relationship between perceptions of a broader climate and aspects of psychological well-being. This study examined the relationship between perceptions of the social psychological climate (task-involving, ego-involving, and caring) and aspects of psychological well-being (positive and negative affect, body-esteem, and teacher and peer friendship quality) in adolescent dancers. Design Cross-sectional correlational design. Method Eighty-three female dancers ( M age = 16.28 ± .93) self-reported well-being and perceptions of their studio's dance climate. Results Perceptions of task-involving and caring climates were related to better positive affect, body-esteem, and relationships with teachers and peers ( r range: .33–.68). Two climate cluster profiles emerged: a Positive Climate ( n = 57) with lower ego-involving and greater task-involving and caring climate perceptions and a Mixed Climate ( n = 26) with higher ego-involving and lesser task-involving and caring climate perceptions. MANOVA revealed significant differences ( V = 0.266, F (6, 76) = 4.59, p Positive Climate cluster reported greater body esteem, more friends, and less negative affect than dancers in the Mixed Climate cluster. Conclusions Promoting a task-involving and caring climate and de-emphasizing an ego-involving climate is an effective strategy for promoting well-being in dancers.
Arachidonic acid uptake by phospholipids and triacylglycerols of rat brain subcellular membranes

In the presence of ATP, MgCl2 and CoASH, different subcellular membrane fractions isolated from rat cerebral cortex exhibited characteristic profiles for the incorporation of [1-14C]arachidonic acid into phospholipids and triacylglycerols. In general, uptake of label by phosphatidylcholines was higher in the synaptic membranes, and that by phosphatidylinositols was higher in the microsomes and somal plasma membranes. A substantial amount of the labeled arachidonate was also incorporated into triacylglycerols, especially in the somal plasma membranes and microsomes. Enzymes mediating the transfer of arachidonic acid to phospholipids were unstable with respect to sample storage and exposure to elevated temperatures. In contrast, the acyltransferase for triacylglycerols was more stable to these factors. Washing the membranes with bovine serum albumin resulted in an enhancement of the incorporation of label into phosphatidylinositols without affecting that of phosphatidylcholines, but the incorporation into triacylglycerols was inhibited. Treatment of synaptosomes and plasma membranes with saponin resulted in an enhancement in the labeling of phospholipids, but the labeling of triacylglycerols was inhibited. Thus, although labeled arachidonic acid was incorporated into phospholipids and triacylglycerols in brain subcellular membranes, these two types of acyltransferases exhibited different properties and responded differently to membrane perturbing agents.
Dysbindin (DTNBP1, 6p22.3) is Associated with Childhood-Onset Psychosis and Endophenotypes Measured by the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS)

Straub et al. (2002) recently identified the 6p22.3 gene dysbindin (DTNBP1) through positional cloning as a schizophrenia susceptibility gene. We studied a rare cohort of 102 children with onset of psychosis before age 13. Standardized ratings of early development, medication response, neuropsychological and cognitive performance, premorbid dysfunction and clinical follow-up were obtained. Fourteen SNPs were genotyped in the gene DTNBP1. Family-based pairwise and haplotype transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) analysis with the clinical phenotype, and quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT) explored endophenotype relationships. One SNP was associated with diagnosis (TDT p=.01). The QTDT analyses showed several significant relationships. Four adjacent SNPs were associated (p values=.0009-.003) with poor premorbid functioning. These findings support the hypothesis that this and other schizophrenia susceptibility genes contribute to early neurodevelopmental impairment.
National Elder Abuse Questionnaire: Summary of Adult Protective Service Investigator Responses

