cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early intervention for children with autistic spectrum disorders through a system of mobile services in the local community

Abstract Legislation regulations from the field of preschool education in the Croatia mentions a possibility of organizing a systematic early intervention (EI) program from the sixth month of age, but in practice such an intervention is not carried out systematically but through projects co-financed by the ministry. The program of EI for children suspected or diagnosed with autism from detecting difficulties up to 4 years of age is carried out since 2008 in the local community. The program has made it possible for over 300 families with children with autism to engage in program activities and individual patronage work with a child. While working with children and educating parents, we use the knowledge and experience of visual layouts, alternative assisted communication, sensory-integrative pedagogy, and dance and movement therapy. For the siblings of our little users, an art workshop is organized, and the parents enhance their parental competences through support groups under the guidance of psychologists. The social worker informs the parents about the rights arising from the social and health-care law. The association and the Center work closely with other local institutions which through their programs provide various forms of support for children and their parents to systematically organize an EI program in the local community. The Alliance of Autism Associations in Croatia (SUZAH) and the association chairman advocate to implement the EI system on a national level. Mrs. Penko is a member of the Expert Commission of the project ”National standards for early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders” of the Republic of Croatia.
The Science of Comedy (Sort of)

From an academic point of view, humor studies have traditionally lived in the rather unfunny world of philosophy departments. More recently, psychologists and neuroscientists have begun to study mechanisms of humor and laughter. An argument can be made that approaching humor studies from the perspective of comedy creation offers practical tools for using comedy and humor in everyday communication and connection.
Reflections on Social Work Doctoral Pedagogy: A Reciprocal Approach to Enhancing Preparation for the Academy

Eleven doctoral interns and 9 faculty mentors participated in a two-year Teaching Mentorship Project (TMP). Qualitative analyses of 20 interviews and reflective writing by the interns resulted in s...
Response to Letter to the Editor Commenting on "Impact of a Yoga and Meditation Intervention on Students".

To the Editor: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increase in stressors and uncertainty, mindfulness and coping strategies are essential components to support well-being. Thus, we are grateful for the opportunity to continue the conversation regarding yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in
Four Short Teaching Cases on Automated Decision-Making in the Public Sector

Much of the discussion around big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc. has focused on the private sector. However, a similar evolution is also taking place in the public sector. Over the summer of 2021, we interviewed government officials, management consultants, academics, and others to better understand these trends. This paper has four short cases that can be used for teaching purposes, which document the use of automated decision-making in the public sector.
Comparative hologenomics of two Ixodes scapularis tick populations in New Jersey.

Tick-borne diseases, such as those transmitted by the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis, are a significant and growing public health problem in the US. There is mounting evidence that co-occurring non-pathogenic microbes can also impact tick-borne disease transmission. Shotgun metagenome sequencing enables sampling of the complete tick hologenome-the collective genomes of the tick and all of the microbial species contained therein, whether pathogenic, commensal or symbiotic. This approach simultaneously uncovers taxonomic composition and allows the detection of intraspecific genetic variation, making it a useful tool to compare spatial differences across tick populations. We evaluated this approach by comparing hologenome data from two tick samples (N = 6 ticks per location) collected at a relatively fine spatial scale, approximately 23 km apart, within a single US county. Several intriguing variants in the data between the two sites were detected, including polymorphisms in both in the tick's own mitochondrial DNA and that of a rickettsial endosymbiont. The two samples were broadly similar in terms of the microbial species present, including multiple known tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia microti, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum), filarial nematodes, and Wolbachia and Babesia species. We assembled the complete genome of the rickettsial endosymbiont (most likely Rickettsia buchneri) from both populations. Our results provide further evidence for the use of shotgun metagenome sequencing as a tool to compare tick hologenomes and differentiate tick populations across localized spatial scales.
The Clinical Significance of Azole Antifungals’ Effects on the Liver and Transaminase Levels

Various case reports have been published regarding the incidence of hepatotoxicity and the triazoles. To date, of the more commonly used triazoles, voriconazole has been liked to the highest incidence of transaminase elevations followed by posaconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole, respectively. Discontinuation of each of the drugs has been shown to resolve the increase of transaminase levels; however, no clear guidance has been suggested on as to when discontinuation of therapy is warranted. Close monitoring particularly patients of Asian decent, underlying liver disease, bone marrow, or lung transplant may be prudent as well as target drug monitoring (TDM) for posaconazole and voriconazole to help assess the necessity of alteration or discontinuation of therapy.
Modeling of Evaporation from Nanopores with Nonequilibrium and Nonlocal Effects

