cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Summer Sausage Manufactured Using Mixed Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc Starter Culture1

A 1:1 mixture of Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus plantarum and of L. plantarum alone were used as starter-cultures in making two batches of summer sausage. Sausage samples were evaluated for volatile flavor compounds and by sensory evaluation. Ethanol was the primary volatile flavor compound in the sausage from mixed culture while acetaldehyde predominated in the single culture sausage. Sensory evaluation indicated a significant difference (p≤0.01) between the two types of sausages with 66% of the panelists preferring sausage prepared with L. plantarum alone.
Sedative and Motor Incoordination Effects of Ethanol in Mice Lacking CD14, TLR2, TLR4, or MyD88.

Background In our companion article, we examined the role of MyD88-dependent signaling in ethanol (EtOH) consumption in mice lacking key components of this inflammatory pathway and observed differential effects on drinking. Here, we studied the role of these same signaling components in the acute sedative, intoxicating, and physiological effects of EtOH. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been reported to strongly reduce the duration of EtOH-induced sedation, although most studies do not support its direct involvement in EtOH consumption. We examined TLR4 and other MyD88 pathway molecules to determine signaling specificity in acute EtOH-related behaviors. We also studied other GABAergic sedatives to gauge the EtOH specificity and potential role for GABA in EtOH's sedative and intoxicating effects in the mutant mice. Methods Loss of righting reflex (LORR) and recovery from motor incoordination were studied following acute injection of EtOH or other sedative drugs in male and female control C57BL/6J mice versus mice lacking CD14, TLR2, TLR4 (C57BL/10ScN), or MyD88. We also examined EtOH-induced hypothermia and blood EtOH clearance in these mice. Results Male and female mice lacking TLR4 or MyD88 showed reduced duration of EtOH-induced LORR and faster recovery from EtOH-induced motor incoordination in the rotarod test. MyD88 knockout mice had slightly faster recovery from EtOH-induced hypothermia compared to control mice. None of the mutants differed from control mice in the rate of blood EtOH clearance. All of the mutants showed similar decreases in the duration of gaboxadol-induced LORR, but only mice lacking TLR4 were less sensitive to the sedative effects of pentobarbital. Faster recovery from diazepam-induced motor impairment was observed in CD14, TLR4, and MyD88 null mice of both sexes. Conclusions TLR4 and MyD88 were key mediators of the sedative and intoxicating effects of EtOH and GABAergic sedatives, indicating a strong influence of TLR4-MyD88 signaling on GABAergic function. Despite the involvement of TLR4 in EtOH's acute behaviors, it did not regulate EtOH consumption in any drinking model as shown in our companion article. Collectively, our studies demonstrate differential effects of TLR-MyD88 components in the acute versus chronic actions of EtOH.
Packaging of Transmit/Receive Modules

Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules were initially developed as the key component in phased array radar systems, which allowed the antenna beam to be scanned electronically. This was an important innovation over mechanically scanned arrays since it improved reliability, decreased beam scan time, and allowed other functionality. T/R modules are now used or are planned for use in satellites, wireless backhaul communication, mobile phones, Wi-Fi, and 5G mobile communication systems. As a result, development of T/R modules is expanding and shows no signs of slowing. A key to successful T/R modules is the use of the correct electronic packaging.
Unstitching Scarlet Letters? Prosecutorial Discretion and Expungement

Criminal record history information pejoratively brands those who contact the criminal justice system, whether they were guilty or not. In theory, the remedy of expungement is designed to mitigate the unanticipated, negative effects of a criminal record. But the reality is that prosecutors — driven by a set of incentives that are fundamentally antithetical to expungement — control many of the levers that determine who is able to obtain expungement. The disjunction between the prosecutorial mindset and the minister of justice ideal could not be starker and the consequences can be significant. Prosecutors, as agents of the state, can either argue forcefully for the retention or deletion of such information, dramatically affecting the situation of an arrestee or ex-offender given the pervasive web of collateral consequences associated with a criminal record. This discretion, as it relates to theories of punishment, prosecutorial discretion overall, the ethical responsibilities of prosecutors to do justice, and public policy interests, has been grossly under-analyzed despite the serious implications it has for the prosecutorial role within the criminal justice system and for reentry efforts. While many scholars have paid attention to how prosecutorial incentives conflict with the theoretical responsibilities of prosecutors in charging, plea-bargaining, and post-conviction situations involving innocence, none have provided a theoretical framework focused on the role of the prosecutor during expungement. Many of the complicated incentives that undermine holistic prosecution during those earlier phases exist during the expungement process as well. But scholarly responses to those incentives are not adequate given the range of considerations during the expungement phase. As such, this Article argues that scholarly discussions related to prosecutorial discretion need to extend their focus beyond the exercise of prosecutorial judgment pre-trial or the questions of factual and legal guilt. Given that the primary role of the prosecutor is to do “justice,” this Article calls for increased attention to the exercise of discretion after the guilt phase is complete, specifically in the context of expungement of non-conviction and conviction information. In doing so, it hopes to provide a framework for exercising such discretion, and to initiate additional conversation about the role of prosecutors during the phases following arrest and prosecution.
How automatic is convergence? Evidence from working memory

