cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Clarion Call of the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Medical Education Can Mitigate Racial and Ethnic Disparities.

Public health crises palpably demonstrate how social determinants of health have led to disparate health outcomes. The staggering mortality rates among African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinx Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic have revealed how recalcitrant structural inequities can exacerbate disparities and render not just individuals but whole communities acutely vulnerable. While medical curricula that educate students about disparities are vital in rousing awareness, it is experience that is most likely to instill passion for change. The authors first consider the roots of health care disparities in relation to the current pandemic. Then they examine the importance of salient learning experiences that may inspire a commitment to championing social justice. Experiences in diverse communities can imbue medical students with a desire for lifelong learning and advocacy. The authors introduce a three-pillar framework that consists of trust building, structural competency, and cultural humility. They discuss how these pillars should underpin educational efforts to improve social determinants of health. Effecting systemic change requires passion and resolve; therefore, perseverance in such efforts is predicated on learners caring about the structural inequities in housing, education, economic stability, and neighborhoods-all of which influence the health of individuals and communities.
Significant (Z|-4|) admixture signal with a source from ancient Wusun observed in contemporary Bulgarians.

Abstract We report the presence of significant Central Asian ancestry in both contemporary Bulgarians and in early medieval population from SMC (Saltovo Mayaky Culture). The existence of Chalcolithic-Iran (Hajj-Fruz) and Wusun related ancestral component in contemporary Bulgarians comes as a surprise and sheds light on both migration route and ethnic origins of Proto-Bulgarians. We interpret these results as an evidence for a Central –Asian connection for the tribes, constituting the population of SMC and Kubrat’s Old Great Bulgaria in Pontic steppe from 6th-7th century AD. We identify Central Asian Wusun tribes as carriers of this component on the base from the results from f3 and f4 statistics. We suggest that Wusun-related tribes must have played role (or might have even been the backbone) in what became known as the Hunnic migration to Europe during 3rd-5th century AD. Same population must have taken part in the formation of the SMC (Saltovo-Mayaki Culture) and Great Old Bulgarian during 6th-9th century AD in Pontic – Caspian steppe. We also explore the genomic origins of Thracians and their relations to contemporary Europeans. We conclude that contemporary Bulgarians do not harbor Thracian-specific ancestry, since ancient Thracian samples share more SNPs with contemporary Greeks and even contemporary Icelanders than with contemporary Bulgarians.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk reduction for cardiovascular disease in patients with schizophrenia: A controversial but promising approach

Patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to an inherited predisposition, a sedentary life style and the use of antipsychotic medications. Several approaches have been taken to minimize this risk but results continue to be unsatisfactory. A potential alternative is prescribing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs decrease platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in patients with depression. We therefore aim to investigate whether there is evidence that supports the use of SSRIs to reduce the risk for CVD in SCZ. A review of the literature revealed five published reports relating to the impact of SSRIs on CV risk in SCZ. Three trials assessed the influence on metabolic parameters of fluvoxamine when combined with clozapine. Two of those studies found improvements with fluvoxamine. Of the other two reports, one indicates SSRIs as a group caused minimal but statistically significant increments in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. The second report suggests that when SSRIs are combined with antipsychotics, the metabolic impact depends on the antipsychotic prescribed. While there are promising results, no conclusions can be made currently on whether SSRIs increase or decrease CV risk in SCZ. Further studies are needed to resolve this matter.
Filament-guided filament assembly provides structural memory of filament alignment during cytokinesis.

Summary During cytokinesis, animal cells rapidly remodel the equatorial cortex to build an aligned array of actin filaments called the contractile ring. Local reorientation of filaments by active equatorial compression is thought to underlie the emergence of filament alignment during ring assembly. Here, combining single molecule analysis and modeling in one-cell C. elegans embryos, we show that filaments turnover is far too fast for reorientation of individual filaments by equatorial compression to explain the observed alignment, even if favorably oriented filaments are selectively stabilized. By tracking single formin/CYK-1::GFP particles to monitor local filament assembly, we identify a mechanism that we call filament-guided filament assembly (FGFA), in which existing filaments serve as templates to orient the growth of new filaments. FGFA sharply increases the effective lifetime of filament orientation, providing structural memory that allows cells to build highly aligned filament arrays in response to equatorial compression, despite rapid turnover of individual filaments.
Peripheral blood microbial signatures in current and former smokers

