cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technology-assisted intervention for parents of adolescents in residential substance use treatment: protocol of an open trial and pilot randomized trial.

Adolescents in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment have poor outcomes post-discharge, with follow-up studies suggesting that most adolescents relapse within 90 days. Parenting practices directly influence adolescent SUD outcomes, but parents of adolescents with SUDs are difficult to engage in traditional behavioral treatments. The current study adapts and evaluates a technology-assisted intervention for parents of adolescents in residential SUD treatment. Based on pilot qualitative data with parents, adolescents, and residential staff, we augment an existing computerized intervention (Parenting Wisely; PW) with four in-person coaching sessions, personalized text messages, and an expert-moderated online parent message board. We hypothesize that parents will find enhanced PW (PW+) both feasible and acceptable, and that adolescents whose parents receive PW+ will have better post-discharge outcomes than adolescents who receive standard care (SC) only. A two phase approach is used to adapt and evaluate PW+. Phase 1 consists of an open trial with 10 parents of adolescents (age 12–17) in residential SUD treatment. Post-discharge qualitative and quantitative data from parents and adolescents will support PW+ refinement. Phase 2 is a randomized pilot trial with 60 parents testing the effectiveness of adding PW+ to SC. Adolescents and parents will complete assessments at baseline, 6-, 12-, and 24-weeks post-discharge. Primary outcomes will be measures of feasibility and acceptability. Secondary outcomes will include adolescent substance use, truancy, high-risk sexual behavior, and criminal involvement. Two parenting processes (monitoring and communication) are examined as potential mediators of change. This study will adapt and evaluate a technology-assisted parenting intervention as a means of improving adolescent outcomes following residential SUD treatment. Results have the potential to advance the field by: addressing a high-risk population, improving parental engagement; targeting parenting practices (putative mediators of change) that have been linked to adolescent outcomes; and developing a highly disseminable approach.
Archaeogenomic evidence reveals prehistoric matrilineal dynasty

For societies with writing systems, hereditary leadership is documented as one of the hallmarks of early political complexity and governance. In contrast, it is unknown whether hereditary succession played a role in the early formation of prehistoric complex societies that lacked writing. Here we use an archaeogenomic approach to identify an elite matriline that persisted between 800 and 1130 CE in Chaco Canyon, the centre of an expansive prehistoric complex society in the Southwestern United States. We show that nine individuals buried in an elite crypt at Pueblo Bonito, the largest structure in the canyon, have identical mitochondrial genomes. Analyses of nuclear genome data from six samples with the highest DNA preservation demonstrate mother–daughter and grandmother–grandson relationships, evidence for a multigenerational matrilineal descent group. Together, these results demonstrate the persistence of an elite matriline in Chaco for ∼330 years. In ancient cultures without a writing system, it is difficult to infer the basis of status and rank. Here the authors analyse ancient DNA from nine presumed elite individuals buried successively over a 300-year period at Chaco Canyon, and show evidence of matrilineal relationships.
The Neural Representation of Kinematics and Dynamics in Multiple Brain Regions: The Use of Force Field Reaching Paradigms in the Primate and Rat

In this chapter I will review the past and present motor control literature with an emphasis on reaching movements. Debate still rages as to what movement related variables are controlled by the neural motor control system especially concerning dynamic vs. kinematic variables. There is a rich history in the motor control literature that has employed monkeys of several species making reaching movements while holding loaded or robotic manipulandum. However, to date very little work has been conducted using the rat reaching paradigm to investigate the control of dynamics vs. kinematics. I will review a very simple rat robotic manipulandum paradigm and initial results from it. This paradigm is presently being expanded from a 1 degree of freedom system similar to those used in early primate research to a 2 and even 3 degree of freedom version, such as those used with primates and humans today.
Reactor design strategy to support spectral variability within a sodium-cooled fast spectrum materials testing reactor

Abstract A concept of a sodium cooled fast spectrum materials testing reactor is presented as one of the potential design configurations to achieve the performance versatility with respect to supporting a range of testing environments from current thermal-spectrum LWRs to Generation IV advanced fast-spectrum reactors. The objective is accomplished by designing a core with region-wise varying neutron spectra. This paper presents the design details and explores spectral variability examining feasibility to maintain thermal and fast energy spectra in the system. The core assemblies are designed using the EBR-II assembly as a prototype while implementing certain design modifications to meet performance needs. The fuel is 19.9%-enriched U-10Zr. Compare to EBR-II, the proposed core has larger pins, a taller active core, and thick reflector instead of depleted uranium breeding blankets. The MgO pins are analyzed as the reflector material to meet the needed versatility requirements. The design effort successfully concluded yielding a feasible 600 MW th -configuration with sufficient neutron fluxes in material testing locations. A fast flux greater than 5.6E15 n/cm 2 -s is maintained over the core lifetime in the central irradiation position. The volume of 63,000 cm 3 with a fast flux of ∼ 4.2E15 n/cm 2 -s or greater is provided for materials irradiation options. The core has regions of high magnitude thermal flux in a large graphite region at the core periphery. Spectral variability, design choices and reactor physics characteristics are discussed to demonstrate the concept viability.
Convolutional neural networks: Ensemble modeling, fine-tuning and unsupervised semantic localization for neurosurgical CLE images

