cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endometrial Cancer Genomics

Abstract Endometrial cancers originate from epithelial cells lining the uterus and account for ~76,000 deaths annually among women worldwide. Histopathological subtypes of endometrial cancer include endometrioid and serous carcinomas, as well as carcinosarcomas. Recent whole exome sequencing of these three subtypes, including an integrated genomic analysis of endometrioid and serous endometrial cancers by The Cancer Genome Atlas, has uncovered both distinguishing and shared molecular features within their genomic landscapes. Consequently, we now understand that endometrioid and serous endometrial cancers can be classified into four distinct molecular subgroups: POLE (ultramutated), microsatellite instability (hypermutated), copy number low (microsatellite stable), and copy number high (serous-like). In this chapter, we review the current state of knowledge of endometrial cancer genomics, both in the context of histopathological subtypes and their underlying molecular subgroups, with an emphasis on the genes and pathways that are frequently perturbed.
The role of STIM1 and SOCE in smooth muscle contractility

Contraction is a central feature for skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle; this unique feature is largely dependent on calcium (Ca2+) signaling and therefore maintenance of internal Ca2+ stores. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a single-pass transmembrane protein that functions as a Ca2+ sensor for the activation store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs) on the plasma membrane in response to depleted internal sarco(endo)plasmic (S/ER) reticulum Ca2+ stores. STIM1 was initially characterized in non-excitable cells; however, evidence from both animal models and human mutations suggests a role for STIM1 in modulating Ca2+ homeostasis in excitable tissues as well. STIM1-dependent SOCE is particularly important in tissues undergoing sustained contraction, leading us to believe STIM1 may play a role in smooth muscle contraction. To date, the role of STIM1 in smooth muscle is unknown. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the role of STIM1-dependent SOCE in striated muscle and build off that knowledge to investigate whether STIM1 contributes to smooth muscle contractility. We conclude by discussing the translational implications of targeting STIM1 in the treatment of smooth muscle disorders.
Financing Study Abroad: An Exploration of the Influence of Financial Factors on Student Study Abroad Patterns:

This study examines the role of financial aid variables, namely, student loan and grant amounts, expected family contribution, and financial need, on the decision to study abroad among students in the University System of Georgia. Findings indicate that, generally, student loans negatively influence the likelihood of a student studying abroad whereas grant aid increases the likelihood. Students with higher levels of expected family contribution are less likely to participate in study abroad, as are those with more financial need. This study adds to our knowledge of factors that predict student study abroad participation in that it accounts for financial factors that have not yet been examined in the study abroad literature. Findings have important implications for students, study abroad practitioners, and institutions alike in terms of student access to international experiences, and also point to several directions for future research on the influence of students’ finances on their international educatio...
Rational and Semirational Protein Design

This mini review gives an overview over different design approaches and methodologies applied in rational and semirational enzyme engineering. The underlying principles for engineering novel activities, enantioselectivity, substrate specificity, stability, and pH optimum are summarized.
Image reconstruction and scan configurations enabled by optimization-based algorithms in multispectral CT

Optimization-based algorithms for image reconstruction in multispectral (or photon-counting) computed tomography (MCT) remains a topic of active research. The challenge of optimization-based image reconstruction in MCT stems from the inherently non-linear data model that can lead to a non-convex optimization program for which no mathematically exact solver seems to exist for achieving globally optimal solutions. In this work, based upon a non-linear data model, we design a non-convex optimization program, derive its first-order-optimality conditions, and propose an algorithm to solve the program for image reconstruction in MCT. In addition to consideration of image reconstruction for the standard scan configuration, the emphasis is on investigating the algorithm's potential for enabling non-standard scan configurations with no or minimum hardware modification to existing CT systems, which has potential practical implications for lowered hardware cost, enhanced scanning flexibility, and reduced imaging dose/time in MCT. Numerical studies are carried out for verification of the algorithm and its implementation, and for a preliminary demonstration and characterization of the algorithm in reconstructing images and in enabling non-standard configurations with varying scanning angular range and/or x-ray illumination coverage in MCT.
Palladium redispersion at high temperature within the Pd@SiO2 core@shell structure

Abstract Maintaining high dispersion of palladium is critical for Pd-based catalysts, which suffer from deactivation due to sintering at high temperatures (≥800 °C). Here, we report direct evidence that Pd nanoparticles (~4 nm) of a palladium silica core@shell (Pd@SiO2) catalyst can redisperse into nanoclusters (≤2 nm) after aging at 800 °C, where severe Pd sintering would be expected on supported Pd catalysts. The Pd redispersion was confirmed by in situ, as well as ex situ, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and is manifested by a remarkably decreased light-off temperature for CO oxidation after aging.
Hip recovery strategy used by below-knee amputees following mediolateral foot perturbations

