cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Case Study of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy with Adaptations for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Early Childhood

Children with ASD commonly exhibit disruptive behaviors, which are often the primary referral concern for treatment. Although PCIT was originally developed for typically developing children with externalizing behaviors, several studies have demonstrated its success in reducing behavioral problems in more specialized populations, including children with ASD. This chapter describes a clinical case study conducted with a 3-year-old female diagnosed with ASD. This case study illustrates that PCIT can be a successful treatment for children with ASD and other comorbid conditions. The chapter will describe the case in detail, while dedicating special attention to the considerations and adaptations used when working with the child and family. The section will conclude by highlighting future directions for practice and research when using PCIT for children with ASD.
Strong Attraction and Adhesion Forces of Dust Particles by System Voltages of Photovoltaic Modules

We report for the first time on direct measurements using atomic force microscopy (AFM) of electric field induced attraction and adhesion forces associated with soiling on photovoltaic (PV) modules. Real dust particles and silica spheres as surrogate to simulating dust particles were glued to AFM probe cantilevers. The electric field induced force (Fes) was measured via AFM force–distance ( f – z ) curves, where the electric field was generated by applying a voltage (Vs) to a simulated PV module. Fes and van der Waals (Fvw) force contributions could be separated with the f – z curves. The results show that Fes ∼2.5 μ N on dust particles is ∼5 times larger than Fvw ∼0.5 μ N at even Vs = −100 V (i.e., similar to large-module operating voltages). Fes increases by an order of magnitude as the applied potential increases from Vs = −100 V to Vs = −500 V. These adhesion forces are by far the strongest that we have measured using the AFM technique for “initial” contact of particles. Furthermore, unlike the more typical short-range forces of Fvw and liquid bridge, Fes extends sub-millimeters to a millimeter beyond the PV module surface, creating large attraction forces to even uncharged dust particles (i.e., via induced dipoles) in the air. These results indicate that the high voltages typically used with PV arrays today will attract more dust particles from the air, hold the dust particles to the surface very strongly, and potentially induce other PV module surface effects, all of which could increase the power production losses because of soiling.
Enhancing Student Learning in Sport Education through the Manipulation of Need-Supportive Instruction.

Though motivationally nurturing instruction has been linked to numerous desirable outcomes, its presence and impact on student learning, particularly in models-based practice, is largely absent in the literature. Grounded in self-determination theory, this study examined the efficacy of an intervention aimed at increasing the provision of psychological need-supportive instruction and the associated impact on learning within Sport Education. This study included one preservice teacher, Jason, and the 58 students in his fifth-grade class. Jason first taught one season of floor hockey. During this season, Jason’s need-supportive behaviors were coded and his students were tested in the cognitive (pre, post, retention) and psychomotor (pre and post) domains. Following a workshop seeking to increase his provision of need support, Jason then taught a season of pickleball to the same class, and identical data collection procedures were used. Relative to the preintervention season, Jason exhibited significantly more need-supportive behaviors in the form of autonomy support ( p = .006), structure ( p < .001), and relatedness support ( p = .004) in the postintervention season. Analysis of variance tests revealed significant improvements in cognitive scores during both seasons from pre- to posttest; however, only during the postintervention season were scores significantly higher from posttest to retention, t (53) = 2.20, p = .033, d = .22. Though significant improvement in students’ contextual skill performance was observed in both seasons, t -test results using change scores indicated significantly more progress was made during the postintervention season. Significant improvement in decontextualized skill performance was comparable across seasons. Collectively, these results suggest not only that preservice teachers’ motivating styles are malleable, but also that increased provision of need support in physical education may facilitate improvements in student learning. Subscribe to TPE
Shared literacy sponsors: moments that sustained learning and challenged neo-deficit ideologies in programmatic family literacy

Family literacy programmes operate on the periphery of American education and often employ a deficit orientation toward minoritized families; still, parents view these programmes as language-learni...
Teaching Preschoolers With Down Syndrome Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication Modeling During Small Group Dialogic Reading.

Purpose This study evaluated the effect of aided augmentative and alternative communication modeling (AAC-MOD) on the communication skills of children with Down syndrome (DS) during small group dia...
Civic and Faith Life in College: A Two-Part Investigation of University Students’ Political and Spiritual Engagement

This two-part investigation extended research demonstrating the civic impact of college students’ spiritual commitments. The initial study served as a large-scale assessment (n = 768) of political ...
Hematopoietic Cell-Expressed Endothelial Nitric Oxide Protects the Liver From Insulin Resistance

Objective: Mice genetically deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Nos3−/−) have fasting hyperinsulinemia and hepatic insulin resistance, indicating the importance of Nos3 (nitric oxide sy...
Advances in regenerative medicine for otolaryngology/head and neck surgery

