cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The determinants of voting by the National Labor Relations Board on unfair labor practice cases: 1955–1975

This study has employed logit analysis in an attempt to determine important variables that influence the voting by the NLRB on unfair labor practice cases. Pooled regression results on the odds of voting prolabor were reported for the administrations of Eisenhower, Kennedy-Johnson and Nixon and for the entire period 1955–1975. A number of interesting findings are offered in this empirical investigation of the NLRB. First, it was found that if a Board member is reappointed to the Board, the greater will be the odds that the member will vote prolabor. This verifies the speculation that the Democrats preferred a solidly prolabor voting Board, and that the Republicans desired a strong prolabor voting minority on the Board. Secondly, political variables such as the party of the administration appointing the NLRB member and the member's own political party had an influence on the odds of voting prolabor. If the administration in power was Democratic or if the Board member was a Democrat, the greater were the odds that the member would vote prolabor. Even if a member of the Board professed to be an independent politically, which was the case for two members during the Eisenhower Administration, this variable was found to have a positive effect on prolabor voting for that particular administration and for the entire study period. Also, in the Eisenhower and Nixon administrations, being a former nonmember employee of the NLRB may have had some impact on the voting behavior. Finally, variables for economic conditions in the economy were introduced into the regression equations to test whether or not these variables had any effect on the voting behavior of the NLRB members. In almost all of the logit models reported, the unemployment rate had an influence on voting by Board members. The effect was found to be positive in the Eisenhower period and negative in the Kennedy-Johnson and Nixon periods. The effect for the entire period was positive. It is suggested that whether or not the influence of the unemployment rate on the voting on unfair labor practice cases was positive or negative depended on how the Board perceived the role of organized labor in the tradeoff between inflation and unemployment. If the members believe that organized labor's demands for higher wages caused accelerated inflation when the administration in power was simultaneously trying to reduce unemployment, then the odds of the member voting prolabor were reduced. Besides the unemployment rate, some other economic condition variables that were found to have a possible effect on NLRB voting during the Kennedy-Johnson administration were real GNP, strike days lost, and union membership in the United States. While admittedly this study is only a first attempt at modeling the voting behavior of the NLRB on important unfair labor practice decisions, we believe that we have captured some of the most important political and economic variables that effect the behavior of a quasi-judicial agency — the NLRB.
On the performance of damaged linear networks

The conductivity of a structured or unstructured, finite or infinite linear network consisting of nodes connected by links of varying conductance is discussed. The rate of transport of mass, heat, electricity, analogue signal, or digitized information across each link is given by the product of the link conductance and the difference in the corresponding nodal values of an appropriate driving potential. Balance equations at each node provide us with a system of linear equations whose coefficients depend on the link conductances. Link damage or disruption causes a perturbation nodal field that affects the performance of the entire network. An expression for the perturbation field relative to that established over an unperturbed network in the absence of link damage or disruption is derived based on a generalization of the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula. The generalized formula provides us with the inverse of a perturbed matrix that differs from an unperturbed matrix by a sum of tensor vector products. The theoretical formulation suggests a venue for computing the effective conductance of an imperfect network and assessing critical conditions for global disruption.
A kinetic theory of polymeric fluids

Abstract Molecular theories of polymeric fluids, both solutions and melts, have now been developed to a stage in which a broad class of nonlinear rheological phenomena may be described qualitatively and, in some cases, quantitatively. The theories contain several parameters, such as friction coefficients, chain length, and spring constants, that are determined by fitting data on rheological properties. This paper summarizes the development of these polymer kinetic theories, and particular attention is paid to the derivation of a rather general molecular theory expression for the stress tensor. The earlier dilute solution results of Kramers, Riseman and Kirkwood, and Rouse, as well as the results of the reptation theory of Doi and Edwards for melts fit into this general development.
Uniformity of Kilo-Pixel Arrays of Transition-Edge Sensors for X-ray Astronomy

We are developing kilo-pixel arrays of transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeters for use in future laboratory and space based X-ray astrophysics experiments. These arrays are required to achieve an energy resolution of ΔE FWHM <; 3 eV full-width-half-maximum (FWHM) in the soft X-ray energy range. In this contribution we report on the development of 32 × 32 arrays of Mo/Au TESs with Bi/Au X-ray absorbers. We present measurements from 8 × 8 test arrays and 32 × 32 uniform arrays. Measurements of the bias point resistance and magnetic field dependence of the transition properties show that by carefully tuning the applied magnetic field the requirements on T C and magnetic field uniformity can be reduced whilst maintaining the target energy resolution. Results show ΔE FWHM ≈ 2.0 - 2.5 eV FWHM at a photon energy of 6 keV, measured across several pixels. Despite larger than typical T C variation across the detector, time division multiplexed readout of 30 common electrically biased pixels in the 32 × 32 array (in a 2 column × 16 row configuration) show an average ΔE FWHM = 3.0 ± 0.3 eV.
Forum on critical care issues in liver transplantation: Neurological concerns