Lower-limb amputees have a higher risk of falling compared to non-amputees. Proper regulation of whole-body angular momentum is necessary to prevent falls, particularly in the frontal plane where individuals are most unstable. However, the balance recovery mechanisms used by lower-limb amputees when recovering from a perturbation are not well-understood. This study sought to understand the balance recovery mechanisms used by lower-limb amputees in response to mediolateral foot perturbations by examining changes to frontal plane whole-body angular momentum and hip joint work. These metrics provide a quantitative measure of frontal plane dynamic balance and associated joint contributions required to maintain balance during gait. Nine amputees and 11 non-amputees participated in this study where an unexpected medial or lateral foot placement perturbation occurred immediately prior to heel strike on the residual, sound or non-amputee limbs. Lateral perturbations of all limbs resulted in a reduced range of whole-body angular momentum and increased positive frontal plane hip work in the first half of single limb support. Medial perturbations for all limbs resulted in increased range of whole-body angular momentum and decreased positive frontal plane hip work, also in the first half of single limb support. These results suggest that medial foot placement perturbations are particularly challenging and that hip strategies play an important role in balance recovery. Thus, rehabilitation interventions that focus on hip muscles that regulate mediolateral balance, particularly the hip abductors, and the use of prostheses with active ankle control, may reduce the risk of falls.
The Cybernetic Approach and International Politics

This chapter seeks to apply Deutsch’s cybernetic approach to the study of international politics. Studies that help develop the cybernetic approach in international politics will be used in much the same way that Deutsch applies findinges by other theorists in his own work.
Ghost Busting in Dermatology Publications: Providing Byline Integrity

In this chapter we review the topic of ghostwriting and discuss the ethical discordance between commercial handling of scientific literature and research integrity. Ghostwriting puts patients at risk by providing biased information for medical practice. Multiple parties engage in and promote ghost-managed articles and practices. Efforts should be directed at enhancing awareness of ghost practices and establishing alternatives to participation in marketing in the guise of scientific research. Journal editors, reviewers, and authors should be educated on the mechanisms and detection of ghostwriting, and take appropriate measures to require financial disclosures are identified. Editors and authors have an obligation to refrain from participating in ghostwritten articles as they jeopardize public health in exchange for financial or reputational gain.
A Novel Method for Estimating Knee Angle Using Two Leg-Mounted Gyroscopes for Continuous Monitoring with Mobile Health Devices

Tele-rehabilitation of patients with gait abnormalities could benefit from continuous monitoring of knee joint angle in the home and community. Continuous monitoring with mobile devices can be restricted by the number of body-worn sensors, signal bandwidth, and the complexity of operating algorithms. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel algorithm for estimating knee joint angle using lower limb angular velocity, obtained with only two leg-mounted gyroscopes. This gyroscope only (GO) algorithm calculates knee angle by integrating gyroscope-derived knee angular velocity signal, and thus avoids reliance on noisy accelerometer data. To eliminate drift in gyroscope data, a zero-angle update derived from a characteristic point in the knee angular velocity is applied to every stride. The concurrent validity and construct convergent validity of the GO algorithm was determined with two existing IMU-based algorithms, complementary and Kalman filters, and an optical motion capture system, respectively. Bland–Altman analysis indicated a high-level of agreement between the GO algorithm and other measures of knee angle.
Ranking of major classes of antibiotics for activity against stationary phase Pseudomonas aeruginosa and identification of Clinafloxacin + Cefuroxime + Gentamicin drug combination that eradicates persistent P. aeruginosa infection in a murine cystic fibrosis model

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious persistent infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, sepsis, biofilm-related infections as in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Although CF lung infections can be treated with antibiotics, full clearance is difficult due to P. aeruginosa persistence. While antibiotic activity against growing P. aeruginosa is well documented, their activity against the non-growing persisters enriched in stationary phase cultures has not been well studied. Here, we systematically evaluated and ranked the six major classes of antibiotics, cell wall and cell membrane inhibitors, protein synthesis inhibitors, DNA synthesis inhibitors, RNA synthesis inhibitors, sulfa drugs, and nitrofurantoin, for their activity against both growing and persister forms of P. aeruginosa using colony forming count (CFU) and SYBR Green I/Propidium Iodide (PI) viability assay. Among the six major classes of antibiotics, cell wall and cell membrane inhibitors (Cefuroxime and Colistin), DNA synthesis inhibitors (Clinafloxacin) and sulfa drugs (Sulfamethoxazole) had good activity against stationary phase cells. In contrast, protein synthesis inhibitors (Gentamicin), RNA synthesis inhibitor (Rifampicin) and Nitrofurantoin had relatively poor activity against the stationary phase P. aeruginosa but relatively high activity against log phase P. aeruginosa. Clinafloxacin is the only single drug that could completely kill all (109 CFU) stationary phase cells in a 4 day drug exposure. The Cefuroxime + Gentamicin+ Clinafloxacin combination could kill all biofilm bacteria in 2 days whereas the clinically used drug combination Cefuroxime + Gentamicin + Colistin only partially killed the biofilm bacteria with 103 CFU remaining. In a murine persistent CF lung infection model, only Cefuroxime + Gentamicin+ Clinafloxacin cleared all bacteria in the infected lungs, whereas Clinafloxacin alone, or Cefuroxime + Clinafloxacin, or the current recommended drug combination Cefuroxime + Gentamicin, all failed to completely clear the bacterial load in the lungs. The complete sterilization of the bacterial load is a property of Clinafloxacin combination, as Cefuroxime + Gentamicin+ Levofloxacin combination was unable to clear the bacterial load in the lungs. Our findings demonstrate the importance of persister drug clinafloxacin, offer new therapeutic approaches for more effective treatment of persistent P. aeruginosa infections, and may have implications for treating other persistent infections.
Evaluating Universal Screening with Community-Oriented Collaboration on Students’ Receipt of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Intervention

