cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Childhood sexual abuse severity and disclosure as predictors of depression among adult African-American and Latina women

A history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with adult depression, but data on abuse severity and disclosure are scant, particularly among low-income ethnic minorities. CSA often co-occurs with other adversities, which also increase the risk of depression. This study examined the peritrauma variable of abuse severity and the posttrauma variables of disclosure and self-blame as predictors of current depression symptoms in 94 low-income African-American and Latina women with histories of CSA. After controlling for nonsexual childhood adversity and adult burden (i.e., chronic stress), severe CSA overall was associated with higher depression scores, especially among Latinas who disclosed their abuse. Depression symptoms among African-American women were highest in those who disclosed and reported high levels of self-blame at the time of the incident. The link between depression and specific peri- and post-CSA factors in minority women may help guide future interventions.
Physiologic investigation of posterior pituitary binding proteins neurophysin I and neurophysin II

Abstract Specific radioimmunoassays for bovine neurophysin I and neurophysin II have been developed which are capable of measuring neurophysin in unextracted bovine plasma. Resting adult cows usually have less than 0.2 ng/ml of neurophysin by this assay, but fetal and newborn calves have as much as 22 ng/ml neurophysin I or 6 ng/ml neurophysin II. Neurophysin I is more commonly measurable in bovine plasma at all ages, and is more responsive to posterior pituitary stimulation. Neurophysin I and II levels were measured during lactation, parturition, dehydration, and hypertonic saline infusion. Plasma neurophysins are elevated by these stimuli which cause the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Neurophysin I was elevated during oxytocin-related events and also frequently during vasopressin-related events, while neurophysin II rose only during vasopressin related events.
Relaxing IIA and the effect on individual power

We allow departures from IIA in Arrow’s framework. Our measure of the extent of a departure is the amount of information needed to socially order a pair of alternatives. We also propose a measure of the scope of an individual’s power. The scope of at least one individual’s power increases in step with a reduction in the amount of information that has to be gathered to socially order two alternatives. This result is also established for correspondences, which select a subset of the feasible set as a function of individual preferences.
Meteorites as surface exposure time markers on the blue ice fields of Antarctica: Episodic ice flow in Victoria land over the last 300,000 years

Abstract Meteorites have been discovered in large numbers on certain blue ice fields in the Antarctic. It is possible to estimate how long these meteorites have been on Earth using cosmogenic radionuclide abundances and, as discussed in this paper, how long they have been exposed on the ice surface using natural thermoluminescence (TL) levels. In this paper we discuss two methods to determine surface exposure ages for Antarctic meteorite finds; one method assumes an initial TL level and average surface exposure temperature while the other method uses multiple samples from a single meteorite and assumes a temperature gradient across the meteorite. The former method does not work for approximately 15% of meteorites which were heated prior to Earth impact. These data suggest that no meteorite in the current study was exposed on the ice surface for more than 300,000 years, which may imply that the blue ice fields in question were not stable platforms prior to this point in time or that a rapid pulse in ice thickness cleared the field of meteorites. Steps in surface exposure ages suggest that accumulation of meteorites on the ice fields has been episodic over the last 300,000 years, although these episodes have been of lesser magnitude than that at about 300,000 years ago.
Feasibility of pattern formation in catalytic reactors

Abstract The asymptotic stability regions for the patterned steady-state solution in a two-particle catalytic CSTR, established by Arce and Ramkrishna (1991, A . I . Ch . E . J . 37 , 98–110), are constructed using two approaches, Liapunov's direct method and the construction of a trapping region. In addition, the trapping regions are also constructed for uniform steady-state solutions. Stability regions for the patterned solution show that for a two-particle system, the patterned steady state is indeed practically attainable. The construction can be extended to the N -particle CSTR. The analysis of pattern formation in a CSTR is extended to an m -simultaneous reaction system to show some potential utilities with respect to selectivities and selective yields. Simple calculations demonstrate that, for a system of two parallel Langmuir—Hinshelwood reactions, the yield of the desired product is greatly enhanced by operating the CSTR at a patterned steady state.
Implicit and category-based allocations of decision-making power in majority-minority relations

Abstract Using a social categorization paradigm, the present study explores the minimal conditions which elicit group-level justice concerns with regard to the allocation of decision-making power between a majority and a minority. Results show that, given the opportunity to choose an implicit category-blind decision rule to be implemented in a group decision-making task (the decision being about the allocation of a scarce resource between the groups), minority subjects requested larger majorities for the decision than did majority and control subjects but only after the potential for intergroup divergence and intragroup homogeneity in decision preferences was made salient. When they were asked to choose a category-based decision rule, the majority of subjects requested a majority vote from each of the groups, and no subject deprived the minority of the power of veto. In their vote for the distribution of a scarce resource, minority and control subjects followed a minority-favoring principle whereas majority subjects were split between equal and minority-favoring allocations.
Measurement of fine-grained aspects of toddler temperament: The Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire.

