cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Micro-Bioassay Method for Acetylcholine.

One of the most specific and sensitive tests for acetylcholine in body fluids is the leech muscle suspended in a saline bath containing eserine (Fuehner, Minz1, 2). When only small quantities of blood are available they must be diluted with sufficient saline to fill the bath. This procedure naturally decreases the sensitiveness of the test. Moreover, in smaller animals, the repeated drawing of several cc. of blood is often detrimental to the carrying out of a series of tests. The method presented here eliminates these disadvantages by suspending the leech in foam from small quantities of blood.The leech is attached to a hook at the bottom of a glass bath (2×6 cm.), the other end leading to a writing lever. A narrow opening at the funnel-shaped bottom of the bath is connected with an air tank by means of rubber tubing, so that air is allowed to enter at the desired rate. A wire loop serves as a guide to prevent the blood soaked thread from adhering to the wall of the tube. The leech is prepared in the usua...
Mating Competitiveness of Sterile Male Mediterranean Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Male-Only Releases

Previous work on the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), indicated that sterile males from an old laboratory strain had low mating success in bisexual releases in a natural population in Hawaii. Here, we describe a field experiment that assessed whether the mating competitiveness of sterile males from the same strain was improved in male-only releases. Systematic censuses of the study site were conducted before and after male-only releases of marked sterile flies, and the abundance and distribution of fruit flies and leks, incidence of male calling, and location of matings were recorded during spring and summer study periods. The releases had no detectable impact on the abundance, distribution, or calling activity of wild males. Most of the released males joined preexisting mating aggregations of wild males and within these leks displayed similar calling activity as the wild males. Despite this, sterile males accounted for disproportionately fewer matings with wild females than expected by chance, and the mating success of sterile males recorded in the current study with unisexual releases was no greater than that observed in an earlier study using bisexual releases. The results are discussed in light of current strategies associated with the sterile insect technique.
Calcium Attenuates Cardiovascular Reactivity to Sodium and Stress in Blacks

The roles of dietary and behavioral factors in the etiology of hypertension are not well understood. Vulnerability to hypertension is thought to be affected by a complex interaction of nutritional, genetic, neurophysiological, and psychosocial influences. We studied cardiovascular reactivity to sodium and stress in a group of 29 normotensive young men who were vulnerable to hypertension by virtue of familial and/or racial factors. Subjects with positive and negative parental histories of hypertension were provided all meals for five days during which blood pressure was monitored before each meal. Two groups were given 300 mEq/day dietary sodium with either 1100 mg/day or 410 mg/day dietary calcium. A third group consumed a 10mEq sodium diet with low dietary calcium. On the fifth day of the diet all subjects were tested for cardiovascular reactivity using a modified Stroop test as a mentally challenging task. Adaptation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) from the first to the fifth breakfast was most pronounced in subjects consuming high calcium with high sodium. Perseveration of SBP reactivity to repeated mental challenge was found in subjects who consumed high sodium with low calcium and in subjects with positive parental histories of hypertension. The perseverative phenomenon was particularly well-defined in subjects who had the highest urinary excretion of calcium. Our findings suggest a prophylactic influence of dietary calcium and its retention on cardiovascular reactivity to sodium and stress. We also elucidate a theoretical proposition concerning the role of neurophysiological inhibitory capacity in the transition from normotension to the chronic dysregulatory state of essential hypertension.
Blind Periodic Signal Separation of Single Channel Composite Signal

Firstly,periodic character of signal was defined.Then,a single channel blind signal separation algorithm of periodic signals was presented,which is based on eigenvalue analysis of mixed signal consisting of multiple periodic signals or periodic signals and other signals.Lastly,separation performance was analyzed theoretically.Simulation results indicate that the algorithm can adapt to lower SNR(Signal Noise Ratio) and is easy to implement with small computational complexity.
4G/5G promoter polymorphism in the plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 gene in children with sepsis

