bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of the human N-Ras protein with lipid raft model membranes of varying degrees of complexity
Authors: Vogel Alexander , Nikolaus Jörg , Weise Katrin , Triola Gemma , Waldmann Herbert , Winter Roland , Herrmann Andreas , Huster Daniel 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Ternary lipid mixtures composed of cholesterol, saturated (frequently with sphingosine backbone), and unsaturated phospholipids show stable phase separation and are often used as model systems of lipid rafts. Yet, their ability to reproduce raft properties and function is still debated. We investigated the properties and functional aspects of three lipid raft model systems of varying degrees of biological relevance – PSM/POPC/Chol, DPPC/POPC/Chol, and DPPC/DOPC/Chol – using 2H solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. While some minor differences were observed, the general behavior and properties of all three model mixtures were similar to previously investigated influenza envelope lipid membranes, which closely mimic the lipid composition of biological membranes. For the investigation of the functional aspects, we employed the human N-Ras protein, which is posttranslationally modified by two lipid modifications that anchor the protein to the membrane. It was previously shown that N-Ras preferentially resides in liquid-disordered domains and exhibits a time-dependent accumulation in the domain boundaries of influenza envelope lipid membranes. For all three model mixtures, we observed the same membrane partitioning behavior for N-Ras. Therefore, we conclude that even relatively simple models of raft membranes are able to reproduce many of their specific properties and functions.
Acoustic impedance inversion with covariation approach
Authors: Yue Bi B. , Peng Zhen M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a novel covariation approach for seismic inversion under the assumption that the real seismic signals follow non-Gaussian α-stable distribution. To verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method, two computer inversion simulation experiments on synthetic data inversion and real seismic acoustic impedance inversion are conducted using covariation, covariance and Bayesian methods. In the inversion experiment, covariation method performances better than the covariance and Bayesian, and the inverse results are very close to the true solutions. In the real seismic data inversion case, the sample quantile method was applied to estimate the characteristic exponent of a seismic trace from a nearby well before inversion. The estimated characteristic was applied in the 2D seismic impedance inversion where the moment p of the whole survey is set to be less than it. The results from the inversion of the 2D real data set are consistent with the well log interpretation.
The Relationship Between Propulsive Force in Tethered Swimming and 200-m Front Crawl Performance
Authors: Santos Karini B. , Bento Paulo C. B. , Pereira Gleber , Rodacki André L. F. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Santos, KB, Bento, PCB, Pereira, G, and Rodacki, ALF. The relationship between propulsive force in tethered swimming and 200-m front crawl performance. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2500–2507, 2016—The aims of this study were to determine whether propulsive force (peak force, mean force, impulse, and rate of force development) and stroke rate change during 2 minutes of front crawl tethered swimming and to correlate them with the stroke rate and swimming velocity in 200-m front crawl swimming. Twenty-one swimmers (21.6 ± 4.8 years, 1.78 ± 0.06 m, 71.7 ± 8.1 kg), with 200-m front crawl swimming performance equivalent to 78% of the world record (140.4 ± 10.1 seconds), were assessed during 2 minutes of maximal front crawl tethered swimming (propulsive forces and stroke rate) and 200-m front crawl swimming (stroke rate and clean velocity). Propulsive forces decreased between the beginning and the middle instants (∼20%; p ≤ 0.05) but remained stable between the middle and the end instants (∼6%; p > 0.05). The peak force was positively correlated with the clean velocity in the 200-m front crawl swimming (mean r = 0.61; p < 0.02). The stroke rates of the tethered swimming and 200-m front crawl swimming were positively correlated (r = 45; p≤ 0.01) at the middle instant. Therefore, the propulsive force and stroke rate changed throughout the 2 minutes of tethered swimming, and the peak force is the best propulsive force variable tested that correlated with 200-m front crawl swimming performance.
