cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Release hallucinations” as the major symptom of posterior cerebral artery occlusion: A report of 2 cases

Visual hallucinations were the presenting symptoms in 2 patients with probable infarcts in the territory of a posterior cerebral artery. They occurred in areas of paracentral scotomas, right in Patient 1 and left in Patient 2. In Patient 1 they were formed, prolonged, and not apparently related to past experience. In Patient 2 they were at first paroxysmal and unformed, with more prolonged metamorphopsia; later there appeared to be palinoptic formed images, possibly postictal in nature. Such hallucinations appear to be of a "release" type, and may be more common than is generally appreciated in patients with posterior cerebral artery occlusion.
Prehospital intubation of brain-injured patients.

Purpose of review The article reviews the evidence for and against early intubation for brain-injured patients. Recent findings Although theoretical advantages to early intubation include airway protection, improved oxygenation, and control of ventilation, recent clinical data document an association between early intubation and mortality. This likely reflects some degree of selection bias when considering intubation without the use of neuromuscular blocking agents. Paramedic use of these drugs, however, has also been associated with higher mortality. Subgroup analysis from the San Diego Paramedic Rapid Sequence Intubation Trial and outcome data following air medical intubation suggest that suboptimal performance of intubation and subsequent ventilation may play an important role in determining the procedure's potential benefit or harm. In addition, refining patient selection criteria for early intubation may result in better outcomes. Summary Available evidence is inconclusive regarding the role for early intubation following acute brain injury. Suboptimal performance of intubation and subsequent ventilation may offset potential benefits of the procedure. In addition, studies to better define the patient population benefiting from early intubation will help avoid exposing other patients to a potentially dangerous procedure.
Anxiety disorders in the elderly: The emerging role of behavior therapy

In recent years, behavior therapists have made a deliberate effort to expand their horizons to include underserved populations. The application of behavioral and cognitive behavioral procedures to anxiety disorders in the elderly represents one such beginning effort. In this review, we will present an overview of available literature concerning the psychopathology, assessment, and behavioral treatment of the anxiety disorders in later life. As will be noted, research is beginning to elucidate specific features and treatment of anxiety in the elderly, although the majority of this attention has been directed at Generalized Anxiety Disorder, specific phobias, and non-clinical anxiety complaints. Areas for future research are highlighted throughout this review, in the hopes of stimulating increased attention in these areas.
Elementary School Placements of African American Students Who Are Profoundly Deaf

Data from the third wave (2003—2004) of the Special Education Elementary Longitudinal Study are used to generate nationally representative estimates of current school and classroom placements of elementary school—aged students who are African American and profoundly deaf. These students are found to have less access to regular schools and less access to typical classroom placements within schools than their White peers.
Archaeological Context and Systemic Context

The cultural aspect of the processes responsible for forming the archaeological record is argued to be an underdeveloped branch of archaeological theory. A flow model is presented by which to view the "life history" or processes of systemic context of any material element. This model accounts for the production of a substantial portion of the archaeological record. The basic processes of this model are: procurement, manufacture, use, maintenance, and discard. Refuse labels the state of an element in archaeological context. The spatial implications of the model suggest a largely untapped source of behavioral information. Differential refuse disposal patterns are examined as they affect artifact location and association. The meaning of element relative frequencies in refuse is discussed.
Entangled Photon Absorption in an Organic Porphyrin Dendrimer

Two-photon absorption spectroscopy is an intensity dependent nonlinear effect related to the excitation of virtual intermediate states. The classical two-photon absorption has an extremely low efficiency which is quantified by its cross-section (delta approximately 10(-48) cm4 s at 800 nm). To overcome this limitation, we demonstrate a novel effect of the two-photon absorption method utilizing the high degree of quantum optical correlation between photon pairs created by the process of spontaneous parametric downconversion. A large entangled two-photon absorption cross-section (delta(e) approximately 10(-17) cm2 at 800 nm) was measured in an organic porphyrin dendrimer. We also discuss the nonmonotonic behavior of variation of the entangled two-photon absorption cross-section by controlling the entanglement time. This novel effect may open new avenues for ultrasensitive detection in chemical and biological systems. TPA spectroscopy has been considered as a powerful tool in physics, chemistry, and biology. The inherent nonlinear process of the classical TPA is distinguishable from the single photon absorption (SPA) linear process. Although the benefits of greater penetration depth and better control and reduction of scattering, the TPA spectroscopy has been restricted by the necessity of a high power optical source due to the low efficiency of the TPA effect. The use of entangled photons from a correlated source for the purpose of the two-photon effect is promising in this regard as one may obtain two-photon effects with very small numbers of photons.
Dickinson's Because I could not Stop For Death

(2007). Dickinson's Because I could not Stop For Death. The Explicator: Vol. 65, No. 2, pp. 95-96.
Effects of consumers and nitrogen availability on heterotrophic microbial activity during leaf decomposition in headwater streams

