cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change of bone mass in postmenopausal Caucasian women with and without hormone replacement therapy is associated with vitamin D receptor and estrogen receptor genotypes.

Our purpose is to assess whether genotypes of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and estrogen receptor (ER) and their interaction influence changes in bone mass in postmenopausal Caucasian women with and without hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A population of 108 US Mid-West women who participated in a study of low-dose continuous estrogen/progestin was genotyped at the VDR BsmI site and the ER XbaI and PvuII sites. Adequate vitamin D and calcium nutritional intakes were assured in all the study subjects. For the 3.5-year duration of the study, we analyzed changes in bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine, femoral neck, distal radius, and the total body (total body bone mineral content, tbBMC). We adjusted for confounding factors, such as age and weight, in the analysis. We found that VDR and/or ER genotypes and/or their interaction generally had significant effects on the changes in the bone mass measurements in both the placebo and HRT groups. When a significant gene-by-gene interaction exists between VDR and ER genotypes, failure to account for them in analyses may yield nonsignificant results, even if significant genotypic effects exist. The amount of variation in changes in bone mass measurements explained by the total genotypic effects of the VDR and ER loci varies from ∼1.0% (for the tbBMC changes in combined placebo and HRT groups) to ∼18.7% (for the spine BMD changes in the HRT group). These results suggest that individual genotypes are important factors in determining changes in bone mass in the elderly with and without HRT and thus may need to be considered with respect to the treatment to preserve bone mass in elderly Caucasian women.
Volume phase holographic (VPH) grisms for infrared and optical spectrographs

Highly efficient Volume phase holographic (VPH) gratings do not lend themselves to use in existing spectrographs except for grism spectrographs where VPH grisms can be designed that disperse but do not deviate the light. We discuss our program to outfit existing spectrographs [the Imaging grism instrument (IGI) on the McDonald Observatory Smith Reflector, and the Hobby-Eberly Telescope Marcario Low Resolution Spectrograph (LRS)] with efficient VPH grisms. We present test data on sample gratings from Ralcon Development Lab, and compare them to theoretical predictions. We have created a simple test bench for efficiency measurements of VPH gratings, which we describe. Finally we present first results from the use of VPH grisms in IGI and the LRS, the latter being the largest grism ever deployed in an astronomical spectrograph. We also look forward to using VPH grisms in the LRS infrared extension, which covers the wavelength range from 0.9 to 1.3 microns.
Exports of nations

Abstract The ratio of dollar value of exports of manufactured goods to dollar value of raw materials serves as an indicator of industrial and technological levels of different nations. When compared with gross national products, the ratio reveals differences between nations that are generally known for manufacturing, for geological (non-renewable) raw materials, and for biological (renewable) raw materials.
Assessment of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men: the clinical relevance of self-reported sexual functioning.

Diabetes mellitus is commonly associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Fifty-three diabetic male veterans presenting with ED underwent an extensive medical examination, psychological evaluation, and a detailed assessment of sexual functioning. They then underwent two consecutive nights of inhospital Rigiscan monitoring to assess erectile capacity. Multivariate analyses indicated that patient reports of a.m. erections and erectile quality were highly predictive of Rigiscan measures of penile tip and base rigidity and duration of erectile episodes. These results highlight the importance of attending to patient reports of specific sexual symptomatology in the evaluation of diabetic patients presenting with ED.
Three-dimensional Seed Reconstruction in Prostate Brachytherapy Using Hough Transformations

In order to perform dosage analysis of prostate seed implants, 3D seed coordinates are ascertained for seed positions from conical x-ray projections. A conventional reconstruction approach uses back projection of x-ray data obtained at two or three gantry angles. The method, however, does not perform well when the seeds are obscured by other seeds in a projection. Additional x-ray projection data taken at different angles can resolve the overlapping seeds but the computational overhead increases dramatically. In this paper, we propose an alternate approach for 3D seed localization using Hough transformation. For each seed's coordinate in three dimensions, there exists a corresponding projection location in each of the views. Integrating each of these seed locations and placing the result in the 3D seed coordinate results in a high confidence score if there is a seed at the coordinate. This technique does not suffer from the problem of inability to reconstruct the overlapping seeds since the seed's path is unique for a particular seed. When seeds are overlapped, the paths intersect each other. From the seed's path, the overlapping seeds' coordinates can be determined. Our proposed method also has the ability to incorporate more views without incurring major computing cost. Using Hough transform parametric equations to describe the path of the seeds from one view to the next, the Hough transform weight of the 3D seed coordinates among the views can be calculated. Results from computer simulation and a physical phantom study are presented to illustrate the proposed approach. The results indicate that the Hough transform method can determine the 3D position of a brachytherapy seed even when the seed is undetected in some of the x-ray projections due to the seed overlap.
Polyols as scaffolds in the development of ion-selective polymer-supported reagents: the effect of auxiliary groups on the mechanism of metal ion complexation.

