cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of thermal fabrication and size of β-lactoglobulin-based microgels and their potential applications.

Abstract Hypothesis Factors influencing fabrication and size of microgels formed from β-lactoglobulin with or without pectin can tune selected attributes for material applications. Protein aggregation was expected to be influenced by pH, added anions, and reducing agents, while ionic strength was expected to be more influenced by electrostatically interacting pectin. Experiments Turbidity measurements during thermal aggregation to form microgels were determined for pure β-lactoglobulin as a function of pH, added ionic strength, anion type (chloride, sulfate, and thiocyanate), and reducing agent concentration. β-lactoglobulin and pectin complexation pH values and thermal aggregation were determined by turbidity measurements with added potassium chloride, sulfate, and thiocyanate. Microgel size and morphology were determined by light scattering and atomic force microscopy, respectively. Findings Thermal aggregation of pure β-lactoglobulin increased with decreased pH, reducing conditions, and increased ionic strength with no observed anion effect. β-lactoglobulin microgel radii increased from 86 to 115 nm with decreasing pH and increased to 124 nm in reducing conditions, while salts promoted agglomeration. Increased ionic strength (0–100 mmol/kg) decreased β-lactoglobulin-pectin complexation pH from 5.40 to 5.00, while first increasing and then decreasing thermal aggregation. Thermal aggregation and microgel size were greatest with potassium thiocyanate, followed by potassium chloride and potassium sulfate.
Photorefractive Effect in CdSSe:V Crystals

We present two-wave mixing results obtained with CdSSe:V crystals. A large photorefractive gain of 0.24 cm-1 was observed at 633 nm with an optical intensity of 60 mW/cm2 and a grating period of 1.6 µm. At this wavelength, we measured the photorefractive gain as a function of the grating period and incident optical intensity. To our knowledge, this is the first observation of the photorefractive effect in vanadium doped CdSSe crystals. The CdSSe crystals were grown by physical vapor transport (PVT) and doped with 150 ppm (nominal) vanadium for creating trap centers. The grown crystal has a large crystal size, good optical quality and a medium resistivity of 10-5 - 108 Ω-cm. Room temperature absorption and low temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements are also discussed. With a significant photorefractive effect, the CdSSe:V crystals are promising for many device applications based on photorefractive effect, including optical limiting devices in the visible region.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone: Direct evidence for stimulation of prolactin production by pituitary cells in culture

Abstract Addition of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) to the medium of 2 clonal strains of functional rat pituitary cells stimulated the production of prolactin and inhibited growth hormone production. There was no effect on cell growth. Stimulation of prolactin production by TRH was detected within 4 hr, it reached a maximum level (2–5 times control) at 24–48 hr and persisted for at least 20 days in the continued presence of TRH. Stimulation was observed with a concentration of TRH as low as 0.10 ng/ml.
Adenovirus-based vascular endothelial growth factor gene delivery to human pancreatic islets

Islet transplantation is limited by islet graft failure due to poor revascularization, host immune rejection and nonspecific inflammatory response. Delivery of human vascular endothelial growth factor (hVEGF) gene to the islets is likely to promote islet revascularization and survival. We used a bicistronic adenoviral vector encoding hVEGF and CpG-free allele of green fluorescent protein (Adv-GFP-hVEGF) and introduced into human pancreatic islets by transfection. We found that transfection efficiency and apoptosis were dependent on the multiplicity of infection (MOI). Compared to Adv-GFP transfected and nontransfected islets, the levels of hVEGF secreted from Adv-GFP-hVEGF transfected islets were higher and exhibit a linear relationship between hVEGF expression and MOI (10-5000). Persistent, but low level expression of hVEGF from nontransfected islets was also observed. This may be due to expression of the endogenous hVEGF gene under hypoxic conditions. The levels of DNA fragmentation determined by ELISA of islet lysates were dependent on the MOI of Adv-GFP-hVEGF. On glucose challenge, insulin release from transfected islets was comparable to nontransfected islets. Immunohistochemical staining for hVEGF was very high in Adv-GFP-hVEGF transfected islets. Weak staining was also observed for hCD31 in both transfected and nontransfected islets. These findings suggest that Adv-GFP-hVEGF is a potential candidate for promoting islet revascularization.
On the direct exchange energy in Co2 and Co2+ doped lattices

Abstract In efforts to try to study the interactions in materials doped with magnetic Co ions, we first calculated the nearest neighbor numbers via simulation procedure, in which the ions were randomly distributed at various concentrations in a 100×100×100 crystalline lattice. Secondly, in order to attempt to understand the direct exchange interactions between Co ions we calculated the exchange energy as a function of Co–Co distance by the B3PW91/LanL2MB hybrid density functional theory method.
Nasal bones and pyriform apertures in blacks

