cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuous Living Polymerization in Miniemulsion Using Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) in a Tubular Reactor

Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerizations were conducted in a continuous miniemulsion using a tubular reactor in order to assess the feasibility of employing this combination on an industrial basis. Batch and continuous polymerizations were conducted simultaneously, and the results were compared. In general, the two reaction systems behaved in a similar fashion kinetically. Polydispersities of the final product were higher in the tubular reactor, likely owing to a distribution of residence times of the particles. A population of nongrowing chains was occasionally observed and determined to be independent of the reactor type. A chain extension experiment with the product of the tubular reactor demonstrated the “livingness” of the polymer and the possibility of using the system to make block copolymers.
Hybrid Method of Moments for modeling soot formation and growth

In this work, a new statistical model for soot formation and growth is developed and presented. The Hybrid Method of Moments (HMOM) seeks to combine the advantages of two moment methods, the Method of Moments with Interpolative Closure (MOMIC) and the Direct Quadrature Method of Moments (DQMOM), in an accurate and consistent formulation. MOMIC is numerically simple and easy to implement but is unable to account for bimodal soot Number Density Functions (NDF). DQMOM is accurate but is numerically ill-posed and difficult to implement. HMOM combines the best of both two methods to capture bimodal NDF while retaining ease of implementation and numerical robustness. The new hybrid method is shown to predict mean quantities nearly as accurately as DQMOM and high-fidelity Monte Carlo simulations. In addition, a model for combining particle coalescence with particle aggregation is presented and shown to accurately reproduce experimental measurements in a variety of sooting flames.
A lymphocyte-mediated cause of secondary PAP.

In this issue of Blood , Iriguchi et al report that T-lymphocyte–restricted overexpression of T-bet causes a maturational arrest in mononuclear phagocyte lineage cells and severe secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP).[1][1] ![Figure][2] Proposed mechanism by which constitutive, T-
the symbolic significance of ceremonial defloration among the Amhara of Ethiopia1

Ceremonial defloration symbolizes the core principles of Amhara culture and social organization, namely masculinity and patriarchal authority. Premarital chastity and the rituals associated with it have cross-cultural implications.
Hormone secretion by the immature mouse ovary after gonadotrophic stimulation.

Although the secretion of progesterone is usually associated with the 1 1 presence of luteal tissue in the ovary, there is a growing body of evidence that the ovary can produce this hormone prior to ovulation and formation of a corpus luteum. Dempsey, Hertz and Young (1936) were able to induce more nearly normal sexual receptivity in ovariectomized guinea pigs by using estrogen and progesterone than by using estrogen alone. This observation has been extended to the rat (Boling and Blandau, 1939) and the mouse (Ring, 1944). The possibility that progesterone is secreted prior to ovulation and that it synergizes with estrogen to produce sexual receptivity was suggested. Astwood (1939) investigated the water content of the rat uterus during the estrous cycle. He found that it increased late in diestrus, decreased sharply at about the time of proestrus, and was at a low level at ovulation.
Organization of subcortical projections of visual areas I and II in the rabbit. An experimental degeneration study.

Sections prepared by the Nauta and Nissl methods have been used to study the subcortical distribution of axon and cell degeneration in rabbits after lesions in visual areas I and II (V I and V II) of the cerebral cortex. Degeneration was limited to the side of the lesions. Following lesions of either V I or V II, two distinct groups of degenerating axons were traced caudally. (i) One of these groups projected through the optic tract and its subjacent nuclei. The terminal portions of its axons were found to form zones of pericellular fiber (or boutonal) degeneration in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), the ventral and dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei (LGv, LGd), the pulvinar (Pul), the nuclei praetectalis anterior and posterior (dorsal and lateral parts respectively), the nucleus tractus opticus, and the superior colliculus (SC). In the TRN, LGd, Pul, and nuclei praetectalis anterior and posterior the zones of degeneration were disposed into distinct columns. After lesions involving V II the terminal portions of these axons were also seen to form zones of pericellular fiber degeneration in the nuclei praetectalis and posterior (ventral and medial parts respectively), the ventrolateral thalamic nucleus, and the zona incerta. (ii) The second group of degenerating axons traversed the cerebral peduncle and the terminal portions of its axons were shown to form zones of pericellular fiber degeneration in the basal pons. Retinotopically organized projections from V I were recognized in the LGv, LGd, Pul, nuclei praetectalis anterior and posterior (dorsal and lateral parts respectively), and SC; and the evidence reveals the presence of similarly organized projections from V II. Other retinotopically organized projections from the visual areas could not be demonstrated. The data support the view that the collateral branches of visual cortical axons serve as a principal source of input to some of the cellular components receiving innervation from the visual areas. Cellular degeneration was confined to the LGd and then present only with lesions involving V I. With each such lesion, the cellular degeneration formed a distinct column within the LGd, and this column and the one consisting of pericellular fiber (or boutonal) degeneration were consistently found to overlap.
Beating a Defender in Robotic Soccer: Memory-Based Learning of a Continuous Function

Learning how to adjust to an opponent's position is critical to the success of having intelligent agents collaborating towards the achievement of specific tasks in unfriendly environments. This paper describes our work on a Memory-based technique for to choose an action based on a continuous-valued state attribute indicating the position of an opponent. We investigate the question of how an agent performs in nondeterministic variations of the training situations. Our experiments indicate that when the random variations fall within some bound of the initial training, the agent performs better with some initial training rather than from a tabula-rasa.
Regulation of fumonisin B(1) biosynthesis and conidiation in Fusarium verticillioides by a cyclin-like (C-type) gene, FCC1.

