cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Layflat Behavior and Temperature Variation in Calendering: A Review:

Calendering is the most efficient process for making large-volume, high- quality polymer sheets. The major challenge in the calendering process is to produce sheets with uniform gauge and no buckling, i.e., good layflatness. In this paper, the be havior of layflatness in calendering processing is reviewed to provide a basic understand ing of layflatness behavior. The basic processing parameters that control the layflatness are also identified. Observation by measuring the temperatures of the workpiece and calender rolls during operation is then conducted. Following a description of the sensor and proce dure used in measurement, the results and their relationship to layflatness are discussed. The measuring results are also used to assist in identifying the basic controlling parame ters of the layflat behavior. Finally this paper is concluded by recommendation of areas where further work is needed. A new approach to quantify the layflatness and a modifica tion to the current process for better control of th...
Influence of unlimited 3-membered ring cyclization on a multiscale dynamic Monte Carlo/continuum model of drying and curing in sol–gel silica films

Abstract The coating process of sol–gel silica films involves multiple length and time scales ranging from molecular to macroscopic. At the molecular scale, cyclization during polymerization is so extensive that it cannot be neglected or treated statistically. Here we present a multiscale model of a 1D sol–gel drying process coupled to a Monte Carlo polymerization model with unlimited cyclization. Because our model allows cyclic and cage–like siloxanes to form, it is better able to predict the silica gelation conversion than any other reported kinetic model. By studying the competition between molecular growth and cyclization, and the competition between mass transfer (drying) and reaction (gelation) on the drying process of the sol–gel silica film, we observe that cyclization delays the gelation, shrinks the molecular size, increases the likelihood of literal skinning, and leads to a molecular structure gradient inside the film. Although for simplicity our model just considers the possibility of forming 3-membered ring, it is the first multiscale model to couple unlimited cyclization in polycondensation with a continuum mass transfer process. Also it is the first model that can predict structure gradients caused by drying in sol–gel silica films.
Pediatrician Attitudes Concerning School-located Vaccination Clinics for Seasonal Influenza

OBJECTIVE Vaccinating all children aged 6 months to 18 years every year has potentially large ramifications for office-based primary care pediatricians. We determined the degree to which pediatricians support routine annual influenza vaccination outside the medical home, especially in school-located mass influenza vaccination clinics. METHODS Internet-based survey sent in May and June 2009 to all 623 currently practicing primary care general pediatricians who were members of the Maryland Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. RESULTS Of those surveyed, 193 (31%) responded. Approximately 67% reported they vaccinated more than half the children in their practice with at least one dose in the 2008–2009 influenza season, and about half anticipated that, in their office, they would not attain ≥75% coverage of all patients older than 5 months of age. Approximately 27% of respondents predicted they would likely have difficulty obtaining sufficient vaccine to cover commercially insured patients, and 32% were likely to have difficulty getting sufficient vaccine to cover Medicaid, underinsured, and uninsured patients because of ordering or distribution problems. Approximately 78% of respondents cited borderline or poor reimbursement for influenza vaccinations, and 53% had unused vaccine at the end of the 2008–2009 influenza season. Ninety-six percent of respondents supported school-located influenza vaccination programs in their community for their patients. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate awareness by primary care pediatricians in Maryland of the potential difficulties involved in implementing universal influenza vaccinations in their practice and their support of school-located vaccination programs managed by the local health department in their community.
The conditional expectation via a general class of nonlinear networks

A general class of nonlinear parametric multi-layered networks is introduced. This class is a generalization of the standard neural network. The dynamic behavior of members of this class are analyzed and the popular least squared error criterion is used for judgement of goodness of model fit. The output of the network is shown to be an estimator of the conditional expectation function for the desired output under condition made on the given inputs. Multi-directional search (MDS) as a new nonlinear programming technique is discussed in the paper. Examples of the simulation results are given at the end of the paper to show the exact fit of the calculated expectation function and the output of the network. The results from back propagation and MDS are compared. >
Closed-loop performance of a six degree-of-freedom precision magnetic actuator

The slotless permanent-magnet self-bearing motor (SBM) technology is used to fully provide radial bearing and motoring functionality simultaneously in a six degree-of-freedom magnetic actuator for potential precision pointing and tracking applications in space such as intersatellite laser communications. This novel precision magnetic actuator incorporates two SBMs to produce both radial bearing forces and motoring torque, and one active magnetic bearing to provide axial support, and thus allows for a complete electromagnetic suspension and precision noncontact pointing. An analytical representation of the overall dynamic system is presented for controller design. Six decoupled proportional-integral-derivative controllers are designed, and a feedback control system is implemented. The closed-loop performance confirms experimentally that the precision magnetic actuator is capable of smooth angular slewing while maintaining good stabilization. The most encouraging result is that the actuator achieves a high angular resolution of 754 nrad over a large azimuth range of /spl plusmn/45/spl deg/.
Effect of Pectin Methylesterase Gene Expression on Pea Root Development

