cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conducting a Functional Assessment of Problem Behavior in Applied Settings.

Researchers have recently called for a greater emphasis on the use of functional assessment procedures in the selection of treatment strategies for problem behavior in persons with mental retardation. In applied settings there are several methods available for conducting a functional assessment. This article identifies and describes three methods that have been used in applied behavior analysis research: informant assessment (e.g., behavioral interviews, rating scales, and questionnaires), direct observation assessment, and experimental analysis. Although experimental analysis provides the most conclusive information regarding controlling variables for a behavior problem, less rigorous methods of assessment also yield important information with which to select and evaluate treatment strategies. This article reviews the strengths and weaknesses of each functional assessment method and provides a case example to illustrate the use of the various assessment procedures.
Behavioral inhibition and posttrauma symptomatology: Moderating effects of safety behaviors and biological sex

OBJECTIVES Behavioral inhibition is a trait-level factor associated with posttraumatic stress. Safety behaviors may impact this link by interfering with anxiety habituation. The current study examined the unique and interactive effects of behavioral inhibition, safety behaviors, and participant sex on posttrauma symptom clusters. METHOD Participants (N = 131; 75.6% female; M = 19.9 years) completed a trauma history interview and questionnaires assessing behavioral inhibition, safety behavior, and posttrauma symptom severity. RESULTS Safety behaviors were associated with intrusion (partial correlations [pr] = 0.319), avoidance (pr = 0.274), cognition-mood (pr = 0.274), and arousal-reactivity (pr = 0.538) symptoms (all p ≤ 0.001). An interaction of sex and safety behaviors was noted for avoidance (p = 0.047, pr = -0.159) with a significant relation observed only among women ( p < 0.001, pr = 0.442). Safety behaviors also moderated the link between behavioral inhibition and arousal-reactivity (p = 0.002, pr = 0.272) with inhibition predicting symptoms at high levels of safety behavior (p = 0.024, pr = 0.171). CONCLUSION Trauma-related safety behaviors are associated with greater posttrauma symptoms and evidence differential effects across individual symptom domains.
Bacteria and archaea as the sources of traits for enhanced plant phenotypes

Rising global demand for food and population increases are driving the need for improved crop productivity over the next 30 years. Plants have inherent metabolic limitations on productivity such as inefficiencies in carbon fixation and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Bacteria and archaea inhabit some of the most inhospitable environments on the planet and possess unique metabolic pathways and genes to cope with these conditions. Microbial genes involved in carbon fixation, abiotic stress tolerance, and nutrient acquisition have been utilized in plants to enhance plant phenotypes by increasing yield, photosynthesis, and abiotic stress tolerance. Transgenic plants expressing bacterial and archaeal genes will be discussed along with emerging strategies and tools to increase plant growth and yield.
New Insights into Long Non-Coding RNA MALAT1 in Cancer and Metastasis

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is one of the most abundant, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in normal tissues. This lncRNA is highly conserved among mammalian species, and based on in vitro results, has been reported to regulate alternative pre-mRNA splicing and gene expression. However, Malat1 knockout mice develop and grow normally, and do not show alterations in alternative splicing. While MALAT1 was originally described as a prognostic marker of lung cancer metastasis, emerging evidence has linked this lncRNA to other cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioma, and leukemia. The role described for MALAT1 is dependent on the cancer types and the experimental model systems. Notably, different or opposite phenotypes resulting from different strategies for inactivating MALAT1 have been observed, which led to distinct models for MALAT1's functions and mechanisms of action in cancer and metastasis. In this review, we reflect on different experimental strategies used to study MALAT1's functions, and discuss the current mechanistic models of this highly abundant and conserved lncRNA.
Awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among pharmacy students

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to assess pharmacy students' awareness, knowledge, and perceptions towards human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), confidence and intentions to counsel patients on PrEP, and preferred PrEP training. Methods A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with pharmacy students. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results Ninety-one percent of participants were aware of PrEP and 61% were familiar with PrEP prescription guidelines. In multivariate analysis, greater PrEP knowledge, attitudes towards PrEP, and familiarity with prescribing guidelines were significantly associated with confidence in PrEP counseling (p Conclusions Given the key role played by pharmacists in patient engagement, they may be presented with opportunities to provide PrEP counseling and education. The development of educational modules for pharmacy students in an effort to increase PrEP uptake should consider addressing gaps in knowledge and preferred training modalities.
Presentation Slides for 'Can Individual Investors Beat the Market?'

