cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of borrowed start-up capital and micro enterprises in Mexico: existence of liquidity constraints

Using the National Survey of Micro enterprises (ENAMIN, Encuesta Nacional de Micronegocios) data I test for the presence of liquidity constraints for obtaining start-up capital in Mexico’s credit markets (formal and informal). I use the bivariate probit model with partial observability to recognize two important decisions in the credit allocation process: first, whether an owner of a micro enterprise wants to apply start-up loan and, second, whether financial institutions decide to provide or not to provide the loan. Finally, I compare the results from this model to those of a simple probit model that looks at whether a micro enterprise owner gets funding or not (i.e. the probit model implicitly assumes that no liquidity constraints exist). The findings of this study show that there is substantial heterogeneity in the socioeconomic background of borrowers, as well as in the sources for start-up capital employed by micro enterprises in Mexico. Moreover, there is clear evidence of liquidity constraints in the market for start-up capital that could hinder the creation and growth of small enterprises. Applying the findings of the study, policy makers could fundamentally increase the effectiveness in establishing an economic environment that fosters growth.
Sociodemographic and Risk Behavior Characteristics Associated with Unprotected Sex with Women among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men and Women in New York City

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to compare sociodemographic and risk behavior characteristics between black men who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) and those who have sex with men only (MSMO) and assess factors associated with having any unprotected vaginal and/or anal intercourse (UVAI) with women in the last 3 months. Data from 326 black men who reported recent unprotected anal intercourse with a man in an HIV behavioral intervention study in New York City were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were compared between MSMW and MSMO, and factors associated with having any UVAI in the past 3 months with women among MSMW were evaluated. In total, 26.8% reported having sex with both men and women in the last 3 months. MSMW were less likely to be HIV infected, use amyl nitrates, and have unprotected receptive anal sex with most recent male partner. MSMW were more likely to be over 40 years old and use heroin. A total of 55.6% of MSMW reported having UVAI with women in the last 3 months. Compared to MSMW having only protected sex, MSMW having any UVAI with women were less likely to be HIV infected and to disclose having sex with men to female partners; they were more likely to have greater than four male sex partners in the last 3 months. In conclusion, HIV prevention interventions among black MSMW should directly address the risk of HIV transmission to both their female and male partners. Disclosure of bisexuality to female partners may be an important component of future prevention efforts.
A Controllability Study for a Team Linear Quadratic Game

A controllability interpretation of team linear quadratic games, with one performance index for the team in competition with one common opponent, is conducted to provide criteria of choice of terminal unknowns for the optimal game solution and to facilitate the computations of the trajectories. Efficiency of the pursuers is expressed in terms of the team controllability. The criteria provide a perfect choice for particular team dispositions named "optimal teams," which are shown to neutralize the evader. The study produces a particularly simple method to dispose or place a team optimally and to compute the corresponding optimal solution.
Social presence in mixed agency interactions

In this paper, we present the preliminary results of an ongoing study exploring how mixed-agency teams influence feelings of social presence. Participants worked with a team composed of either two virtual humans or a team composed of one virtual human and one real human. We found that while the presence of a human teammate did not affect overall feelings of social presence, the presence of a human teammate did appear to strengthen participants' perceptions that their virtual teammates were not real.
Compton continuum suppression by digital pulse shape analysis part II

Abstract We present results about Compton continuum suppression via pulse shape analysis using rise-time-fall-time functions or direct pulse comparison to an “optimal pulse” template which improved the local peak-to-Compton ratio by a factor of more than 5.
Dengue Virus Type 2 Infections of Aedes aegypti Are Modulated by the Mosquito's RNA Interference Pathway

A number of studies have shown that both innate and adaptive immune defense mechanisms greatly influence the course of human dengue virus (DENV) infections, but little is known about the innate immune response of the mosquito vector Aedes aegypti to arbovirus infection. We present evidence here that a major component of the mosquito innate immune response, RNA interference (RNAi), is an important modulator of mosquito infections. The RNAi response is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), which occurs in the cytoplasm as a result of positive-sense RNA virus infection, leading to production of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These siRNAs are instrumental in degradation of viral mRNA with sequence homology to the dsRNA trigger and thereby inhibition of virus replication. We show that although dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) infection of Ae. aegypti cultured cells and oral infection of adult mosquitoes generated dsRNA and production of DENV2-specific siRNAs, virus replication and release of infectious virus persisted, suggesting viral circumvention of RNAi. We also show that DENV2 does not completely evade RNAi, since impairing the pathway by silencing expression of dcr2, r2d2, or ago2, genes encoding important sensor and effector proteins in the RNAi pathway, increased virus replication in the vector and decreased the extrinsic incubation period required for virus transmission. Our findings indicate a major role for RNAi as a determinant of DENV transmission by Ae. aegypti.
Effects of Rotation on Convective Plumes from Line Segment Sources

