cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probability-driven motion planning for mobile robots

This paper proposes a path-planning method for mobile robots in the presence of uncertainty. We analyze environment and control uncertainty and propose methods for incorporating each of them into the planning algorithm. We model the environment using the pyramid structure that encodes the information on occupancy probabilities for each pixel as well as the partial information on conditional probabilities among different pixels. This structure allows for efficient and accurate computation of collision probabilities in the presence of environment uncertainty. The control uncertainty is mainly characterized by its expansion in space and time and is accordingly modeled by a stochastic differential equation that mathematically captures this phenomenon. Models that we develop are inevitably approximate but experiments confirm that they can be used as a reasonable model for motion planning. We have conducted a series of experiments on the mobile platform and some of these results are presented. >
Debating both sides ethical? Controversy pau!

The ethics of both‐sides debate has been a subject of considerable controversy. No attempt, however, seems to have been made to discover how the nation's debate coaches feel about this subject. A survey of coaches was conducted and its results reported here. The results support the contention that this controversy is finished. A more important one perhaps exists: the pedagogical value of two‐sides debate.
Guiding electromagnetic waves around sharp corners: topologically protected photonic transport in meta-waveguides (Presentation Recording)

Science thrives on analogies, and a considerable number of inventions and discoveries have been made by pursuing an unexpected connection to a very different field of inquiry. For example, photonic crystals have been referred to as “semiconductors of light” because of the far-reaching analogies between electron propagation in a crystal lattice and light propagation in a periodically modulated photonic environment. However, two aspects of electron behavior, its spin and helicity, escaped emulation by photonic systems until recent invention of photonic topological insulators (PTIs). The impetus for these developments in photonics came from the discovery of topologically nontrivial phases in condensed matter physics enabling edge states immune to scattering. The realization of topologically protected transport in photonics would circumvent a fundamental limitation imposed by the wave equation: inability of reflections-free light propagation along sharply bent pathway. Topologically protected electromagnetic states could be used for transporting photons without any scattering, potentially underpinning new revolutionary concepts in applied science and engineering. I will demonstrate that a PTI can be constructed by applying three types of perturbations: (a) finite bianisotropy, (b) gyromagnetic inclusion breaking the time-reversal (T) symmetry, and (c) asymmetric rods breaking the parity (P) symmetry. We will experimentally demonstrate (i) the existence of the full topological bandgap in a bianisotropic, and (ii) the reflectionless nature of wave propagation along the interface between two PTIs with opposite signs of the bianisotropy.
Synergistic effect of SNDX-275 with lapatinib or erlotinib in breast, lung, or head and neck cancer cell lines expressing HER- 2

e14566 Background: We previously demonstrated the synergistic effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor SNDX-275 and gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines lacking E-cadherin ...
CXCL10 Acts as a Bifunctional Antimicrobial Molecule against Bacillus anthracis

ABSTRACT Bacillus anthracis is killed by the interferon-inducible, ELR(−) CXC chemokine CXCL10. Previous studies showed that disruption of the gene encoding FtsX, a conserved membrane component of the ATP-binding cassette transporter-like complex FtsE/X, resulted in resistance to CXCL10. FtsX exhibits some sequence similarity to the mammalian CXCL10 receptor, CXCR3, suggesting that the CXCL10 N-terminal region that interacts with CXCR3 may also interact with FtsX. A C-terminal truncated CXCL10 was tested to determine if the FtsX-dependent antimicrobial activity is associated with the CXCR3-interacting N terminus. The truncated CXCL10 exhibited antimicrobial activity against the B. anthracis parent strain but not the Δ ftsX mutant, which supports a key role for the CXCL10 N terminus. Mutations in FtsE, the conserved ATP-binding protein of the FtsE/X complex, resulted in resistance to both CXCL10 and truncated CXCL10, indicating that both FtsX and FtsE are important. Higher concentrations of CXCL10 overcame the resistance of the Δ ftsX mutant to CXCL10, suggesting an FtsX-independent killing mechanism, likely involving its C-terminal α-helix, which resembles a cationic antimicrobial peptide. Membrane depolarization studies revealed that CXCL10 disrupted membranes of the B. anthracis parent strain and the Δ ftsX mutant, but only the parent strain underwent depolarization with truncated CXCL10. These findings suggest that CXCL10 is a bifunctional molecule that kills B. anthracis by two mechanisms. FtsE/X-dependent killing is mediated through an N-terminal portion of CXCL10 and is not reliant upon the C-terminal α-helix. The FtsE/X-independent mechanism involves membrane depolarization by CXCL10, likely because of its α-helix. These findings present a new paradigm for understanding mechanisms by which CXCL10 and related chemokines kill bacteria. IMPORTANCE Chemokines are a class of molecules known for their chemoattractant properties but more recently have been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. The mechanism(s) by which these chemokines kill bacteria is not well understood, but it is generally thought to be due to the conserved amphipathic C-terminal α-helix that resembles cationic antimicrobial peptides in charge and secondary structure. Our present study indicates that the interferon-inducible, ELR(−) chemokine CXCL10 kills the Gram-positive pathogen Bacillus anthracis through multiple molecular mechanisms. One mechanism is mediated by interaction of CXCL10 with the bacterial FtsE/X complex and does not require the presence of the CXCL10 C-terminal α-helix. The second mechanism is FtsE/X receptor independent and kills through membrane disruption due to the C-terminal α-helix. This study represents a new paradigm for understanding how chemokines exert an antimicrobial effect that may prove applicable to other bacterial species.
Study on the Relationship Between Deconvolution and Signal-to-Noise Ratio