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to characterize investigative structures and investigator characteristics for each APS office in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Through mailed questionnaires and follow-up telephone calls, 1,409 questionnaires were completed for a return rate of 80%. The mean age of respondents was 46.4 years and ninety-nine percent of the respondents worked full-time and has been in his or her current position for an average of nine years. Half of the respondents reported using abuse screen or risk factor instruments when investigating an alleged elder abuse report. Seventy-three percent reported that they investigate only adult and elder allegations. Sixty percent of the respondents reported that a formal training program for elder abuse evaluations was in place for employees with an average length of two to four days. Sixty-nine percent of the investigators consider an elder to be “better off” most of the time following intervention, and that this improved status was a...
Compositional range in the Canyon Diablo meteoroid

The compositional range within the Canyon Diablo (CD) iron meteorites associated with the formation of the Meteor Crater (Arizona) was examined, using the INAA to analyze a set of CD samples consisting of nine irons collected within 7 km of the Meteor Crater, four Arizona IAB irons that were identified by Wasson (1968) as transported CD fragments, and irons from Las Vegas (Nevada) and Moab (Utah) that Buchwald (1975) suggested to be transported CD fragments. Results show that the irons named Helt Township, Idaho, Las Vegas, Mamaroneck, Moab, and Pulaski County are, most likely, mislabeled CD specimens. On the other hand, meteorites named Alexander County, Allan Hills A77283, Ashfork, Fairfield, and Rifle are identified as compositionally distinct independent falls.
Dry etching: path to coherent refractive microlens arrays

Reactive ion etching (RIE) is used to fabricate infrared refractive micro-optics in silicon. Three methods are used: binary optics technology which uses iterative steps of photolithography and RIE to create a multistep approximation to an aspheric profile; direct etching of a preshaped polymer microlens etch mask into the substrate; and analog etching of a lens profile directly into the substrate through a pinhole mask.
A language measure for partially observed discrete event systems

Recent literature has introduced and validated a signed real measure of regular languages for quantitative analysis and synthesis of discrete-event supervisory (DES) control systems, where all events are assumed to be observable. This paper presents a modification of the language measure for supervisory control under partial observation and shows how to generalize the analysis when some of the events may not be observable at the supervisory level. In the context of DES control synthesis, the language measure of partially observable discrete-event processes is expressed in a closed form which is structurally similar to that of completely observable discrete-event processes. Examples are provided to elucidate the concept of DES control under partial observation.
Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Impairs Skeletal Acquisition in the Male TALLYHO/JngJ Mouse

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) incidence in adolescents is rising and may interfere with peak bone mass acquisition. We tested the effects of early-onset T2D on bone mass, microarchitecture, and strength in the TALLYHO/JngJ mouse, which develops T2D by 8 weeks of age. We assessed metabolism and skeletal acquisition in male TALLYHO/JngJ and SWR/J controls (n = 8–10/group) from 4 weeks to 8 and 17 weeks of age. Tallyho mice were obese; had an approximately 2-fold higher leptin and percentage body fat; and had lower bone mineral density vs SWR at all time points (P < .03 for all). Tallyho had severe deficits in distal femur trabecular bone volume fraction (−54%), trabecular number (−27%), and connectivity density (−82%) (P < .01 for all). Bone formation was higher in Tallyho mice at 8 weeks but lower by 17 weeks of age vs SWR despite similar numbers of osteoblasts. Bone marrow adiposity was 7- to 50-fold higher in Tallyho vs SWR. In vitro, primary bone marrow stromal cell differentiation into osteoblast and adipocyte...
Unsupervised Discovery of a Statistical Verb Lexicon

This paper demonstrates how unsupervised techniques can be used to learn models of deep linguistic structure. Determining the semantic roles of a verb's dependents is an important step in natural language understanding. We present a method for learning models of verb argument patterns directly from unannotated text. The learned models are similar to existing verb lexicons such as VerbNet and PropBank, but additionally include statistics about the linkings used by each verb. The method is based on a structured probabilistic model of the domain, and unsupervised learning is performed with the EM algorithm. The learned models can also be used discriminatively as semantic role labelers, and when evaluated relative to the PropBank annotation, the best learned model reduces 28% of the error between an informed baseline and an oracle upper bound.
Cationic 1,2-vinyl addition polymerization of cyclic ketene acetals initiated by conventional acids

