cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attitudes and barriers associated with seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among public health students; a cross-sectional study

Although research has explored influenza vaccination uptake among medical and college students, there is a dearth of research in understanding influenza vaccination uptake and attitudes toward the vaccine among future public health practitioners. Undergraduate public health students represent future public health practitioners who may be a significant educational resource for health information, including the importance of vaccinations. This cross-sectional study utilized survey data from 158 undergraduate public health students attending a large public university in Southern California. The survey assessed public health students’ attitudes and beliefs towards the seasonal influenza vaccine and seasonal vaccination rates among this population. Over 88% of respondents reported having been encouraged to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, while only 43.0% reported receipt. Of the students who reported not receiving the vaccine, 49.4% believed it may give them the flu, 30.4% believed there may be dangerous side effects, and 28.9% believed they were not at risk for contracting the flu. Access to health care practitioners (OR: 3.947, 95% CI [1.308–11.906]) and social encouragement (OR: 3.139, 95% CI [1.447–6.811]) were significantly associated with receipt of the seasonal influenza vaccine. As public health program curriculum includes information about seasonal influenza vaccination and 68% of the sample were seniors soon to be exiting the program with an undergraduate degree in public health education, this low seasonal influenza vaccination rate is disturbing. This study may add to the body of data demonstrating how knowledge of the vaccine does not always guarantee vaccine uptake. Results of the current study suggest that it may be beneficial to provide additional information targeted to public health students, aimed at mediating safety concerns and increasing social pressure to assist in improving vaccine acceptance and rates in this population. Maximizing seasonal influenza vaccination uptake by addressing attitudes, barriers and misperceptions may not only improve vaccination rates among public health students, but also in communities served by these future public health practitioners.
Women’s Sexual Communication with Their Peers and Its Association with Sexual Wellbeing

AbstractCommunication about sex is an important variable in sexual well-being, but sex remains a taboo topic, particularly for women. This study explores women’s peer sexual communication, and its association with their sexual well-being. A survey (N = 617) showed that women tend to solicit expressive, rather than instrumental, sexual communication from other women. Regression analyses revealed that peer sexual communication is associated with higher sexual self-efficacy, and sexual self-esteem, but also higher risky sexual norms perceptions. Peer sexual communication appears to be a potential vehicle for disseminating sexual information, as long as women have accurate and empowering information to start with.
Prognostic Significance of Serum Copper in Patients With Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.

Abstract Background Serum copper has been reported to be increased in various cancers, including lymphoma. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic importance of serum copper levels in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Patients and Methods Serum copper was measured in 60 men and 38 women with mycosis fungoides (MF) and 14 men and 3 women with erythrodermic CTCL (6 with Sezary syndrome) consecutively evaluated from July 1980 to June 1985. Results A greater than normal copper level was present in nearly 20% of patients and was associated with an increased risk of disease progression and shortened disease-specific survival for patients with patch or plaque phase MF, but not for those with tumor phase MF or erythrodermic CTCL. In contrast, the serum lactate dehydrogenase level and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were not significantly associated with prognosis in our patient cohort. Conclusion The reason for the association between the high serum copper levels and adverse prognosis is unknown. We hypothesized that interleukin-6 is secreted primarily by non-neoplastic cells at MF skin sites, leading to release of copper by the liver. Local production of interleukin-6 at the lesion sites might conceivably also promote neoplastic cell progression by stimulation of the STAT3 pathway. Further studies on the relationship between activated tumor-associated macrophages, serum copper levels, interleukin-6, or C-reactive protein and prognosis might be informative.
Immediate Effect of Sustained Stretching Exercises with Far Infrared on the Ankle Range of Motion and Muscle Tone in Patients with Stroke

Purpose: The spasticity of stroke patients decreases the ankle range of motion and increases the gastrocnemius muscle tone. This study examined the effects of stretching exercise and far infrared irradiation on the ankle function in stroke patients with spasticity. Methods: This study was conducted on 20 stroke patients admitted to Jesaeng General Hospital, who were divided into a study group (stretching exercise with far infrared) and control group (stretching exercise only). The dorsiflexion range of motion was measured using a smartphone and the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness were measured using a Myoton pro. Results: With the exception of the non-paretic gastrocnemius muscle tone in the control group, the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness decreased significantly in both groups. In both groups, the dorsiflexion range of motion increased significantly. In addition, the experimental group had a significantly higher dorsiflexion range of motion than the control group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the medial gastrocnemius muscle tone and stiffness. Conclusion: For stroke patients with spasticity, stretching exercises increased the ankle’s range of motion and decreased the gastrocnemius muscle tone. The addition of heat therapy further increased the ankle’s range of motion. On the other hand, as the sample size was small, future studies should include more subjects.
Management of Frontal Headaches

