cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhomogeneity corrections to the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac model of rare-gas diatomic systems

Total energies and intermolecular potentials are calculated for the homonuclear diatomic Ne-Ne and Ar-Ar systems according to the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac formulae with a modified Weizsacker inhomogeneity correction. Using the electron densities of the Hartree-Fock molecular orbital calculations of Gilbert and Wahl as inputs, the inhomogeneity corrections are small compared to the total energies but are comparable to the Dirac exchange contributions at all the available distances. The errors in the total energies using the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac-Weizsacker formulation are approximately -0·4 per cent for Ne-Ne and -0·01 per cent for Ar-Ar molecules respectively. However, the values of the intermolecular potentials thus calculated are in general too negative and not in agreement with the corresponding Hartree-Fock values. Using instead the electron-gas approximations of Gordon and Kim as inputs, where the superpositions of the atomic Hartree-Fock densities are used, the inhomogeneity contributions are also too negative.
A nectar-secreting gall wasp and ant mutualism: selection and counter-selection shaping gall wasp phenology, fecundity and persistence

. 1 The natural history of a gall wasp including interactions with inquilines, parasites, and a mutualistic ant are examined. The stability of the system is described from the perspective of influences on gall wasp life history characteristics. 2 An exclusion experiment demonstrated that the nectar-secreting gall of Disholcaspis perniciosa mediates a mutualism with the tending ant, Formica obscuripes. Survivorship increased from 0% in the absence of ants to 25.3% in their presence, largely due to the exclusion of inquilines. 3 Specialized parasites, Eudecatoma spp., attacked before the ant-gall interaction began, when the developing gall was still beneath the host plant (Quercus gambellii) epidermis and ants were not in attendance. They may select for later developing gall wasps, which benefit by having fewer individuals parasitized. However, counter-selection for earlier development may result from decreased gall wasp size, decreased fecundity, and an increase in gall failures resulting from late development. 4 Local persistence of the gall wasp population despite increased pressure from inquilines and parasites was attributed to gall wasp escape in time due to polymorphic emergence resulting from diapause. Most individuals emerge at the end of the summer, but approximately 15% remain in the galls as prepupae for 1–5 years.
SMART: the stochastic model checking analyzer for reliability and timing

SMART provides a seamless environment for the logic and probabilistic analysis of complex systems, for use in both the classroom and industrial applications. While initially designed as a powerful stochastic environment integrating multiple modeling formalisms, SMART now includes logical analysis and employs some of the most efficient data structures and algorithms for the analysis of discrete-state systems. For logical behavior, explicit and symbolic state-space generation techniques and symbolic CTL model-checking algorithms are available. For stochastic and timing behavior, sparse-storage and Kronecker-based numerical solution approaches are available when the underlying process is a Markov chain, and discrete-event simulation is available for any type of underlying process. In addition, certain classes of nonMarkov models can be solved numerically.
Submicron silicon powder production in an aerosol reactor

Powder synthesis by thermally induced vapor phase reactions is described. The powder generated by this technique consists of spherical, nonagglomerated particles of high purity. The particles are uniform in size, in the 0.1–0.2 μm size range. Most of the particles are crystalline spheres. A small fraction of the spheres are amorphous. Chain agglomerates account for less than 1% of the spherules.
Synthesis and Characterization of Organosilane Functionalized DAM-1 Mesoporous Silica

Organic functionalized mesoporous DAM-1 containing amine, cyclopentadienyl, phenyl, and thiol groups was synthesized under acidic conditions by the direct co-condensation of TEOS or TMOS with respective organosilanes using vitamin E TPGS as the structure directing agent. Well-ordered functionalized mesoporous DAM-1 containing both amine and thiol were successfully prepared yielding ∼1 mmol g−1 of sulfur and 0.73 mmol g−1 of nitrogen when started with ∼0.088 molar ratio of APTMS/TMOS and MPTMS/TMOS. The incorporation of both amine and thiol was confirmed by forming a fluorescent isoindole from o-phthalaldehyde. The presence of cyclopentadiene in the mesopore was demonstrated by synthesizing a supported half sandwich compound CpMn(CO)3-DAM-1 from Mn2(CO)10 via photolysis. The samples were characterized by fluorescence and vibrational spectroscopy as well as x-ray diffraction and surface area measurements.
Digital Storytelling: A Powerful Technology Tool for the 21st Century Classroom

Digital storytelling has emerged over the last few years as a powerful teaching and learning tool that engages both teachers and their students. However, until recently, little attention has been paid to a theoretical framework that could be employed to increase the effectiveness of technology as a tool in a classroom environment. A discussion of the history of digital storytelling and how it is being used educationally is presented in this article. The theoretical framework, technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK), is described, along with a discussion of how this model might be used with digital storytelling.
Estimation of steric exclusion and differential interaction contributions to protein transfer free energies in aqueous cosolvent solutions

