cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative IDEAL (Iterative Decomposition of Echoes of Asymmetrical Length) magnetic resonance imaging rotator cuff muscle fat fractions are associated with rotator cuff repair outcomes.

Background and hypothesis IDEAL (Iterative Decomposition of Echoes of Asymmetrical Length) imaging is a magnetic resonance imaging sequence that precisely measures rotator cuff muscle fatty infiltration. The influence of lower levels of fatty infiltration on outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains unclear. We hypothesized that increased preoperative fat fractions would be associated with inferior clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Methods We retrospectively identified patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with preoperative IDEAL imaging. Patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity computer adaptive survey at a minimum of 2 years after repair. Muscle segmentation was performed on 4 consecutive slices. Correlations between intramuscular fat fractions and PROMIS scores were determined. Patients were grouped by PROMIS scores of 50 or greater and scores lower than 50 for comparison of fat fractions. Multivariate linear regression was performed to model PROMIS scores as a function of demographic characteristics, tear size, and fat fractions. Significance was defined as P Results Eighty patients were included (mean follow-up, 42.5 ± 10.7 months). Postoperative PROMIS scores were significantly inversely correlated with the infraspinatus (ρ = –0.25, P = .02) and subscapularis (ρ = –0.29, P = .009) fat fractions. The infraspinatus (7.2% ± 4.9% vs. 5.2% ± 3.0%, P = .046) and subscapularis (10.4% ± 5.1% vs. 8.2% ± 5.0%, P = .001) fat fractions were significantly higher for patients with low PROMIS scores vs. those with PROMIS scores of 50 or greater. In multivariate modeling, the infraspinatus fat fraction (β = –0.68, P = .029) was the only significant independent predictor of postoperative PROMIS score. Conclusion Intramuscular fat as determined by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging is an important factor in postoperative outcomes even in patients with lower levels of preoperative fatty infiltration.
11. MISTREATMENT OF PEDIATRIC RESIDENTS BY PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES IS COMMON AND REQUIRES MORE EFFECTIVE INTERVENTIONS

Background Mistreatment of trainees adversely impacts their learning and wellbeing and can lead to medical errors and preventable adverse outcomes. However, few studies have examined mistreatment of trainees by patients and their families. We hypothesized that pediatric residents commonly experience mistreatment from patients and their families and lack training to effectively intervene. Methods We created an anonymous Qualtrics survey to assess resident experiences of mistreatment based on the AAMC Graduation Questionnaire, review by departmental and hospital leadership, and pilot testing. We emailed the survey to all categorical pediatrics (60), combined internal medicine-pediatrics (16), and child psychiatry residents (2). Results Of 78 residents, 45 completed the survey (58%). Ninety-eight percent reported experiencing mistreatment from patients or their families over the last year. While 44% and 40% felt that they intervened effectively when they or their colleagues were mistreated, respectively, 13% reported having received training on how to intervene. Verbal threats or intimidation, threats of physical harm, or actual physical harm were reported by 89%, 24%, and 9%, respectively. Eighty percent of residents were targets of offensive behavior or remarks. Remarks based on age and gender were reported by 69% and 49%, followed by appearance (27%), race/ethnicity (18%), language proficiency (9%) and sexual orientation (2%). Seventeen percent of residents reported these events; the most common reasons for not reporting were that the incident did not seem important enough (71%) or that the resident thought nothing would be done about it (49%). Conclusions Pediatric residents commonly experience mistreatment from patients and their families. Effective intervention is limited by lack of training, self-efficacy, and perceived institutional responsiveness. Based on these results, we are now implementing and evaluating educational and systems-based interventions to address this mistreatment and optimize resident learning, wellness, and patient care.
Deaf Adults’ Health Literacy and Access to Health Information: Protocol for a Multicenter Mixed Methods Study

