cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in Practice: Evaluating NGO Development Efforts

Human rights-based approaches (HRBAs) promise greater alignment of development efforts with universal norms, as well as a focus on the root causes of poverty. While HRBAs have been widely adopted across the development sector, there is little systematic evidence about the actual impact of this strategic shift. Evaluating the effectiveness of HRBAs is challenging because various non-governmental and other organizations have developed very different understandings of how to apply a rights-based framework in the development context. This essay takes a step toward the rigorous evaluation of HRBAs by offering a comprehensive review of rights-based programming implemented by Plan International, a child-centered organization. It shows that Plan's adoption of HRBA-inspired strategies has transformed its interactions with local communities and added an explicit focus on the state as the primary duty bearer. There is evidence for a systematic increase in individual rights awareness, greater ownership exercised by community organizations, and the application of evidence-based advocacy aimed at scaling up proven program activities. But Plan's peculiar brand of HRBA neglects collaboration with domestic social movements and civil society, largely avoids a more confrontational approach towards the state, and has yet to produce evidence for regular successful rights claims by disadvantaged communities against governmental representatives at local, regional, or national levels. The study also reveals a limited ability of Plan to address disparities and discrimination within local communities, as well as a need to define clearly the organization's own accountability and duties deriving from its presence in local communities across more than fifty developing nations.
Predictors of otolaryngology applicant success using the Texas STAR database.

Objectives To examine applicant characteristics and behaviors associated with a successful match into otolaryngology residency. Methods Self-reported survey data from applicants to otolaryngology residency between 2018 and 2020 were obtained from the Texas STAR database. Characteristics and predictors associated with a successful match were examined using Chi-square tests, two-sided t-tests, and logistic regression models. Results A total of 315 otolaryngology residency applicants responded to the survey of whom 274 matched (87%) and 41 did not match (13%). Matched applicants had a significantly higher mean USMLE Step 1 score (P = .016) and Step 2 CK score (P = .007). There were no significant differences in AOA status (45% vs 36%; P = .207), mean number of applications submitted (70 vs 69; P = .544), and mean number of away rotations (2.1 vs 2.0; P = .687) between matched and unmatched applicants. Significant predictors of a successful match included receiving honors in 5 or more clerkships (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-4.0; P = .040), receiving honors in an ENT clerkship (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0-12.9; P = .044), and having 3 or more peer-reviewed publications (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.5; P = .020). The majority of applicants (79.9%) matched at a program where they either did an away rotation, had a personal geographic connection, or attended medical school in the same geographic region. Conclusions Board scores, excelling on clinical rotations, and having productive research experience appear to be strong predictors of a successful match in otolaryngology. The majority of applicants report a personal or geographic connection to the program at which they match. Level of evidence 4.
Assessment of Gait Speed and Timed Up and Go Measures as Predictors of Falls in Older Breast Cancer Survivors

Background:Older breast cancer survivors are at an increased risk of loss of postural balance and accidental falls, however, the ability of clinical mobility measures to predict falls has not been ...
Recognizing risk and presence of posttraumatic stress disorder in women.

ABSTRACT US women who report having experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives range from 50% to 90%. Yet posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) goes largely unrecognized in women. This article discusses ways to monitor, screen, and intervene for PTSD in women.
Roles of Phytoestrogen in the Pathophysiology of Intracranial Aneurysm.

Background and purpose The incidences of intracranial aneurysm and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are high in postmenopausal women. Although population-based studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy is beneficial for postmenopausal women with intracranial aneurysms, estrogen replacement may no longer be recommended for the prevention of chronic diseases given its association with adverse outcomes, such as cancer and ischemic stroke. The isoflavone daidzein and its intestinal metabolite equol are bioactive phytoestrogens and potent agonists of estrogen receptors. Given their estrogenic properties, we investigated whether the isoflavones daidzein and equol are protective against the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms in a mouse model of the postmenopausal state. Methods We induced intracranial aneurysms in ovariectomized adult female mice using a combination of induced systemic hypertension and a single injection of elastase into the cerebrospinal fluid. We fed the mice with an isoflavone-free diet with/without daidzein supplementation, or in a combination of intraperitoneal equol, or oral vancomycin treatment. We also used estrogen receptor beta knockout mice. Results Both dietary daidzein and supplementation with its metabolite, equol, were protective against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized mice. The protective effects of daidzein and equol required estrogen receptor-β. The disruption of the intestinal microbial conversion of daidzein to equol abolished daidzein's protective effect against aneurysm formation. Mice treated with equol had lower inflammatory cytokines in the cerebral arteries, suggesting that phytoestrogens modulate inflammatory processes important to intracranial aneurysm pathogenesis. Conclusions Our study establishes that both dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, protect against aneurysm formation in ovariectomized female mice through the activation of estrogen receptor-β and subsequent suppression of inflammation. Dietary daidzein's protective effect required the intestinal conversion to equol. Our results indicate the potential therapeutic value of dietary daidzein and its metabolite, equol, for the prevention of the formation of intracranial aneurysms and related subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A numerical study of single source localization algorithms for phaseless inverse scattering problems

