cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of life cycle environmental impacts from meal kits and grocery store meals

Abstract Meal kits contain ingredients for cooking a meal that are pre-portioned, packaged, and delivered to a consumer’s residence. Life cycle environmental impacts associated with climate change, acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use are compared for five dinner recipes sourced as meal kits and through grocery store retailing. Inventory data are obtained from direct measurement of ingredients and packaging, supplemented with literature data for supply chain and production parameters. Results indicate that, on average, grocery meal greenhouse gas emissions are 33% higher than meal kits (8.1 kg CO2e/meal compared with 6.1 kg CO2e/meal kit). Other impact categories follow similar trends. A Monte Carlo analysis finds higher median emissions for grocery meals than meal kits for four out of five meals, occurring in 100% of model runs for two of five meals. Results suggest that meal kits’ streamlined and direct-to-consumer supply chains (−1.05 kg CO2e/meal), reduced food waste (−0.86 kg CO2e/meal), and lower last-mile transportation emissions (−0.45 kg CO2e/meal), appear to be sufficient to offset observed increases in packaging (0.17 kg CO2e/meal). Additionally, meal kit refrigeration packs present an average emissions decrease compared with retail refrigeration (−0.37 kg CO2e/meal). Meals with the largest environmental impact either contain red meat or are associated with large amounts of wasted food. The one meal kit with higher emissions is due to food mass differences rather than supply chain logistics. Meal kits are an evolving mode for food supply, and the environmental effects of potential changes to meal kit provision and grocery retailing are discussed.
Histopathological Effects of CO2 Versus KTP Laser in Brain and Spinal Cord: A Canine Model

KTP laser has recently been introduced for use in neurological surgery. There are no data available concerning the tissue effects of KTP laser on central nervous tissue. A study was performed comparing the histopathological effects of CO2 and KTP lasers on brain and spinal cord tissue.
Current and emerging treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Abstract Objective To review the published literature on current and new treatments for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to provide guidance on the potential use of these therapeutics. Data Sources A PubMed search was performed to include English-language articles with the keywords chronic spontaneous urticaria, pathophysiology, quality of life, and treatments, with a preference to those articles written in the last 5 years. ClinicalTrials.gov was reviewed for recent relevant clinical trials related to potential CSU therapeutics. Study Selections Literature was included if it provided information related to the current understanding of the pathophysiology and management of CSU as well as potential novel therapeutics currently in development. Results CSU has a significant effect on patients' quality of life. Current therapies include antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, omalizumab, and immunosuppressants; however, additional treatments are needed. New therapeutics under investigation include IgG1 anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies (ligelizumab), chemoattractant rector–homologous molecule expressed on TH2 cells antagonists (AZD1981), Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (fenebrutinib), anti–siglec-8 monoclonal antibody (AK002), and topical spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors (GSK2646264). We review the mechanisms of action as well as recently published data from clinical trials regarding the efficacy and safety of these treatments. Conclusion The development of new treatments for CSU will lead to improved options for patients and may assist with improving our understanding of disease pathophysiology.
Proline-Rich Acidic Protein 1 (PRAP1) is a Target of ARID1A and PGR in the Murine Uterus.

ARID1A and PGR plays an important role in embryo implantation and decidualization during early pregnancy. Uterine specific Arid1a knockout (Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f ) mice exhibit in non-receptive endometrium at day 3.5 of gestation (GD 3.5). In previous studies, using transcriptomic analysis in the uterus of Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f mice, we identified proline-rich acidic protein 1 (PRAP1) as one of the down-regulated genes by ARID1A in the uterus. In the present study, we performed RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis to investigate the regulation of PRAP1 by ARID1A and determine expression patterns of PRAP1 in the uterus during early pregnancy. During early pregnancy, PRAP1 expression was strong at day 0.5 of gestation (GD 0.5) and then decreased at GD 3.5 in the epithelium and stroma. After implantation, PRAP1 expression was remarkably reduced in the uterus. However, the expression of PRAP1 at GD 3.5 was remarkably increased in the Pgrcre/+Arid1a f/f mice. To determine the ovarian steroid hormone regulation of PRAP1, we examined the expression of PRAP1 in ovariectomized control, Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f , and progesterone receptor knock-out (PRKO) mice treated with progesterone. While PRAP1 proteins were strongly expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelium of control mice treated with vehicle, progesterone treatment suppressed the expression of PRAP1. However, PRAP1 was not suppressed in both the Pgrcre/+Arid1af/f and PRKO mice compared to controls. Our results identified PRAP1 as a novel target of ARID1A and PGR in the murine uterus.
Quantifying Jacobs’ notion of ‘eyes upon the street’ in 3-dimensions

This study used georeferenced data and technologies to develop a technique for quantifying natural surveillance characteristics of building openings in 3-dimensions. The natural surveillance model ...
Counterspaces against the odds? The production and emancipatory potential of alternative spaces

