cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DAtA: database of Arabidopsis thaliana annotation.

The Database of Arabidopsis thaliana Annotation (DAtA) was created to enable easy access to and analysis of all the Arabidopsis genome project annotation. The database was constructed using the completed A.thaliana genomic sequence data currently in GenBank. An automated annotation process was used to predict coding sequences for GenBank records that do not include annotation. DAtA also contains protein motifs and protein similarities derived from searches of the proteins in DAtA with motif databases and the non-redundant protein database. The database is routinely updated to include new GenBank submissions for Arabidopsis genomic sequences and new Blast and protein motif search results. A web interface to DAtA allows coding sequences to be searched by name, comment, blast similarity or motif field. In addition, browse options present lists of either all the protein names or identified motifs present in the sequenced A.thaliana genome. The database can be accessed at http://baggage.stanford.edu/group/arabprotein/
Refractive index‐based determination of detergent concentration and its application to the study of membrane proteins

The concentration of detergent in membrane protein preparations can have a critical role on protein stability, function, and the potential for crystallization. Unfortunately, dialysis or protein concentration can lead to an unknown amount of detergent in the final membrane protein preparations. Here we present a method for the determination of detergent concentration based on refractive index of the detergent solution. This method was applied to quantitate the amount of detergent remaining in solution after concentration in various concentrators. We found that the ability of the tested detergents to pass through the molecular weight cutoff membrane correlates well with detergent micelle size. Therefore, the micelle size can be used as a rough guide to estimate the retention of a given detergent in various molecular weight cutoff concentrators. The refractive index method is exceptionally informative when coupled with size exclusion chromatography and light scattering, and can be used to determine the oligomeric state of the membrane protein, the size of a protein-associated micelle, as well as the amount and size of the unbound detergent micelle.
Mortality and Causes of Death in Patients With End-Stage Renal Failure

Using data from the Michigan Kidney Registry, the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was evaluated by multivariate analysis. Black patients had a significantly better outcome overall. A significantly worse outcome was found for older patients and diabetics, among both races and for black females. Causes of death were analyzed for dialysis patients and specific comments address discontinuation of dialysis leading to death.
Elderly patients at highest risk with acute myocardial infarction are more frequently transferred from community hospitals to tertiary centers: Reality or myth? ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of patients with acute myocardial infarction transferred from community hospitals. The study was designed as a retrospective chart review, and the data source was the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project from Michigan. Methods and Results Included in the study were consecutive Medicare patients with acute myocardial infarction discharged from acute-care hospitals in Michigan between April 1, 1994, and July 31, 1995 (n = 7041): 2866 patients treated at community hospitals, 1241 transferred from community hospitals, 2731 admitted directly to tertiary hospitals, and 203 transferred from an outside emergency room to tertiary hospitals. The outcomes measured were patient characteristics, quality indicators, resource use, and 30-day mortality rates. Compared with patients not transferred, those transferred from community hospitals were younger, more frequently of the male sex, smokers, and were seen earlier after symptom onset. They had fewer cases of diabetes and lower Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores and Medicare Mortality Prediction System (MMPS) values. Aspirin during hospitalization and at discharge, thrombolytic therapy, and reperfusion therapy were all used more frequently in transferred patients, whereas the other key discharge quality indicators were no different. Mortality rate at 30 days was lower for transferred patients (9.4% vs 25%, P Conclusions Patients who are less ill, those who are seen early, and those who received thrombolytic therapy are more often transferred from community hospitals. On average, patients with greater comorbidity rates are treated at community hospitals and not transferred. Predicted and observed mortality rates were lower for the transferred group. Higher comorbidity rate in patients treated at community hospitals appears to be the major determinant of the observed higher mortality rates in these patients. (Am Heart J 1999;138:688-95.)
Can Medical Repatriation Be Ethical? Establishing Best Practices

Hospitals in the United States have been engaging in the practice of returning immigrant patients, usually undocumented immigrant patients, to their country of origin when the patient has long-term medical needs for which no reimbursement is available. I argue that for such an action to be ethical, it must be done in accordance with the mission and values of hospitals. I describe three standards that an individual instance of repatriation must meet to be ethical: (1) patient best interests, (2) medical due diligence, and (3) informed consent. I argue that these should form the basis for best practices in regard to medical repatriation for all hospitals in the United States.
Joking Violence Among Highly Committed Individuals

Adopting a cognitive consistency framework, this study explores whether targets of physical violence reinterpret severely violent behaviors to be relatively benign. It was suggested that relationship commitment figures prominently in reinterpreting violence. Fifty-four participants who indicated on a measure of partner violence that their current relationship partner had engaged in at least one act of physical violence during a conflict also completed an almost identical measure that assessed the same acts of physical violence in a different context: when playing or joking around with a partner. Participants also completed a measure of relationship commitment. Consistent with hypotheses, only highly committed individuals who experienced substantial violence during a conflict reported severely violent behaviors as comprising mere instances of “joking around.”
Pain control after thoracotomy: bupivacaine versus lidocaine in continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve blockade.

