cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intervention to Reduce Inpatient Psychiatric Admission in a Metropolitan City

When psychiatric hospitalization is over-used, it represents a financial drain and failure of care. We evaluated implementation and cessation of transporting people medically certified for psychiatric hospitalization to a central psychiatric emergency service for management and re-evaluation of hospitalization need. After implementation, the hospitalization rate declined 89 % for 346 transported patients; only four of the nonhospitalized patients presented in crisis again in the next 30 days. Following cessation, the hospitalization rate jumped 59 % compared to the preceding year. Costs declined 78.7 % per diverted patient. The findings indicate that it is possible to reduce hospitalization and costs, and maintain quality care.
Surgical correction of atrioventricular canal during the first year of life

Eight infants less than 1 year of age with an atrioventricular (A-V) canal defect (five with the complete form and three with the partial form) had definitive surgical correction performed because of intractable congestive heart failure. At operation, the infants weighed 2.9 to 6.5 kg. There was one operative death and one late death. The six surviving children were all doing well when followed up 10 months to more than 4 years postoperatively. This small series demonstrates that complete connection of A-V canal is possible even in very small infants and that chances of success are excellent. The infant with this defect who is not progressing with medical management should undergo definitive surgical correction, and a strong argument can be made for elective complete repair in all patients with this lesion, who have severe pulmonary hypertension, during the first 1 or 2 years of life.
Reachability analysis of uncertain systems using bounded-parameter Markov decision processes

Verification of reachability properties for probabilistic systems is usually based on variants of Markov processes. Current methods assume an exact model of the dynamic behavior and are not suitable for realistic systems that operate in the presence of uncertainty and variability. This research note extends existing methods for Bounded-parameter Markov Decision Processes (BMDPs) to solve the reachability problem. BMDPs are a generalization of MDPs that allows modeling uncertainty. Our results show that interval value iteration converges in the case of an undiscounted reward criterion that is required to formulate the problems of maximizing the probability of reaching a set of desirable states or minimizing the probability of reaching an unsafe set. Analysis of the computational complexity is also presented.
Developing a Moral Compass: Experiences, Dialogues, and Reflections in Parochial Schools

This qualitative study explored moral experiences from a phenomenological perspective using personal interviews and oral history narratives gathered from adult participants. The research focused on former parochial school students’ perspectives of their moral experiences as children in Catholic parochial schools of the 1950s and 1960s. Data collection utilized interviews. The purpose of the study is to seek a deep understanding and describe moral experiences, from adult perspectives, in developing virtue-oriented behavior. Participants were adult volunteers, age fifty-five to seventy-five years old, who had attended Catholic parochial schools. Emergent themes were aggregated from the personal interviews. The results of the study denote that participants’ perceptions supported literature on some of the concepts of an educative experience and other learning theories. All participants expressed that their moral experiences, whether negative or positive, were influential in the development of virtue-oriented ...
Automated shape composition based on cell biology and distributed genetic programming

Motivated by the ability of living cells to form specific shapes and structures, we present a computational approach using distributed genetic programming to discover cell-cell interaction rules for automated shape composition. The key concept is to evolve local rules that direct virtual cells to produce a self-organizing behavior that leads to the formation of a macroscopic, user-de.ned shape. The interactions of the virtual cells, called Morphogenic Primitives (MPs), are based on chemotaxis-driven aggregation behaviors exhibited by actual living cells. Cells emit a chemical into their environment. Each cell responds to the stimulus by moving in the direction of the gradient of the cumulative chemical field detected at its surface. MPs, though, do not attempt to completely mimic the behavior of real cells. The chemical fields are explicitly defined as mathematical functions and are not necessarily physically accurate. The functions are derived via a distributed genetic programming process. A fitness measure, based on the shape that emerges from the chemical-field-driven aggregation, determines which functions will be passed along to later generations. This paper describes the cell interactions of MPs and a distributed genetic programming method to discover the chemical fields needed to produce macroscopic shapes from simple aggregating primitives.
Single-particle contributions to certain classes of algebraic sum rules

Phenomenological and theoretical aspects of single-particle contributions to sum rules derived from commutation relations are considered. A derivation of sum rules arising from an equal-time axial-charge algebra evaluated between arbitrary single-particle states is given. A phenomenological analysis of these sum rules is carried out. An analogous derivation of sum rules associated with the sigma operator is shown to be invalid. An amended form for the sum rules is derived. Finally, we comment on relations obtained by taking vacuum-vacuum or vacuum-single-particle matrix elements of certain commutators.
Biomechanical Comparison of Orthofix Pins and Cortical Bone Screws in a Canine Humeral Condylar Fracture Model

