cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Preschool Children's School Readiness, Social-Emotional Competence and Student-Teacher Relationships

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN'S SCHOOL READINESS, SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE AND STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS By Badiyyah I. Waajid, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Conlmonwealth University, 2005 Director: Jill E. Fox, Ph.D., School of Education The purpose of this study was to explore the relations between preschool children's school readiness, young children's social emotional development, and teacher-student relationships. Of interest, was whether social-emotional competence and teacher-student relationships made unique contributions to young children school readiness. Participants were 58 three and four year old children (3 1 boys and 27 girls) who attended 3 inner-city preschool programs. Thirty-five percent of the sample was African American, with the remainder being Caucasian, Asian, or Hispanic. Social-emotional and teacher-student relationship measures collected during the year were associated with school readiness at year's end. Children's emotional competence was assessed using child interviews. Social competence and teacher-student relationships were measured using teacher surveys. After controlling for age, bivariate correlation revealed that emotional competence and social competence were positively related to one another. Emotional competence and close teacher-student relationships were related to school readiness. Regression analyses showed that emotional competence added to the prediction of school readiness after controlling for age. Children more ready for school, were more emotionally competent. Children having close relationships with preschool teachers were also more emotionally
[23] Detection of HIV-1 in brain tissue of individuals with AIDS by in situ gene amplification

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in the brain tissue of individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) by in situ gene amplification. The technique of DNA- in situ polymerase chain reaction (IS-PCR) allows a specific DNA fragment to be amplified within the intact cell. This technique has great potential for determining the actual proviral load in the peripheral blood and central nervous system (CNS) tissues at various stages of HIV-1 infection and for evaluating the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions. This technique should allow for the direct localization of other viruses and DNA sequences present in one to a few copies per cell. Although a variety of genetic sequences, such as papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, visna virus, HIV-1, HLA-DQα, and various cellular genes, have been studied using DNA-IS-PCR and unlimited others await investigation. Thus, DNA-IS-PCR should allow the study of various key aspects of disease pathogenesis, especially in infectious diseases and oncology.
Xander: employing a novel method for efficient gene-targeted metagenomic assembly

Metagenomics can provide important insight into microbial communities. However, assembling metagenomic datasets has proven to be computationally challenging. Current methods often assemble only fragmented partial genes. We present a novel method for targeting assembly of specific protein-coding genes. This method combines a de Bruijn graph, as used in standard assembly approaches, and a protein profile hidden Markov model (HMM) for the gene of interest, as used in standard annotation approaches. These are used to create a novel combined weighted assembly graph. Xander performs both assembly and annotation concomitantly using information incorporated in this graph. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by assembling contigs for one phylogenetic marker gene and for two functional marker genes, first on Human Microbiome Project (HMP)-defined community Illumina data and then on 21 rhizosphere soil metagenomic datasets from three different crops totaling over 800 Gbp of unassembled data. We compared our method to a recently published bulk metagenome assembly method and a recently published gene-targeted assembler and found our method produced more, longer, and higher quality gene sequences. Xander combines gene assignment with the rapid assembly of full-length or near full-length functional genes from metagenomic data without requiring bulk assembly or post-processing to find genes of interest. HMMs used for assembly can be tailored to the targeted genes, allowing flexibility to improve annotation over generic annotation pipelines. This method is implemented as open source software and is available at https://github.com/rdpstaff/Xander_assembler .
Practice patterns and approach to kidney biopsy in lupus: a collaboration of the Midwest pediatric nephrology consortium and the childhood arthritis and rheumatology research alliance

There is no clear consensus regarding optimal indications or timing of initial or repeat kidney biopsy in the management of pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE). A web-based survey was designed to assess current practice patterns among pediatric nephrologists and pediatric rheumatologists and distributed to members of Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium (MWPNC) and Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA). Respondents included 111 rheumatologists and 71 nephrologists from 65 and 34 centers, respectively. Numbers of years in sub-specialty practice were comparable. Rheumatologists and nephrologists frequently collaborate in the care of children with lupus nephritis (LN). More than 90 % of respondents refer patients to each either other after diagnosing LN. Over 60 % describe shared decision making regarding when to perform kidney biopsy and how to interpret biopsy findings. Many pediatric nephrologists consider biopsy to be of higher risk for complication in pSLE and alter their standard pre-or post-biopsy management. It is uncommon for pediatric nephrologists to manage LN without input from pediatric rheumatologists and vice versa. Consensus exists between specialties in general, and practice differences that exist occur between individual physicians rather than between specialties. A systematic approach to biopsy may result in improved health related outcomes in pSLE.
Approaching Success or Avoiding Failure? Approach and Avoidance Motives in the Work Domain

