cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescents in Health Care Systems

Adolescents’ rights in health care systems complicate the challenging issues that typically characterize adolescents’ rights. This chapter addresses the complexities that come with the provision of health care to adolescents, especially as they relate to considerations of broader public health, professionals’ code of ethics, and families’ roles in the provision of care. Three issues arise when considering adolescents’ ability to control or otherwise have a voice in their medical care: their level of competence, confidentiality, and informed consent. Legally, these issues translate into concerns about the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee against the significant deprivation of liberty without due process of law. The health care context describes some aspects of that liberty, particularly the right to access care and the right to refuse care. In doing so, the cases highlight the important distinction between substantive due process (the nature of the relevant liberty, such as the “right to privacy”) and procedural due process (the mechanisms in place to protect the substantive liberty, such as a right to judicial hearings when the interests of parents and their children potentially conflict). Both aspects are critical to consider, as procedural protections increase in robustness as the relevant substantive liberty’s importance increases. Despite that general rule, this area of law tends to frame adolescents’ rights as the type that parents control. In doing so, this area of law does not recognize rights that governments must provide, as there is no general right to health care provided affirmatively at the government’s expense.
Health Professions Students' Perceptions of Their IPE Program: Potential Barriers to Student Engagement with IPE Goals.

Background Extensive evaluative efforts are underway to explore nuances of interprofessional education (IPE). Few studies, however, have utilized methodology that includes multiple interviews with students of various health disciplines, thereby potentially concealing factors that may be impacting students' attitudes and perceptions of IPE. By focusing on the students' perspectives, this case study explores potential barriers and facilitators to students' engagement with their IPE program. Methods In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 students from six health disciplines at the ends of years 1 and 2 of their IPE program. Data were analyzed utilizing multi-step coding processes to identify patterns of students' perceptions and attitudes. Findings Elements that were internal and external to the IPE program (e.g., assignments, time constraints, lack of accountability, anticipatory socialization, and insufficient professional identity formation) were found to impact students' perceptions of the program and possibly their engagement with IPE goals. Conclusions This case study sheds new light on how factors related to an IPE program's structure and implementation, as well as factors outside the program, may affect students' perceptions of IPE and perhaps even their willingness and ability to engage in interprofessionalism.
Conversion of φX174 and fd DNA to Their Replicative Forms by Two Enzyme Systems in Escherichia coli

Extracts of Escherichia coli pol Al strains catalyze the conversion of φX174 or fd (M13) single-stranded circular DNA to the replicative form (1,2,). The fd DNA dependent reaction is sensitive to rifampicin and requires all four ribo- nucleoside triphosphates, but does not involve the products of the dnaA or dnaB gene. The reaction with φX174 DNA, in contrast, is rifampicin resistant and is temperature sensitive in extracts of dnaBts cells (1,2).
Increased mGlu5 mRNA expression in BLA glutamate neurons facilitates resilience to the long- term effects of a single predator scent stress exposure.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in a subset of individuals exposed to a trauma with core features being increased anxiety, and impaired fear extinction. To model the heterogeneity of PSTD behavioral responses, we exposed Sprague-Dawley rats to predator scent stress (TMT) once for 10 minutes and then tested for anxiety-like behavior 7 days later using the elevated plus-maze and acoustic startle response. Rats displaying anxiety-like behavior in both tasks were classified as stress-Susceptible, and rats exhibiting behavior no different from unstressed Controls were classified as stress-Resilient. Our previous findings revealed increased mRNA expression of mGlu5 in the amygdala and PFC and CB1R mRNA in the amygdala of Resilient rats. Here, we performed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the subregion and celltype-specific expression of these genes in Resilient rats. We found higher mRNA expression of mGlu5 in the BLA, IL, and PL, and CB1R in the BLA of Resilient rats relative to Controls. Using dual-labeled FISH we determined that mGlu5 and CB1R mRNA increases were limited to vGlut+ cells. To test the necessity of mGlu5 receptor activity for attenuating contextual fear, intra-BLA infusions of the mGlu5 negative allosteric modulator MTEP were administered prior to context re-exposure. MTEP increased contextual fear on the day of administration, which extinguished over the course of two additional un-drugged sessions. These results suggest that an enhanced mGlu5 expression within BLA glutamate neurons contributes to the behavioral flexibility observed in stress-Resilient animals by facilitating a capacity for extinguishing contextual fear associations.
Stringing monolithic three terminal III-V tandems

Tandem devices are well known to surpass single junctions. However, the limitations of current-matching is a concern for changing spectra in terrestrial applications. Three terminal tandem (3T) devices can be more robust to these variations resulting in higher energy yield than single junction devices and two terminal series-connected tandems. We fabricate one-sun 3T tandem devices made of inverted grown III-V tandem (GaInP/GaAs) as a prototype of 3T tandems for stringing and measurement demonstrations. We demonstrate 3T tandem measurements that can be used to understand the use of 3T tandems in various constrained configurations.
Multimodality Treatment of Large Vestibular Schwannomas

