cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minnesota Heart Safe Communities: Are community-based initiatives increasing pre-ambulance CPR and AED use?

Abstract Aim Implementation research that describes how successfully resuscitation guidelines are translated into practice are lacking. We examined whether recent community-based initiatives being conducted as part of the Minnesota Heart Safe (HS) Communities program increase the delivery of CPR and use of automated external defibrillators (AED) by bystanders and first responders prior to ambulance arrival. Methods Non-EMS witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) with presumed cardiac etiology treated by a single ambulance service in 2013–2015 were studied. Data were obtained from the Minnesota HS program and the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) Surveillance Registry. Pre-ambulance CPR and AED use within HS communities before and after completion of the program were compared. Results As of July 2016, 17 Minnesota communities within the ambulance service area had achieved HS designation and 294 OHCAs that occurred in these communities met inclusion criteria for analysis (120 before HS designation, 174 after). CPR was initiated by bystanders or first responders prior to ambulance arrival in 83% of OHCA events that occurred before HS designation and in 95% of events that occurred after designation (OR = 4.23 [1.80–9.98]). Pre-ambulance AED use increased from 63% to 77% after the community intervention (OR = 1.94 [1.16–3.24]). Overall unadjusted survival to hospital discharge increased slightly after HS designation, but this difference was not statistically significant (17% vs 20%, p = 0.32). Conclusion Implementation of the Heart Safe program in communities within our ambulance service area in Minnesota has increased use of CPR and AEDs by bystanders and first responders prior to ambulance arrival.
APC Inhibits Ligand-Independent Wnt Signaling by the Clathrin Endocytic Pathway

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutations cause Wnt pathway activation in human cancers. Current models for APC action emphasize its role in promoting β-catenin degradation downstream of Wnt receptors. Unexpectedly, we find that blocking Wnt receptor activity in APC-deficient cells inhibits Wnt signaling independently of Wnt ligand. We also show that inducible loss of APC is rapidly followed by Wnt receptor activation and increased β-catenin levels. In contrast, APC2 loss does not promote receptor activation. We show that APC exists in a complex with clathrin and that Wnt pathway activation in APC-deficient cells requires clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Finally, we demonstrate conservation of this mechanism in Drosophila intestinal stem cells. We propose a model in which APC and APC2 function to promote β-catenin degradation, and APC also acts as a molecular "gatekeeper" to block receptor activation via the clathrin pathway.
Stochastic Optimization Models for Workforce Planning, Operations, and Risk Management

A framework for unified decision making under uncertainty that supports financial planning, operations management, and risk management for workforce applications is proposed and analyzed. The management of enterprise workforce is conducted at the granularity of cohorts of individuals with similar attributes of interest. A time inhomogeneous Markov chain is developed to model the evolution of these cohorts over time. Stochastic control problems based on versions of the controlled Markov chain are formulated to maximize profit under a set of workforce decisions. Extensive data analysis and innovative computational approaches enable us to solve these stochastic control problems for large-scale systems, with real-world business case studies demonstrating the use of this unified decision support capability for large-scale enterprises.
Analysis of the Contribution of Adhesion and Ploughing to Shoe-Floor Lubricated Friction in the Boundary Lubrication Regime

Slip and fall accidents cause frequent occupational injuries. Despite recent evidence that boundary lubrication is relevant to slipping, few studies have examined the mechanisms that contribute to shoe–floor friction in this lubrication regime. This study aims to identify the contributions of adhesion and hysteresis to friction in boundary lubrication. Three shoe materials (40 Shore A hardness polyurethane, 60 Shore A hardness rubber, and 70 Shore A hardness rubber), two floor materials (vinyl and marble), and six lubricants (water, 1.5 % detergent, 25 % glycerol–75 % water, 50 % glycerol–50 % water, 75 % glycerol–25 % water, and canola oil) were tested at a single sliding speed (0.01 m s−1). Dry adhesion and hysteresis were quantified for each of the shoe–floor combinations and lubricated adhesion was quantified for all shoe–floor-fluid combinations. The contribution of adhesion and hysteresis to shoe–floor-lubricant friction was affected by both the shoe and floor material due to differences in hardness and roughness. Lubricated adhesion was complex and multifactorial with contributions from the shoe, fluid, shoe–floor interaction, floor-lubricant interaction, and shoe-lubricant interactions. A simple regression model including two fluid coefficients and the dry adhesion friction force was able to predict 49 % of the lubricated adhesion friction variability.
Role of continuous glucose monitoring in the management of glycogen storage disorders