The nasal bones and pyriform apertures of 20 skulls were measured for length and width. There were 6 skulls from the Ashanti tribe in West Africa, 5 black American skulls, 5 skulls from Austria in northern Europe, and 4 American Indian skulls. The nasal bones were measured for length and width at the narrowest and widest portions and the pyriform apertures were measured for height and for width at the base, the mid section, and near the apex at the nasomaxillary suture line. The Ashanti nasal bones were the shortest with a length of 2.18 cm. They were the narrowest with mean widths of 0.47 and 0.83 cm. The Austrian nasal bones were the longest (mean, 3.02 cm). The mean widths were 0.68 and 1.11 cm. The Indian nasal bones had a mean height of 3.0 cm and were the widest with mean widths of 0.61 and 1.28 cm. The measurements of the American black nasal bones fell between the Ashanti on the one hand, and the Austrian and Indian on the other, with a mean height of 2.79 cm and mean widths of 0.49 and 1.03 cm, reflecting the triethnic origin. The pyriform aperture in the Ashanti was oval whereas the white and Indian pyriform apertures were triangular. The black American pyriform apertures varied from oval to triangular, also reflecting the triethnic origin. The clinical implication of these differences in black rhinoplasty are discussed.
Rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra after drainage at embryo transfer in patients with hydrosalpinx.

Abstract Objective To report the occurrence and management of hydrometra at the time of scheduled embryo transfer in two patients who underwent drainage of hydrosalpinges at oocyte retrieval. Design Case report. Setting University IVF clinic. Patient(s) Two patients with hydrosalpinges visible on ultrasonography who deferred tubal surgery. Intervention(s) Although no fluid was seen at the time of oocyte retrieval, hydrometra was noticed and drained before planned embryo transfer (ET). Main outcome measure(s) Reoccurrence of hydrometra after drainage. Result(s) Rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra despite drainage was seen in both patients, one of whom had reoccurrence in 1 hour. Embryo transfer was deferred until after tubal surgery, and all embryos were cryopreserved. Conclusion(s) In patients with hydrosalpinges, ultrasonography before ET is useful to detect newly developed hydrometra. Aspiration of the uterine fluid is unlikely to help because of rapid reaccumulation of hydrometra. Cryopreservation of the embryos for future transfer after the hydrosalpinx is removed or ligated is recommended.
High- and Low-Affinity Zinc Transport Systems and Their Possible Role in Zinc Efficiency in Bread Wheat

There is considerable variability among wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars in their ability to grow and yield well in soils that contain very low levels of available Zn. The physiological basis for this tolerance, termed Zn efficiency, is unknown. We investigated the possible role of Zn 2+ influx across the root cell plasma membrane in conferring Zn efficiency by measuring short-term 65 Zn 2+ uptake in two contrasting wheat cultivars, Zn-efficient cv Dagdas and Zn-inefficient cv BDME-10. Plants were grown hydroponically under sufficient and deficient Zn levels, and uptake of 65 Zn 2+ was measured over a wide range of Zn activities (0.1 nm–80 μm). Under low-Zn conditions, cv BDME-10 displayed more severe Zn deficiency symptoms than cv Dagdas. Uptake experiments revealed the presence of two separate Zn transport systems mediating high- and low-affinity Zn influx. The low-affinity system showed apparent K m values similar to those previously reported for wheat (2–5 μm). Using chelate buffered solutions to quantify Zn 2+ influx in the nanomolar activity range, we uncovered the existence of a second, high-affinity Zn transport system with apparent K m values in the range of 0.6 to 2 nm. Because it functions in the range of the low available Zn levels found in most soils, this novel high-affinity uptake system is likely to be the predominant Zn 2+ uptake system. Zn 2+ uptake was similar for cv Dagdas and cv BDME-10 over both the high- and low-affinity Zn 2+ activity ranges, indicating that root Zn 2+ influx does not play a significant role in Zn efficiency.
Goal conflict, goal striving, and psychological well-being

Although goal conflict is an important part of classic and contemporary theories of motivation, the correlates of goal conflict are not well understood. We identify and distinguish conflicting and facilitating goals, and assess relations with goal attainment and psychological well-being in a short-term, prospective study design. Results from multilevel models demonstrated that individuals with greater conflict were less successful in attaining their goals, but the goals they failed attain were not necessarily the ones in conflict. People who experienced goal conflict tended to be ruminative and hesitant, and reported greater levels of negative affect and increases in depression, anxiety, and psychosomatization. People who experienced goal facilitation reported greater levels of positive affect, life satisfaction, and successful goal attainment. This study identifies several implications of holding conflicting and facilitating goals, but also points to a theoretical inconsistency pertaining to goal conflict. Namely, conflicting goals may not be inherently less attainable than nonconflicting goals. We argue that distinguishing between goal- and person-level factors is essential for understanding goal striving.
A theoretical study of buckminsterfullerene reaction products: C60+C60

