cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bedsharing, temperament, and sleep disturbance in early childhood.

Study objective Temperament was explored as a factor in both night-waking and bedsharing in preschool-aged children. Design Bedsharers and solitary sleepers were categorized based on the frequency of current bedsharing. MANOVA was used to examine associations among temperament and sleep measures. Setting Two preschools affiliated with a rural university in the Northeast United States. Participants. 67 children between 2.4-5.6 years of age from two University-affiliated preschools were studied. Intervention Child temperament was rated by parents and teachers using the Carey Temperament Scale and compared to night-waking, current sleep habits, and the circumstances in which bedsharing occurred Measurements and results Parents and preschool teachers completed the Carey Temperament Scale for 3-7 year olds. Parents also scored the Sleep Habits Inventory and the Sleeping Arrangements Inventory, which provided a current and retrospective history of the child's sleep location and sleep patterns. Parents' ratings showed that bedsharers have less regular bedtimes; difficulty with sleep onset; more night-waking; and seek out the parents following awakening during the night. Temperamentally, bedsharers were found to be more intense and exhibit less adaptability and rhythmicity. However, teachers' temperament ratings did not predict bedsharing and were not concordant with parental ratings. Conclusions These findings suggest that bedsharing at preschool age is a complex phenomenon related to parents' ratings of child temperament, sleep habits, and disturbances such as night waking. Implications for the clinical assessment of sleep disorders are discussed.
Sedimentary compared to tectonically-deformed serpentinites and tectonic serpentinite mélanges at outcrop to petrographic scales: Unambiguous and disputed examples from California

Abstract This paper compares features of unambiguous tectonic serpentinite melanges (TSM) or serpentinite shear zones in the Coast Range ophiolite, Franciscan subduction complex, of coastal California and Sierra City Melange of the northern Sierra Nevada of northeastern California with undisputed sedimentary serpentinite melange (SSM) of the Great Valley Group (GVG) forearc basin deposits of coastal California, and with Franciscan serpentinite melanges of disputed (sedimentary versus tectonic) origin. The GVG sedimentary serpentinite melanges and disputed Franciscan serpentinite melanges share strongly similar matrix textures and block-matrix relationships at scales from tens of meters or more to petrographic scale but differ significantly from serpentinite shear zones and TSM. This comparison suggests shared (non-diagnostic) and distinguishing features of TSM versus SSM. Internal bedding or foliation in blocks is oriented subparallel to melange boundaries and matrix foliation for both TSM and SSM both may have strongly foliated matrix and both may feature localized shearing in matrix around block borders, especially if an SSM underwent significant post-depositional deformation. The same holds true for deformation and dismemberment of blocks, which is the block-forming and mixing mechanism in TSM but variably exhibited in SSM. In contrast only SSM have blocks or clasts whose internal foliation or bedding terminates abruptly along clast/block boundaries with a mismatch in mineralogy and/or lithology across such boundaries. Matrix foliation cuts blocks/clasts in TSM but not in SSM. SSM may show block/grain size grading but not TSM. SSM have exotic blocks and blocks may span a range of metamorphic grade, whereas TSM lack exotic blocks and blocks are isofacial.
JARID2 and the PRC2 complex regulate the cell cycle in skeletal muscle

JARID2 is a noncatalytic member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) which methylates of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27). In this work, we show that JARID2 and the PRC2 complex regulate the cell cycle in skeletal muscle cells to control proliferation and mitotic exit. We found that the stable depletion of JARID2 leads to increased proliferation and cell accumulation in S phase. The regulation of the cell cycle by JARID2 is mediated by direct repression of both cyclin D1 and cyclin E1, both of which are targets of PRC2-mediated H3K27 methylation. Intriguingly, we also find that the retinoblastoma protein (RB1) is a direct target of JARID2 and the PRC2 complex. The depletion of JARID2 is not sufficient to activate RB1. However, the ectopic expression of RB1 can suppress cyclin D1 expression in JARID2-depleted cells. Transient depletion of JARID2 in skeletal muscle cells leads to a transient up-regulation of cyclin D1 that is quickly suppressed with no resulting effect on proliferation, Taken together, we show that JARID2 and the PRC2 complex regulate skeletal muscle proliferation in a precise manner that involves the repression of cyclin D1, thus restraining proliferation and repressing RB1, which is required for mitotic exit and terminal differentiation.
Sparse based Dimensionality Reduction for Big Data Management: SDN Perspective

