cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of multiple taxa within commercially available reference strains of Corynebacterium xerosis.

Attempts to identify coryneform isolates resembling Corynebacterium xerosis can lead clinical microbiologists to identification schemes with conflicting descriptions which result in confusing C. xerosis with Corynebacterium striatum. For the present study we purchased all available American Type Culture Collection and National Collection of Type Cultures reference cultures of C. xerosis (n = 10) and C. striatum (n = 4) and analyzed them as follows: (i) analysis of biochemical reactions in conventional tests and in the Rapid CORYNE system, (ii) whole-cell fatty acid analysis by using the gas-liquid chromatography research software of Microbial ID, Inc., and (iii) analysis of DNA homology in dot blot hybridizations. Three C. xerosis strains were indistinguishable from the C. striatum strains in whole-cell fatty acid analyses and DNA hybridizations and shared very similar biochemical reactions. The remaining seven strains of C. xerosis clustered into five groups on the basis of fatty acid patterns, DNA hybridizations, and biochemical tests. No reference strain of C. striatum fit the species description in Bergey9s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. The type strains of both C. striatum and C. xerosis fit their respective descriptions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This study suggests that the 10 commercially available reference strains of C. xerosis represent six different taxa which should be assigned to new species. Images
Mobile Innovations in the Education Ecosystem

Este articulo comparte las perspectivas a nivel macro en los negocios y en la ingenieria sobre los esfuerzos masivos de los ecosistemas innovadores de la educacion. Son notables los cambios en el mercado de la educacion, en las tecnologias que generan contenido, las que graban video, las tecnologias de proceso, asi como en las grandes corporaciones, y en las pequenas companias incubadoras. Por ejemplo, se ha hecho mas ingenieria para integrar la pedagogia y el analisis del aprendizaje en los sistemas de educacion online. Cada vez mas companias y edu-emprendedores estan construyendo entrenamientos basados en las habilidades y en los ecosistemas de la fuerza laboral. Es predecible que las formas en que la gente adquiere conocimiento y habilidades van a cambiar drasticamente
DUAL NATURE OF RESISTANCE MECHANISMS AS REVEALED BY STUDIES OF ANTHRAX SEPTICEMIA

Klein, Frederick (Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.), Bertram W. Haines, Bill G. Mahlandt, Ira A. DeArmon, Jr., and Ralph E. Lincoln. Dual nature of resistance mechanisms as revealed by studies of anthrax septicemia. J. Bacteriol. 85:1032–1038. 1963.—From studies of septicemic anthrax, resistance was described in relation to toxin and to growth of bacilli. This description was based on the observations that the terminal concentrations of bacilli in the blood were influenced primarily by the susceptibility of the host to toxin, whereas the death-response time of the host was dependent on both resistance to bacilli and toxin susceptibility. Resistance to the establishment and growth of infecting organisms and susceptibility to the toxin produced by growth of the bacilli are separate aspects of pathogenesis. A complete description of pathogenesis must accordingly treat of both these phenomena as individual entities.
The Patient with ‘Too Many Infections’

Perhaps the most common complaints in the primary care physician’s office are related to the common cold. The miseries induced by the common cold virus prompt patients afflicted to seek medical care with expectations of relief prompted by the fact that physicians can successfully transplant hearts, cure cancer, and heal a number of other more severe maladies. Thus, expectations are perhaps unrealistically high for relief of the less threatening and more mundane miseries associated with upper respiratory tract infections. This fact, coupled with the frequency of occurrence of such infections, makes the “cold season” (usually stretching from late October until mid-May) one of the busiest for all primary care physicians and allergists/immunologists as well. It is of course imperative to be able to distinguish those recurrent infections which are benign from those which represent a distinct immunological deficiency syndrome. The nature of the infection is key not only to making this distinction but also in establishing the type of immunological abnormality.
First-principles study of the electronic and vibrational properties of Li Nb O 2

In the layered transition metal oxide $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{Nb}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ the ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{3+}$ $(4{d}^{2})$ ion is trigonal-prismatically coordinated with O ions, with the resulting crystal field leading to a single band system for low energy properties. A tight-binding representation shows that intraplanar second neighbor hopping ${t}_{2}=100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$ dominates the first neighbor interaction $({t}_{1}=64\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV})$. The first and third neighbor couplings are strongly modified by oxygen displacements of the symmetric Raman-active vibrational mode, and electron-phonon coupling to this motion may provide the coupling mechanism for superconductivity in Li-deficient samples (where ${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\approx}5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$). We calculate all zone-center phonon modes, identify infrared (IR) and Raman active modes, and report LO-TO splitting of the IR modes. The Born effective charges for the metal ions are found to have considerable anisotropy reflecting the degree to which the ions participate in interlayer coupling and covalent bonding. Insight into the microscopic origin of the valence band density, composed of Nb ${d}_{{z}^{2}}$ states with some mixing of O $2p$ states, is obtained from examining Wannier functions for these bands.
Ribbon tile invariants

