cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non‐Isothermal crystallization of isotactic polypropylene in dotriacontane. I: Effects of dilution, cooling rate, and nucleating agent addition on overall crystallization kinetics

The overall non-isothermal crystallization kinetics for nucleated and non-nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in dotriacontane systems was investigated. Adipic acid was used as the nucleating agent. Crystallization peak temperature was determined via differential scanning calorimetry as a function of the experimentally controlled variables iPP concentration, cooling rate, and nucleating agent concentration. The influence of these variables on crystallization mechanism and spherulitic structure as implied by the Ozawa and Ziabicki analyses was determined. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics presented here are the first for iPP-diluent systems with and without nucleating agent.
Spectroscopic Determination of the Hindered Rotational Behavior of the CN− in Alkali Halides

The rotational properties of CN− substituted into various alkali halide matrices are studied through the rotational-vibrational second harmonic absorption and excitation spectra at 2.4 μm of its vibrational emission. The variation of the spectral width with temperature is measured through the separation of the R- and P-branches, the full width at half maximum, or the second moment of the spectra. The onset of T1/2 variation of the width provides a direct, if rough, measurement of the height of the barrier hindering quasifree rotation. This barrier varies from 20 cm−1 in KI to 85 cm−1 in CsCl. The coefficients of T1/2 yield the rotational constant, which varies from 0.16 cm−1 in CsI to 1.36 cm−1 in KCl. Since all measured values fall below the expected free CN− value of 1.94 cm−1, the effective moment of inertia must be increased by some mechanism, among which dressing of the ion's moment of inertia by participation of the surrounding lattice ions in rotational motion is judged to be most likely. Die Rotationseigenschaften von CN− Molekulen, substituiert in Alkalihalogenidkristallen, werden mit Hilfe von Absorptions- und Anregungs-Spektren der Vibrations-Rotationsubergange in der zweiten Harmonischen bei 2,4 μm untersucht. Die Temperaturanderung der spektralen Breite wird mit Hilfe des Abstandes der P- und R-Zweige, der Halbwertsbreite, oder des zweiten Momentes bestimmt. Der Beginn der T1/2 Abhangigkeit der Breite gibt direkt, wenn auch ungenau, die Hohe der Potentialbarriere gegenuber quasifreier Rotation. Diese variiert von 20 cm−1 in KI bis zu 85 cm−1 in CsCl. Die Steigung des T1/2-Verhaltens bestimmt die Rotationskonstante, die zwischen 0.16 cm−1 in CsI und 1,36 cm−1 in KCl variiert. Da alle gemessenen Werte unter dem erwarteten Wert fur freie CN− Molekule von 1,94 cm−1 liegen, mus das effektive Tragheitsmoment durch irgendeinen Mechanismus vergrosert sein — hochstwahrscheinlich durch ein „dressing” des Tragheitsmoments des Ions durch Mitbewegung benachbarter Gitterionen.
Proportion of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Attributable to Overweight and Obesity Among Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic Women in South Carolina

Objective was to estimate race-specific proportions of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) attributable to overweight and obesity in South Carolina. South Carolina birth certificate and hospital discharge data were obtained from 2004 to 2006. Women who did not have type 2 diabetes mellitus before pregnancy were classified with GDM if a diagnosis was reported in at least one data source. Relative risks (RR) and 95 % confidence intervals were calculated using the log-binomial model. The modified Mokdad equation was used to calculate population attributable fractions for overweight body mass index (BMI: 25.0-29.9 kg/m(2)), obese (30.0-34.9 kg/m(2)), and extremely obese (≥35 kg/m(2)) women after adjusting for age, gestational weight gain, education, marital status, parity, tobacco use, pre-pregnancy hypertension, and pregnancy hypertension. Overall, the adjusted RR of GDM was 1.6, 2.3, and 2.9 times higher among the overweight, obese, and extremely obese women compared to normal-weight women in South Carolina. RR of GDM for extremely obese women was higher among White (3.1) and Hispanic (3.4) women than that for Black women (2.6). The fraction of GDM cases attributable to extreme obesity was 14.0 % among White, 18.1 % among Black, and 9.6 % among Hispanic women. The fraction of GDM cases attributable to obesity was about 12 % for all racial groups. Being overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9) explained 8.8, 7.8, and 14.4 % of GDM cases among White, Black, and Hispanic women, respectively. Results indicate a significantly increased risk of GDM among overweight, obese, and extremely obese women. The strength of the association and the proportion of GDM cases explained by excessive weight categories vary by racial/ethnic group.
Integrating wind and wave energy conversion

