cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Men's and Women's Experiences of Sexual Harassment Differ? An Examination of the Differential Test Functioning of the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire

The Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ; Fitzgerald, Gelfand, & Drasgow, 1995; Fitzgerald et al., 1988) was originally developed to assess women's experiences of sexual harassment. It was subsequently modified for use by the armed services for inclusion in the gender issues survey (U.S. Department of Defense [DoD], 1995); the revised version is called the SEQ—DoD. In this article, we investigate whether the SEQ can be used to assess men's experiences of sexual harassment. To this end, a newly developed item response theory (Hulin, Drasgow, & Parsons, 1983) procedure, the differential test functioning (Raju, van der Linden, & Fleer, 1995) analysis, was used to examine the measurement equivalence of the SEQ—DoD across men and women. Results indicated that the SEQ—DoD did not function equivalently across men and women. The differential test functioning analysis did indicate, however, that the SEQ—DoD would provide equivalent measurement across men and women if 4 of the items that focused on a sexist enviro...
H-cadherin, a novel cadherin with growth inhibitory functions and diminished expression in human breast cancer.

A newly identified gene, H–cadherin, is reported. H–cadherin encodes a protein related to the cadherin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules, and its expression is shown to be significantly reduced in human breast carcinoma cell lines and breast cancer specimens. H–cadherin was localized to chromosome 16q24 and is highly expressed in the heart. Introduction of H–cadherin cDNA markedly diminished tumor cell growth and resulted in a significant change from invasive morphology to a normal cell–like morphology in the Matrigel outgrowth assay. These studies indicate that downregulation of H–cadherin may be frequent in the breast malignant progression and suggest that it may have prognostic value as a marker for breast cancer development.
How sensitive is a nose

Odor sensitivity may not be due to odor-receptor (OR) binding but rather may be due to emergent properties of transduction pathways and the anatomical convergence of olfactory neurons. A recent study suggests that odor-OR interactions are brief and infrequently activate heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins); in contrast, visual receptors have long-lasting activation states and activate many G proteins. These differences may reflect strategies that evolved to accommodate very different signals, and the mechanisms described might be applicable for receptors across phyla. However, whereas visual receptors (rhodopsin) appeared before protostome-deuterostome separation, ORs may be independently derived in different phyla. Alternatively, phylum-distinct ORs may share common ancestry but be influenced by diversifying selection. Phylum-distinct ORs may imply phylum-specific OR mechanisms, whereas common ancestry may imply common mechanisms. Nonetheless, most animals detect a similar repertoire of olfactory signals, and OR mechanisms may be convergent on those signals independent of receptor relatedness. Thus, recent insights into the molecular characteristics of odor perception in frogs may well be relevant to such processes as how mosquitoes detect host odors for a malaria-transmitting blood meal.
A parameter-free dynamic subgrid-scale model for large-eddy simulation

Abstract We present a new dynamic Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model in which the sole model parameter, the filter width ratio, is computed dynamically. The resulting expression for the filter width ratio is parameter-free, as difficult-to-compute filter widths required in earlier models are no longer necessary. Traditionally, the filter width ratio is taken as a constant based on assumptions which do not hold in general for all numerical discretizations. Previous work has shown that simulation results may strongly depend on the filter width ratio parameter, thus motivating its accurate determination. The new dynamic model is tested on large-eddy simulation of decaying isotropic turbulence on hexahedral, tetrahedral, and wedge topologies using the stabilized finite element method developed by Whiting and Jansen [C.H. Whiting, K.E. Jansen, A stabilized finite element method for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using a hierarchical basis, Int. J. Numer. Methods Fluids 35 (2001) 93–116].
An experimental investigation of pore-scale distributions of nonaqueous phase liquids at residual saturation

A set of experiments was conducted to analyze the size distribution of nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) blobs as a function of aqueous phase velocities, NAPL densities, and interfacial tension between the aqueous phase and the NAPL. Blob size distributions were analyzed in a model cell after a state of residual saturation was achieved, using image analysis methods. Blob lengths parallel to the direction of flow and parallel to the direction of gravity ranged over about two orders of magnitude, while blob areas varied over about three orders of magnitude. Form factors, which are a measure of blob shapes, varied over a single order of magnitude, with a median form factor of about 0.6. Blobs with smaller areas occurred much more frequently than larger blobs. However, the few larger blobs contributed to the majority of the total NAPL saturation in the model cell. The geometric standard deviations of blob length parallel to the direction of gravity and square root of area exhibited inverse relationships to Bond number (Bo), for 1.3×10−2<Bo<7.1×10−2. Blob length parallel to the direction of flow and area exhibited a weak inverse correlation with capillary number (Ca), for 3×10−8<Ca<3.1×10−5.
The Fastest Mixing Markov Process on a Graph and a Connection to a Maximum Variance Unfolding Problem