This article describes the development, reliability, and factor structure of a finely differentiated (18 dimensions) parent-report measure of temperament in 1.5- to 3-year-old children, using a cross-sectional sample (N=317) and a longitudinal sample of primary (N=104) and secondary (N=61) caregivers. Adequate internal consistency was demonstrated for all scales and moderate inter-rater reliability was evident for most scales. Longitudinal stability correlations were primarily large over 6- and 12-month spans and moderate to large from 18 to 36 months. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure of Surgency/Extraversion, Negative Affectivity, and Effortful Control. In both samples and for both primary and secondary caregivers, older children received higher scores for Attention Focusing, Discomfort, Inhibitory Control, and Positive Anticipation. Primary caregivers rated females higher in Fear, and lower in High-intensity Pleasure, than males; secondary caregivers rated females higher than males in several aspects of Effortful Control.
Creating schools for the future, not the past for all students

Senge believes that too many school systems are still operating based on obsolete, industrial-age thinking. Remaining focused on standardized-test scores is problematic, because “future-oriented businesses need people who are self-directed learners, have strong personal values and a larger sense of responsibility, and can collaborate effectively in teams and larger networks to solve complex problems.” He describes school districts that are meeting this challenge through such strategies as systems thinking, education for sustainability, learner-centered pedagogy, and building schools as learning communities. Bold leadership is needed from teachers, administrators, principals, parents, school boards, business/civic leaders, and the students themselves.
Vasculogenic mechanisms of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can result from neurogenic, psychologic, hormonal and vasculogenic mechanisms. ED due to diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and obesity might share underlying disease mechanisms related to their effects on vascular signaling pathways. The multicellular composition of cavernosal tissue makes it probable that disturbances of both smooth muscle and endothelial cells contribute to the pathophysiology of ED. Future therapies that allow synergism between these systems might prove to be more efficacious than existing oral pharmacotherapy. This article focuses on current advances in the understanding of vascular signaling mechanisms in erectile function and dysfunction.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis with the interferon-betas: comparative risks and benefits.

Several inteferons (IFNs) have recently been introduced for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). These are IFNβ-1b (Betaseron®) and 2 IFNβ-1a preparations (Avonex® and Rebif®). All 3 drugs reduce the number of acute exacerbations in relapsing remitting MS by about one-third but, because of differences in the trials and trial design, direct comparison of efficacy is difficult. Only the IFNβ-1a preparations have been demonstrated to have an effect in slowing disability. Possible reasons for disparate results with the 3 IFNβs include substantial differences in trial design, antigenicity, route of administration and bioavailability. Adverse effects differ among the various preparations. Avonex®, which is given intramuscularly once weekly, has the fewest adverse effects and the lowest incidence of neutralising antibody formation at 5 to 7%. IFNβ-1b has the highest incidence at 30 to 39%, and Rebif® is intermediate at 13 to 24%. Additionally, IFNβ-1b and Rebif® often cause significant skin reactions, and the former causes occasional skin necrosis at injection sites, a problem not seen with Avonex®. On the basis of the available information, the IFNβ-1a preparations are preferred in terms of tolerability, effects on exacerbation rate and disability, less frequent antibody formation and convenience. The available preparations, Avonex® and Rebif®, have shown similar effectiveness although dose, route of administration and dosage regimens differ. The administered dose of IFNβ-1b and Rebif® appears to be somewhat higher than that of Avonex®, but the differences in effect are small. Further information regarding the effect of different doses and dosage regimens with the various preparations is expected to become available over the next few years.
Counselor cognitions: General and domain-specific complexity.

