cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Totalsynthese von Makrolactin A über vielseitige katalytische, enantioselektive Dienolat‐Aldoladditionen

Eine in hohem Mase konvergente Totalsynthese von Makrolactin A 1 wird vorgestellt, in der moderne Methoden zur asymmetrischen katalytischen C-C-Bindungsbildung eingesetzt werden. Die langste lineare Sequenz in dieser Synthese umfast 16 Schritte mit einer Durchschnittsausbeute von 86 % pro Schritt. Eine Totalsynthese von 1 ist unter anderem auch deshalb von Bedeutung, weil 1, das gegenuber HIV aktiv ist, nicht leicht aus seiner naturlichen Quelle, einem taxonomisch nicht klassifizierten Tiefsee-Bakterium, in groserer Menge erhalten werden kann.
The Satisfaction With Life Scale and the emerging construct of life satisfaction

Since its introduction in 1985, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS; Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985) has been heavily used as a measure of the life satisfaction component of subjective well-being. Scores on the SWLS have been shown to correlate with measures of mental health and to be predictive of future behaviors such as suicide attempts. In the area of health psychology, the SWLS has been used to examine the subjective quality of life of people experiencing serious health concerns. At a theoretical level, extensive research conducted since the last review (Pavot & Diener, 1993) has more clearly articulated the nature of life satisfaction judgments, and the multiple forces that can exert an influence on such judgments. In this review, we examine the evolving views of life satisfaction, offer updated psychometric data for the SWLS, and discuss future issues in the assessment of life satisfaction.
Resolving Conflicts between Renewable Energy and Wildlife by Promoting a Paradigm Shift from Commodity to Commons-Based Policy

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 1 in its Fourth Assessment Report, concluded that there is >90% probability that the observed changes in average global climate are due to anthropogen...
A Calculus for Relaxed Memory

We propose a new approach to programming multi-core, relaxed-memory architectures in imperative, portable programming languages. Our memory model is based on explicit, programmer-specified requirements for order of execution and the visibility of writes. The compiler then realizes those requirements in the most efficient manner it can. This is in contrast to existing memory models, which---if they allow programmer control over synchronization at all---are based on inferring the execution and visibility consequences of synchronization operations or annotations in the code. We formalize our memory model in a core calculus called RMC\@. Outside of the programmer's specified requirements, RMC is designed to be strictly more relaxed than existing architectures. It employs an aggressively nondeterministic semantics for expressions, in which actions can be executed in nearly any order, and a store semantics that generalizes Sarkar et al.'s and Alglave et al.'s models of the Power architecture. We establish several results for RMC, including sequential consistency for two programming disciplines, and an appropriate notion of type safety. All our results are formalized in Coq.
Fusion of remotely sensed data and geographic information for object tracking

We present an algorithm for tracking remotely sensed objects moving over terrain, using geographic information system information. The proposed model specifically accounts for the influence of the environment (rivers, roads, elevation, etc.) on the propagation of the probability densities. We make a number of assumptions about the motion of targets, but do not assume a priori knowledge of goal locations.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Performance evaluation of SFH-SS transmission for outdoors personal communication services at millimeter-waves

A propagation model for PCS at MMW, based on multi-ray theory and geometrical theory of diffraction is introduced. The signal to noise ratio statistics are evaluated then the probability of packet re-transmission is found using the model output statistics.
Role of the pituitary and the adrenal in the mobilization of free fatty acids and lipoproteins.

SUMMARY Treatment of normal rats with epinephrine in oil resulted in a rapid rise in plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels. The return of FFA levels to normal coincided with the steeply increasing blood glucose concentration. The plasma FFA response to epinephrine was abolished by hypophysectomy or by adrenalectomy. The in vitro rate of release of FFA from the epididymal fat bodies of operated animals waa only about one-half that from fat bodies of normal animals. The in vitro rate of release of FFA from fat bodies removed 30 minutes after injection of epinephrine was two to three times as high as that in fat bodies taken from noninjected animals. The fat bodies taken from hypophysectomized and adrenalectomized animals showed stimulation by epinephrine, but the absolute rates of release were lower than those observed in fat bodies taken from intact rats. Normal rats receiving epinephrine showed highly significant elevations of serum cholesterol and phospholipid levels but no rise in triglyceride levels. The cholesterol and phospholipid responses to epinephrine were also abolished by hypophysectomy and substantially reduced by adrenalectomy. Attempts to mimic the action of epinephrine and induce an elevation of plasma lipoprotein levels by infusing sodium oleate intravenously were negative ; the amounts which could be safely infused, however, may have been inadequate. It was concluded that the pituitary and adrenal glands play an important role in the response to the lipid-mobilizing action of epinephrine, both in terms of FFA and lipoprotein responses.
Mortality Associated with Acinetobacter baumannii Infections Experienced by Lung Transplant Recipients

