cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impulsivity and midlife cardiometabolic risk: The role of maladaptive health behaviors.

OBJECTIVE The present study evaluated distinct facets of impulsivity related to cardiometabolic risk (CMR) to identify specific behavioral mechanisms driving these relationships. METHOD Community adults (N = 1,295) between 30 and 54 years old (53% female, 84% White) completed a battery of impulsivity measures, reported their engagement in health behaviors over the past week (i.e., cigarette smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary intake), and were assessed for CMR factors (i.e., blood pressure, insulin resistance, adiposity, and blood lipids). Structural equation modeling was used to estimate previously established hierarchical models of distinct facets of impulsivity and CMR. Indirect effects through the observed health behaviors were examined for each association between the latent impulsivity factors identified and the latent CMR factor. RESULTS Neuroticism/negative emotionality was the only latent impulsivity factor directly related to heightened CMR (β = 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.01, 0.16], p = .020). Extraversion/positive emotionality indirectly related to lower CMR through greater physical activity (β = -0.04, 95% CI [-0.06, -0.02], p < .001), and measures of inhibition (β = 0.02, 95% CI [0.001, 0.04], p = .045) and delay discounting (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.001, 0.15], p = .049) indirectly related to CMR through saturated fat intake. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that distinct facets of impulsivity differentially relate to CMR through varied behavioral pathways and identify physical activity and saturated fat intake as being particularly important health behaviors to target when tailoring treatment approaches to the unique behavioral characteristics of individuals high on certain facets of impulsivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
The SRP-Dependent Protein Targeting Pathway in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

In mammalian cells, the signal recognition particle (SRP) and the SRP receptor are required for the targeting of nascent secretory proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. Homologues of SRP and SRP receptor subunits have recently been identified in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and their functions have been characterized in vivo. Surprisingly, in S. cerevisiae, neither SRP nor SRP receptor are essential for cell growth, though cells deficient in these components grow poorly. Cells that lack both SRP and SRP receptor show identical growth rates to those in which either component alone is missing, indicating that SRP and SRP receptor function in the same pathway in vivo. Yeast cells depleted of SRP or SRP receptor show impaired translocation of soluble and membrane proteins across the ER membrane. Interestingly, the degree of the translocation defect varies for different proteins. These results indicate that proteins can bypass the SRP/SRP receptor mediated targeting pathway to the ER membrane, and that there is, in yeast, an alternate targeting pathway. Together with the recent identification of SRP and SRP receptor homologues in procaryotes and archeae, these results suggest that the structural components and mechanisms of the SRP-dependent protein targeting pathway are evolutionarily conserved.
Transport and characterization of microplastics in inland waterways

Abstract Microplastic pollution in floodplains and river channels in 14 locations at six sites along three rivers in Virginia was measured to test the hypotheses that microplastics concentrate in floodplains, exist as larger aggregates with other natural and synthetic particles, and may be different than ocean microplastics. The results show that (1) microplastic concentrations were generally just as high or higher in the floodplain than in the stream channel, (2) microplastics aggregated with natural sediment particles into the “heteroaggregates” predicted theoretically, (3) microplastics were larger in the floodplain than in the stream channel with a wider particle size distribution, (4) microplastic particles were 80 % fragments, 15 % spherical particles, and 5% fibers, and (5) chemically identified microplastics were composed of common packaging plastics that were heavily oxidized or hydrolyzed. The shape and chemical compositions of microplastic particles found was very similar to those observed in and around other rivers studied in the literature but different from the ocean environment. The floodplain could be used to capture river microplastics.
Focused Ethnography in Gerontological Research and Education

Gerontological researchers often use qualitative methods to understand beliefs, values, and shared practices. Focused ethnography (FE) has emerged as a form of qualitative research focused on a specific issue or shared experiences in sub-cultures in specific settings, such as older adults experiencing chronic illness. However, examples of FE in gerontological research literature are few and there is limited methodological guidance on using FE. This presentation provides descriptions of FE based on existing literature and experience in ethnographic research. A systematic review of extant literature was conducted using CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete (Ebsco), and PubMed. Published studies using FE are summarized to demonstrate the methodological foundation and the versatility of FE in exploring health issues in different populations and specific groups of older adults. Nursing students completing a course in chronic illness were trained to conduct an FE on one of the patients in their care. Students were provided a semi-structured interview guide based on the eight questions in Kleinman’s Patient’s Explanatory Model of Illness. The focused ethnographies were then analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Beliefs older adults hold about their chronic illness fell into three categories: regretting lifestyle choices, grieving loss of self, and finding a “new normal”. Focused ethnography is a relevant research method that can be used to understand health behavior of older adults and can be used to teach and evaluate cultural competency in nursing students.
A self-correcting qubit

