cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-management support in chronic illness care: a concept analysis.

Purpose This article reports on the concept analysis of self-management support (SMS) to provide clarity for systematic implementation in practice. Background SMS is a concept in its early phase of development. It is increasingly evident in literature on chronic illness care. However, the definition has been simplified or vague leading to variable SMS programs and inconsistent outcomes. Elucidation of SMS is necessary in chronic illness care to facilitate clear understanding and implementation. Method Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method was used to examine SMS. Data sources included systematic multidisciplinary searches of multiple search engines. Results SMS refers to comprehensive sustaining approaches toward improving chronic illness outcomes consisting of patient-centered attributes (involving patients as partners; providing diverse, innovative educational modalities specific to patients' needs; individualizing patient care), provider attributes (possessing adequate knowledge, skills, attitudes in providing care), and organizational attributes (putting an organized system of care in place, having multidisciplinary team approach, using tangible and social support). Implications A well-clarified SMS concept is important in theory development. The attributes offer necessary components in SMS programs for systematic implementation, evaluation, and research. There is great potential that SMS can help improve outcomes of chronic illness care.
Probe of flexibility and conformational heterogeneity in Zn-cytochrome c (Zn-cyt c) folding by Three-Pulse Photon Echo Peak Shift (3PEPS) Spectroscopy

We investigated the dynamics and conformational heterogeneity of Zn-cyt c with 3PEPS, a type of femtosecond nonlinear spectroscopy that is used to quantify the spectrum of sub-nanosecond protein motions and the inhomogeneous broadening of the system. Wavelength-dependent measurements were performed on the Soret transitions of the folded state, the guanidine hydrochloride unfolded state (4.5 M), and the state at the midpoint (2.5 M) of the denaturant titration. The measurements resolve a substantial increase in the inhomogeneous broadening of the Soret band upon unfolding, as expected due to an increase in conformational diversity upon unfolding. Unexpectedly, the inhomogeneous broadening of the midpoint state is greater than that of the unfolded state. This observation is consistent with the Soret band spectrum, which first broadens, then attains a maximum width at the midpoint, and finally narrows, as the denaturant concentration is increased. A two-state folding model is used to quantitatively model the 3PEPS results. In this model, the homogeneous linewidth of the folded and unfolded states is identical, the piecosecond dynamics of the unfolded conformer are slightly slower, the inhomogeneous broadening of the unfolded state is 33% larger than that of the folded state, and the midpoint is a 1:1 mixture of the folded and unfolded states. Numerical results are consistent with the experimental data. Interestingly, biophysical techniques often resolve multimodal conformational distributions, whereas ultrafast spectroscopic measurements are not modeled with the functional forms of the inhomogeneous distribution function (IDF) obtained from these experiments. Our work is therefore significant because it represents the first instance in which a multimodal IDF, rather than the traditionally assumed Gaussian form, is quantitatively reconciled with a set of ultrafast spectroscopic measurements on protein conformers.
Comparison of Three Types of Dynamic Boundary Conditions

Computational models can be used to predict the blood pressure and blood flow in a region of interest within the vascular system. A computational model includes a region of interest geometry and boundary conditions. The outlet boundary conditions not only need to reflect the downstream network of vessels, but also the dynamic nature of the downstream network. An example of this is the pulmonary vasculature, which has arterioles that dilate and constrict during the respiratory process altering the resistance/impedance of the downstream network [1]. In order to accurately model a system with a dynamic change, such as the pulmonary system, a dynamic boundary condition should be utilized.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Pulsed Plasma Microthruster for Synchronous Meteorological Satellite

Two completely self contained variable thrust flight prototype plasma propulsion systems using solid teflon as propellant were designed, built and laboratory tested. The impulse bit amplitude of each thruster is 25 micro lb-sec. Impulse bits can be provided at rates varying from 50 ppm to 110 ppm. The total impulse capability is 400 lb-sec. Only 23 watts of bus power are required at maximum pulse rate. The system was subjected and passed the required vibration schedule and thermal vacuum test after a minor change in capacitor end face material. A 13 million discharge life test of the system was subsequently performed.
Sequential Lateral Solidification of PECVD and Sputter Deposited a-Si Films

We have investigated sequential lateral solidification (SLS) of amorphous Si films that have been prepared via PECVD and sputter deposition methods. The focus of the work was on identifying and analyzing the energy density and per-pulse translation distance parameter space that permits SLS of these films. Experimental details include the use of a two-axisprojection irradiation system to image a straight-slit beamlet pattern onto the sample, and analyzing the resulting microstructures by SEM and optical microscopy of Secco-etched samples. High-temperature-deposited LPCVD films were also examined to enable further comparative analysis. We conclude from these results that there are no major differences in both the SLS process characteristics and the resulting microstructure among the investigated films (provided that the films are dehydrogenated in the case of PECVD a-Si). Based on the controlled super-lateral growth (C-SLG) model of the SLS process, we attribute these findings to the fact that the SLS method involves—as one of its essential features—complete melting of the Si film at fluences that are sufficient to thoroughly melt crystalline Si films, during which all pre-irradiation phase and microstructural details are erased.
The origin of vibrational mode couplings in various secondary structural motifs of polypeptides

