cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accreditation and International Perspectives

Accreditation, whether from a United States or international perspective, is a multidimensional process with a goal of assuring and improving quality with regard to personnel qualifications, study performance, reporting of results and quality assurance programs. Depending upon the location of the facility, accreditation can be more likely to be performed by governmental agency compared to being overseen by a legislative process. Furthermore, the benefits of accreditation can vary from preferential access to resources to punitive actions regarding reimbursement. The European process tends to be one that is regulated and overseen directly by the government with preferential access to resources as opposed to the process in the United States which has been implemented by organizations meeting legislative standards with the potential for punitive action regarding reimbursement at the facility level. From both perspectives, the future vision is one of a continuous process built into the daily operations of the facility and following a continuous improvement algorithm.
Disruption of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Signaling in Sim1 Neurons Reduces Physiological and Behavioral Reactivity to Acute and Chronic Stress.

Organismal stress initiates a tightly orchestrated set of responses involving complex physiological and neurocognitive systems. Here, we present evidence for glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-mediated paraventricular hypothalamic circuit coordinating the global stress response. The GLP-1 receptor (Glp1r) in mice was knocked down in neurons expressing single-minded 1, a transcription factor abundantly expressed in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Mice with single-minded 1-mediated Glp1r knockdown had reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to both acute and chronic stress and were protected against weight loss associated with chronic stress. In addition, regional Glp1r knockdown attenuated stress-induced cardiovascular responses accompanied by decreased sympathetic drive to the heart. Finally, Glp1r knockdown reduced anxiety-like behavior, implicating PVN GLP-1 signaling in behavioral stress reactivity. Collectively, these findings support a circuit whereby brainstem GLP-1 activates PVN signaling to mount an appropriate whole-organism response to stress. These results raise the possibility that dysfunction of this system may contribute to stress-related pathologies, and thereby provide a novel target for intervention. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dysfunctional stress responses are linked to a number of somatic and psychiatric diseases, emphasizing the importance of precise neuronal control of effector pathways. Pharmacological evidence suggests a role for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in modulating stress responses. Using a targeted knockdown of the GLP-1 receptor in the single-minded 1 neurons, we show dependence of paraventricular nucleus GLP-1 signaling in the coordination of neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to acute and chronic stress. To our knowledge, this is the first direct demonstration of an obligate brainstem-to-hypothalamus circuit orchestrating general stress excitation across multiple effector systems. These findings provide novel information regarding signaling pathways coordinating central control of whole-body stress reactivity.
Type II Superstrings in Four Dimensions

Until recently it was believed that compactification of type II superstring theory could not give rise to interesting Yang-Mills gauge symmetries, and thus this theory was not promising for realistic phenomenology. It has now been realized that if one treats the internal degrees of freedom required to saturate the conformai anomaly in four dimensions abstractly, rather than insisting that they describe a compact six-dimensional manifold, many new possibilitiies arise. In particular, it is possible to achieve a non-Abelian gauge symmetry with as many as eighteen generators. In this talk I will show how this can be done and then present a rather general scheme for classifying potential models of this type in terms of the unitary representations of super Kac-Moody algebras. The conclusion appears to be that it is possible to come rather close to achieving a realistic scheme, but that fully realistic fermion representations are not possible. Of course, this result (first presented by Dixon, Kaplunovsky, and Vafa) requires making certain assumptions. It will be interesting to see whether any of them can be modified so as to evade their conclusion.
Adaptive Feedback Partitions in Dynamic Zero-Forcing Beamforming Based on Stochastic Geometry

In this paper, we analyze the performance of dynamic zero-forcing beamforming with limited feedback and propose adaptive feedback partition strategies. Assuming a cellular network model based on stochastic geometry, we derive analytical expressions for the complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) of the instantaneous signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) and the ergodic spectral efficiency as functions of the relevant system parameters: the cluster size, the number of feedback bits, the intra-cluster geometry, and the path-loss exponent. By leveraging these expressions, we propose two feedback partition strategies, each of which is applied for known intra-cluster geometry and unknown intra- cluster geometry, respectively. In the simulations, we verify the accurateness of our analysis and demonstrate the proposed strategies by comparing to the equal feedback partition. Our results show that by adaptively partitioning the feedback bits, the intra- cluster interference is efficiently managed whether the intra-cluster geometry is known or not.
Size and Composition Control of CoNi Nanoparticles and Their Conversion into Phosphides

