cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Barriers to health care and health-seeking behaviors faced by Black men.

Purpose: To describe unique barriers to health care and health-seeking behaviors faced by Black men and to make recommendations to healthcare providers for improving healthcare access for Black men. Data sources: A PubMed search for research articles published after 1999 was conducted. Conclusions: The articles selected for this state of the science clinical paper addressed barriers to access faced by Black men and/or management strategies used to mitigate barriers and improve access. The barriers identified include socioeconomic status, masculinity, racism, lack of awareness of the need for primary care, religious beliefs, and peer influences. As singular entities, these may not appear unique, but when viewed collectively, they represent an overwhelming constellation of obstacles for Black men. Implications for practice: Individual, community, state, and national level recommendations for nurse practitioner actions to improve healthcare access for Black men include public service announcements, radio commercials, and billboards aimed at raising awareness of healthcare issues in the Black community, provision of preventive services through health fairs, and development of positive provider–patient relationships.
A Cross-Validated Factor Analysis of the Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children:

The Nowicki-Strickland Locus of Control Scale for Children (N- SLOCSC) is a test of perception of internal vs. external control of reinforcement that was developed for use with children and youth. ...
Field effect diode memory cell: Physics and design

A dynamic memory cell (DRAM) based on the Field-Effect-Diode (FED) is presented, and with the help of the underlying device physics its operation is explained and guidelines for its design are presented. This cell is characterized by fast operation speed, wide read 0/1 margin, long retention time and it is compatible with CMOS technology.
Variance components analysis of forced expiration in families

Familial aggregation of forced expiration (as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and the ratio of this to total forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) was analyzed in 439 adult members of 108 families ascertained through control patients who had participated in a genetic and epidemiologic study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Residual values for both FEV1 and FEV1/FVC obtained from regression on age, sex, race, and cigarette smoking (and height for FEV1) were used in a variance components analysis to assess the relative importance of genetic and nongenetic factors influencing familial aggregation of pulmonary function among adults. For both residual FEV1 and residual FEV1/FVC, the "best" model among a series of genetic and nongenetic models was a simple additive genetic model. A modified score test, which is robust to the assumption of multivariate normality, was used to test the significance of these estimated components. Under the most parsimonious model, additive genetic variation accounted for 28% of the variation in residual FEV1 in 108 families and 24% of the variation in residual FEV1/FVC. After outlying individuals were identified by examining goodness-of-fit statistics, the simple genetic model still gave the best fit to these data. There was little indication of non-normality in FEV1 in these families; however, FEV1/FVC did show evidence of non-normality when examining goodness-of-fit statistics. This genetic component contributing to the distribution of forced expiration may be a factor in the familial aggregation of certain respiratory diseases.
National Board Certification (NBC) as a catalyst for teachers' learning about teaching: The effects of the NBC process on candidate teachers' PCK development

This study examined how the National Board Certification (NBC) process, especially the portfolio creation, influenced candidate teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). In a larger sense, this study aimed to construct a better understanding of how teachers develop PCK and to establish ecological validity of the National Board assessments. Qualitative research methods, most notably case study, were utilized. Participants were three high school science teachers who were going thorough the NBC process. Data sources included classroom observations, interviews, teachers' reflections, and researcher's field notes. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method and enumerative approach. Findings indicated that the NBC process affected five aspects of the candidate teachers' instruc- tional practices that were closely related to PCK development: (a) reflection on teaching practices, (b) implementation of new and/or innovative teaching strategies, (c) inquiry-oriented instruction, (d) assessments of students' learning, and (e) understanding of students. 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 812-834, 2008
Role of tryptophan-tryptophan interactions in Trpzip β-hairpin formation, structure, and stability

A series of β-hairpin peptides based on variations of the TrpZip2 sequence, SWTWENGKWTWK, of Cochran and co-workers were studied using electronic circular dichroism (CD) and infrared (IR) spectra by varying temperature and pH. Selected tryptophan residues were substituted with Val to test the impact of specific Trp interactions on hairpin stability. Native-state structures of two of the variants were determined using 2-D NMR and shown to have the same cross-strand edge-to-face Trp−Trp interaction as in Trpzip2. Thermally induced conformational changes of the hairpins formed with these various sequences were studied with CD and IR. Thermodynamic analyses of the temperature variation of both IR (as analyzed using the amide I′ frequency shift) and CD (intensity) spectra were fit to a two-state model that yielded different Tm values, consistent with a multistate process of folding/unfolding. At low pH these differences were minimized, suggesting a change in the energetics. Cross-strand interacting Trp residue...
Relations Among Positive Parenting, Children's Effortful Control, and Externalizing Problems: A Three-Wave Longitudinal Study.