This edition of “The Crucible” contains the first installment of what we hope will become an ongoing discussion of critical care issues in liver transplantation. After considering an agenda of salient critical care topics, we chose to inaugurate the Critical Care Forum with this discussion on neurological concerns. Intensivists, transplant surgeons, and others involved in the immediate postoperative care of liver transplant recipients generally do not expect a serious neurological setback after transplantation. We expect that a functioning allograft will generally improve neurological impairment, especially in those patients with certain preexisting metabolic encephalopathies. Despite this rather naive optimism, neurological events do occur and account for a large portion of perioperative complications. Clinical series have documented neurological complications in 8.3% to 47% of all patients receiving liver transplantation.1–4 These neurological events, which can range from seizures to stroke to coma, are often first recognized while the patient is still in the intensive care unit. For those of us whose primary specialty is not neurology, the neurological specialist has become an important colleague and an invaluable resource in caring for these patients. We have asked Jeffrey Frank, MD, from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, to address how he would evaluate and care for the patient with altered consciousness before liver transplantation. Dr Frank is Director of the Neuromedical/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Dr Frank is a popular speaker on the neurological manifestations of the patient with liver disease and the clinical approach to the patient in coma. Eelco Wijdicks, MD, provides us with his approach to the patient who experiences impaired consciousness after liver transplantation. Dr Wijdicks is a consultant in the Department of Neurology and Co-Director of the Neurology/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr Wijdicks has lectured and written extensively on brain edema, intracranial hemorrhage, central pontine myelinolysis, and the neuromuscular complications that are sometimes observed after liver transplantation. In some clinical series, seizure is the most frequent neurological complication after liver transplantation.1–4 We have asked Zbigniew Wszolek, MD, to address this frequent and sometimes troublesome issue. Dr Wszolek is Medical Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. Dr Wszolek has combined his expertise in neurophysiology with an extensive clinical experience in caring for liver transplant recipients. He is uniquely qualified to address the topic of ‘Seizures After Liver Transplantation’.
The client with substance abuse/mental illness: mandate for collaboration

Persons who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and mental illness present a significant challenge to mental health professionals in all phases of treatment. The authors explore some of the factors that contribute to the confusion surrounding the care of these persons, including the prevalence and complexity of the problem; current understanding of the effect of drug-induced neurophysiological changes on the central nervous system and the cognitive function/dysfunction of persons with a major mental illness; the difficulties presented by parallel treatment systems for mental illness and chemical addiction; and the need for a shift to interdisciplinary education to integrate services into the practice setting.
Another look at the relative impact of workplace design on training transfer for supervisory communication skills

This ethnographic study extends the findings of earlier research that authenticated the impact of workplace design features on newly acquired communication skills back on the job. The qualitative nature of the earlier study, however, limited quantitative measurement of workplace design features that may have an impact on learned skills. This study examined supervisor perceptions about the relative importance of organizational factors that affect transfer and prioritized the importance of specific design features to support learned communication skills. Research findings validate earlier research that workplace design is another work environment influence that may facilitate or impede the ultimate success of a training intervention for performance improvement.
ortho-Substituted Polychlorinated Biphenyls Alter Microsomal Calcium Transport by Direct Interaction with Ryanodine Receptors of Mammalian Brain

Abstract A stringent structure-activity relationship among polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) possessing two or moreortho-chlorine substituents is observed for activation of ryanodine receptors in mammalian brain, revealing an arylhydrocarbon receptor-independent mechanism through which non-coplanar PCBs disrupt neuronal Ca2+ signaling. Of the congeners assayed, non-coplanar PCB 95 exhibits the highest potency (EC50 = 12–24 μm) toward activating high affinity [3H]ryanodine-binding in rat hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Coplanar PCB 66 and PCB 126 have no ryanodine receptor activity in all brain regions examined. PCB 95 enhances [3H]ryanodine-binding affinity and capacity by significantly altering modulation by Ca2+ and Mg2+, thereby stabilizing a high affinity conformation of the ryanodine receptor. Ca2+ transport measurements using cortical microsomes reveal that PCB 95 discriminates between inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate- and ryanodine-sensitive stores. PCB 95 selectively mobilizes Ca2+ from ryanodine-sensitive stores in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 = 3.5 μm) and is completely inhibited by ryanodine receptor blockers, whereas coplanar PCBs are inactive. These data demonstrate that ortho-substituted PCBs disrupt Ca2+transport in central neurons by direct interaction with ryanodine receptors, showing high selectivity and specificity. Alteration of Ca2+ signaling mediated by ryanodine receptors in specific regions of the central nervous system may account, at least in part, for the significant impact of these agents toward neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity in mammals.
Black/White Racial Disparities in Health: A Cross-Country Comparison of Canada and the United States