In developing ion-selective polymer-supported reagents, the inherent affinity of a given ligand for a targeted metal ion is found to be affected by auxiliary groups on a scaffold. A series of polyols (ethylene glycol, glycerol, tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane, pentaerythritol, and pentaerythritol triethoxylate) are immobilized onto cross-linked poly(vinylbenzyl chloride), then monophosphorylated. The pentaerythritol, glycerol, and pentaerythritol triethoxylate polymers have the highest affinities for both trivalent and divalent ions. The distribution coefficients of divalent ions (Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) correlate with the Misono softness parameter, reflecting a single-site interaction between the metal ion and the phosphoryl oxygen. The distribution coefficients for trivalent ions are in the order Fe(III) < Al(III) < Y(III) ≲ La(III) ∼ Eu(III) ∼ Lu(III). For example, the phosphorylated pentaerythritol polymer has distribution coefficients (also reported as percent complexed) for Fe of 68.4 ...
Where was the Picture Taken: Image Localization in Route Panoramas Using Epipolar Geometry

Finding the location where a picture was taken is an important problem for a variety of applications including surveying, interactive traveling and homeland security among others. The task becomes intractable though when the area under investigation reaches city/town size. The amount of data (pictures/videos) required to visually map a city, comprehensively, can be exhaustive for most search algorithms. In this paper we propose a novel method to effectively tackle this problem. The area is visually mapped as route panoramas that provide a compact yet comprehensive representation of the buildings and landmarks in the area. Given a query image taken at an arbitrary location in the area, we show that we can accurately recover the location of the camera by finding it?s epipole in the route panorama of the scene. To this end we show that there exists a fundamental matrix between a route panorama and a perspective image of the same scene. The fundamental matrix is calculated using feature matches as correspondences between the query image and the route panorama.
Strategies for assessing the potential for positive adjustment following trauma.

The subset of survivors who evidence resilience rather than pathology following trauma is frequently overlooked in empirical studies and theoretical discussions of PTSD. Susceptibility to dysfunction is clearly not a simple function of individual fortitude. The present paper discusses the complex interplay of variables which may influence post-trauma adjustment and suggests assessment instruments which may be useful in future research on this topic.
Upregulation of thrombospondin-1 expression by leptin in vascular smooth muscle cells via JAK2- and MAPK-dependent pathways

Hyperleptinemia, characteristic of diabetes and a hallmark feature of human obesity, contributes to the increased risk of atherosclerotic complications. However, molecular mechanisms mediating leptin-induced atherogenesis and gene expression in vascular cells remain incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence documents a critical role of a potent antiangiogenic and proatherogenic matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), in atherosclerosis. Although previous studies reported elevated TSP-1 levels in both diabetic and obese patients and rodent models, there is no direct information on TSP-1 expression in vascular cells in response to leptin. In the present study, we show that leptin upregulates TSP-1 expression in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) in vitro, and this increase occurs at the level of transcription, revealed by mRNA stability and TSP-1 promoter-reporter assays. Utilizing specific pharmacological inhibitors and siRNA approaches, we demonstrate that upregulation of TSP-1 expression by leptin is mediated by JAK2/ERK/JNK-dependent mechanisms. Furthermore, we report that while ERK and JNK are required for both the constitutive and leptin-induced expression of TSP-1, JAK-2 appears to be specifically involved in leptin-mediated TSP-1 upregulation. Finally, we found that increased HASMC migration and proliferation in response to leptin is significantly inhibited by a TSP-1 blocking antibody, thereby revealing the physiological significance of leptin-TSP-1 crosstalk. Taken together, these findings demonstrate, for the first time, that leptin has a direct regulatory effect on TSP-1 expression in HASMCs, underscoring a novel role of TSP-1 in hyperleptinemia-induced atherosclerotic complications.
ETHNOGRAPHY ON THE ROAD: INFRASTRUCTURAL VISION AND THE UNRULY PRESENT IN CONTEMPORARY DAKAR

During his term as President, Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal sought to make tangible and proximal his ‘vision’ for the country's future through the construction and rehabilitation of vital arteries in the capital, Dakar. Drawing on extensive ethnographic research, this essay takes as its focus these ambitious road projects and their local interpretations and everyday effects. I argue that Dakar's infrastructural transformation made spectacularly visible not only distant and implausible futures but also a very particular vision of the present that rationalized, emphasized, and even celebrated the everyday hardships wrought by infrastructural change. Avowedly ahistorical and centred squarely on the individual, these discourses of hardship cast infrastructural change as a future-focused project brought about through ‘temporary’ inconveniences and disruptions endured for the sake of the nation. What emerges from this analysis is a more complex view of neo-liberal reform and urban change in contemporary Africa.
Phenotypic variation in plants regenerated from protoplasts: The potato system

