cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical coding technology for simultaneous detection of multiple DNA targets.

Nucleic-acid hybridization assays based on the use of different inorganic-colloid (quantum dots) nanocrystal tracers for the simultaneous electrochemical measurements of multiple DNA targets are described. Three encoding nanoparticles (zinc sulfide, cadmium sulfide, and lead sulfide) are used to differentiate the signals of three DNA targets in connection to stripping-voltammetric measurements of the heavy metal dissolution products. These products yield well-defined and resolved stripping peaks at −1.12 V (Zn), −0.68 V (Cd), and −0.53 V (Pb) at the mercury-coated glassy-carbon electrode (vs Ag/AgCl reference). The position and size of these peaks reflect the identity and level of the corresponding DNA target. The multi-target detection capability is coupled to the amplification feature of stripping voltammetry (to yield femtomole detection limits) and with an efficient magnetic removal of nonhybridized nucleic acids to offer high sensitivity and selectivity. The protocol is illustrated for the simultaneo...
Transforming LR(k) Grammars to LR(1), SLR(1), and (1,1) Bounded Right-Context Grammars

A method is presented for directly transforming an arbitrary LR(k) grammar to an equivalent LR(1) grammar. It is further shown that the method transforms an arbitrary prefix-free LR(k) grammar to an equivalent LR(0) grammar. It is argued that the method is efficient and offers some advantages over traditional “look-ahead” parsing methods. Finally, it is demonstrated that the method can be used to transform an LR(1) grammar to an equivalent SLR(1) grammar, which in turn can be easily transformed to an equivalent (1, 1) bounded right-context grammar.
Biosynthesis of Neutral Glucocerebroside Homologues in the Absence of Myelin Assembly After Nerve Transection

The biosynthesis of myelin-associated glycolipids during various stages of myelination was studied by in vitro incorporation of [3H]Gal, [3H]Glc, or [35S]sulfate into the endoneurium of rat sciatic nerve. In the normal adult nerve, where the level of myelin assembly is substantially reduced and Schwann cells are principally involved in maintaining the existing myelin membrane, [3H]Gal was primarily incorporated into monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and the galactocerebrosides (GalCe) with lower levels of incorporation into the sulfatides. Such incorporation was enhanced 35 days after crush injury of the adult rat sciatic nerve, which is characterized by active myelin assembly. In contrast, at 35 days after permanent nerve transection where there is no axonal regeneration or myelin assembly, the incorporation of [3H]Gal or [3H]Glc into GalCe was nearly undetected whereas the incorporation of [3H]Gal into MGDG was completely inhibited. Instead, the 3H-labeled glycolipids in transected nerve were identified as the glucocerebrosides (GlcCe) and oligohexosylceramide derivatives with tetrahexosylceramide being a major product. In contrast, [35S]sulfate was incorporated into endo-neurial sulfatides in the transected nerve, which suggests that endogenous GalCe rather than newly synthesized GalCe served as the substrate for the sulfotransferase reaction. The GlcCe homologues are not considered as constituents of the myelin membrane but are likely plasma membrane components synthesized in the absence of myelin assembly. It is likely that the cells responsible for GlcCe biosynthesis are Schwann cells, since they comprise 90% of the total endoneurial cell area in the distal nerve segment at 35 days after transection. The biosynthesis of these GlcCe homologues, therefore, may represent the phenotypic expression of Schwann cells in the absence of myelin assembly and axonal contact.
Assessing adaptive style in children: Concordance of different classification approaches

Abstract Research on the adaptive style paradigm in children lacks a single, dominant approach to classification. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate concordance among several adaptive style classification approaches. Participants included 130 children with cancer and 368 healthy control children. Children completed multiple defensiveness and distress measures and were assigned to adaptive style categories (repressor, high anxious, low anxious, defensive-high anxious) according to four methodological approaches. The partial–longitudinal study design allowed for assessment of stability for two approaches. Concordance among approaches was moderate. Stability of classification was moderate, and using an anger measure in lieu of an anxiety measure yielded greater stability. These findings reveal general comparability among measurement approaches in terms of inter-approach concordance, and they highlight the need to further address the reliability and predictive validity of adaptive style in children.
Space Station Freedom flight operations in support of exploration missions

The operational requirements on Space Station Freedom (SSF) for supporting the Lunar Phase of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) are examined, and a concept is developed for carrying out these operations. Attention is given to the types of events and tasks that must be performed on the SSF to process the lunar vehicles, as well as to resources required for the SSF and the methods of meeting the operational requirements of the lunar missions. Critical technology areas and needs that must be addressed to enable lunar missions are also discussed.
Baculoviruses: sophisticated pathogens of insects.

