cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ENVIRONMENTAL INEQUALITY IN METROPOLITAN AMERICA IN 2000

ABSTRACT This article compares black and Hispanic environmental inequality levels across 14 of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States and asks how conclusions regarding the existence of environmental inequality differ when different definitions of environmental inequality are employed. Using census tracts as the unit of analysis, industrial pollution data from the Toxic Release Inventory, and demographic data from the U.S. census, tobit regression analysis is used to determine whether two types of environmental racial inequality—disparate social impacts inequality and relative distribution inequality—existed in each metropolitan area in 2000. Results show that black and Hispanic environmental inequality were fairly widespread throughout the 14 metropolitan areas, that Hispanic environmental inequality was more widespread than black environmental inequality, and that conclusions vary depending upon which definition of environmental inequality is employed. This latter findings suggests that the...
Transmission of real-time video over IP differentiated services

Multimedia applications require high bandwidth and guaranteed quality of service (QoS). The current Internet, which provides 'best effort' services, cannot meet the stringent QoS requirements for delivering MPEG videos. It is proposed that MPEG frames are transported through various service models of DiffServ. Performance analysis and simulation results show that the proposed approach can not only guarantee QoS but can also achieve high bandwidth utilisation.
Structure and Interactions of the CS Domain of Human H/ACA RNP Assembly Protein Shq1.

Shq1 is an essential protein involved in the early steps of biogenesis and assembly of H/ACA ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Shq1 binds to dyskerin (Cbf5 in yeast) at an early step of H/ACA RNP assembly and is subsequently displaced by the H/ACA RNA. Shq1 contains an N-terminal CS and a C-terminal Shq1-specific domain (SSD). Dyskerin harbors many mutations associated with dyskeratosis congenita. Structures of yeast Shq1 SSD bound to Cbf5 revealed that only a subset of these mutations is in the SSD binding site, implicating another subset in the putative CS binding site. Here, we present the crystal structure of human Shq1 CS (hCS) and the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and crystal structures of hCS containing a serine substitution for proline 22 that is associated with some prostate cancers. The structure of hCS is similar to yeast Shq1 CS domain (yCS) and consists of two β-sheets that form an immunoglobulin-like β-sandwich fold. The N-terminal affinity tag sequence AHHHHHH associates with a neighboring protein in the crystal lattice to form an extra β-strand. Deletion of this tag was required to get spectra suitable for NMR structure determination, while the tag was required for crystallization. NMR chemical shift perturbation (CSP) experiments with peptides derived from putative CS binding sites on dyskerin and Cbf5 revealed a conserved surface on CS important for Cbf5/dyskerin binding. A HADDOCK (high-ambiguity-driven protein-protein docking) model of a Shq1-Cbf5 complex that defines the position of CS domain in the pre-H/ACA RNP was calculated using the CSP data.
Constructing coding duels in Pex4Fun and code hunt

Pex is an automatic white-box test-generation tool for .NET. We have established that games can be built on top of Pex to open the tool to students and to the general public. In particular, we have released Pex4Fun (www.pexforfun.com) and its successor Code Hunt (www.codehunt.com) as web-based educational gaming environments for teaching and learning programming and software engineering. In Pex4Fun and Code Hunt, the main game type is a coding duel, where a player writes code in a method to achieve the same functionality as the secret method implementation, based on feedback provided by the underlying Pex tool. Players iteratively modify their code to match the functional behavior of the secret method. The scope of duels extends from the simplest one-line method to those including advanced concepts such as writing parameterized unit tests and code contracts. We have also used the game type for competitions with thousands of players, and have found that it differentiates well between beginners and top coders. This tool demonstration shows how coding duels in Pex4Fun and Code Hunt can be constructed and used in teaching and training programming and software engineering.
The multiplicity of biological oscillators in the control of circadian running activity in the rat.

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to determine the degree to which a circadian running activity could be controlled by multiple biological oscillators within a single organism. Twelve male rats, housed in running wheels, had access to food from noon to 1 p.m. daily. In addition to this noon or fixed feeding, the rats received a moving feeding during which they had access to food for 1 hr every 25 hr. These two circadian feedings had a continually shifting phase relationship to each other. The animals responded to this regime by displaying separate bursts of running activity which were in relative coordination. Each animal's behavior shifted between the three following general patterns: (1) one cycle of activity, either before the fixed or the moving feed; (2) two bursts of activity, one before the fixed feeding and one preceding the moving feeding or (3) a burst of activity not entrained to either one of the feedings but rather free running between the two. When the animals were subsequently offered continuous access to food, 10 of the 12 rats maintained two bursts of activity.
Latina Feminist Metaphysics and Genetically Engineered Foods

