cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fathers and Maternal Risk for Physical Child Abuse

This study set out to examine father-related factors predicting maternal physical child abuse risk in a national birth cohort of 1,480 families. In-home and phone interviews were conducted with mothers when index children were 3 years old. Predictor variables included the mother–father relationship status; father demographic, economic, and psychosocial variables; and key background factors. Outcome variables included both observed and self-reported proxies of maternal physical child abuse risk. At the bivariate level, mothers married to fathers were at lower risk for most indicators of maternal physical child abuse. However, after accounting for specific fathering factors and controlling for background variables, multivariate analyses indicated that marriage washed out as a protective factor, and on two of three indicators was linked with greater maternal physical abuse risk. Regarding fathering factors linked with risk, fathers’ higher educational attainment and their positive involvement with their children most discernibly predicted lower maternal physical child abuse risk. Fathers’ economic factors played no observable role in mothers’ risk for physical child maltreatment. Such multivariate findings suggest that marriage per se does not appear to be a protective factor for maternal physical child abuse and rather it may serve as a proxy for other father-related protective factors.
Contributing Factors to Disease Outbreaks Associated with Untreated Groundwater

Disease outbreaks associated with drinking water drawn from untreated groundwater sources represent a substantial proportion (30.3%) of the 818 drinking water outbreaks reported to CDC's Waterborne Disease and Outbreak Surveillance System (WBDOSS) during 1971 to 2008. The objectives of this study were to identify underlying contributing factors, suggest improvements for data collection during outbreaks, and inform outbreak prevention efforts. Two researchers independently reviewed all qualifying outbreak reports (1971 to 2008), assigned contributing factors and abstracted additional information (e.g., cases, etiology, and water system attributes). The 248 outbreaks resulted in at least 23,478 cases of illness, 390 hospitalizations, and 13 deaths. The majority of outbreaks had an unidentified etiology (n = 135, 54.4%). When identified, the primary etiologies were hepatitis A virus (n = 21, 8.5%), Shigella spp. (n = 20, 8.1%), and Giardia intestinalis (n = 14, 5.7%). Among the 172 (69.4%) outbreaks with contributing factor data available, the leading contamination sources included human sewage (n = 57, 33.1%), animal contamination (n = 16, 9.3%), and contamination entering via the distribution system (n = 12, 7.0%). Groundwater contamination was most often facilitated by improper design, maintenance or location of the water source or nearby waste water disposal system (i.e., septic tank; n = 116, 67.4%). Other contributing factors included rapid pathogen transport through hydrogeologic formations (e.g., karst limestone; n = 45, 26.2%) and preceding heavy rainfall or flooding (n = 36, 20.9%). This analysis underscores the importance of identifying untreated groundwater system vulnerabilities through frequent inspection and routine maintenance, as recommended by protective regulations such as Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Groundwater Rule, and the need for special consideration of the local hydrogeology.
Short sleep duration is associated with insulin resistance independent of adiposity in Chinese adult twins.

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between sleep duration and insulin resistance in rural Chinese adults and examine whether any such associations are independent of adiposity. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of 854 men and 640 women aged 20 to 70 years from the Anqing Twin Cohort. The following measures were obtained for each subject: Body mass index (BMI) and percentage of trunk fat (%TF), fasting plasma glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), self-reported sleep duration and measures of snoring and sleep disturbance from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Indices (PSQI) questionnaire were modified for a Chinese population. Multivariate linear regressions were applied to examine the association of sleep duration with HOMA-IR, with and without adjustment for adiposity variables, along with other relevant covariates. Results In this sample of relatively lean rural Chinese adults, short sleep duration was associated with HOMA-IR in women but not in men. In women, short (⩽7 h/night) sleep duration was associated with a higher HOMA-IR ( p = 0.003) compared with normal sleep duration (>7 to ⩽8 h/night) after adjustment for all the covariates except adiposity. Further adjustment for BMI or %TF attenuated the sleep-HOMA-IR association, but the association remained significant upon adjustment for BMI ( p = 0.013); and upon adjustment for %TF ( p = 0.026). Long sleep duration (>8 h/night) was not significantly associated with HOMA-IR. Conclusion In this rural Chinese cohort, short sleep duration is independently associated with increased insulin resistance among women only, even after adjusting for adiposity and other potential confounders.
Autoimmune sequence of streptococcal M protein shared with the intermediate filament protein, vimentin