Background: Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) users often struggle with limited health literacy compared with their hearing peers. However, the mechanisms driving limited health literacy and how this may impact access to and understanding of health information for Deaf individuals have not been determined. Deaf individuals are more likely than hearing individuals to use the internet, yet they continue to report significant barriers to health information. This study presents an opportunity to identify key targets that impact information access for a largely marginalized population. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the role of information marginalization on health literacy in Deaf ASL users and to better understand the mechanisms of health literacy in this population for the purpose of identifying viable targets for future health literacy interventions. Methods: This is an exploratory mixed-methods study to identify predictors and moderators of health literacy in the Deaf population. These predictors of health literacy will be used to inform the second step that qualitatively explains the findings, including how Deaf individuals access and understand Web-based health information. Multiple interviewer- and computer-based instruments underwent translation and adaptation, from English to ASL, to make them accessible for the Deaf participants in our study. A planned sample of 450 Deaf ASL users and 450 hearing native English speakers, aged 18 to 70 years, will be recruited from 3 partnering sites: Rochester, NY; Flint, MI; and Chicago, IL. These individuals will participate in a single data collection visit. A subset of participants (approximately 30) with key characteristics of interest will be invited for a second data collection visit to observe and inquire more about their ability to directly access, navigate, and comprehend Web-based health information. The study will help assess how the ways health literacy and information are visualized may differ between Deaf individuals and hearing individuals. The study will also survey participants’ ownership and use of computer and mobile devices and their level of Web-based information use, including health information. Results: Adaptation and translation of protocols and instruments have been completed and are now in use for the study. Recruitment is underway and will continue until late 2020. Results from this study will be used to provide a guide on how to structure Web-based health information in a way that maximizes accessibility and improves health literacy for Deaf individuals. Conclusions: The results from this mixed-methods proposal will advance what is known about health literacy and health information accessibility for Deaf individuals. This innovative study will generate rich data on how to formulate health information and health literacy interventions more accurately to take advantage of visual learning skills.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The purpose of this study was to characterize individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who are part of a larger ASD study, in order to determine clinically useful ways to evaluate gastrointestinal (GI) symptomology. Thirty-three children (ages 3-16) were recruited from a variety of community agencies. Potential participants were screened using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Parental informed consent was obtained from all participants and child assent when appropriate. Parents completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Bristol Stool Chart (BSC), and sociodemographic form. Of the 33 participants, 14 were currently experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and had abnormal bowel movements. Seven had a history of gastrointestinal symptoms and abnormal bowel movements; two parents were unsure of their gastrointestinal health. According to the BSC rescore, 13 participants reported hard stools, 14 had normal stools, and six had loose stools. Moderate correlations were found among many GI symptoms (r33= .396 - .751) indicating that these could be clustered to create a profile. These findings are clinically significant because GI symptoms in ASD are difficult to diagnose due to communication and social impairments and may go undiagnosed and untreated. Further characterizing GI symptomology in this population is a logical role for nurse researchers since nurses are often on the front line intervening within the ASD population.
Formation of the Polar Debris Disc Around 99 Herculis

We investigate the formation mechanism for the observed nearly polar aligned (perpendicular to the binary orbital plane) debris ring around the eccentric orbit binary 99 Herculis. An initially inclined nonpolar debris ring or disc will not remain flat and will not evolve to a polar configuration, due to the effects of differential nodal precession that alter its flat structure. However, a gas disc with embedded well coupled solids around the eccentric binary may evolve to a polar configuration as a result of pressure forces that maintain the disc flatness and as a result of viscous dissipation that allows the disc to increase its tilt. Once the gas disc disperses, the debris disc is in a polar aligned state in which there is little precession. We use three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations, linear theory, and particle dynamics to study the evolution of a misaligned circumbinary gas disc and explore the effects of the initial disc tilt, mass, and size. We find that for a wide range of parameter space, the polar alignment timescale is shorter than the lifetime of the gas disc. Using the observed level of alignment of 3 deg. from polar, we place an upper limit on the mass of the gas disc of about 0.014 M_sun at the time of gas dispersal. We conclude that the polar debris disc around 99 Her can be explained as the result of an initially moderately inclined gas disc with embedded solids. Such a disc may provide an environment for the formation of polar planets.
Development of a Synthetic Population Model for Assessing Excess Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Death.

Importance Evaluating the association of social determinants of health with chronic diseases at the population level requires access to individual-level factors associated with disease, which are rarely available for large populations. Synthetic populations are a possible alternative for this purpose. Objective To construct and validate a synthetic population that statistically mimics the characteristics and spatial disease distribution of a real population, using real and synthetic data. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based decision analytical model used data for Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, collected from January 2015 to December 2016, to build a semisynthetic population based on the synthetic population used by the modeling and simulation platform FRED (A Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics). Disease status was assigned to this population using health insurer claims data from the 3 major insurance providers in the county or from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Biological, social, and other variables were also obtained from the National Health Interview Survey, Allegheny County, and public databases. Data analysis was performed from November 2016 to February 2020. Exposures Risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death. Main Outcomes and Measures Difference between expected and observed CVD death risk. A validated risk equation was used to estimate CVD death risk. Results The synthetic population comprised 1 188 112 individuals with demographic characteristics similar to those of the 2010 census population in the same county. In the synthetic population, the mean (SD) age was 40.6 (23.3) years, and 622 997 were female individuals (52.4%). Mean (SD) observed 4-year rate of excess CVD death risk at the census tract level was –40 (523) per 100 000 persons. The correlation of social determinant data with difference between expected and observed CVD death risk indicated that income- and education-based social determinants were associated with risk. Estimating improved social determinants of health and biological factors associated with disease did not entirely remove the excess in CVD death rates. That is, a 20% improvement in the most significant determinants still resulted in 105 census tracts with excess CVD death risk, which represented 24% of the county population. Conclusions and Relevance The results of this study suggest that creating a geographically explicit synthetic population from real and synthetic data is feasible and that synthetic populations are useful for modeling disease in large populations and for estimating the outcome of interventions.
Evaluating and Improving SSU rRNA PCR Primer Coverage via Metagenomes from Global Ocean Surveys

