cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engaging Elements of Cancer-Related Digital Stories in Alaska

The tradition of storytelling is an integral part of Alaska Native cultures that continues to be a way of passing on knowledge. Using a story-based approach to share cancer education is grounded in Alaska Native traditions and people’s experiences and has the potential to positively impact cancer knowledge, understandings, and wellness choices. Community health workers (CHWs) in Alaska created a personal digital story as part of a 5-day, in-person cancer education course. To identify engaging elements of digital stories among Alaska Native people, one focus group was held in each of three different Alaska communities with a total of 29 adult participants. After viewing CHWs’ digital stories created during CHW cancer education courses, focus group participants commented verbally and in writing about cultural relevance, engaging elements, information learned, and intent to change health behavior. Digital stories were described by Alaska focus group participants as being culturally respectful, informational, inspiring, and motivational. Viewers shared that they liked digital stories because they were short (only 2–3 min); nondirective and not preachy; emotional, told as a personal story and not just facts and figures; and relevant, using photos that showed Alaskan places and people.
Dendritic cells, chemokine receptors and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.

Dendritic cells (DC) have been implicated in the induction of autoimmune diseases and have been identified in lesions associated with several autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Since DC are regarded as the professional antigen-presenting cell (APC) of the immune system and the only APC capable of activating naive T cells, they are likely to play a significant role in breaking tolerance of self-reactive lymphocytes and in supporting autoimmune responses in these diseases. A number of studies have revealed that small molecular weight chemotactic proteins known as chemokines are present within the autoimmune lesions and may contribute to the recruitment not only of DC populations, but also of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, neutrophils and monocytes into the site, and to the formation of organized lymphoid tissue structures within the target organ. The focus of this review will be a discussion of the role of chemokines in the recruitment of DC in human autoimmune inflammatory disorders, specifically the trafficking of DC into the inflammatory sites and the subsequent migration of differentiated DC from the inflammatory sites into the draining lymph nodes. Once DC are properly positioned within the lymph nodes, circulating antigen specific naive T cells can interact with DC and become activated, clonally expanded and stimulated to undergo differentiation into antigen-experienced memory T cells. Subsequent reactivation of memory T cells that enter the autoimmune lesions by DC present in the inflammatory lesion is thought to play a central role in tissue inflammation.
Arrested DNA Replication in Xenopus and Release by Escherichia coli Mutagenesis Proteins

Xenopus oocytes and oocyte nuclear extracts repair ultraviolet photoproducts on double-stranded (ds) DNA and replicate single-stranded (ss) to ds DNA. M13 ss DNA molecules containing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers were maintained but not replicated in Xenopus oocytes, yet were replicated in progesterone-matured oocytes. The replication arrest functioned only in cis. The replication arrest was alleviated by injection into oocytes of messenger RNAs encoding the prokaryotic mutagenesis proteins UmuD′C or MucA′B. These results may help explain how cells stabilize repair or replication events on DNA with unrepairable lesions.
Circle mounts for elemental analysis or morphological studies on materials examined by scanning electron microscopy

Abstract A specimen holder is described in which a large number of small samples may be co-planar mounted for elemental analysis in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The specimens are first bonded in a circle to a sheet of polyethylene plastic and then confined to an annular chamber as the specially constructed specimen holder is placed over them. The chamber is filled with a liquid epoxy resin which holds the specimens rigidly in place after polymerization. After grinding, polishing and carbon-coating, the specimens may be studied sequentially in the SEM by simply rotating the holder on the mechanical stage. No other instrument adjustments are necessary. A variation of this specimen holder or a modification of commercially available SEM pedestals are also briefly described which permit rapid scanning for morphological studies on small specimens mounted in concentric circles centred on the Z-axis of the mechanical stage. Rotation of the holder brings each specimen into view without the need to search for individuals at high magnification.
Nonlinear control and optimization of the burn condition in tokamak nuclear fusion reactors

The ITER tokamak, the next experimental step in the development of nuclear fusion reactors, will explore the burning plasma regime in which temperature is sustained mostly by fusion heating. Control of the fusion power through modulation of fueling and heating sources, referred to as burn control, will be essential for achieving and maintaining desired operating points and ensuring stability. We utilize a spatially averaged nonlinear transport model to design a multi-variable nonlinear burn control strategy that can reject large perturbations and move between operating points. The controller uses the available actuation techniques in tandem to ensure good performance, even if one or more of the actuators saturate. We propose the use of a model-based optimization scheme to drive the system to a state that minimizes a given cost function. A simulation study shows the performance of the control scheme with a cost function weighting fusion power and temperature tracking errors.
Time-gated Raman spectra of living samples

