cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Moving Beyond the Buzzword: A Framework for Teaching Culturally Responsive Approaches to Evaluation

The terms cultural responsiveness and cultural competence have become ubiquitous in many fields of social inquiry, including in evaluation. The discourse surrounding these issues in evaluation has also increased markedly in recent years, and the terms can now be found in many RFPs and government-based evaluation descriptions. We have found that novice evaluators are able to engage culturally re-sponsive approaches to evaluation at the conceptual level, but are unable to translate theoretical constructs into practice. In this article we share a framework for teaching culturally responsive approaches to evaluation. The framework includes two do-mains: conceptual and methodological, each with two interconnected dimensions. The dimensions of the conceptual domain include locating self and social inquiry as a cultural product. The dimensions of the methodological domain include formal and informal applications in evaluation practice. Each of the dimensions are linked to multiple domains within the Competencies for Canadian Evaluation practice. We discuss each and provide suggestions for activities that align with each of the dimensions. Les termes sensibilite culturelle et competence culturelle sont mainten-ant omnipresents dans de nombreux domaines d’enquete sociale, notamment en evaluation. Le discours entourant ces questions en evaluation s’est aussi intensifie de facon marquee au cours des dernieres annees et ces termes sont maintenant presents dans de nombreuses demandes de proposition et descriptions d’evaluation emanant d’organismes gouvernementaux. Nous avons trouve que les evaluateurs debutants sont en mesure de concevoir des approches d’evaluation culturellement adaptees, mais sont incapables de transferer ces notions theoriques a la pratique. Dans le present article, nous decrivons un cadre pour l’enseignement d’approches evaluatives qui soient culturellement sensibles. Le cadre inclut deux spheres – conceptuelle et methodologique – chacune ayant deux dimensions interconnectees. Les dimensions de la sphere conceptuelle implique de positionner l’evaluateur et le processus de recherche comme un produit culturel. Les dimensions de la sphere me-thodologique comprennent des applications formelles et informelles pour la pratique
Radiolytic stability of gibbsite and boehmite with adsorbed water

Abstract Aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite, AlOOH) and aluminum hydroxide (gibbsite, Al(OH)3) powders with adsorbed water were irradiated with γ-rays and 5 MeV He ions (α-particles) in order to determine overall radiation stability and chemical modification to the surface. No variation in overall phase or crystallinity due to radiolysis was observed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy for doses up to 2 MGy with γ-rays and 175 MGy with α-particles. Temperature programed desorption (TPD) of the water from the surface to the gas phase indicated that the water was chemisorbed and strongly bound. Water adsorption sites are of similar energy for both gibbsite and boehmite. Observation of the water adsorbed on the surface of gibbsite and boehmite with diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) showed broad peaks at 3100-3600 cm−1 due to OH stretching that slowly decreased on heating to 500 °C, which corresponds well with the water vapor evolution observed with TPD. Both materials were found to be amorphous following heating to 500 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated surface reduction of Al(III) to Al metal on radiolysis with α-particles. Complete loss of chemisorbed water and the formation of bulk O atoms was observed following radiolysis with α-particles.
Numerical investigation of vertical helically coiled tube heat exchangers thermal performance

Abstract The purpose of the present study is thermal performance assessment of vertical helically coiled tube heat exchangers, at various shell-side mass flow rates, various coil-to-tube diameter ratios, and different dimensionless coil pitches. A particular difference of this study with other studies performed on similar configurations is the boundary conditions for the helical coil. While most studies focus on simplified thermal conditions like constant wall temperature or constant heat flux on the coil surface, in the present study a conjugate thermal boundary condition for the tube wall fluid-to-fluid heat transfer mechanism, is considered. The assessment of the thermal performance is conducted using numerical solution based on control volume method. The calculations is performed for steady-state conditions and three-dimensional system.
Reliability and Comparability of GHG Disclosures to the CDP by US Electric Utilities

This exploratory study analyses voluntary disclosures of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) by the largest emitters in the US utilities sector. We compare the amo...
Diabetes Among Non-Overweight Individuals: an Emerging Public Health Challenge.

Overweight and obesity are well-established risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, a substantial number of individuals develop the disease at underweight or normal weight. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in non-overweight adults; pose questions about etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis; and examine implications for prevention and treatment. In population-based studies, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes ranged from 1.4–10.9%. However, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals with BMI < 25 kg/m2 ranged from 1.4–8.8%. In countries from Asia and Africa, the proportion of individuals with diabetes who were underweight or normal weight ranged from 24 to 66%, which is considerably higher than the US proportion of 10%. Impairments in insulin secretion, in utero undernutrition, and epigenetic alterations to the genome may play a role in diabetes development in this subgroup. A substantial number of individuals with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with recent ancestry from Asia or Africa, are underweight or normal weight. Future research should consist of comprehensive studies of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in non-overweight individuals; studies aimed at understanding gaps in the mechanisms, etiology, and pathophysiology of diabetes development in underweight or normal weight individuals; and trials assessing the effectiveness of interventions in this population.
Why interest rates react to money announcements: An explanation from the foreign exchange market

