cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role for the α7β1 integrin in vascular development and integrity

The α7β1 integrin is a laminin receptor that has been implicated in muscle disease and the development of neuromuscular and myotendinous junctions. Studies have shown the α7β1 integrin is also expressed in nonskeletal muscle tissues. To identify the expression pattern of the α7 integrin in these tissues during embryonic development, α7 integrin chain knockout mice were generated by a LacZ knockin strategy. In these mice, expression from the α7 promoter is reported by β-galactosidase. From embryonic day (ED) 11.5 to ED14.5, β-galactosidase was detected in the developing central and peripheral nervous systems and vasculature. The loss of the α7 integrin gene resulted in partial embryonic lethality. Several α7 null embryos were identified with cerebrovascular hemorrhages and showed reduced vascular smooth muscle cells and cerebral vascularization. The α7 null mice that survived to birth exhibited vascular smooth muscle defects, including hyperplasia and hypertrophy. In addition, altered expression of α5 and α6B integrin chains was detected in the cerebral arteries of α7 null mice, which may contribute to the vascular phenotype. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the α7β1 integrin is important for the recruitment or survival of cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells and that this integrin plays an important role in vascular development and integrity. Developmental Dynamics 234:11–21, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A priori knowledge : Replies to William Lycan and Ernest Sosa

Reponse aux articles precedents de W. Lycan et d'E. Sosa intitules «Bealer on the possibility of philosophical knowledge» et «Rational intuition: Bealer on its nature and epistemic status» («Philosophical studies», 81, 1996, pp. 143-50 et 151-62). L'A. demontre que les critiques qui lui sont opposees ne sapent ni la conception de la connaissance a priori, ni les theses de l'autonomie et de l'autorite de la philosophie, qu'il a precedemment developpees
Correcting for Survey Nonresponse Using Variable Response Propensity

All surveys with less than full response potentially suffer from nonresponse bias. Poststratification weights can only correct for selection into the sample based on observables whose distribution is known in the population. Variables such as gender, race, income, and region satisfy this requirement because they are available from the U.S. Census Bureau, but poststratification based on these variables may not eliminate nonresponse bias. I develop an approach for correcting for nonignorable nonresponse bias. Survey respondents can be classified by their “response propensity.” Proxies for response propensity include the number of attempted phone calls, indicators of temporary refusal, and interviewer-coded measures of cooperativeness. We can then learn about the population of nonrespondents by extrapolating from the low-propensity respondents. I apply this new estimator to correct for unit nonresponse bias in the American National Election Study and in a CBS / New York Times preelection poll. I find that no...
Cubature and the Tchakaloff cone

Abstract : An algorithm is given for a cubature formulae by means of a constructive method for representing a point which is in the conical hull of a given set. (Author)
ERK2 phosphorylation of serine 77 regulates Bmf pro-apoptotic activity

B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) homology 3 (BH3)-only proteins represent a class of pro-apoptotic factors that neutralize pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, and, in some cases, directly activate Bax. The mechanisms of control and the role of BH3-only proteins, such as Bcl-2 like protein 11 extra large and Bad are well studied. By contrast, relatively little is known about the regulation and role of Bcl-2 modifying factor (Bmf). The B-RAF oncogene is mutated in ∼8% of human tumors. We have previously shown that Bmf is upregulated at the transcript level and is required for apoptosis induced by targeting B-RAF signaling in tumor cells harboring mutant B-RAF. In this study, we show that Bmf is regulated at the post-translational level by mutant B-RAF-MEK-ERK2 signaling. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK2) directly phosphorylates Bmf on serine 74 and serine 77 residues with serine 77 being the predominant site. In addition, serine 77 phosphorylation reduces Bmf pro-apoptotic activity likely through a mechanism independent of altering Bmf localization to the mitochondria and/or interactions with dynein light chain 2 and the pro-survival proteins, B-cell lymphoma extra large, Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. These data identify a novel mode of regulation in Bmf that modulates its pro-apoptotic activity in mutant B-RAF tumor cells.
Fuzzy Controlled Hooke-Jeeves Optimization Search Algorithm

This paper presents an approach to enhance Hooke-Jeeves optimization search algorithm using fuzzy logic. Hooke-Jeeves algorithm, similar to many other search algorithms, use predetermined fixed parameters. These parameters do not depend on the objective function values at the current search location. Fuzzy logic controllers are incorporated in at various stages of the algorithm to create a new optimization search algorithm: Fuzzy-Controlled Hooke-Jeeves algorithm. The results of this paper shows that incorporating fuzzy logic in Hooke-Jeeves algorithm can enhance the ability of the algorithm to reach extremum in different typical optimization test cases and design problems.© 2008 ASME
The interaction between ATP and myosin B; kinetic studies with the light-scattering method.

