cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic Studies on Ert and Cardioprotection: State of the Art on HRT and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in American women. Evidence from epidemiologic studies indicates that estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women can reduce their risk of coronary heart disease. Current users, in particular, appear to enjoy the most substantial cardiac benefits. A meta-analysis of population-based case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, and prospective studies of current estrogen use yielded a summary relative risk of 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.43–0.56). It remains possible that the protective effect of estrogen observed in these studies may be due, in part, to bias. Women who use estrogen see a physician regularly, and compliance to estrogen therapy may identify a low-risk group of women. Furthermore, women who choose to use estrogen may lead generally healthier lifestyles than those who do not take such medication. However, adjustment for known cardiac risk factors in many of the large studies had little impact on the results, implying an equivalent risk status for users and nonusers. In addition, both animal and human studies demonstrate that estrogen use lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol levels, improves blood flow, and reduces atherosclerosis. The effect of progestin added to estrogen therapy has not been adequately assessed, but initial evidence suggests that it may somewhat attenuate, although not completely eliminate the benefits of estrogen on cardiovascular disease.
A Robotic System for High-Throughput-Rate Target Assembly

AbstractA system for automated assembly and mounting of targets at high throughput rates has been developed at General Atomics. Major components of the system include two, six-axis industrial robot arms; a high-precision glue-dispensing system; a vision system; and a piezoelectric translation stage for precise positioning of parts. All operations are controlled by computer, with feedback from the vision system to the piezoelectric stage and robots.Assembly and mounting of cone-in-shell targets is described. A key requirement for these targets is that the virtual cone tip (the projection of the cone sides to a single point in space) must be aligned to the shell center to within ±10 μm. Major steps in the process include (a) gluing capsules to zirconia handling posts with water-soluble glue; (b) cutting holes in the tops of the capsules to accept cones; (c) assembling the cones to the capsules, forming a target; (d) gluing carbon fiber “stalks” to carriers on which the targets are mounted; and (e) removing ...
When are multiobjective calibration trade‐offs in hydrologic models meaningful?

[1] This paper applies a four-objective calibration strategy focusing on peak flows, low flows, water balance, and flashiness to 392 model parameter estimation experiment (MOPEX) watersheds across the United States. Our analysis explores the influence of model structure by analyzing how the multiobjective calibration trade-offs for two conceptual hydrologic models, the Hydrology Model (HYMOD) and the Hydrologiska Byrans Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) model, compare for each of the 392 catchments. Our results demonstrate that for modern multiobjective calibration frameworks to identify any meaningful measure of model structural failure, users must be able to carefully control the precision by which they evaluate their trade-offs. Our study demonstrates that the concept of epsilon-dominance provides an effective means of attaining bounded and meaningful hydrologic model calibration trade-offs. When analyzed at an appropriate precision, we found that meaningful multiobjective trade-offs are far less frequent than prior literature has suggested. However, when trade-offs do exist at a meaningful precision, they have significant value for supporting hydrologic model selection, distinguishing core model deficiencies, and identifying hydroclimatic regions where hydrologic model prediction is highly challenging.
Masks of the Universe: Changing Ideas on the Nature of the Cosmos

Preface Introducing the masks Part I. Worlds in the Making: 1. The magic Universe 2. The mythic Universe 3. The geometric Universe 4. The medieval Universe 5. The infinite Universe 6. The mechanistic Universe Part II. The Heart Divine: 7. Dance of the atoms and waves 8. Fabric of space and time 9. Nearer to the heart's desire 10. The cosmic tide 11. Do dreams ever come true? Part III. The Cloud of Unknowing: 12. The witch universe 13. The spear of Archytas 14. All that is made 15. The cloud of unknowing 16. Learned ignorance.
Purification and Properties of an Enzyme in Human Blood and Rat Liver Microsomes Catalyzing the Formation and Hydrolysis of γ-Lactones II. METAL ION EFFECTS, KINETICS, AND EQUILIBRIA

Abstract Calcium ions have been found to activate and stabilize γ-lactonase specifically. Hydrolytic activity at pH 8.6 requires 10 µm calcium ions, while the lactonization rate at pH 6.0 is maximal with 10 mm calcium. At pH 6.0, hydrolysis is increased proportionally with synthesis upon the addition of calcium, indicating that the metal ion interacts with the enzyme and not the substrate. Calcium ion, 1 mm, serves to stabilize γ-lactonase prepared from rat liver microsomes. Zn++, Cu++, Mn++, Mg++, Fe+++, Ni++, Co++, Hg++, Na+, and K+ either inhibit γ-lactonase or are without effect, depending upon the pH of the assay and the particular metal ion involved. Magnesium appears to inhibit specifically only the hydrolytic activity of γ-lactonase without affecting its lactonizing function. Ethylenediaminetetraacetate-calcium chelates can replace calcium in activation of the enzyme, indicating a very high affinity constant for the lactonase-calcium complex. Four- to eight-carbon lactones are effective substrates for the enzymes, with Km values ranging from 1 to 13 mm. The values for the corresponding γ-hydroxy acids as substrates for lactone synthesis run about 4-fold higher. The enzyme preparations from liver microsomes and human plasma have similar, but not identical, kinetic properties. Equilibrium constants at near neutral pH values and 27° have been determined for the 4- to 8-carbon lactone-hydroxy acid couples, with the use of γ-lactonase. Except for the 4-carbon substrate, a sizeable fraction of these compounds exists in the lactone form at equilibrium (10 to 20%).
ICE Was Not Meant To Be Cold: The Case for Civil Rights Monitoring of Immigration Enforcement at the Workplace