Abstract Effects of rotation on finite-length line plumes are studied with a three-dimensional nonhydrostatic numerical model. Geophysical convection with this source geometry occurs, for example, as the result of fissure releases of hot hydrothermal fluids at the seafloor from terrestrial release of hot gases and ash during volcanic activity along fissures and in the descent from the sea surface of brines formed during freezing of ice leads at high latitudes. Here the model treats the case of a starting plume of dense fluid descending into a rotating environment. Results are compared with laboratory experiments so that the validity of the model, particularly the nonlinear subgrid-scale mixing formulation, might first be established. Differences in plumes caused by varying rotation rate, &ohm, and buoyancy flux, B0, are the primary focus, with experiments in fluid of depth h spanning a convective Rossby number [B01/3/(2Ωh)] of 0.01−1.0. Rotation initiates spiraling of the descending plumes but it has litt...
Accumulation and radial transport of ions from potassium salts by cucumber roots.

Accumulation of K+ is insensitive to the anion supplied with it at a solution concentration below 1 mm. Rates of K+ transport to the xylem from the same solutions are, however, dependent upon the anion present and decrease in the order NO3− ≫ Cl− > SO42−. Parallel effects on rates of exudation and anion transport result from kind and concentration of anion supplied and time of exposure to the solution. When high K salt concentrations are used, only linear relationships are found between solution concentrations and transport rates. However, ion concentration in the exudate increases more than external solution concentration, while exudation rate is unaffected. It is suggested that some of the ions transported are from compartments within the cells. At high solution concentrations KNO3 results in more exudation and in higher ion concentration in the exudate than is found with KCl.
Ethnic residential shifts: The Greek population of Akron, Ohio, 1930–2005

The purpose of this paper is to apply the framework of transnationalism to the study of the Akron, Ohio Greek community through the spatio-temporal changes in the residential patterns. Church records for the period 1930 to 2005 form the basis of the study. The first Greek immigrants arrived in Akron, Ohio in the latter part of the nineteenth century and settled around the commercial zone in the central city. Additional immigrants, mostly young males with little education, arrived during the early decades of the twentieth century to seek employment in the growing industries, especially the tire factories. The establishment of a sizable colony made it possible to form a parish church in close proximity to the place of work. In addition to the place of worship, ethnic stores, and coffee houses became foci of ethnic life. Although this central city cluster was undergoing minor residential shifts to the suburbs, it was identifiable until the early 1970s. By then most of its immigrant residents as well as their American born children moved to the suburbs, especially in the northwestern part of the city, because of economic improvement. Post-1965 immigrants bypassed the central city cluster and settled in the suburbs. Anecdotal information suggests that these immigrants, individually and collectively as a group, maintain a variety of economic, social, and cultural connections with their place of origin as well as the Akron Greek community. Thus, transnationalism is an appropriate framework to study recent immigrants who maintain concurrent connections to the United States and Greece.
Influence of collection solvent on permeation of di-n-octyl disulfide through nitrile glove material.

Abstract The influence of collection solvents hexane and perfluorohexane on the permeation of the non-polar and non-volatile di-n-octyl disulfide (DOD) through nitrile glove material was investigated using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F739-99a method. The weight and the thickness of the nitrile material increased about 6%, statistically significant at p ≤ 0.05, after 8 h of DOD permeation for both collection solvents. Infrared reflectance examination revealed no spectral changes to glove surfaces. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis determined that the apparent DOD steady state permeation rate was 903 ± 285 μg/(cm2 h) for hexane collection, and 6.92 ± 2.27 μg/(cm2 h) for perfluorohexane collection. The ASTM normalized breakthrough time for DOD was 7–30 min for hexane collection, and 30–75 min for perfluorohexane collection. Perfluorohexane is a promising collection solvent for non-polar and non-volatile compounds permeating nitrile material.
John Henryism and blood pressure differences among Black men.

A community probability sample of southern, working-class, black men (N=132)between 17 and 60 years of age was administered a scale to measure the degree to which they felt they could control their environment through hard work and determination. Since the legend of John Henry—the famous, black steeldriver of American folklore—can be understood as a cultural statement about how black Americans must often attempt to control behavioral Stressors through hard work and determination, items for the scale were developed to reflect the theme of John Henryism. It was hypothesized that men scoring below the median on education but above the median on John Henryism would have higher blood pressures than any other group. The data were in line with the prediction, in that men who scored low on education and high on John Henryism had significantly higher diastolic blood pressures than men who scored above the median on both measures. Study findings are discussed in terms of the meaning that education and John Henryism may have for raising or lowering autonomic arousal when individuals encounter behavioral Stressors in everyday life. Preliminary construct validity evidence for the John Henryism Scale is also presented.
A Pulse Power Amplifier for Biological Stimulation