Objective— To compare shear stability of simulated humeral lateral condylar fractures reduced with either a self-compressing pin or cortical bone screw. Study Design— In vitro biomechanical tests. Sample Population— Bilateral cadaveric canine humeri (n=18) without evidence of elbow disease. Methods— Lateral condylar fracture was simulated by standardized osteotomy. Bone fragments were stabilized with a self-compressing pin or a cortical bone screw (2.7 or 3.5 mm) inserted in lag fashion. Specimens were mounted in a materials testing system and the condylar fragment displaced in a proximal direction until failure. Mechanical testing variables derived from load–deformation curves were compared between stabilization methods using a Student's paired t-test. Results— There were no statistically significant differences for mechanical testing variables between pin and screw stabilized specimens at expected walk and trot loads. Three yield points subjectively coincided with yield of the interfragmentary interface (Y1), bone at the implant interface (Y2), and implant deformation (Y3). Displacements at Y1 were 48–156% greater for pin than screw stabilized specimens. Y2 and Y3 loads were higher for screw than pin stabilized specimens, but likely supraphysiologic for dogs convalescing after surgical repair. Conclusions— A self-compressing pin or a cortical bone screw inserted in lag fashion both provided adequate strength in applied shear to sustain expected physiologic loads through the repaired canine elbow during postoperative convalescence. Clinical Relevance— Because self-compressing pins were easy to implant and mechanical properties were not significantly different than cortical screws at expected physiologic loads, pins should be considered for the repair of traumatic humeral condylar fractures.
IgA nephropathy: immune mechanisms beyond IgA mesangial deposition.

IgA nephropathy is attributable to mesangial IgA immune complex deposition. The pathogenic potential of frequently colocalized IgG deposits may depend on polarized T-helper cytokines that modulate Fcγ receptors of infiltrating macrophages, leading to either activation or inhibition that determines glomerular injury.
Use of a 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system for mandibular fracture surgery.

Abstract Purpose: In this study, we examined the use of a 2.0-mm locking bone plate/screw system in mandibular surgery. Patients and Methods: All patients who were treated with a 2.0-mm locking bone plate/screw system during an 8-month period for fractures of the mandible or other defects of the mandible were prospectively studied. Ease of use of locking plate/screw system, characteristics of the fractures and defects, and complications were tabulated. Results: A total of 80 fractures in 59 patients were treated with the 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system. One hundred two 2.0-mm locking plates were applied to the 80 fractures; 58 fractures received 1 plate and 22 fractures received 2 plates. There were no intraoperative difficulties associated with their application. Fracture reductions were considered to be excellent in all cases. At the latest follow-up, all fractures had healed, but 2 patients had slight malocclusions. Six patients developed postsurgical infections. Only 1 patient required hospitalization for treatment of the infection; all others were managed in the outpatient clinic. Four patients required removal of their plates for varying reasons. Conclusions: The use of a 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system was found to be simple and to provide sound fixation in all cases. © 2002 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60:642-645, 2002
Renal pelvic cancer: A review of 611 patients treated in Illinois 1975–1985

Renal pelvic transitional cell carcinoma constitutes about 7 percent of all kidney cancer. This report is a summary of 611 Illinois patients with this tumor treated between 1975 and 1985. Overall, the five-year relative survival rate was 62 percent and the observed five-year rate was 48 percent. Stage was a major determinant of survival, as expected, in these cancer patients. The Illinois experience is reviewed and compared with the accumulated literature experience with renal pelvic cancers since 1944.
Methods of Evaluation of Harmonic Levels in Industrial Plant Distribution Systems

Techniques for analyzing and evaluating the harmonic levels in an industrial facility's electrical distribution system are presented. The various system models and types of harmonic source representation are described. A harmonic evaluation should be performed when a new industrial facility will include sources of harmonics or when the addition of harmonics injecting equipment is being considered. Cogenerators and variable-speed ac induction motor drives are examples of sources of harmonics that are growing in size and number. The methods described utilize a harmonics load flow program based on the direct solution of the impedance matrix at each harmonic frequency. The program includes detailed models of transformers, lines, loads, and generators. It also allows the specification of the harmonic sources by either ac/dc converter parameters or by sampled data of the current or voltage waveform. Results from the analysis of two typical distribution systems in large industrial plants are presented. This analysis illustrates some of the problems that may be encountered and gives recommendations for solutions to these problems.
Spectroscopic study of K-induced activation of CO2 on Pt(111)