In this paper I critique two popular, non-scientific attitudes toward genetically engineered foods. In doing so, I will be employing the concepts of ambiguity, purity/impurity, control/resistance, and unity/diversity as developed by Latina feminist metaphysicians. I begin by casting a critical eye toward a specific anti-biotech account of transgenic food crops, an account that I will argue relies on an anti-feminist metaphysics. I then cast that same critical eye toward a specific pro-biotech account, arguing that it also relies on such an anti-feminist metaphysics. I will argue further that this metaphysics yields a less accurate account of genetics. I end by arguing that if we adopt a Latina feminist metaphysics we can more accurately understand plants, genetics, and genetic engineering.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus in cattle and pigs: Use of polyethylene glycol or dextran for purifying 19SγM immunoglobulin from sera

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and dextran (DEX) were shown to be good selective precipitants of high molecular weight proteins and foot-and-mouth disease antibodies in bovine and porcine sera. Although PEG was less selective than DEX for 19S γM antibodies, the DEX precipitated at most, 60 to 90% of this protein. After two DEX precipitations and two density gradient purification steps, analysis of the product by immunoelectrophoresis, “disc” electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation indicated only a single component.
Bidirectional conduction through the A-V junction.

Eleven patients who had a sinus rhythm with PVCs were studied with a bipolar esophageal lead for a total of 41 evaluations. Four of these patients had a varying degree of prematurity of the ventricular extrasystole. In these patients it was demonstrated that in the human heart the impulse can be conducted in an antegrade or retrograde fashion through the A-V junctional tissue. The direction of conduction is dependent upon the degree of prematurity of the preceding ventricular extrasystole. These findings support the premise that the human heart has the capacity of bidirectional conduction through the A-V junction.
How Should We Measure District-Level Public Opinion on Individual Issues?

Due to insufficient sample sizes in national surveys, strikingly little is known about public opinion at the level of Congressional and state legislative districts in the United States. As a result, there has been virtually no study of whether legislators accurately represent the will of their constituents on individual issues. This article solves this problem by developing a multilevel regression and poststratification (MRP) model that combines survey and census data to estimate public opinion at the district level. We show that MRP estimates are excellent predictors of public opinion and referenda results for both congressional and state senate districts. Moreover, they have less error, higher correlations, and lower variance than either disaggregated survey estimates or presidential vote shares. The MRP approach provides American and Comparative Politics scholars with a valuable new tool to measure issue-specific public opinion at low levels of geographic aggregation.
Minimum misclassification error performance measure for layered networks of artificial fuzzy neurons

Summary form only given. Neural network techniques that directly minimize misclassification error (MME) are more appropriate for automatic classification than least mean square (LMS) techniques. While LMS is designed to give a best fit to the 'humps' of the data distribution, MME is sensitive to the 'tails' that have overlapping minima. It is shown that the MME energy landscape can be nonconvex. Cauchy simulated annealing was used to find the global minimum, and the resulting solution is shown to give a lower misclassification rate than the linear-LMS solution. MME layered networks of fuzzy neurons circumvent the formidable difficulty in the estimation of Bayesian probability that puts emphasis on approximating the 'humps' instead of the 'tails'. >
An integrated ChIP-seq analysis platform with customizable workflows

Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next generation sequencing (ChIP-seq), enables unbiased and genome-wide mapping of protein-DNA interactions and epigenetic marks. The first step in ChIP-seq data analysis involves the identification of peaks (i.e., genomic locations with high density of mapped sequence reads). The next step consists of interpreting the biological meaning of the peaks through their association with known genes, pathways, regulatory elements, and integration with other experiments. Although several programs have been published for the analysis of ChIP-seq data, they often focus on the peak detection step and are usually not well suited for thorough, integrative analysis of the detected peaks. To address the peak interpretation challenge, we have developed ChIPseeqer, an integrative, comprehensive, fast and user-friendly computational framework for in-depth analysis of ChIP-seq datasets. The novelty of our approach is the capability to combine several computational tools in order to create easily customized workflows that can be adapted to the user's needs and objectives. In this paper, we describe the main components of the ChIPseeqer framework, and also demonstrate the utility and diversity of the analyses offered, by analyzing a published ChIP-seq dataset. ChIPseeqer facilitates ChIP-seq data analysis by offering a flexible and powerful set of computational tools that can be used in combination with one another. The framework is freely available as a user-friendly GUI application, but all programs are also executable from the command line, thus providing flexibility and automatability for advanced users.
A Drosophila nonvisual arrestin is required for the maintenance of olfactory sensitivity