Vestibular schwannomas are WHO grade I tumors of the eighth cranial nerve that lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, vestibular dysfunction, and facial nerve compromise. The management of vestibular schwannomas consists of observation, radiosurgery, or microsurgical resection. In this review, we discuss the various treatment modalities specifically targeting large vestibular schwannomas in addition to their treatment risk profiles. Although there has been a trend towards treatment with radiosurgery for smaller lesions, consensus reports still advocate for surgical debulking in patients with large vestibular schwannomas. There has been a shift in management philosophy towards functional preservation at the cost of more extensive resection, yet subtotal resection of vestibular schwannomas is associated with higher rates of recurrence on follow-up. Some groups have demonstrated new promise for the management of large vestibular schwannomas with stereotactic radiosurgery alone and multimodality therapy involving subtotal surgical resection with planned postoperative radiosurgery to residual tumor. Although most groups would still advocate for microsurgical debulking of large vestibular schwannomas with evidence of brainstem compression, hybrid treatment strategies have become preferable. More work is required to determine which patients are at risk of progression after a subtotal resection to stratify those who should or should not receive postoperative stereotactic radiosurgery.
Screen-Free STEAM: Low-Cost and Hands-on Approaches to Teaching Coding and Engineering to Young Children

There is a growing focus on reaching young children (pre-kindergarten through second grade) with quality hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Prior research has shown that teaching subjects like coding and engineering early, leads to many benefits such as increasing children’s number sense, problem-solving skills, and sequencing skills. Unfortunately, the cost of many STEM tools and technologies can be prohibitive for many parents and early childhood educators. Moreover, many of the tools that teach coding and engineering typically rely on screen-based technologies, which are not always developmentally appropriate for very young learners. This chapter will address these issues by introducing low-cost and screen-free approaches to teaching coding and engineering that emphasize a more interdisciplinary Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) context. It will describe the benefits of reaching children early through hands-on and collaborative curricular activities, and provide examples of many types of low-cost activities to engage young children in STEAM education in both informal and formal learning settings. Finally, it will describe how parents and educators can successfully put these activities into practice in their own homes or early learning settings.
Charlotte Smith’s Forms of Protest

This article explores the ways in which Romantic author Charlotte Turner Smith mounts a subtle but invasive protest against differing structures of power. I seek first to establish Smith’s forms of...
Brain diffusion tensor imaging in dogs with degenerative myelopathy.

BACKGROUND Degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs shares similarities with superoxide dismutase 1-associated human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Brain microstructural lesions are quantified using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in ALS patients. OBJECTIVE Characterize brain neurodegenerative changes in DM-affected dogs using DTI. ANIMALS Sixteen DM-affected and 8 control dogs. METHODS Prospective observational study. Brain DTI was performed at baseline and every 3 months on DM-affected dogs and compared to controls. Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity were calculated on specified regions of interest. Gait scores (0, normal to 14, tetraplegia) were assigned at each scan. Diffusion tensor imaging values in DM-affected dogs were compared to controls, gait scores, and evaluated over time. RESULTS Mean age was 5.7 years (SD 3.2) in controls and 9.7 years (SD 1.4) in DM-affected dogs. In DM-affected dogs, mean baseline gait score was 4 (SD 1), and mean score change from baseline to last scan was 4.82 (SD 2.67). Nine dogs had ≤3 scans; 7 had >3 scans. Accounting for age, no differences in DTI indices were identified for any brain or proximal spinal cord regions between DM-affected dogs and controls (P > .05). Diffusion tensor imaging values poorly correlated with gait scores (R2 .05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Diffusion tensor imaging indices did not differentiate DM-affected from control dogs, detect longitudinal changes, or differentiate disease severity. Findings do not yet support brain DTI as an imaging biomarker.
Quantifying spatiotemporal impacts of hydro-dams on land use/land cover changes in the Lower Mekong River Basin