A Method to Estimate Carbon Dioxide Sequestration in Concrete Pavement Interiors
Authors: Haselbach Liv M. , Borden Robby , Gueneron Mylene 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is used in many pavements which reabsorb some of the CO2 emissions from the initial cement production over time in a process commonly referred to as carbonation. Estimating the extent of CO2 sequestration throughout pavements is crucial in understanding their true carbon footprints. Surface carbonation has been classically modeled with a front of extensive carbonation that slowly moves inward with rates on the order of millimeters per year, but provides little sequestration information beyond the front, which was usually assumed to be negligible. This work proposes an isopleth (chart with lines of similar characteristics) method for estimating average CO2 sequestration deeper within pavement samples based on quasi-steady-state equilibrium partitioning at various ages using material and chemical characteristics. Together with the surface carbonation model, the isopleths might provide more comprehensive carbon dioxide sequestration estimates. One inch (25.4 mm) deep hydrated cement samples were prepared, aged for several years with only their top surfaces exposed, and then analyzed for CO2 sequestration along their depths with thermal gravimetric analyses. The results indicate average interior CO2 sequestration levels exceeding 25 % based on moles of calcium in periods under three years, and even higher levels when samples are made with 25 % low calcium supplementary cementitious material. Similar tests on aged concrete samples would be needed to extrapolate the method to pavements.
Influence of Warm Mix Additive on Mechanistic, Economical, and Environmental Attributes of a Polymer-Modified Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Hajj Elie Y. , Souliman Mena I. , Cortez Edward M. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In the last decades, an extensive amount of experimental laboratory and field studies were conducted with different warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies around the world. While good performance for the WMA mixtures has been reported, their use with polymer-modified asphalt binders is still creating a concern for some highway agencies. This paper summarizes the laboratory evaluation of one of those WMA products with a typical dense-graded polymer-modified asphalt mixture used in California and Nevada. The objective of this paper was to assess whether the investigated WMA additive negatively influence the outstanding performance and durability experienced by the state DOTs for the polymer-modified asphalt mixture. The WMA mixture was produced in the laboratory and compared to an HMA control mixture using identical aggregates, binder, and mix design. Overall, the presented results indicated that the use of the warm-mix additive at lower production and compaction temperatures resulted in a similar or better resistance to moisture damage, rutting, and fatigue cracking when compared to the conventional HMA. Preliminary calculations showed potential fuel savings as well as measurable energy savings and noteworthy reduction in CO2 emissions are anticipated with the use of the WMA additive compared to the conventional HMA.
A Theoretical study of the Thermoelectric Transport Coefficients of n-type PbTe
Authors: Al-Otaibi Jawaher , Srivastava Gyaneshwar P. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIn this work we present a theoretical study of the transport coefficients of n-type PbTe. The electronic transport coefficients are calculated using the isotropic-nearly-free-electron approximation, including the effect of band non-parabolicity on electron-phonon scattering. The lattice thermal transport coefficient is computed by employing the isotropic continuum model for the dispersion relation for acoustic as well as optical phonon branches, an isotropic anharmonic continuum model for crystal anharmonicity, and the single-mode relaxation time scheme. The role of transverse optical (TO) phonon modes in anharmonic interactions will be discussed in detail.
Thermodynamic Stability of High-K Dielectric Metal Oxides ZrO2 and HfO2 in Contact with Si and SiO2
Authors: Gutowski Maciej , Jaffe John E. , Liu Chun-Li , Stoker Matt , Hegde Rama I. , Rai Raghaw S. , Tobin Philip J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe present experimental results regarding the thermodynamic stability of the high-k dielectrics ZrO2 and HfO2 in contact with Si and SiO2. The HfO2/Si interface is found to be stable with respect to formation of silicides whereas the ZrO2/Si interface is not. The metal oxide/SiO2 interface is marginally unstable with respect to formation of silicates. Cross-sectional transmission electron micrographs expose formation of nodules, identified as silicides, across the polysilicon/ZrO2/Si interfaces but not for the interfaces with HfO2. For both ZrO2 and HfO2, the X-ray photoemission spectra illustrate formation of silicate-like compounds in the MO2/SiO2 interface.