We document strong persistence in the performance of trades of individual investors. The correlation of the risk-adjusted performance of an individual across sample periods is about 10 percent. Investors classified in the top performance decile in the first half of our sample subsequently outperform those in the bottom decile by about 8 percent per year. Strategies long in firms purchased by previously successful investors and short in firms purchased by previously unsuccessful investors earn abnormal returns of 5 basis points per day. These returns are not confined to small stocks nor to stocks in which the investors are likely to have inside information. Our results suggest that skillful individual investors exploit market inefficiencies to earn abnormal profits, above and beyond any profits available from well-known strategies based upon size, value, or momentum. The paper is available at https://ssrn.com/abstract=364000.
Utilization of the Pediatric Modified Dynamic Gait Index: Issues Related to Child Development

AbstractAims: This cross-sectional study investigated how typically developing children performed on a version of the Dynamic Gait Index, modified for children (Pediatric Modified DGI). Methods: Se...
Patient Radiation Exposure Associated With the Use of Computer Navigation During Spinal Fusion.

ABSTRACT Background Calibration of computer navigation for spinal fusion is most commonly conducted using either a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan or intraoperative O-arm scanning. This study aimed to directly compare patient radiation exposure from intraoperative O-arm use for pedicle screw placement versus typical diagnostic lumbar spine CT studies. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing O-arm navigated lumbar spine fusion procedures was performed to record radiation exposure as the primary outcome, as well as surgical and demographic details. The same was done for a control group of patients undergoing lumbar spine CT scans. Results A total of 83 patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion with O-arm navigation were included, as well as 105 unique patients who underwent a lumbar spine CT. The 2 groups were similar in terms of average age (60.2 versus 60.5, P = .90), average height (170 cm versus 169 cm, P = .50), and average weight (92.6 kg versus 90.9 kg, P = .62). Dose-length product for O-arm navigated procedures was 798.3 mGy-cm and 924.2 mGy-cm for CT scans (P = .064). Subgroup analysis revealed 18 patients who had both an O-arm navigated surgery and a lumbar spine CT. In this group the average dose-length product for O-arm surgeries was 806.2 mGy-cm and 822.1 mGy-cm for CT scans (P = .92) Conclusion This study revealed no statistically or clinically significant differences between patient radiation exposure for O-arm operative navigation compared to lumbar spine CT. Clinical Relevance Given the similarity in radiation exposure, surgeons should rely on other factors to guide decision making in regard to mode of imaging for navigation. Knowledge of this comparison and total radiation exposure will also be useful for patient education and shared decision making in regard to navigated procedures.
The Contemporary Tibetan Buddhist Rimé Response to Religious Diversity

In a world where communities across the globe are becoming increasingly interconnected, encounters with diverse cultures and faiths are inevitable. How can diverse communities approach these encounters in a way that fosters dialogue rather than conflict, peace rather than war? Specifically, in the context of Buddhism, how should Buddhists relate to religious diversity in a way that simultaneously remains faithful to their own spiritual traditions while being openminded and respectful towards the beliefs and practices of others? One of the most well-known Buddhist responses to religious diversity was the rime movement in nineteenth-century eastern Tibet. While the term “rime” (meaning “impartial” or “non-sectarian” in Tibetan) has become a catchphrase in contemporary Tibetan Buddhist contexts, there has been little sustained engagement with this topic by Buddhists and Buddhist studies scholars. This essay documents and contextualizes the contemporary uses of the term rime (non-sectarianism) in Tibetan Buddhist communities and situates it within Tibetan Buddhist literature and history. I argue that it is essential for both Buddhists and Buddhist-studies scholars to devote significant attention to the concept of rime and to engage in interfaith dialogue. For Buddhists, the very survival of their religion depends on it. For Buddhist-studies scholars, it contributes to the development of an accurate understanding of one of the most significant intellectual moments in modern Tibetan history. For humankind, it contributes to interfaith understanding, harmony, and peace.
Peptide Based Imaging Agents for HER2 Imaging in Oncology

Breast cancer continues to be the most lethal cancer type in women and one of the most diagnosed. Understanding Breast cancer receptor status is one of the most vital processes for determining trea...
Occurrence of mcr Positive Strains and Molecular Characteristics of Two mcr-1 Positive Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli from a Chinese Women's and Children's Hospital.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of mobile colistin resistance genes (mcr) in Gram-negative bacteria and to analyze the molecular characteristics of mcr-1 positive Salmonella typhimurium strain 75 and Escherichia coli strain 107 from the Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital in China. Methods The genes mcr-1 through mcr-9 were screened via multiplex PCR. Antibiotic susceptibility was detected using a GN11 card with the VITEK-2 compact automated system. Whole genomes were sequenced using PacBio's single molecule real-time (SMRT) technology. Results In this study, mcr-1 was detected in only four strains, with a positivity rate of 0.65% (4/616). All the four strains were resistant to more than three different kinds of antibiotics. The mcr-1 positive S. typhimurium strain 75 harbored IncHI2 plasmid, which carried mcr-1 gene, while the mcr-1 positive E. coli strain 107 contained four plasmids including one mcr-1 harboring IncHI2 plasmid, one IncFII plasmid and two IncI1-I (Alpha) plasmids. Mobile elements carrying mcr-1 in the 75_plasmid and 107_plasmid-1 were located in the IS1086(ISApl1)-IS30A(ISApl1)-mcr-1-hp and IS1086(ISApl1)-mcr-1-hp regions, respectively. Tn6010 carrying drug efflux pump genes was found in 75_plasmid, while cn_31611_IS26 carrying multi-drug resistance (MDR) genes were found in 107_plasmid-1. Conclusion This study found that mcr-1 was prevalent at a low frequency in the Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital. A similar genetic pattern of mcr-1 transmission was found in both E. coli and S. typhimurium.
A Review of Diagnostics Methodologies for Metal Additive Manufacturing Processes and Products