Head and neck structures govern the vital functions of breathing and swallowing. Additionally, these structures facilitate our sense of self through vocal communication, hearing, facial animation, and physical appearance. Loss of these functions can lead to loss of life or greatly affect quality of life. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly developing field that aims to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues, and organs. Although the field is largely in its nascence, regenerative medicine holds promise for improving on conventional treatments for head and neck disorders or providing therapies where no current standard exists. This review presents milestones in the research of regenerative medicine in head and neck surgery.
Deep long-period earthquakes generated by second boiling beneath Mauna Kea volcano

Deep long-period earthquakes (DLPs) are an enigmatic type of volcanic seismicity that sometimes precedes eruptions but mostly occurs at quiescent volcanoes. These earthquakes are depleted in high-frequency content and typically occur near the base of the crust. We observed a near-periodic, long-lived sequence of more than one million DLPs in the past 19 years beneath the dormant postshield Mauna Kea volcano in Hawai'i. We argue that this DLP sequence was caused by repeated pressurization of volatiles exsolved through crystallization of cooling magma stalled beneath the crust. This "second boiling" of magma is a well-known process but has not previously been linked to DLP activity. Our observations suggest that, rather than portending eruptions, global DLP activity may more commonly be indicative of stagnant, cooling magma.
Improvement of ejection fraction and mortality in ischaemic heart failure

Objective The frequency and predictors of improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in ischaemic cardiomyopathy and its association with mortality is poorly understood. We sought to assess the predictors of LVEF improvement ≥10% and its effect on mortality. Methods We compared characteristics of patients enrolled in The Surgical Treatment for Ischaemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial with and without improvement of LVEF ≥10% at 24 months. A logistic regression model was constructed to determine the independent predictors of LVEF improvement. A Cox proportional hazards model was created to assess the independent association of improvement in LVEF ≥10% with mortality. Results Of the 1212 patients enrolled in STICH, 618 underwent echocardiographic assessment of LVEF at baseline and 24 months. Of the patients randomised to medical therapy plus coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), 58 (19%) had an improvement in LVEF >10% compared with 51 (16%) patients assigned to medical therapy alone (p=0.30). Independent predictors of LVEF improvement >10% included prior myocardial infarction (OR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.71, p=0.001) and lower baseline LVEF (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.97, p 10% (HR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.84, p=0.004) and randomisation to CABG (HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57 to 0.90, p=0.004) were independently associated with a reduced hazard of mortality. Conclusions Improvement of LVEF ≥10% at 24 months was uncommon in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, did not differ between patients assigned to CABG and medical therapy or medical therapy alone and was independently associated with reduced mortality. Trial registration number NCT00023595.
Novel Secure MTJ/CMOS Logic (SMCL) for Energy-Efficient and DPA-Resistant Design

Hybrid MTJ/CMOS-based Logic-in-Memory (LiM) architecture-based circuits show high potential in designing low-power circuits by reducing the leakage power. In this work, we have proposed a novel energy-efficient and Secure MTJ/CMOS Logic (SMCL) circuits to design ultra-low-power and DPA-resistant MTJ/CMOS circuits. Similar to the existing MTJ/CMOS designs, the proposed MTJ/CMOS design also works in two different modes of clock. The proposed MTJ/CMOS designs have considerable power savings during the pre-charge of the clock. During the pre-charge phase, both output nodes are pre-charged to VDD/2, while during the evaluate phase, one node will be charged to VDD, while the other node will discharged to ground. Moreover, the proposed SMCL consumes uniform power by masking the MTJ during the write operation from the power supply, thereby thwarting the power analysis-based side-channel attacks. From our simulations, we have observed that the proposed SMCL-based PRESENT-80 cryptographic hardware has about 42% and 59% of energy savings as compared to the PCSA-based MTJ/CMOS and conventional CMOS-based implementation. Furthermore, we have also performed the DPA attack on the SMCL-based PRESENT-80 and the secret key was not revealed after 16,000 power traces.
Effects of skin-to-skin care on electrical activity of the diaphragm in preterm infants during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist

Abstract Background Skin-to-skin care (SSC) reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity and is widely implemented in the neonatal intensive care unit. However, changes in respiratory effort during SSC in ventilated preterm infants remain unclear. Aims To evaluate the effect of SSC on electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) and vital signs in premature infants who are intubated and under neurally adjusted ventilatory assist ventilation. Study design We performed an observational cross-over study. Data were measured in three periods: before (pre-SSC period), during (SSC period), and after (post-SSC period) SSC. Stable 30-min data in each period were extracted. Subjects Thirty-four SSC procedures were performed in 14 preterm infants with a median gestational age of 25.3 weeks (interquartile range, 24, 26.4) and a birth weight of 659 g (566, 694). The median postnatal age was 41 days (31, 53) at the study with a median postmenstrual age of 31.3 weeks (30.4, 32.5). Outcome measures Median values of Edi peak, Edi minimum, respiratory rate, SpO2, and heart rate were measured in each condition. The Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni multiple comparisons was used to compare each parameter in each period. Results Median Edi peak and Edi minimum values were significantly lower during SSC compared with pre- and post-SSC, without any change in respiratory rate, SpO2, or heart rate. Conclusions Respiratory efforts as evaluated by Edi are significantly reduced during SSC in ventilated preterm infants.
3017: Six years in the life of an ill-fated neologism

Abstract In this study we examined uses of the number 3017 as a neologism by members of an online forum. 3017 has a number of factors working against its success as a neologism, but its use grew dramatically over the course of six years. Statistical analyses showed that the growth data were very well modeled by both a quadratic and a sigmoid curve. The form was used primarily as an adjective and to a lesser extent as a noun over the first 500 days, before verbal forms came to dominate. To understand the structure of the 3017 concept in the mental lexicons of users, we examine attempts to define the term, and disagreements and negotiations about what the term does and does not include. Finally, we include examples of users’ creativity and productivity with the form, including readily-understood jokes.
Causality in the aluminum market

Abstract Wavelets based on undifferenced cash and futures log are used to determine causality in the aluminum markets. Wavelets are used versus I(d) processes as daily I(d)s adjusted for conditional heteroskedasticity, are not second-order stationary. Weekly I(d)s are second-order stationary after accounting for conditional heteroskedasticity but are found to be less informative than weekly wavelets in terms of causality. Wavelets exhibit causality at most daily time scales up to 2 years and weekly time scales up to 5 years. As causality exists between cash and futures in both the short and long term, the aluminum market meets the first condition of market efficiency. The daily cost-of-carry-model is supported, and as causality is determined without reference to I(d)s, there is increased confidence in the setting of initial hedge ratios. The wavelets exhibit causality at most daily time scales up to 2 years and weekly time scales out to 5 years. As causality exists between cash and futures in both the short and long term, the aluminum market meets the first condition of market efficiency. The results give support to the cost-of-carry-model on a daily basis and increases confidence in setting of initial hedge ratios 1 year or more out.
Unorthodox Secretion by Gram-Negative Bacteria

This chapter discusses the architecture of the gram-negative bacterial cell and several solutions to the gram-negative secretion dilemma. Gram-negative bacteria enjoy the protection of the outer membrane; however, it does not come without a price. Secretion across two membranes is more than twice the challenge faced by single-membrane cells. DNA is transferred in the case of the T-DNA of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and the P conjugation pathway. Protein secretion pathways that use the PulE homologs include those that secrete pertussis toxin and cholera toxin. Bordetella pertussis has evolved numerous pathways for the secretion of its virulence factors. Each of the five pertussis toxin subunits is encoded by a separate gene, and each has an N-terminal secretion signal sequence that is proteolytically processed and absent from the mature toxin. Pertussis toxin is synthesized and accumulated in the cells late in the growth cycle, first appearing after about 20 h in culture. Current efforts in the laboratory are aimed at testing the membrane fusion hypothesis and understanding how the seven Ptl subunits perform the secretion functions.
Studies of the regulatory mechanism of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. Mutation of threonine 286 to alanine and aspartate.

A cDNA clone for the α subunit of mouse brain Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) was transcribed in vitro and translated in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. Inclusion of [35S]methionine in the translation system yielded a single 35S-polypeptide of about 50 kDa. When the translation system was assayed for CaM-kinase II activity, there was a 5-10-fold enrichment of kinase activity which was totally dependent on Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM). Both the 50-kDa 35S-polypeptide and the Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase activity were quantitatively immunoprecipitated by rat brain CaM-kinase II antibody. When the translated wild-type kinase was subjected to autophosphorylation conditions in the presence of Ca2+, CaM, Mg2+, and ATP, the Ca2+-independent activity (assayed in the presence of [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid) increased from 5.8 ± 0.7 to 26.5 ± 2.1% of total activity (assayed in the presence of Ca2+/CaM). These properties confirm the identity of the kinase translated in vitro as CaM-kinase II. The role of Thr-286 autophosphorylation in formation of the Ca2+-independent activity was investigated by site-directed mutation of Thr-286 to Ala (Ala-286 kinase) and to Asp (Asp-286 kinase). The Ala-286 kinase was completely dependent on Ca2+/CaM for activity prior and subsequent to autophosphorylation. The Asp-286 kinase exhibited 21.9 ± 0.8% Ca2+-independent activity, and this was not increased by autophosphorylation. These results establish that introduction of negative charge(s) at residue 286, either by autophosphorylation of Thr or by mutation to Asp, is sufficient and necessary to generate the partially Ca2+-independent form of CaM-kinase II.
Flux-limited diffusion in a scattering medium

