cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case characteristics affecting the method of grievance dispute settlement

In 1986, we reported the results of an attempt to model the inner, workings of grievance arbitration. We concluded that the primary determinant of whether or not a grievance is settled privately or through arbitral award is the degree of private, outside legal representation. This article extends that work. Utilizing a more sophisticated statistical technique with a better specified list of explanatory variables, it identifies two additional grievance case characteristics that influence the method of grievance settlement: case complexity and type of dispute. The probability of an arbitrated settlement is greatest where the issue is simple and involves discipline and where the parties are represented by private, outside attorney advocates.
On the role of singlet oxygen in the self-sensitized photo-oxygenation of bilirubin and its pyrromethenone models

Abstract 4-Ethyl-3-methyl-5-(4-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrrolyl-2-methylidene)-3-pyrrolin-2-one (1), 3,4- diethyl-5-(4-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrrolyl-2-methylidene)-3-pyrrolin-2-one (2) and xanthobilirubinic acid (XBR) undergo self-sensitized photo-oxygenation, as does bilirubin. The reaction products of 1 consist of methylethylmaleimide, kryptopyrrole aldehyde and its photo-oxygenation product and oxygenated dipyrroles. The same products are formed from 2, except xeronimide is found instead of methylethyl-maleimide. Kinetic studies indicate that singlet oxygen is not necessarily involved in the photo-oxygenation reactions. Geometric photoisomerization (Z →2 E) of 1 and 2, and XBR proceeds at an even faster rate than photosensitized oxygenation.
The net effect of alternative allocation ratios on recruitment time and trial cost.

Background Increasing the proportion of subjects allocated to the experimental treatment in controlled clinical trials is often advocated as a method of increasing recruitment rates and improving t...
Pressure calibration in high pressure EXAFS experiments

Abstract To avoid glitches due to Bragg reflection we use boron carbide anvils for our high pressure EXAFS experiments. Since boron carbide precludes the ruby fluorescence pressure calibration we use the EXAFS of selected materials to measure the reduction with pressure of the nearest neighbor distance and infer the pressure from an isothermal equation of state. The requirements for a good pressure calibrant and the difficulties in EXAFS data analysis are discussed. Cu, NaBr and RbCl have successfully been tested as pressure calibrants.
Controlling Interchain Interactions in Conjugated Polymers: The Effects of Chain Morphology on Exciton-Exciton Annihilation and Aggregation in MEH-PPV Films

The presence of interchain species in the photophysics of conjugated polymer films has been the subject of a great deal of controversy. In this paper, we present strong evidence that interchain species do form in conjugated polymer films, and that the degree of interchain interactions can be controlled by varying the solvent and polymer concentration of the solution from which the films are cast. Thus, much of the controversy in the literature can be resolved by noting that the polymer samples in different studies had different side groups or were prepared in different ways and thus have different degrees of interchain interaction. The photoluminescence (PL) of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene), MEH-PPV, changes both its spectral shape and quantum yield when the films are prepared from different solutions or when the morphology is varied by annealing. Increasing the amount of interchain interactions enhances the red portion of the film’s PL, a result assigned to a combination of changes in the vibronic structure of the PL of the exciton and increased numbers of weakly emissive interchain species. Photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy shows that excitation to the red edge of the absorption band preferentially enhances the red emission, suggesting that the interchain species are aggregates with a distinct ground state absorption. Scanning force microscopy shows topographic features that correlate with the degree of interchain interactions, verifying that the morphology of conjugated polymer films changes with polymer concentration, choice of solvent, and spin-casting speed. Even at low excitation intensities, photooxidative damage occurs quickly in MEH-PPV films excited in air, and the rate at which damage occurs is sensitive to the packing of the polymer chains. For samples under vacuum at low excitation intensity, a long-lived emissive tail, in combination with excitedstate absorption dynamics that do not match those of the emissive species, provide direct evidence for the production of interchain aggregates. Annealing an MEH-PPV film produces a photophysical signature similar to photooxidation, implying that defects in conjugated polymer films are intrinsic and depend on the details of how the chains are packed. At higher excitation intensities, we find that exciton -exciton annihilation occurs, and that the probability for annihilation can vary by an order of magnitude depending on the degree of interchain contact in the film. Finally, we show that changing the film morphology has a direct effect on the performance of MEH-PPV-based light-emitting diodes. Higher degrees of interchain interaction enhance the mobility of carriers at the expense of lower quantum efficiencies for electroluminescence. Taken together, the results reconcile much of the contradictory literature and provide a prescription for the optimization of conjugated polymer films for particular device applications.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF EPENDYMAL CELLS FROM THE MAMMALIAN BRAIN IN TISSUE CULTURE.