Let T be a finite set of tiles, and B a set of regions F tileable by T. We introduce a tile counting group G(T, B) as a group of all linear relations for the number of times each tile T C T can occur in a tiling of a region r C B. We compute the tile counting group for a large set of ribbon tiles, also known as rim hooks, in a context of representation theory of the symmetric group. The tile counting group is presented by its set of generators, which consists of certain new tile invariants. In a special case these invariants generalize the Conway-Lagarias invariant for tromino tilings and a height invariant which is related to computation of characters of the symmetric group. The heart of the proof is the known bijection between rim hook tableaux and certain standard skew Young tableaux. We also discuss signed tilings by the ribbon tiles and apply our results to the tileability problem.
Multivariable integral control with input constraints

A method for designing integral control for a multivariable plant which handles actuator saturation in a stable and optimal way is presented. Multivariable techniques are used which attempt to get the best error reduction with a given control authority using only feedback information. Sufficient conditions for stability are given in the form of coupled Lyapunov equations. Results from an experimental rapid thermal processing system show that the operating range of the feedback controller was doubled over a controller which made no design provisions for actuator saturation. >
Central Generation of Grooming Motor Patterns and Interlimb Coordination in Locusts

Coordinated bursts of leg motoneuron activity were evoked in locusts with deefferented legs by tactile stimulation of sites that evoke grooming behavior. This suggests that insect thoracic ganglia contain central pattern generators for directed leg movements. Motoneuron recordings were made from metathoracic and mesothoracic nerves, after eliminating all leg motor innervation, as well as all input from the brain, subesophageal ganglion, and prothoracic ganglion. Strong, brief trochanteral levator motoneuron bursts occurred, together with silence of the slow and fast trochanteral depressor motoneurons and activation of the common inhibitor motoneuron. The metathoracic slow tibial extensor motoneuron was active in a pattern distinct from its activity during walking or during rhythms evoked by the muscarinic agonist pilocarpine. Preparations in which the metathoracic ganglion was isolated from all other ganglia could still produce fictive motor patterns in response to tactile stimulation of metathoracic locations. Bursts of trochanteral levator and depressor motoneurons were clearly coordinated between the left and right metathoracic hemiganglia and also between the mesothoracic and the ipsilateral metathoracic ganglia. These data provide clear evidence for centrally generated interlimb coordination in an insect.
Validation and Application of Models to Predict Facemask Influenza Contamination in Healthcare Settings

Facemasks are part of the hierarchy of interventions used to reduce the transmission of respiratory pathogens by providing a barrier. Two types of facemasks used by healthcare workers are N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and surgical masks (SMs). These can become contaminated with respiratory pathogens during use, thus serving as potential sources for transmission. However, because of the lack of field studies, the hazard associated with pathogen-exposed facemasks is unknown. A mathematical model was used to calculate the potential influenza contamination of facemasks from aerosol sources in various exposure scenarios. The aerosol model was validated with data from previous laboratory studies using facemasks mounted on headforms in a simulated healthcare room. The model was then used to estimate facemask contamination levels in three scenarios generated with input parameters from the literature. A second model estimated facemask contamination from a cough. It was determined that contamination levels from a single cough (≈19 viruses) were much less than likely levels from aerosols (4,473 viruses on FFRs and 3,476 viruses on SMs). For aerosol contamination, a range of input values from the literature resulted in wide variation in estimated facemask contamination levels (13–202,549 viruses), depending on the values selected. Overall, these models and estimates for facemask contamination levels can be used to inform infection control practice and research related to the development of better facemasks, to characterize airborne contamination levels, and to assist in assessment of risk from reaerosolization and fomite transfer because of handling and reuse of contaminated facemasks.
Exploring the trade-off between immediate gratification and delayed network externalities in the consumption of information goods

Abstract Our motivation for this paper originates from recent advances in consumption and payment technologies available for mobile commerce. Ubiquitous computing is enabling consumers worldwide to reach digital content and services whenever and wherever they request it. This capability further fuels “impatience” in consumption of such information goods. We model such consumer behavior using a hyperbolic discounting approach. A subset of these products, especially software, also inherit delayed network externalities as part of their consumption characteristics. This builds a tension between decision to consume now or to expedite consumption. We build a stylized model to assess the impact of immediate gratification on the profit maximizing behavior of a monopolist firm which produces an information good with network externalities. We find that serving “impatient” consumers is always profitable for a monopolist. For lower levels of network externalities, the monopolist can increase first period and decrease second period prices in equilibrium. As network externalities effect increases, prices converge to the traditional market (with exponential discounters) levels.
Protein Cross-linking by the Maillard Reaction ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND IN VIVO DETECTION OF A LYSINE-LYSINE CROSS-LINK DERIVED FROM METHYLGLYOXAL

