cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Child sexual assault: risk factors for girls.

To identify prospectively measured risk factors of sexual assault (SA) among girls age 17 and younger. The data come from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and are derived from interviews with 1,087 girls, their primary caregivers, and household heads. The data were collected from the girls' first year of life through their early twenties. Factors measured during childhood were used to predict whether the girls experienced a subsequent first sexual assault before the age of 18. Prospectively measured risk factors associated with subsequent child SA included the absence of one or both parents, maternal education less than college, family income below 400% of the federal poverty threshold, low caregiver warmth, child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, impulsivity, low achievement scores, and having been classified by their school as needing special education. Girls with behavioral health problems and learning challenges are at heightened risk for sexual assault. Research on behavioral health consequences of SA should control for preexisting SA risk factors to more accurately estimate the impact of child SA on subsequent behavioral health. Language: en
WiFox: scaling WiFi performance for large audience environments

WiFi-based wireless LANs (WLANs) are widely used for Internet access. They were designed such that an Access Points (AP) serves few associated clients with symmetric uplink/downlink traffic patterns. Usage of WiFi hotspots in locations such as airports and large conventions frequently experience poor performance in terms of downlink goodput and responsiveness. We study the various factors responsible for this performance degradation. We analyse and emulate a large conference network environment on our testbed with 45 nodes. We find that presence of asymmetry between the uplink/downlink traffic results in backlogged packets at WiFi Access Point's (AP's) transmission queue and subsequent packet losses. This traffic asymmetry results in maximum performance loss for such an environment along with degradation due to rate diversity, fairness and TCP behaviour. We propose our solution WiFox, which (1) adaptively prioritizes AP's channel access over competing STAs avoiding traffic asymmetry (2) provides a fairness framework alleviating the problem of performance loss due to rate-diversity/fairness and (3) avoids degradation due to TCP behaviour. We demonstrate that WiFox not only improves downlink goodput by 400-700 % but also reduces request's average response time by 30-40 %.
Stereoselective synthesis of the 2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran-3-ol of the potent antitumor agent mucocin via an acyl radical cyclization

Abstract The intramolecular acyl radical cyclization of the acyl selenide 8 , using a Z -vinylogous sulfonate to control rotamer population, affords the cis -2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran-4-one 9 , applicable to the potent antitumor agent mucocin 1 , in 81% yield.
A Survey on the Application of FPGAs for Network Infrastructure Security

Given the rapid evolution of attack methods and toolkits, software-based solutions to secure the network infrastructure have become overburdened. The performance gap between the execution speed of security software and the amount of data to be processed is ever widening. A common solution to close this performance gap is through hardware implementation of security functions. Possessing the flexibility of software and high parallelism of hardware, reconfigurable hardware devices, such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), have become increasingly popular for this purpose. FPGAs support the performance demands of security operations as well as enable architectural and algorithm innovations in the future. This paper presents a survey of the state-of-art in FPGA-based implementations that have been used in the network infrastructure security area, categorizing currently existing diverse implementations. Combining brief descriptions with intensive case-studies, we hope this survey will inspire more active research in this area.
Risk factors for nosocomial infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli

Two hundred and ninety-nine Gram-negative hospital-acquired infections from 257 patients, consecutively identified during one month (November 1992) in five hospitals in the greater Athens area, were divided into four groups on the basis of the bacterium isolated: Group 1 (Escherichia coli group) included infections owing to E. coli, Group 2 (Proteus group) consisted of infections owing to Proteus spp. and Providencia spp., Group 3 (Kiebsiella/Enterobacter group) involved infections owing to Kiebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp. and Serratia spp. Infections owing to Pseudomonas spp. and other non-fermenters were allocated into Group 4 (non-fermenters group). The four groups were studied in relation to risk factors including the duration of hospitalization, type of ward, underlying disease, history of operation, medical procedures/devices and antimicrobial therapy. A stepwise multiple logistic regression technique (SPSS Inc) was used to analyse the data, and the three groups (the Proteus group, the Klebsiella/Enterobacter group and the non-fermenters group) were analysed separately against the E. coli group. Infections with the Kiebsiella/Enterobacter group were associated with: (a) length of hospital stay before the infection, (b) treatment with newer antibiotics, and (c) hospitalization in an intensivecare unit (ICU). Infections with non-fermenters were associated with: (a) length of hospital stay before infection, (b) a urinary catheter, (c) type of disease (chronic infection being negatively associated), (d) treatment with newer antibiotics and (e) hospitalization in an ICU. Proteus group infections were associated with (a) length of hospital stay before infection, (b) treatment with newer antibiotics and (c) operation during present hospitalization (negative association). Interestingly, no specific hospitals were identified as risk factors. Identification of patients at risk for acquiring an infection owing to a nosocomial pathogen is vital in the development of a preventive strategy for hospital-acquired infections.
Confidence intervals for birth and death rates estimated with the egg-ratio technique for natural populations of zooplankton

