cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differences in the Scalability of Formal and Informal In-Home Care of Urban Elderly

Differences in the scalability of formal and informal in-home care to elderly are examined. A Guttman scale showed that exclusive use of informal in-home care was hierarchically scalable, but not when services were provided by any formal sources. There was some clustering of formal services, for example, a large number of those who received meals also used homemaker services. However, a large number of those who received nursing did not receive personal care. There was no overall pattern to the use of formal services. Implications of these findings as related to service planning and delivery are discussed.
On a second order nonlinear boundary value problem

Abstract In this note we obtain explicit solutions of a second order nonlinear boundary value problem: (1) d 2 y d x 2 = λ ( x ) e μ y (2) y ( 0 ) = y ( 1 ) = 0 where μ > 0 is a constant and the function λ ( x ) > 0 is twice continuously differentiable and satisfies certain conditions.
Twin growth and its interaction with precipitates

Abstract New models for twin growth and its interaction with precipitate in Inconel-718 are proposed in this paper. The measured accumulated XRD intensities to represent the quantity of the Ni 3 Nb ( δ ) phase are in agreement with its dissolution in twin/grain interior and precipitation again in twin/grain boundary. Present result shows that twin growth is associated with and similar to a “wave front” movement of twin boundary mainly resulting from the assistance of sufficient vacancies and solute atoms from dissolved Ni 3 Nb ( δ ) phase diffusing from the twin interior toward the twin boundary to build up the existed twin. This leads to the overall free energy reduction and results in twin growth. Furthermore, possible interaction of twin growth meeting NbC particle is also discussed.
Strong versions of Bell's theorem.

Technical aspects of a recently constructed strong version of Bell's theorem are discussed. The theorem assumes neither hidden variables nor factorization, and neither determinism nor counterfactual definiteness. It deals directly with logical connections. Hence its relationship with modal logic needs to be described. It is shown that the proof can be embedded in an orthodox modal logic, and hence its compatibility with modal logic assured, but that this embedding weakens the theorem by introducing as added assumptions the conventionalities of the particular modal logic that is adopted. This weakening is avoided in the recent proof by using directly the set-theoretic conditions entailed by the locality assumption.
Diagnosis, psychiatry and neurology: The case of Huntington Disease

Abstract Although Huntington Disease (HD) is recognized as a neurological condition, it has a number of psychiatric effects, with recent studies suggesting that these effects can appear years prior to the telltale neurological symptoms. This trajectory has, in part, led to the misdiagnosis of HD as a psychiatric illness, as explicated in numerous case studies. This paper utilizes HD as a case study to investigate the social consequences of diagnosis by highlighting the tensions and ambiguities between neurology and psychiatry, while also discussing the difficulties that HD creates for psychiatry’s diagnostic schema. Findings are based on 30 in-depth interviews conducted with both individuals with HD and informal caregivers (e.g., spouses) in British Columbia, Canada. The findings address numerous instances of misdiagnosis and the resulting negative impacts for individual health and well-being. The findings are further discussed in relation to the work of Bakhtin and Latour, with suggestions presented to ameliorate such misdiagnoses.
Fourier Transform Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Polymers

Abstract Of course, the ear cannot for one moment compete with the eye in the examination of the visible part of the spectrum; but in the invisible part beyond the red, where the eye is useless, the ear is invaluable.
Theorizing patriarchy: development paradoxes and the geography of gender in South Asia.

The status of women in the Indian state of Kerala has long been portrayed as ideal in an otherwise highly patriarchal region of the world. And yet, as feminist scholars and activists in Kerala have...
Contributions of Chinese-American Librarians to Library and Information Science

This article reviews the brief history of Chinese Americans in the United States and their contributions to librarianship. Despite the hardships and challenges they had to face, Chinese American librarians have made great contributions to the building of East Asian libraries, the cataloguing of East Asian and Chinese collections, the development of library automation, the advancement of information technologies, the promotion of multicultural and diverse library services, library management and administration, library and information science education, professional association activities, international librarianship, national library and information services policy making and programming, and national policy making. Pioneers and key figures are identified with their accomplishments. The origin, purpose, programs, and activities of the Chinese American Librarians Association are also described.
Highly efficient neural conversion of human ES and iPS cells by dual inhibition of SMAD signaling

Current neural induction protocols for human embryonic stem (hES) cells rely on embryoid body formation, stromal feeder co-culture or selective survival conditions. Each strategy has considerable drawbacks, such as poorly defined culture conditions, protracted differentiation and low yield. Here we report that the synergistic action of two inhibitors of SMAD signaling, Noggin and SB431542, is sufficient to induce rapid and complete neural conversion of >80% of hES cells under adherent culture conditions. Temporal fate analysis reveals the appearance of a transient FGF5(+) epiblast-like stage followed by PAX6(+) neural cells competent to form rosettes. Initial cell density determines the ratio of central nervous system and neural crest progeny. Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells into midbrain dopamine and spinal motoneurons confirms the robustness and general applicability of the induction protocol. Noggin/SB431542-based neural induction should facilitate the use of hES and hiPS cells in regenerative medicine and disease modeling and obviate the need for protocols based on stromal feeders or embryoid bodies.
Letting French Students Hear the Diverse Voices of Francophony

