cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hmong Fishing Activity and Fish Consumption

Abstract We examined the fishing activity and fish consumption of Hmong residents of Green Bay, Wisconsin to determine whether their fishing activity was similar to other Wisconsin residents. Previous studies have raised concerns that higher fish consumption by minority groups living in urban areas may increase their health risks from consuming contaminated fish. Using data from a random sample of households representing nearly half of the local Hmong population, we determined that members of 60 percent of Hmong households participated in fishing activity and often traveled to fishing locations 30 to 40 miles beyond their local community. One quarter of the households reporting fishing activity consumed fish at least once per week. The most commonly reported species caught, white bass, was captured twice as often as the next most frequently reported species. Since contaminant levels in white bass vary widely (0 to 4.8 ppm PCBs in 1992) depending on the fishing location, some Green Bay Hmong residents may be consuming fish in excess of recommended state health advisories.
On-demand asynchronous localization for underwater sensor networks

In this paper we consider the issue of localization in the context of underwater sensor networks which contain anchor nodes with perfect knowledge of their position, but asynchronous clocks. By taking advantage of a sequential broadcasting protocol the entire network can be localized simultaneously with minimal overhead. Additionally, it can be initiated by any node at any time. Through extensive simulation we have verified these claims, and further shown that both initiator and passive nodes can achieve low-error positioning.
Classical description of laser-induced desorption rates.

We investigate the effect of a laser on the rate of desorption of an atom from a surface using a classical model. The laser gives rise to an oscillating local electric field which couples to the effective dipole moment created by the interaction between the adatom and the surface. Using analytical procedures, we obtain a single-particle Langevin equation to describe the system. The Langevin equation gives rise to a Fokker-Planck equation governing the probability distribution of the adatom's velocity and position. In the absence of an electric field, this equation, along with an equilibrium assumption, yields the standard Arrhenius form for the desorption rate. The validity of the equilibrium assumption is discussed in both the absence and the presence of an electric field. By numerically integrating the Langevin equation, we investigate the effects of the laser on specific model systems, and we find that in certain regimes the effect of the laser can be represented by an increased effective temperature of the heat bath. Nonthermal behavior on short time scales is discussed.
Passage of time leaves response-outcome associations intact.

Abstract The effect of the passage of time on the association between an instrumental response and its outcome was examined in three experiments with rats using outcome devaluation. In Experiments 1 and 2, rats were initially trained to make one pair of instrumental responses for different outcomes (e.g., lever press → pellets and chain pull → sucrose). Then, after a delay of several weeks, a second pair of responses for those different outcomes (e.g., nose poke → pellets and handle pull → sucrose) was trained in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2. One of the outcomes was then devalued and the responses were tested in extinction. There was no evidence that the passage of time eliminated the sensitivity of a response to a change in the value of its outcome. Experiment 3 used the same design as Experiment 1 to examine the effect of the passage of time on extinguished instrumental responses. First, one pair of responses was trained with different outcomes and then extinguished prior to the training and subsequent extinction of a second pair of responses. After retraining both pairs of responses with a polycose outcome, one of the original outcomes was devalued. Each pair of responses was then tested in extinction. The results of the extinction tests revealed no evidence that the passage of time removed the sensitivity of an extinguished response to devaluation of its original outcome. These findings are consistent with other reports that the response–outcome association survives various response elimination techniques.
EXPERIMENTS ON LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

In reviewing the literature several publications were found dealing with the regeneration of liver tissue in different vertebrates. The authors (Griffini, 1884; v. Meister, 1891; Petrone, 1884; Ponfick, 1894; Tizzoni, 1883; Ribbert, 1904) as a rule obtained real regeneration of the hepatic cells, sometimes without any scar tissue formation. Encouraged by these reports, we carried out a series of experiments with transplantation of liver fragments in the bullfrog, albino rat and rabbit. Autoplastic transplantations were carried out in the bullfrog (Rana catesbiana). One-third of the whole liver was cut off, divided into five approximately equal pieces and transplanted into the dorsal lymph sae, and into the peritoneal cavity. A month later the animals were killed and the grafts examined.
Resonant instability mode triads in the compressible boundary layer flow over a swept wing

Abstract Instability modes that satisfy the triad resonance conditions in three-dimensional compressible (subsonic) boundary layer flow over a swept wing are investigated using theoretical and computational methods. Detuning parameters are used for the wave numbers and frequencies for the triad resonance conditions in space and time. Different resonant triads comprised of crossflow and Tollmien–Schlichting modes are investigated for both the incompressible and compressible cases. The effects of compressibility on various flow features, instability modes, and wave interactions are determined.
Protein O-GlcNAcylation is a novel cytoprotective signal in cardiac stem cells.

