cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experiential Learning: A Definitive Edge In The Job Market

The value of experiential learning is explored as it has now become a given among educators and corporate leaders that a university must provide experiential learning programs such as internships; real-life cases in marketing research, advertising, etc.; and voluntary student participation in income tax preparation for the needy and elderly; and many additional types of programs to promote the application of learning and involvement with the world of work. The paper presents one unique experiential learning program in complete detail—Student in Free Enterprise’s Walgreens Wrangle. This is a twelve-university business strategy competition sponsored by the Students in Free Enterprise team at Southern Arkansas University that has the three-day involvement of managers of four major corporations. This period of time to interact both professionally and socially with a corporate group has proven to be invaluable to business majors and provided them with many experiential learning experiences.
The effect of shock dynamics on compressibility of ignition-scale National Ignition Facility implosions

The effects of shock dynamics on compressibility of indirect-drive ignition-scale surrogate implosions, CH shells filled with D3He gas, have been studied using charged-particle spectroscopy. Spectral measurements of D3He protons produced at the shock-bang time probe the shock dynamics and in-flight characteristics of an implosion. The proton shock yield is found to vary by over an order of magnitude. A simple model relates the observed yield to incipient hot-spot adiabat, suggesting that implosions with rapid radiation-power increase during the main drive pulse may have a 2× higher hot-spot adiabat, potentially reducing compressibility. A self-consistent 1-D implosion model was used to infer the areal density (ρR) and the shell center-of-mass radius (Rcm) from the downshift of the shock-produced D3He protons. The observed ρR at shock-bang time is substantially higher for implosions, where the laser drive is on until near the compression bang time (“short-coast”), while longer-coasting implosions have lowe...
Whole cell current analyses of pancreatic acinar AR42J cells. II. CCK and receptor-activated membrane currents

Receptor currents generated in response to the application of sulfated octa-cholecystokinin (CCK) and various pancreatic secretagogues were studied in AR42J cells, a rat pancreatic acinar cell line. A whole cell configuration of the patch electrode voltage-clamp technique was utilized in these studies. Over 60% of the cells examined responded to 10(-6) M CCK by generating inward current at a membrane holding potential of -70 mV, accompanied by an increased membrane conductance. The CCK-induced receptor current (ICCK) was typically inactivated within 30 s in the presence of the ligand. The reversal potential (Erev) of the ICCK was approximately 0 mV when recorded in control bathing solution with a pipette containing 154 mM Cl-. When Cl- concentration in the bathing solution or in the recording pipette was modified, the Erev of the ICCK shifted toward the predicted Cl- potential. Na+ and K+ did not show significant contributions to the Erev of ICCK. Hence, the ICCK involves an increased Cl- conductance. This increased Cl- conductance appears to be due to an increase in intracellular Ca2+, since the ICCK could not be recorded from cells using pipettes containing 5 mM EGTA. Application of a Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (5 microM) to cells in control saline induced a similar inward current flow. The source of the Ca2+ involved in the ICCK appears to be mainly intracellular, since the ICCK could be recorded under conditions designed to completely block the voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry. These included exposure of the cells to a Ca2(+)-free saline for a brief period or the presence of 500 microM Cd2+ in the control bathing solution.
Making Sense of Team Knowledge: Multidimensional Content & Structure

In spite of increasing interest in team knowledge, as evidenced by the multiple perspectives discussed in the literature, the lack of an integrated framework limits both our understanding of its boundaries and the efficacy of its measures. We propose that team knowledge may be conceptualized as sets of dimensions related to (1) the content of knowledge; and (2) how this knowledge is held by team members - that is, its structure. This paper builds on a range of theoretical perspectives to propose a multidimensional construct of team knowledge in which the various dimensions are organized as pertaining to either content or structure. We further discuss measurement issues related to each dimension, detailing empirical methods previously used and suggesting further approaches. Finally, we illustrate how these multiple perspectives on team knowledge can be explicated through combinations of our suggested dimensions.
Mathematicians, Including Undergraduates, Look at Soap Bubbles

(1994). Mathematicians, Including Undergraduates, Look at Soap Bubbles. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 101, No. 4, pp. 343-351.
Effects of Water Cations on Treehole Insect Communities

We monitored water sodium concentration ([Na]), water volume, and larval densities of insects in natural treeholes and larval insects in simulated treeholes. In natural treeholes, water [Na] was inversely correlated with mosquito and helodid beetle densities; water [Na] was positively correlated with water volume in 1996. The culicid Aedes triseriatus (Say), the ceratopogonid Culicoides guttipennis (Coquillett), and the syrphid Mallota posticata (F.) were the 1st to colonize simulated treeholes. Denstities of the helodid beetle, Helodes pulchella (Guerin), and Prionocyphon discoideus (Say), were significantly higher and mosquito populations had a significantly higher proportion of early instars in microcosms that were lower in [Na] and [Mg]. On the other hand, more early instars of midges were found in microcosms higher in [Na] and [Mg]. The consistency of the relationship between low [Na] and high insect density in natural treeholes, and the effects of [Na] on microcosm communities, suggest that [Na] and perhaps other cations may be important resources and cues to treehole organisms and may partially determine treehole community structure.
Computer protocol facilitates evidence-based care of sepsis in the surgical intensive care unit.

