cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genesis of a spatial pattern in the cellular slime mold Polysphondylium pallidum

Abstract The branches in Polysphondylium pallidum whorls are arranged in a radial pattern. We have used a pattern-specific monoclonal antibody to study branch formation and characterize the origin of this pattern. A quantitative spatial analysis of antibody staining reveals that the branching pattern arises from a random distribution. This distribution passes through a series of intermediate stages to yield a radial prepattern. The origins and evolution of this prepattern are satisfactorily accounted for by models that produce spatial patterns by short-range autocatalytic and longer-range inhibitory forces.
Effect of sympathectomy on microvascular anastomosis in the rat

An operative technique of lumbar sympathectomy in the rat is described. Two days following either sympathectomy or sham-sympathectomy, bilateral femoral arterial anastomoses were performed by a 1-year trained microsurgeon (S.A.H.) and patency was assessed by preoperative and postoperative (30 minutes, daily) operative invasive and noninvasive techniques using an electromagnetic flow meter (for immediate postoperative) and Doppler, respectively. Of 112 rats, three and one postoperative deaths occurred within 24 hours following abdominal surgery in each group, respectively. Of 105 anastomoses in the sympathectomy group, 103 (98%) and 101 (96%) had patent anastomoses 30 minutes and 14 days postoperatively, respectively, while 109 of the sham-sympathectomy group had 105 (96%) and 103 (94%) patencies at the same period of the observation, respectively. Thus the sympathectomy did not much alter the microvascular patency rate in the rat. It appears therefore that the meticulous microvascular anastomosis cannot be replaced by lumbar sympathectomy in the rat.
The Sustainability Revolution: A Societal Paradigm Shift

This article addresses a question relevant to those interested in the achievement of greater sustainability: What are some of the ways that major societal transformations come about? Firstly, four key mechanisms are identified in the article. Then, I go on to focus on one of these, which has a prominent place in the sustainability revolution that it is argued is now taking place. The question of what are characteristic features of the sustainability revolution is addressed. The ongoing transformations are largely piecemeal, incremental, diffuse—in earlier writings referred to as "organic". Organic is a more encompassing notion than "grassroots", since the innovation and transformation processes may be launched and developed at multiple levels by collective agents that in some cases are very large and would not be understood as "grassroots" actors. The article argues that the sustainability revolution shares some features, in particular its organic character, with the early industrial revolution. It concludes by addressing the question of what are the similarities and differences between the sustainability and industrial revolutions.
Beyond pure static shape in function-based object recognition

There has recently been growing interest in exploiting the concept of reasoning about function for object recognition. In a function-based approach to object recognition, recognition of an object means labeling it as belonging to some category of objects according to the function that it could serve. The few function-based recognition systems which have so far been described in the literature have all assumed that the input to the problem is a pure static shape description. By `pure' shape we mean that the only object property that the systems have reasoned about is their abstract shape. By `static' shape we mean that the systems have reasoned about an object from only a single (assumed rigid) abstract shape instance. This paper discusses some of the issues which must be addressed in extending the function-based approach to handle non-shape properties (such as material properties) and dynamic shape descriptions.
The cardioprotective effect of Mn-superoxide dismutase is lost at high doses in the postischemic isolated rabbit heart.

The loss of protection by human recombinant (hr) Cu.Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) at higher doses reported previously may have been due to the weak peroxidase activity of this enzyme. To test this possibility we studied the dose-response relationship of hrMn-SOD, which lacks peroxidase activity. Isolated, buffer perfused rabbit hearts were subjected to 1 h of global ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion, and the percent recovery of developed tension (relative to preischemic) was measured via a left ventricular balloon connected through a pressure transducer to a polygraph recorder. The coronary effluent was assayed for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. While hrMn-SOD almost completely protected against loss of function and LDH release at 2 and 5 mg/L (p less than 0.01), it exacerbated the damage at 50 mg/L concentration (p less than 0.05 against controls), thus giving an even sharper bell-shaped curve than seen with the hrCu,Zn-SOD. Therefore we conclude that, first, while the hrMn-SOD protects the reperfused heart at lower doses, it may exacerbate the damage at higher doses. Second, that the lack of protection seen at higher doses of hr-Cu,Zn-SOD is unlikely to be due only to its peroxidase activity.
Multiple sclerosis death rates from underlying cause and total deaths.