Expression of an inducible gene with sequences common to genes encoding pectin methylesterase (PME) was found to be tightly correlated, both spatially and temporally, with border cell separation in pea root caps. Partial inhibition of the gene9s expression by antisense mRNA in transgenic pea hairy roots prevented the normal separation of root border cells from the root tip into the external environment. This phenotype was correlated with an increase in extracellular pH, reduced root elongation, and altered cellular morphology. The translation product of the gene exhibited PME activity in vitro. These results are consistent with the long-standing hypothesis that the demethylation of pectin by PME plays a key role in cell wall metabolism.
Considerations on the Relationship Between Dosimetry Metrics and Experimental Conditions

Analysts, experimenters, and facilities have fallen into some poor practices in reporting many dosimetry metrics. While the experienced dosimetrist often knows the caveats that apply for a given dosimetry application, without proper reporting critical information is often lost before the data is received by the dosimetrist. In addition, the newcomers to the application of dosimetry are not being educated in the importance of a variation in the irradiation conditions. This paper captures some of the cases where care must be taken in expressing the proper context for a dosimetry metric. Examples focus on the interpretation of the response of a diamond photoconducting detector and a silicon transistor and highlight some common mistakes and some not-so-clear misinterpretations that even the experienced person often makes in this field. A careful study of the underlying physics reveals the non-intuitive trends in some metrics. Suggestions are made on how the community can minimize the chance of a dosimetry-related misinterpretation.
Phenotypic variation of a virulent Candida albicans strain and two spontaneous, relatively avirulent mutant strain derivatives

The effect of media and temperature of incubation on colony phenotype of Candida albicans strain 4918, and two relatively avirulent mutant strains, designated 4918-2 and 4918-10, has been investigated. In addition, the strains were characterized on the basis of morphotyping pattern. Colony phenotypes were determined for cultures grown on either Lee's medium supplemented with arginine and zinc, or M63 medium supplemented with casamino acids. Incubation was at either 24 or 37°C for 7 days. The results demonstrated that the predominant colony phenotype observed at 24°C was different from that at 37°C for all three strains, irrespective of the medium. While the growth medium influenced the specific colony phenotypes observed, as well as their categorical distribution, no significant medium effect on switching frequency was apparent. The switching repertoire of strain 4918-10 was consistently more varied than either the parental strain or 4918-2 under the conditions examined. However, categorization of the col...
Synthesis and characterization of urethane polymers containing 2,2'-biimidazole

A heterocyclic nitrogen-containing system having substituent primary diol function, i.e., 1,1′-dihydroxethyl-2,2′-biimidazole (I), has been prepared and used to synthesize a series of new polyurethanes based on aromatic diisocyanates (TDI, MDI). Variation of solution polymerization parameters permitted the isolation and infrared, NMR, molecular weight, and thermal characterization of polymeric materials. Isolated polymers exhibit a linear structure and have Tg (150–170°C) and thermal stability (205–250°C for 20% weight loss) properties comparable to other typical urethane polymers. Zn2+ complexation was indicated by shifts in the imidazole ringmode infrared vibrational bands at 917 and 1133 cm−1 to higher frequencies.
Local Attitudes Toward Alternative Uses of a Reservoir Project

: The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlates of attitudes toward alternative uses which could have been made of public resources employed to construct a multipurpose reservoir. A sample of 303 adult residents of a rural community impacted by lake construction was asked to evaluate several alternative development options which could have been implemented in lieu of the lake project. The alternative options evaluated were: rural industrialization, keeping land in agriculture and forests, improving public services, building a state or national park, drilling water wells for urban water supply, aid to small business, helping poor people, building several smaller impoundments, and private recreation development. The findings revealed the local people preferred the lake project to every option except keeping the land in agriculture and forest. Even this option was not strongly supported when compared with the lake project. Socio-demographic, attitude, and cost assessment factors were investigated using a “vested interest” perspective for hypotheses development. These findings demonstrated that costs and benefits were relatively good predictors of attitudes toward alternative development options and were supportive of the theoretical perspective advanced in this paper.
On the Convergence of the Generalized Linear Least Squares Algorithm

This paper considers the issue of parameter estimation for biomedical applications using nonuniformly sampled data. The generalized linear least squares (GLLS) algorithm, first introduced by Feng and Ho (1993), is used in the medical imaging community for removal of bias when the data defining the model are correlated. GLLS provides an efficient iterative linear algorithm for the solution of the non linear parameter estimation problem. This paper presents a theoretical discussion of GLLS and introduces use of both Gauss Newton and an alternating Gauss Newton for solution of the parameter estimation problem in nonlinear form. Numerical examples are presented to contrast the algorithms and emphasize aspects of the theoretical discussion.
A study of the flavin response by Shewanella cultures in carbon-limited environments