The synthesis of binary rather than unary metal nanoparticles (NPs) introduces challenges in controlling the chemistry and opportunities to tune the properties of the products. Ligand-stabilized CoNi NPs were synthesized by heating mixtures of Ni(acac)2 and Co(acac)2 (acac = acetylacetonate), oleylamine, trioctylphosphine, and trioctylphosphine oxide to 240 °C. Varying the amounts of the Co and Ni precursors allows for control over the NP size, giving diameters of 6–18 nm and compositions (XCo) of ≤0.7. The products are enriched with Ni, in comparison with the Co:Ni ratio of the precursors. Co and Ni are both dispersed throughout the NPs, while the shells are enriched with Co. The magnetic properties of CoNi NPs are between those of magnetically soft Ni and magnetically harder Co, with additional effects caused by oxidation under ambient atmosphere, which gives rise to exchange bias. When the reaction mixture for synthesizing CoNi NPs is heated to 300 °C, trioctylphosphine decomposes, and conversion into ...
Rebranding bilingualism: The shifting discourses of language education policy in California's 2016 election

Abstract Using the methods of critical discourse analysis, we examine California Proposition 227, English Language in Public Schools (1998) , and its repeal measure, Proposition 58, the California Education for a Global Economy Initiative (2016). Through comparative analyses of framing, keywords, spatial and temporal markers, actors, and legislative titles, we illustrate a discursive shift. While Proposition 227 presented bilingual education as a threat to children's—and, by proxy, the nation's—well-being (a language as problem orientation), Proposition 58 represents multilingual education as key to students’ future economic success and to the state and nation's continued global economic advantage (a language as resource orientation). We argue that Proposition 58's approach to “marketing” multilingual education may have contributed to its passing in November 2016, a result that we celebrate. At the same time, we raise questions about whether policies framed within one discursive regime (e.g., neoliberalism and global human capital) can eventually serve the aims of another (e.g., equity, plurality, and social justice), or whether discourse is destiny in policy making.
Nonlinear robust burn control in tokamaks with uncertainties in the fueling lines via Lyapunov redesign

In future burning-plasma tokamaks like ITER, one of the main problems will be controlling the plasma density and temperature during long pulses in order to regulate the fusion power density. Such problem, known as burn control, requires the development of control algorithms in which modulation of the deuterium (D) and tritium (T) fueling rates may play an important role as an actuator. However, unmeasurable variations of the D-T concentration are expected in the fueling lines during such long-pulse operation. Therefore, there will be a need for robust burn controllers that can regulate the plasma density and temperature in spite of the presence of uncertainties in the D-T concentration in the fueling lines. In this work, a nonlinear controller is presented which is able to regulate the burn condition even in the presence of the aforementioned uncertainties. The controller performance is tested in simulations for a burning-plasma ITER-like scenario.
Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses of Observational Studies

BackgroundTranscatheter pulmonary valve implantation is approved for the treatment of dysfunctional right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduits. However, the literature is limited because of a sma...
Unstable Housing and Diabetes-Related Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalization: A Nationally Representative Study of Safety-Net Clinic Patients.

OBJECTIVE Homelessness is associated with worse diabetes outcomes, but the relationship between other forms of unstable housing and diabetes is not well studied. We assessed whether unstable housing was associated with increased risk for diabetes-related emergency department use or hospitalization. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of patients who receive care at federally funded safety-net health centers. We included nonhomeless adults (aged ≥18 years) with self-reported diabetes. Unstable housing was defined as not having enough money to pay rent or mortgage, moving two or more times in the past 12 months, or staying at a place one does not own or rent. The primary outcome was self-report of diabetes-related emergency department visit or inpatient hospitalization in the last 12 months. We also examined use of housing assistance. RESULTS Of 1,087 participants, representing 3,277,165 adults with diabetes, 37% were unstably housed. Overall, 13.7% of participants reported a diabetes-related emergency department visit or hospitalization in the past year. In logistic regression analyses adjusted for multiple potential confounders, unstable housing was associated with greater odds of diabetes-related emergency department use or hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio 5.17 [95% CI 2.08–12.87]). Only 0.9% of unstably housed individuals reported receiving help with housing through their clinic. CONCLUSIONS Unstable housing is common and associated with increased risk of diabetes-related emergency department and inpatient use. Addressing unstable housing in clinical settings may help improve health care utilization for vulnerable individuals with diabetes.
Insulin promoter in human pancreatic β cells contacts diabetes susceptibility loci and regulates genes affecting insulin metabolism.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve a complex interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Our laboratory has been interested in the physical interactions, in nuclei of human pancreatic β cells, between the insulin (INS) gene and other genes that are involved in insulin metabolism. We have identified, using Circularized Chromosome Conformation Capture (4C), many physical contacts in a human pancreatic β cell line between the INS promoter on chromosome 11 and sites on most other chromosomes. Many of these contacts are associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes susceptibility loci. To determine whether physical contact is correlated with an ability of the INS locus to affect expression of these genes, we knock down INS expression by targeting the promoter; 259 genes are either up or down-regulated. Of these, 46 make physical contact with INS. We analyze a subset of the contacted genes and show that all are associated with acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27, a marker of actively expressed genes. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach in revealing regulatory pathways, we identify from among the contacted sites the previously uncharacterized gene SSTR5-AS1 and show that it plays an important role in controlling the effect of somatostatin-28 on insulin secretion. These results are consistent with models in which clustering of genes supports transcriptional activity. This may be a particularly important mechanism in pancreatic β cells and in other cells where a small subset of genes is expressed at high levels.
Annual, seasonal, and diel surface energy partitioning in the semi-arid Sand Hills of Nebraska, USA