Regeneration of whole plants from isolated protoplasts (plant cells devoid of cell walls) provides a novel capability that is potentially useful for crop improvement efforts. Such a regeneration capacity has been developed for the commercial potato cultivar 'russet Burbank,' currently the most popular cultivar in production. Due to fertility problems of this cultivar, the improvement of 'russet Burbank' by classical breeding procedures has been limited. Examination of a large population of protoplast-derived clones has revealed that variation for a number of traits can be observed. Variation observed under laboratory conditions and in field trials includes changes in plant morphology and tuber-setting characteristics, as well as alterations in response to environmental and pathogen stress. A brief description of the cloning process and the potential for application of cloning technology in crop plant improvement will be presented. (Refs. 41).
How accurate are metaperceptions of sexism? Evidence for the illusion of antagonism between hostile and benevolent sexism:

In the first examination of the accuracy of metaperceptions of sexism among White, Asian, and Black women and men (N = 308), results showed that regardless of ethnicity, both genders were similarly inaccurate, but in opposing ways. Women overestimated men’s hostile sexism (HS) and underestimated men’s benevolent sexism (BS), whereas men overestimated women’s BS and underestimated women’s HS. Further, metaperceptions of HS were negatively related to metaperceptions of BS, for both genders. Individual differences in sexism informed metaperceptions only for men (not women). In concert, the findings support an illusion of antagonism between HS and BS. Viewing HS and BS as oppositional is an illusion because, cross-culturally, they are positively correlated in men and women alike (e.g., Glick et al., 2000), and both forms of sexism reinforce the gender hierarchy (Rudman & Glick, 2008). Therefore, disarming the illusion of antagonism is an overlooked key to advancing gender equality.
CLASS, GENDER, AND PARENTAL VALUES IN THE 1990S

Previous research documents a persistent relationship between social class and parental values. Middle-class parents are more likely to emphasize autonomy, and working-class parents are more likely to stress conformity in children. More recent literature, however, suggests a gender difference in the effects of class on values. Feminist scholarship also claims a gender gap in fundamental value orientations. Drawing data from the U.S. sample in the World Values Survey, this research examines the intersections of class and gender as they influence parental values in the 1990s. The findings suggest that while social class continues to be a source of the valuation of autonomy and conformity in children, gender also conditions parental values. Specifically, women in advantaged social positions value autonomy much more than their male counterparts. Contrary to feminist theory, however, gender is not linked to care-oriented values. Sources and implications of the findings are discussed.
Ibuprofen modulates tissue perfusion in partial-thickness burns

Introduction. The anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects of ibuprofen and heparin may enhance skin perfusion in cutaneous scald burns. To test this hypothesis, skin perfusion and edema formation in scald burned rabbit ears were measured. Method. Eighteen rabbits (3.5–4.5 kg) received partial-thickness scald burns to one ear and then were given normal saline, n=6, 20 mg/kg ibuprofen, n=6, or 700 IU/kg heparin, n=6. Skin perfusion, blood flow and edema formation in the burned ear were measured with laser Doppler, ultrasound flowmeter and skin calipers, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc Scheffe's test for comparison between groups. Results. Blood flow to the scald burned ear increased 10–15 times that of baseline with tissue perfusion increasing by 70% within 0.5 h compared to pre-burn. Ibuprofen maintained the elevated tissue perfusion for 5 h while the heparin and saline groups showed decreases to 95 and 35% of pre-burn values, respectively. The heparin and ibuprofen groups demonstrated significant increases in ear perfusion at 4 and 5 h postburn. Ibuprofen also showed a significant difference within the first hour postburn, p<0.01. Wet to dry weight ratios in burned ear tissue were greater in rabbits receiving saline or heparin compared to ibuprofen at 3.6±0.2 and 2.9±0.3 vs. 2.1±0.1, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion. Ibuprofen increases tissue perfusion and reduces edema formation in scald burned rabbit ears.
Birefringence of filled rubbers

The birefringence change occuring upon stretching a rubber containing spherical isotropic filler particles is calculated as a function of the volume fraction of the filler. The stress concentration arising from the presence of the filler particles leads to an enhanced birefringence of the rubber. From a consideration of the detailed birefringence pattern about a spherical particle within a stretched rubber, the enhancement of the retardation is calculated as a function of the volume fraction of the filler particles.
An Empirical Examination of Competing Sociological Theories of Drug Use

Among the major explanations of drug use, the current dominant sociological theories are anomie, control, and reference group. An analysis of self-reported drug use data was conducted, employing the assumptions of these theories. A stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that in predicting either individual types of drug use (marijuana, alcohol, and tobacco) or composite drug use, reference group theory was capable of providing the "best theoretical explanation" of that use. The evidence strongly suggests that the association factor as measured by reference group theory is the central causal factor in drug use.
The Duality of Courses and Students: A Field-Theoretic Analysis of Secondary School Course-Taking.

