cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dimerization of the bacterial RsrI N6-adenine DNA methyltransferase

Dimeric restriction endonucleases and monomeric modification methyltransferases were long accepted as the structural paradigm for Type II restriction systems. Recent studies, however, have revealed an increasing number of apparently dimeric DNA methyltransferases. Our initial characterization of RsrI methyltransferase (M.RsrI) was consistent with the enzyme functioning as a monomer, but, subsequently, the enzyme crystallized as a dimer with 1500 A2 of buried surface area. This result led us to re-examine the biochemical properties of M.RsrI. Gel-shift studies of M.RsrI binding to DNA suggested that binding cooperativity targets hemimethylated DNA preferentially over unmethylated DNA. Size-exclusion chromatography indicated that the M.RsrI-DNA complex had a size and stoichiometry consistent with a dimeric enzyme binding to the DNA. Kinetic measurements revealed a quadratic relationship between enzyme velocity and concentration. Site-directed mutagenesis at the dimer interface affected the kinetics and DNA-binding of the enzyme, providing support for a model proposing an active enzyme dimer. We also identified a conserved motif in the dimer interfaces of the beta-class methyltransferases M.RsrI, M.MboIIA and M2.DpnII. Taken together, these data suggest that M.RsrI may be part of a sub-class of MTases that function as dimers.
A dynamic curvature based approach for facial activity analysis in 3D space

This paper presents a novel dynamic curvature based approach (dynamic shape-index based approach) for 3D face analysis. This method is inspired by the idea of 2D dynamic texture and 3D surface descriptors. The dynamic texture (DT) based approaches [30][31][32] encode and model the local texture features in the temporal axis, and have achieved great success in applications of 2D facial expression recognition. In this paper, we propose a so-called Dynamic Curvature (DC) approach for 3D facial activity analysis. To do so, the 3D dynamic surface is described by its surface curvature-based shape-index information. The surface features are characterized in local regions along the temporal axis. A dynamic curvature descriptor is constructed from local regions as well as temporal domains. To locate the local regions, we also applied a 3D tracking model based method for detecting and tracking 3D features across 3D dynamic sequences. Our method is validated through our experiment on 3D facial activity analysis for distinguishing neutral vs. non-neutral expressions, prototypic expressions, and their intensities.
Combining multiple information types in Bayesian word segmentation

Humans identify word boundaries in continuous speech by combining multiple cues; existing state-of-the-art models, though, look at a single cue. We extend the generative model of Goldwater et al (2006) to segment using syllable stress as well as phonemic form. Our new model treats identification of word boundaries and prevalent stress patterns in the language as a joint inference task. We show that this model improves segmentation accuracy over purely segmental input representations, and recovers the dominant stress pattern of the data. Additionally, our model retains high performance even without single-word utterances. We also demonstrate a discrepancy in the performance of our model and human infants on an artificial-language task in which stress cues and transition-probability information are pitted against one another. We argue that this discrepancy indicates a bound on rationality in the mechanisms of human segmentation.
Cognition and Literacy in English Language Learners at Risk for Reading Disabilities.

This study explores the cognitive basis of reading disabilities (RDs) in Spanish-speaking children who are learning English as a second language. Children (N = 393) designated as English language learners (ELLs) or bilingual with and without RDs in Grades 1, 2, and 3 were administered a battery of cognitive (short-term memory, working memory, rapid naming, random letter and number generation), vocabulary, and reading measures in both Spanish and English. Four important findings emerged. First, children at risk for RD and ELL children share common problems in English phonological processing and naming speed, as well as on language general measures of working memory and ratings of classroom attention. Second, children at risk for RD in both bilingual and ELL samples share similar cognitive difficulties, but Spanish phonological processing partials out performance differences between RD and non-RD groups only in the bilingual sample. Third, differences among RD subgroups were isolated to measures of classroom inattention, English naming speed, and phonological processing. Fourth, performance as a function of language status and RD was related to a language general working memory factor. In general, the results support the notion that Language 1 phonological processing as well as a general working memory system underlie second-language acquisition and RD in children whose first language is Spanish.
Multicoil array for high resolution imaging of the breast

An RF multicoil array for high resolution imaging of the breast is presented. The RF multicoil is incorporated into a dedicated breast imaging apparatus that holds either breast in gentle compression during imaging. Simulations and imaging experiments demonstrate the high sensitivity and RF homogeneity of the multicoil array. Direct comparisons are made between the multicoil and a surface coil. In vivo images are presented to demonstrate the homogeneity of the RF field of the multicoil over the entire breast. An in vivo image of both high temporal and spatial resolution is shown, which demonstrates the sensitivity of the RF multicoil array that may be achieved in a practical imaging experiment.
Structure of a Sir2 Enzyme Bound to an Acetylated p53 Peptide.