Abstract Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an advanced optical fluorescence technology undergoing assessment for applications in brain tumor surgery. Many of the CLE images can be distorted and interpreted as nondiagnostic. However, just one neat CLE image might suffice for intraoperative diagnosis of the tumor. While manual examination of thousands of nondiagnostic images during surgery would be impractical, this creates an opportunity for a model to select diagnostic images for the pathologists or surgeons review. In this study, we sought to develop a deep learning model to automatically detect the diagnostic images. We explored the effect of training regimes and ensemble modeling and localized histological features from diagnostic CLE images. The developed model could achieve promising agreement with the ground truth. With the speed and precision of the proposed method, it has potential to be integrated into the operative workflow in the brain tumor surgery.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Controversy, Developmental Mechanisms, and Multiple Levels of Analysis.

Controversy abounds regarding the symptom dimensions of attention problems, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, developmentally extreme and impairing levels of which compose the diagnostic category of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I highlight causal factors, underlying mechanisms, developmental trajectories, and female manifestations of ADHD, integrating the psychobiological underpinnings of this syndrome with contextual factors related to its clinical presentation, impairments, and soaring increases in diagnosed prevalence. Indeed, despite strong heritability, ADHD is expressed via transactional patterns of influence linked to family-, school-, peer-, neighborhood-, and policy-related factors. Moreover, intervention strategies must take into account both pharmacologic and behavioral modalities if the goal is to enhance competencies, rather than symptom reduction per se. A comprehensive understanding of ADHD mandates multiple levels of analysis—spanning genes, neurotransmission, brain pathw...
Downstream effects of regionalization: reconciling our predictions with the volume-outcome paradigm

In the United States, there has been widespread recognition among health care quality improvement experts that a strong relationship exists between the volume of particular surgical cases performed and the outcomes experienced by patients electing to undergo such procedures (1,2).
Management of Tibial Bow in Fibular Deficiency.

Background Deformity of the tibia, including shortening and angulation, may accompany severe forms of postaxial hypoplasia (fibular deficiency). The current literature reflects varying opinions on the appropriate management for tibial deformity in the setting of fibular deficiency. Methods We performed a retrospective review to determine outcomes of tibial deformity correction in patients with a primary diagnosis of fibular deficiency. Clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients treated with foot ablation were reviewed to establish indications for tibial deformity correction, identify occurrence of additional surgical procedures related to limb alignment or deformity, and characterize difficulties with prosthetic wear potentially related to residual or recurrent tibial deformity. Results From 1989 to 2016, 51 patients (57 extremities) with fibular deficiency were managed with a foot ablation procedure. Twenty-five (44%) had simultaneous correction of the tibial deformity. The initial tibial deformity measured 42.5 degrees, was corrected to 5.6 degrees intraoperatively, and measured 18.6 degrees at follow-up, suggesting recurrent deformity. In follow-up, approximately half of the patients complained of redness and one third complained of a continued prominence along the anterior tibia. Thirty-two extremities had an isolated foot ablation procedure without tibial osteotomy. Radiographic review demonstrated mild tibial bowing at the time of amputation with a mean angular deformity of 15.4 degrees and remained unchanged during the follow-up period (mean, 12.7 degrees). Similar to the osteotomy group, approximately half of the patients complained of redness and erythema over the anterior bow, with one fourth noting prominence, and only 2 reporting significant pain. Conclusions Tibial osteotomies in patients with more significant degrees of angular deformity can be safely performed at the same setting as foot ablative procedures for fibular deficiency. Recurrent deformity with growth may occur. Patients and their caregivers should be aware that rebound deformity may occur, but typically can be managed with prosthetic adjustment and without significant disruption to the child's daily activities. Level of evidence Level IV (case series).
Transport with a Spectrum of Fluid Particles

In this chapter, we discuss fluid mechanics and direct-contact transport processes with a swarm of bubbles or drops. The transport processes may involve exchange between streams which are of identical media or of different ones. The treatment of the multiple particle problem is in general very difficult. Interactions between fluid particles are difficult to describe accurately and the evaluation of the associated transport is challenging. However, with meaningful approximations, suitable models with a wide range of applicability can be constructed. Here, the salient features of some of these models and the corresponding results developed are discussed. At the outset, a brief discussion of the particle size and velocity distributions is provided.
The Protease Inhibitors of Seeds