Abstract When the Fed announces a money supply greater than had been expected, interest rates rise. Why? One explanation is that the market raises its estimate of the future rates of money growth and inflation, and bids up nominal interest rates. We offer contrary evidence: on such days the dollar appreciates, not depreciates. An alternative explanation is that the market perceives the change in the money stock as a transitory fluctuation that the Fed will reverse in the future. The anticipated future tightening raises today's real interest rate, causes a capital inflow, and appreciates the dollar, the result in fact observed.
Failure to Maintain T Cell DNA Methylation and Chromatin Structure Contributes to Human Lupus

The studies summarized in this chapter demonstrate that the failure to maintain DNA methylation patterns in mature CD4+ T cells causes aberrant expression of several methylation-sensitive genes, including LFA-1, perforin, CD70, and likely others, and that their overexpression alters T cell function, promoting autoreactivity, monocyte/macrophage killing, and B cell overstimulation. Furthermore, T cells experimentally demethylated with DNA methyltransferase or ERK signaling pathway inhibitors cause a lupus-like disease in murine models. Procainamide and hydralazine are DNA methylation inhibitors and cause a lupus-like disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Patients with idiopathic lupus have hypomethylated DNA, overexpress the same genes due to the same changes in DNA methylation patterns as in the methylation inhibition model, and demonstrate identical changes in CD4+ T cell function including autoreactive, perforin-mediated monocyte killing and B cell overstimulation. Thus, similar changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure likely contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity in the DNA hypomethylation model as in idiopathic lupus. The DNA hypomethylation model may also provide an approach to predict additional aberrantly expressed genes in human lupus T cells, since CD11a, perforin, and CD70 were predicted by this model. Finally, these studies also suggest that environmental agents may act by mechanisms analogous to those seen in DIL, triggering changes in chromatin structure and affecting gene expression through signaling inhibition or direct DNA methyltransferase inhibition. Clearly, there is a fundamental role for a failure to maintain DNA methylation patterns and chromatin structure in this disease.
Holocaust and Human Rights Education

Educators and students face many questions when exploring the history of the Holocaust. This book addresses the ways in which we teach and learn about the Holocaust, applying sociological concepts and discussing the wider implications of the Holocaust on human rights and international law.
Assessing Dispositions of the Online Learner (DOL): To Improve Learning Gains

“Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude” (Dern, 2011). Exponential growth of evolving technologies necessitates learners be equipped not just with software skills but dispositions to master information overload. It is the attitude of an individual which shapes these dispositions that ultimately supports their ability to master competencies in an online environment. Assessing dispositions during online coursework could serve as the gateway to provide learners with directed information to become more dispositionally sound. The identification of validated dispositions becomes imperative so that adjustments are made based upon correct indicators.
Patients’ Perceive Biologics to Be Riskier and More Dreadful Than Other IBD Medications

Background Biologic medications have advanced the management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) but are underutilized in the treatment algorithm. One reason may be related to patients' concerns about adverse events and their perceptions of risk. The aim of this study was to compare patients' perceptions of risk of IBD treatment with their perceived risk of everyday occurrences and other medications and how these perceptions may be influenced by personality traits. Methods A cross-sectional study of consecutive IBD patients was conducted at a single tertiary care center. Participants were asked to report about their perception of risk of IBD medications, non-IBD medications, invasive procedures, and everyday life occurrences. Participants responded also to the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale to characterize beliefs about control over health outcomes. Results A total of 130 patients with IBD completed the questionnaires. There was a broad range of disease severity and prior medication use. Biologics elicited the highest dread of all IBD medications, but this was still lower than their fear of surgery. Patients believed that biologics were of higher benefit than immunomodulators and mesalamines, but riskier. Having the personality trait of an internally developed locus of control was associated with the perception that biologics are less dreadful. Conclusions Patients with IBD perceive biologics to be of higher benefit but riskier and more dreadful as compared with immunomodulators. Risk perception may be about more than their knowledge base but also about how much control patients typically believe they have over their daily lives.
Lessons From Extreme Altitudes.

I have been fortunate to participate in two major physiological research expeditions to extreme altitude. The first was the Silver Hut expedition in 1960–1961 during which a group of physiologists spent several months at the very high altitude of 5,800 m (19,000 ft), and we measured the physiological changes that occurred over this long period. Additional studies were made up to 7,830 m. (25,700 ft). The overall purpose was to determine the mechanisms by which people who normally live near sea level respond to severe hypoxia over an extended period. The second expedition was the American Medical Research Expedition to Everest which occurred in 1981. Here the physiological aim was very different. The objective was to obtain the first human physiological data on the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m, 29,028 ft) in order to clarify how people who normally live at sea level can survive the extreme hypoxia of the highest point in the world.
A Focus on Disciplinary Language: Bringing Critical Perspectives to Reading and Writing in Science.

