cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellular Senescence Is Induced by the Environmental Neurotoxin Paraquat and Contributes to Neuropathology Linked to Parkinson's Disease

Exposure to the herbicide paraquat (PQ) is associated with an increased risk of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Therapies based on PQ's presumed mechanisms of action have not, however, yielded effective disease therapies. Cellular senescence is an anticancer mechanism that arrests proliferation of replication-competent cells and results in a pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) capable of damaging neighboring tissues. Here, we demonstrate that senescent cell markers are preferentially present within astrocytes in PD brain tissues. Additionally, PQ was found to induce astrocytic senescence and an SASP in vitro and in vivo, and senescent cell depletion in the latter protects against PQ-induced neuropathology. Our data suggest that exposure to certain environmental toxins promotes accumulation of senescent cells in the aging brain, which can contribute to dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Therapies that target senescent cells may constitute a strategy for treatment of sporadic PD, for which environmental exposure is a major risk factor.
Applied Surgical Anatomy of the Ocular Adnexa

In performing any oculofacial procedure, the surgeon should be intimately knowledgeable of the anatomical structures, and their interrelations to other tissue planes, in order to maintain eyelid stability and lacrimal function while optimizing the aesthetic outcome. Variations in anatomy, as well as ethnic and age differences, may influence the surgical approach and technique. Local infiltrative anesthesia, regional nerve blocks, and injection of dermal fillers require knowledge of the complex facial neurovascular network. This chapter will present the following areas, in conjunction with pertinent clinicoanatomic correlations, to minimize iatrogenic injury: cutaneous landmarks of the upper face, sensory and motor innervation of the upper face, superficial musculature of the face, arterial supply and venous drainage of the eyelids, lacrimal excretory system, sinus and endonasal landmarks, and eyelid and orbital anatomy.
Comments on the Problems of Equilibration

Piaget has made a very succinct and convincing statement of the factor of equilibration; if you are too willing to accept it, it may be that you do not sense the revolutionary note contained in Piaget’s theory, in particular his notion of an internal equilibration. Summarized below are some of the main points discussed as well as two or three questions that Piaget may wish to consider further to clarify the notion of equilibration.
Beyond Peer Influence and Selection: A Gendered Pathways Analysis of Social Environmental Predictors of Change in Child and Peer Delinquency:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether maternal closeness and participation in unstructured routine activities differentially predicted change in child and peer delinquency for female a...
Twelve tips for conducting successful interprofessional teaching rounds

Inpatient bedside teaching rounds provide an opportunity to foster effective interprofessional collaboration between members of the healthcare team. Although effective interprofessional practice has been shown to improve patient satisfaction, patient outcomes, and job satisfaction, there is limited literature for successful implementation of interprofessional teaching rounds. To address this gap, we have compiled 12 tips for conducting effective interprofessional bedside teaching rounds. These tips offer strategies for creating a structured rounding system, with clear delineation of expectations, defined opportunities for learning across disciplines, and active engagement of and respect for all team members. By adopting and promoting this model of interprofessional collaborative practice, the quality and effectiveness of bedside teaching rounds can be improved for the benefit of patients, trainees, and the team as a whole.
High Serum Bupivacaine Concentrations Produce Rhythm Disturbances Similar to Torsades de Pointes in Anesthetized Dogs

The cardiovascular electrophysiologic and hemodynamic effects of bupivacaine were investigated in seven pentobarbital anesthetized dogs. Bupivacaine produced dose-dependent decreases in cardiac output and stroke volume and increases in systemic vascular resistance. Electrophysiologic effects included lengthening of the RR, PR, QRS, and QTU intervals, and enhancement of the U or “slow wave” following the T-wave. Bupivacaine serum levels of 2.1 ± 1.1 μg/ml produced a 15% increase in the QTU interval, and no animal sustained ventricular tachycardia upon ventricular pacing. Bupivacaine serum levels of 7.9 ± 3.1 μg/ml produced a 60% increase in the QTU interval duration, and six out of seven animals sustained ventricular tachycardia upon ventricular pacing. The higher dose of bupivacaine resulted in an unusual polymorphic undulating ventricular tachycardia analogous to that seen with Torsades de Pointes.
Antibiotic use in cirrhotic children with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A retrospective study using the pediatric health information system (PHIS) database.