Objective In several acute life-threatening diseases,the 4G-allele in the 4G/5G-promotor polymorphism in the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) gene is associated with higher PAI-1 levels and increased poor outcome,probably by promoting the formation of microthrombi.The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the 4G/5G PAI-1 gene polymorphism on the susceptibility,development and outcome in critically ill patients with septic syndrome.Methods Blood samples and clinical information of 148 sepsis children were collected from Guangzhou Children's Hospital in China from Apr to Dec in 2007,and in the corresponding period the blood samples of 181 health children were also collected.The cohort collected were the Han nationality in Guangzhou of China.Allele sepcial polymerase chain reaction(AS-PCR)test was used to amplify the genomic DNA extracted from peripheral whole blood to detect the 5G/5G,4G/5G and 4G/4G genotypes of the PAI-1 gene from 148 sepsis patients and 181 health controls.The frequencies of the genotypes and allele in all groups were calculated by using the gene-counting method,while χ2 statistics was used to analyze the differences of genotype distributions between the two groups,and the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the risk of genotypes.Results No significant difference was found in the distribution of the 4G/5G PAI-1 genotypes and allele frequencies between the sepsis and the control(χ2=0.79,P0.05).Mortality of sepsis was significantly correlated with the 4G/4G genotype(χ2=7.35,P0.05),resulting in an odds ratio of 4.30(95% CI:1.50-12.29);mortality of sepsis was significantly associated with allele 4G(χ2=9.17,P0.05),resulting in an odds ratio of 3.14.(95%CI:1.49-6.61).The susceptibility of developing severe sepsis was significantly correlated with the 4G/4G genotype(χ2=4.44,P0.05),resulting in an odds ratio of 4.57,(95%CI :1.11-18.78);the susceptibility of developing severe sepsis was significantly correlated with the allele 4G(χ2= 4.35,P0.05),resulting in an odds ratio of 4.05,(95%CI:1.09-15.08).Conclusions The gene frequecies of the PAI-1 promoter polymorphism in patients with sepsis in children were similar to the general population.4G/5G promotor polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene was associated with the development and prognosis of sepsis children of Han nationality in Guangzhou.4G allele and homozygous was the high risk hereditary factor of sepsis.There was no relationship between 4G/5G promotor polymorphisms in the PAI-1 gene and liability of sepsis.
Investigating visual mechanisms underlying scene brightness

Short-wavelength (<500 nm) output of light sources enhances scene brightness perception in the low-to-moderate photopic range. This appears to be partially explained by a contribution from short-wa...
Lymphocyte Apoptosis in Smokers and Non-Smokers Following Different Intensity of Exercises and Relation with Lactate

Purposes of this study were 1) to examine the exercise intensity where lymphocyte apoptosis index (AI) is significantly increased in smokers and non-smokers, 2) to find out whether AI is associated with level of lactate (L). Fourteen healthy untrained smokers (≤ 1 pack year, n=7) and non-smokers (n=7) aged 18 to 26 were recruited. Each subject conducted three treadmill runs at different intensities randomly. Running distance for all three runs was equivalent to 30 minute run at 70% VO2max. AI and L were analyzed at rest (Pre), immediately after (Post), and 1 h following (1 h post) each run. Data was analyzed using two way repeated measures ANOVA. Smokers showed higher AI than non-smokers at Post in 60% (12.5±0.62% vs. 9.97±0.51, p<.008) and 70% VO2max running trials (17.53±0.57% vs. 15.6±0.41, p<.018). All L values at post showed significantly higher than Pre and 1 h post, but there was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. The strong positive relationship between AI and L was detected (r=.739, smokers vs. r=.793, non-smokers). Smokers tend to have higher AI than non-smokers following runs at 60% and 70% VO2max, but not following a run at 80% VO2max. An increase in AI following a run at 60% VO2max indicates that lymphocyte apoptosis can be increased following moderate intensity exercise. Since L and AI at post were increased in dose-dependent manner to exercise intensity, it is suggested that an increase in lactate production during exercise might contribute to the increase in lymphocyte apoptosis.
A Landscape of Assimilation and Resistance: The Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School

In the late nineteenth century the United States Federal government established off-reservation boarding schools that sought to accomplish an internal colonialism of American Indian communities by forcefully assimilating them into mainstream American culture. The landscape of these institutions was a primary tool to achieve their assimilationist goals. This research examines the Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial Boarding School through archival, archaeological and oral history evidence. The landscape and material record of this school also indicate that students vigorously resisted the institution.
Texture, Particle Size Distribution, and Specific Surface

God in the beginning formed matter in solid, massy, hard, impenetrable, movable particles, of such sizes and figures, and in such proportion to space, as most conducted to the end for which he formed them.
Sequencing of Regional Cooperation in Asia: The Real and Financial Dimensions

While “Asian economic cooperation and integration” has been a longstanding topic of debate in intellectual and policy arenas, there has been a particular heightening of interest in the subject over the last few years. This is for a number of reasons:1
An Orthopedic-Hospitalist Comanaged Hip Fracture Service Reduces Inpatient Length of Stay.