Abstract Many hydro-dams have been constructed in the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMRB) due to their high potential in hydro-power and economic development, but there are many knowledge gaps in understanding unintended, negative social and environmental consequences. One of the knowledge gaps is spatially explicit impact assessment of hydropower dams, especially when it comes down to policies for pay for ecosystem services. In reality, the spatial patterns of dam impacts are obvious, but little is known about the pattern and scope of the impact. Thus, this paper adopted an ellipse shape model in quantifying dam impacts and determined the spatial extents at different dam construction stages. The methods used were the proximity, trend, and cluster analysis on the time-series nighttime lights and enhanced vegetation index, which were then fitted to the ellipse model. The ellipse model was compared to the circular model using three criteria (compactness index, omission index, and ellipse index) to show the usefulness of the ellipse model. The spatial impacts of dams were measured by land use/land cover changes, at different spatial scales and different stage of dams. The results suggested that the ellipse model was able to capture the spatial and temporal effects of dams at different construction stages, when compared with satellite observations. This paper suggested an asymmetric pattern of dam impacts and there were spatial boundaries. These findings may help devising dam-related policies, especially when it relates to pay for ecosystem services.
The CMOS SLA Implementation and SLA Program Structures

The storage/logic array (SLA) is a form of structured logic which is well suited to VLSI design. The SLA concept, which was derived from the PLA, was originally conceived by Patil [3] and later elaborated upon by Patil and Welch [4]. The SLA differs from the PLA in several major respects. The SLA has both the AND and the OR planes from the PLA, but these planes are superimposed or folded on top of each other. This folding of the AND and OR planes generates a structure in which AND terms are generated on the rows of the SLA and the OR terms are generated on the columns. The single AND/OR plane of the SLA contains column wires which can serve as inputs to the SLA rows (AND plane) or as outputs from the OR plane. This functional duality of SLA columns means not only that the SLA can be arbitrarily segmented, but that inputs to and outputs from segments of the SLA can be arbitrarily interleaved.
Narrative Theory, FRE 803(3), and Criminal Defendants' Post-Crime State of Mind Hearsay

“State of mind” is an important disputed element in criminal trials when defendants seek to prove affirmatively that they did not have the “guilty” state of mind required by the charged crime. One type of exculpatory evidence they offer is hearsay statements, made by the defendants themselves, expressing their own then-existing state of mind. Such statements, if relevant to prove the defendant’s mental state at the time of the alleged crime, are putatively admissible under Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) 803(3). As this Article will demonstrate, however, courts are consistently re-interpreting FRE 803(3) to exclude defendants’ own exculpatory state of mind statements that are “post-crime,” made any time after the charged crime was committed. This Article critiques the practice of excluding defendants’ postcrime state of mind hearsay. It does so by applying the basic principles of narrative theory, a theory of jury decision-making which is explored in this Symposium. Part II describes how state of mind hearsay, including the allegedly “untrustworthy” statements made by criminal defendants, is admissible under the categorical definition of FRE 803(3). Parts III and IV present the basic principles of narrative theory. These principles demonstrate that defendants’ state of mind hearsay can have high probative value and can be important for defendants in constructing a plausible alternative to the prosecution’s narrative of guilt and guiltiness. Part V critiques the “timeliness test” that courts have added into FRE 803(3) and presents the results of case law research which shows how this test can exclude virtually all criminal defendants’ post-crime state of mind hearsay. Part VI uses specific cases to illustrate how exclusion of such hearsay statements
Optimal singular control for nonlinear semistabilization

The singular optimal control problem for asymptotic stabilization has been extensively studied in the literature. In this paper, the optimal singular control problem is extended to address a weaker version of closed-loop stability, namely, semistability, which is of paramount importance for consensus control of network dynamical systems. Two approaches are presented to address the nonlinear semistable singular control problem. Namely, we solve the nonlinear semistable singular control problem by using the cost-to-go function to cancel the singularities in the corresponding Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation. For this case, we show that the minimum value of the singular performance measure is zero. In the second approach, we provide a framework based on the concepts of state-feedback linearization and feedback equivalence to solve the singular control problem for semistabilization of nonlinear dynamical systems. For this approach, we also show that the minimum value of the singular performance measure is zero. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed singular semistabilization frameworks.
Minimal surfaces in Kähler surfaces and Ricci curvature

Soit M une surface immergee dans une surface de Kahler N. Soient P le nombre de points tangents complexes et Q le nombre de points tangents anticomplexes denombres selon leur multiple cite. On deduit une version locale de −P−Q=X(M)+X(ν) ou X(M) est la caracteristique d'Euler de M, et X(ν) la caracteristique d'Euler du fibre normal de M dans N
Estimation of polarization dispersion parameters for compensation with reduced feedback

A scheme for polarization dispersion compensation with reduced feedback is explored. Repeatable estimates of the PMD vector have been obtained from polarimeter measurements using various algorithms. Limitations due to higher-order PMD are discussed.
Megasupramolecules for safer, cleaner fuel by end association of long telechelic polymers