Frontal headaches, commonly called “sinus headaches” by patients, primary care physicians, and general media, are an imprecise term that often leads to improper management. Given the commonality of this term, it is important that otolaryngologists have a good understanding of the possible causes of “sinus headaches” and the different management options available. The International Headache Society (IHS) provides a number of conditions with diagnostic criteria that otolaryngologists should be aware of to help manage patients who are referred for “sinus headache.”
Teaching Computational Thinking with Electronic Textiles: Modeling Iterative Practices and Supporting Personal Projects in Exploring Computer Science

Iterative design is an important aspect of computational thinking in which students learn to face challenges and persevere in fixing them. Yet we know little of how school teachers can support students in using iterative practices. In this chapter, we consider the teaching practices of two experienced computer science teachers who implemented a new 8-week long unit on making electronic textiles in their classrooms. Electronic textiles are sewn, programmable circuits with sensors and actuators on personal artifacts that provide various opportunities to learn through mistakes. Through analyses of observations and interviews with students and teachers who implemented the unit, we identified several teaching practices that supported values of iteration, revision, and working through mistakes. These included teachers modeling their own processes and mistakes in making projects, teachers modeling students’ mistakes to the wider class, and supporting personalized projects that resulted in unique “bugs” or challenges for each student. After sharing examples of these practices, we consider student and teacher reflections on the ways that mistakes and iteration supported student learning.
Inter- and intra-lineage genetic diversity of wild-type Zika viruses reveals both common and distinctive nucleotide variants and clusters of genomic diversity.

Zika virus (ZIKV) strains belong to the East African, West African, and Asian/American phylogenetic lineages. RNA viruses, like ZIKV, exist as populations of genetically-related sequences whose het...
Assessment of high-input soybean management in the US Midwest: Balancing crop production with environmental performance

Abstract There are growing efforts to increase soybean yields in the US Midwest through high-input crop management practices. While practices such as increased nutrient inputs and agrochemical applications may increase grain yields, few studies have assessed additional environmental performance indicators to examine tradeoffs between crop production and sustainability goals. The objective of this study was to evaluate grain yields and environmental performance in terms of energy efficiency, nitrogen (N) leaching potential, partial global warming potential (pGWP), and agrochemical contamination risk in reduced-input, standard, and high-input management systems in Illinois, USA over a three-year period (2015–2017). Relative to standard management, the reduced-input system had no tillage, a reduced seeding population, and no addition of fertilizer or pesticides, whereas the high-input system had conventional tillage, an increased seed rate, and additional fertilizer and pesticide applications. Treatments were implemented in the soybean phase of a two-year maize-soybean crop rotation. Mean results showed that the high-input system significantly increased soybean grain yield, but this came at the cost of decreased energy efficiency, increased pGWP per unit production, and elevated agrochemical contamination risk. These impacts can be attributed to greater fuel consumption and external inputs, including N fertilizer and insecticides. However, the addition of N fertilizer in the high-input system did not translate into increased N leaching potential. In contrast, the reduced-input and standard systems had comparable yields while improving sustainability outcomes. This study highlights the need for quantifying system performance based on a holistic set of indicators to identify strategies for optimizing yields and resource use efficiencies while mitigating negative environmental tradeoffs.
A basic ddRADseq two-enzyme protocol performs well with herbarium and silica-dried tissues across four genera

Premise The ability to sequence genome-scale data from herbarium specimens would allow for the economical development of data sets with broad taxonomic and geographic sampling that would otherwise not be possible. Here, we evaluate the utility of a basic double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) protocol using DNAs from four genera extracted from both silica-dried and herbarium tissue. Methods DNAs from Draba, Boechera, Solidago, and Ilex were processed with a ddRADseq protocol. The effects of DNA degradation, taxon, and specimen age were assessed. Results Although taxon, preservation method, and specimen age affected data recovery, large phylogenetically informative data sets were obtained from the majority of samples. Discussion These results suggest that herbarium samples can be incorporated into ddRADseq project designs, and that specimen age can be used as a rapid on-site guide for sample choice. The detailed protocol we provide will allow users to pursue herbarium-based ddRADseq projects that minimize the expenses associated with fieldwork and sample evaluation.
Intersections of Childhood Victimization Experiences, Gender, and Dominance: The Makings for Sexual Coercion Transnationally?:

Although the use of sexual violence has been widely researched, data on sexual offending tend to be limited. Since adverse childhood experiences have been found to be correlated with being a victim...
The Public's Right to Benefit from Privately Held Consumer Big Data