Brainy Grid (BG) is a coordination of conventional power network with advanced data and communication framework for bidirectional vitality stream among grid together with end clients. An enormous measure of data is being created by different smart gadgets sent in BG frameworks. Such a gigantic information generation from different smart gadgets in BG frameworks may prompt different difficulties for the systems administration foundation conveyed among end clients and network. Consequently, an effective information transmission system is required for giving wanted QoS to clients in this condition. The high dimensions of information may influence the execution of majority of the designed solutions in this condition. Maximum of the current plans announced to have complex operation for the information dimensionality decrease issue which may decrement the execution of any actualized answer for this issue. To address these troubles, in this paper, Sparse-based dimensionality decrease for huge information is intended for dimensionality reduction issue of colossal data made from various smart Gadgets. First the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) is applied to high-order tensors (utilized for information portrayal) to limit the remaking mistake of the decreased tensors. Then VLCP (Software-defined networks(SDN) Controller) is used to broadcast the compressed data. The adequacy of the proposed plan has been assessed utilizing simulations completed on the information follows using Python and various libraries. The outcomes got portray the viability of the proposed plan concerning the parameters, for example, dimensionality reduction ratio and approximation accuracy.
Identifying Cancer Care Team Competencies to Improve Care Coordination in Multiteam Systems: A Modified Delphi Study

PURPOSE:Identifying nontechnical, teamwork competencies (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) underlying coordination within and across the network of teams—or multiteam system (MTS) involved in cance...
Applying the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior model to identify opportunities to increase pharmacist comfort dispensing naloxone in Texas: A structural equation modeling approach

Abstract Background The prevalence of opioid use and misuse in the United States contributed to 48,000 opioid related deaths in 2018. Naloxone, a potent opioid reversal agent, can be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription, however few do so. Previous studies on naloxone dispensing have contributed to our understanding of the determinants of naloxone in community pharmacy, however, none have focused on comprehensive behavioral change. This study utilized the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model, a behavioral change and intervention design framework, to examine community pharmacists’ comfort dispensing naloxone. Methods A 48-item questionnaire grounded in the COM-B and theoretical domains framework was developed and mailed to 1,000 community pharmacists in Texas, USA using a modified Dillman cross-sectional survey design. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to refine and establish dimensionality of the hypothesized scales and structural equation modeling was used to estimate the fit of the COM-B in explaining pharmacists’ comfort dispensing naloxone. Results The usable response rate was 19.4%. Of surveyed pharmacists, 29.7% had ever had a patient request naloxone and 35.1% had dispensed naloxone without a prescription. Capability and opportunity explained 60% of the variance in motivation. Opportunity and motivation were the most salient predictors of comfort dispensing naloxone. Together, capability, opportunity, and motivation explained 78.1% of variance in pharmacists’ comfort dispensing naloxone, indicating that the COM-B model is useful in this setting. Conclusion Despite previous findings, policy interventions to increase naloxone dispensing should go beyond providing additional education to the pharmacy workforce. Rather, these results suggest that a complex intervention designed with pharmacist input that enables them to act autonomously and evaluate whether patients need naloxone may increase their comfort dispensing. Without collaboration from pharmacy and managed care corporations, dissemination efforts will continue to be limited.
Factors influencing the academic success of Latinx students matriculating at 2-year and transferring to 4-year US institutions—implications for STEM majors: a systematic review of the literature

This systematic review identifies factors that prior studies have identified as supporting the academic success of Latinx transfer students, who matriculate at 2-year institutions with respect to earning a 4-year baccalaureate degree in a STEM field. Since the students matriculate at a 2-year institution, they must, at some point in their academic career, transfer to a 4-year institution to earn the baccalaureate degree. Search and screening procedures identified 59 qualifying studies describing factors supporting persistence, transfer, or graduation of Latinx students matriculating at 2-year institutions. To synthesize findings, we coded the 31 quantitative, 22 qualitative, and six mixed methods studies according to unified themes. Nearly half the quantitative studies explored student characteristics alone, while some qualitative studies explicitly sought to identify assets Latinx students bring to higher education. None of the quantitative students utilized assets-based frameworks such as Yosso (Race Ethn Educ 8:69–91, 2005) to guide their analysis. All types of studies contributed to the conclusion that quality interactions with peers and staff support success of Latinx STEM transfer students. Specific details and strategies for institutions and their staff to support these interactions are described.
Sparse coding-based denoising and contrast enhancement in low-fluence multi-parametric photoacoustic microscopy

We report a sparse coding-based two-stage image processing technique for noise reduction and contrast enhancement in photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). We have assessed the performance of this denoising technique using multi-parametric PAM images acquired at different optical fluence levels in vivo. Our results show that this technique can significantly improve the contrast-to-noise ratio (~7 times) and visibility of the microvasculature in low-fluence noisy images, enabling us to reduce the optical fluence by a factor of 5 while maintaining a similar image quality. Moreover, this technique improves the accuracy of quantitative measurements of blood oxygenation and flow in low-fluence PAM images.
Exploring the workforce experiences of autistic librarians through accessible and participatory approaches

Abstract Understanding job seeking and workforce experiences of autistic adults in librarianship may help to create more inclusive practices in the field. However, the topic largely remains unexplored. This may be in part due to traditional research practices that do little to encourage meaningful participation from autistic adults. Ten interviews were conducted with autistic librarians in professional and paraprofessional roles about their workforce experiences, using inclusive, accessible measures and providing options for communication and participation. Findings reveal common themes for autistic librarians in the workforce, and also lead to implications for research involving members of the population. Based on findings, guidelines for future research are presented. By moving toward a more accessible, participatory research approach, qualitative studies can gain a better understanding of participants' lived experiences while producing work with practical implications for members of the population itself.
Biofilm growth under continuous UVC irradiation: Quantitative effects of growth conditions and growth time on intensity response parameters.

