cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testing requirements for active interrogation systems

Abstract The role of active-interrogation systems for nuclear security is to detect the presence of special nuclear material inside an object by observing the radiation emitted by that object when it has been exposed to known sources of external radiation. Because of the cost, complexity, and the need to avoid irradiating occupants, active-interrogation systems are intended for cargo applications where shielding can prevent detection by passive radiation detection systems. To ensure that active-interrogation systems for detection of special nuclear material are designed and tested to a consistent level of performance, technical standards are needed for evaluating such systems. This paper addresses the testing standards needed for active-interrogation systems to detect high atomic number materials, fissionable materials, and specific special nuclear materials. Because the use of special nuclear material for a testing standard is not practical, this work focuses on the determination of materials that could be used as surrogates in that they provide a similar response as targets of special nuclear materials. The results of this paper, determined through analytic calculations and radiation transport modeling, are based upon scenarios constructed and applied to specific active-interrogation modalities.
Chapter 19 – Analysis of Nuclear RNA

This chapter presents a comparison of the traditional Northern analysis, nuclease protection assays, nuclear run-on assay, and the polymerase chain reaction. Two basic approaches are used to study the mechanism of transcription of specific genes. In one approach, the rate of transcription is measured in intact nuclei by the incorporation of labeled precursor nucleotides into RNA transcripts. But the other approach involves the isolation of steady-state nuclear RNA by Northern analysis or nuclease protection assay. The RNA polymerase will produce transcripts of uniform length as soon as the conditions supporting transcriptional activation are met. The quantity of RNA produced is therefore an indicator of the efficiency of transcription. The degree of success of the nuclear run-on assay is entirely dependent on the speed with which nuclei can be isolated from intact cells and radiolabeled. The relative rate of transcription of several genomic sequences can be evaluated simultaneously by the nuclear run-on assay. The nuclear run-on assay facilitates the assessment of the transcription rate of individual genes by the elongation of nascent polyribonucleotides in the presence of labeled NTP precursor. In addition, steady-state nuclear RNA, as well as labeled RNA produced by nuclear run-on, is essential for understanding the processing of the primary transcript. Northern analysis of nuclear RNA yields quantitative data based on signal intensity of discrete bands, but also provides a qualitative component that cannot be discerned by polymerase chain reaction or nuclease protection.
Abstract 365: Potential Relationship Between Nitric Oxide Bioactivity And Kidney Function Following Cardio-pulmonary Bypass

Background: Impaired kidney function is frequently observed in heart surgery patients following cardio-pulmonary bypass. Previous studies by our group have linked acute reductions in nitric oxide b...
Prediction of Limb Salvage Following Percutaneous Vascular Intervention Using a Composite Tibial Artery Perfusion Score

To assess a novel tibial artery perfusion score (TPS) for predicting limb salvage in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients undergoing percutaneous vascular intervention (PVI). A consecutive cohort of 115 CLI patients undergoing PVI in 144 limbs from 2011 to 2016 was analyzed. TPS comprised a 27-point scale based on: (1) patent tibial vessels following PVI, (2) severity of calcification of the tibial arteries, (3) presence of an intact pedal arch following intervention, (4) whether or not revascularization was direct or indirect based on the target angiosome, (5) presence of angiosome blush at the completion of index intervention. Limbs were stratified into (1) High [21–27 points], (2) Medium [13–20 points], and (3) Low [0–12 points] TPS. Predictive value of TPS was evaluated using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. The median follow-up was 15.7 months (range 0.4–69.9 months). Limb salvage in High, Medium, and Low TPS groups was 90.6%, 85.9%, and 55.6%, respectively, as freedom from the composite outcome: (1) limb complication resulting in death, (2) tibial bypass surgery, (3) above-the-knee amputation, or (4) below-the-knee amputation in patients without supratibial disease at the time of PVI. TPS was significantly associated with limb salvage defined as freedom from both the composite outcome and major amputation. Based on this preliminary investigation, TPS was associated with limb salvage in CLI limbs, particularly in high-risk limbs. Further validation in a prospective cohort may identify patients with high-risk limbs in need of closer surveillance and earlier reintervention. Level IV, case series.
ModiFiber: Two-Way Morphing Soft Thread Actuators for Tangible Interaction

Despite thin-line actuators becoming widely adopted in different Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) contexts, including integration into fabrics, paper art, hinges, soft robotics, and human hair, accessible line-based actuators are very limited beyond shape memory alloy (SMA) wire and motor-driven passive tendons. In this paper, we introduce a novel, yet simple and accessible, line-based actuator. ModiFiber is a twisted-then-coiled nylon thread actuator with a silicone coating. This composite thread actuator exhibits unique two-way reversible shrinking or twisting behaviors triggered by heat or electrical current (i.e., Joule heating). ModiFiber is soft, flexible, safe to operate and easily woven or sewn, hence it has a great potential as an embedded line-based actuator for HCI purposes. In this paper, we explain the material mechanisms and manufacturing approaches, followed by some performance tests and application demonstrations.
Overcoming Challenges in Structural Characterization of HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein by LC-MS/MS

