cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Watch this Woman

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the life history of Catherine Chipembere, gender activist and widow of one of Malawi's most celebrated national heroes, Henry Masauko Chipembere. Through the theoretical framework of Mamphela Ramphele's “political widowhood,” Catherine Chipembere's life story and in particular her return from exile after 29 years in los Angeles, is analyzed. Her instant rise to a Ministerial position is juxtaposed against the personal decision to remarry a former fellow comrade in the struggle for independence. What ensued were a public scandal and a celebrated court case in which the Chipembere clan sued Catherine for maintaining her Chipembere surname, though she remarried. Although ultimately winning the case, Catherine was removed from her government post and the public sphere by the Muluzi government in 1998. The aim of this paper is twofold: to investigate the use of this “political” widow by the Malawian national government and her subsequent disposal, and to problematize the space of ...
Thoughts on the Experience of God in the Theology of Karl Rahner: Gifts and Implications

This paper explores the concept of encounter with God in the writings of Karl Rahner and its relevance for academic study and spiritual practice today. Because Rahner addresses the experience of Ultimate Mystery in a variety of ways, through academic writings, prayers and short articles, examples are taken from the breadth of this legacy. Particular attention is given to the possible applications of his understanding of the experience of God for Christians today and consideration of the potential of his ideas for addressing the academic theology/spirituality split as well as the deep longing for tangible experience in the lives of many Christians. Rahner’s value for feminist theology is also addressed.
Directed Enzyme Evolution and High-Throughput Screening

Michael J. McLachlan, Ryan P. Sullivan and Huimin Zhao Center for Biophysics and Computational Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA Departments of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
The Effects of Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether on Testicular Histology in F344 Rats

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) has been found to produce testicular atrophy in experimental rodents. The studies that follow were designed to determine the testicular cell type(s) most susceptible to EGME administration. For histologic studies, F344 rats were gavaged with 150 mg/kg/day of EGME 5 days per week, and serially sacrificed. In sections from perfusion-fixed tissue, necrotic changes were observed in some meiotic and premeiotic spermatocytes 24 hours after a single dose. Also, nuclear condensation was seen in occasional early pachytene spermatocytes. These effects were magnified after two doses; there were more necrotic pachytene and meiotic spermatocytes than necrotic stage I pachytene spermatocytes. By day 4, testes from all treated animals were affected; there was a pronounced maturation-depletion effect, seen as the absence of round spermatids from tubules in stages I to III. These effects continued to develop at days 7 and 10, leaving only Sertoli cells, spermatogonia, and late stage spermatids populating the epithelium. Other animals were treated similarly, but subject to efferent duct ligation 16 hours prior to sacrifice. Fluid production, as judged by weight gain in the testes after efferent duct ligation, was unaffected by EGME treatment. Analysis of the fluid collected at the rete testis indicated that there was no treatment-related change in the relative amounts of androgen binding protein. The data indicate that the spermatocyte is the primary target cell for the histologic effects of EGME in the testis of F344 rats.
Wild-Type and Mutant Forms of p53 Activate Human Topoisomerase I: A Possible Mechanism for Gain of Function in Mutants

p53-interacting proteins from mouse epidermal cells and human myelogenous leukemia cells were isolated by affinity chromatography using glutathione S-transferase (GST)-p53 fusion proteins. One of these proteins was topoisomerase I, whose interaction with p53 was recently reported. A carboxyl-terminal fragment containing the last 92 amino acids of p53 (GST-299-390) was sufficient for binding to topoisomerase I. Nanomolar concentrations of either GST-p53 or GST-299-390 enhanced the catalytic activity of purified human topoisomerase I. Purified wild-type human p53 and point mutants Ser-239, Ser-245, and His-273 were equivalent in their enhancement of human topoisomerase I activity. Because topoisomerase I is thought to promote genetic recombination, competence to enhance topoisomerase I catalytic activity coupled with a deficiency in transcriptional activity may be a mechanism for gain of function in mutant p53 proteins.
Learning sequences in an associative network: a step towards cognitive structure

