cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reappraisal of the epidemiology of phenotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

We analyzed published data from studies of the epidemiology of gonococcal auxotype/serovar phenotypes in Seattle and King County, Washington; Denver, Colorado; and Miami and Dade County, Florida, to determine whether the numbers of new phenotypes were within the ranges of numbers predicted from previous observations in the same populations. For this analysis, we used the model of Fisher and Good and Turing. In all the analyses, the observed number of new species was within the 95% confidence region for the expected number. In contrast to the original interpretation of the data--that phenotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pass through the human population in waves, our analysis is compatible with random sampling of a larger population of gonococcal phenotypes. This suggests that transmission of gonorrhea is sustained as much by failure to cure core-group transmitters as by failure to prevent introductions from other populations.
A home-based program for a preschool behaviorally disturbed child with parents as therapists

Abstract The effects of a set of reinforcement procedures upon the “autistic” behaviors of a four-year-old girl were evaluated. The study was carried out entirely in a home setting with the mother and father as change agents. The parents were trained to use, in a semi-structured play setting, through written and verbal instructions, a treatment program consisting of positive attention and timeout. Each parent independently applied the training procedures to the child's compliance, inappropriate vocalization and noncompliance behaviors. Both multiple baseline and reversal procedures were employed to assess treatment effects. Results indicated that the parents' use of the positive attention and timeout procedures was responsible for a substantial improvement in their daughter's compliance with instructions and a marked decrease in the two inappropriate responses. Comparisons across parents indicated no marked differences in the procedures' effects on the child's behaviors.
Forum: Strobe Photography: A Brief History

The first known photograph taken by a flash of light from an electrical discharge (spark) was accomplished about 1850 by Henry Fox-Talbot in England shortly after he invented the negative-positive process that is used so widely today. However, electrically produced flashes did not become a commonly used method until quite recently. In this article I discuss some of the exciting developments of the recent past in strobe photography, and relate some of the history that brought about this remarkable revolution in the photographic world.
Properties of the exponential distribution of exponential populations

Properties of the negative exponential distribution of exponential populations are calculated as an illustration of the behavior of a population in which the average extension of life for the survivors increases as a function of the time. The equation specifying the distribution is dNdt=No∫o∞ke−kl−tldll and the nth moment about the origin is given by μ′=(n!)2kn This population has a greater proportion of individuals of short life than a corresponding simple exponential; at intermediate times there are fewer observations, and for a time of ten or twenty average lives the number of survivors is orders of magnitude larger than for the simple exponential distribution. The properties of the population surviving at time T are computed using the Kn arising from Bessel's functions of an imaginary argument. A striking property is that the survivors at time T have an expectation of life which is given by T + (1k) + T12K0(4KT)12k12K1(4kT)12 which is greater by (Tk)12K0(4kT)12K1(4kT)12) than the result obtained for the exponential. A distribution obtained in experimental work, which appears to be adequately represented by the postulated distribution, is compared with it.
Evolution of a semilinear parabolic system for migration and selection without dominance

The semilinear parabolic system that describes the evolution of the gene frequencies in the diffusion approximation for migration and selection at a multiallelic locus without dominance is investigated. The population occupies a finite habitat of arbitrary dimensionality and shape (i.e., a bounded, open domain in R d ). The selection coefficients depend on position; the drift and diffusion coefficients may depend on position. The primary focus of this paper is the dependence of the evolution of the gene frequencies on λ, the strength of selection relative to that of migration. It is proved that if migration is sufficiently strong (i.e., λ is sufficiently small) and the migration operator is in divergence form, then the allele with the greatest spatially averaged selection coefficient is ultimately fixed. The stability of each vertex (i.e., an equilibrium with exactly one allele present) is completely specified. The stability of each edge equilibrium (i.e., one with exactly two alleles present) is fully described when either (i) migration is sufficiently weak (i.e., λ is sufficiently large) or (ii) the equilibrium has just appeared as λ increases. The existence of unexpected, complex phenomena is established: even if there are only three alleles and migration is homogeneous and isotropic (corresponding to the Laplacian), (i) as λ increases, arbitrarily many changes of stability of the edge equilibria and corresponding appearance of an internal equilibrium can occur and (ii) the conditions for protection or loss of an allele can both depend nonmonotonically on λ. Neither of these phenomena can occur in the diallelic case.
Robust Kalman-Bucy Filter

Development of a robust estimator for uncertain stochastic systems under persistent excitation is presented. The given continuous-time stochastic formulation assumes norm bounded parametric uncertainties and excitations. When there are no system uncertainties, the performance of the proposed robust estimator is similar to that of the Kalman-Bucy filter and the proposed approach asymptotically recovers the desired optimal performance in the presence of uncertainties and or persistent excitation.
Discrimination of infrasound events using parallel neural network classification banks

Abstract An integral part of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) International Monitoring System is an infrasound-monitoring network. This network has the capability to detect and verify infrasonic signals-of-interest (SOI), e.g., nuclear explosions, from other unwanted infrasound noise sources. This paper presents classification results of infrasonic events using parallel neural network classification banks (PNNCB). The PNNCB presented are structured by parallelization of classical neural networks. The PNNCB algorithm has capability of multiple events classification and show enhanced overall classification performance.
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may reduce frequency of central venous access device infection in hemophilia patients undergoing immune tolerance therapy.