Significant attention has been given to how students become grouped or “tracked” through the courses they share in common. However, this work has yet to be connected to a targeted analysis of the way in which courses are grouped with other courses through the students they co-enroll. Drawing on insights from field theory, the author examines this duality with special attention to the social organization of courses and the curricular discourses they contain. Multidimensional scaling and multiple correspondence analysis are used to analyze course-taking data for a cohort of students (2005-2009, n = 494) at a comprehensive high school in the midwestern United States. The results illustrate a “field” of courses that are distributed vertically according to a principle of status that opposes different forms of curricular discourse and horizontally according to oppositions between symbolic and material forms, artistic and technical skills, and the “inner” work of the household to the “outer” work of certain occu...
Hydrodynamics of particulate motion in sinusoidal pores via a singularity method

Axisymmetric motions of suspended spheres and dumbbells through sinusoidally corrugated capillaries are considered as an illustrative model of particulate or macromolecular transport in porous media. Numerical simulations are carried out using a least-squares singularity method, which is well suited to simulating creeping flows in the complicated, time-evolving geometries associated with particle motion through nonrectilinear pores. The numerical method is applied to a representative closure problem, whose solution yields effective transport coefficients describing particulate flow in porous media. With reference to polymer-induced mobility control in enhanced oil recovery, a hydrodynamic mechanism of mobility reduction is studied using a rigid dumbbell polymer model.
Acalyptris Meyrick: revision of the platani and staticis groups in Europe and the Mediterranean (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae)

The European and Mediterranean species of the Acalyptris platani and A . staticis groups are revised, with respectively four and six species. Three new species are described: A . pistaciae Van Nieukerken sp. n. (from Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, on Pistacia ) in the platani group, A . limoniastri Van Nieukerken sp. n. (from Algeria and Tunisia, associated with Limoniastrum ) and A . lesbia Van Nieukerken & Hull sp. n. (from Greece: Lesvos, on Limonium gmelini ) in the staticis group. Lectotypes are selected for A . minimella (Rebel, 1924) and A . staticis (Walsingham, 1908). The European species of the A . platani group are leafminers on Anacardiaceae, Platanaceae and Loranthaceae, the species of the A . staticis group feed on Plumbaginaceae, except A . pyrenaica A. & Z. Lastůvka, for which the host is unknown, but likely to belong to another family. Immatures are described for five species, final instar larvae and pupal exuviae for all species in the A . platani group and for A . lesbia . Larvae and pupae of the latter species differ markedly from the A . platani group. Recorded parasitoids are listed. CO1 barcodes are provided for seven species. The groups are phylogenetically not very close; the monophyly of Acalyptris and the phylogeny on the basis of CO1 (mt-DNA) sequences are discussed.
Implementation and assessment of a yeast orphan gene research project: involving undergraduates in authentic research experiences and progressing our understanding of uncharacterized open reading frames.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the first eukaryotic organism to be sequenced; however, little progress has been made in recent years in furthering our understanding of all open reading frames (ORFs). From October 2012 to May 2015 the number of verified ORFs had only risen from 75.31% to 78%, while the number of uncharacterized ORFs had decreased from 12.8% to 11% (representing > 700 genes still left in this category; http://www.yeastgenome.org/genomesnapshot). Course-based research has been shown to increase student learning while providing experience with real scientific investigation; however, implementation in large, multi-section courses presents many challenges. This study sought to test the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating authentic research into a core genetics course, with multiple instructors, to increase student learning and progress our understanding of uncharacterized ORFs. We generated a module-based annotation toolkit and utilized easily accessible bioinformatics tools to predict gene function for uncharacterized ORFs within the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD). Students were each assigned an uncharacterized ORF, which they annotated using contemporary comparative genomics methodologies, including multiple sequence alignment, conserved domain identification, signal peptide prediction and cellular localization algorithms. Student learning outcomes were measured by quizzes, project reports and presentations, as well as a post-project questionnaire. Our results indicate that the authentic research experience had positive impacts on students' perception of their learning and their confidence to conduct future research. Furthermore, we believe that creation of an online repository and adoption and/or adaptation of this project across multiple researchers and institutions could speed the process of gene function prediction.
Multi-layer low-temperature deposited CMOS photonics for microelectronics backend integration

We experimentally show vertically-stacked, multi-layer, low-temperature deposited photonics for integration on processed electronics. Waveguides, microrings, and crossings are fabricated out of 400°C PECVD Si 3 N 4 , in a two layer configuration.
Measurement Issues in Emotion Research With Children and Adolescents

The need for a multimethod approach to the study of emotion in children and adolescents is crucial, as is a multilevel analysis in which emotional experience is assessed at a variety of levels (Solomon, 2002). This review highlights the critical role of emotion theory when constructing and selecting appropriate assessment tools with a focus on Functionalist theory that emphasizes the importance of contextual variables (Barrett & Campos, 1987). The review begins with an examination of theoretical and pragmatic issues in emotion measurement followed by discussions of four basic methods of emotion assessment (i.e., self-report, other-report, observation, neurophysiology). Implications of emotion assessment for clinical practice and future directions for research conclude the review.
GLC determination of propranolol, other β‐blocking drugs, and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues

Abstract A highly sensitive and specific electron-capture GLC method was developed for β -blocking drugs, including propranolol, Oxprenolol, alprenolol, pronethalol, dichloroisoproterenol, practolol, and Sotalol, and several of their metabolites. The drugs are separated and detected as their trifluoroacetyl derivatives. Minimum detectable amounts ranged from 0.1 to 1.1 pg. The chemical structures of the derivatives were confirmed by GLC-mass spectrometry. Propranolol was extracted from plasma by either a single- or a back-extraction procedure, with Oxprenolol as the internal standard. The minimum detectable concentration was 0.1 ng/ml plasma. The standard curve was linear from 0.5 to 500 ng/ml. Applications of this method demonstrated quantitatively detectable plasma propranolol levels 24 hr after a small (0.05 mg/kg) intravenous dose. Accurate plasma determinations could be made in patients receiving numerous other drugs. The method was shown to be applicable to propranolol and two metabolites, l-(α-naphthoxy)-2,3- propylene glycol and N -desisopropylpropranolol, in tissue. Determinations of picogram amounts of Oxprenolol and its four major urinary metabolites demonstrate the general applicability of the method to all 0-blocking drugs and most of their metabolites. Keyphrases: Propranolol and two metabolites–GLC determination in biological fluids and tissues; β -Blocking drugs–electron-capture GLC determination of propranolol, oxprenoiol, alprenolol, pronethalol, dichloroisoproterenol, practolol, Sotalol, and several metabolites in biological fluids and tissues; GLC–determination of propranolol, other β -blocking drugs, and metabolites in biological fluids and tissues
Carotenoid Content and Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Carrot Chips Deep‐Fried in Different Oils at Several Temperatures

The influence of deep-frying using different oils and temperatures on carotenoid content and physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of carrot chips was investigated. Sliced carrots were steam-blanched, cooled, soaked in 0.2% sodium metabisulfite, and deep-fried in canola, palm, or partially hydrogenated soybean oil (PHSO) at 165, 175, or 185 degrees C. Frying temperature, but not oil, significantly (P < 0.05) affected the alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and total carotenoid contents. Oil type significantly (P < 0.05) influenced all color values. Increasing temperature lowered the redness value, which correlated with decreased carotenoid content, color darkening, and decreased hardness value. Trained panelists detected no differences among oil types in crispness, sweetness, odor, and acceptability. The best carrot-chip product was that fried in PHSO at 165 degrees C.
An automated radiometric microassay of fungal growth: Quantitation of growth of T. mentagrophytes

An automated radiometric microassay of the growth of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and other filamentous fungi is described. The assay is based upon the incorporation of 14C(U) glucose into the organism. Fractionation studies indicate that 73% of the label is found in trichloroacetic acid-insoluble macromolecular components of the mycelium. Incorporation of label directly correlated with growth as estimated by visual scoring of turbidity and as recorded in photomicrographs. Incorporation of 14C(U) glucose delineated a lag, exponential and stationary or plateau phase of growth. These phases could be completely inhibited by the antifungal agent tolnaftate. It was concluded that the growth of filamentous fungi can be successfully monitored by the radiometric method described. Moreover, this method is sensitive, accurate, reproducible, rapid and free of the variability inherent in many traditional estimates growth.
High-precision delay testing of Virtex-4 FPGA designs

We present a new method of performing high-resolution path delay testing on designs targeted to Xilinx Virtex-4 field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). Our built-in self-test architecture uses an on-chip delay line to set the launch time of test pattern generators to their optimum point for stressing paths in the chip. Consequently, it catches delay defects as small as 78 ps and tests multiple paths in parallel. Our approach was validated on Virtex-4 devices and the same method can be applied to other FPGAs that contain delay lines.
Sudan's Prolonged Second Civil War and The Militarization of Nuer and Dinka Ethnic Identities

Ever since power struggles within the Sudan People's Liberation Army split the movement into two warring factions in August 1991, rural Nuer and Dinka communities of the South have been grappling with a deepening regional subculture of ethnicized violence. This article describes political factors that have prolonged this bitter conflict into the present and have contributed to the post-1991 polarization and militarization of Dinka and Nuer ethnic identities. Drawing on parallel field research conducted in Dinka and Nuer regions of South Sudan during 1998 and 1999, the authors show how ordinary civilians have been struggling to understand and cope with this new “war of the [southern] educated [elite].” Among the major themes addressed are: (1) the rapid unraveling of regional codes of warfare ethics since 1991; (2) the transformation of previous patterns of interethnic competition over scarce economic resources into politicized programs of ethnicized violence; (3) mounting public despair over the seeming unwillingness of John Garang and Riek Machar to compromise their personal ambitions for the greater unity of the South; and (4) recent peace initiatives made by Dinka and Nuer chiefs, which have succeeded in reducing interethnic violence, despite the continuing intransigence of some military leaders.
The Role of Attitude Functions and Self-Monitoring in Predicting Intentions to Register as Organ Donors and to Discuss Organ Donation With Family

