cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of beverage-specific alcohol consumption on drinking behaviors among urban youth.

Alcoholic beverage consumption among high school students has shifted from beer to liquor. The current longitudinal study examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use on drinking behaviors among urban youth. Data included 731 adolescents who participated in Project Northland Chicago and reported consuming alcohol in 7th grade. Logistic regression tested the effects of beverage-specific use on consequences (e.g., alcohol use in the past month, week, heavy drinking, and ever drunkenness). Compared to wine users, adolescents who reported drinking hard liquor during their last drinking occasion had increased odds of alcohol use during the past month (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01–2.05), past week (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.39–8.18), and ever drunkenness (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.07–2.29). Use of hard liquor was associated with increased risk of alcohol-related consequences. Early selection of certain alcoholic beverages (e.g., hard liquor) may result in negative health outcomes and problematic alcohol use over time.
Focusing in the second band of a flexible membrane photonic crystal

We show experimental results of anomalous refraction through a photonic crystal membrane. The membrane layer consists of a thin polymer film suspending a triangular array of silicon pillars. Light is coupled into the photonic crystal (PC) through ridge waveguides etched onto a silicon substrate. By altering the shape of the tip of the input waveguides, we can shape the light that is incident into the PC. In this paper we show that when we shape the field to be quasi point source like, the PC focuses the incident light onto a deflection block placed behind the membrane structure. We experimentally observe focusing of both TE and TM light inside the PC. In the same structure we have previously shown that when we illuminate the PC with a much broader beam incident at an angle, the light negatively refracts through the crystal. We designed the device so that it is capable of being stretched by mechanical actuators, which will stretch the polymer film and silicon lattice and distort the photonic band structure. Mechanical stretching of the dimensions of the flexible PC makes possible a device that can dynamically change its beam steering and focusing properties.
Cuba's economic restructuring, 1990–1995

(1997). Cuba's economic restructuring, 1990–1995. Communist Economies and Economic Transformation: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 117-130.
Effect of Heart Rate and Isoproterenol on Pulmonary Vein Flow Velocity Following Radiofrequency Ablation: A Doppler Color Flow Imaging Study

Introduction: Application of radiofrequency energy at pulmonary vein (PV) ostium during focal atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures increases flow velocity due to PV narrowing. Factors unrelated to ablation that effect PV flow velocity have not been described. Aims of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) imaging, the effect of isoproterenol (ISO) and heart rate (HR) on PV flow velocity Pre- and Post-ablation. Methods and Results: In 31 patients with AF undergoing LA-PV ostial ablation involving at least one PV ostium, an ICE catheter was placed in the RA to image and detect PV flow. PV ostial peak velocity was assessed in sinus rhythm Pre-, Post-ablation, during and after ISO (up to 20 μg/min). To separate HR versus ISO effect, PV velocity was measured during atrial pacing (after HR returned to baseline) at pacing rate matching HR with ISO. PV ostial velocity was assessed with ISO and pacing in 30 non-ablated and 33 ablated PVs. Ostial velocities of non-ablated PVs during ISO infusion (117 ± 42 cm/s) were greater (p < 0.03) than those during atrial pacing (78 ± 26 cm/s) at matched HR (116 ± 20, range 92–150 bpm). Ostial PV flow velocities of ablated PVs increased from 59 ± 17 (30–95) cm/s Pre- to 95 ± 25 (58–136) cm/s Post-ablation. During ISO infusion PV flow velocities in ablated PVs (118 ± 34 cm/s) were also greater (p < 0.03) than those during atrial pacing (96 ± 37 cm/s) at matched HR (116 ± 14, range 92–130 bpm). Atrial pacing alone produced no significant difference in PV flow velocities measured Pre- or Postablation. Conclusion: ISO appears to increase ostial flow velocity of ablated and non-ablated PVs independent of HR effect. These effects are important to recognize when PV velocity is used as an index for interpreting the impact of PV ostial lesions on functionally significant PV narrowing.
Ciliated foregut cyst of pancreas: cytologic findings on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration.

The cytologic findings of a ciliated foregut cyst of the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) are described. Cytologic features of ciliated foregut cysts include the presence of ciliated columnar cells and detached ciliary tufts in a cystic fluid background with amorphous debris and rare macrophages. These cytologic findings are clearly distinct from those of cystic mucinous neoplasms and other pancreatic cysts with which the ciliated foregut cyst may be confused. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reporting the cytologic findings of a pancreatic ciliated foregut cyst sampled by endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA. We believe that the distinctive and characteristic cytologic features can allow a preoperative cytologic diagnosis of this highly unusual pancreatic cystic lesion. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:433–438. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Physical activity in Minnesota physicians.

