cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social Support Among Women Veterans

ABSTRACT The beneficial effects of social support on well-being have been shown in various studies. Less is known about factors which constrain or enhance the availability of social support. The present study profiles social support among women veterans and attempts to identify factors which enhance or constrain perceptions of support and social integration for women of different military eras. Data are derived from a national sample of women veterans who had at least one VA out-patient visit during a one year time period. Twenty percent of women veterans report having no one to depend on. Social support is lowest among Vietnam and Post-Vietnam era women. Chronic strains (such as having problems with relatives, housing, and paying bills) are important factors which are associated with levels of perceived support. Factors related to loneliness/alone status appear to be associated with constraints in group activities and perceived support. This research illustrates the importance of examining factors which ...
Cell biology of the amyloid beta-protein precursor and the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease.

BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF ALZHEIMER BRAIN LESIONS LEAD TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF A� AND ITS PRECURSOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374 The Histopathology of Alzheimer's Disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374 Characterization of A � and �pp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 AL TERNA TIVE PROTEOLYTIC PROCESSING OF �PP AND THE GENERATION OF A� 378 GENETIC EVIDENCE IMPLICATES A� IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF FAMILIAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE 380 SEVERAL POTENTIAL FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN ASCRIBED TO �PP . . . . . . . . . 383 CELL BIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE TRAFFICKING AND SECRETORY PROCESSING OF �PP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385 �pp Traf icking in Polarized Epithelial Cells ........ . 389 SECRETORY PROCESSING OF �PP IS UNDER COMPLEX REGULATION BY FIRST MESSENGERS . . . . . ......... 391 UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF J3PP PROCESSING IN THE PATHOGENETIC CASCADE OF AD .. . .. . 393 CONCLUSION ... . ..... . 397
Preliminary impression in patients with microstomia

This article describes a preliminary impression technique for edentulous patients with microstomia. Stock impression trays are modified to make sectional impressions of the left and right sides of the maxillary arch. The cast poured into the first impression is positioned in the second impression, which is then poured to make the diagnostic cast.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF TRANSCATHETER EMBOLIZATION OF RENAL ANGIOMYOLIPOMAS DUE TO TUBEROUS SCLEROSIS COMPLEX

Purpose: Complications from renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are common in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and tumors greater than 4 cm are more likely to cause symptoms. AMLs are the most common cause of death in adults with TSC. We present our long-term experience with transcatheter tumor embolization as a definitive treatment for AMLs due to TSC. Materials and Methods: A total of 16 patients with TSC between 7.5 and 47.2 years old with symptomatic or large (4 to 21 cm) AMLs underwent embolization. Followup consisted of periodic physician visits or telephone contacts and renal imaging. Results: The 16 patients underwent 18 treatment sessions to embolize 27 tumors. There were no intraoperative complications. The post-embolization syndrome occurred in 11 individuals but all responded to medical management. Two individuals had an arterial aneurysm within a tumor. The AML size decreased in the 13 patients who were imaged 3 months after treatment, and the 7 patients who were imaged 3 to 9 years after treatment have shown no tumor regrowth. No renal failure or hemorrhage has developed in patients following embolization. Conclusions: Transcatheter embolization of symptomatic or large AMLs due to TSC prevents hemorrhage and renal loss. The treatment is minimally invasive, preserves renal function, and can be performed multiple times. All of the patients who underwent followup renal imaging after embolization showed decreased AML size, and none of the 16 patients has developed renal loss or renal insufficiency in these individuals. Embolization should be considered the initial treatment of choice for large or symptomatic AMLs.
Besicovitch triangles extended

We extend the range of the base angle from \({ \scriptstyle \big[\arctan\sqrt{5\over3}\ ,\ {\pi\over 3}\big] }\) to \({\scriptstyle \big[ {\pi\over4} ,\ {\pi\over3}\big] }\) for the class of isosceles triangular worm covers obtained in Coulton and Movshovich (Geom Dedicata 123:79–88, 2006). We also show that each triangle has only one unit arc that does not fit in the interior of the triangle.
An overview of stability crossing set for systems with scalar delay channels

The stability crossing set is defined as the set of parameters such that the system characteristic equation has at least one imaginary root. The description of the stability crossing set is crucial in the stability analysis of time-delay systems using the D-subdivision method, especially for systems with multiple delays. This article provides an overview of recent research results on determining the stability crossing sets of systems with multiple delays. In particular, complete parameterization and geometric characterization of the stability crossing set are possible for systems with two or three variable scalar delay channels.
ELECTROKINETIC REPULSION BETWEEN TWO CHARGED BODIES UNDERGOING SLIDING MOTION

