cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Land ethic through a retrospective lens: focusing and refocusing moral community

Aldo Leopold proposed in 1949 that the community of moral concern would expand to include the land. Such a vision of the expansion of moral community has continued to find echoes among contemporary thinkers with a variety of perspectives. This paper suggests five foci as a typology for characterizing this expansive conversation about ecotheology and ecological ethics: (1) a localized focus on particular place, (2) a revisioning focus on scripture, (3) a re-centering focus on the putative ‘center’ of value, (4) ecocentrism or a de-centering focus on value within ecological relationship, and (5) an expansive focus on the cosmos. Both human power and human vulnerability within the natural world become salient in this conversation. Ironically, however, even in seeking to determine value in nature, it is human agency that is tacitly empowered to act in accord with that perceived ecological value.
Beyond many-core: Commercial workload acceleration in high-end systems

Keeping up with Moore's law is becoming more and more difficult. The industry is acknowledging this and increasingly turning to acceleration to solve this challenge. In my talk I will present different acceleration solutions (GPU and FPGA based) that are used for commercial workloads and their advantages and drawbacks based on the workload characteristics. I will discuss additional constrains that play a key role in this environment like security and availability. The internet of things revolution with massive rich sensor data to analyse and process is providing another area of great interest and challenge at the same time for the industry. I will show a novel approach under development based on non-von Neumann architecture to address this issue and give my outlook on commercial acceleration needs and directions in the future.
Nonideal Theory and Philosophy of Education: Considering What Is While Working Toward What Ought to Be

In the context of education in general and philosophy of education in particular, nonideal theory has not generated much recent, specific discussion. It has been mentioned by philosophers of education here and there,1 but it has not been front and center even though distinguished philosophers such as Alison Jaggar, Charles Mills, and Elizabeth Anderson have examined it and used it in interesting and productive ways.2
Secondary Reinforcement as a Function of Reinforcement Scheduling

In the present study, albino rats were given discrimination training in a modified Skinner Box. During this training several schedules of SD—SR pairings were presented; differential effects of this...
Structures of the Neuronal and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Heme Domain with d-Nitroarginine-Containing Dipeptide Inhibitors Bound.

In a continuing effort to unravel the structural basis for isoform-selective inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by various inhibitors, we have determined the crystal structures of the nNOS and eNOS heme domain bound with two D-nitroarginine-containing dipeptide inhibitors, D-Lys-D-Arg N O 2-NH 2 and D-Phe-D-Arg N O 2-NH 2 . These two dipeptide inhibitors exhibit similar binding modes in the two constitutive NOS isozymes, which is consistent with the similar binding affinities for the two isoforms as determined by K i measurements. The D-nitroarginine-containing dipeptide inhibitors are not distinguished by the amino acid difference between nNOS and eNOS (Asp 597 and Asn 368, respectively) which is key in controlling isoform selection for nNOS over eNOS observed for the L-nitroarginine-containing dipeptide inhibitors reported previously [Flinspach, M., et al. (2004) Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 11, 54-59]. The lack of a free α-amino group on the D-nitroarginine moiety makes the dipeptide inhibitor steer away from the amino acid binding pocket near the active site. This allows the inhibitor to extend into the solvent-accessible channel farther away from the active site, which enables the inhibitors to explore new isoform-specific enzyme-inhibitor interactions. This might be the structural basis for why these D-nitroarginine-containing inhibitors are selective for nNOS (or eNOS) over iNOS.
Predictors of prolonged postoperative endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing thoracotomy for lung resection.

Objective The aim of this study was to identify predictors of delayed endotracheal extubation defined as the need for postoperative ventilatory support after open thoracotomy for lung resection. Design An observational cohort investigation. Setting A tertiary referral center. Participants The study population consisted of 2,068 patients who had open thoracotomy for pneumonectomy, lobectomy, or segmental lung resection between January 1996 and December 2005. Interventions Not applicable. Measurements and Main Results Preoperative and intraoperative variables were collected concurrently with the patient's care. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression with stepwise variable selection procedure on 1,000 bootstrap resamples, and a bagging algorithm was used to summarize the results. Intraoperative red blood cell transfusion, higher preoperative serum creatinine level, absence of a thoracic epidural catheter, more extensive surgical resection, and lower preoperative FEV 1 were associated with an increased risk of delayed extubation after lung resection. Conclusion Most predictors of delayed postoperative extubation (ie, red blood cell transfusion, higher preoperative serum creatinine, lower preoperative FEV 1 , and more extensive lung resection) are difficult to modify in the perioperative period and probably represent greater severity of underlying lung disease and more advanced comorbid conditions. However, thoracic epidural anesthesia and analgesia is a modifiable factor that was associated with reduced odds for postoperative ventilatory support. Thus, the use of epidural analgesia may reduce the need for post-thoracotomy mechanical ventilation.
Real Time Tracking of tRNA Movements Inside Single Ribosomes.