Abstract 1. 1. Using the method of light scattering, the interaction of ATP with myosin B was studied. The rate constants, and in the following scheme were estimated: 2. 2. The relation is discussed between and k 1 in the previous scheme: S + M SM SM ∗ 3. 3. It is suggested that should be connected with the ATPase activity. 4. 4. The effect of EDTA in the absence of bivalent cations, Mg ++ and Ca ++ , can be explained by a simple withdrawal of ATP from the system of light-scattering changes, but the real question how the withdrawal is carried on is still open. 5. 5. The effect of EDTA in the presence of Mg ++ cannot be explained by a simple withdrawal of Mg ++ from the system. 6. 6. Ca ++ ions in the presence of EDTA show a phenomenon similar to that observed with glycerol-treated fibers. 7. 7. The existence of a “four-species complex” of myosin, Mg, ATP, and EDTA remains a possibility.
Spectral amplitudes of strong earthquake accelerations recorded in buildings

Abstract Fourier spectrum amplitudes of horizontal and vertical earthquake accelerations recorded at the foundation levels of 57 buildings in the Los Angeles metropolitan area have been used to study the dependence of spectral amplitudes on the building foundation sizes. Comparison of these amplitudes with those predicted by empirical models for scaling ‘free field’ Fourier amplitude spectra does not indicate any significant dependence of the spectral amplitudes on the size of the foundation. Third degree polynomials have been employed to smooth the spectra of the accelerations recorded inside the buildings and their coefficients have been examined as functions of the foundation plan dimensions. These results also indicate no significant dependence of the spectral amplitudes on the foundation dimensions. A qualitative analysis of the spectral amplitudes for possible effects caused by the phenomena associated with soil-structure interaction indicates that the Fourier spectra of the recorded accelerations may experience some amplification as the relative ‘density’ of the foundation-structure system increases.
Beta-Alanine Utilization of Ebony and Non-ebony Drosophila melanogaster.

Carbon-14-labeled β-alanine was injected into newly formed Drosophila melanogaster female pupae. Homozygous ebony deposited less C14in pupal sheaths, deposited more C14in adult body extracts and wings, and decarboxylated and oxidized β-alanine to excrete C14O2 faster than did non-ebony homozygotes. Heterozygotes were intermediate in all these activities.
Mutational analysis of the Asn residue essential for RGS protein binding to G-proteins

Members of the RGS family serve as GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) for heterotrimeric G-proteins and negatively regulate signaling via G-protein-coupled receptors. The recently resolved crystal structure of RGS4 bound to Gialpha1 suggests two potential mechanisms for the GAP activity of RGS proteins as follows: stabilization of the Gialpha1 switch regions by RGS4 and the catalytic action of RGS4 residue Asn128. To elucidate a role of the Asn residue for RGS GAP function, we have investigated effects of the synthetic peptide corresponding to the Galpha binding domain of human retinal RGS (hRGSr) containing the key Asn at position 131, and we have carried out mutational analysis of Asn131. Synthetic peptide hRGSr-(123-140) retained its ability to bind the AlF4--complexed transducin alpha-subunit, Gtalpha.AlF4-, but failed to elicit stimulation of Gtalpha GTPase activity. Wild-type hRGSr stimulated Gtalpha GTPase activity by approximately 10-fold with an EC50 value of 100 nM. Mutant hRGSr proteins with substitutions of Asn131 by Ser and Gln had a significantly reduced affinity for Gtalpha but were capable of substantial stimulation of Gtalpha GTPase activity, 80 and 60% of Vmax, respectively. Mutants hRGSr-Leu131, hRGSr-Ala131, and hRGSr-Asp131 were able to accelerate Gtalpha GTPase activity only at very high concentrations (>10 microM) which appears to correlate with a further decrease of their affinity for transducin. Two mutants, hRGSr-His131 and hRGSr-Delta131, had no detectable binding to transducin. Mutational analysis of Asn131 suggests that the stabilization of the G-protein switch regions rather than catalytic action of the Asn residue is a key component for the RGS GAP action.
Three oral formulations of methadone: A clinical and pharmacodynamic comparison

This study was done to determine whether there were any differences in subjective symptoms of opiate withdrawal or methadone pharmacodynamics among patients as they were switched between three different oral formulations of methadone. Patients enrolled in a three-way double-blind crossover trial of three methadone formulations. Subjective symptoms and pharmacodynamic measures were assessed throughout the study period. Eighteen patients were enrolled the study. No statistically significant differences in any of the pharmacodynamic parameters studied were found among the three methadone preparations. There was no significant difference among preparations in the rate and extent of rise and fall in plasma methadone levels during a 24-hour intensive sampling period. Subjective symptoms also did not correlate with methadone formulation. Intolerance to changes in methadone formulation, often observed clinically, do not appear to have a pharmacodynamic basis. Our findings support the notion that such change intolerance reflects factors other than the pharmacologic properties of the different formulations of methadone.
A New Synthetic Approach for Polybenzoxazole and Light-Induced Fluorescent Patterning on Its Film