SUMMARY 1. Microbial processes in streams may be influenced by bottom-up factors, such as nutrient availability, and by top-down factors, such as the activity of upper trophic levels. The latter pathway has been well described between autotrophs and grazers, but the effects of consumers on heterotrophic basal trophic levels may also be important. Consumers may influence microbial activity through consumption of microbial biomass and by altering nutrient availability via consumer nutrient recycling (CNR). 2. We investigated the effects of two shredder taxa, Gammarus spp. and Tipula spp., on nitrogen (N) uptake during organic matter decomposition by leaf-associated heterotrophic microbial assemblages under conditions of ambient and enriched N availability in stream mesocosms. Colonised red maple leaves were placed in mesocosms with low ( 800 l gL � 1 ) nitrate concentration in the presence of amphipods, tipulids or no shredders. To test the importance of consumption and CNR, leaf packs were constructed from both coarse and fine mesh, which respectively allowed or prevented shredders from consuming detritus. 3. Nitrogen enrichment generally increased red maple breakdown rates, while shredder influence on leaf breakdown was taxon specific. Feeding by tipulids increased red maple breakdown rate compared with amphipods, although not significantly. While feeding by amphipods did not directly influence breakdown rates, amphipod nutrient recycling stimulated leaf breakdown rate by the same magnitude as the N-enrichment treatment. 4. Fungal biomass increased with N enrichment. However, this did not lead to changes in N uptake, which was extremely variable and did not respond significantly to either treatment. In general, N uptake (per leaf mass) was greatest under enriched N conditions when tipulids were present. 5. Our results indicate that both top-down and bottom-up factors influence microbial activity in heterotrophic systems and suggest that consumers may play important roles in detrital processing, not only through direct consumption but also through nutrient recycling.
Adenoviral-mediated gene transfer to murine small intestine is more efficient in neonates than adults☆

Abstract Purpose: The authors sought to assess the feasibility of in vivo gene transfer to the small intestine using recombinant adenovirus in neonatal and adult mice. Methods: H5.010CMV lacZ is a replication-defective, E1-deleted human type 5 adenovirus, which contains the lacZ gene under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter and enhancer. The lacZ gene was used as a marker because its gene product, β-galactosidase, is readily detected by X-gal histochemistry. Sixty neonatal (3 to 5 days old) and 45 adult (6 to 8 weeks old) C57BL6 mice were investigated. Intestinal gene transfer was attempted with H5.010CMV lacZ by intraperitoneal (IP), intraluminal (IL), and intramural (IM) injection. Based on prior studies, the optimal dose of H5.010CMV lacZ was 1 × 10 8 plaque forming units (pfu/mL). Control animals received saline injections. Gene transfer on repeat administration of adenovirus has been shown to be prevented by neutralizing antibody. To determine if neonatal inoculation induced a humoral immune response, neonates (n = 5) that received IP injections were rechallenged with intravenous H5.010CMV alkphos , a similar adenoviral construct containing the alka-line phosphatase marker gene. Serum samples were analyzed by Western blot to detect the presence of adenoviral-specific antibody. Results: Gene transfer to neonatal small intestine was successful by IL gastric (n = 810), IL jejunal (n = 910) and IP (n = 1010) routes 2 days after injection. Macroscopic staining was present in 90% of standardized 2-cm small bowel segments. Transgene expression was identified in intestinal smooth muscle, serosa, and epithelium. Gene transfer to the adult small intestine was successful by IL jejunal (n = 45), IM (n = 55), and IP (n = 15) injection of adenovirus lacZ with focal staining ( lacZ in neonates, intravenous injection with H5.010CMV alkphos resulted in hepatic transgene expression (n = 45) that was indistinguishable from a primary intravenous inoculation; persistent, lacZ expression was not detectable in the liver or intestine (n = 05). Western blot analysis detected adenoviral-specific antibodies after adult IM but not after neonatal IP injection. Furthermore, 3 weeks after neonatal IP injection repeat administration by the IM route was successful (n = 44). Conclusion: Gene transfer to neonatal and adult small intestine is feasible using recombinant adenovirus and is more efficient in neonates as indicated by increased surface area of marker gene expression, effectiveness of intraperitoneal delivery, and the ability to readminister recombinant adenovirus.
The determination of silver in silicate rocks by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract Silver is extracted from a 20% tartaric acid solution by using butyl acetate and diphenylthiourea, and the organic layer is analyzed directly by the graphite-furnace technique. The precisions is ca. 8% as estimated from multiple analysis of 13 standard rocks; there are no systematic errors. The detection limit is 2.4 ppb for 250-mg samples.
The WTX Tumor Suppressor Regulates Mesenchymal Progenitor Cell Fate Specification

