cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The altered mechanical phenotype of fetal fibroblasts hinders myofibroblast differentiation

During the dermal wound healing process, the mechanical rigidity of the newly deposited extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor-β1 promote the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Myofibroblasts generate large cellular forces that contract and remodel the extracellular matrix leading to scar formation. In contrast, myofibroblasts are not detected in fetal dermal wounds which are more compliant and contain less transforming growth factor-β1 than adult wounds. Instead, fetal fibroblasts orchestrate scarless healing of dermal wounds resulting in healed tissues that resemble uninjured dermis. While these biomechanical differences suggest that the fetal wound environment promotes smaller cellular forces which enable regeneration, previous studies indicate that fetal fibroblasts have unique contractile properties that may facilitate scarless dermal repair. Therefore, we tested whether physiologic wound rigidities and transforming growth factor-β1 induce contractile forces and myofibroblast differentiation of fetal dermal fibroblasts. In comparison to their adult dermal counterparts, we found that fetal fibroblasts exhibit a deficient contractile response to rigid extracellular matrix and transforming growth factor-β1. Our data suggest that the contractile phenotype of fetal dermal fibroblasts limits their cellular force production and prevents their ability to differentiate into myofibroblasts.
Predictors of Service Dosage, Recommendation, and Usage in an Early Childhood System of Care

Objective: Children and families enrolled in early childhood systems of care (SOC) present with various psychological and behavioral risk factors that may inhibit healthy development. Within a SOC, wraparound services are designed to increase families’ access to numerous child-serving sectors in order to target those risk factors. This study examined whether child and family risk factors at enrollment in an early childhood SOC predicted dosage, service recommendation, and usage of recommended services. Method: Participants were 144 children ranging in age from 1.38 to 5.89 years and their caregivers. Families completed measures of child and caregiver functioning prior to participation in the SOC. Service recommendation and usage were measured at intake and three months, respectively. We used multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between risk factors and dosage of services received. Logistic regression analyses identified the relationships between risk factors and service recommendation and usage according to specific service types within the SOC. Results: Children with greater behavior problems received more services overall (R2 = .103, β = .243, p = .033). Child risk factors predicted recommendation for child welfare (trauma exposure: OR = 1.352, p = .052) and mental health services (behavior problems: OR = 1.061, p = .034; trauma exposure: OR = 1.316, p = .046), whereas families with substance use issues were less likely to be recommended for mental health services (OR = .229, p = .017). Conclusions: Findings highlight opportunities for improved service provision and service-level decision making in early childhood SOCs.
End-to-end testing of automatic plan optimization using RayStation scripting for hypofractionated multimetastatic brain stereotactic radiosurgery.

Abstract For external beam stereotactic radiosurgery of multiple brain metastatic lesions, it is difficult to select optimal treatment isocenters because the orientation and volume of each planning target volume (PTV) and its proximity to critical structures are unique for each patient. The RayStation treatment planning system offers Python-based scripting to optimize the placement of the treatment isocenter by comparing scenario-based plans. This can improve the plan quality by reducing the dose to the normal brain and increasing planning efficiency. The purpose of the current study was to compare the isocenter-optimized plans generated by RayStation with clinical plans created by the Pinnacle treatment planning system and to validate the RayStation treatment planning and delivery with end-to-end testing. Ten patient plans were automatically regenerated using the script in RayStation. For each patient, 4 plans with 4 different types of isocenters were generated: (1) 2 separate isocenters at the PTV centroids, (2) a single isocenter at the mid-point of 2 centroids, (3) a single isocenter at PTV1, and (4) a single isocenter at PTV2. The best plans were compared with paired Pinnacle plans using plan quality parameters, including normal brain volume excluding PTVs receiving 4 Gy (V4Gy), normal brain volume excluding PTVs receiving 12 Gy (V12Gy), maximum dose to the brainstem, homogeneity index, conformity indices, gradient index of each PTV, and monitor units per fraction. All plans were verified with a cylindrical quality assurance phantom, and end-to-end testing was performed with an anthropomorphic head phantom with a radiochromic film. The script was executed within 5-6 minutes to generate 4 scenario-based automatic plans. The homogeneity index and conformity indices showed small but statistically significant improvement with the RayStation plans. The gradient index (3.9 ± 0.9 for Pinnacle and 3.5 ± 0.6 for RayStation, p = 0.04) was also more favorable in the RayStation plans. V12Gy was significantly reduced by 13% and V4Gy was reduced by 5%. The total monitor units per fraction was significantly reduced by 20% for the RayStation plans. Plan optimization time using RayStation was reduced by 64%. The measured doses at each PTV centroid agreed within 3%, and all RayStation plans passed quality assurance verification tests. Scenario-based automatic plan generation using Python scripting helps identify an optimal treatment isocenter to reduce the dose to the normal brain and improve planning efficiency. RayStation plans provided better plan quality, especially lower doses to the normal brain, than Pinnacle plans. Thus, RayStation is a suitable planning modality for hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases.
Community Health Workers in the Emergency Department-Can they Help with Chronic Hypertension Care.