Abstract Sir2 proteins are NAD + -dependent protein deacetylases that play key roles in transcriptional regulation, DNA repair, and life span regulation. The structure of an archaeal Sir2 enzyme, Sir2-Af2, bound to an acetylated p53 peptide reveals that the substrate binds in a cleft in the enzyme, forming an enzyme-substrate β sheet with two flanking strands in Sir2-Af2. The acetyl-lysine inserts into a conserved hydrophobic tunnel that contains the active site histidine. Comparison with other structures of Sir2 enzymes suggests that the apoenzyme undergoes a conformational change upon substrate binding. Based on the Sir2-Af2 substrate complex structure, mutations were made in the other A. fulgidus sirtuin, Sir2-Af1, that increased its affinity for the p53 peptide.
Display Methods for Geographic Data Sets

Abstract : A pixel based contouring algorithm is described and used to display three sample world wide data sets. The use of contouring, color coding and hill shading is discussed and related to the spatial frequency content of the data. Contouring has problems in steep areas where the contour lines run together. Color coding brings out the low frequency content of the data. Hill shading brings out the high frequency content or texture. Color coding and hill shading may compliment each other when the data has a mixed high and low frequency content. Reprints.
Trying to Find the Quickest Way: Employed Mothers' Constructions of Time for Food

Abstract Objective The study sought to develop an understanding of how employed mothers constructed time for food provisioning for themselves and their families. Design A grounded theory approach and semistructured, in-depth interviews. Setting A metropolitan area of approximately 1 million people in the northeastern United States. Participants Thirty-five low-wage employed mothers were purposively recruited to vary in occupation, race/ethnicity, education, household composition, and age using workplace, community, convenience, and snowball sampling. Phenomenon of Interest Low-wage employed mothers’ constructions of time for food. Analysis Interview transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Results Most mothers expressed feelings of time scarcity. Mothers described 3 timestyles that reflected how they constructed time. Timestyles reflected mothers’ experiences of strain and time scarcity, usual time management strategies, and sense of control over time. Mothers prioritized feeding their children but wanted to complete meals quickly in order to move on to other tasks. Conclusions and Implications Recognizing issues of time scarcity and individual differences of timestyles and time management strategies can help researchers better understand food choice practices and assist practitioners in identifying practical food provisioning strategies for low-wage employed mothers. Food policies and recommendations should be evaluated for their relevance to the time scarcity and work strain issues that these mothers faced.
Documenting Storm Severity in the Mid-Atlantic Region Using Lightning and Radar Information

AbstractStorm severity in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States is examined using lightning, radar, and model-derived information. Automated Warning Decision Support System (WDSS) procedures are developed to create grids of lightning and radar parameters, cluster individual storm features, and data mine the lightning and radar attributes of 1252 severe and nonsevere storms. The study first examines the influence of serial correlation and uses autocorrelation functions to document the persistence of lightning and radar parameters. Decorrelation times are found to vary by parameter, storm severity, and mathematical operator, but the great majority are between three and six lags, suggesting that consecutive 2-min storm samples (following a storm) are effectively independent after only 6–12 min. The study next describes the distribution of lightning jumps in severe and nonsevere storms, differences between various types of severe storms (e.g., severe wind only), and relationships between lightning and ...
Effects of temperature on nutrient self-selection in the silverfish Lepisma saccharina

Nutrient self-selection represents an important behaviour that has been measured across many taxa. Despite the amount of research on this phenomenon, few studies report the evaluation of the effects of environmental variables such as temperature on nutrient selection by animals. In the present study, the nutrient selections of the silverfish Lepisma saccharina L. are measured across a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) using feeding arenas with three nutrient choices: carbohydrate (sucrose), protein (casein) and fat (lard). An overall preference for carbohydrates is shown across the range of temperatures, followed by protein, and then fat. However, the proportional consumption of each dietary component changes with temperature; the proportional carbohydrate consumption decreases dramatically with increasing temperature (>94% of the diet at 15 °C but <58% at 30 °C), whereas the proportional protein and lipid consumption increases with increasing temperature up to 30 °C. Changes in nutrient selection with temperature may be related to the dietary requirements of the insect at different temperatures.
Darstellung von Zwischenprodukten für die Synthese von Triphenylmethanfarbstoffen

Es gelang 2,6-Dioxybenzaldehyd, γ-Resorcylaldehyd, nach einer neuen Synthese und 4-Brom-3-amino-dimethylanilin sowie 4-Brom-3-hydroxy-dimethylanilin darzustellen.
EFFECT OF THORACIC AND ABDOMINAL PRESSURE CHANGES ON THE EPIDURAL SPACE PRESSURE