Abstract The adsorption of CO 2 on clean, oxygen-predosed, K-dosed, and oxygen- and potassium-covered Pt(111) was studied by high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS), thermal desorption spectroscopy (TPD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). No CO 2 adsorbed on clean or oxygen-predosed Pt(111) at 112 K. However, with preadsorbed potassium the surface actively adsorbed CO 2 in two forms, CO 2 − and weakly held molecular CO 2 . They were characterized at both low and high K coverages. For all K coverages, the weakly held CO 2 desorbed around 150 K. At low coverages (e.g. θ K = 0.16 ML), CO 2 − dissociated into CO(a) and O − (a), and the resulting CO desorbed above 500 K. At higher coverages (e.g. θ K = 0.49 ML), CO 2 − disproportionated into CO 2 2− (a) and CO(a), both CO and CO 2 desorbed above 600 K, and carbonate decomposed above 650 K. Although CO 2 − formed in cases involving preadsorbed oxygen, it readily reacted with surface oxygen to form carbonate. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Effects of myocardial infarction on cardiac electrical field properties using a numerical expansion technique

Abstract This study was undertaken to quantify basic cardiac electrical field properties using the Karhounen-Loeve (K-L) numerical expansion technique after experimental myocardial infarction. Transmural anterior myocardial infarction was produced in seven dogs by injection of liquid latex into the anterior descending artery; posterior myocardial infarction was produced in five dogs by injection of the circumflex artery. Body surface potentials from 84 electrodes were recorded during sinus rhythm prior to and 1 week after infarction. Electrical field properties during the QRS, ST, and QRST intervals were computed by the K-L method based upon areas calculated for each lead. The ratio of the sum of magnitude of the first three eigenvectors to the sum of all computed eigenvectors expressed as a percentage was used as a measure analogous to field dipolarity. Values before infarction were high during the QRS (97.1% ± 2.0%, mean ± 1 SD), ST (96.0% ± 5.1%), and QRST (97.7% ± 2.7%) intervals, with no significant difference between the three periods. After infarction, the ratio during QRS decreased significantly, with lower values after posterior (61.9% ± 11.7%) than after anterior (91.1% ± 6.0%) infarction (p
Potential for release of sediment phosphorus to Lake Powell (Utah and Arizona) due to sediment resuspension during low water level

The water level in Lake Powell, an important water-supply reservoir on the Colorado River, United States, decreased in most years from 1999 to 2010, exposing the sediment delta in the inflow region of this reservoir. This study assesses the potential for sediment-associated phosphorus (P) to enter the water column during sediment resuspension. We collected sediment samples from the reservoir inflow region and performed a sequential extraction and a sorption experiment that focused on P. We also collected water samples at locations upstream and downstream of the exposed sediment delta and measured soluble reactive P during base flow and during the yearly flood associated with spring runoff. Results indicate that extractable P is associated with various operationally defined fractions as follows: 50% with calcite and biogenic apatite, 29% with detrital apatite, 10% with Fe(III)-oxide minerals, 6% with organic matter and 4% with easily exchangeable solid-phase association sites. Sorption experiments indicate that the equilibrium P concentration is 0.19 ± 0.07 μM. Particle size is correlated with sediment P; coarse sediment contains and sorbs much less extractable P than fine sediment does. Measurements of water samples indicate that sediment resuspension probably releases P from sediment to overlying water during base flow, but the effect during floods is less clear. These results indicate that lowering reservoir levels introduces sediment-associated P to the reservoir when sediment resuspension occurs.
Memory and CD8+ are the predominant bovine bronchoalveolar lymphocyte phenotypes

Abstract Bovine lymphocytes obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of healthy calves were simultaneously analyzed and compared to peripheral blood lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine leukocyte differentiation antigens. Phenotypic differences were observed between bronchoalveolar and peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subpopulations, demonstrating selective lymphocyte migration to the bovine lung. The bronchoalveolar and peripheral blood T-lymphocyte populations, defined by expression of CD2, were similar, but bronchoalveolar T lymphocytes were predominately CD8+ while peripheral blood T cells were predominately CD4+. In addition, memory lymphocytes, characterized by low expression of CD45R and activated lymphocytes (CD25+), were found in significantly higher proportions in the bronchoalveolar compartment. The proportion of γδ T lymphocytes was, however, significantly higher in peripheral blood. B cells were observed in similar proportions in the bronchoalveolar compartment and peripheral blood.
Yb fiber oscillator developed for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

A 2 MHz Yb fiber oscillator producing 320 nJ per pulse is developed. The laser is ideal for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, due to a low ablation threshold and clean atomic emission spectra.
Analysis of trichome exudate from mite-resistant geraniums

Trichome exudate from mite-resistant geraniums (Pelargonium horlorum) was analyzed, principally by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The exudate was found to consist of two anacardic acid derivatives,o-pentadecenylsalicylic acid ando-heptadecenylsalicylic acid. Bioassays established a moderate toxicity of these compounds to the two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae. The production of these compounds in geraniums was correlated with the two complementary dominant genes previously reported for host resistance to spider mites.
Analysis of the vibrational spectrum of 6-methyluracil by ab initio calculation