The Maillard reaction, initiated by nonenzymatic glycosylation of amino groups on proteins by reducing sugars, has been studied for its potential role in aging and the complications of diabetes. One of the major consequences of the advanced Maillard reaction in proteins is the formation of covalently cross-linked aggregates. The chemical nature of the cross-linking structures is largely unknown. Recently, methylglyoxal has been shown to be a potential glycating agent in vivo and suggested to be a common intermediate in the Maillard reaction involving glucose. Methylglyoxal can form enzymatically or nonenzymatically from glycolytic intermediates and by retro-aldol cleavage of sugars. Its elevation in tissues in diabetes and its high potency to glycate and cross-link proteins led us to investigate the chemical nature of its advanced Maillard products. Using an approach in which a synthetic model peptide was reacted with methylglyoxal, we isolated and purified a cross-linked peptide dimer. Characterization of this dimer revealed that the peptides are linked through e amino groups of lysine residues. The actual cross-link was shown to be a methylimidazolium, formed from the reaction of two lysines and two methylglyoxal molecules. We have named this cross-link imidazolysine. Imidazolysine was detected in proteins by high performance liquid chromatography using a postcolumn derivatization method. Proteins incubated with methylglyoxal showed a time-dependent formation of imidazolysine. Quantification of imidazolysine in human serum proteins revealed a significant increase (p
Inpatient assessment of young people with developmental disabilities who offend

Purpose – This is an invited short overview from a clinician working in a national secure inpatient setting which aims to focus on inpatient forensic services for adolescents with developmental disabilities.Design/methodology/approach – The paper gives a brief overview of the needs of this population and the requirements for inpatient assessment and treatment.Findings – This is a complex population who are referred relatively late to inpatient services, often after recurrent failings in residential services where mental disorders are commonly unrecognised. Comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and treatment are required for this group.Originality/value – This paper will be useful to a range of professionals dealing with adolescents with developmental disabilities who are engaging in offending and other high risk behaviours.
Chronic hypoxia induces selective maldevelopment of peripheral myelin in rat

To determine the morphologic effect of chronic hypoxia on peripheral nerve development, four-week-old rats were placed in a 10% O2 environment for ten weeks and compared with controls. Light microscopic morphometric analysis of hind limb nerves of hypoxic as compared to control nerves showed at statistically significant levels, a) smaller total fascicular areas, b) smaller median diameters, c) fiber spectra with peaks at smaller diameters, d) fewer large myelinated fibers per nerve, e) larger fiber density, f) smaller myelin areas. On average myelin areas, relative to axon size, were smaller in oxygen-deprived than in control rats. Also myelin spiral length and the number of myelin lamellae relative to axon area were smaller. These findings suggest that hypoxia retards myelinated fiber diameter and especially myelin development.
An efficient approach of handling and deposition of micro and nano entities using sensorized microfluidic end-effector system

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach of handling and deposition of micro and nano entities using a microfluidic end effector system with in situ polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensing. The microfluidic end effector system consists of a DC micro-diaphragm pump, one region of flexible latex tube, a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensor for in situ measurement of micro drag force, and a micropipette. The micropipette of the novel microfluidic end effector system has an internal diameter (ID) smaller than 20 μ m which is used for microfluidic handling and deposition of submicron entities such as carbon nanotubes and DNA. The DC micro-diaphragm pump is automatically controlled via a voltage driver interfaced with a computer in order to effectively and efficiently control suction force and pressure during microfluidic handling and droplet control in micro and nano manufacturing. The design, calibration, and experimental implementation of the novel microfluidic end effector are carried out in the paper. The experimental results show the success rate for depositing carbon nanotubes between micro electrodes can reach close to 80%. Ultimately, the technology will provide a critical and major step towards the development of automated process for manufacturing of micro and nanoelectronics as well as for microfluidic droplet control, and drug delivery.
On the role of unification in mechanical theorem proving

A generalization of the Skolem-Herbrand-Godel Theorem is stated and proved, clarifying the role of unification in resolution. It is shown that any of the pre-resolution theorem-proving procedures of the Davis and Putnam variety can be upgraded to incorporate unification.
Nonlinear Threshold Behavior in the Induction of Arrhythmias by Channels Bearing Timothy Syndrome Mutations