Age- and sex-specific death rates from multiple sclerosis were calculated both from all conditions coded and from those coded as underlying or primary cause of death for the United States by color for 1955, and for Denmark (1963–68) and Norway (1956–60). Primary-cause death rates for the United States (1959–61) were also assessed. Underlying-cause deaths accounted for about 3/4 the total reported in each land as well as for each sex in Denmark and Norway, but there were marked differences in this proportion between the sexes in the United States. For total deaths with MS all three lands had essentially equal death rates by sex, though for underlying-cause MS death rates there had been a female preponderance in US whites and in Denmark. From underlying-cause data, age-specific MS death rates in the US attained almost a plateau from about age 45 on, in Denmark there was a sharp and high peak at about age 62, and Norway's rates were intermediate to the other two lands. In all enumerations the proportion of deaths with MS provided by underlying-cause deaths fell with increasing age, but otherwise the age-specific rates from total deaths with MS (all conditions coded) showed curves similar to the underlying-cause rates in Denmark, Norway, and US white females; however the US white males then showed a striking maximum from age 65–84. In each land, there was a tendency for female MS primary-cause age-specific death rates to anticipate the male by some five to ten years, which did persist to some extent when associated-condition deaths were added. That such discrepancies should be apparent between total deaths and primary-cause deaths for a disorder with such a high proportion of deaths considered as underlying adds yet another aspect to be considered when evaluating disease from mortality data. Complete enumeration of all deaths encoded to each separate rubric of the 8th revision of the International Statistical Classification (ISC) for at least one year would permit some assessment of the effects that coding as to cause of death might have on inferences as to geographic or other selective factors in disease.
Female Preferences for Sailfin and Body Size in the Sailfin Molly, Poecilia latipinna

We tested the mating preference of female sailfin mollies (Poecilia latipinna) by presenting them with pairs of dummy males differing in: (I) sailfin and body size together (holding sailfin : body size ratio constant); (II) body size alone (holding sailfin size constant); (III) sailfin size alone (holding body size constant); and (IV) sailfin : body size ratio (holding total lateral projection area constant). Females spent more time near dummies of greater sailfin or greater body size. The preference functions based on the first three sets of stimuli showed a similar pattern: the preference between any two simultaneously presented dummies increased with the magnitude of the discrepancy in lateral projection area (LPA) between them. However, when LPA was held constant in expt (IV), neither body size, sailfin size, nor any particular dummy (i.e. any particular sailfin + body size combination) was preferred. These findings suggest that increased LPA is more stimulating to sexually receptive females and that females consequently prefer larger males. The sailfin may therefore have evolved as a way for males to exploit this sensory bias and appear larger to prospective mates.
Temporal analysis of tone pulses within the courtship songs of two sibling Drosophila species, their interspecific hybrid, and behavioral mutants of D. melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Temporal analyses were applied to the tone pulses within the courtship songs of Drosophila melanogaster, D. simulans,their interspecific hybrid, and behavioral mutants of D. melanogaster.Linear regression was performed on various parameters of the song pulses (cycles per pulse, absolute peak amplitude, intrapulse frequency, number of peaks in fast Fourier transform, width of the primary frequency peak, and interpulse interval), as a function of their positions within pulse trains. Significant differences in the slope values of these two species and of the mutant genotypes allowed for discriminative quantification of temporal changes within trains. These results are discussed in relation to previous kinds of temporal analyses of Drosophilacourtship songs and also with regard to the mechanisms of song production.
Single-pole double-throw switches using capacitive MEMS switches

This article presents two MEMS-based single-pole double-throw (SPDT) circuit designs using Raytheon's capacitive switch technology. One uses a series-shunt topology for broadband operation covering 5–24 GHz with less than 1-dB insertion loss and 25-dB isolation. The second design employs resonant quarter-wave sections to achieve loss below 1 dB across 24–31 GHz. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 14: 383–387, 2004.
A "migrant friendly hospital" initiative in Geneva, Switzerland: evaluation of the effects on staff knowledge and practices

International migration poses important challenges to European health care systems. The development of "migrant friendly hospitals" has been identified as a priority in both Europe and Switzerland.
A 13C NMR study of ethylene adsorbed on reduced and oxygen-covered ag surfaces

[sup 13]C-enriched ethylene was adsorbed on both clean and oxygen-covered Ag particles dispersed on [eta]-Al[sub 2]O[sub 3]. Irreversibly adsorbed C[sub 2]H[sub 4] on O-covered Ag exhibited an upfield shift of [minus]20 ppm relative to gas-phase C[sub 2]H[sub 4], whereas a narrower line and smaller shift of [minus]5 ppm occurred for C[sub 2]H[sub 4] reversibly adsorbed on reduced Ag. In addition to the resonance at 103 ppm for irreversibly adsorbed C[sub 2]H[sub 4], CP/MAS NMR spectra also gave resonances at 179, 170, 164, 159, and 19 ppm for the O-covered Ag sample. The CP/MAS spectrum for Ag acetate powder clearly identified the 179- and 19-ppm peaks as those associated with the carboxyl and methyl carbons of the acetate anion, and the peaks at 159, 164, and 170 ppm were assigned to oxalate, formate, and carbonate (or possibly acetic anhydride) species, respectively, based on previous studies. When heated to 473 K the adsorbed C[sub 2]H[sub 4] disappeared and only acetate and oxalate groups were observed, and continued heating to 573 K removed almost all resonances. No C[sub 2]H[sub 4]O was unambiguously detected, thus with this unpromoted Ag catalyst utilizing a high-surface-area alumina the observable surface species appeared to be those associated withmore » complete combustion, with acetate and oxalate predominating during reaction. These results directly confirm the presence of an Ag acetate species which has been proposed previously to be an intermediate in complete combustion, and the presence of the other three species support earlier tentative assignments based on IR and TPR spectroscopy. Chemical shifts at 61, 28, and 13 ppm were indicative of alkoxy species formed on Bronsted-acid sites on the Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] surface. 58 refs., 8 figs., 4 tabs.« less
Results of the Minnesota Randomized Prospective Trial of Cyclosporine Versus Azathioprine-Antilymphocyte Globulin for Immunosuppression in Renal Allograft Recipients