The crossreactivity of antibodies against a renal autoimmune epitope of Streptococcus pyogenes M protein with glomerular mesangial cells was investigated. The antibodies directed against the amino acid sequence Ile-Arg-Leu-Arg of the nephritogenic type 1 M protein reacted in a fibrillar pattern with mesangial cells cultured from isolated glomeruli. In Western blots of urea-extracted mesangial proteins, the antibodies reacted with a 56-kD protein. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies identified the 56-kD mesangial protein as vimentin. Two synthetic peptides of human vimentin containing the sequence Arg-Leu-Arg reacted with the autoimmune antibodies raised against a streptococcal M protein peptide. These results provide evidence that the intermediate filament protein vimentin shares autoimmune epitopes with streptococcal M protein.
Taking Stock of Joint Action: Transnational Protest

Coalitions Across Borders: Transnational Protest and the Neoliberal Order. Edited by Joe Bandy, Jackie Smith. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, 2004. 280 pp. $75.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-7425-2396-9), $29.95 paper (ISBN: 0-7425-2397-7). In the last 10 years, both sociology and political science have seen a surge of interest in transnational activism by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and social movements, as well as increasing attention to the hypothesized rise of a new global, or at the very least transnational, public sphere. The vast majority of this literature has taken the form of edited volumes (see, for example, Altvater et al. 1997; Smith, Chatfield, and Pagnucco 1997; della Porta, Kriesi, and Rucht 1999; Brunnengraber, Klein, and Walk 2001; Edwards and Gaventa 2001; Khagram, Riker, and Sikkink 2002; Smith and Johnston 2002). The contributions to these volumes generally consist either of detailed case studies of particular transnational organizations and campaigns or of broad theoretical and definitional pieces. The latter studies focus on the historical conditions that have given rise to the recent wave of transnational activism, the general forms that such activity tends to take, the appropriateness of applying such terms as “global civil society” or “global social movements” to the phenomenon, and the extent to which the rise of these transnational efforts might help democratize international politics or influence the general course of economic globalization. Although both the case studies and the broader theoretical reflections have been quite valuable, scholars have repeatedly called for the development of more middle-range hypotheses and theory in order to bring the two levels of analysis together in fruitful ways. For such scholars, Joe Bandy and Jackie Smith's Coalitions Across Borders: Transnational Protest and the Neoliberal Order will represent a significant step in the right direction. Coalitions Across Borders brings together a number of pieces that focus on “transnational alliances of actors who challenge the elite-driven, top-down form of economic globalization” (p. 1). Its concentration on activism within a particular issue area (challenges to …
A dendrochronological analysis of a disturbance-succession model for oak-pine forests of the Appalachian Mountains, USA

Disturbance-succession models describe the relationship between the disturbance regime and the dominant tree species of a forest type. Such models are useful tools in ecosystem management and restoration, provided they are accu- rate. We tested a disturbance-succession model for the oak-pine (Quercus spp. - Pinus spp.) forests of the Appalachian Mountains region using dendrochronological techniques. In this model, fire promotes pines, while fire suppression, bark beetle outbreaks, and ice storms encourage oaks. We analyzed nine Appalachian oak-pine stands for species establishment dates and the occurrence of fires and canopy disturbances. We found no evidence that fire preferentially promoted the es- tablishment of pine more than oak, nor did we find any evidence that canopy disturbances or periods of no disturbance fa- cilitated the establishment of oak more than pine. Rather, we found that both species groups originated primarily after combined canopy and fire disturbances, and reduction of fire frequency and scope coincided with the cessation of success- ful oak and pine regeneration. Currently, heath shrubs are slowly dominating these stands, so we present a revised disturb- ance-succession model for land managers struggling to manage or restore oak-pine forests containing a dense ericaceous understory. Resume´ : Les modeles de succession engendree par des perturbations decrivent la relation entre le regime de perturbations et l'espece d'arbre dominante dans un type de peuplement. Ces modeles sont des outils utiles pour l'amenagement et la restauration des ecosystemes a condition d'etre fideles a la realite ´. Nous avons testeun modele de succession engendree par des perturbations pour les forets de chenes (Quercus spp.) et de pins (Pinus spp.) de la region des Appalaches al'aide de techniques dendrochronologiques. Dans ce modele, le feu favorise les pins tandis que la suppression des feux, les epide ´- mies de scolytes et le verglas favorisent les chenes. Nous avons analysela date d'etablissement des especes et l'occurrence des feux et des perturbations du couvert dans neuf peuplements de chenes et de pins des Appalaches. Nous n'avons trouve ´ aucune preuve que le feu ait favorisel'etablissement du pin plus que celui du chene ni que les perturbations du couvert ou que les periodes exemptes de perturbations aient favorisel'etablissement du chene plus que celui du pin. Au contraire, nous avons observeque les deux groupes d'especes se sont etablis principalement apres des perturbations du couvert com- binees ades perturbations causees par le feu et que la reduction de la frequence et de l'ampleur des feux a coo¨ncideavec l'insuccesd e la regeneration du chene et du pin. Presentement, les ericacees arbustives sont lentement en train de dominer ces peuplements de telle sorte que nous presentons un modele revisede succession engendree par les perturbations al'in- tention des amenagistes qui s'efforcent d'amenager ou de restaurer des forets de chenes et de pins avec un sous-etage dense d'ericacees. (Traduit par la Redaction)
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Gene Induction and Protection From Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in the Hearts of Transgenic Mice With a Tamoxifen-Regulated Form of ATF6