Timothy Syndrome (TS) is a multisystem disorder, featuring cardiac action-potential prolongation with paroxysms of life-threatening arrhythmias. The underlying defect is a single point mutation in CaV1.2 channels. Interestingly, recent clinical studies hint that overt disease manifestation might be mitigated by diminished expression of mutant channels. To gain insight, we undertook in-depth biophysical characterization of TS channels, and used this profile to refine a widely-utilized ventricular myocyte model (AJP 292:H2854). Simulations of variable levels of TS channels suggested a remarkable behavior. As expected, a modest increase in TS channels produced moderate action-potential prolongation (A1, control; A2, TS). By contrast, only a minute further increase in TS channels induced flagrant disturbances of excitability (A3), suggesting a nonlinear threshold for induction of frank arrhythmias. To explore this experimentally in cell networks, we variably expressed TS channels in monolayers of cultured guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Indeed, conservative expression of TS channels yielded graded action-potential prolongation (B1, control; B2, TS), but small further elevation begat severe disturbances (B3). If like behavior exists in the heart, limited changes in TS expression may generate dramatic alterations in arrhythmogenic potential, an important principle for therapeutics.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
The role of methionine in regulating folate-dependent reactions in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Abstract In isolated rat hepatocytes, histidine and formate, are oxidized to CO 2 by folate-dependent reactions. These reactions are stimulated two- to fourfold by the addition of l -methionine, dl -homocysteine, S -adenosyl- l -methionine (Ado-Met), or S -adenosyl- l -homocysteine (Ado-Hcy). These compounds all increase the hepatocyte concentration of Ado-Met and Ado-Hcy. Substrates of hepatic catechol O -methyltransferase, such as l -Dopa methyl ester and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, decrease the hepatocyte concentration of Ado-Met in the presence or absence of added l -methionine or dl -homocysteine. The catechols do not affect the concentration of Ado-Hcy, but they inhibit the oxidation of formate and histidine. Thus, there is an excellent positive correlation between the rate of histidine and formate oxidation and the concentration of Ado-Met. There is no correlation between the rate of these reactions and either the Ado-Hcy concentration or the concentration ratio of Ado-Met:Ado-Hcy. Ado-Met inhibition of rat hepatic 5,10-methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase activity is reversed by Ado-Hcy, but the dependency of rat hepatic 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine transmethylase activity (methionine synthetase) on Ado-Met is not altered by Ado-Hcy. These results indicate that methionine, through its conversion to Ado-Met, regulates folate-dependent reactions in isolated hepatocytes by increasing activity of methionine synthetase which leads to an increased concentration of tetrahydrofolate. That methionine and Ado-Met increase the hepatocyte concentration of nonmethyltetrahydrofolate compounds and decrease the hepatocyte concentration of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate supports this hypothesis.
Chemical engineers and computers

Computers as tools for the chemical engineer have begun to revolutionize his concepts of reaction kinetic analysis, of plant design methods, and of plant control systems. The new field known as systems engineering has arisen to fulfill and exploit the promises which computers offer in these areas. This paper outlines the applications of analog and digital computers to chemical engineering problems, points out the specific advantages of each, and details the numbers and backgrounds of the operating personnel required. The newer field of application of computers to process control is reviewed in the light of progress to date and of present and future trends.
Comparative effects of temperature on brain enzymes in the goldfish (Carassius auratus) and mouse (Mus musculus)

1. 1. Activities of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and dopadecarboxylase (DOPAd) from the brains of mice and goldfish both increased with rise in temperature. 2. 2. Glutamic decarboxylase (GAD) from fish brain differed from mouse brain GAD in decreasing in activity as temperature of the reaction was raised from 20 to 37°C. 3. 3. Heat inactivation of MAO from the brains of both species showed a different pattern of heat inactivation from that of the same enzyme derived from the liver.
An edge‐oriented adjacency list for undirected graphs

A new data structure, called the Edge-Oriented Adjacency List (EOAL), for representing undirected graphs is presented. It provides more information on the edges and requires less storage space than the conventional adjacency list. Furthermore, it is superior to the conventional adjacency list in both insertion and deletion operations.
Electrocatalyst materials for fuel cells based on the polyoxometalates [PMo(12 − n)VnO40](3 + n)− (n = 0–3)

Abstract We report on the use of the polyoxometalate acids of the series [PMo (12 − n ) V n O 40 ] (3 + n )− ( n = 0–3) as electrocatalysts in both the anode and the cathode of polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The heteropolyacids were incorporated as catalysts in a commercial gas diffusion electrode based on Vulcan XC-72 carbon which strongly adsorbed a low loading of the catalyst, ca. 0.1 mg/cm 2 . The moderate activity observed was independent of the number of vanadium atoms in the polyoxometalate. In the anode the electrochemistry is dominated by the V 3+/4+ couple. With a platinum reference wire in contact with the anode, polarization curves are obtained with V OC of 650 mV and current densities of 10 mA cm −2 at 100 mV at 80 °C. These catalysts showed an order of magnitude more activity on the cathode after moderate heat treatment than on the anode, V OC = 750 mV, current densities of 140 mA cm −2 at 100 mV. The temperature dependence of the catalysts was also investigated and showed increasing current densities could be achieved on the anode up to 139 °C and the cathode to 100 °C showing the potential for these materials to work at elevated temperatures.
Increased calpain content and progressive degradation of neurofilament protein in spinal cord injury

