cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Response-Response Relationships Linking Aromatase Inhibition to Decreased Fecundity are Conserved Across Three Fishes with Asynchronous Oocyte Development

Quantitative adverse outcome pathways (qAOPs) describe quantitative response-response relationships that can predict the probability or severity of an adverse outcome for a given magnitude of chemical interaction with a molecular initiating event. However, the taxonomic domain of applicability for these predictions is largely untested. The present study began defining this applicability for a previously described qAOP for aromatase inhibition leading to decreased fecundity developed using data from fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). This qAOP includes quantitative response-response relationships describing plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) as a function of plasma fadrozole, plasma vitellogenin (VTG) as a function of plasma E2, and fecundity as a function of plasma VTG. These quantitative response-response relationships simulated plasma E2, plasma VTG, and fecundity measured in female zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to fadrozole for 21 days but not these responses measured in female Japanese medaka (Oryzias lat...
Geographical information science for the United Nations’ 2030 agenda for sustainable development

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development goal in 2015 for a prosperous and inclusive future for all. Reflecting on the contributions of IJGIS publicat...
The Paradoxical Relationship Between Skeletal and Cardiovascular Mineralization

Calcific vasculopathy, in which bone mineral is deposited within the walls of arteries and valves in the cardiovascular system, affects almost all individuals over age 65. It is also rapidly accelerated with metabolic disturbances such as atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, consistent with the evidence that it is a regulated process. Epidemiological studies show an inverse relationship between mineralization of vascular and bone tissue, in an age-independent manner. The potential interdependency between the skeletal and vascular systems has important clinical implications, where treatment of either condition may affect the other. In this review, we discuss anatomical similarities between the vascular and skeletal systems, the clinical significance of calcific vasculopathy, some of the key regulators in both systems, and the effects of current treatment modalities for atherosclerosis and osteoporosis on calcification.
Evolocumab, a PCSK9-Monoclonal Antibody, Rapidly Reverses Coronary Artery Endothelial Dysfunction in People Living With HIV and People With Dyslipidemia

Background PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is well recognized for its important role in cholesterol metabolism. Elevated levels are associated with increased cardiovascular ri...
Variance formulae for multiphase stepped wedge cluster randomized trial

In a multiphase stepped wedge cluster randomized trial (MSW-CRT), more than one intervention will be initiated on each sequence in a fixed order. Hence, with the MSW-CRT design, the effect of the first intervention can be evaluated when compared to control, as well as the added-on effects of the subsequent interventions. Studies that use MSW-CRT have been proposed, but properties of this design have not been explicitly studied. We derive closed-form variance formulae to test the interventions' effects, which can be readily used for sample size and power calculation. Additionally, we provide relationships between variances to test the interventions' effects and design parameters. Under special conditions, some important properties include: (i) the variances to test different interventions' effects (ie, the first intervention effect and the second intervention effect) may be same; (ii) as the cluster-period mean autocorrelation increases, the variance to test an intervention effect may first increase and then decrease; (iii) as the amount of periods between the initiations of two interventions (ie, lag) increases, the variance to test an intervention effect may remain unchanged. We illustrate the relationships between power and design parameters using the variance formulae. From a few illustrative examples, we observe that the statistical test that uses data only relevant to a specific intervention has inferior power (relative power loss <15%) compared to the test when using all the study data. Also, power is reduced when both the total number of periods and lag are decreased simultaneously (relative power loss <20%).
Conceptualization of diversity and inclusion: Tensions and contradictions in the sport management classroom

Abstract Emphasis on diversity and inclusion has increased in both higher education and the sport industry, but little is known about the perceptions of the topic among sport management students. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore how these students conceptualize diversity and inclusion, and to examine their holistic perspectives on the topic. Interviews were conducted with 13 undergraduate students at three institutions; data was analyzed with qualitative methods. Results indicated students envision differences between the concepts of diversity and inclusion, and key nuances emerged as to why students view each as important. Further, students demonstrated more familiarity with race/ethnicity and gender than other areas of diversity; students' discussion of age, disability, LGBTQ+, religion, and socioeconomic status showed greater reliance on exemplars, instances of positionality, and acknowledgement that more learning would be beneficial. Further, students noted some underlying apprehension related to diversity and inclusion. Collectively, these results suggest substantial tensions and contradictions exist with respect to teaching and learning processes associated with diversity and inclusion in sport management education. Drawing from the notion of cultural competence, the study's conclusions offer practical implications for educators and suggest future research directions to enhance the discipline.
Respiratory mechanics and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective cohort study

