cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Digital Modality Decision Program for Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Patient education regarding end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has the potential to reduce adverse outcomes and increase the use of in-home renal replacement therapies. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether an online, easily scalable education program can improve patient knowledge and facilitate decision making regarding renal replacement therapy options. Methods: We developed a 4-week online, digital educational program that included written information, short videos, and social networking features. Topics included kidney transplant, conservative management, peritoneal dialysis, in-home hemodialysis, and in-center hemodialysis. We recruited patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (stage IV and V) to enroll in the online program, and we evaluated the feasibility and potential impact of the digital program by conducting pre- and postintervention surveys in areas of knowledge, self-efficacy, and choice of ESRD care. Results: Of the 98 individuals found to be eligible for the study, 28 enrolled and signed the consent form and 25 completed the study. The average age of participants was 65 (SD 15) years, and the average estimated glomerular filtration rate was 21 (SD 6) ml/min/1.73 m2. Before the intervention, 32% of patients (8/25) were unable to make an ESRD treatment choice; after the intervention, all 25 participants made a choice. The proportion of persons who selected kidney transplant as the first choice increased from 48% (12/25) at intake to 84% (21/25) after program completion (P=.01). Among modality options, peritoneal dialysis increased as the first choice for 4/25 (16%) patients at intake to 13/25 (52%) after program completion (P=.004). We also observed significant increases in knowledge score (from 65 [SD 56] to 83 [SD 14]; P<.001) and self-efficacy score (from 3.7 [SD 0.7] to 4.3 [SD 0.5]; P<.001). Conclusions: Implementation of a digital ESRD education program is feasible and may facilitate patients’ decisions about renal replacement therapies. Larger studies are necessary to understand whether the program affects clinical outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02976220; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02976220
Abstract WP375: "Endovascular Go" to Puncture Time for Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Quality metrics for thrombectomy measure timeliness of treatment using door-to-puncture time. Due to the different modes of patient presentation, “door” time may herald anything from ...
Qualifying Conditions Of Medical Cannabis License Holders In The United States.

The evidence for cannabis’s treatment efficacy across different conditions varies widely, and comprehensive data on the conditions for which people use cannabis are lacking. We analyzed state regis...
Measuring the Success of a Pipeline Program to Increase Nursing Workforce Diversity

The purpose of this study was to understand changes in knowledge and opinions of underserved American Indian and Hispanic high school students after attending a 2-week summer pipeline program using and testing a pre/postsurvey. The research aims were to (a) psychometrically analyze the survey to determine if scale items could be summed to create a total scale score or subscale scores; (b) assess change in scores pre/postprogram; and (c) examine the survey to make suggestions for modifications and further testing to develop a valid tool to measure changes in student perceptions about going to college and nursing as a result of pipeline programs. Psychometric analysis indicated poor model fit for a 1-factor model for the total scale and majority of subscales. Nonparametric tests indicated statistically significant increases in 13 items and decreases in 2 items. Therefore, while total scores or subscale scores cannot be used to assess changes in perceptions from pre- to postprogram, the survey can be used to examine changes over time in each item. Student did not have an accurate view of nursing and college and underestimated support needed to attend college. However students realized that nursing was a profession with autonomy, respect, and honor.
Protection and skills: Does trade policy favor low‐skill workers?

Many believe that international trade barriers in rich nations help low‐skill workers. Also, the empirical endogenous protection literature strongly implies that protection decreases with skill levels. This paper presents evidence against this conventional wisdom. Regressions based on a political economy model with search frictions and unemployment imply that protection and skill levels actually have a mound‐shaped relationship: industries with skills in the middle range get more protection than industries at either end of the distribution. Apparently, the politics of trade policy trump social concerns, rendering protection less “progressive” than is commonly believed.
New insights of growth hormone (GH) actions from tissue-specific GH receptor knockouts in mice.

ABSTRACT In order to provide new insights into the various activities of GH in specific tissues, recent advances have allowed for the generation of tissue-specific GHR knockout mice. To date, 21 distinct tissue-specific mouse lines have been created and reported in 28 publications. Targeted tissues include liver, muscle, fat, brain, bone, heart, intestine, macrophage, pancreatic beta cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and multi-tissue “global”. In this review, we provide a brief history and description of the 21 tissue-specific GHR knockout mouse lines. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(6):557-67
The effects of thiosemicarbazide on development in the wood frog, Rana sylvatica. I. Concentration effects.