Pure 1,2-addition polymers, poly(2-methylene-1,3-dioxolane), 1b, poly(2-methylene-1,3-dioxane), 2b, and poly(2-methylene-5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane), 3b, were prepared using the cationic initiators H 2 SO 4 , TiCl 4 , BF 3 , and also Ru(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl 2 . Small ester carbonyl bands in the IR spectra of 1b and 2b were observed when the polymerizations were performed at 80°C (1b) and both 67 and 138°C (2b) using Ru( PPh 3 ) 3 Cl 2 . The poly(cyclic ketene acetals) were stable if they were not exposed to acid and water. They were quite thermally stable and did not decompose until 290°C (1b), 240°C (2b), and 294°C (3b). Different chemical shifts for axial and equatorial H and CH 3 on the ketal rings were found in the 1 H NMR spectrum of 3b at room temperature. High molecular weight 3b (M n = 8.68 X 10 4 , M w , = 1.31 x 10 5 , M z = 1.57 x 10 5 ) was obtained upon cationic initiation by H 2 SO 4 . Poly( 2-methylene-1,3-dioxane), 2b, underwent partial hydrolysis when Ru(PPh 3 ) 3 Cl 2 and water were present in the polymer. The hydrolyzed products were 1,3-propanediol and a polymer containing both poly(2-methylene-1,3-dioxane) and polyketene units. The percentages of these two units in the hydrolyzed polymer were about 32% polyketene and 68% poly(2-methylene-1,3-dioxane). No crosslinked or aromatic structures were observed in the hydrolyzed products. The molecular weight of hydrolyzed polymer was M n = 5740, M w , = 7260, and H z = 9060.
Characterization of thin polymer‐like films formed by plasma polymerization of methylmethacrylate: A neutron reflectivity study

The microstructure of the plasma-polymerized methylmethacrylate (ppMMA) films is characterized using neutron reflectivity (NR) as a function of the plasma reaction time or film thickness. Variation in the crosslink density normal to the substrate surface is examined by swelling the film with a solvent, d-nitrobenzene (dNB). In the presence of dNB, uniform swelling is observed throughout the bulk as well as at the air surface, and silicon oxide interfaces. The results indicate that the MMA film prepared by plasma polymerization (ppMMA) has a uniform crosslink density from air surface to substrate surface. Additionally, the scattering length density of the plasma-polymerized MMA film (SLD ≈ 0.750 × 10−6 A−2) is much lower than that of a conventional PMMA film (SLD = 1.177 × 10−6 A−2). The increase in film thickness following dNB sorption is 7.5% and at least 36% for the ppMMA and PMMA films, respectively. This suggests that the films formed by plasma polymerization are different from conventional polymers in chemical structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2522–2530, 2004
Genetic progressive hearing loss in the C57-b16 mouse. Relation of behavioral responses to chochlear anatomy.

Mice (strain C57/bl6) were studied using light microscopy. The inner ear developed normally. However, at the age of 3 months, degeneration began in the organ of Corti, beginning in the basal portion and progressing gradually to involve all of the cochlea. By the end of one year, the organ of Corti had disappeared from the basal turn and persisted only in a degenerative form in the apical portion.Behaviorally, the hearing of this animal was near normal at the age of 2-3 months, except for the frequencies 30 Kc and above. As the animal grew older, hearing gradually deteriorated and the high frequencies were totally lost; the low frequencies were preseived, but at an elevated threshold.Interestingly enough, at the time when this animaľs threshold of hearing above 30 Kc was higher than normal, the organ of Corti appeared normal. Similarly, at the end of one year, light microscopy revealed an atrophic and disorganized organ of Corti, present only in the apical turn of the cochlea (the rest of the cochlea havin...
Stark effect spectroscopy of carotenoids in photosynthetic antenna and reaction center complexes.