Background: The association between commonly monitored respiratory parameters, including compliance and oxygenation and clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear, limiting prognostication and the delivery of targeted treatments. Our project aim was to identify if any such associations exist between clinical outcomes and respiratory parameters. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of confirmed COVID-19 positive patients admitted to a single dedicated intensive care unit at a university hospital from March 27 to April 26, 2020. We collected information on baseline clinical and demographic characteristics and initial respiratory parameters. Our primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Results: A total of 22 patients met criteria for ARDS and were included in our study. Nine of the 22 (40.9%) patients with ARDS died during hospitalization. The initial static respiratory system compliance of survivors was 39 (interquartile range [IQR] 34, 55) and nonsurvivors was 27 (IQR 24, 33, P Conclusion: In our cohort of 22 patients mechanically ventilated with ARDS from COVID-19, having lower respiratory system compliance after intubation was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, consistent with ARDS from non-COVID etiologies.
Liver Transplantation After Downstaging of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus Using Yttrium-90 Radioembolization: Pipe Dream or Reality?

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor survival of typically less than 6 months in untreated patients (1).
Venetoclax and Azacitidine Compared to Induction Chemotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Abstract Venetoclax (ven) + azacitidine (aza) is the standard of care for newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy (IC). Some patients who are IC candidates instead receive ven/aza. We retrospectively analyzed newly-diagnosed AML patients who received ven/aza (N=143) or IC (N=149), to compare outcomes and seek variables that could predict response to one or the other therapy, and ascertain whether treatment recommendations can be refined. The response rate for ven/aza was 76.9% and 70.5% for IC. The median overall survival (OS) for IC was 884 days compared to 483 for ven/aza (p=0.0020). A propensity-matched cohort was utilized to compare outcomes in the setting of equivalent baseline variables, and when matched for age, biological risk, and transplantation, the median OS was 705 days for IC and not reached for ven/aza (p=0.0667). Variables that favored response to ven/aza over IC included older age, secondary AML and RUNX1 mutations. AML M5 favored response to IC over ven/aza. In the propensity-matched cohort analyzing OS, older age, adverse risk and RUNX1 mutations favored ven/aza over IC, while intermediate risk favored IC over ven/aza. In conclusion, IC patients have improved OS compared to ven/aza. However, in a propensity-matched cohort of patients with equivalent baseline factors, there was a trend toward a favorable OS for ven/aza. Specific variables, such as reported here for the first time RUNX1 mutations, can be identified that favor ven/aza or IC, helping to guide treatment decisions for patients who may be eligible candidates for either therapy.
Genomic Studies of Human Populations: Resequencing Approaches to the Identification of Human Quantitative Loci

In this chapter, we explore resequencing approaches to identify the quantitative loci in human populations. We will discuss why sequencing studies are optimal for variant discovery for common complex disease and how we go about localizing and identifying these causal variants. There are several different sequencing applications available to us today ranging from RNA sequencing to targeted genomic sequencing and extending to whole genome sequencing. We explore each of these applications and their individual utilities. Further, we explore studies of complex pedigrees compared to unrelated individuals , the two most common study designs used for human complex disease.
The East-West Water Controversy: Both Sides Are Partly Right

One of a series of three papers discussing the viewpoints of the East and West on water development, this paper takes the view that the issues reflect dissatisfaction with present national policy. A number of myths which influence water planning are discussed and some needs for new viewpoints and new research directions are suggested. Possible new concepts in water management are stressed.
Teaching an Electrical Circuits Course Using a Virtual Lab

This paper describes designing and implementing a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) study in a basic electrical circuits course at LaGuardia Community College. Inspired by my understanding of Shulman’s (2005) concept of “signature pedagogy” and Mazur’s (2009) emphasis on student-centered approaches, and aware that our students did not always understand the electrical theory concepts presented in class, I decided to change my pedagogy. We explain our efforts to train our students to think as engineers, first by making them more “visible” and “accountable” in the classroom, and second, by offering them hands-on practice through the use of Multisim, a free and open source simulation software. The study presented here reports the effect that using Multisim had on our students’ ability to learn and apply electrical theories and concepts. The implications for the teaching of the basic electrical circuit course are offered as well as my reflection on my own growth as a teacher and my developing understanding of the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Service versus Manufacturing Innovation

