cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factor structure and validation of the juvenile sex offender assessment protocol (J-SOAP).

The Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol (J-SOAP) was first developed in 1994 in response to the need for a structured method of assessing risk of recidivism among juvenile sexual offenders (R. A. Prentky, B. Harris, K. Frizzell, & S. Righthand, 2000). Over the ensuing years the scale has been subjected to a series of studies that have sought to examine its psychometric properties and its validity. The current paper reports on results from three of these studies, one of which looks at the factor structure of the items. The other two studies examine concurrent validity by looking at J-SOAP Scales 1 and 2 in relation to the Level of Service Inventory—Youth Version with: Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) (R. D. Hoge & D. A. Andrews, 1996) and other selected variables and discriminant validity by looking at the ability of J-SOAP scales to differentiate between juvenile sex offenders in the community and juvenile sex offenders in residential placement. The revision of the scale is discussed based on the research that has developed the scale and the research that has employed it.
The Household Risk Perception instrument and the Self-Efficacy in Environmental Risk Reduction instrument: psychometric testing using principal component analysis

Aim To report the psychometric testing of the Household Risk Perception and Self-Efficacy in Environmental Risk Reduction instruments using principal components analysis. Background There are limited instruments available to test household risk perception and self-efficacy related to environmental health behaviours. The Household Risk Perception instrument was developed to measure personal perceptions of household environmental health risks. The Self-Efficacy in Environmental Risk Reduction instrument was designed to measure caregivers' confidence in taking steps to reduce household risks. Design An exploratory analysis of previous data was undertaken. Method Baseline data from 235 caregivers enrolled in a randomized clinical trial testing a healthy housing intervention were collected between 2006–2009. Principal components analysis was used to determine principal components from measured responses to each instrument. Results Components were explored and compared to constructs used to design the original instruments. A five-component structure showed the simplest solution and explained 65% of variance in the Household Risk Perception analysis. Cronbach's alpha values indicated satisfactory internal consistency for four of five identified components. Risk perception varied according to available sensory input of the specific risk. A four-component structure explained 64% of the variance in the Self-Efficacy in Environmental Risk Reduction analysis. Cronbach's alpha values were satisfactory. Items mapped to steps in an action-oriented process vs. agent-specific actions. Results from both analyses suggest that environmental tobacco smoke is perceived differently than other household risks. Conclusion Previously, both instruments relied on item reliability and content validity testing. This study provides a basis for further instrument revision and theoretical testing.
Spectroscopic studies on the riboflavin-sensitized conformational changes of calf lens α-crystallin

The change in conformation of calf lens α-crystallin by oxidation in the presence of the photosensitizer riboflavin and light has been investigated. Near-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectrum, absorption spectrum, tryptophan fluorescence yield and fluorescence lifetime of the SH-specific fluorescent probe, N-iodoacetyl-N′-(5-sulfo-1-naphtyl) ethylenediamine (1,5-IAEDANS), were significantly altered by irradiation in the presence of RF. In the initial stages of photolysis (1–2 hr), a slight degradation of the protein to lower molecular weight peptides was observed. Upon increased photolysis, intersubunit cross-linking to dimers and other high molecular weight species was observed. To determine the effects of cross-linking on the accessibility of the cysteine residues of the protein, lifetime quenching studies on the IAEDANS-labeled α-crystallin were performed. A decrease in the quenching constant (kq) in the photolysed sample indicates that the labeled SH groups are less susceptible to collisional quenching, which requires contact between the quencher and the excited state of the fluorophore, due to steric inhibition in the cross-linked protein. Cross-linking and the rate of loss of tryptophan fluorescence of α-crystallin diminished under anaerobic conditions and increased when D2O was used in the medium for irradiation. Use of inhibitors and quenchers of active species of oxygen suggests that photo-oxidation probably occurs via the action of singlet oxygen as well as substrate-sensitizer complexation.
Single gene defects in mice: the role of voltage-dependent calcium channels in absence models.