Electrostatic (through-space) and covalent (through-bond) contributions to couplings involving the CO and C—N vibrational stretching modes of the amide group in the α-helix and the parallel and antiparallel β-sheet structures of alanine polypeptides are analyzed. Coupling constants computed at the density functional theory level are compared with the transition dipole coupling model and the complete electrostatic interaction between transition densities. We find that the transition densities of CO modes are localized, and the electrostatic mechanism then holds. In contrast, the C—N mode transition densities are delocalized, and covalent contributions to the coupling are significant.
Imbalanced base excision repair increases spontaneous mutation and alkylation sensitivity in Escherichia coli.

Inappropriate expression of 3-methyladenine (3MeA) DNA glycosylases has been shown to have harmful effects on microbial and mammalian cells. To understand the underlying reasons for this phenomenon, we have determined how DNA glycosylase activity and substrate specificity modulate glycosylase effects in Escherichia coli. We compared the effects of two 3MeA DNA glycosylases with very different substrate ranges, namely, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mag1 and the E. coli Tag glycosylases. Both glycosylases increased spontaneous mutation, decreased cell viability, and sensitized E. coli to killing by the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate. However, Tag had much less harmful effects than Mag1. The difference between the two enzymes’ effects may be accounted for by the fact that Tag almost exclusively excises 3MeA lesions, whereas Mag1 excises a broad range of alkylated and other purines. We infer that the DNA lesions responsible for changes in spontaneous mutation, viability, and alkylation sensitivity are abasic sites and secondary lesions resulting from processing abasic sites via the base excision repair pathway.
Mixing in the solar nebula: Implications for isotopic heterogeneity and large-scale transport of refractory grains

Abstract The discovery of refractory grains amongst the particles collected from Comet 81P/Wild 2 by the Stardust spacecraft [Brownlee, D.E. et al., Comet 81P/Wild 2 under a microscope, 2006, Science, 314, 1711–1716.] provides the ground truth for large-scale transport of materials formed in high temperature regions close to the protosun outward to the comet-forming regions of the solar nebula. While accretion disk models driven by a generic turbulent viscosity have been invoked as a means to explain such large-scale transport, the detailed physics behind such an “alpha” viscosity remains unclear. We present here an alternative physical mechanism for large-scale transport in the solar nebula: gravitational torques associated with the transient spiral arms in a marginally gravitationally unstable disk, of the type that appears to be necessary to form gas giant planets. Three dimensional models are presented of the time evolution of self-gravitating disks, including radiative transfer and detailed equations of state, showing that small dust grains will be transported upstream and downstream (with respect to the mean inward flow of gas and dust being accreted by the central protostar) inside the disk on time scales of less than 1000 yr inside 10 AU. These models furthermore show that any initial spatial heterogeneities present (e.g., in short-lived isotopes such as 26Al) will be homogenized by disk mixing down to a level of ~ 10%, preserving the use of short-lived isotopes as accurate nebular chronometers, while simultaneously allowing for the spread of stable oxygen isotope ratios. This finite level of nebular spatial heterogeneity appears to be related to the coarse mixing achieved by spiral arms, with radial widths of order 1 AU, over time scales of ~ 1000 yr.
A Note on Estimating Crude Odds Ratios in Case–Control Studies with Differentially Misclassified Exposure

Morrissey et Spiegelman (1999, Biometrics 55, 338 344) font une etude comparative de methodes d'ajustement pour l'exposition a une mauvaise classification dans les etudes cas-temoin munies d'un echantillon de validation interne. En plus de l'approche par maximum de vraisemblance, ils considerent deux procedures intuitives fondees sur des propositions trouvees dans la litterature. En depit de la seduisante facilite de calcul associee aux deux dernieres methodes, les calculs d'efficacite suggerent que la methode du maximum de vraisemblance doit souvent etre recommandee a l'analyste avec un acces a une routine numerique qui lui facilite son utilisation. lci, une reparametrisation de la vraisemblance revele que l'une des methodes intuitives, la methode de la matrice inverse, consiste en fait a faire du maximum de vraisemblance dans les cas d'erreurs de classification differentielles. Cette correction est faite avec l'intention d'alerter les lecteurs sur le fait qu'il existe dans ce cas une forme explicite de l'estimateur du maximum de vraisemblance pour les rapports de chances, et donc qu'ils peuvent eviter de supposer qu'une inaccessible routine commerciale doit etre cherchee pour faire du maximum de vraisemblance.
Estimation of wrist fracture load using phalangeal speed of sound: an in vitro study