Protein biosynthesis kinetics is important to understand synonymous codon bias and co-translational protein folding. However, real time tracking of the tRNA movement inside the ribosome in full range has not been observed. We have developed an in vitro single molecule FRET system to tackle this problem. In our approach, the ribosome peptidyl center and the tRNAs are labeled with the FRET-paired dyes (1, 2). Because of the central position of the peptidyl center, we can track the tRNA trajectory inside the ribosome from the initial A/T site to the exit E-site.We have studied the initial tRNA binding, selection and peptidyl transfer reaction in real time with cognate, near cognate tRNAs, in the presence of antibiotics, and with GTP analogues. Several different tRNA substrates at different elongation stages are studied with several different FRET labeling strategies. We have identified two A/T states for tRNA selection and deduced the kinetic parameters for these processes. In the presence of Kirromycin or non-hydrolysable GTP analog, only one A/T state is observed. At this state, the near cognate tRNA is rejected at 17 s-1 while the cognate tRNA progresses into the A/A binding site. The peptidyl transfer reaction happens faster than 25 s-1 to form the fluctuating pre-translocation complex. Our study provides single molecule kinetic measurements for the tRNA selection mechanism and paves the way to observe single copy protein synthesis in real time.1. Ly, C. T., Altuntop, M. E., and Wang, Y. (2010) Single-Molecule Study of Viomycin's Inhibition Mechanism on Ribosome Translocation, Biochemistry 49, 9732-9738.2. Altuntop, M. E., Ly, C. T., and Wang, Y. (2010) Single-molecule study of ribosome hierarchic dynamics at the peptidyl transferase center, Biophys J 99, 3002-3009.
A Multistage Pathway for Human Prion Protein Aggregation in Vitro: From Multimeric Seeds to β-Oligomers and Nonfibrillar Structures

Aberrant protein aggregation causes numerous neurological diseases including Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), but the aggregation mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report AFM results on the formation pathways of β-oligomers and nonfibrillar aggregates from wild-type full-length recombinant human prion protein (WT) and an insertion mutant (10OR) with five additional octapeptide repeats linked to familial CJD. Upon partial denaturing, seeds consisting of 3–4 monomers quickly appeared. Oligomers of ∼11–22 monomers then formed through direct interaction of seeds, rather than by subsequent monomer attachment. All larger aggregates formed through association of these β-oligomers. Although both WT and 10OR exhibited identical aggregation mechanisms, the latter oligomerized faster due to lower solubility and, hence, thermodynamic stability. This novel aggregation pathway has implications for prion diseases as well as others caused by protein aggregation.
Electronic properties of sodium-C222-sodide

The electrical conductivity of both polycrystalline and single-crystal Na+C222 · Na− was measured as a function of temperature from 220 to 280 K and the dielectric constant of polycrystalline samples was studied as a function of frequency from 1 kHz to 10 MHz at several temperatures. The results show both electronic and ionic conductivity for single crystals but the ionic contribution is suppressed in polycrystalline samples. The activation energies for ionic and electronic transport are 1.6 ± 0.2 eV and 1.2 ± 0.1 eV, respectively. After being subjected to a dc potential of >2.0 V for a period of time, single crystals had an open circuit voltage that decayed only slowly with time, showing that the system behaves as an electrochemical cell. When the potential was <2.0 V, the effect was absent. The results are in agreement with ionic conduction by Na+ superimposed on a background of electronic conduction.
Design and simulation of a fast Josephson junction on-chip gated clock for frequency and time analysis

As the sophistication and speed of digital communication systems increase, there is a corresponding demand for more sophisticated and faster measurement instruments. One such instrument on the market is the HP 5371A frequency and time interval analyzer (FTIA). This instrument is analogous to a conventional oscilloscope. Whereas the oscilloscope measures waveform amplitudes as a function of time, the FTIA measures phase, frequency, or timing events as function of time. These applications are useful in such areas as spread-spectrum radar, chirp filter designs, disk-head evaluation, and timing jitter analysis. The on-chip clock designed for this application uses a single Josephson junction as the clock and a resonator circuit to fix the frequency. A zero-crossing detector is used to start and stop the clock. A SFQ counter is used to count the pulses generated by the clock and a reset circuit is used to reset the clock. Extensive simulations and modeling have been done based on measured values obtained from an Nb-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-Al-Nb process.
Designing a generic payment service

The growing importance of electronic commerce has resulted in the introduction of a variety of different and incompatible payment systems. For business application developers, this variety implies the need to understand the details of different systems, to adapt the code as soon as new payment systems are introduced, and also to provide a way of picking a suitable payment instrument for every transaction. In our work, we unify the different mechanisms in a common framework with application programming interfaces. Our framework provides services for transparent negotiation and selection of payment instruments as well. This allows applications to be developed independent of specific payment systems with the additional benefit of providing a central point of control for payment information and policies.
Effects of prestimulus interval on phonation initiation reaction times.

