cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, severity, and correlates of sleep-wake disturbances in long-term breast cancer survivors.

Current evidence shows that sleep-wake disturbances are a persistent problem linked to poor quality of life in women surviving breast cancer. Information regarding correlates of sleep-wake disturbances in long-term survivors is sparse. The purpose of this study was to refine knowledge regarding prevalence, severity, and correlates of sleep-wake disturbances in long-term breast cancer survivors (BCS) compared to age-matched women without breast cancer (WWC). The cross-sectional convenience sample included 246 BCS and 246 WWC who completed a quality-of-life study and were matched within +/− 5 years of age. BCS were a mean of 5.6 years beyond completion of cancer treatment (range 5.6 to 10.0 years). Based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, BCS had significantly more prevalent sleep-wake disturbances (65%) compared to WWC (55%) (P < 0.05). BCS also had significantly higher PSQI global scores indicating poorer sleep quality compared to WWC (P < 0.05). Significant correlates of prevalence of poor sleep for BCS included hot flashes, poor physical functioning, depressive symptoms and distress, and for WWC, included hot flashes, poor physical functioning, and depressive symptoms. Significant correlates (P < 0.05) of severity of poor sleep for BCS included presence of non-cancer co-morbidities, hot flashes, depressive symptoms, and residual effects of cancer treatment. For WWC, these included hot flashes, poor physical functioning, depressive symptoms, and impact of a life event. Knowledge of prevalence, severity, and correlates of sleep-wake disturbances provides useful information to health care providers during clinical evaluations for treatment of sleep-wake disturbances in BCS.
Finding temporal patterns - A set-based approach

We created an inference engine and query language for expressing temporal patterns in data. The patterns are represented by using temporally-ordered sets of data objects. Patterns are elaborated by reference to new objects inferred from original data, and by interlocking temporal and other relationships among sets of these objects. We found the tools well-suited to define scenarios of events that are evidence of inappropriate use of prescription drugs, using Medicaid administrative data that describe medical events. The tools' usefulness in research might be considerably more general.
Role of Physiological Intestinal Water in Oral Absorption

Water volume has impact when the compound has low aqueous solubility. For example, the absorption of compounds with a Biopharmaceutics Classification System class 2 or 4 is likely to be solubility-limited. Provided the formulation does not contribute to a dissolution-limited condition (e.g., particle size, Waterman and Sutton, J Control Release 86:293–304, 2003) and permeability is rapid, any impact on solubility factors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract will directly impact the fraction absorbed These factors are in situ solubility, precipitation, and volume of water. Using GastroPlus™, models were developed with literature values of water volume in the small (SIWV) and large (LIWV) intestines for several solubility limited compounds. One or more models were developed for the mean plasma concentration-time profile of each compound. The consistency of the models with known literature and experimental data for the compounds’ solubility and precipitation was determined. The SIWV associated with best fits of solubility limited compounds averaged about 130 ml, with a range of 10–150 ml in the fasted state. The average LIWV in the fasted state was about 10 ml and ranged as large as 125 ml. The wide range of individual LIWV values is likely due to variability in pharmacokinetics, permeability, GI transit, and the observation that data set was collected during a “snapshot in time”. The preferred values of 10% organ volume for small intestine and 1–10% organ volume for large intestine are recommended in lieu of the GastroPlus default values of 40% and 10%, respectively.
SUBSTANCE USE‐INDUCED DIMINUTION OF VIOLENCE: A COUNTERVAILING EFFECT IN LONGITUDINAL PERSPECTIVE*

Although the literature supports a positive association between substance use and violence, scattered reports suggest a basis for predicting an inverse relationship. Using panel data (N = 2, 222) from subjects tested during early adolescence and three years later, we estimate structural equation models that specify within-wave relationships between substance use and violence constructs, stability of these constructs over time, and lagged effects of each construct on the other. As hypothesized, net of the within-wave positive relationships, substance use was inversely related to later violence. The findings support theoretical orientations that accommodate motivation to use substances to assuage distressful self-feelings (including those that instigate violence).
Comparison of two lecture delivery platforms in a hybrid distance education program.