In Monitoring Immigration Enforcement, Professor Stephen Lee proposes a framework that empowers the Department of Labor (“DOL”) to monitor the workplace actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). His proposal addresses ICE’s all-too-often myopic focus on aggressive workplace-based immigration enforcement at the expense of its “secondary” consideration for employees’ workplace protections. This Response Essay illuminates that Congress intended worker protections to be primary to the federal government’s workplace-based immigration enforcement scheme. In other words, ICE was not meant to be “cold” with respect to employees’ workplace protections. In particular, the Response Essay exposes Congress’s view that civil rights are a fundamental aspect of IRCA’s scheme. While Professor Lee’s extensive focus on the DOL is certainly justified, my focus on workplace protections that are not within the DOL’s purview brings an additional labor agency into the forefront of the immigration monitoring mix. Indeed, a close examination of congressional intent illustrates that the main federal agency in charge of civil rights in the workplace, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (“EEOC”), should play a key role in monitoring ICE’s workplace-based enforcement actions. It also reveals that the EEOC should simultaneously educate both employers and employees about employees’ civil rights protections in the immigration enforcement context.
Dynamic and Quasi-Static mechanical testing for characterization of the viscoelastic properties of human uterine tissue

Ultrasound elastography is envisioned as an optional modality to augment standard ultrasound B-mode imaging and is a promising technique to aid in detecting uterine masses which cause abnormal uterine bleeding in both pre- and post-menopausal women. In order to determine the effectiveness of strain imaging, mechanical testing to establish the elastic contrast between normal uterine tissue and stiffer masses such as leiomyomas (fibroids) and between softer pathologies such as uterine cancer and adenomyosis has to be performed. In this paper, we evaluate the stiffness of normal uterine tissue, leiomyomas, and endometrial cancers using a EnduraTEC ElectroForce (ELF) system. We quantify the viscoelastic characteristics of uterine tissue and associated pathologies globally by using two mechanical testing approaches, namely a dynamic and a quasi-static (ramp testing) approach. For dynamic testing, 21 samples obtained from 18 patients were tested. The testing frequencies were set to 1, 10, 20, and 30 Hz. We also report on stiffness variations with pre-compression from 1% to 6% for testing at 2%, 3%, and 4% strain amplitude. Our results show that human uterine tissue stiffness is both dependent on percent pre-compression and testing frequencies. For ramp testing, 20 samples obtained from 14 patients were used. A constant strain rate of 0.1% was applied and comparable results to dynamic testing were obtained. The mean modulus contrast at 2% amplitude between normal uterine tissue (the background) and leiomyomas was 2.29 and 2.17, and between the background and cancer was 0.47 and 0.39 for dynamic and ramp testing, respectively.
Unveiling Mechanisms of Collective Behavior

Self-Organization in Biological Systems . Scott Camazine, Jean-Louis Deneubourg, Nigel R. Franks, James Sneyd, Guy Theraulaz, and Eric Bonabeau. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2001. 546 pp. $65, £45. ISBN 0-691-01200-3. This contribution to the Princeton Studies in Complexity series presents a set of case studies to demonstrate how models can be used to generate and test hypotheses about mechanisms of self-organization that lead to group behaviors.
Adaptive data block scheduling for parallel TCP streams

Applications that use parallel TCP streams to increase throughput must multiplex and demultiplex data blocks over a set of TCP streams transmitting on one or more network paths. When applications use the obvious round robin scheduling algorithm for multiplexing data blocks, differences in transmission rate between individual TCP streams can lead to significant data block reordering. This forces the demultiplexing receiver to buffer out-of-order data blocks, consuming memory and potentially causing the receiving application to stall. This paper describes a new adaptive weighted scheduling approach for multiplexing data blocks over a set of parallel TCP streams. Our new scheduling approach, compared with the scheduling approached used by GridFTP, reduces reordering of data blocks between individual TCP streams, maintains the aggregate throughput gains of parallel TCP, consumes less receiver memory for buffering out-of-order packets, and delivers smoother application goodput. We demonstrate the improved characteristics of our new scheduling approach using data transmission experiments over real and emulated wide-area networks.
Role of Exchange Transfusion in the Treatment of Severe Septicemia