Lung transplantation (LTX) requires continual systemic immunosuppression, which can result in infections that may compromise recipient survival. A recent outbreak of Acinetobacter baumannii at our institution resulted in infections experienced in both LTX recipients and nontransplant patients. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who had A. baumannii recovered from blood, other normally sterile body fluids, and/or respiratory secretions and who had clinical follow-up extending to 1 year postinfection. A. baumannii was considered “multidrug-resistant” when its growth was not inhibited by minimum inhibitory concentrations of multiple antibiotics. Despite the resistance profile, patients were treated with a combination of antibiotics, which included tigecycline, colistimethate, and when susceptible, imipenem. Once infection was diagnosed, immunosuppression was reduced in all LTX recipients. Six LTX recipients became infected with A. baumannii and were contrasted to infections identified in 14 non-LTX, nonimmunosuppressed patients. A. baumannii was persistently recovered in 4 of 6 LTX recipients (66.7%) compared with only 1 of 14 (7.1%) non-LTX patients (χ2 = 9.9, p = 0.005). LTX recipients received antibiotic therapy for an average of 76 ± 18.4 days compared with 16.0 ± 6.8 days for the non-LTX patients (p = 0.025, Mann–Whitney U test). All 4 of the 6 (66.7%) LTX recipients died as a consequence of their infection compared with 1 of 14 (7.1%) of the non-LTX patients (χ2 = 9.9, p = 0.005). Despite receiving more antibiotic therapy, LTX recipients who were infected with multidrug-resistant A. baumannii were less likely to clear their infection and experienced greater mortality compared with non-LTX patients.
Curcumin Potentiates Antitumor Activity of Gemcitabine in an Orthotopic Model of Pancreatic Cancer through Suppression of Proliferation, Angiogenesis, and Inhibition of Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated Gene Products

Gemcitabine is currently the best treatment available for pancreatic cancer, but the disease develops resistance to the drug over time. Agents that can either enhance the effects of gemcitabine or overcome chemoresistance to the drug are needed for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), is one such agent that has been shown to suppress the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), which is implicated in proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. In this study, we investigated whether curcumin can sensitize pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, curcumin inhibited the proliferation of various pancreatic cancer cell lines, potentiated the apoptosis induced by gemcitabine, and inhibited constitutive NF-kappaB activation in the cells. In vivo, tumors from nude mice injected with pancreatic cancer cells and treated with a combination of curcumin and gemcitabine showed significant reductions in volume (P = 0.008 versus control; P = 0.036 versus gemcitabine alone), Ki-67 proliferation index (P = 0.030 versus control), NF-kappaB activation, and expression of NF-kappaB-regulated gene products (cyclin D1, c-myc, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1, cyclooxygenase-2, matrix metalloproteinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor) compared with tumors from control mice treated with olive oil only. The combination treatment was also highly effective in suppressing angiogenesis as indicated by a decrease in CD31(+) microvessel density (P = 0.018 versus control). Overall, our results suggest that curcumin potentiates the antitumor effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer by suppressing proliferation, angiogenesis, NF-kappaB, and NF-kappaB-regulated gene products.
Measurements of void fraction based on Mie scattering light attenuation in gas-liquid flows

We present a technique for the measurement of the 2D distribution of the line-average void fraction in a transparent, gas-liquid flow, based on the attenuation of visible laser light by the gas bubbles in the flow. The technique is demonstrated in a test chamber of rectangular cross section. Bubbles are generated by flowing air through twenty holes in the side of a tube at the bottom of the chamber. The collimated beam of an Ar-ion laser traverses the test chamber through front and back Lexan walls, is refocused onto a pinhole and imaged with a CCD camera. Mie scattering by the air bubbles causes a spatial modulation of the laser beam, with the distribution of the logarithm of the light intensity linearly proportional to the distribution of the line average of the interfacial area density. The images are normalized against background non- uniformities and the interfacial area density calculated from the 2D transmittance distribution. The bubble diameter is estimated from the contours of the interfacial area density field and the line-average void fraction is calculated is estimated from the contours of the interfacial area density field and the line-average void fraction is calculated from the product of the interfacial area and bubble diameter fields. The results compare very favorably with measurements of volume-average void fraction based on the swell of the water level consequent to the air injection.
OneBusAway: A Transit Traveler Information System

Public transit is an important tool for those looking to ease their commutes, reduce their car dependence, or perhaps minimize their environmental impact. Unfortunately, the usability of transit systems often leaves much to be desired, to the point of deterring new riders. Tools on the web and mobile devices are increasingly being used to help tame confusing transit systems. OneBusAway is one such set of tools, providing access to real-time transit information for Seattle bus riders through a variety of interfaces, including web (http://onebusaway.org), phone, SMS, and mobile devices. We describe the current system, and then discuss current and planned research that builds on it to use increasingly-powerful smart mobile devices to provide location and context-aware tools for navigating transit systems.
Effects on Visual Tracking of δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol and Pentobarbital