The human microbiome has a role in the development of multiple diseases. Individual microbiome profiles are highly personalized, though many species are shared. Understanding the relationship between the human microbiome and disease may inform future individualized treatments. We hypothesize the blood microbiome signature may be a surrogate for some lung microbial characteristics. We sought associations between the blood microbiome signature and lung-relevant host factors. Based on reads not mapped to the human genome, we detected microbial nucleic acids through secondary use of peripheral blood RNA-sequencing from 2,590 current and former smokers with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the COPDGene study. We used the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) microbial pipeline PathSeq to infer microbial profiles. We tested associations between the inferred profiles and lung disease relevant phenotypes and examined links to host gene expression pathways. We replicated our analyses using a second independent set of blood RNA-seq data from 1,065 COPDGene study subjects and performed a meta-analysis across the two studies. The four phyla with highest abundance across all subjects were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In our meta-analysis, we observed associations (q-value < 0.05) between Acinetobacter, Serratia, Streptococcus and Bacillus inferred abundances and Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score. Current smoking status was associated (q < 0.05) with Acinetobacter, Serratia and Cutibacterium abundance. All 12 taxa investigated were associated with at least one white blood cell distribution variable. Abundance for nine of the 12 taxa was associated with sex, and seven of the 12 taxa were associated with race. Host-microbiome interaction analysis revealed clustering of genera associated with mMRC dyspnea score and smoking status, through shared links to several host pathways. This study is the first to identify a bacterial microbiome signature in the peripheral blood of current and former smokers. Understanding the relationships between systemic microbial signatures and lung-related phenotypes may inform novel interventions and aid understanding of the systemic effects of smoking.
A Gate Forever Closed? Retiring Immigration Law’s Post-departure Bar

Immigration law’s “post-departure bar” destroys the jurisdiction of either an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals to hear a motion to reopen or reconsider filed by an alien who is no longer physically within the country. This Note examines the current conflict between the federal circuits regarding the post-departure bar and why the circuits that have decided to strike down the bar in the cases before them have ruled in line with certain trends present in recent Supreme Court immigration cases. Conflict between the circuits has arisen because the governing statute, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, was enacted without reference to the bar, which had been in place before the Act’s passage. In that statutory silence, the Attorney General promulgated regulations intended to reestablish the bar. In recent years, circuits have taken various positions on the bar’s validity. Many have struck the bar down on the basis of either Chevron deference or the grounds outlined in Union Pacific Railroad Co. v. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, which bars an agency from limiting its jurisdiction in certain situations. Still, other circuits have upheld the bar by using Chevron to conclude that deference to the agency is proper. This Note suggests that the circuits that have struck down the bar are in line with prevailing trends in recent immigration cases decided by the Supreme Court. Further, this Note argues that it does not matter whether a circuit court relies upon Chevron or Union Pacific to strike down the bar, as the use of either precedent to attack the bar serves these trends, and is consistent with the overall direction of American immigration law.
The CINN Algorithm

This chapter discusses the CINN’s behaviour when driven by a constant input vector. In this situation, precise theorems can be proven about the stability and steady states of the system. These theorems provide a parametric characterization of the CINN’s steady states. The characterization allows us to predict the network’s STM and LTM states given the input vector. We can fashion these results into an algorithm which we call the CINN Algorithm. This algorithm represents a fast and accurate way of emulating the CINN on sequential and fine-grained parallel machines. Its development paves the way for the analyses and simulation experiments of chapters 4 and 5.
Bonding states and electrical properties of ultrathin HfOxNy gate dielectrics

Hafnium oxynitride (HfOxNy) gate dielectric was prepared using reactive sputtering followed by postdeposition annealing at 650 °C in a N2 ambient. Nitrogen incorporation in the dielectric was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. In comparison to HfO2 of the same physical thickness, HfOxNy gate dielectric showed lower equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and lower leakage density (J). Even after a high-temperature postmetal anneal at 950 °C, an EOT of 9.6 A with J of 0.8 mA/cm2 @−1.5 V was obtained. In contrast, J of ∼20 mA/cm2 @−1.5 V for HfO2 with an EOT of 10 A was observed. The lower leakage current and superior thermal stability of HfOxNy can be attributed to the formation of silicon–nitrogen bonds at the gate dielectric/Si interface and strengthened immunity to oxygen diffusion by the incorporated nitrogen.
Mvdcmp: Multivariate Decomposition for Nonlinear Response Models:

We developed a general-purpose multivariate decomposition command for nonlinear response models that incorporates several recent contributions to overcome various problems dealing with path depende...
Dysfunctional alpha-globin gene in hemoglobin H disease in blacks. A dinucleotide deletion produces a frameshift and a termination codon.