After seismic record is deconvoluted, its resolution is decreased. In order to control profile signal-to-noise ratio in the processing of deconvolution, the cause is analyzed in theory why the signal-to-noise ratio is decreased after deconvolution. Some different phase wavelets are taken as examples, their deconvolution operators were calculated based on the principle of minimal-square-deconvolution. It is proven that the signal-to-noise ratio is controlled by the energy of the inverse wavelet after deconvolution, and the greater the energy, the more the signal-to-noise ratio is decreased. It is put forward that the drop of the signal-to-noise ratio can be controlled by adding white noise. But the white noise is can't be added too much, otherwise the increase of the signal-to-noise ratio is limited because the inverse wavelet obtained after the white noise is added is not the inverse of the original wavelet.
Implanted antennas for biotelemetry: antennas, safety and communications issues

Summary form only given. In this paper, some of the recent progress in modeling antennas near human/animal tissues are presented. In particular, simulation results for the EM characteristics of implanted antennas in both a human head and a human body are discussed. Since this study is related to biomedical applications, implanted antennas are assumed to operate using a biomedical frequency band 402-405 MHz. The antenna characterization is carried out using both the simplified multilayered spherical model and the sophisticated anatomical model. Both the finite difference time domain and dyadic Green's function approaches are applied and compared. These computational techniques are used to design tailored antennas with improved performance when implanted inside the body. The importance of designing antennas to match their surrounding environment is shown. Attention is given to designing antennas with miniaturized characteristics and proper functionality in the tissue environment. Input impedance, SAR and radiation patterns of various antennas are determined and compared. The roles of global optimization techniques such as genetic algorithm and particle swarm to achieve optimal designs are also highlighted.
Quality of care measures for the management of unhealthy alcohol use

There is a paucity of quality measures to assess the care for the range of unhealthy alcohol use, ranging from risky drinking to alcohol use disorders. Using a two-phase expert panel review process, we sought to develop an expanded set of quality of care measures for unhealthy alcohol use, focusing on outpatient care delivered in both primary care and specialty care settings. This process generated 25 candidate measures. Eight measures address screening and assessment, 11 address aspects of treatment, and six address follow-up. These quality measures represent high priority targets for future development, including creating detailed technical specifications and pilot testing them to evaluate their utility in terms of feasibility, reliability, and validity.
The future is now: extending CAE into test of custom VLSI

Circuit designers are rapidly turning to designing their own integrated circuits. Since low volumes of many different devices are the result, this paper describes the critical extraction of information from the data flow from software-based IC-design tools for use by the testing function. Methods of high interactivity between the device designer and the test equipment are discussed. In addition, a need for common interfaces established between software-designed IC-design functions is reviewed.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Evaluation and medical management in primary care

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in aging men, worsening their quality of life. Primary care physicians are uniquely positioned to screen for BPH, conduct a timely diagnostic workup, and if indicated, initiate medical therapy. A number of safe and effective medical treatments are available to alleviate symptoms, delay disease progression, and lessen the chance of needing surgery for BPH.
Bringing Environmental Assessment into the Digital Age

Imagine that you are a researcher who is interested in the environmental impacts of projects affecting a particular species of animal or watershed. No central registry exists with this information. The only way of locating the relevant environmental assessments would be to identify each potential government agency, federal, state, and local, that might be involved in such projects, and then to make a document request from each individual agency. Some of the documents would be available only in hard copy once they were found, although more recent documents might be available on compact disk. Moreover, many agencies might be unable to locate the documents themselves because there is no systematic tracking of the most common forms of environmental assessments. It would be a significant step forward simply to make all environmental impact information available online. Combining such a database with an efficient search engine, and linking this and other environmental information through a geographic information system (GIS), could transform our ability to access environmental information. We can also try to link assessments with monitoring and other later site information, so that we can begin to evaluate our predictions and mitigation measures. This may seem a pedestrian concept. It certainly involves no new technological breakthroughs or major legal reforms. For this reason, it is all the more dismaying that environmental information is still stranded in the era of paper copies and steel filing cabinets.
Late gastrointestinal (GI) complications in patients with stage I-II testicular seminoma treated with radiotherapy (RT).