Phaseless inverse scattering problems appear often in practical applications since phaseless data are relatively easier to measure than the phased data, but they are also numerically more difficult to solve due to the translation invariance property. Based on three distinct noisy measurements of phaseless far-field data, the phase information can be approximately reconstructed by formulating it as a single source localization problem, for which many efficient algorithms are readily available. In this paper, we numerically compare several source localization algorithms based on different norm formulations in the context of inverse scattering. As one major contribution, we propose an improved phase retrieval algorithm, which addresses some pitfalls of the original phase retrieval algorithm in [X. Ji, X. Liu, B. Zhang, SIAM J. Imaging Sci. 12 (1) (2019) 372–391.] Moreover, a simple criterion of minimizing the condition number of the underlying linear least square system is advocated for optimizing the choices of scattering strengths (or sensors’ locations). Extensive numerical results are shown to illustrate the similarity and difference among the tested algorithms.
Exploring the Gender, Ethnicity, and Trauma Characteristics of the Witness Sample

INTRODUCTION As discussed in Chapter 1, the principal axes through which we seek to understand the opinions and experiences of the witnesses are gender, ethnicity, and the type as well as range of trauma experienced during the Balkan wars. These three characteristics are key issues in the ICTY jurisprudence; they have helped define the nature of the conflicts and the crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia; and they are an integral part of the witnesses’ identities and the basis for their appearances on the witness stand. In this chapter, we take the reader through an exploration of how these characteristics help describe who the witnesses are, and we also analyze the extent to which there is overlap and other relationships among the three dimensions. For example, we find that wartime trauma is not evenly distributed across our witness sample, but varies in part based on witness ethnic identity and gender. To better acquaint the reader with the witness sample we begin by providing a brief overview of witness characteristics along these three dimensions. Second, we explore in-depth how the nature and scope of trauma experienced by witnesses vary by gender and ethnicity. We conclude by assessing the utility of the three witness dimensions and how they can help us understand witness recollections, perceptions, and opinions. GENDER, ETHNICITY, AND WARTIME EXPERIENCE: AN OVERVIEW We begin by reviewing the key sample parameters of our witness database. Of the 300 ICTY fact witnesses in the sample, 253 are male witnesses (84.33%), while 47 are female witnesses (15.67%). Women were distinctly less likely to be called to testify by the ICTY, and our sample reflects this. Women comprise approximately 13% of all ICTY witnesses – a strikingly small sample of the witnesses who testify – and we note our sample size of 15.6% closely approximates their actual proportion. We sought to oversample women, given their low numbers and also because ICTY personnel indicated that women might be more reluctant and thus less likely to agree to be surveyed.
Surface Enhanced Luminescence with Silver Exchanged Zeolites

Silver clusters have been produced in zeolites by a variety of different synthetic routes by several research groups. The types of clusters produced are quite dependent on the type of zeolite, concentration of silver, and type of activation. We have been studying the enhancement of luminescence of luminophores such as rhodamine in the presence of a variety of silver clusters in zeolites. The enhancement of luminescence has been studied with steady state and lifetime methods. The type of silver clusters present in the zeolites has been characterized by diffuse reflectance, luminescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance methods. The data suggest that several silver clusters are present when surface enhanced luminescence is observed. Since deposition of rhodamine onto the silver exchanged zeolites causes a change in the types of silver species it is necessary to characterize the clusters after deposition of the luminophore. Factors influencing the surface enhanced luminescence will be discussed.
Warum Leben im Universum weit verbreitet sein kann

Mehrere Kilometer unterhalb der warmen, lebens- und lichterfullten Oberflachenregion der Weltozeane befindet sich eine viel ungastlichere Umgebung: der Tiefseeboden. Riesige Gebiete weisen dort nur wenig Sauerstoff auf. Es gibt kein Licht. Ein Grosteil besteht aus nahrstoffarmem Sand, Schlamm oder innerhalb langer Zeitraume gebildeten Manganknollen. Die Temperatur liegt knapp uber dem Gefrierpunkt. Etwa 20 Tonnen Wasserdruck lasten bereits bei durchschnittlicher Ozeantiefe auf jedem Quadratzentimeter Boden. Diese Bedingungen fuhren dazu, dass der groste Teil des Tiefseebodens eine biologische Wuste darstellt. Eine Ausnahme bilden lediglich die kleinen Populationen hochspezialisierter Lebewesen, die sich aus dem wenigen, von der fernen Oberflache herabregnenden, abgestorbenen organischen Material ernahren. Lange wurde die Tiefsee fur eine vollkommen lebensfeindliche und monotone Region gehalten.
The Reaction of Reduced Cytochrome c Oxidase with Oxygen