Characterization of HIV Env glycoprotein with 28 glycosylation sites is the essential step of structure-based vaccine design programs. A comprehensive LC-MS/MS peptide mapping analysis was applied to assess the primary sequence, glycosylation profiles, and glycosite occupancy of Env to ensure the adequate mimicking of the native immunogen. Another structural feature was reported, related to its cleaved subunits within the trimeric assembly. We bring attention to the importance of thorough inspection of the results generated by the informatics tools which are currently available for the biopharmaceutical characterization. The complexity of Env translates into a vast amount of data with occasional information gaps that could not possibly be filled by means of the automatic data analysis. A series of data validation steps was applied, followed by the illustrations on how the high-quality results may be misinterpreted. It was shown that the glycan sites can only be characterized to a certain limit, and that any claim of full structural characterization of this molecule beyond these limits should be treated with caution. Following the result verification, the percent glycan occupancy was reported for 25 N-glycan sites, including 3 critical antibody-recognition sites. The exact glycan profiles were provided for 20 individual sites, whereas only the glycosylation type could be deduced for 5 sites, dictated by their location within Env sequence. The distribution of the unprocessed high mannose–type glycans correlated with the expected “mannose patch.” Experimental procedure optimization and a workflow for glycan characterization with a focus on stringent data testing are presented in the current study.
A New Calibration of the Relativistic Doppler Effect in Neon

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a new calibration of the relativistic Doppler effect in neon. It describes an experiment in which the difference between the neon 1s5-4s1 two photon transition in an rf discharge cell and an I2 reference transition have been measured. In a previous experiment, the frequency difference of these two transitions was measured using a 120kV neon fast beam. In Doppler-free two-photon spectroscopy, the first order Doppler shift canceled, leaving the second order Doppler shift to be the dominant term. This shift was a consequence of the time dilation effect in the special theory of relativity. Thus, a measurement of the frequency difference between the cell and the fast beam is a direct measure of the time dilation effect. The main improvement of the experiment described in the chapter over this previous measurement was the use of an intermediate I2 reference, which decoupled the cell measurement from the fast beam measurement. This allowed to carry out a careful study of the systematic effects associated with the discharge cell. The chapter summarizes the results from both these experiments. The two measurements are combined to yield an experimental value for the relativistic Doppler shift.
Design Principles for High-Capacity Mn-Based Cation-Disordered Rocksalt Cathodes

Summary Mn-based Li-excess cation-disordered rocksalt (DRX) oxyfluorides are promising candidates for next-generation rechargeable battery cathodes owing to their large energy densities, the earth abundance, and low cost of Mn. In this work, we synthesized and electrochemically tested four representative compositions in the Li-Mn-O-F DRX chemical space with various Li and F content. While all compositions achieve higher than 200 mAh g−1 initial capacity and good cyclability, we show that the Li-site distribution plays a more important role than the metal-redox capacity in determining the initial capacity, whereas the metal-redox capacity is more closely related to the cyclability of the materials. We apply these insights and generate a capacity map of the Li-Mn-O-F chemical space, LixMn2-xO2-yFy (1.167 ≤ x ≤ 1.333, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.667), which predicts both accessible Li capacity and Mn-redox capacity. This map allows the design of compounds that balance high capacity with good cyclability.
Fear and Hope, Bitter and Sweet: Emotion Sharing of Cancer Community on Twitter:

Emotions are non-negligible parts of the experience among the cancer-affected population to be reckoned with. With the increasing usage of social media platforms as venues for emotional disclosure,...
Advanced Data Analytics for Clinical Research Part II: Application to Cardiothoracic Surgery:

In the first part of this series, we introduced the tools of Big Data, including Not Only Standard Query Language data warehouse, natural language processing (NLP), optical character recognition (O...
From Neutral to High Gear: Critical Implementation Drivers for PREPaRE School Safety and Crisis Response in Practice.

School safety and crisis prevention, preparedness, and response initiatives have become standard operating procedures in schools throughout the USA. PREPaRE, a comprehensive curriculum developed by school-employed mental health professionals for school-based safety and crisis response teams, has been adopted by many schools in support of such initiatives. While research has supported consumer satisfaction with the training and materials associated with PREPaRE, anecdotal observations and conversations indicate considerable challenges with broad-scale implementation of the strategies and skills embedded in the curriculum. A possible explanation for this phenomenon may be found in the implementation science literature. We propose how implementation drivers such as leadership, organization, and competency connect to various elements of PREPaRE and how they can be used to increase the probability of taking the model from neutral to high gear by school-based safety and crisis teams. Specific potential driver ideas and related resources for implementation are included.
Revenue Sources Matter to Nonprofit Communication? An Examination of Museum Communication and Social Media Engagement

