cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synapse structure: Glutamate receptors connected by the shanks

A family of proteins has been identified whose members, the Shanks, physically link two major receptor complexes at excitatory synapses - NMDA receptors and metabotropic glutamate receptors.
New Therapeutic Modalities in Hypertension: Focus on a New Calcium Antagonist—Nicardipine

A new generation of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists which are related structurally to nifedipine is undergoing clinical investigation. Among these newer agents. nicardipine and nimodipine have become available for clinical use. In controlled trials, nicardipine is superior to placebo and equal to other antihypertensive agents for the treatment of systemic hypertension. Nicardipine is associated with a low incidence of adverse effects that are related primarily to its peripheral vasodilatory actions. In addition, nicardipine appears to have little if any negative effects on myocardial contractility or conduction.
NMR spectral densities and two dimensional diffusion in TiS2(NH3)1.0 and TaS2(NH3)x

Abstract NMR measurements of proton spin-lattice relaxation times T 1 and T 1ϱ in the layered intercalation compounds TiS 2 (NH 3 ) 1.0 and TaS 2 (NH 3 ) x ( x = 0.8, 0.9, 1.0) are reported as functions of frequency and temperature (100 K – 300 K). These observations probe the spectral density of magnetic fluctuations due to motions of the intercalated molecules at frequencies accessible to the T 1 (4–90 MHz) and T 1ϱ (1–100 kHz) measurements. Since the average molecular hopping time (τ) can be changed by varying temperature, different regions of the spectral density can be examined. For T > 200 K, both T −1 1 and T −1 1ϱ vary logarithmically with frequency, reflecting the two dimensional character of the molecular diffusion. The temperature dependence of T 1 suggests that a more accurate picture of the short time dynamics is required. No dependence of relaxation rate on vacancy concentration is found.
Alterations in levels of 5'-adenyl dinucleotides following DNA damage in normal human fibroblasts and fibroblasts derived from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum.

Summary Levels of 5′-adenyl dinucleotides, measured as diadenosine-5′,5′′′-P 1 ,P 4 -tetraphosphate (Ap 4 A), were found to accumulate in cultured human fibroblasts following treatment with N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), the radiomimetic drug bleomycin, and nitroquinoline-1-oxide (NQO) or UV-irradiation in the presence of cytosine arabinofuranoside (araC). In contrast, cells derived from patients with xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group A (XP-A) did not demonstrate an increase in DNA-strand breaks following UV irradiation or NQO in the presence of araC nor an increase in Ap 4 A levels. Ap 4 A accumulation did occur in XP-A cells following treatment with MNNG. Cells derived from patients characterized as XP variants, which are incision repair-proficient, accumulated 5′-dinucleotides following bleomycin, MNNG and UV or NQO in the presence of araC. Taken together, these data suggest that Ap 4 A accumulates as a response to DNA-strand breaks.
Fundraising and strategic focus

The Five Strategies for Fundraising Success: A Mission-Based Guide to Achieving Your Goals, by Mal Warwick. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000. 293 pp. $30.00 cloth.
An empirical evaluation of antithetic variates and quasirandom points for simulating stochastic networks

This paper is concerned with simulation procedures for estimating the distribution function of the time to complete stochastic activity networks. A conditional Monte Carlo method using uniformly di...
Nilotinib treatment-associated accelerated atherosclerosis: When is the risk justified?

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death and morbidity in developed countries and is the culprit behind coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebral vascular disease (CVD) and peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD). Atherosclerosis leads to segmental narrowing and occlusion of arteries, and current opinion favors a complex pathogenetic process that involves the endothelium, platelets, monocytes/macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, T and B lymphocytes, lipids, inflammation and chemokines/cytokines.
Core Competencies in Food Science: Background Information on the Development of the IFT Education Standards

: In recent years, many professional organizations have shifted their program standards and program review away from course content-based criteria and towards outcome-based learning measures. IFT has recently done the same with implementation of the new IFT Education Standards. These Standards, which replace the old “Minimum Standards for Food Science Programs”, were approved by the Executive Committee at their meeting in June, 2001, with implementation beginning in fall, 2001. All food science programs will now be reviewed for IFT approval against these new Standards. This article describes the process by which this change has occurred over the past few years.
Monitoring surface albedo change with Landsat

A pronounced decrease of the surface albedo (reflectivity) has been observed in an area in the Northern Sinai, fenced-in in the summer of 1974. Analysis of the Landsat Multispectral Scanner System digital data from an April 1977 pass indicates a reduction in the albedo in the exclosure by 13%, as compared to the outside, which continues to be subjected to overgrazing and anthropogenic pressures. The reduction of reflectivity is approximately the same in all the spectral bands, and is therefore attributable to accumulation of dead plants and plant debris, and not directly to live vegetation.
Effect of hydration on the biaxial flexural strength of a glass ionomer cement