This article describes how service and manufacturing firms are different when it comes to innovation, based on a survey of firms in both sectors. Overall, four of the five hypotheses developed for comparative study of new offerings were supported by the analyses of 38 new products and 29 new services. First and foremost, there appear to be real differences between how manufacturing and services approach the innovation process, primarily because of the way organizations formalize development of new offerings in these two sectors. Manufacturing is more likely to report the need for new strategies and structures when products are new to the industry or new to the firm. However, services are more likely to convert novelty into success. Services are significantly more likely to have a short beta testing process and to exploit general manager (internally sourced) ideas for new offerings as an alternative to formal innovation structures. However, manufacturing and services exhibit a similar tendency to exploit customer (externally sourced) ideas for new offerings. The potential contribution of this study is to point the direction for future work in the nascent research stream of service innovation, highlighting areas where there appear to be fundamental differences between the innovation process in services and other sectors of the economy. Key differences appear to be the alternative ways services formalize the innovative process, the unique way services test customer concepts, and the combined role of general managers and professionals in the development process. These differences have managerial implications. Working closely with customers, service managers should proceed with their own unique approach to the innovative process, especially with respect to prototyping and beta testing. Senior managers in service organizations should participate in the ideation process for successful new service offerings, as part of their strategy-making responsibilities.
Constitutive β-catenin signaling dysregulates DC differentiation resulting in inability to control microbial infection (INM2P.418)

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is the second most common cause of foodborne illness-related deaths in the US and can be fatal to infants and immunocompromised patients. Dendritic cells (DC) are required for immunity to T. gondii, and recently, DC Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been suggested to control DC tolerance in the intestine. However, the role of this signaling axis in peripheral DC development and function is unknown. Using transgenic mice expressing DC-specific constitutively active β-catenin (DCEx3-/-), we surprisingly found that the splenic CD8α DC and the developmentally related peripheral CD103 DC compartment were significantly expanded relative to corresponding populations in wild-type (WT) animals. Splenic CD8α DC are a source of IL-12, and infection of DCEx3-/- mice with T. gondii resulted in rapid lethality associated with proinflammatory cytokine overproduction. Transcription factor Irf8 drives CD8α and CD103 DC differentiation, and flow cytometric analysis revealed strong upregulation of Irf8 in CD8α DC upon β-catenin stabilization. Confirming this, WT CD8α+Irf8+ DC displayed higher β-catenin levels relative to splenic CD8- DC. Together, our data show that β-catenin targets Irf8 during DC development, resulting in expansion of CD8α DC in the spleen and CD103 DC in the periphery. This is the first study to implicate β-catenin in DC subset differentiation and provides novel insight into the complex transcriptional network of DC development.
Youth Crime and the Minimum Wage

This study examines the relationship between the minimum wage and youth criminal activity. I show that a priori economic reasoning cannot predict the sign of the relationship - while a minimum wage hike reduces the attractiveness of crime as a source of income relative to legitimate work, it may also disemploy young workers and so induce their participation in crime. I then present three empirical analyses to fill this gap: a panel approach using state-level data covering the period from 1982 to 2001, a cross-sectional examination of the varying impact of the 1990-1991 and 1996-1997 federal minimum wage hikes across states, and an investigation of self-reports of crime by respondents to the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. In each analysis I find evidence that the effect of the minimum wage on youth crime is negative for crimes that have a strong pecuniary component. This implies that any criminogenic disemployment impact of the minimum wage is outweighed by the incentives against crime that higher legitimate wages create for young workers.
Ellipsis in Farsi Complex Predicates

. In this paper, I introduce a novel ellipsis construction from Farsi, v-stranding VPE, in which part of a complex predicate goes missing, leaving behind the light verb. Under an analysis of complex predicates where the light verb is the overt realization of v, this type of ellipsis can be construed as deletion of the complement of v. I give evidence that this phenomenon patterns with English verb phrase ellipsis (VPE) in a number of important respects. The same licensing conditions that must be satisfied in English VPE, including an inflectional checking requirement and an antecedence condition, must also be satisfied in Farsi v-stranding VPE.
The measurement of inter-industrial specialization in international trade

Abstract Several authors including Hirsch and Lev (1971), O'Brien (1972), Soutar (1977), and Theil (1967) proposed informational measures for the analysis of international trade. The measurement of inter-industrial specialization (also of intra-industry trade) is another candidate.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Iridium(III) Dihydrido Aminocarbenes

Iridium complexes supported by the PNP amidophosphine scaffold (PNP = [N(2-PiPr2-4-Me-C6H3)2]−) perform the selective double C−H activation of methyl amines to produce iridium(III) dihydrido aminocarbenes. The reactivity of these complexes is presented and contrasted with that observed for the previously reported iridium(I) alkoxycarbenes.
Q branches of the nu(7) fundamental of ethane (C(2)H(6)): integrated intensity measurements for atmospheric measurement applications.