Nonprofit organizations increasingly communicate with their stakeholders using a diverse range of communication channels, some of which involve social media. Although previous studies have found be...
Strain Induced Band Structure Modifications in Semiconductor Heterostructures and Consequences for Electronic and Optical Devices

Coherent strain produced in lattice mismatched epitaxy can be exploited to alter the band structure of semiconductor heterostructures to a significant extent. The dominant effect of strain is to lift certain degeneracies in the Brillouin zone, alter the density of states at band edges and the band gaps. These effects can have significant effects on transport and optical properties of devices. This will be illustrated by examining the role of strain in electrical properties of SiGe strained alloys and on the performance of strained quantum well lasers.
Cellulosic biofuels analysis: economic analysis of alternative technologies.

The passage of U.S. laws mandating and subsidizing advanced cellulosic biofuels may spur the development of a commercial cellulosic biofuels industry. However, a cellulosic industry will only develop if the overall economics including government incentives render investment in the sector attractive to private investors.This study compares the profitability of three biofuel production types: grain based ethanol, cellulosic biochemical ethanol, and cellulosic thermochemical biofuels. In order to compare the current profitability of each of the production types, the Biofuels Comparison Model (BCM) was developed. The BCM is a spreadsheet model that estimates the net present value (NPV) for each production type given input and output prices, technical, and financial assumptions. The BCM can be updated to reflect the current profitability through embedded web price links. The study finds that grain, biochemical, and thermochemical production types are all currently unprofitable when subsidies and mandates are ignored. However, the grain based ethanol process is predicted to be the most profitable (lowest loss) compared to the cellulosic biofuels. When the 2008 Farm Bill subsidies are added to the BCM, all three production types are projected to be profitable. With the addition of the different subsidies, the cellulosic biofuels are estimated to have higher NPV’s than grain based ethanol. When compared on an energy equivalent basis, the estimated cost of producing grain ethanol is $114/bbl. crude oil equivalent, biochemical ethanol $141/bbl., and thermochemical gasoline $108/bbl.
Land Use, Land-Use Change, Forestry, and Agricultural Activities in the Clean Development Mechanism: Estimates of Greenhouse Gas Offset Potential

Activities involving land use, land-use change,forestry, and agriculture (LUCF) can help reducegreenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphereby increasing biotic carbon storage, by decreasing GHGemissions, and by producing biomass as a substitutefor fossil fuels. Potential activities includereducing rates of deforestation, increasing landdevoted to forest plantations, regenerating secondaryforest, agroforestry, improving the management offorests and agricultural areas; and producing energycrops.Policymakers debating the inclusion of a variety ofLUCF activities in the Clean Development Mechanism(CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol need to consider themagnitude of the carbon contribution these activitiescould make. Existing estimates of the cumulative GHGoffset potential of LUCF activities often take aglobal or regional approach. In contrast, land-usedecisions are usually made at the local level anddepend on many factors including productive capacityof the land, financial considerations of thelandowner, and environmental concerns. Estimates ofGHG offset potential made at a local, or at mostcountry, level that incorporate these factors may belower, as well as more useful for policy analyses,than global or large regional estimates. Whilecountry-level estimates exist for forestry activities,similar estimates utilizing local information need tobe generated for agricultural activities and biofuels,as well as for the cumulative potential of all LUCFactivities in a particular location.
Evidence That Bimanual Motor Timing Performance Is Not a Significant Factor in Developmental Stuttering

Purpose Stuttering involves a breakdown in the speech motor system. We address whether stuttering in its early stage is specific to the speech motor system or whether its impact is observable across motor systems. Method As an extension of Olander, Smith, and Zelaznik (2010), we measured bimanual motor timing performance in 115 children: 70 children who stutter (CWS) and 45 children who do not stutter (CWNS). The children repeated the clapping task yearly for up to 5 years. We used a synchronization-continuation rhythmic timing paradigm. Two analyses were completed: a cross-sectional analysis of data from the children in the initial year of the study (ages 4;0 [years;months] to 5;11) compared clapping performance between CWS and CWNS. A second, multiyear analysis assessed clapping behavior across the ages 3;5–9;5 to examine any potential relationship between clapping performance and eventual persistence or recovery of stuttering. Results Preschool CWS were not different from CWNS on rates of clapping or v...
Modeling of Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy Based Transducers for Electro-Hydraulic Actuators

Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys (FSMAs) like Ni-Mn-Ga have attracted significant attention over the past few years. What makes these materials attractive as actuators is their high energy density, large stroke, and high bandwidth. Among other applications, these properties make FSMAs potentially candidates for developing lightweight Electro-Hydraulic Actuators (EHA). The role of the FSMA transducer is to provide the mechanical energy by the linear displacement in the EHA. In order to develop effective FSMA-based transducers, it is important to study their dynamic behavior. In this paper a dynamic model is presented for a Ni-Mn-Ga transducer. The transducer consists of the Ni-Mn-Ga material, a linear spring, Helmholtz coils, and a soft iron housing. An enhanced phenomenological model is also presented in this work to describe the strain output of the actuator in the response to the magnetic field strength. Using this model the effect of design parameters on the performance of the actuator is studied.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Histochemical characteristics of masseter and temporalis muscles after 5 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation—An investigation inMacaca mulatta

This study describes the histochemical characteristics and cross-sectional areas of the superficial masseter and temporalis muscles in juvenile rhesus monkeys after 5 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation. Four juvenile maleMacaca mulatta underwent mandibular surgery and 5 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation as part of a study of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) adaptations after condylar replacement. Immediately before the time the animals were killed (5 weeks postsurgically), biopsies of the masseter and temporalis muscles were obtained and submitted to histochemical analysis and calculation of muscle-fiber areas. The data were compared to histochemistry from 12 juvenile controlMacaca mulatta. Significant decreases in mean cross-sectional area were exhibited in both type I (p < 0.05) and type II (p < 0.01) fibers in all muscles when compared to controls (n = 12). The ratio of type I to type II fibers, however, remained constant during maxillomandibular fixation in masseter and temporalis muscle samples, indicating no change in relative types of fibers. We conclude from this experimental investigation that (1) significant atrophy occurs in the temporalis and masseter muscles after 5 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation, and (2) this atrophy occurs in both type I and type II fibers, indicating that overall recruitment of the muscle (and not just of one fiber type of motor unit) was affected during fixation.
Genital herpes in a primary care clinic. Demographic and sexual correlates of herpes simplex type 2 infections.

Background and Objectives: Genital herpes remains one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The sexual behavioral correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in the general population have not been well characterized. Goals: To assess demographic and sexual behavioral correlates of symptomatic and subclinical HSV-2 infection. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey of 922 randomly chosen patients and 78 of their partners (1,000 total) in a family practice. Sexual behavior information was collected in 492 people. Results: Two hundred twenty-five (23%) heterosexual people had HSV-2 infection, but only 59 (26%) reported a history of genital herpes. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 63% in African-American women, 27% in white women, 40% in African-American men, and 12% in white men. In multivariate analyses of risk factors for HSV-2 infection among men, 10 or more sexual partners and a prior STD were statistically significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. Among white women, number of sexual partners, a prior STD, marriage or cohabitation, and less than a college education were predictive of HSV-2 infection. A history of oral sex was the only statistically significant predictor of HSV-2 infection in African-American women. Conclusions: Risk factors for HSV-2 infection differ by gender and ethnic group. Traditionally recognized behavioral correlates of STD acquisition may not identify people in communities with high prevalence of HSV-2 infection.
A comparison of family medicine research in research intense and less intense institutions.

BACKGROUND Family medicine is a relatively new specialty that has been trying to develop a research base for 30 years. It is unclear how institutional research success and emphasis have affected the research productivity of family medicine departments. OBJECTIVE To examine the research infrastructure, productivity, and barriers to productivity in academic family medicine in research intense and less intense institutions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A survey of 124 chairs among institutional members of the Association of Departments of Family Medicine. Departments were categorized as being associated with research intense institutions (defined as the top 40 in National Institute of Health funding) or less intense institutions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prioritization of research as a mission, number of funded research grants, total number of research articles published, and number of faculty and staff conducting research. RESULTS The response rate was 55% (N = 68). Of 5 potential ratings on the survey, research was the fourth highest departmental priority in both categories of institutions. Departments in research intense institutions were larger, had more faculty on investigational tracks, and employed more research support staff (P<.05). Neither category of department published a large number (median = 10 in both groups) of peer-reviewed articles per year. Controlling for the number of full-time equivalent faculty, the departments in less intense institutions published a median of 0.7 articles, while the research intense institutions published 0.5 (P =.30). Departments in research intense institutions received more grant funding (P<.005) in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Chairs reported a scarcity of qualified applicants for research physician faculty openings. CONCLUSION Future initiatives should focus on prioritizing research and creating a critical mass of researchers in family medicine. Arch Fam Med. 2000;9:1100-1104
Pediatric bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in monozygotic twins.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax from subpleural bleb disease is an uncommon occurrence in pediatric patients. This is a rare case of monozygotic twins presenting at alternating intervals with a single-sided spontaneous pneumothorax, only to have it surgically corrected, and to present later with a subsequent contralateral pneumothorax. A review of familial spontaneous pneumothoraces occurring in children was queried for congenital or genetic syndromes. We concluded that a vast majority of pneumothoraces in children, like adults, are not spontaneous and not familial linked. While they are rare, some congenital syndromes have been identified. The HLA haplotype A2 B40, the gene encoding folliculin, Alph-1-antitrypsin, Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and Birt–Hogg–Dube syndrome have all been associated with familial spontaneous pneumothoraces. Physicians need to counsel family members to ensure appropriate observation and expedited treatment is not delayed.
Anterior Spinal Cord Ischemia after Infrainguinal Bypass Surgery

