cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of Binge Drinking and Personality Change Across Emerging Adulthood

College students binge drink more frequently than the broader population, yet most individuals "mature out" of binge drinking. Impulsivity and sensation seeking traits are important for understanding who is at risk for maintaining binge drinking across college and the transition to adult roles. We use latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to examine longitudinal binge-drinking trajectories spanning from the end of high school through 2 years after college (M ages = 18.4 to 23.8). Data were gathered over 10 waves from students at a large Southwestern university (N = 2,245). We use latent factor models to estimate changes in self-reported impulsive (IMP) and sensation-seeking (SS) personality traits across 2 time periods-(a) the end of high school to the end of college and (b) the 2-year transition out of college. LCGA suggested 7 binge-drinking trajectories: frequent, moderate, increasing, occasional, low increasing, decreasing, and rare. Models of personality showed that from high school through college, change in SS and IMP generally paralleled drinking trajectories, with increasing and decreasing individuals showing corresponding changes in SS. Across the transition out of college, only the increasing group demonstrated a developmentally deviant increase in IMP, whereas all other groups showed normative stability or decreases in both IMP and SS. These data indicate that "late bloomers," who begin binge drinking only in the later years of college, are a unique at-risk group for drinking associated with abnormal patterns of personality maturation during emerging adulthood. Our results indicate that personality targeted interventions may benefit college students.
Do calcium channel blockers rescue dying photoreceptors in the Pde6b rd1 mouse

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous set of blinding diseases that affects more than a million people worldwide. In humans, ~5–8% of recessive and dominant RP cases are caused by nonsense mutations in the Pde6b gene coding for the s-subunit of the rod photoreceptor cGMP phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6-s). The study of the disease has been greatly aided by the Pde6b rd1 (rd1) mouse model of RP carrying a null PDE6s allele. Degenerating rd1 rods were found to experience a pathological increase in intracellular calcium concentration (‘Ca overload’) when they enter the apoptotic process at postnatal day 10. A 1999 study suggested that the Ca2+ channel antagonist D-cis diltiazem delays the kinetics of rd1 rod degeneration, conferring partial rescue of scotopic vision. Subsequent reports were mixed: whereas several studies failed to replicate the original results, others appeared to confirm the neuroprotective effects of Ca2+ channel antagonists such as diltiazem, nilvadipine and verapamil. We discuss the discrepancies between the results of different groups and suggest plausible causes for the discordant results. We also discuss potential involvement of recently identified Ca2+-dependent mechanisms that include protective calcium ATPase mechanisms, ryanodine and IP3 calcium stores, and store operated channels in Pde6b rd1 neurodegeneration.
Awareness of the Tuskegee syphilis study: impact on offenders' decisions to decline research participation.

Ethnic and racial minorities are often under-represented in research. There is considerable speculation that Blacks, in particular, are discouraged from research participation because of researcher improprieties in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Syphilis Study at Tuskegee (aka the Tuskegee Syphilis Study [TSS]), a 40-year (1932–1972) study in which investigators withheld medical treatment from African-American men infected with syphilis. We debriefed 281 offenders who declined participation in a research study to assess the extent to which knowledge of the TSS impacted their decisions not to enroll. Relatively few (44/281; 15.6%) reported awareness of the TSS. Half (n = 22) of these “aware” individuals could cite factually accurate information about the TSS, and only four individuals indicated that awareness of TSS had “somewhat” influenced their decision to not participate. Findings suggest that the legacy of the TSS played a relatively minor role in these offenders' decisions to decline research participation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Homogenous Bioluminescent System for Measuring GTPase, GTPase Activating Protein, and Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Activities

GTPases play a major role in various cellular functions such as cell signaling, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cytoskeleton modulation, and cell motility. Deregulation or mutation of these proteins has considerable consequences resulting in multiple pathological conditions. Targeting GTPases and its regulators has been challenging due to paucity of convenient assays. In this study, we describe a homogenous bioluminescent assay for monitoring the activities of GTPase and its immediate regulators: GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Since Mg2+ plays a critical role in influencing the affinity of GTPases with guanosine triphosphate/guanosine diphosphate (GTP/GDP) and the process of nucleotide exchange, manipulating Mg2+ concentrations in the GTPase reaction buffer allows continuous progression of the GTPase cycle and faster hydrolysis of GTP. The assay relies on enzymatic conversion of GTP that remains after the GTPase reaction to ATP and detection of the generated ATP using the luciferin/luciferase combination. The GTPase/GAP/GEF-Glo assay system enables monitoring of GTPase, GAP-stimulated GTPase, GAP, and GEF activities. The system can also be used to analyze these proteins when expressed in cells as fusion proteins by performing the assay in a pulldown format. The assays showed minimal false hits upon testing for compound interference using the library of pharmacologically active compounds and its robustness was demonstrated by a high Z′-factor of 0.93 and CV of 2.2%. The assay system has a high dynamic range, formatted in a convenient add–mix–read, and applicable to high-throughput screening.
Ultrastructural Analysis During Germination and Outgrowth of Bacillus subtilis Spores