This response to Jean-Marie Salien's editorial “Quebec French: Attitudes and Pedagogical Perspectives” (MLJ, 82, 1998, pp. 95–102) deals with linguistic variation—particularly as it exists in Quebec—and aims at familiarizing students of French as a foreign language in the U.S. with variation in that language. The article stresses how important it is for French teachers to have an accurate understanding of the French spoken in Quebec. A characterization of Quebec French should include the different varieties spoken, recognize sociolinguistic differences, and acknowledge the functional effectiveness of all varieties. To acquaint American learners of French with language variation, it is appropriate to expose them to the varieties that can be found in neighboring communities, such as Quebec. This exposure can begin early so that learners will be able to recognize local particularities and variation. The use of a “pedagogical norm” is advisable, however, in guiding the learners’ own usage, because attitudes toward linguistic variants can produce negative reactions to nonnative speaker use of these features.
Indexing Patterns of Periodical Literature on African American Women and US Latinas

Indexing of women's studies materials is a well-studied subject, but has never focused on minority women. Previous research has shown that gaining access to journal articles in an interdisciplinary field such as women's studies is problematic. Journals in the field tend to be inadequately indexed, multiple indexes must be consulted, and certain publications and populations are marginalized. Racial and ethnic studies, as another interdiscipline, may face the same kinds of problems, though research there has focused on the shortcomings of subject description and access. This study explores the implications for researchers who seek access to current periodical literature on African American women and US Latinas, an interdisciplinary field between women's studies and racial/ethnic studies.
Spatial decay estimates for the heat equation via the maximum principle

Spatial decay estimates for the solution of the heat equation, similar to those obtained by other authors using energy inequalities, are established through use of the maximum principle.
DCT coefficient distributions

Many image and video compression schemes perform the discrete cosine transform (DCT) to represent image data in frequency space. An analysis of a broad suite of images confirms previous findings that a Laplacian distribution can be used to model the luminance ac coefficients. This model is expanded and applied to color space (Cr/Cb) coefficients. In MPEG, the DCT is used to code interframe prediction error terms. The distribution of these coefficients is explored. Finally, the distribution model is applied to improve dynamic generation of quantization matrices.
Seismic evidence for a deep upper mantle thermal anomaly beneath east Africa

Upper mantle seismic velocity variations beneath northern Tanzania coupled with the structure of the 410 and 660 km discontinuities reveal a 200‐ 400-km-wide thermal anomaly extending into but not necessarily through the transition zone beneath the eastern branch of the East African rift system. This finding is not easily explained by small-scale mantle convection induced by passive stretching of the lithosphere or by a broad thermal upwelling extending from the lower mantle into the upper mantle, but it can be attributed to a mantle plume, provided that a plume head is present under the lithospheric keel of the Tanzania craton. A plume interpretation for the deep thermal anomaly is supported by evidence for mantle having the geochemical characteristics of a plume at >150 km depth beneath northern Tanzania.
Linker Histones Stimulate HSPA2 ATPase Activity Through NASP Binding and Inhibit CDC2/Cyclin B1 Complex Formation During Meiosis in the Mouse

In mammalian spermatocytes, cell division cycle protein 2 (CDC2)/cyclin B1 and the chaperone heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2) are required for the G2→M transition in prophase I. Here, we demonstrate that in primary spermatocytes, linker histone chaperone testis/embryo form of nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (tNASP) binds the heat shock protein HSPA2, which localizes on the synaptonemal complex of spermatocytes. Significantly, the tNASP-HSPA2 complex binds linker histones and CDC2, forming a larger complex. We demonstrate that increasing amounts of tNASP favor tNASP-HSPA2-CDC2 complex formation. Binding of linker histones to tNASP significantly increases HSPA2 ATPase activity and the capacity of tNASP to bind HSPA2 and CDC2, precluding CDC2/cyclin B1 complex formation and, consequently, decreasing CDC2/cyclin B1 kinase activity. Linker histone binding to NASP controls the ability of HSPA2 to activate CDC2 for CDC2/cyclin B1 complex formation; therefore, tNASP's role is to provide the functional link between linker histones and cell cycle progression during meiosis.
Group Size versus Change? Assessing Americans’ Perception of Local Immigration