Abstract Nineteen genes encoding α 1 , β, γ, or α 2 δ voltage-dependent calcium channel subunits have been identified to date. Recent studies have found that three of these genes are mutated in mice with generalised cortical spike-wave discharges (models of human absence epilepsy), emphasising the importance of calcium channels in regulating the expression of this inherited seizure phenotype. The tottering ( tg ) locus encodes the calcium channel α 1 subunit gene Cacna1a , lethargic ( lh ) encodes the β subunit gene Cacnb4 , and stargazer ( stg ) encodes the γ subunit gene Cacng2 . These calcium channel mutants should provide important insights into the basic mechanisms of neuronal synchronisation, and the genes may be considered candidates for involvement in similar human disorders. The mutant models offer an important opportunity to elucidate the molecular, developmental, and physiological mechanisms underlying one subtype of absence epilepsy. Since calcium channels are involved in numerous cellular functions, including proliferation and differentiation, membrane excitability, neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis, signal transduction, and gene expression, their role in generating the absence epilepsy phenotype may be complex. A comparative analysis of channel function and neural excitability patterns in tottering, lethargic, and stargazer brain should be useful in identifying the common elements of calcium channel involvement in these absence models.
Oropharyngeal complications of suspension laryngoscopy: a prospective study.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the oropharyngeal complications of suspension laryngoscopy (SL). Methods: We prospectively analyzed 56 consecutive SLs for intervention-related complications. Oropharyngeal symptoms and physical examination abnormalities were recorded before and after SL. SL-related problems were graded in severity and followed over time (weekly) until resolution was achieved. All patients had SL with either a gallows suspension or a manual technique and not a rotation-oriented (fulcrum) laryngoscope holding device. Results: Oropharyngeal minor complications after SL occurred at a rate of 37.5%, and all these were temporary. No dental injuries occurred in the study cohort. There were no major complications after SL. Minor alterations related to taste occurred in 18% of the patients, 16% of patients had subjective swallowing complaints, and 12.5% had partial tongue numbness. Average duration of the post-SL complaints was 11 (6–34) days. A correlation between duration of suspension, size of laryngoscope, and risk of developing a minor oropharyngeal complication was present. Conclusion: SL carries a higher risk for lingual and glossopharyngeal nerve injuries than previously recognized. All of these complications were temporary. On the basis of comparison with historic data, SL by gallows suspension technique may pose a lower risk of dental injuries. This information should be used to improve preoperative SL patient education and informed consent.
Quantification of horny and floury endosperm in popcorn and their effects on popping performance in a microwave oven

The amounts of horny and floury endosperm in popcorn kernels, as indicated by their measured areas over median longitudinal sections parallel and perpendicular to the face of the kernels (lateral and sagittal sections, respectively) were measured using a technique combining photography and planimetry. Correlations were sought between these measurements and indicators of popping performance in a microwave oven. The horny endosperm measured over the sagittal section was correlated positively with unpopped kernel ratio. Measurements from the lateral section were found to have better correlation with expansion volume. Expansion volume increased with decreasing area of floury endosperm. The same trend was found relative to the floury/horny endosperm ratio. Since the floury endosperm envelopes the germ, a larger germ area measured over the lateral section indicated a more symmetrical orientation of the floury endosperm within the popcorn kernel. Expansion volume increased with increasing germ area. While the results obtained were for only a limited number of popcorn cultivars and kernels, the data indicated that microwave popping performance is affected by the spatial orientation and proportion of the floury endosperm.
Production and Escape of Terrestrial Hydrogen

Abstract The agronomy of hydrogen and its compounds is discussed in a simplified model intended to represent a diurnal and global average. Vertical transport by eddy and molecular diffusion is included for the major components H2O, H and H2. The flow at 100 km is found to be dominated by H2, which is converted to H in the thermosphere and escapes. The flux is insensitive to the details of the chemistry and to large variations in the assumed eddy coefficients. Slightly above the homopause at 100 km, the H2 flux is close to its “limiting” value, which is proportional to the H2 mixing ratio. This mixing ratio, in terms of total H atoms, is slightly less than that of H2O, H2 and CH4 at 30 km. Any variation of the latter therefore varies the escape flux in proportion. The model reproduces the observed escape flux fairly well, along with other observations of OH and H in the mesosphere. Reduction of the input mixing ratio by a factor of 2 would improve the agreement. It is suggested that the H2O mixing ratio at...
THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LASER THERAPY AND OTHER PHYSICAL MODALITIES ON CONNECTIVE TISSUE REPAIR PROCESSES

Connective tissue injuries, such as tendon rupture and ligamentous strains, are common. Unlike most soft tissues that require 7-10 days to heal, primary healing of tendons and other dense connective tissues take as much as 6 - 8 weeks during which they are inevitably protected in immobilization casts to avoid re-injury. Such long periods of immobilization impair functional rehabilitation and predispose a multitude of complications that could be minimized if healing is quickened and the duration of cast immobilization reduced. In separate studies, we tested the hypothesis that early function, ultrasound, 632.8 nm He-Ne laser, and 904 nm Ga-As laser, when used singly or in combination, promote healing of experimentally severed and repaired rabbit Achilles tendons as evidenced by biochemical, biomechanical, and morphological indices of healing. Our results demonstrate that: (1) appropriate doses of each modality, i.e., early functional activities, ultrasound, He-Ne and Ga-As laser therapy augment collagen synthesis, modulate maturation of newly synthesized collagen, and overall, enhance the biomechanical characteristics of the repaired tendons. (2) Combinations of either of the two lasers with early function and either ultrasound or electrical stimulation further promote collagen synthesis when compared to functional activities alone. However, the biomechanical effects measured in tendons receiving the multi-therapy were similar, i.e., not better than the earlier single modality trials. Although tissue repair processes in humans may differ from that of rabbits, these findings suggest that human cases of connective tissue injuries, e.g., Achilles tendon rupture, may benefit from appropriate doses of He-Ne laser, Ga-As laser, and other therapeutic modalities, when used singly or in combination. Our recent meta-analysis of the laser therapy literature further corroborate these findings.
Effects of surface friction on a two-dimensional granular system: numerical model of a granular collider experiment.