Research on health disparities in the United States has consistently reported poorer health outcomes among racial/ethnic minorities relative to whites, particularly among African Americans.1-2 In Canada, there are limited studies on racial/ethnic groups, presumably because of concerns about small samples, confidentiality, and an emphasis on socioeconomic inequalities.3 The body of literature regarding black Canadians, which compose 2.5% of the nation, is beginning to emerge. The existing literature indicates that the burden of disease may be greater for black Canadians compared with their white counterparts, and that black Canadians face a number of barriers to achieving good health, including poverty, difficulty accessing health care, discrimination, and poor health behaviors.4-8 We obtained nationally representative estimates of health indicators among native-born black Canadians, and compared these estimates with those of native-born white Canadians. We replicated the analyses using a US sample of African Americans . . .
Experimental studies on the interactions between Au nanoparticles and amino acids: bio-based formation of branched linear chains.

Biomacromolecules represent new structures employed for the fabrication, assembly, and subsequent use of nanomaterials for a variety of applications. By genetically selecting for the binding abilities of these bio-based molecules, the generation of materials with enhanced and environmentally sound properties is possible. Unfortunately, the level of understanding as to how the biomolecules bind and arrange on the nanomaterial surface is incomplete. Recent experimental and theoretical results suggest that the binding is dependent upon the peptide composition, sequence, and structure; however, these results were obtained for two-dimensional surfaces of the targeted inorganic material. Changing of the sample from two-dimensional targets to in solution three-dimensional nanomaterials presents a challenge because the level of analytical characterization for the latter system is minimal. Here we present our recent studies on the interactions between Au nanoparticles and the amino acid arginine. In our experiment...
Using real-time PCR to determine transgene copy number in wheat

Transgene copy number is usually determined by means of Southern blot analysis which can be time consuming and laborious. In this study, quantitative real-time PCR was developed to determine transgene copy number in transgenic wheat. A conserved wheat housekeeping gene,puroindoline-b, was used as an internal control to calculate transgene copy number. Estimated copy number in transgenic lines using real-time quantitative PCR was correlated with actual copy number based on Southern blot analysis. Real-time PCR can analyze hundreds of samples in a day, making it an efficient method for estimating copy number in transgenic wheat.
Histone proteins inhibit activation of the interferon-induced protein kinase by binding to double-stranded RNA

Bulk calf thymus histone proteins, when included in reaction mixtures, inhibit activation of partially purified double-stranded (ds) RNA-dependent protein kinase, and are themselves only poorly pho...
Burkitt Lymphoma: Much More than MYC

Chromosomal translocations causing deregulated c-MYC expression are detectable in most Burkitt lymphoma cases. However, little is known about the additional lesions necessary for lymphomagenesis. Now, two independent studies, one of which was performed by Sander et al. in this issue of Cancer Cell, identify constitutive PI3K signaling and CyclinD3 mutations as cooperating lesions in both mice and humans. The results have directly actionable therapeutic implications.
Bremsstrahlung of very low-energy quanta in elementary particle collisions

It is shown that the first two terms in the series expansion of the differential bremsstrahlung cross section (in powers of the energy loss) may be calculated exactly in terms of the corresponding elastic amplitude and the electromagnetic constants of the participating particles.
Lack of correlation between basal cell survival and gross response in irradiated swine skin

Abstract The relationship between basal cell survival and gross response in irradiated swine skin was tested by comparing dose survival curves derived from time-dose isoeffect data with curves obtained directly from basal cell counts in histological sections. Assuming equal effect per exposure and constant cell survival at isoeffect, best-fitting singlehit multi-target and linear-quadratic response curves were determined for time-dose schedules resulting in nonhealing of 50% of irradiated fields. Basal cell survivals for single doses of 970, 1649, 2231, and 2619 rad were estimated 1) by counting regenerating islands and 2) by monitoring total basal cell counts through time. The dose survival curve derived from the isoeffect data was steeper than the curve obtained from direct basal cell counts. Furthermore, the direct basal cell survival curve extrapolates to less than 100% at zero dose, indicating the presence of a resistant basal cell subpopulation. The data show that the isoeffect in this case is not strongly coupled to basal cell survival. Rather, the probability of healing of an irradiated field is more sensitive to the dose per fraction than is basal cell survival, implying a contribution to non-healing from damage to stromal elements such as the capillary endothelium.
Spatial distribution of malate dehydrogenase in chitosan scaffolds.