Abstract The thermal stability, conformation and aggregation of globular proteins depend on the concentration and type of cosolvents present in the surrounding aqueous phase. The transfer free energy of proteins into cosolvent solutions provides a quantitative description of the influence of cosolvents on protein transitions between different states, e.g. folded vs. unfolded or aggregated vs. non-aggregated. An improved understanding of the physiochemical processes contributing to transfer free energies would facilitate the rational utilization of proteins as functional ingredients in compositionally complex foods. This paper describes a thermodynamic model for predicting steric exclusion and differential interaction (protein-dependent and protein-independent) contributions to protein transfer free energies in cosolvent solutions. The usefulness and limitations of the model are demonstrated by analyzing published protein transfer free energies.
Intercomparison of integrated water vapor retrievals from SSM/I and COSMIC

[1] Integrated water vapor (IWV) estimates derived from four different Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) algorithms are collocated and compared with IWV retrievals using Global Positioning System radio occultation (GPSRO) soundings from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) mission. The values exhibit strong overall agreement lending support for the accuracy of both the COSMIC data and the traditional passive microwave IWV products. Differences among the products varying with latitude, cloud liquid water content, rain rate, and wind speed highlight key differences between the SSM/I algorithms. Additional differences related to the coarser COSMIC spatial resolution are also observed but are independent from the other dependencies. The differences appear independent of the bottom altitude of the GPSRO soundings. The results suggest a new method of quantifying the uncertainty in individual IWV retrievals as functions of coincident environmental parameters for application to data assimilation and numerical weather prediction.
A REDETERMINATION OF THE HALF-LIFE OF URANIUM-232

Abstract A value of 71·4 ± 0·6 years has been determined for the half-life of uranium-232 by measuring the heat evolution of a weighed sample of uranium oxide whose uranium content was 99·24 per cent mass 232. A value of 72·1 ± 0·5 years has been obtained by counting the alpha disintegration rate. A mean between these values, 71·7 ± 0·9 years, at an estimated 95 per cent confidence level is proposed for the half-life of uranium-232.
Regulated Hyperaccumulation of Presenilin-1 and the “γ-Secretase” Complex EVIDENCE FOR DIFFERENTIAL INTRAMEMBRANOUS PROCESSING OF TRANSMEMBRANE SUBSTRATES

Intramembranous "gamma-secretase" processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) and other transmembrane proteins, including Notch, is mediated by a macromolecular complex consisting of presenilins (PSs), nicastrin (NCT), APH-1, and PEN-2. We now demonstrate that in cells coexpressing PS1, APH-1, and NCT, full-length PS1 accumulates to high levels and is fairly stable. Upon expression of PEN-2, the levels of PS1 holoprotein are significantly reduced, commensurate with an elevation in levels of PS1 fragments. These findings suggest that APH-1 and NCT are necessary for stabilization of full-length PS1 and that PEN-2 is critical for the proteolysis of stabilized PS1. In N2a and 293 cell lines that stably overexpress PS1, APH-1, NCT, and PEN-2, PS1 fragment levels are elevated by up to 10-fold over endogenous levels. In these cells, we find a marked accumulation of the APP-CTF gamma (AICD) fragment and a concomitant reduction in levels of both APP-CTF beta and CTF alpha. Moreover, the production of the gamma-secretase-generated Notch S3/NICD derivative is modestly elevated. However, we failed to observe a corresponding increase in levels of secreted A beta peptides in the medium of these cells. These results lead us to conclude that, although the PS1, APH-1, NCT, and PEN-2 are essential for gamma-secretase activity, the proteolysis of APP-CTF and Notch S2/NEXT are differentially regulated and require the activity of additional cofactors that promote production of AICD, NICD, and A beta.
Reversible leukoencephalopathy with stroke-like presentation in a patient with 5-dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency treated with continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion.

Introduction Leukoencephalopathy with stroke-like presentation (LEPS) is a rare complication of various chemotherapeutic agents. It has been observed in patients who receive intrathecal and intravenous methotrexate (MTX), continuous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion, and the fluoropyrimidine analogues capecitabine and carmofur. The onset of central nervous system symptoms is usually acute but may be delayed until days after chemotherapy administration. Headache and focal neurologic deficits (hemiparesis, aphasia, cerebellar dysfunction, brain stem signs) have been described after intrathecal MTX.
Estimation of descriptive parameters of overlapping chromatographic peaks: a simulation study☆

Abstract The characteristics of a non-linear optimization technique for resolution of overlapping chromatographic peaks are examined. A modified Meiron-Marquardt method was used. The estimates of the parameters of overlapping peaks in simulated chromatograms were investigated to indicate the limitations of present mathematical methods and, hopefully, to improve their ultimate utility. Gaussian shapes as well as exponential-Gaussian convolutes were used to simulate the chromatographic peaks. Effects on the overall performance of varying heights, widths, and separation of two peaks were determined. Random additive noise and base line drift were also simulated. For illustrative purposes, the performance of the parameter estimation techniques was expressed in terms of relative errors in estimating the second (or smaller) peak's area, height and location. The results presented indicate the relative importance of noise, skewness, height and width ratios and peak separation on the maximum resolution achievable by numerical methods in an automated chromatographic system.
On the Thermodynamic Cycle of a MEMS-Based External Combustion Resonant Engine