In our set of studies, we extended research on approach and avoidance motivations by investigating (i) motives in a work setting, (ii) interactions among approach and avoidance motives, and (iii) m...
CEOs' Leadership Styles and Managers' Innovative Behaviour: Investigation of Intervening Effects in an Entrepreneurial Context

We examine the relationships and intervening mechanisms between founding CEOs' transformational/transactional leadership and the innovative behaviour of managers. We develop and test our hypotheses on a sample of 39 participating CEOs and 105 managers with the use of a multilevel structural equation model. The results show that both transformational and transactional leadership on the part of the CEO relate positively to managers' innovative behaviour. We also discover that firm's innovative climate mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour. However, we fail to find the mediating effect of innovative climate between transactional leadership and innovative behaviour. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of how founding CEOs' different leadership styles affect employees' innovative behaviour in start-ups and to what extent the innovative climate influences the relationship.
1,3-β-d-Glucan synthase ofNeurospora crassa: Partial purification and characterization of solubilized enzyme activity

Abstract 1,3-β- d -Glucan synthase activity ofNeurospora crassa was rendered soluble by treatment of crude protoplast lysates with 0.1% 3-[3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate and 0.5% octylglucoside in 25 mM 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffer containing 5 mM EDTA, 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, 10 mM sodium fluoride, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 200 mM inorganic phosphate, 10 μM GTP, and 600 mM glycerol. Approximately 50% of enzyme activity was solubilized; soluble enzyme activity was purified 5.6-fold with a net 38% recovery by sucrose gradient density sedimentation. Partially purified enzyme activity had a half-life of 60 ± 10 h at 4°C, aKm,app of 0.75 ± 0.05 mM, and a Vmax,app of 35 ± 1 enzyme units/mg protein.
Pilgrimage as costly signal: Religiously motivated cooperation in Chaco and Nasca

Abstract Religiously motivated cooperation in the form of pilgrimage is a neglected element in discussions of the dynamics of cooperative behavior among humans. In this paper, we invoke costly signaling theory to propose how pilgrimage centers emerge in some contexts. On one hand, as has been suggested by other scholars, monumental centers are costly signals of the authority and influence of competing centers’ leadership, which can include the leaders’ influence over supernatural forces. We argue that equally important is the pilgrimage itself, which serves as a costly signal of the pilgrims’ commitment to the religious system and the beliefs and values associated with it; this in turn facilitates cooperation and other prosocial behaviors among pilgrims who otherwise might be strangers. To explore the utility of this approach to pilgrimage, we compare Chaco Canyon in the US Southwest and Cahuachi in the Nasca region of Peru, two prestate sociocultural settings in which pilgrimage was an important component in maintaining cooperation, group cohesion, and identity. While specific patterns are distinct in each society, we argue that pilgrimage had a significant impact in the development of both prosocial behavior and religious leadership in Chaco and Nasca.
The preparation and reactions of group IIB metal chloride stabilized complexes of (chlorofluoromethylene)tris(dimethylamino)phosphorane

Abstract A facile dechlorination reaction occurs between [((CH 3 ) 2 N) 3 + PCFCl 2 ]Cl − and Group IIB metals to form addition complexes of the type [((CH 3 ) 2 N) 3 P + CFCl-(MCl)]Cl − where M = Zn, Cd, or Hg. These complexes exhibit surprising stability in ethereal solvents, and serve as effective 1-chloro-1-fluorovinyl transfer agents via the Wittig reaction by dissociation into [(CH 3 ) 2 N] 3 PCFCl and the metal chloride. 19 F and 31 P NMR, as well as derivative formation, substantiate that these complexes are indeed quaternary phosphonium compounds which contain covalent carbonmetal bonds.
Multiperipheral Model for Pomeranchukon Couplings

An intimate connection between the Pomeranchukon and the $f$ and ${f}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ Regge trajectories is derived in the context of a specific multiperipheral model, embodying duality. The explicit dependence of the Pomeranchukon couplings on the $f$ (and ${f}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) Regge poles clarifies certain features of diffraction scattering data.
Efficient simulation of external noise incident on arrays

The direct simulation of external noise fields containing a large number of discrete noise sources or interference that is continuously distributed in angle requires the generation of a large number of independent random variables per sample of array input. A method of simulating exactly the statistics of an arbitrary Gaussian noise field at the input to an N -element array with only N random variables is described.
Human psychophysical analysis of receptive field-like properties--III. Dichoptic properties of a new transient-like psychophysical function.