Phonetic convergence has been argued to be automatic as well as socially motivated. Previous studies have shown effects of socially-driven factors on working memory (Beilock et al. 2007), suggesting that working memory might mediate the socially-driven and automatic components of convergence. We used Amazon's Mechanical Turk to test convergence toward a voice with lengthened VOT, with short-term and working memory (modified digit span) conditions as well as a control condition. Overall, participants converged in VOT while shadowing, but converged less when working memory was occupied. These results suggest that social factors affect phonetic convergence indirectly, through their effect on working memory load.
Comparison of switched receivers for direct-sequence spread-spectrum wireless power transfer

The limitations of single-frequency wireless power transfer provide a strong incentive to use spread spectrum techniques. While techniques for transmitting power using spread spectrum modulation already exist, this paper introduces different receiver topologies and algorithms for receiving power spread across a wideband of frequencies. The power output and the efficiency of receivers is constrained by the switch parameters. Receiver topology choice depends on the application requirements and constraints. The receiver realization provides a platform for the evolution of direct-sequence spread-spectrum wireless power transfer.
An Unconscious Patient with a DNR Tattoo

Paramedics brought to the emergency department an unconscious 70-year-old man with “Do Not Resuscitate” tattooed on his chest. The ICU team decided to honor the preference expressed in the tattoo. Subsequently, a copy of his written DNR request was obtained.
A bivariate extension of the beta generated distribution derived from copulas

In this paper, we introduce a new class of bivariate distributions whose marginals are beta-generated distributions. Copulas are employed to construct this bivariate extension of the beta-generated...
182, 184, 186W(α, α') Reactions at Eα = 24 MeV

Abstract Angular distributions of 24 MeV α-particles elastically and inelastically scattered from 182, 184, 186 W have been measured for the angular range θ lab = 40°–140°. Coupled-channels analyses of the data for the ground-state rotational bands which assume a symmetric-rotor model lead to the conclusion that, for each nucleus, the β 2 and β 4 deformation parameters for the Coulomb and the nuclear potentials are quite different ; these differences are not accounted for by the geometrical scaling method of Hendrie but are, in most cases, accounted for by the multipole-moment method of Mackintosh. A rigid asymmetric-rotor model is found to provide a good description of the data for excitation of the second 2 + state in 186 W. A second-order rotational-vibrational model provides a good description of the excitation of the 3 − state in 184 W and suggests that transitions other than the direct excitation (0 + → 3 − ) play an important role in the description of the data; this interpretation, however, fails to clearly distinguish between K = 0 and K = 2 models for the 3 − state.
Altering Masculinities: The Spanish Conquest and the Evolution of the Latin American Machismo

Machismo, a stereotype that emphasizes hypermasculinity and associated with the Latin American male, was a legacy of the Conquest of the Spanish conquistadores and their interpretation of and reaction to the indigenous two-spirit. It was the product of the rape of indigenous women, the response to indigenous imperial ritual, and the sublimation of indigenous male sexuality. It was a response to social and religious control of the male body. As such, it is not something that is easily eradicated. Through an understanding of the complex roots of this variant of masculinity, however, it may be possible to filter out some of the negative traits and highlight the more positive. This essay examines the interactions between the Spaniards and indigenous peoples of the Americas and the interpretations of indigenous sexualities, genders, and social roles by the Spanish authorities, and how it all participates in the construction of the Latin American machismo.
African Americans, Kidney Disease, and Drug Development: A Regulatory Perspective

Given the burden of kidney disease in African Americans, the discovery of safe and effective medical products to slow the progression of kidney disease and reduce the risk for kidney failure would have a tremendous impact on this population. Differences in response to treatment have been observed in African Americans, highlighting the importance of studying medical products in African Americans. Although historically the African American community has not been well represented in clinical trials, efforts are underway to address this issue. Recent advances in understanding the genetic contributions to disease progression in African Americans, including the discovery of risk variants in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1), raise the possibility of using genetic information to better tailor treatments for African Americans. One could envision developing therapies that target these variants or possibly using them to help enrich trial populations with patients more likely to experience disease progression.
The Impact of Web Browser Reader Views on Reading Speed and User Experience

As reading increasingly shifts from paper to online media, many web browsers now provide a "Reader View,'' which modifies web page layout and design for better readability. However, research has yet to establish whether Reader Views are effective in improving readability and how they might change the user experience. We characterize how Mozilla Firefox's Reader View significantly reduces the visual complexity of websites by excluding menus, images, and content. We then conducted an online study with 391 participants (including 42 who self-reported having been diagnosed with dyslexia), showing that compared to standard websites the Reader View increased reading speed by 5% for readers on average, and significantly improved perceived readability and visual appeal. We suggest guidelines for the design of websites and browsers that better support people with varying reading skills.
100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Polymerization of Cumulated Bonds: Isocyanates, Allenes, and Ketenes as Monomers

Polymer chemistry offers exciting opportunities to tailor the properties of soft materials through control of the composition of the polymers and their interaction with each other, additives, and s...
Trends and correlates of self-reported alcohol and nicotine use among women before and during pregnancy, 2009-2017.