Tiered response models encourage a proactive approach to identification of social-emotional needs and intervention. However, schools experience barriers to adopting and implementing such models tha...
Media use habits, negative encounters with the police, and perceptions of the police: the mainstreaming hypothesis versus the resonance hypothesis

Media researchers have long considered the extent to which the media influence perceptions of the police. More recently, scholars have encouraged more specific investigations to determine if media ...
Susanne Markgren and Linda Miles. How to Thrive as a Library Professional: Achieving Success and Satisfaction . Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2020. 134p. Paper, $45.00 (ISBN 978-1-4408-6711-8). LC 2019031263.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive at work and throughout our careers. In these lean economic times, many of us in the library field are struggling to find and keep positions, to remain optimistic about the future of the profession and our place within it, and to stem the tide of burnout. We cannot control our circumstances, yet there are steps we can take to better situate ourselves for professional success and fulfillment. Reading and engaging with the exercises in How to Thrive as a Library Professional: Achieving Success and Satisfaction can help you develop the mindset of a reflective practitioner with a sense of ownership over your professional path. The authors, Susanne Markgren and Linda Miles, have more than 30 years of combined experience in academic libraries and professional associations, and both have written and presented previously on career guidance topics. Together, they have constructed a slim but impactful volume that can be returned to again and again as we navigate and try to move forward in our professional lives.
Clinicopathologic and pathologic characteristics of feline proteinuric kidney disease.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the causes, clinicopathologic features and outcomes of feline protein-losing nephropathy (proteinuria secondary to glomerular disease [PLN]).MethodsK...
EARLY ONSET OF MODY5 DUE TO HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY OF HNF1B.

ABSTRACT Objective: To report 2 patients with haploinsufficiency of hepatic nuclear factor 1 homeobox B (HNF1B) that results in the onset of maturity onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY5) befo...
Laser-based measurement of parity violation in hydrogen

A parity violation experiment based on stimulated emission in atomic hydrogen is analyzed. The intensity of a laser field within an optical cavity provides the experimental signal. We find that such a measurement would offer several advantages compared to previous experiments based on microwave spectroscopy, including a well-defined interaction region and a short coherent interaction time.
A Hybrid Line Driver with Voltage-Mode SST Pre-Emphasis and Current-Mode Equalization

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment requires a line driver to drive at least 25-meter long twin-axial (twinax) cables. To compensate the high-frequency loss over the long cables and alleviate the de-emphasis of the low-frequency signal magnitude, a hybrid of current-mode transmitter equalization (TXEQ) and voltage-mode pre-emphasis is proposed. The TXEQ employs a finite-impulse response (FIR) filter to boost the high-frequency components while deemphasizing the low-frequency signal magnitude, thereby flattening the overall channel frequency response and reducing Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI). Voltage-mode pre-emphasis is proposed to further boost the high-frequency portion without degrading the signal magnitude. The main driver utilizes voltage-mode source-series-terminated (SST) output stages, which offers higher signal swing and better power efficiency than the conventional current-mode logic (CML) drivers. Designed in 65-nm CMOS, the proposed hybrid line driver operates at 1.28 Gbps and with 6.8 mW power consumption when driving a 25-meter long twinax cable.
Breeding System and Pollination of Thermopsis divaricarpa (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae) in the Southern Rocky Mountains

Thermopsis divaricarpa (Fabaceae) is a common wildflower in the montane zone of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but its reproductive ecology is still largely unknown. Montane meadows are recognized for their relatively high species richness and important ecosystem services. Thus, knowledge of the reproductive ecology of T. divaricarpa is useful when assessing community-level responses to climate change in the montane zone of the Rockies. We investigated the phenology, breeding system, and pollination of this species in the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Our results suggest that T. divaricarpa flowers from early June to mid-July, exhibits a facultative xenogamous breeding system, and may be pollinated by bumble bees. Pollen grains of T. divaricarpa are singular, ellipsoidal, and tricolpate. Beetles consume floral tissue, but their role as pollinators is questionable.
On-the-fly detection of access anomalies