Objective. To compare students' preferences for and academic performance using 2 different distance education course content delivery platforms. Methods. A randomized, crossover research design was...
A modified Sinc quadrature rule for functions with poles near the arc of integration

Sinc function approach is used to obtain a quadrature rule for estimating integrals of functions with poles near the are of integration. Special treatment is given to integration over the intervals (−∞, ∞), (0, ∞), and (−1, 1). It is shown that the error of the quadrature rule converges to zero at the rateO(exp(−c√N)) asN → ∞, whereN is the number of nodes used, and wherec is a positive constant which is independent ofN.
Detection and Quantification of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines in Soybean Roots with Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Gao, X., Jackson, T. A., Lambert, K. N., Li, S., Hartman, G. L., and Niblack, T. L. 2004. Detection and quantification of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines in soybean roots with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plant Dis. 88:1372-1380. Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines is the causal organism of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS). This organism is difficult to detect and quantify because it is a slow-growing fungus with variable phenotypic characteristics. Reliable and fast procedures are important for detection of this soybean pathogen. Protocols were optimized for extraction of DNA from pure fungal cultures and fresh or dry roots. A new procedure to test polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors in DNA extracts was developed. Novel real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) assays were developed for both absolute and relative quantification of F. solani f. sp. glycines. The fungus was quantified based on detection of the mitochondrial small-subunit rRNA gene, and the host plant based on detection of the cyclophilin gene of the host plant. DNA of F. solani f. sp. glycines was detected in soybean plants both with and without SDS foliar symptoms to contents as low as 9.0 × 10 –5 ng in the absolute QPCR assays. This is the first report of relative QPCR using the comparative threshold cycle (Ct) method to quantify the DNA of a plant pathogen relative to its host DNA. The relative QPCR assay is reliable if care is taken to avoid reaction inhibition and it may be used to further elucidate the fungus–host interaction in the development of SDS or screen for resistance to the fungus.
Regional Specification during Embryogenesis in the Inarticulate BrachiopodGlottidia

A fate map has been constructed for the lingulid brachiopod Glottidia pyramidata. The animal half of the egg forms part of the apical lobe and the dorsal valve of the larva. The vegetal half of the egg forms mesoderm and endoderm and is the site of gastrulation; it also forms part of the apical lobe and the ventral valve of the larva. The plane of the first cleavage goes through the animal-vegetal axis of the egg along the future plane of bilateral symmetry of the larva. The timing of regional specification in these embryos was examined by isolating animal or vegetal, anterior or posterior, or lateral regions at different times from prior to fertilization through gastrulation. Animal halves isolated at all stages formed an epithelial vesicle and did not gastrulate. When these halves were isolated from unfertilized eggs or early cleavage stage embryos, they usually did not form an apical lobe or valve; however, when the halves were isolated at later developmental stages, these structures differentiated in a high frequency of cases. Vegetal halves were isolated at all stages gastrulated and formed a larva; however, when these halves were isolated at gastrulation they frequently lacked a dorsal valve. When lateral cuts were made along the animal-vegetal axis at all developmental stages, both halves gastrulated. When the cut was made perpendicular to the plane of the first cleavage from the four-cell stage on, one-half formed the anterior end and the other half formed the posterior end of the larva. These results suggest that there are localized determinants in the egg that specify the different regions of the larva, but there is also an inductive signal(s) from the vegetal region of the embryo that is necessary in order for cells that inherit a given determinant to differentiate. Embryogenesis in Glottidia is compared with articulate brachiopods and phoronids.
Kinetic Analysis of DNA Strand Joining by Chlorella Virus DNA Ligase and the Role of Nucleotidyltransferase Motif VI in Ligase Adenylylation

Chlorella virus DNA ligase (ChVLig) is an instructive model for mechanistic studies of the ATP-dependent DNA ligase family. ChVLig seals 3′-OH and 5′-PO4 termini via three chemical steps: 1) ligase attacks the ATP α phosphorus to release PPi and form a covalent ligase-adenylate intermediate; 2) AMP is transferred to the nick 5′-phosphate to form DNA-adenylate; 3) the 3′-OH of the nick attacks DNA-adenylate to join the polynucleotides and release AMP. Each chemical step requires Mg2+. Kinetic analysis of nick sealing by ChVLig-AMP revealed that the rate constant for phosphodiester synthesis (kstep3 = 25 s−1) exceeds that for DNA adenylylation (kstep2 = 2.4 s−1) and that Mg2+ binds with similar affinity during step 2 (Kd = 0.77 mm) and step 3 (Kd = 0.87 mm). The rates of DNA adenylylation and phosphodiester synthesis respond differently to pH, such that step 3 becomes rate-limiting at pH ≤ 6.5. The pH profiles suggest involvement of one and two protonation-sensitive functional groups in catalysis of steps 2 and 3, respectively. We suggest that the 5′-phosphate of the nick is the relevant protonation-sensitive moiety and that a dianionic 5′-phosphate is necessary for productive step 2 catalysis. Motif VI, located at the C terminus of the OB-fold domain of ChVLig, is a conserved feature of ATP-dependent DNA ligases and GTP-dependent mRNA capping enzymes. Presteady state and burst kinetic analysis of the effects of deletion and missense mutations highlight the catalytic contributions of ChVLig motif VI, especially the Asp-297 carboxylate, exclusively during the ligase adenylylation step.
PL07 Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) protects against heart failure via eNOS activation and nitric oxide mediated cardioprotection

