cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium-phospholipid-phosphate complexes in mineralizing tissue.

SummaryCalcium - phospholipid - phosphate complexes have been isolated from mineralized tissues using a sonication-dependent method described previously and a new method which depends on the use of enzymes to remove the nonlipid matrix from tissues which were decalcified under mild conditions. Both methods gave comparable results. The complexes were found to be constituents of all mineralized rabbit tissues; bone, calcified cartilage, and tooth. No such complexes could be isolated from the nonmineralized tissues; muscle, ear cartilage, bone marrow, adipose tissue. The proportion of Ca-PL-PO4 is highest in those tissues which are involved in active mineralization, i.e., the younger tissues. All complexes isolated from mineralized tissues contain 50 mole % Ca, and variable amounts of the acidic phospholipids and inorganic phosphate. However, the Ca:total P molar ratio was always unity. All isolated complexes were shown to induce in vitro hydroxyapatite formation from metastable calcium phosphate solution an...
Three Sociological Epistemologies

Three epistemologies—pragmatism, positivism, and hermeneutics—are sociologically explained as the ideologies of different groups doing various kinds of scientific work. These ideologies are shaped ...
Loss of endothelin B receptor function impairs sodium excretion in a time- and sex-dependent manner.

Recent studies suggested a direct link between circadian rhythms and regulation of sodium excretion. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) regulates sodium balance by promoting natriuresis through the endothelin B r...
Fuzzy adaptive pitch controller of a wind turbine

In case of wind turbine induction generators which are directly connected to grid a control problem arises when the wind speed increases above the rated wind speed, some measure needs to be taken to limit the aerodynamic torque of the wind turbine in order to keep the output power at its rated value. For this purpose various controlling variables may be chosen, like generator speed, generator power and wind speed. There are number of self-tuning controllers, Tan's controller is a model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) and has been tested on various non-linear plants and has proved to be robust with tight control performance. Here we have tried to test the proposed self-learning neuro-fuzzy controller by Tan [2] for the pitch angle control of wind turbine using simulink. The self-learning neuro-fuzzy control strategy has the potential when the system contains strong non-linearity, such as wind turbulence is strong. The self-learning neuro-fuzzy model will try to develop the inverse plant model of the system and will use that to generate the required control action to keep the output at its rated value. In order to carry out this comparison wind turbine induction generator (WTIG) from Simulink distributed resources is used. Comparison of the self-learning neuro-fuzzy control and PI controller has been carried out in different wind profiles and overall results show that self-learning neuro-fuzzy controller can give better results in presence of strong wind disturbances.
When work enters the home: Antecedents of role boundary permeability behavior

Abstract Boundary permeability is the degree to which a boundary allows elements from another role domain, such as work, to enter the focal role domain, such as the home. The more extensively work-related elements enter the home domain, the more permeable the home role boundary. Based on a person-situation interactionist perspective, this research builds on prior theoretical and empirical work to better understand how three personal characteristics (home role identity salience, work role identity salience, and polychronicity) and two situational factors (pressure for precedence from the work and home domains) influence the permeability of the home role boundary. Findings from a two-wave employee survey indicate that home role identity salience and polychronicity are indirectly related to home role boundary permeability behavior through permeability preference, and that the relationship between permeability preference and permeability behavior is attenuated by pressure from one's manager to prioritize work over home.
CMOS on-chip temperature sensors for power management

On-chip thermal monitoring is becoming increasingly important as VLSI circuits becoming more complex. On-chip thermal monitors provide critical input to the power and thermal management structures that are necessary to prevent excessive chip temperatures from destroying the device or reducing the expected lifetime to unacceptable levels. In applications where on-chip heating is of concern, multiple built-in temperature sensors are distributed throughout the chip to monitor temperature at critical positions on the die. These on-chip temperature sensors must be compatible with submicron processes, must not consume a large area, and must be highly accurate with low power consumption over standard process variations and over typical supply voltage variations. One contribution of this work is the introduction of a threshold-voltage-based temperature sensor. It is based upon a self-stabilized feedback architecture. This circuit expresses temperature information as an output voltage. An analysis of this circuit using a standard square-law model for the transistors with zero output conductance shows this structure is power supply independent with an output voltage that is linearly dependent upon the threshold voltage. A more detailed analysis of both the VDD rejection and the output voltage linearity that includes the effect of the transistors output transconductance in the square-law model is also presented. Although the performance is still quite good, strategies to improve both linearity and VDD sensitivity are presented. Two implementations of this temperature sensor were fabricated, one in a TSMC 0.18μm process and the other in an ONC 0.18 μm process. Both simulation results and experimental results of the two circuits show similar performance. The circuit in the TSMC 0.18 μm process consumes only 0.92μW of
The Use and “Abuse” of Family in Policy Matters