We have developed an 800 fs all-optical gate capable of providing approximately 1% transmission with 1 W of pump power. This gate has been used to observe time-gated Raman spectra of highly fluorescing green plants.
Managing Lost and Missing Books

SUMMARY The University of Denver's Penrose Library's Stacks Maintenance unit is a separately managed unit that works in collaboration with all library departments to ensure complete access to the library's print collections. This unit takes advantage of a variety of techniques and tools to fulfill its mission, including a fine-tuned tracer system for identifying and locating missing, lost, and claimed-returned books. This article discusses the successes of the collaboration between the Stacks Maintenance unit and the other departments in Penrose Library to improve service in the confounding area of inventory management, specifically as it relates to inventory flow and lost or missing books. Missing books are a costly issue both from a fiscal and from a service standpoint. To address this issue, we have tailored a plan to identify missing books, to efficiently and effectively search for these materials, and finally, to maintain the stacks in a manner that decreases both the quantity of books unavailable an...
Putting Communication into the Study of Group Memory

In the spirit of viewing human memory as a social process, Pavitt (2003) revisited the idea of group memory-recollection of information that occurs collaboratively in groups. This paper outlines and supports Pavitt's 5 major points about group remembering: (a) groups outperform individuals, (b) communication allows the group to know all knowledge of its members, (c) groups do not perform as well as a rational model predicts, (d) process losses increase as group size increases, and (e) group interaction does not guarantee optimal performance. The research on which these conclusions are based examines group memory in a simple input-output function. Communication scholars may extend the group memory literature by studying the structure and content of discussion during collective remembering.
A time-of-flight static secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study of 3-aminopropyltrihydroxysilane on water plasma treated chromium and silicon surfaces

We have used time-of-flight static secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SSIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), to study films produced by exposure of water plasma treated chromium and silicon surfaces to aqueous solutions of 3-aminopropyltrihydroxysilane (3-APTHS). The chemical structure of positive and negative secondary ions produced by these films was deduced by a combination of exact mass determination and the use of isotopically labelled 3-APTHS. Ions characteristic of the 3-APTHS overlayer were observed for both surfaces. The use of 18O labelled 3-APTHS yields interesting insight into the cross-linking nature of the films studied, suggesting no further cross-linking of the silane as a function of in situ thermal exposure. XPS studies of these samples support the ToF-SSIMS data showing similarity of 3-APTHS bonding to the two surfaces studied.
Overview: demography, epidemiology and psychopharmacology--making sense of the connections

This overview discusses the five papers covering demographic and prevalence issues in terms of the commonalities and differences across psychoactive substances, particularly as they pertain to the relationship between demographic factors and the prevalence of substance abuse. This overview also concerns itself with gaps in knowledge, methodological issues and future directions for research. It begins with some basic definitions and fundamental questions. A brief review of the salient points of each paper is then provided, followed by a more synthetic discussion of methodological and theoretical issues. It closes with some speculative ideas about the meaning of demographic variables for an understanding of substance abuse.
Comparing solar energy alternatives

This paper outlines a computational procedure for comparing the merits of alternative processes to convert solar radiation to heat, electrical power, or chemical energy. The procedure uses the ratio of equipment investment to useful work as an index. Comparisons with conversion counterparts based on conventional fuels are also facilitated by examining this index. The procedure is illustrated by comparisons of (1) photovoltaic converters of differing efficiencies; (2) photovoltaic converters with and without focusing concentrators; (3) photovoltaic conversion plus electrolysis vs photocatalysis for the production of hydrogen; (4) photovoltaic conversion plus plasma arcs vs photocatalysis for nitrogen fixation. Estimates for conventionally-fuelled processes are included for comparison. The reasons why solar-based concepts fare poorly in such comparisons are traced to the low energy density of solar radiation and its low stream time factor resulting from the limited number of daylight hours available and clouds obscuring the sun.
Progress, problems, and prospects for successful economic valuation of Wetlands

Much work is left to be done to estimate monetary wetland values that are verifiable, comparable, and acceptable to all parties involved in wetland allocation disputes. It is not so much that techniques need to be developed, but more so that interdisciplinary cooperation needs to be improved so that dichotomous interests can be combined to work toward a common end. A model is suggested that presents a framework for practitioners from all involved disciplines to design and carry out complementing pieces of research. The valuation model helps to identify areas where research is needed to achieve a holistic valuation. Both independent research efforts and larger interdisciplinary projects can be accommodated by the model. The wetland valuation model simulates the dynamic and highly interactive nature of the system—from ecosystem to social system. An interdisciplinary approach allows detailed analysis of components of the ecosystem that in turn lead to analyses of product outputs and subsequent estimation of socioeconomic values on a broad scale. The model presents the wetland ecosystem and the affected socioeconomic system in such a way that all involved disciplines can readily identify how research in their areas of expertise relates to research in other areas.
Effects of rifampicin and chloramphenicol on product and enzyme levels of the acid- and solvent-producing pathways of Clostridium acetobutylicum (ATCC 824)