Heart failure is the inability of the heart to meet hemodynamic demands and represents the end stage of various forms of cardiovascular disease. Current treatments for heart failure are inadequate and the availability of hearts for transplantation is extremely limited. Adjunctive therapies designed to coincide with the standard means of care are needed to slow the progression of adverse left ventricular remodeling during the development of heart failure. As the heart progresses rapidly from a compensated state to a state of decompensated failure, vascular growth cannot keep pace with myocyte growth. As such, therapies designed to induce angiogenesis or maintain coronary vascularity remain an attractive therapeutic option for the treatment of heart failure. Recent studies have shown that hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) induces angiogenesis and promotes vessel growth in the setting of hind-limb ischemia. Here, we provide evidence that the administration of the stable, long-acting H 2 S donor, diallyl trisulfide (DATS), improves left ventricular remodeling and preserves left ventricular (LV) function in the setting of pressure-overload-induced heart failure. H 2 S therapy increased the expression of a number of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor, and Akt, the angiogenesis inhibitor, angiostatin. Importantly, these changes were associated with an increase in vascular density within the H 2 S-treated hearts. Additional studies demonstrated that H 2 S therapy resulted in activation of eNOS via phosphorylation of serine1177 with significant increases in (nitric oxide) NO bioavailability in the myocardium and circulation. These results suggest that H 2 S attenuates LV remodeling and dysfunction in the setting of heart failure by augmenting nitric oxide production via eNOS and creating a pro-angiogenic environment for the growth of new vessels.
Molecular modeling studies of polymeric gas separation and barrier materials: structure and transport mechanisms

Molecular modeling studies have been completed on cis-PTBA(poly(tert-butylacetylene)) and Sixef44 polyimide, two glassy polymers that can be used to form gas separation membranes. The modeling studies show that polymer backbone bond rotations in PTBA are not thermally allowed. This leads to a helical structure for the cis-PTBA chains which pack as if the helices were rigid rods. Here, polymer free volume is formed by the interstitial space between adjacent helices, and gas transport occurs via continuous diffusion through the resulting channel-like free volume. On the other hand, Sixef44 exhibits a flexible polymer backbone, which leads to the formation of irregular voids. In this case, gas molecules are free to move within the voids, but transport occurs only by hopping to an adjacent void, or by void diffusion. In either case, gas transport is closely coupled to polymer backbone motion. Thus, these studies suggest two different types of free volume and gas transport mechanisms. The diffusion mechanism in glassy polymer membranes will depend on the nature of the free volume (e.g. the type of chain packing), and the polymer backbone chain flexibility.
Fracture Behavior of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy During Low-Stress High-Temperature Deformation

Investigation of creep behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy at three different temperatures (230, 270, and 350 °C) and stresses of 1–13 MPa reveals that grain boundary sliding (GBS) is the dominant creep mechanism at elevated temperatures and low stresses. GBS and Mg17Al12 precipitates in Mg–Al alloys result in stress concentration sites for cavity formation during high-temperature low-strain rate deformation leading to premature failures. Analysis of fractured surfaces of samples deformed at 350 °C reveals that brittle-type fracture (inter-granular and trans-granular) is the dominant mechanism at low stresses (σ = 1–5 MPa) while at higher stresses (σ = 7–13 MPa) dimple ruptures are predominant. Grain growth, dynamic recovery, and a decrease in dislocation density are characteristics of low-stress deformation of AZ31 alloys in GBS region whereas increase in dislocation density and dynamic recrystallization is noted during deformation under higher stresses where dislocation creep was noted to be predominant.
Simulation of charge transport in ion channels and nanopores with anisotropic permittivity

Ion channels are part of nature’s solution for regulating biological environments. Every ion channel consists of a chain of amino acids carrying a strong and sharply varying permanent charge, folded in such a way that it creates a nanoscopic aqueous pore spanning the otherwise mostly impermeable membranes of biological cells. These naturally occurring proteins are particularly interesting to device engineers seeking to understand how such nanoscale systems realize device-like functions. Availability of high-resolution structural information from X-ray crystallography, as well as large-scale computational resources, makes it possible to conduct realistic ion channel simulations. In general, a hierarchy of simulation methodologies is needed to study different aspects of a biological system like ion channels. Biology Monte Carlo (BioMOCA), a three-dimensional coarse-grained particle ion channel simulator, offers a powerful and general approach to study ion channel permeation. BioMOCA is based on the Boltzmann Transport Monte Carlo (BTMC) and Particle-Particle-Particle-Mesh (P3M) methodologies developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In this paper we briefly discuss the various approaches to simulating ion flow in channel systems that are currently being pursued by the biophysics and engineering communities, and present the effect of having anisotropic dielectric constants on ion flow through a number of nanopores with different effective diameters.
Deletion of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase domain in mice provides protection from endotoxin-induced acute liver failure.