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of speed of sound (SOS) measured at the phalanges to estimate simulated wrist fracture load and stress. SOS was measured along the proximal phalanges of the second, third and fourth fingers using an ultrasound (US) system operating in axial transmission mode. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the radius and the phalanges was also measured with quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and the combined cortical thickness (CCT) of the phalanges was measured from hand radiographs. After the measurements were completed, the radius was excised from the cadaver, embedded in polymethylmethacrylate and tested to failure on a servohydraulic testing machine. The configuration of the radius was chosen to simulate a fall onto the hand. Linear regression analysis showed a highly significant correlation between SOS (r = 0.76–0.94, p < 0.001), CCT (r = 0.86–0.90, p < 0.001) and BMD (r = 0.92–0.96, p < 0.0001) in the three proximal phalanges measured. SOS, BMD and CCT were significant predictors of fracture load (r = 0.60–0.69, p < 0.03) and stress (r = 0.65–0.77, p < 0.02). Cortical area and bone mineral content (BMC) of the radius were consistently higher predictors of fracture load (r = 0.76–0.82, p < 0.01 for area and r = 0.78–0.88, p < 0.01 for BMC) than BMD. The correlation of BMC and area was poorer with fracture stress. In a step-wise regression analysis using both phalangeal BMD and SOS, only SOS remained a significant predictor of fracture stress. In forward stepwise regression analysis, both cortical area and SOS were entered into the regression model to estimate fracture load. Only SOS remained significant in the model for estimating fracture stress. Phalangeal BMD was only entered in the combined model with the cortical area at the 4% site (r = 0.84, p = 0.002). Phalangeal SOS is a useful parameter in the assessment of bone status of the radius.
A branching process approximation to cascading load-dependent system failure

Networked infrastructures operated under highly loaded conditions are vulnerable to catastrophic cascading failures. For example, electric power transmission systems must be designed and operated to reduce the risk of widespread blackouts caused by cascading failure. There is a need for analytically tractable models to understand and quantify the risks of cascading failure. We study a probabilistic model of loading dependent cascading failure by approximating the propagation of failures as a Poisson branching process. This leads to a criticality condition for the failure propagation. At criticality there are power tails in the probability distribution of cascade sizes and consequently considerable risks of widespread catastrophic failure. Avoiding criticality or super criticality is a key approach to reduce this risk. This approach of minimizing the propagation of failure after the cascade has started is complementary to the usual approach of minimizing the risk of the first few cascading failures. The analysis introduces a saturating form of the generalized Poisson distribution so that supercritical systems with a high probability of total failure can be considered.
Characterisation of antibiotic resistance in host-adapted Salmonella enterica

Salmonella enterica serovars Dublin, Choleraesuis and Pullorum are host-adapted serovars that cause disease primarily in cattle, swine and poultry, respectively. In addition, serovars Dublin and Choleraesuis are important human pathogens that are disproportionately associated with severe invasive infections that require antimicrobial therapy. Because of the potential increased emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, isolates of 42 S. enterica serovars Dublin, Choleraesuis and Pullorum were characterised to evaluate resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of resistance genes and integrons, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and plasmid analysis were carried out to characterise the isolates. Seventy-nine percent of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobial agents tested, whilst 38% of the isolates were resistant to six or more antimicrobial agents. Resistance was most commonly detected to tetracycline (64%), streptomycin (57%) and kanamycin (52%). Overall, when resistance was seen, a corresponding resistance gene was detected 86.7% of the time. The results of this study indicate that antimicrobial resistance is a major concern in serovars Dublin and Choleraesuis isolates owing to the presence of multidrug resistance.
Bayesian Post-Processing Methods for Jitter Mitigation in Sampling

Minimum mean-square error (MMSE) estimators of signals from samples corrupted by jitter (timing noise) and additive noise are nonlinear, even when the signal parameters and additive noise have normal distributions. This paper develops a stochastic algorithm based on Gibbs sampling and slice sampling to approximate the optimal MMSE estimator in this Bayesian formulation. Simulations demonstrate that this nonlinear algorithm can improve significantly upon the linear MMSE estimator, as well as the EM algorithm approximation to the maximum likelihood (ML) estimator used in classical estimation. Effective off-chip postprocessing to mitigate jitter enables greater jitter to be tolerated, potentially reducing on-chip ADC power consumption.
Malondialdehyde, a Product of Lipid Peroxidation, Is Mutagenic in Human Cells