Abstract Objective To examine trends and correlates of frequency of self-reported alcohol and nicotine use among pregnant women. Methods Cross-sectional study of 363,240 pregnancies from 2009-2017 screened for self-reported substance use at their first prenatal visit in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Poisson regression with a log link function was used to estimate the annual prevalences of self-reported daily, weekly, and ≤ monthly alcohol and nicotine use, adjusting for socio-demographics. Generalized estimating equation models were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of any self-reported prenatal alcohol or nicotine use among those who self-reported use in the year prior to pregnancy, by frequency of pre-pregnancy substance use and socio-demographics. Results The sample was 64% non-White [mean (SD) age = 30.1 (5.6)]. From 2009 to 2017, alcohol use before pregnancy increased from 63.4% to 65.9% (trend p-value = .008), and prenatal alcohol use decreased from 11.6% to 8.8% (trend p-value Discussion Prenatal alcohol and nicotine use decreased from 2009-2017. More frequent pre-pregnancy use predicted higher odds of prenatal use. Results suggest that interventions and education about the harms of prenatal substance use for frequent users prior to conception may reduce substance use during pregnancy.
Meta-GGA performance in solids at almost GGA cost

A recent modification, $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$, of the strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) meta-generalized gradient approximation (GGA) exchange-correlation functional mostly eliminates numerical instabilities and attendant integration grid sensitivities exhibited by SCAN. Here, we show that the successful deorbitalization of SCAN to SCAN-L (SCAN with density Laplacian dependence) carries over directly to yield $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$-L. A major benefit is that the high iteration counts that hindered the use of SCAN-L are eliminated in $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$-L. It therefore is a computationally much faster meta-GGA than its orbital-dependent antecedent. Validation data for molecular heats of formation, bond lengths, and vibration frequencies (G3/99X, T96-R, and T82-F test sets, respectively) and on lattice constants, and cohesive energies (for 55 solids) and bulk moduli (for 40 solids) are provided. In addition, we show that the overmagnetization of bcc Fe, hcp Co, and fcc Ni persists in $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$ but does not appear in $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$-L. Distinct from SCAN, both $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$ and $\mathrm{r}^{2}\mathrm{SCAN}$-L give the correct nonmagnetic ground state for bcc V.
Police-Related Deaths and Neighborhood Economic and Racial/Ethnic Polarization

To estimate the association between rates of police-related deaths and neighborhood residential segregation (by income, race/ethnicity, or both combined) in the United States. Methods: We identified police-related deaths that occurred in the United States (2015-2016) using a data set from the Guardian newspaper. We used census data to estimate expected police-related death counts for all US census tracts and to calculate the Index of Concentration at the Extremes as a segregation measure. We used multilevel negative binomial models for the analyses. Results: Overall, police-related death rates were highest in neighborhoods with the greatest concentrations of low-income residents (vs high-income residents) and residents of color (vs non-Hispanic White residents). For non-Hispanic Blacks, however, the risk was greater in the quintile of neighborhoods with the highest concentration of non-Hispanic White residents than in certain neighborhoods with relatively higher concentrations of residents of color (the third and fourth quintiles). Conclusions: Neighborhood context matters-beyond individual race/ethnicity-for understanding, preventing, and responding to the occurrence of police-related deaths. Public Health Implications. Efforts to monitor, prevent, and respond to police-related deaths should consider neighborhood context, including levels of segregation by income and race/ethnicity.
Role of adatom adsorption and diffusion in the epitaxial growth of gallium oxide

Monoclinic gallium oxide is a wide-gap (4.8 eV) semiconductor with a high breakdown field. To fully exploit the applications in high power electronics, high-quality epitaxial growth of gallium oxide is required. We use density functional theory calculations to explore the adsorption of Ga and In adatoms on the Ga2O3 (010) surface and the effect of In on the growth rate. We also study the co-adsorption of Al, Ga, and O adatoms on the Ga2O3 (010) surface to reveal the role of surface reconstructions and adatom diffusion in Al incorporation in (AlxGa1−x)2O3 alloys.
Phish Me, Phish Me Not

While phishing has evolved over the years, it still exploits one of the weakest links in any information system — humans. The present study aims at describing who the potential phishing victims are...
The Global Economic Recovery 10 Years after the 2008 Financial Crisis