Latencies for phonation initiation (from adducted, abducted, and a subject method, prephonatory vocal-fold position) were studied in 30 young adults under an auditory reaction time paradigm as a fu...
Brown Recluse Spider Envenomation

Brown recluse spider bite is a common diagnosis in almost every state in America. In fact, cases have been reported in areas where the spider has never been seen. A review of medical literature reveals that most current concepts regarding brown recluse spider envenomation are based on supposition. In this article, we attempt to review critically our present understanding of brown recluse bites with a focus on the published evidence.
An Introduction to Evidence- Based Practice

Abstract Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a process in which scientific evidence is evaluated to determine underlying trends and principles of health/health care. This information is then translated into information about best clinical practices. EBP affords a systematic way to improve healthcare, improve patient outcomes, and evaluate resources needed. The Star Model of EBP provides a mechanism to transform large collections of research data into clinical practice. The 5 steps of knowledge production through original research, evidence summary, evidence translation, implementation, and evaluation differ from the traditional methods for research utilization. A number of groups are currently summarizing research on a wide variety of topics, providing conclusions about the state of the science. The nurse can access these valuable summaries of clinical knowledge as a crucial step in moving research into practice. The use of research evidence in our care increases certainty and predictability in the effect of the practice on the outcome. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Production of gamma interferon by human T and null cells and its regulation by macrophages

Abstract Human mononuclear subpopulations were tested for the capacity to produce interferon after mitogenic stimulation with protein A from Staphylococcus aureus . Mononuclear cells were separated into highly enriched macrophage, T-, B-, and null-cell subpopulations by Sephadex G-10 adherence, anti-human IgG F(ab′) two-column chromatography, and rosetting with sheep erythrocytes. Interferon (IFN) production was observed in both T- and null-cell preparations, but not in macrophage or B-cell preparations. Physicochemical and antigenic characterization of IFN from T- and null-cell preparations showed that both mononuclear subpopulations produced gamma IFN (IFNγ). Regulatory studies showed that IFNγ production was differentially regulated by macrophages. Macrophage addition to T lymphocytes augmented both cellular proliferation and IFNγ production, whereas macrophage addition to null cells suppressed IFNγ production and had no effect on the minimal proliferative response observed for these cells.
Semilinear Parabolic Equations, Diffusions, and Superdiffusions

The semilinear equationu+L0u=uα, whereL0is a second-order elliptic differential operator without zero-order term and 1 1). Related problems are treated with the help of diffusion processes. This approach is useful even in the linear theory. For instance, the first boundary value problem for equationu+Lu=−fcan be investigated for a class of domains described in probabilistic terms which is substantially larger than the class considered in the literature on PDEs.
Free vibration of laminated and sandwich plates using enhanced plate theories

Abstract In this paper two enhanced plate theories for laminated and sandwich plates are developed via the mixed variational formulation for free vibration studies. A concept presented by the author [J.-S. Kim, Reconstruction of first-order shear deformation theory for laminated and sandwich shells, AIAA Journal 42 (2004) 1685–1697], which includes the displacement and stress recovery procedure, is extended to the mixed variational theorem. By obtaining the transverse shear stresses based on higher-order zig-zag theories, the mixed variational formulation embraces them as the classical FSDT and HSDT. Relationships between the higher-order zig-zag theories and the classical FSDT and HSDT are systematically established via the mixed variational theorem and the generalized definition of the mean displacement. The accuracy and efficiency of the present enhanced plate theories are demonstrated by comparing their results with the reported results in the literature and 3D exact elasticity solutions for the plates vibrating in cylindrical bending.
Abrupt changes in pentobarbital sensitivity in preBötzinger complex region, hypoglossal motor nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarius, and cortex during rat transitional period (P10-P15).

On postnatal days P10-P15 in rat medulla, neurotransmitter receptor subunit composition shifts toward a more mature phenotype. Since medullary GABAARs regulate cardiorespiratory function, abrupt alterations in GABAergic synaptic inhibition could disrupt homeostasis. We hypothesized that GABAARs on medullary neurons become more resistant to positive allosteric modulation during P10-P15. Medullary and cortical slices from P10 to P20 rats were used to record spontaneous action potentials in pre-Botzinger Complex (preBotC-region), hypoglossal (XII) motor nucleus, nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and cortex during exposure to pentobarbital (positive allosteric modulator of GABAARs). On P14, pentobarbital resistance abruptly increased in preBotC-region and decreased in NTS, but these changes in pentobarbital resistance were not present on P15. Pentobarbital resistance decreased in XII motor nucleus during P11-P15 with a nadir at P14. Abrupt changes in pentobarbital resistance indicate changes in GABAergic receptor composition and function that may compensate for potential increased GABAergic inhibition and respiratory depression that occurs during this key developmental transitional period.
A three-dimensional in vitro ovarian cancer coculture model using a high-throughput cell patterning platform.