The unavoidable effects of noise make quantum error correction necessary to realize the full potential of quantum computers. Devices that correct errors autonomously can avoid the computational and hardware overheads of traditional approaches.
Using Voltammetry Augmented with Physics-Based Modeling and Bayesian Hypothesis Testing to Estimate Electrolyte Composition

Voltammetry is a foundational electrochemical technique that can qualitatively and quantitatively probe electroactive species in electrolytes and as such has been used in numerous fields of study. Recently, automation has been introduced into voltammetric analyses to extend their capabilities (e.g., Bayesian parameter estimation, compound identification via machine learning); however, opportunities exist to enable more versatile methods across a wider range of electrolyte and experimental conditions. Here, we present a protocol that uses experimental voltammetry, physics-driven models, binary hypothesis testing, and Bayesian inference to enable robust labeling of electroactive species in multicomponent electrolytes across multiple techniques. We first describe the development of this protocol, and we subsequently validate the methodology in a case study involving five N-functionalized phenothiazine derivatives. In this analysis, the protocol correctly labeled an electrolyte containing 10H-phenothiazine and 10-methylphenothiazine from both cyclic voltammograms and cyclic square wave voltammograms, demonstrating its ability to identify electroactive constituents of a multicomponent solution. Finally, we identify areas of further improvement (e.g., achieving greater detection accuracy) and future applications to potentially enhance in situ or operando diagnostic workflows.
Immunotherapy and Radioimmunotherapy for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DRSCT) is a highly aggressive primitive sarcoma that primarily affects adolescent and young adult males. The 5-year survival rate is 15-30% and few curative treatment options exist. Although there is no standard treatment for DSRCT, patients are most often treated with a combination of aggressive chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Targeted therapy inhibitors of PDGFA and IGF-1R, which are almost uniformly overexpressed in DSRCT, have largely failed in clinical trials. As in cancer in general, interest in immunotherapy to treat DSRCT has increased in recent years. To that end, several types of immunotherapy are now being tested clinically, including monoclonal antibodies, radionuclide-conjugated antibodies, CAR T cells, checkpoint inhibitors, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs). These types of therapies may be particularly useful in DSRCT, which is frequently characterized by widespread intraperitoneal implants, which are difficult to completely remove surgically and are the frequent cause of relapse. Successful treatment with immunotherapy or radioimmunotherapy following debulking surgery could eradiate these micrometasteses and prevent relapse. Although there has been limited success to date for immunotherapy in pediatric solid tumors, the significant improvements in survival seen in the treatment of other pediatric solid tumors, such as metastatic neuroblastoma and its CNS spread, suggest a potential of immunotherapy and specifically compartmental immunotherapy in DSRCT.
Spatial distribution and the interdecadal change of leading modes of heat budget of the mixed-layer in the tropical Pacific and the association with ENSO

Using heat budget diagnosis of ocean mixed layer from the Global Ocean Data Assimilation System, the spatial distribution of the leading modes of the heat budget was examined. The analysis was for the tropical Pacific in 1979–2013 and was based on combined empirical orthogonal function (CEOF) analysis. The interdecadal changes of the leading modes and their associations with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) were also analyzed. The first leading CEOF mode (CEOF1) corresponds to the ENSO mature phase. The contribution from the zonal advection was relatively small along the equator, except the region near the Pacific coast of Central America. The vertical entrainment and diffusion (surface heat flux) had pronounced maxima with positive (negative) values along the equatorial central and eastern Pacific. The meridional advection displayed a different spatial pattern with large positive values on both sides of the equator and smaller values along the equator. The total meridional advection anomaly was mainly determined by advection of anomalous temperature by climatological current responsible for broadening of the ENSO SSTA pattern meridionally. The zonal advection varied almost simultaneously with the tendency of ocean temperature anomaly in the mixed layer. The second leading CEOF mode (CEOF2) included contribution to SSTA tendency during the ENSO developing phase. The distribution pattern and amplitude of the zonal advection in the eastern Pacific in CEOF2 was similar to but with opposite sign to that in CEOF1. The amplitudes of the other dynamical and thermodynamical terms were smaller than that in CEOF1 and spatial distributions displayed an opposite variation between the Pacific coast of Central America and central and eastern tropical Pacific in CEOF2. A comparison of two periods (1979–1999 and 2000–2013) suggested that coupling in the tropical Pacific weakened at ENSO time scales and shifted to a relatively higher frequency regime (from 2 to 4 years averaged in 1979–1999 to 1.5–3 years) after 2000.
Primary health care services in activation and employment