Fumonisins are a group of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg (synonym Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon, teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis Wineland, synonym Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A) that contaminate maize and maize-based products (3, 22). Since the discovery of fumonisin B1 in 1988, more than 10 fumonisins have been isolated and characterized. Of these, fumonisin B1 (FB1), FB2, and FB3 are the major fumonisins found under field conditions. Fumonisins have been linked to various animal and human mycotoxicoses, such as leukoencephalomalacia in horses, pulmonary edema in pigs, and cancer in rats and humans (11, 36). The onset and progression of fumonisin-associated diseases are closely correlated with the disruption of sphingolipid metabolism. FB1 inhibits ceramide synthase (sphinganine N-acyltransferase), the enzyme responsible for the acylation of sphinganine in the de novo biosynthetic pathway for sphingolipids (32). In cells exposed to FB1, sphinganine accumulates rapidly and ceramides decrease, concomitant with increased DNA fragmentation, decreased viability, loss of regulation of differentiation, and apoptotic morphology (20, 28). Over the past few years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been evaluating the carcinogenic nature of fumonisins, and guidelines have been set for fumonisins in food (http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/∼dms/fumongui.html). Structurally, fumonisins have a linear 19- or 20-carbon backbone with hydroxyl, methyl, and tricarballylic acid moieties at various positions along the backbone. Radiolabeling experiments suggest that the backbone is produced by the polyketide pathway of secondary metabolism (4). The genes involved in fumonisin biosynthesis appear to be clustered (23), and five gene sequences, those of FUM5, FUM6, FUM7, FUM8, and FUM9, have been deposited in GenBank (accession number {"type":"entrez-nucleotide","attrs":{"text":"AF155773","term_id":"167613932","term_text":"AF155773"}}AF155773). FUM5, which encodes the polyketide synthase of F. verticillioides, has been cloned and characterized (23). Also, four additional loci involved in fumonisin production were identified by genetic analyses of field isolates (8). Knowledge of the regulation of the fumonisin biosynthetic pathway is limited to evidence indicating that fumonisins are synthesized under conditions of nitrogen stress and acidic pH (14, 27). Here we describe a mutant of F. verticillioides that is blocked in FB1 biosynthesis when grown on cracked corn. The mutant locus, FCC1 (for Fusarium cyclin C1), encodes a putative polypeptide with similarities to C-type cyclins of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We hypothesize that FCC1 is not essential for vegetative growth but that it plays an important role in signal transduction regulating secondary metabolism (e.g., fumonisin biosynthesis) and fungal development (e.g., conidiation).
Developing an institutional culture toward degree attainment for student athletes

This chapter describes the marginalization of student athletes and provides case studies and recommendations for institutions interested in better supporting, encouraging, and responding to the needs of students within this population.
Lidar-Based Estimation of Small-Scale Rainfall: Empirical Evidence

Abstract A significant scale gap between radar and in situ measurements of rainfall using rain gauges and disdrometers indicates a pressing need for improved knowledge of rainfall variability at the spatial scales below those of today’s operational radar rainfall products, that is, ∼1–4 km. Lidar technology has the potential to fulfill this need, but there has been inconsistency in the literature pertaining to quantitative observations of rain using lidar. Several publications have stated that light scattering properties of raindrops could not be correlated with rain rates, while other papers have demonstrated the existence of such relationships. This note provides empirical evidence in support of the latter claim. The authors conducted a simple experiment using a near-horizontal-pointing elastic lidar to observe rain in Iowa City, Iowa, in the fall of 2005. The lidar signal was used to estimate rainfall quantities that were subsequently compared with independent estimates of the same quantities obtained ...
Nondetour phase digital holograms: an analysis: errata

An expression for the required special bandwidth of a computer generated hologram is desired using results from the theory of frequency modulation. The expression is the same as a rule of thumb first presented by Lee. A simple quantization error model is presented for one type of nondetour phase class. It is shown that this hologram may be used to achieve a near optimum simulation of the quantization problem for random phase images.
The effect of the fiber curvature gradient on break excitation in cardiac tissue.