Detal-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and pentobarbital both interfered with visual tracking performance. Of these, delta9THC had a statistically significant effect (P less than 0.04) when the first 12 responses for each subject were analyzed at each half-hourly period.
GC/Matrix Isolation/FTIR Applications: Analysis of PCBs

High resolution capillary gas chromatography, coupled with the superior infrared spectra produced by matrix isolation FTIR, yields a powerful analytical tool which is applied to the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCB congeners are identified in a commercially produced mixture (Aroclor 1221) using the matrix-isolated infrared spectra obtained by this method. The gas chromatograph/matrix isolation/Fourier transform infrared (GC/MI/FTIR) instrument utilized was developed at Argonne National Laboratory. GC/MI/FTIR is especially useful in the determination of PCBs in samples where the Aroclor pattern is not present.
COMPOSITION OF PAPAYA SEEDS

Papaya seeds, which constitute 22% of the waste product from the papaya puree industry in Hawaii, were characterized in a preliminary study to evaluate their possible utilization. Oil was extracted from the seeds, and its fatty acid composition determined. Crude protein and crude fiber contents of the defatted meal were especially high, 40.0% and 48.9%. Benzylisothiocyanate content in the seed oil was 0.56% (w/w), and the benzylglucosinolate content in the seed meal was 1.0 (w/w).
High Efficiency Single-Pulse Controlled Switched Reluctance Motor Drive for High Speed (48k RPM) Application: Analysis, Design, and Experimental Verification

A high efficiency low cost two-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive system for high speed and large volume applications is developed and presented in this paper. The drive system is realized using a two-phase switched reluctance machine driven by a low cost split AC converter. The machine has self-starting capability at any rotor position and is capable of running at speeds up to 48000 r/min. The power converter has a low cost single-switch-per-phase (SSPP) configuration. Accurate mathematical modeling of the drive system including machine and power electronic converter is described. Based on the derived model, the control system is designed and its optimal control strategy in single-pulse operation mode is investigated. To find the optimal switching angles in the single-pulse operation mode, three dimensional characteristics of the machine efficiency as well as electromagnetic torque in terms of the advance-angle excitation and commutation angles are developed from dynamic simulations. The number of phase winding turns is also studied to find the optimal number of turns that will maximize the efficiency of the total drive system. Experimental verification of the prototype drives system and its correlation with analytical and simulation results at two operating points are presented. The proposed drive can be a strong candidate for a low cost brushless variable (high) speed application in low-cost, mass-production markets, where life cycle and efficiency are valued.
Neo African-Americans: discourse on blackness

The Neo-African-Americans: Black Immigrant Identities, 2007 [57 min.], directed by Kobina Aidoo, DVD The geo-political order is changing. Old inequalities persist and new varieties of unfreedom eme...
A Novel Single-Cell Surgery Tool Using Photothermal Effects of Metal Nanoparticles

We demonstrate a novel single-cell surgery tool that integrates photothermal effects of gold nanoparticles with microcapillary techniques. A transient hole opening of the cell membrane at the tip of the micropipette was accomplished using laser-induced localized heating of nanoparticles. A control experiment using a conventional glass pipette of the same size without gold nanoparticles is also performed to exclude the effect of direct laser heating. This device has the potential to enable minimum cell damage during operation and provides a direct and convenient access to the cell interior without exerting large mechanical stress to fragile cells.
Destruction of amyloid fibrils by the plasma pencil

Amyloid fibrils are ordered beta-sheet aggregates that are associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. There are approximately twenty proteins that have been found to form fibrils in humans and are associated with disease states. However, it has been postulated that all proteins can be induced to form this low energy state if subjected to the right conditions. We are investigating potential methods that will lead to the destruction of fibrils, formed by the protein alpha-synuclein, which underlie Parkinson's disease. At present there is no cure for this progressive and debilitating disease. Initial studies by the Greene and Laroussi groups indicate that cold plasma can break these alpha-synuclein fibrils into smaller units in vitro. This avenue of research may facilitate the development of a medical treatment. In this study, the plasma is generated by the plasma pencil, a device capable of emitting a plasma plume several centimeters in length. The plasma pencil is powered by high voltage short pulses (nanoseconds to microseconds) and uses helium as a feed gas. The plasma plume is at room temperature but generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (along with charged particles) that interact with the fibrils and ultimately causing their destruction.
Spectroscopic Hα and Hγ survey of field Be stars: 2004–2009