Abstract The targeted deletion of the cytoplasmic domain of the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) in mice leads to exaggerated responses to injury in several murine models of inflammation as well as increased lethality in response to endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). Using a well-characterized model of LPS-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in galactosamine (GalN)-sensitized mice, we show that Ron TK −/− mice display marked protection compared with control Ron TK +/+ mice. Whereas control mice have profound elevation of serum aminotransferase levels (a marker of hepatocyte injury) and hemorrhagic necrosis of the liver, in dramatic contrast, Ron TK −/− mice have mild elevation of aminotransferase levels and relatively normal liver histology. These findings are associated with a reduction in the number of liver cells undergoing apoptosis in Ron TK −/− mice. Paradoxically, treatment of Ron TK −/− mice with LPS/GalN leads to markedly elevated (3.5-fold) serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, a key inflammatory mediator in this liver injury model, as well as reduced amounts of interleukin (IL) 10 (a suppressor of TNF-α production) and interferon (IFN)-γ (a TNF-α sensitizer). These results show that ablation of the TK activity of the Ron receptor leads to protection from the development of hepatocellular apoptosis in response to treatment with LPS/GalN, even in the presence of excessive levels of serum TNF-α. In conclusion, our studies show that the Ron receptor TK plays a critical role in modulating the response of the liver to endotoxin. (H EPATOLOGY 2002;36:1053-1060.)
Modeling of Highly Flexible Multifunctional Wings for Energy Harvesting

In this paper, modeling of energy harvesting from transient vibrations of slender wings using piezoelectric transduction is implemented in a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation. The resulting structural dynamic equations for multifunctional beams are then coupled with a finite-state unsteady aerodynamic formulation, allowing for both energy harvesting and piezoelectric actuation with the nonlinear aeroelastic system. With the development, it is possible to provide an accurate, integral aeroelastic and electromechanical solution of both energy harvesting from and active control for wing vibrations, considering the geometrical nonlinear effects of slender wings. The current paper focuses on modeling the energy harvesting subsystem and exploring its impact on the multifunctional system. Vibrations of a slender multifunctional wing excited by both aeroelastic instability and external wind gusts will be considered as the sources of energy harvesting. All simulations will be completed in the t...
Townsend Ionization Coefficients in Cs-Ag-O Photo-Tubes Filled with Argon

The attempt is made to account for the amplification of photo-currents at low current densities in argon-filled Cs-Ag-O tubes on the basis of Townsend's theory assuming secondary electron emission by positive ions. Special sealed-off tubes were used having parallel plates at various separations and a constant gas pressure. Values of the Townsend coefficients $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ were determined at each value of field by simultaneous solution of the Townsend equations for two plate separations. The $\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{{p}_{0}} \mathrm{vs}. \frac{E}{{p}_{0}}$ plot has a maximum at $\frac{E}{{p}_{0}}\ensuremath{\cong}700$ volts/cm \ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{} mm. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-values for the two types of cathodes used are sensibly constant at low fields. Measured values of the striking potentials of the glow discharge are in quantitative agreement with the positive ion mechanism assumed. The photosensitivity of the compound caesium cathodes was found to increase with increase of bombarding ion current.
Surgical outcomes after total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation in pediatric patients.

Background This study aims to review surgical outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation (TP/IAT) for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Methods All pediatric patients (≤18 years old) undergoing TP/IAT over a 10-year period (December 2002–June 2012) were identified for inclusion in a single-center, observational cohort study. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify pertinent preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data, including narcotic usage, insulin requirements, etiology of pancreatitis, previous operative interventions, operative times, islet cell yields, duration of hospital stay, and overall quality of life. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 health questionnaire. Results Fourteen pediatric patients underwent TP/IAT for the treatment of CP at the University of Cincinnati with a mean age of 15.9 years (range, 14–18) and a mean body mass index of 21.8 kg/m 2 (range, 14–37). Of the patients, 50% ( n = 7) were male and 29% had undergone previous pancreatic operations (1 each of Whipple, Puestow, Frey, and Berne procedures). Etiology of pancreatitis was idiopathic for 57% ( n = 8); the remainder had identified genetic mutations predisposing to pancreatitis (CFTR, n = 4; SPINK1, n = 1; PRSS1, n = 1). Mean operative time was 532 minutes (range, 360–674) with an average hospital duration of stay of 16 days (range, 7–37). Islet cell isolation resulted in mean islet cell equivalents (IEQ) of 500,443 in patients without previous pancreatic surgery versus 413,671 IEQ in patients with prior pancreatic surgery ( P = .12). Median patient follow-up was 9 months from surgery (range, 1–78). Preoperatively, patients required on average 32.7 morphine equivalent mg per day (MEQ), which improved to 13.9 MEQ at most recent follow-up. Eleven patients (79%) were narcotic independent. None of the patients were diabetic preoperatively. All of the patients were discharged after the operation with scheduled insulin requirements (mean, 17 U/d). This requirement decreased to a mean of 10.1 U/d at most recent follow-up visit. Four patients (29%) progressed to insulin independence. All patients in this series achieved stable glycemic control postoperatively and there was no incidence of “brittle” diabetes. Quality-of-life surveys showed improvement in all tested modules. Conclusion This study represents one of the largest series examining TP/IAT in the pediatric population. Pediatric patients benefitted from TP/IAT with a decrease in postoperative narcotic requirements, stable glycemic control, and improved quality of life.
Estrogen target neurons in the forebrain of the cat during postnatal development.