Introduction:Hip fractures are common in the elderly patients with an incidence of 320 000 fractures/year in the United States, representing a health-care cost of US$9 to 20 billion. Hip fracture i...
Retooling the Amicus Machine

In their article, “The Amicus Machine,” Professors Allison Orr Larsen and Neal Devins have made a significant addition to the scholarly literature on the increase in the number, and the apparent influence, of amicus curiae briefs filed in the U.S. Supreme Court. They make two important contributions. First, in a survey of lawyers who regularly practice before the Court, they document that many of those lawyers solicit amicus briefs from interest groups and others to be filed on behalf of their clients. So, many of those groups are not coincidentally following the Court but file amicus briefs as a result of an orchestrated campaign or “machine.” Second, Larsen and Devins argue that the Amicus Machine is on balance a good thing, since it provides useful information to the Court about the importance of cases it decides to review, and aids the Court in deciding cases and drafting opinions in the cases it does review.This Essay takes issue with Larsen and Devins’ normative and largely positive evaluation of the Amicus Machine. While amicus briefs can indeed provide the Court with useful information, the large number of such targeted briefs carries with it the danger of overpoliticizing the Court, undermining the traditional adversarial process, and improperly influencing the Justices themselves. The Essay suggests several ways the Amicus Machine might be retooled, such as making it easier for parties to respond to the amicus briefs, permitting the parties to pick the amicus briefs to be filed, and encouraging the Court to modulate deference doctrines when relying on such briefs.
Arrhythmogenic effects of energy drinks

Energy drinks (ED) are increasingly popular, especially among adolescents and young adults. They are marketed as enhancers of energy, alertness, and physical performance. ED contain high doses of caffeine and other active ingredients. Their safety has come under question due to reports temporally linking ED consumption with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. In this article, we report 2 cases of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias in young patients after consuming ED. We also review the ingredients of ED, the physiologic effects on the cardiovascular system, and the available evidence suggesting arrhythmogenecity.
A Unified View of Matrix Factorization Models

We present a unified view of matrix factorization that frames the differences among popular methods, such as NMF, Weighted SVD, E-PCA, MMMF, pLSI, pLSI-pHITS, Bregman co-clustering, and many others, in terms of a small number of modeling choices. Many of these approaches can be viewed as minimizing a generalized Bregman divergence, and we show that (i) a straightforward alternating projection algorithm can be applied to almost any model in our unified view; (ii) the Hessian for each projection has special structure that makes a Newton projection feasible, even when there are equality constraints on the factors, which allows for matrix co-clustering; and (iii) alternating projections can be generalized to simultaneously factor a set of matrices that share dimensions. These observations immediately yield new optimization algorithms for the above factorization methods, and suggest novel generalizations of these methods such as incorporating row and column biases, and adding or relaxing clustering constraints.
A customized branch-and-bound approach for irregular shape nesting

We study the Nesting Problem, which aims to determine a configuration of a set of irregular shapes within a rectangular sheet of material of fixed width, such that no overlap among the shapes exists, and such that the length of the sheet is minimized. When both translation and rotation of the shapes are allowed, the problem can be formulated as a nonconvex quadratically constrained programming model that approximates each shape by a set of inscribed circles and enforces that circle pairs stemming from different shapes do not overlap. However, despite many recent advances in today’s global optimization solvers, solving this nonconvex model to guaranteed optimality remains extremely challenging even for the state-of-the-art codes. In this paper, we propose a customized branch-and-bound approach to address the Nesting Problem to guaranteed optimality. Our approach utilizes a novel branching scheme to deal with the reverse convex quadratic constraints in the quadratic model and incorporates a number of problem-specific algorithmic tweaks. Our computational studies on a suite of 64 benchmark instances demonstrate the customized algorithm’s effectiveness and competitiveness over the use of general-purpose global optimization solvers, including for the first time the ability to find global optimal nestings featuring five polygons under free rotation.
Demographic and Other Characteristics, and Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents Who Underwent Multiple Abortions in 1 Year.

Abstract Study Objective To examine characteristics of adolescent patients presenting for multiple terminations within 1 year and evaluate sexually transmitted infection (STI) status at each visit. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional retrospective chart review to identify women younger than age 20 years who underwent multiple abortions during 1 year at John H. Stroger, Jr Hospital of Cook County. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Rates and results of STI testing at each abortion encounter. Results We identified 381 adolescent patients with 2 or more abortions in 1 year. Of the 285 women who received STI testing at both clinical encounters, we identified 12 women with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) coinfection. Among patients who were not coinfected, 47 of 273 (17.2%) and 4 of 273 (1.5%) tested positive for CT and GC at the initial visit, respectively. Among women who were STI negative at the time of their first abortion, 25 of 226 (11.1%) were positive for CT and 1 of 269 (0.37%) was positive for GC at the time of their second termination. Conclusion Young women in our study had higher baseline rates of CT and GC than rates reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for an age-matched population. High rates of positivity at the second visit might indicate a need for increased health education and/or frequency of testing in high-risk groups. In the adolescent population for whom patient encounters can be limited, the abortion care visit provides an opportunity to provide education and mitigate risk.
Estimation of the Standard Free Energy of Formation of Bastnasite, REFCO3