Family as an institution and as rhetoric appears to play an inordinate role in shaping social policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Its impact affects the work of applied and academic sociologists in multiple ways. Given its importance and the manner in which it operates, I argue that family may be usefully studied as an ideograph. I present a detailed analysis of how family operates rhetorically to shape and constrain policy-related matters. I also illustrate how it affects and delimits consideration of some specific social concerns, and I conclude that social science practitioners should conscientiously take family into account as we do our own work.
Multiscale Modeling of Biological Protein Materials – Deformation and Failure

Multi-scale properties of biological protein materials have been the focal point of extensive investigations over the past decades, leading to formation of a research field that connects biology and materials science, referred to as materiomics. In this chapter we review atomistic based modeling approaches applied to study the scale-dependent mechanical behavior of biological protein materials, focused on mechanical deformation and failure properties. Specific examples are provided to illustrate the application of numerical methods that link atomistic to mesoscopic and larger continuum scales. The discussion includes the formulation of atomistic simulation methods, as well as examples that demonstrate their application in case studies focused on size effects of the fracture behavior of protein materials. The link of atomistic scale features of molecular structures to structural scales at length-scales of micrometers will be discussed in the analysis of the mechanics of a simple model of the nuclear lamin network, revealing how protein networks with structural flaws cope with mechanical load
Nematode germ granule assembly is linked to mRNA repression

RNA-protein (RNP) granules are non-membrane bound organelles with enigmatic roles in RNA metabolism. Metazoa contain RNP germ granules specialized for germline development. Caenorhabditis elegans P-granules are liquid droplet germ granules that require PGL proteins for assembly. Here we investigate PGL proteins to understand the relationship between P-granule assembly and germline function. We determine the crystal structure of a PGL N-terminal domain (NTD) and find that it dimerizes. From the structure, we identify mutations that disrupt PGL dimerization in vitro and prevent PGL granule formation in mammalian cells in culture. These same mutations in nematodes prevent assembly of PGL into P-granules and cause sterility. Using a protein-mRNA tethering assay, we show that mRNAs recruited to PGL-1 are repressed, while mRNAs recruited to PGL-1 mutants defective for granule assembly are expressed. Therefore, the effects of PGL on mRNA repression and fertility are tightly linked to its formation of higher-ordered assemblies.
Experimental characterization of a hybrid graphene/metal plasmonic antenna array

We fabricated terahertz-frequency plasmonic antenna arrays using patterned metallic structures atop a layer of graphene. The antenna design was developed through numerical simulations that were informed by experimentally obtained graphene parameters. Experimental characterization reveals a clear reflection enhancement at 3λ/2, the intensity of which was modified by underlying graphene.
Movement, Behavior, and Habitat Use of a Marine Apex Predator, the Scalloped Hammerhead

Conservation and management efforts of marine apex predators are more reliable when information on movement and habitat use patterns are known. The scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) was the first shark species to be protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and has life history characteristics that make this species particularly at risk for local depletion. Consequently, the goal of this study was to better understand the movement dynamics of this species in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) where discards through the longline fishery can be substantial. A total of 33 scalloped hammerheads were tagged with fin mounted satellite tags and tracked for an average of 146 days (ranging from 5 to 479 days) to examine horizontal movements and quantify space use. Scalloped hammerheads showed a wide range of movements throughout the GOM continental shelf with limited long-distance dispersal and females displayed a shelf-edge association relative to more mid-shelf use by males. A generalized additive model was developed to identify habitat suitability for scalloped hammerheads in the GOM, while state-space modeling was used to examine movement behaviors. Model results highlighted the use of continental shelf waters with high occurrence at close proximities to both artificial and hard-bottom habitat combined with low chlorophyll a concentrations (~0–4 mg m-3) and moderate salinities (33–35.5). Habitat suitability for scalloped hammerheads was predicted to be high on the mid to outer continental shelf inside the 200 m isobaths and state-space models support area-restricted behavior was most common relative to transient behavior. Findings from this study provide important information on movement of this species in the GOM and highlight their restricted use of continental shelf habitat and resident behavior that will need to be incorporated in future stock assessments and extinction risk analyses.
Phase I/II trial of anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab and 177Lu-DOTA0-Tyr3-Octreotate for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.

TPS8589Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts up to 15% of all new cases of lung cancer. 60% of patients with SCLC present with extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). Despite initial sensitivi...
Sacred Surveillance: Indian Muslims, Waqf, and the Evolution of State Power in French Mandate Syria

The development and evolution of surveillance capacities around waqf—pious endowment property—was an important if overlooked dynamic during the French Mandate in Syria (1920–1946). Comparative analysis of British and French sources draws out new insights regarding the larger system of administration and surveillance of waqf in Syria. Two little-studied features of the interwar Anglo-French colonial experience frame this chapter: the emergence of pious endowments as a key site of state surveillance and the extent to which the circulation of people through colonial spaces destabilized already tenuous colonial categories of citizenship, identity, and property.
Outcomes following selective fetoscopic laser ablation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a single-centre experience.