Laboratory spectra covering the nu7 band of ethane (C2H6) have been recorded, and measurements of integrated intensities of selected Q branches from these spectra are reported. The method by which the spectra were obtained is described, and a typical spectrum covering the PQ3 branch at 2976.8/cm is shown along with a plot of equivalent width vs. optical density for this branch. The values of the integrated intensities reported for each branch are the means of five different optical densities.
Use of Scorpion Neurotoxins to Improve the Insecticidal Activity of Rachiplusia ou Multicapsid Nucleopolyhedrovirus

Abstract The nucleopolyhedrovirus of the mint looper, Rachiplusia ou (RoMNPV, also known as Anagrapha falcifera multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus), has previously been shown to kill the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis, and to protect corn plants against this pest more effectively than the Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). To further improve the performance of RoMNPV against O. nubilalis, we engineered it to express the insect-selective scorpion neurotoxins AaIT and LqhIT2 using the promoters of the AcMNPV p10 and p6.9 genes. RoMNPV recombinant virus expressing AaIT from the p10 promoter produced a reduced quantity of viral occlusions and polyhedrin protein and failed to occlude virions efficiently. Western blot analysis revealed that the amount of AaIT in hemolymph of recombinant virus-infected O. nubilalis was very low compared to that in the hemolymph of infected Heliothis virescens. In all but one case, insertion of the toxins did not alter the dose of virus required to kill three different hosts. Viruses expressing toxins from the p6.9 promoter killed larvae of O. nubilalis significantly faster than wild-type virus, but no significant difference in speed of kill was observed between AaIT- and LqhIT2-expressing viruses in this host. Expression of LqhIT2 reduced survival times of Helicoverpa zea and H. virescens to a significantly greater extent than expression of AaIT. An AcMNPV recombinant expressing LqhIT2 from the p6.9 promoter killed larvae faster than a recombinant utilizing the p10 promoter for expression, but recombinants using these promoters to drive AaIT expression did not exhibit any significant differences in speed of kill.
Infrared multiphoton dissociation yields via a versatile new technique: intensity, fluence, and wavelength dependence for CF3I

Abstract Intensity, fluence, and wavelength dependence of the collisionless infrared multiphoton dissociation yield for CF 3 I have been determined via “titration” of radical photoproducts and molecular-beam-sampling-mass spectrometry. The importance of nonlinear effects in the pumping of this molecule is confirmed.
A comparison of the effect of three adjuvants on the antibody response to ovalbumin in mice

Adjuvants are added to a vaccine to enhance the antibody response to the antigen. A number of different materials have been used as adjuvants. In this study, mice were immunized with ovalbumin plus one of three adjuvants: Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA), or alum. Control mice received no vaccine. FCA is generally considered the strongest adjuvant and alum the weakest, but use of FCA is often avoided due to concerns over negative effects on the animals. All mice that received an adjuvant/antigen vaccination produced high levels of antibodies to ovalbumin, whereas no control mice did. Levels of anti-ovalbumin antibodies were not significantly different between groups that received FCA, FIA, or alum. Of the three adjuvants tested, alum is the most cost-effective and possibly the safest for the animal. This, coupled with the results of this study, suggest that it is the most practical of the three tested adjuvants, at least in conjunction with ovalbumin as an antigen. However, different antigens may require different adjuvants, and a general recommendation would require further testing.
The ability to convert the 4 S glucocorticoid receptor to the 7–8 S form is dependent on both RNA and protein factors

Abstract The DEAE-cellulose-purified 4 S form of the rat liver glucocorticoid receptor can associate with cytosolic factors, as evidenced by an alteration of the sedimentation value of the 7–8 S form. On the basis of sedimentation profile, this form is indistinguishable from the activated, low-salt 7–8 S form isolated from rat liver cytosol. In addition, both the endogenous and reconstituted 7–8 S receptor can bind DNA as the 7–8 S form. In keeping with our reports that the endogenous form of the 7–8 S receptor is sensitive to RNAase digestion, treatment of the cytosol with RNAase prior to mixing with the 4 S receptor prevents the formation of the 7–8 S material. Moreover, warming the cytosol to 50°C prior to mixing with the 4 S receptor also eliminates the ability to form the heavier material. Since RNA is heat-stable, this suggests that other factors may be involved. Treatment of the cytosol with N -ethylmaleimide, a reagent reported to be specific for sulfhydryl groups, also eliminates 7–8 S generating ability. These observations suggest that a protein may be a component of the 7–8 S generating material. This is substantiated by the observation that trypsin or chymotrypsin treatment of the cytosol mitigates the ability of the cytosol to form the 7–8 S material and results in the appearance of a form of the receptor that sediments at approximately 6 S. Protease treatment of partially purified material eliminates the 7–8 S generating activity entirely. We conclude that the 7–8 S form of the receptor can be reconstituted from the 4 S receptor via association with at least two other cytosolic factors, a protein and an RNA.
Trend of healthcare-associated infections in children: annual prevalence surveys in a research hospital in Italy, 2007–2010