The standard Gibbs free energy of formation (ΔGof, 298) of bastnasite, (Ce, La, Nd, Pr)FCO3, was estimated using four different methods. The obtained average values were − 1589.5 kJ/mol for CeFCO3, − 1599.5 kJ/mol for LaFCO3, − 1589.1 kJ/mol for NdFCO3, and − 1595.4 kJ/mol for PrFCO3. The value for cerium bastnasite, CeFCO3, was used to construct a potential vs. pH (Eh-pH) diagram to investigate the stability relations of cerium bastnasite. The diagram shows that CeFCO3 is stable in neutral to basic conditions (pH ~ 6.5–11).
Hypopharyngeal cancer treatment: Does initial surgery confer survival benefit?

Background Organ preservation protocols have increasingly been applied for the treatment of head and neck cancers, including hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). We sought to evaluate whether patients treated with primary surgery followed by adjuvant therapy had survival benefit over patients treated with initial nonsurgical modalities. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with new diagnosis of HSCC at the University of Pittsburgh (1994-2014) treated with either primary total laryngectomy with pharyngectomy or organ preservation. Results One hundred thirty-seven patients were identified. Surgical cases were more likely to be of advanced T stage. Initial surgery was more likely to be performed in the earlier years of the cohort. After adjusting for this imbalance using a propensity score, primary surgery was associated with improved survival compared with nonoperative therapy (P = 0.02). Conclusions Due to its survival advantage, primary surgery followed by adjuvant treatment should be considered as a viable treatment of HSCC.
Modeling Conformationally Flexible Proteins With X-ray Scattering and Molecular Simulations.

Abstract Proteins and protein complexes with high conformational flexibility participate in a wide range of biological processes. These processes include genome maintenance, gene expression, signal transduction, cell cycle regulation, and many others. Gaining a structural understanding of conformationally flexible proteins and protein complexes is arguably the greatest problem facing structural biologists today. Over the last decade, some progress has been made toward understanding the conformational flexibility of such systems using hybrid approaches. One particularly fruitful strategy has been the combination of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and molecular simulations. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SAXS and molecular simulations and then discuss two general approaches for combining SAXS data and molecular simulations: minimal ensemble approaches and full ensemble approaches. In minimal ensemble approaches, one selects a minimal ensemble of structures from the simulations that best fit the SAXS data. In full ensemble approaches, one validates a full ensemble of structures from the simulations using SAXS data. We argue that full ensemble models are more realistic than minimal ensemble searches models and that full ensemble approaches should be used wherever possible.
Sexual Violence Perpetration as a Risk Factor for Current Depression or Posttraumatic Symptoms in Adolescents

Sexual violence perpetration (SVP), including coerced, physically forced, and alcohol- or drug-facilitated unwanted sex, occurs frequently in adolescence and may represent a risk factor for future ...
Late Breaking Abstract - Differences in flavorant levels and synthetic coolant use between USA, EU and Canadian Juul products

“Juul” is the dominating US e-cigarette brand and was recently introduced to Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Italy. US/Canadian products are sold with 5%, 3%, 1.5% (Canada) nicotine content, but EU regulation limits nicotine content to 1.7%. The differential nicotine content raises the question if flavor profiles and Juul device power output differ between countries. Mint, Vanilla, and Mango e-liquids from the 6 countries were analyzed by GC/MS for their principal flavorant and nicotine content. Compositions of Juul e-liquids from the US/Canada were identical and differed from the EU e-liquids, in which principal flavorant concentrations were significantly lower, possibly reflecting user preferences. US/Canadian ‘Mango’ e-liquid contained the emulsifier triethyl citrate which may be necessary to keep the product homogenous, and the “cotton candy" flavor ethyl maltol, not present in EU Mango e-liquid. The nicotine content matched label information. In EU Juul ‘Mint’ e-liquids, the reduced menthol content was partially substituted with the synthetic coolant WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide), which was not present in US/Canadian products. WS-3 elicits a cooling effect like menthol but lacks its distinct “minty” odor. The inhalational safety of WS-3 is unknown and any legislation targeting menthol in tobacco products should be extended to synthetic coolants as they trigger similar sensory responses.
Dissecting molecular details and functional effects of the high-affinity copper binding site in plasminogen activator Inhibitor-1.

Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is the primary inhibitor for plasminogen activators, tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). As a unique member in the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) family, PAI-1 is metastable and converts to an inactive, latent structure with a half-life of 1-2 hr under physiological conditions. Unusual effects of metals on the rate of the latency conversion are incompletely understood. Previous work has identified two residues near the N-terminus, H2 and H3, which reside in a high-affinity copper-binding site in PAI-1 [Bucci JC, McClintock CS, Chu Y, Ware GL, McConnell KD, Emerson JP, Peterson CB (2017) J Biol Inorg Chem 22:1123-1,135]. In this study, neighboring residues, H10, E81, and H364, were tested as possible sites that participate in Cu(II) coordination at the high-affinity site. Kinetic methods, gel sensitivity assays, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed that E81 and H364 have different roles in coordinating metal and mediating the stability of PAI-1. H364 provides a third histidine in the metal-coordination sphere with H2 and H3. In contrast, E81 does not appear to be required for metal ligation along with histidines; contacts made by the side-chain carboxylate upon metal binding are perturbed and, in turn, influence dynamic fluctuations within the region encompassing helices D, E, and F and the W86 loop that are important in the pathway for the PAI-1 latency conversion. This investigation underscores a prominent role of protein dynamics, noncovalent bonding networks and ligand binding in controlling the stability of the active form of PAI-1.
Patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty achieve clinically significant outcomes faster than those undergoing reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background Clinically significant outcome (CSO) benchmarks have been previously established for outcome assessment after total shoulder arthroplasty. However, the time required to achieve CSO improvement is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the time-dependent achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) in patients undergoing either anatomic total shoulder (TSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and compare the results of the 2 populations and (2) identify variables associated with earlier or delayed achievement of each CSO. Methods A prospectively maintained institutional registry was retrospectively queried for all patients receiving a primary TSA or RTSA between September 2, 2016–October 31, 2017. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) was administered to all patients preoperatively and at standardized postoperative time periods: 5-7 months (6-month time point), 11-13 months (1-year time point), and 23-25 months (2-year time point). Cumulative percentages of CSO achievement were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis with interval censoring. A Weibull parametric survival regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of demographic and clinical variables on delayed or earlier CSO achievement. Results A total of 153 patients (157 shoulders) undergoing TSA (n = 76) and RTSA (n = 81) were included in the study population. The RTSA cohort was older (70.2 ± 7.5 vs. 61.0 ± 8.4, P Conclusion Patients undergoing RTSA had lower rates of achieving SCB and PASS at both 6 months and 2 years compared to patients undergoing TSA. Patients undergoing RTSA on average required nearly double the time to achieve PASS compared with those undergoing TSA. In both groups, clinically significant improvement continued for the entire 2-year duration of study follow-up.
O39 Validating the Campus Food Aid Self-Assessment Tool (C-FAST)

Background Recent studies have brought attention to college student food insecurity (FI), which is estimated to affect over 30% of students. While research to determine FI prevalence is growing, little research is being conducted on best practices to address student FI. As more campuses seek to address FI, resources are needed to bridge the gap between measuring FI prevalence and identifying appropriate responses. Objective This study aimed to validate the Campus Food Aid Self-assessment Tool (C-FAST). C-FAST is a survey-based tool, designed to gauge college campus performance in 6 dimensions associated with student FI: student services and supports; involvement; advocacy; campus culture and awareness; education and training; and research, scholarship, and creative works. Study Design, Setting, Participants Researchers conducted expert panel review and cognitive interviewing. Five expert reviewers evaluated the tool and provided feedback. Researchers then partnered with 10 four-year colleges and universities in Alabama to facilitate completion of C-FAST by campus representatives. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Institutions completed C-FAST and provided feedback on the tool. C-FAST submissions were evaluated to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth for each campus then aggregated to reflect the state of FI resources and culture at Alabama institutions. Results Survey and interview feedback support the validation of C-FAST. Aggregated C-FAST results and follow-up interview themes will be presented, describing the validity of C-FAST along with a comprehensive overview of campus responses to student FI in Alabama. Conclusion This study supports validation of C-FAST as a tool for campuses to assess culture and resources relating to FI and provides statewide data on Alabama campus FI responses. Next steps include piloting C-FAST with additional campuses across the United States and validating the tool for use among 2-year institutions, so it can be used to identify appropriate campus responses to FI across a variety of campus contexts. Funding ECMC Foundation.
Rams' Exit from St. Louis Grist for Courtroom Battle

The city of St. Louis filed a lawsuit against the NFL and all of its teams, claiming the league violated its own bylaws, and breached its own contractual commitments, when it approved the relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles. Allegations in the complaint include breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraudulent misrepresentation and business interference.
Use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to monitor surface crystallization in caffeine-oxalic acid (CAFOXA) cocrystal compacts.