Management of liver glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) primarily involves maintaining normoglycemia through dietary modifications and regular glucose monitoring. Self-monitoring of blood glucose is typically done 3–6 times per day, and may not sufficiently capture periods of asymptomatic hypoglycemia, particularly during sleep. Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) provide 24-h continuous glucose data and have been used effectively in diabetes mellitus to monitor metabolic control and optimize treatment. This is a relatively new approach in GSDs with only a handful of studies exploring this modality. In this study we used Dexcom CGMS to study the glycemic profile of 14 pediatric and six adult patients with GSD I, III, and IX. A total of 176 days of CGMS data were available. The CGMS was found to be a reliable tool in monitoring glucose levels and trends at all times of the day with good concordance with finger-stick glucose values. This study revealed that in addition to overnight hypoglycemia, CGMS can uncover previously undetected, subclinical, low glucose levels during daytime hours. Additionally, the CGMS detected daytime and overnight hyperglycemia, an often overlooked concern in liver GSDs. The CGMS with concurrent dietary adjustments made by a metabolic dietitian improved metabolic parameters and stabilized blood glucose levels. The CGMS was found to be a safe, effective, and reliable method for optimizing treatment in patients with GSD I, III, and IX.
Coagulation disorders associated with neoplastic disease.

Hemorrhagic, thrombotic, and embolic complications occur frequently in cancer patients. Diverse hemostatic alterations, including impaired plasma coagulation, platelet abnormalities, and vascular disorders, account for these defects.
Characterization and Simulation of Electronic Effects of Front Bandgap Gradients in Selenized/Sulfized Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 Solar Cells

Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S) 2 (CIGSSe) based solar cell devices were fabricated using the selenization/sulfization of metallic pre-cursors. The resulting front sulfur compositional gradient was controlled by varying the selenization time which affects the extent of the reaction of intermetallic phases. Detailed device characterization, including admittance spectroscopy (AS), drive-level capacitance profiling (DLCP), and open-circuit voltage vs temperature (V OC -T) measurements, as well as atomic-composition-depth profiles provide input into numerical simulation to find an optimized front bandgap (E g ) gradient. In addition, we find that forward biased AS shows an additional defect in the sulfur rich layer of the device. Numerical simulation indicates conduction band barriers due to sulfur gradient in the presence of minority carrier traps can reduce minority carrier collection by reducing the field strength in the space charge region, resulting in increased voltage dependent collection.
Missing log data interpolation and semiautomatic seismic well ties using data matching techniques

AbstractRelating well-log data, measured in depth, to seismic data, measured in time, typically requires estimating well-log impedance and a time-to-depth relationship using available sonic and den...
Learn From the Situation and Move Forward: A Talk with Deborah Deutsch Smith

Deborah Deutsch Smith is professor emerita in the School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University. She has directed many federal, state, and local projects, receiving more than $40.6...
Spanning sets for Möbius vertex algebras satisfying arbitrary difference conditions

Abstract Spanning sets for vertex operator algebras satisfying difference-zero and difference-one conditions have been extensively studied in the recent years. In this paper, we extend these results. More specifically, we show that for a suitably chosen generating set, any N -graded Mobius vertex algebra is spanned by monomials satisfying a difference-N ordering condition.
Narrative Framing Of The Syrian Refugee Crisis In British Religious News

This paper examines how religious news organizations in the UK covered the Syrian refugee crisis in Europe. Using narrative framing theory, this paper examines all coverage from 2015 and 2016 published in BBC Religion (a part of BBC News), The Muslim News, and Christian Today to examine shared and disparate narratives regarding Syrian refugees migrating to the UK. Four major frames emerged from our analysis of the media coverage in religious and mainstream publications: a humanizing frame, saviour frame, dehumanizing frame, and, redemption frame. The publications differed in their use of these frames as well as the use of sources, news values, and tone of coverage. We discuss each of these frames as well as the implications of the differing coverage.
Predictors and risk factors of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and compassion fatigue among OTs

Date Presented 04/05/19 Burnout and compassion fatigue are professional hazards for OTs. This quantitative study sought to increase the understanding of their relation to professional demographic data, including gender, population served, and setting. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to measure burnout, and quality of life was measured by the WHOQOL-BREF and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. This research may help to improve the quality of life and service delivery of OT practitioners. Primary Author and Speaker: Yan-hua Huang Contributing Authors: Hans Kim, Monique Le, Jessica Martinez, Jordan Martin, Elmira Maghen, William Leisek
Trends in Leadership at Spine Surgery Fellowships.

STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE To illustrate demographic trends among spine fellowship leaders (FLs). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA No previous study in the orthopedic literature has analyzed the demographic characteristics or past surgical training of FL in an orthopedic sub-specialty. We attempt to illustrate demographic trends among spine fellowship leadership including fellowship directors (FDs) and co-fellowship directors (co-FDs). We also highlight the institutions that have trained these leaders at various levels. METHODS Our search for FDs was constructed from the 2018 to 2019 North American Spine Surgery (NASS) Fellowship Directory. Datapoints gathered included: age, sex, residency/fellowship training location, time since training completion until FD appointment, length in FD role, and personal research H-index. RESULTS We identified 103 FLs consisting of 67 FDs, 19 co-FDs, and another 16 individuals with a synonymous leadership title. 96.1% (99) of the leadership consisted of males while 3.9% (4) were female. The mean age was 52.9 years old and the mean h-index of the FLs was 23.8. FLs were trained in orthopedic surgery (n = 89), neurosurgery (n = 13), or combined orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery training (n = 1). The top fellowships programs producing future FLs were: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland (n = 10), Washington University, St. Louis (n = 9), and Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia (n = 7). CONCLUSION Spine surgery fellowship directors are more likely to have graduated from certain residency and fellowship programs. This finding could be a result of the training provided by these centers or the institution's predilection to select applicants that are more likely to later seek academic leadership roles post-training. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4.
Size-dependent catalytic behavior of MoS2 nanoparticles in water-gas shift reaction

Abstract Well-dispersed and uniformly sized 5–84 nm Mo oxide and CoMo oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by varying the Mo and Co precursor concentrations. The water-gas shift (WGS) activity of sulfided Mo-based catalysts was found to increase with particle size and in the presence of Co. In particular, 84-nm CoMo-S nanoparticles exhibited 15 times higher effective CO consumption rate and 2.3 times higher turnover frequency (TOF) as compared to 5- nm Mo-S nanoparticles. The observed trends in size-dependent catalytic behavior correlated with the higher density of the proposed active sites present on larger (Co)Mo-S nanoparticles probed by CO chemisorption.
Determining Utility System Value of Demand Flexibility From Grid-interactive Efficient Buildings

Author(s): Eckman, Tom; Schwartz, Lisa C; Leventis, Greg | Abstract: This report focuses on ways current methods and practices that establish the value to electric utility systems of distributed energy resource (DER) investments can be enhanced to determine the value of demand flexibility in grid-interactive efficient buildings that can provide grid services. The report introduces key valuation concepts that are applicable to demand flexibility that these buildings can provide and links to other documents that describe these concepts and their implementation in more detail.The scope of this report is limited to the valuation of economic benefits to the utility system. These are the foundational values on which other benefits (and costs) can be built. Establishing the economic value to the grid of demand flexibility provides the information needed to design programs, market rules, and rates that align the economic interest of utility customers with building owners and occupants. By nature, DERs directly impact customers and provide societal benefits external to the utility system. Jurisdictions can use utility system benefits and costs as the foundation of their economic analysis but align their primary cost-effectiveness metric with all applicable policy objectives, which may include customer and societal (non-utility system) impacts.This report suggests enhancements to current methods and practices that state and local policymakers, public utility commissions, state energy offices, utilities, state utility consumer representatives, and other stakeholders might support. These enhancements can improve the consistency and robustness of economic valuation of demand flexibility for grid services. The report concludes with a discussion of considerations for prioritizing implementation of these improvements.
The long-term benefits of Montessori pre-K for Latinx children from low-income families

This study used covariate adjusted regression techniques to compare the third-grade outcomes of low-income Latinx children who attended Montessori pre-K programs (n = 161) with those who graduated ...
Modeling spatial data using local likelihood estimation and a Matérn to SAR translation

Modeling data with nonstationary covariance structure is important to represent heterogeneity in geophysical and other environmental spatial processes. In this work, we investigate a two‐stage approach to modeling nonstationary covariances that is efficient for large data sets. First, maximum likelihood estimation is used in local, moving windows to infer spatially varying covariance parameters. These surfaces of covariance parameters are then encoded into a global covariance model specifying the second‐order structure for the complete spatial domain. From this second step, the resulting global model allows for efficient simulation and prediction. This work uses a nonstationary spatial autoregressive (SAR) model, related to Gaussian Markov random field methods, as the global model which is amenable to plug in local estimates and practical for large datasets. A simulation study is used to establish the accuracy of local Matern parameter estimation as a reliable technique for small window sizes and a modest number of replicated fields. This modeling approach is implemented on a nonstationary climate model dataset with the goal of emulating the variation in the numerical model ensemble using a Gaussian process.
An analysis framework for event-based sensor performance

Event-Based Sensors (EBSs) are passive electro-optical (EO) imaging sensors which have read-out hardware that only outputs when and where temporal changes in scene brightness are detected. In the case of a static background and platform, this hardware ideally implements background clutter cancellation, leaving only moving object data to be read out. This data reduction leads to a bandwidth reduction, which is equivalent to increasing spatio-temporal resolution. This advantage can be exploited in multiple ways, using trade-offs between spatial and temporal resolution, and between spatial resolution and field-of-view. In this paper, we introduce the EBS concept and our previous experiments and analysis. We discuss important EBS properties, followed by discussion of applications where the EBS could provide significant benefit over conventional frame-based EO sensors. Finally, we present a method for analyzing EBS technology for specific applications (i.e. determine performance compared to conventional technology). This approach involves abstraction of EBS and conventional imaging technology and provides a way to determine the value of EBSs over conventional imaging technology for facilitating future EBS application development.
Patterns of Cross-Sector Collaboration in Local Health Departments: A Cluster Analysis.