The information that we reveal from interactions online and with electronic devices has massive value—for both private profit and public benefit such as improving health, safety, and even commute times. Who owns the lucrative big data that we generate through the everyday necessity of interacting with technology? Calls for legal regulation regarding how companies use our data have spurred laws and proposals framed by the predominant lens of individual privacy and the right to control and delete data about oneself. By focusing on individual control over droplets of personal data, the major consumer privacy regimes overlook the important question of rights in the big data ocean. This article is the first to frame a right of the public to benefit from our consumer big data and propose a model to realize the benefits of this common resource while reducing the harms of opening access. In the absence of an overarching theoretical and legal framework for property rights in our data, businesses are using intellectual property protections for compiled data to wall off access. The result is that while companies may use the data to find ways to get us to click or buy more, access for nonprofit public interest purposes is denied or at the discretion of companies. The article proposes a model for sharing the benefits of our pooled personal information. Drawing on insights from property theory, regulatory advances, and open innovation, the article proposes protections to permit controlled access and use for public interest purposes while protecting against privacy and related harms.
Implementation of ePROs in the care of long-term cancer survivors.

334Background: Standard methods for implementation of electronic patient reported outcomes (ePROs) in the routine care of cancer survivors remain unclear. To address this gap, we assessed the techn...
An RNAi therapeutic targeting hepatic DGAT2 in a genetically obese mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe liver disorder characterized by triglyceride accumulation, severe inflammation, and fibrosis. With the recent increase in prevalence, NASH is now the leading cause of liver transplant, with no approved therapeutics available. Although the exact molecular mechanism of NASH progression is not well understood, a widely held hypothesis is that fat accumulation is the primary driver of the disease. Therefore, diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis, has been explored as a NASH target. RNAi-based therapeutics is revolutionizing the treatment of liver diseases, with recent chemical advances supporting long-term gene silencing with single subcutaneous administration. Here, we identified a hyper-functional, fully chemically stabilized GalNAc-conjugated small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting DGAT2 (Dgat2-1473) that, upon injection, elicits up to 3 months of DGAT2 silencing (>80%–90%, p 85%, p
Reachability analysis of particle size distribution in semibatch emulsion polymerization

Emulsion polymerization is an economically important method of producing a number of polymer products, where particle size distribution (PSD) is an essential property of the latex produced. A programming-based approach has been proposed for reachability analysis of PSD for a general particulate system described by population balance models, along with application to a semibatch styrene homopolymerization system. The reachable region is defined for both the nominal and perturbed cases, with final PSDs characterized as multi-Gaussian distributions. The evolution of the reachable region in the case of mid-course correction shows the best in-batch control performance achievable given limited PSD measurements.
Surface Modification of High Capacity Layered Li [ Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13 ] O2 Cathodes by AlPO4

Layered Li[Li 0.2 Mn 0.54 Co 0.13 Ni 0.13 ]O 2 cathode, which is a solid solution between layered Li[Li 1/3 Mn 2/3 ]O 2 and Li[Ni 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 ]O 2 , has been surface modified with various amounts (0-4 wt %) of AlPO 4 and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements in lithium cells. Annealing the surface-modified samples at 400 and 700°C leads to the formation of Li 3 PO 4 on the surface and an incorporation of some Al 3+ into the layered oxide lattice. More importantly, surface modification with AlPO 4 (<4 wt %) increases the discharge capacity and drastically reduces the irreversible capacity loss in the first cycle compared to the values observed with the pristine (unmodified) sample. For example, the irreversible capacity loss decreases from 75 to 27 mAh/g and the discharge capacity increases from 253 to 279 mAh/g on surface modification with 2 wt % AlPO 4 . The results are explained based on the retention of more oxide ion vacancies in the layered lattice after surface modification.
FID 3.5: Overview and experimentation

FID is the original fuzzy decision tree, first introduced almost twenty years ago, that sparked a huge variety of hybrid algorithms merging approximate reasoning, fuzzy systems, and mainstream classification algorithms. With the continued interest, this paper describes a newly released update 3.5. One important new addition is a module that can be used to study the effect of noise and missing values on the performance of any classification system - something not well explored in the literature.
Advancing Neurologic Care in the Intensive Care Nursery

Up to 25% of neonates at tertiary care nurseries are diagnosed as having neurologic conditions, including encephalopathy and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy [HIE], as well as seizures, stroke, and intracranial hemorrhage. These children are at high risk for lifelong disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and cognitive and behavioral disabilities. Establishing a neurointensive care nursery involves a culture change toward brain-focused care, with all bedside clinicians (including physicians, nurses, respiratory technologists, and trainees) maintaining constant awareness of the potential neurologic complications of critical illnesses, as well as the effect of management on the developing or injured brain. Team-based, brain-focused care to monitor, diagnose, and treat neurologic conditions of the developing brain has the potential to improve outcomes in neonates with brain injuries and congenital conditions of the developing nervous system.
Carbohydrate intake and HDL in a multiethnic population