Abstract Our objective was to monitor the surface crystallization in disordered caffeine-oxalic acid (CAFOXA) cocrystals following exposure to elevated water vapor pressure. This was accomplished using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Disorder was induced in the cocrystal particles by the common pharmaceutical unit operations of milling and compaction. The ‘activated’ solid, upon exposure to elevated water vapor pressure, had a high propensity to sorb water. This led to a rise in molecular mobility and the surface underwent rapid crystallization to form needle shaped crystals of CAFOXA. Using AFM height and phase imaging, we were able to directly visualize phase transformations on the compact surface. The milled compacts exhibited higher processing induced disorder than the unmilled compacts, thereby accelerating the surface recrystallization.
Engaging and Organizing the Rehabilitation Team

Experts who provide training on psychiatric rehabilitation are typically outsiders, hired by central administrators to provide consultation to the rehabilitation team. For an interactive approach to staff training to be effective, the consultant must engage all professionals who work in the agency and are responsible for the provision of services to consumers with severe mental illness. In most large agencies, professionals vary in their level of responsibility and direct contact with consumers; organizational pyramids describe the various levels that comprise most agencies. Directors sit at the top and are responsible for developing the overall vision of the agency as well as general policies for implementing this vision. Middle managers are responsible for hiring and supervising the staff and for providing the resources to carry out this policy. They also have a heavier hand in deciding the format of specific programs that will accomplish these goals. Line-level staff anchor the pyramid. This group comprises the various clinical disciplines (e.g., rehabilitation counselors, psychiatrists, vocational specialists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, educators, and technicians) that carry out the day-to-day rehabilitation programs necessary to provide complete service to the consumer.
Economic Performance Of Organic Cropping Systems For Vegetables In The Northeast

This article provides an economic analysis comparing the profitability and land management capability of four different organic cropping systems designed for vegetable production in the Northeast. Integrated crop budgets were developed to document both receipts and production costs for each system. Using field-level data from trials between 2005 and 2009, we found that individual crops respond differently to the different systems, and that the high intensity system producing six cash crops generated the greatest economic returns. Subsequent sensitivity analyses were performed across a range of key parameters, and the results indicated that profitability was most impacted by yields and crop prices.
Clinical transformation and Mr. Lincoln's "t-mails".

We hear about electronic health records, computerized physician order entry, “just-in-time” information delivery, telemedicine, picture archiving and communication systems, clinical decision support, the Eclipsys Enterprise system, and radio frequency identification. Anticipating the technology applications and computer literacy expectations that may accompany clinical transformation, “an ongoing, systemwide effort to change clinical processes, practices, and technologies to enhance Baylor's ability to provide a seamless experience for the patient” (1), can be overwhelming. Perhaps we can find encouragement in Tom Wheeler's new book, Mr. Lincoln's T-Mails: The Untold Story of How Abraham Lincoln Used the Telegraph to Win the Civil War (2) (Figure).
Towards supporting design phase synthesis

This paper presents research into the automation of design phase software synthesis. Key features of an application domain, real-time multi-tasking software, are incorporated into a design selection heuristic. This heuristic captures the mathematical underpinnings inherent in the domain. A design phase synthesis algorithm, incorporating the design selection heuristic, is described. This paper then illustrates this algorithm's ability to synthesize the design of a real-time multi-tasking software set. >
Sensors and actuators for prosthetic systems

Although mechanical components, packaging techniques, microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits for prosthesis control are available, there is a pressing need for sensors and actuators to complete the system. These devices not only have to be functional, they have to be small in size, consume small amounts of power, and be operable by nontechnical personnel including the patient. They should also have good long-term stability and reliability. Furthermore, they should have a fail-safe feature when damaged so that they will not emit toxic substances when overheated or burned to failure. The author summarizes microsensor and microactuator development for prosthetic systems, including electrodes (recording and stimulating); position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration sensors; force, touch, and pressure sensors; chemical and biosensors; pumps, valves, and controlled-resistance devices; and microactuators. >
A Biologically-Inspired Approach to Network Traffic Classification for Resource-Constrained Systems