Introduction Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), a treatment option for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in monochorionic twin pregnancies, is currently the treatment of choice at our centre. We previously reported on our experience of FLP from June 2011 to March 2014. This paper audits our fetal surgery performance since then. Methods 15 consecutive patients who underwent FLP for Stage II-III TTTS before 26 weeks of gestation from June 2011 to January 2017 were retrospectively reviewed, consisting of five cases from our initial experience and ten subsequent cases. Perioperative, perinatal and neonatal outcomes were analysed. Results Of 15 pregnancies, 10 (66.7%) and 5 (33.3%) were for Stage II and III TTTS respectively, with FLP performed at an earlier Quintero stage in the later cohort. Overall mean gestational ages at presentation, laser and delivery were comparable between the cohorts at 19.7 (15.4-24.3) weeks, 20.3 (16.3-25.0) weeks and 31.2 (27.6-37.0) weeks, respectively. 2 (13.3%) cases had intra-amniotic bleeding and 1 (6.7%) had iatrogenic septostomy. 1 (6.7%) case had persistent TTTS requiring repeat FLP, and another (6.7%) had preterm premature rupture of membranes at seven weeks post procedure. The overall perinatal survival rate was 21 (75.0%) out of 28 infants. One mother underwent termination of pregnancy for social reasons at 1.4 weeks post procedure. Double survival occurred in 8 (57.1%) out of 14 pregnancies, while 13 (92.9%) had at least one survivor. Conclusion FLP requires a highly specialised team and tertiary neonatal facility. Continual training improves maternal and perinatal outcomes, ensuring comparable standards with international centres.
Liposome-encapsulated statins reduce hypertrophic scarring through topical application

Hypertrophic scar is an important clinical problem with limited therapeutic options. Aside from their roles as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins have also been demonstrated to decrease scarring by reducing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. However, poor penetrative ability limits their utility as topical treatments for hypertrophic scar. Here, we aim to develop novel statin formulations using liposomes to enhance dermal penetrative ability and to evaluate their efficacy against formation of hypertrophic scar utilizing our validated rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model. Liposomal simvastatin or pravastatin were compounded using a novel, flexible liposomal formulation and applied topically to rabbit ear hypertrophic scars daily from postoperation day (POD) 14 until POD 25. Scar color, including erythema and melanin, was measured using reflectance spectrophotometry on POD 28, and scar tissue was harvested for evaluation of scar elevation index as well as gene and protein expression. Human foreskin fibroblasts were also treated with statin formulations and CCN2 expression was determined by quantitative PCR. Both simvastatin and pravastatin were efficiently encapsulated in liposomes, forming nanometer-scale particles possessing highly negative charges. Topical treatment with liposomal simvastatin and pravastatin at 6.5% concentration significantly reduced scar elevation index and decreased type I/III collagen content and myofibroblast persistence in the wound. The erythema/vascularity of scars was reduced by liposomal statin treatment, with concomitant decrease of CD31 expression as measured histologically. Expression levels of transcripts encoding CTGF, collagen I, and collagen III collagen in scar tissue were also decreased by liposomal pravastatin treatment, as were myofibroblast persistence and the type I/III collagen ratio as assessed by immunofluorescence and picrosirus red staining, respectively. Treatment of human foreskin fibroblasts with simvastatin or with liposome-encapsulated pravastatin resulted in decreased expression of transcript encoding CTGF. Overall, our novel statin formulations encapsulated in liposomes were successfully delivered through topical application, significantly reducing hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear model.
Housing microbial symbionts: evolutionary origins and diversification of symbiotic organs in animals

In many animal hosts, microbial symbionts are housed within specialized structures known as symbiotic organs, but the evolutionary origins of these structures have rarely been investigated. Here, I adopt an evolutionary developmental (evo-devo) approach, specifically to apply knowledge of the development of symbiotic organs to gain insights into their evolutionary origins and diversification. In particular, host genetic changes associated with evolution of symbiotic organs can be inferred from studies to identify the host genes that orchestrate the development of symbiotic organs, recognizing that microbial products may also play a key role in triggering the developmental programme in some associations. These studies may also reveal whether higher animal taxonomic groups (order, class, phylum, etc.) possess a common genetic regulatory network for symbiosis that is latent in taxa lacking symbiotic organs, and activated at the origination of symbiosis in different host lineages. In this way, apparent instances of convergent evolution of symbiotic organs may be homologous in terms of a common genetic blueprint for symbiosis. Advances in genetic technologies, including reverse genetic tools and genome editing, will facilitate the application of evo-devo approaches to investigate the evolution of symbiotic organs in animals. This article is part of the theme issue 'The role of the microbiome in host evolution'.
Preoperative left atrial strain abnormalities are associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation following isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