Background:Care of sepsis has been the focus of intense research and guideline development for more than two decades. With ongoing success of computer protocol (CP) technology and with publication of Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines, we undertook protocol development for management of seps
Wall catalysis experiment on AFE

This paper describes the wall catalysis experiment which is planned as part of the Aeroassist Flight experiments (AFE) that will be flown from the Space Shuttle Orbiter in late 1993. Research on candidate high-catalytic efficiency overcoats for the experiment conducted in an arc-jet air stream are discussed. The temperature distribution over the AFE heat shield is also predicted using a reacting boundary layer solution that includes surface kinetics and optical properties determined from these tests.
The Dopa Reaction in Amphibia

Considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that the dopa reaction is specific for distinguishing melanoblastic cells in mammals (Bloch1). According to Bloch the dopa is oxidized to dopamelanin by a specific oxidase which is present only in cells capable of forming melanin normally. The theory further assumes that dopa (3,4:dioxyphenylalanin) which is an intermediate oxidation product of tyrosine2 is the normal precursor of melanin in animals. In mammals the reaction occurs only in pigmented regions of the epidermis, never in white areas. However, in adult amphibia dopa reacts in all regions of the epidermis whether pigment is present or not.3 The reaction is most intense in the outer layers of the epidermis in contrast to the conditions in mammals where the reaction is most intense in the basal cells (stratum germinativum).In the present work the skin of 4 different urodeles was used with results which confirm those of Schmidt (Table I). Laidlaw's technic4 was used with the exception that frozen sec...
Observation of comprehensive treatments for scissor gait of pediatric cerebral palsy

The 40 children patients with pediatric cerebral palsy with scissor gait was treated by comprehensive therapies including sport therapy, nerve blocking therapy, myoelectricity fead back therapy, water therapy, foot orthotics and ganglioside and the total effect ratio was 82.5%, which suggests that combined therapy is effective for recovery of pediatric cerebral palsy.
Mevalonic acid induces DNA synthesis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Mevalonic acid can stimulate leukemic cells from some patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to enter the cell cycle in vitro and to synthesize DNA. Unlike normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes, which require the presence of granulocytes for a maximal DNA synthetic response to mevalonic acid, CLL cells do not require a helper cell. Only the physiologically active R(-) enantiomer of mevalonic acid is active in initiating DNA synthesis, and no stimulatory effect is noted after addition of the precursors of mevalonic acid or of its known products. The mitogenic responses to mevalonic acid measured in CLL cells from 35 patients varied widely (range of stimulation indices, 1.2-18.6), but the DNA synthetic response of CLL cells from 9 patients to mevalonic acid exceeded those seen with such common lymphocyte mitogens as concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin, poke-weed mitogen, or a phorbol ester. The mevalonate-responsive CLL cell was enriched in the E(-), M(+) rosette subpopulation. When CLL cells were incubated in lipoprotein-depleted serum-containing medium, the presence of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increased their sensitivity to mevalonic acid transformation, suggesting that a nonsterol product of mevalonic acid metabolism may be involved. Mevalonic acid, which is essential for the growth of cells programmed to divide or stimulated to divide by mitogens, can by itself initiate cell replication in relatively inert G0 phase normal and neoplastic lymphocyte populations.
Post-Trauma Symptoms in Cancer Survivors

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer are potential traumatic stressors.[1,2] Others may include but are not limited to interpersonal violence, military combat, natural and man-made disasters, and displacement.[2] In response to the intense fear, helplessness, terror, and uncertainty that traumatic stressors can provoke, post-trauma symptoms (PTS) classically develop in three clusters: re-experiencing, avoidance/numbing, and hyperarousal.[2]
Electronic properties of 8 − Pmmn borophene