Abstract Some electrophysiological properties of single ependymal cells in tissue cultures of mammalian brain were investigated. The resting potential of these cells, measured with intracellular microelectrodes positioned under visual control, was between 40 and 60 mv. Electrical stimulation resulted in a temporary reduction of the resting potential. The degree of this potential reduction depended on the strength of the applied stimulus. The membrane resistance of ependymal cells was measured by means of two intracellular microelectrodes, one for recording the intracellular potential and the other for passing constant current pulses. The membrane resistance of a unit area of ependymal cell surface was found to be 1.6 to 3.0 ohm per cm 2 . These results show that ependymal cells possess the same electrophysiological characteristics as other neuroglia cells.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children

Gastroesophageal reflux is a common pediatric problem. It is a problem that may mimic many other conditions and the severity varies from inconsequential to life threatening. The challenge to the physician is to recognize the possibility of its occurrence and to proceed with history, physical examination, and testing to the extent that other conditions are excluded, giving consideration to the severity of the problem. The physician may employ many therapeutic modalities including surgery, while taking into consideration the type and severity of the patient9s symptoms.
166 POTENTIAL OF URINARY RELAXIN AS A USEFUL INDICATOR OF PREGNANCY IN THE MANED WOLF

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), a neotropical canid, lives in habitats severely compromised by agricultural development. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and viable zoo population is crucial, because it serves as hedge against extinction. However, the North American ex situ population of maned wolves is far from self-sustaining, mainly due to low pregnancy success and high neonatal mortality. Currently, there is no non-invasive way to determine pregnancy in this species. Therefore, the goal is to determine whether urinary relaxin can be used as an indicator of pregnancy in this species. Objectives were to (1) determine the relationship between serum and urinary relaxin in canids, using pregnant domestic bitches as a model, and (2) evaluate the patterns of urinary relaxin in pregnant v. non-pregnant female maned wolves. Serum and urine samples were obtained weekly from six pregnant domestic bitches starting from the day of natural breeding until 3 weeks before the estimated whelping dates. For the maned wolf, urine and feces were obtained weekly during a breeding season (October to February) from six females, three of which were pregnant and gave birth. Concentrations of serum and urinary relaxin were measured using the double antibody canine relaxin radioimmunoassay (Steinetz et al. 1996 Biol. Reprod. 54, 1252–1260). Fecal progestagen were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (Songsasen et al. 2006 Theriogenology 66, 1743–1750). The relationship between serum and urinary relaxin concentrations was determined using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The relationship between urinary relaxin concentrations and days before whelping (for pregnant females) or time after the initial rise of progestagen for each individual were determined using a linear regression analysis. Serial dilutions of pooled dog urine produced displacement curves parallel to those of the appropriate synthetic canine relaxin standards, while wolf samples showed limited parallelism with low concentration of immunoactive antigen. Concentrations of urinary relaxin were significantly correlated with the serum counterpart in pregnant dogs (P 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that urinary relaxin mirrors serum relaxin during pregnancy in domestic bitches and may have potential as a tool to diagnose pregnancy in the maned wolf. Further studies are required to improve the specificity and sensitivity of this non-invasive assay.
Acclimation temperature and temperature tolerance in fingerling largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Abstract Survival of test temperatures from 10 to 40°C (5° C intervals) was directly dependent on acclimation temperature for largemouth bass fingerlings which demonstrated 100% 48 h survival of instantaneous ambient temperature changes (Δt) as great as 20°C. Direct mortality of fingerling bass due to power plant discharges seems unlikely.
Treated Disease Prevalence And Spending Per Treated Case Drove Most Of The Growth In Health Care Spending In 1987–2009

Analysis of data from the National Medical Expenditure Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys from 1987–2009 reinforces previous observations that increased prevalence of treated disease has become the main driver of increased spending on health care in the United States. Higher treated disease prevalence and higher spending per treated case were associated with 50.8 percent and 39.0 percent, respectively, of the spending increase seen in the population ages eighteen and older, while their joint effect accounts for the remaining 10.2 percent. The proportion of increased spending attributable to increased treated prevalence alone is particularly high in the Medicare population: 77.7 percent, compared to 33.5 percent among the privately insured. Moreover, the current findings reveal a substantial contribution to the increase in total spending (10.4 percent) from a doubling of the share of the population considered to be obese and from increases in treatment intensity, a component of spending per t...
Answering questions from oceanography texts: Learner, task, and text characteristics

A conceptual model of question answering from academic texts is proposed that is of potential value in investigating differences in the academic reading comprehension behavior of native and nonnative English speakers. The model guided protocol analysis of seven college students answering questions on two selections drawn from their introductory oceanography textbook. The three nonnative English speakers and four native English speakers described what they were doing to answer the questions. Students varied in level of expertise, based on their backgrounds in related science courses. The questions varied in terms of their relation to the text and the types of processing required to answer them. Solution strategies were abstracted from the protocols and indicated predicted effects of question type on difficulty and on solution strategies. Differences among individuals were related to domain expertise and to language background.
Will the “Real” Candidates for President and Vice President Please Stand Up? 2008 Pre- and Post-Debate Viewer Perceptions of Candidate Image

This study of the 2008 first presidential and vice presidential debate builds on past research on viewers’ perceptions of candidate images. Going back to the Kennedy-Nixon debates in 1960, image re...
EFFECT OF SEPTAL LESIONS ON LEARNING, EMOTIONALITY, ACTIVITY, AND EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR IN RATS.