Prior studies have demonstrated positive impacts of antibiotic use on reducing mortality, rebleeding events, and length of hospitalization in adult cirrhotic patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We aimed to investigate the use of antibiotics in cirrhotic children with acute UGIB and its impact on patient outcomes.This was a retrospective study using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Cirrhotic patients aged 0 to 18 years with acute UGIB, admitted between October 2005 and September 2015, were identified based on ICD-9 codes. Patients with no documented endoscopy during admission were excluded.Forty-four (23 females) cirrhotic children were eligible for data analysis. The median patient age was 6 years. Etiology of acute UGIB included esophageal varices (n = 37), non-variceal bleeding (n = 4), and both (n = 3). A significant proportion of cirrhotic children with acute UGIB (n = 30, 68%) were given intravenous antibiotics within 48 hours of admission. Among children who did not develop bacteremia, 68% received antibiotics vs. 32% who did not (P = .6). The rate of readmission within 30 days of discharge was 7% in patients with antibiotics vs. 21% in those without antibiotics (P = .3).This study suggested that antibiotic use within 48 hours of admission in cirrhotic children with acute UGIB might have a positive impact on the percentage of children free of bacteremia and the readmission rate. A prospective study should investigate whether prophylactic antibiotics should be targeted only to a subgroup of cirrhotic children with acute UGIB who are particularly at high risk for bacterial infection.
From maternal tending to adolescent befriending: The adolescent transition of social support.

Attachment theory holds that parental relationships have lifelong effects on offspring social lives. The tend-and-befriend hypothesis posits that female friendships among humans evolved as part of a primate-wide coping mechanism to mediate stress by relying on social support. Here we bridge developmental and evolutionary frameworks to examine adolescent girls' perception of their reliance on female friendship for social support, how perceptions of parental relationships affect peer relationships, and the extent to which parent and peer relationships buffer depressive symptoms. We predict perceived maternal relationship quality will be positively associated with close female friendships, and maternal relationships, paternal relationships, and female friendship will buffer depressive symptoms. Participants were adolescent girls from a summer science camp (N = 95). Participants filled out demographic information, social network surveys, the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale, and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale. Data was analyzed with Pearson's correlations, t tests, and path analysis. Adolescent girls with few female friends, compared with girls who had more than two very close female friends, experienced more depressive symptoms (t = 3.382, p = .001, D = 0.784). Adolescent girls with few female friends experienced more depressive symptoms compared to girls with two or more very close female friends (t = 3.382, p = .001, D = 0.784). Stronger maternal and paternal relationships were associated with having more female friends (maternal: t = -3.213, p = .003, D = 0.837; paternal: t = -2.432; p = .017). In the path analysis model, only maternal relationship quality significantly predicted female friendship category (β = .33, CR = 2.770, p < .006). Furthermore, participants with two or more very close female friends and higher paternal relationship quality had significantly fewer depressive symptoms (friends; β = -.19, CR = -2.112, p = .035; paternal: β = -.33, CR = -3.220, p < .001), and older participants had more depressive symptoms (β = .17, CR = -1.931, p = .036). These results provide additional support for the tend-and-befriend hypothesis, suggesting that maternal tending sets the stage for close female friendships.
Simultaneous detection of the enzyme activities of GPx1 and GPx4 guide optimization of selenium in cell biological experiments.

Abstract Selenium is a metalloid trace element essential for maintaining the optimal redox environment in cells and tissues. It is structurally incorporated into over 25 selenoproteins and enzymes. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family of enzymes has a critical role in human health because of its antioxidant function. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for selenium intake in humans was established to maximize the activity of GPx in plasma. Suboptimal availability of selenium can limit the expression and activities of GPxs leading to a compromised redox environment. This can cause detrimental oxidative distress that could be prevented by increasing the availability of selenium. In cell culture studies, the medium is typically deficient in selenium; supplementation with selenium can increase selenoenzyme activities. However, the optimal level of supplementation in cell culture media has not been well characterized. We performed dose-response experiments for the activities of GPx1 and GPx4 vs. the level of selenium supplementation in cell culture medium. For this, we advanced an assay to determine the activities of both GPx1 and GPx4 efficiently in a single run. During the optimization process, we found that the observed activities of GPx1 and GPx4 depend greatly on the pH of the assay buffer; the observed activities increase with increasing pH, with pH 8 being optimal. Using the combination assay, we also found that the expression and activities for both GPx1 and GPx4 can be maximized in exponentially growing cells by supplementing cell culture media with ≈ 200 nM seleno- l -methionine, without concerns for toxicity. Optimizing the availability of selenium in cell culture to maximize the expression and activities GPx1 and GPx4 may allow for better translation of information from cell culture work to in vivo settings.
Resting State Functional Connectivity and Outcomes of Psychotherapies for Late-Life Depression.