First-principles calculations on monolayer 8-Pmmn borophene are reported to reveal unprecedented electronic properties in a two-dimensional material. Based on a Born effective charge analysis, 8-Pmmn borophene is the first single-element-based monolayered material exhibiting two sublattices with substantial ionic features. The observed Dirac cones are actually formed by the ${p}_{z}$ orbitals of one of the inequivalent sublattices composed of uniquely four atoms, yielding an underlying hexagonal network topologically equivalent to distorted graphene. A significant physical outcome of this effect includes the possibility of converting metallic 8-Pmmn borophene into an indirect band gap semiconductor by means of external shear stress. The stability of the strained structures are supported by a phonon frequency analysis. The Dirac cones are sensitive to the formation of vacancies only in the inequivalent sublattice electronically active at the Fermi level.
Applications of Aspergillus in Plant Growth Promotion

Abstract Fungi in the genus Aspergillus are used in various forms and treatments for their beneficial effects on plants, plant growth promotion, and protection. The research has found that Aspergillus spp. benefit plants in a large number of ways. In the pretreatment of soils, through the extracellular production of phytases, they mineralize phosphate from inaccessible organic sources, or make inorganic sources more readily available to plants. In direct applications to plants, they continue to aid the plant in phosphate uptake but also induce growth promotion through the production of biologically active compounds including auxins, gibberellins, and other phytohormone-like compounds and an array of secondary metabolites. Aspergillus spp. used in conjunction with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms induce additive effects on all aspects of plant growth and development, induce systemic resistance, and significantly reduce stress experienced by the plant. Aspergillus spp. are multifaceted fungi that benefit the plant in many ways.
Chemical and Physical Sanitation and Pasteurization Methods for Intact Shell Eggs

This chapter discusses decontamination techniques for shell eggs. Egg washing is practiced in some countries including the United States and Canada, but it is not permitted in many other countries, including those of the European Union. Thermal inactivation (pasteurization) methods have been investigated by many and there are currently some commercial applications of this technology. However, due to the negative effects of heat on the functional properties of egg components many nonthermal methods have received attention. The efficacy of thermal and nonthermal methods and the effects on egg quality are discussed in this chapter.
RF test accuracy and capacity enhancement on ATE for silicon TV tuners

Silicon TV tuners have dominated the tuner market, but it remains challenging to accurately test their RF parameters, especially Noise Figure (NF) in a production environment. Variations in testers, test boards and physical environment can contribute a few dB difference in test results with traditional approaches. The variation is of the same order as the true NF number, making the test results less meaningful. In this paper, we present a scheme that enhances the NF test accuracy to ±0.5dB on ATE. This method enabled us to be the only company to the best of our knowledge to specify maximum NF numbers in datasheets and test them in production. This scheme also expands the ATE test capacity, enabling RF level testing for our latest silicon TV tuners.
Peer-Mediated Interventions: a Practical Guide to Utilizing Students as Change Agents

Student interventionists have been utilized as change agents in a variety of contexts to improve the academic, social, and communicative behaviors of target students. A strong literature base supports the use of peers in academic interventions such as peer tutoring, as well as in behavioral interventions such as peer-mediated Check-In/Check-Out, peer modeling, and social skill groups with peer interventionists. Prior to implementation, peer tutoring, modeling, and management interventions may require a significant amount of time and/or resources on the part of school staff to train student interventionists and make a plan to monitor intervention effectiveness. As such, the current paper discusses implementation issues surrounding peer-mediated interventions and provides recommendations for deciding whether a peer-mediated intervention is appropriate, selecting and training target students, and monitoring and troubleshooting intervention effectiveness.
Oxygen and developmental retinal capillary remodeling in the kitten.

During the recovery period after a high oxygen injury in the kitten, chronic hypoxia adversely affects the resulting retinopathy, but increasing oxygen breathing to 28% improves it. To test the effects of chronic hypoxia without an antecedent hyperoxic injury in the kitten, the animals were raised in 13% or 21% (room air) oxygen and their retinas examined at 3, 7,14, or 21 days. They were also studied after 14 days of exposure to 30% or 40% oxygen to compare the graded effects of elevated oxygen to that of hypoxia on the development of the retinal capillary bed. Chronic hypoxia alone did not affect somatic growth or cause retinopathy. An inverse relationship was found between the rate of retinal vascularization and ambient oxygen. As inspired oxygen rose from 13%-40%, the proportion of the retina vascularized at 14 days fell from 76 ± 12%-18 ± 8% (mean ± standard deviation, P < 0.01). All 14-day animals had similar capillary density at the advancing edge of their retinal vasculature (mean diameter of the capillary meshwork = 71 ± 12 nm) despite the impairment of forward progress observed in elevated oxygen. However, the width of the periarteriolar capillary-free zone increased from 65 ± 10 fj.m in 13% oxygen-breathing animals to 104 ± 5 Mm in 40% oxygenbreathing animals (P < 0.001). The animals raised in hypoxic conditions had more mature-appearing retinal vasculature at 21 days than did controls. These data suggest that oxygen levels have little effect on the initial form of primitive capillaries in the kitten but play a significant regulatory role in the remodeling and final form of new blood vessels in the normal animal. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 31:21942200, 1990
The risk of HIV transmission at each step of the HIV care continuum among people who inject drugs: a modeling study.