Abstract The effects of septal lesions in rats on avoidance learning, emotionality, activity level, exploratory behavior and blood sugar level were investigated. Two groups of operated animals were compared with controls. One group was maintained in activity wheels and tested 1 month postoperatively. The other animals with septal lesions were maintained in standard individual cages and tested 10 days postoperatively. Septal lesions, regardless of postoperative testing date, clearly impaired acquisition of the avoidance response. Forty-seven per cent of subjects with septal lesions failed to reach criterion while all controls did so. The post-operative activity levels of the animals with lesions were significantly lower than the controls, and their own preoperative activity levels were significantly lower than the controls and their own preoperative levels. Both groups of subjects with lesions explored significantly more than controls. Blood sugar levels did not differ. There was no difference in emotionality, as measured by the open-field test, between animals with septal lesions and controls tested 1 month postoperatively. However, the rats with lesions, tested on the tenth postoperative day, were highly emotional relative to controls. The docility of the animals with septal lesions 30 days postoperatively, in our experiments, contrasts with other reports in which the septal syndrome persisted for longer periods.
Spectral selective absorption enhancement in photonic crystal defect cavities

In this paper, we present the simulation results on the absorption modification in a two-dimensional photonic crystal slab (2D PCS) structure, based on three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain technique (3D FDTD). Significantly enhanced absorption at defect level was obtained at surface normal direction in a single defect photonic crystal cavity, for both in-plane and vertical sources. An absorption enhancement factor in the range of 100-6,000 was obtained under different operation conditions, based on the normalized absorption power spectral density with respect to the reference slab without photonic crystals. Complete absorption suppression within the photonic bandgap region was also observed in defect-free cavities. High spectral selectivity and tunability was feasible with defect mode engineering.
On the asymptotic behavior of solutions ofu″ − (1 +f(t))u=0

The asymptotic behavior of the solutions ofu″ − (1 + f(t))u=0 is treated under the assumptions thatf(t) →0 as t → ∞ and that\(\mathop \smallint \limits^\infty \left| {f(t)} \right|^n 0. The method used consists of converting the above equation into a non-linear equation of first order via the substitutionv=u′/u, and applying standard techniques of non-linear differential equation theory.
Testing Predicted Choices Against Observations in Probabilistic Discrete-Choice Models

Probabilistic discrete-choice models, such as multinomial logit models, are widely used to predict changes in market shares or total demand resulting from changes in policy variables under management control. These models often are evaluated in terms of their ability to predict choices in a holdout sample. This paper presents a new test for comparing predicted and observed choices. The results of a Monte Carlo experiment indicate that the new test has good finite-sample properties and high power in several circumstances likely to arise frequently in applications.
Urinary angiogenic factors cluster hypertensive disorders and identify women with severe preeclampsia

Objective Serum levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and placental growth factor (PlGF) are altered in women with clinical preeclampsia. We sought to identify whether similar alterations in urinary levels of these proteins cluster hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and identify women with severe preeclampsia (sPE). Study design Free urinary levels of sFlt-1, VEGF, and PlGF were measured by immunoassay in 68 women enrolled prospectively in the following groups: nonpregnant reproductive age (NP-CTR n=14), healthy pregnant control (P-CTR n=16), pregnant hypertensive and proteinuric women who did not meet criteria for severe preeclampsia (pHTN n=21), and women with sPE (n=17). Results There was no difference in gestational age at the time of enrollment among groups (median [range]: sPE: 31 [24-40], pHTN: 34 [16-40], P-CTR: 28 [7-39] wks). Urinary excretion of VEGF was significantly increased in sPE women compared with NP-CTR ( P =.023), but did not differ among pregnant groups. Urinary PlGF levels were significantly increased in pregnant compared with nonpregnant women, but were decreased in all hypertensive women compared with healthy P-CTR ( P P P =.001). A cutoff >2.1 in the ratio log [sFlt-1/PlGF] had 88.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity in differentiating women with sPE from normotensive controls. We also described that the log[sFlt-1/PlGF] ratio identified women with sPE better than proteinuria alone ( P =.03). Our regression model revealed that uric acid correlated best with log[sFlt-1/PlGF] ratio ( r =0.628; P =.005). Conclusion sPE is associated with increased urinary output of the antiangiogenic factor sFlt-1 and a decreased output of PlGF at the time of clinical manifestation, providing a rapid noninvasive screening of hypertensive women based on a sFlt/PlGF ratio. This ratio may be used as representation for severity of the disease, and appears to be superior to random urinary protein measurements.
Effects of Thermal Annealing on the Formation of Buried β-SiC by Ion Implantation