Additive manufacturing technologies based on metal are evolving into an essential advanced manufacturing tool for constructing prototypes and parts that can lead to complex structures, dissimilar metal-based structures that cannot be constructed using conventional metallurgical techniques. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes, the metal AM processes are unreliable due to variable process parameters and a lack of conventionally acceptable evaluation methods. A thorough understanding of various diagnostic techniques is essential to improve the quality of additively manufactured products and provide reliable feedback on the manufacturing processes for improving the quality of the products. This review summarizes and discusses various ex-situ inspections and in-situ monitoring methods, including electron-based methods, thermal methods, acoustic methods, laser breakdown, and mechanical methods, for metal additive manufacturing.
Environmentally Driven Aggregate Façade Systems

Even though computer simulation of environmental factors and manufacturing technologies have experienced a fast development, architectural workflows that can take advantage of the possibilities created by these developments have been left behind and architectural design processes have not evolved at the same rate. This paper presents a design to fabrication workflow that explores data driven design to improve performance of facades, implementing for this purpose computational tools to handle environmental data complexity and proposes robotic fabrication technologies to facilitate facade components fabrication.
Xyrs, 6034: sexing and masturbating in/of the future

The USA has fallen, its borders have dissipated, and Black and Brown peoples have risen to power. In this setting, this essay is a fictional, first-person story from the perspective of a cyborg hum...
What Did the PRigg Decision Really Decide

The "Taney Court" spoke with many voices; at times with nearly as many voices as it had judges. This penchant of the "Taney justices" for having their say has complicated the task of those who must determine what the Supreme Court decided in a given case. Historians, bent on snatching unity from diversity and precedents from dicta, often speak confidently of the majority opinion of the "Taney Court" when no majority opinion existed.1 Judges have often proclaimed that it is better for the law to be cer tain than just, but when writing of the "Taney Court" certainty can often be purchased only at the expense of ignoring or blurring the differences among the judges. The T*rigg decision is a case in point.2 Though seven of the nine justices filled sixty-five pages of fine print in the Supreme Court Reports with their opinions, most contemporary, and nearly all modern, students of the Court claim that Joseph Story spoke for the majority.3 A careful reading of these seven opinions refutes this claim.
A Scheme for Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of Multivariable System Stability Robustness

A scheme for theoretical and experimental evaluation of multivariable system stability robustness measures is described. The experimental scheme is based on the estimation of frequency responses from power-spectra analyses of a set of time responses due to sine-sweep excitation at each input and then computation of the appropriate singular values. The procedure can also be used on an open-loop stable system to predict the closed-loop stability before closing the loop. Classical Nyquist diagrams can also be constructed to determine one-loop-at-a-time gain or phase margins. The scheme has been implemented in a wind tunnel test for singular-value evaluation of digital flutter suppression control laws and compared with theory. The singular values at the plant input and output of the actual system and the theoretical model are qualitatively similar but have some discrepancies.
EFFECT OF ALCOHOLS AS SUPPLEMENTAL FUEL FOR TURBOCHARGED DIESEL ENGINES

Alcohols are examined as supplemental carbureted fuels for highspeed turbocharged diesels. Fumigation (dual-fueling) with alcohol significantly reduced smoke and intake manifold temperature. Efficiency and HC emissions were essentially unchanged. The range of speed and load favorable to alcohol dual-fueling are such that, should alcohols become economically competitive as fuels, as practical duel-fuel (sic) system could be applied to existing diesel engines.
Phenotypic and functional analysis of γδ T cell receptor-positive murine dendritic epidermal clones

Thy-1+ dendritic cells isolated from the epidermis of normal mice (dEC)3 bear the gamma delta TCR associated with the CD3 complex. We have analyzed the effects of antibodies directed against the TCR complex, Ly-6C, and Thy-1, as well as pharmacologic agents which have been shown to activate T cells without engagement of the TCR complex, on levels of intracellular free calcium, activation of protein kinase C, cytolysis, IL-2R expression, and secretion of lymphokines by dEC clones. We have found that the dEC cells express a fully functional TCR complex which can function to transmit signals upon perturbation leading to an increase in IL-2R expression, release of lymphokines, and cytolytic activity. These results indicate that the gamma delta TCR+ dEC are capable of responding to activation signals in the same manner as mature alpha beta TCR+ cells and suggests that they may play a functional role in the skin.
Sensory Features in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Sensory features (i.e., unusual behavioral responses to sensory stimuli) are highly prevalent and heterogeneous across individuals with ASD. From a developmental perspective, sensory response patterns are associated with and have cascading effects on other core symptoms in ASD. Burgeoning research using novel technologies is beginning to uncover the nature and pathogenesis of these features. As sensory issues often demonstrate a functional impact on adaptive behavior, social participation, and well-being, it is important that the evidence base for clinical interventions continues to grow. Keywords: assessment and intervention; development; enhanced perception; functional impact; hyperresponsiveness; hyporesponsiveness; repetitions; seeking behaviors; sensory features; sensory integration; sensory interests; sensory processing
Spectroscopic Properties of Colloidal Indium Phosphide Quantum Wires