Mediated electron transfer has been implicated as a primary mechanism of extracellular electron transfer to insoluble electron acceptors in anaerobic cultures of the facultative anaerobe Shewanella oneidensis. In this work, planktonic and biofilm cultures of S. oneidensis exposed to carbon-limited environments trigger an electrochemical response thought to be the signature of an electrochemically active metabolite. This metabolite was detected via cyclic voltammetry for S. oneidensis MR-1 biofilms. The observed electrochemical potentials correspond to redox potentials of flavin-containing molecules. Chromatographic techniques were then used to quantify concentrations of riboflavin by the carbon-limited environmental response of planktonic S. oneidensis. Further evidence of flavin redox chemistry was associated with biofilm formation on multi-walled carbon nanotube-modified Toray paper under carbon-starved environments. By encapsulating one such electrode in silica, the encapsulated biofilm exhibits riboflavin redox activity earlier than a non-encapsulated system after media replacement. This work explores the electrochemical nature of riboflavin interaction with an electrode after secretion from S. oneidensis and in comparison to abiotic systems.
Relation of residual stenosis after angioplasty to long-term outcome of patients treated for in-stent restenosis with intravascular radiation therapy.

diographically detected atherosclerotic aortic plaque is a marker for coronary artery disease. J Am Coll Cardiol 1993;21:144–150. 8. Tribouilloy C, Shen WF, Peltier M, Lesbre JP. Noninvasive prediction of coronary artery disease by transesophageal echocardiography detection of thoracic aortic plaque in valvular heart disease. Am J Cardiol 1994;74:258–260. 9. Tribouilloy C, Peltier M, Colas L, Rida Z, Rey JL, Lesbre JP. Multiplane transesophageal echocardiographic absence of thoracic aortic plaque is a powerful predictor for absence of significant coronary artery disease in valvular patients, even in the elederly. Eur Heart J 1997;18:1478–1483. 10. Tribouilloy C, Peltier M, Andrejak M, Rey JL, Lesbre JP. Correlation of thoracic aortic atherosclerotic plaque detected by multiplane transesophageal echocardiography and cardiovascular risk factors. Am J Cardiol 1998;82:1552–1554. 11. Iribarren C, Sidney S, Sternfeld B, Browner WS. Calcification of the aortic arch. Risk factors and association with coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. JAMA 2000;283:2810–2815. 12. Ferrari E, Vidal R, Chevallier T, Baudouy M. Atherosclerosis of the thoracic aorta and aortic debris as a marker of poor prognosis: benefit of oral anticoagulants. J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;33:1317–1322. 13. Dressler FA, Craig WR, Castello R, Labovitz AJ. Mobile aortic atheroma and systemic emboli: Efficacy of anticoagulation and influence of plaque morphology on recurrent stroke. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998;31:134–138.
Teachers of the Gifted: Preparation and Supervision

Paralleling the growing societal awareness of the educational needs of gifted youth, there is a related concern regarding the teachers of the gifted and talented. Who should teach gifted students? ...
Therapy of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is divided into remission induction and post-remission therapy. Remission induction is usually with cytarabine and an anthracycline. Daunorubicin is commonly used but recent data suggest idarubicin or mitoxantrone are equally effective, possibly better. High-dose cytarabine has also been used for remission induction but is not proven superior. Post-remission treatment is typically with two or more courses of drugs similar to those used for remission induction. Other studies use non-cross resistant drugs and/or high-dose cytarabine. Although some data favor use of high-dose cytarabine, no approach is clearly superior. There is considerable controversy whether persons in first remission and with an HLA-identical sibling should receive a bone marrow transplant immediately or after relapse. Although transplant results appear superior, especially in persons less than 20 years of age, the most effective strategy may be reserving transplants for persons failing chemotherapy. This strategy also applies to persons receiving autologous transplants or transplants from alternative donors, like HLA-matched related or unrelated persons.
Bayesian Network Learning for Detecting Reliable Interactions of Dose-Volume Related Parameters in Radiation Pneumonitis

Due to the high fatality rate of patients with radiation pneumonitis (RP), a complication of the radiation therapy (radiotherapy), great attention has been paid to the treatment plan of individual RP patients. Therefore, not only technological advances in the development of treatment planning systems but also new prognostic models are urgently required to lessen the complication and to predict the state of patients more accurately. The Bayesian network is a useful tool for finding interactions among features and for developing prognostic models that enable physician to predict the outcome of radiotherapy. In this paper, we show the interactions among dosimetric features through Bayesian network structures and the performance of Bayesian classifiers with different search algorithms on a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) dataset.
Digital redesign for controlling the chaotic Chua's circuit