alpha-Thalassemia trait is common in Black Americans; the (-alpha) haplotype occurs in 30% of that population. However, hemoglobin H disease (genotype:- -/-alpha) is very uncommon due to the rarity of the (- -) haplotype. A subject with HbH-HbG Philadelphia (alpha 2(68)Asn—-Lys) synthesized only alpha G and no alpha A. Digestion of DNA with BamHI produced a single 10-kilobase (kb) alpha-specific fragment. Her son had alpha-thalassemia trait, did not make HbG Philadelphia, and demonstrated 14- and 10-kb alpha fragments upon BamHI digestion. Since the 14-kb fragment could not have been inherited from the mother, the son apparently received from her a chromosome bearing a single nonfunctional (alpha T) gene. Therefore, the two genotypes are: mother (-alpha G/-alpha T), son (-alpha T/alpha alpha). A 16-kb BglII fragment, containing the gene of interest from the son, was cloned into the BamHI site of phage EMBL 3 followed by subcloning of a 1.5-kb PstI alpha-specific fragment into plasmid pBR322. The mutant alpha gene demonstrated a deletion of an AG dinucleotide from the tandem repeat normally occurring in the Glu-Arg codons 30 and 31 at the junction of the first exon with intervening sequence 1. The loss of two nucleotides leads to a reading frameshift and a totally novel amino acid coding sequence in the second exon from codons 31-54 followed by the appearance of a chain termination codon (TAA) at position 55. No complete globin chain can be produced from this gene. HbH disease in this Black family is thus due to the combination of gene deletion and a nonfunctional alpha gene.
Light-Cone Kaluza-Klein Geometry: Confined Propagation as a Particle Model

A modified Kaluza-Klein theory is proposed in which propagation takes place only at the speed of light. The propagation can be confined to a small volume, forming a particle with rest mass. The usual four space-time coordinates locate the confinement volume, and Kaluza's fifth coordinate is replaced by an internal degree of freedom. Electromagnetism corresponds to a gauge field on the phase of the internal motion. Self-gravity might create the confinement, as in a geon, but the particle would have a Planck mass. This large mass could be made closer to the masses of observed particles if gravity were allowed to increase in strength within the confinement volume.
Climate change in SEA: learning from English local spatial planning experience

This research employed an analytical framework with eight climate change review criteria to investigate the extent to which strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) address climate change. The framework was applied to 36 English local development framework core strategy sustainability appraisals (SAs), which comply with EU SEA Directive (Directive 2001/42/EC) requirements. The analysis showed most English core strategy SAs addressing climate change in some way, with certain of the criteria more consistently addressed than others. A closer examination uncovered good practices, opportunities for learning, and practical ways of addressing climate change within an SEA and local spatial plan context. The examination also suggested that an additional climate change criterion pertaining to equity was warranted. A further finding concerned the importance of public participation, not just in the SA process in general, but in relation to treatment of climate change issues in particular. The analytical framework a...
Human Evolution through Developmental Change.

Human Evolution through Developmental Change. Nancy Minugh-Purvis and Kenneth J. McNamara. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002. 508 pp.
Sexual Minority Identities: Outness and Well-Being Among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults

Research suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals with highly developed positive identities tend to score higher on measures of outness and well-being than those with less positively developed LGB identities. These relationships appear to be nonlinear and a number of mediators have been proposed. To complement extant research, the present investigation posed four hypotheses: (1) negative identity would predict outness; (2) negative identity would predict well-being; (3) negative identity would mediate the relationship between outness and well-being; and (4) individuals who self-identify with intersectional identities will score lower on well-being than those who identify only as LGB.
Mometasone furoate ointment 0.1% vs. hydrocortisone ointment 1.0% in psoriasis. Atrophogenic potential.

Etude sur 51 patients presentant des lesions symetriques de psoriasis. Pendant 43 jours, d'un cote les patients ont applique une preparation a l'hydrocortisone a 1%, de l'autre du furoate de mometasone a 0,1%. Au bout de 6 semaines, on notait une absence de differences entre les deux traitements, en ce qui concerne l'atrophie cutanee et une nette superiorite du furoate de mometasone en ce qui concerne l'efficacite sur les signes de psoriasis
Indicating Socioeconomic Status among Elderly People in Developing Societies: An Example from Brazil

This paper is concerned with how to indicate Socioeconomic status (SES) among elderly people with census or survey data from less developed societies. It reports findings from a study of independent living among elderly people 65 years and over in Brazil in 1980 and 1995 that uncommonly had comparable data on education, income and housing attributes. It found that the potential indicators of SES are not substitutable. Rather, although they tend to be positively related to each other, each can have a different relationship with independent living, one being positively related even as another has no relation and a third has a negative relation. I recommend that the indicators not be combined into one measure, and that if only one is used, that choice not be called ‘Socioeconomic status’ but rather precisely what it is (e.g. education). [One]… stance involves a measurement-by-.at approach through which the investigator selects whatever remotely connected indicators he or she can locate and then merely announces that these will serve as measures [or proxies] of some highly abstract theoretical construct. The presumed rationale is that since the concept is di.cult to measure, almost any indicators will do. (Blalock, 1982, p. 19). However, insofar as di.erent perspectives lead to con.icting conclusions concerning the ‘same’ issue, the sensitivity of findings to (…) measurement (…) is clearly a matter of concern. (World Bank, n.fd.)
Nuclear excimer concept