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that hydration during setting enhances the strength of glass ionomer cements. Methods . Thirty-four groups of eight disks each were prepared and sealed in nonpermeable bags to age for 30 min to 360 d before biaxial flexure testing. At each time interval, one group was tested immediately, while the second group was immersed in water for an additional 48 h prior to the same testing. Six of each group were used for strength testing and the remaining two were placed in a desiccator for determining evaporable water content with respect to initial weight. Results . A major portion of the disk strength developed within the first 2 wk and continued to improve at a much slower pace with time. Tukey's multiple range test indicated that additional 48 h immersion caused significant strength reduction for disks aged less than 30 d. The amount of weight loss in the desiccator decreased with aging time. The profiles of biaxial flexure strengths with respect to weight loss are similar for both groups. It infers thet additional water storage introduces surface flaws that result in the strength reduction. Significance . Glass ionomer cement must be kept from direct water contact as long as possible to reach an acceptable level of strength.
Preventive Pharmacotherapy in Migraine

Migraine prevention can be instrumental in the effective management of the migraine patient but remains underused in treatment of this common, chronic, and often debilitating condition. The development of methysergide as the first migraine preventive agent not only laid the groundwork for our current thinking about migraine prevention, but also created a paradigm shift away from migraine as a psychological issue and toward migraine as a legitimate medical condition. This short review is intended to help the reader select patients appropriate for prevention and to initiate, monitor, and adjust preventive treatment. Goals in discussing preventive management are to facilitate provider familiarity with and confidence in this therapy leading to improved clinical outcomes and to a reduced burden of headache-related disability. Optimal therapeutic success is best achieved in the setting of a strong therapeutic alliance. Medication options for prevention are reviewed. Continued educational efforts directed at both patient and provider may be required to improve treatment utilization and reduce headache impact.
Log DOW: Key to Understanding and Regulating Wastewater-Derived Contaminants

Environmental Context. Worldwide, surface water is a source of drinking water and is a recipient of wastewater effluents and pollutants. Many surface water bodies undergo a natural, cyclical, diurnal variation in pH between 7 and 9. Most drinking water and wastewater treatment in the United States is conducted between pH 7 and 8. The pH of water undergoing treatment processes directly impacts the ratio of nonionized to ionized chemical form(s) present, which in turn impacts the success rate of contaminant removal. Many organic wastewater-derived contaminants are very water soluble at pH 7–8 and are inadequately treated. Abstract. Wastewater-derived contaminants (WWDCs) occur in surface water due to inadequate wastewater treatment and subsequently challenge the capabilities of drinking water treatment. Fundamental chemical properties must be understood to reduce the occurrence of known WWDCs and to better anticipate future chemical contaminants of concern to water supplies. To date, examination of the fundamental properties of WWDCs in surface water appears to be completely lacking or inappropriately applied. In this research, the hydrophobicity–ionogenicity profiles of WWDCs reported to occur in surface water were investigated, concentrating primarily on pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), steroids, and hormones. Because most water treatment is conducted between pH 7 and 8 and because DOW, the pH-dependent n-octanol–water distribution ratio embodies simultaneously the concepts of hydrophobicity and ionogenicity, DOW at pH 7–8 is presented as an appropriate physicochemical parameter for understanding and regulating water treatment. Although the pH-dependent chemical character of hydrophobicity is not new science, this concept is insufficiently appreciated by scientists, engineers, and practitioners currently engaged in chemical assessment. The extremely hydrophilic character of many WWDCs at pH 7–8, indicated by DOW (the combination of KOW and pKa) not by KOW of the neutral chemical, is proposed as an indicator of occurrence in surface water.
Neighborhood design and vehicle type choice: Evidence from Northern California

Previous studies have found that suburban development is associated with the unbalanced choice of light duty trucks. The specific aspects of the built environment that influence vehicle choice, however, have not been well-established. Further, these studies have not shed much light on the underlying direction of causality: whether neighborhood designs themselves, as opposed to preferences for neighborhood characteristics or attitudes towards travel, more strongly influence individuals’ decisions regarding vehicle type. Using a sample from Northern California, this study investigated the relationship between neighborhood design and vehicle type choice, controlling for residential self-selection. Correlation analyses showed that neighborhood design has a strong association with vehicle type choice. Specifically, traditional neighborhood designs are correlated with the choice of passenger cars, while suburban designs are associated with the choice of light duty trucks. The nested logit model suggests that sociodemographic and attitudinal factors play an important role, and that an outdoor spaciousness measure (based on perceptions of yard sizes and off-street parking availability) and commute distance also impact vehicle type choice after controlling for those other influences. This study, therefore, supports the premise that land use policies have at least some potential to reduce the choice of light duty trucks, thereby reducing emissions.
Nitrogen and carbon export from urban areas through removal and export of litterfall