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) affects the integrity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the site of synthesis and folding of numerous proteins. Therefore, I/R may activate the unfolded protein response (UPR), resulting in the induction of a collection of ER stress proteins, many of which are protective and function to resolve the ER stress. In this study, we showed that when mouse hearts were subjected to ex vivo I/R, the levels of 2 ER stress-inducible markers of the UPR, the ER-targeted cytoprotective chaperones glucose-regulated proteins 78 and 94 (GRP78 and GRP94), were increased, consistent with I/R-mediated UPR activation in the heart. The UPR-mediated activation of ATF6 (Activation of Transcription Factor 6) induces cytoprotective ER stress proteins, including GRP78 and GRP94. To examine whether ATF6 protects the myocardium from I/R injury in the heart, we generated transgenic (TG) mice featuring cardiac-restricted expression of a novel tamoxifen-activated form of ATF6, ATF6-MER. When NTG and ATF6-MER TG mice were treated with or without tamoxifen for 5 days, only the hearts from the tamoxifen-treated TG mice exhibited increased levels of many ER stress-inducible mRNAs and proteins; for example, GRP78 and GRP94 transcript levels were increased by 8- and 15-fold, respectively. The tamoxifen-treated TG mouse hearts also exhibited better functional recovery from ex vivo I/R, as well as significantly reduced necrosis and apoptosis. These results suggest that the UPR is activated in the heart during I/R and that, as a result, the ATF6 branch of the UPR may induce expression of proteins that can function to reduce I/R injury.
Biochemical and biological properties of cortexillin III, a component of Dictyostelium DGAP1-cortexillin complexes.

Cortexillins I–III are members of the α-actinin/spectrin subfamily of Dictyostelium calponin homology proteins. Unlike recombinant cortexillins I and II, which form homodimers as well as heterodimers in vitro, we find that recombinant cortexillin III is an unstable monomer but forms more stable heterodimers when coexpressed in Escherichia coli with cortexillin I or II. Expressed cortexillin III also forms heterodimers with both cortexillin I and II in vivo, and the heterodimers complex in vivo with DGAP1, a Dictyostelium GAP protein. Binding of cortexillin III to DGAP1 requires the presence of either cortexillin I or II; that is, cortexillin III binds to DGAP1 only as a heterodimer, and the heterodimers form in vivo in the absence of DGAP1. Expressed cortexillin III colocalizes with cortexillins I and II in the cortex of vegetative amoebae, the leading edge of motile cells, and the cleavage furrow of dividing cells. Colocalization of cortexillin III and F-actin may require the heterodimer/DGAP1 complex. Functionally, cortexillin III may be a negative regulator of cell growth, cytokinesis, pinocytosis, and phagocytosis, as all are enhanced in cortexillin III–null cells.
A model for virtual physical layer communication over deployed wireless sensor networks

A method for file transfer utilizing forward error correction (FEC) to pass traffic over deployed wireless sensor networks is studied. The entire wireless sensor network is modeled as an error-prone virtual physical link. Previous work in the area of terminal communication across the sensor network is expanded upon to include file transfer in order to provide a more capable channel and a basis for testing the performance obtained through erasure coding. The results of the FEC implementation are examined using multiple sensor network configurations. While the error correction method proved effective, larger topologies presented congestion issues due to the sensors' use of CSMA. Recommendations for future improvements are proposed.
Proteolysis of the human DNA polymerase ε catalytic subunit by caspase-3 and calpain specifically during apoptosis

Human DNA polymerase epsilon (pol epsilon) normally contains a 261-kDa catalytic subunit (p261), but from some sources it is isolated as a 140-kDa catalytic core of p261. This shortened form possesses normal or somewhat enhanced polymerase activity and its significance is unknown. We report here that caspase-3 and calpain can form p140 from p261 in vitro and in vivo and that during early stages of apoptosis induced in Jurkat cells by staurosporine or anti-Fas-activating antibody, p261 is cleaved into p140 by caspase-3. At later stages, activated calpain might also contribute to this conversion. The sites of cleavage by caspase-3 have been identified, and mutations at these 'DEAD boxes' resulted in cleavage-resistant enzyme. Cleavage at these sites separates the 'N-terminal catalytic core' from the 'C-terminal' regions described for p261. Cleavage does not occur during necrosis or following exposure to H(2)O(2) or methanesulfonic acid methyl ester. p140 is unlikely to be able to functionally replace p261 in vivo, since it does not bind to PCNA or the other pol epsilon subunits.
Sex differences in destructive periodontal disease: a systematic review.

