cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Avian Conservation under the Endangered Species Act: Expenditures versus Recovery Priorities

Budget constraints require the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prioritize species for recovery spend- ing. Each listed species is ranked according to the degree of threat it faces, its recovery potential, and its taxo- nomic distinctness. We analyzed state and federal government expenditures for recovery of threatened and endangered birds ( n � 85 species) from 1992 to 1995 to determine if the priority system was being followed. Although recovery spending correlated with priority rank, priority rank explained � 5% of the variation in spending. A small number of the same moderately ranked species dominated expenditures each year (41- 79% of total annual budgets). Species with wide distributions, high recovery potential, and captive breeding programs received the most funding, and more funding than their priority ranks dictated. Island species re- ceived significantly less funding than expected based on priority rank. Twelve species, 10 of which resided on islands, received � $5000 at least once from 1992 to 1995. Recovery spending was unrelated to degree of threat, taxonomic distinctness, and migratory status. There also was no relationship between land-purchase expenditures and priority ranks. To improve the relationship between recovery spending on threatened and endangered birds and their priority rank, significant changes need to be made within the private sector (less litigation and special-interest lobbying ), U.S. Congress (increased budget and reduced earmarking ), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (restructuring of regional offices and increased accountability).
Deficits in response inhibition associated with chronic methamphetamine abuse

Chronic methamphetamine (MA) abuse is associated with cerebral deficits, involving frontal/basal-ganglia regions that are important for inhibitory control. We used the Stop-Signal Task to measure response inhibition in 11 MA abusers (5-7 days abstinent) and two groups of control subjects who did not use MA (14 tobacco smokers and 29 non-smokers). Stop-signal reaction time (SSRT), which indicates the latency to inhibit an initiated motor response, was significantly longer for MA abusers than for either control group (p's<.01). In contrast, the MA abusers did not differ from either group on Go trial reaction time (RT) or number of discrimination errors, which reflect motor speed and decision-processes, respectively. MA abuse in this study was therefore associated with a specific deficit in inhibiting a pre-potent response. Future research could examine whether SSRT is different for MA abusers who respond to treatment compared to those who do not. If such differences are established then response inhibition may serve as a marker for investigating MA abuse in basic science and clinical trials.
NNK promotes migration and invasion of lung cancer cells through activation of c-Src/PKCι/FAK loop.

Cigarette smoking, either active or passive, is the most important risk factor in the development of human lung cancer. Mounting evidence indicates that cigarette smoke constituents not only contribute to tumorigenesis but also may increase the spread of cancer in the body. Nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) is formed by nitrosation of nicotine and has been identified as the most potent carcinogen. NNK, an important component in cigarette smoke, may also promote tumor metastasis by regulating cell motility. Here we found that NNK can induce activation of a functionally interdependent protein kinase cascade, including c-Src, PKCι and FAK, in association with increased migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells. c-Src, PKCι and FAK are extensively co-localized in the cytoplasm. Treatment of cells with α7 nAChR specific inhibitor α-bungarotoxin (α-BTX) blocks NNK-stimulated activation of c-Src, PKCι and FAK and suppresses cell migration and invasion. Intriguingly, NNK enhances c-Src/PKCι and PKCι/FAK bindings, indicating a potential mechanism by which these kinases activate each other. Specific disruption of c-Src, PKCι or FAK expression by RNA interference significantly reduces NNK-induced cell migration and invasion. These findings suggest that NNK-induced migration and invasion may occur in a mechanism through activation of a c-Src/PKCι/FAK loop, which can contribute to metastasis and/or development of human lung cancer.
Transmitter Linearization by Beamforming

Millimeter-wave transmitters designed for dense signal constellations must deal with severe linearity-efficiency trade-offs. This paper proposes a method of blending beamforming and linearization that reduces the number of power amplifiers and avoids the loss of on-chip transformers. Two constant-envelope beams are combined in space to deliver a variable-envelope signal, relaxing the linearity of transmitters. A dual-transmitter prototype fabricated in 65-nm CMOS technology and designed for the 60-GHz band produces a 16QAM output of +9.7 dBm with 11% efficiency.
Field presentation of male secretions alters social display in Sceloporus virgatus but not S. undulatus lizards