Internet traffic classification has been studied widely in recent years, and many machine learning approaches have been applied to it. Internet traffic classification has increased in relevance in recent years because of its potential applications in the business world. Information about network traffic has many benefits in network design, security, management and accounting. Internet traffic classification is especially important to the adaptive networks often used in cloud computing, which must use data gleaned from the network to adjust to network conditions on-the-fly. This information is most easily collated from the huge amount of information going through a modern network with machine learning algorithms, which adjust themselves to the conditions of the network. In previous research, Artificial Immune System (AIS) algorithms have been used to classify malicious and benign network traffic in support of Intrusion Detection Systems [1]. Because of their versatility and their low sensitivity to the values of the input parameters, we are motivated to explore the value of using AIS inspired algorithms in support of flow-based traffic classification. In this paper, we propose an AIS inspired algorithm for flow-based traffic classification, and evaluate its performance with and without the use of kernel functions. We utilize a publicly-available dataset to compare our results with other approaches that have been proposed in the recent literature. We provide several measures of the classification performance of the algorithm, as well as share our experience on the best features of the algorithm for this particular application. We also evaluate the proposed algorithm, comparing it with two other classification algorithms, and draw conclusions based on our findings. The algorithm generalizes well and gives high accuracy even with a small training set when compared to other algorithms, although the training and classification times were higher. The algorithm is also insensitive to the values of the input parameters, which makes it attractive for embedded and Internet of Things applications. The research presented here is a longer exposition of the work in [2].
Knowledge-based hybrid expert system for automated interferometric data reduction

In order to accomplish the ultimate goal of automated interferogram evaluation, the utilization of artificial neural networks or expert systems in artificial intelligence has been expected. In this paper, a new PC-based fringe evaluation technique, which is based on hybridization of an expert system and a conventional fringe tracking method, is presented together with some test results of noise-ridden interferograms in high-speed aerodynamics. This technique incorporates algorithmic image processing with expert-system-driven knowledge manipulation in a single structure to provide an optimal solution for noisy interferogram evaluation. A new approach for regional phase unwrapping based on the technique is also proposed. This concept is applicable to interferometry such as phase shifting and Fourier transform that provides phase-wrapped information. It is based on conservative decision making in defining phase-wrapped regions by utilizing global/regional knowledge in the expert system. The approach is thus believed to reduce computation time and memory space in processing complex or noisy interferograms that require frequent operator interactions.
Serum levels of the ovarian cancer biomarker HE4 are decreased in pregnancy and increase with age

Objective The purpose of this study was to establish normal ranges for human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) serum levels in healthy women. Study Design HE4 levels were measured in healthy women and analyzed by age, menopausal status, and pregnancy status. Upper 95th percentiles were determined for normal ranges. Results Serum samples from 1101 healthy women and 67 pregnant women were analyzed. Above the age of 40 years significant elevations in HE4 concentrations emerged with advancing age. The upper 95th percentile for HE4 levels was 89 pmol/L for premenopausal women, 128 pmol/L for postmenopausal women, and 115 pmol/L for all women. There was a significant difference in the median serum HE4 levels in premenopausal women (46.6 pmol/L) compared with postmenopausal women (57.6 pmol/L; P P Conclusion HE4 serum concentrations vary significantly on the basis of age. These variations must be considered when the upper limit of normal for HE4 is determined.
Drosophila morphogenesis: Tissue force laws and the modeling of dorsal closure

Dorsal closure, a stage of Drosophila development, is a model system for cell sheet morphogenesis and wound healing. During closure, two flanks of epidermal tissue progressively advance to reduce the area of the eye‐shaped opening in the dorsal surface, which contains amnioserosa tissue. To simulate the time evolution of the overall shape of the dorsal opening, we developed a mathematical model, in which contractility and elasticity are manifest in model force‐producing elements that satisfy force‐velocity relationships similar to muscle. The action of the elements is consistent with the force‐producing behavior of actin and myosin in cells. The parameters that characterize the simulated embryos were optimized by reference to experimental observations on wild‐type embryos and, to a lesser extent, on embryos whose amnioserosa was removed by laser surgery and on myospheroid mutant embryos. Simulations failed to reproduce the amnioserosa‐removal protocol in either the elastic or the contractile limit, indica...
The formation of a mentoring program as a mechanism to increase the knowledge of SQA members

Starting a career in the Quality Assurance (QA) field is often an intimidating endeavor, and over time, building a career can present challenges and introduce obstacles. While education and training can provide a solid foundation, a mentor can help a less experienced QA professional to determine career direction, build confidence, and enhance performance by increasing knowledge. Volunteers from the Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) have established a Mentoring Program in order to provide members with opportunities to be mentored in areas of the field new to them and to enhance their leadership skills by serving as mentors. The program was developed over three years and resulted in the launch of a formal Mentoring Program in the summer of 2009. This article discusses the inception of the idea and describes the processes used to build the program currently offered to the members of SQA. Included in the article are survey results collected during a pilot mentoring program used to test the program framework. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aligning Actions at Work: How Managers Confront Problems of Employee Performance.