Background: Sexual dimorphisms exist in the prevalence and severity of many human conditions and diseases. Models of risk assessment for periodontitis, however, are inconsistent with respect to the inclusion of sex as a risk factor. A systematic review of the literature and meta-analyses estimates sex-related differences in the prevalence of periodontitis.Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases were searched for population surveys (sample size >500, half-mouth minimum, clinical attachment level) containing prevalence data on destructive periodontal disease in males and females.Results: Data were stratified by disease thresholds (3, 4, 5, and 7 mm) representing 50,604 subjects from 12 population surveys meeting selection criteria. Using a ≥5-mm clinical attachment loss threshold, seven studies provided data, permitting computation of mean-weighted sex differences in prevalence. Four studies provided data enabling a meta-analysis of prevalence rates. Sex exhibited a significant association with preva...
Game-theoretic delay-sensitive multirate power control for cdma wireless networks with variable path loss

A stochastic game-theoretic framework for calculating transmit power strategies for nodes in a competitive CDMA wireless network is presented. Unlike traditional game-theoretic power control, delay sensitivity is explicitly included. Stationary Nash equilibria that are a function of congestion and that allow for multirate transmission are determined. In both static path loss and dynamic shadowing path loss environments, the stochastic game equilibria calculated compare very favorably to traditional single-agent and often approach the performance of centralized optimization
A survey of methane isotope abundance (14C, 13C, 2H) from five nearshore marine basins that reveals unusual radiocarbon levels in subsurface waters

Methane (CH4) in the subsurface ocean is often supersaturated compared to equilibrium with the modern atmosphere. In order to investigate sources of CH4 to the subsurface ocean, isotope surveys (14C-CH4, δ13 C-CH4, δ2 H-CH4) were conducted at five locations: Skan Bay (SB), Santa Barbara Basin (SBB), Santa Monica Basin (SMB), Cariaco Basin (CB), and the Guaymas Basin (GB). Depth distributions of CH4 concentration and isotopic abundance were determined for both the sediment and water column at the SB, SBB, SMB, and CB sites; CH4 emitted from seeps on the continental shelf adjacent to the SBB as well as seeps and decomposing clathrate hydrates in the GB was also collected, purified, and analyzed. Methane isotope distributions in the sediments were consistent with known methanogenic and methanotrophic activity; seep- and clathrate-hydrate-derived CH4 was found to be depleted in radiocarbon. However, surprising results were obtained in the water column at all sites investigated. In SB the radiocarbon content of the subsurface CH4 concentration maximum was on average 41% less than its suspected sediment CH4 source, suggesting CH4 seepage in the bay. In the SBB, SMB, and CB, the 14C-CH4 contents in the subsurface ocean were 1.2 to 3.6 times greater than modem carbon quantities suggesting a source of 14C from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, nuclear power plant effluents, or cosmogenic isotope production. Copyright 2008 by the American Geophysical Union.
Lithofacies and paleogeography of the Conasauga Group, (Middle and Late Cambrian) in the Valley and Ridge province of east Tennessee

A comprehensive data base for the Conasauga Group (Middle and Late Cambrian) throughout the Valley and Ridge province in east Tennessee was compiled from published and unpublished sources. Lithofacies and isopach maps and stratigraphic cross sections were constructed from this data base on both present-day and palinspastic bases to define regional depositional patterns of the Conasauga Group. Isopach and lithofacies trends recognized on present-day base maps are generally consistent with those previously recognized. Lithofacies data are consistent with a shelf-intrashelf-basin-carbonate-ramp model proposed by other investigators for the Nolichucky Shale. Our study suggests that the southern edge of an intrashelf basin recognized within the Conasauga Group in southwest Virginia was 20 to 50 km southwest of present-day Knoxville. Palinspastic-base lithofacies and isopach patterns for the Conasauga Group in east Tennessee suggest (1) the existence of a generally elliptical intrashelf basin that closes to the southwest and the north east; (2) that the eastern margin of the intrashelf basin consists of shaly limestone and dolostone, the dolostone being dominant eastward; (3) that basin sediments are limestone, shale, and shaly limestone (40%-80% limestone); and (4) that the western basin margin sediments are mostly calcareous shale and siltstone (20%-60% limestone) that become terrigenous west of the basin. A sub-basin within the regional intrashelf basin has been identified. The axis of this sub-basin is oriented northwest, perpendicular to the regional trend of the shelf and Appalachian structure. Approximately 2,900 ft (883 m) of Conasauga strata accumulated in the subbasin, which first appeared during Pumpkin Valley Shale deposition and persisted through Maynardville Limestone deposition. We interpret the abrupt thickening at the margin of this basin to result from basement faulting, which produced a graben that subsided intermittently during basin filling. This structure may have economic significance in that there is an apparent correlation between the margin of this second-order basin and zinc mineralization in overlying carbonates of the Knox Group.
Signal-to-Quantizing-Noise Ratios for Differential PCM

Signal-to-quantizing-noise ratios are derived for differential pulse-code modulation (DPCM) systems used to encode analog signals from first-order Markov processes into digital form. A formula is derived which takes into consideration the quantizing noise in the feedback loop. The derivation applies to DPCM encoders which are matched to the statistics of the input signal. Gaussian statistics are not required. Analytical results are verified by computer simulation.
The origin and extent of coarse-grained regularities in protein internal packing.

