cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Connecting policy to licensed assisted living communities, introducing health services regulatory analysis.

OBJECTIVE To document dementia-relevant state assisted living regulations and their changes over time as they pertain to licensed care settings. DATA SOURCES For all states, current directories of licensed assisted living communities and state regulations for each year, 2007-2018, were obtained from state agency websites and Nexis Uni, respectively. STUDY DESIGN We identified multiple types of regulatory classifications for each state and documented the presence or absence of specific dementia care provisions in the regulations for each type by study year. Maps and summary statistics were used to compare results to previous research and document change longitudinally. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS We used a policy analysis approach to connect communities listed in directories to applicable regulatory text. Then, we employed policy surveillance and question-based coding to record the presence or absence of specific policies for each classification and study year. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our team empirically documented provisions requiring dementia-specific training for administrators and direct care staff, and cognitive impairment screening for each study year. We found that 23 states added one or more of these requirements for one or more license types, but the states that had these provisions for all types of licensed assisted living declined from four to two. CONCLUSIONS We identified significant, previously undocumented, within-state policy variation for assisted living licensed settings between 2007 and 2018. Using the regulatory classification instead of the state as the unit of analysis revealed that many policy adoptions were limited to dementia-designated settings. This suggests that people living with dementia in general assisted living are not afforded the same protections. We call our approach health services regulatory analysis and argue that it has the potential to identify gaps in existing policies, an important endeavor for health services research in assisted living and other care settings.
Emotions and the tolerance of large carnivores: pumas in a crop-based landscape in Brazil

Understanding the factors that affect the tolerance of carnivores is critical for proposing strategies for their conservation. A widely known hazard-acceptance model for large carnivores proposes that, unlike cognitive factors, emotional (affective) factors are secondary drivers of tolerance towards these species. The main objective of this article is to compare the effect of affective and cognitive factors on the tolerance of pumas (Puma concolor), using 109 semi-structured interviews conducted in a rural landscape in the state of Bahia (Brazil). Through the use of cumulative link models I found that although the cognitive model explained a considerable amount of variability (gen. R2 = 0.38) in the tolerance of the species, the affective model explained a higher amount of variability (gen. R2 = 0.44). In addition, an integrative model containing cognitive and affective factors explained the highest amount of variability (gen. R2 = 0.51). Contrary to what has been believed for decades, humans may not process information regarding wildlife from a purely analytical viewpoint, and social-based strategies for carnivore conservation should benefit from integrative approaches that consider emotional responses to wildlife.
A General Framework for Domain-Specialization of Stance Detection: A Covid-19 Response Use Case

We present a generalized framework for domain-specialized stance detection, focusing on Covid-19 as a use case. We define a stance as a predicate-argument structure (combination of an action and its participants) in a simplified one-argument format, e.g., wear(a mask), coupled with a task-specific belief category representing the purpose (e.g., protection) of an argument (e.g., mask) in the context of its predicate (e.g., wear), as constrained by the domain (e.g., Covid-19). A belief category PROTECT captures a belief such as “masks provide protection,” whereas RESTRICT captures a belief such as “mask mandates limit freedom.” A stance combines a belief proposition, e.g., PROTECT(wear(a mask)), with a sentiment toward this proposition. From this, an overall positive attitude toward mask wearing is extracted. The notions purpose and function serve as natural constraints on the choice of belief categories during resource building which, in turn, constrains stance detection. We demonstrate that linguistic constraints (e.g., light verb processing) further refine the choice of predicate-argument pairings for belief and sentiment assignments, yielding significant increases in F1 score for stance detection over a strong baseline.
Common Variable Immunodeficiency, Hypogammaglobulinemia, and Specific Antibody Deficiency

Antibody deficiencies are a group of primary immune deficiencies caused by defects in B-cell development, B-cell activation, or antibody synthesis. Defects discussed in this chapter include common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), specific antibody deficiency (SAD), and hypogammaglobulinemia. Patients with isolated antibody deficiencies often have increased frequency or prolonged course of sinopulmonary infections. Chronic diarrhea, chronic lung disease, autoimmune disease, or lymphoproliferative disease can also complicate antibody deficiencies, especially CVID. The diagnosis of antibody deficiency is based upon clinical picture, total immunoglobulin levels, and functional immune response to vaccines. Patients with CVID have low IgG levels in combination with either low IgA or IgM levels. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia have isolated low IgG levels, while patients with specific antibody deficiency have normal total immunoglobulin levels. Importantly, diagnoses of CVID, SAD, or hypogammaglobulinemia require evidence of impaired immune response to vaccines. First-line therapy for CVID is immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy, while patients with SAD and hypogammaglobulinemia can be trialed on prophylactic antibiotics before undergoing Ig replacement therapy. With the introduction of Ig replacement therapy, there has been a decrease in infectious complications; however, noninfectious complications remain a cause for reduced survival in patients with CVID.
Moral disengagement and social distancing of people with a personality disorder