This article explores how managers handle performance problems. Consistent with recent descriptions of sequences of managers' confrontations, the analysis isolates particular confrontive techniques recommended by managers, and addresses how these techniques enhance both alignment between managers and employees and managerial control. Techniques fall into three broad categories: (a) alternatives to confrontation, (b) investigative actions, and (c) fault finding. It was found, based upon managers' responses to scenarios of problematic events, that they opt out of either investigative or fault-finding moves about one-fifth of the time, they commence with investigative moves about one-third of the time, and although they engage in fault finding about one-half the time, they avoid more aggravated forms of fault finding and reserve formal procedures for severe and/or intransigent cases. Implications for alignment theory and management practice are discussed, as are limitations of the research and ideas for subs...
Postpartum Follow-up for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

We sought to determine the frequency of postpartum follow-up for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. A retrospective cohort study of women with gestational diabetes mellitus from 2002 to 2008 ( N = 745) at an academic center was conducted. The primary outcome was either fasting blood glucose or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance, both measured at ≤6 months postpartum. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for statistical comparisons, and statistical significance was indicated by P < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. The frequency of follow-up for the study cohort was 33.7%. Of these women, 28.3% had values consistent with impaired glucose tolerance and 2.0% were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Asian women were the most likely to follow up (43%), and Latinas had the lowest follow-up frequency (18%; P < 0.001). Compared with their counterparts, women ≥35 years old, nulliparas, and women with GDM subtype A2 were more likely to return for postpartum glucose testing (odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 to 2.5; OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.7; OR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.6, respectively). The frequency of postpartum follow-up for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus is exceedingly low. More effective strategies are needed to increase the postpartum and longitudinal follow-up for all women with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Cohesion and sport team effectiveness: the benefit of a common group identity.

This research examines the idea that the salience of a common group or team identity will have positive consequences on performance within a coacting sport (football) team. Ninety-four high school ...
Exponential-edge transmission line pulsing for snap-back device characterization

A new ESD testing system, the exponential-edge transmission line pulse system (EETLP), is presented. EETLP generates 100ns square pulses with a variable, exponentially decaying falling edge. When applied to an ESD protection device, the pulse shape allows for capture of both the transient and quasi-steady-state responses, in the context of a single measurement. EETLP provides unprecedented insight into the turn-off dynamics of snapback-type devices. Device measurement data are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of EETLP.
Sex differences in the effectiveness of elaborative strategy use: knowledge access comparisons.

Dual-task procedures-elaborative strategy use and finger-tapping-were used to examine both recall and mental effort demands of elaboration strategy use with equal numbers of boys and girls at grades two and three. Knowledge-base access was examined by comparing different item types in the associative learning list: masculine, feminine, and mixed. Results showed that boys and girls did not differ in their recall of arbitrarily paired items (e.g., mixed pairs). A Sex by Item Type (masculine vs feminine) interaction, however, revealed that for feminine pairs girls recalled more than boys, whereas for masculine pairs no sex difference was observed. Finger tapping interference scores indexed mental effort. Similar to the recall findings, results indicated that the elaboration of feminine pairs required less mental effort by girls in contrast to boys. Elaboration of masculine pairs was not associated with a sex difference. The results were discussed in terms of sex differences in knowledge-base access.
Management of spinal deformity in cerebral palsy: conservative treatment

Abstract Introduction The incidence of scoliosis in Cerebral Palsy (CP) is directly related to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level. The natural history of untreated scoliosis in patients with CP is one of progression and factors implicated in deterioration include type of involvement (quadriplegia), poor functional status (nonambulatory, GMFCS levels IV and V), and curve location (thoracolumbar). The generally accepted incidence in the overall CP population is 20–25 %. Materials and methods We recently published our short term results for 31 children treated with a short lumbar brace. In cases of a "positive hands up test" we recommend a short lumbar brace, and in patients with scoliosis with a Cobb angle >20° a double shelled brace. Results In our study, there was a correction of 37 % for the lumbar Cobb angle and 39 % for the thoracic Cobb angle at a mean follow-up of 28 months. Conclusion The incidence of scoliosis in the overall CP population is 20–25 % and is directly related...
Cheese Whey Detection in Frozen Desserts

Abstract Conventional analyses and high pressure liquid chromatography were used to detect sweet-type cheese whey replacement for nonfat milk solids in ice milk mixes at substitutions below and above the allowable 25%. Sweet whey replacement was monitored by noting abnormally high lactic acid and lactose, lower protein (using Kjeldahl nitrogen and dye binding), high lactose to protein ratios, and small but distinctive amounts of glycomacropeptide as determined by its solubility characteristics (soluble in 12% trichloroacetic acid but precipitated by phosphotungstic acid) and sialic acid content. The following compositional characteristics of ice milk would be suspect in sweet whey adulteration above 25% replacement: lactic acid (lactate) above .05%, lactose to protein ratio above 2.1, and glycomacropeptide precipitate, (per 100g mix) having a dry weight above 55mg, and sialic acid content above 5.2 μ moles.