Seeds commonly contain relatively high levels of protein proteinase inhibitors. The majority of the well characterized inhibitors are active against serine endopeptidases, while a small number are inhibitors of cysteine endopeptidases. Sufficient amino acid sequence data have accumulated to allow their grouping into nine families. Members of eight families inhibit serine endopeptidases: the Kunitz Soybean Trypsin Inhibitor, the Bowman-Birk Trypsin Inhibitor, the Squash Trypsin Inhibitor, the Potato Protease Inhibitor I, the CM Protein/Napin Protease Inhibitor, the Protein Z/Serpin, and the Maize Bifunctional Inhibitor/Thaumatin families. One inhibitor family, the Phytocystatins, inhibits cysteine endopeptidases. Less well characterized inhibitors of metalloproteinases have also been described, but their sequence data are not yet available. The protease inhibitors appear to be involved primarily in defense of the seed from exogenous proteases such as those secreted by pathogenic microbes or by insect pests. In some cases the inhibitors may also act as storage depots for sulfur-containing amino acids. During germination and early seedling growth, these inhibitors are degraded much like the bulk storage proteins. In a relatively small number of instances the seed protease inhibitors may serve to regulate endogenous proteases. Transgenic plants expressing the appropriate seed protease inhibitors in aerial tissue have been found to have increased resistance to insect depredation. This promises to be an effective way to control insect pests without the use of environmentally damaging synthetic insecticides.
The Slave's Cause: A History of Abolition. By Manisha Sinha. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2016. Pp. xvi, 768. $37.50.)

The abolitionist movement has long served as a touchstone for American reformers. From the interracial Knights of Labor's explicitly championing the abolitionists' spirit in the 1880s to modern opp...
Evaluation of self-reported symptoms and interference issues in patients with prostate cancer.

e16547Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is a leading cause of global mortality and is expected to become the leading cause of death among men in the U.S.A. Both the disease and its treatments produc...
Ferroelectric FET Based In-Memory Computing for Few-Shot Learning

As CMOS technology advances, the performance gap between the CPU and main memory has not improved. Furthermore, the hardware deployed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications need to process ever growing volumes of data, which can further exacerbate the "memory wall". Computing-in-memory (CiM) architectures, where logic and arithmetic operations are performed in memory, can significantly reduce energy and latency overheads associated with data transfer, and potentially alleviate processor-memory bottlenecks. In this paper, we consider the utility of ternary content addressable memory (TCAM) arrays and CiM arrays based on ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs) to support emerging machine learning models that can learn new classes of data with significantly less training overhead - highly desirable in IoT applications. Architecturally, we use TCAM and CiM arrays to implement the external memory module in a memory enhanced neural network (MENN) - which can be used to minimize catastrophic forgetting - a major problem in applications such as lifelong and few-shot learning. As a representative example, we achieve 95.14% accuracy for a few-shot learning task with the Omniglot data set by using a combined L∞ infinity and L1 distance metric computed via a TCAM-CiM cascaded architecture (as opposed to 99.06% accuracy assuming a GPU backed by DRAM). While there is a slight drop in accuracy, the TCAM-CiM approach is 4.34X faster and 4.18X more energy efficient than a CMOS implementation for the same task. The ability of an FeFET to serve as both a compact logic and storage element helps to enable dense CiM and TCAM structures that drive the aforementioned improvements to application-level figures of merit (FOMs).
Differential Longitudinal Outcomes of In-Person and Cyber Victimization in Early Adolescence.

Objective Few studies have tested a commonly held assumption that cyber victimization is more harmful than in-person victimization. This study examined differential longitudinal relations between in-person and cyber victimization and outcomes, including problem behaviors and distress symptoms. Possible moderation by gender and grade was also explored. Method Participants were 1,542 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students (77% African American or Black; 21% Latino/a) who completed surveys in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. Results The two forms of victimization combined to predict increases in physical and relational aggression, cyberbullying, and delinquency, but victimization did not predict increases in distress or substance use. There were generally no differences in the strength of relations between in-person and cyber victimization for longitudinal outcomes, although there were some cross-sectional differences. Cyber victimization predicted increases in delinquency for boys but not for girls, but there were no other differences in effects across gender or grade. Conclusions Overall, there was little support for the argument that cyber victimization produces greater harm than in-person victimization. Future research examining outcomes of cyber victimization should focus on longitudinal relations, given the different patterns of outcomes in this study's cross-sectional and longitudinal findings.
Controlling the thermal conductance of silicon nitride membranes at 100 mK temperatures with patterned metal features