Abstract Objective Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Currently, there is no reliable way to determine preoperatively which patients will develop POAF following CABG. The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative left atrial (LA) strain analysis might identify patients destined to develop POAF following CABG. Methods From 2016 to 2018, 211 patients who had a preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction >50% and adequate preoperative, predischarge, and follow-up echo images for interpretation underwent isolated CABG surgery. Postoperatively, patients had continuous rhythm monitoring until hospital discharge. Retrospective speckle-tracking analysis of preoperative echocardiograms was performed to calculate preoperative left ventricular global longitudinal strain and LA compliance and contraction strains in 92 matched patients. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the predictors of POAF after CABG. Results POAF occurred in 50 patients (24%). They were older, had longer intensive care unit and hospital stays, and a slightly greater 30-day mortality (P = .07). Preoperative LA volume index was larger in the patients with POAF but still “normal” as defined by current guidelines. However, preoperative LA compliance and contraction strains were significantly lower in patients who developed POAF after CABG. Conclusions Decreased preoperative LA strain measurements, especially LA-fractional area change, LA-emptying fraction, and LA-reservoir strain, taken jointly, are more specific and sensitive than other preoperative parameters in identifying patients who will develop POAF following CABG. The ability to identify patients preoperatively who are destined to develop POAF following CABG provides a basis for limiting POAF prophylactic therapy to only those patients undergoing CABG who are most likely to benefit from it rather than to all patients undergoing CABG.
Understanding Twitter Telehealth Communication during the COVID-19 Pandemic using Hetero-Functional Graph Theory

The active COVID-19 pandemic continues to impose a significant burden on healthcare delivery systems around the world. In the United States, temporary reimbursement policy amendments forged significant changes to telehealth adoption, seemingly overnight. Policy changes now allow beneficiaries in all areas of the country to receive telehealth services, including in their home. Healthcare delivery systems and providers have had to adjust to meet the need for telehealth expansion. Significant funding poured into telehealth research, technology, and the healthcare delivery landscape, yet it is unclear how temporary these policies will be. Significant telehealth adoption casts strong implications for healthcare delivery in smart cities, which are in a position to leverage other technologies on top of the telehealth delivery model. With such a significant change to the healthcare delivery landscape, we sought to understand the public discourse around the telehealth topic through the Twitter social media platform. In this paper, we seek to characterize telehealth related Twitter communication patterns. We show that while classic Twitter social network analysis does not conceptually characterize the communication, hetero-functional graph theory analysis instead provides deeper insights about the dynamic communication behavior of telehealth in social media.
23 – THE CHEMISTRY AND GENESIS OF OPAQUE MINERALS IN KIMBERLITES

Detailed electron-microprobe analyses of zonal trends in the spinel mineral group in kimberlites show that the early formed spinels are either highly enriched in the series picrochromite–chromite, or alternatively in the series MgAl2O4–FeAl2O4; in both compositional types, progressive enrichment trends induced by solid–liquid or solid–gas reaction result in an overall increase in Fe + Ti, and a specific increase in Fe+3. The range of primary spinel compositions previously reported in kimberlites has been widened towards higher ratios of Al/Cr. Homogeneous and oscillatory zoned spinels, skeletal and subhedral, are present in garnet kelyphitic reaction mantles. The unique characterization of kimberlitic spinels is in high MgO, FeO(Fe2O3) and TiO2 contents; whereas kimberlitic ilmenites are fingerprinted by high MgO, intermediate Fe2O3 contents, and by the presence of Cr2O3. Accessory minerals identified are Fe, Fe–Ni, pyrite, pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite. Compositional data on two new minerals are presented and the first occurrence of terrestrial armalcolite is reported.
A longitudinal case series of IM ketamine for patients with severe and enduring eating disorders and comorbid treatment-resistant depression

Severe and enduring eating disorders (EDs) have the highest mortality rate of all psychiatric illnesses (Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2011, 68, 724), especially when comorbid with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Psychiatr Res, 2016, 244, 45). We report on four patients with enduring EDs and TRD treated with repeat ketamine over 12 + months, showing improvement in depression with only modest changes in ED symptoms.
Abstract LB199: Trafficking of Semaphorin4D is regulated by endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78