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at continued risk for HIV in the U.S., and experience disparities across the HIV care continuum compared to other high-risk groups. Estimates of the risk of HIV transmission at each stage of the care continuum may assist in identifying public health priorities for averting incident infections among PWID, in addition to transmissions to sexual partners of PWID. We created an agent-based model simulating HIV transmission and the HIV care continuum for PWID in New York City (NYC) in 2012. To account for sexual transmission arising from PWID to non-PWID, the simulation included the entire adult NYC population. Using surveillance data and estimates from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, we simulated a dynamic sexual and injecting network. We estimated the proportion of HIV transmission events attributable to PWID in the following categories, those: without an HIV diagnosis (‘Undiagnosed’); diagnosed but not on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (‘Diagnosed − not on ART’); those who initiated ART but were not virally suppressed (‘Unsuppressed’); and, those who achieved viral suppression (‘Suppressed’). We estimated HIV incidence among PWID to be 113 per 100,000 person-years in 2012, with an overall incidence rate for the entire adult NYC population of 33 per 100,000 person-years. Despite accounting for only 33% of the HIV-infected PWID population, the Undiagnosed were associated with 52.6% (95% simulation interval [95% SI]: 47.1–57.0%) of total transmission events. The Diagnosed − not on ART population contributed the second-largest proportion of HIV transmissions, with 36.6% (95% SI: 32.2–41.5%). The Unsuppressed population contributed 8.7% (95% SI: 5.6–11.8%), and Suppressed 2.1% (95% SI: 1.1–3.9%), relatively little of overall transmission. Among PWID in NYC, more than half (53%) of transmissions were from those who were unaware of their infection status and more than 36% were due to PWID who knew their status, but were not on treatment. Our results indicate the importance of early diagnosis and interventions to engage diagnosed PWID on treatment to further suppress population-level HIV transmission. Future HIV prevention research should focus on the elimination of identified and potential barriers to the testing, diagnosis, and retention of PWID on HIV treatment.
Rapid repair and replacement of earthquake-damaged concrete columns using plastic hinge relocation

Abstract A rapid repair and replacement method is developed for earthquake-damaged concrete columns. Headed steel bars enclosed in a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) shell filled with non-shrink concrete are used to relocate the column plastic hinge. The method employs a steel collar with steel studs to increase bond of the column to non-shrink concrete within the CFRP shell. Two columns were damaged under quasi-static cyclic loads and were repaired with this method. The first column required epoxy injection of the cracks to restore stiffness; the second column was completely severed from the cap beam before repair to simulate replacement of a column with unrepairable damage. The plastic hinge was successfully relocated, the lateral force and displacement capacity were restored, and failure of the repaired columns included concrete crushing and steel bar fracture. This is an accelerated bridge construction method that could be used to repair columns with repairable damage as an emergency repair, replace columns with unrepairable damage, or construct new bridges.
Effect of fuel composition on soot and aromatic species distributions in laminar, co-flow flames. Part 1. Non-premixed fuel

Abstract The goal of this work is to understand the effect of fuel molecular structure on soot precursors and soot in an axisymmetric, co-flow, laminar flame configuration at atmospheric pressure with partially-premixed fuel jets. Five fuels with varying molecular structure are investigated: methylcyclohexane/n-dodecane mixture, n-heptane/n-dodecane mixture, iso-octane/n-dodecane mixture, m-xylene/n-dodecane mixture and pure n-dodecane. The flames investigated have jet equivalence ratios of 24 and 6. The total carbon flow rate and carbon fraction of the two components are kept constant to facilitate comparison among fuels. A laser-induced fluorescence technique is used to obtain spatially-resolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, soot precursors, in the jet flames. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are identified into two classes: single/two ring aromatics (small) and aromatics having three to five rings (large). A laser-induced incandescence and laser extinction technique are applied to obtain two-dimensional soot volume fraction for all the flames. The experimental results indicate that the level of soot is highest for the m-xylene/n-dodecane fuel at approximately three times the peak soot levels in the paraffinic fuels. The data show the effects of premixing on the spatial distribution of aromatic species and soot, including the shift from a soot field that peaks near the flame front to one that has maximum soot volume fractions near the centerline in m-xylene/n-dodecane flame. The iso-octane/n-dodecane and methylcyclohexane/n-dodecane fuels show a similar transition of soot field that has an annular peak in the non-premixed flame to a more uniform soot field under premixed conditions. Normalizing the maximum soot volume fraction by the maximum for the n-dodecane base fuel, the data shows that, within measurement uncertainty, the effect of fuel structure on maximum soot volume fraction is independent of the equivalence ratio of the fuel jet.
Endocervical Adenocarcinoma In Situ/Cervical Glandular Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Adenocarcinoma of the Usual Type