Excimer laser technology has played a commanding role in the study of nonlinear electromagnetic phenomenon. Examined herein is the possibility that the excimer concept could be lifted into the nuclear region for the generation of amplification in the gamma-ray range. There exists a fundamental structural/dynamic analogy that supports this possibility.
Theoretical study on thermodynamic properties of C1-C16 alkanes: A 3-parameter least-squared calibration

The hybrid density-functional theory (DFT) calculated energies of C1−C16 straight-chain alkanes were obtained based on B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2pd) single-point energies and the related thermal correcti...
Abstract A25: Using clique relaxations to identify highly connected clusters in molecular networks in cancer.

Graph theory approaches are now increasingly used to navigate through big data from “omics” applications for delineating signature events in cancer subtypes, identification of new molecular targets and assigning significance of specific mutations. While usual suspects such as p53 and Rb are widely known to all researchers, ability to identify additional, highly relevant, potentially targetable genes implicated in cancer remains of great importance. Identification of cancer signatures and driver mutations turned out to be more challenging/ more complex than we originally thought as frequency of specific mutations can vary significantly leaving some potentially highly relevant (and potentially targetable) events out of the picture. We proposed to identify such targetable genes as parts of large “highly connected” clusters (also known as functional modules) in the corresponding networks. Using our recently developed algorithms, we have been able to exactly identify the largest highly connected cluster in sparse networks with up to several billion nodes. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A25. Citation Format: Lidia V. Kulemina, Grigory Pastukhov, Alexander Veremyev, Vladimir L. Boginski. Using clique relaxations to identify highly connected clusters in molecular networks in cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A25.
Scrotal Cellulitis Simulating Testicular Infarction by Tc-99m Pertechnetate Imaging

A 37-year-old man with an extensive psychiatric history attempted self-castration by tightening a coat hanger around his scrotum. This action resulted in scrotal cellulitis. Scrotal imaging with Tc-99m pertechnetate was requested to assess testicular viability. The study shows increased activity surrounding the region of the coat hanger and extending inferiorly; activity was greater on the right side. An ovoid area of relatively decreased activity on the left was interpreted initially as left testicular infarction. Subsequent surgical exploration showed that both testicles were perfused normally. The relatively decreased activity on the left presumably represents an area of less severe cellulitus.
Initiation toughness of silicon/glass anodic bonds

Abstract We describe an approach to characterize the initiation toughness (resistance to fracture initiation) of silicon/glass anodic bonds based on the universal stress state that exists at the most common site of fracture initiation: the silicon/glass interface corner. The framework is universal in that it is independent of the bond size (area). It can be applied to rank bond initiation toughness as a function of processing parameters, and also used to design reliable bonds. In order to validate the theory we designed and fabricated relatively simple anodic bond test specimens and carried out a mechanical test program to characterize bond initiation toughness. We find that while failure stresses vary significantly with bond area, the inferred initiation toughness is invariant with respect to bond area. We emphasize that the primary objective of this paper is not to develop the simplest, perhaps nondestructive, test possible. Instead it is to provide a rigorous mechanics-based framework to assess the initiation toughness of anodic bonds that can be used both to evaluate bond quality and to design reliable anodic bonds.
Management of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans in a Veterans Health Administration chiropractic clinic: a case series

Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans commonly seek care for musculoskeletal complaints in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. Chiropractic services for musculoskeletal conditions have recently been introduced to VHA. No reports have been published on chiropractic care for OIF/OEF veterans. This study was designed to describe elements of the processes and outcomes of care for OIF/OEF veterans in a VHA chiropractic clinic. A retrospective review of consecutive cases consulted to one VHA chiropractic clinic was conducted. Thirty-one cases were identified. Consultations originated in primary care and specialty clinics that commonly manage musculoskeletal conditions. Military traumatic injury and posttraumatic stress disorder were common. Adverse effects of treatment were mild and transitory. In 19 cases (61%), a pain decrease above the threshold for minimally important change was reported. This article is the first description of health services delivered to OIF/OEF veterans in a VHA chiropractic clinic. Chiropractic management was safe in these cases, and results support the hypothesis that such management may be effective in certain OIF/OIF veterans. A better understanding of the characteristics of these particular patients and the processes of care received in VHA chiropractic clinics is needed to improve the clinical care of these veterans.
The influence of soil texture and vegetation on soil moisture under rainout shelters in a semi-desert grassland