The egg-ratio technique of Edmondson is commonly used to estimate rates of observed change (r), birth (b), and death (d) in zooplankton populations. If it is assumed that samples provide estimates of population size and egg number that follow a Poisson distribution, r, b, and d are approximately normally distributed. This is demonstrated with theory and checked with extensive computer simulation. The theory is applicable when the Poisson assumption is replaced with a negative binomial, simulating sampling from spatially aggregated populations. A rule for sampling interval is proposed, based on duration of developmental time. The t-distribution can be used to construct confidence intervals for r, b, and d, and to test for differences between sample estimates of these population parameters.
Full wave analysis of RF signal attenuation in a lossy cave using a high order time domain vector finite element method

We present a computational study of signal propagation and attenuation of a 200 MHz dipole antenna in a cave environment. The cave is modeled as a straight and lossy random rough wall. To simulate a broad frequency band, the full wave Maxwell equations are solved directly in the time domain via a high order vector finite element discretization using the massively parallel CEM code EMSolve. The simulation is performed for a series of random meshes in order to generate statistical data for the propagation and attenuation properties of the cave environment. Results for the power spectral density and phase of the electric field vector components are presented and discussed.
Fault-tolerant and 3-dimensional distributed topology control algorithms in wireless multi-hop networks

The topology of a multi-hop wireless network can be controlled by varying the transmission power at each node. The lifetime of such networks depends on battery power at each node. This paper presents a distributed fault-tolerant topology control algorithm for minimum energy consumption in multi-hop wireless networks. This algorithm is an extension of cone-based topology control algorithm [19, 12]. The main advantage of this algorithm is that each node decides on its power based on local information about the relative angle of its neighbors and as a result of these local decisions, a fault-tolerant connected network is formed on the nodes. It is done by preserving the connectivity of a network upon failing of, at most, k nodes (k is a constant) and simultaneously minimize the transmission power at each node to some extent. In addition, simulations are studied to support the effectiveness of this algorithm. Finally, it is shown how to extend this algorithm to 3-dimensions.
Gigahertz FPGAs with new power saving techniques and decoding logic

The availability of SiGe HBT devices has opened the door for Gigahertz FPGAs. Speeds over 5 GHz have been reported However, to make the idea practical, serious power management and new architectural features have to be included, so that they can be scaled up significantly. This paper elaborates new ideas in designing high-speed SiGe BiCMOS FPGAs. The paper explains new methods to cut down the number of current trees in the circuit. Selective tree shutdown has been used to reduce power consumption. A new decoding logic has been developed where the address and data lines are shared These ideas have improved the performance of SiGe FPGAs. The operating frequency of the new Configurable. Logic Block (CLB) is 6.8 GHz.
Neutrophilic Dermatosis After Azathioprine Exposure

Importance Azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome can present clinically and histopathologically like Sweet syndrome. Shared clinical features include fever, constitutional symptoms, prompt response to systemic corticosteroid therapy, neutrophilia, and abrupt onset of erythematous cutaneous lesions. Histologically, both azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome and Sweet syndrome are rich in neutrophils. Observations An 81-year-old woman with Crohn disease presented with fever and an acute eruption of plaques on her extremities within 2 weeks of starting treatment with azathioprine. Laboratory evaluation was notable for leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Skin biopsy of an erythematous plaque on the thigh demonstrated a suppurative folliculitis. Azathioprine treatment was discontinued resulting in resolution of the clinical lesions within 5 days. Our case was compared with 18 cases with similar clinical features. Conclusions and Relevance We report a case of azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome and review the literature on azathioprine-induced eruptions with features of Sweet syndrome. Our patient's distribution of lesions on the extremities and the finding of suppurative folliculitis on histopathology were not classical for Sweet syndrome. Azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome seems to be a neutrophil-driven dermatosis; therefore, many overlapping features with Sweet syndrome are not surprising. Due to the potential for anaphylaxis with azathioprine rechallenge, a better term for a Sweetlike presentation in the setting of azathioprine administration is azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome.
The Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale, a brief version: psychometric data.