In a 3-wave longitudinal study (with assessments 2 years apart) involving 186 early adolescents (M ages of approximately 9.3, 11.4, and 13.4), the hypothesis that parental warmth/positive expressivity predicts children's effortful control (EC) (a temperamental characteristic contributing to emotion regulation) 2 years later, which in turn predicts low levels of externalizing problems another 2 years later, was examined. The hypothesis that children's EC predicts parenting over time was also examined. Parents were observed interacting with their children; parents and teachers reported children's EC and externalizing problems; and children's persistence was assessed behaviorally. Children's EC mediated the relation between positive parenting and low levels of externalizing problems (whereas there was no evidence that children's EC predicted parenting).
Isolation and cultivation of canine uveal melanocytes.

Objectives To establish a method for isolation and culture of canine uveal melanocytes. Animals studied Uveal explants from five mixed-breed dogs. Procedures Donor globes were dissected, and the anterior uvea removed. The uveal explants were placed in trypsin solution for enzymatic digestion. Extracted cells were cultured in modified F12 media. Immunocytochemistry was performed to confirm the identity of the extracted cells. Results Melanocytes were successfully isolated from uveal explants. Contaminating cell types were not observed. Repeated passaging of the melanocytes resulted in a gradual decrease in intracellular pigment. Melanocyte cell lines could be cryopreserved, thawed, and cultures successfully reestablished. Conclusions This extraction technique allows for generation of large populations of canine uveal melanocytes in a relatively short period of time. This technique could be a useful tool for future studies investigating both normal cellular characteristics and alterations found in melanocytes from dogs with ocular melanocytic disorders.
Phosphorylation of a nonhistone protein fraction which coextracts with the high-mobility-group proteins of chromatin.

Abstract 32 P-labelled chromatin proteins from rat liver and ventral prostate were fractionated according to the procedure designed to enrich high-mobility-group (HMG) nonhistone proteins. This fraction, however, reproducibly demonstrated small amounts of apparently basic nonhistone proteins other than HMG nonhistone proteins. These proteins appeared to be tissue specific and were highly labelled with 32 P. The 32 P-labelled phosphoproteins were soluble in trichloroacetic or perchloric acid, migrated in acid-urea polyacrylamide gels, and demonstrated pI values ranging from 6.8 to 7.5. The HMG proteins 1 and 2 showed no incorporation of radioactivity under these experimental conditions.
Comparison of diffusion charging and mobility-based methods for measurement of aerosol agglomerate surface area.

We compare different approaches to measure surface area of aerosol agglomerates. The objective was to compare field methods, such as mobility and diffusion charging based approaches, with laboratory approach, such as Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) method used for bulk powder samples. To allow intercomparison of various surface area measurements, we defined ‘geometric surface area’ of agglomerates (assuming agglomerates are made up of ideal spheres), and compared various surface area measurements to the geometric surface area. Four different approaches for measuring surface area of agglomerate particles in the size range of 60–350 nm were compared using (i) diffusion charging-based sensors from three different manufacturers, (ii) mobility diameter of an agglomerate, (iii) mobility diameter of an agglomerate assuming a linear chain morphology with uniform primary particle size, and (iv) surface area estimation based on tandem mobility–mass measurement and microscopy. Our results indicate that the tandem mobility–mass measurement, which can be applied directly to airborne particles unlike the BET method, agrees well with the BET method. It was also shown that the three diffusion charging-based surface area measurements of silver agglomerates were similar within a factor of 2 and were lower than those obtained from the tandem mobility–mass and microscopy method by a factor of 3–10 in the size range studied. Surface area estimated using the mobility diameter depended on the structure or morphology of the agglomerate with significant underestimation at high fractal dimensions approaching 3.
Partially reconfigurable system-on-chips for adaptive fault tolerance

Due to the runtime flexibility of modern dynamically reconfigurable SRAM-based FPGAs, FPGA devices have become an attractive platform for developing system-on-chips (SoCs) for space applications (space SoCs). However, since the FPGA's SRAM is highly susceptible to space radiation, system reliability is a primary concern for space SoCs. To maintain system reliability and mitigate space radiation effects, space SoCs must be designed with redundant copies of system functionality. Space SoCs must contain enough redundancy to ensure system reliability for the highest anticipated radiation level, which imposes a large area overhead. However, since radiation levels vary based on the system's orbital position, the system does not always require the highest level of redundancy. Space SoCs that can adapt the system redundancy based on the current radiation level can achieve more effective device utilization. In this paper, we present a flexible, FPGA-based, adaptive SoC for space system development. Our space SoC leverages partial reconfiguration to dynamically adapt the system's level of redundancy according to varying radiation levels. We present a software algorithm to manage the system's adaptability, implement the SoC on a Xilinx Virtex-5 device, and evaluate the SoC's resource utilization using the International Space Station's orbit.
Interspecific pollen transfer as a mechanism of competition: Consequences of foreign pollen contamination for seed set in the alpine wildflower, Polemonium viscosum