Abstract Background . The use of a continuous bupivacaine extrapleural intercostal nerve block after posterolateral thoracotomy has been shown in randomized controlled studies to be effective in reducing postoperative pain and restoring pulmonary function. It is our hypothesis that when using a continuous infusion for nerve block, a long-acting agent (bupivacaine) is unnecessary and a shorter-acting agent (lidocaine) would offer equivalent results with less systemic toxicity. This study was designed to determine whether lidocaine was as effective as bupivacaine in a continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block after posterolateral thoracotomy because lidocaine is a less toxic analgesic agent. The study was prospectively randomized and double-blinded. Methods . Forty-six patients undergoing elective posterolateral thoracotomy were randomized to blindly receive bupivacaine (n = 23) or lidocaine (n = 23) by continuous infusion pump through an intraoperatively placed indwelling extrapleural catheter. Postoperative pain was assessed for 48 hours by patient-controlled morphine consumption and by linear visual analog scale. There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, or type of operation between the two groups. Results . There was no statistically significant difference between the bupivacaine and lidocaine groups in patient-controlled morphine use or in visual analog scale scores. Conclusions . Lidocaine offers equivalent pain control to bupivacaine when administered for continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block after posterolateral thoracotomy, with less risk of systemic toxicity.
Effects of ATP and vanadate on calcium efflux from barnacle muscle fibres

Calcium ions carry the inward current during depolarization of barnacle muscle fibres and are involved in the contraction process. Intracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i) in barnacle muscle, as in other cells, is kept at a very low concentration, against a large electrochemical gradient. This large gradient is maintained by Ca2+ extrusion mechanisms. When [Ca2+]i is below the contraction threshold, Ca2+ efflux from giant barnacle muscle fibres is, largely, both ATP dependent and external Na+ (Na+0) dependent (see also refs 5,6). When [Ca2+]i is raised to the level expected during muscle contraction (2-5 muM), most of the Ca2+ efflux from perfused fibres is Na0 dependent; as in squid axons, this Na+0-dependent Ca2+ efflux is ATP independent. Orthovanadate is an inhibitor of (Na+ + K+) ATPase and the red cell Ca2+-ATpase. We report here that vanadate inhibits ATP-promoted, Na+0-dependent Ca2+ efflux from barnacle muscle fibres perfused with low [Ca2+]i (0.2-0.5 microM), but has little effect on the Na+0-dependent, ATP-independent Ca2+ efflux from fibres with a high [Ca]i (2-5 microM). Nevertheless, ATP depletion or vanadate treatment of high [Ca2+]i fibres causes an approximately 50-fold increase of Ca2+ efflux into Ca2+-containing lithium seawater. These results demonstrate that both vanadate and ATP affect Ca2+ extrusion, including the Na+0-dependent Ca2+ efflux (Na-Ca exchange), in barnacle muscle.
Hypervitaminosis D Associated with a Vitamin D Dispensing Error

Objective To report a case of hypervitaminosis D resulting in hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury in a 70-year-old female who was prescribed a standard dose of vitamin D but given a toxic dose of vitamin D 50,000 IU (1.25 mg) daily resulting from a dispensing error. Case summary A 70-year-old female in her usual state of health was instructed to begin supplementation with vitamin D 1000 IU daily. Three months later she developed confusion, slurred speech, unstable gait, and increased fatigue. She was hospitalized for hypercalcemia and acute kidney injury secondary to hypervitaminosis D. All vitamin D supplementation was discontinued and 5 months after discharge, the patient's serum calcium and vitamin D concentrations, as well as renal function, had returned to baseline values. Upon review of the patient's records, it was discovered that she had been taking vitamin D 50,000 IU daily. Discussion There is an increased interest in vitamin D, resulting in more health care providers recommending--and patients taking--supplemental vitamin D. Hypervitaminosis D is rarely reported and generally only in the setting of gross excess of vitamin D. This report highlights a case of hypervitaminosis D in the setting of a prescribed standard dose of vitamin D that resulted in toxic ingestion of vitamin D 50,000 IU daily due to a dispensing error. As more and more people use vitamin D supplements, it is important to recognize that, while rare, hypervitaminosis D is a possibility and dosage conversion of vitamin D units can result in errors. Conclusions Health care providers and patients should be educated on the advantages and risks associated with vitamin D supplementation and be informed of safety measures to avoid hypervitaminosis D. In addition, health care providers should understand dosage conversion regarding vitamin D and electronic prescribing and dispensing software should be designed to detect such errors.
Electrical Properties of Single-Crystal and Polycrystalline Alumina at High Temperatures