As a measure of mathematics anxiety, the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale (MARS) has been a major scale used for research and clinical studies since 1972. Despite the usefulness of the original scale, researchers have sought a shorter version of the scale partly to reduce the administration time of the original 98-item scale. This study created a shorter version of the MARS and provides reliability and validity information for the new version. The Cronbach alpha of .96 indicated high internal consistency, while the test-retest reliability for the MARS 30-item was .90 (p<.001). The validity data confirm that the MARS 30-item test is comparable to the original MARS 98-item scale.
Laser-Induced Fluorescence Detection in High-Throughput Screening of Heterogeneous Catalysts and Single Cells Analysis

Laser-induced fluorescence detection is one of the most sensitive detection techniques and it has found enormous applications in various areas. The purpose of this research was to develop detection approaches based on laser-induced fluorescence detection in two different areas, heterogeneous catalysts screening and single cell study. First, we introduced laser-induced imaging (LIFI) as a high-throughput screening technique for heterogeneous catalysts to explore the use of this high-throughput screening technique in discovery and study of various heterogeneous catalyst systems. This scheme is based on the fact that the creation or the destruction of chemical bonds alters the fluorescence properties of suitably designed molecules. By irradiating the region immediately above the catalytic surface with a laser, the fluorescence intensity of a selected product or reactant can be imaged by a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera to follow the catalytic activity as a function of time and space. By screening the catalytic activity of vanadium pentoxide catalysts in oxidation of naphthalene, we demonstrated LIFI has good detection performance and the spatial and temporal resolution needed for high-throughput screening of heterogeneous catalysts. The sample packing density can reach up to 250 x 250 subunits/cm{sub 2} for 40-{micro}m wells. This experimental set-up also can screen solid catalysts via near infrared thermography detection.
The Borrelia burgdorferi outer-surface protein ErpX binds mammalian laminin

The Lyme disease spirochaete, Borrelia burgdorferi, can invade and persistently infect its hosts' connective tissues. We now demonstrate that B. burgdorferi adheres to the extracellular matrix component laminin. The surface-exposed outer-membrane protein ErpX was identified as having affinity for laminin, and is the first laminin-binding protein to be identified in a Lyme disease spirochaete. The adhesive domain of ErpX was shown to be contained within a small, unstructured hydrophilic segment at the protein's centre. The sequence of that domain is distinct from any previously identified bacterial laminin adhesin, suggesting a unique mode of laminin binding.
New Role for Histone Deacetylase 9 in Atherosclerosis and Inflammation

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is mediated by DNA methylation as well as by modification of nucleosome structure and cofactor recruitment through histone modifications. Specific methylation and acetylation of histone lysine residues, which comprise the so-called histone code, are marks of different chromatin states related to the expression of neighboring genes and the activity of promoters and enhancers. Histone acetylation and methylation, along with their role in regulating transcription has been known since the 1960s. The enzymes that make these modifications can be thought of as chromosome writers, whereas the enzymes that remove these marks can be referred to as chromosome erasers. Another set of proteins sense these marks and alter gene expression, which can be termed chromosome readers. Histone acetylation is performed by members of the histone acetyltransferase gene family, which use acetyl-CoA as a cofactor to modify specific e-amino group of lysine residues on different histone proteins. This modification eliminates lysine’s positive charge and reduces the affinity of the histone for DNA, which can result in a more relaxed chromatin conformation that can facilitate the recruitment of DNA binding effector proteins. Thus, histone acetylation is most often associated with increased transcriptional activity, and in the most extreme case, acetylation of lysine 16 on histone H4 (H4K16ac) is involved in the switch from inactive heterochromatin to euchromatin.1 Histone acetylation is reversible, allowing for environmental and developmental gene regulation, usually repression; and this process is performed by members of the …
Impaired exercise parameters in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Comparison of biatrial and bicaval techniques

The exercise performance of pediatric heart transplant recipients and the effects of bicaval anastomosis were studied in 19 children using a Bruce protocol. Although all children had decreased exercise capacity and heart rates when compared with normals, the bicaval anastomosis patients had similar endurance and peak heart rates as the standard biatrial group.
Young American Immigrant Children's Interpretations of Popular Culture: A Case Study of Korean Girls' Perspectives on Royalty in Disney Films.

This article explores how young Korean immigrant girls (age five to eight) living in the United States interpreted American popular culture by discussing their interpretations of Disney animated fi...
Use of a digoxigenin-labeled RNA probe to detect all 24 serotypes of bluetongue virus in cell culture

A digoxigenin-labeled RNA probe, corresponding to the section of the bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 17 genome coding for nonstructural protein-1 (NS1), was applied to noninfected cell cultures and cell cultures infected with 24 different serotypes of BTV, 2 serotypes of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and African horse sickness virus type 4. The probe hybridized to all cell cultures infected with the various BTV serotypes but did not hybridize to noninfected cell cultures or cell cultures infected with any of the other orbiviruses.
Drivers of radial growth and carbon isotope discrimination of bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) across continental gradients in precipitation, vapour pressure deficit and irradiance.