Abstract Biofilms can harbor a wide range of microorganisms, including opportunistic respiratory pathogens, and their establishment on engineered surfaces poses a risk to public health and industry. The emergence of compact germicidal ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) may enable their incorporation into confined spaces to inhibit bacterial surface colonization on inaccessible surfaces, such as those in premise plumbing. Such applications necessitate knowledge of the quantitative response of biofilm growth rates to UV exposure on continuously irradiated surfaces. Herein, we performed experiments at varying flow cell temperatures in order to control baseline biofilm growth rates in the absence of UV; then, biofilm growth was compared under the same conditions but with simultaneous UVC irradiation. The inhibiting effect of UV irradiation on biofilm growth kinetics was diminished by more favorable growth conditions (higher temperature). Increasing the temperature by 10 °C resulted in an increase in biovolume by 193% under a UVC (254 nm) intensity of ∼60 µW/cm2. We further fitted an existing intensity response model to the biofilm growth data and analyzed the effects of temperature on model parameters, which were consistent with a hypothesized shielding effect arising from the deposition of extracellular colloidal materials. The shielding effect was found to result in breakthrough behavior of irradiated biofilms after 48 h, wherein accumulation of shielding substances eventually enabled biofilm establishment at even relatively high irradiation intensities (102.3 µW/cm2). With respect to applications of UVC irradiation for biofilm prevention, these results imply that surfaces more prone to bacterial colonization require disproportionately higher-intensity UVC irradiation for prevention of biofilm establishment, and continuous surface irradiation may be inadequate as a sole intervention for biofilm prevention in many scenarios.
Ecological stoichiometry as a foundation for omics-enabled biogeochemical models of soil organic matter decomposition

Coupled biogeochemical cycles drive ecosystem ecology by influencing individual-to-community scale behaviors; yet the development of process-based models that accurately capture these dynamics remains elusive. Soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition in particular is influenced by resource stoichiometry that dictates microbial nutrient acquisition (‘ecological stoichiometry’). Despite its basis in biogeochemical modeling, ecological stoichiometry is only implicitly considered in high-resolution microbial investigations and the metabolic models they inform. State-of-science SOM decomposition models in both fields have advanced largely separately, but they agree on a need to move beyond seminal pool-based models. This presents an opportunity and a challenge to maximize the strengths of various models across different scales and environmental contexts. To address this challenge, we contend that ecological stoichiometry provides a framework for merging biogeochemical and microbiological models, as both explicitly consider substrate chemistries that are the basis of ecological stoichiometry as applied to SOM decomposition. We highlight two gaps that limit our understanding of SOM decomposition: (1) understanding how individual microorganisms alter metabolic strategies in response to substrate stoichiometry and (2) translating this knowledge to the scale of biogeochemical models. We suggest iterative information exchange to refine the objectives of high-resolution investigations and to specify limited dynamics for representation in large-scale models, resulting in a new class of omics-enabled biogeochemical models. Assimilating theoretical and modelling frameworks from different scientific domains is the next frontier in SOM decomposition modelling; advancing technologies in the context of stoichiometric theory provides a consistent framework for interpreting molecular data, and further distilling this information into tractable SOM decomposition models.
Dual-wavelength spectrophotometry: Part III. Determination of arsenazo I in arsenazo III

Abstract A simple rapid spectrophotometric method for the determination of arsenazo I in the presence of large amounts or arsenazo III by means or a dual-wavelength method is discussed. By proper selection of the combination of two wavelengths, γ1 = 502.0 nm and γ2 = 575.3 nm, arsenazo III can be masked instrumentally even when its concentration varies. By this method about 0.5– 40%of arsenazo I in arscnazo III can be determined very easily and accurately.
Disc electrophoresis (destaining, staining, protein recovery).

A device for quick destaining of polyacrylamide gel cylinders after staining with amido black has been described. The apparatus was also used to investigate the possibility of short-time staining and electrophoretic staining, permitting rapid orientation regarding protein distribution on the gel. The patterns obtained by electrophoretic staining are essentially equivalent to those obtained in regular staining procedures combined with electrophoretic destaining. The same apparatus in conjunction with a recovery cell was used to obtain a distribution pattern of LDH4 and MDH from a crude rat heart extract. This may be important for enzymes which cannot be detected by special stains.
UTERINE METAPLASIA AND PLASMA LEVELS OF VITAMIN A.