Introduction: The evaluation research was conducted to establish the role of primary health care in the process of rehabilitation, activation and employment of the long-term unemployed citizens. Empirical data was gathered from 17 municipal projects. Projects aimed to develop health care services for the unemployed and to improve co-operation between health care services and local activation and employment services. Theory: The theory of transitional labour markets was used as a framework for the evaluation [1]. The aim of activation is to encourage people to make transitions towards the labour markets or other desired activity (education, pension etc.). Health care services were constructed as one possible factor enabling transitions from unemployment. Inter-agency co-operation between state and municipal actors is crucial in activation processes. Methods: The research was conducted from the perspective of process evaluation. Data consists of surveys, interviews and case-studies. Data from the surveys was analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used for the qualitative data. Results and conclusions: Many of the long-term unemployed clients needed health care services and counselling besides social and employment services. Transitions to rehabilitation or pension become possible only after a medical assessment of persons’ working ability has been made. During the evaluation period transitions to work, rehabilitation or pension were very rare among the clients. Co-operation between primary health care and activation services improved during the projects. The public health nurses in the projects worked as casemanagers. The level of integration of health care services and activation services varied in the municipalities. The role of primary health care is important in recognizing health factors that can hinder employment and in initiating rehabilitation processes.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation for upper motor neuron involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Publisher Summary This chapter reports the findings of retrospective and prospective studies with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in 129 patients who were referred to the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Research Center for the diagnostic evaluation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The clinical diagnosis of ALS is based on identifying both upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) signs. Along with avoiding a false diagnosis of ALS, the main impetus of the chapter to develop UMN markers is to be able to make an accurate early diagnosis of ALS in those without initial UMN signs who are later determined to have the disease. TMS assesses structural and functional aspects of UMN involvement, and its combined use with neuroimaging may be more helpful than one individual test. This study is ongoing and when all of the results are available, UMN signs more objectively by combining different types of UMN testing, as opposed to using the clinical examination alone can be predicted.
Approximation of Integrals

In this chapter, we explore different ways to approximate \(\int _{a}^{b}f(t)\,\mathrm{d}t\) and ask the question, “How good are they?”
Guest Editorial: Predictive Modeling in Health Informatics

The papers in this special section focus on the use of predictive modeling in the area of health informatics. These papers were presented at the fifth BCB conference that was held in September 2014 at Newport Beach, CA. Predictive modeling in health informatics is an emerging discipline, data analytics in the era of Digital Health. The BCB conference emphasizes research projects with new computer science and information science such as machine learning and entity classification.
Infrared extinction spectra of mineral dust aerosol: Single components and complex mixtures

[1] Simultaneous Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) extinction spectra and aerosol size distributions have been measured for some components of mineral dust aerosol including feldspars (albite, oligoclase) and diatomaceous earth, as well as more complex authentic dust samples that include Iowa loess and Saharan sand. Spectral simulations for single-component samples, derived from Rayleigh-theory models for characteristic particle shapes, better reproduce the experimental spectra including the peak position and band shape compared to Mie theory. The mineralogy of the authentic dust samples was inferred using analysis of FTIR spectra. This approach allows for analysis of the mineralogy of complex multicomponent dust samples. Extinction spectra for the authentic dust samples were simulated from the derived sample mineralogy using published optical constant data for the individual mineral constituents and assuming an external mixture. Nonspherical particle shape effects were also included in the simulations and were shown to have a significant effect on the results. The results show that the position of the peak and the shape of the band of the IR characteristic features in the 800 to 1400 cm−1 spectral range are not well simulated by Mie theory. The resonance peaks are consistently shifted by more than +40 cm−1 relative to the experimental spectrum in the Mie simulation. Rayleigh model solutions for different particle shapes better predict the peak position and band shape of experimental spectra, even though the Rayleigh condition may not be strictly obeyed in these experiments.
The importance of expert systems in a hypermedia environment

It is argued that the success of hypermedia systems will ultimately depend on expert systems technology. The capabilities of hypermedia software that would exploit the speed and storage capacity of the computer while retaining the desirable characteristics of a good paper-based system are described. >
Residential Satisfaction and Socioeconomic and Housing Characteristics of Urban Black Adults

Most studies directed at examining which factors within the residential environment best predict expressed satisfaction of residents use responses pertaining to the immediate physical and social environment. While earlier studies limited themselves to the physical environment alone (Cottam, 1951; Kennedy, 1950; Mogey & Morris, 1960; Riemer, 1945) and sometimes included the social environment as well (Fried & Gleicher, 1961; Gans, 1961; Wilner, Walkley, Pinkerton & Tayback, 1962), not until recently did studies begin to use attitudinal factors in the understanding of residential satisfaction. The perception of expressed satisfaction as an attitude, it is believed, "could assist in further exploring linkages between satisfaction and social behavior" (Francescato, Weidemann, & Anderson, 1987). In this regard, studies have attempted to predict satisfaction through the multivariate analyes of socioeconomic and demographic variables, as well as those relating to other personal characteristics of residents (Canter & Rees, 1982; Francescato, Weidemann, Anderson, & Chenoweth, 1974, 1979; Robinson, 1973-74). Not much work has been done on the residential satisfaction of Blacks. Thus, what one may refer to as constituting Blacks' ex-
Parental Leave Legislation and Women's Work: A Story of Unequal Opportunities