ABSTRACT Background Problem solving therapy (PST) and “Engage,” a reward-exposure” based therapy, are important treatment options for late-life depression, given modest efficacy of antidepressants in this disorder. Abnormal function of the reward and default mode networks has been observed during depressive episodes. This study examined whether resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) of reward and DMN circuitries is associated with treatment outcomes. Methods Thirty-two older adults with major depression (mean age = 72.7) were randomized to 9-weeks of either PST or “Engage.” We assessed rsFC at baseline and week 6. We placed seeds in three a priori regions of interest: subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Outcome measures included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS). Results In both PST and “Engage,” higher rsFC between the sgACC and middle temporal gyrus at baseline was associated with greater improvement in depression severity (HAMD). Preliminary findings suggested that in “Engage” treated participants, lower rsFC between the dACC and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex at baseline was associated with HAMD improvement. Finally, in Engage only, increased rsFC from baseline to week 6 between NAcc and Superior Parietal Cortex was associated with increased BADS scores. Conclusion The results suggest that patients who present with higher rsFC between the sgACC and a structure within the DMN may benefit from behavioral psychotherapies for late life depression. “Engage” may lead to increased rsFC within the reward system reflecting a reconditioning of the reward systems by reward exposure
Introduction to Carotid Atherosclerosis

We present a brief overview of carotid atherosclerosis, including a historical perspective, epidemiology, clinical presentation, and imaging modalities. The first known description of the carotid artery dates back to Hippocrates (400–200 BC), but this knowledge has grown extensively. Large artery atherosclerosis accounts for about 20% of ischemic stroke. Carotid disease causes ischemia from both hypoperfusion and atheroemobolic events and presents with varying symptoms. Most commonly seen with ipsilateral monocular vision loss (amaurosis fugax), contralateral hemisensory loss or contralateral hemiparesis. There are multiple imaging modalities available to evaluate the stability and hemodynamic characteristics of carotid atherosclerotic plaque.
Observations of amplitude and angle of arrival scintillation in millimeter wave propagation caused by turbulence in clear air near the ground

Observations were conducted over uniform, exceptionally flat farm land in Illinois during clear weather in July, 1983. Scintillation data were obtained at 116.30 and 172.91 GHz for a path 1.4 km long. Rigorous micrometeorological measurements, some of them path averaging, were made along the path. The results of these tests will be described.
Capped Gly-Gly-Ala inhibits β−sheet formation and aggregation in peptides associated with neurodegenerative disease

Abstract A wide array of protein misfolding diseases all follow a similar pathogenic mechanism that includes, as an early step, the formation of β−sheet-rich monomers and oligomers. Thus, interruption of β−sheets is a promising strategy for preventing and reversing these diseases. We have identified a tri-peptide that is capable of interacting with peptides that can form β−sheets in isolation, and causing their unfolding. Using infrared spectroscopy, we studied the effect of Ac-GGA-NH2, a disordered peptide, on four β−sheet peptides derived from stretches of amyloidogenic proteins. In each case, less β−sheet is observed in the experimental mixture of these peptides and Ac-GGA-NH2 than is predicted mathematically from averaging the individual spectra of the two peptides. In the case of the two peptides we used that are derived from α−Synuclein, complete unfolding of the β−sheets is induced by the presence of equimolar concentrations of Ac-GGA-NH2.
Parent-Child Mindfulness-Based Training: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Stress in young children can interfere with academic achievement. To help address stress and aid in developing beneficial lifelong coping skills, educational systems are more widely incorporating p...
‘To mask, by slight differences in the manner, a virtual identity in the substance’: Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and De Quincey's ‘Confessions of an English Opium-Eater’

De Quincey's ‘Confessions of an English Opium-Eater’ (1821) and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique (1830) both take an unusual form in which seemingly digressive wanderings coalesce around an obsessiv...
A case-control study of compulsive wool-sucking in Siamese and Birman cats (n = 204)

Oriental breeds, such as Siamese and Birman cats, are more prone to wool-sucking. Though there appears to be a genetic susceptibility for the behavior, we hypothesized that the expression of wool-sucking was associated with either physical characteristics (head shape in Siamese, coat color, claw status), an abnormally intense appetite, medical problems and/or environmental factors (weaning age; litter size; obtainment source; number of cats in the environment; residence in a home or cattery; and use as a breeder, show cat, or pet.) The purpose of our study was to distinguish environmental and physical differences between affected and control cats and to determine whether these differences impacted the expression of the compulsive behavior. Two hundred and four Siamese and Birman cats were enrolled in the study. Owners of the cats were surveyed regarding signalment, physical characteristics, current and previous medical conditions, presence of an abnormally intense appetite, and environmental factors. Early weaning and small litter size were associated with an increased risk of wool-sucking in Birmans, only. The presence of a medical condition was associated with an increased risk of wool-sucking in Siamese cats. The presence of an abnormally intense appetite was seen in all affected cats. No relationship was seen between physical characteristics and wool-sucking in Siamese or Birman cats.
Laser-activated remote phosphor light engine for projection applications