In this work we investigate the thermodynamic cycle of a resonant, MEMS-based, micro heat engine. The micro heat engine is made of a cavity encapsulated between two membranes. The cavity is filled with saturated liquid-vapor mixture working fluid. Heat is added/rejected from the engine at a frequency equal to its resonant frequency. Both pressure-volume and temperature-entropy diagrams of the resonant engine are used to investigate the thermodynamic cycle of the resonant micro heat engine. The results show that the thermodynamic cycle of the engine consists of four major processes: heat addition, expansion, heat rejection, and compression. pressure-volume and temperature-entropy diagrams are bounded by two constant temperature processes and two constant volume processes. The temperature-entropy and pressure-volume diagrams show deviations from this ideal description and are rounded due to the presence of irreversible effects. Major sources of irreversibility in the engine are heat transfer over finite temperature differences during heat addition and rejection, heat transfer into and out of engine thermal mass and viscous losses due to liquid working fluid motion. The measured second law efficiency of the micro heat engine is about 16%.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Performance of Electrically Coupled Loop Antenna inside human body at different frequency bands

Recently there has been a growing interest in the design of implanted antennas for biotelemetry, e-healthcare, and hyperthermia applications. The implanted antenna needs to be extremely small while maintaining a low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). Most of the proposed antennas for implanted applications are electric field antenna such as Planner Inverted-F Antenna (PIFA). These types of antennas have high near zone electric field intensity and high SAR value. In this work, an Electrically Coupled Loop Antenna (ECLA) is proposed as a magnetic loop antenna, which has a relatively low near zone electric field intensity and therefore, small SAR values. An ECLA is designed in the Medical Implanted Communication Services (MICS) band (402-405 MHz), Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) band (2.4-2.5 GHz), and Ultra Wide Band (UWB) communication band (3.5-3.6 GHz) with dimensions (5×5×3mm 3 ), (3×3×3 mm 3 ), and (2×2×2 mm 3 ) respectively. Using High Frequency Structure Simulation (HFSS), the performance of ECLA inside one-layer human body model will be analyzed at three frequency bands.
Crystal Engineering with Bis(thiourea) Derivatives

Urea and thiourea functionalities, presenting opportunities for the formation of diverse hydrogen-bonded networks, represent powerful crystal engineering building blocks. Herein we report the synthesis and structural analysis of a series of meta-substituted aromatic bis(thiourea) derivatives in which the steric bulk of the aromatic group and of the thiourea side chains is systematically varied. Two limiting structural types are observedcyclic dimers and extended three-dimensional network structures, with considerable variability within each of these classes. Incomplete cyclic dimers observed in some cases appear to represent structures transitional between these two limiting classes. Thiourea conformations, hydrogen-bonding parameters, and solid-state packing issues, each playing a role in the determination of preferred solid-state structure, are discussed in detail.
Role of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor α in control of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC)-mediated sodium reabsorption

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is expressed in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron where it performs sodium reabsorption from the lumen. We have recently shown that ENaC activity contributes to the development of salt-induced hypertension as a result of deficiency of EGF level. Previous studies revealed that Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα) is involved in the control of salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury via Rac1, which is one of the small GTPases activating ENaC. Here we investigated the intracellular mechanism mediating the involvement of the RhoGDIα/Rac1 axis in the control of ENaC and the effect of EGF on ENaC in this pathway. We demonstrated that RhoGDIα is highly expressed in the cortical collecting ducts of mice and rats, and its expression is down-regulated in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high salt diet. Knockdown of RhoGDIα in cultured cortical collecting duct principal cells increased ENaC subunits expression and ENaC-mediated sodium reabsorption. Furthermore, RhoGDIα deficiency causes enhanced response to EGF treatment. Patch clamp analysis reveals that RhoGDIα significantly decreases ENaC current density and prevents its up-regulation by RhoA and Rac1. Inhibition of Rho kinase with Y27632 had no effects on ENaC response to EGF either in control or RhoGDIα knocked down cells. However, EGF treatment increased levels of active Rac1, which was further enhanced in RhoGDIα-deficient cells. We conclude that changes in the RhoGDIα-dependent pathway have a permissive role in the Rac1-mediated enhancement of ENaC activity observed in salt-induced hypertension.
Biology and Functional Ecology of Equisetum with Emphasis on the Giant Horsetails

Horsetails are unique survivors of a very ancient group of vascular plants, the Sphenophyta, which has a history reaching back to the Upper Devonian. Despite the striking conservatism of Equisetum architecture and anatomy and the small number of species (15) in the modern flora, their ability to thrive under a wide range of conditions is remarkable. This is due to a diverse suite of adaptations that allow tolerance of disturbance, soil anoxia, high metals, and salinity, along with efficient nutrient uptake and nitrogen fixation. The giant horsetails represent the largest living Sphenophyta and provide insights into how their larger ancestors lived and how this ancient lineage has managed to survive in tropical regions.
Uridine-responsive hypogammaglobulinemia and congenital heart disease in a patient with hereditary orotic aciduria