Earlier studies showed that under natural conditions foreign pollen receipt is correlated with loss of seed set in populations of P. viscosum. Here, we report on experimental pollinations using foreign pollen from two co-flowering species that share pollinators with P. viscosum. Experiments were designed to ascertain whether improper pollen transfer causes reduced seed set under controlled conditions and, if so, to determine the stage at which interference occurs. In flowers pre-treated by pollination with either Mertensia or Castilleja pollen, adherence of subsequently deposited conspecific pollen grains was unaffected. However, conspecific grains had significantly lower germination and ovule fertilization success in flowers receiving foreign pollen than in controls. These results suggest that pollinator infidelity in high alpine plant communities can reduce female reproductive success of P. viscosum by inhibiting the performance of conspecific pollen grains. Negative effects of Mertensia and Castilleja pollen were comparable despite large interspecific differences in pollen grain morphology. Accordingly, susceptibility to foreign pollen interference appears to be an intrinsic property of P. viscosum that is not dependent on the unique structural properties of pollen produced by competitive species.
FeII in Different Macrocycles: Electronic Structures and Properties

A theoretical comparative study of complexes of porphyrin (P), porphyrazine (Pz), phthalocyanine (Pc), porphycene (Pn), dibenzoporphycene (DBPn), and hemiporphyrazine (HPz) with iron (Fe) has been carried out using a density functional theory (DFT) method. The difference in the core size and shape of the macrocycle has a substantial effect on the electronic structure and properties of the overall system. The ground states of FeP and FePc were identified to be the 3A2g [(d(xy))2(d(z)2)2(d(pi))2] state, followed by 3E(g) [(d(xy))2(d(z)2)1(d(pi))3]. For FePz, however, the 3E(g)-3A2g energy gap of 0.02 eV may be too small to distinguish between the ground and excited states. When the symmetry of the macrocycle is reduced from D4h to D2h, the degeneracy of the d(pi) (d(xz), d(yz)) orbitals is removed, and the ground state becomes 3B2g [(d(xy))2(d(z)2)1(d(yz))2(d(xz))1] or 3B3g [...(d(yz))1(d(xz))2] for FePn, FeDBPn, and FeHPz. The calculations also show how the change of the macrocycle can influence the axial ligand coordination of pyridine (Py) and CO to the Fe(II) complexes. Finally, the electronic structures of the mono- and dipositive and -negative ions for all the unligated and ligated iron macrocycles were elucidated, which is important for understanding the redox properties of these compounds. The differences in the observed electrochemical (oxidation and reduction) properties between metal porphycenes (MPn) and metal porphyrins (MP) can be accounted for by the calculated results (orbital energy level diagrams, ionization potentials, and electron affinities).
LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF KELLER ARTHROPLASTY WITH IRRADIATED COSTOCHONDRAL IMPLANTS

The authors present results of long-term follow-up of seven patients whose degenerative disease of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was treated with irradiated chondral graft implantation arthroplasty. In appropriate candidates, this procedure is a reasonable alternative to Keller arthroplasty alone, arthrodesis, and nonbiologic implant arthroplasty.
A validation study of the Nucleix DSI-Semen kit—a methylation-based assay for semen identification

The detection of semen can assist in reconstructing the events of a sexual assault and impact the outcome of legal dispositions. Many methods currently are used for detecting the presence of semen, but they all have limitations with regards to specificity, sample degradation/consumption, stability of biomolecule assayed, and/or incompatibility with downstream individual identification assays. DNA is routinely collected at sexual assault crime scenes and is widely used for individual identification. The DNA also carries methylation patterns that are tissue specific. To date, however, assays designed to exploit methylation patterns suffer from complex chemistries and unwieldy analyses. DSI-Semen™ kit uses a novel approach involving CpG methylation-sensitive restriction endonuclease digestion coupled to a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to generate an amplicon profile that makes it possible to determine whether the tissue source of a DNA sample was semen or non-semen. The assay returned an appropriate positive result for semen with neat semen, semen stains, and semen/non-semen tissue mixtures. The assay is robust and reliable, with a positive result for semen given as little as 31 pg of template DNA input. Low levels of semen were detected in mixtures of semen and other body fluids. UV-exposed samples and those in the presence of limited concentrations of known PCR inhibitors were typeable. The DSI-Semen™ kit provides a reliable tool for the determination of DNA being derived from semen.
The Artist Behind the Winter Dance Logo: Smoker Marchand

The Artist Behind the Winter Dance Logo: Smoker Marchand DOI:10.2458/azu_rangelands_v33i5_laverty
Lung function decline in cystic fibrosis patients and timing for lung transplantation referral.