Recent developments in blue emitting laser diodes enable attractive solutions in projection applications using phosphors for efficient light conversion with very high luminance levels. Various commercially available projectors incorporating this technology have entered the market in the past years. While luminous flux levels are still comparable to lamp-based systems, lifetime expectations of classical lamp systems are exceeded by far. OSRAM GmbH has been exploring this technology for several years and has introduced the PHASER® brand name (Phosphor + laser). State-of-the-art is a rotating phosphor wheel excited by blue laser diodes to deliver the necessary primary colors, either sequentially for single-imager projection engines, or simultaneously for 3-panel systems. The PHASER® technology enables flux and luminance scaling, which allows for smaller imagers and therefore cost-efficient projection solutions. The resulting overall efficiency and ANSI lumen specification at the projection screen of these systems is significantly determined by the target color gamut and the light transmission efficiency of the projection system. With increasing power and flux level demand, thermal issues, especially phosphor conversion related, dominate the opto-mechanical system design requirements. These flux levels are a great challenge for all components of an SSL-projection system (SSL:solid-state lighting). OSRAM´s PHASER® light engine platform is constantly expanded towards higher luminous flux levels as well as higher luminance levels for various applications. Recent experiments employ blue laser pump powers of multiple 100 Watts to excite various phosphors resulting in luminous flux levels of more than 40 klm.
A Combinatorial Proof of a Theorem of Katsuura

We give a combinatorial proof of an algebraic result of Katsuura's. Moreover, we use the proof of this result to shed some light on an interesting property of the result itself.
Peasant and official views of rangeland use in Botswana. Fifty years of devastation

Abstract Land use policy is often developed without regard to historical considerations, even though policy may fail because it is familiar to local people who have found it to be inaccurate and inappropriate. Between 1931 and 1981 officials consistently described north-eastern Botswana as severely overgrazed and in imminent danger of ecological disaster unless destocking took place. Over the same period the cattle population tripled, while enforced destocking caused hardship to local cattle holders. The contrast between local experience and official prescription over 50 years suggests why present-day residents are sceptical of official rangeland policy. The design of rangeland policy and range and livestock management projects would benefit from considering the history of local experience with official policy and advice.
Children and Their Basic Needs

The purpose of this article is to present many of the obstacles presented by poverty in the fulfillment of the basic needs of children. Each of the 5 basic needs identified by Maslow are addressed with regard to children reared in poverty. The article concludes by reiterating the need to do more to ensure that the basic needs of all American children are met.
Evidence for H+ secretion by the in vivo canine gallbladder

Abstract In humans and most other species, a decline in pH of gallbladder contents occurs during the concentration of bile. Recent in vitro studies in rabbit, guinea pig, and Necturus gallbladders have strongly suggested mucosal H + secretion during sodium reabsorption, presumably representing a Na+H+ exchange. The present in vivo studies are the first attempt to determine whether H + secretion by the gallbladder can be demonstrated in the living animal. Gallbladder bile was obtained from 27 anesthetized dogs after 12–24-h fasts; 12 samples of common duct bile were also obtained in 3 dogs during variable taurocholate infusion. In common duct bile, observed ranges were as follows: pH, 7.3–7.85; CO 2 partial pressure (Pco 2 ), 21–32 mmHg; total CO 2 concentration ([TCO 2 ]), 16.4–41.4 mM; total bile salt concentration ([TBS]), 16–93 mM; and [Na], 153–192 mM. In gallbladder bile, respective ranges were as follows: pH, 5.72–7.29; Pco 2 , 36–101 mmHg; [TCO 2 ], 1.21–15.5 mM; [TBS], 150–305 mM; and [Na], 199–266 mM. In all samples [Na] was linearly related to [TBS]. Carbon dioxide partial pressure increased from a mean of 27.3 mmHg in common duct bile to >100 mmHg in gallbladder bile at [TBS] = 180 mM, then declined to ~36 mmHg as [TBS] increased to >300 mM. Peak Pco 2 occurred at pH ~6.4–6.6, then declined as pH decreased to ~5.7. Bile to plasma Pco 2 ratios increased from a mean of 1.08 in common duct samples to >2.0 in gallbladder samples at pH ~6.3, then declined to ~1.0 in fully concentrated bile. If the high Pco 2 values in bile were solely due to tissue CO 2 production, a sustained increase in Pco 2 throughout Na + reabsorption might be expected. The results strongly suggest H + secretion (HCO 3 − neutralization), as peak Pco 2 occurred when [TBS] was only about 180 mM, long before sodium absorption was complete. It is hypothesized that H + secretion may have important favorable effects on calcium lithogenicity, reducing the likelihood of the formation of CaCO 3 − containing gallstones.
Mobile Communications Handbook

From the Publisher: The Mobile Communications Handbook covers the entire field - from principles of analog and digital communications to cordless telephones, wireless local area networks (LANs), and international technology standards. The amazing scope of the handbook ensures that it will be the primary reference for every aspect of mobile communications. Organized in two sections, The Mobile Communications Handbook first introduces the basic principles of analog and digital communications. Consisting of tutorial articles, this section provides background information and technical details, offering a solid foundation for the spectrum of mobile communications technology. The second part of the handbook consists of articles covering such topics as cellular mobile radio, personal communication systems, user location and addressing, wireless data, wireless LANs, and technology standards. New to the Second Edition: Discussions on: Rayleigh fading channelsSpace-time processingRadiolocation techniquesEnhancements in second generation systemsWireless video communicationsWireless ATMEvolving third generation standards Plus updates on: Wireless dataPower controlChannel assignmentDiversity techniquesError correction codingPseudonoise sequences
Selective Participation: Presidential Primary Voters as a Subset of General Election Voters