This paper presents a scenario where wind and wave energy conversion techniques are collocated, enhancing per unit energy cost. Wave energy is one of the largest renewable resources in the world, but is largely untapped. By capitalizing on the already proven structural components of offshore wind conversion systems, efficient wave turbines could be implemented for lower total cost, and lower per unit energy cost, than if the two systems were separate. In this paper, we propose further integration of wave energy conversion with off-shore wind energy. The benefits of this synergy are illustrated based on the spatially overlapping two resources — wind and wave.
Assessing the Completeness of Reporting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnoses in 2002–2003: Capture-Recapture Methods

To determine the completeness of reporting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses to state surveillance systems, the authors used capture-recapture methods. The numbers of cases diagnosed in the areas were estimated using HIV diagnoses reported to nine surveillance programs by different sources (e.g., laboratories, health-care providers). To account for dependencies between reporting sources, the authors used log-linear models to estimate the number of cases that had been diagnosed but were not identified by any reporting sources. Completeness of reporting (observed cases/expected cases) was determined for two time frames: cases diagnosed within a 1-year period (from October 1, 2002, to September 30, 2003, for most US states) reported up to 6 months after that diagnosis period and cases diagnosed within a 6-month period reported up to 12 months after that diagnosis period. A total of 11,266 HIV diagnoses were reported for the 1-year period with 21,589 report documents. Completeness of reporting of HIV diagnoses was 76% (95% confidence interval: 66, 83) when allowing 6 months of reporting delay (range: 72-95%) and improved to 81% (95% confidence interval: 72, 88) with 12 months' follow-up. When reporting systems retain all relevant documents, capture-recapture is a feasible approach for assessing completeness of reporting of HIV diagnoses. Completeness should be measured by allowing 12-months' reporting delay.
Impaired neurogenesis by HIV-1-Gp120 is rescued by genetic deletion of fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme

Background and Purpose The HIV-envelope glycoprotein Gp120 is involved in neuronal injury and is associated with neuro-AIDS pathogenesis in the brain. Endocannabinoids are important lipid ligands in the CNS regulating neural functions, and their degeneration is controlled by hydrolysing enzymes such as the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Here, we examined whether in vivo genetic deletion of Faah gene prevents HIV-1 Gp120-mediated effects on neurogenesis. Experimental Approach We generated new GFAP/Gp120 transgenic (Tg) mice that have genetic deletion of Faah gene by mating glial fribillary acidic protein (GFAP)/Gp120 Tg mice with Faah−/− mice. Neurogenesis and cell death were assessed by immunocytochemical analysis. Key Results Endocannabinoid levels in the brain of the double GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/− mice were similar to those observed in Faah−/− mice. However, unlike the impaired neurogenesis observed in GFAP/Gp120 Tg mice and Faah−/− mice, these GFAP/Gp120//Faah-/ mice showed significantly improved neurogenesis in the hippocampus, indicated by a significant increase in neuroblasts and neuronal cells, an increase in BrdU+ cells and doublecortin positive cells (DCX+), and an increase in the number of PCNA. Furthermore, a significant decrease in astrogliosis and gliogenesis was observed in GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/−mice and neurogenesis was stimulated by neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and/or the newly formed NPC niches characterized by increased COX-2 expression and elevated levels of PGE2. Conclusions and Implications In vivo genetic ablation of Faah, resulted in enhanced neurogenesis through modulation of the newly generated NPC niches in GFAP/Gp120//Faah−/− mice. This suggests a novel approach of using FAAH inhibitors to enhance neurogenesis in HIV-1 infected brain.
Improved discrete-time controller performance using the "control-dimension multiplier effect" of discrete/continuous control theory

The closed-loop performance of linear systems, using discrete-time controllers of the zoh-type, is inherently limited by the rank of the control-distribution matrix B/spl tilde/=/spl int//sub kT//sup (k+1)T/ /spl Phi/ ((k+1)T, /spl tau/)B(/spl tau/)d/spl tau/. It is shown that such performance limitations can be overcome, or significantly mitigated, without increasing the dimension of the control-vector, by using a new generalization of conventional discrete-time control called "discrete/continuous" control. Several examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Sinorhizobium meliloti dctA Mutants with Partial Ability To Transport Dicarboxylic Acids

Sinorhizobium meliloti dctA encodes a transport protein needed for a successful nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between the bacteria and alfalfa. Using the toxicity of the DctA substrate fluoroorotic acid as a selective agent in an iterated selection procedure, four independent S. meliloti dctA mutants were isolated that retained some ability to transport dicarboxylates. Two mutations were located in a region called motif B located in a predicted transmembrane helix of the protein that has been shown in other members of the glutamate transporter family to be involved in cation binding. A G114D mutation was located in the third transmembrane helix, which had not previously been directly implicated in transport. Multiple sequence alignment of more than 60 members of the glutamate transporter family revealed a glycine at this position in nearly all members of the family. The fourth mutant was able to transport succinate at almost wild-type levels but was impaired in malate and fumarate transport. It contains two mutations: one in a periplasmic domain and the other predicted to be in the cytoplasm. Separation of the mutations showed that each contributed to the altered substrate preference. dctA deletion mutants that contain the mutant dctA alleles on a plasmid can proceed further in symbiotic development than null mutants of dctA, but none of the plasmids could support symbiotic nitrogen fixation, although they can transport dicarboxylates, some at relatively high levels.
B Cell Receptor Recognition Of Glatiramer Acetate Is Required For Efficacy In Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis And Results In Differential Cytokine Production In MS Patients (P1.210)