Sliding of one charged body past another in an electrolyte solution produces a streaming current and/or a streaming potential profile in the gap between the surfaces. Any streaming potential produced by this motion will alter the Maxwell stress field in the gap as well as the net hydrodynamic force acting on the surfaces. A lubrication analysis of this effect is presented for two-dimensional flow in a gap between two surfaces bearing thin double layers. The main effect is to generate “electrokinetic lift”, a normal force tending to push the bodies apart, which can be comparable to double-layer repulsion for fluids of low conductivity. This normal force is always repulsive, regardless of whether the surfaces bear charges of like or unlike sign. Besides reducing the elution volume of particles in chromatographic columns, this lift might inhibit capture of particles from moving fluids or cause detachment of particles from walls by flow tangent to the wall.
Energy utilization in the uptake of catecholamines by synaptic vesicles and adrenal chromaffin granules

Abstract Several inhibitors of energy metabolism decreased the ATP-stimulated uptake of catecholamines by isolated synaptic vesicles from rat brain and by chromaffin granules from bovine adrenal medulla. Catecholamine uptake was inhibited by dinitrophenol, S-13 and oleic acid, which are known to block active transport by dissipating trans-membrane proton gradients. Thus, a proton gradient appears to be involved in catecholamine transport. Both catecholamine uptake and vesicle-associated Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ -ATPase were inhibited by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and tributyltin, which had previously been shown to inhibit the Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ -ATPase of mitochondria. However, mitochondrial ATPase was not involved in catecholamine uptake as oligomycin and aurovertin, more specific inhibitors of mitochondrial ATPase, did not affect catecholamine uptake. It is suggested that ATP stimulates catecholamine uptake by serving as a substrate for the ATPase. Activity of this enzyme causes translocation of protons across the vesicle membrane, establishing a trans-membrane proton gradient. The proton gradient drives the transport of catecholamines.
Interpreting the difference between conventional and bi-directional plate-height measurements in liquid chromatography

An experimental and theoretical study was conducted of the column characterization technique in which plate heights determined using the conventional pulse-response method are compared with those determined using a bi-directional method where an eluite sample is introduced into one end of a chromatographic column and elution occurs at the same end after the flow direction is reversed inside the column. Experiments are presented for a micropellicular HPLC column before and after its performance has been degraded by repeated sample injections, for a low-pressure column containing nonporous glass particles, and for an HPLC column containing particles with 300 A pores. The results obtained are interpreted in terms of several different theories which apply in various Fourier number ranges. It was shown that the transcolumn contribution to convective dispersion in a chromatographic column is largely responsible for the difference observed between conventional and bi-directional plate-height measurements and that a collocation method can be employed to develop a useful analytical expression for this contribution.
Nutrition of loblolly pine on calcareous soils in western Alabama

Abstract The occurrence of loblolly pine, growing at a productive rate on a calcareous soil, was investigated from a nutritional standpoint. Macro‐ and microelement concentrations were characterized in pine tissues and in the calcareous soil and were compared to those in loblolly pine foliage and soil from a nearby stand of similar age growing on an acid soil. Literature reports of element concentrations in the tissues of loblolly pine, growing under various soil fertility conditions, are also contrasted with those of the present study. The data in this study may describe the nutrition of loblolly pine under the most alkaline field conditions in which the species naturally occurs.
Photoresponsivity of polymer thin-film transistors based on polyphenyleneethynylene derivative with improved hole injection

The photoresponse of polymer field-effect transistors (PFETs) based on the 2,5-bis(dibutylaminostyryl)-1,4-phenylene-b-alkyne-b-1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)benzene terpolymer (BAS-PPE) is investigated. BAS-PPE is a photoluminescent conducting polymer with a band gap of 2.25eV. The BAS-PPE PFETs were fabricated using an open coplanar configuration and light is illuminated onto the top side of the PFETs with no shadowing present. A sweep of VDS demonstrates that IDS saturation is suppressed during illumination, which suggests that pinch-off cannot be reached since the injected photogenerated carriers continue unabated. Also, with incident light, the channel cannot be turned off, even at high positive gate biases, due to the accumulation of photogenerated carriers. A sweep of VDS shows that BAS-PPE can act as a p-type polymer and favors hole injection and transport. A sweep of VGS shows an increase in IDS with different light intensities. The Ilight∕Idark ratio reaches as high as about 6000 at an incident light int...
Gender, Race and Morality in the Virtual World and Its Relationship to Morality in the Real World

This research examines children’s beliefs about moral behavior in the virtual world and the real world. Participants were 515 children, average age 12 years old. One-third were African American and two-thirds were Caucasian American. Children completed surveys mailed to their homes which included questions about the acceptability of morally questionable virtual behaviors. Findings indicated: (1) gender and race differences in the acceptability of morally questionable behaviors in the virtual world; (2) moral behavior and moral attitudes in the real world predicted the acceptability of morally questionable behaviors in the virtual world; and (3) the frequency of IT use predicted the acceptability of morally questionable behaviors in the virtual world. Implications for children’s IT education are discussed.
Self-assembled micron-scale fibre structures are formed by amphiphilic decyl ester derivatives of the d- and l-tyrosine amino acids prior to and following enzymatic ring polymerization