Evaporation from nanopores is of fundamental interest in nature and various industrial applications. We present a theoretical framework to elucidate evaporation and transport within nanopores by incorporating nonequilibrium effects due to the deviation from classical kinetic theory. Additionally, we include the nonlocal effects arising from phase change in nanoporous geometries and the self-regulation of the shape and position of the liquid-vapor interface in response to different operating conditions. We then study the effects of different working parameters to determine conditions suitable for maximizing evaporation from nanopores.
Systems with Na and Ca at Lithospheric Pressures

This chapter includes phase relations in Na- and Ca-bearing systems ranging from simple binaries, such as CaTs–Jd, to more complex compositions in the systems Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCAS) and Na2O–CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCMAS). These phase relations are important for describing in a greater detail the transformation from granulite to eclogite, and contain a number of petrologically important phases including three solid solutions: garnet, pyroxene and plagioclase. The composition of garnet is not affected by the presence of Na, because the solubility of Na in garnet is negligible at the lithospheric pressures.
Challenges for ionized physical vapor deposition

Summary form only given. Vapor deposition using ionic species has several advantages over neutral vapor deposition methods. These include the ability to use the electric field within the plasma sheath to modify the energy and direction of the depositing particle. Energetic deposition allows one to produce thin film materials with tailored properties. The control of particle direction, on the other hand, allows for the deposition of materials into high aspect ratio microstructures, such as those encountered in modern integrated circuits. For these reasons, ionized physical vapor deposition (IPVD) is an important technology in the manufacturing of microelectronics as well as hard and decorative coatings. Ionized physical vapor deposition encompasses a broad array of plasma sources including laser heated plasma, cathodic and anodic arcs, high-power unbalanced sputtering magnetrons, inductively coupled plasma, and electron cyclotron resonance plasma. A brief review of the operation and performance of these sources is given. From this review, the basic plasma source requirements are developed. In particular, the minimum electron density, temperature, and neutral mean free path are all critical parameters that determine the ionization of the vapor stream. A particularly challenging aspect of IPVD is the deposition of compounds in high aspect ratio microstructures. The reactive deposition of materials such as TiN is aided by the intense plasma due to significant dissociation of the nitrogen molecule. The relative ionization fraction of metals and reactive gases, such as Ti and N/sub 2/, is substantially different due to the large gap in ionization potentials, however. As a result, the metal vapor is usually highly ionized if n/sub e//spl sim/10/sup 12/ cm/sup -3/, but the reactive gas remains only weakly ionized. Because of an anisotropic velocity distribution, metal ions are deposited directly into the bottom of microstructures, but isotropic neutral nitrogen atoms must endure multiple reflections within the structure to reach the bottom. Therefore, the stoichiometry of compound thin films is often metal-rich within deep microstructures. Experimental mass spectrometry, thin film characterization, and deposition modeling is used to illustrate this problem, and a few practical solutions are discussed.
Three-body effects in nucleon-nucleon scattering at medium energy

NUCleon-nucleon scattering at medium energy can be described in two Ways I'2 The first approach uses a two-body coupled channel model for the NN-N6 system, while the second method starts from a threebody description of the NN~T system, where the ~N interaction is reStricted to P(ll) and P(33). Although, in terms of isobars or quasi Particles the two models show important similarities, a major difference lies in the treatment of unitarity. We are aware that other Versions of the two-body isobar approach have now been developed that dress the isobars and satisfy unitarity in the three-body sector and We don't want to advertise for one approach in particular.
Dermal fistula of dental origin.

Abstract A common clinical entity has been fully described and illustrated, with emphasis on causes, origin, and surgical management. Successful treatment of dermal fistulas of dental origin depends upon prompt diagnosis, careful preoperative planning, proper postoperative care of the wound, and adherence to the basic rules of plastic and reconstructive surgery (Figs. 11, 12, and 13).
Vibrational spectra and rotational isomerism of 2,2-difluoropropyl chloride

Abstract Infrared spectra were obtained for 2,2-difluoropropyl chloride in the neat liquid, vapor, and solid states, and Raman spectra were obtained for the liquid. This compound exists as a mixture of trans and gauche rotamers in the vapor and liquid states, but only the trans form is present in the solid. Vibrational assignments were made for the two rotamers with the aid of zero-order normal coordinate calculations using force constants transferred from 2,2-difluoropropane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl chloride.
Diffusion of pain language with affective disturbance confounds differential diagnosis

Two experiments examined the use of pain descriptors by chronic pain patients with different medical and/or psychiatric diagnoses. Experiment I subjected patients' responses to the 20 descriptor categories on the McGill Pain Questionnaire to 3 separate multiple discriminant analyses to examine the differential diagnostic properties of pain language. None of the analyses generated a discriminant function, indicating that chronic pain patients do not use pain descriptors in a precise and systematic manner. Experiment II demonstrated that as affective disturbance increased within a chronic benign pain population pain language became more diffuse. These results suggest that pain language is not accurate for medical diagnosis in patients who suffer affective disturbance.
Cost analysis of a Laboratory Information System (LIS)