Abstract Prefigurative action that aims to construct desired transformations pose new and interesting questions centering on the geography of transitioning towards more ecologically-sound and socially-just systems. Geographers and others have employed a number of theoretical lenses to grapple with how best prefigurative activities might be supported, and how they both envision alternative futures and actually ‘do stuff’ to embody that vision. However, missing from this academic conversation is that prefigurative activity is not solely about the alternative material and economic practices, but the creation of alternative social spaces. This paper draws from both a Lefebvrian reading of space and a feminist geographical perspective to explore the spaces of a prefigurative community teeming within the politically and religiously conservative context of Salt Lake City, Utah (USA). An in-depth ethnography was conducted over an 18-month period, employing both participant-observation and semi-structured interviews. The sociality and spatiality of the production of alternative spaces is explored through Lefevbre’s discussion of abstract and differential space, which opens up multiple possibilities for resistance. This research finds that the process of creating this alternative space is grounded in five moments: (i) the self, (ii) social networks, (iii) material practices, (iv) knowledge creation, and (v) economic practices. At the same time, a feminist ‘killjoy’ perspective calls attention to the limits of the emancipatory potential of these movements.
Gender Non-affirmation from Cisgender Male Partners: Development and Validation of a Brief Stigma Scale for HIV Research with Transgender Men Who Have Sex with Men (Trans MSM)

Some transgender men who have sex with men (trans MSM) are vulnerable to HIV infection and face stigma from sexual partners. We evaluated a brief 4-item measure of gender non-affirmation from cisgender male partners. A non-probability sample of American trans MSM (n = 843) reporting past 6-month sexual contact with a cisgender male completed a cross-sectional survey. Psychometric analyses assessed the scale and modeled HIV risk associations. Overall, 78% experienced past 6-month gender non-affirmation from cisgender male partners. The scale demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.78). Convergent validity was supported in associations with psychological distress and anxiety (p < 0.05). Lower frequency of cisgender male partner stigma was associated with increased odds of past 6-month HIV testing and decreased odds of past 6-month condomless receptive sex (all p < 0.01). The gender non-affirmation from cisgender male sexual partners scale found negative associations with protective health behaviors and can be used to better understand the context of trans MSM risk behavior.
Artificial Intelligence: Designing a Legal Platform to Prevent and Resolve Legal Problems

Legal systems evolve procedures designed to resolve legal problems. Gradually, however, problems are molded to be well-suited to the procedures available to resolve them. Legal problems and procedures thus co-evolve, mutually adjusting as new sorts of problems challenge existing procedures, or as procedural innovations prompt us to see problems (and ultimately ourselves) in fresh ways. This ongoing relationship between legal procedures and legal problems may be at a historically significant moment, one calling for thoughtful social response and re-design of traditional legal platforms. Legal problems have become more difficult in the Information Age, and traditional legal procedures may not be keeping pace. The evolved procedures of legal systems are not designed to deal with the complexity, breadth, or volatility of modern problems. Traditional legal approaches should thus be strengthened through incorporating new problem-solving methods that offer greater sophistication and versatility. Artificial intelligence offers one set of potentially powerful tools to augment legal capabilities. This Chapter examines both the advantages and disadvantages of using AI to resolve legal disputes. On the positive side, AI may reveal patterns of human behavior that facilitate early interventions to prevent problems from arising, and increase the effectiveness of the legal systems in coping with problems of great complexity. Yet AI creates its own risks. First, the historical databases on which AI algorithms are trained may perpetuate social discrimination. Second, AI’s immense pattern recognition and explanatory powers may, ironically, eventually divert legal and moral attention from social issues. Too many issues that now are addressed normatively by the law may be perceived as belonging to a realm of scientific or psychological explanation that is impervious to conscious social control or design. As a result, we may come to constrict both the range of legal problems and our ethical imagination.
Frequency and Severity of Phantom Limb Pain in Veterans with Major Upper Limb Amputation: Results of a National Survey.

OBJECTIVE To describe the frequency and severity of phantom limb pain (PLP) in veterans with major upper limb amputation and determine the association between PLP and person, amputation, and prosthesis characteristics. DESIGN Cross-sectional design. SETTING National survey of veterans living in the community. PARTICIPANTS U.S. military veterans (N = 776) with major upper limb amputations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Frequency and intensity of PLP, person characteristics such as age and gender, amputation characteristics such as level and etiology, and prosthesis characteristics such as type and intensity of prosthesis use. RESULTS Respondents were 97% male with a mean age of 63 years and a mean time since amputation of 31 years. The most common amputation level was transradial (36%) and 62% reported accident as the amputation etiology. 73% of amputees reported PLP with a mean intensity score of 4.2 (standard deviation 3.4). PLP frequency in the daily to always category was reported in 42% of amputees. Weekly and more frequent residual limb pain was associated with having any PLP. Amputation at the shoulder (odds ratio [OR] 3.78 [1.93, 7.39]), amputation at the transhumeral level (OR 1.76 [1.10,2.81]), and amputation due to cancer (OR 5.33 [1.15, 24.81]) were also associated with any PLP. Moderate (β = 1.34, P = < .001) and severe (β = 3.31, P < .001) residual limb pain intensity was associated with higher PLP intensity among those with pain. Amputation at the shoulder level was associated with a 1.5 points higher average pain intensity score (P < .001) compared to the transradial level. Multivariable models failed to show an association between PLP prevalence and amputation of the dominant limb (P = .08) and PLP was not associated with intensity of daily prosthesis use in bivariate analyses. CONCLUSION This study of a large cohort of veterans with major upper limb amputation highlights the long-term persistence of moderate frequency and intensity PLP.
Double Dirac cones and topologically nontrivial phonons for continuous square symmetric C 4 ( v ) and C 2 ( v ) unit cells

