cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The future of pharmacologic stress: selective A2A adenosine receptor agonists.

Abstract Adenosine and dipyridamole, the currently available vasodilators for myocardial perfusion imaging, produce hyperemic coronary flow by stimulating A 2A adenosine receptors on arteriolar vascular smooth muscle cells. However, both vasodilators nonselectively activate A 1 , A 2B , and A 3 adenosine receptors, which contributes to common undesirable effects. In the development of a novel pharmacologic stress agent, more selective agonism of the A 2A receptor subtype would be desirable. Currently, 2 selective A 2A adenosine receptor agonists are being evaluated in phase 3 studies as pharmacologic stress agents. The highly selective, potent, low-affinity A 2A adenosine agonist regadenoson (also known as CVT-3146) holds significant potential as a pharmacologic stress agent, based on available results from experimental and clinical trials. Regadenoson produces maximal hyperemia quickly and maintains it for an optimal duration that is practical for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. Regadenoson's simple rapid bolus administration and short duration of hyperemic effect point to an advantage of enhanced control for the clinician.
Conformational Ensemble Modulates Cooperativity in the Rate-determining Catalytic Step in the E1 Component of the Escherichia coli Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Multienzyme Complex

Cooperativity is extensively used by enzymes, particularly those acting at key metabolic branch points, to "fine tune" catalysis. Thus, cooperativity and enzyme catalysis are intimately linked, yet their linkage is poorly understood. Here we show that negative cooperativity in the rate-determining step in the E1 component of the Escherichia coli pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex is an outcome of redistribution of a "rate-promoting" conformational pre-equilibrium. An array of biophysical and biochemical studies indicates that non-catalytic but conserved residues directly regulate the redistribution. Furthermore, factors such as ligands and temperature, individually or in concert, also strongly influence the redistribution. As a consequence, these factors also exert their influence on catalysis by profoundly influencing the pre-equilibrium facilitated dynamics of communication between multienzyme components. Our observations suggest a mode of cooperativity in the E1 component that is consistent with the dynamical hypothesis shown to satisfactorily explain cooperativity in many well studied enzymes. The results point to the likely existence of multiple modes of communication between subunits when the entire class of thiamin diphosphate-dependent enzymes is considered.
Building a women's studies reading area collection: University of Wisconsin‐Madison, College Library experience

Over the last two decades, women's issues such as education, employment, pay equity, sexuality, lifestyle, housing, economics, environmental safety, health, child‐rearing practices, reproductive rights, military service, and criminal justice have become a major focus of public policy at every level. There has been equal interest about women of various ethnic backgrounds, women in other countries, and women's writing. There have been burgeoning social and political demands for research, scholarship, and activism on women‐related topics. To meet these demands, universities and colleges started interdisciplinary women's studies programs. Sheila Tobias, a leading scholar in the field of women's studies, defines it this way:
Osmotic acclimation in the Red River pupfish, Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis

Abstract 1. 1. The serum osmotic pressure in fresh-water acclimated pupfish was 321 m-osmoles/kg-water. Salt-water acclimated fish had a serum osmotic pressure of 378 m-osmoles/kg-water. 2. 2. Abrupt transfer from fresh water to salt water showed that the pupfish could acclimate to increased salinity within 8 hr. During acclimation to salt water the serum osmotic pressure reached a peak, after 4 hr, of 512 m-osmoles/kg-water. 3. 3. It was concluded that Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis was a very efficient and tolerant osmoregulator.
Avian synaptopodin 2 (fesselin) stabilizes myosin filaments and actomyosin in the presence of ATP.

Smooth muscle cells maintain filaments of actin and myosin in the presence of ATP, although dephosphorylated myosin filaments and actin–myosin interactions are unstable under those conditions in vitro. Several proteins that stabilize myosin filaments and that stabilize actin–myosin interactions have been identified. Fesselin or synaptopodin 2 appears to be another such protein. Rapid kinetic measurements and electron microscopy demonstrated that fesselin, isolated from turkey gizzard muscle, reduced the rate of dissociation of myosin filaments. Addition of fesselin increased both the length and thickness of myosin filaments. The rate of detachment of myosin, but not heavy meromyosin, from actin was also greatly reduced by fesselin. Data from this study suggest that fesselin stabilizes myosin filaments and tethers myosin to actin. These results support the view that one role of fesselin is to organize contractile units of myosin and actin.
The Hermeneutic of Suspicion in Contemporary American Legal Thought

This article explores the ‘hermeneutic of suspicion’ that seems to drive contemporary American jurists to interpret their opponents’ arguments to be ideologically motivated wrong answers to legal questions. The first part situates the hermeneutic in the history of the critique of legal reasoning, in public and private law, particularly the critique that claims that ‘no right answer is possible’ to many high-stakes questions of legal interpretation. The second part locates the hermeneutic in the long running processes of juridification, judicialization and constitutionalization that characterize law in modern society. The last part interprets the hermeneutic as ‘projective identification’, in the sense of Freud’s analysis of jealousy, with the jurist solving the problem of role conflict by firmly externalizing the inevitable ideological element in doing justice onto his opponent while preserving the legalist element in doing justice for himself.
Use of phosphonoformic acid to induce phosphaturia in chronic renal failure in rats.