We apply some successful digital redesign techniques, developed previously for the control of linear system, to controlling the nonlinear chaotic Chua's circuit. Chua's circuit is a simple autonomous physical device that exhibits very rich and complex nonlinear dynamics of bifurcation and chaos, and is hence very sensitive to digital controls. To apply advanced high-speed computer technology to the implementation, we show how to redesign a good digital controller, based on an existing successful analog controller, for controlling the chaotic trajectories of Chua's circuit, from anywhere within the chaotic attractor to a predesired unstable limit cycle of the circuit.
SOCIAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION: AN INCENTIVE SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE

This paper presents a multiple incentive system framework for analyzing and planning social program implementation. A distinction is made between intra-organizational and inter-organizational imple...
Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents in Heart Failure Patients with Anemia: A Meta-Analysis

Background Anemia is prevalent in patients with heart failure and an independent prognostic sign of poor outcome. The current report is a meta-analysis of published clinical trials assessing the use of erythropoeisis stimulating agents (ESA) in heart failure (HF) patients with anemia.
Teaching skills improvement programmes in US internal medicine residencies

Summary. The prevalence and nature of resident teaching skills improvement programmes (TSIP) are unknown. Although residents perceive themselves as important teachers of students, there is little information on how programme directors (PDs) view residents as teachers. A comprehensive questionnaire was sent to all 428 US internal medicine PDs in December 1990, of which 60% (n= 259) responded. Of the 259 responding programmes, only 20% (n= 51) had TSIPs. Characteristics of TSIPs were not uniform. Mean instructional time was 9 hours (range, 1–24 hours). The teacher most frequently utilized to develop and facilitate the TSIP was the PD. PDs from residencies with a TSIP indicated more strongly than PDs without a TSIP that residents contributed to students' learning. Fifty-one per cent of TSIPs required residents to attend. Evaluation/feedback as a teaching method was the most common topic covered in TSIPs. Long-term assessment of teaching skills after programme participation was done in 15% of TSIPs. Although PDs value the resident's role as teacher, current TSIPs in internal medicine residencies are few in number and lack standardization. PDs' attitudes probably influence whether residents are taught teaching skills and whether teaching skills are evaluated. Further investigation of appropiate curriculum for TSIPs and assessment of long-term effectiveness of TSIPs are needed.
COMPARISON OF SCIRTOTHRIPS PERSEAE (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Infestation Levels on Avocado Fruit and Leaves

Abstract Avocado fruit can be severely damaged by Scirtothrips perseae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in southern California. Scirtothrips perseae is found on leaves and fruit, but its prevalence on one versus the other substrate has not been documented. In this study, the occurrence and infestation levels of S. perseae on avocado leaves and fruit during late spring and summer were compared at three sites in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, California, from 1998-2000. In all sites and years, adult and larval S. perseae were more abundant on young leaves than on small fruit from early to mid June. After leaves matured and hardened with increasing temperatures from late June through August, overall S. perseae populations generally declined. However, populations became proportionally higher on fruit than on leaves compared with earlier in the season. This usually resulted in equal numbers on the two substrates and sometimes in higher numbers on fruit late in the season. The change in relative S. perseae abunda...
A review of “Leidyosuchus” (Crocodyliformes, Eusuchia) from the Cretaceous through Eocene of North America

ABSTRACT A review of all described species referred to Leidyosuchus recognizes six valid taxa: Leidyosuchus canadensis, L. multidentatus, L. sternbergii, L. formidabilis, L. wilsoni, and L. acutidentatus. Leidyosuchus riggsi is a nomen dubium, L. gilmorei is a junior synonym of L. canadensis, and Diplocynodon stuckeri is a junior synonym of L. wilsoni. Phylogenetic analysis of 164 morphological characters indicates a basal position within Alligatoroidea for L. canadensis. The name Listrognathosuchus is established for L. multidentatus, which is an alligtoroid, but difficult to characterize further because of its incompleteness. The remaining taxa form a clade herein named Borealosuchus; this group is related to, but not within, a monophyletic group that includes Alligatoroidea and Crocodyloidea. A close relationship between these taxa and Diplocynodon is rejected. Although presently known only from the Tertiary of Europe, taxa closer to Diplocynodon than to Alligatoridae are expected to occur in the Late ...
Does social feeding improve larval survival of the two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata

Lady beetles typically lay eggs in clusters, and clutch-mates that emerge near to each other might benefit in multiple ways. For example, lady beetle larvae are attracted to the pheromone released by aphids under attack. Thus, one potential advantage to larvae emerging as a group is if one larva captures an aphid, others can share in consuming the same aphid. Sharing a meal likely reduces the per capita food intake of a hatchling, but it might also provide enough nutrition to prevent death by starvation during a particularly vulnerable stage. In an assay of the behavior of two-spotted lady beetles (Adalia bipunctata), larvae were attracted to chemical cues from damaged aphids, corroborating previous research. Densities of A. bipunctata hatchlings were then manipulated to test whether the presence of clutch-mates increasesed the probability of capturing prey, and the survivorship of hatchlings. In one experiment, a single aphid was placed with a number of lady beetle hatchlings ranging from 1 to 10 in a small arena for 72 hours to evaluate prey capture effectiveness and hatchling survival. As the initial density of lady beetle hatchlings increased, their prey capture rate increased. At the same time, survival of the hatchlings was not affected by their initial density. Five experiments were performed on individual fava bean plants by varying densities of aphids and lady beetle hatchlings to evaluate lady beetle survivorship measured after five days. In all five on-plant experiments, increasing the initial number of lady beetle larvae did not improve their survival. Lady beetle larvae shared meals during the small scale experiments, but that behavior did not improve their survivorship under any of the experimental conditions.
Editorial: Cell Fate.

The complexity and plasticity of cell fate determination has intrigued cell and developmental biologists for decades. Cellular differentiation is the acquisition of specialized characteristics; which is intimately associated with changes in gene expression, alterations of chromatin, and changes in nuclear architecture. Differentiating tissues exhibit a progressive restriction of cellular plasticity. However, the regenerative ability of some organisms has revealed an amazing capacity for dramatic switches in cell fate, through trans-differentiation and de-differentiation (Sanchez Alvarado and Tsonis, 2006). Furthermore, the groundbreaking work on somatic cell nuclear reprogramming and induced pluripotency has revealed that commitment to cell fate can be far more flexible than previously thought (Lensch and Mummery, 2013). In this research topic on cell fate we aimed to highlight new developments and outstanding questions in our understanding of how chromatin dynamics impact cell fate and cellular reprogramming. We include articles discussing cell fate decisions in a wide variety of contexts and model organisms. The contributions to this topic include review articles, mini-reviews, original research, and perspectives. The work described here encompasses organisms ranging from C. elegans to humans and deals with global cell fate issues of sex determination (Lau and Csankovszki), lineage choice (Chin), preventing premature differentiation (Foret et al.) cell fate and cell cycle regulation (Oyama et al.; Julian and Blais; Ma et al.; Parker), nuclear architecture (Talamas and Capelson) and how dynamic transcriptional repressors promote cell fate choices (Kok and Arnosti). We thank the authors, reviewers and editors for contributing to the stimulating discussion of the open questions in this rapidly changing field.
Course Modality Choice and Students’ Self-selection of Courses

This study was grounded in the self determination theory (SDT). The researcher examined the effects of online (OL) and face-to-face (FTF) course modality choice, as a motivational component, on students’ self-selection of courses. The sample was 435 college students (200 OL and 235 FTF). Data were collected from institutional records and analyzed through descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed no difference in either student achievement or satisfaction within or across course modality due to student choice of course modality. Student choice of modality affected FTF course drops. Course modality had significant relationship to course completions, which indicated that choice of modality decreases the chance of completing courses. These findings support institutional decisions in helping students with course modality selection and in developing policies and procedures that may lead to increased retention, student performance, and student satisfaction.
Microbiological Quality of Packaged Ice from Various Sources in Georgia

This study determined the microbiological and chemical quality of ice produced and bagged on premises in retail establishments and in free-standing self-service ice vending machines in the state of Georgia and compared the results with that from ice produced by manufacturing companies monitored by the International Packaged Ice Association. Two hundred fifty bags of packaged ice samples were obtained from retail locations and self-service ice vending machines, along with 25 bags of packaged manufactured ice. Ice samples were melted within 24 h of collection and heterotrophic plate count SimPlates were used to detect heterotrophic bacteria present. Colisure and Enterolert assays were used to enumerate coliforms, nonpathogenic Escherichia coli, and enterococci. Membrane filtration coupled with enrichment was used to detect Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Confirmation tests were done for presumptive-positive pathogens. None of the manufactured ice had unacceptable microbial levels. Six percent of the ice samples bagged at retail sites and from ice vending machines contained unsatisfactory levels of heterotrophs compared with the limits set by the International Packaged Ice Association (≥ 500 most probable number [MPN]/100 ml). Thirty-seven percent of these samples contained an unsatisfactory level of coliforms (≥ 1.0 MPN/100 ml), 1% contained nonpathogenic E. coli, and 13% contained enterococci (≥ 1.0 MPN/100 ml). One sample tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and another tested positive for Enterobacter agglomerans. Ninety-five samples of packaged ice from retail establishments and vending machines (38%) had pH levels outside the acceptable range that can affect product flavor. Turbidity of three samples exceeded the acceptable level. No samples had unacceptable nitrate levels. Manufactured ice had better microbiological and chemical quality than ice packaged on the premises of retail locations and from self-serve ice vending machines.
Superfunctionalities in Nanodispersive Precipitation-Hardened Alloys