The electrical conductivity of single-crystal and polycrystalline aluminum oxide has been measured over the temperature range 1300° to 1750°C. and at oxygen partial pressures of 10° to 10−10 atmospheres. Alumina exhibits p- type conductivity at high oxygen pressures and n-type conductivity at low oxygen pressures. The variation of conductivity with temperature depends on the specimen purity, oxygen pressure, and temperature level. Activation energies varying between 2.6 and 5.8 e.v. were found. The conductivity of alumina does not result from any single simple process over wide ranges of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. Apparently intrinsic conduction is found for single crystals at temperatures above 1600°C.
Arthroscopic verification of ultrasonographic diagnosis of meniscal pathology in dogs.

Objective— To determine the clinical usefulness of ultrasonography for diagnosis of meniscal pathology in dogs. Study Design— Double-blind prospective study. Animals— Dogs (n=10) with lameness localized to the stifle. Materials and Methods— Sonographic examination of each affected stifle was performed by 1 ultrasonographer unaware of specific historical and clinical data for the dog. Sonographic findings were recorded, but not reviewed until study completion. Arthroscopic examination of the affected stifle was performed within 48 hours of ultrasonography by 1 surgeon unaware of ultrasonographic findings. Arthroscopic findings were recorded, but not reviewed until study completion. Two investigators compared the ultrasonographic and arthroscopic findings at study completion to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results— Two of the 10 dogs had bilateral stifle evaluation. Twenty-four lateral and medial menisci, with normal and abnormal findings, were examined. The sensitivity and specificity for ultrasonographic diagnosis were 90.0% and 92.9%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 90.0% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusions— Ultrasonography is highly specific and sensitive for diagnosing bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus in dogs. Clinical Relevance— Ultrasonographic evaluation of menisci in dogs is a noninvasive method for accurately and efficiently diagnosing pathology, determining the need for surgical intervention, and providing comprehensive information to clients.
Ultrasonography in community emergency departments in the United States: access to ultrasonography performed by consultants and status of emergency physician-performed ultrasonography.

Study objective Nearly all emergency medicine residency programs provide some training in emergency physician-performed ultrasonography, but the extent of emergency physician-performed ultrasonography in community emergency departments (EDs) is not known. We seek to determine the state of ultrasonography in community EDs in terms of access to ultrasonography by other specialists and performance of ultrasonography by emergency physicians. Methods A 6-page survey that addressed access to ultrasonography performed by other specialists and emergency physician-performed ultrasonography was designed and pilot tested. A list of all US ED directors was obtained from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Twelve hundred of 5264 EDs were randomly selected to receive the anonymous survey, with responses tracked by separate postcard. There were 3 mailings from Fall 2003 to Spring 2004. Results Overall response rate was 61% (684/1130). Respondents who self-reported as being academic with emergency medicine residents were excluded from further analysis (n=35). A sensitivity analysis (reported in parentheses) was performed on the key outcome question to adjust for response bias. As reported by ED directors, ultrasonography was available in the ED for use by emergency physicians at all times in 19% of EDs (12% to 28%), with an additional 15% (9% to 21%) reporting a machine available for use by emergency physicians in some capacity and 66% (51% to 80%) reporting that there was no access to a machine for emergency physician use. ED directors reported being requested or required to limit ultrasonography orders performed by radiology in 41% of EDs, with less timely access to radiology-performed ultrasonography in off hours. Of EDs with emergency physician-performed ultrasonography, the most common applications were Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) examination (85%), code situation (72%), and check for pericardial effusion (67%). Of physicians performing ultrasonography, 16% stated they were currently requesting reimbursement (billing). The primary reason cited for not implementing emergency physician-performed ultrasonography was lack of emergency physician training. For the statement "emergency medicine residents now starting residency should be trained to perform and interpret focused bedside ultrasonography," 84% of ED directors agreed, 14% were neutral, and less than 2% disagreed. Conclusion Community ED directors continue to report barriers to obtaining ultrasonography from consultants, especially in off hours. Nineteen percent of community ED directors report having a machine available for emergency physician use at all times; however, two thirds of EDs report no access to ultrasonography for emergency physician use. A majority of community ED directors support residency training in emergency physician-performed ultrasonography.
Elements in fish of Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon near Los Angeles, California