Abstract The rate of reaction of reduced cytochrome oxidase with oxygen has been studied under a wide range of conditions by mixing the carbon monoxide compound of the reduced oxidase with oxygen-containing buffers and initiating the reaction by liberating free reduced oxidase photochemically. The method has been improved through the use of complementary filtration procedures and careful attention to electrical and magnetic shielding to a point at which the measurement of first order constants of up to 105 per sec has been possible. With the use of a wide range of oxygen concentrations, the rate of the initial portion of the biphasic record obtained at 445 mµ increases roughly in proportion to oxygen concentration until a rate of about 104 per sec is reached, beyond which it continues to increase but no longer does so in proportion to the oxygen concentration. Good agreement with the experimental findings has been obtained with a scheme in which 1 oxygen molecule diffuses into the oxidase unit (rate, 1 x 108 m-1sec-1) followed by the first order oxidation of cytochrome a3 (3 x 104 sec-1) and of a (7 x 102 sec-1). Previous work by these authors suggests that copper associated with the oxidase unit reacts at 7 x 103 sec-1 and the present publication describes the effect of temperature on these individual steps. In no case was the effect large; it was greatest on the cytochrome a oxidation step, corresponding to a Q10 of 1.4. The improved time resolution has permitted the spectro-kinetic separation of the cytochromes a3 and a oxidized-reduced difference spectra, which, although basically similar to those obtained in static experiments, show several important differences. The isosbestic points for the a3'' - a3''' and the a'' - a''' differences are 434 mµ and 430 mµ, respectively, the converse of the findings from static difference spectrophotometry and from previous work on the dissociation of CO in the presence of O2. Another important difference is that the ratio of the contribution of cytochrome a3 to that of a at 445 mµ was 2.3:1, compared to 1:1 by the static method.
Evolution as Frozen Music

Developmental Plasticity and Evolution . by Mary Jane West-Eberhard. Oxford University Press, New York, 2003. 814 pp. $100, £79.50. ISBN 0-19-512234-8. Paper, $49.95, £31.99. ISBN 0-19-512235-6. Discussing a wide range of ideas and empirical studies that support them, West-Eberhard focuses on showing what recent findings in development, physiology, and behavior suggest about the origins of evolutionary novelties.
CEA-Like Material in Fluid from Benign Cysts of the Breast

A preliminary survey of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentrations in 23 breast-cyst fluids (BCF) and blood plasma has revealed markedly increased concentrations of CEA-like material in BCF as compared to its concentrations in plasma. Chromatography on Sephadex G-200 indicated the immunoreactive CEA component extracted from BCF corresponds to a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of at least 200 000.
Marine bacterial proteases: II. Peptide specificity of an endopeptidase produced by Vibrio B-30☆☆☆

Abstract The peptide specificity of an endopeptidase isolated from the culture filtrate of a new marine bacterium, Vibrio B-30, was determined. The enzyme hydrolyzed hemoglobin, chromoproteins, casein, ribonuclease, and the B-chain of oxidized insulin but failed to hydrolyze di- or tripeptides or their CBZ-derivatives to any appreciable extent unless both NH 2 - and COOH-terminal amino acids were blocked with bulky radicals. From detailed studies on the oxidized B-chain of insulin and selected synthetic peptides, it was concluded that the endopeptidase acts rapidly on those peptide bonds in which an aromatic amino acid (tyrosine, phenylalanine) provides the amino group, and a neutral amino acid with a bulky side chain forms the acyl portion of the peptide bond.
Improving the parallel schnorr-euchner lll algorithm

This paper introduces a number of modifications that allow for significant improvements of parallel LLL reduction. Experiments show that these modifications result in an increase of the speed-up by a factor of more than 1.35 for SVP challenge type lattice bases in comparing the new algorithm with the state-of-the-art parallel LLL algorithm.
Variations of Solar Ultraviolet Irradiance Observed by the UARS SOLSTICE — 1991 to 1999

The Solar Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) is one of ten instruments on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) — one of two instruments measuring the solar ultraviolet irradiance. The instrument is a three channel spectrometer covering the spectral range 120 to 420 nm with a spectral resolution of approximately 0.2 nm. It has been successfully operating since October 1991, and has now provided more than eight years of data, extending from near the peak of solar cycle 22, through solar minimum and into the new cycle. The data provide time series that display solar variations over time scales from a few days up to the 11-year solar cycle. Quantitative estimates of amplitudes of both rotational modulation and the solar cycle variation in the 1991–1999 epoch are given for the UV spectrum between 119 and 300 nm.
Perceived Discrimination and Health Outcomes: A Gender Comparison Among Asian-Americans Nationwide

Objectives We examined whether similarities and differences exist in the association between perceived discrimination and poor mental and physical health among Asian-American adult women and men. We also tested whether Asian-American women would have a lower perceived discrimination threshold for developing negative health outcomes than Asian-American men.
Helical and Coil Conformations of Poly(ethylene glycol) in Isobutyric Acid and Water