We used statistical mechanics to design polymers that defy conventional wisdom by self-assembling into “megasupramolecules” (≥5000 kg/mol) at low concentration (≤0.3 weight percent). Theoretical treatment of the distribution of individual subunits—end-functional polymers—among cyclic and linear supramolecules (ring-chain equilibrium) predicts that megasupramolecules can form at low total polymer concentration if, and only if, the backbones are long (>400 kg/mol) and end-association strength is optimal. Viscometry and scattering measurements of long telechelic polymers having polycyclooctadiene backbones and acid or amine end groups verify the formation of megasupramolecules. They control misting and reduce drag in the same manner as ultralong covalent polymers. With individual building blocks short enough to avoid hydrodynamic chain scission (weight-average molecular weights of 400 to 1000 kg/mol) and reversible linkages that protect covalent bonds, these megasupramolecules overcome the obstacles of shear degradation and engine incompatibility.
Solar limb darkening in the interval 7404-24 018 Å, II

The coefficients of third degree and fifth degree polynomial representations of limb darkening are tabulated for 50 wavelengths in the interval λλ 7404-24 018.
Randomized Selection Design Trial Evaluating CD8+-Enriched Versus Unselected Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes for Adoptive Cell Therapy for Patients With Melanoma

Purpose Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) with autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) administered to lymphodepleted patients with melanoma can cause durable tumor regressions. The optimal TIL product for ACT is unknown. Patients and Methods Patients with metastatic melanoma were prospectively assigned to receive unselected young TILs versus CD8+-enriched TILs. All patients received lymphodepleting chemotherapy and high-dose IL-2 therapy and were assessed for response, toxicity, survival, and immunologic end points. Results Thirty-four patients received unselected young TILs with a median of 8.0% CD4+ lymphocytes, and 35 patients received CD8+-enriched TILs with a median of 0.3% CD4+ lymphocytes. One month after TIL infusion, patients who received CD8+-enriched TILs had significantly fewer CD4+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (P = .01). Twelve patients responded to therapy with unselected young TILs (according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST]), a...
On the nature of conformational openings: native and unfolded-state hydrogen and thiol-disulfide exchange studies of ferric aquomyoglobin.

Abstract Native-state amide hydrogen exchange (HX) of proteins in the presence of denaturant has provided valuable details on the structures of equilibrium folding intermediates. Here, we extend HX theory to model thiol group exchange (SX) in single cysteine-containing variants of sperm whale ferric aquomyoglobin. SX is complementary to HX in that it monitors conformational opening events that expose side-chains, rather than the main chain, to solvent. A simple two-process model, consisting of EX2-limited local structural fluctuations and EX1-limited global unfolding, adequately accounts for all HX data. SX is described by the same model except at very low denaturant concentrations and when the bulky labeling reagent 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) is used. Under these conditions SX can occur by a novel denaturant-dependent process. This anomalous behavior is not observed when the smaller labeling reagent methyl methanethiosulfonate is employed, suggesting that it reflects a denaturant-induced increase in the amplitudes of local structural fluctuations. It also is not seen in heme-free apomyoglobin, which may indicate that local openings are sufficiently large in the absence of denaturant to allow DTNB unhindered access. Differences in SX kinetics obtained using the two labeling reagents provide estimates of the sizes of local opening reactions at different sites in the protein. At all sequence positions examined except for position 73, the same opening event appears to facilitate exchange of both backbone amide and side-chain thiol groups. The C73 thiol group is exposed by a low-energy fluctuation that does not expose its amide group to exchange.
The prevalence of distraction among passenger vehicle drivers: a roadside observational approach

Objective: Distracted driving contributes to a large proportion of motor vehicle crashes, yet little is known about the prevalence of distracted driving and the specific types of distracting behaviors. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of driver distraction using a roadside observational study design.Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving direct roadside observation was conducted at 11 selected intersections. Trained investigators observed a sample of passenger vehicles and recorded distraction-related behaviors, driver characteristics, and contextual factors such as vehicle speed and traffic flow.Results: Of the 3,265 drivers observed, the prevalence of distracted driving was 32.7%. Among those involved in a distracting activity, the most frequently observed distractions included interacting with another passenger (53.2%, where passengers were present), talking on the phone (31.4%), external-vehicle distractions (20.4%), and texting/dialing a phone (16.6%). The prevalence of...
The distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive fibers in the human entorhinal cortex