SUMMARY The effect of changes in superior and inferior vena caval pressures on the pressure in the epidural space was studied in fifteen unpremedicated patients and in five dogs. It was found that the epidural space, unlike the subarachnoid compartment had two types of pressure oscillations during spontaneous respiration. A superior vena caval-like pattern was found in the cervico-thoracic region, whereas an inferior vena caval-like pattern was the most frequent finding in the lumbar epidural space. Manoeuvres producing a generalized increase of venous pressure raised the epidural pressure all along the spine. Manoeuvres raising the venous pressure in the superior or in the inferior vena caval system were accompanied by a preferential increase in the pressure of the cervical or in the lumbar epidural space. As a consequence, it is suggested that the epidural space, unlike the subarachnoid compartment, presents some degree of functional compartmentalization into three zones: cervico-thoracic, lumbar and sacral. It is postulated that changes in visceral cavity pressures can be transmitted to the epidural space directly, through the intervertebral foramina and indirectly via both vena cava and the cerebrospinal fluid. It is concluded that factors increasing intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressures will raise epidural space pressure and, as a consequence, may favour the spread of anaesthetics injected into the epidural space.
The Effect of Minority/Majority Origins on Immigrants' Integration

This paper develops an inexplicably understudied variable with far-reaching implications for immigrants’ experience: whether an immigrant was a member of a minority group in his or her country of origin. I investigate three groups of Israeli-born immigrants in the United States: Israeli Palestinians, ultra-Orthodox Jews, and the Jewish majority. Using the US censuses and American Community Surveys, I show that each group possesses different socioeconomic and demographic characteristics as well as different cultural and economic trajectories. Ultra-Orthodox Jews display processes of separation; the Jewish majority displays processes of integration; and Israeli Palestinians display processes of accelerated integration. In addition, analysis of these three groups’ background and self-selection mechanisms, utilizing data from the Israeli Social Survey, provides a better understanding of these profound differences.
Ultrasound monitoring during laser-assisted transurethral resection of the prostate.

Initial studies utilizing the original visual laser ablation prostatectomy (VLAP) technique of coagulation and a pilot study applying laser energy to prostate cancer led to the realization that these procedures could be monitored effectively in real time by ultrasound. Physical and chemical changes occur in prostate tissue with heating by laser energy, and these changes can be detected, not only as cavitation when the prostate tissue is vaporized, but also as a hyperechoic alteration that presumably is cell death leading to necrosis. Utilizing realtime monitoring helps assure the efficacy of the procedure and predict greater cavitation from slough of dead tissue. Monitoring by ultrasound scanning also allows following of the change of directions of the laser beam in tissue, which could be dangerous to the patient. With ultrasonography, one can make sure that the neurovascular bundle is not compromised and that the energy is not allowed to proceed past the posterior capsule of the prostate into the rectal ...
What programming languages should we teach our undergraduates

We begin by investigating how we teach programming languages now (and what's wrong with it). Consider the following two situations: Student X has 200 data files nnn.dat with nnn ranging from 1 to 200. X wants to transform them to plain text (ASCII) with a program dat2asc which should be called thus for each file: dat2asc nnn.dat nnn.asc. X doesn't know how to accomplish that! Two solutions present themselves to X: generate an Excel spreadsheet with the correct commands—200 nearly identical lines—and write them into a batch file, or type the commands 200 times.
The effects of latex coalescence and interfacial crosslinking on the mechanical properties of latex films

The effects of latex coalescence and interfacial crosslinking on the mechanical properties of latex films were extensively investigated by means of several series of model latexes with varying backbone polymer crosslinking density and interfacial crosslinking functional groups. It was found that the tensile strength of crosslinked model latex films increased with increasing gel content (i.e. crosslinking density) of latex backbone polymers up to about 75% and then decreased with further increase in gel, while their elongation at break steadily decreased with increasing gel content. These findings showed that latex particle coalescence was retarded above a gel content of about 75% so that the limited coalescence of latex particles containing gel contents higher than 75% prevented the tensile strength of crosslinked latex films from increasing by further crosslinking the latex backbone polymers. This was contrary to the theory of rubber elasticity that the tensile strength increases with increasing molecular weight and crosslinking density. This limitation was found to be overcome by the interfacial crosslinking among latex particles during film formation and curing. This paper will discuss the effects of both latex backbone polymer and interfacial crosslinking on latex film properties. It will also discuss the development of self-curable latex blends and structured latexes containing co-reactive groups: oxazoline and carboxylic groups.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of the Kinetics of Domain Growth in Porous Media

We show how the lattice Boltzmann (LB) method can be used to study the kinetics of domain growth of a binary fluid in porous media. We compare the method and results to other approaches such as the use of the Cahn-Hilliard equation. Simulations are carried out for lattice sizes up to 4096 × 4096. We do not find evidence to indicate the breakdown of late stage dynamical scaling. Our results suggest that confinement of the fluid is the key to the slow kinetics observed.
A step towards the future of role-playing games: the SpyFeet mobile RPG project

