cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Networks

Up to now, we have considered ows or circulations only on a given network. But it is also quite interesting to study the reverse problem of designing a network—as economically as possible—on which a ow meeting given requirements can be realized. In practical terms, one might think of planning a system of roads. In the present chapter, we shall mainly study two types of network design problems. On the one hand, we consider the case where all edges may be built with the same cost, and where we are looking for an undirected network with lower bounds on the maximal values of the ows between any two vertices. Both the analysis and design of such symmetric networks use so-called equivalent ow trees; this technique also has an interesting application for the construction of certain communication networks which will be the topic of Sect. 11.4. On the other hand, we shall address the question of how one may increase the maximal value of the ow for a given ow network by increasing the capacities of some edges by the smallest possible amount.
NICKEL FOR RUMINANTS I. INFLUENCE OF DIETARY NICKEL ON RUMINAL UREASE ACTIVITY

SUMMARY Various metal ions were added to incubating rumen fluid collected from an animal fed a purified diet low in nickel (.06 ppm). After 30 min incubation the rumen fluid was assayed for urease. Ruminal urease activity was low initially and none of the metal ions tested restored urease activity to a normal level, although Ba, Ni and Mn appeared to be slightly stimulatory. Cu, Zn and Cd were found to inhibit urease. In a second study lasting 28 days 5 ppm of supplemental nickel greatly increased ruminal urease activity in lambs fed a corn-based diet containing .32 ppm of nickel and 9.5% crude protein. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were higher in the nickel supplemented Iambs 2 hr postfeeding while serum urea-nitrogen concentrations tended to be slightly lower in this group. The nickel supplemented group also tended to consume more feed and gain faster than the non-supplemented lambs. Alanine transaminase activity and glucose concentrations in serum were not affected by treatment. These studies substantiate earlier work indicating that ruminal urease requires nickel and suggest that the increased urease activity noted after nickel supplementation is not due to activation of the enzyme by nickel.
Upstream regulatory elements in chick heme oxygenase-1 promoter: a study in primary cultures of chick embryo liver cells.

Previously, chick heme oxygenase-1 (cHO-1) gene was cloned by us and two regions important for induction by sodium arsenite were identified. These two regions were found to contain consensus sequences of an AP-1 (-1580 to -1573) and a MRE/cMyc complex (-52 to -41). In the current study, the roles of these two elements in mediating the sodium arsenite or cobalt chloride dependent induction of cHO-1 were investigated further. DNA binding studies and site-directed mutagenesis studies indicated that both the AP-1 and MRE/cMyc elements are important for the sodium arsenite induction, while cobalt chloride induction involves only the AP-1 element. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that nuclear proteins binding to the AP-1 element was increased by both sodium arsenite or cobalt chloride treatment, whereas the binding of proteins to the MRE/cMyc element showed a high basal expression in untreated cells and the binding activity was only slightly increased by sodium arsenite treatment. Site-directed mutagenesis studies showed that, to completely abolish sodium arsenite induction, both the AP-1 and MRE/cMyc elements must be mutated; mutation of either element alone resulted in only a partial effect. In contrast, a single mutation at AP-1 element was sufficient to reduce the cobalt chloride induction almost completely. The MRE/cMyc complex plays a major role in the basal level expression, and shares some similarities to the upstream stimulatory factor element (USF) identified in the promoter regions of mammalian HO-1 genes and other stress regulated genes. Because sodium arsenite is known to cause oxidative stress and because activation of AP-1 proteins has been shown to be a key step in the oxidative stress response pathway, we also explored the possibility that the induction of the cHO-1 gene by sodium arsenite is mediated through oxidative stress pathway(s) by activation of AP-1 proteins. We found that pretreatment with antioxidants (N-acetyl cysteine or quercetin) reduced the induction of the endogenous cHO-1 message or cHO-1 reporter construct activities induced by sodium arsenite or cobalt chloride. These antioxidants also reduced the protein binding activities to the AP-1 element in the electrophoretic mobility shift assays. In summary, induction of the cHO-1 gene by sodium arsenite or cobalt chloride is mediated by activation of the AP-1 element located at -1,573 to -1,580 of the 5′ UTR.
Conflicts and Consistencies in Creativity Research and Teaching.