Counselor cognitive complexity is an important factor in counseling efficacy. The Counselor Cognitions Questionnaire (L. E. Welfare, 2006) and the Washington University Sentence Completion Test (J. Loevinger & R. Wessler, 1970) were used to explore the nature of general and domain-specific cognitive complexity. Counseling experience, supervisory experience, counselor education experience, and highest counseling degree completed were identified as significant predictors of counselor cognitive complexity. Implications for counselor education are discussed.
CLUBFEET AND KYPSELIDS: CONTEXTUALISING CORINTHIAN PADDED DANCERS IN THE ARCHAIC PERIOD

The significance behind the imagery of the padded dancer, or komast , traditionally has been connected to early drama, Dionysos, or ritual practices. Most Archaic Corinthian vases that include these figures portray them dancing, and a percentage of those dancers also illustrate a deformity of the foot. This article attempts to contextualise the clubfooted padded dancer within its political, cultural and geographic boundaries by offering an explanation for the end of production of these figures in Corinth. The lame padded dancer may have been a localised symbol offering political commentary on historical traditions of lameness within the tyrannical family of Corinth. Its production and discontinuation may be connected to the rise and fall of this family.
Prospective treatment of cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with cholic acid therapy

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) OMIM#213700 is a rare disorder of bile acid synthesis caused by deficiency of the enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase. It results in deficiency of bile acids and accumulation of abnormal bile alcohols and accelerated cholesterol synthesis. CTX usually presents in the second or third decade with slowly progressive neurological dysfunction, cerebellar ataxia and premature atherosclerosis. Treatment with bile acid supplementation improves but does not completely reverse the neurological signs and symptoms. However, CTX is now known to be associated with a period of neonatal cholestasis. If it is diagnosed at this point, treatment may prevent the onset of neurological problems. We present the case histories and developmental findings in two affected siblings treated from infancy. We plan to continue regular neurodevelopmental reviews.
Design and implementation of collagen-based capacitive relative humidity sensors

In the search for novel organic and biocompatible materials, we propose to use collagen as a novel dielectric relative humidity sensing material. The goal of this work is to assert the utility of collagen as an inexpensive alternative for more traditional dielectric materials. Coming from the bones, tendons, and skin of bovine and pigs, this by-product of the meat and leather industry presents itself as an appealing candidate. No study has yet to explore the potential use of collagen in sensing systems. We have successfully patterned thin film Collagen layers into strips which reside in between copper electrodes, resulting in interdigitated planar capacitor structures. We have measured the capacitance change of the sensing capacitors under 50% and 75% relative humidity at different temperatures. The response time was found to be within seconds. With a proper temperature compensation scheme, collagen can be used as a biocompatible relative humidity sensor.
MscS-Like Mechanosensitive Channels in Plants and Microbes

The challenge of osmotic stress is something all living organisms must face as a result of environmental dynamics. Over the past three decades, innovative research and cooperation across disciplines have irrefutably established that cells utilize mechanically gated ion channels to release osmolytes and prevent cell lysis during hypoosmotic stress. Early electrophysiological analysis of the inner membrane of Escherichia coli identified the presence of three distinct mechanosensitive activities. The subsequent discoveries of the genes responsible for two of these activities, the mechanosensitive channels of large (MscL) and small (MscS) conductance, led to the identification of two diverse families of mechanosensitive channels. The latter of these two families, the MscS family, consists of members from bacteria, archaea, fungi, and plants. Genetic and electrophysiological analysis of these family members has provided insight into how organisms use mechanosensitive channels for osmotic regulation in response...
Linked Raters Judgments: A More Sensitive Index of Change.

The traditional procedure for obtaining judges' ratings to ascertain if treatment-related change has occurred involves the randomization of the materials to be rated and the separation of pretest from posttest materials. An alternative approach (linked judgments) is offered as a potential solution to certain instrumentation-related threats to statistical conclusion validity of the incumbent rating procedure. Data are presented which suggest that linked raters' judgments might provide a more powerful index of treatment effectiveness than the traditional procedure.
On integral transforms whose kernels are solutions of singular Sturm-Liouville problems

On etudie des transformees integrales du type f(x)=∫ 0 ∞ F(s). φ(x,s) dρ, ou φ(x,s) est la solution du probleme de Sturm-Liouville: y″+(s 2 −q(x)) y=0, 0≤x<∞, avec y(0) cosα+y'(0) sinα=0, y(x) est bornee a l'infini et dρ est la mesure spectrale
Vascular Targeting of Nanocarriers: Perplexing Aspects of the Seemingly Straightforward Paradigm

Targeted nanomedicine holds promise to find clinical use in many medical areas. Endothelial cells that line the luminal surface of blood vessels represent a key target for treatment of inflammation, ischemia, thrombosis, stroke, and other neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and oncological conditions. In other cases, the endothelium is a barrier for tissue penetration or a victim of adverse effects. Several endothelial surface markers including peptidases (e.g., ACE, APP, and APN) and adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1 and PECAM) have been identified as key targets. Binding of nanocarriers to these molecules enables drug targeting and subsequent penetration into or across the endothelium, offering therapeutic effects that are unattainable by their nontargeted counterparts. We analyze diverse aspects of endothelial nanomedicine including (i) circulation and targeting of carriers with diverse geometries, (ii) multivalent interactions of carrier with endothelium, (iii) anchoring to multiple determinants, ...
Nucleation and propagation of cracks in a polystyrene craze layer