Tree-ring characteristics are commonly used to reconstruct climate variables, but divergence from the assumption of a single biophysical control may reduce the accuracy of these reconstructions. Here, we present data from bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) sampled within and beyond the current species bioclimatic envelope to identify the primary environmental controls on ring-width indices (RWIs) and carbon stable isotope discrimination (Δ(13) C) in tree-ring cellulose. Variation in Δ(13) C and RWI was more strongly related to leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit (VPD) at the centre and western edge of the range compared with the northern and wettest regions. Among regions, Δ(13) C of tree-ring cellulose was closely predicted by VPD and light responses of canopy-level Δ(13) C estimated using a model driven by eddy flux and meteorological measurements (R(2) = 0.96, P = 0.003). RWI and Δ(13) C were positively correlated in the drier regions, while they were negatively correlated in the wettest region. The strength and direction of the correlations scaled with regional VPD or the ratio of precipitation to evapotranspiration. Therefore, the correlation strength between RWI and Δ(13) C may be used to infer past wetness or aridity from paleo wood by determining the degree to which carbon gain and growth have been more limited by moisture or light.
Effect of shading on accumulation of flavonoid compounds in (Vitis vinifera L.) pinot noir fruit and extraction in a model system.

Accumulation and compositional changes of flavonols, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins were measured in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Pinot noir in shaded and exposed treatments. In addition, extraction of these compounds into a model wine solution was measured. The study was conducted in a commercial vineyard within a uniform zone of relatively low vigor vines. Light exclusion boxes were installed on pairs of clusters on the same shoot (shaded treatment), and a second set of clusters on an adjacent shoot were labeled as the exposed treatment. Fruit samples were harvested at the onset of ripening (veraison) and at commercial harvest. Cluster shading resulted in a substantial decrease in mg/berry accumulation of flavonols and skin proanthocyanidins and minimal differences in anthocyanins. In analyzing seed proanthocyanidins by phloroglucinolysis, shaded and exposed treatments were similar at veraison; however, by harvest, the shaded treatment had higher extension and terminal subunits (nmol/seed) as compared to the exposed treatment. For skin proanthocyanidins, shaded fruit was lower for all subunits (nmol/berry) at both veraison and harvest. Shading caused an increase in the proportion of (-)-epicatechin and a decrease in (-)-epigallocatechin at harvest in skin extension subunits. Seed proanthocyanidins in shaded fruit contained a lower proportion of (+)-catechin and a higher proportion of (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate in extension subunits and a lower proportion of (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin-3-O-gallate and a higher proportion of (-)-epicatechin in terminal subunits. For anthocyanins, the shaded treatment had a proportional reduction in delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, and malvidin and a large increase in peonidin glucosides. The model extractions from the two treatments paralleled differences in the fruit with a lower concentration of flavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins in the shaded treatment. The skin proanthocyanidin percent extraction was found to be approximately 17% higher in the exposed model extraction than the shaded treatment.
Regional anaesthesia in the patient receiving antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy

The actual incidence of neurological dysfunction resulting from haemorrhagic complications associated with neuraxial block is unknown. Although the incidence cited in the literature is estimated to be ,1 in 150 000 epidural and ,1 in 220 000 spinal anaesthetics, recent surveys suggest that the frequency is increasing and may be as high as 1 in 3000 in some patient populations. Overall, the risk of clinically significant bleeding increases with age, associated abnormalities of the spinal cord or vertebral column, the presence of an underlying coagulopathy, difficulty during needle placement, and an indwelling neuraxial catheter during sustained anticoagulation (particularly with standard unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin). The decision to perform spinal or epidural anaesthesia/analgesia and the timing of catheter removal in a patient receiving antithrombotic therapy is made on an individual basis, weighing the small, although definite risk of spinal haematoma with the benefits of regional anaesthesia for a specific patient. Coagulation status should be optimized at the time of spinal or epidural needle/ catheter placement, and the level of anticoagulation must be carefully monitored during the period of neuraxial catheterization. Indwelling catheters should not be removed in the presence of therapeutic anticoagulation, as this appears to significantly increase the risk of spinal haematoma. Vigilance in monitoring is critical to allow early evaluation of neurological dysfunction and prompt intervention. An understanding of the complexity of this issue is essential to patient management.
Abuse of Patients in Nursing Homes: Findings from a Survey of Staff

Despite persistent allegations that abuse of nursing home residents is widespread, the topic has received only limited research attention. Data are presented from a survey of a random sample of 577 nurses and nursing aides working in long-term care facilities. Rates of abuse based on staff self-reports are presented, and subgroups of staff who are more likely to engage in abusive behaviors are identified.
Modifications of the Aortic and Vagal Depressor Reflexes by Hypercapnia in the Rabbit