The interdisciplinary topic of creativity is both fascinating and controversial. In this review, we begin by highlighting the many ways that researchers conceptualize and define creativity, focusin...
Associating Drives Based on Their Artifact and Metadata Distributions

Associations between drive images can be important in many forensic investigations, particularly those involving organizations, conspiracies, or contraband. This work investigated metrics for comparing drives based on the distributions of 18 types of clues. The clues were email addresses, phone numbers, personal names, street addresses, possible bank-card numbers, GPS data, files in zip archives, files in rar archives, IP addresses, keyword searches, hash values on files, words in file names, words in file names of Web sites, file extensions, immediate directories of files, file sizes, weeks of file creation times, and minutes within weeks of file creation. Using a large corpus of drives, we computed distributions of document association using the cosine similarity TF/IDF formula and Kullback-Leibler divergence formula. We provide significance criteria for similarity based on our tests that are well above those obtained from random distributions. We also compared similarity and divergence values, investigated the benefits of filtering and sampling the data before measuring association, examined the similarities of the same drive at different times, and developed useful visualization techniques for the associations.
“Just like a natural man”: The B.D. styles of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey and Bessie Smith

This article pays homage to the antique term “B.D. (bulldyke) Woman” of the 1920s and 1930s, at a moment when the rise of a universal queer subject threatens to erase specific lesbian histories. Ch...
Cambarus franklini, a new crayfish (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from the Catawba River Basin in western North Carolina, USA.

A new species of stream-dwelling crayfish, Cambarus franklini, the South Mountains crayfish, is described from the upper South Fork Catawba River basin in western North Carolina, USA using morphological and genetic data. Cambarus franklini was previously considered a member of the widespread and morphologically variable Cambarus species C complex and is morphologically most similar to an undiagnosed member of the group native to the upper Catawba River basin in NC. Cambarus franklini can be differentiated from this species group by several morphological characteristics including: lacking a well-defined double row of tubercles along the mesial margin of the palm, possessing a more weakly convergent and longer acumen, and conspicuous blue-green and red coloration, particularly throughout the telson and along the distal margins of the rami. This species is phylogenetically most similar to Cambarus johni, Cooper, 2006, another former member of the Cambarus species C group. Cambarus franklini has a limited geographic range (<100 km 2 ) and is currently known only from the Henry and Jacob Fork watersheds in the South Mountains region of the Eastern Blue Ridge foothills.
Collaborative Management Strategies for Drug Shortages in Neurocritical Care

Drug shortages have become all too familiar in the health care environment, with over 200 drugs currently on shortage. In the wake of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, hospitals across the USA had to quickly and creatively adjust medication preparation and administration techniques in light of decreased availability of intravenous (IV) bags used for compounding a vast amount of medications. Amino acid preparations, essential for compounding parenteral nutrition, were also directly impacted by the hurricane. Upon realization of the impending drug shortages, hospitals resorted to alternative methods of drug administration, such as IV push routes, formulary substitutions, or alternative drug therapies in hopes of preserving the small supply of IV bags available and prioritizing them for them most critical needs. In some cases, alternative drug therapies were required, which increased the risk of medication errors due to the use of less-familiar treatment options. Clinical pharmacists rounding with medical teams provided essential, patient-specific drug regimen alternatives to help preserve a dwindling supply while ensuring use in the most critical cases. Drug shortages also frequently occur in the setting of manufacturing delays or discontinuation and drug recalls, with potential to negatively impact patient care. The seriousness of the drug shortage crisis reached public attention by December 2017, when political and pharmacy organizations called for response to the national drug shortage crisis. In this article, we review institutional mitigation strategies in response to drug shortages and discuss downstream effects of these shortages, focusing on medications commonly prescribed in neurocritical care patients.
Overview of Clinical Trials in Glomerulonephritis

The aims of this study are to describe the characteristics of clinical trials in glomerulonephritis listed in ClinicalTrials.gov and examine trends in study design, trial phases, location of trial, funding sources, and primary purpose in the last 10 years. A survey was conducted of ongoing clinical trials in glomerulonephritis registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov website using the advanced search option from 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2017. All trials with the search words were included except observational studies. Almost 59% of the trials were randomized, 11% were quadruple-masked, 9.6% were double-masked, and 3.4% were triple-masked. Of the 352 eligible trials, 26.7% were phase 3 trials, 19% were phase 4, 32.3% were phase 2, and 8.2% were phase 1. Of the trials, 21% were multinational and 42% were multicenter studies. The average number of participants in all the trials was 80. Funding data have shown that industry and other funding sources have contributed more towards glomerulonephritis trials when compared to federal agencies. The primary purpose of majority of the trials was treatment (92%). Preventive trials were only 11, basic sciences 6, and diagnostic 4. The year 2017 had the most number of trials which is very promising. The majority of trials were randomized and focused on treatment is very reassuring. The fact that there were more trials funded by industry and university rather than federal agencies is concerning.
Practice Dilemmas, Successes, and Challenges in the Delivery of Homeless Services: Voices from the Frontline

This chapter draws upon data from a 5-year National Institute of Mental Health-funded qualitative study of homeless programs to describe how frontline providers experience the implementation and delivery of homeless services. Interviews with frontline workers and observations of practice in the field are used to elucidate common practice dilemmas, successes, and challenges from the perspective of those “on the ground.” Areas discussed include provider experiences with managing risk and recovery in their work with service users who have active addiction and psychiatric issues, approaches for working with and around limited resources and policy constraints, implementation strategies for the delivery of harm reduction and “treatment first” program orientations, and how providers work to honor consumer choice and self-determination within the confines of program rules.
Gastrointestinal symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatment in COVID-19

The novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged and is responsible for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 global pandemic. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are strongly associated with respiratory symptoms during infection, but gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain, have been identified in subsets of COVID-19 patients. This article focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms and pathophysiology in COVID-19 disease. Evidence suggests that the gastrointestinal tract could be a viral target for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Not only is the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 highly expressed in the GI tract and is associated with digestive symptoms, but bleeding and inflammation are observed in the intestine of COVID-19 patients. We further systemically summarize the correlation between COVID-19 disease, gastrointestinal symptoms and intestinal microbiota. The potential oral-fecal transmission of COVID-19 was supported by viral RNA and live virus detection in the feces of COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the viral balance in the GI tract could be disordered during SARS-CoV-2 infection which could further impact the homeostasis of the gut microbial flora. Finally, we discuss the clinical and ongoing trials of treatments/therapies, including antiviral drugs, plasma transfusion and immunoglobulins, and diet supplementations for COVID-19. By reviewing the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 virus, and understanding the correlation among COVID-19, inflammation, intestinal microbiota, and lung microbiota, we provide perspective in prevention and control, as well as diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 disease.
Fabrication of Taste-Masked Donut-Shaped Tablets Via Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printing Paired with Hot-Melt Extrusion Techniques.

The objective of this work was to develop taste-masked donut-shaped tablet formulations utilizing fused filament fabrication three-dimensional printing paired with hot-melt extrusion techniques. Caffeine citrate was used as the model drug for its bitter taste, and a 3-point bend test was performed to assess the printability of filaments. The stiffness constant was calculated to represent the printability by fitting the breaking distances and stress data into Hooke’s law. The formulations without Eudragit E PO (F6) and with Eudragit E PO (F7) filaments exhibited the desired hardness with a “k” value of 48.30 ± 3.52 and 45.47 ± 3.51 g/mm3 (n = 10), respectively, and were successfully printed. The donut-shaped tablets were 3D printed with 10, 50, and 100% infill densities. In vitro dissolution studies were performed in simulated salivary fluid (pH 6.8, artificial saliva) to evaluate the taste-masking efficiency of the printed donuts. In the first minute, the concentrations of caffeine citrate observed in the dissolution media from all the printed donuts were less than the bitter threshold of caffeine citrate (0.25 mg/mL). Formulation F7, which contained Eudragit E PO copolymer, demonstrated better taste-masking efficiency than formulation F6. Furthermore, both formulations F6 and F7 demonstrated immediate drug release profiles in gastric medium (10% infill, > 80% release within 1 h). Taste-masked caffeine citrate formulations were successfully developed with donut shapes, which will enhance appeal in pediatric populations and increase compliance and patient acceptance of the dosage form.
Why Temperature Screening for Coronavirus Disease 2019 With Noncontact Infrared Thermometers Does Not Work

Coronavirus disease 2019 screening can evaluate large numbers of patients while reducing healthcare exposures and limiting further spread of the virus. Temperature screening has been a focal point of case detection during the pandemic because it is one of the earliest and most frequently reported manifestations of the illness. We describe important factors to consider of screened individuals as well as the measurement process and current outcomes. Optimal temperature-based screening involves both individual and environmental factors as well as reconsideration of the current fever threshold.
Modeling Relationships among Securitized Property Markets, Stock Markets, and Macroeconomics Variables

This paper investigates the dynamic interactions among securitized property markets, stock markets, and key macroeconomic factors for ten developed nations throughout North America, Europe, Austral...
Estimating Import Supply and Demand Elasticities: Analysis and Implications

Feenstra (1994) developed, and Broda and Weinstein (2006) refined, a structural estimator to estimate import demand and supply elasticities. Working through the first principles of the methodology from Leamer (1981), this paper analyzes and improves the technique to provide a unified estimator of import supply and demand elasticities. The proposed LIML routine corrects small sample biases and constrained search inefficiencies. Standard estimates are shown to overestimate the median elasticity of substitution by over 35%. Applied to U.S. import data from 1993-2007, the biases of the standard estimates translate into an understatement of consumer gains from product variety by a factor of 6. Lastly, I investigate the implications of violations to the underlying assumptions of the model.
Making the invisible visible: Toward structural characterization of allosteric states, interaction networks, and allosteric regulatory mechanisms in protein kinases

