cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Familial allomaternal care exposure is predictive of infant development.

Objective This study assesses whether increased exposure to allomaternal care (AMC, or non-maternal care) is associated with improved infant motor and social milestone attainment. Methods Typically developing infants aged 13-18 months (n = 102) were assessed by their mothers using the previously validated National Center for Health Statistics' Motor and Social Development Scale (MSD). AMC exposure from birth to present was quantified using four AMC predictor components. Results Exposure to Highly Involved Familial AMC has a significant medium effect on MSD score, such that infants experiencing more of this type of care score higher. Conclusions Familial AMC is associated with improved milestone attainment, suggesting that learning experiences are enhanced by these interactions, although further cross-cultural studies are needed. If future studies confirm the positive effects of AMC interactions on early developmental outcomes, this may help explain the selective pressures for extensive AMC.
Symmetry Properties of Harmonics Generated in Single-Crystal Chalcogenides using Ultrafast Mid-Infrared Pulses

We focus intense, ultrashort, 3.6 micron-wavelength pulses into three single-crystal zincblende chalcogenide samples, ZnS(100), ZnS(110), and ZnSe(100). Symmetry properties of the generated harmonics are studied by rotating the crystals and measuring the output polarization.
Navigating interactions, identifying gaps, and setting self-study goals: acquisition of Spanish via community-based learning in interprofessional clinics

This study contributes to research on second language pedagogy by exploring the experience of advanced second language and heritage language university students of Spanish who, as part of their cla...
Chalazion: racial risk factors for formation, recurrence, and surgical intervention.

Abstract Objective An association between race and formation of chalazion has yet to be objectively established. This study investigates race as a risk factor for chalazion and chalazion surgery. Understanding racial risk factors in formation of chalazion, recurrent chalazion, and chalazion requiring surgery (often with general anesthesia in children) informs decisions regarding eyelid hygiene, early topical medical therapy, and aggressiveness with oral antibiotic therapy for coexisting conditions such as blepharitis. Methods Demographic data was collected for all pediatric visits to the [redacted for review] ophthalmology department from 2012–2019. Retrospective chart review was performed for the subset with chalazion. Results Of 28 433 minors, 584 had 1088 chalazia, a 2% overall rate. Chalazion was seen in 1.8% of non-Hispanic/Latino participants and 3.8% of Hispanic/Latino participants (p value Conclusion Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, and Asian participants developed chalazion at a rate higher than other racial/ethnic groups, whereas patients with meibomian gland disease or blepharitis are especially at risk for developing multiple chalazia on separate encounters. No group was more likely to require surgical intervention than any other.
Endophthalmitis Rate in Immediately Sequential versus Delayed Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery within the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry Data.

Purpose To compare the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis after immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) versus delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery (DSBCS) using the American Academy of Ophthalmology Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry database. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants Patients in the IRIS Registry who underwent cataract surgery from 2013 through 2018. Methods Patients who underwent cataract surgery were divided into 2 groups: (1) ISBCS and (2) DSBCS (second-eye surgery ≥1 day after the first-eye surgery) or unilateral surgery. Postoperative endophthalmitis was defined as endophthalmitis occurring within 4 weeks of surgery by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code and ICD code with additional clinical criteria. Main Outcome Measures Rate of postoperative endophthalmitis. Results Of 5 573 639 IRIS Registry patients who underwent cataract extraction, 165 609 underwent ISBCS, and 5 408 030 underwent DSBCS or unilateral surgery (3 695 440 DSBCS, 1 712 590 unilateral surgery only). A total of 3102 participants (0.056%) met study criteria of postoperative endophthalmitis with supporting clinical findings. The rates of endophthalmitis in either surgery eye between the 2 surgery groups were similar (0.059% in the ISBCS group vs. 0.056% in the DSBCS or unilateral group; P = 0.53). Although the incidence of endophthalmitis was slightly higher in the ISBCS group compared with the DSBCS or unilateral group, the odds ratio did not reach statistical significance (1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.31; P = 0.47) after adjusting for age, sex, race, insurance status, and comorbid eye disease. Seven cases of bilateral endophthalmitis with supporting clinical data in the DSBCS group and no cases in the ISBCS group were identified. Conclusions Risk of postoperative endophthalmitis was not statistically significantly different between patients who underwent ISBCS and DSBCS or unilateral cataract surgery.
Multiscale electrothermal design of a modular multilevel converter for grid-tied applications