Abstract In aqueous solution, amphiphilic decyl esters of the amino acids d - and l -tyrosine are capable of self-assembly into aggregates. We present light scattering measurements that determined the critical micelle concentrations (c.m.c.) of the d - and l -isomers of this compound at pH values of 5.5 (c.m.c.=0.23 mM) and 6.0 (c.m.c.=0.17 mM). These data support the notion of an increasing pH dependent self-assembly process involving the deprotonation of the α-NH3+. The self-assembled amphiphilic monomers formed rod or plate-like fibres that possess widths of a few microns and lengths ranging from tens to hundreds of microns when measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was used to polymerize the monomers in these self-assembled structures. The kinetics of enzymatic polymerization were not second order above the c.m.c., supporting the model of self-assembled aggregates being the existing solution structure. SEM provided evidence that enzymatic polymerization left the gross shape and diameter dimensions of the fibres unaltered. However, polymerization allowed the existence of much longer fibres, hundreds of microns in length, in contrast to the shorter length fibres observed before polymerization. These data suggest that the polymerized fibres are more robust mechanical structures than unpolymerized fibres. Also, these data suggest that there is little difference in macro-scale self-assembly structure due to isomer differences or to polymerization. However, polymerized fibres possessed a smooth outer surface, in contrast to the rougher often fibrillar surface of the unpolymerized self-assembled fibre structures. This suggests a difference in the micro-scale molecular organization of the fibre monomer units prior to and following polymerization.
Comparative Susceptibility of Four Kinds of Pathogenic Fungi to Amphotericin B and Amphotericin B Methyl Ester

The activity of amphotericin B methyl ester was compared with that of amphotericin B, using Candida albicans (34 isolates), Torulopsis glabrata (12 isolates), Filobasidiella neoformans (stat. conid. Cryptococcus neoformans ) (14 isolates), and Coccidioides immitis (37 isolates) and tube dilution in a totally synthetic, completely defined medium (SAAMF) with inocula of 10 4 colony-forming units per ml. Minimal inhibitory concentrations were read after 24 h at 34°C for C. albicans and T. glabrata , and after 48 h at 34°C for C. immitis and F. neoformans . Minimal lethal concentrations were determined by subculture of 10% of the volume of the cultures without evident growth onto Sabouraud glucose agar medium. Overall, amphotericin B methyl ester was slightly less active than amphotericin B, with the differences attaining statistical significance for: (i) inhibition of C. albicans and T. glabrata and (ii) killing of T. glabrata .
Increased Attachment of Nontypable Haemophilus Influenzae (NTHI) to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Infected Epithelial Cells and Subsequent Enhancement of Interleukin (IL)-8 Production. |[bull]| 749

During or soon after RSV infection, superinfections of the respiratory tract with bacteria such as NTHI occur frequently. In the present study, the effect of RSV infection on NTHI attachment to A549, a human Type II-like alveolar epithelial cell line, was analyzed by quantititative culture or by flow cytometry using fluorescence-labeled NTHI. Additionally, the effect of NTHI and RSV on production of IL-8, a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils, was investigated using an ELISA kit. A549 cells were grown as a confluent monolayer in tissue culture inserts and were inoculated with NTHI (A549:NTHI = 1:1,5,10,100) and/or RSV (multiplicity of infection = 1 and 5). The attachment of NTHI was evaluated at 24 and 48 h of RSV infection, whereas, IL-8 production was evaluated at 12, 24, 48 and 56 of NTHI/RSV infection.
Inhibition of Sp1 Functions by Its Sequestration into PML Nuclear Bodies

Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML NBs) are comprised of PML and a striking variety of its associated proteins. Various cellular functions have been attributed to PML NBs, including the regulation of gene expression. We report here that induced expression of PML recruits Sp1 into PML NBs, leading to the reduction of Sp1 transactivation function. Specifically, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated that induced expression of PML significantly diminishes the amount of Sp1 binding to its target gene promoter, immunofluorescence staining showed dramatic increase in the co-localization between PML and Sp1 upon induction of PML expression, moreover, PML and Sp1 co-fractionated in the core nuclear matrix. Our study further showed that PML promotes SUMOylation of Sp1 in a RING-motif-dependent manner, SUMOylation of Sp1 facilitates physical interaction between Sp1 and PML and recruitment of Sp1 into the PML NBs, the SUMO binding motif of PML was also important for its interaction with Sp1. The results of this study demonstrate a novel mechanism by which PML regulates gene expression through sequestration of the transcription factor into PML NBs.
Making mass customization happen: Strategies for the new competitive realities

For better or worse, the business world of today is vastly different than it was a decade ago or even just a few years ago. The amount of uncertainty, instability, and lack of control that firms have in their business environments—the market turbulence—has increased dramatically for companies in almost every industry. So much so, in fact, that the old ways of competing simply do not work any more.
West Nile Virus and California Breeding Bird Declines