Despite the established view of protein kinases as dynamic and versatile allosteric regulatory machines, our knowledge of allosteric functional states, allosteric interaction networks, and the intrinsic folding energy landscapes is surprisingly limited. We discuss the latest developments in structural characterization of allosteric molecular events underlying protein kinase dynamics and functions using structural, biophysical, and computational biology approaches. The recent studies highlighted progress in making the invisible aspects of protein kinase 'life' visible, including the determination of hidden allosteric states and mapping of allosteric energy landscapes, discovery of new mechanisms underlying ligand-induced modulation of allosteric activity, evolutionary adaptation of kinase allostery, and characterization of allosteric interaction networks as the intrinsic driver of kinase adaptability and signal transmission in the regulatory assemblies.
Dual Language as White Property: Examining a Secondary Bilingual-Education Program and Latinx Equity:

This critical race ethnography examines a secondary-level dual-language (DL) program, a bilingual-education model thought to provide Latinxs educational equity. Drawing from a three-stage recursive...
Can the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Resolve Conflicts

This article examines the potential of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to contribute to mediation of conflicts in the Muslim world. Based on interviews with OIC senior officials and government officials from Iraq and the Philippines, as well as research involving other primary and secondary sources, the author analyzes four cases in which the OIC participated in mediation efforts: the Philippines, Thailand, Iraq, and Somalia. The article concludes with an assessment of the advantages and challenges of including the OIC in such mediation efforts, as well as recommendations related to capacity-building and inter-organizational partnerships that might enhance the potential for the OIC to play a constructive role in conflicts involving the Muslim community. Author Bio(s) Ibrahim Sharqieh is a Foreign Policy Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Deputy Director of the Brookings Doha Center. Sharqieh previously served as senior project director at AED (2006-2010), where he managed international development projects in several Arab countries including Yemen and Qatar. He also served as an academic advisor to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. and taught International Conflict Resolution at The George Washington, George Mason, and Catholic universities. He has published extensively on Conflict Resolution and Mediation in the MENA region and is a frequent commentator on news channels, including NPR, CNN, Aljazeera (English & Arabic), BBC, France24, and CCTV. Email: isharqieh@brookings.edu This article is available in Peace and Conflict Studies: http://nsuworks.nova.edu/pcs/vol19/iss2/3 Peace and Conflict Studies Volume 19, Number 2 219 Can the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Resolve Conflicts?
How Young Children Make Sense of Their Life Stories.

Self, who we are and how we come to see ourselves, is increasingly viewed as the ongoing and changing story we tell about our lives. It is a story that begins in the early childhood years and that we actively construct out of the relational matrix of home, school, and community. Early childhood settings are crucial sites where young children construct stories of who they are in relation to others. Teachers play a meaningful role in guiding young children in constructing an ongoing sense of self in relation to others.
Abstract 969: Lifetime Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death at Selected Index Ages and by Risk Factor Strata and Race: Cardiovascular Lifetime Risk Pooling Project

Background: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major public health problem, and it is often the first manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Lifetime risk (LR) for SCD has not been estimated. Methods: We used NHLBI public-release datasets from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, which used diverse criteria to define SCD. In FHS, SCD was defined as a coronary death occurring within 1 hour of symptom onset and without other probable cause of death, after extensive review of records and next-of-kin interviews. LR for SCD to age 95 was estimated, with death free of SCD as the competing risk, for men and women at selected ages by risk factor strata and race. Results: In the FHS, there were 2261 men and 2733 women followed for a total of 156,036 person-years; during follow up, 374 experienced SCD. At age 40, the overall LRs for SCD were 12.3% (95% CI 10.9 –13.7%) in men and 4.2% (3.4 – 4.9%) in women. Remaining LRs were lower at older index ages (e.g., 5.4% for men and 2.2% for women at age 80). LRs for SCD from age 50 in FHS are shown in the Table, by risk factor strata. Greater individual and aggregate risk factor burden were associated with markedly higher LRs for SCD. Similar associations for risk factors and LR for SCD were observed in ARIC and CHS. In ARIC, LRs for SCD to age 75 were similar to FHS, with greater LRs in black than white men (4.5% vs 2.9%). In CHS, using a more restrictive definition for SCD (within 5 minutes of symptom onset), remaining LRs for SCD at age 65 to age 95 were higher for black than white men (8.7% vs 4.0%). Conclusions: These results are the first estimates of lifetime risk for SCD. Established risk factors, male sex, and black race in men are associated with substantially increased lifetime risks for SCD. These relatively high lifetime risks (1 in 8 for men and 1 in 24 for women) should promote public health and individual efforts aimed at preventing this devastating consequence of cardiovascular disease.
Markers of Masculinity: Phallic Representation in Moche Art

This paper examines the male body in Moche art as a locus for the ideological construction of gender. It proposes that the male body is characterized by vitality, violence, and potency, and that an aspect of this characterization may affect the conventions for representing the phallus. These conventions specifically refer to the erect, sexually potent phallus, even when a specific phallus is not depicted as erect. This mode of representation attempt to create a fixed state out of a temporary quality, by emphasizing the eternal performance of male gender.
Oncological Applications of FDG PET Imaging: Brain Tumors, Colorectal Cancer Lymphoma and Melanoma