Localization of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones to the cell surface is an adaptive mechanism for cells to expand the functionality of these proteins in response to stress by activating signaling pathways distinct from their ER functions, thereby impacting cell survival and signaling. In cancer, cell-surface ER chaperones have been reported to regulate oncogenic signaling pathways, proliferation and cell adhesion through interactions with other cell surface proteins. The emerging role of peripheral cell surface GRP78 (csGRP78), traditionally regarded as an ER luminal chaperone, as a multifunctional co-receptor for many different types of cell surface proteins presents novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions. One such cell surface protein is Semaphorin4D (Sema4D). Sema4D was originally discovered as a cell surface cleavable ligand and neuronal axon guidance cue that mobilizes the actin cytoskeleton to facilitate neuronal growth cone homing during development. In cancer, cell surface Sema4D expression is pro-metastatic and pro-angiogenic. Sema4D has been shown to be highly expressed in the breast cancer and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that Sema4D expression in breast cancer patients confers a poor prognosis and high probability of metastatic organotropism. Our recent advances have preliminarily identified a critical role for GRP78 in facilitating Semaphorin4D (Sema4D) trafficking. We show that Sema4D forms a direct protein-protein interaction with GRP78 and that GRP78 may facilitate membrane trafficking of Sema4D to the cell surface, where it exerts pro-angiogenic and metastatic effects. Furthermore, csGRP78 may interact with and facilitate many of the functions of Sema4D. Understanding the conditions by which GRP78 contributes to surface expression of Sema4D and the downstream effects may lead to novel therapeutics that abrogate the effects of Sema4D in cancer and to the elucidation of novel mechanisms by which Sema4D trafficking in cancer is regulated by GRP78. Citation Format: Anthony Carlos, Yuan-Li Tsai, Yan Ma, Amy Lee. Trafficking of Semaphorin4D is regulated by endoplasmic reticulum chaperone GRP78 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB199.
Androgen therapy for women after menopause.

Background Androgens are essential hormones in women. Yet, androgen therapy is understudied and underutilized despite showing improvement in postmenopausal hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Additionally, regulatory concerns have left a significant gap in commercially available testosterone preparations, formulated specifically for women, in most countries. This has led to off-label use of male formulations and compounded therapies which are under-regulated. Beyond HSDD and GSM, testosterone likely influences the brain, breast, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. These effects are not well studied, and therefore it is difficult to counsel patients on testosterone therapy when used for these endpoints. Ultimately, further study is needed to elucidate these effects, create a fuller picture of the risks and benefits, and encourage product development specifically designed for women.
Amorphous Silicon Alloys

The sections in this article are 1 Introduction 2 Hydrogen- and Deuterium-Related Microstructure (1H, 2D) 3 Lattice Structure (29Si, 13C) 4 Dopant Atoms (11B, 31P) 5 Biographical Sketch Related Articles
Online Ad Assignment with Free Disposal

We study an online weighted assignment problem with a set of fixed nodes corresponding to advertisers and online arrival of nodes corresponding to ad impressions. Advertiser a has a contract for n(a) impressions, and each impression has a set of weighted edges to advertisers. The problem is to assign the impressions online so that while each advertiser a gets n(a) impressions, the total weight of edges assigned is maximized. Our insight is that ad impressions allow for free disposal, that is, advertisers are indifferent to, or prefer being assigned more than n(a) impressions without changing the contract terms. This means that the value of an assignment only includes the n(a) highest-weighted items assigned to each node a. With free disposal, we provide an algorithm for this problem that achieves a competitive ratio of 1 ? 1/e against the offline optimum, and show that this is the best possible ratio. We use a primal/dual framework to derive our results, applying a novel exponentially-weighted dual update rule. Furthermore, our algorithm can be applied to a general set of assignment problems including the ad words problem as a special case, matching the previously known 1 ? 1/e competitive ratio.
The affiliation agreement in US broadcasting: The tie that binds

Abstract The affiliation agreement has historically been the mechanism through which television networks in the USA have solidified their power, erected barriers to entry for new networks, and taken over control of prime-time programming. While the FCC has modified certain contract terms, local affiliates still clear a staggering amount of network programmes. The central issue for public policy analysis is what can be done to take advantage of the economies of scale of networking without the accompanying side effects on new entry and programming decisions. The author explores what might happen if programme-by-programme bidding were substituted for the affiliation agreement.
Seasonal development of loblolly pine lateral roots in response to stand density and fertilization

In 1989, two levels each of stand density and fertilization treatments were factorially established in a 9-year-old loblolly pine plantation on a P-deficient Gulf Coastal Plain site in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, USA. In 1995, a second thinning was conducted on the previously thinned plots and fertilizer was re-applied to the previously fertilized plots. The morphology of new long lateral roots was evaluated at 2-week intervals in five Plexiglas rhizotrons per plot of two replications. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal initiation of six morphological categories of long lateral roots (≥ 2.5 cm in length) in response to stand density and fertilization. Lateral root development exhibited a seasonal pattern with the initiation of branched lateral roots predominantly occurring in spring and summer. The initiation of non-branched lateral roots occurred throughout the year regardless of season. Stand density did not affect lateral root morphological development. However, fertilization stimulated the initiation of branched lateral roots that were greater than 1 mm in diameter.
Performing Well on Nursing Home Report Cards: Does It Pay Off?