Background : Ethnic differences in serum lipids are not explained by genetics, central adiposity, lifestyle, or diet, possibly because dietary carbohydrate has not been considered. Objective : The aim was to evaluate the relation between carbohydrate intake and HDL and triacylglycerol concentrations in a multiethnic population. Design : We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 619 Canadians of Aboriginal, South Asian, Chinese, and European origin with no previously diagnosed medical conditions. Energy-adjusted carbohydrate intake was measured by a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Results : South Asians consumed the most carbohydrate, followed by European, Aboriginal, and Chinese persons. Mean (95% CI) HDL concentrations in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, physical activity, smoking, the waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, alcohol intake, and intakes of total energy, protein, and fiber were 1.21 mmol/L (1.16,1.27 mmol/L) and 1.08 mmol/L (1.02,1.13 mmol/L), respectively, and HDL cholesterol was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the lowest tertile of carbohydrate intake than in the highest tertile. High carbohydrate intake was associated with higher fasting triacylglycerols (P = 0.04); the adjusted mean fasting triacylglycerol concentrations in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake were 1.43 mmol/L (1.28, 1.60 mmol/L) and 1.71 mmol/L ( 1.57, 1.87 mmol/L), respectively. Fewer servings of sugar-containing soft drinks, juices, and snacks were associated with higher HDL (P for trend = 0.02); the multivariate-adjusted mean HDL in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake was 1.22 mmol/L (1.17, 1.27 mmol/L) and 1.11 mmol/L (1.06, 1.26 mmol/L), respectively. Conclusions : Differences in HDL and triacylglycerols observed in different ethnic groups may be due in part to carbohydrate intake. Reducing the frequency of intake of sugar-containing soft drinks, juices, and snacks may be beneficial.
Lay Personality Theories in Interactive Decisions: Strongly Held, Weakly Supported

In interactive decisions, cues to what others will do are important in forming a strategy. Information about others' personalities appears to be potentially valuable for this purpose. We report a series of four studies examining how information about another actor's personality influences people's own choices in interactive decisions. The studies found widespread beliefs that others' personality characteristics are strongly predictive both of broad classes of decision behavior (competition/cooperation, risk-seeking/risk-aversion) (Study 1) and of specific choices (Study 2) in single-agent settings. These beliefs extended to predicting others' choices in interactive decisions (Study 3) and to shaping the predictor's own decisions in interactive play in Chicken and Assurance games (Study 4). Overall, we found extensive evidence that laypeople believe that the personality traits we selected (angry-hostility, anxiety, assertiveness, excitement-seeking, and warmth) have substantial effects on behavior in interactive decisions and they act on those beliefs when making their own decisions. The empirical evidence supporting the predictive validity of these traits was, however, quite weak
Inhibitors of abscisic acid 8'-hydroxylase.

Structural analogues of the phytohormone (+)-abscisic acid (ABA) have been synthesized and tested as inhibitors of the catabolic enzyme (+)-ABA 8‘-hydroxylase. Assays employed microsomes from suspe...
Reflection and Intention: Interpersonal Boundaries in Teaching and Learning.

Setting, adjusting, and maintaining boundaries with students is a deeply reflective process that challenges us to consider and reconsider our assumptions and understandings of ourselves, our students, and our position as educators.
Metaanalytic revision of endpoints.

Abstract [Gallagher EJ: Metaanalytic revision of endpoints. Ann Emerg Med July 1999;34:91-95.]
Fabrication of antenna-coupled transition edge polarization-sensitive bolometer arrays

Abstract We have fabricated antenna-coupled superconducting transition edge sensor (TES) arrays for far-infrared and millimeter-wave applications. The advantage of antenna coupling is that the large optical coupling structure required for far-infrared/millimeter wavelengths is not thermally active. The sensor can thus be as small as lithographic techniques permit. By eliminating large absorbers, this technology enables bolometers working at frequencies as low as 30 GHz, covering the entire spectral region of interest for future space-borne studies of cosmic microwave background polarization. We developed a focal plane architecture with dual-polarization sensitivity in a single spectral band , or single-polarization sensitivity in multiple spectral bands. We use TES layers consisting of Al/Ti/Au/Ti thin films and Nb electrical contacts on a low-stress Si 3N4 membrane.
Fluoride Uptake and Retention at Various Stages of Rat Molar Enamel Development

Suckling rat pups were given intraperitoneal fluoride injections at selected ages so that we could study fluoride uptake in the enamel of the maxillary first molar at various stages of enamel development. Plasma fluoride levels in six-day-old and 11-day-old pups were monitored following the intraperitoneal injection of fluoride. The findings indicate that: (1) fluoride was more easily taken up and retained during the early stages of enamel formation, but fluoride uptake can occur during all stages of enamel formation; (2) when injections were started early in enamel formation, more fluoride was contained in the enamel of the maxillary first molar at 13 days of age; and (3) the same dose of fluoride per gram body weight resulted in greater exposure to elevated plasma fluoride levels in six-day-old pups than in 11-day-old pups.
Propagation of guided waves in a hollow circular cylinder application to non destructive testing