Glandular carcinomas of the cervix and their precursor lesions comprise a minority of all cervical cancers; however, their relative prevalence and possibly absolute prevalence are increasing. Better sampling methods and recognition of the cytological features of early neoplasia make early detection feasible. Of all the variant types of glandular cervical neoplasia, the usual type of adenocarcinoma and its in situ precursor comprise the vast majority of cases. This chapter details the demographics and pathobiology of cancers and precursor lesions of the endocervix, the histopathological and cytopathological features, and presents a discussion of the morphological mimics of the usual type of endocervical adenocarcinoma, both in situ and invasive, including the differential diagnosis of atypical glandular cells in cytological preparations.
Accurate enzyme activity measurements. Two decades of development in the commutability of enzyme quality control materials

Commercial serum preparations are integral components of both internal and external quality control programs for enzyme activity measurements. However, properties of these materials may differ significantly from those of clinical specimens. Differences from clinical specimens may include the following: species origin of the enzyme; isoenzyme form(s); integrity of the molecular species; matrix of the solution; processes such as lyophilization; and addition of preservatives. There are also significant differences among methods measuring the activity of a single enzyme including a diversity of compounds that may serve as substrate(s); variable cofactor or metal supplementation; and differences in the substrate concentration(s), buffer substances, pH, and temperature. The measured response to each of these variations in assay technique may differ among these types of specimens. To be acceptable, quality control materials must have properties similar to those of clinical specimens. Thus, the concept of commutability that we originated and first applied to enzyme activity measurements remains useful, and its further application to the problem of "matrix effects" is reviewed here. Multivariate display techniques are applied to the specific examples of aspartate aminotransferase, alpha-amylase, and alkaline phosphatase to judge the commutability of quality control materials for these enzymes.
Reasonableness Review of Executive Orders

This article addresses the question of how courts should assess the reasonableness of executive orders. Prior to the New Deal, a unified framework applied to assessment of all executive and legislative decisions, including executive orders. In the 1930s and 40s, a dichotomy began to develop. The Supreme Court created a highly deferential rational basis test to govern its review of legislation’s reasonableness. On the other hand, the Court applied a much less deferential arbitrary and capricious test to review the reasonableness of administrative agency rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act. This dichotomy left open the question of what standard should govern judicial review of executive orders. This article addresses this question in the context of statutory executive orders, rather than orders relying on implied or express independent constitutional authority. It combines a constitutional analysis of separation of powers, due process, and the nondelegation doctrine with an analysis of relevant administrative law. This analysis provides a constitutional framework for understanding how to review executive orders for reasonableness. In the end, this article concludes that the need for “faithful” law execution in light of due process and separation of powers considerations leads to the conclusion that the courts should apply arbitrary and capricious review to executive orders issued pursuant to statutory authority, rather than the rational basis test that applies to legislation.
The United States Role in the Malvinas Crisis, 1982: Misguidance and Misperception in Argentina's Decision to Go to War

The Malvinas (Falklands) war of April-June 1982 has generated little attention among international scholars largely because neither its causes or consequences are. assumed to have great power significance. The thesis of this article is that the timing of the Malvinas invasion, and the subsequent miscalculation that the United States would tacitly assist Argentina, were partly shaped by U. S. policies. Although the principal motive for the invasion was to vindicate a claim stretching back to the early 19th century (U.S. House 1982c: 50-51; Etchepareborda, 1983:48-58), the abruptness of Argentina's actions was conditioned by Reagan administration overtures towards a grand “anti-Communist” alliance (Maechling, 1982:75-82; Sunday Times, 1982: 63); an increase in the frequency and prestige of high-level contacts between the U.S. and Argentina between 1980-1982; the cultivation of official links between Galtieri and high-ranking U.S. national security officials (U.S. House, 1982d: 67; Hastings and Jenkins, 1983:46); the intense, personal diplomacy of former Secretary of State Haig during the conflict (Hastings and Jenkins, 1983: 104-113); and by covert efforts by Argentina to extend and strengthen U.S.-Argentine ties (Cardoso et al., 1983: 60-61).
Determination of elastic moduli from measured acoustic velocities.

