cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Services: A Multilevel Perspective from Practitioners Serving Latinx Children and Families

Using a multilevel ecological framework, we take a qualitative approach to examining important cultural considerations that support successful implementation of trauma-informed services within the Latinx community. We conducted key informant interviews with community practitioners recruited primarily in the Phoenix, AZ metro area. Themes that emerged from interviews captured societal, community, and individual barriers to effective implementation of a culturally responsive trauma-informed approach. Specifically, multilevel barriers included socioeconomic circumstances, normalization of trauma exposure, and the transgenerational impact of trauma. Practitioners also reported approaching their work using relationship-focused and family-centered frameworks as facilitators to service engagement. We highlight the critical need for a culturally responsive trauma-informed approach that stresses the importance of context, recognizes transgenerational vulnerabilities, and promotes equity and the utilization of cultural humility in order to lessen the multilayered disparities in service accessibility experienced by minoritized communities.
Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinases Prevents Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, yet there is no preventive therapy for AF. We tested the efficacy of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators, metformin, and aspirin, in primary prevention of AF in cardiac-specific liver kinase B1 (LKB1) knockout (KO) mouse model of AF. Incidence of spontaneous AF was significantly reduced in treated KO mice with metformin (10 mg/kg/day) (8.3% in male and 10.3% in female) and aspirin (20 mg/kg/day) (29.4% in male and 21.4% in female) compared with untreated littermates (81% in male and 67% in female) at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). Prevention of AF was associated with activation of AMPK in treated mice and thereby improvement of mitochondrial function, gap junction proteins (connexin 40/43), and intra- and inter-cellular ultrastructure in atrial myocardium. Fibrosis was significantly less in treated mice atria. Pharmacological activation of AMPK is an effective upstream therapy for the primary prevention of AF in susceptible heart.
Adaptive critic design-based reinforcement learning approach in controlling virtual inertia-based grid-connected inverters

Abstract In this paper, an adaptive critic design (ACD) approach is proposed to control the phase and voltage of a grid-connected virtual synchronous generator (VSG). The penetration of fast responding inertia-less power converters significantly affect the stability of the power system, especially weak systems such as micro grids. The concept of virtual inertia addresses this concern by virtually emulating the behavior of a synchronous generator. However, the conventional VSG is designed based on two conditions: (i) fixed operating point and (ii) inductive grid connections. The performance of VSGs in low-voltage semi-resistive microgrids is far from optimal. To overcome the aforementioned concerns, a heuristic dynamic programing (HDP) approach is proposed to optimally control grid-connected VSGs. The neural-network-based inherence of the HDP enables the proposed technique to adapt to any impedance angle. The HDP controller includes two subnetworks: (i) the action network that controls the system optimally and (ii) the critic network, which evaluates the effectiveness of the action network. The simulation and experimental results are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. As shown, the HDP-based approach illustrates a better performance in comparison with the conventional PI-based VSG in various operating conditions.
Mobile RDoC: Using Smartphones to Understand the Relationship Between Auditory Verbal Hallucinations and Need for Care.

Objective Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are common in multiple clinical populations but also occur in individuals who are otherwise considered healthy. Adopting the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, the aim of the current study was to integrate a variety of measures to evaluate whether AVH experience varies across clinical and nonclinical individuals. Methods A total of 384 people with AVH from 41 US states participated in the study; 295 participants (77%) who received inpatient, outpatient, or combination treatments for AVH and 89 participants (23%) who never received care. Participants used a multi-modal smartphone data collection system to report on their AVH experiences and co-occurring psychological states multiple times daily, over 30 days. In parallel, smartphone sensors recorded their physical activity, geolocation, and calling and texting behavior continuously. Results The clinical sample experienced AVH more frequently than the nonclinical group and rated their AVH as significantly louder and more powerful. They experienced more co-occurring negative affect and were more socially withdrawn, spending significantly more time at home and significantly less time near other people. Participants with a history of inpatient care also rated their AVH as infused with significantly more negative content. The groups did not differ in their physical activity or use of their smartphones for digital communication. Conclusion Smartphone-assisted remote data collection revealed real-time/real-place phenomenological, affective, and behavioral differences between clinical and nonclinical samples of people who experience AVH. The study provided strong support for the application of RDoC-informed approaches in psychosis research.
Land-grant lessons for Anthropocene universities

Established amidst the bloodshed of the Civil War, land-grant universities, together with the associated agricultural experiment stations and cooperative extension services, have played a crucial role in democratizing scientific knowledge and addressing intertwined educational, environmental, economic, and democratic challenges within the USA. Indeed, they have arguably pioneered the idea of “usable science.” Today, the urgent challenges of the Anthropocene demand a more robust relationship between scientific research and on-the-ground action, strong networks sharing local lessons globally, and channels for injecting global, long-term perspectives into the noise of short-termism. The land-grant experience provides lessons for “Anthropocene universities” seeking to tackle these challenges, including the importance of (1) establishing or expanding university-based boundary organizations akin to cooperative extension, (2) incentivizing the integration of engagement into the university’s research, teaching, and service missions, (3) centering values of democracy, justice, equity, and inclusion in engagement, and (4) cooperating across institutions and sectors. Given the urgency of fully engaging academic institutions as players and connectors in the real-world challenges of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss, there is little time to waste.
Time-Restricted Eating for 12 Weeks Does Not Adversely Alter Bone Turnover in Overweight Adults.