Abstract Study Region The Nebraska Sand Hills consisting of four major land cover types: (1) lakes and wetlands (∼5% for both), (2) subirrigated meadows (∼10%), (3) dry valleys (∼20%), and (4) upland dunes (∼65%). Study Focus Examination of surface energy and water balances on multiple temporal scales with primary focus on latent heat flux ( λE ), and evapotranspiration ( ET ), to gain a better understanding of the annual, seasonal, and diel properties of surface energy partitioning among different Sand Hills ecosystems to improve regional water resource management. New Hydrological Insights for the Region Based on surface energy and water balance measurements using Bowen ratio energy balance systems at three locations during 2004, we find a strong spatial gradient between sites in latent ( λE ) and sensible ( H ) heat flux due to differences in topography, soils, and plant community composition on all timescales. Seasonally, all land covers show the greatest λE in summer. Our results show that subirrigated meadows, dry valleys, and upland dunes allocate roughly 81%, 50%, and 41% of available energy to λE , respectively, during the growing season. The subirrigated meadow was the only cover type where cumulative annual ET surpassed cumulative annual precipitation ( i.e. net loss of water to the atmosphere). Therefore, the dry valleys and upland dunes are where net groundwater recharge to the High Plains Aquifer is occurring.
First Case Report Associating Gemcitabine with Hypersensitivity Reaction in a Patient with Pancreatic Cancer

No abstract available. Image: Ball-and-stick model of the protonated gemcitabine cation and the nearest chloride anion (Author: Benn Mils; Wikimedia Commons ).
Bioconjugation Reactions in Living Cells: Development, Advances, and Applications of Glycan-Specific Technologies

Bioorthogonal ligation reactions, in which synthetic organic chemistry can be accomplished in a physiological milieu including in living cells and animals, have flourished over the past two decades or so with the development of a profusion of coupling partners. This chapter gives an overview of bioorthogonal ligations including the best known example of this approach—the azide–alkyne “click” reaction—but also covers lesser known, more specialized, and recently emerging chemical advances in this field. Although a bioorthogonal ligation approach is proving broadly useful to address many biological and biomedical problems, its use in glycobiology is particularly significant. Accordingly this chapter focuses on examples where this approach is already being used to, or has the potential to, label cell surface glycans for a variety of research (e.g., in vitro and in vivo visualization of glycans) and medical applications (e.g., diagnosis and treatment of cancer and use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine).
Brave New World? The Politics of International Finance in Brazil and India

The financial reputations of Brazil and India have undergone remarkable transitions since the early 1990s. At that time, Brazilian inflation soared beyond a thousand percent annually following a decade of increasingly desperate, and ultimately failed, emergency stabilization plans. In 1991, India suffered its worst monetary crisis in decades. Panicked investors tried to take money out of the country, very tight capital controls notwithstanding, while the government was forced to devalue the rupee by almost 19 percent. Only 20 years later, much had changed. By the time of the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008–2009, both countries were acknowledged as significant global economic and political players, and in November 2008 Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh joined a select group of other senior world leaders at the first G20 Summit.
Virtual vs. Physical Materials in Early Science Instruction: Transitioning to an Autonomous Tutor for Experimental Design

The spread of computer based instructional materials makes it important to determine the relative merits and effects of virtual materials vs. physical materials in early science instruction. In this paper we first lay out a framework for comparing key aspects of this virtual-physical issue, and then we describe three studies addressing it. In two studies with middle school children we found that children using virtual and physical materials made equally large gains in their knowledge while learning a complex procedure (control of variables) under conditions of direct instruction (Study 1) and while learning about specific physical effects in a engineering design challenge in a discovery learning content (Study 2). These results suggest that simply replacing the physical materials with virtual materials does not affect the amount of learning or transfer when other aspects of the instruction are preserved. In the third study we describe our progress in creating a virtual tutor for teaching experimental design procedures and concepts to middle school children.
Mechanobiology of primary cilia in the vascular and renal systems