Abstract Methods are evaluated in solution of the inverse problem associated with determination of elastic moduli for crystals of arbitrary symmetry from elastic wave velocities measured in many crystallographic directions. A package of MATLAB functions provides a robust and flexible environment for analysis of ultrasonic, Brillouin, or Impulsive Stimulated Light Scattering datasets. Three inverse algorithms are considered: the gradient-based methods of Levenberg-Marquardt and Backus-Gilbert, and a non-gradient-based (Nelder-Mead) simplex approach. Several data types are considered: body wave velocities alone, surface wave velocities plus a side constraint on X-ray-diffraction-based axes compressibilities, or joint body and surface wave velocities. The numerical algorithms are validated through comparisons with prior published results and through analysis of synthetic datasets. Although all approaches succeed in finding low-misfit solutions, the Levenberg-Marquardt method consistently demonstrates effectiveness and computational efficiency. However, linearized gradient-based methods, when applied to a strongly non-linear problem, may not adequately converge to the global minimum. The simplex method, while slower, is less susceptible to being trapped in local misfit minima. A “multi-start” strategy (initiate searches from more than one initial guess) provides better assurance that global minima have been located. Numerical estimates of parameter uncertainties based on Monte Carlo simulations are compared to formal uncertainties based on covariance calculations.
The Current Status of Absolute Gravimetry and Some Ideas and Suggestions for Future Improvements

The current status of absolute gravimetry is discussed. Some of the important instrumental developments that have taken place during the past 35 years are mentioned. Several suggestions are made as to what still could be done better to improve the accuracy of existing instruments. Future (smaller and automated) absolute instruments are anticipated. Finally several new uses for absolute gravimeters are described.
Intervento sulla crisi a seguito di attacchi terroristici rivolti ad aeroplani, ferrovie o edifici: Il modello di intervento sulla crisi ACT

Nel mondo si e verificato un aumento della frequenza e della diffusione degli eventi che possono provocare traumi e crisi: lo spettro degli eventi di crisi spazia attraverso eventi pubblici che hanno un impatto su grandi porzioni della societa — come schianti di voli di linea, bombardamenti terroristici o attacchi terroristici a edifici, ferrovie — o sotto altre forme. Centinaia di migliaia di individui sono stati cosi stressati e sopraffatti da eventi pericolosi o traumatici, da soffrire rapidamente di episodi di crisi acuta; ogni anno, milioni di persone si trovano ad affrontare eventi che li portano a soffrire di crisi che non sono capaci di risolvere da soli e per le quali, spesso, devono cercare aiuto da parte di programmi di intervento sulla crisi, unita di intervento sulla crisi a opera dei centri di salute mentale della comunita, cliniche ambulatoriali, agenzie di consulenza familiare e cliniche private.
Hemoglobin A1c, frequency of glucose testing and social disadvantage: Metrics of racial health disparity in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Abstract Introduction Black youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have higher HbA1c than whites. To understand HbA1c differences, we examined the relationship of psycho-social factors and glucose testing with HbA1c. Methods Glucose tests per day (BGs/d) and mean blood glucose (MBG) were calculated from meter data of youth self-identified as black (n = 33) or white (n = 53) with T1D. HbA1c, family income, insurance status, concentrated disadvantage (CDI), psychological depression (DSC), mother educational attainment (MEA), and insulin delivery method (IDM) data was were analyzed. Results Black patients had significantly higher HbA1c, MBG and disadvantage measures compared to whites. BGs/d correlated with HbA1c, MBG, age and CDI. Race (p Conclusions BGs/d is easily assessed and closely associated with HbA1c racial disparity. BGs/d is intricately linked with greater social disadvantage. Innovative management approaches are needed to overcome obstacles to optimal outcomes.
Sustained Release of Minocycline From Minocycline-Calcium-Dextran Sulfate Complex Microparticles for Periodontitis Treatment.