ABSTRACTIn this article, we show how close attention to language throughout a socio-scientific investigation supports upper elementary Arabic-speaking students to learn English while participating ...
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 promotes T helper type 17 differentiation by promoting interleukin‐9 production

T helper type 17 (Th17) cells are recognized as important contributors to the deleterious effects of several neurological and psychiatric diseases. Clarifying mechanisms that control the production of Th17 cells may therefore provide new strategies for developing novel interventions in a broad spectrum of disorders. Th17 cell differentiation is promoted by glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), but the mechanisms for this are only beginning to be understood. Using T-cell-selective depletion of GSK3β and multiple selective pharmacological GSK3 inhibitors, we found that GSK3 inhibition decreased C-C motif chemokine (ccl)20, C-C motif chemokine receptor (ccr)6, interleukin (IL)-9, Runt-related transcription factor (Runx)1, interferon regulatory factor (Irf)4 and c-maf mRNA expression after 2 days of Th17 cell differentiation in vitro. These effects were found to be independent of the master regulator transcription factor retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γT (RORγT), as GSK3 inhibition still reduced Th17 cell differentiation in RORγT-depleted cells. Because IL-9 was approximately ninefold down-regulated in GSK3β-/- CD4 cells, we tested if reintroduction of IL-9 during Th17 cell differentiation abolished the inhibition by GSK3 deficiency of Th17 cell differentiation. We found that IL-9 over-expression was sufficient to reverse the inhibition of Th17 cell differentiation by GSK3 inhibition or depletion. We found that IL-9 enhances Th17 cell differentiation in part through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation, and IL-9 also enhances STAT3 binding to the IL-17a promoter. Altogether, these findings suggest that IL-9 might be an important mediator of GSK3β-dependent enhancement of Th17 cell differentiation.
Transthoracic colour-encoded M-mode echocardiography demonstrating neonatal atrial flutter

The heart rate of a premature infant had acutely increased during umbilical venous catheterisation. Surface ECG showed a heart rate of 220 beats per minute (bpm). This was interpreted as sinus tachycardia. Transthoracic echocardiography was subsequently performed, demonstrating a moderate patent ductus arteriosus and a small patent oval foramen (PFO), both with left-to-right flow across. In addition, colour-encoded M-mode was used with the line of interrogation crossing the PFO, demonstrating two mechanical atrial events for each ventricular mechanical event …
From a stochastic model of economic exchange to measures of inequality

Abstract This paper connects the Generalized Beta 2 distribution with a plausible stochastic model of economic exchange (Hertzler, 2003). The GB2 is the steady-state equilibrium distribution of this model of exchange which, along with unique properties of the GB2, provides an explanation for its success in describing both income and wealth distributions, and financial market volatility. This brings about a better understanding of the parametric dependencies of the distribution and quantities derived from it, such as the Gini, Hoover and Theil inequality measures. Our examination of the properties of these measures in relation to the GB2 motivates the proposal of an alternative measure of inequality which is less prone to extremes stemming from the fat tails of the GB2. Maximum likelihood estimation methods are applied to housing sales prices as an application and to validate more accurate measures of goodness of fit, such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic.
Creative Question-Framing: 12 Ideas for Counselors-in-Training

Questions are an important component of many academic disciplines and serve as an integral microskill in the counseling process. Question-asking is also a part of deliberate creativity, the process...
Metastatic Melanoma With Features of Desmoplastic Melanoma in a Patient With Primary Cutaneous Superficial Spreading Melanoma With Epithelioid Features.

ABSTRACT The synchronous incidence of 2 different subtypes of melanoma is very rare. Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) can be a diagnostic challenge because of its frequent appearance as a dermal banal spindle cell proliferation. We present a case of a 30-year-old man who developed an irregular, purple, tender plaque measuring 2.5 cm on the right pretibial region. Wide excision of the right leg lesion showed superficial spreading melanoma with epithelioid cells and no spindle cell component. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy showed an atypical melanocytic proliferation involving one inguinal lymph node with subcapsular and intraparenchymal components. There were spindled tumor cells in lymph node capsule with hyperchromatic nuclei, which were nested within desmoplastic stroma, and were S100- and SOX10-positive and MART1- and HMB-45 negative; in addition to epithelioid tumor cells, which were S100-, SOX10-, and MART1-positive. Multiple discontinuous foci, subcapsular atypical melanocytes, and extracapsular extension helped in excluding capsular nevus. These findings were consistent with DM. Herein, we present an unusual case of primary cutaneous superficial spreading melanoma of the right leg with a predominantly epithelioid morphology that developed metastases to the SLN. The metastasis exhibited divergent differentiation, including both epithelioid morphology identical to the primary, but with additional features of DM that were nonoverlapping with the primary lesion.
Left, Right, or Always Establishment? The Bias Issue

Despite cursory and not very convincing denials by its defenders, National Public Radio has exhibited a measurable political bias since its founding. Its news coverage and its assumptions have been solidly within the liberal Democratic mainstream, and this tilt has drawn consistent fire from conservatives, libertarians, Republicans, and a number of leftists as well. This chapter presents and assays these bias claims and examines in particular the controversies over NPR’s coverage of the Supreme Court nominees of Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Virtual Visits in Prenatal Care: An Integrative Review.