This project investigates the mechanism underlying one’s intentions to register as organ donors and to engage in family discussion about organ donation. Based on survey data collected from 306 undergraduate students, results reveal that for the donor registration model, respondents’ utilitarian and value-expressive functions predicted intentions to register, regardless of their self-monitoring tendency. For intentions to discuss organ donation with family, self-monitoring was a significant moderator such that for low self-monitors (vs. high), the utilitarian function was a more important predictor of intentions, whereas for high self-monitors (vs. low), the value-expressive attitudes were more important. The ego-defensive function was negatively associated with intentions to register but was positively associated with intentions to discuss organ donation. Both theoretical and practical implications of the findings are provided.
Experimental and Numerical Study of Premixed Combustion Within Nonhomogeneous Porous Ceramics

Abstract An experimental and numerical investigation of premixed methane combustion within a nonhomogeneous porous ceramic was performed. The burner consisted of two porous ceramic cylinders of equal length and diameter that were stacked together and insulated around the circumference. Four series of experiments were carried out to determine the lean limit using three different pore sizes in the downstream ceramic cylinder (SBR). The pore size in the upstream ceramic cylinder was constant in all four cases. A new definition of the lean limit was introduced to account for the effects of the porous ceramic. The burners were tested over the range of lean limit 0.41 < φ≤ 0.68 and the numerical simulations were performed over 0.43 < φ ≤ 1.0. The results demonstrated that porous ceramic burners provide a range of stable burning rates at a constant φ, The maximum flame speed inside the burners was much higher than the premixed, freely burning adiabatic laminar flame (free flame) speed. The lean limits in the por...
Origins, Differences, and the Origins of Differences in Moral Development: Parent–Child Discourse as Moral Activity☆

Abstract In his article, Tappan cogently outlines a sociocultural perspective on moral development which conceptualizes moral activity as mediated activity. He notes that such a perspective: 1) gives a much different account of moral development than current accounts (e.g., cognitive–developmental); and 2) addresses fundamental questions on the origins of moral sensibilities and differences in moral functioning. This commentary extends Tappan's approach by offering a framework for analyzing discourse during parent–child interactions about moral matters using speech genres (Bakhtin, 1986) and registers (Halliday, 1975, 1993). Such detailed analysis affords the simultaneous consideration of the social, cultural, and historical influences on moral development. In doing so, the framework locates the origins of moral sensibilities and differences in moral functioning in the discourse parents and children share during moral activities. Two personal experiences are offered as illustrations of the framework.
Public–private partnerships: a review of economic considerations with particular reference to transportation projects

The paper sets in context some of the more recent work that has been conducted on public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the provision and operation of infrastructure. PPPs essentially involve a government or its agent signing an agreement with a private company or consortium to supply it with services with the private sector actor involved in major elements of designing, building, temporarily ‘owning’, and running the physical assets; basically they are long-term development and service contracts between government and a private partner. The paper outlines the development of economic thinking regarding the rationale behind PPPs, the extent to which unbundling is optimal and the forms that it may take, the nature of the contracts that are enacted and their renegotiation, the awarding of contracts, and matters of possible corruption. By way of focus, it also provides some indication of what empirical studies in the transportation have thrown up regarding the outcomes of PPPs.
Exercise and Repeated Testing Improves Accuracy of Laser Doppler Assessment of Microvascular Function Following Shortened (1-minute) Blood Flow Occlusion.