Objective: To further elucidate the mechanism of action of Copaxone on B lymphocytes to lay a strong foundation for combination therapy and prediction of optimal responders. Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) leading to neuronal demyelination, lack of remyelination, and axonal loss. Although not yet approved, B cell depletion achieved with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is the most effective therapy to-date in MS patients. As this therapeutic depletes immune cells potentially important in pathogen immunity, an immense need remains for highly efficacious therapeutics maintaining a favorable safety profile. Copaxone (Glatiramer Acetate-GA) is one of the safest therapies for MS patients, thus further characterization of its effects on B lymphocytes is warranted. Results and methods: Our studies show that GA binds to human and murine B cell receptors resulting in activation and cytokine production. This interaction is required for efficacy, as B cells from GA treated wild-type but not BCR-HEL tg donors transferred the treatment effect of GA into experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis recipients. The mechanism of BCR dependent GA induced efficacy occurs through antigen presentation, cytokine production and indirect effects on CD11c+ cells. GA stimulation reduced baseline levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα in purified B lymphocytes from treatment naive MS patients, while other cytokines were not consistently altered. Conclusions: This data, in combination with previous reports showing an alteration in the cytokine profiles of GA specific B cells, suggest that the mechanism of action of GA on B lymphocytes includes the presentation of GA to T lymphocytes, cytokine production, and interactions with other immune cells. Taken together, these data provide a strong foundation for future exploration of optimal Copaxone responders or synergistic combination therapies with an improved risk: benefit ratio compared to currently approved therapeutics for MS. This research was supported by a grant from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. Disclosure: Dr. Jackson has received research support from Teva Neuroscience. Dr. Selva has nothing to disclose. Dr. Niedzielko has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vollmer has received personal compensation for activities with Cleveland Clinic, Novartis, Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Teva Neuroscience, Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Xenoport, University of Florida PeerView, and Krog & Partners. Dr. Vollmer has received research support from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Genzyme Corp., Ono Pharmaceuticals, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and Janssen Pharmaceutica.
Credit crunch and loan acquisition concerns in a recessional economy: an empirical study

The first part of the paper explains the following notions: what a credit crunch is, causes of the credit crunch, current social issues related to the credit crunch, and effects that the credit crunch has had on the US economy. The second part entails the analysis of hypotheses and data-reduction techniques regarding the credit crunch. The effects of credit crunch are also numerous and generally include consumer insolvency, change in purchasing patterns, decreased reliance on credit, to name a few impacts as measured in this study. It was inferred from the hypothesis-testing process that consumer spending was negatively affected by stricter credit standards imposed by lending institutions during the credit crunch and that the number of purchases made by consumers with their credit cards decreases while those made with cash increased during the same time period.
Transient post-reperfusion left bundle branch block and accelerated idioventricular rhythm with paradoxical QRS narrowing

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) commonly follows coronary reperfusion and has been called a "reperfusion arrhythmia". Transient left bundle branch block (LBBB) is only rarely seen after interventional reperfusion and is usually considered a procedural complication. We report herein electrocardiograms (ECGs) in a case of acute lateral myocardial infarction which demonstrate both post-perfusion AIVR and a simultaneous transient LBBB with fusion complexes causing paradoxical QRS narrowing.
Defining the "Good Mother" and the "Professional Teacher": Parent-Teacher Relationships in an Affluent School District.

This article examines the challenges of parent–teacher relationships in an affluent school district, drawing on 30 in‐depth interviews of mothers and elementary school teachers in the USA. Professional women who have put their careers on hold to care for their children are apt to define being a good mother in terms of the academic achievement of their children. This results in extreme amounts of involvement and advocacy in their child's education, even when such actions have questionable effects on the larger school population. Enhancement of ‘good mothering’ was found to be done at the expense of teacher professionalism. A small number of entitled‐minded mothers were able to make a large impact not only on teacher job satisfaction but on the climate of the entire school due to their extensive networks, levels of advocacy, and critical examination of school processes.
Immigrant Children and the Transition to Adulthood