Ten critically ill newborn infants presenting with documented septicemia were treated with antibiotics and supportive measures that included assisted ventilation, large blood transfusions and other volume expanders, sodium bicarbonate, and vasoactive drugs. Upon failure of the above treatment to improve the infants' rapidly deteriorating condition and the development of sclerema, exchange transfusions with fresh whole blood were performed and repeated up to four times. Seven of the ten infants showed immediate improvement and ultimately survived. IgM and IgA rose consistently with exchange transfusions. We postulate that these infants improved following exchange transfusion as the result of the removal of endotoxins, improvement of perfusion and of tissue oxygenation, decrease of hemorrhagic complications, and enhancement of the humoral and cellular inflammatory response. The development of sclerema in septicemic newborn infants continues to be an ominous sign despite the use of antibiotics and supportive measures. Our data suggest that exchange transfusions decrease the mortality of this group of critically ill infants.
Learning to overeat: maternal use of restrictive feeding practices promotes girls’ eating in the absence of hunger

Background Experimental findings causally link restrictive child-feeding practices to overeating in children. However, longitudinal data are needed to determine the extent to which restrictive feeding practices promote overeating.
Variación dialectal por aprendientes de español en un contexto de inmersión en el extranjero: un análisis cuantitativo del uso leísta en el discurso oral y escrito

En las ultimas dos decadas se han llevado a cabo numerosos estudios con el objetivo de documentar los beneficios linguisticos que reportan las estancias en el extranjero en la adquisicion de una segunda lengua (L2). Despues de una amplia investigacion centrada en el impacto de programas de inmersion en espanol como L2, preguntas relativas a la adquisicion de los patrones de la variacion linguistica comun a una comunidad en particular en un contexto de inmersion continuan sin respuesta. Este trabajo investiga en que medida un grupo de aprendientes de espanol emplea la variacion dialectal del leismo despues de participar en un programa de inmersion de cuatro meses en Valladolid (Espana). Un analisis cuantitativo examina este fenomeno linguistico en dos tipos de discurso: oral y escrito. Los resultados sugieren que los aprendientes en un contexto de inmersion estimulan la conciencia de las formas no convencionales de la lengua meta, las cuales son incorporadas principalmente en su repertorio linguistico oral. En resumen, este estudio contribuye a lograr un mayor conocimiento del desarrollo de la competencia sociolinguistica de la interlengua durante una estancia en el extranjero, asi como a llenar un vacio en la reciente investigacion sobre la adquisicion de la variacion dialectal.
The nucleoskeleton: lamins and actin are major players in essential nuclear functions

The nucleoskeleton is composed of many interacting structural proteins that provide the framework for DNA replication, transcription and a variety of other nuclear functions. For example, the type-V intermediate filament proteins, the lamins, and their associated proteins (e.g. Lap2α) play important roles in DNA replication and transcription. Furthermore, actin, actin-related proteins and other actin-associated proteins likewise appear to be important in nuclear functions because they are components of chromatin-remodeling complexes and are involved in mRNA synthesis, processing and transport. Newly described nuclear proteins that contain both actin- and lamin-binding domains could be involved in regulating molecular crosstalk between these two types of nucleoskeletal proteins. This range of activities might help to explain why genetic defects in some of the nucleoskeletal proteins contribute to an ever-expanding list of human diseases.
The hydrated and anhydrous gold(III) tetrachloride salts of L-ecgonine, an important forensic toxicology marker for cocaine.

The structure of the hydrated gold(III) tetra­chloride salt of l-ecgonine {hydronium tetra­kis[(1R,2R,3S,5S,8S)-3-hydr­oxy-8-methyl-8-azoniabicyclo­[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxyl­ate penta­kis[tetra­chloridoaurate(III)] hexa­hydrate}, (C9H16NO3)4(H3O)[AuCl4]5·6H2O, demonstrates an unprecedented stoichiometric relationship between the cations and anions in the unit cell. The previous tropane alkaloid structures, including the related hydro­chloride salts, all have a cation–anion ratio of 1:1, as does the anhydrous salt described here, namely (1R,2R,3S,5S,8S)-3-hydr­oxy-8-methyl-8-azoniabicyclo­[3.2.1]octane-2-carboxyl­ate tetra­chloridoaurate(III), (C9H16NO3)[AuCl4]. The hydrated salt, however, consists of four mono­positive N-protonated units of the alkaloid and five [AuCl4]− counter-ions, plus seven solvent water mol­ecules. The H atom required for change balance has been assigned to a water molecule. In addition, the hydrate has a novel arrangement, with all seven of the water mol­ecules and all of the O atoms in the cations participating in an alternating arrangement of inter­leaved sheets of the anionic species. Both the hydrate and the anhydrous salt of the same toxicologically important marker for cocaine show that the cation and anion are in close proximity to each other, as was found in the gold(III) tetra­chloride salt of l-cocaine.
Synergistic integration of a gas turbine and solid oxide fuel cell for improved transient capability