Local health departments (LHDs) are positioned to act as the community health strategist for their catchment area, which requires cross-sector collaboration. However, little research exists to unde...
Financial Leverage, Taxation, and the Maximization of Investment Value

This paper uses a model of value maximization to derive a condition for the optimal amount of financial leverage to maximize the value of equity for a real estate investment entity. Both untaxed en...
Ethical Standards to Guide the Development of Obesity Policies and Programs

The recent report by Barnhill and King about obesity prevention policy raises important issues for discussion and analysis. In response, this article raises four points for further consideration. First, a distinction between equality and justice needs to be made and consistently maintained. Second, different theories of justice highlight one additional important source of disagreement about the ethical propriety of the proposed obesity prevention policies. Third, another point of contention arises with respect to different understandings of the principle of respect for autonomy due to its often-mistaken equation with simple, unfettered freedom. Finally, based on a more robust definition of autonomy, the key issues in obesity prevention policies can be suitably re-framed in terms of whether they advance just social conditions that enable people to realize human capabilities to the fullest extent possible.
A cycle of exclusion that impedes suicide research among racial and ethnic minority youth

In the United States, suicide risk for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) is most concentrated before age 30, which contrasts with non-Hispanic White groups, for whom the highest risk period is during ages 50-65. The need for a better understanding of the underlying causes of suicidal behavior among BIPOC youth is critical. Cultural considerations were recommended over a decade ago to advance the study of youth suicide prevention and research. Without addressing the barriers to implementing these recommendations in limited-resourced settings, however, the mental health needs of BIPOC youth at risk for suicide will continue to go unmet. In this commentary, we outline structural barriers in research that perpetuate a cycle of exclusion wherein an understudied, though timely, research area faces undue burdens across the research cycle, which impedes the study of suicide risk among BIPOC youth.
Satellite quantum communication protocol regardless of the weather

This paper presents a protocol for a relay configuration of one quantum CubeSat and two quantum drones positioned at distant places over the Earth, where: (a) an entangled pair is generated and distributed by the CubeSat between both drones located over the clouds, (b) each drone descends through the clouds with its respective entangled photon, and (c) each drone generates a new entangled photon pair, conserves one and distributes the other one to Mobile Ground Stations (MGS). These latter photons allow to teleport both CubeSat’s entangled photons to the MGSs. Once on Earth, the CubeSat’s entangled photons constitute a bridge for the teleportation of an arbitrary qubit among the MGSs. In this way, we solve the main problem of all quantum communication between a satellite and the Earth: the weather as well as unfavorable environmental conditions. Finally, this paper evaluates the performance of the protocol, which first teleports the CubeSat’s entangled photons and thanks to these the definitive desired qubit, with implementations on the 16-qubit Melbourne processor of IBM Q Experience, where this evaluation constitutes the first stage of a project that tries to communicate two distant points of the earth at any time regardless of the weather.
Nordic Noir’s Exemplary Microcosm: Promoting Core Design Principles for Group Efficacy

Nobel-winner Elinor Ostrom’s Core Design Principles for group efficacy are used by the Evolution Institute to explain the success of Nordic societies. These principles are offered as an evolutionar...
Understanding mortality among hematology oncology patients identified from hospital administrative data.

215Background: Hospital administrative data has large ramifications for quality of care and quality improvement projects. Unexpected inpatient mortality among patients with a hematology/oncology (H...
The Role of Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and D-Cycloserine in Remediating Social Behavior in Rats with Amygdala Lesions

Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication and social behavior. To reduce the social deficits characteristic of autism, the compounds oxytocin, arginine vasopressin, D-cycloserine, and D-cycloserine + oxytocin were explored as therapeutic agents. Twenty-one Long Evans Hooded rats underwent a bilateral amygdala lesion, which reduced the time of social interactions between the pairs of animals. Upon administration of D-cycloserine, the social deficits induced by the lesions were significantly reversed in both sexes. In addition, it was observed that the efficacy of the treatments was affected by the sex of the subjects. Male rats had the largest increase in social behavior when given D-cycloserine. However, female rats experienced the largest reduction in social impairment when administered oxytocin. Thus, sexually dimorphic treatments should be further investigated for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
Notch signaling controls self-renewal and lineage differentiation of human mammary stem and progenitor cells