Abstract A new psychophysical transient-like visual response, based upon a rotating windmill target similar to that used by Werblin in his electrophysiological studies of the Necturus retina, has been examined under monoptic, mixed (“50/50”), and dichoptic viewing conditions in the fovea. The transientlike response, defined as the threshold difference between stationary and rotating windmill conditions, was greatest monoptically when the inner and outer bounds of the windmill vanes corresponded to the desensitization (summation-like) and sensitization (inhibition-like) areas of the previously determined Westheimer function. The “50/50” and dichoptic conditions showed negligible effects of dichoptic background field windmill patterns of the psychophysical transient-like function, suggesting that the response is retinally based.
The Cultures of Insider Trading

Paul Bond is a lawyer who overheard two other lawyers at his office discussing the proposed purchase of a company by one of their clients. He proceeds to buy shares of this company. Would you rate Bond’s behavior completely fair, acceptable, unfair, or very unfair? I posed this vignette to samples of university students in China, Taiwan, and the U.S. Most students in the U.S. and Taiwan samples rated Bond’s behavior unfair or very unfair while most students in the China rated Bond’s behavior completely fair or acceptable. Perceptions of fairness are part of the culture of a country and culture affects business practices. I discuss culture, perceptions of fairness, and business practices in China, Taiwan, and the U.S.
Expression of transferrin and vitamin D-binding protein genes in an osteogenic sarcoma cell line.

Abstract Expression of genes encoding transferrin and the vitamin D-binding protein is described in a cell line, U-2 OS, derived from a human osteogenic sarcoma. The mRNA transcripts of transferrin and vitamin D-binding protein were shown to be the lengths of those found in normal human liver. The cells synthesize and secrete the transferrin and vitamin D-binding proteins, in addition to human albumin and ceruloplasmin. The U-2 OS cells were successfully transfected with chimeric genes carrying 670 bp of the 5′ regulatory sequence of the human transferrin gene fused to a reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. These data indicate that the appropriate transcriptional factors required for expression of four plasma proteins are produced by U-2 OS nuclei and that the U-2 OS cell line will be useful for studies analyzing regulation of these genes.
From avoidance to approach: The effects of mortality salience and attachment on the motivation to repair troubled relationships

Abstract Previous research has shown that mortality salience (MS) increases relational strivings and that attachment style moderates these effects. The present study investigated the effects of MS and attachment on relational strivings toward troubled close relationship partners (family members, friends, and romantic partners). MS increased participants’ expectations for improvement in their troubled family relationships. In particular, MS increased fearful-avoidant individuals’ relational strivings toward troubled family members. The same pattern emerged for friendships, controlling for relationship importance. However, MS decreased individuals’ expectations for improvement in their troubled romantic relationships. The present research extends both the terror management and attachment literature, suggesting that MS can motivate fearful-avoidant individuals to overcome their avoidant tendency and repair their troubled relationships.
Proteolytic Mechanisms, Not Malnutrition, Cause Loss of Muscle Mass in Kidney Failure

Hypoalbuminemia and muscle atrophy are frequently found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients being treated by dialysis. These abnormalities are usually attributed to malnutrition, meaning that they are caused by an inadequate diet. However, the evidence indicates that malnutrition is rarely the mechanism causing loss of protein stores. Instead, low values of serum albumin are closely related to the presence of inflammation and loss of muscle mass is attributable to activation of specific proteases. In uremic rodents and patients, the initial step in the loss of muscle protein is an activation of caspase-3. This cleaves the complex structure of muscle, and its action can be detected by the presence of a characteristic 14-kDa actin fragment in the insoluble fraction of muscle. The second step in uremia-induced loss of muscle protein is an activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which rapidly degrades proteins released by caspase-3 cleavage of muscle proteins. Activation of both caspase-3 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system occur when there is suppression of the cellular signaling pathway activated by insulin/insulinlike growth factor 1, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. A potential therapeutic target for preventing loss of muscle protein is to stimulate activity of this signaling pathway.
Serum testosterone levels in post‐traumatic stress disorder inpatients

In a longitudinal clinical psychoendocrine study, serum testosterone levels (ng/dl) were measured at 2-week intervals during the course of hospitalization in 34 male psychiatric inpatients in four diagnostic groups, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (endogenous type) (MDD-E), paranoid schizophrenia (PS), and bipolar I disorder- manic (BP), as well as in a group of normal male control subjects (CONT). A one-way analysis of variance revealed that the mean (± SE) testosterone levels were significantly higher (p<0.0002) in the PTSD (578±59), PS (571±49), and CONT (494±24) groups than in the MDD-E (331±47) and BP (351±31) groups. The same group differences were significant in the first sample (p<0.02), while in the last sample the values were significantly higher (p<0.0004) in the PTSD (623±66) and PS (566±72) groups than in the CONT (482±26), BP (353±61), and MDD-E (291±52) groups. These preliminary findings, then, indicate that in spite of considerable depressive symptomatology, PTSD patients do not show the relatively low testosterone levels seen in major depressive disorder patients, but instead align more closely with the schizophrenic patients with regard to the pituitary-gonadal system. There is also an indication that chronic basal testosterone levels in PTSD patients may be elevated in comparison with normal subjects. The possible link suggested by the psychoendocrine literature between testosterone levels and trait factors, particularly paranoid style, in these patient groups is considered, as is the potential application of these findings for multidimensional approaches to the development of improved biologic criteria for psychiatric diagnosis.
A Predictive Model of Cell Traction Forces Based on Cell Geometry