Abstract Several possible structures for reaction products of two buckminsterfullerene (C60) molecules are presented and discussed. Geometries are optimized with the MNDO and tight-binding methods, followed by single-point energy calculations using the Hartree—Fock self-consistent field procedure and a recently proposed hybrid of Hartree—Fock and density functional theory. Our results are discussed in the context of recent experimental evidence of the solid-state polymerization of C60 and the coalescence of buckminsterfullerene by laser desorption of a film. The theoretical predictions are consistent with a polymerization process that proceeds through 2 + 2 cycloaddition of fullerene double bonds.
An Oscillograph for Recording Transient Recovery Voltages

THE importance of the effects of the magnitude and rate of rise of the transient recovery voltage upon the difficulty of arc interruption in circuit breakers has been recognized for a number of years. It is known that differences in the interrupting performance of circuit breakers may be obtained at different locations in power systems, even though the power-frequency voltages and short-circuit currents involved may be similar.1 In general, the greater the rate at which the transient recovery voltage builds up and the greater the final value that it attains across the arc space as the arc extinction process occurs, the more difficult it is for the circuit breaker to clear the circuit. There is not, however, any simple quantitative relationship between these transient values and the arcing time of a circuit breaker or its interrupting capacity limit. Individual short-circuit interruptions with a given circuit breaker and circuit conditions may show considerable variations in arcing time. For such and other reasons the added complication of transient recovery-voltage rate and magnitude limits has not been added to circuit breaker interrupting capacity ratings or specifications.2
Cardiopulmonary transplantation for congenital heart disease in the adult

Abstract Background Patients surviving into adulthood with congenital heart disease (CHD) often succumb to progressive cardiopulmonary dysfunction. For these patients transplantation is often considered. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 69 adults (age >18 years) with CHD transplanted between 1984 and 1999. Results We evaluated 31 heart-lung (HLTxp), 30 lung (LTxp), and 8 heart (HTxp) transplants performed in 22 men and 47 women with CHD. Mean age was 37 ± 10 years with a mean follow-up of 3.1 ± 3.5 years. A concomitant cardiovascular procedure was performed in 1 HLTxp, 23 LTxp, and 2 HTxp. Early mortality (>30 days) was 26% (8/31) for HLTxp, mostly due to bleeding. Early LTxp mortality was 23% (7/30), largely due to graft failure. One and 3-year survival was similar in adults transplanted for CHD and adults transplanted for other disease. Early mortality among HTxp recipients was 50% (4/8) from rejection or technical complications. Survival for patients undergoing HLTxp versus LTxp with cardiac repair was similar. When examined by era, the survival of patients transplanted for CHD between 1992 and 1999 was greater than that of patients transplanted between 1984 and 1991. Conclusions : Adults undergoing HLTxp and LTxp for CHD can expect survival comparable to that of non-CHD adults. In the presence of a reparable cardiac lesion, LTxp with cardiovascular repair for CHD is an attractive option, optimizing organ allocation. Specific technical concerns are discussed. Survival of adults undergoing cardiopulmonary transplantation for CHD has improved over time.
Inscriptions Are Texts Too

Epigraphic evidence is a virtual terra incognita for Africanists; few of our sources have come down to us from the past quite so directly. This is in contrast to many other parts of the world, where dealing with inscriptions falls squarely within historians' purview. Where such evidence exists, it tends to exist in very large quantities. For example, for Ur III dynasty, of circumscribed length and extent (2112-2004 BCE, southern Mesopotamia) at least 50,000 texts have been published and tens of thousands more are known to exist. Even larger numbers exists for what is now India, although admittedly covering both a much larger area and a much longer period of time. One estimate is that more than 90,000 have been discovered. Nearly everything we think we know about the Maya civilization is derived from the numerous stelae that have been discovered there. The same applies to the pre-Islamic political entities in south Arabia. And so on. In contrast, the materials included in the work under review represent almost the entire corpus for sub-Saharan Africa.This embarrassment of riches outside Africa involves another embarrassment as well. Despite heroic efforts, many of these inscriptions—a majority for some areas—are attracting dust rather than scrutiny; as a result many of the interpretations built on the edited and published ones are potential prey to the evidence in those as yet unexamined.The so-called epitaphs of Gao have not wanted for study—study carried out largely by French orientalists looking for sources more congenial to their first fields of study, but harking back to Heinrich Barth, who at least had the excuse of being unaware of the inscriptions. The present work escapes this faute de mieux aspect; its author has been at work on them for nearly forty years and did not come to them from a sense of misplaced desperation.
Factors affecting the initial rate of lipoxygenase catalysis

Abstract The rate of peroxidation of linoleic acid by soybean type-1 lipoxygenase was studied under conditions which assured that the substrate was present as a monomolecular solution and that the first 5% of the reaction was observed. In order to achieve this, the kinetics were carried out at pH 10.0 in borate buffer using linoleic acid and enzyme concentrations of less than 75 μM and 0.2 nM respectively. The initial rate was increased by the presence of added product (13-hydroperoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid) in the substrate solutions in a concentration dependent and saturatable fashion. Product analogues lacking the hydroperoxide group (13-hydroxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid and 13-methoxy-9(Z),11(E)-octadecadienoic acid) did not evoke this rate enhancing effect. These compounds reduced the initial rate when preincubated with enzyme prior to mixing with substrate. The results indicated that the chemical reactivity of the product was a necessary requirement for its activating effect on the enzyme.
Perceptions of Single vs. Partnered Adult Gravidas in the Midtrimester

