cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Syphilis and AIDS in Belle Glade, Florida, 1942 and 1992.

Excerpt George Santayana warned, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (1). The venereal disease experience in Belle Glade, Florida, during the past 50 years is a striking...
The role of developmental endothelial locus 1 (Del1) in skeletal development

Abstract Introduction: Del1 is an extracellular matrix-associated protein that induces angiogenesis in chick chorioallantoic membrane assays and rabbit hind limb ischemia models. Del1 is expressed in endothelial cells and cartilaginous tissue. The unique expression pattern in cartilage led us to investigate the role of Del1 in skeletal development and repair. Methods: For in vitro studies, three-day-old mouse calvarial osteoblasts and three-week-old mouse adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADMSCs) were harvested. The two cell populations were treated with different doses of the Del1 protein, and cells were counted to assess growth. These cell populations were also treated with osteogenic media to promote bony differentiation and treated with differing doses of Del1. Differentiating the multipotent ADMSCs represents an in vitro model for osteogenic development. Alkaline phosphatase activity was quantified. For in vivo investigations, unstable tibial fractures were made on six-week-old wild-type and Del1 knockout mice. Weekly x-rays were examined for five weeks, and then the tibias were harvested and stained. Results: Osteoblasts and ADMSCs treated with Del1 had increased proliferation and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity compared to controls. Tibial fractures of Del1 knockout mice had smaller fracture callouses by x-ray and gross examination. Conclusions: Del1, in addition to having angiogenic properties, may have a direct effect on skeletal healing. These data highlight the multifunctional roles angiogenic factors may have in development and repair processes. Future work will characterize the precise role of Del1 in fracture healing.
Range indices of geomagnetic activity

Abstract The simplest index of geomagnetic activity is the range in nT from maximum to minimum value of the field in a given time interval. The hourly range R was recommended by IAGA for use at observatories at latitudes greater than 65°, but was superceded by AE . The most used geomagnetic index K is based on the range of activity in a 3 h interval corrected for the regular daily variation. In order to take advantage of real time data processing, now available at many observatories, it is proposed to introduce a 1 h range index and also a 3 h range index. Both will be computed hourly, i.e. each will have a series of 24 per day, the 3 h values overlapping. The new data will be available as the range ( R ) of activity in nT and also as a logarithmic index ( I ) of the range. The exponent relating index to range in nT is based closely on the scale used for computing K values. The new ranges and range indices are available, from June 1987, to users in real time and can be accessed by telephone connection or computer network. Their first year of production is regarded as a trial period during which their value to the scientific and commercial communities will be assessed, together with their potential as indicators of regional and global disturbances' and in which trials will be conducted into ways of eliminating excessive bias at quiet times due to the rate of change of the daily variation field.
Controlled experiments in the earth's magnetosphere with artifical electron beams

This article describes the Electron Echo project, which used artificial electron beams to determine how natural particles are accelerated and lost from the trapping region in the earth's magnetosphere. The problems of injecting electron beams into the ionosphere, including vehicle charging and beam-plasma instabilities, are discussed, and images of the Echo beams both in space and in the laboratory are shown. The beam pulses were detected and analyzed after reflection from the conjugate hemisphere mirror points. Although the injected beams contained a wide spread of energies, the echoes displayed a monoenergetic peak, which together with the exact drift displacement during one bounce permitted a separate evaluation of electric and magnetic components of the transverse drifts in the distant magnetosphere. Thus distant electric fields were measured and found to have large turbulent fluctuations compared to the local ionospheric fields, and to differ in average value from the local fields by about 50 mV/m, indicating the existence of parallel potential drops. The measured bounce times and field-line lengths were compared with model magnetic geometries. The best fit was with the Tsyganenko-Usmanov 1982 version. Pitch-angle diffusion out of the loss cone resulted in a large loss in beam intensity during one bounce, showing the presence of important beam perturbations near the electron gyrofrequency range. Thus the Echo experiments evaluated many effects on the natural trapped particles, but were limited to a moderately disturbed condition of the magnetosphere when the magnetic morphology was stable.
Variations in the Arctic, Antarctic, and global sea ice covers during 1978-1987 as observed with the Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer

The extent and area of sea ice and the amount of open water within the ice boundaries have been computed for the Arctic, Antarctic, and global ice covers every 2 days from November 1978 to August 1987 utilizing the Nimbus 7 scanning multichannel microwave radiometer (SMMR) observations. During this 9-year period, no significant trends were found in the ice areas of the Arctic and Antarctic packs or in their sum, the global ice area. Also, no significant trends were found in the maxima and minima of the annual ice extents for either polar pack. However, during these 9 years, significant negative trends were found in the annual global ice extent maxima (5%) and in the annual maxima of the global open water area within the sea ice boundaries (7–14%). Significant negative trends were also found in the annual open water maxima in the Antarctic (5–10%) and the annual open water minima in the Arctic (13–23%). The open water within the ice boundaries averaged approximately 14% in the Arctic and 18% in the Antarctic, at the time of their maximum extents. This negative trend in the global ice extent maxima during 1978–1987 also occurred during 1973–1976, found by an analysis of the monochromatic microwave observations obtained by the Nimbus 5 satellite. The combined 15-year negative trend is 6%. A significant change between the 1973–1976 and the 1978–1987 periods in the Antarctic ice pack is that the very large polynya that formed and persisted in the Weddell Sea during three out of four of the austral winters in the earlier period did not form in any of the 9 years of the latter period. This study, in conjunction with recent studies of global temperature change, lends support to the thesis that climatic changes in the global average temperature might be detectable by observing variations in global sea ice extent.
Surgery for diverticulitis is associated with high risk of in-hospital mortality and morbidity in older patients with end-stage renal disease.

Introduction End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with poor medical outcomes. This study aimed to compare early outcomes of elective and emergency operation for diverticulitis among older adults with and without a diagnosis of ESRD. Methods Patients 65 years of age and older with a primary diagnosis of diverticulitis who underwent operative intervention were identified in the 100% Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) inpatient file from 2004 to 2007. Outcomes between the ESRD and non-ESRD patients (elective and emergent) undergoing operation for diverticulitis were compared. A subgroup analysis in patients only undergoing elective or emergent operation was performed. Multivariable analyses were conducted. In addition, a propensity-matched analysis was applied comparing early outcomes between ESRD patients and well-matched controls consisting of non-ESRD patients. Results A total of 53,560 patients were identified, with 996 (1.86%) ESRD patients. After propensity matching, 962 ESRD and well-matched non-ESRD patients were identified. In the matched cohort, ESRD patients had greater rates of in-hospital mortality (30.9% vs 7.9%, P Conclusion Given the high mortality and morbidity in both the emergent and elective setting that is associated with operative resection, we believe that, when possible, nonoperative management should be the preferred approach for acute diverticulitis in the setting of ESRD in patients older than 65 years.
Sibling Proactive and Reactive Aggression in Adolescence

We describe sibling proactive and reactive aggression in middle and late adolescence. Participants were 8th (n = 303, M age = 13.74 years, SD = .59) and 12th (n = 300, M age = 17.73 years, SD = .56) grade adolescents who completed an in-school survey. Findings revealed that these adolescents were significantly more likely to engage in reactive than proactive aggression with their closest-aged sibling. However, 8th grade adolescents reported greater aggression toward their closest-aged sibling than did 12th grade adolescents. In addition, sex composition of the sibling dyad moderated the association between sibling relationship quality (i.e., warmth and rivalry) and both proactive and reactive aggression indicating unique links for brother-brother and older sister-younger brother pairs.
Heterogeneous Kinetics of The Chemical Vapor Deposition of Silicon Carbide From Methyltrichlorosilane

We examine the dynamic behavior of a heterogeneous reaction model for the chemical vapor deposition of carbon, silicon, and silicon carbide from the precursors generated by the thermal decomposition of methyltrichlorosilane (MTS, CH3SiCl3). All reactions are treated as reversible in order to account for the strong inhibitory effect of the reaction by–products on the deposition process that was observed in our experiments and in other studies. The equilibrium constants of the adsorption steps of the reactions are treated as model parameters, and those of the other reactions are calculated from the thermodynamic constants of a set of overall deposition reactions. Results are presented on the influence of the various model parameters on the reaction rate, the stoichiometry of the deposit, and the variation of these quantities with the distance in a plug flow deposition reactor.
Effect of vaccine delivery system on the induction of HPV16L1-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in immunized rhesus macaques.

Abstract There have been numerous studies to assess the immunogenicity of candidate therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV), but few of them have directly compared different vaccines in an immunologically relevant animal system. In the present study, several vaccine delivery systems (VLPs, chimeric VLPs, plasmid DNA, and a replication incompetent adenoviral vector) expressing HPV16L1 were evaluated for their ability to induce HPV16L1 VLP-specific humoral immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies, and cell-mediated immune responses in rhesus macaques. Monkeys immunized with HPV16L1 VLPs mounted a potent humoral response with strongly neutralizing antibodies and a strong L1-specific Th2 response as measured by IL-4 production by CD4+ T cells. Monkeys immunized with plasmid DNA or an adenoviral vector expressing HPV16L1 showed strong Th1/Tc1 responses as measured by IFN-γ production by CD4+ and/or CD8+ T cells and potent humoral responses, but only weakly neutralizing antibodies. These data demonstrate that the nature of the immune response against HPV16L1 is dramatically different when it is introduced via different delivery systems. Additionally, these findings support the notion that an HPV16L1 VLP-based vaccine will induce the strongly neutralizing antibodies necessary for effective prophylaxis.
Load-skewing task assignment to minimize communication conflicts on network of workstations