In chronic renal failure (CRF), phosphate (Pi) retention may lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Dietary phosphorus restriction or phosphate binders can slow progression in experimental CRF. Conversely, diets high in phosphorus can accelerate the progression toward ESRD. Phosphate binders reduce intestinal Pi. absorption but have no effect on its renal excretion. Phosphonoformic acid (PFA, foscar-net) is a specific inhibitor of both intestinal and renal brush border Na+-Pi cotransport. It causes phosphaturia when administered parenterally or orally to rats. To determine the effect of oral PFA on renal function and on phosphate excretion in renal insufficiency, PFA was administered in drinking water to rats with CRF produced by 5/6th nephrectomy. Blood and 24-h urine collections were performed every 2 weeks for determination of plasma Pi and creatinine concentrations, urinary protein excretion, and urinary creatinine and Pi clearances. PFA, administered ...
Psoriasis is characterized by accumulation of immunostimulatory and Th1/Th17 cell polarizing myeloid dendritic cells

Myeloid dermal dendritic cells (DCs) accumulate in chronically inflamed tissues such as psoriasis. The importance of these cells for psoriasis pathogenesis is suggested by comparative T-cell and DC-cell counts, where DCs outnumber T cells. We have previously identified CD11c + -blood dendritic cell antigen (BDCA)-1 + cells as the main resident dermal DC population found in normal skin. We now show that psoriatic lesional skin has two populations of dermal DCs: (1) CD11c + BDCA-1 + cells, which are phenotypically similar to those contained in normal skin and (2) CD11c + BDCA-1 - cells, which are phenotypically immature and produce inflammatory cytokines. Although BDCA-1 + DCs are not increased in number in psoriatic lesional skin compared with normal skin, BDCA-1 - DCs are increased 30-fold. For functional studies, we FACS-sorted psoriatic dermal single-cell suspensions to isolate these two cutaneous DC populations, and cultured them as stimulators in an allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction. Both BDCA-1 + and BDCA-1 - myeloid dermal DC populations induced T-cell proliferation, and polarized T cells to become T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells. In addition, psoriatic dermal DCs induced a population of activated T cells that simultaneously produced IL-17 and IFN-γ, which was not induced by normal skin dermal DCs. As psoriasis is believed to be a mixed Th17/Th1 disease, it is possible that induction of these IL-17 + IFN-γ + cells is pathogenic. These cytokines, the T cells that produce them, and the inducing inflammatory DCs may all be important new therapeutic targets in psoriasis.
Peraparation of an extremely active magnesium slurry for Grignard reagent preparations by metal atom-solvent cocondensations

Abstract Magnesium vapor (atoms) is cocondensed with solvents (THF or hexane) at −196°. Upon warming the magnesium agglomerates, and a Mg-solvent slurry is formed that is very active in Grignard reactions. Normally unreactive aryl halides react readily with this active Mg slurry. Low temperature Grignard formations can also be carried out easily with no problems with reaction initiation.
Transshipment and Its Impact on Supply Chain Members' Performance

This note extends some of the key results of Dong and Rudi (2004) to general demand distributions. This generalization is achieved in two steps. First, we build on the analysis of Dong and Rudi to demonstrate that an inventory problem with transshipment is equivalent to a newsvendor problem with an adjusted demand. Then, we study the impact of transshipment by comparing the adjusted demand with the original demand. In addition to extending the results in the existing literature, this note presents a novel approach for analyzing the impact of risk pooling.
Pursuit-evasion games with unmanned ground and aerial vehicles

Presents the implementation of a hierarchical architecture for the coordination and control of a heterogeneous team of autonomous agents. We consider the problem of having a team of agents pursue a second team of evaders while building a map of the environment. The control architecture emphasizes the autonomy of each agent yet allows for coordinated efforts among them. We address the technical challenges and implementation issues of multi-agent operation. Finally we present experimental results of a pursuit-evasion game scenario between unmanned ground and aerial vehicles.
Philosophy and methodology for knowledge discovery in autonomic computing systems

Autonomic computing has been advanced as a solution to the currently problematic control of voice and data communications networks. Autonomic systems adapt both to their environment and to the demands placed upon them as a consequence of the use of the system(s) within their purview. Data and voice networks function in a changing environment with varying use cases; hence, autonomic systems must be deployed with both a significant a priori knowledge base and the capability to continuously upgrade that knowledge base. The system must engage in some amount of unsupervised learning and hypothesize as to nature of its functioning. Maintenance of hypotheses and theories is intrinsic to the system, especially in evolutionary scenarios. This paper explores how knowledge maintenance is done for voice and data communications networks applications that use autonomic system approaches.
Electron Laguerre-Gaussian beams