Abstract Small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) amplicon sequencing comprehensively profiles microbiomes, but results will only be accurate if PCR primers perfectly match environmental sequences. To evaluate whether primers commonly used in microbial oceanography match naturally-occurring organisms, we compared primers with > 300 million rRNA sequences retrieved from globally-distributed metagenomes. The best-performing 16S primers were 515Y/926R and 515Y/806RB which perfectly matched most sequences (~0.95). Considering Cyanobacteria/Chloroplast 16S, 515Y/926R had the highest coverage (0.99), making it ideal for quantifying phytoplankton. For 18S sequences, 515Y/926R performed best (0.88), followed by V4R/V4RB (18S-specific; 0.82). Using Atlantic and Pacific BioGEOTRACES field samples, we demonstrate high correspondence between 515Y/926R amplicons (generated as part of this study) and metagenomic 16S rRNA (median R2=0.98, n=272), indicating amplicons can produce equally accurate community composition data versus shotgun metagenomics. Since our pipeline identifies missed taxa, we suggest modifications to improve coverage of biogeochemically-important oceanic microorganisms - a strategy applicable to any environment with metagenomic data. Significance Statement Quantification of taxonomically-informative marker genes using PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing is a low-cost technique for monitoring distributions and changes of microbial communities across space and time. In order to maximize this procedure’s effectiveness, it is essential that environmental organisms match PCR primer sequences exactly. In this study, we developed a software pipeline to evaluate how well commonly-used primers match primer-binding regions from globally-distributed short-read oceanic metagenomes. Our results demonstrate common primer sets vary widely in performance, and that including additional degenerate bases is a simple strategy to maximize environmental coverage. Written in the reproducible snakemake workflow language and publicly accessible, our pipeline provides a general-purpose tool to guide rational design of PCR primers for any environment with metagenomic data.
Adolescent Participants in the School Lunch Program Consume More Nutritious Lunches but Their 24-hour Diets Are Similar to Nonparticipants.

Abstract Purpose Meals offered through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) give students access to nutritious foods and have been found to make positive contributions to their diets. Consuming a healthy diet during adolescence is important to ensure that increased requirements for energy and key nutrients are met and to decrease the risk of chronic diseases. This analysis examined whether adolescent NSLP participants consumed more nutritious foods at lunch and over 24 hours than adolescents who ate lunch from home or other places. Methods This analysis used 24-hour dietary recalls for adolescents ages 10–19 (n = 1,311) from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study. The nutritional quality of adolescents’ diets was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010, where higher scores indicate better conformance with the Dietary Guidelines. HEI-2010 scores for NSLP participants and nonparticipants were compared for lunch and 24-hour intakes. Results Lunches consumed by NSLP participants received significantly higher total HEI-2010 scores than lunches consumed by nonparticipants, and significantly higher scores for the dairy, whole grains, refined grains, and empty calories components of the HEI-2010. Over 24 hours, differences in total scores were not significant, but participants continued to receive higher scores for dairy and whole grains. Conclusions Adolescents who participated in the NSLP consumed higher quality lunches than nonparticipants who consumed lunches from home or other places. However, adolescents’ 24-hour diets were similar regardless of NSLP participation, suggesting that foods participants consumed the rest of the day negatively influenced the quality of their diets.
Toxic Cultures Require a Stronger Cure: The Lessons of Fox News for Reforming Sexual Harassment Law

Fox News has been disrupted by a series of sexual harassment scandals that caused the departure of some of its top executives and anchors. The upheaval at Fox News came from public disclosure and social pressure after the actual laws prohibiting harassment failed to deter or stop the rampant abuse at the network. Legal scholars have previously identified the problems with federal harassment law that could explain why widespread sexual harassment occurred at the highest levels of Fox News. Specifically, the existing literature details how women are forced to report harassment nearly immediately, despite the many career-related reasons not to, and yet they are not fully protected against retaliation when they do report the harassment. Scholars have also documented that if a victim’s claims do make it to court, the standard for proving harassment is a nearly insurmountable burden to overcome. These identified weaknesses in the law would seem to explain why the law failed to act as a stronger deterrent to Fox News. Fox News, however, is headquartered in New York City, which has a more strongly worded local anti-harassment law: the New York City Human Rights Law. This law removes each of the identified problems in federal harassment law. The example of Fox News therefore demonstrates that, with entrenched harassing cultures, stronger anti-discrimination statutes that “fix” the identified weaknesses of current law are not enough. This article explains and advocates for two alternative means of strengthening harassment law: expanded use of systemic harassment claims and limits on the use of confidential settlements and mandatory arbitration agreements.
Cislunar Periodic Orbit Analysis for Persistent Space Object Detection Capability