Study objectives: To determine risk factors associated with an accelerated decline in lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF), and whether longitudinal changes in FEV1 would be a better predictor of the need for referral for lung transplantation than any single value for FEV1. Design: The rate of decline in pulmonary function was determined by standard linear regression from each patient's calendar year's best percentage of predicted FEV1 (%FEV1) over at least 4 years, and patients were classified into three cohorts based on their rate of decline. Differences between groups in age, weight-for-age z score, gender, genotype, pancreatic status, diabetes, and the presence of various lung microbial isolates were analyzed. A subset of 30 patients referred for lung transplantation were further analyzed, and a prediction model for lung transplantation referral was created using the patient's rate of decline in lung function, the mean waiting time for donor organs, and the average level of lung function of patients prior to lung transplantation. Patients: One hundred fifty-three patients with CF followed up at the Washington University Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center. Results: Younger age, malnutrition, and concurrent infection with both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were significant (p Conclusions: Rate of decline in lung function should be routinely evaluated in patients with CF, and a prediction model utilizing the rate of decline in %FEV1, and the median regional waiting period for donor lungs for patients with CF may assist in the timing of referral for lung transplantation and more rapidly declining lung function.
Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells Engineered With Pim-I Kinase Enhance Myocardial Repair

Objectives The goal of this study was to demonstrate the enhancement of human cardiac progenitor cell (hCPC) reparative and regenerative potential by genetic modification for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Background Regenerative potential of stem cells to repair acute infarction is limited. Improved hCPC survival, proliferation, and differentiation into functional myocardium will increase efficacy and advance translational implementation of cardiac regeneration. Methods hCPCs isolated from the myocardium of heart failure patients undergoing left ventricular assist device implantation were engineered to express green fluorescent protein (hCPCe) or Pim-1-GFP (hCPCeP). Functional tests of hCPC regenerative potential were performed with immunocompromised mice by using intramyocardial adoptive transfer injection after infarction. Myocardial structure and function were monitored by echocardiographic and hemodynamic assessment for 20 weeks after delivery. hCPCe and hCPCeP expressing luciferase were observed by using bioluminescence imaging to noninvasively track persistence. Results hCPCeP exhibited augmentation of reparative potential relative to hCPCe control cells, as shown by significantly increased proliferation coupled with amelioration of infarction injury and increased hemodynamic performance at 20 weeks post-transplantation. Concurrent with enhanced cardiac structure and function, hCPCeP demonstrated increased cellular engraftment and differentiation with improved vasculature and reduced infarct size. Enhanced persistence of hCPCeP versus hCPCe was revealed by bioluminescence imaging at up to 8 weeks post-delivery. Conclusions Genetic engineering of hCPCs with Pim-1 enhanced repair of damaged myocardium. Ex vivo gene delivery to modify stem cells has emerged as a viable option addressing current limitations in the field. This study demonstrates that efficacy of hCPCs from the failing myocardium can be safely and significantly enhanced through expression of Pim-1 kinase, setting the stage for use of engineered cells in pre-clinical settings.
Determination of Aion and Pion in the new AAPM radiotherapy dosimetry protocol.

Simple equations are given by which accurate values of A ion and P ion can be obtained for use in applying the AAPM Task Group 21 dosimetry protocol.
A test of theoretical models that account for information processing demands

Abstract This study tested four theoretical models in terms of their fit with demands placed on our cognitive system by traditional tests of cognitive ability. We did so by administering seven tests of cognitive ability known to require varying types of processing demands to a large group of college undergraduates ( N = 193). We compared the models using confirmatory factor analyses, including those based upon a unitary factor, speed and capacity, crystallized and fluid intelligence, and verbal and spatial ability. The crystallized/fluid model provided the best fit with the data. This finding is consistent with previous research. Implications for education and future research are discussed.
A metal-metal matrix cell generator for multi-level metal MOS technology

Abstract This paper describes an automatic cell generator that generates cells in metal—metal matrix (M3) layout. To minimize the layout area, an ordering of the diffusion columns is determined by minimizing the net-density across the columns, as opposed to between the columns of the layout as is done in gate-matrix layout minimization. In addition, our algorithm considers the interaction between the PMOS region and the NMOS region of CMOS circuits. This method in conjuction with the switching network logic (SNL) approach can be used for design automation of VLSI circuits in double-metal technology as demonstrated through examples.
An examination of family adjustment among Operation Desert Storm veterans.

Abstract : This study examined interrelationships among combat exposure, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and family adjustment in a sample of male and female Operation Desert Storm veterans (N = 1,512). In structural equation models for both male and female veterans, higher combat exposure was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, which in turn were associated with poorer family adjustment, although these indirect effects did not reach statistical significance. The model for female veterans evidenced a significant direct negative association between combat exposure and family adjustment when it statistically accounted for PTSD symptoms. When the relative impacts of separate PTSD symptom groupings were examined, those reflecting withdrawal/numbing symptoms and arousal/lack of control symptoms significantly and indirectly accounted for the negative effects of combat exposure on family adjustment.
The circular Bragg phenomenon for oblique incidence