Summary Background Annual prevalence surveys of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) between 2007 and 2010 were conducted in the largest tertiary care children's hospital in Italy. During this period, actions to improve HAI prevention were implemented, including strengthened isolation measures; adoption of care bundles for invasive procedures; hand hygiene promotion using the World Health Organization multimodal strategy; and promotion of appropriate antimicrobial use. Aim To determine the impact of these measures on HAI rates. Methods A total of 1506 patients were surveyed. Information on patient demographics, mechanical ventilation, central line and urinary catheterization in the preceding 48 h, and surgery in the previous 30 days were abstracted from medical charts. The type and date of onset of HAIs, and microbiological data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to evaluate changes in HAI rates over time, and the influence of ward type and patient characteristics. Findings There were significant ( P 30 days, presence of invasive device, and age 6–11 years. Conclusion This HAI prevention strategy was influential in decreasing infections among hospitalized children. Repeated prevalence surveys are an effective tool for monitoring HAI frequency, increasing awareness among the healthcare personnel, and contributing to the establishment of effective infection control.
Synthesis and Characterization of New Liquid-Crystalline Block Copolymers with p-Cyanoazobenzene Moieties and Poly(n-butyl acrylate) Segments Using Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization

Homopolymers with side-chain liquid-crystalline units (LC) were prepared by ATRP of a LC monomer, 2-[2-(4-cyano-azobenzene-4‘-oxy)ethylene-oxy]ethyl methacrylate. The resulting polymers had low polydispersity, Mw/Mn < 1.2. Optical and thermal investigation confirmed that both the monomer and the homopolymers have smectic structures. New di- and triblock copolymers containing LC units, with different ratios of the block containing the LC monomer with azobenzene moiety, and poly(n-butyl acrylate) as a soft segment were successfully prepared using ATRP. The block copolymerization proceeded with controlled/living characteristics. The morphologies of thin films of the block copolymers cast from different solvents were examined by atomic force microscopy using different casting procedures. Whereas the observed morphologies were similar to those observed in conventional block copolymers, particularly strong dependence on sample preparation conditions and thermal history was observed, suggesting the role of mesog...
High-fat diet alters the dopamine and opioid systems: effects across development

Consumption of a high-fat diet has been linked to obesity, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. Less well appreciated are adverse effects on the brain and behavior. Recent research has shown that consumption of a high-fat diet can alter gene expression within the brain, and the dopamine and opioid neurotransmitter systems appear to be vulnerable to dysregulation. This review will focus on recent reports in both humans and animal models that describe adverse effects of high-fat diet consumption on the central reward circuitry. In addition, the importance of different development windows will be discussed, with effects observed in both the prenatal/perinatal time period and with chronic high-fat diet consumption in adulthood.
Numerical simulations of rotational bursting of F-coronal dust in eccentric orbits due to coronal mass ejections

Abstract Model calculations were carried out to determine the extent of the effects on the rotational bursting of F-coronal dust in eccentric orbits due to their interaction with the flow of coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The model included an initial limiting perihelion distance of 8 solar radii ( R S ) for all particles used. The parameters of the CMEs (velocity and proton number density) along with the various parameters of the dust particles (size and median density) were taken into consideration. By keeping these parameters the same and varying one of them, it was found that the velocity of the CMEs protons plays a major role in determining at which heliocentric distance the particle bursts. To a lesser degree, the median density of the particle also had a similar effect. Depending on the values of the dust particles orbital eccentricity, limiting sizes of the dust particles were found beyond which the particles do not burst. More particles bursted in regions close to their perihelion passage, however very few particles bursted near 8 R S from which we conclude that the majority of the fragmented particles were outside the F-corona region. The results show that rotational bursting of the dust in eccentric orbits inside the F-corona forces the particles to fragment outside 8 R S .
Blood Flow Rates by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Measurements

Blood flow rates may be determined by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time measurements. A set of experiments carried out on the flow of blood in mice tails has demonstrated the feasibility of the scheme. Two simple measurement methods are described, and the pertinent equations are given. In addition, some procedures for using nuclear magnetic resonance and electron paramagnetic resonance for tracing the flow of specific materials in the body are outlined.
Macromolecular properties of vitellenin from egg yolk and its parent complex with lipids.

The floating fraction of egg yolk (90% lipid, density 0.98) appears to be heterogeneous but no significant fractionation took place during centrifugation in several solvents of density 0.98 or high...
Eliminating low-frequency 1ƒ noise in HgCdTe by sputtering

Abstract In HgCdTe samples we were able to change noise spectra of the form A f into spectra of the form 4A tan-1 (ωτ 1 ) ω by cleaning the surface by sputtering in a mercury discharge system. The results are explainable in terms of McWhorter's theory of 1 f noise. The sputtering apparently removes centers with long time constants from the surface, so that only relatively short time constants remain. This is clear evidence that for this material the low-frequency 1 f noise is surface controlled.
A Time Series Design Study of Neurologically Impaired Children

