cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the UK citizens’ perspectives on the consequences of different Brexit scenarios for healthcare: An experimental study

Abstract Background Today, there is a clear understanding of what Brexit means in legal terms and how it involves the health-related issues but, there is no clear view as to how these issues can vary for different Brexit scenarios or how Brexit negotiations impact the citizens healthcare concerns. Objective In this study, we investigate the facts and issues surrounding Brexit options and their possible influences on healthcare issues from the public perspectives. Methods We designed two scenarios for controlled online experiments. We used Analysis of Variance to compare participants’ perceptions about the two Brexit scenarios (hard and soft). Data were collected from four countries (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Totally, 459 respondents participated in the two experiments. Results The findings show that there are significance differences in respondents’ perceptions of medical products and technologies, information management, service delivery, and healthcare leadership between two Brexit scenarios. Our results show that perception of health risks is significantly lower for soft Brexit scenario comparing to the hard Brexit. Soft Brexit perceived to be significantly more effective in improving medical technology accessibility, information management, service delivery, and healthcare leadership. Conclusions This work is among the first attempts to describe the way the British public feel about the possible Brexit options’ implications for healthcare. The significant difference between Brexit scenarios on medical products, information management, service delivery, and healthcare leadership indicates that the future EU–UK relations depend on how effectively the entire health community and policy systems in the UK address these challenges. The results of this study recommend guidelines for reshaping existing agreements or reaching new arrangements in the Brexit negotiations.
The highly pathogenic Ebola and Nipah viruses hijack the host antiviral E3-ubiquitin ligase TRIM6 to enhance their own replication

The antiviral function of type-I interferons (IFN-I) requires activation of multiple signaling components, including the IκB kinase epsilon (IKKɛ). We recently reported that the E3-ubiquitin ligase TRIM6 catalyzes the synthesis of unanchored K48-linked polyubiquitin chains, which are not covalently attached to any protein, and activate IKKɛ for induction of IFN-I mediated antiviral responses. The importance of TRIM6 as an antiviral factor is highlighted by our findings that the highly pathogenic Nipah virus (NiV; Paramyxoviridae family) can inhibit IFN-I responses by targeting TRIM6. To overcome this antiviral pathway, the matrix protein of NiV promotes TRIM6 degradation, resulting in reduced levels of unanchored K48-linked polyubiquitin chains associated with IKKɛ, which in turn leads to impaired IKKɛ activation. In contrast, Ebola virus (EBOV; Filoviridae family), which antagonizes IFN-I responses via its VP35 protein, also hijacks TRIM6 to enhance its own replication, but does it primarily by directly promoting virus replication. Our data show that EBOV-VP35 is ubiquitinated by TRIM6 and promotes VP35-dependent polymerase activity. In line with these results, TRIM6-knockout cell lines and cells derived from our newly generated TRIM6−/− mouse exhibit reduced EBOV replication, even in the absence of IFN-I production. This is the first evidence indicating that TRIM6 represents a major antiviral host factor that is targeted by different viruses to promote their own replication.
Dynamic compressive strength of rock salts

Abstract Mining rock salt results in subsurface damage, which may affect the strength because of applied stress, anisotropy, and deformation rate. In this study, we used a Kolsky compression bar to measure the high strain rate response of bedded and domal salt at strain rates up to approximately 50 s−1 in parallel and perpendicular directions to bedding or foliation direction depending on rock salt type. Both types of salt exhibited a negative strain rate effect wherein a decrease in strength was observed with increasing strain rate compared to strength measured in the quasi-static regime. Both materials exhibited strength anisotropy. Fracturing and microfracturing were the dominant deformation mechanisms. High pore pressures and frictional heating due to the high loading rate may have contributed to reduction in strength.
Rituximab therapy in patients with bullous pemphigoid: A retrospective study of 20 patients.

Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease requiring treatment with immunosuppressive medications; however, finding a therapy that has a sustained durable response and an acceptable side effect profile has been challenging. Objective Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with BP treated with rituximab therapy at a single academic center. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on 20 patients who received at least 1 dose of rituximab therapy, either as initial therapy for severe BP or as therapy for recalcitrant disease after having failed conventional immunotherapies. Results Within our cohort, 75% of patients (n = 15) achieved remission an average of 169 days following rituximab therapy. There were no rituximab-related deaths and significantly fewer adverse events following rituximab therapy. Limitations This study was limited by its retrospective nature, focus on a single academic center, and small sample size. Conclusion Use of rituximab therapy demonstrated high rates of remission, steroid-sparing activity, and an acceptable safety profile in our cohort of patients with severe BP or disease refractory to conventional therapies.
Full-Term Male Infant with Respiratory Distress

A term male infant becomes cyanotic immediately after birth. His mother states she has had no access to prenatal care. Her pregnancy has otherwise been uncomplicated. On examination, the newborn is tachypneic and tachycardic, and his oxygen saturation is 75 %. He is grunting and has supracostal retractions. He has a barrel-shaped chest with decreased breath sounds on the left side. His abdomen is scaphoid and his heartbeat is displaced to the right. The amniotic fluid is clear.
Chloro-triazine transport to streams-evaluating methods for partitioning deisopropylatrazine sources.