Lizards have communicative displays involving primarily vision and chemicals, and recent work suggests trade-offs between these two modalities. In reptiles, little work assesses effects of conspecific chemicals on subsequent signaling behavior. Here, we studied responses to conspecific secretions in two Sceloporus species differing in visual signaling: male Sceloporus undulatus have blue abdominal patches used in aggressive territorial encounters, while Sceloporus virgatus males have evolutionarily lost the patches and have low rates of aggressive display. We measured behavior of free-ranging males following presentation of swabs with conspecific male chemicals from femoral glands and the cloaca, or of clean swabs. For male S. undulatus (blue), neither likelihoods nor rates of behavioral responses differed between swab treatments. In contrast, male S. virgatus (white) presented with secretions had significantly higher likelihood of performing head bob, push-up, and shudder displays, than males in control swab trials. Rates of behavior also differed for S. virgatus, with higher rates of push-up display and tongue flick in trials with conspecific chemicals, but rates of other displays, number of moves, and mean total distance moved did not differ between treatments. Male S. undulatus moved significantly greater distances than S. virgatus, independent of treatment. In sum, male S. virgatus responded to conspecific male chemicals by increasing their low rates of display behavior, whereas male S. undulatus did not alter their already high rates of display or movement following chemical exposure. Chemical signals may play a different role in social signaling in the species with the loss of the abdominal color signal.
Fluorescent, synthetic amphiphilic heptapeptide anion transporters: evidence for self-assembly and membrane localization in liposomes.

Synthetic anion transporters (SATs) of the general type (n-C18H37)2N-COCH2OCH2CO-(Gly)3-Pro-(Gly)3-O-n-C7H15, 1, are amphiphilic peptides that form anion-conducting pores in bilayer membranes. To better understand membrane insertion, assembly and aggregation dynamics, and membrane penetration, four novel fluorescent structures were prepared for use in both aqueous buffer and phospholipid bilayers. The fluorescent residues pyrene, indole, dansyl, and NBD were incorporated into 1 to give 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Assembly of peptide amphiphiles in buffer was confirmed by monitoring changes in the pyrene monomer/excimer peaks observed for 2. Solvent-dependent fluorescence changes that were observed for indole (3) and dansyl (4) side-chained SATs in bilayers showed that these residues experienced an environment between e=9 (CH2Cl2) and e=24 (EtOH) in polarity. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between 2 and 3 demonstrated aggregation of SAT monomers within the bilayer. This self-assembly led to pore formation, which was detected as Cl- release from the liposomes. The results of acrylamide quenching of fluorescent SATs supported membrane insertion. Studies with NBD-labeled SAT 5 showed that peptide partition into the bilayer is relatively slow. Dithionite quenching of NBD-SATs suggests that the amphiphilic peptides are primarily in the bilayer’s outer leaflet. Images obtained by using a fluorescence microscope revealed membrane localization of a fluorescent SAT. Taken together, this study helps define the insertion, membrane localization, and aggregation behavior of this family of synthetic anion transporters in liposomal bilayers.
A Capacitive MEMS Viscometric Sensor for Affinity Detection of Glucose

This paper presents a capacitively based microelectromechanical systems affinity sensor for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) applications. This sensor consists of a vibrating Parylene diaphragm, which is remotely driven by a magnetic field and situated inside a microchamber. A solution of poly(acrylamide-ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid) (PAA-ran-PAAPBA), a biocompatible glucose-sensitive polymer, fills the microchamber, which is separated from its surroundings by a semipermeable membrane. Glucose permeates through the membrane and binds reversibly to the phenylboronic acid moiety of the polymer. This results in a viscosity change of the sensing solution, causing a detectable change in the Parylene diaphragm vibration which can be measured capacitively. Experimental results demonstrate that the device is capable of detecting glucose at physiologically relevant concentrations ranging from 30 to 360 mg/dL. The response time of the sensor to glucose concentration changes is approximately 1.5 min, which can be further improved with optimized device designs. Excellent reversibility and stability are observed in sensor responses, as highly desired for long-term CGM.
Controlling the density of pinhole defects in monolayer graphene synthesized via chemical vapor deposition on copper

Abstract The chemical vapor deposition of monolayer graphene on metal foils and thin films typically yields graphene that appears to be continuous and complete but that actually contains a high density of pinhole defects. These pinhole defects can be present at densities greater than 1 μm−2 and are problematic for many applications, ranging from the implementation of graphene in electronics to its use as a diffusion barrier. Here, we characterize pinhole defects in graphene films that are grown on Cu foils and epitaxial Cu thin films using CH4 as the precursor. On Cu foils, a relationship between surface roughness and the pinhole defect density is observed. A reduction in pinholes by a factor of ∼40 is realized by decreasing the foil surface roughness via increasing the annealing temperature and duration. The pinhole density is further reduced by a factor of ∼200 by using smoother epitaxial Cu thin films and additionally by extending the growth duration past the point of visual completion, as characterized by scanning electron microscopy. This study is expected to serve as a foundation for developing high quality substrates for graphene synthesis and realizing pinhole-free graphene.
51 OPTIMIZATION OF VITRIFICATION PARAMETERS FOR RHESUS MACAQUE BLASTOCYSTS