Because phononic topological insulators have primarily been studied in discrete, graphenelike structures with ${C}_{6(v)}$ or ${C}_{3(v)}$ hexagonal symmetry, an open question is how to systematically achieve double Dirac cones and topologically nontrivial structures using continuous, nonhexagonal unit cells. Here, we address this challenge by presenting a computational methodology for the inverse design of continuous two-dimensional square phononic metamaterials exhibiting ${C}_{4(v)}$ and ${C}_{2(v)}$ symmetry. This leads to the systematic design of square unit cell topologies exhibiting a double Dirac degeneracy, which enables topologically protected interface propagation based on the quantum spin Hall effect (QSHE). Numerical simulations prove that helical edge states emerge at the interface between two topologically distinct square phononic metamaterials, which opens the possibility of QSHE-based pseudospin-dependent transport beyond hexagonal lattices.
Information Visualization for Diabetes Management: A Literature Review

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness that affects millions of people. People with type 1 diabetes regularly collect multidimensional data which they use to improve their well-being. Such data often includes blood glucose levels, insulin administration, diet, and physical activity. Monitoring and analysis tools for diabetes care often include information visualizations to help people make sense of this complex data. However, we have only an incomplete understanding of the visualization design approaches used or any justifications for the final design. To address this gap, we surveyed 21 diabetes data analysis tools which use visualization. From this, we derived a design space that consists of data, views, and strategies. We also provide design considerations for future researchers, tool designers, and developers.
Localizing Against Drawn Maps via Spline-Based Registration

We propose a method to facilitate robot navigation relative to sketched maps of human environments. Our main contribution centers around using thin plate splines for registering the robot’s LIDAR observation with the hand-drawn maps. Thin plate splines are particularly effective for this task because they are able to handle many of the nonrigid deformations commonly seen in sketches of maps, which render traditional rigid transformations inappropriate. Our proposed approach uses a convolutional neural network to efficiently predict the control points which define the spline transform, from which we then compute the pose of the robot on the hand drawn map for navigation purposes. Our systematic evaluations in simulation using a synthetic dataset and real, hand-drawn sketches show that the proposed spline-based registration approach outperforms baseline methods.
Adolescent Pitcher Fatigue: Ulnar Collateral Ligament Stress, Flexor-Pronator Mass Energy Depletion, and Correlation to Pitch Count:

Objectives:There has been a rise in elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in youth pitchers over recent years. With forearm flexor-pronator mass fatigue, the dynamic stability provided cou...
Strategies for Managing Septic Arthritis of the Digit in Cattle

Conservative therapy of deep sepsis of the digit is generally unrewarding even with prolonged administration of antibiotics. What we consider prolonged antibiotic administration in bovine practice is clearly different from that employed in other species. In nonruminant species including humans, treatment with antibiotics for septic arthritis typically extends for 2 months or 3 weeks after all clinical signs have resolved. This duration of therapy is clearly not practical in cattle and still might not resolve the types of lesions occurring in the digits. The end result following a common 1 to 2-week course of antibiotics for septic digital arthritis is usually euthanasia or culling after appropriate withholding for drug residues. In the author's opinion, less than 5% of cases of deep digital sepsis respond satisfactorily to such conservative treatment. Why? Possibilities include failure to choose an appropriate antibiotic, inability of the antibiotic to penetrate to the site of infection, or drug resistant strains of bacteria. Most digital infections are caused by a mixed population of bacteria including at least Arcanobacterium pyogenes and Fusobacterium necrophorum; there may also be various Streptococci, Staph. aureus, and other anaerobes involved.8
Some aspects of functional Bethe ansatz

The validity of Bethe ansatz wave function without the backward scattering for the problem of impurity in correlated hosts with periodic boundary condition is illustrated by a simple example of quantum mechanics. An long being overlooked point in solving Hubbard model by means of Bethe ansatz is indicated. A possible repairing on the Hamiltonian is suggested so that the well known solution is still valid.
All in the family: correlations between parents' and adolescent siblings' weight and weight-related behaviors.