The baculoviruses (family: Baculoviridae) are a group of large DNA viruses that infect insects. These viruses are well known for their utility and versatility as gene expression vectors, biological pesticides, and vectors for transduction of mammalian cells [1]–[3]. However, baculoviruses are much more than just useful laboratory tools. The rich and fascinating biology associated with these viruses provides many interesting examples of virus-host interactions and virus modification of host processes. While a few known baculoviruses infect larval mosquitoes or sawflies, the large majority of them infect caterpillars, the larval stages of insects from the order Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). Baculoviruses typically have narrow host ranges, often limited to just one or a few related insect species, although the most intensely studied member of the family, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), is able to infect as many as 30 species from several lepidopteran genera. Baculovirus nucleocapsids are rod-shaped and surrounded by an envelope, and they contain circular genomes of double-stranded DNA that range in size from about 80–180 kbp in length. Similar to other large DNA viruses, baculoviruses encode numerous accessory genes with roles in manipulating cellular processes such as the cell cycle and apoptosis [4], [5], as well as host physiology and behavior (see below). However, an unusual feature of baculoviruses is that they produce two distinct types of enveloped virions: occlusion-derived virions (ODV), which are embedded in large (5–10 micron) protein crystals called occlusion bodies and are responsible for horizontal transmission between insects, and budded virions (BV), which spread infection from cell to cell (Figure 1). Furthermore, baculoviruses are the only known nuclear-replicating DNA viruses that encode a DNA-directed RNA polymerase, which is used to transcribe the viral late and very late genes, and is also utilized to express foreign genes in the baculovirus expression vector system. Here, we discuss some recent and exciting developments in the baculovirus field; for a comprehensive review of baculoviruses, see [6]. Figure 1 A typical baculovirus replication cycle.
Quantification of Changes in Chemical Pesticide Human Health Risk Following the Introduction of Bt Cotton and Herbicide-tolerant Soybean: A Case Study

ABSTRACT Human health risks associated with changes in synthetic chemical pesticide use following the introduction of genetically modified crops are quantified in this article. Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) cotton and herbicide-tolerant (HT) soybean, two genetically modified crops, were chosen as the focus for this study based on their global popularity. An innovative multimedia total exposure model, CalTOX, was used to calculate the health risks for two target populations, before and after the introduction of Bt cotton and HT soybean. Major results include the quantification of incremental lifetime cancer risk based on a time-weighted average exposure, and the quantification of hazard ratios for non-cancer effects based on the maximum exposure rate value, both computed over the exposure duration. Results show that human health risks are not intuitively and necessarily reduced with the reduction of pesticide use. For example, more trifluralin was used after the introduction of HT soybeans in Iowa and Minn...
The acute effects of smokeless tobacco on central aortic blood pressure and wave reflection characteristics

The main objectives of this study were to examine the acute effect of a single dose of smokeless tobacco (ST) on central aortic blood pressure and wave reflection characteristics. Fifteen apparently healthy male subjects (aged 30.6 ± 6.2 y) were given a 2.5 g oral dose of ST after baseline measurements were recorded. Pulse wave analysis using radial artery applanation tonometry was performed in triplicate at baseline (0 min) and at 10-min intervals during (10, 20 and 30 min) and after (40, 50 and 60 min) ST use. An acute dose of ST was associated with a significant increase in heart rate (HR), central aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressure, peripheral brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and aortic augmentation index normalized to a fixed heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx@75). Furthermore, ejection duration and round trip travel time of the reflected pressure wave (Δtp) were significantly decreased as a result of one time ST use. As a result of changes in aortic pressure wave reflection character...
‘Time-to-build’ completion patterns for nonresidential structures, 1961–1991

Abstract Using extensive government survey data, ‘completion patterns’ are derived for US nonresidential structures over the period 1961–1991. Value-weighted construction periods average five to six quarters, with enough variation over time to undermine somewhat the interpretation of ‘time-to-build’ parameters as ‘structural’ in nature. The rapid time path of completions raises some questions about lengthy investment-spending lags typically estimated in econometric studies.
Structure-Function Relationships for Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by Molecular [Mn12O12] Clusters.