The cryobiological characteristics of rhesus macaque embryos are not well defined, and only a few studies report limited success rates after recovery from slow-freezing cryopreservation. Vitrification is the method currently in use by many infertility clinics with 85 to 96% embryos surviving post-thaw. However, success of thawing rhesus macaque embryos after vitrification is not well documented. Therefore, multiple vitrification parameters were evaluated on rhesus expanded blastocysts by comparing culture medium, vitrification method, and embryo integrity. Embryos (n = 204) were produced by standard IVF and cultured in either Global (single-step; LifeGlobal Group, Guilford, CT, USA) or Quinns Advantage (sequential; SAGE, Trumbull, CT, USA) in a humidified tri-gas mixture (6% CO2, 5% O2, 89% N2) at 37°C until blastocyst expansion was observed after 7 to 9 days of culture. Embryos were then vitrified in straws using the Global Fast Freeze Vitrification protocol or in cryotops using the Kitazato method (VT 601-Top-Kitazato, Japan). Additional embryos were biopsied with an objective-mounted laser to remove ~10 to 20 trophectoderm cells before vitrification with Global Fast Freeze in straws. Embryos were thawed at 30°C and cultured at 37°C for an additional 48 h or until arrested. Morphology was graded as good (re-expanded), poor (shrunken cytoplasm), or lysed, following thaw, and success of good or hatched embryos was analysed by Fisher’s exact test with P < 0.05. Because our goal was to provide good quality embryos for embryo transfer, the ability to hatch was our standard for determining success. There was no significant difference in embryo quality between culture medium, vitrification method, or embryo integrity. Overall, 90% of the embryos were scored as morphologically good regardless of culture medium based on re-expansion post-thaw <24 h (55/61) but had a relatively low hatching rate of 25% (15/61), demonstrating that not all re-expanded embryos will go on to achieve the hatched state. Initial trials vitrifying with the Global protocol were associated with decreased recovery rates as many embryos were lost. Cryotops were able to increase our recovery rate to 100% (n = 22) but with only 5% surviving post-thaw (1/22). Decreasing the amount of media used to recover embryos from straws enabled a re-evaluation of the cryotop technique with an improved recovery of 92% (60/65). Biopsied embryos tended to have a higher hatch rate (48%; 10/21) compared with intact embryos frozen at the same stage (26%; 9/35). The trophectoderm biopsy likely allows for better permeation of the cryoprotectant before vitrification in embryos due to a collapsed blastocoel. Taken together, these data suggest that vitrification is a viable method of preserving embryos of genetic value and those that undergo manipulation, including trophectoderm.
Cross Cultural Approaches to Working with Addict Families

Diverse methods of approaching a broad spectrum of ethnic families of addicts are discussed. Included among representative minorities are native Americans, inner city Blacks, Chicanos, Asian Americans, Mormons, gays and a women’s group. Styles of ecological family therapy and emergent modes of treatment provide insight into racial-ethnic family systems. Associated patterns suggest that commonalities among families with drug abusing members are greater than their sociocultural differences.
Exogenous Estrogens and Other Factors In the Epidemiology of Breast Cancer

In a hospital-based case-control study of the epidemiology of breast cancer undertaken in Connecticut from 1977 to 1979, there was no evidence of an increase in risk for breast cancer among women who had used oral contraceptives or estrogen-replacement therapy. In fact, there was some suggestion of a decrease in risk for breast cancer with increasing length of use of oral contraceptives. Higher than average risks were found among women who had never give birth to a child, women with a late age at menopause, women, with an early age at menarche, women who had given birth to their first child at a relatively late age, women with previous benign breast disease, and women with a history of breast cancer in a sister or mother. Heavy women were at high risk for premenopausal breast cancer. The association between heaviness and postmenopausal breast cancer was strongest among women who had had their last menstrual period more than 5 years before the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Narcissism and the Charismatic Leader-Follower Relationship

The victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran did not fulfill Ayatollah Khomeini’s messianic aspirations. Still driven by dreams of glory, the aged Ayatollah continued relentlessly to pursue his greater goal of one “united Islamic Nation” under his guidance. The fundamental political, economic, and social changes, as well as the violence and havoc that his revolution unleashed, are vivid testimony to the powerful forces that can be mobilized by charismatic leader-follower relationships. Osama bin Laden similarly forged a powerful bond with his alienated followers, resulting in the explosive events of September 11, 2001. Indeed, Khomeini can be considered an intellectual mentor and model for bin Laden. The Islamic Revolution in Iran and the radical Islamic terrorism of al-Qaeda are pointed reminders that such relationships are not merely interesting relics of a bygone era – the era of “great men” – but continue to play an important and often determining role in world affairs. I write not of charismatic leaders but rather of charismatic leader–follower relationships. In this chapter, I elaborate on the political psychology of this powerful tie between leaders and followers and attempt to identify crucial aspects of the psychology of the leader that, like a key, fit and unlock crucial aspects of the psychology of their followers. In delineating this lock-and-key relationship, I draw on emerging understandings of the psychology of narcissism.
Sensitivity of [11C]phenylephrine kinetics to monoamine oxidase activity in normal human heart.

