cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does the DSW Practice Doctorate Provide Opportunities for Closing Gaps in Gerontology

The 2019 annual conference of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) highlighted the increasing role that the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree is playing in social work education. Over the past 15 years, social work has followed suit with a number of other health and helping professions (PsyD, DNP, DPT, etc.) by expanding access to practice doctorate programs for professionals who are interested in doctoral-level training, but primarily have interest to remain working in the field as practitioners, rather than become researchers. As more DSW programs have emerged, questions and concerns persist about the DSW, with most questions pertaining to the meaning of the degree for the overall field and the value of having an additional advanced practice degree in social work beyond the MSW degree. However, I urge readers of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work to consider the opportunities that the DSW may present for advancing gerontological education, research, and practice.
Patient perceptions and knowledge of Parkinson's disease and treatment (KnowPD).

Background As the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD) affects over 1 million Americans. Treatment is complex and may include pharmacotherapy, rehabilitative measures, and surgical intervention. A comprehensive understanding of the patient's perceptions about PD is a vital step towards improving health literacy and clinical outcomes. Methods KnowPD is a web-based survey with Likert responses for a cross-sectional, nonrandomized study to assess patients' knowledge of PD symptoms, medications, deep brain stimulation (DBS), rehabilitation, and other factors relevant to disease management. Results Of the 98 subjects surveyed, 90% agreed they had sufficient knowledge of PD. However, in this cohort, 82% incorrectly believed levodopa stops working as the disease progresses, 77% erroneously thought DBS improves balance and reduces falls, and, <50% could answer specific questions regarding the dosing of levodopa despite over 75% reporting managing their own medications. A majority of patients (84%) believed it was possible to live well with PD, correlating with their self-reported knowledge of the disease. Finally, patients selected electronic video (13.7%) and reading (20.0%) material, yearly symposia (20.0%), and lunch lectures (28.4%) as their preferred method of information delivery. Conclusion Misconceptions are prevalent among PD patients, and these appear to be unrelated to gender, provider type, or education level. Identification and characterization of this knowledge gap is vital towards allocating patient education resources, and the findings described herein will form the basis for effective educational interventions.
Lateralized Evoked Responses in Parietal Cortex Demonstrate Visual Short-Term Memory Deficits in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Working memory dysfunction may be central to neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Maintenance of visual information in working memory, or visual short-term memory (vSTM), is linked to general cognitive dysfunction and predicts functional outcome. Lateralized change-detection tasks afford investigation of the contralateral delay activity (CDA), a useful tool for investigating vSTM dysfunction. Previous work suggests "hyperfocusing" of attention in schizophrenia, such that CDA is increased when a single item is maintained in vSTM but reduced for multiple items. If observed early in the disease, vSTM dysfunction may be a key feature of schizophrenia or target for intervention. We investigated CDA during lateralized vSTM of one versus three items using sensor-level electroencephalography and source-level magnetoencephalography in 26 individuals at their first episode of schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis (FESz) and 26 matched healthy controls. FESz were unable to modulate CDA with increased memory load - high-load CDA was reduced and low-load CDA was increased compared to controls. Further, sources of CDA in posterior parietal cortex were reduced in FESz and indices of working memory were correlated with neurocognitive deficits and symptom severity. These results support working memory maintenance dysfunction as a central and early component to the disorder. Targeted intervention focusing on vSTM deficits may be warranted to alleviate downstream effects of this disability.
Acalabrutinib: A Selective Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies.

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a validated target for treatment of B-cell malignancies, and oral inhibitors of BTK have emerged as a standard of care for these diseases. Acalabrutinib is a second generation, highly selective, potent, covalent BTK inhibitor that exhibits minimal off-target activity in in vitro assays, providing the potential to improve tolerability over the first-in-class BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib. Acalabrutinib was approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the US in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Acalabrutinib is also undergoing trials for other B-cell malignancies, both as monotherapy and in combinations. In this review, we discuss results from clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of acalabrutinib in patients with CLL, MCL, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Recent phase 3 data showed that acalabrutinib improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with rituximab plus idelalisib or rituximab plus bendamustine in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL, and acalabrutinib with or without obinutuzumab improved PFS compared with chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab in patients with treatment-naive CLL. Overall, acalabrutinib had a tolerable safety profile, with most adverse events being grade 1/2 severity (most commonly headache and diarrhea) and a low rate of discontinuation due to adverse events.
Self-Reported Sense of Direction and Vestibular Function in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