Nonvisual arrestins are a family of multifunctional adaptor molecules that regulate the activities of diverse families of receptors including G protein-coupled receptors, frizzled, and transforming growth factor-beta receptors. These activities indicate broad roles in both physiology and development for nonvisual arrestins. Drosophila melanogaster has a single nonvisual arrestin, kurtz, which is found at high levels within the adult olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), suggesting a role for this gene in modulating olfactory sensitivity. Using heat-induced expression of a krz cDNA through development, we rescued krz(1) lethality. The resulting adults lacked detectable levels of krz in the olfactory system. The rescued krz(1) homozygotes have an incompletely penetrant antennal structural defect that was completely rescued by the neural expression of a krz cDNA. The krz(1) loss-of-function adults without visible antennal defects displayed diminished behavioral responsiveness to both aversive and attractive odors and also demonstrated reduced olfactory receptor potentials. Both the behavioral and electrophysiological phenotypes were rescued by the targeted expression of the krz cDNA within postdevelopmental ORNs. Thus, krz is required within the nervous system for antennal development and is required later in the ORNs for the maintenance of olfactory sensitivity in Drosophila. The reduced receptor potentials in krz(1) antenna indicate that nonvisual arrestins are required for the early odor-induced signaling events within the ORNs.
Allele-specific histone modifications regulate expression of the Dlk1-Gtl2 imprinted domain

Dlk1 and Gtl2 are reciprocally expressed imprinted genes located on mouse chromosome 12. The Dlk1-Gtl2 locus carries three differentially methylated regions (DMRs), which are methylated only on the paternal allele. Of these, the intergenic (IG) DMR, located 12 kb upstream of Gtl2, is required for proper imprinting of linked genes on the maternal chromosome, while the Gtl2 DMR, located across the promoter of the Gtl2 gene, is implicated in imprinting on both parental chromosomes. In addition to DNA methylation, modification of histone proteins is also an important regulator of imprinted gene expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was therefore used to examine the pattern of histone modifications across the IG and Gtl2 DMRs. The data show maternal-specific histone acetylation at the Gtl2 DMR, but not at the IG DMR. In contrast, only low levels of histone methylation were observed throughout the region, and there was no difference between the two parental alleles. An existing mouse line carrying a deletion/insertion upstream of Gtl2 is unable to imprint the Dlk1-Gtl2 locus properly and demonstrates loss of allele-specific methylation at the Gtl2 DMR. Further analysis of these animals now shows that the loss of allele-specific methylation is accompanied by increased paternal histone acetylation at the Gtl2 DMR, with the activated paternal allele adopting a maternal acetylation pattern. These data indicate that interactions between DNA methylation and histone acetylation are involved in regulating the imprinting of the Dlk1-Gtl2 locus.
Permeability‐porosity relationship in vesicular basalts

The permeability k and porosity of vesicular basalts are measured. The relationship between k and re- flects the formation and emplacement of the basalts and can be related to the crystal and vesicle microstructure obtained by image analysis. Standard theoretical models relating k and that work well for granular materials are unsuccessful for vesicular rocks due to the fundamental dierence in pore structure. Specically, k in vesicular rocks is governed by apertures between bubbles. The dierence between calcu- lated and measured k reflects the small size of these aper- tures with aperture radii typically O(10) times smaller than the mean bubble radii.
Effect of Freezing on Incidence and Levels of Clostridium perfringens in Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat

Paucity of information about the effect of plant practices on microbiological condition of comminuted chicken meat prompted this investigation. Commercially deboned chicken backs and necks were analyzed for levels of aerobic organisms, incidence and levels of Clostridium perfringens vegetative cells and spores before and after 4-6 weeks at -23 degrees C. Initially vegetative cells were isolated more frequently than spores. Frozen storage significantly reduced incidence and levels of vegetative cells and spores but did not affect levels of aerobic organisms. After frozen storage (a common industrial practice), with good food handling practices, C. perfringens should pose no undue hazard when comminuted chicken meat is incorporated into other food products.
Guns and Fear A One-Way Street?

Surveys show that more than one half of gun owners report owning their firearm for self-protection. Although research has examined the effect of fear of crime on gun ownership, the issue of reciprocity and temporal order has been largely ignored. Furthermore, the effect of firearm acquisition and relinquishment on fear has not been evaluated empirically. We hypothesize that the relationship between fear and gun ownership is reciprocal. As James Wright and Peter Rossi noted, it may be that “the initially most fearful may arm themselves and then feel psychologically safer because of it.” Using two-wave panel data, we found, as expected, that higher fear among nonowners encourages them to become gun owners, but lower fear among gun owners does not encourage gun relinquishment. We also found that gun acquisition does not reduce fear, but relinquishment increases fear, suggesting the relationship between guns and fear may be asymmetrical.
A Novel Constant Power Control of High Frequency Electronic Ballast Applying the PLL Technique for a Metal Halide Lamp

This paper presents a new constant power control of high frequency electronic ballast for a metal halide lamp based on the phase-locked loop (PLL) technique. First, the PLL is employed as a feedback mechanism to improve the resonant frequency variations caused by lamps aging or an impedance difference between used lamps characteristics. The proposed system can adjust the operating frequency to sustain constant power for a metal halide lamp according to the impedance of the adopted lamps. Moreover, the control strategy also can be used to substantially reduce the warm-up process of a metal halide lamp. The design considerations and measured results are detailed to verify the validity of the proposed control strategy.
Loss of Bim Allows Precursor B Cell Survival But Not Precursor B Cell Differentiation in the Absence of Interleukin 7