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an endogenous genotoxic product of enzymatic and oxygen radical-induced lipid peroxidation whose adducts are known to exist in DNA isolated from healthy human beings. To evaluate the mutagenic potential of MDA in human cells, we reacted MDA with pSP189 shuttle vector DNA and then transfected them into human fibroblasts for replication. MDA induced up to a 15-fold increase in mutation frequency in the supF reporter gene compared with untreated DNA. Sequence analysis revealed that the majority of MDA-induced mutations occurred at GC base pairs. The most frequent mutations were large insertions and deletions, but base pair substitutions were also detected. MDA-induced mutations were completely abolished when the adducted shuttle vector was replicated in cells lacking nucleotide excision repair. MDA induction of large deletions and the apparent requirement for nucleotide excision repair suggested the possible involvement of a DNA interstrand cross-link as a premutagenic lesion. Indeed, MDA formed interstrand cross-links in duplex plasmids and oligonucleotides. Substrates containing the sequence 5′-d(CG) were preferentially cross-linked, consistent with the observation of base pair substitutions in 5′-d(CG) sites in the MDA-induced mutation spectrum. These experiments provide biological and biochemical evidence for the existence of MDA-induced DNA interstrand cross-links that could result from endogenous oxidative stress and likely have potent biological effects.
Sorting and transport in C. elegans: a model system with a sequenced genome

In the past few years, yeast and cultured cells have been the model systems of choice for the study of protein sorting and transport. Recently, there has been a surge in research in these areas in Caenorhabditis elegans, with advances in experimental techniques and genomics. New in vivo assays that monitor endocytosis and neuronal transport have been used to delineate roles for several genes in these processes.
From cowpox to sars: a history of epidemiology curriculum for a PHD program in epidemiology

Purpose As in any field, current practitioners of epidemiology stand upon the shoulders of those who came before. In designing a new doctoral program in epidemiology, we felt it was critical that students learn about challenges and ethical issues that have faced epidemiologists in the past, as well as the successes of the greats of epidemiology. Methods The chief of epidemiology (PhD) and a faculty member (MD, MPH, with a BA in history) wrote the course syllabus with assistance from the chair of the History department at the University of Rochester, whose major focus is the history of the U.S. health care system. We delivered most of the lectures with supplementation by guest speakers. This 3-hour-per-week class included 1 hour of student-led discussion. Results This semester course covered the history of epidemiology from antiquity to the modern era of molecular epidemiology in three parts. The Golden Age of Epidemiology (1700s to 1870) covered the great names and achievements of its beginnings, such as William Farr, John Snow, and Pierre Louis and the cowpox vaccine. The Bacteriology Revolution and the Professionalization of Epidemiology (1870–1950) focused on the effects on epidemiology of groundbreaking discoveries in the other medical sciences and of the development of epidemiology and medicine into distinct professions. The Era of Chronic Disease Epidemiology (1950–present) discussed the epidemiologic transition, seminal studies of chronic disease, the expansion of the government's role in medical research since World War II, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and the reemergence of infectious disease with HIV/AIDS. We emphasized throughout the interaction between epidemiology and the entire society, and how this interplay affected both public policy and the practice of epidemiology. Conclusion By studying the history of their field, students developed a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing epidemiology, today and in the future.
Rate Dependence and Regulation of Action Potential and Calcium Transient in a Canine Cardiac Ventricular Cell Model

Background— Computational biology is a powerful tool for elucidating arrhythmogenic mechanisms at the cellular level, where complex interactions between ionic processes determine behavior. A novel theoretical model of the canine ventricular epicardial action potential and calcium cycling was developed and used to investigate ionic mechanisms underlying Ca2+ transient (CaT) and action potential duration (APD) rate dependence. Methods and Results— The Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKII) regulatory pathway was integrated into the model, which included a novel Ca2+-release formulation, Ca2+ subspace, dynamic chloride handling, and formulations for major ion currents based on canine ventricular data. Decreasing pacing cycle length from 8000 to 300 ms shortened APD primarily because of ICa(L) reduction, with additional contributions from Ito1, INaK, and late INa. CaT amplitude increased as cycle length decreased from 8000 to 500 ms. This positive rate–dependent property depended on CaMKII activity...
Morphology and oxide shell structure of iron nanoparticles grown by sputter-gas-aggregation

The crystal faceting planes and oxide coating structures of core–shell structured iron/iron-oxide nanoparticles synthesized by a sputter-gas-aggregation process were studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction and Wulff shape construction. The particles grown by this process and deposited on a support in a room temperature process have been compared with particles grown and deposited at high temperature as reported in the literature. It has been found that the Fe nanoparticles formed at RT are invariantly faceted on the {100} lattice planes and truncated by the {110} planes at different degrees. A substantial fraction of particles are confined only by the 6{100} planes (not truncated by the {110} planes); this contrasts with the Fe particles formed at high temperature (HT) for which a predominance of {110} planes has been reported. Furthermore, at RT no particle was identified to be only confined by the 12{110} planes, which is relatively common for the particles formed at HT. The Fe cubes defined by the 6{100} planes show a characteristic inward relaxation along the and directions and the reason for this behaviour is not fully understood. The oxide shell on the Fe{100} plane maintains an orientation relationship: and , which is the same as the oxide formed on a bulk Fe(001) through thermal oxidation. Orientation of the oxide that forms on the Fe{110} facets differs from that on Fe{001}: therefore, properties of core–shell structured Fe nanoparticle faceted primarily with one type of lattice plane may be fully different from that faceted with another type of lattice plane.
Sensitivity of hemoglobin concentration on optical probe positioning in image-guided near infrared spectroscopy