Abstract Streams in the Salt River Basin (SRB) of northeastern Missouri, USA, have been chronically contaminated by atrazine and metabolites, with peak annual transport occurring from spring to early summer. Since 2005, increased fall-applied simazine has introduced a second chloro-triazine herbicide that degrades to deisopropylatrazine (DIA), creating the need for a method to partition DIA between its two parent sources – i.e., DIA derived from atrazine (DIAATR) and that from simazine (DIASIM). Distinguishing DIA parent sources would extend current understanding of chloro-triazine transport, leading to more accurate risk assessments and improved watershed-scale load estimates. The objectives of this study were to evaluate proposed methods for DIA partitioning, and to apply the most effective method to estimate DIAATR and DIASIM concentrations and loads. Three DIA partition methods were developed and statistically evaluated: 1) edge-of-field (EOF) based on DIA and deethylatrazine (DEA) concentrations in runoff from atrazine treated fields; 2) DIA:DEA concentration ratios (D2R) in runoff from atrazine treated fields; and 3) concentration ratios of simazine:atrazine (SAR) in streams. Stream samples were collected year-round at 7 SRB stream sites from 2005 to 2010 and daily, quarterly, and annual concentrations and loads of atrazine, DEA, DIA, and simazine computed. The SAR method was superior to EOF and D2R in its ability to estimate concentrations and loads of DIASIM and DIAATR that were more accurate and highly correlated to observed transport of simazine, atrazine, and DIA. The SAR method results demonstrated the differences in DIASIM and DIAATR transport timing, with peak DIASIM transport occurring from mid-Nov to Apr and peak DIAATR transport from May to Jun. Dual season triazine applications within a watershed substantially increased the period of high chloro-triazine concentrations in streams from ~3 to ~8 months/yr, potentially increasing the risk of toxicity to aquatic ecosystems.
A Bayesian model calibration framework to evaluate brain tissue characterization experiments

Abstract A Bayesian model calibration framework is implemented to determine the posterior parameter distributions of a hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model using mechanical testing data of brain tissue. Despite the fact that brain tissue exhibits large property variability and uncertainty, least squares model calibration remains common practice. It is shown that through Bayesian calibration, the capability of an experimental design to identify parameter values can be quantitatively evaluated. A large range of experimental designs (i.e., loading modes) are considered, including rate dependent, cyclic loading through compression, shear, and tension, as well as shear and compression relaxation loading. An implementation of the nested sampling algorithm is utilized to compute the joint posterior probability distributions of the constitutive parameters based on the data considered. The joint probability distribution of the parameters enables assessment of parameter sensitivity, uncertainty, correlation, and model calibration error as a function of experimental design. By calibrating simultaneously to numerous combinations of loading modes, redundancy in loading mode as well as parameter convergence can be evaluated based on model calibration error and parameter variability. The results of this study verify that the inclusion of more loading modes in the calibration increases the accuracy of parameter identification, while only one or two loading modes may provide almost no information for identifying certain parameters.
Share-pledging and the cost of debt

We examine how corporate insiders pledging their equity stakes to collateralise personal loans influences firm cost of debt. Pledging enables managers to diversify personal holdings, potentially increasing risk‐taking incentives. However, exposure to contingent risks creates potentially stronger risk‐reducing incentives. Using hand‐collected data with OLS, difference‐in‐differences, and instrumental variables models, we find significant decreases in yield spreads associated with executive share‐pledging. Reductions in spreads surrounding share‐pledge disclosures suggest investors update their risk assessment to reflect pledging managers’ risk‐taking incentives. Consistent with risk‐reducing incentives, firms with share‐pledging executives subsequently reduce leverage.
Effect of magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate inhalation on neutrophil elastase level in peripheral blood of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma

Objective To study the effect of magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate on the neutrophil elastase (NE) level in the peripheral blood of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma. Methods 148 children with acute attack of bronchial asthma were divided into a routine group and a combined group, 74 children for each group. The routine group was treated with salbutamol sulfate inhalation; in addition, the combined group was treated with magnesium sulfate inhalation. The curative effect in two groups was observed. Results The total treatment effective rate was 97.30% in the combined group and 72.97% in the routine group (P<0.05). The pulmonary function indexes (FEV1, FVC, and PEF) were improved significantly in the two groups after the treatment (P<0.05); and the improvement in the combined group was significantly greater than that in the routine group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the NE levels in the two groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05); and the decrease of NE level in the combined group was remarkably greater than that in the routine group [(0.64±0.15) vs. (1.32±0.17), P<0.05]. Conclusions Magnesium sulfate combined with salbutamol sulfate inhalation is effective and safe in the treatment of children with acute attack of bronchial asthma. The treatment can reduce the NE level in peripheral blood and improve the chronic inflammatory constitution in children. Key words: Magnesium sulfate; Salbutamol sulfate; Acute attack of bronchial asthma; Neutrophil elastase
The first increase in live kidney donation in the United States in 15 years.