Perceptions of the pregnancy experience, pregnancy intendedness, and partner status were compared in a sample of 30 women in the midtrimester. Half of the sample defined themselves as single and half as partnered. Interview data showed a full range in pregnancy intendedness and partner status, and shared areas of concern among the sample as a whole and areas of concern specific to single women. Single women's concerns clustered into four categories: decision-making, disclosure, social support, and legal issues.
Age-Related Differences in the Motivation of Knowledge Workers

Abstract:With the impending retirement of the Baby Boom Generation, retention of older knowledge workers, defined as engineers, scientists, and information technologists, has become important to engineering managers. Traditional theories of worker motivation have not adequately addressed the impact of worker age on factors that affect worker motivation. The study outlined in this article gathered data regarding the satisfaction and importance of motivational factors to determine if there are differences in their impact on older and younger knowledge workers.
Validation of first-trimester telemedicine as an obstetric imaging technology: a feasibility study.

Abstract Objective: To establish whether first-trimester obstetric ultrasonography interpreted by a live video telemedicine link is comparable to an established videotape review network in a low-risk patient population. Methods: An integrated services digital network was established from three satellite offices to our central prenatal diagnostic center. All patients had a sonographic evaluation of the uterus, adnexa, and gestational sac recorded onto videotape by a trained sonographer. A live, interactive video telemedicine link was established, and a perinatologist directed the sonographer through the scan. Subsequently, a different perinatologist, blinded to the telemedicine interpretation, reviewed the original videotaped examination. The reports generated from both modalities then were compared by means of a score of 12 sonographic characteristics. Results: The first 100 patients were included. The mean gestational age (± standard deviation) was 8.9 ± 2.3 weeks (range 5.7–14.4), and the mean duration for telemedicine scans was 7.8 ± 2.9 minutes (range 3.8–20.1). Telemedicine and videotape review scores were the same in 95 cases, and the final diagnosis was identical in 98 cases. This study had 80% power to detect a 10% difference in diagnosis at a significance level of .05. The ability to detect abnormalities was equivalent using both systems. Conclusion: The interpretation of first-trimester obstetric ultrasonography using live video telemedicine is equivalent to a system of videotape review. Obstetric telemedicine may prove to be a useful tool for providing sonographic imaging for low-risk obstetric patients.
Unusual electrocardiographic manifestation of pulmonary embolism.

Abstract A case of acute pulmonary embolism is presented because of its unusual electrocardiographic manifestation. The scalar ECG showed the transient development of abnormal Q waves with T-wave inversion in the precordial leads V 2 through V 5 . A simultaneous vectorcardiogram showed the initial forces to be directed to the right with a loss of the anterior forces. A thorough postmortem examination failed to reveal an acute myocardial infarction.
Virus interference between H7N2 low pathogenic avian influenza virus and lentogenic Newcastle disease virus in experimental co-infections in chickens and turkeys

Low pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV) and lentogenic Newcastle disease virus (lNDV) are commonly reported causes of respiratory disease in poultry worldwide with similar clinical and pathobiological presentation. Co-infections do occur but are not easily detected, and the impact of co-infections on pathobiology is unknown. In this study chickens and turkeys were infected with a lNDV vaccine strain (LaSota) and a H7N2 LPAIV (A/turkey/VA/SEP-67/2002) simultaneously or sequentially three days apart. No clinical signs were observed in chickens co-infected with the lNDV and LPAIV or in chickens infected with the viruses individually. However, the pattern of virus shed was different with co-infected chickens, which excreted lower titers of lNDV and LPAIV at 2 and 3 days post inoculation (dpi) and higher titers at subsequent time points. All turkeys inoculated with the LPAIV, whether or not they were exposed to lNDV, presented mild clinical signs. Co-infection effects were more pronounced in turkeys than in chickens with reduction in the number of birds shedding virus and in virus titers, especially when LPAIV was followed by lNDV. In conclusion, co-infection of chickens or turkeys with lNDV and LPAIV affected the replication dynamics of these viruses but did not affect clinical signs. The effect on virus replication was different depending on the species and on the time of infection. These results suggest that infection with a heterologous virus may result in temporary competition for cell receptors or competent cells for replication, most likely interferon-mediated, which decreases with time.
Control of breathing and volitional respiratory rhythm in humans.