Phenylephrine labeled with 11C was developed as a radiotracer for imaging studies of cardiac sympathetic nerves with PET. A structural analog of norepinephrine, (-)-[11C]phenylephrine (PHEN) is transported into cardiac sympathetic nerve varicosities by the neuronal norepinephrine transporter and stored in vesicles. PHEN is also a substrate for monoamine oxidase (MAO). The goal of this study was to assess the importance of neuronal MAO activity on the kinetics of PHEN in the normal human heart. MAO metabolism of PHEN was inhibited at the tracer level by substituting deuterium atoms for the two hydrogen atoms at the alpha-carbon side chain position to yield the MAO-resistant analog D2-PHEN. METHODS: Paired PET studies of PHEN and D2-PHEN were performed in six normal volunteers. Hemodynamic and electrocardiographic responses were monitored. Blood levels of intact radiotracer and radiolabeled metabolites were measured in venous samples taken during the 60 min dynamic PET study. Myocardial retention of the tracers was regionally quantified as a retention index. Tracer efflux between 6 and 50 min after tracer injection was fit to a single exponential process to obtain a washout half-time for all left ventricular regions. RESULTS: Although initial heart uptake of the two tracers was similar, D2-PHEN cleared from the heart 2.6 times more slowly than PHEN (mean half-time 155+/-52 versus 55+/-10 min, respectively; P < 0.01). Correspondingly, heart retention of D2-PHEN at 40-60 min after tracer injection was higher than PHEN (mean retention indices 0.086+/-0.018 versus 0.066+/-0.011 mL blood/ min/mL tissue, respectively; P < 0.003). CONCLUSION: Efflux of radioactivity from normal human heart after uptake of PHEN is primarily due to metabolism of the tracer by neuronal MAO. Related mechanistic studies in the isolated rat heart indicate that vesicular storage of PHEN protects the tracer from rapid metabolism by neuronal MAO, suggesting that MAO metabolism of PHEN leaking from storage vesicles leads to the gradual loss of PHEN from the neurons. Thus, although MAO metabolism influences the rate of clearance of PHEN from the neurons, MAO metabolism is not the rate-determining step in the observed efflux rate under normal conditions. Rather, the rate at which PHEN leaks from storage vesicles is likely to be the rate-limiting step in the observed efflux rate.
Bladder neoplasms associated with augmentation cystoplasty: report of 2 cases and literature review.

AbstractBladder neoplasms associated with augmentation cystoplasty have been reported to date in 12 patients. We add 2 cases: 1 with invasive transitional cell carcinoma involving the native bladder and bowel segment, and 1 with a poorly differentiated invasive oat cell (small cell) carcinoma confined to the bladder. The predisposing factors and pertinent literature are reviewed. (J. Urol., 142: 377-380, 1989)
Can computed tomography scan be performed effectively in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis without the added morbidity of rectal contrast

The highest degrees of accuracy have been demonstrated for CT scans using rectal contrast in diagnosing appendicitis. However, the administration of rectal contrast is associated with patient discomfort and rarely, rectosigmoid perforation (0.04%). Additionally, the commonly accepted negative appendectomy rate is around 16 per cent. We performed a retrospective review of radiology, operative, and pathology reports of consecutive patients undergoing appendectomy or CT examination for appendicitis during 2006. CT scans were performed without rectal contrast. The accuracy of each type of inpatient CT examination and negative appendectomy rates were determined. Two hundred and thirty-eight patients underwent appendectomy. One hundred and thirty-four appendectomy patients (56%) received a preoperative CT scan. The negative appendectomy rates were 6.3 per cent overall, 8.7 per cent without CT examination and 4.5 per cent with CT (P = 0.3). Two hundred and forty-five inpatient CT scans were performed for suspected appendicitis with a sensitivity of 90 per cent, specificity of 98 per cent, accuracy of 94 per cent, positive predictive value of 98 per cent, and negative predictive value of 91 per cent. CT scanning without rectal contrast is effective for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis making rectal contrast, with its attendant morbidity, unnecessary. The previously acceptable published negative appendectomy rate is higher than that found in current surgical practice likely due to preoperative CT scanning.
Exploring the use of image text for biomedical literature retrieval.

In biomedical publications, figures and images concisely summarize a paper’s experimental findings and results. Recent studies have therefore explored the use of images to assist in information retrieval (IR) in biomedicine, mostly based o n mining the image caption content. We extend this approach by mining the image text, which refer s to the text inside biomedical figures and images. In this work, we discuss the distinct adv antages of using image text for biomedical IR and present a protot ype search engine implementing the idea.
CULINÁRIA LIGHT: Prevenção e Controle da Hipertensão Arterial