Methods. A survey inquiring about physical activity was mailed to a random sample of 500 physicians who were current members of the Minnesota Medical Association. Results. Overall, 65.6% of the 393 respondents reported performing regular exercise, while 38.2% participated in exercise vigorous enough to be of cardiovascular benefit (at least three times per week, at least 15–30 min per session, and strenuous enough to cause sweating or shortness of breath). Men reported a significantly higher prevalence of regular exercise and cardiovascular exercise than did women. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of either regular exercise or cardiovascular exercise and age, specialty, the percentage of primary care performed, the number of patients seen per day, or the number of hours worked per week. Conclusions. The prevalence of physical activity was higher among physicians in this survey compared with levels reported for the general population.
Iron homeostasis and eye disease.

Abstract Background Iron is necessary for life, but excess iron can be toxic to tissues. Iron is thought to damage tissues primarily by generating oxygen free radicals through the Fenton reaction. Methods We present an overview of the evidence supporting iron's potential contribution to a broad range of eye disease using an anatomical approach. Results Iron can be visualized in the cornea as iron lines in the normal aging cornea as well as in diseases like keratoconus and pterygium. In the lens, we present the evidence for the role of oxidative damage in cataractogenesis. Also, we review the evidence that iron may play a role in the pathogenesis of the retinal disease age-related macular degeneration. Although currently there is no direct link between excess iron and development of optic neuropathies, ferrous iron's ability to form highly reactive oxygen species may play a role in optic nerve pathology. Lastly, we discuss recent advances in prevention and therapeutics for eye disease with antioxidants and iron chelators. General significance Iron homeostasis is important for ocular health.
Doppler hemodynamics of 51 clinically and echocardiographically normal pulmonary valve prostheses.

Objective To determine the normal Doppler hemodynamics of various pulmonary valve prostheses (PVPs). Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed comprehensive Doppler echocardiographic examinations of 51 patients (mean age, 27.8 years; range, 1-59 years) with PVPs that were normal on clinical and 2-dimensional echocardiographic examinations to establish the normal hemodynamics of various types and sizes of PVPs. The earliest complete postoperative transthoracic echocardiogram was identified for each patient. Doppler examinations were analyzed for peak instantaneous velocity, right ventricular outflow tract velocity, and peak and mean systolic gradient. The frequency of prosthetic regurgitation was also noted. Results The average ± SD peak instantaneous velocity for all PVPs was 2.2 ± 0.6 m/s, with an average peak systolic gradient of 20.4 ± 10.4 mm Hg and an average mean systolic gradient of 11.0 ± 5.1 mm Hg. The mean right ventricular outflow tract velocity was 1.0 ± 0.2 m/s. Pulmonary homografts were found to have significantly lower peak velocities (average, 1.8 ± 0.6 m/s) than all heterografts combined (average, 2.4 ± 0.5 m/s; P =.002). Prosthetic regurgitation was more common in pulmonary homografts (88%) than in heterografts combined (29%; P Conclusion This study establishes the normal range for Doppler hemodynamics of various PVPs, specifically homografts and heterografts, in both pediatric and adult patients.
Reliabilism in philosophy

The following three propositions appear to be individually defensible but jointly inconsistent: (1) reliability is a necessary condition on epistemic justification; (2) on contested matters in philosophy, my beliefs are not reliably formed; (3) some of these beliefs are epistemically justified. I explore the nature and scope of the problem, examine and reject some candidate solutions, compare the issue with ones arising in discussions about disagreement, and offer a brief assessment of our predicament.
Focus on the ringleader: the role of AMA1 in apicomplexan invasion and replication

Apicomplexan parasites exhibit an unusual mechanism of host cell penetration. A central player in this process is the protein apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). Although essential for invasion, the precise functional roles AMA1 plays have been unclear. Several recent studies have provided important functional insight into its role within the multiprotein complex that comprises the moving junction (MJ). Initially formed at the apical tip of the invading parasite, the MJ represents a ring-like region of contact between the surfaces of the invading parasite and the host cell as the invaginated host plasma membrane is forced inward by the penetrating parasite. This review discusses these and other recent insights into AMA1 with particular emphasis on studies conducted in Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.
Minimizing Heat Generation in Solid-State Lasers

Novel high-power ytterbium YAG lasers are described. These lasers incorporate the principle of anti-Stokes fluorescence cooling to reduce or eliminate detrimental heating. Lasers with net heating and net cooling are demonstrated. By balancing the spontaneous and stimulated emission, we have reduced the net thermal loading to below 0.01% of the laser's average output power. Design, testing, and analysis are reported for lasers up to 500 W average power and pulsed operation up to 30 s. Issues and limitations of this approach are discussed.
Extensions of Power-Dependence Theory: The Concept of Resistance