Many patients with hemophilia, particularly those with inhibitory antibodies, utilize central venous access devices (CVADs) to facilitate frequent infusions. Infection of these devices is a common complication of factor replacement therapy. This communication reports our center's experience with CVAD infection in three patients with severe hemophilia A undergoing immune tolerance therapy (ITT) in whom intermittent infusions of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA, Cathflo™ Activase®) were utilized. In this small experience, patients experienced a decreased frequency of gram-positive infections when receiving routine rTPA treatments. Larger randomized trial should be performed in this patient population at high risk of CVAD infection. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:627–629. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Analytic characterization of conditional gaugeability for non-local Feynman–Kac transforms

Abstract An analytic characterization of gaugeability and conditional gaugeability is given for non-local (or discontinuous) Feynman–Kac transforms of general symmetric Markov processes. This analytic characterization is very useful in determining whether a process perturbed by a potential is gaugeable or conditionally gaugeable in concrete cases.
Affective Dimensions of High and Low Cognitive Homemaking Tasks

Homemakers were asked what they liked and disliked about 1,208 homemaking tasks they named as high and low in the cognitive requirements of attention, judgment, and planning. “Pleasure derived from the results” was the reason cited most often for liking both the high and low cognitive tasks. Their responses for the disliked aspects were varied. Broad groupings of liked aspects were distributed similarly for high and low cognitive tasks, as were the broad groupings of disliked aspects. Liked aspects were most often in the affective domain, then in the content of the work and in the physical and social context. Disliked aspects were most often about the content of the work, the context, and then affec tive factors. The 208 wives also rated and ranked their tasks. A significant proportion of high cognitive tasks were rated liked and ranked most liked. Only half of the low cognitive tasks were rated disliked, although a significant proportion were ranked least liked. Implications for design of homemaking tasks are to enhance the personal satisfaction with accomplishment and results and to adjust some of the sources of dislike in the content of the work.
1008. Characterization of Peripheral Regulatory T Cell Phenotype Generated in Molecular Chimeras by Gene Therapy

Introduction. Donor-specific tolerance to MHC class I antigens can be achieved following reconstitution of mice with genetically modified autologous bone marrow cells expressing allogeneic MHC class I genes. The mechanisms by which CD4 T cells that recognize allogeneic antigens through the indirect pathway are rendered tolerant involve incomplete central thymic deletion and the generation of regulatory T cells. Here we assess the peripheral regulatory T cell phenotype generated in molecular chimeras by gene therapy.
Kinetic spectroscopy of heme hydration and ligand binding in myoglobin and isolated hemoglobin chains: an optical window into heme pocket water dynamics.

The entry of a water molecule into the distal heme pocket of pentacoordinate heme proteins such as myoglobin and the α,β chains of hemoglobin can be detected by time-resolved spectroscopy in the heme visible bands after photolysis of the CO complex. Reviewing the evidence from spectrokinetic studies of Mb variants, we find that this optical method measures the occupancy of non(heme)coordinated water in the distal pocket, nw, with high fidelity. This evidence further suggests that perturbation of the kinetic barrier presented by distal pocket water is often the dominant mechanism by which active site mutations affect the bimolecular rate constant for CO binding. Water entry into the heme pockets of isolated hemoglobin subunits was detected by optical methods. Internal hydration is higher in the native α chains than in the β chains, in agreement with previous crystallographic results for the subunits within Hb tetramers. The kinetic parameters obtained from modeling of the water entry and ligand rebinding in Mb mutants and native Hb chains are consistent with an inverse dependence of the bimolecular association rate constant on the water occupancy factor. This correlation suggests that water and ligand mutually exclude one another from the distal pockets of both types of hemoglobin chains and myoglobin.
Structure and ion dynamics in AgI : Ag2B4O7 vitreous electrolytes

Abstract Compounds of the system (AgI) x (Ag 2 B 4 O 7 ) 1−x can be thought of as a network made by an equal number of BO 3 and BO 4 groups containing silver iodide polyhedra. Partially crystalline compounds are obtained when the AgI molar fraction, x, is more than two times the Ag 2 B 4 O 7 fraction. For the same iodine concentration, the ionic conductivities of the AgI : Ag 2 B 4 O 7 glasses are comparable with those of other AgI : Ag-oxysalt glasses. However, their glass transition temperatures are substantially higher. With increasing silver iodine content, the physical properties which have been investigated approach smoothly the corresponding values expected for α-AgI. However, it is shown that Ag + within the iodide polyhedra is not the unique current carrier and that a wide distribution of barrier heights exists in these glasses.
Third-Party Characteristics and Intergroup Conflict Resolution:

This laboratory experiment examined the differing effects of anticipating a mediator versus an arbitrator upon the negotiating behavior of group spokesmen who represented actual constituencies. In addition, the reputation (attractiveness) of the third party was also manipulated. It was hypothesized, based upon previous research, that representatives facing high-power third parties (arbitrators) would have more difficulty in negotiations. This, in fact, was found. Representatives facing a third party with arbitration power took more time to reach an agreement, used more bargaining dyads and had more deadlocks than did representatives who faced a low-power third party. Contrary to expectations, no main effect was found for third-party reputation. In concluding, the importance of replicating this study's findings was emphasized.
Destruction of NO by NH3 in lean burnt gas

Abstract In lean gas at 1100 T 3 is consistent with the mechanism NH 3 +OH→NH 2 +H 2 Owith k 6 of order 3 × 10 11 cc/mole·sec,where [NO] c is a critical concentration below which NO cannot be reduced by injecting NH 3 . The limiting [NO] c increases with temperature because [OH] increases-and this limits the control of NO emissions by NH 3 injection to temperatures which are not too high. The control is limited to temperatures which are not too low by the rate of formation of NH 2 -i.e., by the rate of (6) in the present work.
Individual Differences in the Contribution of Maternal Soothing to Infant Distress Reduction

This study investigates individual differences in the contribution of specific maternal regulatory behaviors to the mother-infant dyad's regulation of infant distress response. Additionally, we examined the stability of infants' stress responses and the stability of specific maternal soothing behaviors. The sample included 128 mother-infant dyads that were observed during an inoculation at 2 and 6 months. The average intensity of infant cry response showed modest stability across age only before controlling for the infant's general state of irritability, and the duration of crying was not stable. Of the 8 specific maternal regulatory behaviors studied, affection, touching, and vocalizing showed the strongest stability across infant age. Finally, an index of the contingency between maternal soothing and infant cry reduction at 2 months predicted shorter cry duration but not cry intensity at 6 months. The results of this study indicate that infants whose mothers showed a greater contribution to reducing their distress at 2 months showed a shorter duration of crying 4 months later. This suggests a possible longitudinal influence of maternal regulation on infants' distress responses.
The number of recent sex partners among bisexual men in the United States

CONTEXT: Little is known regarding bisexual men’s number of recent sex partners, a risk factor for HIV and other STDs. Furthermore, it is unclear if bisexual men have more partners than heterosexual or homosexual men, and whether partner number varies by measures of sexual behavior, identity and attraction. METHODs: Sexual orientation—defined separately by sexual behavior during the past year, identity and attraction—was assessed for 3,875 sexually active men aged 15–44 who had participated in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. Chi-square and t tests examined differences in background characteristics, behavioral risk factors and number of past-year sex partners by sexual orientation according to each definition. Multivariate ordinary least-squares regression was used to assess predictors of the number of partners. RESULTS: When sexual identity and attraction were controlled for, behaviorally bisexual men were predicted to have had 3.1 more past-year partners than behaviorally heterosexual men and 2.6 more than behaviorally homosexual men. After controlling for sexual identity and behavior, bisexual-attracted men had had 0.7 fewer partners than homosexual-attracted men. In a model including background characteristics and behavioral risk factors, behaviorally bisexual men were predicted to have had 2.5–2.6 more partners than others. Neither bisexual identity nor bisexual attraction independently predicted the number of recent partners. CONCLUSION: The way in which bisexuality relates to men’s number of recent sex partners depends on how sexual orientation is measured. Interventions to reduce behaviorally bisexual men’s number of partners will likely lessen their risk for HIV and other STDs.
Revisiting the Satisfaction-Loyalty Relationship: Empirical Generalizations and Directions for Future Research

This extensive literature review highlights the state of the art regarding the relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, both attitudinal and behavioral. In particular, it brings to light several issues that should be carefully considered in analyzing the efficacy of customer satisfaction in explaining and predicting customer loyalty. In fact, for many years companies all around the world have heavily invested in customer satisfaction in the hope of increasing loyalty, and hence, consequently, profitability. But after having gone through a detailed analysis, it is clear that this link it is not as strong as it is believed to be and customer satisfaction is not enough to explain loyalty. In fact, the major findings of this review are captured in the form of a few empirical generalizations. We generalize that, while there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty, the variance explained by just satisfaction is rather small. Models that encompass other relevant variables as moderators, mediators, antecedent variables, or all three are better predictors of loyalty than just customer satisfaction. Further, the satisfaction–loyalty relationship has the potential to change over time. Similar weaker findings are uncovered and the study offers specific guidelines on who, when, and how much to satisfy. Finally, suggestions for future research to explore this domain are offered.
Screening and Brief Intervention for Alcohol Misuse in Older Adults: Training Outcomes Among Physicians and Other Healthcare Practitioners in Community-Based Settings.

Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is increasingly available to older adults who engage in at-risk drinking. This study examined the extent to which SBI training influenced the willingness of healthcare providers in a community-based hospital and other clinical settings to promote the implementation of SBI. Ninety-three healthcare practitioners (primarily physicians, nurses, and social workers) who attended SBI training were asked about their intentions to apply the information in their professional practice, as well as their enthusiasm about recommending the training to others in their profession. Although there were no differences among the professions in terms of commitment to apply the information or level of comfort using the techniques, physicians were less interested in promoting SBI training among their colleagues. Although it may be more difficult to promote SBI in locations that don’t primarily provide mental health services, results suggest that primary care settings are precisely where training may be most useful.
Critical properties of the vapor—liquid equilibria of the binary system acetone—n-pentane

Abstract Hajjar, R.F., Cherry, R.H. and Kay, W.B., 1986. Critical properties of the vapor—liquid equilibria of the binary system acetone— n -pentane. Fluid Phase Equilibria , 25: 137–146. The P—V—T—x properties for the acetone— n -pentane azeotrope-forming system have been measured by the technique developed by Kay. The experimental uncertainties have been estimated at 0.05 K , 2.4 kPa and 0.06% of the volume. The results for eight different compositions covering the range 180 to 200°C and 2.5 to 4.0 MPa are given. Smoothed critical loci have been plotted. The critical temperatures and pressures were correlated by a quadratic relationship of the form Q cm = Σ i Σ j x i x j Q cij where i , j = 1, 2. The maximum discrepancy in the critical temperature was 0.6 K and in the critical pressure was 0.012 MPa.
Low temperature synthesis, optical and photoconductance properties of nearly monodisperse thin In2S3 nanoplatelets

We report on the synthesis of nearly monodisperse In2S3 nanoplatelets ∼7 nm thick by a low temperature polyol process using 1-thioglycerol as the capping chemical. The synthesized nanoplatelets crystallized in bulk tetragonal structure and show preferential crystallographic growth within a range of diameters from ∼75–85 nm. Quantum confinement was observed by spectroscopic analyses with a determined band gap of 3.4 eV. Strong UV luminescence corroborated valence-conduction band transition in these confined nanoplatelets. Room temperature photoconductance measurements performed on the prototype device fabricated from the nanoplatelets revealed noticeable enhancement of conductivity under illumination as compared to the dark condition.
Characteristics of ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by rats during shock-elicited aggression

Albino rats tested for shock-elicited aggression on occasion emitted periodic ultrasonic calls. The fundamental frequency of these calls was about 24 kHz, with harmonics appearing at 72 and 120 kHz, and the calls lasted as long as 3–4 sec. These calls were emitted by rats which had adopted an upright submissive posture following attack(s). These long 22–26-kHz calls may serve to inhibit or prevent unlearned behaviors in rats.
The biological kinship of hypoxia with CSC and EMT and their relationship with deregulated expression of miRNAs and tumor aggressiveness

Hypoxia is one of the fundamental biological phenomena that are intricately associated with the development and aggressiveness of a variety of solid tumors. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) function as a master transcription factor, which regulates hypoxia responsive genes and has been recognized to play critical roles in tumor invasion, metastasis, and chemo-radiation resistance, and contributes to increased cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis. Therefore, tumor hypoxia with deregulated expression of HIF and its biological consequence lead to poor prognosis of patients diagnosed with solid tumors, resulting in higher mortality, suggesting that understanding of the molecular relationship of hypoxia with other cellular features of tumor aggressiveness would be invaluable for developing newer targeted therapy for solid tumors. It has been well recognized that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic cells are associated with therapeutic resistance and contribute to aggressive tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and believed to be the cause of tumor recurrence. Interestingly, hypoxia and HIF signaling pathway are known to play an important role in the regulation and sustenance of CSCs and EMT phenotype. However, the molecular relationship between HIF signaling pathway with the biology of CSCs and EMT remains unclear although NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hedgehog signaling pathways have been recognized as important regulators of CSCs and EMT. In this article, we will discuss the state of our knowledge on the role of HIF-hypoxia signaling pathway and its kinship with CSCs and EMT within the tumor microenvironment. We will also discuss the potential role of hypoxia-induced microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor development and aggressiveness, and finally discuss the potential effects of nutraceuticals on the biology of CSCs and EMT in the context of tumor hypoxia.
Prediction of axial liquid velocity profile in bubble columns