We present numerical results from a simulation of a granular collider experiment [B. Painter, M. Dutt, and R. P. Behringer, Physica D 175, 43 (2003)] using a numerical model which accounts for substrate frictional effects [M. Dutt and R. P. Behringer, Phys. Rev. E 70, 061304 (2004)]. We find the gradual birth and growth of a central cluster for the final state of the particles that depends on the system size, the substrate frictional dissipation, and the initial average kinetic energy. For systems where a central cluster is observed in the final state, the autocorrelation function $C(r)$ of the interparticle spacing satisfies a Gaussian functional form $C(r)=A{e}^{\ensuremath{-}(r∕\ensuremath{\sigma}{)}^{2}}$. We also find that the fluctuation speed distributions adhere to a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution for times in the vicinity of collapse. Our results strongly indicate that the principal mechanism responsible for the energy and momentum dissipation is the particle-substrate kinetic friction. Our findings reiterate the importance of considering the effects of substrate friction in particle-substrate systems, as shown by the agreement between our numerical results with experimental findings of Painter, Dutt, and Behringer.
Do Glass Tubes or Rods Bend under their own Weight

LORD RAYLEIGH, in his letter published in NATURE of Mar. 1, directs attention to an experiment performed to answer the question, Do glass tubes or rods bend under their own weight? I have tried a similar experiment bearing on this subject, and the results may be of interest to readers of NATURE.
Spectral properties of Dirac operators with singular potentials

Abstract We investigate the spectral properties of Dirac operators with singular potentials which are constructed by means of a cut-off procedure. We prove the invariance of the essential spectrum, establish norm resolvent convergence of the cut-off operators, and prove spectral gap formulas.
Seismic structure of the Central US crust and shallow upper mantle: Uniqueness of the Reelfoot Rift

Abstract Using seismic surface waves recorded with Earthscope's Transportable Array, we apply surface wave imaging to determine 3D seismic velocity in the crust and uppermost mantle. Our images span several Proterozoic and early Cambrian rift zones (Mid-Continent Rift, Rough Creek Graben—Rome trough, Birmingham trough, Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen, and Reelfoot Rift). While ancient rifts are generally associated with low crustal velocity because of the presence of thick sedimentary sequences, the Reelfoot Rift is unique in its association with low mantle seismic velocity. Its mantle low-velocity zone (LVZ) is exceptionally pronounced and extends down to at least 200 km depth. This LVZ is of variable width, being relatively narrow ( ∼ 50 km wide) within the northern Reelfoot Rift, which hosts the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ). We hypothesize that this mantle volume is weaker than its surroundings and that the Reelfoot Rift consequently has relatively low elastic plate thickness, which would tend to concentrate tectonic stress within this zone. No other intraplate ancient rift zone is known to be associated with such a deep mantle low-velocity anomaly, which suggests that the NMSZ is more susceptible to external stress perturbations than other ancient rift zones.
Psychological changes associated with self-regulatory treatments of irritable bowel syndrome.

The psychological “side effects” of self-regulatory treatment (a combination of relaxation, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive therapy) for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were compared among 20 “successfully” treated patients, 12 “unsuccessfully” treated patients, and 9 patients who merely monitored symptoms for 12 weeks. Pretreatment and posttreatment scores on the Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Psychosomatic Symptom Checklist were examined. “Successfully” treated patients had significant (p<.01) reductions on all measures and significantly greater reductions on depression and state anxiety than the symptom monitoring group. Interestingly, the failures also showed a significant (p=.027) reduction in trait anxiety and no significant increases on other measures.
Influence of thrombin concentration on the mechanical and morphological properties of cell-seeded fibrin hydrogels

Abstract Fibrin is a biopolymer that has been used in a variety of biomaterial, cell delivery and tissue engineering applications. The enzyme thrombin catalyzes the formation of fibrin microfibrils, which form a three-dimensional mesh in which cells can be directly embedded at the time of gel formation. In this study, fibrin hydrogels containing vascular smooth muscle cells were created using varying concentrations of thrombin. Over 7 days in culture, all gels decreased in volume as the fibrin matrix compacted, and the degree of gel compaction increased as thrombin concentration decreased. The material modulus and ultimate tensile stress of the gels also increased with decreasing thrombin concentration. Addition of thrombin to similar constructs made using collagen Type I did not show an effect on gel compaction or mechanical properties, suggesting that these effects were a result of thrombin’s action on fibrin polymerization, and not cellular functions. Cell proliferation in fibrin hydrogels was not significantly affected by thrombin addition. Matrix examination using scanning electron microscopy showed increasing fibrin fiber diameters as thrombin concentration decreased. Confocal microscopic imaging of the actin cytoskeleton showed that cell morphology on two-dimensional substrates of fibrin showed marked changes, with higher thrombin concentrations producing cells with longer cellular projections. However, these morphological changes were not as apparent in cells embedded in three-dimensional (3-D) matrices, in which cells exhibited a similar morphology independent of thrombin concentration. These results relate features of the matrix and cellular components of 3-D fibrin constructs to mechanical properties, and contribute to the understanding of structure–function relationships in cell-seeded, 3-D protein hydrogels.
A New Approach to Educator Preparation Evaluation: Evidence for Continuous Improvement