Since it was first detected in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) quickly spread, becoming the dominant vector-borne disease in North America. Sometimes fatal to humans, WNV is even more widespread among birds, with hundreds of species known to be susceptible to WNV infection in North America alone. However, despite considerable mortality and local declines observed in American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), there has been little evidence of a large regional association between WNV susceptibility and population declines of any species. Here we demonstrate a correlation between susceptibility to WNV measured by large-scale testing of dead birds and two indices of overall population change among bird species following the spread of WNV throughout California. This result was due primarily to declines in four species of Corvidae, including all species in this family except common ravens (Corvus corax). Our results support the hypothesis that susceptibility to WNV may have negative population consequences to most corvids on regional levels. They also provide confirmation that dead animal surveillance programs can provide important data indicating populations most likely to suffer detrimental impacts due to WNV.
Corpus callosum morphology in children who stutter

Abstract Multiple studies have reported both functional and neuroanatomical differences between adults who stutter and their normally fluent peers. However, the reasons for these differences remain unclear although some developmental data suggest that structural brain differences may be present in school-age children who stutter. In the present study, the corpus callosum of children with persistent stuttering, children who recovered from stuttering and typically developing children between 9 and 12 years of age was compared to test if the presence of aberrant callosal morphology is implicated in this disorder. The total corpus callosum midsagittal area and area of each subsection consisting of the rostrum, anterior midbody, posterior midbody and splenium were measured using MIPAV (Medical Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was also used to compare white matter volume. No differences were detected in the corpus callosum area or white matter volume between children with persistent stuttering, children who recovered from stuttering and typically developing children. These results agree with dichotic listening studies that indicate children who stutter show the typical right ear advantage. Therefore, the neural reorganization across the midline shown in adults who stutter may be the result of long-term adaptations to persistent stuttering. Learning outcomes: Educational objectives: After reading this article, the reader will be able to: (1) summarize research findings on corpus callosum development; and (2) discuss the characteristics of corpus callosum anatomy in stuttering.
Histamine- and acetylcholine-induced changes in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Abstract Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were given saline, histamine (1.25, 2.5 or 5.0 μg/kg) or acetylcholine (1.0 or 2.0 μg/kg). Both agents caused a dose-dependent decrease in blood pressure which was greater in the spontaneously hypertensive animals. The permeability of the blood brain barrier was measured with 131I-labelled serum albumin (RISA) or with 99mTc-sodium pertechnetate (TcO−4). The lowest dose of histamine caused a decrease in permeability of the blood brain barrier to serum albumin in normotensive rats and acetylcholine caused an increase. Only the largest dose of histamine increased the permeability of the blood brain barrier to serum albumin in spontaneously hypertensive rats. All doses of histamine and acetylcholine increased the permeability of the blood-brain barrier to sodium per technetate in nomotensive rats and the two lower doses of histamine increased the permeability in spontaneously hypertensive animals. This provides another example of the dissociation of change in the systemic blood pressure and change in the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
UML-Based Modeling for the Production and Dispatching System of Provincial Measurement Center

In this document, we describe the characteristics of UML and modeling process in brief, building the use case model, static model and dynamic model based in UML, then accomplish the requirements analysis and system design of the Production and Dispatching System of Provincial Measurement Center.
Earlens tympanic contact transducer: a new method of sound transduction to the human ear.

Abstract This article is an initial report on a new method of transducing sound to the human ear. The report describes the shortcomings of conventional acoustic amplification devices, the potential advantages afforded by the Earlens system (ReSound Corp., Redwood City, Calif.), a description of the system, and preliminary clinical results. The system is composed of two elements: a transducer that is composed of a magnet mounted on a thin, conical silicone platform and a device that generates a magnetic field which causes the Earlens to vibrate. The Earlens transducer is placed on the umbo area of the tympanic membrane and maintains its position there by floating on a droplet of mineral oil. Two configurations of the magnetic field device are described: one that is placed within the external auditory canal and another that is worn around the neck. This feasibility study was done in seven patients during a 3-month period. All patients in the study maintained the position of the transducer for the duration of the study, and the tympanic membranes showed no evidence of inflammation or other problems. The presence of the transducer caused an average 5-dB threshold depression in the speech frequencies. In the neck-worn device, maximum mean functional gain was 25 dB at 2000 Hz. Variability in the functional gain at different frequencies was noted with poorer gain above 2000 Hz. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1996;114:720-8.)
Chemical sputtering, a discussion of mechanisms

Abstract Sputtering can be defined as the process whereby particles leave the surface as a direct consequence of the presence of incident radiation. When particles leave the surface as a result of receiving momentum from the collision cascade induced by the incident radiation, the process is called “physical sputtering”. If the incoming radiation (ions, electrons, or photons) induces a chemical reaction which leads to the subsequent desorp-tion of particles, the process could be classified as “chemical sputtering”. There are a number of molecules such as CH4, CF4, CF3H, CF3CI, etc., whose binding energy to a large variety of surfaces is believed to be only a few kcal/mole. Therefore, these molecules will not remain absorbed at room temperature. Consequently, if they are generated from surface atoms by radiation-induced processes, they will almost immediately desorb into the gas phase. This process is one type of chemical sputtering. Recent data obtained in plasma environments suggest that this type of rea...
Two-phase seed dispersal: linking the effects of frugivorous birds and seed-caching rodents