Structurally chiral materials exhibit the circular Bragg phenomenon (CBP). These materials preferentially reflect circularly polarized light of the same handedness while transmitting circularly polarized light of the opposite handedness within a range of wavelengths called the circular Bragg regime. The CBP has been extensively investigated experimentally for normal incidence, but not for oblique incidence. After fabricating a 20-periodthick chiral sculptured thin film, we measured all of its circular remittances over a 60◦ range of the angle of incidence and a 300-nm range of the free-space wavelength. Provided the incidence is not very oblique, the obtained dependencies of the center wavelength and the bandwidth of the CBP on the angle of incidence match theoretical estimates.
Explaining Compound Generalization in Associative and Causal Learning Through Rational Principles of Dimensional Generalization

How do we apply learning from one situation to a similar, but not identical, situation? The principles governing the extent to which animals and humans generalize what they have learned about certain stimuli to novel compounds containing those stimuli vary depending on a number of factors. Perhaps the best studied among these factors is the type of stimuli used to generate compounds. One prominent hypothesis is that different generalization principles apply depending on whether the stimuli in a compound are similar or dissimilar to each other. However, the results of many experiments cannot be explained by this hypothesis. Here, we propose a rational Bayesian theory of compound generalization that uses the notion of consequential regions, first developed in the context of rational theories of multidimensional generalization, to explain the effects of stimulus factors on compound generalization. The model explains a large number of results from the compound generalization literature, including the influence of stimulus modality and spatial contiguity on the summation effect, the lack of influence of stimulus factors on summation with a recovered inhibitor, the effect of spatial position of stimuli on the blocking effect, the asymmetrical generalization decrement in overshadowing and external inhibition, and the conditions leading to a reliable external inhibition effect. By integrating rational theories of compound and dimensional generalization, our model provides the first comprehensive computational account of the effects of stimulus factors on compound generalization, including spatial and temporal contiguity between components, which have posed long-standing problems for rational theories of associative and causal learning.
Oncogene-related Serum Proteins and Cancer Risk: A Nested Case-Control Study

Proto-oncogenes are genes coding for factors involved in cellular growth, reproduction, and differentiation. Cancer results through mutations of proto-oncogenes or through other mechanisms involving the products of proto-oncogenes. This study asks whether serum proteins immunologically related to the products of proto-oncogenes distinguish older men and women who manifest a new cancer during a 2-year follow-up. The authors conducted a nested case-control study that involved 248 men and women selected from a larger group of older (age > or = 65 years) healthy volunteers in a randomized clinical trial of preventive clinical services. Study subjects included 37 with a fatal cancer, 59 non-fatal breast, prostate, colon, or lung cancer, 58 hospitalized with at least one discharge diagnosis that coded to benign neoplasia (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes 210-239), and 94 randomly selected controls. Using seven monoclonal antibodies prepared against ras, erb-B, FES, myb, and SIS polypeptide sequences, immunoblots detected 17 proteins in serum collected from subjects before the clinical recognition of cancer. Five oncogene-related serum proteins appeared to distinguish older persons who manifested fatal (but not non-fatal) cancer over a brief (2-year) follow-up. Older persons hospitalized with benign neoplasia also had higher levels of these serum proteins. Relative to the 94 control subjects, a 52,000 dalton SIS-related protein (odd ratio (OR) = 5.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-24.9) and a 35,000 dalton k-ras-related protein (OR = 11.3, 95% CI 1.2-104) were particularly common in serum from the 37 subjects who manifested a fatal cancer.
Replication and External Validation of a Bi-Factor Parameterization of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Symptomatology

This study evaluated the fit and criterion validity of a recently proposed bi-factor structure for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Participants were 1,093 children, drawn from an ongoing prospective longitudinal study, whose ADHD symptoms were rated by parents and teachers when children were in 1st grade. The criterion validity of the bi-factor model was established using a range of school-based outcomes that included treatment utilization, teacher perceptions of the need for treatment, academic functioning, and peer and teacher relationship quality. Results indicated that a bi-factor model parameterization provided an equally good fit to parent, teacher, and combined reports of ADHD symptoms as did traditional 1-, 2-, and 3-factor models. However, in contrast to traditional models, the bi-factor parameterization acknowledged both the unity and diversity of ADHD symptoms. The general ADHD latent factor explained the vast majority of the observed variation in every symptom. Wherea...
E‐profile ebrary1: A User‐Centered Digital Library of Interactive Content

Purpose – This article aims to describe ebrary, a new digital library.Design/methodology/approach – The article is prepared by a library professional and provides a summary of the main features.Findings – A new digital library, ebrary is powerful system that cost effectively and efficiently creates highly interactive, online databases of content. ebrary creates databases of books, maps, sheet music, reports and other authoritative content from leading publishers, which they license to libraries and other institutions worldwide.Originality/value – This article is a useful summary of a development of interest to library and information management professionals.
Graded orbital decompression based on severity of proptosis.