The liquid flow and mixing behavior in bubble columns is partially described by means of global liquid recirculation velocity profile. Due to the complex character of the flow in bubble columns, the prediction of the axial liquid circulation is still a difficult task. In this work, the following correlation is proposed for the liquid recirculation profile: V L (r)/V LO =1-2.65*n 0.44 *c[r/R] 2.65*n0.44*c , where n and c are the gas radial holdup profile parameters evaluated by the correlations proposed by Wu, Ong and Al-Dahhan (Chemical Engineering Science, 56 (2001) 1207-1210): n=2.188x10 3 Re G -0.598 Fr g 0.146 Mo L -0.004 , c=4.32x10 -2 Re G 0.2492 . The predictions of the developed liquid circulation correlation agree well with the experimental data obtained in the laboratory and reported in literature. The model is simple and is easy to use as an engineering tool to assess the liquid recirculation in bubble columns.
A molecular phylogeny of Amazona: implications for Neotropical parrot biogeography, taxonomy, and conservation

Amazon parrots (Genus Amazona) are among the most recognizable and imperiled of all birds. Several hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history of Amazona are investigated using a combined phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data from six partitions including mitochondrial (COI, 12S, and 16S) and nuclear (β-fibint7, RP40, and TROP) regions. The results demonstrate that Amazona is not monophyletic with respect to the placement of the Yellow-faced parrot (Amazona xanthops), as first implied by Ribeiro (1920). In addition, the analysis corroborates previous studies suggesting a Neotropical short-tailed parrot genus as sister to Amazona. At a finer level, the phylogeny resolves the Greater Antillean endemic species as constituting a monophyletic group, including the Central American Amazona albifrons, while further revealing a paraphyletic history for the extant Amazon species of the Lesser Antilles. The reconstructed phylogeny provides further insights into the mainland sources of the Antillean Amazona, reveals areas of taxonomic uncertainty within the genus, and presents historical information that may be included in conservation priority-setting for Amazon parrots.
Time and space nonlocalities underlying fractional-derivative models: Distinction and literature review of field applications

Abstract We investigate the spatiotemporal nonlocality underlying fractional-derivative models as a possible explanation for regional-scale anomalous dispersion with heavy tails. Properties of four fractional-order advection–dispersion equation (fADE) models were analyzed and compared systematically, including the space fADEs with either maximally positive or negative skewness, the time fADE with a temporal fractional-derivative 0 γ 1 , and the extension of the time fADE with 1 γ 2 . Space fADEs describe the dependence of local concentration change on a wide range of spatial zones (i.e., the space nonlocality), while time fADEs describe dynamic mass exchange between mobile and multiple immobile phases and therefore record the temporal history of concentration “loading” (i.e., the time-nonlocality). We then applied the fADEs as models of anomalous dispersion to four extensively-studied, regional-scale, natural systems, including a hillslope composed of fractured soils, a river with simultaneous active flow zones and various dead-zones, a relatively homogeneous glaciofluvial aquifer dominated by stratified sand and gravel, and a highly heterogeneous alluvial aquifer containing both preferential flowpaths and abundant aquitards. We find that the anomalous dispersion observed at each site might not be characterized reasonably or sufficiently by previous studies. In particular, the use of the space fADE with less than maximally positive skewness implies a spatial dependence on downstream concentrations that may not be physically realistic for solute transport in watershed catchments and rivers (where the influence of dead-zones on solute transport can be described by a temporal, not spatial, fractional model). Field-scale transport studies show that large ranges of solute displacement can be described by a space nonlocal, fractional-derivative model, and long waiting times can be described efficiently by a time-nonlocal, fractional model. The unknown quantitative relationship between the nonlocal parameters and the heterogeneity, and the similarity in concentration profiles that are solutions to the different nonlocal transport models, all demonstrate the importance of distinguishing the representative nonlocality (time and/or space) for any given regional-scale anomalous dispersion process.
Regional Impacts of Fishery Allocation to Sport and Commercial Interests: A Case Study of Ohio's Portion of Lake Erie

Abstract The economic impacts of increased reallocation of Ohio's Lake Erie fishery from commercial fishing to sportfishing were examined with an input-output model of northern Ohio for 1978. With the growing popularity of sportfishing, sport anglers generate greater political pressure than do commercial fishermen for use of the limited resource. Sport anglers are already the only harvesters of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) in Ohio. Added reallocations would only make additional yellow perch (Perca flavescens) and white bass (Morone chrysops) available. The model shows that the impacts of sportfishing on output, income, and employment are greater per unit of fish than the impacts of commercial fishing. However, the sportfishing sector in the model is dominated by summer walleye fishing. The reallocated yellow perch are primarily harvested in the autumn. Research on the response of sport anglers to the 1984 purchase of gill-net fishing rights is needed to determine if expenditures increase sufficiently to...
Infrared filters for cryogenic radiometers

This paper will present transmittance data, in the 1- to 1000-micron wavelength region, at temperatures from 300K down to near 4K, for a selection of filters composed of multilayer thin films on transmitting substrates, reststrahlen crystals, mesh-grid elements, and hybrids of these types. Polyethylene laminates and vapor deposited parylene will be compared as antireflection layers for high refractive index infrared crystals at long wavelengths.
Principles of ophthalmic anesthesia

Ophthalmic surgery presents the anesthesiologist with many unique challenges. The exigencies of this subspecialty include a comprehensive knowledge of ocular physiology and pharmacology and an understanding of the anesthetic implications intrinsic to a wide variety of ophthalmic procedures.
Teaching Algebra to Students With Learning Disabilities Where Have We Come and Where Should We Go

This review investigates effective interventions for teaching algebra to students with learning disabilities and evaluates the complexity and alignment of skills with the Common Core State Standards in math. The review includes the results of 10 experimental and 5 single-subject designs (N = 15) producing a moderate overall effect size (g = 0.48). A total of five interventions were identified and analyzed across the studies using effect size data.
Keratinocyte heal thyself: a new form of "natural gene therapy".

