cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental test of an extended discretion laboratory approach for university general biology

This was an experiment to test the extended discretion laboratory approach (ED) versus a guided-inquiry (GI) approach for teaching biology in a university setting. It had previously been found productive in a high-school setting. The approach provides considerably less specific procedure for the students to follow than did a guided-inquiry approach and required relatively high independence. Four hundred sixty-nine students taking university introductory biology were randomly assigned to using either the ED learning approach or one characterized as guided inquiry for one semester. Three measures were taken to verify that instructional treatments followed the two approaches. All indicated qualitative and quantitative differences between ED and GI approaches in the direction predicted by the operational definitions. The criterion variables were (1) student scores on a multiple-choice laboratory exam, (2) student scores on laboratory reports, and (3) student scores on six laboratory quizzes given during the semester. The only criterion variable which showed significant differences between groups (laboratory-report scores) also showed significant group-by-instructor interaction. The hypothesis of no difference therefore stood unrejected for all criterion variables. Since the ED approach appears to produce equivalent learning gains in understanding of biology laboratory concepts compared to a guided-inquiry approach, this approach should still be considered for laboratory teaching, because it purports to train for discretionary use of resources during instruction in addition to the conventional development of laboratory concepts.
Angle- and size-dependent characteristics of incoherent Raman and fluorescent scattering by microspheres. 1. General expressions.

A dipole model is used to simulate incoherent Raman and fluorescent scattering by microspheres. The use of the addition theorem for spherical harmonics circumvents the need to evaluate double sums in the final formulas, thereby drastically reducing computational effort. Special attention is paid to consideration of backscattering geometry, which is important for lidar applications. The formulas derived for backscattering geometry decrease the computation time for size parameter x ∼ 100 by a factor of 200 compared with the time for calculations performed at other angles.
A consistent Boltzmann algorithm.

The direct simulation Monte Carlo method for the Boltzmann equation is modified by an additional displacement in the advection process and an enhanced collision rate in order to obtain the exact hard sphere equation of state at all densities. This leads to consistent thermodynamic and transport properties in the low density (Boltzmann) regime. At higher densities transport properties are comparable to the predictions of the Enskog model. The algorithm is faster than molecular dynamics at low and moderate densities and readily run on a parallel architecture.
On logit confidence intervals for the odds ratio with small samples.

Unless the true association is very strong, simple large-sample confidence intervals for the odds ratio based on the delta method perform well even for small samples. Such intervals include the Woolf logit interval and the related Gart interval based on adding .5 before computing the log odds ratio estimate and its standard error. The Gart interval smooths the observed counts toward the model of equiprobability, but one obtains better coverage probabilities by smoothing toward the independence model and by extending the interval in the appropriate direction when a cell count is zero.
Qualifications and Professional Growth Opportunities of Teachers in High- and Low-Poverty Elementary Schools.

This study explores the distribution of teacher qualifications (e.g., experience, highest academic degree earned, comprehensiveness of certifications) and professional growth opportunities (i.e., supportive in-service training, staff collegiality, schoolwide support for innovation, teacher policy influence) across elementary schools of varying poverty levels. No statistically significant differences in teacher qualifications werefound across low-, middle-, and high-poverty schools, but significant differences emerged in professional growth opportunities, with teachersfrom the highest poverty schools having fewer opportunities than teachers from lower poverty schools. Additional analyses linking differences in qualifications and professional growth opportunities to instructional efficacy and implementation of reformed instruction revealed greater efficacy and evidence of reform among teachers from all school-poverty levels who were provided with more abundant professional growth opportunities.
Synthesis and photochemical properties of a novel iron-sulfur-nitrosyl cluster derivatized with the pendant chromophore protoporphyrin IX

The novel Roussin red-salt ester (PPIX-RSE) with a pendant porphyrin chromophore was prepared and investigated as a precursor for the photochemical generation of nitric oxide. PPIX-RSE has the general formula Fe(2)(NO)(4)[(mu-S,mu-S')P] (where (S,S')P is the bis(2-thiolatoethyl) diester of protoporphyrin IX. The photoexcitation of PPIX-RSE with 436- or 546-nm light in an aerated chloroform solution led to the photodecomposition of the cluster with the respective quantum yields (5.2 +/- 0.7) x 10(-4) and (2.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-4)) and the concomitant release of NO. PPIX-RSE is a significantly more effective NO generator at longer wavelength excitation than are other Fe(2)(mu-SR)(2)(NO)(4) esters for which R is a simple alkyl group such as CH(3)CH(2)- because of the much higher absorptivity of the pendant PPIX chromophore at these wavelengths and a modestly higher quantum yield. Fluorescence intensity and lifetime data indicate that the photoexcited porphyrin of PPIX-RSE is largely quenched by the energy transfer to the Fe(2)S(2)(NO)(4) cluster's core. However, a small fraction of this emission is not quenched, and it is proposed that PPIX-RSE may exist in solution as two conformers.
Thermal habitat quality of aquatic organisms near power plant discharges: potential exacerbating effects of climate warming