Abstract This chapter introduces primary cilia as sensory organelles that are sensitive and responsive to fluid shear stress. As mechanosensory organelles, primary cilia function as hub to house various sensory receptors, ion channels, and signaling molecules. Six distinct domains of primary cilia are briefly discussed in this chapter, with addtional focus on ciliopathies that have expanded to many medical branches. A more specific cilia-associated sensory dysfunction in vascular endothelia and renal epithelia is elaborated. In addition to vascular hypertension, limited new findings regarding ciliopathies in aneurysms and atherosclerosis have emerged. New ideas, possibilities, and limitations of ciliotherapy or mechanotherapy are also discussed in this chapter.
Pore-size-dependent fluid substitution method for magnetic resonance measurementsNMR T2 fluid substitution

ABSTRACTPore-size distribution and permeability can be accurately estimated from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements acquired in single-fluid-saturated rocks. However, most rocks penetrat...
Can Use of Scoring Templates Decrease the Ordering of Ct Scans in the Emergency Department in Children with Minor Head Injury

Abstract Purpose: Investigators sought to determine whether integrating a clinical practice guideline into an electronic record (EHR) improved adherence to published recommendations for evaluating minor head injury in children. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental (before-and-after) trial to determine rates of adherence to published rules for imaging pediatric head trauma after these recommendations are incorporated into electronic decision support systems. Twenty-seven clinicians working in a tertiary pediatric emergency department …
Broadband Linear Antenna Arrays with Frequency-Invariant Half-Power Beamwidth

This paper reports on the design of broadband four-element antenna arrays with frequency-invariant half-power beamwidth (HPBW) within a bandwidth (BW) of 3:1. They are based on frequency-selective feednetworks that gradually shift the power from the outer elements to the inner ones as frequency increases. The operating principles of the proposed concept are presented through a four-element array of isotropic radiators. For practical validation, a 3:1 elliptical monopole antenna array fed by a feednetwork that comprises two second order low-pass and two fifth-order high-pass filters was developed. It exhibited HPBW variation of ±26.5% in the frequency range 2-6 GHz.
Survey of Traveler's Diarrhea: Epidemiology and Testing Reveal the Source.

Objective. To understand the causes and transmission routes of, as well as risk factors, for a Salmonella outbreak in a tour group. Method. A retrospective cohort design was used to conduct an epidemiological field investigation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, bacterial culture, and serological identification methods were used for pathogen detection and identification. Result. There were 7 cases of illness, and the attack rate was 46.67%. The onset date was concentrated on May 9 and 10. All cases were found in the tour group, and no cases occurred in the nontour group. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that the consumption of boiled eggs for breakfast on May 9 was a common factor (R2 = 6.67, ). Salmonella enteritidis was identified from the patients’ stool and vomit. Conclusion. The food poisoning epidemic was caused by Salmonella enteritidis. In the summer and autumn, attention should be paid to preservation, processing, and cooking of food to avoid bacterial contamination. To prevent sickness, travelers should know the disease prevalence at their destinations in advance.
Method for Measuring Mucociliary Clearance and Cilia-generated Flow in Mice by ex vivo Imaging

Ex vivo biophysical measurements provide valuable insights into understanding both physiological and pathogenic processes. One critical physiological mechanism that is regulated by these biophysical properties is cilia-generated flow that mediates mucociliary clearance, which is known to provide protection against foreign particles and pathogens in the upper airway. To measure ciliary clearance, several techniques have been implemented, including the use of radiolabeled particles and imaging with single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) methods. Although non-invasive, these tests require the use of specialized equipment, limiting widespread use. Here we describe a method of ex vivo imaging of cilia-generated flow, adapted from previously reported methods, to make it more accessible and higher throughput for researchers. We excise trachea from mice quickly after euthanasia, cut it longitudinally and place it in an inhouse made slide. We apply fluorescent particles to measure particle movement under a fluorescent microscope, followed by analysis with ImageJ, allowing calculation of fluid flow generated by cilia under different conditions. This method enables ex vivo measurements in tissue with minimal investment or special equipment, giving opportunity to investigate and discover important biophysical properties associated with ciliary movement of the trachea in physiology and disease.
Representations of Multiculturalism in Japanese Elementary EFL Textbooks: A Critical Analysis

Recent reforms to Foreign Language Activities policies in Japan have highlighted the importance of facilitating multilingualism and multiculturalism in global contexts. However, as this analysis finds, some of the most recent textbooks (2018-2020) for Foreign Language Activities classes in Japan are English Foreign Language (EFL) textbooks that fail to provide teachers and students with meaningful discussions on society, language, or culture. This critical discourse analysis (CDA) finds that four elementary school textbooks currently being used by boards of education throughout Japan fail to meet the Ministry of Education's goals for developing multilingualism and multiculturalism in Japanese elementary schools. Working in an anti-racist lens, this paper identifies problematic areas within the textbooks Let's Try 1, Let's Try, We Can 1, and We Can 2 (MEXT, 2018) and discusses the necessity of an attitudinal shift from linguistic hegemony to the implementation of anti-bias frameworks in language and culture education in Japan.
Shape Memory Silicone Using Phase-Changing Inclusions