The landscape for educator preparation has shifted to accountability models emphasizing performance assessment of teaching, employer feedback reports, newly approved accreditation standards showing impact on K-12 student learning, and expectations of public access to all of this information. This article provides a perspective on the extent to which this change offers promise for improving educator preparation programs and consequently excellence in teaching in K-12 schools. Two accountability reports are used as the empirical evidence for review; one is a pilot institutional feedback report from the Teacher Quality Research Center (Boyd, Lankford, & Wyckoff, 2009) and the second is a new Teacher Preparation Program report prepared by New York City’s department of education (NYCDOE, 2013). Ultimately, a systems perspective is recommended, in which candidates, IHEs, and K-12 schools are involved in the process of how educator preparation is evaluated and how that connects to other aspects of the education profession.
On the development of fluid models of the differential type within a new thermodynamic framework

Abstract We assess the status of a fluid of grade two within the context of a new thermodynamic framework that has been put into place that appeals to the maximization of the rate of entropy production for making a choice of constitutive equations from an admissible set. Unlike fluid of the rate type like the Maxwell fluid, the Oldroyd-B fluid or Burgers’ fluid, we see that certain modifications need to be made if we have to accommodate differential type fluids such as fluids of grade two.
Role of silver promoter in carbon monoxide hydrogenation and ethylene hydroformylation over Rh/SiO2 catalysts

The effect of silver promotion on CO hydrogenation and ethylene hydroformylation over Rh/SiO2 has been studied. Catalyst characterization before reaction reveals that Ag and Rh form separate crystallites; part of the Ag is atomically spread on the surface of Rh crystallite and blocks the Rh ensembles required for the bridge CO. Although both reactions restructure the catalyst surface and increase the ratio of bridge to linear CO sites on AgRh/SiO2 catalysts, the ratio of the bridge to the linear CO sites remains lower on Ag-Rh/SiO2 than on Rh/SiO2 under reaction conditions. Ag is found to increase the selectivity and the rate of formation for acetaldehyde (C2 oxygenate) during CO hydrogenation and for propionaldehyde (C3 oxygenate) during ethylene hydroformylation on Rh/SiO2. The increased activity and selectivity for C2 and C3 oxygenates is attributed to a high ratio of the linear CO to bridge CO sites and a possible presence of isolated Rh+ sites under reaction conditions. The results are consistent with a previous report that the single Rh atom site that chemisorbs linear CO is active for CO insertion.
Comorbid psychopathology rates in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders according to the DSM-IV-TR and the proposed DSM-5.

AbstractObjective: To investigate differences in comorbid psychopathology rates between individuals who meet criteria of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) according to DSM-5 or the DSM-IV-TR.Methods: Comorbid psychopathology was measured using the Autism Spectrum Disorders- Comorbid for Children. 424 individuals between the ages of 2 and 18 years of age; including children who met criteria for an ASD according to the DSM-5, the DSM-IV-TR only, and a control group that did not meet either set of criteria.Results: Of the ASD participants, 36% would no longer meet criteria according to proposed DSM-5. Comorbidity rates for the ASD groups were significantly different from the control group; however, ASD groups were not significantly different in terms of total comorbid psychopathology.Conclusion: The results elucidate the need for further research regarding services and treatments for those individuals that will no longer meet criteria for an ASD but still have significant rates of comorbid psychopathology.
Using POGIL Activities to Teach CS Principles to Diverse Students (Abstract Only)

As part of the new AAC&U TIDES initiative (TIDES: Teaching to Increase Diversity and Equity in STEM), Westminster College has created a new computer science course for non-majors and paired it with a biology course as a first-year Learning Community. The new CS0 course relies heavily on culturally sensitive POGIL activities to be welcoming of all students, shifting to a more equitable, multicultural approach to CS curriculum and instruction. Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL) is a student-centered learning approach that 1) assigns students to work in self-managed learning teams, 2) on specially designed guided inquiry materials, 3) while the instructor facilitates the development of process skills [1]. By requiring students to derive CS concepts for themselves while working together in learning teams, POGIL activities allow diverse student voices to be heard. They also provide a framework for instructors to act as "guides on the side" rather than "sage on the stage" for a large portion of class time. These CS Principles POGIL activities are among the first POGIL activities in any discipline to be deliberately designed to be culturally sensitive. In Fall 2015, CS instructors at four partner institutions will adopt these POGIL activities in their CS0 courses.
Conductivities of pig dermis and subcutaneous fat measured with rectangular pulse electrical current