Freestanding micromachined membranes are often used for thermal isolation in electronic devices such as photon sensors. The degree of thermal isolation plays an important role in determining device performance, and so the ability to suppress the thermal conductance of a membrane without increasing its size or decreasing its mechanical strength is of practical importance. We present a simple method that controllably reduces the thermal conductance of silicon nitride membranes by as much as 56% at temperatures near 100 mK. The thermal conductance suppression is achieved by depositing one additional metal layer patterned into islands or rings onto the membrane surface. Complex impedance and noise measurements of superconducting transition-edge sensors fabricated using this technique show that their noise performance is not degraded.Freestanding micromachined membranes are often used for thermal isolation in electronic devices such as photon sensors. The degree of thermal isolation plays an important role in determining device performance, and so the ability to suppress the thermal conductance of a membrane without increasing its size or decreasing its mechanical strength is of practical importance. We present a simple method that controllably reduces the thermal conductance of silicon nitride membranes by as much as 56% at temperatures near 100 mK. The thermal conductance suppression is achieved by depositing one additional metal layer patterned into islands or rings onto the membrane surface. Complex impedance and noise measurements of superconducting transition-edge sensors fabricated using this technique show that their noise performance is not degraded.
Examining the role of body esteem and sensation seeking in drunkorexia behaviors

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of body esteem (BE), sensation seeking (SS), and their interaction in drunkorexia, a behavior pattern marked by calorie restriction/compensation in the context of alcohol consumption. While previous research on drunkorexia has focused on a range of variables, the present study examined two novel variables and their potential interaction: body esteem (weight, appearance) and sensation seeking. A sample of college students (n =488) completed the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, and the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale, which measures overall drunkorexia engagement as well as four dimensions: alcohol effects, bulimia, dietary restraint and exercise, and restriction. Moderated linear regression analyses indicated that SS and BE (weight, appearance) did not interact in predicting drunkorexia. Rather, only main effects were observed; SS, weight esteem (WE), and appearance esteem (AE) were significant in predicting overall drunkorexia engagement. In terms of the drunkorexia dimensions, AE was a significant predictor in the alcohol effects, dietary restraint and exercise, and restriction models. WE was significant in the dietary restraint and exercise model as well as the restriction model. SS was a significant predictor across all drunkorexia dimensions. Our findings suggest that both elevated SS and lowered BE are associated with drunkorexia engagement. Implications for practice are discussed. Drunkorexia is a complex and multifaceted behavior pattern; therefore, further research is needed in this area of study. Level V (descriptive study).
A supernodal all-pairs shortest path algorithm

We show how to exploit graph sparsity in the Floyd-Warshall algorithm for the all-pairs shortest path (Apsp) problem. Floyd-Warshall is an attractive choice for Apsp on high-performing systems due to its structural similarity to solving dense linear systems and matrix multiplication. However, if sparsity of the input graph is not properly exploited, Floyd-Warshall will perform unnecessary asymptotic work and thus may not be a suitable choice for many input graphs. To overcome this limitation, the key idea in our approach is to use the known algebraic relationship between Floyd-Warshall and Gaussian elimination, and import several algorithmic techniques from sparse Cholesky factorization, namely, fill-in reducing ordering, symbolic analysis, supernodal traversal, and elimination tree parallelism. When combined, these techniques reduce computation, improve locality and enhance parallelism. We implement these ideas in an efficient shared memory parallel prototype that is orders of magnitude faster than an efficient multi-threaded baseline Floyd-Warshall that does not exploit sparsity. Our experiments suggest that the Floyd-Warshall algorithm can compete with Dijkstra's algorithm (the algorithmic core of Johnson's algorithm) for several classes sparse graphs.
Infinite-Equilibrium Systems

In this chapter, dynamical systems with infinite equilibriums are discussed through the local analysis. A method for equilibriums in nonlinear dynamical systems is developed. The generalized normal forms of nonlinear dynamical systems at equilibriums are presented for a better understanding of singularity in nonlinear dynamical systems. The dynamics of infinite-equilibrium dynamical systems is discussed for the complexity and singularity of nonlinear dynamical systems. A few examples are presented for complexity and singularity in infinite-equilibrium systems.
Advances in Pediatric Cardiovascular Imaging

Cardiac imaging plays a key role in the accurate diagnosis of pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD). Echocardiography and catheter angiography are traditionally used to delineate cardiac anatomy. CT and MRI imaging offer a non-invasive way to image cardiovascular anatomy which can be used in conjunction with echocardiography for the diagnosis and treatment planning for CHD. These modalities can depict the morphology and relationship to surrounding structures better than echocardiography, especially in complex congenital defects.
Faster Diffusion and Higher Lithium-Ion Intercalation Capacity in Pb-Jarosite than Na-Jarosite

Pb-jarosite, Pb0.5Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6, was investigated for the first time as an intercalation cathode for lithium-ion batteries. Despite having a lower theoretical specific capacity than its Na-jarosit...
Regulatory and Accreditation

This chapter will review what healthcare regulation is, why you need to know it, who the regulatory bodies are, and what and how standards of care get written. We will discuss what a regulatory survey entails, the role you can play to help your organization prepare, how to talk to these mythical creatures (no special language certification needed), and how to support your organization’s continued survey readiness so that you are not scrambling 6 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day before they arrive.
The trapping of methane on Ir(111): A first-principles quantum study.