This work studies the performance of periodic orbits to observe and conduct space traffic management (STM) in cislunar space, with the aim of finding a preferable trajectory for future missions foc...
What’s in a word? Effects of morphologically rich vocabulary instruction on writing outcomes among elementary students

We examined effects of a 12-week, teacher-delivered, morphology-infused vocabulary intervention on writing outcomes for 4th and 5th grade U.S. students. The intervention (1) drew attention to the morphological structure of 40 Tier 2 words drawn from the Academic Word List, (2) taught morphologically related forms of those words, and (3) provided opportunities for students to use morphologically complex words in reading and writing. Multilevel model results of posttests showed that intervention students (n = 246) outperformed control students (n = 273) on multiple researcher-developed measures, more accurately judging the meaning of instructed words and manipulating the morphological structure of both instructed and non-instructed words to fit more as well as less constrained sentence contexts. Intervention students also showed significantly larger gains on a standardized spelling assessment, although their gains on a standardized essay test failed to reach traditional significance levels. These results suggest that teacher-delivered morphological instruction can improve the writing of upper elementary students, at least at the word and sentence level, in addition to previously documented positive effects on reading.
Chapter 2—Stress-Strain Relationships

This book provides practicing engineers, researchers, and students with a working knowledge of the fatigue design process and models under multiaxial states of stress and strain. Readers are introduced to the important considerations of multiaxial fatigue that differentiate it from uniaxial fatigue.
The Genetic Architecture of a Congenital Heart Defect Is Related to Its Fitness Cost.

In newborns, severe congenital heart defects are rarer than mild ones. This epidemiological relationship between heart defect severity and incidence lacks explanation. Here, an analysis of ~10,000 Nkx2-5+/− mice from two inbred strain crosses illustrates the fundamental role of epistasis. Modifier genes raise or lower the risk of specific defects via pairwise (G×GNkx) and higher-order (G×G×GNkx) interactions with Nkx2-5. Their effect sizes correlate with the severity of a defect. The risk loci for mild, atrial septal defects exert predominantly small G×GNkx effects, while the loci for severe, atrioventricular septal defects exert large G×GNkx and G×G×GNkx effects. The loci for moderately severe ventricular septal defects have intermediate effects. Interestingly, G×G×GNkx effects are three times more likely to suppress risk when the genotypes at the first two loci are from the same rather than different parental inbred strains. This suggests the genetic coadaptation of interacting G×G×GNkx loci, a phenomenon that Dobzhansky first described in Drosophila. Thus, epistasis plays dual roles in the pathogenesis of congenital heart disease and the robustness of cardiac development. The empirical results suggest a relationship between the fitness cost and genetic architecture of a disease phenotype and a means for phenotypic robustness to have evolved.
A new framework for identifying absolute maximum nonlinear functions

Abstract Highly nonlinear functions (perfect nonlinear, maximum nonlinear, etc.) on finite fields and finite (abelian or nonabelian) groups have been studied in numerous papers. Among them are absolute maximum nonlinear functions on finite nonabelian groups introduced by Poinsot and Pott [15] in 2011. Recently, properties and constructions of absolute maximum nonlinear functions were studied in [19] . In this paper we study the characterizations of absolute maximum nonlinear functions on arbitrary finite groups. Then as an application of these characterizations, we discuss the existence of absolute maximum nonlinear functions on dihedral groups. We will prove that for a dihedral group D 2 n of order 2n, where n ≥ 3 , if there is an absolute maximum nonlinear function on D 2 n , then n ∈ { 3 , 12 , 15 , 18 , 30 , 33 , 42 , 66 , 138 } . In particular, if there exists an absolute maximum nonlinear function from D 2 n to Z 2 , where Z 2 is the group of order 2, then we show that n = 12 . All absolute maximum nonlinear functions from D 24 to Z 2 will be determined.
Time-Dependent Calculation of Electron-Hydrogen Single Differential Ionization Cross Sections Using Pseudostates