The cost of building, installing, and maintaining a full hospital laboratory communication system is expensive. Using an outside accountant, our books were audited to determine the expenses in each of our major cost centers. These data are tabulated along with services provided. Although the initial expenditures are high, the actual cost per test for full service capability is somewhere between 13 and 17 cents. If viewed as a cost per patient day, the price ranges between 59 and 85 cents.
Reliability and validity of a mathematics performance assessment

The QUASAR Cognitive Assessment Instrument (QCAI) is designed to measure program outcomes and growth in mathematics. It consists of a relatively large set of open-ended tasks that assess mathematical problem solving, reasoning, and communication at the middle-school grade levels. This study provides some evidence for the generalizability and validity of the assessment. The results from the generalizability studies indicate that the error due to raters is minimal, whereas there is considerable differential student performance across tasks. The dependability of grade level scores for absolute decision making is encouraging; when the number of students is equal to 350, the coefficients are between .80 and .97 depending on the form and grade level. As expected, there tended to be a higher relationship between the QCAI scores and both the problem solving and conceptual subtest scores from a mathematics achievement multiple-choice test than between the QCAI scores and the mathematics computation subtest scores. Mathematics reformers (e.g., National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989) suggest that the intent of mathematics instruction should be to promote
Ahead: Deflationary spiral or hyperinflation?

The 2010 G20 Summit revealed sharply contrasting views among the world's major economic allies. The United States supported another round of government spending to stimulate job growth. But Germany, the United Kingdom, and others advocated fiscal restraint and higher taxes. When the major powers cannot agree on how to fix the world's ailing economy, can we even predict what our economic future holds? And which is the greater threat: fiscal restraint, which could trigger another major economic downturn and a deflationary spiral, or endless deficits, which could lead to hyperinflation? The authors discuss business strategies that treasury managers can use for dealing with each of these difficulties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pyramiding of two BPH resistance genes and Stv-bi gene using marker-assisted selection in japonica rice.

Rice is affected by several plant diseases and insects that can cause severe yield losses. In this study, it is reported the introgression of resistance genes to brown planthopper (BPH) and rice stripe disease (RSD) in the japonica cultivars. Initially, four backcross (BC) lines were obtained using B5 as donor parent. Molecular markers linked to the resistance genes were used to identify the plants containing the genes of interest. In the present research, two BPH resistance genes (Bph14 and Bph15) and one RSD resistance gene (Stv-bi) were successfully transferred into three japonica varieties via a marker-aided backcrossing procedure. The progeny lines with Bph14 and Bph15 genes showed high resistance to BPH, while the progeny lines with Stv-bi gene showed high resistance to RSD. Yield research showed this is an effective way in rice breeding to control the damage from BPH and RSD, by using MAS of BPH genes and Stv-bi gene.
FAILURE OF MATERNAL CHEMO/PROPHYLAXIS TO PREVENT NEONATAL GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) SEPSIS. 1775

From July 1991 through June 1994 we implemented a program of screening for GBS colonization (reported in part Gibbs, Obstet Gynecol 1994;84:496-500). 952/5063 (18.8%) of mothers screened were GBS positive. Mothers positive for GBS with high-risk factors (chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, ROM >12 hours at term) were given intrapartum ampicillin. During this prospective study there were two cases of GBS sepsis despite maternal chemoprophylaxis. One at term in a mother with chorioamnionitis treated for 2.5 hours and the other at 29 weeks gestation despite 116 hours of ampicillin. We previously reported (Weisman, J Pediatr 1992;121:428-33) fever/chorioamnionitis in 24/25 cases of GBS sepsis with chemoprophylactic failure. As previously reported, maternal chemoprophylaxis failures occur in high-risk term infants who receive less than 4-8 hours of intrapartum therapy or in preterm infants. Conclusion: Although maternal chemoprophylaxis for maternal high-risk factors is not necessarily an indication for neonatal antibiotic treatment, infants of mothers who are GBS positive and have high-risk factors of prematurity or fever/chorioamnionitis should be treated for GBS sepsis despite maternal chemoprophylaxis.
Birds of the St. Croix River Valley, Minnesota and Wisconsin

Summary of the birds of the St. Croix River Valley, including descriptions of each species' migration status and times of year, nesting season distribution, and habitat.
Narratives of grieving African-Americans about racism in the lives of deceased family members.