Recent work has indicated that the shape and size of a cell can influence how a cell spreads, develops focal adhesions, and exerts forces on the substrate. However, it is unclear how cell shape regulates these events. Here we present a computational model that uses cell shape to predict the magnitude and direction of forces generated by cells. The predicted results are compared to experimentally measured traction forces, and show that the model can predict traction force direction, relative magnitude, and force distribution within the cell using only cell shape as an input. Analysis of the model shows that the magnitude and direction of the traction force at a given point is proportional to the first moment of area about that point in the cell, suggesting that contractile forces within the cell act on the entire cytoskeletal network as a single cohesive unit. Through this model, we demonstrate that intrinsic properties of cell shape can facilitate changes in traction force patterns, independently of heterogeneous mechanical properties or signaling events within the cell.
Sensitivity Enhancement in Field-Modulated CW ENDOR via RF Bandwidth Broadening

Abstract In low-temperature ENDOR studies it is common to modulate the magnetic field at ν mod ∼ 100 kHz and to observe the ENDOR response as a change in the dispersion-mode rapid-passage EPR signal as decoded at ν mod . The sensitivity of this procedure can be increased by incoherently broadening the bandwidth of the applied RF through mixing of the RF carrier signal with a white-noise source of variable bandwidth. This technique has been explored by monitoring the amplitude and width of ENDOR signals as a function of the RF bandwidth and power, in the case of the 57 Fe signals from a metalloprotein and 14 N, 1 H signals from two Cu(II) compounds. The RF band broadening has produced signal enhancements of over threefold. The results are interpreted in terms of a competition between (i) an increase in the number of spin packets excited within the inhomogeneously broadened ENDOR line and () a reduction in the response per packet. Simple analysis leads to equations for the variation in the ENDOR response with incident RF power and bandwidth that are scaled by a saturation RF power and an effective spin-packet width, respectively.
Monitored indoor temperatures and reported thermostat settings: How different are they?

Abstract We examined differences in reported winter thermostat settings and monitored temperatures for households participating in Bonneville Power Administration's Residential Standards Demonstration Program (RSDP) in the Pacific Northwest. The reported thermostat settings were obtained from a survey of RSDP participants, and indoor temperatures were read from special recorders inside the house. We found reported thermostat settings to be on the average 2 °F cooler than actual temperatures; differences between settings and temperatures were less for very energy-efficient homes than for homes built to current practice. We also contrasted households with small differences (±2 °F) between reported winter thermostat settings and monitored temperatures with those with substantial differences (5 °F or more). We were able to identify households with substantial differences based upon their space-heating electricity use, the winter outdoor temperature, the physical/structural characteristics of the house, the number of appliances, the socioeconomic characteristics of the occupants, the energy behavior of the occupants, and/or energy-related attitudes. Using discriminant analysis, we were able to classify 100% of the high-difference and low-difference groups correctly, using these variables.
A mass spectrometer for the characterization of neutral species produced in the electron bombardment of gases

Abstract A mass spectrometer which permits the direct study of neutral species produced by the electron bombardment of gases is described. Functionally, it consists of an ion source with two independent electron beams, a quadrupole mass filter, and a phase-sensitive ion detector. The instrument provides for automatic scanning and recording of mass spectra and ionization efficiency data for the neutral species produced in one electron beam (pulsed at 260 Hz) and subsequently ionized in the other electron beam. The mass spectrum of the neutral species obtained from the electron bombardment of benzene, along with the ionization efficiency data for the neutral species, are presented to demonstrate the quality of the data obtained.
Investigating Molecular Recognition by Mass Spectrometry: Characterization of Calixarene-Based Self-Assembling Capsule Hosts with Charged Guests

Capsules derived from the reversible assembly of calixarene tetraureas have been characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Ion labeling was achieved through the encapsulation of ammonium ions as guest molecules. The gas-phase ion structure of the parent calixarene was determined by isotope pattern analysis, inclusion of labeled guests, and collision experiments. Competition experiments with different guest ions revealed a clear dependence of the encapsulation process on the size and shape of the guest ions. The formation of several different heterodimeric capsules, a covalently bridged capsule, and larger dumbbell-like aggregates containing two and three charged guests has been observed. The results parallel previous findings from NMR experiments in solution and thus support the validity of the MS method for characterization of these complexes in the gas phase.
Easter microplate evolution

Geochemical evidence confirms that there is current active spreading on both the East and West Rift zones of the Easter microplate, and northwards propagation of the East Rift with the active tip at 25° S. The East Rift is influenced by lateral flow of plume-derived material from a hotspot located beneath either Sala y Gomez or Easter Island. Spreading rate variation does not seem to be influential in controlling the composition of erupted basalts.
Down-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins alpha, beta and delta in adipose tissue by intracerebroventricular leptin in rats.