Our aim was to assess whether past discharges from a wastewater treatment plant increased metal pollutant loads in stream mobile species in a one-day baseline sampling study that included a coastal wetland. Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) of two sizes, black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), and crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) were collected from Malibu Creek, and California killifish (Fundulus parvipinnis) of three sizes, as well as arroyo chub (Gila orcutti) were sampled from Malibu Lagoon near Los Angeles, California. Species from each locality were pooled by length, homogenized, digested by microwave wet ashing, and analyzed by simultaneous inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy for 27 elements. Lagoon killifish 2.0-3.5 cm long contained levels of arsenic and lead above the levels for 95% of California fish, the EDL95. Black bullhead upstream of the discharge contained elevated levels of As, Cr and Se. Young mosquitofish <3 cm in length upstream of the discharge differed greatly in the order of abundance of their elements relative to larger mosquitofish and to other species collected. More sampling than this baseline study allowed was needed to determine if the wastewater treatment plant was a pollution source.
A new species of Crepidostomum (Digenea: Allocreadiidae) from Hiodon tergisus in Mississippi and molecular comparison with three congeners.

Abstract: A new species, Crepidostomum affine n. sp., is described from Hiodon tergisus in Mississippi, and morphological data are provided for Crepidostomum auritum from Aplodinotus grunniens in Mississippi and for Crepidostomum illinoiense from Hiodon alosoides in Minnesota. The new species is most similar morphologically to C. illinoiense, but has a shorter intertesticular space, measuring 0–74 μm (mean = 19.3 ± 23.1 SD in 73 specimens) compared with 0–229 μm (mean = 57.3 ± 56.7 SD in 34 specimens), and the distance between the ovary and the anterior testis is relatively shorter in the new species, representing 2.6–7.9% of overall body length compared with 4.1–12.4% in C. illinoiense. Fragments of nuclear ribosomal as well as mitochondrial DNA are compared among C. affine n. sp., C. illinoiense, C. auritum and Crepidostomum cornutum. Crepidostomum affine n. sp. and C. illinoiense are most similar, having between 19 and 20 variable bases (1.29–1.36%) in the amplified nuclear ribosomal RNA fragment comp...
Association-based similarity testing and its applications

This paper proposes a new similarity measure between basket datasets based on associations. The new measure is calculated from support counts using a formula inspired by information entropy. Experiments on both real and synthetic datasets show the effectiveness of the measure. This paper then investigates the applications of the similarity measure. It first studies the problem of finding a mapping between categorical database attribute sets using similarity measures. A generic approach for identifying such a mapping is proposed. The approach is implemented based on the similarity measure proposed in the paper and its performance has been evaluated and validated. Moreover, this paper also explores the applications of using the similarity measure to mine distributed datasets.
Architectures of Biological Complexity

Three features contribute to the complexity of an entity: number of parts, their order, and their iteration. Many functional biological entities are complex when measured by those attributes, and although they are produced in tree-like architectures, the organizational structures that permit them to function are in the form of hierarchies. Natural hierarchies can be thought of as organizing structures that are emergent properties of complex functional entities, and which are transformed from trees by process networks. For example, hierarchies are observed in the architecture of metazoan bodies (the somatic hierarchy) and in the biotic structure of ecogeographic units (the ecological hierarchy). As the metazoan developmental genome is quite complex and has been evolved through tree-like processes, it must harbor at least one hierarchy, which is most clearly indicated in the developmental processes that create the somatic hierarchy. For multicellular organisms, the processes that serve to transform trees of gene expression events into a somatic hierarchy have produced complicated signaling networks whose histories can probably be recovered in general outline.
The fluid computing middleware: bringing application fluidity to the mobile Internet

The fluid computing middleware allows application data to flow, as a liquid, between devices. The middleware, based on the model-view-controller design pattern, transforms a collection of devices into a cooperative platform and provides application programmers with appropriate abstractions to use generic data management services, such as data replication and synchronization of arbitrary data structures. Relieved from managing this underlying complexity, programmers can focus on developing new application functionality. In particular, they can program applications that seamlessly transition between devices and connectivity degrees, by relying on the fluid real-time optimistic replication mechanism. By shifting the focus from the network and devices to the data, fluid computing enables new interaction paradigms, where users can access and manipulate their data from any of their devices transparently. Applications, then, become multidevice - a characteristic that can be applied to both single-user and collaboration scenarios.
BIOMIMETIC FABRICATION OF MATERIALS-THE MINIMALIST APPROACH