A diffusion equation (FDT) is presented with a coefficient that reduces to the appropriate limiting form in the streaming and near thermodynamic limits for a moving fluid in which the dominant source of opacity is Thomson scattering. The present results are compared to those obtained with the corresponding equations for an absorptive medium. It is found that FDT for a scattering medium is accurate to better than less than about 17 percent over the range of optical depths of tau in the range of about 0 to 3.
Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering diseases: a review of the evidence for its efficacy and safety.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a biologic agent that is being increasingly used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders. It is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, Kawasaki disease, bone marrow transplantation in patients aged over 20 years, chronic B-cell lymphocytic leukemia, and pediatric AIDS. IVIg has been used off-label for several diseases, clinical symptoms and syndromes.
ELEMENTARY ANALYSIS IN TRIP DISTRIBUTION MODELING

A method for manually calibrating the gravity model using elementary analysis is described. Requisite for the method is an O-D matrix, which is first transformed to logarithms before column and row averages are subtracted, resulting in a residuals matrix. The same operation is performed in a matrix of distances yielding a distance residuals matrix. These two residuals are graphed to determine the friction term of the gravity model. This friction factor, computed for a sample from a suburban circumferential corridor, was applied to another sample. Using the gravity model, the O-D matrix is estimated in a straightforward, noniterative manner, yet they are remarkably similar to the actual trip matrix. The method is proposed as a useful trip distribution modeling and forecasting technique, whenever the study is relatively small and quick results are desired. Larger problems may use the same method but require computer analysis.
Laboratory Studies of Infrared Thermography in Roofing Moisture Detection

A laboratory evaluation of infrared thermography for detecting moisture in roofing specimens is presented. This study was based on laboratory controlled specimen preparation and testing conditions. For steady state heat flow, and in a few cases, transient heat flow, the effects of moisture on the surface temperature of the roofing specimens were determined by thermocouples and thermography. Surface temperatures determined by infrared thermography were shown to correlate well with the thermocouple temperatures. Two system performance parameters were assessed: threshold moisture content and the slope of the instrument response versus moisture content curve.
The Role of Behavioural Toxicity in Risk Assessment

Behaviour is now established as a fundamental dimension of toxicity and risk assessment. It emerged as a criterion of adverse effects because many questions about health risks centred on measures such as IQ and other neuropsychological indices. Methylmercury and lead risks are quantified in such terms and clinical entities such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are basically behavioural disorders. Behavioural methods, as a consequence, are essential research tools for determining the risks of exposure to environmental chemicals, for studying the mechanisms by which drugs act on nervous system diseases and for determining the potential of new pharmaceuticals to alter behaviour, either therapeutically or adversely. To fulfil these roles effectively, behavioural research must examine a variety of end points. These range from naturalistic behaviours, such as those involved in reproduction, to activity patterns, to motor and sensory function and to complex cognitive processes. At the same time, behavioural methods must encompass techniques applicable to both laboratory animals and humans. Keywords: psychological tests; schedule-controlled operant behaviour; cognitive function; locomotor activity; functional observation battery; naturalistic behaviours; motor function; sensory function
Gravity-defying Behaviors: Identifying Models for Protoaves1

Abstract Most current phylogenetic hypotheses based upon cladistic methodology assert that birds are the direct descendants of derived maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs, and that the origin of avian flight necessarily developed within a terrestrial context (i.e., from the “ground up”). Most theoretical aerodynamic and energetic models or chronologically appropriate fossil data do not support these hypotheses for the evolution of powered flight. The more traditional model for the origin of flight derives birds from among small arboreal early Mesozoic archosaurs (“thecodonts”). According to this model, protoavian ancestors developed flight in the trees via a series of intermediate stages, such as leaping, parachuting, gliding, and flapping. This model benefits from the assemblage of living and extinct arboreal vertebrates that engage in analogous non-powered aerial activities using elevation as a source of gravitational energy. Recent reports of “feathered theropods” notwithstanding, the evolution of birds fr...
The pH induced modification of the electrophoretic mobilities of horseradish peroxidase isozymes.