Abstract It is important to address the periodontitis-associated bacteria in the residual subgingival plaque after scaling and root planing to successfully treat periodontitis. In this study, we explored the possibility of exploiting the ion pairing/complexation of minocycline, Ca2+, and sulfate/sulfonate-bearing biopolymers to develop an intrapocket delivery system of minocycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Minocycline-calcium-dextran sulfate complex microparticles were synthesized from minocycline, CaCl2, and dextran sulfate. They were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. An in vitro release study was conducted to evaluate the release kinetics of minocycline from these microparticles. Agar disk diffusion assays and biofilm-grown bacteria assays were used to assess antibacterial capability. High loading efficiency (96.98% ± 0.12%) and high loading content (44.69% ± 0.03%) for minocycline were observed for these complex microparticles. Mino-Ca-DS microparticles achieved sustained release of minocycline for at least 9 days at pH 7.4 and 18 days at pH 6.4 in phosphate-buffered saline, respectively. They also demonstrated potent antimicrobial effects against Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in agar disk diffusion and biofilm assays. These results suggested that the ion pairing/complexation of minocycline, Ca2+, and sulfonate/sulfate-bearing biopolymers can be exploited to develop complex microparticles as local delivery systems for periodontitis treatment.
Sacrificial Cathodic Protection of Mg Alloy AZ31B by an Mg–5Sn Surface Alloy

A solid solution Mg–5Sn alloy is evaluated as a sacrificial anode for the cathodic protection of AZ31B. Uncoupled Mg–5Sn is shown to have superior barrier properties and reduced cathodic kinetics relative to AZ31B. The performance as a sacrificial anode was studied in situ with global and local measurements of galvanic coupling between the Mg–5Sn alloy and AZ31B when immersed in 0.6-M aqueous NaCl solution. The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) was utilized to map the local current density distributions across the interface of the galvanic couple. Undesirable polarity reversal was observed during the initial 10 h of immersion, after which protection was offered. A self-corrosion rate of 52% was observed.
Optimization of small target sensing in lensfree microscopes (Conference Presentation)

The ability to sense, count, and size microscopic and nanoscopic particles is important in air quality monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and nanomaterials synthesis. Lensfree holographic microscopy is an attractive sensing platform due to its ultra-large field of view, compact form factor, and cost-effective components. Although submicron resolution has been previously demonstrated using lensfree holographic microscopy, the ability to detect individual microscale and nanoscale objects can pose a challenge due to limited signal to noise ratio (SNR). Previously, we have used vapor-deposited nanoscale polymer lenses to boost the SNR in sensing experiments, however this adds experimental complexity and is not compatible with all types of samples. Here we present a computational approach for boosting SNR in lensfree holographic microscopy. This approach optimizes a sparsity-promoting cost function in conjunction with a pixel superresolution method for synthesizing a high resolution hologram out of multiple low-resolution holograms captured at slightly different angles. The resulting high-resolution hologram can be computationally reconstructed to provide an in-focus image of the sample. We find that a sparsity-promoting cost function yields ~8 dB of improvement over conventional pixel superresolution approaches that involve cardinal neighbor regularization, provided that the surface coverage is below ~4%. The impacts of the sparsity-promoting cost function on image resolution and computational time will be presented, as well as a guide to which regularization parameters work best for given target sizes and coverage densities. These computational approaches can be used to extend the limit of detection of lensfree holographic microscopes in sensing applications.
Determinants of emergency department utilization for non-traumatic dental conditions in Massachusetts.

Objectives To study the determinants of emergency department (ED) utilization for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) by adults in Massachusetts. Methods We analyzed patient-level factors associated with ED utilization for NTDCs in Massachusetts during 2013, using the Massachusetts All Payer Claims Dataset. The primary independent variables of interest were use of preventive dental service in the year preceding the ED visit and dental insurance coverage. Key covariates included age, gender, income, day of the ED visit, payer type, and residing in a geographically designated dental health professional shortage area (DHPSA). A multilevel logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds of NTDC ED visits as compared to two other categories of ED visits. Results 1.1 percent of all ED visits in Massachusetts were for NTDCs in 2013. Preventive dental service use in the preceding year decreased the odds (OR = 0.72) of a NTDC ED visit, whereas having dental insurance coverage increased the odds (OR = 1.1) of a NTDC ED visit. Other patient-level characteristics that significantly increased odds of a NTDC ED visit included being between 26 and 35 years of age (OR = 1.2), male (OR = 1.3), uninsured (OR = 1.7) or enrolled in Medicaid (OR = 1.2), and visiting on a weekend (OR = 1.3). Conclusions Increased access to preventive dental services may lower likelihood of ED use for NTDCs. Interventions that target younger adults, Medicaid enrollees, and the uninsured, may be the most efficient way to lower NTDC ED use.
Characterization and expression of tyrosinase-like genes in the anemone Exaiptasia pallida as a function of health and symbiotic state.