Abstract Objective To study the results of orbital decompression based on the severity of preoperative proptosis. Design A retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. Participants Thirty-nine orbits in 23 patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy at a university-based referral center. Intervention Graded orbital decompression was performed in all patients based on the severity of preoperative exophthalmometry. Main outcome measures Exophthalmometry, visual acuity, margin-to-reflex distance, prism cover testing, and intraocular pressure. Results Mean proptosis reduction in all orbits was 6.4 ± 2.7 mm ( P P P P 25 mm), respectively. In four of five eyes with compressive optic neuropathy there was an improvement of best-corrected visual acuity of 2 lines or more. Margin-to-reflex distance of the upper and lower lids and intraocular pressure were reduced in all groups. New-onset diplopia developed in two patients (8.7%); 13 of 15 patients (86.7%) who had diplopia preoperatively had persistent diplopia postoperatively. Two patients (13.3%) had relief of diplopia postoperatively. Conclusions Graded orbital decompression based on the severity of preoperative exophthalmometry is useful to determine the type and amount of orbital surgery to be performed.
Focused actions to protect carbon nanotube workers.

There is still uncertainty about the potential health hazards of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly involving carcinogenicity. However, the evidence is growing that some types of CNTs and nanofibers may have carcinogenic properties. The critical question is that while the carcinogenic potential of CNTs is being further investigated, what steps should be taken to protect workers who face exposure to CNTs, current and future, if CNTs are ultimately found to be carcinogenic? This paper addresses five areas to help focus action to protect workers: (i) review of the current evidence on the carcinogenic potential of CNTs; (ii) role of physical and chemical properties related to cancer development; (iii) CNT doses associated with genotoxicity in vitro and in vivo; (iv) workplace exposures to CNT; and (v) specific risk management actions needed to protect workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:395–411, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Deep magma transport at Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

The shallow part of Kilauea’s magma system is conceptually well-understood. Long-period and short-period (brittle-failure) earthquake swarms outline a near-vertical magma transport path beneath Kilauea’s summit to 20 km depth. A gravity high centered above the magma transport path demonstrates that Kilauea’s shallow magma system, established early in the volcano’s history, has remained fixed in place. Low seismicity at 4–7 km outlines a storage region from which magma is supplied for eruptions and intrusions. Brittle-failure earthquake swarms shallower than 5 km beneath the rift zones accompany dike emplacement. Sparse earthquakes extend to a decollement at 10–12 km along which the south flank of Kilauea is sliding seaward. This zone below 5 km can sustain aseismic magma transport, consistent with recent tomographic studies. Long-period earthquake clusters deeper than 40 km occur parallel to and offshore of Kilauea’s south coast, defining the deepest seismic response to magma transport from the Hawaiian hot spot. A path connecting the shallow and deep long-period earthquakes is defined by mainshock–aftershock locations of brittle-failure earthquakes unique to Kilauea whose hypocenters are deeper than 25 km with magnitudes from 4.4 to 5.2. Separation of deep and shallow long-period clusters occurs as the shallow plumbing moves with the volcanic edifice, while the deep plumbing is centered over the hotspot. Recent GPS data agrees with the volcano-propagation vector from Kauai to Maui, suggesting that Pacific plate motion, azimuth 293.58 and rate of 7.4 cm/yr, has been constant over Kilauea’s lifetime. However, volcano propagation on the island of Hawaii, azimuth 3258, rate 13 cm/yr, requires southwesterly migration of the locus of melting within the broad hotspot. Deep, long-period earthquakes lie west of the extrapolated position of Kilauea backward in time along a plate-motion vector, requiring southwesterly migration of Kilauea’s magma source. Assumed ages of 0.4 my for Kilauea and 0.8 my for Mauna Loa are consistent with this model. Younger ages would apply if Kilauea began its growth south of the locus of maximum melting, as is true for Loihi seamount. We conclude that Kilauea is fed from below the eastern end of the zone of deep long-period earthquakes. Magma transport is vertical below 30 km, then sub-horizontal, following the oceanic mantle boundary separating plagioclase- and spinel-peridotite, then near-vertical beneath Kilauea’s summit. The migration of the melting region within the hotspot and Kilauea’s sampling of different sources within the melting region can explain (1) the long-term geochemical separation of
Electron microscope study of low molecular weight fractions of linear polyethylene

Electron microscope studies are reported for crystals of linear polyethylene formed in dilute solution from very sharp low molecular weight fractions. Emphasis is placed on molecular weights in the range of 1.1 × 103 to 15.1 × 103. The dependence of the crystal habit on the crystallization temperature is very similar to that which has been found for the higher molecular weight species. However, the demarcation temperature for the crystallization of the different morphological forms is very molecular weight-dependent. The conditions under which interfacial dislocation networks form can be clearly defined. The molecular weight must be less than 3000, so that these structures are restricted to very small chain lengths. However, not all crystallization conditions within this allowable molecular weight range yield such dislocations. The formation of interfacial dislocation networks are shown to occur only under very special circumstances. Their occurrence clearly cannot be offered as evidence, as has been done in the past, for a regular, chain-folded interfacial structure.
Effect of Thermal Expansion Mismatch on Fiber Pull-out in Glass Matrix Composites