Abstract Isozymes of horseradish peroxidase may be generated from preexisting forms of the enzyme by incubation at 4 °C in solutions with pH's of 7 or higher. Isozymes generated in this manner express an apparent net increase in negative charge compared to the original form of the enzymes. This is evidenced by an increase in anodic electrophoretic mobility and a decrease in isoelectric point. The generation of new isozymes of peroxidase by such treatment alters the isozyme distribution pattern considerably, but there is no net change in total peroxidase activity present in the extract if pH's of 10.0 or lower are used. The generated peroxidase isozymes are formed irreversibly; neither retitration of extracts to a lower pH nor heat treatment will restore the original peroxidase isozymes.
The borane analogy: CH ligand orientation in arachno- and closo-butterfly clusters

Abstract The model compound HB2H4CH is used as a means of examining the preferred CH ligand orientation when the borane butterfly fragment HB4H4+ fragment accommodates CH− to give either a closo- or arachno-HB4H4CH cluster. The Fenske-Hall quantum chemical technique is used to explore cluster bonding first in terms of carbide protonation and then through the interaction of HB4H4+ and CH−. BH is formally isolobal with Fe(CO)3 and it is shown that the fragment-ligand orbital interactions and mechanism of CH bond weakening in HFe4(CO)12CH are modelled successfully using HB4H4CH.
The relaxation complex of colicinogenic factor E1: Electrophoretic properties and a novel assay system for sodium dodecyl sulfate-mediated induction☆

Abstract The relaxation complex of plasmid colicinogenic factor E1 is demonstrated to be stable during agarose gel electrophoresis in low ionic strength buffer and to migrate as a distinct species having a 3% reduction in electrophoretic mobility relative to uncomplexed native supercoiled DNA. Treatment of complex with sodium dodecyl sulfate results in the apparent activation of a repressed endonucleolytic activity (induction) resulting in conversion to a species having a mobility coincident with nicked circular DNA. We have further demonstrated that if sodium dodecyl sulfate is applied to an agarose gel at times subsequent to the application of relaxation complex, sodium dodecyl sulfate will overtake the DNA, cause induction, and result in complete separation of induced complex from all other DNA forms. This technique constitutes a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative assay for induction as well as a single-step purification procedure. Induced complex can be readily isolated from preparative gels by electroelution and demonstrated to be a substrate for DNA polymerase I in a nick translation reaction. Incorporation of radioactive nucleotides occurs specifically in a 460 base pair restriction fragment known to contain the relaxation cleavage site, the likely origin of transfer of the heavy strand during F-factor-mediated plasmid mobilization.
Active hydrothermal vents and sulfide deposits on the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge

Massive-sulfide deposits rich in zinc and silver were recovered from the Juan de Fuca Ridge 500 km west of Oregon in September 1981. The samples recovered are composed largely of zinc sulfide, with lesser amounts of iron, lead, and copper sulfide. Most of the deposits occur at a series of hydrothermal vents within a relatively continuous depression in the center of a smooth 1-km-wide valley along the ridge axis. The depression appears to be formed by collapse of a lava lake possibly modified by extensional faulting. The axial valley floor outside the depression is underlain by fresh, glassy, ferrobasalt sheet and lobate flows. Two types of sulfide-mineral deposits were dredged from one of the hydrothermal vents: (1) angular slabs of dark-gray zinc sulfide; and (2) subrounded fragments of porous light-gray zinc sulfide. The samples contain fresh sphalerite, zoned wurtzite, pyrite, and minor amounts of marcasite, galena, and chalcopyrite-cubanite. The spreading rate of the Juan de Fuca Ridge and the composition of the sulfide samples are generally similar to the East Pacific Rise lat 21° N site; however, the texture and geologic setting of the sulfide deposits are significantly different.
Warpage Analysis of FBGA (Fine Ball Grid Array) Package by the Altered EMC (Epoxy Molding Compound) Filler Contents

In a semiconductor packaging process, the warpage greatly has influenced the reliability of the package as well as the workability. The strip warpage in FBGA package result from the structure of constitutes and the thermal mismatch by the mechanical or thermal properties such as CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) and Modulus of EMC, substrate, chip and adhesive materials. Therefore, the optimization of material properties and the package structure design has been needed by the numerical analysis. EMC used as one of the package constituents has a decisive effect on the trend of warpage, and the filler content is dominant in the EMC property. In this research, firstly the effect of the filler contents is evaluated in the warpage of FBGA package and the numerical analysis is performed with the high temperature – material properties to deal with the warpage under the actual measurement value.
Influence of ionic pretreatment on the performance of solid electrolyte dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were manufactured with liquid iodine/iodide electrolyte solution in acetonitrile and a solid electrolyte based on plasticized poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Two types of titania electrodes manufactured from two-ingredient precursors were used to assess the efficacy of the solid electrolyte and the improvement produced by two chemical treatments. Solid electrolyte devices with a liquid electrolyte pretreatment applied to the electrolyte-oxide interface demonstrated improved photovoltaic performance compared to untreated solid electrolyte devices and solid electrolyte devices given an electrode-bulking sol treatment. Devices using electrodes made from hydrothermally synthesized titanate nanotubes resulted in lower performance than those made from the typically-used titania nanopowder, with significant performance loss resulting from the substitution of solid for liquid electrolyte, indicating the critical dependence of performance on electrolyte infiltration into the oxide layer.
Effect of preadsorbed background organic matter on granular activated carbon adsorption of atrazine

Abstract This study examines the effect of preadsorbed background organic matter (measured as dissolved organic carbon, DOC) on the granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption of atrazine. Thirty-four experiments were conducted in batch contactors using organic-free laboratory water (
Absolute configurational determination of an all-trans-retinal dimer isolated from photoreceptor outer segments.