Objective To examine whether and how parents' and adolescent siblings' weight and weight-related behaviors are correlated. Results will inform which family members may be important to include in adolescent obesity prevention interventions. Methods Data from two linked population-based studies, EAT 2010 and F-EAT, were used for cross-sectional analyses. Parents (n = 58; 91% females; mean age = 41.7 years) and adolescent siblings (sibling #1 n = 58, 50% girls, mean age = 14.3 years; sibling #2 n = 58, 64% girls, mean age = 14.8 years) were socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse. Results Some weight-related behaviors between adolescent siblings were significantly positively correlated (i.e., fast food consumption, breakfast frequency, sedentary patterns, p < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between parents' weight and weight-related behaviors and adolescent siblings' same behaviors. Some of the significant correlations found between adolescent siblings' weight-related behaviors were statistically different from correlations between parents' and adolescent siblings' weight-related behaviors. Conclusions Although not consistently, adolescent siblings' weight-related behaviors were significantly correlated as compared with parents' and adolescent siblings' weight-related behaviors. It may be important to consider including siblings in adolescent obesity prevention interventions or in recommendations healthcare providers give to adolescents regarding their weight and weight-related behaviors.
A Compartmental Lateral Inhibition System to Generate Contrasting Patterns

We propose a lateral inhibition system and analyze contrasting patterns of gene expression. The system consists of a set of compartments interconnected by channels. Each compartment contains a colony of cells that produce diffusible molecules to be detected by the neighboring colonies. Each cell is equipped with an inhibitory circuit that reduces its production when the detected signal is sufficiently strong. We characterize the parameter range in which steady-state patterns emerge.
Palliative sedation: Controversies and challenges

Palliative sedation (PS) is used increasingly commonly for symptom management in terminally ill patients in the Western world. The main controversies involving PS are whether it is the same as euthanasia, whether the practice supports patient autonomy, whether sufficient safeguards are or could be in place to prevent its abuse and what its spread may mean for the future of palliative care. While other reviews consider them separately, here the legal, scientific, ethical, and pragmatic challenges to the practice are examined together to provide a broad context in which to assess the current state of the practice.
Cardiac troponin I concentrations in ponies challenged with equine influenza virus.

Background: Myocarditis is thought to occur secondary to equine influenza virus (EIV) infections in horses, but there is a lack of published evidence. Hypothesis/Objectives: We proposed that EIV challenge infection in ponies would cause myocardial damage, detectable by increases in plasma cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations. Animals: Twenty-nine influenza-naive yearling ponies: 23 were part of an influenza vaccine study (11 unvaccinated and 12 vaccinated), and were challenged with 108 EID50 EIV A/eq/Kentucky/91 6 months after vaccination. Six age-matched healthy and unvaccinated ponies concurrently housed in a separate facility not exposed to influenza served as controls. Methods: Heparinized blood was collected before and over 28 days after infection and cTnI determined. Repeated measures analysis of variance, chi-square, or clustered regression analyses were used to identify relationships between each group and cTnI. Results: All EIV-infected ponies developed clinical signs and viral shedding, with the unvaccinated group displaying severe signs. One vaccinated pony and 2 unvaccinated ponies had cTnI greater than the reference range at 1 time point. At all other times, cTnI was <0.05 ng/mL. All control ponies had normal cTnI. There were no significant associations between cTnI and either clinical signs or experimental groups. When separated into abnormal versus normal cTnI, there were no significant differences among groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: This study demonstrated no evidence of severe myocardial necrosis secondary to EIV challenge with 108 EID50 EIV A/eq/Kentucky/91 in these sedentary ponies, but transient increases in cTnI suggest that mild myocardial damage may occur.
Social Work Practice with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People

1. Knowledge for Practice with LGBT Persons Gerald P. Mallon 2. Values/Ethics in Social Work Practice with LGBT Persons Peg McCartt Hess and Nancy Feldman 3. Lesbian, Gay, Biseuxal and Transgendered Persons of Color Karina L. Walters and Roy Old Person 4. Social Work Practice with Bisexual Persons Geodana Weber and Kathy T. Heffern 5. Social Work Practice with Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Persons Carrie Davies 6. Social Work Practice with Lesbian Individuals Sarah Jane Dodd and Laura Booker 7. Social Work Practice with Gay Individuals Michael Shernoff 8. Social Work Practice with Lesbian Couples Laura Booker and Sarah Jane Dodd 9. Social Work Practice with Gay Couples Don McVinney 10. Group Work Practice with LGBT Persons Mitchel Rosenwald 11. Social Work Practice with LGBT Persons Within Families Gerald P. Mallon 12. Social Work Practice with LGBT Parents Gerald P. Mallon 13. Social Work Practice with LGBT Communities Eleanor Nealy 14. LGBT Communities and Health Care Brian J. Flynn 15. Social Work Practice with LGBT Persons Within Organizations George A. Appleby and Edgar Colon
An integrated linear RF power detector

An integrated RF power detector used in wireless communication is presented. The detector uses a unique replica circuitry to compensate for any changes in process or temperature. This results in a high degree of accuracy and a higher dynamic range. The detector has more than 25 dB of dynamic range within +/- 0.5 dB accuracy and is placed in the die along with the power amplifier in a BiCMOS process. The detector runs up to 7 GHz in simulation, though it is tested at 2.4 GHz here. It runs of a 3 V supply and consumes less than 5 mA.
Youth Living with HIV as Peer Leaders.