A series of Mn12O12(OAc)16–xLx(H2O)4 molecular clusters (L = acetate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, diphenylphosphonate, dichloroacetate) were electrocatalytically investigated as water oxidation electrocatalysts on a fluorine-doped tin oxide glass electrode. Four of the [Mn12O12] compounds demonstrated water oxidation activity at pH 7.0 at varying overpotentials (640–820 mV at 0.2 mA/cm2) and with high Faradaic efficiency (85–93%). For the most active complex, more than 200 turnovers were observed after 5 min. Two structure–function relationships for these complexes were developed. First, these complexes must undergo at least one-electron oxidation to become active catalysts, and complexes that cannot be oxidized in this potential window were inactive. Second, a greater degree of distortion at Mn1 and Mn3 centers correlated with higher catalytic activity. From this distortion analysis, either or both of these two Mn centers are proposed to be the catalytically active site.
State-to-state rotational and electronic collisional relaxation study of nitric oxide

Abstract Presented are direct measurements of initial and final state specific absolute collisional relaxation rates between the spin-orbit states and the rotational states of NO.
Efficient Terahertz Room-Temperature Photonic Crystal Laser

Summary form only given. Photonic crystals (PCs) allow unprecedented control over radiative properties of embedded emitters. High-Q cavities defined in PCs confine photons to small volume, enabling strong light-matter interaction. Lasers in particular stand to gain considerably through decreased lasing threshold, modulation rate, cost, form factor, and device integration. We discuss a THz-modulation photonic crystal laser in a GaAs membrane. The device draws on a multiple quantum well (MQW) gain medium that was surface-passivated using a (NH4)S treatment to reduce nonradiative recombination losses. The increased efficiency alleviates heating problems and allows room temperature operation in pulsed mode, showing extremely fast pulses with FWHM detector in the THz regime and ultra-low-threshold (< 5muW) continuous-wave (CW) lasing at low temperature.
Bias in Population Estimates of Long‐Term Exposure from Short‐Term Measurements of Individual Exposure

A population's long-term exposure distribution for a specified compound is typically estimated from short-term measurements of a sample of individuals from the population of interest. In this situation, estimates of a population's long-term exposure parameters contain two sources of sampling error: the typical sampling error associated with taking a sample from the population and the sampling error from estimating individual long-term exposure. These components are not separable in the data collected, i.e., the value observed is due partly to the individual sampled and partly to the time at which the individual was sampled. Hence, the distribution of the data collected is not the same as the population exposure distribution. Monte Carlo simulations are used to compare the distribution of the observed data with the population exposure distribution for a simple additive model. A simple adjustment to standard estimates of percentiles and quantils is shown to be effective in reducing bias particularly for the upper percentiles and quantils of the population distribution.
Direct measurement of nanofluxes and structural relaxations of perfluorinated ionomer membranes by scanning probe microscopy

Abstract This nanorheological study addresses the water transport hindrance in perfluorinated ionomer membranes (Nafion ® H + form) in conjunction with structural relaxation properties of the polymer matrix. A low-temperature relaxation of the “dry” Nafion ® matrix at 79 °C, about 35 °C below the glass transition temperature, was found to be responsible for a steady improvement of the water transport above 70 °C. The low-temperature structural transition at 79 °C was observed for the dehydrated membrane, and thus, is specific to the polymer matrix and not a sole consequence of the kinetics of the solvent-containing aggregates within the apolar perfluorocarbon matrix. Water was found to be trapped within a hydrated perfluorinated ionomer membrane below 70 °C. The direct observation of water transport is possible with a novel scanning force microscopy (SFM) method, flux-lateral force microscopy (F-LFM). With this technique, local fluid permeation fluxes are directly obtained at the membrane downstream surface. The structural transition properties were acquired by another highly sensitive nanoscopic technique, shear modulation force microscopy (SM-FM).
Mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate activator protein-1-dependent human inducible nitric-oxide synthase promoter activation.

Inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) is an important signaling protein involved in the regulation of biological processes (e.g. vasodilation, inflammation) and is subject to transcriptional regulation by cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Full activation of the human iNOS (hiNOS) promoter by cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)) required downstream and upstream nuclear factor-κB (−115, −8283) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) (−5115, −5301) transcription factor binding sites. Human lung epithelial (A549) cells were transiently transfected with luciferase reporter plasmids containing an 8.3-kilobase human iNOS promoter to examine the molecular signaling events necessary for hiNOS transcriptional activation. The combination of LPS and IFN-γ, but neither alone, increased hiNOS promoter activity 28-fold, in a reaction requiring two critical AP-1 (JunD·Fra-2) promoter binding sites. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were assessed as potential activators of AP-1 and the hiNOS promoter. Both pharmacological and molecular inhibitors of the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) and p38 pathways reduced cytokine mixture (CM)- and LPS/IFN-γ-induced promoter activation. By gel retardation analysis, the addition of MAP/ERK kinase-1 and p38 inhibitors significantly diminished AP-1 binding in both CM- and LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated cells. Thus, p38- and ERK-dependent pathways, through effects on the AP-1 complex, activate the hiNOS promoter in cells stimulated with CM or LPS/IFN-γ.
Results from the nuclear microprobe PIXE analysis of selected rare earth fluor compounds