Abstract Spinal cord injury was induced in rat by weight drop. The extent of degradation of neurofilament proteins in the lesion following trauma was examined and served as a measure of calpain activity. Calpain was identified in the samples by myelin mealpain antibody and the content was estimated from the immunoblot. There was progressive degradation of both 68 kDa and 200 kDa neurofilament proteins in the cord lesion at intervals after injury. At 30 min after injury there was 20% degradation of both neurofilament proteins while the breakdown of 68 kDa and 200 kDa NFRs amounted to more than 60% at 24 h and beyond. Calpain content progressively increased in the lesion by 22% at 30 min to 91% at 4 h after trauma compared to control and then decreased but remained elevated for up to 72 h following injury. These results suggest that calpain is a primary responder synthesized early in injury and involved initially in the breakdown of cytoskeletal proteins in spinal cord trauma. Later in the injury cascade, increased calpain activity is derived from inflammatory as well as endogenous cells supporting a pivotal role for calpain throughout the process of secondary and evolving tissue damage in spinal cord trauma.
Dual parameter analysis of CsI:Tl/PMT with a digital oscilloscope

Abstract Scintillation pulses from alpha-particle and gamma-ray excited CsI:Tl were recorded with a photomultiplier tube and digital oscilloscope card in single parameter (pulse shape or pulse height) and dual parameter (simultaneous pulse shape and pulse height) modes. A 2.8×1.3×1.3 cm 3 CsI:Tl crystal was coupled to a Burle 8850 photomultiplier tube (PMT) and excited with 148 Gd ( E α =3.18 MeV) and 137 Cs ( E γ =0.662 MeV). The timing pulses (50 Ω terminated dynode signal) from the PMT base were directly input to a GaGe CompuScope 8012A/PCI TM (12-bit, 50 MHz dual channel digital oscilloscope card) that resided in a P6-300 MHz personal computer. Individual digitized pulses were processed via a LabVIEW TM V 4.1 interface to the oscilloscope. The ratio of the charge collected over a short time interval to the total charge collected was used for the single parameter pulse shape spectrum while the total charge collected was used for the single parameter pulse height spectrum. The dual parameter spectrum was produced by displaying the pulse shape and pulse height information for individual pulses on a 2-D grid. The digital oscilloscope with LabVIEW TM interface offers a versatile data acquisition system for pulse shape, pulse height and dual-parameter analyses.
Iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome after triamcinolone plus ritonavir-boosted atazanavir.

Abstract Objective To describe a case of iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome (ICS) following a triamcinolone injection for subscapular bursitis in an HIV-positive patient receiving an antiretroviral regimen that included ritonavir boosted-atazanavir. Setting University outpatient HIV clinic. Case summary A 60-year-old HIV-positive man on a ritonavir-boosted, atazanavir-containing antiretroviral regimen was diagnosed with subscapular bursitis. The patient received two intrabursal injections with 1% lidocaine plus triamcinolone 20mg. Four weeks after the injections, the patient experienced symptoms of Cushing's syndrome with a pronounced drop in his CD4+ T-cell count, requiring treatment of oral candidiasis and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections. Conclusion The interaction between ritonavir and oral corticosteroids, resulting in ICS, has been established. This case adds to the literature as one of the few cases illustrating that interaction can also occur between ritonavir and intrabursal administration of corticosteroids. This case further supports concerns regarding use of corticosteroids in HIV-infected patients who are treated with ritonavir-containing antiretroviral regimens.
Textural Sorting Effect On Elastic Velocities, Part II: Elasticity of a Bimodal Grain Mixture.

Summary Here is presented a rock physics model that predicts the effect of textural sorting and variable composition and fabric (e.g. grain- and mud-supported fabric) on velocity and porosity. The model links porosity, mineralogy, pressure, texture, fabric, and pore fluid bulk modulus to the elastic rock properties. The theoretical relationships among seismic wave velocities, grain sorting, and composition suggested in the bimodal gain mixture model are essential when seismic or sonic data is used to predict reservoir quality in clastic rocks.
Natural history and outcome of mucinous carcinoma of the ovary