In vitro 3D cancer models that provide a more accurate representation of disease in vivo are urgently needed to improve our understanding of cancer pathology and to develop better cancer therapies. However, development of 3D models that are based on manual ejection of cells from micropipettes suffer from inherent limitations such as poor control over cell density, limited repeatability, low throughput, and, in the case of coculture models, lack of reproducible control over spatial distance between cell types (e.g., cancer and stromal cells). In this study, we build on a recently introduced 3D model in which human ovarian cancer (OVCAR-5) cells overlaid on Matrigel™ spontaneously form multicellular acini. We introduce a high-throughput automated cell printing system to bioprint a 3D coculture model using cancer cells and normal fibroblasts micropatterned on Matrigel™. Two cell types were patterned within a spatially controlled microenvironment (e.g., cell density, cell-cell distance) in a high-throughput and reproducible manner; both cell types remained viable during printing and continued to proliferate following patterning. This approach enables the miniaturization of an established macro-scale 3D culture model and would allow systematic investigation into the multiple unknown regulatory feedback mechanisms between tumor and stromal cells and provide a tool for high-throughput drug screening.
THE EFFECT OF ESTRIOL GLUCURONIDE ON THE SPONTANEOUS ACTIVITY OF SENILE MALE RATS

AS HAS RECENTLY BEEN EMPHASIZED (1), the ageing organism presents a large variety of important and unsolved problems. That the terminal stages of life are commonly marked by gradually increasing decrepitude is a matter of common knowledge but the time, severity and speed of its development vary widely. Some men enjoy a fairly high degree of preservation of functions for as much as a century whereas others meet advancing decrepitude and ultimate death within three decades. An obvious need is to determine to what extent the decrepitude can be ameliorated or postponed. The fact that both longevity and senescent vigor are importantly determined by hereditary factors does not necessarily mean that they are not subject to considerable degrees of modification. A study, of which this report constitutes one item, has been undertaken in an attempt to modify the vigor of ageing rats, using spontaneous activity as a criterion.
Low plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide in untreated hypothyroid patients.

. A group of patients with primary hypothyroidism has been studied, and it is reported that low serum levels of thyroid hormones are accompanied by low plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentrations. While the correlation between ANP and thyroid hormone levels is strong, no correlation was found between ANP and heart rate or arterial blood pressure. It is suggested that thyroid hormones directly stimulate the release of ANP from atrial cardiocytes.
On the importance of being (stereo) specific

The current era of exciting advances in the molecular and cell biology of the alkaline phosphatase isozymes represents to me ‘the promised land’ towards which I and others have been struggling to reach over forty years. The papers including in the Symposium have given us a picture which can be the platform of knowledge upon which to build future progress. My purpose is to illuminate a key signpost which has guided me along the route of my scientific travels in clinical enzymology. It is both the stereo specificity and organ specificity of amino acid inhibitors of enzymes.
Catalytic Desulfurization of Carbon Black on a Platinum Oxide Electrode

Organically bound sulfur is a common impurity in carbon blacks, such as vulcanized carbon and coal. Whereas this organosulfur is usually removed by heating to high temperatures, we describe a low-temperature method to desulfurize solid carbon via oxidation (ultimately to SO42-) on a Pt catalyst in oxygenated aqueous media. The reaction is monitored on Vulcan carbon, which is the favored support for the Pt catalysts used in fuel-cell electrodes but which has a high concentration (nominally 5000 ppm) of organosulfur. Vulcan carbon is electrodesulfurized by dispersing it in a heated, dilute HNO3 electrolyte where it can physically contact a Pt mesh anode that is maintained as Pt oxide. After 40−180 min of electrolysis in oxygenated solution at +1.0 V versus Pd/H, sulfate is present in the electrolyte (as measured by precipitation of BaSO4). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the dried, electrodesulfurized carbon shows that ∼30% of the near-surface organosulfur is removed. The remaining sulfur presumably doe...
Mapping the connections between wildlife, learning, and emotion