Most previous research measures fluorescence properties over the macroscopic regime. Properties of individual microscopic grains could be significantly different than those measured over the macroscopic scale. Until recently, it was difficult to measure properties of individual fluor grains. Existing characterization techniques like scanning electron microscopy are not practical, since the resulting fluorescence masks the electron surface profile. Starting in September 2000, a research program was initiated at the Acadiana Research Laboratory to determine microscopic fluorescence properties for selected inorganic rare earth compounds. The initial phase of this program utilized microscopic proton induced X-ray emission (μPIXE) to characterize the elemental composition of individual fluor grains. Results show that both individual grains and small clusters of grains could be seen using μPIXE. Maps of this type can be used to estimate grain dimensions for the selected rare earth fluor. This technique is a new and innovative method to characterize a fluor material.
Religious Involvement, Practical Wisdom, and Self-Rated Health.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to see if the social life in religious institutions is associated with practical wisdom and if practical wisdom is, in turn, associated with better health. Method: Interviews were conducted with a nationwide sample of people aged 50 and older (N = 1,154). A new measure of practical wisdom was developed. Results: Support is found for the following relationships: (1) people who go to church more often will receive more spiritual support from fellow church members, (2) individuals who get more spiritual support at church will have greater wisdom, (3) greater wisdom is associated with a stronger sense of hope, and (4) hopeful people have better self-rated health. Discussion: The findings suggest that practical wisdom may have social roots and practical wisdom may be associated with self-rated health in middle and late-life.
Adaptation and Renewal of the Gastrointestinal Surgeon to Meet the Continuous Challenge of Modern Gastroenterology

The treatment of gastrointestinal diseases has entered into a period of rapid evolution. Gastroenterology has in the last 50 years evolved into a major speciality, covering not only complex clinical and diagnostic areas, but inclusive of sophisticated investigative work and major therapeutic endoscopic technology. Unfortunately, the evolution of gastrointestinal surgery has lagged behind. The scope of the gastrointestinal surgeon has become more limited, as potent pharmacotherapeutic probes, invasive radiological techniques and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic advances have been implemented. The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques has introduced a new era in surgical management. However, the establishment of new training programs and the acquisition of skills requiring the acquisition of costly equipment are major issues which surgical departments need to address. A novel training and programmatic configuration for the group of physicians involved in the management of gastrointestin...
Shape sensitivity analysis and design studies for CAD flume sections

This paper presents shape design sensitivity analysis (DSA) and design studies for recreational waterslides represented in computer-aided design (CAD) environment. The mathematical representations of a number of commonly used flume sections that serve as the building blocks for waterslide configurations are created in CAD tools. Geometric dimensions of the individual sections that affect not only their geometric shape but also the overall configurations are identified as design variables. These design variables can be varied to search for better design alternatives, for example, safer waterslides. A set of coupled differential equations based on Lagrange’s equations of motion that describe the motion of the riding object are derived. The equations of motion incorporate friction forces between the riding object and the surface of the flume sections. These second-order differential equations are then solved using Mathematica. Based on the equations of motion and design variables identified, a set of differential equations are derived for calculating shape DSA coefficients. These equations are solved numerically again using Mathematica. The major contribution of the paper are (1) extending waterslide design parameterization and shape DSA computation to true CAD-based flume sections, which greatly alleviates the design for manufacturing issues previously encountered, (2) incorporating friction forces into shape DSA computation, and (3) developing a design scenario that includes sensitivity display and what-if studies for a compromised design that is safer and with a larger acceleration, therefore, higher excitement levels. Incorporating friction forces into the computation supports design for rider’s excitement levels, which are related to accelerations. Waterslide design will not be realistic without including friction forces.
Integrated damping parameter and control design in structural systems for $\bf{\mathcal{H}^2}$ and ${\mathcal{H}^{\infty}}$ specifications

The paper presents a linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based approach for the simultaneous optimal design of output feedback control gains and damping parameters in structural systems with collocated actuators and sensors. The proposed integrated design is based on simplified $\mathcal{H}^2$ and $\mathcal{H}^{\infty}$ norm upper bound calculations for collocated structural systems. Using these upper bound results, the combined design of the damping parameters of the structural system and the output feedback controller to satisfy closed-loop $\mathcal{H}^2$ or $\mathcal{H}^{\infty}$ performance specifications is formulated as an LMI optimization problem with respect to the unknown damping coefficients and feedback gains. Numerical examples motivated from structural and aerospace engineering applications demonstrate the advantages and computational efficiency of the proposed technique for integrated structural and control design. The effectiveness of the proposed integrated design becomes apparent, especially in very large scale structural systems where the use of classical methods for solving Lyapunov and Riccati equations associated with $\mathcal{H}^2$ and $\mathcal{H}^{\infty}$ designs are time-consuming or intractable.
University of San Diego palynological investigation of the Dos Cabezas giants