We use nanofabricated diffraction holograms to demonstrate electron Laguerre-Gaussian beams. These beams are analogous to optical vortices but are composed of charged particle wavefunctions possessing mass.
Toward an understanding of Jewish identity: A phenomenological study

To begin mapping the landscape of contemporary Jewish identity from a phenomenological perspective, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews of 10 Jewish adults in the northeastern United States. Coding resulted in 6 universal themes (dynamic nature of self-identification, early formative experiences, desire to increase religious practice, generativity, feeling marginalized, and awareness of discrimination). Most of the other 18 typical and variant themes reflected a congruence between cultural identification and religious observance. Whereas only the religiously unaffiliated participants expressed shame or embarrassment about being Jewish, the observant Jews described a sense of pride, the importance of Jewish marriage, and a connection to Israel. The Conservative and Orthodox Jews were most clear about their identity as Jews; they discussed the importance of Jewish texts, heritage, values, search for meaning, and relation to God. All but the most Orthodox participants valued interpersonal relations with Gentiles; for them, Jewish identity predominates regardless of the social context.
Escalation of aggression in Leptothorax ants

The spatial pattern of escalated aggression is examined in the antLeptothorax allardycei. A total of 973 aggressive interactions were observed, categorized according to the level of aggression achieved and the type of nearby brood. Aggression is more likely to occur in the presence of brood, and escalated aggression is most likely to occur in the presence of the eggs. A model for the decision involved in the initiation of aggression and its subsequent escalation is presented.
Role of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

The goal of this study was to determine the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the arterial pressure, renal hemodynamic, and renal excretory changes that occur in Dahl salt-resistant (DR) and salt-sensitive (DS) rats during changes in Na intake. Fifty-three DR and DS rats/Rapp strain of 7 to 8 weeks of age with indwelling arterial and venous catheters were subjected to low (0.87 mmol/d) or high (20.6 mmol/d) Na intake beginning 2 days before the start of the control period. Measurements were made during a 5-day control period followed by a 5-day period of nNOS inhibition with intravenous 7-nitroindazole (7NI, 1.67 mg. kg-1. h-1) or vehicle infusion. After 5 days of 7NI, mean arterial pressure increased to 120+/-6% control in the DR-high Na, 7NI rats compared with 98+/-1% control (P<0.05) in the DR-high Na alone rats. After 5 days of 7NI, DS-high Na rats, which had a control arterial pressure 31 mm Hg higher than the comparable DR rats, increased their arterial pressure to 114+/-3% control, which was not significantly different from the DS-high Na alone pressure of 110+/-2% control. No significant changes occurred in glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow, urinary Na excretion, or urine volume because of 7NI. However, plasma renin activity decreased significantly in DR and DS rats on low Na intake with 7NI infusion. The data demonstrate that the highly salt-resistant DR rat became salt-sensitive during nNOS inhibition with 7NI. However, the arterial pressure of the DS rat was not affected by 7NI. This suggests that nitric oxide produced by nNOS in the DR rat normally helps to prevent salt-sensitive hypertension and that low functional levels of nNOS in the DS rat may contribute to its salt-sensitivity.
Bridging Immigration Research and Racial Formation Theory to Examine Contemporary Immigrant Identities

This article explores the potential for linking immigration research with racial formation theory to examine contemporary immigrant identities. The current literature is dominated by three paradigms (ethnicity, nationalism, and transnationalism) and five theoretical perspectives on immigrant identities (plain American, hyphenated American, panethnic American, nationality origin, and transnational). They are all flawed in their reductions of race to the concepts of ethnicity, nationality, and transnationality. Based on my reading of the existing research, I will argue that immigration researchers can benefit from using racial formation theory to explore immigrant identity due to its acknowledgment of the autonomous power of race. However, racial formation theory has been correctly challenged due to its high level of abstraction and lack of micro-level analyses. Certain transnational migration studies have underscored the necessity to integrate national origin into racial formation theoretical frameworks. According to this transnational perspective, my conclusion is that immigrant families represent a logical starting point for conceptualizing the relationship between immigration and racial formation.
In vivo acquisition of prophage in Streptococcus pyogenes

Genomic analysis of 12 Streptococcus pyogenes genomes representing six different serotypes reveals that they are poly-lysogenized, with as many as seven separate phage genomes (some of which are defective). Sequence alignments of these genomes (excluding incorporated prophage) have revealed that they are ∼90% conserved, indicating that their diversity and disease capacity might be phage related. However, because S. pyogenes are only found in humans, how are new phages acquired? In vitro and in vivo experiments show that efficient phage transfer from donor to recipient streptococci occurs in the presence of mammalian cells. This suggests that, through evolution, phage have devised a system whereby progeny phage are induced and transferred to host streptococci at a site where host organisms are more prevalent.
The Information Content of Dividend Changes: Cash Flow Signaling, Overinvestment, and Dividend Clienteles