Electron microscopy of thin sections of dormant and germinating spores of Bacillus subtilis 168 revealed a progressive change in the structure of the cortex, outer spore coat, and inner spore coat. The initial changes were observed in the cortex region, which showed a loose fibrous network within 10 min of germination, and in the outer spore coat, which began to be sloughed off. The permeability of the complex outer spore layers was modified within 10 min, since, at this time, the internal structures of the spore coat were readily stainable. A nicking degradation action of the laminated inner spore coat began at 20 min, and this progressed for the next 20 min leading to the loosening of the inner spore coat. By 30 min, the outer spore coat showed signs of disintegration, and at 40 min, both the outer and inner spore coats were degraded extensively. At 30 to 40 min, a period just preceding net deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, mesosomes became very prominent in the inner spore core and the cell wall began to thicken around the spore core. At 50 min, an emerging cell was observed, and by 60 min, there was clear evidence for elongation of the emerging cell and the presence of two nuclear bodies. At 90 min, elongation had been followed by the first cell division. There was evidence for spore coat fragments at the opposite poles of the dividing cell. Images
The effects of psychological stress and vagal stimulation with morphine on vulnerability to ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the conscious dog

Abstract Ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation was assessed in 12 conscious dogs in aversive and nonaversive environments using the repetitive extrasystole (RE) threshold method. In the aversive environment, RE threshold was 45 per cent lower than in the nonaversive setting and heart rate and blood pressure were significantly elevated. This decrease in RE threshold occurred within 10 minutes of exposing the animals to stress. In contrast, the recovery in RE threshold in the nonaversive setting occurred over a 40 minute period. When morphine sulfate (MS) 0.25 mg./Kg. was administered to dogs in the aversive environment, the RE threshold was significantly increased. Cholinergic blockade of vagal efferent activity with atropine (0.2 mg./Kg) annulled partially the effect of MS on RE threshold MS was without effect in the nonaversive environment. It is concluded that MS exerts a significant protective effect on increased ventricular vulnerability associated with psychological stress. This effect is mediated by the vagotonic and sedative actions of morphine.
Building Managerial and Organizational Capacity in Nonprofit Human Service Organizations Through a Leadership Development Program

Highly skilled managers are needed to lead organizations and enable them to survive in changing times, especially in this era when members of the baby boom generation are retiring from senior positions. Most short-term in-service management training programs for practicing managers reflect the abbreviated versions of content found in either undergraduate or graduate degree programs in nonprofit management. Recognizing the limitations of these traditional approaches to training future senior managers, a group of directors of nonprofit human service agencies serving children and families collaborated with a university to develop and implement a training program for their middle and senior managers to enhance their managerial leadership capacities. The program design and evaluation differs from traditional professional development programs in terms of the: 1) extensive involvement of agency directors and program participants in the program design; 2) learning projects that address agreed-upon agency issues t...
Down-regulation of p21 contributes to apoptosis induced by HPV E6 in human mammary epithelial cells.

Infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) is strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. The HPV E6 gene is essential for the oncogenic potential of HPV. E6 induces cell proliferation and apoptosis in cervical cancer precursor lesions and in cultured cells. Although induction of telomerase and inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 play important roles for E6 to promote cell growth, the molecular basis of E6-induced apoptosis is poorly understood. While it is expected that inactivation of p53 by E6 should lead to a reduction in cellular apoptosis, numerous studies demonstrated that E6 could in fact sensitize cells to apoptosis. Understanding the mechanism of p53-independent apoptosis is of clinical significance. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of apoptosis during E6-mediated immortalization of primary human mammary epithelial cell (HMEC). E6 by itself is sufficient to immortalize HMECs and is believed to do so at least in part by activation of telomerase. During the process of E6-mediated HMEC immortalization, an increased apoptosis was observed. Mutational analysis demonstrated that E6-induced apoptosis was distinct from its ability to promote cell proliferation, activate telomerase, or degrade p53. While the known pro-apoptotic E6 target proteins such as Bak or c-Myc did not appear to play an important role, down-regulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Waf1/Cip1 (p21) by E6 correlated with its ability to induce apoptosis. Ectopic expression of p21 inhibited E6-induced apoptosis. Moreover, a p53 degradation defective E6 mutant was competent for p21 down-regulation and apoptosis induction. The anti-apoptotic function of p21 may not simply be the result of p21-induced growth arrest. These studies demonstrate an E6 activity to down-regulate p21 that is important for induction of apoptosis.
Substitution of smokeless tobacco for cigarettes in Buerger's disease does not prevent limb loss