The first sustained increase in live kidney donation in the United States in 15 years was observed from 2017 to 2019. To help sustain this surge, we studied 35 900 donors (70.3% white, 14.5% Hispanic, 9.3% black, 4.4% Asian) to understand the increase in 2017-2019 vs 2014-2016 using Poisson regression. Among biologically related donors aged <35, 35-49, and ≥50 years, the number of donors did not change across race/ethnicity but increased by 38% and 29% for Hispanic and black ≥50. Among unrelated donors <35, 35-49, and ≥50, white donors increased by 18%, 14%, and 27%; Hispanic donors <35 did not change but increased by 22% and 35% for 35-49 and ≥50; black donors <35 declined by 23% and did not change for 35-49 and ≥50; Asian donors did not change. Among kidney paired donors <35, 35-49, and ≥50, white donors increased by 42%, 50%, and 68%; Hispanic donors <35 and 35-49 increased by 36% and 55% and did not change for ≥50; black donors did not change; Asian donors <35 did not change but increased by 107% and 82% for 35-49 and ≥50. The increase in donation was driven predominantly by unrelated and paired white donors. Donation among unrelated black individuals should be promoted.
Pacemaker need after TAVR: Still a conundrum

Seven percent of patients (with no history of intraventricular conduction abnormalities) experienced intraprocedural high-degree Atrioventricular (AV)/complete heart block. High-degree/complete heart block was persistent in 64% of patients who developed significant intraprocedural intraventricular conduction abnormalities. Ninety-seven percent of patients with persistent high-degree AV/complete block ultimately required pacemaker implantation.
C. West Churchman: Champion of the Systems Approach

Briefly summarizes C.West Churchman's professional evolution and some of his key ideas.C. West Churchman was educated at the University of Pennsylvania in Philosophy, and studied under the world‐renown philosopher, E.A. Singer. Although his contributions are many, as he has written hundreds of articles, books, and proceedings, he is primarily known for being a founder and champion of the “systems approach” (a holistic, scientific approach to systems planning). To become acquainted with Churchman’s ideas, it is important to briefly address his conceptual evolution, then to broadly introduce the systems approach using three books: The Systems Approach (1969), Designing inquiring Systems (1971), and The Systems Approach and Its Enemies (1979). A wide range of scholars have been influenced by Churchman, including Russell Ackoff, Peter Checkland, and Werner Ulrich, and they will be briefly discussed.
Hypusination of Eif5a regulates cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregation and accumulation in a stress-induced cellular model.

Abstract TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) is a nuclear RNA/DNA binding protein involved in mRNA metabolism. Aberrant mislocalization to the cytoplasm and formation of phosphorylated/aggregated TDP-43 inclusions remains the hallmark pathology in a spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, including frontotemporal disorders and Alzheimer's disease. Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 5A undergoes a unique post-translation modification of lysine to hypusine (K50), which determines eIF5A binding partners. We used a sodium arsenite-induced cellular stress model to investigate the role of hypusinated eIF5A (eIF5AHypK50) in governing TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization and accumulation in stress granule. Our proteomics and functional data provide evidence that eIF5A interacts with TDP-43 in a hypusine-dependent manner. Additionally, we showed that following stress TDP-43 interactions with eIF5AHypK50 were induced both in the cytoplasm and stress granules. Pharmacological reduction of hypusination or mutations of lysine residues within the hypusine loop decreased phosphorylated and insoluble TDP-43 levels. The proteomic and biochemical analysis also identified nuclear pore complex importins KPNA1/2, KPNB1, and RanGTP as interacting partners of eIF5AHypK50. These findings are the first to provide a novel pathway and potential therapeutic targets that require further investigation in models of TDP-43 proteinopathies.
Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases

Lysine acetylation of histones is one of the major epigenetic regulators of chromatin conformation and gene expression. The dynamic nature of histone acetylation is determined by the counterbalancing activity of histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes. Acetylation of histones is generally associated with open and transcriptionally active chromatin, whereas the activity of HDACs leads to histone deacetylation, condensation of chromatin, and inhibition of transcription. Aberrant silencing of tumor suppressors and other genes has been found in different types of cancer. Abnormal activity of HDACs has been implicated in tumorigenesis and therefore considerable effort has been put into the development of HDAC inhibitors as a means of modifying histone acetylation status and reexpressing aberrantly silenced tumor suppressor genes. This has led to the generation of a number of structurally diverse compounds that can effectively inhibit HDAC activity, thus altering chromatin structure in cancer cells. This unit discusses the methods and recent technological developments with respect to the studies of HDAC inhibition in cancer.
Femoral Artery Branch Pseudoaneurysm Resulting From Muscle Strain Injury