Weight loss is a major focus of research and public health efforts. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is shown to be effective for weight loss, but the impact on bone is unclear. Short-term TRE studies show no effect on bone mineral density (BMD), but no study has measured bone turnover markers. This secondary analysis examined the effect of 12 weeks of TRE vs. unrestricted eating on bone turnover and BMD. Overweight and obese adults aged 18–65 y (n = 20) were randomized to TRE (ad libitum 8-h eating window) or non-TRE. Serum N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), cross-linked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were taken pre- and post-intervention. In both groups, P1NP decreased significantly (p = 0.04) but trended to a greater decrease in the non-TRE group (p = 0.07). The treatment time interaction for bone mineral content (BMC) was significant (p = 0.02), such that BMC increased in the TRE group and decreased in the non-TRE group. Change in P1NP was inversely correlated with change in weight (p = 0.04) overall, but not within each group. These findings suggest that TRE does not adversely affect bone over a moderate timeframe. Further research should examine the long-term effects of TRE on bone.
INI1/SMARCB1 Rpt1 domain mimics TAR RNA in binding to integrase to facilitate HIV-1 replication

INI1/SMARCB1 binds to HIV-1 integrase (IN) through its Rpt1 domain and exhibits multifaceted role in HIV-1 replication. Determining the NMR structure of INI1-Rpt1 and modeling its interaction with the IN-C-terminal domain (IN-CTD) reveal that INI1-Rpt1/IN-CTD interface residues overlap with those required for IN/RNA interaction. Mutational analyses validate our model and indicate that the same IN residues are involved in both INI1 and RNA binding. INI1-Rpt1 and TAR RNA compete with each other for IN binding with similar IC50 values. INI1-interaction-defective IN mutant viruses are impaired for incorporation of INI1 into virions and for particle morphogenesis. Computational modeling of IN-CTD/TAR complex indicates that the TAR interface phosphates overlap with negatively charged surface residues of INI1-Rpt1 in three-dimensional space, suggesting that INI1-Rpt1 domain structurally mimics TAR. This possible mimicry between INI1-Rpt1 and TAR explains the mechanism by which INI1/SMARCB1 influences HIV-1 late events and suggests additional strategies to inhibit HIV-1 replication.
Bank size and performance: An analysis of the industry in the United States in the post-financial-crisis era

We compare the 2007–2009 post‐financial‐crisis performance of US banks with their performance before the financial crisis, based on bank size using financial ratios. We find bank performance declined in the post‐financial‐crisis period as compared to its pre‐financial‐crisis performance, evidenced by reduced return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA), higher debt ratios, lower net interest margin, increased net loan losses, more nonperforming loans, and, to a lesser extent, estimated losses on loans. In difference‐in‐differences tests between the largest and smallest groups, we find the biggest banks report significantly higher ROA and lower debt ratio, in addition to outperforming small banks in net interest margin and loan loss reserves. Smaller banks did better only in net loan losses. General economic conditions and interest rate changes are controlled for in our results. We conclude that small banks have a significant disadvantage in the industry in the post‐financial‐crisis era compared to both big banks and their own pre‐financial‐crisis historical performance.
Hyperchromatic Structural Color for Perceptually Enhanced Colorimetric Sensing by the Naked Eye

We report a novel colorimetric sensing paradigm using multi-chromatic light from an RGB laser combined with a structural color sensor for fast, ultra-sensitive, and spatio-temporally resolved detection of surface biomolecules by human eye or smartphone.
The Clinical, Operational, and Financial Components of a Successful Bundled Payment Program for Lower Extremity Total Joint Replacement

Bundled payments for joint replacement can yield significant savings for payers and incentive payments for providers, but effective execution needs detailed cost and quality information, as well as...
Advanced Polymer Sorbents: Performance for Lower V/U Adsorption in Natural Seawater

Our previous studies indicated that the uranium adsorption from seawater can be significantly enhanced by dropping the V/U ratio. Four different kinds of amidoxime-based adsorbents were prepared by grafting acrylonitrile along with 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) or itaconic acid (AF8) onto polyethylene (PE) matrix through radiation-induced graft polymerization (RIGP) approach. Conversion reaction parameters of the attached nitrile functional groups (-CN) into amidoxime moieties were optimized by variation of reaction time, temperature, and solution type. FTIR and 13 C CP/MAS NMR spectra confirmed the generation of open chain amidoxime and cyclic imide dioxime by conversion of -CN. These studies also indicated significant hydrolysis of grafted HEA upon amidoximation. The braided AF8 adsorbents that were amidoximated in Water-Methanol (50:50 w/w) at 80 oC for 3 days had an average uranium adsorption capacity of 4.44 ± 0.28 g-U/Kg-ads. after 56 days of exposure in natural seawater, with a V/U (g/g) ratio of only 1.24 ± 0.01. The new HEAEC/F18/80/12/PB adsorbent, evaluated for uranium adsorption capacity and adsorption kinetics in seawater, emerged as very promising for a lower V/U ratio. Seawater exposure for 55 days of the HEAEC/F18/80/12/PB adsorbent resulted in a uranium uptake of 3.40 ± 0.63 g-U/Kg-ads. and V/U (g/g) ratio less than one.
Summary of construction details and test performance of recent series of 1. 8 meter SSC dipoles at BNL

