cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beteiligung von Stakeholdern in der E-Health-Gesetzgebung : eine Schweizer Fallstudie zur Einbeziehung von Stakeholderpräferenzen

Die Schweizer Politik zeichnet sich unter anderem durch einen starken Einbezug der Gesellschaft in ihre legislativen Prozesse aus. Zusatzlich zu den gewahlten legislativen und exekutiven Behorden besteht auch fur Parteien, Verbande und Zusammenschlusse von Burgern die Moglichkeit, ihre Anliegen und Bedenken in die Gesetzgebungsprozesse einzubringen, die dann in unterschiedlichem Mase Eingang in Gesetze und Verordnungen finden. Die vorliegende Fallstudie diskutiert den Einfluss von Stakeholdern auf den legislativen Prozess anhand des elektronischen Patientendossiers und analysiert den Einfluss von verschiedenen Stakeholdergruppen mittels einer quantitativen und qualitativen Analyse. Hierfur wurden Kommentare von 137 Interessengruppen zur Verordnung uber das elektronische Patientendossier wahrend des politischen Vernehmlassungsverfahrens im Jahr 2016 zusammengetragen und untersucht. Den theoretischen Rahmen dieses Beitrags stellt das Advocacy Coalition Framework dar. Die Hypothesen wurden von diesem Ansatz abgeleitet (Gruppenunterschiede, Einfluss). Die Befunde zeigen, dass verschiedene Stakeholdergruppen den legislativen Prozess in der Schweiz unterschiedlich stark beeinflussen. Weiter deuten die Ergebnisse darauf hin, dass Akteure auf Kantonsebene tendenziell einen hoheren Einfluss auf die Ausgestaltung der E-Health-Gesetzgebung haben als andere Gruppen (Gesundheits-/Sozialverbande, IT).
The Influence of Preoperative Radiographic Patellofemoral Degenerative Changes and Malalignment on Patellofemoral-Specific Outcome Scores Following Fixed-Bearing Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Background:There is controversy as to whether the presence of degenerative changes and malalignment of the patellofemoral joint is a contraindication to medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of preoperative radiographic patell
The Stupid in the Contemporary Hollywood Vernacular: Spectacularly Stupid Transformers

The much-maligned Transformers franchise is exemplary of the contemporary Hollywood vernacular. While colloquially stupid, this franchise also represents an industrial trend that moves the cinematic closer toward the model of the theme-park ride. Critics predictably lambast the films for their incoherence, however, the spectacular is not a design flaw, but the point of it. Furthermore, screenwriters for these films, understand that they are writing for a global market, and thus a premium is placed on action. As a consequence, the experience of writing a Transformers movie might be more akin to writing a Cirque du Soleil show than a Hollywood movie. The style of these films, especially in their choreographed action and editing, intends to amplify the visceral roller-coaster like thrill.
Negotiating Ojibwe Treaty Rights: Toward a Critical Geopolitics of State-Tribal Relations.

Social and political conflict appear to be the rule rather than the exception in contemporary relations among American Indians, their non-Indian neighbors, and the governments of the states in which they reside. Conflicts between states and tribes occur over issues such as land claims, casino gaming, taxation, environmental pollution regulation, zoning, water rights, hazardous waste disposal, mining, the protection of sacred places, and onand off-reservation hunting and fishing treaty rights. Although the specific details of state-tribal relations vary from state to state and from tribe to tribe, a common thread underlies and structures the contours of these relations and conflicts. What ties these different conflicts together is that they center on the question of political control over geographical space. They revolve around the question of who has a legitimate claim to legal and political authority over reservation space and off-reservation spaces that are now situated as part of a state’s territory. Such conflicts are fundamentally about differing constructions and interpretations of the spatial boundaries and spatial extent of state-tribal political relations. Understanding the political construction of the geographies of state-tribal relations requires an archaeology or excavation of the historically constituted assumptions about the spatial organization of political power as it emerged in Western societies and as it has been imposed by the Western colonial project. What is being questioned and contested in these conflicts are EuroAmerican, state-centric conceptions of exclusive territorial sovereignty that deny and erase or seek to limit autonomous Indigenous geographies. Alternatively, American Indian (Indigenous) conceptions of political space assume an autonomous-sovereign space for Native peoples within the spatial confines of contemporary states. Moreover, American Indians and other
Diurnal Cycle of Translaminar Pressure in Nonhuman Primates Quantified With Continuous Wireless Telemetry.