Water temperature strongly affects aquatic ectotherms, as even slight temperature changes can have dramatic effects on physiological rates. Water bodies receiving industrial thermal discharges can undergo dramatic spatial and temporal changes in water temperature. To quantify effects on aquatic ectotherms, thermal habitat quality (bioenergetic growth rate potential; GRP) for zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas), rusty crayfish, Orconectes rusticus (Girard), walleye, Sander vitreus (Mitchill) and smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu (Lacepede) was estimated near two power plant thermal discharges on the Ohio River, USA, from 2010 to 2012 using bioenergetics models. These results were then compared with GRP under increased base temperatures representing climate warming. Growth rate potential for all species was low near the discharges during summer and highest in winter, with increasing prey consumption minimising the negative effects of increased temperatures. In their immediate vicinity, thermal discharges had a more adverse effect on GRP than plausible climate warming but primarily affected GRP over a small spatial area, particularly within 400 m downstream from the power plants. Examining thermal habitat suitability will become increasingly important as rising energy demand and climate change collectively affect aquatic organisms and their habitats.
Even–odd analysis on a complex shoreline

Abstract An even–odd signal decomposition is performed on a complex shoreline having a longshore sediment transport gradient. The expected impact of erosion due to a navigation channel and structures is discussed and implications of the transport gradient on the decomposed shoreline signal are noted.
Application of enzyme-treated corn starches in breakfast cereal coating.

: Presently ready-to-eat cereals are coated with high levels of sugar coating to extend the bowl life. Because of health concerns of added sugar, there is a need to identify alternative coating materials. This study was designed to test the efficacy of debranched corn starches with varying amylose contents as a cereal coating. Hylon VII (70% amylose), common, and waxy corn starches were gelatinized and debranched, and then sprayed onto ready-to-eat breakfast cereal flakes. The surface morphology, milk absorption, texture, and digestibility of coated cereals were determined. A starch film with a thickness of 50 to 130 μm was observed with scanning electron microscopy on the surface of the cereals coated with Hylon VII. All starch-coated cereals had a lower milk absorption value than the uncoated and glucose-coated controls. Among starch coatings, common corn starch and Hylon VII resulted in lower milk absorption than did waxy corn starch. After soaking in milk for 3 min, the peak force and work to peak of the cereals coated with corn starches were higher than those of the glucose control and uncoated reference. The cereals coated with Hylon VII were found to have an increase in dietary fiber content. The results suggest that debranched amylose-containing corn starches could extend the bowl-life of ready-to-eat cereals. Practical Application: Currently, many cereals are coated with sugar to keep them from becoming soggy in milk. However, added sugar has been linked to obesity, hyperactivity, and dental caries. This has led to the investigation of alternative coating materials. This study employed the film-forming properties of enzyme-treated corn starch to function as a coating material in breakfast cereal flakes. In addition, the enzyme-treated high amylose corn starch also increased the dietary fiber content of the cereal flakes.
Theoretical calculations of kinetics of the radical pair PF state in bacterial photosynthesis

Abstract Calculations of the time evolution of the population in the transient radical pair P F state and the magnetic field dependence of the effective decay time are presented. A general treatment is proposed to include (1) unequal decay rates k T and k S for the triplet and the singlet, (2) the anisotropic electron — electron dipolar interaction and (3) the multiple nuclear hyperfine interaction. It is found that the dipolar interaction and the exchange interaction have a strong impact on the field dependence of the effective decay time. In addition, the time evolution of the P F population is found to be quasi-exponential for k T >k 5 , and the effective decay rate is determined much more by the singlet decay rate that the triplet decay rate as long as dominant spin-spin interactions are present. The decay curve becomes non-exponential as k S becomes larger than k T .
Complementary and alternative medicine in gastroenterology: The good, the bad, and the ugly

A large proportion of the American population avails itself of a variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions. Allopathic practitioners often dismiss CAM because of distrust or a belief that there is no sound scientific evidence that has established its utility. However, although not widely appreciated, there are thousands of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have addressed the efficacy of CAM. We reviewed the RCTs of herbal and other natural products, acupuncture, and homeopathy as examples of typical CAM modalities, focusing on conditions of interest to gastroenterologists. Peppermint (alone or in combination) has supportive evidence for use in patients with dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and as an intraluminal spasmolytic agent during barium enemas or endoscopy. Ginger appeared to be effective in relieving nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness or pregnancy. Probiotics were useful in childhood diarrhea or in diarrhea due to antibiotics; one particular formulation (VSL#3) prevented pouchitis. Acupuncture appeared to ameliorate postoperative nausea and vomiting and might be useful elsewhere. There is even a suggestion that homeopathy has efficacy in treatment of gastrointestinal problems or symptoms. The major problem in interpreting these CAM data is the generally low quality of the RCTs, although that quality might not be different compared to RCTs in the general medical literature. Gastroenterologists should become familiar with these techniques; it is likely that their patients already are.
Neurobehavioral assessment as a predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants.