Presidential primary voters constitute a subset of presidential election voters. Two hypotheses are explored to explain this selective pattern of participation. One hypothesis centers on characteristics of individual voters, whereas the other centers on characteristics of the political environment. The research supports the second hypothesis for Republicans, who were mobilized to vote in the primaries by aspects of the campaign and legal structures. Participation in Democratic primaries, however, was influenced by both contextual and individual factors. Differences between the 1980 Democratic and Republican nomination races are suggested as reasons for the divergent explanations found for participation in the two parties' primaries.
Myths And Reality About Anger In The Workplace: What Do Managers Need To Know?

Existing categorization of workplace data ignores an opportunity to provide more distinct and relevant information on workplace incidents. This article describes current reporting of violence in the workplace and what issues must be addressed to be of better service to organizations. In addition to knowing statistical realities, managers must become very self-aware of their reactions to anger as a part of the overall anger management strategy of the organization. Emotional Intelligence research provides valuable tools for managers and supervisors to improve their responses to anger in the workplace.
Investigating food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms by mid-infrared spectroscopy.

Mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy (4000–400 cm−1) has great potential for determining biochemical properties of microbes that are important to food quality and safety. For example, rapid and precise measurements of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms present in food are possible, thanks to recent advances in detector technology and multivariate analysis. With mid-IR spectrometry it is possible to determine compositional properties of bacterial cell membranes, providing useful information about the genotype as well as phenotypical characteristics. In general, the most significant spectral regions for evaluation are Amide I (∼1650 cm−1), Amide II (∼1540 cm−1), polysaccharide (1200–900 cm−1), nucleic acid (∼1240 and ∼1080 cm−1), and certain lipid features, such as ω-cyclic fatty acids (∼2929 cm−1). Much research has been conducted to discriminate and quantify the specific microorganisms using this technique since the 1990s. In this chapter, we review recent work focusing on standardizing chemometric-processing steps, investigations of bacterial biofilms, spore characterization, microbial injury, and bacterial growth. Advantages and disadvantages of the application of IR spectral techniques for microbiological research are also presented. Keywords: infrared spectroscopy; multivariate analysis; spoilage microorganism; pathogenic microorganism; injury; spore; bacterial biofilm
Link Analysis of Wikipedia Documents Using MapReduce

Wikipedia, a collaborative and user driven encyclopedia is considered to be the largest content thesaurus on the web, expanding into a massive database housing a huge amount of information. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a MapReduce-based Wikipedia link analysis system that provides a hierarchical examination of document connectivity in Wikipedia and captures the semantic relationships between the articles. Our system consists of a Wikipedia crawler, a MapReduce-based distributed parser and the link analysis techniques. The results produced by this study are then modelled to the web Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for link-structure interpretation. We find that Wikipedia has a remarkable capability as a corpus for content correlation with respect to connectivity among articles. Link Analysis and Semantic Structuration of Wikipedia not only provides an ergonomic report of tire-based link hierarchy of Wikipedia articles but also reflects the general cognition on semantic relationship between them. The results of our analysis are aimed at providing valuable insights on evaluating the accuracy and the content scalability of Wikipedia through its link schematics.
Ultrasound of nerve and muscle

Over the last two decades, ultrasound has developed into a useful technology for the evaluation of diseases of nerve and muscle. Since it is currently not used at by the majority of clinicians involved in diagnosis or care of patients with neuromuscular disorders, this review briefly describes the technical aspects of ultrasound and its physical principles. It relates normal muscle anatomy and movement to ultrasound images in the axial and sagittal planes and follows with a discussion of ultrasound findings in chronic muscle disease. These include evident atrophy and the loss of the hypoechoic architecture of normal muscle tissue. It highlights evolving uses of the technique to measure other pathologic changes in disease including altered muscle dynamics. With high-resolution instruments nerve imaging has now become standard, and the relationships of median nerve anatomy and observations of static and dynamic images from ultrasound are reviewed. Changes seen in carpal tunnel syndrome include significant increases in the cross-sectional area of the nerve just proximal to the site of compression, loss of hyperechoic intensities within nerve, and reduced mobility. Preliminary use of the technique for the study of other nerves is reviewed as well. Ultrasound is an ideal tool for the clinical and research investigation of normal and diseased nerve and muscle complementary to existing diagnostic techniques. As the technology continues to evolve, it will likely assume a more significant role in these areas as those most able to exploit its potential, clinical neurophysiologists and neuromuscular clinicians, incorporate its use at the bedside.
Supporting Struggling Learners in Preschool: Emerging Approaches and Opportunities

This brief article introduces the reader to a special issue of NHSA Dialog that focuses on approaches to meeting the learning needs of preschoolers who are at high risk of later reading difficulties and academic failure. The paper offers a perspective on the value of examining early-stage evaluations of complex preschool interventions, and briefly reviews research that provides a rationale for focusing on children's language and early literacy skills in preschool. Emerging approaches to promoting the school readiness of struggling learners in preschool, including preschool Response to Intervention models and differentiated instruction, are discussed as a context for the interventions described in the special issue's articles.
Integration of approaches in David Wake's model-taxon research platform for evolutionary morphology.