Community-based service providers often hire youth living with HIV (YLH) as peer leaders for delivering HIV education to uninfected adolescents. Life narratives were collected from 44 YLH during a hypotheses-generating two-year ethnographic study. About 30% of the youth were employed as peer educators. While 60% of the 44 youth had a lower-class background, only 23% of the peer leaders were lower class. One-fifth of the sample were female, but more than one-half of the peer leaders were female. After identifying and categorizing difficulties experienced by the peer leaders, a frequency count of each theme was conducted. Issues about professional boundaries were evident in 38.5% of the youth's narratives, indicating conflicts in their roles as peer leaders; 23% of the youth engaged in substance use and sexual behaviors that placed themselves and uninfected youth in their peer educator programs at risk; and 8% of the youth reported relapse while peer leaders. The observations suggest reconsideration or restructuring of existing peer-education models that employ YLH.
Structured Variability in Purkinje Cell Activity during Locomotion

The cerebellum is a prominent vertebrate brain structure that is critically involved in sensorimotor function. During locomotion, cerebellar Purkinje cells are rhythmically active, shaping descending signals and coordinating commands from higher brain areas with the step cycle. However, the variation in this activity across steps has not been studied, and its statistical structure, afferent mechanisms, and relationship to behavior remain unknown. Here, using multi-electrode recordings in freely moving rats, we show that behavioral variables systematically influence the shape of the step-locked firing rate. This effect depends strongly on the phase of the step cycle and reveals a functional clustering of Purkinje cells. Furthermore, we find a pronounced disassociation between patterns of variability driven by the parallel and climbing fibers. These results suggest that Purkinje cell activity not only represents step phase within each cycle but also is shaped by behavior across steps, facilitating control of movement under dynamic conditions.
Renormalization group flow, competing phases, and the structure of superconducting gap in multiband models of iron-based superconductors

We perform an analytical renormalization group (RG) study to address the role of Coulomb repulsion, the competition between extended s-wave superconducting order (s+-) and the spin-density wave (SDW) order and the angular dependence of the superconducting gap in multi-pocket models of Iron based superconductors. Previous analytic RG studies considered a toy model of one hole and one electron pocket. We consider more realistic models of two electron pockets and either two or three hole pockets, and also incorporate the angular dependence of interaction. We neglect for simplicity one of the two hole pockets centered at k=0, which is less nested with electron pockets, i.e., consider 3-pocket and 4-pocket models. In a toy 2-pocket model, SDW order always wins over s+- order at perfect nesting, and s+- order only appears at a finite doping, and only if RG flow extends long enough to overcome intra-pocket Coulomb repulsion. For multi-pocket models, we find two new effects. First, there always exists an attractive component of the interaction in s+- channel, such that the system necessary becomes a superconductor once it overcomes the competition from the SDW state. Second, in 3-pocket case (but not in 4-pocket case), there are situations when s+- order wins over SDW order even for perfect nesting, suggesting that SDW order is not a necessary pre-condition for the s+- order. Our results are in good agreement with recent numerical functional RG studies by Thomale et al. [arXiv:1002.3599]
Effect Of Liquid-Crystal Thickness On The Optical Performance Of A Liquid-Crystal Image Transducer

We report the influence of liquid-crystal (LC) thickness on the optical performance of a reflection-mode image transducer utilizing a nematic LC with a 45° twist. Our analysis includes all multiple-reflection effects arising from the multilayer structure of the device. These effects must be considered to obtain a full understanding of transducer performance when coherent light is used for image readout. The off-state intensity, ideally zero, varies strongly with LC thickness. This dependence can be markedly altered by the optically isotropic layers in the transducer. If the LC thickness varies across the transducer aperture, these layers can produce interference fringes in the off-state intensity. In the on-state, transducer sensitometry (i.e., coherent readout light intensity vs. incoherent writing light intensity) depends critically on LC thickness. LC thickness variations across the aperture produce complex on-state intensity behavior. This behavior is analyzed and its consequences for real-time tracking of moving objects by optical correlation are discussed.
Highly divergent dihydrofolate reductases conserve complex folding mechanisms.

