cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One-electron oxidation of plasmid DNA by selenium(V) species.

Purpose : To employ the γ-radiation-generated selenium(V) one-electron-oxidizing agent SeO 3 •- for the preparation of guanyl radicals in plasmid DNA, and to compare the behaviour of this reagent with that of other similarly reactive oxidant species. Materials and methods : Plasmid DNA in aerobic aqueous solution was irradiated with 137 Cs γ-rays (662 keV). The solutions also contained up to 4 ×10 -2 mol dm -3 sodium selenate (Na 2 SeO 4) and/or up to 10 -1 mol dm -3 sodium biselenite (NaHSeO 3) , as well as auxiliary scavengers such as DMSO or glycerol. In some cases, reducing agents such as ferrocyanide were also present. After irradiation, the plasmid was incubated with the Escherichia coli base excision-repair endonuclease formamidopyrimidine-DNA N -glycosylase (FPG). These treatments produced strand breaks in the plasmid. The yields of these strand breaks were quantified by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results : In general, γ-irradiation produced single-strand breaks (SSB) in plasmid DNA. Subsequent ...
Influence of processing methods on residual stress evolution in coated conductors

Several processing methods are under study for deposition of different layers of YBa2Cu3O7−x- (YBCO-) coated conductors. The effect of these processing techniques on residual stress evolution in thin films of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and YBCO was evaluated by measurement of the residual stresses using x-ray diffraction (XRD). The YSZ films (textured and nontextured) were deposited on Hastelloy C substrates by ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD), and the YBCO films were deposited on lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and sol–gel techniques. The measured residual stresses in the YSZ films (both textured and nontextured) were more compressive than the calculated thermal mismatch stress between Hastelloy C and YSZ, apparently due to intrinsic compressive stresses induced in the YSZ films during IBAD processing. In addition, a lower compressive residual stress was measured in the textured YSZ film compared to the nontextured film because of a reduction in the intrinsic compressive stress in the textured film. PLD processing of YBCO films on LaAlO3 substrate resulted in a lower tensile residual stress (in the YBCO film) than the calculated thermal mismatch stress between YBCO and LaAlO3. This difference is attributed to the generation of intrinsic compressive stresses in the YBCO film during PLD, in a manner similar to IBAD. In comparison to IBAD and PLD, sol–gel processing apparently generated negligible intrinsic stresses, resulting in a good agreement between the measured residual stress in the YBCO film and the calculated thermal mismatch stress between YBCO and LaAlO3.
((PS)nPS)m Star-Shaped Polystyrene with Star-Shaped Branches at the Terminal Chain Ends by Convergent Living Anionic Polymerization

Radially linked star-block-linear polystyrenes, star-shaped polymers with star-shaped branching at the ends of each arm, were synthesized by the convergent living anionic polymerization method. These novel structurally modified polymers were synthesized by sequential addition of a specific coupling agent, 4-(chlorodimethylsilyl)styrene (CDMSS), styrene, and CDMSS again to a solution of living polystyrene. Through a convergent process, the addition of the coupling agent to the living polystyrene solution resulted in star-shaped polymers with a hyperbranched core containing a single living site, which was used to initiate styrene to obtain living star-block-linear polystyrene diblock polymers. The living diblock was radially linked by the addition of CDMSS through another convergent process. The resulting polymers were purified by fractionation. The success of the synthesis was demonstrated by the molecular weight progression (gel permeation chromatography with multiangle laser light scattering detection). ...
Party Strength, the Personal Vote, and Government Spending

“Strong” political parties within legislatures are one possible solution to the problem of inefficient universalism, a norm under which all legislators seek large projects for their districts that are paid for out of a common pool. We demonstrate that even if parties have no role in the legislature, their role in elections can be sufficient to reduce spending. If parties in the electorate are strong, then legislators will demand less distributive spending because of a decreased incentive to secure a “personal vote” via local projects. We estimate that spending in states with strong party organizations is at least 4% smaller than in states where parties are weak. We also find evidence that strong party states receive less federal aid than states with weak organizations, and we theorize that this is because members of Congress from strong party states feel less compelled to secure aid than members from weak party states.
Stimulus-determined and perceiver-determined aspects of haptic perceptual information processing