Buerger's Disease, characterized by segmental, inflammatory, occlusive disease of the distal small and medium sized arteries, predominantly affects young men who are cigarette smokers. The disease may lead to ischemia, necrosis, and amputation of distal extremities; most patients have significant improvement in symptoms if smoking is discontinued. We report a patient who experienced progression of biopsy-proven Buerger's disease, after substituting smokeless tobacco for cigarettes. The patient's disease was severe enough to eventually require bilateral below-knee amputations. The association of smokeless tobacco with progressive limb ischemia should lead clinicians to discourage the substitution of smokeless tobacco for cigarette smoking in patients with Buerger's disease.
Endogenous Gibberellins of a Radiation Induced Single Gene Dwarf Mutant of Bean

The distribution of endogenous gibberellins in Dwarf-1, a single gene dwarf mutant of Mexico 80-R red beans, was studied. Parallel extraction and fractionation of seeds of this mutant and those of a normal homozygous line followed by thin layer chromatography and bioassays using Rumex obtusifolius, wheat seed endosperm and dwarf bean plants revealed that a stem elongation control factor was contained in the non-acidic fraction from normal, but not from Dwarf-1, seeds. It was concluded that the single gene mutation causes a block either in gibberellin precursor formation or in production of a non-acidic fraction gibberellin-like substance.
Partial AUC for Differentiated Gene Detection

Partial AUC (pAUC) represents the area with a restricted range of specificity (e.g. low false positive rate). It may identify important regional differentiated genes missed by full-range analysis. Unlike the popular t-test, which is based on the mean difference and the standard deviation between the disease and health groups, pAUC based test statistic relies on the rank of a gene in different samples. It can effectively detect genes that are not significant in a t-test and only differentiated in a subset of the disease groups. Our experiments with real gene expression data show that the proposed pAUC statistic is appealing in terms of both detection power and the biological relevance of the results.
Forecasting inter-related energy product prices

Five inter-related energy products are forecasted one month into the future using both linear and nonlinear techniques. Both spot prices and data derived from those prices are used as input data in the models. The models are tested by running data from the following year through them. Results show that, even though all products are highly correlated, the prediction results are asymmetric. In forecasts for crude oil, heating oil, gasoline and natural gas, the nonlinear forecasts were best, while for propane, the linear model gave the lowest error.
Barrier Penetration and Superluminal Velocity

Abstract We show rigorously in a causal theory that a gaussian wave packet, incident from the left on a potential barrier, turns up on the right side of the barrier at an earlier time than would appear to be allowed by causal propagation. A sufficient set of conditions on the wave packet and barrier parameters for this phenomenon to take place is given. These conditions are quite restrictive but may not all be necessary. There is, of course, only an apparent violation of causality.
Algorithms for estimating relative importance in networks

Large and complex graphs representing relationships among sets of entities are an increasingly common focus of interest in data analysis---examples include social networks, Web graphs, telecommunication networks, and biological networks. In interactive analysis of such data a natural query is "which entities are most important in the network relative to a particular individual or set of individuals?" We investigate the problem of answering such queries in this paper, focusing in particular on defining and computing the importance of nodes in a graph relative to one or more root nodes. We define a general framework and a number of different algorithms, building on ideas from social networks, graph theory, Markov models, and Web graph analysis. We experimentally evaluate the different properties of these algorithms on toy graphs and demonstrate how our approach can be used to study relative importance in real-world networks including a network of interactions among September 11th terrorists, a network of collaborative research in biotechnology among companies and universities, and a network of co-authorship relationships among computer science researchers.
Social functioning and peer relationships of adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome

Objective To assess peer relationships of adolescents with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) compared with matched classroom comparison peers (MCCPs) without a chronic illness. JPFS is characterized by chronic musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and difficulty with daily functioning. Adolescents with JPFS often report problems with school and participating in peer activities, placing them at risk for social isolation from their peers and psychosocial adjustment problems. Methods Participants were 55 adolescents with JPFS (ages 12–18 years) from a pediatric outpatient rheumatology clinic and 55 MCCPs. Data on peer reputation and peer acceptance were collected from teachers, peers, and self report in a classroom setting with no focus on JPFS. Results Adolescents with JPFS were perceived (by peer and self reports) as being more isolated and withdrawn and less popular. Adolescents with JPFS were less well liked, were selected less often as a best friend, and had fewer reciprocated friendships. Conclusion Our findings suggest that adolescents with JPFS are experiencing problems with peer relationships. Given the central role that peer relationships play in psychological development of children, and because peer rejection and isolation have been associated with subsequent adjustment problems, these findings are concerning. Longitudinal studies of adolescents with JPFS are needed to ascertain whether these patients are at long-term risk and will provide a foundation for the need for early interventions. Results are discussed within the context of earlier findings for other adolescents with chronic illness and rheumatic conditions, such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who demonstrated no social problems.
In x Ga 1-x As-In y Ga 1-y As strained-layer superlattices: A proposal for useful, new electronic materials