The effects of electric fields on the absorption spectra of the carotenoids spheroidene and spheroidenone in photosynthetic antenna and reaction center complexes (wild-type and several mutants) from purple non-sulfur bacteria are compared with those for the isolated pigments in organic glasses. In general, the field effects are substantially larger for the carotenoid in the protein complexes than for the extracted pigments and larger for spheroidenone than spheroidene. Furthermore, the electrochromic effects for carotenoids in all complexes are much larger than those for the Q x transitions of the bacteriochlorophyll and bacteriopheophytin pigments which absorb in the 450–700 nm spectral region. The underlying mechanism responsible for the Stark effect spectra in the complexes is found to be dominated by a change in permanent dipole moment of the carotenoid upon excitation. The magnitude of this dipole moment change is found to be considerably larger in the B800–850 complex compared to the reaction center for spheroidene; it is approximately equivalent in the two complexes for spheroidenone. These results are discussed in terms of the effects of differences in the carotenoid functional groups, isomers and perturbations on the electronic structure from interactions with the organized environment in the proteins. These data provide a quantitative basis for the analysis of carotenoid bandshifts which are used to measure transmembrane potential, and they highlight some of the pitfalls in making such measurements on complex membranes containing multiple populations of carotenoids. The results for spheroidenone should be useful for studies of mutant proteins, since mutant strains are often grown semi-aerobically to minimize reversion.
Women in engineering technology

The authors report the results of current research into the experiences and perceptions of women (graduates and current students) in engineering technology at the Newark College of Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. A survey was mailed to 74 women, 55 graduates and 19 current students. The total response was 31 or 42%. The technical and project management skills acquired by students were rated highly by the respondents. Over 20% of the respondents found their treatment by male faculty worse than expected. Over 40% of the graduates still believe that women are at a disadvantage compared to men and 70% feel that women need to continually prove themselves. The respondents surveyed are in agreement that the main reasons for small numbers of women in engineering technology are a lack of female role models, stereotyping, and a lack of information about engineering technology in high schools. >
Imaging of collagen type III in fluid by atomic force microscopy

Type III collagen is a component of the basement membrane of endothelial cells, and may play a role in the interaction between hemostatic system proteins and the basement membrane of blood vessels. To begin to investigate these structural interactions, we have imaged type III collagen in solution by atomic force microscopy. A 20 microg/ml solution of type III collagen in bicarbonate buffer (pH 9.5) from calf skin was deposited onto a freshly cleaved mica substrate. Atomic force microscopy images were acquired using a fluid cell and tapping mode with oxide-sharpened silicon nitride probes 2, 3, and 4 hours after deposition of the collagen onto the mica. Two-hour preparations displayed fibrillar networks with well-defined sites of nucleation and lateral growth. At 3 and 4 hour polymerizations, more mature fibrils of increasing lengths, diameters, and complexity were observed. Fibrils appeared to be aligning and twisting (helical formation) to form a mature fibril with a higher mass per unit area. Interestingly, the mature fibrils appeared larger centrally with tapered ends displaying declining slopes. These observations compare favorably with those previously published on collagen type I assembly [Gale et al. (1995) Biophys. J. 68:2124-2128]. High resolution atomic force microscopy images of type III collagen in solution should provide a template for observation of the interactions between basement membrane components and hemostatic system proteins present in cardiovascular disease.
The mTOR kinase inhibitors polarize glioma-activated microglia to express a M1 phenotype