Between September 26, 1980 and June 8, 1984, 246 splenectomized, transfused renal allograft recipients were randomized to treatment with either cyclosporine (CsA)-prednisone (n = 131) or azathioprine (Aza)-prednisoneantilymphocyte globulin (n = 115). On December 31, 1984, actuarial patient survival rates at three years were 896 in the CsA group and 90% in the Aza group, and the corresponding graft survival rates were 82% and 79% (statistically insignificant differences). The results were also compared separately in diabetic and nondiabetic patients and in recipients of related and cadaver donor grafts; only in the subgroup of diabetic recipients of cadaver kidneys were the differences in graft survival rates significantly different between CsA- and Aza-treated patients. The incidence of posttransplant acute tubular necrosis was similar in CsA- and Aza-treated patients (33/0 v 27%), but the duration was significantly longer in CsA- than in Aza-treated recipients (15.7 ± 18.4 v 7.7 ±3.0 days). Rejection episodes and infections (particularly CMV) occurred significantly less frequently in CsA- than in Aza-treated patients. Mean serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in CsA- than in Aza-treated recipients (2.0 ± 0.6 v 1.5 ± 0.5 mgldL). Treatment of hypertension and hyperkalemia was required significantly more frequently in the CsA-treated patients than in the Aza-treated patients. Initial mean hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the CsA group than in the Aza group (15.6 ± 9.5 v 19.8 ± 10.7 days). In the CsA group,19% of the patients were switched to Aza and 35% had Aza added to their regimen with a concomitant lowering of the CsA dose because of nephrotoxicity. The results of our randomized trial are at variance with those of others in that the graft survival rates in our trial were not different between CsA and Aza-treated patients, primarily because our conventionally-treated patients had a higher graft survival rate than in the other trials. The advantages of CsA (fewer rejection episodes, fewer infections, shorter hospitalization) outweigh the disadvantages (higher serum creatinine, more hypertension), and thus we believe it should be used in most renal allograft recipients, perhaps in combination with Aza so that a lower dose of CsA can be used and the side effects minimized-a regimen that we are currently evaluating.
Barriers to Help-Seeking Among Immigrant African Women Survivors of Partner Abuse: Listening to Women's Own Voices

Most studies in the United States documenting immigrant women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) have not included the perspectives of abused immigrant African women. This study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore help-seeking barriers and factors impacting decisions to leave an abusive relationship among 15 immigrant African women. Results from the qualitative analysis indicated that the culture of gender inequality and acceptance of gender violence were primary barriers. Self-blame, loyalty, concern for children, and lack of knowledge regarding abuse, services, and legal rights were additional barriers, along with structural factors such as finances, underemployment, and housing. Muslim African women also feared the additional stigma of being in polygamous relationships. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Toward a Monopoly Botnet Market

ABSTRACTEconomics play an increasingly important role in fighting cyber crimes. While the arms race against botnet problems has achieved limited success, we propose an approach attacking botnets through affecting a botnet market structure. The characteristics of the present underground botnet market suggest that it functions effectively as perfectly competitive. Competitive markets are usually efficient. We argue that less competition in the botnet market is actually preferred. Our economic analysis suggests that monopoly reduces the overall market output of botnets. Using a model of market structure evolution, we identify key forces that affect the botnet market structure and propose possible ways such as defaming botnet entrants to reduce competition, which ultimately reduce the size and output of the botnet market. The analysis provides useful insight to botnet defenders as a guidance on an efficient allocation of defending resources by attacking more on new entrants to the botnet market relative to th...
Protein Release from Escherichia Coli Cells Permeabilized with Guanidine-Hcl and Triton X100.