Objective We performed a population-based analysis to compare the clinical characteristics of women with mucinous tumors with women with other epithelial tumors. Study Design The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried to identify all women with epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosed from 1988 to 2007. The natural history, clinical characteristics, and survival of women with serous tumors were compared with women with mucinous carcinomas. Results A total of 40,571 women including 4811 with mucinous carcinomas (11.9%) were identified. Among women with stage I neoplasms, the presence of mucinous histology had no effect on either cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.74–1.04). Survival was inferior in patients with advanced-stage mucinous compared with serous tumors. The hazard ratio for cancer-specific survival for women with stage III mucinous tumors was 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.43–1.96). Conclusion Although survival for early-stage mucinous and serous tumors is similar, survival for advanced-stage mucinous neoplasms is inferior to that of serous carcinomas.
Addressing Disparities in Parent Education: Examining the Effects of Learn the Signs/Act Early Parent Education Materials on Parent Outcomes

Early intervention is critical for improved prognosis and quality of life for young children with developmental delays and disabilities. Yet, disparities persist among underserved families with young children. These disparities include knowledge of child development, use of medical providers as referral sources, and later diagnosis. The current study employed a mixed method, randomized controlled trial to examine participant outcomes among low-income, underserved families who received child development information. The information included the 42-page Milestone Moments booklet that was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Learn the Signs/Act Early initiative. Participants (n = 108) included parents or legal guardians of children ages birth through 5 years. The participants were predominantly Black/African American (86 %) and female (90 %), and all had incomes below the federal poverty level. Study variables related to the location (home vs. child care center) and context (single session vs. extended visits) for delivering the information did not yield significant differences. Yet, there were clear findings that parents who received the booklet reported increased knowledge about child development, a decrease in concern about their own children’s developmental progress, and a positive perception of the booklet. On interview, parents reported learning new information about child development or being reminded of developmental information they had forgotten and the importance of following up with professionals when concerns arose. While not statistically significant, there was a consistent trend toward greater participant outcomes for parents who received materials in the child care setting relative to the home.
Using orientation agreement to achieve planar rigid formation

We study a motion coordination problem where the objective is to steer group agents to move as a rigid body. We treat it as a joint orientation and formation control problem. We propose desired velocity and design decentralized feedback laws for each agent such that the rigid formation is guaranteed. Our design only employs relative information with respect to neighboring agents, and thus, can be implemented in a decentralized fashion.
Childhood experiences in the development of personality disorders

Abstract Personality disorders occur in a social context: individuals with these disorders face more adversities and receive less social support, frequently since childhood. This contribution reviews what factors in general determine the experiences that children have, the ways in which these experiences may have an impact on development and some of the pitfalls in interpreting research in this area, before considering current knowledge on the childhoods of adults with personality disorder.
Coincidence and mismatch of biodiversity hotspots: a global survey for the order, primates

A global survey of a well-studied order of tropical mammals, primates, is used to explore the use of diversity hotspots in conservation. The results at this shallow taxonomic level match those for most cross-phylum analyses. Overlap of hotspots for species, genera, trait-complexes, families, and threatened species varies with the continent, and the comparison. Overlap is best in Africa and Madagascar, and poorest in Asia, but reasons for the differences need exploring. A complete mismatch of taxonomic and threatened species hotspots in South America, resulting from the mismatch of the hotspots of diversity and human destruction, suggests that conservation biologist's hotspot approach could benefit from adding hotspots of human threat to the analysis of diversity hotspots. Conservationists' use of hotspot analysis seems to have been largely empirical. If analysis of single orders can contribute to conservation, application of biogeographic theory to our knowledge of the distribution of the order, primates, is the next step.
A means of applying mature aerosol drops to insects for screening biocidal activity

Abstract A new technique (mature aerosol placement) enables single drops of insecticide aerosols to be applied to individual insects. Monodisperse drops are generated in a wind tunnel, collected on silk threads and transferred to the test insects. The technique has been used with tsetse flies and u.l.v. formulations of synthetic pyrethroids.
An International Study Opportunity for Low- and Moderate-Income Students

The International Scholars Program (ISP) at Philadelphia University, a collaborative effort between a college success program and an honors program, was designed to introduce low and moderate income students to international study. Faculty and staff nominated students based on academics and leadership potential to participate in this program which included a semester of pre-departure preparation, ten-day travel to nonEuropean countries, and post-travel related activities. Staff conducted focus groups to evaluate students’ ISP experience. Themes about civic responsibility, environmental conservation, and nationalism emerged. In addition, students reported that this was a life change opportunity that had a significant impact in their self-confidence and ability to learn interdependence.
Personality disorders in problematic medical patients.