Changes in muscle and renal vascular resistances when the traffic in aortic or vagal nerves was interrupted were compared during normocapnia and hypercapnia in rabbits. The rabbits were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, paralyzed, and artificially ventilated; the sinus nerves were cut. A hind limb and a kidney were perfused at constant flow with autologous blood. With the vagi cut or cooled, blocking the aortic nerves by cooling caused a 49% and a 28% increase in limb and kidney perfusion pressures, respectively, during normocapnia (end-tidal CO 2 3-4%) and a 56% and a 69% increase during hypercapnia (end-tidal CO 2 8-10%). With the aortic nerves cut or cooled, vagal cold block increased the limb and kidney perfusion pressures 10% and 15%, respectively, during normocapnia and 17% and 61%, respectively, during hypercapnia. These responses were attenuated, especially in the kidney, when one of these pairs of nerves was intact (aortic nerve or vagus) and the other pair was blocked. Thus, hypercapnia augmented the vasodepressor reflexes from the aortic arch and the cardiopulmonary area. The effects of this phenomenon were greater on the renal vascular bed than they were on the muscle vascular bed.
Computational Issues In a Nonlinear Observer for Systems With Quantized Outputs

In this paper we develop an observer for nonlinear systems with quantized outputs. The observer is a recursive algorithm based on the intersection of sets : each measurement defines a set in state space which, by recursive intersection, is used to refine knowledge of the state. We develop the necessary data structures and procedures to implement the algorithm numerically. Comparisons are drawn between the proposed observer, the Kalman filter, and the equations of nonlinear filtering. Estimates are given Jor the error due to the triangulation of the set of consistent states and the computational complexity of the numerical implementation of our observer. Finally, the algorithm is applied to two example systems.
The Real Effects of a Tobin Tax: Evidence from a Quasi‐Natural Experiment in China

This paper evaluates the real effects of a Tobin tax by investigating a policy experiment that reduced this tax on only a subset of equity securities in China. Affected stocks experienced an increase in both liquidity and return volatility. More importantly, the tax reduction further led to an increase in market valuation, investment, innovation, and equity financing, suggesting strong feedback effects from the secondary capital market to the real economy. My results illustrate the negative consequences of imposing a Tobin tax on the financial markets.
Bipolar Disorder from a Developmental Psychopathology Perspective: Focusing on Phenomenology, Etiology, and Neurobiology

The purpose of this chapter is to consider how a developmental psychopathology perspective can advance our understanding of bipolar disorder. In this chapter we start by discussing the phenomenology of the disorder. As this is a field in which scientific controversies abound, this section begins by placing bipolar disorder in a historical context. We consider the origins of current clinical diagnostic approaches and evaluate newly emerging empirical approaches that utilize dimensions of symptoms, behaviors, and neurobiological indexes. We then review prominent etiological theories of the illness, including work on environmental stressors and hazards as well as behavioral and genetic approaches. We highlight some of the most promising theories that account for both environmental and biological mechanisms of bipolar disorder. Additionally, because bipolar disorder can be considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, biological mechanisms are also discussed in the context of brain imaging research. We conclude the chapter with suggestions for translational research by considering how these developmental and neurodevelopmental models can inform intervention science and help identify promising new directions for future research. Keywords: pediatric bipolar disorder; developmental psychopathology; neurobiology; etiology
Enterprise Risk Management and Diversification Effects for Property and Casualty Insurance Companies

In a well-designed enterprise risk management (ERM) program, the firm integrates risk management into the strategic planning process, addressing strategic risk, financial risk, operational risk, and hazard risk under a single overarching process. This is particularly important to large financial firms, such as property and casualty (P&C) insurers, which face a diverse set of risks. We find that ERM quality, as measured by S&P ERM ratings from 2006-2012, has a strong positive affect on ROA and Tobin’s Q for P&C insurers. In contrast to previous studies that have found that diversified firms suffer a value discount relative to their more focused peers, the results of this study suggest that, after controlling for ERM quality, business line diversification is associated with a performance premium whereas geographic diversification is not a significant factor.
Levels of Evidence for Hand Questions on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination

Background: Although analyses of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) subspecialty content domains have been performed, few studies have analyzed the levels of evidence (LoEs) for journal articles used as references to create OITE questions. We present an analysis of reference characteristics and question taxonomy for the hand surgery content domain on the OITE. We aim to determine whether level of evidence (LoE) for hand surgery questions have increased over a 15-year period. Methods: All questions and references in the hand surgery content domain on the OITE from 1995-1997 and 2010-2012 were reviewed. The taxonomic classification was determined for each question. Publication characteristics were defined for each reference, and each primary journal article was assigned a LoE. Results: A total of 129 questions containing 222 references met inclusion criteria: 76 questions from 1995-1997 and 53 from 2010-2012. The Journal of Hand Surgery American and European Volumes, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery American and British Volumes, and the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons were the most frequently cited journals overall. Recent examinations were more likely to have Buckwalter T3 complex clinical management questions. There was a statically significant increase in the LoE used to create hand questions on the 2010-2012 compared with the 1995-1997 OITE. Conclusions: Primary journal articles cited on the hand surgery content domain of the OITE frequently included recent publications from both general and subspecialty journals. More recent examination questions appear to test clinical management scenarios. LoE for hand questions has increased over a 15-year period. Our results can be used as a guide to help prepare orthopedic residents for the OITE.
Could Watching TV Be Good for You? Examining How Media Consumption Patterns Relate to Salivary Cortisol