Power-dependence theory is critically examined and found to possess several deficiencies, in particular a reliance on invalid interpersonal utility comparisons. A means is proposed for overcoming these deficiencies by reformulating powerdependence theory using concepts derived from a formal model of negotiation based on mathematical decision theory. According to Cook and Emerson (722), the emergence of social theories of exchange has resolved problems which have proven intractable for economic theories of exchange. The problems Cook and Emerson have tackled include the well-known bilateral monopoly problem described by Edgeworth in 1881, and the problem of accounting for the effects of equity and related nonrational motivations upon exchange processes and outcomes. Thus one objective of social exchange theory is to overcome difficulties created by the excessively rationalistic models of decision-making employed by classical microeconomists and others. An aim of this paper is to explore the conceptual problems arising when strict rational decision models are employed in accounts of social interaction. In particular the focus will be on the indeterminacy of the terms of exchange in bilateral monopoly systems for classical microeconomics and on the closely related but more general problem of indeterminacy of outcome in nonzero-sum cooperative games for classical game theory. In addition, a critique of the resolution of this problem proposed by Emerson and Cook is given. A second aim is to describe a recent development in mathematical bargaining theory (Coddington; Harsanyi, b; Heckathorn, c; Young) which provides a means of resolving the indeterminacy problem while avoiding *1 thank Susan LoBello, Roger Carlson, Steven Gilham, and an anonymous referee for their valuable advice and comments on this paper. ? 1983 The University of North Carolina Press
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Monitoring using Dynamic Breast Compression Imaging

We use diffuse optical breast tomography during fractional mammographic compression to monitor neoadjuvant chemotherapy response. Preliminary results show static and dynamic measurements are sensitive to therapy induced changes in breast cancer.
State of the Art: Clothing as a Form of Human Behavior

Three hundred clothing-related research reports published in periodicals and serials between 1970 and 1981 were assessed. Textiles and Clothing professionals had written 40.7 percent of the published reports. Major findings indicated the body of clothing knowledge lacked a clear definition of key concepts and Clothing and Textiles professionals tended to ask exploratory questions of a correlational nature more often than did researchers of clothing behavior from other fields. Fifty-seven percent of all studies were found lacking in theoretical base and only 35 percent of the authors were judged to have placed findings from their studies into existing theory or provide suggestions for extension or replication of findings. Only 7.5 percent of the clothing behavior researchers from academic disciplines outside Clothing and Textiles cited one or more articles from a Home Economics or Clothing and Textiles sponsored periodical. The ne cessity to address these concerns is discussed.
Occupational Differentiation, Prestige, and Socioeconomic Status

We factor analyze numerous occupational skill and task characteristics to derive dimensions of occupational differentiation that are both cognitive (complexity, clerical aptitude, people-things, and uncertainty) and noncognitive (physical activity, physical dexterity, and unpleasantness of working conditions). These dimensions are discussed in relation to theories concerning occupational labor markets and relevant empirical literature. Regression analyses of the Duncan SEI and Siegel Prestige Scale on these dimensions suggest that complexity is the most important task determinant of both dependent variables. These data are used to inform debates concerning the “true nature” and construction of the traditionally used measures.
A low-power CMOS VGA for 50 Mb/s disk drive read channels

We describe an all CMOS variable gain amplifier (VGA) suitable for use in disk drive read channels. The VGA maintains a 3 dB bandwidth greater than 85 MHz throughout its gain range. This ensures good phase linearity for data transfer rates of up to 50 Mb/s. The VGA provides a 25 db gain variation along an ideal exponential gain to control voltage curve and 30 dB of gain control if ideal exponential characteristics is not absolutely necessary. The VGA achieves the necessary exponential gain to control voltage characteristics intrinsically using only MOS transistors as a single unit to reduce power and area consumption. Overall power consumption is less than 10 mW for the VGA circuit excluding the off-chip buffer circuits. >
Application-aware service differentiation in PAWNs

We have witnessed the increasing demand for pervasive Internet access from public area wireless networks (PAWNs). The diverse service requirements from end users necessitate an efficient service differentiation mechanism, which should satisfy two goals: end-user fairness and maximizing the utilization of wireless link. However, we found that the existing best-effort based service model is not enough to satisfy either goal. We have proposed an application-aware service differentiation mechanism which takes both application semantics and user requirements into consideration. The results show that our proposed method outperforms two other bandwidth allocation approaches, best effort and static allocation, in terms of both client fairness and wireless link bandwidth utilization, especially in heavy load environments.
Safe Drinking Water for Low-Income Regions