An important factor complicating the recovery of recombinant proteins from Escherichia coli is their intracellular location. An alternative to the commonly used method of releasing these proteins by mechanical disruption is to chemically permeabilize the cells. The objective of this research was to characterize the protein release kinetics of a permeabilization process using guanidine–HCl and Triton X100. The protein release rate and yield were determined as a function of the guanidine and Triton concentrations. The initial release rate increased monotonically with increasing concentrations of Triton and guanidine whereas the release yield varied in a complex manner. Electron microscopy indicated that the permeabilization process involves a solubilization of the inner membrane and molecular alteration of the outer wall. Some advantages of this process over mechanical disruption include avoiding extensive fragmentation of the cells and retainment of nucleic acids inside the cell structure.
Four Promoters of IRF5 Respond Distinctly to Stimuli and are Affected by Autoimmune-Risk Polymorphisms

Introduction: Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis affect millions of people worldwide. Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) contains polymorphisms associated with these autoimmune diseases. Two of these functional polymorphisms are found upstream of the IRF5 gene. rs2004640, which is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the CGGGG insertion/deletion (indel) were studied. IRF5 uses four different promoters for its four first exons: 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. Each promoter was analyzed, including functional differences due to the autoimmune-risk polymorphisms. Results: IRF5 promoters were analyzed using ChIP-Seq data (ENCODE database) and the FactorBook database to define transcription factor binding sites. To verify promoter activity, the promoters were cloned into luciferase plasmids. Each construct exhibited luciferase activity. Exons 1A and 1D contain putative PU.1 and NFkB binding sites. Imiquimod, a Toll-like receptor 7 ligand, was used to activate these transcription factors. IRF5 levels were doubled after imiquimod treatment (p
MEMS-based 3D confocal scanning microendoscope using MEMS scanners for both lateral and axial scan

A fiber-optic 3D confocal scanning microendoscope employing MEMS scanners for both lateral and axial scan was designed and constructed. The MEMS 3D scan engine achieved a lateral scan range of over ± 26° with a 2D MEMS scanning micromirror and a depth scan of over 400 μm with a 1D MEMS tunable microlens. The lateral resolution and axial resolution of this system were experimentally measured as 1.0 μm and 7.0 μm, respectively. 2D and 3D confocal reflectance images of micro-patterns, micro-particles, onion skins and acute rat brain tissue were obtained by this MEMS-based 3D confocal scanning microendoscope.
Mental Disorders and Coronary Heart Disease Risk Could the Evidence Elude Us While We Sleep

Although provocative findings from large epidemiological studies suggest that mental disorders and elevated psychiatric symptoms are independent risk factors for the incidence and recurrence of coronary heart disease (CHD), other studies do not replicate this somewhat startling finding.1–3 This research has been characterized by incomplete adjustment for confounders, wide variation in the assessment of mental disorders, and inconsistent inclusion of multiple mental disorders and overlapping symptom clusters. For incident CHD, the most convincing evidence comes from prospective studies linking a diagnosis of depression or the presence of elevated depressive symptoms with later occult CHD.3 Although there have been tantalizing glimpses of associations of other types of mental disorders, such as alcohol/substance use disorder, anxiety, and schizophrenia, with incident CHD, there are a paucity of studies examining this risk. Indeed, we conducted a preliminary search of the prospective epidemiological literature on the association of mental disorders with incident CHD and found that, of 123 results retrieved, approximately 60% focused uniquely on depression, 10% on alcohol/substance use disorder, 11% on anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder, and 14% on psychosis or schizophrenia. Thus, outstanding questions about the nature and consistency of the association of specific types of mental disorders—other than depression—and incident CHD remain. Article see p 186 In this issue of Circulation , Gale et al4 provide results from a cohort of >1 million adult men born in Sweden from 1950 to 1976 who were followed for 22 years for incident CHD. Importantly, all were systematically assessed at conscription (approximately 18 years) for multiple psychiatric disorders by trained psychiatrists, including alcohol-related disorders, other nonaffective psychoses, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, neurotic disorders, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, and other substance use disorders. This is one of the first and largest population-based studies with such a comprehensive assessment of …
Using Hill-Type Muscle Models and EMG Data in a Forward Dynamic Analysis of Joint Moment

There has been considerable interest in estimating muscle forces and joint moments from EMG signals, but most approaches have not been very successful. This is largely because robust models of muscle activation dynamics, Hill-type muscle contraction dynamics, and musculoskeletal geometry are generally not included. Here we present a model which includes these sub-models and we determine which model parameters are most important. The models abilities to predict joint moments about the human elbow during time-varying isometric tasks were examined. Inputs to the models were EMGs from eight muscles. Joint moment was the output, which was compared with the measured moment. Models varied in complexity, having up to 59 adjustable parameters. It was found that a seven adjustable parameter model could adequately estimate time-varying joint moments without substantial sacrifice in performance. The key parameters that were fit for each subject were two global gain factors, a time delay term, a non-linear EMG-force term, two muscle activation terms, and a term for skewing the length-tension curve with muscle activation. This approach offers advantages over optimization-based methods for estimating individual muscle forces. Most importantly, it accounts for the way muscles are activated, which makes it potentially powerful to evaluate patients with pathologies.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Child Safety Seats and Seat Belts in Protecting Children from Injury