Abstract The harmonic vibrational force field of 6-methyluracil has been computed at the ab initio Hartree-Fock level using a 4/2-21 basis set of Gaussian orbitals. A set of scaling factors, optimized for 1-methyluracil, was transferred unchanged and used to scale the force field computed for this closely related molecule. Dipole-moment derivatives were also computed. The spectrum of fundamental frequencies and absorption intensities was computed from the scaled force field and compared with previous experimental assignments of the gas-phase and matrix spectra. Mean deviations between computed frequencies and the matrix data were 8.2 cm −1 for the inplane modes and 14.4 cm −1 for the out-of-plane ones. One transition, the v 21 CO wagging motion, is believed to have been previously misassigned.
The impact of IMPACT: assessing students' perceptions after a day of computer exploration

Declining enrollments in computer science are a cause of great concern. There has been a 30% decline in enrollments in US computer science bachelor programs over the previous decade and more than a 50% decline in the enrollment of women in computer science [20]. Some research suggests this is due to the negative perceptions high school students hold of computer science [6,16]. IMPACT is a unique way of attracting excellent students to the major by inviting students and their teachers to a day of exploration and competition hosted by our college. The aim of our research is to investigate how the students' attitudes change and to assess the impact of this daylong event. This paper will demonstrate that IMPACT increases awareness of computer science and changes the perceptions of the students who attend the event.
Notch Signaling and Hes Labeling in the Normal and Drug-Damaged Organ of Corti

Abstract During the development of the inner ear, the Notch cell signaling pathway is responsible for the specification of the pro-sensory domain and influences cell fate decisions. It is assumed that Notch signaling ends during maturity and cannot be reinitiated to alter the fate of new or existing cells in the organ of Corti. This is in contrast to non-mammalian species which reinitiate Delta1–Notch1 signaling in response to trauma in the auditory epithelium, resulting in hair cell regeneration through transdifferentiation and/or mitosis. We report immunohistochemical data and Western protein analysis showing that in the aminoglycoside-damaged guinea pig organ of Corti, there is an increase in proteins involved in Notch activation occurring within 24 h of a chemical hair cell lesion. The signaling response is characterized by the increased presence of Jagged1 ligand in pillar and Deiters cells, Notch1 signal in surviving supporting cell nuclei, and the absence of Jagged2 and Delta-like1. The pro-sensory bHLH protein Atoh1 was absent at all time points following an ototoxic lesion, while the repressor bHLH transcription factors Hes1 and Hes5 were detected in surviving supporting cell nuclei in the former inner and outer hair cell areas, respectively. Notch pathway proteins peaked at 2 weeks, decreased at 1 month, and nearly disappeared by 2 months. These results indicate that the mammalian auditory epithelium retains the ability to regulate Notch signaling and Notch-dependent Hes activity in response to cellular trauma and that the signaling is transient. Additionally, since Hes activity antagonizes the transcription of pro-sensory Atoh1, the presence of Hes after a lesion may prohibit the occurrence of transdifferentiation in the surviving supporting cells.
Service-Oriented Software Reengineering: SoSR

Service-oriented computing (SOC) enables the development and design of loosely coupled software components for integration with other software system. Since most legacy system were not designed and developed with services components, current legacy software systems require modernization (reengineered) into a target system made up of a set of loosely coupled services. A methodology for service-oriented software reengineering (SoSR) is proposed for applying SOC to legacy systems. The SoSR methodology, a synthesis of best practices, is architecture-centric, service-oriented, role-specific, and model-driven. It is conceptualized from a three-service-participants model, 4+1 view model, and RACI chart. The SoSR methodology is applied in the modernization of a legacy system, a retail business information systems. The results show that this methodology can help software developers and system integrators in reengineering tightly coupled legacy information systems into service-oriented information systems. By including a business process engine for executing composite services with existing applications and database servers, SOC can affect future information system design, deployment, and integration
Renal Effects of Acute Amino Acid Infusion in Hypertension Induced by Chronic Nitric Oxide Blockade