4595 Background: For stage I-II testicular seminoma, RT is highly effective at eradicating disease in the abdominopelvic lymph nodes, but results in unnecessary exposure to normal tissues including the GI tract. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence and risk factors for late GI complications in this patient population. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 251 patients with stage I-II testicular seminoma treated with curative intent RT at our institution from 1974-2009. All patients underwent orchiectomy and postoperative external beam RT to the involved and/or at-risk nodal basins. Potential late GI complications that were assessed included endoscopically-confirmed gastric or duodenal ulceration, small bowel obstruction (SBO), and biopsy-confirmed malignancy of the GI tract. Risks were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) technique and univariate/multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 36 years (range ...
Circadian Rhythms: Move Over Neurons - Astrocytes Mediate SCN Clock Function

Neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus are described as master pacemaker cells for biological rhythms. However, a series of recent studies demonstrate the importance of another cell type, astrocytes, for biological timekeeping.
Sonic hedgehog regulation of Foxf2 promotes cranial neural crest mesenchyme proliferation and is disrupted in cleft lip morphogenesis

Cleft lip is one of the most common human birth defects, yet our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate lip morphogenesis is limited. Here, we show in mice that sonic hedgehog (Shh)-induced proliferation of cranial neural crest cell (cNCC) mesenchyme is required for upper lip closure. Gene expression profiling revealed a subset of Forkhead box (Fox) genes that are regulated by Shh signaling during lip morphogenesis. During cleft pathogenesis, reduced proliferation in the medial nasal process mesenchyme paralleled the domain of reduced Foxf2 and Gli1 expression. SHH ligand induction of Foxf2 expression was dependent upon Shh pathway effectors in cNCCs, while a functional GLI-binding site was identified downstream of Foxf2 Consistent with the cellular mechanism demonstrated for cleft lip pathogenesis, we found that either SHH ligand addition or FOXF2 overexpression is sufficient to induce cNCC proliferation. Finally, analysis of a large multi-ethnic human population with cleft lip identified clusters of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXF2 These data suggest that direct targeting of Foxf2 by Shh signaling drives cNCC mesenchyme proliferation during upper lip morphogenesis, and that disruption of this sequence results in cleft lip.
Identification of top-K nodes in large networks using Katz centrality

Network theory concepts form the core of algorithms that are designed to uncover valuable insights from various datasets. Especially, network centrality measures such as Eigenvector centrality, Katz centrality, PageRank centrality etc., are used in retrieving top-K viral information propagators in social networks,while web page ranking in efficient information retrieval, etc. In this paper, we propose a novel method for identifying top-K viral information propagators from a reduced search space. Our algorithm computes the Katz centrality and Local average centrality values of each node and tests the values against two threshold (constraints) values. Only those nodes, which satisfy these constraints, form the search space for top-K propagators. Our proposed algorithm is tested against four datasets and the results show that the proposed algorithm is capable of reducing the number of nodes in search space at least by 70%. We also considered the parameter ( $$\alpha$$ and $$\beta$$ ) dependency of Katz centrality values in our experiments and established a relationship between the $$\alpha$$ values, number of nodes in search space and network characteristics. Later, we compare the top-K results of our approach against the top-K results of degree centrality.
Planning the Political Intervention: Advocacy Campaigns

This chapter builds from the five-stage process for developing political strategy introduced in Chap. 5, and adapts it specifically to the process of planning an advocacy campaign. An advocacy campaign is a political change effort focused on bringing about a specific policy change or changes. This process is most relevant to domains 1 and 2, specifically to strategies involving advocating for expanded political power, and for influencing policy agendas and policy decision-making.
DNA Topoisomerases: Type I

Type I DNA topoisomerases change DNA supercoiling by introducing a transient single-strand break into duplex DNA in a reaction that involves the formation of a covalent intermediate between the enzyme and the broken strand. While most type I enzymes relax either negative supercoils or both negative and positive supercoils, the reverse gyrase found in hyperthermophilic eubacteria and archaea introduces positive supercoils into DNA at the expense of ATP hydrolysis. In eubacteria and archaea, type I topoisomerases collaborate with enzymes that generate DNA supercoiling to set the final supercoiling level of the chromosomal DNA. In all cell types, the type I topoisomerases are important for removing the negative and positive supercoiling generated by transcription and replication.
When art meets tech: The role of augmented reality in enhancing museum experiences and purchase intentions