A new polybenzoxazole containing an adjacent hydroxyphenyl group was synthesized by using Suzuki coupling reaction accompanied by a simultaneous elimination reaction of acetyl protecting group of hydroxyl group. The polymer in solution as well as in the film exhibited a strong emission (520 nm) with a large Stokes shift (about 200 nm) via excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer mechanism. The new conjugated polymer containing 2-(2‘-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole exhibited a unique fluorescence quenching property upon UV irradiation. We demonstrate simple yet effective fluorescence imaging on the films of the new polymer by means of UV irradiation without aid of any photoacid generator and postprocessing such as baking or etching. The resulting fluorescence image was stable over 100 days of storage in ambient conditions.
Media Branding and Viewer's Perception in Qatar

Abstract We study how background characteristics and media branding affect viewers’ perception in Qatar. We conduct an experiment by asking individuals to provide background information and then comment on a 2-minute Al Jazeera clip from 2006 on the Danish Cartoons controversy. However, an element of deception is added when for half the participants we remove the Al Jazeera logo from the clip, add the CNN logo in the beginning and refer to the survey as the CNN Survey. Out of 600 survey participants we find that religion drives differences in perception for the debate on the Danish Cartoons, but most other background characteristics do not matter. Surprisingly, when we turn to the branding effect we find that faculty's perception changes when the group thinks that the information comes from CNN instead of Al Jazeera. Branding also seems to affect Qataris and individuals who attended a segregated university. It does not affect the students. Finally, we build the profile of Al Jazeera and CNN viewers, and find that more than 60% of the survey participants do not consider Al Jazeera or CNN as their main source of information. This result points to the importance of social media as an alternative source of information in the Qatar, and more general in the Middle East.
Flight Dynamic Stability of a Flapping Wing Micro Air Vehicle in Hover

This paper discusses a methodology of analyzing the flight dynamic stability of a flapping wing Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) in hover. The flexible flapping wings are modeled by a strain-based geometrically nonlinear beam formulation, coupled with an empirical aerodynamic formulation for load calculation on the wings surfaces. Wing flapping kinematics is described using a set of Euler angles. Nonlinear equations of motion for the body frame attached to the vehicle are used to complete the coupled aeroelastic and flight dynamic formulation. All these formulations are implemented in an integrated numerical framework. To evaluate the flight dynamic stability of the hovering flapping wing MAV, the coupled nonlinear governing equations are linearized, and the transition matrix over a wing flapping cycle is determined. By taking advantage of the periodic hovering condition, the stability analysis is performed based on the transition matrix in the Floquet theory. Longitudinal and lateral stabilities of a flapping wing MAV in hover is explored with the impact of different wing rigidity and inertia.
Techniques for Increasing the Picture Quality of NTSC Transmissions in Direct Satellite Broadcasting

This paper discusses the NTSC color television system and the possible increases in picture quality achievable from new technology infusions over the next decade. Techniques for improved NTSC are described, as are the new extended-definition (EDTV) and high-definition (HDTV) alternatives that have been proposed for new direct broadcasting satellite services. Comparisons of the features of each are included. A tutorial review of certain aspects of the NTSC system is given to help the reader better understand the subtleties of the methods of increasing picture quality.
From the Horses Mouth: An Experiential Learning Approach to Management Development through Metaphor

The importance of having capable leaders is extremely relevant today, but the effectiveness of training is difficult to measure. While much has been written on the use of horses for therapeutic pur...
Characterization of fresh and lined-out bulk FeMo sulfide catalysts

As reported previously, while a hydrodenitrogenation-selective FeMo sulfide catalyst maintained its activity in a 600 h accelerated aging test, the catalyst lost its hydrodenitrogenation activity fairly rapidly during the early stages of the test. This study is aimed at identifying the origin of the initial activity loss. Characterization of fresh and lined-out catalysts has indicated that the initial activity decline appears to be caused by decomposition of a single-phase amorphous FeMo sulfide.
Hard-to-Manage Preschool Boys: Symptomatic Behavior across Contexts and Time

Preschool boys identified by their parents and/or teachers as active, inattentive, and impulsive (N = 69) at age 4 were compared with boys without problems (N = 43) on observational measures of symptom-related behaviors, obtained across contexts (home, laboratory, and preschool). Problem boys differed from comparison boys on measures of activity/inattention, noncompliance, and impulsivity obtained in the 3 settings. At a 2-year follow-up, when they were 6 years old, problem boys continued to differ from comparison boys on laboratory measures of activity and impulsivity; there also was some stability in these symptomatic behaviors. Implications of these findings for the emergence and persistence of externalizing problems in preschool boys are addressed. Language: en
Novel metal–organic framework linkers for light harvesting applications