Sense of direction is an individual’s ability to navigate within an environment and generate a mental map of novel environments. Although sense of direction is correlated with psychometric tests of spatial ability, it also reflects an individual’s real-world spatial ability that is not fully captured by laboratory-based assessments. Sense of direction is known to vary widely in the population and has been shown to decline with age. However, other factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of direction have not been well-characterized. Vestibular impairment has been linked to reduced spatial cognitive ability, which encompasses spatial memory and navigation skills. Several studies have shown that vestibular input is necessary for effective spatial cognition, notably accurate spatial navigation ability. These studies have typically considered laboratory-based spatial navigation assessments; however, the influence of vestibular function on variation in real-world sense of direction is unknown. In this study, we evaluated whether vestibular function is associated with self-reported sense of direction. Participants for this cross-sectional study were recruited from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, a longstanding cohort study of healthy aging. In a modified version of the Santa Barbara Sense-of-Direction (SBSOD) Scale, participants rated statements about spatial and navigational abilities. A lower average score indicates poorer self-reported sense of direction. Vestibular function testing included cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) to assess saccular function, ocular VEMP to assess utricular function, and the video head-impulse test to assess semicircular canal function based on vestibular ocular reflex. The study sample included 82 participants with mean age of 71.0 (± 16.9) years and mean SBSOD score of 4.95(± 1.07). In a multivariate linear regression model, female sex and bilateral saccular loss were associated with a lower average SBSOD score. These data suggest that vestibular impairment contributes to the known variation in spatial navigation ability.
Pre-Election Conduct - Expanding Employer Rights and Some New and Renewed Perspectives

This article discusses the evolution of selected National Labor Relations Board rules and procedures governing employer conduct during the period preceding a representation election. Several com mentators have suggested that there should be fewer structural con trols on employer campaign conduct, and Board decisions indicate such a trend. The author considers the validity of these suggestions and concludes that rather than a drastic reduction in Board control, the Board should clarify the rules concerning permissible conduct and consider other kinds of reform.
The Alpha and Omega of Galactosylceramides in T Cell Immune Function

Glycosphingolipids are a subgroup of glycolipids that contain an amino alcohol sphingoid base linked to sugars. They are found in the membranes of cells ranging from bacteria to vertebrates. This group of lipids is known to stimulate the immune system through activation of a type of white blood cell known as natural killer T cell (NKT cell). Here we summarize the extensive research that has been done to identify the structures of natural glycolipids that stimulate NKT cells and to determine how these antigens are recognized. We also review studies designed to understand how glycolipid variants, both natural and synthetic, can alter the responses of NKT cells, leading to dramatic changes in the global immune response.
Social Phenomena of Mobile Phone Use: An Exploratory Study in Taiwanese College Students

With the dramatic increase in mobile phone usage in recent years, reports of mobile phone addiction have come in public use. While researches on other media addictions have been published, mobile phone addiction is rarely understood. Although scholars have examined in detail how heavy uses of certain media adversely affect students' academic performances, little is known about how mobile phones usage relates to academic performance. For most young people in Taiwan, a country with a high density of mobile phone users, using a mobile phone to network with family and friends has become a daily routine. This exploratory study examines the relationship between mobile phones use, mobile phone addiction, social capital, and academic performance in Taiwanese college students. This study seeks to determine the relationship between mobile phone addiction and depression among college students in Taiwan, the relationships among mobile phones usage, mobile phone addiction, and social capital, and finally, the relationships among mobile phone addiction, mobile phone usage, and students' academic performance. An online survey was designed and administered to 166 Taiwanese college students. The results showed there were no significant relationships between mobile phone addiction and depression in the sample. Heavy mobile phone users reported better relationships with their friends and family. Heavy mobile phone users also reported that frequent use of their mobile phones adversely affected their academic performance and learning, whereas light mobile phone users reported that their academic performance and learning were less negatively impacted by their mobile phones usage. However, respondents who were extremely heavy mobile phone users reported that their mobile phones positively affected their academic performance.
Abstract #5509: Inhibition of RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) leads to cancer cell death and increases chemosensitivity

RNA-dependent protein kinase is an interferon-induced, double-stranded (ds), RNA-activated serine/threonine protein kinase involved in the eukaryotic response to viral infection. While PKR also functions in cellular differentiation, growth control, and apoptosis, its role in human cancer remains poorly understood. To explore a role for PKR in human cancer, we evaluated PKR expression and function in a series of cancer cell lines from different tumor types. We observed that PKR protein expression is high in various cancer cells and low in normal cells. Knockdown of PKR protein expression by PKR siRNA induced cell death, indicating a PKR-dependent survival pathway under normal growth conditions. Inhibition of PKR signaling using a dominant negative adenoviral PKR mutant (Ad-\#916;6PKR) also induced cancer cell apoptosis via a mechanism that blocks activation of AKT-mediated survival while simultaneously inducing ER stress. ER stress-mediated apoptosis was evidenced by unregulated expression of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), phosphorylated cJun (p-cJun), and caspase-4 and was significantly reduced in cancer cells treated with JNK and caspase-4 inhibitors. We further demonstrated that inhibition of PKR signaling via either siRNA or Ad-\#916;6PKR sensitizes cancer cells to etoposide or cisplatin-mediated cell death. Our results suggest a rationale to develop therapeutic strategies that target PKR signaling in human cancer cells. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 5509.
Quantitative electrical impedance analysis of cartilage degradation.