In this work, confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to study the spatial distribution of malate dehydrogenase immobilized within three-dimensional macroporous chitosan scaffolds. The scaffolds were fabricated from solutions of native and hydrophobically modified chitosan polymer through the process of thermally induced phase separation. The hydrophobically modified chitosan is proposed to possess amphiphilic micelles into which the enzyme can be encapsulated and retained. To test this theory, we applied the immobilization procedure of Klotzbach and co-workers [J. Membr. Sci. 2006, 282 (1−2), 276−283] to solutions of fluorophore-tagged malate dehydrogenase in the presence of native and hydrophobically modified chitosan polymer and then tracked the distribution of enzymes in the resulting scaffolds using fluorescent microscopy. Results suggest that the modified chitosan does encapsulate the enzyme with a significant degree of retention and with altered distribution patterns, suggesting that hydrophobi...
On the Impact of Future Land Use Assumptions on Risk Analysis for Superfund Sites

In this paper, assumptions regarding future land use as a key uncertainty is considered and its impact on risk analysis for contaminated sites is assessed. Risks are assessed for two land use scenarios (current-use industrial and future-use residential) using probabilistic models that incorporate uncertainty and variability in the exposure parameters. Residual risks are calculated for both industrial and residential cleanup standards. A Superfund site in northern California is considered. In general, for the unremediated case, the future-use residential scenarios produce larger risks (1 to 3 orders of magnitude) than current- (continued) use industrial scenarios. For the Superfund site studied, the residual risks calculated for the remedy selected was not sufficiently protective of future-use residents in that it did not meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) risk goals, but was protective of current-use workers, even though the cleanup criteria were based on residential use. Alternative risk management practices, such as deed restrictions, can be used in such cases.
Using peer review in teaching computing

For generations, the academic community has relied on peer review as a way of encouraging scholarship and enhancing the knowledge base. Peer review has been widely used in the classroom since at least the 1970s, with hundreds of papers on its use in diverse academic fields appearing in the literature (for a comprehensive survey, see [1]). Its use appears to be on the upswing, given the current interest in active learning and teamwork. In computer science, peer review seems to have very broad application. It can be used to evaluate the contributions of various members to a project team; it can be used for design documents and code reviews, in writing assignments, and in capstone project courses. The experience of the panelists is illustrative of the wide range of peer-review practices. This panel will serve to introduce the audience to some of these applications. Since many computer-science instructors have experimented with peer review, we are anxious to have them share their experiences during the open discussion period.
762 CEFACLOR (B.I.D. v T.I.D.)v AMOXICILLIN IN THE TREAMENT OF ACUTE OTITIS MEDIA (AOM)

A double-blind randomized study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Cefaclor in treatment of AOM. 72 children with AOM were randomly assigned to three groups:Cefaclor 40mgm/kg/day BID, (A,n=25),TID (B,n=23)Amoxicillin 40mgm/kg/day TID (C,n=24). All patients were treated 14 days. The age range of the patients was 1mo-16yr. Tympanocentesis (Tymp) was done on day 1 in 56; 19 had +ve cultures for pathogens(A=11, B=3, C=5). 12 patients had Tymp on day 2 of therapy for persistance of pathogens;1(B) had +ve culture. All organisms were sensitive to Amoxicillin and Cefaclor. Clinical response was evaluated on day 2-4 and day 14-18 for resolution of AOM and for middle ear effusion (MEF) by pneumatoscopy and tympanometry. All patients had defervescence of symptoms (fever, earache and irritability)within 24hrs. The results in the 3 groups were as follows: Our results show that Cefaclor is as effective as Amoxicillin in the treatment of AOM. Further, Cefaclor BID was as effective as TID regimens. BID regimen has the advantage of better patient compliance, especially if this can be confirmed in larger studies.
Surface properties of copolymers of alkyl methacrylates with, methoxy (polyethylene oxide) metiiacrylates and their application as protein-resistant coatings

New polymeric surfactants, copolymers of alkyl methacrylates with methoxy (polyethylene oxide) methacrylates, were synthesized and characterized by gel permeation chromatography. They were studied as possible means to produce polyethylene oxide-rich surfaces by a simple coating treatment on common Hydrophobie medical materials. They were further studied as cleaners for the removal of proteins preadsorfaed on hydrophobic surfaces. The surface properties of the copolymers such as the adsorption properties of the copolymer on a hydrophobic surface, low density polyethylene, the protein-resistant character of the prepared polyethylene oxide surfaces and the effectiveness of the copolymers for removal of proteins pre-adsorbed on the surface, were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by using 125l-labelled copolymers and 125l-labelled proteins. The surface properties of the synthesized copolymers were compared with those of commercially available polyethylene oxide containing block copolymer surfactants.
Trinucleon energy using the unitary pole approximation to Reid's soft core potential☆

Abstract We use Reid's deuteron wave function to find the unitray pole approximation to the 3S1 - 3D1 t-matrix for his local potential. We use this, with the UPA to his 1S0 potential, and find a trinucleon energy of −7.45 MeV and a doublet scattering length of 1.6fm.
Size effects and idealized dislocation microstructure at small scales: Predictions of a Phenomenological model of Mesoscopic Field Dislocation Mechanics: Part II