When breathing frequency (f) is imperceptibly increased during a volitionally paced respiratory rhythm imposed by an auditory signal, tidal volume (Vt) decreases such that minute ventilation (Ve) ...
Rate-equation-based laser models with a single solution regime

Even with the use of variable transformations, quantum-well (QW)-laser models based on the standard rate equations and a linear gain-saturation term can possess multiple dc solution regimes for nonnegative values of injection current. In this paper, we demonstrate analytically that rate-equation-based models that employ more realistic gain-saturation terms can be transformed so that they do indeed possess a unique solution regime. We also present circuit-level implementations of these models suitable for use in SPICE.
Efficient RF Frequency Down-Conversion Using Coupled Quantum-Well Optical Phase Modulator

Frequency down-conversion is important to radar front-end. In this work, we achieve efficient RF frequency down-conversion using a coupled quantum-well optical phase modulator fabricated on an indium phosphide material platform. When used in conjunction with an optical phase-locked loop-based linear phase demodulator, a 1-mm-long device exhibits a down-conversion loss of ~2.6 dB and a spurious-free dynamic range of ~125 dB·Hz2/3 in the photodetector shot-noise limit. Furthermore, the phase modulator has a very low optical propagation loss (<;0.2 dB/mm). This allows for a longer modulator device capable of achieving even higher performance.
The Effect of Audit Inquiries on the Ability to Detect Financial Misrepresentations

Recent professional promulgations recommend the use of audit inquiry for fraud detection. One benefit of audit inquiries is that they may induce interviewees to act in ways that facilitate the discovery of intentional financial misrepresentations (deception). We conducted two experiments to assess the ability of prospective accountants (upper‐level accounting majors) to detect intentional financial misrepresentations in audit inquiries. These accounting majors served as proxies for entry‐level accountants. Our results indicate that participants have poor deception detection ability in evaluating a response to an inquiry, even when they receive deception detection training prior to the inquiry, and when repeat questions are added to the inquiry to heighten the level of stress with which interviewees must cope. However, our results also suggest that the inquiry process may change the way participants view interviewees. Participants were more skeptical of verbal financial representations (e.g., valuation, ex...
Clinical Implications of the Obese-Asthma Phenotypes

The concomitant increase in obesity and asthma in recent years has led to the classification of two obese-asthma phenotypes, characterized by the age of asthma onset and atopy. Asthma tends to be more severe, harder to control, and more resistant to standard medications among members of these two groups. Because of the limited effectiveness of inhaled corticosteroids, dietary changes and weight loss measures must be considered in the management of these patients. Furthermore, comorbidities such as depression and obstructive sleep apnea must be addressed to provide optimal care for this group of difficult-to-control asthmatics.
The effect of maternal soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 during pregnancy on risk of preterm delivery

Objective: Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) is an antiangiogenic protein that is associated with a number of disorders of placental angiogenesis. It has been hypothesized that disruption of placental angiogenesis may contribute to the pathophysiology of preterm delivery (PTD). However, the relationship of PTD risk to variation in sFlt1 levels is not well known. We investigate the relationship between longitudinal variation in maternal serum concentrations of sFlt1 and risk of PTD. Methods: Data were collected in a longitudinal cohort study involving 278 pregnant women. Maternal serum sFlt1 concentrations were measured at 6–10, 10–14, 16–20, 22–26, and 32–36 weeks gestation. Data analyses used longitudinal regression models using repeated measures that allow robust inferences from our modest sample size. The outcome was birth prior to 37 weeks gestation. Results: sFlt1 concentrations were higher in first trimester for preterm compared to term deliveries. This relationship reversed in second trime...
Effects of Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation on the Severity of Myocardial Ischemic Injury following Acute Coronary Occlusion Counterpulsation and Myocardial Injury

The effects of intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) on the magnitude and severity of myocardial ischemic injury were studied in 19 dogs following acute coronary occlusion and in two patients with cardiogenic shock. In the experimental group, epicardial electrocardiograms were taken from 10-14 sites on the anterior surface of the left ventricle following occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery or its apical branch. The average S-T-segment elevation ([see Equation in PDF File]) was used as an index of the magnitude of myocardial ischemic injury. In six dogs, two successive 20-min occlusions were performed, and IABC was started prior to the second occlusion. [see Equation in PDF File] 15 min following occlusion decreased from 3.3 ± 0.9 mv after the control occlusion to 1.4 ± 0.4 mv (P < 0.01) after the occlusion with IABC. In three dogs in which the occlusion was maintained and IABC initiated 30 min later, [see Equation in PDF File] decreased from 1.2 to 0.6 mv. In six dogs in which ...
Effect of diet on fecal and urinary estrogenic activity