Abstract The effects of exposure of Rana sylvatica tadpoles to varying concentrations (10–75 mg/liter for 4 days) of thiosemicarbazide (TSC) was studied. Exposure to concentrations of 25 mg/liter or more caused a curvature of digits, abnormal limb articulations, difficulty in swimming, and death. For all of these parameters, effects were dose dependent. Tadpoles exposed to 10 mg/liter metamorphosed significantly slower than controls while those exposed to 50 mg/liter metamorphosed significantly faster than controls. Rate of endochondral ossification in femurs and tibiofibulas also was affected by TSC. These long bones ossified faster than in controls in both the 25- and 75-mg/liter exposure groups. R. sylvatica tadpoles respond to TSC (a known osteolathyrogen) in a manner similar to that of other species. This response appears to be due in part to an acceleration of long bone ossification and speed of metamorphosis in high-concentration exposure groups. These responses are similar but not identical to those seen in Xenopus laevis, the only other amphibian studied to date.
RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells

2282 STAT3, a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription family, has the potential to mediate cell survival, growth and differentiation. STAT3 is constitutively activated in numerous cancers including more than 50% of breast cancer types. Previous studies have demonstrated that constitutively activated STAT3 plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. The present study was designed to investigate the potential use of RNA interference (RNAi) to block STAT3 expression and activation as well as any subsequent effect on the growth of human breast cancer cells. We identified a small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for STAT3. Here, we show that blockade of STAT3 activation by the STAT3 siRNA suppressed STAT3-mediated gene expression and the growth of human breast cancer cells while also inducing apoptotic cell death. These results demonstrate that targeting STAT3 signaling using siRNA may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer cells that express constitutively activated STAT3.
Gravitational Lensing Corrections in Flat ΛCDM Cosmology

We compute the deflection angle to order (m/r 0)2 and m/r 0 × Λr 2 0 for a light ray traveling in a flat ΛCDM cosmology that encounters a completely condensed mass region. We use a Swiss cheese model for the inhomogeneities and find that the most significant correction to the Einstein angle occurs not because of the nonlinear terms but instead occurs because the condensed mass is embedded in a background cosmology. The Swiss cheese model predicts a decrease in the deflection angle of ~2% for weakly lensed galaxies behind the rich cluster A1689 and that the reduction can be as large as ~5% for similar rich clusters at z ≈ 1. Weak-lensing deflection angles caused by galaxies can likewise be reduced by as much as ~4%. We show that the lowest order correction in which Λ appears is proportional to and could cause as much as a ~0.02% increase in the deflection angle for light that passes through a rich cluster. The lowest order nonlinear correction in the mass is proportional to and can increase the deflection angle by ~0.005% for weak lensing by galaxies.
Validation Study of Kaiser Permanente Bedside Dysphagia Screening Tool in Acute Stroke Patients.

Introduction Dysphagia occurs in up to 50% of patients with acute stroke symptoms, resulting in increased aspiration pneumonia rates and mortality. The purpose of this study was to validate a health system's dysphagia (swallow) screening tool used since 2007 on all patients with suspected stroke symptoms. Annual rates of aspiration pneumonia for ischemic stroke patients have ranged from 2% to 3% since 2007. Methods From August 17, 2015 through September 30, 2015, a bedside dysphagia screening was prospectively performed by 2 nurses who were blinded to all patients age 18 years or older admitted through the emergency department with suspected stroke symptoms at 21 Joint Commission accredited primary stroke centers in an integrated health system. The tool consists of 3 parts: pertinent history, focused physical examination, and progressive testing from ice chips to 90 mL of water. A speech language pathologist blinded to the nurse's screening results performed a formal swallow evaluation on the same patient. Results The end study population was 379 patients. Interrater reliability between 2 nurses of the dysphagia screening was excellent at 93.7% agreement (Ƙ = 0.83). When the dysphagia screenings were compared with the gold standard speech language pathologist professional swallow evaluation, the tool demonstrated both high sensitivity (86.4%; 95% confidence interval = 73.3-93.6) and high negative predictive value (93.8%; 95% confidence interval = 87.2-97.1). Conclusion This tool is highly reliable and valid. The dysphagia screening tool requires minimal training and is easily administered in a timely manner.
Slow nature-focused leisure in the days of COVID-19: repressive myths, social (in)justice, and hope

This paper offers a tri-fold contribution. The original intent for this special issue paper was an investigation into outdoor recreational experiences that place ‘nature' at the forefront of the ac...
Factors Related to Providers Screening Children for Behavioral Health Risks in Primary Care Settings.

Abstract Purpose To provide information from a large sample of pediatric and family medicine primary care providers on practices in screening children for behavioral health risks. Design and methods Participants were a sample of physicians (n=319) and nurse practitioners (n=292) from across the U.S. who completed a confidential online survey about screening practices through a computer-assisted self-interview. Results Almost all respondents (89%) reported screening children for depression/anxiety and behavior problems. Child substance use (82%), family social support (74%), significant household changes (73%), bullying (72%), child abuse (62%) and domestic violence (52%) were also asked about regularly, although with high rates of informal screening methods. Caregiver mental health (49%), caregiver substance use (35%), family financial strain (33%) and transportation difficulties (27%) were screened less frequently. Screening was associated with higher rates of referral for risk-related problems, and was more likely when providers reported greater confidence providing support to clients, perceived community resource availability as higher, and worked in systems with integrated primary care and behavioral health. Conclusions Findings suggest a great amount of diversity in how providers screen for behavioral health risks. There is reluctance to screen when options for addressing the problems are seen as limited. Research is needed to better guide healthcare providers in determining the right context and methods for screening social risks. Practice implications Protocols for screening adverse childhood events (ACES) and other social risk factors should be accompanied by adequate training and efforts to improve community resource and support networks.
Use of Predictive Modeling to Tailor Molecular Testing Utilization for Thyroid Nodules.