Strained-layer superlattices grown from lattice-mismatched layers of InGaAs are proposed as useful electronic materials with tailorable electronic properties. The first study of the electronic properties of these structures has been carried out. Band-gap energies are calculated as a function of layer thicknesses and compositions. The results demonstrate for the first time that the lattice constant, band gap, and transport properties of ternary strained-layer superlattices can be independently varied. This new capability could permit InGaAs strained-layer superlattices to significantly broaden the range of applications associated with the InGaAs ternary compound.
Analysis of errors in cephalometric measurements of three-dimensional distances on the human mandible

Abstract Reliability (reproducibility) of measurements of five mandibular dimensions was analysed. Sixteen replicate determinations per mandibular dimension were made on cephalograms of ten boys 7 years of age by two trained locators (each independently making two tracings), and two measurers each making two separate measurements on every tracing; total sample of 160 distances per dimension was thus obtained. By analysis of variance technique (nested design), variability in distances observed was partitioned into four factors: between-and within-locators, and between-and within-measurers. Standard deviation component estimates for each factor showed amounts of contribution by each source. Landmark location variability was about 5 times that due to measurement. Comparison of within-system and among-child standard deviation component estimates showed within-system variabilities to be about 15 per cent to 37 per cent of among-child variabilities.
Replication of scopolamine's antidepressant efficacy in major depressive disorder: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background We previously reported that intravenous (IV) scopolamine administration produced rapid and robust antidepressant effects in a sample consisting of both unipolar and bipolar depressives. The present study aimed to replicate this finding in an independent sample limited to unipolar depressives. Methods Outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD; n = 23; 22 were included in analyses) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Subjects were randomized into either a P/S or S/P sequence (P = block of three placebo sessions; S=block of three scopolamine sessions; [4.0 μg/kg IV]). Sessions occurred 3 to 5 days apart, such that time spent in each block lasted 1.5 to 2 weeks and the interval between blocks was 3 to 5 days. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) served as the primary outcome measure. Results Following the initial block, the group receiving scopolamine first (S/P) showed a 32% reduction in MADRS scores ( p p = .009), confirming the a-priori hypothesis. Improvement was significant at the first evaluation that followed scopolamine administration ( p = .011). In Block 2, the P/S group showed a 53% reduction in MADRS scores ( p = .001) following scopolamine versus placebo, whereas the reduction seen in S/P subjects who received scopolamine during Block 1 persisted as they received placebo during Block 2. Scopolamine induced drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, light-headedness, and reduced blood pressure, which were sufficiently well tolerated that no subject dropped out because of side effects. Conclusions These results replicate previous finding that scopolamine produces a rapid and robust antidepressant response.
Effects of distance constraints on macromolecular conformation. II. Simulation of experimental results and theoretical predictions

By generating classes of random structures for trypsin inhibitor and carp myogen, each consistent with a given set of experimental or theoretical information, we have assessed the relative utility of various experiments and theories in deducing the conformation of macromolecules. We compare the calculated structures with known x-ray coordinates and compute for each class an average error. Small errors mean that the experimental or theoretical constraints limit the structures to the vicinity of the crystal structure, whereas large errors show that the constraints permit a wide variety of tertiary conformations. We find the following points to hold true: (1) Qualitative information on all the distances, as might be obtained from the correct prediction of interresidue contacts, effectively determines the structure (error approximately 1 A). (2) Quantitative information on a limited number of distances, as might be obtained from nmr or crosslinking experiments, significantly restricts the range of possible structures only when the number of distances given is comparable to the number of residues (error approximately 3 A). (3) Quantitative information on the distances of each residue to the center of mass of the molecule, as might in part be obtained from solvent accessibility and solution x-ray studies, is not particularly restrictive by itself (error approximately 5 A). (4) Complete qualitative local distance information, as might be obtained from secondary prediction and CD/ORD studies, is clearly consistent with a wide variety of tertiary structures (error approximately 7 A).
Genetic Engineering of Juvenile Human Chondrocytes Improves Scaffold-free Mosaic Neocartilage Grafts

Background Current cartilage transplantation techniques achieve suboptimal restoration and rely on patient donor cells or living grafts of chondrocytes.
Aprindine in the Treatment of the Idiopathic QT Interval Prolongation Syndrome

A 19-year-old patient with idiopathic long QT interval syndrome (LQTS) was treated with diphenylhydantoin, propranolol, digoxin and bretylium tosylate. In view of continued refractoriness of ventricular arrhythmias, bretylium was discontinued and aprindine, 200 mg qd, was added. This drug regimen completely ablated the ventricular arrhythmias. Since the results of left stellectomy (the last therapeutic measure in LQTS) do vary, aprindine may be an important adjunct in the treatment of this syndrome.
Potent sex attractant of the gypsy moth: its isolation, identification and synthesis.