A power amplifier designed for use as a biological stimulator is described. It is driven by a dc voltage or a pulse generator with an amplitude of 50 volts. The output power of up to 250 volts and 100 ma is precisely controlled. The rise time is less than 5 ?sec. A dual-channel version whose outputs may be independently controlled and mixed is also described. The circuit for the +400 volts and ?300 volts regulated power supplies is shown.
Uncapping Conflict of Interest

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) calls on advisory committees (ACs) to provide external expert advice and recommendations to "enhance FDA's ability to protect and promote the public health and maintain the public trust" ( 1 ). The FDA Safety and Innovation Act (FDASIA) ( 2 ) was signed into law in 2012 primarily to reauthorize user-fee programs for drugs, devices, and biosimilars. We discuss concerns about how FDASIA also changes AC financial conflict of interest (COI) requirements.
Application of nonlinear dynamic analysis to the identification and control of nonlinear systems—III. n-Dimensional systems

Abstract In two previous publications, the authors have shown that normal form theory, a method used extensively in dynamic analysis, can be applied in the structure identification of nonlinear systems. In particular, normal form theory bridges the gap between structure of a nonlinear, low order polynomial dynamical system and the behavior it is able to predict or represent. This is important because knowing a system's dynamic behavior automatically leads to a simple nonlinear normal form model that can be used for (nonlinear) control. Previously, only two-dimensional normal form models were derived. For this paper, simple, n -dimensional, low order polynomial dynamical models will be derived that can represent a nonlinear system with multiple steady states or a limit cycle in the operating region of interest. Using as a plant the nonisothermal Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor with consecutive reactions ( A → B → C ), it is shown that identification and control of this three-dimensional system using the aforementioned normal form models is feasible.
An Integrated Fluorescence Detection System in Poly(dimethylsiloxane) for Microfluidic Applications

This paper describes a prototype of an integrated fluorescence detection system that uses a microavalanche photodiode (μAPD) as the photodetector for microfluidic devices fabricated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The prototype device consisted of a reusable detection system and a disposable microfluidic system that was fabricated using rapid prototyping. The first step of the procedure was the fabrication of microfluidic channels in PDMS and the encapsulation of a multimode optical fiber (100-μm core diameter) in the PDMS; the tip of the fiber was placed next to the side wall of one of the channels. The optical fiber was used to couple light into the microchannel for the excitation of fluorescent analytes. The photodetector, a prototype solid-state μAPD array, was embedded in a thick slab (1 cm) of PDMS. A thin (80 μm) colored polycarbonate filter was placed on the top of the embedded μAPD to absorb scattered excitation light before it reached the detector. The μAPD was placed below the microchannel an...
Temperature-dependent fluorescence intermittency for single molecules of violamine R in poly(vinyl alcohol)

The fluorescence intermittency or blinking of violamine R (VR) in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is measured for temperatures spanning the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer host. Probability distributions of on- and off-time durations are acquired and analyzed for temperatures ranging from 22.5 °C (Tg − 49 °C) to 85 °C (Tg + 13 °C). At all temperatures, the probability distributions are well described by a power-law. The on-time power-law exponent (mon) undergoes a modest increase with temperature, and the off-time power-law exponent (moff) varies little with temperature. Both observations are consistent with current electron transfer models for the production and decay of the non-emissive state. Surprisingly, both mon and moff demonstrated smooth variation as the temperature transitions through Tg. This observation suggests that the local VR environment is not significantly altered over the temperature range investigated here. The onset of deviation from power-law behavior is observed at Tg + 13 °C, consistent with thermally enhanced environmental fluctuations providing for the interchange of local environments that is rapid compared to blinking.
Testing the Coding Potential of Conserved Short Genomic Sequences

Proposed is a procedure to test whether a genomic sequence contains coding DNA, called a coding potential region. The procedure tests the coding potential of conserved short genomic sequence, in which the assumptions on the probability models of gene structures are relaxed. Thus, it is expected to provide additional candidate regions that contain coding DNAs to the current genomic database. The procedure was applied to the set of highly conserved human-mouse sequences in the genome database at the University of California at Santa Cruz. For sequences containing RefSeq coding exons, the procedure detected 91.3% regions having coding potential in this set, which covers 83% of the human RefSeq coding exons, at a 2.6% false positive rate. The procedure detected 12,688 novel short regions with coding potential at the false discovery rate <0.05; 65.7% of the novel regions are between annotated genes.
Torcetrapib and atorvastatin--should marketing drive the research agenda?