Background:Break excitation has been hypothesized as a mechanism for the initiation of reentry in cardiac tissue. One way break excitation can occur is by virtual electrodes formed due to a curving fiber geometry. In this article, we are concerned with the relationship between the peak gradient of fiber curvature and the threshold for break stimulation and the initiation of reentry. Methods: We calculate the maximum gradient of fiber curvature for different scales of fiber geometry in a constant tissue size (20 × 20 mm), and also examine the mechanisms by which reentry initiation fails. Results: For small peak gradients, reentry fails because break excitation does not occur. For larger peak gradients, reentry fails because break excitation fails to develop into full-scale reentry. For strong stimuli above the upper limit of vulnerability, reentry fails because the break excitation propagates through the hyperpolarized region and then encounters refractory tissue, causing the wave front to die.
A tutorial on oxidative stress and redox signaling with application to exercise and sedentariness

Oxidative stress has been shown to play a role in the etiology of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Free radicals and, most prominently, the superoxide radical, result from oxidative metabolism and several enzyme-catalyzed reactions, and endogenous cellular antioxidants dismutate many reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under certain conditions, ROS production can outpace dismutation (e.g., long-term sedentariness and positive energy balance) and the result is oxidative stress, with proteins, lipids, and DNA the most common targets of radicals. However, the molecules that contribute to oxidative stress also appear to participate in vital cell signaling activity that supports health and stimulates favorable adaptations to exercise training, such that inhibiting ROS formation prevents common adaptations to training. Furthermore, researchers have recently suggested that some proteins are not as readily formed when the redox state of the cell is insufficiently oxidative. Exercise training appears to optimize the redox environment by dramatically enhancing the capacity of the cell to neutralize ROS while regularly creating oxidative environments in which membrane and secretory proteins can be synthesized. The role that exercise plays in enhancing management of ROS likely explains many of the associated health benefits.
Nanomagnetic cascade logic

Interacting Nano-scale magnetic islands show promise for low-power logic applications. Using anisotropy engineering we demonstrate through micromagnetic simulations a novel universal logic gate capable of signal fanout.
Description of the SD-1 high-speed axial rotation device.

A high-speed axial rotation device capable of carrying animal subjects, the SD-1, was constructed and evaluated for vestibular research at the University of Iowa. The device can be controlled automatically by using a Data-Trak curve-follower programmer, or manually if desired. The drive system for the device is a Schaevitz GSD2PR variable-speed motor with associated electronic components, including a solid-state power supply with excellent voltage regulation capability. The rotating module is dynamically balanced to insure maximum performance and personal safety. Above 50 degrees/sec, angular velocity of the device increases linearly with increases in setting of the speed-control potentiometer. Control of angular velocity can be maintained constant ±0.20% for any specific setting of the speed-control potentiometer. Control of angular acceleration and deceleration is excellent over the range from 1 degree/sec2 to 3 × 103 degrees/sec2. By utilizing either the programmer or plugging unit, angular acceleratio...
II.—Subaërial Deposits of the Arid Region of North America

A Comparison of adobe with the loess of China forms the concluding part of this paper; but as no analyses of the Chinese deposit are known to me, a few analyses of the loess of the Mississippi Valley are inserted, not with the assumption, however, that the deposits bearing the same name in these two regions are identical. A comparison of this table with the one showing the composition of adobe is instructive, as it indicates that these two yellow earths have a very similar composition. There are other respects in which they bear a close resemblance to each other; but as my acquaintance with the loess of the Mississippi Valley is limited, this comparison will not be carried further.
Effect of heliox on albuterol delivery by metered-dose inhaler in pediatric in vitro models of mechanical ventilation.

Study Objective. To determine the effect of varying concentrations of heliox, a mixture of helium and oxygen, on albuterol delivery administered by metered-dose inhaler (MDI) in pediatric mechanically ventilated models. Design. Prospective in vitro laboratory study. Setting. University-affiliated research laboratory. Models. The lungs of a 10-kg infant and 30-kg child receiving humidified pressure-regulated volume-controlled ventilation were simulated. The infant settings were an endotracheal tube (ETT) of 4.0 mm, tidal volume of 150 ml, positive end-expiratory pressure of 2 cm H2O, rate of 20 breaths/minute, inspiratory time of 0.7 second; the child settings were an ETT of 6.0 mm, tidal volume of 450 ml, positive end-expiratory pressure of 2 cm H2O, rate of 16 breaths/minute, and inspiratory time of 0.8 second. Measurements and Main Results. Ten albuterol MDI canisters with chlorofluorocarbon propellants were each actuated once sequentially (total dose 1000 μg) with a commercially available aerosol holding chamber. Albuterol was collected onto a filter proximal to a lung simulator. The filter was rinsed, and concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. In the infant model, heliox mixtures of 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 were compared with nitrogen:oxygen (N2:O2) mixtures in the same ratios. The effect of the 70:30 mixtures was also explored in a child model. Each gas mixture was tested 5 times. At all three ratios, albuterol delivery to the end of the ETT was improved with heliox compared with N2:O2 (˜7% vs 3–4%, p<0.0001, one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA] with a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons). No significant difference was noted in mean percentage albuterol delivery among the varying ratios of heliox studied. By two-way ANOVA, significantly greater albuterol delivery was noted with 70:30 heliox compared with 70:30 N2:O2 (7–8% vs 3%, p<0.0001), with no significant difference between the infant and child model (p=0.21). The gas mixture, model, and interaction of the two explained 88% of the variability in mean percentage albuterol delivery. Conclusion. Heliox increased albuterol delivery administered by MDI to the end of the ETT in these in vitro pediatric models of mechanical ventilation. Further studies are needed to determine if the improved albuterol delivery with heliox enhances clinical response in infants and children needing mechanical ventilation.
Obesity susceptibility loci and dietary intake in the Look AHEAD Trial