Beginning in 1999, coprolite soil samples were collected from the skeletal remains of Moche giants excavated at the archaeological site of Dos Cabezas, northern Peru. In 2000, a pilot palynological study was undertaken to ascertain if pollen was recoverable from them. The results of this study encouraged us to form a student team to continue the laboratory research. It was also decided to sample as many of the excavated skeletal remains from the giants' tombs as possible. Following the 2001 field season a palynological study was performed on the three individuals (one adult giant and two children) recovered from Tomb 3 in 1999. Pollen was extracted and analysed. The combined results of this archaeobotanical study are significant and in one instance have led us into insights into the possible causes of death of these three contemporaneous internments. This report represents only the preliminary results of this ongoing research. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated nitrocellulose enhances and directs the regeneration of adult rat dorsal root axons through intraspinal neural tissue transplants

Abstract Severed adult rat dorsal roots were apposed to an intraspinal transplant of fetal spinal cord (FSC) tissue co-grafted with nerve growth factor (NGF)-treated nitrocellulose strips. Axonal regrowth from the injured roots was assessed by calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactivity (CGRP-IR). Dense fascicles of regenerating CGRP-IR axons lined the entire length of NGF-treated nitrocellulose, with many crossing the graft host interface ventrally to extend into the host neuropil. In contrast, CGRP-IR axon regrowth was not promoted by untreated nitrocellulose implants. These results indicate that substrate bound NGF can promote and direct the intraspinal regeneration of a specific population of dorsal root axons.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes and Pharmaceutical Care in the Treatment of Dyslipidemias in Adults

ABSTRACT Objective To review each therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) component listed in the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) cholesterol guidelines and discuss how the guidelines can be used by pharmacists in the treatment of patients with dyslipidemias. Data Sources Published guidelines and abstracts identified through PubMed (May 1987–March 2004), Medline (January 1966–March 2004), using the search terms cholesterol, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, diet, saturated fats, unsaturated fats, trans-fatty acids, overweight, obese, exercise, physical activity, program adherence, and guidelines ; as well as the NCEP ATP III guidelines, the 2004 ATP III update, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Obesity Guidelines, and Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Study Selection Performed manually by author. Data Extraction Performed manually by author. Data Synthesis TLC components are recommended in the NCEP ATP III guidelines for treatment of patients with dyslipidemias independent of medication use. Dietary modifications are the primary focus of TLC therapy. Saturated fat intake should be limited to less than 7% of total caloric intake and trans-fatty acid intake should be low for patients with dyslipidemias. Persons who are overweight or obese with dyslipidemias should reduce body weight through a combination of physical activity, total calorie reduction, and behavior therapy modifications. Conclusion Pharmacists, given the proper training, can be effective at offering preventive pharmaceutical care for decreasing high blood cholesterol and the risk for coronary heart disease through patient counseling on TLC components as well as drug therapy in patients with dyslipidemias.
Modeling the Fermi arc in underdoped cuprates.

Angle resolved photoemission data in the pseudogap phase of underdoped cuprates have revealed the presence of a truncated Fermi surface consisting of Fermi arcs. We compare a number of proposed models for the arcs and find that the one that best models the data is a $d$-wave energy gap with a lifetime broadening whose temperature dependence is suggestive of fluctuating pairs.
Global Positioning System Integer Ambiguity Resolution Using Factorized Least-Squares Techniques

Factorized methods are developed for rapid solution of integer least-squares problems that arise when resolving Global Positioning System carrier cycle ambiguities. Such algorithms can enhance batch estimators and Kalman filters that use carrier-phase differential Global Positioning System data for relative spacecraft position estimation or for attitude determination. The solution of mixed real/integer linear least-squares problems is reviewed, and new algorithms are developed to speed the solution of the integer part of such problems. One new algorithm generates a candidate set of integer vectors that is bounded by an ellipsoid and that is guaranteed to contain the solution. Once generated, this set is searched by brute force to find the integer optimum. The set generator is based on the principle of backsubstitution for upper-triangular linear systems. Two new preconditioning algorithms are developed based on a principle of least-squares ambiguity decorrelation adjustment that seeks an increasing order in the magnitudes of the diagonal elements of the problem's upper-triangular square-root information matrix. These new algorithms decrease computation times in comparison to their nearest competitors by factors ranging from 2 to 4 for a random set of problems that have between 11 and 50 integer unknowns.
Bacteraemia from an unrecognized source (occult bacteraemia) occurring during Clostridium difficile infection.