The relationship between vitamin A deficiency and estrogen as etiological agents of uterine stratified squamous metaplasia (keratinizing metaplasia) was studied using the rat. This is the initial attempt to correlate plasma levels of vitamin A with the uterine lesions. From the results the following conclusions can be drawn. Uterine metaplastic lesions which develop in estrogen-treated rats are not a result of generalized hypovitaminosis A, since plasma levels of vitamin A are not altered in animals treated with estrogen. Estrogen per se can cause uterine keratinizing metaplasia. The histopathologic lesions occur more frequently in vitamin Adeficient estrogenized rats having decreased plasma vitamin A levels as compared to rats with normal vitamin A intake. The two insults are complementary in producing epithelial metaplasia of the endometrium of the rat.
Assembly of lysosomes: perspectives from comparative molecular cell biology.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the assembly of lysosomes from a molecular cell biology perspective and discusses the molecular features of mature forms of lysosomal proteins and their relationship to the biosynthetic origin of the proteins. It also describes the biochemical concept of accessory proteins—such as receptors—for the targeting of lysosomal proteins to the organelle with the focus on the occurrence of pleiotropic mutations affecting the transport of newly synthesized lysosomal proteins and the effect of perturbation of intracellular pH on luminal and membrane protein localization to the lysosome. From these elements, a model for lysosome assembly and its relationship to secretory and endocytic pathways is developed. In this model, the assembly of the lysosomal membrane is considered as the primary event in defining the organelle. The lysosomal components are retained in lysosomes in the face of continuing endocytic trafficking and the process of lysosomal assembly regulation is reviewed. A range of organisms including Paramecium, Tetruhymena, Dictyostelium , yeast, and mammals are used in the experiment. The molecular level of proteins resident within vesicular carriers are selectively targeted to and retained within the lysosome.
How Children Learn to Learn Language

1. A Perspective 2. Primary Relationships and the Symbol Situation 3. Entering Language: The First Phase 4. Cognitive Bases of Language 5. Motion Events, Dynamic-Event Words, and the Transition to Verbs 6. Representational Play and Language 7. The Vocal Story: Forming Sounds into Words 8. Prelinguistic Communication: Grunts as a Gateway to Language 9. Dynamic Systems in Language Development and Language Production
Administering propagated metadata in large, multi-layer database systems

Enterprise databases comprise multiple local databases that exchange information. The component databases will rarely have the same native form, so one must map between the native interfaces of the data suppliers and the recipients. An SQL view is a convenient and powerful way to define this map, because it provides not just an evaluation mechanism, but also query, and (to some degree) update and trigger capabilities. However, SQL views do not map the critical metadata (e.g., security, source attribution, and quality information) between data suppliers and their recipients. The paper examines the research problems arising from the creation of a metadata propagation framework: a theory for inferring and reconciling metadata on views, rules for each property type and data derivation operator, efficient implementation, and ways to coordinate metadata administration across multiple schemas.
MK-801 Potentiates Ethanol’s Effects on Locomotor Activity in Mice

FAST vs. SLOW selected mouse lines and C57BL/6J (B6) vs. DBA/2J (D2) inbred strains differ in their sensitivities to ethanol's locomotor stimulant effects, and provide two unique sets of genetic animal models to study neurophysiological substrates of this behavior. To determine whether NMDA receptor function mediates sensitivity to ethanol's stimulant effects, we assessed the effects of the noncompetitive NMDA antagonist, MK-801, on locomotor activity of naive and ethanol-treated FAST, SLOW, B6, and D2 mice. MK-801 (0.01-0.5 mg/kg, I.P.) had biphasic effects in all genotypes, with stimulation at moderate doses and decreased activation at the highest dose. FAST mice were more activated by MK-801 than SLOW mice, suggesting that selection differentially altered NMDA receptor function between the lines. B6 and D2 mice did not differ in locomotor responses following MK-801 administration. Stimulant doses of MK-801 decreased or blocked ethanol-stimulated locomotor activity in FAST and D2 mice, and potentiated the locomotor depressant actions of ethanol in SLOW and B6 mice. Potentiation of ethanol's activating properties was observed in one treatment group in D2 mice. These data suggest that NMDA receptors modulate ethanol's stimulant properties, by a more significant involvement in expression of ethanol's locomotor depressant properties.
Object pose: perceiving 3-d shape as sticks and slabs.