Clinical trials demonstrate the regenerative potential of cardiac stem cell (CSC) therapy in the postinfarcted heart. Despite these encouraging preliminary clinical findings, the basic biology of these cells remains largely unexplored. The principal requirement for cell transplantation is to effectively prime them for survival within the unfavorable environment of the infarcted myocardium. In the adult mammalian heart, the β-O-linkage of N-acetylglucosamine (i.e., O-GlcNAc) to proteins is a unique post-translational modification that confers cardioprotection from various otherwise lethal stressors. It is not known whether this signaling system exists in CSCs. In this study, we demonstrate that protein O-GlcNAcylation is an inducible stress response in adult murine Sca-1+/lin− CSCs and exerts an essential prosurvival role. Posthypoxic CSCs responded by time-dependently increasing protein O-GlcNAcylation upon reoxygenation. We used pharmacological interventions for loss- and gain-of-function, that is, enzymatic inhibition of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) (adds the O-GlcNAc modification to proteins) by TT04, or inhibition of OGA (removes O-GlcNAc) by thiamet-G (ThG). Reduction in the O-GlcNAc signal (via TT04, or OGT gene deletion using Cre-mediated recombination) significantly sensitized CSCs to posthypoxic injury, whereas augmenting O-GlcNAc levels (via ThG) enhanced cell survival. Diminished O-GlcNAc levels render CSCs more susceptible to the onset of posthypoxic apoptotic processes via elevated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage due to enhanced caspase-3/7 activation, whereas promoting O-GlcNAcylation can serve as a pre-emptive antiapoptotic signal regulating the survival of CSCs. Thus, we report the primary demonstration of protein O-GlcNAcylation as an important prosurvival signal in CSCs, which could enhance CSC survival prior to in vivo autologous transfer. STEM CELLS 2013;31:765–775
Moving species in Ti34Si23N43 oxidation

Abstract The mass transport during wet oxidation of Ti34Si23N43 films at 500, 600 and 800°C was studied by monitoring the position of a buried platinum marker. The oxide layer thickness and the position of the platinum marker as a function of the oxidation temperature and duration were monitored by 2.0 MeV 4He backscattering spectrometry. At all temperatures, the oxidant diffuses inward and nitrogen outward through the oxide scale with respect to the stationary Ti–Si matrix.
The rat model of endocarditis

The rat model of endocarditis is a well established experimental protocol which closely approximates human native valve endocarditis. The rat model of endocarditis has been used to examine the role of particular streptococcal virulence factors, to assess immunoprotective strategies, and to evaluate the efficacy of selected antibiotic treatment regimens for streptococcal endocarditis. Like humans, rats are generally susceptible to endocarditis only if the cardiac valves have been damaged. In the rat model of endocarditis, damage to the aortic valve and sterile vegetation formation is accomplished by insertion of a polyethylene catheter through the carotid artery into the left ventricle. Following catheter insertion, an inoculum of streptococci are injected intravenously. Vegetations removed from the heart valves during thoracotomy of euthanized animals are qualitatively cultured for streptococcal infection. The method, including investigator safety considerations, is described in detail.
Failure of Gated Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography Scan to Detect Imminent Acute Plaque Rupture Causing Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Case Report

The negative predictive value of a gated single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) scan is very high, with an event rate of < 1% in the first year. However, the presence of nonobstructive coronary artery plaque should yield normal SPECT scan findings. On the other hand, most plaque ruptures, which are a major cause of acute myocardial infarction, occur in nonobstructive coronary artery plaque. Therefore, the findings of a gated SPECT scan should be normal if a ruptured plaque has not created significant obstruction despite the imminent threat of coronary artery occlusion. We present the first case report of a documented gated SPECT scan in a patient who had experienced an acute anterior Q-wave myocardial infarction showing no significant ischemia in the anterior wall in the last minute of data acquisition.
Khovanov–Seidel quiver algebras and bordered Floer homology

We discuss a relationship between Khovanov- and Heegaard Floer-type homology theories for braids. Explicitly, we define a filtration on the bordered Heegaard–Floer homology bimodule associated to the double-branched cover of a braid and show that its associated graded bimodule is equivalent to a similar bimodule defined by Khovanov and Seidel.
Community Undesirability in Black and White: Examining Racial Residential Preferences through Community Perceptions

While studies of racial residential preferences generally converge on the pattern that blacks prefer neighborhoods with a substantial proportion of African Americans, but whites are uncomfortable with no more than 20% black, the forces underlying these preferences receive comparatively less empirical attention. This paper uses perceptions of community undesirability as a measure of racial residential preferences to address this question. Data come from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, which asked large samples of whites and African Americans in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Los Angeles to rate the desirability of 5–7 local communities. In addition to the closed-ended ratings, this paper draws on a systematic analysis of open-ended survey data asking respondents to explain why they find communities undesirable. Overall, blacks rate most communities as more desirable than whites, and African Americans find desirable many of the communities in which they are the numerical minority. Whites rate mixed race communities as undesirable, in part because of a desire to avoid black neighbors, but also because of what may be an over-inflated perception of crime in those communities. Analyses of African American community ratings highlight the importance of racial climate in shaping perceptions of communities and argue against the assertion that racial composition alone is the key factor in black preferences.
Measurement and Standardization of Dielectric Samples