A mechanism of crack nucleation by ductile rupture in the “mid-rib” layer of polystyrene crazes is described. Progressive failure localized within the mid-rib layer may also be the mechanism of propagation of cracks in polystyrene crazes at low velocities.
EFFECT OF THIOURACIL AND THIOUREA ON THE THYROID GLAND OF THE CHICK11

IT IS WELL ESTABLISHED that certain compounds which are derivatives of either aniline or thiourea will prevent the formation of thyroxine by the thyroid gland, and as a result the thyroid hypertrophies due to the compensatory action of the thyrotropic hormone of the anterior pituitary gland. The usual symptoms of hypothyroidism then become evident. Mackenzie, Mackenzie and McCollum (1941) first observed thyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia in rats fed sulfaguanidine. The Mackenzies (1942) later reported that this thyroid change could not be prevented by iodine administration, but could be prevented by the administration of thyroxine. Phenylthiourea (Richter and Clisby, 1942), ally thiourea (Kennedy, 1942) as well as many other aniline and thiourea derivatives (Mackenzie and Mackenzie, 1943; Astwood, Sullivan, Bissell and Tyslowitz, 1943; and Astwood, 1943a) have been shown to cause this thyroid enlargement and hyperplasia. Mackenzie and Mackenzie (1943) and Astwood, et at. (1943) have made detailed studies...
A pyridine-thiol ligand with multiple bonding sites for heavy metal precipitation.

Abstract There are immediate concerns with current commercial ligands that are used for heavy metal precipitation, especially the limited arrays of bonding sites. Previous research has indicated that not only do commercial reagents lack sufficient bonding criteria, but they also fail to provide long-term stability as ligand–metal complexes. For this reason, we have developed a pyridine-based thiol ligand (DTPY) which not only offers multiple bonding sites for heavy metals but also should form stable metal–ligand precipitates. In this study, we used the divalent metals cadmium and copper to model the reactivity and pH stability of divalent metal complexes with the DTPY ligand. Using inductively-coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP), results indicate that a 50.00 ppm (parts per million) copper solution, pH of 4.5, can be reduced to below the ICP detection limits of 0.00093 ppm (>99.99% removal), and a 50.00 ppm cadmium solution, pH of 6.0, can be reduced to 0.06 ppm (99.88%).
A quadratic empirical model formulation for dynamical systems using a genetic algorithm

A new procedure to formulate nonlinear empirical models of a dynamical system is presented. This nonlinear modeling technique generalizes the Markovian techniques used to build linear empirical models, but incorporates a quadratic nonlinearity. The model fit is accomplished using a genetic algorithm. The nonlinear empirical model is applied to two low order model test cases demonstrating different forms of nonlinearity. The two equation predator/prey model (Lotka-Volterra equations) is modeled in the regime of a stable limit cycle. The nonlinear empirical model is able to capture the general shape of the limit cycle, but does not display the long time stability. The second example is the three dimensional Lorenz system forced in the chaotic regime. The general shape and location in phase space of the chaotic attractor is reproduced by the nonlinear empirical model. The results presented here demonstrate that nonlinear empirical models may be able to reproduce some of the nonlinear behaviors of dynamical systems.
Acute hepatitis delta virus superinfection in patients with liver cirrhosis

Abstract A clinicopathologic study in a total of 164 patients with acute hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection showed that nine male patients (5.5%) had evidence of liver cirrhosis prior to or during the episode of acute hepatitis. All nine patients had typical clinical presentations and laboratory findings of acute viral hepatitis. Four of them had prolonged prothrombin time, three developed ascites and one finally died of hepatic failure. Clinical ascites occurred more frequently in cirrhotic patients with severe but non-fulminant hepatitis than their non-cirrhotic counterparts ( p p
e08-008: Exclusive study of deuteron electrodisintegration near threshold