A 66 year old male presented with pain and swelling isolated to the right thigh after a bout of vigorous exercise on a step treadmill. We report a muscle strain injury resulting in formation of a p...
Role of integrated crop-livestock systems in improving agriculture production and addressing food security – A review

Abstract Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) can be productive, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural systems compared to specialized and intensive systems. This review explores the beneficial traits and contributions of ICLS to food security, social and economic benefits, and resilience, and proposes strategies to adopt ICLSs in low-, medium-, and high-income countries. Currently, global food security faces two main challenges. First, one in nine people do not have sufficient protein and energy in their diet, of those 50% are smallholder subsistence farmers and 20% are landless families in the low-and medium-income countries (LMICs). Second, specialized intensive agricultural practices often cause soil and environmental degradation. ICLS is an agricultural practice that could play a significant role in mitigating these challenges. The diversified cropping systems in ICLS can improve the productivity of the principal crop as well as enhance food security through increasing nutritional indicators such as food consumption score and household dietary diversity especially for rural households. An ICLS, therefore, could be a key for achieving food and nutritional security and environmental sustainability both in short and long-terms. While ICLS practices have increased over time, there are still adoption challenges due to lack of investment, sustainable awareness, lack of skills by the producers, and market competition. In LMICs, successful implementation of ICLS requires organizational and/or institutional support to create new marketing opportunities and adoption of ICLS can be improved if government policies provide capital, markets, and educational services to subsistence farmers. These government policies can also increase the producer's knowledge, change farmer's attitudes and enhance trust in organic matter management for sustainable soil management. Therefore, agricultural scientists are challenged to provide fundamental and credible information to integrate crop and livestock production systems so that worldwide adoption of ICLS can be used to increase the agricultural production compatible with food and nutrition security.
Evaluation of specific immunoglobulin A in nasal secretions and neutralizing antibodies in serum collected at multiple time points from young beef calves following intranasal or subcutaneous administration of a modified-live bovine respiratory syncytial virus vaccine.

OBJECTIVE To determine anti-bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) antibody titers for nasal secretions and serum from beef calves following administration of a modified-live (MLV) BRSV vaccine....
Understanding Information Assurance

Information Assurance is the art and science of securing computer systems and networks against efforts by third parties to disable, intrude, or otherwise impede operations. It is the focus of most “cybersecurity” professionals in the technical community. The principal goals are to maintain an information system’s Confidentiality (the secrecy of information as it is used and stored), Integrity, reliability of data and equipment, and Availability, that a computer system is ready and able to function as needed. Information Assurance includes writing secure software, deploying it safely, and managing it to minimize the risk of compromise.
Application-controlled file caching policies

We consider how to improve the performance of file caching by allowing user-level control over file cache replacement decisions. We use two-level cache management: the kernel allocates physical pages to individual applications (allocation), and each application is responsible for deciding how to use its physical pages (replacement). Previous work on two-level memory management has focused on replacement, largely ignoring allocation. The main contribution of this paper is our solution to the allocation problem. Our solution allows processes to manage their own cache blocks, while at the same time maintains the dynamic allocation of cache blocks among processes. Our solution makes sure that good user-level policies can improve the file cache hit ratios of the entire system over the existing replacement approach. We evaluate our scheme by trace-based simulation, demonstrating that it leads to significant improvements in hit ratios for a variety of applications.
Advances in Human-Computer Interaction

The human factors of information of the Internet computer augmented environment - new places to learn, work and play agents - what (or who) are they? toward accessible human computer interaction pen-based interaction for a shared telephone workspace user knowledge and user-centred design in Microsoft Applications extending usability testing into the real world - a commentary usability engineering in the Year 2000 independent interactive design - a method that didn't work.
Lake Rehabilitation and the Value of Shoreline Real Estate: Evidence from Delavan, Wisconsin

In this article we use the hedonic price model to estimate the effect of a change in water quality on the value of real estate in the lake community of Delavan, Wisconsin. Hedonic techniques show that a $7 million rehabilitation program significantly increased Delavan Lake shoreline property values. Existing research demonstrates that the use of objective water quality measures (as opposed to subjective measures) is important for estimating the implicit value of water quality in hedonic analyses. This article provides new evidence on the economic benefits of clean water by measuring the change in property values attributed to an observable rehabilitation event.
The Lunar Phase Curve in the Near Ultraviolet