Despite the suitability of various lattice geometries for coarse-grained modeling of proteins, the actual packing geometry of residues in folded structures has remained largely unexplored. A strong tendency to assume a regular packing geometry is shown here by optimally reorienting and superimposing clusters of neighboring residues from databank structures examined on a coarse-grained (single-site-per-residue) scale. The orientation function (or order parameter) of the examined coordination clusters with respect to fcc lattice directions is found to be 0.82. The observed geometry, which may be termed an incomplete distorted face-centered cubic (fcc) packing, is apparently favored by the drive to maximize packing density, in a fashion analogous to the way identical spheres pack densely and follow fcc geometry. About 2/3 of all residues obey this packing geometry, while the remainder occupy other context-dependent positions. The preferred coordination directions show relatively small variations over the various amino acid types, consistent with uniform residue viewpoint. Both the extremes of solvent-exposed and completely buried residue neighborhoods approximate the same generic packing, the only difference being in the numbers (and not the orientations) of coordination sites that are occupied (or left void for solvent occupancy). We observe the prevalence of a rather uniform (tight) residue packing density throughout the structure, including even the residues packed near solvent-exposed regions. The observed orientation distribution reveals an underlying, intrinsic orientation lattice for proteins.
Effect of alkaloids in cigarette smoke on human granulosa cell progesterone synthesis and cell viability.

Inhibition of corpus lutea progesterone synthesis by alkaloids in cigarette smoke might, in part, explain the generally poorer outcome of pregnancy in women who smoke. The present experiments evaluated the effects of alkaloids in cigarette Smoke on progesterone biosynthesis mid cell viability. Studies were initiated using primary cultures of human granulosa cells. Incubation of the granulosa cells with nicotine, cotinine, anabasine, the combination of nicotine, cotinine and anabasine, or an aqueous extract of cigarette smoke resulted in inhibition of progesterone synthesis. The alkaloids and smoke extract decreased the DNA content of the content dish. These findings suggested a cytotoxic effect of die alkaloids. Growth curves conducted using the gonadotropin-responsive, progesterone-synthesizing MA-10 cell line confirmed growth inhibition by the alkaloids and smoke extract. Together, these data suggest that cigarette alkaloids inhibit cellular progesterone synthesis both by inhibiting progesterone synthes...
Clinical Assessment and Urine Testing for Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse and Dependence

The emerging epidemic of anabolic-androgenic steroid use, no longer confined to elite athletes, is associated with adverse health consequences for which users may seek treatment. As with other forms of drug abuse, patients may deny or hide their use of steroids while seeking treatment for bothersome side effects or other problems. Thus, clinicians may increasingly, but unknowingly, see patients who are using steroids. Early detection and treatment of steroid abuse and dependence is critical in order to prevent serious and potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, it is incumbent upon clinicians to know the signs and symptoms of using steroids, and to be familiar with the clinical indications for urine testing. Using case examples, the authors review the assessment of steroid abuse and dependence in clinical practice and illustrate the role of urine testing in the assessment process.
Farewell to Conceptual Analysis (in Jurisprudence)

I have two main purposes in this essay: First, to show that conceptual analysis is not nearly as central to legal philosophy as typically assumed. The main methodological thrust of analytical jurisprudence, and in particular of legal positivism, is reductionism, not conceptual analysis. Consequently, the main objections to legal positivism are best seen as arguing against the possibility of reduction. Second, I aim to show that the interpretivist challenges to analytical jurisprudence bark up the wrong tree in this respect, and actually fail to engage with the methodological stance they aim to replace. Along the way I offer a partial defense of reductionism and the limited essentialism that comes with it.
Spatial forest valuation: The role of location in determining attitudes toward payment for ecosystem services policies