In our previous report, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of leptin caused fat depletion by an induced adipocyte apoptosis in addition to influencing lipid metabolism. To uncover the biochemical mechanisms that mediate this response, the present study was designed to determine whether CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBP)alpha, -beta and -delta play a role in the leptin-induced fat depletion. Expressions of C/EBPalpha, -beta and -delta in epididymal fat tissues were examined by Western immunoblot and in situ immunocytochemical analysis after 5 days of i.c.v. treatment. Young and old rats (3 and 8 months old) were treated with or without 5 micrograms/day leptin. The expression of C/EBPalpha, -beta and -delta was decreased by i.c.v. leptin treatment in young rats as compared with controls (P<0.05). However, leptin did not influence the expression of C/EBPalpha, -beta and -delta in adipose tissues of 8-month-old rats. The basal level of expression of C/EBPbeta was greater in 8-month-old rats than in 3-month-old rats, (P<0.05) whereas the basal expression of C/EBPalpha and -delta was not different between age groups. These results were confirmed by in situ immunocytochemical analysis. The present study suggests that leptin-induced down-regulation of C/EBPalpha, -beta and -delta might influence adipocyte differentiation and growth in a number of ways.
Next-Generation CMOS RF Power Amplifiers

Ten years ago, it was widely accepted conventional wisdom that wattlevel fully integrated power amplifiers (PAs) were not feasible in standard complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Today millions of such devices are commercially produced and shipped every month and are used in hundreds of millions of cellular phones across the world. Such dramatic transition from being considered an impossibility even by most optimistic academics to the obvious future direction to be followed by everyone happened through a series of demonstrations based on new architectures radically different from the known PA topologies applied over more than half a century.
Mass transfer of pediatric tertiary care hospital inpatients to a new location in under 12 hours: lessons learned and implications for disaster preparedness.

Objective To report an experience with large-scale rapid transportation of hospitalized children, highlighting elements applicable to a disaster event. Study design This was a retrospective study of the relocation of an entire pediatric inpatient population. Mitigation steps included postponement of elective procedures, implementation of planned discharges, and transfer of selected patients to satellite hospitals. Drills and simulations were used to estimate travel times and develop contingency plans. A transfer queue was modified as necessary to account for changing acuity. The Hospital Incident Command System was used. Results Thirteen critical care teams, 5 general crews, 2 vans, and 4 other vehicles transferred a total of 111 patients 8.5 miles in 11.6 hours. Patients were transferred along parallel (vs series) circuits, allowing simultaneous movement of patients from different areas. Sixty-four patients (including 32 infants) were considered critically ill; 24 of these patients required ventilator support, 3 required inhaled nitric oxide, 30 required continuous infusions, and 4 had an external ventricular drain. There were no adverse outcomes. Conclusions Mass inpatient pediatric transfers can be managed rapidly and safely with parallel transfers. Preexisting agreements with regional pediatric teams are imperative. Disaster preparedness concepts, including preplanning, evacuation priorities, recovery analysis, and prevention/mitigation, can be applied to this event.
Down regulation of circadian clock gene Period 2 accelerates breast cancer growth by altering its daily growth rhythm

Purpose Per2, a core circadian clock gene, has tumor suppressor properties and is mutated or down regulated in human breast cancers. We have manipulated the expression of this gene in vitro and in vivo to more fully understand how the Per2 clock gene product affects cancer growth. Methods We used siRNA and shRNA to down regulate Per2 expression in vitro and in vivo and measured cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth rate and several molecular pathways relevant to cancer growth and their circadian organizations. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Down regulation of functional Per2 gene expression increases Cyclin D and Cyclin E levels and doubles in vitro breast cancer cell proliferation (P < 0.05). Down regulation of Per2 also accelerates in vivo tumor growth and doubles the daily amplitude of the tumor growth rhythm (P < 0.05). Conclusions The clock gene Per2 exerts its tumor suppressor function in a circadian time dependent manner. Therefore, Per2 and perhaps other clock genes represent a new class of potential therapeutic targets whose manipulation will modulate cancer growth and cancer cell proliferation.
Restoration of fixed partial dentures with fractured porcelain veneers using an overcasting.