Abstract As part of an ongoing study of regulation of acid and solvent production in Clostridium acetobutylicum , the effects of rifampicin and chloramphenicol were determined on product formation, enzyme activity, and enzyme stability in vivo of enzymes and metabolites associated with those pathways. The in vitro activities of phosphotransbutyrylase, butyrate kinase, CoA transferase, butyraldehyde dehydrogenase, and butanol dehydrogenase were assayed over the entire fermentation. The enzymes in the solvent-producing pathways were more affected by the addition of rifampicin and chloramphenicol than those in the acid-producing pathways. All of the enzymes measured appeared to be stable in vivo , with the important exception of butyraldehyde dehydrogenase. The position of butyraldehyde dehydrogenase as a branchpoint enzyme in the use of butyryl-CoA, coupled with the short half-life for butyraldehyde dehydrogenase in vivo , indicates that butyraldehyde dehydrogenase may be a key enzyme in controlling the switch from the production of butyrate to the production of butanol.
Effect of rubber particle-plastic zone interactions on fatigue crack propagation behaviour of rubber-modified epoxy polymers

The purpose of this letter is to report a novel observation on the effect of rubber particle-plastic zone interactions on the transition point in the fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behaviour of rubber-modified epoxy polymers. This observation provides useful information relevant to the modelling of FCP behaviour of rubber-modified thermoset polymers. The findings reported here are the preliminary results from more detailed studies on the effect of rubber particle size and volume fraction on the FCP resistance of rubber-modified epoxy polymers [1]. McGarry and co-workers [2, 3] were among the first to show that the poor fracture resistance of epoxy polymers could be enhanced by the incorporation of a dispersed rubbery phase. Since their initial investigations, several studies [4-10] have provided a detailed description of the deformation micromechanisms responsible for the increase in fracture toughness of rubber-modified epoxy polymers. The most commonly observed among these mechanisms, as shown in Fig. 1, include: (i) localized shear yielding, which refers to shear banding in the epoxy matrix that occurs between the rubber particles; (ii) hole or plastic void growth in the epoxy matrix, which is initiated by cavitation or debonding of the rubber particles; and (iii) rubber particle bridging behind the crack tip. Despite numerous experimental investigations on the fracture mechanisms in rubber-toughened epoxy polymers and some success in modelling the fracture behaviour of these materials under static loading conditions [9, 11], very little is known about cracktip shielding mechanisms in rubber-modified epoxies under cyclic loading conditions. Furthermore, no attempt has been made to model the FCP behaviour
Using the virtual terrain project to plan real cities: alternative futures for Hangzhou, China

Traditional architectural software tools are well suited to individual building design, but don't scale up well to large landscapes and cities. In city and regional planning applications, it is important to visualize city blocks and neighborhoods, a task which requires integration of data from geographic information systems and 3D surface models from CAD. However, the development of semantically and visually rich real-time representations of cities and large landscapes has proven difficult. Two major problems are the acquisition of appropriate data, and the volume of data once acquired. A typical city or suburban landscape may have thousands of streets, tens of thousands of buildings, and hundreds of thousands of trees and bushes. Three dimensional data specifically describing all of these objects is not usually available, and visual simulations must be based on abstract classifications originally developed for entirely different purposes, such as tax assessor's databases or generalized vegetation maps.
Murchison's Research Method: An Example from Southern Norway

Roderick Impey Murchison (1792-1871) was an eminent geologist whose reputation was in large part based on a research method that comprised an efficient fieldwork procedure followed by public presentations and publication of his findings. His research method enabled him to survey large areas rapidly, apply recent advances in the science of geology to those large areas, and present his results in a timely and widespread manner with maximum impact. This paper focuses on Murchison's two-week visit to Norway in 1844, and the presentation of his findings in the aftermath of that visit, to illustrate his research method in action. Not only did his work result in a significant advance in the understanding of the geology of Norway, but Murchison also applied his Norway results to issues of wide interest in the developing science of geology. In particular, his work in Norway resulted in: (1) an appreciation of the extent of Paleozoic rock systems in Norway; (2) a new name, Azoic, for the older, nonfossiliferous bas...
Levosimendan infusion in newborns after corrective surgery for congenital heart disease: randomized controlled trial