In this paper, we study the propagation of guided waves in a tube and their interaction with surface defects. Axisymmetric (longitudinal and torsional) modes and nonaxisymmetric (flexural) modes are found and represented in phase and group velocity dispersion diagrams. The mode chosen to be generated is the second longitudinal mode L (0, 2), for the frequency-thickness product equal to 1 MHz.mm, at this product, the radial component of displacement is very small with regard to the axial component so, the attenuation is less important. According to our experimental results the L (0, 2) mode is sensitive to the depth variation and to the defect circumference. A relation of proportionality between the amplitude of the signal reflected by the defect and its depth was established. The results of the modal decomposition method, concerning the amplitude of the modes diffracted by circumferential defects according to the circumference of the defect, were presented and compared with the experimental measures results.
Development of a Sophomore Manufacturing Laboratory Course to Streamline the Manufacturing Education Within Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

A basic shop course was typical in the early days of mechanical engineering studies. However, in the late seventies, the shop course was dropped from the engineering curriculum in most schools for various reasons. The need for a preparatory manufacturing course became apparent after recognizing the lack of modest shop skills exhibited by our students in design-build projects which are routinely assigned in several junior and senior level courses. The traditional manufacturing course, that all students are required to take during the senior year, requires higher-level prerequisites. In addition, being a senior level course, it provides very little opportunity for the students to utilize those skills in other courses. To address this void, a new engineering workshop course has been objectively designed and implemented for the sophomore mechanical and aerospace engineering students, beginning fall 2003. The goals of the course are to develop an appreciation for manufacturing in engineering design, prepare students for follow-up manufacturing course, and develop necessary skills for design-build projects at various levels of the curriculum. The engineering shop course is designed around nine laboratory content modules that introduce the students to the fundamentals of shop safety, measurement, and manufacturing. The present paper describes the development and implementation of the course. The effectiveness of the course in meeting the goals is also assessed through surveys conducted both before and after the course is completed. Long-term success will be measured in the future by a survey of graduating seniors to assess the effectiveness of the engineering shop course in the students’ ability to successfully complete design-build projects assigned in other courses. The modular design would allow this course to be adapted for achieving similar objectives elsewhere.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Volar Dislocation of the Fourth and Fifth Carpometacarpal Joints: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report the treatment of a volar dislocation to the fourth and fifth carpometacarpal (CMC) joints. Plain radiographs were used to evaluate this unusual injury before surgery. Open reduction and internal fixation using K-wires restored the normal anatomic relationships of the CMC joints. This very rare injury is often difficult to recognize. A careful neurologic assessment of the patient is a necessity, as well as obtaining proper radiographs of the hand. A review of the literature is presented.
Evaluative threat and ambulatory blood pressure: cardiovascular effects of social stress in daily experience.

Objective Physiological effects of social evaluation are central in models of psychosocial influences on physical health. Experimental manipulations of evaluative threat evoke substantial cardiovascular and neuroendocrine responses in laboratory studies, but only preliminary evidence is available regarding naturally-occurring evaluative threats in daily life. In such non-experimental ambulatory studies, it is essential to distinguish effects of evaluative threat from related constructs known to alter stress, such as ability perceptions and concerns about appearance.
Functionalized Macroreticular Resins as Effective and Selective Traps for Gaseous Tobacco Smoke Components

Abstract Macroreticular polystyrene resins with polyamine functions and copper (n) ions in chelated form were synthesized and their abilities to selectively remove hydrogen cyanide and volatile aldehydes from tobacco smoke were determined. Up to 80 and 40% reduction was observed. The functionalized fixed-pore macroreticular resins were more efficient than their solvent-swellable “popcorn” counterparts in the removal of these gas-phase components of smoke.
A Unified Control for the Combined Permanent Magnet Generator and Active Rectifier System

This paper presents a unified control method for the combined permanent magnet generator (PMG) and active rectifier that can be used in autonomous power systems such as more-electric aircraft requiring high power density and efficiency. With the proposed control, the system can function well without additional boost inductors and rotor position sensors. The design procedure for the control is presented, including current loops, a voltage loop, and a rotor position estimator loop. Simulation and experimental results show that both the dc-link voltage and the reactive power could be controlled effectively. A system efficiency optimization technique is proposed by selecting the permanent magnet flux linkage and determining the operating points at various load and speed conditions. The power density and efficiency of the PMG and active rectifier system are improved with the unified control.
Biological Results of the University of Miami Deep-Sea Expeditions 98