The authors examined experimentally the relationship between perpendicular and tangential electrical conductivities, {sigma}, and peak current density J, in pig skin dermis and subcutaneous fat specimens by using a four-electrode measuring system with rectangular pulse electrical current (RPEC). They also investigated the relationship of the conductivity, {sigma}, vs. pulse rate, f. The rates were selected at 8, 32, 64, and 128 pulses per second (pps), and the pulse width was fixed at 140 {micro}s. These values are often used in vivo to enhance cutaneous regeneration with RPEC stimulation. It was found that the conductivities may be approximated to be {sigma}{sub d} = [{sigma}{sub dx}{sigma}{sub dy}{sigma}{sub dz}] = [0.38 S/m 0.38 S/m 0.27 S/m] for the skin dermis and {sigma}{sub f} = [{sigma}{sub fx}{sigma}{sub fy}{sigma}{sub fz}] = [0.074 S/m 0.074 S/m 0.045 S/m] for the subcutaneous fat in the conditions of this experiment. These findings implies that the conductivities of the pig skin dermis and subcutaneous fat are anisotropic, i.e., {sigma}{sub x} = {sigma}{sub y} {ne} {sigma}{sub z}. It was also found that the conductivities are independent of current density and pulse rate in the current range from 20 {micro}A/cm{sup 2} to 120 mA/cm{sup 2}.
Non-abelian effects in a quadrupole system rotating around two axes

The 35 Cl nuclear quadrupole resonance spectrum of a single crystal of sodium chlorate rotating about two axes reflects a non-Abelian gauge potential. This gauge potential is an example of Wilczek and Zee's generalization of Berry's phase to the adiabatic transport of degenerate states
Differential effects of transforming growth factor on cell cycle regulatory molecules in human myeloid leukemia cells.

In this report we have studied the mechanism by which Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ) inhibits growth of human myeloid leukemia cell lines. TGFβ1 arrested cells in G1 phase and significantly downregulated the expression of cyclin D2, cyclin D3, cdk4, cyclin A, and cdk2. The downregulation of the molecules resulted in approximately 50–90% decrease of the molecule-dependent kinase activity, varying with each molecule. Although treatment of cells with TGFβ1 up-regulated accumulation of p27kip1 in both nucleus and cytoplasm, the association of the p27kip1 with cdk2, cyclin A, cyclin D2, cyclin D3, and cdk4 was markedly down-regulated, suggesting that p27kip1 is not responsible for the downregulation of the kinase activity. In contrast, TGFβ1 upregulated cyclin E-associated p27kip1 with no effect on the expression of cyclin E. p27kip1-immunodepletion upregulated cyclin E-dependent kinase activity by more than 10-fold in TGFβ1-treated cells but not in proliferating cells; whereas immunodepletion of p27kip1 from cdk2-immunoprecipitates markedly downregulated cdk2 kinase activity in the lysates extracted from both proliferating and TGFβ-treated cells. Consistent with this observation, TGFβ1 and p27kip1 antisense cDNA had a synergistic or additive inhibitory effect on cdk2 but not cyclin E-dependent kinase activity. Our data suggest that (1) TGFβ1-mediated growth inhibition is accomplished through multiple pathways and (2) p27kip1 has opposing effects on cdk2 and cyclin E activity in response to TGFβ1.
Conjugate direction relaxation solutions for 3-d magnetotelluric modeling

In recent years, there has been a tremendous amount of progress made in three-dimensional (3-D) magnetotelluric modeling algorithms. Much of this work has been devoted to the integral equation technique (e.g., Hohmann, 1975; Weidelt, 1975; Wannamaker et al., 1984; Wannamaker, 1991). This method has contributed significantly to our understanding of electromagnetic field behavior in 3-D models. However, some of the very earliest work in 3-D modeling concentrated on differential methods (e.g., Jones and Pascoe, 1972; Reddy et al., 1977). It is generally recognized that differential methods are better suited than integral equation methods to model arbitrarily complex geometries, and consequently this area has recently been receiving a great deal of attention (e.g., Madden and Mackie, 1989; Xinghua et al., 1991; Mackie et al., 1993; Smith, 1992, personnal communication). Differential methods lead to large sparse systems of equations to be solved for the unknown field values. It is possible to use relaxation algorithms to quickly obtain approximate solutions to these systems of equations without resorting to standard matrix inversion routines or sparse matrix solvers.
The Impact of Infants in Prison on Institutional Life: A Study of the Mother/Infant Prison Programme in Western Australia:

The Western Australian prison system, following trends of other prison systems in the western world, has embarked upon a limited programme of accommodating infants with their prisoner mothers during the mother's term of imprisonment. This research canvasses other mother/infant programmes noted in the literature, pointing to the special nature of the Western Australian situation. The focus of the study is on the impact of infants in prison on institutional life and the management problems so engendered. The data indicate that overall, infants have a positive impact on prison life, muting some of the more debilitating effects of institutionalization. The finding that the impact of the mother/infant prison programme is more peripheral to institutional life than expected is explained in the light of the obduracy of the "total institution". The major concerns expressed by those interviewed: prison staff, prisoner mothers and other prisoners, are, respectively: prisoner management, mother/infant prison faciliti...
1602 DOES ANTIBACTERIAL PROPHYLAXIS PREVENT PYELONEPHRITIS IN GIRLS WITH RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

1602 DOES ANTIBACTERIAL PROPHYLAXIS PREVENT PYELONEPHRITIS IN GIRLS WITH RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS?
Correlations of Low-Pressure Carbon Dioxide and Hydrocarbon Solubilities in Imidazolium-, Phosphonium-, and Ammonium-Based Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids. Part 2. Using Activation Energy of Viscosity

This paper provides insights into the dependence of gas solubility on the viscosities of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). Hildebrand solubility parameters are estimated from the activation energy of viscosity via a proportionality constant. The solubility of the gases CO2, ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, and 1,3-butadiene at low pressure and constant temperature are correlated, with the estimated RTIL Hildebrand solubility parameters, into two categories: bis(trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)imide ([Tf2N]) and non-bis(trifluoromethyl(sulfonyl)imide (non-[Tf2N]) RTILs. The RTILs used in this work are based on 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium, quaternary phosphonium, and quaternary ammonium cations. The non-[Tf2N] anions used in the trial set are chloride [Cl], hexafluorophosphate [PF6], trifluoromethanesulfonate [TfO], bis((perflurorethyl)sulfonyl)imide [BETI], dicyanamide [DCA], diethylphosphate [DEP], and dodecylbenzenesulfonate [DBS]. The analysis of the correlation parameters against theory indicates that so...
Biotic and abiotic stress effects on nitrogen chemistry in the salt marsh cordgrassSpartina alterniflora (Poaceae)

Planthopper (Insecta: Homoptera) feeding stress induces a senesence-like response in the leaves ofSpartina alterniflora characterized by decreased soluble protein, an increased total amino acid pool, and elevated levels of 10 individual amino acids. Increased proline and tryptophan in response to planthopper feeding could not be fully explained by protein degradation. Low degrees of soil salinity stress resulted in an increased total free amino acid pool and elevated levels of 7 amino acids. Anaerobic soil stress resulted in decreased glutamic acid and increased asparagine. Low salinity and anaerobic stress had no effect on soluble protein levels. Glycinebetaine was not affected by the stresses examined in this study.
Reusing metadata across components, applications, and languages

Among the well-known means to increase programmer productivity and decrease development effort is systematic software reuse. Although large scale reuse remains an elusive goal, programmers have been successfully reusing individual software artifacts, including components, libraries, and specifications. One software artifact that is not amenable to reuse is metadata, which has become an essential part of modern software development. Specifically, mainstream metadata formats, including XML and Java 5 annotations, are not amenable to systematic reuse. As a result, software that uses metadata cannot fully reap the benefits traditionally associated with systematic reuse. To address this lack of metadata reusability, this article presents Pattern-Based Structural Expressions (PBSE), a new metadata format that is not only reusable, but also offers conciseness and maintainability advantages. PBSE can be reused both across individual program components and across entire applications. In addition, PBSE make it possible to reuse metadata-expressed functionality across languages. In particular, we show how implementations of non-functional concerns (commonly expressed through metadata) in existing languages can be reused in emerging languages via automated metadata translation. Because metadata constitutes an intrinsic part of modern software applications, the ability to systematically reuse metadata is essential for improving programmer productivity and decreasing development effort. We discuss the advantages and shortcomings of mainstream metadata formats.We present a metadata format that is reusable across applications and languages.We present an approach to reuse non-functional concerns during cross-compilation.We present a DSL for declaratively expressing differences between metadata formats.We enable the X10 language to reuse persistence and unit testing in Java and C++.
The SEASAT-A Project: An Overview

Scheduled for launch in the second quarter of calendar year 1978, the SEASAT-A satellite is designed to provide all-weather global monitoring of sea surface temperature, significant wave height, surface wind speed and direction and departures from the marine geoid corresponding to ocean dynamic processes. These data will be obtained from an array of microwave instruments, two active ones (short pulse radar altimeter and wind field scatterometer) and one passive (scanning multichannel microwave radiometer). An experimental L-band synthetic aperture radar, operated on a selected basis for approximately four percent of the time, will provide land and ocean images with a resolution of 25 meters and a swath width close to 100 km for the study of coastal processes, sea ice and ocean wave characteristics. The mission objectives focus on an evaluation of the performance of the instruments in terms of their capabilities to characterize the desired geophysical quantities and the utility of such measurements to the study and exploitation of the world's oceans.
Targeted pancreatic cancer therapy with the small molecule drug conjugate SW IV-134