Although nanodispersive precipitation-hardened alloys have been intensively studied over decades as important structural materials, the possibility that these alloys may have superfunctional properties has been completely overlooked. As shown in this Letter, they may have giant low-hysteretic strain responses to external stimuli if the nanosized single-domain precipitates can switch their orientation variants under applied fields. We demonstrate that the misfit-generated coherency stress can significantly reduce the variant switching barriers and may drastically decrease or even eliminate the hysteresis of the strain super responses to external stress and/or magnetic fields. These alloys can thus be functionalized as shape memory, superelastic, and/or supermagnetostrictive materials. The conditions of such functionalization are established by the interpretation-transparent analytical calculations, and confirmed by computer prototyping. In particular, the obtained results pave the way for the engineering of rare-earth free alloys with excellent magnetomechanical and good mechanical properties.
Estimation and Use of Standard Errors of Latent Class Model Parameters

Only recently have latent class models been used effectively to analyze marketing data, though they have been popular for more than a decade in the social sciences. Most research reported in the literture does not include the standard errors of the estimates of the latent class model parameters. The author argues for the usefulness of standard errors while exploring for parsimonious models. He provides an approach to estimating standard errors of all parameters as estimated by the iterative proportional fitting algorithm of Goodman implemented in MLLSA.
Precolumn Derivatization for Improved Detection in Liquid Chromatography-Photolysis-Electrochemistry

Precolumn, homogeneous chemical derivatization with Sanger's reagent (2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene) is utilized to improve the chromatographic and detection properties of amino alcohols and amino acids. The 2,4-dinitrophenyl derivatives are separated using reversed-phase liquid chromatography and are detected using the hybrid photolysis-electrochemical (hv-EC) detector in tandem with UV absorbance detection. Following optimization of reaction, chromatographic, and detection variables, the derivatization-detection approach provides limits of detection in the low parts-per-billion range, with a linearity of roughly three orders of magnitude. Selectivity is based on retention times as well as dual electrode response ratios and a "lamp on/off" responsiveness criterion unique to the hv-EC detector. The method is applied to the determination of serine in beer.
Investigation on the first death case of neisseria meningitides W135 in Baohe District,Hefei City,Anhui Province

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of the first death case of neisseria meningitides W 135 in Baohe District,and explore the source of infection.Methods Epidemiological investigation of the case was conducted and the related specimen were collected and tested and possible cultured.Results The clinical process of the patient was rapid,and the patient died in two days.The clinical characters were fever and systemic ecchymosis.The result of blood sample culture was positive for neisseria meningitidis,which was W 135 group.Conclusion The case was the first confirmed W 135 one in Baohe.Surveillance for neisseria meningitides should be strengthened,and meningococcal vaccine group ACYW 135 should be incorporated into the routine vaccination of immunization program by the government.
Personal Cultural Orientation, Destination Brand Equity and Revisit Intention: Implications for Destination Branding in Latin America

Destination branding has become an increasingly important area of focus for academics and business communities. Destination brand equity is a strategic asset that can be the basis of competitive advantage and long-term profitability. Assessing the equity of destination brands provides destination marketers with information about the specific determinants that can help strengthen a destination brand (Floreck et al. 2006). The literature on destination marketing focuses on the three major dimensions of brand equity: brand image, brand value, and brand quality (De Chernatony and McDonald 2003). This study focused on tourists’ perceptions of destination brand image, brand value, and brand quality as factors in determining their future revisit intention in the Latin American destination Quepos, Costa Rica. No study thus far has simultaneously modeled the constructs hereby proposed into one theoretical model and assessed relationships among personal cultural orientation, destination brand equity, and revisit intention. This study filled these knowledge gaps by examining how destination brand equity is affected by the tourist’s personal cultural orientation and investigating the roles of destination brand equity and personal cultural orientation on revisit intention.
Abstract 3463: The use of HeLa cells as a cancer genetics education tool for middle and high schools