The sex attractant emitted by the female gypsy moth has been identified as cis-7,8-epoxy-2-methyloctadecane. The structure was verified by spectral, gas chromatographic, and biological comparisons with the synthesized compound. Nine closely related isomers were considerably less effective.
Toxicology of indecainide hydrochloride in mice, rats, and dogs

Indecainide is a new (investigational) drug for treating cardiac arrhythmias. When given orally to either young adult rats or mice, the LD50 was ca. 100 mg/kg. Leg weakness, tremors, and occasional convulsions were seen in rodents given doses in the lethal range. Dogs and monkeys survived a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg; however, there was a pronounced increase in duration of the PR and QRS intervals. In a 3-month subchronic toxicity study, rats fed dietary levels equivalent to 20 mg/kg/day indecainide were unaffected. Body weight gain was slightly depressed in both sexes of the 40-mg/kg dose group and moderately reduced in both sexes of the 85-mg/kg dose group. Alkaline phosphatase values were minimally increased in females of the 85-mg/kg dose group. In a 3-month subchronic toxicity study, dogs were given daily doses of 0, 6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg indecainide. One male in the 12.5-mg/kg dose group and two females in the 25-mg/kg dose group died during the study. EKG recordings showed a prolongation of the PR and QRS intervals in all treated dogs. In addition, there was a notch in or just prior to the R wave. There were no histopathology findings related to treatment in rats and dogs in the 3-month subchronic rat and dog studies.
Seismogenically induced fluidization of Jurassic erg sands, south‐central Utah

Large bodies of fluidized sandstone occur in the Jurassic Entrada, Carmel, Page and Navajo Formations at several locations in south-central Utah. They are most abundant in the Entrada Sandstone, where they commonly occur in clusters, have a cylindrical form and have a sharp contact with their cross-bedded host rock. These clastic pipes are as wide as 75 m and have exposed heights of as much as 100 m. Some of the Entrada pipes extend well into the underlying Carmel redbeds. Other clastic pipes in the Entrada Sandstone are less deformed and display various degrees of brittle-to-hydroplastic deformation and liquefaction. Clastic pipes in the Page and Navajo Sandstones are less common, but are similar in size and form to those in the Entrada and Carmel, and probably have a similar origin. Some massive sandstone bodies are irregular in form and have tongue-like projections into the host rock, implying forcible injection of fluidized sand. Several pipe-host contacts in the Entrada Sandstone display small-scale ring faults. Where relative displacement can be clearly demonstrated, pipe sandstones are invariably down-faulted, locally as much as 5 m. At two sites, Carmel host rock is upwarped around the Entrada pipes. Stratified and cross-bedded breccia blocks occur in many Entrada pipes, and preliminary petrographic analysis indicates that at least some of these breccia blocks are derived from the host rock. Homogeneous pipe sandstones are also petrographically similar to their Entrada host rock, suggesting that some pipes originate through fluidization of the fine-grained Entrada. Fluidization of the Entrada must have occurred in a water-saturated environment during early diagenesis but before complete lithification, most probably under considerable porewater pressure. Although there are no known modern analogues to these huge masses of structureless sandstone, they may have a small-scale modern counterpart in earthquake-induced sandblows. These features were most probably caused by large-magnitude seismic events during the Middle Jurassic, although other possibilities cannot be ruled out at this point.
Preparation and evaluation of a novel glass-ionomer cement with antibacterial functions

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to use the newly synthesized poly(quaternary ammonium salt) (PQAS)-containing polyacid to formulate the light-curable glass-ionomer cements and study the effect of the PQAS on the compressive strength and antibacterial activity of the formed cements. Materials and methods The functional QAS and their constructed PQAS were synthesized, characterized and formulated into the experimental high-strength cements. Compressive strength (CS) and Streptococcus mutans viability were used to evaluate the mechanical strength and antibacterial activity of the cements. Fuji II LC cement was used as control. The specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37 °C for 24 h prior to testing. The effects of the substitute chain length, loading as well as grafting ratio of the QAS and aging on CS and S. mutans viability were investigated. Results All the PQAS-containing cements showed a significant antibacterial activity, accompanying with an initial CS reduction. The effects of the chain length, loading and grafting ratio of the QAS were significant. Increasing chain length, loading, grafting ratio significantly enhanced antibacterial activity but reduced the initial CS. Under the same substitute chain length, the cements containing QAS bromide were found to be more antibacterial than those containing QAS chloride although the CS values of the cements were not statistically different from each other, suggesting that we can use QAS bromide directly without converting bromide to chloride. The experimental cement showed less CS reduction and higher antibacterial activity than Fuji II LC. The long-term aging study suggests that the cements may have a long-lasting antibacterial function. Conclusions This study developed a novel antibacterial glass-ionomer cement. Within the limitations of this study, it appears that the experimental cement is a clinically attractive dental restorative due to its high mechanical strength and antibacterial function.
Toward establishing a universal basic health norm.