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are composed of organic linkers and coordinating metals that self-assemble to form a crystalline material with tunable nanoporosity. Their synthetic modularity and inherent long-range order create opportunities for use as new functional electronic materials. Using quantum mechanical computational methodologies we propose novel conjugated organic linkers that are capable of forming the same one-dimensional infinite metal-oxide secondary building units (SBUs) as the well-known IRMOF-74. This structural arrangement allows for the formation of a continuous π–π stacking network that should enable charge transport in fashion analogous to organic semiconductors. The structural and electronic properties (fundamental and optical gaps) of the isolated proposed linkers were modeled using a non-empirically tuned long-range corrected functional that leads to significantly improved results compared with experimental benchmarks. In addition, periodic hybrid density functional calculations were employed to model the extended MOF systems. Our results demonstrate how the electronic properties of MOFs can be readily modified to have favorable orbital alignments with known electron acceptors that should facilitate charge transfer. The predicted properties are in good agreement with experiment (i.e. UV-Vis absorption spectra), demonstrating the power of this computational approach for MOF design.
Histopathology of contact dermatitis.

Abstract Contact dermatitis is immune mediated (allergic and photoallergic contact dermatitis) or nonimmune mediated (irritant or phototoxic contact dermatitis). 1 Without specific patch testing, it may be histologically difficult to separate the two categories, especially if biopsy is not performed early; secondary changes, such as chronicity of inflammation and secondary infection, tend to obscure the histology. 2,3 Nonetheless, certain generalizations distinguishing between the histopathology of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis can be made which then can be demonstrated by experimental data. Both types of contact dermatitis will be discussed in general histologie terms and then within the context of experimental studies.
Risk Assessment Of The Thermal Decomposition Of Organic Peroxide Hybrid And Gassy Systems By Calorimetry And Computational Techniques

Risk Assessment of the thermal decomposition of organic peroxide hybrid and gassy systems by calorimetry and computational techniques
Synthesis of mesoporous carbon using enzymatically polymerized polyphenolic precursor and simultaneously assembled silica template

Abstract Mesoporous carbon has been synthesized via carbonization of silica/poly(4-ethylphenol)/surfactant nanocomposites that were prepared by simultaneous assembly and enzymatic polymerization. Subsequent removal of the silica template results in mesoporous carbon with large pore diameter (∼9 nm), high surface area (∼1400 m 2 /g) and large pore volume (∼1.7 cm 3 /g).
The pronator quadrates muscle flap

Traumatic injuries to the distal forearm present a challenging problem for soft tissue coverage. There is a need for a local flap to provide a vascularized soft tissue bed. This article demonstrates the anatomic basis that enables the pronator quadratus muscle potentially to fulfill these needs.
Linear dynamical systems over integral domains

The notions of constant, discrete-time, and linear dynamical systems over a commutative ring and their corresponding input/output maps are defined and studied. Classical stability theory is generalized to systems over fields complete with respect to a rank-one valuation. The resulting ''p-adic stability theory'' is used to solve the realization problem for matrix sequences over a broad class of integral domains, generalizing results first announced in Rouchaleau, Wyman, and Kalman [Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 69 (1972), 3404-3406].
The Roma (Gypsies) in Hungary through the Kadar Era

There have been Roma or Gypsies in Hungary for over 650 years. Historical records indicate that they entered Hungary between 1416 and 1417 from Transylvania during the reign of King Sigismund (1387–1437), though linguistic evidence indicates that they had begun to settle there earlier. In 1423, Sigismund granted the Gypsy leader, Ladislas, and his followers, certain rights of transit, and they began to flock to Hungary. Most settled in the outskirts of villages or towns, and became prominent in some parts of the country as blacksmiths. From the outset, the Gypsies were subjected to varying degrees of discrimination. In the 18th century, Empress Maria Theresa (1740–1780), after Pope Clement XIII granted her the right to become Apostolic ruler of Hungary, adopted policies designed to force the Roma to assimilate into Hungarian society. She outlawed use of the word Cigany and decreed that Gypsies in the future be called “new citizen,” “new peasant,” or “new Hungarian.” In 1780, the government placed 8,388 Roma children in schools where they became wards of the state, and another 9,463 in foster homes. Within a few years, all of them had run away from these institutions or the families. The Gypsies responded with some outbreaks of violence in certain areas, though in most instances they simply left Hungary for other parts of Europe.
On the hypothesis that polymorphic enzyme alleles are selectively neutral. I. The evenness of allele frequency distribution

Using the theory developed by Ewens (1972, Theor. Pop. Biol. 3, 87–112), some properties of the ratio of the observed to effective number of alleles are investigated. In particular the expected value of this ratio, as a function of the observed number of alleles, is seen to increase markedly under the neutral hypothesis. However, the corresponding values from field data for some drosophila species decrease as a function of the observed number of alleles.
The recovery of distorted band-limited signals