The postnatal ontogeny of estrogen binding neurons in the forebrain of the kitten was studied quantitatively by counting 14,000 neurons in thaw-mount autoradiograms. One hour after the i.v. injection of [3H]estradiol into male and female kittens at 3, 10 and 22 days of age, concentrations of radioactivity were observed in the nuclei of neurons in the septal-bed nucleus-preoptic area, hypothalamus, and amygdala; these are the same regions that have been shown to contain estrogen target neurons in adult female cats. In addition, however, estrogen target neurons were present in the lateral third of the caudate nucleus (n.) and in the putamen in 3-day-old kittens; regions that are devoid of any estrogen target cells in the adult. Between 3 and 10 days of age, the numbers of labeled neostriatal neurons decreased markedly, and they were down to about 15% of 3-day values in kittens 22 days of age. The transient presence of estrogen target neurons during the phase of rapid dendritic development and synaptogenesis in the caudate n. immediately after birth raises the question of whether gonadal hormones may influence sexual differentiation in the neostriatum. In the medial preoptic n., a greater percentage of neurons were labeled in males than in females. There were no consistent sex differences in labeling in six other regions examined: ventromedial n., arcuate n., medial amygdaloid n., septofimbrial n., caudate n. and putamen.
Recent development in solar wind modeling

An improved knowledge of the physical conditions in the low corona and solar wind can only be obtained through careful comparisons between theoretical descriptions of the solar wind expansion and plasma parameters derived from observations. In this review we will present a summary of recent approaches in solar wind modeling. The plasma parameters characterizing the solar wind models will be compared to constraints inferred from in-situ and remote observations. We will then discuss the implications of the results obtained from this study for future model studies and observations. Emphasis will be placed on high-speed solar wind streams originating from large coronal holes.
A rationale for plasma cholesterol modulation by dietary fatty acids: Modeling the human response in animals

Abstract At low levels of dietary cholesterol intake ( 500 mg/day), the plasma cholesterol response is no longer described accurately by dietary 14:0 and 18:2 alone. In such situations 16:0 appears to contribute to plasma cholesterol elevation. The hypercholesterolemic potential of 16:0, possibly reflecting a synergism between dietary cholesterol and 16:0, is thought to reside, in part, in the ability of 16:0 to increase the transport of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) apoB. Increased production of VLDL, coupled with impaired LDL receptor activity, results in an expansion of the LDL pool when the ability to clear VLDL remnants is impaired. Evidence is also available to suggest that the position of saturated fatty acids on the TG molecule affects its hypercholesterolemic ability. An argument is made for selecting animal models for investigation of the fat saturation effect based initially on the total plasma cholesterol (TC) response, with subsequent emphasis being placed on lipoproteins and the actual control mechanism(s) once the generic similarity in the TC response with that in humans has been established.
Influences on consumer use of word-of-mouth recommendation sources

This article reports the development and testing of a theoretical model of the initial stages of recommendation-based decision making by consumers. Although consumers use a variety of recommendation sources, they have different motivations for the use of different sources. The model focuses on the factors that influence the likelihood of consumers using strong-tie sources (e.g., friends and family) and weak-tie sources (e.g., acquaintances or strangers) or recommendations. The factors used in the model are the prior knowledge level of the consumer about the product being considered, the perceived decision task difficulty level, and the type of evaluative cues sought by the consumer. Hypotheses are tested using data collected in an extensive field study with consumers. Two paths or routes of influence on the use of recommendation sources are proposed and confirmed in the study.
Infrared Microspectroscopic Investigation of the Diffusion of E7 into Poly(Butyl Methacrylate)

The components of a liquid crystal mixture (E7) have been shown to diffuse at different rates in polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs). It was observed in this work that liquid crystals of different molecular weights diffuse into poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) at different rates at a constant temperature. It was also determined that the components in a liquid crystal mixture diffuse into the polymer at different rates. The effect is quite small under normal conditions, so elevated temperatures, simplified diffusion boundaries, and extended time scales were employed to magnify the diffusion separation effects for study. This work demonstrates that the components of E7 diffuse at different rates. Practically, the short phase separation times experienced during the generation of a PDLC may be insufficient to promote this effect to the point where optical properties are adversely affected.
Recovery of Mood Changes Experienced When Running an Ultramarathon