Abstract A theoretical solid oxide fuel cell–gas turbine hybrid system has been designed using a Capstone 60 kW micro-gas turbine. Through simulation it is demonstrated that the hybrid system can be controlled to achieve transient capability greater than the Capstone 60 kW recuperated gas turbine alone. The Capstone 60 kW gas turbine transient capability is limited because in order to maintain combustor, turbine and heat exchangers temperatures within operating requirements, the Capstone combustor fuel-to-air ratio must be maintained. Potentially fast fuel flow rate changes, must be limited to the slower, inertia limited, turbo machinery air response. This limits a 60 kW recuperated gas turbine to transient response rates of approximately 1 kW s−1. However, in the SOFC/GT hybrid system, the combustor temperature can be controlled, by manipulating the fuel cell current, to regulate the amount of fuel sent to the combustor. By using such control pairing, the fuel flow rate does not have to be constrained by the air flow in SOFC/GT hybrid systems. This makes it possible to use the rotational inertia of the gas turbine, to buffer the fuel cell power response, during fuel cell fuel flow transients that otherwise limit fuel cell system transient capability. Such synergistic integration improves the transient response capability of the integrated SOFC gas turbine hybrid system. Through simulation it has been demonstrated that SOFC/GT hybrid system can be developed to have excellent transient capability.
Heart Failure in Diabetes and Related Conditions

Abstract Background Despite advances in therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF), mortality remains 40% to 80% higher for diabetics with CHF than nondiabetics. Diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide with prevalence of diabetes among patients with CHF increasing at an even faster pace. Methods and Results Although multiple mechanisms are responsible for development of CHF in diabetes, ischemic heart disease plays a major role. In the foreseeable future, physicians will have to deal with increasing numbers of subjects with diabetes, coronary disease, and heart failure. Several recent developments in the field of heart failure have revolutionized the way patients are treated for CHF with improvements in quality of life and mortality. Although long-term prospective studies specifically addressing heart failure in diabetes are lacking, extrapolation of data from recent large trials has shed light on management of CHF in diabetes. Conclusions This review summarizes new developments in the field of CHF among subjects with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.
Politics and Food Insecurity in Africa

Food security circumstances are improving in every region of the world except in Africa, where they have been progressively worsening. One food security challenge for analysts in the twenty-first century may be to stop thinking globally and spend more time thinking about Africa, where the largest problems will lie. The discovery that Africa's weak policy performance in the food and farm sector may be in part an outgrowth of its greater ethnic diversity, compounded by political malfunctions that date from a colonial history of externally imposed state formation is an inconvenient one for the economist.
Five-Coordinate FeIIINO and FeIICO Porphyrinates: Where Are the Electrons and Why Does It Matter?

Recent years have seen dramatic growth in our understanding of the biological roles of nitric oxide (NO). Yet, the fundamental underpinnings of its reactivities with transition metal centers in proteins and enzymes, the stabilities of their structures, and the relationships between structure and reactivity remains, to a significant extent, elusive. This is especially true for the so-called ferric heme nitrosyls ({FeNO}6 in the Enemark−Feltham scheme). The Fe−CO and C−O bond strengths in the isoelectronic ferrous carbonyl complexes are widely recognized to be inversely correlated and sensitive to structural, environmental, and electronic factors. On the other hand, the Fe−NO and N−O bonds in {FeNO}6 heme complexes exhibit seemingly inconsistent behavior in response to varying structure and environment. This report contains resonance Raman and density functional theory results that suggest a new model for FeNO bonding in five-coordinate {FeNO}6 complexes. On the basis of resonance Raman and FTIR data, a dir...
Principles of Fracture Healing

Abstract The primary goal of fracture healing is to re-establish the structural integrity of the injured bone, restoring function of the affected limb. Surgical intervention can often hinder or completely disrupt the fracture healing process. It is the responsibility of the surgeon to ascertain whether the potential functional or biological benefits of surgical intervention outweigh the risks of impairing the natural healing process. This contribution aims to review the biological processes of fracture healing and discuss how these processes are affected by operative and non-operative intervention. Fracture healing is classically categorized into two types. Direct bone healing refers to direct cortical healing of two fractured ends of a bone. There is no intermittent cartilaginous stage. This process primarily occurs between rigidly opposed cortical fracture ends. Secondary bone healing involves healing processes within the bone marrow, periosteum and the soft tissues surrounding the bone. An intermittent cartilaginous or fibrocartilaginous stage precedes bone formation. This type of healing dominates when the fracture is held less rigidly, e.g. conservative treatment using a cast.
Theoretical study of the SNV reaction of trichloroethylene (TCE) and CH3S- as a model for glutathione conjugation of TCE.