Massive O- and B-type stars are “cosmic engines” in the Universe and can be the dominant source of luminosity in a galaxy. The class of Be stars are rapidly rotating B-type stars that lose mass in an equatorial, circumstellar disk (Porter & Rivinius 2003) and cause Balmer and other line emission. Currently, we are unsure as to why these stars rotate so quickly but three scenarios are possible: they may have been born as rapid rotators, spun up by binary mass transfer, or spun up during the main-sequence evolution of B stars. In order to investigate these scenarios for this population of massive stars, we have been spectroscopically observing a set of 115 field Be stars with the Kitt Peak Coude Feed telescope in both the Hα and Hγ wavelength regimes since 2004. This time baseline allows for examination of variability properties of the circumstellar disks as well as determine candidates for closer examination for binarity. We find that 90% of the observed stars show some variability with 8% showing significant variability over the 5-year baseline. Such values may be compared with the significant variability seen in some clusters such as NGC 3766 (McSwain 2008). Also, while ~20% of the sample consists of known binaries, we find that another 15–30% of the sample shows indications of binarity.
Climate Data Assimilation on a Massively Parallel Supercomputer

We have designed and implemented a set of highly efficient and highly scalable algorithms for an unstructured computational package, the PSAS data assimilation package, as demonstrated by detailed performance analysis of systematic runs on up to 512-nodes of an Intel Paragon. The preconditioned Conjugate Gradient solver achieves a sustained 18 Gflops performance. Consequently, we achieve an unprecedented 100-fold reduction in time to solution on the Intel Paragon over a single head of a Cray C90. This not only exceeds the daily performance requirement of the Data Assimilation Office at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, but also makes it possible to explore much larger and challenging data assimilation problems which are unthinkable on a traditional computer platform such as the Cray C90.
Recombineering Hunchback identifies two conserved domains required to maintain neuroblast competence and specify early-born neuronal identity

The Hunchback/Ikaros family of zinc-finger transcription factors is essential for specifying the anterior/posterior body axis in insects, the fate of early-born pioneer neurons in Drosophila, and for retinal and immune development in mammals. Hunchback/Ikaros proteins can directly activate or repress target gene transcription during early insect development, but their mode of action during neural development is unknown. Here, we use recombineering to generate a series of Hunchback domain deletion variants and assay their function during neurogenesis in the absence of endogenous Hunchback. Previous studies have shown that Hunchback can specify early-born neuronal identity and maintain ‘young’ neural progenitor (neuroblast) competence. We identify two conserved domains required for Hunchback-mediated transcriptional repression, and show that transcriptional repression is necessary and sufficient to induce early-born neuronal identity and maintain neuroblast competence. We identify pdm2 as a direct target gene that must be repressed to maintain competence, but show that additional genes must also be repressed. We propose that Hunchback maintains early neuroblast competence by silencing a suite of late-expressed genes.
Energy harvesting using rattleback: Theoretical analysis and simulations of spin resonance

Abstract This paper investigates the spin resonance of a rattleback subjected to base oscillations which is able to transduce vibrations into continuous rotary motion and, therefore, is ideal for applications in Energy harvesting and Vibration sensing. The rattleback is a toy with some curious properties. When placed on a surface with reasonable friction, the rattleback has a preferred direction of spin. If rotated anti to it, longitudinal vibrations are set up and spin direction is reversed. In this paper, the dynamics of a rattleback placed on a sinusoidally vibrating platform are simulated. We can expect base vibrations to excite the pitch motion of the rattleback, which, because of the coupling between pitch and spin motion, should cause the rattleback to spin. Results are presented which show that this indeed is the case—the rattleback has a mono-peak spin resonance with respect to base vibrations. The dynamic response of the rattleback was found to be composed of two principal frequencies that appeared in the pitch and rolling motions. One of the frequencies was found to have a large coupling with the spin of the rattleback. Spin resonance was found to occur when the base oscillatory frequency was twice the value of the coupled frequency. A linearized model is developed which can predict the values of the two frequencies accurately and analytical expressions for the same in terms of the parameters of the rattleback have been derived. The analysis, thus, forms an effective and easy method for obtaining the spin resonant frequency of a given rattleback. Novel ideas for applications utilizing the phenomenon of spin resonance, for example, an energy harvester composed of a magnetized rattleback surrounded by ferromagnetic walls and a small scale vibration sensor comprising an array of several magnetized rattlebacks, are included.
Flow and motion.

SUMMARY An understanding of the underlying mechanisms that produce motion-related signal artifacts is useful in designing strategies to reduce or eliminate those effects. These strategies also provide the tools necessary to explore qualitatively and quantitatively a broad range of phenomena associated with flow and motion in the body. Advances in postprocessing methods and scanner hardware will help in the development of important new diagnostic tools.
Partner notification after STD and HIV exposures and infections: knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of Massachusetts men who have sex with men.