ABSTRACT As part of a comprehensive interview study on African-American grief, the authors explored how racism is incorporated into narratives about a deceased family member. To the extent that experiences of racism are pervasive in African-American life and to the extent that narratives about a person who has died generally account for the life experiences, achievements, character, and challenges faced by the deceased, the authors expected narratives about a deceased African-American to deal with the person's encounters with racism. In fact, most of the 26 African-Americans who were interviewed spoke about racism in the life of the deceased. Many talked about racism blocking the deceased from getting ahead occupationally and in other ways and about how the deceased resisted or stood up to racism. Some people spoke about the ways the deceased taught them to deal with racism. The narratives that indicated that the deceased had rarely or ever talked about racism still made clear that the deceased lived in a...
Approximate model of eddy-current probe impedance for surface-breaking flaws

A theoretical model is derived for the prediction of eddy-current probe impedance changes caused by three-dimensional, surface-breaking flaws. Magnetic scalar potential theory and the surface impedance approximation are used to calculate fields on the flaw surface for arbitrary probe position and flaw geometry. Impedance changes are determined by a first-order perturbation calculation, with skin depth being the perturbation parameter. The end result is a relatively simple, three-dimensional model for simulating an eddy-current inspection. Numerical results for rectangular slots include maps of the impedance signals obtained in raster scan patterns and studies of skin-depth effects as a function of probe size, lift-off, and flaw dimensions.
Vacuum emission of hot electrons from silicon dioxide at low temperatures

Low temperature (to 83 K) vacuum emission of hot electrons from silicon dioxide films is reported. This technique is specifically used to study the temperature dependence of the electronic distributions emerging into vacuum from very thin (50–60 A) oxide layers where a significant number of the electrons have traveled through the insulator ballistically. The measured energy distributions of the emerging carriers are shown to reflect the temperature‐dependence of the distribution of the electron source in the silicon substrate at the abrupt interface with the silicon dioxide layer, particularly the Fermi tail, and possibly quantized levels in the silicon accumulation layer. The other features in the electron distributions are shown to be due to single phonon scattering of ballistic electrons in the silicon dioxide layer. Additionally, it is shown that as the oxide thickness is increased, the distribution broadens into its steady‐state characteristic, showing very little temperature dependence. All data are...
Hydrogels to Model 3D in vitro Microenvironment of Tumor Vascularization

A growing number of failing clinical trials for cancer therapy are substantiating the need to upgrade the current practice in culturing tumor cells and modeling tumor angiogenesis in vitro. Many attempts have been made to engineer vasculature in vitro by utilizing hydrogels, but the application of these tools in simulating in vivo tumor angiogenesis is still very new. In this review, we explore current use of hydrogels and their design parameters to engineer vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and to evaluate the angiogenic capability of cancerous cells and tissues. By coupling these hydrogels with other technologies such as lithography and three-dimensional printing, one can create an advanced microvessel model as microfluidic channels to more accurately capture the native angiogenesis process.
Direct stimulant effect of aminophylline on catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla

Abstract Bovine adrenal glands, perfused in vitro , responded to single injections or continuous infusions of aminophylline by increased release of catechoiamines. This effect was not mediated by the release of acetylcholine in the gland, since it was not blocked by cholinergic blocking agents. Stimulation for short periods of time (4 min or less) showed that the catecholamine release was depressed when extracellular calcium was reduced; however, even in the absence of calcium, aminophylline still evoked catecholamine release. The stimulant effect of aminophylline was present during perfusion with high potassium media and was inhibited by the local anesthetic, dibucaine. Papaverine potentiated the response to aminophylline. The results are discussed in terms of two different mechanisms for aminophylline-induced secretion, one dependent on influx of extracellular calcium, and one dependent on release of intracellular calcium.
Application of the finite element method to heat conduction analysis

Abstract A variational principle is applied to the transient heat conduction analysis of complex solids of arbitrary shape with temperature and heat flux boundary conditions. The finite element discretization technique is used to reduce the continuous spatial solution into a finite number of time-dependent unknowns. The continuum is divided into subregions (elements) in which the temperature field variable is approximated by Rayleigh-Ritz polynomial expansions in terms of the values of the temperatures at prescribed boundary points of the subregions. These temperatures at the node points act as generalized coordinates of the system and, being common to adjacent subregions, enable appropriate continuity requirements to be satisfied over the entire continuum. The variational principle yields Euler equations of the Lagrangian form which result in the development of an equivalent set of first order, ordinary differential equations in terms of the nodal temperatures. A unique method of numerical solution of these equations is introduced which is stable and requires a minimum of computer effort. Elements of various shapes and their associated temperature fields are discussed for one, two and three-dimensional bodies. The method is developed in detail for two-dimensional bodies which are idealized by systems of triangular elements. The development of a digital computer program is discussed and several examples are given to illustrate the validity and practicality of the method.
Immunochemistry of serum albumin. X. Five major antigenic sites of human serum albumin are extrapolated from bovine albumin and confirmed by synthetic peptides.