The selection of a material suitable for use as a standard of dielectric properties at microwave frequencies is discussed, and tests are described which indicate that a glass and a glass ceramic are satisfactory for such standards. The probable accuracy of measurement of the real part of the dielectric constant is estimated at ± 0.3 per cent. Loss measurements are discussed. A correction is developed for the error resulting from the small airgap often present around the sample in transmission-line measurements. The effects of humidity and temperature variations are examined, and preliminary results of measurements to 800°C are given.
A novel touch-sensitive apparatus for behavioral studies in unrestrained squirrel monkeys

Abstract Despite the increasing sophistication and affordability of touch-sensitive technology, its use in the behavioral sciences has been limited. The present paper describes the design and empirical validation of a novel touch-sensitive operant conditioning chamber for use with unrestrained squirrel monkeys. In addition, results from a variant of a commonly employed animal model of learning, the repeated acquisition task, demonstrate the effectiveness of this chamber in programming an assay of complex behavior. Finally, results from a study with Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in marijuana, show that its effects in this novel touchscreen chamber were consistent with its dose-related effects on learning using more conventional approaches. Overall, these studies indicate the touchscreen apparatus provides effective means for programming complex behavioral tasks to assess the effects of pharmacological agents on cognitive function.
The effect of source animal age upon extracellular matrix scaffold properties

Biologic scaffold materials composed of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) are commonly used for the repair and reconstruction of injured tissues. An important, but unexplored variable of biologic scaffolds is the age of the animal from which the ECM is prepared. The objective of the present study was to compare the structural, mechanical, and compositional properties of small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-ECM harvested from pigs that differed only in age. Degradation product bioactivity of these ECM materials was also examined. Results showed that there are distinct differences in each of these variables among the various age source ECM scaffolds. The strength and growth factors content of ECM from 3-week-old animals is less than that of ECM harvested from 12, 26 or >52-week-old animals. The elastic modulus of SIS-ECM for 3 week and >52-week-old source was less than that of the 12 and 26 week source. Degradation products from all age source ECMs were chemotactic for perivascular stem cells, with the 12 week source the most potent, while the oldest source caused the greatest increase in proliferation. In summary, distinct differences exist in the mechanical, structural, and biologic properties of SIS-ECM harvested from different aged animals.
Chemical vapor etching of copper using oxygen and 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione

The use of 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione (hfacH) and oxygen to thermally dry etch copper was studied using a vertical flow reactor. The two primary reaction steps in this process are the oxidation of copper by oxygen to form copper(I) and copper(II) oxides and the subsequent removal of the oxide by reactions with hfacH to form copper(II) bis-hexafluoroacetylacetonate and water. Etch rates as high as 1.5 μm at 350°C were achieved by the simultaneous flow of hfacH and oxygen. Etch rates and surface composition were found to be a function of temperature, reactant partial pressures, and surface morphology. At high hfacH to oxygen ratios the surface remained copper colored and the etch rate was nearly independent of the hfacH partial pressure but was more strongly dependent on the oxygen partial pressure and surface morphology. At low hfacH to oxygen ratio the surface became deep rose colored and the etch rate became nearly independent of the oxygen partial pressure and the surface morphology but had a strong dependence on the hfacH partial pressure. These results show that copper can be etched successfully by chemical vapor etching. However, more work needs to be done before this becomes a useful commercial process.
No Large Brightness Variations on Nereid

Observations of Nereid with the 200-in. telescope on Palomar Mountain over three contiguous nights in July 1995 show no evidence for the large photometric variations seen by earlier observers. Total brightness variations within a single night are less than 10%. Our results suggest that Nereid may have a long rotational period, perhaps on the order of weeks. Our observations were not obtained close enough to Nereid's apoapsis to determine whether its rotation state is chaotic, as suggested by Dobrovoiskis.
From Grand Dérangement to Acadiana: History and Identity in the Landscape of South Louisiana

Acadian expulsion from Nova Scotia and subsequent settlement in south Louisiana during the late eighteenth century have inspired numerous studies since the 1970s concerning their history, cultural practices, and ethnic identity. The transformative landscape of south Louisiana is the milieu where actions, experiences, and perception interconnect with collective memory and historical consciousness in the production of Cajun identity. The resulting historical narratives and commemorations constitute a heritage landscape known as Acadiana, where monuments, memorials, historic sites, and parks reaffirm and reproduce this identity. An historical archaeology of Acadiana, including a recent investigation of the Amand Broussard homesite, offers a unique opportunity for cultural analysis and historical critique.
The influence of gravity on composition uniformity and microstructure in immiscible Al-In alloys.