Abstract Forests provide many benefits (e.g., esthetics, water purification, habitat, carbon sequestration) to humans when they are conserved. However, forest conservation efforts may conflict with other uses, particularly timber harvest. Incentives for forest conservation can be established through payment for ecosystem services (PES) policies. PES policies rely on forest valuation studies which traditionally have valued the whole forest, or characteristics of a forest. Methods that allow variability in estimated forest values over space can provide valuation information at a finer scale and aid in the optimization of PES policies. These spatially explicit values provide information critical to many policy decisions, particularly conservation prioritization and planning. Using moderate resolution satellite remote sensing (i.e., LandSat) and a forest use survey conducted in Kam Cha i, Thailand, methods to estimate forest product valuation for spatially heterogeneous plots are demonstrated. These estimates are produced using geographic information system (GIS) multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA). The MCDA method combines forest use data with associated travel costs and vegetation cover estimates to provide spatially explicit estimates of forest values. This information is then used to compare local use values against potential carbon credit values estimated from the literature. The results show that a majority of the forest plots have higher PES values than for local forest products. Some do not, however, which suggests a possible cause for resistance against potential PES policies implemented in these areas.
Cardiac involvement in collagen diseases

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early morphological and functional abnormalities of the heart in patients with collagen disease. The study population was free of risk factors for coronary artery disease and without any clinically evident cardiac manifestations. In 62 patients with collagen disease (25 with progressive systemic sclerosis, 19 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 15 with rheumatoid arthritis, three with dermatomyositis) and in 40 healthy subjects an echocardiographic study was performed. Echocardiographic examination from the apical four-chamber view was performed at rest and during the end of a 3 min isometric exercise with handgrip. Global and regional ejection fraction of the left ventricle were calculated In the group with progressive systemic sclerosis the left ventricular mass index was significantly higher than in the control group (110.78 ± 48.61 vs 82.18 ± 28.46g. m−2) and the ejection fraction (53.61 ± 7.95%) was the lowest of all groups (control: 61.47 ± 8.52%, systemic lupus erythematosus: 59.04 ± 8.58%, rheumatoid arthritis: 62.38 ± 6.88%). Regional ejection fraction analysis revealed a major dysfunction of the proximal segment of the interventricular septum, in all groups. During isometric exercise, the global and regional ejection fraction did not change significantly, although differences between groups disappeared. In rheumatoid arthritis, mitral and aortic valve leaflet separation appeared to be reduced. In the group with systemic lupus erythematosus, mild abnormalities were noticed, although the mean age and duration of the disease were the smallest compared with the other groups. In conclusion, patients with progressive systemic sclerosis mainly present left ventricular hypertrophy with a reduced ejection fraction while rheumatoid arthritis patients show a predominant valve dysfunction. In patients with collagen disease, without clinical signs of heart disease or risk factors for coronary artery disease, there are early morphological and functional abnormalities probably due to the primary disease.
Static Evaluation of Distraction Associated With Axial Rotation of the CerviCore® Intervertebral Disc Prosthesis

Introduction: The spine displays coupled motion. In the cervical spine this may be partly attributed to the oncovertberal joints which act as rails to guide vertebral motion. In axial rotation, a vertical distraction is observed and increases until additional structures are engaged to restrain motion. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare distraction under axial rotation between the intact disc and the CerviCore® Intervertebral Disc prosthesis. Material and Methods: Six caprine functional spinal units (FSUs) were embedded in sleeves with a displacement transducer secured laterally across the disc space. The FSU was placed on the load cell of a materials testing machine and a 100N compressive load applied. Through the use of a rotary table, the inferior body was rotated relative to the superior body to angles of 0, 3, 6, and 9 degrees and distraction recorded at each position. The FSU was then implanted with the CerviCore® Intervertebral Disc prosthesis (without removal of the transducer) and the rotation sequence repeated. Statistical comparisons between the intact and implanted conditions were performed using a repeated measures ANOVA and a Tukey post-hoc test for comparisons between angle configurations. Further comparisons between the intact and implanted conditions at specific angle orientations were performed using a paired t-test. Results: No significant differences were found in axial distraction between the intact and CerviCore® implanted conditions regardless of rotation angle applied (P>0.4 for all). With respect to the effects of rotation angle upon distraction, a significant difference between the 0 versus the 6 and 9 degree conditions (P 0.08). Discussion: No significant differences were detected for distraction heights at angles of 0, 3, 6, and 9 degrees under intact and implanted conditions. Further, a linear regression of measured distraction versus applied rotation angle indicated that the rate of distraction between intact and implanted conditions was not significantly different. Noteworthy is that in the regression analysis, the confidence bands associated with the implanted device are considerably narrower that those for the intact condition, indicating a more predictable response to applied rotation in the case of the implanted condition.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Protein Adsorption Kinetics: Influence of Substrate Electric Potential

Substrate electric potential plays an important role in determining the adsorptive behavior of proteins and other macromolecules. In this chapter we describe the measurement of protein adsorption kinetics in the presence of an applied potential using optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy. We analyze the resulting kinetics in terms of transport- and surface-limited models and show that while substrate potential is an important influencing factor, transport limited by convective diffusion and adsorption in seeming violation of electrostatic principles are prevalent in simple protein systems.
Moral Crisis, Pragmatism, and the Lessons of the Library War Effort