U.S. federal and state family leave legislation requires employers to provide job-protected parental leave for new mothers covered under the legislation. In most cases the leave is unpaid, and rarely longer than 12 weeks in duration. This study evaluates disparities in parental leave eligibility, access, and usage across the family income distribution in the United States. It also describes the links between leave-taking and women's labor market careers. The focus is especially on low-income families, as their leave coverage and ability to afford taking unpaid leave is particularly poor. This study shows that the introduction of both state and federal legislation increased overall leave coverage, leave provision, and leave-taking. For example, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leads to an increased probability of leave-taking by nearly 20 percentage points and increased average leave length by almost five weeks across all states. The new policies did not, however, reduce gaps between low- and high-income families’ eligibility, leave-taking, or leave length. In addition, the FMLA effects on leave-taking were very similar across states with and without prior leave legislation, and the FMLA did not disproportionately increase leave-taking for women who worked in firms and jobs covered by the new legislation, as these women were already relatively well covered by other parental leave arrangements.
New barrier coating materials for PV module backsheets

High moisture barrier high resistivity coatings on polyethylene terepthalate (PET) have been fabricated and characterized for use in PV module back sheet applications. These thin film barriers exhibit water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) as low as 0.1 g/m/sup 2/-day at 37.8/spl deg/C and have shown excellent adhesion (> 10 N/mm) to both ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and PET even after filtered xenon arc lamp UV exposure. The WVTR and adhesion values for this construction are compared to and shown to be superior to candidate polymeric backsheet materials.
Surface and Volume Integrals of Uncollided Adjoint Fluxes and Forward-Adjoint Flux Products

Ray analysis techniques are standard for computing the uncollided component of a detector response to radiation. In this paper, uncollided adjoint flux integrals and forward-adjoint inner product i...
Optical Fiber Local Area Networks

Communication between computers is an essential part of modern living and the telecommunication industry is one of world's fastest growing. There is an increasing demand for higher bandwidth, almost doubling the data rate every year. This has reached a point where a single transmission medium such as twisted pair or coaxial cable is not capable of transmitting the load. Thus, for a reliable and high-speed data transfer, computers are connected through a network of point-to-point communication links. These types of networks usually referred to as local area network or LAN. The main purpose of a LAN is to share resources such as files, printers, programs, databases, etc; among the nodes in the network. The initial designs were intended for communication between computers at short distances; however, the length of the links has grown from a few meters to a few kilometers. If computers are connected via optical fiber links, the LAN is referred to as optical fiber LAN. Since the early 1970s optical fibers have been utilized as transmission media in long and short distance communication links. The capacity of optical fibers has increased from several Mbit/sec per km to about 300 Gbit/sec per km; and could reach thousands of Gbit/sec in the near future. Other properties like small size, lightweight, and immunity to electromagnetic interference noise also provide a crucial advantage for optical fibers over other mediums. Some common types of Optical LANs are FDDI, optical Ethernet at various speeds, Fibre Channel and ATM LAN emulation. Keywords: LAN; local area network; ATM; asynchronous transfer mode; WDM; wavelength division multiplexing; FDDI; fiber distributed data interface; ethernet; fibre channel; IEEE 802.3; optical fiber
Detection of cytomegalovirus from blood leukocytes separated by sepracell-MN and Ficoll-Paque/Macrodex methods.

Two density gradient separation techniques for separation of blood leukocytes were compared for the laboratory diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia. Of 510 blood specimens processed by both methods, 76 (14.9%) yielded CMV. Of the 76 positive specimens, 66 (87%) and 65 (86%) were processed by the Ficoll-Paque/Macrodex (F-P/M; Macrodex is dextran 70 in normal saline; Pharmacia, Pisataway, N.J.) and Sepracell-MN methods, respectively. Of the 76 CMV-positive blood specimens, 72 (95%) were detected in shell vial cell cultures, whereas only 42 (55%) were detected in conventional tube cell cultures. The time for recognition of specific cytopathic effects due to CMV in tube cell cultures (8.0 versus 7.1 days), the number of fluorescent foci in each positive shell vial culture (19.3 versus 20.1), and the costs of the reagents ($3.50 versus $2.80) were similar and independent of the leukocyte separation method (F-P/M versus Sepracell-MN). Recovery of CMV from heparinized blood (F-P/M method) was similar to that from EDTA-anticoagulated blood (Sepracell-MN method). The Sepracell-MN method is a rapid and sensitive method for detection of CMV from blood specimens and is recommended as a replacement for the more tedious and time-consuming F-P/M procedure.
Synthesis and Photochemical Properties of a Kainate Precursor and Activation of Kainate and AMPA Receptor Channels on a Microsecond Time Scale