ObjectiveVarious risk stratification systems for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules are available. However, malignancy risk assessment data, such as ultrasound features, are not always use...
Independent Spaces of q-Polymatroids.

This paper is devoted to the study of independent spaces of q-polymatroids. With the aid of an auxiliary q-matroid it is shown that the collection of independent spaces satisfies the same properties as for q-matroids. However, in contrast to q-matroids, the rank value of an independent space does not agree with its dimension. Nonetheless, the rank values of the independent spaces fully determine the q-polymatroid, and this fact can be exploited to derive a cryptomorphism of q-polymatroids. Finally, the notions of minimal spanning spaces, maximally strongly independent spaces, and bases will be elaborated on.
Palliative care and coping in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving intensive induction therapy: A mediation analysis of data from a randomized trial.

12007Background: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving intensive induction chemotherapy experience significant symptoms, quality of life impairment, anxiety, and depression. We previ...
Recovery Characteristics in Neonates Following General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Chart Review.

Introduction Preterm babies increasingly survive the neonatal period as a result of advanced care practices. Accordingly, anesthesiologists are likely to encounter these patients with greater frequency. Ex-premature infants and term neonates are known to have an increased risk of post-operative apneas following surgery and anaesthesia. Methods Following approval from the Institutional Review Board, we performed a retrospective chart review of neonates 0-28 days of age who underwent general anaesthesia procedures over two years. Data collected included age days, sex, weight, gestational age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status, type of anaesthetic (general/regional/spinal), airway management, surgical procedure, intraoperative adverse events, duration of anaesthesia, medications administered, post-operative recovery location, the occurrence of apneic events, medical co-morbidities, duration of post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) admission, a requirement for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and duration of hospital admission. Results A total of 239 charts were reviewed from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2016. Ninety-five cases were excluded for required postoperative mechanical ventilation. For the remaining 144 cases, the mean age was 12.8 days, 65% male, 35% female, mean gestational age 38.6 weeks, mean post-menstrual age 40.5 weeks, mean ASA status 3.5, and mean weight 3.46 kg. Post-operative apnea was observed in two neonates (1.4%). Risk factors for postoperative apnea included lower gestational age at birth (median 37.5 vs. 39.1 weeks, p=0.26), lower post-menstrual age (median 38.5 vs. 41.0 weeks, p=0.18), and lower weight (median 2.8 vs. 3.5kg, p=0.27), respectively. ASA classification, preoperative anaemia, and known pathology were all significant risk factors for apnea (p<0.05). Significant factors from the bivariate analysis were preoperative anaemia, known pathology, age, duration of anaesthesia, weight, intraoperative fentanyl, and amount of neuromuscular blocker. Age and preoperative anaemia were significant predictors for recovery location. The odds of going to PACU vs NICU/PICU for post-operative recovery were 7.4 times greater for every two weeks greater age (95% CI=(2.80-19.31), p<0.001). Conclusion This study corroborates previous findings of predictive risk factors for post-anaesthesia apnea in preterm and term neonates. Previously reported risk factors, including low gestational/post-menstrual age, lower weight, and intraoperative narcotic use, were likely contributors to one of the apneic events in our study. A larger sample size is warranted to confirm a valid predictive model. Standardized universal guidelines would be useful in eliminating local variation in PACU monitoring and discharge criteria in this vulnerable age group.
Phenotype Discovery and Geographic Disparities of Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis across U.S. Counties: A Machine Learning Approach.

Background Disparities in the stage at diagnosis for breast cancer have been independently associated with various contextual characteristics. Understanding which combinations of these characteristics indicate highest risk, and where they are located, is critical to targeting interventions and improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Methods The study included women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 2009 and 2018 from 680 U.S. counties participating in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. We used a machine learning approach called Classification and Regression Tree (CART) to identify county 'phenotypes', combinations of characteristics that predict the percentage of breast cancer patients presenting with late-stage disease. We then mapped the phenotypes and compared their geographic distributions. These findings were further validated using an alternate machine learning approach called random forest. Results We discovered seven phenotypes of late-stage breast cancer. Common to most phenotypes associated with high risk of late-stage diagnosis were high uninsured rate, low mammography use, high area deprivation, rurality, and high poverty. Geographically, these phenotypes were most prevalent in southern and western states, while phenotypes associated with lower percentages of late-stage diagnosis were most prevalent in the northeastern states and select metropolitan areas. Conclusions The use of machine learning methods of CART and random forest together with geographic methods offers a promising avenue for future disparities research. Impact Local interventions to reduce late-stage breast cancer diagnosis, such as community education and outreach programs, can use machine learning and geographic modeling approaches to tailor strategies for early detection and resource allocation.
Thermal Measurements in the Red Sea Hot Brine Pools