We examine the cash flow signaling, overinvestment, and dividend clientele explanations for the information content of dividend change announcements. After simultaneously con? trolling for the standardized dividend change, dividend yield, and Tobin's Q, we find that announcement period excess returns are positively related to the magnitude ofthe standard? ized dividend change and to the dividend yield, but unrelated to Tobin's Q. We provide further evidence on the cash flow signaling and overinvestment hypotheses by examin? ing revisions in analysts' earnings forecasts and changes in capital expenditures following dividend change announcements. We find that analysts significantly revise their earnings forecasts following dividend changes and that Q < 1 firms actually increase their capital expenditures following dividend increases and decrease them following dividend decreases. Overall, our findings support the cash flow signaling and dividend clientele hypotheses for stock price reactions to dividend change announcements, but provide little support for the overinvestment hypothesis.
12-b 125 MSPS CMOS D/A designed for spectral performance

A 12-b 125 MSPS, digital to analog converter fabricated on a 0.6 micron single poly double metal CMOS process is presented. The design operates on supply voltages from 2.7 to 5.5 volts and at 20 mA full. Scale output current consumes 150 mW from a 5 volt supply clocked at 100 MHz. Operating on a 3 volt supply, at 2 mA output current, and clocked at 60 MSPS, the power is less than 30 mW; new circuit architectures have been implemented which improve the spurious free dynamic range by 20 dB over previous CMOS designs and matches the results of higher power bipolar and BiCMOS designs.
Engaging HIV care providers in conversations with their reproductive-age patients about fertility desires and intentions: A historical review of the HIV epidemic in the United States

Provider-initiated conversations with people living with HIV about reproductive plans are lacking. Providers must know whether their patients want to bear children to tailor treatment and refer for HIV preconception counseling to help achieve patients’ reproductive goals while minimizing transmission to partners and children. The early focus on men who have sex with men largely excluded consideration of the epidemic’s impact on reproductive health. We used a historical review of the US epidemic to describe the problem’s scope and understand if this legacy underlies the current neglect of reproductive planning. Drawing on peer-reviewed literature, we discuss key themes relevant to assessing and understanding attention to desires for children among HIV-positive people. We conclude with recommendations for addressing persistent stigma and enhancing patient–provider communication about reproductive intentions.
Refining the Air Traffic Approach to City Networks

Despite embracing the concept of networks to help explain the organisation of modern urban systems, measurement has presented an overriding challenge to researchers: how can linkages between cities be operationalised? Airline traffic data have been proposed as a promising solution, but these data introduce their own complications. In this paper, the Airline Origin and Destination Survey is used to refine this approach, distinguishing first between hub/spoke and origin/destination networks and, secondly, between networks of business-oriented and leisure-oriented travel among 115 US metropolitan areas in 2006. After illustrating the importance of these distinctions with employment data from the American Community Survey, the resulting and more narrowly focused business network is used to test a model of urban economic flows. Results suggest that the volume of business exchanges between US cities is a function of the cities’ own attributes and as well as relational factors including economic similarity.
Parotid Secretory Granules: Crossroads of Secretory Pathways and Protein Storage

Saliva plays an important role in digestion, host defense, and lubrication. The parotid gland contributes a variety of secretory proteins-including amylase, proline-rich proteins, and parotid secretory protein (PSP)-to these functions. The regulated secretion of salivary proteins ensures the availability of the correct mix of salivary proteins when needed. In addition, the major salivary glands are targets for gene therapy protocols aimed at targeting therapeutic proteins either to the oral cavity or to circulation. To be successful, such protocols must be based on a solid understanding of protein trafficking in salivary gland cells. In this paper, model systems available to study the secretion of salivary proteins are reviewed. Parotid secretory proteins are stored in large dense-core secretory granules that undergo stimulated secretion in response to extracellular stimulation. Secretory proteins that are not stored in large secretory granules are secreted by either the minor regulated secretory pathway, constitutive secretory pathways (apical or basolateral), or the constitutive-like secretory pathway. It is proposed that the maturing secretory granules act as a distribution center for secretory proteins in salivary acinar cells. Protein distribution or sorting is thought to involve their selective retention during secretory granule maturation. Unlike regulated secretory proteins in other cell types, salivary proteins do not exhibit calcium-induced aggregation. Instead, sulfated proteoglycans play a role in the storage of secretory proteins in parotid acinar cells. This work suggests that unique sorting and retention mechanisms are responsible for the distribution of secretory proteins to different secretory pathways from the maturing secretory granules in parotid acinar cells.
Experimental Selection for Drosophila Survival in Extremely High O2 Environments