As a key feature of modular multilevel converters (MMCs), a large number of semiconductor devices are employed in the converter and distributed over a stack of submodules. Each submodule has a strict temperature limit that imposes constraints on the operating range of the converter. Different loading conditions/losses in the submodules lead to unavoidable temperature variations inside the MMC, which consequently affect the system-level performance and reliability. This paper is focused on the electrothermal analysis and design of a medium-voltage silicon carbide (SiC)-based MMC system, from submodule power semiconductors to the overall MMC system integration of multiple submodules. Loss calculations are performed to estimate the cooling requirements and aid thermal design at different levels. The performance of forced-air cooling approach is analyzed within a numerical modeling framework. Maximum temperature of the SiC power modules is predicted using numerical tools. Thermal design of the MMC cabinet with various arrangement of air inlet(s) and outlet(s) is investigated and compared from a cooling performance perspective.
Dimensional Models of Personality Disorders: Refining the Research Agenda for DSM-V

Contributors. Disclosure statement. Foreword. Preface. Introduction. Alternative dimensional models of personality disorder: finding a common ground. Commentary on Widiger and Simonsen: toward a consensus personality trait structure. Commentary on Widiger and Simonsen: working out a dimensional framework. Commentary on Widiger and Simonsen: from ICD-10 and DSM-IV to ICD-11 and DSM-V. Behavioral and molecular genetic contributions to a dimensional classification of personality disorder. Commentary on Livesley: genetic contributions to a dimensional classification: problems and pitfalls. Neurobiological dimensional models of personality: a review of three models. Commentary on Paris: personality as a dynamic psychobiological system. Commentary on Paris: the problem of severity in personality disorder classification. Temperament and personality as broad-spectrum antecedents of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence. Commentary on Mervielde et al.: toward a developmental perspective on personality disorders. Personality dimensions across cultures. Commentary on Allik: the lexical approach to the study of personality structure. Commentary on Allik: a historical perspective on personality disorder. Commentary on Allik: cross-cultural diagnosis of personality disorder. Continuity of Axes I and II: toward a unified model of personality, personality disorders, and clinical disorders. Commentary on Krueger: what to do with the old distinctions. Commentary on Krueger: traits versus types in the classification of personality pathology. Dimensional models: coverage and cutoffs. Commentary on Trull: drizzling on the 5 +- 3 factor parade. Commentary on Trull: just do it: replace Axis II with a diagnostic system based on the Five-Factor Model of Personality. Commentary on Trull: reservations and hopes. Clinical utility of dimensional models for personality pathology. Commentary on Verheul: focusing on the clinician's need for a better model. Commentary on Verheul: clinical utility of dimensional models for personality pathology. Personality disorder research agenda for DSM-V. Index.
Limits of Communication

In the late 1940’s, Claude Shannon of Bell Laboratories developed a mathematical theory of information that profoundly altered our basic thinking about communication, and stimulated considerable intellectual activity, both practical and theoretical. This theory, among other things, gives us some fundamental boundaries within which communication can take place. Often we can gain considerable insight by comparing the performance of a digital communication system design with these limits.
Myosin VI is an actin-based motor that moves backwards

Myosins and kinesins are molecular motors that hydrolyse ATP to track along actin filaments and microtubules, respectively. Although the kinesin family includes motors that move towards either the plus or minus ends of microtubules1, all characterized myosin motors move towards the barbed (+) end of actin filaments2. Crystal structures of myosin II (refs 3,4,5,6) have shown that small movements within the myosin motor core are transmitted through the ‘converter domain’ to a ‘lever arm’ consisting of a light-chain-binding helix and associated light chains5,6. The lever arm further amplifies the motions of the converter domain into large directed movements3,5,6,7. Here we report that myosin VI, an unconventional myosin8,9,10,11,12, moves towards the pointed (-) end of actin. We visualized the myosin VI construct bound to actin using cryo-electron microscopy and image analysis, and found that an ADP-mediated conformational change in the domain distal to the motor, a structure likely to be the effective lever arm, is in the opposite direction to that observed for other myosins. Thus, it appears that myosin VI achieves reverse-direction movement by rotating its lever arm in the opposite direction to conventional myosin lever arm movement.
A versatile development process for small to large projects using IBM CMVC

This paper discusses how IBM* Configuration Management Version Control (CMVC) can be applied to an Incremental Development Model, and it shows how CMVC can be configured to match different project sizes and different stages in the software development life cycle. Applying too much process during a stage in the software development lifecycle can cause unnecessary work, and too little process can cause lose of control. Applying the correct amount of process will help to achieve target quality and productivity goals.
Undergraduate Research and Its Impact on Student Success for Underrepresented Students

This chapter captures the mission and spirit of the California State University in its efforts to institutionalize undergraduate research and support the success of students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
The Intersectionality of Lived Experience and Anti-discrimination Empirical Research

Working from the perspective of critical race theory, this chapter provides an empirical illustration of intersectionality theory in the context of employment discrimination complaints. Based on original research and other published data, I demonstrate that African-American women are more likely than their white female counterparts to file charges of sexual harassment at work. I then explore whether the difference is attributable to different levels in amount or severity of harrassment against black women. I conclude by calling for more intersectional research that can better address the lived experience of women who make harrassment claims, both women of color and other groups.
Effect of Relative Humidity on the Survival of Airborne Unicellular Algae