The study of threshold electrodisintegration of and elastic scattering on the only stable two nucleon system, the deuteron, can reveal specific aspects of the N-N interaction. The simplicity of electrodisintegration along with the simplicity of the deuteron makes this study most appropriate for revealing these interactions. By using an incident beam of polarized electrons and by measuring the polarization of the recoiling proton, the ratio of the electric (GE) and magnetic (GM) form factors for \(d\left( {\vec e,e'\vec p} \right)\) (and \(p\left( {\vec e,e'\vec p} \right)\)) reactions may be extracted. This experiment was conducted in Hall A at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia using a beam of polarized electrons provided by the CEBAF Accelerator incident on a liquid deuterium (and hydrogen) target. The scattered electron and the recoiling (polarized) proton were detected using the High Resolution Spectrometers of Hall A. To determine the polarization of the recoil proton, an analyzing material was placed perpendicular to the protons trajectory through the spectrometer, in front of a set of straw chambers. Due to the spin-orbit interactions involved in the scattering of the proton from the analyzer material, asymmetries seen in the distribution of events detected by these straw chambers reveal the polarization of the recoil proton. By tracking the spin procession of the polarized protons from the straw chambers back to the target, the transferred and induced polarization of the proton may be determined. The (double-spin) asymmetries observed in the straw chambers will first be studied for the well-known elastic \(p\left( {\vec e,e'\vec p} \right)\) process and compared to the asymmetries for \(d\left( {\vec e,e'\vec p} \right)n\left( {x_B = 1} \right)\). The analysis will then be repeated to determine how these asymmetries change with increasing xB (to the kinematic limit for deuteron electrodisintegration).
Comparative Phylogenetic Analysis of Blcap/Nnat Reveals Eutherian-Specific Imprinted Gene

Imprinted genes are parent-of-origin dependent, monoallelically expressed genes present in marsupials and eutherian mammals. Altered expression of imprinted genes plays a significant role in the etiology of a variety of human disorders and diseases. Nevertheless, the regulatory mechanisms of imprinting remain poorly defined. The imprinted gene Neuronatin (Nnat) is an excellent candidate for studying imprinting because it resides within the 8.5-kb intron of the nonimprinted gene Bladder Cancer-Associated Protein (Blcap) and is the only imprinted gene within the region. A phylogenetic comparison of this micro-imprinted domain in human, mouse, and rat revealed several candidates for imprint control, including tandem repeats and putative binding sites for trans- acting factors known to be involved in chromatin remodeling. Genome-wide phylogenetic comparisons of species from the three major extant mammalian clades failed, however, to show any evidence of Nnat outside the eutherian lineage. Thus, Nnat is the first identified eutherian-specific imprinted gene, demonstrating that imprinted genes did not arise at a single point during evolution. This finding also suggests that the complexity of imprinting regulation observed at other loci may, in part, be directly related to the amount of time they have been imprinted.
Test Difficulty and Stereotype Threat on the GRE General Test1

This study investigated (a) the ability to minimize or eliminate stereotype threat by reducing the difficulty of items administered via a computer-adaptive version of the Graduate Record Examinations General Test; and (b) the generalizability of these findings for Black students as well as women, and for verbal as well as quantitative sections of the test. Standard and easier versions of the test, and measures of stereotype threat and possible symptoms or sequelae of stereotype threat were administered to students bound for graduate school or already there. Reducing test difficulty did not have any differential effects on test performance or on explicit indexes of stereotype threat for White and Black students, and for men and women, that were statistically and practically significant. However, such effects did occur for some symptoms or sequelae, mainly for White students and women.
Vitamin Supplements for Low Grade Alfalfa Meal

Abstract Dehydrated alfalfa meal (both 17 and 20 percent protein) occasionally produces a laxative condition among young chicks when incorporated in the starting mash at the rate of 10.percent of the mixture. Sun cured alfalfa when fed at the same level in tests at Kansas State College has not produced a similar condition. The fact that sun cured hay may be deficient in both carotene and riboflavin suggested the advisability of supplementing this product with vitamins A and G to compare results with rations containing dehydrated alfalfa meal which ranks high as a source of both of the above vitamins. Another objective of this study was to ascertain whether alfalfa meal possessed any nutritional value lacking in the basal ration other than that of vitamins A and G. To obtain further information on the first question a representative sample of dehydrated alfalfa meal (17 percent protein) and a low grade sun . . .
Does Rearing Chicks in Confinement Affect the Red Cell or Hemoglobin Content of Their Blood