A systematic study of the formation of buried β-SiC structures by carbon ion implantation into Si followed by high-temperature thermal annealing has been carried out. A high fluence of carbon ions (8 × 1017 atoms/cm2) was implanted at 65 keV energy. Formation of the crystalline β-SiC phase was monitored by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The implanted samples were annealed at 900°C and 1100°C to observe the effects of annealing temperature on the formation of crystalline β-SiC. Formation of crystalline β-SiC was clearly observed in the sample annealed at 1100°C in a flowing nitrogen environment for a period of 1 h. Graphitic carbon clusters were observed at the implanted carbon profile peak position by XPS depth profile measurements. Various structural defects such as grain boundaries were also visualized in the annealed sample by high-resolution TEM.
Observations on the relationships between several species of tropical zoanthids (Zoanthidea, coelenterata) and their Zooxanthellae

Abstract Zoanthids of the genera Palythoa and Zoanthus regulate their populations of symbiotic zooxanthellae by expelling surplus algae produced under constant illumination. Zooxanthellae are also expelled when the polyps are placed under stress conditions such as salinities slightly higher than normal (35%.), temperatures of 30 °C, or under starvation. The algae are released in a polyp-like body formed by a concentrically rolled filament very similar to the mesenterial filaments of the animals and which contains extraordinary numbers of healthy-looking zooxanthellae. The significance of zooxanthellae for their hosts is specific and was observed to be greatest for Zoanthus sp. Aposymbiotic polyps of this species rapidly regressed and died under starvation.
Intracranial injury following minor head trauma

Abstract One hundred twelve patients presenting with a Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≥ 13 with a history of minor head trauma were prospectively studied to determine it certain historic or physical examination variables would predict which of these patients were at increased risk for intracranial injury. Patients either underwent cranial computed axial tomography (CT) or were followed up by phone at 4 weeks to determine major morbidity or mortality. Thirty-five patients underwent CT scanning of the head and eight demostrated intracranial injury. Five patients were treated nonoperatively, and three patients had neurosurgical intervention. One patient died following surgery. At the 4-week follow-up no patient was found to have suffered any major morbidity or mortality. Stepwise logistic regression found age over 40 years ( P = .05, odds ratio=6.4, 95% confidence interval 1.0 to 38.8) and complaint of headache ( P = .039, odds ratio 8.167, 95% confidence interval 1.074 to 62.09) to be significantly predictive of intracranial injury. All eight patients with positive CTs had a GCS score of 15. The authors conclude that intracranial injury does exist in patients suffering minor head trauma with a GCS score of 13 or above. Age over 40 years and complaint of headache are associated with an increased risk of intracranial injury.
A fundamental form for the differential equation of colonial and organism growth

When total cell number is used as the basic parameter of growth, rational equations which describe colonial and organism growth under varying circumstances have been derived from a single differential form. These equations result from making specific, but reasonable assumptions about two additive factors, ϕ and θ which determine community growth. The first factor (ϕ) is assumed to arise from conditions within the growing cell itself, while the second factor (θ) arises from interactions between the growing cells of the community. If it is further assumed that the cells of a community are homogeneous with respect to density and volume, it has been shown that the mathematical expressions commonly used to describe growth data may be rationally derived from the general form.
A Prospective Investigation of Mindfulness Skills and Changes in Emotion Regulation Among Military Veterans in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment

We prospectively investigated associations between mindfulness and changes in the use of expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal occurring during a residential treatment program for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sample consisted of 50 male veterans who were assessed with the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills at treatment intake, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and PTSD Checklist—Military Version at treatment intake and discharge. Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that greater nonjudgmental acceptance at intake predicted greater reductions in expressive suppression (p < .05) and less improvement in cognitive reappraisal (p < .05) between treatment intake and discharge. Additionally, greater ability to observe thoughts, emotions, and sensations at intake was associated with less improvement in cognitive reappraisal between treatment intake and discharge (p < .05). Findings remained significant after statistically adjusting for treatment-related changes in PTSD symptoms.
Physiological production of the β-amyloid protein and the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease

The progressive deposition of the beta-amyloid peptide in the brain and its microvasculature is an invariant feature of Alzheimer's disease that appears to precede the onset of dementia by many years. It had been assumed that the proteolytic release of beta-amyloid peptide from the transmembrane region of its large precursor protein was an aberrant event, requiring prior membrane injury. However, it has recently been shown that beta-amyloid peptide is continuously secreted from healthy neural and non-neural cells in culture and circulates in human CSF and blood. The finding that beta-amyloid peptide is a normal, soluble product of cellular metabolism has led to many dynamic studies of its formation and clearance in health and in genetic forms of Alzheimer's disease, and should facilitate the design of amyloid-inhibiting therapeutics.
Information retrieval from long-term memory: Category size and recognition time.