Estimating the pose (three-dimensional orientation) of objects is an important aspect of 3-D shape perception. We studied the ability of observers to match the pose of the principal axes of an object with the pose of a cross consisting of three perpendicular axes. For objects, we used a long and a flat spheroid and eight symmetric objects with aspect ratios of dimensions of approximately 4:2:1. Stimulus cues were the contour and stereo for the spheroids, and contour, stereo, and shading for the symmetric objects. In addition, the spheroids were shown with or without surface texture and with or without active motion. Results show that observers can perform the task with standard deviations of a few degrees, though biases could be as large as 30o. The results can be naturally decomposed in viewer-centered coordinates, and it turns out that the estimation of orientation in the frontoparallel plane (tilt) is more precise than estimation of orientation in depth (slant, roll). A comparison of long and flat spheroids shows that sticks lead to better performance than do slabs. This can even be the case within the same object; the pose of the stick-like aspect is seen with more precision than is the pose of the slab-like aspect. The largest biases occurred when the spheroids were displayed with the binocular contour as the only cue. We can explain these biases by assuming that subjects' settings are influenced by the orientation of the rim.
caNanoLab – A Tool To Benefit Biomedical Nanomaterials Research

The cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory Web portal ("http://cananolab.nci.nih.gov/caNanoLab/welcome.do":http://cananolab.nci.nih.gov/caNanoLab/welcome.do) is designed to promote sharing of nanomedicine data and to provide support for the annotation of nanoparticles with information about their composition, function, and characterization. The project is a part of NCI cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG®), and includes a collaboration among the NCI Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT), the NCI Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL), and the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology.Currently, caNanolab contains nanomaterial data of 765 "public" samples. 18 samples were contributed by National Characterization Lab (USA), while the remaining 747 were submitted by a curator at Washington University in St. Louis from 114 publications. The curated samples include simple nanoparticles, such as emulsions, metal oxides, nanohorns, nanorods, polymers, quantum dots, as well as complex particles, such as dendriworms, which are conjugates of crosslinked dextran-coated iron oxide particles and dendrimers. Data submission involves curation of sample composing elements, their function (imaging, targeting, therapeutic), physico-chemical (size, molecular weight, surface/zeta potential, etc.) properties, and in vitro (cytotoxicity, blood contact,targeting/gene expression, etc.) characterizations, based on information provided in corresponding publications or obtained from the authors.caNanoLab also contributes to and utilizes resources of NanoParticle Ontology("http://www.nano-ontology.org":http://www.nano-ontology.org).
AFM and SEM characterization of iron oxide coated ceramic membranes

Alumina–zirconia–titania (AZT) ceramic membranes coated with iron oxide nanoparticles have been shown to improve water quality by significantly reducing the concentration of disinfection by-product precursors, and in the case of membrane filtration combined with ozonation, to reduce ozonation by-products such as aldehydes, ketones and ketoacids. Commercially available ceramic membranes with a nominal molecular weight cut-off of 5 kilodaltons (kD) were coated 20, 30, 40 or 45 times with sol suspension processed Fe2O3 nanoparticles having an average diameter of 4–6 nm. These coated membranes were sintered in air at 900 °C for 30 min. The effects of sintering and coating layer thickness on the microstructure of the ceramic membranes were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). AFM images show a decreasing roughness after iron oxide coating with an average surface roughness of ∼161 nm for the uncoated and ∼130 nm for the coated membranes. SEM showed that as the coating thickness increased, the microstructure of the coating changed from a fine grained (average grain size of ∼27 nm) morphology at 20 coating layers to a coarse grained (average grain size of ∼66 nm) morphology at 40 coating layers with a corresponding increase in the average pore size from ∼57 nm to ∼120 nm. Optimum water quality was achieved at 40 layers, which corresponds to a surface coating morphology consisting of a uniform, coarse-grained structure with open, nano-sized interconnected pores.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 56

Abstract Level schemes and decay characteristics are presented for all nuclei with mass number A = 56. Experimental data, adopted values, comparisons with theory, and arguments for spin and parity assignments are given. Inconsistencies and discrepancies in the level schemes are discussed. The adopted level and decay properties are based on data received before February 1969. Data received between February and September 1969 have been “Added in Proof.”
Pediatrician self-efficacy for counseling parents of asthmatic children to quit smoking.

Cabana MD, Rand C, Slish K, et al. Pediatrics . 2004;113:78–81 Although environmental tobacco smoke is a known risk factor for asthma exacerbations among children, pediatricians infrequently advise parents who smoke to discontinue smoking. It has been shown that high physician self-efficacy or self-confidence in the counseling of parents regarding smoking discontinuation is related to increased physician screening and counseling on this issue. It is unclear, however, which factors are associated with high physician self-efficacy …
Review: Teriparatide reduces fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis

Source Citation Han SL, Wan SL. Effect of teriparatide on bone mineral density and fracture in postmenopausal osteoporosis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2012;66:...
Exploring Fundamental Concepts in Aqueous Solution Conductivity: A General Chemistry Laboratory Exercise

Using a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, and a datalogger, fundamental factors that affect conductivity are explored. These factors are (i) concentration, (ii) temperature, (iii) ion charge, and (iv) size and or mass of anion. In addition, the conductivities of a number of other solutions are measured. This lab has been designed to provide students opportunities to construct knowledge.
Social Vulnerability and Hurricane Impact Modeling