Colloidal InP quantum wires are grown by the solution-liquid-solid (SLS) method, and passivated with the traditional quantum dots surfactants 1-hexadecylamine and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide. The size dependence of the band gaps in the wires are determined from the absorption spectra, and compared to other experimental results for InP quantum dots and wires, and to the predictions of theory. The photoluminescence behavior of the wires is also investigated. Efforts to enhance photoluminescence efficiencies through photochemical etching in the presence of HF result only in photochemical thinning or photooxidation, without a significant influence on quantum-wire photoluminescence. However, photooxidation produces residual dot and rod domains within the wires, which are luminescent. The results establish that the quantum-wire band gaps are weakly influenced by the nature of the surface passivation and that colloidal quantum wires have intrinsically low photoluminescence efficiencies.
Limb observations of the 12.32-micron Mg I emission line during the 1994 annular eclipse

We determined the limb profile of the extremely Zeeman-sensitive emission line of Mg i at 12.32 μm (811.58 cm−1) during the May 1994 annular eclipse, using the 3.5-m ARC telescope at the Apache Point site on Sacramento Peak, New Mexico. Spectra were recorded at 0.1 cm−1 spectral resolution and 1 s time resolution using a cryogenic grating spectrometer. The time derivatives of the observed line energy and continuum intensity were used to infer high-resolution profiles of the solar limb. Data were obtained at second contact only, since clouds prevented observations at third contact. We find that the emission line energy peaks very close to the 12 μm continuum limb. This agrees with our result from the 1991 total eclipse over Mauna Kea, and also with non-LTE radiative transfer theory for this line, which predicts an upper-photospheric origin. However, in 1991, line emission remained observable as high as 2000 km above the continuum limb, whereas the 1994 data show observable emission to only 500 km. This difference greatly exceeds any applicable errors, or sensitivity differences in either data set, and must be attributed to spatial and/or temporal inhomogeneities in the solar limb emission of this line. We discuss possible causes of these inhomogeneities, and implications for observations at far-IR and submillimeter wavelengths.
Fever of unknown origin due to African trypanosomiasis: A case report

Abstract. We report the case of a 28 year old Greek sailor who presented first with a fever of unknown origin and then with the classical symptoms of trypanosomiasis in Ivory Coast, Greece, the USA and France but who was diagnosed late in the evolution of his disease and suffered incapacitating neurological sequelae despite appropriate treatment. Key words: Fever, unknown origin, African trypanosomiasis
Application of First-Person Education to a Multiple-Section Undergraduate Educational Psychology Course for Teacher Education Majors

This is a semester-long study of the development of first-person biofunctional understanding in educational psychology for teacher education majors. We defined biofunctional under-standing as a spontaneous intellectual capacity. To reach its deep biological levels, sculpted by countless evolutionary millennia, students identified and dwelled in writing on their biggest idea of every week for a semester. They stated the idea in a simple sentence and followed by writing a concise paragraph to contemplate on it. Control sections equated their biggest idea with one most important to learn through the conventional learning-testing cycle of deliberate knowledge internalization or construction. Experimental sections fought the learning-testing-cycle urge and sought by hindsight the biggest idea of the most striking revelation (MSR) delivered to their awareness spontaneously by the biofunctional psycho-logyical spiral of their intuition>revelation reflection cycle. Results showed that experimental condition outperformed the control in the development of their insightful understanding measured by a Levels of Revelatory Strikingness Scale (LRSS) suggesting that learners change their understanding as a function of their 1 st -person revelations than 2 nd /3 rd -person evidence
De novo ANCA-associated vasculitis occurring 14 years after kidney transplantation

A cadaveric kidney transplant recipient, with no history of a connective tissue disease, was admitted with malaise, arthralgias, diplopia, mild headache, and a painful left eye. The patient was on maintenance immunosuppression for 14 years with cyclosporine and methylprednisolone. Initial laboratory data indicated an elevated serum creatinine from baseline, 2+ proteinuria, and 50 to 100 red blood cells (RBCs)/high-power field (HPF) in the urine. Renal biopsy was consistent with necrotizing vasculitis involving glomerular capillaries, with crescent formation and an absence of immune complexes. Perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (P-ANCA) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) were found to be elevated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an ANCA-associated small vessel vasculitis (SVV) developing in a renal transplant recipient without history of connective tissue disease.
Descriptive modeling of subjective probabilities