Degradation of articular cartilage involves several physicochemical changes in the extracellular matrix, such as loss of highly charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) molecules and increased water content. A variety of physical and biochemical techniques are currently being investigated for detection of cartilage degeneration or the staging cartilage repair tissue following surgery. Radiographic and MRI imaging give an overall assessment of cartilage loss, but few methods are available to probe the loss of physical properties of the cartilage. Lyyra et al. [3] developed a probe that measures the mechanical indentation properties of cartilage in situ, as a means of assessing cartilage stiffness. We have shown electrical impedance to be a sensitive indicator of biochemical composition and tissue integrity [5] using a minimally invasive, hand-held surface impedance device. Tissue electrical impedance is directly dependent on electrolyte content of a given tissue and is particularly appropriate to cartilage due to its high water content. Since impedance measurements are made using high frequency, they can be used to gather data on the state of a joint cartilage surface very quickly. The impedance probe described below uses multiple electrodes which may be reconfigured in such a way as to probe different depths into the tissue in order to assess surface fibrillation. In the studies presented here, we measured the electrical impedance of the articulating surface of intact joints to gauge (1) enzymatic degradation in vitro bovine articular cartilage, (2) OA degradation in human patellae, and (3) canine model graft repair tissue, by comparing impedance measurements with biomechanical measurements, biochemical analyses, and histology.
Advanced manufacturing technologies: Determinants of implementation success

Observes that in response to the growing global competition, many manufacturing companies are in the process of adopting advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT) to improve their business operations. Notes that, despite the increasing interest in AMT, few empirical studies have been conducted to determine key success implementation factors. Presents the results of an empirical study which surveyed manufacturing companies in the USA to determine the critical success factors in the implementation of AMT. Uses tangible and intangible benefits as indicators of AMT implementation success measures. Classifies the determinants of AMT implementation success under four broad categories: the triple “C” factors (communication, commitment and co‐ordination), the housekeeping factors (action plan, effective team, vendor support, cost justification, functions integration and effective facilitator), the self‐interest factors (employee moral, satisfaction, belief in AMT and appropriate reward), and the literacy factors (understanding of firm’s business, training clarity of goals/objectives of AMT). Reveals from analysis of the responses that about 70 per cent of the variances in the success measures were explained by those determinants of AMT identified in the study.
Sexual dysfunction in diabetic women

This study examined sexual dysfunction in diabetic women. Eighty-one insulin-treated diabetic women were interviewed and administered standardized questionnaires. Using criteria derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed.) (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D.C., 1980), 38 (47%) of the women were diagnosed with sexual dysfunction and 43 (53%) did not report sexual problems. The more frequently reported sexual problems were inhibited sexual excitement, inhibited sexual desire, and dyspareunia. Diabetic women with sexual dysfunction were more depressed, more stereotyped in their sex-role definitions, and less satisfied in their sexual relationships than those without sexual dysfunction. The two groups did not differ in metabolic control, insulin dose, duration of diabetes, or frequency of diabetic complications (e.g., neuropathy, etc.). Results suggest that diabetes may be associated with inhibited sexual excitement and dyspareunia in women. Both psychological and physiological concomitants of sexual dysfunction in diabetic women should be considered in diagnostic and treatment programs.
Mutational analysis and clinical correlation in Leber congenital amaurosis.

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA, MIM 204001) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder characterized by severe visual loss from birth, nystagmus, poor pupillary reflexes, retinal pigmentary or atrophic changes, and a markedly diminished electroretinogram (ERG). Purpose: To examine 100 consecutive patients with LCA in order to assess the relative burden of the three known genes involved in LCA, namely retinal guanylyl cyclase ( GUCY2D ), retinal pigment epithelium protein ( RPE65 ), and the cone-rod homeobox ( CRX ), and to define their clinical correlates. Methods: Mutational analysis and detailed clinical examinations were performed in patients diagnosed with LCA at the Johns Hopkins Center for Hereditary Eye Diseases and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Results: Mutations were identified in 11% of our patients: GUCY2D mutations accounted for 6%, while RPE65 and CRX gene mutations accounted for 3% and 2%, respectively. The clinical presentation was variable; however, the visual evol...
Steady and fair rate allocation for rechargeable sensors in perpetual sensor networks