We present results from an ongoing program to perform UV measurements (215.0 and 237.0 nm) of the Moon at varying solar phase angles to understand the lunar phase curve at ultraviolet wavelengths. We use new observations from the Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS) aboard the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) combined with existing observations from the Galileo UVS. The lunar UV phase curve can be used to further understand the scattering properties of the lunar surface. The Moon's scattering properties at visible wavelengths are well understood; studying scattering properties at shorter wavelengths may provide insight into the roles of volume scattering vs. surface scattering and how weathering processes may affect scattering properties. The UV lunar phase curve can also be helpful for UV observers, as the Moon is often used as a UV calibration source, but the UV brightness variation with phase angle has not been well understood.
Allan Horwitz and Jerome Wakefield (2007). The Loss of Sadness: How Psychiatry Transformed Normal Sorrow Into Depressive Disorder

Freud once famously remarked that the purpose of psychotherapy was to change neurotic misery into common unhappiness. I suspect he would have endorsed The Loss of Sadness: How Psychiatry Transforme...
From “Blood Transfusion” to “Harmonious Development”: The Political Economy of Fiscal Allocations to China’s Ethnic Regions

For six decades, China’s central authorities have promoted development in ethnic regions through special fiscal allocations with the idea that economic development is the key to national integration and inter-ethnic harmony. Yet, inter-ethnic tensions and violence persist in China. Focusing on historical changes to fiscal allocations as the principal policy instrument used by Beijing to promote development in ethnic areas, this analysis finds these changes mirror broad shifts in the country’s national development strategy. As the study argues, this pattern reflects an approach to development policy in ethnic regions whereby policies serve central objectives consistent with a policy process for determining the fiscal allocations to ethnic regions that has been both centrally concentrated and non-participatory. With evidence that this “non-engaging” approach may be exacerbating ethnic tensions, Beijing has made efforts to introduce more “inclusive” approaches to determining policies for ethnic regions; however, whether these approaches will be institutionalized remains unclear.
The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in sickle cell disease

We determined the prevalence and optimal methods for laboratory diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in patients with sickle cell disease. Laboratory investigations of 38 nontransfused and 32 transfused patients included transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). Response to iron supplementation confirmed the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia in 16% of the nontransfused patients. None of the transfused patients were iron deficient. All iron-deficient patients (mean age 2.4 yr) had a low MCV, serum ferritin less than 25 ng/ml, transferrin saturation less than 15%, and FEP less than 90 micrograms/dl RBC. Following therapy, all parameters improved and the hemoglobin concentration increased greater than 2 g/dl. A serum ferritin below 25 ng/ml was the most reliable screening test for iron deficiency. There were 13% false positive results with transferrin saturation, 3% with MCV, and 62% with FEP. FEP values correlated strongly with reticulocyte counts. The high FEP was in part due to protoporphyrin IX and not completely due to zinc protoporphyrin, which is elevated in iron deficiency. We conclude that iron deficiency anemia is a potential problem in young nontransfused sickle cell patients. Serum ferritin below 25 ng/ml and low MCV are the most useful screening tests.
(E)-1-Butadienylphosphonium Bromide

[55795-18-1] C22H20BrP (MW 395.27) InChI = 1S/C22H20P.BrH/c1-2-3-19-23(20-13-7-4-8-14-20,21-15-9-5-10-16-21)22-17-11-6-12-18-22;/h2-19H,1H2;1H/q+1;/p-1/b19-3+; InChIKey = SSZVQMPGJGQLLP-SHGZZJJLSA-M (reagent used for preparation of conjugated dienes by 1,4-addition of a nucleophile followed by Wittig reaction) Physical Data: colorless solid; mp 186–188.5 °C.1 Solubility: soluble in THF.1-3, 5, 6 Preparative Methods: the title reagent can be prepared by the reaction of triphenylphosphine and (E)-1,4-dibromo-2-butene in benzene, the precipitated phosphonium salt is collected and is treated with anhydrous sodium carbonate in chloroform;1 lithium diisopropylamide in THF at −78 °C can also be used for the dehydrobromination step.2 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the reagent is moisture and light sensitive, and is best used immediately after its preparation and isolation.
REACTIVITY AT THE SUBSTRATE ACTIVATION SITE OF YEAST PYRUVATE DECARBOXYLASE : INHIBITION BY DISTORTION OF DOMAIN INTERACTIONS

The residue C221 on pyruvate decarboxylase (EC. 4.1.1.1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been shown to be the site where the substrate activation cascade is triggered [Baburina et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 5630-5635] and is located on the β domain [Arjunan et al. (1996) J. Mol. Biol. 256, 590], while the active-center thiamin diphosphate is located >20 A away, at the interface of the α and γ domains. The reactivity of all three exposed cysteines (152, 221, and 222) was examined under the influence of known activators and inhibitors. Protein chemical methods, in conjunction with [1-14C] and [3-3H] analogues of the mechanism-based inhibitor p-ClC6H4CHCHCOCOOH, demonstrated that the holoenzyme bound approximately 2−3 atoms of tritium/atom of C-14. However, when the labeled enzyme was subjected to trypsinization, followed by sequencing of the labeled peptide, only the tritium label was in evidence at C221, with a stoichiometry of 2 atoms of tritium/tetrameric holoenzyme. Apparently, the product of decarbo...
Child Care: A Synthesis of Research