To better understand problematic medical patients, the psychiatric diagnoses of 448 patients referred to a behavioral medicine clinic were examined. Forty-two percent met DSM-II1-R personality disorder criteria. Analysis of the comorbidity of Axis I and Axis II diagnoses revealed a statistically significant co-occurrence between somato-form and personality disorders (P
Nitrogen sorption in aerogels

Proper equilibration upon nitrogen sorption at 77.4 K is the key for a reliable characterization of porous materials with respect to their mesopores. In the past, aerogels were often insufficiently equilibrated, thus yielding misleading isotherms and highly erroneous pore size distributions (PSDs). To allow for the extraction of the mean mesopore size with an accuracy better than 10% total run times up to 150 h are required for 2 mm sized samples with porosities above 90%. The total run time needed to measure a well equilibrated isotherm is increasing with mesoporosity, sample size and compliancy of the sample. If highly porous aerogels are well equilibrated and their deformation due to capillary forces upon sorption is taken into account, both, adsorption and desorption branches of the isotherm yield the same mean pore size when calculated via the Kelvin equation for cylindrical pores.
Factor Analysis of the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities on Preschool Children.

Abstract The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) was administered to 200 children, 100 males and 100 females, with a mean chronological age of 3–9. The results were subjected to factor analysis to determine the validity of MSCA alignment into six distinct indexes, or factors, and to determine if there were sex differences in factors produced by the MSCA. A general (“g”) factor was derived for both females and males. Specific factors (Abstract Verbal Reasoning and Remote Verbal Memory) were derived for the female sample. Two specific factors (Sequential Memory and Nonverbal Cognition) were derived for the male sample. Only the “g” factors derived for male, female, and total samples corresponded to the General Cognitive Index (GCI) used in the MSCA. The results suggested that clinical interpretation of the MSCA should be made cautiously for both normal and exceptional children until further exploration of the construct validity and sex differences in the MSCA can be conducted.
Cross‐media response to digital manipulation of still and moving images

This investigation provides survey data for a cross‐media comparison between newspaper photo editors and television news directors to assess the ethical response to digital image processing and enhancement technology. The results indicate that television news directors tend toward less strict ethical standards in application of the technology. However, the television people showed more sensitivity to aspects of the technology that relate to long‐standing themes of TV critics.
Mo1394 Timing of ERCP and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Gallstone Pancreatitis: a Nationwide Population Based Study

done three days after ESWL. Stents were placed in the duct only if PD clearance was incomplete. Results: 45 patients having uniformly dilated pancreatic duct with single/ multiple calculi underwent ESWL and ERCP during study period. Patients having low stone load had maximum spontaneous ductal clearance at ERCP (11/14 [ 78%] vs 0/ 31, pZ 0.001). Patients having high and very high stone load required basket extraction of stone irrespective of good pulverization (3/14 [21 %] vs 0/32, pZ0.001) Pain relief after ESWL was excellent in patients with lower stone load as compared to category II and category III patients (11/14 [78%] vs. 2/31[6%], p Z0.005). Complications: ESWL related gastric and duodenal hematoma (nZ2), self limited pancreatitis (nZ4). Conclusions: Patients having low stone load had maximum spontaneous ductal clearance at ERCP (78%) as compared to category II and III patients and ESWL alone can be a therapeutic option in these patients. However, further prospective studies with larger patient population are required to confirm our findings. Table 1. Comparison of outcome of ESWL in all patients
Binding of cationic cell-permeable peptides to plastic and glass.

Abstract Cell-penetrating peptides derived from hydrophilic regions of the homeoprotein Antennapedia (Antp) or the transcription-regulating factor Tat have been used to transport several peptide and oligonucleotide cargoes into the interior of cells. Such vector peptides penetrate cells, in part, because they contain multiple lysine and arginine residues. Using radiolabeled peptide cargoes covalently linked to Antp- or Tat-related vectors, or to d -Arg heptamers, we found that a significant amount of the label remained tightly bound to plastic and glass surfaces. Binding of the labeled conjugates was due entirely to the cationic vector moieties. Under certain conditions, such non-specific binding could be mistaken for cellular penetration.
The evolution of television

I am deeply appreciative of the honor conferred on me by the AIEE through the presentation of the Edison Medal. It is a privilege indeed to have my work adjudged as following in the great tradition of accomplishment created by Thomas Alva Edison. I regard this honor not merely as a recognition of my work as an individual. More properly, it is a measure of the impact on present-day society of television, the primary objective of many men besides myself.
Frequency-domain fluorescence of mutant cytochrome b 5