The S s were shown single common English words and identified them as belonging or not belonging to well-known verbal categories. Each target word was identified with respect to two categories, one of which included the other by definition and was, therefore, necessarily the larger of the two. Two experiments using a variety of different nested verbal categories and two somewhat different methods produced similar results: the average time required for category recognition was greater for larger than for smaller categories.
A mechanism of resistance to gefitinib mediated by cellular reprogramming and the acquisition of an FGF2-FGFR1 autocrine growth loop

Despite initial and often dramatic responses of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-addicted lung tumors to the EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), gefitinib and erlotinib, nearly all develop resistance and relapse. To explore novel mechanisms mediating acquired resistance, we employed non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines bearing activating mutations in EGFR and rendered them resistant to EGFR-specific TKIs through chronic adaptation in tissue culture. In addition to previously observed resistance mechanisms including EGFR-T790M ‘gate-keeper' mutations and MET amplification, a subset of the seven chronically adapted NSCLC cell lines including HCC4006, HCC2279 and H1650 cells exhibited marked induction of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) mRNA and protein. Also, adaptation to EGFR-specific TKIs was accompanied by an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) as assessed by changes in CDH1, VIM, ZEB1 and ZEB2 expression and altered growth properties in Matrigel. In adapted cell lines exhibiting increased FGF2 and FGFR1 expression, measures of growth and signaling, but not EMT, were blocked by FGFR-specific TKIs, an FGF-ligand trap and FGFR1 silencing with RNAi. In parental HCC4006 cells, cell growth was strongly inhibited by gefitinib, although drug-resistant clones progress within 10 days. Combined treatment with gefitinib and AZD4547, an FGFR-specific TKI, prevented the outgrowth of drug-resistant clones. Thus, induction of FGF2 and FGFR1 following chronic adaptation to EGFR-specific TKIs provides a novel autocrine receptor tyrosine kinase-driven bypass pathway in a subset of lung cancer cell lines that are initially sensitive to EGFR-specific TKIs. The findings support FGFR-specific TKIs as potentially valuable additions to existing targeted therapeutic strategies with EGFR-specific TKIs to prevent or delay acquired resistance in EGFR-driven NSCLC.
Agent-based modelling and systems dynamics model reproduction

Reproducibility is a pillar of the scientific endeavour. We view computer simulations as laboratories for electronic experimentation and therefore as tools for science. Recent studies have addressed model reproduction and found it to be surprisingly difficult to replicate published findings. There have been enough failed simulation replications to raise the question, "can computer models be fully replicated?" This paper answers in the affirmative by reporting on a successful reproduction study using Mathematica, Repast and Swarm for the Beer Game supply chain model. The reproduction process was valuable because it demonstrated the original result's robustness across modelling methodologies and implementation environments.
Urothelial nodal metastasis with direct vertebral invasion: PET/CT imaging.

Osseous metastases with subtle trabecular bone involvement are not diagnosed on radiographs or CT. PET/CT is a more sensitive combined imaging modality in the precise localization of such lesions providing a more accurate staging of cancer. The author presents 2 cases of transitional cell carcinoma with an uncommon pattern of direct lumbar spine invasion from an adjacent nodal metastasis.
Pinocytosis in the rat visceral yolk sac: Potential role in amino acid nutrition during the fetal period

Summary At 9.5 to 10.5 days post-conception (p.c.) the rat embryo receives amino acids primarily by pinocytosis of maternal proteins by the visceral yolk sac (VYS) endodermal cells and their subsequent digestion in lysosomes. As this mechanism may also contribute to the nutritional support of the rapidly growing fetus later in gestation, this study determines the potential of the VYS to contribute to the amino acid needs of the rat fetus on 13.5, 15.5 and 17.5 days p.c. Wister rats were killed on 11.5, 13.5, 15.5, 17.5 and 19.5 days p.c. and the protein content of fetuses, VYSs and serum was determined. Additional VYSs were isolated on the same days p.c. and the uptake of [14C]sucrose, a measure of fluid-phase pinocytosis, was determined. The rate of protein accretion by the fetus and the capacity of the VYS to pinocytose and digest proteins were calculated on 13.5, 15.5 and 17.5 days p.c. There was a decrease in pinocytic capacity, per mg protein, over the period of development studied but, owing to the growth of the tissue, the total capacity of the yolk sac to pinocytose and digest proteins increased from 13.5 to 17.5 days p.c. Comparison of the VYSs capacity to pinocytose and digest proteins and the rate of protein accretion by the fetus suggests that the VYS could support a significant proportion of the increase in protein content of the growing fetus. This conclusion is reinforced by the limited capacity of the maternal plasma to supply free amino acids to the fetus. The results suggest that the VYS is likely to play a role in the amino acid nutrition of the fetus in mid-to late-gestation.
Dynamic effects induced transition of droplets on biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces.