Frugivorous birds disperse the seeds of many fruit-bearing plants, but the fate of seeds after defecation or regurgitation is often unknown. Some rodents gather and scatter hoard seeds, and some of these may be overlooked, germinate, and establish plants. We show that these two disparate modes of seed dispersal are linked in some plants. Rodents removed large (>25 mg) seeds from simulated bird feces (pseudofeces) at rates of 8-50%/day and scatter hoarded them in soil. Ants (Formica sibylla) also harvested some seeds and carried them to their nests. Rodents carried seeds 2.5±3.2 m to cache sites (maximum 12 m) and buried seeds at 8±7 mm depth. Enclosure studies suggest that yellow pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) made the caches. In spring, some seeds germinated from rodent caches and estab- lished seedlings, but no seedlings established directly from pseudofeces. This form of two-phase seed dispersal is important because each phase offers different benefits to plants. Frugivory by birds permits relatively long- range dispersal and potential colonization of new sites, whereas rodent caching moves seeds from exposed, low- quality sites (bird feces on the ground surface) to a soil environment that may help maintain seed viability and promote successful seedling establishment.
Biological remodelling: Stationary energy, configurational change, internal variables and dissipation

Abstract Remodelling is defined as an evolution of microstructure or variations in the configuration of the underlying manifold. The manner in which a biological tissue and its subsystems remodel their structure is treated in a continuum mechanical setting. While some examples of remodelling are conveniently modelled as evolution of the reference configuration—Case I—others are more suited to an internal variable description—Case II. In this paper, we explore the applicability of stationary energy states to remodelled systems. A variational treatment is introduced by assuming that stationary energy states are attained by changes in microstructure via one of the two mechanisms—Cases I and II. The configurational change of a long-chain molecule is presented as an example of Case I, and collagen fibre reorientation in in vitro tissue constructs as an example of Case II. The second example is further studied for its thermodynamic dissipation characteristics. This leads to an important finding on the limitation of purely mechanical treatments of some types of remodelling phenomena.
Is tocolysis safe in the management of third-trimester bleeding?

Abstract Objective: Expectant management is among the current treatment options for pregnancies complicated by third-trimester bleeding at Study Design: Every case of third-trimester bleeding for a 6-year period was obtained from a perinatal database that was created as patients were hospitalized. Only cases of patients with onset of bleeding between 23 and 36 weeks' gestation were analyzed. Data collected included the gestational age at the time of first bleeding, the gestational age at delivery, whether tocolytic agents were used, the need for transfusion, maternal morbidity, and neonatal outcome. Results: A total of 236 cases, consisting of 131 cases of abruptio placentae and 105 cases of placenta previa, met the study criteria. In the abruptio placentae group 95 women (73%) were treated with tocolytic agents. In this group the mean gestational age at the time of first bleeding was 28.9 weeks, the mean time from bleeding until delivery was 18.9 days, the median time from bleeding until delivery was 7 days, and the neonatal mortality rate was 51 deaths/1000 live births. In the placenta previa group 76 patients (72%) were treated with tocolytic agents. In this group the mean gestational age at first bleeding was 29.5 weeks, the mean time from bleeding until delivery was 29.3 days, the median time from bleeding until delivery was 22 days, and the neonatal mortality rate was 39 deaths/1000 live births. In both groups the need for transfusion and the incidence of fetal distress were not increased by the use of tocolytic agents. Among the 171 combined patients who underwent tocolysis, no maternal morbidity related to the tocolytic agents was found and no stillbirths occurred after admission. The neonatal deaths were all related to complications of prematurity. Conclusions: This is the largest series to date evaluating the use of tocolytic agents in preterm patients with third-trimester bleeding. From these data there does not appear to be any increased morbidity or mortality associated with tocolytic agent use in a controlled tertiary setting. A prospective randomized trial would be necessary to determine whether tocolytic use carries any benefits. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1572-8.)
The relationship between female genital cutting and women’s autonomy in Eritrea

Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between women’s autonomy and attitudes toward female genital cutting (FGC) and having a daughter with FGC in Eritrea. Methods Data from a nationally representative sample of 8754 women aged between 15 and 49 years from the 2002 Eritrea Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of the practice of and attitudes toward FGC, including women’s autonomy. Results Sixty-three percent (n = 3168) of women sampled had at least one daughter who had undergone FGC and 50.1% (n = 4848) of women believed FGC should continue. When controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, the odds of supporting the continuation of FGC were greater among women who justified wife beating (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.66). Among women who participated in household decisions, the odds of them supporting the continuation of FGC were less than among women who did not participate in household decisions (aOR 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75–0.99). Conclusion Interventions addressing women's autonomy, specifically attitudes toward gender norms and increasing women’s involvement in household decisions that carry a greater responsibility, may be a useful approach to reduce the support for and practice of FGC.
Structural insights into 5′ flap DNA unwinding and incision by the human FAN1 dimer

