cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Behind every woman in prison is a man”: Incarcerated Women’s Perceptions of How We Can Better Help Them in the Context of Interpersonal Victimization

Although women’s rates of incarceration have increased dramatically, the criminal justice system does not meet women’s unique needs. This article used qualitative methods to describe the responses ...
Transition Metal Sequestration by the Host-Defense Protein Calprotectin

In response to microbial infection, the human host deploys metal-sequestering host-defense proteins, which reduce nutrient availability and thereby inhibit microbial growth and virulence. Calprotectin (CP) is an abundant antimicrobial protein released from neutrophils and epithelial cells at sites of infection. CP sequesters divalent first-row transition metal ions to limit the availability of essential metal nutrients in the extracellular space. While functional and clinical studies of CP have been pursued for decades, advances in our understanding of its biological coordination chemistry, which is central to its role in the host–microbe interaction, have been made in more recent years. In this review, we focus on the coordination chemistry of CP and highlight studies of its metal-binding properties and contributions to the metal-withholding innate immune response. Taken together, these recent studies inform our current model of how CP participates in metal homeostasis and immunity, and they provide a fo...
Association of Degree and Timing of Exposure to Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Services with Breastfeeding Duration

Randomized trials conducted in developing countries have demonstrated that breastfeeding peer counseling increases rates of breastfeeding initiation and improves the duration of breastfeeding (Morrow et al. 1999; Haider et al. 2000). We are conducting a randomized community trial, designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an existing community-based breastfeeding peer counseling program serving mostly low income Latinas (i.e., women from Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America or the Caribbean) in Hartford, CT. Preliminary data from this on-going study previously have shown that subjects randomized to receive breastfeeding peer counseling have a median breastfeeding duration one month greater than their counterparts who did not receive breastfeeding peer counseling (1.75 mo vs. 0.8 mo, P<0.05) (Chapman et al. 2002). The objectives of this analysis are to: a) report on a process evaluation of the program, focusing on actual coverage of pre-, peri-, and postnatal services; and b) determine if differences in the degree and timing of the exposure to breastfeeding peer counseling services are associated with breastfeeding duration.
Really quick shift: image segmentation on a GPU

The paper presents an exact GPU implementation of the quick shift image segmentation algorithm. Variants of the implementation which use global memory and texture caching are presented, and the paper shows that a method backed by texture caching can produce a 10-50X speedup for practical images, making computation of super-pixels possible at 5-10Hz on modest sized (256x256) images.
Intrinsic Nonlinearity of the Interaction between Radiation Fields and Atoms

The purpose of this article is to present the background material necessary to deal with the nonlinear effect of the interaction between light and atomic systems.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Laparoscopic Lens Defogging Techniques through Simulation Model.

Context: Current literature demonstrates a lack of comparative studies regarding effective techniques for reducing laparoscopic lens fogging. Aim: Our primary objective is to determine the efficacy of various laparoscopic defogging techniques (LDT) through a randomized controlled trial that employs a novel simulation model of the abdominopelvic cavity. Settings and Design: This study was conducted at academic community hospital. This study design was a randomized controlled trial through simulation. Subjects and Methods: A chamber was constructed that simulated the abdominopelvic cavity. We used 5 and 10 mm 0° laparoscopes. A 10 cm visual analog scale was developed to assign visual clarity (VC) scores. The 10 cm mark indicated perfect VC. We employed the following LDTs: (1) glove warming (GLOVE), (2) surfactant solution (Fog Reduction and Elimination Device [FRED]), (3) chlorhexidine solution (SOAP), (4) warm saline (SALINE), and (5) control. Three observers were blinded to the LDT used. Primary outcomes included VC scores at designated time intervals (5, 30, and 60 s) for each LDT. A minimum of 10 observations per time interval were required to achieve adequate power based on a 2.5 cm difference in VC scores. Results: For the 10 mm laparoscope, FRED, SOAP, and SALINE had a VC score at 60 s (VC60) higher than control (4.8 ± 2.2, 7.8 ± 0.8, 7.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 0.72, P 0.05) and between SOAP and SALINE (7.8 ± 0.8 vs. 7.9 ± 0.7, P > 0.05). Similar results were noted with the 5 mm laparoscope. Conclusions: Common LDTs such as SALINE and SOAP were more effective than FRED, while GLOVE was no different than control. These results demonstrate that the use of effective LDTs can potentially translate into improved patient care and operative outcomes during surgery.
Stretchable sensors for environmental monitoring

The development of flexible and stretchable sensors has been receiving increasing attention in recent years. In particular, stretchable, skin-like, wearable sensors are desirable for a variety of potential applications such as personalized health monitoring, human-machine interfaces, and environmental sensing. In this paper, we review recent advancements in the development of mechanically flexible and stretchable sensors and systems that can be used to quantitatively assess environmental parameters including light, temperature, humidity, gas, and pH. We discuss innovations in the device structure, material selection, and fabrication methods which explain the stretchability characteristics of these environmental sensors and provide a detailed and comparative study of their sensing mechanisms, sensor characteristics, mechanical performance, and limitations. Finally, we provide a summary of current challenges and an outlook on opportunities for possible future research directions for this emerging field.
Visual Imagery, Neural Basis of