Interleukin (IL)-7 is a stromal cell–derived cytokine required for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of B cell precursors. Members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins are known to have profound effects on lymphocyte survival, but not lymphocyte differentiation. To distinguish the relative dependence on IL-7 of B cell precursor survival versus B cell differentiation, the combined effects of lack of IL-7 and lack of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 relative, Bim, were studied. Bim is expressed to varying degrees in all B cell precursors and B cells. Lack of Bim compensated for lack of IL-7 in the survival of pro–, pre–, and immature B cells; however, lack of Bim did not substitute for the requirement for IL-7 in B cell precursor differentiation or B cell precursor proliferation. Precursor B cell survival is more dependent on sufficient levels of IL-7 than precursor B cell differentiation because the number of B cells and their precursors were reduced by half in mice heterozygous for IL-7 expression, but were restored to normal numbers in mice also lacking Bim. Hence, Bim and IL-7 work together to control the survival of B cell precursors and the number of B cells that exist in animals.
Organic-inorganic materials for integrated optoelectronics

A new composition of organic-inorganic photosensitive materials is grown using the sol-gel process. The material, organoaluminosilicate, is spin coated onto Si wafers and channel waveguides are photoinscribed and developed using solvent assisted photolithographic process. The process is simple, reproducible, low cost and low loss.
Measured gene-by-environment interaction in relation to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective To summarize and evaluate the state of knowledge regarding the role of measured gene-by-environment interactions in relation to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Method A selective review of methodologic issues was followed by a systematic search for relevant articles on measured gene-by-environment interactions; the search yielded 16 studies, which are discussed in qualitative fashion. Results Relatively consistent evidence points to the interaction of genotype with psychosocial factors in the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The next step is to identify the mechanisms on the environment side and the gene combinations on the genetic side accounting for this effect. In contrast, evidence for gene-by-environment interactions involving pre- and perinatal risk factors is generally negative or unreplicated. The aggregate effect size for psychosocial interaction with genotype is more than double that for the interaction of pre- and perinatal risks with genotype. Only a small fraction of candidate environments and gene markers has been studied, and multivariate methods to integrate multiple gene or environment markers have yet to be implemented. Conclusions Gene-by-environment interaction appears likely to prove fruitful in understanding the etiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Findings to date already suggest new avenues of investigation particularly involving psychosocial mechanisms and their interplay with genotype. Further pursuit of theoretically promising leads is recommended.
Debating Organ Procurement Policy Without Illusions

In this perspective, I review and critique claims that the transplant waiting list overstates the demand for kidneys and correct a few mischaracterizations of some structural barriers to increasing rates of transplantation. The solutions to the shortage of organs proffered by opponents of financial incentives fail to account for a panoply of clinical, regulatory, and financial realities of transplantation centers in the United States in ways that undermine the thesis that a trial of financial incentives for organ procurement is not warranted at this time. I conclude with some personal pessimistic reflections on the progress of this debate.
Motion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes: theory of receptor redistribution and the frictional force on a moving cell.

As a cell moves over a surface, the distribution of membrane proteins that adhere to the surface will be changed relative to the distribution of these molecules on a static cell. Observations of this redistribution offer, in principle, evidence as to the mechanisms of membrane dynamics during cell locomotion. Toward extracting such information we present and analyze a mathematical model of receptor transport in the membrane by diffusion and convection, as affected by the making and breaking of the bonds between the receptors and the surface as the cell moves. We show that the disruption of receptor-surface bonds at the tail of the cell provides a mechanism by which the frictional force opposing a cell's motion is exerted, and calculate the magnitude of this force as a function of cell velocity. Assuming this to be the major contribution to the frictional force, we show that when the shear force on a cell is above a critical value it is no longer possible for the cell to slide across the surface. For such large forces, it is still possible for the cell to roll; alternatively the cell can be torn free of the surface. Our analysis of existing data on movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes indicates that cell motion is not accompanied by a bulk flow of membrane from the front to the back of the cell. The data also indicate that cells do not tend to roll as they move over a surface under normal conditions. The data are most consistent with a model where the membrane as a whole is stationary but where receptors that bind to the surface become coupled to sub-membrane contractile proteins.
Approximate analysis of a flat, circular parachute in steady descent

Abstract : A theory is presented for the stress analysis of a flat, circular parachute in steady, vertical descent. Unlike previous treatments of the problem, this theory does not assume that the shape is known. Instead the theory presents relations between the pressure distribution in the opened condition and the shape, drag and stresses in lines and fabric. The theory results in a non-linear third order system of ordinary differential equations with boundary conditions at both vent and skirt. This system was solved by a computer program based on the Runge-Kutta method of numerical integration. The results are in fairly good agreement with measurements on parachutes. The computer program can be used for studies of effects of design changes on shape, drag and stress, and the results of a small study of this sort are included.
Stability of Biopolymer Particles Formed by Heat Treatment of β-lactoglobulin/Beet Pectin Electrostatic Complexes