Abstract Fracture and loss of the porcelain veneer of a fixed partial denture is troublesome. Dentists have frequently used overcastings to avoid removal of the restoration. However, development of proximal resistance and retention form for the preparaion creates a problem because reduction of the connector causes fracture. Nevertheless, a ☐-type occlusal cavity form in the central portion of the preparation will enhance the stability of the restoration without encroachment on the connectors. This design is more applicable to endodontically treated teeth.
Effect of Storage Conditions on Standard Plate Counts of Raw Onions

SUMMARY— Eight different storage conditions were applied. The storage variables were air temperature, air movement and initial bruising of the onions. Storage time was three weeks. Standard plate count and percent spoiled onions were combined into an expression termed the microbial quotient. Moving air at 34°F was the best storage condition and even bruised onions kept well. At room temperature bruised onions showed a greatly increased microbial quotient. Statistical analysis showed that air temperature and bruising were highly significant factors.
A challenge for the future: aging and HIV infection

Older individuals (≥50 years of age) are increasingly becoming a new at-risk group for HIV-1 infection and, together with those surviving longer due to the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), it is predicted that more than half of all HIV-1-infected individuals in the United States will be greater than 50 years of age in the year 2015. Older individuals diagnosed with HIV-1 are prone to faster disease progression and reduced T-cell reconstitution despite successful virologic control with anti-retroviral therapy (ART). There is also growing evidence that the T-cell compartment in HIV-1(+) adults displays an aged phenotype, and HIV-1-infected individuals are increasingly diagnosed with clinical conditions more commonly seen in older uninfected persons. As aging in the absence of HIV infection is associated with alterations in T-cell function and immunosenescence, the combined impact of both HIV-1 infection and aging may provide an explanation for poorer clinical outcomes observed in older HIV-1-infected individuals. Thus, the development of novel therapeutics to stimulate immune function and delay immunosenescence is critical and would be beneficial to both the elderly and HIV-1-infected individuals.
Minimalism and Coincidence: Comments on Varzi

Achille Varzi [2000] has suggested a nice response to the familiar argument purporting to establish the existence of perfectly coinciding objects - objects which, if they existed, would trouble mereological extensionality and the “Minimalist View” of ontology. The trick is to defend Minimalism without tarnishing its status as a meta-principle: that is, without making any first- order ontological claims. Varzi's response, though seeming to allow for a comfortable indifference about metaphysical matters peripheral to Minimalism, is not general enough to stave off attacks on extensionality from more sophisticated corners. However, Varzi's argument bears a kinship with a more general argument against coincident objects. I consider how such an argument sits with the meta-doctrinal status of Minimalism.
Prevalence, Psychological Impact, and Coping of Cyberbully Victims Among College Students

With the growth of technology, bullying has expanded into the technological realm. Labeled cyberbullying, individuals are utilizing technology, such as cell phones and the Internet, to bully and harass others with the intention of causing harm. The purpose of this study was to expand prevalence, psychological impact, and coping strategy research with college victims of cyberbullying in the United States. Among 799 college students surveyed via the Internet, 8.6% were victims of cyberbullying. On the Symptom Checklist-90-R, the 69 victims scored higher than 69 matched controls on depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, and paranoia, and were elevated on global severity index and positive symptom distress index scales. Victims had significantly more suicidal ideations, planning, and attempts. Victims generally coped with cyberbullying by telling someone and avoiding friends and peers, with few differences between genders. The results indicated that cyberbullying is occurring in a college sample and having a ne...
Two models for a family of flowshop sequencing problems

Abstract This paper presents two mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) models (referred to as WST and SGST in the paper) for a family of four different M-machine, N-job flowshop sequencing problems. Each model may be used to solve the regular, no intermediate queues (NIQ), sequence-dependent setup times (SDST), and SDST/NIQ flowshop problems. The optimal job sequence, based on minimizing makespan, is achieved by a positional assignment approach in the WST model, and by pairs of disjunctive (either–or) constraints in the SGST model. A 12-cell experimental design was used to compare the solution times of the two models for each of the four flowshop problems. The WST model used significantly less computer time than the SGST model for all problem sizes in the regular, NIQ, and SDST flowshop problems. Both models were competitive in the SDST/NIQ flowshop for N⩽7, but the WST model proved significantly better for N⩾8.
Avoidance Learning and Relearning as a Function of Shuttlebox Dimensions

Rats in a low-ceiling shuttlebox initially show a lower level of learning than rats in a high-ceiling box. After an hour's interruption of conditioning the performance of animals in low-ceiling boxes improves and avoidance is slightly more efficient than in the unimproved performance of animals in high-ceiling boxes. Box height also interacts significantly with length of box.
Radiated pulses decay exponentially in materials in the far fields of antennas