To test the hypothesis that protein folding mechanisms are better conserved than amino acid sequences, the mechanisms for dihydrofolate reductases (DHFR) from human (hs), Escherichia coli (ec) and Lactobacillus casei (lc) were elucidated and compared using intrinsic Trp fluorescence and fluorescence-detected 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) binding. The development of the native state was monitored using either methotrexate (absorbance at 380 nm) or NADPH (extrinsic fluorescence) binding. All three homologs displayed complex unfolding and refolding kinetic mechanisms that involved partially folded states and multiple energy barriers. Although the pairwise sequence identities are less than 30 %, folding to the native state occurs via parallel folding channels and involves two types of on-pathway kinetic intermediates for all three homologs. The first ensemble of kinetic intermediates, detected within a few milliseconds, has significant secondary structure and exposed hydrophobic cores. The second ensemble is obligatory and has native-like side-chain packing in a hydrophobic core; however, these intermediates are unable to bind active-site ligands. The formation of the ensemble of native states occurs via three channels for hsDHFR, and four channels for lcDHFR and ecDHFR. The binding of active-site ligands (methotrexate and NADPH) accompanies the rate-limiting formation of the native ensemble. The conservation of the fast, intermediate and slow-folding events for this complex α/β motif provides convincing evidence for the hypothesis that evolutionarily related proteins achieve the same fold via similar pathways.
The health of smokers' and nonsmokers' children

Abstract Seven hundred twenty-seven families were administered an acute illness questionnaire by phone to explore possible differences in the health of smokers' and nonsmokers' children. Smokers' children were sick more frequently (primarily respiratory illness). In addition, some evidence suggested that the amount of tobacco smoke in the home environment may be related to chance of illness.
Wall Heat Flux Partitioning During Subcooled Flow Boiling at Low Pressures

In this work a mechanistic model for nucleate boiling heat flux as a function of wall superheat has been developed. The premise of the proposed model is that the entire energy from the wall is first transferred to the superheated liquid layer adjacent to the wall. A fraction of this energy is then utilized for vapor generation. Contribution of each of the heat transfer mechanisms - forced convection, transient conduction, and vapor generation, has been quantified in terms of nucleation site densities, bubble departure and lift off diameters, bubble release frequency, flow parameters like velocity, inlet subcooling, wall superheat, and fluid and surface properties including system pressures. To support the model development, subcooled flow boiling experiments were conducted at pressures of 1.03 to 3.2 bar for a wide range of mass fluxes (124 to 926 kg/m 2 s), heat fluxes (2.5 to 90 W/cm 2 ) and for contact angles varying from 30 o to 90 o . Model validation has been carried out with low-pressure data obtained from present work and the wall heat flux predictions are within ± 30% of experimental values. Application of the model to high-pressure data available in literature also showed good agreement, signifying that the model can be extended to all pressures.
Charge Reduction: An Analysis of Prosecutorial Discretion in Burglary and Robbery Cases

Although a substantial number of researchers have studied charge reductions taking place within the context of guilty plea negotiations, few have focused on estimating the determinants of charge reductions taking place at the initial screening decision. The prosecutor's decision to reduce original felony charges to a misdemeanor has serious social, legal, and economic consequences for the suspect. This paper presents a model of the variables affecting the likelihood of such a reduction in burglary and robbery offenses. Drawing from Littrell's “principled charging” perspective and earlier research on labeling, the analysis involves estimating logistic regression equations specifying both main and interaction effects of the suspect's gender and race and variables related to suspect character, case seriousness, and legal seriousness. Partial support is found for Littrell's perspective.
Multiple crystal structures of actin dimers and their implications for interactions in the actin filament.

The structure of actin in its monomeric form is known at high resolution, while the structure of filamentous F-actin is only understood at considerably lower resolution. Knowing pre­cisely how the monomers of actin fit together would lead to a deeper understanding of the dynamic behavior of the actin filament. Here, a series of crystal structures of actin dimers are reported which were prepared by cross-linking in either the longitudinal or the lateral direction in the filament state. Laterally cross-linked dimers, comprised of monomers belonging to different protofilaments, are found to adopt configurations in crystals that are not related to the native structure of filamentous actin. In contrast, multiple structures of longitudinal dimers consistently reveal the same interface between monomers within a single protofilament. The re­appearance of the same longitudinal interface in multiple crystal structures adds weight to arguments that the interface visualized is similar to that in actin filaments. Highly conserved atomic interactions involving residues 199–205 and 287–291 are highlighted.
Corbicula as a Biological Filter and Polyculture Organism in Catfish Rearing Ponds

Abstract Corbicula fluminea, an introduced Asian clam, was stocked with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Illinois culture ponds. Survival of the stocked clams was 36-79% over summer, but reproduction was poor and the populations declined. Nevertheless, ponds with Corbicula had less dissolved oxygen depletion, lower turbidity, and greater primary production than ponds without the clam. Growth of channel catfish was unaffected by the presence or absence of clams. Corbicula fluminea has potential value as a polyculture organism and as a biological filter where water temperatures do not exceed 30°C.
Oxygen transport resistance correlated to liquid water saturation in the gas diffusion layer of PEM fuel cells