We consider a Markov process on a connected graph, with edges labeled with transition rates between the adjacent vertices. The distribution of the Markov process converges to the uniform distribution at a rate determined by the second smallest eigenvalue $\lambda_2$ of the Laplacian of the weighted graph. In this paper we consider the problem of assigning transition rates to the edges so as to maximize $\lambda_2$ subject to a linear constraint on the rates. This is the problem of finding the fastest mixing Markov process (FMMP) on the graph. We show that the FMMP problem is a convex optimization problem, which can in turn be expressed as a semidefinite program, and therefore effectively solved numerically. We formulate a dual of the FMMP problem and show that it has a natural geometric interpretation as a maximum variance unfolding (MVU) problem, , the problem of choosing a set of points to be as far apart as possible, measured by their variance, while respecting local distance constraints. This MVU problem is closely related to a problem recently proposed by Weinberger and Saul as a method for “unfolding” high-dimensional data that lies on a low-dimensional manifold. The duality between the FMMP and MVU problems sheds light on both problems, and allows us to characterize and, in some cases, find optimal solutions.
Differential object marking in Spanish-English early bilinguals

This paper examines the emergence and acquisition of marked accusative objects (Differential Object Marking, DOM, Bossong, 1991) in the spontaneous production of seven early Spanish-English simultaneous bilinguals (henceforth, 2L1) with different linguistic environments. The main finding is that the 2L1 group examined did not acquire differentially marked objects in the period studied, up to 3;6, nor did they behave similarly to Spanish monolingual children (L1) acquiring DOM (Montrul, 2011; Rodriguez-Mondonedo, 2008). The current results support previous claims that link protracted development and incomplete acquisition (Montrul, 2008; Montrul and Sanchez-Walker, 2013). Tentatively, this study concludes that under reduced input conditions, 2L1 develop core aspects of their language, such as accusative and dative structures, but cannot acquire language-specific properties, such as the acquisition of the [person] feature needed for DOM in Spanish.
Alcohol preferring (P) rats as a model for examining sex differences in alcohol use disorder and its treatment.

Abstract Rationale Despite epidemiological and clinical data indicating marked gender differences in alcohol use disorders (AUDs), few preclinical studies have examined sex differences in animal models of AUDs. Objective The purpose of this study was to first characterize sex differences in ethanol consumption and reinforcement in an alcohol preferring (P) rat model of alcoholism, then use this model to screen pharmacological treatments for sex-specific effects. Methods Ethanol consumption was first assessed in male and female P rats under a three-bottle free-choice procedure. Next, ethanol's reinforcing effects were assessed under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule followed by a progressive-ratio (PR) schedule. Finally, the effects of two pharmacological treatments for AUDs, naltrexone (1 mg/kg) and topiramate (10 or 20 mg/kg), alone and in combination, were tested for sex-specific differences in their efficacy at reducing ethanol's reinforcing effects. Results Although females initially had higher consumption of and preference for ethanol, male rats increased their consumption and preference over time and rapidly became equal to females. Following prolonged 24-hour/day access, males and females self-administered similar levels of ethanol under FR1 and PR schedules. In response to pharmacological treatment, we observed some sex differences and similarities, most notably, a more robust effect of the combination of naltrexone and topiramate in males as compared to females. Conclusions This model of selectively bred P rats may be useful for understanding sex differences in AUDs and related behavior and their underlying neurobiological mechanisms and treatment.
Are International Murder Data Valid and Reliable? Some Evidence to Support the Use of Interpol Data

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the validity and reliability of Interpol's murder data. Reviews of survey studies in different nations suggested that Interpol's murder data were valid because most unreported crimes were minor; rates of unreported crime were similar in developing and developed countries; methodological and definitional variations could be considered random measurement errors. The LISREL model assessing reliability estimates found that Interpol data were reliable and stable measures across nations and time.
Factor analysis of dental erosion occurrence.

Summary Some hundreds of patients in the dental schools of Los Angeles and Boston were evaluated and compared for personal information, dietary habits, oral condition and general health. The statistical analysis of results indicated very significant differences for some variables, while others exhibited very similar values for both cities.
Autoxidation of cholesteryl linoleate in aqueous colloidal suspension

The autoxidation of the cholesteryl moiety of cholesteryl linoleate stabilized in aqueous colloidal suspension with sodium dodecyl sulfate has been studied at 85C. The overall rate of this oxidation is more rapid than that for unesterified cholesterol and oxidation also occurs to a greater extent for the linoleate ester. These results are in contrast to those for more saturated fatty acyl esters of cholesterol which show diminished susceptibility to attack by oxygen in such a system. Autoxidation of cholesteryl linoleate by an intramolecular free-radical mechanism is considered.
Blue-collar Kin and Community in the Small-town Midwest