Hands-on, inquiry based learning, and one-on-one mentoring are the most effective methods of disseminating scientific information pertaining to cancer. The Science Youth Initiative (SYI) is a K-12 science education partnership between the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) and local schools. The workshops are coordinated with LSUHSC-NO faculty and school teachers to maximize the level of student learning and complement their classroom curriculum and academic level. Since 2009, the SYI has reached more than 2100 K-12 students to date, of which about 77% were middle and high school students. A diverse group of trainees from the LSUHSC-NO Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, Public Health, Allied Health Professions, and Nursing help educate the K-12 students and serve as role models. The benefit of having a variety of health care professionals with a range of expertise is that students receive cancer information from multiple perspectives. The program utilizes the book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, which is part of the curriculum in many schools. During these workshops, middle and high school students are able to stain and examine HeLa cell chromosomes, thereby learning about chromatin instability commonly associated with cancer. Students also learn about DNA isolation, PCR, restriction digestion, and gel electrophoresis as they engage in workshop discussions on science history, bioethics, the human papilloma virus (HPV), and cervical cancer. Pre and post workshop surveys were developed to evaluate the participants’ learning and retention of the material covered, self-confidence in the academic material, awareness of science career options, and evaluation of the program. Results of the current academic year demonstrate: (1) a 51% increase in test scores based on the material covered (2) 59% of students were interested in participating in a medical or research related internship after the workshop (3) 54% of students were interested in working part-time in the medical sciences after the workshop. Participating schools included rural, urban, public/charter and private schools. These varied in socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds: some which had almost 100% African American/Hispanic student body, while others had a diverse distribution of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian students. The program9s use of HeLa cells as a cancer genetics education tool has been successful in making health sciences and cancer research topics more interesting and accessible, motivating a variety of students to improve their grades, and promoting various health science related career opportunities. Citation Format: Ayesha Umrigar, Mary Moore, Fern Tsien. The use of HeLa cells as a cancer genetics education tool for middle and high schools. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3463.
Conditions that Aggravate the Effects of a Hazard Event on Citizens and Property

Location is an important factor that affects the impact of a hazard on society and its environment be it urban or rural. An impact is great when people are close to the point where the force of a hazard is strongest such as close to the epicenter of an earthquake, proximate to an erupting volcano, or in hilly terrain with a history of landslides. Citizens living in the path of a hazards such as a lava flow, a mud/debris flow, a high energy hurricane (typhoon, monsoon) or cyclone, or a tsunami are similarly in danger from the event. Population downwind of airborne industrial pollution or volcanic ash fall, or down flow of flood waters or contaminated effluents or groundwater can likewise suffer great harm. The threats to people can be magnified when the ecosystems around them are disrupted by hazards, albeit temporarily. Topographically, citizens living in urban centers, sometimes in valleys other times in areas of moderate to low relief, and encircled to some degree by industrial operations and with large volume vehicular traffic risk breathing harmful airborne particulates (<2.5 μm) and metals/chemicals aerosols. Depending on weather conditions, deadly urban smog can form that can sicken and kill people. Location of a population at or close to the outbreak (node) of an infectious disease puts people at risk of contracting the disease from airborne or contact transmission.
Observation of CH A 2 Delta -->X 2 Pi r and 2 Sigma --->X 2 Pi r emissions in gas-phase collisions of fast O(3P) atoms with acetylene.

Optical emissions in single-collision, beam-beam reactions of fast (3--22-eV translational energy) O${(}^{3}$P) atoms with ${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ have been measured in the wavelength range 300--850 nm. Two features were observed, one with a peak wavelength at 431 nm, corresponding to the CH A $^{2}\mathrm{X}$ $^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathrm{r}}$ transition, and a second weaker emission in the range 380--400 nm corresponding to the B $^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X $^{2}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathrm{r}}$ transition. Both the A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X and B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X emissions were fit to a synthetic spectrum of CH(A) at a vibrational temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{v}}$ of 10 000 K (0.86 eV) and a rotational temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{r}}$ of approximately 5000 K (0.43 eV); and CH(B) to ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{v}}$=2500 K (0.22 eV) and ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{r}}$=1000 K (0.09 eV). The energy threshold for the A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X emission was measured to be 7.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4 eV (lab) or 4.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2 eV (c.m.). This agrees with the energy threshold of 7.36 eV (lab) for the reaction O${(}^{3}$P)+${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}CH(A)+HCO.
Microbiological Comparison of Hot-Boned and Conventionally Processed Beef Plate Cuts During Extended Storage 1.