An all-trans-retinal (ATR) dimer (1) isolated from photoreceptor outer segments was found to have a stereogenic center at C13′ flanked by tetraene (295 nm) and hexaenal (438 nm) chromophores. Analytical chiral HPLC (Chiralcel OD) revealed that the isolated retinoid had formed in 13% enantiomeric excess. Using a combination of 1H-1H NOESY constraints, molecular modeling, and CD exciton coupling analysis, it was determined that the favored enantiomer was 13′(R). Three low-energy conformers of the 13′(S) model were found with MMFF/DFT and were used to calculate the CD spectrum of the ATR dimer (DeVoe method). The Boltzmann weighted spectrum was found to exhibit a positive exciton couplet, in excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum for the first eluted enantiomer. This further suggested that despite the large energy difference between the two interacting chromophores, the dominant source of optical activity in the CD spectrum is the nondegenerate exciton mechanism. Chirality 16:637–641, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Biological Threat to U.S. Water Supplies: Toward a National Water Security Policy

In addition to providing potable drinking water, U.S. water systems are critical to the maintenance of many vital public services, such as fire suppression and power generation. Disruption of these systems would produce severe public health and safety risks, as well as considerable economic losses. Thus, water systems have been designated as critical to national security by the U.S. government. Previous outbreaks of waterborne disease have demonstrated the vulnerability of both the water supply and the public's health to biological contamination of drinking water. Such experiences suggest that a biological attack, or even a credible threat of an attack, on water infrastructure could seriously jeopardize the public's health, its confidence, and the economic vitality of a community. Despite these recognized vulnerabilities, protecting water supplies from a deliberate biological attack has not been sufficiently addressed. Action in this area has suffered from a lack of scientific understanding of the true vu...
Significance Testing of Rules in Rule-Based Models of Human Problem Solving

Rule-based models of human problem solving have typically not been tested for statistical significance. Three methods of testing rules ?analysis of variance, randomization, and contingency tables?are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of the methods are also described.
Practical Strategies to Reduce Pediatric CT Radiation Dose

The objective of this article is to provide a brief review of CT scanning radiation sensitivity in children and explain CT scan parameters that affect radiation dose. We discuss key factors influencing radiation dose and study quality and how these factors can be used to optimize scan protocols with the goal of reducing pediatric CT radiation dose without compromising diagnostic quality. Finally, we provide some practical tips for reducing radiation doses to children.
Current-induced hydrogen migration and interface trap generation in aluminum-silicon dioxide-silicon capacitors

Abstract Capacitors incorporating both “wet”-type and “dry”-type thermal silicon dioxide films have been characterized electrically and chemically. Under electron avalanche injection conditions, these films exhibited the complex oxide bulk and oxide-silicon interface charging behavior previously observed. Secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements on these capacitors showed that avalanche electron injection also results in redistribution of hydrogen species within the oxide films. These results are discussed in the context of a previously-proposed model for interface trap and interface charge generation. In this model, bulk oxide trapping centers are treated as precursors for mobile hydrogen species and consequently for interface traps. The model is partially successful in describing the measured data.
Response to immunization with measles, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines in children who have human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and are treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Objective. To assess the level of immunity to measles, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in previously immunized children who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and were treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and to determine the response to reimmunization. Methods. Retrospective review of clinical data from children who have HIV-1 infection and were treated with HAART. Children were included in the analysis when they had a history of immunizations before treatment with HAART; had specific immunoglobulin G levels to tetanus, measles, or Hib measured after starting HAART but before the receipt of additional immunizations; were reimmunized while on HAART; and had postimmunization immunoglobulin G levels available. Results. Nineteen children (median age: 7 years; range: 3–14 years) who were treated with 3 to 5 drug HAART regimens for a median of 20 months (range: 8–37) met the criteria for at least 1 antigen and were included in this review. Fifteen (79%) of the 19 had plasma RNA levels Conclusions. Consideration should be given to readministering childhood immunizations to children who have HIV infection and are treated successfully with combination antiretroviral therapy.
Structural features of the Clostridium thermocellum cellulase SS gene.