Morbidity of infrainguinal bypass surgery is mostly related to cardiac complication, graft thrombosis, and wound infections. Neurologic complications in these patients are unusual and generally related to traumatic peripheral nerve injury or ischemia. Anterior spinal cord ischemia, manifest clinically as flaccid paraplegia or lower extremity paraparesis, is a complication usually associated with aortic surgery. Reported here is a case of an 81-year-old male who developed spinal cord ischemia after infrainguinal bypass under epidural anesthesia.
Comparison of WNK4 and WNK1 kinase and inhibiting activities

WNK kinases are novel serine/threonine protein kinases. Mutations in two members of the WNK family, WNK1 and WNK4, cause familial hyperkalemic hypertension. These kinases regulate ion transport across diverse epithelia; WNK4 reduces activity of the Na-Cl cotransporter activity and the potassium channel, ROMK, by reducing their appearance at the plasma membrane. We examined the kinase activity of WNK1 and WNK4 in vitro. A glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein of the WNK1 kinse domain phosphorylated itself and a substrate protein, as reported previously. A longer construct, containing the autoinhibitory domain, did not. A GST WNK4 kinase domain construct demonstrated no kinase activity, in vitro or in HEK 293 cells. WNK4 constructs that included a region homologous to the autoinhibitory domain of WNK1 inhibited WNK1 kinase activity. Inhibition by a short WNK4 segment, WNK4 (444-518), was greater than inhibition by WNK4 (444-563). Together, these results suggest that WNK4 must be activated by currently unknown factors to exhibit kinase activity and that WNK4 contains an inhibitory domain that can inhibit the kinase activity of WNK1.
The Validity and Specificity of the Short-Form of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ)

Moulding et al. (Assessment 18:357–374, 2011) created a 20-item short-form of the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ; Obsessive Compulsive Cognitions Working Group in Behaviour Research and Therapy 43:1527–1542, 2005) labeled the OBQ-20. To date, the psychometric properties of the OBQ-20 have yet to be examined among clinical respondents. It is also unknown whether the OBQ-20 addresses the limited specificity of prior OBQ versions to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. In Study 1, using a small clinical sample (N = 48), each OBQ-20 scale evidenced good internal consistency and shared a nearly identical correlation in magnitude with obsessive-compulsive symptoms relative to a corresponding full-length OBQ scale. In Study 2, using a large community sample (N = 507), the OBQ-20 scales generally correlated equivalently with obsessive-compulsive symptoms relative to both depression and generalized anxiety symptoms. The OBQ-20 demonstrated strong psychometric properties, but, like prior OBQ versions, did not emerge as specific to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Given its brevity and potential transdiagnostic importance, the OBQ-20 will likely be a useful assessment tool in both research and clinical settings.
Isoform-selective interaction of cyclooxygenase-2 with indomethacin amides studied by real-time fluorescence, inhibition kinetics, and site-directed mutagenesis.

Conversion of carboxylate-containing nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, such as indomethacin, to esters or amides provides potent and selective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [Kalgutkar et al. (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 97, 925−930]. Synthesis of cinnamyl- or coumarinyl-substituted ethanolamide derivatives of indomethacin produced fluorescent probes of inhibitor interaction with COX-2 and COX-1. Binding of either derivative to apoCOX-2 or apoCOX-1 resulted in a rapid, reversible enhancement of fluorescence. Following this rapid phase, a slow additional increase in fluorescence was observed with apoCOX-2 but not with apoCOX-1. The slow, COX-2-specific increase in fluorescence was prevented or reversed by addition of the nonfluorescent COX inhibitor (S)-flurbiprofen. Detailed kinetic studies of the interaction of the coumarinyl derivative with COX-2 showed that the observed changes in fluorescence could be described by two sequential equilibria, the first of which is rapid, reversible, a...
Modification of adrenal function by the anti-serotonin agent cyproheptadine.