Well into the 21st century, safe and affordable drinking water remains an unmet human need. At least 1.8 billion people are potentially exposed to microbial contamination, and close to 140 million people are potentially exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic. Many new technologies, water quality assessments, health impact assessments, cost studies, and user preference studies have emerged in the past 20 years to further the laudable goal of safe drinking water for all. This article reviews (a) the current literature on safe water approaches with respect to their effectiveness in improving water quality and protectiveness in improving human health, (b) new work on the uptake and use of safe water systems among low-income consumers, (c) new research on the cash and labor costs of safe water systems, and (d) research on user preferences and valuations for safe water. Our main recommendation is that safe water from “source to sip” should be seen as a system; this entire system, rather than a discrete interventio...
Student Anger and Aggressive Behavior in School: An Initial Test of Agnew's Macro-Level Strain Theory

Variation in criminal/delinquent behavior across communities, schools, and other social units is usually explained in terms of social disorganization and subcultural values. Agnew's macro-level strain theory (MST), however, provides an additional explanation. MST contends that macro-level differences in crime and deviance can also be explained in terms of aggregate levels of anger and frustration. Following Agnew's recommendations, the authors conduct an initial school-level test of MST using data on aggressive student behavior from a national sample of public high schools. The results of the assessment lend partial support to the theory, showing that student-to-student conflict is partly a function of the level of anger in the student population. Other forms of aggressive student behavior, however, are not likewise affected. Nonetheless, the authors believe the findings are sufficiently promising to warrant further examination of MST, and they offer some suggestions in this regard.
Peers for Progress: promoting peer support for health around the world

Introduction Peers for Progress, a global initiative of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, developed out of the World Health Organization (WHO) Consultation on Peer Support Programmes in Diabetes as a strategic approach to promote best practices in peer support for health around the world. Why peer support. People often find themselves on their own to manage complex factors for behaviour change. Peer support can link people sharing experiences to provide the practical, emotional, and ongoing support that is critical to sustained behaviour change. The need. Diabetes is a global epidemic that affects all aspects of people's lives for the rest of their lives. The complexity of self-management requires ongoing support for effective and sustained management. Key principles, strategies, activities. Peers for Progress aims to strengthen evidence of the value of peer support through evaluation grants, encourage recognition of a state-of-the-art in peer support through defining key functions of support that can be tailored and applied globally, and promote peer support through networking with programmes and leaders around the world. Conclusions People seeking to prevent or manage health conditions can be a powerful source of support to each other to manage complex behaviors. Peers for Progress has a defined functional framework for peer support's core functions, and is evaluating the scope and impact of peer support interventions based on this framework and a set of consensus evaluation measures. Peers for Progress looks to raise the visibility and applicability of peer support as good health care for all people.
Pulse-density modulation for RF applications: The radio-frequency power amplifier (RF PA) as a power converter

Switching processes such as pulse-width and pulse-density modulation have been used for many years in power electronics applications. Due to rapid scaling of semiconductor technology, similar approaches may be successfully applied to blocks in the radio architecture. This work outlines the implementation of a class-D power amplifier for RF applications in low-GHz frequency bands. We describe the motivation for using pulse-density modulation (PDM) to achieve linear amplitude modulation of a nominally nonlinear switching power amplifier. The amplifier achieves linearity suitable for wideband wireless standards, with peak efficiency of 43.5% at 1.95 GHz and up to 20 dBm output power. The system generates amplitude-modulated waveforms with up to 20 MHz envelope bandwidth, demonstrating the validity of this approach for modern communication standards.
Coronary heart disease risk factors in adult premenopausal white women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared with a healthy female population.

Our specific aim was to determine whether coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients were independent of their higher body mass index (BMI) and centripetal obesity. In adult, premenopausal, white women, CHD risk factors were compared between 488 patients with well-defined PCOS and 351 healthy free-living population controls from the Princeton Follow-up Study (PFS). After excluding women with irregular menses (putative PCOS phenotypes), comparisons were also made between the 261 PFS women with a history of regular menses and the 488 women with PCOS. Fasting lipids, insulin, glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA insulin secretion, blood pressure, BMI, and waist circumference were measured. Compared with both the full cohort of 351 PFS women and the subgroup of 261 PFS women with regular menses, women with PCOS had higher BMI, waist circumference, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR (all Ps ≤ .005). After adjusting for age and BMI, women with PCOS, compared with the 351 and 261 PFS women, had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .0001, .0008) and higher systolic blood pressure (P = .0002, < .0001), insulin (P = .017, .039), HOMA-IR (P = .013, .032), and HOMA insulin secretion (P = .022, .037). The small subgroup of PCOS women with normal BMI (<25 kg/m2) (36/488, 7%) also had higher age-adjusted insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR (all Ps < .005) than the subgroup of PFS women with BMI less than 25 kg/m2 (123/261, 47%). Increased CHD risk factors and high HOMA-IR in PCOS cannot be exclusively attributed to their preponderant centripetal obesity. Identification of women with clinical features of PCOS should alert the clinician to potentially increased risk for CHD and prompt CHD risk factor testing.
delta. I = 1/2 rule in the Weinberg-Salam model