Abstract As augmented reality (AR) has been increasingly adopted by various industries as a marketing tool, tourism practitioners have come to recognize its promising potential in staging experiences. Despite the extensive discussions around AR's managerial implications, academic inquiry into how to adopt AR technology in museum tourism contexts remains rare. Building on this emerging stream of scholarly literature, the current study attempts to examine the impact of information type (dynamic verbal vs. dynamic visual cues) and augmenting immersive scenes (high vs. low virtual presence) on visitors' evaluation of the AR-facilitated museum experience and their subsequent purchase intentions. Using an experimental approach, the results demonstrate that compared with dynamic visual cues, dynamic verbal cues lead to visitors' higher levels of willingness to pay more and such effect is more salient when environmental augmentation provides a high level of virtual presence. Such effects can be explained by the psychological mechanism of mental imagery.
GAISE 2016 PROMOTES STATISTICAL LITERACY

In the 2005 Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education (GAISE), statistical literacy featured as a primary goal. The 2016 revision eliminated statistical literacy as a stated goal. Although this looks like a rejection, this paper argues that by including multivariate thinking and – more importantly – confounding as recommended topics in introductory statistics, statistical literacy has in fact been accepted if not promoted. The adoption of the new guidelines will greatly advance students’ statistical literacy: the ability to read and interpret statistics relevant to consumers and decision makers. First published May 2017 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
Philosophy of Science, History of Science, and Science Education

Since I have had the privilege of reading the remarks of my fellow-symposiasts before writing out my own, I should like to begin by making the briefest of comments on each of their contributions. Professor Petrie raises the Kantian-like question of how science education is possible — or, more precisely, how, if all observation is theory-laden, science education is possible. His intriguing answer is that “Science education is possible with the aid of the humanistic tool of metaphor.” I find it difficult to asses this formulation without further examples of its concrete application to actual pedagogical problems in the natural sciences. In Kantian terms, one might say that Professor Petrie, having made use of the synthetic method in deducing the possibility of science education, should now turn around and use the analytic method (the method of Kant’s Prolegomena), that is to say, he should take a broad range of representative examples of successful science education and show how their success depends critically on certain key metaphors which bridge the gap between the students’ frame of reference and the frames of reference of the respective scientific theories being learned/taught.
Ability of Delphastus catalinae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), a predator of whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), to survive mild winters.

Delphastus catalinae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a predator of whiteflies and is sold by commercial insectaries to help manage Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). This beetle is tropical in origi...
Crave-Out! A Smartphone Game to Prevent Relapse after Quitting Smoking

Background: Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death. Cessation programs have had success; however, most smokers relapse. Strategies to prevent relapse include active management of cravings. Distraction is a key behavioral tool to manage cravings. We designed a smartphone game available at the point-of-need that can be used to distract cravings when they arise and remind smokers of the benefits of quitting smoking. Objective: Describe the development and launch of Crave-Out! Methods: We used a two step process to develop the game, concept refinement and dissemination planning. Using multiple prototypes, we refined the game concept using iterative think-aloud usability testing with smokers (N= 14). We conducted usability testing using Morae software that allows for live, remote observation of the subject being tested (ex: recording of clicks, keystrokes, and other events). After playing the game, smokers answered a survey and provided open-ended comments. Themes from open-ended comments were summarized. The smartphone game was developed using the Unity3D game development framework. We released Crave Out! on Apple’s App Store and are tracking downloads. Results: 60% of our participants were between the ages of 19-24, with a median number of cigarettes per day of 5. 100% of our smokers have tried to quit, and failed. In the survey, all the smokers strongly agreed or agreed that the game would help me think about reasons to quit smoking. 80% of participants agreed that they would recommend the game, and 60% agreed or strongly agreed that they would play the game again. Smokers disagreed on whether the game would distract them from carvings, but 100% of smokers agreed that it would help them think about reasons to quit smoking. Smokers made comments on the following themes: a) look and feel, b) positive reinforcements, c) negative reinforcements, and d) game mechanics. Example comments: a) “the game was pretty simple and understandable”; b) “gave me reasons why but did not necessarily push me to (quit smoking)”; 3) “Good but looking at bad can remind you of negative effects”; d) Provide “instructions - different scenarios”. In response, we conceptualize the following functions: 1) Multi-level game with a crave-out function: Instead of the traditional end game function, we designed the Crave-Out! function, that allows smokers to choose to end the game after their craving has reduced. 2) Only gave positive reinforcement: We removed negative reinforcements and designed the game to present smokers a token highlighting a benefit of staying quit after each level. Between 12/22/2011 and 02/28/2012, the game was downloaded 413 times from App-Store. In the past week, the game was announced on the ATTUD (Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence) listserv, which resulted in an increase of 110 downloads (as of 03/05/2012). Conclusions: Based on initial usability testing, we developed an engaging smartphone game. Future assessments will include evaluating the impact of the game on preventing relapses. []
Did Clarification of Medicare Guidelines Change Outpatient Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Usage? A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Objective To determine if there was a change in the number of outpatient physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) visits for Medicare beneficiaries, and in the number of beneficiaries receiving extended courses of >12 therapy visits, after the Jimmo vs Sebelius settlement. Design Cross-sectional analysis of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) comparing calendar years 2011-2012 to 2014-2015. Setting Community in-home survey. Participants Medicare Part-B recipients who received outpatient PT/OT (N=1183, median age 70.8) during pre– Jimmo settlement (2011-2012) and post– Jimmo settlement (2014-2015) time periods. Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Number of therapy visits/patient/year and number of subjects who received >12 therapy visits/year estimated by linear and logistic regressions controlling for potential confounders (age, body mass index [BMI], and geographic region). Results The unadjusted median number of therapy visits/year increased from 7 to 8 after the settlement. Linear regression estimated a 1.02 increase in the number of therapy visits after the settlement (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23, 1.80; P =.01). The odds of having >12 therapy visits/year increased (odds ratio=1.41; 95% CI 1.02,1.96; P =.04). We observed a significant interaction between race and the effect of the settlement on the odds of having >12 therapy visits (OR 3.64; 95% CI 1.58, 8.39). Non-Hispanic white subjects saw an increase in utilization while a combined group of black, Hispanic and Asian subjects’ utilization declined. Conclusion Utilization of outpatient PT/OT changed after the 2013 Jimmo settlement. Further research is needed to determine the effect on patient outcomes and cost.
Probabilistic load curtailment estimation using posterior probability model and twin support vector machine

