cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environment-controlled interchromophore charge transfer transitions in dipeptides probed by UV Absorption and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy.

Charge transfer (CT) transitions between the C-terminal carboxylate and peptide group have been investigated for alanyl-X and X-alanine dipeptides by far-UV absorption and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy (where X represents different amino acid residues). The spectra used in the present study were obtained by subtracting the spectrum of the cationic species from that of the corresponding zwitterionic peptide spectrum. These spectra displayed three bands, e.g., band I between 44 and 50 kK (kK = 103 cm-1), band II at 53 kK, and band III above 55 kK, which were, respectively, assigned to a nCOO− → π* CT transition, a πCOO− → π* CT transition, and a carboxylate π → π* (NV1) transition, respectively By comparison of the intensity, bandwidth, and wavenumber position of band I of some of the investigated dipeptides, we found that positive charges on the N-terminal side chain (for X = K), and to a minor extent also the N-terminal proton, reduce its intensity. This can be understood in terms of at...
Development of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis in the newborn guinea pig.

Summary: The capacity for ketone synthesis by the liver is low for at least 8 h after delivery in newborn human infants. The present studies define developmental changes in hepatic ketogenesis in the newborn guinea pig with particular emphasis on whether there is a delay in development after birth and the site of developmental change. Studies in fresh liver homogenates indicated that the capacity to synthesize ketones from the oxidation of long-chain fatty acid (1 mM oleate plus 0.5 mM L-carnitine) was very low in term-fetal (5.4 ± 0.4) and newborn pups less than 12 h old (7.7 ± 1) compared to pups 24 or more h old (24–26) and adult guinea pigs (17.8 ± 0.3 μM/h/g). In contrast to the newborn rat, no developmental changes were observed in the carnitine content of tissues (liver, heart, skeletal muscle) or plasma in newborn guinea pigs. The developmental limitation in ketogenesis in the newborn guinea pig was not due to low activity of the enzymes of the hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA pathway. More rapid rates of ketone production were found with 0.5 mM palmityl-carnitine in term-fetal (13.4 ± 1.7) and newborn pups less than 12 hours old (17.8–21 μM/h/g), suggesting that part of the limitation in ketone synthesis in the newborn guinea pig resides at the step of fattyacyl carnitine formation on the outer aspect of the inner mitochondrial membrane. The activity of this carnitine palmityl transferase (CPT1) was low in term fetal liver (1.0 ± 0.03 μM/h/g), remained low for 5–10 h after delivery, and then rose to 13 ± 0.7 μM/h/g at 24–48 h of age. Evidence for at least two additional sites of developmental change in fatty acid oxidation was found in studies of ketogenesis from short-(butyrate)- and medium-(octanoate)-chain fatty acids. (1) In term-fetuses, ketone production from butyrate (17.8 ± 1.5 μM/h/g) was only half that found after 24–36 h of age (36 ± 3.8 μM/h/g), suggesting a limitation in the intramitochondrial beta-oxidation capacity. (2) In adult guinea pigs and in pups 8–10 days old, ketone synthesis from octanoate was 40–45 μM/h/g compared to 4.1 ± .8 μM/h/g in term-fetuses. At 24–36 h old, carnitine-stimulated ketone production from octanoate from 2.4 ± 2.1 to 37 ± 0.9 μM/h/g. This third site of developmental change in hepatic ketogenesis may involve the intramitochondrial activating step for medium-chain fatty acids.
Cell Phone Decision Making Adolescents’ Perceptions of How and Why They Make the Choice to Text or Call

The primary aim of this study was to examine how and why adolescents make decisions regarding whether to conduct their communication via texting versus calling features of cellular telephones. Individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 41 adolescents aged 14 to 18 focusing on their use of calling and texting when communicating with friends, parents, and romantic partners. Through grounded theory analysis, a conceptual decision-tree emerged depicting a process of decision making based on communication content, communication partner, and situational limitations. Further analysis indicated that the adolescents consistently perceived texting as easier than calling in ways that were meaningful to their everyday lives. Findings reflect the complex interweaving of logic, personal preference, and concession to social constraints that goes into adolescents’ choices to call versus text.
Normal Segregation of Allozyme Markers in Complex Rhododendron Hybrids

Protocols were developed for visualizing enzyme polymorphisms among rhodododendrons using starch gel electrophoresis. Genetic interpretation of nine enzyme systems comprising 15 polymorphic loci was facilitated by progeny testing of interspecific hybrid populations. In 53 of 58 segregations, phenotypic ratios at these loci fit Mendelian models for single gene inheritance at the diploid level. Dlsomic Inheritance was consistent across a diverse array of genetic backgrounds in complex hybrids averaging six species of Rhododendron per pedigree. The low frequency of segregation distortion in these highly Interspecific populations was attributed to two possible mechanisms: (1) lack of significant chromosomal differentiation among the Rhododendron species involved and (2) selection for chromosomal and genetic stability over many generations of rhododendron breeding.
Hybridization: The challenges an ADN program faces in entering the academic cyber world