Kainate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolylpropionate (AMPA) receptors are transmembrane proteins that can form ion channels upon binding a specific ligand. The receptors are located at major excitatory synapses in the mammalian central nervous system. Kainate and AMPA receptors participate in many physiological activities of the brain, including learning and memory, and are involved in many neurological disorders. Elucidation of the mechanisms of receptor transmembrane channel formation, inhibition, and regulation is important in understanding fundamental central nervous system function and in designing potential therapeutic agents. Kainate can activate both kainate and AMPA receptors, leading to channel opening in the microsecond to millisecond time region. A newly developed laser pulse photolysis technique, with a microsecond time resolution, has been successfully used to study the chemical reactions of receptor proteins in the microsecond to millisecond time region. To apply the technique to k...
The Silicone Shell IUD.

The Silicone Shell IUD was evaluated in 487 patients during 6,448 women-months of use. The pregnancy rate was 1.5 per 100 women by the end of the first year. This device was compared with other devices used in our clinic with respect to pregnancy rate, expulsion, and excessive bleeding. During the short period of time covered by this study, no significant differences between the devices were noted.
Sodium appetite in rats given lithium

Abstract Three experiments were done to study the fluid intake in rats given lithium. In the first experiment, the water intake in rats given dilute solutions of lithium, sodium and potassium chloride or carbonate by stomach tube was studied. Lithium was found to have a specific thirst-inducing action. In the second experiment, the intake of water and 0.33 M NaCl in rats given 10 ml of either 0.12 M LiCl, 0.12 M NaCl or 0.83 M NaCl was studied. A sodium appetite was shown only by the rats given LiCl. In the third experiment, the time-course of drinking in rats given 10 ml of 0.12 M LiCl or 0.12 M NaCl was studied. The prompt onset of drinking in the absence of polyuria or dehydration in rats given LiCl indicated that loss of body water is not a necessary factor in the thirst induced by lithium in rats.
MO‐E‐BRA‐01: IGRT and Treatment Planning: Geometric Uncertainties and Individualized Patient Treatment

Widespread use of precision conformal and intensity modulated treatment techniques puts extreme emphasis on targeting. While the cloud of uncertainty associated with defining and localizing targeted tissue has been realized for quite some time, standards for working with this uncertainty are hardly widespread. When looking at the range of variations in target position across a population, it becomes clear that there is quite a range for any given body site, with some patients exhibiting very small variations, and others at extremes far beyond the population mean. The ability to characterize individual patients early on in treatment permits modification of the population assumptions used in planning, providing potential benefit to a subset of patients. Making plans robust to expected variations, especially at the start of treatment, may further aid in this individualization process. One critical tool in these endeavors is the ability to estimate potential dosimetric consequences of various levels of uncertainty, as opposed to the use of geometric margins as approximations. The educational objectives of this talk are: 1. Gain an understanding of the range of geometric uncertainties in a population. 2. Look at various methods of assessing individual variations and their impact. 3. Compare geometric and dosimetric means of assessing the impact of variations. 4. Introduce the topic of robust planning.
Computed tomography diagnosis of macrodystrophia lipomatosa.

Abstract Isolated congenital macrodactyly, termed macrodystrophia lipomatosa, is a rare entity. It may be confused with plexiform neurofibroma, hemangioma, or lymphangioma. Computed tomography provides an ideal methodology to verify the fatty proliferation of soft tissue that accompanies bone overgowth and distinguishes this lesion from the others in the differential list.
Ligand Binding and Hexacoordination in SynechocystisHemoglobin

A large and phylogenetically diverse group of organisms contain truncated hemoglobins, including the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis (Pesce, A., Couture, M., Dewilde, S., Guertin, M., Yamauchi, K., Ascenzi, P., Moens, L., and Bolognesi, M. (2000) EMBO J. 19, 2424–2434).Synechocystis hemoglobin is also hexacoordinate, with a heme pocket histidine that reversibly coordinates the ligand binding site. Hexacoordinate hemoglobins are ubiquitous in plants and are now being identified in a diverse array of organisms including humans (Arredondo-Peter, R., Hargrove, M. S., Moran, J. F., Sarath, G., and Klucas, R. V. (1998) Plant Physiol. 118, 1121–1125; Trent, J. T., III, Watts, R. A., and Hargrove, M. S. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 30106–30110). Rate constants for association and dissociation of the hexacoordinating amino acid side chain in Synechocystis hemoglobin have been measured along with bimolecular rate constants for association of oxygen and carbon monoxide following laser flash photolysis. These values were compared with ligand binding initiated by rapid mixing. Site-directed mutagenesis was used to determine the roles of several heme pocket amino acids in facilitating hexacoordination and stabilizing bound oxygen. It is demonstrated that Synechocystis hemoglobin contains a very reactive binding site and that ligand migration through the protein is rapid. Rate constants for hexacoordination by His46 are also large and facilitated by other heme pocket amino acids including Gln43.
The role of obesity and cardiovascular fitness in the impaired glucose tolerance of aging