Numerical hurricane loss and impact prediction models have become widely used as tools to determine property damages. To yield loss estimates, models often combine building stock, economic data, and vulnerability functions in an effort to relate wind and surges to expected damages. Within this framework, vulnerability refers only to damage or economic loss to physical structures. Societal factors influencing building exposure and damage are disregarded although research shows that growing populations, increased wealth, and demographic shifts in high hazard areas are partially responsible for increased loss during the past 25 years. This paper addresses this missing societal component in hurricane loss modeling by examining two questions: (1) to what extent can a quantified measure of social vulnerability be incorporated into numerical hurricane impact modeling to improve loss prediction; and (2) which indicators of social vulnerability explain spatial differences in impacts from the wind and storm surge hazards associated with hurricanes? The social vulnerability index was coupled with a surface wind analysis, a storm surge inundation model, and a damage database along Mississippi's Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. All components were input into a series of multiple regression analyses to explore the relationships between social vulnerability and hurricane impact. A relationship between social parameters, hurricane winds, storm surge inundation, and impact exists at both extensive and catastrophic levels of damage, and results reinforce the conclusions of earlier studies that illustrate the effects of social vulnerability on hurricane impacts.
Evidence based surgical management of endometriosis

Abstract The management approach to patients with pelvic endometriosis is multidimensional. One must consider several factors such as patient’s age, parity, extent of the disease, and menopausal status when planning treatment strategies. The main goals of therapy are targeted at symptom control and achieving fertility in women who so desire. Medical and/or surgical therapies can be considered in these patients. Individualized patient care is essential for the success of treatment. In this review, we focus our discussion on surgical approach strategies and the management of endometriosis with an emphasis on pain and fertility outcomes.
Bond Enhancement for FRP Pile Repair in Tidal Waters

Vacuum bagging and pressure bagging are established techniques used by the composites industry for fabricating components. This paper describes a study that explored the adaptation of these techniques for improving the FRP-concrete bond in the repair of partially submerged piles. Prototype vacuum bagging and pressure bagging systems were developed and bond improvement assessed from results of pullout tests on full size piles repaired under simulated tide in the laboratory. Pressure bagging gave better bond and was found to be simpler because it did not require an airtight seal. A field demonstration project was conducted in which pressure bagging was used in combination with two different GFRP systems to repair two corroding piles supporting the Friendship Trails Bridge across Tampa Bay. Inspection of the postcured wrap showed no evidence of air voids. The study demonstrates that techniques developed by the composites industry may be readily adapted to provide effective and inexpensive means for improving...
Computer Simulations as a Framework for Critical Thinking Instruction

Nowadays, the need for critical thinking instruction is being increasingly emphasized in order for students to function effectively inside and outside of school. In this regard, the present study was intended to illustrate how a computer simulation can be used to frame a critical-thinking lesson. For this purpose, a simulation was developed, which was designed to give students opportunities to exercise their decision-making skills and to evaluate the outcomes. Twenty-five fifth graders manipulated the simulation for two class periods. Subjects were given a short essay test before and after the simulation, which demanded that they use their critical thinking strategies. The results indicate that their thinking skills improved significantly after the simulation.
Observations of a Hurricane Katrina‐induced phytoplankton bloom in the Gulf of Mexico

[1] A combined dataset of ocean surface winds from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), the sea surface temperature (SST) from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer EOS (AMSR-E) on Aqua, and ocean color products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on Aqua are used to analyze physical, optical, and biological processes after Hurricane Katrina in the August of 2005. The atmospheric correction algorithm using shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands is employed for the MODIS ocean color data processing. A notable phytoplankton bloom centered at (24.4°N, 84°W) in the Gulf of Mexico is observed four days after Katrina's passing. There was no evidence of sediment re-suspension and transport from nearby locations into the bloom region. The phytoplankton bloom is attributed to the enhanced nutrient supply brought up by the wind-driven upwelling and vertical mixing, and is identified as the only source of observed changes in ocean optical and bio-optical properties.
On Coverage-Based Attack Profiles

Automated cyber attacks tend to be schedule and resource limited. The primary progress metric is often "coverage" of pre-determined "known" vulnerabilities that may not have been patched, along with possible zero-day exploits (if such exist). We present and discuss a hypergeometric process model that describes such attack patterns. We used web request signatures from the logs of a production web server to assess the applicability of the model.
Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Increases the Yield of Potatoes in a High P Soil

ABSTRACTArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are potentially important tools in agricultural systems that reduce or eliminate chemical inputs common in modem agriculture. We tested the response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Superior) to inoculation with AM fungi in a field with very high available P (375 μg g−l soil) in two growing seasons. Inoculation treatments included a commercially available inoculum containing Glomus intraradices, mixed species inocula produced on-farm in mixtures of compost and vermiculite, and a control treatment consisting of a freshly prepared compost and vermiculite mixture. In addition, two farming systems were imposed: conventional chemical fertilizers or dairy manure composted with leaves were applied to meet recommended nutrient requirements. Yields of tubers on a fresh weight basis in the first year were significantly increased by AM fungus inoculum, 33% under conventional fertilizer application and 45% with compost addition vs. controls in each system. The response to ...
Interview mit Prof. Kerstin Schill, Professorin an der Universität Bremen