This article will focus primarily on body oncology diagnosis, staging and therapy monitoring using fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET imaging. Common pitfalls and artifacts in body FDG imaging will be covered. Examples of diagnosis, staging and therapy monitoring of brain tumor, colorectal cancer, lymphoma and melanoma will be given. Importance of correlation with anatomic imaging and practical use of FDG imaging in patient management will be stressed.
Multichannel Plating Unit for High-Throughput Plating of Cell Cultures

High-throughput genomic approaches to gene function or target identification have led to the development and implementation of the 96-well format for many standard molecular biology manipulations. ...
miR-16 rescues F508del-CFTR function in native cystic fibrosis epithelial cells

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is due to mutations in the CFTR gene, which prevents correct folding, trafficking and function of the mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The dysfunctional effect of CFTR mutations, principally the F508del-CFTR mutant, is further manifested by hypersecretion of the pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 into the airway lumen, which further contributes to morbidity and mortality. We have hypothesized that microRNA (miR)-based therapeutics could rescue the dysfunctional consequences of mutant CFTR. Here we report that a miR-16 mimic can effectively rescue F508del-CFTR protein function in airway cell lines and primary cultures, of differentiated human bronchial epithelia from F508del homozygotes, which express mutant CFTR endogenously. We also identify two other miRs, miR-1 and miR-302a, which are also active. Although miR-16 is expressed at basal comparable levels in CF and control cells, miR-1 and miR-302a are undetectable. When miR mimics are expressed in CF lung or pancreatic cells, the expression of the F508del-CFTR protein is significantly increased. Importantly, miR-16 promotes functional rescue of the cyclic AMP-activated apical F508del-CFTR chloride channel in primary lung epithelial cells from CF patients. We interpret these findings to suggest that these miRs may constitute novel targets for CF therapy.
Paper-Strip Blood-Sampling Technique for the Detection of Antibody to the Plague Organism Yersinia pestis

The paper-strip blood-sampling technique was evaluated for efficacy in plague passive hemagglutination tests. It is valuable for widespread serological surveys.
Green composites. II. Environment-friendly, biodegradable composites using ramie fibers and soy protein concentrate (SPC) resin

Fully biodegradable and environment-friendly green composite specimens were made using ramie fibers and soy protein concentrate (SPC) resin. SPC was used as continuous phase resin in green composites. The SPC resin was plasticized with glycerin. Precuring and curing processes for the resin were optimized to obtain required mechanical properties. Unidirectional green composites were prepared by combining 65 % (on weight basis) ramie fibers and SPC resin. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of these composites were significantly higher compared to those of pure SPC resin. Tensile and flexural properties of the composite in the longitudinal direction were moderate and found to be significantly higher than those of three common wood varieties. In the transverse direction, however, their properties were comparable with those of wood specimens. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs of the tensile fracture surfaces of the green composite indicated good interfacial bonding between ramie fibers and SPC resin. Theoretical values for tensile strength and Young’s modulus, calculated using simple rule of mixture were higher than the experimentally obtained values. The main reasons for this discrepancy are loss of fiber alignment, voids and fiber compression due to resin shrinking during curing.
Regional Growth in China: An Empirical Investigation using Multiple Imputation and Province-level Panel Data

This paper examines the contributions of various factors to China’s economic growth. The methodology is discussed in papers by Levine and Renelt (1992) and Sala-i-Martin (1997). Using multiple imputation techniques on a panel data from 1978 to 1999 for 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and independently administered cities, we find that provinces with more innovation capital and more bank-deposit-to-GDP ratios tend to experience higher economic growth. Migration of people into a province, the number of higher education teachers, railroad density & local government revenue as a percent of total government spending are all negatively related to subsequent growth rates.
Carboxyhemoglobin Trend in Chicago Blood Donors, 1970–1974

An 18% reduction in the carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturation in nonsmoking Chicago blood donors occurred between 1970 and 1974, indicating that current donors are being exposed to a lower average carbon monoxide (CO) concentration than had been experienced by 1970 donors. In contrast to the situation in 1970, when it was discovered that 74% of the nonsmokers in Chicago were being exposed to CO in excess of the amount permitted by the federal air quality standards, in 1974 only 41% of the nonsmokers were being overexposed. The observed reduction in HbCO correlates well with both the ambient CO levels recorded at the air monitoring stations and the reduction in CO emission from automobiles. If the current trend continues, Chicago should reach compliance with air quality standards for CO by 1985. The measurement of HbCO in a representative urban population is an accurate index of actual CO exposure and supplements the air pollution data provided by air monitoring stations.
Review and critical analysis of the morphology of random ionomers across many length scales