Trichloroethylene (TCE), a major environmental pollutant, is activated to mutagenic and nephrotoxic intermediates through a glutathione (GSH) conjugation pathway. Three product isomers of GSH−TCE c...
An Algorithm for the Initial Dispatch of Fire Companies

In response to an incoming fire alarm, someone must decide how many and which engine and ladder companies firefighters and their apparatus to dispatch to the scene. Traditional dispatching policies assume that all of the designated companies are available at the time the alarm is received. These policies do not consider the workload imposed on firefighters, and do not work well at the high alarm rates now characteristic of parts of large cities. Our procedure, designed for use in New York City's computed-aided Management Information and Control System, makes good initial dispatch decisions at all alarm rates. It uses response times to serious fires to measure performance and recognizes that the dispatcher has incomplete information about the seriousness of the incident when the decision is made. A simulation comparison of our procedure with the traditional policy was made using actual incidents from July 1972. Our procedure reduced the average second engine and second ladder response times to serious fires by 25 to 45 seconds, while keeping total workload essentially unchanged. This reduction, which is about 10-15% of the five and a half minutes obtained for the traditional policy, results primarily from our procedure's deciding how many to send based on historical information on the chance that an alarm from a given location at a given time of day is serious. For example, the fraction of fires in occupied structures getting an initial second engine rose from 65% with the traditional policy to 85% with our procedure, although both policies sent an initial second engine to the same fraction of all incidents. Our procedure also reduced the number of relocations of engine companies and ladder companies substantially. The approach we used should be valuable in the design of computer-aided dispatching systems in other cities. In particular, others may find it helpful to review the way in which the objective function is developed, the way particular aspects of the dispatch problem are treated, the provision of several parameters for tuning behavior, and features of the simulation testing.
Intrapleural administration of AAV9 improves neural and cardiorespiratory function in Pompe disease.

Pompe disease is a neuromuscular disease resulting from deficiency in acid α-glucosidase (GAA), results in cardiac, skeletal muscle, and central nervous system (CNS) pathology. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been shown to partially correct cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction. However, ERT does not cross the blood–brain barrier and progressive CNS pathology ensues. We tested the hypothesis that intrapleural administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV9)-GAA driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) or desmin (DES) promoter would improve cardiac and respiratory function in Gaa−/− mice through a direct effect and retrograde transport to motoneurons. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant improvement in ejection fraction in rAAV9-GAA–treated animals. Inspiratory phrenic and diaphragm activity was examined at baseline and during hypercapnic respiratory challenge. Mice treated with AAV9 had greater relative inspiratory burst amplitude during baseline conditions when compared with Gaa−/−. In addition, efferent phrenic burst amplitude was significantly correlated with diaphragm activity in both AAV9-DES and AAV9-CMV groups but not in Gaa−/−. This is the first study to indicate improvements in cardiac, skeletal muscle, and respiratory neural output following rAAV administration in Pompe disease. These results further implicate a role for the CNS in Pompe disease pathology and the critical need to target the neurologic aspects in developing therapeutic strategies.
Factors influencing natural water quality and changes resulting from land-use practices

Surface water and precipitation samples were collected from September 1972 through August 1973 on the northern slopes of Mount Taylor in west-central New Mexico. The samples were analyzed for pH, conductivity, silica, Ca, Mg, Na, K, bicarbonate, alkalinity as CaCO3 sulfate, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, and total solids. The natural water quality was primarily determined by the contact with the different geologic formations. The water originating on or from the basaltic terrain was of better quality and lower in dissolved solids than the water on or from the sedimentary terrain. The effects of grazing, irrigation, water impoundment, vegetation clearing, and road construction upon the natural water quality was determined. Road construction had the greatest effect upon water quality of these land-use practices, but all of the practices had a significant effect on at least one or more of the dissolved constituents.
ABNORMAL POLYGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN NEAR-MISS SUDDEN INFANT DEATH

Sleep, respiratory, and cardiac data obtained during sleep and wakefulness by continuous 24-hour polygraphic monitoring from twelve infants who were "near misses" for the sudden-infant-death syndrome were compared with similar information obtained from seven low-risk infants. Although the sleep variables studied were of limited value in differentiating between the low and high risk patients, respiratory and cardiac abnormalities were strikingly more common in near-miss infants. High-risk infants demonstrated both obstructive and mixed stopped-breathing episodes (S.B.E.). Bradycardia was seen secondary to S.B.E. but also simultaneously with or independent of S.B.E. Sudden asystole associated with S.B.E. was seen in one case. These results suggest an autonomic-nervous-system dysfunction in high-risk infants.
Using Self-Scheduling to Promote Self-Directed Leisure Activity in Home and Community Settings:

The effects of self-scheduling plus training to implement weekly schedules on the frequency, diversity, and novelty of self-directed leisure activities by three adults with moderate developmental disabilities living in the community were examined in this study. Self-scheduling consisted of the adults choosing desired leisure/recreational activities via picture cards, and then placing the cards in a sequenced activity book for each day of the week. Training for schedule implementation consisted of a daily prompt to look at the picture schedule plus a nightly review of engaged activities. All participants learned to independently self-schedule their leisure activity as a result of training and maintained their performance on probes conducted between 8 weeks and 6 months after training. Self-scheduling and training schedule implementation resulted in substantial increases in the weekly frequency and diversity of self-directed leisure activity, as well as increases in the cumulative novelty of activity. These...
Depicting the logic of three evaluation theories