Introduction Addressing gaps in access to prenatal care is an important step to reversing rising rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and invites the exploration of innovative care models. This integrative review of published literature explores the patient, health care provider, and organizational experience of integrating virtual visits in prenatal care. Methods A literature search to identify original studies and quality improvement projects published between 2010 and 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using keywords associated with both telemedicine and prenatal care. Inclusion criteria specified articles pertaining to synchronous virtual visits between pregnant patients and health care providers, and articles were excluded if visits were not pregnancy-centric or pertaining to telemonitoring or mobile applications. Reference lists of identified reviews were screened, and a hand search of 4 applicable journals was also conducted. Findings were organized according to the factors of the social ecological model: individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy. Results The search identified 2666 articles after duplicates were removed, of which 13 met all criteria. Findings across these 13 articles indicated strong patient and health care provider satisfaction with virtual care related to cost savings and convenience, with clinic wait times and cancellation rates also improving. Health care provider input and thoughtful organizational planning were key to a smooth telemedicine implementation process. There were notably no significant differences in clinical outcomes for those who used virtual care. Discussion Although data are limited, offering an integrated model that uses both virtual visits and in-person visits has been well-received by patients and health care providers and could improve access to care well into the future. Virtual visits in prenatal care have been well-received by patients and health care providers, showing promise as an emerging model for improving access to care.
System-level variation-aware aging simulator using a unified novel gate-delay model for bias temperature instability, hot carrier injection, and gate oxide breakdown

Abstract A framework is proposed to analyze system-level reliability and evaluate the lifetimes of state-of-art microprocessors considering the impact of process–voltage–temperature (PVT) variations and device wearout mechanisms, including bias temperature instability (BTI), hot carrier injection (HCI), and gate oxide breakdown (GOBD). This work studies not only the system performance degradation due to each wearout mechanism individually, but also the performance degradation while all these wearout mechanisms happen simultaneously. A unified gate-delay model is developed to combine PVT variations and the aging effect, and then a statistical timing engine is constructed to analyze performance degradations and system lifetimes.
Flaps, Slots and Other High Lift Aids: Some Reflections on Various Devices Adopted to Increase Maximum Lift

WRITING an introduction to an article by Mr S. B. Gates on Trailing‐Edge Flaps, which appeared in these columns in 1937, the Editor felt constrained to admit his bewilderment over the number and variety of types of high‐lift aid which then existed. Without intending any disrespect, I imagine that the progress of years must have added to his embarrassment. It has certainly added to the number of devices in use and under test.
Neural Orchestration of Food Intake and Energy Expenditure

Eating is one of the most hard-wired and ubiquitous behaviours. Yet, we have only begun to map the neural circuits underlying its control. By sensing peripheral metabolic states via hormonal signals such as leptin, insulin, ghrelin and cholecystokinin, circuits composed of specific cell types either drive or suppress food intake. Homeostatic inhibitory neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus co-expressing agouti gene-related protein and neuropeptide Y coordinate hunger through divergent projections, while additional circuitry seems dedicated to hedonic feeding and the motivation to eat. In contrast, the vagus nerve delivers visceral information to broadly projecting neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius to acutely suppress appetite. One of their downstream targets includes excitatory calcitonin gene-related peptide-expressing neurons of the parabrachial nucleus that project to the central amygdala. Distinct circuitry seems to regulate energy expenditure and body weight independent of feeding. Hence, the nervous system differentially stimulates and suppresses eating via a number of separate, neuroanatomically distributed and molecularly distinct circuits. Key Concepts Peripheral metabolic signals influence neurons either by circulating through the blood and passing from vasculature into the central nervous system or by acting on interoceptive sensory neurons of the vagus nerve. Each peripheral metabolic signal has the potential to have widespread and coordinated effects on different neural populations. Separable neural circuitry is dedicated to appetite stimulation versus appetite suppression. Considering either the neural circuitry of appetite stimulation or suppression, there are a number of circuit-level mechanisms that likely interact and act in parallel. Some neural circuits appear to affect energy expenditure independent of feeding. Keywords: eating; feeding; appetite; circuit; AgRP ; POMC ; vagus; NTS; PBN; CeA
Marek's disease herpesvirus transforming protein MEQ: a c-Jun analogue with an alternative life style.