We show how the $\ensuremath{\Delta}I=\frac{1}{2}$ rule may be embedded in the Weinberg-Salam model without adding new quarks, invoking dynamical enhancement, or disturbing renormalizability. The strategy we pursue is the addition of two more scalar multiplets to the usual model.
Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is associated with a poor prognosis and has limited treatment options. Sorafenib, a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, is the only available systemic agent for treatment of HCC that improves overall survival for patients with advanced stage disease; unfortunately, an effective second-line agent for the treatment of progressive or sorafenib-resistant HCC has yet to be identified. This review focuses on components of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, its role in HCC pathogenesis, and dual mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic option with potential efficacy in advanced HCC. There are several important upstream and downstream signals in the mTOR pathway, and alternative tumor-promoting pathways are known to exist beyond mTORC1 inhibition in HCC. This review analyzes the relationships of the upstream and downstream regulators of mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling; it also provides a comprehensive global picture of the interaction between mTORC1 and mTORC2 which demonstrates the pre-clinical relevance of the mTOR pathway in HCC pathogenesis and progression. Finally, it provides scientific rationale for dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibition in the treatment of HCC. Clinical trials utilizing mTORC1 inhibitors and dual mTOR inhibitors in HCC are discussed as well. The mTOR pathway is comprised of two main components, mTORC1 and mTORC2; each has a unique role in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC. In phase III studies, mTORC1 inhibitors demonstrate anti-tumor activity in advanced HCC, but dual mTOR (mTORC1 and mTORC2) inhibition has greater therapeutic potential in HCC treatment which warrants further clinical investigation.
Addressing English Language Learners in the School Leadership Curriculum: Mapping the Terrain.

Preparing school administrators to support effective instruction of English language learners (ELLs) is an important dimension of today’s school leadership programs, yet often difficult to enact. This paper reports a comprehensive needs analysis of a school leadership advanced certificate program carried out by Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and school administration faculty. This contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the needs of faculty and candidates in their beliefs and experiences with ELL pedagogy. Implications for collaboration with TESOL faculty to strengthen more effective instruction for ELLs are discussed.
Effects of molecular structure and thermal annealing on gas transport in two tetramethyl bisphenol-A polymers

The effects of molecular structure and thermal history on the gas transport properties of tetramethyl bisphenol-A polycarbonate (TMPC) and tetramethyl bisphenol-A polysulfone (TMPSF) are reported. The presence of the bulky methyl side groups on the aromatic rings of TMPC and TMPSF inhibits both chain packing and molecular motions in these polymers as compared with standard polycarbonate and polysulfone. The methyl substitution results in significant increases in permeability with little or no loss of selectivity, making these materials promising candidates for membrane-based gas separations applications. Thermal annealing produces a densification of the materials, resulting in decreased permeabilities. Selectivities remained roughly the same or increased slightly upon annealing at temperatures slightly below the glass transition temperature. Thus, thermal annealing may be useful for “fine-tuning” a membrane's properties for applications where improved selectivity is desirable, even at the expense of decreased permeability.
UIT observations of NGC 1275

We present the results from UV imagery of NGC 1275 obtained using the Goddard Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT). We are able to study the UV morphology down to μ 249 ~ 25 mag aresec-2. There are significant non-axisymmetric structures in the UV continuum associated with the low-velocity filament system. Continuum from the high-velocity system may also be present. The large aperture UV colors indicate that although the mass function extends to ~ 5M ⊙, more massive objects are not present. This implies either a cessation of star formation during the last 50–100 Myr or a truncated initial mass function.
Unloading of juvenile muscle results in a reduced muscle size 9 wk after reloading.

The role of satellite cells and DNA unit size in determining muscle size was examined by inhibiting postnatal skeletal muscle development by using hindlimb suspension. Satellite cell mitotic activity and DNA unit size were determined in the soleus muscles from hindlimb-suspended and age-matched weight-bearing rats before the initiation of hindlimb suspension, at the conclusion of a 28-day hindlimb-suspension period, 2 wk after reloading, and 9 wk after reloading. The body weights of hindlimb-suspended rats were significantly (P 0. 05) as those of weight-bearing rats 9 wk after reloading. The soleus muscle weight, soleus muscle weight-to-body weight ratio, myofiber diameter, nuclei per millimeter, and DNA unit size for the hindlimb-suspended rats were significantly (P 0.05) as in weight-bearing rats 9 wk after reloading. Juvenile soleus muscles failed to achieve normal muscle size 9 wk after reloading because there was incomplete compensation for the hindlimb-suspension-induced interruptions in myonuclear accretion and DNA unit size expansion.
ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR4 Regulates Actin Dynamics during Innate Immune Signaling in Arabidopsis