WTX is an X-linked tumor suppressor targeted by somatic mutations in Wilms tumor, a pediatric kidney cancer, and by germline inactivation in osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis, a bone overgrowth syndrome. Here, we show that Wtx deletion in mice causes neonatal lethality, somatic overgrowth, and malformation of multiple mesenchyme-derived tissues, including bone, fat, kidney, heart, and spleen. Inactivation of Wtx at different developmental stages and in primary mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) reveals that bone mass increase and adipose tissue deficiency are due to altered lineage fate decisions coupled with delayed terminal differentiation. Specification defects in MPCs result from aberrant β-catenin activation, whereas alternative pathways contribute to the subsequently delayed differentiation of lineage-restricted cells. Thus, Wtx is a regulator of MPC commitment and differentiation with stage-specific functions in inhibiting canonical Wnt signaling. Furthermore, the constellation of anomalies in Wtx null mice suggests that this tumor suppressor broadly regulates MPCs in multiple tissues.
Geometric and kinematic models for detachment folds with fixed and variable detachment depths

Abstract Detachment folds are defined by competent rock units and are cored by incompetent units deformed internally above a detachment horizon. We have developed two geometric models to constrain possible geometries and kinematic paths for ideal detachment folds. The models each independently relate fold geometry to shortening and to detachment depth. Model assumptions include plane-strain, constant competent bedlength, constant cross-sectional area, chevron fold geometry, and no bed-parallel shear outside the fold. Detachment depth is constant in one model but may vary in the other, thus allowing evaluation of the implications for fold geometry and kinematics of fixed vs variable detachment depth. Detachment folds formed above a detachment unit of constant thickness (constant detachment depth) must be initially symmetrical and cannot grow with fixed hinges (fixed arc-length) or a self-similar geometry. Detachment folds formed above a detachment unit of variable thickness (variable detachment depth) must also be initially symmetrical, but any one fold geometry can have a range of possible initial and final detachment depths. Kinematic paths for folds with fixed hinges (fixed arc-lengths), migrating hinges (variable arc-lengths), and selfsimilar geometries are all possible if detachment depth varies. The change in detachment depth during deformation can be determined using the variable detachment depth model if either initial or final detachment depth is known. The models demonstrate a wider range of variability in the geometry and kinematics of ideal detachment folds, particularly for the variable-depth model, than is the case for ideal fault-bend and fault-propagation folds. This variability limits the usefulness of simple geometric models for reconstructing the geometry of natural detachment folds. Balancing cross-sections over a sufficient area and evaluating strain may compensate for these limitations.
Role of mini-host models in the study of medically important fungi

Mini-host models have emerged as simple experimental systems to study the pathogenesis and host innate immune responses in fungal invaders and also to test drug efficacy against these organisms. A growing number of medically important fungi, including Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Cryptococcus spp, and species in the class Zygomycetes, have been shown to infect and kill invertebrates such as roundworms, fruit flies, and wax moths. These studies have shown that several genes implicated in the virulence of fungi in mammalian models also have a similarly important pathogenic role in mini-host organisms. These mini-host models provide a unique opportunity of simultaneously exploring the molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and candidate agents with antifungal activity. Furthermore, the fact that some of these mini-hosts have well-defined genetics and conserved innate immunity offers the advantage of a comprehensive analysis of the molecular aspects of host immune response. We examine the relevance, advantages, and pitfalls of experimental systems of fungal infections in various mini-hosts and compare them with what is known in experimental systems in mammalian animal models.
An Estimate of the Age Distribution's Effect on Carbon Dioxide Emissions

We estimate the age distribution's impact on carbon dioxide emissions from 1990 to 2006 by exploiting demographic variation in a panel of 46 countries. To eliminate potential bias from endogeneity or omitted variables, we instrument for the age distribution in a country's current population with lagged birth rates, and the regressions control for total population, total output, and country and year fixed effects. Carbon dioxide emissions increase with the share of the population aged 35 to 49, and this result is statistically significant and quantitatively large.
Cerebral lesions on magnetic resonance imaging correlate with preoperative neurological status in neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, spectrum and course of cerebral lesions in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing full flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to examine the correlation between cerebral lesions and clinical neurological abnormalities. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of neonates with d-transposition of the great arteries (n= 22), univentricular heart malformation with hypoplastic aortic arch (n= 6) and aortic arch obstructions (n= 2) undergoing CPB. Neonates underwent cerebral MRI and blinded standardized neurological examination before (median day 6) and after surgery (day 13). The MRI findings were compared with those of 20 healthy controls. RESULTS: Preoperative cerebral lesions were present in 7 of 30 patients (23%) with isolated mild or moderate white matter injury (WMI) (n= 4), isolated small cerebral stroke (n= 1) and combined WMI and stroke (n= 2). None of the healthy controls had cerebral lesions on MRI. CHD neonates with preoperative cerebral lesions had more neurological abnormalities (P= 0.01) than neonates without cerebral lesions. Low arterial oxygen saturation (P= 0.03) was a risk factor for preoperative cerebral lesions, while balloon atrioseptostomy (P= 0.19) was not. After surgery, preoperative cerebral lesions persisted in 5 of 7 neonates, and 2 neonates (7%) showed signs of additional WMI in their postoperative MRI. CONCLUSIONS: In neonates with severe CHD, WMI was the predominant preoperative finding, while cerebral strokes were less frequent. New postoperative lesions were rare. Preoperative neurological abnormalities correlated with the presence of cerebral lesions on MRI.
ENTROPY-DRIVEN INTERMEDIATE STEPS OF OXYGENATION MAY REGULATE THE ALLOSTERIC BEHAVIOR OF HEMOGLOBIN