Four popular child care settings are family day care homes, care centers, relative care, and in‐home care by non‐relatives. Quality indicators in child care include curriculum that features child‐centered developmental activities; responsive, sensitive, and affectionate caregivers; limited group size; low adult‐child ratio; staff training and stability; parent involvement; and comprehensive social services such as health and nutrition. Children from low‐income families who have received child care have shown short‐term cognitive effects (e.g. immediate and positive intellectual gains and better preparation for entry into school); long‐term cognitive effects (e.g. fewer grade retentions, reduced placement in special education classes, and greater high school completion and employment rates); and social‐emotional effects (e.g. better self‐esteem, higher ratings in social and emotional maturity, less antisocial behavior, and lower crime rate). Research indicates that child care may enhance social and intelle...
Does self esteem moderate the relation between gender and weight preoccupation in undergraduates

Previous research has established gender differences in self esteem as well as weight preoccupation. In addition self esteem is known to relate to weight preoccupation. However, no studies have examined whether self esteem moderates the relation between gender and weight preoccupation. Five hundred sixty seven undergraduates completed surveys assessing self esteem and weight preoccupation. Results showed significant gender differences in self esteem and weight preoccupation. In addition, the interaction between self esteem and gender had a small but significant effect on weight preoccupation. Counselors should be aware of this when designing programs to treat weight preoccupation in conjunction with low self esteem, especially for women.
Classical Quantization of a Hamiltonian with Ergodic Behavior

Conservative Hamiltonian systems with two degrees of freedom are discussed where a typical trajectory fills the whole surface of constant energy. The trace of the quantum mechanical Green's function is approximated by a sum over classical periodic orbits. This leads directly to Selberg's trace formula for the motion of a particle on a surface of constant negative curvature, and, when applied to the anisotropic Kepler problem, yields excellent results for all the energy levels.
Note on an inequality

We prove in this article the case of three masses, of an inequality of discrete type (which might have a continuous extension) which is still a conjecture for any p points in R3. The inequality appears naturally in the derivation of Morse Lemma at infinity for Yamabe problems with changing signs. We also explain why this inequality might hold in general.
Force control and nonlinear master-slave force profile to manage an admittance type multi-fingered haptic user interface

Natural movements and force feedback are important elements in using teleoperated equipment if complex and speedy manipulation tasks are to be accomplished in remote and/or hazardous environments, such as hot cells, glove boxes, decommissioning, explosive disarmament, and space to name a few. In order to achieve this end the research presented in this paper has developed an admittance-type exoskeleton like multi-fingered haptic hand user interface that secures the user's palm and provides 3-dimensional force feedback to the user's fingertips. Atypical to conventional haptic hand user interfaces that limit themselves to integrating the human hand's characteristics just into the system's mechanical design, this system also perpetuates that inspiration into the designed user interface's controller. This is achieved by manifesting the property differences of manipulation and grasping activities as they pertain to the resilient human hand into a nonlinear master-slave force relationship. The results presented in this paper show that the admittance-type system has sufficient bandwidth such that it appears nearly transparent to the user when in free motion. Also, when executing a manipulation or grasping task, increased performance is achieved using the nonlinear force relationship compared to the traditional linear scaling techniques implemented in the vast majority of systems.
Characterization of nonlinear optical materials

We discuss the characterization of nonlinear optical processes that give rise to changes in the absorption coefficient and refractive index. We primarily concentrate on methods for determining the dominant nonlinearities present in condensed matter and the responsible physical mechanisms. In extensive studies of a wide variety of materials we have found that there is seldom a single nonlinear process occurring. Often several processes occur simultaneously, sometimes in unison, sometimes competing. It is necessary to experimentally distinguish and separate these processes in order to understand and model the interaction. There are a variety of methods and techniques for determining the nonlinear optical response, each with its own weaknesses and advantages. In general, it is advisable to use as many complementary techniques as possible over a broad spectral range in order to unambiguously determine the active nonlinearities. Here we concentrate on the use of nonlinear transmittance, Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing experiments as applied to polycrystalline and single crystal semiconductors and dielectric materials.
Micellar distribution equilibria: Ultracentrifugal study of apparent partition coefficients

Ultracentrifugation was used for the partial isolation of polysorbate 80 micelles in aqueous media to determine the apparent partition coefficients of various drug species between water and the micellar pseudophase. The ratio of solute concentration in the micelles to that in water was measured for procaine, salicylic acid, sulfapyridine, sulfisoxazole, and sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate over ranges of pH, surfactant concentration, drug concentration, and micelle sedimentation. Apparent partition coefficients for the systems investigated were independent of both drug concentration and surfactant concentration, indicating that the mode(s) of surfactant-drug interaction are essentially invariant over the ranges of systematic variables studied. The method provides a relatively simple and rapid means of quantitatively evaluating drug-surfactant interactions above the CMC, when surfactant and solute can be assayed in mixtures without interference.
A Three-Dimensional Simulation of the Hudson–Raritan Estuary. Part III: Salt Flux Analyses