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified consistent associations with obesity. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: The objective was to determine the association between obesity susceptibility loci and dietary intake. Design: The association of GWAS-identified obesity risk alleles (FTO, MC4R, SH2B1, BDNF, INSIG2, TNNI3K, NISCH-STAB1, MTIF3, MAP2K5, QPCTL/GIPR, and PPARG) with dietary intake, measured through food-frequency questionnaires, was investigated in 2075 participants from the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) clinical trial. We adjusted for age, sex, population stratification, and study site. Results: Obesity risk alleles at FTO rs1421085 significantly predicted more eating episodes per day (P = 0.001)—an effect that persisted after adjustment for body weight (P = 0.004). Risk variants within BDNF were significantly associated with more servings from the dairy product and the meat, eggs, nuts, and beans food groups (P 0.004). The risk allele at SH2B1 rs4788099 was significantly associated with more servings of dairy products (P = 0.001), whereas the risk allele at TNNI3K rs1514176 was significantly associated with a lower percentage of energy from protein (P =0 .002). Conclusion: These findings suggest that obesity risk loci may affect the pattern and content of food consumption among overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. The Look AHEAD Genetic Ancillary Study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01270763 and the Look AHEAD study as NCT00017953. Am J Clin Nutr
Living with the loss of a child: mothers in the criminal justice system.

OBJECTIVE Bereaved mothers have expressed the need to maintain a bond with their children who have died, to retain control over the funeral rituals, and to express their loss to others who are empathetic. This study describes grief over the loss of a child in women who have been or are currently incarcerated, and the influence of the women's family members. METHOD This descriptive qualitative study consisted of open-ended interview questions to encourage the women to describe their experience in their own words. A purposive sample (N = 10) was recruited from a prison re-entry program and a county jail. RESULTS All of the participants described maladaptive responses such as the use of alcohol and drugs, restricted family support, and dysfunctional coping. None of the participants had received focused bereavement services. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The descriptive perspective from the participants can inform clinicians who work with women who have a history of involvement with the criminal justice system, and recommends that they should inquire about the women's children and experiences with loss. Community re-entry and jail/prison counselors should provide access to confidential and group-based therapeutic support, including Compassionate Friends.
Comparing performance metrics in organic search with sponsored search advertising

With the rapid growth of search advertising, there has been an increased interest amongst both practitioners and academics in enhancing our understanding of how consumers respond to contextual and sponsored search advertising on the Internet. An emerging stream of work has begun to explore these issues. In this paper, we focus on a previously unexplored question: How does sponsored search advertising compare to organic listings with respect to predicting conversion rates, order values and profits from a keyword ad? We use a Hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework and estimate the model using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. Our analysis suggests that on an average while the conversion rates, order values and profits from paid search advertisements were much higher than those from natural search, most of the keyword-level characteristics have a statistically significant and stronger impact on these three performance metrics for organic search than paid search. This could shed light on understanding what the most "attractive" keywords are from advertisers' perspective, and how advertisers should invest in search engine advertising campaigns relative to search engine optimization.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress implicated in chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

OBJECT Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neurofibrillary tau tangles following repetitive neurotrauma. The underlying mechanism linking traumatic brain injury to chronic traumatic encephalopathy has not been elucidated. The authors investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress as a link between acute neurotrauma and chronic neurodegeneration. METHODS The authors used pharmacological, biochemical, and behavioral tools to assess the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in linking acute repetitive traumatic brain injury to the development of chronic neurodegeneration. Data from the authors’ clinically relevant and validated rodent blast model were compared with those obtained from postmortem human chronic traumatic encephalopathy specimens from a National Football League player and World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler. RESULTS The results demonstrated strong correlation of endoplasmic reticulum stress activation with subsequent tau hyperphos...
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and cancers