Abstract In Part I of this set of two papers, a model of mesoscopic plasticity is developed for studying initial-boundary value problems of small scale plasticity. Here we make qualitative, finite element method-based computational predictions of the theory. We demonstrate size effects and the development of strong inhomogeneity in simple shearing of plastically constrained grains. Non-locality in elastic straining leading to a strong Bauschinger effect is analyzed. Low shear strain boundary layers in constrained simple shearing of infinite layers of polycrystalline materials are not predicted by the model, and we justify the result based on an examination of the no-dislocation-flow boundary condition. The time-dependent, spatially homogeneous, simple shearing solution of PMFDM is studied numerically. The computational results and an analysis of continuous dependence with respect to initial data of solutions for a model linear problem point to the need for a nonlinear study of a stability transition of the homogeneous solution with decreasing grain size and increasing applied deformation. The continuous-dependence analysis also points to a possible mechanism for the development of spatial inhomogeneity in the initial stages of deformation in lower-order gradient plasticity theory. Results from thermal cycling of small scale beams/films with different degrees of constraint to plastic flow are presented showing size effects and reciprocal-film-thickness scaling of dislocation density boundary layer width. Qualitative similarities with results from discrete dislocation analyses are noted where possible. We discuss the convergence of approximate solutions with mesh refinement and its implications for the prediction of dislocation microstructure development, motivated by the notion of measure-valued solutions to conservation laws.
A density statement generalizing Schur's theorem

Generalisation du theoreme de Schur relatif aux partitions d'ensembles sous la forme d'un theoreme ergodique de densite
Globalizing the Humanities Curriculum: The World Civilizations Course

(1986). Globalizing the Humanities Curriculum: The World Civilizations Course. The Social Studies: Vol. 77, No. 6, pp. 240-245.
Two-Dimensional Ultrafast Fourier Transform Spectroscopy in the Deep Ultraviolet

We demonstrate two-dimensional ultrafast fourier transform spectroscopy in the deep ultraviolet (~260 nm) using an acousto-optic modulator based pulse shaper. The use of a pulse shaper in the ultraviolet allows for rapid scanning, high phase (time) stability (~0.017 rad) and phase cycling. We present measurements on the DNA nucleobase Adenine.
Physiological effects of ultrasound mist on fibroblasts.

Background Chronic wounds present an increasing challenge in healthcare and consume a substantial portion of healthcare cost. Although new treatments have been developed, treatment success has not been improved greatly. Ultrasound has long been employed in medicine. Its unique ability to deliver energy makes it an ideal candidate as a wound care modality. We proposed that ultrasound would differentially affect intracellular signaling pathways and, with the ability to assess this effect using a noncontact form of ultrasound, were provided with a means to test this proposal. Methods The cellular morphology, mitogenic activities, expression of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1), and activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways of dermal fibroblasts were studied after ultrasound treatment. Untreated and scrape-wounded fibroblasts were utilized as controls. Results There was no difference in morphology observed, except for vacuolization in ultrasound-treated fibroblasts. Mitogenic activities were similar between ultrasound-treated and scrape-wounded fibroblasts. Ultrasound-treated fibroblasts exhibited a much earlier increase in KGF expression, ERK activation, and JNK activation. The ERK/JNK ratio was increased markedly in ultrasound-treated fibroblasts. Conclusion We conclude that ultrasound induces cellular responses that may be beneficial to wound healing.
Tonic Descending Modulation of Spinal Neurons With Renal Input

Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of tonically active descending pathways on thoracolumbar spinal neurons that respond to renal nerve stimulation in anesthetized cats. We examined the effect of reversible blockade of spinal conduction on spontaneous activity, responses to renal nerve stimulation and responses to somatic stimuli of 71 spinal neurons. Mid-thoracic cold block resulted in enhanced responses (tonically inhibited neurons), reduced responses (tonically excited neurons), or did not affect neuronal responses. The spontaneous activity of 47 of 69 neurons (68%) increased from 7.3 +/- 2.0 spikes/s before cooling to 23.3 +/- 4.5 spikes/s during cooling. Activity of 8 neurons (12%) decreased while 14 (20%) had no change in activity. Cooling increased the responses of 51 of 71 neurons (72%) to renal nerve stimulation. Renal nerve stimulation evoked a two-fold increase in both short latency (early) and long latency (late) responses. Four neurons had a late response which was revealed by cold block. Cooling decreased responses of 8 of 71 neurons (11%) and 9 neurons (13%) were not affected. Cooling increased the early responses but decreased the late responses of 3 of 71 neurons (4%). All neurons had somatic receptive fields and 33 of 56 exhibited increased responses to somatic stimulation during cooling. In addition, receptive field sizes of 26 neurons increased. Four neurons had a decrease and 25 neurons had no change in receptive field size during cooling. These data indicate that tonically active descending pathways modulate the activity of most spinal neurons with renal input and the major effect of these pathways is inhibitory. This influence may be important in the modulation of spinal circuits that participate in reflexes evoked by renal afferent fibers.
Laboratory Study of Air Sparging of TCE-Contaminated Saturated Soils and Ground Water