Leading opinion research on immigration has begun to move from size-based to change-based measures of citizens’ ethnic context. This shift is based on the theoretical assumption that over-time growth in immigrant populations is more likely to capture citizens’ attention than their current size. At present, there is no empirical evidence supporting this assumption. This article demonstrates that while the size of local immigrant populations exerts virtually no effect on perceived immigration, over-time growth strongly influences citizens’ perceptions of immigration into their community. In addition, our analyses illuminate the differential contribution of growth in local Hispanic and Asian populations to perceived immigration.
Temperature dependence of volatile organic compound evaporative emissions from motor vehicles

[1] A chemical mass balance approach is used to determine the relative contributions of evaporative versus tailpipe sources to motor vehicle volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. Contributions were determined by reconciling time-resolved ambient VOC concentrations measured downwind of Sacramento, California, in summer 2001 with source speciation profiles. A composite liquid fuel speciation profile was determined from gasoline samples collected at Sacramento area service stations. Vapor-liquid equilibrium relationships were used to determine the corresponding headspace vapor composition. VOC concentrations measured in a highway tunnel were used to define the composition of running vehicle emissions. The chemical mass balance analysis indicated that headspace vapor contributions ranged from 7 to 29% of total vehicle-related VOC depending on time of day and day of week, with a mean daytime contribution of 17.0 ± 0.9% (mean ± 95% CI). A positive association between the headspace vapor contribution and ambient air temperature was found for afternoon hours. We estimate a 6.5 ± 2.5% increase in vapor pressure-driven evaporative emissions and at least a 1.3 ± 0.4% increase in daily total (exhaust plus evaporative) VOC emissions from motor vehicles per degree Celsius increase in maximum temperature.
Ribonomic analysis of human Pum1 reveals cis-trans conservation across species despite evolution of diverse mRNA target sets.

PUF family proteins are among the best-characterized regulatory RNA-binding proteins in nonmammalian species, but relatively little is known about mRNA targets or functions of mammalian PUF proteins. In this study, we used ribonomic analysis to identify and analyze mRNAs associated with ribonucleoproteins containing an endogenous human PUF protein, Pum1. Pum1-associated mRNAs were highly enriched for genes encoding proteins that function in transcriptional regulation and cell cycle/proliferation, results consistent with the posttranscriptional RNA regulon model and the proposed ancestral functions of PUF proteins in stem cell biology. Analysis of 3 untranslated region sequences of Pum1-associated mRNAs revealed a core Pum1 consensus sequence, UGUAHAUA. Pum1 knockdown demonstrated that Pum1 enhances decay of associated mRNAs, and relocalization of Pum1 to stress granules suggested that Pum1 functions in repression of translation. This study is the first in vivo genome-wide mRNA target identification of a mammalian PUF protein and provides direct evidence that human PUF proteins regulate stability of associated mRNAs. Comparison of Pum1-associated mRNAs to mRNA targets of PUF proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster demonstrates how a well-conserved RNA-binding domain and cognate binding sequence have been evolutionarily rewired to regulate the collective expression of different sets of functionally related genes. PUF family RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are among the best-characterized regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression in nonmammalian eukaryotes. Named for the founding members Pumilio (32) and FBF (61), PUF proteins are represented throughout the eukaryotic lineage (47). The common feature of PUF proteins is the PUF homology domain
Decreased Leukocyte Accumulation and Delayed Bordetella pertussis Clearance in IL-6−/− Mice

IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine primarily produced by the innate immune system, has been implicated in the development of acquired immune responses, though its roles are largely undefined and may vary in the context of different diseases. Using a murine model of infection, we established that IL-6 influences the adaptive immune responses against the endemic human respiratory pathogen Bordetella pertussis. IL-6 was induced in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice by B. pertussis. IL-6−/− mice showed a protracted infectious course and were less efficiently protected by B. pertussis vaccination than wild-type mice. Abs from IL-6−/− mice, though lower in titer, efficiently reduced B. pertussis numbers in IL-6–sufficient mice. Pulmonary leukocyte recruitment and splenic or pulmonary T cell cytokine responses to B. pertussis, including Th1 and Th17 cytokine production, were lower in IL-6−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Adoptive transfer of immune wild-type CD4+ cells ameliorated the defect of IL-6−/− mice in the control of B. pertussis numbers. Together, these results reveal the dysregulation of multiple aspects of adaptive immune responses in B. pertussis-infected IL-6−/− mice and suggest that IL-6 is involved in regulating Ab generation, pulmonary leukocyte accumulation, and T cell cytokine production in response to B. pertussis as well as the generation of effective vaccine-induced immunity against this pathogen.
Armada: a parallel file system for computational grids

High-performance distributed computing appears to be shifting away from tightly-connected supercomputers to "computational grids" composed of heterogeneous systems of networks, computers, storage devices and various other devices that collectively act as a single geographically distributed "virtual" computer. One of the great challenges for this environment is providing efficient parallel data access to remote distributed data sets. In this paper, we discuss some of the issues associated with parallel I/O and computational grids and describe the design of a flexible parallel file system that allows the application to control the behavior and functionality of virtually all aspects of the file system.
Cytotoxic activity of triazole-containing alkyl β-D-glucopyranosides on a human T-cell leukemia cell line