A method is described which is suitable for assessing the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the viability of two unicellular algae in experimental aerosols. Viable cells of Nannochloris atomus collected from the airborne state were detected by plating onto agar surfaces of an appropriate growth medium, whereas viable airborne cells of Synechococcus sp., because of unreliable growth on solid media, were determined by a liquid assay system. The assays were performed at intervals during short-term and prolonged storage of algal aerosols in chambers preconditioned to a selected RH and temperature. Both species showed the greatest loss in viability during the first minute after atomization, and the extent of this inactivation, as a function of RH, reflected the subsequent long-term survival. The airborne eukaryotic alga was unable to survive at an RH below 91%, whereas the airborne prokaryotic alga was comparatively stable over a wide humidity range. Initial inactivation was least and long-term survival best, for both species, at 94% RH.
A Review of “Jesus the Village Psychiatrist”

As the title of the book implies, Donald Capps argues in Jesus the Village Psychiatrist that, while the people who Jesus healed had authentic experiences of physical disease and disability, their p...
Robust Regression When the True R2 is Mediocre

It is well known that several high-breakdown procedures can produce robust estimates of linear-regression coefficients despite substantial contamination in the data. In practice, however, the estimators’ robustness tends to be affected by the value of R2 in the uncontaminated part of the sample: when R2 is mediocre, commonly-recommended high-breakdown estimators may retain a substantial bias due to the contaminated data. This paper reports several simulations of simple and multiple regression where vertical outliers and bad-leverage observations affect 25% of the data and R2 is mediocre. One high-breakdown estimator appears to have small bias, very good coverage of a nominal 90% confidence interval, and precision that improves when the sample size is increased. The simulations are supplemented by applications to four real data sets.
SU‐D‐105‐02: Small Field SRS/SBRT Patient Specific QA at Extended SSD

Purpose: To determine if intensity optimized beams for SBRT can be accurately measured using a commercially available 2D detector array at extended SSD in order to increase the area of the detector exposed at any given time. Materials and Methods: Five patients (n=5) with forty five (n=45) fields have been analyzed in this study. The plans were optimized for the following clinical sites: two liver, two lung and one spine. The detector array used for the measurements is the PTW Seven29 array. All plans have been optimized and calculated using Eclipse v8.9. The center of the array was setup 215cm from the source and all fields were measured and analyzed one by one. All measurements were performed on a NovalisTX linear accelerator equipped with high definition multileaf collimator. The evaluation was based mainly on gamma index passing rates using 2mm DTA and 2%. Results: The accuracy of the Eclipse TPS at extended SSDs using an ionization chamber was measured to be within 1.5%. All field measurements were performed and analyzed individually. The percent of the points that had a gamma index of less than 1 using 3%/3mm was >98% for all measurements. In order to better evaluate our process and distinguish smaller differences a new set of gamma index tolerances of 2%/2mm. In this case, the gamma index passing rates ranged from 90.8 to 100% (95.5%+/−3%). The profile comparison showed that the detector array measurements followed closely the calculated profiles, even for fields optimized with multiple peaks and valleys. Conclusion: The PTW Seven29 detector can be successfully used for SBRT patient specific QA when small fields are used by increasing the distance to approximately 200cm from the source. Very good agreement between measured and calculated planar doses was achieved using this setup geometry.
Management of paediatric acute appendicitis in the general hospital setting: a national survey of preferred surgical technique.

Background The advent of laparoscopic surgery has facilitated the management of acute appendicitis in the adult population. In the paediatric population (<12 years), management varies according to institution and/or consultant expertise. The aim of this study was to analyse consultant preference for laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy in the management of acute appendicitis in children under 12 years presenting to general hospitals.
Design of a Selective Metal Ion Switch for Self-Assembly of Peptide-Based Fibrils

The self-assembling peptide TZ1H, a structural variant of the trimeric isoleucine zipper GCN4-pII, contains histidine residues at core d-positions of alternate heptads that define three trigonal coordination sites within the coiled-coil trimer. Circular dichroism spectropolarimetry indicated that peptide TZ1H undergoes a random coil to α-helical conformational change upon binding of 1 equiv of silver(I) ion, but not zinc(II), copper(II), or nickel(II) ions. Isothermal titration calorimetry provided evidence for a single binding-site model in which each peptide contributes one net silver(I) coordination site, in agreement with the proposed structural model. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that TZ1H self-assembles into long aspect ratio helical fibers in the presence of silver(I) ion. These results demonstrate that the rational design of selective metal ion binding sites within de novo designed peptides represents a promising approach to the controlled fabrication of nanoscale, self-assembled mate...
Petrologic provinces in Jurassic tholeiites of Gondwanaland