FAN1 is a structure-specific nuclease that plays a major role in eliminating highly cytotoxic interstrand DNA crosslinks. Here, Zhao et al. present several crystal structures of FAN1 in complex with DNA substrates and biochemical analyses that establish how FAN1 functions to resolve interstrand DNA crosslinks.
A dew point technique for limiting activity coefficients in nonionic solutions

A new measurement technique for activity coefficients at infinite dilution has been developed involving the construction of a very dilute vapor phase and the accurate determination of its dew point. This method is especially applicable to systems of low solute relative volatility, precisely where other methods such as differential ebulliometry and headspace gas chromatography become less precise. Data are reported for γ∞ for N, N-dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and N-methyl pyrrolidone in water over a range of temperatures.
Extent of lymphadenectomy and outcome for patients with stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether lymphadenectomy (LA) affects overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) rates for patients with stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as is the optimal number of lymph nodes that should be recovered. METHODS: There were 24,273 patients with stage I NSCLC diagnosed from 1992 to 2002 who were included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and who underwent a definitive surgical procedure. Median follow-up was 35 months. RESULTS: For the entire population, having LA was associated with an increase in the 5-year OS rate from 41.6% to 58.4% (P<.0001) and in DFS from 58.0% to 73.09%, compared with not having LA. Outcome improved with increasing number of recovered lymph nodes, with a plateau at 11 or more lymph nodes. For patients diagnosed from 1998 to 2002 undergoing only N1 or only N2 dissections, LA was also associated with statistically significant improvements in OS in both groups and a significant difference and trend for improved DFS in the 2 groups, respectively. The maximum differences in both OS and DFS between those with no LA and those with LA occurred when 11 to 16 lymph nodes were removed for the former group or 7 to 10 lymph nodes for the latter group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LA was associated with increased rates of OS and DFS, compared with no LA. Our results also suggest the minimum number of recovered lymph nodes needed to see the maximum staging accuracy conferred by LA. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Determination of the design parameters for optimum heavily loaded ducted fans

Abstract : A single-rotation ducted fan of highest induced efficiency is characterized by an ultimate wake vortex system shed from the blade trailing edges whose apparent motion is that of rigid helical surfaces. In addition and concentric with this inner sheet system there is a cylindrical surface of helical vortex filaments shed from the duct trailing edge. For zero hub diameter and neglecting compressibility, viscosity, and tip clearance, a consistent mathematical model of the constant-diameter vortex wake is developed and the compatibility relationships to be satisfied are presented. It is shown that the wake vorticity and the velocity distribution in the wake, for all loadings from the lightly loaded limit to the heavily loaded static thrust condition may be extracted from the lightly loaded result through the use of a simple algebraic scale factor. The performance parameters, thrust, power and blade bound vortex strength, are thus expressed in terms of a lightly loaded solution for a given freestream velocity, blade tip speed, blade number and the loading parameter. The lightly loaded case is compared to existing theoretical and experimental results. Some sample results for heavily loaded performance parameters and design parameters are presented and compared to the exact results for a heavily loaded ducted fan with an infinite number of blades. Results for the heavily loaded system over a broad range of conditions are presented.
The natural enemies of Aphis gossypii Glover (Hom., Aphididae) in China

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a major pest of cotton in China. More than 48 species (belonging to 19 families in 9 orders) of natural enemies of this aphid have been found in cotton fields in China. Coccinellids, spiders and lacewings are the most important predators of aphids and other pests in cotton fields. The biology of these natural enemies is reviewed. Also discussed are the roles of coccinellids and other predators in the biological control of A. gossypii through conservation and augmentation. Zusammenfassung Uber die naturlichen Feinde von Aphis gossypii Glover (Hom., Aphididae) in China Aphis gossypii ist in China der wichtigste Baumwollschadling. Es konnten hier mehr als 48 verschiedene naturliche Feinde dieser Laus festgestellt werden, die 19 Familien und 9 Ordnungen angehoren. Marienkafer, Spinnen und Florfliegen sind die wichtigsten Rauber der Lause und anderer Schadlinge in Baumwollfeldern. Es wird ein Uberblick uber die Biologie der naturlichen Feinde gegeben und die Bedeutung der Marienkafer und anderer Pradatoren hinsichtlich der biologischen Bekampfung von A. gossypii wird diskutiert.
Book Review: Adipose Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Yves-Gerard Illouz, Aris Sterodimas , eds. Adipose Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine. Berlin, Germany: Springer, 2011. ISBN-10: 3642200117 Adipose Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine is a compilation of writings on the latest advances in adipose stem cell research, consisting of 24 chapters by international experts in the field. The editors, Drs Yves-Gerard Illouz and Aris Sterodimas, are surgeons with extensive expertise in liposuction. Dr Illouz is a pioneer in liposuction and developer of the well-known Illouz method. Dr Sterodimas is a respected plastic surgeon who has been actively involved in stem cell research for plastic surgery and regenerative medicine. Several chapters are of great relevance to researchers in the field of adipose stem cells. Some provide a comprehensive overview to new researchers in the field. Others provide extensive details of the protocols related to adipose stem cell research. Both MDs and PhDs will find content that interests them. The book contains many elegant and descriptive images and figures. The tables are generally easy to understand. …
Correcting astigmatism with toric intraocular lenses: Effect of posterior corneal astigmatism