We found that up to 52 ± 17% of residential litterfall carbon (C) and nitrogen (N; 390.6 kg C and 6.5 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) is exported through yard waste removed from the City of Boston, which is equivalent to more than half of annual N outputs as gas loss (i.e. denitrification) or leaching. Our results show that removing yard waste results in a substantial decrease in N inputs to urban areas, which may offset excess N inputs from atmospheric deposition, fertilizer application and pet waste. However, export of C and N via yard waste removal may create nutrient limitation for some vegetation due to diminished recycling of nutrients. Removal of leaf litter from residential areas disrupts nutrient cycling and residential yard management practices are an important modification to urban biogeochemical cycling, which could contribute to spatial heterogeneity of ecosystems that are either N limited or saturated within urban ecosystems.
The prognostic significance of quantitative signal-averaged variables relative to clinical variables, site of myocardial infarction, ejection fraction and ventricular premature beats: A prospective study

A prospective study was undertaken of the prognostic significance of quantitative signal-averaged electrocardiographic (ECG) variables relative to clinical variables, site of myocardial infarction, left ventricular ejection fraction and characteristics of ventricular premature beats in 115 patients (mean age 62 ± 12 years) studied 10 ± 6 days after myocardial infarction. Signal-averaged variables included the root mean square voltage of the terminal 40 ms, the duration of the filtered signal-averaged QRS complex and low amplitude signals <40 μV determined at 25 and 40 Hz high pass filtering in all patients. Of the 115 patients, 51 (44%) had an abnormal signal-averaged ECG (one or more abnormal signal-averaged variables), 51 (44%) at 25 Hz and 48 (42%) at 40 Hz high pass filtering. A higher proportion of patients with an inferior wall infarction had an abnormal signal-averaged ECG as compared with patients with anterior wall infarction (58% versus 31%). Over a 14 ± 8 month follow-up period 16 patients (14%) had an arrhythmic event. An abnormal signal-averaged ECG at 40 Hz high pass filtering had a higher sensitivity (81 % versus 75%) and specificity (65% versus 61 %) than at 25 Hz high pass filtering. The predictive value of the signal-averaged ECG was superior to that of the ejection fraction (40% versus 20%) in anterior wall myocardial infarction, whereas in patients with inferior wall infarction, the predictive values of the two tests were equivalent. The prognostic power of 27 clinical and noninvasive variables was determined with the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The variables most significantly associated with an arrhythmic event were 1) signal-averaged QRS duration at 40 Hz (improvement χ2= 16.58 = 0.0001); 2) couplets (improvement χ2= 5.39 p = 0.02); and 3) ejection fraction (improvement χ2= 4.10, p = 0.04). In conclusion: 1) An abnormal signal-averaged ECG is seen in a high proportion of patients after an acute myocardial infarction and is associated with a significantly higher incidence of arrhythmic events. 2) High pass filtering provided a better sensitivity and specificity at 40 Hz than at 25 Hz. 3) The predictive value of the signal-averaged ECG in patients with anterior wall infarction is better than that of the ejection fraction, whereas the predictive value of these two tests is equivalent in inferior infarction. 4) The duration of the signal-averaged QRS complex is the most significant independent predictor of an arrhythmic event, followed by ventricular couplets and ejection fraction.
The Consequences of Parental Underestimation and Overestimation of Youth Exposure to Violence

This study investigated differences in parent and child estimates of the child's exposure to violence. Using data (N = 1,517) from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, analyses related differences between parent and child reports of the child's exposure to violence to the child's psychosocial functioning. Most parents (66%) underestimated their children's exposure to violence. Further, parental underestimation was associated with the child's internalizing and externalizing problems and delinquent behaviors but parental overestimation was not. Family support partially mediated these associations. Parental underestimation of the child's exposure to violence, therefore, reflected lower levels of family support, which in turn led to more internalizing and externalizing problems and delinquency for the child.
Examining Externalizing Behavior Trajectories of Youth in Group Homes: Is there Evidence for Peer Contagion?

Although concerns about peer contagion are often cited in critiques of group treatments for troubled youths, few studies have examined the effects of exposure to deviant peers in residential group care settings. This study used administrative data of youth served at Boys Town, a nationally-known group care provider. Using latent class growth analysis, this study identified the externalizing behavior trajectories of youth in group care as well as the behavior trajectory of the peers with whom they lived, assessed the relationship between youth trajectory classes and individual and peer group characteristics as well as the relationship between an individual youth’s behavior pattern and the behavior pattern of proximal peers. Several results suggested the presence of peer contagion in group care: a trajectory class of gradually increasing externalizing behavior problems, the strength of deviant peer density in predicting an individual youth’s externalizing behavior trajectories and significant associations between behavior patterns of youth and proximal peers. While there is some evidence that suggests an increase in problem behavior during care, results from this study indicated that over 90% of the youth did not have an increase in problem behaviors and that positive peer influences may also be protective and inhibit problem behaviors.
The event that produced heat shield rock and its implications for the Martian atmosphere