Objectives.We assessed Boston-area men who have sex with men (MSM) in terms of their knowledge of partner notification (PN)/partner counseling and referral services (PCRS) and intentions to use suc...
Experimental Neutron Scattering, by B.T.M. Willis and C.J. Carlile: Scope: text book. Level: undergraduate

The field of neutron science touches our lives in many ways and spans disciplines ranging from condensed matter physics to biology. The pursuit of the neutron and its eventual domestication as a to...
Auto-adjusting mandibular repositioning device for in-home use

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a form of respiratory dysfunction that affects 20% of adults in the world. Among the first-line treatments that are used to mitigate the effects of OSA are continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and mandibular repositioning devices (MRD). Although CPAP provides a more efficacious therapy than MRDs, recent studies suggest that both are comparable in overall effectiveness due to greater patient preference and adherence to MRD therapy. In this paper, we present the Auto-Positioner, a novel add-on for MRDs that adjusts the extent to which the mandible (lower jaw) is advanced in response to respiratory signals indicating labored breathing during sleep, and to changes in sleeping position known to affect individual patient's airway patency.
A Block Algorithm for Multi-Input Eigenvalue Assignment

Abstract We present a new block algorithm for the well-known multi-input eigenvalue assignment(EVA) problem. The algorithm has two important features : first, it avoids use of complex arithmetic and is guaranteed to give a real feedback matrix; and the second, it is suitable for high performance computation. The second feature is the most distinctive one, since high performance algorithms for control problems are rare. The algorithm is also more efficient than the existing well-known algorithms for the problem.
Chapter 8 – Animal Models of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is an underlying basis for most cardiovascular diseases in humans. Animal models are indispensable for studying the molecular mechanisms that promote atherogenesis and testing therapeutic strategies. Both large and small animal models have been used to study atherogenesis. Although nonhuman primates come closest to modeling human disease, there are significant limitations to the use of these species. Rabbits and pigs have a number of advantages including the ready ability to obtain vascular wall cells for study. However, currently there are a limited number of genetically modified rabbits or pigs. On the other hand, several mouse models of atherosclerosis are available that can be readily crossed with mice with specific genetic modifications for the study of the atherogenic role of specific cells or proteins. Also, several complex genetic murine models have been generated that develop coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.
Sustainable operations management and benchmarking in brewing: A factor weighting approach

The brewing industry has been moving towards more efficient use of energy, water reuse and stewardship, and the tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to better manage environmental and social responsibility. Commercial breweries use a great deal of water and energy to convert one gallon (liter) of water into one gallon (liter) of beer. An analysis was conducted on sustainable operations and supply chain management at various United States and international breweries, specifically Europe, to benchmark brewery performance and establish common metrics for sustainability in the beer supply chain. The primary research questions explored in this article are whether water reclamation and GHG emissions can be properly monitored and measured and if processes can be created to help control waste (lean) and emissions. Additional questions include how we can use operations management strategies and techniques such as the Factor-Weighted Method (FWM) in industries such as brewing to develop sustainability scorecards.
Jonathan Edwards’ Analysis of Religious Experience:

Jonathan Edwards’ appraisal of religious experience is analyzed from three perspectives: (a) the cultural and historical setting in which he lived; (b) his psychological understanding of human natu...
Understanding Banking Time Implementation in a Sample of Preschool Children Who Display Early Disruptive Behaviors

The development of a warm and supportive relationship with their teacher is protective for preschool children, and particularly beneficial for children who display early disruptive behaviors. Banking Time is a dyadic, short-term intervention to improve the quality of teacher–child interactions between a teacher and a specific child, building a more positive teacher–child relationship. During Banking Time sessions, both teacher and child interact toward an activity chosen by the child. This study used variable- and person-centered approaches to examine Banking Time implementation in a sample of diverse preschool teachers (N = 120) and children (N = 319) randomly selected to participate in the intervention. Results indicated that the majority of teachers implemented expected practices (i.e., observe and narrate the child’s actions, allow the child to lead) as intended. However, although teachers were instructed to limit teacher-directed practices (i.e., ask questions, give praise, and use commands), teachers’ use of these practices was not as limited as ideally expected. Three different implementation patterns were evident: (1) High Fidelity, in which the teachers engaged in the child’s activity while ensuring that the child led the session; (2) Low Engaged, in which the child led the session, but the teacher was not engaged in the child’s activity; and (3) Teacher-Led, in which the teacher was engaged in the child’s activity but also directing the session instead of ensuring the child’s lead. These implementation patterns were linked to changes in the quality of teacher–child interactions. Implementation findings from this study can inform interventions to improve the quality of teacher–child interactions.
Cluster analysis of multiple chronic conditions associated with urinary incontinence among women in the USA