Fourteen thermal gradient measurements in the sediments beneath the Atlantis II Deep show large temperature variations both with location in the deep and vertically within individual measurements. Maximum sediment temperature observed was 62.3°C. Thermal gradients ranging from 3.75°C/m (hotter at depth) to −0.87°C/m (cooler at depth) were found, with a tendency for gradients in regions of high absolute temperature to be small or slightly negative.
The Relationship Between Chronic Values in Toxicity Tests with Ceriodaphnia Dubia

Chronic toxicity tests using Ceriodaphnia dubia are conducted across the United States by facilities releasing wastewaters into bodies of freshwater, as well as by the appropriate agencies governing environmental protection. Until recently, the chronic values used for decision making were the "No Observable Effect Concentration" (NOEC), the "Lowest Observable Effect Concentration" (LOEC) and the "Chronic Value" (ChV). Currently, "Inhibition Concentrations of a Given Percent" (IC P ) are being considered, for effluent permitting, by a number of states. The IC P value is the concentration at which the reproduction of C. dubia is inhibited by "p" percent. It has been asserted that the IC 2 5 is approximately equivalent to the NOEC and that the IC 5 0 is similar to the ChV. Using data collected in a series of chronic toxicity tests, these values were compared. The results came from 3-brood Ceriodaphnia Survival and Reproduction tests that had been performed with 10 different metal cations. Results showed that the IC 2 5 values were similar to the NOEC, LOEC and the ChV. However, the IC 2 5 correlated best with the ChV, having only 7 (28%) of the values differing by more than 20%. In contrast, the LOEC and NOEC had 12 (48%) and 18 (72%) values, respectively, that were not within 20% of the IC 2 5 . Likewise the LOEC and IC 5 0 were most comparable to each other, with only 2 (8%) values differing by a factor of two or more, while the ChV had 9 (36%) and the NOEC had 12 (48%) such values. Finally the IC 1 0 was the most similar to the NOEC for these experiments, with only 6 (24%) values differing by more than 20%. This implies that the more recent philosophy of regulating to the IC 2 5 , instead of the NOEC, may not be as protective of aquatic life, if the wastewater contains metals.
LDL-Mine: Integrating Data Mining with Intelligent Query Answering

Current applications of data mining techniques highlight the need for flexible knowledge discovery systems, capable of supporting the user in specifying and refining mining objectives, combining multiple strategies, and defining the quality of the extracted knowledge. A key issue is the definition of Knowledge Discovery Support Environment, i.e., a query system capable of obtaining, maintaining, representing and using high level knowledge in a unified framework. This comprises representation and manipulation of domain knowledge, extraction and manipulation of new knowledge and their combination. In such a context, in [2,3] we envisaged an integrated architecture of data mining, further developed and experimented in [5] and resulting in the LDL−Mine environment. The basic philosophy of the environment is to integrate both inductive and deductive capabilities in a unified framework. A LDL−Mine program is composed of three main parts: source knowledge, modeled by facts; background knowledge, modeled by deductive clauses; and induced knowledge, modeled by inductive clauses. Inductive clauses provide a suitable interface to data mining algorithms: they define predicates that represent mining patterns, but can be used as deductive predicates and facts. This allows to amalgamate induction and deduction, and to model both interactive and iterative features of a data mining process. Figure 1 shows the main features of the system. LDL−Mine is built on top of the LDL++ system [8]. Indeed, the system exploits most of the functionalities of the LDL++ system, such as Application programming interface, deductive engine, and access to external databases. In addition, LDL−Mine implements an inductive engine that allows, by means of inductive clauses, interaction between mining algorithms and deductive components. In its current stage, the inductive engine implements three main data mining schemes, namely association rules mining [1], Bayesian Classification [7], and (both supervised and unsupervised) discretization of continuous attributes [6]. Each scheme corresponds to a specific inductive clause. In the following we show by examples how the notion of inductive clause is formalized within the LDL−Mine system, and some specific inductive clauses currently implemented.
Software and Copyright Exhaustion: A Proposal to Amend § 117 and Restore Balance to the Copyright System