Purpose To evaluate the impact of posterior corneal astigmatism on outcomes with toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Setting Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Design Case series. Methods Corneal astigmatism was measured using 5 devices before and 3 weeks after cataract surgery. Toric IOL alignment was recorded at surgery and at the slitlamp 3 weeks postoperatively. The actual corneal astigmatism was calculated based on refractive astigmatism 3 weeks postoperatively and the effective toric power calculated with the Holladay 2 formula. The prediction error was calculated as the difference between the astigmatism measured by each device and the actual corneal astigmatism. Vector analysis was used in all calculations. Results With the IOLMaster, Lenstar, Atlas, manual keratometer, and Galilei (combined Placido–dual Scheimpflug analyzer), the mean prediction errors (D) were, respectively, 0.59 @ 89.7, 0.48 @ 91.2, 0.51 @ 78.7, 0.62 @ 97.2, and 0.57 @ 93.9 for with-the-rule (WTR) astigmatism (60 to 120 degrees), and 0.17 @ 86.2, 0.23 @ 77.7, 0.23 @ 91.4, 0.41 @ 58.4, and 0.12 @ 7.3 for against-the-rule (ATR) astigmatism (0 to 30 degrees and 150 to 180 degrees). In the WTR eyes, there were significant WTR prediction errors (0.5 to 0.6 diopters [D]) by all devices. In ATR eyes, WTR prediction errors were 0.2 to 0.3 D by all devices except the Placido–dual Scheimpflug analyzer (all P Conclusions Corneal astigmatism was overestimated in WTR by all devices and underestimated in ATR by all except the Placido–dual Scheimpflug analyzer. A new toric IOL nomogram is proposed. Financial Disclosure Drs. Koch, Weikert, and Wang received research support from Ziemer USA, Inc. Dr. Koch has a financial interest with Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Optimedica Corp., and Ziemer USA, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Fractal reorientation clocks: Linking animal behavior to statistical patterns of search

The movement ecology framework depicts animal movement as the result of the combined effects of internal and external constraints on animal navigation and motion capacities. Nevertheless, there are still fundamental problems to understand how these modulations take place and how they might be translated into observed statistical properties of animal trajectories. Of particular interest, here, is the general idea of intermittence in animal movement. Intermittent locomotion assumes that animal movement is, in essence, discrete. The existence of abrupt interruptions in an otherwise continuous flow of movement allows for the possibility of reorientations, that is, to break down previous directional memories of the trajectory. In this study, we explore the potential links between intermittent locomotion, reorientation behavior, and search efficiency. By means of simulations we show that the incorporation of Levy intermittence in an otherwise nonintermittent search strongly modifies encounter rates. The result is robust to different types of landscapes (i.e., target density and spatial distribution), and spatial dimensions (i.e., 2D, 3D). We propose that Levy intermittence may come from reorientation mechanisms capable of organizing directional persistence on time (i.e., fractal reorientation clocks), and we rationalize that the explicit distinction between scanning and reorientation mechanisms is essential to make accurate statistical inferences from animal search behavior. Finally, we provide a statistical tool to judge the existence of episodic and strong reorientation behaviors capable of modifying relevant properties of stochastic searches, ultimately controlling the chances of finding unknown located items.
Analysis of the killing of spores of Bacillus subtilis by a new disinfectant, Sterilox®

Aims To determine the mechanism whereby the new disinfectant Sterilox kills spores of Bacillus subtilis. Methods and results Bacillus subtilis spores were readily killed by Sterilox and spore resistance to this agent was due in large part to the spore coats. Spore killing by Sterilox was not through DNA damage, released essentially no spore dipicolinic acid and Sterilox-killed spores underwent the early steps in spore germination, including dipicolinic acid release, cortex degradation and initiation of metabolism. However, these germinated spores never swelled and many had altered permeability properties. Conclusions We suggest that Sterilox treatment kills dormant spores by oxidatively modifying the inner membrane of the spores such that this membrane becomes non-functional in the germinated spore leading to spore death. Significance and impact of the study This work provides information on the mechanism of spore resistance to and spore killing by a new disinfectant.
Circular dichroism studies on coat proteins of some strains and mutants of tobacco mosaic virus.