This study examines community, kin networks, and family life linkages in a working-class small town. Specifically, household perceptions of community and kin networks obtained from an ethnographic study of a small Midwestern town are linked in a second interview study to residents' assessments of their personal well-being and the quality of their family relationships. The simple presence of kin nearby, however, is shown to be unrelated to either personal well-being or the quality of family relationships. Only when kin in close proximity are viewed as supportive does their presence have positive implications for family life. In fact, families are better off with no kin living nearby than with nonsupportive relatives in the same community. The findings highlight the importance of using an ecological perspective to disentangle the many layers of contexts that interact and affect the daily lives and relationships of families.
Omalizumab for Chronic Urticaria

.These studies suggest that omalizumab will be a good therapeutic option for patients with CIU who do not respond to either licensed or higher doses of H1 antihistamines. Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU)echronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as hives and/or angioedema that occurs daily, or almost daily, for >6 weeks independent of external stimuli. CIU has significant detrimental effects on quality of life. H1 antihistamines are the only approved treatment in CIU, but more than 50% of patients are unresponsive to licensed doses of H1 antihistamines. Add-on treatments (all unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration) include leukotriene receptor antagonists, systemic steroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexates, but the data to support their use are not of high quality. Therefore, there is a need for new, efficacious, and well-tolerated treatments for patients with H1 antihistamine refractory CIU. Maurer et al recently reported results from 1 of the 3 phase III anti-IgE mAb omalizumab studies (Asteria-II) for treatment of CIU. They evaluated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab compared with placebo in 323 patients, 12 to 75 years of age, with moderate-to-severe refractory CIU despite receiving concomitant licensed doses of H1 antihistamine therapy. This was a global, multicenter, 1:1:1:1 randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial that compared 3 subcutaneous injections, separated by 4 weeks, of omalizumab at doses of 75 mg, 150 mg, or 300 mg, or placebo, followed by a 16-week observation period. The primary end point was the change from baseline in weekly itch severity score (ISS) at week 12. Major secondary end points included a change from baseline in a weekly number of hives score, the proportion of patients with a weekly urticaria activity score (UAS7, a composite score of the weekly ISS and weekly number of hives score [scale 0e42]) 6, change from baseline in overall Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the proportion of angioedema-free days from week 4 to week 12. Key inclusion criteria were a CIU diagnosis for 6 months, the presence of itch and hives for 8 consecutive weeks at any time before enrollment despite the current use of H1 antihistamine treatment, weekly UAS7 score 16, and itch component of UAS7 8 (scale 0-21) during 7 days before randomization (week 0). Key exclusion criteria were clearly defined underlying etiology for chronic urticaria (cold, physical,
Polymorphisms of alcohol- and smoking-related susceptibility genes and risk of esophageal cancer

Purpose Epidemiological studies have shown that esophageal cancer is associated with alcohol drinking and with smoking. There are several genes involved in both tobacco and alcohol pathways that modulate the susceptibility for esophageal cancer. Our objectives were to: (i) confirm the effect of smoking and alcohol drinking patterns on the risk of esophageal cancer, (ii) assess the independent effects of polymorphisms of ALDH2 , CYP2E1 , NQO1 , XRCC1 , and TP53 (alias p53 ) on risk of the disease, and (iii) explore the possible multigenetic effects and gene-environmental interaction. Methods We conducted a population-based case–control study with 220 incident cases of esophageal cancer and 415 healthy controls in Taixing City, China, from March 1, 2000, to August 31, 2000. Epidemiological data were collected by face-to-face interview. Genotypes of ALDH2 , CYP2E1 , NQO1 , XRCC1 , and TP53 were assayed with polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) techniques. Results No obvious association with the risk for esophageal cancer was found for polymorphisms of the CYP2E1 and TP53 genes. The odds ratios were 1.89 (95% CI = 0.9–3.7) for ALDH2 22 genotype, 2.60 (95% CI = 1.6–4.3) for NQO1 CT and TT, and 1.68 (95% CI = 1.1–2.6) for XRCC1 399 GG and GA after adjustment for age, sex, education level, body mass index, alcohol drinking, and smoking. The adjusted combined odds ratio of ALDH2 22 genotype and drinking often or every day was 4.37 (95% CI = 0.9–21.2), compared with those who never or occasionally drink and have ALDH2 11 or 12 genotypes. The adjusted combined odds ratio of ALDH2 22 and ever smoking was 5.89 (95% CI = 1.9–17.6), compared with those who never smoke and have ALDH2 11 and 12 genotypes. Our results also suggest that there may be potential interaction between NQO1 and smoking, as well as alcohol drinking. Conclusion Our results suggest that ALDH2 , NQO1 , and XRCC1 polymorphisms may alter the susceptibility to esophageal cancer, and that gene polymorphisms may also modulate the effects of smoking and drinking on esophageal cancer risk in a Chinese population.
Clinical outcome of mechanical circulatory support for refractory cardiogenic shock in the current era.