Speed of classification of stimuli haptically perceived without vision was measured in three experiments in which subjects sorted a deck of cards containing raised line stimuli generated from the orthogonal combination of two dichotomous attributes of lines: number and orientation. To enable assessment of the nature of the dimensional interaction for the set of stimuli, subjects in Experiment 1 performed 13 different speeded classification tasks of three basic types. Performance outcomes in these discrimination, focusing, and classification tasks indicated that differences in processing were due to the configural properties of the individual stimuli rather than to the dimensions used to generate the set of stimuli. Experiments 2 and 3 provided evidence that with extended practice and use of a holistic inspection strategy, subjects were able to modify the way they encoded and processed the stimuli in the focusing and condensation tasks. The role of stimulus-determined and perceiver-determined aspects of perceptual information processing as codeterminants of haptic perceptual performance is discussed.
Androgen stimulation of lacrimal gland function in mouse models of Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that occurs primarily in women, causes extensive inflammation and significant dysfunction in the lacrimal gland, and is one of the leading causes of dry eye syndromes throughout the world. Recently, our research has shown that androgen treatment causes a significant suppression of the immunopathological lesions in lacrimal tissues of female mouse models (MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr [MRL/lpr] and NZB/NZW F1 [F1]) of Sjogren's syndrome. To extend these findings, the objective of the present study was to determine whether this androgen-induced anti-inflammatory action may be paralleled by an increase in the functional activity of lacrimal glands in these autoimmune mice. Towards this end, we measured the tear levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which originates from lacrimal tissue and whose concentration is known to be diminished in mucosal sites in Sjogren's syndrome. For comparative purposes, we also evaluated whether the administration of other steroid hormones or immunosuppressive agents might duplicate possible androgen effects on the secretory function of lacrimal tissue. Female MRL/lpr and F1, as well as non-autoimmune BALB/c, mice were treated with vehicle, steroids or immunosuppressive compounds for 17 to 54 days after the onset of disease. Lacrimal glands, tears and sera were collected immediately before (pretreatment), or after, therapy and processed for the analysis of either tear IgA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; ELISA) and protein content or the magnitude of lymphocyte infiltration (computer-assisted image analysis). Our findings demonstrated that testosterone treatment stimulated a significant increase in the concentration and total amount of tear IgA, as well as tear protein, compared to levels in pretreatment or placebo controls. This hormone action was reproduced by exposure to a diverse array of "anabolic" and "androgenic" androgen analogues, but not by treatment with estradiol, danazol, cyclosporine A, dexamethasone or cyclophosphamide. In contrast, only dexamethasone increased serum IgA concentrations. Of particular interest is the fact that the androgen control of IgA output by the lacrimal gland appeared to be independent of this steroid's suppression of lymphocyte infiltration in lacrimal tissue. Overall, these results show that androgen therapy enhances the functional activity of the lacrimal gland in mouse models of Sjogren's syndrome.
Experimental investigations into the feasibility of using augmented walking to facilitate the intuitive exploration of large scale immersive virtual environments

Through the use of Immersive Virtual Environments (IVE) technology, we seek to enable participants to experience a computer-represented environment in the same way as they would if it were actually real. Although the state of the technology is not sufficient, at present, to mimic the experience of reality with such fidelity as to raise ambiguity in peoples' minds about whether the environment that they are immersed in is real or virtual, there are many indications that IVEs in their present state can be successfully used as a substitute for real environments for many purposes, including job training, psychotherapy and social psychology. Much recent and historical research in the field of virtual reality (VR) has focused on the question of how much and what type of fidelity (visual, auditory, haptic, proprioceptive, etc.) we need to maintain between a virtual and real experience in order to enable participants to achieve similar results from their VR experience as they would in reality.
Estimation of the Maximum Number of Argon Laser Burns Possible in Panretinal Photocoagulation

I measured the area of the retina in ten autopsy eyes and the area of 500 μ argon laser burns placed with both Goldmann and Rodenstock contact lenses in two eyes that were subsequently enucleated. The mean area of the retina available for panretinal photocoagulation is 1,050 mm 2 . The mean diameter of 500 μ argon laser burns is 490 μ when placed with a Goldmann contact lens and 810 μ when placed with a Rodenstock contact lens. The maximum number of 500 μ burns that can be used to treat the entire extramacular retina in the normal sized eye is approximately 5,500 when a Goldmann contact lens is used, and approximately 2,050 when a Rodenstock contact lens is used.
An improved estimator for the hydration of fat-free mass from in vivo measurements subject to additive technical errors

The hydration of fat-free mass, or hydration fraction (HF), is often defined as a constant body composition parameter in a two-compartment model and then estimated from in vivo measurements. We showed that the widely used estimator for the HF parameter in this model, the mean of the ratios of measured total body water (TBW) to fat-free mass (FFM) in individual subjects, can be inaccurate in the presence of additive technical errors. We then proposed a new instrumental variables estimator that accurately estimates the HF parameter in the presence of such errors. In Monte Carlo simulations, the mean of the ratios of TBW to FFM was an inaccurate estimator of the HF parameter, and inferences based on it had actual type I error rates more than 13 times the nominal 0.05 level under certain conditions. The instrumental variables estimator was accurate and maintained an actual type I error rate close to the nominal level in all simulations. When estimating and performing inference on the HF parameter, the proposed instrumental variables estimator should yield accurate estimates and correct inferences in the presence of additive technical errors, but the mean of the ratios of TBW to FFM in individual subjects may not.
The role of climate-related information in pest management