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is highly resistant to conventional therapeutics and has been shown to evade apoptosis by deregulation of the X-linked and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (XIAP and cIAP). Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) induces and amplifies cell death by reversing the anti-apoptotic activity of IAPs. Thus, Smac-derived peptide analogues (peptidomimetics) have been developed and shown to represent promising cancer therapeutics. Sigma-2 receptors are overexpressed in many proliferating tumor cells including pancreatic cancer. Selected ligands to this receptor are rapidly internalized by cancer cells. These characteristics have made the sigma-2 receptor an attractive target for drug delivery because selective delivery to cancer cells has the potential to increase therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity to normal tissues. Here, we describe the initial characterization of SW IV-134, a chemically linked drug conjugate between the sigma-2 ligand SW43 and the Smac mimetic SW IV-52 as a novel treatment option for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The tumor killing characteristics of our dual-domain therapeutic SW IV-134 was far greater than either component in isolation or in an equimolar mix and suggests enhanced cellular delivery when chemically linked to the sigma-2 ligand. One of the key findings was that SW IV-134 retained target selectivity of the Smac cargo with the involvement of the NF-κB/TNFα signaling pathway. Importantly, SW IV-134 slowed tumor growth and improved survival in murine models of pancreatic cancer. Our data support further study of this novel therapeutic and this drug delivery strategy because it may eventually benefit patients with pancreatic cancer.
Epidemiology today: 'a thought-tormented world'.

Epidemiology has seen many theoretical advances over the past 20 years. Since the advances of one period often become the impediments of the next, it is timely to seek out disorders of thought that may beset our studies of disorders of health. In this undertaking, I speak as a premodern epidemiologist who has bent effort to promoting one kind of modern epidemiology. My intention is not to decry but to look forward. For epidemiology that is still to be, therefore, I shall venture some value-laden hopes. Premodem epidemiology was primarily an epidemiology of substance. It was epidemiology for problem solving and for the prevention or control of disease, subservient to this purpose and hence to its subject matter. At the same time, it was often epidemiology pursued intuitively, an avocation (excepting infectious disease epidemiologists) of gifted amateurs using primitive means. It engendered the excitement of the unexplored, and the frustration of technical incapacity. This kind of epidemiology was in decline by the 1950s and passe by, say, the early 1970s. Present day epidemiology, on the other hand, is primarily an epidemiology of technique, at risk of existing for its own sake regardless of subject matter. It is epidemiology pursued as a vocation by accomplished professionals who deploy refined and complex methods. In the absence of a central concern with subject matter, the satisfactions of technical command are held within narrow bounds; in the absence of broader purpose, an arsenal of methods might not necessarily be directed to the benefit of the public health. The transition from premodern to modern epidemiology was governed first by the historical shift in the substance of epidemiological studies from acute infectious diseases to chronic non-infectious diseases.
Visualization of data structures and machine learning of rules

Intelligent task performing machines need to be able to benefit from experience and continue to improve its own task performance capabilities progressively. Towards that end, a machine capable of learning needs to be able to abstract bodies of complex high-dimensional data into manageable groupings and be able to discern and articulate relationships between such data items. This discussion describes how 2D depictions of multivariate data can support such machine learning activities. A new dimension-reduction procedure is described schematically. It seems to generate mappings which have useful 'topologically correct' characteristics. Previous related data abstraction schemes are discussed briefly for comparison purposes. In the case of interrelated tasks and corresponding bodies of 2D maps, the latter can facilitate the recognition of associations and the inference of rules, important components of machine learning.
Optimal Control in Virtual Walkway

A virtual walkway was developed to investigate the potential postural adaptation under simulated partial gravitational conditions. To track the simulated sinusoidal trajectory from the center of expansion of the optic flows, the loping gait was hypothesized based on an optimal control model (OCM). The dynamics of the plant were evaluated using the head movements and the ground reaction force profiles where a 2nd order spring-damper-mass model was assumed. Bode plots were used to compare the predictions with the actual human tracking performance. The results show that the proposed model performs better than the crossover model within limited gait cycles. However, an unexpected step cycle skipping phenomenon was found among all subjects. The results suggest that the subjects might use both crossover and optimal control strategies during locomotion depending on their tracking performance. When the crossover control was robust, there were less feedback errors of the given system dynamics. In contrast, when the system became less reliable, OCM was evoked to recalibrate postural control for next step cycles. This unexpected gait cycle skipping should be considered in the future effort for partial gravity gait adaptation.
Right atrial cavotricuspid isthmus: anatomic characterization with multi-detector row CT.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the anatomic characteristics of the right atrial cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) by using 64-section multi–detector row computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval and waiver of informed consent were obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study. The anatomic region of the CTI was evaluated in 201 patients (116 men and 85 women; mean age, 58 years ± 11 [standard deviation]) who underwent coronary multi–detector row CT. CTI length was assessed along three parallel isthmic levels (paraseptal, central, and inferolateral). Central isthmus depth was classified as straight (3 mm), concave (>3 to ≤5 mm), or pouchlike (>5 mm). Measurements were obtained during three cardiac phases: midsystole, middiastole, and atrial contraction. Subthebesian recess dimensions and eustachian ridge width were measured. Distances from the atrioventricular node artery to the coronary sinus, from the right coronary artery (RCA) to the inferior vena cava, and from the...
Molecular and phenetic characterization of the bacterial assemblage of Hot Lake, WA, an environment with high concentrations of magnesium sulphate, and its relevance to Mars