Background Mortality for refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) remains high. However, with improving mechanical circulatory support device (MCSD) technology, the treatment options for RCS patients are expanding. We report on a recent 5-year single-center experience with MCSD for treatment of RCS. Methods This study was a retrospective review of adult patients who required an MCSD due to RCS in the past 5 years. We excluded those patients with post-cardiotomy shock and post-transplant cardiac graft dysfunction. In the setting of RCS, a short-term ventricular assist device (VAD) was inserted as a bridge-to-decision device. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) was chosen in cases of unknown neurologic status, complete hemodynamic collapse or severe coagulopathy. Results From January 2007 through January 2012, 90 patients received an MCSD for RCS, 21 (23%) of whom had active cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The etiology of RCS included acute myocardial infarction in 49% and acute decompensated heart failure in 27%. Mean age was 53±14 years, 71% were male, and 60% had an intra-aortic balloon pump. The initial approach utilized was short-term VAD in 49% and VA ECMO in 51%. Median length of support was 8 days (IQR 4 to 18 days). Exchange to implantable VAD was performed in 26% of patients. Other destinations included myocardial recovery in 18% and heart transplantation in 11%. Survival to hospital discharge was 49%. Multivariate analysis showed ongoing CPR to be an independent risk factor for mortality (OR = 5.79, 95% CI 1.285 to 26.08, p = 0.022). Conclusions In the current era, roughly half of the patients who need an MCSD for RCS survive, and roughly half of these survivors require an implantable VAD. Ongoing CPR is predictive of in-hospital mortality.
Examining the relationship between word learning, nonword repetition, and immediate serial recall in adults

Two experiments examined whether the association between word-learning, nonword repetition, and immediate serial recall observed in children also exists in normal adults. The experiments also introduce a novel paradigm for studying word-learning. Experiment 1 studied the performance of 52 adults in nonword repetition, immediate serial recall, and word-learning tasks, examining the correlation between these measures. The results indicate that the developmental relationships between all three abilities also exist in adults. Experiment 2 investigated the robustness of these results using different stimuli and a variant of the word-learning task, and it also examined performance in a visuospatial span task, to test an alternative account of the results of Experiment 1; the results from 58 adults provide further evidence that the developmental association between word-learning, nonword repetition, and immediate serial recall extends into adulthood. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed i...
Decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation for acute sinusitis in children.

Background The efficacy of decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation in children with clinically diagnosed acute sinusitis has not been systematically evaluated. Objectives To determine the efficacy of decongestants, antihistamines or nasal irrigation in improving symptoms of acute sinusitis in children. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1950 to June week 1, 2014) and EMBASE (1950 to June 2014). Selection criteria We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, which evaluated children younger than 18 years of age with acute sinusitis, defined as 10 to 30 days of rhinorrhea, congestion or daytime cough. We excluded trials of children with chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Data collection and analysis Two review authors independently assessed each study for inclusion. Main results Of the 662 studies identified through the electronic searches and handsearching, none met all the inclusion criteria. Authors' conclusions There is no evidence to determine whether the use of antihistamines, decongestants or nasal irrigation is efficacious in children with acute sinusitis. Further research is needed to determine whether these interventions are beneficial in the treatment of children with acute sinusitis.
Skeletal cell fate decisions within periosteum and bone marrow during bone regeneration.

Bone repair requires the mobilization of adult skeletal stem cells/progenitors to allow deposition of cartilage and bone at the injury site. These stem cells/progenitors are believed to come from multiple sources including the bone marrow and the periosteum. The goal of this study was to establish the cellular contributions of bone marrow and periosteum to bone healing in vivo and to assess the effect of the tissue environment on cell differentiation within bone marrow and periosteum. Results show that periosteal injuries heal by endochondral ossification, whereas bone marrow injuries heal by intramembranous ossification, indicating that distinct cellular responses occur within these tissues during repair. Next, lineage analyses were used to track the fate of cells derived from periosteum, bone marrow, and endosteum, a subcompartment of the bone marrow. Skeletal progenitor cells were found to be recruited locally and concurrently from periosteum and/or bone marrow/endosteum during bone repair. Periosteum and bone marrow/endosteum both gave rise to osteoblasts, whereas the periosteum was the major source of chondrocytes. Finally, results show that intrinsic and environmental signals modulate cell fate decisions within these tissues. In conclusion, this study sheds light into the origins of skeletal stem cells/progenitors during bone regeneration and indicates that periosteum, endosteum, and bone marrow contain pools of stem cells/progenitors with distinct osteogenic and chondrogenic potentials that vary with the tissue environment.
PREC: practical root exploit containment for android devices