Abstract Communication latency is an important factor in deciding the performance of a parallel or distributed algorithm, especially in a low speed network environment. In a bus-based network of workstations, a perfectly load balancing arrangement does not always lead to the best performance due to potential communication resource conflicts. Such a situation arises when workstations tend to compete for the shared bus after they all finish their assigned workload at about the same time under such a load arrangement. In this paper, we provide a thorough analysis on how such communication conflicts can be minimized in a bus-based system by using a load-skewing assignment method. A probablistic model is used to analyze the needed skewing factor for cases in which computation requirement is either a deterministic or nondeterministic quantity. Our analytical results are closely confirmed by various simulation and experimental outcomes.
ROLE OF PHOSPHATASES IN LYMPHOCYTE ACTIVATION

Many lymphocyte signaling pathways are regulated by protein tyrosyl phosphorylation, which is controlled by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Substantial progress has been made in defining the functions of lymphocyte PTPs. Individual PTPs can enhance or diminish cell signaling levels. The transmembrane PTP CD45 is a key positive element in multiple lymphocyte signaling pathways in vivo. New insights into the function of individual CD45 isoforms have emerged. Anti-CD45 antibodies with potent immunosuppressant activity have been identified, suggesting that CD45 may be a propitious target for drug design. Progress has also been made in elucidating the function and targets of specific nontransmembrane PTPs, particularly those with Src homology 2 domains.
Do we need theory to study disease? Lessons from cancer research and their implications for mental illness.

This article applies general ideas from contemporary philosophy of science—chief among them that much good science proceeds without theories and laws—to the science of medicine. I claim that traditional philosophical debates over the nature of disease make demands on medicine that are mistaken. I demonstrate this philosophical error by applying the perspective of the philosophy of science to understanding the nature of disease in two concrete cases, cancer and depression. I first argue that cancer research produces various kinds of piecemeal causal explanation and does so without any well-developed theory of normal and malignant functioning, despite the rhetoric of some leading cancer researchers. I then defuse doubts about the scientific status of psychiatry, by demonstrating that it is not necessary to have a theory of normal functioning in order to understand and treat depression.
Comparison of wound infection rates using plain versus buffered lidocaine for anesthesia of traumatic wounds

Buffered lidocaine has been shown to be less painful than plain lidocaine for anesthetizing wounds. However, the effect of a buffering agent on the local host defenses has not been evaluated. The infection rates of wounds anesthetized with plain lidocaine versus buffered lidocaine were compared in an observational cohort study. Consecutive emergency department patients with traumatic wounds that required sutures had a closed-question wound registry sheet prospectively completed. Follow-up data were obtained at the time of the return visit. Patients failing to return were contacted by telephone. Data were analyzed for wound infection rates comparing plain lidocaine with buffered lidocaine. Chisquared or Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. Of 2,711 patients analyzed, 2,279 had received plain and 432 had received buffered lidocaine. The infection rate for patients treated with plain lidocaine was 3.5%, versus that for patients treated with buffered lidocaine, 3.9% (P = .63). After adjustment for confounding variables, the infection rate did not differ between plain and buffered lidocaine. The infection rates of wounds repaired after anesthesia with either plain or buffered lidocaine are similar.
Bone marrow mononuclear cells protect neurons and modulate microglia in cell culture models of ischemic stroke

Although several studies have provided evidence for the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) in animal models of stroke, the mechanisms underlying their benefits remain largely unknown. We have determined the neuroprotective potential of MNCs in primary neuronal cultures exposed to various injuries in vitro. Cortical neurons in culture were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, hypoxia, or hydrogen peroxide, and cell death was assayed by MTT, caspase-3 activation or TUNEL labelling at 24 hrs. Cultures were randomized to cotreatment with MNC-derived supernatants or media before injury exposure. In separate experiments, macrophage or microglial cultures were exposed to lipopolypolysacharide (LPS) in the presence and absence of MNC-derived supernatants. Neuronal cultures were then exposed to conditioned media derived from activated macrophages or microglia. Cytokines from the supernantants of MNC cultures exposed to normoxia or hypoxia were also estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). MNC-derived supernatants attenuated neuronal death induced by OGD, hypoxia, hydrogen peroxide, and conditioned macrophage/microglial media and contain a number of trophic factors, including interleukin-10, insulin-like growth factor-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and stromal cell-derived factor-1. MNCs provide broad neuroprotection against a variety of injuries relevant to stroke.
Inhibition of Rh agglutination by disodium hydrogen citrate.