Increased activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is observed in numerous human cancers. Recent studies on the glioma kinome have identified several deregulated pathways that converge and activate mTOR. The available evidence on the role of microglia in CNS cancers would suggest a dual role, a tumoricidal role and -on the contrary- a role favoring tumor growth. In the present paper, we have compared the effects of μM concentrations of rapamycin (RAPA) and its analog, RAD001 (RAD), on activated microglia; the latter was obtained by exposing cells to conditioned medium harvested either from inflammatory activated glioma cells (LI-CM) or from glioma cells kept under basal conditions (C-CM). Here we show that the inhibition of mTOR polarizes glioma-activated microglial cells towards the M1 phenotype, with cytotoxic activities, preventing the induction of the M2 status that promotes tumor growth. In fact RAPA and RAD significantly increased iNOS expression and activity, while on the same time significantly reducing IL-10 gene expression induced by C-CM, thus suggesting that the drugs prevent the acquisition of a M2 phenotype in response to glioma factors promoting a classic M1 activation. Similar results were obtained using the conditioned media obtained after glioma stimulation with LPS-IFNγ (LI-CM), which was found to induce a mixture of M1 and M2a/b polarization phenotypes. In these conditions, the inhibition of mTOR led to a significant up-regulation of iNOS, and in parallel to the down-regulation of both ARG and IL-10 gene expression. These data suggest that mTOR inhibition may prevent glioma induced M2 polarization of microglial cells and increase their cytotoxic potential, possibly resulting in antitumor actions.
Endovascular management of the patent inferior mesenteric artery in two cases of uncontrolled type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has well documented advantages over traditional open repair and has been widely adopted as the alternative treatment modality for abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, endoleaks specifically type II can be a significant problem with this technique leading to aortic sac expansion and potential rupture. A large number of type II endoleaks are caused by persistent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) retrograde bleeding. Various methods to try to manage this complication have been previously described. IMA embolization via the marginal artery of Drummond, however, has not been adequately popularized as an alternative less invasive approach to the treatment of type II endoleak. Case Report: Two men, ages 77 and 81, underwent uneventful EVAR for 5.5 and 5.0 cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, respectively, using Zenith Cook ® bifurcated stent grafts. Computed tomography angiography at 1 and 6 months postoperatively demonstrated small type II endoleaks in both cases which were followed clinically. Subsequent follow-up tomography scan at 12 months revealed persistent type II endoleaks related to retrograde filling from the IMA with significant enlargement of the aneurysm sacs. Both patients underwent successful IMA coil embolization via the marginal artery of Drummond. Conclusions: Percutaneous IMA embolization using standard endovascular techniques to access the marginal artery of Drummond is an alternative, and in our opinion, preferred technique for controlling type II endoleaks caused by a persistently patent IMA.
Post-cardiotomy extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in neonates with complex single ventricle: analysis of outcomes.

Objective: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in children with cardiac arrest refractory to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been reported with encouraging results. We sought to review outcomes of neonates with functional single ventricle (FSV) receiving post-cardiotomy ECPR. Methods: Forty-eight patients who required post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) since the introduction of our ECPR protocol (January2007—December 2009) were identified. Twenty-seven were neonates. Review of records and survival analysis were conducted. Results: Of 27 neonates receiving post-cardiotomy ECMO 20 had FSV. Fourteen had ECPR. Ten underwent Norwood operation (NO) for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Four had FSV other than HLHS. Three underwent Damus—Kay—Stansel or modified NO with systemic-to-pulmonary shunt (SPS) and one SPS with anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair. Mean age and weight were 7.8 2.9 days and 3.44 1.78 kg, respectively. ECMO median duration was 6 days (interquartile range (IQR) 3—14). Survival to ECMO discontinuation was 79% (11 of 14 patients) and at hospital discharge was 57% (8 of 14 patients). The most common cause of death was multi-organ failure (four of six deaths). At last follow-up (median: 11 months (1—34)) 43% of patients were alive. CPR mean duration for patients with favorable versus unfavorable outcome was 38.6 6.3 versus 42.1 7.7 min ( p = 0.12). Previously reported determinants for poorer prognosis in conventional non-rescue ECMO (such as pre-ECMO pH 0.05). Conclusions: ECMO support in neonates with FSV requiring ECPR can result in favorable outcome in more than half of patients at hospital discharge. Aggressive strategy toward timely application of ECPR is justified. Expeditious ECPR deployment after proper patients’ selection, refinement of CPR quality and use of