Objective To identify patterns of prevalent chronic medical conditions among women with urinary incontinence (UI). Materials and methods We combined cross-sectional data from the 2005-2006 to 2011-2012 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, and identified 3 800 women with UI and data on 12 chronic conditions. Types of UI included stress UI (SUI), urgency UI (UUI), and mixed stress and urgency UI (MUI). We categorized UI as mild, moderate or severe using validated measures. We performed a two-step cluster analysis to identify patterns between clusters for UI type and severity. We explored associations between clusters by UI subtype and severity, controlling for age, education, race/ethnicity, parity, hysterectomy status and adiposity in weighted regression analyses. Results Eleven percent of women with UI had no chronic conditions. Among women with UI who had at least one additional condition, four distinct clusters were identified: (i) cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk-younger; (ii) asthma-predominant; (iii) CVD risk-older; and (iv) multiple chronic conditions (MCC). In comparison to women with UI and no chronic diseases, women in the CVD risk-younger (age 46.7 ± 15.8 years) cluster reported the highest rate of SUI and mild UI severity. In the asthma-predominant cluster (age 51.5 ± 10.2 years), women had more SUI and MUI and more moderate UI severity. Women in the CVD risk-older cluster (age 57.9 ± 13.4 years) had the highest rate of UUI, along with more severe UI. Women in the MCC cluster (age 61.0 ± 14.8 years) had the highest rates of MUI and the highest rate of moderate/severe UI. Conclusions Women with UI rarely have no additional chronic conditions. Four patterns of chronic conditions emerged with differences by UI type and severity. Identification of women with mild UI and modifiable conditions may inform future prevention efforts.
The Need for Both in Vitro and in Vivo Systems in Mutagenicity Screening

This century has seen man develop an unprecedented reliance on synthetic chemicals, the majority of which are uncharacterized with respect to carcinogenicity and mutagenicity. Prominent uses of these chemicals include food additives and dyes, prescription and nonprescription drugs, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. In retrospect, some of these chemicals (e.g., vinyl chloride, (166) chloroprene, (284) and anesthetic gases (308) appear to have caused chronic, adverse effects such as cancer and reproductive failure in certain exposed human populations. The circumstances that have led to this predicament are not as abstruse as their resolution. In the 20th-century continuation of the Industrial Revolution, our technology brought us into an era of wide-scale use of synthetic chemicals. It is an age much in step with the nuclear and space ages and part of the same technicosocial phenomena. Mass exposure to these substances began in a time that lacked an appreciation for both chemical carcinogenesis and mutagenesis. Since their introduction, synthetic chemicals have become enwebbed in and essential to our modern life style, and their industry has grown into a multibillion-doll ar enterprise-the greatest expansion having occurred since World War II, a span of less than one human lifetime. Given the great number of synthetic chemicals, their ubiquitousness in our society, what is already known about the adverse effects of some of these chemicals, and undetermined about the others, the benefits of this chemical age could have an unforeseen price. In terms of ourselves as a population of living organisms, we could be suffering chemical shock-the severity of which is only now beainnina to be Gauged.
Is low literacy a risk factor for symptoms of depression in postpartum women

Objective To determine if postpartum women with limited literacy are at higher risk for depression symptoms than women with adequate literacy. Study design We interviewed women during their postpartum hospitalization following delivery of a healthy infant to collect baseline demographic data and assess literacy skills. We contacted these women by phone 6-10 weeks postpartum and administered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), using scores > or = 9 to indicate symptoms of postpartum depression. Analysis determined if EPDS scores > or = 9 were more frequent among women with low vs. higher literacy. Results Of 235 women interviewed in the hospital, 138 (58.7%) were interviewed 6-10 weeks postpartum and completed the EPDS. The rate of EPDS scores > or = 9 was 26.1% among women with limited literacy vs. 8.8% among women with higher literacy (p = 0.018). On multivariable analysis that considered confounding variables, low literacy retained its significant relationship with symptoms of postpartum depression (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.02-11.82). Conclusion Based on results of this preliminary study, low literacy may be a risk factor for symptoms of postpartum depression.
The rate and source of albumin entry into saline-filled experimental retinal detachments.