Multi-modality image-guided near infrared spectroscopy provides volume-based quantification of total hemoglobin, oxygen saturation, water and scatter in various tissue types in-vivo. The accuracy of these parameters depends on the location of the imaging probe and its distance from the tumor. In a numerical study, we have performed simulation to analyze this effect in a breast-specific imaging domain. Results show that the accuracy of total hemoglobin decreases by 25% for every centimeter away from the tumor center, for a typical size of 35mm cancer in the breast. Image guidance is necessary for accurate positioning, and multi-plane acquisition can improve this accuracy.
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial of parathyroidectomy versus observation in patients with “asymptomatic” primary hyperparathyroidism

Background Disruptions in cognitive function have been described in the constellation of symptoms associated with “asymptomatic” primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on brain function and sleep in “asymptomatic” PHPT patients. Methods We conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing immediate PTX with observation in patients with asymptomatic PHPT. We performed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain, sleep assessment, and validated neuropsychological battery at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Pearson and Spearman correlations were used. Results A total of 18 patients were randomized. Subjective sleepiness correlated with worse performance on executive function tests during fMRI at 6 weeks (Pearson, −0.473; P = .047) and 6 months (Pearson, −0.673; P = .002). Total sleep time correlated with PTH levels at both 6 weeks (Pearson, 0.518; P = .048) and 6 months (Pearson, 0.567; P = .018). At 6 weeks, hypersomnolence as measured subjectively was decreased in the PTX group, but increased in those observed (−2.56 vs 2.22; P = .03) Conclusion This prospective, randomized trial for asymptomatic PHPT patients demonstrated an association of sleep with brain function. Sleep seemed to be an indicator of brain activation in the anterior cingulate gyrus and precentral cortex. Subjective sleepiness was associated with executive function. The results of this pilot study suggest that decreased serum PTH levels correlate with improved sleep and that PTX decreases sleepiness in patients with asymptomatic PHPT.
Effect of Mo microstructure on the critical volume fraction for conduction in Mo-alumina cermets

The microstructure of Mo in an alumina/frit matrix was found to be dependent on the initial particle sizes of the alumina and Mo powders, the glass content in the matrix ceramic, and the amount of moisture in the firing atmosphere. The Mo microstructure had a significant influence on the critical volume fraction for conductivity in these cermets. Coarser alumina powder, finer Mo powder, and higher glass content promoted coalescence of Mo into conductive networks at lower metal contents. Drier firing atmospheres produced a more coarsened Mo microstructure with a slight decrease in the amount of network contiguity, causing an increase in the amount required for electrical percolation.
Interactive use of Electron Microscopy and Light Scattering as Diagnostics for Pyrogenic Aggregates

Both electron microscopy and light scattering have played an important role in elucidating the processes of inception, growth, and oxidation of carbonaceous particles in flames. The techniques developed have application to the various pyrogenic materials including the metallic oxides, carbides, etc. Thermophoretic sampling has been developed to afford efficient extraction of particle samples from hot reaction zones. The sampling procedure preserves the particle morphology for subsequent analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Studies using this technique have shown aggregate structures with fractal dimensions of 1.6 to 1.8, a result that is consistent with the computer simulations of the cluster-cluster aggregation process. Diverse morphologies, including microparticles found in the particle inception zone, reveal the evolution of these aggregates. The optical cross sections for polydisperse aggregates which are used to interpret the laser scattering/extinction tests (LSE) are described. Population averaged properties - volume fraction, volume mean diameter, monomer and aggregate number concentrations, mean-square radius of gyration - are derived. The interactive use TEM and LSE data leads to a global description of the aggregate dynamic processes which are found to be regionally partitioned within the laminar hydrocarbon diffusion flame.
Reflection and Transmission of Plane Waves at the Planar Interface of a General Uniaxial Medium and Free Space

Abstract A general uniaxial medium is characterized by its permittivity and permeability tensors having the same preferred axis. The plane wave reflection and transmission characteristics of a planar interface between free space and a general uniaxial medium have been obtained; since application as a polarizer is envisioned, the preferred axis lies in a plane parallel to the interface. Application of the Brewster law, as well as conditions for total reflection are explored.
Importance of landscape heterogeneity in sustaining hydrologic ecosystem services in an agricultural watershed