We implement a fully quantum mechanical study of methane trapping on Ir(111), where the phonons, the molecule–surface interaction, and the molecule–phonon coupling are all computed from first-principles. We find that both the surface corrugation and the phonon coupling vary strongly with molecular orientation and that there is a “chemical” aspect to this due to the catalytic nature of the metal. For example, molecules with reactive orientations can approach close to surface sites with low barriers to dissociation. Moreover, lattice motion can lower the barrier to dissociation, leading to unusual behavior for the phonon coupling. We find good agreement with experiment and two recent classical studies if we average our potential energy surface over several orientations of the molecule. We also find reasonable agreement with a recent study of methane diffraction, although we show that diffraction does not play a major role in trapping on the smooth Ir(111) surface and that trapping obeys normal energy scaling, consistent with experiment. We show that the trapping probability can be sensitive to the temperature at both high and low incidence energies. Relaxation and desorption of trapped particles are examined.
Osteocyte calcium signaling - A potential translator of mechanical load to mechanobiology.

Abstract Osteocytes are embedded dendritic bone cells; by virtue of their position in bone tissue, ability to coordinate bone building osteoblasts and resorbing osteoclasts, and sensitivity to tissue level mechanical loading, they serve as the resident bone mechanosensor. The mechanisms osteocytes use to change mechanical loading into biological signals that drive tissue level changes has been well studied over the last 30 years, however the ways loading parameters are encoded at the cellular level are still not fully understood. Calcium signaling is a first messenger signal exhibited by osteocytes in response to mechanical forces. A body of work interrogating the mechanisms of osteocyte calcium signaling exists and is presently expanding, presenting the opportunity to better understand the relationship between calcium signaling characteristics and tuned osteocyte responses to tissue level strain features (e.g. magnitude, duration, frequency). This review covers the history of osteocyte load induced calcium signaling and highlights potential cellular mechanisms used by osteocytes to turn details about loading parameters into biological events.
Single-Sideband Modulation Through Polarization Interband Transition in Thin-Film Lithium Niobate Waveguide

We demonstrate an electro-optic polarization modulator on thin-film lithium niobate. It realizes indirect interband transition between two polarization modes and enables non-reciprocal, single-sideband modulation.
Associations Among Food Security, Diet Quality, and Dietary Intake During Pregnancy in a Predominantly African American Group of Women from North Carolina

Abstract Background Low food security during pregnancy can negatively affect women’s physical and mental health. Although many women make a greater effort to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy, the influence of low food security during pregnancy on maternal diet is not well understood. Objective This study aimed to assess the association between adult food security and maternal diet during pregnancy in a sample from North Carolina. Design This was a cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of food security (marginal, low, and very low vs high) and maternal diet during pregnancy. Participants and setting This study included 468 predominantly Black/African American women during pregnancy from the Nurture cohort, enrolled through prenatal clinics in central North Carolina between 2013 and 2016. Main outcome measure Diet quality was assessed using the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-Pregnancy and the Mediterranean Diet Score. Dietary intake from seven food groups included in the Alternate Healthy Eating Index-Pregnancy and/or Mediterranean Diet Score was assessed as well. Statistical analysis performed Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the association between food security and diet quality and dietary intake during pregnancy, adjusting for race/ethnicity; participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; education; prepregnancy body mass index; age; parity; and mean daily energy intake. Results In this study, there was no association between maternal food security status and diet quality during pregnancy. However, researchers observed an association between low and marginal food security and greater intake of red and processed meats (marginal: β = 2.20 [P = 0.03]; low: β = 2.28 [P = 0.04]), as well as an association between very low food security and decreased vegetable consumption (β = –.43; P = 0.03). Conclusions Very low food security was associated with reduced vegetable intake. In addition, low and marginal food security were associated with greater red and processed meat intake. Future research should focus on nationally representative populations and include longitudinal assessments to allow for the study of the influence of food security on health during pregnancy.
Oligodendrocytes are a lifelong source of nuclear and ribosomal material for neurons in the mouse brain