Abstract Climate change and invasions by non-native organisms are two factors of global change likely to alter the structure and function of arid and semi-arid ecosystems. We conducted a large-scale field experiment to determine how changes in amount of summer precipitation and invasions by an African grass (Eragrostis lehmanniana) may interact with soil texture to affect community and ecosystem processes in temperate grasslands and savannas of southern Arizona, USA. In particular, we investigated the response of soil moisture at several soil depths within seventy-two 2.7 m2 plots under six 9 m×18 m rainout shelters to a 3-fold difference in irrigation between February and November 2002, as well as to a single large pulse of irrigation water in June 2002. In addition, we documented the effects of the rainout shelters on microclimates under the shelters. Results indicate that relatively more water is available to plants at greater depths on sand-rich soils, whereas on clay-rich soils the greatest water availability is at the surface. Typically, soil moisture under E. lehmanniana was lower than under plots with the native grass Heteropogon contortus, although soil texture and depth modified this pattern. The precipitation shelters had minimal impacts on windspeed, soil temperature, and relative humidity; small differences in microclimatic effects between the soil types were attributed to effects of surrounding vegetation on wind velocity. Differences in soil texture, grass cover and species identity, and amount of irrigation exert interactive controls over soil moisture in this semi-arid environment, but responses are modified by time of year and depth in the soil profile.
Chronic brain unit recording for pharmacological applications

Abstract A technique is described in detail for chronic unit recording in awake, unrestrained animals during pharmacological manipulation. An example of the use of the technique is given with pharmacologically identified cells, behavioral tremor and how they are affected by anesthetics. The technique involves implantation of Nichrome wire electrodes into brain areas and anchoring them in an array on the skull. For recording, the electrode connectors on the skull are plugged into a light-weight field effect transistor (FET) amplifier the design of which is detailed. The FET amplifier is attached to a cable suspended from a counter-balanced commutator arm above the subject. This system allows subjects to move freely while unit activity from well isolated neurons or small groups of neurons is recorded. The technique allows long-term recording from the area of the electrodes over several weeks. Recording data obtained after harmaline injections and the slowing effects of different anesthetics on the rate of firing of units is presented.
A psychometric analysis of five DSM-III categories☆

Abstract Preliminary studies of interdiagnostician agreement have shown that the DSM-III holds promise for improving diagnostic reliability. This study examined the characteristics of five DSM-III diagnostic categories (schizophrenia, mania and schizotypal, narcissistic and borderline personality disorders) with respect to three psychometric criteria. Examined were the specificity, syndrome association and internal consistency of the diagnostic criteria for these disorders. Results suggested that of the diagnostic categories examined, the criteria for schizophrenia performed best under empirical scrutiny, while criteria for borderline and narcissistic personality disorders were more problematic. Suggestions are made for subsequent investigations into the internal validity of DSM-III.
PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR OBESITY

This article discusses former and current medications used to treat obesity, reviews efficacy and safety data for current medications, and suggests clinical guidelines for their use.
Differential expression of microRNAs with progression of gestation and inflammation in the human chorioamniotic membranes.

Objective The aim of this study was to identify differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in chorioamniotic membranes with advancing gestation, labor, and inflammation. Study Design Expression profiles of 157 miRNAs in the chorioamniotic membranes were obtained from patients in the following groups: 1) term not in labor (n = 10); 2) term in labor (n = 10); 3) preterm labor with histologic chorioamionitis (n = 9); and 4) without histologic chorioamnionitis (n = 10). Results More than 95% of the miRNAs screened were expressed. Gestational age-dependent changes in expression were observed for 13 miRNAs. No differences in miRNA expression were observed between women without labor and women in labor. Membranes with chorioamnionitis displayed increased expression of miR-223 and miR-338. Gene Ontology analysis of genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs revealed enrichment for specific biological process categories. Conclusion Chorioamniotic membranes with advancing gestational age and chorioamnionitis are associated with the differential expression of a subset of miRNAs.
The ‘‘Hybrid Hero’’ in Western Dime Novels: An Analysis of Women’s Gender Performance, Dress, and Identity in the Deadwood Dick Series

The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore how dress - including cross-dressing and androgynous dress - was used within the Deadwood Dick series to construct meanings about gender and identity. The research was informed by the works of Judith Butler and Erving Goffman and by reflection theory. Data were collected by extracting references to dress within five Deadwood Dick novels featuring Calamity Jane. Analyses revealed overarching themes related to traditionally feminine dress, androgynous dress, and cross-dressing. Transitions in ideological views of 19th century womanhood are reflected in the dime novels' alterations in appearance and gender performance that enabled female characters to act in expanded spheres. Androgyny allowed characters to adopt nontraditional gender identities, giving the freedom to participate in male-dominated contexts. Cross-dressing provided characters a means of navigating temporary changes in space and place. Findings provide a reflection of the evolving national c...
Gatekeeper mechanisms for immature B cells

Lymphocyte maturation and survival depend on a canonical NF-κB activation pathway. BAFF, however, uses an alternative NF-κB pathway to mediate signaling in maturing B cells.
Religion and Decisions About Marriage, Residence, Occupation, and Children