Application markets such as the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store have become the de facto method of distributing software to mobile devices. While official markets dedicate significant resources to detecting malware, state-of-the-art malware detection can be easily circumvented using logic bombs or checks for an emulated environment. We present a Practical Root Exploit Containment (PREC) framework that protects users from such conditional malicious behavior. PREC can dynamically identify system calls from high-risk components (e.g., third-party native libraries) and execute those system calls within isolated threads. Hence, PREC can detect and stop root exploits with high accuracy while imposing low interference to benign applications. We have implemented PREC and evaluated our methodology on 140 most popular benign applications and 10 root exploit malicious applications. Our results show that PREC can successfully detect and stop all the tested malware while reducing the false alarm rates by more than one order of magnitude over traditional malware detection algorithms. PREC is light-weight, which makes it practical for runtime on-device root exploit detection and containment.
Flexibility of α-Helices: Results of a Statistical Analysis of Database Protein Structures

α-Helices stand out as common and relatively invariant secondary structural elements of proteins. However, α-helices are not rigid bodies and their deformations can be significant in protein function (e.g. coiled coils). To quantify the flexibility of α-helices we have performed a structural principal-component analysis of helices of different lengths from a representative set of protein folds in the Protein Data Bank. We find three dominant modes of flexibility: two degenerate bend modes and one twist mode. The data are consistent with independent Gaussian distributions for each mode. The mode eigenvalues, which measure flexibility, follow simple scaling forms as a function of helix length. The dominant bend and twist modes and their harmonics are reproduced by a simple spring model, which incorporates hydrogen-bonding and excluded volume. As an application, we examine the amount of bend and twist in helices making up all coiled-coil proteins in SCOP. Incorporation of α-helix flexibility into structure refinement and design is discussed.
Regulation of epithelial stem cell replacement and follicle formation in the Drosophila ovary.

Though much has been learned about the process of ovarian follicle maturation through studies of oogenesis in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems, less is known about how follicles form initially. In Drosophila, two somatic follicle stem cells (FSCs) in each ovariole give rise to all polar cells, stalk cells, and main body cells needed to form each follicle. We show that one daughter from each FSC founds most follicles but that cell type specification is independent of cell lineage, in contrast to previous claims of an early polar/stalk lineage restriction. Instead, key intercellular signals begin early and guide cell behavior. An initial Notch signal from germ cells is required for FSC daughters to migrate across the ovariole and on occasion to replace the opposite stem cell. Both anterior and posterior polar cells arise in region 2b at a time when ∼16 cells surround the cyst. Later, during budding, stalk cells and additional polar cells are specified in a process that frequently transfers posterior follicle cells onto the anterior surface of the next older follicle. These studies provide new insight into the mechanisms that underlie stem cell replacement and follicle formation during Drosophila oogenesis.
Independent and interactive effects of two facilitators on their habitat-providing host plant, Spartina alterniflora

The role of habitat-providing species in facilitating associated species abundance and diversity is recognized as a key structuring force in many ecosystems. Reciprocal facilitation by associates, often involving multiple species, can be important for the maintenance of the host species. As with other multi-species interactions (e.g. multiple predator effects), non-additive relationships may be common among these associates, yet relatively few studies have examined potential interactions among multiple facilitator species. We combined field surveys and a mesocosm experiment to examine the independent and interactive effects of two co-occurring facilitator species, ribbed mussels Geukensia demissa and fiddler crabs Uca pugilator, on their host salt marsh plant species, cordgrass Spartina alterniflora. We also experimentally examined how these relationships varied across different host plant genotypes. Overall, facilitator effects increased with increasing facilitator density. There was a significant interaction between mussel and fiddler crab presence, indicating that the effects of each species on cordgrass were dependent on the presence of the other facilitator species. In addition, there were strong interactions among mussels, fiddler crabs, and plant genotype, with greater variation in the performance of individual genotypes when fiddler crabs were absent. Our work reinforces the importance of considering multiple responses when assessing the functional redundancy of co-occurring facilitators, as species are seldom completely redundant across the range of services they provide. It also highlights that the strength and direction of species interactions can vary due to genetic variation within the interacting species.
Combinatorial Studies for High Density Si and Ge Nanoparticle Arrays