To review community health worker (CHW) interventions tailored for hypertension management and to determine if the emergency department (ED) population would benefit from such interventions. When working with patients who have one or more chronic diseases, CHW interventions have been very successful in improving health outcomes and are cost-effective. CHWs use a variety of techniques to address social determinants that patients may face that effect how they manage their chronic disease(s). Current CHW interventions in the ED have targeted the “super-user” population. CHW-based interventions help address social determinants of patients in a variety of settings, especially in the ED where the physicians have limited resources and time. There is limited information about how CHWs can improve community health outcomes outside of the ED “super-user” population. Future research needs to determine if creating a data-driven CHW intervention for the ED would be effective.
Site fertility and leaf nutrients of sympatric evergreen and deciduous species of Quercus in central coastal California

Leaf and soil nutrient levels interact with and may each influence the other. We hypothesize that to the extent soil fertility influences the nutritional state of trees, soil fertility should correlate with summer leaf nutrient levels, whereas to the extent that trees influence soil nutrient levels, the quality of leaf litterfall should correlate with soil fertility. We examined these correlations for five sympatric oak species (genus Quercus) in central coastal California. Soil fertility, including both nitrogen and especially phosphorus, correlated significantly with summer leaf nutrient levels. In contrast, phosphorus, but not nitrogen, in the leaf litterfall correlated positively with soil nutrients. These results suggest that soil nitrogen and phosphorus influence tree nutrient levels and that leaf phosphorus, but not leaf nitrogen, influence soil fertility under the trees. Feedback between the soil and the tree for phosphorus, but not nitrogen, is apparently significant and caused by species-specific differences in leaf quality and not by litterfall quality differences within a species. We also compared functional differences between the evergreen and deciduous oak species at our study site. There were no differences in soil nitrogen and only small differences for soil phosphorus between the phenological types. Differences in leaf nutrient concentration were much more pronounced, with the evergreen species having substantially lower levels of both nitrogen and phosphorus. Evergreen species conserved more phosphorus, but not more nitrogen, than the deciduous species, but there was no consistent relationship between retranslocation and either soil nitrogen or phosphorus. These results do not support the hypothesis that evergreenness is an adaptation to low soil fertility in this system.
Benefits of Faith and Work Integration

Previous chapters have established that, in addition to being commanded by God, work is an essential part of life. Devout Christians may choose to perform their work in ways pleasing to God even without any anticipated personal benefits. Yet substantial research shows there are many benefits realized by individuals who see their work as a means of expressing personal faith or spirituality such as more work and life meaning (Dik, Duffy, & Tix, 2012; Frankl, 1984; Maslow, 1968) and improved physical and mental health (Oman & Neuhauser, 2012). Organizations have also been shown to benefit from having a spiritually engaged workforce in areas such as organizational citizenship behavior, affective organizational commitment, and higher work unit performance (Albuquerque, Cunha, Martins, & Sa, 2014; Kazemipour & Mohd Amin, 2012). These positive effects on individuals and organizations can have a spillover effect with improved customer service and client care (Sousa & Coelho, 2013) and improved social responsibility (Chatjuthamard-Kitsabunnarat, Jiraporn, & Tong, 2014; Schouten, Graafland, & Kaptein, 2013). The significant research support reporting the benefits of faith and work integration may even convince organizations and managers not directly motivated by Christian values to create faith-friendly organization policies and cultures because it is a “win-win” for the majority.
Novel Recessed Electrode Geometries to Minimize Tissue Damage with Directional Selectivity in Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves activation of targeted brain tissue through implantable electrodes to treat neurological disorders. In this study, two novel electrode designs, recessed flat-contact and recessed curvature-contact models were developed where the electrode contacts were recessed to a specified depth to improve directional selectivity. Furthermore, the contact geometry was also modified for the recessed curvature-contact model in order to obtain a hemispherical configuration that will help increase current steering and reduce the propensity of tissue damage. The predicted tissue damage produced by these models were compared to the standard array model using the Shannon tissue damage model criteria. Furthermore, the volume of tissue activated by each of the electrode models was analyzed, and the radial projection relative to the total projection of each geometry was determined as a measure of directional selectivity. Based on the trends observed in the current density, tissue damage, and volume of tissue activated (VTA) analyses, it is inferred that the recessed contact electrode geometries help improve directional selectivity and safety of DBS.
Discharge planning considerations for the neonatal intensive care unit

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge readiness is the primary caregivers' masterful attainment of technical care skills and knowledge, emotional comfort and confidence with infant care by the time of discharge. NICU discharge preparation is the process of facilitating discharge readiness. Discharge preparation is the process with discharge readiness as the goal. Our previous work described the importance of NICU discharge readiness and strategies for discharge preparation from an American medical system perspective. NICU discharge planning is, however, of international relevance as challenges in relation to hospital discharge are a recurring global theme. In this manuscript, we conceptualise NICU discharge preparation with international perspective.
Safety Performance of Rural Offset-T Intersections:

Offset-T intersections represent a special geometric configuration where two three-leg intersections adjoin the major road from opposite directions within a short separation distance. The prevalenc...
Unsaturated fluid flow through granular soils treated with microbial induced desaturation and precipitation

The use of microorganisms to induce desaturation of granular soils via denitrification results in nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas generation, which in turn lowers the degree of saturation of the soil matrix. Given sufficient substrates, the stimulated bacteria will produce enough gas to develop a continuous gas phase. Introducing gas into the soil to reduce the degree of saturation is shown to increase the soil resistance to dynamic loading and helps to mitigate liquefaction. The impact of desaturation on liquefaction hazard mitigation has comparative value to the calcite precipitation phase of the process. Meso-scale tests have been performed on a relatively thin tank of soil to simulate planar flow through a granular soil treated with MIDP.
An improved framework of GPU computing for CFD applications on structured grids using OpenACC

Abstract This work is focused on improving multi-GPU performance of a research CFD code on structured grids. MPI and PGI 18.1 OpenACC directives are used to scale the code up to 16 NVIDIA GPUs. This work shows that using 16 P100 GPUs and 16 V100 GPUs can be up to 30× and 90× faster than 16 Xeon CPU E5-2680v4 cores for three different test cases, respectively. A series of performance issues related to the scaling for the multi-block CFD code are addressed by applying various optimizations. Performance optimizations such as the pack/unpack message method, removing temporary arrays as arguments to procedure calls, allocating global memory for limiters and connected boundary data, reordering non-blocking MPI I_send/I_recv and blocking Wait calls, reducing unnecessary implicit derived type member data movement between the host and the device and the use of GPUDirect can improve the compute utilization, memory throughput, and asynchronous progression in the multi-block CFD code using modern programming features.
Primary and secondary focal choroidal excavation morphologic phenotypes, associated ocular disorders and prognostic implications.

Aims To characterise and classify the morphological, clinical and tomographic characteristics of focal choroidal excavation (FCE) lesions to determine their prognostic implications. Methods 36 eyes with FCE (32 patients) underwent multimodal imaging, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence. FCE lesions were classified into three subtypes: (1) type 1: myopic (central choroidal thickness: 200 µm, with associated chorioretinal pathology). Results 80.6% of eyes were followed longitudinally (26.8±18.8 months). There were 9 type 1 FCEs (myopic), 8 type 2 FCEs (U-shaped, congenital) and 19 type 3 FCEs (V-shaped, secondary). Type 2 FCEs trended towards larger maximum widths (p=0.0563). Type 3 FCEs were associated with central serous chorioretinopathy or pachyvessels (47.4%), but were also seen in pattern dystrophy, geographic atrophy, inactive choroiditis, torpedo maculopathy and adult-onset vitelliform dystrophy. Choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) were more prevalent in type 3 FCE (41.2% compared with 11.1% for type 1 FCE, p=0.251, and 0% for type 2 FCE, p=0.043). Conclusions The FCE types, stratified by central choroidal thickness, demonstrated distinct morphological characteristics and associated findings. The classification scheme held prognostic implications as type 3 FCE with V shapes were associated with other chorioretinal conditions and were more likely to develop CNVM.
Regulation of ERK2 activity by dynamic S-acylation

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) are key effector proteins of the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, choreographing essential processes of cellular physiology. Critical in regulating these regulators are a patchwork of mechanisms, including post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as MEK-mediated phosphorylation. Here, we discover that ERK1/2 are subject to S-palmitoylation, a reversible lipid modification of cysteine residues, at C271/C254. Moreover, the levels of ERK1/2 S-acylation are modulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling, mirroring its phosphorylation dynamics, and palmitoylation-deficient ERK2 displays altered phosphorylation patterns at key sites. We find that chemical inhibition of either lipid addition or removal significantly alters ERK1/29s EGF-triggered transcriptional program. We also identify a subset of "writer" protein acyl transferases (PATs) and an "eraser" acyl protein thioesterase (APT) that drive ERK1/29s cycle of palmitoylation and depalmitoylation. Finally, we examine ERK1/2 S-acylation in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome, correlating changes in its lipidation levels with alterations in writer/eraser expression and solidifying the link between ERK1/2 activity, ERK1/2 lipidation, and organismal health. This study not only presents a previously undescribed mode of ERK1/2 regulation and a node to modulate MAPK pathway signaling in pathophysiological conditions, it also offers insight into the role of dynamic S29 palmitoylation in cell signaling more generally.
Radiosurgery as a Multidisciplinary Practice

The management of kidney and prostate cancer is evolving toward less-invasive treatment options, from open surgery to laparoscopic and energy-ablative techniques to stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with the aim of preserving function and minimizing side effects.
Comment on «is the density matrix description of statistical ensembles exhaustive?»