Preterm infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) is a standardized assessment for the neurobehavioral integrity of the newborn. The use of NNNS as a prognostic tool is still emerging. We hypothesized that the NNNS examination performed at term equivalent can detect neurobehavioral alterations in very low birth weight infants and can help in predicting their neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months corrected age (CA). This is a prospective study that included preterm infants with birth weight <1500 g and gestational age ⩽34 weeks. They were evaluated with NNNS at term-equivalent and 12 summary scores were assigned. Infants who had 2 or more NNNS summary scores that were 2 s.d. beyond the mean of the study group were categorized as having abnormal NNNS. Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) of Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II) were determined at 18 months CA. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the predictivity of the NNNS summary scores for both MDI and PDI. A total of 41 infants were evaluated at term and at 18 months CA. The average MDI was 78±15 and the average PDI was 80±14. Significant neurodevelopmental delay was observed in 50% and 31% of infants with abnormal and normal NNNS, respectively. Using multiple linear regression, NNNS was predictive for both MDI (P=0.011, adjusted R2=0.295) and PDI (P=0.002, adjusted R2=0.441). Lower MDI was associated with less regulation and more nonoptimal reflexes, whereas lower PDI was associated with less regulation, more nonoptimal reflexes, hypertonicity and handling. NNNS at term-equivalent age can detect neurobehavioral alterations in very low birth weight infants. Individual summary scores showed significant correlation with both the MDI and PDI at 18 months CA.
[D-Pen2-D-Pen5]enkephalin, a delta opioid agonist, given intracerebroventricularly in the mouse produces antinociception through mediation of spinal GABA receptors

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of [D-Pen2-D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE), a delta opioid receptor agonist, activates a descending antinociceptive pathway that inhibits the tail-flick response in mice. Involvement of spinal GABA receptors in this response was studied by giving GABA antagonist intrathecally. First, antinociception produced by intrathecally administered isoguvacine, a GABAA agonist, was inhibited by intrathecal bicuculline (GABA receptor antagonist) or picrotoxin (chloride channel antagonist). Then, antinociception induced by ICV DPDPE was antagonized by intrathecal picrotoxin and bicuculline in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Second, intrathecal administration of 2-hydroxysaclofen, a GABAB antagonist (which inhibited antinociception induced by a GABAB agonist, baclofen, given IT), produced a shift of the dose-response curve for ICV DPDPE to the right. GABAA agonist, baclofen, given IT), produced a shift of the dose-response curve for ICV DPDPE to the right. GABAA and B antagonists given together intrathecally produced a greater than additive antagonistic effect against ICV DPDPE-induced antinociception. Thus, the delta agonist action of DPDPE in the brain leads to activation of descending spinal pathways which involve mediation by spinal GABAA and GABAB receptors in the antinociceptive response.
Expression Profiles of Bovine Adeno-Associated Virus and Avian Adeno-Associated Virus Display Significant Similarity to That of Adeno-Associated Virus Type 5

We present the first detailed expression profiles of nonprimate-derived adeno-associated viruses, namely, bovine adeno-associated virus (B-AAV) and avian adeno-associated virus (A-AAV), which were obtained after the infection of cell lines derived from their natural hosts. In general, the profiles of B-AAV and A-AAV were quite similar to that of AAV5; however, both exhibited features found for AAV2 as well. Like adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5), B-AAV and A-AAV utilized an internal polyadenylation site [(pA)p]; however, it was used to greater relative levels by B-AAV than by A-AAV. Similar to AAV5, >99% of B-AAV RNAs generated from upstream promoters were polyadenylated at (pA)p and hence not spliced. In contrast, ca. 50% of the A-AAV RNAs generated from upstream promoters read through (pA)p, as seen for AAV2. However, A-AAV generated lower levels of spliced P5 and P19 products than does AAV2, suggesting that A-AAV generates lower relative levels of Rep 68 and Rep 40. An additional difference in the expression profile of these viruses was that B-AAV generated a greater level of ITR-initiated RNAs than did A-AAV or AAV5. In addition, we demonstrate that, like AAV2, transactivation of transcription of the capsid-gene promoter of B-AAV required both adenovirus and targeting of its Rep protein to the transcription template; however, expression of the capsid-gene promoter of A-AAV was, like AAV5, largely independent of both adenovirus and its Rep proteins.
Acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Left ventricular filling and hypertrophy in active and surgically treated disease.