There has recently been much interest (and controversy) concerning the single differential (energy dependent) cross section (SDCS) for ionization. For the case of electron-impact ionization, it is clear that the SDCS for Single ionization of an atom should be symmetrical about half the total energy E/2 of the System due to the indistinguishability of the two final State electrons. One of the most successful theoretical approaches for both atomic excitation and ionization has been the convergent-close-coupling (CCC) approximation. However, this approach does not yield a Symmetric SDCS. Rather, the SDCS predicted by the CCC method approaches zero above the midpoint energy. Bray [1] has argued that a fully converged CCC calculation would exhibit a step funetion behavior and be exactly zero beyond the midpoint. Bencze and Chandler [2], on the other hand, have argued that a fully converged close-coupling calculation should exhibit the proper symmetry about the midpoint and the lack of symmetry indicates a lack of convergence of the CCC calculation.
Development and characterization of a homologous radioimmunoassay for deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) prolactin.

Abstract A highly specific and sensitive homologous radioimmunoassay has been developed for the secreted form of prolactin from the deer mouse Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii . Peromyscus serum and pituitary homogenates displayed parallel dilution response curves, and no cross reaction was seen with either mouse prolactin, mouse growth hormone or rat prolactin. The assay was sensitive to 25 picograms per tube and the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 5 and 3.6%, respectively. In addition, we have demonstrated that Peromyscus prolactin does not show parallel displacement in a homologous radioimmunoassay utilized for measuring prolactin in the common laboratory mouse.
A Low Power Read/Write Transponder IC for High Performance Identification Systems

A novel integrated circuit for a battery-less read/write transponder system is presented. Battery-less read/write transponders require contactless transmission of both the information and power between a mobile data carrier and a stationary or handheld reader unit. The operating principle of this system gives a superior performance in reading distance due to separation of the powering and data transmission phases. This paper describes the function of the read/write transponder IC and the circuit design techniques used for the various building blocks.
Social causes of low birth weight

The manifest importance of reducing the incidence of low birth weight is most obvious for the first year of life: low birth weight is the single most important factor affecting infant morbidity and mortality. However, there is growing evidence that the adverse consequences of low birth weight continue throughout the life cycle. This review deals primarily with social causes of low birth weight.
Defense Acquisition: A Tragedy of the Commons

Defense acquisition programs are notorious for their cost overruns, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls. While there are likely numerous contributing factors to this state of affairs, one frequently cited cause is the overreliance on immature technology. Despite the well-known risks entailed in the employment of immature technologies, the practice persists. The question logically follows: why would programs pursue a policy that seems to be counterproductive? To understand this situation, a mathematical model of a series of acquisition programs is developed and analyzed. It reveals that when differing stakeholder interests come into play, the program suffers from a classic tragedy of the commons. The program serves as a common resource for these stakeholders, and they are incentivized to pursue aggressive performance requirements that necessitate immature technology. The critical aspect of this result is that this behavior is rational. In other words, the behavior we see is exactly what we should expect to see. This suggests that the recent trend in defense acquisition to reduce costs by aggregating the requirements of multiple groups of users into a single program may actually be counterproductive. This result has implications for the policy makers, managers, and engineers that are responsible for developing and deploying defense systems.
Nonlinear W ∞ current algebra in the SL(2,R)/U(1) coset model

We show that in the world-sheet SL(2,{ital R})/U(1) coset model there exists a hidden nonlinear {ital {cflx W}}{sub {infinity}} current algebra, which incorporates all higher-spin ({ital s}{ge}2) currents including the energy-momentum tensor. Our proof is based on a free-field realization of {ital {cflx W}}{sub {infinity}} in terms of two scalars, as well as an elegant generating function for the {ital {cflx W}}{sub {infinity}} currents in the classical model. After quantization, the deformed {ital {cflx W}}{sub {infinity}} current algebra still results in an infinite set of commuting charges, which might be related to a space-time {ital W} symmetry for the 2D black hole arising in the corresponding string theory.
Protein aggregation: folding aggregates, inclusion bodies and amyloid

Aggregation results in the formation of inclusion bodies, amyloid fibrils and folding aggregates. Substantial data support the hypothesis that partially folded intermediates are key precursors to aggregates, that aggregation involves specific intermolecular interactions and that most aggregates involve β sheets.
Preparation, characterization and anion exchange properties of polypyrrole/carbon nanotube nanocomposites.