AbstractBackground: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if disruption of the colonic epithelium during Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with bacteraemia due to secondary bacterial invasion by enteric organisms. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 505 randomly selected individuals from a database of patients who tested positive for C. difficile toxin and identified bacteraemias that occurred in 2 periods—the pre-CDI and post-CDI periods. Medical records were reviewed to determine a source for each case of bacteraemia. Staphylococcal bacteraemias were excluded from the analysis. Results: In the pre-CDI period, 28 of 505 (5.5%) patients had non-staphylococcal bacteraemia. A focus of infection was found in 24 of 28 (85.7%) cases. During CDI, 30 of 505 (5.9%) patients had non-staphylococcal bacteraemia; in the majority (19 cases, 63.3%) a focus of infection was not identified (p < 0.001). In the pre-CDI period, 16 of 28 (57.1%) blood cultures yielded Gram-negative path...
Child psychiatry education in early child development: Description of a training program

Career training in child psychiatry, though provided from a developmental perspective, often lacks opportunity for directly observing normally developing infants. This paper describes a training program in which child psychiatry fellows, in collaboration with residents in pediatrics, follow a young couple and their first child from the third trimester of pregnancy through infancy and early childhood. Case illustrations and discussion of approximately 10 years' experience demonstrate how the program can enhance understanding of normal child development, development of the nuclear family, liaison between child psychiatrist and pediatrician and early detection of psychopathology in infants.
The dark legacy of FC

In this paper of the EBP Speaker's Corner, the former producer of the FRONTLINE report “Prisoners of Silence, “reacts to the perspectives paper by Janyce Boynton, entitled “Facilitated Communication – what harm it can do: Confessions of a former facilitator” (Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 6(1), 3–13). Source of funding: No source of funding reported. Jon Palfreman, a 2006 Nieman Fellow, is KEZI Distinguished Professor of Broadcast Journalism at the University of Oregon. A veteran of both UK and US television, he has made more than 40 BBC and PBS one-hour documentaries, including the Peabody Award-winning series The Machine That Changed the World, the Emmy Award-winning NOVA program Siamese Twins, and the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton winner Harvest of Fear. In 1993, he produced the FRONTLINE report Prisoners of Silence, which helped to expose Facilitated Communication.
Interaction of UV laser light with wide band gap materials: Mechanisms and effects

Abstract The optical response of materials to light irradiation can be classified into two broad classes: intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic effects, which are associated with the presence of impurities and structural defects in the material, are commonly invoked and demonstrated in insulators. At variance with semiconductors, insulators have a band gap that largely exceeds photon energies in the ultraviolet (UV) range. The interaction mechanisms responsible for the production of free carriers and defects in UV laser irradiated ceramics are discussed. The surface modifications that take place when the coupling between a ceramic and UV radiation results in heat generation are analyzed using Al2O3 as a model ceramic material. On the other hand, lack of heat evolution upon laser irradiation makes SiO2 not amenable to surface modification effects similar to those produced in Al2O3. This lack of heat evolution, however, permits the use of laser irradiation for encapsulating metallic particles.
Theoretical considerations of density-dependent spacing of a mound-building ant (Formica altipetens)

Nests of the mound-building ant, Formica altipetens (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), exhibit a pattern of density-dependent spacing. This pattern is observed across 12 small sites (0·0625 and 0·16 ha) and one larger site (2 ha), where F. altipetens nest density varies from 0·01–0·10 nest m−2. Nests are clumped on sites where the average density is less than 0·02 nests m−2. Nests are regularly dispersed on all sites where the average nest density is greater than 0·02 nests m−2. Nest spacing is increasingly regular on sites where there are more ant nests. A simple model that includes both clumped dispersal and local competition during nest establishment also yields a density-dependent spacing pattern. The model consists of two basic parameters: the dispersal distance (D) and the nest territory size (T). A parameterization of the model where D = 10 m and T = 2·5 m explains 75·7% of the empirical variance in an index of nest spacing (the index of dispersion, R, from the Clark & Evans nearest neighbor distance analysis). The spatial patterns of F. altipetens differ quite strongly from “null” versions of the model (no competition with either random dispersal or clumped dispersal). Thus, a model that includes both competition and clumped dispersal explains the spatial arrangement of a mound-building ant in both a qualitative and a quantitative sense.
Singular propositions in time

D'apres Russell, dans une phrase, l'objet x dans sa realite est un constituant de la proposition. L'article s'appuie sur une remarque de G. Forbes montrant que cette theorie pose probleme par rapport au temps. En effet, la proposition singuliere fait-elle encore sens lorsque le referent reel disparait ou se modifie?
Polarographic evidence for the stability of copper(I) ion in some non-complexing nonaqueous solvents