Myocardial hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis are common in acromegalic hearts and may induce left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The transmitral flow pattern was examined by pulsed-wave Doppler in 20 patients with active acromegaly and nine with acromegaly cured by pituitary microsurgery. Control groups consisted of 25 normal subjects and 13 patients with systemic hypertension. We related Doppler indices of LV filling (E and A peak velocities and E/A ratio) to the duration of acromegalic disease, the GH plasma levels and LV mass. The LV mass/BSA was significantly greater in active acromegaly (187 ±53 g/sq m) and systemic hypertension groups (161 ±48 g/sq m) than in cured acromegaly (125 ±35 g/sq m) and the normal control group (109 ±36 g/sq m) (p .
Transcriptional control by PARP-1: chromatin modulation, enhancer-binding, coregulation, and insulation.

The regulation of gene expression requires a wide array of protein factors that can modulate chromatin structure, act at enhancers, function as transcriptional coregulators, or regulate insulator function. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), an abundant and ubiquitous nuclear enzyme that catalyzes the NAD + -dependent addition of ADP-ribose polymers on a variety of nuclear proteins, has been implicated in all of these functions. Recent biochemical, genomic, proteomic, and cell-based studies have highlighted the role of PARP-1 in each of these processes and provided new insights about the molecular mechanisms governing PARP-1-dependent regulation of gene expression. In addition, these studies have demonstrated how PARP-1 functions as an integral part of cellular signaling pathways that culminate in gene-regulatory outcomes.
Larval Black Crappie Distribution: Implications for Sampling Impoundments and Natural Lakes

Abstract An understanding of larval fish distributions is essential for developing an appropriate sampling design to monitor larval abundances. We monitored abundance of larval black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus to assess spatial differences in Richmond Lake (a 336-ha impoundment) and Brant Lake (a 405-ha natural lake), South Dakota, during 1994–1996. Age-0 black crappies were collected with a 500-μm mesh ichthyoplankton trawl from fixed sites within each water body. In the impoundment, larval black crappies were collected over a longer period at the upper site than at the dam site during 1994 and 1995. In the natural lake, larval black crappie abundances were similar between east and west sites during all 3 years. In light of our results, biologists should spatially stratify sampling sites when collecting larval black crappies in impoundments such as Richmond Lake, whereas random sites may be more appropriate in natural lakes such as Brant Lake.
The Feudal Revolution and Europe's Rise: Political Divergence of the Christian West and the Muslim World before 1500 CE

We document a divergence in the duration of rule for monarchs in Western Europe and the Islamic world beginning in the medieval period. While leadership tenures in the two regions were similar in the 8th century, Christian kings became increasingly long lived compared to Muslim sultans. We argue that forms of executive constraint that emerged under feudal institutions in Western Europe were associated with increased political stability and find empirical support for this argument. While feudal institutions served as the basis for military recruitment by European monarchs, Muslim sultans relied on mamlukism—or the use of military slaves imported from non-Muslim lands. Dependence on mamluk armies limited the bargaining strength of local notables vis-` a-vis the sultan, hindering the development of a productively adversarial relationship between ruler and local elites. We argue that Muslim societies’ reliance on mamluks, rather than local elites, as the basis for military leadership, may explain why the Glorious Revolution occurred in England, not Egypt.
Solid-phase synthesis of oligopurine deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG) and analysis of binding with DNA oligomers

The first stepwise solid-phase synthesis of deoxynucleic guanidine (DNG), a positively charged DNA analog, using controlled pore glass as the solid support is reported. For the first time, purine bases have been incorporated into the DNG oligomer and DNG has been synthesized using a solid-phase method, proceeding in the 3'-->5' direction, that is compatible with the cleavage conditions used in the solid-phase synthesis of DNA. A DNG sequence containing a pentameric tract of adenosine nucleosides has been synthesized and the thermal denaturation temperature of its complexes with complementary thymidyl DNA oligomers was 79 degrees C. Binding of thymidyl DNA oligomers to adenyl DNG oligomers is 2:1, as seen in thymidyl and adenyl DNA triplexes. No binding of adenyl DNG with octameric cytidyl DNA was observed, indicating that the positive charge does not overcome base pairing fidelity.
MediaPod: A Personalized Multimedia Desktop in Your Pocket

We present MediaPod, a portable system that allows mobile users to maintain the same persistent, personalized multimedia desktop environment on any available computer. Regardless of which computer is being used, MediaPod provides a consistent multimedia desktop session, maintaining all of a user's applications, documents and configuration settings. This is achieved by leveraging rapid improvements in capacity, cost, and size of portable storage devices. MediaPod provides a virtualization and checkpoint-restart mechanism that decouples a desktop environment and its applications from the host, enabling multimedia desktop sessions to be suspended to portable storage, carried around, and resumed from the storage device on another computer. MediaPod virtualization also isolates desktop sessions from the host, protecting the privacy of the user and preventing malicious applications from damaging the host. We have implemented a Linux MediaPod prototype and demonstrate its ability to quickly suspend and resume multimedia desktop sessions, enabling a seamless computing experience for mobile users as they move among computers.
Apical dendrites of the neocortex: correlation between sodium- and calcium-dependent spiking and pyramidal cell morphology