IT was found that Rh-positive (that is, D-positive) red blood cells suspended in an anti-coagulant preservative solution (2 per cent disodium hydrogen citrate or 'acid citra'; 2·5 per cent dextrose) were not agglutinated by anti-D) grouping sera. Investigating this inhibition, 2 per cent D-positive cell suspensions were titrated with a strong anti-D) serum. The titre of cells in isotonic (0·85 per cent) saline and in isotonic (5 per cent) dextrose was 320, but in isotonic mixtures of acid citrate and sodium chloride or dextrose the titre was reduced according to the acid citrate concentration.
Developmental language and learning problems

Abstract In this article, the much studied issue of children who develop the ability to use language, both spoken and written, slowly and incompletely is discussed from two major points of view: (1) subtyping and (2) lateralization. I take the componential approach to dyslexia, which assumes that anyone or any subset of several processing components essential for the acquisition of language and reading skill can be impaired in its development, yielding corresponding diverse subtypes of these disorders. Subtyping has been attempted both on an empirical (cluster analytic) and a neuropsychologically rooted (syndrome) approach. Methodological issues surrounding these efforts are also discussed in connection with laterally and dyslexia.
Ab-initio study of fluorine-doped tin dioxide: A prospective catalyst support for water electrolysis

Abstract In an attempt to identify new electrochemically stable catalyst supports for electrolysis of water, the electronic structure of SnO 2 doped with different fluorine concentrations has been calculated using the Vienna ab-initio simulation package (VASP) in the projector-augmented wave (PAW) method with the general gradient approximation (GGA) for conducting the exchange–correlation corrections. The role of fluorine in improving the electronic conductivity is discussed. An increase in the density of electronic states at the Fermi level with increase in the concentration of fluorine incorporated into the main SnO 2 matrix agrees well with published experimental observations. Despite a gradual decrease in the cohesive energies for the fluorine-doped tin oxide with increase in fluorine concentration, the doped material still remains an appropriate candidate for use as catalyst supports in water electrolysis warranting further experimental validation.
Comparison of a Novel Redox Dye Cell Growth Assay to the ATP Bioluminescence Assay

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ASOs) are being studied with increasing frequency to determine their potential role as anticancer drugs. The overwhelming majority of this research continues to be done in vitro. Reliable and accurate determination of cell proliferation and/or inhibition, therefore, is essential for the production of meaningful results. The Alamar Blue assay, a colorimetric/fluorometric redox dye assay, was recently marketed by Alamar Biosciences (Sacramento, CA). In order to determine a potential role for this assay in ASO research, it was extensively tested on ovarian cancer cells in culture under a variety of conditions including uninhibited cell growth, cell kill with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, and growth inhibition with ASOs. Results were compared directly with the ATP bioluminescence assay. We conclude that the Alamar Blue assay correlates poorly with the ATP assay, and it should be used only as a rapid preliminary screening assay. The ATP bioluminescence assay should continue to be considered as the standard in this setting.
Treatment of postoperative sternal dehiscence with mediastinitis: Twenty-four–year use of a single method

Objective Postoperative deep sternal wound infection with dehiscence carries a high mortality rate, a high morbidity rate, and a poor cure rate. We developed a standard protocol of care to treat this complication, achieving primary closure and cure of the infection. Methods From January 1, 1981, through May 31, 2005 (24 years 5 months), we treated 114 patients with dehiscence and mediastinitis. The diagnosis was made from 4 to 56 days (mean, 14.5 days) after surgery. Mean age was 64.3 years (range, 38-84 years); 79 (69%) were obese, and 48 (42%) had diabetes. Ten had previous attempts (1-4) of repair with other methods. Treatment entailed (1) debridement without removal of bone, (2) bilateral dissection of skin and subcutaneous tissue as one layer, (3) implantation of a staggered double-tube irrigation-suction system posterior and another one anterior to the sternum, (4) lateral reinforcement of the sternum and reclosure with a double wire, and (5) a single-layer closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin. Results Of 114 patients, 109 (96%) had mediastinitis, positive for Staphylococcus species in 101 (92.6%). The cure rate was 98% (112/114); hospital stay was 14 days (range, 12-16 days), with no deaths. Conclusions Use of this standard protocol is effective and highly recommended. It spares the sternum, cures the infection, and leaves the patient physically functional without the use of soft tissue flaps.
An experimental and theoretical study of the D-region—II. A semi-empirical model for mid-latitude D-region

In this the second part of a series of papers on the experimental and theoretical studies of the D-region, a semi-empirical effort is made to construct profiles of electron density, positive ion density and positive and negative ion composition for mid-latitude summer daytime for moderate solar activity period. Several specific constraints are defined in terms of current experimental data which the models have to satisfy. The basis of the model building is the six-ion chemical scheme originally proposed by Mitra and Rowe (1972) to explain changes in mesospheric chemistry during solar flares; the key parameters of the six-ion scheme are adjusted against the observational constraints. The resulting distributions of electron density, of positive ions, of the negative to electron ratio λ and of positive ion composition are given. It has been possible to achieve reasonable agreement with observational data excepting for the heights above 90 km.
Pulsed Doppler echocardiography in patients with aorto-pulmonary connection.