A distinction is made between climate information and climate-related information. The former pertains to any expression of climate data used for decision making. Climaterelated information for pest management results from quantifying relationships between host, environment, and pest and presenting the consequences of different actions, a decisionmaking format. It is suggested that in order to develop climate-related information for pest management, automated weather stations in climatological networks should be expanded from these site specific locations to crop specific locations. Combining physical and biological data can be the basis for developing or improving crop/pest interaction models and can also serve as a database for verifying existing models. These models can be run under different economic and climatic scenarios with different risk preferences to present end users with results from different pest management options.
Comparison of GaN and In0.04Ga0.96N p-Layers on the Electrical and Electroluminescence Properties of Green Light Emitting Diodes

We have compared the effects of Mg-doped GaN and In0.04Ga0.96N layers on the electrical and electroluminescence (EL) properties of the green light emitting diodes (LEDs). To investigate the effects of different p-layers on the LED performance, the diode active region structures were kept identical. For LEDs with p-InGaN layers, the p-In0.04Ga0.96N/GaN polarization-related EL peak was dominant at low current levels, while the multiple-quantum-well (MQW) peak became dominant at higher current levels, different from LEDs with p-GaN layers. Also, LEDs with p-InGaN exhibited slightly higher turn on voltages (V on ) and forward voltages (V f ) compared to LEDs with p-GaN layers. However, the MQW related EL intensity was much higher and diode series resistance lower for LEDs with p-InGaN layers compared with LEDs with p-GaN, showing possible improvements in output power for LEDs with p-InGaN layers. The diodes with p-GaN layers typically showed V f of ∼3.1 V at a drive current of 20 mA, with a series resistance of ∼24.7 Ω, while diodes with p-InGaN showed V f of ∼3.2 V, with a series resistance of ∼18.5 Ω, for device dimensions of 230 μm by 230 μm.
The coastal zone as an administrative entity for governing U.S. marine minerals development

The coastal zone is being promoted as a spatial unit to coordinate and administer offshore minerals development with other coastal uses. Rather than aiding the administration of minerals development , the coastal zone is being used as the reason to block such development. This paper explores the coastal zone concept as an entity for administration. It concludes that just because minerals may be found in a coastal zone does not mean that physical entity is the most appropriate vehicle for administering mineral development. Arbitrariness at to what is included or excluded from a coastal zone as well as many minerals impacts being found outside of the coastal zone militate against such an entity being the sole criterion for decisionmaking. While the coastal zone may be appropriate for some mineral decisions, the choice to implement it must be arrayed against alternative criteria to ensure a high degree of effectiveness and efficiency in those decisions.
Molecular characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria in anaerobic hydrocarbon-degrading consortia and pure cultures using the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) genes

The characterization of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) is presented using the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (dsrAB) gene from various samples capable of mineralizing petroleum components. These samples include several novel, sulfidogenic pure cultures which degrade alkanes, toluene, and tribromophenol. Additionally, we have sulfidogenic consortia which re-mineralize benzene, naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, and phenanthrene as a sole carbon source. In this study, 22 new dsrAB genes were cloned and sequenced. The dsrAB genes from our pollutant-degrading cultures or consortia were distributed among known SRBs and previously described dsrAB environmental clones, suggesting that many biodegradative SRBs are phylogenetically distinct and geographically wide spread. Specifically, the same dsrAB gene was discovered in independently established consortia capable of benzene, phenanthrene, and methylnaphthalene degradation, indicating that this particular SRB may be a key player in anaerobic degradation of hydrocarbons in the environment.
A compressive sensing approach for expression-invariant face recognition

We propose a novel technique based on compressive sensing for expression invariant face recognition. We view the different images of the same subject as an ensemble of intercorrelated signals and assume that changes due to variation in expressions are sparse with respect to the whole image. We exploit this sparsity using distributed compressive sensing theory, which enables us to grossly represent the training images of a given subject by only two feature images: one that captures the holistic (common) features of the face, and the other that captures the different expressions in all training samples. We show that a new test image of a subject can be fairly well approximated using only the two feature images from the same subject. Hence we can drastically reduce the storage space and operational dimensionality by keeping only these two feature images or their random measurements. Based on this, we design an efficient expression invariant classifier. Furthermore, we show that substantially low dimensional versions of the training features, such as ones extracted from critically downsampled training images, or low dimensional random projection of original feature images, still have sufficient information for good classification. Extensive experiments with publically available databases show that, on average, our approach performs better than the state of the art despite using only such super compact feature representation.
Promises: limited specifications for analysis and manipulation