Purpose Recent retrospective clinical studies and animal experiments have suggested that cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) is important in glaucoma pathogenesis. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and CSFP are the driving components of the translaminar pressure (TLP), which directly effects the optic nerve head. This study measured the diurnal cycle of TLP using continuous wireless telemetry in nonhuman primates (NHPs), a common animal model of glaucoma. Methods We have developed an implantable wireless telemetry system based on a small piezoelectric pressure transducer with low drift. Unilateral IOP was measured in the anterior chamber of the eye, and intracranial pressure (ICP, a surrogate measure of CSFP) was measured in the brain parenchyma in four awake, behaving NHPs for periods of 22 to 281 days. IOP and ICP telemetry transducers were calibrated with direct pressure measurements in the eye (every 2 weeks) and brain (monthly). TLP was quantified in real time as IOP-ICP, and hourly means of IOP, ICP, and TLP were analyzed. Results Results show that mean ICP is significantly higher by an average of 4.8 ± 0.8 mmHg during sleeping hours in NHPs (P < 0.01). IOP showed a small but significant nocturnal elevation in two of four animals despite NHPs sleeping upright (P < 0.05). TLP was significantly lower during sleep (7.1 ± 0.6 mmHg; P < 0.01) than when the animals were awake and active (11.0 ± 0.9 mmHg), driven primarily by the large increase in ICP during sleep. Conclusions The 56% increase in TLP during waking hours in NHPs matches the increase in TLP due to postural change from supine to upright reported previously in humans.
Becker Implant Intracapsular Rupture with Contralateral Axillary Silicone Lymphadenopathy in an Asymptomatic Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Silicone gel implants are widely used for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. There has been a paradigm shift with increased utilization of implant-based breast reconstruction compared to autologous reconstruction in the United States over the past couple of decades. Implant rupture is a known complication of silicone gel implants with variable incidence and increased propensity with the age of the implant. Usually, the clinical findings suggestive of implant rupture are not obvious to the patient and surgeon. Intracapsular implant rupture, when the shell of the implant ruptures but the fibrous capsule formed by the breast remains intact, occurs in the majority of cases. While extracapsular rupture, which denotes silicone leakage extending beyond the capsule, is less common. In rare cases, silicone migrates beyond the capsule to distant sites, regional sites, and lymph nodes, leading to a variety of symptoms. Following mastectomy with lymph node dissection, the disruption of normal breast lymphatic drainage may result in aberrant drainage to internal mammary nodes and contralateral axillary lymph nodes. We present a unique case of axillary silicone lymphadenopathy due to contralateral breast intracapsular implant rupture in a patient with no previous ipsilateral breast surgery. The condition was found during a routine breast cancer screening. We also engage in a review of the relevant literature.
Negotiating family resilience amidst caretaking and employment constraints: a qualitative analysis of African American employed caregivers

Following the passage of the Minneapolis Sick and Safe Leave city ordinance, a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project was launched to examine the perceived accessibility and usage of...
Influence of photoperiod on the frequency of sexual embryo saes in facultative apomictic buffelgrass

The frequency at which sexual embryo sacs occur in some facultatively apomictic species is influenced by photoperiod. This research was conducted to study changes in the frequency of sexual embryo sacs (SES) in field-grown accessions of buffelgrass [Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link] and to determine the influence of photoperiod on the expression of sexuality under controlled environmental conditions. In a 3-yr field study, mean frequency of SES collected from two facultative buffelgrass accessions (PI 409266 and 409277) ranged from 2.5 to 8.6 percent. Within each year, the greatest number of SES were observed during spring and summer, while a reduction in SES occurred during the late summer and early fall. Under controlled environmental conditions equal numbers of SES were observed from plants grown at 8, 12, and 16 h. For the two facultative accessions of buffelgrass examined in this study, it was concluded that no relationship existed between photoperiod and frequency of SES under either field or controlled environmental conditions.
Implementation of an Emergency Department-Based Educational Intervention to Improve Infant Sleep Practices

Purpose: In the US, about 3,500 infants die each year from sleep-related deaths. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published safe sleep recommendations, however limited caregiver knowledge and financial constraints are potentially barriers to following these recommendations. With these barriers in mind, educational interventions demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in infant sleep practices, but it is unclear if the emergency department (ED) is an effective location for education. This study aimed to assess current sleep practices of infants in the community, determine caregiver knowledge of safe sleep, and to …
Dinosaur Docudrama Blends Fact, Fantasy

When Walking With Dinosaurs, a $10 million dino-extravaganza that uses computer animation and detailed puppets to resurrect the creatures and place them in real landscapes, aired in the United Kingdom last fall, 17 million people tuned in, making it the BBC9s most watched science program ever and one of its top 20 programs of all time. Some experts, however, attacked its blending of fact and fiction. A recut version comes to North and South American TV on 16 April.
SCTP congestion control performance in wireless multi-hop networks

The Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) is originally designed for signaling transport over IP-based networks in the Signaling Transport (SIGTRAN) group of IETF and it has the potential to be an alternative transport protocol that may be better able to satisfy the requirements of future battlefield network than traditional protocols, TCP and UDP. SCTP performance over IEEE 802.11 is being evaluated in this paper. The impact of various IEEE 802.11 parameters on SCTP congestion control parameters is simulated and their effect on throughput as well as its performance is studied. Further more, a new algorithm is proposed to overcome the "small window syndrome" resulting from the MAC layer when the SCTP receiver side window is small. Simulation results demonstrate that SCTP performance is improved using this new algorithm.
Sexually-transmitted Infections and Unintended Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk Transmission through Friends and Attitudes.