ABSTRACT. The pulsed Doppler principle enables us to study the bloodflow velocity at specific points in the heart and great vessels. In such aorto-pulmonary connections as patent dnctus arteriosus, aorto-pulmonary window and truncus arteriosus the bloodflow velocity patterns are typical of the malformation. Based on knowledge of these abnormal flow patterns the diagnoses of these malformations can be made.
An empirical study of US SMEs using TQM

Total quality management is a managerial philosophy that has received great attention in the business world during the past several years. There are many philosophical reasons as to why companies should implement TQM. However, the main reasons why companies should consider implementing TQM are increased profitability and competitiveness. As the result of a perception that smaller firms do not have the resources necessary to implement TQM effectively, the focus of the literature has been on large organizations. For this study, a survey instrument was developed to evaluate the impact of TQM on small and medium enterprises in the United States. The results provide useful insight into the manufacturing and service organizations that use TQM as compared to those who do not.
The origin of the sulfone in photooxidations involving sulfurane intermediates

The photooxidations of γ-hydroxysulfides which give abnormally high yields of sulfones have been investigated. This unusual result is attributed to the potent trapping ability of a hydrogen bonded sulfoxide intermediate. This suggestion is supported by measuring the ability of a γ-hydroxysulfoxide to trap the persulfoxide formed in the photooxidation of diethyl sulfide and by careful analysis of the reaction composition as a function of time.
Reproductive behavior of the cactus fly, Odontoloxozus longicornis, male territoriality and female guarding as adaptive strategies

1. Mating behavior in the cactus fly, Odontoloxozus longicornis Bigot, is investigated using a model modified from Parker (1974). Male territoriality at oviposition sites, repeated matings, and postcopulatory guarding behaviors are described for a population utilizing giant saguaro cacti (Carnega gigantea) in Pima County, Arizona. Observations of flies under varying physical conditions indicate that the males follow two general copulatory patterns. Under optimum conditions described in the report, when large areas of the cactus surface can be utilized, a territorial defense strategy is adapted by the larger males while males unable to hold territories search for females. When conditions restrict the movements of flies on the cactus surface, all males search for females in the refuges. 2. To attempt to explain the maintenance of mixed strategies in the populations, data were collected and analyzed by applying a modification of Parker's (1974) optimization model. This model assesses the success of a mating strategy in terms of a gain (G) to investment (I) ratio. Data in Table 1 include those factors identical for males employing either territorial or searching strategy. Table 2 includes factors that differ for the males employing either of the two strategies, and Tables 3 and 4 summarize the data and calculations applied to the optimization (G/I) model. 3. Avoidance of sperm displacement by intervening matings and increased fertility of females encountered are shown to be major advantages of territorial strategies. Higher investments in territorial defense and longer waiting times between females are hypothesized to be the factors that select against this strategy. Male territoriality in this species is hypothesized to have evolved as a more efficient means of postcopulatory guarding, a strategy described for several other dipteran species by Parker (1974). The harsh desert environment and lack of sympatric closely related species are discussed as factors that allow sexual selection to maintain a variable reproductive strategy in males of this species.
Agenesis of the corpus callosum: classifying functional manifestations with the ICF-CY.

AbstractPurpose: Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a congenital condition in which the corpus callosum fails to develop fully. In the literature, ACC has been broadly conceptualized and inconsistently described. This article demonstrates how the universal language of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth can increase the specificity with which researchers and clinicians describe the variable manifestations of ACC. Methods: The database for this article was based on a review of 83 studies on developmental and neuropsychological manifestations of congenital ACC in children and adolescents. First, the extent to which the findings on ACC could be documented using the taxonomic codes in the ICF-CY was examined. Next, the findings from each study were mapped onto the ICF-CY to summarize the distribution of clinical features reported in the literature. Results: There was a high degree of correspondence between the reported findings and the taxonomic code...
One-phase synthesis of surface modified gold nanoparticles and generation of SERS substrate by seed growth method.