Young children are required to use child safety seats, and the age threshold at which children can legally graduate to seat belts has steadily increased. This article tests the relative effectiveness of child safety seats, lap-and-shoulder seat belts, and lap belts in preventing injuries among motor vehicle passengers aged 2–6 yr. We analyze three large, representative samples of crashes reported to police, as well as linked hospital data. We find no apparent difference in the two most serious injury categories for children in child safety seats versus lap-and-shoulder belts. Child safety seats provide a statistically significant 25% reduction in the least serious injury category. Lap belts are somewhat less effective than the two other types of restraints but far superior to riding unrestrained .( JEL I18)
Cutaneous Melanoma: Preoperative Tumor Diameter in a General Dermatology Outpatient Setting

Background The ABCD mnemonic for cutaneous melanoma indicates that tumor diameter (D) is typically greater than 6 mm. Objective To determine the distribution of preoperative tumor diameter in a midwestern United States general dermatology practice–based case series. Methods Patient records were reviewed for preoperative maximal tumor diameter for primary cutaneous melanomas diagnosed between January 1, 2006, and February 1, 2012. Results Of 116 tumors for which preoperative measures were available, 38 (32.8%) had a diameter of 6 mm or less. Of these 38 small-diameter (≤6 mm) cases, tumor invasion occurred in 26 (68.4%), compared with 36 of the 78 (46.2%) larger-diameter (>6 mm) cases. Small-diameter tumors were significantly more common in patients younger than 60 and almost twice as common in women than men. Conclusions Almost one-third of evaluable tumors in this general dermatology practice–based setting had a preoperative diameter of 6 mm or less, and two-thirds of these small-diameter cases were invasive. The diameter criterion of greater than 6 mm in the ABCD mnemonic is precariously insensitive for a public message.
Customer driven innovation process

In order to drive improvements in the product development process and reduce time to market it is essential that the emerging technologies be sufficiently understood prior to product commitment. Today's leaner technology development teams are challenged not only to predict which of the many potential ideas will create killer products, but also insure that they are ready for product introduction. Increasing global competition and the rapid availability of information has decreased the window to evaluate potential options and tradeoffs, select the best solution and then implement the solution that enables the company to take advantage of a market opportunity. Companies with structured processes that enable teams to identify and focus on customer-valued innovations and rapidly drive them to commercialization will emerge as the market leaders. Outcome-based market research techniques were used to identify the criteria that engineering and business teams use to judge the value of new technologies. From this research, a technology maturity process was developed and implemented that selects which emerging technologies would create customer value, identifies the potential tradeoffs against program constraints, and drives the development of these technologies to meet the product and supply chain requirements.
MRI-powered actuators for robotic interventions

This paper presents a novel actuation technology for robotically assisted MRI-guided interventional procedures. Compact and wireless, the actuators are both powered and controlled by the MRI scanner. The design concept and performance limits are described and derived analytically. Simulation and experiments in a clinical MR scanner are used to validate the analysis and to demonstrate the capability of the approach for needle biopsies. The concepts of actuator locking mechanisms and multi-axis control are also introduced.
Induction of anti-myelin antibodies in EAE and their possible role in demyelination

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis is characterized by invasion of lymphocytes and macrophages into the central nervous system resulting in inflammation, edema, and demyelination. Sera from Lewis rats from 7-95 days after immunization with purified guinea pig CNS myelin were examined with respect to their ability to opsonize myelin. This was correlated with the appearance of antibody components and the relative amounts of antibody to myelin basic protein (MBP) and proteolipid protein (PLP). Sera from rats 10-95 days after immunization preincubated with purified myelin induced phagocytosis of myelin by cultured macrophages with the resulting production of cholesterol ester. This opsonization activity as measured by the percentage of cholesterol esterified reached a peak at 26-27 days after immunization but remained significantly elevated up to 95 days post-immunization compared to the activity of serum from the Freund's adjuvant-injected controls. Immunoblots of the sera revealed a gradual increase in antibody activity against myelin components. ELISA assays for MBP and PLP antibody showed a similar pattern. Antibody to galactocerebroside (GC) was not detected by immunostains nor by the ELISA assay. Areas of demyelination were observed histologically by luxol-fast blue stained spinal cords up to 60 days post-immunization. These results indicate that antibodies to myelin protein when given access to myelin through or within the blood brain barrier could initiate or enhance the phagocytic response by peripheral or resident macrophages.
Techniques for conventional access to central veins