Abstract In this paper we devise a method for recovering band limited signals which have been subjected to a distorting procedure called companding. A band limited signal is a function in L 2 whose Fourier transform vanishes outside of a bounded interval. In practice most real signals are in this class since they have no indefinitely high frequency components. The operation of companding a signal f ( t ) consists of replacing it by ϑ [ f ( t )], where ϑ ( x ) is a given function. This operation does not in general preserve the band-limitedness of f ( t ). We reproduce an unpublished uniqueness theorem of A . Beurling which shows that the knowledge of the transform of the companded signal on the interval where the transform of the original signal does not vanish determines uniquely the original signal, provided the companding function is monotonic increasing. We then prove the following existence theorem. To each function in L 2 defined only on a bounded interval there is one and only one band limited function with band contained in this interval, the Fourier transform of whose companded version coincides with the given function. Our method is constructive and proceeds via a stable iteration scheme (Picard iterations). The convergence of our method requires that the companding function have a derivative which is bounded away from zero and infinity.
Application of the transformed Potts–Guy equation to in vivo human skin data

Abstract Data developed by Wenkers and Lippold for the flux of 10 nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs from light mineral oil (MO) through human skin in vivo has been analyzed using the transformed Potts–Guy equation. The analysis shows that the flux is dependent not only on the solubility in MO ( S MO ), but also on the solubility in acidic water ( S AQ ). This dependence of flux on S AQ shows that the previously reported dependence of flux on S AQ from in vitro experiments using hairless mouse skin is not an artifact of the in vitro experiments but is due to a characteristic of the skin barrier. Further inspection of the equations used by Wenkers and Lippold in their analyses of their data shows that the equations are variations of the transformed Potts–Guy equation. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 90:1318–1323, 2001
What Is required for transition from the ESL classroom to the general education classroom? A case study of two classrooms.

Speech-language pathologists in the schools and classroom teachers repeatedly face the challenge of how best to provide services and instruction for students who are learning English as a second language (ESL). A better understanding of second language acquisition issues, such as code-switched and code-mixed behaviors, is essential because, as Aguirre (1989) maintains, code switching is obvious and unavoidable with bilingual students. An ethnographic observational study of ESL and regular classroom discourse was performed. The researchers asked the questions: "What language skills must the bilingual student possess to succeed in the general education classroom, and what skills should the SLP be aware of in assessing bilingual students?" This study found that bilingual students in the general education classroom needed to shift and adapt their language uses to meet the demands of the classroom. The general education classroom proceeded at a fast pace of instruction, which necessitated fast processing abili...
ANALYSIS OF INTERNAL (N-1)MER DELETION SEQUENCES IN SYNTHETIC OLIGODEOXYRIBONUCLEOTIDES BY HYBRIDIZATION TO AN IMMOBILIZED PROBE ARRAY

The purity of a drug substance can influence its toxicity and potency, so impurities must be specifically determined. In the case of synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide drugs, however, product complexity makes complete impurity speciation difficult. The goal of the present work was to develop a new analytical method for speciation of individual internal (n-1)mer impurities arising from formal nucleotide deletion in synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides. A complete series of oligodeoxyribonucleotide probes were designed, each complementary to an (n-1)mer deletion sequence of the drug in question. Glass plates were used as a solid support for individually immobilizing the entire probe array. The total mixture of internal (n-1) length impurities was isolated from a synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotide by PAGE and labeled with 35S. Under stringently optimized conditions, only the perfectly sequence-matched oligodeoxyribonucleotide hybridized to each probe, while all other deletion sequences were removed by washing with buffer. The 35S signal intensity of the bound oligodeoxyribonucleotide was proportional to the concentration of each (n-1)mer deletion sequence in the analyte solution. This method has been applied to a number of synthetic phosphorothioate oligodeoxy-ribonucleotide lots and shown to be reliable for speciation and relative quantitation of the internal (n -1)mer deletion sequences present.
SCRUB: a tool for code reviews

This paper describes a tool called Source Code Review User Browser (SCRUB) that was developed to support a more effective and tool-based code review process. The tool was designed to support a large team-based software development effort of mission critical software at JPL, but can also be used for individual software development on small projects. The tool combines classic peer code review with machine-generated analyses from a customizable range of source code analyzers. All reports, whether generated by humans or by background tools, are accessed through a single uniform interface provided by SCRUB.
Relating Ozone Uptake in Forest Trees to Risk Assessment

This paper reviews the importance of ozone uptake through plant stomata in understanding plant response to ozone and discusses challenges in quantifying ozone uptake in forest trees. Uncertainties in spatial and temporal scaling of ozone uptake from the leaf to the landscape level, insufficient monitoring of ozone in forested areas, and tremendous variability in the composition and structure of forest ecosystems of the United States prevent the current use of ozone uptake in large-scale risk assessments and regulatory decisions.
Supramolecular chemistry: Reading polymer codes

The concept of encoding information into a synthetic polymer through its monomer sequence promises very-high-density storage, but decoding such data is a significant challenge. Now, it has been shown that small molecular tweezers can recognize different triplet sequences in oligoimides, offering a glimpse of how to read out information from polymer codes.
Redesigning Systems Of Care For Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease

Best-practice models of dementia care have evolved from strategies focused on family caregivers to guidelines predicated on supporting the patient-caregiver dyad along the care continuum. These models have grown in complexity to encompass medical and team-based care that is designed to coordinate dementia care across settings and providers for a defined population of patients. Although there is evidence that the models can improve outcomes, they have not been widely adopted. Barriers to the models’ increased adoption include workforce limitations, the cost of necessary practice redesign, and limited evidence of their potential cost-effectiveness. We summarize the origins, evidence base, and common components of best-practice models of dementia care, and we discuss barriers to their implementation. We conclude by describing two current efforts to implement such models on a broad scale, supported by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. Taken together, these models seek to demonstrate improved de...
Summer meeting 2007 – the problems with fresh produce: an overview

In Fall 2006, four separate outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with the consumption of fresh produce occurred in the United States. In follow-up investigations, spinach, lettuce, and tomatoes were identified as the vehicles of illness. Epidemiologic investigations subsequently focused on finding the specific growing regions using traceback records. While the areas most likely involved in the outbreaks have been identified, the specific mode of contamination remains unconfirmed. Suspected risk factors in these cases include: proximity of irrigation wells and surface waterways exposed to faeces from cattle and wildlife; exposure in fields to wild animals and their waste materials; and improperly composted animal manure used as fertilizer. Difficulty in deciphering these and other on-farm routes of contamination is due to the sporadic nature of these events. Hence, evidence to support these contamination modes is based largely on experimental studies in the laboratory and field. Still at issue is the relevance of internalization of pathogens, whether this occurs through the roots and plant vascular tissues of vegetables and fruits or through plant surfaces into cracks and crevices. Potential for these events, conditions under which the events occur, and pathogen survival following these events, are questions that still need to be answered. Answers to these questions will ultimately affect the type of interventions needed for application postharvest. Currently, many chemical and biological interventions can reduce surface pathogens and minimize cross-contamination, however, they are largely ineffective on internalized pathogens. In the event internalization is a significant route of contamination in the field, physical interventions (irradiation and high pressure) may be needed to minimize risk. Ultimately, risk assessment studies will be useful tools in developing risk management strategies for the produce industry.
An Iterative Spatial Algorithm For Three-Dimensional Reconstruction In Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Two major problems in the reconstruction of spatial distribution of radioisotope in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are tissue attenuation and resolution degradation with distance. In order to describe the projection process in SPECT more accurately, a three-dimensional linear model which takes into consideration the medium attenuation effect and the point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system is presented. Based on this model, an iterative spatial reconstruction algorithms, i.e., the Spatially Modified Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (SMART) is proposed and tested by computer simulation and phantom study. Comparison of the result with other conventional SPECT algorithms indicates that SMART has better performance in attenuation effect compensation and discrimination of spatial features in phantom. Key Words: (1) Single photon emission computed tomography (2) Spatial iterative algorithm (3) linear model (4) evaluation of computer algorithms
Development of a Monte Carlo based aggregate model for residential electric water heater loads

A model for a residential electric water heater load is developed using an energy flow analysis of the water heater tank. An aggregate model for residential electric water heater loads is then developed using a rejection type Monte Carlo simulation technique. The resultant aggregate model is then used to assess the effectiveness of several demand-side management strategies using the water heater load profile presented in a previous analysis.
Stay Close to Your Sister

Yeast Sir2 protein regulates chromatin structure and suppresses recombination at the multiple tandem rDNA array. In the current issue of Cell, Kobayashi and colleagues reinvestigate rDNA dynamics in sir2 strains and find that Sir2 is necessary to recruit cohesins to the array, which influences the nature of rDNA recombination events.
Accountability-Democracy Tensions Facing Democratic School Leaders

Abstract Nesting an original classroom study within democratic and educational leadership theories, this narrative curricular account explores teaching for democracy to create and sustain democratic schools. The study involved a curricular activity conducted in a graduate-school setting to gain insight into in-service teachers' perceptions of the public laws that influence their democratic thinking and teaching practice. Analysis suggests that teachers think reflectively and critically about their roles as developing democratic leaders. Importantly, we found that teachers can be assisted in understanding the legislative and political forces that affect their own roles, identities, and effectiveness in the changing educational climate. In this article, we consider the pedagogical implications of designing leadership preparation that fosters the development of democratic leaders for work in accountability-driven systems.
Studying Religion: Possibilities and Limitations of Different Definitions

measuring techniques, the conclusions of one study often are unrelated to other conclusions. This situation prevents the present impirical study of religion from being an intelligible field of inquiry that can integrate known information and provide insights for developing new areas of exploration. In this paper we want first to discuss some general questions about the nature of empirical study. In the second section we will review four operational definitions of religion to see their usefulness and their limitations. These sections will form the basis for some consideration in the final sec-
Waterborne pathogen detection: more than just "location, location, location…".