The development of microflora on hot-boned and conventionally processed beef plate cuts was investigated from time of slaughter and/or fabrication throughout vacuum-packaged storage for 6 weeks at 0-1 C. Cuts from each processing treatment were analyzed immediately post-mortem and after 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days of storage. Fabrication, packaging and chilling of beef plates were carefully controlled to minimize differences in chilling rates and contamination of hot and conventionally processed cuts. Microbial analyses included enumeration of mesophilic, psychrotrophic and total Enterobacteriaceae populations as well as taxonomic characterization of corresponding microbial isolates. Microbial counts of hot-boned cuts were generally higher than corresponding counts of conventionally processed cuts with significant differences (p<0.05) detected between mesophilic and psychrotrophic counts at most storage intervals between 14 and 42 days. Earlier predominance of organisms such as Lactobacillus spp. and Brochothrix thermosphacta on hot-boned vs. conventionally processed cuts was indicated by taxonomic determinations. Psychrotrophic Enterobacteriaceae , including Hafnia alvei and Yersinia enterocolitica -like organisms, were recovered in high numbers from a few samples after 28 and 42 days of storage regardless of processing technique. Differences in the development of microbial flora on hot and conventionally processed beef cuts could not be explained on the basis of differences in initial chill rates between treatments.
When Boundaries around the "Secret" Are Tested: A School Community Response to the Policing of Undocumented Immigrants.

This case study focuses on a 2008 incident where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vans appeared near a K-5 elementary school. It was the first time school personnel experienced the impact ...
Nitrile in the Hole: Discovery of a Small Auxiliary Pocket in Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Leading to the Development of Potent and Selective 2-Aminoquinoline Inhibitors.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibition is a promising strategy to treat neurodegenerative disorders, but the development of nNOS inhibitors is often hindered by poor pharmacokinetics. We previously developed a class of membrane-permeable 2-aminoquinoline inhibitors and later rearranged the scaffold to decrease off-target binding. However, the resulting compounds had decreased permeability, low human nNOS activity, and low selectivity versus human eNOS. In this study, 5-substituted phenyl ether-linked aminoquinolines and derivatives were synthesized and assayed against purified NOS isoforms. 5-Cyano compounds are especially potent and selective rat and human nNOS inhibitors. Activity and selectivity are mediated by the binding of the cyano group to a new auxiliary pocket in nNOS. Potency was enhanced by methylation of the quinoline and by introduction of simple chiral moieties, resulting in a combination of hydrophobic and auxiliary pocket effects that yielded high (∼500-fold) n/e selectivity. Im...
Child body mass index, genotype and parenting in the prediction of restrictive feeding.

SummaryBackground Restrictive feeding is implicated in pediatric obesity, and caregivers increase controlling feeding practices on the basis of higher child weight status. However, few studies have examined how child genetic and parenting characteristics together impact restrictive feeding. Objectives We examined whether child body mass index (BMI) status predicts caregiver use of restrictive feeding and if this association is moderated by (i) caregiver strategies to manage their children's distress and (ii) child variations in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene (Val158Met, rs4680). Methods Participants included 126 Caucasian children (50% girls) and their caregivers who were participating in a larger study in the USA. Caregivers reported on their feeding practices and responses to child distress when children were 2.5–3.5 years of age. Child anthropometric measurements were also obtained. Restrictive feeding was assessed again 1–1.5 years later. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples, and COMT-rs4680 was genotyped using TaqMan® methodology. Results Child BMI percentile predicted subsequent caregiver restrictive feeding for children who were Met/Met and who had caregivers reporting higher use of negative responses to child distress. For Val carriers, BMI percentile predicted restrictive feeding when caregivers were below the mean on these responses. Conclusions Caregivers are at risk for use of restrictive feeding practices when their children are at higher BMI percentiles, and this association increases when caregivers use more ineffective stress regulation practices and their children are homozygous for the Met allele. Prevention programmes might focus on parenting behaviours that foster emotion regulation and consider variation in child responses to parenting.
Overview of commercial poultry production systems and their main welfare challenges

Abstract Commercial poultry production has changed since the 1950s. Genetic selection has resulted in two different types of commercial poultry, meat and egg-laying birds. Production systems for meat birds (chickens, turkeys, and ducks) are similar in their configuration and management, although there are some differences due to the species being grown and the desired days to market. In contrast, the table-egg industry is changing rapidly due to animal welfare concerns, particularly in developing countries, and egg-laying hens are now produced in a multitude of systems requiring different types of management expertise. We provide an overview of the commercial production systems commonly used for rearing meat birds and egg-laying hens. We also identify some of the major welfare challenges related to health and behavior within current systems, and discuss emerging consumer preferences that will shape poultry production systems, and their associated welfare concerns, in the near future.
Xenograft Models of Human Breast Cancer Lines and of the MCF10AT Model of Human Premalignant, Proliferative Breast Disease

Immune deficient mice may be used to study the development, growth, and metastasis of human breast cancer. Progression of the MCF10 premalignant human breast epithelial cell lines occurs in xenografts, providing a model to study early events in human breast disease. Tumorigenicity of breast cancer cell lines may be enhanced either by suspending cells in Matrigel prior to injection into the subcutis or by injecting the cells into a mammary fat pad. Metastasis is enhanced by implanting breast cancer xenografts into mammary fat pads.