Chez une fille de 3 ans atteinte d'une acidurie orotique hereditaire de type 1 (AOH) avec cardiopathie congenitale cyanogene et immunodeficit, le rapport de cause a effet entre l'AOH et l'immunodeficit est fortement suggere par l'augmentation rapide des IgG et IgM et la normalisation de la reponse aux mitogenes apres traitement a l'uridine, malgre l'effet nul sur les IgA, la lymphopenie et le rapport bas entre lymphocytes T helper et suppresseurs. Mecanisme mal elucide
The body mass index of teen mothers and their toddler children.

To evaluate: change in Body Mass Index (BMI) of adolescent mothers (14–19 years of age) from pre-pregnancy to 36 months postpartum; BMI of their children age 2 or older; relationship between maternal BMI and children’s BMI. Retrospective medical record abstraction of adolescent mothers attending a medical program in Massachusetts between 2001 and 2005 who had self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI data at first prenatal visit, at least one BMI measure 12 or more months postpartum, and who did not experience a repeat pregnancy (n = 52). Children of adolescent mothers were included if they had received their 2 (n = 41) and/or 3 (n = 28) year physical. Adolescent mothers: overweight increased from 25% pre-pregnancy to 33% at 24–36 months postpartum; obesity more than doubled in the same time period, from 15% to 36%. Those with BMI data available pre-pregnancy and postpartum had an increase in mean BMI from 25 pre-pregnancy to 29 at 24–36 months postpartum (P < 0.001). Two-year-old children: About 5% were at risk for overweight and 12% were overweight. Three-year-old children: About 18% were at risk for overweight and 18% were overweight. When BMI categories of children were compared to BMI categories of their mothers, there was a trend for adolescent mothers with overweight/obesity at 24–36 months postpartum to have 3-year-old children at risk for overweight or overweight (P = 0.092). There was a significant increase in overweight/obesity in this cohort of adolescent mothers and their children followed 36 months postpartum. The long-term sequelae of overweight/obesity indicates a need for effective interventions.
Some observations with helium films

This appendix contains several comments relevant to the lectures of Roger Bowley.1 We begin with some introductory remarks on third sound and proceed to utilize third sound to study the stability of flow in helium films. We conclude with a remark about the effective thermal conductivity of a helium film.
Single Molecule Fluorescence and Optical Traps Applied to Molecular Motors: Two can do it better than One

Kinesin and dynein are molecular motors that move in opposite directions on a microtubule. They often act on the same cargo, causing the cargo to frequently switch direction. Whether this back-and-forth motion results from a coordinating complex or from a tug-of-war between the two motors is currently unknown. We have applied single molecule fluorescence to determine that they are undergoing a synergistic tug-of-war. By synergistic, we mean that the combination of the two motors is able to bypass roadblocks along the microtubule. When a motor is driven by kinesin, it approaches a roadblock (either other microtubules or microtubule-associated-proteins), is forced to turn around, relying on dynein. After a few tries, the dynein appears to step sideways onto another protofilament, at which point, when the kinesin takes over, it is able to bypass the roadblock. We also tested the tug-of-war model inside of a cell by using an in vivo optical trap. The in vivo optical trap is able to measure the stall forces in a viscoelastic media, which is present inside of a cell. By comparing directional stall forces in vivo and in vitro, we found that when cargo is going in the positive microtubule direction, kinesin and dynein are pulling, with the dynein walking backwards. The net stall force equals the stall force of kinesin (≈ 7 pN) minus the stall forces of the number of dyneins (1.1 pN x ND, where ND, = 0 to 6). When moving in the negative microtubule direction, the stall force is just equal to a multiple of dynein's stall force (1.1 pN x ND), implying that kinesin has fallen off the microtubule.
Real-time detection of methyl radicals by diode laser absorption at 608 cm−1☆

Abstract A time-resolved technique has been developed for the detection of CH3 radicals in the gas phase by diode laser absorption at 608 cm−1 on a rotation-vibration transition of the v2 mode of CH3. The usefulness of the technique as a probe of the reaction kinetics is demonstrated by the measurement of the recombination rate of CH3 radicals and the third-body reaction rate of CH3 with O2 at room temperature.
AF4/MALS/QELS/DRI characterization of regular star polymers and their “span analogs”

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multi-angle static and quasi-elastic light scattering and differential refractive index detectors, was employed for the separation and characterization of regular star-shaped polystyrenes and their linear and span analogs in tetrahydrofuran. Stars with different arm lengths were separated from each other by employing a binary slope cross-flow gradient. Cross-flow optimization enabled fast separation of polystyrenes in two- and three-component blends. Macromolecular parameters were obtained by using light-scattering and refractive index detection, and properties of polystyrenes with different molecular architectures were compared. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the separation of star polymers by AF4. Novel characterization approaches for stars are important from both applied and fundamental standpoints, as these macromolecules are valued for their tribological, drug delivery, catalytic and coating capabilities, and also serve as model compounds for the structured study of long-chain branching and its effects in polymers.
Two-dimensional collective flux pinning, defects, and structural relaxation in amorphous superconducting films