Optoelectronic Properties and Applications of Rare-Earth-Doped GaN
Authors: Steckl A.J. , Zavada J.M. 
Published: February 2014

As discussed in the accompanying articles in this issue ofMRS Bulletin, the optical properties of rare-earth (RE) elements have led to many important photonic applications, including solid-state lasers, components for telecommunications (optical-fiber amplifiers, fiber lasers), optical storage devices, and displays. In most of these applications, the host materials for the RE elements are various forms of oxide and nonoxide glasses. The emission can occur at visible or infrared (IR) wavelengths, depending on the electronic transitions of the selected RE element and the excitation mechanism. Until recently, the study of semiconductors doped with RE elements such as Pr and Er has concentrated primarily on the lowest excited state as an optically active transition. The presence of transitions at IR wavelengths (1.3 and 1.54 μm) that are coincident with minima in the optical dispersion and the loss of silica-based glass fibers utilized in telecommunications, combined with the prospect of integration with semiconductor device technology, has sparked considerable interest.The status and prospects of obtaining stimulated emission in Si:Er are reviewed by Gregorkiewicz and Langer in this issue and by Coffa et al. in a previousMRS Bulletinissue. While great progress is being made in enhancing the emission intensity of Er-doped Si, it still experiences significant loss in luminescence efficiency at room temperature, as compared with low temperatures. This thermal quenching was shown by Favennec et al. to de crease with the bandgap energy of the semiconductor. Hence wide-bandgap semiconductors (WBGSs) are attractive candidates for investigation as hosts for RE doping.
A Psychometric Validation of the Internal and External Motivation to Respond Without Prejudice Toward People With Disabilities Scale
Authors: Pruett Steven R. , Deiches Jon , Pfaller Joseph , Moser Erin , Chan Fong 
Published: February 2014

Objective: To determine the factorial validity of the Internal and External Motivation to Respond without Prejudice toward People with Disabilities Scale (D-IMS/EMS).Design: A quantitative descriptive design using factor analysis.Participants: 233 rehabilitation counseling and rehabilitation services students.Results: Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence for the 2-factor structure of the D-IMS/EMS. The internal motivation and external motivation factors were found to correlate with the Attitudes toward Disabled Persons—Form A and the Contact with Disabled Persons Scale in the predicted direction.Conclusions: The D-IMS/EMS appears to have sufficient reliability and validity; the 2-factor solution was found to be acceptable. Further research with other groups of participants is needed.
Employment Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes
Authors: Powell Lisa M. , Wada Roy , Persky Joseph J. , Chaloupka Frank J. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We assessed the impact of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes on net employment. Methods. We used a macroeconomic simulation model to assess the employment impact of a 20% SSB tax accounting for changes in SSB demand, substitution to non-SSBs, income effects, and government expenditures of tax revenues for Illinois and California in 2012. Results. We found increased employment of 4406 jobs in Illinois and 6654 jobs in California, representing a respective 0.06% and 0.03% change in employment. Declines in employment within the beverage industry occurred but were offset by new employment in nonbeverage industry and government sectors. Conclusions. SSB taxes do not have a negative impact on state-level employment, and industry claims of regional job losses are overstated and may mislead lawmakers and constituents.