Improving quality of care in nursing homes is a national priority as evidenced by the recent widespread adoption of market-based quality improvement initiatives, such as public reporting and pay-for-performance. In November of 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began publicly reporting the quality of care at every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the United States through their website, Nursing Home Compare (NHC). The website provides general information about nursing home characteristics, nurse staffing information, clinical quality measures, and inspection results. Publicly reporting quality information may improve quality of care in two ways. First, the reported information is expected to assist consumers in choosing high-quality providers, thus increasing the number of consumers choosing high-quality providers. Second, with increased consumer attention to quality and increased competition based on quality, providers may focus on improving the quality of care they deliver or potentially gain market share. Thus, in theory, report cards might be an effective policy tool to promote high-quality care. Empirical evidence on the effects of NHC is still emerging. Studies of the effect of NHC on nursing home quality have used a range of research designs from simple pre–post trends to difference-in-differences models using a control group. Regardless of the methods used, most of these studies were consistent with each other in that they showed modest improvement in some but not all reported measures of quality in response to NHC (Zinn et al. 2005; Castle, Engberg, and Liu 2007; Mukamel et al. 2008; Werner et al. 2009;). Far fewer studies have looked at consumer response, but one recent survey indicated that 12 percent of new nursing home residents or their families consulted the NHC website when making their decision and most were able to understand the information (Castle 2009). Numerous questions about mechanisms, sustainability, and indirect effects remain unanswered. While the main objective of public reporting is to improve quality of care, public reporting may have indirect financial consequences for providers as well; without these, the sustainability of quality improvements in response to public reporting is difficult to imagine. Within the nursing home literature, a few studies have attempted to examine whether quality is associated with better financial performance, generally finding that higher quality facilities also have better financial performance as measured by profit margins and other standard indicators (Weech-Maldonado, Neff, and Mor 2003; Castle 2005;). However, the nature of the relationship between quality of care and financial performance is still uncertain. Most important, these studies were conducted before the release of public report cards. Little is known about the financial implications of quality improvement under public reporting.
Lyell in America—His Lectures, Field Work, and Mutual Influences, 1841-1853

Charles Lyell visited North America four times in the twelve years from 1841 to 1853. Except for the last visit, he both lectured and travelled widely to study geology. In 1841 he opened the second season of Lowell Lectures in Boston, and in early 1842 he gave essentially the same lectures again at Philadelphia and New York. In 1845 and 1852, Lyell lectured only at Boston. In 1853, he returned briefly as a British representative at the New York Industrial Fair. The New York lectures were published verbatim, and Lyell's incomplete notes for his lectures, newspaper accounts, and his wife Mary's correspondence from America provide some insight about the others. During 25 months of travel spanning a dozen years, the Lyells saw more of the United States and southeastern Canada—from the Atlantic coast to the lower Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and from the St. Lawrence Valley to the Gulf Coast—than had most citizens of the New World. After the first two visits, Lyell published two travel journals, which contain m...
Effect of the plant growth regulator, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, on spontaneous and chemically-induced lung tumorigenesis in strain A mice.

Abstract Both the carcinogenicity and the co-carcinogenicity of the plant growth regulator, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid, were assessed in the strain A mouse pulmonary adenoma bioassay. 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid suppressed the spontaneous development of lung tumours in strain A mice and inhibited the development of lung tumours in response to urethane, an active carcinogen in the pulmonary adenoma bioassay. At physiological pH, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid breaks down into ethylene, phosphate and chloride. The ethylene thus generated may be responsible for the anticarcinogenic effects of the plant growth regulator, since this gas has been shown to inhibit both cell division and DNA synthesis in plants.
Explosive simulation to investigate enhanced ablator removal

Abstract We have developed a method to simulate with explosives the impact and penetration of a recentry vehicle (RV) shell by a high-density hypervelocity fragment. Using a two-dimensional Lagrangian hydrocode, we modeled various hypervelocity fragment impact conditions and innovative explosive configurations that simulate the impact effects. The method is based on matching the damage inflicted on the heatshield by the impact and penetration of the fragment. Specifically, we set a simulation objective of matching the hole size, the time history of the stress environment, and the final effective plastic strain field for both the silica phenolic heatshield and aluminum layers while keeping the momentum imparted to the target the same. The calculations showed that the explosive jet from an explosive charge placed inside a short disposable steel barrel produced a hole that matched the simulation criteria reasonably well except that the aluminum substrate stretched excessively before failing. A much improved simulation was obtained when the target was penetrated with a fragment projected by an explosive charge. All the simulation criteria listed above were matched very well, indicating that explosive simulation can be used to simulate the impact of hypervelocity fragments with a high degree of fidelity.
Authoritarian Traits as Predictors of Preference for Candidates in 1980 United States Presidential Election