Abstract The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) increases with aging. Although some data suggest that age is independently associated with IGT, other studies suggest that age-associated changes in body composition and reduced cardiovascular fitness are responsible for the development of IGT. We, therefore, examined the relationship of age, total and regional adiposity, and level of fitness (VO2max) to the presence of IGT in 155 healthy, nondiabetic, nonsmoking, older community dwelling men. Sixty-two of 155 men (40%) had IGT, while 93 men (60%) had normal glucose tolerance (WHO criteria). The subjects with IGT were of similar age (61.0 ± 1.0 vs. 59.0 ± 0.7 years, p = 0.49) and had the same maximal aerobic capacity, (VO2max) (42 0 ± 1.0 vs. 44.0 ± 0.8 mL/kg ffm/min, p = 0.42), but had a higher waist to hip ratio (WHR) (0.98 ± 0.01) vs. 0.96 ± 0.01, p = 0.005) and percent body fat (30.0 ± 0.4 vs. 26.0 ± 0.6, p = 0.004) than the men with normal glucose tolerance. In univariate analysis, the 2-h glucose level correlated positively with percent body fat (r = 0.30, p = 0.0002), WHR (0.24, p = 0.002), and age (r = 0.17, p = 0.03) and negatively with VO2max (r = −0.23, p = 0.005). In both multiple logistic and linear regression analyses, percent body fat was the only independent predictor of IGT (p = 0.002). These results suggest that the age-associated increase in total adiposity is a major contributor to the development of IGT in middle-aged and older men. Thus, lifestyle modifications that reduce body fat should reduce the risk for IGT and the development of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in the elderly.
Effect of matrix alloy and cold swaging on micro-tensile properties of tungsten heavy alloys

Abstract The tensile properties of two types of tungsten heavy alloys, W–5.6% Ni–1.4% Fe and W–4.7% Ni–2.2% Co, were investigated as a function of matrix alloy (Ni–Fe vs. Ni–Co) and specimen orientation with respect to the cold swaging axis. Orientation dependent rod properties were measured using a micro-tensile testing unit developed at LLNL. Tungsten particles were slightly oblong in the swage direction in both alloys and particle–particle bonding was also apparent in both alloys. In the W–Ni–Fe alloy separation between W particles and the Ni–Fe matrix was observed, as well as Ni–Fe matrix cracking. The W–Ni–Co alloy showed no evidence of separation between W and the matrix alloy or Ni–Co matrix cracking. Differences in the matrix material condition appear to manifest themselves in the observed tensile properties and fracture surfaces. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation at failure values of the W–Ni–Co alloy were larger than those of the W–Ni–Fe alloy.
Hausdorff dimension of the set of nonergodic directions

It is known that nonergodic directions in a rational billiard form a subset of the unit circle with Hausdorff dimension at most 1/2. Explicit examples realizing the dimension 1/2 are constructed using Diophantine numbers and continued fractions. A lower estimate on the number of primitive lattice points in certain subsets of the plane is used in the construction.
Theory of heat transfer by evanescent electromagnetic waves

We present a macroscopic, phenomenological theory for the heat flow between two material half-spaces of differing temperatures whose surfaces are separated by a gap of width l. Our calculation parallels Liftshitz's calculation of the van der Waals force between two dielectric slabs. For l sufficiently small, the heat flow is enhanced by a contribution from evanescent waves, and in the limit of a very small gap varies as ${\mathit{l}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$.
A theory of verb form use in the speech of agrammatic aphasics

Previous descriptions of the use of grammatical markers associated with verbs in the speech of agrammatic patients are shown to be grammatically inadequate. A more appropriate grammatical description, defined in terms of the complexity of the derivational properties of verb forms and the complexity of the semantic notions that verb forms can express, is presented which can handle facts about English and Italian agrammatism. However, this type of description is shown to be incapable of accounting in a natural way for certain further facts about agrammatic productions in English and Italian which need to be explained. A psycholinguistic model compatible with the grammatical description is then presented to account for these facts. The model, an elaboration of M. Garrett's (1975, in G. Bower (ed.), Psychology of learning and motivation, New York: Academic Press, Vol. 9) model of normal sentence production, involves the accessing of two stores during syntactic processing—one containing phrase fragments, the other function words. Agrammatic patients are claimed to suffer from a specific inability to access these stores; the resulting agrammatic production system is shown to account for a wide range of facts about agrammatism.
The use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to study relations between the chains of myosin.