Drinking Water Systems, Hydrology, and Childhood Gastrointestinal Illness in Central and Northern Wisconsin
Authors: Uejio Christopher K. , Yale Steven H. , Malecki Kristen , Borchardt Mark A. , Anderson Henry A. , Patz Jonathan A. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. This study investigated if the type of drinking water source (treated municipal, untreated municipal, and private well water) modifies the effect of hydrology on childhood (aged < 5 years) gastrointestinal illness. Methods. We conducted a time series study to assess the relationship between hydrologic and weather conditions with childhood gastrointestinal illness from 1991 to 2010. The Central and Northern Wisconsin study area includes households using all 3 types of drinking water systems. Separate time series models were created for each system and half-year period (winter/spring, summer/fall). Results. More precipitation (summer/fall) systematically increased childhood gastrointestinal illness in municipalities accessing untreated water. The relative risk of contracting gastrointestinal illness was 1.4 in weeks with 3 centimeters of precipitation and 2.4 in very wet weeks with 12 centimeters of precipitation. By contrast, gastrointestinal illness in private well and treated municipal areas was not influenced by hydrologic conditions, although warmer winter temperatures slightly increased incidence. Conclusions. Our study suggests that improved drinking water protection, treatment, and delivery infrastructure may improve public health by specifically identifying municipal water systems lacking water treatment that may transmit waterborne disease.
Public Health Practice Is Not Research
Authors: Otto Jean Lin , Holodniy Mark , DeFraites Robert F. 
Published: February 2014

Scientific and clinical activities undertaken by public health agencies may be misconstrued as medical research. Most discussions of regulatory and legal oversight of medical research focus on activities involving either patients in clinical practice or volunteers in clinical trials. These discussions often exclude similar activities that constitute or support core functions of public health practice. As a result, public health agencies and practitioners may be held to inappropriate regulatory standards regarding research. Through the lens of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and using several case studies from these departments, we offer a framework for the adjudication of activities common to research and public health practice that could assist public health practitioners, research oversight authorities, and scientific journals in determining whether such activities require regulatory review and approval as research.
Mitigating the Health Risks of Dining Out: The Need for Standardized Portion Sizes in Restaurants
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Story Mary 
Published: February 2014

Because restaurants routinely serve food with more calories than people need, dining out represents a risk factor for overweight, obesity, and other diet-related chronic diseases. Most people lack the capacity to judge the caloric content of food and there is limited evidence that people make use of calorie-labeling information when it is available. Standardized portion sizes would not preclude people from eating as much as they want, but would make the amount they are getting fully transparent. We describe the potential benefits and means of implementing a system of standardized portion sizes that might facilitate a healthier diet among the US population.
Healthy Homes: In-Home Environmental Asthma Intervention in a Diverse Urban Community
Authors: Turcotte David A. , Alker Heather , Chaves Emily , Gore Rebecca , Woskie Susan 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We evaluated health outcomes associated with in-home interventions in low-income urban households with children with asthma. Methods. A comprehensive health and environmental assessment and subsequent intervention were completed in 116 households with 170 enrolled children with asthma. Home health workers provided household safety, asthma prevention education, and targeted environmental intervention to decrease asthma triggers and improve household safety. We collected environmental data with questionnaire and dust samples and health information with a questionnaire incorporating the American Academy of Pediatrics Children’s Health Survey for Asthma and other instruments at baseline and at follow-up 11 to 12 months later to evaluate the impact of the intervention on the health of the child and family in Lowell, Massachusetts, from September 2009 to January 2012. Results. The diverse study population of low-income children showed a statistically significant health improvement from baseline to follow-up. The cost of the interventions (not including personnel) was $36 240, whereas the estimated medical savings over a 4-week assessment period was $71 162, resulting in an estimated annual savings of about $821 304. Conclusions. Low-cost, multicomponent interventions decrease all measures of asthma severity and health care utilization in a diverse population of urban children.