This article traces the history of the study of visual imagery, beginning with cognitive psychology and extending into the cognitive neuroscience approach of the last two decades. Issues concerning the relation between perception and imagery, the brain localization of imagery, and the neural systems underlying visual image generation are discussed. Diverse sources of evidence, including reaction time studies, patient-based behavioral studies, event-related potentials, and functional neuroimaging are reviewed.
A Comprehensive Comparison of GPU Implementations of Cardiac Electrophysiology Models

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, and arrhythmias, which are disorders in the regular generation and propagation of electrical waves that trigger contraction, form a major class of heart diseases. Computational techniques have proved to be useful in the study and understanding of cardiac arrhythmias. However, the computational cost associated with solving cardiac models makes them especially challenging to solve. Traditionally, hardware available on personal computers has been insufficient for such models; instead, supercomputers have been employed to overcome the computational costs of cardiac simulations. However, in recent years substantial advances in the computational power of graphics processing units (GPUs), combined with their modest prices and widespread availability, have made them an attractive alternative to high-performance computing using supercomputers. With greater use of GPUs, however, new challenges have emerged. GPUs must be programmed using their own languages or extensions of other languages, and, at present, there are a number of languages that support general-purpose GPU codes with substantial differences in programming ease and available levels of optimization. In this work, we present the implementation of cardiac models in several major GPU languages without language-specific optimization and compare their performance for different levels of model complexity and domain sizes.
Sex Differences in Ultrasound-Based Muscle Size and Mechanical Properties of the Cervical-Flexor and -Extensor Muscles

Context Neck pain (NP), neck injuries, and concussions are more prevalent in female athletes than in their male counterparts. Females exhibit less neck girth, strength, and stiffness against a pert...
Narrative review of social media as a research tool for diet and weight loss

Abstract This narrative review examined the following research questions: 1) What are the characteristics and outcomes of social media-based diet/weight loss studies to date? 2) What are the methodological characteristics of social media-based diet/weight loss studies? 3) What research strengths and limitations exist among social media-based diet/weight loss studies? We conducted a narrative review of studies related to diet, weight loss, and social media. Out of 37 included articles, most focused exclusively on Facebook (n = 13, 35%) or Twitter (n = 12, 32%). Of 20 studies (54%) analyzing social media content, most analyzed textual content (n = 13, 65%). About half of studies (n = 20, 54%) had no guiding theoretical framework, and about one-quarter used Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) (n = 10, 27%). Studies designs used were non-experimental (n = 15, 41%), experimental (n = 12, 32%), qualitative (n = 8, 22%), and mixed methods (n = 2, 5%). Intervention research thus far has consisted mostly of inadequately controlled and powered pilot studies. More rigorous randomized controlled trials should be conducted that build on data gathered from pilot research. Further research on how exposure to/interaction with diet/weight loss social media translates to individual behavior change will aid in addressing the US's obesity epidemic.
Electrodeposition of iron phosphide film for hydrogen evolution reaction

Abstract The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) by electrochemical water splitting is part of a sustainable and scalable process to produce H2. Hence, the design of a highly efficient and low-cost electrocatalyst is in demand. We report the development of a straightforward and cost-effective method to electrodeposit an iron phosphide (FeP) film on a copper electrode at room temperature. The as-deposited FeP film was able to support current density of −10 mA/cm2 at overpotentials of 66 mV in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4, pH=0.3), 131 mV in 1.0 M phosphate buffer (PB, pH=6.4) and 110 mV in 1.0 M potassium hydroxide (KOH, pH=14.0) solution, as well as a Tafel slope of 55 mV/dec, 108 mV/dec, 60 mV/dec, respectively. The film has excellent stability during HER catalysis under acidic and neutral conditions, as shown by electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Poststent ballooning during transcarotid artery revascularization.