: The results obtained from flight experiments on hypermonotectic Al-In alloys carried out during the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission are presented and compared to those predicted from models that have been developed for solute redistribution in eutectic alloy systems. Experimental results from microgravity experiments are also compared with results obtained from unit gravity directional solidification experiments. Unit gravity directional solidification of hypermonotectic alloys results in macrosegregation due to convective instability inherent in these alloy systems. Identical samples directionally solidified under microgravity conditions reveal a much more uniform composition profile. Results indicate steady-state coupled growth is possible in hypermonotectic alloys through microgravity processing.
Rebuilt AAA + motors reveal operating principles for ATP-fuelled machines

Hexameric ring-shaped ATPases of the AAA + (for ATPases associated with various cellular activities) superfamily power cellular processes in which macromolecular structures and complexes are dismantled or denatured, but the mechanisms used by these machine-like enzymes are poorly understood. By covalently linking active and inactive subunits of the ATPase ClpX to form hexamers, here we show that diverse geometric arrangements can support the enzymatic unfolding of protein substrates and translocation of the denatured polypeptide into the ClpP peptidase for degradation. These studies indicate that the ClpX power stroke is generated by ATP hydrolysis in a single subunit, rule out concerted and strict sequential ATP hydrolysis models, and provide evidence for a probabilistic sequence of nucleotide hydrolysis. This mechanism would allow any ClpX subunit in contact with a translocating polypeptide to hydrolyse ATP to drive substrate spooling into ClpP, and would prevent stalling if one subunit failed to bind or hydrolyse ATP. Energy-dependent machines with highly diverse quaternary architectures and molecular functions could operate by similar asymmetric mechanisms.
The ratio of preganglionic axons to postganglionic cells in the sympathetic nervous system of the rat

Previously reported preganglionic-postganglionic ratios for the sympathetic system are a major part of the evidence for the widely accepted idea that the sympathetic innervation of the viscera is diffuse. Unfortunately, the previous reports did not assess the non-preganglionic fibers in the nerves examined, and the limitations of light microscopy precluded accurate unmyelinated fiber counts. Thus, a recalculation of these ratios is necessary. The present study recalculates these ratios for the cervical sympathetic system of the rat. All fiber counts are done with the electron microscope which has the resolution necessary for accurately determining axon numbers. Selective surgical procedures establish that 84% of the axons in the cervical sympathetic trunk are preganglionic, 11% are postganglionic, and 5% are sensory. Thus, the numbers of preganglionic fibers can now be accurately assessed and compared to the number of postganglionic neurons in the superior cervical ganglion. When this is done, a preganglionic/postganglionic ratio of approximately 1:4 is obtained. This ratio differs considerably from those previously published.
Expression pattern and in situ localization of the mouse homologue of the human MYOC (GLC1A) gene in adult brain.

The MYOC (GLC1A) gene has recently been associated with both juvenile-onset primary open angle glaucoma (JOAG) and typical late-onset primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). As a result, much scrutiny has been focused on the pathology of these diseases. In order to better understand the pathophysiology of POAG, we have been developing a mouse model of the disease. As a step in this development, we have investigated the expression pattern of Myoc transcripts in embryonic and adult mouse tissue using Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses. Myoc transcripts were found in high levels in adult eye, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and testis and to a lesser extent in lung and kidney. They were also present, albeit in very low amounts, during mouse embryogenesis. We present new evidence using in situ hybridization analysis that Myoc transcripts were present in widespread regions of the adult brain including the ependymal lining of the third and fourth ventricles, in the choroid plexus, the zonal layer of the junction of the inferior and superior colliculi, the neurons of the habenula, the piriform cortex, the median pre-optic nucleus of the hypothalamus, the olfactory tubercle, and in the inferior olive. In a functional sense, Myoc expression in the ependyma and choroid plexus, two regions of the brain involved in cerebrospinal fluid synthesis and resorption, parallels Myoc expression in the ciliary body and trabecular meshwork of the anterior segment of the eye where aqueous humor synthesis and outflow occur.
Structural and energetic effects of truncating long ranged interactions in ionic and polar fluids

The effects of Coulomb potential truncation schemes used in computer simulations of ionic and polar fluids are examined by use of integral equation techniques. A renormalized HNC type equation capable of describing both ionic and polar molecular fluids with truncated interactions is derived and applied to several model systems of interest. Good agreement is found between the integral equation results and Monte Carlo simulations of the same potential for dilute solutions of ions in a dielectric continuum. Very large effects on the distribution functions result from truncation of the electrostatic interaction in dilute systems. Even in comparatively dense systems, unrealistic pair correlations near the cutoff distance result from some of the proposed truncation schemes. The effect of Coulomb potential truncation for a molecular model of pure water is also studied. Significant errors appear in the second neighbor region for commonly used truncation schemes; a simple switching function that zeros the potential and its first derivative yields results closest to the Coulomb potential without truncation.
Expression and Characterization of the Naturally Occurring Mutation L394R in Human γ-Glutamyl Carboxylase