Abstract Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of native proteins shows that myosin subfragment-1 (S-1), prepared by α-chymotryptic digestion of myosin, can be separated into two well-spaced bands corresponding to two S-1 isozymes. One of these consists of a heavy chain fragment (HC) and light chain (LC1); the other to HC and light chain 3 (LC3). Addition of light chain 2 (LC2), lost during the digestion process, speeds up the migration of the LC1-bearing S-1 (HC · LC1) but leaves the LC3-bearing S-1 (HC · LC3) essentially unehanged. This suggests that LC2 has a stronger affinity for the former and forms with it the complex. HC · LC1 · LC2. 5,5′-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) treatment of myosin is known to remove only about half of the LC2 (“DTNB light chain”). Although S-1 prepared from such myosin cannot be well-resolved by DEAE-cellulose chromatography into two peaks, the beginning of the peak is largely HC · LC1 · LC2 and the ending is largely HC · LC3, as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-PAGE. Thus, the loss of LC2 during DTNB treatment is mainly from S-1 bearing LC3.
Soil organic matter: Distribution, genesis, and management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

In this paper we describe the accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM) during pedogenesis and the processes that can lead to the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) to the atmosphere via SOM decomposition and denitrification. We discuss the role of management on SOM accumulation and loss, and the potential for controlling emission or comsumption of greenhouse gases by soils. We conclude that under current climate conditions there are global scale opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils and increase the indirect sequestration of greenhouse gases in soils through improved soil management.
Theory of small-diameter airlift pumps

Abstract The results and discussion of an experimental study of the effects of tube diameter on vertical slug flow, specifically as it relates to 3–25 mm airlift pump performance are presented. The theory previously presented by Nicklin [ Trans. Instn chem. Engrs 41 , 29–39 (1963)] is extended into this range of tube diameters by taking into account the effects of surface tension on the bubble rise velocity. Differences are noted between the rise velocity of a single gas slug and a train of gas slugs in small vertical tubes. Comparisons are made between experimental observations and theoretical predictions. Good agreement is observed for Re > 500 and for surface tension numbers between 0.02 and 0.2.
Accountability in American education as a rhetoric and a technology of governmentality

Accountability is one of the most advocated and controversial topics in US education. Since the early 2000s, the federal government has produced a vibrant discourse on accountability, which emphasizes quality, efficiency, and equal opportunity in education. As part of the larger phenomenon of new managerialism, the dominant forms of accountability are currently based on the power of the manager and the market rather than the bureaucratic or professional authority. This study draws on classic rhetoric and the Foucaultian concept of governmentality to analyze the rhetorical construction of accountability in the US Department of Education speeches and examine the role of accountability in governing educational institutions and subjects. The author demonstrates how as a rhetoric, accountability in education operates as a ‘sacred language’ to propagate neoliberal values and how as a technology of governmentality, it works to maintain the neoliberal political rationality, enforce the openness of educational ins...
Intervertebral disc degeneration: biological and biomechanical factors

There has been significant progress over the past two decades in the surgical treatment of spinal disorders, including advances in spinal instrumentation, minimally invasive spine surgery, biomaterials, and artificial disc replacement. Although improvements in surgical treatments are on track, basic science research on the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and the mechanism of pain is nascent. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration will culminate in greater advances in treatment and improve patient selection and indications for emerging techniques and procedures. In this article, we review the relevant literature on biological and biomechanical research, including our own recent publications.
Experimental IgA nephropathy in bile duct ligated rats

Polymeric IgA and polymeric IgA-containing immune complexes are transported from blood to bile through hepatocyte-bound secretory component. In order to investigate interruption of this transport and its effect on the glomerulus, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bile duct ligation. Renal tissue obtained at the time of sacrifice was stained by immunofluorescent techniques with antibodies to IgG, IgM, and IgA, and secretory component (SC) and C3. A progressive selective increase in the staining intensity of the glomerular mesangium was observed for IgA, C3, and SC in bile duct ligated rats. These changes were paralleled by a rise in serum IgA and C3. These findings are consistent with the view that glomerular deposition of IgA, C3, and SC in bile duct ligated rats may result from impairment of normal handling of polymeric IgA and polymeric IgA-containing immune complexes.
The relocation of a hybrid manufacturing/distribution facility from supply chain perspectives: a case study

In this paper we present a real-world case study involving the re-location of a combined manufacturing and distribution (warehousing) facility. The relocation decision was called to adapt to dynamic changes in business environments surrounding the firm's supply chain operations. Such changes include changes in supplier and customer bases, distribution networks, corporate re-engineering, business climate and government legislation. To aid management in formulating a more efficient and effective relocation strategy, we designed the configuration of supply chain networks and assessed the viability of the proposed sites from supply chain perspectives using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP).
Arc Fault and Flash Signal Analysis in DC Distribution Systems Using Wavelet Transformation