Background: Simple glycoside surfactants represent a class of chemicals that are produced from renewable raw materials. They are considered to be environmentally safe and, therefore, are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, detergents, and personal care products. Although they display low to moderate toxicity in cells in culture, the underlying mechanisms of surfactant-mediated cytotoxicity are poorly investigated. Results: We synthesized a series of triazole-linked (fluoro)alkyl β-glucopyranosides using the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne reaction, one of many popular “click” reactions that enable efficient preparation of structurally diverse compounds, and investigate the toxicity of this novel class of surfactant in the Jurkat cell line. Similar to other carbohydrate surfactants, the cytotoxicity of the triazole-linked alkyl β-glucopyranosides was low, with IC50 values decreasing from 1198 to 24 μM as the hydrophobic tail length increased from 8 to 16 carbons. The two alkyl β-glucopyranosides with the longest hydrophobic tails caused apoptosis by mechanisms involving mitochondrial depolarization and caspase-3 activation. Conclusions: Triazole-linked, glucose-based surfactants 4a-g and other carbohydrate surfactants may cause apoptosis, and not necrosis, at low micromolar concentrations via induction of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade; however, additional studies are needed to fully explore the molecular mechanisms of their toxicity.
Function, Type, and Distribution of Teacher Questions in Dual-Language Preschool Read Alouds

This exploratory study investigated the nature and distribution of dual-language preschool teachers' questions across parallel Spanish- and English-medium read-aloud activities. The notions of comprehensible input (Krashen, 1985) and language output (Swain, 1985), along with a reciprocal interaction model of teaching (Cummins, 2000), guided our understanding of teachers' use of questions to engage students in book-based extended dialogue in each target language. We utilized digital video recordings and field notes to capture the naturally occurring teacher–child interactions of read-aloud activities in two dual-language preschool classrooms over a period of two months. Findings revealed that teachers asked a variety of questions, exhibiting a multitude of functions and levels of cognitive challenge; however, question types were not equitably distributed across the two instructional languages as teachers asked significantly more inference-based and factual questions during Spanish-medium read alouds and mo...
Perturbation Methods in Stability and Norm Analysis of Spatially Periodic Systems

We consider systems governed by partial differential equations with spatially periodic coefficients over unbounded domains. These spatially periodic systems are considered as perturbations of spatially invariant ones, and we develop perturbation methods to study their stability and ${\cal H}^2$ system norm. The operator Lyapunov equations characterizing the ${\cal H}^2$ norm are studied by using a special frequency representation, and formulas are given for the perturbation expansion of their solution. The structure of these equations allows for a recursive method of solving for the expansion terms. Our analysis provides conditions that capture possible resonances between the periodic coefficients and the spatially invariant part of the system. These conditions can be regarded as useful guidelines when spatially periodic coefficients are to be designed to increase or decrease the ${\cal H}^2$ norm of a spatially distributed system. The developed perturbation framework also gives simple conditions for checking whether a spatially periodic operator generates a holomorphic $C_0$ semigroup and thus satisfies the spectrum-determined growth condition.
A global-local learning algorithm for identifying Takagi-Sugeno-Kang fuzzy models

The fuzzy inference system proposed by Takagi, Sugeno and Kang, which is known as the TSK model in fuzzy system literature, provides a powerful tool for modeling complex nonlinear systems. Unlike conventional modeling where a single model is used to describe the global behavior of a system, TSK modeling is essentially a multi-model approach in which simple submodels combined to describe the global behavior of the system. Most existing learning algorithms for identifying the TSK model are based on minimizing the square of the residual between the overall outputs of the real system and the identified model. Although these algorithms can generate a TSK model with good global performance, they cannot guarantee the resulting model to have a good local performance. Often, the submodels in the TSK model may exhibit an erratic local behavior which is difficult to interpret. Since one of the important motivations of using the TSK model is to gain insights into the model, it is important to investigate the interpretability issue of the TSK model. We propose a learning algorithm that integrates global learning and local learning in a single algorithmic framework. This algorithm uses the idea of local weighted regression and local approximation in nonparametric statistics, but remains the component of global fitting in the existing learning algorithms. The algorithm is capable of adjusting its parameters based on the user's preference, generating models with good trade-off in terms of global fitting and local interpretation. We illustrate the performance of the proposed algorithm using a motorcycle crash modeling example.
PDGF regulation of Mcl-1 expression in bone-metastatic human prostate cancer cells