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 2782 There is increasing evidence that stem and progenitor cells are the primary targets for transformation. Therefore, defects in pathways that regulate stem cell function, such as self-renewal and differentiation, may play an important role in carcinogenesis. The Notch signaling pathway plays a critical role in cell fate determination in a variety of developmental systems. Furthermore, deregulation of this pathway has been shown to effect mammary development and induce carcinomas in transgenic mouse models. In order to determine the role of Notch signaling in mammary cell fate determination, we have utilized a newly-described in vitro system in which mammary stem/progenitor cells derived from reduction mammoplasties can be cultured in suspension as “mammospheres.” Although less than 1% of primary mammary cells express Notch-4 protein as determined by immuno-florescence, greater than 60% of mammosphere forming cells are Notch-4 positive. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Notch signaling can act on mammary stem cells to promote their self-renewal, as demonstrated by a 10-fold increase in secondary mammosphere formation upon addition of a Notch activating DSL peptide. In addition to acting on stem cells, Notch signaling is also able to act on multi-potent progenitor cells, facilitating myoepithelial lineage-specific commitment and proliferation. Stimulation of this pathway also promotes branching morphogenesis in three-dimensional Matrigel cultures. These effects are completely inhibited by a Notch 4 blocking antibody or a gamma secretase inhibitor that blocks Notch processing. In contrast to the effects of Notch signaling on mammary stem/progenitor cells, this pathway has no discernable effect on fully committed, differentiated mammary epithelial cells. These studies suggest that Notch signaling plays a critical role in normal human mammary development by acting on both stem and progenitor cells, effecting self-renewal and lineage specific differentiation. Deregulation of Notch signaling resulting in aberrant self-renewal may be an important early event in mammary carcinogenesis.
Exact values of the function Γ⁎(k)

Abstract The function Γ ⁎ ( k ) is defined to be the smallest number s such that a diagonal form of degree k in s variables with (rational) integer coefficients is guaranteed to have a nontrivial zero in the p-adic fields Q p for all primes p. In this article, we find the exact value of Γ ⁎ ( k ) for k = 14 , 20, 24, 26, 27, 29, and 31, and obtain partial information about Γ ⁎ ( 32 ) . After the results of this article, the exact value of Γ ⁎ ( k ) is known for all k ⩽ 31 .
Noise Trader Demand in Futures Market

Theoretical noise trader models suggest that uninformed traders can impact market prices. However, these models' conclusions depend crucially on the assumed specification for noise trader demand. This research seeks to empirically determine the appropriate demand specification for uninformed traders. Using commercial market sentiment indices as proxies for noise trader demand, Granger causality models are estimated to examine the linear linkages between sentiment and futures returns. The models strongly suggest that noise traders are positive feedback traders (i.e., extrapolative expectations) with relatively long memories.
Introduction de logiciels de gestion dans des petites entreprises liées à une profession libérale

Current theory has been integretated to explain the infusion of packaged administrative software within professional small bussinesses. Three dimensions of information systems (IS) infusion (extended, integrative, emergent use) are conceptualized at a general level and then specifically operationalized within this particular professional small business context. Determinants of IS infusion, e.g, IS maturity, top management intervention, receptivity to change, external communication, beliefs about the IS, beliefs about work tasks and capabilities to reconceptualize work tasks via IS, are explored whithin 404 veterinary hospitals via structural modeling and hierarchical regression modeling. The implications of the results to successful implementation of information systems with the professionnal small bussiness are discussed.
Robust hash functions for digital watermarking

Digital watermarks have been proposed for authentication of both video data and still images and for integrity verification of visual multimedia. In such applications, the watermark has to depend on a secret key and on the original image. It is important that the dependence on the key be sensitive, while the dependence on the image be continuous (robust). Both requirements can be satisfied using special image digest functions that return the same bit-string for a whole class of images derived from an original image using common processing operations. It is further required that two completely different images produce completely different bit-strings. We discuss methods how such robust hash functions can be built. We also show how the hash bits has another application, the robust image digest can be used as a search index for an efficient image database search.
Inelastic neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations of water adsorbed in the molecular sieves AIP04-11, AIP04-5, AIP04-8, and VPI-5