Abstract l-Arginine is the physiological substrate of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that controls blood pressure and renal hemodynamics in the basal state. In the present studies, we produced chronic nitric oxide blockade by oral administration of the l-arginine analogue N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, which produced sustained hypertension and increased renal vascular resistance in conscious rats. Acute excess l-arginine had little effect on blood pressure but completely normalized renal vascular resistance and increased renal plasma flow in chronically nitric oxide–blocked hypertensive rats. In contrast to l-arginine, d-arginine had no renal hemodynamic effects in either normal or chronically nitric oxide–blocked rats. Acutely administered glycine was ineffective in vasodilating the chronically nitric oxide–blocked rat kidney, in a dose that produced renal vasodilation in normal rats. These findings indicate the following: (1) Hypertension induced by chronic nitric oxide blockade due to substituted l-arginine analogue cannot be acutely reversed with excess L-arginine, suggesting that the maintenance of the hypertension is not solely caused by competitive inhibition of nitric oxide production; (2) in contrast, the kidney remains responsive to l-arginine whereas the renal vasodilator response to glycine is abolished in this model of hypertension.
Acupressure for persistent cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer survivors (AcuCrft): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Despite high levels of clinically significant persistent cancer related fatigue in breast cancer survivors few treatments are currently available and most pose a significant burden on the part of the woman. Acupressure, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been shown to decrease fatigue levels by as much as 70% in cancer survivors while being inexpensive, non-toxic and an easy to use intervention. The primary aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of two types of self-administered acupressure (relaxation acupressure and stimulating acupressure), compared to standard of care on fatigue severity. Secondary aims were to evaluate the efficacy of two types of acupressure on sleep and kinetic parameters required for implementation of acupressure in a clinical setting; The purpose of this paper is to share the methodology used including challenges and insights. This study is a three group, randomized clinical trial. 375 breast cancer survivors at least 12 months after completion of cancer treatments, with moderate to severe persistent fatigue, are being randomized to one of 3 groups: self-administered relaxation acupressure; self-administered stimulating acupressure; or standard of care. Participants are assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks followed by a 4-week follow-up period. The primary aim is to examine the effect of 6-weeks of relaxation acupressure compared to stimulatory acupressure or standard of care on fatigue as assessed by: weekly self-report using the Brief Fatigue Inventory; objective daytime physical activity on actigraph; or fatigue patterns assessed 4-times daily using a visual analog scale. Secondary endpoints include depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and sleep quality. This study has the potential to develop a low-cost, self-care intervention for the most troubling of late-term effects in breast cancer populations, fatigue. The methods used may lend constructive ideas to other investigators working with this population and/or intervention. ClinicalTrial.Gov Trials Register NCT01281904
A novel synthetic analogue of a constituent of Isodon excisus inhibits transcription of CYP1A1, -1A2 and -1B1 by preventing activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

We investigated the effect of a novel synthetic analogue of a constituent from the Chinese medicinal herb Isodon excisus, 3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-N-(3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-phenyl)-acrylamide (compound 343), on the carcinogen activation pathway mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. We found that compound 343 inhibited the upregulation of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzyme activity in cells treated with the AhR ligands and potent carcinogens, dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) or 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Compound 343 also inhibited the DMBA- or TCDD-induced increase in CYP1A1, -1A2 and -1B1 mRNA levels. Carcinogen-induced transcription of CYP genes was also suppressed by compound 343, as measured by a reporter gene controlled by the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE). This was confirmed by measuring the amount of carcinogen-induced CYP1A1 heterogeneous nuclear RNA. Compound 343 blocked the DMBA- or TCDD-induced activation of the AhR DNA-binding capacity for the XRE, as measured by a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Compound 343 also inhibited CYP enzyme activity in microsomes isolated from DMBA- or TCDD-treated cells, as well as the activity of recombinant CYP1A1, -1A2 and -1B1, indicating that compound 343 directly inhibits CYP enzymes. These results indicate that compound 343 is both a potent inhibitor of carcinogen-induced CYP enzyme expression, as well as a direct inhibitor of CYP enzymes.
Dynamic Power Considerations in a Complete 12 12 Optical Packet Switching Network

The optical power characteristics of a complete 12×12 data vortex optical packet switching network are measured and analyzed. Dynamic range and cascaded noise effects are quantified as indicators of network scalability and robustness. (2 pages)
The Differential Effects of Two Systematic Reading Comprehension Approaches with Students with Learning Disabilities

This study compared two highly dissimilar approaches for teaching students to determine character motive when reading three types of narrative text. The three text types used were textually explicit, textually implicit, and scriptually implicit. The two approaches were an explicit rule-based instruction approach and a basal-reader activity-based approach. Forty students with learning disabilities were randomly assigned to either the explicit rule-based or the basal-reader activity-based instructional group. Daily instructional sessions lasted 45 minutes and were conducted for 2 weeks. The groups were evaluated on four comprehension measures: (a) daily retells of stories, (b) unit tests, (c) a transfer measure, and (d) a maintenance measure. The results suggest that rule-based instruction is superior to an activity-based approach when teaching students with learning disabilities to determine character motives irrespective of text type on short-term measures. However, there were no significant differences between the two instructional groups on the maintenance and transfer tests.
Plant-Pathogenic Oomycetes, Escherichia coli Strains, and Salmonella spp. Frequently Found in Surface Water Used for Irrigation of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in New York State