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands have anticancer activity against a wide variety of neoplastic cells in vitro. Animal studies have chronicled their in vivo anticancer effects and chemopreventive capabilities. In addition, moderate anticancer activities of PPARgamma ligands with minimal toxicities have been observed in patients with liposarcomas and prostate cancers. These compounds can slow growth and induce partial differentiation of selected cancer cells. They can decrease levels of cyclin D(1) and E, inflammatory cytokines, and nuclear factor kappaB and increase expression of p21(waf1) and p27(kip1). Surprisingly, some or many of these effects may occur independently of PPARgamma. Other data suggest that PPARgamma may behave as a tumor suppressor gene, although several compelling murine models, paradoxically, suggest that under selected circumstances, PPARgamma ligands may stimulate cancer formation. Nevertheless, the bulk of studies showed that PPARgamma ligands do have antiproliferative activity against many transformed cells and may be helpful in the setting of adjuvant and chemopreventive treatments of several common tumors, including colon, prostate, and breast cancers.
Percutaneous, ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion nerve block suppresses recurrent ventricular fibrillation in an infant awaiting heart transplant.

Percutaneous stellate ganglion nerve block has been used to treat chronic pain syndromes. It has been described for refractory ventricular arrhythmias.1,2 However, it has rarely been described in an infant.3,4 To the best of our knowledge, this block has not been used at this age as a diagnostic challenge and therapeutic bridge to surgical left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) and cardiac transplant. This patient presented shortly after birth with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia and ventricular preexcitation. She was treated with propranolol and discharged. Three months later, she became rigid and cyanotic at home, requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cardioversion, and amiodarone for ventricular tachycardia (VT). She underwent electrophysiology study with successful ablation of her accessory connection, but in the following days she developed recurrent ventricular fibrillation. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, otherwise normal anatomy and no focal lesions; catheterization was nondiagnostic. An epicardial implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was placed 13 days after presentation, and she was discharged home on amiodarone and propranolol. At 7 months of age, she had 28 appropriate shocks for monomorphic VT, polymorphic VT, and ventricular fibrillation over 3 days, …
Investigation of Volcanic Ash on Transmission Facilities in the Pacific Northwest

The recent volcanic activities of Mt. St. Helens starting with a minor eruption on March 27, 1980, followed by major eruptions on May 18 and 25 and June 12, 1980, precipitated investigations of possible effects of volcanic ash fallout on the Pacific Northwest power system. This report discusses the pattern and impact of the fallout, characterizes the physical and chemical properties of the ash, presents results of laboratory flashover tests on ash contaminated insulators, and summarizes effects on power system performance so far.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolic Rate in Persistent Lyme Encephalopathy

Context There is controversy regarding whether objective neurobiological abnormalities exist after intensive antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease. Objectives To determine whether patients with a history of well-characterized Lyme disease and persistent cognitive deficit show abnormalities in global or topographic distributions of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) or cerebral metabolic rate (rCMR). Design Case-controlled study. Setting A university medical center. Participants A total of 35 patients and 17 healthy volunteers (controls). Patients had well-documented prior Lyme disease, a currently reactive IgG Western blot, prior treatment with at least 3 weeks of intravenous cephalosporin, and objective memory impairment. Main Outcome Measures Patients with persistent Lyme encephalopathy were compared with age-, sex-, and education-matched controls. Fully quantified assessments of rCBF and rCMR for glucose were obtained while subjects were medication-free using positron emission tomography. The CBF was assessed in 2 resting room air conditions (without snorkel and with snorkel) and 1 challenge condition (room air enhanced with carbon dioxide, ie, hypercapnia). Results Statistical parametric mapping analyses revealed regional abnormalities in all rCBF and rCMR measurements that were consistent in location across imaging methods and primarily reflected hypoactivity. Deficits were noted in bilateral gray and white matter regions, primarily in the temporal, parietal, and limbic areas. Although diminished global hypercapnic CBF reactivity ( P Conclusions Patients with persistent Lyme encephalopathy have objectively quantifiable topographic abnormalities in functional brain activity. These CBF and CMR reductions were observed in all measurement conditions. Future research should address whether this pattern is also seen in acute neurologic Lyme disease.
The association between parental health beliefs and immunization status among children followed by private pediatricians.

To determine the association between parental health beliefs and the immunization status of their children, parents of children seen in two private pediatric practices completed a questionnaire on attitudes about immunizations. Five components of health beliefs were surveyed: perceived benefits of immunizations, susceptibility to diseases prevented by immunizations, severity of those diseases, parental feelings of self-efficacy in promoting their child's health, and barriers to immunization. Responses to the health-beliefs statements were transformed to an ordinal scale between 1 and 6, with ‘6’ corresponding to strongly positive feelings about immunizations. Immunization data were abstracted from practice medical records. Overall, 162/194 (83.3%) study children were fully immunized. There were no significant differences between parents of fully immunized children and those of under-immunized children in total health-beliefs score or for the benefits, susceptibility, severity, or barriers components. Self...
DIVERSITY OF BIRDS ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN THE CORDILLERA CENTRAL, COSTA RICA