Abstract Under typical proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operating conditions, temperature gradients through the porous gas diffusion layer (GDL) can result in product water condensation. As a result, non-uniform partial saturation of the GDL changes the local effective porosity and tortuosity encountered by oxygen diffusing to the catalyst layer. This additional transport resistance reduces the partial pressure of oxygen at the catalyst surface of an air-fed cathode. In the current work, this phenomenon is investigated in two-dimensions using limiting current experiments that define GDL boundary conditions along with simultaneous neutron imaging to measure the local water content relative to the flow field geometry. The subsequent effective diffusion coefficient vs. saturation relationship derived from this method is reported for two common GDL carbon fiber substrates. It is also shown that the land vs. channel distribution of liquid water must be accounted for to accurately predict diffusion resistance. These results represent the first time that the effect of water saturation on effective diffusion coefficient has been directly measured in situ, thus enabling accurate determination of the exponent “n” in the modified Bruggeman relationship for two commercially available gas diffusion layer materials.
Muscle activity in rat locomotion: movement analysis and electromyography of the flexors and extensors of the elbow

Footfall patterns and time sequence of activity are described for white rats conditioned to run freely in an activity wheel (which they drive). Motion is described in terms of soft contact, hard contact, soft contact, and flip phases. Duration of stride decreases and length of stride increases from walk to trot to canter to gallop. Myographic analysis shows that the brachialis has a major tonic function after it fires strongly during the flip phase and during much of the hard contact phase. Animals running at canter or gallop show major asymmetries between forelimb muscles on the first paw and on the lead paw sides.
Interaction potentials for UF6 with itself and with rare-gas atoms

Abstract Potential curves have been calculated for the UF 6 -UF 6 and UF 6 -rare gas atom interactions using statistical models for the UF 6 charge density and the intermolecular interaction. Agreement with available experimental data is good.
The weather report for the supply chain: a longitudinal analysis of the ISM/Forrester Research Reports on Technology in Supply Management, 2001‐2003

This article presents an analysis of three years results from the quarterly Report on Technology in Supply Management, conducted through a joint effort of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (formerly the National Association of Purchasing Managers) and Forrester Research. This report provides the best snapshot on the growth of e‐procurement in the United States. However, the sponsors do not publicly provide any analysis on the trends the data show from quarter‐to‐quarter. Now, with three years of available data from the twelve quarterly surveys conducted to date, there is an opportunity to analyze the adoption rates of e‐procurement tools, techniques and protocols in the American marketplace. The author of this study has conducted just such a longitudinal analysis of the ISM/Forrester data, examining the trends for organizations across the U.S. marketplace. What is demonstrated is that overall, both in manufacturing and service‐oriented firms and in large and small purchasing organizations, e‐procurement methods are rising and reaching “critical mass” in most areas with the “e‐way” fast becoming “the way”. However, important differences due exist between the groups and their specific needs, motivations, and results in their shift to an electronic acquisition environment. These are highlighted and discussed in this article.
Comparative studies of the viability of human platelets stored at 4 C in plastic and glass containers.

Studies were done to investigate whether the surface of the container (plastic or glass) would influence the viability of human platelets stored at 4C for short intervals. Cr51-labeled platelets prepared as concentrates suspended in plasma were preserved at 4 C for 24, 48 or 72 hours and their capacity to recirculate and survive after infusion into the respective donors (“viability”) was determined. In addition, the clot retraction property of the stored platelets was measured. Platelet viability was sharply reduced after storage at 4 C in all experiments. When the storage period was limited to 24 hours, survival curves of platelets preserved in plastic bags were similar to those of platelets preserved in glass bottles. However, after 48 hours of storage, viability of platelets preserved in plastic containers had values significantly higher than those of platelets preserved in glass containers. After 72 hours of storage, platelet viability was reduced to minimal values but was still greater for platelets stored in plastic bags. The study of clot retraction confirmed data previously obtained and showed that this platelet property was preserved better by storage in glass bottles rather than in plastic bags. Platelet viability was, however, lost very rapidly during storage at 4 C in either type of container so that the unfavorable effect of plastic on the preservation of clot retraction was thought not to be of practical importance in platelet transfusion therapy.
(+)-Cannabispirenone-A: Synthesis and Absolute Configuration

Abstract An efficient asymmetric synthesis of cannabispirenone-A (la) has been accomplished. The absolute configuration of the (+)-(la) is assigned as R. The magnitude of rotation calls the optical purity of the natural product into question.
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) antigen(s) are present on B lymphocytes of BALB/c mice