[1] Methods developed in previous work were used to estimate the mass, trajectory, and atmospheric conditions that produced Heat Shield Rock, the iron meteorite discovered on Mars by the Opportunity rover in January, 2005. We find that Heat Shield Rock encountered Mars at high speed and shallow entry angle, probably at a time when the planet possessed a thicker atmosphere. It entered the atmosphere with a mass of more than 60 kg, underwent significant ablation during atmospheric passage, and ricocheted across the surface upon impact. We conclude that Heat Shield Rock probably represents physical evidence that Mars once had a denser atmosphere.
Poly-hetero-ω-functionalized Alkanethiolate-stabilized gold cluster compounds

This paper describes two synthetic approaches, simultaneous and stepwise exchange, to poly-hetero-ω-functionalized monolayer-protected cluster compounds (MPC's), as well their spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization. Poly-hetero-ω-functionalization of MPC's provides a framework within which to study intra- and intermolecular cluster chemistry and to design multistep, mutually supporting catalytic and electron donor/acceptor reactions on cluster surfaces. Factors affecting the extent of exchange (measured by NMR) include the steric bulk of the ω-functional group as well as the chain lengths of the protecting and incoming ligands. Poly-hetero-ω-functionalized clusters can incorporate mixed redox functions as illustrated by microelectrode voltammetry of a poly-ferrocene/anthraquinone mixed cluster. The cluster voltammetric waves lie at potentials consistent with those observed in dilute solutions of the unbound electroactive thiols, within the uncertainty of the Ag quasi-reference electrode potent...
Temperatures of solid-to-solid transitions in (NH4)SO4, Rb2SO4, Cs2SO4, Cs2SeO4, and Cs2CrO4 under hydrostatic pressures to 0.6 GPa

Abstract Differential thermal analyses (d.t.a.) in hydrostatic apparatus to 0.6 GPa using Ar or CO2 have yielded the following linear variations with pressure, d T tr dp , of the temperatures of rapidly reversible solid-to-solid transitions: [substance, 0.1 MPa transition temperature T tr K , ( d T tr dp ) Pa μ K −1 ] Cs2CrO4, ≈ 1017 to ≈ 1024, ≈ 0.22; Cs2SeO4, (848 ± 4) or (886 ± 4), ≈ 0.24; Cs2SO4, (973 ± 4), (0.173 ± 0.013); Rb2SO4, (915 ± 3), (0.20 ± 0.01); (NH4)2SO4, (629 ± 3), (0.24 ± 0.02). The transition in (NH4)2SO4 apparently has not been encountered previously. Inconsistencies in and lack of measurements on entropy and volume changes thwart attempts to achieve self-consistent thermodynamic quantities for these transitions by using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
Catastrophic fragmentation of asteroids: evidence from meteorites

Meteorites are impact-derived fragments from approximately 85 parent bodies. For seven of these bodies, the meteorites record evidence suggesting that they may have been catastrophically fragmented. We identify three types of catastrophic events: (1) impact and reassemble events greater than 4.4 Gy ago, involving molten or very hot parent bodies (greater than 1200 C); this affected the parent bodies of the ureilites, Shallowater, and the mesosiderites. In each case, the fragments cooled rapidly (approximately 1-1000 C/day) and then reassembled. (2) Later impacts involving cold bodies which, in some cases, reassembled; this occurred on the H and L ordinary chondrite parent bodies. The L parent body probably suffered another catastrophic event about 500 My ago. (3) Recent impacts of cold, multi-kilometer-sized bodies that generated meter-sized meteoroids; this occurred on the parent bodies of the IIIAB irons (650 My ago), the IVA irons (400 My ago), and the H ordinary chondrite (7 My ago).
Generalized shell heat transfer element for modeling the thermal response of non-uniformly heated structures

A generalized shell heat transfer element is formulated in isoparametric coordinates to simulate the 3D thermal of non-uniformly heated shells with curved geometries. The element uses a combination of finite element and control volume methods to discretize the domain of the element into 2D layers that are coupled by a finite difference calculation. As demonstrated in previous work, the finite element-control volume formulation allows the thermal response to be evaluated with minimal computational expense and the temperature field is calculated in a manner that is compatible with distributed plasticity elements for structural analysis. Although the formulation uses a mixture of finite element and finite difference equations, the element equations are in a form that can readily be implemented in a commercial finite element code. The nine-node quadratic element considered here is implemented in Abaqus as a user-defined element. One-, two-, and three-dimensional verification cases are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the element. Comparisons between the shell heat transfer element and traditional continuum heat transfer elements illustrate that the shell element converges rapidly and results in significant savings in computational expense.
Kinetics of bromodichloromethane metabolism by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes in human liver microsomes