Abstract Species diversity and community composition of birds change rapidly along elevational gradients in Costa Rica. Such changes are of interest ecologically and illustrate the value of protecting continuous gradients of forest. We used mist nets and point counts to sample birds along an elevational gradient on the northeastern Caribbean slope of the Cordillera Central in Costa Rica. Sites included mature tropical wet forest (50 m); tropical wet, cool transition forest (500 m); tropical premontane rain forest (1,000 m); and tropical lower montane rain forest (1,500 and 2,000 m). We recorded 261 species from 40 families, including 168 species captured in mist nets (7,312 captures) and 226 detected during point counts (17,071 observations). The sample included 40 threatened species, 56 elevational migrants, and 22 latitudinal migrants. Species richness (based on rarefaction analyses) changed little from 50 to 1,000 m but was lower at 1,500 and 2,000 m. Mist nets and point counts often provided similar v...
Hydrophobically modified inulin as an amphiphilic carbohydrate polymer for micellar delivery of paclitaxel for intravenous route

Micellization offers several advantages for the delivery of water insoluble drugs including a nanoparticulate 'core-shell' delivery system for drug targeting. Recently, hydrophobically modified polysaccharides (HMPs) are gaining recognition as micelle forming polymers to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. In this manuscript, for the first time, we have evaluated the self-assembling properties of a lauryl carbamate derivative of the poly-fructose natural polymer inulin (Inutec SP1(®) (INT)) to form paclitaxel (PTX) loaded micelles. INT self-assembled into well-defined micellar structures in aqueous environment with a low critical micellar concentration of 27.8 μg/ml. INT micelles exhibited excellent hemocompatibility and low toxicity to cultured cells. PTX loaded INT micelles exhibited a mean size of 256.37 ± 10.45 nm with excellent drug encapsulation efficiency (95.66 ± 2.25%) and loading (8.69 ± 0.22%). PTX loaded micelles also displayed sustained release of PTX and enhanced anti-cancer efficacy in-vitro in mouse melanoma cells (B16F10) compared to Taxol formulation with Cremophor EL as solvent. In addition, PTX loaded INT micelles exhibited comparable in-vivo antitumor activity in B16F10 allograft mouse model at half the dose of Taxol. In conclusion, INT offers safe, inexpensive and natural alternative to widely used PEG-modified polymers for the formulation of micellar delivery systems for paclitaxel.
Laboratory Studies Of An Improved Carbon/oxygen Log

A new method of taking carbon/oxygen logs has been tested in the laboratory. The method uses a 15-cm-diameter by 15-cm-long NaI detector. At low carbon/oxygen atomic ratios (below 0.1), this detector provides about four times the resolution of previously reported logs, permitting carbon to be measured within 1 at. %.
Workshop: Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemicals in the State of Science

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is pursuing a number of initiatives dealing with various aspects of the identification and management of substances that are persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT). These initiatives deal with solid waste management, changes in reporting levels, screening compounds submitted for listing approval, and an overall strategy for coordinating PBT compound management and research within U.S. EPA, and may have significant impacts on WERF subscribers. This workshop will evaluate information on the environmental fate of PBT chemicals and their regulation and management. Information will also be developed to support fact-based decision-making for utilities and industry, and the workshop will examine future research needs. It is hoped that this workshop will begin the debate on research needs for regulations and a basis for consistent, scientific decisions regarding chemical controls. This title belongs to WERF Research Report Series ISBN: 9781843396819 (eBook)
Using a Retreat to Develop a 4-Year Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Curriculum

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations experience significant health disparities, yet medical schools report devoting little educational time to the care of this population. In light of this, one School of Medicine utilized a daylong retreat to design a 4-year sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) curriculum. The participants completed pre-and post-surveys on their perspectives and knowledge towards SOGI learning, and the school’s curriculum database was reviewed 2 years later to ascertain the degree of implementation of the proposed curriculum. Significant improvements were observed in participants’ confidence in creating an SOGI curriculum, knowledge of SOGI teaching resources, and where in the curriculum SOGI competencies are and should be taught. A 6-month follow-up survey yielded a lower response rate, but suggested strong ongoing support for the new curriculum and some continuing challenges to implementing the proposed curriculum. A review of the school’s curriculum database 2 years later showed an implementation rate of 76 %. A focused and systematic retreat can be an effective tool for curriculum design and implementation.
Role of graphene interlayers in mitigating degradation of Ni/Au ohmic contact morphology on p-type GaN