Copyright law exists in a balance. On the one end, copyright grants authors a set of exclusive rights in an effort to incentivize them to create. On the other, the public gains needed access to a wider range of works and information after these new works are created and published. Disrupting the balance diminishes the central purpose of copyright – to promote the progress of science and the useful arts. Copyright’s protection of digital software and computer programs fails to meet this balance by allowing copyright owners to avoid “selling” their work and instead “license” the work. This Article argues that that § 117 of the Copyright Act, which addresses the rights of owners of copyright protected software, insufficiently protects end users. The best course of action, therefore, is to amend the language of § 117 to address the prevalent method of distribution of copyrighted material, placing emphasis on the rights granted to end users. This is possible without diminishing a copyright owner’s ability to price discriminate, and will result in restoring the essential balance to copyright law.
A mission planning expert system for an autonomous underwater vehicle

A progress report on the use of a Lisp machine and the KEE expert system shell to realize a mission planning expert system for a small autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is presented. The methodology adopted provides for incremental development through the modularity facilitated by object-oriented and rule-based programming as provided by KEE. In addition, the use of Lisp as the language for the AUV onboard mission control computer greatly simplifies code development, since recoding of simulation software is largely avoided. A key feature of this expert system is its ability to choose an appropriate search strategy for a particular mission, both for premission path planning and for real-time mission execution. In particular, for missions in which time is not critical, optimal methods such as A* search can be performed using all available information about the vehicle and its environment. On the other hand, when critical completion deadlines are required for either offboard or onboard path planning and obstacle avoidance, an appropriate suboptimal method capable of giving all acceptance answer within the mission time constraints is adopted. The performance of the mission planning expert system has been evaluated using a detailed graphical simulation of the AUV including a full nonlinear dynamic model. >
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) down-regulates the androgen receptor and the IGF pathway in the prostate of TRAMP mice

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4888 Prostate cancer (PCa), a major health concern for men, starts to develop early in life. By their sixties, over 40% of men have high-grade PIN, the precursor to PCa. Many have implemented chemopreventive agents into their daily diet in an attempt to delay the onset of a variety of cancers. Green tea, one such agent, has been shown to be chemopreventive in breast, skin, and prostate cancers. We hypothesized that EGCG, the major polyphenol found in green tea, will exert its chemopreventive effect in the prostate via regulation of sex steroid and growth factor signaling pathways. In the current study, TRAMP (Transgenic Adenocarcinoma Mouse Prostate) heterozygous male offspring were routinely produced as [TRAMP C57BL/6 females X C57BL/6 male breeders]. Five week old male TRAMP offspring were fed phytoestrogen-free powdered AIN-76A diet and 0.06% EGCG in tap water. The latter is based on a green tea extract dose that previously showed chemoprevention in this model. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age and ventral and dorsolateral prostates were removed for immunoblot analyses or ELISA to evaluate sex steroid and growth factor signaling. In the ventral prostate lobe, EGCG significantly decreased androgen receptor (AR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-R1), and phospho-extracellular regulating kinase 1 and 2 (P-ERK 1/2). In contrast, in the dorsolateral lobe, EGCG significantly decreased IGF-1, but did not alter AR, IGF-R1, or P-ERK 1/2. Elevated IGF-1 is associated with a higher risk for prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal cancer and P-ERK 1/2 activation leads to the transcription of genes responsible for cell growth and proliferation. EGCG mediates most of its action via the VP, although IGF-1 was decreased in both lobes. In summary, the attenuation of the androgen receptor, decrease in the potent growth factor IGF-1 and its receptor, IGF-R1, and the downregulation of downstream effectors, P-ERK1/2 in the VP, may provide a biochemical basis for EGCG suppressing PCa without significant toxicity.
Support for laws to prohibit weight discrimination in the united states: Public attitudes from 2011 to 2013

Objective Public attitudes about three proposed laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the US, from 2011 to 2013 were examined. Methods An online survey using a diverse national sample of US adults to assess their level of support for three specific laws against weight discrimination was conducted. Data collection occurred between June and July in 2011 (n = 1,098), 2012 (n = 1,202), and 2013 (n = 1,202). Results Between 2011 and 2013, support for laws prohibiting weight discrimination remained consistent, and in some cases became increasingly supportive, primarily in 2012-2013. At least 75% of participants consistently favored laws prohibiting weight discrimination in the workplace. Individuals became increasingly supportive of extending disability protections for individuals with obesity (62% in 2011 to 69% in 2013) and adding body weight as a protected class in Civil Rights statutes (70% in 2011 to 76% in 2013). Analyses highlight specific predictors of support (gender, race, education, and political affiliation). Conclusions There is strong, consistent support for policies prohibiting weight discrimination. These findings have important implications for developing specific antidiscrimination legislation to protect Americans with obesity and improve their quality of life.
Quantitative aqueous attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: Part II. Integrated molar absorptivities of alkyl carboxylates