The existence of two-dimensional collective pinning has been experimentally confirmed by measuring the pinning force ${F}_{p}$ in superconducting amorphous films of transition-metal---metalloid alloys (${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Ge, ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Si, ${\mathrm{Mo}}_{3}$Si) as a function of perpendicular field, temperature, and thickness of the specimens. The field and temperature dependence of ${F}_{p}$ can be well explained if it is assumed that the pinning defects in these amorphous superconductors are quasidislocation loops of sizes comparable to the superconducting coherence length. Structural relaxation studies in ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{3}$Ge show that these defects are stable against annealing at temperatures up to at least 0.8 of the recrystallization temperature. The possible effect of randomly distributed pinning centers (random field) on the phase transitions of a two-dimensional flux-line lattice is briefly discussed.
743-4 Dynamic Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Flow Acceleration Towards Regurgitant Orifices in a Pulsatile Flow Model

To investigate 3-D reconstruction imaging of dynamically accelerating flow convergence (FC) phenomena for quantitating regurgitant flow rates, we used an in vitro pulsatile flow model (Harvard piston pump, model 1423) for two types of regurgitant orifices: rectangular (RECl length = 8 x width, orifice area = 0.24 cm2), and an oblique mitral valve prolapse (MVP, orifice area = 0.28 cm2). Four different dynamic flows were imaged using a Interspec echo system with 3 Nyquist limits (9, 17, 35 cm/sec). These color Doppler FC images were three dimensionally reconstructed with a TomTech computer for each flow. Simulated ECG signals were obtained from an electromagnetic devise attached to the pulsatile pump to synchronize echo Doppler images and TomTech ECG gating (16 gates/beat). Instantaneous peak flow rates were measured using a transonic flow probes and meters attached to the flow models and these reference data were compared with FC data. Over peak flow rates 4.0–18 I/min, the FC method using the 3D measured hemispherical isovelocity assumption showed variable underestimation for both RECT and MVP, especially for low flow rates and higher Nyquist limits (up to 78%, r = 0.56). Hemielliptical FC data derived from three 3D reconstructed orthogonal axes demonstrated a good correlation with actual flow rates with slight underestimation for RECT (18%, r = 0.92) but for MVP showed more variable underestimation for all conditions (27%, r = 0.86). Three dimensional reconstruction of dynamic FC estimated with a hemielliptic model showed better estimation of flow rates for a flat RECT orifice compared to the simple hemispherical model but for more geometrically complicated orifices with flow changing dynamically and variable constraint effects, projection axis measurements are insufficient for the accurate flow rate estimation and surface reconstruction and direct 3D implemented surface area measurements are required. Download : Download high-res image (54KB) Download : Download full-size image
Improved detection of coronary artery calcifications using dual energy subtraction radiography

PURPOSE: Detection of coronary artery calcifications (CAC) using conventional chest radiographs has a high positive predictive value but low sensitivity for coronary artery disease. We investigated the role of dual energy imaging to enhance reader performance in the detection of CAC, indicative of atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS: A sample of 53 patients with CT documented CAC and 23 patients without CT evidence of CAC, was imaged using a dual energy protocol on an amorphous silicon flat panel system (Revolution XR/d, GE Medical Systems). The acquisition sequence consisted of a 60kVp ("low energy") exposure, followed by a 120 kVp ("high energy") exposure with a time separation of 150ms. Subsequent image processing yielded conventional PA and lateral radiographs and a subtracted PA "bone image". For all patients and both data sets, CAC were evaluated by two experienced board-certified thoracic radiologists via Likert scale measurement (1-5 score). RESULTS: Sensitivity for CAC detection, using conventional radiographs, was 34.0% and 56.6% while specificity was 96.6% and 91.3%, for the two readers respectively. Using the "bone images", sensitivity was 92.4% and 83.0% while specificity was 100% and 91.3%. For patients with verified CAC, "bone images" resulted in at least a one Likert score increase in 73.6% and 54.7% of cases for the two readers. CONCLUSION: We conclude that using dual energy technology, "bone images" may allow higher sensitivity in detecting CAC compared with conventional radiographs, without decreased specificity. Thus, we believe our findings are useful in defining a role for dual energy subtraction radiography in improved detection of coronary artery disease.
Using the children's play therapy instrument (CPTI) to measure the development of play in simultaneous treatment: A case study