Abstract In order to control all the factors relating to a particular study, it is the common practice to conduct experiments with growing chicks under indoor laboratory conditions. This practice was made possible by the discovery of means of preventing rickets in chicks which do not have access to direct sunlight. It has been observed1 that a severe anemia is more likely to occur in young pigs which are kept under inside conditions, than it is in those which are kept outside. The question naturally arises as to the possible occurrence of an analogous condition in chicks which may influence the results of experimental work conducted under indoor laboratory conditions. The influence of light on blood formation has been the subject of speculation and experimental study during a number of years. The literature on this subject is well reviewed in a recent article by Laurens2. EXPERIMENTAL Three experiments were conducted, involving . . .
A general purpose programming system for random access memories

During the past ten years, information processing technology has made significant advances in many directions. Faster, less expensive, more flexible hardware has been continually announced by the various computer manufacturers. In the software area, the FORTRAN, ALGOL, and COBOL languages have been developed and improved and more efficient compilers are now available. Applications now include the complete spectrum ranging from free-standing analytical programs to large complex information processing systems.
Survey of battery energy storage systems and modeling techniques

Grid level energy storage systems are a cornerstone of future power networks and smart grid development. Better energy storage systems are one of the last hurdles hindering the integration of renewable generation. There are currently many methods of implementing energy storage, ranging from pumped hydro storage to sodium-sulfur battery storage. All energy storage technologies share a common disadvantage which is high initial installation costs. This survey was undertaken with the intent of identifying the technological state of battery energy storage for power systems, as well as providing a background on the modeling and simulation of those battery technologies.
Informed Consent in Opioid Therapy: A Potential Obligation and Opportunity

Most patients receiving opioids for the spectrum of pain disorders tolerate opioids well without major complications. However, a subset of this population encounters significant difficulties with opioid therapy (OT). These problems include protracted adverse effects, as well as misuse, abuse, and addiction, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality and make informed consent an important consideration. Opioid treatment agreements (OTAs), which may include documentation of informed consent, have been used to promote the safe use of opioids for pain. There is a debate regarding the effectiveness of OTAs in reducing the risk of opioid misuse; however, most practitioners recognize that OTAs provide an opportunity to discuss the potential risks and benefits of OT and establish mutually agreed-on treatment goals, a clear plan of treatment, and circumstances for continuation and discontinuation of opioids. Informed consent is an important component of an OTA but not often the focus of consideration in discussions of OTAs. This article examines the principles, process, and content of informed consent for OT of pain in the context of OTAs.
Physical properties of addition silicones as a function of composition

Summary The effects of molecular weight of the base silicone, filler and copolymer concentrations on compression set, strain, creep and dynamic elastic modulus were determined. The molecular weight of the base silicone had the least effect on these properties although low molecular weights showed better properties. Chain extenders were detrimental to physical properties of creep, compression set and dynamic elastic modulus. Increased copolymer concentrations decreased compression set, strain and creep and increased the dynamic elastic modulus. The useful copolymer/base functional group ratio was from 1:1 to 3:1. Filler affected properties to a lesser extent than copolymer ratio. Compression set, strain, and creep decreased and the dynamic elastic modulus increased with increasing filler with the properties being directly proportional to the weight fraction. All properties were interrelated with In strain linearly related to In compression set, creep proportional to set, and the dynamic elastic modulus was inversely correlated with strain and creep.
The Use of Literal and Applied Test Questions to Assess Understanding of Concepts.

This research demonstrates that a procedure known to increase understanding of concepts does not increase performance on literal test questions. A total of 128 college students studied one of two versions of a passage that explained several concepts. One version included both definitions of concepts and several examples, whereas the other included definitions only. Following study, students received fill-in-the-blank tests consisting of 10 literal and 10 applied questions. A major finding was that the increased performance of subjects who received examples was obtained on applied questions but not on literal questions. Also, applied questions were more difficult than literal questions when passages did not have examples, whereas applied questions were easier when examples were present. It was suggested that we use questions that assess understanding, questions such as the application questions in this article, if we expect our tests to be accurate reflections of a student's grasp of concepts.
Measuring food environments: a guide to available instruments.

Abstract Purpose Food environments affect people's food-related decisions, consumption, and health outcomes. This paper critiques instruments available for assessing food environments to help researchers, practitioners, and community organizations select those that best meet their needs, resources, and level of expertise. Gaps and recommendations for future instrument development are discussed. Method Instruments were selected by reviewing the literature and contacting researchers and practitioners. Using the social-ecological model, the instruments were classified according to the type of food environments they assess. Each instrument is rated according to criteria for ease of use, detail, resources required, and psychometric testing. Results Of the 48 instruments identified, only 39% were tested for validity or reliability. Observational tools were the largest category of instruments developed. Fifty-two percent of the instruments provide some level of technical assistance and 37% are considered appropr...
Improving Image Resolution with Edge-Targeted Filter Evolution