where the poorest face considerably higher mortality and morbidity rates than wealthier groups do. Yet most of these wealthier groups enjoy health levels that are far below those of people in the industrial countries. The most prominent normative response to this situation has been an equality-demanding norm, stipulating that we strive to make health outcomes more equal even within the developing countries. In this article, I argue that under current resource constraints, institutional arrangements seeking to ensure commonly accepted egalitarian goals would engender the decrease of health status of many who do not currently enjoy particularly high levels of health. Although an alternative view, the prioritarian view, can avoid some of the negative implications of the egalitarian view, it too is untenable given the current resource constraints. We should instead develop a threshold norm that characterizes minimally adequate health status. An institutional order is just with respect to health to the extent that participants in this order do not (avoidably) fail to reach this threshold. One implication is that redistribution of resources is limited within any developing country, and thus redistribution must take place from industrialized to poorer nations.
The mobility experience and neighborhood attachment.

In this study, I consider variables associated with an individual’s most recent move into his or her current residence as predictors of neighborhood attachment. Using the 1978–1979 Seattle Community Attachment Survey, I find that elements of the mobility experience such as an individual’s past history of migration, the motivations for moving, the amount of time involved in the move, and the distance traveled during the move have an effect on shortand long-term neighborhood attachment patterns independent of residential stability and investment predictors. The findings imply that psychosocial factors such as familiarity with the environment, increased premove exposure to the new environment, and perceived control during instances of transition have some impact on individuals’ postmove attitudes and behaviors, and suggest that researchers should look beyond traditional “types of people” explanations of urban neighborhood attachment.
Clinical usefulness of markers of bone degradation and formation

The evaluation and management of patients with metabolic bone disease has been enhanced in recent years by the availability and clinical application of new biochemical markers of bone degradation and bone formation. Traditionally, biochemical markers such as serum alkaline phosphatase activity and urinary hydroxyproline measurements have been used to facilitate the clinical monitoring of patients receiving therapy for metabolic bone diseases like Paget's disease and osteomalacia. The poor specificity and sensitivity of these older markers however, made it difficult to follow patient response to therapy with the more subtle bone diseases like osteoporosis and metastatic bone cancer. New advances in bone marker biology particularly with biochemical markers of bone resorption have renewed interest in the use of biochemical markers to manage patients with different forms of metabolic bone disease. Bone loss markers such as the pyridinium cross-links and associated telopeptides have expanded the application of...
Coherent states and a path integral for the Morse oscillator.

Coherent states for the Morse oscillator are constructed using generalized coherent states associated with the SO(2,1) noninvariance group for this potential. By using the path integral over these states, it is shown that the Morse oscillator may be viewed as a harmonic oscillator evolving in a fictitious time. To show that this picture is mathematically consistent, we compute the path integral for the Green's function and recover the bound-state spectrum.
Racial differences in a prostate cancer screening study.

AbstractPurpose: We attempted to determine whether black men have a higher prostate cancer prevalence and more advanced disease.Materials and Methods: We screened 17,157 white and 804 black men 50 years old or older by serum prostate specific antigen measurement and digital rectal examination. We recommended biopsy when either test was suspicious.Results: Black men had a higher prevalence of elevated prostate specific antigen (13.1 versus 8.9 percent) and cancer (5.1 versus 3.2 percent) than white men, and a higher prevalence of clinically but not pathologically advanced cancer. Fewer black men in lower income zip codes complied with recommendations for biopsy.Conclusions: In our screening study black men had a higher prevalence of detectable cancer. However, unlike in clinical studies there was no striking racial difference in advanced cancer stage at diagnosis.
Vehicle Dynamics Models for Onboard Motion Planning

Offline multibody dynamics based modeling and simulation of vehicle dynamics has been pursued with varying levels of success for more than two decades. This has been used in design, controls, training, and other technical and programmatic objectives. Over the last decade, autonomous vehicle dynamics has become an important area of research. This has resulted in a growing need for onboard vehicle model that works with the vehicle controller and path planner. Typically, kinematic models have largely been used for these objectives. Use of dynamics models for onboard motion planning is a relatively new topic of research with only a handful of prior work. In this paper we report our attempts at addressing the need for onboard vehicle dynamics models for motion planning in relatively fast autonomous mobility scenarios. We present the idea of using adaptive motion models that trade fidelity and cost of simulation to enable a motion planner to select an adequate model. Towards this, we present representative simulation results that demonstrate the need for adaptivity. We then present some technical challenges with onboard vehicle models and our attempts at addressing these challenges. Finally, we present some results that compare raw vehicle data with model predictive results.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Transcriptional antagonism between Hmx1 and Nkx2.5 for a shared DNA-binding site.