The effect of the serotonin antagonist, cyproheptadine (Cypro), on metyrapone-induced stimulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis was evaluated in nine normal subjects. The subjects underwent standard oral metyrapone tests (750 mg every four h, for six doses) while taking no medications and while receiving oral Cypro (4 mg every six h). Cypro administration caused a significant reduction in: 1) baseline 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OH) excretion (−31 ± 7.2%), 2) the increase above baseline in 24 h 17-OH excretion on the day after metyrapone (−32 ± 4.9%), 3) serum 11-deoxycortisol concentrations 8h (−45 ± 5.5%) and 24 h (−18 ± 3.6%) after the first dose of metyrapone, and 4) plasma ACTH concentration 8h (−32 ± 8.2%) and 24 h (−22 ± 8.0%) after the first dose of metyrapone. When compared with the control test, Cypro administration did not alter: 1) baseline 17-ketosteroid secretion, 2) the fall in serum cortisol concentration while taking metyrapone, 3) the serum free metyrapone concentration, 4) cortisol met...
Finding Female Fulfillment: Intersecting Role-Based and Morality-Based Identities of Motherhood, Feminism, and Generativity as Predictors of Women’s Self Satisfaction and Life Satisfaction

Focused on 113 U.S. mothers of college-aged daughters, we extend the existent role-based identity literature to address role- and morality-based identities and their ties to women’s fulfillment. Specifically, women’s identities as mothers, feminists, and generative individuals were assessed for their associations with each other, as well as their unique and combined associations with women’s self satisfaction and life satisfaction. Across the results, generativity yielded the greatest significance. Women with higher generativity identity report having higher self satisfaction and life satisfaction; women who were highly committed to mothering have stronger associations between generativity and life satisfaction. Women with strong generativity identities also tend to identify themselves as feminists. Feminist and mothering identity were not related to one another nor directly tied to satisfaction with one’s self nor life. Implications are discussed regarding continued assessment of role- and morality-based identity intersections as well as to the functions and limitations of the three identities and their assessment featured herein.
The inclusion of ‘spinning reserves’ in investmetn and simulation models for electricity generation

Abstract The demand for electricity varies substantially from hour to hour, from day to day, and from season to season. Because electricity is a highly perishable commodity which can be stored only at great expense, and because the penalty for failing to meet demand is severe, the fluctuations of demand over time are crucial in determining an optimal investment strategy for generating equipment. Traditionally, demand is represented by a load-duration curve which neglects the time of day when peaks and troughs occur. By incorporating a load-distribution curve into the model in a computationally tractable manner, this paper demonstrates that the results of the traditional models may be sensitive to changes in the assumptions implied by the load-duration curve.
Predicting thawing time of frozen boneless beef blocks

Abstract The substitution of frozen, boneless beef blocks for fresh material in many meat processing operations has resulted in a need for information on the subsequent thawing operation. The advantages and disadvantages of different thawing methods are discussed and a chart is presented which relates the thawing time of unwrapped boneless beef blocks to various environmental conditions. The chart was compiled from a combination of predicted and experimental data.
Ethical issues in the employment of user-generated content as experimental stimulus: Defining the interests of creators

Social experimental research commonly employs media to elicit responses from research subjects. This use of media is broadly protected under fair use exemptions to copyright, and creators of content used in experiments are generally not afforded any formal consideration or protections in existing research ethics frameworks. Online social networking sites are an emerging and important setting for social experiments, and in this context the material used to elicit responses is often content produced by other users. This article argues that users may have a reasonable interest in controlling the use of their content in experiments conducted in online social networks. Matters of risk and autonomy in research ethics are explored by analogy to active debates in law over adhesion contracts, moral rights, and the right to be forgotten. The article concludes by considering practical difficulties in identifying and protecting the interests of creators.
On the damped nonlinear evolution equation wtt = σ(w)xx − ywt

Abstract Initial boundary value problems for the damped nonlinear wave equation wtt = σ(w)xx − ywt arise in several areas of applied mathematics and, in particular, in studies of shearing flow in a nonlinear viscoelastic fluid; the problems of global existence and nonexistence of smooth solutions have been extensively studied in the strictly hyperbolic case σ′(δ) ⩾ e > 0, ∀δ ϵ R1 as well as in the case where σ′(0) > 0 and the initial data are chosen so small that σ′(w) > 0 for as long as a smooth solution w(x, t) exists. In this paper the global nonexistence problem is studied for the cases σ′(0) = 0 and σ′(0) > 0 but σ′(δ)
Reassessing the trade-off hypothesis: How misery drives the corruption effect on presidential approval

Do economic conditions drive voters to punish politicians that tolerate corruption? Previous scholarly work contends that citizens in young democracies support corrupt governments that are capable of promoting good economic outcomes, the so-called trade-off hypothesis. We test this hypothesis based on mass surveys in eighteen Latin American countries throughout 2004–2012. We find that citizens that report bribe attempts from bureaucrats are always more likely to report presidential disapproval than citizens that report no such attempts, that is, Latin American victims of corruption are not duped by good economic performance. However, we find some evidence for a weaker form of the trade-off hypothesis: presidential disapproval among corruption victims might be more pronounced in contexts of high inflation and high unemployment.
Sensing characteristics of chemical agents by using liquid crystal-based chemical and biological sensors