Patients with mutation L394R in gamma-glutamyl carboxylase have a severe bleeding disorder because of decreased biological activities of all vitamin K-dependent coagulation proteins. Vitamin K administration partially corrects this deficiency. To characterize L394R, we purified recombinant mutant L394R and wild-type carboxylase expressed in baculovirus-infected insect cells. By kinetic studies, we analyzed the catalytic activity of mutant L394R and its binding to factor IX's propeptide and vitamin KH(2). Mutant L394R differs from its wild-type counterpart as follows: 1) 110-fold higher K(i) for Boc-mEEV, an active site-specific, competitive inhibitor of FLEEL; 2) 30-fold lower V(max)/K(m) toward the substrate FLEEL in the presence of the propeptide; 3) severely reduced activity toward FLEEL carboxylation in the absence of the propeptide; 4) 7-fold decreased affinity for the propeptide; 5) 9-fold higher K(m) for FIXproGla, a substrate containing the propeptide and the Gla domain of human factor IX; and 6) 5-fold higher K(m) for vitamin KH(2). The primary defect in mutant L394R appears to be in its glutamate-binding site. To a lesser degree, the propeptide and KH(2) binding properties are altered in the L394R mutant. Compared with its wild-type counterpart, the L394R mutant shows an augmented activation of FLEEL carboxylation by the propeptide.
Electron-lattice interaction in cuprates

Experimental studies of local structure by pulsed neutron PDF analysis on manganites and cuprates suggest that these oxides are locally distorted due to a strong electron-lattice interaction, and charge carriers organize themselves most likely into a tweed-like state. Measurements by inelastic neutron scattering as well as calculations on the Hubbard model show that the electron-lattice interaction is strongest at the zone boundaries, enhanced by phonon-induced spin-correlations. Such a strong electron-lattice interaction must be the origin of these local distortions, and may form the basis for the microscopic mechanism of superconductivity.
Integrative Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Data Identifies EPAS1 as a Key Regulator of COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a complex disease. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors are known to contribute to COPD risk and disease progression. Therefore we developed a systematic approach to identify key regulators of COPD that integrates genome-wide DNA methylation, gene expression, and phenotype data in lung tissue from COPD and control samples. Our integrative analysis identified 126 key regulators of COPD. We identified EPAS1 as the only key regulator whose downstream genes significantly overlapped with multiple genes sets associated with COPD disease severity. EPAS1 is distinct in comparison with other key regulators in terms of methylation profile and downstream target genes. Genes predicted to be regulated by EPAS1 were enriched for biological processes including signaling, cell communications, and system development. We confirmed that EPAS1 protein levels are lower in human COPD lung tissue compared to non-disease controls and that Epas1 gene expression is reduced in mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke. As EPAS1 downstream genes were significantly enriched for hypoxia responsive genes in endothelial cells, we tested EPAS1 function in human endothelial cells. EPAS1 knockdown by siRNA in endothelial cells impacted genes that significantly overlapped with EPAS1 downstream genes in lung tissue including hypoxia responsive genes, and genes associated with emphysema severity. Our first integrative analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation and gene expression profiles illustrates that not only does DNA methylation play a ‘causal’ role in the molecular pathophysiology of COPD, but it can be leveraged to directly identify novel key mediators of this pathophysiology.
Economic and Social Impacts of Wildfires and Invasive Plants in American Deserts: Lessons From the Great Basin

Research on the impacts of wildfire and invasive plants in rangelands has focused on biophysical rather than human dimensions of these environmental processes. We offer a synthetic perspective on economic and social aspects of wildfire and invasive plants in American deserts, focusing on the Great Basin because greater research attention has been given to the effects of cheatgrass expansion than to other desert wildfire/invasion cycles. We focus first on impacts at the level of the individual decision-maker, then on impacts experienced at the human community or larger socio-political scales. Economic impacts of wildfire differ from those of invasive grasses because although fire typically reduces forage availability and thus ranch profit opportunities, invasive grasses can also be used as a forage source and ranchers have adapted their grazing systems to take advantage of that circumstance. To reduce the threat of increased ranch bankruptcies, strategies are needed that can increase access to alternative early-season forage sources and/or promote diversification of ranch income streams by capturing value from ranch ecosystem services other than forage. The growth of low-density, exurban subdivisions in Western deserts influences not only the pattern and frequency of wildfire and plant invasions but also affects prevailing public opinion toward potential management options, and thereby the capacity of land management agencies to use those options. Outreach efforts can influence public opinion, but must be rooted in new knowledge about multiple impacts of invasion and increased wildfire in American deserts.
A framework for incorporating time, cost, and fidelity trade-offs among design assessment methods in product development