The interfacial chemistry between inorganic ceramics and defined organic surfaces is the focus of intense investigation. Partially compressed Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of anionic porphyrins have been used as modified nucleation sites for calcium carbonate. The porphyrin monolayer has an ordered array of carboxylates, and hence the system serves as a minimalist template for the modeling of complex biogenic acidic glycoproteins for biomineralization. The initial results suggest the formation of calcite with morphologically distinct calcitic rhombs with truncated, 3-edged corners and intricately articulated facial cavities. Stearic acid monolayers yield distinctly different calcite crystals, indicative that the geometrically defined carboxylate array is probably important. Phosphatidylcholine vesicles have been used as a tool for the formation of membrane encapsulated iron-oxides. Gramicindin A ion channels have been embedded in vesicles to kinetically alter the formation and growth of iron oxides, starting with intravesicular ferrous chloride. The results indicate that the presence of ion channels lead to the formation of magnetite vis-a-vis maghemite formation in vesicles lacking the ion channels. The use of ion channels has important implications in probable signal transduction processes during biomineralization pathways.
Risk Factors Associated With Survival to Hospital Discharge of 54 Horses With Fractures of the Radius

Objective To determine (1) survival to discharge of horses with radial fractures (excluding osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius and stress fractures); and (2) risk factors affecting survival to hospital discharge in conservative and surgically managed fractures. Study Design Case series. Animals Horses (n = 54). Methods Medical records (1990–June 2012) and radiographs of horses admitted with radial fracture were reviewed. Horses with osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius or stress fractures were excluded. Evaluated risk factors were age, fracture configuration, surgical repair method, surgical duration, hospitalization time, implant failure rate, and surgical site infection (SSI) rate. Results Of 54 horses, overall survival to discharge was 50%. Thirteen (24%) were euthanatized on admission because of (1) fracture severity; (2) presence of an open fracture; or (3) financial constraints. Fourteen (26%) horses with minimally displaced incomplete fractures were conservatively managed and 12 (86%) survived to discharge. Twenty-seven (50%) horses had surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and 15 (56%) survived to hospital discharge. Open fractures were significantly more likely to develop SSI (P = .008), which also resulted in a 17-fold increase in implant failure (P 168 minutes (P < .027). Presence of SSI trended toward a decreased survival rate (P = .09). Conclusion Prognosis for survival to discharge with minimally displaced incomplete fractures is good. Young horses have a good prognosis survival to discharge for ORIF, whereas ORIF in adult horses has a poor prognosis and SSI strongly correlates with catastrophic implant failure.
TransPhoner: automated mnemonic keyword generation

We present TransPhoner: a system that generates keywords for a variety of scenarios including vocabulary learning, phonetic transliteration, and creative word plays. We select effective keywords by considering phonetic, orthographic and semantic word similarity, and word concept imageability. We show that keywords provided by TransPhoner improve learner performance in an online vocabulary learning study, with the improvement being more pronounced for harder words. Participants rated TransPhoner keywords as more helpful than a random keyword baseline, and almost as helpful as manually selected keywords. Comments also indicated higher engagement in the learning task, and more desire to continue learning. We demonstrate additional applications to tasks such as pure phonetic transliteration, generation of mnemonics for complex vocabulary, and topic-based transformation of song lyrics.
EVIL, ORIGINAL SIN, AND EVOLUTION

This article has three sections. The first discusses the problem of evil; the second, the sins of both angels and men that originally introduced evil into the world; the third, a teleological theory of evolution that clarifies the relationship between the first two sections. At present there is a great deal of discussion about the nature of the evolutionary process. Some argue that ultimately it is a strictly random one. But it is quite impossible to prove scientifically that evolution is strictly random. From a Christian point of view the best way to view it is to see it not only as the result of divine intelligence, but also as due to a ferocious conflict between superhuman powers - the biblical angels and demons to whom God in the beginning gave the power to guide and develop his creation.
Ferrielectrics and Their Application in Solid-State Devices as an Adaptive Control

The basic properties of the recently discovered ferrielectrics, which are essentially degenerate antiferroelectrics exhibiting ferroelectric properties, will be discussed. Capacitors having a ferrielectric dielectric possess a true switching threshold field similar to ferrites. This material opens up a large field of new applications. A new device which operates similar to the transfluxor and represents an electrostatically controlled circuit impedance with stored settings will be discussed. This device called the "transpolarizer" represents one of the most interesting recent achievements in the semiconductor field. Control of polarization transfer through two or more ferroelectric dielectric sections in series represents a new basic means for storing and gating electrical signals and, in general, a means for controlling circuit impedance in any predetermined manner according to a stored setting. The most interesting feature of the transpolarizer is that, by the application of a control signal, it can be changed from a ferroelectric capacitor into a linear capacitor and can assume any intermediate polarization level between these two limits; furthermore, it is capable of controlling a flow of ac electric power according to its setting. Now, for the first time, it is possible to utilize the combination of electrically controlled resistance, inductance and capacitance in circuit design. Switching and storage properties as well as a threshold switching field are simultaneously present in these new devices. Furthermore, the fact that ferrielectric devices are voltage devices makes these devices extremely useful in the fields of pattern recognition, trainable computers and adaptive control.
Epigenetics in metal carcinogenesis: Nickel, Arsenic, Chromium and Cadmium