This paper reports the design of a microstructure comprising an interdigitated capacitance structure for the detection of vapor-phase analytes based on nematic liquid crystal (NLC) sensor. The NLC sensor is tested by using demethyl-methylphosphonate (DMMP) detection to change the orientational response of the liquid crystal molecules and demonstrated by the optical monitoring as well as the capacitive monitoring. Finally, vapor-phase analyte concentrations down to the parts-per-billion (ppb) level have been tested.
Evidence for a Distinct Inhibitory Factor in the Regulation of p53 Functional Activity

Abstract Under normal conditions, tumor suppressor protein p53 exists in the cell in its latent form and is unable to function as a transcription factor. The allosteric model of p53 regulation postulates that the extreme portion of p53 carboxyl terminus (aa 364–393) binds to the core domain of the protein, thereby abrogating specific DNA binding in that region. In this study we propose an alternative mechanism of p53 functional regulation, which involves a separate molecule acting in trans to inhibit p53 transcriptional activity. Through the use of chimeric proteins of p53, p63γ and p73β, we show that the extreme COOH-terminal domain of p53 exerts a powerful and specific inhibitory effect on the p73- and p63-driven expression of a reporter gene. Moreover, fusion of p53 extreme COOH terminus to a completely unrelated transcriptional activator Gal4-VP16 also results in significant inhibition of transactivation activity. Since p73, p63, or Gal4-VP16 cannot associate with any part of the p53 molecule, we conclude that p53(aa 364–393) represses transcriptional activity of chimeric proteins and p53 itself through the binding of external negative modulator(s) in that region and not by the allosteric mechanism of regulation. In accordance with the “distinct inhibitor” hypothesis, the activity of wild type p53 is substantially increased by overexpression of chimeric proteins bearing p53(aa 364–393), which might be due to the competitive removal of transcriptional inhibitor(s). Our findings provide the basis for the identification of such negative modulators of p53 transcriptional activity.
An empirical test of the Causative Markov model of consumer behavior

This paper examines an extension of the Markov model of consumer brand switching behavior, which captures the nonstationarity in the consumer decision processes over time. The extended model has been labeled as the Causative Matrix model. The model is put to test on empirical data, and compared with the stationary version of the model. The Causative Matrix model is shown to be a better forecasting tool. Its ability to yield additional insights into consumer brand choice processes is also discussed.
Therapeutic Management of Speech Disorders Associated With Velopharyngeal Incompetence

There are numerous controversies related to management of speech disorders in clients presenting velopharyngeal incompetence. Several issues are discussed in developing a rationale for the treatment protocol described in this article. Presented in the protocol are seven conditions under which treatment may vary. Techniques for management in each condition are described.
Pilot testing of checklists to discern adverse drug reactions and adverse drug events

Abstract Objective To estimate the prevalence of patient-reported adverse drug events (ADEs)/adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the community pharmacy setting and determine the prevalence relative to pharmacist judgment. Data sources The 2009 version of the Pharmacy Times top 200 drugs was used to identify the prescription medications most commonly used within the ambulatory population during 2008. All ADEs/ADRs for each medication were obtained by combining the ADEs/ADRs listed in Drug Facts and Comparisons , Lexi-Comp, and Micromedex. Methods Checklists for each pharmacologic class within the top 200 medications (n = 51) were developed, with questions about the five most common ADEs/ADRs in each class. Ten community pharmacies administered the checklists. Patients requesting a prescription refill for a medication listed in the top 200 were asked to complete a class-specific checklist to determine ADEs/ADRs experienced in the previous 4 weeks. Upon completion, pharmacists engaged in routine counseling procedures, including a discussion of patient-reported ADEs/ADRs. Pharmacists indicated if they believed, based on their clinical judgment, whether the ADE/ADR reported was related to the medication. Results 2,057 checklists were completed, with a total of 10,285 potential ADEs/ADRs. Patients reported 2,185 ADEs/ADRs (21.24%), with 755 (7.3%) definitively confirmed by the pharmacist as being related to their medication. Conclusion Use of these checklists resulted in the identification of previously unrecognized ADEs/ADRs in the community setting. Routine use of these short, patient-completed checklists may assist pharmacists in earlier identification of ADEs/ADRs, which can have a positive impact on patient safety across settings.
Plasticity and language: an example of the Baldwin effect?