The purpose of this study was to examine the stability of biopolymer particles formed by heating electrostatic complexes of β-lactoglobulin and sugar beet pectin together (pH 5, 80 °C for 15 min). The effects of electrostatic interactions on the formation and stability of the particles were investigated by incorporation of different salt levels (0 to 200 mM NaCl) during the preparation procedure. Biopolymer particles were characterized by turbidity, electrophoretic mobility, dynamic light scattering, and visual observance. Salt inclusion (≥25 mM) prior to heating β-lactoglobulin/pectin complexes led to the formation of large biopolymer particles (d > 1,000 nm) that rapidly sedimented, but salt inclusion after heating (0 to 200 mM) led to the formation of biopolymer particles that remained relatively small (d < 350 nm) and were stable to sedimentation. The biopolymer particles formed in the absence of salt remained stable over a wide range of pH values (e.g., pH 3 to 7 in the presence of 200 mM NaCl). These biopolymer particles may therefore be suitable for application in a number of food products as delivery systems, clouding agents, or texture modifiers.
Nurture and Change: The Establishment of a Dynamic and Responsive Teacher Education Classroom

The concept and the activities of nurturing are vital to the teacher education classroom. It is essential that student teachers have the ability to understand their own students' connection to learning and thus to the need those students have for a particular and indispensable form of sustenance. Nurturing unites identity and subject matter with the hearts and minds of students and teachers in the weaving of classroom life. Nurture is part of emotions. Emotions influence student behaviour. The action of nurture strengthens identity, understanding and knowledge in a solid path that brings together hopes and possibilities for learning and performing in the world. Educators who assist their students in feeling good about learning through classroom successes, friendships and celebrations are doing the very things their students' brains crave.
Cops, Community Policing, and the Social Norms Approach to Crime Control: Should One Make Us More Comfortable with the Others?

This article focuses on the occupational subculture of the police and its likely effect on community policing and a social norms approach to crime control. It suggests that when an order-maintenance agenda is introduced into a department that retains the traditional reform-era subculture, the agenda can devolve from an effort to enforce norms and creatively solve community problems to an effort to increase felony arrests and unearth the "big collar." Such a devolution entails a number of risks, particularly with respect to young male minorities. The article asks whether community policing, in its current form, can act as a countervailing force against the possibility that police will abuse the license to crack down on disorder. The article examines the hope of humanistic reformers who believe that by recruiting officers with certain characteristics and qualities, departments will create a subculture that is conducive to community policing. While the available information is hardly conclusive, it does suggest that the emphasis on officer characteristics has not led to the results some reformers anticipated. The article suggests that one of the most effective means of breaking through the occupational subculture is to focus on the overarching police function. As originally conceived, community policing sought to change the police function in ways that emphasized problem solving and de-emphasized simple law enforcement. A return to this approach may create the sort of results that reformers seek.
Characterizing Lactic Acid Hydrogenolysis Rates in Laboratory Trickle Bed Reactors

Representative reaction kinetics are difficult to obtain in multiphase laboratory trickle bed reactors, particularly when the gaseous reactant is rate-limiting, because of mass transport resistance...
Effect of diethylstilbestrol upon the systolic blood pressure of normal rats.

SummaryDiethylstilbestrol did not induce hypertension in normal rats during 24 days of continuous intramuscular injection. Moderate but transient elevations of systolic blood pressure occurred in female but not: in male rats.
Nodular Lesions of Monocytic Component in Myelodysplastic Syndrome

We report 4 unusual cases of myelodysplastic syndrome with distinct persistent nodular lesions noted on serial bone marrow examinations, even during remission. The lesions were predominantly composed of immature monocytes that stained positively for CD68. Trisomy 9 and 11 were demonstrated in the cells of the nodular lesions and surrounding marrow of 1 patient, indicating the same clonal origin. Evaluation of p53 glycoprotein, retinoblastoma protein (pRb), proliferation-related protein (Ki-67), multiple drug-resistant enzyme glutathione-S-transferase pi, and topoisomerase IIalpha (Topo IIalpha) revealed decreased topoisomerase expression within the nodular lesions compared with the surrounding marrow and absence of Ki-67 antigen within nodular lesions. Most cells in the lesion were not in a proliferative cycle, with very low expression of Topo IIalpha, which may explain the apparent drug resistance of these nodular lesions.
Who Gets the Guns? How Conflicts and Politics Drive International Arms Transfers