Although carcinogenic metals have been known to disrupt a wide range of cellular processes the precise mechanism by which they exert their carcinogenic effects is not known. Over the last decade or two, studies in the field of metal carcinogenesis suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in metal-induced carcinogenesis. In this review we summarize the evidence demonstrating that exposure to carcinogenic metals such as nickel, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium can perturb DNA methylation levels as well as global and gene specific histone tail posttranslational modification marks. We also wish to emphasize the importance of understanding that gene expression can be regulated by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and both these must be considered when studying the mechanism underlying the toxicity and cell transforming ability of carcinogenic metals and other toxicants, as well as aberrant changes in gene expression that occur during disease states such as cancer.
The Crucial Role of Recess in Schools.

BACKGROUND: Recess is at the heart of a vigorous debate over the role of schools in promoting optimal child development and well-being. Reallocating time to accentuate academic concerns is a growing trend and has put recess at risk. Conversely, pressure to increase activity in school has come from efforts to combat childhood obesity. The purpose of this review was to examine the value of recess as an integral component of the school day. METHODS: A comprehensive review of recess-specific literature was conducted, beginning with a Google Scholar search, to cull definitions, position statements, and policy recommendations from national/international associations and organizations. A multi-database search followed. Additional articles were selected from reference lists. RESULTS: The search yielded a range of articles, from those focused on specific aspects of recess to those that examined multiple factors, including how to structure and conduct recess. Several themes emerged supporting recess as beneficial for children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical functioning. Optimal recess was well-supervised and safe. Crucial components were well-maintained playground equipment and well-trained supervisors. CONCLUSION: Recess serves a critical role in school as a necessary break from the rigors of academic challenges. Recess is a complement to, not a replacement for, physical education. Both promote activity and a healthy lifestyle; however, recess—particularly unstructured recess and free play—provides a unique contribution to a child’s creative, social, and emotional development. From the perspective of children’s health and well-being, recess time should be considered a child’s personal time and should not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons.
Sex Differences in Effects of Ketamine on Behavior, Spine Density, and Synaptic Proteins in Socially Isolated Rats.

Abstract Background The mechanistic underpinnings of sex differences in occurrence of depression and efficacy of antidepressant treatments are poorly understood. We examined the effects of isolation stress (IS) and the fast-acting antidepressant ketamine on anhedonia and depression-like behavior, spine density, and synaptic proteins in male and female rats. Methods We used a chronic social IS paradigm to test the effects of ketamine (0, 2.5 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg) on behavior and levels of synaptic proteins synapsin-1, postsynaptic density protein 95, and glutamate receptor 1 in male rats and female rats in diestrus. Medial prefrontal cortex spine density was also examined in male rats and female rats that received ketamine during either the diestrus or the proestrus phase of their estrous cycle. Results Male rats showed anhedonia and depression-like behavior after 8 weeks of IS, concomitant with decreases in spine density and levels of synapsin-1, postsynaptic density protein 95, and glutamate receptor 1 in the medial prefrontal cortex; these changes were reversed by a single injection of ketamine (5 mg/kg). After 11 weeks of IS, female rats showed depression-like behavior but no signs of anhedonia. Although both doses of ketamine rescued depression-like behavior in female rats, the decline observed in synaptic proteins and spine density in IS and in diestrus female rats could not be reversed by ketamine. Spine density was higher in female rats during proestrus than in diestrus. Conclusions Our findings implicate a role for synaptic proteins synapsin-1, postsynaptic density protein 95, and glutamate receptor 1 and medial prefrontal cortex spine density in the antidepressant effects of ketamine in male rats subjected to IS but not in female rats subjected to IS, suggesting dissimilar underlying mechanisms for efficacy of ketamine in the two sexes.
Learning to lead: A quasi-experimental test of the interplay between experience and training

Two dominant ways that employees learn leadership skills are formal training and informal, on-the-job experience. Both types of learning are ubiquitous in organizations, but their interplay is rare...
Crime and justice in India, edited by N. Prabha Unnithan, London, Sage, 2013, 476 pp., £55.00 (hardcover), ISBN 9788132109778

What are the problems relating to crime facing the largest democracy, India? How does India solve or attempt to solve these problems? This book seeks to achieve this herculean task through an analy...
Medicaid and the Politics of Groups: Recipients, Providers, and Policy Making