A crucial step towards the representation of structured, symbolic knowledge in a connectionist system is an associative, neurophysiologically plausible theory of sequence learning. Learning internal representations for sequences is important on adaptive as well as theoretical grounds, since it provides the capability of anticipating probable next states of the world. Through computer simulation of a connectionist, neurocognitive model, this work begins the development of a theory of sequence learning. Sequence learning is characterized as (1) the formation of an internal representation from a series of perceptual events experienced in order over time, and (2) the use of this internal representation to predict events in the absence of supporting environmental input. Development of the model proceeds in a failure-driven fashion, wherein modifications and new mechanisms are introduced to correct specific shortcomings revealed in the simulations. The starting point is a network architecture designed for perceptual learning of compact representations for features and objects. Units of the network do not model single neurons but cell assemblies: multi-neuron groups which exhibit a persistent and complex time course of activity. Unit dynamics are modelled with a system of difference equations which compute state trajectories for three unit state variables, with activation being the primary variable. At any time the content represented by a unit is either latent (no activation), conscious (peak activation), or held in immediate memory (intermediate activation). A modified Hebbian learning rule is introduced which strengthens connection weights in response to consecutive, rather than concurrent, activity in connected units. The importance of controlling the activity generated by positive feedback within and between units is emphasized and specific dynamic control functions are elucidated. Using simulation and conceptual analysis, a set of complimentary control mechanisms, each satisfying a particular functional requirement, is identified. Together these mechanisms provide effective control of activity which permits training and testing the system on sequence learning tasks. A series of simulations then demonstrate elementary learning of single and intersecting sequences. It is concluded that an associative explanation of sequence learning is possible within a neurophysiologically plausible connectionist architecture.
Tyrosine phosphorylation of murine Crkl

The SH2/SH3 adaptor protein Crkl is abnormally phosphorylated on tyrosine by the Bcr/Abl protein in leukemic cells from patients with Philadelphia-chromosome (Ph)positive leukemia. However, the state of tyrosine-phosphorylation of crkl in normal tissues is unknown. In the current study, we identified mouse crkl by cDNA cloning and examined expression levels and tyrosine-phosphorylation of the mouse crkl protein during embryogenesis and in adult tissues. Tyrosine-phosphorylation of crkl was prominent during early development, but decreased at later embryonic stages and in newborn mice. Expression of both crkl and the related crk was ubiquitous in the adult. However, crkl differed considerably from crk in relative tissue distribution, and was more abundant in hematopoietic tissues. With exception of the lung, crkl was mostly present in a non-tyrosine phosphorylated form. Consistent with our previous findings in human patients, murine crkl was phosphorylated on tyrosine in leukemic tissues of BCR/ABL transgenic animals, but was non-tyrosine phosphorylated in normal mouse bone marrow. We conclude that this crkl tyrosine-phosphorylation by Bcr/Abl in hematopoietic cells is clearly aberrant and is consistently linked to the development of leukemia. Identification of proteins interacting with tyrosine-phosphorylated crkl in the leukemic cells of BCR/ABL transgenic mice should reveal members of signal transduction pathways activated in Ph-positive leukemia.
A Brief Introduction to the Transduction of Neural Activity into Fos Signal

The immediate early gene c-fos has long been known as a molecular marker of neural activity. The neuron's activity is transformed into intracellular calcium influx through NMDA receptors and L-type voltage sensitive calcium channels. For the transcription of c-fos, neural activity should be strong enough to activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway which shows low calcium sensitivity. Upon translation, the auto-inhibition by Fos protein regulates basal Fos expression. The pattern of external stimuli and the valence of the stimulus to the animal change Fos signal, thus the signal reflects learning and memory aspects. Understanding the features of multiple components regulating Fos signaling is necessary for the optimal generation and interpretation of Fos signal.
The Body of Evidence in the Library

ABSTRACT Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an evolving art, affecting all practitioners in healthcare. Hospital librarians can expect increasing requests for assistance to support EBP, though fulfilling that demand may be impeded by the underdeveloped state of the literature. Nursing presents a challenge in the paucity of evidence-based literature written especially for that discipline. The role of the hospital librarian in assisting nurses is threefold: first, framing the question; secondly, searching the literature, and thirdly, evaluating the literature. This article addresses the historical background of EBP, guidelines for finding quality literature, recommended web-based resources, and collection development implications.
Micro-anatomical quantitative optical imaging: toward automated assessment of breast tissues

Pathologists currently diagnose breast lesions through histologic assessment, which requires fixation and tissue preparation. The diagnostic criteria used to classify breast lesions are qualitative and subjective, and inter-observer discordance has been shown to be a significant challenge in the diagnosis of selected breast lesions, particularly for borderline proliferative lesions. Thus, there is an opportunity to develop tools to rapidly visualize and quantitatively interpret breast tissue morphology for a variety of clinical applications. Toward this end, we acquired images of freshly excised breast tissue specimens from a total of 34 patients using confocal fluorescence microscopy and proflavine as a topical stain. We developed computerized algorithms to segment and quantify nuclear and ductal parameters that characterize breast architectural features. A total of 33 parameters were evaluated and used as input to develop a decision tree model to classify benign and malignant breast tissue. Benign features were classified in tissue specimens acquired from 30 patients and malignant features were classified in specimens from 22 patients. The decision tree model that achieved the highest accuracy for distinguishing between benign and malignant breast features used the following parameters: standard deviation of inter-nuclear distance and number of duct lumens. The model achieved 81 % sensitivity and 93 % specificity, corresponding to an area under the curve of 0.93 and an overall accuracy of 90 %. The model classified IDC and DCIS with 92 % and 96 % accuracy, respectively. The cross-validated model achieved 75 % sensitivity and 93 % specificity and an overall accuracy of 88 %. These results suggest that proflavine staining and confocal fluorescence microscopy combined with image analysis strategies to segment morphological features could potentially be used to quantitatively diagnose freshly obtained breast tissue at the point of care without the need for tissue preparation.
Smokeless tobacco use among men in the United States, 2000 and 2005.