Nursing students have multiple responsibilities that complicate their ability to attend a traditional class format. In an effort to be sensitive to the needs of these students and utilize available technology, introduction of a hybrid associate degree nursing program option was developed. This article presents the process undertaken to change nursing classes to a hybrid format and the challenges faced by faculty and students. Following initial reluctance by students, this format has become a primary choice.
High resolution patterning of silica aerogels

Abstract Three-dimensional metallic structures are fabricated with high spatial resolution in silica aerogels. In our method, silica hydrogels are prepared with a standard base-catalyzed route, and exchanged with an aqueous solution typically containing Ag+ ions (1 M) and 2-propanol (0.2 M). The metal ions are reduced photolytically with a table-top ultraviolet lamp, or radiolytically, with a focused X-ray beam. We fabricated dots and lines as small as 30 × 70 μm, protruding for several mm into the bulk of the materials. The hydrogels are eventually supercritically dried to yield aerogels, without any measurable change in the shape and spatial resolution of the lithographed structures. Transmission electron microscopy shows that illuminated regions are composed by Ag clusters with a size of several μm, separated by thin layers of silica.
Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Noncontact Low-Frequency Ultrasound with Standard Care in Healing Split-Thickness Donor Sites.

Background Skin graft donor sites are notoriously painful, with potential complications of fluid loss, delayed healing, infection, and hypertrophic scarring, particularly in patients with burns or traumatic injury. In this population, rapid epithelialization is critical to reducing morbidity and cost. Study Design This prospective, randomized controlled trial compared the effects of 40-kHz noncontact low-frequency ultrasound (NLFU) in addition to standard care (SC) with SC alone in subjects with split-thickness donor sites of 20 to 200 cm 2 . Standard care consisted of cleansing and moist wound dressings. Outcomes measured were time to healing, defined as absence of drainage and full epithelialization; pain and itching scores; and recidivism rates. Results Of 33 patients enrolled; 27 were randomized and received a minimum of 4 study treatments. Median age was 49 years, 69% were male, and 84% were burn patients. Comorbidities included hypertension (31%), coronary artery disease (22%), pulmonary disease (38%), anemia (31%), and diabetes (16%). Median donor site area was 136.0 cm 2 . Noncontact low-frequency ultrasound and SC compared with SC demonstrated a mean time to heal of 12.1 days vs 21.3 days (p = 0.04). All NLFU+SC subjects had epithelialized by 4 weeks compared with only 71% in SC. Recidivism rates were 8% for NLFU+SC compared with 45% for SC. Pain scores were reduced and significant differences in itching were observed. Conclusions Noncontact low-frequency ultrasound and SC compared with SC alone in the treatment of split-thickness donor sites demonstrated significant accelerated healing and reduced pain and itching. Noncontact low-frequency ultrasound subjects experienced a better quality of healing with less incidence of infection and recidivism.
The Transformation Properties of World Lines in Relativistic Quantum Mechanical Hamiltonian Models

The supposition of the manifest covariance of average trajectory world lines is violated in Hamiltonian formulations of relativistic quantum mechanics. This is due to the nonlinear appearance of particle dynamical variable operators in the Heisenberg picture boosted position, velocity, and momentum operators. The magnitude of this deviation from world line manifest covariance is found to be exceedingly small for a number of common time of flight experiments.
Photoemission and the lack of a Kondo scale.

A Comment on the Letter by L. H. Tjeng [ital et] [ital al]., Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 1419 (1993).
Effects of takeover protection on earnings overstatements: evidence from restating firms

A staggered board can substantially protect a firm’s incumbents from takeover in either a hostile acquisition or a proxy contest. We use the existence of a staggered board as enhanced takeover protection and examine the association between staggered boards and earnings manipulation. Following a rigorous procedure to identify a sample of restating firms that overstated earnings, manually collecting data on several governance characteristics and using a matched-pairs methodology, we find that firms with staggered boards are less likely to overstate earnings. One potential interpretation of our results is that staggered boards lessen takeover threats and thus mitigate managers’ pressure to overstate earnings.
Deterministic Analysis of Algorithms

This chapter introduces the core of the analysis of algorithms theory, explaining the concept of basic operation, followed by traditional loop counting, and the ideas of best case and worst case complexities for both execution time and required space. A detailed analysis is provided for the classes of algorithms involving most common data structures. This chapter compares several sorting algorithms and discusses the theorem setting the lower bound for the worst-case complexity of comparison-based sorting algorithms. It also discusses algorithms with unusual and interesting proofs of their complexity, such as Euclid’s algorithm or KMP for pattern matching.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin for cocaine dependence