Studying transmission networks in high-risk populations has yielded important information about preventing HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections (STI) among adults (Derlega & Barbee, 1998; Potterat, Rothenberg, & Muth, 1999). Research also links adolescent peer network characteristics to HIV/STI risk behaviors (Brown, Dolcini, & Leventhal, 1997; Ozer, Weinstein, Maslach, & Siegel, 1997; Wood, Nagoshi, & Dennis, 1992; Worth & Rodriguez, 1987). Among these characteristics are selection (choosing friends whose attitudes or behavior are like one’s own) and socialization (changing one’s own attitudes or behavior to become more like those of friends). Both processes increase similarity between adolescents and their peers (McPherson, Smith-Lovin, & Cook, 2001). Developmental risk studies (Brown, DiClemente, & Park, 1992; Henry, Schoeny, Deptula, & Slavick, 2007) and interventions (Walter, Vaughan, Gladis, & Ragin, 1993) both suggest the importance of adolescent peer relationships in sexual risk. This study investigates whether peer effects on sexual risk are limited to adolescence or have detectable longer-term effects on adult outcomes. Further, this study explores the extent to which selection or socialization processes in adolescence are involved in any longer-term peer effects. Finally, this study assesses the contributions of change in attitude and change in behavior to longer-term effects.
Clinical estimation of gestational age: rules for avoiding preterm delivery.

Abstract Reliable knowledge of the duration of pregnancy prior to birth is often of crucial importance in making obstetric care decisions. Laboratory methods for estimating fetal maturity have received considerable attention, but the usefulness of historical information has only rarely been addressed. In order to examine the value of clinical estimators of fetal gestational age (GA) in 690 pregnancies, the correlations of menstrual history (LMP), first unamplified audible fetal heart tones (FFH), and quickening (Q), with GA, based on the modified Dubowitz examination at birth, were examined. Evaluation of each of the data sets used alone reveals that in order to be 90 per cent certain that an infant will be mature at delivery (≥38 weeks), a reliable LMP must have been noted for 42 weeks prior to birth, the FFH heard for 21 weeks, and Q felt for 25 weeks. These findings suggest that carefully obtained historical and physical examination information remains a cornerstone of appropriate obstetric care.
Initiation Factors in Eukaryotes

Initiation factors are those proteins that facilitate the assembly of the initiator tRNA, mRNA and ribosomes into an initiation complex. This assembly correctly matches the AUG start codon of the mRNA with the anticodon of the initiator tRNA in the ribosomal P site and thereby determines the translational reading frame. Keywords: protein synthesis; initiation factors; scanning; helicase; ribosomes; tRNA; mRNA; ATP; GTP
Extra-long Gαs variant XLαs protein escapes activation-induced subcellular redistribution and is able to provide sustained signaling

Murine models indicate that Gαs and its extra-long variant XLαs, both of which are derived from GNAS, markedly differ regarding their cellular actions, but these differences are unknown. Here we investigated activation-induced trafficking of Gαs and XLαs, using immunofluorescence microscopy, cell fractionation, and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. In transfected cells, XLαs remained localized to the plasma membrane, whereas Gαs redistributed to the cytosol after activation by GTPase-inhibiting mutations, cholera toxin treatment, or G protein-coupled receptor agonists (isoproterenol or parathyroid hormone (PTH)(1–34)). Cholera toxin treatment or agonist (isoproterenol or pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide-27) stimulation of PC12 cells expressing Gαs and XLαs endogenously led to an increased abundance of Gαs, but not XLαs, in the soluble fraction. Mutational analyses revealed two conserved cysteines and the highly charged domain as being critically involved in the plasma membrane anchoring of XLαs. The cAMP response induced by M-PTH(1–14), a parathyroid hormone analog, terminated quickly in HEK293 cells stably expressing the type 1 PTH/PTH-related peptide receptor, whereas the response remained maximal for at least 6 min in cells that co-expressed the PTH receptor and XLαs. Although isoproterenol-induced cAMP response was not prolonged by XLαs expression, a GTPase-deficient XLαs mutant found in certain tumors and patients with fibrous dysplasia of bone and McCune-Albright syndrome generated more basal cAMP accumulation in HEK293 cells and caused more severe impairment of osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells than the cognate Gαs mutant (gsp oncogene). Thus, activated XLαs and Gαs traffic differently, and this may form the basis for the differences in their cellular actions.
Principles and Methods of Law and Economics: FINANCE AND PROBABILITY: OPTIONS AND DERIVATIVES