Publisher Summary Inelastic Neutron Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Water Adsorbed in the Molecular Sieves AlPO 4 -11, A1PO 4 -5, A1PO 4 -8, and VPI-5 The molecular sieves AlPO 4 -11, AlPO 4 -5, and VPI-5 form a series as they all contain 1D pores that are formed from four- and six-ring building blocks. The water adsorption isotherm for AlPO 4 -5 is different from that for the other two compounds. The adsorption of water by VPI-5 and AlPO 4 -11 is characterized by a strong onset of adsorption at low p/p 0 , whereas there is relatively little adsorption in AlPO 4 -5 (20–25%) up to a p/p 0 of approximately 0.2. This behavior can be explained by the strong adsorption sites present in AlPO 4 -11 and VPI-5 but not in AlP0 4 -5. This is consistent with the reported structure of adsorbed water in VPI-5 where two molecules are closely linked to the aluminum atom at the junction of a fused four-ring block. The structural evidence is in agreement with NMR measurements. There is no structural evidence for a specific association between adsorbed water and the framework atoms in AlPO 4 -5, although NMR experiments indicate that there are two types of water. The properties of adsorbed water in VPI-5 and AlPO 4 -5 have been investigated using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) in conjunction with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of AlPO 4 -11, AlPO 4 -5, AlPO 4 -8, and VPI-5.
From Rhetoric to Practice: Cash Transfers, Rights and Gender in Latin America

This article examines the impact of cash transfers programmes implemented in Latin America in the enjoyment of women's rights.
Elevation of Glutathione as a Therapeutic Strategy in Alzheimer Disease

Oxidative stress has been associated with the onset and progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD). AD and MCI brain and plasma display extensive oxidative stress as indexed by protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, free radical formation, DNA oxidation, and decreased antioxidants. The most abundant endogenous antioxidant, glutathione, plays a significant role in combating oxidative stress. The ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione is utilized as a measure of intensity of oxidative stress. Antioxidants have long been considered as an approach to slow down AD progression. In this review, we focus on the elevation on glutathione through N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and γ-glutamylcysteine ethyl ester (GCEE) as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease.
Planetesimal formation by turbulent concentration

Abstract The formation of 1–1000 km diameter planetesimals from dust grains in a protoplanetary disk is a key step in planet formation. Conventional models for planetesimal formation involve pairwise sticking of dust grains, or the sedimentation of dust grains to a thin layer at the disk midplane followed by gravitational instability. Each of these mechanisms is likely to be frustrated if the disk is turbulent. Particles with stopping times comparable to the turnover time of the smallest eddies in a turbulent disk can become concentrated into dense clumps that may be the precursors of planetesimals. Such particles are roughly millimeter-sized for a typical protoplanetary disk. To survive to become planetesimals, clumps need to form in regions of low vorticity to avoid rotational breakup. In addition, clumps must have sufficient self gravity to avoid break up due to the ram pressure of the surrounding gas. Given these constraints, the rate of planetesimal formation can be estimated using a cascade model for the distribution of particle concentration and vorticity within eddies of various sizes in a turbulent disk. We estimate planetesimal formation rates and planetesimal diameters as a function of distance from a star for a range of protoplanetary disk parameters. For material with a solar composition, the dust-to-gas ratio is too low to allow efficient planetesimal formation, and most solid material will remain in small particles. Enhancement of the dust-to-gas ratio by 1–2 orders of magnitude, either vertically or radially, allows most solid material to be converted into planetesimals within the typical lifetime of a disk. Such dust-to-gas ratios may occur near the disk midplane as a result of vertical settling of short-lived clumps prior to clump breakup. Planetesimal formation rates are sensitive to the assumed size and rotational speed of the largest eddies in the disk, and formation rates increase substantially if the largest eddies rotate more slowly than the disk itself. Planetesimal formation becomes more efficient with increasing distance from the star unless the disk surface density profile has a slope of −1.5 or steeper as a function of distance. Planetesimal formation rates typically increase by an order-of-magnitude or more moving outward across the snow line for a solid surface density increase of a factor of 2. In all cases considered, the modal planetesimal size increases with roughly the square root of distance from the star. Typical modal diameters are 100 km and 400 km in the regions corresponding to the asteroid belt and Kuiper belt in the Solar System, respectively.
A six‐country study of first‐, second‐, and third‐generation family businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare first‐, second‐, and third‐generation family business managerial characteristics and practices in a combined sample from six countries (Croatia, Egypt, France, India, Kuwait, and the USA) with significant differences in cultures, economies, levels of entrepreneurial activity, and family business demographics.Design/methodology/approach – The design was survey research with a sample of 593 businesses from six countries. To compare differences between the three generations, analysis of covariance was run for the 11 dependent variables, followed by post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference multiple comparisons tests to determine which of the three generations were significantly different.Findings – As family businesses move from first to second to third generation, some managerial characteristics and practices remain the same while others change. Furthermore, only minor generational differences between the various countries were found, thus supporting co...
A neural network-based learning system for speech processing☆

Abstract Learning is an essential part of any intelligent system and it is an inherent property in Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. Recently, artificial neural network models have begun to emerge as powerful tools for learning, and for recognizing patterns with great variability similar to speech patterns. In the past, expert systems proved to be the most promising tools to handle highly variable data. During previous work in this area, we have developed a speech recognition system that uses certain expert system principles. Here, we describe an unsupervised learning method that is used to learn speech signal properties from a speech image such as a spectrogram.
Proportional Release of Norepinephrine and Dopamine-β-Hydroxylase from Sympathetic Nerves