Estimating the potential load curtailments as a result of hurricane is of great significance in improving the emergency response and recovery of power grid. This paper proposes a three-step sequential method in identifying such load curtailments prior to hurricane. In the first step, a twin support vector machine (TWSVM) model is trained on path/intensity information of previous hurricanes to enable a deterministic outage state assessment of the grid components in response to upcoming events. The TWSVM model is specifically used as it is suitable for handling imbalanced datasets. In the second step, a posterior probability sigmoid model is trained on the obtained results to convert the deterministic results into probabilistic outage states. These outage states enable the formation of probability-weighted contingency scenarios. Finally, the obtained component outages are integrated into a load curtailment estimation model to determine the expected potential load curtailments in the grid. The simulation results, tested on the standard IEEE 118-bus system and based on synthetic datasets, illustrate the high accuracy performance of the proposed method.
Short-Term Exposure to Waterpipe/Hookah Smoke Triggers a Hyperactive Platelet Activation State and Increases the Risk of Thrombogenesis

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem. Among cardiovascular disease’s risk factors, tobacco smoking is considered the single most preventable cause of death, with throm...
High Resolution Measurements of Nonlinear Internal Waves and Mixing on the Washington Continental Shelf

Abstract : We are interested in the general problems of internal waves and ocean mixing. Knowledge of these is important for advancing the performance of operational and climate models, as well as for understanding local problems such as pollutant dispersal and biological productivity. Most of the oceans physical and acoustic environments are significantly modified by internal waves. In the specific case of nonlinear internal waves (NLIWs), the currents and displacements of the waves are strong enough to impact surface and under-sea operations and communication. The pilot research described here will begin to improve our knowledge and predictive ability of NLIWs and their impacts on the Washington shelf. Additionally, it will form the foundation for better understanding of NLIW generation, their propagation in strongly sheared coastal currents, and their associated mixing on continental shelves worldwide.
Emotional Landscapes of Risk: Emotion and Culture in American Self-sufficiency Movements

Americans who identify as “homesteaders” and “preppers” seek to live “self-sufficient” lifestyles by distancing themselves from institutions that mediate access to the environment. This paper asks why individuals adopt “self-sufficiency” based practices and finds that they respond to discomfort about being embedded in risk society by adopting self-sufficiency as an emotion management strategy that fits within an American cultural logic of individualism. Based on ethnographic methods including interviews and participant observation representing two sub-cultures of American self-sufficiency movements, I show that cultural narratives about risk generate uncomfortable emotions that must be managed, resulting in material changes to daily practice via emotion management strategies that embrace cultural individualism. Self-sufficiency allows participants to reconcile American individualism with the lived experience of dependence on untrustworthy institutions, that expose them to global, impersonal risks, thus alleviating discomfort and reinforcing cultural beliefs. The self-sufficiency practices homesteaders and preppers adopt result in changing relationships to the environment. This paper intervenes in environmental theories that overlook the significance of emotion in shaping environmental practices and calls for a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between emotions, culture, and material practices.
War, Peace, and Alliance in Demosthenes' Athens