This paper takes stock of the global economic recovery a decade after the 2008 financial crisis. Output losses after the crisis appear to be persistent, irrespective of whether a country suffered a banking crisis in 2007-08. Sluggish investment was a key channel through which these losses registered, accompanied by long-lasting capital and total factor productivity shortfalls relative to precrisis trends. Policy choices preceding the crisis and in its immediate aftermath influenced postcrisis variation in output. Underscoring the importance of macroprudential policies and effective supervision, countries with greater financial vulnerabilities in the precrisis years suffered larger output losses after the crisis. Countries with stronger precrisis fiscal positions and those with more flexible exchange rate regimes experienced smaller losses. Unprecedented and exceptional policy actions taken after the crisis helped mitigate countries' postcrisis output losses.
Associations between caesarean births and breastfeeding in the Middle East: a scoping review.

Background There is a paucity of published studies on factors influencing feeding practices for infants and young children born via caesarean section. Aims To assess whether the mode of childbirth affects early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding, and to identify factors that positively or negatively influence breastfeeding after caesarean births in selected countries in the Middle East. Methods We conducted a scoping review of publicly available population-based surveys and peer-reviewed literature on the associations between birthing mode and breastfeeding published between 2000 and 2018. The search identified 33 demographic surveys and 16 studies containing information on the mode of childbirth and breastfeeding in selected countries in the Middle East listed in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases. Searches were completed in March 2019. Results Demographic surveys in 6 participating Middle Eastern countries demonstrated increased rates of births by caesarean section. All 3 countries with ≥ 3 datasets available demonstrated that early initiation of breastfeeding was less likely after caesarean section than after vaginal births. Eleven studies analysed differences in breastfeeding outcomes between caesarean section and vaginal births, and all of them identified significant differences between birthing modes. Five studies addressed factors influencing breastfeeding after caesarean births. Conclusion Caesarean births are associated with a higher risk of delayed initiation of breastfeeding as well as early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.
Neurodevelopmental delays and in utero exposure to hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) affects over 70% of pregnant women. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) represents the severe end of the clinical spectrum, affecting approximately 2% of pregnant women. It is generally defined by weight loss of over 5% of prepregnancy weight due to intractable NVP. HG can cause starvation and stress during pregnancy and is associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes. HG affects fetal brain development and has been identified as a risk factor for nerurodevelopmental delay and autism spectrum disorder. The mechanism linking HG to poor fetal outcomes is unknown, but may be related to genetics, maternal stress, nutrient deficiencies, poor maternal-infant bonding, or medications/treatment (i.e., Cannabis) exposure. This chapter reviews the mounting evidence that exposure to HG in utero is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Event driven sensor fusion

Abstract Multi sensor fusion has long been of interest in target detection and tracking. Different sensors are capable of observing different characteristics about a target, hence, providing additional information toward determining a target’s identity. If used constructively, any additional information should have a positive impact on the performance of the system. In this paper, we consider such a scenario and present a principled approach toward ensuring constructive combination of the various sensors. We look at Decision Level Sensor Fusion under a different light wherein each sensor is said to make a decision on occurrence of certain events that it is capable of observing rather than making a decision on whether a certain target is present. These events are formalized to each sensor according to its potentially extracted attributes to define targets. The proposed technique also explores the extent of dependence between features/events being observed by the sensors, and hence generates more informed probability distributions over the events. In our case, we will study two different datasets. The first one, combines a Radar sensor with an optical sensor for detection of space debris, while the second one combines a seismic sensor with an acoustic sensor in order to detect human and vehicular targets in a field of interest. Provided some additional information about the features of the object, this fusion technique can outperform other existing decision level fusion approaches that may not take into account the relationship between different features. Furthermore, this paper also addresses the issue of coping with damaged sensors when using the model, by learning a hidden space between sensor modalities which can be exploited to safeguard detection performance.
Challenges and opportunities for osteoporosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has both directly and indirectly affected osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. Methods This mini-review summarizes the available evidence regarding the effects of COVID-19, its treatment, and the consequences of the pandemic itself on bone health. Additionally, we review evidence and expert recommendations regarding putative effects of osteoporosis medications on COVID-19 outcomes and vaccine efficacy and summarize recommendations for continuation of osteoporosis treatment during the pandemic. Results The use of standard screening procedures to assess for osteoporosis and fracture risk declined dramatically early in the pandemic, while rates of fragility fractures were largely unchanged. COVID-19, its treatments, and public health measures to prevent viral spread are each likely to negatively affect bone health. Osteoporosis treatments are not known to increase risk of adverse events from COVID-19, and pre-clinical data suggests possible beneficial effects of some therapies. Vitamin D deficiency is clearly associated with adverse outcomes from COVID-19, but it remains unclear whether vitamin D supplementation may improve outcomes. Osteoporosis treatment should be continued whenever possible, and recommendations for substituting therapies, if required, are available. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased screening and disrupted treatment for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis medications are safe and effective during the pandemic and should be continued whenever possible. Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term bone health.
FINITE PANEL ANALYSIS OF ORTHOTROPIC PLATE SYSTEMS