Association of Strong Smoke-Free Laws With Dentists’ Advice to Quit Smoking, 2006–2007
Authors: Gonzalez Mariaelena , Sanders-Jackson Ashley , Glantz Stanton A. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We examined the association of smoke-free laws with dentists’ advice to quit smoking and referral to a quit line, among smokers who reported visiting the dentist in the past 12 months. Methods. We used the 2006 to 2007 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey merged with the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation Local Ordinance Database of smoke-free laws. The dependent variables were advice from a dentist to quit smoking and referral to a quit line, and the independent variable of interest was 100% smoke-free law coverage. We controlled for respondent demographics and an index of state-level smoking ban attitudes (included to ensure that the effect detected was not the result of social attitudes). Results. Smoke-free law coverage was associated with dental advice to quit smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01, 1.59; P = .041), but not with referral to a quit line (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.79, 2.25; P = .283). Conclusions. Interventions with dentists are needed to increase referrals to quit lines and other smoking cessation efforts.
Enhancement of Health Department Capacity for Health Care–Associated Infection Prevention Through Recovery Act–Funded Programs
Authors: Ellingson Katherine , McCormick Kelly , Sinkowitz-Cochran Ronda , Woodard Tiffanee , Jernigan John , Srinivasan Arjun , Rask Kimberly ,   the State-Based Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention Public Health Advisors/Analysts
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We evaluated capacity built and outcomes achieved from September 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011, by 51 health departments (HDs) funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for health care–associated infection (HAI) program development. Methods. We defined capacity for HAI prevention at HDs by 25 indicators of activity in 6 categories: staffing, partnerships, training, technical assistance, surveillance, and prevention. We assessed state-level infection outcomes by modeling quarterly standardized infection ratios (SIRs) for device- and procedure-associated infections with longitudinal regression models. Results. With ARRA funds, HDs created 188 HAI-related positions and supported 1042 training programs, 53 surveillance data validation projects, and 60 prevention collaboratives. All states demonstrated significant declines in central line–associated bloodstream and surgical site infections. States that implemented ARRA-funded catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention collaboratives showed significantly greater SIR reductions over time than states that did not (P = .02). Conclusions. ARRA–HAI funding substantially improved HD capacity to reduce HAIs not targeted by other national efforts, suggesting that HDs can play a critical role in addressing emerging or neglected HAIs.
Prescription Medication Sharing: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Beyene Kebede A. , Sheridan Janie , Aspden Trudi 
Published: February 2014

We reviewed the literature on nonrecreational prescription medication sharing. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and a customized multidatabase for all relevant articles published through 2013; our final sample comprised 19 studies from 9 countries with 36 182 participants, ranging in age from children to older adults, and published between 1990 and 2011. The prevalence rate for borrowing someone’s prescription medication was 5% to 51.9% and for lending prescription medication to someone else was 6% to 22.9%. A wide range of medicines were shared between family members, friends, and acquaintances. Sharing of many classes of prescription medication was common. Further research should explore why people share, how they decide to lend or borrow, whether they are aware of the risks, and how they assess the relevance of those risks.
Effectiveness of the Cigarette Ignition Propensity Standard in Preventing Unintentional Residential Fires in Massachusetts
Authors: Alpert Hillel R. , Christiani David C. , Orav E. John , Dockery Douglas W. , Connolly Gregory N. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the Massachusetts Fire Safe Cigarette Law’s (FSCL’s) effectiveness in preventing residential fires. Methods. We examined unintentional residential fires reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System from 2004 to 2010. We analyzed FSCL effect on the likelihood of cigarette- versus noncigarette-caused fires and effect modification by fire scenario factors by using an interrupted time series regression model. We analyzed the effect of FSCL on monthly fire rates with Poisson regression. Results. Cigarettes caused 1629 unintentional residential fires during the study period. The FSCL was associated with a 28% (95% confidence interval = 12%, 41%) reduction in the odds of cigarette- versus noncigarette-caused fires, although not in analyses restricted to casualty fires, with smaller sample size. The largest reductions were among fires in which human factors were involved; that were first ignited on furniture, bedding, or soft goods; that occurred in living areas; or that occurred in the summer or winter. Conclusions. The FSCL appears to have decreased the likelihood of cigarette-caused residential fires, particularly in scenarios for which the ignition propensity standard was developed. Current standards should be adopted, and the need for strengthening should be considered.