A simple combinatorial approach for studying chemical and physical vapor deposition (CVD and PVD) nanoparticle growth is presented utilizing temperature and precursor flux gradients across sample surfaces. Large temperature gradients (450-700 °C) are induced covering the entire range of interest for most CVD and PVD processes. Precursor flux gradients may also be introduced simultaneously or separately using a tungsten cracking filament mounted on a translation arm. Theory and calibration experiments are explained and results from a study on Ge nanoparticle growth on HfO2 surfaces are presented and analyzed. This method drastically decreases experimental time required to investigate nanoparticle growth and identify optimum deposition conditions. Furthermore, this approach greatly facilitates preparation of library samples containing a wide range (several orders of magnitude) in variation of nanoparticle sizes, density, and composition for subsequent studies.
Core Academic Competencies for Master of Public Health Students: One Health Department Practitioner’s Perspective

The Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) has developed a comprehensive set of core academic competencies for master of public health (MPH) graduates. The ASPH core MPH competencies delineate fundamental knowledge, attitudes, and skills that every MPH student, regardless of their major field, should possess upon graduation. From a public health agency perspective, this is a promising development. The ASPH MPH core competencies are complementary to the Core Competencies for Public Health Practice developed by the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice. Although a useful development, the academic MPH core competencies should not be confused with a conclusive definition of what constitutes a public health professional.
A Secondary Structural Transition in the C-helix Promotes Gating of Cyclic Nucleotide-regulated Ion Channels

Cyclic nucleotide-regulated ion channels bind second messengers like cAMP to a C-terminal domain, consisting of a β-roll, followed by two α-helices (B- and C-helices). We monitored the cAMP-dependent changes in the structure of the C-helix of a C-terminal fragment of HCN2 channels using transition metal ion FRET between fluorophores on the C-helix and metal ions bound between histidine pairs on the same helix. cAMP induced a change in the dimensions of the C-helix and an increase in the metal binding affinity of the histidine pair. cAMP also caused an increase in the distance between a fluorophore on the C-helix and metal ions bound to the B-helix. Stabilizing the C-helix of intact CNGA1 channels by metal binding to a pair of histidines promoted channel opening. These data suggest that ordering of the C-helix is part of the gating conformational change in cyclic nucleotide-regulated channels.
Crystal‐crystal transformations in isotactic polybutene‐1 oriented filaments and in thick molded rods

This paper reports two related studies of the Form II → Form I crystal-crystal transformation in isotactic polybutene-1. First, it was found that in melt spun filaments, the rate of transformation is higher in filaments possessing higher levels of crystalline orientation. Second, we consider the occurrence of this phase transformation in thick quenched cylindrical rods. It was found that the phase transformation occurs more rapidly in the core than at the surface of the part. It is hypothesized that the mechanism of the higher transformation rate in the core is due to the development of residual quench stresses associated with densification at solidification. These stress levels have been calculated and our results compared with earlier studies.
Laparoscopic intra-abdominal ligation of the testicular artery following castration in a horse

A 364-kg (800-lb) 1-year-old mixed-breed horse was admitted for treatment of uncontrolled bleeding after castration. Multiple attempts to ligate the testicular artery through the scrotal incisions prior to referral had been unsuccessful. Because of the owner's concerns about cost, an attempt was made to control the bleeding by applying pressure to the inguinal region and administering formalin IV. However, hemorrhage continued. A decision was made to use laparoscopy to ligate the testicular artery. The horse was anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency, and a routine ventral laparoscopic approach was used. The horse recovered without further complications. Laparoscopy should be considered for ligation of the testicular artery in horses with uncontrolled bleeding after castration.
Quantifying biogenic bias in screening libraries

In lead discovery, libraries of 10(6) molecules are screened for biological activity. Given the over 10(60) drug-like molecules thought possible, such screens might never succeed. The fact that they do, even occasionally, implies a biased selection of library molecules. We have developed a method to quantify the bias in screening libraries toward biogenic molecules. With this approach, we consider what is missing from screening libraries and how they can be optimized.
Comparison of the Dynamic Characteristics of Smooth Annular Seals and Damping Seals

Annular seals are known to enhance rotordynamic stability margins and minimize vibration response levels in high-speed rotating machinery. Theoretical predictions for the rotordynamic characteristics of annular seals exist but additional experimental data is needed to properly anchor these results. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has developed an annular seal test rig and facility to experimentally characterize axially-fed annular seals. Annular seals with deliberately roughened stators (i.e. damping seals) have been shown analyticalty to increase stability margins of rocket engine turbomachinery by reducing the seal’s whirl frequency ratio. The capabilities of MSFC’s annular seal test rig have been enhanced to allow high fluid inlet preswirl testing that is more representative of actual turbopump seal bounder conditions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the effect of this realistic preswirl on the stabilizing capability of both damping and smooth seals. Centered seal results are presented for both a smooth annular seal and a damping seal. These results were obtained for a range of seal pressure differentials, shaft rotational speeds, and two levels of inlet fluid preswirl.Copyright © 1999 by ASME
Impulse-Control Disorders