Application of discriminant function analysis to the Jurassic tholeiites of Gondwanaland allows delineation of three petrologic subprovinces. TiO2 is the most important element in discrimination and a combination of TiO2 and P2O5 was found to be the most suitable. Tholeiites in the foredeep of the Gondwanide fold belt are distinctly different in minor-element composition from those in zones of deep fracturing associated with the Nuanetsi rift-rift-rift triple junction in southern Africa. Intermediate basalt types are found in areas of regional tension not associated with rifted plate margins. The minor-element composition of tholeiites is dependant upon the depth (pressure) from which the magma was tapped and is closely related to prevailing regional tectonic environments.
Sophorolipid Production from Biomass Hydrolysates

Although extensive research has been conducted on producing sophorolipids using Candida (Starmerella) bombicola from pure sugars and various oil sources, production of this biosurfactant has not been evaluated when cells are cultivated in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Here, we report for the first time that C. bombicola is capable of producing sophorolipids on hydrolysates derived from sweet sorghum bagasse and corn fiber. Without oil supplementation, a sophorolipid concentration of 3.6 and 1.0 g/L was detected from cultures with bagasse and corn fiber hydrolysates, respectively. With the addition of soybean oil at 100 g/L, the yield of sophorolipids from these two hydrolysates in the same order was 84.6 and 15.6 g/L. Surprisingly, C. bombicola consumed all monomeric sugars and nonsugar compounds in the hydrolysates, and cultures with bagasse hydrolysates had higher yield of sophorolipids than those from a standard medium which contained pure glucose at the same concentration.
Sample size calculation based on risk ratio under multiple matching

Abstract To increase the efficiency of comparisons between treatments in clinical trials, we may consider the use of a multiple matching design, in which, for each patient receiving the experimental treatment, we match with more than one patient receiving the standard treatment. To assess the efficacy of the experimental treatment, the risk ratio (RR) of patient responses between two treatments is certainly one of the most commonly used measures. Because the probability of patient responses in clinical trial is often not small, the odds ratio (OR), of which the practical interpretation is not easily understood, cannot approximate RR well. Thus, all sample size formulae in terms of OR for case-control studies with multiple matched controls per case can be of limited use here. In this paper, we develop three sample size formulae based on RR for randomized trials with multiple matching. We propose a test statistic for testing the equality of RR under multiple matching. On the basis of Monte Carlo simulation, we evaluate the performance of the proposed test statistic with respect to Type I error. To evaluate the accuracy and usefulness of the three sample size formulae developed in this paper, we further calculate their simulated powers and compare them with those of the sample size formula ignoring matching and the sample size formula based on OR for multiple matching published elsewhere. Finally, we include an example that employs the multiple matching study design about the use of the supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of terminal cancer patients to illustrate the use of these formulae.
Apocalyptic Lollards?: The Conservative Use of The Book of Daniel in the English Wycliffite Sermons

Too frequently the biblical hermeneutics of the Lollards have been oversimplified and described as “sola scriptura” or “literal” for the purpose of comparison. Limited attention has been given to the hermeneutic of Scripture particularly that of the Old Testament, present in the Wycliffite homiletic tradition as espoused in the Middle English Wycliffite festial. Building on the work of Kantik Ghosh and Curtis V. Bostick, this study asserts that the Middle English Wycliffite sermons' focus upon the Old Testament prophetic literature as a source of figures fulfilled in the New Testament, the reluctance of the politically conservative Wycliffite movement to embrace a radical apocalyptic vision, and the overriding concern of Lollard hermeneuts to acquire certitude resulted in the limited use of the book of Daniel in Wycliffite sermonic literature. When compared to contemporary sermon cycles and later uses of Daniel by more radical English groups, it becomes obvious that the Wycliffite sermons did not utilize a radical critique of empire or maintain a radical apocalyptic vision that might have found greater use for Daniel.
A versatile two/four crystal monochromator for X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract This paper describes a unique X-ray monochromator which can employ either two or four crystal reflections. In the four crystal mode two counter-rotating pairs of crystals provide a high resolution dispersive arrangement with a fixed output beam. In this arrangement the basic functions of the monochromator are separated: the first crystal takes the heat load, the second and third crystals provide energy resolution, and the fourth crystal can be bent for sagittal focusing. The advantages of this design for use with a collimating mirror is discussed along with a comparison of two and four crystal characteristics. Operation in both two and four crystal modes is described along with procedures for maintaining crystal alignment.
Differentiation of zebrafish melanophores depends on transcription factors AP2 alpha and AP2 epsilon.