Abstract A nonfrequentistic model of subjective probability was tested in an empirical, subjective estimation task. The model relies on a characterization of stimulus similarities as distances in a cognitive space. This representation was independently tested using a multidimensional scaling analysis of similarities data. Subjective probability estimates given by the subjects for a related set of stimuli were then shown to be highly consistent with respect to their similarity judgments, and predictable by the model. The experiment also utilized special transformations on the stimuli to test consistency properties of subject probabilities.
Improving the CALIPSO VFM product with Aqua MODIS measurements

The Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) product reports the scene classification globally. However, misclassifications have been observed because of labelling dense dust aerosols as clouds. Both CALIPSO and MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua spacecraft are operating in the A-train orbit with similar local equatorial crossing times. A novel approach to improve the scene classification by integrating the CALIPSO VFM product and measurements of MODIS thermal bands is proposed. According to the infrared (IR) split window technique, the brightness temperature difference (BTD) between MODIS 12 and 11 μm (BTD (12, 11 μm)) is calculated for separating dust aerosol and cloud. Generally, the BTD (12, 11 μm) value is positive for dust aerosol and negative for cloud. After spatial collocation, the comparison between measurements of the two sensors is performed. If a cloud layer in VFM product has positive MODIS BTD...
Statistical audit of original research articles in International Psychogeriatrics for the year 2003.

Background: At the request of the Editor of International Psychogeriatrics, a statistical audit of all papers published in the journal during 2003 was undertaken by the statistical advisor to International Psychogeriatrics.Method: Only research papers using inferential statistical techniques were assessed and only the statistical elements of these papers were evaluated. The following issues were addressed: did the authors report a power calculation or address power issues? Did the authors report an appropriate effect size indicator? When multiple univariate statistical tests were used was a correction for type 1 error employed? Did authors demonstrate the adequacy of the data analyzed for the statistical tests employed? Were sufficient details reported to enable an evaluation of the statistical analyses and reported results?Results: Twenty papers published during 2003 were suitable for analysis. None addressed power issues. About half reported an effect size indicator and about half adjusted the statistical analysis for the effects of multiple univariate statistical comparisons. Few demonstrated the adequacy of the data being analyzed and few provided sufficient detail to evaluate the statistical analyses and reported results. Most papers used the right statistic in the right way.Conclusion: The statistical quality of articles published in International Psychogeriatrics could be improved by attention to a few relatively fundamental issues.
Polyspherical Coordinate Systems on Orbit Spaces with Applications to Biomolecular Shape

A general theory of molecular internal coordinates of valence type is presented based on the concept of a Z-system. The Z-system can be considered as a discrete mathematical generalization of the Z-matrix (a molecular geometry file format familiar to chemists) which avoids the principal disadvantage of Z-matrices. Z-matrices are usually only employed for small molecules because there is no easy way to glue two Z-matrices together to get the Z-matrix of a larger molecule. It is shown that Z-matrices are simply Z-systems together with additional extraneous structures and that the Z-systems for any two molecules can be naturally glued together to obtain a Z-system for the combined molecule. A general mathematical framework suitable for the detailed study of molecular geometry is introduced and applied to five and six-membered molecular rings. A classification of shapes of hexagons with opposite sides and angles congruent is given with explicit parameterizations of the flexible and rigid solutions. The entire mathematical formalism generalizes to a theory of polyspherical coordinate systems on orbit spaces of the group of \(n\)-dimensional rigid motions acting on finite collections of points in \(n\)-dimensional Euclidean space. The \(n\)-dimensional Z-system is a new discrete structure related to abstract simplicial complexes, graded posets, and iterated line graphs. Complete proofs of all the \(n\)-dimensional results are given, and connections to other areas of mathematics are noted.
Redefining the food desert: combining GIS with direct observation to measure food access

As public and private resources are increasingly being directed towards the elimination of food deserts in urban areas, proper measurement of food access is essential. Amelioration has been approached through the use of farmers markets, virtual grocery stores, and corner store programs, but properly situating these assets in neighborhoods in need requires localized data on both the location and content of food outlets and the populations served. This paper examines the reliability of current techniques for identifying food deserts, and identifies some of the flaws in those approaches. Information derived from geographic information systems (GIS) mapping is the predominant means of determining food availability. In this study, food access in Bridgeport, CT, is examined utilizing both computer-based GIS mapping and on-the-ground observations. While the GIS output indicates generalized food accessibility issues, supplementation by survey data reduces the geographic extent of the food desert problem. Still, nearly 60,000 people (40 % of the population) reside in neighborhoods served only by small retailers who provide few healthy food options, and those at inflated prices. The high opportunity cost of travelling by bus to a major grocery store may outweigh the direct cost savings, and residents choose to consume locally available but unhealthy foods.
Eubacterium oxidoreducens sp. nov. requiring H2 or formate to degrade gallate, pyrogallol, phloroglucinol and quercetin