Among the overriding themes of the seminal American environmental texts of the last two centuries is that humans and animals in close proximity have unique significance for people; on a basic level, being in the presence of wildlife is important for many people. Presently, human- wildlife encounters are increasing and are expected to continue to increase as human and animal populations grow and habitats intersect. As numbers of encounters grow, so too will the potential for emotional responses to wildlife. By chronicling the nuances of personal experiences with wildlife, we might develop a more thorough understanding of how people learn about wildlife through their interactions with animals. By emphasizing the beneficial nature of human-wildlife interaction, and infusing emotion into our understanding of learning processes, the exploration of people's encounters with wildlife will become nuanced and linked to educational strategies.
In utero bisphenol A concentration, metabolism, and global DNA methylation across matched placenta, kidney, and liver in the human fetus

While urine has been an easily accessible and feasible matrix for human biomonitoring, analytical measurements in internal tissues and organs can provide more accurate exposure assessments to understand disease etiology. This is especially important for the endocrine active compound, bisphenol A (BPA), where studies investigating internal doses at sensitive periods of human development are currently lacking. Herein, BPA concentrations, BPA-specific metabolizing enzyme gene expression, and global DNA methylation were characterized across three matched tissues from elective pregnancy terminations of 2nd trimester human fetuses: the placenta, liver, and kidney (N=12 each; N=36 total). Compared to liver (free: 0.54-50.5 ng g(-1)), BPA concentrations were lower in matched placenta (<0.05-25.4 ng g(-1)) and kidney (0.08-11.1 ng g(-1)) specimens. BPA-specific metabolism gene expression of GUSB, UGT2B15, STS, and SULT1A1 differed across each tissue type; however, conjugation and deconjugation expression patterns were similar across the fetus. Average LINE1 and CCGG global methylation were 58.3% and 59.2% in placenta, 79.5% and 66.4% in fetal liver, and 77.9% and 77.0% in fetal kidney, with significant tissue-specific DNA methylation differences in both LINE1 (p-value<0.001) and CCGG content (p-value<0.001). Total BPA concentrations were positively associated with global methylation for the placenta only using the LINE1 assay (p-value: 0.002), suggesting organ-specific biological effects after fetal exposure. Utilizing sensitive human clinical specimens, results are informative for BPA toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics assessment in the developing human fetus.
DSP architectures: past, present and futures

As far as the future of communication is concerned, we have seen that there is great demand for audio and video data to complement text. Digital signal processing (DSP) is the science that enables traditionally analog audio and video signals to be processed digitally for transmission, storage, reproduction and manipulation. In this paper, we will explain the various DSP architectures and its silicon implementation. We will also discuss the state-of-the art and examine the issues pertaining to performance.
Correlates of Reflection-Impulsivity in Kindergarten Males: Intelligence, Socioeconomic Status, Race, Fathers' Absence, and Teachers' Ratings

Summary.-72 kindergarten males were assessed for reflection-impulsivity with the Matching Familiar Figures test. Cognitive style on this test was examined in relation to intelligence, socioeconomic status, race, fathers' absence, and teachers' ratings of impulsivity. Significant findings included boys whose fathers were absent from the home made more errors on the test than boys whose fathers were present in the home. Teachers rated more intelligent boys as more impulsive, and these teachers' ratings were positively correlated with errors but not latencies. No significant differences in cognitive style were found for race or socioeconomic groups. This study assessed whether children's problem-solving styles related to intelligence or various demographic variables. Problem-solving style was determined using the Matching Familiar Figures test (Kagan, Rosman, Day, Albert, & Phillips, 1964) which examines the cognitive dimension of reflectionimpulsivity. Reflectives have been described as those individuals who consider alternatives carefully, reflect before responding, and produce more accurate solutions. Impulsives, on the other hand, are described as responding without sufficient thought to their initial hypothesis, as not considering as many alternatives, and as more likely td respond incorrectly (Kagan, 1965). The issue of whether intelligence is related to reflection-impulsivity is unclear. While there is much evidence that IQs and errors on Matching Familiar Figures are negatively and significantly related (Eska & Black, 1971; Lewis, Rausch, Goldberg, & Dodd, 1968; Ward, 1968), the relationship established between IQs and latencies is inconsistent. Kagan (1965) and Finch, Pezzuti, Montgomery, and Kemp (1974) found there was no relationship, while Eska and Black (1971) found a significant positive relationship between
An eventful semester teaching field geophysics

During the fall semester, I annually teach a course in field geophysics for upper level undergraduates and graduate students. Because there is a field element to several seismic courses taught here, the methods included in my course are generally limited to ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), magnetometry, and gravity. Seismic methods are not excluded but are only used if called for in a particular field study.
A case of premature ventricular contractions originating from the papillary muscle in the right ventricle

Abstract A 45-year-old man with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) underwent electrophysiological studies. Activation mapping using a noncontact electroanatomical mapping system indicated that the septal mid-apical region in the right ventricle was activated earliest. However, pace mapping did not match the activation mapping. Although the PVCs were successfully eliminated by applying radiofrequency current to the prepotential site preceding their QRS onset, a recurrence of PVCs with the same QRS morphology was observed at the 2-month follow-up examination, necessitating a second procedure. During the second procedure, echocardiography-guided electroanatomic mapping revealed centrifugal activation from the right ventricular mid-apical region on the septal portion of the anterior papillary muscle, but perfect pace mapping was not obtained at that site. With intracardiac echocardiography confirming good contact between the ablation catheter and papillary muscle, an irrigated radiofrequency current successfully eliminated the PVCs. This case indicates that the use of a guidance system may be feasible and useful for catheter ablation of PVCs originating from the right ventricular papillary muscle when there are discrepancies between activation mapping and pace mapping.
Community health changes under welfare reform.