Access anomalies are a common class of bugs in shared-memory parallel programs. An access anomaly occurs when two concurrent execution threads both write (or one thread reads and the other writes) the same shared memory location without coordination. Approaches to the detection of access anomalies include static analysis, post-mortem trace analysis, and on-the-fly monitoring.A general on-the-fly algorithm for access anomaly detection is presented, which can be applied to programs with both nested fork-join and synchronization operations. The advantage of on-the-fly detection over post-mortem analysis is that the amount of storage used can be greatly reduced by data compression techniques and by discarding information as soon as it becomes obsolete. In the algorithm presented, the amount of storage required at any time depends only on the number V of shared variables being monitored and the number N of threads, not on the number of synchronizations. Data compression is achieved by the use of two techniques called merging and subtraction. Upper bounds on storage are shown to be V x N2 for merging and V x N for subtraction.
Original contributionThe IBD1 locus for susceptibility to Crohn’s disease has a greater impact in Ashkenazi Jews with early onset disease

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have suggested that a susceptibility gene located on chromosome 16 and designated IBD1 may contribute to the development of Crohn’s disease (CD). However, these findings were observed in predominantly non-Jewish populations; in the three studies where Ashkenazi Jews were included for analysis, the results have been widely divergent. Because Ashkenazi Jews are known to have a higher incidence of the disease than non-Jews, we sought to determine whether this previously reported linkage could be extended to the Ashkenazi population. In addition, we examined whether Ashkenazi Jewish patients with an early age of onset (≤21 yr) showed greater evidence of linkage to this locus. METHODS: Linkage analysis for the IBD1 region was performed on 123 Ashkenazi Jewish CD patients distributed among 53 families. Only patients with four Jewish grandparents were considered to be Jewish. Of the 123 Ashkenazi Jewish patients, 75 (61%) had an age of onset ≤21 yr. RESULTS: Ashkenazi Jews showed only modest evidence of linkage (nonparametric linkage 1.63, p = 0.05) to the IBD1 locus. However, when the Ashkenazi population was subdivided on the basis of age of onset, there was a striking increase in linkage in families where affected individuals had an age of onset ≤21 yr (nonparametric linkage 3.02, p = 0.002). In contrast, there was no evidence of linkage in the Jewish families where all affected individuals had an age of onset >21 yr. CONCLUSIONS: The IBD1 gene plays a greater role in conferring susceptibility to CD in Jews with early onset disease than in Jews with late onset disease.
Cadet mentoring program: Best practices for success

In this article, we identify challenges and best practices associated with a formal mentoring program at a US military service academy. Although research has shown that mentored individuals benefit...
The Preparation of Nerve Growth Factor

Nerve growth factor (NGF), a substance which regulates the growth and viability of sympathetic and certain sensory neurons in a hormonelike manner (Levi-Montalcini and Angeletti, 1968; Bradshaw et al., 1976), has been identified in a wide variety of tissue sources (Levi-Montalcini, et al., 1954; Bueker et al., 1960; Angeletti and Vignetti, 1971; Young et al., 1976), and isolated in homogeneous form from a number of them (Varon et al., 1967; Bocchini and Angeletti, 1969; Angeletti, 1968, 1970; Pearce et al., 1972). Historically, it was first observed in sarcomas 37 and 180 (Bueker, 1948; Levi-Montalcini, 1952; Levi-Montalcini and Hamburger, 1953) and, although substantially purified (Cohen et al., 1954), it was never obtained in a homogeneous form from this source. However, these experiments led to the discovery that poisonous snakes (Crotalidae, Elapidae, and Viperidae) and, most importantly, the adult male mouse submandibular gland were much richer sources of NGF (Cohen and Levi-Montalcini, 1956; Cohen, 1960).
Simplified Muskingum Routing Equation

The Muskingum method and its variations are well established in the flood routing literature. Traditionally, its parameters K and X have been determined by calibration using measured inflow and outflow hydrographs. An improved version is due to Cunge, who showed that parameters K and X could be related to the physical problem, thus eliminating the need for trial and error calibration while at the same time enhancing the predictive capabilities of the method.
Advantage of meditation over exercise in reducing cold and flu illness is related to improved function and quality of life

Please cite this paper as: Obasi et al. (2012) Advantage of meditation over exercise in reducing cold and flu illness is related to improved function and quality of life. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 00(0), 00–00. Purpose To examine whether apparent advantages following training in meditation over exercise can be attributed to specific symptoms, functional impairments, or quality-of-life indicators assessed by the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-24). Methods Results from the randomized controlled trial “Meditation or Exercise for Preventing Acute Respiratory Illness” showed mean global severity and total days of illness were worse in control (358, 8·9) compared with exercise (248, 5·1) or meditation (144, 5·0). Global severity of illness was estimated using area under the curve from daily self-reported severity scores on the WURSS-24. For this project, we estimated within-group WURSS item-level severity and between-group effect sizes (Cohen’s “d” statistic) relative to control. The item-level effect sizes were grouped into (i) symptom and (ii) function and quality of life domains. Results Among the three groups, mediators showed the lowest severity estimates for 21 of 22 WURSS items. Item-level Cohen’s “d” indicated most benefit was evident in WURSS items representing function and quality of life. Compared with exercise, meditation fostered larger reductions in illness severity, although due mostly to improved function and the quality of life domain (d = −0·33, P < 0·001) compared with symptom domain (d = −0·22, P < 0·001). Conclusions The apparent advantage of training in meditation over exercise for reducing cold and flu illness is explained more by improved function and quality of life than by a reduction in symptom severity.
Marine Sport Fisheries