Abstract In a recent report from this laboratory, we have predicted and confirmed by synthesis the locations of five major antigenic sites of bovine serum albumin. In view of the high structural similarity between bovine and human serum albumins, analogous regions of human serum albumin are predicted here to comprise antigenic sites in this protein. Inimunochemlcal studies with antlsera to human albumin and the synthetic antigenic sites of bovine albumin verified this prediction and also identified the major structural locations responsible for the immunochemical cross-reaction between these two albumins.
Numerical Green's function approach to finite-sized plate analysis

The eigenfunction expansion method is used to obtain numerical Green's functions to solve for deflection of irregular-shaped classical plates. The associated eigenvalue problem allows to express the Green's function as a series of eigenfunctions which are approximated by a series of polynomials that satisfy the homogeneous boundary conditions to which the plates are subjected. A computer algebra system (Mathematica) has been extensively used to construct the approximate Green's functions consisting of polynomials, reducing substantially the amount of work involved in the calculation and achievement of the solution.
Comparison of a SAM Splint-Molded Cervical Collar with a Philadelphia Cervical Collar

Objective To compare the effectiveness of a SAM splint molded into a cervical collar with that of a Philadelphia cervical collar at limiting movement of the cervical spine in 5 different movements. Methods This study was prospectively carried out in 13 healthy volunteer subjects. A hand-held goniometer was then used to measure degrees of maximal extension (starting in a maximally flexed position), rotation (left and right), and lateral flexion (left and right) with each collar. The results were then analyzed for the 5 independent movements using the paired t test to determine the effectiveness of the SAM splint compared with that of the Philadelphia collar. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the Philadelphia collar and the SAM splint at limiting movement of the cervical spine in any of the measured movements or in total allowed degrees of movement. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the SAM splint, when molded into a cervical collar, is as effective as the Philadelphia collar at limiting movement of the cervical spine.
The electrocaloric effect on the pyroelectric charge in polyvinylidene fluoride

Previous studies have indicated that the pyroelectric effect does not fully account for the complete measured pyroelectric charge in thin films of polyvinylidene fluoride due to thermal diffusion. Incorporation of the electrocaloric effect as a feedback mechanism to the pyroelectric effect, provides a realistic model for the overall pyroelectric charge. By thermally loading the pyroelectric material itself, experimental frequency response variations in the electrocaloric effect arc observed. Experimental thermal noise measurements provide additional tentative speculation of the electrocaloric effect.
Ethnographic Scholarship and Social Education

Abstract School ethnography, long touted as a promising research methodology, has not contributed significantly to the body of useful knowledge about social studies education. Notwithstanding regular references to ethnography in the social studies literature, researchers in the field appear to be more comfortable talking about ethnography than doing ethnographic research. Although the social studies and the use of ethnographic techniques would seem to go together naturally, few ethnographies of social studies classes or social studies teaching are found in the literature. This paper distinguishes school ethnography from traditional ethnography and suggests several reasons why school ethnography has not yet secured a place in the research repertoire of most social studies educators.
“Anonymity is part of the magic”: Individual manipulation of computer-mediated communication contexts

This study looks at the behavior of self-selected users of an electronic bulletin board system (BBS). Its goal is to investigate the reported lack of social context cues in computer mediated communication contexts. Using participant observation methods, the study demonstrates how BBS users establish online identities. The study also identifies communication “leaders” who maintain their identities and leadership roles through manipulation of the BBS social context. These findings appear to contradict perspectives that characterize computer-mediated communications as “deindividuated” (Kiesler et al, 1984).
PKC-1 acts with the ERK MAPK signaling pathway to regulate Caenorhabditis elegans mechanosensory response.

In most animals, multiple genes encode protein kinase C (PKC) proteins. Pharmacological studies have revealed numerous roles for this protein family, yet the in vivo roles of specific PKC proteins and the functional targets of PKC activation are poorly understood. We find that in Caenorhabditis elegans, two PKC genes, pkc-1 and tpa-1, are required for mechanosensory response; the role of the nPKCe/η ortholog, pkc-1, was examined in detail. pkc-1 function is required for response to nose touch in adult C. elegans and pkc-1 likely acts in the interneurons that regulate locomotion which are direct synaptic targets of mechanosensory neurons. Previous studies have suggested numerous possible targets of pkc-1; our analysis indicates that pkc-1 may act via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway. We find that ERK/MAPK pathway function is required for mechanosensory response in C. elegans and that at least one component of this pathway, lin-45 Raf, acts in interneurons of the mechanosensory circuit. Genetic analysis indicates that lin-45 and pkc-1 act together to regulate nose touch response. Thus, these results functionally link two conserved signaling pathways in adult C. elegans neurons and define distinct roles for PKC genes in vivo.
Altered osteogenic commitment of human mesenchymal stem cells by ERM protein-dependent modulation of cellular biomechanics