Structural change in a large system is hindered when information is missing about portions of the system, as is often the case in a distributed development process. An annotation mechanism called promises is described for expressing properties that can enable many kinds of structural change in systems. Promises act as surrogates for an actual component, and thus are analogous to "header" files, but with more specific semantic information. Unlike formal specifications, however, promises are designed to be easily extracted from systems and managed by programmers using automatic analysis tools. Promises are described for effects, unique references, and use properties. By using promises, a component developer can offer additional opportunity for change (flexibility) to clients, but at a potential cost in flexibility for the component itself. This suggests the possibility of using promises as a means to allocate flexibility among the components of a system.
PEM fuel cell and battery hybrid power supply system design based on fuel flow rate control

This paper presents a control method for charging a battery as well as for controlling a fuel cell in a battery-fuel cell hybrid system. Due to the slow start up time of a PEM fuel cell it must be augmented by an alternative source to meet the fluctuation of power demands. This paper presents a hybrid fuel cell and battery system to serve a load. Additionally, based on the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery, the fuel cell will be used to recharge the battery as well as supply the load once startup has been achieved. Once the SOC reaches the required level, the fuel cell will stop charging the battery and it will supply the load alone. Computer simulation results are provided to validate the system
A Low Temperature Plasma-Assisted Deposition Process for Microcrystalline Thin Film Transistors, TFTS

The drive-current of low-temperature (∼300°C) deposited TFTs has been increased by replacing the a-Si:H channel, and source and drain materials with μc-Si. Lightly B2H6 doped, near-intrinsic μc-Si has been used as the channel layer of the TFTs, and n+ μc-Si was used for the source and drain contacts. The compensation of intrinsic defects in the undoped μc-Si by boron doping increases the dark conductivity activation energy from ∼0.35 eV to 0.8 eV. TFI’s were fabricated in a bottom gate structure, and required an H2 plasma treatment to produce devices with effective channel mobilities of ∼6.8 cm2/V-s and threshold voltages of ∼3.7 V in the saturation region.
School Staff Responses to Gender-Based Bullying as Moral Interpretation An Exploratory Study

Gender-based bullying is the most common form of violence that students encounter in U.S. public schools. Several large-scale surveys reveal its consequences for students. Fewer studies examine how school staff members make sense of and respond to such violence. The authors address this knowledge gap by presenting analyses of interviews conducted with high school faculty and staff. Synthesizing sociological studies of violence and positioning theory, the authors illuminate the webs of relationships and cultural narratives in which school staff responses to gender-based bullying are situated. The authors find that, although school staff members felt compelled to intervene when male students sexually harassed quiet girls, they were reluctant to intervene in abusive heterosexual dating relationships and were ambivalent about their responsibility toward gay and lesbian targets of bullying. The authors argue for expanding prevention efforts beyond intervention to engage school staff in critically examining sexist and heterosexist roles, norms, and practices.
The Influence of Information Processing Goal Pursuit on Postdecision Affect and Behavioral Intentions

Two important forces in human behavior are action and inaction. Although action and inaction are commonly associated with the presence and the absence of behavioral activity, they can also be represented as information processing goals. Action (inaction) goals influence decision effort and increase satisfaction with environments that are structured to allow for more (less) processing (Studies 1 and 2). This increased satisfaction can transfer to the decision (Study 3) and can increase the intent to perform a decision-congruent behavior (Studies 4 and 6). Finally, the author shows escalation of action and inaction goals when they are not achieved (Study 5) and rebound of the alternative goal when the focal goal is achieved (Study 6).
In what sense does the public need to understand global climate change

In a survey of 1,218 Americans, the key determinant of behavioral intentions to address global warming is a correct understanding of the causes of global warming. Knowing what causes climate change...
First-Principles Determination of Hybrid Bilayer Membrane Structure by Phase-Sensitive Neutron Reflectometry

The application of a new, phase-sensitive neutron reflectometry method to reveal the compositional depth profiles of biomimetic membranes is reported. Determination of the complex reflection amplitude allows the related scattering length density (SLD) profile to be obtained by a first-principles inversion without the need for fitting or adjustable parameters. The SLD profile so obtained is unique for most membranes and can therefore be directly compared with the SLD profile corresponding to the chemical compositional profile of the film, as predicted, for example, by a molecular dynamics simulation. Knowledge of the real part of the reflection amplitude, in addition to enabling the inversion, makes it possible to assign a spatial resolution to the profile for a given range of wavevector transfer over which the reflectivity data are collected. Furthermore, the imaginary part of the reflection amplitude can be used as a sensitive diagnostic tool for recognizing the existence of certain in-plane inhomogeneities in the sample. Measurements demonstrating the practical realization of this phase-sensitive technique were performed on a hybrid bilayer membrane (self-assembled monolayer of thiahexa (ethylene oxide) alkane on gold and a phospholipid layer) in intimate contact with an aqueous reservoir. Analysis of the experimental results shows that accurate compositional depth profiles can now be obtained with a spatial resolution in the subnanometer range, primarily limited by the background originating from the reservoir and the roughness of the film's supporting substrate.
Respiratory Protection Provided by N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators Against Airborne Dust and Microorganisms in Agricultural Farms