Un specimen de Callianasse a ete recolte en eau profonde au large de l'ile Sombrero aux Antilles. Ce specimen unique apparait comme la seconde capture de deux especes decrites par Bate (1888) d'apres des fragments de specimens. Les noms proposes par Bate et, plus tard, par Borradaile (1903) etant pre-occupes, l'espece doit etre designee sous le nouveau nom, Callianassa profunda. L'espece est redecrite et illustree d'apres le nouveau materiel et les remarques des auteurs precedents relatives a cette forme sont revues.
One-step processes in the inelastic excitation of unnatural parity states by alpha-particles

Abstract An estimate is made of the importance of one-step processes in the excitation of unnatural parity states by the inelastic scattering of alpha-particles. The contributions from both one-particle exchange effects and a realistic alpha-nucleon spin-orbit interaction are found to be small. Other velocity-dependent forces may be important.
Effect of an anti-insulin-like growth factor I receptor antibody on insulin-like growth factor II stimulation of DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts.

Summary To investigate the role of insulin-like growth factor II in the control of DNA synthesis in human fibroblasts, dose-response curves for insulin-like growth factor I and II stimulation of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation were compared in the absence and presence of alphaIR-3, a highly specific monoclonal antibody directed against the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor. Specific binding of [ 125 I]insulin-like growth factor I to human fibroblast monolayer cultures was inhibited 60–70% in the presence of alphaIR-3. alphaIR-3 had no effect on [ 125 I]insulin-like growth factor II binding to human fibroblasts. However, alphaIR-3 inhibited both insulin-like growth factor I and II stimulated [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. These data indicate that the type II insulin-like growth factor receptor does not function as a transducer of insulin-like growth factor II's mitogenic effect in human fibroblasts.
The bank loan approval decision from multiple perspectives

This paper develops a probability model to evaluate the predictive validity of two-way classification schemes in the context of personal credit scoring and bank loan applications. The Bayesian decision model provides a structure for identifying classification rules that lead to optimal-maximum expected payoff or minimum expected cost-classifications. Using payoffs from multiple perspectives allows identifying conditions where the various perspectives produce contradictory classifications generating either profit premiums or cost penalties depending on the perspective.
2-GByte/130-mm capacity direct overwrite magneto-optical disk and drive

We have modified drives of 2Gbyte/130 mm non-DOW MO disk to be drives of 2GByte/130 mm DOW-MO disk. We have demonstrated that we have already reached the practical stage showing that it is possible to produce 2 GByte/130 mm DOW-MO disk and drive.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Molecular characterization of the Candida albicans LYS5 gene and site-directed mutational analysis of the PPTase (Lys5p) domains for lysine biosynthesis.

The LYS2 and LYS5 genes of the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans are required for the α-aminoadipate reductase (AAR) reaction in the lysine biosynthetic pathway. The LYS2 encodes an apo-AAR (Lys2p) and the LYS5 encodes a phosphopantetheinyl transferase (PPTase) for the post-translational activation of AAR. Our cloned C. albicans LYS5 gene encodes a 38.4 kDa PPTase which is 27% identical and 43% similar to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Lys5p. Sequence alignment of Lys5p with other PPTases reveals highly conserved putative PPTase domains including the Core 3, WXXKESXXK (residues 194–202). Recombinant Lys5p expressed in Escherichia coli activates C. albicans Lys2p for the AAR activity and also activates AARs from S. cerevisiae and to a lesser extent Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Site-directed mutational analyses reveal glutamic acid 198 in the Lys5p Core 3 as essential for the activation of recombinant Lys2p AAR activity. Other conserved amino acids were also analyzed for their influence on Lys5p PPTase activity. Our results demonstrate cloning of the LYS5 gene, expression of Lys5p, in vitro Lys2p activation model and characterization of the functional motifs of the C. albicans PPTase.
Candida zeylanoides Infective Endocarditis Complicating Infection With the Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Despite the frequent occurrence of mucosal candidiasis in patients infected with HIV, systemic candidiasis is uncommon and usually associated with intravenous catheters, parenteral nutrition, or antibiotics and neutropenia. Most of the fungal isolates are usually Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis or Candida parapsilosis. The authors report a case of infective endocarditis due to Candida zeylanoides that occurred in a patient infected with HIV in the absence of the usual risk factors for systemic candidiasis.
Dual-Language Education for Low-Income Children: Preliminary Evidence of Benefits for Executive Function

This investigation is an initial examination of possible enhancement of executive function through a dual-language (50:50) education model. The ethnically diverse, low-income sample of 120 children from Grades K, 2, and 4 consisted of approximately equal numbers of children enrolled in dual-language and traditional classrooms. Dual-language students in Grades 2 and 4 performed better on a measure from the Trail Making Task requiring inhibition and rule-switching. The results indicate that the established benefits of bilingual exposure can be generalized across SES and ethnicity and can be acquired within the context of elementary school programs.
Zircon-graphite nozzles for continuous ingot-casting machines (CICM)