Abstract The recently described Hmx family of homeodomain proteins is predominately expressed in discrete regions of developing sensory tissues. In this report, we have identified the preferred DNA-binding site of the murine Hmx3 homeodomain protein by the selection and amplification binding (SAAB) technique. The consensus Hmx-binding site contained the sequence 5′-CAAGTG-3′, which differs from the 5′-TAAT-3′ motif commonly associated with homeodomain proteins. Instead, the Hmx consensus is similar to the 5′-CAAGTG-3′-binding sites of Nkx2.1 and Nkx2.5 homeodomain proteins. Based on mutation studies, both the 5′-CAAG-3′ core and the 3′-TG dinucleotide are required for high affinity binding by Hmx3 and the homologous Hmx1 protein. A critical determinant of this specificity is the glutamine at position 50 in the third helix of the Hmx homeodomain. Hmx1 binds to the 5′-CAAGTG-3′ element with an apparent dissociation constant of 20 nm. Unexpectedly, the human Hmx1 protein specifically repressed transcription from a luciferase reporter gene containing 3 copies of the 5′-CAAGTG-3′ sequence. In contrast, the Nkx2.5 protein transactivated this luciferase reporter. Interestingly, co-expression of Hmx1 and Nkx2.5 attenuated each others activity, suggesting that genes containing the CAAGTG element can integrate signals from these proteins. Therefore, Hmx1 and Nkx2.5 proteins bind a unique DNA sequence and act as transcriptional antagonists.
Equilibration of kaolinite in aqueous inorganic and surfactant solutions

Abstract Equilibration of a natural kaolinite sample and its purified sodium form in water and aqueous solutions of NaCl and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDDBS) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDDS) involves a fast ion-exchange and/or electrostatic adsorption step and a slow step possibly due to dissolution of aluminum species upon prolonged contact of kaolinite with water. Equilibration processes were found to depend on ionic strength, pH, and treatment of the sample. Past studies using kaolinite appear not to have considered the possibility of an intermediate metastable condition which could be responsible for a number of contradicting results found in the literature. Examination of results obtained for the sulfonate under various ionic strengths and hydrogen ion concentrations suggests a complex adsorption mechanism involving ion-exchange, electrostatic, metal activated modes of adsorption and precipitation depending on the solution pH.
Order and disorder in electrochemical deposits of copper on graphite

Abstract Electrochemical deposition of copper on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) from aqueous 0.05M H2SO4 and 0.1M NaCl media has been studied using cyclic voltammogram (CV), single-pulse potentiostatic current vs. time (i vs. t) transient, and in situ scanning tunneling microscopic (STM) techniques. At potentials positive to the Nernst reversible potential, Cu(II) ions tend to adsorb on the HOPG surface. In the NaCl medium, the adsorbed Cu(II) ions form a stable, ordered layer. In this medium, the i vs. t transients indicate that the kinetics of bulk deposition is limited by planar diffusion, and the STM images reveal well-ordered bulk deposits. In contrast, in the 0.05M H2SO4 medium, the copper ions, even if adsorbed, do not form any stable or ordered layer on the HOPG surface. In this medium, the bulk deposition is a nucleated process, whose kinetics is limited by spherical diffusion, and the bulk deposit is disordered. It is inferred from these observations that the presence of an adsorbed and ordered layer of Cu(II) ions, prior to the onset of the bulk deposition, is responsible for the formation of ordered bulk deposits.
Knowledge and attitudes about carrier testing for hemophilia A among patients and their relatives

Knowledge and attitudes about carrier testing for hemophilia A among patients and their relatives
Aortic stenosis in the older population

Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a condition that develops as a result of a chronic inflammatory process that leads to valve degeneration. Older adults exhibit an increased prevalence of aortic valvular fibrosis and calcification with associated sclerosis and stenosis. Severe AS requires relief of the obstruction to alleviate symptoms and reduce morbidity and mortality. Surgical aortic valve replacement is an effective therapy for severe AS and has been associated with excellent outcomes in selected octogenarians and nonagenarians. Transcatheter valve replacement is an effective alternative to surgery in patients who are inoperable or who pose a high surgical risk. Optimal management of older adults with severe AS requires a multidisciplinary approach with appropriate consideration of comorbid conditions, frailty and patient preferences.
Soil Salinity Mapping and Monitoring in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions Using Remote Sensing Technology: A Review