There is really no need to point out the importance of saltwater sport fishing. In summer almost every pier, bridge, beach, and jetty have their complement of recreational fishermen. Marinas owe much of their growth to the increasing popularity of sport fishing, and party boats and charter boats can be seen at many. Fishing derbies have become popular, for example, the Virginia Sport Fishing Tournament, which is sponsored by the State. There is no doubt that saltwater sport catches have been increasing since at least 1945, with increasing affluence and leisure time, and the numbers of saltwater sport fishermen have been increasing, also.
Metallicity Distributions in Extragalactic Globular Cluster Systems: Constraints on Globular Cluster and Galaxy Formation

The merger model for elliptical galaxy formation has received increasing attention since it was first suggested by Toomre & Toomre (1972). Van den Bergh (1984) pointed out a problem with the idea that elliptical galaxies were formed by simply combining two, or more, spiral galaxies. He noted that the specific frequency (S N , number of globular clusters per unit galaxy light) is systematically lower for spirals than for ellipticals. Schweizer (1987) suggested that globular clusters (GCs) might be expected to form in the merger process, thereby alleviating or possibly eliminating the S N problem. Ashman & Zepf (1992) developed this idea into a merger model for GC formation with testable predictions. We recently examined this model in the light of new HST and ground-based imaging data on the blue and red sub-populations of GCs in elliptical galaxies (Forbes, Brodie & Grillmair 1997). We concluded that the merger model for GC formation has serious problems, particularly in explaining the characteristics of GCs in giant elliptical galaxies with high S N . A multi-phase collapse scenario was suggested as more consistent with the available evidence.
Cluster analysis of Northern Hemisphere wintertime 500-hPa flow regimes during 1920-2014

AbstractClusters in the Northern Hemisphere wintertime, 10-day low-pass-filtered 500-hPa height field are identified using the method of self-organizing maps (SOMs). Results are based on 1) a 57-winter record of ERA and 2) a 93-winter record of the NOAA Twentieth-Century Reanalysis (20CR). The clusters derived from SOMs appear to be more robust and more linearly independent than their counterparts derived from Ward’s method, and clusters with comparable numbers of member days are more distinctive in terms of the standardized Euclidean distances of their centroids from the centroid of the dataset. The reproducible SOM clusters in the hemispheric domain are 1) the negative polarity of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), 2) a pattern suggestive of Alaska blocking with a downstream wave train extending over North America and the North Atlantic, 3) an enhancement of the climatological-mean stationary wave pattern in the Western Hemisphere that projects positively upon the Pacific–North America (PNA) pattern,...
Cycle construction and geodesic cycles with application to the hypercube

Construction of cycles in a graph is investigated, where cycles from particular subsets (such as bases) are added together so that each partial sum is also a cycle or each new cycle intersects the sum of the preceding terms in a nontrivial path. Starting with the geodesic cycles, a hierarchical construction is given. For the hypercube graph, geodesic cycles are characterized, and it is shown how hypercube geodesic cycles can be constructed in two steps from a special basis. Applications are given to inferring commutativity of a diagram in a groupoid from commutativity of some of its cycles.
Computation of 3-D electromagnetic cavity resonances using hexahedral vector finite elements with hierarchical polynomial basis functions

Finite element method (FEM) solutions to 3-D electromagnetic field problems based on vector (edge) finite elements have proved to be free of inherent shortcomings of traditionally used scalar (node-based) finite elements. We propose a FEM technique based on using curl-conforming vector hierarchical polynomial basis functions in hexahedral finite elements and implement it in analysis of 3-D electromagnetic cavities. The field expansions automatically satisfy continuity boundary conditions for tangential fields on surfaces shared by adjacent hexahedrons in a FEM mesh. Hierarchical basis functions allow elements of different orders to be incorporated into a mesh. Polynomial degrees can be high, so electrically large finite elements can be used (large-domain FEM technique). This dramatically reduces the overall number of unknowns for a given problem.
Cell Phones to Collect Pregnancy Data From Remote Areas in Liberia