The children of immigrants represent a large and growing segment of the US population. The children of immigrants are not progressing steadily as a group at the same rate or following a standard pathway to adulthood. Rather, there is wide variation across ethnic groups and immigrant generations, and immigrant children are not necessarily following the patterned sequence of the nonimmigrant majority. Immigrant youth reach developmental milestones such as educational attainment, job attainment, and achieving independence from parents, but they do so at varying rates and with different levels of success. These young people are diverse in terms of their backgrounds and the places where they come of age, and these factors interact in ways that help explain why they are following divergent pathways to adulthood. In particular, legal status—whether of immigrant parents or of immigrant youth themselves—has become a “master status” that conditions their path to adulthood. Future research must continue to identify the ways in which geography, local organizations, immigration reform, and other factors interact to shape opportunities that immigrant youth as they approach adulthood. The implications of the diverging developmental pathways of immigrant youth are significant, not only for immigrants and their families but also for the larger society. Given that they represent a large percentage of children today, these young people will heavily influence tomorrow's workforce—and therefore the economic strength and security of this country. Keywords: youth development; immigrant youth; second generation; legal status; social mobility; immigrant integration
Bevacizumab in Treatment of High-Risk Ovarian Cancer—A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate a cost-effectiveness strategy of bevacizumab in a subset of high-risk advanced ovarian cancer patients with survival benefit. Methods. A subset analysis of the International Collaboration on Ovarian Neoplasms 7 trial showed that additions of bevacizumab (B) and maintenance bevacizumab (mB) to paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) improved the overall survival (OS) of high-risk advanced cancer patients. Actual and estimated costs of treatment were determined from Medicare payment. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per life-year saved was established. Results. The estimated cost of PC is $535 per cycle; PCB + mB (7.5 mg/kg) is $3,760 per cycle for the first 6 cycles and then $3,225 per cycle for 12 mB cycles. Of 465 high-risk stage IIIC (>1 cm residual) or stage IV patients, the previously reported OS after PC was 28.8 months versus 36.6 months in those who underwent PCB + mB. With an estimated 8-month improvement in OS, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of B was $167,771 per life-year saved. Conclusion. In this clinically relevant subset of women with high-risk advanced ovarian cancer with overall survival benefit after bevacizumab, our economic model suggests that the incremental cost of bevacizumab was approximately $170,000.
Thinking Outside the (Bricks-and-Mortar) Box(es): Using Cyberspace Technology to Reconceptualize Schooling and Community in the Face of Resegregation

As the 50th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Ed- ucation decision arrives, a notably gesellschaftliche (individualist, free- dom-oriented, rationalist) paradigm in the education policy agenda pre- vails. That is to say, in the wake of a series of Supreme Court decisions and the proliferation of publicly funded, ethnocentric charter schools in the past few decades, this country has moved away from Brown's cele- brated ideals and closer to the old idea of "separate but equal." Further- more, the disconnect is occurring along racial and cultural lines. Thus, if we are to achieve the benefits of diversity in schooling and create a more gemeinschaftliche (communitarian, help-oriented, democratic) orientation in education, we must think outside of the box; we must think digitally. The Internet as an embodiment of multiple forms of computer-mediated communications is a notably communal space imbued with gemein- schaftliche properties. Thus, to the traditional forms of schooling, we should look to add the community-building nature of computer-mediated communications to create virtual learning communities that bring to- gether young people of different racial, cultural, economic and/or geo- graphic identifications.
The nonlinear capillary instability of a liquid jet. Part 3. Experiments on satellite drop formation and control

We continue the experiments of Chaudhary & Maxworthy (1980) to include the behaviour at and beyond the point along the jet at which individual drops interspersed with small satellite drops begin to form. In particular, we show how the perturbation wavenumber and amplitude for a fundamental disturbance alone combine to give a variety of modes of breakup into drops and a variety of patterns of drop recombination further downstream. We then show how the addition of a third harmonic to this fundamental can be used in a variety of parameter combinations to control the behaviour of the satellite drops and in some cases eliminate them completely.
Renegotiating Masculine Identity After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Because little is known about how low-income Latino and African American men attribute meaning and adapt to prostate cancer treatment—related symptoms relative to masculine identity, in this study we sought to develop a descriptive model of this process. Using qualitative methods, 60 Latino and 35 African American/Black men were interviewed by language- and ethnicity-matched male interviewers using a semistructured guide. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Spanish transcripts were rigorously translated to produce English transcripts. Analysis using grounded theory techniques found that men constructed masculine identities that were influenced by early experience, challenged by several factors including prostate cancer treatment, and underwent a renegotiation process that resulted in the maintenance of their identity as men. Development and testing of interventions that support this process will facilitate the adaptation process for men in a culturally relevant manner.
Recharacterization of the Microwave Sounding Unit Cross-Track Asymmetry During a Spacecraft Tumble

In August 2006, a pitch-over maneuver was performed on NOAA-14 in order to characterize the asymmetry in the Microwave Sounding Unit. Approximately seven weeks later, the spacecraft tumbled when a hydrazine thruster leaked. This tumble permitted a second characterization of the asymmetry. The analysis of the data collected during the tumble event revealed that, while three of the four channels had similar response and asymmetry, one channel changed its response either as a result of the tumble or due to another cause in the seven weeks after the pitch-over maneuver. This letter summarizes the results of the maneuver and gives the results from the tumble event.
Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of Stem Cells

The recent interest in equine stem cell biology and the rapid increase in experimental data highlight the growing attention that this topic has been receiving over the past few years. Within the field of stem cell biology, the relevance of immunobiology is of particular intrigue. It appears that optimal and effective stem cell therapy for equine patients will require a thorough analysis of the immune properties of stem cells as well as their response to immune mediators. The main goal of this review is to discuss the biology of adult mesenchymal stem cells in the context of immunology.
Can adolescent suicide attempters be distinguished from at-risk adolescents?