A model of the gene-regulatory-network (GRN), governing growth, survival, and differentiation of melanocytes, has emerged from studies of mouse coat color mutants and melanoma cell lines. In this model, Transcription Factor Activator Protein 2 alpha (TFAP2A) contributes to melanocyte development by activating expression of the gene encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase Kit. Next, ligand-bound Kit stimulates a pathway activating transcription factor Microphthalmia (Mitf), which promotes differentiation and survival of melanocytes by activating expression of Tyrosinase family members, Bcl2, and other genes. The model predicts that in both Tfap2a and Kit null mutants there will be a phenotype of reduced melanocytes and that, because Tfap2a acts upstream of Kit, this phenotype will be more severe, or at least as severe as, in Tfap2a null mutants in comparison to Kit null mutants. Unexpectedly, this is not the case in zebrafish or mouse. Because many Tfap2 family members have identical DNA–binding specificity, we reasoned that another Tfap2 family member may work redundantly with Tfap2a in promoting Kit expression. We report that tfap2e is expressed in melanoblasts and melanophores in zebrafish embryos and that its orthologue, TFAP2E, is expressed in human melanocytes. We provide evidence that Tfap2e functions redundantly with Tfap2a to maintain kita expression in zebrafish embryonic melanophores. Further, we show that, in contrast to in kita mutants where embryonic melanophores appear to differentiate normally, in tfap2a/e doubly-deficient embryonic melanophores are small and under-melanized, although they retain expression of mitfa. Interestingly, forcing expression of mitfa in tfap2a/e doubly-deficient embryos partially restores melanophore differentiation. These findings reveal that Tfap2 activity, mediated redundantly by Tfap2a and Tfap2e, promotes melanophore differentiation in parallel with Mitf by an effector other than Kit. This work illustrates how analysis of single-gene mutants may fail to identify steps in a GRN that are affected by the redundant activity of related proteins.
GaAs Mesfets and Related Monolithic Structures as Broadband Microwave Control Devices

GaAs MESFETs are becoming more widely used in control components such as switches, phase shifters and variable attenuators. In this review GaAs MESFET control devices are compared with Si PIN diodes, with an emphasis on device and technology capabilities. Models of the low power switching performance of conventional recess gate MESFETs will be presented, emphasizing the dependence of equivalent circuit parameters on material parameters and device geometry. Power handling limitations are also discussed, with an emphasis on the reduced capability at low frequency. Other MMIC control technologies are compared with conventional recessed-gate MESFET device structures.
Manual‐Based Treatments: Suggestions for Improving Their Clinical Utility and Acceptability

In this article we suggest that clinical psychology and clients of clinical psychologists will be better served by attempts to enhance the clinical utility of manual-based treatments rather than by continued disagreement over whether or not such manuals should exist. We suggest several ways in which the manual-based treatments may be rendered more palatable and valuable to practicing clinicians, an outcome that should result in greater clinical effectiveness of the therapies. It is important that empirically supported and manually based treatments be incorporated into doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral education and continuing education programs. Furthermore, practicing clinical psychologists will be well served by manuals and publications that contain descriptions of methods of combining and sequencing of such therapies, the specification of criteria for switching from one therapy to another, and specific efforts to update manuals and make them more user friendly.
ENZYMATIC ASSAY OF PENICILLIN

Microbiologic methods of quantitating penicillin require indicator strains resistant to other antibiotics, are influenced by non-antibiotic serum factors, and require overnight incubation; features which limit the clinical usefulness. Since aminoglycosides can be quantitated with R-factor Mediated enzymes, we examined the quantitation of penicillin with plasmid mediated β-lactamase. Osmotic shockates prepared from E. coli 1100/RKS contain β-lactamase activity which in active against penicillin G, ampicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, cloxacillin and carbenicillin; converting them to their respective penicilloic acids. Penicilloic acid will reduce arsenomolybdate in the presence of trace amounts of Hg++, yielding a blue complex which absorbs at 750 nm. We constructed a spectrophotometric assay for penicillin G based on quantitating β-lactamase dependent production of penicilloic acid. The assay reliably quantitates penicillin G in 0.2 ml serum in concentrations between 0.25 and lOOμg/ml within one hour. Non-β-lactam antibiotics at maximum therapeutic concentrations do not interfere with the assay. Mixtures of β-lactam antibiotics can not be accurately assayed. Very high concentrations of aminoglycosides (approx. 100 μg/ml) increase the blank value, but reliable (relative standard error of 5%) quantitation of penicillin G is possible. Preservative agents commonly added to blood specimens do not interfere with the assay. We conclude that plasmid mediated β-lactamase can serve as a reagent in the rapid, specific quantitation of penicillin G.
The effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements on perioperative bleeding following posterior spinal arthrodesis.