Abstract Background In laboratory animals, augmentation of GABA neurotransmission results in inhibition of cocaine self-administration and inhibition of reinstatement to cocaine-seeking behaviors. If parallel effects were observed in humans, GABA-ergic medication should be effective both in the abstinence–induction as well as in the relapse-prevention phase of cocaine dependence treatment. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that increases human brain GABA levels. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of gabapentin combined with relapse-prevention therapy in the treatment of cocaine-dependent individuals. Design The study involved 129 individuals with cocaine dependence. Of the 99 participants, who were randomized into a double-blind trial 88% were males, 66% were minorities and with an average age of 39 years (range 22–58 years). After 2 weeks of placebo lead-in, participants were randomized to receive either gabapentin 3200 mg (1600 mg bid) or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of placebo lead-out. Prior to randomization, participants were stratified into four groups based on the principal route of cocaine use (smokers versus intranasal users) and the level of cocaine use during the 2 weeks of lead-in (high level versus low level). Throughout the 16 weeks study, participants received weekly individual relapse-prevention therapy. The outcome measures included: days of cocaine use and a binary indicator of abstinence based on urine toxicology test, self-reported cocaine craving and retention in treatment. Results Forty-nine percent of randomized patients completed 12 weeks of the trial. Retention did not differ by treatment group but cocaine-smokers dropped out of treatment at a significantly faster rate than intranasal users. For the entire sample, odds of cocaine use over the course of the study did not differ between gabapentin- and placebo-treated individuals. There was a significant difference in the odds of cocaine use between high and low-use groups, with the odds in high-use groups decreasing over time and odds in the low-use groups gradually increasing over the course of the study, such that by the end of the study low and high users were similarly likely to use cocaine. In the low-use group, there was a non-significant trend suggesting that gabapentin-treated subjects had more favorable outcome compared to placebo-treated individuals. There was no treatment effect on abstinence rates, craving or other substance use. Gabapentin at 3200 mg/day was very well tolerated in this group of cocaine-dependent participants. Conclusions When combined with weekly individual relapse-prevention therapy, gabapentin 1600 mg bid was no more effective than placebo in the treatment of cocaine dependence. When reviewed in conjunction with other published studies, gabapentin and other GABA enhancing anticonvulsant medications may deserve further study as relapse-preventive agents in cocaine-dependent individuals who achieve abstinence early in treatment.
Assessing the accuracy of self-reported data: an evaluation of the toxics release inventory

Self-reported regulatory data are hard to verify. This article compares air emissions reported by plants in the Toxics Release Inventory with chemical concentration levels measured by EPA pollution monitors. We find that the large drops in air emissions reported by firms in the TRI are not always matched by similar reductions in measured concentrations from EPA monitors. When the first digits of the monitored chemical concentrations follow a monotonically decreasing distribution, we expect (via Benford's Law) a similar distribution of first digits for the TRI data. For lead and nitric acid the self-reported data do not follow the expected first digit pattern. This suggests that for these two heavily regulated chemicals plants are not reporting accurate estimates of their air emissions.
Effects of Composition on the Reaction Kinetics of Hydrothermally Derived Barium Strontium Titanate

Barium strontium titanate (BST, BaxSr1−xTiO3) powders were fabricated by reacting nanocrystalline TiO2 with aqueous alkaline solutions containing Ba and Sr at 80°C. Measurements of reaction kinetics showed that Ba-rich BST compositions exhibited more rapid reaction rates compared with Sr-rich BST compositions, and the reaction rate increased monotonically with increasing Ba content. The average particle size also increased with increasing Ba content, with the particle growth rate of BaTiO3 being approximately a factor of 10 greater than SrTiO3. The increase in growth rate from Sr-rich to Ba-rich BST corresponded to a morphological transition from 20 to 30 nm cuboidal particles to 80 nm raspberry-like particles, respectively.
The Reading Attitudes and Behaviors of High School Students.

ABSTRACT This investigation utilized the Teale‐Lewis Reading Attitudes Scales (including Individual Development, Utilitarian, and Enjoyment subscales) and the Reading Behavior Profile to measure the self‐reported attitudes toward reading and current reading behaviors of 9th‐, 10th‐, 11th‐, and 12th‐grade students in a southern industrial community. The data revealed that the students in the three groups (gender, grade, and achievement level) exhibited positive attitudes toward reading on all three subscales of the Teale‐Lewis instrument, although they reported very low frequencies of current voluntary reading behavior. Generally the students in this study valued reading more for its contribution to their success in school than to their personal growth or enjoyment. Low levels of voluntary reading behavior suggested that high school students read principally for utilitarian purposes.
More on Diglossia in Arabic