Abstract What gets integrated in integrative scientific practices has been a topic of much discussion. Traditional views focus on theories and explanations, with ideas of reduction and unification dominating the conversation. More recent ideas focus on disciplines, fields, or specialties; models, mechanisms, or methods; phenomena, problems. How integration works looks different on each of these views since the objects of integration are ontologically and epistemically various: statements, boundary conditions, practices, protocols, methods, variables, parameters, domains, laboratories, and questions all have their own structures, functions and logics. I focus on one particular kind of scientific practice, integration of “approaches” in the context of a research system operating on a special kind of “platform.” Rather than trace a network of interactions among people, practices, and theoretical entities to be integrated, in this essay I focus on the work of a single investigator, David Wake. I describe Wake’s practice of integrative evolutionary biology and how his integration of approaches among biological specialties worked in tandem with his development of the salamanders as a model taxon, which he used as a platform to solve, re-work and update problems that would not have been solved so well by non-integrative approaches. The larger goal of the project to which this paper contributes is a counter-narrative to the story of 20th century life sciences as the rise and march of the model organisms and decline of natural history.
Conductive polymer sensor arrays: a new approach for structural health monitoring

Today's commercial and military aircraft require significant manpower resources to provide operational readiness and safety of flight. Aging aircraft fleets are much in need of new and innovative health-monitoring methods to prevent catastrophic failure and reduce life-cycle costs. The key items to be addressed are describing in situ structural integrity characteristics of corrosion and barely visible impact damage (BVID) to determine the 'damage susceptibility.' This paper presents a new concept for performing onboard real-time monitoring using conductive polymer sensor array technology.
Molecular Recognition in Carnitine Acyltransferases

We are designing and synthesizing rigid guests to probe the topography of the carnitine acyltransferases, regulatory enzymes in lipid metabolism. Our designs are based on structural studies of substrates and possible molecular mechanisms of enzymatic activity. Recent X-ray, 1H NMR, and force-field computational studies on carnitine and acetylcarnitine, coupled with the known stereospecificity for activity in carnitine acyltransferases, have led us to propose a molecular mechanism for acyl transfer in these enzymes. The ‘folded’ conformation of an acylcarnitine is most populated and should be preferred for binding to these enzymes, because, in this conformation, the acyloxy is the most sterically accessible. There are four key recognition sites on the enzymes: I, carboxylate; II, trimethylammonium; III, coenzyme A; IV, acyl. Sites, I, II and III serve as the three loci required to create a chiral environment on the enzymes for carnitine. An addition-elimination reaction involving the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate is suggested as the mechanism for O-to-S acyl transfer. This proposed tetrahedral intermediate is chiral and the enzymes should prefer the R configuration at this center. Based on this proposal, conformationally rigid tetrahedral-intermediate analogues have been designed, synthesized and assayed. Morpholinium and 2-hydroxymorpholinium derivatives inhibit carnitine acetyltransferase and palmitoyltransferase. Because of rigidity at their two chiral centers, these inhibitors serve as probes of molecular topography of recognition sites, I, II, and IV.
Off-Duty and Under Arrest: A Study of Crimes Perpetuated by Off-Duty Police

The findings of independent commissions and research derived from a data set of career-ending misconduct among New York Police Department (NYPD) officers suggests that police engage in a wide variety of crimes while they are off duty including domestic violence, bar fights, drunk driving, burglary, and sex offenses (Fyfe & Kane, 2006; Kane & White, 2009; Mollen Commission, 1994). The off-duty misbehavior of police is an important concern for police agencies exposed to potential liability costs, and scholars engaged in debates about whether studies on police deviance should include acts committed while an officer is technically off duty. The problem for scholars interested in understanding off-duty police misconduct is that virtually all of the existing data describes the misbehavior of NYPD police. The purpose of the current study is to explore the nature and character of off-duty police crime in the United States through a content analysis of news articles on arrested off-duty police officers. Data are presented in terms of the arrested off-duty officer(s), his or her agency, and case outcomes including legal and/or employment dispositions. The article includes a discussion regarding the generalizability of existing data on off-duty police crime and the policy implications of our research. Language: en
Effects of federal programs on children: Absolute poverty, relative poverty, and income inequality