Renewable energy enables sensor networks with the capability to recharge and provide perpetual data services. Due to low recharging rates and the dynamics of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, providing services without interruptions caused by battery runouts is non-trivial. Most environment monitoring applications require data collection from all nodes at a steady rate. The objective of this paper is to design a solution for fair and high throughput data extraction from all nodes in presence of renewable energy sources. Specifically, we seek to compute the lexicographically maximum data collection rate for each node, such that no node will ever run out of energy. We propose a centralized algorithm and an asynchronous distributed algorithm that can compute the optimal lexicographic rate assignment for all nodes. The centralized algorithm jointly computes the optimal data collection rate for all nodes along with the flows on each link, while the distributed algorithm computes the optimal rate when the routes are pre-determined. We prove the optimality for both the centralized and the distributed algorithms, and use a testbed with 155 sensor nodes to validate the distributed algorithm.
This review suggests that video-based instruction improves skills in persons with autism spectrum disorders: Some limitations in review methodology and the original data set render this conclusion tentative

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Kagohara, D. M. (2010). Is video-based instruction effective in the rehabilitation of children with autism spectrum disorders? Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 13(2), 129–140. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: This research was supported by a Victoria PhD Scholarship. The original authors of this research report that they had no conflicts of interest. Dr. Sigafoos had no involvement in the processing and the decision to accept this manuscript; because the original paper by Kagohara (2010) was published in a journal edited by Dr. Sigafoos, the manuscript was handled by Dr. Schlosser.
Surgical Management of Multiple Ligamentous Injuries of the Feline Stifle Joint: Case Report

We report a case of complete rupture of the tendon of origin of the long digital extensor at the myotendinous junction, with concurrent ruptures of the posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in the stifle joint of a cat. Stabilization was accomplished by direct suturing of the long digital extensor injury, imbrication of the joint capsule and lateral retinacular fascia, and creation of a synthetic lateral collateral ligament
Morphological and physiological responses of seagrasses (Alismatales) to grazers (Testudines: Cheloniidae) and the role of these responses as grazing patch abandonment cues

Green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, are grazers influencing the distribution of seagrass within shal- low coastal ecosystems, yet the drivers behind C. mydas patch use within seagrass beds are largely unknown. Current theories center on food quality (nutrient content) as the plant responds to grazing disturbances; however, no study has monitored these parameters in a natural setting without grazer manipulation. To determine the morphological and physiological responses potentially influencing seagrass recovery from grazing disturbances, seagrasses were monitored for one year under three different grazing scenarios (turtle grazed, fish grazed and ungrazed) in a tropical ecosystem in Akumal Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Significantly less soluble carbohy- drates and increased nitrogen and phosphorus content in Thalassia testudinum were indicative of the stresses placed on seagrasses during herbivory. To determine if these physiological responses were the drivers of the heterogeneous grazing behavior by C. mydas recorded in Akumal Bay, patches were mapped and monitored over a six-month interval. The abandoned patches had the lowest standing crop rather than leaf nutrient or rhi- zome soluble carbohydrate content. This suggests a modified Giving Up Density (GUD) behavior: the critical threshold where cost of continued grazing does not provide minimum nutrients, therefore, new patches must be utilized, explains resource abandonment and mechanism behind C. mydas grazing. This study is the first to apply GUD theory, often applied in terrestrial literature, to explain marine herbivore grazing behavior. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1535-1548. Epub 2014 December 01.
High-Resolution Specificity from DNA Sequencing Highlights Alternative Modes of Lac Repressor Binding

Knowing the specificity of transcription factors is critical to understanding regulatory networks in cells. The lac repressor–operator system has been studied for many years, but not with high-throughput methods capable of determining specificity comprehensively. Details of its binding interaction and its selection of an asymmetric binding site have been controversial. We employed a new method to accurately determine relative binding affinities to thousands of sequences simultaneously, requiring only sequencing of bound and unbound fractions. An analysis of 2560 different DNA sequence variants, including both base changes and variations in operator length, provides a detailed view of lac repressor sequence specificity. We find that the protein can bind with nearly equal affinities to operators of three different lengths, but the sequence preference changes depending on the length, demonstrating alternative modes of interaction between the protein and DNA. The wild-type operator has an odd length, causing the two monomers to bind in alternative modes, making the asymmetric operator the preferred binding site. We tested two other members of the LacI/GalR protein family and find that neither can bind with high affinity to sites with alternative lengths or shows evidence of alternative binding modes. A further comparison with known and predicted motifs suggests that the lac repressor may be unique in this ability and that this may contribute to its selection.
Retinal tissue oxygen tension imaging in the rat