Purpose To investigate the rate and source of albumin entry into experimental nonrhegmatogenous detachments. Methods Detachments were made in Dutch rabbits by injecting Hanks' balanced salt solution into the subretinal space through a micropipette. Subretinal fluid was withdrawn 0 to 4 hours later through a similar micropipette and analyzed for osmolality and albumin content (by gel electrophoresis). Sodium iodate was injected intravenously in some rabbits to damage the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In some rabbits fluorescein isothiocyanate albumin (FITC-albumin) was injected intravitreally or intravenously to measure its entry into the subretinal fluid by fluorophotometry. Results from 4 to 8 eyes were averaged for each data point. Results The albumin concentration and total amount of albumin in the subretinal fluid increased steadily over 4 hours in retinal detachments initially filled with Hanks' solution. Pretreating rabbits with sodium iodate injection resulted in a 50-fold increase in the rate of albumin entry, although the levels were still low relative to those of serum. Intravitreal FITC-albumin entered the subretinal fluid at a rate independent of sodium iodate damage, but intravenous FITC-albumin only entered the subretinal space after RPE damage. Subretinal fluid osmolality remained within the range of 291 to 294 mOsm/kg, irrespective of sodium iodate damage or differences in the rate of fluid absorption. Conclusions These results indicate that albumin can diffuse into the rabbit subretinal space from both vitreous and bloodstream, although entry from serum requires damage to the RPE. Subretinal fluid appears to be transported actively (control eyes) or passively (iodate-damaged eyes) out of the subretinal space, despite albumin entry and without major osmolar shifts.
Nα-Acetylation of Eukaryotic Proteins: Purification and Characterization of Yeast Nα-Acetyltransferase and Acetylcoenzyme A Hydrolase

Nα-acetylation is the most common N-terminal modification of eukaryotic proteins, but its physiological significance is still an enigma. Many proteins are known to be Nα-acetylated (Tsunasawa and Sakiyama 1984; Driessen et al 1985). For example, > 80% of the intracellular, soluble proteins in mouse L-cells and Ehrlich ascites cells are Nα-acetylated (Brown and Roberts 1976; Brown 1979). Although the biological role of Nα-acetylation in protein degradation and protein secretion has been investigated, much is still unknown.
The evolutionary history of the ornithine cycle as a determinant of its structure and regulation.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the evolutionary history of the ornithine cycle as a determinant of its structure and regulation. The enzymes catalyzing two of the reactions—carbamyl phosphate synthetase and ornithine transcarbamylase—are found in the mitochondrial matrix, while the other three enzymes are in the cytosol. As a result, the mitochondrial membrane is interposed as a barrier to the operation of the cycle, necessitating two additional steps catalyzed by specific proteins: (1) the proton-compensated transport of ornithine into the mitochondrion and (2) the facilitated diffusion of citrulline across the inner mitochondrial membrane. The acetylation of glutamate is mediated by a specific mitochondrial enzyme, which is subject to activation by arginine. N -acetylglutamate is an essential activator of the mitochondrial carbamyl phosphate synthetase. The rate of carbamyl phosphate synthesis is a function of the intramitochondrial concentrations of both arginine and glutamate, although variations in the glutamate levels can be the predominant factor.
How Technology Both Enhances and Diminishes Our Humanity

This chapter deals with one of the most important wicked messes of all, The Technological Mindset, the mutually reinforcing set of attitudes and beliefs that are not only behind, but are ultimately responsible for the current transformation/revolution we are struggling to understand, and even more, to manage. Given its importance, it is highly disconcerting that the full set of beliefs that comprise The Technological Mindset has not been assembled previously so that it can not only be properly appraised, but thereby examined for its contributions to crises.
H-Measures and Bounds on Effective Coefficients

The method for obtaining bounds on effective coefficients, which I devised in the fall of 1977 while I was visiting MRC in Madison, WI, used thecompensated compactness method and correctors, generalizing the method which I used earlier with Francois MURAT, based on the div–curl lemma. Since H–measures represent a better way to deal with the compensated compactness ideas which I introduced with Francois MURAT,1 it was natural that I try to use them for studying bounds in homogenization.
26 – Quantum Statistics

Two types of averaging occur in quantum statistical mechanics, the first for pure quantum mechanical states and the second for a statistical ensemble of pure states. We define and exhibit the properties of density operators and their density matrix representation for both pure and statistical states. For equilibrium states, a statistical density operator depends only on stationary quantum states. We exhibit it in the energy representation for the microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles; its use is illustrated for an ideal gas and the harmonic oscillator. Density matrices for spin 1/2 are expressed in terms of a polarization vector and Pauli spin matrices and related to vectors called spinors. Symmetric wave functions for bosons and antisymmetric wave functions for fermions are constructed from single-particle quantum states in terms of occupation numbers by using permutation operators, or Slater determinants for fermions. Weighting factors for states are contrasted for bosons, fermions, and distinguishable classical particles.
Facile Decomposition of Organophosphonates by Dual Lewis Sites on a Fe3O4(111) Film

Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) is used as a simulant for toxic nerve agents and pesticides, rendering the understanding of surface chemistry requisite to design effective materials for organopho...
Comparing life review writing with active control groups: Results of a feasibility study.