Dopamine-β-hydroxylase(DBH), the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, is localized in the vesicles containing catecholamine in sympathetic nerves. This enzyme is released with norepinephrine when the nerves to the guinea pig vas deferens are stimulated in vitro, and the amount of enzyme discharged increases as the length of stimulation periods increases. The amount of DBH released is proportional to the amount of norepinephrine released, and the ratio of norepinephrine to DBH discharged into the incubation medium is similar to that in the soluble portion of the contents of the synaptic vesicles from the vas deferens. These data are compatible with the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine and DBH from symnpathetic nerves by a process of exocytosis.
Distribution of tetracycline-73H in subcellular components of normal and tumor tissues of the albino rat.

Die Verteilung von Tritium-markiertem Tetracyclin (TTC) in subcellularen Fraktionen von normalem und neoplastischem Gewebe wurde untersucht. Der grosste Teil des injizierten TTC wurde in der Mikrosomen-Fraktion (49000g) gefunden. Tumorgewebe wenige Tage nach Transplantation nahm mehr TTC als irgendein anderes der untersuchten Gewebe auf.
Chronic oral toxicity of alpha-naphthyl thiourea.

SummaryWhen ANTU was fed chronically to rats for 2 years in concentrations of 50 to 800 ppm in the diet, the concentrations from 100 to 800 ppm were toxic. Externally, the rats were stunted and showed spectacle eyes, thinning and coarsening of the hair and deformities of the legs and feet. Histopathological changes consisted of hyperplasia of the thyroid, hyperplasia of the splenic pulp, hyaline changes in the cytoplasm of the centrolobular hepatic cells, a slight to moderate decrease in the thickness of the adrenal cortex, calcified tubular casts in the renal medulla, slight myeloid hyperplasia of the bone marrow, and slight modifications in bone structure. The degree of injury in each case was related to the concentration of the AXTU. The concentrations of 600 and 800 ppm ANTU produced a marked tolerance.
Primate species separation in relation to secondary plant chemicals

Food selection of different primate species is reviewed in relation to secondary plant chemicals such as alkaloids and tannins. Different species discriminate differently against these chemicals. The tolerance of potentially toxic substances (e.g. alkaloids) is not restricted to species with enlarged foreguts but is also found among lemurs with rather unspecialized digestive systems. On the community level different reactions towards food chemicals seem to be an important mechanism contributing to species separation and thus allowing coexistence.
Distribution and detection of positrons from an orbiting nuclear reactor.

The Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer has on many occasions detected nuclear radiation produced by nuclear reactors carried on Soviet satellites. A unique feature of the observations is the measurement of bursts of 511—kiloelectron volt gamma rays that are thought to signal SMM encounters with positrons emanating from the Soviet satellites. A model of positron generation by an orbiting reactor has been developed that describes the resulting time-dependent distribution of positrons temporarily trapped in the geomagnetic field and estimates the response of the SMM spectrometer to passage through such distributions. The model successfully predicts onset times, durations, and intensities of the 511—kiloelectron volt gamma bursts, as we illustrate in a detailed analysis of one event, and thus confirms that these are due to positrons from the Soviet satellites. Reactor-generated positrons are potentially useful in magnetospheric research.
Comment on "Steady State Solutions to PBPK Models and Their Applications to Risk Assessment I: Route to Route Extrapolation of Volatile Chemicals," by Chiu and White in Risk Analysis, 26(3), 769-780.

Steady-state analyses of generic PBPK models for volatile organic chemical (VOC) exposure and risk assessment have been undertaken and applied for nearly two decades now. Chiu and White's paper on this subject adds little new to this earlier work. Their dismissive claim that ''Similar analyses have been done for specific chemicals and for inhalation'' is misleading, because some of this earlier work did indeed focus on ''generic'' PBPK models generally applicable to VOC exposure by multiple routes. In particular, the earliest of these previous studies developed steady-state solutions for generic PBPK models including respiratory and 1-compartment oral routes of exposure, and further specified how to add injection and dermal exposure routes. Chiu and White included a 2-compartment oral pathway and a lung compartment in an otherwise identical generic PBPK model, but did not consider other exposure pathways such as dermal uptake. Each of the earlier studies first presented a steady-state solution to a generic, multiroute PBPK model, and only then applied the generic solution to a problem or illustration involving a specific compound--i.e., the same approach used later by Chiu and White. For example, the earlier study included a simple, intuitive expression for low-dose metabolized fraction f*{sub m} of anymore » applied multiroute dose, allowing route-to-route extrapolation regardless of compound in low-dose contexts that typically are of interest in environmental VOC risk assessment. Section 2.2 of Chiu and White's paper (''Generalization to Time-Varying Exposures'') concludes that, under conditions of virtually linear metabolism, PBPK system ''solutions to steady-state exposures are directly applicable to intermittent exposures''--i.e., under such conditions, all steady-state system solutions (or output states) become valid when each dynamic input is replaced by its corresponding time-weighted average value. This conclusion, a well known axiom of linear systems theory, was stated explicitly to apply to f*{sub m} in an earlier study. A subsequent study addressed how generic steady-state PBPK solutions can be modified to estimate transient peak target-tissue concentrations at dynamic equilibrium, for dynamic exposure scenarios that involve exposure to a regular (e.g., daily) series of brief inputs by multiple pathways--an issue that may be importance for endpoints that have a cytotoxic mechanism of action.« less
On the electrocardiogram and clinical improvement after myocardial aneurysmectomy.