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of levosimendan in neonates with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Immunity to transformational learning and change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine and synthesize Argyris and Schon's Theory of Action and Kegan and Lahey's theory of Immunity to Change in order to produce an integrated model.Design/methodology/approach – Literature discussing Argyris and Schon's Theory of Action (Model I and Model II), single and double‐loop learning, espoused theory and theory‐in‐use; and Kegan and Lahey's theory of Immunity to Change was examined. The two theories were then summarized, analyzed, compared and synthesized into an integrated model.Findings – Within Kegan and Lahey's model of an immunity system, the Argyris and Schon Model I Unilateral Control Model should be considered a competing commitment. Kegan and Lahey's theory identifies a critical causal element (underlying assumption) not previously identified by the Argyris and Schon Theory of Action, thus opening the potential for expanded effectiveness by practioners of Argyris and Schon's theory.Originality/value – Little attention has been given in the lite...
Distribution of dimer vacancy lines on Si(001)

Abstract We report an extensive energetics study of dimer vacancy lines (DVLs) on Si(001), using a highly accurate tight-binding total-energy approach. An orientational transition of DVLs from perpendicular to parallel to surface dimer rows occurs over a range of surface dimer vacancy density N DV =0.2–0.3. Below N DV =0.25, perpendicular DVLs with maximum widths are preferred due to the rebonding of excessive dangling bonds at the nonbonded edges of neighboring vacancy lines. At higher N DV , single-dimer wide parallel DVLs are favored but are nearly degenerate with multiple wider parallel DVLs. These results are in quantitative agreement with experiment and provide a comprehensive understanding for the distribution of DVLs on Si(001).
The Path of Messenger RNA through the Ribosome

Using X-ray crystallography, we have directly observed the path of mRNA in the 70S ribosome in Fourier difference maps at 7 A resolution. About 30 nucleotides of the mRNA are wrapped in a groove that encircles the neck of the 30S subunit. The Shine-Dalgarno helix is bound in a large cleft between the head and the back of the platform. At the interface, only about eight nucleotides (-1 to +7), centered on the junction between the A and P codons, are exposed, and bond almost exclusively to 16S rRNA. The mRNA enters the ribosome around position +13 to +15, the location of downstream pseudoknots that stimulate -1 translational frame shifting.
Nature, Nurture, and Twin Research Strategies

trol. As these types of studies have not been common in the psychol ogy literature, we also wish to di rect attention to recent research employing these approaches. Chorion control studies investi gate possible prenatal influences by comparing those MZ twins who snared a single placenta and chorion with those MZ twins who developed separate placentas and chorions (see Fig. 1). As shown in Figure 1, the chorion is the mem brane that surrounds the develop ing embryo or fetus. The placenta draws nourishment from the mother and passes waste products to her via blood vessels in the um
Biomechanical Modeling of Cervical Tissue: A Quantitative Investigation of Cervical Incompetence

We introduce a phenomenological fully three-dimensional constitutive model for the large strain, time dependent mechanical behavior of cervical tissue. The proposed model captures specific aspects of the complex biomechanical response of cervical stroma and is able to account of for the contributions of each constituent and for the cooperative nature of the tissue response. We rely on in vitro mechanical tests to determine representative constitutive parameters for normal (non-pregnant) tissue before it undergoes the maturation process. These parameters are then altered to mimic the effects of the modified biochemical equilibrium associated with a condition of cervical incompetence. The constitutive model is integrated with pelvic anatomy to obtain a finite element model of the cervix in pregnancy. The effects of the altered tissue properties on the ability of the cervix to maintain the pregnancy are investigated.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Trisomy 21 and Congenital Heart Disease: Effect of Timing of Initial Echocardiogram

Current recommendations for infants with trisomy 21 include an echocardiogram in the first month of life. The purposes of this study were to determine whether outcome and presence of transient shunting differed between infants with echocardiograms in the first month (Group I) and those performed later (Group II). Transient patent ductus arteriosus was more commonly seen in Group I. Presence of a patent foramen ovale, failure to return for follow-up, and surgical mortality rate did not differ between the 2 groups. A more selective policy related to timing of the initial echocardiogram in asymptomatic infants with trisomy 21 appears to be warranted.
The Role of Contact Allergy in Atopic Dermatitis