Single fiber pull-out tests can be used to directly measure the fiber-matrix interfacial shear stress in glass matrix composites. The system under investigation consisted of a soda-lime-silica glass matrix containing SiC monofilaments with a carbon-rich surface. The presence of the carbon-rich layer on the surface of these fibers makes them non-wetting to most glasses; hence the fibers are held in the matrix only by frictional forces acting at the interface. The mechanical gripping responsible for this force can be changed by manipulating the glass matrix/fiber thermal expansion coefficient mismatch. Frictional stresses (τ) and friction coefficients (μ) obtained for SiC monofilaments in a soda-lime-silica glass matrix were compared with previously obtained data on a borosilicate glass matrix (τ = 2–3 MPa, μ = 0.72 ± 0.36). For the soda-lime-silica system, τ’s of 4–20 MPa and μ of 0.10 ± 0.03 were obtained. τ in the soda-lime-silica system is higher due to the larger difference in thermal expansion mismatch between the fiber and matrix. The differences in μ may be due to lubrication effects caused by water at the fiber-matrix interface.
Consequences of intimate partner violence on child witnesses: A systematic review of the literature.

PROBLEM: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social problem that affects all members of a household. Approximately 22% of violent crimes perpetrated against women and 3% against men are related to IPV, and often children witness these crimes. This paper addresses the evidence related to the short- and long-term consequences on the physical, psychosocial, and emotional status of child witnesses. METHODS: A systemic review and analysis of the literature was performed with 24 articles from 2000 to 2010 that were identified through electronic search strategies. FINDINGS: Differences were found in the behaviors of children who witness and do not witness IPV that have short- and long-term consequences and affect relationships with same-sex peers, dating partners, and future partners with a clear pattern of dose-response. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers can implement theoretically driven, gender and culturally appropriate interventions for children with a history of IPV exposure with outcomes that positively affect the lives of children. Language: en
Validity of neurobehavioral symptoms reported in children with traumatic brain injury

Abstract Few studies have examined the validity of neurobehavioral symptoms as correlates of the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or as predictors of the neuropsychological and family consequences of injury. In the present study, 68 children with moderate to severe TBI, together with 53 children with orthopedic injuries only, were followed prospectively from the time of hospitalization. Postinjury behavior symptoms and other child and family outcomes were assessed at a baseline evaluation and again at a 6-month follow-up. The TBI group had more behavior symptoms than the orthopedic injury group at baseline and follow-up. For the TBI group, behavior symptoms at both assessments correlated with injury severity. Greater numbers of symptoms at baseline were associated with poorer neuropsychological performances and family distress at baseline, as well as more negative changes over follow-up in the child. The present findings support the utility of neurobehavioral symptoms as markers of injury severity...
The impact of a state-sponsored mass media campaign on use of telephone quitline and web-based cessation services.

INTRODUCTION Most US smokers do not use evidence-based interventions as part of their quit attempts. Quitlines and Web-based treatments may contribute to reductions in population-level tobacco use if successfully promoted. Currently, few states implement sustained media campaigns to promote services and increase adult smoking cessation. This study examines the effects of Florida's tobacco cessation media campaign and a nationally funded media campaign on telephone quitline and Web-based registrations for cessation services from November 2010 through September 2013. METHODS We conducted multivariable analyses of weekly media-market-level target rating points (TRPs) and weekly registrations for cessation services through the Florida Quitline (1-877-U-CAN-NOW) or its Web-based cessation service, Web Coach (www.quitnow.net/florida). RESULTS During 35 months, 141,221 tobacco users registered for cessation services through the Florida Quitline, and 53,513 registered through Web Coach. An increase in 100 weekly TRPs was associated with an increase of 7 weekly Florida Quitline registrants (β = 6.8, P < .001) and 2 Web Coach registrants (β = 1.7, P = .003) in an average media market. An increase in TRPs affected registrants from multiple demographic subgroups similarly. When state and national media campaigns aired simultaneously, approximately one-fifth of Florida's Quitline registrants came from the nationally advertised portal (1-800-QUIT-NOW). CONCLUSION Sustained, state-sponsored media can increase the number of registrants to telephone quitlines and Web-based cessation services. Federally funded media campaigns can further increase the reach of state-sponsored cessation services.
A Bayesian approach to retrospective exposure assessment.