Diglossia has been the subject of attention of many linguists and philologists dealing with Arabic for many decades. The term itself was coined by W. Marcais (1930) and was brought to the attention of general linguists and ethnologists (socio-linguists in particular) by Ferguson in 1959. Diglossia is also a well-known phenomenon in Modern Greek, Swiss German, and Haitian Creole. Fishman (1967) and Valdman (1968) deal with it in terms of methodology and theory. Kaye (1970, 1972a) deals with it in the light of modern linguistic theory and is restricted (not entirely though) to a discussion of Arabic. The monograph under review is an attempt to survey the diglossia situation using Classical Arabic and colloquial Iraqi (almost entirely Baghdadi) data. Much of the work can already be found in Altoma (1957, 1966).
Fatherhood and Intimate Partner Violence: Bringing the Parenting Role into Intervention Strategies

A large percentage of men who perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV) are fathers who continue to live with or have visitation with their children. Yet, providers rarely consider that fathers who perpetrate IPV may benefit from a parent-child focused intervention. Therapeutic work with men, who perpetrate IPV, especially with their children, is complex with issues of child safety taking precedence. This article is meant to provide: 1) a rationale for considering father-child intervention in the context of IPV; 2) specific strategies for assessment; 3) guidelines for determining if a father is appropriate for such intervention; and 4) a review of treatment approaches that have been developed that may assist clinicians in work with this population.
A global structure theorem for the mod 2 Dickson algebras, and unstable cyclic modules over the Steenrod and Kudo-Araki-May algebras

The Dickson algebra W n +1 of invariants in a polynomial algebra over [ ] 2 is an unstable algebra over the mod 2 Steenrod algebra [Ascr ], or equivalently, over the Kudo–Araki–May algebra [Kscr ] of ‘lower’ operations. We prove that W n +1 is a free unstable algebra on a certain cyclic module, modulo just one additional relation. To achieve this, we analyse the interplay of actions over [Ascr ] and [Kscr ] to characterize unstable cyclic modules with trivial action by the subalgebra [Ascr ] n −2 on a fundamental class in degree 2 n – a . This involves a new family of left ideals [Iscr ] a in [Kscr ], which play the role filled by the ideals [Ascr ][Ascr ] n−2 in the Steenrod algebra.
Effects of monetary policy shocks on the trade balance in small open European countries

Abstract The effects of monetary policy shocks on trade balance (in volume, unit value, and total nominal value) are examined in France, Italy, and the UK using VAR models. The results are consistent with the expenditure-switching effect, but there is little evidence of the J-curve effect.
GadE (YhiE) activates glutamate decarboxylase-dependent acid resistance in Escherichia coli K-12.

Summary Commensal and pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli possess three inducible acid resistance systems that collaboratively protect cells against acid stress to pH 2 or below. The most effective system requires glutamate in the acid challenge media and relies on two glutamate decarboxylases (GadA and B) com- bined with a putative glutamate: g -aminobutyric acid antiporter (GadC). A complex network of regulators mediates induction of this system in response to var- ious media, pH and growth phase signals. We report that the LuxR-like regulator GadE (formerly YhiE) is required for expression of gadA and gadBC regard- less of media or growth conditions. This protein binds directly to the 20 bp GAD box sequence found in the control regions of both loci. Two previously identified AraC-like regulators, GadX and GadW, are only needed for gadA/BC expression under some cir- cumstances. Overexpression of GadX or GadW will not overcome a need for GadE. However, overexpres- sion of GadE can supplant a requirement for GadX and W. Data provided also indicate that GadX and GadE can simultaneously bind the area around the GAD box region and probably form a complex. The gadA , gadBC and gadE genes are all induced by low pH in exponential phase cells grown in minimal glu- cose media. The acid induction of gadA/BC results primarily from the acid induction of gadE . Constitu- tive expression of GadE removes most pH control over the glutamate decarboxylase and antiporter genes. The small amount of remaining pH control is governed by GadX and W. The finding that gadE mutations also diminish the effectiveness of the other two acid resistance systems suggests that GadE influences the expression of additional acid resistance components. The number of regulatory proteins (five), sigma factors (two) and regulatory feedback loops focused on gadA/BC expression make this one of the most intensively regulated sys- tems in E. coli .
Shallow subsurface mapping by electromagnetic sounding in the 300 kHz to 30 MHz range: Model studies and prototype system assessment

A new instrument designed for frequency‐domain sounding in the depth range 0–10 m uses short coil spacings of 5 m or less and a frequency range of 300 kHz to 30 MHz. In this frequency range, both conduction currents (controlled by electrical conductivity) and displacement currents (controlled by dielectric permittivity) are important. Several surface electromagnetic survey systems commonly used (generally with frequencies less than 60 kHz) are unsuitable for detailed investigation of the upper 5 m of the earth or, as with ground‐penetrating radar, are most effective in relatively resistive environments. Most computer programs written for interpretation of data acquired with the low‐frequency systems neglect displacement currents, and are thus unsuited for accurate high‐frequency modeling and interpretation. New forward and inverse computer programs are described that include displacement currents in layered‐earth models. The computer programs and this new instrument are used to evaluate the effectiveness ...
A class of multiprocessor architectures for real-time DSP