Abstract Background Poststent ballooning/angioplasty (post-SB) have been shown to increase the risk of stroke risk after transfemoral carotid artery stenting. With the advancement of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with dynamic cerebral blood ﬂow reversal, we aimed to study the impact of post-SB during TCAR. Methods Patients undergoing TCAR in the Vascular Quality Initiative between September 2016 and May 2019 were included and were divided into three groups: those who received prestent deployment angioplasty only (pre-SB, reference group), those who received poststent deployment ballooning only (post-SB), and those who received both prestent and poststent deployment ballooning (prepost-SB). Patients who did not receive any angioplasty during their procedure (n = 367 [6.7%]) were excluded because these represent a different group of patients with less complex lesions than those requiring angioplasty. Primary outcome was in-hospital stroke or death. Analysis was performed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Of 5161 patients undergoing TCAR, 34.7% had pre-SB only, 25% had post-SB only, and 40.3% had both (prepost-SB). No differences in the rates of in-hospital and 30-day stroke, death, and stroke/death were observed among the three groups; in-hospital stroke/death in the pre-SB group was 1.4% (n = 25), post-SB 1.2% (n = 16), and prepost-SB 1.4% (n = 29; P = .92). However, patients undergoing post-SB and prepost-SB had higher rates of in-hospital transient ischemic attacks (TIA) (post-SB, 0.9%; prepost-SB, 1% vs pre-SB, 0.2%, P Conclusions Post-SB was used in 65.3% of TCAR patients. This maneuver seems to be safe without an increase in the odds of postoperative in-hospital stroke/death. However, the increased rates of TIA associated with post-SB requires further investigation.
Induction of Hypersensitivity with Purified Beta-Lactoglobulin as a Mouse Model of Cow’s Milk Allergy

Cow's milk allergy is one of the most prevalent food allergies in both children and adults. As dairy products are common dietary ingredients and the prevalence of chronic conditions is on the rise, milk allergy is a growing public health concern. To elucidate underlying mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies, reliable animal models are essential research tools. Sensitization to a milk protein is the principal procedure for establishing animal models of cow's milk allergy. However, the methods of sensitization vary from laboratory to laboratory, using different milk proteins with different amounts, routes, and durations of allergen exposure during sensitization of varying sex and strains of mice, likely resulting in diverse immunological and physical responses. Furthermore, the sources and potential impurities of milk protein may also produce variable responses. Thus, standardization of sensitization protocol is important, particularly when results are compared across studies. Here, we describe a method to generate a mouse model of cow's milk allergy using purified β-lactoglobulin as the milk allergen with cholera toxin as an adjuvant in a 5-week oral sensitization protocol.
Adult Sibling Relationships in the United States: Mostly Close, Occasionally Contentious, and Caring for Ageing Parents

This chapter first presents an overview of findings from a mixed methods study of adult siblings in the United States in the context of the literature, as well as a new analysis exploring how parenting practices and sibling relationships impact adult siblings agreeing on decisions about caring for ageing parents. Adults age 40 or over filled out a 104 question survey and completed a qualitative interview protocol. The survey collected self-report data about sibling relationships in middle and later adulthood, as well as retrospective reports about those sibling relationships in childhood. Respondents were also asked about parent practices both currently and retrospectively in childhood. The sample included 150 sisters and 112 brothers, aged 40–90, with an average age of 54, and included 69% White, 17% African American, 6% Hispanic American, and 4% Asian American. These data revealed that the majority of adult sibling relationships are close and caring; however, about one-in-ten can be a source of conflict, actively avoided, or totally cutoff. We investigated how parenting practices with siblings in both childhood and adulthood influence the nature of sibling relationships in childhood and adulthood and, in turn, impact how adult siblings work together to make decisions about caring for ageing parents. Analyses revealed that parenting practices in childhood, both supportive of sibling relationships and potentially negative (such as favouritism), predicted the nature of sibling relationships in both childhood and adulthood and, ultimately, whether adult siblings agree about the care of ageing parents.
Improving Advance Care Planning Documentation Using Reminders to Patients and Physicians: A Longitudinal Study in Primary Care:

Objective:Documenting advance care planning (ACP) in primary care requires multiple triggers. New Medicare codes make it easier for providers to bill for these encounters. This study examines the u...
Extracellular electron transfer increases fermentation in lactic acid bacteria via a hybrid metabolism

ABSTRACT Energy conservation in microorganisms is classically categorized into respiration and fermentation, however recent work shows some species can use mixed or alternative bioenergetic strategies. We explored the utility of a flavin-based extracellular electron transport (FLEET) system for energy conservation within diverse lactic acid bacteria (LAB), microorganisms that mainly rely on fermentative metabolism and are important in food fermentations. The LAB Lactiplantibacillus plantarum uses extracellular electron transfer to increase its NAD+/NADH ratio, generate more ATP through substrate-level phosphorylation and accumulate biomass more rapidly. This novel, hybrid metabolism was dependent on a type-II NADH dehydrogenase (Ndh2) and conditionally required a flavin-binding extracellular lipoprotein (PplA) in the FLEET system to confer increased fermentation yield, metabolic flux, and environmental acidification in both laboratory media and food fermentation. The discovery of a single pathway that blends features of fermentation and respiration expands our knowledge of energy conservation metabolism and provides immediate biotechnology applications.
Study on Cannabis Compounds: An approach to Pharmacotherapy for Epilepsy in Children