Abstract Salt fluxes and volume transports in an estuary vary considerably over subtidal time scales of a few days to weeks in response to wind and neap–spring tidal forcings. Results from a numerical simulation of the Hudson–Raritan estuary are used to study subtidal variations of salt fluxes and the physical mechanisms for salt balance in the estuary. Simulated salt fluxes are compared with available observations. Observations support the model's finding that analysis of volume and salt fluxes based on short-length data records (<30 days) can lead to misleading conclusions. “Tidal trapping” effects due to coastline irregularities contribute most to the salt balance at the Sandy Hook–Rockaway Point transect and at the Narrows. A two-week observational record is analyzed to support this finding. Simulated subtidal variation of the tidal trapping term at the Sandy Hook–Rockaway Point transect compares well with that observed. In Raritan Bay, where tidal currents are weak and effects of winds are significan...
If you write documentation, then try a decision table

A decision table is a powerful documentation tool based on a simple principle: sets of responses for sets of conditions. It is used to present a large quantity of complex information in a simple, straightforward manner. Since the decision table requires no special symbols or shapes, it is understood by nonprogrammers and programmers alike. It can thus serve as a common denominator for a project team, a quick-reference card, and a step-by-step procedural guide. The author argues that if time is invested in explaining how to use a decision table then both the writer and the user will profit from a valuable documentation tool.
RNA polymerase activity in human brain tumors.

Inhibition of nuclear RNA polymerase activity by cycloheximide, rifampicin, and alpha-amanitin was studied in human brain tumors. Although alpha-amanitin inhibited about 90% of the total activity in half of these tumors, the other group showed significant RNA polymerase inhibition by rifampicin. This is an unusual result, and for clear interpretation will require additional study on isolated enzymes from animal brain tumor models having similar RNA polymerase activity.
Revisited anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Abstract Background The most frequent postthyroidectomy complication is recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) damage with subsequent vocal cord palsy. Methods We have undertaken an intraoperative study aimed to determine the course, distribution, and RLN's anatomical relationships with adjacent structures. Only its identification and its careful exposure allow prevention of iatrogenic injuries. Results The RLN was always routinely exposed and identified in 1,543 thyroidectomies. All patients underwent laryngoscopic evaluation before surgery and at the time of discharge. A total of 2,626 RLN were observed. The number of nerves exposed to risk was 673 (25.6%). In the whole series, of 2626 nerves controlled, there were 11 (0.4%) permanent palsies. Conclusions Our study confirms that damage to the RLN or to one of its branches may be avoided only by identification and careful exposure of the nerve itself. An experienced surgeon with good knowledge of the anatomy of the RLN and its anatomical variations is required for uncomplicated treatment of thyroid disease.
Repression of Vertebrate RNA Polymerase III Transcription by DNA Binding Proteins Located Upstream from the Transcription Start Site

Abstract Derivatives of yeast tRNA and Xenopus tRNA and 5 S RNA genes have been constructed in which natural 5′ flanking sequences have been replaced by the binding sites for either the yeast transcription activator protein GCN4 or the three amino-terminal zinc fingers of the Xenopus factor TFIIIA (zf1–3). The binding sites for these proteins have been placed at various distances upstream from the start site for transcription initiation in the parent genes. Each of these plasmid DNAs is actively transcribed in both an unfractionated transcription extract prepared from unfertilized Xenopus eggs and in a reconstituted Xenopus transcription system. Binding of the test proteins to plasmid DNAs harbouring the cognate binding sites severely represses transcription when these binding sites are located less than approximately 40 base-pairs upstream from the transcription start site. The DNA-binding proteins are without effect on the transcription of plasmids lacking binding sites or when the binding sites are located further upstream. Assembly of DNA templates into a complete transcription complex prior to addition of the DNA-binding proteins prevents repression. Proteins present in a fraction containing TFIIIB are necessary for this reversal of repression. These data suggest that vertebrate TFIIIB binds upstream from class III genes and this binding can be prevented by occlusion of the TFIIIB binding site by the test proteins GCN4 and zf1–3. f2
A new Kagomé lattice coordination polymer based on bismuth and pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate: structure and photoluminescent properties

A new Kagome lattice topology assembled from ML4 metal–organic polyhedra prepared using bismuth nitrate and pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate has been obtained via a solvo-thermal reaction. Bi(pydc)2·(H3O+)(H2O)0.83 is, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of a bismuth-based coordination polymer to form with a Kagome topology. Its structure and photoluminescence properties are reported.
Towards a framework for cyber social status based trusted open collaboration