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3583 Previous studies have shown that aberrant expression of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is correlated with human cancer progression. Overexpression of PDGF receptor (PDGFR) is implicated in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa) bone metastases. However, the role of PDGF signaling in prostate cancer cell growth and survival has not been well characterized. We studied the implication of PDGF signaling in an ARCaP human PCa progression model, which demonstrates epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and closely mimicking the clinical pathophysiology of human PCa bone metastasis. Treatment of metastatic ARCaPM cells with PDGFBB, an isoform of PDGF family, rapidly induced mRNA expression of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1), an antiapoptoic factor that has been correlated to higher Gleason grades and metastasis in clinical PCa specimens. Western blotting and reporter analyses confirmed PDGFBB as a novel regulator of Mcl-1 expression in PCa cells. Mechanistic study indicated that PDGF induction of Mcl-1 is mediated by a beta-catenin-dependent pathway. PDGFBB treatment induced rapid nuclear translocation of beta-catenin in ARCaPM cells. Further analyses suggested that beta-catenin signaling may be coupled with other transcriptional factors, i.e., cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) and T-cell factor 4 (TCF-4), to coordinately regulate Mcl-1 expression. Transient transfection of wild-type beta-catenin expression cDNA resulted in increased Mcl-1 expression, whereas a TCF-4 dominant negative cDNA effectively abrogated PDGFBB induction of Mcl-1 expression. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that activation of the PDGF-beta-catenin-Mcl-1 signaling may contribute to human PCa bone metastasis. Interruption of the Mcl-1 survival signal in addition to blocking the PDGF pathway may provide a novel target for the treatment of human PCa bone metastasis.
A Condensed Review of the Technology of Post-Accident Heat Removal for the Liquid-Metal Fast Breeder Reactor

The analyses performed to evaluate the capacity to contain the core materials after a hypothetical core meltdown accident are generally grouped under the area of post-accident heat removal (PAHR). ...
The Lingering Legacy of Trade-Mark Cases

This article explores the legacy of the Supreme Court's 1879 decision in Trade-mark Cases in the field of intellectual property law. But it explores that legacy from a somewhat unorthodox perspective; namely, by imagining what might have happened had the Court decided the case the opposite way. Opening that imaginary door reveals some interesting possibilities. At the very least, a different result in Trade-mark Cases would have dramatically altered the course of United States trademark law. In addition, depending on the reasoning the Court employed to reach a contrary holding, much of federal intellectual property law might look quite different than it does today. On tis latter point, the article questions the Court's axiom that creativity is a sine qua non of federal protection under the Intellectual Property Clause.
The concurrent consideration of uncertainty in WCETs and processor speeds in mixed-criticality systems

Most prior work on mixed-criticality (MC) scheduling has focused on a model in which multiple WCET parameters are specified for each job, the interpretation being that the larger values represent "safer" estimates of the job's true WCET. More recently, a different MC model has been studied in which it is assumed that the precise speed of the processor upon which the system is implemented varies in an a priori unknown manner during runtime, and estimates must be made about how low the actual speed may fall.The research reported in this paper seeks to integrate the varying-speed MC model and the multi-WCET one into a unified framework. A general model is proposed in which each job may have multiple WCETs specified, and the precise speed of the processor upon which the system is implemented may vary during run-time. We reinterpreted the key idea behind the table-driven MC scheduling scheme proposed in one of our recent work, and provide a more efficient algorithm named LE-EDF. This algorithm strictly generalizes algorithms that were previously separately proposed for MC scheduling of systems with multiple WCETs as well as for MC scheduling on variable-speed processors. It is shown that LE-EDF outperforms (via simulation) and/or dominates existing algorithms (under theoretical proof). LE-EDF is also compared with optimal clairvoyant algorithm using the metric of speedup factor.
Preconditioning-induced CXCL12 upregulation minimizes leukocyte infiltration after stroke in ischemia-tolerant mice.

Repetitive hypoxic preconditioning creates long-lasting, endogenous protection in a mouse model of stroke, characterized by reductions in leukocyte–endothelial adherence, inflammation, and infarct ...
371 BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM TO INCREASE HEALTH IN TEEN AND PRETEEN GIRLS IN GLASGOW, MONTANA.