It is argued that the paper by the title referred to failed to show that the density matrix is a less than exhaustive description of an ensemble. The error in the purported demonstration is based on an improper separation between the use of ensembles and probabilities.
Molecular Genetics of Fanconi Anaemia

Cells derived from Fanconi anaemia (FA) patients display hypersensitivity to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) cross-linking agents such as MMC and DEB. Treatment with these agents induces an abnormally prolonged cell cycle arrest in S phase and an accumulation of cells with 4N DNA. Based on this response, the FA pathway has been hypothesised to function in sensing DNA damage induced by these agents and in initiating its repair. This hypothesis has been supported by work elucidating the interactions of FA proteins with proteins known to be involved in DNA-damage sensing, signalling and repair. Additionally, a significant body of work has pointed to a role of the FA pathway in the cellular response to oxidative stress. Although the exact mechanisms and functions of the FA pathway are yet to be discovered, the interaction of the members of the FA pathway with proteins associated with DNA repair, cellular signalling and oxidative stress management leads to the hypothesis that the FA pathway proteins serve many varied functions throughout the cell. Key Concepts: The FA pathway overlaps significantly with other DNA repair pathways such as homologous recombination, translesion synthesis and mismatch repair. FA pathway proteins are involved in the intricate cellular signalling that occurs following DNA damage. FA pathway proteins are involved in regulating oxidative stress. FA mutant cells display hypersensitivity to DNA damage, particularly DNA crosslink's. FA patients are particularly prone to malignancy, especially myeloid leukemia and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and genitourinary track. Keywords: Fanconi anaemia; DNA damage; DNA repair; cancer susceptibility; DNA damage hypersensitivity
Relationship between Running Performance and Predicted Maximum Oxygen Uptake among Divergent Ability Groups

Abstract The relationship between max VO2, as predicted by the Astrand Bicycle Ergometer Test, and 1/2-mile, 1-mile, 12-min. run, and 5-mile running performances has been investigated. The subject population included representatives from three diverse ability subgroups of college males: (1) non-athletic students; (2) physical education majors; and (3) varsity cross-country runners. Within the composite group (N = 34) the relationship between estimated oxygen uptake (ml/kg/min) and 12-min. run performance was r = .63. Among the ability subgroups the predicted oxygen uptake-performance relationship decreased as a function of increasing performance capabilities. Conversely, this same relationship sequentially increased as a function of distance.
Fish Muscle Proteins: Extraction, Quantitation, and Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis can be used to separate and visualize proteins. In sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), proteins are separated based on size. When protein samples are applied to such gels, it is usually necessary to know the protein content of the sample. This makes it possible to apply a volume of sample to the gel such that samples have a comparable amount of total protein. While it is possible to use an official method of protein analysis (e.g., Kjeldahl, N combustion) for such an application, it often is convenient to use a rapid spectroscopic protein analysis that requires only a small amount of sample. The bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay method will be used for this purpose.
Myriophyllum Quitense (Haloragaceae) in the United States

A systematic study of more than 15,000Myriophyllum specimens from 189 North American herbaria yielded 63M. quitense specimens. Late 19th century collections were made from Henry's Fork of the Snake River in Jefferson County, Idaho, in 1872, from Santa Cruz Creek, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, in 1881, from Yellowstone Lake in 1885, and from Crook County, Oregon, in 1894. Twentieth century collections have been made from Yellowstone National Park, at several sites along the Snake River in Idaho, in Summit County, Utah, in Lassen and Shasta counties of northern California, at numerous sites along the Deschutes River, and in Benton County, Oregon, and at three sites in Washington. We contend that the species was introduced into North America by migratory waterfowl more than 100 years ago. Only in the Yellowstone Lake and numerous Deschutes River habitats in which populations now exist are environmental conditions conducive to full morphological development of the species in North America.
Value transfer in a simultaneous discrimination by pigeons: The value of the S + is not specific to the simultaneous discrimination context

During simultaneous discrimination training, there is evidence that some of the value of the S+ transfers to the S−. When the value of the S+ is altered outside the context of the simultaneous discrimination, two very different predictions are made concerning its effect on its S−, depending on whether one views the S+ as an occasion setter or as a stimulus capable of transferring value. In four experiments, pigeons were trained with two similar simultaneous discriminations, A+B− and C+D−, and two single-stimulus trial types, A and C, (in which A always had greater nominal value than C). According to value transfer theory, on test trials, B should always be preferred over D, because B and D should be affected by the net values of A and C, respectively. According to an occasion setting account, however, D should be preferred over B because the presence of D signals a higher probability of reinforcement for responding to C than when C is alone, and/or the presence of B signals a lower probability of reinforcement for responding to A than when A is alone. In all four experiments, the pigeons preferred B over D, a result consistent with value transfer theory. Thus, an S− can acquire value from an S+ even when that value is conditioned in a “context” different from that of the simultaneous discrimination.
140 GHz microwave spectrometer for the detection of gaseous chemical species