Abstract A case is reported to show that removal of a huge ventricular aneurysm does not necessarily lower resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and that reduction of elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure is not essential for clinical improvement to occur after myocardial aneurysmectomy. Some possible causes of clinical improvement are discussed. It is suggested that clinical improvement after operation in the patient reported might be due to saving of energy required to move the akinetic mass of aneurysm and to a more normal and therefore more effective ventricular contraction, and that the latter is reflected in the tendency towards normalization of the ECG after operation.
Pollination systems of sympatric Ipomoea hederacea and I. purpurea and the significance of interspecific pollen flow

Mathematical models estimated that xenogamy accounted for 7% and 35% of the stigmatic pollen loads of Ipomoea hederacea and I. purpurea, respectively, in experimental populations. The xenogamy estimate for I. hederacea agreed closely with outcrossing estimates previously reported for this species. The discrepancy between the xenogamy estimate and the previously reported outcrossing estimate for I. purpurea could be explained by diffiering pollinator flight patterns between experimental and natural populations and/or by selection for cross pollen in the pistil of I. purpurea. Interspecific pollen flow from I. purpurea to emasculated flowers of I. hederacea reduced seed production in the latter. The possible significance of interspecific pollen flow from I. purpurea for the evolution of autogamy in I. hederacea was discussed. IPOMOEA HEDERACEA (L.) Jacq. and I. purpurea (L.) Roth. are closely related species that frequently occur sympatrically in cultivated habitats throughout much of the southeastern United States. Flowers of I. purpurea are more conspicuous and provide a more reliable nectar resource than flowers of I. hederacea (Stucky, 1984). In sympatric populations, foraging individuals of Bombus pennsylvanicus (Apidae) prefer I. purpurea but occasionally visit I. hederacea causing considerable interspecific pollen flow in the direction of I. hederacea.
Comparative freezing patterns in stems of cherry and azalea.

Ice formation in stems, as determined by means of an electrophoretic mobility technique, occurs much more rapidly in azalea than in sour cherry. The difference is more marked in the bark than in the wood. Disrupting the structure of the tissues completely eliminates differences in freezing patterns, although gross anatomical differences do not appear to account for differences in species response. Microscopic examination of frozen stems indicated that little redistribution of water occurred during freezing in azalea, and the tissues were disrupted as these crystals developed. In cherry, on the other hand, water diffused to nucleating centers where crystal growth was not opposed, giving rise to "glaciers."
Long-term evaluation of TiO2-based 68Ge/68Ga generators and optimized automation of [68Ga]DOTATOC radiosynthesis

Abstract Interest in using 68 Ga is rapidly increasing for clinical PET applications due to its favorable imaging characteristics and increased accessibility. The focus of this study was to provide our long-term evaluations of the two TiO 2 -based 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generators and develop an optimized automation strategy to synthesize [ 68 Ga]DOTATOC by using HEPES as a buffer system. This data will be useful in standardizing the evaluation of 68 Ge/ 68 Ga generators and automation strategies to comply with regulatory issues for clinical use.
Reply to ``Magnetic behavior of Cr 74 Fe 26 alloy investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy''

This paper comments on the preceding paper by C. Bansal, T. Kumaran, S. J. Campbell, and G. L. Whittle [Phys. Rev. B 44, 7111 (1991)].
First-order approximation to English, second-order approximation to English, and orthographic neighbor ratio norms for 925 nouns

First- and second-order approximations to English and orthographic neighbor ratio values are provided for Paivio, Yuille, and Madigan’s (1968) 925 nouns. First- and second-order approximations to English are information theory measures of the probability of generating a word on a letter-by-letter basis. The orthographic neighbor ratio is the frequency of a word divided by the sum of the frequencies of all words that can be generated by changing one of its letters. Thus, the orthographic neighbor ratio provides a measure of a sophisticated guessing model in which partial information about a word is obtained and a decision is made on the basis of the relative frequencies of the possible responses. Correlations with existing norms are reported.