Background: Compared with smoking, there is much less information about smokeless tobacco (ST) use in the United States. The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare ST use among American men in 2000 and 2005. Methods: We used US National Health Interview Surveys from 2000 and 2005 to estimate the prevalence of ST use, describe the demographic and socioeconomic profile of ST users and evaluate ST use according to product type and with respect to smoking. Results: The prevalence of ST use among American men was 4.4% in 2000 and 4.3% in 2005. Almost all ST users were white, about half were 25–44 years old and 80% lived in the South or Midwest, commonly in small metropolitan and rural areas. Educational and income levels of ST users were lower than those of never users of tobacco. One-third of ST users also smoked; cigarette consumption was lower among dual users than among exclusive smokers. In 2005, 1.3 million current ST users were former smokers but 3.2 million smokers were former ST users. ST users were evenly distributed between snuff (43%) and chewing tobacco (44%) in 2000 and 13% used both products. By 2005 snuff use was clearly dominant. Conclusions: The prevalence of ST use among men is low but stable; dual use of cigarettes and ST is common, and snuff has become the dominant ST product.
The effect of leader moral development on ethical climate and employee attitudes

Abstract This study examines the effect of leader moral development on the organization’s ethical climate and employee attitudes. Results indicate that the relationship between leader moral development and ethical climate is moderated by two factors: the extent to which the leader utilizes his or her cognitive moral development (i.e., capacity for ethical reasoning), and the age of the organization. Specifically, the influence of the leader’s moral development was stronger for high utilizing leaders, those whose moral actions were consistent with their moral reasoning. Additionally, the influence of the leader’s moral development was stronger in younger organizations. Finally, as predicted, congruence between the leader’s moral development and the employee’s moral development was positively associated with job satisfaction and organizational commitment and negatively associated with turnover intentions.
Some problems in the measurement of stress and social readjustment.

Although the Social Readjustment Rating Scale has been a useful stimulant to the study of life change and illness, it has important limitations. The existing scale cannot be used to determine the role of varying types of life changes (e.g., favorable or adverse) in the occurrence of illness. Other problems discussed are ambiguity of items, the confounding of independent and dependent variables, and lack of item specification. Suggestions are made for improved measurement of life change and for more effective study of life change and illness.
Iliac crest autograft versus alternative constructs for anterior cervical spine surgery: Pros, cons, and costs

Background: Grafting choices available for performing anterior cervical diskectomy/fusion (ACDF) procedures have become a major concern for spinal surgeons, and their institutions. The “gold standard”, iliac crest autograft, may still be the best and least expensive grafting option; it deserves to be reassessed along with the pros, cons, and costs for alternative grafts/spacers.
Intraoral soft tissue reconstruction after cancer ablation: A comparison of the pectoralis major flap and the free radial forearm flap☆

We compared, by retrospective chart review, the free radial forearm flap and the pectoralis major flap in repairing intraoral soft tissue defects resulting from tumor ablation. Statistical significance of differences was determined using Fisher's exact test and chi-square analysis. Fifty-one free flap and 126 musculocutaneous flap transfers were analyzed. The former were used more often for defects in the anterior part of the oral cavity, whereas the latter were used more frequently in the posterior part. Significantly more patients with pectoralis major flap transfers had late-stage (T3 and T4) disease than did those in the free radial forearm flap group (p = 0.004). Also, the complication rate was significantly higher in the pectoralis major flap group (p = 0.01); this was due to differences in the rates of dehiscence, fistula formation, and flap loss. We thus conclude that, despite the need for microsurgery, the free radial forearm flap is at least as reliable as the pectoralis major flap and that the choice of flap should be based on defect considerations rather than on the perceived reliability of the reconstructive method.
Visual Display Representation of Multidimensional Systems: The Effect of System Structure: And Display Integrality