Retinal cells demand oxygen and nutrients to maintain normal metabolic function. Abnormalities in retinal oxygenation occur in acute retinal artery embolic disease, retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, and diabetic retinopathy1–8 and are implicated in the development of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.9,10 Development of technologies for assessment of retinal oxygenation can advance health care by providing a better understanding of disease pathophysiology and improving treatment outcomes. Several techniques have been developed for assessment of oxygen delivery to the retinal tissue via choroidal and retinal circulations. Multiwavelength reflectance spectrophotometry measures oxygen saturation of blood,11–15 phosphorescence lifetime imaging measures intravascular oxygen tension (PO2),16–21 and a laser Doppler method measures blood flow.22–24 However, these techniques provide measurements only in the retinal vasculature and therefore are limited for assessment of retinal tissue PO2. Retinal tissue oxygenation has been evaluated by imaging methods and oxygen-sensitive microelectrodes. Magnetic resonance imaging25–27 provides an indirect measure of retinal tissue PO2, with limited resolution compared with optical techniques. A fluorescence imaging technique28 has been reported for measurement of retinal tissue PO2, but it has limited depth discrimination. Oxygen-sensitive microelectrodes29–35 measure retinal tissue PO2 directly with high-depth resolution. This technique is considered the gold standard, but it is invasive, requiring physical penetration of the tissue. We have reported an optical imaging system for mapping of PO2 in the retinal vasculature.36–39 In the present study, we report a novel imaging technique for quantitative mapping of PO2 at different depths of retinal tissue of rats. Lateral (along the retinal plane) and axial (through the retinal depth) variations in retinal tissue PO2 were determined in three different fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2).
Effects of urbanization on plant species diversity in central Arizona

Modern urban development provides an excellent laboratory for examining the interplay among socioecological relationships. We analyzed how the rapidly urbanizing Phoenix, Arizona metropolis has affected plant species diversity and community composition at a regional scale. Species diversity and plant density probably result from abiotic sorting in undeveloped desert sites, but not in urban sites. We found that species richness at the plot scale was higher for desert as opposed to urban sites; however, the estimated total species pool in the urban ecosystem is higher than that in the desert, as a result of the increased importation of introduced species through the nursery trade. Ordination of plant communities suggests three unique groupings of species based on land-use type of the site (desert, urban, and agriculture) and two unique groupings of urban sites based on landscaping aesthetics (mesic or xeric). We therefore recognize both bottom-up and top-down controls of plant biodiversity within the urban ...
Competing roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 and cytochrome P4501B1 in benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-diol activation in human bronchoalveolar H358 cells: role of AKRs in P4501B1 induction.

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) requires metabolic activation to electrophiles to exert its deleterious effects. We compared the respective roles of aldo-keto reductase 1A1 (AKR1A1, aldehyde reductase) and P4501B1 in the formation of BP-7,8-dione and BP-tetrols, respectively, in intact bronchoalveolar cells manipulated to express either enzyme. Metabolite formation was confirmed by HPLC/MS and quantitatively measured by HPLC/UV/β-RAM. In TCDD-treated H358 cells (P4501B1 expression), the anti-BPDE hydrolysis product BP-tetrol-1 increased over 3−12 h to a constant level. In H358 AKR1A1 transfectants, formation of BP-7,8-dione was elevated for 3−12 h but significantly decreased after 24 h. Interestingly, BP-tetrols were also detected in AKR1A1 transfectants even though they do not constitutively express P4501A1/P4501B1 enzymes. Northern and Western blotting confirmed the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-dione in parental cells and the induction of P4501B1 by BP-7,8-diol in AKR1A1-transfected cells. P4501B1 induction was b...
Visualizing Clinical Evidence: Citation Networks for the Incubation Periods of Respiratory Viral Infections

Simply by repetition, medical facts can become enshrined as truth even when there is little empirical evidence supporting them. We present an intuitive and clear visual design for tracking the citation history of a particular scientific fact over time. We apply this method to data from a previously published literature review on the incubation period of nine respiratory viral infections. The resulting citation networks reveal that the conventional wisdom about the incubation period for these diseases was based on a small fraction of available data and in one case, on no retrievable empirical evidence. Overall, 50% of all incubation period statements did not provide a source for their estimate and 65% of original sources for incubation period data were not incorporated into subsequent publications. More standardized and widely available methods for visualizing these histories of medical evidence are needed to ensure that conventional wisdom cannot stray too far from empirically supported knowledge.
Synthesis gas formation by catalytic oxidation of methane in fluidized bed reactors