An ew system was used to determine the workplace protection factors (WPF) for dust and bioaerosols in agricultural environments. The field study was performed with a subject wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator while performing animal feeding, grain harvesting and unloading, and routine investigation of facilities. As expected, the geometric means (GM) of the WPFs increased with increasing particle size ranging from 21 for 0.7‐1 µm particles to 270 for 5‐10 µm particles (p < 0.001). The WPF for total culturable fungi (GM = 35) was significantly greater than for total culturable bacteria (GM = 9) (p = 0.01). Among the different microorganism groups, the WPFs of Cladosporium, culturable fungi, and total fungi were significantly correlated with the WPFs of particles of the same sizes. As compared with the WPFs for dust particles, the WPFs for bioaerosols were found more frequently below 10, which is a recommended assigned protection factor (APF) for N95 filtering facepiece respirators. More than 50% of the WPFs for microorganisms (mean aerodynamic diameter <5 µm) were less than the proposed APF of 10. Even lower WPFs were calculated after correcting for dead space and lung deposition. Thus, the APF of 10 for N95 filtering facepiece respirators seems inadequate against microorganisms (mean aerodynamic size <5 µm). These results provide useful pilot data to establish guidelines for respiratory protection against airborne dust and microorganisms on agricultural farms. The method is a promising tool for further epidemiological and intervention studies in agricultural and other similar occupational and nonoccupational environments.
Mechanisms of anodic bonding of silicon to pyrex glass

The mechanisms of formation of anodic bonds between glasses and metals are examined. The process is found to be an electrochemical analog to thermal glass-to-metal seals, where the metal surface is oxidized into the glass due to the development of large electric fields across the anodic depletion layer. The current vs. time transient at constant voltage contains a significant amount of information regarding the process mechanisms, which are predominantly electrochemical. >
Planning the visual measurement of n moving objects by m moving cameras, given their relative trajectories

This paper presents a planning algorithm suitable whenever n objects must be collectively characterized by m observers and their relative motions are known a priori. This situation arises in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) problems due to the fixed orbits of spacecraft, and also occurs in several other aerospace and manufacturing environments. The new algorithm is a synthesis of two standard methods used to solve combinatorial optimization problems arising from various large-scale constrained active sensor planning applications. The algorithm allows constituent techniques to operate in domains where they perform better. Both constituent methods, Integer Linear Programming (ILP) Relaxation and a Batch-Greedy algorithm, are elaborated in detail. A very powerful feature of the overall approach is that an upper bound on the gap between the found sub-optimal solution and the unknown optimal solution is available. The ILP-relaxation algorithm provides an optimal but physically unrealizable solution, so if realizable performance approaches that of the ILP-relaxation solution, then the sub-optimal solution is very nearly optimal. A visual inspection problem for SSA, which lies in the strongly NP-hard class, is considered and it has been shown that the mixed method yields very nearly optimal solutions in polynomial time. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed planning method on different orbits, including Low Earth and geosynchronous orbits.
Design, knowledge and human interest

AbstractThis paper is an analytically orientated attempt to reshape understanding of the connections of theory (in the wide sense) and design. It does so by building on Habermas’ double reconstruction of the interrelation of knowledge and human interests and the necessity of reflection in order to show that today, even in limited ways, design is a necessary form of theoretical, and not only practical, reflection. The underlying premise here is that in an epoch of the artificial, design is objectively situated to offer a distinctive mode of thinking concerning how we contend with the world as now is, i.e. the world we have made.
“The Daily Show Effect” Revisited: How satire contributes to political participation and trust in young audiences

In 2006, Baumgartner and Morris examined what they called “The Daily Show Effect,” which suggested that viewership of the humor-based news show on Comedy Central corresponded with an increase in political efficacy but a decrease in perceptions of trustworthiness of candidates. This effect was further examined in this study in the context of political participation and trust in politicians in general. A survey was conducted of 650 participants age 18 to 22, asking questions about respondents’ media consumption, political participation at both active and passive levels, and perceptions of political trust. Results showed that viewership of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report correlated to increased levels of political participation but decreased levels of political trust, suggesting a possible extension of “The Daily Show Effect.” In addition, consumption of this brand of “soft news” differed significantly from consumption of more traditional “hard” news media; while greater consumption of both correlated to higher levels of political participation, “hard news” consumption was associated with more positive views of political trustworthiness.
400 URINE SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTION SCREENING IN URGENT CARE VISITS: REPORTED ACCEPTABILITY IN TEENS IS ASSOCIATED WITH DOCTOR COMMUNICATION.