Superhydrophobic surfaces have considerable technological potential for various applications because of their extreme water-repellent properties. Dynamic effects, such as the bouncing and vibration of a droplet, can destroy the composite solid−air−liquid interface. The impact pressure of a bouncing droplet and the inertia force of a vibrating droplet affect the transition from a solid−air−liquid interface to a solid−liquid interface. Therefore, it is necessary to study the dynamic effect of droplets under various system parameters (impact velocity and frequency and amplitude of vibration). A new model for the prediction of the wetting and dewetting process during droplet vibration based on the relationship between the adhesion force and the inertia force of a droplet is proposed. To investigate whether micro-, nano-, and hierarchical structures can resist the destabilizing factors responsible for the transition, a study of bouncing and vibration of a water droplet is systematically conducted on various su...
A novel mitochondrially-targeted apocynin derivative prevents hyposmia and loss of motor function in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2R1441G) transgenic mouse model of Parkinson’s disease

Recently, we demonstrated that dimeric apocynin prevented loss of motor function in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2(R1441G)) transgenic (tg) mouse (treated with 200mg/kg, three times per week) [B.P. Dranka et al., Neurosci. Lett. 549 (2013) 57-62]. Here we extend those studies by treating LRRK2(R1441G) mice with an orally-available, mitochondrially-targeted apocynin derivative. We hypothesized that the increased mitochondrial permeability of Mito-apocynin, due to the triphenylphosphonium moiety, would allow improvement of Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms at lower doses than those required for diapocynin. Tests of motor coordination (pole test, Rotor-Rod) revealed a significant deficit in coordinated motor function in LRRK2(R1441G) mice by 15 months of age. Decreased performance on the pole test and Rotor-Rod in the LRRK2(R1441G) mice was prevented with Mito-apocynin treatment (3mg/kg, three times per week). Decreased olfactory function is an early indication of PD in human patients. LRRK2(R1441G) tg mice displayed deficits in sense of smell in both the hidden treat test, and a radial arm maze test. Interestingly, treatment with Mito-apocynin prevented this hyposmia, and animals retained normal ability to identify either a scented treat or a food pellet as well as wild type littermates. Together, these data demonstrate that the mitochondria-targeted apocynin analog is effective in preventing early PD-like symptoms in the LRRK2(R1441G) mouse model.
Reduced Models of Arterial Systems

Simple models that manifest input impedances of arterial systems are compared. An improvement upon documented two-, three-, and five-element models is presented. The classical two-element model (the windkessel) accounts for the lowest frequency components, and the three-element model (the modified windkessel) accounts for both low-and high-frequency components of the spectrum of interest. Five-element models, however, by allowing for reflection, can account for principal features over the entire frequency range of interest.
Variable fish communities and the index of biotic integrity in a Western Great Plains river

Abstract We applied the index of biotic integrity (IBI) to the portion of the Arkansas River basin within the Southwestern Tablelands ecoregion, located on the Great Plains of southeastern Colorado. Only nine IBI metrics were appropriate for this region, largely because of the depauperate and tolerant ichthyofauna. The modified index was then used to assess effects of U.S. Army mechanized infantry training on biotic integrity of the Purgatoire River at 12 sites adjacent to the Pifion Canyon Maneuvers Site, a remote and relatively undisturbed canyon reach on a seventh-order Arkansas River tributary. Decrease in abundance of adult red shiners Cyprinella lutrensis, a tolerant omnivorous species, over a 6-year period (1983–1989) caused marked increases in the IBI at 9 of 12 sites despite lack of obvious changes in environmental quality after training began in 1985. Neither sampling variation nor the magnitude and timing of floods were sufficient to explain the large decrease in red shiner abundance. Other att...
Prediction of polymer‐solvent phase equilibria by a modified group‐contribution EOS

A new group-contribution lattice–fluid equation of state (GCLF-EOS), which is capable of predicting the equilibrium properties of polymer–solvent solutions, was developed by modifying the original GCLF-EOS of High and Danner. The GCLF-EOS is a group-contribution form of the Panayiotou–Vera equation of state based on the lattice-hole theory. Group contributions for the interaction energy and reference volume were developed based only on the saturated vapor pressure and liquid densities of low molecular weight compounds. For a mixture, a binary interaction parameter was introduced into the mixing rules. Group contributions for the binary interaction parameter were developed from the binary vapor–liquid equilibria of low molecular weight compounds. This modified GCLF-EOS model gives excellent predictions of solvent activity coefficients both at infinite dilution and at finite concentrations. It is significantly better than the original GCLF-EOS model in its prediction capability. The only input required for the model is the structure of the molecules in terms of their functional groups. No other pure component or mixture properties of the polymer or solvent are needed.
Metabolic regulation of stem cell function