Government, commercial, scientific, and defense applications in image processing often require transmission of large amounts of data across bandwidth-limited channels. Applications require robust transforms simultaneously minimizing bandwidth requirements and image resolution loss. Image processing algorithms take advantage of quantization to provide substantial lossy compression ratios at the expense of resolution. Recent research demonstrates that genetic algorithms evolve filters outperforming standard discrete wavelet transforms in conditions subject to high quantization error. While evolved filters improve overall image quality, wavelet filters typically provide a superior high frequency response, demonstrating improved reconstruction near the edges of objects within an image. This paper presents an algorithm to generate transform filters that optimize edge reconstruction, improving object edge resolution by an average of 17%. Edges within satellite images are isolated, and image transforms are evolved to optimize both the edge and non-edge portions of reconnaissance photographs. Such filters provide an increased object resolution over standard wavelets and traditionally evolved filters for varied applications of image processing.
Longitudinal Change in Physical Activity and Its Correlates in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background Physical activity is beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but this population is largely inactive. There is minimal information on change in physical activity and its correlates for informing the development of behavioral interventions. Objective This study examined change in physical activity and its symptomatic, social-cognitive, and ambulatory or disability correlates over a 2.5-year period of time in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Methods On 6 occasions, each separated by 6 months, people (N=269) with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis completed assessments of symptoms, self-efficacy, walking impairment, disability, and physical activity. The participants wore an accelerometer for 7 days. The change in study variables over 6 time points was examined with unconditional latent growth curve modeling. The association among changes in study variables over time was examined using conditional latent growth curve modeling, and the associations were expressed as standardized path coefficients (β). Results There were significant linear changes in self-reported and objectively measured physical activity, self-efficacy, walking impairment, and disability over the 2.5-year period; there were no changes in fatigue, depression, and pain. The changes in self-reported and objective physical activity were associated with change in self-efficacy (β=.49 and β=.61, respectively), after controlling for other variables and confounders. Limitations The primary limitations of the study were the generalizability of results among those with progressive multiple sclerosis and inclusion of a single variable from social-cognitive theory. Conclusions Researchers should consider designing interventions that target self-efficacy for the promotion and maintenance of physical activity in this population.
Reconstruction of earthquake hazard in regions of sparse seismic monitoring

Studying strong motion records and the spatial distribution of ground shaking is of great importance in understanding the underlying causes of damage in earthquakes. Many regions in the world are either not instrumented or are sparsely instrumented. As such, significant opportunities for motion-damage correlations are lost. Two recent and damaging earthquakes belong to the class of lost opportunities, namely the Kashmir (Pakistan) earthquake of October 2005 and the Yogyakarta (Indonesia) earthquake of May 2006. In this paper, an overview of the importance of supply and demand studies in earthquake-stricken regions is given, followed by two examples of investigative engineering seismology aimed at reconstructing the hazard from sparse data. The paper closes with a plea for responsible authorities to invest in seismic monitoring networks in the very near future.
Suppression of the Foreign Bone Marrow Reaction by Preirradiation of Donor Mice

SummaryPreirradiation of donor mice with 400–500 r of X-rays resulted in a marked reduction of secondary disease in homologous radiation bone marrow chimeras. The results are tentatively attributed to elimination of immunologically competent cells from donor marrow by X radiation to an extent adequate to inhibit the development of clinically significant graft-versus-host immune reactions. This effect was not detectably inhibited by administration of a radioprotective compound (AET) 20–30 minutes before irradiation of donor mice, implying that AET did not protect immunologically competent cells to the same extent as hemopoietic cells against radiation injury.
Surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a well-recognized entity that may present at any time - in fetal life, infancy, childhood, or early or late adulthood. As the most common site of obstruction in the upper urinary tract, the UPJ is an area with which urologists should be well familiar. There has been an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of primary congenital UPJ obstruction that has been reflected in the evolution of surgical options, from open surgical repair to minimally invasive surgery. Although the primary scope of this review is the surgical management of this condition, we will briefly review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of UPJ obstruction.
LDPC decoding and code design on extrinsic trees

Extrinsic tree decoding of low-density parity-check codes operates on modified, finite computation trees created from the Tanner graph of the code. The goal of the extrinsic tree algorithm is to maintain or improve the performance of existing iterative decoders, while providing a decoding algorithm for which upper bounds can be computed. The extrinsic tree algorithm is examined, along with the design of parity-check matrices on which the extrinsic tree decoder performs well.
Plant species capacity to drive soil fungal communities contributes to differential impacts of plant–soil legacies