In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) thin film was electrodeposited on carbon nanotube (CNT) backbones by applying a constant deposition potential in solution with 0.1 M pyrrole with different electrolytes such as NaCl, NaNO3, or NaClO4. The hybrid films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. SEM images revealed the nanostructrure of PPy film generated on CNTs surface. The electrochemical and anion exchange properties of PPy-CNT composite film have been investigated. Nanostructured composite thin films of polypyrrole/CNTs were studied by cyclic voltammetry between 0.4 and -0.8 V in aqueous solution to evaluate their cycling stability and capacity for electrically switched anion exchange. It is found that the PPy/CNTs nanocomposites can improve the anion exchange capacity and stability of the PPy-CNTs composite film, which may be attributed to the nanostructure of the polypyrrole film, which offer the high aspect ratio of the film and ease of diffusion of anions in the nanostructured film, and the interaction between CNTs and PPy.
Older Adults: International Differences in Housework and Leisure

Population aging, longer life expectancy, and earlier retirement ages have heightened interest in patterns and determinants of active aging. Ample research documents both the declining labor force participation of older adults across Western industrialized countries and cross-national variation in levels and hours of employment, legal retirement ages, and pension policies. Yet, little is known about national differences in other types of time use between employed and nonemployed adults beyond midlife. Understanding the association of employment with socially productive and caring labor is important because of the benefits these activities have for psychological and cognitive well-being. The issue is vital for societies, as well, because assumptions about how employment affects non-work time are embedded in broad policy efforts to reverse patterns of early retirement. Among prime-age adults, employment is negatively associated with time spent on housework, leisure time and (in many cases) child care. Among older adults, employment is also consequential because it widens social networks and improves financial standing. Hence, employed older adults may spend more time in productive social and consumption activities compared with nonemployed adults. It is also likely that macro factors may condition the association between employment and age profiles of time use. Specifically, the regulation of working time, laws establishing legal retirement age, and public pension rules all vary cross-nationally and affect the environment in which older individuals make decisions about time allocations. This analysis uses nationally representative time diary data collected in the late 1990s and early 2000s from eight Western industrialized countries to examine how housework, active pursuits and passive leisure vary by age among employed and nonemployed women and men ages 45 and older. Included countries are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia. Our countries have diverse time-related outcomes and varied policy environments, as well as available archived time diary data from the Multinational Time Use Study (MTUS).
Influence of Northern Fowl Mite Populations of Parent Chickens on Their F1 Progeny

Roosters and hens that had carried either light (less than 100 mites/chicken) or heavy (greater than or equal to 10,000 mites/chicken) populations of northern fowl mites (NFM), Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), for five consecutive months were mated to determine if their F1 progeny would carry similar population levels of NFM. The realized heritability estimates for the F1 progeny were .18 at 2 weeks, .40 at 4 weeks, .39 at 6 weeks, and .18 at 8 weeks postinfestation. Genetic selection either for or against NFM cannot be accomplished in one generation but steady progress from selection in either direction should be possible.
Can river management improve the piping plover’s long-term survival on the Missouri River?

Abstract The goal of many animal conservation efforts is to improve short-term demography, but there is growing interest in the potential for producing more fit individuals, resulting in long-lasting demographic impacts. The environments that animals experience prior to independence from their parents can have profound, life-long effects on individual fitness and population demography that managers can potentially exploit. Environmental variables can affect fitness directly through early mortality, delayed maturity, reduced probability of recruitment, decreased fecundity, or a combination of these factors. We studied the imperiled piping plover (Charadrius melodus) nesting on the Missouri River to determine if body condition affected their long-term survival, and, if so, whether these factors could be used to improve conservation and management. We captured and measured adult and hatchling piping plovers during the breeding season (April–August, 2005–2012) to obtain measures of condition (mass, wing-chord length, culmen length). We assessed the effect of environmental variables on plover growth, and the effect of chick condition at fledging on subsequent survival as an adult. Plover chicks grew faster and achieved larger body size if they hatched earlier in the season, were exposed to lower density, and were hatched in higher quality habitat compared to other chicks. Plovers that were heavier at fledging had a higher survival rate (as much as 9%) than lighter plovers during their first year as well as in subsequent years, which could make a significant impact on population viability and an individual’s lifetime fitness. Where the factors that affect development are manageable, they offer an opportunity for conservation to capitalize on these long-term effects. For example, habitat creation, restoration, and protection projects should ensure that adequate food resources are available or created not only to maximize reproductive output, but also to improve the condition of offspring where possible.
Oxidative doping studies of PPV oligomers

Abstract Oligomers of the electroactive polymer poly(p-phenylene vinylene (PPV) were oxidatively doped in dilute CH2Cl2 solution with SbCl5. In the dimer and trimer cases, stable charged species are formed which have characteristics similar to bipolarons formed during the oxidative doping of PPV, with ωo/Δ splittings deep in the gap very similar to those found in PPV. Similar splittings are found in the tetramer, but the lack of oligomer solubility hindered detailed measurements. The bipolaron-like intermediates formed by chemical oxidation exhibit weak confinement qualitatively similar to the PPV bipolarons formed electrochemically or by photoinduced absorptions.
Choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like immunoreactive elements in fetal striatal grafts in the rat: a correlated light and electron microscopic study.