In order to adapt to and to cope with an often hostile host environment, many viruses have evolved to encode products that are homologous to cellular proteins. These proteins exploit the existing host machinery and allow viruses to readily integrate into the host functional network. As a result, viruses are able to maneuver their journey seemingly effortlessly inside the host cell to achieve ultimate survival. Such molecular mimicries sometime go overboard, allowing viruses to overtake the cellular pathways or evade the immune system as do many of the retroviral oncogenes. Retroviral oncogenes are derived directly from host genes, and they are virtually identical to host genes in sequences except those mutations that make them unregulatable by host. Oncogenic herpesviruses also encode oncogenes, or transforming genes, which have independently evolved and are distantly related to host genes. However, these genes do share consensus structural motifs with cellular genes involved in cell growth and apoptosis and are functional analogues to host genes. The Marek’s disease virus oncoprotein, MEQ, is one such example. MEQ is a basic region-leucine zipper (bZIP) transactivator which shares extensive homology with the Jun/Fos family of transcription factors within the bZIP domain, but not in other regions. Like all other bZIP proteins, MEQ is capable of dimerizing with itself and with a variety of bZIP partners including c-Jun, B-Jun, c-Fos, CREB, ATF-1, ATF-2, and SNF. MEQ-Jun heterodimers bind to a TRE/CRE-like sequence in the meq promoter region and have been shown to up-regulate MEQ expression in both chicken embryo fibroblasts and F9 cells. In addition, the bZIP and transactivation domains are interchangeable between MEQ and c-Jun in terms of transforming potential; i.e. MEQ can functionally substitute for c-Jun. These properties enable MEQ to engage in host cell processes by disguising itself as c-Jun. On the other hand, there are properties of MEQ notably different from c-Jun, which include its capability to bind RNA, to bind a CACAC-bent DNA structure as a homodimer, to inhibit apoptosis, and to interact with CDK2. MEQ’s subcellular localization in the nucleolus and coiled body, is also different from Jun/Fos family of transactivators. These unique features may provide the MEQ with additional facility in regulating MDV replication, establishing latency, and cellular transformation. In this review, we will attempt to summarize the past research progress on MDV meq, with a focused on the similarities and differences between MEQ and cellular proteins, and between MEQ and other viral oncoproteins.
Conductor and joint testing for the BPX central solenoid

The central solenoids for the Burning Plasma Experiment (BPX) will experience a thermal and mechanical cyclic loading. A series of tensile, fatigue, crack growth, resistivity and joint component tests is currently underway on high-performance (HP) C17510 and on high-strength (HS) C17510 beryllium copper alloys. The fatigue tests were performed under strain control with various ratios of minimum to maximum strain. Compact tension specimens and full-width single edge notch specimens with cracks growing along the transverse and longitudinal orientation were tested. The current inner and outer joint concepts are also shown. The fatigue crack initiation results for the HS beryllium copper show that the central solenoid coils of BPX meet the design criteria (factor of two on stress at the design life and a factor of 20 on life at the design stress). The HS beryllium copper exhibited in orientation-dependent fatigue crack growth behavior, and the preliminary crack growth data for the HP beryllium copper show this same behavior. The crack growth data analysis of HS beryllium copper shows that PF1 meets a factor of three on life but not the factor of four in the design criteria for a largest undetected corner crack of 1 mm. >
Aortic sclerosis—a marker of coronary atherosclerosis

Aortic valve sclerosis is defined as calcification and thickening of a trileaflet aortic valve in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. Its frequency increases with age, making it a major geriatric problem. Of adults aged > 65 years, 21-29% exhibit aortic valve sclerosis. Incidence of aortic sclerosis increases with age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, high lipoprotein (Lp) (a), high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and diabetes mellitus. Aortic valves affected by aortic sclerosis contain a higher amount of oxidized LDL cholesterol and show increased expression of metalloproteinases. Clinically, it can be suspected in the presence of soft ejection systolic murmur at the aortic area, normal split of the second heart sound, and normal volume carotid pulse, but it can be best detected by echocardiography. Aortic sclerosis may be accompanied by mitral annulus calcification up to 50% of cases. It is associated with an increase of approximately 50% in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and the risk of myocardial infarction. The mechanism by which aortic sclerosis contributes to or is associated with increased cardiovascular risk is not known. Aortic sclerosis is associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction, and a small percentage of cases may progress to aortic stenosis. Lowering of LDL cholesterol by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors have been shown to decrease progression of aortic valve calcification. Aortic sclerosis is not a mere benign finding. Once diagnosis of aortic sclerosis has been made, it should be considered a potential marker of coexisting coronary disease. Aggressive management of modifiable risk factors, especially LDL cholesterol lowering, may slow progression of the disease.
Branched chain fatty acids concentrate prepared from butter oil via urea adduction