This article describes in detail the various techniques used for conventional access to the central veins. Conventional access sites include the internal jugular (IJV) and subclavian veins (SCVs). In reality, the axillary vein (lateral to the first rib) and not the SCV proper is usually accessed when guidance methods are used. Techniques for subclavian insertion include the use of bony landmarks ("blind" technique), fluoroscopic guidance, venographic guidance, and ultrasound guidance. With jugular vein entry, surface landmarks (unguided passes) and ultrasound guidance are the two most commonly used methods for access. With image guidance, successfully entry into a patent vessel approaches 100%. The importance of becoming completely familiar with the anatomy of these regions cannot be overemphasized. The SCV and IN are separated by the anterior scalene muscle at the level of the clavicular head but are adjacent to each other lateral to the first rib. Therefore, guidance is critical when lateral access is achieved. The relationship of the jugular vein to the carotid artery is also more variable than noted in many standard texts which explains the failed attempts at jugular access from standard techniques with subsequent successful entry with guidance.
Molecular and micellar associations in the pH-dependent stable and metastable dissolution of unconjugated bilirubin by bile salts.

Unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) is almost insoluble in water at neutral pH, but appears in normal human gallbladder bile at concentrations up to 35 microM. We therefore determined whether conjugated bile salts could increase the dissolved concentration [( Bt]) of UCB over the pH range 3.0-11.0. Using crystalline UCB, [Bt] was higher with less ordered crystals, with increasing pH and bile salt concentration, and with taurocholate (TC) micelles compared to taurodehydrocholate (TDHC) dimers. Plots of [Bt] verus pH from pH 3.0-9.3 fit the equation, [Bt] = A(1 + K'1/[H]+ + K'1.K'2/[H+]2), where A = [Bt] at pH less than 4.0, and K'1 and K'2 are the two apparent ionization constants of UCB. Estimated pK'1 values in NaCl, TC, and TDHC were 6.8, 6.0, and 5.6, respectively; pK'2 was greater than or equal to 9.3 in each system. Acidification of disodium bilirubinate to pH less than 8.5 produced high, metastable [Bt] in 50 mM TC; this was absent in 0.15 M NaCl, and minor in 50 mM TDHC. In all solutions, maximum [Bt] of 60-65 mM was attained at pH greater than or equal to 10.5. This work helps explain the immense variation among reported [Bt] values, indicates that UCB monoanion predominates at the pH range of bile, and suggests that bile salt monomers, dimers, and micelles enhance the solubility of UCB in bile.
Accumulation of childhood poverty on young adult overweight or obese status: race/ethnicity and gender disparities

Background Childhood poverty is positively correlated with overweight status during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Repeated exposure of childhood poverty could contribute to race/ethnicity and gender disparities in young adult overweight/obese (OV/OB) weight status. Methods Young adults born between 1980 and 1990 who participated in the Young Adult file of the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth were examined (N=3901). The accumulation of childhood poverty is captured via poverty exposure from each survey year from the prenatal year through age 18 years. Body mass index was calculated and categorised into the reference criteria for adults outlined by the Center for Disease Control. Logistic regression models were stratified by race/ethnicity and included a term interacting poverty and gender, along with a number of covariates, including various longitudinal socioeconomic status measures and indicators for the intergenerational transmission of economic disadvantage and body weight. Results Reoccurring exposure to childhood poverty was positively related to OV/OB for white, black and Hispanic young adult women and inversely related for white young adult men. A direct relationship between the accumulation of childhood poverty and OV/OB was not found for black and Hispanic young adult men. Conclusions Helping families move out of poverty may improve the long-term health status of white, black and Hispanic female children as young adults. Community area interventions designed to change impoverished community environments and assist low-income families reduce family level correlates of poverty may help to reduce the weight disparities observed in young adulthood.
Modification of optical surfaces employing CVD boron carbide coatings

Non-reflective or high emissivity optical surfaces require materials with given roughness or surface characteristics wherein interaction with incident radiation results in the absorption and dissipation of a specific spectrum of radiation. Coatings have been used to alter optical properties, however, extreme service environments, such as experienced by satellite systems and other spacecraft, necessitate the use of materials with unique combinations of physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Thus, ceramics such as boron carbide are leading candidates for these applications. Boron carbide was examined as a coating for optical baffle surfaces. Boron carbide coatings were deposited on graphite substrates from BCl3, CH4, and H2 gases employing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. Parameters including temperature, reactant gas compositions and flows, and pressure were explored. The structures of the coatings were characterized using electron microscopy and compositions were determined using x-ray diffraction. The optical properties of the boron carbide coatings were measured, and relationships between processing conditions, deposit morphology, and optical properties were determined.
Clinical Pharmacology Considerations in Development of Gastrohepatology Products

Clinical pharmacology has a key role in advancing candidate drugs from bench to bedside. A thorough understanding of underlying pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) processes is essential to inform the next steps in any drug development program with the goal of personalized medicine. Development of gastrohepatology drug products faces unique clinical pharmacology challenges that require collaborative efforts from academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies.
Control of phase non-linearities in TWT amplifiers