The entorhinal cortex plays an important role in learning and memory, and it has been implicated as a site of dysfunction in some neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. The organization of many components of the neural circuitry of this region, including dopaminergic afferents, has not been studied in detail. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we examined the density and laminar distribution of axons immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, in the entorhinal cortex of eight control human brains. The density of tyrosine hydroxylase-containing axons decreased from rostral to caudal regions of entorhinal cortex. In addition, there was a prominent medial to lateral gradient of increasing fiber density. This gradient extended into the adjacent transentorhinal cortex, which contained the highest density of labeled axons of the regions studied. The laminar distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase-containing fibers also differed among the subdivisions of the entorhinal cortex. A bilaminar pattern of labeled axons in layers deep I-superficial II and in deep layer VI was present in the intermediate and caudal subdivisions of entorhinal cortex. In contrast, the olfactory and rostral subdivisions, as well as portions of the transentorhinal region, contained a trilaminar pattern, with a high density of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive axons in layers deep I-superficial II, deep III-IV and deep VI. In addition, radially-oriented bands of labeled fibers were observed extending between deep layer I and layer III, particularly in the rostral subdivision of the entorhinal cortex. In summary, tyrosine hydroxylase-containing afferents to the human entorhinal cortex are distributed in a characteristic regional and laminar pattern, and the lateral regions of the entorhinal cortex and the adjacent transentorhinal cortex are particularly densely innervated. These data contribute to the understanding of the normal circuitry of the human entorhinal cortex, and are of potential relevance to the pathophysiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Two Constrasting Views of the Indians: Methodist Involvement in the Indian Troubles in Oregon and Washington

In the 1850s, when both Oregon and Washington were pioneer lands just emerging from wilderness conditions, sporadic Indian warfare made life dangerous and miserable for white settlers and threatened the very existence of the Indian subtribes which inhabited the mountains and valleys south and north of the great Columbia River basin. In the previous decade a provisional territorial government had been organized, even before the treaty of 1846 set the international boundary at the forty-ninth degree of latitude. Federal territorial government dates from 1849. In 1853 Washington territory was set off from Oregon.
Systems biology driven software design for the research enterprise

In systems biology, and many other areas of research, there is a need for the interoperability of tools and data sources that were not originally designed to be integrated. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of systems biology, and its association with high throughput experimental platforms, there is an additional need to continually integrate new technologies. As scientists work in isolated groups, integration with other groups is rarely a consideration when building the required software tools. We illustrate an approach, through the discussion of a purpose built software architecture, which allows disparate groups to reuse tools and access data sources in a common manner. The architecture allows for: the rapid development of distributed applications; interoperability, so it can be used by a wide variety of developers and computational biologists; development using standard tools, so that it is easy to maintain and does not require a large development effort; extensibility, so that new technologies and data types can be incorporated; and non intrusive development, insofar as researchers need not to adhere to a pre-existing object model. By using a relatively simple integration strategy, based upon a common identity system and dynamically discovered interoperable services, a light-weight software architecture can become the focal point through which scientists can both get access to and analyse the plethora of experimentally derived data.
The influence of serum albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein on vancomycin protein binding in patients with burn injuries

Ten patients with burn injuries (mean total body surface area burn = 29% +/- 16) were studied at various points in the course of their burn therapy. Alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein, albumin, and vancomycin concentrations were determined with either a trough or peak vancomycin quantitative determination. Alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein concentrations ranged from 125 to 333 mg/dl and albumin concentrations ranged from 1.7 to 4.2 gm/dl. Vancomycin protein binding, as determined by ultrafiltration, averaged 29% +/- 6%. There was a strong (r = 0.92) relationship between percent protein-bound vancomycin and albumin. There was a poor statistical relationship between percent protein-bound vancomycin and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (r = 0.28). Alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein appeared to have virtually no effect on the protein-binding characteristics of vancomycin over the range of concentrations studied.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Solvation and Kink Site Formation at the {001} Barite-Water Interface.

Solvation and kink site formation on step edges are known to be controlling parameters in crystal growth and dissolution. However, links from classical crystal growth models to specific reactions at the mineral-water interface have remained elusive. Molecular dynamics is used here to examine the water structure on barium surface sites and kink site formation enthalpies for material adsorbed to and removed from the step parallel to the [120] direction on the {001} barite-water interface. The bariums at the interface are shown to be coordinatively unsaturated with respect to water, and it is suggested that this is due to a steric hindrance from the nature of the interface. Kink site detachment energies that include hydration energies are endothermic for barium and exothermic for sulfate. The implications and problems of using these parameters in a crystal growth model are discussed.
Nanotube electronics beyond the CMOS-scaling

This paper discusses about carbon nanotube electronics despite the fact that carbon nanotube transistors are seen by many as a leading contender for device alternative to the silicon CMOS. Much of the great and growing enthusiasm in nanotube electronics arises from the realization that nanootubes offer a number of remarkable properties that are superior for electronic devices and are rarely found all in one single material. The nanometric diameter, the extreme mobility and ballistic conduction, the unmatched thermal conductivity, and the chemical inertness are some of the best known.
Exchange coupling in quantum rings and wires in the Wigner-crystal limit