This review presents a description of what is known about ionomer morphology. All papers on ionomer morphology are not included in this review; but all relevant questions about ionomer morphology are posed and answered as completely as possible. The review is critical; that is, reasons are given for morphologies that are deemed to be more or less likely. The review is organized along three length scales: sub-nanometer, nanometer to 10 nm, and greater than 10 nm. Within each length scale, all three phases are considered: crystalline, amorphous, and ionic aggregate. The purity of the three phases, the arrangement of atoms in the three phases, the size and shape of the three phases, and their arrangements in space relative to each other are explored in this review. A model for the shape of aggregates in ionomers that have well-ordered internal environments is presented. This model proposes that aggregates are fundamentally planar, but will “roll up” into tubes or other related structures in order to reduce the number of atoms at aggregate edges. This model was developed primarily based on the varied morphologies ionomers have shown in electron micrographs, but is consistent with other indirect measurements of ionomer morphology. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Pulmonary hypertension among end-stage renal failure patients following hemodialysis access thrombectomy.

Purpose: Percutaneous hemodialysis thrombectomy causes subclinical pulmonary emboli without short-term clinical consequence; the long-term effects on the pulmonary arterial vasculature are unknown. We compared the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension between patients who underwent one or more hemodialysis access thrombectomy procedures with controls without prior thrombectomy. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed. Cases (n = 88) had undergone one or more hemodialysis graft thrombectomy procedures, with subsequent echocardiography during routine investigation of comorbid cardiovascular disease. Cases were compared with controls without end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (n = 100, group 1), and controls with ESRD but no prior thrombectomy procedures (n = 117, group 2). The presence and velocity of tricuspid regurgitation on echocardiography was used to determine the prevalence and grade of pulmonary hypertension; these were compared between cases and controls using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among cases was 52% (46/88), consisting of mild, moderate and severe in 26% (n = 23), 10% (n = 9) and 16% (n = 14), respectively. Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among group 1 controls was 26% (26/100), consisting of mild, moderate and severe pulmonary hypertension in 14%, 5% and 7%, respectively. Cases had 2.7 times greater odds of having pulmonary hypertension than group 1 controls (p = 0.002). The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among group 2 controls was 42% (49/117), consisting of mild, moderate and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension in 25% (n = 49), 10% (n = 12) and 4% (n = 5), respectively. Cases were slightly more likely to have pulmonary hypertension than group 2 controls (OR = 1.5), although this failed to reach statistical significance (p = 0.14). Conclusion: Prior hemodialysis access thrombectomy does not appear to be a risk factor for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Patients with ESRD are more likely to have pulmonary hypertension.
Carbamate Insecticides: Synergism by Organothiocyanates

Isotronyl thiocyanoacetate and related thiocyanates were shown to be highly synergistic when used in combination with several insecticidal carbamates against the house fly, Musca domestica L. Synergism comparable to that obtained with commercially available methylenedioxyphenyl synergists was demonstrated against susceptible and carbamate-resistant flies. Experiments with C14-labeled carbamates showed that the synergism involved inhibition of the biochemical detoxication of the carbamate within the body of the fly.
Acute Renal Artery Stent Thrombosis With a Solitary Functioning Kidney

A 55-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, bilateral renal artery disease with a left renal artery stent, and a chronically occluded right renal bypass graft presented with anuria and acute renal failure. Diagnostic studies showed high-grade renal artery in-stent stenosis with thrombotic occlusion of the main left renal artery distal to the stent. Catheter-directed thrombolysis and stent-in-stent placement within the left renal artery were successful at restoration of renal artery perfusion and function. Acute renal artery thromboembolic events are rare but can be devastating when these occur bilaterally or within a solitary functioning kidney. Timely diagnosis and therapy can often restore renal function and prevent dialysis dependence. The evolution of therapy for acute renal thromboembolism is discussed in this study. Recurrent stenosis within a stented renal artery is not uncommon and can be dependent on certain risk factors. Routine surveillance duplex ultrasound after endovascular therapy is essential for prevention of restenosis or thrombotic stent occlusion. The optimal therapy for in-stent restenosis is not defined; however, restenosis rates are lower with repeat stent-in-stent procedures as opposed to balloon angioplasty alone.
Type A behavior and angiographic findings

Abstract This study examines the association between Type A personality and the extent of coronary artery disease found at angiography. Our initial work failed to demonstrate an association between Type A as measured by the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS) and vessel disease. In this study on a second cohort of 105 patients, we have used both the JAS and semi-structured interview as measures for Type A personality. All patients were assessed prior to angiography. Coronary arteries were judged significantly narrowed if angiography revealed >50% narrowing of the vessels' diameter. Neither the JAS nor the semi-structured interview were significantly associated with the extent of vessel disease. The discrepancy between our findings and those of other investigators may be attributable to population differences.
Optical properties of woven ceramic fabrics for flexible heat shields