Using data from the first wave of the Portraits of American Life Study (PALS), we consider the extent to which people report that religious factors influence their decisions about career choice, marriage, residency, and number of children. We find significant positive relationships between the importance of religion or religious faith and the perceived influence of religious factors on one's choice of occupation, decision about whether or whom to marry, decision about where to live, and decision about how many children to have. We also observe significant interactions between the importance of religion or religious faith and religious tradition, but we find no consistent patterns across our decision-making outcomes. Our preliminary conclusions raise significant questions about the broader relationship between religion, perception, and decision making.
Pertinacity of Host-seeking Behaviour of Aedes aegypti

MOSQUITOES on the hunt are persistent pests. To the best of our knowledge, this persistence has not been quantitated. Use of mosquitoes in lengthy biting or probing experiments requires that the drive to bite or probe does not fatigue during the minutes or hours of the experiment, so that the experimental variable can be reliably quantified. The following observations were made to record the pertinacity (and lack of fatigue) of Aedes aegypti females.
New Directions in Agricultural Economics Curricula, University of California, Davis

T HE entire College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis, has been challenged to find and implement innovative educational programs by the 1970 "New Directions" report on undergraduate teaching in the College. Recommendations were gathered from a year of study by three committees charged by former Dean C. O. McCorkle with considering goals, curricula, and majors, and the administration of teaching programs. The new direction in administration was quickly effected by creating five interdisciplinary teaching divisions so that the needs and objectives of the various undergraduate teaching units could be considered independently of departmental research missions. (The five undergraduate teaching divisions are Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences, Food and Consumer Sciences, Resource Sciences, and Applied Economics and Behavioral Sciences, the latter consisting of three majors with primary emphasis on agricultural economics and four in the area of applied behavioral science). Stressing the need for curricular flexibility both to meet the unique objectives of individual students at each point in time and to provide for systematic adaptability over time, seven reforms proposed by the study committee have been instituted. The first four measures affect all undergraduates in the College: (1) increased emphasis has been placed on the dual role of faculty advisors in assisting each student to obtain her personal educational objectives and in seeking student input into changing curricula; (2) all college-wide "breadth" requirements have been dropped; (3) students may take up to one-third of their total units on a pass-no record basis (P > C-) with no restriction on so taking major courses; (4) course prerequisites have been eliminated or replaced wherever possible with "recommended bodies of knowledge." In addition, individual students may elect to take "courses of inquiry"-problem solving courses whose specific content is determined by a student or students and one or more faculty with a common interest. Likewise, the Explorer program permits an individual student, in consultation with an advisor, to tailor an individual major by describing his special educational objectives and proposing a study list to accomplish them. Finally, the existing majors have been requested to substitute broad areas of knowledge for specific requirements (e.g., 10 units of natural science in lieu of requiring Physics 1 and Chemistry 5). The new direction in goals of the College's undergraduate teaching program stresses the involvement of students in both determining educational policy and in evaluating the teaching and advising output of the faculty. The purpose of this involvement is to obtain more information about students' demand for the educational product instead of our traditional reliance upon whatever course structure and content faculty have chosen to supply. In agricultural economics, substantive changes in both the undergraduate and graduate curricula reflect the recommended "new
Explaining why Gleevec is a specific and potent inhibitor of Abl kinase.

Tyrosine kinases present attractive drug targets for specific types of cancers. Gleevec, a well-known therapeutic agent against chronic myelogenous leukemia, is an effective inhibitor of Abl tyrosine kinase. However, Gleevec fails to inhibit closely homologous tyrosine kinases, such as c-Src. Because many structural features of the binding site are conserved, the molecular determinants responsible for binding specificity are not immediately apparent. Some have attributed the difference in binding specificity of Gleevec to subtle variations in ligand–protein interactions (binding affinity control), whereas others have proposed that it is the conformation of the DFG motif, in which ligand binding is only accessible to Abl and not to c-Src (conformational selection control). To address this issue, the absolute binding free energy was computed using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations with explicit solvent. The results of the free energy simulations are in good agreement with experiments, thereby enabling a meaningful decomposition of the binding free energy to elucidate the factors controlling Gleevec’s binding specificity. The latter is shown to be controlled by a conformational selection mechanism and also by differences in key van der Waals interactions responsible for the stabilization of Gleevec in the binding pocket of Abl.
Manifestations of delegative democracy in Russian local politics: what does it mean for the future of Russia?