Apical dendrites and somata of layer V pyramidal neurons were recorded with tight-seal patch electrodes in a slice preparation of rat somatosensory cortex. Recording sites were confirmed by measurements of the electrode location and by staining with biocytin. Dendritic recordings were made along the main trunk of the apical dendrite, usually within layer IV, at distances from 100 to 500 microns from the soma. Most cells recorded through the dendrite had a distinct enlargement of the apical trunk around the presumed recording site. The electrical properties of apical dendrites were readily distinguishable from those of somata. Dendrites generated two types of response when injected with depolarizing current. Group I responses were relatively small and broad Na(+)-dependent action potentials whose amplitude and rate-of-rise were negatively correlated with recording distance from the soma. Group II responses were complex, clustered firing patterns of Na(+)-dependent spikes together with higher-threshold slow spikes or plateaus; in these dendrites spike parameters were not correlated with distance from the soma. These two response groups were correlated with dendritic morphology: group I had significantly fewer oblique branches on the apical dendrite (5.5 vs 12.0) and a thinner apical trunk (2.0 vs 2.5 microns) than group II. TTX (1–2 microM) selectively blocked fast dendritic spikes, but not slow spikes and plateaus. Blocking Ca2+ currents reduced complex firing patterns and suppressed high-threshold slow spikes. Physiological and pharmacological studies imply that slow spikes and plateau potentials were primarily generated by high- threshold Ca2+ channels in the apical dendrite. Stimulating axons of layer I elicited EPSPs on distal apical dendrites of layer V cells. Recordings from both groups of apical dendrites revealed that EPSPs triggered a variety of distally generated, all-or-nothing depolarizations. The results show that voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ currents are present in distal apical dendrites, in variable densities. These currents significantly modify distal synaptic events. The prevalence and character of active dendritic spiking (and presumably of Na+ and Ca2+ channel densities) correlate with the morphology of the apical dendritic tree.
Disability as an Emerging Public Health Crisis in Postearthquake Nepal.

Just before noon on April 25, 2015, a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake occurred about 80 kilometers east of the Nepali capitol of Kathmandu, unleashing considerable destruction in one of the poorest countries in Asia. Then, just 17 days later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 struck, this time about 40 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Although predictions of an impending large earthquake in Nepal had motivated the government and local and international nongovernmental organizations to create disaster preparedness plans in recent years,1,2 this disaster affected rural and remote areas where the country’s infrastructure and population were most vulnerable, and where disaster preparedness was weakest.3 The current estimates of casualties and injured are more than 8500 and 15 000 people respectively, and the numbers of internally displaced people are in the hundred of thousands. Most agencies forecast that these numbers will increase over the coming weeks as the strategy shifts to a reconstruction mission. A Nepalese mother and child participate in a laughter yoga session to help relieve trauma among survivors of two earthquakes, which struck the country in less than three weeks, in Kathmandu on May 15, 2015. Photograph by Prakash Mathema. Printed with ... Kathmandu Durbar Square in the days following the April 25, 2015, earthquake. Photo by Michel D. Landry. Printed with permission. Collapsed temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal. Photo by Michel D. Landry. Printed with permission.
Crew Radiation Dose from a High-Impulse Gas-Core Nuclear Rocket Plume

Analytical calculations are performed to determine the radiation dose rate and total dose to the crew of a gascore nuclear rocket from the fission fragments located throughout the plume volume. The mission chosen is a manned "courier" trip to the planet Mars. Four round trip times were picked in which the system was optimized so the initial vehicle mass in Earth orbit was minimized for each trip time. They are 80,100,150, and 200 days. For the most probable fission fragment retention time in the reactor of 100 sec, the unshielded radiation dose to a crew located 100 m from the nozzle exit varies from 170 rem for the 80 day round trip to 38 rem for the 200 day round trip. For the 80 day round trip the crew must be protected from the radiation dose. Five centimeters of lead shielding would reduce the radiation dose by two orders of magnitude thereby protecting the crew. Nomenclature AQ = Avogadro's number B = defined by Eq. (3) C = source strength in Curies per unit volume CF,CFmax = thrust and maximum thrust coefficient, respectively E = photon energy in Mev F(t) = fission fragment energy release as a function of time after fission L = vector distance from point Prte,<p to the crew M = Mach number m = molecular weight PFF = number fraction of fission fragments at point Pr,o,v R = reactor power re = nozzle exit radius r,6,cp = spherical coordinates V = mean velocity of particles in plume WH2 = hydrogen mass flow rate z = distance from crew to nozzle exit y = ratio of specific heats A = defined by Eq. (4) p = mass density Subscript e = nozzle exit
Examining Communication about Marriage Amendments: Same-Sex Couples and Their Extended Social Networks