A class of high-performance, low-cost architectures that rely on the ability to predict, at compile time, the order in which shared resources (such as shared memories) will be accessed by the processors is discussed. If this ordering can be predicted at compile time and enforced at run time, then no hardware or software overhead is required for resolving contention for shared resources, and extremely efficient interprocessor communication is possible. Further, no overhead (such as semaphore management) is required for synchronization of the programs running on the component processors. The hardware required to enforce the ordered access of the shared resources is very simple. The result is a very lean multiprocessor architecture with very efficient access to shared resources. A specific example using Motorola DSP96002 processors and a shared memory is described in detail. >
A 41-cent emendation: a textual problem in Wheatstone' s publication of Giulio Regondi's Serenade for English concertina and piano

A wrong (or at least highly suspect) note in the C. Wheatstone & Co. publication of Giulio Regondi's Serenade for English concertina and piano (1859) should probably be emended with the mean-tone temperament of the instrument in mind. Until the late 1850s/early 1860s--and though published in 1859, the Serenade was probably composed in the 1840s--concertina manufacturers used a mean-tone temperament in which they divided the octave into 14 notes, differentiating between--and providing separate buttons for--E♭/D♯, on the one hand, and A♭/ G♯, on the other, with the flat note of each pair being tuned 41 cents higher than the sharp note. The emended reading of the suspect passage suggests that the composer wished to exploit this microtonal resource. This may well be the only instance in which the likely emendation of a wrong or suspect note is dictated entirely by the particular temperament of the instrument for which the piece was written. Finally, attention is called to other instances of such mean-tone-inspired chromaticism in works by George Alexander Macfarren and Joseph Warren.
Oxidative DNA damage as a marker of aging in WI-38 human fibroblasts.

Abstract Cause–effect relationships between oxidative stress, DNA damage and aging were investigated in WI-38 human diploid fibroblasts at 21, 41 or 58 population doublings (PDs), corresponding to young, middle age or old fibroblasts, respectively. Oxidative DNA damage was evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) adducts or by single cell microgel electrophoresis (COMET assay). Aging was evaluated by growth rate, senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β galactosidase) activity, cell cycle distribution, and expression of p21. Our results demonstrate that (i) oxidative DNA damage is proportional to the age of cells (ii) DNA damage in old/58 PDs cells reflects both an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress, induced by acute exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and a reduced efficiency of repair mechanisms. We also show that mild chronic oxidative stress, induced by prolonged exposure to 5 μM H2O2, accelerates aging in fibroblasts. In fact, this treatment increased 8-OHdG levels, SA-β-galactosidase activity, and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in middle age/41 PDs, making them similar to H2O2-untreated old/58 PDs cells. Although other mechanisms may concur in mediating the effects of H2O2, these results lend support to the concept that oxidative stress may be a key determinant of aging. Measurements of oxidative DNA damage might therefore be exploited as reliable marker of cellular aging.
Thermal analysis of a flat-plate boiling collector having sub-cooled inlet and saturated exit states

The analysis of the thermal performance of a boiling flat-plate solar collector is presented. A generalized heat removal factor and a new formulation for the overall thermal loss coefficient are developed. It is demonstrated that the conventional heat removal factor for non-boiling collectors is a limiting case of a more generalized result. The new formulation for the overall thermal loss coefficient is shown to be a function of the fractional non-boiling length of the flow channel. The influence of the inlet sub-cooling is evaluated and the operating limits of solar flat-plate collectors are determined. A comparison is made between the thermal model for boiling collectors having sub-cooled inlet states and experimental results. Favorable agreement is obtained.
Prime diagnosticity in short-term repetition priming: Is primed evidence discounted, even when it reliably indicates the correct answer?

The authors conducted 4 repetition priming experiments that manipulated prime duration and prime diagnosticity in a visual forced-choice perceptual identification task. The strength and direction of prime diagnosticity produced marked effects on identification accuracy, but those effects were resistant to subsequent changes of diagnosticity. Participants learned to associate different diagnosticities with primes of different durations but not with primes presented in different colors. Regardless of prime diagnosticity, preference for a primed alternative covaried negatively with prime duration, suggesting that even for diagnostic primes, evidence discounting remains an important factor. A computational model, with the assumption that adaptation to the statistics of the experiment modulates the level of evidence discounting, accounted for these results.
Resetting the camera’s clock: Sarony, Muybridge & the aesthetics of wet-plate photography

Given the ease with which photographs today are created, copied and mobilized, it is easy to forget that the medium is not a single monolithic entity, but rather encompasses an array of light-based...
Multiple progressive bone cysts of the mandible and maxilla.