This study sought to determine whether the type of display that is most beneficial for performing supervisory tasks would change depending on the relationships between system components. Eight subjects detected and diagnosed failures for systems whose variables were related either by correlation or by causality. One of four dynamic displays represented the three system components: a set of bar graphs, a triangle, a pentagon, or a schematic face. Subjects supervising the correlational system diagnosed the system by choosing which component had become less correlated with the others. Subjects diagnosed the causal system by determining which way the causal structure relating the components had changed. For both the correlational and causal systems, and for both detection and diagnosis there was a cost to using object displays or a face display rather than bar graphs.
The utilization of the α-glycerophosphate and monoglyc- eride pathways for phosphatidyl choline biosynthesis in the intestine

Abstract 1. 1. It has been shown that the diglycerides synthesized via the monoglyceride pathway are not incorporated into phosphatidyl choline while the diglycerides synthesized via the α-glycerophosphate pathway are a precursor of phosphatidyl choline. 2. 2. The stereochemical configuration of the diglyceride synthesized by both pathways is the sn-1,2-configuration. 3. 3. The relationship of the two microsomal diglyceride pools to triglyceride and phosphatidyl choline by synthesis in the intestine is discussed.
Plasma Sheath Modeling in the Presence of Collisions

The present work develops a finite element discretized one-dimensional formulation for plasma-sheath dynamics, using multi-fluid equations. The applications include dc and rf sheath inside a glow discharge tube and a partially ionized plasma sheath inside a electric propulsion thruster channel. Based on the experimental data for multiple ionization of a noble gas, a third order polynomial has been used as a fit to describe ionization processes. Such a polynomial has been used to self-consistently calculate the rate of ionization in the plasma dynamic equations. The electron and ion number densities of the numerical solution decrease in the plasma-sheath region as expected. The ion velocity, sheath potential and electron temperature profiles also exhibit the expected behavior. The computed sheath potential compares well with the available experimental data. The model needs to be generalized in the near future for potential application to the high-speed air vehicles.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Repeater Effects on Score Equating for a Graduate Admissions Exam

Using self-reported but empirically verified repeater groups, we analyzed vast amounts of real test data across a wide range of administrations from a graduate admissions examination that was administered in a non-English language to investigate repeater effects on score equating using the nonequivalent groups with anchor test (NEAT) design. Both linear and nonlinear equating models were considered in deriving the equating functions for various study groups. We evaluated scaled score differences between equating in the total group, the repeater group, and the first-timer group using statistics of simple differences and subpopulation invariance measures developed and used widely in the last 10 years. Standard errors of statistics summarizing scaled score differences were estimated using a simulation approach to provide statistical criteria for evaluating the significance of equating differences. In addition, we used scaled score differences that were critical to admissions screening as criteria for evaluating the practical significance of equating differences. To put the investigation of repeater effects in proper perspective, we analyzed the repeater data for an in-depth understanding of repeater performance trends. Overall, we found no significant effects of repeater performance on score equating for the exam being studied. Although many of the equating differences were practically significant, most of the practically significant differences were not statistically significant. However, further research with larger repeater samples is recommended to help explain the practical significance of equating differences consistently observed in this study for the repeater group. Potential problems associated with small repeater study sample sizes, issues of the practical criterion for evaluating the significance of equating differences, and study limitations are also discussed.
P2-S6.10 Risks and attributable fractions for HIV infection among MSM at a LGBT Health Center: Chicago, 2010

Background Continued increases in HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) underscore the need for intervention strategies that target those at highest risk of infection. Methods January–December 2010, we collected information on demographic and behavioural risks in the past 12 months from MSM seeking anonymous HIV testing. We examined risks for HIV infection and calculated population attributable fractions (PAFs) to identify relative contributions of exposures to overall infection. Results Overall, 81 (2.7%) newly diagnosed infections were identified among 3045 men. Men were median age 31, 64% white, 9% black, 17% Hispanic, and 10% other race/ethnicity. 14% had been diagnosed with an STI in the past year. Among clients for whom behavioural data were available (98%), black race, STI history, receptive anal intercourse (RAI), not always using condoms for RAI, ≥3 partners for RAI, methamphetamine use, sex with an HIV positive partner, and sex with a partner of unknown serostatus were associated with an increased odds of HIV infection in univariate analysis. The univariate association between methamphetamine use and HIV infection was partially mediated by sexual risk behaviour. In multivariable logistic regression, black race (OR, 1.7; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.4), STI history (OR, 2.0; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.6), not always using condoms for RAI (OR, 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 4.6), and RAI with ≥3 partners (OR, 2.2; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.9) were significantly associated with HIV infection. Adjusted PAFs were 13.7% (95% CI −1.4 to −26.6) for STI history; 36.7% (95% CI 12.2 to 54.4) for not always using condoms for RAI; and 28.8% (95% CI 5.5 to 46.3) for ≥3 RAI partners. The total combined PAF for these factors adjusted for race/ethnicity was 58.8% (95% CI 28.5 to 72.0). While 81% of HIV-infected men reported at least one risk factor and 11% reported all three, overall, 51% of men screened had at least one of these factors: STI history (14%); not always using condoms for RAI (32%); and ≥3 RAI partners (27%). Conclusions STI history, inconsistent condom use, and ≥ 3 sex partners for RAI accounted for 59% of new HIV infections, but were present in half those tested. While we identified behaviours for intervention content, we did not identify sub-groups to target. Interventions that address condom use efficacy and reducing numbers of partners for RAI, including the effect of substance use on sexual decision making, should be considered for men reporting these risks.
K AND L SHELL FLUORESCENCE AND AUGER YIELDS AND AUGER ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY

Our recent calculations of K and L shell fluorescence and Coster-Kronig yields are reviewed. The computed KLL electron intensity ratios are compared with experiment. The L-shell Auger and Coster-Kronig electron intensity spectra are compared with measurements on Ar and U.
Development and spike timing-dependent plasticity of recurrent excitation in the Xenopus optic tectum.

Development and spike timing–dependent plasticity of recurrent excitation in the Xenopus optic tectum
Optimized design of multilayer barrier films incorporating a reactive layer. III. Case analysis and generalized multilayer solutions

In part III of this series of articles, we present the analysis of transient permeation through two-layer reactive–passive (RP) film designs, the analysis extension to multilayer structures, and optimized design solutions for multilayer barriers incorporating immobile noncatalytic oxygen scavenger within one of the layers. The reduction of oxygen ingress into a package within a certain timeframe depends on two factors: extension of the scavenger exhaustion time and reduction of the transient transmission rate through the film during that time. The optimal design for the scavenger exhaustion time involves exposure of the reactive layer to the package contents and its protection from high levels of environmental oxygen by the best possible passive barrier layer. The film barrier properties can be further optimized by the selection of the matrix material to place the scavenger in. Reducing the initial transmission rate requires the placement of the scavenger within a layer with the lowest diffusivity of the matrix polymer. When one chooses between two layers with different material transport properties in which to put the scavenger, the optimal solution for the ingress depends on the desired time to provide an improved barrier. The lifetime of the scavenger in the RP film is shortened for design 1, when the diffusivity of the reactive layer is smaller than that of the passive layer, compared to RP design 2, with the layer matrix sequence reversed, but the transient transmission rate is greatly reduced on average for the former. If the desired time to provide a barrier does not exceed the scavenger exhaustion time for RP design 1, the lowest diffusivity material should be used as a matrix for the innermost layer loaded with the scavenger. Otherwise, the highest possible passive barrier should be placed into the film external layer to minimize the total ingress during longer times. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1966–1977, 2006
Genetic variability in 3 co-occurring forms of the starfish genusOthilia (=Echinaster)

High levels of genetic variability have been found in 3 (grey, brown, orange) co-occurring forms of the starfishOthilia. These high levels appear to correspond to the generalistic habit of this starfish. The biochemical data, coupled with morphological observations, indicate that the grey and orange forms are morphs of the same species and that the brown form is a species separate from the grey and orange forms.
Dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation normalizes intestinal dysrhythmia and improves symptoms induced by vasopressin in fed state in dogs

Abstract To assess effects of dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation (DPIES) on intestinal dysrhythmia and motility, and symptoms induced by vasopressin in conscious dogs. The study was performed in three postprandial sessions (control; vasopressin; DPIES) in six dogs with two pairs of electrodes chronically implanted on the serosal surface of the proximal jejunum and with a chronic duodenal fistula. A manometric catheter was advanced into the small intestine via the intestinal cannula. Motility and intestinal slow waves were recorded. Symptoms were assessed. During vasopressin infusion, the percentage of normal intestinal slow wave frequency was decreased (P < 0.01), reflected as a significant increase in the percentage of both bradygastria and tachygastria; the motility index decreased (P < 0.01) and the symptom score increased (P < 0.01). In the session of DPIES, the percentage of normal slow wave frequency was recovered (P < 0.05 vs vasopressin), attributed to a reduction in both bradyarrhythmia and tachyarrhythmia; the symptom score was reduced (P < 0.05 vs vasopressin); the motility index was not significantly increased. These results suggest that vasopressin induces intestinal dysrhythmia and emetic symptoms and inhibits intestinal motility. Dual pulse intestinal electrical stimulation is capable of improving intestinal dysrhythmia and emetic symptoms but not impaired intestinal motility induced by vasopressin.
The core region of the coat protein gene is highly useful for establishing the provisional identification and classification of begomoviruses