Suicide is among the leading causes of death among adolescents and young adults. Beyond considerations of mortality is the morbidity of those young people who survive an attempt at suicide. At times this morbidity relates to anatomic or physiologic sequelae from the unsuccessful attempt; but far more often young people recover completely from the ingestion or trauma of their self-destructive episode, only to leave a residue of acute and chronic morbidity in the form of the psychological, educational, social, and financial after effects of hospitalization, absence from school, and disruption of the fabric of personal and family life. The detection of the young person at risk for even an unsuccessful attempt is therefore of some importance, and Dr Swedo and her co-authors show us in this issue of Pediatrics that such detection should be possible.
Cytological Studies in Saccharum and Allied Genera

S. robustum as it is now known is basically a species of two cytological types, those with 2n=60 chromosomes, and those with 2n=80 chromosomes. Aneuploids, probable hybrids, and suspected hybrid derivatives also occur and exhibit a variety of chromosome numbers (2n=63-194) which have in the past suggested great cytological complexity in the species. The 60-chromosome types are known from Borneo, the Celebes, and Australian New Guinea. The 80-chromosome forms are found in Dutch and Australian New Guinea, on New Britain, and in the New Hebrides.The following observations are also recorded for related species found in the geographic range of S. robustum: From the Celebes 2n=96 in S. spontaneuna; and from New Guinea 2n=80 in S. spontaneum, 2n=60 in Erianthus arundinaceus, and 2n=38 in Miscanthus floridulus.
Influence of Predators on the Efficiency of the Blaesoxipha spp. Parasites of the Migratory Grasshopper

The average longevity of adult females of three species of Blaesoxipha grasshopper parasites was estimated at 3.0 to 4.8 days under field conditions. CircumstantIal evidence suggested predation as a major cause of mortality. When parasites and grasshoppers were isolated in large cages, average survival of parasites increased about fourfold and the level of parasitism among grasshoppers increased about fivefold over field levels. In identical cage tests that included robber fly predators, all parasites were destroyed, parasitism essentially was eliminated, and the survival rate of grasshoppers increased.
Application of LASERS to Digital Communications

Revolutionary developments taking place in the field of light generation show promise of providing a means for transmitting digital information over vast distances in space at extremely high rates. These developments stem from the generation of coherent light by devices called LASERS (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). This paper gives a brief description of LASER operation and discusses the applicability of the device to certain aerospace vehicular digital communications requirements. An earth-moon link is an alyzed from the standpoint of beamwidth, power, and aiming requirements. It is shown that a system utilizing a coherent optical transmitter of less than 1 w and a conventional photodetector would be capable of transmitting digital information over this link at megacycle rates. The bandwidth limitation here is imposed by lack of a suitable modulator rather than by any theoretical bound, and the power level is dictated by earth background noise and a usable transmitter and receiver beam angle. Improvements which can be made on this rather simple system by increasing bandwidth and improving detection efficiency, tracking accuracy, and LASER techniques are pointed out. Curves showing basic limitations and interdependence of system parameters are plotted.
Selection for electron microscopy of specific areas in large epoxy tissue sections.

Tissue blocks 2 × 2 × 0.4 cm were fixed 6-24 hr in phosphate-buffered 6% glutaraldehyde then sliced to 2 × 2 × 0.1 cm and rinsed in phosphate buffer for at least 12 hr. Fixation was continued for 2 hr in phosphate-buffered 1-2% OsO4. The slices were dehydrated, infiltrated with Araldite, and embedded in flat-bottomed plastic molds. Sectioning at 4-8 μ with a sliding microtome was facilitated by addition of 10% dibutylphalate to the standard epoxy mixture. The sections were spread on water and attached to coverslips by drying, then heating to 80 C for 1 min. Staining 2 min with 1-3% KMnO4 and temporary mounting in glycerol on a slide allowed the desired area for electron microscopy to be selected and marked. This area was then cemented to the facet of a conventional epoxy casting with a drop of epoxy resin (without added dibutylphthalate). After polymerization, the coverslip was removed by quick cooling leaving a flat re-embedded portion of the original section. This portion was viewed by transillumination...
Direct in vivo adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to salivary glands.