Abstract 1. 1. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) protein has in near ultraviolet a complex but well resolved circular dichroism (CD) spectrum at room temperature. There are seven positive bands at 248, 252, 257, 265, 274, 281 and 291 nm, and a negative one at 296 nm. The CD spectrum is pH-dependent. The shape of the pH-dependence curves and the comparison with CD spectra of model compounds suggest that the bands at 248, 252 and 257 nm are mainly caused by phenylalanyl, those at 265, 274 and 281 nm by tyrosyl, and those at 291 and 296 nm by tryptophanyl side chains. 2. 2. Only insignificant changes of the tertiary structure seem to occur between pH 6.5 and 8.5. Changes in ellipticity of TMV protein during the pH-induced polymerization reaction suggest that: (1) tyrosyl residues are involved in the binding of subunits, (2) phenylalanyl residues seem to be transferred to a less rigid environment, and (3) tryptophanyl residues are not essential for the reaction. 3. 3. The proteins of several TMV strains and mutants studied have similar far ultraviolet CD spectra and apparently do not differ significantly in their structure. Their near ultraviolet CD spectra are, however, different. Replacements involving aliphatic amino acids do not change considerably the near ultraviolet CD spectra. On the other hand, replacements involving aromatic amino acids have a great effect on the spectra rendering possible identification of CD bands and recognition of the aromatic amino acid residues responsible for optical activity.
Woody plant regeneration in three South Carolina Taxodium/Nyssa stands following Hurricane Hugo

Abstract Long-term monitoring began in 1990 to follow community changes resulting from hurricane disturbance. In addition, one-year-old Taxodium distichum seedlings were planted to determine if planting was feasible in saltwater-flooded areas. The canopy of the least impacted swamp recovered rapidly, but there were few seedlings growing in the understory. Planted seedlings survived well, but they grew very little. Both lack of seedlings and poor growth of planted seedlings were probably due to intense shading and flooding. Two impacted areas contained a greater number of seedlings, most of which were found growing on raised microsites like Taxodium knees. The majority of the seedlings in all areas were shrub species. Planted seedlings grew cell (30 cm/yr) where open canopy conditions allowed sunlight to reach the forest floor and no new saltwater has been introduced since the hurricane.
The Variable Pattern of Mental Development of Rural Black Children Results and Interpretation of Results of Studies on Mississippi Children Aged One Week to Three Years by the Gesell Developmental Scales

This preliminary report of an infant population, de prived both nutritionally and environmentally, shows that poor environment is as relevant as malnutrition for mental development in the first three years of life.
COBALT(III) COMPLEXES OF CROWN THIOETHERS : THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF (1,4,7,11,14,17-HEXATHIACYCLOEICOSANE)COBALT(III) TETRAFLUOROBORATE DIHYDRATE

Abstract The syntheses of several Co(III) complexes containing crown thioether ligands are reported. The complexes are characterized using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, carbon-13 and cobalt-59 NMR spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The structure of the cobalt(III) complex of the 20-membered macrocyclic hexathioether, 20S6, 1,4,7,11,14,17-hexathiacycloeicosane, has also been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The stereoisomer obtained is a racemic set in which the two trimethylene bridges are cis to each other and the two diethylene units lie in a facial relationship. Crystal data for [Co(20S6)](BF4)3 · 2H2O: C14H32B3CoF12O2S6; monoclinic, space group C2/c; a = 17.186(5), b = 16.014(3), c = 10.283(2), β = 98.57(2)°, V = 2798.45 A3, Z = 4. The crown thioethers discussed in this paper all function as strong field ligands towards Co(III), in contrast to their behavior towards Cr(III) and V(III). Solution carbon-13 NMR studies show the presence of a single meso diastereomer for [Co(18S6)]3+ and a single diastereomer for [Co(20S6)]3+. Chemical shifts for 59Co NMR spectra correlate with the ligand field strengths and also show the presence of a single diastereomer for both hexathioether complexes. The electrochemical behavior of several hexakis(thioether) complexes of Co(III) is described. The synthesis of the heteroleptic complex, [Co(9S3)Cl3] is reported, and this complex can be used as an intermediate in the preparation of mixed crown hexakis(thioether) complexes such as [Co(9S3)(10S3)]3+.
Geometrical families of mechanically stable granular packings

We enumerate and classify nearly all of the possible mechanically stable (MS) packings of bidipserse mixtures of frictionless disks in small sheared systems. We find that MS packings form continuous geometrical families, where each family is defined by its particular network of particle contacts. We also monitor the dynamics of MS packings along geometrical families by applying quasistatic simple shear strain at zero pressure. For small numbers of particles $(Nl16)$, we find that the dynamics is deterministic and highly contracting. That is, if the system is initialized in a MS packing at a given shear strain, it will quickly lock into a periodic orbit at subsequent shear strain, and therefore sample only a very small fraction of the possible MS packings in steady state. In studies with $Ng16$, we observe an increase in the period and random splittings of the trajectories caused by bifurcations in configuration space. We argue that the ratio of the splitting and contraction rates in large systems will determine the distribution of MS-packing geometrical families visited in steady state. This work is part of our long-term research program to develop a master-equation formalism to describe macroscopic slowly driven granular systems in terms of collections of small subsystems.