There has been recent interest in using short-pulse radar to detect targets in lossy clutter. The analysis presented here shows that the energy and peak-power densities of pulses decay exponentially with depth in homogeneous, lossy, dispersive materials, provided the frequency bands of the pulses are separated from DC. Many numerical examples verify the analytical results.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for ED patients with simple hand lacerations: a feasibility randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background The benefit of antibiotic prophylaxis for simple hand lacerations (lacerations that do not involve special structures) has not been adequately studied. Objective To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to determine the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in emergency department (ED) patients with simple hand lacerations. Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial in 2 urban academic EDs. Adult (≥ 18 years old) patients with simple hand lacerations were randomized to cephalexin, 500 mg; clindamycin, 300 mg; or placebo (every 6 hours for 7 days, all in identical capsules). Outcomes: (1) feasibility determined by the number of patients who agreed to enroll and number of patients who completed follow-up, (2) infection rate (determined by 2 physicians at 10-14 days), (3) satisfaction with wound appearance (measured by a visual analogue scale at 30 days via phone). Medians, quartiles, and percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to present data. Groups were compared with Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher exact tests, when appropriate. Results Over a 5-month period, 123 patients were approached, and 78 consented to enrollment (63%; 95% CI, 55-71%). Five were lost to follow-up (5/78, 6%; 95% CI, 2%-14%). Only one patient had infection on follow-up for an infection rate of 1% (95% CI, 0.01%-8%). Patient’s satisfaction with wound appearance did not differ among the groups. Conclusion The findings of this pilot study support the feasibility of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. The low rate of infection suggests the need of a large sample size for the trial.
Transparent Adult Zebrafish as a Tool for In Vivo Transplantation Analysis

The zebrafish is a useful model for understanding normal and cancer stem cells, but analysis has been limited to embryogenesis due to the opacity of the adult fish. To address this, we have created a transparent adult zebrafish in which we transplanted either hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells or tumor cells. In a hematopoiesis radiation recovery assay, transplantation of GFP-labeled marrow cells allowed for striking in vivo visual assessment of engraftment from 2 hr-5 weeks posttransplant. Using FACS analysis, both transparent and wild-type fish had equal engraftment, but this could only be visualized in the transparent recipient. In a tumor engraftment model, transplantation of RAS-melanoma cells allowed for visualization of tumor engraftment, proliferation, and distant metastases in as little as 5 days, which is not seen in wild-type recipients until 3 to 4 weeks. This transparent adult zebrafish serves as the ideal combination of both sensitivity and resolution for in vivo stem cell analyses.
A critical overview of the evolutionary approach to air pollution abatement policy

Emerging flaws in existing air quality policies and changing air quality objectives are being addressed with piecemeal modifications. The evolving policy combines a command and control (CaC) core with add-on opportunities to trade pollution control responsibilities based on economic incentives. While the add-ons have greatly improved air quality policies, retention of the CaC core means that we are still paying far too much for air quality that is still unacceptable. Specific reasons why a CaC core limits emissions trading and reduces economic efficiency are discussed. They include: (1) the arbitrary and irrelevant nature of CaC-based assignment of pollution control responsibility to firms; (2) trading limits for emissions offsets in ‘non-attainment areas’; (3) all-ornothing deadlines that have been extended three times; (4) sunk costs as a barrier to innovation; (5) the illusion that a CaC-based policy has lower inventory and monitoring costs. The conclusion is that there will be a big difference between the performance of the existing policy, even with some additional modifications, and the kind of market incentives-based policies advocated by economists. Economists' proposals are now before Congress in congressionally sponsored studies. Reauthorization of the Clean Air Act, in some form, is expected this congressional session.
The Genetic Bases of Speech Sound Disorders: Evidence From Spoken and Written Language

The purpose of this article is to review recent findings suggesting a genetic susceptibility for speech sound disorders (SSD), the most prevalent communication disorder in early childhood. The impo...
Multiple input adaptive image restoration algorithms

In this paper image restoration applications where multiple distorted versions of the same original image are available, are considered. A general adaptive restoration algorithm is derived based on a set theoretic regularization technique. The adaptivity of the algorithm is introduced in two ways : a) by a constraint operator which incorporates properties of the response of the human visual system into the restoration process, and b) by a weight matrix which assigns greater importance for the deconvolution process to areas of high spatial activity than to areas of low spatial activity. Different degrees of trust are assigned to the various distorted images depending on the amount of noise. Experimental results obtained by an iterative implementation of the proposed algotihms are presented.
Misreporting in a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation in adolescents.