When the oxygen binding isotherms of human, bovine and fallow deer (Dama-Dama) hemoglobins are measured at different temperatures either by optical or calorimetric techniques, analyses according to the Adair's formalism show that at least one of the intermediate steps of ligation has a positive enthalpy change, i.e., absorbs rather than emitting heat, indicating that it is entropy rather than enthalpy driven (Bucci, E., et al. 1991. Biochemistry. 30:3195-3199; Bucci, E., et al. 1993. Biochemistry. 32:3519-3526; Johnson, C., et al. 1992. Biochemistry. 31:10074-10082; Johnson, C., et al. 1995. Biophys. Chem. 59:107-117). This phenomenon is confirmed in systems in which the beta82 lysines of human hemoglobin are covalently cross-linked by acylation with dicarboxylic acids of increasing length, namely the fumaryl (four-carbon-long), adipoyl (six-carbon-long), and sebacoyl (10-carbon-long) residues. Consistently in all of the systems here reported, the enthalpy excursions are masked by compensatory entropy changes, which keep the free energy of ligand binding constant for the first three steps of oxygenation. Furthermore, the cooperativity index and the overall oxygen affinity seem to be correlated to the positive enthalpy excursions of the intermediate steps of ligation. Fumaryl-Hb (hemoglobin cross-linked with a fumaryl residue, four carbons) with the lowest absorption of heat has the highest affinity and lowest cooperativity index. Adipoyl-Hb (hemoglobin cross-linked with an adipoyl residue, six carbons) has the highest absorption of heat and the highest cooperativity index. It appears that nonuniform heat release by the intermediates of oxygenation is part of the allosteric phenomena in hemoglobin systems. There is not enough information that would allow assigning these phenomena to the interplay of the various conformations described for hemoglobin besides the classic T (Fermi et al. 1984. J. Mol. Biol. 175:159-174) and R (Shanaan. 1983. J. Mol. Biol. 171:31-59), as listed at the end of the Discussion. The possibility cannot be excluded that entropy-driven steps characterize new conformational transitions still to be described.
Enhancement of crystallinity in ZnO:Al films using a two-step process involving the control of the oxygen pressure

The ZnO:Al films were prepared using a two-step process through the control of oxygen pressure by DC-pulsed magnetron sputtering. The seed layers were prepared with various Ar to oxygen pressure, and the bulk layers were deposited under pure Ar. At the seed-layer condition of Ar/O 2 = 24/1 (Ar rich), the seed layer showed grains that led to the formation of hillock, and the grains of seed layer were seem to act as nucleation sites for columnar growth of bulk layer. While, at the seed-layer condition of Ar/O 2 =4/1 (oxygen rich), grains show large lateral growth with a nonuniform distribution, and a number of dislocations are shown in grains. As oxygen pressure during the deposition of seed layer increased, the decrease of local strain (or the increase of crystallinity) was observed. The etched surface showed the crater-like structure and the abrupt morphology change appeared at high oxygen pressure, which was likely due to nonuniform grain structure and/or the decrease in the number of chemical attack sites by the drastic decrease of grain boundary. The haze values increased with increasing oxygen pressure, which was explained by the change of crater size, as shown in the AFM image.
Brief Psychometric Analysis of the Self-Efficacy Parent Report Scale (SEPRS)

The Self-Efficacy Parent-Report Scale was designed to assess parent perceptions of self-efficacy of their children aged 7 to 17 years. Internal aspects of validity indicated a marginal fit of the d...
Oscillatory probe rheometry as a tool for determining the rheological properties of starch-water systems

An oscillatory probe rheometer was effective at measuring the viscosity of starch pastes and the viscoelastic properties of starch gels. Because low shear strains were applied, the integrity of the gel was not disrupted during the testing. As the starch concentration of the systems increased, the complex modulus (G*) and storage modulus (G′) increased. At 20°C, the strength of the resulting gels, as measured by log G′, was a linear function of starch concentration. Loss tangent values (G″/G′) could be used to determine the approximate temperature at which the sol became a gel. As the starch concentration of the systems increased, the temperature of the sol to gel transformation increased from approximately 35°C (5% starch) to 60°C (10% starch).
Synaptic contacts between an identified type of ON cone bipolar cell and ganglion cells in the mouse retina