Functiona1, responsive materials are attractive for use as key components in soft robots as they can replace otherwise rigid or bulky parts. In this work, we present a functional silicone with shape memory properties that, due to the retention of elasticity and flexibility, can be seamlessly integrated into the body of a soft robot. By dispersing particles of low-melting-point metal alloy (Field’s metal) into a silicone matrix, the resulting composite can be “frozen” into various shapes by sequentially heating to melt the Field’s metal particles, stretching the composite, and cooling to solidify the Field’s metal particles in the deformed configuration. The ramifications of this operational capability include both stiffness control and 3D shape reconfiguration. In this paper, we characterize the thermomechanical behavior and shape memory performance of the Field’s metal/silicone composite. We then highlight applications of the material to impedance and trajectory control, and topography recording.
Resisting the Neoliberal University with a General Strike

The neoliberal university is not about economic efficiency. It is not about rationalizing the medieval hierarchies that have long constituted academia. It is not even about bringing light and transparency to the teaching process for the sake of the student body—although each of these results is claimed. Instead, neoliberalism is about control and domination, and in this specific case a way to insert control into a social region that has historically resisted such dominating tendencies: The Academy. In this chapter, I argue neoliberalism has in effect become ontological, which is to say it has become a kind of truth regime of its own, one that is impossible to argue with on its own terms. In this light, I will further argue the only way to resist this kind of truth regime is through a general strike on the part of faculty, staff, students, and all other education workers. I make this argument by looking at the theories of Walter Benjamin on the general strike as well as W. E. B. Du Bois’ explication of the general strike by Black slaves during the US Civil War and finally the ideas of Anna Louise Strong during the Seattle general strike of 1919.
Utility Scale Battery as Capacity Source for Electric Grid Systems

United States Federal Energy Regulatory Commission passed order No. 841 in 2018 that requires energy market operators in their jurisdiction to allow storage resources to be utilized as capacity source. A literature review is performed on grid systems day-ahead order estimates and real-time demand scenarios from the supply chain perspective. We consider an electric grid system integrated with utility scale battery storage to maintain supply and demand balance during the the peak hours, when grid encounters with the most fluctuated demands. Having integrated lithium-ion batteries with grid systems as potential capacity source, meets the real-time demand with minimum real-time orders. Integration of battery storage responds to day-ahead order error through different services such as ancillary and transmission deferral. It consequently minimizes the use of fossil fuels and low efficient real-time power generation emission. We defined all involved resources during the real-time power supply and translated them to mathematical transitions. Then we used a Polynomial linear regression to find a model that describes nonlinear relationship between demand and time. The aforementioned model can be used and simulated for the grid systems aim to implement and integrate the utility scale batteries as capacity source to compensate part or all of real-time orders. The required capacity size is adjustable for different users and their system characteristics such as demand and power dispatch time periods.
Integration of the Topic of Social Justice into High School Biology Curricula

Systemic oppression includes inequitable education that historically does not fully prepare students for comprehensive participation in society. The tools of science education, however, uniquely enable students to explore social inequities as well as the natural world. Thus, a role of education can be to embed social justice in science curricula. Presented here are three case studies that investigate pedagogical methods used by experienced teachers to integrate social justice into upper level high-school biology curricula. Two separate semi-constructed interviews were conducted with participants, along with an analysis of their pedagogical materials. Two main themes are identified and explored: (1) delivery methods (pedagogy) and (2) biological science content. Storytelling and culturally responsive pedagogy were reported to be highly effective in engaging students; using these vehicles for delivery, social justice content can be seamlessly introduced alongside organic evolution. This embedded exploratory multiple-case study serves as an example of how science education can become a tool for student empowerment.
The Association of Suicidal Ideation With Firearm Purchasing During a Firearm Purchasing Surge