Nuclear and ribosomal components define cell identity and function by regulating chromatin dynamics, gene expression, and protein turnover. Here we report that in the mouse central nervous system (CNS) under normal conditions, neurons accumulate nuclear and ribosomal material of oligodendrocyte (OL) origin. We show that neuronal accumulation of OL-derived nuclear and ribosomal material is brain area-specific, and in the cortex and hippocampal dentate gyrus gradually propagates during postnatal brain maturation. We further demonstrate that OL-to-neuron material transfer persists throughout adulthood and responds to neuroinflammation. We found that satellite OL of the gray matter form internuclear contacts with receiving neurons in the mouse brain. Similar close internuclear associations between satellite OL and neurons are present in the adult human cortex. Our findings provide the first evidence of wide-spread dynamic and selective OL-to-neuron nuclear and ribosomal material transfer in the mouse CNS and indicate that satellite OL serve as powerful mediators of neuronal function. Equivalent processes may occur in the human CNS and cause neurological disorders when dysregulated.
Tweets, Texts, and Tablets The Emergence of Technology-Based Self-Monitoring

Students with behavior problems often lack the self-regulation skills necessary for success. One strategy shown to improve these skills is self-monitoring. Traditionally, self-monitoring has been d...
New Biocidal N-Halamine-PEG Polymers

The synthesis and biocidal efficacies of two PEG-N-halamine polymers were reported. The N-halamines are classified as dichlorohydantoins and chloroimidazolidin-4-ones, which were attached to a meth...
Mixing and Transport in Stars

Transport and mixing in stars is as important as it is difficult to quantify (Zahn 1992; Schatzman 1996; Maeder 1997; Pinsonneault 1997). A first difficulty is that both transport and mixing are dynamical processes which, given the low viscosities of stellar interiors, usually means that the flow is turbulent giving rise to technical difficulties for turbulence is still an incomplete chapter though recent studies have brought about considerable progress. A second difficulty is that turbulence is not self-sustaining and unless there is a source, dynamical mixing and transport will decay in time and eventually die out. Thus, the question: what is the source of turbulence, let alone how to describe it? In the convective zone, the source is the unstable stratification but the mixing there is so strong that one does not need a sophisticated theory to describe it. Strong turbulence is easier to describe than weak turbulence and yet the latter is when the problems become interesting and our descriptive power is less reliable. For example, below the solar CZ we don’t even know for sure the source of stirring, let alone how to describe it and yet, it is the region where we would like to be confident about models. The transport of Li is the best example of a mixing and transport that cannot be too strong or too weak (Schlattl and Weiss 1999). A third difficulty is the unstated assumption that “transport” (advection) and “mixing” (diffusion) have different origin.
Green's Functions and Ordered Exponentials

This book presents a functional approach to the construction, use and approximation of Green's functions and their associated ordered exponentials. After a brief historical introduction, the author discusses new solutions to problems involving particle production in crossed laser fields and non-constant electric fields. Applications to problems in potential theory and quantum field theory are covered, along with approximations for the treatment of color fluctuations in high-energy QCD scattering, and a model for summing classes of eikonal graphs in high-energy scattering problems. The book also presents a variant of the Fradkin representation which suggests a new non-perturbative approximation scheme, and provides a qualitative measure of the error involved in each such approximation. Covering the basics as well as more advanced applications, this book is suitable for graduate students and researchers in a wide range of fields, including quantum field theory, fluid dynamics and applied mathematics.
Moments of the reduced local energy

Compact measures of the local accuracy of a wavefunction are proposed. They are defined in terms of the reduced local energy. These compact measures are applied to examine the local accuracy in different regions of configuration space for some well known Hartree-Fock wavefunctions from helium through argon.
Identification of the enteropathogens Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli based on the cadF virulence gene and its product

Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are common causes of gastroenteritis in humans. Infection with C. jejuni or C. coli is commonly acquired by eating undercooked chicken. The goal of this study was to develop specific detection assays for C. jejuni and C. coli isolates based on the cadF virulence gene and its product. The cadF gene from C. jejuni and C. coli encodes a 37-kDa outer membrane protein that promotes the binding of these pathogens to intestinal epithelial cells. A fragment of approximately 400 bp was amplified from 38 of 40 (95%) C. jejuni isolates and 5 of 6 (83.3%) C. coli isolates with primers designed to amplify an internal fragment of the cadF gene. PCR was then used to amplify Campylobacter DNA from store-bought chickens. A 400-bp band was amplified from 26 of the 27 chicken carcasses tested by the PCR-based assay. The CadF protein was detected in every C. jejuni and C. coli isolate tested, as judged by immunoblot analysis with a rabbit anti-C. jejuni 37-kDa serum. In addition, methanol-fixed samples of whole-cell C. jejuni and C. coli were detected with the rabbit anti-37-kDa serum by using an indirect-immunofluorescence microscopy assay. These findings indicate that the cadF gene and its product are conserved among C. jejuni and C. coli isolates and that a PCR assay based on the cadF gene may be useful for the detection of Campylobacter organisms in food products.
Integer Algorithms to Solver Diophantine Linear Equations and Systems