In the United States, surface water is commonly used to irrigate a variety of produce crops and can harbor pathogens responsible for food-borne illnesses and plant diseases. Understanding when pathogens infest water sources is valuable information for produce growers to improve the food safety and production of these crops. In this study, prevalence data along with regression tree analyses were used to correlate water quality parameters (pH, temperature, turbidity), irrigation site properties (source, the presence of livestock or fowl nearby), and precipitation data to the presence and concentrations of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and hymexazol-insensitive (HIS) oomycetes (Phytophthora and Pythium spp.) in New York State surface waters. A total of 123 samples from 18 sites across New York State were tested for E. coli and Salmonella spp., of which 33% and 43% were positive, respectively. Additionally, 210 samples from 38 sites were tested for HIS oomycetes, and 88% were found to be positive, with 10 species of Phytophthora and 11 species of Pythium being identified from the samples. Regression analysis found no strong correlations between water quality parameters, site factors, or precipitation to the presence or concentration of E. coli in irrigation sources. For Salmonella, precipitation (≤0.64 cm) 3 days before sampling was correlated to both presence and the highest counts. Analyses for oomycetes found creeks to have higher average counts than ponds, and higher turbidity levels were associated with higher oomycete counts. Overall, information gathered from this study can be used to better understand the food safety and plant pathogen risks of using surface water for irrigation.
Well-posedness of boundary-value problems for multidimensional hyperbolic systems

By using the method of characteristics, we investigate the well-posedness of local problems (Cauchy problem and mixed problems) and nonlocal problems (with nonseparable and integral conditions) for some multidimensional almost-linear hyperbolic systems of the first order. We reduce these problems to systems of integro-operator equations and prove theorems on the existence and uniqueness of classical solutions.
Pediatric hydrocephalus: systematic literature review and evidence-based guidelines. Part 2: Management of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in premature infants.

Object The objective of this systematic review and analysis was to answer the following question: What are the optimal treatment strategies for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) in premature infants? Methods Both the US National Library of Medicine and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were queried using MeSH headings and key words relevant to PHH. Two hundred thirteen abstracts were reviewed, after which 98 full-text publications that met inclusion criteria that had been determined a priori were selected and reviewed. Results Following a review process and an evidentiary analysis, 68 full-text articles were accepted for the evidentiary table and 30 publications were rejected. The evidentiary table was assembled linking recommendations to strength of evidence (Classes I–III). Conclusions There are 7 recommendations for the management of PHH in infants. Three recommendations reached Level I strength, which represents the highest degree of clinical certainty. There were two Level II and two Leve...
ASSESSING NATIONAL URBAN TRANSPORTATION POLICY ALTERNATIVES

Abstract This paper describes a model for assessing national urban transportation policy alternatives and its application in the 1974 National Transportation Study in the U.S. This multimodal version of the TRANS-Urban model system employs an aggregate modelling technique which treats each urban area as a single analysis unit. Given a level and mix of funds, the model calculates the amount of highway and transit facilities, travel demand by mode, system performance, and external impacts such as fatalities, land consumed, air pollution, dislocations and energy consumed. The model was applied to assess the effects of alternative funding and pricing policies for the 64 largest urbanized areas.
Development of a Real-Time PCR for Escherichia coli based on gadE, an acid response regulatory gene

Increasingly, molecular methods have become important in identification and confirmation of bacteria at the species level. Rapid molecular methods provide sensitivity and specificity while reducing cost and resources. The primary goal of this study was to develop a real-time PCR assay for identification of Escherichia coli from an agar plate. GadE (gadE) directly regulates the glutamate-dependent acid response system (GDAR) in E. coli and is responsible for survival of at pH 2. Based on gene sequence data, a real-time PCR assay targeting gadE was developed for this purpose. Seventy bacterial isolates recovered from ground beef enrichments and 714 isolates from caecal contents were identified biochemically and tested with the real-time PCR assay developed in this study. The PCR assay and the biochemical identification had 100% agreement on the tested isolates. The gadE real-time PCR assay was demonstrated in this study to be an inexpensive, reliable method for confirming E. coli colonies within 1.5 h from an agar plate, thereby saving on final identification time.
Samuel Stouffer and Relative Deprivation

This paper first offers a tribute to Samuel Stouffer (1900–1960), a major contributor to social psychology. He helped to establish probability surveys as a useful method for social science, led three major studies at midcentury, and introduced important new concepts and statistical methods. Thus, both conceptually and methodologically, he shaped modern social psychology. Second, the paper revitalizes Stouffer’s most famous concept—relative deprivation. A new meta-analysis demonstrates that relative deprivation predicts a wide range of important outcomes, so long as it measures resentment with data from individuals and is paired with dependent variables of similar scope. Unfortunately, sociology largely abandoned the concept because it failed to meet the overstated early claims made for it in the collective protest domain. The history of this use and disuse of relative deprivation is summarized and critiqued.
Policy reform of emission taxes and environmental research and development incentives in an international Cournot model with product differentiation