Epilepsy in children is a complex disease, with a variety of distinct syndromes and many alternative treatment options. Even with a plethora of available treatment options, childhood epilepsies are commonly associated with seizures that are resistant to existing treatment methods. Treatment of pediatric epilepsy is challenging and requires more effective therapy to avoid short-term and long-term neurological disorders. Marijuana has been used to treat disease since ancient times. Marijuana ingredients Cannabidiol (CBD) and D9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have created a significant research interest as potential therapy options in epilepsy treatment. THC is the major psychoactive component of marijuana that aids in reducing epileptic seizures. CBD has proven to have anticonvulsant effect not only in experimental models but also in clinical studies. Research studies have provided strong evidence for safety and anticonvulsant properties of medical marijuana. Principal concerns regarding the use of medical marijuana in children include lack of standardization and regulation, imprecise dosing, possible adverse side effects and medication interactions.
Between Ransom and Release: Exploring Caringscapes of Ransom Kidnappings by Somali Pirates

Recent scholarship on care has continued to push the boundaries of care research beyond the Global North and beyond the usual areas of study. In the spirit of finding care in unusual and troubling ...
Employment Arbitration and Litigation: An Empirical Comparison

Policy debate rages over mandatory employment arbitration. Using a unique database of American Arbitration Association employment dispute awards, this article compares court-tried employment cases and arbitrated employment claims. It compares adjudicated and arbitrated outcomes in the class of disputes most often the subject of arbitration, non-civil rights employment claims. For higher paid employees, we find little evidence that arbitrated outcomes materially differ from trial outcomes. Employee win rates in both forums exceed 55% and median awards in both forums exceed $65,000. We find no statistically significant differences between arbitration and litigation in employee win rates or in median or mean award levels. These results are consistent with the belief that lower pay employees lack systematic, realistic access to court. We also report evidence that arbitrated disputes conclude more quickly than litigated disputes.
The excretion of creatine and creatinine during pregnancy.

Abstract The excretion of creatine and creatinine in 280 urine samples from 36 subjects during the course of uncomplicated pregnancies has been studied. Creatinine excretion averaged 1.21 Gm. per 24 hours with a standard deviation of 0.19. The average woman excretes 19.1 mg. of creatinine per kilogram of body weight per day, a value which does not increase, and may even drop somewhat, during pregnancy. The average creatine excretion is 0.24 Gm. per day with values starting at 0.15 Gm. per day in the third lunar month, increasing to a peak of 0.33 at the seventh lunar month, and dropping to 0.22 by the tenth month and to about 0.15 by the first month post partum. The excretion of 17-ketosteroids is significantly higher in those women who excrete large amounts of creatinine, while the basal metabolic rate is higher in those women who excrete larger amounts of creatine. No explanation could be found for the high week-to-week variability in creatine excretion.
Chemical and kinetic evidence for an essential histidine in the phosphotriesterase from Pseudomonas diminuta.

The pH rate profile for the hydrolysis of diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate catalyzed by the phosphotriesterase from Pseudomonas diminuta shows a requirement for the deprotonation of an ionizable group for full catalytic activity. This functional group has an apparent pKa of 6.1 +/- 0.1 at 25 degrees C, delta Hion of 7.9 kcal/mol, and delta Sion of -1.4 cal/K.mol. The enzyme is not inactivated in the presence of the chemical modification reagents dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoate), methyl methane thiosulfonate, carbodiimide, pyridoxal, butanedione, or iodoacetic acid and thus cysteine, asparate, glutamate, lysine, and arginine do not appear to be critical for catalytic activity. However, the phosphotriesterase is inactivated completely with methylene blue, Rose Bengal, or diethyl pyrocarbonate. The enzyme is not inactivated by diethyl pyrocarbonate in the presence of bound substrate analogs, and inactivation with diethyl pyrocarbonate is reversible upon addition of neutralized hydroxylamine. The modification of a single histidine residue by diethyl pyrocarbonate, as shown by spectrophotometric analysis, is responsible for the loss of catalytic activity. The pKinact for diethyl pyrocarbonate modification is 6.1 +/- 0.1 at 25 degrees C. These results have been interpreted to suggest that a histidine residue at the active site of phosphotriesterase is facilitating the reaction by general base catalysis.
Evolution of Adaptive Immunity

Historically, two components of immunity were identified, innate and adaptive. Innate receptors recognise molecular patterns common for groups of pathogens or for common pathological changes in host cells. All animals are protected by innate immunity. In addition, in vertebrates, adaptive immunity evolved that is based on the limitless somatic diversification of lymphoid receptors and selective expansion of those receptors that match the antigen/pathogen. Moreover, somatic hypermutation of antibodies combined with antigen selection allows fine-tuning of an antibody sequence to match the antigen. The repertoire of adaptive immune receptors in each individual differs in dependence on its life history and provides a basis for a strong memory response. Adaptive immune systems in jaw and jawless vertebrates are built on completely different receptors; immunoglobulin superfamily in jaw vertebrates and molecules with leucine-rich repeats in jawless vertebrates. However, they are strikingly similar functionally pointing to similar evolutionary forces shaping these systems. Key Concepts: Both adaptive and innate strategies are used in organisms from bacteria to humans. Innate mechanisms provide basic protection based on evolutionary conserved features of pathogens whereas adaptive mechanisms provide immunity that is shaped by the life history of every individual. Adaptive immunity of jaw and jawless vertebrates is based on different receptors but functionally similar pointing to the same evolutionary driving forces. Combination of adaptive and innate mechanisms is necessary to provide the most comprehensive immune protection. Genome duplications played a crucial role in the origin of the adaptive immune system. Adaptive immune system coevolve with innate immune mechanisms. Keywords: T cell; B cell; antibody; rags; AID; VLR; rearrangement; diversification; thymus
In Defense of Private-Label Mortgage-Backed Securities