Soil salinity is a serious environmental problem especially in arid and semiarid areas. It either occurs naturally or is human-induced. High levels of soil salinity negatively affect crop growth and productivity leading land degradation ultimately. Thus, it is important to monitor and map soil salinity at an early stage to enact effective soil reclamation program that helps lessen or prevent future increase in soil salinity. Remote sensing has outperformed the traditional method for assessing soil salinity offering more informative and professional rapid assessment techniques for monitoring and mapping soil salinity. Soil salinity can be identified from remote sensing data obtained by different sensors by way of direct indicators that refer to salt features that are visible at the soil surface as well as indirect indicators such as the presence of halophytic plant and assessing the performance level of salt-tolerant crops. The purposes of this paper are to 1) discuss some soil salinity indicators; 2) review the satellite sensors and methods used for remote monitoring, detecting and mapping of soil salinity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions; 3) review various spectral vegetation and salinity indices that have been developed and proposed for soil salinity detection and mapping, with an emphasis on soil salinity mapping and assessment in arid and semi-arid regions; and 4) highlight the most important issues limiting the use of remote sensing for soil salinity mapping, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The Road Not Taken: Consumer Information in Nursing Training for Magnet Re-Certification

This article describes the way Medical City Dallas Hospital Library incorporated consumer health information into its re-certification process for the Magnet Recognition Program. The library used data gathered in a previous nursing study as a basis for an information needs assessment. The survey indicated that there is a need for teaching nurses research skills, searching techniques, and usage of library resources including consumer health information. Following training on library resources, data indicated an increase in the number of nurses using the library, as well as in the number of database searches conducted. The nurses also requested articles and information by calling or e-mailing the librarian.
η2-Coordination and C−H Activation of Electron-Poor Arenes

The reductive elimination of neopentane from (dtbpm)Pt(Np)H (dtbpm = bis(di-tert-butylphosphino)methane, Np = neopentyl) results in the formation of the highly reactive intermediate [(dtbpm)Pt0]. This species reacts with a variety of electron-deficient benzenes (1,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene and 1,3,5-tris(trifluoromethyl)benzene) and biphenyls (3,5,4‘-tris(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl and 3,5,3‘,5‘-tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl) to form η2-arene complexes. X-ray crystallography confirms the η2-bonding motif. The arene complexes all display broad 1H NMR spectroscopic features at room temperature that sharpen considerably at lower temperatures. Thermolysis or photolysis of the arene complexes results in C−H activation and the formation of platinum(II) aryl hydride complexes. The products observed depend on whether the reaction is thermal or photolytic. Reaction with 4,4‘-bis(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl yields two C−H activated products directly. Oxidative addition occurs at the 2 and 3 positions of the biph...
Dynamic compression of an Fe–Cr–Ni alloy to 80 GPa

Wave profiles were measured in an Fe–Cr–Ni alloy (stainless steel 304) shock compressed to Hugoniot stresses between 7 and 80 GPa. A single-stage propellant gun was used to generate shock states and time histories were recorded by velocity interferometry. The particle velocity measurements are generally consistent with impedance match calculations to ±2%. Unloading wave velocities were obtained from analysis of the release wave profiles. Using Eulerian finite strain theory and under the assumption of fully elastic initial release, the first and second pressure derivatives of the longitudinal modulus are given by: 7.9(0.5) and –0.16(0.06) GPa–1, where the numbers in parentheses are one standard deviation uncertainties. The first and second pressure derivatives of the adiabatic bulk modulus are: 6.4(1.0) and –0.17(0.08) GPa–1. The unloading wave velocities are generally consistent with extrapolated trends from low-pressure ultrasonic data as well as with higher stress shock measurements on an alloy of similar composition. From 1 bar to 80 GPa, Poisson's ratio, nu, increases with Hugoniot stress, sigma (in GPa), according to the relation: nu =0.29 + 0.0008 sigma. The Hugoniot elastic limit of 304 steel was found to be 0.35(0.12) GPa, and the initial yield stress is 0.21(0.07) GPa. The elastic precursor velocity was 5.8(0.1) km/s. Numerical simulations of the wave profiles using a constitutive model that incorporates a Bauschinger effect and stress relaxation reproduced the main features observed in the profiles. Release adiabats were also calculated from the measured wave profiles. The shear stress at unloading was determined to vary with stress according to the relation: tau0+tauc=0.149+0.018 sigma, where sigma is given in GPa.
The Oprop verification tool: object propositions in action

We have recently introduced object propositions as a modular verification technique that combines abstract predicates and fractional permissions. The Oprop tool implements the theory of object propositions and verifies programs written in a simplified version of Java, augmented with the object propositions specifications. Our tool parses the input files and automatically translates them into the intermediate verification language Boogie, which is verified by the Boogie verifier. We present the details of our implementation, the lessons that we learned and a number of examples that we have verified using the Oprop tool.