Abstract Cellular mechanics is known to play an important role in many cellular functions including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) demonstrate unique mechanical properties distinct from fully differentiated cells. This observation suggests that the stem cell mechanics may be modulated to regulate the hMSCs' lineage commitment. Specifically, ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins are known to mediate the membrane–cytoskeleton adhesion, cell elasticity, actin cytoskeleton organization, and therefore could serve as potential targets for modulation of the cellular mechanics. Combining silencing RNA, atomic force microscopy, and laser optical tweezers, the role of the ERM proteins involved in the regulation of stem cell biomechanics and osteogenic differentiation was quantitatively determined. Transient ERM knockdown by RNAi causes disassembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions, a decrease in the cell stiffness, and membrane separation from the cytoskeleton. The silencing RNA treatment not only induced mechanical changes in stem cells but impaired biochemically-directed osteogenic differentiation. The intact actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions of hMSCs appear critical for the osteogenic induction. Thus, ERM knockdown modulates the dynamics of cell mechanical changes during hMSC differentiation and regulates the expression of tissue specific molecular markers. These findings are of particular interest for modulation of the cellular biomechanics to control hMSCs' activities and fate in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and other stem cell-based therapeutic applications.
Asymptotically optimal controls of hybrid linear quadratic regulators in discrete time

This work develops asymptotically optimal controls for a class of discrete-time hybrid systems involving singularly perturbed Markov chains having weak and strong interactions. The state space of the underlying Markov chain is decomposed into a number of recurrent classes and a group of transient states. Using a hierarchical control approach, by aggregating the states in each recurrent class into a single state, a continuous-time quadratic limit control problem in which the resulting limit Markov chain has much smaller state space is derived. Using the optimal control for the limit problem, a control for the original problem is constructed, which is shown to be nearly optimal. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approximation scheme.
Moving from trip-based to activity-based measures of accessibility

Abstract This paper studies the properties and performance of a new measure of accessibility, called the activity-based accessibility (ABA) measure, and compares it to traditional measures of accessibility, including isochrone, gravity and utility-based measures. The novel aspect of the ABA is that it measures accessibility to all activities in which an individual engages, incorporating constraints such as scheduling, and travel characteristics such as trip chaining. The ABA is generated from the day activity schedule (DAS) model system, an integrated system based on the concept of an activity pattern, which identifies the sequence and tour structure among all the activities and trips taken by an individual during a day. A byproduct is an individual’s expected maximum utility over the choices of all available activity patterns, and from this the ABA is derived. The ABA is related to the logsum accessibility measures frequently derived from destination and mode discrete choice models. The key difference is that it is generated not by examining a particular trip, but by examining all trips and activities throughout the day. A case study using data from Portland, Oregon, demonstrates the rich picture of accessibility made available by use of the ABA, and highlights differences between the ABA and more traditional measures of accessibility. The ABA is successful in (a) capturing taste heterogeneity across individuals (not possible with aggregate accessibility measures), (b) combining different types of trips into a unified measure of accessibility (not possible with trip-based measures), (c) reflecting the impact of scheduling and trip chaining on accessibility (not possible with trip-based measures), and (d) quantifying differing accessibility impacts on important segments of the population such as unemployed and zero auto households (not possible with aggregate measures, and limited with trip-based measures).
A uniqueness theorem for two-parameter inversion

A uniqueness theorem for two-parameter inversion is proved within the framework of exact theory.
The Relationship Between Instigative Aggression in Females and Sex of the Target of Instigation

Forty females suggested which shock intensity a partner should set for an opponent in a reaction time competition. Results re vealed subjects with noncooperative partners (i.e., those who refused to use high shocks) suggested less intense shock than subjects with cooperative partners and that aggressive suggestions increased as a function of increasing attack from the opponent when partners were cooperative, but not when uncooperative. However, sex of the partner did not influence instigative aggression.
4-ethenylidene steroids as mechanism-based inactivators of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

Abstract The synthesis of 4-ethenylidene-5α-androstane-3β, 17β-diol ( 5 ) and of 4-ethenylidene-5α-androstane-3,17-dione ( 4 ) is described. Compound 5 is a competitive inhibitor of solubilized bovine microsomal adrenal Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, with Ki =2.7μM, and is converted by the enzyme to the corresponding 3-ketone. Compound 4 shown to irreversibly inactivate the enzyme in a time-dependent manner ( t 1 2 =31 min ; 55μ M ; pH =7.0 ). The substrate, dehydroepiandrosterone, protects against inactivation by compound 4 . In contrast, compound 5 is not oxidized at the 3-position by the 3β-(and 17β)-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from P. testosteroni , but is oxidized at the 17-position. Nevertheless, the 4-ethenylidene-3,17-diketone ( 4 ) causes irreversible time-dependent inactivation ( t 1 2 =28 min ; 64μ M ; pH =7.0 ) when incubated directly with this bacterial enzyme, acting as an affinity label.
A PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE AND THEIR FAMILIES