AbstractA Time Series Design, Change-Over-Time study was used to determine the usefulness of four tasks in distinguishing maturational factors and neurological characteristics of eight boys, ages 6–12, who were diagnosed neurologically impaired. Results indicate that the tasks are characterized by use of regular art materials, interest to the subjects, ability to be replicated, and allowance for expression and visuo-motor enhancement. Data on three other measures: resistance to adaptation, sensitivity to maturation, and sensitivity to neurological impairment, were collected, but are not discussed in this paper. This study has relevance to art therapists whose work is to measure the effects of treatment with heterogeneous patient populations.
The effects of heat released during fill on the deflections of die casting dies

Abstract The quality of a die cast product is determined to a great extent by the mechanism of cavity fill. The evolution of this process has received attention both in industry and literature. Because of its effect on the cost of a numerical simulation, the question of whether or not the filling stage takes place under isothermal conditions needs to be addressed. This article analyzes the process of fill in die casting and presents relations that can be used to predict those conditions under which heat release may be significant. In order to put the relevance of fill conditions in context, the effects of heat released during fill on the prediction of die casting die deflections are introduced and discussed.
Community College Transfer and University Native Students' Participation in Teaching

Students who graduated from a teacher education program at a large public university were contacted to determine if they were teaching. Those who were teaching were also asked if they were teaching...
Scanning Probe Microscopy Studies of Isocyanide Functionalized Polyaniline Thin Films

We have used the technique of scanning probe microscopy to study the nanometer-scale structure of thin films of polyaniline and isocyanide functionalized polyaniline. Structural changes on the film surfaces were studied as a function of protonation in aqueous HC1, as well as exposure to Ir+ cations in solution. Film growth of pure polyaniline is in a layer-by-layer mode, with an intricate, nanometer-scale domain structure. Ir+ incorporation leaves this structure intact. Electropolymerized isocyanide functionalized films exhibited a highly oriented fibrous structure, with individual strands averaging 25 A in diameter. Protonation of these films resulted in aggregation of these strands into elongated bundles of average diameter 200 A. Incorporation of Ir+ cations into the film matrix produced an oriented, interlocking structure of polymer bundles of diameter 400 A. We also discuss the relationship of the microscopic structure of these films to their macroscopic conductive properties.
Purpura Fulminans in Pneumococcal Sepsis: Case Report and Review

Purpura fulminans is classically defined by ecchymotic skin lesions, fever, and hypotension. The majority of cases occur in association with bacterial sepsis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is usually present. Prompted by our experience with a patient with pneumococcal sepsis and purpura fulminans in whom hypotension was never observed, we evaluated the important parameters of sepsis in reports of this syndrome. 42 additional cases of pneumococcal bacteremia and purpura fulminans were identified. Hypotension was present in only 51%. Although DIC was present in 85% of patients, hypofibrinogenemia was documented in only 26%. By contrast, both hypotension and hypofibrinogenemia are present in the vast majority of patients described with purpura fulminans in association with meningococcal sepsis. These data confirm that hypotension is not a necessary feature of the syndrome of purpura fulminans associated with pneumococcal sepsis and suggest further that qualitative or quantitative differenc...
Six degrees of separation: Australian metadata initiatives and their relationships with international standards

This paper describes initiatives being pursued by the national archives of Australia regarding the development of metadata standards for online resource discovery and for electronic recordkeeping. the genesis and objectives of these standards are discussed in the context of efforts being made by the Australian government to modernise and overhaul its record-keeping practices in the light of changes wrought through the adoption of desktop computer applications and online service delivery. the standards are also described in the context of broader international metadata and archival descriptive standards initiatives.
Dry actuation testing of viscous drag micropumping systems for determination of optimal drive waveforms

This paper presents the dry actuation testing procedures and results for novel viscous drag micropumping systems. To overcome the limitations of previously developed mechanical pumps, we have developed pumps that are surface micromachined for efficient mass production which utilize viscous drag (dominant at low Reynolds numbers typical of microfluidics) to move fluid. The SUMMiT (www.sandia.gov/micromachine) fabricated pumps, presented first by Kilani et al., are being experimentally and computationally analyzed. In this paper we will describe the development of optimal waveforms to drive the electrostatic pumping mechanism while dry. While wet actuation will be significantly different, dry testing provides insight into how to optimally move the mechanism and differences between dry and wet actuation can be used to isolate fluid effects. Characterization began with an analysis of the driving voltage waveforms for the torsional ratcheting actuator (TRA), a micro-motor that drove the gear transmission for the pump, actuated with SAMA (Sandia’s Arbitrary waveform MEMS Actuator), a new waveform generating computer program with the ability to generate and output arbitrary voltage signals. Based upon previous research, a 50% duty cycle half-sine wave was initially selected for actuation of the TRA. However, due to the geometry of the half-sine waveform, the loaded micromotor could not transmit the motion required to pump the tested liquids. Six waveforms were then conceived, constructed, and selected for device actuation testing. Dry actuation tests included high voltage, low voltage, high frequency, and endurance/reliability testing of the TRA, gear transmission and pump assembly. In the SUMMiT process, all of the components of the system are fabricated together on one silicon chip already assembled in a monolithic microfabrication process. A 40% duty cycle quarter-sine waveform with a 20% DC at 60V has currently proved to be the most reliable, allowing for an 825Hz continuous TRA operating frequency for the micropumps. This novel waveform allowed for higher TRA actuation frequencies than those obtained in prior research of the pumps.
At home in a strange land