Importance Firearm access is associated with risk for suicide, and, since early 2020, the US has experienced an unprecedented surge in firearm sales. Objective To assess frequency of suicidal ideation among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period (surge purchasers), other firearm owners, and non-firearm owners. Design, setting, and participants Cross-sectional online survey data were collected from January to June 2021. Participants were recruited via quota sampling through Qualtrics Panels. Within Minnesota, zip codes from Minneapolis and St Paul were oversampled. Participants included 6404 US adults recruited from 3 states: New Jersey (n = 3197), Minnesota (n = 1789), and Mississippi (n = 1418). Participants identified as becoming a first-time firearm owner during the surge period, being an established firearm owner who purchased a firearm during the surge period, being a firearm owner who did not buy firearms during the surge period, and not owning firearms. Main outcomes and measures The primary outcomes were lifetime, past year, and past month suicidal ideation as measured by the Self-injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview-Revised. Results The mean (SD) age within the full sample was 44.81 (18.45) years, with 3132 males (48.8%), 4706 White adults (73.4%), 2674 reporting annual household income less than $50 000 (41.7%), and 1546 (24.1%) reporting current firearm ownership. In the full sample, individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period were more likely than were non-firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% CI, 1.82-2.68), past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.72-2.55), and past-month suicidal ideation (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.41-2.29). In addition, among individuals who purchased firearms during the surge period, first-time owners were more likely than established firearm owners to report lifetime suicidal ideation (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.43-3.14) and past-year suicidal ideation (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.59-3.53). Results were largely consistent across states. Conclusions and relevance In this survey study, results highlighted that individuals who acquired firearms during the purchasing surge were more likely than other firearm owners and non-firearm owners to have experienced suicidal thoughts. This is particularly true for individuals who purchased a firearm for the first time during the surge period. This illustrates the need to implement policies and interventions that increase safety among firearm purchasers (eg, safe firearm storage) as well as those that promote the acquisition of alternative forms of protection (eg, home alarm systems).
The Human Cerebellar Ataxias

Spinocerebellar degenerations in humans comprise a broad category of disorders affecting the cerebellum along with its afferent and efferent projections.1–3 Many of these disorders are genetically determined. Primary foci of degeneration can be located either in the spinal cord or in the cerebellar parenchyma or both. Usually, a transsynaptic cascade of regressive events follows the primary degenerative lesion.
Effects of acute and chronic adminstration of narcotic analgesics on growth hormone and corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion in rats.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the experiments that are designed (1) to compare the acute effects of various narcotic analgesics on growth hormone (GH) and corticotrophin (ACTH)-secretion, and (2) to examine endocrine aspects of tolerance in rats treated chronically with morphine or methadone. The effects of narcotic analgesics on ACTH-secretion and on hypothalamo-pituitary systems have been reviewed recently. The effects of narcotic analgesics on GH and ACTH secretion in rats appear to be dose-related. The lower doses of morphine, methadone and codeine employed in this study mainly caused a rise of plasma GH and had little or no effect on plasma corticosterone. Higher doses of morphine and methadone produced increases of both plasma corticosterone and GH. Acute abstinence produced by naloxone resulted in a marked increase of plasma corticosterone and a diminution of plasma GH. Dose-response studies with narcotic antagonists showed that nalorphine produced simultaneous increases of plasma corticosterone and GH, while naloxone had no consistent effects on GH or ACTH secretion.
Characterization of the Pro-α1 Chain of Procollagen

Embryonic chick calvaria (cranial bones) were cultured in the presence of [35S]cysteine and labeled procollagen, a collagen precursor, was isolated. Incorporation of the 35S label in the pro-α1 chain of procollagen permitted its use as a relatively specific marker for the chain during purification, since neither the α1 nor the α2 chain of collagen contains cysteine. Determinations of the molecular weight of pro-α1 by calibrated molecular sieve chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated a value of 115,000 in good agreement with previous estimates using [3H]proline-labeled chains. Collagenase digestion of [35S]cysteine- and [3H]proline-labeled pro-α1 chains revealed that the additional non-triple helical sequence of the precursor chain is divided into (a) collagenase-resistant regions which contain cysteine and little or no proline and (b) collagenase-susceptible regions lacking cysteine and containing proline but not hydroxyproline. Amino acid analysis of the pro-α1 chain confirmed the presence of 5 or 6 half-cystines per chain and revealed a composition which differs considerably from that of collagen.
Institutional Conflict and Perceived Property Rights in Appointment Politics

Despite the importance of political appointees in U.S. politics, most of what we know about bureaucratic appointment centers on institutional conflict between the separate legislative and executive branches, and ignores personal qualities of nominees that so often seem pivotal to the selection debate. Using data drawn from every appointment to four U.S. independent regulatory agencies, I present empirical evidence that perceived property rights relating to party, race, and gender of appointees powerfully structure appointment process and outcomes. A new model of race and gender of appointees demonstrates that race and gender of an appointee's predecessor is a significant predictor of who gets selected. A separate model of appointment duration demonstrates that partisan factors significantly contribute to delay, but that race and gender considerations do not significantly extend vacancies.
Effect of Uncoupling Agents and Respiratory Inhibitors on the Growth of Streptococcus agalactiae