A technology for the production of zircon—graphite nozzles was developed and introduced. This technology is simpler than that used at the Krasnoarmeisk Dinas Plant. Zircon-graphite nozzles are stronger than zircon nozzles and less prone to encrustation during the casting of high-aluminum steel.
Temperature effects on electrical characterization of high dielectric constant substrates

In this study, the polymer/ceramic composites with high dielectric constant (HK=20 substrate) were prepared to investigate the temperature effects on electrical properties. The material properties of HK substrate were compared with those of FR4 substrate and MLCC-NPO capacitor device. Curie temperature of the HK substrate could be obtained from the curves of current densities varied with temperatures. The dielectric strength of the HK substrate was higher than 200kV/cm in the temperature range between 25°C and 125°C. The dielectric constants (DK) were slightly decreased but the dielectric losses were increased as the temperature higher than 100°C. Moreover, an effective value near 0.74 eV of the trap depth and barrier height was predicted by Frenkel-poole and Schottky-controlled process. Furthermore, Electrical properties of HK substrate after thermal treatments were also measured in this study. It was found that the variations of capacitance (ΔC/C) and dielectric loss (ΔDF/DF) of HK substrate were about <±3% and <±20% respectively, after thermal cycle of 85°C for 1000 hrs. The temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) of HK substrate near −300ppm/°C was also obtained as measuring temperatures range from 25 to 125°C. These results indicated that the HK substrates have excellent electrical properties to meet the applications of embedded capacitors via PCB process.
Simple measurement of femoral geometry predicts hip fracture: The study of osteoporotic fractures

Based on engineering principles, geometric measurements of femoral size should be related to femoral strength and the risk for hip fracture. To evaluate whether a simple measurement of femoral geometry is associated with hip fracture risk, we obtained dual x-ray absorptiometry scans of the proximal femur on 8074 white women age 67 or older. During an average of 1.6 years of follow-up, 64 participants suffered hip fractures. In all fracture cases and in a random sample of 134 women who did not subsequently suffer a hip fracture, we measured hip axis length (the distance from greater trochanter to inner pelvic brim), neck width, and the neck/shaft angle on the scan printout, with the observer blinded to subsequent fracture status of the participant. Results were analyzed using multiple logistic models, and odds ratios were determined. After adjustment for age, each standard deviation decrease in femoral neck bone mineral density increased hip fracture risk 2.7-fold (95% confidence interval 1.7, 4.3), and each standard deviation increase in hip axis length nearly doubled the risk of hip fracture (odds ratio = 1.8; 95% CI 1.3, 2.5). The relationship between hip axis length and fracture risk persisted even after adjustment for age, femoral neck density, height, and weight. A longer hip axis length was associated with an increased risk of both femoral neck (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.3, 3.0) and trochanteric fractures (1.6; 1.0, 2.4). We found no significant association between the neck width (1.1; 0.8, 1.5) or the neck/shaft angle (1.4; 0.9, 2.2) and risk of hip fracture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of λ-carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain on brain uptake of codeine and antinociception

Abstract This study investigated the potential clinical implications of λ-carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain on brain uptake of a commonly used analgesic, codeine, in relation to the fundamental properties of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) correlated to its antinociceptive profile over a 168-h time course. BBB uptake of [14C]sucrose (a membrane impermeant marker) and [3H]codeine were investigated using an in situ brain perfusion model in the rat. Results demonstrated a significantly increased brain uptake of [14C]sucrose at 1, 3, 6 and 48 h (139±9%, 166±19%, 138±13% and 146±7% compared with control, respectively) and [3H]codeine at 3 and 48 h (179±6% and 179±12% compared with control, respectively). Capillary depletion analyses ensured that increased radioisotope associated with the brain was due to increased uptake rather than trapping in the cerebral vasculature. Antinociception studies using a radiant-heat tail flick analgesia method demonstrated that λ-carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain enhanced the in vivo antinociceptive profile of i.p.-administered codeine (7 mg/kg) at 3 and 48 h (144±11% and 155±9% compared with control, respectively). This study demonstrated that brain uptake and antinociception of codeine are increased during λ-carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain, suggesting that the presence of inflammatory pain may be an important consideration in therapeutic drug dosing, potential adverse effects and/or neurotoxicity.
Evidence for informational suppression within the chloroplast of chlamydomonas reinhardtii

A balanced polymorphism within the single chloroplast of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been postulated to account for stable heteroplasmicity. Heteroplasmicity of mutant and wild-type alleles of a suppressor gene appears to be required for the suppression of a nonsense mutation in the chloroplast large-subunit gene (rbcL) of ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase. Whereas nonsense suppression has been demonstrated, its molecular basis remains to be determined. In the present study, the suppressed strain was found to synthesize both truncated and full-length large-subunit proteins. Since the rbcL nonsense mutation created a new restriction enzyme site, restriction-enzyme analysis and DNA hybridization were employed to show that only the mutant gene was present in the suppressed strain. It is thus likely that informational suppression is involved in the heteroplasmic suppression mechanism: the original nonsense mutation is present, but normal enzyme is produced comprised of full-length large subunits.
Fatty acid incorporation in the biosynthesis of anacardic acids of geraniums.