Hot Lake (Oroville, WA) is an athalassohaline epsomite lake that can have precipitating concentrations of MgSO4 salts, mainly epsomite. Little biotic study has been done on epsomite lakes and it was unclear whether microbes isolated from epsomite lakes and their margins would fall within recognized halotolerant genera, common soil genera, or novel phyla. Our initial study cultivated and characterized epsotolerant bacteria from the lake and its margins. Approximately 100 aerobic heterotrophic microbial isolates were obtained by repetitive streak-plating in high-salt media including either 10% NaCl or 2 M MgSO4. The collected isolates were all bacteria, nearly evenly divided between Gram-positive and Gram-negative clades, the most abundant genera being Halomonas, Idiomarina, Marinobacter, Marinococcus, Nesterenkonia, Nocardiopsis, and Planococcus. Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Exiguobacterium, Kocuria, and Staphylococcus also were cultured. This initial study included culture-independent community analysis of direct DNA extracts of lake margin soil using PCR-based clone libraries and 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. Clones assigned Gram-positive bacterial clades (70% of total clones) were dominated by sequences related to uncultured actinobacteria. There were abundant Deltaproteobacteria clones related to bacterial sulfur metabolisms and clones of Legionella and Coxiella. These epsomite lake microbial communities seem to be divided between bacteria primarily associated with hyperhaline environments rich in NaCl and salinotolerant relatives of common soil organisms. Archaea appear to be in low abundance and none were isolated, despite near-saturated salinities. Growth of microbes at very high concentrations of magnesium and other sulfates has relevance to planetary protection and life-detection missions to Mars, where scant liquid water may form as deliquescent brines and appear as eutectic liquids.
Transfrontal Surgery for Pituitary Tumors

The advantages and disadvantages of the transcranial route were outlined in the chapter on general considerations (Chapter 16). The primary disadvantages are the greater morbidity and mortality, the greater threat to vision, and the particular inability to adequately differentiate a microadenoma from the normal gland because direct visualization is not readily achieved. The mortality rates are generally higher than with the transsphenoidal procedures, with some reports ranging between 4.5 and 35%.1–10 The morbidity is also higher than with the transsphenoidal procedure and will be discussed under complications (Section 4).
Advancing Technology & Aging Democracy

In 1964, Marshall McLuhan wrote, Understanding Media: The Extension of Man. After quoting General David Sarnoff for the view that too often people “make technological instruments the scapegoats for the sins of those who wield them,” McLuhan rejects this view, or at least does not fully embrace it. Instead, McLuhan posits that the increased scale of technology affects us in ways that too often go unnoticed. McLuhan raises the Psalmist warning that “we become what we behold.” If society does not pay attention to the ways that advancing technology affects the human individual and culture, then this “somnambulism” could result in unintended and undesirable consequences for humanity. In other words, the implications of advancing technology for democracy are filled with both threats and opportunities for societal and individual improvement. It is up to us to decide the acceptable uses of technology in our lives and society. And, so the question ought to be asked: What are the implications of an aging democracy confronted with technology that is advancing with greater speed than any other time in history? Are twenty-first century Americans up to the challenge to reflect upon and confront the implications of rapidly advancing technology on our ancestors’ eighteenth century grand experiment of democracy? Or will we, as citizens of a self-governing society, sleep at the wheel and go so far down the road before we realize what freedoms we have lost due to uses of technology that have detrimental effects on individual liberty and the ability of humans to organize social structures in a more egalitarian and person-oriented design?
Hiring Professionals in China: A Practitioner's Guide

This note outlines how leading professional service firms operating in China revise their standard hiring practices to fit local challenges and customs. Based on interviews with professionals in a number of established accounting, strategy consulting, and executive search firms presently operating in China, it explores best practices they use to hire exceptional professionals who will succeed in building high quality client relationships, delivering appropriately innovative thinking, and helping their firms grow and improve performance - all within China's unique political and cultural context.
Design Implications of User Experience Studies: The Case of a Diabetes Wellness App

We developed a health and wellness smartphone app to support diabetes self-management. The target users are older, less healthy adults with advanced type 2 diabetes. We illustrate the design implications of a health and wellness smartphone app for such users by presenting the process and results of our usability and user experience lab test with our app.
Determination of conspecificity of Candida utilis and Hansenula jadinii through DNA reassociation.

(1979). Determination of Conspecificity of Candida Utilis and Hansenula Jadinii Through DNA Reassociation. Mycologia: Vol. 71, No. 4, pp. 844-847.