Introduction People with personality disorders (PD) share some impairments in personality functioning (e.g. identity, intimacy, empathy) that are also associated with inner or interpersonal conflicts, and sometimes also with different strategies of moral disengagement (MD). It is unclear whether MD strategies are related to individuals with/without PD and their willingness to have social contacts with representatives of otherness (like minorities, physically handicapped, etc.). Objectives Comparison of the differences in MD strategies and social distance to the otherness of healthy controls and people with PD, and the influence of personality functioning. Methods Moral Disengagement Scale which measures eight MD strategies, the Semi-Structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 assessing the Self and Interpersonal functioning, and Bogardus Social Distance Scale measuring perceived social distance toward various representatives of otherness are applied in two samples (general population and personality disorders). Results People with PD showed a significantly higher propensity to use various MD strategies than healthy controls with moderate effect size (.34–.49). Moral disengagement is facilitated by different aspects of personality functioning in both samples, sharing the impairments in maintaining close relationships. Both samples differed in MD strategies connected with higher social distancing. Conclusions People with PD are more prone to moral disengagement than healthy adults. MD appears to be facilitated by different aspects of personality functioning in both samples. Some representants of otherness are more related to specific MD strategies. We hypothesize that understanding of specific MD strategies used by people with PD can provide insight and explain some of their behavior.
MicroComputed Tomography: Methodology and Applications

Preface Acknowledgments Biography Introduction References Fundamentals X-Radiation Imaging X-Ray Contrast and Imaging References Reconstruction from Projections Basic Concepts Algebraic Reconstruction Back-Projection Fourier-Based Reconstruction Performance Sinograms References MicroCT Systems and Their Components Absorption MicroCT Methods X-Ray Sources Detectors Positioning Components Tube-Based Systems Synchrotron Radiation Systems NanoCT (Full-Field, Microscopy-Based MicroCT with Phase, Fluorescence, or Scattering Contrast System Specification References MicroCT in Practice Reconstruction Artifacts Performance: Precision and Accuracy Contrast Enhancement Data Acquisition Challenges Speculations References Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Visualization Experiment Design Data Analysis Data Representation References Simple Metrology and Microstructure Quantification Distribution of Phases Metrology and Phylogeny References Cellular or Trabecular Solids Cellular Solids Static Cellular Structures Temporally Evolving, Nonbiological Cellular Structures Mineralized Tissue Implants and Tissue Scaffolds References Networks Engineered Network Solids Networks of Pores Circulatory System Respiratory System References Evolution of Structures Materials Processing Environmental Interactions Bone and Soft Tissue Adaptation References Mechanically Induced Damage, Deformation, and Cracking Deformation Studies Monolithic Materials: Crack Face Interactions and Crack Closure Composite Systems References Multimode Studies Sea Urchin Teeth Sulfate Ion Attack of Portland Cement Fatigue Crack Path and Mesotexture Creep Damage Load Redistribution in Damaged Monofilament Composites Bone Networks References Index
Temperature-Dependent Lipid Conversion and Nonlipid Composition of Microalgal Hydrothermal Liquefaction Oils Monitored by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

We illustrate a detailed compositional characterization of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) oils derived from two biochemically distinct microalgae, Nannochloropsis gaditana and Chlorella sp. (DOE 1412), for a range of reaction temperature as observed by high-resolution electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS). The unique capability to unequivocally derive molecular formulae directly from FT-ICR MS-measured mass-to-charge ratio (for several thousand compounds in each oil) shows that lipids are completely reacted/converted for any reaction temperature above 200 °C and reveals the formation of nonlipid reaction products with increasing temperature. Specifically, lipid-rich oil is obtained at low reaction temperature (<225 °C) for both microalgal strains. For positive ion mode, the major lipid components in Chlorella sp. and N. gaditana HTL oils are betaine lipids and acylglycerols, respectively. Acidic species in the HTL oils (observed by negative ion mode) are dominated by free fatty acids (FFA) regardless of reaction temperature. HTL oils obtained at higher temperatures (≥225 °C) are composed of a variety of basic nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds that originate from protein and carbohydrate degradation at elevated temperature. Similar structural features are observed for the abundant nitrogen heterocyclics between the two strains with slightly lower carbon number for Chlorella sp., overall.
Exploiting Natural Dynamics in Robot Control

Abstract : This paper presents an approach to robot arm control based on exploiting the dynamical properties of an adaptive oscillator circuit coupled to the joints of an arm. The approach is implemented on a real robot arm, and swings pendulums at their natural frequencies, turns cranks and manipulates slinky toys. These actions are all achieved using the same architecture, without any modeling of the arm or its environment. The simple nature of the oscillators, and the lack of modeling results in a robust and very simple system.
Neoliberalism and Nativism: Local Anti-Immigrant Policy Activism and an Emerging Politics of Scale