Gene transfer to the salivary glands holds the potential for the therapy of salivary gland disorders and for delivery of therapeutic proteins to the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract. Administration of the recombinant adenovirus vectors Ad.RSV beta gal [coding for the intracellular protein beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal)] and Ad alpha 1AT [coding for human alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT), a secreted protein] to salivary gland cell lines in vitro demonstrated exogenous gene expression. Retrograde ductal injection of the Ad.RSV beta gal vector to rat salivary glands in vivo resulted in beta-Gal expression in acinar and ductal cells. Exposure of submandibular glands in vivo to Ad alpha 1AT resulted in expression of alpha 1-AT mRNA transcripts, de novo synthesis of alpha 1-AT, and secretion in the saliva. To evaluate the feasibility of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to human glands, human minor salivary glands were infected ex vivo with Ad.RSV beta gal, and implanted into severe combined immunodeficient mice. Evaluation of the human tissue demonstrated beta-Gal activity. These observations demonstrate that adenovirus vectors are capable of direct delivery of genes to the salivary glands, suggesting a variety of possible gene therapy applications.
Intervalle zwischen Ereignissen

Wir haben eine Reihe von Dingen kennengelernt, uber die Leute in unterschiedlichen Inertialsystemen verschiedene Ansichten haben: die Taktrate einer Uhr, die Lange eines Stocks, die Gleichzeitigkeit zweier Ereignisse oder die Frage, ob zwei Uhren synchronisiert sind. Es gibt aber auch einige Punkte, bei denen Menschen in verschiedenen Bezugssystemen immer einer Meinung sein werden: In allen Systemen werden Raumzeit-Koinzidenzen – zwei Ereignisse, die zur selben Zeit und am selben Ort stattfinden – gleich beschrieben. Und naturlich verhalten sich Objekte, die sich mit der Lichtgeschwindigkeit c bewegen, in allen Bezugssystemen auf die gleiche Weise.
AFP's conflict of interest policy: disclosure is not enough.

Medical journals go to great lengths to ensure that authors disclose potential conflicts of interest. In research journals, financial ties between authors and the makers of drugs and medical devices are inevitable because more than half of research is funded by the pharmaceutical industry.1 However, just about all medical journals permit authors of review articles and editorials to also have such ties. At American Family Physician (AFP), we do not. Our 25-year-old policy is sometimes questioned or misunderstood because it is rare among medical journals. However, I think it is an important way to guard against untoward influence and intentional or unintentional bias in our clinical review articles.2 Our conflict of interest policy states: “To avoid bias or the perception of bias, AFP will not consider manuscripts sponsored directly or indirectly by a pharmaceutical company, medical education company, or other commercial entity, or those written by an author who has a financial relationship with or interest in any commercial entity that may have an interest in the subject matter of the article.” 3 Note that this policy is not restricted to specific drugs or devices to which the author may have ties; it covers the topic of the article and a commercial company’s potential interest in that topic. Because our review articles are developed for the continuing medical education (CME) of approximately 175,000 readers, we take seriously our obligation to ensure unbiased content. However, we recognize that conflicts of interest are only one potential source of bias, and that intellectual bias (e.g., strongly held opinions, often specialty specific) can also unduly influence the presentation.4 We realize that many physicians see nothing wrong with drug company–sponsored talks or CME articles. So, to better explain the reasoning behind our conflict of interest policy, the accompanying table outlines some of the arguments typically given to justify disclosure as a sufficient safeguard against bias, and the reasons we think disclosure is not enough.2,5-17 The Institute of Medicine,18 the American Medical Association,19 and the Association of American Medical Colleges20 have all recently issued reports calling for elimination or limitation of industry-sponsored CME. For similar reasons, the medical editors of AFP believe that CME should not have any ties to makers of drugs or medical devices. In addition, AFP does not permit placement of advertising next to related clinical content, does not place advertisements within review articles, and does not accept drug company–sponsored supplements.
Coming to Terms with a Monk’s Seduction: Speculations on the Conduct of Sgra tshad pa Rin chen rnam rgyal (1318–1388)

This article compares two versions of a story about a Tibetan Buddhist monk, Sgra tshad pa Rin chen rnam rgyal (1318–1388), who engages in sexual intercourse with a laywoman. The authors of these two narratives, dating from the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, each provide a different rationale for the monk’s behavior. In the earlier telling, Rin chen rnam rgyal is said to have “eased the suffering” of a “lust-crazed” woman, conducting himself virtuously, as a bodhisattva. In the later telling, the monk is forcibly seduced by his patron and he adheres to a provision found in the Mūlasarvāstivāda Vinaya, which specifies that the usual punishment intended for a Vinaya transgression of sexual intercourse—loss of communion from the order—may be commuted if the act has not been concealed from others. This article focuses on the transformation of the story and proposes that its changes contribute to the author’s wider commentary on strict Vinaya observance as an element of Buddhist monastic exemplarity.
Multimodality Imaging for Guiding EP Ablation Procedures