The sustainability of hydrologic ecosystem services (freshwater benefits to people generated by terrestrial ecosystems) is challenged by human modification of landscapes. However, the role of landscape heterogeneity in sustaining hydrologic services at scales relevant to landscape management decisions is poorly understood. In particular, the relative importance of landscape composition (type and proportion of land cover) and configuration (spatial arrangement of cover types) is unclear. We analyzed indicators of production of three hydrologic services (freshwater supply, surface and ground water quality) in 100 subwatersheds in an urbanizing agricultural landscape (Yahara Watershed, Wisconsin, USA) and asked: (1) How do landscape composition and configuration affect supply of hydrologic services (i.e., does spatial pattern matter)? (2) Are there opportunities for small changes in landscape pattern to produce large gains in hydrologic services? Landscape composition and configuration both affected supply of hydrologic services, but composition was consistently more important than configuration for all three services. Together landscape composition and configuration explained more variation in indicators of surface-water quality than in freshwater supply or groundwater quality (Nagelkerke/adjusted R2: 86%, 64%, and 39%, respectively). Surface-water quality was negatively correlated with percent cropland and positively correlated with percent forest, grassland and wetland. In addition, surface-water quality was greater in subwatersheds with higher wetland patch density, disaggregated forest patches and lower contagion. Surface-water quality responded nonlinearly to percent cropland and wetland, with greater water quality where cropland covered below 60% and/or wetland above 6% of the subwatershed. Freshwater supply was negatively correlated with percent wetland and urban cover, and positively correlated with urban edge density. Groundwater quality was negatively correlated with percent cropland and grassland, and configuration variables were unimportant. Collectively, our study suggests that altering spatial arrangement of land cover will not be sufficient to enhance hydrologic services in an agricultural landscape. Rather, the relative abundance of land cover may need to change to improve hydrologic services. Targeting subwatersheds near the cropland or wetland thresholds may offer local opportunities to enhance surface-water quality with minimal land-cover change.
The Reader's Limited Capacity: A Working-Memory Theory for Legal Writers

In pursuit of a foundation for a number of legal writing principles, this article explores the corner of cognitive science dedicated to working memory theory. In its broadest terms, working memory theory submits that humans process new information through a limited capacity system that both stores and manipulates new information to accomplish mental tasks. Because reading necessarily consumes the working memory resource, which has finite capacity, writing lawyers must actively manage the cognitive loads that their sentences and paragraphs impose on the reader. Practical applications of this broad insight, however, prove elusive in the absence of a model that can be easily commanded by the legal writer. Accordingly, this article plumbs the precepts and vocabulary of "cognitive load theory" to offer a practical framework through which legal writers can assess the working memory demands of their sentences and paragraphs.
“The World in Its Human Involvement”: Francis Slade and the Appropriation of Classical Philosophy

“For Hobbes, friendship is terrible.”“Where Aristotle said the city exists by nature, the canonical versions of modern political philosophy say the state exists by reason.”“Ends exist independently...
Doing Interdisciplinary Mixed Methods Health Care Research Working the Boundaries, Tensions, and Synergistic Potential of Team-Based Research

Current trends in health care research point to a shift from disciplinary models to interdisciplinary team-based mixed methods inquiry designs. This keynote address discusses the problems and prospects of creating vibrant mixed methods health care interdisciplinary research teams that can harness their potential synergy that holds the promise of addressing complex health care issues. We examine the range of factors and issues these types of research teams need to consider to facilitate efficient interdisciplinary mixed methods team-based research. It is argued that concepts such as disciplinary comfort zones, a lack of attention to team dynamics, and low levels of reflexivity among interdisciplinary team members can inhibit the effectiveness of a research team. This keynote suggests a set of effective strategies to address the issues that emanate from the new field of research inquiry known as team science as well as lessons learned from tapping into research on organizational dynamics.
Phage typing in diphtheria outbreaks in the southwestern United States, 1968-1971.

K (intermedius), was isolated from 110 cases (62%). The previously described type XIV (gravis) was isolated from 58 cases (32%). Type L (intermedius) accounted for 11 (6%) of the cases. It is suggested that type K is a local (indigenous) type, responsible for increasing numbers of cases of diphtheria since 1968, and that phage typing of C. diphtheriae may supplement epidemiologic data obtained by morphologic and cultural methods. A variety of bacteriophages capable of lysing different strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae have been used satisfactorily for the phage typing of diphtheria bacilli [1-5]. The lytic patterns produced by these phage preparations identify phage types; this permits a more discriminating classification of the three classical biotypes. The development of this reproducible and stable method of phage typing for C. diphtheriae and the occurrence of several outbreaks of diphtheria in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona have enabled us to isolate and to identify for the first time the phage types responsible for these outbreaks of diphtheria in the southwestern United States. The largest epidemic occurred in San Antonio, Texas [6] and was largely caused by a newly identified bacteriophage type. Methods
Abstract 3082: A paradoxical suppressive role for Src in urothelial carcinoma