A significant number of children with growth failure have primary or associated problems of a psychosocial nature. Ameliorating psychosocial complications is essential in assisting the child to reach an optimal level of development. This article describes a multidisciplinary program which provides a diagnostic evaluation to determine physical and psychosocial needs of the individual, program goals and methods for the delivery of comprehensive coordinated health care of short statured children.
Synthesis and characterization of new ferrocenylamine sulfide and selenide complexes

Abstract Some hitherto unknown ferrocenylamine sulfides and selenides, (η 5 -C 5 H 4 -SR)Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1-CH 2 NMe 2 - 2-SR) (R = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, t-Bu, i-Pent),( R,S )(η 5 - C 5 H 5 )Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1-CH(Me)NMe 2 -2-SeR) (R = Ph, 4-Cl-Ph), ( R,S )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 -SR)Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1-CH(Me)- NMe 2 -2-SR) (R = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, s-Bu, t-Bu, i-Pent), ( R,S )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 -SeMe)Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1-CH(Me)- NMe 2 -2-SeMe), ( S,R )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 -SR)Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1- CH(Me)NMe 2 -2-SR) (R = Et, n-Pr, i-Pr, n-Bu, s-Bu, t-Bu, i-Pent) and ( S,R )(η 5 -C 5 H 4 -SeMe)Fe(η 5 -C 5 H 3 -1- CH(Me)NMe 2 -2-SeMe) have been synthesized via the lithiation of proper ferrocene precursors, followed by treatment with appropriate disulfides and diselenides. These compounds, which are air stable, have been characterized by 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis.
Finite-element modeling of coupled optical microdisk resonators for displacement sensing

We analyze normal mode splitting in a pair of vertically coupled microdisk resonators. A full vectorial finite-element model is used to find the eigenfrequencies of the symmetric and antisymmetric composite modes as a function of coupling distance. We find that the coupled microdisks can compete with the best Fabry–Perot resonators in displacement sensing. We also show how we configured FreeFem++ for the sphere eigenvalue problem.
Thermoelastic stresses in bimaterials

Abstract The recently developed solution of the elastic equations for a bimaterial with an inclusion is used to study the fundamental thermoplastic problem in dissimilar media. The dissimilar medium consists of two semi-infinite isotropic solids of different elastic properties either perfectly bonded together or in frictionless contact with each other at the planar interface. The solutions are obtained by a method which is based on the integration of properly weighted centres of dilatation over the volume occupied by the body. The potential functions for the problem solved are the harmonic potential function of attracting matter filling the element of volume, which is identical to that for the solid of indefinite extent as in Goodier's theory of thermoelastic stress, and its mirror image. The results are applied to the case of an expanding (or contracting) inclusion of any shape embedded in one of the semi-infinite solids near the planar boundary. Numerical results for a spherical inclusion with pure dila...
Scytophycins from a blue-green alga belonging to the nostocaceae

Abstract Scytophycin B, 6-hydroxyscytophycin B, scytophycin E, and 6-hydroxy-7-O-methylscytophycin E account for the cytotoxicity and fungicidal activity of the terrestrial blue-green algaCylindrospermum muscicola.
Casein interference in bovine plasmin assays using a synthetic substrate.

Abstract Bovine plasmin (EC 3.4.21.7) activity on H-D-valyl-L-leucyl-L-lysyl-4-nitro-anilide was measured by determining the change in absorbance at 405nm. Initial rates of reactions were estimated at all combinations of the following substrate concentrations [.4, 4, and 40 times the substrate concentration at one-half maximum velocity (V max ) ( K m )] and casein concentrations [.068, .68, and 6.8 times the inhibitor constant for competitive inhibition ( K I )]. By nonlinear least squares fitting of the data to an equation that described reversible enzyme kinetics, steady state kinetic parameters, maximum velocity (V max ), substrate concentration at one-half maximum velocity (V max ) ( K m ), inhibitor constant for competitive inhibition ( K I ), and inhibitor constant for uncompetitive inhibition ( K I ) were estimated. casein fit the equation as a competitive inhibitor of bovine plasmin. This enzyme has a catalytic constant ( K cat ) of .0158 change in absorbance at 405 nm/min per n M , substrate concentration at one-half maximum velocity (V max ) ( K m ) of .107m M substrate, and inhibitor constant for competitive inhibition ( K I ) of .86 mg/ml of casein. Bovine plasmin activity can be measured directly in bovine milk without interference from casein.
Niila Myaamia (I Am Miami) Identity and Retention of Miami Tribe College Students