Product development performance is of great importance in the current competitive market. Engineers and managers have a wide array of design tools at their disposal to assess alternative designs and determine their fitness. The selection of assessment methods can have a significant impact on project risk (the failure to meet lead time or budgetary constraints). A framework for evaluating such decisions and tradeoffs for development projects using Monte Carlo simulations and optimization is presented. Case study results show that alternative assessment methods can be used to achieve certain cost, lead time, or certainty goals.
The caregiver as gatekeeper for accessing health care for children in foster care: A qualitative study of kinship and unrelated caregivers

The objective of this qualitative study was to examine issues that unrelated and kinship foster caregivers in Los Angeles, CA, have in seeking help and accessing and using health care for children in foster care. There were four themes identified for all caregivers: (1) “Doing Our Best” (caregivers advocated persistently and creatively for health care); (2) “Support from Others Helped” (caregivers relied on caseworkers, organizations, and their social network); (3) “Child has Complicated, Serious, Chronic Health Problems” (caregivers had difficulty securing specialty services and with Medicaid insurance to meet health care needs); and (4) “Caregiver Competence in Meeting Health Needs” (caregivers noted their ability to attend health appointments and understand instructions). An additional theme of “Differences between Unrelated and Kinship Foster Caregivers” highlighted more difficulties among kinship caregivers in finding and using primary health care services and more financial stress, whereas unrelated caregivers were less satisfied with child welfare caseworker help. Despite wide-ranging stressors and serious frustrations with the child welfare and health care systems, caregivers emerged as powerful drivers of health care for foster children. National adoption of a medical home model would ameliorate some of the access barriers identified by foster caregivers in this study.
Imagining Palestinian Archaeologies: A Sampler

As three of the articles in this collection demonstrate, one central axis of the Zionist archaeological project is the absolute necessity of diminishing, and ultimately erasing, the importance and existence of aspects of “the archaeological record” that pertain to non-Jewish presences in Palestine, particularly and especially Islamic civilizations and the long-term presence of an indigenous non-Jewish Palestinian population. In this introduction, I focus, however, upon Zionist archaeology’s rearticulation of Jewish identity in nationalist form, an operation that has entailed the elaboration of a consistently simplified, unidimensional, or narrowly channeled interpretive version of Jewish history and Jewish identity in Palestine over time. Through several pointed queries, I suggest alternative interpretations of one element of the Zionist archaeological narrative that in turn could lead to other ways of thinking about the long-term presence of Jewish people in Palestine.
Energy stability of channel flows

Die Energiemethode wird zur Untersuchung der Stabilitat einer beliebigen Kanalstromung angewandt. Es wird eine auf Eigenwertabschatzungen basierte qualitative Beschreibung der Flache ϱ(α, β) gegeben, welche die Schranke fur den Instabilitatsbereich in Abhangigkeit von Langs- bzw. Querwellenzahl der Storungen darstellt. Eine allgemeine untere Grenze fur die minimalisierende Querwellenzahl β und den zugehorigen Eigenwert ϱ(0, β) wird angegeben. Das Problem der Energiestabilitat wird dann fur eine Klasse von Geschwindigkeitsprofilen mit Wendepunkt gelost. Die durch numerische Integration erhaltenen Ergebnisse werden mit den Ergebnissen der linearen Stabilitatstheorie verglichen.
Inward Melting in a Vertical Tube Which Allows Free Expansion of the Phase-Change Medium

Experiments on the melting of a phase-change medium in a vertical tube yielded quantitative results both for the heat transfer and the timewise evolution of the melting front. The upper surface of the phase-change medium was bounded by an insulated air space, which accommodated the volume changes which accompany the melting process. Numerical solutions based on a pure conduction model were also performed for comparison purposes. It was found that the rate of melting and the heat transfer are significantly affected by fluid motions in the liquid melt induced by the volume change and by natural convection, with the former being significant only at early times. For melting initiated with the solid at the phase-change temperatures, the experimentally determined values of the energy transfer associated with the melting process were about 50 percent higher than those predicted by the conduction model. Furthermore, the measured values of the energy stored in the liquid metal were about twice the conduction prediction. A compact dimensionless correlation of the experimental results was achieved using the Fourier, Stefan, and Grashof numbers. Initial subcooling of the solid substantially decreased the rate of melting, with corresponding decreases in the energy transfers for melting and sensible heat storage.
An assessment of risk factors associated with ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy in a large academic cancer center.