Recent years have been witness to an explosion of locally scaled immigration-related policy activism in cities across the United States. While cities have had both integrative and exclusionary reactions to unauthorized immigration, this article explores a politics of scale and rescaling exemplified by anti-immigrant ‘Illegal Immigration Relief Act’ ordinances passed and/or considered by over 130 cities in the United States beginning in 2006 — most visibly, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. I interpret this nativist immigration policy activism as locally scaled acts of contestation to neoliberalizing policies formulated at the national and supranational scales that have had the (un)intended consequence of fostering ‘illegal’ immigration. Perceiving themselves at the frontlines of a rescaled national boundary, these locally scaled immigration policies represent attempts by local governments and residents to ‘take matters into their own hands’ by rescaling a defining characteristic of the nation-state — power over immigration enforcement—in order to regulate undocumented migration. While scholars have begun to document examples of progressive local contestation to neoliberalization, there has yet been only passing reference to the nativist potential for resistance to neoliberalization. This article provides a novel empirical contribution by seeking to flesh out a broader conceptualization of both neoliberalism and its contestations, and to provide a critical warning that not all contestations may lead to progressive futures.
Knowledge integration for problem solving in the development of complex aerospace systems

The development of complex products requires widespread knowledge interactions among a significant number of individuals and teams designing numerous interrelated components. Increasing product complexity typically leads to a corresponding increase in the types and sources of knowledge that need to be tapped during development, and a common strategy for managing product complexity is to outsource parts and components to external suppliers. As a result, the knowledge required for development is increasingly specialized and distributed across multiple boundaries spanning large-scale organizational networks, thus requiring the subsequent integration of this knowledge in order to accomplish the development task. A framework for knowledge integration in the development of complex systems in a large-scale organizational context is proposed in this thesis using an extensive review of the pertinent literature. The framework consists of the main channels, strategies, practices and mechanisms most commonly used to transfer, share and apply knowledge in the course of complex technical problem solving. The framework is progressively refined using empirical data collected through several rounds of interviews and a questionnaire instrument administered across three major aircraft programs in the defense aerospace industry. We find that knowledge integration in routine problem solving situations is most efficiently and effectively accomplished through extensive transfer and sharing of codified information using formal mechanisms such as information systems, while knowledge integration for major non-routine troubleshooting events requires extensive integration of individual expertise and know-how through both formal and informal advice sharing as well as direct assistance across internal and external organizational boundaries. A principal contribution of this research is in demonstrating how different characteristics of the engineering artifact defined in terms of product complexity, architecture and technology newness, and different aspects of problem solving including problem type and novelty, drive the knowledge integration process and the organizational system. We conclude that permeability of cross-program boundaries, direct relationships with functional groups and rich tacit knowledge flow from suppliers are critical for countering rampant firefighting in complex product development. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Multi-camera Scene Reconstruction via Graph Cuts

We address the problem of computing the 3-dimensional shape of an arbitrary scene from a set of images taken at known viewpoints. Multi-camera scene reconstruction is a natural generalization of the stereo matching problem. However, it is much more difficult than stereo, primarily due to the difficulty of reasoning about visibility. In this paper, we take an approach that has yielded excellent results for stereo, namely energy minimization via graph cuts. We first give an energy minimization formulation of the multi-camera scene reconstruction problem. The energy that we minimize treats the input images symmetrically, handles visibility properly, and imposes spatial smoothness while preserving discontinuities. As the energy function is NP-hard to minimize exactly, we give a graph cut algorithm that computes a local minimum in a strong sense. We handle all camera configurations where voxel coloring can be used, which is a large and natural class. Experimental data demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach.
Nickel-hydrogen battery-common pressure vessel

Common pressure vessel (CPV) Ni-H/sub 2/ battery designs have been developed for geosynchronous (GEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO) aerospace applications, terrestrial remote energy storage, and aircraft starting. The first aerospace CPV prototype, a 10 in diameter, 24 Ah, 26 cell battery, was fabricated in 1988. A second generation 5 in diameter aerospace CPV was then developed which incorporated a loose heat fin designed to overcome the manufacturing problems that caused the premature failure of the first prototype. In addition to the revised heat fin, the second generation battery incorporated several additional design improvements which enhanced the reliability and manufacturability of the CPV. Based on the early success of the loose fin design approach in the 5 in design, the same approach was adapted for use in the original 10 in version. Prototypes of this design have been produced in a 125 Ah GEO version as well as a high power prototype aircraft starting battery. The design for terrestrial applications is discussed. The testing of the three load profiles demonstrated the excellent performance and flexibility of the CPV Ni-H/sub 2/ battery. Simple battery control schemes based on charge pressure and discharge voltage proved adequate. The ability of the battery to withstand catastrophic system failures and total discharge proved to be a valuable asset. >
A model for a statewide critical incident stress (CIS) debriefing program for emergency services personnel.