Recent advances in 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping have been met by continuous improvements in the field of cardiac imaging and image integration during ablation procedures. Echocardiography, computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear imaging provide information about cardiac anatomy and ultrastructure of the heart that may be crucial for a successful ablation procedure. Techniques and value of pre-procedural, intraprocedural, and post-procedural imaging and image integration are discussed in this review article. Pre-procedural imaging provides key anatomic information that can be complemented by intraprocedural imaging to minimize procedural complications. Furthermore, the presence and extent of structural heart disease can be assessed pre-procedurally and can be displayed intraprocedurally to limit and focus the mapping and ablation procedure to the area of interest. Pre-procedural imaging combined with imaging obtained during the ablation procedure further enhances procedural safety, reduces exposure to ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy, reduces procedure time, and may improve outcomes.
The Politics of Market Liberalism in the Eighties: Blue Smoke and Mirrors?

In 1980 market liberals had a choice between Libertarian and Republican Presidential candidates, both exploiting the crisis of Vital Center liberalism and committed to freer markets, lower taxes, stable money, and a roll-back of the welfare state. Beyond these programmatic goals the two candidates shared little. Ronald Reagan’s orientation was towards the past; his rhetoric evoked images of a vanishing American economic and military pre-eminence that he promised to restore. The Libertarian, Ed Clark, looking to the future, projected a vision of a libertarian Utopia and sought to catalyze a political revolution.
Towards a Definition of Knowledge

I begin then to examine the meaning of the word ‘knowledge’. Although this book is concerned specifically with the knowledge of God, I wish in the coming chapters only to examine what it is to know anything, what ‘knowledge’ means. Then, perhaps, given this meaning it will be correct to ask whether it is logically possible to know God.
Making America 1920 Again? Nativism and US Immigration, past and Present:

This paper surveys the history of nativism in the United States from the late nineteenth century to the present. It compares a recent surge in nativism with earlier periods, particularly the decade...
Neutral Ingestion Effects on Plume Properties of a Radio-Frequency Plasma Discharge

To enable comparison of thruster performance across different vacuum facilities, an understanding of the effect of operating pressure on plasma plume properties generated in a helicon ion thruster ...
The two disciplines problem – ‘it’s like Déjà vu all over again!’

For decades, assessment has constituted one of the most controversial issues in education with respect to matters of theory, design, implementation and educational policy. Many of the arguments sur...
Associations Among Sleep, Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among U.S. Childbearing-Age Women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Background: Women of childbearing age (18–44 years) present an important group for understanding sleep, but few studies have focused on this population. No study has investigated the assoc...
Latino/a/x Biblical Interpretation Related to the Hebrew Bible:

Since approximately the turn of the millennium, Latino/a/x biblical scholarship on the Hebrew Bible has focused on: (1) questions of identity—both what constitutes Latino/a/x identity and what sort...
Formulation of Personality Disorders

When the editors invited us to contribute a chapter on personality disorders, we were delighted to accept. For us, the personality disorders exemplify some of the many problems that plague clinical psychology. For example, these disorders are considered highly prevalent. However, useful reports in the literature are rare. Thus, if clinical psychologists know little about a sizable portion of the psychopathological population, there is certainly a problem.
Quality of Life, Sanctity of Creation: Palliative or Apotheosis?

Sadly, the vexatious socio-legal, medical, and ethical issues investigated in this pathbreaking Article in 1984, still remain unresolved and are -- thus -- of great moment in contemporary society. This Article suggests a construct for deciding the extent to which ordinary or extraordinary medical care should be undertaken to assure that extremely handicapped newborns have life options which not only recognize their integrity and acknowledge sanctity of life, or vitalism, but -- as well -- recognize qualitative markers of human existence which allow neonates freedom from refractory pain and suffering. Compassion and common sense should be the watch words for both the development of policy and for clinical practice here.
Taxonomy of Iridoviruses

Originally grouped together on the basis of morphology, the iridoviruses are now beginning to reveal biochemical and genetic similarities—e.g. circularly permuted and terminally redundant genomic DNA—that set them apart from other eukaryotic virus groups and justify their inclusion in the same family.
Chronic lung disease in U.S. Veterans with rheumatoid arthritis and the impact on survival.