We show that when poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is dissolved in isobutyric acid at temperatures below about 55 °C, the polymer molecule can form helices. Small-angle neutron scattering indicates that in pure isobutyric acid and in isobutyric acid-rich aqueous solutions the polymer chains form stiff rods that coexist with polymer coils when the polymer molecular weight is 2.38 × 104, 2.13 × 105, and 2.87 × 105 g/mol, but that at the lower molecular weight of 1.73 × 102, only the polymer rods form. The addition of chiral dopants causes a net optical rotation in the solution, indicating that the rods are actually helices. Above about 60 °C in deuterated isobutyric acid (and above about 70 °C in hydrogenated isobutyric acid), the helices convert to coils. In water, the PEG molecules form coils which persist over the entire temperature range studied (25−60 °C).
Introduction to Special Issue on Veterans’ Sexual Health and Functioning

The literature on military veterans' sexual health and functioning is largely limited to medication effects on desire and arousal and to military sexual trauma. This is the first scientific journal issue devoted to the sexual health and functioning of military veterans. Four papers describe the effects of combat experiences on American veterans' sexual functioning, sexual risk behavior, mental health, health status, and relationships. One paper describes the effects of sexual assault on women's sexual health, and one paper describes health care utilization among transgender veterans. Studies outside of the United States are needed to understand cultural and health care system differences.
Low-temperature oxide-bonded three-dimensional integrated circuits

A low-temperature oxide-oxide bond process has been proposed that permits stacking and interconnecting circuit layers with tungsten plugs with size and pitch approaching current 2D-via designs. The oxide bond process is also compatible with the 400-500 /spl deg/C anneals used to improve transistor properties that complete wafer fabrication. In this paper, the authors report the development of this process, including operational circuits and 3-tier via chains fabricated using concentric vias.
Status of the ATLAS pixel detector

Abstract The ATLAS pixel detector is currently being constructed and will be installed in 2006 to be ready for commissioning at the Large Hadron Collider. The complete pixel detector is composed of three concentric barrels and six disks that are populated by 1744 ATLAS Pixel modules. The main components of the pixel module are the readout electronics and the silicon sensor whose active region is instrumented with rectangular pixels. The module has been designed to be able to survive 10 years of operation within the ATLAS detector. A brief description of the pixel detector will be presented with results and problems encountered during the production stage.
Intranuclear trafficking of transcription factors: Requirements for vitamin D-mediated biological control of gene expression.

The architecturally associated subnuclear organization of nucleic acids and cognate regulatory factors suggest functional interrelationships between nuclear structure and gene expression. Mechanisms that contribute to the spatial distribution of transcription factors within the three-dimensional context of nuclear architecture control the sorting of regulatory information as well as the assembly and activities of sites within the nucleus that support gene expression. Vitamin D control of gene expression serves as a paradigm for experimentally addressing mechanisms that govern the intranuclear targeting of regulatory factors to nuclear domains where transcription of developmental and tissue-specific genes occur. We will present an overview of molecular, cellular, genetic, and biochemical approaches that provide insight into the trafficking of regulatory factors that mediate vitamin D control of gene expression to transcriptionally active subnuclear sites. Examples will be presented that suggest modifications in the intranuclear targeting of transcription factors abrogate competency for vitamin D control of skeletal gene expression during development and fidelity of gene expression in tumor cells.
Analysis of the origins and implications of the O-18 content of stratospheric water vapor

Factors influencing the O-18 content of stratospheric H2O are reviewed in order to provide a theoretical framework for the interpretation of measurements of this quantity, which are now becoming available. Depletions in O-18 of 5-10 percent in stratospheric H2O are expected based on the known correlation between that of D and O-18 in tropospheric H2O and observed measurements of large (typically 50 percent) depletions of D in stratosphere H2O. H2O formed in the stratosphere as a result of oxidation of CH4 can be expected to reflect primarily the O-18 content of stratospheric O2, which is the same as that of tropospheric O2 (slightly enhanced with respect to standard mean ocean water). Thus, a reduction in the O-18 depletion is expected with increasing altitude, but not a large enhancement in O-18 in upper stratospheric H2O as found in recent far infrared measurements. The observed large enhancement of O-18 in stratospheric O3 is not expected to be reflected in stratospheric H2O. Necessary laboratory data for the improved quantification of these effects are reviewed.
Computer Science and the Liberal Arts Student

The computer science education of nontechnical liberal arts students is a matter of increasing concern. In this paper it is argued that computer scientists should promote and teach their subject more in line with the traditional aims of liberal education when dealing with students of this type. A framework for doing this is presented which involves a broad view of ``computer literacy'''' based upon what other authors have written about ``scientific literacy.'''' The structure of a computer science appreciation course is outlined which embodies the ideas of liberal education described. The importance of historical perspective is emphasized. Key Words and Phrases: Computer literacy, liberal arts student, liberal education, history of computation, scientific literacy.
Protective Effect of Total Carotenoid and Lycopene Intake on the Risk of Hip Fracture: A 17-Year Follow-Up From the Framingham Osteoporosis Study