This study uses a new rating scale, the Children's Play Therapy Instrument (CPTI), to assess process and outcome in the simultaneous treatment of a two-year-five-month (2:5-year) old child with autisticfeatures. The rating sc ale divides the therapy session into segments of Non-Play, Pre-Play, Play Activity, and Play Interruption. The longest segment of Play Activity within a session is then analyzed on three levels: Descriptive, Structural, and Functional. Two sessions are analyzed, one at the beginning of treatment and one at the end of seven months. Significant progress was evident in all areas measured. This clinical case demonstrates the usefulness of the CPTI for research, teaching, and clinical work. However, further use of the instrument with larger and diverse samples is needed to fully demonstrate its validity as a clinical and research tool. RESUMEN: Este estudio usa una nueva escala de clasificacion, el Instrumento sobre la Terapia de Juego de los Ninos, con el fin de evaluar tanto el proceso como el resultado de los tratamientos simultaneos de un nino de dos anos y medio con caracteristicas autisticas. La escala de clasificacion divide la sesion de terapia en los siguientes segmentos: cuando no hay juego, antes de juego, las actividades de juego y la interrupcion de juego. El segmento mas largo de actividades de juego dentro de una sesion se analiza entonces a tres niveles: al nivel descriptivo, al nivel estructural y al nivel funcional. Dos sesiones fueron analizadas, una al comienzo del tratamiento, y la otra despues de siete meses. En todas las areas se noto ´ un progreso significativo. Este caso clinico demuestra la utilidad que el Instrumento sobre la Terapia de Juego de los Ninos tiene en el campo de la investigacion, en la ensenanza y en el trabajo clinico. Para demostrar la validez del Instrumento como una herramienta clinica e investigativa, es necesario usarlo con grupos mas grandes y mas diversos.
Dynamics of initial seizure onset determined from MEG data utilizing MR-FOCUSS

Abstract In this paper we determine the specific cortical location of initial ictal activity found after visual inspection of MEG and EEG data in patients who had partial seizures during MEG/EEG recording. MEG localizations provided from MR-FOCUSS (a current density technique) were compared to single equivalent dipole (ECD) analytical techniques. Thirteen patients with localization related epilepsy had typical seizures while being monitored with 148 MEG channels (4D Neuroimaging Magnes WH2500), and 32 channels of EEG (10–20 system). Data were visually inspected for epileptic seizures. ECD and MR-FOCUSS solutions were performed on the 700 ms of data starting 400 ms before seizure onset and ending 300 ms after seizure onset. The MEG localization results were co-registered to the patient's MRI scan. While the seizure onset could be easily detected visually in both EEG and MEG traces, ECD solutions were only seen if the amplitude of spike activity was significantly above background at the beginning of the seizure. In contrast, the location of seizure onset was apparent in the MR-FOCUSS solutions at earlier times with lower amplitude spike activity. MR-FOCUSS provided a detailed view of the cortical activity at earlier latencies than the visual detection of the seizure. This study demonstrates how MR-FOCUSS can be used to study initial cortical dynamics of seizure onset. The MR-FOCUSS technique allows the dynamics of ictal onset to be observed and localized ictal activity to a specific cortical region. This may be useful in determining the initial location of seizure onset in patients with refractory partial epilepsy poorly localized by standard non-invasive testing.
Caring for a Loved One with AIDS: A South African Perspective

The aim of the current study was to give a voice to individuals in South Africa who care for loved ones dying of AIDS. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 family caregivers in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Because of the stigma attached to AIDS, both caregivers and the person with AIDS were forced to remain silent, and an unspoken agreement existed whereby neither AIDS nor the impending death were typically acknowledged by the caregiver or the sick person. Because of the context in which they lived, the caregiver and the dying person were denied the opportunity to say goodbye, and anticipatory grief was relatively rare on the part of the caregiver because the sick person usually only sought help from family members shortly before dying. Caregivers were also unable to obtain much support from either the community or professionals. In general, caregivers were satisfied that they had done the best they could under very difficult circumstances. Some broad guidelines are suggested for a...
Transposition and fusion of the lac genes to selected promoters in Escherichia coli using bacteriophage lambda and Mu.

Abstract A general procedure is described for transposing the lac genes to selected locations on the Escherichia coli chromosome. These transpositions were designed so that the lac † genes could be fused to nearby promoters. In particular, the lac genes were fused to the promoters for the araBAD, araC and leu genes. In these fusions the lac genes are regulated by the controls of the genes to which they are fused. These fusions are therefore useful in discovering new types of regulation of gene expression, as was found in the case of the araC gene. λ transducing phage carrying the fusion as well as nearby genes can easily be isolated. Some of these fusions may result in the formation of hybrid proteins.
Lidar Reflectance of Fair-Weather Cumulus Clouds at 0.903 μ