Dr. Jerry Avorn writes that the current trial designs may not optimally meet the scientific needs of prescribers, the clinical needs of patients, the economic needs of payers, or the regulatory needs of policymakers. But they superbly meet the business needs of the sponsor.
American chestnut as an allelopath in the southern Appalachians

Abstract Prior to the chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh.) was the most common overstory tree in eastern deciduous forests. Chestnut’s dominance has often been attributed to its resistance to fire and subsequent propensity to sprout vigorously and grow rapidly. Its role as an allelopath has rarely been studied. Allelopathic qualities of chestnut leaves were tested with five native co-occurring tree species: red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (A. saccharum), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), a native shrub rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum), and a bioassay species lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. “black seeded Simpson”). For each species, six replicates of 100 seeds each were stratified for 90 days in distilled water or chestnut leaf extract, then germinated for 21 days. Six additional replicates of red maple, eastern hemlock, yellow-poplar, and rhododendron were germinated without stratification. Lettuce seed was not stratified. When germination percentage peaked, seeds were removed from the experiment and radicle length was measured. Chestnut leaf extract lowered germination rates of extract-treated lettuce, stratified and unstratified eastern hemlock, and unstratified rhododendron seeds. Radicles of extract-treated lettuce and unstratified rhododendron were significantly shorter than radicles of water-treated seeds. In general, radicles of extract-treated seeds were thinner, broke more easily, and were less likely to have developed secondary roots than radicles of water-treated seeds. This study suggests leachate from American chestnut leaf litter could have suppressed germination and growth of competing shrub and tree species and that allelopathy was a mechanism whereby American chestnut may have controlled vegetative composition and dominated eastern forests. Current vegetative composition in southern Appalachian forests may be attributable, in part, to the disappearance of American chestnut as an allelopathic influence.
Replication in Interaction and Working Memory Research: Révész (2012) and Goo (2012).

This paper argues for the replication of two studies, both of which consider feedback and working memory. In the first part of this paper, we discuss the role of interaction-based research and working memory research in second language acquisition research. We then describe two studies that have unified these two areas in recent published articles and discuss ways that replication can further our knowledge in how working memory capacity can impact the benefits of feedback. We emphasize the importance of replication in a number of different areas, including grammatical complexity of the target structure and the nature of working memory tests, in scoring, actual tests, and modes of delivery. Additionally, we discuss the possibilities for replication in the area of population differences, in particular, age groups and more lasting effects as would be found in delayed post-tests. Finally, we point out another means of gathering information about thought processes and suggest the value of adding stimulated recalls to the existing data.
Impacts of climate change on methane emissions from wetlands

[1] We have included climate-sensitive methane emissions from wetlands within the GISS climate model using a linear parameterization derived from a detailed process model. The geographic distribution of wetlands is also climate–dependent. Doubled CO2 simulations using this model show an increase in annual average wetland methane emissions from 156 to 277 Tg/yr, a rise of 78%. The bulk of this increase is due to enhanced emissions from existing tropical wetlands. Additionally, high northern latitude wetland areas expand and emissions nearly triple during Northern summer. The global increase represents ∼20% of present-day inventories. These large values indicate that the potential response of natural emissions to climate change merit greater study, and should be included in projections of future global warming and tropospheric pollution.
TEST ANXIETY AND THE “ELEVEN‐PLUS” EXAMINATIONS

Summary. After a brief review of our previous work in the area under investigation, the results of two studies which bear upon the validity of the Test Anxiety Scale (TA) are reported. Both studies involved the 11+ examinations. In the first study, it was predicted that TA scores would increase as children moved closer in time to the 11+ examinations. In the second study it was predicted that there would be a small but statistically significant negative correlation between TA scores and performance on the 11+ examinations. The obtained results failed to confirm either of these predictions. Drawing upon other empirical data which have been gathered as part of a research programme on the correlates of anxiety, several alternative interpretations of the findings are advanced.
Ultrasonic Degassing of Aluminum Alloys

This article discusses research on using power ultrasound for degassing of molten aluminum alloys. At least three types of technique have been developed for ultrasonic degassing. The type deals with degassing using power ultrasound alone. Degassing in a small melt can be achieved within a few minutes of ultrasonic vibration. The second type is ultrasound assisted vacuum degassing. A combination of vacuum and power ultrasound makes degassing much complete and fast. The third type is ultrasound assisted lance degassing. Ultrasonic vibration is used to break up the large argon or nitrogen bubbles into much smaller ones, resulting in an increased efficiency of degassing of aluminum melt. The benefits of ultrasonic degassing include: no moving/rotation part in the degassing system; less use of argon and no use of chlorine; and less amount of dross formation during degassing. Furthermore, trace elements such as Na and Li can be removed using ultrasonic degassing. Keywords: Aluminum alloys, degassing, porosity, and power ultrasound
ARTEMIS operations - Experiences and lessons learned