The House Financial Services Committee recently concluded that lack of regulation of private-label mortgage-backed securities (MBS) is to blame for the unsustainable housing bubble that peaked in mid-2006 — and consequentially, the economic crisis that ensued when the bubble burst. It is true that the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act of 1984 largely exempted private-label MBS from securities regulation, however, this Article concludes that lack of regulation of private-label MBS did not cause the unsustainable housing bubble and resulting economic crisis. On the contrary, government interference caused the unsustainable housing bubble and resulting economic crisis through government sponsored entities competing in the MBS marketplace coupled with federal housing policy, particularly the Community Reinvestment Act, which encouraged banks to take undue risk.
ac bidirectional motor controller

Test data are presented and the design of a high-efficiency motor/generator controller at NASA-Lewis for use with the Space Station power system testbed is described. The bidirectional motor driver is a 20 kHz to variable frequency three-phase ac converter that operates from the high-frequency ac bus being designed for the Space Station. A zero-voltage-switching pulse-density-modulation technique is used in the converter to shape the low-frequency output waveform.
The Solar Wind and Geomagnetic Activity as a Function of Time Relative to Corotating Interaction Regions

Corotating interaction regions during the declining phase of the solar cycle are the cause of recurrent geomagnetic storms and are responsible for the generation of high fluxes of relativistic electrons. These regions are produced by the collision of a high-speed stream of solar wind with a slow-speed stream. The interface between the two streams is easily identified with plasma and field data from a solar wind monitor upstream of the Earth. The properties of the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field are systematic functions of time relative to the stream interface. Consequently the coupling of the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere produces a predictable sequence of events. Because the streams persist for many solar rotations it should be possible to use terrestrial observations of past magnetic activity to predict future activity. Also the high-speed streams are produced by large unipolar magnetic regions on the Sun so that empirical models can be used to predict the velocity profile of a stream expected at the Earth. In either case knowledge of the statistical properties of the solar wind and geomagnetic activity as a function of time relative to a stream interface provides the basis for medium term forecasting of geomagnetic activity. In this report we use lists of stream interfaces identified in solar wind data during the years 1995 and 2004 to develop probability distribution functions for a variety of different variables as a function of time relative to the interface. The results are presented as temporal profiles of the quartiles of the cumulative probability distributions of these variables. We demonstrate that the storms produced by these interaction regions are generally very weak. Despite this the fluxes of relativistic electrons produced during those storms are the highest seen in the solar cycle. We attribute this to the specific sequence of events produced by the organization of the solar wind relative to the stream interfaces. We also show that there are large quantitative differences in various parameters between the two cycles.
StoryUpgrade: Finding Stories in Internet Weblogs

The phenomenal rise of Internet weblogging has created new opportunities for people to tell personal stories of their life experience, and the potential to share these stories with those who can most benefit from reading them. One barrier to this new mode of storytelling is the lack of accessibility; existing Internet search tools are not tailored to the unique characteristics of this textual genre. In this paper we describe our efforts to develop a search engine specifically for the stories that appear in Internet weblogs, called StoryUpgrade. This application utilizes statistical text classification technologies to separate story content from other text in weblog entries, and facilitates searches for stories that are related to particular activities of interest.
A busman's holiday in the not-so-lonely crowd: business culture, epistolary networks, and itinerant homosexuality in mid-twentieth-century America.

O n 2 2 S e p t e m b e r 1 9 4 6 a n I O wa insurance executive named Don Hutchings wrote to his friend Stewart Howe about a recent trip to Madison, Wisconsin, where he was interviewing for a new job. While out socializing with his prospective boss and the boss’s wife, Hutchings found much of interest among what he called the “congenial and hospitable” “Madisonites”: “The vibrations about the bars were extremely fascinating as well as distracting, and I am certain one could go on a busman’s holiday with a degree of ease—I always hate myself afterwards for not having taken advantage of opportunities. Mayhaps the return engagement will be played with brighter lights ablazing.” Indeed, many of Hutchings’s business trips presented him with numerous opportunities for sex with other men. On those occasions when he was unaccompanied by a prospective employer he was easily able to take advantage of those opportunities. Hutchings was not alone. Thanks to a developing midcentury business culture that demanded extensive amounts of travel, men like Don Hutchings and his friend Stewart Howe often found themselves surrounded almost exclusively
The Status of Reproductive and Sexual Health in Southern USA: Policy Recommendations for Improving Health Outcomes