The narrative describes one psychologist's journey from university classroom to state senate chamber. Also included are observations on applying psychological principles and practices to a campaign. The author argues thatpsychologists are uniquely qualified to participate in the political process and that more psychologists should apply their special abilities to politics-and professional organizations should encourage them to do so.
Rapid Multiplanar Abdominal Survey Using MRI With the Steady-State Free-Precession Technique

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of steadystate free-precession (SSFP) survey MRI of the abdomen. Materials and Methods: A total of 375 consecutive outpatients underwent abdominal MRI at 1.5T. Excluding diffuse metastatic disease, 110 patients had at least one other clinically important finding. The SSFP survey included contiguous 5-mm-thick axial, sagittal, and coronal slices (total 90 slices) obtained during a total of 90 seconds of free breathing. Studies were reviewed by two experienced MRI readers independently, randomized, blinded, and at different sittings. The chi-squared test was used to compare SSFP to full MRI for showing clinically important findings. In a subset of 30 patients, confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the accuracy of SSFP and full MRI as predictors of biopsy result. Results: SSFP detected 87.3% of clinically important findings and 93.3% of malignancies reported on the full MRI, with a 1.5% false-positive rate. Significant association was shown between SSFP and full MRI for clinically important findings (P 0.0001). Compared to biopsy, accuracy of SSFP was high (85% 12.7%), though not as high as full MRI (93.3% 8.8%). Conclusion: SSFP provides a rapid survey of the abdomen, with good sensitivity and few false positives.
DIMENSIONS OF CONFLICT FRAME: RELATION TO DISPUTANT PERCEPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

This study was an initial exploratory test of the relationship between disputants' interpretation of an ongoing conflict (i.e., dimensions of conflict frame), their conflict management objectives, expectations regarding settlement, and features of the dispute context. Fifty undergraduate students and the individuals with whom they were having a conflict were asked to describe the conflict they shared Each subject's conflict description was given a score for each of the dimensions of conflict frame (i.e., relationship vs. task; emotional vs. intellectual; compromise vs. win). Results suggest that conflict frame scores relate to features of the dispute context. Specifically, disputants with a relationship, intellectual frame were also likely to believe that the conflict had developed over a long period of time and involved a number of issues. Disputants with emotional, compromise frames felt that the conflict had surfaced suddenly and involved a number of issues. An emotional, win perspective was most typical for disputants who viewed the conflict as serious or intense. A second set of results suggest that disputants with a relationship perspective are more concerned about procedural issues while those with a task frame focus on distributive goals. In addition, disputants typically share the same frame on the relationship vs. task dimension and the compromise vs. win dimension, but are less likely to do so on the emotional vs. intellectual dimension. Finally, when disputants share a win as opposed to a compromise perspective, their joint expectations regarding outcome increase suggesting an overconfidence bias.
Fundamental studies of the contribution of galvanic interaction to acid-bacterial leaching of mixed metal sulfides