TheClostridium thermocellum cellulase Ss is a subunit of the extracellular cellulase complex (cellulosome). It has previously been shown that Ss hydrolyzes crystalline cellulose synergistically with another subunit, SL. To study this synergism further, the authors cloned the gene coding for Ss (celS) and compared its sequence to other knowncel genes. ThecelS, although unique in its DNA sequence, has many structural features similar to those found in othercel genes. These features include a ribosome biding site, signal peptide sequence, the existence of a conserved reiterated amino acid sequence, and a palindromic structure downstream from its open reading frame.
Regulation of cytochrome P-450 dependent steroid hydroxylase activity in Manduca sexta: Evidence for the involvement of a neuroendocrine-endocrine axis during larval-pupal development

Ecdysone 20-monooxygenase activity and the factors which may regulate this steroid hydroxylase were examined in the midgut of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, during the last larval stadium. Radioassay experiments revealed that midgut ecdysone 20-monooxygenase undergoes a single 50-fold increase in activity temporally coincident with the onset of the wandering stage. The increase in midgut monooxygenase activity was prevented by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, and could be elicited in head (but not thoracic) ligated animals by a brain-retrocerebral complex factor(s) released at the same time as prothoracicotropic hormone. In contrast, ecdysone or 20-hydroxyecdysone could elicit the increase in enzyme activity in both head and thoracic ligated animals. These data suggest the operation of a neuroendocrine-endocrine axis in the regulation of midgut ecdysone 20-monooxygenase activity.
Social Networks in Political Science: Hiring and Placement of PhDs, 1960-2002

Drawing on recent methodological advances, we examine the social network of political science department placements. This network permits us to estimate simultaneously 1) how well departments place their own students and 2) how effective they are in hiring students from other institutions. Using data collected by Masuoka, Grofman and Feld (2006a, b) on U.S. Ph.D. granting institutions, we provide visualizations of the connectivity among 132 departments as a social network graph in which core and periphery departments can be identified. We also show how this network has changed over time. The new social network measures conform closely to qualitative expert rankings and show that a department's placement record contributes more to its prestige than a department's ability to hire and retain faculty from core institutions.
Learning as a Generative Process

A cognitive model of human learning with understanding is introduced. Empirical research supporting the model, which is called the generative model, is summarized. The model is used to suggest a way to integrate some of the research in cognitive development, human learning, human abilities, information processing, and aptitude-treatment interactions around the notion of transfer of experience and abilities.
TEN TRENDS IN COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Changes in the economy, technology, the book industry, and new ideas about library collections themselves are shaping collection development policies in the 1990s. These changes are producing more careful decision making about the acquisitions process, with an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. I have identified ten trends in collection development which reflect the new thinking in this area.
Rotational Stabilization of an Imploding Liquid Cylinder

The interface between a heavy fluid surrounding a light fluid can accelerate in the direction of the heavier fluid without experiencing Rayleigh-Taylor instability, if the heavy fluid is rotating such that the sum of centripetal and radial accelerations at the interface is negative. This is demonstrated experimentally using rotating, hollow cylinders of liquid sodium-potassium alloy imploding on trapped magnetic flux.
Strategy for Dual-Analyte Luciferin Imaging: In Vivo Bioluminescence Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide and Caspase Activity in a Murine Model of Acute Inflammation

In vivo molecular imaging holds promise for understanding the underlying mechanisms of health, injury, aging, and disease, as it can detect distinct biochemical processes such as enzymatic activity, reactive small-molecule fluxes, or post-translational modifications. Current imaging techniques often detect only a single biochemical process, but, within whole organisms, multiple types of biochemical events contribute to physiological and pathological phenotypes. In this report, we present a general strategy for dual-analyte detection in living animals that employs in situ formation of firefly luciferin from two complementary caged precursors that can be unmasked by different biochemical processes. To establish this approach, we have developed Peroxy Caged Luciferin-2 (PCL-2), a H2O2-responsive boronic acid probe that releases 6-hydroxy-2-cyanobenzothiazole (HCBT) upon reacting with this reactive oxygen species, as well as a peptide-based probe, z-Ile-Glu-ThrAsp-d-Cys (IETDC), which releases d-cysteine in t...
Testing causal mechanisms of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis using path analysis of cranial contents in rabbits with uncorrected craniosynostosis.