We study the factors that drive the international trade in major conventional weapons over the time period from 1971 to 2008, and show that conflicts of all types are important determinants in the demand for Arms. External war increases trade primarily along the intensive margin -- by boosting the volume imported by established arms recipients, whereas terrorism and internal conflict have a sizable impact along the extensive margin -- by opening or re-establishing trading relationships. We find important differences in the route followed by American and other Western exports as compared to Russian arms exports. US-sourced transfers favor richer and more distant countries, whereas Russia is more likely to export to geographically-proximate autocracies.When accounting for importer-specific characteristics, Western countries are more likely to begin/resume trading relationships in response to transnational terrorism or internal conflict events, whereas the Soviet Union/Russia is more like to send weapons following domestic terrorist attacks or war involvement. Both countries ramp up exports to frequent trading partners when these partners are at war, and -- in the case of Russia -- when its partners suffer terrorist attacks. Across all income levels, countries which are more exposed to conflict are also more frequent arms importers. However, upper-middle and high income countries do not form new importing relationships in response to transitory conflicts, whereas low and lower-middle income countries do. This is consistent with the broadly-held view that inflows of weapons into poor countries help fuel conflicts and exacerbate development hurdles.
The Eurasian Economic Union and China’s silk road: implications for the Russian–Chinese relationship

In the last several years, both Russia and China have launched ambitious regional projects that are promoted as a means to strengthen linkages with neighbouring states. The Eurasian Economic Union ...
[Study on the situation of antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS in Henan province based on the CD4+ T cells count and virus load].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the CD4(+) T cells and virus load in HIV/AIDS affected population and to evaluate the HIV/AIDS antiretroviral therapy programs in Henan province. METHODS "Henan HIV/AIDS Testing Laboratory Network Database" was used to collect the data on CD4(+) T cells and virus load (VL) value and corresponding information in HIV/AIDS population of Henan in 2009. Cross-sectional studies was used to study the constituent ratio of CD4(+) T cells and virus load value in individuals who had not received antiretroviral-treated (ART) and had joined first-line ART between the year of 2005 to 2008 among HIV/AIDS population of Henan. RESULTS As to these people living with HIV/AIDS that had not received ART in the first half and the second half year of 2009, the constituent ratio of individuals whose CD4(+) T cells were less than 200 cells/µl both accounted for more than 20% (χ(2) = 2.059, P = 0.151). The constituent ratio of individuals whose CD4(+) T cells were in 200 - 350 cells/µl and more than 350 cells/µl increased from 27.61% to 29.41% (χ(2) = 4.636, P = 0.031) and decreased from 51.49% to 48.60% (χ(2) = 9.767, P = 0.002), respectively. Meanwhile, we saw 34.53% and 19.65% of the patients whose virus load was > 10 000 copy/ml and > 30 000 copy/ml in this population. Patients that joined first-line ART during 2005 - 2008 showed the following results: the longer of the therapy time, the higher constituent ratio of individuals whose CD4(+) T cells were more than 350 cells/µl (χ(2) = 148.689, P < 0.001) and the lower constituent ratio of individuals of whose CD4(+) T cells were less than 200 cells/µl (χ(2) = 46.686, P < 0.001). Simultaneously, the lower constituent ratio of individuals whose viral load was less than 500 copy/ml (χ(2) = 9.066, P = 0.003) and the higher constituent ratio of individuals whose virus load was more than 10 000 copy/ml (χ(2) = 6.597, P = 0.010). CONCLUSION Significant curative effect had been achieved in AIDS first-line ART of Henan, but along with the increasing treatment time, the risk of treatment failure also increased. Drug resistance test and changing of treatment protocols were needed. To reach better and more efficient effects on therapy, factors as more detections and investments on ART, expanding the scope of treatment etc. were needed on those people living with HIV/AIDS that had not received ART.
Medication Error Propagation In Intensive Care Units

We examined propagation of medication errors at various stages of the medication management process (ordering, transcription, preparation, dispensing, administration and monitoring) in two ICUs of ...
The relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation.

• Patients with Metabolic Syndrome are at double the risk of heart disease compared to those without.
An adipo-biliary-uridine axis that regulates energy homeostasis

Uridine, a pyrimidine nucleoside present at high levels in the plasma of rodents and humans, is critical for RNA synthesis, glycogen deposition, and many other essential cellular processes. It also contributes to systemic metabolism, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We found that plasma uridine levels are regulated by fasting and refeeding in mice, rats, and humans. Fasting increases plasma uridine levels, and this increase relies largely on adipocytes. In contrast, refeeding reduces plasma uridine levels through biliary clearance. Elevation of plasma uridine is required for the drop in body temperature that occurs during fasting. Further, feeding-induced clearance of plasma uridine improves glucose metabolism. We also present findings that implicate leptin signaling in uridine homeostasis and consequent metabolic control and thermoregulation. Our results indicate that plasma uridine governs energy homeostasis and thermoregulation in a mechanism involving adipocyte-dependent uridine biosynthesis and leptin signaling.
COMPARISON OF METHODS OF PREDICTING BREEDING VALUES OF SWINE