A quantitative attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopic method is developed for the analysis of total carboxylate concentration, [COO−], in aqueous solution. The short (12–13 μm) and highly reproducible pathlength of the ATR cell permits quantitative subtraction of the water peak at 1640 cm−1. Carboxylate quantitation is based on the area of the asymmetric stretching peak, which is nearly independent of compound structure. The molar absorptivity of alkyl carboxylates in water is 438 ± 58 l mol−1 cm−1, and the integrated molar absorptivity is 2.95 ± 0.08 × 104 l mol−1 cm−2 (n = 15 compounds, 0.1 M ≤ [COO−] ≤ 1.5 M). The [COO−] in solutions of mixed carboxylates is measured with a root mean square error of 2.4% and a small (+1.5) positive bias. The accuracy of the method is limited by the assumption that integrated absorbance is constant for all COO− groups.
New ribosomes for new memories

Widely thought to be a housekeeping process, the regulation and synthesis of rRNA emerges as a potentially central mechanism for the maintenance of synaptic plasticity and memory. We have recently shown that an essential component of late-phase synaptic plasticity is rRNA biosynthesis - the rate-limiting step in the production of new ribosomes. We hypothesize that a particular population of ribosomes is generated upon learning-associated neural activity to alter the rate of synthesis of plasticity factors at tagged synapses that will support the maintenance of synaptic plasticity and memory.
Environmental influences on indoor walking behaviours of assisted living residents

Regular walking behaviours can improve older people's physical, psychological and social health. This project examined the relationships between assisted living facilities’ design features and residents’ indoor walking behaviours through surveys and field evaluations. Surveys were conducted in 18 assisted living facilities in the US state of Texas. Researchers gathered information from 343 residents about their walking behaviours, participation in other activities, health and demographic status, and perceptions of the environment. Field evaluations were conducted to collect objective physical environment measures. Facility information was provided by the administrators. Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis showed significant influences of physical environments on indoor walking behaviours. Indoor recreational walking was related negatively to the number of stories of the building and positively to the perception of looped corridors. Different types of utilitarian walking, such as ‘walk to other a...
Firms' Off-Balance Sheet Financing: Evidence from their Book-Tax Reporting Differences

We examine large U.S. corporations' off-balance sheet financing over the period 1989-2001. We construct firm-level proxies of off-balance sheet debt by comparing firms' tax return vs. financial statement reporting for interest expense and debt. Our results indicate that firms' financial reporting motives significantly influence their use of off-balance sheet debt. In particular, firms report greater amounts of interest on their tax return than to shareholders and creditors when their S&P bond ratings are less favorable, they have higher existing book leverage, or they have a greater proportion of debt that must be renegotiated in the short term. These results suggest that firms with greater credit risks are more likely to use substantive off-balance sheet debt. In supplemental tests, we find some evidence that these financial reporting effects occurred primarily during 1994-1999. We also find within-firm effects that suggest changes in firms' reporting incentives impact their use of off-balance sheet debt.
Synthesis of zirconium polyethers

The synthesis via interfacial and aqueous solution techniques of zirconium polyethers has been accomplished: Polymer yield seeks a maximum around a molar ratio of Cp2ZrCl2: Diol: Base of 1:1:2. Zirkoniumhaltige Polyather wurden auf folgendem Weg durch Grenzflachenpolykondensation und Losungspolykondensation hergestellt: Das Maximum der Ausbeute wird bei einem Molverhaltnis Cp2ZrCl2: Diol : Base von 1 : 1 : 2 beobachtet.
Cloning and functional characterization of novel genes preferentially expressed in hematopoietic cells

Abstract Elucidation of the temporal and spatial pattern of differential gene expression during differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors could have far reaching implications for ex vivo manipulation of HSC, clinical BM transplantation and gene therapy of hematologic disorders. It is likely that combined use of differential screening methods and cDNA microarrays will be necessary to generate a nonredundant database of differentially expressed genes and transcript catalogues for murine and human HSC and progenitors. Our strategy for isolation of genes preferentially expressed in mouse HSC and progenitors was based on (a) differential screening and subtraction of high quality full length cDNA libraries prepared from purified mouse Lin−Sca-1+ and Lin−Sca-1− BM cells, (b) cDNA sequencing, and (c) developmental and tissue-specific expression analysis of selected cDNAs. Here we report cloning of 3 novel genes with preferential expression in hematopoietic cells. Clone LS215 is a novel gene with multiple transmembrane domains, and is expressed in mouse ES cells, embryo, HSC, thymus, lymph node and uterus. Clone LS372 is a novel ring finger gene that is expressed in mouse ES cells, embryo, HSC, thymus and kidney. Clone LS416 is a novel KRAB zinc finger gene that is expressed in mouse ES cells, embryo, HSC, thymus, lymph node and skin. Using ES cell clones in which alleles for LS215, LS372, and LS416 were inactivated by ATG-less gene trap vector pGT1.8 βgeo (Dr. William Skarnes, UC Berkeley), we are generating knockout mice to study the role of these genes during blood cell development and differentiation.
Fingertip textural perception of normal children.