HHS Public Access Author manuscript Author Manuscript Microcirculation. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2017 May 01. Published in final edited form as: Microcirculation. 2016 May ; 23(4): 293–300. doi:10.1111/micc.12277. Exercise and Repeated Testing Improves Accuracy of Laser Doppler Assessment of Microvascular Function Following Shortened (1-min) Blood Flow Occlusion Author Manuscript Brian D. Tran, Abraham Chiu, Charlene Tran, Danica Rose Rogacion, Nicole Tfaye, Goutham Ganesan, and Pietro R. Galassetti Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA Abstract Objectives—To determine whether stability/accuracy of post-occlusive laser Doppler flowmetry following shortened, 1-min blood flow occlusion, increases in the post-exercise state or by averaging multiple measurements. Methods—Six healthy adults (3F) underwent laser Doppler flowmetry 8 times at rest and following exercise, assessing post-occlusive (1-min occlusion) reactive hyperemia in the cutaneous microcirculation of the forefinger. Measured variables included: pre- and post-occlusion steady- state perfusion (Plat1, Plat2), maximum post-occlusive perfusion (Max), time to reach Max (PkT), and the ratio Max/Plat1. Author Manuscript Results—Stability/accuracy of all variables improved performing measurements after exercise (P<0.05 Plat 1, Plat 2, Max and Max/Plat1). PkT and Max/Plat 1 displayed the greatest accuracy at rest (26.6±5.1% and 26.6±4.4% average difference, %Diff, of single measurements from individual “true” means, respectively); for these variables, %Diff improved to 19.5±5.3 and 17.6±2.1, respectively, following exercise. Overall, averaging multiple measurements performed at rest also improved stability/accuracy in all variables. This improvement was comparable to that obtained with a single measurement following exercise. Conclusions—A standardized exercise stimulus prior to testing significantly improves stability/ accuracy of laser Doppler flowmetry following shortened, 1-min blood flow occlusion. Our results suggest the possibilities of broader applications of exercise to optimize measurements from a variety of skin perfusion methodologies. Author Manuscript Keywords Exercise; laser Doppler flowmetry; post-occlusive reactive hyperemia; reliability INTRODUCTION In clinical and research applications, the assessment of vascular function has become of major importance in diagnosing and following the evolution of a variety of pathologies. While acute or chronic changes in vascular function may occur in a variety of tissues Author Contact: Brian D. Tran (btran29@gmail.com), 1111 Hewitt Hall, University of California, Irvine, 92697.
Computer simulations of dendrimer-polyelectrolyte complexes.

We carry out a systematic analysis of static properties of the clusters formed by complexation between charged dendrimers and linear polyelectrolyte (LPE) chains in a dilute solution under good solvent conditions. We use single chain in mean-field simulations and analyze the structure of the clusters through radial distribution functions of the dendrimer, cluster size, and charge distributions. The effects of LPE length, charge ratio between LPE and dendrimer, the influence of salt concentration, and the dendrimer generation number are examined. Systems with short LPEs showed a reduced propensity for aggregation with dendrimers, leading to formation of smaller clusters. In contrast, larger dendrimers and longer LPEs lead to larger clusters with significant bridging. Increasing salt concentration was seen to reduce aggregation between dendrimers as a result of screening of electrostatic interactions. Generally, maximum complexation was observed in systems with an equal amount of net dendrimer and LPE charg...
Chapter 20 A synopsis of Ordovician trilobite distribution and diversity

Abstract Ordovician trilobites are reviewed based on a new species-level relational database. The stratigraphical ranges of all 56 families with occurrences in the Ordovician are documented and the content, phylogenetic status, diversity and Ordovician distribution by major palaeocontinent/terrane are discussed. Aspects of higher classification are also dealt with. Global sampling is heavily biased towards a small number of highly sampled areas. Much of the world has a very limited record of formally named trilobite species. Even within heavily sampled units, sampling is patchy by environment and time. Genus endemism was at a peak in Laurentia, Baltic, and Avalonia in the Floian and declined more-or-less steadily through the remainder of the Ordovician.
Justice, Self-Ownership, and Natural Assets*

A question that has recently attracted considerable attention is this:What is the nature and significance of the normative relationship a person bears to herself (where the self is understood to include the whole embodied person)?On one view, it is held that persons are self-owners: as Locke put it in one of the more famous passages in the Second Treatise:[E]very man has a property in his own person: this no body has any right to but himself. The labour of his body, and the work of his hands, we may say, are properly his.
The male factor in fertility and infertility. II. Spermatozoon counts in 1000 men of known fertility and in 1000 cases of infertile marriage.

Spermatozoon counts in 1000 men of known fertility and in 1000 cases of infertile marriage were studied to determine the lowest semen standar ds compatible with relative ease of conception. The mean volume of ejaculate for fertile men was 3.4 cc and 3.7 cc for infertile men. 5% of fertile men had sperm counts under 20 million/cc while 16% of the infertile fell into this catagory. Peak for the infertile group was less than 20 million/cc while the modal count class for the fertile group was 60-80 million/cc. 50% of the infertile men had counts of 74 million/cc or less while half of the fertile men had counts over 90 million. In studying the infertile group 8% of the group with a previous conception had sperm counts under 20 million/cc while 19% of the nonconception group had this count. At the 95% level of confidence the minimum standard for fertility based only on sperm counts was 20 million/cc. In the 1000 fertile specimens the relationship between ejaculate volume and sperm counts was insignificant. There was a highly significant relationship between volume and count in the infertile group. The essential difference between fertile and infertile lies at a low sperm count level. However above this level fertility and sperm count increase inconsistently.
Counseling strategies for obese patients

Counseling strategies usually assume that an individual is ready to change; however this assumption is probably not true for many obese individuals seeking medical care. Since individuals progress through a series of stages of change, some may not yet be ready to change. The transtheoretical model of behavior change proposes that individuals move through stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. This model has been successfully applied to a range of addictive behaviors. The application of the transtheoretical model of behavior change to obesity treatment holds promise because interventions that match treatment strategies to an individual's stage of change may be more effective than current treatments. This article reviews the potential benefits of using the transtheoretical model for weight management in the primary care setting. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): obesity, counseling, behavior.
Using technology to automate summative usability testing