Abstract We report an investigation of the effect of graphene interlayers in maintaining good surface morphology in low resistance Ni/Au Ohmic contacts to p -GaN (∼10 18 cm −3 ) annealed at 600 °C. Two different thin-film contact metallizations were compared, namely 20 nm Ni/200 nm Au with and without a graphene layer diffusion barrier placed between the metals. Raman spectroscopy measured at several spots indicated single layer graphene, but subsequent transmission electron microscopy indicated that more generally the graphene was several nm thick. The unannealed contacts showed specific contact resistances of 2.1 × 10 −5 Ω-cm 2 and 3.1 × 10 −4 Ω-cm 2 for Ni/Au and Ni/Graphene/Au, respectively. After rapid thermal annealing at 600 °C for 60 s in a flowing N 2 ambient, X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and cross-sectional Transmission Electron Microscopy showed the usual Ni/Au interchange occurred in samples without graphene. By sharp contrast, insertion of graphene interlayers prevented the nickel and gold interchange up to 600 °C and dramatically improved the morphological stability of the metallization stack. The results may be beneficial to optoelectronic devices in which reflectivity is critical.
The marriage division: A case study on clerical dissension in the United Methodist Church

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to understand the relationship between a dissenting clergy member in the United Methodist Church and his/her congregation in relation to same-sex marriage. This study seeks to answer: Why is the United Methodist Church resisting change when American society at large is altering its views on same-sex marriage? What is the experience of a clergy member who diverges from the denomination’s bylaws regarding sexual identity and the performance of same-sex marriage? How does that dissension affect the relationship with a clergy member’s parishioners? What effect does clerical dissension have on a clergy member’s ability to perform his/her job? This case study offers a snap shot into a Midwestern United Methodist Church community, with a dissenting pastor who sought to use his position as a church authority figure to act as an ally for LGBT individuals. This attempt came with a myriad of educational, generational, and ideological complications. Data collection occurred over a two-month period and employed descriptive case study methodology, grounded theory, and in-depth interviews. Following data collection, coding identified six overarching themes: (1) dialogue, (2) generational concerns, (3) ideology, (4) denominational concerns, (5) outcomes of dissension, and (6) an uncertain future. Findings from this study describe the current relationship between a dissenting Pastor and his congregation, in addition to providing theoretical frameworks for understanding what dissent looks like in the United Methodist Church and what congregational roadblocks currently prevent social change on the issue of same sex-marriage.
Financing Antebellum Importers: The Role of Brown Bros. & Co. in Baltimore

The House of Brown was a major international banking firm during the nineteenth century. The leading banking houses such as Baring Brothers and the Browns facilitated the flow of goods throughout the world by providing a range of services vital to international commerce. Mr. Perkins examines the manner in which the firm did business in a large American port on the eve of the Civil War.
Time-To-Market and Product Innovativeness in Pharmaceutical New Drug Development Projects

R&D is a critical component of new product development. In this paper, we develop a theoretical framework for understanding how the performance of a firmi¯s R&D mode choice between in-house and lic...
Effects of lithology, time and exposure on the stabilization of loess matled slopes. A comparative study

The stabilization of side-slopes in the small valleys of two major loess regions, the American Midwest and E Transdanubia in Hungary, were studied based upon the field measurements of 224 relatively stabilized slope profiles; for comparison, 97 profiles were also measured in non-loessic areas near the American loess region. Data from the field measurements were then subjected to frequency distribution analyses according to various groupings and the mean values were compared in terms of slope declivity and angularity. The effect of lithology on slope development is demonstrated by the finding that the valley side-slopes in loess are steeper by 6° and more angular by about 7° than those in non-loess. Also, the valleys in loess tend to be more symmetrical than those in non-loess. A comparison of the upper and lower sections of the valleys that were subjected to a double-cycle of erosion into the same sediment within the same region, i.e., into loess in the American Midwest, indicate the effect of time. The lower, which are also younger, sections of these valleys are steeper by 10° and more angular by 9° than their upper ones; thus the model of reclining slope retreat seems to be confirmed here. A moderate effect of exposure on slope development is indicated by the slightly steeper and more angular (by 1° – 2°) slopes exposed to the N-NE-E versus those exposed to the S-SW-W. Because of the complex and interrelated dynamic processes involved in slope evolution there are probably many factors which are responsible for the stabilization of the valley side-slopes of the study areas; some explanations are offered in this paper. It was also found that differences in lithology, time and exposure influence primarily the youngest, which are also the relatively least stable, components of the slope.
Iron pyrite nanocubes: size and shape considerations for photovoltaic application.