Purpose As many teens utilize only urgent care visits each year, these visits are an important opportunity to screen for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study looked at whether aspects of doctor communication in the urgent care setting were associated with teens9 reported acceptability of sexual health discussion and urine STI testing. Methods In this cross-sectional study of 211 adolescents, ages 14-18, attending urgent care visits in two HMO pediatric clinics, participants completed a confidential 22-item self-administered survey post urgent care visit. Teens were asked to rate their provider9s communication on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 4 = strongly agree). Statements included: “The doctor knows how to talk to teens like me”; “The doctor explained that what we talked about alone would be confidential (that is kept between us).” Teens were also asked to rate their acceptability of talking about sexual health during an urgent care visit and providing a urine sample for STI testing in urgent care visits using the same rating scale. For analysis 1, 2 = unacceptable and 3, 4 = acceptable. Results The overall reported acceptability of sexual health discussion and urine STI testing was 82% and 79% respectively. Using logistic regression analysis, teens9 reported acceptability of sexual health discussion was significantly associated with doctors explaining confidentiality to teens (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.21-6.49, p value = .02), and having a doctor who “knows how to talk to teens like me” (OR 7.47, CI 2.12-26.39, p value = .002). Teens9 reported acceptability of urine STI testing was also significantly associated with having a doctor who “knows how to talk to teens like me” (OR 4.35, CI 1.31-14.51, p value = .02) but was not significantly associated with the doctor9s explanation of confidentiality. These associations did not vary by gender. Conclusions Sexual history taking and collecting urine samples for testing are components of screening for STIs and were reported as acceptable to most teens in the urgent care setting. Aspects of doctor communication were associated with reported acceptability of sexual heath discussion and urine STI testing and therefore represent an area that can be targeted for provider education as pediatric practices expand STI screening to urgent care visits.
Observation of Curative Effect of Levetiracetam in Treatment of Children With Epilepsy

Objective To investigate the effects of levetiracetam(LEV) clinical effect and safety in treatment of children with epilepsy. Methods In our hospital in children with epilepsy in 50 cases, the observation group was given Levetiracetam Tablets, control group was given sodium valproate, comparison of the clinical efficacy of two groups of patients. Results Children with epilepsy were observed in treatment group the total effective rate was 95.67%, the epileptiform discharges disappeared rate was 49.23% and the total effective rate was 95.67%, the treatment of the control group were the total efficiency is 69%, the epileptiform discharges disappeared rate was 19% and the total effective rate was 69%. Two group, there was statistical difference(P0.05). Conclusion Effect of levetiracetam treatment of children with epilepsy, high safety, can be used as a clinical treatment of epilepsy broad-spectrum first-line drugs.
Epidemic Situation and Control Countermeasures of AIDS in Longyou County of Zhejiang Province

[Objective]To understand thoroughly the epidemic characteristics of AIDS in Longyou county,discuss the effective prevention patterns and measures.[Methods]The epidemiological data of HIV infected persons and AIDS patient in Longyou county from 2003 to 2009 were collected and statistically analyzed.[Results]HIV/AIDS cases increased rapidly in Longyou county.There were 45 cases of HIV/AIDS from 2003 to 2009,including 4 cases of AIDS and 1 dead case.There were 30(66.67%) cases of heterosexual transmission,5(11.11%) cases were intravenous drug users,9(20.00%) cases had both of two transmission routes,and 1 case was unknown.36 HIV/AIDS patients were people aged 20~39 years,which accounted for 80%.[Conclusion]In order to control the spread of AIDS in this county,it is necessary to insist on the policy of prevention first,prevention combined with control,strengthen the capacity building,carry out the health education,improve the monitoring and implement the intervention measures.
Top-Seeded Solution Crystal Growth, Morphology, Optical and Thermal Properties of Ba3(ZnB5O10)PO4

Ba3(ZnB5O10)PO4 (BZBP) single crystals were grown successfully by a top-seeded solution growth method. High-resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve measurements reveal a full width at half-maximum of 34.56″ of a BZBP single crystal grown from a [101]-oriented seed. The refractive indices from the UV to the near infrared region were measured, and revealed a birefringence of 0.04179–0.03059 in the wavelength range of 253.6–2325.4 nm. In addition the type-I and type-II phase-matching range for second and third harmonic generation were calculated based on the fitted Sellmeier equations. In order to further evaluate the potential application of Ba3(ZnB5O10)PO4, the thermal properties including specific heat, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity were also measured along different crystallographic axes.
Reorientational Proximal Femoral Osteotomies for Correction of Hip Contractures in Children with Arthrogryposis.