The present work includes some of the author's original researches on integer solutions of Diophantine liner equations and systems. The notion of "general integer solution" of a Diophantine linear equation with two unknowns is extended to Diophantine linear equations with $n$ unknowns and then to Diophantine linear systems. The proprieties of the general integer solution are determined (both for a Diophantine linear equation and for a Diophantine linear system). Seven original integer algorithms (two for Diophantine linear equations, and five for Diophantine linear systems) are exposed. The algorithms are strictly proved and an example for each of them is given. These algorithms can be easily implemented on the computer.
Extended access to methamphetamine self-administration up-regulates dopamine transporter levels 72 hours after withdrawal in rats

Previous studies have demonstrated that there are persistent changes in dopamine systems following withdrawal from methamphetamine (METH). This study examined changes in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine receptor 2 (D2) 72 h after withdrawal from METH intravenous self- administration (IVSA). Rats were given limited (1h) or extended (6h) access to METH IVSA (0.05 mg/kg/0.1 ml infusion) for 22 days. Controls did not receive METH IVSA. The rats given extended access to IVSA displayed higher METH intake during the first hour of drug access compared to rats given limited access. Extended access to METH also produced a concomitant increase in striatal DAT levels relative to drug-naive controls. There were no changes in TH or D2 levels across groups. Previous studies have reported a decrease in striatal DAT levels during protracted periods (>7 days) of withdrawal from METH IVSA. This study extends previous work by showing an increase in striatal DAT protein expression during an earlier time point of withdrawal from this drug. These results are an important step toward understanding the dynamic changes in dopamine systems that occur during different time points of withdrawal from METH IVSA.
The MESSENGER Power Distribution Unit packaging design

A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is being developed by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for the MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) spacecraft that will orbit the planet Mercury for one Earth year to complete the global mapping and the detailed characterization of the planet's exosphere, magnetosphere, surface, and interior. The PDU contains the circuitry for the spacecraft pyrotechnic firing control, power distribution switching, load current and voltage monitoring, fuses, external relay switching, reaction wheel relay selects, and power system relays. It also supports the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) reconfiguration, Integrated Electronic Module (IEM) select relays, solar array drives, propulsion thruster firing control, and propulsion latch valve control. To enable the mission to reach the distant planet, significant weight reduction for all spacecraft electronics must be achieved. This requirement has led to an advanced electronic packaging design that begins with component selection, printed wiring board design with very small feature sizes, and a compact interconnection scheme. The significant challenge in the packaging design of the PDU is how to implement state-of-the-art technologies to minimize system weight and meet the stringent reliability required by the MESSENGER power system. This paper will describe the detailed electronic packaging design of the PDU, including the use of Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) devices instead of conventional mechanical relays, high-density printed wiring board designs with blind and buried vias, and a modular packaging design to achieve significant weight reduction.
Bone mineral density changes among women initiating blood pressure lowering drugs: a SWAN cohort study.

Summary We examined the effect of blood pressure lowering drugs on BMD using data from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation. Thiazide users had a slower decline in BMD compared to nonusers, while decline among ACE inhibitor and beta blocker users were similar to rates in nonusers.
Medicaid and privately financed orthodontic patients have similar occlusal and psychosocial outcomes

Objective: This study compares occlusal and psychosocial outcomes from comprehensive orthodontic treatment in Medicaid (MC) and privately financed (private pay, PP) patients. Methods: Two cohorts received comprehensive orthodontics: MC (n = 66); PP (n = 60). A calibrated, blinded examiner scored dental casts at baseline (pretreatment, T1) and after completing 2 years of treatment (posttreatment, T2) using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) and the Index of Complexity, Outcome, and Need (ICON). The prevalence of patients in the validated ICON categories for treatment need, complexity, and improvement were calculated. Questionnaires to assess body image (BI) and expectations/experiences were administered. Occlusal measures at T2 were compared after adjustment for baseline characteristics. Psychosocial measures were compared between and within groups. Occlusal and psychosocial associations were evaluated. Results: MC was 1.3 years younger (P < 0.001) and had worse malocclusions at baseline (PAR 32 versus 25; P < 0.001); (ICON 64 versus 56; P = 0.06). After adjustment for age and initial severity, estimated average differences between groups at T2 (MC-PP) were slight: 1.5 [95 percent confidence interval (CI) −2.9, 5.9] and 2.4 (95 percent CI −4.4, 8.9) for PAR and ICON, respectively. More PP completed treatment under 2 years (85 percent versus 62 percent; P = 0.03). At baseline, both groups needed treatment, but MC malocclusions were more complex (P = 0.05). At T2, both groups were acceptable and there were no differences in ICON improvement categories. Group differences in psychosocial measures and associations between psychosocial and occlusal measures were evident in the “teeth” domain but weak or lacking elsewhere. Conclusions: Occlusal and psychosocial outcomes from orthodontics in MC and PP were comparable, despite worse MC malocclusions at baseline.
Pharmacology of Hallucinogens