Purpose To investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty-acid supplements (n-3FA) on bleeding during posterior spinal arthrodesis.
Gravitational Field of Shells and Disks in General Relativity

The problem of obtaining the gravitational field of static, axially symmetric, thin shells is elucidated. In particular, a clear distinction between global and local frames is made. An algorithm is given for obtaining the fields of disks. There are two significant gravitational potentials $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ and $\ensuremath{\varphi}$. The potential $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is straightforwardly determined from the radial stresses by solving a two-dimensional potential problem. This potential is analytic everywhere except on the disk and, together with its stream function $\overline{z}$, can be used to generate a conformal transformation which brings the equation for $\ensuremath{\varphi}$ into the form of Laplace's equation. This potential can then be found by solving a Neumann boundary-value problem. However, the surface in the new coordinate system is not a disk since $\overline{z}$ is discontinuous across the disk. This is due to the fact that the Cauchy-Riemann equations imply that if the normal derivative of $\overline{\ensuremath{\rho}}$ is discontinuous, then the tangential derivative of $\overline{z}$ will be discontinuous.
Teaming Up for Inclusive Volunteering: A Case Study of a Volunteer Program for Youth with and without Disabilities

Volunteerism is a recreational activity that may hold the key to greater social inclusion for individuals with disabilities into our communities. Facilitating inclusive volunteering opportunities for youth with and without disabilities has a potential scope of impact that must not be ignored, including benefits to the youth and our communities. A case study of an inclusive youth volunteer program is described. Out-comes for participants included increased knowledge of volunteerism, increased social interaction, and psychosocial outcomes such as increased belief in self and increased sense of responsibility. The feasibility and sustainability of inclusive volunteer programs, as well as future programming and research needs are also discussed.
Possible general behavior in smectic-A−smectic-C (chiral smectic-C) transitions in liquid crystals

From the heat-capacity studies of several different liquid-crystal compounds, each with an isotropic ($I$)-smectic-$A$ ($\mathrm{Sm}A$)-smectic-$C$ ($\mathrm{Sm}C$) [or chiral-smectic-$C$ (${\mathrm{Sm}C}^{*}$)] transition sequence, one possible general behavior is found between ${t}_{0}$ and $\frac{{T}_{\mathrm{AC}}}{{T}_{\mathrm{IA}}}$. Here ${T}_{\mathrm{AC}}$ and ${T}_{\mathrm{IA}}$ denote the $\mathrm{Sm}A\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Sm}C(\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Sm}C}^{*}$) and $I\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{m}A$ transition temperatures. The important parameter ${t}_{0}$ characterizes the full width at the half-height of the mean-field heat-capacity anomaly associated with the $\mathrm{Sm}A\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{S}\mathrm{m}C$ or $\mathrm{Sm}A\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Sm}C}^{*}$ transition and features the crossover from an ordinary mean-field-like behavior to a mean-field-tricritical-like behavior as the temperature of the system moves away from the transition temperature.
Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Utility of FIBROspect II to Detect Liver Fibrosis in Morbidly Obese Hispano-American Patients Undergoing Gastric Bypass

Background Our study describes the prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis in Hispano-American morbidly obese patients and the utility of different serum markers to predict significant liver fibrosis in this population.
Lightweight software reverse engineering using augmented matrix visualizations

Empirical studies show that understanding existing software is a cost driver in maintenance activities and throughout the software development lifecycle. Presenting large software systems visually to support reverse engineering requires having the right summary to convey the important details. An experienced engineer knows the important details and can customize the view accordingly. In a reverse engineering context without this upfront knowledge and experience, any derived insights are strongly dependent on the (perhaps incorrectly) chosen view. We propose a lightweight visual approach to reverse engineering that supports users in interactively extracting high-level information from software at large scales with little or no upfront system knowledge. To support this we provide a matrix-based visualization method capable of displaying full systems in space-constrained views. The view visually emphasizes high level structural properties and employs a novel dependency display method to summarize and aggregate dependencies as the view changes, eliminating the need for user-directed aggregation decisions. We describe the visualization concept and a prototype tool that supports it, provide an example from the Apache HttpComponents Client open source project, and offer some areas of future work.
Experimental Salmonella typhi infection in the domestic pig, Sus scrofa domestica

Abstract The domestic pig, Sus scrofa domestica, was examined as a model for typhoid fever, a severe and systemic disease of humans caused by Salmonella typhi. Six pigs were inoculated 1 week post-weaning with approximately 1010colony forming units (cfu) of wild type Salmonella typhi strain ISP1820 intranasally and observed for 3 weeks. S. typhi was cultured from the tonsils of 50% of the pigs at necropsy. Cultures from all other organs analysed (ileum, colon, spleen and liver) were negative. No clinical or histopathological signs of disease were observed. Pigs inoculated in parallel with swine-virulent S. choleraesuis all exhibited signs of systemic salmonellosis indicating that the parameters of the experimental infection with S. typhi (e.g. route) were appropriate. Whereas the pig has a gastrointestinal tract that is very similar to humans, our results indicated that the unique features of host and microbe interaction needed to produce typhoid fever were not mimicked in swine. Nevertheless, our observation of tonsillar involvement was consistent with former observations of S. choleraesuis and S. typhimurium infections in swine and supports a role for the tonsil in all porcine salmonella infections.
Advancing the translation of optical imaging agents for clinical imaging