An approximate stiffness method for the elastic analysis is described for rectangular orthotropic plates that are two-way continuous over rigid supports. Levy-type displacement functions are used to derive stiffness matrices for full-size plate elements. Transverse loads are replaced by nodal line forces. The number of degrees-of-freedom (stiffness equations) needed for acceptable approximations is very low.
Tau Aggregates: Toxic, Inert, or Protective Species?

Alzheimer's disease brains are characterized by extracellular aggregates of the amyloid-beta peptide and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, composed of aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau protein. The role of aggregated tau in neurodegeneration is still controversial, as evidence point to either a toxic or protective role in the disease. Here, we will first examine tau aggregation and its putative roles in Alzheimer's disease. We will then review the findings concerning different species of tau and their potential toxicity.
Do Major Policy Enactments Affect Public Evaluations of Congress? The Case of Health Care Reform

This study analyzes changes in individual evaluations of Congress immediately before and after enactment of national health care reform in 2010. It tests three alternative hypotheses: that enactment increased the likelihood of approval by demonstrating congressional competence; that it decreased the likelihood of approval by calling attention to partisan processes; or that it differentially affected citizens’ evaluations depending on their individual policy preferences. The results show enactment polarized citizens’ evaluations of Congress, with supporters of the bill increasing their approval of Congress and opponents decreasing. These findings represent the first concrete evidence that enactments can affect evaluations of Congress.
FACTORS WHICH MODIFY THE EFFECT OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM ON BACTERIAL CELL MEMBRANES.

Abstract Henneman, Dorothy H. (Rutgers, The State University, New Brunswick, N.J.), and W. W. Umbreit. Factors which modify the effect of sodium and potassium on bacterial cell membranes. J. Bacteriol. 87:1266–1273. 1964.—Suspensions of Escherichia coli B, when placed in 0.2 to 0.5 m solutions of NaCl, KCl, or LiCl, show an increased turbidity. With NaCl, this increased turbidity is stable with time; with KCl and LiCl, it is gradually lost. The stability to NaCl with time is due to substances removable from the cell by incubation in phosphate buffer; these materials exist in water washings from such phosphate-incubated cells.
Expression of tomato salicylic acid (SA)-responsive pathogenesis-related genes in Mi-1-mediated and SA-induced resistance to root-knot nematodes.

Summary The expression pattern of pathogenesis-related genes PR-1, PR-2 and PR-5, considered as markers for salicylic acid (SA)-dependent systemic acquired resistance (SAR), was examined in the roots and shoots of tomato plants pre-treated with SA and subsequently infected with root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne incognita). PR-1 was up-regulated in both roots and shoots of SA-treated plants, whereas the expression of PR-5 was enhanced only in roots. The over-expression of PR-1 in the whole plant occurred as soon as 1 day after SA treatment. Up-regulation of the PR-1 gene was considered to be the main marker of SAR elicitation. One day after treatment, plants were inoculated with active juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. The number of J2s that entered the roots and started to develop was significantly lower in SA-treated than in untreated plants at 5 and 15 days after inoculation. The expression pattern of PR-1, PR-2 and PR-5 was also examined in the roots and shoots of susceptible and Mi-1-carrying resistant tomato plants infected by RKNs. Nematode infection produced a down-regulation of PR genes in both roots and shoots of SA-treated and untreated plants, and in roots of Mi-carrying resistant plants. Moreover, in resistant infected plants, PR gene expression, in particular PR-1 gene expression, was highly induced in shoots. Thus, nematode infection was demonstrated to elicit SAR in shoots of resistant plants. The data presented in this study show that the repression of host defence SA signalling is associated with the successful development of RKNs, and that SA exogenously added as a soil drench is able to trigger a SAR-like response to RKNs in tomato.
Early events in glucocorticoid action. Activation of the steroid receptor and its subsequent specific nuclear binding studied in a cell-free system.