This paper studies multilateral and unilateral policy reforms of environmental R&D subsidies and emission taxes in a two-country Cournot model with oligopolistic interdependence. The analysis indicates, inter alia , that there is a potential family of multilateral and unilateral policy reforms which can be set by pollution-intensive and pollution-moderate countries to reduce global emissions. In particular, the analysis suggests that a unilateral increase in the subsidy in the pollution-moderate country may reduce global emissions. The multilateral policy reform of the subsidy and tax in the pollution-intensive country can also reduce global emissions and increase welfare under certain conditions. The role of product differentiation in the context of policy reform is also examined.
Evaluation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Materials from Ultra-Thin Bonded Bituminous Surface

Ultra-thin bonded bituminous surface (UBBS) is a surface treatment that consists of a thin, gap-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) layer applied over a thick polymer-modified emulsion membrane. The aggregates and asphalt used in UBBS are of very high quality. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials from existing UBBS layers can be used in chip seal and Superpave mixtures. UBBS RAP were studied with two different polymer-modified emulsions to assess their performance as precoated aggregates in chip seal using ASTM D7000-04 sweep test. Three different Superpave mix designs were developed for both 12.5-mm and 9.5-mm nominal maximum aggregate sizes (NMAS) using three different percentages (0 %, 10 %, and 20 %) of UBBS RAP materials. The designed Superpave mixes were then tested using the Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) and the modified Lottman tests. Sweep test results showed that UBBS millings did not improve chip retention. Superpave mix design data indicated volumetric properties of Superpave mixes with UBBS millings met all requirements. HWTD and modified Lottman test results indicated all designed mixes performed better with the addition of UBBS RAP materials.
The Straight Path to Healing: Using Motivational Interviewing to Address Spiritual Bypass.

Spiritual bypass is the avoidance of underlying emotional issues by focusing solely on spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, compassionate approach to effectively addressing resistance among those who present with spiritual bypass. In this article, the authors provide background information on spiritual bypass and a rationale for adopting an MI approach to working with these clients. A case presentation illustrates 1 example of using MI with spiritual bypass.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Ductus Arteriosus Shunt in Premature Infants

Echocardiograms were performed on premature infants with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in order to assess the magnitude of the left-to-right shunt. Ten of 14 infants with a hemodynamically significant PDA required ligation because of intractable cardiac failure. Twenty infants served as controls. These consisted of seven infants without heart disease, ten infants who were examined echocardiographically after surgical ligation of a PDA, and three infants who were considered to have closed the PDA spontaneously prior to echocardiographic examination. We measured the left atrial (LA) and aortic root (Ao) diameters and an LA/Ao ratio was used to assess left atrial size. The LA/Ao ratio was 1.28 ± 0.23 (sd) in the group with PDA and 0.86 ± 0.10 in the control group. Infants who required surgical ligation all had an LA/Ao ratio above 1.15 (mean 1.38 ± 0.19). After ligation of the PDA the ratio returned to normal levels (0.87 ± 0.12). Sequential studies performed on seven infants demonstrated the usefulness o...
The effect of resource history on the functioning of soil microbial communities is maintained across time

Abstract. Historical resource conditions appear to influence microbial community function. With time, historical influences might diminish as populations respond to the contemporary environment. Alternatively, they may persist given factors such as contrasting genetic potentials for adaptation to a new environment. Using experimental microcosms, we test competing hypotheses that function of distinct soil microbial communities in common environments (H1a) converge or (H1b) remain dissimilar over time. Using a 6 × 2 (soil community inoculum × litter environment) full-factorial design, we compare decomposition rates in experimental microcosms containing grass or hardwood litter environments. After 100 days, communities that develop are inoculated into fresh litters and decomposition followed for another 100 days. We repeat this for a third, 100-day period. In each successive, 100-day period, we find higher decomposition rates (i.e. functioning) suggesting communities function better when they have an experimental history of the contemporary environment. Despite these functional gains, differences in decomposition rates among initially distinct communities persist, supporting the hypothesis that dissimilarity is maintained across time. In contrast to function, community composition is more similar following a common, experimental history. We also find that "specialization" on one experimental environment incurs a cost, with loss of function in the alternate environment. For example, experimental history of a grass-litter environment reduced decomposition when communities were inoculated into a hardwood-litter environment. Our work demonstrates experimentally that despite expectations of fast growth rates, physiological flexibility and rapid evolution, initial functional differences between microbial communities are maintained across time. These findings question whether microbial dynamics can be omitted from models of ecosystem processes if we are to predict reliably global change effects on biogeochemical cycles.
Non-silicon logic elements on silicon for extreme voltage scaling