To better understand the social consequences of State constitutional amendments limiting legally recognized marriage to that between one man and one woman, this study examines interactions between members of same-sex couples and their extended social network members (e.g., work colleagues or friends of friends who are not considered to be close friends or family). Fifty-seven same-sex couples in seven U.S. states participated in interviews about their interactions with extended social network members regarding marriage amendments. Four themes describe these interactions: coming out, social support, solidarity, and disconfirmation. The results suggest that interactions with extended social network members can create or mitigate negative social consequences in same-sex couples’ experience of marriage amendments.
Transit: reliable high speed interconnection technology

Important improvements in network bandwidth, latency, and fault tolerance can be provided by careful selection of the protocols, choice of network topology, details of interconnection wiring, and basic wire driving technologies. We examine the improvements in some of these areas as part of the Transit project at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. >
Meta-analysis of LCPUFA Supplementation of Infant Formula and Visual Acuity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) are hypothesized to affect visual acuity development in infants. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to assess whether supplementation of LCPUFAs of infant formulas affects infant visual acuity. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate whether LCPUFA supplementation of infant formulas improves infants’ visual acuity. METHODS: PubMed and PsycInfo were searched for RCTs assessing the efficacy of LCPUFA supplementation of infant formulas on infant visual acuity. RCTs assessing the effects of LCPUFA supplementation on visual acuity (by using either visual evoked potential or behavioral methods) in the first year of life were included in this meta-analysis. Our primary outcome was the mean difference in visual resolution acuity (measured in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) between supplemented and unsupplemented infants. We also conducted secondary subgroup analyses and meta-regression examining the effects of LCPUFA dose and timing, preterm versus term birth status, and trial methodologic quality. RESULTS: Nineteen studies involving 1949 infants were included. We demonstrated a significant benefit of LCPUFA supplementation on infants’ visual acuity at 2, 4, and 12 months of age when visual acuity was assessed by using visual evoked potential and at 2 months of age by using behavioral methods. There was significant heterogeneity between trials but no evidence of publication bias. Secondary analysis failed to show any moderating effects on the association between LCPUFA supplementation and visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that LCPUFA supplementation of infant formulas improves infants’ visual acuity up to 12 months of age.
COLONIALISMO, GÉNERO, SECTOR LABORAL INFORMAL Y JUSTICIA SOCIAL

Al contrario que el trabajo femenino remunerado en el sector formal, y el trabajo femenino domestico y de cuidados no remunerado, el sector laboral informal de la mujer no ha recibido demasiada atencion por parte de los filosofos —ni siquiera de los feministas—, a pesar de que la gran mayoria de las mujeres del Tercer Mundo (alrededor del 80 por ciento) trabaja en este sector.
Dynamics of the shell class of tensegrity structures

A tensegrity structure is a special truss structure in a stable equilibrium, with selected members designated for only tension loading, and the members in tension form a continuous network of cables separated by a set of compressive members. This paper develops an explicit analytical model of the nonlinear dynamics of a large class of tensegrity structures, constructed of rigid rods connected by a continuous network of elastic cables. The kinematics are described by positions and velocities of the ends of the rigid rods, hence, the use of angular velocities of each rod is avoided. The model yields an analytical expression for accelerations of all rods, making the model efficient for simulation, since the update and inversion of a nonlinear mass matrix is not required. The model is intended for shape control and design of deployable structures. Indeed, the explicit analytical expressions are provided herein for the study of stable equilibria and controllability, but the control issues are not treated in this paper. # 2001 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Antibiotic Use and Length of Stay in Children Hospitalized with RSV Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI)

Inappropriate use of antibiotics has been closely linked to antibiotic resistance and rising health care cost. LRTI remains one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use in children. RSV infection is the most common cause of LRTI in young children and the presence of concurrent bacterial infection is very infrequent. However, the administration of broad spectrum antibiotics to children with RSV infection remains a common practice. The purpose of our study was to examine the frequency of antibiotic use …
The Absence of Yeasts in Nectars of Selected Arizona Plants Attractive to Honey Bees, Apis mellifera,,,

Nectar samples were examined from blooms of saguaro cactus and 5 Citrus cultivars. Samples were streaked on plates of malt extract-yeast extract agar with glucose (YM medium), incubated, and examined for microbial growth. No yeasts were isolated from any nectar samples. Some possible explanations are discussed with respect to the absence of yeasts in the intestines of adult worker honey bees.
Merriam Shrew, Sorex merriami, in Colorado