Meaningful choice has often been identified as a key component in a player's engagement with an interactive narrative, but branching stories require tremendous amounts of hand-authored content, in amounts that increase exponentially rather than linearly as more choice points are added. Previous approaches to reducing authorial burden for computer RPGs have relied on creating better tools to manage existing unwieldy structures of quests and dialogue trees. We hypothesize that reducing authorial burden and increasing agency are two sides of the same coin, requiring specific advancements in two related areas of design and technology research: (1) dynamic story management architecture that represents story events abstractly and allows story elements to be selected and re-ordered in response to player choices, and (2) dynamic dialogue generation to allow a single story event to be revealed differently by different characters and in the context of dynamic relationships between those characters and the player. This paper describes SpyFeet, a playable prototype of a storytelling system designed to test this hypothesis.
Interfacial Phonons and the Existence of Elastic Interfacial Waves

Phonon spectra of bicrystals with relaxed grain boundary structure display a variety of localized modes including long wave-length acoustic modes. Continuum solutions for localized waves that incorporate elastic properties of the interface via jump relations agree well with the latter modes. In contrast, classical solutions that depend only on bulk elastic properties do not. This demonstrates that the distinct atomic structure of the interface is a controlling factor, and it is shown how local properties can be incorporated into continuum analyses of interface phenomena.
Acquisition of heroin conditioned immunosuppression requires IL-1 signaling in the dorsal hippocampus

Opioid users experience increased incidence of infection, which may be partially attributable to both direct opiate-immune interactions and conditioned immune responses. Previous studies have investigated the neural circuitry governing opioid conditioned immune responses, but work remains to elucidate the mechanisms mediating this effect. Our laboratory has previously shown that hippocampal IL-1 signaling, specifically, is required for the expression of heroin conditioned immunosuppression following learning. The current studies were designed to further characterize the role of hippocampal IL-1 in this phenomenon by manipulating IL-1 during learning. Experiment 1 tested whether hippocampal IL-1 is also required for the acquisition of heroin conditioned immunosuppression, while Experiment 2 tested whether hippocampal IL-1 is required for the expression of unconditioned heroin immunosuppression. We found that blocking IL-1 signaling in the dorsal hippocampus with IL-1RA during each conditioning session, but not on interspersed non-conditioning days, significantly attenuated the acquisition of heroin conditioned immunosuppression. Strikingly, we found that the same IL-1RA treatment did not alter unconditioned immunosuppression to a single dose of heroin. Thus, IL-1 signaling is not a critical component of the response to heroin but rather may play a role in the formation of the association between heroin and the context. Collectively, these studies suggest that IL-1 signaling, in addition to being involved in the expression of a heroin conditioned immune response, is also involved in the acquisition of this effect. Importantly, this effect is likely not due to blocking the response to the unconditioned stimulus since IL-1RA did not affect heroin's immunosuppressive effects.
Thrombotic Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia without Evidence of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Because of Yeneral’s extensive review [2] on atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) published recently in the Turkish Journal of Hematology, I brought it to readers’ attention that more recently some authors do not use ‘aHUS’, which was historically used to distinguish heterogeneous uncharacterized syndromes from Shiga toxin-related HUS, since the term lacks both specificity and suggested causes [3].
Evidence that the C-terminal domain of a type B PutA protein contributes to aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and substrate channeling.

Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of proline to glutamate. Structures of type A PutAs have revealed the catalytic core consisting of proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH) modules connected by a substrate-channeling tunnel. Type B PutAs also have a C-terminal domain of unknown function (CTDUF) that is absent in type A PutAs. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), mutagenesis, and kinetics are used to determine the contributions of this domain to PutA structure and function. The 1127-residue Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) is used as a representative CTDUF-containing type B PutA. The reaction progress curve for the coupled PRODH–P5CDH activity of RcPutA does not exhibit a time lag, implying a substrate channeling mechanism. RcPutA is monomeric in solution, which is unprecedented for PutAs. SAXS rigid body modeling with target–decoy validation is used to build a model of RcPutA. On the basis of homology to aldehy...
Parties and Patronage: An Analysis of Trade and Industrial Policy in India

Charles R. Hankla Assistant Professor Department of Political Science Georgia State University PO Box 4069 Atlanta, Georgia 30302-4069 chankla@gsu.edu Phone: 404-413-6172 Fax: 404-413-6156 Abstract What political factors influence the allocation of economic patronage in democracies? Answering this question is vital to improving our knowledge of how states and markets interact. In this paper, I argue that changing levels of party centralization can drive important changes in the allocation of state largess. When governing parties are centralized, national party leaders will control sources of patronage, targeting benefits to particularly influential regions and industries. By contrast, when governing parties are decentralized, influential sub-national party leaders will advocate for their constituents, allocating patronage evenly through a national logroll. I find evidence for these relationships by comparing India‟s distribution process for industrial licenses and government finance under a decentralized Congress Party (1954-61) to its distribution process under a centralized Congress Party (1969-75).
Frontiers Commentary: The HEART Mobile Phone Trial: The Partial Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy on Physical Activity among Cardiac Patients