Best linear unbiased predictions (BLUP) using information from all known relatives; selection index using phenotype, full-sib average and half-sib average; and phenotypie deviation from contemporary group average were compared as methods of predicting breeding values for days to 100 kg and backfat. Swine records (n = 203,869) from five Hampshire, one Duroc and six Yorkshire herds were obtained from the Nebraska SPF Swine Accrediting Agency. Heritability values used to compute BLUP or index were either estimates based on within-breed offspring on parent regression or values recommended by the National Swine Improvement Federation (NSIF) guidelines. Within-breed estimates of heritability ranged from .11 to .25 for days to 100 kg and from .10 to .22 for backfat. Heritabilities recommended by NSIF were .35 for days to 100 kg and .40 for backfat. Correlations between index and phenotypic deviation were larger than correlations between BLUP and phenotypic deviation or BLUP and index. Correlations between BLUP and index were slightly larger than correlations between BLUP and phenotypic deviation. Increasing the heritability values used to compute BLUP or index increased the correlations among methods. Value of heritability had little effect on the correlation between a parent's predicted breeding value and its progeny average. On the average and assuming the NSIF heritability, the correlation between BLUP of a sire and its progeny average was 33% larger for days to 100 kg and 44% larger for backfat than the correlation between the phenotypic deviation of a sire and its progeny average. The advantage of BLUP over phenotypic deviation for dams was less than for sires: 25% for days to 100 kg and 18% for backfat. Selection of pigs using BLUP instead of phenotypic deviation or index would substantially improve response to selection.
On the theory of auto-ionization in electron-capture decay

Abstract Existing theories of auto-ionization in electron-capture decay are reviewed. It is proved that the theoretical model recently developed by Law and Campbell is identical with an earlier theory due to the author. Disagreement between the final results obtained from these two theories is traced to additional approximations introduced by Law and Campbell in the course of their calculations. These approximations are critically examined and found to be invalid thus explaining the reported disagreement. The results of various theoretical calculations previously reported by the author are evaluated for several nuclei of interest.
Seismic Performance of Self-Consolidating Concrete Bridge Columns

Abstract The high amount of confining lateral steel required by seismic design provisions for rectangular bridge columns can cause steel congestion which may hinder the placement of conventional concrete (CC). Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) eliminates or reduces concrete placement and consolidation issues; however, there is limited data on the seismic performance of SCC bridge columns. This study encompassed experimental investigations to assess the stress-strain relationships of SCC mixes and the seismic performance of rectangular SCC bridge columns. SCC and CC rectangular columns were tested. Experimental results showed that the strain at strength and the ultimate strain of SCC are higher than those of CC, while concrete ductility and the elastic modulus of SCC are lower than those of CC. Experimental results of the column tests showed that the use of SCC reduces displacement ductility and energy dissipation but increases drift ratio at failure. The SCC column performance under inelastic cyclic lateral loading was found to be satisfactory and comparable to that of CC columns.
89 Fathers who perpetrate physical and technology-delivered intimate partner violence: prevalence and correlates among a nationally-representative sample

Statement of Purpose No studies have assessed prevalence and compared correlates of both physical intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and technology-delivered aggression (TDA) among a nationally-representative sample of fathers. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and correlates of physical IPV perpetration and TDA among a nationally-representative sample of fathers. Methods/Approach A nationally-representative sample of fathers aged 18–35 years received surveys with validated measures examining physical IPV perpetration, TDA (insulted, sent threatening messages, asked where at, checked phone and accessed accounts without permission), demographics, alcohol and substance use, and belief that children are harmed by parental IPV. Univariate statistics determined prevalence, and multivariate logistic regression examined correlates of physical IPV and TDA. Results Prevalence of physical IPV perpetration was 23.8%, and TDA was 35.3%, among this national sample of fathers (n=428; mean age 29.7; 59.4% white). Multivariate analyses showed physical IPV perpetration is positively associated with alcohol misuse (AOR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.23) and illicit drug use (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.29–2.79), and negatively associated with working (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.94) and belief that children are harmed by parental IPV (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39–0.84). Alcohol misuse (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16) and prescription pain medication non-medical use (AOR 2.27, 95% CI 1.24–4.15) were associated with TDA. Conclusions Among fathers in the US, nearly 1 in 4 report physical IPV perpetration, and over 1 in 3 report perpetrating TDA. Alcohol and substance use correlates of physical IPV perpetration and TDA are similar. Fathers have reduced IPV odds if working or hold belief that children are harmed by parental IPV. Significance and Contributions to Injury and Violence Prevention Science US fathers have high prevalence of perpetrating both physical IPV and TDA. This study informs prevention efforts. Interventions should include alcohol and substance use, and beliefs about parental IPV on children.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals GATA4 and PTEN Mutations as a Potential Digenic Cause of Left Ventricular Noncompaction.