A sensitive microwave spectrometer for the detection of gaseous pollutants and other molecular species is described. The spectrometer operates in the vicinity of 140 GHz and employs a Fabry-Perot resonator as a sample cell and superheterodyne detection for high sensitivity. The instrument is capable of detecting a minimum concentration of 210 ppb of SO/sub 2/ diluted in air with a 1 sec time constant. For H/sub 2/CO diluted in air, the minimum detectable concentration is 130 ppb.
THE INFLUENCE OF TASTANTS ON ORAL IRRITATION BY CAPSAICIN

. Single-point intensity scaling and time-intensity methods were used to record oral irritation from solutions of 2 ppm capsaicin, capsaicin with added sucrose (0.04M), NaCl (0.3M), citric acid (0.01M) or xanthan gum (0.2%). Only sucrose depressed mouth-burn, both in magnitude and duration. The viscosity imparted by xanthan retarded perception of mouth-burn but did not effect its duration. While single-point scaling averaged perceived intensity across time, time-intensity provided much more information by displaying perception from onset to decay. Eaters and non-eaters of chili peppers did not differ in their perception of mouth-burn.
Small bore catheter drainage and sclerotherapy for malignant pleural effusions

Thexs accumulation of large amounts of fluid in the pleural space is a common sequela of disseminated carcinomatosis. Traditional management has included therapeutic thoracentesis or the placement of a large bore chest tube for drainage with the subsequent installation of a sclerosing agent in an attempt to achieve pleural symphysis. An evaluation of all patients treated in this manner during a 4-year period was undertaken to assess the degree of success obtained with a large bore standard chest tube versus a small pigtail catheter. A study group consisting of 20 patients with a total of 24 pleural effusions was treated with drainage and sclerotherapy. In this group, eight of 13 effusions were adequately treated with pigtail catheter drainage and sclerotherapy, compared with four of 11 effusions adequately treated with standard chest tube drainage and sclerotherapy. Although the numbers are small, it appears that pigtail catheter drainage and sclerosis is at least as successful as the more traditional drainage with the standard chest tube.
Hyper-Riccati equations and integrable reductions permitting stationary solutions for complex hyperbolic field equations

We consider the hyper-Riccati differential equation y^'^2=P(y) where the degree of P is at least five. Unlike their degree-four counterparts, such equations are seldom exactly integrable. However, for appropriate parameter regimes, we can obtain perturbation solutions centered around solutions to lower-degree problems. We consider explicit perturbation solutions for the degree-five and six models. In the second half of the paper, we consider a class of stationary solutions for complex scalar fields. Such solutions are governed by hyper-Riccati differential equations of degree at least four. While the equation considered is sufficiently general to hold a number of models as special cases, particular attention is paid to examples related to (i) complex nonlinear self-interaction models (such as the @f^4 model), and (ii) complex Rayleigh wave equations, where solutions may be expressed in terms of elliptic functions. For all examples considered, we provide a large number of exact stationary solutions of the form u(x,t)=e^-^@w^[email protected](x), including degenerate limits. In contrast to these models, the @f^6 interaction model corresponds to a hyper-Riccati differential equation of degree six, and the qualitative behavior of solutions to this model depend greatly on the coefficient of the degree-six term in P(y). While this model is, in general, not integrable for @j(x), we find many exactly solvable reductions. For this model, exact solutions are obtained when possible, and perturbation solutions are obtained for weak-coupling (which is an essential, physically relevant degenerate case). This weak coupling relates solutions of the @f^4 model to those of the @f^6 model. The mathematical results obtained are then related to the physics of these models. We are able to classify the physically significant solutions in terms of elliptic functions. We also demonstrate the existence of singular degenerate solutions. The specific class of solution obtained depends strongly on the spectrum @w, and for the @f^6 model we are able to classify the existence of periodic solutions in terms of the spectrum and the sixth-order coupling parameter. Applications to the Goldstone boson and kink solutions for the @f^6 model are discussed.
Gender, values, and environmentalism

Objective. The social psychological values altruism, self-interest, traditionalism, and openness to change are key correlates of environmental concern and proenvironmental behavior. We investigate the relationship between gender and these values to better understand gender differences in environmentalism. We consider both gender differences in value priorities (differences in mean response on value scales) and differences in the meaning of values (differences in the factor structure of values) as well. Methods. Our analysis is based on data from a random-digit dialed national telephone survey of U.S. adults conducted in 1994. We examine differences in factor structure of values for a group of 145 white men and 200 white women using confirmatory factor analysis and differences in mean value scores using multivariate analysis of variance. Results. We find no substantial differences in value factor structure, but differences in value priorities, with women ranking altruism as more important than men. Conclusions. Our analysis supports work that focuses on mean differences in environmentalism across genders without examining gender differences in factor structure, although further examination of gender differences in factor structure is warranted. Our results also highlight the importance of gender differences in altruism as a basis for gender differences in environmentalism.
Comparison of growth phase on Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium invasion in an epithelial cell line (IPEC J2) and mucosal explants from porcine small intestine

Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 is a zoonotic enteropathogen of increasing concern for human health. In this study, the influence of growth phase on invasiveness of a S. Typhimurium DT104 field isolate and two reference strains (SL1344 and ATCC 14028) was compared in IPEC J2 cells and mucosal explants from porcine ileum. Internalized bacteria were quantified by a gentamicin resistance assay. After 90 min of exposure to the apical aspect of epithelial monolayers or luminal surface of explants, internalization of all S. Typhimurium strains in mid-logarithmic phase of bacterial growth was comparable. Internalization of stationary phase bacteria was reduced relative to log phase bacteria, with DT104 exhibiting the greatest decrease. Growth phase-related differences in S. Typhimurium invasion are similar in porcine intestinal epithelial cells and mucosal explants, but may be greater in multidrug-resistant strains.
Dytective: Toward a Game to Detect Dyslexia

Detecting dyslexia is crucial so that people who have dyslexia can receive training to avoid associated high rates of academic failure. In this paper we present Dytective, a game designed to detect dyslexia. The results of a within-subjects experiment with 40 children (20 with dyslexia) show significant differences between groups who played Dytective. These differences suggest that Dytective could be used to help identify those likely to have dyslexia.
Focal Plane Products Database SPIE Technical Symposium East 1985

Rockwell International Corporation has established an automated database system for the storage, retrieval and analysis of focal plane manufacturing information. In 1983, Rockwell implemented the first fully certified Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) production facility in the United States. As part of the development of this facility, key processing variables were identified for inclusion in a comprehensive data base. Our database system contains information from boule, slice, wafer and die sources. The current database consists of data from over one million on-line measurments drawn from the entire range of our production and test facilities. Database analysis routines provide various tabular, plot and statistical output that are used toward the goals of lowering cost and improving yield in the process of HgCdTe manufacturing.
Wishful thinking or a bag of tricks? Helping the beginning special educator

This article, written from a North American perspective, illustrates that the beginning special educator needs more than just a behavioural ‘bag of tricks’ to help her or him develop confidence in managing the learning environment. Chris Blake and Elizabeth Monahan work from the premise that all teachers need to be systematically trained to use meta-cognitive tools of reflection to comprehend the uniqueness of their students' learning and their corresponding pedagogical instincts and practices.
A rudimentary electron energy analyzer for accelerator diagnostics

Abstract We have constructed a compact, planar retarding field analyzer for the diagnostics of low-energy, background electrons in a high-energy particle accelerator. Bench measurements of the analyzer have been made to characterize it, and the results are reasonable in light of models of this type of analyzer. Comparisons to results obtained using a beam-position monitor (BPM) show the advantages of this analyzer for electron diagnostics. Sample results from analyzers installed at the Advanced Photon Source storage ring at Argonne National Laboratory and the Proton Storage Ring at Los Alamos National Laboratory show how the analyzers can be used for studying the intensity, energy, and time structure of electrons in an accelerator environment.
Dancing modes and frequency shifts in a phase conjugator

If the time-reversal symmetry of a ring phase conjugator is broken, the output of the device is no longer the phase conjugate of the input. For a TEM00 input wave, the output wave can be a higher-order resonator mode, although there is no resonator. Additionally, there will be a frequency shift between the input and output waves that varies discontinuously as the asymmetry in the ring is increased. Experiments using photorefractive BaTiO3 are in good agreement with theory and demonstrate the ability of the system to choose the combination of output mode and frequency that maximizes the mode gain.
An Estimation of the Coastal Premium for Residential Housing Prices in San Diego County

The authors attempt to estimate the “coastal premium”—additional value conferred on a residence from being located near the coast—of single family homes in San Diego County, while controlling for other locational and structural characteristics. A previous investigation published in 2001 for south Orange County found that moving away from the coast by one mile was associated with a $42,000 lower housing price. Intrigued by this finding, we investigate whether (a) a similar coastal premium exists for all of San Diego County and (b) the premium varies by incremental distance from the coast (e.g., for 500-feet increments). Using data from 9,755 San Diego County home sales in 2006, results presented here suggest that for a median-priced home ($540,000) at the mean distance from the coast (approximately 9 miles—and considerably farther than the Orange County estimate) a one-mile increase in distance from the coast would reduce the sale price by approximately $8,680. Specifying by specific distance increments, we find that the coastal premium is approximately 101.9% for houses within 500 feet of the coast (i.e., their value is 101.9% higher than similar homes located beyond six miles of the coast), falling to 62.8% for homes between 500 and 1,000 feet, declining to approximately 3.3% for homes located between five and six miles of the coast, disappearing entirely beyond around six miles. Since average comparisons of the sort initially considered in this analysis can be very misleading, researchers should consider the nonlinear incremental distance effects in model specifications.
An unexpected discovery