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has identified estrogens from animal feeding operations as a major environmental concern, but few data are available to quantify the excretion of estrogenic compounds by dairy cattle. The objectives of this study were to quantify variation in estrogenic activity in feces and urine due to increased dietary inclusion of phytoestrogens. Ten Holstein heifers were assigned to 2 groups balanced for age and days pregnant; groups were randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a 2-period crossover design. Dietary treatments consisted of grass hay or red clover hay, and necessary supplements. Total collection allowed for sampling of feed refusals, feces, and urine during the last 4 d of each period. Feces and urine samples were pooled by heifer and period, and base extracts were analyzed for estrogenic activity (estrogen equivalents) using the yeast estrogen screen bioassay. Feces and urine samples collected from 5 heifers were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to quantify excretion of 7 phytoestrogenic compounds. Excretion of 17-beta estradiol equivalents in urine was higher and tended to be higher in feces for heifers fed red clover hay (84.4 and 120.2 mg/d for feces and urine, respectively) compared with those fed grass hay (57.4 and 35.6 mg/d). Analysis by LC-MS/MS indicated greater fecal excretion of equol, genistein, daidzein, coumestrol, and formononetin by heifers fed red clover hay (1634, 29.9, 96.3, 27.8, and 163 mg/d, respectively) than heifers fed grass hay (340, 3.0, 46.2, 8.8, and 18.3 mg/d, respectively). Diet had no effect on fecal biochanin A or 2-carbethoxy-5, 7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone. Four phytoestrogens were detected in urine (2-carbethoxy-5, 7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone, daidzein, equol, and formononetin) and their excretion was not affected by diet. Identifying sources of variation in estrogenic activity of manure will aid in the development of practices to reduce environmental estrogen accumulation.
Author's Response Commentaries on diagnostic accretion and the increased prevalence of measured autism

Authors are always grateful to those who spend time and effort commenting on papers; in this case, we are exceptionally grateful that many of the leading figures whose work has advanced our understanding of autism so profoundly gave so freely of their thoughts. Our response will be brief and oriented towards the future more than the past. The goal we all share is to understand the increased prevalence of autism and the first, and most important, step is to build integrated data structures that allow one to decompose the increase in prevalence into its constituent elements—those parts that arise from diagnostic and social dynamics, environmental changes, genetics and so on. All of these causal mechanisms are real; and all of them play some role in driving increased prevalence. The major scientific and population health questions at hand are: first, ‘How big a role each of the factors play?’ and secondly, ‘What can be done?’. When scholars and observers ask ‘Has there been a real increase in incidence and if so, why?’ 1 and ‘whether there has been a true increase over time in the incidence of autism’, 2 they are really trying to understand if there are new causes of autism that do not arise from ascertainment because if there are new causes then we can do something about them. We would all like to understand what causes autism. At the moment our progress is stymied for a number of reasons. One reason is that, to date, prior studies of risk factors associated with autism have pooled observations over successive birth cohorts. Pooling observations across successive birth cohorts, as we show in other work, 3 can lead to miss-estimation of risk. This article attacks another source of heterogeneity—processes that yield diagnosis of autism. It will be hard to make progress until we develop strategies for chasing heterogeneity— spatial, temporal and diagnostic—down.
EFFECTS OF DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRIC FIELD ON THE BLOWOFF CHARACTERISTICS OF BLUFF-BODY STABILIZED CONICAL PREMIXED FLAMES

ABSTRACT An experimental study was conducted on the stability enhancement of conical premixed flames by application of direct current electric fields. Turbulent conical premixed flames were stabilized at the tip of a circular cylindrical bluff-body flame holder. An electric field was set up between a positively charged upper electrode and a grounded flame holder to determine its effects on the lean limit stability characteristics. In these experiments, the flame blowoff equivalence ratios were determined as a function of mixture velocity, electric field strength, and the electrode configuration. It was found that the most pronounced effects were observed at the lowest mixture velocities in this study of about 5.0 m/s with the influence of the electric field virtually disappearing at higher velocities of 10 to 15 m/s. The maximum reduction in blowoff equivalence ratios was 4 to 5% at the low-velocity conditions. These findings are consistent with the estimates of the ionic wind velocities expected in hydro...
The Comparative Politics of Corruption: Accounting for the East Asian Paradox in Empirical Studies of Corruption, Growth and Investment

Abstract Numerous empirical studies demonstrate that corruption reduces investment and/or slows growth. But how robust are these relationships? This question is answered by conducting a series of crosscountry regression tests using four different corruption datasets. We find that corruption slows growth and/or reduces investment in most developing countries, particularly small developing countries, but increases growth in the large East Asian newly industrializing economies. The latter finding provides solid empirical support to a country case literature that explains the East Asian paradox––the combination of high corruption and high growth––in terms of stable and mutually beneficial exchanges of government promotional privileges for bribes and kickbacks.
Monolayer doping and diameter-dependent electron mobility assessment of nanowires

Sub-5nm ultrashallow junctions in planar and non-planar semiconductors are formed by use of a molecular monolayer doping method and conventional spike annealing. ~70% of the dopants are found to be electrically active, allowing for a low sheet resistance for a given dopant areal dose, and minimal junction leakage currents (≪1 µA/cm2) are observed. This indicates the high-quality of the ultrashallow junctions formed by this monolayer doping method. In addition, temperature-dependent current-voltage (I–V) behavior of individual InAs nanowire field-effect transistors is used to study the field-effect mobility as a function of nanowire radius. The field-effect mobility is observed to decrease with decreasing radius. The low-temperature transport behavior reveals the significant impact of surface roughness scattering on mobility degradation in smaller radius nanowires. The successful demonstration of a monolayer doping technique that does not introduce defects into the substrate, combined with a better understanding of diameter-dependent electron mobility in nanowires, contributes toward the advancement of nanoscale, electronic materials.
Molecular structure of fagopyritol A1 (O-α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-d-chiro-inositol) by NMR