Air sparging has proven to be an effective remediation technique for treating saturated soils and ground water contaminated by volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since little is known about the system variables and mass transfer mechanisms important to air sparging, several researchers have recently performed laboratory investigations to study such issues. This paper presents the results of column experiments performed to investigate the behavior of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), specifically trichloroethylene (TCE), during air sparging. The specific objectives of the study were (1) to compare the removal of dissolved TCE with the removal of dissolved light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), such as benzene or toluene; (2) to determine the effect of injected air-flow rate on dissolved TCE removal; (3) to determine the effect of initial dissolved TCE concentration on removal efficiency; and (4) to determine the differences in removal between dissolved and pure-chase TCE. The test results showed that (1) the removal of dissolved TCE was similar to that of dissolved LNAPL; (2) increased air-injection rates led to increased TCE removal at lower ranges of air injection, but further increases at higher ranges of air injection did not increase the rate of removal, indicating a threshold removal rate had beenmore » reached; (3) increased initial concentration of dissolved TCE resulted in similar rates of removal; and (4) the removal pf pure-phase TCE was difficult using a low air-injection rate, but higher air-injection rates led to easier removal.« less
Trophic changes following early unilateral injury to the brain.

SUMMARY Measurements of the lengths of the feet and hands are reported for 15 neurologically normal children and for 17 children with left and 12 with right cerebral lesions. For those with left lesions the length of the left hand and foot significantly exceeded the right, while for those with right lesions the right hand and foot significantly exceeded the left. No significant foot or hand differences were found among the neurologically normal children. These findings demonstrate the association of atrophic limb-changes with unilateral brain lesions, and suggest that asymmetrical foot and hand growth may be a biological marker of early cerebral lesions. RESUME Modifications trophiques a la suite d'une altieration cerebrale unilaterale precoce L'article rapporte des mesures de longueur des pieds et des mains effectuees chez 15 enfants neurologiquement normaux, chez 17 enfants avec lesions cerebrales gauches et chez 12 enfants avec lesions cerebrales droites. En cas de lesion gauche, la longueur de la main et du pied gauche excedait significativement le cote droit alors qu'en cas de lesion droite, la longueur de la main et du pied droit excedait le cote gauche. Aucune difference significative pour le pied ou la main n'ont ete trouvee chez les enfants neurologiquement normaux. Ces donnees demontrent l'association de modifications atrophiques des membres avec des lesions cerebrales unilaterales et suggerent qu'une croissance asymetrique du pied ou de la main peut etre un marqueur biologique de lesion cerebrale precoce. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Trophische V eranderungen nach fruhem einseitigem Hirnschaden Bei 15 neurologisch gesunden Kindern und bei 17 Kindern mit links- und 12 mit rechtsseitigen Himlasionen wurden die Fus-und Handlangen gemessen. Die Kinder mit linksseitigen Lasionen hatten signifikant langere linke Hande und Fuse, wahrend die mit rechtsseitigen Lasionen signifikant langere rechte Hande und Fuse hatten. Unter den gesunden Kindern fanden sich keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen rechts und links. Diese Befunde zeigen die Beziehung atrophischer Gliedmaseveranderungen mit einseitigen Hirnlasionen und lassen vermuten, das asymmetrisches Hand- und Fuswachstum ein biologischer Hinweis auf eine fruhe Himlasion sein kann. RESUMEN Cambios troficos consecutivos a un insulto cerebral unilateral precoz Se aportan las mediciones de la longitud de mano y pies realizadas en 15 ninos neurologicamente normales y en 17 ninos con lesion cerebral izquierda y 12 con lesion derecha. En aquellos con lesion izquierda la longitud de la mano y pie derechos superaba significativamente la del lado izquierdo. No se hallo ninguna diferencia en los ninos neurologicamente normales. Estos hallazgos demuestran la asociacion de cambios troficos en las extremidades en casos de lesiones cerebrales unilaterales y sugieren que un crecimiento asimetrico de piey mano puede ser un signo biologico de una lesion cerebral precoz.
Homonuclear proton cross relaxation in the presence of paramagnetic metal ions

Abstract Homonuclear cross relaxation for a proton pair with external relaxation is evaluated theoretically. Results for nuclear Overhauser effect experiments and for two-dimensional NOESY spectra are given. The effects of internal motion are treated. The calculations give insight into experimental results obtained from cross-relaxation studies of proteins containing paramagnetic metals. When external relaxation is present, a much longer correlation time is required for the spins to be in the pure spin-diffusion limit. The value of the NOE enhancement becomes dependent on the interproton distance when external relaxation is significant. The initial slope of cross-peak evolution in two-dimensional spectra is not significantly changed by external relaxation. The slope is, however, very sensitive to the rotational correlation time. The implications of the theoretical analysis for comparing interproton distances for pairs of protons near and distant from the paramagnetic metal are summarized.
Mast cells modulate the inflammatory but not the proliferative response in healing wounds.