PURPOSE Emergency services personnel are highly vulnerable to acute and cumulative critical incident stress (CIS) that can manifest as anger, guilt, depression, and impaired decision-making, and, in certain instances, job loss. Interventions designed to identify such distress and restore psychological functioning becomes imperative. METHODS A statewide debriefing team was formed in 1988 through a collaborative effort between an academic department of emergency medicine and a social work department of a teaching hospital, and a metropolitan area fire department and ambulance service. Using an existing CIS debriefing model, 84 prescreened, mental health professionals and emergency services personnel were provided with 16 hours of training and were grouped into regional teams. Debriefing requests are received through a central number answered by a communicator in a 24-hour communications center located within the emergency department. Debriefings are conducted 48-72 hours after the event for specific types of incidents. Follow-up telephone calls are made by the debriefing team leader two to three weeks following a debriefing. The teams rely on donations to pay for travel and meals. RESULTS One hundred sixty-eight debriefings were conducted during the first four years. Rural agencies accounted for 116 (69%) requests. During this period, 1,514 individuals were debriefed: 744 (49%) firefighters, 460 (30%) EMTs, and 310 (21%) police officers, dispatchers, and other responders. Deaths of children, extraordinary events, and incidents involving victims known to the responders (35%, 14%, and 14% respectively) were the most common reasons for requesting debriefings. Feedback was received from 48 (28%) of the agencies that requested the debriefing. All of those who responded felt that the debriefing had a beneficial effect on its personnel. Specific individuals identified by agency representatives as having the greatest difficulty were observed to be returned to their pre-incident state. CONCLUSIONS CIS debriefings are judged as beneficial. A statewide response team is an effective way to provide these services at no cost to agencies.
Some Observations on Yield Surfaces for 304 Stainless Steel at Large Prestrain

Experiments to study the yield surface of 304 stainless steel with either 20 percent tension or 20 percent shear prestrain have been conducted. Explicit transformation equations have also been derived to convert the experimentally determined first Piola-Kirchhoff stress components into the Cauchy stresses and the second Piola-Kirchhoff stresses for combined axial-torsional experiments. It has been found that, in the phenomenological approach, the stress measure and the definition of yield have significant effect on the degree of anisotropy of strain-hardening. In particular, the strain-hardening rule is extremely complicated if the second Piola-Kirchhoff stress is used. Also, the equivalent stress-strain curves have been investigated by means of different stress measures.
Precoding based network Alignment and the capacity of a finite field X channel

Precoding based network alignment (PBNA) is a network coding paradigm inspired by wireless networks where all the intelligence resides at the sources and destination nodes whereas intermediate relay nodes only perform arbitrary linear network coding operations, creating an effective one-hop finite field linear network between sources and destinations. The main question explored in this work is how degrees of freedom (DoF) results from wireless networks can be translated into capacity results for their finite field counterparts. A finite field X channel, i.e., a multiple unicast network comprised of 2 source nodes, 2 destination nodes and 4 independent messages (one for each source-destination pair) is considered in this work, where the channel outputs are arbitrary linear combinations of channel inputs over a finite field Fpn. Like its wireless counterpart, which has 4/3 sum DoF, this channel is shown to have a sum capacity of 4/3 symbols per channel use for most channel realizations. The main insight is that, with a few exceptions that are pointed out, scalar (SISO) finite field channels over Fpn are analogous to n×n complex vector (MIMO) channels in the wireless setting, so the DoF optimal precoding solutions for wireless networks can be translated into capacity optimal solutions for their finite field counterparts.
The translation of a human placental lactogen mRNA fraction in heterologous cell-free systems: the synthesis of a possible precursor.

Summary RNA extracted from term placental homogenates directed the synthesis of human placental lactogen (HPL) in a heterologous cell-free system derived from Krebs II ascites tumor cells. HPL was one of the major products synthesized. It was identified on SDS-polyacrylamide gels and by trypsin fingerprinting. Translation of placental RNA in a cell-free system from wheat germ resulted in the synthesis of a protein that migrated slower than HPL on SDS-polyacrylamide gels; no labeled protein was observed that comigrated with authentic HPL. This heavier protein had a molecular weight of about 25,000. It contained the same overlapping HPL tryptic peptides seen when the RNA was translated in the ascites cell-free system. This raises the possibility that a HPL precursor was synthesized in the wheat germ system.
A systematic method to solve the Rubik's cube problem

We present here a method to solve the Rubik's cube problem that has the advantage of being systematic and of relying on a small set of basic transformations. It was developed independently of any other studies.
Rad51 Promoter-Targeted Gene Therapy Is Effective for In Vivo Visualization and Treatment of Cancer