Options are extraordinarily important because they capture the difference between obligation and freedom. Financial economists only recently developed the ability to quantify the effect of some options. This new ability to quantify options obviously has enormous value for legal analysis, because law focuses on obligations and freedoms. Option theory presents a new aspect of Meinhard v. Salmon . Salmon received a lucrative offer from Gerry, a business acquaintance. The offer could have expanded Salmon's business. Unbeknownst to Gerry, Salmon's business, which was the reason for their acquaintance, had a secret partner, Meinhard. If Gerry knew that Salmon operated in two capacities, as an individual and as a member of a partnership, then Gerry may have specified which of the two he selected as the recipient of his offer. Meinhard, the invisible partner, claimed the offer should be treated as made to the partnership. The litigation that Meinhard started eventually reached the highest court of the jurisdiction, judge Benjamin Cardozo, and his dissenting colleague, Andrews. Previously established law did not answer the question directly. If Cardozo and his court had had a better handle on options they might have realized that participation in a subsequent venture was an option. Nowadays, such an option can be valued and similar “derivatives” are traded routinely in exchanges. Compared with the valuation of stocks, the valuation of derivatives is a simple application of probability theory. The premise, however, that simplifies the valuation of derivatives is solidly founded on economic or financial reasoning.
Spatial and temporal patterns in fish community structure and abundance in the largest U.S. river swamp, the Atchafalaya River floodplain, Louisiana

Long-term monitoring is critical for documenting population and community trends and for management, especially in large river-floodplain ecosystems that provide important services. Levees have reduced active floodplains in most large rivers, but connectivity in some reaches could promote community resilience. Using multivariate tools and regression, we examined spatial and temporal structure in fish community samples from two decades (>1000 samples, >100 sites) in one of the largest relatively intact river-floodplain ecosystems in North America – the Atchafalaya River (ARB), Louisiana. Assemblages exhibited significant structure temporally and spatially, with most substantial effects of year and hydrologic subdivisions; however, season and water level also influenced community structure. Temporal trends in communities were limited to few areas, while declines in species richness were more widespread; however, rarefied richness trends suggested that declines were slight. Recent and long-term declines in abundance of economically important species (e.g., Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Bigmouth Buffalo) and increases in others (e.g., Smallmouth Buffalo, Blue Catfish, Freshwater Drum) drove differences among time periods. Our results suggest that the hydrologic subdivisions of the ARB may be an appropriate scale at which to manage fish populations, hydrology and water quality. Although we could not account for several important factors affecting fish communities in the ARB (e.g., hurricanes, major floods), and were limited by sampling variability, our findings highlight the utility of long-term datasets from large river-floodplain ecosystems for identifying important scales for management, determining species contributions to community change and forming hypotheses about anthropogenic and environmental drivers of variation in fish communities.
Home parenteral nutrition in children with Crohn's disease: an effective management alternative.

Abstract Seventeen pediatric patients, ages 9.25–20.5 yr, were placed on a program of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for severe, symptomatic Crohn's disease. Prior therapy with sulfasalazine in 14, adrenocorticosteroids in 12, inpatient total parenteral nutrition in 7, and/or surgical resections in 6 failed to suppress disease activity. Remission was attained in 12 of the 17 after one course of HPN alone. Four patients had surgical procedures and 1 required steroids in addition to HPN. Remissions have been maintained in 4 of those 12 for a mean duration of 315 days after discontinuation of HPN. Of the 8 who relapsed after a mean duration of 68 days, second courses of HPN were undertaken in 7 and third courses in 2. All 17 had a marked improvement in disease symptoms while receiving HPN in addition to gaining weight sufficient to place them at a higher percentile on standard growth charts. Ten patients demonstrated "catch-up" growth and 4 others increased their height appropriately. A chromium51-labeled albumin stool collection of greater than 1% in 5 of 7 patients at the completion of a HPN course correlated with relapse within 4 mo. Serial radiographic contrast studies and erythrocyte sedimentation rates were not predictive of prolonged remissions. Home parenteral nutrition complications were minimal, with only one episode of sepsis per 5.8 catheter experience years. It is concluded that HPN is a safe and effective means of inducing remissions and providing optimal nutritional support in pediatric patients with severe Crohn's disease. Patients with less than adequate response to standard medical management should be considered candidates for this therapeutic modality.
Women Deputies and Jail Work

This article examines the adjustment problems and work strategies of female deputy sheriffs working in four county jails and three local adult detention centers. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 108 women deputies. The findings suggest that in their role as jail officers, women experience integration difficulties predominantly imposed on them by their male coworkers; these difficulties include gender stereotyping, role conflict, and differential performance expectations. This article explores the impact of and response to these work problems.
Statistical distribution of impedance elements in biological systems

Electric impedance measurements on systems consisting of nonuniform elements (e.g. nerve bundles, cell suspensions, imperfect dielectrics)_can be interpreted if the impedance characteristics of the individuals and their impedance distribution are known. Conversely, given the observed overall impedance,z(p), the impedance distribution of the individuals is not uniquely determined in both phase angle and static capacitance. If all individual phase angles are equal, the distribution,D(τ), is the solution of Stieltjes' integral equation $$F[z(p)] = \int_0^\infty {\frac{{D(\tau )d\tau }}{{1 + p\tau }}} ,$$ F being a known function of the geometry of the system. It is shown that the phase angle of the equivalent suspension approaches that of the original suspension as the dispersion ofD(τ) decreases.
SDF-1-CXCR4 differentially regulates autoimmune diabetogenic T cell adhesion through ROBO1-SLIT2 interactions in mice

Aims/hypothesis We had previously reported that stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) mediates chemorepulsion of diabetogenic T cell adhesion to islet microvascular endothelium through unknown mechanisms in NOD mice. Here we report that SDF-1-mediated chemorepulsion occurs through slit homologue (SLIT)2-roundabout, axon guidance receptor, homologue 1 (Drosophila) (ROBO1) interactions.
Mobile Technology and Student Learning: What Does Current Research Reveal?