PURPOSE: To report findings on knowledge and skill acquisition following a 3-day training session in the use of short message service (SMS) texting with non- and low-literacy traditional midwives. DESIGN: A pre- and post-test study design was used to assess knowledge and skill acquisition with 99 traditional midwives on the use of SMS texting for real-time remote data collection in rural Liberia West Africa. METHODS: Paired sample t-tests were conducted to establish if overall mean scores varied significantly from pre-test to immediate post-test. Analysis of variance was used to compare means across groups. The nonparametric McNemars test was used to determine significant differences between the pre-test and post-test values of each individual step involved in SMS texting. Pearsons chi-square test of independence was used to examine the association between ownership of cell phones within a family and achievement of the seven tasks. FINDINGS: The mean increase in cell phone knowledge scores was 3.67 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 3.39 to 3.95. Participants with a cell phone in the family did significantly better on three of the seven tasks in the pre-test: "turns cell on without help" (chi(2) (1) = 9.15 p= .003); "identifies cell phone coverage" (chi(2) (1) = 5.37 p= .024); and "identifies cell phone is charged" (chi(2) (1) = 4.40 p= .042). CONCLUSIONS: A 3-day cell phone training session with low- and nonliterate traditional midwives in rural Liberia improved their ability to use mobile technology for SMS texting. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mobile technology can improve data collection accessibility and be used for numerous health care and public health issues. Cell phone accessibility holds great promise for collecting health data in low-resource areas of the world. (c) 2012 Sigma Theta Tau International.
Characteristics of an Anechoic Chamber for Fan Noise Testing

Acoustical and mechanical design features of NASA Lewis Research Center's engine fan noise facility are described. Acoustic evaluation of the chamber, which is lined with an array of stepped wedges, is described. Results from the evaluation in terms of cut-off frequency and non-anechoic areas near the walls are detailed. Fan models are electrically driven to 20,600 RPM in either the inlet mode or exhaust mode to facilitate study of both fore and aft fan noise. Inlet noise characteristics of the first fan tested are discussed and compared to full-scale levels. Turbulence properties of the inlet flow and acoustic results are compared with and without a turbulence reducing screen over the fan inlet.
Control of Teacher Certification in the United States

Teacher certification trends in the United States since World War II paint a complicated picture of powerful interests at different levels making demands and trying to institute disparate reforms. These patterns have varied over time, often because of teacher supply and demand. The federal government initiated its involvement when education professionals’ competence came under attack in the years following the launch of Sputnik. The tensions over the size and scope of state and federal control that characterize many areas of American policy are crucial in education. The current policy environment in the United States involves several seemingly contradictory components and adversarial actors. As the United States attempts to reform its education system in response to the ever-increasing demands of participation in the global economy, control of teacher preparation and certification will continue to have to respond to multiple stakeholders.
The deoxydative substitution reactions of nicotinamide and nicotinic acid N‐oxides by 1‐adamantanethiol in acetic anhydride

The reaction of nicotinamide N-oxide with 1-adamantanethiol in acetic anhydride yielded a mixture of 2-and 6-(1-adamantylthio)nicotinamides (49%, in the ratio of 24:1) and 2-, 5-, and 6-(1-adamantylthio)nicotino-nitriles (18%, in the ratio of 79:1:20). From a reaction of nicotinic acid N-oxide with 1-adamantanethiol, there was isolated 2-(1-adamantylthio)nicotinic acid as the only sulfide in 23% yield. Carbonsulfur bond cleavage took place when 2-(1-adamantylthio)nicotinic acid, or the corresponding amide or nitrile, were boiled with concentrated hydrochloric acid to furnish 2-mercaptonicotinic acid and 1-chloroadamantane, quantitatively. The reaction of nicotinamide N-oxide alone in acetic anhydride at 135° formed N-acetyl-2-hydroxynicotinamide (61%), 2-hydroxynicotinonitrile (0.5%) and N,N-diacetyl-2-acetoxynicotinamide (0.8%).
Effects of Packaging Method and Grade Size on Storage Quality of Newly Harvested Peanuts

Newly harvested and cured cv. Florunner jumbo (>8.33 mm dia), split (>6.75 mm dia) and no. 1 ( 6.35 mm dia) peanuts were packaged as shelled seed in plastic bags, CO2 atmosphere; in burlap bags, and as farmers stock, bulk. After 1, 3 and 6 mo ambient storage, they were tested for moisture, color of raw seed-coat and color and flavor of peanut butter. Packaging showed no effect on flavor, but seed size did. No. 1's showed a linear loss of flavor with time and generally had the highest moisture level and produced the darkest butter. After 6 mo, burlap-bag storage yielded the darkest raw seed coats, while plastic bag-CO2 generally maintained the highest moisture level and produced the darkest butter.
Biological conversion of carbon dioxide to photosynthetic fuels and electrofuels

To achieve sustainable growth of human society, fossil fuels must eventually be replaced with renewable resources. Ultimately, the energy and carbon in fuels and chemicals synthesized must come from the sun and CO2 directly. Biological systems hold the promise to catalyze the synthesis of such fuels or chemicals. This article discusses recent advances in developing biofuel production processes from CO2, which include photosynthetic processes using algae and cyanobacteria and the non-photosynthetic “electrofuel” processes using Ralstonia eutropha and other lithoautotrophic microorganisms. Each of these processes involves strengths and weaknesses. While none of these processes have achieved industrial success, the challenges involved may point the direction for further improvement within the limit of theoretical possibility. Finally, all biological processes produce cell mass rich in protein. Regenerating ammonium by deamination of hydrolyzed proteins may close the loop of the global nitrogen cycle, which is also one of the major challenges in large scale biological processes.
Etiologies of Intracerebral Hematomas