Although oxidative stress is deleterious to mammals, the mechanisms underlying oxidant susceptibility or tolerance remain to be elucidated. In this study, through a long-term laboratory selection over many generations, we generated a Drosophila melanogaster strain that can live and reproduce in very high O2 environments (90% O2), a lethal condition to naive flies. We demonstrated that tolerance to hyperoxia was heritable in these flies and that these hyperoxia-selected flies exhibited phenotypic differences from naive flies, such as a larger body size and increased weight by 20%. Gene expression profiling revealed that 227 genes were significantly altered in expression and two third of these genes were down-regulated. Using a mutant screen strategy, we studied the role of some altered genes (up- or down-regulated in the microarrays) by testing the survival of available corresponding P-element or UAS construct lines under hyperoxic conditions. We report that down-regulation of several candidate genes including Tropomyosin 1, Glycerol 3 phosphate dehydrogenase, CG33129, and UGP as well as up-regulation of Diptericin and Attacin conferred tolerance to severe hyperoxia. In conclusion, we identified several genes that were not only altered in hyperoxia-selected flies but we also prove that these play an important role in hyperoxia survival. Thus our study provides a molecular basis for understanding the mechanisms of hyperoxia tolerance.
An Overview of the Performance and Maturity of Long Life Cryocoolers for Space Applications

A survey is made which identifies more than 30 long life coolers for space applications covering a wide variety of thermodynamic cycles and configuration types. These coolers range in capacities from a few milliwatts to over 10 W at temperatures from 10 K to over 120 K and include single and multi-stage designs. The primary objectives of this study were to provide a hardware summary and performance comparison for potential space cryocooler users and to serve as an aid to the Air Force in determining future cryocooler development.
Analysis of Class II patients, successfully treated with the straight-wire and Forsus appliances, based on cervical vertebral maturation status

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess skeletal and dental changes in patients successfully treated with the Forsus appliance based on cervical vertebral maturation status. Methods: Forty-seven Class II patients, successfully treated with the Forsus appliance, were divided into peak and postpeak growth groups determined immediately prior to Forsus placement. The mean (SD) ages of the peak and postpeak groups were 13.4 (1.0) and 14.1 (1.3) years, respectively. Superimpositions of initial, Forsus placement, Forsus removal, and final cephalometric radiographs were completed, allowing the measurement of changes during three treatment phases. Results: There were no significant differences between groups during treatment phase 1 (alignment/leveling), with both groups demonstrating a worsening of the Class II molar relationship. However, during treatment phase 2 (Class II correction), patients within the peak group demonstrated significantly higher mean apical base, mandibular and molar changes, and an increased rate of ...
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency: A Viable Measure for 3- to 5-Yr.-Old Children.

The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (1978) was examined as part of an effort to identify appropriate and feasible perceptual-motor measures for use with young “normal” children so that in future research developmental changes can be investigated. The test was administered to 24 children 3- to 5-yr. of age to assess its potential for discriminating among ages and between sexes. The investigators also sought to determine whether the short form accounted for a major portion of the variability of the complete battery. The short form and the eight subtests were significantly related to age, thus the Bruininks-Oseretsky can be regarded as an age-related measure through the 3- to 5-yr. age range. No significant sex differences were found on either the short form or on subtest scores. The short form accounted for 96.3% of the variability of the complete battery, so the short form can be substituted for the complete battery whenever appropriate. Evidence supports use of the Bruininks-Oseretsky as a v...
Splenosis: an unusual cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding.

A 54-year-old woman with a past medical history of total splenectomy 37 years ago presented to the emergency department (ED) after she developed a pre-syncopal episode at home. She had a large tarry bowel movement earlier and reported feeling dizzy and weak. Her home medications included aspirin/ butalbital/ caffeine and NSAIDS for migraine headaches. In the ED her blood pressure (BP) was 80/60 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) of 130, afebrile and she was saturating 100% on non-rebreather. She was noted to be pale, having cool and clammy extremities and a melanotic stool which was guiac positive. The laboratory studies showed hemoglobin (HG) of 7.0 with a hematocrit (HCT) of 21.4, normal coagulation profile and normal electrolytes. Two 18G peripheral IV access was established. She received 4 liters of normal saline, 2 units of typed and crossmatched packed red blood cells (PRBCs), and 4mg protonix intravenously (IV). A nasogastric (NG) tube was placed and return of frank blood was visible. She was transferred to Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). She became short of breath and ABG showed Ph 7.27, CO2 25 mm Hg, O2 77 mm HG, bicarbonate level of 11 meq/L on 94% room air. Massive hematemesis ensued. She was intubated and sedated. HG after 2 units of PRBCs was 5.9. A right intrajugular catheter and an arterial-line were placed. An emergent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) showed a giant clot in the fundus of the stomach. (Figure A) Irrigation and suctioning could not clear the clot. Pylorus and duodenum appeared clear with no active bleeding. She was started on protonix drip. Soon after the EGD, she started vomiting frank blood around her nasogastric tube. Interventional Radiology (IR), Gastroenterology (GI) and General Surgery (GS) were contacted. A massive transfusion protocol was initiated. She received 14 units of PRBCs, 5 units of fresh frozen plasma, 5 units of platelets, 2 units of cryoprecipitate and 2 doses of 3 grams of intravenous calcium gluconate intravenously in the MICU. The IR found active bleeding in the fundus of the stomach from the left gastric artery which was embolized. (Figures B, C)
Family Shelter Entry and Re-entry During the Recession in Hennepin County: The Role of Race, Residential Location, and Family Earnings