As mobile devices become ubiquitous, it is necessary to analyze if and how these devices can be used for learning. This systematic review is part of a larger review that analyzed 21 mobile learning research studies published from 2005-present. Eleven studies that focused specifically on student learning outcomes and processes are summarized in this review in order to better understand the direction of mobile learning in mainstream education. Overall, studies were found to be positive and indicated several benefits of using mobile devices for learning including an increase in achievement, productivity, engagement, and motivation. This paper also highlights recommendations for future research and practice in the field of mobile learning, specifically focusing on the way personal mobile device ownership may influence learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Uptake of Inhaled n-Butyl Nitrite and In Vivo Traansformation in Rats

The uptake of butyl nitrite by rats (500 g, one rat/chamber) wass determined over a 5-min exposure period. About 44% of the starting amount (771-3855 ppm) of n-butyl nitrite was consumed in 5 min. Three rats per exposure concentration were individually studied for 0–150 min after exposure. Concentrations of blood methemoglobin and plasma nitrate, nitrite, butyl nitrite, and butyl alcohol were examined. No free nitrate ion or butyl nitrite was detectable in the plasma at any time (6.5–150 min) following the exposure. Concentrations at 6.5 min of butyl alcohol, nitrate ion, and methemoglobin increased with increasing exposure concentrations. Plasma concentrations of butyl alcohol were detectable only briefly at 6.5 and 20 min. Methemoglobin levels deceased linearly at higher concentrations and as an approximate first-order process at lower concentrations (< 15 g/L of whole blood). By 20 min after the inhalation period, plasma nitrate concentrations had decreased from peak levels to higher than baseline steady-state nitrate concentrations. Nitrosothiols were not detectable in the plasma protein fraction.
Evidence that HLA-G is the functional homolog of mouse Qa-2, the Ped gene product.

Qa-2, a murine class Ib major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, is a possible functional homolog of human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G). Both molecules have been implicated in immunoregulation and embryonic development and both occur in membrane-bound and soluble isoforms that arise by alternative splicing. Soluble splice variants have been implicated in the reproductive functions of HLA-G. While soluble variants of Qa-2 have been previously detected in T lymphocytes, we now demonstrate the presence of mRNA for one of the two known soluble forms of Qa-2 in eight-cell embryos and in blastocysts. Qa-2 is glycosylphosphatidy-linositol (GPI) linked in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane and is found in lipid raft microdomains where other raft-associated proteins transduce signals into the cell. In contrast, HLA-G has a truncated six amino acid cytoplasmic tail. By fluorescence co-localization in JEG-3 cells, using fluorescent cholera toxin β subunit (a lipid raft marker) and anti-HLA-G antibody, we have demonstrated that membrane-bound HLA-G also localizes to lipid rafts, consistent with functional homology between the two molecules. Finally, our experiments in which we have purified Qa-2 and transferred it via a process known as protein painting to Qa-2 negative cells represent a model for potential therapy involving HLA-G.
Communication Conflicts of Status and Authority in Dyadic, Task-Based Interactions Status Generalization in Airplane Cockpits

Status generalization theory predicts that high-status individuals will automatically assume high-authority roles controlling task-based interactions. However, temporary task demands may require low-status individuals to assume high-authority positions. If status generalizes, role conflicts may occur when high-status partners fail to yield control to low-status partners. lb test status generalization in legitimate role-reversal situations, airplane pilot crews who represented high- and low-status partners (i.e., captains and first officers)flew simulated missions during which transfers of authority (i.e.,pilotflying to pilot not flying) occurred. Results showed captains initiated more transfers and used more direct commands in initiations of transfers of authority than did first officers, even when captains were in low-authority roles. Only when using mitigated commands did first officers in high-authority positions initiate more transfers than did captains. Performative speech acts were shown to be effec...
Flame retarding polyamide 6 with melamine cyanurate and layered silicates

The flammability behavior of the system polyamide 6 (PA 6) + melamine cyanurate (MC) with or without organically modified layered montmorillonite (OMMT) or sodium montmorillonite (Na+MMT) was studied. The high degree of flame retardancy (FR) obtained with 13 wt% MC is maintained upon adding up to 0.2 wt% OMMT or Na+MMT. Increase mass % of OMMT is antagonistic to the MC effect. The rate of dripping decreases while the size and mass of drops in the UL-94 tests increases with increasing wt% OMMT indicating increase in viscosity of the melt and decrease in the rate of sublimation of melamine. Addition of poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) decreases the viscosity and partially restores the FR rating. Na+MMT does not increase the viscosity and the FR ratings are partially preserved. The peak of heat release rate (PHRR) in the cone calorimeter decreases with increased loading of OMMT. Addition of Na+MMT or PVP has little influence on the PHRR. The time of ignition decreases with increase in OMMT, but is not affected when Na+MMT is used. This is explained by the low thermal conductivity of the clay containing surface layer of samples during pyrolysis and combustion. Mechanistic considerations are presented. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rainfall Microphysics and Radar Properties: Analysis Methods for Drop Size Spectra