Introduction Life review writing can be used to improve depressive symptoms in well older adults, but it is unclear whether the reminiscing, writing, or socialising is associated with the improvements. This study assessed the feasibility of a controlled trial comparing life review writing with two active control groups designed to isolate the acts of (a) engaging in a meaningful leisure activity and (b) socialising. Methods Twenty-four participants from a 100-bed assisted living facility were enrolled in the study. Participants ranged in age from 70 to 98 years (M = 83.9, SD = 7.6). Eight 1-hour weekly sessions were held, with participants assigned to one of three groups: (a) life review writing, (b) painting, or (c) coffee from around the world. At baseline, participants completed a demographic and health questionnaire, the Mini-Cog, and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-15). The GDS-15 was administered again at weeks 4 and 8, along with the health questionnaire at post-test. Results Nearly 25% (N = 24) of the facility's residents attended at least one session, with an average attendance rate of 66.4%, or 5.3 sessions. However, to achieve this participation rate, our original plan to employ random assignment had to be abandoned. The groups were a partial success insofar as we successfully isolated engaging in a meaningful activity in the painting group, but the writing group engaged in less reminiscing than hoped. At post-test, seven participants reported health, mood, and social life benefits. GDS-15 scores fluctuated over time, with no significant improvement from pre- to post-test. Conclusion The residents' low willingness to be randomised creates a serious selection bias, but randomising volunteers into different activities runs counter to client-centred therapy. To scrutinise the mechanisms of change of life review writing, we recommend comparing two writing groups: one that reminisces and one that does not.
Is corruption in China “out of control”? A comparison with the US in historical perspective

Abstract This paper compares corruption in China over the past 15 years with corruption in the US between 1870 and 1930, periods that are roughly comparable in terms of real income per capita. Corruption indicators for both countries and both periods are constructed by tracking corruption news in prominent US newspapers. Several robustness checks confirm the reliability of the constructed corruption indices for both countries. The comparison indicates that corruption in the US in the early 1870s, when its real income per capita was about $2800 (in 2005 dollars), was 7–9 times higher than China’s corruption level in 1996, the corresponding year in terms of income per capita. By the time the US reached $7500 in 1928, approximately equivalent to China’s real income per capita in 2009, corruption was similar in both countries. The findings imply that, while corruption in China is an issue that merits attention, it is not at alarmingly high levels, compared to the US historical experience. In addition, the paper articulates a theoretical framework within which the relationship between corruption and economic development can be understood. The model is used to explain the “life-cycle” of corruption in the development process–rising at the early stages of development, and declining after modernization has taken place. Hence, as China continues its development process, corruption will likely decline.
Promoting Environmental Communication and Policy Formation: A Utilization-Focused Evaluation Approach

Environmental communication and policy formation must address complex challenges as society faces unprecedented environmental issues. Program evaluation is one method for mobilizing support for new...
On the Philosophy of Group Decision Methods I: The Nonobviousness of Majority Rule

Majority rule is often adopted almost by default as a group decision rule. One might think, therefore, that the conditions under which it applies, and the argument on its behalf, are well understood. However, the standard arguments in support of majority rule display systematic deficiencies. This article explores these weaknesses, and assesses what can be said on behalf of majority rule.
Bacterial dacryoadenitis: clinical features, microbiology, and management of 45 cases, with a recent uptick in incidence.

PURPOSE To review the clinical features, microbiology, management, and incidence of bacterial dacryoadenitis at our institution. METHODS This was a case series examining patients with bacterial dacryoadenitis from 2004 to 2020. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms and signs, radiology, microbiology, and management. Main outcomes included need for surgical intervention or inpatient admission. RESULTS Forty-five patients with bacterial dacryoadenitis had a mean age of 46.1 years. Presenting symptoms included eyelid edema (100%), extraocular motility restriction (53.3%), and purulent discharge (75.5%). Based on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, 9 (20.5%) patients presented with definite abscess and 15 (34%) presented with a phlegmon or early abscess. Eleven patients (24.4%) required surgical drainage. Twenty patients (44.4%) required admission, for an average stay of 4 days (range 2-8 days). Common organisms included Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Presence of an early abscess or phlegmon correlated with need for drainage (p < 0.01). Extraocular motility restriction correlated with need for drainage (p = 0.02) and admission (p = 0.05). The incidence of bacterial dacryoadenitis at our institution increased as a percentage of confirmed dacryoadenitis cases; from 2004 to 2010 the incidence was 0 to 9.1% per year, while from 2010 to 2019 the incidence ranged from 7.7 to 36.2%. In 2019, our institution had 17 cases (incidence 36.2%) of bacterial dacryoadenitis. CONCLUSIONS Bacterial dacryoadenitis is a major cause of dacryoadenitis, and its incidence may be increasing. It can resolve with minimal complications if managed appropriately, although some patients may require surgical drainage or admission for intravenous antibiotics.