This research explores whether media diet influences health, not through its effects on cognition and behavior but rather through its effects on biomarkers of stress, which are implicated in a host of acute and chronic illnesses. Two hundred and forty young adults completed assessments of their media consumption habits followed at least 2 days later by measures of the stress-related hormone cortisol. Results suggest that frequency of consuming different media and genres may decrease cortisol under certain conditions and increase them under others. Further, the patterns of results were wholly different from those found for perceived stress. The implications of these findings for health-related media effects and theoretical development are discussed.
Aids: A Medical Rehabilitation Perspective

This chapter gives a concise overview of the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), with special emphasis on clinical aspects relevant to rehabilitation professionals. AIDS is a novel form of an acquired immune deficit now known to be caused by the recently recognized Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Symptoms result from the direct effects of the virus on the immune system and the nervous system, which appear to be the primary targets. Much of the morbidity and mortality, however, is caused by opportunistic infections which occur in patients unable to mobilize the appropriate immune defenses against them. Characteristic, but previously rare, neoplasms also occur due to a failure of immune regulation. Improved medical care, however, has changed AIDS from a rapidly fatal disease to one where survival may be prolonged. The rehabilitation setting, the physical disability caused by AIDS, along with the psychosocial and economic impact of the disease on the patient have become increasingly important. Fat...
The effect of dextrans on zeta potential.

SummaryThe effects of dextran solutions (40,000 and 70,000 mol wt) on the electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes and a negatively charged colloidal particle—minusil—was calculated. Zeta potential was calculated from the standard Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation. Results showed a decreased zeta potential of erythrocytes in albumin solutions and a plateau effect of both erythrocytes and minusil at a level of approximately —10 mV. Both dextrans uniformly increased zeta potential from —16 mV to an average of —24 mV in saline solutions. However, in physiologic concentrations of albumin, increasing concentrations of 40,000 mol wt dextran increased the negative zeta potential from —10 mV to —24 mV while 70,000 mol wt dextran decreased the zeta potential from —10 mV to —4 mV and then to zero.The results imply that evaluations of the effects of dextrans on the zeta potential of erythrocytes must take into consideration interaction with albumin. Clinically, from these data 40,000 mol wt dextran would be expected t...
Health risk assessment of trihalomethanes in drinking water in Shenzhen

Objective To explore the potential health hazards of trihalomethanes(THMs) contamination in drinking water in Shenzhen. Methods The concentrations of THMs in drinking water from 13 centralized water supply systems were determined from Jan.2010 to Dec.2011 in Shenzhen. The water environmental health risk assessment model recommended by US EPA was established based on the water monitoring data of THMs. Preliminary health risks of THMs associated in drinking water were assessed. Results The median concentrations of THMs,TCM,DBCM,BDCM,TBM in drinking water were 37.0,24.5,2.3,7.8 and 0.3 μg/L respectively. The values of carcinogenic risks for THMs,TCM,DBCM,BDCM,TBM to the individual person per year in drinking water were 4.52 ×10-5,2.38 ×10-5,6.07 ×10-6,1.52 ×10-5and 7.45 ×10-8/a respectively. The values of health risk of non-carcinogenesis of THMs,TCM,DBCM,BDCM,TBM to the individual person per year in drinking water were 9.32 ×10-2,7.68 ×10-2,3.61 ×10-3,1.23 ×10-2and 4.71 ×10-4/a respectively.The health risk caused by THMs to the individual through drinking water were in the order of TCM BDCM DBCM TBM. Conclusion The health risks of carcinogenesis induced by THMs through drinking water are acceptable with tolerable value offered by USEPA(1.0×10-6-1.0×10-4/a),but reached to the tolerable value(5.0×10-5/a) by ICRP. The non-carcinogenic risk of THMs is tolerable(HI1).
Resolving the etiology of atopic disorders by using genetic analysis of racial ancestry

Atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma are common atopic disorders of complex etiology. The frequently observed atopic march from early AD to asthma, allergic rhinitis, or both later in life and the extensive comorbidity of atopic disorders suggest common causal mechanisms in addition to distinct ones. Indeed, both disease-specific and shared genomic regions exist for atopic disorders. Their prevalence also varies among races; for example, AD and asthma have a higher prevalence in African Americans when compared with European Americans. Whether this disparity stems from true genetic or race-specific environmental risk factors or both is unknown. Thus far, the majority of the genetic studies on atopic diseases have used populations of European ancestry, limiting their generalizability. Large-cohort initiatives and new analytic methods, such as admixture mapping, are currently being used to address this knowledge gap. Here we discuss the unique and shared genetic risk factors for atopic disorders in the context of ancestry variations and the promise of high-throughput "-omics"-based systems biology approach in providing greater insight to deconstruct their genetic and nongenetic etiologies. Future research will also focus on deep phenotyping and genotyping of diverse racial ancestry, gene-environment, and gene-gene interactions.
Hemodynamic and pulmonary fluid status in the trauma patient: are we slipping?