Abstract Nuclear binding of receptor-glucocorticoid complexes can be observed at 20° in a cell-free system from cultured hepatoma cells. This association requires two steps: "activation" of the complex to a form which will bind and nuclear binding. These processes have been studied separately and an assay for the active form of the receptor is described. In cytoplasmic extracts, activation is favored by dilution and by increasing the ionic strength or the temperature. Using activated cytosol, receptor-glucocorticoid complexes bind to nuclei at 0° and at low ionic strength. This binding is specific in that it is of high affinity (Kd = 2.1 x 10-10 m) to a fixed number of sites (15,000 to 16,000 per nucleus). A Scatchard analysis suggests that a single class of nuclear acceptor sites is involved in the binding. Further, activated receptors bound with nonradioactive steroid competitively inhibit nuclear binding of tritiated complexes. The cell-free nuclear binding reaction is similar in a number of ways to that which occurs in the intact cell, including the number of sites, the high affinity of the interaction, the necessity for activation, and the fact that the receptor must be bound with steroid. These data suggest that the cell-free system described here adequately represents some of the early steps in glucocorticoid action.
BLM helicase facilitates telomere replication during leading strand synthesis of telomeres

Based on its in vitro unwinding activity on G-quadruplex (G4) DNA, the Bloom syndrome–associated helicase BLM is proposed to participate in telomere replication by aiding fork progression through G-rich telomeric DNA. Single molecule analysis of replicated DNA (SMARD) was used to determine the contribution of BLM helicase to telomere replication. In BLM-deficient cells, replication forks initiating from origins within the telomere, which copy the G-rich strand by leading strand synthesis, moved slower through the telomere compared with the adjacent subtelomere. Fork progression through the telomere was further slowed in the presence of a G4 stabilizer. Using a G4-specific antibody, we found that deficiency of BLM, or another G4-unwinding helicase, the Werner syndrome-associated helicase WRN, resulted in increased G4 structures in cells. Importantly, deficiency of either helicase led to greater increases in G4 DNA detected in the telomere compared with G4 seen genome-wide. Collectively, our findings are consistent with BLM helicase facilitating telomere replication by resolving G4 structures formed during copying of the G-rich strand by leading strand synthesis.
Origin of magnetoelastic effects in cobalt-iron ferrite

Abstract The dependence of magnetostrictive strain and elastic coefficients on temperature and orientation of spontaneous magnetization is calculated for the special case of a cubic crystal containing an orbitally degenerate transition ion in a trigonal crystal field. The functional dependence of strain on orientation has a special form which cannot be expressed by means of standard phenomenological formulas. The strain is an order of magnitude larger than that which T suya calculated tor certain ferrites not involving orbital degeneracy. The temperature dependence of strain agrees partially with measurements in cobalt-iron ferrite. By fitting theory to experiment a trigonal-field splitting ot about 1600 cm−1 for the ground state of the cobalt ion is inferred. An orbitally degenerate transition ion should have a large electrical polarizability because its first excited state is separated from the ground state by only spin-orbit energy. This polarizability is shown to give rise to elastic energy which depends on orientation of magnetization. This energy should be appreciable in cobalt-iron ferrite.
Superconductivity applications in high energy physics

During the past five years, several very large superconducting bubble chamber and spark chamber magnets have become operational. The economic and other factors which have led to the construction of large superconducting solenoid magnets for high energy physics research are discussed, and the technological development which made these magnets possible is summarized. Much of the recent development work on superconducting magnets for high energy physics has been directed toward the next generation of accelerators and beam storage rings. Here the goal is to develop dipole and quadrupole magnets of high field precision, low cost, high reliability, capability for slow pulsing, and minimal sensitivity to radiation heating. The status of this work and its application to future accelerators is described. Also, the application of superconducting rf cavities for linear accelerators and particle separation is reviewed briefly.
Behavior of capillary valves in centrifugal microfluidic devices prepared by three-dimensional printing

This paper details the behavior of capillary valves in centrifugal microfluidic devices prepared by three-dimensional (3D), or solid-object, printing. Microfluidic structures containing valve channels with different widths, heights, and radial distances from the center of rotation were studied and compared with extant capillary valve theories. Due to the printing process, the produced valve channels possessed a ridged or “scalloped” pattern. Hence, actual channel widths at the widest and narrowest points of the ridged pattern were determined, and used in comparisons between theoretical and empirical values. In addition, variations in contact angle resulting from the ridged pattern were measured and employed in theoretical calculations. For 1-mm high valve channels, the critical angular frequency (rpm) required to overcome capillary valve pressure was found to be independent of width. However, as the height of the valve channel was reduced, the critical rpm was found to become progressively more width-dependent increasing more rapidly for narrower channels. Both of these observations point to a role for feature sharpness, as well as the geometry of the valve channel opening, in valve behavior. Otherwise, valves followed a predictable trend of increasing critical rpm with decreased valve height and decreased radial distance from the rotation center. Using these results as a guide, then, it is possible to prepare centrifugal microfluidic devices by 3D printing with operability comparable to devices prepared by other microfabrication techniques.
Micro-RVE modeling of mechanistic response in porous intermetallics subject to weak and moderate impact loading

Abstract In this article we propose macroscopic (continuum) simulation schemes to predict response of porous heterogeneous material systems subjected to weak and moderate impact velocities. The proposed simulation model includes (1) an equation of state for porous solids that describes the evolution of porosity in the material as a function of shock pressure and, (2) a macroscopic rate dependent plasticity model for the porous composite that accounts for the deviatoric strength of the material at weak to moderate shock strengths. In addition, the numerical scheme employs cold-mixture theory to predict shock response of porous intermetallics. The material model is validated using gas-gun impact experiments on Ni/Al Intermolecular Reactive Composite (IRC) at 70% TMD. The proposed model is also used to understand the effect of microstructure on the material response predictions.
Addicts and Rehabilitation: Whom to Send Where?