Stem cell function is regulated by intrinsic mechanisms, such as transcriptional and epigenetic regulators, as well as extrinsic mechanisms, such as short-range signals from the niche and long-range humoral signals. Interactions between these regulatory mechanisms and cellular metabolism are just beginning to be identified. In multiple systems, differentiation is accompanied by changes in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and the levels of reactive oxygen species. Indeed, metabolic pathways regulate proliferation and differentiation by regulating energy production and the generation of substrates for biosynthetic pathways. Some metabolic pathways appear to function differently in stem cells as compared with restricted progenitors and differentiated cells. They also appear to influence stem cell function by regulating signal transduction, epigenetic marks and oxidative stress. Studies to date illustrate the importance of metabolism in the regulation of stem cell function and suggest complex cross-regulation likely exists between metabolism and other stem cell regulatory mechanisms.
Modeling and code development for concrete structures: An overview

Abstract The present status of efforts to model concrete behavior under projected extreme loadings suitable for finite element formulation is presented. The difficulties in modeling introduced by problems associated with quality control of the concrete mix and dependency of test results on a number of variables are pointed out. A variety of modeling schemes which attempt to take into account such peculiarities of concrete behavior are discussed, and advantages and shortcomings of each scheme are mentioned. Future analytical and experimental research needs are indicated, especially with regard to reinforced concrete element modeling. The present paper constitutes a state-of-the-art report on computer modeling of plain and reinforced concrete behavior and contains appropriate recommendations from the authors.
Serum IgE in clinical immunology and allergy

Abstract Serum IgE was measured with the use of the Rowe modification of the Mancini technique. Serum IgE was significantly elevated in atopic and questionably atopic patients and in patients with filariasis within 2 years of diagnosis. Children with thymic hypoplasia and with cystic fibrosis had higher IgE levels than did control clinic patients. Children with variable immunodeficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinemia had significantly less IgE than did control patients, and patients with severe combined immune deficiency disease when not treated with plasma had no detectable IgE. The value of IgE determinations in groups of patients was demonstrated.
Imaging informatics-based multimedia ePR system for data management and decision support in rehabilitation research

With the rapid development of science and technology, large-scale rehabilitation centers and clinical rehabilitation trials usually involve significant volumes of multimedia data. Due to the global aging crisis, millions of new patients with age-related chronic diseases will produce huge amounts of data and contribute to soaring costs of medical care. Hence, a solution for effective data management and decision support will significantly reduce the expenditure and finally improve the patient life quality. Inspired from the concept of the electronic patient record (ePR), we developed a prototype system for the field of rehabilitation engineering. The system is subject or patient-oriented and customized for specific projects. The system components include data entry modules, multimedia data presentation and data retrieval. To process the multimedia data, the system includes a DICOM viewer with annotation tools and video/audio player. The system also serves as a platform for integrating decision-support tools and data mining tools. Based on the prototype system design, we developed two specific applications: 1) DOSE (a phase 1 randomized clinical trial to determine the optimal dose of therapy for rehabilitation of the arm and hand after stroke.); and 2) NEXUS project from the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center(RERC, a NIDRR funded Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center). Currently, the system is being evaluated in the context of the DOSE trial with a projected enrollment of 60 participants over 5 years, and will be evaluated by the NEXUS project with 30 subjects. By applying the ePR concept, we developed a system in order to improve the current research workflow, reduce the cost of managing data, and provide a platform for the rapid development of future decision-support tools.
History of the plutonium bioassay program at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1944–2006

In 1944 Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) instituted a program for the collection and analyses of urine samples from individuals working with plutonium. This program has operated continuously for over 60 years. During that time the plutonium bioassay program incorporated advances in urine sample collection, radiochemical separation techniques, alpha-spectroscopy and thermal ionization mass spectrometry measurement techniques as well as cleanroom technology. All of these advances have produced incremental improvements in plutonium detection limits. A chronological description is given of the methodologies used in the plutonium bioassay program at Los Alamos.
An IEEE 1451 standard transducer interface chip with 12-b ADC, two 12-b DAC's, 10-kB flash EEPROM, and 8-b microcontroller

A single-chip implementation of an IEEE 1451 standard transducer interface module (STIM) is presented. It integrates an eight-channel, 12-b, analog-to-digital converter (ADC), two 12-b digital-to-analog converters, and an 8-b microcontroller with 256-B SRAM and 10.5-kB flash EEPROM. Process complexity is simplified by using a split-gate flash EEPROM cell with poly-poly erase, and metal-poly capacitors with a calibration algorithm in the ADC. The chip is 5.0/spl times/5.5 mm in 0.6-/spl mu/m CMOS, operates over 2.7-5.5 V, dissipates 13 mA at 3 V/12 MHz, and is packaged in a 52-pin plastic quad flat pack package.
Soil Water Repellency Index Prediction Using the Molarity of Ethanol Droplet Test