Based on most probable number (MPN) estimates of rumen fluid from a hay-fed steer, 10 mM gallate was decarboxylated by 9.3×106 bacteria per ml. It was decarboxylated and reductively dehydroxylated by 9.3×105 bacteria per ml and was further catabolized to non-aromatic products by 4.3×103 bacteria per ml. Resorcinol was not further degraded and, with 0.1 ml of inoculum, catechol was not degraded. Strain G41 was isolated from a pyrogallolmedium roll tube inoculated with 1 μl of rumen fluid and, with slight modifications of the generic description, was named Eubacterium oxidoreducens sp. nov. It was an anaerobic, nonmotile, curved, Gram-positive, small rod with rounded ends and required H2 or formate to degrade gallate, pyrogallol, phloroglucinol or quercetin to acetate and butyrate and, in the case of quercetin, to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate. Crotonate was catabolized to acetate and butyrate and no electron donor was required. No other compounds were degraded with or without an electron donor or with Desulfovibrio sp. plus sulfate as a possible electron acceptor system. E. oxidoreducens grew well in a chemically-defined culture medium containing usable energy source, minerals, B-vitamins, cysteine and CO2−HCO - 3 -buffer, pH 7.2.
Term selection for an induction motor via nonlinear Lasso

In this paper, a commonly used third-order model of an induction motor with eight parameters is analyzed in order to classify the model parameters based on their degree of significance in the model behavior. Using the results of this classification, only the significant parameters of an induction motor need to be estimated from the measurements. The remainder of the parameters can be replaced by their typical values, which results in an optimization problem with a reduced dimension. The reduced parameter model needs less computation time and thus is better suited for real-time applications. The significance of this approach is greater when many induction motors or dynamic inductive loads in the system need to be identified. A nonlinear Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) term selection method is employed for this study. The Lasso method minimizes the sum of squared errors, with a constraint on the L1 norm of the parameter vector, which is used to push some parameters to zero. The main idea, when using this method for nonlinear models, involves incorporating the Lasso constraint in an iterative solution approach such as Gauss-Newton algorithm. This method reduces the variance of the parameter estimates, and simplifies the interpretation of the model. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, the parameters of an induction motor are estimated. Estimation is performed both for simulated and experimental data. The results of the proposed approach are compared to those of a method based on sensitivity analysis.
Sorption, Dilation, and Partial Molar Volumes of Carbon Dioxide and Ethane in Cross-Linked Poly(ethylene oxide)

Experimental gas solubility and sorptive dilation data are reported for carbon dioxide and ethane in a cross-linked poly(ethylene oxide) rubber prepared by photopolymerization of poly(ethlyene glycol)diacrylate. Five different operating temperatures (253 ≤ T (K) ≤ 308) were considered, with a maximum gas pressure of 2.16 MPa (21.3 atm). The importance of taking sorptive dilation into account in the determination of gas solubility in polymers by the pressure−decay method was demonstrated. Sorption isotherms in terms of gas fugacity were described by the Flory−Huggins model. In the case of ethane, the Flory−Huggins interaction parameter was a decreasing function of temperature. In contrast, for carbon dioxide, a single parameter represented all isotherms. Dilation and sorption data were combined to calculate the partial molar volume (PMV) of the gases in the polymer, which was an increasing function of temperature. The PMV data were compared to the available literature data for other rubbery polymers and li...
Biomolecule-less sensors for biomolecules based on templated xerogel platforms

We report on a new strategy for producing self-contained sensor elements for protein detection. The method exploits molecular imprinting, sol-gel-derived xerogels, and selective installation of the fluorescent reporter molecule within the template site. There are no biological reagents used. We term these new xerogel-based sensor elements as Protein Imprinted Xerogels with Integrated Emission Sites (PIXIES). The analytical figures of merit are described.
Structural Evolution of Cr(III) Polymeric Species at the γ-Al2O3/Water Interface

We have characterized the structure of the predominant Cr(III) species present at the γ-Al2O3/water interface as a function of equilibration time and Cr(III) surface loading using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The spectroscopic measurements span two distinct time periods of Cr(III) uptake. During the initial period (<2 h), which is characterized by rapid uptake, Cr(III) monomers form inner-sphere complexes on the γ-Al2O3 surface by bonding to at least two surface functional groups. During the second period (ranging from 2 h to 1 week), significant quantities of Cr(III) continue to be removed from solution, but sorption proceeds at a greatly reduced rate. The XAFS spectra collected during the period of slow uptake show an increase in scattering contributions from neighboring Cr(III) atoms with increasing equilibration time. The inferred structural changes are consistent with a progression from hydroxo-bridged Cr(III) dimers to higher-order polymers. In combination with spectroscopic ...
Some properties of inn films prepared by reactive evaporation