Abstract The kinetic constants for the metabolism of bromodichloromethane (BDCM) by three cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes have been measured in human liver microsomes. The three CYP isoenzymes, CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, have been identified previously as important in the metabolism of this compound. To measure the constants for each isoenzyme, enzyme-specific inhibitory antibodies were used to block the activities for two of the three isoenzymes. CYP2E1 was found to have the lowest Km, 2.9 μM, and the highest catalytic activity, kcat. The Km for the other isoenzymes, CYP1A2 and CYP3A4, were about 60 μM with lower values of kcat. Apparent kinetic constants obtained from two microsomal samples that were not inhibited were consistent with these results. In addition, 11 human microsome samples characterized for 10 CYP activities were correlated with the metabolism of 9.7 μM BDCM by each sample; statistical analysis showed a correlation with CYP2E1 activity only. This result is consistent with the finding that CYP2E1 is the only isoenzyme with a Km lower than the BDCM concentration used. The kinetic constants obtained from the inhibited microsomes were compared to similar results from recombinant human isoenzyme preparations containing only one CYP isoenzyme. The results for CYP2E1 were very similar, while the results for CYP1A2 were somewhat less similar and there was a substantial divergence for CYP3A4 in the two systems. Possible reasons for these differences are differing levels of CYP reductase and/or differing makeup of the membrane lipid environment for the CYPs. Because of the low levels of BDCM exposure from drinking water, it appears likely that CYP2E1 will dominate hepatic CYP-mediated BDCM metabolism in humans.
Deweyan democracy in a globalized world

Drawing primarily on the work of John Dewey, Kathy Hytten argues that rethinking democracy can help us to respond more productively to the challenges of globalization. Dewey maintained that democracy is much more than a political system; instead it is a personal way of life, a mode of associated living, and a moral ideal. Yet this is not the vision of democracy prevalent today, especially within the rhetoric of globalization. Hytten begins by describing some of the challenges of globalization. She then shows how Dewey faced similar challenges, discussing why Dewey's ideas are still relevant. Hytten goes on to trace how Dewey's conception of democracy can help us to think differently about these challenges. She concludes by arguing that Dewey offers us some valuable democratic habits, dispositions, and visions that remain important resources in building a pluralistic, socially just, inclusive, and enriching community within our globalized world.
Forming voltage scaling of resistive switching memories

Metal oxide based resistive random-access-memory (RRAM) often requires a forming process before stable resistive switching can be achieved. Electrical forming usually involves voltages higher than normal switching conditions. It presents a design challenge because additional peripheral circuitry may be needed for this one-time process. RRAM is generally considered highly scalable owing to the filamentary conduction and switching mechanism; however, the forming properties have to be considered in a realistic assessment of RRAM scalability. Experiments have shown that RRAM forming voltage usually increases when device size scales down. This paper presents a simplified model to quantitatively analyze the area scaling of forming voltages. Statistical distribution of forming voltages can be simulated with a variable-resistor network model. Solutions to reduce the impact of forming process are needed for truly scalable RRAM technologies.
A Fully Encapsulated Directional Self-Powered Gamma Ray Detector for Use in in-Core Nuclear Reactor Measurements

A study of a fully encapsulated directional self-powered gamma ray detector designed for localized incore measurements in a nuclear reactor was conducted. The detector consisted of a multilayer arrangement of a metal-dielectric-metal-dielectric-metal structure. The dielectric material was made of two plates of unequal thicknesses which were placed on opposite sides of the central metal plate. The direction discrimination exhibited by the detector was attributed to the combined effect of electron ranges, Photo-Compton electron generation rates, and the presence of E-fields in the unequal thicknesses of dielectric material. Results showing the response of the detector when it was placed in a gamma ray field with a known anisotropic component are presented.
Organizational harm, legal condemnation and stakeholder retaliation: A typology, research agenda and application

The essence of the ethical issues pertinent to business activities is the harm or benefit that occurs as part of a company's resource transformation process. A typology is developed that sorts ethical issues according to three variables: (1) the nature of the harm, (2) the nature of those harmed and (3) the transformation stage where the harm occurs. Propositions are formulated that would enable analysts and practitioners to predict the degree of legal condemnation of, and stakeholder retaliation to, harms generated by questionable moral reasoning. An organizational harm analysis is then constructed as a decision making tool that could supplement cost/benefit analysis.
The patchwork: Health reform, American style.