In little more than a decade, the biologic importance and clinical significance of keratin intermediate filaments in epithelial cells has become very evident. Indeed, several autosomal dominant (and less commonly, recessive) human diseases involving mutated keratin genes have been described (Irvine and McLean, 1999;Smith, 2003). From such studies, the accumulating mutation databases provide useful clinical information for predicting prognosis, optimizing genetic counseling, and, if clinically and ethically appropriate, undertaking DNA-based prenatal diagnosis. Delineation of the exact nature of the pathogenic mutations also provides a basis for the development of suitable and perhaps optimal approaches to gene therapy.
Working memory capacity and the hemispheric organization of the brain

Different hypotheses about the mechanisms underlying working memory lead to different predictions about working memory capacity when information is distributed across the two hemispheres. We present preliminary data suggesting that memory scanning time (a parameter often associated with working memory capacity) varies depending on how information is subdivided across hemispheres. The data are consistent with a distributed model of working memory.
Gaussian quadrature for products of exponential functions

Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for the existence of Gaussian quadrature rules on spaces spanned by products of real exponential functions.
A physicochemical analysis of conjugation in Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Abstract The process of conjugation in Tetrahymena pyriformis is a useful model system for investigating mechanisms of cellular recognition, adhesion and fusion. As a first step in the biochemical analysis of this process, we have examined the effects of (a) nutrients; (b) metal ions; (c) several pharmacological agents (actinomycin D, cycloheximide, colchicine, theophylline, dithiothreitol and caffeine); and (d) temperature. We find that: 1. 1. While the complete nutrient medium inhibits conjugation, no single compound or group of compounds of the defined medium [1]produces any inhibition. 2. 2. At least trace amounts of Ca2+ are required. 3. 3. All of the pharmacological agents tested, except actinomycin D, inhibit both the preparations for conjugation and pair formation itself, indicating a requirement for both protein synthesis and low intracellular levels of cAMP, as well as the involvement of microtubules. 4. 4. While actinomycin D inhibits the preparations for conjugation, its addition after cells have begun to pair does not block further pairing. This result suggests that a stable RNA which is required for conjugation is produced during the preparations for conjugation. 5. 5. Paired cells may be disrupted for the first 1-1 1 2 i h after pairing by proteose peptone, cycloheximide, theophylline, and dithiothreitol. The cells undergo a transition 1 1 2 h after pairing which renders them resistant to these agents. 6. 6. The period of initiation (the time of starvation required to make cells competent to conjugate, the period of costimulation (the lag time preceding cell pairing after competent cells are mixed), and the rate of cell pairing are all temperature sensitive. Large changes in these parameters occur over narrow temperature ranges, possibly as a result of temperature-induced changes in membrane lipid composition or structure.
Adrenomedullin is increased in the portal circulation during chronic sepsis in rats.

Background: A clinical hallmark of sepsis is an early, hyperdynamic cardiac phase (increased cardiac output) that degrades to a hypodynamic phase, which results in poor gut perfusion and subsequent gastrointestinal (GI) hypoxemia, tissue ischemia, necrosis and loss of gut barrier function. Studies in rat cecal-ligation and puncture suggest that the potent vasodilator adrenomedullin (AM) might initiate or maintain the hypodynamic phase. We hypothesize that AM expression is increased in acute Escherichia coli bacteremia and chronic E coli-Bacteroides fragilis sepsis. Methods: Acute bacteremia: male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized (urethane/-chloralose), tracheotomized, and cannulated for monitoring blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) and for infusion of E coli (10 9 colony-forming units [CFU] E coli per 1 mL normal saline) and blood sampling. Arterial blood was withdrawn for arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements every 60 minutes. After 6 hours, we harvested lung, liver, kidney, spleen, and small intestine tissue samples and drew arterial and portal blood for AM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chronic sepsis: a sterile gauze pad was implanted and animals recovered for 5 days. Twenty-four hours (10 9 CFU E coli and 10 9 CFU B fragilis per 1 mL normal saline; 1 injection) or 72 hours (2 injections) after the inoculation of the back sponge, rats were anesthetized, intubated, and cannulated as above. MABP, HR, and ABG were measured for 1 hour before tissue and serum harvest for AM ELISA. Results: Sepsis increased HR and MABP in all groups. Acute sepsis caused a respiratory alkalosis and pH was also elevated in chronic sepsis. Serum AM levels were increased in all groups compared with baseline and remained elevated at every time point, but were not different between saline controls and septic animals at any time point, except for the portal serum from the 72-hourr chronic sepsis, which was elevated. Conclusions: These data suggest that surgical manipulation alone is sufficient to stimulate AM secretion, most probably from endothelial cells. While the AM levels were decreasing at 72 hours compared with 6 hours or 24 hours in the arterial blood and the saline control portal blood, it remained elevated in the septic portal samples, suggesting that the sepsis-induced increase of AM was derived from the gut by a different mechanism than that which elevated arterial serum levels. © 2003 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.
ISA-independent workload characterization and its implications for specialized architectures