One summer, I chose two undergraduate students to work with me on a research project. Our goal was specifically to find a new approach to proving a theorem I had already proved several years before. We were looking for a new approach because the proof I had written is too long for publication, but the result itself is interesting. As is common in mathematics, our work led us to an unexpected discovery. This article leads the reader through our journey. In 2010, I enlisted two students, Trevor J. Gionet Jr. and Yixiao Sha, to work with me for eight weeks in the summer on a research project funded through our provost’s office. What follows is the story of our research journey. Our project was in the field of graph theory. I will use terminology from graph theory, though it is not necessary for you to know it to follow our adventure. At the start of the project, Trevor had just completed a first graph theory course with me. Yixiao had never had graph theory, but had read through portions of the textbook [Chartrand and Zhang 2005] that had been used for Trevor’s graph theory course. Our goal was to take a long proof I had written about ten years previously and make it shorter. The proof I had was over 350 pages long and therefore virtually unpublishable. However, some graph theorists thought the result it proved was interesting enough that they encouraged me to rework the proof and get it published. I hoped that if some students worked with me, they could offer some fresh ideas to help create a lemma or two (or five!) that would shorten the proof. The result in question classifies a set of graphs with certain properties. I gave Trevor and Yixiao the statement of the theorem.
Snag density and composition of snag populations on two National Forests in northern Arizona

Snags (standing dead trees) provide important habitat for forest wildlife, as well as a source of coarse woody debris important in forest succession. Because of their importance, some land-management agencies have standards for snag retention on lands under their jurisdiction (e.g. U.S. Forest Service, British Columbia Ministry of Forestry). Despite these guidelines, however, little information is typically available on snag numbers or dynamics on these lands. As part of a long-term effort to monitor snag dynamics, snag populations were sampled on 114 1-ha plots randomly located across six Ranger Districts on two National Forests in northern Arizona. Sixty plots were located in ponderosa pine forest, with the remainder in mixed-conifer forest. Small snags and snags in later decay classes numerically dominated snag populations. Because large snags are most useful to forest wildlife, this suggests a need to retain large trees as future snags. Only 6.7 and 16.7% of plots in ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forest, respectively, met or exceeded current U.S. Forest Service standards for retention of large snags (defined as snags 46 cm in diameter at breast height and 9 m in height) in this geographic region. Even plots with no evidence of timber or fuelwood harvest seldom met targets for retention of large snags, however. Only 30 and 32% of unlogged plots met or exceeded standards in ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer forest, respectively. This suggests that current standards for snag retention may be unrealistic, and that those standards may need to be reconsidered. Snag guidelines should be based on an understanding of both, snag dynamics and the requirements of snag-dependent wildlife species. # 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Field experiments with frozen-thawed bovine embryos transferred nonsurgically

Abstract Two hundred and twenty 6- to 8-day embryos graded good to excellent were frozen in modified Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline + 20% fetal calf serum. Three cryoprotectants, added in three steps, were compared: 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG), .625 M dimethyl sulfoxide + .625 M glycerol (D+G), and 1.33 M glycerol (G). Following cooling at 1 C/min to −7 C, ampules were seeded followed by one of three cooling methods prior to plunging into liquid nitrogen: 1) 0.3 C/min to −35 C, then holding for 30 minutes, 2) 0.3 C/min to −38 C and 3) 0.3 C/min to −35 C, then 0.1 C/min to −38 C. Thawing at 25 C or 37 C was followed by a 6-step dilution of cryoprotectant. One hundred and fifty-three embryos were then transferred nonsurgically into synchronized recipients. At the same time, 35 fresh embryos were transferred to recipients as controls. No significant differences were found among cryoprotectants. A significantly (P 26 35 ) resulted from nonsurgical transfer of unfrozen embryos. The optimum treatment combination was glycerol as cryoprotectant (1.33 M), cooling at 0.3 C/min to −35 C, then 0.1 C/min to −38 C, plunging into liquid nitrogen and thawing at 37 C. With this combination of treatments, a pregnancy rate greater than 50% (based on embryos frozen) was obtained following nonsurgical transfer.
La Niña caused global sea level drop

The 2011 La Nina was so strong that it caused global mean sea level to drop by 5 millimeters, a new study shows. Since the early 1990s, sea level has been rising by about 3 millimeters per year, satellite data show. But between the beginning of 2010 and the middle of 2011, sea level fell by 5 millimeters. This occurred concurrently with the La Nina phase of the El Nino– Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO involves a shift in ocean surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific and changes in precipitation patterns around the world. Previous studies have shown that strong El Nino events can increase sea level temporarily.
Exploring reflection as a process embedded in experienced nurses' practice: a qualitative study