THEMIS, a constellation of five spacecraft, referred to as probes, was launched in 2007 to study the physical processes leading to the aurora. In 2009, THEMIS successfully completed its primary mission phase. As an ambitious mission extension, the constellation was then split into two new missions - THEMIS-Low and ARTEMIS. THEMIS-Low refers to three of the five probes that continued magnetospheric observations in Earth orbits while the remaining two probes started a new lunar mission called ARTEMIS. The two ARTEMIS probes were transferred from Earth to lunar orbits via low-energy trajectories with Earth and lunar gravity assists. The complex mission design and navigation operations took the two probes on trajectories along weak stability boundary manifolds, venturing out as far as 1,500,000 km and 1,200,000 km from Earth, respectively. Upon arrival in the lunar environment, both probes were first inserted into libration point orbits where they spent up to ten months collecting science data. Periodic stationkeeping maneuvers were executed to ensure the two probes would not be ejected from these unstable orbits. In 2011, both probes were successfully inserted into stable, retrograde and prograde lunar orbits, respectively. We report on the challenges with executing the complex navigation plans, discuss experiences and lessons learned from operating two spacecraft in lunar libration point orbits for the first time ever, and finally cover mission planning and science operations in the lunar environment.
Contemporary Clinical Immunology and Serology Rittenhouse-Olson, De Nardin Pearson, 2013

This text contains 23, well-written and nicely organized chapters. One of the outstanding features includes the large, colorful, appropriate, and effective pictures, charts, and visual aids—which all contribute greatly to the learning objectives.Thechapterobjectivesinclude 2levels,which isidealfortheeducator needing to teach to differing levels of mastery. The intra-chapter “Checkpoint!” and case-studies are wonderful assessment tools. Teaching to students in a clinical discipline, I appreciated the inclusion of various immunological and serological test procedures, interpretations, and explanations. The text is very contemporary in its content, and has an entire chapter devoted to the frontier of laboratory testing in molecular techniques.
Jackson and Bernstein theorems for the weight exp(−| x |) on ℝ

In 1978, Freud, Giroux and Rahman established a weightedL 1 Jackson theorem for the weight exp(−|x|) on the real line, using methods that work only inL 1. This weight is somewhat exceptional, for it sits on the boundary between weights like exp(-|x|α), α≥1, where weighted polynomials are dense, and the case α<1, where weighted polynomials are not dense. We obtain the firstL p Jackson theorem for exp(−|x|), valid in allL p , 0<p≤∞, as well as for higher order moduli of continuity. We also establish a converse Bernstein type theorem, characterizing rates of approximation in terms of smoothness of the approximated function.
Cross sections for inelastic electron scattering in solids

Abstract An overview is given of available information on cross-sections for inelastic electron scattering in solids with emphasis on the need for cross-section data in electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and Auger-electron spectroscopy (AES). After a brief survey of the relevant theory, information is given on inelastic mean free paths of 200–2000 eV electrons in solids (AES), total inner-shell ionization cross sections (AES and XES), partial inner-shell ionization cross section (EELS), and electron-beam-induced damage.
Detection of simulated lung nodules with computed radiography: Effects of nodule size, local optical density, global object thickness, and exposure

Rationale and Objectives. We quantified differences in the detection of simulated lung nodules on computed radiographs on the basis of variations in nodule size, local contrast, body habitus (global contrast), and exposure. Methods. A step-wedge phantom was developed to simulate the attenuation ranges of the lung, retrocardiac, and subdiaphragmatic regions of the adult human chest. Additional Lucite wedges were used to simulate two different body thicknesses and to provide variable structural noise. Soft-tissue-equivalent nodules of 3-mm and 5-mm diameter that resulted in 10% differences in attenuation from lung equivalence were embedded in lung-equivalent material. By superimposing the sheets in various positions, 84 unique nodule configurations containing eight nodules per image were exposed on a computed radiography system. Computed radiographs were acquired at two different exposures approximating standard exposure and underexposure. For each resulting phantom image, seven observers scored the presence or absence of a nodule within individual cells of a 5 × 5 grid matrix. Results. True-positive fractions for 3-mm-diameter nodules were very low across all conditions. True-positive fractions for 5-mm-diameter nodules varied from 0.23 to 0.98. Significant differences in the conspicuity of 5-mm nodules depended on differences in phantom thickness and differences in the locations of nodules within lung-, retrocardiac-, or subdiaphragmatic-equivalent regions. Accuracy in detecting nodules was significantly lower at lower exposures when nodules were located in the subdiaphragmatic-equivalent region. Conclusion. On computed radiographs, small nodules (5-mm diameter) can be reliably detected when they are located in areas of high or moderate surrounding local contrast, such as the lung or mediastinal regions. Detection of nodules decreases in regions of lower optical density corresponding to the subdiaphragmatic regions of the chest. The decrease in nodule detectability is greatest under conditions that simulate large body thickness and underexposure.
Uniqueness of solutions to the initial-value problem for partial differential equations with multiple characteristics

Abstract Previous results have demonstrated that uniqueness for the initial-value problem for partial differential equations with multiple characteristics holds if the subprincipal symbol does not vanish on the multiply characteristics set (real or nonreal). It is shown in this paper that for equations with double characteristics, uniqueness depends only on the hyperbolic part of the equation, the real characteristics.
Professional Service Use for a Serious Personal Problem: Comparing Older African Americans, Black Caribbeans, and Non-Hispanic Whites Using the National Survey of American Life.