We present a controlled method for computing the exchange coupling in strongly correlated one-dimensional electron systems. The asymptotically exact relation between the exchange constant and the pair-correlation function of spinless electrons is derived. Explicit results are obtained for thin quantum rings with realistic Coulomb interactions, by calculating this function via a many-body instanton approach.
Association of antibiotic utilization measures and control of multiple-drug resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae

Objective: To study the association of antibiotic-utilization measures and control of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae after emergence in two hospitals in our medical center. Design and Setting: Rates of MDR K pneumoniae at two hospitals were compared before and after acute interventions, including emphasis on Contact Precautions and education in antibiotic utilization. Antipseudomonal β-lactam antibiotic use was measured before and after the interventions at both hospitals. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of whole cell DNA was used as a marker of strain identity. Results: Clonal strain dissemination was the major mechanism of emergence at hospital A; emergence was polyclonal at hospital B. Antibiotic-utilization interventions at both institutions included physician education regarding the association of ceftazidime use and MDR K pneumoniae. At hospital A, ceftazidime use decreased from 4,301 g in the preintervention period, to 1,248 g in the postintervention period. Piperacillin-tazobactam use increased from 12,455 g to 17,464 g. Ceftazidime resistance in Kpneumoniae decreased from 110 (22%) of 503 isolates to 61 (15%) of 407 isolates (P<.05); piperacillin-tazobactam resistance decreased from 181 (36%) of 503 to 77 (19%) of 407 isolates (P<.05). At hospital B, ceftazidime use decreased from 6,533 g in the preintervention period to 4,792 g in the postintervention period. Piperacillin-tazobactam use increased from 58,691 g to 67,027 g. Ceftazidime resistance in K pneumoniae decreased from 42 (10%) of 415 isolates to 19 (5%) of 383 isolates (P<.05). Piperacillin-tazobactam resistance decreased from 91 (22%) of 415 isolates to 54 (14%) of 383 isolates (P<.05). Follow-up data showed continued decrease in piperacillin-tazobactam resistance despite increased use at both hospitals. Conclusions: Antibiotic-use measures may be particularly important for control of MDR K pneumoniae, whether emergence is clonal or polyclonal.
Application of wearable sensors for human gait analysis using fuzzy computational algorithm

Abstract The authors have developed and tested a wearable inertial sensor system for the acquisition of gait features. The sensors were placed on anatomical segments of the lower limb: foot, shank, thigh, and hip, and the motion data were then captured in conjunction with 3D ground reaction forces (GRFs). The method of relational matrix was applied to develop a rule-based system, an intelligent fuzzy computational algorithm. The rule-based system provides a feature matrix model representing the strength of association or interaction amongst the elements of the gait functions (limb-segments accelerations and GRFs) throughout the gait cycle. A comparison between the reference rule-based data and an input test data was evaluated using a fuzzy similarity algorithm. This system was tested and evaluated using two subject groups: 10 healthy subjects were recruited to establish the reference fuzzy rule-base, and 4 relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis subjects were used as an input test data; and the grade of similarity between them was evaluated. This similarity provides a quantitative assessment of mobility state of the impaired subject. This algorithmic tool may be helpful to the clinician in the identification of pathological gait impairments, prescribe treatment, and assess the improvements in response to therapeutic intervention.
Azimuthal Dependence of Switching Field Strength for Nematic Liquid Crystal Bistability on Patterned Alignment Layers

We investigate the azimuthal dependence of the switching field strength for nematic liquid crystal bistability on patterned alignment layers to determine the validity of a switching theory proposed by Kim et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 3055 (2001)] and to evaluate higher-order azimuthal anchoring coefficients. Director behavior during switching is described in detail for general azimuthal directions of an applied electric field and the experimental results are explained on the basis of the theory. We obtain azimuthal anchoring coefficients up to the second higher-order term in an expansion of the anchoring energy function. Detailed analysis of the director behavior reveals a close analogy between the proposed model of nematic liquid crystal bistability and a coherent rotation (Stoner-Wohlfarth) model of ferromagnetism. This suggests a reversal-asymmetric property of the substrate-nematic interface director, differing from the reversal symmetry of the bulk nematic director, as far as the nematic bistability switching is concerned.
Glycan Microarray Analysis of P-type Lectins Reveals Distinct Phosphomannose Glycan Recognition