Rad51 protein is overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers. Our previous in vitro studies demonstrated that a construct comprised Rad51 promoter driving expression of the diphtheria toxin A gene (pRad51-diphtheria toxin A (DTA)) destroys a variety of human cancer cell lines, with minimal to no toxicity to normal human cells. Here we delivered Rad51 promoter-based constructs in vivo using linear polyethylenimine nanoparticles, in vivo jetPEI, to visualize and treat tumors in mice with HeLa xenografts. For tumor detection, we used pRad51-Luc, a construct containing the firefly luciferase under the Rad51 promoter, administered by intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Tumors were detected with an in vivo bioluminescent camera. All mice with cancer displayed strong bioluminescence, while mice without cancer displayed no detectable bioluminescence. Treatment with pRad51-DTA/jetPEI decreased tumor mass of subcutaneous (SC) and IP tumors by sixfold and fourfold, respectively, along with the strong reduction of malignant ascites. Fifty percent of the mice with SC tumors were cancer-free after six pRad51-DTA/jetPEI injections, and for the mice with IP tumors, mean survival time increased by 90% compared to control mice. This study demonstrates the clinical potential of pRad51-based constructs delivered by nanoparticles for the diagnostics and treatment of a wide range of cancers.
Competence Mutants: Isolation of Transformation Deficient Strains of Haemophilus influenzae

BACTERIAL transformation involves several steps, beginning with the association between free DNA and the cells, and ending with alteration of the recipient genome. Although the general processes of “DNA uptake” and “integration” must be involved, the transient nature of the specific events has made their elucidation extremely difficult. Furthermore, although physiological changes occur during the development of competence, it is not known which changes are essential to transformation. We believe these processes could most readily be analysed by genetic techniques.
The copolymer of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid as a sensitive resist for deep-etch X-ray lithography

The copolymer of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid was developed as a new sensitive resist for the LIGA (Lithographie, Galvanoformung, Abformtechnik) process. The resist exposures were carried out at the LIGA beamline of a superconducting compact light source NIJI-III. The absorbed energy density required to remove the entire exposed resist and produce a defect-free microstructure was between 0.4 and 7 kJ/cm3 (4 and 20 kJ/cm3 for PMMA). The sensitivity and patterning depth of the copolymer were 10 times and 3.5 times, respectively, those of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) assuming that both resists were exposed to synchrotron radiation (SR) of the same wavelength. Moreover, the copolymer showed high contrast and process stability.
Sampling error in the bending strength distribution of dimension lumber

Information is presented on the magnitude of errors associated with various sampling simulation schemes of the distribution of three different populations, representing actual bending strength of dimension lumber. Errors were determined between the simulated and actual distributions. Graphical evaluations indicated good fits with the three-parameter form of the weibull distribution for both original and simulated bending strength data, as well as with the resulting error terms. Error terms, based on the simulated versus actual distributions, were generated for the lower 5% exclusion limit, for the 50% exclusion limit and for the entire distribution curve. Simulations were carried out with the aid of Monte Carlo techniques using distribution functions fitted to actual test data for dimension lumber. The errors are expressed as functions of confidence levels. The comparison of the erro obtained through the various sampling schemes could provide some initial directions to choose an economical sampling plan for the presently ongoing in-grade lumber testing program.
Specific fluorescent derivatives of macromolecules a fluorescence study on some specifically modified derivatives of chymotrypsin, trypsin and subtilisin

Abstract The 5-dimethylaminonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl group was specifically introduced into the active site region of the serine proteinases: α-chymotrypsin, trypsin and subtilisin Carlsberg by the method of affinity-labeling. The resulting fluorescent derivatives were studied by a variety of fluorescence techniques and the results were correlated with structural data available on these enzymes from X-ray analysis. As model compounds for the Dns-proteinases, the absorption and fluorescence properties of Dns-amide and Dns-ethyl ester were studied in ethanol/water and p -dioxane/water mixtures. The fluorescence emission transition energies and quantum yields were related to four commonly employed solvent-polarity scales. Best correlations for different solvents were obtained with the empirical “Z” and “Y” scales. From inspection of the fluorescence emission transition energies of the Dns group in the Dns-proteinases and comparison with the model compound studies it was possible to assign “Z” values for the apparent microenvironment polarities of the Dns group in the Dns-proteinases. The apparent polarities of the microenviroments of the Dns group in Dns-Ser 195-chymotrypsin (Dns-chymotrypsin (1)); (Dns-Phe-CH 2 )-His 57-chymotrypsin; (Dns-Lys-CH 2 )-His 46-trypsin; and Dns-Ser 221-subtilisin Carlsberg (Dns-subtilisin (1)) are in the range of 89.5–92.5 on the “Z” scale.
Quantum bound states in a classically unbound system of crossed wires.