OBJECTIVES: Examines combinations of professionals visited for a serious personal problem. METHOD: The sample includes those aged 55 and above (N = 862) from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL). Latent class analysis was used to identify groups of respondents based on types of professionals visited. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with group membership. RESULTS: Classes included health provider plus clergy, physician plus mental health provider, and limited provider use. Whites were more likely than African Americans to fall into the health provider plus clergy and physician plus mental health provider classes. Those with physical and emotional problems were more likely to be in the health provider plus clergy and physician plus mental health provider classes, respectively. DISCUSSION: Most respondents were in the limited provider use class suggesting that for many problems, minimal professional help is utilized. Physicians and clergy were important across all three classes. Language: en
Common bile duct pre-cut sphincterotomy: transpancreatic sphincter approach

Ideally, during ERCP one would like to selectively enter the common bile duct (CBD) and pancreatic duct to inject contrast, measure sphincter pressures, or create a sphincterotomy. Unfortunately, entry into the CBD can be difficult or impossible with use of standard or tapered catheters. These difficulties led to the development of two different pre-cut techniques for facilitating entry into the CBD at ERCP. 13 One method employs a sphincterotome similar to the standard one except the cutting wire exits from the tip of the catheter rather than distal to the tip. 2 The othermethod uses a catheter with a thin wire protruding from its tip to cut into the papilla and enter the CBD. This is called a needle knife papillotomeJ, 3 Both have been used successfully by several investigators to enter the CBD in difficult cases, but have been associated with a moderate degree of complications, resulting in some admonitions against widespread use. 4 The pancreatic duct is not entered in either of these methods. A new method is described which takes advantage of the usual ease of entering the pancreatic duct via the papilla compared to entering the CBD, and builds on the safety data for endoscopic pancreatic duct sphincterotomy.
Developing a global mindset: learning of global leaders

Purpose – The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore the requirements of leading in a global environment as perceived by the leaders participating in this study as well as the way these leaders learn and develop their global mindset. Design/methodology/approach – The research methodology informed by social constructivism included in-depth interviews with 24 global leaders that were analyzed using constant comparative and content analysis. The findings presented in this paper are part of a larger study on the meaning of global leadership and mindset. The framework for this research was guided by the Global Leadership Mindset (GLM) model developed by the authors and their colleagues. Findings – Transcendence, plasticity of the mind (flexibility, thinking differently, rebalancing, openness, having multiple frames of reference), mindfulness, curiosity, and humility emerged as requirements of leading in the global environment. The global leaders' learning journeys were characterized by infor...
ART, ETHICS, AND THE LAW: WHERE SHOULD THE LAW END?

La consideration des questions legales au sujet de l'art est non seulement interessante, mais aussi necessaire pour une complete comprehension de la philosophique de l'art.
A Synthesis of Professional Development on the Implementation of Literacy Strategies for Middle School Content Area Teachers.

AbstractThis paper synthesized studies of professional development for middle school content area teachers and the teachers’ subsequent implementation of literacy strategies. Four studies were identified as having a majority of participants teaching English/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies in grades 6 through 8. Articles meeting the criteria included two qualitative studies of the impact of professional development on implementation of literacy strategies, one ethnographic study of the characteristics of content area teachers with strong implementation of literacy strategies, and one quasiexperimental study of the impact of professional development on student reading performance. Findings indicate that ongoing schoolwide initiatives that are responsive to teachers’ perceived needs hold promise for increasing literacy instruction across the curriculum and improving some student reading skills.
Linear analysis of sheet beam planar grating and dielectric cerenkov maser amplifiers

We consider u plunur grating and partially filled dielectric us slow wave struc1ures for a low-voltage elecrrori sheer beam, moderate power Cerenkov umplifer. The smull sigriul growth rate for boih slow wave .siruciures wiih partially filled sheet beams ure evuluated. The resulis (ire compured ut 35 mid 60 GHz. We find thui boih configurations offer attractive arid compuruble gain ai relatively low heam voltuges and run be developed us moderute power sheet beam sources.
Tetrabiphenylporphyrin-based receptors for protein surfaces show sub-nanomolar affinity and enhance unfolding.