Abstract The production of synthesis gas (CO + H 2 ) by the catalytic partial oxidation of CH 4 in air or O 2 in static fluidized beds at atmospheric pressure has been examined over Pt, Rh, and Ni catalysts coated on 100-μm α-Al 2 O 3 beads. With CH 4 /air feeds, CO and H 2 selectivities as high as 95% with >90% CH 4 conversion were obtained on Rh and Ni catalysts at contact times of 0.1–0.5 sec. Pt catalysts were found to have significantly lower selectivities and conversions, which may be due to more H 2 O forming reactions or the slow steam reforming behavior of Pt. The optimal selectivities for all the three catalysts were improved by heating the reaction mixture above the autothermal reactor temperature and using O 2 instead of air. The selectivities and conversions were fairly constant over the range of contact times used. Probable reaction pathways for CH 4 oxidation in fluidized beds are discussed.
Insulin gene expression in chicken ontogeny: pancreatic, extrapancreatic, and prepancreatic.

Insulin has metabolic, growth, and differentiation effects in chicken embryos in vivo and it is required for normal development. Whether the pancreas is the sole source of insulin in embryogenesis is controversial. In the present study we investigated (1) the developmental pattern of expression of the chicken insulin gene in the pancreas; (2) the expression of the insulin gene in three nonpancreatic tissues, liver, brain, and lower limb, during chicken development; and (3) the expression of the insulin gene at prepancreatic stages and during chicken embryo organogenesis. Hybridization of synthetic species-specific insulin oligonucleotides to pancreatic frozen section in situ and to Northern blots revealed a major increase in insulin messenger RNA (mRNA) levels during the third week of embryonic development. The hybridization histochemistry showed both an increase in the levels of insulin mRNA per pancreatic islet and, in addition, an increase in the number of insulin mRNA containing islets with development. By Northern analysis there was a major polyadenylated transcript of 0.6 kb, which increased in abundance approximately 30-fold during this interval. Under the same stringency conditions used for pancreatic RNA an insulin transcript was detected in liver RNA blots. The abundance of this hepatic insulin mRNA was about 100-fold less than the pancreatic insulin mRNA and, in contrast to the latter, did not increase in late development. Primer extension experiments demonstrated that the insulin transcripts of pancreas and liver had similar 5′ ends. No insulin mRNA was detected by Northern analysis or primer extension either in whole brain or lower limb total RNA from several developmental stages. A very low abundance insulin mRNA was detected in whole embryo at Day 8 and body regions at Day 4 and Day 5 when organogenesis of the pancreas takes place. Interestingly, a polyadenylated insulin transcript was detected, as well, in whole Day 2 and Day 3 embryos (stages 10 to 20, with 20 to 40 somites) before differentiation of β cells occurs. Thus, there is differential developmental regulation of the insulin gene in several chicken embryo tissues and the expression of insulin preceeds pancreatic maturation. These findings support the proposed role of insulin in differentiation and development in vivo and suggest a paracrine type of action of the hormone in early embryos before blood circulation begins.
The Cost and Benefits of Cash and Services to Kinship Caregivers

The federal government provides payments to foster parents and licensed relatives who care for abused and neglected children through Title IV-E funds. However, unlicensed relatives must seek assistance through another federal program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which provides lesser amounts of assistance than provided to foster parents and licensed relatives. To redress differences, many states provide supplemental assistance to relative caregivers. This paper profiles one Northeastern state's approach to caregiver rate disparities. The profiled Northeastern state contracted with 17 nonprofit agencies to provide 19 social services. The amount paid for services increased the total public assistance to relative caregivers but also caused licensed relative caregivers to receive more than all other types of caregivers receiving public assistance, thus continuing not eliminating caregiver rate disparities. In addition, services increased during the contract period but decreased again after the contract ended. Further, contract amounts were reduced each year of a 3-year contract. Policy implications for child safety, well-being, and placement permanence are discussed.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of ERBB2 oncogene by capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with a sieving buffer containing ethidium bromide was applied to the detection of PCR-amplified RFLP samples. With CE, in contrast to agarose gel electrophoresis, run times are short, i.e., typically less than 30 min, the capillary can be reused, and full automation is feasible. The addition of ethidium bromide to the buffer system in conjunction with a field amplification injection technique led to increased sample detectability and resolution. Migration time precision was better than 0.2% RSD with a ∼ 12-bp resolution for the DNA fragment sizes of interest. RFLP samples were analyzed for homo- or heterozygosity based on the presence of 500- and/or 520-bp DNA fragments. Special software was used to correct for run-to-run migration time variations, thus facilitating genotype assignment.
Language Shift or Maintenance?: An Examination of Language Usage Across Four Generations as Self-reported by University Age Students in Belarus