Recent reports point to problems in the clinical assessment of the cardiopulmonary system in hemodynamically unstable patients, especially with the decreasing usage of pulmonary artery catheters. Our purpose was to evaluate the hypothesis that clinical judgment alone is inadequate for a reliable estimate of cardiopulmonary status in critically ill patients. Physician assessments (high, normal, or low) of cardiac index (CI) and thoracic fluid content (TFC) were made in 68 acute trauma cases and compared to the results obtained with impedance cardiography (ICG). Physician assessment using clinical judgment alone was correct only 42 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively, for CI and TFC. There was very little difference in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), and the number of injured systems between the incorrect and correct assessments of CI. However, the mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was markedly higher for the incorrect than the correct CI values (18.8 ± 9.3 vs 14.2 ± 9.8, P = 0.0589). Thus, there is a need for an objective measurement of CI and TFC especially in the more severely injured patient. The inaccuracy of the clinical exam strongly suggests the need for a supplemental measurement, which the new and improved ICG monitor could provide.
Preanesthetic Assessment of the Pediatric Patient

Summary During the course of development from birth to adulthood, profound anatomic physiologic and psychologic changes occur. The neonate, infant, preschool and school-aged child, and the adolescent each possess unique characteristics that must be understood and addressed for the safe practice of anesthesia.
Postsynaptic Receptor Elimination During Synaptic Competition

The way in which synaptic connections are maintained between axon terminals and the target cells they innervate is a central yet poorly understood aspect of the behavior of the nervous system. Understanding synaptic maintenance is especially important for a full understanding of how the nervous system compensates following injury. At present, however, even basic questions about whether synaptic connections are stable or constantly turning over have just begun to be approached directly.
Order of Magnitude Dissociative Ionization Enhancement Observed for Pulses with High Order Dispersion

While the interaction of atoms in strong fields is well understood, the same cannot be said about molecules. We consider how dissociative ionization of molecules depends on the quality of the femtosecond laser pulses, in particular, the presence of third- and fourth-order dispersion. We find that high-order dispersion (HOD) unexpectedly results in order-of-magnitude enhanced ion yields, along with the factor of 3 greater kinetic energy release compared to transform-limited pulses with equal peak intensities. The magnitude of these effects is not caused by increased pulse duration. We evaluate the role of pulse pedestals produced by HOD and other pulse shaping approaches, for a number of molecules including acetylene, methanol, methylene chloride, acetonitrile, toluene, and o-nitrotoluene, and discuss our findings in terms of processes such as prealignment, preionization, and bond softening. We conclude, based on the quasi-symmetric temporal dependence of the observed enhancements that cascade ionization i...
Experimental and Computational Analysis of Protein Stabilization by Gly-to-D-Ala Substitution: A Convolution of Native State and Unfolded State Effects

The rational and predictable enhancement of protein stability is an important goal in protein design. Most efforts target the folded state, however stability is the free energy difference between the folded and unfolded states thus both are suitable targets. Strategies directed at the unfolded state usually seek to decrease chain entropy by introducing cross-links or by replacing glycines. Cross-linking has led to mixed results. Replacement of glycine with an l-amino acid, while reducing the entropy of the unfolded state, can introduce unfavorable steric interactions in the folded state, since glycine is often found in conformations that require a positive φ angle such as helical C-capping motifs or type I′ and II″ β-turns. l-Amino acids are strongly disfavored in these conformations, but d-amino acids are not. However, there are few reported examples and conflicting results have been obtained when glycines are replaced with d-Ala. We critically examine the effect of Gly-to-d-Ala substitutions on protein ...
Demographic factors, workplace factors and active transportation use in the USA: a secondary analysis of 2009 NHTS data.

Background While active transportation has health, economic and environmental benefits, participation within the USA is low. The purpose of this study is to examine relationships of demographic and workplace factors with health-enhancing active transportation and commuting. Methods Participants in the 2009 National Household Travel Survey reported demographics, workplace factors (time/distance to work, flextime availability, option to work from home and work start time) and active transportation (for any purpose) or commuting (to and from work, workers only) as walking or biking (≥10 min bouts only). Multiple logistic regression examined cross-sectional relationships between demographics and workplace factors with active transportation and commuting. Results Among 152 573 participants, active transportation was reported by 1.11% by biking and 11.74% by walking. Among 111 808 working participants, active commuting was reported by 0.80% by biking and 2.76% by walking. Increased odds (p Conclusions Active transportation differed across demographic and workplace factors. These relationships could inform infrastructure policy decisions and workplace wellness programming targeting increased active transportation.
Abstract 550: Differential Regulation of CD39 Expression by Il-1ß in Leukocytes and Endothelial Cells