The complexity of modern hospitals and increasing proportion of immunologically vulnerable patients make healthcare facility safety a top priority for hospital epidemiologists. Contamination of hospital water systems and point-of-use outlets is a widespread, tenacious problem for which a lasting solution remains elusive. Even when municipal water is maintained within accepted standards of chlorination, structural features of hospital plumbing can lead to contamination of water as it flows distally toward the points of use. Hospitals tend to have large, complex waterworks with low-flow areas that produce stagnation and biofilm formation; hot and cold water temperatures that are not well regulated may be ideal for bacterial growth. Although these conditions occur in other facilities, the susceptibility of hospitalized patients and the presence of invasive devices put them at high risk for infection with organisms that contaminate hospital water. Legionella species are important waterborne pathogens; Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas species, Burkholderia species, Aeromonas species, Stenotrophomonas species, and Acinetobacter species are among the other organisms that are frequently identified
Singing the rhythm blues: An argumentative analysis of the birth‐control debate in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church reaffirmed its traditional opposition to birth regulation in 1968 with the encyclical, Humanae Vitae, a response unexpected by many Church members and outsiders alike. To understand this reaffirmation, the arguments in the birth‐control debate are organized according to Burke's triad of motivational orders—nature, reason, and authority. This analysis suggests that, whereas the arguments in Humanae Vitae were based on authority, this stance offered a flexibility not possible by grounding arguments in either nature or in reason.
Corticomotor and somatosensory evoked potential evaluation of acute spinal cord injury in the rat

Abstract Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and corticomotor evoked potentials (CMEPs) were utilized to study acute blunt spinal cord trauma. Rats, anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride, were subjected to a parasagittal craniotomy and a midthoracic laminectomy. SSEPs were cortically recorded and CMEPs were transcortically produced using epidural ball and disc electrodes. SSEPs were elicited and CMEPs were recorded via hindlimb percutaneous needle electrodes. After control records were made, animals were subjected to a 25-, 50-, or 75-g/cm impact to the dorsal cord surface via a modified weight drop procedure. Evaluation of neurological injury was made by SSEP and CMEP analysis as well as by physical testing with noxious stimulation applied to the hindlimb. Neurohistopathological verification of each spinal cord lesion was performed. No significant change in SSEP configuration was identified in animals subjected to a 25-g/cm cord impact; however, a small decrement in CMEP amplitude was consistently observed. Although vocalization to noxious stimulation was present, flexion activity was less than normal. Animals subjected to a 50-g/cm cord impact also showed no change in SSEP wave forms. All components of the CMEP were greatly attenuated with this injury. Either very weak movement or no movement to noxious stimulation was present without vocalization. After a 75-g/cm cord impact, both SSEPs and CMEPs were abolished. There was no movement or vocalization in response to noxious stimulation. Serial sections of the spinal cords revealed incremental destruction with increasing severity of injury. These results support the hypothesis that CMEPs are a more sensitive indicator of residual spinal cord function after injury than are SSEPs.
Linking the population epidemiology of acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.

[]IntroductionBefore addressing how acute renal failure (ARF) epidemiology relates to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) epidemiology and chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemiology, it is worthwhile reviewing some recent literature regarding the latter two.End-stage renal disease population epidemiologyH
Construction Safety Risk Mitigation

Construction safety and health management has improved significantly following the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. In response to this legislation, contractors began implementing safety programs to reduce occupational safety and health hazards on construction sites. Researchers recently found that the current process of selecting specific elements for a safety program is informal. This paper describes the results of a recent study designed to determine the relative effectiveness of safety program elements by quantifying their individual ability to mitigate construction safety and health risks. In order to determine the effectiveness of individual safety program elements, the following research activities were performed: (1) an appropriate safety risk classification system was created using an aggregation of relevant literature; (2) highly effective safety program elements were identified in literature; and (3) the ability of each safety program element to mitigate a portion of each of the safety risk classes was quantified using the Delphi method. The results of the research indicate that the most effective safety program elements are upper management support and commitment and strategic subcontractor selection and management and the least effective elements are recordkeeping and accident analyses and emergency response planning. It is expected that the data presented in this paper can be used to strategically select elements for a safety program, target specific safety and health risks, and influence resource allocation when funds are limited.
Structural distortions in metal clusters.

The energetics and structures of metal clusters are studied by the Car-Parrinello method with Al chosen as a paradigm. For the 13- and 55-atom clusters which can assume perfect icosahedral and cubic structures, the distortions from these ideal structures are substantial. For the 55-atom cluster, several inequivalent but energetically nearly degenerate structures are found. The origin of this near-degeneracy is traced to the short range of the effective interatomic interactions, which provides an ab initio justification for their parametrization in terms of short-range potentials.
A novel beta subunit increases rate of inactivation of specific voltage-gated potassium channel alpha subunits.