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains a life-threatening disease that carries significant morbidity and mortality despite recent diagnostic and management advances. Various conditions are associated with increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Understanding the etiology of these conditions and their pathophysiological contribution to ICH will likely lead to better therapeutic and preventative measures and improve the morbidity and mortality associated with intracerebral hemorrhage. We will review the current literature regarding important etiologies/risk factors of intracerebral hemorrhage.
Fresnel approximations for acoustic fields of rectangularly symmetric sources

A general approach is presented for determining the acoustic fields of rectangularly symmetric, baffled, time-harmonic sources under the Fresnel approximation. This approach is applicable to a variety of separable source configurations, including uniform, exponential, Gaussian, sinusoidal, and error function surface velocity distributions, with and without focusing in either surface dimension. In each case, the radiated field is given by a formula similar to that for a uniform rectangular source, except for additional scaling of wave number and azimuthal distance parameters. The expressions presented are generalized to three different Fresnel approximations that correspond, respectively, to diffracted plane waves, diffracted spherical waves, or diffracted cylindrical waves. Numerical results, for several source geometries relevant to ultrasonic applications, show that these expressions accurately depict the radiated pressure fields, except for points very near the radiating aperture. Highest accuracy near the source is obtained by choice of the Fresnel approximation most suited to the source geometry, while the highest accuracy far from the source is obtained by the approximation corresponding to diffracted spherical waves. The methods are suitable for volumetric computations of acoustic fields including focusing, apodization, and attenuation effects.
Radiation absorbed dose estimates at the cellular level for some electron-emitting radionuclides for radioimmunotherapy.

Abstract Calculation of the radiation dose at the cellular level is given for several radionuclides that appear promising for radioimmunotherapy using the radiation dose distribution from a point source. The radionuclides have half-lives in the 1–3 day range and have electron ranges up to several hundred micrometers. The investigation emphasizes the physical considerations in radionuclide choice for the radiolabeling of monoclonal antibodies or antibody fragments.
Embedding low-cost, portable experiments into a lecture-based signals and systems course

This paper discusses the inclusion of low-cost, portable experiments into a lecture-based introductory Signals and Systems course. Most of the experiments can be completed in a regular lecture room during a lecture period by students working at their desks, while an acoustic-based experiment is completed in a large room by students using only their computers. The experiments are embedded into what is at most institutions a highly theoretical course, thereby giving students the integration of theory and experiments without the use of high cost, centralized laboratory facilities.
Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique for measurement of generation of fresh cucumber flavor compounds.

Investigations were carried out to determine whether flavor compounds characteristic for fresh cucumbers could be rapidly determined using a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) dynamic headspace sampling method combined with gas chromatography and flame ionization detection. Cucumbers were sampled, during blending, for fresh cucumber flavor compounds (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-nonenal. The GC was such that the two target compounds were separated and baseline-resolved. Relative standard deviations for analysis of both (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E)-2-nonenal using this SPME sampling method were ±10%. Utility of the analytical method was demonstrated by determining the effect of heat treatments on the ability of cucumbers to produce these flavor impact compounds. Keywords: Cucumis sativus; solid-phase microextraction; blanching
High-dose erythropoietin inhibits apoptosis and stimulates proliferation in neonatal rat intestine.

Abstract Background Erythropoietin (Epo) receptors are widely expressed in the small bowel of neonatal rats and evidence suggests Epo has important trophic effects in developing bowel. Objective To compliment in vitro data, we directly examine in vivo the hypotheses that systemic Epo treatment can promote cell division and enterocyte migration, and arrest apoptosis in the ileum of neonatal rats. Design Epo (5000 U/kg s.c.) or vehicle treatments were given to one week old Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 86) along with timed injections of the thymidine analog 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg s.c.) to label DNA synthesis and track newly proliferating cells. To characterize the time course of effects, animals were killed at scheduled times from 30 min to 24 h after treatment. BrdU-containing cells were immunostained and counted in intestinal crypts, villi, and muscle wall of ileum. Effects of Epo on apoptosis were analyzed by TUNEL staining. Calibrated measurements were made to determine the density or relative proportion of BrdU- and TUNEL-positive cells. Results Systemic high-dose Epo promoted cell division in intestinal smooth muscle and enterocytes, stimulated migration of intestinal epithelial cells, and arrested apoptosis of enterocytes at the villous tips. Conclusion These data provide in vivo evidence that Epo functions trophically in developing intestine tissues.
Hepatocyte proliferation and hepatitis C virus kinetics during treatment.