Although allergic contact dermatitis (CD) was previously thought to occur less frequently in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), more recent studies show that it is at least as common in patients with AD as in the general population, if not more so. Thus, patients with AD should be considered for patch testing (PT). Although conflicting data exist, the severity of the AD may impact the PT results. Furthermore, younger patients may yield more positive PT results. Hand eczema and compositae allergy are more common in atopic patients. Reassuringly, PT is positive for topical antiseptic and corticosteroids in only a small subset of patients. When personal products are patch tested, emollients should be included in the series.
Chebyshev-Ritz Approach to Buckling and Vibration of Curvilinearly Stiffened Plate

loading,increasingfromzerotothebucklingload,onthenaturalfrequenciesisstudied.Severalnumericalexamples are compared with the other results available in the literature and mesh free results, illustrating the accuracy of the present approach. This paper also shows that the in-plane load can lead to a significant change in the natural frequency and also in some cases the corresponding mode shapes of plates with curvilinear stiffeners. Numerical results are presented for a range of plate aspect ratios, bending the stiffness ratios of the stiffener to that of the plate andthearearatiosofthestiffenertothatoftheplate.Theeffectoftheseparametersonthenaturalfrequenciesofthe plate with a different number of curvilinear stiffeners under in-plane loads is studied. For studying the influence of thein-planeloadonnaturalfrequency,bothaxial/biaxialandshearin-planeloadsareconsidered.Numericalresults show that the vibration behavior of the stiffened plate in the presence of in-plane loads is influenced by different parameters, such as the plate aspect ratio, the stiffener area ratio, the stiffener stiffness ratio, and the number of stiffeners in the panel.
Speech Intelligibility and Prosody Production in Children with Cochlear Implants

Objectives The purpose of the current study was to examine the relation between speech intelligibility and prosody production in children who use cochlear implants.
PS1-51: Effect of Integrated Health Information Exchange on the Duplication of Radiological Services

Background/Aims Unnecessary duplication of diagnostic procedures such as x-rays increases healthcare costs and jeopardizes patient safety. Electronic health records (EHRs) have the potential to reduce unnecessary duplication of diagnostic studies by improving timely access to the original test results. However, when follow-up care occurs in a different institutional setting, providers may not have access to the same EHR. In such cases, electronic health information exchange (HIE) could improve the quality and timeliness of information available to the follow-up provider, thereby reducing the need to order duplicative diagnostic tests. Our primary goal in this work was to determine if members with diagnoses of bone fractures were less likely to receive follow-up x-rays when findings from the initial diagnostic imaging study were available in the electronic health record. Our secondary goal was to estimate the economic costs and patient safety repercussions of duplicate imaging studies.
LOC387715/HTRA1 and complement factor H variants in patients with age-related macular degeneration seen at the mayo clinic.

Purpose: To confirm association of the complement factor H allelic variant (CFH Y402H) and the LOC387715/HTRA1 (LOC387715 A69S) risk alleles with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Study Population: Study of 89 Caucasian patients with neovascular (exudative) AMD and 232 Caucasian controls.Methods: The Y402H variant of CFH gene and A69S variant of LOC387715/HTRA1 gene locus were examined.Results: For CFH, the odds ratio for the homozygous variant was 4.97 (CI 2.52 to 9.79). For LOC387715/HTRA1 the odds ratio for the homozygous risk variant was 7.75 (CI 3.46 to 17.35). The odds ratio for heterozygous carriers was 3.35 (CI 1.91 to 5.90).
Anthropological "Community" Studies in Aging Research A Method to the Madness

This article focuses on the application of the community case study approach in gerontological research. It presents the systematic, developmental process of this approach, as developed by the author during the conduct of an eight-year longitudinal case study of older hotel dwellers.
The Logic of Legislative Leadership: Preferences, Challenges, and the Speaker's Powers

Principal agent theory implies that legislators will delegate power to a leader only when they need the leader's help and the leader can be expected to provide satisfactory help if granted power. This study is the first to evaluate the implied interaction between legislators' need for help and the degree to which legislators and leaders have similar preferences. By analyzing the Speaker's powers in the U.S. states, I arrived at three key conclusions. First, institutional leadership power responds to the interaction between preference alignment and policymaking challenges. Traditionally expected effects only appear when both alignment and challenges are relatively high. Second, professionalization causes weaker leadership powers. Finally, electoral competition correlates with stronger appointment, committee, and resource powers, but weaker procedural powers.
Multicenter comparison of the contraceptive ring and patch: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To understand if the contraceptive ring or patch was more acceptable, as measured primarily by continuation, to women using an oral contraceptive and interested in a nondaily, combined hormonal contraceptive. METHODS: Five hundred women were randomly assigned to use the contraceptive ring (n249) or contraceptive patch (n251) for four consecutive menstrual cycles, starting with their next menses. Participants returned for a single follow-up visit during the fourth cycle for an evaluation, which included a questionnaire to assess acceptability and adverse effects. RESULTS: Rates of completion of three cycles were 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.0–97.1%) and 88.2% (95% CI 83.4–92.0%) for ring and patch users, respectively (P.03). Of these women, 71.0% (95% CI 64.8–76.6%) and 26.5% (95% CI 21.0–32.6%), respectively, planned to continue their method after the study (P<.001). Women switching to the patch were significantly more likely than women switching to the ring to experience longer periods (38% compared with 9%), increased dysmenorrhea (29% compared with 16%), frequent nausea (8% compared with 1%), frequent mood swings (14% compared with 8%), and frequent skin rash (12% compared with 2%) and were less likely to experience frequent vaginal discharge (8% compared with 17%). Ring users preferred the ring to the oral contraceptive (P<.001), and patch users preferred the oral contraceptive to the patch (P<.001). Nugent scores increased only in patch users (P.01), although most of these women were asymptomatic.
A proposal to replace state hospitals in Massachusetts.