Abstract This paper examines the degree to which language shift or maintenance is obtained across four generations in Belarus. Linguistic homogeneity and heterogeneity receive particular attention as potential contributing factors to language shift or maintenance in the home, arguably the last bastion in terms of language maintenance. In an effort to elicit feedback from participants relative to language use, the survey instrument developed for this research inquired as to respondents’ language use with their maternal and paternal grandparents during childhood versus their language use with their mother and father in childhood. Furthermore, this paper examines the degree to which maintenance of Belarusian receives support among respondents as evidenced by self-reported language use with spouses and children, including prospective use with children for those either married without children or single. Finally, the question of language maintenance or shift is analysed in terms of self-reported concern (or la...
The effect of the Galactic spheroid on globular cluster evolution

We study the combined effects of relaxation, tidal heating and binary heating on globular cluster evolution, exploring the physical consequences of external effects and examining evolutionary trends in the Milky Way population. Our analysis demonstrates that heating on circular and low-eccentricity orbits can dominate cluster evolution. The results also predict rapid evolution on eccentric orbits either due to strong relaxation caused by the high densities needed for tidal limitation or due to efficient bulge shocking of low density clusters. The combination of effects leads to strong evolution of the population as a whole. For example, within the solar circle, tidally-limited 10^5 M_sun clusters lose at least 40% of their mass in 10 Gyr. At high eccentricity most of these clusters evaporate completely. Bulge shocking disrupts clusters within 40 kpc which have less than 80% of their mass within their pericentric inner Lagrange point. Our results are consistent with suggestions that the shape of the cluster luminosity function results from evaporation and disruption of low mass clusters; they further predict that the net velocity dispersion of the cluster system in the inner Galaxy has decreased with time. Preliminary constraints on formation models are also discussed. We conclude that the observed cluster system has largely been shaped by dynamical selection.
CONTROL THEORY REEXAMINED: Race and the Use of Neutralizations Among Institutionalized Delinquents

A theoretical challenge to the socio-structural analysis of delinquency was posited by Sykes and Maria over two decades ago. Since then, relatively few studies have addressed the several issues inherent in neutralization theory. The present research explores the association between socialization and neutralization as this relationship pertains to racial differences among institutionalized delinquents. Significant differences for socialization and neutralization scores on the basis of race were noted. Lack of significant differences between races in terms of the hypothesized direction of the socialization/neutralization correlation was interpreted as a function of the nonlinearity of the data.
Processed electroencephalogram response of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: a pilot study.

Background A risk during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is cerebral ischemia as a result of clamping of the carotid artery. The Cerebral State Monitor is one of several electroencephalogram monitors that reflects level of consciousness of patients during anesthesia. The monitor reports level of consciousness with the empirical parameter Cerebral State Index (CSI) on a 0-100 scale. In this patient-controlled prospective pilot study, we compared the CSI measured from the surgical and control hemispheres of patients undergoing CEA surgery to determine whether the parameter is affected by presumed changes in cerebral blood flow. Methods Fifteen consenting CEA patients entered this institutionally approved study. We connected a separate Cerebral State Monitor to the left and right sides of the patient’s head and recorded CSI intraoperatively. We compared the control-side data with the surgical-side data. Results Clamping caused the surgical-side CSI to drop below the control-side CSI. Shunt activation caused the CSI to rise above the control. The greatest difference between the surgical-side CSI and control-side CSI occurred at the completion of the CEA procedure. These observed trends were not statistically significant in this pilot project. Conclusion Our preliminary results suggest that the CSI, and perhaps other similar indexes, may indicate changes in cerebral blood flow acutely during CEA. Our findings lend promise to a new use for these types of electroencephalogram monitors, which are prevalent in operating rooms today.
Studies on the production and maintenance of experimental auricular fibrillation

Abstract The relationship of anoxemia of the auricles and vagal stimulation (mecholyl effect) was investigated in the hearts of dogs. In the normally beating heart it was found that: (1) anoxemia apparently renders the heart more sensitive to the action of mecholyl; (2) auricular fibrillation frequently occurs spontaneously, or is easily induced by minute, mechanical, auricular stimuli after small doses of mecholyl during anoxemia; (3) reoxygenation of the blood results in the restoration of normal cardiac mechanism. In another series of experiments, the factor of auricular distension was eliminated by perfusing the coronary vessels of the heart while the heart was beating empty; the administration of mecholyl during perfusion with anoxic blood produced auricular fibrillation. Mecholyl also produced auricular fibrillation in hearts with acute, experimental “mitral stenosis.” The possible mechanisms by which auricular anoxemia, together with the action of mecholyl, may precipitate atrial fibrillation are discussed, and the clinical aspects considered.
A novel technique for determining bond strength development between cement paste and steel

Abstract A new technique for determining bond strength between cement paste and steel is described. Internal stess resulting from the hydration process is taken into account. Experimental results of bond strength development are presented. The role of the interface zone in determining bond strength is discussed with reference to information provided by SEM examination of debonded surfaces.
Synthesis of structured lipid enriched with omega fatty acids and sn-2 palmitic acid by enzymatic esterification and its incorporation in powdered infant formula.