AbstractThis article examines the extent to which shelter entry and re-entry increased during the Great Recession (December 2007–December 2009) in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Among successive cohorts of families entering the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Black families were 23% more likely to enter shelter if they were in the 2008–2009 cohort and 28% more likely to enter shelter if they were in the 2010 cohort than if they entered SNAP in 2004–2005. In addition, families who left shelter in 2009 were 39% more likely and families leaving shelter in 2010 were 63% more likely to re-enter shelter than those leaving shelter in 2004–2006. Only a small part of the increases in shelter entry and shelter re-entry was explained by reductions in family earnings. This suggests that the increases in shelter entry and re-entry may have been caused by other factors, such as the decline in the availability of affordable housing.
One-electron oxidation of gemcitabine and analogs: mechanism of formation of C3' and C2' sugar radicals.

Gemcitabine is a modified cytidine analog having two fluorine atoms at the 2′-position of the ribose ring. It has been proposed that gemcitabine inhibits RNR activity by producing a C3′• intermediate via direct H3′-atom abstraction followed by loss of HF to yield a C2′• with 3′-keto moiety. Direct detection of C3′• and C2′• during RNR inactivation by gemcitabine still remains elusive. To test the influence of 2′- substitution on radical site formation, electron spin resonance (ESR) studies are carried out on one-electron oxidized gemcitabine and other 2′-modified analogs, i.e., 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-methylcytidine (MeFdC) and 2′-fluoro-2′-deoxycytidine (2′-FdC). ESR line components from two anisotropic β-2′-F-atom hyperfine couplings identify the C3′• formation in one-electron oxidized gemcitabine, but no further reaction to C2′• is found. One-electron oxidized 2′-FdC is unreactive toward C3′• or C2′• formation. In one-electron oxidized MeFdC, ESR studies show C2′• production presumably from a very unst...
Design of Electro-Thermal Micro-Actuators: Mechanics and Electronic Position Detection

This chapter is devoted to the design of electro-thermal micro-actuators with capacitive position feedback. Analytical and finite element solutions of the electro-thermal and thermo-elastic problems are presented. A separate section is devoted to the challenging problem of displacement determination using charge sensitive amplifiers for high-precision capacitance measurements. These are illustrated with examples of electronic measurement circuits tested by the authors.
Illustrations of Fungi—XXI

Pileus firm, at first hemispheric, then subcampanulate or convex, 5-7 cm. broad; surface smooth, whitish, the cuticle at length breaking up into dingy-yellowish, rather large, angular scales; lamellae broad, slightly attached, whitish, becoming black; spores broadly ellipsoid, very black with a bluish tint, 17.5 X IOP,; stipe firm, smooth, white, slightly striate at the apex, solid, L2-I7.5 cm. long, 4-8 mm. thick.
Time dependent magnetic response in RBa/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7- delta /: effect of magnetic ordering

High-T/sub c/ superconductors show time-dependent magnetic response due mainly to flux flow. In an investigation of the flux flow at temperatures far above any magnetic transition, no difference was found between the time-dependent response of Y1:2:3 and R1:2:3 (R=Gd, Dy), leading to the conclusion that the paramagnetic susceptibility does not contribute to the time dependence in general. On the contrary, near the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature of Gd1:2:3 and in the region of reduced local moment in Dy1:2:3, an anomalous time dependence is observed which can only be explained by assuming a time-dependent paramagnetic susceptibility. The susceptibility can be interpreted by the assumption of a time-dependent magnetic order parameter, which is an unusual feature of magnetic transitions. A possible explanation is spin-glass-like behavior of the local moments. >
Ecology of viruses isolated from Panamanian phlebotomine sandflies.