Every Athenian alliance, every declaration of war, and every peace treaty was instituted by a decision of the assembly, where citizens voted after listening to speeches that presented varied and often opposing arguments about the best course of action. The fifteen preserved assembly speeches of the mid-fourth century BC thus provide an unparalleled body of evidence for the way that Athenians thought and felt about interstate relations: to understand this body of oratory is to understand how the Athenians of that period made decisions about war and peace. This book provides a comprehensive treatment of this subject. It deploys insights from a range of fields, from anthropology to international relations theory, in order not only to describe Athenian thinking, but also to explain it. Athenian thinking turns out to have been complex, sophisticated, and surprisingly familiar both in its virtues and its flaws.
The Components of Early Intervention Services for Families Living in Poverty A Review of the Literature

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act mandates that very young children with disabilities be served through Part C services. Families of young children with disabilities who are also living in poverty are often the primary recipients of these services. To better understand the experiences of families, particularly those living in poverty, within the early intervention (EI) system, we reviewed four EI components: (a) family-centered orientation, (b) natural learning environments, (c) collaborative team processes, and (d) service integration. We discuss the implications of these components for the preparation and training of EI providers to work with families, including those living in poverty.
Microbial transformations of peptide antibiotics. V. Purification and properties of the actinomycin lactonase from Actinoplanes missouriensis.

Abstract An induced antibiotic peptide lactonase from Actinoplanes missouriensis-degrading actinomycin has been purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by calcium phosphate-cellulose, DEAE-cellulose, and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. The enzyme appears to be homogeneous in the ultracentrifuge and in acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Km value for actinomycin is 1.14 x 10-5 m. The molecular weight, as determined by sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation, is approximately 60,000. The sedimentation coefficient is s020,w = 3.42 S. This enzyme is induced by addition of actinomycin to the growing cells. It does not hydrolyze other peptide lactone antibiotics including staphlomycin S, vernamycin Bα, echinomycin, etamycin, or stendomycin. The crude enzyme preparations convert actinomycin to actinomycinic acid through actinomycin monolactone, but the purified enzyme only converts actinomycin to actinomycin monolactone.
Carbon dioxide fixation by Rhodopseudomonas capsulatus.

UNITTERSITY OF CALIFORNIA RadLation Laboratory Berkeley, California Contract NO, V-7405-eng-48 CARBON DIOXIDE FMATIOR BY RHODOPSEUDOMON.LS CPlPSIJLGTUS A.O&, Stoppani., R,C. Fuller and M, Calvin Printed for the U,S. A t o m i c Energy Commission
VLHC Predictions for H to tau tau in Weak Boson Fusion

Higgs production in weak boson fusion with subsequent decay H to tau tau to e mu p_T_miss provides a means to measure Higgs Yukawa couplings and Higgs interactions to weak bosons. The potential precision of cross section measurements at a VLHC is investigated.
Learning by Text or Context

The Social Life of Information . John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, 2000. 332 pp. $25.95. ISBN 0-87584-762-5. Focusing on the social contexts in which individuals and information function, Brown and Duguid offer a balanced yet critical examination of the widespread view that the Net will remake the world.
Civilian Helicopter Search and Rescue Accidents in the United States: 1980 Through 2013

Objective Helicopters are commonly used in search and rescue operations, and accidents have occurred during helicopter search and rescue (HSAR) missions. The purposes of this study were to investigate whether the HSAR accident rate in the United States could be determined and whether any common contributing factors or trends could be identified. Methods Searches were conducted of the National Transportation Safety Board aviation accident database, the records of the major search and rescue and air medical organizations, and the medical and professional literature for reports of HSAR accidents. Results A total of 47 civilian HSAR accidents were identified during the study. Of these, 43% involved fatal injuries, compared with a 19% fatality rate for US helicopter general aviation accidents during the same time period and a 40% rate for helicopter emergency medical services. The HSAR accidents carried a significantly higher risk of fatal outcomes when compared with helicopter general aviation accidents (2-tailed Fisher's exact test, P .05). The number of HSAR missions conducted annually could not be established, so an overall accident rate could not be calculated. Conclusions Although the overall number of HSAR accidents is small, the percentage of fatal outcomes from HSAR accidents is significantly higher than that from general helicopter aviation accidents and is comparable to that seen for helicopter emergency medical services operations. Further study could help to improve the safety of HSAR flights.
Synthesis of an η2-N2-Titanium Diazoalkane Complex with Both Imido- and Metal Carbene-Like Reactivity Patterns