Abstract The polarographic behaviour of Cu(II) ion in methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propnol, allyl alcohol, acetone, mesityl oxide, acetylacetone, acetic anhydride, nitromethane and pyridine is discussed. Stability of Cu(I) ion in a number of these solvents appears to be due to lower solvation energy of Cu(II) ion and not to higher solvation energy of Cu(I) ion than in water.
Self-détermination knowledge instruction and incarcerated students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the self-determination knowledge of incarcerated students with and without disabilities using a pretest/posttest experimental control group design. In contrast to previous studies conducted in the public school setting, a significant relationship between self-determination knowledge and self-determination instruction was not found. Possible reasons for the lack of significance include the restrictive nature of the juvenile justice setting and the need for positive self-determined role models within the juvenile justice setting. Students’ self-determination knowledge was also examined in relationship to self-determination knowledge instruction and to students’ gender, reading level, math level and disability. A significant relationship was found between self-determination knowledge and gender, reading level, math level and disability status (i.e. being identified as having any disability). Students who were male, had an identified disability, and/or had low...
Reverse turning and angle compensation in a migratory passerine, passerculus sandwichensis

Abstract Reverse turning behaviour was revealed in the savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), a migratory passerine, using a T-shaped runway system. Compensatory reverse turns were recorded for experimental birds which were forced to make 90° turns either to the left or right before proceeding to a choice point. Controls ran a straight runway from start to choice point and were as likely to turn left as right. A second experiment revealed an ability to compensate for angular deviations in course. Experimentals were forced to make turns of less than 90° before entering a semi-circular arena. They responded with a compensatory turn of the appropriate sign (left or right) and magnitude. An idiothetic mechanism is probably involved in the observed angle sense (Winkelsinn). The results are broadly relevant to animal orientation.
Sexual Behavior in Three Inbred Strains of Mice

The sexual behavior of three inbred strains of mice was studied. Sixteen different behavioral measures were scored; twelve of these sixteen measures revealed statistically significant behavioral differences. The results were as follows: I. C 57 BL males are characterized by speed. They gain intromission sooner, spend less time between intromissions, and ejaculate sooner than do the other two strains. 2. DBA/2 males show significantly longer intromission latencies, interintromissior. intervals, preintromission mount durations, and mounts than do the C 57 BL and BALB/c males. DBA/ 2 males ejaculate with fewer intromissions and thrusts than the other two strains. 3. BALB/c males require the longest time (over one hour), the greatest number of intromissions, and the greatest number of thrusts prior to ejaculation. The sexual behavior of the inbred strains of mice was compared to the sexual behavior of the rat, hamster, and guinea pig. Mention was made of the possibility for genitical and physiological studies of the behavioral differences.
Ammonia in the atmospheres of Saturn and Jupiter

A profile and equivalent width for the 6451.1-A feature of the 6450-A band of ammonia at the equator and south pole of Saturn have been measured. Estimates for the NH3 abundance at the center of the disk which vary from 0.4 to 5 m-am, depending upon the atmospheric model used, lead to uncertainties in the NH3/H2 ratio which are greater than a factor of 10. Half-widths for theoretical line profiles computed from models in which the NH3 absorption occurs at a pressure level of 1.0 atm agree with the observed profiles. NH3/H2 ratios have been obtained which range from 0.00001 to 0.00002 for Jupiter.
Eye-Care Delivery for People With Diabetes: An unmet need

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the U. S. (1). However, this need not be the case. A recently completed clinical trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study, demonstrated that early detection and treatment of proliferative retinopathy and clinically significant macular edema with laser photocoagulation could prevent vision loss (2,3). Ferris (4) estimated that timely treatment of proliferative retinopathy with panretinal photocoagulation should reduce serious vision loss by 95%. However, data from a number of studies suggest that a significant number of Americans with diabetes may not be receiving recommended eye examinations for the detection of retinopathy (5–7). Delivery of such care has been shown to prev nt vision loss and be cost-effective (8,9).
Modeling a complex global service delivery system

Enterprises and IT service providers are increasingly challenged with improving the quality of service while reducing the cost of service delivery. Effectively balancing dynamic customer workload, strict service level constraints, and diverse service personnel skills challenges the most experienced management teams. In this paper we describe a modeling framework for analyzing complex service delivery systems. The interaction among various key factors are included in the model to allow decision-making around staffing skill levels, scheduling, and service level constraints in system design. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach in a large IT services delivery environment.
Distinguishing clinical depression from early Alzheimer's disease in elderly people: Can narrative analysis help?