We have computed the energy and the wave function for an electron caught at the intersection of two narrow channels. There are two bound energies for the case with fourfold rotational symmetry. For impenetrable walls the energies are ${E}_{1}$=0.66${E}_{t}$ and ${E}_{2}$=3.72${E}_{t}$, where the threshold for propagation of electrons in one channel is ${E}_{t}$=h${\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}}^{2}$${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}$/2${m}^{\mathrm{*}}$${w}^{2}$ and w is the width of the channel. The state at ${E}_{2}$ is bound only because it has odd parity and thus cannot decay into the even-parity propagating wave at the same energy. (The odd-parity propagation threshold is at 4${E}_{t}$.) We have also computed the transmission and reflection probabilities in the propagating case for a range of energies up to slightly above the odd-parity threshold.
Entanglement evolution in a non-Markovian environment

Abstract We extend recent theoretical studies of entanglement dynamics in the presence of environmental noise, following the long-time interest of Krzysztof Wodkiewicz in the effects of stochastic models of noise on quantum optical coherences. We investigate the quantum entanglement dynamics of two spins in the presence of classical Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise, obtaining exact solutions for evolution dynamics. We consider how entanglement can be affected by non-Markovian noise, and discuss several limiting cases.
The Role of Non-standard Work Status in Parental Caregiving for Young Children

This paper uses data from the American Time Use Survey to examine the effect of the timing of parents’ daily work schedules on their caregiving time on weekdays. Since the timing of employment is a choice, the decision to work non-standard hours is modeled jointly with caregiving. We find that high-wage non-standard mothers provide more caregiving than lower-wage non-standard mothers, while caregiving time performed by standard-time working mothers is not responsive to their wages. For fathers, caregiving is shown to be strongly related to marital status, the age of his children and the presence of other adults in the household.
On the rate of mass transfer from a gas to a moving liquid film

Abstract A theoretical expression is derived for the rate of mass transfer of a substance from the gas phase to a liquid film, in which it is highly soluble, flowing down a vertical surface. It is assumed that the gas phase is in laminar motion. The problem is solved for both the special case of dilute gaseous mixtures, and the more general case of high rates of mass transfer. It is shown that when the Schmidt number is around unity, the Nusselt number is again proprotional to the square root of a Reynolds number as in all laminar single phase flows, except that a new characteristic velocity has to be defined, and that the expression for the Nusselt number for mass transfer to a stationary vertical surface is also applicable for mass transfer to a falling liquid film, if this new characteristic velocity is used. The same argument holds of course for the analogous heat transfer problem, that is the transfer of heat from a surface through a moving thin liquid film into a laminar gas stream in motion.
In Vacuo Tribological Behavior of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Alumina Nanocomposites: The Importance of Water for Ultralow Wear

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is widely regarded as an excellent candidate for solid lubrication in vacuum. However, it is often precluded from many prac- tical applications due to its intrinsically high wear rate. Over the past decade, it has been discovered that small loading fractions of alumina nanofillers can increase the wear resistance of PTFE by three to four orders of mag- nitude. This dramatic increase in wear resistance has in turn prompted numerous tribological studies to examine the robustness of this performance. In this study, the wear and friction behavior of unfilled PTFE and PTFE and alumina nanocomposites were evaluated under a broad range of vacuum environments from 760 to 4 9 10 -6 Torr. The nanocomposites of PTFE/alumina showed a dramatic increase in wear of over two orders of magnitude at the highest vacuum conditions. There appears to be an optimal vacuum environment around 1-10 Torr, in which these samples achieved the lowest wear rates of approximately 2.5 9 10 -7 mm 3 /(Nm).
Inter-rater reliability in assigning ICF codes to children with disabilities

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if independent raters would arrive at similar decisions about which codes from the Activities and Participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to assign to children with disabilities based on the results of standard paediatric functional assessment measures.Method: Children (N = 60), 9 months to 17.75 years old, with a range of disabilities were assessed using either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (n = 20), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) (n = 20), or the School Function Assessment (SFA) (n = 20). Two raters independently determined which of 40 codes from the Activities and Participation component of the ICF applied to each child based on items and standard scores from the assessment measure. The Cohen's kappa statistic was used as the measure of inter-rater reliability.Results: The kappa statistic was ⩾ 0.70, the criterion for good agreement in this study, for 23/...
Depletion of seed patches by Merriam’s kangaroo rats: are GUD assumptions met?