Structured lipid (SL) enriched with arachidonic (ARA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids was produced from tripalmitin using Lipozyme TL IM. The effects of acyl donors, that is, free fatty acids vs fatty acid ethyl esters, on the reactions were compared. The highest total incorporation of ARA and DHA was obtained when the reaction continued for 24 h, at a substrate mole ratio of 9, using free fatty acids as acyl donors (acidolysis). The SL prepared by a large-scale acidolysis reaction contained 17.69 ± 0.09% total ARA, 10.75 ± 0.15% total DHA, and 48.53 ± 1.40% sn-2 palmitic acid. SL thermograms exhibited multiple peaks indicating complexity of the triacylglycerol (TAG) distribution. RP-HPLC analysis of SL revealed nine of 26 TAG molecular species that were similar to those of human milk fat. Powdered infant formulas containing the SL were prepared by wet-mixing/spray-drying and dry-blending methods. Formula prepared with microencapsulated SL and the dry-blending method had better oxidative stability and col...
Review of "Information Retrieval: Computational and Theoretical Aspects, by H. S. Heaps", Academic Press Inc.

The author of this book has done an excellent job of achieving at least one portion of his two-fold purpose: "...to introduce the computer science student to some of the basic problems of information retrieval and to describe the techniques required to develop suitable computer programs, ... (and) ... to describe the general structure of the relevant computer programs so that basic design considerations may be understood by information officers and librarians will find this text palatable."
The role of fatty acids in mitochondrial changes during liver ischemia

Abstract Exposure of rat liver to periods of ischemia results in a progressive increase in mitochondrial free fatty acids (FFA). The levels increase some 6–7-fold when the liver has been ischemic either for 2 hr at 38 ° or 13 hr at 24 °. A decline in respiratory control (rate of O2 uptake with ADP/rate of O2 uptake without ADP) parallels the rise in FFA at both temperatures. Significant depression of respiratory control is observed when comparable amounts of FFA are added to normal mitochondria. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), which restores respiratory control to a considerable degree and enhances the stability of mitochondria isolated from ischemic tissue, reduces the FFA levels about 70%. Despite the presence of BSA during isolation and testing of the mitochondria, there is still a gradual decline in the respiratory control ratio over a period of ischemia lasting several hours, primarily because of a diminution in the state 3 rate of respiration. The levels of mitochondrial phosphatidyl ethanolamine decreased somewhat, but the percentage change was small. Phosphatidyl choline remained essentially unchanged. A more significant decrease in cardiolipin was observed. Part of this change must be ascribed to dilution of the mitochondria by increased microsomal contamination. The data suggest that mitochondrial changes during ischemia involve (a) a BSA-reversible phase produced by FFA released by lipolysis, and (b) a further change, not reversed by BSA, which may be due to loss of essential mitochondrial lipid like cardiolipin, the presence of lysophosphatides, or proteolysis. Morphological changes in mitochondria in liver sections are consistent with these interpretations.
When a Native “Goes Researcher”: Notes From the North American Indigenous Games

This article explores the contexts and meanings of researcher subjectivity within a specifically racialized field setting, the North American Indigenous Games. Drawing on literature of feminist cri...
Geomagnetic secular variation in the Indian Ocean

Abstract Annual repeat stations in Australia and in South Africa show that secular variation may change rapidly and over short geographical distances in the Indian Ocean area. Satellite models show large secular variations in the center of the Indian Ocean where there are few island geomagnetic observatories. This paper investigates marine geomagnetic measurements to see if they give more information about secular variations in this area. Between 1960 and 1988 there were more than 70 port-to-port cruises with ships towing proton precession magnetometers in the Indian Ocean. Change in field intensity from one cruise to another provides new information about the secular variation in this part of the world. Several methods were investigated to determine this change from the ship’s data. Observing the change on closely parallel or crossing tracks provides an estimate of this change. These results indicate that there are short time and distance scales of secular variation in the Indian Ocean which have not been accounted for in geomagnetic field models.