The novel η2-N2-diazoalkane complex Cp*2Ti(N2CHSiMe3) (2) has been prepared by addition of (trimethylsilyl)diazomethane to Cp*2Ti(C2H4) (1). The structure of 2 reveals nearly symmetric Ti−N distances and an N−N distance ∼0.1 A longer than that of the free diazoalkane. Compound 2 loses dinitrogen in solution under mild conditions to give the fulvene complex Cp*FvTiCH2SiMe3 (4). Thermolysis of 2 in the presence of 1-alkenes yields the trans-α,β-disubstituted titanacyclobutane complexes Cp*2Ti(CH(SiMe3)CH(R)CH2) (R = H (6), R = Ph (7), R = Me (8), R = Et (9)). The regio- and stereochemistry of the titanacyclobutane complexes was determined by a combination of one- and two-dimensional NMR techniques. The NMR assignment was supported in the case of 8 by an X-ray diffraction study. In addition to confirming the regio- and stereochemistry of the metallacycle, the X-ray structure of 8 shows that unlike most titanacyclobutanes, the metallacycle ring is puckered. A kinetic study of the formation of 7 from 2 and sty...
Single metal nanoparticle spectroscopy: optical characterization of individual nanosystems for biomedical applications

The last decade has witnessed the development of a variety of single nanoparticle spectroscopy methods. This has facilitated unprecedented growth of knowledge and understanding of fascinating optical properties of individual metal nanoparticles. This has opened up exciting possibilities of single nanoparticles for applications in many areas including advanced photonics, biomedical imaging and sensing. The field of single nanoparticles detection and characterization is still growing. This paper reviews recent advances in single nanoparticles spectroscopy using both near-field and far-field optics. It covers spectroscopy methods for extremely small (∼ 1 nm) to relatively large nanoparticles (∼ 200 nm) and their optical properties. Different optical techniques are described. Finally, a perspective on possible practical applications of single nanoparticle spectroscopy focusing on biomedical fields is given.
Albinism: a life of ambiguity – a Zimbabwean experience

I argue that people with albinism lived in ambiguity. I also assert that the double meaning happened because albinism was linked to water spirits and ascribed/notional celibacy. I also maintain that the biggest obstacle preventing people with albinism from taking full part in Zimbabwean society derives from African traditional religious myths and beliefs, which made them to live in ambiguity. These persist today and stigmatize people with albinism. I also assert that, viewed from the ritual murder and raping context, albinism was believed to bring good health, financial and material wealth, but when examined from the blemish context, people with albinism must be discriminated and killed because they were a curse to the community, for their presence result in natural calamities such as droughts and floods, human, animal and plant diseases and deaths. The research findings were that ambiguity in which people with albinism live was caused by the fact that albinism was linked to water spirits and ascribed cel...
Synthesis, self-assembly and photovoltaic applications of tribenzopentaphene derivatives

Four tribenzopentaphene (TBP) derivatives containing different alkoxy side chains have been synthesized and shown to self-assemble into different microobjects such as microspheres, microfibers and microribbons. Photovoltaic cells of 1b blended with PDI or PC61BM are fabricated and preliminary results show good efficiencies comparable to those of previously reported photovoltaic devices of hexabenzocoronenes.
Tubular exciton models for BChl c antennae in chlorosomes from green photosynthetic bacteria

Exciton calculations on tubular pigment aggregates similar to recently proposed models for BChl c/d/e antennae in light-harvesting chlorosomes from green photosynthetic bacteria yield electronic absorption spectra that are super-impositions of linear J-aggregate spectra. While the electronic spectroscopy of such antennae differs considerably from that of linear J-aggregates, tubular exciton models (which may be viewed as cross-coupled J-aggregates) may be constructed to yield spectra that resemble that of the BChl c antenna in the green bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus. Highly symmetric tubular models yield absorption spectra with dipole strength distributions essentially identical to that of a J-aggregate; strong symmetry-breaking is needed to simulate the absorption spectrum of the BChl c antenna.
FLUXNET Evaluates “Breathing patterns” of diverse ecosystems

Despite the diversity of the Earth's terrestrial ecosystems in structure and function, all obey similar biophysical and meteorological principles in their exchange of carbon dioxide, water, and energy with the overlying atmosphere. This conclusion was drawn from new data presented by Earth, atmospheric,and ecological scientists attending a recent workshop on the global flux network (FLUXNET) project. The FLUXNET project, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, consolidates existing regional networks of research sites around the world that measure fluxes of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and energy between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere.These sites directly measure net ecosystem exchange (NEE) using a micro-meteorological technique known as the eddy covariance method. The information collected is used to generate and validate algorithms that will be used by the Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites to compute net primary productivity at the global scale. The data collected through FLUXNET will also help explain how carbon, water, and nutrient cycles of terrestrial ecosystems respond to global environmental and climate change.
In vitro activity and pharmacodynamics of azithromycin and clarithromycin against Streptococcus pneumoniae based on serum and intrapulmonary pharmacokinetics.