The specificity of the cation-independent and -dependent mannose 6-phosphate receptors (CI-MPR and CD-MPR) for high mannose-type N-glycans of defined structure containing zero, one, or two Man-P-GlcNAc phosphodiester or Man-6-P phosphomonoester residues was determined by analysis on a phosphorylated glycan microarray. Amine-activated glycans were covalently printed on N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated glass slides and interrogated with different concentrations of recombinant CD-MPR or soluble CI-MPR. Neither receptor bound to non-phosphorylated glycans. The CD-MPR bound weakly or undetectably to the phosphodiester derivatives, but strongly to the phosphomonoester-containing glycans with the exception of a single Man7GlcNAc2-R isomer that contained a single Man-6-P residue. By contrast, the CI-MPR bound with high affinity to glycans containing either phospho-mono- or -diesters although, like the CD-MPR, it differentially recognized isomers of phosphorylated Man7GlcNAc2-R. This differential recognition of phosphorylated glycans by the CI- and CD-MPRs has implications for understanding the biosynthesis and targeting of lysosomal hydrolases.
Oxidation of a polycrystalline titanium surface by oxygen and water

Abstract Reactions of a well-characterized polycrystalline titanium surface with oxygen and water molecules at 150–850 K were studied in UHV by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) and Fourier transform reflectance–absorption infrared spectroscopy (FT-RAIRS). At 150 K, O2 oxidizes Ti0 to TiIV, TiIII and TiII, but Ti exposure to H2O at this temperature produces only TiII species. At temperatures above 300 K, further oxidation of Ti by H2O was observed. Maximum oxidation by either molecule is achieved at 550–600 K. Upon heating the oxidized titanium above 850 K, the oxide layer is completely reduced to Ti0. Hydroxyl species are identified on the Ti surface after reaction with H2O; they appear to be mostly hydrogen bonded between 250 and 350 K, and isolated in the 450–650 K surface temperature range. Depth profiling of the O2-oxidized Ti surface shows that TiIV/TiIII species account for about 20% of the total thickness of the oxide layers and are located near the surface, while TiII has a broader distribution, and is concentrated close to the oxide–metal interface. The OH group concentration is maximized at 550 K on the sample surface and accounts for about 16% of the total surface oxygen, with a decreasing concentration of OH into the bulk of the titanium oxides.
Developing an overseas counsellor education program: Problems, issues, and educational implications

This article describes an example of an overseas counsellor education program. The problems, issues, and educational implications of the program are detailed.
The application of perturbation theories for exchange forces to a simple model.

Perturbation theories for exchange intermolecular forces application to exactly soluble spin model
Self-reported physical functioning and mortality among individuals with type 2 diabetes: insights from TRIAD.

Abstract Aims To examine the association between physical functioning and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes, and determine if this association differs by race/ethnicity in managed care. Methods We studied 7894 type 2 diabetic patients in Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD), a prospective observational study of diabetes care in managed care. Physical functioning was assessed with the Short Form Health Survey. The National Death Index was searched for deaths over 10 years of follow-up (2000–2009). Results At baseline, mean age was 61.7 years, 50% were non-Hispanic White, 22% were Black, and 16% of participants reported good physical functioning. Over 10 years, 28% of participants died; 39% due to cardiovascular disease. Relative to those reporting good functioning, those reporting poor physical functioning had a 39% higher all-cause death rate after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, smoking, and comorbidities (Hazard Ratio = 1.39; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.16, 1.67). Although Blacks were less likely than Whites to report good functioning (p Conclusions In this managed care population, self-reported physical functioning was a robust independent predictor of mortality and may be a useful benchmark for tailoring clinical care.
Efficient discretization schemes for Graetz-type problems

Abstract Uniform grid spacing for the finite difference solution of partial differential equations is computationally inefficient. Two nonuniform discretization schemes are presented and applied to Graetz-type problems. Results are compared to those for a uniform discretization scheme and shown to be able to decrease the amount of computational work required for the same accuracy.
Temperature and particle size effects on flow localization of 9–12%Cr ferritic/martensitic steel by in situ X-ray diffraction and small angle scattering

Abstract Radiation-induced defect structures are known to elevate material yield strength and reduce material ductility so that small strains induce plastic instability. This process is commonly known as flow localization . Recent research indicates that the flow localization in face-centered cubic (FCC) materials is controlled by critical stress , the true stress at the onset of necking. Critical stress is found to be independent of irradiation dose, but have strong temperature dependence. Here simplified 9–12% ferritic/martinsetic steels are examined using X-ray diffraction and small angle scattering under in situ tensile deformation, in order to elucidate the controlling mechanisms and temperature dependence of critical stress. It is found that the critical stress for the onset of necking is linearly correlated with critical interfacial strength, which in turn determines the void nucleation. The effects of temperature and particle size on critical stress are correspondingly determined by how temperature and particle size influence the critical interfacial strength.
In Vivo Demonstration of a Self-Sustaining, Implantable, Stimulated-Muscle-Powered Piezoelectric Generator Prototype