This scale measures the characteristic impulsiveness of individuals. The latest version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale is a 30-item self-report meassure (Patton, Stanford, & Barratt, in press). Barratt developed the first version of the scale in 1959 (Barratt, 1959) and then revised and refined the scale over the years (Barratt, 1985; Barratt, 1993). The eleventh and latest version was created by eliminating from the previous version of the scale those items that did not contribute to the reliability or validity of the scale. Patton et al. (in press) factor analyzed the responses of undergraduate students, psychiatric inpatients, and prisoners in a maximum security facility and found three main second-order factors. These factors were motor impulsiveness, nonplanning impulsiveness, and attentional impulsiveness.
Joint Optimization of Interface Assignment and Channel Allocation in Cognitive Radio Mesh Networks

With the rapid growth of wireless networks and the increasing demand for wireless services, there will be an acute shortage of spectrum resources in the near future. A promising solution is to use the cognitive radio technology to arm the mesh nodes with opportunistic spectrum access capability, which leads to a more flexible access to spectral resources. In this paper, we investigate the joint interface assignment and channel allocation problem in cognitive radio mesh network. In order to ensure the QoS quality for each call, we propose a novel nested optimization technique based on genetic algorithm to find the optimal resource allocation. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed algorithm converges fast and approaches the global optimal solution efficiently.
Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Adsorption on Cation-Exchanged SSZ-13 Zeolites

Samples of high-silica SSZ-13, ion exchanged with protons and alkali-metal cations Li+, Na+, and K+, were investigated using adsorption isotherms of CO2 and N2. The results show that Li-, Na-SSZ-13 have excellent CO2 capacity at ambient temperature and pressure; in general, Li-SSZ-13 shows the highest capacity for N2, CO2 particularly in the low-pressure region. The effect of cation type and Si/Al ratio (6 and 12) on the adsorption properties was investigated through analysis of adsorption isotherms and heats of adsorption. The separation of CO2 in a flue gas mixture was evaluated for these adsorbents in the pressure swing adsorption and vacuum pressure adsorption processes.
Pedagogy of the Impossible: Neoliberalism and the Ideology of Accountability:

This article analyzes the ideology of accountability in contemporary education within the context of neoliberalism and its reconstruction of social relationships on the basis of the market, competition and efficiency. Drawing on contemporary critical philosophical accounts, it argues that the scholarship on education and accountability has not fully registered the way that ideology in neoliberalism works through modes of fantasy and enclosure, inhering not only in perspectives and understandings, but also in procedures, rituals and structures of subjectivity. Analyzing the political logic of test-based accountability, and taking up several specific examples of its reorganization of curriculum and assessment, the article challenges the tendency within educational theory to understand ideology in education according to the Gramscian model of hegemony and proposes a reconceptualization of accountability's ideological effects. In particular, it shows that the tradition of understanding ideology in schooling i...
Advances in Adsorbents of Adsorptive Desulfurization of FCC Gasoline

The choosing of adsobents is necessary in the adsorptive desulfurization of FCC gasoline.The new adsorbents for desulfurization of FCC gasoline,such as zeolite adsorbents,metal oxide adsorbents,active carbon,clay adsorbents and other adsorbents,and their mechanism of adsorption,modifications,desulfurized effect,regenerations,were introduced in detail,especially modified adsorbents.Improvement on selectivity and capacity of adsorbents and deep research on mechanism will be the most important research areas.
Effect of lithotripsy on immature rabbit bone and kidney development.

Abstract Although extracorporeal shock waves have been used to treat kidney stones for several years, little is known of their effect on developing tissue. In order to determine if lithotripsy has any negative effects on development, immature rabbits were used to study the relationship of extracorporeal shock waves to renal and skeletal growth. Rabbits in both the control and treatment groups had metallic clips placed surgically to demarcate the kidneys. Following unilateral kidney and femoral head treatment of the respective study groups with the Dornier Lithotripter Model HM-3, the rabbits were allowed to grow to maturity (six months). Plain radiographs were taken at three months. There was no significant difference between control and study groups when length of the kidneys or femurs, the diameter of the femoral heads, or the rabbits weights were compared. At six months of age, the rabbits were weighed, then sacrificed. The kidneys and femurs were removed. Comparisons between the control and study groups were then made for weight of the rabbit, weight and volume of the individual kidneys, femoral length, and femoral head diameter. Following these measurements sectioning and histologic examinations were done. In all parameters grossly and histologically, there was no statistically significant difference. It is concluded from this study that treatment with extracorporeal shock waves does not adversely affect overt rabbit renal or bone growth, making treatment of pediatric patients with ESWL appear safe in regard to these parameters. Future studies will be directed at confirming these findings in children.
Evidence-Based Practice in the Context of Early Childhood Special Education