PurposeIfosfamide-induced encephalopathy is a neurotoxic adverse effect of ifosfamide chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of encephalopathy in patients with lymphoma and sarcoma receiving ifosfamide chemotherapy and assess for potential risk factors that influence the incidence of encephalopathy.MethodsA retrospective study of sarcoma and lymphoma patients receiving ifosfamide chemotherapy was performed at the participating institutions. Enrollment began 1 July 2011 and continued chronologically backwards until 100 sarcoma and 100 lymphoma patients were enrolled. Identification of ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy events was performed by reviewing provider documentation of ifosfamide infusions. Logistic regression was employed to determine associations between risk factors and ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy events.ResultsOf the 200 patients enrolled, 29 (14.5%) patients experienced encephalopathy. Ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy occurred more frequently in the sar...
Market returns to agribusiness skills and competencies.

Survey responses were used to develop career skill portfolios for a sample of former agriculture students. Cluster analysis identified three distinct career profiles differentiated by the relative need for communication skills; interpersonal skills; computer, quantitative, and management information; business and economics skills; and technical skills. Statistical tests supported the hypothesis that distinct skill and competency portfolios obtain differential values in labor markets. Results suggested that career advancement strategies should emphasize communication and interpersonal skills and that these skills be developed early in an employee's career.
Phase Velocity in Resonant Structures

We present a simple experimental procedure for testing of the phase-velocity behavior with respect to the effective material properties as demonstrated by the field dependent behavior of the metafilm. We have demonstrated that the phase-velocity behavior of an effective parameter material under different conditions, and have shown that a negative-phase velocity is not a sufficient condition for NIM identification.
Transient global amnesia.

Transient global amnesia (TGA) was found in 41 of 76 patients admitted to the North Carolina Baptist Hospital with temporary disturbances of memory. Risk factors for stroke were present in 26(63%) of these 41 patients, and additional risk factors developed in 9 (27%) of the 33 patients available for follow-up. Follow-up evaluation in 33 patients (80%) for periods ranging from 1 to 17 years (mean, 60.3 months) revealed a low rate of recurrence (18%) and a still lower rate of progression to stroke (6%). No transient ischemic attacks were reported during this period. In 2 patients, multiple recurrences of TGA ceased after treatment of the underlying condition (polycythemia in 1 case and myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve in the other).
Arginase-1, HepPar-1, and Glypican-3 Are the Most Effective Panel of Markers in Distinguishing Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Metastatic Tumor on Fine-Needle Aspiration Specimens

Distinction of liver metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may present a diagnostic challenge. Arginase-1 (Arg-1) is a marker for HCC recently described in some literature. Immunohistochemical evaluation of Arg-1, hepatocyte paraffin-1 (HepPar-1), and glypican-3 expression was performed on 1,240 surgical specimens and 62 liver fine-needle aspiration specimens (29 HCCs, 28 metastatic tumors, and 5 benign liver cases). The staining results on tissue microarray sections showed that 2.7% and 3.1% of nonhepatic tumor cases were positive for HepPar-1 and glypican-3, respectively; none was positive for Arg-1. For fine-needle aspiration specimens, 19 HCCs were positive for all 3 markers; 9 were positive for 1 or 2 markers; and only 1 case was negative for all 3 markers. These data demonstrate that Arg-1 is the most specific marker in differentiating a non-HCC from HCC. It is recommended to use 3 markers as a panel in distinguishing HCC from metastatic carcinoma.
Developing effective social structures using knowledge processes

Summary form only given as follows. The focus of this paper is to provide a framework for developing social structures using knowledge processes. This framework is useful in understanding how technology and its processes can be managed within the social structure of the organization. Knowledge processes are pertinent to the development of effective social structures that not only embrace new technologies, but also create technology through systemic knowledge creation, sharing and implementation. The premise of this notion is that technology whether in the form of computing hardware, software application, and/or applied science, can be combined with the expertise, skill, and experience of organizational members. Supporting this premise is the belief that technologies are not confined to a specific application, business, or industry, and culture, but are applicable to all aspects of the organization. With this in mind, it is the belief of the author that knowledge processes, originating from members' social constructs, experience, and the like can be combined to provide a basis for managing new technology. This theoretical framework has served as a template for researching how practitioners, scientists, and business personnel integrate new technology into the work place and move towards successful policy development for managing technology.
Assessing intraoperative teamwork skills at the individual level: From research to implementation:

This paper focuses on observing and rating teamwork skills of each individual member of the team. With training of teamwork skills becoming a central aspect of many medical, nursing and surgical training curriculums all over the world, developing reliable and validated observation scales to assess non-technical skills at the individual level is essential. This paper focuses on the process of developing workable tools, and guidance for researchers who are in the process of tool development. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development, evaluation and application of the NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons) system – an observation tool for assessing individual surgeons’ intraoperative behaviors.
Effects of octopamine and forskolin on excitatory junction potentials of developing and adult moth muscle.