We surveyed the potential contacts between an identified type of bipolar cell and retinal ganglion cells in the mouse. By crossing two existing mouse strains (line 357 and line GFP-M), we created a double transgenic strain in which GFP is expressed by all members of a single type of ON cone bipolar cell and a sparse, mixed population of retinal ganglion cells. The GFP-expressing bipolar cells appear to be those termed CB4a of Pignatelli & Strettoi [(2004) J. Comp. Neurol., 476, 254-266] and type 7 of Ghosh et al. [(2004) J. Comp. Neurol., 469, 70-82 and J. Comp. Neurol., 476, 202-203]. The labelled ganglion cells include examples of most or all types of ganglion cells present in the mouse. By studying the juxtaposition of their processes in three dimensions, we could learn which ganglion cell types are potential synaptic targets of the line 357 bipolar cell. Of 12 ganglion cell types observed, 10 types could be definitively ruled out as major synaptic targets of the line 357 bipolar cells. One type of monostratified ganglion cell and one bistratified cell tightly cofasciculate with axon terminals of the line 357 bipolar cells. Double labelling for kinesin II demonstrates colocalization of bipolar cell ribbons at the sites of contact between these two types of ganglion cell and the line 357 bipolar cells.
Intracranial hypotension caused by cisternal irrigation for vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report

Introduction Vasospasm is the most common cause of complication after a subarachnoid hemorrhage and tremendous efforts have been made to prevent it. A subarachnoid clot is the cause of the vasospasm and dissolving and washing it out is considered to be the best practice. Cisternal irrigation with urokinase and ascorbic acid has been widely used due to its proven effect.
Update for combustion properties of wood components

The combustion properties of various biomass and wood materials from various references and from our laboratory were reanalysed. The net heat of combustion for cellulosic materials was found to be 13.23 kJ/g times the ratio of stoichiometric oxygen mass to fuel mass, r(0), regardless of the material composition. Bomb calorimeter data for original, charred and volatilized material components provide gross heating values, while elemental analysis of the materials for carbon hydrogen, oxygen and ash provide direct evaluation for r(0). We corrected these data as provided in various references by converting gross heating values to lower heating values and converting elemental compositions, char fractions and r(0) to a moisture-free and ash-free basis. Some existing formulae were found to disagree with data from vegetation, charred wood with high ash content, and with volatiles from cellulose treated with the fire retardant NaOH. We also established various functional correlations of r(0) with elemental compositions, or volatization fractions of untreated and treated materials, or material fractions for cellulose, lignin and extractives, or volatile fractions for tar, combustible gases and inert gases in pure nitrogen carrier gas. An interesting predictive result provides nearly constant heat of combustion while the volatile tar fraction is decreasing and combustible and inert gas fractions are increasing with time during the charring of Douglas-fir wood. Language: en
Role of vision and antennal olfaction in habitat and prey location by three predatory heteropterans

Abstract We studied the importance of vision and antennal olfaction in the location of habitat, prey patches within habitats, and the close-range orientation to prey for three common predatory heteropterans [Nabicula subcoleoptrata (Kirby), Nabis americoferus Carayon, and Sinea diadema (F.)]. In each of the experiments, predators were randomly assigned to no vision (eyes painted), no antennal olfaction (antennectomy), or control treatment groups. Habitat location by two of the predators (Nabicula subcoleoptrata and S. diadema) was compared among the treatments in a field study. Antennal olfaction was critical in habitat location for both species, but as release distance increased, fewer bugs in all treatment groups located the habitat. Similarly, all three species relied on antennal olfaction for prey patch and close-range orientation to prey [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvios)]. In a greenhouse experiment, individuals with antennae intact were aroused to prey up to 30 cm away more often (60%) than we...
The Vacuolar ATPase a2-subunit regulates Notch signaling in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis for which no targeted therapies are currently available. Notch signaling has been implicated in breast cancer but the factors that control Notch in TNBC are unknown. Because the Vacuolar ATPase has been shown to be important in breast cancer invasiveness, we investigated the role of a2-subunit isoform of Vacuolar ATPase (a2V) in regulating Notch signaling in TNBC. Confocal microscopy revealed that among all the ‘a’ subunit isoforms, a2V was uniquely expressed on the plasma membrane of breast cancer cells. Both a2V and NOTCH1 were elevated in TNBC tumors tissues and cell lines. a2V knockdown by siRNA as well as V-ATPase inhibition by Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1) in TNBC cell lines enhanced Notch signaling by increasing the expression of Notch1 intracellular Domain (N1ICD). V-ATPase inhibition blocked NICD degradation by disrupting autophagy and lysosomal acidification as demonstrated by accumulation of LC3B and diminished expression of LAMP1 respectively. Importantly, treatment with Baf A1 or anti-a2V, a novel-neutralizing antibody against a2V hindered cell migration of TNBC cells. Our findings indicate that a2V regulates Notch signaling through its role in endolysosomal acidification and emerges as a potential target for TNBC.
An augmented reality platform for CABG surgery