Using research and other forms of scientific evidence to make recommendations and decisions on interventions for young children with special needs is not a new idea or practice; in fact, data-based decision making has been done for many years. However, until recently this was not a formalized process. Over the past 15 years, coinciding with an increase in accountability in both the educational and healthcare systems, this has changed dramatically. The use of scientific evidence to inform decision making is now frequently referred to as evidence-based practice and has become a formalized, well-defined, and legally mandated process. This chapter will explore the historical contexts and conceptualizations of evidence-based practice, outline current conceptual frameworks of evidence-based practice that can be used by individuals who work with young children with or at risk for developmental or other disabilities, examine the intersection between evidence-based practice and current recommended practices for early childhood special education from the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Division for Early Childhood (DEC), and conclude with considerations surrounding ways in which EBP can be used to continue to improve outcomes for young children with special needs and their families.
The Century of the Child

Constant media reports about shooting and racial violence in the US and elsewhere lead us to suggest that our present-day is not a time for children; it is rather a time during which children’s wellbeing is being the cause of worry in the international media discourse. In many places, it is necessary to re-evaluate implementation of education to make schools safe, healthy and protective environments that build resilience and that meet the physical and psychological needs of children and adolescents. Contexts of adversity can be found in Western schools; and is endemic in the Majority World, where the relationship between schools, work, and marriage is complex. Many schools have a habit of operating in a vacuum, distanced from the learners’ culture, community, and work ambitions. Further, schools are neglecting risks. However, instead of analyzing the educational “situation” as a fixed entity and responding to a need to overcome pre-established “barriers” to go to school – we argue that the children’s situation is fluctuating, a becoming. Instead of providing recipes addressing barriers to education, we therefore argue that “intervention” (in the form of policies or programs) may be creating new feedback loops, such as less income to the family, more exposure to consumerist pressure at school, dangers on the school way, etc. Because of the existence of such complex adaptive systems, it is impossible to establish a foolproof formula for “good schooling,” because each intervention and effort is context-dependent and seldom adhering to a pre-knowable outcome.
Multi-scale modeling of detonation formation with concentration and temperature gradients in n-heptane/air mixtures

Abstract Detonation initiation and ignition wave propagation in concentration stratified n-heptane/air mixtures with and without temperature gradient are numerically modeled by using the correlated adaptive chemistry and transport (CO-DACT) method coupled with the hybrid multi-timescale (HMTS) method in a one-dimensional planar constant volume chamber. For concentration gradient only, three combustion modes, including spontaneous ignition, detonation to spontaneous ignition transition, and a fully developed detonation mode, are observed corresponding to low, critical, and high concentration gradients, respectively. It is shown that the onset boundary of the three combustion modes is strongly affected by the coupling between concentration and temperature gradients. It is found that at a given concentration gradient, the temperature gradient can either promote or inhibit the detonation formations, depending on the variation of the associated ignition delay times. A comprehensive criterion for the onset of different combustion models involving both concentration and temperature gradients is presented and verified numerically. The results show that the critical concentration gradient for detonation initiation is greatly modified by the existence of a temperature gradient and vice versa. The present results provide insights into knocking mechanisms in engines.
Rate adaptive non-binary LDPC codes with low encoding complexity

For error-correction codes, the optimal coding rate can vary and depend on factors including channel, time-varying fading, environmental interference, power, bandwidth allocation, communication content, and application. Rate adaptive coding schemes are thus important for robust communications. This writeup proposes and studies a rate adaptive low density parity check (LDPC) coding scheme using non-binary Galois fields (GF). The algorithm uses a single low complexity encoding structure, but maintains strong near-capacity performance at arbitrary rational rates. The rate adaptive encoder can be used in a space-time code for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems and is shown to achieve near capacity performance at various rates and different MIMO configurations.
Geographic Information Systems: Critical Approaches

Critical assessments of the nature and limitations of geographic information systems (GIS) as a social technology have matured, from stark opposition between critics and developers of GIS to a more constructive engagement. The result has been a broadening of GIS research to incorporate research based on critical approaches. Current research in this area focuses on both the influence of society on GIS, and the influence of GIS on society. The former examines how the evolution of GIS software, and of GIS practices utilizing the software, follow path-dependent and bifurcating trajectories that are shaped by the societal and institutional context. The latter addresses: Limits to GIS representations of the world; limits in access to and in the appropriateness of GIS technologies; legal and ethical implications of GIS use; and the applicability of GIS for redressing social and geographical inequalities. Emergent areas of research include the potential for developing digital technologies that convey geographic knowledge in very different ways than current GIS software, and the nature and permeability of the ‘digital divide’ creating unequal access to and utilization of GIS.