Certain design features of the SSC dipole magnets are evaluated in short (1.8 meter) 40mm aperture magnet tests before being incorporated into the design of the full length magnets. This report summarizes the results of recently tested short magnets at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Providing Access to High Performance Computing Technologies

This paper describes two projects underway to provide users with access to high performance computing technologies. One effort, the National HPCC Software Exchange, is providing a single point of entry to a distributed collection of domain-specific repositories. These repositories collect, catalog, evaluate, and provide access to software in their specialized domains. The NHSE infrastructure allows these repositories to interoperate with each other and with the top-level NHSE interface. Another effort is the NetSolve project which is a client-server application designed to solve computational science problems over a network. Users may access NetSolve computational servers through C, Fortran, MATLAB, or World Wide Web interfaces. An interesting intersection between the two projects would be the use of the NetSolve system by a domain-specific repository to provide access to software without the need for users to download and install the software on their own systems.
Association of CD1a-positive dendritic cells with papillary thyroid carcinoma in thyroid fine-needle aspirations: a cytologic and immunocytochemical evaluation

BACKGROUND: In contrast to other primary thyroid neoplasms and benign thyroid tissue, it has been demonstrated histologically that dendritic cells (DCs) are associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the presence and potential diagnostic value of DCs in thyroid fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) have not been previously described. METHODS: The authors quantitatively assessed for the presence of DCs that were positive for cluster of differentiation 1a (CD1a) (a 43-49 kD protein expressed on DCs and cortical thymocytes) in cytologic samples of histologically confirmed PTC (n = 31) and in a control group of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) (n = 29) using immunocytochemical staining with antibodies against CD1a. A subset of the corresponding PTCs (n = 11) and BTNs (n = 10) from surgical resection specimens also were assessed immunohistochemically for both CD1a and Langerin (a type II transmembrane cell surface receptor produced by Langerhans cells). RESULTS: CD1a-positive DCs were identified in 97% PTCs (n = 30 of 31 PTCs) in thyroid FNA specimens. DCs were largely present in 2 distinct patterns: either as isolated DCs in the background (n = 29 of 31) and/or associated with tumor cells (n = 30 of 31). Tumor-associated DCs (mean ± standard deviation: 6.44 ± 6.13 DCs per tumor cluster) exhibited multiple dendritic cytoplasmic processes extending over and between malignant cells within groups. The 3 PTC cases with the least DCs corresponded to the follicular variant at excision. In contrast, only 31% of BTNs (n = 9 of 29 BTNs; P = .0048) contained CD1a-positive DCs. When DCs were present in BTN, they were isolated primarily in the background (27%; n = 8 of 29), although 17% of BTNs (n = 5 of 29) contained rare DCs among thyrocytes, revealing both patterns in 4 cases. Both thyrocyte-associated DCs and background DCs were more numerous in PTC FNAs than in BTN FNAs, but only the thyrocyte-associated group of DCs was statistically significant (P < .0001 and P = .1173, respectively). Similar findings were reported in histologic samples in which all PTCs examined (n = 11 of 11) contained both CD1a-positive and Langerin-positive DCs; only 20% of BTNs (n = 2 of 10) contained rare DCs. CONCLUSIONS: CD1a-positive DCs were present in FNA specimens of PTC, typically in close association with tumor cells, whereas they were rare in BTNs. The increased presence of CD1a-positive DCs in PTC may be a useful diagnostic adjuvant. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:206–213. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Forced shear flow of magnetic bubble arrays.

We present direct experimental observations of collective transport in two-dimensional magnetic bubble arrays in thin garnet films. Shear flow is produced by forcing the array to move past a flat interface; the array is strongly pinned on the other side of the interface. Time-resolved images of the dislocation dynamics that produce shear flow are obtained via Voroni constructions.
A new capability to detect and locate insulation defects in complex wiring systems

Pulse arrested spark discharge (PASD) is an effective means to detect and locate a variety of insulation defects in complex wiring geometries such as breached insulation, chafing, and physically small insulation cracks. It is highly immune to line impedance variations, an important property in aircraft wiring systems, and has been shown to be nondestructive to electrical insulation materials. Because of the simplicity of the PASD concept, the low energy PASD pulser and diagnostics can be readily implemented into a portable, briefcase-sized diagnostic system. Although this patented technique will likely evolve as it enters into field applications, it is capable of making a near-term impact on the ability of inspection and maintenance organizations to detect and locate potentially hazardous insulation defects.
FUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING

FUNCTIONAL BLEEDING may occur from any type of endometrium, cystic and hyperplastic, pn liferative, progestational, or atrophic. Similarly, amenorrhea may be associated with the same types of endometrium. We have observed cystic glandular hyperplasia of the endometrium in cases of long standing amenorrhea. The gestational endometrium during pregnancy is not associated with bleeding except on very infrequent occasions.
Multi-processor debug in SoC and processor designs

Summary form only given. New methods and tools need to be provided in designs from SoC through Servers to enable platform developers to quickly debug issues that arise in the development phase. Standard methods should be established for capturing debug data between design elements (IP) to enable triage, debug, and root cause resolution of issues.
Diameter distributions and structural sustainability in forests

Abstract For over a century, the negative exponential relationship of tree density to diameter has been observed and considered an indicator of equilibrium forest structure, especially at the stand level. More recent studies have suggested that other forms of diameter distributions should be considered “balanced”. Some of these seemingly contradictory findings can be resolved by understanding the impacts of scale and sampling area on the possibility of observing a negative exponential distribution. We calculated the minimum area required to sample the smallest number of trees necessary to produce hypothetical negative exponential distributions. The minimum area is influenced greatly by the maximum diameter and the exponential decrease rate of the distribution. It is also influenced by the width of diameter classes used to summarize the data, and the basal area per hectare of the sample. These differences in minimum required sampling area are important considerations because some recent studies that suggest a rotated sigmoid distribution, rather than negative exponential, is more characteristic of old-growth forests may have used sampling schemes that were insufficient to observe a negative exponential distribution even if one existed. Others have used criteria in selecting sampling locations that ensure a high density of large trees, thereby precluding them from observing a negative exponential distribution even if one existed. Our review suggests that within-stand sampling areas for testing diameter distribution in temperate forests typically need to exceed 1 ha, especially in mature to old-growth stages, though mortality rate, diameter class width, and total stand basal area all affect the area or number of prism points needed. Diameter distributions have rarely been assessed at the landscape scale. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to expect that landscape distributions may generally be negative exponential and the slope of the line (i.e. the mortality rate) may be an important measure of landscape dynamics. Old-growth landscapes where natural disturbances are typically small patches will have a lower mortality rate than those where disturbances are more frequent and widespread.
Structural Architecture and Functional Evolution of Wnts

The crystal structure of a Wnt morphogen bound to its Frizzled receptor ectodomain provides insights into the evolutionary provenance of this complex fold and offers an explanation for why Wnts utilize both lipid- and protein-mediated contacts to engage Frizzleds.
Stereomovement Suppression for Transient Disparity Changes

In a comparison between stereo and vernier thresholds in displacement and misalignment paradigms, the stereo displacement threshold was found to be about three times higher than the other thresholds. This result is consistent with the disparity inhibition hypothesis. In a second experiment thresholds in a movement/no movement discrimination task were about half those in the direction discrimination task, with the stereo threshold remaining about three times higher than the vernier threshold. This suggests that motion discrimination has a different basis from direction discrimination.
Physical distribution: A description of its structure by means of second-order factor analysis

Abstract Practicing managers, systems analysts, and operations researchers need a systematic description of physical distribution (PD) as it currently exists. This article portrays the structure of PD as seen by practitioners in a variety of different firms. First-order and second-order factor analyses were conducted on the importance ratings assigned to 58 activities by 182 managers to develop a set of five areas portraying the field: internal materials movement, information-system operations, facilities planning, traffic management, and external materials movement.
Adaptive mediated persuasion technologies

The operational practices of persuasion for marketing, advertising, political, and management purposes are increasingly embedded in information technology. Mobile, information-rich lifestyles depend on having the right information at the right time. Technology is now at hand to integrate all this information, which is fortunate because otherwise we would drown in it. The integration forms part of new mediation technology that will facilitate our interactions with people, places, and things. This paper presents a model for thinking about this coming revolution of adaptive mediated persuasion technologies. It identifies personal and regulatory issues that may influence adoption, and it challenges professionals in the interdisciplinary field of persuasive technology to take leadership roles in establishing reasonable expectations to create software and hardware that respect individuals' rights regarding their personal intimate data.
Report on pilot study of effects of DDT on maternal behavior

To examine the hypothesis that DDT would have an adverse effect on the behavior of Ss involved in the stressful and novel situation of giving birth for the first time, three pregnant albino rats were fed food containing DDT in concentrations of 0, 50, or 100 ppm. The maternal behavior of the DDT animals, in the form of nest building, nursing (as measured by time spent nursing and weight of litters), retrieval, and activity level, as compared to the control animal was as predicted by the hypothesis.
Application of 2D correlation spectroscopy with MCR in the preparation of glycerol polyesters