Responses of 42 males and 42 females to a questionnaire containing items from the dogmatism and F scales showed the right-wing candidate supporters were higher on authoritarianism than adherents of...
In search of a perfect power engineering program

Following a prolonged decline in enrollment and interest in power engineering, educators have formulated a variety of responses they believe will stem the tide of woes that seem to have besieged the profession. The range of creative solutions proposed in many programs are centered around what a power engineering curriculum should contain, how course materials should be delivered, and how to market (or promote) the program. This paper takes a critical look at a number of studies on curriculum development and learning in higher education. It examines the role that should be given to students' conception about learning, instructors' experience and teaching philosophies, and the impact of curriculum organization on students' performance in the design and implementation of educational innovations. The best aspects of the new innovations in a power engineering curriculum are then combined with other components that are deemed necessary to come up with what a model power engineering program should look like.
Analysis of IGBT based fundamental front end regenerative motor-drive systems

IGBT based Fundamental Front End “FFE” regenerative motor-drive system presents an attractive low cost solution for motor-drive applications that require regenerating power back to the grid. This technology doesn't require the addition of a breaking resistor to the drive which in many cases can present a safety hazard, and requires extra space. These motor-drive systems are extensively applied in industrial applications, as they provide an adequate replacement for standard motor-drive system applications that don't mandate reduced input current harmonics but require an economic / high power density design approach to regenerate power back to the grid. Thus, these motor-drive systems with IGBT based front-end converters have almost replaced conventional thyristor based line regenerative power converters especially in lower power applications. This paper is centered on providing a closed form solution and an in-depth mathematical analysis and performance evaluation of the IGBT based FFE.
Dormancy‐associated embryonic mRNAs and proteins in imbibing Avena fatua caryopses

The mechanisms controlling seed dormancy maintenance and release are not understood. To characterize the molecular events accompanying dormancy release, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used to monitor changes in soluble proteins and in vitro translation products of embryonic mRNA populations during imbibition of dormant and nondormant (after-ripened) Avena fatua L. caryopses. No differences were observed between in vitro translation products of mRNA extracted from dry dormant and nondormant embryos. However, the expression patterns of several imbibition- and germination-associated mRNAs were temporally modulated during the first 24 h of imbibition. Two dormancy-associated mRNAs, represented by polypeptides D1 and D2, were differentially overexpressed in dormant embryos after 3 h of imbibition. mRNA levels for D1 and D2 were about 8- and 3-fold higher, respectively, in dormant embryos than in nondormant embryos after 3 h of imbibition. Overexpression of D1 continued through 12 h of imbibition, while expression of both mRNAs fell to low and equivalent amounts in dormant and nondormant embryos after 24 h. Similar dormancy-associated changes in two soluble proteins were observed during imbibition. The results demonstrate that steady-state levels of specific mRNAs and proteins change during early imbibition of dormant and nondormant A. fatua embryos and indicate that these changes may be associated with differential gene expression responsible for the maintenance of dormancy.
Evidence that patterning mechanisms in developing and regenerating limbs are the same.

Some amphibians have the ability to form new limbs throughout their lives. The essential similarity between limb regeneration and the original development of the limb is that both involve the elaboration of new patterns of structures. While some investigators believe that the two developing systems use similar mechanisms to generate the limb pattern1–7, others have stressed the basic differences in developing and regenerating limbs, and have concluded that different mechanisms exist8. Both developing and regenerating urodele limbs can be caused to form supernumerary parts following tissue misalignment so that cells from normally disparate positions within the limb circumference confront each other (developing limbs2,9,10; regenerating limbs, see ref. 11 for review). If similar mechanisms are operating, the developing limb should respond to grafts of regenerating limb tissue, and vice versa, by forming supernumerary outgrowths. If different mechanisms are operating, either the grafts should fail or the response should be disorganized. Our results with the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum suggest that the patterning mechanisms are the same.
AT2 receptor non-peptide agonist C21 promotes natriuresis in obese Zucker rats.