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to detect and establish provisional identity of begomoviruses through amplification of a ∼ 575 bp fragment of the begomoviral coat protein gene (CP), referred to as the ‘core’ region of the CP gene (core CP). The core CP fragment contains conserved and unique regions, and was hypothesized to constitute a sequence useful for begomovirus classification. Virus relationships were predicted by distance and parsimony analyses using the A component (bipartite viruses) or full genome (monopartite viruses), CP gene, core CP, or the 200 5′-nucleotides (nt) of the CP. Reconstructed trees and sequence divergence estimates yielded very similar conclusions for all sequence sets, while the CP 5′-200 nt was the best strain discriminator. Alignment of the core CP region for 52 field isolates with reference begomovirus sequences permitted provisional virus identification based on tree position and extent of sequence divergence. Geographic origin of field isolates was predictable based on phylogenetic separation of field isolates examined here. A ‘closest match’ or genus-level identification could be obtained for previously undescribed begomoviruses using the BLAST program to search a reference core CP database located at our website and/or in GenBank. Here, we describe an informative molecular marker that permits provisional begomovirus identification and classification using a begomoviral sequence that is smaller than the presently accepted, but less accessible CP sequence.
Who is Beholding my Beauty? Thinness Ideals, Weight, and Women’s Responses to Appearance Evaluation

Having one’s physical appearance scrutinized is a common experience for women. We examined 274 Northeastern American undergraduate women’s responses to having their appearance evaluated 1) by themselves or by another student, and 2) in comparison to the appearance of female peers or without comparison. As hypothesized, comparison to peers and evaluation by another predicted poorer views of the self and of one’s appearance, but only in conjunction with being overweight, endorsing thinness ideals, or their combination. Endorsement of thinness ideals and being overweight also independently predicted lower appearance state self-esteem. Few effects on mood were found. Results underscore the power of appearance evaluation to influence women’s self-perceptions, particularly in those whose appearance deviates from culturally prescribed standards of beauty.
Imperialist feminism redux

Ever since 9/11, there has been a constant effort to build a broad consensus around the need for a sustained U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. In the early days of the war, the idea of retaliation and revenge for the attacks on the World Trade Center had an obvious appeal for a wide range of the political spectrum. The argument about protecting ‘‘our way of life’’ from a global network of Islamic extremists proved persuasive as well. All through this period, there was one claim which proved instrumental in securing the consent of the liberals (and, to some extent, of the Left)—the need to rescue Afghan women from the Taliban. As the United States begins to draw down its troops in Afghanistan, we have begun to see variations of the same argument emerge once again from a variety of constituencies both within the United States and internationally. In this brief paper I undertake to identify and analyze the deeply problematic position of one such constituency which locates itself on the left-liberal spectrum in the United States and consists of an alliance between self-defined left-wing feminists in the United States and prominent feminists from the Global South (specifically Muslim countries such as Algeria and Pakistan). In doing so, I seek to outline the position of this new feminist front so as to offer those opposed to the war—and US imperialism more generally—some
Stiction problems in releasing of 3D microstructures and its solution

Micro-stereolithography (μSL) is capable of fabrication of highly complex three-dimensional (3D) microstructures by selectively photo-induced polymerization from the monomer resin. However, during the evaporative drying of structures from liquid resin, the 3D microstructures often collapse due to the capillary force. In this work, a theoretical model is developed to analyze the deflection and adhesion between thin polymer beams under capillary force. The detachment length of the test structures and adhesion energy of a typical μSL polymer (HDDA) are obtained experimentally which are important for MEMS structure design. Finally, we successfully developed a sublimation process to release the 3D microstructures without the adhesion.
Emulating and calibrating the multiple‐fidelity Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry magnetosphere–ionosphere coupled computer model

Summary The Lyon–Fedder–Mobarry global magnetosphere–ionosphere coupled model LFM-MIX is used to study Sun–Earth interactions by simulating geomagnetic storms. This work focuses on relating the multifidelity output from LFM-MIX to field observations of ionospheric conductance. Given a set of input values and solar wind data, LFM-MIX numerically solves the magnetohydrodynamic equations and outputs a bivariate spatiotemporal field of ionospheric energy and flux. Of particular interest here are LFM-MIX input settings required to match corresponding output with field observations. To estimate these input settings, a multivariate spatiotemporal statistical LFM-MIX emulator is constructed. The statistical emulator leverages the multiple fidelities such that the less computationally demanding yet lower fidelity LFM-MIX is used to provide estimates of the higher fidelity output. The higher fidelity LFM-MIX output is then used for calibration by using additive and non-linear discrepancy functions.
Physical aggression in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Aggression is a clinically significant problem for many children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, there have been few large-scale studies addressing this issue. The current study examined the prevalence and correlates of physical aggression in a sample of 1584 children and adolescents with ASD enrolled in the Autism Treatment Network. The prevalence of aggression was 53%, with highest prevalence among young children. Aggression was significantly associated with a number of clinical features, including self-injury, sleep problems, sensory problems, GI problems, communication and social functioning. In multivariate models, self-injury, sleep problems, and sensory problems were most strongly associated with aggression. The results indicate that aggression is markedly prevalent, and clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. Language: en
Older age does not limit postbariatric surgery cognitive benefits: a preliminary investigation.