The condensation of glycerol and adipic acid was studied by 2D correlation spectroscopy in combination with MCR to identify spectral changes associated with this polymerization reaction and to describe the development of structure in the polymer. This biobased polymer is being evaluated for use as a controlled release matrix where the extent of reaction is a key performance parameter. A spectroscopic technique was sought to estimate the extent of reaction and guide product development. FT-IR spectra were collected as the reaction was performed on a temperature programmable ATR assembly fitted to a Bruker Tensor 27 spectrophotometer. The resulting time series was analyzed by 2D correlation spectroscopy. Correlation maps were used to identify bands related to the formation of the polymer and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) was applied to develop a model in terms of pure components. This combined technique offers a rapid method for sample analysis and facilitates the preparation of materials to a specified extent of reaction.
Prostaglandin E2 resistance in granulocytes from patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

Background Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an inflammatory condition of the respiratory tract and is characterized by overproduction of leukotrienes (LT) and large numbers of circulating granulocyte-platelet complexes. LT production can be suppressed by prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) and the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Objective To determine if PGE 2 -dependent control of LT production by granulocytes is dysregulated in AERD. Methods Granulocytes from well-characterized patients with and without AERD were activated ex vivo and subjected to a range of functional and biochemical analyses. Results Granulocytes from subjects with AERD generated more LTB 4 and cysteinyl LTs than did granulocytes from controls with aspirin-tolerant asthma and controls without asthma. When compared with controls, granulocytes from subjects with AERD had comparable levels of EP 2 protein expression and PGE 2 -mediated cAMP accumulation, yet were resistant to PGE 2 -mediated suppression of LT generation. Percentages of platelet-adherent neutrophils correlated positively with LTB 4 generation and inversely with responsiveness to PGE 2 -mediated suppression of LTB 4 . The PKA inhibitor H89 potentiated LTB 4 generation by control granulocytes but was inactive in granulocytes from individuals with AERD and had no effect on platelet P-selectin induction. Both tonic PKA activity and levels of PKA catalytic gamma subunit protein were significantly lower in granulocytes from individuals with AERD relative to those from controls. Conclusions Impaired granulocyte PKA function in AERD may lead to dysregulated control of 5-lipoxygenase activity by PGE 2 , whereas adherent platelets lead to increased production of LTs, which contributes to the features of persistent respiratory tract inflammation and LT overproduction.
Inadvertent administration of magnesium sulfate through the epidural catheter: report and analysis of a drug error.

Summary We present two reports of pregnant women in labor who inadvertently received a magnesium sulfate solution in their epidural space. Both women received approximately 9 mg of magnesium sulfate, and neither of them demonstrated any signs or symptoms of focal neurological toxicity. Once the mistakes were discovered and appropriate medication was delivered, the patients attained an acceptable level of analgesia.
Human leukocyte elastase is an endogenous ligand for the integrin CR3 (CD11b/CD18, Mac-1, alpha M beta 2) and modulates polymorphonuclear leukocyte adhesion.

Integrin CR3 (CD11b/CD18, Mac-1, alpha M beta 2) mediates the transient adhesion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to surfaces coated with fibrinogen, C3bi, ICAM-1, and other ligands. Recent studies (Cai, T.-Q., and S.D. Wright 1995. J. Biol. Chem. 270:14358) suggest that adhesion may be favored by stimulus-dependent changes in the kinetics of ligand binding by CR3. Cell detachment, on the other hand, must occur by a different mechanism because binding kinetics cannot affect cell adhesion after binding of ligand has occurred. We have sought a mechanism that would reverse binding of ligand to CR3 and report here that lysates of PMN contain an endogenous ligand that binds CR3 and competes the binding of C3bi. Purification and sequence analysis identified the structurally homologous azurophilic granule proteins, elastase, protease 3, and azurocidin as candidates. Studies with purified elastase and azurocidin showed that each bound specifically to purified, immobilized CR3. Elastase may play a role in modulating integrin-mediated cell adhesion because it is expressed at the cell surface, and the expression level is inversely proportional to cell adhesivity. Furthermore, a monoclonal antibody against elastase prevented detachment of PMN from fibrinogen-coated surfaces and blocked chemotaxis, confirming a role for this protein in regulating integrin-mediated adhesion. These studies suggest a model for release of integrin-mediated cell adhesion in which endogenous ligands such as elastase may release adhesion by "'eluting" substrate-bound ligand. A role for the proteolytic activity of elastase appears likely but is not demonstrated in this study.
Impact of an Entertainment-Education Television Drama on Health Knowledge and Behavior in Bangladesh: An Application of Propensity Score Matching

Shabuj Chaya is a weekly television drama broadcast during a 13-week period in Bangladesh in 2000. It used an entertainment-education format to increase health knowledge and to promote visits to health clinic and modern contraceptive use. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how a relatively new statistical technique, propensity score matching in conjunction with structural equation modeling, can be used to obtain an unbiased estimate of changes in health outcomes that can be attributed to exposure to the drama. The analysis is conducted with data from an after-only, cross-sectional survey of 4,492 men and women from the intended audience. The results from propensity score matching approximate what would be expected from a randomized control group design.
Further improvement of an effective plate bending element