Here, we describe the development of logic models depicting three theories of evaluation practice: Practical Participatory (Cousins & Whitmore, 1998), Values-engaged (Greene, 2005a, 2005b), and Emergent Realist (Mark et al., 1998). We begin with a discussion of evaluation theory and the particular theories that were chosen for our analysis. We then outline the steps involved in constructing the models. The theoretical prescriptions and claims represented here follow a logic model template developed at the University Wisconsin-Extension (Taylor-Powell & Henert, 2008), which also closely aligns with Mark's (2008) framework for research on evaluation.
Aerosol printed carbon nanotube strain sensor

In recent years, printed electronics have received attention as a method to produce low-cost macro electronics on flexible substrates. In this regard, inkjet and aerosol printing have been the primary printing methods for producing passive electrical components, transistors, and a number of sensors. In this research, a custom aerosol printer was utilized to create a strain sensor capable of measuring static and dynamic strain. The proposed sensor was created by aerosol printing a multiwall carbon nanotube solution onto an aluminum beam covered with an insulating layer. After printing the carbon nanotube-based sensor, the sensor was tested under quasi-static and vibration strain conditions, and the results are presented. The results show that the printed sensor could potentially serve as an effective method for measuring dynamic strain of structural components.
Sexual health contraceptive needs of adolescents with chronic conditions.

Except for the most severely impaired adolescents, youth with disabilities are no less likely to be sexually active than peers. They have the same sexual and marital aspirations as those of peers but feel they are less likely to realize them. They are more likely to receive sexual counseling or sex education from parents. Most sexual problems are learned and result more from isolation than impairment. Most young people with chronic and disabling conditions do not have body image problems. Thus, clinicians need to be able to provide accurate contraceptive guidance as well as sexual health information. The topic of sexuality in adolescence often is one of difficulty for clinicians and parents alike. When the young adult has a disabling condition, the issues can become even more complex and the discussions even more threatening. For us to be successful as clinicians, we must first confront our own beliefs and bias:
Trehalase from Dictyostelium discoideum: Purification and Properties

The hydrolytic enzyme, trehalase, was isolated and purified approximately 90-fold from the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum. The purified trehalase has an optimal temperature of 45°C an...
Five Decades of ALER Conference Session Presentations, 1960–2010

The purpose of this study was to conduct a quantitative content analysis of the conference session programs from the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) annual meetings across five decades spanning from 1960 through 2010. The data cycled through an analysis during four separate phases. In total, 4,605 conference sessions were analyzed and then coded into 45 distinct session topics. Four topical frequency levels were constructed across all five decades under review. Additionally, a longitudinal trend analysis was adapted and conducted to review the presence of components within the balanced literacy frame, the five essential components of reading, and the targeted audience for sessions. The most significant finding was the identification of two conference session topics, Literacy and Research Methods, which were both consistently represented across all five decades. A discussion of the emerging topics as well as implications is framed against an historical context.
Release of sialic acid alters the stability of the membrane potential in cardiac muscle.

Abstract Intracellular recording techniques and neuraminidase, an enzyme that specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of sialic acid's glycosidic linkage in glycoproteins and glycolipids, were employed to investigate the role of sialic acid residues in maintaining a stabilized resting potential or rhythmic electrical activity in embryonic chick cardiac muscle. Free sialic acid was quantified by a fluorometric assay. Release of more than 25% of the sarcolemma-bound sialic acid from spheroidal aggregates of cultured heart cells resulted in a) depolarizing fluctuations in the membrane potential, b) initiation of spontaneous firing in the presence of tetrodotoxin, c) arrhythmic spontaneous activity, d) depolarization of the maximum diastolic potential, and e) a significant reduction in the plateau and duration of the action potential. Control experiments demonstrated that these effects were not caused by phospholipase contamination of the enzyme or by the sialic acid released during hydrolysis.
Autoimmune disorders complicating adolescent hodgkin's disease

Four adolescents with Hodgkin's disease also developed autoimmune diseases. There were two idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), one polymyositis, and one scleroderma. The first two patients developed ITP in the absence of a spleen, and with their Hodgkin's disease in remission. The first patient with Hodgkin's disease has been continuously free of cancer for over five years. The second patient was a 17-year-old male whose Hodgkin's disease recurred, but whose disease was in remission at the time the ITP occurred. The polymyositis occurred in an 18-year-old youth when he was in his initial remission for his Hodgkin's disease, but his disease subsequently recurred two years later. This youth presented with Coombs positive autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The polymyositis did not respond to therapy, and he is left with severe muscle wasting and weakness; however, the polymyositis is now quiescent. The scleroderma occurred in an 18-year-old female who had been continuously free of Hodgkin's disease for eight years. The scleroderma did not respond to drug therapy and she now has moderate skin changes, but remains in continuous remission of her Hodgkin's disease. Although there are a few reports of Hodgkin's disease and concurrent autoimmune disorders, physicians dealing with cancer in adolescents should be aware of this association.
Hamartomas of the nose and nasopharynx