Probably “any” drug addiction rehabilitative effort will work should the addict possess enough motivation, particularly if there is a lack of reinforcement of the total addiction response pattern. Attention is focused on improvement of the “fit” of addict to treatment alternatives through consideration of several social psychological variables and treatment methods of three ongoing programs.
Robotically assisted coronary surgery: what is the future?

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to assess the current state of robotics in coronary revascularization and to consider what advances may be forthcoming. Recent findings Several groups have been able to utilize robotic telemanipulation to perform coronary revascularization via limited access. Although the patients are highly selected, results in experienced centers are comparable to open coronary artery bypass grafting. Summary The ultimate goal of minimally invasive coronary surgery is totally endoscopic coronary revascularization without utilization of cardiopulmonary bypass. This goal can be realized with the utilization of robotic technology.
Polymeric Thin Films That Resist the Adsorption of Proteins and the Adhesion of Bacteria

This paper describes the design and preparation of thin polymeric films that resist the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of bacteria to an extent comparable to, or better than, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that present tri(ethylene glycol) groups. These polymeric films were prepared by the reaction of a polyamine, for example, poly(ethylenimine), with a SAM that presented interchain carboxylic anhydride groups, and by the subsequent conversion of the amino groups of the polymer to amido groups on reaction with acyl chlorides. Polyamines functionalized with acetyl chloride produced films that resisted the adsorption of protein and the adhesion of bacteria to a useful extent. Functionalization of the polyamine with acyl chlorides that were derivatives of oligo(ethylene glycol) resulted in films that were 1−10 times more resistant than those obtained by acetylation. The removal of hydrogen bond donor groups from the surface of the polyamines upon acylation seems to be important for the generation ...
Are There Economies of Scale in Highway Maintenance? What about Costs Due to Market Power?

The object of this paper is to determine whether there are economies or diseconomies of scale in highway maintenance and whether higher concentration levels/greater market power across the governments involved in highway maintenance results in higher or lower cost levels. The data used come from New York State municipalities. New York is divided into Towns and Cities that added together give the total land area for the State. There are also Villages that are located in one or more Towns. All of these government entities may own and manage/maintain highways. The results are that 1) there are significantly U-shaped average cost curves, but the differences in average costs between communities with lower numbers or higher numbers of lane miles than the most efficient are not very great and 2) there are both substantial and significant increases in average costs when market power is greater. Thus, making the case for mergers of communities is more difficult and such mergers would be more problematic.
Memory-induced extra resonances of adsorbates.

The optical absorption profile of an atom-surface vibrational bond is studied. From Markovian relaxation theory it follows that the line shape is a Lorentzian around the adsorbate resonance frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{0}$. Dispersion relations for crystals have a fairly small cutoff frequency ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{D}}$, which prohibits the use of such a simple theory. We calculated the spectral profile with finite\char21{}memory-time reservoir theory, and we found that the modified Lorentzian vanishes above ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{D}}$. Also a new spectral line at ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{0}$+${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathrm{D}}$ is predicted, which disappears in the Markovian limit. The physical origin of the new line is explained.
EGFR and IL-1 Signaling Synergistically Promote Keratinocyte Antimicrobial Defenses in a Differentiation-Dependent Manner

Ligands of the EGF family regulate autocrine keratinocyte proliferation, and IL-1 family cytokines orchestrate epithelial defense responses. Although members of both families are overexpressed in wound healing and psoriasis, their roles in regulating the innate immune functions of keratinocytes remain incompletely explored. Using sensitive assays, we found significant increases of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-α, and amphiregulin mRNA and protein in lesional psoriasis compared with uninvolved or control skin. In normal human keratinocyte (NHK) monolayers, EGFR ligands were ineffective in inducing DEFB4, S100A7, and CCL20 mRNAs and human β-defensin (hBD)-2 peptide. Combined with IL-1α, however, EGFR ligands provoked 250 × more DEFB4 and CCL20 and a 9-fold rise in S100A7 mRNA relative to the EGFR ligand alone. This synergy was also reflected in secreted hBD-2 protein, both from NHK and reconstituted human epidermis. Keratinocyte differentiation was critical for these responses, as postconfluent NHK yielded mRNA and protein levels an order of magnitude greater than subconfluent cells. Differentiation also influenced signal transduction, with subconfluent cells using NF-κB and postconfluent cells using EGFR, MEK1/2, and p38. We propose that EGFR ligands are important modifiers of IL-1 activity, synergizing with IL-1 to stimulate epidermal production of hBD-2, S100A7, and CCL20, three of the most upregulated transcripts in psoriatic plaques.
Advancing Assessment of Children and Adolescents: Commentary on Evidence-Based Assessment of Child and Adolescent Disorders