Saturated branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) intake in the US is greater than that of other bioactive fatty acids (FA), yet little information is available on methodologies to concentrate them. We report here the effect of urea-to-FA (urea:FA) ratio, adduction time, and temperature on the enrichment of branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) from butter oil. Urea adducts precipitate both saturated and monounsaturated hydrocarbon chains as urea complexes, leaving solubilized polyunsaturated FA and BCFA in the non-urea adduct fraction (NUA). The optimum urea:FA ratio was found to be 4:1 and the optimum temperature to be 4°C. Adduction time had negligible effect on BCFA enrichment. Anteiso-15:0 was most enriched across major BCFA under all conditions of temperature, time, and urea:FA ratio studied. In our preferred embodiment, a two-stage urea adduction procedure applied to hydrolyzed butter oil resulted in an enrichment from 11% BCFA, indicating an enrichment factor of >6. The best method has a first stage performed at 4°C and urea:FA ratio of 4:1, and a second stage at 30°C and lower urea:FA ratio (2:1). Overall yield of BCFA in enriched fraction was about 10% of starting BCFA for two stages. Practical applications: BCFA are constituents of the GI tract of healthy newborns and are known to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis. The average per capita BCFA intake of Americans is estimated to be about 220 mg/day from dairy whereas based on the current dietary recommendations of USDA it should be about 400 mg/day from dairy alone with total amounting to 575 mg/day including beef. Using the results of the current study, enriched BCFA concentrates can be prepared to meet the demand. Enrichment in major branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) of butter oil after two stage urea adduction. First stage (NUA-1) and second stage (NUA-2) were conducted using 4:1; 4°C 2 h and 2:1, 30°C 2 h of urea-to-fatty acids ratio (wt/wt), temperature and time of adduction, respectively.
Epstein-Barr Virus

Infection with human herpesviruses poses a problem for treatment with antiviral drugs, stemming from the latent infection that viruses produce. There are now drugs, in use or experimental, that are effective against replication of herpesviruses in vitro and in vivo. None of these drugs affects latent herpetic infection. Until recently we have lacked even a theoretical approach to treatment of latency. The Epstein-Barr virus is ideal for consideration of the different issues presented by herpetic infection and how to study the approaches to treatment in vitro. Well characterized in vitro systems for EBV replication provide excellent models for testing and study of drugs active against productive infection. In addition the only cellular model for herpesviral latency is provided by EBV. In cells latently infected with EBV we have known or at least inferred that different DNA polymerases are utilized in productive versus latent infection, with only the virus-specified polymerase being susceptible to the action of any of the known antiviral drugs.
Comparison of gate dielectric plasma damage from plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposited and magnetron sputtered TiN metal gates

Fully depleted silicon-on-insulator transistors were fabricated using two different metal gate deposition mechanisms to compare plasma damage effects on gate oxide quality. Devices fabricated with both plasma-enhanced atomic-layer-deposited (PE-ALD) TiN gates and magnetron plasma sputtered TiN gates showed very good electrostatics and short-channel characteristics. However, the gate oxide quality was markedly better for PE-ALD TiN. A significant reduction in interface state density was inferred from capacitance-voltage measurements as well as a 1200× reduction in gate leakage current. A high-power magnetron plasma source produces a much higher energetic ion and vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) photon flux to the wafer compared to a low-power inductively coupled PE-ALD source. The ion and VUV photons produce defect states in the bulk of the gate oxide as well as at the oxide-silicon interface, causing higher leakage and potential reliability degradation.
Comprehensive management of patients presenting to the otolaryngologist for Sinus pressure, pain, or headache

Objectives/hypothesis To study differential diagnosis and efficacy of management strategies in patients presenting to an otolaryngologist for sinus pressure, pain, or headache. Study design Retrospective analysis at an academic medical center. Methods Patients were seen in the clinic (2010-2012) for sinus-related headache, pressure, pain or fullness (study symptoms) by a rhinologist. A retrospective chart review of patients with study symptoms was conducted. Results Of 211 patients with study symptoms, 70.62% met American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria for sinusitis or had rhinologic disease. Otolaryngic therapy alone (medical or surgical) relieved study symptoms in 51.66%; combined neurology intervention helped another 15.17%. Nearly half of the patients (48.82%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders. Comorbid rhinologic-neurologic disease was present in 27.96% and odontogenic disease in 7%. Initial otolaryngology referral was likely unnecessary for 36.49% of the study patients. Sinus computed tomography (CT) was available for 91% of 211 patients, and 80% of scans were positive. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was used in only 80/211 patients (37.69%) and was effective in 66/211 (31.28%). ESS was most successful in patients receiving concurrent neurological intervention. The Lund-Mackay CT score did not predict outcomes from ESS. Interdisciplinary otolaryngology-neurology efforts resulted in a positive outcome for 92.4% of patients. Conclusions We present the first series detailing management of patients with sinus-headache pain in an otolaryngology practice. Such symptoms have multifactorial etiologies. Positive sinus CT results require cautious interpretation. ESS should be judiciously used. Interdisciplinary care is critical for success: approximately 50% of patients benefited from otolaryngic management, 50% needed neurological treatment, and 7% required dental disease management. Level of evidence 4.
Taking uncertainty into account when estimating effects