In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that carotenoids may inhibit bone resorption, yet no previous study has examined individual carotenoid intake (other than β-carotene) and the risk of fracture. We evaluated associations of total and individual carotenoid intake (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein + zeaxanthin) with incident hip fracture and nonvertebral osteoporotic fracture. Three hundred seventy men and 576 women (mean age, 75 ± 5 yr) from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in 1988–1989 and were followed for hip fracture until 2005 and nonvertebral fracture until 2003. Tertiles of carotenoid intake were created from estimates obtained using the Willett FFQ adjusting for total energy (residual method). HRs were estimated using Cox-proportional hazards regression, adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, height, total energy, calcium and vitamin D intake, physical activity, alcohol, smoking, multivitamin use, and current estrogen use. A total of 100 hip fractures occurred over 17 yr of follow-up. Subjects in the highest tertile of total carotenoid intake had lower risk of hip fracture (p = 0.02). Subjects with higher lycopene intake had lower risk of hip fracture (p = 0.01) and nonvertebral fracture (p = 0.02). A weak protective trend was observed for total β-carotene for hip fracture alone, but associations did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.10). No significant associations were observed with α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, or lutein + zeaxanthin. These results suggest a protective role of several carotenoids for bone health in older adults.
Localization of a major nuclear envelope protein by differential solubilization

The nuclear envelope (NE) is the interface of the two major compartments of the cell. We used differential solubilization in conjunction with ultrastructural visualization to localize components of the NE in the surf clam Spisula solidissima. The high salt-resistant NE fraction can be separated into a pore complex-containing supernatant (4 M urea extract) and a membrane pellet devoid of pore complexes or pore remnants. Urea extraction of the membrane pellet reveals two major proteins with an apparent molecular weight (MWapp) of 67 000 (clam lamin) and 200 000 that are also found in the high-salt and detergent-extracted NE containing pore complexes. Urea extraction of the clam NE under reducing conditions removes the clam lamin. The 200 000 D protein remaining in the NE after removal of the pore complex is not solubilized by detergent extraction and thus can be localized on the inner nuclear part of the NE.
Buoyancy and Mixed Layer Effects on the Sea Surface Height Response in an Isopycnal Model of the North Pacific

Abstract An isopycnal model of the North Pacific is used to demonstrate that the seasonal cycle of heating and cooling and the resulting mixed layer depth entrainment and detrainment cycle play a role in the propagation of wind-driven Rossby waves. The model is forced by realistic winds and seasonal heat flux to examine the interaction of nearly annual wind-driven Rossby waves with the seasonal mixed layer cycle. Comparison among four model runs, one adiabatic (without diapycnal mixing or explicit mixed layer dynamics), one diabatic (with diapycnal mixing and explicit mixed layer dynamics), one with the seasonal cycle of heating only, and one with only variable winds suggests that mixed layer entrainment changes the structure of the response substantially, particularly at midlatitudes. Specifically, the mixed layer seasonal cycle works against Ekman pumping in the forcing of first-mode Rossby waves between 17° and 28°N. South of there the mixed layer seasonal cycle has little influence on the Rossby waves...
Selecting an effective niche: an ecological view of the success of online communities

Online communities serve various important functions, but many fail to thrive. Research on community success has traditionally focused on internal factors. In contrast, we take an ecological view to understand how the success of a community is influenced by other communities. We measured a community's relationship with other communities - its "niche" - through four dimensions: topic overlap, shared members, content linking, and shared offline organizational affiliation. We used a mixed-method approach, combining the quantitative analysis of 9495 online enterprise communities and interviews with community members. Our results show that too little or too much overlap in topic with other communities causes a community's activity to suffer. We also show that this main result is moderated in predictable ways by whether the community shares members with, links to content in, or shares an organizational affiliation with other communities. These findings provide new insight on community success, guiding online community designers on how to effectively position their community in relation to others.
Defective responses to oxidative stress in protein L-isoaspartyl repair-deficient Caenorhabditis elegans

We have shown that Caenorhabditis elegans lacking the PCM-1 protein repair l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase are more sensitive to oxidative stress than wild-type nematodes. Exposure to the redox-cycling quinone juglone upon exit from dauer diapause results in defective egg-laying (Egl phenotype) in the pcm-1 mutants only. Treatment with paraquat, a redox-cycling dipyridyl, causes a more severe developmental delay at the second larval stage in pcm-1 mutants than in wild-type nematodes. Finally, exposure to homocysteine and homocysteine thiolactone, molecules that can induce oxidative stress via distinct mechanisms, results in a more pronounced delay in development at the first larval stage in pcm-1 mutants than in wild-type animals. Homocysteine treatment also induced the Egl phenotype in mutant but not wild-type nematodes. All of the effects of these agents were reversed upon addition of vitamin C, indicating that the developmental delay and egg-laying defects result from oxidative stress. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that a mutation in the gene encoding the insulin-like receptor DAF-2 suppresses the Egl phenotype in pcm-1 mutants treated with juglone. Our results support a role of PCM-1 in the cellular responses mediated by the DAF-2 insulin-like signaling pathway in C. elegans for optimal protection against oxidative stress.
Moss cell walls: structure and biosynthesis