Previously, we demonstrated that angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptors have a role in natriuresis in obese Zucker rats (OZR). In the present study, we investigated the role of a novel, non-peptide agonist, C21, in natriuresis via AT2 receptor activation in OZR. Infusion of C21 (1 and 5 μg kg−1 min−1) into rats under anesthesia caused a dose-dependent increase in urine flow (UF) and urinary Na volume (UNaV). These effects of C21 were blocked by pre-infusion of the AT2 receptor antagonist, PD123319, (50 μg kg−1 min−1), suggesting involvement of the AT2 receptor. Infusion of C21 (5 μg kg−1 min−1) significantly increased the fractional excretion of sodium without changing the glomerular filtration rate or blood pressure, suggesting a tubular effect. Similarly, C21 infusion increased the fractional excretion of lithium, suggesting a proximal tubular effect. Furthermore, we tested the effect of C21 on natriuresis after blocking two main, distal-nephron Na transporters, the epithelial Na channels (ENaC), with amiloride (AM, 3 mg kg−1 body wt), and the NaCl cotransporters (NCC), with bendroflumethiazide (BFTZ, 7 mg kg−1 body wt). Infusion of AM + BFTZ caused significant increases in both diuresis and natriuresis, which were further increased by infusion of C21 (5 μg kg−1 min−1). Natriuresis in response to C21 was associated with increases in urinary NO and cGMP levels. The data indicate that the AT2 receptor agonist, C21, promotes natriuresis via AT2 receptor activation and that this effect is potentially based in the proximal tubules and linked to the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. The natriuretic response to C21 may have therapeutic significance by improving kidney function in obesity.
Winter body fat, food consumption and nonshivering thermogenesis of representative spontaneous and facultative hibernators: The white-tailed prairie dog and black-tailed prairie dog

Abstract 1. 1. White-tailed prairie dogs are spontaneous hibernators while black-tailed prairie dogs do not hibernate unless severely deprived of food and water at low ambient temperatures. 2. 2. Contrary to what has been thought about spontaneous and facultative hibernators, both of these species in this study had similar body fat content when trapped in the field. Also, both species had an identical nonshivering thermogenic response when tested at mid-winter. 3. 3. White-tailed prairie dogs became spontaneously anorexic during late fall and underwent bouts of torpor while the black-tailed prairie dogs continued to eat throughout the winter and only rarely entered torpor. 4. 4. In spite of their different thermoregulatory and eating behaviors, both species exhibited the same body weight profiles through the fall, winter and spring. 5. 5. It is concluded that the lack of spontaneous hibernation in the black-tailed prairie dog may be a derived characteristic, divergent from the condition in the ancestral stock. However, the genetically controlled ‘sliding’ body weight set-point remains similar to that of the hibernating white-tailed prairie dog, a representative of the presumed ancestral condition.
Time-domain observation of Rabi flopping in a laser

We report direct time-domain observation of Rabi flopping in an operating semiconductor quantum cascade laser.
Modeling of High Aspect Ratio Active Flexible Wings for Roll Control

The study of wing-warping roll control for high-altitude long-endurance vehicle wings is the primary objective of this paper. For that, a formulation is developed for the preliminary design of high aspect ratio active flexible wings. The formulation captures the nonlinear (large) deflection behavior of the wings, the effects of anisotropic piezoelectric composites embedded in the skin, and the unsteady subsonic aerodynamic forces acting on the wing. Because the wing is long and slender, it can be modeled as a beam undergoing three dimensional displacements and rotations. The cross sectional stiffness, inertia, and actuation properties of the wing are calculated along the span, and then incorporated into the 1-D nonlinear beam model derived in this paper. Finite-state unsteady subsonic airloads are incorporated to complete the state space aeroelastic model. The result is a low order model, capable of representing the important aeroelastic behavior, suitable for preliminary structural design and control synthesis. The capabilities of the formulation are exemplified at the end. Among other things it is shown that the wing-warping control with embedded anisotropic piezocomposite actuators can be more effective than conventional aileron for roll control.
Impact of Semen Characteristics on the Success of Intrauterine Insemination

Patients: To evaluate the influence of sperm characteristics on the outcome of infertility treatment using intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Influence of Continuous Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonist Treatment on Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Secretion, the Response to GnRH, and the Testicular Response to Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Male Rhesus Monkeys*

Five adult male rhesus monkeys were continuously infused for 56 dayswith 25 μg/day of GnRH agonist (Wy- 40972; Ag) using an implanted osmotic pump. Bioassayable serum levels of LH were elevated 8-fold on the second day of Agtreatment and then declined precipitously to below pretreatment levels by day 15.Serum levels of testosterone (T) changed similarly during Ag treatment, except that the fall in serum LH levels preceded the decline in serum levelsof T by at least 2 days. Ag administration also eliminated the diurnal variation inserum LH and T. GnRH administration (50 μg) induced a 13- to 20-fold rise in serum LH and a 3- to 7-fold increase in serum T incontrol monkeys. After 4 weeks of Ag administration, none of the animals responded to GnRH. Both control and experimentalmonkeys had a rise in serum T in responseto hCG after 7 weeks of Ag treatment. Basal levels of LH and T returned to normalby 12 days posttreatment, and the serum LH and T responses to GnRH were normal 19days posttreatment. These results...