The current study investigated the influence of masking upon children's fingertip textural perception. While a screen occluded their vision 52 6- to 10-yr.-old subjects palpated a pair of equivalent paper-covered sandpaper blocks and judged whether the blocks felt rougher when palpated with or without intermediate paper covering their fingertips. Pressure exerted by the subjects was recorded. It was concluded that children's judgment is independent of pressure exerted; r = .04. Masking in children, unlike adults, was related to sandpaper grit, for the children judged the paper condition tougher primarily when the coarser sandpaper was used. Possible explanations are presented.
Mouse (Mus) burrows: Effects of age, strain, and domestication

Burrows dug by house mice in laboratory burrow boxes were examined in two inbred strains (C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ) across five age groups and compared with burrows of wild trapped mice. Burrows of feral domestic mice were examined in an outdoor enclosure as well as in the laboratory. Results demonstrated that burrows differ between strains; highly active C57 mice tended to burrow more than did Balbs at all age ranges. Moreover, burrows became more complex with age in both strains. Differences among domestic, feral, and wild mice were minimal. Results are discussed in terms of possible genetic differences in activity and as evidence against the notions of degeneracy accompanying domestication.
Construction and Validation of an Instrument to Measure Environmental Orientations in a Diverse Group of Children

An understanding of children’s environmental orientations is of critical importance as opportunities for authentic contact with nature diminish. Current instruments for measuring children’s environ...
Access to Healthcare Among Working-Aged Hispanic Adults in the United States*

Objectives. The purpose of this research is to examine differences in access to and sources of healthcare for working-aged adults among major Hispanic subpopulations of the United States. Nativity, duration in the United States, citizenship, and sociodemographic factors are considered as key predictors of access to and sources of care. Methods. Using pooled National Health Interview Surveys from 1999–2001, logistic and multinomial logistic regression models are estimated that compare Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and other Hispanics with non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites. Results. Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and other Hispanics display significantly less access to care than non-Hispanics whites, with immigrant status and socioeconomic status variables accounting for some, but not all, of the differences. For sources of care, Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and other Hispanic adults were all much more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report clinics or emergency rooms as their source of regular care. Conclusions. There are wide differences in access to and sources of care across racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Mexican-American adults, regardless if born in Mexico or the United States, appear to be most in need of access to regular and high-quality care. Naturalization may be an especially important factor in greater access to regular and high-quality care for Hispanic immigrants.
RHETORIC OF THE STANDARDS: THE DEBATE OVER GOLD AND SILVER IN THE 1890 s

In the 1890s, questions about whether to base the American currency upon gold or silver dominated public discourse and eventually forced a realignment of the political parties. The matter often confuses modern observers, who have trouble understanding how such a technically complex—even arcane—issue could arouse such passions. The fact that no major nation currently backs its currency with precious metal creates the suspicion that the issue was a “red herring” that distracted from matters of far greater importance. Yet the rhetoric surrounding the “Battle of the Standards” indicates that the more sophisticated advocates of both sides understood that, in the financial context of the 1890s, the contest between gold and silver not only had important economic implications but would substantially affect the future development of the United States.
Nutrition and cellular immunity.

Abstract We have investigated the influence of nutrition on immune function in animals and man over the past two decades. The profound impairment of immune function that had not been observed in children in developing countries could not consistently be reproduced in the laboratory setting; paradoxically, moderate nutritional restriction could even enhance T-cell-based cell-mediated immune responses in experimental animals. Studies of the crucial role of the element zinc in maintenance of vigorous cellular immunity provided at least a partial explanation of this paradox. Zinc, shown to be absolutely crucial for development and expression of both T- and B-cell functions, was commonly deficient as were other micronutrients under many conditions of protein-calorie malnutrition. Indeed, administration of adequate zinc alone could correct some of the T-cell-mediated immune functions in children with protein-calorie malnutrition. In later investigations we found that as long as all essential nutrients were supplied in adequate amounts, 40% chronic energy (calorie) restriction will regularly extend lifespan and maintain vigorous immunologic function while preventing numerous cancers and immunologically based diseases of aging, such as profound and destructive autoimmune diseases in genetically short-lived mice strains, as it was known to do for moderately long-lived rats and long-lived strains of mice. Such undernutrition without malnutrition appears to influence a wide range of critical metabolic and physiologic processes in both short-lived and long-lived animals. One of the most challenging of these influences was a down-regulation of cellular proliferation and cell turnover in each of the rapidly replicating tissues studied. It also regularly was possible to inhibit gene expression of certain oncogenic retroviruses, such as the mammary adenocarcinoma retrovirus, in highly susceptible strains of mice.
Effects of Estrogen and Ectopic Pituitary Transplants on the Responsiveness of Pituitary Prolactin Release to Luteinizing Hormone‐Releasing Hormone and Dopamine