Upon stimulation, mast cells release a heterogeneous group of factors that promote inflammation and influence cell proliferation, Mast cells accumulate at sites of injury, further suggesting a critical role in wound healing. To assess the importance of mast cells in tissue repair, we compared wound healing in mast cell-deficient WBB6FI /J-Kit W /Kit w - v (Klt W /Kit W - v ) and wild type WBB6F1 /++ (WT) mice. During the inflammatory phase, neutrophil infiltration into wounds of the KitW/Kit w - v mice was significantly less than that of WT mice (84.6 + 10.3 vs. 218 ′ 26.0 cells/ 10 high-power fields at day 3, p < 0.001), while wound macrophage and T cell infiltration were similar in both strains. The decrease in neutrophils could not be explained by changes in tumor necrosis factor-a or macrophage inflammatory protein-2 levels, because the amounts of these two neutrophil chemoattractants were similar in both Kit w /Kit w - v and WT mice. Surprisingly, the absence of mast cells had no effect on the proliferative aspects of wound healing, including reepithelializatlon, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis. Although mast cells are known to release proangiogenic mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor levels were similar in WT and Kit w /Kit w - v mice. Moreover, levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 were increased in Kit w /Kit w - v mice (4206 ′ 107 vs. 1865 ′ 249 pg/ml, p < 0.01). These results suggest that mast cells modulate the recruitment of neutrophils into sites of injury, yet indicate that mast cells are unlikely to exert a major Influence on the proliferative response within healing wounds.
Development of an open-source high-performance battery management system

This paper presents the development of an open-source high-performance battery management system (BMS). The BMS was designed for use on a battery pack of unknown number of cells in an unknown configuration. Each cell is fitted with a battery management board, which is networked with nearby cells creating a peer-to-peer network. The cells communicate with each other to ensure that the cells are all balanced. In the event they are not, a bi-directional DC/DC converter begins to transfer charge from one cell to another until all cells are all balanced. Each board monitors cell voltage, internal cell resistance, current, and estimates cell capacity through coulomb counting. Several applications are described for small companies, academics, and hobbyists.
International Arbitration and Sovereignty

THE GREAT revolutions in the opening decades of the last century – in Mexico and then in Russia – installed a new meaning of sovereignty, the modern version of the ‘command economy’. The state, as the putative representative of the people, would hold inalienable title to the wealth of the national community and reserve an exclusive right to organise and, if it wished, to conduct, through the governmental apparatus, the most critical economic activities. Government subsumed the market. If these revolutionary events had occurred in a global system with little cross-border exchange, their significance would have been limited to the internal affairs of the states where they took place. The world would scarcely have taken notice; and if it had, it would not have cared. But the revolutions coincided with growing international trade and investment, facilitated by unprecedented advances in transportation and communications. So private sector actors in the free market systems of the most economically important parts of the rest of the world increasingly found that they were now conducting business, whether trade or direct investment, with governments rather than, as in the past, with private counterparts. If the law and the national courts applying it had treated governments that engaged in commerce like private parties, the fact that trading partners were now agencies of states would not have altered legal equations. Yet the national courts in free market systems still granted a high degree of immunity, if not absolute immunity, to governments. There were reasons for this practice. In the free-market countries, government officials and the commercial sectors had found an accommodation for their various common and cross-purposes in doctrines of sovereign immunity for other governments when they were hailed into foreign courts. Among other things, this avoided politically costly incidents that could be ignited, often at inconvenient …
The Incidence of Communication Disorders in Dysphagic Patients

A retrospective study investigated the incidence and types of communication problems in 115 patients referred for swallowing difficulties. Each patient had a bedside swallowing evaluation completed...
Experience With Therapeutic Abortion By D&C Suction Type Under Acupuncture Analgesia

This is preliminary report on the use of acupuncture-analgesia in a small series of cases of therapeutic abortion done by suction curettage. It is the author's intention to arouse the interest of anesthesiologists and obstetrician-gynecologists in the procedure. Out of 14 cases, acupuncture-analgesia was satisfactory on 7 cases: 4 cases were partially successful and 3 were failures. In the successful cases, the procedure is simple, cheap and innocuous.
Kin relationship of caregivers and people with dementia: stress and response to intervention.