Abstract In attempts to describe post-communist politics adequately, this paper employs the concept of delegative democracy for analyzing Russia's local politics. It argues that the election rather than appointment by the President of local governors in Russia has facilitated the establishment of a system which can be generally described as delegative democracy. This regime inherits free and contested elections from the democratic system and non-democratic methods of power consolidation from the authoritarian system. As a mixture of those two hardly reconcilable types of political system, delegative democracy in Russia has gained a shape and reached a certain degree of stability during 1993–95. This gain may delay the consolidation of representative democracy in Russia for an indefinite time and eventually lead to a new level of economic stagnation and a return to authoritarianism.
Short-term dynamically oriented psychotherapy: A review and meta-analysis

Abstract Twenty-six studies of the effectiveness of short-term dynamic therapy (STDT) were subjected to two meta-analyses. Effect sizes (ES) obtained by each method were similar. STDT attained average ESs of 71 and 34, relative to waitlist and minimal treatment groups, respectively. When studies using psychosomatic patients were excluded, STDT achieved an ES of 85, relative to waitlist groups. We found no evidence that STDT is superior or inferior to other forms of psychotherapy at posttreatment, although it evidenced a slight superiority at long-term followup assessment. There was, in addition, evidence that studies employing manuals or therapists trained in STDT produced larger ESs than those that did not.
Six-month follow-up in weanling rats with ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic lesions: somatic, endocrine, and metabolic changes.

Thus far both the weanling rat ventromedial and dorsomedial syndrome have been investigated in only two and three-week studies. The present data are derived from a six-month study. Food intake and body weight and length changes were recorded weekly or bi-weekly and endocrine and metabolic parameters were assessed at sacrifice. Rats that had received ventromedial hypothalamic lesions shortly after weaning showed all the changes noted in previous short-term studies, i.e. normal body weight gains and food intake but increased carcass fat content. In addition, they manifested a slight hyperglycemia, normal free fatty acid levels and slowingdown of lipogenesis. Rats that had received dorsomedial lesions shortly after weaning also showed changes previously reported in short-term experiments. These include reduced ponderal and linear growth and food intake, but normal carcass composition and growth hormone levels. In addition, they showed a slight improvement of hypophagia with time, and at sacrifice hypoglycemia and low free fatty acid levels. Incorporation of glucose into fat pad glycogen and CO2 was decreased. In diaphragm, glucose incorporation was increased in both total lipid and fatty acids. The data demonstrate that both hypothalamic syndromes change with time, but not necessarily in a progressive manner. They also show that destruction of two so closely appositioned hypothalamic structures brings about entirely different and, in some parameters, opposite changes.
Characterization of a calcium and diacylglycerol-activated and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase in the pupal brain of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta: The cytosolic enzyme

Abstract A calcium and diacylglycerol-activated and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C; PKC) in the cytosol of the pupal brain of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta has been characterized. Two peaks of PKC activity were separated by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, both of which were dependent upon Ca 2+ , phosphatidylserine and 1,2 diolein. Maximal enzyme activity was obtained in the presence of 0.7 mM Ca 2+ and 200 μg/ml of phosphatidylserine. Diacylglycerol (1,2 diolein; 50 μg/ml) enhanced PKC activity and calcium sensitivity markedly in the presence of phospholipids. The phorbol ester 12- O -tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate substituted for diacylglycerol in the activation of PKC. By utilizing the differential inhibition of PKC and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase by trifluoperazine and protein kinase inhibitor, both enzymes were measured accurately in dilute, crude cytosol preparations using the common substrate histone H1.
Malpractice and radiologists in Cook County, IL: trends in 20 years of litigation.

The purpose of this article is to report the prevalence and nature of malpractice litigation involving radiology over a 20-year period and to identify trends among types of lawsuits filed. By recognizing where medicolegal risks lie in radiology, risk-management processes can be developed to minimize malpractice exposure and to improve patient care.We conducted a retrospective study of all malpractice lawsuits (18,860) filed against physicians in the greater Chicago area between January 1, 1975, and December 31, 1994. About twelve percent (2219) involved radiologic procedures or radiologists. These lawsuits were divided into six groups: slip-and-fall, radiation oncology, failure to order a radiologic examination, complications, missed diagnoses, and miscellaneous. The yearly percentage of each category relative to the total number of radiology-related suits was determined, and then each group was further divided by specific diagnosis or incident.Along with all medical malpractice lawsuits, radiology-relate...
The Cost of Drilling for Oil and Gas: An Application of Constrained Robust Regression

Abstract The robust regression method of Huber (1973) is used to fit a model to the cost of drilling for petroleum. Because the model includes a categorical variable (well type), a linear constraint is imposed on the parameter estimates Because the model was fit to the logarithm of cost and because it will be used to make repeated predictions of cost, an adjustment that approximately unbiases the predictions is imposed. The numerical values of the estimates are discussed, and a comparison is made with ordinary least squares.
Structural duration models