Many modern systems using traveling wave tubes (TWT) impose tight tolerances on the linearity of the insertion phase of the device. This paper describes the problems of attaining good linearity. Very close coordination between the TWT designer and the user is mandatory.
Erotic Fantasy Reconsidered: From Tragedy to Triumph

Many people approach the inner workings of their erotic mind with great trepidation, believing that the content of their fantasy lives is inappropriate in the context of loving relationships. Cultural taboos about erotic fantasy are so strong that the very idea of discussing sexual fantasy leads some of us to anxiety and shame. Fantasy, however, can be an ingenious way for the creative mind to overcome relational and intrapsychic conflicts around desire and intimacy. Therapists can help couples develop a view of fantasy as a narrative that creates a safe space to experience pleasure that can invigorate their loving relationship. Once the depth, complexity, and healing qualities of erotic imagination are realized, sexual fantasy can be viewed as a staging ground for action and escape that turns the tables on those responsible for earlier experiences of demoralization, defeat, and even trauma. A case with a couple is presented, drawing from systemic couple therapy, psychodynamic and body-oriented practices.
To vote or not to vote: Is that the question?

Voting is seen as the sine qua non of moral citizenship for most Christians: not voting is unthinkable. But some believers, drawing from countercultural traditions within Christianity such as Christian pacifism, argue that abstaining from voting is necessary to provide a faithful witness to God’s kingdom. The result is a reductionist approach to voting that resolves in either a simple yes or no. Seeking to broaden this discussion, this article will analyze voting as a moral action. Attention will be given to how voting or not voting shapes the moral actor through analysis of the work of John Rawls, arguments for proportional representation and compulsory voting, and arguments for voting abstinence. Despite their differences, these arguments revolve around the question of moral imagination and community formation. Taylor will argue that voting or not voting are misunderstood morally if portrayed in terms of a relationship to political authorities. Voting and not voting are better understood as acts of neig...
Implications of quantal motor action in biological systems

We demonstrate in this paper that quantal behavior is a central feature of biological motile and contractile systems. Step-like behavior has been demonstrated in the interaction between single molecules and filaments both in the kinesin—microtubule system and in the myosin—actin filament system. We show here that the step-like molecular features appear also in the single intact sarcomere. We studied single sarcomeres of single bumblebee myofibrils, both in the unactivated and activated states. Myofibril-length changes induced by a motor-imposed ramp were accompanied by corresponding sarcomere-length changes. However, the sarcomere-length changes were stepwise. Computer analysis of the stepwise shortening patterns revealed a step-size distribution containing multiple peaks. In the activated state, the peaks were separated by 2.7 nm per half-sarcomere which is the linear actin-subunit spacing. Thus, translation steps are an integer multiple of the actin-subunit spacing. This result parallels the one observed in the kinesin-tubulin spacing, where step size is a multiple of the tubulin-subunit spacing. In the muscle system, however, the steps are preserved on a macroscopic scale, implying high synchrony. The quantal steps are easily explained by a model in which the actin filament propels itself over stationary cross-bridges: if actin binds to the cross-bridges between steps, then the observed quantal result is inevitable.
Experimental Visualization of Lagrangian Coherent Structures Using Eulerian Averaging

Time-averaging of Eulerian light intensity measurements in flow visualization experiments is proposed as a powerful, non-intrusive technique for visualizing Lagrangian coherent structures in dynamically rich flows. For steady and time-periodic laminar flows a formal theory has been developed that explains the success of such technique by showing the equivalency between Eulerian and Lagrangian averages of quantities conserved along particle paths. Similar Eulerian averaging ideas, however, have been successfully used to visualize and extract the coherence time scale of Lagrangian coherent eddies in an aperiodic (turbulent) flow Recent examples from the application of these ideas to visualize Lagrangian coherent structures in laminar and turbulent flows are presented.
Investigating Pulsed X-ray Induced SEE in Analog Microelectronic Devices

We investigate analog single event transient (ASET) generation in an LM124 operational amplifier using focused pulsed x-rays and 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses. We report improvements that have been made to the pulsed x-ray experimental apparatus which include normal incidence geometry and a high speed x-ray chopper that allows us to reduce the pulse repetition frequency of the synchrotron derived x-ray pulse train. The addition of the chopper allows us to measure ASETs that have long relaxation times. We show that ASETs can be generated through metallization on the LM124, and that for equivalent pulse energy incident on the part, the x-ray response from areas covered by metal (and inaccessible to the laser) are different than the x-ray response from areas with no metallization, i.e. “metal-free”. We use the laser pulses to generate ASETs at the same metal-free locations of x-ray induced ASETs. The shapes of the ASETs generated by the two methods are compared. We use the differences seen from the two generation methods to estimate the charge generation/collection produced by the pulsed x-rays and then estimate what LET this would correspond to for heavy ions. This work shows that pulsed x-rays can be used to characterize analog devices for single event effects.
Triggered Dye Release via Photodissociation of Nitric Oxide from Designed Ruthenium Nitrosyls: Turn-ON Fluorescence Signaling of Nitric Oxide Delivery