Abstract A previously derived finite element is improved by softening its slightly over-stiff behavior. Softening formulas are given for rectangular and nonrectangular elements. Numerical tests of the improved element show excellent accuracy. The element accounts for transverse shear deformation, and works better than most other 12 degree of freedom elements that are restricted to thin plates.
Controlled Synthesis of the Henry Reaction Products: Nitroalcohol Versus Nitrostyrene by a Simple Change of Amino-Groups of Aminofunctionalized Nanoporous Catalysts

A synthetic method for controlling the Henry reaction products from nitrostyrene to nitroalcohol in heterogeneous catalysis by a simple change of the catalytic sites in organoamine-functionalized mesoporous catalysts is reported. The synthesis resulted in either β-nitrostyrene or β-nitroalcohol by simple change of the types of amine functional groups in the amine-functionalized mesoporous catalysts from primary amines into secondary or tertiary.
Interfacial elastic parameters in torsional vibrations of a periodic structured cylindrical rod

Abstract A method is developed for qualitatively sketching the frequency spectrum of torsional waves propagating in a solid cylinder with periodic structure. This method introduces an interfacial elastic parameter, analogous to an impedance, which simplifies the problem considerably.
Characterization of methane flux from photosynthetic oxidation ponds in a wastewater treatment plant

Photosynthetic oxidation ponds are a low-cost method for secondary treatment of wastewater using natural and more energy-efficient aeration strategies. Methane (CH4) is produced during the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, but only some of it is oxidized in the water column, with the remaining CH4 escaping into the atmosphere. In order to characterize the CH4 flux in two photosynthetic oxidation ponds in a wastewater treatment plant in northern California, the isotopic compositions and concentrations of CH4 were measured in the water column, in bubbles and in flux chambers, over a period of 12 to 21 months to account for seasonal trends in CH4 emissions. Methane flux varied seasonally throughout the year, with an annual average flux of 5.5 g CH4 m−2 d−1 Over half of the CH4 flux, 56.1–74.4% v/v, was attributed to ebullition. The oxidation efficiency of this system was estimated at 69.1%, based on stable carbon isotopes and a calculated fractionation factor of 1.028. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that a fractionation factor for CH4 oxidation has been empirically determined for oxidation ponds. Quantifying CH4 emissions from these systems is essential to properly identify their contribution and to mitigate their impact on global warming.
Mechanistic photochemistry of transition metal β-diketonate complexes. 3. Detection of a new reaction pathway in the ultraviolet photochemistry of trans-Tris(1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedionato)cobalt(III)

Abstract Near-ultraviolet flash photolysis of trans-Co(tfa)3 (tfa is the anion of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione) in cyclohexane generates a long-lived (t 1 2 ∼ 3 sec) strongly-absorbing transient. The yield of this species decreases upon addition of good hydrogen-atom donors such as 2-propanol and tri(n-butyl)stannane. In pure 2-propanol the formation of the transient is completely suppressed, and only a bleaching of the absorbance, due to production of weakly-absorbing Co(II) products, is observed. Flashing a methanol solution of trans-Co(tfa)3 produces a transient similar (but not identical) to that observed in cyclohexane; this species subsequently decays to Co(II) products. Based upon their spectral characteristics and reactivities, the flash-induced transients are assigned as Co(II) complexes containing a carbon-bonded ligand. These species result from an intramolecular rearrangement of the reduced metal-oxidized ligand radical pair formed in the primary photochemical step. Good hydrogen-atom donors can intercept this radical pair and thus inhibit transient formation. Previous mechanistic proposals about the ultraviolet photochemistry of tris(β-diketonate)cobalt(III) complexes need to be modified in view of the present results.
Comparison of time and frequency domain numerical modelling of outbound and local power from two perpendicularly oriented, electrically small TM dipoles

Earlier work using the time dependent Poynting theorem has shown that the complete description of power in a multimodal radiation field requires the use of three numbers; two are sufficient only with a single modal field. Where three numbers are required it is not possible to correctly represent power as a complex number. In the common notation the third number is a suppressed phase angle; when multiple power fields are combined to form a single one it is essential to account for the suppressed phase angles. The differences in power calculations using the time and frequency domain power theorems are manifest in determination of the energy flow that remains local to the source, oscillating between the near field and source, which does not form part of the far field power. In this paper we numerically model, using commonly accepted frequency and time domain techniques, the simplest antenna design that clearly illustrates the differences between time and frequency domain representations of reactive power. We calculate and contrast the instantaneous and the steady-state far field and local powers emitted from two identical, perpendicularly oriented electrically small TM dipoles as a function of relative phase between the two dipoles. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monocytes link atherosclerosis and cancer