The molecular structure of fagopyritol A1, a novel galactopyranosyl cyclitol from buckwheat seeds, was determined to be O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-D-chiro-inositol by 1H and 13C NMR. Fagopyritol A1 is a positional isomer of fagopyritol B1 (O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-D-chiro-inositol), representing a different series of fagopyritol oligomers. Trimethylsilyl derivatives of both compounds have similar mass spectra, but each may be identified by different abundance ratios of fragments with m/z 305/318 and 318/319.
Disability Justifies Exclusion of Minority Students: A Critical History Grounded in Disability Studies

From a disability studies (DS) perspective, the authors analyze how the historical conflation of disability with other identity factors and the ideology of normalcy contribute to the disproportionality problem in K–12 special education. They argue that this conflation and ideology make labeling and segregated education seem natural and legitimate for students carrying the high-incidence, legally defined labels Learning Disabled (LD), Mentally Retarded (MR), and Emotionally Disturbed (ED). The authors then apply their insights to the scant literature on college access for students labeled LD. Although it appears that disabled students are succeeding at increasing rates, the overall picture obscures the continued effects of the historical legacy embedded in the intersections of race, class, gender, and disability for K–16 students
A reusable, academic-strength, metrics-based software engineering process for capstone courses and projects

This paper describes a mature Software Engineering Process that may be applied to capstone courses, student projects, and research projects in a university environment. This process, based in part on the Team Software Process of the Software Engineering Institute, features mature software engineering best practices, including extensive use of metrics to gain insight into process effectiveness and product quality. It is designed to be executed in a single 16-week semester, and it can easily be modified for a longer time frame. It is also designed for the academic culture: (1) it executes as a communicating sequential process running in parallel with and passing information to a series of in-class course presentations and (2) it takes into account that the students cannot devote full time to this one project. This process is independent of the computer language used and any project-specific technology (so it may be applied to software-only projects, robotics projects, smart device projects, embedded programming projects, and any other kind of software-intensive system project). This process is reusable without modification, or it may be tailored. To support tailoring, the process is described using meta data in a format that may be analyzed by automated tools to generate a hypertext document. This process has been tested by using it in a capstone course.
A linear mixed-effects model of biomass and volume of trees using Landsat ETM+ images

Abstract Using forest inventory data and Landsat ETM+ data, linear fixed-effects models and linear mixed-effects models are developed based on the allometric growth model. The surface area of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVIsa) is developed from the triangulated irregular network (TIN) with the aid of image-processing and the three-dimensional analysis extensions of Environmental Systems Research Institute's ArcView GIS software. The NDVIsa is used as the predictor, and it implies the area of trees for both site and area. Linear fixed-effects and linear mixed-effects models based on the allometric growth model are developed to fit the relationships between either biomass or volume and NDVIsa. Linear mixed-effects model with both intercept and slope having random-effects best fits the data, and the relatively high R 2 (about 0.57) was achieved. This linear mixed-effects model is significantly different from the linear fixed-effects model and the linear mixed-effects model with only intercept having random-effects. The best fitted linear mixed-effects model discovers different spatial characteristics of biomass and volume of trees across the whole state of Georgia. The Piedmont ecoregion has positive allometric characteristics, the Upper Coastal Plain has negative allometry, whereas the other three ecoregions have isometric characteristics. At last, the linear mixed-effects models were compared with the extreme situation, fitting linear fixed-effects models within each region. Model diagnostics indicated that the linear mixed-effects models were the best modeling approach.
A Surface Roughness Comparison of Cartilage in Different Types of Synovial Joints

The naturally occurring structure of articular cartilage has proven to be an effective means for the facilitation of motion and load support in equine and other animal joints. For this reason, cartilage has been extensively studied for many years. Although the roughness of cartilage has been determined from atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other methods in multiple studies, a comparison of roughness to joint function has not be completed. It is hypothesized that various joint types with different motions and regimes of lubrication have altered demands on the articular surface that may affect cartilage surface properties. Micro- and nanoscale stylus profilometry was performed on the carpal cartilage harvested from 16 equine forelimbs. Eighty cartilage surface samples taken from three different functioning joint types (radiocarpal, midcarpal, and carpometacarpal) were measured by a Veeco Dektak 150 Stylus Surface Profilometer. The average surface roughness measurements were statistically different for each joint. This indicates that the structure of cartilage is adapted to, or worn by, its operating environment. Knowledge of cartilage micro- and nanoscale roughness will assist the future development and design of treatments for intra- articular substances or surfaces to preserve joint integrity and reduce limitations or loss of joint performance.
An overview of CARAT: a computer assisted research and analysis tool