Assess the impact of chronic lung diseases (CLD) on survival in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among participants in the Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis (VARA) Registry, a prospective cohort of U.S. Veterans with RA, we identified CLD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) using administrative and registry data. Demographics, smoking status, RA characteristics including Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) use were obtained from registry data, which were linked to the National Death Index to obtain vital status. We evaluated associations of CLD with survival using the multivariable Cox regression models. Among a large (n = 2053), male-predominant (91%) RA cohort, 554 (27%) had CLD at enrollment. Mortality risk was increased 1.51-fold (95% CI 1.26–1.81) in RA patients with CLD after multivariable adjustment, a risk that was similar to that observed with CVD (HR CLD alone 1.46 [1.03–2.06]; CVD alone 1.62 [1.35–1.94]). Survival was significantly reduced in those with interstitial lung disease (ILD) as well as other forms of CLD. Mortality risk with methotrexate and biologic use was not different in those with CLD compared to those without (p interaction ≥ 0.15) using multiple exposure definitions and propensity score adjustment. Mortality risk is significantly increased in RA patients with CLD. This risk is attributable not only to ILD but also to other chronic lung conditions and does not appear to be substantially greater in those receiving methotrexate or biologic therapies. Comorbid lung disease should be targeted as a means of improving long-term outcomes in RA.
Lower Extremity Free Tissue Transfer in the Setting of Thrombophilia: Analysis of Perioperative Anticoagulation Protocols and Predictors of Flap Failure

Background No consensus exists regarding the optimal strategy for perioperative thromboprophylaxis in high-risk microsurgical populations. We present our experience with lower extremity free tissue transfer (FTT) in thrombophilic patients and compare outcomes between non-stratified and risk-stratified anticoagulation protocols. Methods Between January 2013 and December 2017, 57 patients with documented thrombophilia underwent FTT for non-traumatic, lower extremity reconstruction by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the introduction of a novel, risk-stratified algorithm for perioperative anticoagulation in July 2015. Demographic data, chemoprophylaxis profiles, flap outcomes, and complications were retrospectively compared across time periods. Results Fifty-seven free flaps were performed in hypercoagulable patients treated with non-stratified (n = 27) or risk-stratified (n = 30) thromboprophylaxis. Patients in the risk-stratified cohort received intravenous heparin more often than non-stratified controls (73 vs. 15%, p Conclusion Selective therapeutic anticoagulation may improve microsurgical outcomes in high-risk patients with thrombophilia. Our findings highlight the importance of meticulous technique and recipient-vessel selection as critical determinants of flap success in this population.
Meaning in life and self-esteem help hospice nurses withstand prolonged exposure to death.

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between the presence of and search for meaning in life and self-esteem, psychological distress, burnout and affect among hospice nurses. Background The nature of hospice nursing may prompt existential concerns. Method Hospice nurses (N = 90) completed an online survey. Results The presence of meaning in life was associated with lower psychological distress, burnout and negative affect, and higher levels of positive affect, whereas the search for meaning in life was only associated with higher negative affect. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between the presence of meaning in life and psychological distress, burnout and negative affect. Conclusion The presence of meaning in life promotes self-esteem, which then buffers against negative outcomes. Implication for nursing management Although managers cannot directly instil meaning in life in hospice nurses, they may be able to help nurses to find or maintain meaning by promoting policies that allow them to participate in meaningful personal, cultural or religious activities. Additionally, managers of hospice nurses could connect them with resources (e.g. mentors, counsellors or chaplains) to cope with the existential demands of providing end-of-life care.
Why Do Some Firms Solicit Shareholders' Voting on Auditor Selection?

This paper investigates what causes some companies to ask shareholders to ratify management's decision regarding auditor selection. We find that firms that pay higher total fee to auditors, firms with the CEO also serving as Chairman of the board, firms whose audit committee members have more accounting/finance expertise, firms that plan to change auditors, and firms with higher institutional ownership are more likely to ask shareholders to vote on auditor selection. The results also show that firms whose shareholders are more dissatisfied with the board are less likely to seek shareholders ratification on auditor selection. This study contributes to auditor ratification literature by providing insights on management's behavior regarding auditor selection.
Sauter-Schwinger effect with a quantum gas.

The creation of particle-antiparticle pairs from vacuum by a large electric field is at the core of quantum electrodynamics (QED). Despite the wide acceptance that this phenomenon occurs naturally when electric field strengths exceed ${E_{\rm c} \approx 10^{18}\ {\rm V}/ {\rm m}}$, it has yet to be experimentally observed due to the limitations imposed by producing electric fields at this scale. The high degree of experimental control present in ultracold atomic systems allow experimentalists to create laboratory analogs to high-field phenomena. Here we emulated massive relativistic particles subject to large electric field strengths, thereby quantum-simulated particle-antiparticle pair creation, and experimentally explore particle creation from ``the Dirac vacuum''. Data collected from our analog system spans the full parameter regime from low applied field (negligible pair creation) below the Sauter-Schwinger limit, to high field (maximum rate of pair creation) far in excess of the Sauter-Schwinger limit. In our experiment, we perform direct measurements on an analog atomic system and show that this high-field phenomenon is well-characterized by Landau-Zener tunneling, well known in the atomic physics context, and we find full quantitative agreement with theory with no adjustable parameters.