Aim This article is a report of a study aimed at obtaining an in-depth description of how experienced acute care staff nurses perceive and use reflection in clinical practice. Background Reflection is viewed as a critical component of professional practice. The basic assumption is that reflection involves a deliberate process of thinking about a clinical situation which leads to insight and a subsequent change in practice. Several prescriptive models for reflection exist to provide a guide for reflection, however, few are grounded from an empirical examination of reflection in practice. There is a dearth of empirical data on what is actually happening in practice. Design Descriptive, qualitative. Methods In-depth interviews with 12 experienced acute care staff nurses in a community hospital in Northeastern USA was used to address the study aims. Data were collected between November 2009–May 2010. Results/findings Examples of reflection were embedded in patient situations needing immediate nursing intervention. Reflection was a process involving four phases: Framing of the Situation, Pausing, Engaging in Reflection, and Emerging Intentions. Conclusion Experienced nurses used a process of reflection-on-action in practice. They gained insight and formulated intentions for change in nursing practice. Structured facilitated reflection might assist nurses in achieving a depth of reflection necessary to move from their intentions to changes in practice.
Homology of amino-terminal regions of C-phycocyanins from a prokaryote and a eukaryote

Summary Comparison of the amino-terminal sequences of the α and β subunits of C-phycocyanin of a prokaryotic blue-green alga of Synechococcus sp. ( Anacystis nidulans ), determined in this laboratory, with the corresponding sequences for the subunits of C-phycocyanin of the eukaryotic red alga Cyanidium caldarium , recently presented by Troxler et al . (1974), Federation Proc. 33 , 1258 Abs., shows extensive homology between these proteins. This confirms earlier conclusions on the evolutionary relationship of Cyanophyta and Rhodophyta based on immunological studies (Glazer et al . (1971) Proc. US Nat Acad. Sci. 68 , 3005–3008).
Contextual-value approach to the generalized measurement of observables

We present a detailed motivation for and definition of the contextual values of an observable, which were introduced by Dressel et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 240401 (2010)]. The theory of contextual values is a principled approach to the generalized measurement of observables. It extends the well-established theory of generalized state measurements by bridging the gap between partial state collapse and the observables that represent physically relevant information about the system. To emphasize the general utility of the concept, we first construct the full theory of contextual values within an operational formulation of classical probability theory, paying special attention to observable construction, detector coupling, generalized measurement, and measurement disturbance. We then extend the results to quantum probability theory built as a superstructure on the classical theory, pointing out both the classical correspondences to and the full quantum generalizations of both L\"uder's rule and the Aharonov-Bergmann-Lebowitz rule in the process. As such, our treatment doubles as a self-contained pedagogical introduction to the essential components of the operational formulations for both classical and quantum probability theory. We find in both cases that the contextual values of a system observable form a generalized spectrum that is associated with the independent outcomes of a partially correlated and generally ambiguous detector; the eigenvalues are a special case when the detector is perfectly correlated and unambiguous. To illustrate the approach, we apply the technique to both a classical example of marble color detection and a quantum example of polarization detection. For the quantum example we detail two devices: Fresnel reflection from a glass coverslip, and continuous beam displacement from a calcite crystal. We also analyze the three-box paradox to demonstrate that no negative probabilities are necessary in its analysis. Finally, we provide a derivation of the quantum weak value as a limit point of a pre- and postselected conditioned average and provide sufficient conditions for the derivation to hold.
Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Recipients with Acute Renal Failure (ARF): Assessment of an Algorithm to Prevent Fluid Overload including Early Initiation of Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT)

Objective: ARF with fluid overload (FO) occurs often in BMT recipients. We have demonstrated increasing %FO prior to CRRT initiation is associated with mortality in children with ARF. Based on these data, we devised a protocol for FO prevention in BMT pts with ARF. BMT pts with ARF and 5% FO were started on furosemide and low-dose dopamine. To allow for nutrition, medication and blood product administration, RRT was initiated for pts with ≥ 10% FO. We reviewed the course and outcome for pediatric BMT pts with ARF and fluid overload managed with this protocol. Subjects: Medical records of 29 BMT pts with 33 ARF episodes from Jan 99 to Jan 02 were reviewed. Mean pt age was 12.8 ± 5 yrs (2–23.5 yrs). Outcome: 14/29 (48%) pts survived an initial ARF episode. 0/4 pts survived a second ARF episode. 14/14 survivors (S) either maintained ≤10% FO during course or re-attained ≤10%FO with RRT treatment. Max %FO for S was 17%. 7/19 non-survivors (NS) were 1 pressors were associated with lower survival (p < 0.05). Neither GVHD nor septic shock correlated with survival. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that maintenance of euvolemia (%FO ≤10% is critical for S in BMT patients with ARF as all non-euvolemic pts died. We suggest that aggressive management with diuretics and earlier RRT initiation in pts not responsive to diuretics may improve BMT pt survival.