Intracellular recordings were made from the dorsal longitudinal muscle of Manduca sexta to determine the effects of development and octopamine on the excitatory junction potential (EJP) produced in response to electrical stimulation of the motor nerve. Observations were made on pharate moths during the last 3 days before eclosion and on adults. In saline, the highest values for EJP amplitude and maximum rate of rise and for resting membrane potential are reached on the nineteenth day of the pupal period, the day the animal ecloses; adult values are slightly lower. In animals of all ages tested, DL-octopamine (5 × 10−6M) increases EJP amplitude and maximum rate of rise. Increases in amplitude are greater in animals at stage day 17 and 18 than in animals at stage day 19 and adult. Octopamine has no effect on EJP rise time (onset to peak) or recovery time (peak of EJP to 70% recovery). Octopamine causes a hyperpolarization of about 6 mV. The results show that developmental changes in synapse properties are paralleled only in part by changes induced by octopamine. Both development and octopamine increase EJP amplitude and maximum rate of rise, and neither alter rise time. EJP recovery time changes with development but not in response to octopamine. Forskolin (10−4M) mimics the effects of octopamine on day 17 animals. EJP amplitude and maximum rate of rise are inceased by forskolin, and rise time and recovery time are unaffected. Forskolin, like octopamine, causes a 6 mV hyperpolarization of the muscle fiber. These results suggest that octopaminergic modulation at the Manduca sexta dorsal longitudinal neuromuscular junction may be mediated by changes in intracellular levels of cyclic AMP.
Active learning for basic metabolic pathways.

Understanding the basic cellular function of metabolic pathways and how those pathways interact in cellular metabolism is a foundational concept in microbiology and general biology. A cooperative learning activity has been designed where students first generate cards to represent basic facts about each pathway, and then they connect these pathways given certain specific environmental scenarios. This should enhance their working knowledge of how pathways allow cells to adapt to the environment.
Mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease: where do we stand?

The definition of remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis has evolved to include mucosal healing as a measure of treatment efficacy. Randomized, controlled trials have demonstrated mucosal healing is attainable with the current arsenal of therapies available to treat inflammatory bowel disease. Mucosal healing has been shown to reduce the likelihood of clinical relapse, reduce the risk of future surgeries, and reduce hospitalizations. This review focuses on the latest studies addressing clinical outcomes of mucosal healing in the clinical trial and practice setting.
Using Analytic CLP to Model and Analyze Hybrid Systems

We use CLP(F), an Analytic Constraint Logic Programming (ACLP) language, to model hybrid systems. ACLP languages combine intervals, constraints, and ODEs (Ordinary Differential Equations) in a clean and natural way. CLP(F) provides an implementation of an ACLP language based on interval arithmetic. The semantics of CLP(F) rigorously handle non-linear ODEs and round-off error. The ODEs describing a hybrid system need only a minor change of syntax to become a CLP(F) program. This simple transformation from a physical description of a hybrid system to a program which can be used to provide a proof of safety properties of the system bridges the gap between practical tools and formal models, and allows one to easily prove statements about realworld systems. The combination of interval arithmetic with ACLP makes it easy to pose and answer many sorts of queries about a system. For example, “At what point does the system change from one state to another?”, or “What control settings result in a cycle with period t?”
Flagellin, a TLR5 Agonist, Reduces Graft-versus-Host Disease in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients While Enhancing Antiviral Immunity

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Posttransplant immunosuppressive drugs incompletely control GVHD and increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections. In this study, we used flagellin, a TLR5 agonist protein (∼50 kDa) extracted from bacterial flagella, as a novel experimental treatment strategy to reduce both acute and chronic GVHD in allogeneic HSCT recipients. On the basis of the radioprotective effects of flagellin, we hypothesized that flagellin could ameliorate GVHD in lethally irradiated murine models of allogeneic HSCT. Two doses of highly purified flagellin (administered 3 h before irradiation and 24 h after HSCT) reduced GVHD and led to better survival in both H-2(b) → CB6F1 and H-2(K) → B6 allogeneic HSCT models while preserving >99% donor T cell chimerism. Flagellin treatment preserved long-term posttransplant immune reconstitution characterized by more donor thymic-derived CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells and significantly enhanced antiviral immunity after murine CMV infection. The proliferation index and activation status of donor spleen-derived T cells and serum concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in flagellin-treated recipients were reduced significantly within 4 d posttransplant compared with those of the PBS-treated control recipients. Allogeneic transplantation of radiation chimeras previously engrafted with TLR5 knockout hematopoietic cells showed that interactions between flagellin and TLR5 expressed on both donor hematopoietic and host nonhematopoietic cells were required to reduce GVHD. Thus, the peritransplant administration of flagellin is a novel therapeutic approach to control GVHD while preserving posttransplant donor immunity.
Leadership, management, and governance

Presidents are expected to articulate vision, devise plans, and facilitate decision making. These different dimensions of the job are sometimes complementary, but they may also compete for the president's attention or suggest contradictory ways of proceeding.