Psychological mood states have been shown to affect performance of ultramarathoners. To investigate differences between finishers and nonfinishers and mood changes associated with competing in an u...
A 40–Year-Old Woman Considering Contraception

This clinical conference presents the case of a 40-year-old married US woman who is seeking a highly effective contraceptive method since she does not want another pregnancy. Throughout most of her childbearing years the patient used a combination of vaginal diaphragm and condom. 18 months ago she began using oral contraceptives (OCs) for the first time. The OCs reduced the patients premenstrual emotional lability and the amount of menstrual flow but caused intermittent headaches. For this patient the benefits of OC use far outweighed the problem with headaches. Debated in this conference is the issue of whether women can safely use OCs up to menopause. It is noted that for most women in the later childbearing years the combined contraceptive and noncontraceptive benefits clearly exceed the health risks for all methods of contraception. Questions regarding the safety of OC use among older women have focused on the risks of cardiovascular disease venous thromboembolism breast cancer and cervical cancer. The general consensus of case discussants was that as long as the patient remains healthy and does not smoke she is at low risk for continuing to use OCs until menopause. Vasectomy is another feasible option if the couple decides a permanent method of contraception is acceptable.
Formation and Optical Properties of a Warm Cloud in a Slow–Expansion Cloud Chamber

Abstract The formation of a warm cloud was studied in a 1.1 m−3, isothermal, slow–expansion cloud chamber. The evolution of the precloud haze droplet population into the incloud haze and cloud droplet populations was measured in unprecedented detail. The chamber environment was found to closely reproduce cloud formation in an adiabatically expanding parcel. Further, the microphysical characteristics of the cloud resembled those of a marine stratocumulus cloud. A procedure for estimating subsaturated and supersaturated relative humidity values was developed and shown to reproduce modeled values. Unique measurements of cloud droplets evaporating into haze droplets were obtained. The visual range within the chamber was calculated to he 4 m, a value sufficiently low to conduct electromagnetic energy propagation experiments.
Secular geographical polarization in the American South: The case of Texas, 1996-2010

This article uses fine-grained data to demonstrate that, since 1996, the State of Texas has undergone a process of ‘secular geographical polarization’ – a continuous divergence in the geographical bases of its political parties. It is suggested that this process exemplifies a new era of partisan politics in the American South. Analyses of spatial regression models show that the geographical polarization can be partially explained by a tighter link between demographic characteristics and aggregate voting patterns, but that growth in spatial clustering cannot be attributed entirely to demographics. The possibility that spatially-bounded social contexts are affecting partisan change is thus explored. Finally, the article's findings are considered in light of the growing debate about geographical polarization in the American electorate.
Effect of the renin-angiotensin system on limb circulation and metabolism during exercise in patients with heart failure.

The maximal aerobic exercise capacity of patients with chronic heart failure is frequently decreased because of inadequate blood flow to working skeletal muscle. To investigate whether this reduced flow is in part due to interference by angiotensin II with arteriolar dilation in working muscle, the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril on leg blood flow, leg vascular resistance, leg oxygen consumption ( V ˙ O 2 ) and leg lactate release during maximal upright bicycle exercise was examined in 12 patients with heart failure (maximal V ˙ O 2 10.7 ± 3.1 ml/min per kg). Captopril decreased leg resistance at rest (258 ± 115 to 173 ± 67 U, p V ˙ O 2 were unchanged and, at identical peak exercise work times, there was no improvement in leg blood flow (2.0 ± 0.9 to 2.0 ± 1.1 liters/min, p = NS), leg V ˙ O 2 (261 ± 104 to 281 ± 157 ml/min, p = NS) or leg lactate release (269 ± 149 to 227 ± 151 mg/min, p = NS). These data suggest that, during exercise in patients with heart failure, angiotensin II does not interfere with blood flow to working skeletal muscle.
Brief motivational intervention for heavy drinking mandated and voluntary freshmen: A 1-year follow-up assessment.

Abstract Background Alcohol abuse among freshmen university students is a major public health issue with associated costs to individuals and the society of substantial morbidity, high-risk negative behaviors (e.g., blackouts, rape, suicide, and violence), and mortality. This longitudinal study compared the effectiveness of a brief motivational intervention (MI) in decreasing alcohol consumption and related consequences among mandated students and voluntary students. Readiness to change drinking behaviors was compared between the groups. Methods Eligible participants (710 voluntary and 190 mandated, N = 900) received MI at baseline and again at 2 weeks with boosters at 3, 6, and 12 months. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the two groups. Results Alcohol use and related consequences in both groups decreased significantly between baseline and 12 months. At baseline, a significantly larger percent of students from the mandated group than the voluntary group were in the action stage of change (52.1% vs. 27.5%), and a significantly smaller percentage of mandated students were in the precontemplation stage ( p Discussion MI effects were sustained over 12 months. Alcohol consumption and related consequences decreased significantly among the freshmen who were mandated to attend the program as well as among students who volunteered to participate in the study. The findings support the importance of advanced practice nurses conducting MI as an intervention with college students.
Blue-green bacteria synthesise L-tyrosine by the pretyrosine pathway.