In a recent study of modeling HCV kinetics under therapy with peginterferon-α±ribavirin, Snoeck et al.1 assumed the same maximum hepatocyte proliferation/regeneration rate, i.e., r=0.00562 day-1 for all the subjects (corresponding to hepatocyte doubling time t2=ln(2)/ r=123 days), based on the increase of remnant liver volume observed in a study of healthy live-liver donors by Pomfret et al.2 Such a large t2 is striking compared with estimates in other studies of hepatic resection in animals and humans.3 To further examine this issue, we fitted the liver re-growth equation to the liver-regeneration data (Figure 1) presented by Pomfret et al. and another cohort by Nadalin et al.2, 4 Estimates of r from model fits, Figure 1A and 1B, are r=0.24 day-1 (t2=3 days) and r=0.052 day-1 (t2=13 days), respectively, which are one to two orders of magnitude higher than the estimate assumed by Snoeck et al1 (dashed lines, Figure 1).
Transient Burning Characteristics of JA2 Propellant Using Experimentally Determined Zel'dovich Map

Combustion characteristics of JA2 propellant were studied both experimentally and theoretically. Its steady-state burning behavior was investigated using an optical strand burner. The parameters measured were the regression rate, subsurface temperature profile, and burning surface temperature at different initial temperatures (-40<T i <80°C) and pressures (0.1<P<68 MPa). The measured burning rates r b were correlated as a function of T i and pressure up to 300 MPa. Predicted r b from the correlation are in close agreement with experimental data. The temperature sensitivity σ p was found to decrease as pressure increases, reaching an asymptotic value of 0.0024 K -1 at high pressures. Surface-temperature data were correlated as a linear function of pressure with temperature-dependent coefficients. The Zel'dovich map was constructed from the experimental data. This map was then used in a computer simulation to investigate the transient burning characteristics of JA2 under different pressurization rates. From the simulation results, it was found that JA2 propellant only exhibits a mild transient burning effect. This finding is further confirmed with the observations obtained from a parallel experimental study using an interrupted burner coupled with a real-time X-ray radiography. The reason for this finding is the low value of σ p and its rapid decay as the pressure increases for P < 20 MPa.
A Partition Function Model for Nucleation on Surfaces

Using a procedure to minimize the total Helmholtz free energy of a system composed of an idealized substrate, a collection of surface clusters, and a vapor in contact with the surface, an expression is derived for the concentration of clusters of a given size on the substrate. The result is based on several assumptions about the system, the most important being that the surface clusters do not interact and that the substrate remains intact. The expression for the concentration of surface clusters together with the conventional form for the growth rate of clusters on a surface can be used to calculate surface nucleation rates.
Tolerance development to chronic methamphetamine intoxication in the rhesus monkey.

Abstract The effects of the chronic administration of methamphetamine on food- and water-reinforced responding were investigated in the rhesus monkey. These animals received one infusion of d-methamphetamine HCl every three hours, eight times daily in doses starting at 0.0625 mg/kg/infusion and gradually increasing to 6.5 mg/kg/infusion. The effects of this drug regimen on food- and water-reinforced behavior generated by independent fixed-ratio 10 schedules of reinforcement were studied. Tolerance developed to the physiologically and behaviorally toxic effects of the drug over a six to ten month period. Gross morphological changes were not seen at necropsy nor during examination of brain, heart, liver or kidney tissue under light microscopy.
Trends Of Change Regarding Poverty In The Republic Of Serbia In The Period 2006-2010

The purpose of the study was to assess poverty in Serbia in the period 2006-2010. This paper analyzes the percentage of the poor by: type of neighborhood, regional distribution, household type, age, involvement of children and adults, level of education and socio - economic status of the household. The following methods of descriptive statistics were applied: the average value of the appearance, the interval of variation, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and the rate of change. It points to the differences in the values of consumer units denominated in RSD, which is used as a threshold for determining the percentage of the poor population. The research results indicate that the poorest are multi-member households and adults at the age of 19-24.
ALLANTOINASE ASSAYS AND THEIR APPLICATION TO YEAST AND SOYBEAN ALLANTOINASES.

Abstract Titrimetric, indicator, manometric, and polarimetric assays were devised for the determination of allantoinase activity. Allantoinase and allantoicase were induced in Candida utilis by uric acid, allantoin, or allantoic acid; these enzymes were constitutive in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Allantoinase from bakers' yeast was purified 6-fold by chromatography on a DEAE column. Optimum stability was near pH 6.0; optimum activity was at pH 7–8; the enzyme was somewhat heat labile; and it was inhibited by phosphate and inactivated by sulfhydryl compounds and cyanide. Titrimetric assays indicated that yeast allantoinase was optically specific, and soybean allantoinase was shown to be specific for d -allantoin by direct polarimetric assay.
Theoretical and empirical issues in the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans

This article reviews the current status of research on the treatment of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam veterans. Dynamic, behavioral, and biochemical models of treatment are presented, along with the findings of relevant treatment outcome studies. Examination of the treatment procedures employed in available studies revealed that direct therapeutic exposure to the memories of trauma emerged as the PTSD treatment technique common to all three theoretical models. The need for controlled investigations of the clinical efficacy of exposure-based interventions for combat-related PTSD is discussed. In addition, several other issues relevant to PTSD treatment research are presented and discussed, including the potential utility of studying untrained coping behavior in combat veterans; the effects of using heterogeneous subject samples in PTSD treatment research; and issues related to the measurement of treatment outcome.