0277-9536/$ e see front matter 2010 Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2010.10.016 American health care rightly has been characterized as a “paradox of excess and deprivation” (Enthoven & Kronick, 1989, p. 29). The United States spends more on medical care than any country in the worlddover $2.5 trillion or 17% of its gross domestic product as of 2009. At the same time, the U.S. is the only rich democracy where a substantial portion of its residents lacks health insurance coverage. Fifty-one million Americans (nearly 17% of the population) go without health insurance at any given time (Denavas-Walt, Proctor, & Smith, 2010). Another twenty-five million American adults are “underinsured,” covered by insurance policies that inadequately protect them against the high costs of medical care (Schoen, Collins, Kriss, & Doty, 2008). Serious problems in access to and the costs of American medical care are nothing new, but meaningful health reform has long been elusive. During the twentieth century, reformers repeatedly failed to secure enactment of universal health insurance (Morone & Blumenthal, 2009; Starr, 1982). The U.S. last adopted a major expansion of health care coverage in 1965. Consequently, the nation’s uninsured rate hasmarched upward in recent decades. The enactment of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act thus stands as a historic milestone and a break from the stalemated past (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010; Oberlander, 2010). This essayaims to illuminate the 2009e2010 struggle overhealth reformand evaluatewhat type of reform that struggle produced.We begin by highlighting the considerable obstacles that President Obama and Democrats faced in pursuing major health care legislation and the political strategies they developed to overcome those obstacles. We then turn to the legislative result, a patchwork of
Excimer‐laser‐induced crystallization of hydrogenated amorphous silicon

The electronic transport properties and structural morphology of fast‐pulse excimer‐laser‐ crystallized hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) thin films have been measured. The room‐temperature dark dc conductivities and Hall mobilities increase by several orders of magnitude at well‐defined laser energy density thresholds which decrease as the impurity concentration in the films increases. The structural morphology of the films suggests an impurity‐induced reduction of the a‐Si:H melt temperature as the origin of this behavior.
Measuring surface water in soil with light reflectance

The light absorbed by water in soil and plants is readily determined using hyperspectral full-range imagery and field spectrometers. The full absorption of light can be accounted for by fitting the shape of water absorptions at the same time as other diagnostic bands using multiple Gaussian functions. This research is particularly important in soils due to the loss of mineral band depth with the spread of the fundamental water just beyond the SWIR. The relationship of the albedo lost to band depth, for the same mineral media, is nonlinear. By including water and mineral absorptions in the same fitting, the accuracy of the mineral abundance estimates are shown substantially improved. In addition, measurements of absorption change within the soil surface are so sensitive to water content that these bands as indexes and absorption fitting are excellent predictors of the amount of organic matter. Spectral model is shown for determining water content based water indexes and the fitted SWIR band as a good predictors of soil biological crust, such as lichen and cyanobacteria, in hyperarid soils of the Mojave Desert.
Dust Controls for the Bagging of Dry Chemicals: A Case Study

Abstract Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have studied the control of dust exposures associated with packaging operations (filling of bags with a dry material and subsequent handling operations) to identify dust sources and to determine the effectiveness of some of the dust controls presently in use. This case study describes the evaluation of controls at one plant. The plant used force-flow packer units (packers) to fill bags with a dry powder on either a manual or automatic packaging system. Combinations of ventilation, booths, enclosures, hoppers, work practices, and other controls were used at this packaging operation. For this high volume packaging operation of a crystalline silica material, an automatic system with well-designed capture hoods and high exhaust ventilation rates provided dust control resulting in average personal respirable dust exposures below 0.2 mg/m3.
Scattering of light by thin polymer films. An apparatus for measurement of scattering at very low angles

An apparatus is described for studying the scattering from polymer films at angles to within 0.1° from the incident beam. A temperature-controlled chamber for carrying out these measurements at elevated temperatures is also described. The performance of the apparatus in measuring the scattering from a polyethylene film is illustrated.
Cold Shock Domain Family Members YB-1 and MSY4 Share Essential Functions during Murine Embryogenesis

Three cold shock domain (CSD) family members (YB-1, MSY2, and MSY4) exist in vertebrate species ranging from frogs to humans. YB-1 is expressed throughout embryogenesis and is ubiquitously expressed in adult animals; it protects cells from senescence during periods of proliferative stress. YB-1-deficient embryos die unexpectedly late in embryogenesis (embryonic day 18.5 [E18.5] to postnatal day 1) with a runting phenotype. We have now determined that MSY4, but not MSY2, is also expressed during embryogenesis; its abundance declines substantially from E9.5 to E17.5 and is undetectable on postnatal day 1(adult mice express MSY4 in testes only). Whole-mount analysis revealed similar patterns of YB-1 and MSY4 RNA expression in E11.5 embryos. To determine whether MSY4 delays the death of YB-1-deficient embryos, we created and analyzed MSY4-deficient mice and then generated YB-1 and MSY4 double-knockout embryos. MSY4 is dispensable for normal development and survival, but the testes of adult mice have excessive spermatocyte apoptosis and seminiferous tubule degeneration. Embryos doubly deficient for YB-1 and MSY4 are severely runted and die much earlier (E8.5 to E11.5) than YB-1-deficient embryos, suggesting that MSY4 indeed shares critical cellular functions with YB-1 in the embryonic tissues where they are coexpressed.
A computational analysis of electrohydrodynamics of a leaky dielectric drop in an electric field .