Multiple lines of recent research indicate that iron pyrite (FeS2) requires a {100}-terminated crystal morphology in order to maintain semiconducting properties. Additionally, the large absorption coefficient of pyrite allows for the near complete absorption of above band gap radiation in <50 nm layers. However, to our knowledge <50 nm pyrite nanocubes have yet to be isolated. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of ∼37 nm phase pure pyrite nanocubes by manipulating the sulfur chemical potential and ligand environment of the system. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy gives a signal of resonant light scattering indicating strong electronic coupling between nanocubes, which may allow for nanocube films with superior electron mobility. The absorption spectroscopies of cubic and irregular nanocrystals are contrasted and compared with recent theoretical work in order to investigate the effect of shape on electronic properties. Specifically, nanocubes have been found to have absorption charact...
Immunostimulatory and antioxidant activities of Oviductus Ranae protein hydrolysates

Oviductus Ranae protein hydrolysates were prepared with papain, trypsin, neutral protease and alkaline protease, and were named PAH, TPH, NPH and APH, respectively. The result of testing phagocytic function of macrophages showed all four hydrolysates promoted macrophages function, NPH showed the most significant effect, followed by PAH, TPH and APH. NO productions of macrophages assay indicated Oviductus Ranae protein hydrolysates had the immunostimulatory activity, and NPH exhibited also the most significant effect, followed by PAH, APH and TPH. To investigate antioxidant activities of four hydrolysate, total antioxidant capacities test was performed. The result showed all four hydrolysate had antioxidant activity, and NPH revealed still the most signifi cant effect, followed by PAH, APH and TPH. Comparing these hydrolysate on promoting macrophage function and antioxidant activity,the results indicated that the stronger immunostimulatory hydrolysate also had stronger antioxidant activity.
Fetal Absorption of 3H‐Leucine Injected into the Amniotic Sacs of Pregnant Rats

When injected into the amniotic sacs of fetal rats in late pregnancy, 3H-leucine is rapidly absorbed and incorporated into fetal proteins as determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Peak values in the fetal liver and pancreas occur around four hours after injection. Approximately 21% of the radioisotope is retained in the injected fetus at 24 hours. The remainder escapes into the maternal circulation and accounts for a gradual increase in levels in noninjected fetuses from the same litter and for persistently high counts found in maternal serum as late as 24 hours after the injection. Specific activity of the radioisotope in fetal tissues is considerably higher (100- to 200-fold) when 3H-leucine is injected inth the amniotic sac rather than intravenously into the mother. The possible treatment of various fetal disorders by means of intra-amniotic injections is discussed.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Helicobacter pylori Urease.

Helicobacter pylori have been implicated in an array of gastrointestinal disorders including, but not limited to, gastric and duodenal ulcers and adenocarcinoma. This bacterium utilizes an enzyme, urease, to produce copious amounts of ammonia through urea hydrolysis in order to survive the harsh acidic conditions of the stomach. Molecular dynamics (MD) studies on the H. pylori urease enzyme have been employed in order to study structural features of this enzyme that may shed light on the hydrolysis mechanism. A total of 400 ns of MD simulation time were collected and analyzed in this study. A wide-open flap state previously observed in MD simulations on Klebsiella aerogenes [Roberts et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134, 9934] urease has been identified in the H. pylori enzyme that has yet to be experimentally observed. Critical distances between residues on the flap, contact points in the closed state, and the separation between the active site Ni2+ ions and the critical histidine α322 residue were used to ...
The Representation of the African American as Colonial Oppressed in Texts of the Soviet Interwar Years

The article provides an overview of the representation of the African American in Soviet publications, looking both at works by Soviet writers and at works by African Americans. It discusses an evolution in the representation of both Africans and African Americans in published texts from prerevolutionary exoticist conventions, as in Pierre Loti, or emphasis on their spirituality, as in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, to emphasizing their debased position and the class nature of their oppression. The article discusses the impact of developments in Soviet policies and ideology on this evolution, such as the “Black Belt” doctrine of the Comintern, and traces their impact in works by Claude McKay and Richard Wright, and also in the travelogues of Soviet visitors to the United States, such as Boris Pil'niak, and Il'ia Il'f and Evgeny Petrov.
White Coat Hyperglycemia: The Forgotten Syndrome

There are many examples of medical forgetfulness. In the early 1900s, heart attack was called “coronary thrombosis”, but this pathological process was forgotten in the excitement of cholesterol in all its variations and implications. It was not until the concept of thrombolysis became practical that treatment was refocused on the true pathology.
Marrow transplantation following busulfan and cyclophosphamide in multiple myeloma

We report the use of busulfan and cyclophosphamide as conditioning before allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for a 38-year-old man with multiple myeloma. Three months post-transplant the monoclonal IgA band previously present was no longer detectable in the serum and plasma cells were no longer visible in the marrow. The patient died on day 93 with fungal infection. We conclude that the combination of busulfan and cyclophosphamide could be valuable before transplant for other patients with multiple myeloma.
Systems of Linear Reasoning

In Craig’s paper “Linear Reasoning” [1] he considered a system of Quantification Theory in which there are no axioms, but only inference rules, and all rules are 1-premise rules. In each of these rules, the premise validly implies the conclusion. By a derivation of Y from X in the system is meant a finite sequence of lines $$\begin{array}{*{20}{c}} {{X_{1}}\left( { = X} \right)} \\ \vdots \\ {{X_{n}}\left( { = Y} \right)} \\ \end{array}$$ such that for each i<n, the line X i+ 1 is a direct consequence of the preceding line X i by one of the inference rules.