Plant–soil feedbacks occur when plants alter soil conditions in ways that influence growth of subsequent plants. We explored the relative contributions of such legacy effects and contemporary interactions in a greenhouse experiment by crossing three soil microbial inocula conditioned by distinct field plant communities with two greenhouse plant treatments (Malva parviflora or Sonchus oleraceus). We evaluated the composition of inocula and final microbial communities after greenhouse cultivation and correlated compositional changes to plant growth. Final bacterial community composition reflected both field and greenhouse plant treatments, but was not associated with greenhouse plant growth. Alternatively, final fungal communities only reflected recent greenhouse plant exposures and were associated with plant growth, albeit differently for the two species. M. parviflora growth correlated with final, but not initial, fungal community composition. S. oleraceus growth correlated with the degree of change betwe...
A hybrid DNA extraction method for the qualitative and quantitative assessment of bacterial communities from poultry production samples.

The efficacy of DNA extraction protocols can be highly dependent upon both the type of sample being investigated and the types of downstream analyses performed. Considering that the use of new bacterial community analysis techniques (e.g., microbiomics, metagenomics) is becoming more prevalent in the agricultural and environmental sciences and many environmental samples within these disciplines can be physiochemically and microbiologically unique (e.g., fecal and litter/bedding samples from the poultry production spectrum), appropriate and effective DNA extraction methods need to be carefully chosen. Therefore, a novel semi-automated hybrid DNA extraction method was developed specifically for use with environmental poultry production samples. This method is a combination of the two major types of DNA extraction: mechanical and enzymatic. A two-step intense mechanical homogenization step (using bead-beating specifically formulated for environmental samples) was added to the beginning of the “gold standard” enzymatic DNA extraction method for fecal samples to enhance the removal of bacteria and DNA from the sample matrix and improve the recovery of Gram-positive bacterial community members. Once the enzymatic extraction portion of the hybrid method was initiated, the remaining purification process was automated using a robotic workstation to increase sample throughput and decrease sample processing error. In comparison to the strict mechanical and enzymatic DNA extraction methods, this novel hybrid method provided the best overall combined performance when considering quantitative (using 16S rRNA qPCR) and qualitative (using microbiomics) estimates of the total bacterial communities when processing poultry feces and litter samples.
Evaluation of glenoid capsulolabral complex insertional anatomy and restoration with single- and double-row capsulolabral repairs.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal glenoid insertional anatomy of the anterior-inferior capsulolabral complex and to compare the ability of a single-row repair and a double-row suture bridge repair to restore the insertional anatomy. Methods Eight fresh frozen cadaver shoulders were dissected and the native glenoid insertion of the anterior-inferior capsulolabral complex was digitized. Bankart lesions were created, the shoulders were randomized to receive either the standard single-row suture anchor repair or a double-row suture bridge repair, and the insertion repair sites were then digitized. Results The single-row repair recreated 42.3% of the native footprint surface area while the double-row repair recreated 85.9%. The double-row repair was significantly larger and recreated significantly more of the native footprint compared with single-row repair ( P Conclusion Double-row repair of the capsulolabral complex reestablishes the native insertional footprint on the anterior inferior glenoid better than a single-row repair. Level of evidence Basic science study.
Mere overrepresentation? Using cross-occupational injury and job analysis data to explain men's risk for workplace fatalities

Historically, male workers have comprised a large proportion of occupational fatalities in the US. A common explanation for this has been that men are overrepresented in more physically hazardous occupations. Yet another potential explanation is that prescribed gender roles and norms contribute to higher rates of male worker fatalities compared with female workers. The purpose of this study was to test the assumption of the overrepresentation explanation, first, by testing the degree to which overrepresentation adequately accounts for men and women's differing fatality frequencies across various occupations, and second, by exploring gendered worker, occupation, and organizational attributes which may explain variance in the severity of men's fatality disparity between occupational titles. We used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Occupational Information Network (O∗NET). RESULTS indicate that more than 25% of the total occupational fatalities in 2012 occurred outside of what would be expected for equivalent fatality ratios for men and women working in the same occupation. Further, gendered job and worker characteristics significantly predicted variance in men's relative risk for workplace fatalities across occupations (these characteristics, combined with sex representation, explained 10% of the total variance in men's relative fatality risk). The results suggest that men may be at increased risk for occupational fatalities when compared to women in the same occupations, and advocate for investigating the role of gender for future research on injury and fatality discrepancies between male and female workers. Language: en