Maddison and colleagues’ HEART mobile phone trial (1) presents dual insights that will be useful and important to those promoting physical activity (PA) and other health behaviors in the twenty-first century. First, interventions delivered by smartphone can increase PA among a clinically important population (individuals with heart disease). Second, increasing self-efficacy is an important mechanism for mobile health (mHealth) interventions to target.
Study on Reactive Ion Etching of Silicon in Fabrication Process of Piezoelectric Microcantilever

The process of a Si-based piezoelectric microcantilever was introduced.Especially,the technique of the reactive ion etching of silicon was studied emphatically.During etching of silicon,it was analyzed that the etching rate,uniformity and selectivity can be effectively improved by adjusting technological parameters properly,such as gas flow,RF power,working pressure,etc.The results indicate that the etching rate of Si can reach 401 nm/min and the non-uniformity on a 3″ wafer is controlled at±3.85% when the flow of SF6 is 20 mL/min,RF power is 20 W and the work pressure is 8.00 Pa.The research lay a well foundation for the fabrication of piezoelectric microcantilevers or other microstructures with functional thin film.
Predicting Social Responsibility and Belonging in Urban After-School Physical Activity Programs with Underserved Children

The purpose of this cross sectional study was to predict feelings of belonging and social responsibility based on the motivational climate perceptions and contingent self-worth of children participating in urban after-school physical activity programs. Three-hundred and four elementary school students from a major Midwestern city participated. Based on multiple regression analyses we predicted 39 % of the variance in feelings of belonging largely due to perceptions of leadership emotional support and task climate and 31 % of the variance in feelings of social responsibility largely due to perceptions of a caring climate. Our findings support the importance of after school physical activity programs, which appear to provide nurturing environments that may contribute to feelings of belonging and social responsibility.
Clinical usefulness of gastric acid secretory tests.

At present, gastric acid secretory tests cannot establish whether a patient has a peptic ulcer or cancer of the stomach or determine the prognosis. However, the physician who realizes exactly what information the tests can provide may find them useful tools. Technic, indications and interpretation are discussed for several methods of determining basal gastric acid secretion, for maximal (or augmented) gastric analysis, and for stimulation of acid secretion by insulin hypoglycemia.
A study of the action at varying lengths of two muscles of opposing function, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, in the rat.

The length-tension diagram for the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles of the rat reveals differences in the range of maximum developed tension in relation to the resting tension of the muscle at the time of stimulation. It is felt that the standard configuration noted by Blix in the gastrocnemius of the frog cannot be applied to all length-tension diagrams and that the point of maximum developed tension of a muscle will vary with structure and function.
Crosstalk between osteoprotegerin (OPG), fatty acid synthase (FASN) and, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) in breast cancer: implications in carcinogenesis

The crosstalk between malignant and nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment, as maneuvered by cytokines/chemokines, drives breast cancer progression. In our previous study, we discovered Osteoprotegerin (OPG) as one of the cytokines heavily secreted by breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that OPG is expressed and secreted at very high levels from the highly invasive breast cancer cell lines SUM149PT and SUM1315MO2 as compared to normal human mammary epithelial HMEC cells. OPG was involved in modulating aneuploidy, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis in breast cancer. Mass spectrometry analysis performed in this study revealed OPG interacts with fatty acid synthase (FASN), which is a key enzyme of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in breast cancer cells. Further, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and fluorescence quantitation assays highlighted the presence of a large number of lipid bodies (lipid droplets) in SUM149PT and SUM1315MO2 cells in comparison to HMEC. We recently showed upregulation of the COX-2 inflammatory pathway and its metabolite PGE2 secretion in SUM149PT and SUM1315MO2 breast cancer cells. Interestingly, human breast cancer tissue samples displayed high expression of OPG, PGE2 and fatty acid synthase (FASN). FASN is a multifunctional enzyme involved in lipid biosynthesis. Immunofluorescence staining revealed the co-existence of COX-2 and FASN in the lipid bodies of breast cancer cells. We reasoned that there might be crosstalk between OPG, FASN, and COX-2 that sustains the inflammatory pathways in breast cancer. Interestingly, knocking down OPG by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in breast cancer cells decreased FASN expression at the protein level. Here, we identified cis-acting elements involved in the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 and FASN by recombinant human OPG (rhOPG). Treatment with FASN inhibitor C75 and COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib individually decreased the number of lipid bodies/cell, downregulated phosphorylation of ERK, GSK3β, and induced apoptosis by caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 activation. But a more efficient and effective decrease in lipid bodies/cell and survival kinase signaling was observed upon combining the drug treatments for the aggressive cancer cells. Collectively, the novel biological crosstalk between OPG, FASN, and COX-2 advocates for combinatorial drug treatment to block these players of carcinogenesis as a promising therapeutic target to treat highly invasive breast cancer.
644 New and innovative way to tackle child sexual abuse – www.otanvastuun.fi