In this paper, we introduce a new platform for in CABG surgery based on marker-less augmented reality technology. Our real-time system captures the surgery scene by a camera, extracts SURF features and matches them in video sequence to track the patient's heart. It estimates the camera's pose robustly using RANSAC and highlights the clogged vessel to guide the surgeon during the surgery.
Technological Advances from a Human Factors Point of View

Since “human factors” can be defined as dealing with the interactions between technology and individuals, it follows that this field should play a major role in examining the relationships of aging and technology. This interest has indeed been demonstrated in a special issue of Human Factors on aging in 1981, in the existence of a Technical Group on Aging in the Human Factors Society, and in various presentations at the Society’s Annual Meetings.
Body weight and blood pressure regulation

Excess body weight correlates closely with increased blood pressure. Virtually every prospective study of factors that influence blood pressure regulation has identified weight, or body mass index, as the strongest predictor of human blood pressure. In normotensive persons, longitudinal and intervention studies have documented that weight gain, over as short a period as 1-2 mo, is associated with predictable rises in arterial pressure. Conversely, in borderline hypertensive persons, similar types of studies have reported that weight reductions of as little as 4-5 kg result in normalization of blood pressure. During periods of weight loss, decreases in blood pressure are evident within the first 2-3 wk ; the greatest proportionate blood pressure change occurs during the earliest phases of weight reduction. The decline in blood pressure with weight loss has been shown to be unrelated to variations in nutrient intake. However, the association between blood pressure decreases and increased amounts of physical activity, which generally accompany weight loss efforts, is less clear. For many overweight individuals, reductions in blood pressure that occur with weight loss may be due specifically to the initiation of a regular physical exercise regimen. Weight loss in hypertensive persons has been shown to dramatically reduce, and in many cases eliminate, antihypertensive medication requirements. It is estimated that in up to 50% of the adults in the United States whose hypertension is being pharmacologically managed, the need for drug therapy could be alleviated with only modest reductions in body weight.
Examining heterogeneity and wildfire management expenditures using spatially and temporally descriptive data

Increasing costs of wildfire management have highlighted the need to better understand suppression expenditures and potential tradeoffs of land management activities that may affect fire risks. Spatially and temporally descriptive data is used to develop a model of wildfire suppression expenditures, providing new insights into the role of spatial and temporal heterogeneity in determining expenditures. Incorporating heterogeneity improves model fit and predictive ability over a model with data based on the point and time of fire ignition. The model is potentially useful for providing expenditure information for simulated fire applications and post-season evaluation of suppression activities.
NEURAL NETWORK APPROACHES TO SOME MODEL FLOW CONTROL PROBLEMS

The application of two neural network approaches (supervised neural network and adaptive neural network) to control some flows modeled by the Burgers equation and the Wave equation is studied. Due to its capability of handling nonlinearity and its parallel processing structure, a neural network is suitable as an adaptive controller in real time. The simple mapping type feedforward multilayer neural network controller is trained with the data set obtained from the optimal and robust control laws, while the adaptive neural network controller is obtained by applying a feedback linearization method. The neural network is used to estimate the function of the system. The simple mapping type neural network requires off-line (or supervised) training with the sets of data while the adaptive neural network controller does not require an off-line training phase. The dynamic sequential recursive backpropagation algorithm is used to train the adaptive neural network on-line according to a modeling error. Both approaches result in successfully obtaining the controller for randomly disturbed flows. It should be noted, however, that the simple mapping type neural network controller results in offset from zero, even though the offset is very small and is adjusted easily.
Statistical Characterization of Viscoelastic Modulus using a Spectrum Function Approach

Previous experiments have shown a high degree of variation in viscoelastic creep strain measurements of polymer matrix composites (PMCs). Engineering design involving material properties of PMCs should be performed with this variability in consideration. Therefore, this paper presents an approach to characterize the longitudinal relaxation modulus of a vinyl ester polymer (DERAKANE 441-400) with variations in its material properties. A spectrum approach is used to describe viscoelastic material functions; a distribution function with two parameters is selected. Short-term tensile creep experiments were conducted at four temperatures below the glass transition temperature. In-plane longitudinal and transverse strain-time histories were measured using a digital image correlation technique. The variation in the relaxation modulus was described by formulating the probability density functions (PDFs) and the corresponding cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of the moduli using a twoparameter Weibull distribution. Both Weibull shape (γ) and scale (β) parameters of the relaxation moduli distributions were shown to be time and temperature dependent. Two-dimensional quadratic Lagrange interpolation functions were used to characterize the Weibull parameters to obtain the PDFs and subsequently the CDFs of the creep compliances for the complete design temperature range (24°C ≤ T ≤ 60°C) during steady state creep (t ≥ 1000 s). At each test temperature, relaxation modulus curves were obtained for constant CDF values and compared with the experimental data. The predicted relaxation moduli of a vinyl ester polymer in the design space are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Morphology-dependent trap formation in bulk heterojunction photodiodes.