The authors discuss four principles for taking uncertainty into account when estimating effects. They discuss ways to implement the principles, ways the principles are violated in practice, and implications for the use of multiple methods.
Integrated Methods to Solve the Biological Basis of Common Diseases

Biological variations influence population variations of many common traits. Identification of the biological basis of many common diseases has been particularly difficult, but new reagents and analytical tools will greatly facilitate this process. The goal of this review is to discuss how to identify the biological basis of common traits by using mouse models. No single method will work for all traits. Understanding complex problems will require broadly based holistic approaches that use a wide array of tools and resources. A multiplicity of developed methods together provide the tools needed to identify the biological basis of any common trait. These tools, whole-genome linkage maps, maps of expressed genes, and statistical methods, deal with the complexities of multiple loci or correlated traits. This review provides some criteria for making choices about the likely productive approaches at each stage in the process of finding genes that influence common traits.
Quantum Confinement and Electronic Properties of Tapered Silicon Nanowires

Using ab initio calculations, structural tapering of silicon nanowires is shown to have a profound effect on their electronic properties. In particular, the electronic structure of small-diameter tapered silicon nanowires is found to have a strong axial dependence, with unoccupied eigenstates being substantially more sensitive to diameter. Moreover, the states corresponding to the highest occupied and the lowest unoccupied states are spatially separated along the wire axis by the tapering-induced charge transfer and a strong electrostatic potential gradient, due to an appreciable variation in quantum confinement strength with diameter.
Restricted geometry acoustic arrays for highly directional patterns

Abstract We consider the design and performance of a restricted geometry, 2- or 4- element (termed ‘small’) acoustic array as a beamformer. These arrays are designed to be mobile, for individuals who need to communicate in noisy environments. An acoustic array is made as directional as possible (thus ‘forming the beam’), so as to reduce (or eliminate) any unwanted narrowband acoustic signals which impinge on the array from undesirable directions. The directionality of multi-element arrays, and thus the capability for interference rejection, is greatly superior to that possible with a single-element array. Enhanced directionality comes from the extra knowledge gained when acoustic signals are spatially sampled. From intuition, we expect such a result since humans have 2 ears to hear with, and we do not have the ‘extra’ one merely for redundancy. That we know more about the incoming signal comes at the cost of a higher complexity in handling the signal itself. This added expense includes not only the cost of the added sensors, but also the cost of the interconnections required by the multi-element array. We introduce some measures of directionality, which we use to show that 4-element acoustic arrays are much more directional than 2-element arrays. A sensitivity analysis shows that for human speech, the narrowband beamformer can be implemented for speech-band use with only a slight decrease in the array directionality.
Poster: Privacy-Preserving Server-Driven Dynamic Spectrum Access System

Dynamic spectrum access (DSA) technique has been widely accepted as a crucial solution to mitigate the potential spectrum scarcity problem. As a key form of DSA, government is proposing to release more federal spectrum for sharing with commercial wireless users. However, the flourish of federal-commercial sharing hinges upon how privacy issues are managed. In current DSA proposals, the sensitive operation parameters of both federal incumbent users (IUs) and commercial secondary users (SUs) need to be shared with the dynamic spectrum access system (SAS) to realize efficient spectrum allocation. Since SAS is not necessarily operated by a trusted third party, the current proposals dissatisfy the privacy requirement of both IUs and SUs. To address the privacy issues, this paper presents a privacy-preserving SAS design, which realizes the complex spectrum allocation decision process of DSA through secure computation over ciphertext based on homomorphic encryption, thus none of the IU or SU operation parameters are exposed to SAS.
Microsegregation of an Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy at High Solidification Rates

Results are presented of an on-going study of structure and solute redistribution in ribbon cast A1-Cu and Mg-Zn alloys. Regions found in these ribbons are (1) an apparently chemically homogeneous coarse-grained zone adjacent the chill, (2) a transition cellular region, and (3) a dendritic zone, usually equiaxed. In both alloys, structure in the equiaxed region becomes coarser with increasing distance from the chill. In Mg-Zn alloys, the amount of nonequilibrium second phase increases essentially linearly with distance in the cellular and dendritic regions. Scanning transmission electron microscopy can accurately measure solute distribution across rapidly solidified cells or dendrites, but the possibility of surface compositional changes during specimen preparation must be recognized.
Depth dependence of cosmogenic neutron-capture-produced 36C1 in a terrestrial rock

Abstract A depth profile of cosmogenic neutron-capture-produced 36 Cl was measured in quartz extracted from a siliceous dolomite ejecta boulder drill core at Meteor Crater, AZ. The results show a maximum in production below the top surface of the boulder and are consistent with the depth dependence of production predicted by Monte Carlo calculations. A model is presented here that uses the special features of the profile to determine both the exposure age and steady-state erosion rate of a geomorphic surface.
Piperazine neurotoxicity: Worm wobble revisited☆