This comparative case study1 examined changes in community health under New Jersey welfare reform policy implementation (1994-2001). The boundaries of these case descriptions were directed by Milii's ecological framework for policy studies. The separate cases consist of descriptions of changes in social climate and health indicators within Camden, Essex, and Hudson counties in New Jersey. Data analysis revealed a greater public health challenge in these counties than the state as a whole. A large increase in the numbers of low income and uninsured in the population may begin in 2004, 2 years following the 5-year lifetime limit of the receipt of welfare benefits. A growing uninsured population would place additional burdens on the abilities of safety net providers to meet health care needs of vulnerable populations. If left unchanged, these wider effects of the New Jersey welfare reform policy would have negative implications for improving quality of care.
Systemic wound signaling in tomato leaves is cooperatively regulated by systemin and hydroxyproline-rich glycopeptide signals

Hydroxyproline-rich glycopeptides (HypSys peptides) have been isolated recently from tobacco and tomato leaves that are powerful activators of protease inhibitor synthesis. The peptides are processed from polyprotein precursors, two from a single tobacco precursor and three from a single tomato precursor. The precursor genes are expressed in response to wounding and methyl jasmonate, similar to the expression of the systemin precursor prosystemin in tomato leaves. Here we investigate the relationships between systemin and the tomato HypSys peptides in regulating wound signaling in tomato plants. Analysis of transgenic tomato plants over-expressing sense and antisense constructs of the tomato HypSys precursor under the 35S CaMV promoter show that the transgenic plants regulate protease inhibitor gene expression in response to wounding in a manner similar to prosystemin. The evidence indicates that the expression of both the tomato HypSys precursor gene and the prosystemin gene in response to wounding are necessary for strong systemic signaling. The data supports a role for both genes in an amplification loop that up-regulates the octadecanoid pathway and the synthesis of jasmonates to effect strong systemic signaling of defense genes. This report provides the first demonstration of the involvement of two plant peptides derived from two unrelated genes in regulating long distance wound signaling in plants.
Isolating the Role of Nanofillers: A Study on Amorphous Polyamide Nanocomposites

We report the production of transparent, amorphous, partially exfoliated polyamide / nanoclay nanocomposites. Stiffness and yield strength increase with nanoclay content, while work-of-fracture remains constant below an inorganic content of 0.25 vol%.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Stabilization of an excess electron on uracil by a pair of HF molecules: Ab initio study

Abstract Two HF molecules can stabilize an excess electron in an uracil anion in a covalent π state or in a diffuse σ state by directly interacting with the electron. The ab initio calculations performed in this work reveal several different configurational isomers of the complex of the uracil anion with the two HF molecules. The systems differ in terms of the structure of the solvation shell around the excess electron.
Simulation of quantum computers

Quantum computers are simulated solving a variety of important physics problems. The numerical solution of the Burgers equation, Dirac’s Equation, Schrodinger’s equation, and other physics equations are solved by simulations of quantum computers. Navier Stokes equation turbulence solutions are produced both over simple and complex structures.
Plant senescence for ecologists: precision in concept, scale, and terminology

Plant scientists, conservationists, and land managers have expressed a need for more research into causal mechanisms behind whole-plant senescence and mortality, especially where increased rates and incidence of forest decline are projected owing to climate change. However, these disciplines use the terminology of senescence in different ways, and this impedes communication between them. We highlight three common difficulties with senescence terminology as used in the ecological literature and propose some solutions. Specifically, we recommend (1) distinguishing between physiological and demographic senses of the term “senescence”; (2) discarding the qualifiers “exogenous” and “endogenous” as applied to disturbances that can contribute to senescence; and (3) using care in attributing mortality of individual woody perennials to senescence.
Benzyloxyfluorocarbene: Resistance to fragmentation

Benzyloxyfluorocarbene resists fragmentation to benzyl fluoride, and can be intercepted by water, fluoride ion, methanol or acrylonitrile. In contrast, benzyloxybromocarbene and benzyloxychlorocarbene fragment to the corresponding benzyl halides, and are not efficiently trapped.
Separating the influence of capitalism and democracy on women's well-being

Abstract This empirical analysis seeks to determine which institutional arrangement, capitalism or democracy, tends to be more effective at improving women's well-being and promoting gender equality in society. Country-specific indexes measuring the degree of economic freedoms that exist within the market and the degree of political rights that exist within a democracy are used in a panel data analysis to explain the observed levels of various quality of life measures reflecting issues that are relevant to women. These empirical results indicate that capitalism often has a stronger beneficial impact on many aspects of women's well-being and gender equality in society.
An ethnographic study of Latino preschool children's oral health in rural California: Intersections among family, community, provider and regulatory sectors.