Arc faults have always been a concern for electrical systems, as they can cause fires, personnel shock hazard, and system failure. Existing commercialized techniques that rely on pattern recognition in the time domain or frequency domain analysis using a Fourier transform do not work well, because the signal-to-noise ratio is low and the arc signal is not periodic. Instead, wavelet transform (WT) provides a time and frequency approach to analyze target signals with multiple resolutions. In this paper, a new approach using WT for arc fault analysis in dc systems is proposed. The process of detecting an arc fault involves signal analysis and then feature identification. The focus of this paper is on the former. Simulation models are synthesized to study the theoretical results of the proposed methodology and traditional fast Fourier transform analysis on arcing faults. Experimental data from the dc system of a photovoltaic array is also shown to validate the approach.
Identification of differentiation-specific antigens in psoriatic versus normal skin using monoclonal antibodies.

: Human cell hybrids derived from fusions between carcinoma (HeLa) and normal epidermal keratinocytes can be used as immunogens to generate monoclonal antibodies against keratinocyte differentiation-specific antigens. We examined the immunofluorescent staining patterns of these monoclonals in normal human and psoriatic (lesional and uninvolved) skin tissue sections. The immunofluorescent staining patterns indicate that the monoclonal antibodies are recognizing a number of different keratinocyte antigens, Three monoclonals (HLK7, HLK3, and HLK20) displayed different immunofluorescent reactivity in these tissues. These new monoclonal antibodies will be useful tools to study the differentiation abnormalities in psoriasis and may serve as a marker of the psoriatic diathesis.
Growth of large HgI2 single crystals

Abstract The results of various methods of HgI2 single crystal growth are discussed. Comparisons are made among the various methods and their effects on some other heavy metal iodides. The best HgI2 crystals were obtained from saturated solutions of HI.
Fabrication tolerances and metrology requirements for ion-exchanged micro-optic lenses: What s good enough?

Allowable deviations in index profiles, dopant distributions, and concentration dependence of diffusion coefficients are determined for collimating microlenses. Examples of high (and low) numerical aperture lenses are given for silver/sodium (and lithium/sodium) ion exchanges. Using the full lens aperture, one can ensure diffraction-limited performance only when the index is measured to within 1.0 × 10-4 (4.3 × 10-5) of the optimum values. Fabrication tolerances for diffraction-limited performance over 80% of the numerical aperture are expressed in terms of the concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient, which typically must be held to within ±4.7% (±11.5%) of ideal values.
Switching on Flowers: Transient LEAFY Induction Reveals Novel Aspects of the Regulation of Reproductive Development in Arabidopsis

Developmental fate decisions in cell populations fundamentally depend on at least two parameters: a signal that is perceived by the cell and the intrinsic ability of the cell to respond to the signal. The same regulatory logic holds for phase transitions in the life cycle of an organism, for example the switch to reproductive development in flowering plants. Here we have tested the response of the monocarpic plant species Arabidopsis thaliana to a signal that directs flower formation, the plant-specific transcription factor LEAFY (LFY). Using transient steroid-dependent LEAFY (LFY) activation in lfy null mutant Arabidopsis plants, we show that the plant’s competence to respond to the LFY signal changes during development. Very early in the life cycle, the plant is not competent to respond to the signal. Subsequently, transient LFY activation can direct primordia at the flanks of the shoot apical meristem to adopt a floral fate. Finally, the plants acquire competence to initiate the flower-patterning program in response to transient LFY activation. Similar to a perennial life strategy, we did not observe reprogramming of all primordia after perception of the transient signal, instead only a small number of meristems responded, followed by reversion to the prior developmental program. The ability to initiate flower formation and to direct flower patterning in response to transient LFY upregulation was dependent on the known direct LFY target APETALA1 (AP1). Prolonged LFY or activation could alter the developmental gradient and bypass the requirement for AP1. Prolonged high AP1 levels, in turn, can also alter the plants’ competence. Our findings shed light on how plants can fine-tune important phase transitions and developmental responses.
Preserving testicular tissue and a boy's open reproductive future.

The authors of “Expanding Access to Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation: Analysis by Analogy,” Tuua Ruutiainen and colleagues (2013) explore various ethical issues associated with potentially expand...
Comprehensive Transgender Healthcare: The Gender Affirming Clinical and Public Health Model of Fenway Health

This report describes the evolution of a Boston community health center’s multidisciplinary model of transgender healthcare, research, education, and dissemination of best practices. This process began with the development of a community-based approach to care that has been refined over almost 20 years where transgender patients have received tailored services through the Transgender Health Program. The program began as a response to unmet clinical needs and has grown through recognition that our local culturally responsive approach that links clinical care with biobehavioral and health services research, education, training, and advocacy promotes social justice and health equity for transgender people. Fenway Health’s holistic public health efforts recognize the key role of gender affirmation in the care and well-being of transgender people worldwide.