In recent years, many scholars have suggested that the Baldwin effect may play an important role in the evolution of language. However, the Baldwin effect is a multifaceted and controversial process and the assessment of its connection with language is difficult without a formal model. This paper provides a first step in this direction. We examine a game-theoretic model of the interaction between plasticity (represented by Herrnstein reinforcement learning) and evolution in the context of a simple language game. Additionally, we describe three distinct aspects of the Baldwin effect: the Simpson–Baldwin effect, the Baldwin expediting effect and the Baldwin optimizing effect. We find that a simple model of the evolution of language lends theoretical plausibility to the existence of the Simpson–Baldwin and the Baldwin optimizing effects in this arena, but not the Baldwin expediting effect.
The anatomy, physiology and comparative aspects of the repugnatorial glands of Orthocricus arboreus (Diplopoda:Spirobolida)

The quinoidal secretion, secreted by holocrine action from most gland cells (no cytoplasmic inclusions), of Orthocricus arboreus may ooze out or be sprayed over 30 cm. A thick gland intima and basement membrane protects internal organs. The gland grades into a neck leading to an external orifice. An ejaculatory duct, its lumen closed by cuticular spring action, is formed by invagination of the neck. Part of the duct forms a tongue, which can independently unplug the orifice. Retractor muscles open the ejaculatory duct, secretion flows in from the gland, and the part of the duct nearest the gland closes. Sequential relaxation of the rest of the retractor muscles build up fluid pressure, which results in a spray when the orifice is unplugged. A ligament opposes the pull of the retractor muscles. Opening both duct and orifice results in secretion ooze. No intrinsic gland muscles were found. Intersegmental muscles may produce hemolymph fluid pressure on the gland, thereby contributing to secretion ooze. Illustrations are presented. A table comparing the two basic types of millipede repugnatorial glands (spirobolid and polydesmid), on the levels of structure, histology, secretion, chemistry and function is presented. The polydesmid type (2-chambered) probably evolved from the spirobolid type (1-chambered). The secretion of one type would not work in the other type of apparatus. A second table corelates the secretion and ejection mechanism of 23 species of millipeds with their phylogenetic position in the class Diplopoda.
Drug-Coated Balloons for the Prevention of Vascular Restenosis

From early in the history of percutaneous cardiovascular intervention, restenosis has been one of the most important clinical and biological measures of success, and a great deal of effort has been put into understanding the mechanisms responsible.1,2 Restenosis is the result of the interaction of a variety of mechanical and biological processes that begin immediately after balloon injury, including early vessel recoil,3,4 negative vascular remodeling,5 and excessive neointimal proliferation.5–7 The most important limitations of balloon angioplasty, abrupt vessel closure resulting from elastic recoil and occlusive plaque dissection, were effectively solved by the introduction of balloon-expandable stents.8 However, in-stent restenosis (ISR), the result of the initial injury and the vascular response to the implanted metallic prosthesis leading to excessive neointimal proliferation, remained as the most important cause of failure of these devices.9,10 Drug-eluting stents (DES) effectively reduced ISR by addressing the biological mechanisms of neointimal proliferation and have become the mainstay of the interventional treatment of coronary atherosclerotic disease.11 However, the demonstrated efficacy of DES is balanced by the small but unpredictable risk of very late stent thrombosis thought to be due to delayed vascular healing resulting from either the initial antiproliferative effect (and associated late acquired incomplete stent apposition) or a hypersensitivity reaction to the drug, polymer coating, or their combination.12,13 Moreover, beyond the coronary vasculature, there has been a paucity of effective therapies to manage restenosis after intervention. In recent years, drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as a therapeutic alternative in the interventional field.14 With this technology, short-term transfer of antiproliferative drugs to the arterial wall is achieved without the requirement of an implanted drug delivery system, thus potentially reducing the untoward effects associated with polymer-based stent technologies. In small clinical randomized trials, paclitaxel-coated balloons have been shown to be …
Education for social change: Highlander education in the Appalachian Mountains and study circles in Sweden

The article explores how education promotes social change. Using the philosophical foundations of adult education outlined by Elias and Merriam (2001, Philosophical foundations of adult education (3rd ed.), Krieger) as an analytical framework, the article compares the similarities and differences between popular education forms in two countries: Highlander education in the Appalachian Mountains in the United States and study circles in Sweden. The findings of the article indicate that, influenced by the folk schools’ education connecting to the social, political and economic problems of life, Highlander education and Swedish study circles dealt with the problems of life in education, but took different directions due to their different social and political contexts. Influenced by the radical philosophy of adult education, Highlander education attempted to achieve social and economic justice through social liberation in local communities; based on humanistic education philosophy, Swedish study circles purs...
Variability of geophysical parameters from aircraft radiance measurements for FIFE

Airborne multispectral images were gathered on two days during the First ISLCP Field Experiment (FIFE) to study the time and space variability of remotely sensed geophysical parameters over the study region. The data sets comprised multiple overflights covering approximately a 60-min period during late morning on 04 June 1987 and shortly after dark on the subsequent day. Image data from each overpass were calibrated and earth-located, with regard to each other, utilizing aircraft INS parameters and ground control points.
Remarks on well-posedness theorems for damped second-order systems

Abstract We consider an operator theoretic formulation for distributed damped second-order (in time) forced linear elastic systems. A brief summary of previous well-posedness results is presented along with new results which allow relaxed spatial regularity (which is important in smart material systems applications) on the forcing or input function. Extensions to nonlinear systems are also indicated. The results are presented in a variational format for easy development of finite element approximation methods.