Latino children experience a higher prevalence of caries than do children in any other racial/ethnic group in the US. This paper examines the intersections among four societal sectors or contexts of care which contribute to oral health disparities for low-income, preschool Latino1 children in rural California. Findings are reported from an ethnographic investigation, conducted in 2005–2006, of family, community, professional/dental and policy/regulatory sectors or contexts of care that play central roles in creating or sustaining low income, rural children's poor oral health status. The study community of around 9,000 people, predominantly of Mexican-American origin, was located in California's agricultural Central Valley. Observations in homes, community facilities, and dental offices within the region were supplemented by in-depth interviews with 30 key informants (such as dental professionals, health educators, child welfare agents, clinic administrators and regulatory agents) and 47 primary caregivers (mothers) of children at least one of whom was under 6 years of age. Caregivers did not always recognize visible signs of caries among their children, nor respond quickly unless children also complained of pain. Fluctuating seasonal eligibility for public health insurance intersected with limited community infrastructure and civic amenities, including lack of public transportation, to create difficulties in access to care. The non-fluoridated municipal water supply is not widely consumed because of fears about pesticide pollution. If the dentist brought children into the clinic for multiple visits, this caused the accompanying parent hardship and occasionally resulted in the loss of his or her job. Few general dentists had received specific training in how to handle young patients. Children's dental fear and poor provider-parent communication were exacerbated by a scarcity of dentists willing to serve rural low-income populations. Stringent state fiscal reimbursement policies further complicated the situation. Several societal sectors or contexts of care significantly intersected to produce or sustain poor oral health care for children. Parental beliefs and practices, leading for example to delay in seeking care, were compounded by lack of key community or economic resources, and the organization and delivery of professional dental services. In the context of state-mandated policies and procedures, these all worked to militate against children receiving timely care that would considerably reduce oral health disparities among this highly disadvantaged population.
Modeling of thermochemical energy storage by salt hydrates

We investigate the capability of salt hydrates to store thermochemical energy as they dissociate into anhydrous salts or lower hydrates and water vapor upon heating using the example of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate as a model salt. An anhydrous salt has a relatively higher energy content than its hydrated counterpart. It can be stably stored over long durations and transported at ambient temperatures. Thermal energy can be released by allowing water vapor to flow across the anhydrous salt, which transforms its chemically stored heat into a sensible form. This has potential as a technology for long-term thermal storage applications, e.g., for storing solar heat during summer months and releasing it in the winter to provide heat for buildings and infrastructure. Water desorption occurs from salt hydrates when they are heated to a critical temperature at which their dehydration is activated. While thermal diffusion governs heat transfer below this temperature, during the dehydration process it is influenced by the desorption kinetics. We model the overall thermochemical process using relations for the conservation of mass and energy, and a relation describing the desorption kinetics, employing a finite difference scheme to solve them. Different cases are considered, which provide guidance about process performance, such as the characteristics of optimally designed salts. The time required for hydrated salts to undergo complete desorption decreases nonlinearly with an increase in the input heat flux.
Justice After Genocide: Impunity and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia

After nearly 40 years, some of the key leaders of the former Khmer Rouge genocidal regime are facing trial at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). This paper explores the challenges and opportunities facing the ECCC in its pursuit of justice and accountability for the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge against the Cambodian people. It concludes that, despite the political controversies and resource constraints affecting the court in fulfilling its mandate to end impunity, victims and survivors of the Pol Pot era may still benefit psychologically from the long-overdue official acknowledgement of their suffering and the opportunity for younger generations to learn the truth of what happened. Some justice could indeed be better than none in the quest for healing and reconciliation at the individual and community level. This process may be undermined, however, if the prevailing culture of "small impunities" and the need for political and socioeconomic justice, along with psychosocial support, are not addressed.
The Neuropharmacology of Sleep Disorders: Better Sleeping Through Chemistry?:

Sleep and wake states involve interaction among many brain centers via multiple neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, hypocretin, acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin (wake promoting), and γ amino butyric acid (GABA) and melatonin (sleep promoting). Most medications for insomnia or hypersomnia act on elements of these neural systems. Initial treatment of insomnia includes sleep hygiene measures. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia is useful. Medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for insomnia act on GABA receptors or on melatonin receptors. A frequent cause of insomnia is restless legs syndrome, which is linked to reduced dopaminergic activity in brain structures; idiopathic restless legs syndrome is best treated with dopamine agonists such as ropinerole or pramipexole. Excessive daytime sleepiness is most often due to insufficient sleep hours or sleep apnea but is also caused by medications, illnesses, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. Stimulants generally ...
If we build it, will they colonize? A test of the field of dreams paradigm with soil macroinvertebrate communities

Abstract Soil invertebrates transfer energy and material between belowground and aboveground systems, but a clear understanding of their recovery following long-term disturbance to soil is lacking. We quantified trophic, taxonomic, and compositional change of soil macroinvertebrates in cultivated fields, prairies restored for 1–21 years, and prairies that had never been cultivated. Taxonomic diversity (H′; based on morphospecies), richness, and evenness did not change across the chronosequence. Average taxonomic richness across all restorations was intermediate to cultivated fields and remnant prairie. Detritivores increased linearly across the chronosequence, while omnivores peaked at 5–8 years following restoration, coinciding with high plant richness. Spiders were the only predators that increased across the chronosequence. Proportional similarity of the macroinvertebrate communities to the average structure of remnant prairies increased across the chronosequence, but this relationship was not upheld when individual remnant prairies with different community structures were used. This study demonstrates that remnants can vary widely in macroinvertebrate trophic structure, diversity, and taxonomic composition and include exotic macroinvertebrate species, indicating a real dilemma for assessing recovery of restorations to a “target” community.
Current Major Depression Among Smokers Using a State Quitline

Background Smokers seeking treatment to quit smoking are generally not assessed for current depression, yet depression among smokers may influence quitting outcome. Purpose This study aims to formally assess current major depression among smokers calling a state tobacco quitline. Methods A total of 844 smokers calling the California Smokers' Helpline in 2007 were screened for depression by the mood module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The Social Functioning Questionnaire (SFQ) also was administered to these callers. Two months after the screening, follow-up evaluations were conducted to assess cessation outcome. Results In all, 24.2% of smokers met criteria for current major depression and 16.5% reported symptoms indicating mild depression. Callers with current major depression were more likely to be heavy smokers and on Medicaid. Moreover, 74.0% of smokers with current major depression had substantial social and occupational functioning deficits. Two months later, those with major depression at baseline were significantly less likely to have quit smoking (18.5% vs 28.4%). Conclusions Almost one in four smokers who called the California Smokers' Helpline met criteria for current major depression. More than 400,000 smokers call state quitlines in the U.S. for help with quitting each year, which means that as many as 100,000 smokers with serious depressive symptoms are using these services annually. The large number of depressed smokers who seek help suggests a need to develop appropriate interventions to help them quit successfully.
Lumbar and cervical disc herniations: a common problem, many solutions.

atients with sciatica or cervical radiculopathy tend to improve ver time. However, surgery is frequently considered for patients ith severe symptoms, persistent symptoms, or progressive eurologic deficits. For both a symptomatic herniated cervical isc and a symptomatic herniated lumbar disc, neurosurgeons gree that surgery should be offered only after a course of onoperative treatment has failed, unless the patient has a rogressive neurologic deficit.
Identification of Blood Stains in the Immunohematology Laboratory

Stains on three items, a bottle, a man's shoe and a beer can, were revealed to be human blood, Group O. Methods of study characteristic of the immunohematology laboratory were utilized to perform the necessary tests for identification and blood grouping: Precipitin Tests in Agar with Anti-Human Serum. Hemagglutination Tests for identification of iso-agglutinins anti-A and anti-B, including an enzyme test (Ficin). Hemagglutination-Inhibition Teste for identification of blood group O, using anti-H (Ulex europeus) in addition to anti-A and anti-B.
Nucleotide Sugars, Nucleotide Sulfate, and ATP Transporters of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatusa,

The lumina of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus are the subcellular sites where glycosylation, sulfation, and phosphorylation of secretory and membrane-bound proteins, proteoglycans, and lipids occur. Nucleotide sugars, nucleotide sulfate, and ATP are substrates in the above reactions and must first be translocated from the cytosol into the lumen of these organelles. Translocation of these nucleotide derivatives is mediated by highly specific transporters, which are antiporters with the corresponding nucleoside monophosphate, as shown by genetic and biochemical approaches in mammals and yeast. Studies with mammalian, yeast, and protozoa mutants have shown that a defect in a specific translocator results in selective impairments of glycosylation of proteins, lipids and proteoglycans in vivo. Several of these transporters have been purified, cloned, and found to encode very hydrophobic proteins with multitransmembrane domains. Experiments with yeast and mammalian cells demonstrate that these transporters play a regulatory role in posttranslational modifications.