Overview Introduction Reorientational osteotomy of the proximal part of the femur for children with arthrogryposis repositions the various arcs of hip motion into a more functional sphere of motion, addressing the hip contractures that otherwise are the main mechanical impediments to ambulation. Indications & Contraindications Step 1: Preoperative Assessment Determine hip range of motion clinically and obtain radiographs to confirm that the hips are located and there are no unusual structural abnormalities. Step 2: Patient Positioning and Draping Position the patient supine with a bump at the sacrum, and drape to allow access to both hips simultaneously. Step 3: Initial Percutaneous Anterior Hip Release Perform an initial anterior hip release for patients with a palpable soft-tissue flexion contracture. Step 4: Surgical Approach to the Proximal Part of the Femur Make a standard approach to the lateral aspect of the proximal part of the femur. Step 5: Blade-Plate Positioning Position a guidewire for the appropriate correction; then cut a track for the blade plate with a seating chisel. Step 6: Wedge-Shaped Intertrochanteric Osteotomy Perform 2 intertrochanteric osteotomy cuts to provide cut surfaces that, when joined together, will position the lower extremity optimally. Step 7: Applying the Blade Plate and Closure Impact the blade plate into the proximal fragment and secure it to the distal fragment. Step 8: Postoperative Management Apply a Petrie cast, and instruct the parents on how to maintain hip motion. Step 9: Plate Removal Remove the blade plate on an outpatient basis 12 to 18 months after the osteotomy, through the smallest incision possible to allow a quicker recovery. Results We performed reorientational osteotomies on 68 consecutive children with arthrogrypotic multiplanar hip contractures over a 5-year span, and 65 were followed for at least 2 years; 54 of these patients had a bilateral hip contracture, for a total of 119 reorientational osteotomies. Pitfalls & Challenges
Methodology for Developing a New EFNEP Food and Physical Activity Behaviors Questionnaire

Abstract Objective Research methods are described for developing a food and physical activity behaviors questionnaire for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), a US Department of Agriculture nutrition education program serving low-income families. Design Mixed-methods observational study. The questionnaire will include 5 domains: (1) diet quality, (2) physical activity, (3) food safety, (4) food security, and (5) food resource management. A 5-stage process will be used to assess the questionnaire's test-retest reliability and content, face, and construct validity. Setting Research teams across the US will coordinate questionnaire development and testing nationally. Participants Convenience samples of low-income EFNEP, or EFNEP-eligible, adult participants across the US. Interventions A 5-stage process: (1) prioritize domain concepts to evaluate (2) question generation and content analysis panel, (3) question pretesting using cognitive interviews, (4) test-retest reliability assessment, and (5) construct validity testing. Main Outcome Measure A nationally tested valid and reliable food and physical activity behaviors questionnaire for low-income adults to evaluate EFNEP's effectiveness. Analysis Cognitive interviews will be summarized to identify themes and dominant trends. Paired t tests ( P ≤ .05) and Spearman and intra-class correlation coefficients ( r > .5) will be conducted to assess reliability. Construct validity will be assessed using Wilcoxon t test ( P ≤ .05), Spearman correlations, and Bland-Altman plots.
UV–Vis Spectrophotometric Analysis and Quantification of Glyphosate for an Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Laboratory

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) is the most widely used herbicide on earth. A simple assay to quantify glyphosate concentrations in environmental samples was developed as part of an interdisciplinary effort linking introductory laboratory courses in chemistry, biology, and microbiology. In this 3 h laboratory experiment, students used UV–vis spectroscopy to quantify glyphosate in prepared unknowns and supernatants from glyphosate-treated soil samples. Regression analysis indicated that the assay is linear up to 20.0 ppm, making it particularly useful for detection of low levels of glyphosate in environmental samples. The assay can be used to quantify the activity of glyphosate-degrading soil microorganisms by comparing glyphosate levels between autoclaved and nonautoclaved soil slurries.
Chromatic induction in space and time.