As doencas cardiovasculares representam um serio problema de saude publica, pois constituem a principal causa de morbimortalidade da populacao brasileira, O controle dessa patologia por meio de medidas dieteticas especificas visa nao apenas a reducao dos niveis tensionais, mas tambem a incorporacao de habitos alimentares permanentes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver preparacoes hipossodicas caracterizadas light, obedecendo as normas da legislacao vigente. Inicialmente foram selecionadas receitas tradicionais e realizadas as alteracoes necessarias para torna-las light em relacao ao sodio e tiveram como base a oferta no comercio de condimentos e temperos com baixos teores deste mineral. As informacoes nutricionais foram determinadas por meio de rotulagem conforme a determinacao da portaria para os alimentos light. Por meio dos experimentos executados, foram obtidas 11 receitas caracterizadas como light em termos de sodio, ou seja, apresentaram reducoes minimas de 25% nos teores deste micronutriente em relacao as receitas tradicionais. A indicacao destas pode auxiliar no aumento da qualidade de vida dos individuos, tendo em vista que sao mais saudaveis, e nao menos saborosas do que as receitas tradicionais, atuando na prevencao e no controle da hipertensao arterial.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Reactivity Moderates Associations Between Children’s Executive Functioning and Social and Academic Competence

This study examined whether children with poor executive functioning (EF) evidenced less social and academic impairments, compared to other children, if they demonstrated adaptive parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) regulation during experiences of failure. Participants with and without clinical elevations in ADHD symptoms (N = 61; 9–13 years; 48% male; 85% Caucasian) were administered a battery of EF tests and completed manipulated social and cognitive failure tasks. While participants completed failure tasks, respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity (RSA-R) was measured as an indicator of PNS reactivity. Children’s social and academic impairment in daily life was assessed based on parent and teacher report on multiple measures. RSA-R during social failure moderated the association between poor EF and adult-rated social impairment and RSA-R during cognitive failure moderated the association between poor EF and adult-rated academic impairment. Simple effects indicated that poor EF was significantly associated with impairment when children demonstrated RSA activation (increased PNS activity) but not when children demonstrated RSA withdrawal (decreases in PNS activity). Domain-crossed models (e.g., reactivity to social failure predicting academic impairment) were not significant, suggesting that the moderating effect of RSA-R was domain-specific. Results suggest that not all children with poor EF evidence social and academic impairment; RSA withdrawal during experiences of failure may be protective specifically for children with impaired EF skills.
Fuzzy cognitive maps of public support for insurgency and terrorism

Feedback fuzzy cognitive maps (FCMs) can model the complex structure of public support for insurgency and terrorism (PSOT). FCMs are fuzzy causal signed digraphs that model degrees of causality in ...
Current decomposition based on a double/multiple synochrouns reference frames and Fryze-Buchholz-Depenbrock theory for a non-islanded microgrid with a finite control set-model predictive controller: A comparative approach

In this work, load current in a multi-unit microgrid is decomposed into components. These components reflect the nature of total connected load at the point of common coupling (PCC) with the utility grid. Each unit (composed of distributed energy resources (DER), interfacing converter, and filtering elements), contributes to the total current fed by the microgrid. The current supplied by a unit is also decomposed into corresponding components as in case of the load current. The approach for decomposition is based on synchrouns reference frames that rotate at different frequencies. Current components obtained are in terms of symmetrical components with positive or negative sequence. Targeted components, embedded in ripple components are acquired by filtering action. A finite control set-model predictive controller is developed to control current supplied by each unit in a peer component approach. To validate the proposed double/multiple synchrouns reference frame (D/MSRF), decomposition is also carried out using the Fryze-Buchholz-Depenbrock (FBD) power theory. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed approach that require less calculation compared to FBD theory. In addition, the D/MSRF demonstrates the ability to decompose all types of encountered loads.
A Sense of place: Examining music-based tourism and its implications in destination venue placement

Music, and the ability to make it, understand it and interpret it, is one of the characteristics that make us uniquely human. However, when it comes to seeing the performance of live music, there are other variables that come into play when determining where to see a concert. The potential connection between people, music, and a “sense of place” are explored in this examination of music-based tourism. Based on information from journals and related news media, and using parallels to the sports tourism industry, the paper found a distinct connection between humans and music in the context of human development, religion, politics and sporting events, as well as the sense of place created by significant occurrences and music festivals (AC Entertainment, 2011; Cairney, 2010; McCleay, 1997; Wallin, 1991)The literature also suggested that the draw of music-based tourism in cities as well as genre-related variables and venue specific information contributed to decision-making of individuals (Gnuschke & Wallace, 2004; King, 2004; Puterbaugh, 2009).The paper concludes with a proposed research survey to be administered to concert-goers to confirm the information included in the literature
Dynamics of unforced and vertically forced rocking elliptical and semi-elliptical disks

Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigation on the dynamics of unforced and vertically forced rocking elliptical and semi-elliptical disks. The full equation of motion for both rocking disks is derived from first principles. For unforced behavior, Lamb's method is used to derive the linear natural frequency of both disks, and harmonic balance is used to determine their amplitude-dependent rocking frequencies. A stability analysis then reveals that the equilibria and stability of the two disks are considerably different, as the semi-elliptical disk has a super-critical pitchfork bifurcation that enables it to exhibit bistable rocking behavior. Experimental studies were conducted to verify the trends. For vertically forced behavior, numerical investigations show the disk's responses to forward and reverse frequency sweeps. Three modes of periodicity were observed for the steady state behavior. Experiments were performed to verify the frequency responses and the presence of the three rocking modes. Comparisons between the experiments and numerical investigations show good agreement.
The Logic Underlying a Research‐Based College Access Program: Depicting the Theory of Change of the Princeton University Preparatory Program

The Princeton University Preparatory Program (PUPP) is a high-touch, intensive college access program aimed at providing a multiyear college preparation experience to high-achieving, low-income students in the Princeton, New Jersey, area. This report presents the theory of change and logic model of PUPP, detailing the theoretical basis for the expectation that PUPP inputs, resources, and activities will lead to the expected program outcomes, which include that program participants gain admittance to and graduate from selective colleges and universities providing comprehensive financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships.
The LINC Project: An Intergenerational Statewide Collaborative Project

Abstract The Linking Intergenerational Networks in Communities (LINC) Project, a statewide, collaborative, intergenerational program, funded in 1995 by the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation, included Clemson University, the Bureau of Senior Services for South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the United Way of South Carolina. In this paper, the author focuses on what the partnering groups learned during the five-year project about the process of creating and implementing a collaborative statewide intergenerational program that included a public university, the state offices of aging and education, and a private fundraising and public service agency. The author, who during part of the project was the evaluator at Generations Together at the University of Pittsburgh and who consulted with the LINC project on the project evaluation from 1998 to 2000, uses the literature on collaboration to describe how the four partners worked together to form an intergenerational collaborative organizatio...
Gender disparities in liver transplant candidates with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the fastest growing indication for liver transplantation (LT). Data from the UNOS database were used to compare rates of listing and LT between men and women with NASH. METHODS The study population consisted of 76 149 patients listed for LT between 2005 and 2012, 5 492 (7.2%) of who were listed for NASH. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared by gender. RESULTS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was a more frequent indication for transplant listing in women than men throughout the study period. Women had lower serum creatinine levels at listing (1.18 ± 0.76 mg/dL vs 1.28 ± 0.79 mg/dL, P < .001) and were less likely to be listed with exception points (17.7% vs 24.9%, P < .001). Transplantation was less common among women than men with NASH (52.4% vs 64.3%), and women were more likely to experience death on the waiting list (17.1% vs 11.4%) In multivariable analysis adjusting for covariates, the rate of LT remained lower for women with NASH (aHR 0.81 95% CI: 0.75-0.88). CONCLUSIONS Women with NASH cirrhosis had a higher risk of death on the LT waiting list and were less likely to receive LT compared to men.
The Fragility of the Female Network

The Waco, Texas plant manager at Mars was a woman named Bonnie. She was part of the management team, and interestingly, her background was in finance. There were six plants in the USA, so it is commendable the company found a woman capable of running one of them.
Drug-Drug Interaction Study of Apixaban with Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus in Healthy Volunteers.

Apixaban is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 in the liver and intestine, undergoes direct intestinal excretion, and is a substrate to permeability glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) transporters. We examined the drug interactions between cyclosporine and tacrolimus (combined inhibitors of CYP3A4, P‐gp, and BCRP) with apixaban in 12 healthy adult male volunteers. Apixaban 10 mg was administered orally alone, in combination with 100 mg cyclosporine or 5 mg tacrolimus. Co‐administration with cyclosporine resulted in increase in apixaban maximum plasma concentration (C max) and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC (0‐tlast)) with associated geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of 143% (112, 183) and 120% (97, 148), respectively. Co‐administration with tacrolimus resulted in reduction in apixaban C max and AUC (0‐tlast) with associated GMRs (90% CI) of 87% (69, 112) and 78% (63, 97), respectively. The observed changes in apixaban exposure margins with cyclosporine or tacrolimus are within the range of the historical clinical development program, therefore, apixaban dose adjustments are not warranted.
The Significance of Serotype Replacement for Pneumococcal Disease and Antibiotic Resistance

Acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of death in children and the leading infectious cause of death in adults (WHO, 2005). There are in excess of 4 million deaths a year due to pneumonia and this estimate is conservative as it excludes HIV-associated deaths (WHO, 2005). Of these deaths, nearly two million are in children and the largest fraction of these deaths is vaccine preventable and caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. There has been remarkable progress in the roll-out of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in developed countries, but the cost of the vaccine has proven to be a considerable barrier to getting it to children at highest risk of death in developing countries. Two randomized trials in Africa have demonstrated the efficacy of a nine – valent conjugate to prevent pneumonia in HIV-uninfected (Klugman, Madhi et al., 2003; Cutts, Zaman et al., 2005) and HIV-infected children (Madhi, Kuwanda et al., 2005), as well as a 16% reduction in all-cause pneumonia (Cutts, Zaman et al., 2005). Effectiveness studies in the US have demonstrated not only a reduction in invasive disease among children immunized with sevenvalent conjugate vaccine, but also through herd immunity in adults (Whitney, Farley et al., 2003) and young infants too young to have been immunized (Poehling, Talbot et al., 2006). Conjugate vaccine has also reduced the burden of pneumonia in the USA through direct protection of infants and herd immunity (Grijalva, Nuorti et al., 2007), and antibiotic resistance has similarly declined in both children and adults (Stephens, Zughaier et al., 2005; Kyaw, Lynfield et al., 2006). Thus, the impact of the vaccine in developed countries is clear, but there are some caveats to unbridled optimism that pneumococcal disease has been defeated. The current vaccine only protects
Motivational and organizational factors affecting implementation of worker safety training.

Training is unlikely to affect behavior on the job if the worker views it as unnecessary. This chapter describes types of safety behaviors and training activities, the implementation of safety training, current perspectives on motivation, and other motivational and organizational factors affecting the implementation of worker safety training. Language: en
The Preacher and the Practitioner in 1970s Legislative Ethics Reform: John Gardner, Richard Bolling, and Congressional Ethics

Ethics reform in the House of Representatives in the 1970s provides insight into the principles and values that influence discussions of congressional ethics today. This article explores the roles ...
(203) Effects of Patient and Provider Race and Socioeconomic Status on Pain Treatment Decisions and Decision-Making Awareness

Decision-making in chronic pain care requires synthesizing complex information from many sources. Treatment guidelines have been described as “unclear and confusing,” which can lead to inconsistent pain care, non-clinically relevant information influencing decisions, and perpetuation of racial and socioeconomic disparities. Increased understanding of the factors influencing providers’ treatment decisions and the extent to which providers are aware of their decision-making process may help to reduce disparities and improve care. We used computer-simulated patients to examine the impact of provider and patient race (Black/White) and socioeconomic status (low/high) on providers’ treatment decisions. After making treatment decisions for twelve patients, providers rated the extent to which race and SES influenced their decisions. Repeated measures ANOVAs examined the extent to which providers demonstrated statistically reliable treatment differences across patient race and SES. Providers were then categorized by their reported use of patient race and patient SES while making treatment decisions. Although 41% of White providers and 31% of non-White providers demonstrated race-biased decision-making, only 6% of White providers and 10% of non-White providers reported using patient race in their decisions. A similar proportion of providers across three socioeconomic strata (low, medium, and high) demonstrated SES-biased decisions (41%, 43%, and 38%, respectively), and these rates were consistent with providers’ reported use of patient SES information (provider SES low: 44%, medium: 43%, and high: 48%). These results suggest providers have low awareness of making different pain treatment decisions for Black vs. White patients, whereas they have better awareness about their treatment decisions for low vs. high SES patients. Moreover, decision-making awareness did not substantially differ across provider race or SES. Future research is needed to determine the extent to which increasing providers’ decision-making awareness leads to better pain care. Supported by a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, USA (R01MD008931).
Jacopo de’ Barbari’s 'View of Venice' (1500): Image Vehicles Past and Present

This essay focuses on an iconic and ground-breaking woodcut – Jacopo de’ Barbari (c. 1460/70–1516) and Anton Kolb’s View of Venice (1500) – and an interactive museum installation that I first developed for Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art. The exhibition uses the View as a point of departure for the development of multi-media displays about Early Modern Venice and the transfer of knowledge. Adopting Aby Warburg’s illustrative terminology, the essay extends understandings of the woodcut, namely its function as an ‘image vehicle’ and its invention and realization as a product of cultural pathways. This concept, ‘pathways of culture’, also relates to the digital methods and visualized media used in the exhibition where their application advances a new methodology in art history, just as Aby Warburg did in the early twentieth century. And like Warburg who privileged visual imagery and traced its ideological transmission with his Mnemosyne Atlas (1924–1929), the curatorial team of the exhibition uses and systematizes original visualizations to drive the analyses of art, architectural and urban history in new and exciting ways.
A Qualitative Study Identifying Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Rural Communities.

Background. Physical activity (PA) rates are lower in rural populations, compared to urban and suburban counterparts. Since PA is shown to decrease the risk of cancers and chronic diseases, increasing PA in rural environments is an important disease-prevention strategy. However, in order to develop effective interventions for rural populations, more research is needed. The purpose of the study was to elicit rural residents’ thoughts and perceptions related to PA and walking trail use. Methods. Key informant interviews were conducted via telephone, with 62 adults, living in six rural communities in southeast Missouri, who identified as stakeholders, walking trail users, and nontrail users. Participants were recruited through word of mouth and snowball sampling. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. Findings. Analysis revealed variation within the rural population, with each town unique in what constituted barriers and facilitators to PA. Life priorities other than physical health were found to be important motivators to PA and also influenced how PA was obtained. Community size was found to impact community resources and infrastructure, although this was mitigated by poverty rates. Conclusion. Rural communities are distinct from one another with different views and approaches to PA. Future interventions designed to increase PA should be mindful of differences at the individual and town levels and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Interventions would benefit from insight and support from community members and stakeholders, to facilitate a tailored approach to increase PA.
Tax Exemption of Church Property: Historical Anomaly or Valid Constitutional Practice?