The genome sequence of the moss Physcomitrella patens has stimulated new research examining the cell wall polysaccharides of mosses and the glycosyl transferases that synthesize them as a means to understand fundamental processes of cell wall biosynthesis and plant cell wall evolution. The cell walls of mosses and vascular plants are composed of the same classes of polysaccharides, but with differences in side chain composition and structure. Similarly, the genomes of P. patens and angiosperms encode the same families of cell wall glycosyl transferases, yet, in many cases these families have diversified independently in each lineage. Our understanding of land plant evolution could be enhanced by more complete knowledge of the relationships among glycosyl transferase functional diversification, cell wall structural and biochemical specialization, and the roles of cell walls in plant adaptation. As a foundation for these studies, we review the features of P. patens as an experimental system, analyses of cell wall composition in various moss species, recent studies that elucidate the structure and biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides in P. patens, and phylogenetic analysis of P. patens genes potentially involved in cell wall biosynthesis.
A Technique for Producing Ice From NaCl Brine for Studying Fundamental Deformation Behavior

Description d'une technique de frittage pour la production d'echantillons de glace a partir d'une saumure de NaCl. Presentation des microstructures des echantillons obtenus
Indirect transitions in two-nucleon transfer reactions between heavy ions

Abstract Two-nucleon transfer reactions between heavy ions are investigated in the coupled channel framework. Indirect transitions through the collective 18O(2+) state in (16O, 18O) reactions or their inverse can considerably modifythe direct ground-state transfer cross sections. Characteristic features of the direct process, the indirect process, and their interference are discussed. Special emphasis is put on the consistency of the parameters with the experimental elastic and inelastic scattering data for the channels involved in the reaction calculations. For the targets nickel and tin, a comparison with the data of various experimental groups is presented.
Epidemiology of pertussis.

This review addresses the epidemiology of pertussis based on: (1) reported pertussis; (2) the increase in reported cases during the last 22 years; and (3) the data supporting the endemnicity of Bordetella pertussis infection in adolescents and adults. This topic has been addressed previously as well as covered briefly in the Pertussis Update in Concise Reviews of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in September 2005. (excerpt)
Micromechanical modeling of reinforcement fracture in particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites

Finite element analyses of the effect of particle fracture on the tensile response of particle-reinforced metal-matrix composites are carried out. The analyses are based on two-dimensional plane strain and axisymmetric unit cell models. The reinforcement is characterized as an isotropic elastic solid and the ductile matrix as an isotropically hardening viscoplastic solid. The reinforcement and matrix properties are taken to be those of an Al-3.5 wt pct Cu alloy reinforced with SiC particles. An initial crack, perpendicular to the tensile axis, is assumed to be present in the particles. Both stationary and quasi-statically growing cracks are analyzed. Resistance to crack growth in its initial plane and along the particle-matrix interface is modeled using a cohesive surface constitutive relation that allows for decohesion. Variations of crack size, shape, spatial distribution, and volume fraction of the particles and of the material and cohesive properties are explored. Conditions governing the onset of cracking within the particle, the evolution of field quantities as the crack advances within the particle to the particle-matrix interface, and the dependence of overall tensile stress-strain response during continued crack advance are analyzed.
Childhood: what do we need to know?

This article presents a conceptual framework with which to approach issues of child development. It is based on an ecological perspective of human development that em phasizes the interplay of social and biological systems in shaping the experience of the child. In this framework child development is understood as the creation and maintenance of "social maps" that reflect and shape the child's behavior, maturation, personality, and conceptual development. The concepts of social risk and opportunity are critical to this conception as a means of linking developmental issues with issues of social policy, violence, displacement, and poverty.
Effects of calcium availability on reproductive output of big brown bats