The Mosaic Group at the University of Arizona studies the design, implementation, testing, and validation of integrated collaborative research systems (ICRS). The authors describe one project of the Mosaic Group, the computer assisted research and analysis tool (CARAT), a system for creating information systems to support research groups. They categorize CARAT as any-time, any-place groupware. CARAT is a production tool that enables the creation of long-term domain-specific ICRS and organizational memories. Long-term ICRS both support and affect research and its communication. Coupled with organizational memories, ICRS provide vehicles to enhance research productivity and facilitate the distribution and assimilation of research. While collaborative tools such as electronic mail exist everywhere, organizing mechanisms for whole research areas do not. CARAT supports the construction of collaborative research systems and group knowledge structures for long-term research efforts. The background that led to the development of CARAT, the key concepts used in CARAT, and examples from the CARAT implementation are described. >
Analysis of air inlet and fuel plenum behavior in a rotating detonation combustor

Abstract The behavior of the oxidizer inlet and the fuel injection plenums during the operation of a Rotating Detonation Combustor (RDC) is studied using pressure sensors in the air injection gap, the fuel plenum, and in the combustor. Significant pressure feedback from the rotating detonation wave is observed in the air injection gap. Pressure feedback into the fuel plenum is relatively weaker. The average normalized cross-correlation between the pressure–time series in the air injection gap and within the combustor is greater than 0.3. The air injection gap has a considerable base sinusoidal oscillation in the same frequency range as a previously discovered waxing-and-waning instability in the combustor. The fundamental frequency in the air injection gap is the same as the RDC operation frequency for almost all test cases, indicating the high efficacy of the sensors in the air inlet to attain the operating frequency. Frequency analysis reveals notable spatial variation in the fuel plenum dynamics. The low frequency oscillation in the air injection gap is found to be constant at 235 (±2.5) Hz for all the air flow rates and equivalence ratios tested.
Strain-dependent Lethal Toxicity in NKG2D Ligand-targeted CAR T-cell Therapy

Ligands for NKG2D, the NK cell–activating receptor, have been explored as targets for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy of cancer in preclinical mouse models for over a decade, and a phase I clinical trial is currently recruiting patients to test this platform. In this issue of Molecular Therapy, VanSeggelen and colleagues report on the observation of lethal toxicity in mice following administration of chimeric NKG2D (chNKG2D) CART therapy for targeting NKG2D ligands.1 CART-mediated toxicities were mouse strain-dependent, highlighting the influence of intraspecies differences that are often overlooked when using genetically inbred mice for preclinical studies. These findings warrant careful consideration as chNKG2D CART therapeutic regimens move into the clinic and raise broader questions regarding the variability in, and prognostic value of, syngeneic mouse models for preclinical validation of CART therapy.
Primary Care Physician and Patient Perceptions of Reimbursement for Total Knee and Hip Replacement

Abstract Background The opinions of nonspecialists and patients will be important to determining reimbursements for specialists such as orthopedic surgeons. In addition, primary care physician (PCP) perceptions of reimbursements may affect utilization of orthopedic services. Methods We distributed a web-based survey to PCPs, asking how much they believed orthopedic surgeons were reimbursed for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also proctored a paper-based survey to postoperative patients, asking how much orthopedic surgeons should be reimbursed. Results There was a significant difference between perceived and actual reimbursement values for THA and TKA. Hospital-affiliated PCPs estimated higher reimbursements for both THA ($1657 vs $838, P P = .018 for Medicare) and TKA ($1260 vs $903, P = .052 for Medicaid and $2022 vs $1514, P = .049 for Medicare). Similarly, larger practices estimated higher reimbursements for both THA ($1861 vs $838, P P = .004 for Medicare) and TKA ($1583 vs $903, P = .005 for Medicaid and $2380 vs $1514, P = .011 for Medicare). Compared to PCPs, patients estimated that orthopedic surgeons should be paid 4 times higher for both THA ($9787 vs $2235, P P Conclusion PCPs believe that reimbursements for orthopedic procedures are higher than actual values. The effect that these perceptions will have on efforts at cost reform and utilization of orthopedic services requires further study.
D-methionine (D-met) significantly reduces kanamycin-induced ototoxicity in pigmented guinea pigs

AbstractObjective: Test D-methionine (D-met) as an otoprotectant from kanamycin-induced ototoxicity and determine the lowest maximally protective D-met dose. Design: Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured at 4, 8, 14, and 20 kHz at baseline and two, four, and six weeks after kanamycin and D-met administration initiation. ABR threshold shifts assessed auditory function. Following six-week ABR testing, animals were decapitated and cochleae collected for outer hair cell (OHC) quantification. Study sample: Eight groups of 10 male pigmented guinea pigs were administered a subcutaneous kanamycin (250 mg/kg/dose) injection once per day and an intraperitoneal D-met injection (0 (saline), 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, or 480 mg/kg/day) twice per day for 23 days. Results: Significant ABR threshold shift reductions and increased OHC counts (p ≤0.01) were measured at multiple D-met-dosed groups starting at two-week ABR assessments. A 300 mg/kg/day optimal otoprotective D-met dose provided 34–41 dB ABR thres...