Kerstin Schill ist Leiterin der Forschungsgruppe Kognitive Neuroinformatik an der Universitat Bremen. In der Arbeitsgruppe werden biologisch inspirierte hybride wissensbasierte Systeme entwickelt, die neuronale und kognitive Verarbeitungsprozesse integrieren. Frau Schill hat Informatik an der TU Munchen studiert und war dann Leiterin der Arbeitsgruppe „Computational Intelligence“ an der LMU. Sie ubernahm die Professur fur „Kognitive Neuroinformatik“ an der Universitat Bremen und war Stellvertretende Sprecherin der Fachgruppe KI der GI. Sie ist seit 2011 Dekanin des Fachbereichs Informatik/Mathematik an ihrer Universitat.
Estimation of two-phase petroleum reservoir properties by regularization

Abstract An algorithm is developed, based on the theory of regularization and on spline approximation, to estimate the absolute permeability in two-phase petroleum reservoirs from noisy well pressure data. The regularization feature of the algorithm converts the ill-posed estimation problem to a well-posed one. The algorithm, which employs the partial conjugate gradient method of Nazareth as its core minimization technique, automatically chooses the regularization parameter based on the non-regularized estimation. It is shown that regularized estimation is more stable and insensitive to the choice of initial guess as compared to non-regularized conventional estimation.
Double heterostructure Ga 0.47 In 0.53 As MESFETs with submicron gates

MESFETs with GA 0.47 In 0.53 As active channel grown by MBE on InP substrates were successfully fabricated. Thin layers of MBE grown Al 0.48 In 0.52 As seperated both the single crystal aluminum gate from the active channel and the active channel from the InP substrate so raising the Schottky barrier height of the gate and confining the electrons to the channel. The MESFETs with 0.6µm long gates and gate-to-source separations of 0.8 um exhibited an average g m of 135 mS mm-1of gate width for V ds = 2V and V g = 0. This is higher than that reported for GaAs MESFETs with a similar geometry in spite of the intermediate layer between the gate metal and the active layer.
Glycine reductase selenoprotein A is not a glycoprotein: the positive periodic acid-Schiff reagent test is the result of peptide bond cleavage and carbonyl group generation.

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence of Clostridium sticklandii selenoprotein A, a selenocysteine-containing protein component of the glycine reductase complex, has been established. Both the intact protein and peptide fragments produced by Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease or trypsin were purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and subjected to electrospray ionization mass spectrometric analysis and standard Edman degradation. Selenoprotein A consists of 157 amino acids with a chemical molecular weight of 17,011, in reasonable agreement with the observed molecular weight (17,022.7) determined from its ionization mass spectrum. The sequence of the amino-terminal region of the isolated native protein is Ser-Arg-Phe-Thr-Gly-Lys- Lys-Ile-Val-Ile-Ile-Gly-Asp-Arg-Asp-. An N-terminal methionine residue deduced from the gene sequence was not present. Although selenoprotein A reacted positively in a glycoprotein stain when using either the periodic acid-Schiff reagent procedure or a commercial glycan detection kit, no saccharide was detected by carbohydrate analyses after acid hydrolysis or methanolysis. Identity of the amino acid sequence determined by analysis with that deduced from the gene sequence is further evidence of the absence of bound carbohydrate.
Stress, coping and health: enhancing well-being during medical school

Medical education can be a health hazard for many students, and far-reaching reforms are needed to improve it. This article reviews the literature on stress, coping and health during undergraduate medical education. The conclusions drawn from this review are used as a basis for advancing recommendations to improve medical education. It is essential to incorporate the principles of health promotion and disease prevention throughout medical education in order to minimize and prevent later burn-out and impairment. Healthy medical students are likely to become healthy doctors who can then model and promote healthy lifestyles with their patients. This preventive approach to health care can lead to an improvement in our health care delivery system.
Where Does Public Service Motivation Count the Most in Government Work Environments? A Preliminary Empirical Investigation and Hypotheses

Recent research has demonstrated that public service motivation (PSM) is positively associated with the compatibility that public employees have to public organizations. However, the person–work en...
Facile synthesis of multifullerene-OPE hybrids via in situ ethynylation.

A series of fullerene-terminated oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s (OPEs) (1a−d and 2) have been synthesized and further characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV−vis spectroscopy. The key step in the syntheses is an effective one-pot reaction that allows the attachment of C60 to multiple terminal alkynes.
Age and parity influences on maternal mortality: United States 1919-1969.