Abstract Objective: Various causal mechanisms of familial nonsyndromic craniosynostosis have been presented. One hypothesis suggests that overproduction of bone at the suture is the primary origin of craniosynostosis, which affects brain and cranial growth secondarily through altered intracranial pressure (Primary Suture Fusion Model). Other hypotheses suggest that decreased cranial base growth or abnormal brain growth are the primary cause of craniosynostosis (Cranial Base, Brain Parenchyma Models, respectively). This study was designed to investigate which model best describes neurocranial changes associated with craniosynostosis in a rabbit model through multivariate path analysis. Design: Serial magnetic resonance imaging scans and intracranial pressure measurements were obtained at 10, 25, and 42 days of age from 18 rabbits: six controls, six with delayed-onset synostosis, and six with early-onset synostosis. Five variables were collected from each rabbit: calvarial thickness at the affected suture, ...
Zoonotic and foodborne transmission of hepatitis E virus.

Hepatitis E is an important disease in many developing countries of Asia and Africa with large explosive outbreaks and is also endemic with sporadic or cluster cases of hepatitis in many industrialized countries. The causative agent, hepatitis E virus (HEV), is currently classified in the family Hepeviridae. Thus far, four putative genera of HEV representing mammalian, avian, and fish species have been identified and characterized worldwide. Within the mammalian HEV that infects humans, genotypes 1 and 2 are associated with epidemics and restricted to humans, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and associated with sporadic and cluster cases of hepatitis E. As a fecal–orally transmitted disease, waterborne transmission is still an important route of HEV transmission especially for large outbreaks associated with genotypes 1 and 2. However, genetic identification of numerous animal strains of HEV and the demonstrated ability of cross-species infection by these animal strains have significantly broadened the host range and diversity of HEV and raised public health concerns for zoonosis and food safety associated with genotypes 3 and 4 HEV infection. Pigs and likely other animal species serve as reservoirs for HEV. Direct contact with infected pigs and other animals and consumption of contaminated animal meat and meat products pose risks for HEV infection. In this article, the current understanding of the zoonotic and foodborne transmissions of HEV as well as strategies to prevent zoonosis and ensure food safety is discussed.
An open integrated exploratorium for database courses

In this paper, we present an open architecture that combines different SQL learning tools in an integrated Exploratorium for database courses. The integrated Exploratorium provides a unique learning environment that allows database students to take complimentary advantages of multiple advanced learning tools.
Comparison of noninvasive breath hydrogen test for gastric acid secretion to standard intubation test in infants and young children.

We have developed a noninvasive test of gastric acid secretion for use in infants and young children. It is based on the reaction of ingested magnesium metal with gastric acid to produce hydrogen gas, which is excreted in exhaled air and belches. This test was compared to the standard intubation test by performing both, on different days, in 20 children (5–37 months of age) without known gastric disease. The results of the two tests compared well: correlation coefficients were 0.78, 0.75, or 0.72 when exhaled air was collected for a total of 56, 81, or 31 min, respectively. Because the test is noninvasive, it should be more acceptable to children and their parents than the intubation test and thus could be used to conduct studies which are currently impractical.
Selective Interlayers and Contacts in Organic Photovoltaic Cells

Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) are promising solar electric energy conversion systems with impressive recent optimization of active layers. OPV optimization must now be accompanied by the development of new charge-selective contacts and interlayers. This Perspective considers the role of interface science in energy harvesting using OPVs, looking back at early photoelectrochemical (photogalvanic) energy conversion platforms, which suffered from a lack of charge carrier selectivity. We then examine recent platforms and the fundamental aspects of selective harvesting of holes and electrons at opposite contacts. For blended heterojunction OPVs, contact/interlayer design is especially critical because charge harvesting competes with recombination at these same contacts. New interlayer materials can modify contacts to both control work function and introduce selectivity and chemical compatibility with nonpolar active layers and add thermodynamic and kinetic selectivity to charge harvesting. We briefly discus...
Organization by Design: Some Implications for Structuring Information

This article proposes a system for document organization based on cueing and page formatting techniques. The logical and systematic use of cueing and formatting creates a visual hierarchy organizin...
Collocation-based stochastic finite element analysis for random field problems

Abstract A stochastic response surface method (SRSM) which has been previously proposed for problems dealing only with random variables is extended in this paper for problems in which physical properties exhibit spatial random variation and may be modeled as random fields. The formalism of the extended SRSM is similar to the spectral stochastic finite element method (SSFEM) in the sense that both of them utilize Karhunen–Loeve (K–L) expansion to represent the input, and polynomial chaos expansion to represent the output. However, the coefficients in the polynomial chaos expansion are calculated using a probabilistic collocation approach in SRSM. This strategy helps us to decouple the finite element and stochastic computations, and the finite element code can be treated as a black box, as in the case of a commercial code. The collocation-based SRSM approach is compared in this paper with an existing analytical SSFEM approach, which uses a Galerkin-based weighted residual formulation, and with a black-box SSFEM approach, which uses Latin Hypercube sampling for the design of experiments. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the features of the extended SRSM and to compare its efficiency and accuracy with the existing analytical and black-box versions of SSFEM.