2,4-Dinitrophenol, dicoumarol, carbonylcyanide, m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone and pentachlorophenol all depressed aerobic molar growth yields of Streptococcus agalactiae to values equal to, or less than, those supported by substrate level phosphorylation. When the only source of energy was from substrate phosphorylation (anaerobic growth conditions), there was also a severe depression of the molar growth yield by the same four uncoupling agents. These results indicate that the effect of these agents is to uncouple both substrate and oxidative phosphorylation in S. agalactiae. Amytal inhibited glucose utilization, reduced the amount of O(2) used per mole of substrate and reduced the molar cell yield to that supported by substrate phosphorylation. Atebrin inhibited the respiration rate, but final O(2) consumed per mole of substrate was unchanged, and the respiration was coupled to biosynthesis. Rotenone had no effect on respiration, substrate utilization, or on molar growth yields.
Searching for Life: The Case for Halobacteria on Mars

A major objective for NASA exploration of Mars is to determine whether life has existed on Mars in the past, and whether such life on Mars may persist to the present day. On Earth, life exists in all niches in which water exists in liquid form for at least a portion of the year. On Mars, any liquid water would have to be a highly concentrated brine solution. It is likely, therefore, that any present-day Martian microorganisms would be similar to terrestrial halophiles.
Socialization and Temperament in the Development of Guilt and Conscience

Toddlerhood antecedents of conscience were examined in 58 8-10-year-old children. The measures of conscience, such as general affective/moral orientation, the extent of reparation, and the intensity of guilt feelings, were assessed from children's narratives produced in response to semiprojective stories involving transgressions, distress, and conflict. Maternal endorsed socialization orientations and observed rearing behaviors that deemphasized the use of power were associated with the children's internalized conscience 6 years later. However, these findings were significant only for children who were relatively prone to fearful arousal. The capacity for self-regulation, indexed by early compliance and noncompliance to maternal socialization, predicted children's internalized conscience 6 years later. There was preliminary evidence that compliance obtained in a rearing context that deemphasized power assertion was most conducive to the development of conscience. The findings are discussed in view of the interplay of socialization and temperament in moral development.
OAM mechanisms in MPLS layer 2 transport networks

This article describes OAM in MPLS layer 2 transport networks. MPLS networks used to transport layer 2 traffic are referred to as MPLS layer 2 transport networks. They may be used to connect legacy layer 2 networks and/or provide layer 2 service to a user over a MPLS network. As legacy layer 2 networks migrate to use MPLS for transport, the role of MPLS OAM mechanisms is becoming increasingly important. This is because the converged network must offer the same OAM functionality as existing layer 2 networks. This article emphasizes the importance of end-to-end OAM, while emulating existing layer 2 services using MPLS transport. End-to-end fault detection is described in the context of various layer 2 over MPLS transport network models. The article focuses on state-of-the-art MPLS label switched path and pseudo wire OAM mechanisms being developed by the IETF. This includes fault detection and isolation mechanisms such as LSP-Ping, bidirectional forwarding detection, and virtual circuit connectivity verification. The applicability of each of these mechanisms is given. In some cases it may be possible to carry layer 2 OAM cells end-to-end, while in other cases this may not be possible. The relationship between segment-based OAM mechanisms and end-to-end OAM is described for each of these cases.
Rapid automated batchwize radiochemical separation techniques

The basic principles and specific techniques of rapid, automated radiochemical separation techniques that use batchwize separation methods are reviewed.
Robust hard-solder packaging of conduction cooled laser diode bars

We present the reliability of high-power laser diodes utilizing hard solder (AuSn) on a conduction-cooled package (HCCP). We present results of 50 W hard-pulse operation at 8xx nm and demonstrate a reliability of MTTF > 27 khrs (90% CL), which is an order of magnitude improvement over traditional packaging. We also present results at 9xx nm with a reliability of MTTF >17 khrs (90% CL) at 75 W. We discuss finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and time dependent temperature measurements combined with experimental life-test data to quantify true hard-pulse operation. We also discuss FEA and measured stress profiles across laser bars comparing soft and hard solder packaging.
Murine CD8+ T cells that specifically delete autologous CD4+ T cells expressing Vβ8 TCR: a role of the Qa-1 molecule

Interactions mediated by TCRs expressed on different T cell subsets may play a role in immunoregulation. To investigate this idea, we studied the regulation of superantigen-induced TCR V beta-restricted responses. We asked whether the in vivo regulation of CD4+ V beta 8+ T cells following SEB injection is controlled by CD8+ T cells. We found that in mice deficient in CD8+ T cells, the down-regulation of CD4+ V beta 8+ T cells below baseline is not observed. Moreover, following SEB administration, CD8+ T cells emerge that preferentially kill subpopulations of activated CD4+ V beta 8+ but not CD4+ V beta 8- T cells in vitro. This TCR V beta-specific cytotoxicity is dependent on beta 2-microglobulin and is inhibited by antisera specific for Qa-1 but not by antibody to MHC class Ia. These data suggest the idea that the specificity of immune regulation may involve CD8+ T cell recognition of TCR V beta determinants and Qa-1 molecules expressed on CD4+ T cells.
Clinical aspects of hereditary hearing loss

Hearing loss is an etiologically diverse condition with many disease-related complications and major clinical, social, and quality of life implications. As the rate of acquired hearing loss secondary to environmental causes decreases and improvements in the diagnosis of abnormalities occur, the significance of genetic factors that lead to deafness increases. Advancements in molecular biology have led to improved detection and earlier intervention in patients with hearing loss. Subsequently, earlier implementation of educational services and cochlear implant technology in patients with profound hearing loss now results in superior communication skills and enhanced language development. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive framework underlying the causes of hearing impairment and to detail the clinical management for patients with hereditary hearing loss.
Retention of bacteriorhodopsin activity in dried sol-gel glass.