The improbability of truly reforming state hospitals in Massachusetts led to a proposal for replacing them.
Characterizing energy consumption in a visual sensor network testbed

In this work we characterize the energy consumption of a visual sensor network testbed. Each node in the testbed consists of a "single-board computer", namely Crossbow's Stargate, equipped with a wireless network card and a Webcam. We assess energy consumption of activities representative of the target application (e.g., perimeter surveillance) using a benchmark that runs (individual and combinations of) "basic" tasks such as processing, flash memory access, image acquisition, and communication over the network. In our characterization, we consider the various hardware states the system switches through as it executes these benchmarks, e.g., different radio modes (sleep, idle, transmission, reception), and Webcam modes (off, on, and acquiring image). We report both steady-state and transient energy consumption behavior obtained by direct measurements of current with a digital multimeter. We validate our measurements against results obtained using the Stargate's on-board energy consumption measuring capabilities.
Nonenzymatic glucosylation of high-density lipoprotein accelerates its catabolism in guinea pigs.

Nonenzymatic glucosylation of lysine residues of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was shown to occur in vitro. Most of the incorporated glucose was localized to apoprotein A-l, but other apoproteins were glucosylated as well. Glucosylated high-density lipoproteins (glcHDL) had enhanced electrophoretic mobility on agarose. With increasing amounts of glucose incorporated there was a proportionate increase in the rate of clearance of glcHDL when injected intravenously into guinea pigs. When 60% of lysines were derivatized, clearance of glcHDL was 60% faster than that of control HDL. When as few as 2% of lysines were glucosylated, there was still an 8% increase in the rate of clearance. Uptake of glcHDL by macrophages was not increased. The accelerated clearance of glcHDL from plasma may be relevant to the decreased HDL levels observed in diabetic subjects.
Planar linear arrangements of outerplanar graphs

Given an n-vertex outerplanar graph G, the problem is considered of arranging the vertices of G on a line so that no two edges cross and various cost measures are minimized. Efficient algorithms are presented for generating layouts in which every edge (i, j) and of G does not exceed a given bandwidth b(i, j), and the total edge length and the cutwidth of the layout are minimized. Characterizations of optimal layouts used by the algorithms are given. The algorithms combine sublayouts by solving two processor-scheduling problems. Although these scheduling problems are generally NP-complete, the instances generated by the algorithms are polynomial in n. >
X-Ray Reflection Optics (Recent Developments)

Early X-ray microscopes of the reflection type were beset with geometrical aberrations which seriously limited their resolution. In addition, the problem was clouded by the role of surface defects to which an intolerable amount of non-symmetrical broadening of the image was attributed. Solution of the Kirchhoff diffraction integral shows that diffraction maxima are to be expected on the high angle side of the line image when spherical aberration is present and the magnification is greater than unity. A similar type of diffraction integral analysis leads to the discovery of the figure of an aspherical surface which is represented by a third order polynomial for which the spherical aberration is reduced to a negligible amount. The new figure increases the attainable resolution by an order of magnitude over that of spherical or cylindrical surfaces. A visible-light test of the aspherical figure at normal incidence is suggested by a solution of the diffraction integral for the case of reflection at normal incidence instead of grazing incidence as required for X-rays.
Acoustics of a Dual-jet Circulation Control Elliptical Airfoil

The objective of this research was to complete a comprehensive experimental study of the noise generated by a dual-slotted Circulation Control (CC) airfoil. The sound generated by a CC model was measured utilizing a microphone array for relatively high Reynolds numbers ( ~ 800,000) and low free stream Mach number ( < 0.1). Varied jet velocity and free stream velocity values were tested in order to investigate the magnitude and scaling of the various sound sources. These sources include those generated by both the external flow around the airfoil and the jet flow originating from slots at the trailing edge. The interaction of these to flow fields can generate an additional turbulent source mechanism. Reasonable agreement with the analytical models developed by Howe (2002) is shown for spectral shape as well as the free stream and jet velocity dependence. Further investigation, however, is requires in order to better predict the spectral magnitudes.
Assessing the Threat to Life from DAM Failure