There is a substantial heterogeneity of interests within the Medicaid program. Its major beneficiary groups include the elderly, people with disabilities, children in low-income families, and adults receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Providers who deliver medical services to these recipients represent another set of potential claimants. These groups are likely to be treated differently by the politics that affect the design and management of the Medicaid program. The Medicaid recipient groups vary in several important dimensions: First, the groups differ politically, a dimension that includes their political participation, their relationships to parties and electoral coalitions, the images they present to other political actors, and the legacy of public policies that affect them. Second, the groups have different medical and social needs. Third, the groups differ with respect to economic constraints, including the political economy of labor markets and of government spending programs, and they have differing relationships to the various types of medical providers. The medical providers are themselves political actors with a variety of characteristics that create political advantages relative to recipients, although there is also diversity among providers. The politics of the Medicaid program involves more than simply technical decisions about eligibility, coverage of medical services, reimbursement, and the implementation of managed care initiatives. Instead the differences between the program's multiple claimants are an important element of current Medicaid politics and the likely path of future reforms.
Protecting and promoting the nation's health: the environmental public health workforce as a critical component.

INTRODUCTION The practice of environmental public health (EPH)--ensuring food, water, and sanitation protections--is the traditional cornerstone of public health. From foodborne illness outbreaks to chemical emergencies, drinking water safety to extreme weather events, our state and local EPH professionals are essential to the nation's overall health. CHALLENGES Myriad challenges exist to ensure a strong, robust EPH workforce. Funding, recruitment, training, retention, retirement, and lack of public and political support threaten EPH workforce enhancements. OPPORTUNITIES Even in these challenging times, promising EPH opportunities abound. The Obama administration's agendas for alternative energy and climate change, students' renewed interest in public health practice and government service, technological and scientific advances, and increased public awareness of EPH threats offer opportunities to fortify the EPH workforce. RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS We must act now to enhance EPH infrastructure and training to ensure safe food and water, healthy air, and protection from environmental threats. Future success will depend on new approaches, strengthened leadership, and coordinated efforts among all levels of EPH programs. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to reshape and strengthen the EPH workforce and ensure continued leadership in protecting the environment and the public's health.
Effects of posterior hypothalamic lesions on sexual maturation of immature female albino rats.

SummaryEleven 21-day old female albino rats (Holtzman) were subjected to bilateral lesions of the area from the mammillary body to the ventromedial nucleus. These animals showed definite signs of delayed puberty, reproductive immaturity, viciousness and imminent obesity. Five had vaginae that never opened. It appears evident that in the prepuberal rat, factors (neurosecretory substances), which prod the pituitary into a functional secretory state, and which permit the mammal to attain reproducive maturity, are not present, or, are in a state of preparation. The results indicate the importance of hypothalamic function to puberal onset, and to the structural and physiological success of the reproductive-sex complex.
Improved Electrical Performance of a-Si:H Thin Film Transistors, TFTs with n+ (μc-Si Contact, and Silicon Oxide and Nitride Dual-Layer Dielectrics

We report the use of heavily-doped n-type μc-Si as a source and drain contacts in a-Si:H TFTs. Dual-layer dielectrics comprised of SiO2 and Si3N4 layers are employed, and the back channel regions are passivated to prevent depletion region formation. We have compared the electrical performance of TFTs with n+ a-Si source and drain contacts and n+ μc-Si source and drain contacts, relating some differences in performance to the properties of the source and drain materials. In addition we discuss the fabrication and performance of TFT structures that include B-compensated i-μc-Si channel regions and heavily-doped n+ μc-Si source and drain contacts.
Environmental Factors in Headache

The environmental conditions related to headache in 38 children are reviewed from the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Franciscan Children’s Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Boston, MA.
Early Versus Late Onset of Cannabis Use: Differences in Striatal Response to Cannabis Cues

Abstract Addiction theories posit that addiction is the result of a progressive transition from voluntary to habitual, compulsive drug use—changes that have been linked, in animals, to a shift from ventral to dorsal striatal control over drug-seeking behavior. Thus, we hypothesized that early-onset (EOs) cannabis users versus late-onset (LOs) cannabis users might exhibit, respectively, greater dorsal versus ventral striatal response to drug cues. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging and an event-related blood oxygen level-dependent backward-masking task to evaluate striatal responses to backward-masked cannabis cues (vs. neutral cues) in EOs ( 50 voxels). Within-group analyses revealed that EOs showed greater neural response to cannabis cues in the dorsal striatum, whereas LOs exhibited...
Optimizing undercut in highly-stressed Ge 0.934 Sn 0.066 microdisk resonators

Undercut design in a highly-stressed microdisk resonator cavity affects the magnitude and distribution of biaxial strain in the resonator, providing an additional approach to band-structure engineering. While a wider undercut allows greater strain transfer, the peak strain shifts away from microdisk edges where whispering gallery modes reside. With both considerations, we find that the optimal undercut in a 6 μm diameter Ge 0.934 Sn 0.066 quantum well microdisk is approximately 1 μm.
Using Dispersed Modes During Model Correlation