Abstract Analyses are performed of experimental drop size spectra to explore the relationships among integral parameters for rain. The data used in this work were acquired with an airborne optical 2D precipitation probe in TOGA COARE during a 4-month period in 1992–93. It is assumed that the experimental size spectra can be described by a gamma drop size distribution (DSD) of the form N(D) = N0Dμ exp(−ΛD) involving three parameters (N0, μ, Λ), which are determined using a new method of truncated moments. The method allows for truncation of the DSD at the large-diameter end of the spectrum due in part to instrumental effects and also in part to the trajectory of the aircraft through a rain streamer that has been sorted by wind shear. An effect analogous to truncation can occur at the small-diameter end of the size spectrum due to evaporation. However, truncation of the spectrum at the small-diameter end is not considered in this work. It is found that spectra with small space and timescales display conside...
Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on optic axon branching and remodelling in vivo

Neurotrophins are thought to be important for the survival and differentiation of vertebrate neurons. Roles have been suggested for target-derived neurotrophins, based both on their expression in target tissues at the time of neuron innervation, and on their effects on axonal sprouting. However, direct in vivo evidence of their involvement in axon arborization has remained elusive. We have used in vivo microscopy to follow individual optic axons over time, and have examined the role of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in their development. Here we show that injection of BDNF into the optic tec turn of live Xenopus laevis tadpoles increased the branching and complexity of optic axon terminal arbors. In contrast, injection of specific neutralizing antibodies to BDNF reduced axon arborization and complexity. The onset of these effects was rapid (within 2 hours) and persisted throughout the 24-hour observation period. Other neurotrophins had little or no significant effects. These results demonstrate the involvement of neurotrophins in the dynamic elaboration of axon terminals, and suggest a direct role for target-derived BDNF during synaptic patterning in the developing central nervous system.
Proton transfer reactions from H3+ ions to N2, O2, and CO molecules☆

The rate constants for proton transfer from H3(+) ions to N2, O2, and CO have been measured as function of hydrogen-buffer-gas partial pressure. The rate constant for proton transfer from H3(+) to N2 shows a very large pressure dependence, increasing from 1.0 by 10 to the -9th power cu cm/s at low H2 partial pressures to 1.7 by 10 to the -9th power cu cm/s at high H2 partial pressures. The rate constants for proton transfer from H3(+) to O2 and CO are constant with partial pressure of H2. The roles of excess vibrational energy in H3(+) ions and of equilibrium between forward and back reactions are discussed. Back reaction is observed only for the reaction of H3(+) ions with O2, and an equilibrium constant of 2.0 (plus or minus 0.4) at 298 K has been determined. From these data, the proton affinity of O2 is deduced to be 0.47 (plus or minus 0.11) kcal/mole higher than that of H2.
Lumbar Spine Segmental Mobility Assessment: An Examination of Validity for Determining Intervention Strategies in Patients With Low Back Pain

Abstract Fritz JM, Whitman JM, Childs JD. Lumbar spine segmental mobility assessment: an examination of validity for determining intervention strategies in patients with low back pain. Objective To examine the predictive validity of posterior-anterior (PA) mobility testing in a group of patients with low back pain (LBP). Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Outpatient physical therapy clinics. Participants Patients with LBP (N=131; mean age ± standard deviation, 33.9±10.9y; range, 19–59y), and a median symptom duration of 27 days (range, 1–5941d). Patients completed a baseline examination, including PA mobility testing, and were categorized with respect to both hypomobility and hypermobility (present or absent), and treated for 4 weeks. Intervention Seventy patients were randomized to an intervention involving manipulation and 61 to a stabilization exercise intervention. Main Outcome Measures Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ) scores were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks. Three-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to assess the effect of mobility categorization and intervention group on the change on the ODQ with time. Number-needed-to-treat (NNT) statistics were calculated. Results Ninety-three (71.0%) patients were judged to have hypomobility present and 15 (11.5%) were judged with hypermobility present. The ANOVAs resulted in significant interaction effects. Pairwise comparisons showed greater improvements among patients receiving manipulation categorized with hypomobility present versus absent (mean difference, 23.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.1%–42.4%), and among patients receiving stabilization categorized with hypermobility present versus absent (mean difference, 36.4%; 95% CI, 10.3%–69.3%). For patients with hypomobility, failure rates were 26% with manipulation and 74.4% with stabilization (NNT=2.1; 95% CI, 1.6–3.5). For patients with hypermobility, failure rates were 83.3% and 22.2% for manipulation and stabilization, respectively (NNT=1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–10.2). Conclusions Patients with LBP judged to have lumbar hypomobility experienced greater benefit from an intervention including manipulation; those judged to have hypermobility were more likely to benefit from a stabilization exercise program.
RECENT PROGRESS IN CHEMICAL AMPLIFICATION RESISTS FOR EXCIMER LASER LITHOGRAPHY: REVERSE POLARITY CHANGE VIA PINACOL REARRANGEMENT