Two new fluorescein-tethered nitrosyls derived from designed tetradentate ligands with carboxamido-N donors have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. These two diamagneti...
Archivists, Recordkeeping, and the Declassification of Records: What We Can Learn from Contemporary Histories

Over the past fifteen years, the Reviews section of the American Archivist has seen a preponderance of commentaries analyzing guides, manuals, indexes, documentary collections, inventories, and surveys. To a lesser extent, one also finds reviews of texts on archival management, functions, and theory. Although the second of these two groups of writings merits serious and current attention, the former group has been emphasized at the expense of works that can contribute enormously to our understanding of users and recordkeeping systems. This negligence limits our understanding of users, recordkeeping systems, and access issues and minimizes the significance of records as both agent, surrogate, and remnant of human activity and communication. Three recently published volumes from this ignored genre of literature are examined here. These writings contain material relevant to the archival community, and the authors' narratives highlight important archival issues such as access; records creation, destruction, a...
Nutrition and infection.

The papers presented at this session again emphasize the interactions between the nutritional status of the host and the occurrence and severity of infectious diseases. For many infections, malnourished subjects are more likely to develop severe clinical manifestations, are at greater risk of complications, and take much longer to recover than well-nourished persons. However, there are exceptions to the general rule that undernourished subjects are more susceptible to infections; malnourished subjects are more resistant to some viral and protozoan infections or they show less severe manifestations of disease. The effects of acute and chronic infections on the nutritional status of the host are also well-known. For example, an attack of measles is often the precipitating cause of acute manifestations of severe protein-calorie malnutrition in children who are marginally undernourished.
CAUSE ANALYSIS OF TUBE-BURST AND ASH CLOGGING ON REHEATOR OF CFB BOILERS

Owing to the features of fluidized burning and desulphurization inside the furnace,the particle concentration is very high in CFB boilers,and the composition of fly ash particles in the furnace is different from that in pulverized coal boilers,it is easily to result in abrasion of reheater tubes,and further leading to tube-burst.Hence,it is specially important to pay attention for preventing fly ash particles from entering into reheater tubes after tube-burst,to result in ash clogging.During the time of judging the occurrence of reheater leakage,the operation of fluidizing fan should be controlled,reducing the particle concentration in upper part of furnace.At the same time,the vacuum can be timely reduced,decreasing the possibility of extracting particles into the reheater tubes.
Carry out the CME to improve the competitiveness of the hospital

It is about making the CME an important method to improve the competitiveness of the hospital. By popularizing CME, improving the academic level of many different subjects, considering the current situation of our hospital, we made distinctive plans for medical technicians of different levels and focused on the most important fields. After a few years' trial, there are successful effects already.
Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia with normal serum prolactin: is treatment required? -

Galactorrhea with menstrual abnormalities like oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea point towards a provisional diagnosis of increased serum prolactin levels or hyperprolactinemia. However, as the prolactin hormone is heterogeneous with two forms- the bioactive and the immunoactive forms, patients can have all the features of hyperprolactinemia with normal serum prolactin levels.
Clinical significance of adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

This is a report of a statistical study of 4,572 cases of carcinoma of the uterine cervix treated by primary radiotherapy. Analysis of the different clinical features of squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, and pure adenocarcinoma suggests some biologic differences between the squamous and the glandular types. However, no significant differences were found in the survival rates after radiation treatment. The results of other series are presented for comparison.
Self-Efficacy Mediates the Association between Partner Trust and Condom Usage among Females but not Males in a Kenyan Cohort of Orphan and Vulnerable Youth.

Continuing gains against incidence of HIV and other unwanted consequences of unprotected sex requires deeper understanding of characteristics of condom usage among sexually active youth. The present study assesses whether partner trust predicts condom usage, and whether potential associations were mediated by general self-efficacy, among a cohort of sexually active adolescents in Meru County, Kenya. We also sought to discover associations between socio-economic status, psychological resilience and partner trust to increase understanding of trust towards one’s intercourse partner. Mediation analyses, stratified by gender, reveal that condom usage is predicted by self-efficacy and partner trust among females but not males. Higher psychological resilience predicts lower partner trust among both genders. Partner trust was lower among female respondents who were not literate, but did not significantly vary by literacy among males. Reported previous monthly earnings were not significantly associated with partner trust among males or females. The present findings support further study on partner trust, and its association with protective sex behaviors. Further, interventions targeting condom usage among females may benefit from actions to increase awareness of partner sexual behavior and increasing self-efficacy. ( Afr J Reprod Health 2016; 20[2]: 94-103 ). Keywords: condom use; self-efficacy; orphans and vulnerable children; Kenya