The most prevalent type of bladder cancer in western nations is urothelial carcinoma (UC). A significant number of patients with UC present with the muscle invasive form of the disease that is treated by radical cystectomy. Even with these treatments approximately 50% of these patients will develop metastases, resulting in essentially incurable disease. Thus, understanding the molecular basis of metastases in UC may prove useful in providing new therapeutic insights and targets. Src (v-Src sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) has been found to play pivotal oncogenic roles in a variety of in vitro and in vivo cancer models. Interestingly, when Src expression and activity was evaluated in a panel of bladder cancer cell lines and human bladder cancer tissue, it was shown that there was an inverse correlation between Src expression/activity and bladder tumor grade, suggesting that the Src oncogene might play a paradoxical suppressive role in UCs. Herein, we show that that stable expression of constitutively active Src in a high grade bladder cancer cell line (UMUC3) corresponds to a decrease in in vitro monolayer growth (p = 0.05), Boyden Chamber migration (over a period of time where growth effects are inconsequential) (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3082.
Evaluation of Adhesion Integrity in Graphite Epoxy Bonded Structures Using Ultrasonic Reflection Factor Analysis

With the evolution of light and stiff composite technology as a viable alternative to metals, wide-spread applications of bonded composite structures are being accepted in the aerospace industry. Although several bonded composite structures are currently in-service, the certification cost often negates the demonstrated benefits of composite material based structures. One of the key requirements for the certification and the subsequent implementation of the new composite-composite bonded structure is the assurance of the integrity of the adhesive bond joints. In this paper, a reflection frequency spectrum of the reflected ultrasonic oblique wave (in a pitch-catch mode) from an adhesively bonded graphite-epoxy aircraft wing-spar structure is obtained and mapped. Different types of programmed defects such as inclusions, voids, and interface contamination at the adhesive substrate were evaluated using the reflection factor technique.
Introduction to Biological Membranes

Understanding membrane structure and function is one of the major unresolved problems in life science. Membranes are intimately involved in almost all biological processes including: establishing and maintaining trans-membrane gradients; compartmentalizing biochemical reactions into distinct functional domains; controlling transport into and out of cells; inter- and intra-cellular communication; cell–cell recognition; and energy transduction events. What makes biological membranes so difficult to study is their small size (<10 nm in width) and compositional complexity, being composed of hundreds of proteins, thousands of lipids, and numerous surface carbohydrates, all in constant flux. A microscopic liver cell is so packed with internal membranes that the total membrane surface area is ~840 acres, the size of New York’s Central Park. Remarkably, all of the cell membranes are related structurally, chemically, functionally, and developmentally. A basic conundrum is that while, at first glance, all membranes appear to be quite similar in size, structure, and basic composition, they support very different functions.
Ultra-wideband transceiver with high interference mitigation for secure high data rate communication

We propose a new class of transceivers for secure communication and interference mitigation, operating over large bandwidths on the order of 10GHz. Specifically, a novel coding approach that combines frequency and code multiplexing is proposed. Equally important is power and hardware reduction by implementing a low power on-site coding with beamforming. The latter reduces power requirements for the digitizer by a factor of 8 to 32. In this paper, we present a description of the proposed high data system and integrated coding scheme. System performance is also evaluated in presence of interference and noise analysis is conducted to assess the impact of coding for different noise floors. Preliminary results show minimal degradation using orthogonal Walsh-Hadamard codes using ideal filters and a minimum digitizer resolution of 5 bits.
William Yang: Stories of Love and Death by Helena Grehan and Edward Scheer (Sydney: NewSouth Publishing, 2016)

In Stories of Love and Death , Helena Grehan and Edward Scheer set out to acknowledge the breadth and impact of Yang’s work through a study of his practice. Sensitive to Yang’s own artistic sensibility, the chapters of the book simulate the slow-travelling camera lens in the hands of a photographer, zooming in and out of various iterations of his work, illuminating his unique sensibility.
A “Black Cult” in Early Medieval China: Iranian-Zoroastrian Influence in the Northern Dynasties*

Through an analysis of Chinese theophoric names - a genre that emerged in the early medieval period largely under heavy Iranian-Sogdian influence - we suggest that there was a contemporary ‘black worship’ or ‘black cult’ in northern China that has since vanished. The followers of this ‘black cult’ ranged from common people living in ethnically mixed frontier communities to the ruling echelons of the Northern Dynasties. By tapping into the fragmentary pre-Islamic Iranian-Sogdian data, we link this ‘black cult’ to the now nearly forgotten ancient Iranic worship of the Avestan family of heroes centered around Sāma. This religio-cultural exchange prompts an examination of the deliberate policy by the ethnic rulers of the Northern Dynasties to attract Central Asian immigrants for political reasons, a precursor to the Semu, the Mongols’ ‘assistant conquerors’ in the Yuan dynasty.
Emotionally focused individual therapy: An attachment-based experiential/systemic perspective

Attachment theory as a theory of adult love and emotion regulation can provide a humanistic paradigm for therapeutic change that is relevant to a broad range of presenting problems. I advocate emot...
Evaluation and modeling of the potential effects of a module manufacturing anomaly