THE similarity of major biochemical pathways throughout the animal and plant kingdoms1 presumably reflects the ancient formation of the pathways in a common ancestral counterpart of modern cell types. The pathway previously known for L-tyrosine biosynthesis in both prokaryotie and eukaryotic microorganisms (Fig. 1a) involves a dehydrogenation-decarboxylation conversion of prephenate to 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate followed by transamination in the presence of a suitable amino donor. Our data (Fig. 1b) demonstrate a reversed order of these two reactions in several species of blue–green algae (more appropriately designated bacteria (order Chrooeocales2)).
Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to mycoplasma pneumoniae in an adult

A case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (erythema multiforme major) due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a 45-year-old man is presented. This association has been previously reported only in children and young adults. A brief review of erythema multiforme, including the Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is described. M. pneumoniae should be added to the list of causes of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome in adults with pneumonia.
Ocular albinism with absent foveal pits but without nystagmus, photophobia, or severely reduced vision

A 9-year-old Caucasian girl of northern European ancestry presented with findings suggestive of ocular albinism, although she maintains good visual acuity and lacks nystagmus and photophobia. DNA analysis revealed that the patient is a compound heterozygote for mutations in the tyrosinase gene, which is typically associated with overt, generalized oculocutaneous albinism and severe ocular symptoms. Her particular genotype confers no apparent cutaneous disease and only mild ocular features.
Reliability-Based Design Optimization for Durability of Ground Vehicle Suspension System Components

The effect of materials processing- and component manufacturing-induced uncertainties in material properties and component shape and size on the reliability of component performance is investigated. Specifically, reliability of a suspension system component from a high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle which typically can fail under low-cycle strain-based fatigue conditions is analyzed. Toward that end, the most advanced reliability-based design optimization methods available in the literature were combined with the present understanding of low-cycle fatigue durability and applied to the component in question. This entailed intricate integration of several computational tools such as multibody vehicle dynamics, finite-element simulations, and fatigue strain-life assessment/prediction techniques. The results obtained clearly revealed the importance of consideration of material property uncertainties in attaining vehicle performance of critical structural components in complex systems (e.g., a vehicle).
Logic Models and Content Analyses for the Explication of Evaluation Theories: The Case of Emergent Realist Evaluation

Abstract We comment on a set of papers in this journal issue that have examined three evaluation theories by constructing a logic model for each and conducting a set of comparative content analyses. We consider the set of papers as an instance of research on evaluation. For instance, we question the extent to which linear logic models convey the contingent decision making emphasized by some evaluation theories. We also offer specific comments about the papers’ treatment of one theory, so-called emergent realist evaluation.
Mechanism of Sorption and Diffusion in a High Free-Volume Polymer

The structure of poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propyne] (PTMSP) is distinct from other glassy polymers because of the presence of bulky side groups which obstruct the packing of polymer chains and allow extraordinarily high permeability of sorbed molecules. Molecular transport models traditionally applied to standard glassy polymers reach some limitations in the description of diffusion in PTMSP because of differences in the mechanism of sorption and diffusion. Analysis of sorption equilibria and permeability data measured for PTMSP is undertaken in an effort to elucidate the mechanism of mass transfer. Sorption equilibrium indicates that a multilayer adsorption mechanism can account for the isotherm data, and analysis of dynamics indicates that a multilayer surface diffusion model successfully characterizes the permeability measurement. A favorable comparison of values for the characterizing variables between PTMSP and other microporous materials generates further support for the assertion that this high fre...
Use of Outpatient Care by Juvenile Detainees Upon Community Reentry: Effects of Mental Health Screening and Referral

ObjectiveThis study assessed rates of mental health care utilization among juvenile detainees upon community reentry and examined the impact of a mental health screening and referral program.MethodsA pre-post cohort design was used: 24 months before and after implementation of the program. The sample included 7,265 observations from 6,345 participants age 13 to 18 (first cohort, 4,812; second, 2,453). Outcomes included mental health care utilization (30 and 60 days postdetention) and recidivism (three and six months postdetention).ResultsLogistic regression models of utilization at 30 days, controlling for cohort differences with propensity scores, found that males were less likely than females to have a mental health visit (odds ratio [OR]=.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]=.45–.64, p<.01); the likelihood was also lower among black (OR=.52, CI=.44–.62, p<.01) and Hispanic (OR=.12, CI=.07–.22, p<.01) youths, compared with white youths, and among older youths (OR=.53, CI=.50–.57, p<.01) (similar results at ...
WADA, the Promises of Law and the Landscapes of Antidoping Regulation