A 48-year-old male proband presented with atypical chest pain. An echocardiogram revealed possible left ventricular apical noncompaction that was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC; Figure 1A). His ejection fraction was initially preserved at 60% but declined to 45% over the subsequent 6 years despite optimal medical therapy. His asymptomatic 19-year-old son was diagnosed with LVNC at the time of a screening echocardiogram, and follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis (Figure 1B). His ejection fraction was 50% at the time of diagnosis and was subsequently stable for 5 years with medical therapy. An echocardiogram from the proband’s father showed normal left ventricular structure and function with no excess trabeculation (Figure 1C and 1D). The proband’s daughter had a normal echocardiogram. There were no other family members with a known history of cardiomyopathy or heart failure (Figure 1E). Figure 1 . Clinical characteristics and whole - exome sequencing results of a family with left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging of a 48-year-old proband ( A ) and his 19-year-old son ( B ) showing extensive trabeculation in the left ventricle. Echocardiogram of the proband’s father showing no left ventricle trabeculation at rest ( C ) or during contraction ( D ). E , Pedigree of LVNC family showing individuals diagnosed with LVNC and those that carry the p.Arg260Trp variant in GATA4 , p.Pro191Arg variant in JPH2 , and p.Arg173Cys variant in PTEN . A standard dilated cardiomyopathy panel genetic test (27 genes) on a sample from the proband revealed no pathogenic mutations. Whole-exome sequencing was then performed for the proband, his parents, and his son. Analysis of whole-exome sequencing demonstrated 2 variants that were considered to be potentially causative. The first, GATA4 c.778 C>T, Arg260Trp, was present in the proband, his son, and his unaffected father (Figure 1E). The …
Using Electrical Energy Storage to Mitigate Natural Gas-Supply Shortages

The recent leak of the Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility calls for coordinated planning of natural gas and electric power systems with specific consideration of electrical energy storage. This paper proposes a coordinated planning model that fills this need. The model is formulated as a two-stage stochastic optimization problem, in which electricity- and natural gas-demand growth and natural gas-supply uncertainties are represented. We analyze the tradeoff between building electrical, natural gas, and electrical energy storage infrastructure. The sensitivity of electrical energy storage investment to the modeling of the operating conditions is also studied. The model is tested using a California-based case study.
The Chemistry of Ruthenium in Zeolites

Abstract Ruthenium may be exchanged into zeolites in the form of [Ru III (NH 3 3)) 6 ] 3+ , [Ru III (NH 3 3)) 5 NO] 3+ , [Ru II (NH 3 3)) 5 N 2 ] 2+ , or [Ru III (H 2 O) 5 OH] 2+ complexes. The hexaammine complex may be oxidized to the nitrosyl complex, which in turn may be reduced to the dinitrogen complex. In addition, [Ru III (NH 3 )6] 3+ reacts with bipyridine to form [Ru II (bpy) 3 ] 2+ within the cavities of a Y-type zeolite. The latter complex may be oxidized to Ru III with Cl 2 and reduced back to Ru II with H 2 O. Several carbonyl complexes of ruthenium have been observed, some of which are important intermediates in the catalytic cycle for the water-gas shift reaction.
Putting Students to Work: Spanish Community Service Learning as a Countervailing Force

Linguistic and cultural competence are essential components of mental health infrastructures for US Latinos, many of whom are monolingual Spanish speakers or have limited English proficiency. However, few human service providers are bilingual, and they are overtaxed. To fill this gap, agencies can look toward the Spanish program at their nearest college or university. Traditionally, Spanish students learned mostly about literature in a classroom or in study abroad. Today, Spanish community service learning (CSL) connects language students with local Spanish-speakers in order to form mutually beneficial relationships. This chapter defines Spanish CSL and offers human service providers guidelines for creating effective community—university relationships. When done well, Latinos benefit when Spanish CSL students support the work of mental health professionals.
Obesity in America: A Market Failure?

Since the late 1980s, obesity in America has been a looming public health concern. Recently, medical researchers found that, for the 2011‐12 period, 35.3 percent of U.S. adults (aged 20 or older), 20.5 percent of teenagers (ages 12‐19), 17.7 percent of children (ages 6‐11), and 8.4 percent of young children (ages 2‐5) have obesity, and 6.3 percent of U.S. adults having severe obesity. In a recent working paper by Karnani, McFerran, and Mukhopadhyay (2015), these management scholars argue that obesity represents a market failure. In their study, Karnani et al. evaluate the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility, industry self‐regulation, social activism, and government regulation as to its effectiveness on consumer behavior and reducing obesity. Karnani et al. are advocates of “reasonable” government intervention, i.e., tax/subsidies, market regulation, and education, to address the public health issue of obesity. However, evidence shows that reasonable government intervention is also vulnerable to government failure and potential public health risk. Recommended is a mix of institutional activities found in corporate social responsibility, industry self‐regulation, social activism, and government intervention, all of which should provide the direction needed to continue this public health trend away from America’s epidemic levels of obesity.