Optical-properties data for ceramic fabrics woven from silica, aluminoborosilicate, or silicon carbide yarns are presented. The normal hemispheric reflectances and transmittances measured at room temperature and over the spectral range of 250 to 2500 nm show a large dependence on fabric weight and a lesser dependence on fabric weave pattern. Reflectances of silicon carbide fabrics are lower by a factor of about 10 than those of silica and aluminoborosilicate. The reflectance and transmittance of silica and aluminoborosilicate fabrics decrease at wavelengths below 500 nm because of material absorption. A two-flux analytical model is used to derive spectral absorption and scattering coefficients for the silica and aluminoborosilicate fabrics from the measured reflectance and transmittance data, and comparisons are made with available data for other ceramics.
THE EFFECTS OF BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING ON MAND TRAINING BY STAFF AND UNPROMPTED VOCAL MANDS BY CHILDREN

We evaluated the effects of a training package, including instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback, for training staff members to conduct mand training with children. Experimenters collected data on staff performance on each step of a task analysis of mand training and on unprompted child vocal mands. Training resulted in increases in staff performance in mand training and in unprompted mands by children. We observed replication of these effects across settings for all staff and for 3 of the children.
Role for a conserved structural motif in assembly of a class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase active site.

The catalytic domains of class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are built around a conserved Rossmann nucleotide binding fold, with additional polypeptide domains responsible for tRNA binding or hydrolytic editing of misacylated substrates. Structural comparisons identified a conserved motif bridging the catalytic and anticodon binding domains of class Ia and Ib enzymes. This stem contact fold (SCF) has been proposed to globally orient each enzyme's cognate tRNA by interacting with the inner corner of the L-shaped tRNA. Despite the structural similarity of the SCF among class Ia Ib enzymes. the sequence conservation is low. We replaced amino acids of the MetRS SCF with portions of the structurally similar glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) motif or with alanine residues. Chimeric variants retained significant tRNA methionylation activity, indicating that structural integrity of the helix―turn―strand―helix motif contributes more to tRNA aminoacylation than does amino acid identity. In contrast. chimeras were significantly reduced in methionyl adenylate synthesis. suggesting a role for the SCF in formation of a structured active site domain. A highly conserved aspartic acid within the MetRS SCF is proposed to make an electrostatic interaction with an active site lysine; these residues were replaced with alanines or conservative substitutions. Both methionyl adenylate formation and methionine transfer were impaired. and activity was not significantly recovered by making the compensatory double substitution.
The End of the World Is Flat

From the second law of thermodynamics and the "light-cone geometry of space-time," Penrose argues that the end of the our current expanding universe will serve as the big bang of a new one
Price and consumer cost responsibility effects on quality perceptions and price negotiation likelihood for healthcare services.

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of an experimental study that assessed potential differences in consumer quality perceptions and price negotiation likelihood for three healthcare procedures: a routine physical, rhinoplasty, and a root canal, based on varying levels of price and consumer cost responsibility. Results of this study did not support a general positive price-perceived quality relationship for any of the three procedures. However, several significant effects were observed for price negotiation likelihood. First, price negotiation likelihood was found to be higher for more expensive services (i.e., rhinoplasty) than less expensive services (i.e., routine physical). In addition, consumers were more likely to negotiate price when they were both responsible for the entire cost of an expensive procedure and not accustomed to paying the full cost. Lastly, people who likely perceived a relationship between price and quality were less likely to negotiate pricing at high price levels vis-a-vis l...
Critical Heat Flux of Water at Subatmospheric Pressures in Microchannels

Critical heat flux conditions for water at subatmospheric pressures in an array of silicon-based, 227 μm hydraulic diameter, rectangular microchannels were experimentally studied. Experiments were conducted at exit pressures from 0.1 atm to 1 atm, mass fluxes from 86 kg/m 2 s to 303 kg/m 2 s, and an effective heat flux up to 444 W/cm 2 . The annular flow pattern revealed during flow visualization and the high exit qualities at CHF conditions suggest dryout to be the CHF mechanism. An analysis, based on the experimental results and known CHF characteristics, on the dependency of the critical heat flux on various variables was performed. It was found that the boiling number at the CHF condition was approximately a constant.
Fournier's gangrene: CT findings

Fournier's gangrene is an uncommon gas-forming infection of the scrotum which if not recognized early and treated appropriately may be fatal. In three patients recently seen at our institution, computed tomography (CT) was instrumental in establishing the correct diagnosis and determining the extent of the infectious process prior to surgery. The imaging findings at CT and its differential diagnosis are illustrated. A brief review of the current theories of pathogenesis of this interesting entity is presented.
Spirituality As a Strength of Afican‐American Women Affected by Welfare Reform