Abstract In this paper we discuss structural duration models, which arise from a dynamic optimization decision of an individual: for example, the decision of an unemployed worker to accept or reject a wage offer, or the decision of a plant manager to shut down the plant for inspection or repair. Starting from well-known simple models, we move on to more complex and new models, such as monitor-repair models and bivariate duration models. For each model we indicate a solution of the Bellman equation and derive the likelihood function of a typical event history.
Trust, Behavior, and High School Outcomes.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on student trust and to examine the relationship between student trust, behavior, and academic outcomes in high school. It asks, first, does trust have a positive effect on high school outcomes? Second, does trust influence student behavior, exerting an indirect effect on schooling outcomes? Third, are school size and student socioeconomic status (SES) antecedents of trust? Design/methodology/approach – A nationally representative sample of students attending public high schools in the USA (n=10,585) is drawn from the Educational Longitudinal Study. Structural equation modeling is used to examine the relationship between student trust, behavior and high school outcomes, controlling for SES, school size and prior achievement. Multiple measures of academic achievement are considered. Findings – There is a significant relationship between student trust, behavior and high school outcomes. Students who trust have fewer behavioral incidents ...
The use of electroconvulsive therapy in patients with intractable anorexia nervosa.

The history of the treatment of anorexia nervosa includes the majority of psychological and somatic therapies devised by psychiatrists, psychologists, and general physicians. We review the history of one of these treatments, electrical convulsive therapy (ECT), and discuss three patients treated with ECJ for primary anorexia nervosa. Two had a positive response to this treatment, one did not. She later responded favorably to a course of treatment with fluoxetine. © 1993 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry of poly(alkyl acrylates) : comparison with poly(alkyl methacrylates)

Abstract Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) has been used to examine a series of poly(alkyl acrylate) (PAA) homopolymers containing a variety of ester groups. Reproducible spectra for the PAAs are obtained up to 3500 Da. The spectra are composed of clusters arranged in a series of repeating patterns. These clusters are silver cationized neutral fragments of the main polymer chain. Free radical fragmentation mechanisms are proposed for PAAs under ion beam bombardment. The effect of the nature of the ester group on the fragmentation patterns of PAAs is discussed. The PAA spectra are also compared with spectra obtained from a previous TOF-SIMS study of poly(alkyl methacrylates).
Synthesis of alumina supported nickel nanoparticle catalysts and evaluation of nickel metal dispersions by temperature programmed desorption

Abstract The purpose of this study was to synthesize highly dispersed Ni/Al2O3 catalysts and to develop a suitable hydrogen-temperature programmed desorption (H2-TPD) method for the determination of nickel metal surface area, dispersion, and crystallite sizes. Several highly dispersed Ni/Al2O3 catalysts with a Ni loading between 15 and 25 wt.% were synthesized. The reducibility of catalysts was determined by temperature programmed reduction (TPR) experiments. All catalysts exhibited a single reduction peak with a maximum rate of H2 consumption (Tmax in TPR) occurring below 450 °C. Three different H2-TPD methods were employed to determine the amount of H2 chemisorbed. In TPD-1, a 10% H2/Ar mixture was used for catalyst pre-reduction and surface saturation by cooling down from Tmax in TPR to room temperature. In TPD-2, the catalyst surface after pre-reduction was flushed with Ar at Tmax in TPR + 10 °C. The TPD-3 was similar to the TPD-2, but used 100% H2 instead of 10% H2/Ar mixture. In all three TPD methods, the profiles exhibited 2 domains of H2 desorption peaks, one below 450 °C, referred to as type-1 peaks, and attributed to H2 desorbed from exposed fraction of Ni atoms, and the other above 450 °C, denoted as type-2 peaks, and assigned to the desorption of H2 located in the subsurface layers and/or to spillover H2. Flushing the reduced catalyst surface in Ar at Tmax in TPR + 10 °C in TPD-2 and TPD-3 removed most of the H2 located in the subsurface layers/ spillover H2. The amount of H2 chemisorbed to form a monolayer on the reduced Ni/Al2O3 catalysts was determined quantitatively from the TPD peak areas of type-1 peaks in TPD-1, and from both type-1 and type-2 peaks in TPD-2 and TPD-3. The Ni metal surface area, dispersions and crystallite sizes were calculated from the chemisorption data and the values were compared with those obtained using the static chemisorption method. Both TPD-2 and TPD-3 gave chemisorption results similar to that obtained from the static method.
A Review of I, Microbiologist

Review of : I, Microbiologist ; 1 st ed.; Erin R. Sanders and Jeffrey H. Miller; (2010). ASM Press, Washington DC. 438 pages with an appendix.
Secularism, unicity and diversity: The case of Haracandi's grove

This paper argues that secularism as a concept and practice arose from the need in 16th and 17th century Europe to create a neutral space making possible intra- as well as inter-State discourse. Th...