Background: Differentiating the reversible cognitive symptoms associated with depression (DEP) from the irreversible dementia associated with early or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) has proven to be challenging, particularly in elderly individuals. Most previous studies have focused on contrasting the cognitive profiles associated with these disorders, often yielding unreliable clinical differences. Although a limited set of studies have identified significant differences between DEP and early AD groups on both basic and high-level language production and comprehension tasks, none has included spoken discourse measures, and several limitations within these language studies indicate that further research is warranted. Aims: This study examined whether depression is associated with a distinct pattern of discourse changes, and thus whether discourse analyses may help discriminate elderly individuals with DEP from those in the early stages of AD. Methods & Procedures: Groups of elderly participants with DEP, m...
Data dissemination in wireless broadcast channels: Network coding versus cooperation

Network coding and cooperative diversity have each extensively been explored in the literature as a means to substantially improve the performance of wireless networks. Yet, little work has been conducted to compare their performance under a common framework. Our goal in this paper is to fill in this gap. Specifically, we consider a single-hop wireless network consisting of a base station and N receivers. We perform an asymptotic analysis, as N rarr infin, of the expected delay associated with the broadcasting of a file consisting of K packets. We show that if K is fixed, cooperation outperforms network coding, in the sense that the expected delay is proportional to K (and thus within a constant factor of the optimal delay) in the former case while it grows logarithmically with N in the latter case. On the other hand, if K grows with N at a rate at least as fast as (logN)r, for r Gt 1, then we show that the average delay of network coding is also proportional to K and lower than the average delay of cooperation if the packet error probability is smaller than 0.36. Our analytical findings are validated through extensive numerical simulations.
A Coplanar Strip Slow Wave Structure for the Optical Directional Coupler Modulators

A design of a coplanar stripline (CPS) slow wave structure, which has for the first time both series inductive and shunt capacitive sections, has been developed. It has been designed to match the RF/microwave modulation signal phase velocity to the optical wave velocity in GaAs optical waveguides. In this design, the CPS with series inductances and shunt capacitances retains the characteristic impedance at 50 ? . This slow wave structure provides flexibility of design for narrow gap CPS structures. The effective refractive index and characteristic impedance of this design have been measured in the frequency range of up to 45 GHz and compared to simulations.
Total parenteral nutrition-associated changes in mouse intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes.

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) play a major role in mucosal defense mechanisms against intraluminal foreign antigens. To address the role luminal nutrients have on the phenotype and function of the IEL, we administered total parenteral nutrition (TPN) to mice, with the absence of enteral intake. We hypothesized that administration of TPN would result in changes in the phenotype and function of the IEL. For this, we utilized a mouse model of TPN. A significant decline in the CD4+ IEL population occurred with TPN. Additionally, the CD8+,CD44+ IEL subset showed a 65% decline (P < 0.05), and the CD4+,CD44+ subset declined by 55% with TPN (P < 0.05). The CD8αβ+ population (a marker of thymic-dependence) also declined by 92% (P < 0.01) with TPN. IEL in the TPN group showed a significantly lower degree of in vitro proliferation. In conclusion, the IEL showed significant phenotypic changes with TPN including the loss of the thymic-derived population. Functionally, the IEL showed a significant decline in proliferation. Such changes demonstrate the important role luminal nutrients have on IEL phenotype and function.
Reducing errors in fluid therapy management.

The article by Moritz and Ayus in this month’s issue of Pediatrics 1 noted errors in fluid therapy management causing hyponatremia, brain damage, and death in previously well children who had been hospitalized with an acute illness or for elective surgery. The authors have done a service in calling attention to the problem. However, their proposal to avoid this complication, using 0.9% saline rather than standard 0.25% saline2 for meeting maintenance fluid needs would, in our view, do more harm than good. The risk for other errors would increase. Many children who were cited in their report suffered because of egregious errors in management, not from conventional fluid therapy.3 Children with acute problems that require fluid therapy commonly have central nervous system, pulmonary, or gastrointestinal illness; injuries requiring surgery; or are admitted for elective surgery. Some have plasma dislocated to interstitial fluid from accompanying … Reprint requests to (M.A.H.) 1515 Oxford St, Apt 1A, Berkeley, CA 94709. E-mail: mah{at}itsa.ucsf.edu
Risk Assessment in Complex Interacting Infrastructure Systems

Critical infrastructures have some of the characteristic properties of complex systems. They exhibit infrequent large failures events. These events, though infrequent, often obey a power law distribution in their probability versus size. This power law behavior suggests that ordinary risk analysis might not apply to these systems. It is thought that some of this behavior comes from different parts of the systems interacting with each other both in space and time. While these complex infrastructure systems can exhibit these characteristics on their own, in reality these individual infrastructure systems interact with each other in even more complex ways. This interaction can lead to increased or decreased risk of failure in the individual systems. To investigate this and to formulate appropriate risk assessment tools for such systems, a set of models are used to study to impact of coupling complex systems. A probabilistic model and a dynamical model that have been used to study blackout dynamics in the power transmission grid are used as paradigms. In this paper, we investigate changes in the risk models based on the power law event probability distributions, when complex systems are coupled.