In 1917, the leadership of the American Library Association (ALA) developed the Library War Service program. This program was designed to collect funds and distribute books to American soldiers who were in training or deployed for World War I. The war effort provided an opportunity to regain status for the profession that had been lost as a result of policy decisions during the progressive era in librarianship. This search for external validation resulted in a return to culturally authoritarian practices such as the censorship of German language material, denial of access to pacifist organizations, and the institution of mandatory loyalty oaths among library employees. This paper presents an examination of how resolving the moral crisis in American librarianship that occurred as part of the Library War Service eventually led to the establishment of some of the major ethical codes used by the ALA. It makes the case that this resolution promoted closer integration of the profession’s identity and its behaviour. It argues as well that this integration has led members of the ALA to develop expertise in defending the public’s intellectual freedoms, which is a significant contribution to society. Attention is given to the pragmatic nature of historical and contemporary progressive policy decisions and to the risks to the status of public libraries posed by moral crises that result from seeking external validation for the worth of the library profession.
Calcium Receptor Binding of Cisplatin and Terbium in Human Breast Tumor Cells after Hyperthermia

Terbium phosphorescence was used to investigate a thermosensitive calcium binding protein located in the plasma membrane of human MCF-7 breast tumor cells. The cells were pretreated at 25, 37, or 43 degrees C for 1 h, before binding experiments were performed at 25 degrees C. The delta Imax for the Tb(3+)-MCF/7 complex increased significantly after cellular exposure to 43 degrees C. The Kd for the Tb(3+)-MCF/7 complex did not change with the temperature. These results suggested that hyperthermia can unmask preexisting calcium binding sites on the surface of the plasma membrane, without affecting their affinity. After treatment at 43 degrees C, the quenching of the Tb(3+)-MCF/7 intensity by cisplatin was significantly greater than that at 37 degrees C. Hyperthermia was determined to increase the affinity of cisplatin for the calcium binding protein. The effect of hyperthermia on the calcium receptor binding of cisplatin is hypothesized to be the basis for the synergism between their cytotoxicities.
More HOPE for Prevention with Statins

In view of the worldwide burden of cardiovascular disease and the high cost of and poor adherence to medication regimens for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, the concept of a “polypill” — a single pill that combines several medications — is an attractive public health approach. However, evidence that each component of a polypill would independently reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and that the combination of agents would be safe is lacking. The primary results of the Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation (HOPE)–3 trial are now reported in three articles in the Journal.1–3 HOPE-3 was a double-blind, randomized, . . .
Gated PET/CT evaluation on myocardial blood-supply of pigs after bilateral internal mammary artery Y-bypass operation

Objective To observe the shape of bridge vessels and coronary artery,myocardial perfusion and left ventricle function of pigs after bilateral internal mammary artery Y-bypass operation with gated PET/CT.Methods Six pigs were proceeded bilateral internal mammary artery Y-bypass operation,and were sent to PET center after operation.Then 13N-NH3 gated PET and CT coronary angiography were performed.Results Twelve bridge vessels and 15 in 18 anastomotic places were showed clearly.Coronary arteries filled well.The myocardial perfusion was well-distributed of left ventricular wall.The motion of the wall was normal.The left ventricular ejection function was greater than 50%.Conclusion Gated PET/CT can be used for noninvasive evaluation of vessels,myocardial perfusion and left ventricle function.Bilateral internal mammary artery Y-bypass operation can provide enough blood supply for the pig's heart.
Discussion of thermal power plant generator resistance criterion for loss of excitation protection

The criterion charactertistics of generator loss of excitation are introduced.The reason of loss excitation fault action during leading phase test is analyzed that underexciatation limited curve is crossed with excitation resistance round.This paper points out that reverse reactive power curve of some loss excitation protection made in China can not cut off the top of excitation resistance round.By using the relationship between underexcitation limited curve and unit capacity curve and loss excitation protection resistance round,a method is proposed to testify whether the calculation of loss excitation resistance is right or not through underexcitation limited curve.The leading test data is used for further analyzing whether the loss excitation protection can act rightly or not.
Study on Joint Optimal Operation of Large-scale Reservoirs in Upper Reaches of Yangtze River

Taking the 36 reservoirs which being in operation in upper reaches of the Yangtze River as study case, the optimal operation model which targets the maximum of power output is established for the cascade stations in sub-basin and all stations in upper reaches after considering various constraint conditions. The hybrid optimization algorithm is proposed for the solution of model. The optimization results show that:(a) comparing to design values, the power generation and output compensation benefit of cascade stations in each sub-basin and all stations in upper reaches are both considerable;(b) the annual average power generation and guaranteed output of 95% frequency of all stations in upper reaches increase 17.03 TWh and 2 182.5 MW to designed objectives respectively, and also are 1.63 TWh and 348.4 MW more than the optimization of cascade stations in subbasin respectively; and(c) the Three Gorges Hydropower Station achieves the greatest compensation benefit and its generating capacity is improved after joint optimal operation.
A Phosphido‐Capped Tritungsten Alkoxide Cluster: W3(μ3‐P)(μ‐OCH2‐tBu)3(OCH2‐tBu)6 and Speculation Upon the Existence of a Reactive (tBuCH2O)3WP Intermediate.