Abstract A total of 269 virus strains was obtained from both male and female phlebotomine sandflies collected at two localities in Panama between 1969 and 1971. These isolates represented nine different virus types (Changuinola, VSV-Indiana, Punta Toro-CoAr 3319, Chagres, VP-175A, VP-437R, VP-161A, VP-488A and VP-118D) as well as several unidentified agents. Five of the virus types are new. Changuinola and Punta Toro-CoAr 3319 were the most frequently encountered agents and represented 52% and 19% of the isolates, respectively. Of man-biting sandflies processed by species, highest overall isolation rates were obtained from Lutzomyia trapidoi. Analysis of seasonal distribution of virus isolates indicated that activity of Changuinola, Chagres. VP-175 and VP-437R was continuous, while isolations of VSV-Indiana and Punta Toro-CoAr 3319 were intermittent. Seventeen isolates, representing six different virus types, were obtained from male sandflies. Isolation rates by sex for three of the virus types were similar in collections yielding comparable numbers of male and female insects. The frequency of virus isolations from male sandflies suggests that transovarial transmission of several of these agents occurs in nature. Neutralization tests on sera from inhabitants of seven rural Panamanian communities demonstrated a significant amount of human infection with VSV-Indiana. Punta Toro and VP-437R. Infections of caged sentinel animals, exposed at one of the collecting sites, were observed with VSV-Indiana, Chagres, VP-175A and VP-437R. The study demonstrated superiority of the Vero cell culture system over newborn mice for primary isolation of sandfly virus isolates. By using infected Vero cells as complement-fixing antigen for typing isolates, the necessity of blind passing many viruses in order to establish mouse pathogenicity was eliminated.
And what of the providers of geriatric dental services

The changing demographic characteristics of the dental profession are reviewed in an effort to stimulate consideration of the evolving relationship that exists between the providers and the geriatric population.
Autism and Genetics

Autism had initially been considered to be caused by environmental influences, but it is now known that there is a strong genetic influence on the development of autism. In addition, autism is genetically heterogeneous, and may occur as a component manifestation of a genetic syndrome or occur as an isolated trait. However, the genetic evaluation of an individual is still limited by the availability of certain tests, although as technology proceeds, the approach to testing is expected to change. This chapter reviews currently recommended approaches to testing, and some speculation on what will likely be available in the future.
The biological response of cells to nanosecond pulsed electric fields is dependent on plasma membrane cholesterol

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory demonstrated nanopore formation in cell membranes following exposure to nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF). We observed differences in sensitivity to nsPEF in both acute membrane injury and 24 h lethality across multiple cells lines. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the biological response of cells to nsPEF is dependent on the physical properties of the plasma membrane (PM), including regional cholesterol content. Results presented in this paper show that depletion of membrane cholesterol disrupts the PM and increases the permeability of cells to small molecules, including propidium iodide and calcium occurring after fewer nsPEF. Additionally, cholesterol depletion concurrently decreases the “dose” of nsPEF required to induce lethality. In summary, the results of the current study suggest that the PM cholesterol composition is an important determinant in the cellular response to nsPEF.
Credentials of Professionals Performing Echocardiography: Insights From the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission-Echocardiography Database

We examined the IAC-Echocardiography applications database to describe the board certification of physicians and registration of sonographers and explored how staff credentials affected initial laboratory accreditation decision. Deidentified IAC-Echocardiography applications from January 2012 to December 2013 were reviewed, including size and setting of echocardiography laboratories, National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) testamur status of physicians, and registered credential status of sonographers. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated associations between echocardiography laboratory characteristics and accreditation and deficiencies in peer-reviewed domains (staff, imaging protocols, image quality, reporting, and quality assurance) of accreditation. During the study period, 1921 echocardiography laboratories representing 10 602 physicians and 6841 sonographers applied for IAC-Echocardiography accreditation; 26.9% of physicians were NBE testamurs and 79.5% of sonographers were registered....
Cybersecurity, Cyberculture, and Africa

Electronic universe of communication has created a virtual public sphere whose boundaries are elastic. Such elasticity provides avenues for hacking and “spamiology” whose effect cannot easily be measured. Thus, data security management becomes an arduous task because the culture of encoding, transmitting, and decoding data by all concern parties fluctuates. Time and space have compounded such a management to be effective and so users publish millions of messages through online media outlet that are gyrating and circulating in the ether. With multinational companies like Google, Apple, and Time Warner, systems are mostly in place to ensure data security. But that cannot effectively be said about data management in Africa IT sectors. The government and the private sector in Africa ought to initiate policies to ensure maximum protection of data used by stakeholders within and outside their countries. Failure to do this can result in a fluid situation whereby e-criminality, malware, and espionage can burgeon.
Data Analytics for Safety Applications

Abstract Data plays a critical role in the safety of all transportation modes (e.g., air, railroad, and highway). This chapter focuses specifically on highway traffic safety. Studies on highway traffic safety cover a variety of topics, including human factors, crash count/frequency modeling, safety effectiveness evaluation (e.g., before and after study), economic appraisal, hot spot analysis, and injury severity modeling. In this chapter, an overview of existing highway traffic safety research will be provided first. Based on this overview, various methodologies that have been adopted in these studies will be discussed and summarized. Since almost all these safety studies rely heavily on data and data analytics, a detailed discussion of available data for highway traffic safety applications and their limitations is presented. In addition, this chapter discusses potential new data sources enabled by various big data initiatives and recent advancements in Intelligent Transportations Systems (ITS), such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs).
Understanding Interfacial Alignment in Solution Coated Conjugated Polymer Thin Films