Some optical and electrical properties of degenerate InN films prepared by a reactive evaporation technique are presented. Thermal stability of these easily dissociated samples is discussed and evidence is presented indicating that the partial pressure of atomic nitrogen rather than diatomic nitrogen is a more fundamental parameter for describing thermal equilibrium. This has important implications for the growth of all group III-nitrides.
Behavior of postfeeding larvae of some Calliphoridae and a muscid (Diptera)

There were three patterns of dispersal of postfeeding larvae in 8.1-m-long channels in the laboratory. Phaenicia sericata (Meigen) and Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy) were the most mobile, with >99 and 84.5%, respectively, moving 3–8.1 m from the food. Larvae of Phormia regina (Meigen), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), and the muscid Muscina stabulans (Fall;en) dispersed the least. Only 2% of Phormia regina, 10% of M. stabulans, and 16% of C. rufifacies moved away from the food. Larvae of Cochliomyia macellaria (F.) were intermediate; 40% remained at the food, about 50% dispersed up to 2.4 m, and none went beyond 5.1 m. Evidence is presented and evaluated that suggests that postfeeding larvae of Calliphorinae move farther from the food source, pupariate underground, and produce a thinner puparium followed by a longer pupation period, than larvae of Chrysomyinae.
Modified ES / OP9 Co-Culture Protocol Provides Enhanced Characterization of Hematopoietic Progeny

The in vitro differentiation of ES cells towards a hematopoietic cell fate is useful when studying cell populations that are difficult to access in vivo and for characterizing the earliest genes involved in hematopoiesis, without having to deal with embryonic lethalities. The ES/OP9 co-culture system was originally designed to produce hematopoietic progeny, without the over production of macrophages, as the OP9 stromal cell line is derived from the calvaria of osteopetrosis mutant mice that lack functional M-CSF. The in vitro ES/OP9 co-culture system can be used in order to recapitulate early hematopoietic development. When cultured on OP9 stromal cells, ES cells differentiate into Flk-1+ hemangioblasts, hematopoietic progenitors, and finally mature, terminally differentiated lineages. The standard ES/OP9 co-culture protocol entails the placement of ES cells onto a confluent layer of OP9 cells; as well as, periodic replating steps in order to remove old, contaminating OP9 cells. Furthermore, current protocols involve evaluating only the hematopoietic cells found in suspension and are not optimized for evaluation of ES-derived progeny at each day of differentiation. However, with replating steps and the harvesting of only suspension cells one potentially misses a large portion of ES-derived progeny and developing hematopoietic cells. This issue becomes important to address when trying to characterize hematopoietic defects associated with knockout ES lines. Here we describe a modified ES/mStrawberry OP9 co-culture, which allows for the elimination of contaminating OP9 cells from downstream assays. This method allows for the complete evaluation of all ES-derived progeny at all days of co-culture, resulting in a hematopoietic differentiation pattern, which more directly corresponds to the hematopoietic differentiation pattern observed within the embryo.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate rapidly activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by a G protein-dependent mechanism

Addition of sphingosine 1-phosphate induces proliferation of quiescent Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts by unknown mechanisms. To identify the pathways involved, the ability of sphingosine 1-phosphate to activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase was studied. Sphingosine 1-phosphate rapidly activated the Raf/MAP kinase kinase (MKK)/MAP kinase pathway, and the concentration dependence for MAP kinase activation correlated with that for induction of DNA synthesis. Both MKK1 and MKK2 were activated by sphingosine 1-phosphate, assessed by specific immune complex kinase assays. Prior treatment of the Swiss 3T3 cells with pertussis toxin inhibited 70–80% of the sphingosine 1-phosphate-stimulated MAP kinase activity. Thus, one of the direct or indirect targets of exogenous sphingosine 1-phosphate appears to be a Gi/Go protein.
Effects of attribution of responsibility for motor vehicle accidents on severity of PTSD symptoms, ways of coping, and recovery over six months.

In light of Delahanty et al.'s (1997) identification of attribution of responsibility for a motor vehicle accident (MVA) as a powerful determinant of initial level of distress from the trauma and of early remission of PTSD, we reexamined data from Blanchard and Hickling's (1997) prospective follow-up of 158 MVA survivors. Despite differences between the two samples (Delahanty sample recruited from hospitals 2–3 weeks post-MVA and predominantly male; our sample recruited from outpatient care 1–4 months post-MVA and predominantly female) we replicated Delahanty's findings: those with PTSD who blame themselves for the MVA are less symptomatic initially and recover more rapidly in the first 6 months than those with PTSD who blame another party for the accident.
Benzyne-functionalized graphene and graphite characterized by Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis

The benzyne functionalization of chemical vapor deposition grown large area graphene and graphite was performed using a mixture of o-trimethylsilylphenyl triflate and cesium fluoride that react with the carbon surface. The reaction requires at least 2 days of treatment before the appearance of Raman and energy-dispersive X-ray spectral signatures that verify modification. Raman spectra of modified graphene and graphite show a rich structure of lines corresponding to C=C-C, C-H, and low frequency modes of surface-attached benzyne rings.
Nanoengineered Bioplatforms Based on DNA Origami [Point of View]