Abstract The D96N mutant form of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) purple membrane fragments isolated from Halobacterium salinarium has been entrapped in sol-gel glass and dried. The photo-activity of the bR was monitored during drying over a period of 60 days. The entrapped bR was initially dried at 4°C followed by room temperature storage. Samples showing constant activity after storage at 4°C lost further activity at room temperature, eventually reaching a level where the activity remained constant. Upon further drying at 100°C in a vacuum oven the glass lost an additional 11·4 ± 1·3% weight and all remaining activity.
Evaluation of a Hybrid Mathematics Methods Course for Novice Teachers

This paper reports the evaluation of a hybrid mathematics methods course for novice teachers. During a fifteen-week semester, participants met face-to-face for approximately 60% of the semester and took advantage of an online format for the other 40% of the semester. Online activities included asynchronous discussion board postings, synchronous chats as an entire class, synchronous chats in small groups, evaluation of technology tools, and electronic surveys. The researcher used participantsâ€™ feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of this hybrid format. In addition, the researcher reflected upon his own experiences as instructor to inform future course structure decisions. Within the context of the Rich Environments for Active Learning (REAL) framework, results suggest that cooperative support was a key component of the effectiveness of the experience. Further, participants emphasized one particular generative learning activity as an effective component of this course. Finally, this paper discusses implications for mathematics professional development facilitators.
The effects of stimuli that vary in erotic content on cognitive processes

This study investigated the effects of stimuli that vary in erotic content on performance during a choice reaction time (CRT) task. Eighty subjects, 20 from each of four groups—heterosexual men, heterosexual women, gay men, and lesbian women—completed the study. Participants were required to locate the position of a dot on slides of nude and clothed men and women as well as neutral stimuli as rapidly as possible. It was hypothesized that sexual interest would influence cognitive processes and cause longer latencies to preferred‐gender stimuli. Subjects also completed an incidental learning task to determine if a relationship existed between stated sexual orientation and memory for stimuli. Results indicate that reaction times were longest with nude stimuli of the preferred gender for each group. The nude stimuli had the highest accuracy rate for correctly classifying groups based on sexual orientation with the possible exception of heterosexual women. Results for clothed stimuli on the CRT task were simil...
SU-FF-J-133: Commissioning a New Frameless Intracranial Stereotactic Positioning System (ISPS): The Real-Time 3D Stereo-Vision Surface Imaging System

Purpose: Commission a real‐time 3D surfaceimaging system using CBCT and optical tracking systems as references. Method and Materials: Localization accuracy of a 3D surfaceimaging system (AlignRT (ART)) was investigated using a phantom and ten volunteers. Results for CT contours and optically recorded surfaces are reported. Accuracy was validated by comparison to an Elekta kV CBCT system and to a Frameless Sonarray (FSA) optical tracking system, which were reported as ISPSs with 2 mm accuracy. Accuracy was tested using a Rando phantom with a bite frame.Phantom movements were performed using an attached device. Images were acquired at over 70 positions within ±2cm and/or ±3° for couch angles from +90° to −90° over a range of gantry angles. Ten volunteers were used to evaluate inter and intra‐fractional motion for ART and FSA. Each was immobilized ten times and tracked for over 2 minutes each time. Results: Based on phantom imaging, the coincidence of the linac coordinate system for ART was within 0.9 mm and 0.8° of that of the CBCT system due to different calibration methods/uncertainties of the two systems.For gantry and table angles of 0°, the maximum mean displacement vectors were within 1mm and 0.5° of those of the CBCT system. The maximum discrepancy was 3.5 mm between ART and CBCT and 0.9 mm between ART and FSA for a displacement of up to 2cm and 3°. The maximum difference between ART and FSA for couch rotations of up to ±90° is less than 2mm and 1°. The inter and intra‐fraction accuracy of ART for real‐time detection agrees with FSA to within 1 mm and 1°. Conclusion: A systematic isocenter difference was observed between ART and CBCT.ART can be used for frameless fractionated SRS treatments with accuracy comparable to current image/marker based ISPSs, provided that intra‐fraction motion is prevented during real‐time tracking.