: To facilitate decisions regarding the need for modification of potentially unsafe dams, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation developed procedures for assessing the threat to human lives posed by the failure of individual dams. The procedures provide a conceptual model of the variables influencing the loss of life from dam failure and a method for predicting loss of life based on the size of the population at risk from failure and the amount of warning time available for that population. The prediction equations are based on an analysis of 24 dam failures and major flash floods occurring since 1950. Adjustments to the predictions to reflect special local conditions are also discussed.
The McMartin Trial

Sexual abuse of children became a national preoccupation in the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1985, the Meese Commission claimed that the child-pornography industry grossed $675 million per annum. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) estimated the figure at $3 billion in the white paper The Silent Shame. Many social scientists claimed that sexual abuse of children had become more pervasive than in the past (Committee on Public Safety, 1987; McGraw & Timnick, 1985; U.S. Department of Justice, 1984).
Generalization of the Maximum Entropy Concept and Certain ARMA Processes

Given (n + 1) consecutive autocorrelations of a stationary discrete-time stochastic process, one interesting question is how to extend this finite sequence so that the power spectral density associated with the resulting infinite sequence of autocorrelations is nonnegative everywhere. It is well known that when the Hermitian Toeplitz matrix generated from the given autocorrelations is positive-definite, the problem has an infinite number of stable solutions and the particular solution that maximizes the entropy functional results in a stable all-pole model of order n. Since maximization of the entropy functional is equivalent to maximization of the minimum mean-square error associated with one-step predictors, in this paper the problem of obtaining admissible extensions that maximize the minimum mean-square error associated with k-step (k ≤ n) predictors, that are compatible with the given autocorrelations, is studied. It is shown here that the resulting spectrum corresponds to that of a stable ARMA(n, k − 1) process. This true generalization of the maximum entropy extensions for a two-step predictor turns out to be a unique ARMA(n, 1) extension, the details of which are presented here.
The Prague Spring and the Big Chill: the marketing moment in communist Czechoslovakia

Purpose – This paper aims to analyze an important series of events in the history of marketing in socialist Europe and the internationalization of marketing thought and practice. Examining the reception of the marketing concept in communist Czechoslovakia, the study shows the effective blockage of the implementation of marketing approaches by orthodox communist authorities. The paper demonstrates the distinctiveness and importance of the Czechoslovak case and provides a basis for integrating that experience into the larger history of marketing under socialism. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on an extensive review of the most relevant Czech and Slovak primary sources including trade journals, manuals and textbooks in marketing and related fields, party and government documents and statements on commercial issues, and other important professional literature on domestic commerce. Findings – The paper provides insights into the use of communist political power to suppress the use of marketin...
Space charge modeling in polymers: review of external applied constraints effects

The purpose of this work is to describe, with numerical simulation, the space charge behavior in polymeric materials. Particular intent is accorded to the variation of the thermo-electrical constraints. The simulation is performed for a range of the electric field from 10 to 110 MV/m and the space charge behavior was described at various temperatures: 0, 27, 60 and 100 ° C. In general, the numerical results show a predominance of the temperature effect, vs. the electric field, on the space charge behavior. The dynamic of the electrical charges is different under 100 ° C, a forehead is observed on their distribution in the sample. Strong electric field enhancements are remarked in the dielectric, they exceed 38% of the applied field under 100 ° C. Only 1.3% of augmentations are observed under room temperature even with higher applied field of 110 MV/m. Both experimental and theoretical Current-Field characteristics, plotted in log-log scale, show linear behavior with slopes greater than one. The different values of slope indicate space charge limited conduction; a change is remarked at 40 MV/m which can defines the beginning of the high fields regime in the case of the studied polymer (Polyethylene Naphthalate).
Guatemala-U.S. migration: transforming regions

Guatemala-U.S. Migration: Transforming Regions, by Susanne Jonas and Nestor Rodriguez, Austin, University of Texas Press, 2014, ix+276pp., $24.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-292- Studies of international migration have often focused on how and why people migrate and settle and fare as they do. Over the past couple of decades the field has moved away from examining almost exclusively what happens in the country of destination, to recognizing that migrants may continue to be deeply informed by and connected to what happens in their native countries. This line of scholarship revealed that for some migrants, settlement and incorporation in the United States was heavily influenced by their trips home, by how their families and communities were faring there, or by their political organizing efforts with an eye toward their home countries. In those cases, scholars have debated about the proper terms and lens to use— transnational or bilocal—to most correctly capture processes of migration. In this context, authors Susanne Jonas and Nestor Rodriguez persuasively propose a conceptual reframing that moves us to think more expansively and accurately about migration, settlement, and incorporation. Privileging the social production of space over time, the authors examine the case of Guatemalans—now comprising the 6 th largest Latino group in the United States—as evidence for the need to approach migration through a transregional lens. The transregional approach is multi-layered and multidimensional. It locates power and agency (in unequal degrees) among various actors and in multiple sites. In the case of Guatemala, the authors highlight U.S., Mexican, and Guatemalan state and non-state forces and actors. Specifically, they include politicians, government employees, corporate capital, nongovernmental migrant advocacy groups and community based organizations, as well as
Epidemiology of Hepatitis in Xishan District of Wuxi,1999-2010