Introduction Misreporting smoking behavior is common among younger smokers participating in clinical trials for smoking cessation. This study focused on the prevalence of and factors associated with adolescent misreporting of smoking behaviors within the context of a randomized clinical trial for smoking cessation.
Robust Approach for Concurrent Aircraft Design and Airline Network Design

Conceptual aircraft design directly impacts the structure of an airline’s route network and ability to service demand for various ticket itineraries between origin and destination city pairs. The decisions made in allocating new aircraft to serve predicted future demand of various ticket itineraries affects an airline’s risk and profit potential. Therefore, choices on the selection of target market travel itineraries to be served and design requirements of new, yet-to-be-introduced aircraft directly govern the tradeoff of risk against potential profit. This paper presents a concurrent engineering strategy for an airline that wishes to investigate the impact that aircraft design choices and target market capture decisions have on tradeoffs between expected profit and risk in serving particular demand itineraries. The approach considers the integrated domains of aircraft design, airline operations, and passenger demand within the context of a mathematical programming problem. More specifically, innovations ...
Analysis of aggregated power level and rate-power control designs for status update messages in VANETs

In vehicular ad-hoc networks, status update messages are used to disseminate vehicle state information so that each vehicle can track movements of its neighbors. In this paper, we focus on the aggregated power level from this kind of active safety messages and its impact on DSRC channel quality. With macroscopic model and LWR (Lighthill-Whitham-Richards) PDE, we show how the probability distribution of aggregated power level propagates along time and space. Based on our analysis, several rate-power control ideas for status update messages are discussed. In addition, microscopic traffic/network simulation results show that our proposed rate-power control algorithm can reduce channel interference and thus enhance tracking accuracy.
The reliability of Thiocyanate measurement of smoking exposure

Abstract Procedures for the determination of thiocyanate (SCN) levels in saliva samples were evaluated in a series of three experiments. Laboratory analysis procedures as well as sampling and storage conditions were examined to identify sources of measurement error in the assessment of SCN. The results of the study indicated that spectrophotometric analysis of saliva samples can be a reliable method of determining SCN levels. Also, storage containers, length of storage and storage temperatures can lead to critical differences in SCN level when saliva samples were not analyzed immediately after sampling. Guidelines for the assessment of saliva SCN are provided in a discussion of the results.
Accessible mHealth for patients with dexterity impairments

A novel mobile health (mHealth) system to support self-care and adherence to self-care regimens for patients with chronic disease, called iMHere (interactive mobile health and rehabilitation), has been developed at the University of Pittsburgh. However, the existing design of the iMHere system was initially not suitable for users with a myriad of dexterity impairments. The goal of this study was to design and transform an iMHere system that is usable and accessible for this particular group of users. We approached the accessibility from two essential components of user interface design and development: physical presentation and navigation. Six participants with dexterity impairments were included in this study. User satisfaction significantly improved when using revised apps (P
Untoward Effects of Lithium Treatment in Children Aged Four through Six Years

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the relationship between lithium dose and serum lithium level on the occurrence of untoward or toxic effects of lithium in the treatment of 20 hospitalized aggressive and/or mood-disordered children aged 4 through 6 years. Method Clinical and research records of 20 children treated with lithium according to an established inpatient protocol were reviewed. Side effects as reported by psychiatric staff were categorized by organ system affected and severity. Results During the initial 2 weeks of lithium treatment, 60% of the children manifested one or more types of side effects, most commonly central nervous system effects. Side effects were seen at doses of 25.6 to 52.1 mg/kg per day and at serum levels from 0.65 to 1.37 mEq/L. In general, adverse effects were associated with higher lithium doses and lithium levels and were most common during the first week of treatment. A potential interaction between concurrent infection and more severe side effects was seen. Conclusions Side effects occur frequently in children aged 6 years and younger during the initiation phase of lithium treatment; are related to higher milligram per kilogram doses, higher serum lithium levels, and phase of treatment; and may be related to concurrent medical illness.
Touring by automobile in 1932 The American West as stereotype

Abstract The diary and associated photographs descriptive of an automobile trip in 1932 from St. Paul, Minnesota to San Francisco, California are analyzed for topical and place emphasis. The purpose of this article is to suggest how automobile travel colored the tourist's impressions of the West as a region. High speed travel along established routes, scenery contrived through automobile accessibility (especially in Yellowstone National Park), and a sense of history derived from the popular media made the West a distinctive, albeit highly stereotyped place. The scenic curiousities of mountain, canyon, and desert topography dominated Joseph Washburn's concern with the West as a region. To him the West was a place of vast scale and natural beauty. Much attention was given to the logistics of travel. Travel inconvenience was seen as a form of adventure in what was necessarily a region of adventure.