An adult female Merriam shrew, Sorex merriami , was captured by the authors on July 6, 1955, in Moffat County, northwestern Colorado, 0.4 mi. S. of U.S. 40, beside the road to Juniper Hot Springs (Juniper Springs on most maps, southeast of Maybell). The animal was taken at approximately 6,000 ft. on a dry hillside in the ecotone between sage ( Artemisia ) and juniper ( Juniperus ). The live trap in which the shrew was caught was placed near a hole in the fine sand at the base of a sage bush. The only other small mammals caught in the same trapline were several deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ). The shrew had …
Why Mandatory HIV Testing of Pregnant Women and Newborns Must Fail: A Legal, Historical and Public Policy Analysis

Although women had been falling ill and dying from HIV-related illnesses from the early 1980s, it took a decade or more before medical, social and political actors began to play close attention to the experiences of women, and children, with HIV/AIDS. Part I of this Article provides an overview of the failure of the original model of HIV/AIDS disease progression and health care to meet the needs of women, children, and families (e.g., not tracking the natural history of HIV/AIDS among women; not including women in HIV-related clinical drug trials; not providing sufficient or appropriate drug treatment for women fighting addiction and the attendant increased risk of HIV infection; not accounting for the risk of violence faced by too many women living with HIV). Part II explores the increasing focus on maternal-fetal transmission of HIV and the tendency to stigmatize HIV-positive women, which led to a movement to mandatorily test newborns and pregnant women for HIV (even though the newborn’s test would reveal the mother’s HIV status, but not necessarily the child’s, who could “shed” the HIV antibodies with which she was born). Part II also provides abundant legal and policy reasons why mandated testing would not be effective and might not survive legal challenge (e.g., the right to privacy, the right to informed consent, the right to make medical decisions on behalf of one’s children, the right to equal protection). The article concludes by encouraging the adoption of universal HIV-related education and counseling for pregnant women, which would provide women with essential information, treat them with dignity and autonomy, and keep them better involved in protecting their own lives and the lives of their children.
Origins of residual stress in thin films: Interaction between microstructure and growth kinetics

Abstract Thin films can develop large residual stresses during their growth that significantly impact their performance. Therefore, there is a need to understand how the stress is related to the developing film structure and underlying kinetic processes. In this work, we describe measurements of stress and the corresponding grain structure during electrodeposition of Ni and Cu films. For Ni deposition, the grain size stays nearly constant during growth and the stress reaches a nearly constant steady-state. For Cu deposition, the grain size grows as the thickness increases and the microstructural evolution affects the evolution of the stress. To remove the effect of subsurface grain growth on the stress, measurements were also done with periodic pauses that allowed the stress induced by grain growth to saturate. We interpret the results in terms of a kinetic model for stress evolution that focuses on the developing boundary between adjacent grains while the film is deposited. The effect of grain growth on stress for different types of microstructural evolution is also discussed. After accounting for the stress from subsurface grain growth, the results are consistent with the model for the dependence on growth rate and grain size at the surface.
Disordering and dynamic self-organization in stoichiometric UO 2 at high temperatures

Abstract Neutron scattering experiments show significant oxygen disorder in UO2 at temperatures above 2000 K. The nature of the disorder, however, has not been ascertained with certainty. Using atomistic simulations and metrics from statistical mechanics we show that the oxygen anions predominantly hop from one native (tetrahedral) lattice site to another, above a characteristic temperature Tα (∼2000 K). Interestingly, we discover two types of disorder – the first one, which is a measure of the fraction of anions that are displaced from their native sites, portrays a monotonic increase with temperature and shows excellent conformity to neutron scattering data. The second metric based on the mean square displacement of the anions in an isoconfigurational ensemble demonstrates a dynamic self-organization behavior in which the anions are spatially correlated to those with similar mobility. This dynamic self-organization, however, experiences a non-monotonic variation with temperature depicting a maximum near the Bredig or λ-transition. We further establish that the thermodynamic metric cp/T, which is equal to the rate of change of entropy with temperature, is a key entropic indicator of the dynamic self-organization among the oxygen anions in UO2 at high temperatures.
Sleep Disorders in Patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (P1.279)