Reproduction is a period of high calcium demand in vertebrates; therefore, calcium deficiency can limit reproductive output in mammals. Nutritional analyses show that insects are a poor calcium source, suggesting that insectivorous species are more likely to be calcium deficient. During pregnancy, big brown bats Eptesicus fuscus consume between 8 and 18 times less calcium than they are estimated to require. To accommodate calcium demand during pregnancy, many mammals mobilize more calcium from the skeleton, and extensive bone loss has been observed in some bats during pregnancy. A conflict may arise between the female and developing embryo over allocation of limited calcium supplies, which could limit reproductive output with respect to offspring size, mass and number. The effects of calcium deficiency on these three factors were tested by providing pregnant captive big brown bats with either a calcium-deficient diet or a diet providing the daily calcium requirement, as estimated for pregnant big brown bats, from the time of capture until parturition. Neonates were compared between groups for size, mass and number per female, as were the effects of maternal mass and size on neonate mass and size. Maternal mass and litter mass were positively related for the calcium-deficient group, but not for the calcium-supplemented group. This suggests that there is some interaction between maternal mass and calcium availability, most likely due to the relationship between body mass and skeletal mass, and that calcium availability is limiting the overall biomass of young that a female can produce.
Dopamine D2-like receptor binding in the brain of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) have been used extensively to study appetitive behaviors. However, little is known about the appetitive-relevant neurochemical systems in this species. The present investigation examined the distribution of D(2)-like dopamine receptors in the quail brain. [(3)H]Spiperone was incubated in brain tissue homogenates and non-specific binding was defined using (-)-sulpiride. Scatchard analysis of whole brain without cerebellum and forebrain alone indicated approximate K(d)'s of 0.08 and 0.04 nM, respectively. In addition, the preferential D(3) agonist (+/-)-2-dipropylamino-7-hydroxy-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrobromide (7-OH-DPAT) did not displace [(3)H]spiperone binding in quail forebrain. Finally, regional analysis showed that the highest densities of D(2)-like receptors were located in the forebrain. Overall, these results indicate that there is some conservation of dopaminergic mechanisms between aves and mammals. Thus, Japanese quail may be useful for examining the neuropharmacological mechanisms of dopaminergic stimulant drugs that work via D(2)-like receptor activation.
Photolysis of pheomelanin precursors: an ESR-spin trapping study.

The photolysis of 5-S-cysteinyldopa, 2,5-S,S-dicysteinyldopa, 4-hydroxybenzothiazole and cysteinyldopa melanins has been studied by ESR-spin trapping methods using 5.5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-1-oxide and 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane as spin traps for hydrated electrons, hydrogen atoms, and carbon-centered alanyl radicals. The photochemistry of these materials is shown to resemble dopa in that both photoionization and photohomolysis occur. However, unlike dopa, the cysteinyldopa also forms the carbon-centered alanyl radicals via photodecomposition of the cysteinyl group. Action spectra and quantum yields are reported. Mechanism(s) of radical formation are discussed.
Mobility spectrometry of amino acids and peptides with matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization in air at ambient pressure

Abstract Gas phase ions for valine, glutamate, phenylalanine, angiotensin, bradykinin, LH-RH, and bombesin were formed through matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) in air at ambient pressure and were characterized by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The IMS drift tube was operated at 100 °C with air as the drift gas and without an ion shutter. Responses were obtained using α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid as the matrix and a Nd-YAG laser at 355 nm with an unfocused beam at 6 mJ per pulse and 7 mm2 cross section. Matrix and analyte were applied to a borosilicate glass target and microgram amounts of sample provided responses lasting 10 to 15 s with the laser operated at 11 Hz. Detection limits for the peptides were estimated to be 10 to 100 pmol per laser shot. The mobility spectra for individual amino acids and peptides exhibited multiple peaks with spectral distortions and raised baselines. These features and calculated values for reduced mobilities were consistent with the existence of clusters between analyte ions and matrix neutrals and the dissociation of these clusters in the drift region of the analyzer. Mobility spectra with distinctive peaks were not obtained for MALDI-IMS of peptides larger than 5700 amu, though ion formation was suggested from the depletion of matrix signal.
The Virginia State Systemic Initiative: A Brief Overview of the Lead Teacher Component and a Description of the Evolving Mathematics & Science Integration Outcomes

This article describes the Lead Teacher Component of the NSF-funded State Systemic Initiative, Virginia's Quality Education in Science and Technology (V-QUEST). Part of V-QUEST focuses on the integration of mathematics and science in elementary and middle schools. Some recent research findings and recommendations which informed the planning and decisions are cited. The article describes the guiding principles, objectives, strategies, and agencies involved in the project. An outline of how the integration of mathematics and science elements were developed is provided and some preliminary outcomes are catalogued. An important feature of the systemic project is the manner through which it includes a wide range of individuals and organizations concerned with education in all the planning and implementation phases.
Effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium on growth, survival and the prevalence of Renibacterium salmoninarum infection in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Abstract Groups of juvenile spring chinook salmon naturally infected with Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of bacterial kidney disease, were fed diets containing different levels of vitamin E and selenium for 214 days in fresh water and 110 days in seawater. The fish were fed vitamin E at concentrations of either 53±3 mg (designated e) or 299±9 mg (designated E) α-tocopheryl acetate equivalence/kg dry diet in combination with sodium selenite to give selenium concentrations of either 0.038±0.008 mg (designated s) or 2.49±0.15 mg (designated S)/kg dry diet. No mortality occurred in the group fed the S E diet, whereas mortality was 3% in the groups fed the s E and S e diets, and 31% in the group fed the s e diet. At the end of the experiment, weight gain and hematocrit values were significantly greater in those fish fed the E diets compared with those fed the e diets, whereas the hepato-somatic index was significantly higher in fish fed the e diets. Glutathione peroxidase activity in blood plasma was significantly higher in fish fed the S diets compared with those fed the s diets. No definite effect of dietary vitamin E and selenium on the prevalence and severity of natural R. salmoninarum infections was demonstrated.
Lichenoid and granulomatous dermatitis.