What constitutes a hallucinogenic agent; what is the definition of hallucinogenic What effects are commonly produced by hallucinogens? How are hallucinogenic agents classified? Chemically, what are the structural requirements for hallucinogenic activity? How do hallucinogenic agents work? Interestingly, and perhaps counterintuitively, these questions are roughly listed in descending order of difficulty. Actually, there is more agreement today on how hallucinogens work than on a definition of the term hallucinogen.
Development and evaluation of a navigation grade resonator fiber optic gyroscope

This paper will discuss the development and evaluation of a resonator fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG) for precision navigation applications. This RFOG is based on an optical resonator comprised of hollow core optical fiber, a novel multi-frequency laser source and highly integrated free space and guided wave optical subsystems. Performance evaluation was completed and the results are presented.
An objective measure of reinforcement and its implications for exercise promotion in sedentary hispanic and anglo women

An objective measure for the assessment of exercise and sedentary activity choices was evaluated for reliability in 38 sedentary women, aged 18–45, in El Paso, TX. Twenty-two Hispanic women and 16 Anglo women participated. An equal number of obese and nonobese women comprised each group of participants. Using five computer-generated slot machine games, participants were allowed to earn points for access to a bicycle/stair stepper or videos/magazines. Exercise alternatives remained easily accessible while the sedentary choices became progressively difficult to access. Two sessions were completed at least 2 weeks apart for reliability. Reliability for choosing to be physically active from session to session was r1=.83 for all participants, r1=.90 for Hispanics, and rI=.74 for Anglos. Hispanic women earned twice the number of points for access to exercise (m=20±2; 40% of the available points) as Anglo women (m=10±3; 20% of the available points), independent of body mass index (BMI) or socioeconomic status (SES). Hispanic women’s choices to exercise were independent of acculturation level; however, Hispanic women of higher SES and lower BMI chose to exercise more than Hispanic women of lower SES and higher BMI. Hispanic women may find exercise more reinforcing than Anglo women, which has important implications for exercise interventions. In addition, results indicated that self-reported liking and enjoyment of exercise were not related to the choice to actually engage in exercise. The behavioral economic methods presented in this study provide preliminary results to support the use of an objective, reliable method to assess the determinants of exercise and sedentary activity choices in sedentary, Hispanic and Anglo women.
Radioautographic study of cell wall deposition in growing plant cells.

Segments cut from growing oat coleoptiles and pea stems were fed glucose-3H in presence and absence of the growth hormone indoleacetic acid (IAA). By means of electron microscope radioautography it was demonstrated that new cell wall material is deposited both at the wall surface (apposition) and within the preexisting wall structure (internally). Quantitative profiles for the distribution of incorporation with position through the thickness of the wall were obtained for the thick outer wall of epidermal cells. With both oat coleoptile and pea stem epidermal outer walls, it was found that a larger proportion of the newly synthesized wall material appeared to become incorporated within the wall in the presence of IAA. Extraction experiments on coleoptile tissue showed that activity that had been incorporated into the cell wall interior represented noncellulosic constituents, mainly hemicelluloses, whereas cellulose was deposited largely or entirely by apposition. It seems possible that internal incorporation of hemicelluloses plays a role in the cell wall expansion process that is involved in cell growth.
The efficacy of vitamin D2 and oral phosphorus therapy in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia.

Conventional treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia (XLH) is oral phosphorus supplementation in combination with vitamin D2. Although this drug regimen allegedly offers the best therapeutic results for this disorder, the data supporting the efficacy of therapy on bone healing in this disease are incomplete. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the effects of long term phosphorus and vitamin D2 treatment on the characteristic bone disease of XLH. In addition, we correlated effects on the bone abnormalities with therapy-induced changes in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and vitamin D metabolism. Four untreated subjects with XLH served as age (14–25 yr)- and growth rate-matched controls. They had normocalcemia (9.06 ± 0.12 mg/dl), hypophosphatemia (2.12 ± 0.02 mg/dl), a decreased renal tubular maximum for the reabsorption of phosphate per liter glomerular filtrate (1.95 ± 0.07 mg/dl), negative phosphate balance (−41 ± 12 mg/day), and bone biopsies which showed changes character...
Research Needs for Technology Education: An International Perspective.

These authors report the findings of a study that sought to determine the most relevant research issues needed to be studied by the technology education profession. It used an international panel of experts to develop a list of important research issues for the school subject of technology education and for the preparation of teachers to better teach it to pupils.