The profound impact of soil water repellency (WR) on vadose zone processes makes accurate characterization of this phenomenon paramount. Numerous WR measurement techniques exist, each having advantages and disadvantages with regard to laboriousness, resolution, and accuracy. The molarity of ethanol droplet (MED) test quantifies WR as the lowest ethanol concentration permitting droplet penetration within 5 s, or alternatively, the 90° liquid surface tension of the infiltrating droplet (γND). This method is simple and rapid but poorly represents soil wetting behavior across measurement intervals. Although time consuming, water/ethanol sorptivity ratio calculation of the repellency index ( R ) generates a continuous, linear scale of WR that intrinsically isolates the effect of WR on infiltration. This study compared MED and R measurements of sand samples displaying varying degrees of WR. Each technique was performed at 20°C and 1.78 kPa H2O vapor pressure using duplicate subsamples of oven-dried (55°C) sands. A nonlinear association between R and γND or MED was observed. Regressing log10 R by γND revealed a statistically significant model, yet the 95% log10 R prediction interval included values less than the theoretical lower limit of R . Alternatively, regressing log10 R by MED generated the following model ( P < 0.0001, r 2 = 0.727): log10 R = 0.705 + 0.5144(MED), capable of predicting R within the operation bounds of R theory. While the predicted R values are distributed across a wide interval, their availability offers cautious users an intuitive scale for enhanced interpretation of more commonly generated MED data.
Embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: impact of cleavage status, morphology grade, and number of embryos transferred

Abstract Objective: The aims of this study were to compare preimplantation embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with standard IVF and to examine the impact of age and number and quality of embryos transferred on implantation and pregnancy. Design: Retrospective, controlled clinical study. Setting: Academic tertiary center. Patient(s): We examined 211 consecutive couples undergoing ICSI who were matched with 211 couples undergoing IVF therapy during the same time frame. Intervention(s): In vitro embryo culture. Main Outcome Measure(s): Day 3 embryo quality as judged by the number of blastomeres and morphology scoring. Result(s): Patients undergoing ICSI had a significantly reduced number of embryos with good morphology and cleavage compared with IVF cases. Nevertheless, pregnancy and abortion rates were similar when adjusted by age and number of embryos transferred. Average cleavage status and age were significant predictors of implantation. Women of advanced age had significantly lower embryo cleavage and implantation rates. Conclusion(s): [1] The cleaving status of day 3 embryos is a valuable, although limited, indicator of implantation outcome. [2] In vitro fertilization-derived embryos had better cleavage rates and morphology scores than ICSI-derived embryos; however, the implantation potential was similar for both groups. [3] The age-related decline in implantation rate was associated with impaired embryo growth rates.
Refractive Index, Thickness, and Extinction Coefficient of Slightly Absorbing Thin Films

Methods are developed for the successive determination of the refractive index, thickness, and extinction coefficient of a slightly absorbing thin film situated on a slightly absorbing or transparent substrate. The refractive index is found from a measurement of the Brewster angle for the film–substrate interface. This Brewster angle, termed the second-surface Brewster angle, is shown to be highly insensitive to small values of the extinction coefficient. The film thickness is deduced from measurements of the angles at which maxima and minima occur in the measured distribution of reflectance vs angle of incidence. Thus, neither the refractive index nor the thickness determinations requires the magnitude of the reflectance as input. On the other hand, the extinction coefficient is deduced from the value of the reflectance at a maximum point in the distribution of reflectance vs incidence angle.
Influence of gender on office staff management in orthodontics.

Objective: To examine the gender differences in managing practice and staff members in orthodontic practices. Materials and Methods: All orthodontists in Virginia and Maryland (n 5 427) were surveyed and demographic information was collected. For the crude analyses of the data, a Fisher’s exact test or x 2 test was performed. For the adjusted analyses, genders were compared using a logistic regression or analysis of covariance. The covariates were adjusted for age, program length, years in practice, number of years since graduation, and practice state. Results: The length of the residency program attended did not differ with gender. No gender differences in practice ownership or creating the practice were observed. There was a significant gender difference in implementation of performance reviews: female orthodontists were more likely to provide performance reviews and tended to accept more poor reviews before staff termination than male orthodontists. However, when provided, no gender difference was observed in the number of performance reviews. Conclusion: Gender has a significant impact on the implementation of performance reviews in practices. Practice ownership status was not influenced by providers’ gender. (Angle Orthod. 2010;80:1150–1154.)