Continued miniaturization of transistors has resulted in unprecedented increase in device count leading to high compute capability albeit with increase in energy consumption. Here, we present our research on advanced non silicon electronic material systems and novel device architectures — quantum-well FETs, inter-band tunnel FETs and tunnel-coupled nanodot devices - for heterogeneous integration on Si substrate. The goal is to demonstrate a compelling information processing platform that allows very aggressive scaling of supply voltage, thereby reducing energy consumption in future computing systems.
Pruning Strategies to Maximize Tropical Mango Production From the Time of Planting to Restoration of Old Orchards

Pruning is an unavoidable necessity of virtually all arboreal fruit crops. In the tropics and subtropics, pruning of mango (Mangifera indica L.) is particularly important due to its tendency for frequent flushes, especially in humid tropics. Commercial orchards must maintain control of both tree size and orchard productivity in order to remain productive. Tip, formation, and severe pruning can be used in a variety of circumstances to produce predictable and useful results for a variety of purposes. For example, tip pruning can be used to encourage frequent flushing and branching of young trees to bring them into commercial production years earlier than if left alone. It can also stimulate timely flushes of lateral stems in an annual program to maintain tree size and prepare trees for synchronous flowering. Formation pruning shapes trees in an overgrown orchard to receive the maximum amount of light for high productivity and sets them up for annual pruning in a flowering management program. Severe pruning coupled with subsequent tip pruning of huge, nonproductive trees facilitates rapid restoration of orchard production. Each of these types of pruning can be used to get mango trees into production quickly and thereafter maintain maximum annual production while maintaining their desired size.
Sexual Assault against Women of Color

This paper approaches the issue of sexual assault against women of color from an intersectional perspective. By analyzing the current body of research on the subject, I argue that women of color's experience of sexual assault is fundamentally different from that of White women for multiple reasons. While the available research does explain certain aspects of women of color's experiences, additional research is necessary in order to improve our understanding of and the care we provide for women of color who have been sexually assaulted. Because women of color have been subjugated to a long history of racism and socioeconomic forces, such as poverty and lack of services, in the United States, a better, more refined technique is needed that can address their multi-faceted and complicated experiences. This paper also outlines how this technique can be achieved and what it would look like in practical and professional applications.
Arabidopsis RTM1 and RTM2 Genes Function in Phloem to Restrict Long-Distance Movement of Tobacco Etch Virus

Restriction of long-distance movement of tobacco etch virus (TEV) in Arabidopsis ecotype Col-0 plants requires the function of at least three genes: RTM1 (restricted TEV movement 1), RTM2 , and RTM3 . The mechanism of TEV movement restriction remains poorly understood, although it does not involve a hypersensitive response or systemic acquired resistance. A functional characterization of RTM1 and RTM2 was done. The RTM1 protein was found to be soluble with the potential to form self-interacting complexes. The regulatory regions of both the RTM1 and RTM2 genes were analyzed using reporter constructs. The regulatory sequences from both genes directed expression of β-glucuronidase exclusively in phloem-associated cells. Translational fusion proteins containing the green fluorescent protein and RTM1 or RTM2 localized to sieve elements when expressed from their native regulatory sequences. Thus, components of the RTM system may function within phloem, and sieve elements in particular, to restrict TEV long-distance movement.
Gap analysis: a method to assess core competency development in the curriculum.

Abstract Aim. To determine the extent to which safety and quality improvement core competency development occurs in an undergraduate nursing program. Background. Rapid change and increased complexity of health care environments demands that health care professionals are adequately prepared to provide high quality, safe care. Method. A gap analysis compared the present state of competency development to a desirable (ideal) state. The core competencies, Nurse of the Future Nursing Core Competencies, reflect the ideal state and represent minimal expectations for entry into practice from pre-licensure programs. Results. Findings from the gap analysis suggest significant strengths in numerous competency domains, deficiencies in two competency domains, and areas of redundancy in the curriculum. Conclusion. Gap analysis provides valuable data to direct curriculum revision. Opportunities for competency development were identified, and strategies were created jointly with the practice partner, thereby enhancing re...
Using power transformations when approximating quantiles

Estimators are obtained tor quantiles of survival distributions. This is accomplished by approximating Lritr distribution of the transtorrneri data, where the transformation used is that of Box and Cox (1964). The normal approximation as in Box and Cox and, in addition, the extreme value approximation are considered. More generally, to use the methods given, the approximating distribution must come from a location-scale family. For some commonly used survival random variables T the performance of the above approximations are evaluated in terms of the ratio of the true quantiles of T to the estimated one, in the long run. This performance is also evaluated for lower quantiles using simulated lognormai, Weibull and gamma data. Several examples are given to illustrate the methodology herein, including one with actual data.