Objective This study examined the effects of kin relationship on response to use of adult day services (ADS) on feelings of overload, depressive symptoms, and positive affect for family caregivers of people with dementia. Methods The sample consisted of 341 participants drawn from two studies of ADS. The studies used a quasi-experimental design, comparing family caregivers enrolling their care receiver with dementia in an ADS program to a control group not using ADS. Using multilevel model analysis, we examined the main and interaction effects of kin relationship (wife vs. daughters/daughters-in-law), intervention (ADS vs. non-ADS users), and time (baseline, 3 months, and 12 months) on overload, depressive symptoms, and positive affect. Results Kin relationship affected the response to intervention but in a somewhat different way for each outcome measure. For depressive symptoms, both wives and daughters using ADS had lower scores over time compared to controls. Both wives and daughters using ADS had lower feelings of overload over time, but daughters had a greater decline and wives' scores on this measure dropped only to the level found among controls. For positive affect, wives using ADS showed a considerable decline over time. Conclusions These findings suggest that kin relationship is an important moderator of caregivers' response to intervention and warrant more attention both in the design and evaluation of interventions with family caregivers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The first day: it happens only once

Research findings on optimum use of the first day of class are mixed. Past data gathered from students from various disciplines support a first day designed to distribute the course syllabus and explain class expectations, rules, and policies. Additional literature supports a different approach to the first day; one designed to immediately engage students in the course through activities designed intentionally to accomplish more than introducing students to the scholarly objectives of the class. The purpose of this paper is threefold – to identify feasible goals for the first day of class, to present an overview of the limited research related to first-day goals and expectations, and to provide an example of a Recreation and Leisure Studies discipline-related activity to address first-day goals.
Seeking medical care for a breast cancer symptom: determinants of intentions to engage in prompt or delay behavior.

This study examined the cognitive structures underlying women's intentions to delay or not delay seeking medical care for a breast cancer symptom. Middle-aged women imagined that they had just discovered a particular change in their breast, and they completed a questionnaire that assessed variables specified by Ajzen and Fishbein's theory of reasoned action with respect to two alternative courses of action: immediately calling the doctor (i.e., prompt behavior) and monitoring the breast change on one's own (i.e., delay behavior). Also assessed were variables external to the theory that were drawn from previous research on cancer delay. Results showed that intentions to delay were positively associated with having favorable attitudes toward delay and with perceived social pressure to delay; the attitudinal factor, however, was more influential than the social factor in determining intentions. Underlying favorable attitudes toward delay were beliefs that delay would be likely to result in maintaining control over and avoiding the disruption of one's own and others' lives but would be unlikely to result in negative health outcomes. No external variable was found to contribute to intentions to delay above and beyond attitudinal and normative considerations.
Prevention of crescentic glomerulonephritis in SCG/Kj mice by bone marrow transplantation.

AbstractTransplantation of MHC-compatible, T-cell-depleted, bone marrow cells has successfully treated autoimmunities, immunodeficiencies, malignancies, and developmental deficiencies of the hematopoietic system. Recombinant inbred SCG/Kj mice develop spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis, systemic vasculitis, and a lymphoproliferative disorder early in life. To determine whether the precipitous autoimmune disease of SCG/Kj mice could be treated by bone marrow transplantation, 30 SCG/Kj mice were engrafted with T-cell-depleted, bone marrow (TCDM) from allogeneic, MHC-compatible, autoimmune-resistant C3H/He donors, and 30 SCG/Kj mice served as controls and received TCDM from syngeneic, SCG/Kj donors. A significant survival advantage was evident from SCG/Kj mice engrafted with C3H/He TCDM (p < 0.005), and an 89% extension of median survival compared to recipients of SCG/Kj TCDM. Within 28 weeks post-transplantation, 62% of mice engrafted with SCG/Kj TCDM had died with clinical signs of fatal crescentic ...
Somatosensory Cortex: Structural Alterations following Early Injury to Sense Organs

In mouse somatosensory cortex there are discrete cytoarchitectonic units, called "barrels." Each barrel is related to one sensory vibrissa on the muzzle. Individual vibrissae were carefully injured at birth; 12 to 43 days later, the corresponding barrels proved to be absent. Evidently the sensory periphery has an important influence on the structure of the somatosensory cortex.
Rapid quantitation of estrogens by diazotization and direct thin layer densitometry.

Abstract Fast Violet Salt B (6-benzoylamino-4-methoxy-5-toluidine, diazonium salt) reacts with estrogens to form stable yellow compounds. These can be separated by thin layer chromatography and quantitated directly with a double beam spectrodensitometer. The method is sensitive enough to measure 0.05 μg steroid.
3He-4He mixtures in aerogel

Superfluid density and heat capacity experiments on3He-4He mixtures in 98% porous aerogel show that in this system the coexistence boundary is detached from the superfluid transition line. The tricritical point is removed, and there is a superfluid phase on the3He rich side of the phase diagram. The presence of heat capacity peaks along the transition line down to a4He concentration of only 8% indicates the 3-dimensional nature of this transition.