Immunofluorescence studies using a polyvalent anti-MMTV serum revealed the presence of MMTV antigen(s) on the surface of spleen cells from the low mammary tumor incidence mouse strain BALB/cCrgl. Upon separation of the splenocytes on nylon-wool columns the populations of cells exhibiting positive fluorescence were nylon-adherent. These cells were considered to be B lymphocytes by the following criteria: presence of surface immunoglobulin (Slg), absence of Thy-1 antigens, enhanced responses to B-cell mitogens and decreased reactivity to T-cell mitogens. In order to ascertain the specificity of the cell surface immunofluorescence reaction, blocking studies were performed. Immunofluorescence was blocked by preincubation of the antiserum or with purified MMTV, but not by R-MuLV. Non-specific binding of the anti-MMTV to Fc receptors present on B lymphocytes was ruled out by the use of Fab'2 fragments of IgG from the various sera. Double label immunofluorescent studies with rhodamine-conjugated anti-mouse Slg Fab'2 fragments and rabbit anti-MMTV Fab'2 with fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-rabbit Fab'2 showed the simultaneous appearance of both labels in the nylon-adherent splenocytes. These results suggest the expression of viral polypeptide(s) encoded by an endogenous MMTV on the surface of B-type splenocytes in mice devoid of intact viral particles.
First principles study to identify the reversible reaction step of a multinary hydrogen storage Li-Mg-B-N-H system

Abstract A density functional theory study with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and projected augmented wave (PAW) method is performed for the hydrogen storage properties of the complex multinary storage Li–Mg–B–N–H system. Using ab initio methods, stability of the structures at finite temperatures is confirmed via. phonon spectrum calculations. Thermodynamic properties such as heat of reaction, and Gibbs energy for each reactant and product in the reaction steps in different temperature zones are calculated. It is found that reversibility occurs in the temperature range of 160–225 °C with approximately 4.38 wt % hydrogen storage capacity. The enthalpy of reversible re-/de-hydrogenation is found to be 55.17 kJ/mol H2, which is supported by experimental data. The total hydrogen storage capacity of this material is calculated to be 8.76 wt% from the desorption behavior observed at different temperatures up to 350 °C. These theoretically established reactions are validated with the suggested mechanism from experimental observations for the dehydrogenation reaction of this Li–Mg–B–N–H multinary system. These efforts are expected to contribute toward identification of suitable hydrogen storage materials.
Carrier-based intralymphatic cisplatin chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head & neck

Background: Since head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) preferentially metastasizes to the locoregional lymphatics, treatment of the tumor-draining cervical lymph nodes is paramount. Results: We developed a hyaluronan–cisplatin (HA–Pt) nanoconjugate with prolonged lymphatic retention and greatly improved tumor tissue deposition for the treatment of metastatic HNSCC. We also developed an orthotopic metastatic xenograft model of HNSCC to examine the efficacy of the nanoconjugate. HNSCC (1/week × 3 weeks) were completely cured for 57% of the female mice in the HA–Pt treatment group, which demonstrated greatly hindered HNSCC progression compared with the standard cisplatin therapy (p < 0.05). Conclusion: With this insight, we will be able to optimize the carriers for better uptake, penetration and retention within cancer cells.
Evolution of long-range fractal correlations and 1/f noise in DNA base sequences.

A new method of quantifying correlations in symbolic sequences is applied to DNA nucleotides. Spectral density measurements of individual base positions demonstrate the ubiquity of low-frequency 1/${\mathit{f}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}$ noise and long-range fractal correlations as well as prominent short-range periodicities. Ensemble averages over classifications in the GenBank databank (primate, invertebrate, plant, etc.) show systematic changes in spectral exponent \ensuremath{\beta} with evolutionary category.
Adaptation in distance perception with head-movement parallax serving as the veridical cue

When head-movement parallax functioned as the sole veridical distance cue during exposure to spectacles that altered the eyes’ oculomotor adjustments, sizable adaptation was obtained. This result showed that a discrimination of the distances of 60 and 30 cm can be based on head-movement parallax. Using adaptation in demonstrating that head-movement parallax can serve as a distance cue circumvents the problem that the presence of accommodation normally presents when such a demonstration is attempted. The usual contamination of head-movement parallax with accommodation is avoided, because accommodation is altered by the spectacles and does pot function as a veridical cue along with head-movement parallax.
Effect of operating conditions on energy efficiency for a small passive direct methanol fuel cell

Energy conversion efficiency was studied in a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) with an air-breathing cathode using Nafion 117 as electrolyte membrane. The effect of operating conditions, such as methanol concentration, discharge voltage and temperature, on Faradic and energy conversion efficiencies was analyzed under constant voltage discharge with quantitative amount of fuel. Both of Faradic and energy conversion efficiencies decrease significantly with increasing methanol concentration and environmental temperature. The Faradic conversion efficiency can be as high as 94.8%, and the energy conversion efficiency can be as high as 23.9% if the environmental temperature is low enough (10 °C) under constant voltage discharge at 0.6 V with 3 M methanol for a DMFC bi-cell. Although higher temperature and higher methanol concentration can achieve higher discharge power, it will result in considerable losses of Faradic and energy conversion efficiencies for using Nafion electrolyte membrane. Development of alternative highly conductive membranes with significantly lower methanol crossover is necessary to avoid loss of Faradic conversion efficiency with temperature and with fuel concentration.