Collaboration takes place in both closed and open environments. While closed collaboration focuses on information or resource sharing amongst selected participants, open collaboration assumes and emphasizes that anyone can participate. In open collaboration, although participation is open to anyone who wishes to contribute or observe, it does not follow that everyone participates on an equal footing. Open collaboration is inherently a social activity. Establishment of trust in this context inevitably requires some form of social computing. Our premise is that such social computing derived trust requires a discriminative approach by utilizing cyber social status so as to enable selective and weighted trustworthiness of users and their activities and resources. In this paper we identify and discuss various kinds of cyber social status that can be used to facilitate trust in open collaboration. More specifically, we focus on social activity-based social status creation and management and articulate how these cyber social statuses of participants and resource can be generated. Furthermore, we show how these cyber social statuses are used in real world open collaboration systems such as Amazon, YouTube and eBay.
A study of the cell wall mechanical properties in unhyperhydrated shoots of oregano (origanum vulgare) inoculated with pseudomonas sp. by load deformation analysis

Abstract Elite oregano clonal lines are being targeted by our laboratory for food preservative and nutraceutical applications. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) shoot clones inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. resulted in increased phenolics, reduced hyperhydricity, better tolerance to environmental stress and better adaptability when compared to uninoculated control. In order to confirm the qualitative and biochemical observations related to potential lignification and cellulose build up, we have conducted mechanical load deformation analysis using a TEXTURE ANALYZER (extensometer) instrument after killing the shoots in boiling methanol and thereby removing the internal turgor pressure, instead of directly quantifying the lignin content by chemical methods. Protocol in this study was different in that we have used peak force upon rupture, breaking strain, deformability modulus and toughness parameters as the key criteria for demonstrating whether Pseudomonas ‐ induced unhyperhydrated shoots were stronger than the c...
Treating buccofacial apraxia using augmented kinematic feedback

Background: Buccofacial apraxia (BFA) may be defined as the inability to perform voluntary movements of the larynx, pharynx, mandible, tongue, lips, and cheeks, while automatic or reflexive control of these structures is preserved. BFA frequently co‐occurs with aphasia and apraxia of speech (AOS). The treatment and management of BFA has received little emphasis in the clinical literature. However, recent studies suggest that principles of motor learning may provide an improved means of treating a variety of apraxic disorders, including limb apraxia and AOS. Also, research in our laboratory has suggested that augmented (or extrinsic) feedback provided by an electromagnetic articulograph (EMA) system may lead to improved remediation of place‐of‐articulation errors in talkers with aphasia and AOS. Taken together, the data suggest that treatment based on motor training principles, including the use of augmented kinematic feedback, may be beneficial to individuals with BFA. This study was supported by Callier ...
Preparative separation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by high-speed counter-current chromatography

We have applied a high-speed counter-current chromatography (CCC) technique to the separation and purification of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Amsinckia tessellata, Symphytum spp., Trichodesma incanum (Boraginaceae), and Senecio douglasii var. longilobus (Asteraceae). Alkaloidal fractions were separated in a solvent system composed of a chloroform mobile phase and 0.2 M potassium phosphate buffer, of an optimum pH, as the stationary phase. Up to 800 mg of sample could be successfully separated in a single run, with excellent resolution of alkaloids. Lycopsamine and several of its acetylated derivatives were resolved from alkaloidal fractions of Amsinckia and Symphytum. However, diastereomeric pairs such as 7-acetyl-lycopsamine and 7-acetyl-intermedine, could not be separated. The presence of diastereoisomers was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Trichodesma contained predominantly trichodesmine, which was resolved from a small quantity of incanine. we report the electron impact mass spectrum of incanine for the first time. Resolving power of CCC was sufficient to separate the closely related alkaloids senecionine and seneciphylline from Senecio, in addition to florosenine and retrorsine, Pyrrolizidine alkaloid compositions of the four species, determined by mass spectral techniques, were consistent with literature, except for the lack of riddelliine and the presence of the otonecine-based florosenine in Senecio douglasii var. longilobus.
Phencyclidine-like discriminative stimulus effects of polyamine modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity in rats

Excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation has been implicated in many acute and chronic neuropathologies. NMDA antagonists might prove to be useful treatments, unfortunately, some can produce phencyclidine (PCP)-like side effects. The polyamine-site modulators, spermine (SPM) and spermidine (SPD), produce dose related biphasic modulation of NMDA channel currents while another polyamine, arcaine (ARC), produces only negative modulatory effects. The PCP-like effects of these compounds were tested in rats trained to discriminate PCP from saline in a standard two-lever drug discrimination paradigm under a fixed ratio schedule of food reinforcement. SPM, SPD and ARC occasioned little, if any, responding on the PCP-associated lever, even at response rate suppressing doses. The results provide further evidence that differences exist between the discriminative stimulus effects produced by drugs active at different sites on the NMDA receptor and suggest that the polyamine modulatory site should be a good target for development of NMDA antagonist medications with a reduced propensity for PCP-like acute behavioral effects.