Conserved microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) are sensed by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on cells of plants and animals. MAMP perception typically triggers rearrangements to actin cytoskeletal arrays during innate immune signaling. However, the signaling cascades linking PRR activation by MAMPs to cytoskeleton remodeling are not well characterized. Here, we developed a system to dissect, at high spatial and temporal resolution, the regulation of actin dynamics during innate immune signaling in plant cells. Within minutes of MAMP perception, we detected changes to single actin filament turnover in epidermal cells treated with bacterial and fungal MAMPs. These MAMP-induced alterations phenocopied an ACTIN DEPOLYMERIZING FACTOR4 (ADF4) knockout mutant. Moreover, actin arrays in the adf4 mutant were unresponsive to a bacterial MAMP, elf26, but responded normally to the fungal MAMP, chitin. Together, our data provide strong genetic and cytological evidence for the inhibition of ADF activity regulating actin remodeling during innate immune signaling. This work is the first to directly link an ADF/cofilin to the cytoskeletal rearrangements elicited directly after pathogen perception in plant or mammalian cells.
1,9-Dideoxyforskolin does not mimick all cAMP and protein kinase a independent effects of forskolin on GABA activated ion currents in adult rat sensory neurons

Abstract The effect of forskolin on GABAA receptor activated events has been the subject of recent investigations, the conclusions of which are conflicting. Forskolin can reduce current amplitude and increase the rate of decay of current activated by 100 μM GABA and these effects are not mimicked by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin (Tehrani et al., Synapse, 4 (1989) 126–131). On the other hand, both forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin inhibit 36Cl− flux induced by lower concentrations of muscimol (Heuschneider and Schwartz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 86 (1989) 2938–2942). Using the whole-cell patch clamp technique to measure GABA activated current in dorsal root ganglion neurons that were freshly isolated from adult rats, we have confirmed the finding of Tehrani et al. (Synapse, 4 (1989) 126–131) using 100 μM GABA; however, the effects of forskolin that were not mimicked by 1,9-dideoxyforskolin were not blocked by the kinase inhibitor H-7 (50 μM). In contrast, at lower concentrations of GABA (10–20 μM), both forskolin and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin increased the decay rate of GABA activated current. In addition, all effects of forskolin occurred within 200 ms of application of forskolin and the effects were not blocked or occluded by H-7, 10 μM cAMP, or the active subunit of protein kinase A. We conclude that: (1) 1,9-dideoxyforskolin is not a reliable indicator of forskolin specificity in this system because its effects are dependent upon GABA concentration: and (2) the most prominent effects of forskolin on amplitude and decay time course of GABA activated ion current are not mediated by cAMP or protein kinase A (PKA).
Body Disclosures: Attending to Personal Problems and Reported Sexual Abuse During a Medical Encounter

This study examines moments of mutual sensitivity during a health appraisal interview. Attention is given to how patient becomes visibly and audibly emotional when reporting personal problems, how these behaviors get attended to through subsequent interaction, and the delicacy involved in transitioning to discussion about reported childhood sexual abuse. Analysis reveals how delicate moments get closely monitored and collaboratively produced, why “medical” and “personal” distinctions are artificially dichotomous, ways “attending” should not be exclusively associated with the interactional responsibilities of interviewers, and how attention given to the patient's body gets transformed over the course of the history-taking interview. Attending to a patient's expressed and exhibited problems is an inevitable and valuable resource for generating a comprehensive understanding of psychosocial and biomedical circumstances.
Energy efficient strategies for deployment of a two-level wireless sensor network

We investigate and develop energy-efficient strategies for deployment of wireless sensor networks (WSN) for the purpose of monitoring some phenomenon of interest in a coverage region. We first describe a two-level WSN structure where the sensors in the lower level monitor their surrounding environment and the micro-servers in the top level provide connectivity between the sensors and a base station. We then formulate and solve the problem of assigning positions and initial energy levels to the micro-servers and concurrently partitioning the sensors into clusters assigned to individual micro-servers so as maximize the monitoring lifetime of the two-level WSN subject to a total energy budget. This problem, called MDEA, is solved for both collinear deployment and planar deployment situations. Our experimental results show that the design and deployment of such a two-level WSN increase the network lifetime by a factor of two or more compared to a flat WSN with the same total initial energy and quality of monitoring.
Computational connectionism within neurons: a model of cytoskeletal automata subserving neural networks