Abstract Since the 1996 welfare reform, federal spending on means-tested programs targeting the poorest children has decreased, while programs that benefit children in low-income working families have been expanded substantially. With this background, this study examined changes in the antipoverty and anti-inequality effects of children's programs between 1995 and 2007 using data from the Annual Social and Economic (ASEC) Supplements to the Current Population Survey (CPS). The findings suggest that although the poverty-reduction effects of the federal child programs increased between 1995 and 2007, the programs' effects on the reductions of children's absolute poverty gaps, relative poverty rates, relative poverty gaps, and income inequality all decreased. More importantly, the antipoverty effects of the federal child programs were most weakened for the poorest children (i.e., those in female-headed, immigrant, and nonworking families) between 1995 and 2007.
Identification of specific domains in botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins.

Abstract Specific domains of botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins have been identified by computing the bias in the use of Lys over Arg in their respective polypeptide chains (E. London and C. L. Luongo , Biochem. biophys. Res. Commun . 160, 333–339, 1989). A strong bias was noted in the C-terminal domain of the light chains of both the neurotoxins (b RK′ , −8.0 to −12.0) suggesting that this domain could represent a ‘catalytic domain’ similar to that present in other dichain toxins such as diphtheria. Interestingly, this domain has a segment which has significant homology with the partial sequence of botulinum exoenzyme C3, an ADP-ribosyl transferase, implying a possible relationship with an enzymatic activity.
The Cockcroft-Walton photomultiplier tube base and the Ethernet high voltage controller☆

Abstract A new development on the Cockcroft-Walton photomultiplier tube base and the Ethernet high voltage controller is described. This high performance system is characterized by its low heat dissipation, low noise, total elimination of high voltage cables, and the capability of remote operation on the Ethernet network. It is particularly suitable for applications in large scale collider experiments.
Evaluation of Selected Laboratory Components of a Comprehensive Periodic Health Evaluation for Veterans With Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders

Abstract Choi H, Binder DS, Oropilla ML, Bernotus EE, Konya D, Nee MA, Tammaro EA, Sabharwal S. Evaluation of selected laboratory components of a comprehensive periodic health evaluation for veterans with spinal cord injury and disorders. Objective To evaluate selected laboratory components of a comprehensive periodic health evaluation program for patients with spinal cord injury and disorders (SCI/D). Design A retrospective study. Setting A Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury center. Participants Community-dwelling male veterans with SCI/D (N=350). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Proportion of laboratory tests that resulted in new diagnoses (diagnostic yield) and proportion of laboratory tests that resulted in changes in management (therapeutic yield). Results Although abnormality rates for many routine laboratory tests were high (up to 31.5%), diagnostic and therapeutic yields were low ( Conclusions Our data revealed that diagnostic and therapeutic yields for many laboratory components of the annual PHE program for veterans with SCI/D were low, consistent with findings in the general ambulatory population. Further data collection, particularly prospective longitudinal data, may help optimize the selection and frequency of laboratory tests performed as part of this program.
Distribution of mRNAs encoding classical progestin receptor, progesterone membrane components 1 and 2, serpine mRNA binding protein 1, and progestin and ADIPOQ receptor family members 7 and 8 in rat forebrain

Several lines of evidence suggest the existence of multiple progestin receptors that may account for rapid and delayed effects of progesterone in the CNS. The delayed effects have been long attributed to activation of the classical progestin receptor (Pgr). Recent studies have discovered novel progestin signaling molecules that may be responsible for rapid effects. These include progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (Pgrmc1), Pgrmc2, progestin and adipoQ receptor 7 (Paqr7) and Paqr8. The functions of these molecules have been investigated extensively in non-neural, but not in neural tissues, partly because it is unclear which are expressed in the brain and where they are expressed. To address these issues, we compared the distributions of mRNAs encoding Pgr, Pgrmc1, Pgrmc2, Paqr7 and Paqr8 using in situ hybridization with radiolabeled oligodeoxynucleotidyl probes in forebrain tissues of estradiol-treated female rats. We also examined the distribution of serpine mRNA binding protein 1 (Serbp1), a putative binding partner of Pgrmc1. Analyses of adjacent brain sections showed that the highest expression of mRNAs encoding Pgr, Pgrmc1, Pgrmc2 and Serbp1 was detected in several hypothalamic nuclei important for female reproduction. In contrast, expression patterns of Paqr7 and Paqr8 were low and homogeneous in the hypothalamus, and more abundant in thalamic nuclei. The neuroanatomical distributions of these putative progestin signaling molecules suggest that Pgrmc1 and Pgrmc2 may play roles in neuroendocrine functions while Paqr7 and Paqr8 are more likely to regulate sensory and cognitive functions.
Electroadhesive Devices for Zero-g Intra/Extravehicular Activities