Chemical amplification resists based on the reverse polarity change from a polar to a nonpolar state have been designed. The imaging mechanism relies on the pinacol-pinacolone rearrangement, wherein vic-diols (pinacols) are converted to ketones or aldehydes with photochemically generated acid as a catalyst. A polymeric pinacol has been synthesized and has demonstrated very efficient and clean rearrangement to provide negative images upon development with methanol. Small pinacol compounds have been also utilized in three-component, aqueous base developable, negative resist systems, where the rearrangement products inhibit the dissolution of the phenolic matrix resin in the exposed regions.
Affinity-labelling corticoids. I. Synthesis of 21-chloroprogesterone, deoxycorticosterone 21-(1-imidazole) carboxylate, 21-deoxy-21-chloro dexamethasone, and dexamethasone 21-mesylate, 21-bromoacetate, and 21-iodoacetate.

Abstract The efficient and unambiguous preparation of several C-21 substituted affinity-labelling corticoids are described. Included is an improved procedure for the preparation of 21-chloroprogesterone and the first reported synthesis of deoxycorticosterone 21-(1-imidazole) carboxylate. Dexamethasone derivatives prepared include separate and unambiguous synthesis of 21-deoxy-21-chlorodexamethasone and dexamethasone 21-mesylate, as well as the first reported synthesis of dexamethasone 21-bromoacetate and dexamethasone 21-iodoacetate.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Inhibitors of Glycinamide Ribonucleotide Transformylase

Glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) catalyzes the first of two formyl transfer steps in the de novo purine biosynthetic pathway that require folate cofactors and has emerged as a productive target for antineoplastic therapeutic intervention. The asymmetric synthesis and evaluation of the two diastereomers of 10-methylthio-DDACTHF (10R-3 and 10S-3) and related analogues as potential inhibitors of GAR Tfase are reported. This work, which defines the importance of the C10 stereochemistry for this class of inhibitors of GAR Tfase, revealed that both diastereomers are potent inhibitors of rhGAR Tfase (10R-3 Ki = 210 nM, 10S-3 Ki = 180 nM) that exhibit effective cell growth inhibition (CCRF-CEM IC50 = 80 and 50 nM, respectively), which is dependent on intracellular polyglutamation by folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) but not intracellular transport by the reduced folate carrier.
Ziram causes dopaminergic cell damage by inhibiting E1 ligase of the proteasome

The etiology of Parkinson disease (PD) is unclear but may involve environmental toxins such as pesticides leading to dysfunction of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Here, we measured the relative toxicity of ziram (a UPS inhibitor) and analogs to dopaminergic neurons and examined the mechanism of cell death. UPS (26 S) activity was measured in cell lines after exposure to ziram and related compounds. Dimethyl- and diethyldithiocarbamates including ziram were potent UPS inhibitors. Primary ventral mesencephalic cultures were exposed to ziram, and cell toxicity was assessed by staining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and NeuN antigen. Ziram caused a preferential damage to TH+ neurons and elevated α-synuclein levels but did not increase aggregate formation. Mechanistically, ziram altered UPS function through interfering with the targeting of substrates by inhibiting ubiquitin E1 ligase. Sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate administered to mice for 2 weeks resulted in persistent motor deficits and a mild reduction in striatal TH staining but no nigral cell loss. These results demonstrate that ziram causes selective dopaminergic cell damage in vitro by inhibiting an important degradative pathway implicated in the etiology of PD. Chronic exposure to widely used dithiocarbamate fungicides may contribute to the development of PD, and elucidation of its mechanism would identify a new potential therapeutic target.
Topology design and bridge-capacity assignment for interconnecting token ring LANs: A simulated annealing approach

We address the problem of determining the topology and bridge-capacity assignments for a network connecting a number of token rings via source-routing bridges. The objective is to minimize the cost of bridge installations while meeting the network users' performance requirements. The problem is modeled as a mixed 0---1 integer program. A comparison is given between two solution algorithms: a simulated annealing algorithm using the flow-deviation algorithm for each routing subproblem, and a drop algorithm using the simplex method for the same subproblems to provide benchmark solutions. In the former algorithm, the routing subproblem is formulated as a nonlinear program with penalty functions to model node and link capacity constraints, and in the latter as a multicommodity flow model with the same capacity constraints. Computational results show that the simulated-annealing/flow-deviation algorithm produced substantially better solutions than the LP-based drop algorithm.
Transient light scattering in aqueous surfactant systems