OBJECTIVE: To better understand sleep patterns in patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and their relation to symptoms of fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness. BACKGROUND: Patients with POTS typically report significant fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and diminished quality of life. In this study we aimed to further characterize sleep patterns in these patients by comparing them to those of normal controls. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients were diagnosed with POTS (n = 8) based on autonomic testing and clinical evaluation at our center. Age and gender matched healthy control subjects (n = 8) were selected from the general population. All patients completed several questionnaires including the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess sleepiness, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) to assess fatigue, the Beck Depression Index (BDI) to assess comorbid depression, and sleep diaries over the course of 1 week to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), number of awakenings, and sleep efficiency (SE). Results were compared using T-test analysis; a p value of 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: POTS patients and control subjects were of comparable age (32+/- 5 vs. 31 +/- 4) and most subjects in both groups were female (88 vs. 75%). Compared with controls, patients with POTS patients scored significantly higher on the FSS (50 vs 29, p = 0.02), however there was no significant difference in subjective sleepiness as determined by ESS scores. SOL was higher in POTS patients (47 min vs 28 min), as was the number of nocturnal awakenings (1.7 vs 0.36), however these values were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in our study reported greater difficulty falling and staying asleep, however the results failed to reach statistical significance. There was no difference in ESS scores between groups. Patients with POTS report greater subjective daytime fatigue, however the role of sleep dysfunction in these patients remains to be further characterized. Disclosure: Dr. Miglis has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gibbons has nothing to disclose. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer, Abbott, Depomed, Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi, and Chelsea Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Freeman has received personal compensation in an editorical capacity for Autonomic Neuroscience - Basic and Clinical and Clinical Journal of Pain.
Cabozantinib in genitourinary malignancies.

Cabozantinib inhibits a variety of cellular receptors including VEGFR1–3, MET, AXL, RET, FLT3 and KIT. These signaling pathways have been shown to be important in genitourinary malignancies. Along its clinical development, it has shown most activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma; the METEOR study compared cabozantinib to everolimus and showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in both progression-free survival and overall survival. Herein, we review the development of cabozantinib in the genitourinary malignancies of renal cell carcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.
Large Soluble Oligomers of Amyloid β-Protein from Alzheimer Brain Are Far Less Neuroactive Than the Smaller Oligomers to Which They Dissociate.

Soluble oligomers of amyloid β-protein (oAβ) isolated from the brains of Alzheimer9s disease (AD) patients have been shown experimentally (in the absence of amyloid plaques) to impair hippocampal synaptic plasticity, decrease synapses, induce tau hyperphosphorylation and neuritic dystrophy, activate microglial inflammation, and impair memory in normal adult rodents. Nevertheless, there has been controversy about what types of oligomers actually confer these AD-like phenotypes. Here, we show that the vast majority of soluble Aβ species obtained from brains of humans who died with confirmed AD elute at high molecular weight (HMW) on nondenaturing size-exclusion chromatography. These species have little or no cytotoxic activity in several bioassays. However, incubation of HMW oAβ in mildly alkaline buffer led to their quantitative dissociation into low molecular weight oligomers (∼8–70 kDa), and these were now far more bioactive: they impaired hippocampal LTP, decreased neuronal levels of β2-adrenergic receptors, and activated microglia in wt mice in vivo. Thus, most soluble Aβ assemblies in AD cortex are large and inactive but under certain circumstances can dissociate into smaller, highly bioactive species. Insoluble amyloid plaques likely sequester soluble HMW oligomers, limiting their potential to dissociate. We conclude that conditions that destabilize HMW oligomers or retard the sequestration of their smaller, more bioactive components are important drivers of Aβ toxicity. Selectively targeting these small, cytotoxic forms should be therapeutically beneficial. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Oligomers of amyloid β-protein (oAβ) are tought to play an important role in Alzheimer9s disease (AD), but there is confusion and controversy about what types and sizes of oligomers have disease-relevant activity. Using size-exclusion chromatography and three distinct measures of bioactivity, we show that the predominant forms of Aβ in aqueous extracts of AD brain are high molecular weight (HMW) and relatively inactive. Importantly, under certain conditions, the abundant HMW oAβ can dissociate into low molecular weight species, and these low molecular weight oligomers are significantly more bioactive on synapses and microglia than the HMW species from which they are derived. We conclude that conditions that destabilize HMW oAβ or retard the sequestration of smaller, more bioactive components are important drivers of Aβ toxicity.
Chemical Peels for Facial Rejuvenation

Chemical peels are an effective tool for the treatment of photoaged skin and acne scarring. Popular through most of the twentieth century, their use has been overshadowed by higher technology devices, such as lasers and intense pulsed light sources. Nevertheless, chemical peels are a perfect fit for many physicians’ practices. They can be tailored to the specific skin problem and specific patient, providing excellent cosmetic results with minimal risks.
Electrochemistry and the 21st Century

It is important in a chapter of this kind to define the time scale considered. If a time scale is sufficiently long, everything is indistinct and eventually of lessened interest, whereas with a sufficiently short time scale, everything is a direct extrapolation of the present. For this discussion an ideal time scale would be long enough so that considerations would initiate augmented research support. Such a scale is approximately one generation, i.e., something discussed at a given time tends to become reality in a time of “a few decades,” some 15–50 years ahead. The thoughts discussed in this chapter concern matters stretching out into this time period during which the creeping increase of atmospheric CO with its effects on the climate (associated with the reliance on fossil fuels) will become manifest (Figure 1).(1)