In this study, we report a novel and facile single-phase synthesis of stable AuNP-CTAB(NA) conjugates with good dispersibility, bearing a bilayer of cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) supported by N-nonylamine (NA) as a cosurfactant. We investigated AuNP-CTAB(NA) conjugates by 1H NMR spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These studies suggest the presence of a CTAB bilayer on the nanoparticles surface forming an admicelle and NA embedded in the hydrophobic core of that bilayer. AuNP-CTAB(NA) conjugates remain dispersed in water even in the presence of high concentrations of salt and over a wide range of solution pHs. These conjugates further grow bigger when treated with additional AuCl4–, CTAB, and NA in the presence of the mild reducing agent, hydroquinone (HQ). The larger AuNP-CTAB(NA)-1 conjugates serve as SERS (surface-enhanced Raman Scattering) substrate of...
The use of goal attainment scaling to facilitate and assess individualized change in a wellness intervention for women with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Purpose: The authors examined goal achievement over an 8-month period in women with fibromyalgia participating in a holistic health promotion intervention using Goal Attainment Scaling. Design: Des...
Defining Public Relations Relationships and Diversity's Part in the Process: Practitioners' Perspectives

This research attempts to determine how practitioners define the word relationship, when it is used to describe that between an organization and public, via qualitative means. In addition, respondents were asked to explain what makes a good relationship and a bad one. They were also asked to consider whether or not attention to diversity was important to building and maintaining public relations relationships. Although respondents were quick to note that relationships were integral to their work, they had difficulty defining the term. The importance of diversity to building and maintaining relationships was also difficult to determine.
An FPGA-based Doppler Processor for a Spaceborne Precipitation Radar

Measurement of precipitation Doppler velocity by spaceborne radar is complicated by the large velocity of the satellite platform. Even if successive pulses are well correlated, the velocity measurement may be biased if the precipitation target does not uniformly fill the radar footprint. It has been previously shown that the bias in such situations can be reduced if full spectral processing is used. The authors present a processor based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology that can be used for spectral processing of data acquired by future spaceborne precipitation radars. The requirements for and design of the Doppler processor are addressed. Simulation and laboratory test results show that the processor can meet real-time constraints while easily fitting in a single FPGA.
Effects of alcohol intoxication and aggressivity on aggressive verbalizations during anger arousal

We examined the moderating effect of dispositional aggressivity on the relationship between alcohol intoxication and aggressive verbalizations. Using a laboratory anger-induction task that simulated an interpersonal conflict as a method to assess aggressive verbalizations (the articulated thoughts in simulated situations paradigm), 70 participants (33 women, 37 men) consumed either an alcoholic or a placebo beverage, and then imagined a series of audiorecorded interpersonal scenarios. Two blind-to-condition raters assessed the frequency of participants' aggressive verbalizations (insults, aggressive threats, belligerent provocations) articulated during anger arousal. Aggressivity was assessed using a standard measure of dispositional aggression. Results supported the aggressivity moderation hypothesis: intoxicated participants high in aggressivity responded with significantly more aggressive verbalizations relative to low-aggressivity participants regardless of beverage condition, and three times more aggressive verbalizations relative to the high-aggressivity/placebo group. There were no gender effects. These data support the hypothesis that alcohol potentiates aggression primarily among individuals at dispositional risk for engaging in such a behavior. Aggr. Behav. 34:428-436, 2008. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
An Empirical Analysis of Handoff Performance for SIP, Mobile IP, and SCTP Protocols

Over the last decade, we have witnessed a growing interest in the design and deployment of various network architectures and protocols aimed at supporting mobile users as they move across different types of networks. One of the goals of these emerging network solutions is to provide uninterrupted, seamless connectivity to mobile users giving them the ability to access information anywhere, anytime. Handoff management, an important component of mobility management, is crucial in enabling such seamless mobility across heterogeneous network infrastructures. In this work, we investigate the handoff performance of three of the most widely used mobility protocols namely, Mobile IP, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP). Our empirical handoff tests were executed on an actual heterogeneous network testbed consisting of wired, wireless local area, and cellular networks using performance metrics such as handoff delay and handoff signaling time. Our empirical results reveal that Mobile IP yields the highest handoff delay among the three mobility protocols. In addition, we also found that SIP and SCTP yield 33 and 55% lower handoff delays respectively compared to Mobile IP.
Acute HIV-1 Infection: What's New? Where Are We Going?

This supplemental issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases is devoted to the important topic of primary human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. It was prompted by the planning of the Acute HIV-1 Infection Meeting in Boston in September 2009, at which leading scientists and practitioners gathered to discuss new insights into the early, critical events of HIV-1 infection. The reviews that follow underline the current state of the field with regard to transmission biology of HIV-1; the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of primary HIV-1 infection; the pathogenesis of primary HIV-1 infection; and innate and adaptive immune responses to the virus. We trust that these findings have the potential to influence the development of effective vaccine strategies.
Approaches to Network Coding for Multiple Unicasts

In this paper, we survey the application of linear network coding to a multiple unicasts scenario in directed graphs. We discuss related work concerning the complexity of the construction of capacity-achieving linear network codes. We briefly review the algebraic formulation of the problem and in the remainder of the paper, we investigate two approaches to construct network codes. One is based on state-space realizations and the other is a suboptimal, yet simpler approach based on linear optimization
Science, conservation, and stewardship: Evolving codes of conduct in archaeology