A review of public health data for the 50 states shows that southern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas consistently have the highest teen pregnancy, teen birth, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the USA. Furthermore, these states also lack mandates regarding sexuality education; and when sexuality education is provided, abstinence must be stressed while medically accurate information is not a specific requirement. This article synthesizes findings from recent health data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Guttmacher Institute, the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, and the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care with research and professional recommendations from the scientific literature. Based on the summary of these findings, the goal of this article is to provide recommendations aimed at addressing sexual health in these states, as well as other states with abstinence-only policies, to help improve the health of young people through preventing unintended pregnancy and STD transmission.
Effects of driving force on the rates of intramolecular and bimolecular electron-transfer reactions

Abstract Intramolecular electron transfer (ET) in [Ir 2 (μ-pz*) 2 (CO) 2 (Ph 2 PO(CH 2 ) 2 A + ) 2 ] [B(Ph) 4 − ] 2 ([IrPOpy + ] 2 ; pz*=3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl, A=pyridinium derivative, Ph=C 6 H 5 ) exhibits a Gaussian free-energy dependence. The temperature dependences (200–280 K) of both excited-state ET (Ir 2 *→A + ) and highly exergonic recombination (A →Ir 2 ) reactions also agree remarkably well with semiclassical ET theory. Resonance Raman measurements on the N -ethyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide charge-transfer complex reveal distortions along several vibrational modes upon pyridinium reduction. Neither semiclassical ET theory nor single-mode quantum theories can account quantitatively for all of the ET observations in [IrPOpy + ] 2 . Bimolecular ET reactions between the triplet excited state of [Ir(μ-pz)(COD)] 2 (pz=pyrazolyl, COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene) and a series of N -alkylpyridinium acceptors remain limited by diffusion at driving forces where the recombination reactions are inverted.
Transcription cofactor Vgl-2 is required for skeletal muscle differentiation.

TEF-1 transcription factors regulate gene expression in skeletal muscle but are not muscle-specific. Instead, TEF-1 factors rely on the muscle-specific cofactor Vestigial-like 2 (Vgl-2), a protein related to Drosophila vestigial. Previously, we showed that Vgl-2 promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and activates muscle-specific promoters. However, the mechanism whereby Vgl-2 regulates TEF-1 factors and the requirement for Vgl-2 for muscle-specific gene expression were not known. In Drosophila, vestigial alters DNA binding specificity of the TEF-1 homolog scalloped to drive wing and flight muscle-specific gene expression. Here, gel mobility shift assays show that Vgl-2 differentially affects DNA binding of different TEF-1 factors. Using an antisense morpholino, we blocked the expression of Vgl-2 and a muscle-specific gene in the myogenic C2C12 cell line and in chick embryos by electroporation. These results demonstrate that Vgl-2 is required for muscle gene expression, in part by switching DNA binding of TEF-1 factors during muscle differentiation. genesis 39:273–279, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulation of C. elegans Longevity by Specific Gustatory and Olfactory Neurons

The life span of C. elegans is extended by mutations that inhibit the function of sensory neurons. In this study, we show that specific subsets of sensory neurons influence longevity. We find that certain gustatory neurons inhibit longevity, whereas others promote longevity, most likely by influencing insulin/IGF-1 signaling. Olfactory neurons also influence life span, and they act in a distinct pathway that involves the reproductive system. In addition, we find that a putative chemosensory G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed in some of these sensory neurons inhibits longevity. Together our findings imply that the life span of C. elegans is regulated by environmental cues and that these cues are perceived and integrated in a complex and sophisticated fashion by specific chemosensory neurons.
Genetic correlations, squared or unsquared: Can they be accurately computed?

Jensen has suggested that the problem of genetic correlations may be understood as analogous to a problem in traditional test theory. In the present paper, the problem of conceptualizing phenotypes, genotypes, and environmental events in this manner was explored. Analysis indicated that when these factors are viewed in this context, many of the assumptions of traditional test theory are found to be grossly violated. Therefore, if the problem is understood in terms of traditional test theory, it may be concluded that the use of heritability coefficients such as Jensen’s may be expected to yield results in error to a substantial but unknown degree.
Macrophage Chemotaxis Stimulated by fMLP Requires Nitric Oxide (NO), Hyaluronan (HA) and the HA Receptor RHAMM. † 1823

Macrophage Chemotaxis Stimulated by fMLP Requires Nitric Oxide (NO), Hyaluronan (HA) and the HA Receptor RHAMM. † 1823
Classical theory of collisional entropy production