Specialized architectures will become increasingly important as the computing industry demands more energy-efficient designs. The application-centric design style for these architectures is heavily dependent on workload characterization of intrinsic program characteristics, but at the same time these architectures are likely to be decoupled from legacy ISAs. In this work, we perform ISA-independent workload characterization for a variety of important intrinsic program characteristics relating to computation, memory, and control flow. The analysis is performed using a JIT compiler that emits ISA-independent instructions. We compare this analysis with an x86 trace and find that several of the analyses are highly sensitive to the ISA. We conclude that designers of specialized architectures must adopt ISA-independent workload characterization approaches.
Clinical evaluation of the oscillometric blood pressure monitor in adults and children based on the 1992 AAMI SP-10 standards.

Objective and Methods. A noninvasive blood pressure monitor (model BP8800MS, Colin Medical Instruments Corp., San Antonio, TX) that uses the oscillometric principle was evaluated against the manual auscultatory method in 85 adults and 85 children following the requirements of the 1992 AAMI SP-10 standard. This was the first evaluation study of the electronic sphygmomanometers according to the new AAMI standards.Results. In adult subjects, the mean difference and standard deviation of the differences between the oscillometric and auscultatory methods were 2.81 ± 5.35 mm Hg (mean ± SD) for systolic and 0.04 ± 4.90 mm Hg for diastolic; in children, they were 3.18 ± 5.96 mm Hg for systolic and −0.82 ± 5.24 mm Hg for diastolic. Excellent correlation between the oscillometric and auscultatory methods, particularly the diastolic pressure, is due to usage of the Phase V Korotkoff's sounds for auscultatory detection of the diastolic pressure, increased accuracy of the two observers' measurements, and proper selection of cuff sizes depending on the mid-arm circumference. Five different-sized cuffs were used in this study. The cuff-width-to-midarm circumference ratio was adjusted to be 0.4 or larger to minimize the measurement error associated with mismatch of cuff-size/arm-size relationship. The distribution of errors associated with each cuff was nearly the same.Conclusions. The 1992 AAMI SP-10 standards offer a thorough evaluation of the oscillometric sphygmomanometer by enforcing more stringent criteria on (1) agreement between two observers, (2) wide spectrum of blood pressure from hypertensive (above 180 mm Hg) to hypotensive, and (3) data analysis. The oscillometric blood pressure monitor evaluated in this study meets the specifications of the new AAMI SP-10 standards and can offer an accurate, automatic, and noninvasive measure of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults and children. It can safely replace the manual or automatic auscultatory system in various clinical settings.
A phase II trial of carboplatin/vinorelbine with pegfilgrastim support for the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction The impact of chemotherapy dose delivery has not been well studied in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Overlapping hematologic toxicities commonly limit planned dose intensity of combination chemotherapy regimens. A phase II study investigating carboplatin and vinorelbine, supported by pegfilgrastim, in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC was performed. Methods Chemotherapy-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC were treated with carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 6 mg/ml per minute intravenously on day 1 and vinorelbine 30 mg/m 2 intravenously on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for four planned cycles. Pegfilgrastim was administered on day 9 of each cycle as a 6-mg subcutaneous injection. The primary endpoint was incidence of cycle 1 febrile neutropenia. Secondary endpoints included incidence of grade 3/4 hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities, delivered dose intensity, and overall survival. Results Thirty patients (21 men, 9 women) with a median age of 61 years (range, 43–79) were enrolled. Of 120 planned patient cycles, 101 (84%) were completed. There was one episode of cycle 1 febrile neutropenia. Overall response rate was 27%. Median dose delivered for vinorelbine was 17.2 mg/m 2 per week, representing a delivered dose intensity of 86%. Median survival was 9.4 months (95% confidence interval: 6.1–18.0) with a 3-year survival rate of 20%. Conclusions This regimen of carboplatin and vinorelbine with pegfilgrastim support was associated with a low rate of febrile neutropenia and good maintenance of planned dose intensity. Although response and survival are similar to other chemotherapy regimens in advanced NSCLC, studies optimizing chemotherapy delivery in this setting may help inform treatment approaches in patients with earlier stage disease.
Spelling Rule Usage Among Students with Learning Disabilities and Normally Achieving Students