Domain alignment in conjugated polymer thin films can significantly enhance charge carrier mobility. However, the alignment mechanism during meniscus-guided solution coating remains unclear. Furthermore, interfacial alignment has been rarely studied despite its direct relevance and critical importance to charge transport. In this study, we uncover a significantly higher degree of alignment at the top interface of solution coated thin films, using a donor–acceptor conjugated polymer, poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole-co-thiophene-co-thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-co-thiophene) (DPP2T-TT), as the model system. At the molecular level, we observe in-plane π–π stacking anisotropy of up to 4.8 near the top interface with the polymer backbone aligned parallel to the coating direction. The bulk of the film is only weakly aligned with the backbone oriented transverse to coating. At the mesoscale, we observe a well-defined fibril-like morphology at the top interface with the fibril long axis pointing toward the coating direction. ...
Red Clover Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) and Estrogen Receptor (ER) Agonists Enhance Genotoxic Estrogen Metabolism.

Many women consider botanical dietary supplements (BDSs) as safe alternatives to hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms. However, the effect of BDSs on breast cancer risk is largely unknown. In the estrogen chemical carcinogenesis pathway, P450 1B1 metabolizes estrogens to 4-hydroxylated catechols, which are oxidized to genotoxic quinones that initiate and promote breast cancer. In contrast, P450 1A1 catalyzed 2-hydroxylation represents a detoxification pathway. The current study evaluated the effects of red clover, a popular BDS used for women’s health, and its isoflavones, biochanin A (BA), formononetin (FN), genistein (GN), and daidzein (DZ), on estrogen metabolism. The methoxy estrogen metabolites (2-MeOE1, 4-MeOE1) were measured by LC-MS/MS, and CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression was analyzed by qPCR. Nonmalignant ER-negative breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) and ER-positive breast cancer cells (MCF-7) were derived from normal breast epithelial tissue and ER+ breast cancer tissue. Red clover extract ...
Template-Free Self-Assembly of Mesoporous Organosilicas

Using a known organosilane building block (1,1,3,3,5,5-hexaethoxy-1,3,5-trisilacyclohexane), materials with unexpectedly high surface area (>1200 m2/g) and porosity with narrow pore-size distributions were synthesized in the total absence of pore-templating agents. The properties of these mesoporous organosilicas (MOS), closely resembling those of surfactant-templated mesoporous silicas, are found to vary over a wide range depending on synthesis gel pH and gelation temperature and time. Considerable microporosity is observed at short 90 °C gelation times at pH 12.5, which diminishes to a very minor component of the porosity at times > 23 h. Under the gelation conditions used here (90 °C, pH 12.5), pore volume and pore diameter rise sharply with time, ultimately leveling off at 1.2 cm3/g and 70 A at times > 70 h. This building block is shown to be stable in acidic gels but undergoes gradual ring opening at gelation temperatures and times in excess of “standard” conditions employed for alkaline gels.The syn...
Free Fatty Acid Liberation in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Ischemic Brain Damage

Edwinm. Nemoto, Rhobert W. Evans, and Patrick M.Kochanek · Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Unraveling the mechanisms of neuronal membrane degradation and failure after ischemic anoxia stands as one of our greatest and most exciting challenges today. By gaining an understanding of the mechanisms of irreversible membrane degra-dation and dysfunction after ischemic anoxia, we may be able to understand the basis for not only irreversible neuronal injury but also the apparent differential susceptibility of synaptic transmission, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, protein synthesis, and perhaps other subcellular organelles or processes to ischemic anoxia. There is little doubt that the inability of the plasma membrane to maintain transmembrane ionic gradients with the help of various membrane ion pumps such as the Na+, K+- and Ca2+-ATPase pumps is tantamount to irreversible cellular injury. But where exactly are we in understanding the mechanisms of membrane degradation and failure, and how did we get to this point? We present a brief historical perspective of past investigations on the pathogenesis of ischemic anoxic brain damage and how appreciation of the role of free fatty acids (FFA) evolved. Then, our current understanding of the origins and mechanisms of FFA accumulation will be discussed. Finally, we will suggest potentially fruitful directions for future research.
The Patient's Piece of the Informed Consent Pie.

As it is currently observed in the US, informed consent merely allows patients to accept or reject options that physicians have decided to offer. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
A Quality Initiative Improves the Treatment and Experience of Pediatric Radiation Oncology Patients

Nebraska Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the primary academic health systems in the Midwest region, with 718 inpatient beds, a team of more than 1,000 physicians, and 40 specialty and primary ...