The reaction between the W2 complex (I) and white phosphorus P4 (II) results in the formation of the title cluster (III) as the major W-containing compound and of the previously characterized mononuclear complex (IV).
Music as therapy in early history

The notion of music as therapy is based on ancient cross-cultural beliefs that music can have a "healing" effect on mind and body. Explanations for the therapeutic mechanisms in music have almost always included cultural and social science-based causalities about the uses and functions of music in society. However, it is also important to note that the view of music as "therapy" was also always strongly influenced by the view and understanding of the concepts and causes of disease. Magical/mystical concepts of illness and "rational" medicine probably lived side by side for thousands of years. Not until the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries were the scientific foundations of medicine established, which allowed the foundations of music in therapy to progress from no science to soft science and most recently to actual brain science. Evidence for "early music therapy" will be discussed in four broad historical-cultural divisions: preliterate cultures; early civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel; Greek Antiquity; Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque. In reviewing "early music therapy" practice, from mostly unknown periods of early history (using preliterate cultures as a window) to increasingly better documented times, including preserved notation samples of actual "healing" music, five theories and applications of early music therapy can be differentiated.
Evaluation of Heart Dose for Left-Sided Breast Cancer Patients Over an 11-Year Period Spanning the Transition From 2-Dimensional to 3-Dimensional Planning

Abstract Introduction/Background We evaluated heart dose from left breast radiotherapy with 2-dimensional (2D) versus 3-dimensional (3D) plans. Patients and Methods Treatment plans from patients treated with standard fractionation for left breast cancer from 2003 to 2013 were reviewed, with patients grouped into 3 cohorts: 2003 to 2004 ("2D", with computed tomography scans for dose calculation but fields defined using simulation films; n = 29), 2005 to 2006 ("2D-post," after several influential articles on heart dose were published; n = 31), and 2007 to 2013 ("3D"; n = 256). All patients were treated with free-breathing technique. Heart volumes were retrospectively contoured for the earlier 2 cohorts. Mean heart dose (MHD) and percentage of structure receiving at least 25 Gy (V25 Gy) and percentage of structure receiving at least 5 Gy for the whole heart, left ventricle (LV), right ventricle (RV), and both ventricles were recorded and compared among cohorts. Results MHD was 345 cGy (2D), 213 cGy (2D-post) and 213 cGy (3D). LV V25 Gy was 6.3%, 1.5%, and 1.1%, respectively. Lower doses were seen over time for all indices (analysis of variance, P P ≤ .001) for all parameters except RV V25 Gy ( P = .24). Conclusion Heart doses were higher with 2D versus 3D plans. Cardiac doses and resulting toxicity with modern 3D planning might be lower than those in previous reports.
Skies Passions: Reflections on La piel del cielo

Ordinary experiences of the common sense world are accepted as real and awareness of perception creates this reality. Man in his daily endeavors goes about without being concerned with his place in the universe. But some passionately question beyond personal boundaries. The micro and macro cosmos are opposed but complementary and interdependent. We perceive totality in relation to oneself, a conscious unity centered in us. Cognizant relationships show potential, functional and organic exponentials, their interconnections implies a completion, actualized by means of language. Perceptions are interpretative, having references to spatial and temporal backgrounds. Celestial beings disclosed in observation are interpreted through perception, reflection and comprehension. Human life exists in an unbounded realm, an immeasurable quantitative vastness with unlimited dynamics of interpretations forming the rationality for existence. As the skies, metaphysical indeterminacy of being is an endless passion.
Sitting at work: recording and assessing body postures, designing furniture for the computer workstation

Abstract Posture-related musculo-skeletal disorders are common occupational problems. They are particularly prevalent in work situations which require extensive sitting, such as in computer workstations. While techniques for recording postures are well developed, their analysis and evaluation with regard to “healthiness” is difficult: criteria for judging the dependent variables (e.g. heart rate, fluid volume, EMG, disk pressure) are mostly questionable or missing. Still, workplaces including computer furniture need to be ergonomically designed. The “straight-and-right” sitting posture, propagated until a few years ago, can no longer be considered a health or design standard. A new set of design goals is at hand: they emphasize adjustibility, variety, and user comfort.