Abstract A family of tetrabiphenylporphyrin-based receptors has been synthesized. Receptor 7 showed sub-nanomolar affinity ( K d =0.67 nM) in binding to the surface of cytochrome c . In addition, a stoichiometric amount of the receptor 7 caused a lowering in the T m of cytochrome c from 85 to 35 °C.
DFT-Based Coverage-Dependent Model of Pt-Catalyzed NO Oxidation

A coverage-dependent, mean-field microkinetic model of catalytic NO oxidation, NO+0.5O 2 ⇌NO 2 , at a Pt(111) surface has been developed, based on large supercell density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT is used to determine the overall energetics and activation energies of candidate reaction steps as a function of surface coverage. Surface coverage is found to have a significant but non-uniform effect on the energetics, pathways, and activation energies of reaction steps involving formation or cleavage of ON—O and O=O bonds, and inclusion of this coverage dependence is essential for obtaining a qualitatively correct representation of the catalysis. Correlations are used to express all reaction parameters in terms of a single coverage variable θ and steady-state solutions to the resultant mean-field models are obtained in the method of DeDonder relations. At conditions representative of NO oxidation catalysis, the surface coverage is predicted to be 0.25 ≤ θ ≤ 0.4 ML and to be controlled by equilibrium between gas-phase NO and NO 2 and chemisorbed O. O 2 dissociative adsorption (O 2(g) →2O*) is rate limiting in the model. The DFT-based mean-field model captures many features of the experimentally observed catalysis, and its short-comings point the way toward more robust models of coverage-dependent kinetics.
A general technique for automatic left ventricle boundary validation: relation between gray scale cardioangiograms and observed boundary errors.

This article presents an automatic left ventricle boundary validation technique using the gray scale cardioangiograms, the observed boundary errors, and the left ventricle boundaries from any source that needs to be validated. This validation technique is based on the gray scale information near the boundary of the left ventricle in the cardioangiograms. Using a mutually exclusive window of fixed size, which is centered on the left ventricle boundary vertex and along the left ventricle contour, we compute a difference in contrast value for areas of the window both inside and outside the left ventricle region. These contrast values then are regressed against the observed boundary errors. The observed boundary errors are computed using the polyline distance measure [3], [4] by comparing two sets of boundaries: boundaries estimated from any boundary estimation algorithm, and the original ground truth boundaries as traced by the cardiologist. We performed our experiments on a database of 245 patient studies, each having two frames: end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES). The mean boundary error before running the validation system was 4.4 mm. Using our boundary validation system, by rejecting 5% to 10% of the patient studies, the validation system results in an error of 4.0 mm for the crossvalidation case and 3.85 mm for the ideal case. We show the reliability curves of our validation system by computing the probability of false alarm, probability of mis-detection, and mean predicted errors when a total ofn patients are rejected from the database of 245 studies.
Older driver involvement in fatal and severe traffic crashes

The question of the risks older drivers face, and impose on others, was addressed by examining as a function of age and sex: (a) driver involvement in crashes in the same high severity range; (b) the threat drivers pose to pedestrians; and (c) the contribution of motor vehicle fatalities to overall mortality. National data files provide source information on traffic fatalities, population, number of licensed drivers, distance of travel, and mortality from all causes. Involvement rates in severe crashes are inferred from fatality data using recently published relations linking occupant survivability to age and sex. In no case among 14 measures examined did the value at the oldest age for which data were available (varied from source to source) exceed that for young drivers. Although some risks that drivers face may increase at older ages to levels above their minimum values, the increases are small compared to the substantial reductions in distances driven with increasing age; thus, reductions in mobility may be a more dominant correlate of aging than reductions in driving safety.
Toward the Design of a Catalytic Metallodrug: Selective Cleavage of G-Quadruplex Telomeric DNA by an Anticancer Copper–Acridine–ATCUN Complex†

Telomeric DNA represents a novel target for the development of anticancer drugs. By application of a catalytic metallodrug strategy, a copper–acridine–ATCUN complex (CuGGHK-Acr) has been designed that targets G-quadruplex telomeric DNA. Both fluorescence solution assays and gel sequencing demonstrate the CuGGHK-Acr catalyst to selectively bind and cleave the G-quadruplex telomere sequence. The cleavage pathway has been mapped by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) experiments. CuGGHK-Acr promotes significant inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and shortening of telomere length. Both senescence and apoptosis are induced in the breast cancer cell line MCF7.
Women in STEM: Family-Related Challenges and Initiatives