Abstract A systematic study has been made towards understanding the role of galvanic interactions in the leaching of sulfide minerals both in the absence and presence of bacteria. When two sulfide minerals are in contact with each other in an acid-aqueous solution, the mineral lower in the electromotive series dissolves rapidly while the one higher in the series is galvanically protected. To ascertain the magnitude of galvanic interaction when chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ) and pyrite (FeS 2 ) are in contact, potentiodynamic polarization measurements were carried out in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and in Bryner and Anderson medium. The individual rest potentials of CuFeS 2 and FeS 2 were found to be 0.52 V and 0.63 V [vs. Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)] respectively. The mixed potential of the CuFeS 2 : FeS 2 couple was found to be 0.56 V and 0.28 V (vs. SHE) in 1 M H 2 SO 4 and in Bryner and Anderson medium respectively. The corrosion current (5 μ A/cm 2 ) was calculated from the polarization curves. These results were found to be in agreement with the actual leaching rates of copper from contacting large mineral specimens composing the CuFeS 2 /FeS 2 system. Both powdered samples as well as large mineral specimens of CuFeS 2 , FeS 2 and ZnS were used to observe the effect of galvanic interactions on the process of leaching. Chalcopyrite and pyrite powders, as pulp mixtures, were leached under a variety of experimental conditions to optimize their ratio (total pulp density) and size fraction for efficient metal extraction by way of maximum contact with each other. A CuFeS 2 :FeS 2 ratio of 5:5 (g/g) and size fraction of −200 mesh was found to be the most preferable when leaching was carried out in the presence of T. ferrooxidans . The effect of temperature and thermophilic bacteria on the rate of leaching was also studied. The presence of pyrite in the optimized quantities considerably enhanced the rate of copper dissolution which was increased, by a factor of 2, to 15. Under these experimental conditions, E h increased from 338 mV to 580 mV while pH dropped from 2.30 to 1.56. In order to have a definite control over surface area of the ores and a constant contact between two sulfide ores, large crystalline-mineral samples of CuFeS 2 , FeS 2 and ZnS were leached singly as well as in intimate contact (coupled galvanically). This also made it possible to observe the surfaces of the specimens as the leaching proceeded in the presence of galvanic interaction. Coupled CuFeS 2 /FeS 2 , ZnS/FeS 2 and CuFeS 2 /FeS 2 /ZnS systems showed improved metal dissolution as compared to leaching of single large specimens. Scanning electron microscope observations showed that there were no major changes on pyrite surfaces when in galvanic contact with chalcopyrite and/or sphalerite. These observations have been supported by chemical data and by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.
Ancient Argentavis soars again

Approximately 6 million years ago, in what is now Argentina, an enormous bird ranged across the region from the Andes Mountains to the pampas. Imagine a bird that has a condor-like body, weighs as much as a person, and has a wingspan nearly that of a small airplane. Imagine further that this bird has a 55-cm-long skull with a massive, eagle-like beak large enough to swallow a rabbit whole. Argentavis magnificens, the giant teratorn, fits this description. In addition to the general fascination stimulated by any huge (but safely extinct) carnivore, the fossils of this bird present paleontologists with a number of questions. Did it fly? If so, was it a flapper like a goose or a soarer like its relatives, the condors? Some of the questions about the flight in this huge bird have now been answered by computer models described in this issue of PNAS by Chatterjee et al. (1). Thanks to this work, we now have a clearer picture of the flight abilities of this extinct creature.
Forecasting Surgical Groups’ Total Hours of Elective Cases for Allocation of Block Time Application of Time Series Analysis to Operating Room Management

Background Allocation of the correct amount of operating room (OR) "block time" can provide surgeons with access to sufficient OR time to complete their elective cases while optimally matching staffing with the elective case workload (to maximize labor productivity). To evaluate how to predict accurately total hours of elective cases performed by a surgical group using data from surgical services information systems, the authors addressed the following questions: (1) How many previous 4-week periods of data should be used to minimize error in forecasting a surgical group's total hours of elective cases? (2) Using the number of 4-week periods from question #1, can we detect trends or correlations between successive periods that could be used to improve forecasting accuracy? (3) How can results from questions #1 and #2 be used to calculate an upper prediction bound (upper limit) for the total hours of elective cases that will be completed in a future period? Prediction bounds can be used to budget staffing accurately. Methods Time series analysis was performed on total hours of elective cases over 39 consecutive 4-week periods from 17 surgical groups. Results The average of 12 consecutive periods' total hours of elective cases had an appropriate error profile. The observations within each series of 12 consecutive 4-week periods followed a normal distribution, with each observation of total hours of elective cases not correlated with the subsequent observation. Conclusions The average of the most recent 12 4-week periods can be used to predict surgical groups' future use of block time.
Regional myocardial stress distribution from magnetic resonance image-based mathematical models

The instantaneous regional stress distribution within the myocardium, which cannot be directly measured, has been estimated using improved numerical methods and nonaxisymmetric biventricular geometry. To do this, we have employed computer-aided solid mathematical modeling to generate a three-dimensional representation for an ex vivo canine biventricular unit using magnetic resonance imaging. A two-dimensional transverse section was isolated from the solid mathematical model for regional stress analysis using p-version finite element analysis. Loading conditions and material property descriptions were taken from published reports. Analyses showed the maximum principal stresses to range from -1.76 X 10(5) to 8.52 X 10(5) dynes/cm2 during systolic loading, and from -3.85 X 10(4) to 1.13 X 10(5) dynes/cm2 during diastolic loading. This study demonstrates that magnetic resonance image-based solid mathematical biventricular models are suitable for regional stress analysis using p-version finite element analysis. p-Version finite element analysis using magnetic resonance image-based cardiac representations facilitates in vivo stress-strain analyses and may allow the clinical estimation of regional myocardial stress.