Hamartomas are easily diagnosed entities when occurring in the lung and gastrointestinal tract. In the nose and nasopharynx, where such lesions are rare, biopsy of a hamartoma containing epithelial proliferation may lead to a misdiagnosis of cancer, with resultant radical and deforming surgery, particularly if they present in adulthood. We encountered three such lesions over 2 years in the Massachusetts Eye Ear Infirmary, and another was retrieved from the recent files. All presented with nonspecific obstructive symptoms of the nose or nasopharynx, and were treated by resection. Follow-up is short, (4 months to 1 year), but in no case has there been recurrence. The clinical diagnosis was malignancy in 2 cases, inflammatory polyp in one.
Fabrication of Magnetic Nanocomposite Spheres for Targeted Drug Delivery

Biodegradable magnetic nanocomposite spheres were synthesized using magnetite nanoparticles and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) for the purpose of magnetic targeted drug delivery. Magnetic nanoparticles (∼10 nm) were prepared by a chemical co-precipitation of ferric and ferrous chloride salts in the presence of a strong basic solution (ammonium hydroxide). An oil-in-oil emulsion/solvent evaporation technique was conducted at 7000 rpm and 1.5–2 hrs agitation for the synthesis of nanocomposite spheres. Prior to the experiment, PLGA was dissolved in acetonitrile (phase I), and then added drop-wise into the viscous paraffin oil combined with Span 80 (phase II). The effect of magnetic particle concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) on nanocomposite particles, the particle distribution and morphology were investigated using dynamic laser light scattering (DLLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The test results proved that the magnetic nanocomposite spheres were in the range of 200 nm to 1.03 μm.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The Selectivity Filter of the Cation Channel TRPM4

Transient receptor potential channel melastatin subfamily (TRPM) 4 and its close homologue, TRPM5, are the only two members of the large transient receptor potential superfamily of cation channels that are impermeable to Ca2+. In this study, we located the TRPM4 selectivity filter and investigated possible structural elements that render it Ca2+-impermeable. Based on homology with known cation channel pores, we identified an acidic stretch of six amino acids in the loop between transmembrane helices TM5 and TM6 (981EDMDVA986) as a potential selectivity filter. Substitution of this six-amino acid stretch with the selectivity filter of TRPV6 (TIIDGP) resulted in a functional channel that combined the gating hallmarks of TRPM4 (activation by Ca2+, voltage dependence) with TRPV6-like sensitivity to block by extracellular Ca2+ and Mg2+ as well as Ca2+ permeation. Neutralization of Glu981 resulted in a channel with normal permeability properties but a strongly reduced sensitivity to block by intracellular spermine. Neutralization of Asp982 yielded a functional channel that exhibited extremely fast desensitization (τ
Storage of Single-photon level Polarization States in a Vapor Cell at Room-Temperature

We present a high fidelity, room-temperature memory for single-photon level polarization states. An electromagnetically-induced transparency (EIT) based dual-rail memory with filtering using etalons is used in this implementation.
Structural Insights into RNA Quality Control: The Ro Autoantigen Binds Misfolded RNAs via Its Central Cavity

The Ro 60 kDa autoantigen is a major target of the immune response in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. In vertebrate cells, Ro binds misfolded small RNAs and likely functions in RNA quality control. In eukaryotes and bacteria, Ro also associates with small RNAs called Y RNAs. We present structures of unliganded Ro and Ro complexed with two RNAs at 1.95 and 2.2 A resolution, respectively. Ro consists of a von Willebrand factor A domain and a doughnut-shaped domain composed of HEAT repeats. In the complex, a fragment of Y RNA binds on the outer surface of the HEAT-repeat ring, and single-stranded RNA binds in the toroid hole. Mutagenesis supports a binding site for misfolded RNAs that encompasses both sites, with a single-stranded end inserted into the toroid cavity. Our experiments suggest that one role of Y RNAs may be to regulate access of other RNAs to Ro.
Laser-induced flourescence studies of C3 formation and isomerization in the 193 nm photolysis of allene and propyne

Abstract The quantum state distributions of the C3 radical from the UV multiphoton dissociation of allene and propyne in a pulsed molecular beam have been measured. The observed distributions for both molecules are identical and are much colder than a phase space model would predict, implying that direct dissociation is occurring in one step and isomerization in another. It is concluded that both allene and propyne undergo internal conversion from the S1 state to the vibrationally excited S0 ground state of allene followed by molecular elimination of H2. The observed C3 is then produced by molecular elimination of H2 from the secondary photolysis of C3H2.
Modernizing family planning