From many perspectives, cardiovascular diseases and cancers are fundamentally different. On the one hand, atherosclerosis is a disease of lipid accumulation driven by diet and lifestyle, whereas cancer is an attack "from within" driven by mutations. Nevertheless, studies over the past 20 years have forced us to re-evaluate such a view. We are learning that, among other factors, the immune system is indispensable for the development and progression of both diseases. Its components are not only reactive but can also orchestrate both tumor and atherosclerotic lesion growth. In this Viewpoint, we explore how monocytes, which are key constituents of the immune system, forge links between cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
An unexpected cyclization path to some pyrazoles

Abstract The treatment of ketal hydrazones of arylglyoxals (2) with 75% sulfuric acid leads to 3-aroyl-4-phenyl-1-methylpyrazoles (6) as well as 4-phenyl-1-methylpyrazole (7) and the corresponding benzoic acids. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Electrical and microstructural characteristics of Ge/Cu ohmic contacts to n-type GaAs

It is shown that Cu–Ge alloys prepared by depositing sequentially Cu and Ge layers onto GaAs substrates at room temperature followed by annealing at 400 °C form a low-resistance ohmic contact to n-type GaAs over a wide range of Ge concentration that extends from 15 to 40 at. %. The contacts exhibit a specific contact resistivity of 7 × 10−7 Ω cm2 on n-type GaAs with doping concentrations of 1 × 1017 cm−3. The contact resistivity is unaffected by varying the Ge concentration in the range studied and is not influenced by the deposition sequence of the Cu and Ge layers. Cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results show that the addition of Ge to Cu in this concentration range causes Cu to react only with Ge forming the ξ and ϵ1 – Cu3Ge phases which correlate with the low contact resistivity. The ξ and ϵ1 – Cu3Ge phases have a planar and structurally abrupt interface with the GaAs substrate without any interfacial transition layer. It is suggested that Ge is incorporated into the GaAs as an n-type impurity creating a highly doped n+-GaAs surface layer which is responsible for the ohmic behavior. n-channel GaAs metal-semiconductor field-effect transistors using ohmic contacts formed with the ξ and ϵ1 – Cu3Ge phases demonstrate a higher transconductance compared to devices with AuGeNi contacts.
Once-daily oxaprozin and piroxicam compared in osteoarthritis

The efficacy and safety of Oxaprozin, an investigational nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) of the propionic acid class, and Piroxicam were compared in a 12-week multicenter, double-blind trial. Ninety patients with active osteoarthritis (OA) of the cervical spine, knee, or hip received once-daily doses, in the evening, of either 1,200 mg of Oxaprozin or 20 mg of piroxicam. Significant changes ( P P P
Experimentally induced pemphigus vulgaris in neonatal BALB/c mice: a time-course study of clinical, immunologic, ultrastructural, and cytochemical changes.

Pemphigus vulgaris autoantibodies (PV IgG) promote cell detachment in epidermal cell cultures and acantholysis in the epidermis of neonatal BALB/c mice in vivo. We have studied the evolution of the immunologic and ultrastructural changes in the epidermis of BALB/c mice that receive parenteral injections of PV IgG. Neonatal BALB/c mice received a single i.p. injection of PV IgG (10 mg/g body weight) or control IgG from normal humans. The skin and serum of these animals was obtained at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h post injection and examined by immunofluorescence (IF), electron microscopy (EM) and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). PV IgG was detected in the mouse serum and bound to the epidermal cells as soon as 1 h after injection by IF and IEM. The intensity of the binding in the skin (by IF) increased sharply between 3 and 6 h and remained positive at 24 h. Early epidermal cell detachment was demonstrable by EM at 1 h as widening of the epidermal intercellular spaces (ICS)and by 6 h the ICS between desmosomes had detached completely. Desmosomal junctions are the last to separate, occurring at 12–18 h. At this point, complete cell detachment occurred in the suprabasilar layers of the epidermis. Basal cells remain attached to the underlying dermis (tombstone row). Coincident with cell detachment, intracellular tonofilaments retracted from the cell periphery and clustered in a perinuclear position. IEM confirmed the binding of PV antibodies to the surface of epidermal cells in early and established lesions. This study demonstrates that the early immunologic and ultrastructural changes that occur in human pemphigus vulgaris are reproduced in this mouse model of the disease.
The extremely low metallicity star SDSS J102915+172927: a subgiant scenario