Abstract “Neural network” models of brain function assume neurons and their synaptic connections to be the fundamental units of information processing, somewhat like switches within computers. However, neurons and synapses are extremely complex and resemble entire computers rather than switches. The interiors of the neurons (and other eucaryotic cells) are now known to contain highly ordered parallel networks of filamentous protein polymers collectively termed the cytoskeleton. Originally assumed to provide merely structural “bone-like” support, cytoskeletal structures such as microtubules are now recognized to organize cell interiors dynamically. The cytoskeleton is the internal communication network for the eucaryotic cell, both by means of simple transport and by means of coordinating extremely complicated events like cell division, growth and differentiation. The cytoskeleton may therefore be viewed as the cell's “nervous system”. Consequently the neuronal cytoskeleton may be involved in molecular level information processing which subserves higher, collective neuronal functions ultimately relating to cognition. Numerous models of information processing within the cytoskeleton (in particular, microtubules) have been proposed. We have utilized cellular automata as a means to model and demonstrate the potential for information processing in cytoskeletal microtubules. In this paper, we extend previous work and simulate associative learning in a cytoskeletal network as well as assembly and disassembly of microtubules. We also discuss possible relevance and implications of cytoskeletal information processing to cognition.
Animal Models of Kidney Diseases

Kidney diseases can be devastating illnesses with a high morbidity and mortality. The incidence of end-stage renal failure is increasing at a rate of 6–8% annually worldwide. Animal models are essential for understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms governing the onset and progression of various kidney diseases and for preclinically testing novel, more effective, treatments for the patients afflicted with renal impairment. Despite the presence of several nonrodent models, rats and mice remain principal and indispensable species used by investigators in the field of nephrology. In this chapter, we provide a concise review of the most commonly used kidney disease models. Emphasis is placed on several well-established models, such as the ischemic/reperfusion acute renal failure model, remnant kidney model, and unilateral ureteral obstruction model. Undoubtedly, establishment of authentic animal models is of vital importance in delineating the mechanisms of a range of human kidney diseases and in evaluating the feasibility and efficacy of novel therapeutic interventions.
Initiating Event Rates at U.S. Nuclear Power Plants. 1988 - 2013

Analyzing initiating event rates is important because it indicates performance among plants and also provides inputs to several U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) risk-informed regulatory activities. This report presents an analysis of initiating event frequencies at U.S. commercial nuclear power plants since each plant’s low-power license date. The evaluation is based on the operating experience from fiscal year 1988 through 2013 as reported in licensee event reports. Engineers with nuclear power plant experience staff reviewed each event report since the last update to this report for the presence of valid scrams or reactor trips at power. To be included in the study, an event had to meet all of the following criteria: includes an unplanned reactor trip (not a scheduled reactor trip on the daily operations schedule), sequence of events starts when reactor is critical and at or above the point of adding heat, occurs at a U.S. commercial nuclear power plant (excluding Fort St. Vrain and LaCrosse), and is reported by a licensee event report. This report displays occurrence rates (baseline frequencies) for the categories of initiating events that contribute to the NRC’s Industry Trends Program. Sixteen initiating event groupings are trended and displayed. Initiators are plotted separately formore » initiating events with different occurrence rates for boiling water reactors and pressurized water reactors. p-values are given for the possible presence of a trend over the most recent 10 years.« less
Nanoparticle-Based ARV Drug Combinations for Synergistic Inhibition of Cell-Free and Cell–Cell HIV Transmission

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems are playing an emerging role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) chemoprophylaxis and treatment due to their ability to alter the pharmacokinetics and improve the therapeutic index of various antiretroviral (ARV) drug compounds used alone and in combination. Although several nanocarriers have been described for combination delivery of ARV drugs, measurement of drug–drug activities facilitated by the use of these nanotechnology platforms has not been fully investigated for topical prevention. Here, we show that physicochemically diverse ARV drugs can be encapsulated within polymeric nanoparticles to deliver multidrug combinations that provide potent HIV chemoprophylaxis in relevant models of cell-free, cell–cell, and mucosal tissue infection. In contrast to existing approaches that coformulate ARV drug combinations together in a single nanocarrier, we prepared single-drug-loaded nanoparticles that were subsequently combined upon administration. ARV drug-nanoparticl...
Emergency contraception. A review of primary care issues.

Oral emergency contraception is the use of combination oral estrogen and progestin or progestin-only pills to interrupt the conception process. Dosing is typically within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse but is effective as long as 120 hours post-coitus. Although this pregnancy prevention method has been available for more than 25 years oral emergency contraception has recently gained greater acceptance and usage among women in all age groups as a viable method of thwarting unplanned pregnancies. The introduction of regimens specifically packaged for emergency contraception has contributed to this growing popularity. Planned Parenthood a leading provider of oral emergency contraception has documented a steep rise in usage from 17000 in 1995 to 310000 in 2000. The demand for and use of oral emergency contraception requires that primary care providers become familiar with the drugs commonly used for emergency contraception as well the treatments mechanism of action risks and benefits limitations of usage dosage requirements and related care. (excerpt)
Progress in Supercontinuum-based LADAR and its Applications to Robotic Systems