This note describes the use of a gallium arsenide lidar, operat­ ing at 0.903^, to measure the apparent reflectance of fair-weather cumulus clouds. Observations were made from a light aircraft that was flown close enough to the cloud so that the extinction in the cloud-aircraft path was negligible. All flights were over north and central Florida. The term apparent reflectance has been used to stress that the reflectance measured by a pulsed system need not be the same as the reflectance measured with a continuous beam. This problem will be discussed in a subsequent paper. The lidar was built up from units that were commercially available from Laser Diodes Laboratories. These included a model LP 200 pulse power supply, a model LD 205 galliumarsenide laser diode array, and a model ND 11 light pulse de­ tector. The latter consisted of an avalanche photodiode and a pulse amplifier. The laser was used with a refracting collimator that produced a beam with a maximum divergence of 20 mrad. The pulse shape was roughly Gaussian with a width of 70 nsec at the half power point. Light was received by a 97-mm aperture refracting telescope. Reflected sunlight was reduced by use of a 0.045-μ bandpass filter with a center of 0.9180 μ. The trans­ mitting collimator and receiving telescope were rigidly mounted together and boresighted on a distant object. Realignment of the optics was never required. A small brass strip, lacquered to prevent oxidation, was used to deflect some of the transmitted beam directly into the receiver. The resulting pulse was used as a zero time mark and a reference for calibration. The re­ ceiver output was displayed on a model 454 Tektronix oscilloscope and photographed.
Confessing Belhar In America

This article examines how the consideration of adoption of the Belhar Confession by the Reformed Church in America surfaces issues concerning the nature of confession. Reflection on how confessions have in fact been used in the Reformed church show that they have functioned as markers of identity and as a way of shaping a religious way of being. The article proceeds to argue that by assessing to whom a confession is addressed, three uses become apparent: confession is addressed to the church as a hermeneutic through which it reads scripture; addressed to the world as a truth that must be spoken; and to God as a song that is sung.
A simulation evaluation study of neural network techniques to computer user identification

Abstract This paper presents a simulation of neural network systems for identifying computer users. A comparative evaluation study of three neural network paradigms as applied to the identification of computer users using keystroke intervals when typing a well-known phrase is made. The input vectors were made up of the time intervals between successive keystrokes created by users while typing characters. Each input vector was classified into one of several classes, thereby identifying the user who typed the phrase. We investigated and compared the performance of the neural network paradigms as applied to this problem. These paradigms are: Adaptive Resonance Theory-2 (ART-2), backpropagation, and counterpropagation. The identification technique presented here is accurate, practical, and novel.
Human xeroderma pigmentosum group G gene encodes a DNA endonuclease

Abstract Because of defective nucleotide excision repair of ultraviolet damaged DNA, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients suffer from a high incidence of skin cancers. Cell fusion studies have identified seven XP complementation groups, A to G. Previous studies have implicated the products of these seven XP genes in the recognition of ultraviolet-induced DNA damage and in incision of the damage-containing DNA strand. Here, we express the XPG-encoded protein in Sf9 insect cells and purify it to homogeneity. We demonstrate that XPG is a single-strand specific DNA endonuclease, thus identifying the catalytic role of the protein in nucleotide excision repair. We suggest that XPG nuclease acts on the single-stranded region created as a result of the combined action of the XPB helicase and XPD helicase at the DNA damage site.
SOME PROPERTIES OF THE PERSONAL BISERIAL INDEX

The personal biserial index is a correlation which measures the relationship between the difficulty of the items in a test for the person, as evidenced by his passes and failures, and the difficulty of the items, as evidenced by group-determined item difficulties. Properties of the personal biserial index were studied empirically, including an examination of the reliability of the index and the effect of using the index as a predictor of college success. The findings include that the reliability of the index is quite low and that a knowledge of the index does not significantly increase the predictability of college success from SAT scores and high school averages. Evidence was provided which supports the hypothesis that the personal biserial index is sensitive to variations in the extent to which examinees guess.
Utility of teacher behavior ratings for identifying special needs students

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of a teacher behavior rating instrument for identifying special needs students. Using a modified form of theDevereux Elementary School Behavior Rating (DESB)Scale 35 kindergarten through grade 6 regular classroom teachers completed ratings on all of their 876 students. Subsequently, extensive aptitude, academic, social, and behavioral assessment was conducted and those students were identified who were in need of supportive educational programming to function adequately within the regular class setting. Analysis of the teacher behavior ratings indicated a highly significant difference between those students identified for special supportive services and their regular classroom peers on 9 of 11 behavioral factors. The findings lend clear support for the use of classroom teachers' behavior ratings in the identification process.
Application of lasers to the production of high-temperature and high-pressure plasma

A brief account is given of the historical evolution of giant pulse lasers and of the level of performance of such lasers that has so far been achieved. Those aspects of the interaction of light with a plasma that are of importance in plasma heating are briefly reviewed, and a detailed treatment including the results of computer calculations is given of the heating of a spark within a homogeneous gas, the subsonic heating of an isolated gas sphere, and the pressure resulting from light-induced blow-off.It is concluded that existing giant pulse lasers have sufficient brightness to be potentially capable of producing plasmas with kilovolt temperatures and tens of megabar pressures, but that a major increase in output power will be required before this potential can be realized. The design of future giant pulse lasers that are particularly well suited to the achievement of extremely high output power at high brightness is discussed.
The Essential Uniqueness Property for Operators on Kreǐn Spaces