The color appearance of a light depends on variation in the complete visual field over both space and time. In the spatial domain, a chromatic stimulus within a patterned chromatic surround can appear a different hue than the same stimulus within a uniform surround. In the temporal domain, a stimulus presented as an element of a continuously changing chromaticity can appear a different color compared to the identical stimulus, presented simultaneously but viewed alone. This is the flash-lag effect for color, which has an analog in the domain of motion: a pulsed object seen alone can appear to lag behind an identical pulsed object that is an element of a motion sequence. Studies of the flash-lag effect for motion have considered whether it is mediated by a neural representation for the moving physical stimulus or, alternatively, for the perceived motion. The current study addresses this question for the flash-lag effect for color by testing whether the color flash lag depends on a representation of only the changing chromatic stimulus or, alternatively, its color percept, which can be altered by chromatic induction. Methods baseline measurements for spatial chromatic induction determined the chromaticity of a flashed ring within a uniform surround that matched a flashed ring within a patterned surround. Baseline measurements for the color flash-lag effect determined the chromaticity of a pulsed ring presented alone (within a uniform surround) that matched a pulsed ring presented in a sequence of changing chromaticity over time (also within a uniform surround). Finally, the main experiments combined chromatic induction from a patterned surround and the flash-lag effect, in three conditions: (1) both the changing and pulsed rings were within a patterned chromatic surround; (2) the changing ring was within a patterned surround and the pulsed ring within a uniform surround; and (3) the changing ring was within a uniform surround and the pulsed ring within a patterned surround. Results the flash-lag measurements for a changing chromaticity were affected by perceptual changes induced by the surrounding chromatic pattern. Thus, the color shifts induced by a chromatic surround are incorporated in the neural representation mediating the flash-lag effect for color.
Are Sexual Minorities Less Likely to Participate in Surveys? An Examination of Proxy Nonresponse Measures and Associated Biases with Sexual Orientation in a Population-based Health Survey:

One of the implicit assumptions in survey research is lower response rates by sexual minorities than by nonminorities. With rapidly changing public attitudes toward same-sex marriage, we reconsider this assumption. We used data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Survey that include contact history data for all sample families as well as sexual orientation information about adults sampled from responding families. We created proxy nonresponse indicators based on contact efforts and reluctance from contact history data and linked them to sexual orientation of the sample adult and simulated nonresponse. The data did not support the assumption: Straight adults were more difficult to get cooperation from than nonstraights. With female sexual minorities showing higher nonresponse than their male counterparts, special considerations are required. Replication analyses may provide insights into what factors influence study participation decisions, which will inform how nonresponse may impact the accu...
Carcinoma/Undifferentiated Tumor

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, including carcinomas of the lip, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and sinus, are common malignancies among adults, often associated with tobacco and alcohol use. However, these tumors are exceedingly rare in children. When they do occur in the pediatric age group, predisposing factors such as Fanconi anemia must be considered. Outcomes appear similar to those in adults, and management, therefore, relies on established treatment strategies in adults. Early-stage disease can generally be treated with either surgery or radiation; choice of modality depends on resectability as well as expected functional outcome. For patients with advanced disease, chemotherapy improves outcomes over local control alone. Especially after radiation therapy, children tend to experience significant acute toxicity and late effects.
A meta-analysis of parenting practices and child psychosocial outcomes in trauma-informed parenting interventions after violence exposure

Over half of all youth are exposed to violence, which a growing body of literature suggests is associated with a broad range of negative developmental outcomes over the life course. However, best practices for supporting parenting are not widely applied to parents with children exposed to violence-related trauma. This meta-analyses seeks to synthesize the literature base of trauma-informed parenting interventions to better understand their potential impact on parenting and child outcomes. Specifically, 21 trauma-informed parenting interventions were identified that quantitatively assessed intervention effects on parenting and child outcomes. Six meta-analyses were conducted to assess intervention effects on (1) positive parenting practices, (2) negative parenting practices, (3) parenting stress, (4) children’s internalizing problems, (5) children’s externalizing problems, and (6) trauma symptoms, respectively. Moderate to large effect sizes were found for positive parenting practices (d = 0.62) as well as child internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and trauma symptoms (d = 0.48–0.59). Validity tests indicated robust findings for positive parenting and for all child outcomes. Additional moderator analyses support the importance of informed intervention design, showing differential findings by trauma type as well as by duration of the intervention. These findings indicate the value of evidence-based parenting interventions for violence-related trauma and support models of trauma-informed care that situate treatment in the broader social context, particularly the family. Results are discussed with respect to which parenting practices hold the most promise for supporting children exposed to violence-related trauma.
A Magnetically Geared Lead Screw Without Translator Skewing

A magnetically geared lead screw is able to convert high-speed rotation to low-speed translation via magnetic gearing. In this paper a new type of magnetically geared lead screw is presented that uses translator rings without any skewing. The magnetic gearing is accomplished by utilizing an inner rotor with helically skewed magnets and an outer cylinder with a skewed flux focusing magnet arrangement. The operating characteristics and an experimental prototype are presented.
The Role of the Development Management Framework in the Implementation of Flexible Planning Tools: Insights from a Tale of a Local Planned Unit Development Project:

Flexibility sets planned unit developments (PUD) apart from conventional planning and zoning. Using a case study of a PUD project in Ann Arbor, Michigan, I deconstruct the impact of flexibility on ...
Is it Population or Personnel? The Effects of Diversity on Immigration Policy Implementation by Sheriff Offices

The federal-local cooperative immigration removal program Secure Communities (S-Comm) has resulted in wide variation into how aggressively national interior immigration policy has been implemented ...