Abstract Background Bariatric surgery is associated with cognitive benefits, but the nature of such gains may be variable across demographically and clinically diverse persons. Older adults achieve less weight loss and resolution of fewer medical co-morbidities after surgery compared to younger patients and are also at heightened risk for nutritional deficiencies. However, no study has examined the influence of age on cognitive improvements after bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of age on cognitive function postbariatric surgery. Methods A total of 95 participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Assessment for Bariatric Surgery completed a computerized cognitive test battery before bariatric surgery and at 12-weeks and 12-months postoperatively. Results Baseline cognitive impairments were common. Significant improvements were found in attention/executive function and memory abilities 12-weeks and 12-months after surgery. Age was not associated with baseline cognitive test performance. Separate multivariable regression analyses controlling for baseline attention/executive function and memory also showed that age was not a significant predictor of 12-week or 12-month performances in these domains ( P >.05 for all). Conclusion The present study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that older age does not preclude postbariatric surgery cognitive benefits. Prospective studies in more age diverse samples (i.e., up to 70 yr) are needed to determine whether bariatric surgery can reduce risk of age-related neurologic conditions like Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
Fillers: from the past to the future.

Abstract Modern medical use of injectable soft-tissue augmentation fillers has evolved from the introduction of bovine collage implants to an array of synthesized materials in the current domestic and foreign markets. The concept of augmentation has moved from simple lines, scars, and wrinkles to revolumizing the aging face. A brief overview of the past, present, and future injectable fillers is presented.
Determining the order of genes, centromeres, and rearrangement breakpoints inNeurospora by tests of duplication coverage

Nontandem segmental duplications provide a useful alternative to conventional recombination mapping for determining gene order in a haploid organism such asNeurospora. When an insertional or terminal rearrangement is crossed by Normal sequence, a class of progeny is produced that have a precisely delimited chromosome segment duplicated. In such Duplication progeny, a recessive gene in the Normal-sequence donor chromosome may or may not be masked (“covered”) by its dominant wild-type allele in the translocation-sequence recipient chromosome. Coverage depends upon whether the gene in question is left or right of the rearrangement breakpoint. The recessive gene will be heterozygous and covered (not expressed) if its locus is within the duplicated segment, but it will be haploid and expressed if the locus is outside the segment. Not only genes but also centromeres can be mapped by means of duplications, because genes included in. the same viable duplication must reside in the same chromosome arm. - Numerous sequences in the current genetic maps ofN. crassa have been determined using duplications. Gene order in the albino region and in the centromere region of linkage group I provide examples. Over 50 insertional or terminal rearrangements are available from which nontandem duplications of defined content can be obtained at will; collectively these cover about 75% of the genome. - Intercrosses between partially overlapping chromosome rearrangements also produce Duplication progeny containing two copies of regions between the breakpoints. The 180 mapped reciprocal translocations and inversions include numerous overlapping combinations that can be used for duplication mapping.
Comforting strategies used during nasogastric tube insertion.

• Nasogastric tube insertion is a procedure that commonly involves discomfort, yet requires the cooperation of the conscious patient. • This study employed qualitative ethology to investigate how comforting strategies were used during the insertion of nasogastric tubes in trauma care. • Practitioners used eight direct and indirect comforting strategies in uniquely patterned styles (technical, affective and blended). • In addition, a form of `team comforting' was implemented as multiple trauma team members made a concerted effort to complete the procedure. • Further study is needed to explicate how the nurse's style affects the behavioural state displayed by the patient.
An analysis of intracranial epidermoid tumors with malignant transformation: treatment and outcomes.