Depletion of experimental seed patches by granivorous animals often is used as a qualitative assay of foraging activity. An optimal foraging model suggests that seed amounts remaining when foragers leave patches (“giving-up-density”, GUD) also provide quantitative measures of foraging economics, diet strategies and foraging abilities. Such quantitative uses of GUDs rest on several largely untested assumptions. We tested two of these with Merriam’s kangaroo rats: that gain curves are smoothly decelerating, and that foragers leave patches at a constant harvest rate. Harvest rates indeed declined with patch residence time, but in the piecewise linear fashion expected of systematic search. Animals also revisited areas within patches less frequently than expected with random search. In the field, they depleted patches in multiple visits and did not use a constant-rate leaving rule. These deviations from model assumptions cast doubt on inferences about foraging ecology that have been based on quantitative GUD theory.
Metastasis suppressor function of NM23-H1 requires its 3'-5' exonuclease activity.

The metastasis suppressor NM23-H1 possesses 3 enzymatic activities in vitro, a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), a protein histidine kinase and a more recently characterized 3′-5′ exonuclease. Although the histidine kinase has been implicated in suppression of motility in breast carcinoma cell lines, potential relevance of the NDPK and 3′-5′ exonuclease to metastasis suppressor function has not been addressed in detail. To this end, site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical analyses of bacterially expressed mutant NM23-H1 proteins have identified mutations that disrupt the 3′-5′ exonuclease alone (Glu5 to Ala, or E5A), the NDPK and histidine kinase activities tandemly (Y52A, H118F) or all 3 activities simultaneously (K12Q). Although forced expression of NM23-H1 potently suppressed spontaneous lung metastasis of subcutaneous tumor explants derived from the human melanoma cell line 1205LU, no significant metastasis suppressor activity was obtained with the exonuclease-deficient variants E5A and K12Q. The H118F mutant, which lacked both the NDPK and histidine kinase while retaining the 3′-5′ exonuclease, also exhibited compromised suppressor activity. In contrast, each mutant retained the ability to suppress motility and invasive characteristics of 1205LU cells in culture, indicating that the NM23-H1 molecule possesses an additional activity(s) mediating these suppressor functions. These studies provide the first demonstration that the 3′-5′ exonuclease activity of NM23-H1 is necessary for metastasis suppressor function and further indicate cooperativity of the 3 enzymatic activities of the molecule on suppression of the metastatic process.
In Vitro Mechanisms of Lovastatin on Lung Cancer Cell Lines as a Potential Chemopreventive Agent

Lung cancer causes over one million deaths per year worldwide and cigarette smoking, the proximate cause, results in a field cancerization of the respiratory track. Lung cancer cells or premalignant cells may be susceptible to apoptosis or necrosis-inducing agents. Statins inhibit the acetyl coenzyme A pathway reducing L-mevalonate that is a precursor to isoprenoids necessary for post-translational processing, resulting in apoptosis. Lovastatin was added to four lung cancer cell lines and normal human bronchial epithelial cells followed by Western blots to evaluate proteins in the cell cycle, oxidant, and apoptotic pathways. Flow cytometry revealed significant increases in three of four lung cancer cell lines in apoptosis and necrosis after lovastatin treatment at 10 μM for 72 h. Lovastatin adversely affected lung cancer cell survival with increases in cell-cycle check-point inhibitors p21WAF and/or p27KIP and a decrease in cyclin D1. All four lung cancer cell lines had a decrease in glutathione after lovastatin treatment consistent with reduced protection against reactive oxidant species. Three of four lung cancer cell lines had increased cytochrome c release with reduced pro-caspase-3 and increases in activated caspase-3. Lovastatin induces apoptosis and necrosis in lung cancer cell lines by causing alterations in the cell cycle, reducing glutathione, and activating p53, Bax protein, and caspases while increasing cytochrome c in apoptosis pathways. Targeting HMG-CoA reductase may represent an approach to lung cancer chemotherapy, e.g., reversing ground glass opacities detected on CT scans or resolving airway preneoplasias detected by bronchoscopy before they progress to malignant transformation.
What Latina Mothers Think of Evidence-Based Parenting Practices: A Qualitative Study of Treatment Acceptability ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Parent training has great potential to alter the developmental trajectories of young Latino children with or at risk for behavior problems. However, traditional parent training programs may seem culturally irrelevant or inappropriate to Latino parents as they promote practices that are based on white, middle class standards. The current study of treatment acceptability used focus group and key informant interviewing methodology to investigate Latina mothers’ views on the causes of young children's misbehavior and the acceptability of evidence-based parenting strategies. The sample consisted of Spanish- and English-speaking Latina mothers of 3- to 6-year-olds recruited from day-care centers and preschools in New York City. Focus groups were conducted with 34 mothers, and key informant interviews with 5 mothers whose children had behavior problems. Results showed that the most commonly viewed causes of child misbehavior were child temperament, fighting in the home, and negative peer influence. Mothers found some evidence-based parenting strategies acceptable (e.g., the use of praise, social rewards) and others objectionable (e.g., selective ignoring in pubic situations, the elimination of spanking). For some strategies, there was little consensus on its acceptability (e.g., time-out). Taken together, results highlight the critical need for aligning parent and clinician goals at the outset of treatment, and of including a strong psychoeducational component in parent training programs because not all of its components are consistent with Latino cultural norms and beliefs.
The nuclear matrix shell proteome of human epidermis.