Initial studies of the electroadhesive phenomenon are shown to indicate that electroadhesors are potentially usable as zero-g assistive devices for a range of intra- and extravehicular activities in space missions. These uses generally are related to astronaut and cargo maneuvering, worksite restraint, and tool and equipment tiedown.
Stability of a-Si:H solar cells and corresponding intrinsic materials fabricated using hydrogen diluted silane

We report on a study in which properties of p(a-SiC:H)/i(a-Si:H)/n(/spl mu/c-Si) a-Si:H solar cells and their i-materials prepared with hydrogen dilution are investigated and compared with films and cells prepared without hydrogen dilution. The cells and the corresponding intrinsic films were fabricated in a multi-chamber PECVD system with pure silane (SiH/sub 4/) and silane diluted with hydrogen in the ratio [H/sub 2/]/[SiH/sub 4/]=10. The initial performance of both types of cells (/spl sim/4000 /spl Aring/ thick) fabricated without optical enhancement are quite similar but the diluted cells are significantly more stable. Despite the reported importance of the interface regions in determining their solar cell characteristics, a direct correlation between the degradation of the diluted solar cells and their intrinsic films is observed in this study. Both diluted cells and films reach a steady state of degradation under AM1 illumination within 100 hours. Distinctly different kinetics from the undiluted materials and cells and the ability to reach steady state degradation in less than 100 hours offer a new probe for improving our understanding of the mechanisms limiting cell performance.
Characteristics of abrasive waterjet generated surfaces and effects of cutting parameters and structure vibration

We use three-dimensional surface topography analysis for evaluating waterjet generated surfaces. The waterjet generated surface is separated into smooth and striation zones, where striation influence is negligible in the smooth zone. It is found that the smooth zone has a random, moderately isotropic texture, with the height distribution nearly Gaussian. The effects of cutting speed, depth of cut, and abrasive size on the surface roughness are studied for the smooth zone and striation zone separately. This provides useful information for controlling process parameters to obtain smooth finished surfaces. Spectral analysis is used to investigate the surface striation and machine structure vibration. It is found that forced vibration of the mechanical structure strongly influences striations generated in the waterjet machining system.
A Proof of the Cut-Elimination Theorem in Simple Type Theory

In [4], I introduced a quasi-Boolean algebra, and showed that in a formal system of simple type theory, from which the cut rule is omitted, wffs form a quasi-Boolean algebra, and that the cut-elimination theorem can be formulated in algebraic language. In this paper we use the result of [4] to prove the cut-elimination theorem in simple type theory. The theorem was proved by M. Takahashi [2] in 1967 by using the concept of Schutte's semivaluation. We use maximal ideals of a quasi-Boolean algebra instead of semivaluations.The logical system we are concerned with is a modification of Schutte's formal system of simple type theory in [1] into Gentzen style.Inductive definition of types.0 and 1 are types.If τ1, …, τn are types, then (τ1, …, τn) is a type.Basic symbols.a1τ, a2τ, … for free variables of type τ.x1τ, x2τ, … for bound variables of type τ.An arbitrary number of constants of certain types.An arbitrary number of function symbols with certain argument places.
Defects and disorder in the fast-ion electrode lithium-aluminum

Abstract Neutron and X-ray diffraction measurements indicate no phase change in β- phase LiAl from 300 to 490 K. The thermal expansion of the lattice constant and the temperature dependence of the Debye-Waller factor for Li are linear and not unusually large. The data are, analyzed in the Bragg-Williams approximation with T c = 1100 K . At elevated temperatures, LiAl approaches an order-disorder transformation. At battery operating temperatures (700 K) there are appreciable concentrations of both types of antisite defects Li Al and Al Li , and there is appreciable Al diffusion.
Effects of triaxiality on the growth of crack-like cavities in soft incompressible elastic solids

We study the finite deformation of an isolated circular or penny-shaped crack in an infinite block of soft incompressible hyper-elastic solid. The crack is subjected to remote tensile true stresses that are parallel (S) and normal (T) to the undeformed crack faces. Two material models are considered, an ideal rubber (neo-Hookean solid) and a hyperelastic material that hardens exponentially. The energy release rates for different triaxiality ratios S/T from uniaxial tension (S/T = 0) to hydrostatic tension (S/T = 1) are determined using a finite element method (FEM). For small deformations, our results agree with linear elastic theory where the energy release rate is independent of S. This is not the case at finite strains; our results show that the energy release rate increases rapidly with triaxiality. For the special case of pure hydrostatic tension, the energy release rate approaches infinity for the neo-Hookean solid at a finite tension, consistent with a previous result by Lin and Hui (Y.Y. Lin and C.Y. Hui, Int. J. Fract., 2004, 126, 205–221). Our result shows that strain hardening significantly reduces the energy release rate for the same remote loading. In particular, for the case of hydrostatic tension, the energy release rate remains bounded for the exponentially hardening solid.