The Society for American Archaeology (SAA) has developed an extensive body of ethics guidelines for its members, most actively in the last two decades. This coincides with the period in which the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has taken a strong stand on the need for its affiliates to develop clear. enforceable codes of conduct. The ethics guidelines instituted by the SAA now realize the central recommendations of the AAAS, and in this they illustrate both the importance and the limitations of these recommendations.
Zebrafish MTMR14 is required for excitation–contraction coupling, developmental motor function and the regulation of autophagy

Myotubularins are a family of dual-specificity phosphatases that act to modify phosphoinositides and regulate membrane traffic. Mutations in several myotubularins are associated with human disease. Sequence changes in MTM1 and MTMR14 (also known as Jumpy) have been detected in patients with a severe skeletal myopathy called centronuclear myopathy. MTM1 has been characterized in vitro and in several model systems, while the function of MTMR14 and its specific role in muscle development and disease is much less well understood. We have previously reported that knockdown of zebrafish MTM1 results in significantly impaired motor function and severe histopathologic changes in skeletal muscle that are characteristic of human centronuclear myopathy. In the current study, we examine zebrafish MTMR14 using gene dosage manipulation. As with MTM1 knockdown, morpholino-mediated knockdown of MTMR14 results in morphologic abnormalities, a developmental motor phenotype characterized by diminished spontaneous contractions and abnormal escape response, and impaired excitation-contraction coupling. In contrast to MTM1 knockdown, however, muscle ultrastructure is unaffected. Double knockdown of both MTM1 and MTMR14 significantly impairs motor function and alters skeletal muscle ultrastructure. The combined effect of reducing levels of both MTMR14 and MTM1 is significantly more severe than either knockdown alone, an effect which is likely mediated, at least in part, by increased autophagy. In all, our results suggest that MTMR14 is required for motor function and, in combination with MTM1, is required for myocyte homeostasis and normal embryonic development.
Postnatal neurogenesis generates heterotopias, olfactory micronodules and cortical infiltration following single-cell Tsc1 deletion

Neurological symptoms in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and associated brain lesions are thought to arise from abnormal embryonic neurogenesis due to inherited mutations in Tsc1 or Tsc2. Neurogenesis persists postnatally in the human subventricular zone (SVZ) where slow-growing tumors containing Tsc-mutant cells are generated in TSC patients. However, whether Tsc-mutant neurons from the postnatal SVZ contribute to brain lesions and abnormal circuit remodeling in forebrain structures remain unexplored. Here, we report the formation of olfactory lesions following conditional genetic Tsc1 deletion in the postnatal SVZ using transgenic mice or targeted single-cell electroporation. These lesions include migratory heterotopias and olfactory micronodules containing neurons with a hypertrophic dendritic tree. Most significantly, our data identify migrating glial and neuronal precursors that are re-routed and infiltrate forebrain structures (e.g. cortex) and become glia and neurons. These data show that Tsc1-mutant cells from the neonatal and juvenile SVZ generate brain lesions and structural abnormalities, which would not be visible using conventional non-invasive imaging. These findings also raise the hypothesis that micronodules and the persistent infiltration of cells to forebrain structures may contribute to network malfunction leading to progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms in TSC.
Divisive Primaries Do Hurt: U.S. Senate Races, 1956—1972

This analysis shows, in contrast to previously published work, that a divisive primary hurts a senatorial candidate's chances for success in the general election. The relationship between divisiveness and lack of success continues to hold when incumbency and state party orientations are controlled. This relationship has an important implication regarding representation. The fact that divisive primaries do hurt strengthens the representation of weak and minor state parties in the U.S. Senate.
Circadian variation in coronary tone in patients with stable angina. Protective role of the endothelium.

Background Coronary endothelium plays a key role in the regulation of coronary tone, platelet adhesion, and aggregation, which are important factors in triggering acute cardiovascular events. Howev...
Dimethyl acetamide sorption equilibria in a urethane/urea/ether block copolymer

A study of the interaction of solvent in a urethane/urea/ether copolymer belonging to the spandex family of materials is presented. Sorption and desorption isotherm data for N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) in spandex solutions are used to determine thermodynamic parameters of solvent/polymer interaction. Isosteric enthalpies for sorption of DMAc tend to approach the heat of evaporation of DMAc at high sorbed concentrations. A qualitative mechanism for assemblage of hard-segment domains in the polymer during desorption is presented and interpreted in terms of the sorption isotherms and isosteric enthalpy data. The study provides useful insights into the influence of particulate additives, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the solution.
Physical map of Anagrapha falcifera multinucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus

A physical map of Anagrapha falcifera multinucleocapsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AfMNPV) DNA was constructed for restriction endonucleases EcoRI, HindIII, PstI and XhoI. The genome size was estimated to be 130 kbp. Ordering of the restriction fragments was accomplished by cross-blot hybridization, double digestion and DNA—DNA hybridization. The polyhedrin gene and homologous repeat (hr) regions were located by hybridization to the Autographa californica MNPV (AcMNPV) polyhedrin gene and hr4, respectively. Restriction pattern comparison and Southern blot analysis suggest that AfMNPV is closely related to AcMNPV.
Performance Characteristics of Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Monte Carlo Strategy

A simulation strategy is formulated to study the performance of cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The methodology takes into account microscale properties, for example, diffusion of spherical electrode particle within the periodic boundary condition, 0 x lp. The electrode particles move in each step to its nearest-neighbor distance, employing the condition irj expdLi1/ds, where "ir" represents the random number, dLi1 is the nearest-neighbor distance for the Li ion in the absence of solvent, and ds is the thickness of the solid phase. The Monte Carlo codes involve macroscale properties, namely, solvation effects, diffusion coefficients, and the concentration gradient to determine the diffusion of Li ions within the boundary conditions of lp x ls and employing the random number criterion irj expdLi1/ds, where dLi1 is the nearest-neighbor distance Li + can move in the presence of solvent and ds2 is the thickness of the separator. The potential applied is in the range of 2.4-4.5 V and the capacity is calculated from the concentration of Li ions diffusing through the separator and the distance gradient. The discharge behavior for both LiCoO2 and LiFePO4 as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries is in quantitative agreement with existing literature.
Lead Content of Human Blood, Hair, and Deciduous Teeth: Correlation with Environmental Factors and Growth

Determination of lead content of deciduous teeth may provide a useful index to previous lead exposure.
A combinatorial rule to determine the probability of n consecutive successes of N tries

A procedure for the determination of the probability or n consecutive successes of N tries is presented The procedure is based on the formation of a coefficient array. The coefficients are determined using a combinatorial rule. >
The effect of the financial crisis on physical health: Perceived impact matters

The impact of the financial crisis on health was investigated ( N = 312). Intraindividual intercept, slope, and quadratic parameters capturing trends in income, subjective financial situation, and perceived stress across the period predicted physical health, controlling for baseline health. For those experiencing a decline in financial situation, a decrease in financial situation and an increase in perceived stress predicted poorer health; neither financial situation nor perceived stress predicted health in those not experiencing this decline. Although we cannot intervene in contextual factors like the financial crisis, health outcomes may be improved by targeting perceived impact and stress levels in those who feel affected.
Simulations of Anodic Nanopore Growth Using the Smoothed Boundary and Level Set Methods

Self-ordered nanostructured films can be fabricated through an electrochemical oxidation process called anodization. These films, with features on the order of tens of nanometers, have potential applications ranging from solar cells to medical devices. The most widely examined anodic nanostructured film is nanoporous anodic alumina. Although several models have been developed to describe the growth and self-organization of nanoporous anodic alumina, none have captured the full range of observed behavior. Here, we present a multidimensional extension of a one-dimensional model of anodization, and its implementation utilizing the smoothed boundary and level set methods, which permit the simulation of a growing pore on a fixed, regular computational grid. The simulations capture much of the experimental behavior for a range of applied potentials and electrolyte pH values. Most importantly, the simulated pore geometry is shown to be insensitive to the electrolyte pH, as is observed experimentally but had not ...
Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Oxidative stress is considered as a significant component in the pathogenesis of the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (1-3). Oxidative stress can be defined as the pathogenic outcome created by the oxidation of critical tissue targets by reactive species which are generated at rates that exceed tissue antioxidant capacity. Evidence for the presence of oxidative stress in ARDS patients is scarce. A major limitation for measuring reactive species in biological systems is their short half life. Since reactive species modify biological molecules such as proteins, lipids and DNA measurement of the modified targets provide the experimental tools for their detection and quantification. Previously we identified plasma proteins as a suitable target for quantification of oxidative stress in humans. Therefore the purpose of this study was to measure modified plasma proteins in ARDS patients as well as patients with sepsis. Two protein modifications were measured; protein carbonyl adducts and 3-nitrotyrosine. Protein carbonyls are derived by the direct oxidation of amino acid residues or conjugation of aldehydes that are formed by the oxidation of unsaturated lipids or sugars. Overall, plasma protein carbonyls indicate the formation of oxidants. Nitration of protein tyrosine residues by nitrating species results in the formation of 3-nitrotyrosine. The data collected indicated that elevation in protein carbonyls is associated with ARDS but not sepsis whereas plasma protein 3-nitrotyrosine was found to be elevated in both ARDS and septic patients.