Background Child sexual abuse is a serious safety and health issue. To prevent the sexual abuse of children, it is crucial to target individuals who run the risk of conducting a sexual crime against a child but have not (yet) done so. There are treatment programs in Finland within prison services for sex offenders, but no specialised interventions exist for potential offenders. Methods The www.otanvastuun.fi online self-help material developed by Save the Children Finland, targets specifically potential child sexual offenders and focuses on their online behaviour. The website is based on the English-speaking croga.org material, and draws on best practices of sex offenders treatment programmes and interviews with convicted sex offenders, who have been actively involved in the development of the material. The aim of the website is to increase the self-awareness of the potential offenders and to help them to control their problematic behaviour. Results Since the publication of the material, there have been nearly 15000 visitors on the website. The material has been introduced at several occasions, and has been well received by the professionals working with convicted and potential sex offenders and by other relevant parties and audiences. A systematic evaluation of the website among sex offenders and professionals working with them is scheduled early next year. The Otanvastuun.fi website has been awarded the Finnish national crime prevention prize 2015 and represents Finland at the annual European crime prevention competition. Conclusions To prevent child sexual abuse, it is crucial to target potential offenders. The Otanvastuun.fi online self-help material targets individuals, who have not (yet) acted in illegal or harmful ways towards children but are at risk of doing so. The material has been well received by the main target groups and other relevant parties and audiences, and has been awarded the Finnish national crime prevention prize.
Flows induced by power-law stretching surface motion modulated by transverse or orthogonal surface shear

Abstract Boundary-layer solutions to Banks' problem for the flow induced by power-law stretching of a plate are obtained for two generalizations that include arbitrary transverse plate shearing motion. In one extension an arbitrary transverse shearing motion is the product of the power-law stretching. In the other extension the streamwise stretching coordinate is added to an arbitrary transverse shearing and together raised to the power of stretching. In addition we find that Banks' power law stretching may be accompanied by orthogonal power-law shear. In all cases, the original boundary-value problem of Banks [1] is recovered. Results are illustrated with velocity profiles both at the plate and at fixed height in the fluid above the plate.
Does radiotherapy still have a role in unresected biliary tract cancer

The benefits of radiotherapy for inoperable biliary tract cancer remain unclear due to the lack of randomized data. We evaluated the impact of radiotherapy on survival in elderly patients using the SEER-Medicare database. Patients in the SEER-Medicare database with inoperable biliary tract tumors diagnosed between 1998 and 2011 were included. We used multivariate logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with treatment selection, and multivariate Cox regression and propensity score matching to evaluate treatment selection in relation to subsequent survival. Of the 2343 patients included, 451 (19%) received radiotherapy within 4 months of diagnosis. The use of radiotherapy declined over time, and was influenced by receipt of chemotherapy and patient age, race, marital status, poverty status, and tumor stage and type. Median survival was 9.3 (95% CI 8.7-9.7) months among patients who did not receive radiation and 10.0 (95% CI 9.1-11.3) months among those who received radiation, conditional on having survived 4 months. In patients who received chemotherapy (n = 1053), receipt of radiation was associated with improved survival, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.82 (95% 0.70-0.97, P = 0.02). In patients who did not receive chemotherapy (n = 1290), receipt of radiation was not associated with improved survival, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.09 (95% 0.91-1.30, P = 0.34). Propensity-scored matched analyses showed similar results. Despite the survival benefit associated with the addition of radiotherapy to chemotherapy, the use of radiation for unresectable biliary tract cancers has declined over time.
Exploring the Health Needs of Aging LGBT Adults in the Cape Fear Region of North Carolina

This study explored issues of culturally sensitive healthcare practice and needs among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender aging adults in coastal North Carolina. Survey data results indicated the largest problem was a history of verbally harassment and need for culturally sensitive healthcare. In conclusion, culturally sensitive interventions are needed to address the health disparities and unique needs of LGBT aging adults. Cultural sensitivity training for service providers is suggested as a vital step in addressing health disparities of aging LGBT adults. Implications for research include further exploration of health related needs of these often hidden and underserved population groups.
Predictors of illness anxiety symptoms in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder

Illness anxiety and OCD symptoms appear to overlap in their presentation as well as in other conceptually important ways (e.g., dysfunctional cognitions). Little research, however, has directly examined these putative relationships. The present study examined the extent to which illness anxiety symptoms were associated with OCD symptom dimensions and relevant cognitive factors in a large treatment-seeking sample of patients with OCD. Patients completed a battery of self-report measures of OCD and health anxiety symptoms and related cognitive biases. Results from regression analyses indicated that illness anxiety symptoms were associated with harm obsessions and checking rituals, as well as with the tendency to overestimate threat and responsibility for harm. Illness anxiety was not associated with perfectionism. Conceptual and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Effect of stocking density on performance, diet selection, total-tract digestion, and nitrogen balance among heifers grazing cool-season annual forages

Grazing annual cool-season forages after oat grain harvest in South Dakota may allow an opportunity to increase efficient use of tillable land. However, data are limited regarding effects of stocking density on diet selection, nutrient digestion, performance, and N retention by cattle grazing annual cool-season forage. Heifers were blocked by initial BW (261 ± 11.7 kg) and randomly assigned to 1 of 12 paddocks (1.1 ha) to graze a mixture of grass and brassica for 48 d. Each paddock contained 3, 4, or 5 heifers to achieve 4 replicates of each stocking density treatment. Ruminally cannulated heifers were used to measure diet and nutrient intake. Effects of stocking density on diet and nutrient selection were measured after 2, 24, and 46 d of grazing, and BW was measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the experiment as the average of d 1 and 2, d 22 and 23, and d 47 and 48 BW, respectively. Measures of DMI and DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestion were collected from d 18 to 23. Increased stocking density increased intake of brassica relative to grass on d 24 (quadratic, = 0.02), but increased stocking density decreased (linear, ≤ 0.01) intake of brassica compared with grass on d 48 (stocking density × time, < 0.01). Increased stocking density increased DM (quadratic, < 0.01), OM (quadratic, = 0.01), and NDF (quadratic, = 0.05) digestion, and stocking density tended to increase DMI (quadratic, = 0.07). Additionally, increased stocking density quadratically increased ( = 0.05) N retention but did not affect overall BW gains. Increased stocking density did, however, contribute to linearly decreased ( = 0.05) BW gains from d 1 to 22 of grazing, but BW gains during the latter half of the experiment were greater than BW gains from d 1 to 22. Ruminal concentration of acetate:propionate was least on d 24 of grazing, and ruminal nitrate concentration tended to linearly decrease ( = 0.06) with greater amounts of time on pasture. Ruminal liquid and particulate fill and amounts of VFA were less (quadratic, ≤ 0.01) with greater amounts of time on pasture. Apparently, binary mixtures of brassica and grass planted after oat grain harvest can provide an opportunity to increase efficient use of land by providing forage resources. Increased stocking density may facilitate a more rapid adaptation to and intake of brassica among cattle grazing brassica-grass-based pastures.
Mandate for the Nursing Profession to Address Climate Change through Nursing Education

Purpose The adverse health effects from climate change demand action from the nursing profession. This article examines the calls to action, the status of climate change in nursing education, and challenges and recommendations for nursing education related to climate change and human health. Organizing construct Discussion paper. Findings The integration of climate change into nursing education is essential so that knowledge, skills, and insights critical for clinical practice in our climate-changing world are incorporated in curricula, practice, research, and policy. Our Ecological Planetary Health Model offers a framework for nursing to integrate relevant climate change education into nursing curricula and professional nursing education. Nursing education can offer a leadership role to address the mitigation, adaptation, and resilience strategies for climate change. Conclusions An ecological framework is valuable for nursing education regarding climate change through its consideration of political, cultural, economic, and environmental interrelationships on human health and the health of the planet. Knowledge of climate change is important for integration into basic and advanced nursing education, as well as professional education for nurses to address adverse health impacts, climate change responses policy, and advocacy roles. Clinical relevance For current and future nurses to provide care within a climate-changing environment, nursing education has a mandate to integrate knowledge about climate change issues across all levels of nursing education. Competence in nursing practice follows from knowledge and skill acquisition gained from integration of climate change content into nursing education.
Applicability of Categorical Simulation Methods for Assessment of Mine Plan Risk