Despite relatively equal proportions of boys and girls enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses during grade school, women are significantly underrepresented in STEM degrees and occupations. Advances in STEM are critical to our nation’s health and security, and diversification of the STEM workforce is believed to enhance the creativity, innovation, and quality of STEM contributions. Although a wide-range of factors contribute to the “leaky pipeline,” work-family issues have been cited as a primary issue for women in STEM fields. This chapter (1) briefly reviews gender-related theories used to explain underrepresentation of women in STEM, (2) summarizes some of the empirical evidence of work-family challenges that STEM women in academia and industry experience, (3) presents some new data about the importance of childcare to STEM women’s academic careers, and (4) identifies various initiatives, including family-friendly policies and practices, that have been implemented to alleviate work-family challenges and in turn retain women in STEM.
Knee Joint Movements in Subjects Without Knee Pathology and Subjects With Injured Anterior Cruciate Ligaments

Background and Purpose. Although weight-bearing (WB) exercise and increased hamstring muscle activity may contribute to knee joint stability in knees with an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the relationship among ACL integrity, muscle activity, and joint surface motion is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether knee joint rolling and gliding movements and electromyographic (EMG) activity differed between subjects with injured ACLs and subjects without knee pathology. Subjects. Fifteen subjects with injured ACLs (9 men and 6 women; mean age=26 years, SD=7, range=18–36) and 15 age- and sex-matched subjects without knee pathology (9 men and 6 women; mean age=25 years, SD=6, range=18–36) participated in the study. Methods. Sagittal-plane knee joint rolling and gliding movements and lower-extremity EMG activity were measured during non-weight-bearing (NWB) and WB movements. Mixed-model analyses of variance were conducted to analyze rolling and gliding and EMG data. Results. During NWB knee extension, greater joint surface gliding occurred in knees with injured ACLs at full knee extension. During WB knee extension, greater gliding occurred in knees with injured ACLs throughout the range of motion tested. No differences in EMG activity occurred between groups. Discussion and Conclusion. The results suggest that, in the absence of increased hamstring muscle activity, anterior tibial displacement is not reduced in knees with injured ACLs during WB movement.
Renal carcinoma — unusual presentation and angiographic findings

A case of papillary renal cell carcinoma with clinical and angiographic features of an abscess is reported. Papillary renal carcinomas constitute 14% of renal adenocarcinomas. These tumors have slower growth rate and better prognosis.
"By Their Laws Shall Ye Know Them": Law and Identity in Colonial British America

English law was integral to the foundation of the new polities created in the several colonies of British America. The influence, however, was not simply formal. The English legal inheritance was a principal component in the very identities of the settlers. As such, it was an important factor in everything that they did, from clearing the wilderness to declaring independence.
Chapter 10 – Sources of Inaccuracy in Biochemical Genetics Testing

Metabolic disease biomarker measurement offers a unique opportunity to identify potential analytical interferences because many of the tests used in this field provide positive identification of these compounds through mass spectrometric identification. The bulk of the clinical workload in biochemical genetics involves analyses of amino acids, organic acids, and acylcarnitine, and these analyses are the focus of this chapter. Most laboratories do not utilize mass spectrometry for amino acid analysis in body fluids but remain dependent on chromatographic separation with peak identification using ninhydrin, which specifically interacts with primary and secondary amines, and spectrophotometric detection as well as quantification. Because this process does not have positive peak identification through mass spectrometry, a number of interferences do occur from primary amines, particularly commonly used antibiotics of the penicillin family. Interference from other primary amines is particularly prevalent when analyzing urine amino acid profiles because multiple metabolites are generated from some interfering compounds. Issues related to interference are less problematic when separation technology is coupled to mass spectrometric detection such as in urine organic acid analysis. Interferences can usually be identified based on their fragmentation patterns and retention time. However, the presence of some exogenous compounds, including the commonly used anticonvulsant valproic acid, can cause interpretive difficulties due to interference with endogenous metabolism. When mass spectrometry is used without separation, as in flow injection multiple-reaction monitoring analysis of acylcarnitine or amino acids, the major source of interference derives from the presence of isobaric compounds such as leucine, isoleucine, alloisoleucine, and hydroxyproline, which cannot be separated and may mask the diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease.
The relationship between perceptions of prison and support for the death penalty versus life without parole

According to Bowers' ‘spuriousness theory,’ people only support the death penalty because they believe that the currently available alternative punishments are insufficiently harsh or meaningful. I test his theory by estimating the relationship between Americans' perceptions of prisons and their support for the death penalty using data drawn from a national, random sample of the US population. I find that people who perceive prison environments to be insufficiently harsh are also more likely to support the death penalty and less likely to support the alternative punishment of life imprisonment without parole. The relationship between people's perceptions of prison and their support for the death penalty is robust even controlling for their symbolic beliefs and demographic characteristics. I discuss the implications of these findings for theories of public opinion about punishment, capital sentencing, and the politics of criminal justice in the USA.