This chapter discusses that there are several key guidelines to consider when using summative versus formative research. Summative usability studies are typically done with completed products, observing participants with minimal interaction, and measuring key usability-related performance-based metrics, such as time on tasks and task completion rates. Formative usability studies are typically done on prototypes or early working code; use a think-aloud protocol for participants and have moderate interaction between participant and facilitator, and identify potential usability problems and blocking issues. When talking with other usability professionals, always keep few things in mind if they are going to build out such a program. For example, summative data is what it is—basically a measure of performance. One will not be able to answer the inevitable “why” questions
The evolution of our measurement of patient treatment expectations

Commentary On: Mancuso CA, Duculan R, Cammisa FP, Sama AA, Hughes AP, Lebl DR, et al. Fulfillment of patients' expectations of lumbar and cervical spine surgery. Spine J 2016:16:1167–74 ( in this issue ).
High power planar interconnect for high frequency converters

This paper describes the P4/spl copy/ power process, structure and materials and provide performance and reliability test data. Power electronic device technologies have been making significant performance improvement over the past decade, similar to but perhaps not as breath taking as the changes made in digital microelectronics. Power device technology is going to higher voltage levels, higher current level and faster switching speed. The on-resistance, R/sub DS(on)/ in MOSFETs dropped by a factor of 3/spl times/ from 1997 to 2000 with improvements driven by "higher cell densities, shorter channels, thinner gate oxides and lower substrate resistance through lower resistivity materials and thinner wafers. Switching losses also have been reduced with narrower polysilicon lines and trenches and shallower junctions as stated in A. Lidow (for original article see APEC 2003) and A. Lidow (1999). Higher switching speeds are being realized in IGBTs by better control of the injection level and minority carrier lifetime. Finally, lower and better controlled VCE(on), have been achieve with higher density designs and self-aligning processes according to Al Lidow (2003). Diodes are delivering shorter reverse recovery times with less switching noise and faster soft recover with less overshoot and reduced EMI. Power electronics is also a growing industry with total power device sales of 43 billion devices ($ /spl sim/4 billion) in 1999 growing to 84 billion devices (/spl sim/ $8 billion) in 2004.
Epidemiologic Analysis of Respiratory Viral Infections Mainly in Hospitalized Children and Adults in a Midwest University Medical Center After the Implementation of a 14-Virus Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Test.

Objectives To investigate the etiology of viral respiratory tract infections mainly in hospitalized children and adults over a 12-month consecutive period after implementation of a 14-virus multiplex nucleic acid amplification test. Methods From January 2014 to January 2015, a total of 2,237 respiratory samples were analyzed with the US Food and Drug Administration-cleared eSensor Respiratory Viral Panel (GenMark Diagnostics, Carlsbad, CA). Results Of the 2,237 specimens tested, 788 specimens were positive for at least one virus, giving a positivity rate of 35.2%, and because of viral codetection, a total of 862 viral targets were identified. The age groups with the highest positivity rates were the 0- to 1-year (73.5%) and 2- to 6-year (78.4%) age groups. The overall viral codetection rate was 9.1%. Human rhinovirus (HRV) was the most prevalent respiratory virus found in children and adults. The peak of HRV seen in September 2014 represented a combination of HRV and enterovirus D68, 2014 epidemic respiratory infections. Conclusion The ability to detect a wider range of respiratory viruses gave us a better understanding of the etiology of respiratory infections in our population, particularly for HRV and enhanced our ability to detect viral coinfection.
ICE CORES | Dynamics of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet

The East Antarctic Ice Sheet has a maximum thickness of more than 4 km, and covers the Antarctic continent between longitudes 30° W and 165° E. The ice flows down the surface slopes from high interior domes toward the coastline through two processes: (i) by temperature-dependent quasi-viscous internal deformation, mostly shear parallel to the bed, and (ii) by basal motion comprising water-lubricated sliding over a hard substrate or shearing of water-saturated subglacial sediments, where the basal ice is at the pressure-melting temperature. With average surface temperatures below −45° C, and precipitation c. 0.1 m yr−1 (ice equivalent) over much of its surface, the ice sheet is a polar desert. There is virtually no surface melting at present, and accumulation of snowfall on the ice sheet is approximately balanced by discharge of icebergs and melting beneath the floating ice shelves. Ice flow is channeled into relatively fast-moving ice streams and outlet glaciers near the margins. Both ice streams and outlet glaciers feed the floating ice shelves. While the East Antarctic Ice Sheet appears close to mass balance (steady state) at present, accelerated flow in outlet glaciers could draw down the center of the ice sheet, if its buttressing ice shelves should fail in a much warmer world.