Abstract Background: Multidrug-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae are increasingly common worldwide, but the clinical significance of their resistance to the macrolide antibiotics is controversial. Applying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles can assist in the selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of penicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin against clinical isolates of S pneumoniae and to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of azithromycin and clarithromycin based on serum and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) concentrations. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin were determined for 307 isolates of S pneumoniae using broth microdilution. Using serum and ELF concentrations after standard dosing, we calculated the proportion of isolates against which it would be possible to obtain a ratio of azithromycin area under the curve to MIC ≥25 and clarithromycin concentrations that exceeded the MIC for ≥40% of the dosing interval. Results: Overall, 19.5%, 25.4%, 25.1%, and 7.2% of the 307 pneumococcal isolates were resistant to penicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin, respectively. However, 71.7% of penicillin-resistant strains were also resistant to azithromycin and clarithromycin. Based on serum concentrations, clarithromycin achieved its pharmacodynamic target in 76.9% of isolates, compared with 59.9% for azithromycin. Based on ELF concentrations, clarithromycin achieved its pharmacodynamic target in 93.5% of isolates, compared with 74.6% for azithromycin. Based on ELF concentrations, clarithromycin achieved its pharmacodynamic target in 86.7% of penicillin-resistant isolates, compared with 28.3% for azithromycin. Conclusions: On the basis of serum and ELF concentrations, clarithromycin achieved pharmacodynamic targets against a greater proportion of S pneumoniae isolates than did azithromycin. Clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy of these agents against pneumococci that demonstrate in vitro resistance using current susceptibility breakpoints.
Impact of mitochondrial regulation of apoptosis on the pathogenesis and treatment of HIV-1-induced immunodeficiency

HIV-1 infection causes the depletion of CD4 T cells, which results in AIDS. There are numerous potential mechanisms by which this cell death can occur, and a majority of the molecular mechanisms involve the mitochondria. Furthermore, current HIV therapies also have an impact on mitochondrial stability. The alteration in apoptotic homeostasis induced by HIV, HIV proteins, the host response to HIV infection and/or HIV therapies either promote apoptosis or inhibit apoptotic signals depending on the cellular context. Latent HIV reservoirs prevent the eradication of the virus because these cells are resistant to apoptosis: a change potentially induced at the level of the mitochondria. Many of the novel treatment strategies aimed at eradicating the virus involve alterations of mitochondrial regulation of apoptosis.
Toxicity of amorphous silica nanoparticles in mouse keratinocytes

The present study was designed to examine the uptake, localization, and the cytotoxic effects of well-dispersed amorphous silica nanoparticles in mouse keratinocytes (HEL-30). Mouse keratinocytes were exposed for 24 h to various concentrations of amorphous silica nanoparticles in homogeneous suspensions of average size distribution (30, 48, 118, and 535 nm SiO2) and then assessed for uptake and biochemical changes. Results of transmission electron microscopy revealed all sizes of silica were taken up into the cells and localized into the cytoplasm. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay shows LDH leakage was dose- and size-dependent with exposure to 30 and 48 nm nanoparticles. However, no LDH leakage was observed for either 118 or 535 nm nanoparticles. The mitochondrial viability assay (MTT) showed significant toxicity for 30 and 48 nm at high concentrations (100 μg/mL) compared to the 118 and 535 nm particles. Further studies were carried out to investigate if cellular reduced GSH and mitochondria membrane potential are involved in the mechanism of SiO2 toxicity. The redox potential of cells (GSH) was reduced significantly at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL at 30 nm nanoparticle exposures. However, silica nanoparticles larger than 30 nm showed no changes in GSH levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation did not show any significant change between controls and the exposed cells. In summary, amorphous silica nanoparticles below 100 nm induced cytotoxicity suggest size of the particles is critical to produce biological effects.
Potential of a hand-held ultrasound in assessment of the injured patient

Current studies indicate that portable ultrasound used by trained trauma surgeons in the emergency room can be performed using the focused abdominal sonogram for trauma technique in approximately 2 minutes to evaluate patients with blunt torso trauma. It has been shown to be as accurate as DPL and computed tomography (CT) in the detection of hemoperitoneum following abdominal trauma. It is also very accurate in detecting pericardial fluid and may have a role in the evaluation of penetrating injuries of the thorax, either from stab or gunshot wounds. The examination is best performed early on in the secondary survey of the injured patient. Miniaturization and hand-held ultrasound units are on the horizon. The faculty of the University of Washington in Seattle in conjunction with the Advanced Technology Laboratories in Seattle and the Advanced Research Project Agency of the Department of Defense are producing a battlefield hand-held ultrasound with the ultimate goal to have an ultrasound unit that will fit in the trauma surgeon's pocket. With the use of this new technology, the potential for early diagnosis of victims of trauma and prompt treatment is at hand. One of the greatest challenges remaining is that of training surgeons in the use of ultrasound. The author's experience in conducting ultrasound courses for surgeons at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is described.