Spectroscopic analysis of the Galactic halo star SDSS J102915+172927 has shown it to have a very low heavy element abundance, Z < 7.4×10 -7 , with [Fe/H] = –4.89 ± 0.10 and an upper limit on the C abundance of [C/H] < –4.5. The low C/Fe ratio distinguishes this object from most other extremely metal poor stars. The effective temperature and surface gravity have been determined to be Teff = 5811 ± 150 K and log g = 4.0 ± 0.5. The surface gravity estimate is problematical in that it places the star between the main sequence and the subgiants in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. If it is assumed that the star is on the main sequence, its mass and are estimated to be M = 0.72 ± 0.06 M⊙ and L = 0.45 ± 0.10 L⊙, placing it at a distance of 1.35 ± 0.16 kpc. The upper limit on the lithium abundance, A(Li) < 0.9, is inconsistent with the star being a dwarf, assuming that mixing is due only to convection. In this paper, we propose that SJ102915 is a sub-giant that formed with significantly higher Z than currently observed, in agreement with theoretical predictions for the minimum C and/or O abundances needed for low mass star formation. In this scenario, extremely low Z and low Li abundance result from gravitational settling on the main sequence followed by incomplete convective dredge-up during subgiant evolution. The observed Fe abundance requires the initial Fe abundance to be enhanced compared to C and O, which we interpret as formation of SJ102915 occurring in the vicinity of a type Ia supernova.
Surface Raman characterization of cinchonidine-modified polycrystalline platinum in ethanol: effects of temperature and comparison with 10,11-dihydrocinchonidine

Abstract The adsorption of the chiral modifier cinchonidine on platinum in ethanol as a function of temperature has been studied with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The temperature range chosen was from 30 to 70 °C, within which both the activity and selectivity of cinchonidine-modified Pt catalysts have been shown to change dramatically. Platinum surfaces were modified with 260 μM cinchonidine in ethanol, and examined both in pure ethanol and in the modifying solution itself. Adsorbed cinchonidine under pure ethanol was found to partially desorb as the temperature was raised, accompanied by an increase in the average tilt of the quinoline group with respect to the surface. In contrast, the presence of solution-phase cinchonidine resulted in an increase in the cinchonidine surface coverage and average tilt as temperature was raised. In a previous study [J. Mol. Catal. A 212 (2004) 277] we showed that hydrogen causes a dramatic enhancement in the SERS response of adsorbed cinchonidine. This was attributed to a conversion of cinchonidine to 10,11-dihydrocinchonidine on the Pt surface and a more flat orientation of the quinoline group. In both pure ethanol and in 260 μM cinchonidine, the presence of hydrogen causes a significant decrease in the alkaloid SERS bands at temperatures above 40 °C. In addition, the average tilt of the quinoline group increases significantly at these elevated temperatures. The temperature-dependence of 10,11-dihydrocinchonidine adsorption was also investigated, and is almost identical to that observed for cinchonidine in the presence of hydrogen. This lends further support to the conclusion that cinchonidine is being hydrogenated on the Pt surface in the presence of hydrogen. The significant changes observed on the cinchonidine-modified Pt surface above 40 °C correlate well with reported decreases in enantioselectivity and turn-over frequency at similar temperatures during ethyl pyruvate hydrogenation.
The production of surfactin by Bacillus subtilis grown on peat hydrolysate

Horticultural grade sphagnum peat was subjected to acid hydrolysis under various conditions. The hydrolysis was accomplished with concentrations of sulphuric acid between 0.5 and 2% for either 1 or 2 h at 124°C. Six monosaccharides in the hydrolysate were identified by HPLC analysis. A maximum sugar concentration of 7.7g/l was obtained with glucose accounting for 46% of the total.
Redistricting standards and strategies after 20 years

Abstract Six redistricting issues are identified and discussed—malapportionment, racial or linguistic discrimination, lack of identification with districts, lack of competition, electoral bias and secrecy in the redistricting process. The strategy proposed involves generation of a large number of districting solutions so that each may be assessed in the light of three objectives: (i) minimize electoral bias; (ii) foster voter participation and sense of identity; (iii) equalize population size taking minority representation into account.
Infectious disease in Haiti

More than 50 years after the introduction of chemotherapy for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), the disease is far from being under control. Among curable infectious diseases, TB remains the number‐one killer—each year, 2 million people still die of the disease and 8.4 million more fall ill (World Health Organization (WHO), 2002a). And future projections are grim. Fewer than half of all TB cases are diagnosed, and of those that are, fewer than 30% have access to the care recommended by the WHO (WHO, 2002a). The increase in TB worldwide is due, in part, to the expansion of the HIV/AIDS pandemic (WHO, 2001): at least one‐third of people with HIV die of TB (WHO, 2002a). HIV/AIDS now causes more than 3 million deaths per year (UNAIDS, 2002). More than 90% of HIV/AIDS deaths and new infections occur in poor countries where less than 5% of those who need antiretroviral treatment have access to these therapies (WHO, 2002b). If we consider that, on average, 10% of people with HIV need antiretroviral treatment, the 5% figure comes down to less than 1% in sub‐Saharan Africa, the region most affected by the pandemic. > The social contexts in which our patients became infected are an integral part of their stories Large‐scale social forces, such as racism, sexism, political violence, poverty and other social inequalities, are rooted in historical and economic processes and sculpt the distribution and outcome of HIV/AIDS and TB. We refer to these social forces as ‘structural violence’ (Castro & Farmer, 2002, 2003a,b; Farmer, 2003), which predisposes the human body to pathogenic vulnerability by shaping the risk of infection and subsequent disease reactivation. After infection, structural violence also determines who has access to diagnostics and effective therapy. Drugs that could stop or slow down these epidemics, such as …