The model correlation process for the modal characteristics of a launch vehicle is well established. After a test, parameters within the nominal model are adjusted to reflect structural dynamics revealed during testing. However, a full model correlation process for a complex structure can take months of man-hours and many computational resources. If the analyst only has weeks, or even days, of time in which to correlate the nominal model to the experimental results, then the traditional correlation process is not suitable. This paper describes using model dispersions to assist the model correlation process and decrease the overall cost of the process. The process creates thousands of model dispersions from the nominal model prior to the test and then compares each of them to the test data. Using mode shape and frequency error metrics, one dispersion is selected as the best match to the test data. This dispersion is further improved by using a commercial model correlation software. In the three examples shown in this paper, this dispersion based model correlation process performs well when compared to models correlated using traditional techniques and saves time in the post-test analysis.
New soft sensors for distribution transformer monitoring

This study deals with the thermal and electrical monitoring of distribution transformers; these transformers are one of the most expensive components in the distribution grid. Monitoring these transformers are a good solution to check the availability of the network, increase transformer operational efficiency and minimise the probability of unexpected outage. This study will present a solution for the monitoring of thermal and electrical behaviour of oil natural air natural (ONAN) distribution transformers. For the development of this soft sensor, different transformers have been modelled in a wide range of power (160–800 kVA).
Behavior Modification Techniques in the Teaching of Behavior Modification to Psychiatric Residents

The authors describe the use of operant methods to teach clinical operant conditioning to psychiatric residents in their second year of training. In addition to the concepts of positive reinforcement, contingency management, shaping, social reinforcement, and the like being presented in a didactic fashion, at the same time, operant methods were employed by the instructors to increase attendance, attention, and the use of operant concepts in the care of patients. This represents an example of experiential learning in psychiatry in terms of the learner actually experiencing the technique being taught as a subject.
“Remember the Porter”: Memorializing the Medieval Drama and the Gunpowder Plot in Macbeth

This chapter argues that late medieval drama such as the Harrowing of Hell pageant and Herod the Great provides a template for a political reading of Macbeth. Whereas traditional readings of the tragedy present it as a pro-Jacobean play intent on flattering the king and condemning the Jesuits as equivocators, I follow more recent interpretations in proposing that Macbeth is deliberately ambiguous both in its treatment of Jesuitical equivocation and in its treatment of King James himself. In conclusion I argue that regardless of their religious beliefs—Webster was apparently an anti-Catholic Protestant, which distinguishes him from the atheistic Marlowe and the irenic Shakespeare—all the playwrights studied in this book shared a common desire to deploy medieval motifs and themes in order to critique the oppressively hegemonic order of Protestant England.
Effect of an Eye Health Education Program on Older African Americans’ Eye Care Utilization and Attitudes About Eye Care

Abstract We examined the impact of an eye health education program for older African Americans on attitudes about eye care and utilization, using a randomized trial design in a community setting. Participants were older African Americans attending activities at senior centers. Ten centers were randomized to an eye health education (InCHARGE) or social-contact control presentation. InCHARGE addressed the importance of annual dilated comprehensive examination and strategies reducing barriers to care. The control presentation was on the importance of physical activity. Outcomes were attitudes about eye care 6 months post event through questionnaire and eye care utilization during 12 months post event through medical record abstraction. At baseline, more than 80% participants in both arms said transportation and finding, communicating, and trusting a doctor were not problematic and agreed that yearly care was important. One-fourth said eye examination cost was problematic; one-half said spectacle cost was problematic. There were no group differences 6 months post event. During the 12 months pre event, the dilated exam rate was similar in the groups (38.3% InCHARGE, 40.8% control) and unchanged during the 12 months post event. Results suggest fewer than half of older African Americans received annual dilated eye care. Group-administered eye health education did not increase this rate. Even before the program, they had positive attitudes about care, yet many cited examination and spectacle cost as problematic, which was not mitigated by health education. Evidence-based strategies in a community setting for increasing eye care utilization rate in older African Americans have yet to be identified. Policy changes may be more appropriate avenues for addressing cost. Trial Registration: NCT00591110, http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
Microcephalies and DNA Repair

Head circumferences that are significantly smaller than normal are generally associated with lower intelligence, showing the relationship between intelligence and brain size (Dolk 1991). Some of the factors that lead to normal brain size are beginning to be understood by the study of genes that lead to small brains when disrupted. Some of the genes that cause microcephaly are integral to DNA repair. The relationships between different mechanisms of microcephaly are just beginning to be understood. Interestingly, there are potential relationships between the various mechanisms.