Spectral LADAR is a three-dimensional imaging technique unifying active spectral imaging with time-of-flight laser RADAR. Spectral point-cloud images recorded with a shortwave infrared prototype are presented. Recent developments are discussed with particular emphasis on robotic vehicle applications.
Connecting Practice, Theory and Method: Supporting Professional Doctoral Students in Developing Conceptual Frameworks

From an instrumental view, conceptual frameworks that are carefully assembled from existing literature in Educational Technology and related disciplines can help students structure all aspects of inquiry. In this article we detail how the development of a conceptual framework that connects theory, practice and method is scaffolded and facilitated in an online doctoral program in Educational Technology. For online professional practice students, conceptual frameworks provide a lens to critically examine experiential knowledge and a solid foundation for the implementation of interdisciplinary research at a distance from their university campus and faculty mentors.
Pharmacologic Therapy for Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

This article considers pharmacologic therapy for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease. The emphasis is on prevention of stroke, since current pharmacologic treatments do not reliably reduce morbidity or mortality once a stroke has occurred. Antihypertensive treatment, anticoagulants, and antiplatelet agents are discussed along with general guidelines for poststroke therapy.
Mode-matched MEMS Coriolis vibratory gyroscopes: Myth or reality?

The majority of commercial MEMS gyroscopes are operated in a mode-split condition where the drive and sense modes are intentionally mismatched in frequency, thus prioritizing gain stability and allowing for wide bandwidth but often sacrificing the noise density. In mode-matched operation, the gyroscope gain depends on sense-mode Q-factor, which improves the noise and scale-factor of MEMS gyroscopes. The scale-factor and offset stability over environment, however, also depend on the frequency matching, calling for the development of a mode-matching loop. Here we proposed a mode-matching loop which relies on monitoring the Coriolis channel output in response to the quadrature electrode dither. We have experimentally demonstrated an order of magnitude improvement in in-run bias instability and stress sensitivity when the mode-matching loop was employed, demonstrating a path towards mode-matched MEMS gyroscope with low-noise, wide measurement bandwidth, and offset stability over environment.
Wave Theory Modeling in Underwater Acoustics

The ocean acoustics environment is a complicated waveguide bounded above by a rough sea surface or ice cover and below by an inhomogeneous, elastic sea bed. Further, the acoustic properties of the water column are dependent on temperature, pressure and salinity, giving rise to a significant spatial and temporal variation. Analytical treatment of the propagation is limited to a very few, canonical problems, with the only alternative being numerical approaches. However, due to the complexity of the environment, no single numerical approach is capable of treating the general propagation problem. Therefore, a suite of numerical techniques have been developed and implemented, each applicable to a limited class of problems. Thus, normal mode approaches have been applied to longer range propagation problems with little bottom interaction and weak range dependence of the environment; parabolic equation methods have been applied to strongly range-dependent problems; and wavenumber integration or integral transform methods have been applied for short range propagation involving significant interaction with the elastic bottom. However, in recent years, each of these approaches have been further developed to incorporate more and more environmental effects, allowing a significant overlap in the areas of applicability. Further, the traditional restriction to 2-dimensional, one-way propagation scenarios has been abandoned, with a more realistic treatment of 3-dimensional propagation and reverberation problems as a result.
Sustained antigen availability during germinal center initiation enhances antibody responses to vaccination

Natural infections expose the immune system to escalating antigen and inflammation over days to weeks, whereas nonlive vaccines are single bolus events. We explored whether the immune system responds optimally to antigen kinetics most similar to replicating infections, rather than a bolus dose. Using HIV antigens, we found that administering a given total dose of antigen and adjuvant over 1–2 wk through repeated injections or osmotic pumps enhanced humoral responses, with exponentially increasing (exp-inc) dosing profiles eliciting >10-fold increases in antibody production relative to bolus vaccination post prime. Computational modeling of the germinal center response suggested that antigen availability as higher-affinity antibodies evolve enhances antigen capture in lymph nodes. Consistent with these predictions, we found that exp-inc dosing led to prolonged antigen retention in lymph nodes and increased Tfh cell and germinal center B-cell numbers. Thus, regulating the antigen and adjuvant kinetics may enable increased vaccine potency.
Diplomatic, Information, Military and Economic power (DIME): An effects modeling system

This paper describes an analysis framework for estimating the effects of Diplomatic, Informational, Military, and Economic (DIME) activities in the context of a theater of operations. We evaluate and recommend a set of candidate models of the flow and evolution of population beliefs and intentions as the starting point for developing a DIME Effects Modeling System (DEMS) for tactical commanders. We identified the needs as: (1) understanding and representing the underlying causality within the population, (2) formulating models that are both sensitive and computable, and (3) validating the predictions of population beliefs, intentions, and behaviors by model. The following objectives were established as a path to closing the identified gaps.