Glasgow, Montana has a significant rate of pregnancy and alcohol abuse among teens. Further, the male-dominated “good ol9 boy” mentality that is prevalent in the community hinders the development of confident, independent young women. It has been shown that low self-esteem leads to poor health behaviors, such as pregnancy, problem eating, and alcohol abuse, among teens. These factors, along with discussions with health professionals, combined to indicate the importance of developing a project directed at building self-esteem within the young women and girls of the community. The project was designed in two parts in order to be most effective and reach the greatest population. First, a brochure was developed that identified the importance of self-esteem and what to do to help build self-esteem. The brochure was then distributed to the mental health center in Glasgow for use within the clinic and in the school system. Second, a talk was given at a girl9s group meeting focusing on similar topics as the brochure. Activities were also undertaken to help the girls better understand the range of topics presented. After talking at the girl9s group, an informal survey was taken which showed that the girls grasped basic concepts, such as respecting themselves and others for who they are, but had difficulty understanding the concepts of self-esteem and why it is important. A program developed within the school system that has the capacity to reach the most girls would be very beneficial to the healthy development of the girls in the community.
Influence of parenteral progesterones on the prevalence and severity of mastalgia in premenopausal women: a multi-institutional cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: More than 30 percent of women seen in surgical breast clinics suffer from mastalgia. Although the causes of mastalgia are poorly understood, imbalances in estrogen and progesterone effects in the breast have been implicated. Progesterones have been proposed as a treatment for mastalgia, but the literature supporting their use is conflicting and currently inconclusive. STUDY DESIGN: The prevalence and severity of mastalgia in women receiving parenteral progesterones for contraception was compared to that of a randomly selected, age-matched control group using a validated survey instrument. Surveys were completed by 671 case subjects and 1,433 randomly selected, age-matched control subjects. RESULTS: Nine percent of women using medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera, Upjohn, Kalamazoo, Mich) reported frequent breast pain compared to 21 percent of control subjects (OR 0.220, p < 0.001). The prevalence of clinically significant breast pain was 2.3 percent in the progesterone group compared to 4.9 percent in the control group (p < 0.02). Focal, noncyclic mastalgia predominated in the progesterone group with continued breast pain (78.8 percent), while diffuse, cyclic breast pain was more common in the control group (67.7 percent, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Medroxyprogesterone acetate effectively suppresses cyclic mastalgia in reproductive-age women and warrants additional study as a primary therapy.
Whither Terrestrial Ecosystems and Habitats

The subtitle of my paper, ‘Preservation of the Habitat of Man’, was chosen to place in sharper focus the general subject of this Conference, as what we are here for essentially is to discuss Man’s future prospects on Earth. His future, if any, depends very largely on his relationships with the environment in which he finds himself, and from which he cannot escape. In this sense, his environment extends throughout at least the inner 100 million miles’ radius of the Solar System, and perhaps farther out. We do not know if light and other radiation from the rest of the Galaxy have any significant effect on Man as a species. Perhaps they do. Starlight has at least a psychological effect; it also enables Man to see in times of darkness, to navigate his ships at sea, and to locate himself precisely on land. So perhaps the Universe is Man’s real environment. In the narrowest possible view, the Sun must be a part of his environment, as he is utterly dependent on its radiant energy.
Income Levels and Stress

Income has an important role in influencing health outcomes. Drawing on absolute and relative interpretations of income we explore how income may be associated health via exposure to chronic stress. In particular, we focus on the role of relative income deprivation and income inequality on stress.
Text Analysis of Green Supply Chain Practices in Healthcare

ABSTRACTThe growing demand for environmentally safe products in the healthcare industry requires the United States to implement environmentally sustainable principles in healthcare systems. In this research, we build an experimental text analysis system which can analyze large collections of documents related to healthcare systems, in order to extract information about their green supply chain practices. Collocation and sequential pattern mining analysis techniques are applied in the experimental system. When tested and evaluated, the system is found to have a recall of 72% and a precision of 73.1%.
Characterization of Stat3 Binding in the γ-Globin Promoter: The Role of DNA-Protein Interactions in Gene Silencing.

We previously demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3β (Stat3β) acts as a negative regulator of γ-globin gene expression. We speculate that Stat3β participates in the γ to β-globin switch recapitulated during erythroid maturation. Regulatory elements located between nucleotide −52 and +36 relative to the γ-globin cap site may define a silencing domain where Stat3β exerts its negative effect. We analyzed DNA-protein interactions in a putative Stat3 binding site at +9γ and an overlapping Stat3/GATA-1 consensus sequence at +26γ. The +9γ motif was required for Stat3β mediated γ-gene silencing in K562 cells and normal erythroid progenitors. Mutating the +26γ site disrupted both Stat3 and GATA-1 binding which was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We demonstrated for the first time direct interaction between Stat3 and GATA-1 using immunoprecipitation techniques and protein extracts isolated from K562 and mouse erythroleukemia cells. We speculate that developmental stage specific DNA-protein interactions in the −52 to +36 region are required for γ-gene silencing. To investigate this hypothesis, we tested the ability of Stat3β to bind in vivo using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. K562 cells were treated with Interleukin-6 (100ng/ml) to activate Stat3β and then used for ChIP analysis with phosphorylated-Stat3β antibody. Specific PCR primers were designed to amplify the region between nucleotide −52 and +36 relative to the γ-globin cap site. We observed increased Stat3β binding to the γ-globin silencing domain in vivo after Interleukin-6 treatment. To compliment this approach, we modified our ChIP assay as follows. A trypsin digest step was added after cross-linking proteins to the γ-globin silencing domain in vitro . The samples will be analyzed by nanospray LC/MS/MS mass spectrometry to characterize the transcription factors that bind the silencing domain and interact with Stat3β in this region. Understanding the DNA-protein interactions required for γ-globin regulation will provide insights into mechanisms for globin gene silencing.
US manufacturing competitiveness: a managerial perspective