The responsiveness of prolactin release to regulatory inputs depends on the functional state of the lactotrophs. In the present study, we have examined the effects of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH; lo-’ or M) on the release of prolactin in vitrofrom hyperplastic pituitaries of estrogen-treated male Fischer rats, ectopic pituitary transplants and in situ pituitaries of grafted and control rats. The effects of dopamine or lo-’ M) in this system were also examined. The extent of inhibition of prolactin release by dopamine was not related to the amounts of prolactin secreted under basal conditions or to plasma prolactin levels. LHRH significantly suppressed prolactin secretion in all groups but its effect was most pronounced in the ectopic pituitary transplants and in the hyperplastic pituitaries of animals after chronic exposure to estrogen followed by a period of recovery. Thus, the effects of LHRH on prolactin release appear to be related to the secretory activity andlor to the absolute or relative number of the lactotrophs.
An Overview of the SHS Technique and Applications

The concepts of Spatial Heterodyne Spectroscopy (SHS) are described, and trade-offs to be considered in applications are reviewed. SHS instruments in use and in development for ground- and space-based applications will be highlighted.
Preference of IRES-mediated initiation of translation during hibernation in golden-mantled ground squirrels, Spermophilus lateralis

Mammalian hibernation involves virtual cessation of energetically consumptive processes normally vital to homeostasis, including gene transcription and protein synthesis. As animals enter torpor, the bulk of initiation of translation is blocked at a body temperature of 18°C in golden-mantled ground squirrels [Spermophilus (Callospermophilus) lateralis]. Previous data demonstrated regulation of cap-dependent initiation of translation during torpor. We asked what happens to cap-independent, specifically, internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated initiation of translation during hibernation. We analyzed polysome fractions for mRNAs that are known to contain or not to contain IRES elements. Here, we show that mRNAs harboring IRES elements preferentially associate with ribosomes as a torpor bout progresses. Squirrels allowed to naturally complete a torpor cycle have a higher IRES preference index than those animals that are prematurely aroused from torpor. Data indicate that this change in preference is not associated with gene expression, i.e., change is due to change in mRNA association with ribosomes as opposed to mRNA abundance. Thus, although processes like transcription and translation are virtually arrested during torpor, ribosomes are preferentially loaded with IRES-containing transcripts when squirrels arouse from torpor and translation resumes. Differential translation of preexisting mRNAs may allow for the preferential production of key stress proteins critical for survival of physiological insults that are lethal to other mammals.
Characteristics and Control of Combustion Instabilities in a Swirl-Stabilized Spray Combustor

Active control of combustion instabilities in a swirl-stabilized spray combustor was investigated. The combustor was characterized by a thermoacoustic instability at approximately 200 Hz. Both open- and closed-loop control tests were conducted. A feedback phase-delay control was implemented using a high-speed microprocessor. The phase-delay control clearly indicates the potential for suppressing the thermoacoustic instabilities in swirl-stabilized combustion. Two flow conditions, one corresponding to high NOx and another corresponding to high-pressure oscillations, were selected for feedback-loop control studies. Best control was achieved with 60-90 deg phase lag, and for the high-pressure oscillation baseline case, the peak amplitude of the pressure oscillations decrease by a factor of three. It was observed that control of pressure oscillations could be achieved without adversely effecting or increasing the NOx emissions. In fact, NOx emissions decrease with control. Velocity measurements were performed for both the uncontrolled and controlled conditions using a two-component laser Doppler velocimeter system. With control, the rms values of the velocity fluctuations decrease significantly (over 50% in certain regions), and this reduction is observed in both the coherent and random components of the velocity fluctuations. Control also leads to an increase in the strength of the central recirculation region, which promotes flame stability.
A presentation of SL 2 for Euclidean imaginary quadratic number fields

Let G be any group and G′ its derived, then G/G′ —the group G made abelian—will be denoted by G a . Over any ring R , denote by E 2 ( R ) the group generated by the matrices as x ranges over R ; the structure of E 2 ( R) a has been described in a recent theorem [2; Th. 9.3] for certain rings R , the “quasi-free rings for GE 2 ” ( cf. §2 below). Now over a commutative Euclidean domain, E 2 ( R ) is just the special linear group SL 2 ( R ); this suggests applying the theorem to the ring of integers in a Euclidean number field. However, the only number fields whose rings were shown to be quasi-free for GE 2 in [2] were the non -Euclidean imaginary quadratic fields. In fact that leaves the application of Th. 9.3 of [2] to the ring of Gaussian integers unjustified (I am indebted to J.-P. Serre for drawing this oversight to my attention). In order to justify this application one would have to show either (a) that the Gaussian integers are quasi-free for GE 2 ., or (b) that Th. 9.3 of [2] holds under weaker hypotheses which are satisfied by the Gaussian integers. Our object in this note is to establish (b)–indeed our only course, since the Gaussian integers turn out to be not quasi-free.