Cytochrome b5, isolated by detergent extraction from rabbit liver, has been extensively studied by fluorescence techniques, however, its fluorescence properties are complicated by the presence of three tryptophans in the membrane-binding domain. This protein has now been expressed in E. coli and a mutant form has been isolated which contains only one tryptophan (Trp-109) in the membrane-binding domain. The mutant protein does differ from the native protein in several of its spectroscopic properties, but it interacts with lipids in a similar way and shows the same functional activity. The availability of a mutant cytochrome b5 with a single Trp in the nonpolar domain enables several frequency-domain experiments: to estimate the distribution of distances between Trp-109 and the heme; to study the incorporation of the protein into the membrane; to study the quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence by lipids with a brominated acyl chain; and to analyze the shape of the lifetime distribution.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A view from the family: years after a loved one has died of ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective: When cancer strikes a patient, it has a major impact on the family. Whereas many health care providers deal with the family while the patient is living, few have any long-term interactions after she has died. The purpose of this study is to interface with family members and reflect upon the impact ovarian cancer had on them. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 222 patients who had been diagnosed and treated for ovarian carcinoma between the years 1990 and 1994 at Maine Medical Center, a tertiary care medical center. Of these, 34 patients who had been deceased for longer than 1 year were selected on the basis of specific criteria. The families of these individuals were each mailed a questionnaire comprising seven questions tailored to evaluate one family member’s impressions and experiences of coping with a loved one who had died from ovarian cancer. Candid responses of any length were invited. Results: Written responses were received from 32 of the 34 families that were mailed questionnaires. Of those responding, 65% were spouses, 22% were children, and 13% were siblings of the deceased. Each questionnaire was answered by only one relative, and the majority of questions posed received multiple detailed answers. According to the vast majority of respondents, the worst part of treatment was continuing chemotherapy. The most common emotion expressed by family members at the time of diagnosis was one of something having gone wrong. Both travel and living longer appeared to be the most treasured aspects of the patient’s life once the diagnosis had been made. Watching their loved one suffer and the overwhelming sense of helplessness were the worst aspects of the disease process. The loved one was most often thought of on her birthday, and 90.6% of the respondents thought another female in their family was likely to get ovarian cancer. Conclusion: This study attempted to define those concerns and thoughts that remain important to family members whose loved ones had died from ovarian cancer. Common emotions expressed by family members years after the death of their loved one include their sense of surprise at the diagnosis, their sense of helplessness during the progression of the disease, and their pain in watching their loved one suffer. For them, the worst part of their loved one’s treatment was continued chemotherapy, and a common unfounded fear was that another female family member would likely die from ovarian cancer. The responses encourage us as health care providers to remain in touch with these families even after the death of their loved one and to address the misconceptions, fears, and anxieties that our patients and their families may have.
Visual interface issues in space teleoperation in a virtual environment

In this research effort, we are investigating various issues related to visual feedback and operator performance when controlling a teleoperated vehicle in a remote environment. Because these human factor issues are difficult to test in a real teleoperation environment, computer modeling has been used to simulate the dynamics of a remote vehicle. The real-time computer simulation also provides a visual feedback display to the operator, who manually controls the motion of the vehicle. The primary interface issue investigated is the format of the remote vehicle image. The operator views a real-time display of the environment as viewed from the vehicle, as if there was a camera mounted on the front of the vehicle. Display configurations which are being investigated include a video monitor display, a head-mounted stereoscopic display, and a head-mounted stereoscopic display with head-tracking, which provides an isomorphic transformation between the orientation of the operator's head and the direction of view 'out of' the remote vehicle.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Ti doping and annealing on multi-level forming-free resistive random access memories with atomic layer deposited HfTiOx nanolaminate

HighlightsWe demonstrated forming-free switching using atomic layer deposited HfTiOx nanolaminate.Effect of Hf:Ti ratio and anneal conditions on switching characteristics were studied.Multi-level operation with four distinct levels and stable retention were observed. In this work, we investigate the effects of the Hf:Ti ratio and annealing temperature on the properties of forming-free resistive memories with atomic layer deposited (ALD) HfTiOx nano-laminate. Devices with 25% Ti doping (Hf:Ti=3:1) in the dielectric show reliable forming-free switching while 50% Ti doped samples (Hf:Ti=1:1) remain conducting at all applied voltages. No significant effect of annealing was observed on the switching characteristics of the devices. The forming-free devices show capability to operate without any external or on-chip transistor and exhibit multi-level capability with four distinct levels and stable retention for all the levels.
Transverse linear dynamics in an axisymmetric ionization cooling channel

This paper outlines a formalism for the description of the linear transverse dynamics of charged particles in an axisymmetric ionization cooling channel. The particle trajectories in the absence of Coulomb scattering are described in terms of lattice functions \`a la Courant and Snyder, which depend only on the electric and magnetic fields in the channel. The process of multiple Coulomb scattering, which introduces stochastic terms into the particle equations of motion, is treated (in Gaussian approximation) by obtaining the distribution function in phase space as a solution of a Fokker-Planck equation. The distribution function is then used to obtain moment equations for the transverse variables and for combinations of variables such as the emittance and angular momentum. The distribution function is also used to obtain an expression for the peak four-dimensional phase space density and for the fraction of the beam that is within a certain area in phase space. The special case of a periodic channel is then considered and expressions for the asymptotic rms emittance and peak phase space density are obtained. Finally, the application of the general formalism to a numerical example, based on the reported design of a cooling channel for a neutrino source, is considered, and comparisons are made with numerical simulations of that channel.