Photovoltaic lifetime predictions are in great demand, but are exceedingly difficult to achieve with uncertainties small enough to be useful. During the construction of photovoltaic modules, small unplanned variability in materials or processes can have profound effects on module durability. Thus, continual monitoring of production quality is needed. In the subject production run, module quality, as monitored by damp heat testing, revealed a subset of modules that were prone to higher degradation rates. An assessment of the potential long-term power loss and mitigation strategies was needed. To do this, modules were exposed to variable levels of humidity and temperature with periodic monitoring. The analysis takes into account the kinetics of the degradation and the spatially and temporally varying humidity content within the module during accelerated stress testing. This is an important aspect for extrapolating laboratory results to field exposure because moisture ingress is diffusion limited in most laboratory module tests but not limited in these fielded modules. This analysis predicted that although a solder flux induce degradation mechanism is significant in accelerated stress test, this is probably an artifact of a process with a very large acceleration factor that is not likely to be significant for deployed modules. The degradation mechanism affected a limited area around the tabbing helping to minimize the effect. Three years after the system was commissioned, the fielded modules indeed show no significant power loss.
Implementing Sustainability in Organizations: How Practitioners Discursively Position Work:

Although largely espoused by contemporary organizations, implementing sustainability is often vague and ineffective. In contrast to most studies that employ resource-based or institutional perspectives to study sustainable organizing, we draw on discursive positioning theory to examine how sustainability practitioners make sense of and enact their work on the ground. Interviewing 45 practitioners and analyzing 35 curriculum vitae (CVs), we traced four subject positions – discovery, enlightenment, legitimacy, and consumption – constructed via 12 discursive resources. These positions emphasized 12 strategic messages, depending on participants’ work contexts. Findings also indicated four ways that politics shaped participants’ subject positions through government collaborations, regulatory environments, vested political agendas, and dominant sociopolitical discourses. We close by discussing some key theoretical and practical implications related to discursive positioning, the political implications of work p...
Glucans and Cancer: Comparison of Commercially Available β-glucans – Part IV

BACKGROUND/AIM β-Glucans are well-established immunomodulators with strong effects across all immune reactions. Due to the extensive amount of studies, glucans are steadily progressing from a non-specific immunomodulator to a licensed drug. However, direct comparisons of higher numbers of different glucans are rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we used 16 different glucans isolated from yeasts, mushroom, algae, and oat and compared their effects on phagocytosis, IL-2 production, antibody secretion, and inhibition of three experimental cancer models. RESULTS Our results showed significant differences among tested glucans, showing that despite the fact that glucans in general have strong stimulating effects on most aspects of the immune system, it is necessary to choose the right glucan. CONCLUSION Based on our studies, we can conclude that highly purified and active glucans have significant pleiotropic effects.
Reinterpretation of Type II Hot Corrosion of Co-Base Alloys Incorporating Synergistic Fluxing

The components of gas-turbine engines operating in marine environments are highly susceptible to hot corrosion, which is typically classified as Type II (650–750 °C) and Type I (900–950 °C) hot-corrosion attack. Even though hot-corrosion has been widely investigated in the last 50 years, several critical questions remain unanswered and new ones have emerged based on recent observations that, in part, are associated with the increasing complexity of the alloy systems and the sulfate-deposit chemistries. The present work is focused on the Type II hot-corrosion mechanism for Co-base alloys. Observations for a CoCrAlY model alloy (isothermally exposed at 700 and 800 °C under different atmospheres, including: air and O2 with 100 and 1000 ppm SO2) suggest the rapid dissolution of Co (as Co-oxide) is not the controlling factor in the degradation mechanism, as was proposed by Luthra, since the γ-phase which is richer in Co, is not attacked as significantly as the Al-rich β-phase. To the contrary, it is suggested that Al (and Cr) is (are) the element(s) which is (are) removed first. A modified interpretation of the Type II hot-corrosion mechanism is proposed, which is based on the synergistic fluxing model developed by Hwang and Rapp.
Struggles of Land, Language, and Identity in Post-Apartheid South Africa: The case of the Hlubi

In South Africa, conflicts over land intensified in 2007 when “Hlubi” individuals challenged the sole kingship position of Zulu ruler Goodwill Zwelithini by filing an independent kingship claim wit...
Studies on Lens Proteins II.

The composition of lens proteins and the changes in these constituents due to aging and cataractogenesis were investigated. Water soluble and urea- or deoxycholate-in-soluble (membrane) fractions were analyzed on gradient Polyacrylamide gels. The membrane proteins display nine noncrystallin polypeptides with estimated molecular weights ranging from 37,000–230,000 daltons. Lens fiber membranes also contain crystallins as part of their structure. Gel patterns of lens serial sections from the periphery of the cortex to the center of the nucleus show a gradual decrease in proteins. Such a decrease was more pronounced in older lenses. Loss of proteins was also observed in human senile cataract or in cataracts induced experimentally by X-ray or tryptophan deficiency in rabbits and rats, respectively.
Improving Children's Attitudes toward Blind Peers:

Examines the effects of a classroom program designed to improve fifth- and sixth-grade students’ attitudes toward blind peers. The results indicated that children who received the lessons had bette...