The use of conditional simulation to characterize mine plan uncertainty is gaining more use for assessment of risk in mining projects. While the development of grade uncertainty profiles is relatively straightforward and can be validated using standard geostatistical techniques, the addition of geological uncertainty to evaluate total risk remains problematic. Some of the problems associated with geological uncertainty methods include the clustering of data in favourable geologic units, difficulty in training image definition, and the inability to address change of support issues for categorical variables. Despite these obstacles the importance of geological uncertainty as a contributor to total uncertainty has prompted Newmont to explore and evaluate the use of various techniques (and combinations of techniques) on different deposit types. Two orogenic deposits of different geological complexity were selected for the study: Subika, a shear zone hosted deposit and Merian, a deposit containing gold mineralisation associated with quartz vein zones and stockwork within which are found higher-grade quartz breccia zones. Newmont trialed various categorical simulation approaches to determine the applicability of these methods for each deposit type and the effect of parameter choice on the width of the uncertainty interval. Some of the techniques that were trialed include Multiple Point Statistics (MPS) methods, Sequential Indicator Simulation using local probabilities (SIS-lvm) as well as variations of these methodologies. Goals of this study included: (1) an understanding of which techniques may work best in which deposit types, (2) an understanding of the intricacies of each method, (3) and an understanding of the effect each method used has on total uncertainty analysis. This paper presents a comparison of the various techniques and makes recommendations for their use in uncertainty analysis.
The Effects of Collectivism-Individualism on the Cooperative Learning of Motor Skill

This study examined how cultural background (collectivism vs. individualism) affects motor skill learning in a dyadic cooperative learning environment. The research context of this study was Nintendo™ Wii Tennis. Twenty college students from a Midwestern university participated in the study, among whom half were from an individualistic culture (USA) and the other half were from a collectivistic culture (China). In the study, the participants from these two backgrounds demonstrated different interaction levels and behavioral predispositions in the cooperative learning of motor skills. Both participants of individualistic background and of collectivistic background had made significant progress in the post-exercise as compared to the pre-exercise, which corroborated the benefits of cooperative learning on motor skill learning. Nevertheless, the progress made by the participants of individualistic background was statistically larger than that made by the participants of collectivistic background. Implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
Assessment of Women Physicians Among Authors of Perspective-Type Articles Published in High-Impact Pediatric Journals

Importance Most pediatricians are women; however, women pediatricians are underrepresented in academic leadership positions such as department chairs and journal editors and among first authors of original research articles published in pediatric journals. Publication of all types of articles, particularly in high-impact specialty journals, is crucial to career building and academic success. Objective To examine the gender-related profile associated with authors of perspective-type articles in the 4 highest-impact general pediatric journals to determine whether women physicians were similarly underrepresented. Design and Setting Cross-sectional study of perspective-type articles published between 2013 and 2017 in the 4 highest-impact general pediatric journals:Academic Pediatrics,JAMA Pediatrics,The Journal of Pediatrics, andPediatrics. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was the number and percentage of first-author women physicians as compared with men physicians. Secondary outcome measures included number and percentage of all men and all women among last authors and coauthors associated with physician first authors. Results A total of 425 perspective-type articles were identified, with physicians listed as the first author on 338 (79.5%). Women were underrepresented among physician first authors of known gender (140 of 336 [41.7%]), particularly among physician first authors of article categories described as scholarly (range, 15.4%-44.1%) vs categories described as narrative (range, 52.9%-65.6%) in nature. Women were also underrepresented among last authors and coauthors of articles attributed to both men and women physician first authors, although the underrepresentation of women among last authors and coauthors was more pronounced if a man physician was the first author. Conclusions and Relevance Because perspective-type articles provide an opportunity for authors to express their opinions, provide insights that may influence their field, and enhance their academic resumes, there is a need for pediatric journal editors and leaders of medical societies who are associated with these journals to ensure the equitable inclusion of women in medicine. A hallmark of best practices for diversity and inclusion in academic medicine is transparency with regard to reporting of gender disparities in all areas of scholarship attribution and credit.
Transformational Resistance and Parent Leadership: Black Parents in a School District Decision-Making Process:

This study examines the voices of parents that emerged during a citywide movement to influence a school district’s decisions on school closings. The work explores the experiences of parent leaders ...
Experimental and simulation study for the effect of waste cooking oil methyl ester blended with diesel fuel on the performance and emissions of diesel engine

Abstract The methyl ester of waste cooking oil (MEWCO) has been prepared from used cooking oils collected from different restaurants and investigated experimentally and theoretically. The suggested biodiesel is mixed with different percentages (10%, 20%and 100%) on a volume basis together with original diesel fuel and tested on a constant speed diesel engine. The experimental work deals with the impact of the blending ratio on the performance and emission parameters at different load conditions. The experimental side is verified with simulation study done by Diesel-rk software and it reveals that they are in good agreement. The maximum pressure reduced as a result of increasing MEWCO blends due to the reduction in the heating value of the blended fuels. Both sides are reported promising reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) on the behalf of carbon emissions. Mixing 20% MEWCO is the best compromise, mixing ratio and beyond that, dramatic reduction in the outcome of the performance has been observed.
Visual Representations of Risk Enhance Long-Term Retention of Risk Information: A Randomized Trial.

Background. People often overestimate their risk of developing cancer, which can cause undue worry and unwarranted risk-reducing actions. Standard counseling has a limited and short-lived effect on...