Spirituality, including religious community participation, is commonly an important aspect of life and a significant strength in African‐American communities, especially for women dealing with issues of poverty. In order to deepen knowledge about how this works in people's daily lives, this qualitative study explored how a group of 44 African‐American women in a job readiness program located in a Midwestern urban area utilized spirituality as a strength in response to challenges of poverty and welfare reform. Findings reveal participants' views about the following themes: spirituality as a source of strength; definitions of spirituality; spirituality expressed in religious practices; spirituality infused in daily life; spiritual dreams and visions for life direction; spiritual ways of coping with poverty, welfare, and welfare reform; and spiritual qualities of the job readiness program. One vignette is presented to illustrate the all‐pervading influence of spirituality in a participant's life. Finally, im...
Verzerrung des Wählerwillens als Folge der Sitzzuteilung bei Verhältniswahlen

Bei Verhaltniswahlen werden Zuteilungsmethoden verwendet, um die Stimmenanteile der konkurrierenden Parteien auf ganzzahlige Mandatszahlen im Parlament abzubilden. Dabei kann es zu Verzerrungen des eigentlichen Wahlerwillens aufgrund der Sitzzuteilung kommen. In diesem Artikel wird ein geometrisch-kombinatorischer Zugang diskutiert, mit dessen Hilfe sich derartige Verzerrungen quantitativ erfassen lassen.
19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Chemical Shifts of Fluorine Containing Aliphatic Amino Acids in Proteins: Studies on Lactobacillus casei Dihydrofolate Reductase Containing (2S,4S)-5-Fluoroleucine‖

We have prepared Lactobacillus casei dihydrofolate reductase containing biosynthetically incorporated (2S,4S)-5-fluoroleucine ([5-F]-Leu DHFR) and have obtained its 1H and 19F NMR spectra at 9.4 Tesla. The 19F spectrum of [5-F]-Leu DHFR showed 12 fairly sharp peaks (one containing two overlapped signals) for the 13 leucine residues in DHFR, covering a chemical shift range of 15 ppm. The large range of chemical shifts observed could not be explained solely in terms of the electrostatic field effects due to local charge fields and is thought to have a second contribution from side-chain conformational differences (γ-gauche effects) between different leucine residues, making 19F NMR of aliphatic amino acids in proteins a potentially useful new probe of protein structure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychotherapy for late-life depression

Objectives To determine the efficacy of psychotherapy in late-life depression and to determine the effect of the type of control group on the magnitude of psychotherapy effects. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled psychotherapy trials for late-life depression. Setting Outpatient clinics or in subjects' home. Participants Subjects aged 55 years or older with acute-phase depressive disorder. Measurements Change in depressive symptoms was measured with validated scales. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for each therapy-control contrast, as meta-analytic summaries for contrasts using a similar control, and for all contrasts combined. Results The search identified 27 trials with 37 therapy-control contrasts and 2,245 subjects. Trials utilized five types of control groups (waitlist, treatment-as-usual, attention, supportive therapy, placebo). In the combined contrasts, psychotherapy was effective (SMD: 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51, 0.95; z = 6.42, p 2 = 35.67, df = 4, p 2 = 0%). The SMD was 0.11 within the waitlist controls and 1.10 within the supportive therapy subgroup. Conclusions Psychotherapy is effective for late-life depression, but the magnitude of the effect varies widely with the type of control group. Supportive therapy appears to best control for the nonspecific elements of psychotherapy and is associated with considerable change itself, but few trials have utilized it as a control.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine for treatment among African-Americans: a multivariate analysis

Abstract Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is substantial among African-Americans; however, research on characteristics of African-Americans who use CAM to treat specific conditions is scarce. Objective To determine what predisposing, enabling, need, and disease-state factors are related to CAM use for treatment among a nationally representative sample of African-Americans. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed using the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). A nationwide representative sample of adult (≥18 years) African-Americans who used CAM in the past 12 months (n = 16,113,651 weighted; n = 2,952 unweighted) was included. The Andersen Health Care Utilization Model served as the framework with CAM use for treatment as the main outcome measure. Independent variables included the following: predisposing (eg, age, gender, and education); enabling (eg, income, employment, and access to care); need (eg, health status, physician visits, and prescription medication use); and disease state (ie, most prevalent conditions among African-Americans) factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used to address the study objective. Results Approximately 1 in 5 (20.2%) who used CAM in the past 12 months used CAM to treat a specific condition. Ten of the 15 CAM modalities were used primarily for treatment by African-Americans. CAM for treatment was significantly (P Conclusions Twenty percent of African-Americans who used CAM in the past year were treating a specific condition. Alternative medical systems, manipulative and body-based therapies, and folk medicine, prayer, biofeedback, and energy/Reiki were used most often. Health care professionals should routinely ask patients about the use of CAM, but when encountering African-Americans, there may be a number of factors that may serve as cues for further inquiry.