Despite the development of a large number of promising candidates, few contrast agents for established medical imaging modalities have successfully been translated over the past decade. The emergence of new imaging contrast agents that employ biomedical optics is further complicated by the relative infancy of the field and the lack of approved imaging devices compared to more established clinical modalities such as nuclear medicine. Herein, we propose a navigational approach (as opposed to a fixed “roadmap”) for translation of optical imaging agents that is (i) proposed through consensus by four academic research programs that are part of the cooperative U54 NCI Network for Translational Research, (ii) developed through early experiences for translating optical imaging agents in order to meet distinctly varied needs in cancer diagnostics, and (iii) adaptable to the rapidly changing environment of academic medicine. We describe the pathways by which optical imaging agents are synthesized, qualified, and validated for preclinical testing, and ultimately translated for “first-in-humans” studies using investigational optical imaging devices. By identifying and adopting consensus approaches for seemingly disparate optical imaging modalities and clinical indications, we seek to establish a systematic method for navigating the ever-changing “roadmap” to most efficiently arrive at the destination of clinical adoption and improved outcome and survivorship for cancer patients.
A theory of ionospheric thermal radiation

Abstract The ionosphere is considered as a dissipative medium in which the random thermal motions of the charged particles act as a source of thermal radiation. Attention has been focused on the electrons colliding with ions and neutral particles in the ionosphere. A method of analysis has been developed with the aid of the Maxwell and Langevin equations based on a linear, macroscopic, fluctuating electromagnetic field theory. The spectral density of the randomcurrent source function is derived in terms of the conductivity tensor of the ionosphere. The ionosphere is divided into a large number of incremental volume elements, each containing an ionized medium which represents an anisotropic elementary radiating system, characterized by the spectral density of the source function. The radiation characteristic of the radiating system observed at a point located outside of the source region is obtained with the aid of the potential functions which relate the thermal electromagnetic fields at the observation point to their source function. Based on the superposition principle, general expressions have been derived for w0, the thermal noise power generated per unit volume, per unit bandwidth, from any given source region Vs of the ionosphere, and for P0( ƒ, V s ), the available thermal noise per unit bandwidth at a receiving antenna. These expressions are valid for most regions of interest in the ionosphere where the electron collision process plays a major role in the thermal radiation and they are not limited in frequency range.
Solution and solid-state structure of 2,6-anhydro-1,1-bis(ethylsulfonyl)-1-deoxy-d-talitol

Abstract d -Galactose diethyl dithioacetal can be oxidized with m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid to produce the previously described highly crystalline bis(ethylsulfone), the structure of which has now been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.
Novel bis-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (bis-TMP) and bis-mecamylamine antagonists at neuronal nicotinic receptors mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release

Abstract By linking two or three mecamylamine or 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TMP) molecules together via a linear lipophilic bis-methylene linker or a specially designed conformationally restricted tris-linker, a series of bis- and tris-tertiary amine analogs has been synthesized and evaluated as potent antagonists at nAChRs mediating nicotine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release from rat striatal slices. Compounds 7e , 14b and 16 demonstrated high potency in decreasing nicotine-evoked [ 3 H]dopamine release (IC 50 = 2.2, 46, and 107 nM, respectively). The preliminary structure–activity data obtained with these new analogs suggest the importance of the length of the methylene linker in the bis-analog series. Such bis-tertiary amino analogs may provide a new strategy for the design of drugable ligands that have high inhibitory potency against nAChRs mediating nicotine-evoked dopamine release in striatum, which have been suggested to be target receptors of interest in the development of potential smoking cessation therapies.
Performance of Articulation-Disordered Children on Language and Perception Measures

Five-year-old articulation-disordered children were classified as syllable reducers or as substituters. They were compared to each other and to normal controls on measures of expressive and recepti...
Table-top explorations of synthetic aperture ladar imaging

Examples of synthetic aperture ladar (SAL) imaging utilizing an ultra-broadband actively stabilized chirp source are presented. Demonstrations include high definition strip-map, spotlight, and bistatic mode SAL imaging and interferometric SAL for 3D surface relief imaging.
The effects of transient, localized electric fields on equatorial electron acceleration and transport toward the inner magnetosphere