Axisymmetric steady flows driven by an electric field about a deformable fluid drop suspended in an immiscible fluid are studied within the framework of the leaky dielectric model. Deformations of the drop and the flow fields are determined by solving the nonlinear free-boundary problem composed of the Navier-Stokes system governing the flow field and Laplace's system governing the electric field. The solutions are obtained by using the Galerkin finite-element method with an elliptic mesh generation scheme. Under conditions of creeping flow and vanishingly small drop deformations, the results of finite-element computations recover the asymptotic results. When drop deformations become noticeable, the asymptotic results are often found to underestimate both the flow intensity and drop deformation. By tracking solution branches in parameter space with an arc-length continuation method, curves in parameter space of the drop deformation parameter D versus the square of the dimensionless field strength E usually exhibit a turning point when E reaches a critical value Ec. Along such a family of drop shapes, steady solutions do not exist for E > Ec. The nonlinear relationship revealed computationally between D and E2 appears to be capable of providing insight into discrepancies reported in the literature between experiments and predictions based on the asymptotic theory. In some special cases with fluid conductivities closely matched, however, drop deformations are found to grow with E2 indefinitely and no critical value Ec is encountered by the corresponding solution branches. For most cases with realistic values of physical properties, the overall electrohydrodynamic behaviour is relatively insensitive to effects of finite-Reynolds-number flow. However, under extreme conditions when fluids of very low viscosities are involved, computational results illustrate a remarkable shape turnaround phenomenon: a drop with oblate deformation at low field strength can evolve into a prolate-like drop shape as the field strength is increased.
Potassium Negatively Regulates Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Expression in Human Adrenocortical H295R Cells

Abstract We have previously shown that the human adrenocortical H295R cell line expresses the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT 1 -R) and that expression of this receptor is downregulated at the level of mRNA by forskolin or dibutyryl-cAMP as well as by angiotensin II (Ang II). In this study we examine the effects of K + on both AT 1 -R mRNA and receptors, as monitored through 125 I–Ang II binding in the presence of PD 123319. After treatment with a maximal stimulatory steroidogenic dose of K + (14 mmol/L), H295R cells showed an increase in cytosolic free Ca 2+ from 113 to 212 nmol/L. Unlike the effects of Ang II, this increase could be abolished by pretreatment with the Ca 2+ channel antagonist nifedipine (1 μmol/L). AT 1 -R mRNA levels also fell in response to elevated extracellular K + in a dose-dependent ( K d , 9 mmol/L; maximal fall in message at 12 mmol/L) and time-dependent (maximum 50% at 12 hours) manner. The change in AT 1 -R mRNA level was less rapid than that in response to activation of phosphoinositidase C by Ang II or adenylyl cyclase by forskolin or by dibutyryl-cAMP. Unlike the action of Ang II but similar to the action of forskolin or dibutyryl-cAMP, the action of K + was sustained. Changes in mRNA level in response to treatment with K + , Ang II, or dibutyryl-cAMP were also paralleled by changes in 125 I–Ang II binding in each case. The mechanism of action of K + on AT 1 -R mRNA also appears to be mediated through the opening of voltage-sensitive channels on the plasma membrane because the drop in AT 1 -R mRNA was similarly abolished by the Ca 2+ channel blocker nifedipine. In conclusion, our findings show that AT 1 -R mRNA levels can be controlled through a Ca 2+ -dependent signaling pathway, as well as through phosphoinositidase C or adenylyl cyclase signaling pathways, and that these changes in mRNA level underlie a corresponding change in receptor protein at the cell surface.
Floral plasticity in an iteroparous plant: the interactive effects of genotype, environment, and ontogeny in Campanula rapunculoides (Campanulaceae).

Phenotypic variation in 11 floral and reproductive traits was studied in cloned plants of Campanula rapunculoidesreplicated in three discrete environments. Using an ANOVA approach, we determined the relative influence of genotype (G), environment (E), G 3 E interaction, and ontogeny (position on the raceme) on the 11 traits. Two traits, duration of flowering and pollen size, showed no significant variation. All nine remaining traits had significant genotypic variation, accounting for 21‐38% of the total phenotypic variation. Correlations among variant traits in seven genotypes were predominantly positive, but several significant correlations in one environment changed sign or were nonsignificant in another environment. Ovule number was negatively correlated with most male function traits: the negative correlation between ovule and pollen number was particularly strong and consistent across environments. Six traits varied significantly across environments, including number of flowers, number of ovules per flower, and duration of the male phase, but pollen traits did not show a significant environmental main effect. The G 3 E interaction was significant for flower number, corolla size, nectar quality, duration of the male phase, pollen viability, and ovule number. The contribution of interaction variance to the total phenotypic variation (5‐14%) was comparable to that of the environment alone (7‐21%). Ovule number decreased in flowers on the upper part of the raceme by nearly 25%, but other traits did not vary significantly by floral position. These results suggest that (1) pollen traits are buffered against environmental change more than ovule number or other floral characters, (2) a male‐female trade-off exists and is complicated by ontogenic factors, (3) G 3 E interactions are common but may have small effects, and (4) specific correlation patterns among floral traits can be dependent upon the environment under which they develop.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in transposition of the great arteries treated with mustard atrial baffle.