The author summarizes the revolution in reproductive behavior that is occurring across much of the developing world. Reasons for the decline in fertility in the modern world are first described. He concludes that "the women of the developing world have transformed their childbearing in response to changing social and economic conditions and the availability of contraceptive services. Organized family planning programs made fertility regulation easier cheaper and more convenient. American foreign aid helped to improve family planning programs and to increase their impact." (EXCERPT)
HIV-1 infection in women is associated with severe nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to immune dysregulation, and have been shown to be sensitive markers of HIV-1 disease progression. Only limited information exists, however, regarding the nutritional profile of HIV-1-seropositive drug abusers. Immune and nutritional measurements were obtained in a subsample of 125 subjects from a larger cohort of drug users being followed for HIV-1 infection and cofactors of disease progression. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamins A, E, and zinc, were widespread with up to 86% of the drug users exhibiting at least one nutritional alteration. Although immune parameters (CD4 count, CD8 count, beta2-microglobulin) were similar in the HIV-1-infected men and women, women had significantly poorer overall nutritional status, as measured by plasma proteins, which are considered to be sensitive markers of malnutrition. A comparison of individuals with advanced disease (CD4 count <200/mm3) revealed significantly lower levels of plasma prealbumin (p < .01), selenium, (p < .05), and greater deficiency of vitamins A (p < .01) and E (p < .05) in women than in men. The greater severity of nutritional deficiencies noted in HIV-1-infected women may be an important determinant of disease progression and survival.
Analysis of Rolling

Summary To simulate a given manufacturing process, it is imperative to have a proper knowledge of material behaviour under processing conditions. Material behaviour in a gives process depends on a number of factors such as strain, strain-rate, microstructure and temperature. For hot working processes, strain-rate and temperature are the important parameters for modelling material behaviour. This paper presents an improved methodology for simulating rolling. The well-tried slab method for plane rolling can be enhanced by including constitutive equations which take into account strain, strain-rate, temperature and stability criteria. The complete mathematical and material model incorporated in the enhanced slab method can thereby reveal regions in which the material remains stable during deformation and allows achievement of the maximum efficiency of working without fracture. This enhanced slab method can therefore be used by the manufacturing engineer to check whether the process is going to lie in the most efficient and stable region and, if not, how to change the rolling mill parameters accordingly. Examples of the use of the enhanced slab method are presented, together with some comparisons with experimental results. The slab method is also useful for providing a rapid technique of solution on which to base more accurate finite element solutions.
Demonstration of 6-phosphogluconolactonase activity in Drosophila melanogaster using a null allele of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase.

Using a double mutant strain, PgdnZwn, we have developed an assay for 6-phosphogluconolactonase activity and have demonstrated its occurrence in adult Drosophila melanogaster.
Development of a Versatile Methodology for the Synthesis of Poly(2,5-benzophenone) Containing Coil−Rod−Coil Triblock Copolymers

A short, simple, versatile methodology was developed for the synthesis of poly(2,5-benzophenone) containing coil−rod−coil triblock copolymers. After a model study, poly(2,5-benzophenone) macroinitiators were synthesized via end-capping poly(2,5-dichlorobenzophenone) synthesized by Ni(0)-catalyzed polymerization and functionalization of the chain ends utilizing phase transfer chlorination. Varying molecular weights of polystyrene-b-poly(2,5-benzophenone)-b-polystyrene were synthesized using the macroinitiators in the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene. The materials were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy. Applications were explored through dynamic mechanical analysis and the construction of a distributed junction photovoltaic device.
Whatever Happened to Critical Mass Theory? A Retrospective and Assessment

Between 1983 and 1993 the authors published a series of articles and a book promulgating and explicating “Critical Mass Theory,” a theory of public goods provision in groups. In this article we seek to trace the growth, change, or decline of the theory, primarily through an analysis of all journal citations of the theory. We find that the majority of citations are essentially gratuitous or pick a single point from the theory, which may or may not be central to the theory. However, we identify four lines of theorizing that creatively use substantial parts of Critical Mass Theory in their own development: (1) theories relevant to issues in communication studies such as interaction media and shared databases; (2) Macy's work on adaptive learning models; (3) Heckathorn's models of sanctioning systems; and (4) theories that are centrally concerned with issues of influence in collective goods processes. A few additional, less-developed lines of work are also discussed. None of this work identifies itself as bei...
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone precursor: characterization in rat brain

To characterize the precursor of mammalian thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), a rat hypothalamic lambda gt11 library was screened with an antiserum directed against a synthetic peptide representing a portion of the rat TRH prohormone. The nucleotide sequence of the immunopositive complementary DNA encoded a protein with a molecular weight of 29,247. This protein contained five copies of the sequence Gln-His-Pro-Gly flanked by paired basic amino acids and could therefore generate five TRH molecules. In addition, potential cleavage sites in the TRH precursor could produce other non-TRH peptides, which may be secreted. In situ hybridization to rat brain sections demonstrated that the pre-proTRH complementary DNA detected neurons concentrated in the parvocellular division of the paraventricular nucleus, the same location as cells detected by immunohistochemistry. These findings indicate that mammalian TRH arises by posttranslational processing of a larger precursor protein. The ability of the TRH prohormone to generate multiple copies of the bioactive peptide may be an important mechanism in the amplification of hormone production.