Abstract A classical dynamical theory of elementary collision processes is formulated in analogy to the quantum theory of the dynamical scattering matrix, which can be defined for a pure quantum stationary scattering state. The elements of this matrix are probability amplitudes for transitions between internal states defined for given values of a reaction coordinate. The squared magnitudes of these amplitudes, modeled in the proposed classical theory, define normalized internal state population distributions suitable for information theoretical analysis. Statistical entropy and surprisal are defined as dynamical functions of a reaction coordinate. This formalism differs fundamentally from concepts based on the classical Liouville equation.
Dynamical systems: A unified colored-noise approximation

By use of an adiabatic elimination procedure and a time scaling t^=${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1/2}$t, where \ensuremath{\tau} denotes the correlation time of colored noise \ensuremath{\varepsilon}(t), one arrives at a novel colored-noise approximation which is exact both for \ensuremath{\tau}=0 and \ensuremath{\tau}=\ensuremath{\infty}. The theory is implemented for one-dimensional flows of the type x\ifmmode \dot{}\else \.{}\fi{}=f(x)+g(x)\ensuremath{\varepsilon}(t). The approximation has the form of a Smoluchowski dynamics which is valid in regions of state space for which the damping \ensuremath{\gamma}(x,\ensuremath{\tau})=${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{-}1/2}$-${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{1/2}$[f'1(g'/g)f] is positive and large; and times t\ensuremath{\gg}${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{1/2}$/\ensuremath{\gamma}(x,\ensuremath{\tau}). This novel Smoluchowski dynamics combines the advantageous features of a recent decoupling theory that does not restrict the value of \ensuremath{\tau}, together with those occurring in the small-correlation-time theory due to Fox. The approximative theory is applied to a nonlinear model for a dye laser driven by multiplicative noise. Excellent agreement for the stationary probability is obtained between numerical exact solution and the novel approximative theory.
A note on probabilistic confidence of the stock market ILS interval forecasts

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to associate a probabilistic confidence with the stock market interval forecasts obtained with the interval least squares (ILS) algorithm. The term probabilistic confidence in this paper means the probability of a point observation that will fall in the interval forecast.Design/methodology/approach – Using confidence interval as input, annual ILS forecasts of the stock market were made. Then the probability of point observation that fall in the annual forecasts was examined empirically.Findings – When using confidence interval as ILS input, the stock market annual interval forecasts may have the same level of confidence as that of the input intervals.Research limitations/implications – At the same confidence level, the ILS can produce much better quality forecasts than the traditional ordinary least squares method for the stock market. Although the algorithmic approach can be applied to analyze other datasets, one should examine implications of computational results ...
Open-loop control of particle size distribution in semi-batch emulsion copolymerization using a genetic algorithm

Abstract The open-loop generation of an optimal feed profile to attain a target particle size distribution (PSD) in the semi-batch emulsion co-polymerization of vinyl acetate and butyl acrylate is described. A nominal model of the process based on population balancing is utilized for this purpose. A Genetic Algorithm is employed as the optimization strategy. The optimal recipes generated in these studies are implemented on an experimental emulsion polymerization reactor. The end-point PSD obtained in these experiments closely matches the target in spite of the model uncertainties and process disturbances. Examination of the evolution of the PSD up to the end point provides useful information for feedback control strategies.
Integration of an electric-metal sensory experience in the Slo1 BK channel

The open gate of the BK-type K+ channel is stabilized when the voltage-sensor domains (VSDs) are activated by depolarization and the intracellular Mg2+ sensors are occupied. A systematic investigation reveals that each Mg2+ is bound by the transmembrane VSD and cytoplasmic ligand-sensing domain from two adjacent subunits, suggesting that relative positions of sensor and gate domains of BK channels may differ substantially from those suggested by homology models.
Biomass Production of the Corn Earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), After Repeating or Switching Three Larva Diets for Four Generations

The effects of repeating or switching, generation by generation, all possible combinations of three larva diets for four generations on the biomass production (grams per female per day) of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), were investigated. The diets were whole-kernel sweet corn (C), green tomato fruits (T), and an alfalfa-meal-based artificial diet (A). Biomass production of the fourth generation was calculated by dividing the total biomass production (eggs per female × pupal weight × percentage survival) by the days required for that generation (duration of preoviposition, egg, larva, and pupa stages). Treatments were replicated 20 times throughout the study. The entire experiment was repeated once. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) in biomass production were found among diet regimes AAAA, CCCC, and TTTT. Many other diet regimes consisting of switched diets also exhibited significant differences. The number of times that A appeared in a diet regime was positively correlated ( P < 0.01) with biomass production, whereas the opposite occurred with T. No correlation between C and biomass production occurred ( P < 0.05). Finally, no significant differences occurred in biomass production related to the number of times the diet was switched, although the results suggested a reduced biomass production as the number of diet switches increased. The results also indicate that the positive influence of A in the diet, or the negative influence of T, would be exerted for three generations after its use in the diet regime.
Project-based learning within a large-scale interdisciplinary research effort