A variety of health effects are caused by chronic, cumulative exposure over time to pollutants. In these cases, to establish dose-response relationships for epidemiological and risk assessment purposes, it is vital to determine the exposures of individuals or cohorts as functions of time. Most existing occupational exposure databases, however, do not contain continuous records of historical exposures to airborne contaminants. These gaps in the historical record may be filled by using the knowledge base that experts and professionals in the field possess. In this article we present a new framework, based on Bayesian probabilistic reasoning, for obtaining estimates of exposure histories for airborne particulates from limited historical measurements, using subjective expert judgment. The framework has great potential applications in instances where there is sparse information or missing data on past exposures. Expert judgment, in the form of inputs to physical models, provides additional knowledge to retrosp...
Measuring Permeability of Rigid Materials by a Beam-Bending Method: II, Porous Glass

It has been shown in a companion paper that the permeability of a porous body can be found from a three-point bending experiment. When the sample is bent, a pressure gradient is created in the liquid within the pores; as the liquid flows in response to the gradient, the force that must be applied to the rod to sustain a fixed deflection decreases with time. By fitting the force decay curve to the predicted shape, the permeability is obtained, along with the elastic modulus. In this paper, that theory is tested using porous Vycor® glass saturated with various solvents, including several normal alcohols, water, and glycerol. The shape of the measured decay is in excellent agreement with the prediction. Consistent with observations of previous workers, we find that the permeability is influenced by the size of the solvent molecule; by assuming that the pore surfaces are covered with a monolayer of immobile solvent, the observed variation can be explained. The advantage of the beam-bending method is that the results are obtained in a few minutes; moreover, there is no problem with leaks or need for high pressures, as there is in conventional measurements of low permeabilities.
Can the liver be induced to say no

The incubation of primary cultures of rat hepatocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or biologically active phorbol esters promotes the release of nitric oxide to the incubation medium. This process is the result of the induction of the Ca2+- and calmodulinindependent form of nitric oxide synthase. Both the release of nitric oxide to the incubation medium and the expression of nitric oxide synthase activity exhibited a lag period of about 45–60 min after cell stimulation. Exposure of hepatocytes to both stimuli produced an antagonistic effect on nitric oxide release, with a half-maximal inhibition obtained with 14 nM phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate at saturating concentration of LPS. Incubation of cells with α-phorbol 12,13- didecanoate failed to counteract the effect of LPS or to induce nitric oxide synthase, suggesting that activation of protein kinase C was involved in this process.
Magnetic and structural properties of dimeric bis(acetylacetonato)nickel(II) isopropanol

Abstract The crystal structure and magnetic properties of bis(acetylacetonato)nickel(II) recrystallized from iso propanol are reported. The complex crystallizes as a dimer containing coordinated iso-propanol ligands with bridging and non bridging acetylacetonato groups. The magnetic susceptibility data exhibit a maximum around T = 22 K. The magnetic data were fit to the theoretical equation with the values g = 2.40, J = −7.6 cm−1, D = 0.01 cm−. The possible effects of the bridging and chelate geometry on the nature of the magnetic coupling is also discussed. Crystal data for Ni2O10C26H44: Space group = P21/c, a = 9.402(2) A, b = 8.554(1) A, c = 20.252(5) A, β = 109.79(2)°, Z = 2, R = 2.9% for 2160 reflections.
Breakup of a Paleoproterozoic Supercontinent

Abstract If a Paleoproterozoic supercontinent broke up between 1.6 and 1.5 Ga, the distribution of sutures shows that the breakup was not complete. At least two large cratons, Atlantica (Amazonia, Congo, West Africa and probably North Africa and Rio de la Plata) and Arctica (Laurentia, Siberia, Baltica, North Australia and North China), survived the breakup and later become part of Rodinia.
Optogenetic Strategies to Dissect the Neural Circuits that Underlie Reward and Addiction

Optogeneticstrategiesforperturbationofneuralcircuitfunctionhavebeguntorevolutionize systems neuroscience. Whereas optogenetics has proven to be a powerful approach for studying neural systems, the tools to conduct these experiments are still continuously evolving.Herewebrieflysummarizeavailablehardwareandreagentsthatcanbeusedforstudying behaviors related to reward and addiction. In addition, we discuss recent studies in which these strategies have been applied to study neural circuit function in brain slices as well as awake and behaving animals. Collectively, this work serves as a brief introduction to optogenetic techniques and highlights how these tools can be applied to elucidate the neural circuits that underlie reward processing and addiction.
The Epidemiology of Medial Collateral Ligament Sprains in Young Athletes

Background:A medial collateral ligament (MCL) knee sprain is a prevalent injury in athletic populations that may result in significant time lost to injury. Remarkably little is known of the epidemiology of this injury.Purpose:To define the incidence of MCL tears and to determine the demographic and athletic risk factors.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiological study.Methods:A longitudinal cohort study was performed to examine the epidemiology of isolated MCL sprains at the United States Military Academy (USMA) between 2005 and 2009. Charts and radiographic studies were reviewed by an independent orthopaedic surgeon to identify all new isolated MCL sprains resulting in time lost to sport and activity that occurred within the study period. Incidence rates (IRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated per 1000 person-years at risk and by sex, sport, and level of competition. The IR per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) was also determined. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and respective 95% CIs were calcu...