[1] Motivated by recent observations of intense electric fields and elevated energetic particle fluxes within flow bursts beyond geosynchronous altitude (Runov et al., 2009, 2011), we apply modeling of particle guiding centers in prescribed but realistic electric fields to improve our understanding of energetic particle acceleration and transport toward the inner magnetosphere through model-data comparisons. Representing the vortical nature of an earthward traveling flow burst, a localized, westward-directed transient electric field flanked on either side by eastward fields related to tailward flow is superimposed on a nominal steady state electric field. We simulate particle spectra observed at multiple THEMIS spacecraft located throughout the magnetotail and fit the modeled spectra to observations, thus constraining properties of the electric field model. We find that a simple potential electric field model is capable of explaining the presence and spectral properties of both geosynchronous altitude and “trans-geosynchronous” injections at higher L-shells (L > 6.6 RE) in a manner self-consistent with the injections' inward penetration. In particular, despite the neglect of the magnetic field changes imparted by dipolarization and the inductive electric field associated with them, such a model can adequately describe the physics of both dispersed injections and depletions (“dips”) in energy flux in terms of convective fields associated with earthward flow channels and their return flow. The transient (impulsive), localized, and vortical nature of the earthward-propagating electric field pulse is what makes this model particularly effective.
MSim: a general cycle accurate simulation platform for memcomputing studies

The lack of accurate yet open to public simulation infrastructure has puzzled researchers in the memcomputing area for sometime. In this paper, we propose for the first time a full tool chain called MSim that supports the cycle-accurate microarchitecture level simulation for memcomputing studies. With MSim, the performance gains of utilizing memcomputing for arbitrary applications on user configurable computer system architectures can be evaluated in high accuracy. In addition, MSim provides flexible interfaces with pervasive object-oriented design, which makes it well-suited as a good base platform for researchers to explore new memcomputing technologies.
Mechanism of the degradation of individual PCB congeners using mechanically alloyed Mg/Pd in methanol.

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a continuing concern in the environment, although legislation restricting the production and use of PCBs was introduced more than 30 years ago. The combination of zero-valent metals and hydrogenation catalysts has been proven effective in the remediation of PCBs, although the exact mechanism of degradation is not known as of yet. The use of mechanically alloyed zero-valent magnesium and palladium (on graphite) has shown great success in the dechlorination of PCBs. Knowing the mechanism for this dechlorination would be helpful in optimizing the bimetallic Mg/Pd for use in the field. A variety of experiments have been performed on a single PCB congener (PCB-151, 2,2′,3,5,5′,6-polychlorobiphenyl) in an attempt to determine the mechanism by which the degradation occurs. The studies are carried out in methanol to mimic the solvent system which will be used in field applications. Results of these studies have suggested three possible mechanisms, all of which include the removal of the chlorine atom by a hydrogen as the rate-limiting step, varying only in the exact nature of the hydrogen species (radical, hydride, or “hydride-like” radical). Brief: A series of studies has suggested three possible mechanistic pathways for the degradation of PCBs in methanol by Mg/Pd.
Physical evolution and topology of (As2Se3)1−xTlx alloys

Abstract Ternary compound As–Se–Tl amorphous films, have been deposited by thermal evaporation with thickness in the range of 200 nm. The optical band gap was determined as a function of Tl addition, heat treatment and type of substrate. It was found to be in the range 0.6–1.72 eV. X-ray diffraction measurements were also carried out. Using simple consideration, based on coordination numbers ( m ) and bond energies, the average number of near-neighbors of each type expected to surround the atom has been estimated. These glasses assume simple additive bond energies. It was found that there is a correlation between the chalcogenide glass forming ability and the number of lone pair electrons for a chalcogenide system. Moreover, the briefly mentioned films are studied by the scanning electron microscope. It is shown general grain growth phenomena occurs on the film free surface during the deposition process. The influence of the annealing time and the type of substrate on the surface morphology is demonstrated.
Getting to the heart of the matter: cardiac involvement in transthyretin-related amyloidosis.

This editorial refers to ‘Disease profile and differential diagnosis of hereditary transthyretin-related amyloidosis with exclusively cardiac phenotype: an Italian perspective’, by C. Rapezzi et al. , doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehs123 Transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR) was originally called familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) by Andrade based on the predominant features of a length-dependent axonal neuropathy seen in affected Portuguese patients.1 With positive identification of transthyretin (TTR) as the precursor protein, and a growing number of new forms of systemic amyloidosis identified, the name was subsequently changed to ATTR.2 Despite the name change, the disease itself continues to be regarded predominantly as a form of hereditary peripheral neuropathy. The phenotype of cardiac involvement, either as a solitary manifestation of the disease or in association with neuropathy, is probably underdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness of ATTR. As a result, patients who present with cardiac symptoms of ATTR may not gain access to current diagnostic tests or emerging therapies. Factors that probably contribute to low disease recognition include the overall rarity of ATTR and the regional variation in incidence. For example, most of the data on the typical pattern of disease in ATTR patients who have the …