Abstract The terminology, etiology, and treatment of progressive bone cysts of the jaws have been discussed, and a case of rare multiple form of progressive bone cysts has been presented.
Locating the source of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal bleeding can now be localized earlier and more accurately by an aggressive diagnostic approach using newer tools and technics. Among the causes of acute bleeding from the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic peptic ulcer disease is less common, and erosive esophagitis and gastritis are more common, than has been supposed.
Fluid and electrolyte therapy and parenteral nutrition in low birth weight infants.

Fluid and electrolyte problems in low-birth-weight infants should be handled with a clear understanding of the unique physiologic characteristics of these infants, of their limited renal compensatory mechanisms for inappropriate fluid therapy, and that excessive fluid and sodium intake clearly predisposes them to symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. This article attempts to provide the most appropriate strategies for overcoming the problems in the management of fluid and electrolyte problems.
Pruritic Erythematous Plaques

A woman presented with erythematous, pruritic skin patches on her trunk and extremities that were slowly increasing in size and number.
Using Baseline Models to Improve Theories about Emerging Markets

Purpose – This chapter reports on a rapidly growing trend in the analysis of data about emerging market (EM) economies – the use of baseline models as comparisons for explanatory models. Baseline models estimate expected values for the dependent variable in the absence of a hypothesized causal effect but set higher standards than do traditional null hypotheses tests that expect no effect. Design/methodology/approach – Although the use of baseline models research originated in the 1960s, it has not been widely discussed, or even acknowledged, in the EM literature. We surveyed published EM studies to determine trends in the use of baseline models. Findings – We categorize and describe the different types of baseline models that scholars have used in EM studies, and draw inferences about the differences between more effective and less effective uses of baseline models. Value – We believe that comparisons with baseline models offer distinct methodological advantages for the iterative development of better explanatory models and a deeper understanding of empirical phenomena.
A randomized clinical trial of a postdeployment parenting intervention for service members and their families with very young children.

Objective Parenting through the deployment cycle presents unique stressors for military families. To date, few evidence-based and military-specific parenting programs are available to support parenting through cycles of deployment separation and reintegration, especially for National Guard/Reserve members. The purpose of this research was to test the efficacy of a parenting program developed specifically to support military families during reintegration. Method Within 1 year of returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq, 115 service members with very young children were randomly assigned to receive either the Strong Families Strong Forces Parenting Program at baseline or after a 12-week waiting period. Using a home-based modality, service members, at-home parents, and their young child were assessed at baseline, 3 months posttreatment/wait period, and 6 months from baseline. Results Service member parents in Strong Families evidenced greater reductions in parenting stress and mental health distress relative to those in the waitlist comparison group. Service members with more posttraumatic stress symptoms reported higher levels of perceived parental efficacy in the intervention group than service members in the comparison group. Intervention also resulted in enhanced parental reflective capacity, including increased curiosity and interest in the young child among those in the intervention group relative to comparison. Conclusion Service member parents and their spouses demonstrated high interest in participating in a postdeployment parenting program targeting families with very young children. Findings point to the feasibility, appeal, and efficacy of Strong Families in this initial trial and suggest promise for implementation in broader military and community service systems. (PsycINFO Database Record
Generation of dual frequency combs using cascaded microring resonators

We demonstrate on-chip dual frequency comb generation from cascaded silicon-nitride microresonators pumped by a single laser. We study the RF beatnotes between these combs as a step towards dual-comb spectroscopy and microwave signal synthesis.
Mean direct medical care costs associated with cervical cancer for commercially insured patients in Texas

Abstract Objective To determine the mean cervical cancer medical care costs for patients enrolled in commercial insurance in Texas. Cost is represented by insurer and patient payments for care. Methods We estimated the mean medical care costs during the first 2years after the index diagnosis date for patients with cervical cancer (cases). Cases were identified using claims-based International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9), diagnosis codes and matched to controls without a claims-based ICD-9 code for cancer using a 2-step propensity score matching method. Index dates for the cases were randomly assigned to potential controls, and cases and controls were matched by index date. Data for cancer cases and controls were obtained from the de-identified 2011–2014 U.S. MarketScan databases. A generalized linear model was employed to compute the cost for censored months during the 2-year follow-up period. Differential costs were assessed by subtracting the medical costs incurred by controls from those incurred by cases. Results During 2011–2014, 475 commercially insured Texas patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer met the inclusion criteria. The first-year and second-year mean medical costs were $60,828 and $37,721 for cases and $9982 and $10,066 for controls, respectively. The differential costs of cervical cancer for the first and second years were $50,846 and $27,656, respectively. The major correlates of higher monthly cervical cancer costs were higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score during 6months period prior to diagnosis, higher healthcare costs between 6months and 3months prior to diagnosis, and residence in the western region of Texas. Costs for cervical cancer patients decreased steeply between month 1 and month 5 after diagnosis and then were stable, while costs for the control group were stable throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions Mean direct medical costs associated with cervical cancer in Texas were substantial. These data will serve as key cost parameters in models of costs associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in Texas and the economic evaluation of HPV vaccination dissemination in Texas.
NOX2 deficiency alters macrophage phenotype through an IL-10/STAT3 dependent mechanism: implications for traumatic brain injury.

NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is an enzyme system that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in microglia and macrophages. Excessive ROS production is linked with neuroinflammation and chronic neurodegeneration following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Redox signaling regulates macrophage/microglial phenotypic responses (pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory), and NOX2 inhibition following moderate-to-severe TBI markedly reduces pro-inflammatory activation of macrophages/microglia resulting in concomitant increases in anti-inflammatory responses. Here, we report the signaling pathways that regulate NOX2-dependent macrophage/microglial phenotype switching in the TBI brain. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) prepared from wildtype (C57Bl/6) and NOX2 deficient (NOX2−/−) mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 ng/ml), interleukin-4 (IL-4; 10 ng/ml), or combined LPS/IL-4 to investigate signal transduction pathways associated with macrophage activation using western immunoblotting and qPCR analyses. Signaling pathways and activation markers were evaluated in ipsilateral cortical tissue obtained from adult male wildtype and NOX2−/− mice that received moderate-level controlled cortical impact (CCI). A neutralizing anti-IL-10 approach was used to determine the effects of IL-10 on NOX2-dependent transitions from pro- to anti-inflammatory activation states. Using an LPS/IL-4-stimulated BMDM model that mimics the mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory responses observed in the injured cortex, we show that NOX2−/− significantly reduces STAT1 signaling and markers of pro-inflammatory activation. In addition, NOX2−/− BMDMs significantly increase anti-inflammatory marker expression; IL-10-mediated STAT3 signaling, but not STAT6 signaling, appears to be critical in regulating this anti-inflammatory response. Following moderate-level CCI, IL-10 is significantly increased in microglia/macrophages in the injured cortex of NOX2−/− mice. These changes are associated with increased STAT3 activation, but not STAT6 activation, and a robust anti-inflammatory response. Neutralization of IL-10 in NOX2−/− BMDMs or CCI mice blocks STAT3 activation and the anti-inflammatory response, thereby demonstrating a critical role for IL-10 in regulating NOX2-dependent transitions between pro- and anti-inflammatory activation states. These studies indicate that following TBI NOX2 inhibition promotes a robust anti-inflammatory response in macrophages/microglia that is mediated by the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, therapeutic interventions that inhibit macrophage/microglial NOX2 activity may improve TBI outcomes by not only limiting pro-inflammatory neurotoxic responses, but also enhancing IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory responses that are neuroprotective.
61-P: EVALUATION OF DONOR SPECIFIC C1q HLA ANTIBODY AS A MARKER FOR SEVERITY OF DISEASE AND RESPONSE TO TREATMENT OF ANTIBODY MEDIATED REJECTION IN FIVE CARDIAC TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Aim Antibody mediated rejection (AMR) is a significant source of morbidity and mortality in cardiac transplant recipients. Because antibody mediated rejection is known to use the complement pathway, assessment of antibodies that fix complement, such as C1q may show promise here as a quantitative marker of the degree of severity of disease, as well as response to treatment. Methods This was a retrospective case study of 5 patients with biopsy proven AMR. Charts were analyzed for rejection episodes, echocardiographic data, and treatment for AMR. AMR was determined from C4d and CD68 stained sections. Final clinical diagnosis included evidence of allograft dysfunction, HLA donor specific antibody (DSA) and C1q DSA. Results The 5 cases are graphically presented with time points for biopsy evaluation, echocardiogram, HLA and C1q antibody testing, and treatment. The results of this study indicate that measuring donor specific C1q antibodies may be useful in assessing the severity of AMR as well as the response to treatment. Conclusions Evaluation of these cases indicate pursuing a larger study is a worthwhile endeavor to further investigate the role of C1q testing as an independent and quantifiable marker for AMR. C1q antibody evaluation may help reduce the frequency of routine surveillance biopsy in cardiac transplant patients, leading to a less invasive method of assessing for rejection. In addition, it can be used to appropriately guide treatment. Studies with longer-term follow-up may help to determine how long after treatment the antibodies will take to completely clear, as more information is needed on how to properly interpret elevated levels of C1q antibodies post-treatment. Correlation of post-treatment levels of C1q with the clinical status of the patient, as well as biopsy data, will help to determine if measurement of C1q can help determine if a particular treatment was a success or a failure. Overall, this study is a good starting point for the assessment of C1q HLA DSA as a marker for AMR.
Experimental demonstration of fresh bunch self-seeding in an X-ray free electron laser