The issues surrounding the lagging economic competitiveness of the US in the world market, which are complex, multifaceted, and do not lend themselves to quick overviews and solutions, are discussed. Fundamental factors considered are: macro economic conditions of the US and its trading partners; US policies and issues including taxation, trade, antitrust, and monetary policies; and standard managerial practices of US businesses. >
Incidental focal uptake in the breast and axilla on FDG PET: Clinical considerations and differential diagnosis

Incidental focal FDG uptake in the breast or axilla on PET/CT performed for evaluation of extra-mammary primary disease presents a diagnostic challenge. Radiologists must consider a broad differential diagnosis, assess clinical history, and judiciously employ other imaging modalities such as mammography, ultrasound and MRI in the pursuit of findings which help narrow the differential diagnosis. Tissue sampling may be reserved for nondiagnostic imaging scenarios.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Youth

Type 2 diabetes, once considered a disease restricted to adults, has increased in prevalence in childhood, largely due to the obesity epidemic in youth. This disease represents a serious public health issue as it is associated with significant comorbidities and complications even when compared with adults with the same disease and children with type 1 diabetes. Presently, metformin and insulin are the only two medications approved for use in children and little is known about the prevention of type 2 diabetes in youth. There is an urgent need for a better understanding of the underlying biology of the disease in youth and for the development of effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.
A 'smart' tube holder enables real-time sample monitoring in a standard lab centrifuge.

The centrifuge is among the oldest and most widely used pieces of laboratory equipment, with significant applications that include clinical diagnostics and biomedical research. A major limitation of laboratory centrifuges is their “black box” nature, limiting sample observation to before and after centrifugation. Thus, optimized protocols require significant trial and error, while unoptimized protocols waste time by centrifuging longer than necessary or material due to incomplete sedimentation. Here, we developed an instrumented centrifuge tube receptacle compatible with several commercial benchtop centrifuges that can provide real-time sample analysis during centrifugation. We demonstrated the system by monitoring cell separations during centrifugation for different spin speeds, concentrations, buffers, cell types, and temperatures. We show that the collected data are valuable for analytical purposes (e.g. quality control), or as feedback to the user or the instrument. For the latter, we verified an adaptation where complete sedimentation turned off the centrifuge and notified the user by a text message. Our system adds new functionality to existing laboratory centrifuges, saving users time and providing useful feedback. This add-on potentially enables new analytical applications for an instrument that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Primary Photochemical Processes

Electromagnetic radiant energy interacts with atomic and molecular systems such that electronic and nuclear motions are affected. In all inelastic photon-molecule interactions radiant energy is converted into kinetic energy of electrons or nuclei. With such interactions the photon can be annihilated, a replica photon can be created, or it can emerge from the collision with a little less, or a little more, energy than it had initially. The interaction results in momentum transfer; and since electrons are much lower mass than carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, etc., nuclei, then interactions that transfer momentum to electrons are more easily accomplished than those that transfer momentum to nuclei. Hence cross-sections (molar absorptivities) for electronic transitions are much higher than those for nuclear vibrational transitions. The electromagnetic radiation spectrum is a continuous distribution of frequencies. Photons of any energy can exist; no frequencies are forbidden or specially favored. On the other hand, the kinetic and potential energies of electrons, nuclei, and subatomic particles are restricted to discrete, quantized states. It is this quantum requirement that governs whether or not a given molecule can extract momentum from a given photon. Thus most of the molecule-photon momentum transfer rules are set by the molecule. The photon only restricts itself to giving up either all its energy on to receiving or losing a small fraction (up to ca. 10%) of its energy content. Photons are not known to lose half of their energy, say, in an inelastic scattering erent.
Momentum Distribution in Liquid 4He at Low Temperatures: Variational Methods

We review variational calculations of the momentum distribution and condensate fraction of atoms in liquid 4 He at zero and low temperatures. We use ground state and excited state wave functions which include Jastrow, three-body and backflow correlations and are obtained from variational calculations that give accurate energies and pair distribution functions over a wide density range. We calculate the change of the ground state momentum distribution due to creation of an elementary excitation and use it to calculate the change of the momentum distribution and condensate fraction at low temperatures (T < 1°K). This calculation brings out the collective and single-particle character of the excitations in the long and short wavelength limit respectively and the interplay between the two at intermediate momenta. The expectation values are calculated by means of cluster expansions and making use of the hypernetted-chain equation and the scaling approximation to include the contribution of the elementary diagrams. We discuss the singularities of the momentum distribution at low momenta and low temperatures. We compare our results with momentum distributions obtained from Green’s function Monte Carlo calculations and neutron scattering data.
Navigating Congested Environments with Risk Level Sets