This article addresses the following cross-cutting issues evident in the special section of this issue: (a) current diagnoses do not provide adequate validity criteria; (b) the heterogeneity and comorbidity of target problems raise taxonomic challenges; (c) accurate assessment requires integration of multisource data; (d) developmental variations must be accommodated; (e) appropriate norms are needed; and (f) categorical and quantitative approaches are not incompatible. Less evident in the special section articles but equally important are the need to cope with multicultural issues, avoid premature closure regarding diagnostic labels, assess caregivers, and standardize broad-spectrum assessment procedures. Studies and use of evidence-based treatment (EBT) should be linked to evidence-based assessment (EBA) to advance both EBT and EBA.
Coping strategies and health beliefs of AIDS longterm survivors

Abstract The goal of this study was to identify ways of coping with protracted illness and extended and “unanticipated” survival following an AIDS diagnosis. Subjects were 53 clients at Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) who had been diagnosed with an opportunistic infection at least three years prior to assessment. Comparisons were made with two groups of gay men who were similar demographically, but did not have AIDS (115 HIV+, 54 HIV-). No single coping style emerged as contributing to positive survival; rather, the longterm survivors made use of numerous ways of coping, such as taking personal action with regard to medical care, re-evaluating and modifying personal, professional and interpersonal goals and relationships, community involvement, and pursuing pleasurable activities. A belief that “personal” and/or “chance” factors are associated with health outcome, as opposed to a reliance on “powerful others,” was associated with level of hopefulness. Availability of a confidante was also related to the ma...
Depletion-mode polysilicon optical modulators in a bulk complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process

We demonstrate depletion-mode carrier-plasma optical modulators fabricated in a bulk complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), DRAM-emulation process. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first depletion-mode modulators demonstrated in polycrystalline silicon and in bulk CMOS. The modulators are based on novel optical microcavities that utilize periodic spatial interference of two guided modes to create field nulls along waveguide sidewalls. At these nulls, electrical contacts can be placed while preserving a high optical Q. These cavities enable active devices in a process with no partial silicon etch and with lateral p–n junctions. We demonstrate two device variants at 5 Gbps data modulation rate near 1610 nm wavelength. One design shows 3.1 dB modulation depth with 1.5 dB insertion loss and an estimated 160 fJ/bit energy consumption, while a more compact device achieves 4.2 dB modulation depth with 4.0 dB insertion loss and 60 fJ/bit energy consumption. These modulators represent a significant breakthrough in enabling active photonics in bulk silicon CMOS—the platform of the majority of microelectronic logic and DRAM processes—and lay the groundwork for monolithically integrated CMOS-to-DRAM photonic links.
Implementation of an Acute Stroke Program Decreases Hospitalization Costs and Length of Stay

Background and Purpose A large community hospital implemented an acute stroke program to respond to stroke patients in a consistent, systematic, and efficient manner. The primary objectives were to monitor the care delivered, improve the quality of care, and move the patients through their initial hospital stay in a timely manner. Methods Acute stroke standing orders were developed, with a critical path developed on the basis of these orders and an expected length of stay. A multidisciplinary team began the rehabilitation process early in the hospital stay, monitored patient progress and length of stay, and provided appropriate discharge placement. Retrospective chart reviews were performed over a 4-year period, and the data were collated on a yearly basis. Results Over a 4-year period, 414 Medicare patients demonstrated a steady decline of initial hospital length of stay from 7.0 to 4.6 days. During this same period of time, there was a decline in total hospital charges from $14 076 to $10 740 per patient. This represented a total dollar savings in charges of $1 621 296 (≈$453 000 per year). The mortality rate for 1994 was 4.6%, with 46.5% of survivors discharged to home, 16.9% to acute rehabilitation, and 32.6% to nursing homes. Conclusions The implementation of a multidisciplinary acute stroke program decreased length of stay and hospitalization costs of Medicare patients.
Denaturation studies on prostatic acid phosphatase.

Abstract The heat denaturation of prostatic acid phosphatase has been studied in a controlled system, as a function of a number of primary environmental variables. The factors of ionic strength and variations in protein concentration were shown to be negligible or controllable. The nature of anion in the buffer system profoundly affects the denaturation rate. The multivalent anions accelerate the rate rapidly for increasing low molarities, whereas the rates decrease after passing through a maximum for higher concentrations. Ions of lower valency give rates increasing with concentration, with no maxima. The activation energy is constant regardless of buffer or pH used.