Background: Proteomic approaches have identified cancer specific biomarker proteins in the nuclear matrix fraction of cancer cells. We wanted to determine whether a similar approach could be used to investigate melanoma biomarkers. Objective: Since it was not clear that a nuclear matrix fraction could be isolated from the intact human epidermis, we first wanted to determine whether a nuclear matrix fraction could be isolated from the intact epidermis of human skin. If this was possible, we secondarily wanted to compare the proteome of cultured melanoma and carcinoma cells to that of the intact epidermis. Methods: We applied two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DGE) and LC/MS/MS to identify proteins isolated in the nuclear matrix shell protein fraction isolated from the human epidermis and from cultured primary skin and cancer cells. Results: A subcellular fractionation of intact epidermis succeeded in yielding a nuclear matrix shell which made up approximately 40% of total tissue protein. Only 5–10% of total cell protein was fractionated in the nuclear matrix shell of cultured skin cells. The nuclear matrix shell of the intact epidermis was distinguishable from cultured keratinocytes or HaCaT cells by expression of keratin 1. The nuclear matrix of the epidermis was distinguishable from melanocytes and melanoma cells by expression of vimentin in melanocyte-derived cells and by expression of desmoplakin in the intact epidermis. Conclusion: The nuclear matrix-intermediate filament system can be isolated from the intact human epidermis. A careful examination of the protein composition of this subcellular fraction from the epidermis and skin cancers may identify useful cancer specific biomarkers. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd on behalf of Japanese Society for Investigative Dermatology.
VARIABILITY OF PRIOR PRACTICE IN LEARNING AND RETENTION OF A NOVEL MOTOR RESPONSE

The schema theory prediction that variability of practice would influence the strength of the motor response schema was investigated. Three groups of subjects, defined by much, little, or no variability of distances moved in prior practice on a linear-slide apparatus, completed 12 initial practice trials. Subjects then had 10 trials to estimate a novel distance from a new starting point. Knowledge of results was provided on the first three trials and withdrawn on the last seven trials. No differences in accuracy of production of the novel distance were noted although evidence for a stronger-schema by the group with little variability was noted on the second transfer trial. On the trials on which knowledge of results was withdrawn this stronger schema group maintained performance while the other two groups showed a decrement in performance. Language: en
Isolation and characterization of nine microsatellite loci in an ant‐tended treehopper Publilia concava

Publilia concava is an eastern North American membracid commonly occurring in large but spatially patchy aggregations, primarily on the host plant Solidago altissima. Like other myrmecophiles, P. concava provides sugary excretions to ants in return for the various protective, competitive or even sanitary benefits that ants provide. We developed nine microsatellite loci from P. concava. Mean per locus allele number was 6.78, and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.850. One locus exhibited significant heterozygote deficit, possibly due to the presence of null alleles. These markers provide important tools for future spatial ecological studies in this model system for the study of mutualism.
Optimal Designs for Constant-Heating-Rate Differential Scanning Calorimetry Experiments for Polymerization Kinetics: nth-Order Kinetics

Optimal designs have been constructed for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments conducted under constant-heating-rate conditions for materials that are a priori assumed to follow nth-order kinetics. Two different operating scenarios are considered, including single-scan and multiscan DSC experiments for eight different kinetic parameter combinations representing a range of typical polymeric curing reactions. The resulting designs are studied to determine which kinetic model parameters are influential in determining the optimal design. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Temperature measurements in a radially symmetric flame using holographic interferometry

Abstract Holographic interferometry was used to measure the temperature distribution of a lean, laminar, radially symmetric, propane-air flame (φ = 0.55). The following steps were involved: A plane wave interferogram of the flame was created using double-exposure holographic interferometry; a scanning microphotometer was used to measure the position of the fringes in the interferogram; and the path-integrated refractive index distribution in the flame was calculated from the fringe position measurements. The temperature distribution in the flame was then calculated from the refractive index distribution assuming pressure and molecular weight of the gas mixture to be the same throughout the flame. In addition, a temperature profile of the flame was made using a thermocouple in order to obtain results for comparison with those obtained using holographic interferometry. Several findings resulted from this study. Frist, in the region of the flame where the thermocouple was relatively nonperturbing, the interferometrically determined burned gas temperature was withn 50K (3.5%) of that measured by the thermocouple. Second, the refractive index of the reference field must be known to within 2% of the true value to achieve that 50K accuracy. Third, the position of each fringe minimum should be known to within 1% of the local fringe spacing in regions where the fringes are widely spaced; however, the temperature distribution is less sensitive to fringe position errors when the fringes are closely spaced.