Spelling performance of students with learning disabilities (LD) was compared with that of same-age normally achieving subjects and younger normally achieving subjects, Subjects with learning disabilities were divided into two groups: poor readers/ poor spellers and good readers/poor spellers. A spelling battery was administered that included one task of phoneme-grapheme correspondence rule usage and four tasks of suffix rule usage. The groups with learning disabilities performed significantly below the same-age normally achieving group on all tasks. No significant differences among the two groups with learning disabilities and their achievement-level peers emerged in primary analyses. However, secondary analyses revealed differences in mastery of the past tense spelling rule ed, and in some subskills related to the spelling of words with suffixes. The cognitive-linguistic significance of these results is discussed.
An Asynchronous Sensor Skin For Structural Health Monitoring Applications

In crack detection applications large sensor arrays are needed to be able to detect and locate cracks in structures. This paper analyzes different sensor shapes and layouts to determine the layout which provides the optimal performance. A “snaked hexagon” layout is proposed as the optimal sensor layout when both crack detection and crack location parameters are considered. In previous work we have developed a crack detection circuit which reduces the number of channels of the system by placing several sensors onto a common bus line. This helps reduce data and power consumption requirements but reduces the robustness of the system by creating the possibility of losing sensing in several sensors by a single broken wire. In this paper, sensor bus configurations are analyzed to increase the robustness of the bused sensor system. Results show that spacing sensors in the same bus out as much as possible increases the robustness of the system and that at least 3 buses are needed to prevent large segments of a structure from losing sensing in the event of a bus failure.
Oligonucleotide inhibition of IL2Rα mRNA transcription by promoter region collinear triplex formation in lymphocytes

The promoter region of the IL2R alpha gene 5' flanking sequence contains enhancer elements crucial for binding nuclear factors which upregulate transcription following T lymphocyte activation. A 3' exonuclease resistant oligonucleotide (3'A-IL28p, terminated by a free amine group at its 3' end) was designed to bind to the IL2R alpha promoter region from -273 to -246, forming a collinear triplex spanning the kappa B enhancer (-266 to -256) as well as most of the serum response element (CArG box, -251 to -244). The binding site specificity of this oligonucleotide was demonstrated in electrophoretic mobility shift assays and by inhibition of restriction endonuclease (HinfI) cleavage within the segment of the target DNA predicted to form a triplex with the oligonucleotide. Intact normal lymphocytes, preincubated for 2h with 3'A-IL28p, accumulated less IL2Ralpha mRNA relative to other mRNAs (c-myc, beta-actin, IL2R beta, IL-6) for up to 12h after PHA stimulation, than did lymphocytes treated with a control oligomer of similar composition but different sequence. Nuclear run-on studies demonstrated that the rate of IL2R alpha mRNA synthesis relative to c-myc and beta-actin was also selectively diminished by treatment with 3'A-IL28p. These experiments suggest that transcription of individual genes can be selectively modulated in living cells by sequence specific collinear triplex formation in regulatory enhancer sequences.
The morphology of = 6 Chern-Simons theory

We tabulate various properties of the `language' of = 6 Chern-Simons Theory, in the sense of Polyakov. Specifically we enumerate and compute character formulas for all syllables of up to four letters, i.e. all irreducible representations of OSp(6|4) built from up to four fundamental fields of the ABJM theory. We also present all tensor product decompositions for up to four singletons and list the (cyclically invariant) four-letter words, which correspond to single-trace operators of length four. As an application of these results we use the two-loop dilatation operator to compute the leading correction to the Hagedorn temperature of the weakly-coupled planar ABJM theory on × S2.
A note on a Galerkin technique for integral equations in potential flows

The properties are studied of a Galerkin numerical solution of integral equations for an assumed singularity distribution or a velocity potential arising in potential flows around rigid bodies in incompressible aerodynamics, acoustics and surface waves. The body boundary is approximated by a collection of panels and the integral equation is averaged over each panel instead of being enforced at a ‘collocation’ point. For the resulting Galerkin synthesis the matrix equation obtained for the source distribution is the exact transpose of the corresponding equation obtained for the velocity potential on the body boundary, a property known to hold for the continuous operators. Moreover, the integrated hydrodynamic forces experienced by the body are shown to be identically predicted by the source-distribution method or by directly solving for the velocity potential.
Psychological sequelae of abortion: anxiety and depression.

Psychoanalytic theory postulates negative psychological aftereffects from abortion but research has never been done to confirm this. A role-playing study conducted to test this thesis indicated that abortion results in immediate relief rather than in anxiety and depression. The psychological aftereffects of abortion seem to be merely societal myths. Even minor postabortion depression is probably a socially learned response and not the result of a trauma.
Residential Crisis Services as an Alternative to Inpatient Care

The authors report the results from a study of a residential crisis program house in Missouri. Like other programs of its kind, the program is designed to provide a home-like atmosphere for consume...