We show that local structural variation affects the rate of aging in nanostructured polymer solar cells by comparing time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy (trEFM) and conventional device measurements on model polymer blends. Specifically, we study photovoltaic devices made from 1:1 blends of the polyfluorene copolymers poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N′-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N′-phenyl-1,4-phenylene-diamine) (PFB) and poly(9,9′-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT). We photooxidize these films in situ using 365, 405, and 455 nm illumination under ambient conditions, with the wavelengths chosen to preferentially excite the different components. During photooxidation, we observe a faster loss of photocurrent generation from F8BT-rich domains, leaving the PFB-rich phases to show higher photoresponse even at wavelengths absorbed predominantly by F8BT. We propose that this effect is due to the more rapid degradation of PFB hole-transport pathways in the F8BT-rich regions, resulting in a loss of ...
A Hexagonal Pillar Array of Thermo-responsive Soft Actuators Prepared by Nanoimprinting

Thermo-responsive actuation (thermomechanical effects) based on nematic liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have become a research priority in the preparation of soft actuators. Nematic LCEs combine the anisotropic features of liquid crystal phases with the rubber elasticity of polymer network. When heated at nematic to isotropic phase transition temperature ( N-to-I temp.), a uniaxial thermomechanical deformation of LCEs will undergo at nearly constant volume due to a change of LC director order. Recently, an array of the micro-sized LCE pillars related to such thermomechanical effects have been successfully constructed through a soft lithography technology (i.e., replica molding). The prepared LCE pillars are mono-dispersive and micro-sized. They also possess N-to-I temp. higher than 100°C, largely limiting the available application. By contrast, the present study will report a hexagonal array of nano-sized thermo-responsive pillar actuators that are able to contract and expand in response to temperature changes around a lower N-to-I temp. is manufactured via using reactive rod-like liquid crystal and ultraviolet nanoimprinting technology. According to atomic force microscope (AFM) observation, a hexagonal array of pillars can be easily constructed by nanoimprinting and a responsive surface with a thermo-stimuli-driven roughness change is achieved. The room-temperature AFM scans quantitatively represent the single pillar shows a diameter of ca. 270 nm and 140 nm in depth, and the pitch meaning the averaged inter-pillar distance is measured as ca. 425 nm, thus lying in a nano-sized range. Furthermore, temperature-variable AFM is also utilized to demonstrate the pillar behaves as a thermally-stimulated nano-sized actuator. In our case, when heated above N-to-I phase transition temperature (ca. 65°C), it is clearly observed that the pillar diameter is expanded in the order of over 12-15 % and then reversibly contracted in response to temperature drop.
On-Line Monitoring and Evaluation of EHV Composite Insulators Based on Leakage Currents and Environmental Conditions

Because the effect of the atmosphere, pollution, partial discharge. The surface hydrophobicity of the silicon rubber composite insulator in service are reduced or lost, that will affect the operational reliability of the power grid. Based on the on-line monitoring on the composite insulator in service of 500kV Exchange Ge Shuang a back line(Dangyang Madian paragraph) with serious leak current and coal powder pollution, the leakage current characteristic data, which is changed with the environment variables influence of four seasons, the composite insulator hydrophobic change characteristics that decline in winter and recovered in summer are analyzed. the concept of "dynamic" performance degradation, the relationship between that and seasonal operation environment variable is indicated, the the operation characteristics of hydrophobicity temporary losses of composite insulator in operation, as well as the hydrophobicity migration and recovery properties are mastered, effective assessment of the hydrophobicity of composite insulator in service is obtained.
The removal of fallopian tubes has no adverse effect on subsequent ovarian function in rabbits.

The effect of bilateral salpingectomy on ovarian function was studied in the rabbit. Nine rabbits underwent a microsurgical removal of both fallopian tubes, and nine other rabbits underwent sham operations. Four weeks after surgery the rabbits were mated, and the number of ovulation sites were recorded 18 hours after mating. Serum progesterone (P) levels were also determined prior to the operation and at 6 days and 8 days after mating. Eight days after mating the ovaries were recovered, and the corpora lutea were removed and weighed. The mean number and weights of corpora lutea as well as serum P levels did not differ significantly between the groups. These findings suggest that the absence of fallopian tubes has no effect on subsequent ovulatory function in this animal model.
Standardization of specimen preparation, staining, and sampling methods improves automated sperm-head morphometry analysis *