An implantable, stimulated-muscle-powered piezoelectric active energy harvesting generator was previously designed to exploit the fact that the mechanical output power of muscle is substantially greater than the electrical power necessary to stimulate the muscle’s motor nerve. We reduced to practice the concept by building a prototype generator and stimulator. We demonstrated its feasibility in vivo, using rabbit quadriceps to drive the generator. The generated power was sufficient for self-sustaining operation of the stimulator and additional harnessed power was dissipated through a load resistor. The prototype generator was developed and the power generating capabilities were tested with a mechanical muscle analog. In vivo generated power matched the mechanical muscle analog, verifying its usefulness as a test-bed for generator development. Generator output power was dependent on the muscle stimulation parameters. Simulations and in vivo testing demonstrated that for a fixed number of stimuli/minute, two stimuli applied at a high frequency generated greater power than single stimuli or tetanic contractions. Larger muscles and circuitry improvements are expected to increase available power. An implanted, self-replenishing power source has the potential to augment implanted battery or transcutaneously powered electronic medical devices.
Utilizing spectral counting to quantitatively characterize tandem removal of abundant proteins (TRAP) in human plasma.

Biomarker discovery efforts in serum and plasma are greatly hindered by the presence of high abundance proteins that prevent the detection and quantification of less abundant, yet biologically significant, proteins. The most common method for addressing this problem is to specifically remove the few abundant proteins through immunoaffinity depletion/subtraction. Herein, we improved upon this method by utilizing multiple depletion columns in series, so as to increase the efficiency of the abundant protein removal and augment the detection/identification of less abundant plasma proteins. Spectral counting was utilized to make quantitative comparisons between undepleted plasma, plasma depleted with a single depletion column, and plasma depleted using two or three depletion columns in tandem. In the undepleted plasma only 29 lower abundance protein groups were identified with the top-scoring protein from each group having a median spectral count of 3, while in the plasma processed using a single HSA depletion...
Studies on the time course of entry and subcellular distribution of radioactivity of (3H) d-amphetamine in the brains of differentially-housed mice

La retention de (3H), apres l'injection de (3H) d-amphetamine chez des souris, fut plus marquee dans des particules synaptiques quand les animaux avaient ete soumis a un isolement prolonge.
Minimum implant area-aware gate sizing and placement

With reduction of minimum feature size, the minimum implant area (MinIA) constraint is emerging as a new challenge for the physical implementation flow in sub-22nm technology. In particular, the MinIA constraint induces a new problem formulation wherein gate sizing and V_t-swapping must now be linked closely with detailed placement changes. To solve this new problem, we propose heuristic methods that fix MinIA violations and reduce power with gate sizing while minimizing placement perturbation to avoid creating extra timing violations. Compared to recent versions of commercial P&R tools, our methodologies achieve significant reductions (up to 100%) in the number of MinIA violations under timing/power constraints.
Are truck drivers underpaid

There is an emerging debate over whether truck drivers are ‘underpaid’ given their human capital and working conditions. Using data from the 2000 Current Population Survey, the pay differentials between truck drivers and other blue collar occupations are investigated. While truck drivers appear to receive a small premium in their hourly wage compared to workers with similar skill requirements, they receive substantial premium in their weekly wage. This weekly wage differential is primarily the result of a substantially longer work week.
Notes: On the smallest simple, unipotent Bol loop

Finite simple, unipotent Bol loops have recently been identified and constructed using group theory. However, the purely group-theoretical constructions of the actual loops are indirect, somewhat arbitrary in places, and rely on computer calculations to a certain extent. In the spirit of revisionism, this paper is intended to give a more explicit combinatorial specification of the smallest simple, unipotent Bol loop, making use of concepts from projective geometry and quasigroup theory along with the group-theoretical background. The loop has dual permutation representations on the projective line of order 5, with doubly stochastic action matrices.
Biological and organic constiuents of desert varnish: review and new hypotheses

Desert varnish coatings are found on rock surfaces throughout arid regions of the world. Rock varnishes may exist on Mars, as suggested by some observations on both Viking and Mars Pathfinder landing sites. There has long been a debate as to whether varnish coatings are microbially mediated or deposited by inorganic processes. Dozens of bacteria have been cultured from the surface of varnish coatings and recently the molecular ecology of varnish coatings have been characterized using 16S rRNA techniques. Colonies of micro colonial fungus are associated with varnish coatings but it is unclear whether bacteria or fungus are directly involved in varnish formation. Another alternative is the incorporation of microbial components into varnish coatings either by complexation with metals or in association with clays. For instance polysaccharides found in bacterial cell walls contain linear polymers of sugars that may be preserved in arid conditions when complexed with usual varnish components such as calcium, aluminum, silicon, iron and manganese. Understanding the organic components of desert varnish may help to resolve the question of the mechanism of formation of rock coatings, biomineralization processes and bacterial fossils and how to detect past microbially activity on planets.