Abstract Necessary and sufficient conditions for the essential uniqueness of the Julia operator of a given transformation are found. Extension theorems for the class of operators with this essential uniqueness property are studied. This requires the consideration of operators X on a Kreǐn space for which XX * = 0.
Cooperative solutions for bring your own device (BYOD)

Enterprises today are faced with critical decisions as they consider exposing corporate data and applications to mobile devices. Many employees already own smartphones and tablets that have now matured to a point where these devices can be effectively managed using mobile device management (MDM) products. While this maturing device capability may provide the platform for enterprises to ensure a certain level of corporate compliance, MDM systems alone do not provide separation between corporate and personal assets in such a way that the "bring your own device" (BYOD) community is willing to adopt it. Key questions such as "Who owns the data on the device?" or "Does the enterprise have the authority to wipe away some or all of the data on a device upon concern of a security breach?" must be addressed. To extend the utility and flexibility of personally owned mobile devices in the enterprise, device management as well as asset separation should be considered. Unlike traditional corporate-issued laptops, which can be protected by full disk encryption techniques, mobile devices are more diverse in their individual platform capabilities. In addition, at most enterprises, most mobile devices that are brought forward for business purposes are personally owned, and this presents unique challenges. For personally owned enterprise-connected devices, it is important to preserve the user experience as it relates to personal use while providing a containerized enterprise experience as well as the additional layers of authentication that the enterprise imposes. This paper describes IBM's internal transformational journey relating to the creation of a comprehensive mobile ecosystem, highlighting newer revolutionary mobile device virtualization and containerization technologies that can separate personal and enterprise assets, provide for a transparent personal device experience, and ensure the security requirements of the enterprise.
Partisan Attachment and Democracy in Mexico: Some Cautionary Observations

Party identification is a central concept in studies of parties and elections. Drawing from an extensive literature linking the concept of party identification to the understanding of Mexico's electoral politics, this article explores how the Mexican experience informs the understanding of party identification in general, especially in emerging democracies. There, voters' attachments to political parties are usually seen both as essential to and a positive sign of democratic development. This study finds evidence consistent with these arguments in the Mexican case but also identifies aspects of Mexican party identification that are not so clearly supportive of democratic politics; that indeed may delay or even undermine democratization. These findings illustrate the relevance of the Mexican experience to the wider literature on parties and elections, particularly the well-documented relationship between party identifications and democratization.
Discriminating between a Neurotropic Myxobolus sp. and M. cerebralis, the Causative Agent of Salmonid Whirling Disease

Abstract While screening salmonids for Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease, we detected a neurotropic Myxobolus sp. that is morphologically similar to the M. cerebralis spore in brain and other nervous tissue. We developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based diagnostic technique to differentiate the two species of Myxobolus. Primers were designed for a 277-base-pair (bp) sequence within the 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) gene, and the restriction enzyme Mse-I was chosen to cut the amplified product into diagnostic fragments. When electrophoresed in an acrylamide gel, M. cerebralis yielded a two-band pattern while the neurotropic Myxobolus sp. yielded a three-band pattern. This diagnostic method has resolved cases in which the pepsin–trypsin digest screening test indicated Myxobolus spores but histological examination or PCR was negative for M. cerebralis. We were also able to eliminate M. kisutchi as the neurotropic Myxobolus sp. using spores from infected coho salmon Oncorhynchus ...
Fortification of queso fresco, cheddar and mozzarella cheese using selected sources of omega-3 and some nonthermal approaches

Abstract Queso fresco (QF), cheddar (C) and mozzarella (M) were fortified with omega-3. Three stages of cheese-making were evaluated for fortification: after milk pasteurisation, during curdling and salting. Better retention was observed with microencapsulated oil, after milk pasteurisation (8.49 mg/g) in (QF), during salting (8.69 mg/g) in (C), and during curdling (2.69 mg/g) in (M). Nonthermal approaches such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), pulsed electric fields (PEF) and ultrasound (US) were used to increase the retention of omega-3. In (QF), PEF and US achieved the highest retention (5.20–5.12 mg/g); whereas in (C) and (M), HHP was the best method (5.49 mg/g and 6.64 mg/g). Some characteristics of (QF) using sonication changed after processing; higher weight (up to 19% more), increased moisture (5%), and increased pH (6.35). During storage (QF) and (M) demonstrated faster spoilage (4 °C), even though PEF was able to delay microbial growth in (QF) and HHP in (M).
Granular cell tumors of the esophagus.

An unusual benign multicentric esophageal granular cell tumor (granular cell myoblastoma) associated with 16 other similar tumors in the skin, vulva, breast, and tongue of 1 patient is described. There was a family history of granular cell tumors in the patient's mother; this has not been previously described. The pathologic findings and controversial histogenesis of granular cell tumors are discussed in an effort to delete the erroneous term “myoblastoma” from the radiologist's vocabulary. Granular cell tumors of the esophagus are also specifically reviewed.