Abstract Objective While typically benign, epidermoid tumors upon rare occasion can undergo malignant transformation, which carries a poor prognosis. Here, we reviewed treatment strategies and analyzed outcomes for every case of malignant epidermoid tumor reported since its original description in 1912. Methods A comprehensive literature review identified all reported cases of malignant transformation of intracranial epidermoid tumor. Treatments were categorized as follows: palliative management, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), chemotherapy, and surgery plus multiple (2+) adjuvant therapies. Survival data of these groups were compared to treatment outcomes for patients receiving only surgical resection, as reported in our previous study. Results We identified 58 cases of intracranial epidermoid tumor with malignant degeneration. Average survival regardless of therapy was 11.8 months. Mean survival outcomes for groups treated with palliative management, chemotherapy, SRS, and multiple postoperative adjuvant therapies were 5.3 months, 25.7 months, 29.2 months, and 36.3 months, respectively. Outcomes for the groups including SRS, chemotherapy, and multiple post-operative adjuvant therapies were statistically significant compared to surgical resection alone. Conclusion While there remains a lack of consensus regarding the best approach to the management of patients with malignant epidermoid tumors, our systematic analysis characterizes and confirms the added benefit of SRS, chemotherapy, and multimodal adjuvant therapies.
Aging-dependent changes in rat heart mitochondrial glutaredoxins—Implications for redox regulation

Clinical and animal studies have documented that hearts of the elderly are more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion damage compared to young adults. Recently we found that aging-dependent increase in susceptibility of cardiomyocytes to apoptosis was attributable to decrease in cytosolic glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) and concomitant decrease in NF-κB-mediated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins. Besides primary localization in the cytosol, Grx1 also exists in the mitochondrial intermembrane space (IMS). In contrast, Grx2 is confined to the mitochondrial matrix. Here we report that Grx1 is decreased by 50–60% in the IMS, but Grx2 is increased by 1.4–2.6 fold in the matrix of heart mitochondria from elderly rats. Determination of in situ activities of the Grx isozymes from both subsarcolemmal (SSM) and interfibrillar (IFM) mitochondria revealed that Grx1 was fully active in the IMS. However, Grx2 was mostly in an inactive form in the matrix, consistent with reversible sequestration of the active-site cysteines of two Grx2 molecules in complex with an iron–sulfur cluster. Our quantitative evaluations of the active/inactive ratio for Grx2 suggest that levels of dimeric Grx2 complex with iron–sulfur clusters are increased in SSM and IFM in the hearts of elderly rats. We found that the inactive Grx2 can be fully reactivated by sodium dithionite or exogenous superoxide production mediated by xanthine oxidase. However, treatment with rotenone, which generates intramitochondrial superoxide through inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I, did not lead to Grx2 activation. These findings suggest that insufficient ROS accumulates in the vicinity of dimeric Grx2 to activate it in situ.
Metamemory in multiple sclerosis: exploring affective and executive contributors

Although previous reports have examined metamemory in various neurological groups, no study to date has examined various affective and cognitive contributors to metamemory collectively in a sample of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. In the present study, 48 MS patients completed the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ) and were administered measures assessing depression, depressive attitudes, and executive functioning. Correlational analyses indicated that certain aspects of metamemory in MS were associated with both affective and executive variables. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses of three a priori models revealed the best fit with one model proposing that greater executive dysfunction and depression were associated with increased self-reported memory complaints, but via the mediating influence of depressive attitudes. Although our results suggest some objective basis for metamemory complaints in MS (i.e., executive dysfunction), they also suggest that these complaints may be exacerbated by the potentially reversible influences of depression and depressive attitudes. Treatment of depression and depressive attitudes in MS may result in MS patients having more accurate perceptions of their actual memory abilities that, in turn, may lead to improvements in their quality of life.
Disconnected phonology: a linguistic analysis of phonemic jargon aphasia.

Abstract This paper reports on indications of the nature of the neurolinguistic connection between phonological and lexical components of language, based on a case of phonemic jargon aphasia. Following bihemispheric embolic infarcts, the subject presented with severe fluent aphasia, characterized by fluent strings of phonemes, with virtually no intelligible utterances. Despite nearly total jargonized output, the fundamental phonological processes of speech were largely intact. Specifically she demonstrated: (1) English phonotactics and English stress-timed rhythmic principles, (2) aspirated stops word-initially and glottalized stops word-finally, (3) utterance-final declination of pitch, and (4) stressed syllable vowel lengthening. Additionally, regional-specific (Southern American English) phonological processes, including monophthongization, in-gliding, and front vowel backing, were also preserved. Overall, the investigation reveals an example of an intact phonological rule system operating on a grossly disturbed input (lexical representation).
Selection and Transmission Processes for Information in the Emerging Media Environment: Psychological Motives and Message Characteristics

The emerging media environment introduced fundamental changes in the quality and format of information available to the public, which can now flexibly seek, alter, and disseminate the information they receive. Therefore, the two processes of information selection and information retransmission are crucial for understanding the reach of any information available in the online information environment. From this starting point, we examine the common psychological motives driving information selection and transmission of attitude-relevant information: defense and accuracy motives adding a focus on interpersonal motives. We also review message factors that can activate psychological motives leading to selection or retransmission of information, such as the desire for novelty and emotional stimulation. We speculate about the directions for the next generation of research necessary to understand exposure as a core outcome in media effects research and theory.