The survival of patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) has dramatically improved with corrective surgical procedures, including the atrial and arterial switch operations. In the current era, the majority of the adult patients typically have undergone atrial switch operations, either a Senning or a Mustard procedure. Late complications include baffle obstruction, systemic ventricular failure, systemic atrioventricular valve regurgitation, and rhythm disturbances. The most common atrial arrhythmia in this population is intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART), which has been associated with development of heart failure and death.1–4 Proarrhythmic factors include atrial enlargement from tricuspid regurgitation and systemic right ventricular failure, as well as suture lines. As this population ages, chronic hemodynamic stress may result in atrial fibrillation as well. We present the first report of catheter ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation in a patient with D-TGA treated with prior Mustard repair. ### Case Report A 41-year-old man with D-TGA status post Mustard repair presented with longstanding, recurrent atrial arrhythmias. He originally underwent balloon atrial septostomy 2 days after birth and a subsequent atrial switch procedure using the Mustard technique at 2 years of age.5 He did well until age 32, at which time he had recurrent symptomatic IART. EP study was performed. Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent flutter was induced and confirmed by entrainment mapping. Lines of ablation were drawn across the systemic venous baffle portion of the “medial” CTI and the pulmonary venous “lateral” CTI using a retrograde, aortic approach. Flutter terminated with ablation and could not be reinduced. Bidirectional block was demonstrated across the CTI. He remained arrhythmia-free for 2 years, then presented again at age 34 with exertional intolerance and fatigue due to partial obstruction of the pulmonary venous baffle. He underwent patch augmentation of the stenotic …
A Review of Literature Concerning Odors, Ammonia, and Dust from Broiler Production Facilities: 2. Flock and House Management Factors

SUMMARY Confinement buildings are one of the most likely sources of odor in a broiler operation. The buildings must be ventilated, either mechanically with fans or relying on natural airflow, to prevent animal mortality and enhance animal health. Consequently, odors generated within the building are carried to the surrounding environment by the ventilation system. This review addresses the management of those factors that affect the production and removal of odorants in a broiler production operation. Published literature does not specifically discuss odor generation within broilerhouses.Severalstudiesdealwithammonia(anodorantgas)orparticulatematter(apollutant thought to carry odorant gases) emissions in broiler houses. These studies are discussed and inferences are made about the generation of odors under similar conditions. Conditions that lead to higher moisture in the litter tend to increase ammonia release, and by inference, more odorant release. Higher litter moisture is presumed to encourage greater microbial degradation ofuric acidexcreted bythe birdsinto thelitter andrelease moreammonia. Evaporative coolers may produce excess water droplets that fall to the litter rather than evaporate to cool the incoming air. Broiler houses that use misting systems generally have higher moisture content in the litter at the inlet end of the house. Either type of evaporative cooling system may also reduce litter drying rates by increasing humidity levels within the house. At the other extreme, low litter moisture could lead to the production of more particulate matter (i.e., dust), a pollutant that can transport odors to the atmosphere. The optimum litter moisture content that can minimize odorant and dust release is somewhere within the range of 25 to 35%, but exact values for optimum balance depend on numerous house-specific conditions. Changes in dietary nutrient levels can alter the production of ammonia by varying the amount of nitrogen available; however, most currently researched methods show negative impacts on productivity. Management of watering devices is critical to controlling litter moisture. Proper water equipment maintenance and operation are part of daily house management strategies to control litter moisture and, therefore, dust and odor.
Audiometric Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Does Subclinical Hearing Loss Impact Communication?

Rates of hearing impairment in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are higher than those reported in the general population. Although ASD is not caused by hearing impairment, it may exacerbate symptomatology. Participants with ASD (N = 60) and typically developing peers (N = 16) aged 5–18 years underwent a comprehensive audiological screening (pure tone audiometry, uncomfortable loudness level, tympanometry, acoustic reflexes, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response) and assessment of communication abilities (expressive/receptive language, articulation, phonological awareness, and vocal affect recognition). Incidence of abnormal findings on at least one measure of audiological functioning was higher for the ASD group (55%) than controls (14.9%) or the general population estimate (6%). The presence of sound sensitivity was also considerably higher for the ASD group (37%) compared with controls (0%) or general population estimates (8–15%). When participants with ASD were dichotomized into groups with and without evidence of clinical audiological abnormality, no significant differences were identified on measures of communication; however, results of correlational analyses indicated that variability in hearing thresholds at middle range frequencies (2000 Hz) was significantly related to performance on all measures of speech articulation and language after correction for multiple comparisons (r = −0.48 to r = −0.53, P < 0.0045). These findings suggest that dichotomized classification of clinical audiology may not be sufficient to understand the role of subclinical hearing loss in ASD symptomatology and that treatment studies for mild/subclinical hearing loss in this population may be worthwhile. Autism Res 2015. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.