Abstract Fetal striatal neurons were transplanted into the ibotenic acid-lesioned rat striatum. Three months after transplantation, the graft tissue was processed for choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like immunoreactivity and was subsequently examined at the light and electron microscopic levels. The study demonstrated that choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like-immunoreactive neurons were homogenously present throughout fetal striatal grafts, although in decreased numbers compared with those in the normal rat striatum. The majority of the choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons had fusiform, oval, or polygonal somata with somatic diameters greater than 20 μm and contained deeply invaginated nuclei surrounded by copious cytoplasm. In addition, choline acetyltransferase-immuno-reactive neurons with somatic diameters between 10 and 20 μm were also demonstrated. The grafts' substance P-like-immunoreactive neurons, which had somatic diameters between 10 and 25 μm and had oval or polygonal perikarya, could be classified into two types based on their ultrastructural characteristics. Type I neurons contained an unindented nucleus which was surrounded by a thin rim or moderate amount of cytoplasm, whereas Type II immunoreactive neurons contained an indented nucleus which was surrounded by copious cytoplasm. Choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like-immunoreactive dendrites in the grafts' neuropil were contacted by multiple unlabeled axon terminals. In addition, choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like-immunoreactive axon terminals forming symmetric contacts with unlabeled dendrites were present within the graft. The study demonstrated that many of the neuroanatomical features of choline acetyltransferase- and substance P-like-immunoreactive elements found in the normal rat striatum are present in mature fetal striatal grafts.
Gauge theory of weak interactions without charm

A new gauge theory of weak interactions is proposed in which the intermediate vector bosons are doubled instead of introducing charm. Assuming the baryon octet to be elementary, the $delta$S selection rules and the absence of the strangeness-changing neutral current are derived. The Cabibbo angle is shown to be smaller than $pi$/4. From $mu$-e universality it is inferred that $mu$-e asymmetry arises such that the mass of $nu$/sube/ is zero but the mass of $nu$/sub mu/ is presumably not. It is shown that almost all the masses of baryons and leptons are calculable, which then makes it plausible that the $delta$I selection rules and the isospin symmetry of hadrons follow as further consequences. One experimental test of this theory is to find one of the two Higgs scalars which both decay into 2$mu$, but not appreciably into any other charged particles, with the lifetime roughly that of $pi$$sup 0$. (AIP)
Function Minimisation With Partially Correct Data Via Simulated Annealing

The simulated annealing technique has been applied successfully to the problem of estimating the coefficients of a function in cases where only a portion of the data being fitted to the function is truly representative of the function, the rest being erroneous. Two examples are given, one in photometric function fitting and the other in pattern recognition. A schematic of the algorithm is provided.
An Electrically Calibrated Plethysmograph for Direct Measurement of Limb Blood Flow

This paper describes an electrically calibrated plethysmograph which may be used with all lengths of mercury-in-rubber strain gauges. Due to the very low resistance of these strain gauges, electrical calibration of previously available plethysmographs has suffered from errors caused by lead-wire resistance. The present instrument eliminates lead-wire errors by a design which effectively places the strain gauge at the corners of the measurement bridge. Linearity of the output for large changes in gauge resistance has been insured by the incorporation of a constant-current bridge supply.
Response surface models for germination and infection of Bremia lactucae, the fungus causing downy mildew of lettuce