The practice of taxing church property while exempting other nonprofit groups appears to violate the “no special burden” principle of the free exercise clause. The Supreme Court case of Walz v. Commission charted a course between the free exercise and establishment clause. The Court argued from neutrality, separatism, and history to state that tax exemption of church property is part of an unbroken national tradition. However, the Court’s neutrality argument does not address constitutionality, its separatism argument is contrived, and historically, only established religions have been exempt from taxation.Past tax exemptions are rooted in two traditions: the common law adopted from England that granted exemptions to established churches, and the equity law tradition that granted exemptions to all churches. The common law tradition was restricted to certain types of church property of established churches, and the exemptions could be put on hold during times of emergency. The equity tradition gave churches another chance; ecclesiastical and charitable organizations could be tax exempt.These traditions continued uninterrupted in the early American republic. Three provisions ultimately provided ground for a challenge to the tax exemption of church property. The disestablishment of religion undercut the authority of officials to prefer one religion over the other. The truncation of the equity tradition removed the equitable privileges given to charities. Finally, equal and uniform taxation was considered a basis of American life.In modern theory, churches are seen as beneficial to society because they promote public morality, charity, and education. The law of equity is now based in statutory schemes or state constitutions, but the religious use of property is key to its tax exempt status. In the future, courts must find a via media between the eradication of exemptions and blanket endorsements.
Report of three death cases of imported falciparum malaria in Wenzhou City

The three death cases of falciparum malaria in Wenzhou City were all imported from Africa. One patient died on 10 January 2007 because of severe clinical symptoms after hospitalization. The second case was initially misdiagnosed as influenza in primary health and medical institution. The patient's condition quickly worsened and died of Plasmodium falciparum infection on 5 March 2011. The third patient belonged to "non-identity" person, and there were no detailed information and epidemiological history on admission, which resulted in the delayed diagnosis, disease exacerbation and death. In conclusion, the health education should be provided to the people who return from Africa and also to medical workers in order to reduce the mortality of falciparum malaria.
Application of a rapid qPCR method for enterococci for beach water quality monitoring purposes in Hawaii: Loss of DNA during the extraction protocol due to coral sands

Abstract Rapid qPCR methods for enumerating enterococci can provide results in a few hours, thereby enhancing public health protection. Analysis of 140 samples collected from 11 beaches in Hawaii for enterococci using EPA Method 1611 revealed that a majority (70%) of samples yielded unusable data using the recommended protocol due to DNA losses during extraction. The DNA loss was correlated to the presence of suspended coralline sand. Acidification of samples alleviated or removed the interference, enabling successful method application. There were significant correlations across the three methods evaluated (Enterolert®/Method 1600 R2 = 0.85, Enterolert®/ Method 1611 R2 = 0.78 and Method 1600/1611 R2 = 0.82). When samples were not compromised, there was also good agreement among methods for beach management decisions. This study presents a protocol for beach areas with coralline sands, and re-emphasizes the need to use appropriate controls to prevent underestimation of bacterial concentrations at recreational beaches.
Pulmonary vascular impedance in chronic pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract : Results suggest that in pulmonary hypertension there are significant changes in the pulmonary vascular input impedance and that these changes are compatable with a more proximal major reflecting site indicative of the obstruction of small pulmonary arteries by emboli or arteriolar narrowing. There is also evidence of increased stiffness of the proximal pulmonary artery probably as the result of the increased distending pressure. This decrease in pulmonary artery compliance has significant consequences to the heart as a significant increase in hydraulic power is associated with pulsatile flow in pulmonary hypertension. These results do not confirm the relationship of decreased pulmonary artery compliance to a histologic alteration in the vessel wall since the changes demonstrated can be explained by distension alone. (Modified author abstract)
Endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a clinical medical emergency and complicated etiology.The main clinical manifestations are hemoptysis, black stool, anemia of unknown cause, such as acute hemorrhage, if not promptly treated, there may be acute shock or even death.Acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage is a clinical critical disease.When the patient has active bleeding, the drug alone can not achieve the hemostatic effect.If the patient is not treated with timely and effective endoscopic therapy, their lives will be seriously threatened.Endoscopic examination can be used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal bleeding, which is simple and convenient, with small trauma, quick effect and other advantages.With the development of endoscopic technique, the rate of operation and mortality of gastrointestinal hemorrhage decreased significantly. Key words: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage; Endoscopy; Treatment