Abstract A new phenomenon in aqueous surfactant systems is presented. Laser-induced timedependent changes in the Hν, Vν, and Dν light scattering at 90° have been measured in aqueous solutions of ionic surfactants both above and below the CMC. Parameters of the effect were determined in detail for cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, but the effect was seen in cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and N,N,N-trimethylaminododecanimide as well. Other surfactant systems (oleyl- , tridecyl- , and nonylphenolethylene oxide adducts) did not exhibit the phenomena. The Hν and Vν intensities decayed in an exponential fashion from the time of first illumination with a time constant of the order of ∼2 sec for incident power densities of ≥50 W/cm2 from an argon ion laser. Lesser incident powers produced longer decays. Evaluations of the dependence on temperature, concentration, and sampling were also made. The effect seems most consistent with a low concentration of a highly anisotropic structure in solution even below the CMC.
Imaging Small Vessel-Associated White Matter Changes in Aging

Alterations in cerebrovascular structure and function may underlie the most common age-associated cognitive, psychiatric, and neurological conditions presented by older adults. Although much remains to understand, existing research suggests several age-associated detrimental conditions may be mediated through sometimes subtle small vessel-induced damage to the cerebral white matter. Here we review a selected portion of the vast work that demonstrates links between changes in vascular and neural health as a function of advancing age, and how even changes in low-to-moderate risk individuals, potentially beginning early in the adult age-span, may have an important impact on functional status in late life.
"No Seamstresses, No Ready-Made Clothing" Clothing Consumption on the American Frontier, 1850-1890

This study presents a more complete description of North American dress, specifically that of women married to officers of the Indian-fighting U.S. Army in the second half of the nineteenth century, resulting from changes as a response to unusual frontier conditions. Diaries, letters, and memoirs of 18 army wives were primary source materials. The women's writings contained seven themes related to changes in clothing. Two of these are associated with clothing consumption, the acquisition and maintenance of clothing. Living on the frontier forced women to obtain clothes in unaccustomed ways and provided unforeseen opportunities to lose and damage garments. To cope, women obtained clothing from various sources and relied on sewing skills. U.S. Army wives were both domestic producers and consumers of clothing.
Do changes in the size of mud flocs affect the acoustic backscatter values recorded by a Vector ADV

Abstract A series of experiments were conducted to examine the effect of mud floc growth on the acoustic back-scatter signal recorded by a Nortek Vector acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). Several studies have shown that calibration equations can be developed to link the backscatter strength with average suspended sediment concentration (SSC) when the sediment particle size distribution remains constant. However, when mud is present, the process of flocculation can alter the suspended particle size distribution. Past studies have shown that it is still unclear as to the degree of dependence of the calibration equation on changes in floc size. Part of the ambiguity lies in the fact that flocs can be porous and rather loosely packed and therefore will not scatter sound waves as a solid particle would. In addition, direct, detailed measurements of floc size have not accompanied experiments examining the dependence of ADV backscatter and suspended sediment concentration. In this set of experiments, direct measurement of the floc size distribution is made with time in a mixing chamber using a floc camera system. A Vector ADV and an OBS are also placed within the tank to measure acoustic backscatter and SSC as the flocs change size with time; concentration in the experiments ranges from 15 to 90 mg/l. Results showed that the growth of mud flocs did influence the SNR recorded by the Vector ADV, and that the sensitivity of the SNR signal to changes in floc size was higher for flocs with diameters less than ≈ 80 μ m (it kr=1 at a diameter of 80 μm). The response of SNR to changes in floc size and SSC was modeled with a modified sonar equation. If properly calibrated, the model was able to capture the functional behavior of SNR with changes in floc size and concentration. Values of the calibration coefficients showed that while changes in floc diameter up to about 80 μm did alter the SNR, the change was less than what would be expected from a similar change in the size of solid scatterers.
The Public Acceptance of New Energy Technologies

In the wake of ominous results about the impending path of climate change, and with gasoline prices hovering around four dollars per gallon, the 2012 presidential and congressional campaigns are full of claims and counterclaims about the transformation of the U.S. energy system. Although much discussion has centered on the need for new energy technologies, this debate as yet has been narrow and limited. Meaningful deployment of any technology will raise questions of public acceptance. Little is known about how diverse publics in the United States will respond to the advent of new energy sources, whether they involve a “second renaissance” for nuclear power, a dash to embrace hydraulic fracking for oil and natural gas, or emerging prospects for renewable energies like wind and solar power. Yet public acceptance will determine the outlook. Adding further complication is the growing debate about traditional energy sources and the extent to which a fossil fuel – based energy system should continue to be centr...
Self-Directedness and Learning Contracts In Adult Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether using learning contracts in higher education enhances adults' readiness and competencies for self-directed learning. One hundred and sixty-three students from six universities, enrolled in graduate courses in adult education where learning contracts were employed, were given pre and posttests to measure any significant gain in their competencies and readiness for self-directed learning. Findings suggest that the use of learning contracts has little impact on developing readiness for self-directedness, but does have some impact on developing competencies for self-directed learning.