Background CD39 (ENTPD-1) is a membrane-spanning ectonucleotidase that is responsible for the phosphohydrolysis of ATP to ADP and ADP to AMP. CD39 levels are modulated in multiple conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, cardiac, liver and renal injury, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. However, little is known about the upstream regulation of this molecule, or whether modulation of CD39 represents a response to inflammatory cytokines or is integral to the pathological process. Elevated levels of cytokine IL-1β are a hallmark of many inflammatory states. Objectives Objectives were to measure CD39 expression after stimulation with the IL-1β. CD39 is expressed on leukocytes and endothelial cells; therefore, CD39 expression was evaluated in these cell types. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with either 10 pg/ml or 1 ng/ml IL-1β for 12 hours. Cells were harvested and CD39 mRNA expression was measured using qPCR. CD39 protein expression was measured using Western Blot. Mononuclear leukocytes were isolated from whole blood of healthy humans via density gradient cell separation (n=3). Leukocytes were cultured for 12 hours with or without the addition of IL-1β (1ng/ml). Leukocytes were then assessed for expression of CD39, CD73, CD14, CD19, CD4, CD8, and CD25 by flow cytometry. Findings IL-1β (1 ng/ml) treatment resulted in decreased CD39 mRNA expression in HUVECs (1.1 vs. 3.9, p Conclusions This is the first report of modulation of CD39 expression in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Interestingly, IL-1β downregulated CD39 expression in HUVECs, but resulted in increased CD39 expression on a T-reg population positive for CD4 and CD25. CD39 could be differentially regulated depending on the inflammatory stimulus and target cell type.
Conceptualizing State Policy Adoption and Diffusion

Since the 1980s, the U.S. states have adopted numerous new postsecondary-education policies, spanning the range from student-directed initiatives in merit scholarships and college-savings plans to institution-focused initiatives in performance-based funding and targeted researcher recruitment. In recent years, higher-education researchers have begun aggressively examining not only the effects of these new policies but also their origins in the fifty states. This essay reviews earlier research on policy adoption in political science, sociology, and other fields, then presents a conceptual framework for understanding and investigating the contextual factors driving state actions in the higher-education arena. The framework identifies four major domains of influence: a state’s socioeconomic context, organizational and policy context, politico-institutional context, and policy diffusion context. Research literature on these influences is reviewed, with special attention to developing theoretical propositions regarding the influences of specific factors under particular contextual conditions. The essay reviews emerging developments in policy-adoption scholarship in varied disciplines, then closes with a discussion of promising areas for future higher-education adoption scholarship.
Double prepuncture as a valuable adjunctive technique for complex endovenous ablation.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the technique and to report the results of double prepuncture used during complex radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in cases of treating multiple incompetent veins or encountering focal obstruction to catheter advancement. Methods A double prepuncture technique was applied in patients requiring endovascular ablation of multiple veins and patients with great saphenous vein cannulation failure. We treated 13 limbs in 12 patients during a 24-month period with RFA in which the double prepuncture technique was used. Clinical history, operative reports, outcomes, and follow-up were reviewed. Results RFA was performed with the double puncture technique on, collectively, 10 great saphenous veins, 5 small saphenous veins, and 5 anterior accessory saphenous veins. Mean preoperative Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology score was 4.38 ± 1.6. Three limbs required prepuncture because of difficulty in advancing the catheter cephalad through tortuosity and focal obstruction after failure with techniques such as a guidewire, a guide catheter, and manual compression with ultrasound guidance. Ten limbs received planned double prepuncture for multiple adjacent incompetent veins, for which venipuncture and cannulation of the second target vein would be difficult after tumescent application to the first vein. Postoperative ultrasound demonstrated successful closure of all target veins in which the double prepuncture technique was used. One patient had a deep venous thrombosis (7.7%) that resolved without complications. Conclusions Double prepuncture is a useful technical adjunct both for simultaneous endovenous ablation of multiple adjacent incompetent veins and when catheter passage is impeded. This technique aids in efficient and successful application of endovenous ablation to complex venous anatomy.
“A Bridge Between High School and College”: A Case Study of a STEM Intervention Program Enhancing College Readiness Among Underserved Students

Underserved students express a high interest in earning a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree. However, their ACT benchmark indicators tend to be much lower than their p...
Introduction: The Evolution of Environmental Enforcement

This book’s introduction describes the emerging structure of environmental enforcement, which the Amazonia has pioneered for the world, centered on the formation of police agencies, prosecutor units, and special courts. It shows how this structure, by giving the environment effective political and institutional support, is a historical and legal breakthrough in global protection. But the book’s analysis and case studies will also explain how that same structure is weakened by the larger political, institutional, and geographic context in which it operates.