Voltage-gated potassium channel β subunits are cytoplasmic proteins that co-purify with the pore-forming α subunits. One of these subunits, Kvβ1 from rat brain, was previously demonstrated to increase the rate of inactivation of Kv1.1 and Kv1.4 when co-expressed in Xenopus oocytes. We have cloned and characterized a novel voltage-gated K+ channel β subunit. The cDNA, designated Kvβ3, has a 408-amino acid open reading frame. It possesses a unique 79-amino acid N-terminal leader, but is identical with rat Kvβ1 over the 329 C-terminal amino acids. The Kvβ3 transcript was found in many tissues, but was most abundant in aorta and left ventricle of the heart. Co-expression of Kvβ3 with K+ channel α subunits shows that this β subunit can increase the rate of inactivation from 4- to 7-fold in a Kv1.4 or Shaker B channel. Kvβ3 had no effect on Kv1.1, unlike Kvβ1 which can increase rate of inactivation of this α subunit more than 100-fold. Other kinetic parameters were unaffected. This study shows that voltage-gated K+ channel β subunits are present outside the central nervous system, and that at least one member of this family selectively modulates inactivation of K+ channel α subunits.
Paraffin isomerization catalyzed by polymer-supported superacids

Solid superacids were prepared by the reaction of metal-halide Lewis acids with macroporous sulfonated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene), and a supported trifluoromethanesulfonic acid was prepared on the unsulfonated support. These polymers were used to catalyze the isomerization and dehydrogenation of n-butane in a flow reactor at 60–120 °C and 0.54 bar butane partial pressure. The catalysts were active in the presence of small amounts of HCl co-catalyst (the reaction rates being about 2 × 10−9 mol/g · s for the most active catalysts), but rapid deactivation resulted from loss of hydrogen halide. Catalysts prepared from SnCl4 and TiCl4 were relatively inactive in comparison with those prepared from SbF5 and BF3; the catalysts prepared from AlCl3 were as active as those containing fluorine and more stable. The activities of the catalysts are compared to the acid strengths of unsupported conjugate Lewis-acid analogs indicated by the Hammett acidity function.
The triphosphorus anion (P3−) : a near degeneracy between equilateral triplet and linear singlet electronic states

Abstract Ab initio quantum mechanical methods have been applied to the P 3 − molecular anion. Two low-lying minima are predicted, an equilateral triangle ( 3 A 2 ′ state, bond distance r e (P-P) = 2.174 A) and a linear closed-shell singlet state ( r e (P-P) = 1.943 A). Vibrational frequencies are predicted and compared to an experimental feature at 815 cm −1 , previously assigned to the infrared spectrum of the pentaphosphorus anion P 5 − .
4PS/Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS)-2 Is the Alternative Substrate of the Insulin Receptor in IRS-1-deficient Mice

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) is the major cytoplasmic substrate of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 receptors. Transgenic mice lacking IRS-1 are resistant to insulin and IGF-1, but exhibit significant residual insulin action which corresponds to the presence of an alternative high molecular weight substrate in liver and muscle. Recently, Sun et al. (Sun, X.-J, Wang, L.-M., Zhang, Y., Yenush, L. P., Myers, M. G., Jr., Glasheen, E., Lane, W. S., Pierce, J. H., and White, M. F. (1995) Nature 377, 173-177) purified and cloned 4PS, the major substrate of the IL-4 receptor-associated tyrosine kinase in myeloid cells, which has significant structural similarity to IRS-1. To determine if 4PS is the alternative substrate of the insulin receptor in IRS-1-deficient mice, we performed immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase assays using specific antibodies to 4PS. Following insulin stimulation, 4PS is rapidly phosphorylated in liver and muscle, binds to the p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase, and activates the enzyme. Insulin stimulation also results in the association of 4PS with Grb 2 in both liver and muscle. In IRS-1-deficient mice, both the phosphorylation of 4PS and associated PI 3-kinase activity are enhanced, without an increase in protein expression. Immunodepletion of 4PS from liver and muscle homogenates removes most of the phosphotyrosine-associated PI 3-kinase activity in IRS-1-deficient mice. Thus, 4PS is the primary alternative substrate, i.e. IRS-2, which plays a major role in physiologic insulin signal transduction via both PI 3-kinase activation and Grb 2/Sos association. In IRS-1-deficient mice, 4PS/IRS-2 provides signal transduction to these two major pathways of insulin signaling.
Refinements to colloid model of C-S-H in cement: CM-II

This paper describes a second generation model for the nanostructure of C-S-H based on the interpretation of water sorption isotherms. The cornerstone of the model is a description of the globules (used here to mean small brick like particles), which consist of solid C-S-H and internal water, and the distribution of water in the small pores between them. Microstructural changes that occur during drying and account for both reversible and irreversible shrinkage are described. Since globules are particles, the properties of C-S-H gel are best understood through application of the emerging granular mechanics. This new model should help to establish quantitative relationships between the nanostructure and bulk properties.