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) spearheads the international campaign against doping in sport, working within and across nongovernmental and legal spheres. This article examines WADA's organizational structure as a hybrid entity that operates between formal law and informal regulation. It analyzes the events that led to WADA's establishment, the rhetoric in which policy makers have lobbied for more legalistic measures, and the unforeseen side effects of pursuing these aims. The rhetoric deployed characterizes events in terms of a contextually specific framing of time, space, and social orientation (kairos) designed to reach and shape a particular audience. In this case, images of imminent danger pervade an antidoping rhetoric that envisions criminal law as a necessary antidote. Ironically, the success of WADA's rhetorical reframing could well undermine its stated goals, demonstrating the double bind created for hybrid NGOs that operate between formal and informal sectors in global arenas.
VULVOVAGINAL SOFT TISSUE TUMOURS: UPDATE AND REVIEW

Differences in biological behaviour make familiarity with (and accurate diagnosis of) vulvovaginal soft tissue tumours essential. Since ancillary studies such as immunoperoxidase staining and electron microscopy may not always be helpful in their distinction, one must often rely on morphological features to distinguish between different tumour types. This is particularly pertinent with regard to the relatively site-specific stromal tumours of this region. The purpose of this review article is to reacquaint the reader with these specific types of vulvovaginal soft tissue tumour, particularly focusing upon the salient morphological features that help in their distinction, as well as to review their clinical aspects and pathogenesis. The following soft tissue lesions are described: fibroepithelial stromal polyp, cellular angiofibroma, angiomyofibroblastoma, superficial angiomyxoma and aggressive angiomyxoma. Because of continued difficulty in predicting their behaviour, a discussion of vulvar smooth muscle tumours is also included, with a particular focus upon a practical approach to their diagnosis.
A re-usable architecture for embedded INFOSEC applications

As the Department of Defense (DoD) reduces in size, and the DoD supplier base consolidates, the number of organizations that maintain high assurance information security (INFOSEC) expertise will decrease. As this occurs, the demand for embeddable security features in new and diverse products, including commercial products, will increase. In addition, increasingly limited resources at the National Security Agency (NSA) will result in fewer DoD approvals. An effective method of addressing these conflicting trends is to develop a highly transportable and hierarchical INFOSEC architecture. To be successful, an autonomous subsystem would be required which meets the DoD/NSA current and future standards. Harris Corporation has made a long term R and D investment into developing such an architecture, internally called the Common INFOSEC Module (CIM). The CIM architecture addresses the need for a National Security Agency (NSA) endorsed, embeddable technology that can be tailored to communications platforms to provide type I communications and transmission security (COMSEC and TRANSEC), along with advanced key management. In addition, CIM accommodates cryptographic solutions that support NATO interoperability, sensitive but unclassified requirements, and selected export requirements. This paper presents the technical approaches developed and the benefits provided to military communicators.
Defected/decorated benzenoid/graphitic nanostructures

Various decorations, functionalizations, or defects of conjugated benzenoid or graphitic networks are considered, with special attention to the case that the structures are possibly extended in one or two dimensions. This includes various polymers, their end struc- tures, and defects of side groups or vacancies along the chain, strip, or nanotube. This ap- proach further includes various boundary (or edge) structures on semi-infinite graphite, as well as various "quasi-local" defects in what is otherwise two-dimensionally infinite graphite, such defects encompassing vacancy defects, selected substitutional defects, and perhaps even dislocations and disclinations. There are many possible such nanostructures, but property characterization is ultimately desired. Attention is paid to consequent occur- rences of defect-localized unpaired (or weakly paired) electrons, as formulated within a res- onating valence bond (RVB) framework, especially as regards simple classically appealing theorems or rules. But a further molecular orbital (MO) view is developed. Note is made of associated modifications in the local density of states near the Fermi energy. Consonance of predictions from RVB and MO viewpoints is taken as an indicator of reliable prediction.
Approximate Analysis of Axisymmetric Supersonic Base Flows with Injection

ASIMPLE analysis of the base pressure on a projectile with mass addition was sought, so that base drag reduction due to injection could be estimated. A numerical treatment was rejected, since only limited success has been achieved with this approach for simpler problems of the same type.1 The Crocco-Lees2'3'4 approach was not used, since it does not permit easy extension for injection3 or axisymmetric geometry.5'6 The approach of Refs. 7 and 8 that was successful for planar problems with injection was chosen as the starting point. That approach involves separate models for separate regions—the main mixing region, the corner/base region, and a recirculation region for low injection rates joined together. The main problem in any axisymmetric analysis is the selection of a pressure-angle relationship. For the planar arrangement, we used9