Comparisons of crude and standardized rates of maternal mortality show that changes in age and parity distributions of births had some influence on maternal mortality trends for the years 1919–1969 in the United States. Changes in the age and parity distributions of births for cohorts of U.S. women also influenced crude cohort maternal mortality rates to some extent.
Histology of loop electrosurgical excision procedures performed on women younger than 21 years and 65 years or older.

Objective. To examine the prevalence and histology of loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEPs) done on women who are outside the age limits of the updated guidelines for cervical cytologic screening. Materials and Methods. A database of all LEEPs performed between October 2004 and November 2009 was created. All data on age, human immunodeficiency virus status, cytology and histology before the procedure, and histology of the LEEP specimen were collected. Results. There were 939 LEEPs performed during the study period, and data on 64 cases were excluded because of inadequate information. Fifty-four LEEPs were performed on women who were either younger than 21 years and those 65 years or older. All LEEPs were performed under traditionally accepted indications, except for 1 LEEP, which was excluded. None of the women gave a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection, and none of the older women had a history of abnormal cervical cytologic result before the index case. Of the procedures performed on the adolescents, 24 demonstrated high-grade lesions on LEEP (51.1%). Of the 6 procedures performed on older women, 4 LEEP specimens demonstrated high-grade lesions (66.7%). There were no cancers. Conclusions. We treated many women with LEEP excision who would not have been screened using current 2009 guidelines. Most of these women had high-grade lesions. The new guidelines may not be applicable to all population groups.
Pulling together: an integrated model of Toxoplasma cell invasion

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii invades a wide array of animal cells using an actin/myosin-based motor complex to drive active penetration. This broad specificity implies that the parasite has developed a means of using a widely expressed receptor, many different receptors, or perhaps a receptor produced by T. gondii itself. Recently, there has been an explosion in identification of the molecules involved, including those that comprise the 'moving junction' that slides over the parasite as it invades. The emerging model is that invasion comprises at least seven steps that progressively increase the parasite's grip on the host surface, form the moving junction and enlist the motor complex to drive entry. These recent findings have led to new hypotheses regarding the parasite's broad host-specificity.
An integrated DC SQUID cascade

An integrated tunnel junction dc SQUID cascade has been built and some of its operating characteristics measured. It is shown for the first time that good modulation can be achieved with a remote termination for the tunnel junction shunts. Response time of one of the SQUID's in the cascade was measured to be better than 5 nanoseconds. Maintenance of this high speed is an advantage of the cascade arrangement over other schemes for matching and reading-out dc tunnel junction SQUID's. True cascade operation was not obtained, due to coupling of Josephson oscillations from the first Stage of the cascade to the second.
Cerebral hemodynamics in ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

During the past decade, technological advances have made it possible to measure regional cerebral hemodynamics in individual patients. Studies performed with these techniques have demonstrated that the degree of carotid stenosis correlates poorly with the hemodynamic status of the ipsilateral cerebral circulation. The primary determinant of cerebral perfusion pressure and blood flow under these circumstances is the adequacy of collateral circulatory pathways. Since collateral circulation varies from patient to patient, there is no critical degree of carotid stenosis that consistently produces hemodynamic compromise of the cerebral circulation. It is, thus, time to abandon the concept of the hemodynamically significant carotid stenosis as it relates to the pathogenesis and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. Measurement of regional cerebral hemodynamics have provided new insight into the pathogenesis of tranisent ischemic attacks and generated some preliminary data on the prognostic and therapeutic importance of chronic reductions in regional cerebral perfusion pressure. Further investigations into the importance of hemodynamic factors in ischemic stroke can now be based on accurate assessment of cerebral (not carotid or vertebrobasilar) hemodynamics in the context of other coexisting epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and angiographic risk factors.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Interactions with Glutathione and S-Hexylglutathione

Abstract Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been reported to interact with glutathione andS-hexylglutathione and to possess glutathioneS-transferase activity. However, contrary to these reports, a recent NMR study concluded that MIF shows no affinity for glutathione. Re-examination of the glutathione-MIF interactions indicates that the reported increase in fluorescence upon addition of glutathione is because of pH-induced unfolding of the protein and not to any direct interactions. Circular dichroism shows that MIF remains folded from pH 4.5–7.5 but is 50% unfolded at pH 2.9 ± 0.2. The reported increase in fluorescence can be achieved by acid titration. Under strongly buffered conditions, no fluorescence change is observed upon addition of glutathione. In contrast to the results with glutathione, MIF binds S-hexylglutathione with aK d of 2.5 ± 0.6 mm. Using NMR spectroscopy, a binding site which clusters around the N-terminal proline was identified. These data indicate that the binding site forS-hexylglutathione is the same as the catalytic site for the dopachrome tautomerase activity of MIF. Consequently, the binding of S-hexylglutathione as well as hexanethiol inhibits this catalytic activity.