Background The prototypic lichenoid eruptions, lichen planus (LP), lichenoid drug eruptions, secondary syphilis, and collagen vascular disease, are defined histologically by a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate in close apposition to the epidermis. We describe a novel form of lichenoid dermatitis with a granulomatous component. Design Skin biopsies from 40 patients demonstrating a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate with concomitant granulomatous inflammation were encountered over 4 years. Clinicians were contacted to elucidate underlying triggers and medical illnesses. Results A lichenoid dermatitis, a linear eruption, vasculitis, annular erythema, and erythroderma were among the clinical presentations. A drug-based etiology was implicated in 14 cases: the drugs included antibiotics, lipid-lowering agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Over one-third of patients with drug-related eruptions had other medical illnesses associated with cutaneous granulomatous inflammation, namely rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, diabetes mellitus, and thyroiditis. A microbial trigger was implicated in 12 patients in the context of infective id reactions to herpes zoster, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), or streptococci, or active infections by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. leprae, fungi, and spirochetes. The remainder had hepatobiliary disease and RA without obvious exogenous triggers, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and idiopathic lichenoid eruptions (i.e. LP, lichen nitidus, and lichen striatus). One patient with LP had underlying multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. The histiocytic infiltrate assumed one or more of five light microscopic patterns: (i) superficially disposed loose histiocytic aggregates; (ii) cohesive granulomata within zones of band-like lymphocytic infiltration with or without deeper dermal extension; (iii) a diffuse interstitial pattern; (iv) scattered singly disposed giant cells; and (v) granulomatous vasculitis. Additional features included lymphocytic eccrine hidradenitis in those patients with drug reactions, hepatobiliary disease, and antecedent viral illnesses, tissue eosinophilia and erythrocyte extravasation in drug hypersensitivity, granulomatous vasculitis in patients with microbial triggers, drug hypersensitivity or RA, and lymphoid atypia in lesions of CTCL or drug hypersensitivity. Conclusions The cutaneous lichenoid and granulomatous reaction may reflect hepatobiliary disease, endocrinopathy, RA, Crohn’s disease, infection, or a drug reaction. One-fifth of cases represent idiopathic lichenoid disorders. Lymphoproliferative disease or pseudolymphomatous drug reactions must be considered in those cases showing lymphoid atypia.
Toxicokinetics of tritiated dihydromicrocystin-LR in swine

The toxicokinetics of tritiated dihydromicrocystin-LR ([3H]2H-MCLR) were studied in anesthetized, specificpathogen-free pigs. Pigs were dosed with radiolabeled plus non-labeled 2H-MCLR at 25 or 75 μg/kg i.v., or via an isolated ileal loop at 75 μ/kg. The i.v. doses were rapidly removed from the blood. At either i.v. dose, more than half the radiolabel from [3H]2H-MCLR present in the blood at 1 min postdosing was cleared by 6 min. The blood clearance at the 75 μ/kg dose was slower than at the 25 μ/kg dose. Accordingly, at the high dose, the concentrations of the toxin in blood were disproportionately higher from 10 min after dosing until the study ended 4 hr later. The decreased clearance is presumably due to decreased elimination from the blood as a consequence of the hepatic injury that was observed histologically. Following administration of [3H]2H-MCLR at 75 μ/kg via the ileum, the maximal toxin concentration in blood was achieved at 90 min after dosing. At that time the [3H]2H-MCLR concentration in portal venous blood was 3.6 times higher than in peripheral venous blood. Although bile production varied, following i.v. dosing radioactivity was detected in bile as early as 12 min postdosing in one animal. This study demonstrated that [3H]2H-MCLR is rapidly removed from the blood of anesthetized swine and that excretion of the radiolabel into bile may begin within 30 min of dosing.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Depressed Older Adults: A Randomized Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE Although there is evidence for the efficacy of antidepressants and for some individual and group psychotherapy interventions for depressed older adults, a significant number of these do not respond to treatment. Authors assessed the benefits of augmenting medication with group psychotherapy. METHODS They randomly assigned 34 (largely chronically) depressed individuals age 60 and older to receive 28 weeks of antidepressant medication plus clinical management, either alone (MED) or with the addition of dialectical behavior therapy skills-training and scheduled telephone coaching sessions (MED+DBT). RESULTS Only MED+DBT showed significant decreases on mean self-rated depression scores, and both treatment groups demonstrated significant and roughly equivalent decreases on interviewer-rated depression scores. However, on interviewer-rated depression, 71% of MED+DBT patients were in remission at post-treatment, in contrast to 47% of MED patients. At a 6-month follow-up, 75% of MED+DBT patients were in remission, compared with only 31% of MED patients, a significant difference. Only patients receiving MED+DBT showed significant improvements from pre- to post-treatment on dependency and adaptive coping that are proposed to create vulnerability to depression. CONCLUSION Results from this pilot study suggest that DBT skills training and telephone coaching may offer promise to effectively augment the effects of antidepressant medication in depressed older adults.