DNA is generally associated with the storage of genetic information. However, in many ways, it is also an ideal building material. The shape of a DNA structure is determined by the sequences of the DNA strands within the structure. DNA origami [1] has recently evolved as a method for producing programmable structures at the nanoscale. In a DNA origami, a long single-stranded DNA molecule is folded and held in place with shorter DNA strands. This process can be visualized by taking a very long tube or hose and folding it into a desired shape. Smaller strands of the same material can then be used to tie the large tube into a space-filling structure. In the case of DNA origami the shorter strands are called staples. The staples crosslink and stabilize the entire structure, enabling the formation of complex and programmable 2-D and 3-D shapes. Structures with considerable complexity can be designed and produced.
Displacements of Reinforced Slopes Subjected to Seismic Loads

Traditional analyses of stability of slopes subjected to seismic loads entail global equilibrium considerations with seismic influence included as a quasi-static force. Such an analysis does not reflect the earthquake shaking process, and it does not provide any information about permanent displacements that may have occurred as a result of that process. Earthquake events in recent years have brought about renewed interest in analyses of slopes subjected to seismic loads. This paper focuses on displacement calculations of reinforced slopes. Design of reinforced slopes using the quasi-static approach may lead to an unrealistically long reinforcement for large ground accelerations. If slopes are allowed to move by even a small displacement, then the reinforcement length can be reduced significantly. Two mechanisms of failure of reinforced slopes subjected to seismic conditions are considered: (1) rotational collapse; and (2) sliding directly over the bottom layer of reinforcement. Yield accelerations and integrals of seismic records are presented in charts for easy use in practical applications. An example is shown to illustrate the method.
Skin Cancer Preventive Behavior and Sun Protection Recommendations

Objectives To summarize, in tabular form, the current literature and information available for skin cancer preventive behaviors and sun protection recommendations. Data Sources Peer-reviewed literature, web sites of professional and federal organizations. Conclusion The link between skin cancer and ultra-violet radiation (UVR) exposure is well documented. Primary skin cancer prevention must focus on proven ways to reduce the amount of UVR that reaches the skin, including avoiding UVR, covering up, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use of sunscreen. Implications for Nursing Practice Nurses play a key role in patient education and should use evidence-based resources to provide skin cancer prevention recommendations.
Measurement of 6-hydroxymelatonin in human urine and its diurnal variations.

Abstract A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay has been developed and applied to the measurement of the major melatonin metabolite in human urine. In seven normal adult male subjects, the mean daily urinary conjugated 6-hydroxymelatonin was 15.5 μg (6.5 − 22.8 μg rang). Urine samples at 6 hour intervals clearly demonstrated a ten-fold diurnal variation, from 0.8 μg/6 hr during the day to 8.6 μg/6 hr at night.
Mass transfer characteristics of gases in n-decane at elevated pressures and temperatures in agitated reactors

Abstract The gas solubilities C*, mass transfer coefficients kLa and volumetric mixing power input P*/ VL were measured for hydrogen (1–55 bar), temperatures (328–428 K) and mixing speeds (13.3–20.0 Hz) in a four-liter gas-inducing agitated autoclave. The effects of mixing spee kLa were investigated. With all the gases used, C* values were found to increase when the gas partial pressure was increased. The effec and in the range of operating conditions used, (C*)CH4> (C*)N2> (C*)H2. kLa values for all the systems tested incre temperature on kLa were dependent on the system and experimental conditions employed. In the range of operating conditions used, (kLa)H2>(k La)N2>(kLa)CH4. kLa values increased with P*/VL at constant pressure and temperature. An empirical correlation for predicting kLa a
The urinary excretion of thiamin in normal children

Summary The urinary excretion of thiamin in normal children ranged between 92 and 602 μg per day and averaged 268 μg. For children in this age and weight group, an intake of 45 μg (15 I.U.) of thiamin per 100 calories, or 990 μg (330 I.U.) daily, seemed adequate to provide for excellent health. The average amount of thiamin excreted was 27.2 per cent of the amount ingested. The morning urine thiamin determinations do not furnish a constant ratio to the total twenty-four-hour output.
Evaluation of the mutagenicity of combustion particles from several common biomass fuels in the Ames/Salmonella microsome test.

We have evaluated the mutagenicity of dichloromethane extracts of combustion particles from several biomass fuels that are commonly used in developing countries in Salmonella strains TA98 ± S9 and TA100 ± S9. Combustion-particle extracts from dried cow dung and crop residue exhibited mutagenic potencies similar to wood-smoke extracts (0.0 − 1.0 rev./μg extract). However, extracts from coconut-shell-smoke particles showed relatively potent direct-acting mutagenicity (1.6 rev./μg, TA98 − S9. Results from testing this sample in nitroreductase- and acetylase- deficient strains TA98NR and TA98 (1,8-DNP-6) revealed no contribution from nitroarenes.