We report the generation of ultrahigh brightness X-ray pulses using the Fresh Bunch Self-Seeding (FBSS) method in an X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL). The FBSS method uses two different electron slices or bunches, one to generate the seed and the other to amplify it after the monochromator. This method circumvents the trade-off between the seed power and electron slice energy spread, which limits the efficiency of regular self-seeded FELs. The experiment, the performance of which is limited by existing hardware, shows FBSS feasibility, generating 5.5 keV photon pulses which are 9 fs long and of 7.3 × 10 − 5 bandwidth and 50 GW power. FBSS performance is compared with Self Amplified Spontaneous Emission/self-seeding performance, measuring a brightness increase of twelve/two times, respectively. In an optimized XFEL, FBSS can increase the peak power a hundred times more than state-of-the-art to multi-TW, opening new research areas for nonlinear science and single molecule imaging.
An automated approach to measuring child movement and location in the early childhood classroom

Children’s movement is an important issue in child development and outcome in early childhood research, intervention, and practice. Digital sensor technologies offer improvements in naturalistic movement measurement and analysis. We conducted validity and feasibility testing of a real-time, indoor mapping and location system (Ubisense, Inc.) within a preschool classroom. Real-time indoor mapping has several implications with respect to efficiently and conveniently: (a) determining the activity areas where children are spending the most and least time per day (e.g., music); and (b) mapping a focal child’s atypical real-time movements (e.g., lapping behavior). We calibrated the accuracy of Ubisense point-by-point location estimates (i.e., X and Y coordinates) against laser rangefinder measurements using several stationary points and atypical movement patterns as reference standards. Our results indicate that activity areas occupied and atypical movement patterns could be plotted with an accuracy of 30.48 cm (1 ft) using a Ubisense transponder tag attached to the participating child’s shirt. The accuracy parallels findings of other researchers employing Ubisense to study atypical movement patterns in individuals at risk for dementia in an assisted living facility. The feasibility of Ubisense was tested in an approximately 90-min assessment of two children, one typically developing and one with Down syndrome, during natural classroom activities, and the results proved positive. Implications for employing Ubisense in early childhood classrooms as a data-based decision-making tool to support children’s development and its potential integration with other wearable sensor technologies are discussed.
Declines in plant palatability from polar to tropical latitudes depend on herbivore and plant identity

Long-standing theory predicts that the intensity of consumer–prey interactions declines with increasing latitude, yet for plant–herbivore interactions, latitudinal changes in herbivory rates and plant palatability have received variable support. The topic is of growing interest given that lower-latitude species are moving poleward at an accelerating rate due to climate change, and predicting local interactions will depend partly on whether latitudinal gradients occur in these critical biotic interactions. Here, we assayed the palatability of 50 seaweeds collected from polar (Antarctica), temperate (northeastern Pacific; California), and tropical (central Pacific; Fiji) locations to two herbivores native to the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, the generalist crab Mithraculus sculptus and sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. Red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) of polar and temperate origin were more readily consumed by urchins than were tropical reds. The decline in palatability with decreasing latitude is explained by shifts in tissue organic content along with the quantity and quality of secondary metabolites, degree of calcification or both. We detected no latitudinal shift in palatability of red seaweeds to crabs, nor any latitudinal shifts in palatability of brown seaweeds (Phaeophyta) to either crabs or urchins. Our results suggest that evolutionary pressure from tropical herbivores favored red seaweeds with lower palatability, either through the production of greater levels of chemical defenses, calcification, or both. Moreover, our results tentatively suggest that the “tropicalization” of temperate habitats is facilitated by the migration of tropical herbivores into temperate areas dominated by weakly defended and more nutritious foods, and that the removal of these competing seaweeds may facilitate the invasion of better-defended tropical seaweeds.
A MORE REALISTIC APPROACH TO CITYWIDE MUNICIPAL WIRELESS NETWORKS: THE ANCHOR TENANT MODEL?

Municipal wireless networks (MWN) strive to provide broader access to the internet with some form of governmental support, usually from a city. They have generated considerable interest this decade with hundreds being launched, and recently have garnered notoriety with the withdrawal of providers like EarthLink, MetroFi, and Kite from the MWN market leaving a number of large cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Portland, OR, scrambling with half completed systems, and many other cities scuttling ambitious plans to “carpet” their jurisdictions. This paper discusses the rationale for providing a public service in general; the specific arguments used for and against municipalities developing MWNs; and the various most common business models. We then briefly review the Philadelphia case and contrast it with the case of Riverside, CA, which employs a different business model. We conclude by reviewing the generalizations that can be made about the policies surrounding MWNs at this point in their evolution.