In this paper, we address the problem of navigating in a cluttered environment by introducing a congestion cost that maps the density and motion of objects to an occupancy risk. We propose that an agent can choose a “risk level set” from this cost function and construct a planning space from this set. In choosing different levels of risk, the agent adjusts its interactions with the other agents. From the assumption that agents are self-preserving, we show that any agent planning within their risk level set will avoid collisions with other agents. We then present an application of planning with risk level sets in the framework of an autonomous vehicle driving along a highway. Using the risk level sets, the agent can determine safe zones when planning a sequence of lane changes. Through simulations in Matlab, we demonstrate how the choice of risk threshold manifests as aggressive or conservative behavior.
Rates and Risk Factors for Future Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery after Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair in a Large Population-based Cohort in California.

Abstract Objectives To determine the rate and risk factors for future stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery in a large population-based cohort of previously continent women following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair without concomitant SUI treatment. Methods Data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development were used to identify all women who underwent anterior, apical, or combined anteroapical POP repair without concomitant SUI procedures in the state of California between 2005 and 2011 with at least 1-year follow-up. Patient and surgical characteristics were explored for associations with subsequent SUI procedures. Results Of 41,689 women undergoing anterior or apical POP surgery, 1,504 (3.6%) underwent subsequent SUI surgery with a mean follow-up time of 4.1 years. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.01), obesity (OR 1.98), use of mesh at the time of POP repair (OR 2.04), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.19), white race, and combined anteroapical repair (OR 1.30) were associated with increased odds of future SUI surgery. Conclusion The rate of subsequent surgery for de novo SUI following POP repair on a population level is low. Patient and surgical characteristics may alter a woman's individual risk and should be considered in surgical planning.
Approaches for Selecting Product Innovation Projects in U.S. Food and Agribusiness Companies

Although executives acknowledge the strong link between innovations and performance, they are still challenged by crossing the bridge from great ideas to revenue. The objective of this paper is to understand better the approaches used by the food and agricultural sector to select product innovation projects, and to draw a picture of an innovation portfolio of a food and agribusiness company. This paper adds to the management literature by studying a different sector, the U.S. agricultural sector and focusing on the implementation of theoretical models. The survey of about 100 companies, indicate that the food and agribusiness sector tends to use cross-functional teams and several selection methods when they select product innovation projects. This selection process yields to a diversified portfolio in terms of potential for return, time to market, and costs already incurred. However, companies tend to be biased towards in-house and low risk projects. Company and industry characteristics’ effects on the results are present but limited. It is important to note that this dissertation does not study the effect of these practices on performance, which is a necessary follow-up.
edTPA: Assisting Rural Special Education Teacher Candidates to Incorporate Self-Regulation Skills in Planning and Instruction:

Forty-one states and 928 teacher preparation programs across the United States are using the Teaching Performance Assessment (edTPA) as an evaluation tool to determine teacher readiness and/or meet...
Act Scholarly! Embrace your inner behavioral scientist:

Fifty years of scholarship by behavioral science faculty shaped the training and practice of family physicians. One can trace behavioral science influence from the philosophical underpinnings of family medicine (whole-person, patient-centered, biopsychosocial care), to the translation of psychotherapy skills into tools for family physicians, to the discovery of successful, integrated healthcare teams of family physicians and behavioral science professionals. Family medicine as we know it today rests on the shoulders of scholars who collaborated to conceive, experiment, evaluate, improve, and innovate. The purpose of this paper is to recruit you - behavioral science professionals - to continue this tradition of scholarship in Family Medicine. To advance your scholarly efforts, start by understanding that "scholarship" is not limited to research. "Scholarship" is sharing your good work with other professionals; through that interchange, you and they can improve. Next, surround yourself with people who will help you learn and succeed: mentors, collaborators, and helpers. Select a focus for your scholarship and read scientific literature for a thorough understanding of the topic. Identify a methodology that fits your values, interests, skills and resources. Start small, then grow. Sharpen your skills in writing and, if necessary, in statistics. Finally, Act Scholarly! by sharing your work with other behavioral science scholars.
Ultrafast Charge and Energy Transfer in a MoSe 2 /WSe 2 Heterostructure

We examine ultrafast charge and energy transfer in a MoSe 2 /WSe 2 heterostructure using multi-dimensional coherent spectroscopy. This technique identifies different transfer processes and indicates charge and energy transfer times below 200 fs and 900 fs, respectively.
Higher Education Amidst COVID-19: Challenges and Silver Lining

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected higher education on a global scale but it has also brought numerous challenges to the higher education community. Although initial responses involved fac...