The modern computing landscape increasingly requires a range of skills to successfully integrate complex systems. Project-based learning is used to help students build professional skills. However, it is typically applied to small teams and small efforts. In this paper, we describe our experience in engaging a large number of students in research projects within a multi-year interdisciplinary research effort. The projects expose the students to various disciplines in Electrical Engineering (circuit design, wireless communications, hardware prototyping), Computer Science (embedded systems, algorithm design, networking) and Applied Physics (thin-film battery design, solar cell fabrication). While a student project is usually focused on one discipline area, it requires interaction with at least two other areas. Over 4 years, 115 semester-long projects have been completed. The students were a diverse group of high school, undergraduate, and M.S. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Electrical Engineering students. Some of the approaches we have taken to facilitate student learning are real-world system development constraints, regular cross-group meetings, and extensive involvement of Ph.D. students in student mentorship and knowledge transfer. To assess our approaches, we conducted a survey among the participating students. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods. For example, 70% of the students surveyed indicated that working on their research project improved their ability to function on multidisciplinary teams more than coursework, internships, or any other activity.
Effects of Respiratory-Therapist Driven Protocols on House-Staff Knowledge and Education of Mechanical Ventilation

High practice variability in critical care medicine contributes to medical errors and the high cost of ICU care. Clinical guidelines and protocol-based strategies can reduce the variation and cost of ICU medicine, increase adherence to evidence-based interventions, and reduce error, thereby improving the morbidity and mortality of critically ill patients. There are various barriers to guideline adherence, and protocols often are more successful when implemented by nonphysicians. However, this has potential consequences for house-staff knowledge and education. This article discusses the implications of mechanical ventilation protocols on patient care and medical education, and this article offers suggestions for synchronizing the processes for improving patient care to improve medical education.
Long-term patterns in forest-floor NITROGEN-15 natural abundance at hubbard brook, nh

To test the hypothesis that δ 15 N in the forest floor remains constant over time, we measured δ 15 N in forest-floor samples from 1969, 1978, 1987, and 1992 at the reference watershed, W6, at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire. The δ 15 N of the Oa horizon increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 3.00‰ in 1969 to 4.89‰ in 1978, then decreased significantly to 3.81‰ in 1987 and remained near that level in 1992. In the Oie horizon, δ 15 N increased significantly from 0.17‰ in 1969 to 0.91‰ in 1978 and remained at the higher level for the later years. Thus δ 15 N was not at steady state in either the Oie or Oa horizon for the period 1969 to 1992 in the reference watershed. These data suggest that even relatively short-term disruptions of the N cycle (either by anthropogenic or natural disturbance) can alter the δ 15 N in the forest floor, and should be considered in evaluating natural abundance data.
The Impact of the 2004–2005 Influenza Vaccine Shortage in the Veterans Health Administration

Background The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) serves a population at high risk of influenza-related morbidity and mortality. The national public health response to the vaccine shortage of the 2004–2005 season resulted in prioritization of recipients and redistribution of available supply.
A BIOAUTOGRAPHIC METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF CHOLINE AND ITS DERIVATIVES.

A sensitive and specific bioautographic method for detecting choline and its derivatives has been developed, utilizing a Neurospora crassa mutant. As little as 0.03 μg of choline chloride is detectable. The applicability of the method for detection of choline derivatives in lipid hydrolyzates is discussed. A method for determining the rate of diffusion of compounds from paper chromatograms into bioautograph agar is described.
David James Foulis

This paper is in honour of Dave Foulis’s 80th birthday. A brief account of some of his outstanding academic contributions to the fields of Ordered Structures, Orthostructures, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Foundations of Statistics and Operator Theory is present here.
Local spacings along curves

We investigate local spacing problems along curves via smooth maps. Moreover, we provide explicit formulas for the nearest neighbor spacing distribution function of torsion points on elliptic curves over R, and of rational points on the unit circle.
The molecular constancy of fibrinopeptides A and B from 125 individual humans.

1. The fibrinopeptides A and B from 125 persons were isolated and subjected to careful amino acid analysis. 2. All 125 fibrinogen preparations were fully clottable. There was no evidence for any variant molecules being overlooked in a heterozygote by virtue of their not being clotted by thrombin. 3. The electrophoretic patterns of 115 sets of fibrinopeptides were all similar within the limits of experimental error. 10 other sets were subjected to (Dowex 50) gradient ion exchange chromatography instead of electrophoresis. All 10 sets had identical eluting profiles, within experimental limits. 4. Amino acid analyses of all 125 sets of peptides (125 of A, 125 of B) revealed no differences, even though the precision and sensitivity were more than sufficient to detect the presence of substitutions at the heterozygote level, i.e., ± 0.5 residues/mole peptide. 5. The data were carefully evaluated to ensure validity, various degrees of confidence being expressed about various theoretical variations. For example, it is possible that a change of aspartic acid to asparagine at position A 15 might have gone undetected by this procedure, but it seems quite impossible that a change of alanine to threonine at A 7 could have been missed.