Abstract Geraniums, Pelargonium xhortorum, have been shown to possess tall glandular trichomes which secrete anacardic acids, a viscous, sticky exudate which provides defence against small pest species. Pest-resistant geraniums possess primarily C 22 - and C 24 -unsaturated (ω-5) anacardic acids with lesser amounts of the C 22 - and C 24 -saturated side chain structures. Previous workers have suggested that anacardic acids are biosynthesized from fatty acids by addition of two carbon units. To investigate this hypothesis, [ 14 C]lauric, -myristic, -palmitic, -stearic and -oleic acids were administered to leaves and floral buds of pest-resistant geraniums. Palmitate and stearate were shown to be the respective precursors for C 22 and C 24 anacardic acids with saturated side chains. A major portion of the applied [ 14 C]stearate was degraded and subsequently incorporated into the C 22 - and C 24 -saturated and unsaturated (ω-5) anacardic acids indicating an indirect pathway of biosynthesis also exists. Therefore, the ω-5 anacardic acids must be the result of ω-5 fatty acid precursors rather than the desaturation of saturated anacardic acids. Data supports the hypothesis that anacardic acids are biosynthesized from saturated and ω-5 unsaturated C 16 and C 18 fatty acids by chain elongation through the addition of three acetate groups, which then undergo partial reduction and dehydration, followed by intramolecular aldol condensation, to give the aromatic ring in a manner similar to that proposed for the biosynthesis of salicylic acid.
Partial regularity of the zero-set of solutions of linear and superlinear elliptic equations

On considere l'ensemble zero {u=0} des solutions de Δu=f(x,u,⊇u) dans Ω, ou Ω est un ensemble ouvert dans R m et |f(x,u,⊇u)≤A|u|α+B|⊇u|β, ou A>0, B>0 et α≥1, β≥1
A Re-evaluation of the Methionine Requirement of the Commercial Layer

Abstract Harms, R.H. and Russell, G.B. 1996. A re-evaluation of the methionine requirement of the commercial layer. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 9:141–151. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the methionine (Met) requirement of Hy-Line W36R laying hens. Graded levels of Met were obtained by replacing soybean meal with corn in experiment 1 and supplemental Met was used in experiment 2. An increase was obtained for egg production, egg weight, egg mass and egg content as the level of Met was increased. The Met required to produce a g of egg content at near maximum production was 5.56 and 5.58 mg in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Broken-line regression indicated the requirement in Experiments 1 and 2 to be 259.4 and 244.3 mg per hen per day, respectively. It is suggested that the requirements would be higher at a higher level of production.
Working memory, short-term memory, and naming speed as predictors of children's mathematical performance

Working memory (WM) has been associated with the acquisition of arithmetic skills, however, the components of WM that underlie this acquisition have not been explored. This study explored the contribution of two WM systems (the phonological loop and the central executive) to mathematical performance in young children. The results showed that a two-factor structure separating short-term memory (STM) and WM tasks predicted individual differences in mathematical performance. WM was independent of the contribution of STM and naming speed in predicting children's mathematical performance. However, these basic capacities correlated substantially with the math performance factor, and jointly accounted for over 74% of the Math Performance factor. The results were interpreted as support for the notion that both the central executive system (controlled attention) and storage system of WM predict children's math performance.
Transient and Permanent Error Co-management Method for Reliable Networks-on-Chip

We propose a transient and permanent error co-management method for NoC links to achieve low latency, high throughput and high reliability, while maintaining energy efficiency. To reduce the energy overhead, a configurable error control coding adapts the number of redundant wires to the varying noise conditions, achieving different error detection capability. Infrequently used redundant wires are used as spare wires to replace broken links. Furthermore, a packet rebuilding/restoring algorithm that cooperates with a shortened error control coding method is proposed to support a low-latency splitting transmission. With this co-management method, we manage transient errors and a small number of permanent errors, without using extra spare wires, to reduce the need for adaptive routing. Simulation results show that the proposed method achieves up to 71% packet latency reduction and 20% throughput improvement, compared to previous methods. Case studies show that our method reduces the energy per packet by up to 68% and 48% for low and high permanent error conditions, respectively.