Objective To provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of hepatitis by analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis in Xishan district of Wuxi.Methods Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data of hepatitis in Xishan district of Wuxi from 1999 to 2010.Results From 1999 to 2010,a total of 3 204 hepatitis cases were reported in Xishan district with the annual average incidence rate of 40.19/105.The incidence peaked in August,cases were main in male young adults.As for population distribution,the case number in farmers was the highest,followed by workers.Type monitoring indicated that the proportion of hepatitis B was majority,the proportion of hepatitis A and unidentified hepatitis descended,while of hepatitis C and E raised.Conclusion The incidence rate of hepatitis presented a descending trend annually.The key to decline hepatitis incidences in Xishan is to control hepatitis B and C.The health education should be strengthened in the whole population,and promoting immunization of hepatitis A and B vaccine is the central method to decline hepatitis incidence.
Simultaneous discrimination learning in pigeons: value of S- affects the relative value of its associated S+.

In a simple simultaneous discrimination involving a positive stimulus (S+) and a negative stimulus (S-), it has been hypothesized that positive value can transfer from the S+ to the S- (thus increasing the relative value of the S-) and also that negative value can transfer from the S- to the S+ (thus diminishing the relative value of the S+; Fersen, Wynne, Delius, & Staddon, 1991). Evidence for positive value transfer has been reported in pigeons (e.g. Zentall & Sherburne, 1994). The purpose of the present experiments was to determine, in a simultaneous discrimination, whether the S- diminishes the value of the S+ or the S- is contrasted with the S+ (thus enhancing the value of the S+). In two experiments, we found evidence for contrast, rather than value transfer, attributable to simultaneous discrimination training. Thus, not only does the S+ appear to enhance the value of the S-, but the S- appears to enhance rather than reduce the value of the S+.
Market Conditions and Performance in the Nursing Home Compare Five-Star Rating

Previous studies have documented that market conditions affect nursing home performance; however, the evidence is inconsistent and conflicting. This study introduces three groups of county market conditions and a peer effect variable, and tests their impacts on the Nursing Home Compare (NHC) Five-Star overall rating. Indiana nursing home data and county characteristics are taken mainly from the NHC and Census Bureau websites. The result of the ordered logistic regression analysis indicates that nursing homes in excess demand markets, namely those that are highly concentrated and have fewer nursing homes, tend to perform better than their counterparts in both excess supply and balanced markets. In addition, a peer effect variable, measured as the average overall rating of the competitors, promotes performance improvement. These findings imply that small markets enable consumers to be well informed about a provider's reputation for quality, consequently enhancing performance. Furthermore, not only consumers but also providers seem to seek performance information on the report card to understand their relative position in the market, which thus affects their market strategies and subsequently performance.
Monitoring Lesion Development during Irreversible Electroporation Treatment using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new focal ablation therapy that works based on delivering microsecond-long pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to the tissue. Applying the PEFs in the tissue initiates a cascade of different biophysical events at the cellular level that yields cell membrane disruption and eventually cell death. Currently, most IRE procedures are relied on pretreatment planning based on calculating electric field distribution to predict the ablation zone prior to treatment. One clinical limitation of IRE is the absence of methods for real-time treatment evaluation to actively monitor the dimensions of the induced lesion. This information is critical to ensure a complete treatment and minimize collateral damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. In this study we are taking advantage of the biophysical properties of living tissues to address this critical demand. Recent studies has shown that electrical properties of living tissues, as given by the electrical impedance spectrum, are affected during the ablation process. Using microfabrication techniques, we have developed an electrical impedance micro-sensor to collect impedance data along the length of an IRE probe for treatment verification. The probe was first tested on potato tuber, and then used to monitor the lesions in a perfused porcine liver. We used the impedance spectra, along with an electrical model of the tissue, to obtain the conductivity of the tissue before, during, and after completion of treatment. It is shown that electrical impedance spectroscopy could be used as a technique for treatment verification, and when combined with appropriate FEM modeling can determine the lesion dimensions. This technique has the potential to be readily translated for use with other ablation modalities already being used in clinical settings for the treatment of malignancies.