Piperazine has been used to treat pinworm and roundworm infections for over 40 years. Piperazine-induced cerebellar ataxia, causing the dropping of objects, clumsiness, and gait abnormalities, has been infrequently reported, usually in the setting of overdose or renal insufficiency. The unusual case of an otherwise well child who developed ataxia following seven days of piperazine citrate therapy is reported.
Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 Up-regulates Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor and Induces Apoptosis

The expression of the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor is developmentally and growth regulated. In cultured R3T3 cells, expression of this receptor is markedly induced at the confluent state and with serum deprivation. In this study we demonstrated that the removal of serum from culture media resulted in the induction of apoptosis in these cells and the addition of angiotensin II further enhanced apoptosis. We have previously identified an interferon regulatory factor (IRF) binding motif in the mouse AT2 receptor gene promoter region. In this report, we observed that serum removal increased IRF-1 expression, with a rapid and transient decrease of IRF-2. To prove that the changes in IRFs after serum removal mediated apoptosis and up-regulated AT2 receptor, we transfected antisense oligonucleotides for IRF-1 or IRF-2 into R3T3 cells and observed that IRF-1 antisense oligonucleotide attenuated apoptosis and abolished the up-regulation of AT2 receptor. IRF-2 antisense oligonucleotide pretreatment did not affect the onset of apoptosis after serum removal; instead, it increased AT2 receptor binding and enhanced angiotensin II-mediated apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that increased IRF-1 after serum starvation contributes to the induction of apoptosis and that increased IRF-1 up-regulates the AT2 receptor expression after serum starvation, resulting in enhanced angiotensin II-mediated apoptosis.
Whither the Neoadministrative State? Toward a Polity-Centered Theory of Administrative Reform

The ascendancy in the United States of new governance reforms (NGRs) poses fundamental challenges and opportunities for public administrationists. The argument in this article is
Fungicide Seed Treatment Effects on Emergence of Deeply Planted Winter Wheat

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed is often planted deeply (>3 in.) into stubble-mulch fallow in the semi-arid Pacific Northwest (PNW). Stand establishment is affected by factors that influence the rate of seed germination and coleoptile growth. Systemically translocated triazole and imidazole fungicide seed treatments were compared for effects on seedling emergence under conditions of deep seed placement and variable seed-zone moisture in stubble-mulch fallow systems. Fungicides included RTU Vitavax Thiram (carboxin [2,3-dihydro-5-carboxanilido-6-methyl-1,4-oxathiin] + thiram [tetramethylthiuram disulfide]), Dividend (difenoconazole [1-(2-[4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-2-chlorophenyl]-4-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl-methyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole]), Raxil Thiram (tebuconazole [α[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol] + thiram), NuZone and Flo-Pro IMZ (imazalil [1-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-propenyloxy)ethyl)-lH-imidazole]), and Apron (metalaxyl [N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-N-(methoxyacetyl)-alanine methyl ester)]). Gaucho (imidacloprid [1 [(6-chloro-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-N-nitro-2-imidazoli-diniminel), a seed-treatment insecticide, was applied in some experiments. Seven field and three greenhouse experiments were performed from 1993 to 1995. Emergence in the field tended to be superior for seed treated with Dividend, alone or mixed with Apron, in plantings made from 1- to 5-in. deep into soil with 5 to 17% seed-zone water content and at 71 to 80°F. RTU Vitavax Thiram had variable effects on seedling emergence. NuZone and Raxil Thiram, alone or mixed with Gaucho, generally delayed emergence when treated seed was planted at depths more than 2 in. In the greenhouse, treated seed was planted at 1-in. depth into moist (7, 10 or 15% w/w), warm (75°F) silt loam overlain by 4-in. of dry silt loam, simulating a planting at 5-in. depth into stubble-mulch fallow during September. Emergence of Dividend-treated seed at each soil moisture content was usually more rapid than for other treatments, including seed planted without fungicide treatment. This research demonstrated that emergence of winter wheat planted deeply into stubble-mulch fallow is often improved when seed is treated with Dividend compared with RTU Vitavax Thiram and, among the systemically translocated triazole fungicides, Dividend is a better choice than Raxil when planting depths exceed 2 in.
Pediatric blunt abdominal trauma: Role of computed tomography vascular blush

Nonoperative management of blunt abdominal trauma is widely accepted in pediatric patients. There are few factors prospectively available to predict reliably which children will not respond to nonoperative treatment. Computed tomography scans demonstrating a vascular contrast blush are associated with arterial bleeding and the failure of nonoperative management of splenic injuries in adults. The authors describe five hemondynamically stable pediatric patients who have intraabdominal injury and a characteristic vascular contrast blush who acutely did not respond to nonoperative treatment. Vascular blush may be an indication for early laparotomy in pediatric trauma patients.