Objectives To evaluate the accuracy and performance of the CellForm-Human automated sperm morphometry instrument (Motion Analysis Corp., Santa Rosa, CA) using different specimen preparation, staining, and analysis techniques. Setting Clinical and research andrology and in vitro fertilization laboratories. Patients Individuals who were undergoing semen evaluation and infertility work-up. Results The percentage of normal sperm detected by CellForm-Human was not different for washed specimens compared with nonwashed controls. Washing and resuspension to a standard concentration in medium significantly increased spermatozoan density and homogeneity on the slide. Comparison of digitization errors and morphometric measures of sperm stained by the Papanicolaou (PAP) method, the hematoxylin portion of the PAP method, and a new method developed by us, GZIN (pronounced Gee-ZIN), showed that GZIN produced larger measures for length, width, area, and perimeter, but not for width/length, and also produced less variability for most measures than PAP or hematoxylin. The number of digitization errors was significantly less for GZIN than for PAP. Visual inspection revealed that GZIN produced a more consistent stain over the entire sperm head than hematoxylin. The number of sperm analyzed affected the percentage of normal sperm detected. The % normal stabilized only after at least 200 sperm had been analyzed for each man. Conclusions Technical variability arising from semen preparation and slide staining methods can be reduced when specimens are washed and resuspended to a standard concentration before smearing. At least 200 sperm should be analyzed to obtain a stable estimate of the percentage of normal sperm. More sperm should be analyzed if the % normal is
Team boundary spanning: strategic implications for the implementation and use of enterprise social media

Recent team boundary spanning literature has recommended a shift toward assessing the role of virtual tools – such as social media. Simultaneously the proliferation of Enterprise Social Media (ESM) points to the need to theorize and investigate the supra-individual usage of these tools, such as their usefulness for organizational groups. This paper responds to both mandates through a theoretical integration of the team boundary spanning and existing ESM literature. Using data from two studies – one qualitative and one quantitative – this papers addresses two important research questions regarding the empirical relationship between team boundary spanning and ESM for understanding (i) the types of team boundary-spanning activities that group members enact through ESM and (ii) the effects of ESM on extra-team stakeholders’ perceptions and reciprocating actions vis-a-vis the team boundary-spanning activities of these group members. The results of this study show that ESM, largely as a function of their visibility affordance, supports a narrow set of representational activities, but offers only limited support for information search and coordination. Furthermore, the findings reveal that ESM activity has a positive effect on extra-team stakeholders’ recognition and financial support of the representational ESM posts emanating from the boundary-spanning group. Important implications for theory, strategy, and design are discussed.
Biomechanical problems in knee prostheses

While for many years the implantation of total hip prostheses has been a standard procedure in nearly every large clinic which performs orthopaedic surgery, the implantation of knee prostheses has not been accepted very widely. The main reason seems to be that the biomechanics of the knee are more complex.
Age of Consent in Historical and International Perspective

The controlling concept behind “age of consent” or “statutory rape” laws is the assumption that young people below a certain age have insufficient judgment, psychological maturity, or powers of resistance to be able to give informed consent to sexual intimacy with another person. That so many young persons choose to explore their sexuality at ages below the legally mandated minimums problematizes the laws' effectiveness and wisdom in the eyes of many critics. Scholars of gender and sexuality are actively involved in the debates, weighing the utility of these laws for agendas of child protection versus the repressive effects of the laws in privileging parental or state control over adolescents' sexual self-determination and bodily autonomy. Although contemporary age of consent legislation does not distinguish on the basis of a young person's gender, this indifference was not the case historically. Keywords: ancient nation-states; child development; eugenics; legal and political debates; sexual citizenship
The effect of changing the position of the inner taper crystals on the coupling efficiency between a silica waveguide and a planar photonic crystal

We propose a novel method to enhance the coupling efficiency between a silica waveguide (SWG) and a planar photonic crystal (PPC) by changing the position of the inner taper crystals. Our results confirm that using extra defects at the interface between the SWG and PPC followed by applying the position change method produce a transmission efficiency of 94.6%.
CMOS Image Sensor Random Telegraph Noise Time Constant Extraction From Correlated To Uncorrelated Double Sampling

A new method for on-chip random telegraph noise (RTN) characteristic time constant extraction using the double sampling circuit in an 8.3 Mpixel CMOS image sensor is described. The dependence of the measured RTN on the time difference between the double sampling and the key equation used for time constant extraction are derived from the continuous time RTN model and the discrete event RTN model. Both approaches lead to the same result and describe the data reasonably well. From the detailed study of the noisiest 1000 pixels, we find that about 75% to 85% of them show the signature of a single-trap RTN behavior with three distinct signal levels, and about 96% of the characteristic time constants fall between 1 ${\mathrm{ \mu }}\text{s}$ and 500 ${\mathrm{ \mu }}\text{s}$ with the median around 10 ${\mathrm{ \mu }}\text{s}$ at room temperature.