Abstract Two response surface models, a third-order polynomial and a modified Gompertz function, were evaluated for their ability to describe germination and infection of Bremia lactucae on lettuce in relation to temperature and leaf wetness duration. The models were based on data obtained from three independent experiments in which lettuce plants were inoculated with the fungus and exposed to a range of leaf wetness durations (0–24 h) at each of six fixed temperatures (5–30°C). Germination was assessed at the end of each wetness period, and infection was evaluated by measuring disease severity 10 or 14 days after inoculation. In the Gompertz model, rate and asymptote parameters could be expressed as simple functions of temperature using quadratic and cubic functions, respectively, and parameter estimates were obtained in a simple three-step procedure. Models based on the modified Gompertz function had non-significant lack-of-fit statistics, and yielded higher correlations between observed and predicted germination and infection levels than third-order polynomials. The presented methodology may be adapted to mosdel processes in other biological and ecological systems in which fast early growth or development is observed in relation to temperature (or a similar factor) and a time-like variable.
Ultrastructural elastic deformation of cortical bone tissue probed by NIR Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is used as a probe of ultrastructural (molecular) changes in both the mineral and matrix (protein and glycoprotein, predominantly type I collagen) components of murine cortical bone as it responds to loading in the elastic regime. At the ultrastructural level, crystal structure and protein secondary structure distort as the tissue is loaded. These structural changes are followed as perturbations to tissue spectra. We load tissue in a custom-made dynamic mechanical tester that fits on the stage of a Raman microprobe and can accept hydrated tissue specimens. As the specimen is loaded in tension and/or compression, the shifts in mineral P-O 4 v 1 and relative band heights in the Amide III band envelope are followed with the microprobe. Average load is measured using a load cell while the tissue is loaded under displacement control. Changes occur in both the mineral and matrix components of bone as a response to elastic deformation. We propose that the mineral apatitic crystal lattice is deformed by movement of calcium and other ions. The matrix is proposed to respond by deformation of the collagen backbone. Raman microspectroscopy shows that bone mineral is not a passive contributor to tissue strength. The mineral active response to loading may function as a local energy storage and dissipation mechanism, thus helping to protect tissue from catastrophic damage.
Red-Light Thresholds in Heterozygote Carriers of Protanopia: Genetic Implications

Absolute thresholds in response to red light were compared in nine normal subjects, six female carriers of protanopia (heterozygotes), and six male subjects with protanopia. The fovea and four peripheral retinal areas were tested, and all data were obtained before the occurrence of the rod-cone break. Elevated thresholds were found in all retinal areas tested in protanopic males, at the fovea in all carriers, and in some peripheral retinal areas in two carriers. The thresholds for carriers were far below those for the protanopic males, and no greater variability of threshold was found in the carriers when they were compared with the normal control group. The findings do not substantiate the occurrence of inactivation at the locus on the X chromosome for protanopia.
Stimulated Emission of Radiation by Relativistic Electrons in a Magnetic Field

The Schroedinger equation of an electrons moving perpendicularly to a magnetic field H, can be reduced to the equation of the harmonic oscillator. Using the relativistic Schroedinger equation and neglecting the spin, equations are found for the kinetic energy levels of the electron. Formulas were derived by means of the Boltzman transfer equation, taking into account the dependence of the electron mass on kinetic energy. (A.C.)
The effect of etch residuals on via reliability

Vias are formed in interconnect structures using a polymerizing chemistry in order to avoid etching the underlying metal wires. However, a drawback of the polymerizing chemistry is that etch residues can remain in the via opening, resulting in high via resistance and possible degradation of circuit performance. Although it is well known that etch residues in vias can cause yield loss, the effect on reliability has not been reported for submicron vias. In this paper, the effect of etch residues on via reliability is studied. Vias with etch residues showed no degradation in reliability after a thermal cycle stress, high temperature storage, or humidity stress. However, vias with etch residues fail at a lower current during a wafer level voltage ramp electromigration stress, compared to residue-free vias, suggesting that etch residues will reduce the electromigration lifetime of interconnect structures.
Combined microwave science and propulsion

The combined use of high-power active science instruments and high-power electric propulsion is investigated with a view to new science opportunities and measurements on future planetary missions. An example of a comet rendezvous mission that could benefit from this combination is discussed. It was found that, with electric propulsion, the launch mass of the comet spacecraft could be reduced by 61-68 percent over the chemical propulsion baseline mission. This high-power spacecraft is also capable of delivering a significant high-power radar science payload to the comet.
Computational Flow Analysis of Bipolar Plate for Fuel Cells

A trilayer fuel cell includes separate flow channels for hydrogen and oxygen. One potential alternative flow channel design is the use of a bipolar plate that connects cathode of a trilayer fuel cell to anode of the next trilayer fuel cell in order to provide an efficient flow of current through the cells with reduced voltage loss. The design of the bipolar plates provides considerable engineering challenges. It requires being thin with good contact surfaces for the purpose reduced electrical resistances as well as efficient transport processes for the reactant gasses in microchannels with reduced pressure drops. Fluid flow and heat and mass transport in gas flow channels play an important role in the effective performance of the fuel cell. A bipolar plate design with straight parallel channels is considered and flow field in gas flow channels are analyzed using computational fluid dynamic model. Results for pressure drop coefficient and heat transfer coefficients with varying flow Reynolds number are presented.
Three-dimensional approach for the analysis of equilibrium shapes and stresses in dislocation loop networks

Abstract A three-dimensional method based on Brown's theorem has been developed to calculate the stress field of a collection of dislocation loops with arbitrary orientations. The method has been applied to a simplified structure composed of a three-dimensional arrangement of square dislocation loops. The results show that this method can be useful in the study of stability of dislocation loops and the development of stresses at any point in the dislocation network space.