Some Native American college students, like many college students, engage in a complex process of identity formation that involves discovering their culture. This ongoing identity formation process...
Review of Acupressure Studies for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Control

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effects of a noninvasive intervention, acupressure, when combined with antiemetics for the control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Ten controlled acupressure studies were included in this review. The review evaluated one quasi-experimental and nine randomized clinical trials, which included two specific acupressure modalities, that is, acupressure band and finger acupressure. The effects of the acupressure modalities were compared study by study. Four of seven acupressure band trials supported the positive effects of acupressure, whereas three acupressure band trials yielded negative results regarding the possible effects of acupressure; however, all the studies with negative results had methodological issues. In contrast, one quasi-experimental and two randomized finger acupressure trials all supported the positive effects of acupressure on CINV control. The reported effects of the two acupressure modalities in each phase of CINV produced variable results. Acupressure bands were effective in controlling acute nausea, whereas finger acupressure controlled delayed nausea and vomiting. The overall effect of acupressure was strongly suggestive but not conclusive. Differences in the acupressure modality, the emetic potential of chemotherapeutic agents, antiemetic use, and sample characteristics of each study made study-to-study comparisons difficult. Suggestive effects of acupressure, cost-effectiveness, and the noninvasiveness of the interventions encourage researchers to further investigate the efficacy of this modality. Acupressure should be strongly recommended as an effective, nonpharmacologic adjuvant intervention for CINV control if its positive effects are reproduced in future acupressure clinical trials.
High-Pressure Raman Spectroscopy of Tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane

High-pressure Raman spectroscopy has been used to study tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (C(CH(2)OH)(3)NH(2), Tris). Molecules with globular shapes such as Tris have been studied thoroughly as a function of temperature and are of fundamental interest because of the presence of thermal transitions from orientational order to disorder. In contrast, relatively little is known about their high-pressure behavior. Diamond anvil cell techniques were used to generate pressures in Tris samples up to approximately 10 GPa. A phase transition was observed at a pressure of approximately 2 GPa that exhibited relatively slow kinetics and considerable hysteresis, indicative of a first-order transition. The Raman spectrum becomes significantly more complex in the high-pressure phase, indicating increased correlation splitting and significant enhancement in the intensity of some weak, low-pressure phase Raman-active modes.
Experimental and numerical studies of the J-integral for a surface flaw

Applied J-integral values for a surface cracked tensile panel are experimentally evaluated by measuring strain and displacement quantities along an instrumented contour located on the longitudinal symmetry plane. Nonlinear, 3-D, finite-element analyses are employed to obtain corresponding estimates of the contour and area integral contributions to a 3-D J-integral. Finite element results indicate that the area integral contribution is negligibly small on the symmetry plane; the fracture driving force is thus adequately characterized by the experimental contour values. Detailed comparisons of the experimental and numerical results (crack mouth opening displacement, J-values, and strains along the contour) reveal that the one-quarter symmetric, finite element model accurately predicts the panel response for overall (gauge length) strains approaching 1.6 times the material yield strain, beyond which the observed deformation patterns exhibited globally asymmetric shear bands.
Self-assembly and magnetically induced phase transition of three-dimensional colloidal photonic crystals

Charged superparamagnetic colloidal Fe3O4@SiO2 core−shell particles were chosen as model dipolar soft spheres to study their crystallization and magnetically induced phase transition in suspensions. The 3D colloidal crystals feature excellent magnetically responsive photonic properties with strong diffraction, fast response and wide tunability.
X radiation from optical and inner-shell transitions in a highly ionized dense plasma

X ray emission from optical and inner shell transitions of multiply ionized Cu, Fe, and Ti in low pressure discharge dense plasma
Growth hormone-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in mouse placenta, maternal blood, and amniotic fluid: molecular characterization and secretion from primary cell cultures in vitro.

The GH-releasing hormone (GRH) gene, along with those of many other hypothalamic hormones, is abundantly expressed in mouse and rat placenta. The presence of GRH immunoreactivity (GRH-IR) is described in mouse placenta, maternal blood, and amniotic fluid, and its molecular form has been characterized using HPLC. Two different molecular forms of mouse GRH-IR (mGRH-IR) were detected in the mouse hypothalamus and one in placenta. Twenty-five percent of mGRH-IR in the hypothalamus corresponded to mGRH(1-42)OH, whereas the remainder, and all of the mGRH-IR in placenta, had a retention time consistent with the GRH precursor. High levels of mGRH-IR were detected in both maternal plasma and amniotic fluid. In addition, a mouse placental cell primary culture system was established to study the regulation of mGRH-IR release. Turnover of mGRH in placental cells was rapid, resulting in a 24-h media content of 10 times that present in cells. Both 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol and 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol significant...