Abstract Coral disease is a major threat to reef ecosystems and therefore, understanding the cellular pathways underlying disease progression and resistance is critical to mitigating future outbreaks. This study focused on tyrosinase-like proteins in cnidarians, which contribute to melanin synthesis, an invertebrate innate immune defense. Specifically, characterization and phylogenetic analysis of cnidarian tyrosinases were performed, and their role in symbiosis and a “mystery disease” in the anemone Exaiptasia pallida was investigated using qPCR. The results reveal a diversity of tyrosinase-like proteins in cnidarians that separate into two major clades on a phylogenetic tree, suggesting functional divergence. Two E. pallida sequences, Ep_Tyr1 and Ep_Tyr2, were further investigated, and qPCR results revealed no gene expression differences as a function of symbiotic state, but decreased expression in late disease stages. Overall this work provides evidence for the participation of tyrosinases in the cnidarian immune response.
Feasibility of Integration of Resident Surgical Evaluations Into the Electronic Medical Record.

This cohort study of resident physicians and faculty members at a single academic center examines the usability and acceptability of a resident evaluation tool integrated into an electronic medical records system.
Automotive Radar Data Acquisition using Object Detection

The growing urban complexity demands an efficient algorithm to acquire and process various sensor information from autonomous vehicles. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm to utilize object detection results from the image to adaptively sample and acquire radar data using Compressed Sensing (CS). This novel algorithm is motivated by the hypothesis that with a limited sampling budget, allocating more sampling budget to areas with the object as opposed to a uniform sampling ultimately improves relevant object detection performance. We improve detection performance by dynamically allocating a lower sampling rate to objects such as buses than pedestrians leading to better reconstruction than baseline across areas with objects of interest. We automate the sampling rate allocation using linear programming and show significant time savings while reducing the radar block size by a factor of 2. We also analyze a Binary Permuted Diagonal measurement matrix for radar acquisition which is hardware-efficient and show its performance is similar to Gaussian and Binary Permuted Block Diagonal matrix. Our experiments on the Oxford radar dataset show an effective reconstruction of objects of interest with 10% sampling rate. Finally, we develop a transformer-based 2D object detection network using the NuScenes radar and image data.
Promoting Strong Latino Families Within an Emerging Immigration Context: Results of a Replication and Extension Trial of a Culturally Adapted Preventive Intervention.

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Nuestras Familias: Andando Entre Culturas, a culturally adapted evidence-based parent management training (PMT) preventive intervention, with a sample of 241 Spanish-speaking Latino parents and their middle-school-aged children residing in an emerging immigration context. Scientifically rigorous studies of programs designed for this setting are rare. The intervention was designed to promote prosocial parenting practices and to prevent youth substance use and related problem behaviors. The RCT was designed as an extension and replication of a prior trial (Martinez & Eddy in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 841-851, 2005) which was also conducted in an emerging immigration context. Two key issues were of primary interest: intervention feasibility and intervention efficacy. Intervention feasibility was assessed through weekly session attendance, participation, and parent-reported session satisfaction as well as overall program satisfaction. Intervention efficacy was assessed by comparing changes within the intervention and control groups on parenting practices and youth adjustment from pre-intervention baseline to post-intervention termination 6 months later. Results provided support for the feasibility of delivering the intervention on a large scale within communities. Consistent with the prior trial, positive effects of the intervention were detected on parenting practices and on youth outcomes. Differential effects of the intervention were detected based on youth gender and nativity status, such that girls benefited the most with respect to tobacco use likelihood, and foreign-born youth benefited the most with respect to decreased depressive symptoms.Findings provide additional evidence for Nuestras Familias as an efficacious family-based intervention for Latino families within communities that are sites of emerging immigration in terms of both improving parenting practices and decreasing risk for youth substance use and related problem behaviors.
Selecting a Good Conference Location Based on Participants' Interests

Selecting a good conference location within budget constraints to attract paper authors and participants is a very difficult job for the conference organizers. A conference location is also very important along with other issues such as ranking of the conference. Selecting a bad conference location may reduce the number of paper submissions and create bad impressions on the conference to the paper authors and conference participants. The conference location should be selected in such a way that it can attract authors to submit papers as well as others to participate/attend. In this paper we discuss how to select a good conference location within budget constraints that can attract many authors/participants considering participants’ interests. We propose several methods to select the best location among the available possible locations within budget constraints based on the authors and participants interests on various features or attributes of the locations. Our problem also has interesting applications in information systems education as well. We perform evaluation of our proposed algorithms both on real and synthetic data.
Crystallization and Properties of Phosphofructokinase from Clostridium pasteurianum

Abstract Phosphofructokinase has been purified from Clostridium pasteurianum and prepared in crystalline form in the presence and the absence of ATP. The enzyme preparation is homogeneous as shown by sedimentation velocity, sedimentation equilibrium, and acrylamide gel electrophoretic techniques. The molecular weight of the clostridial phosphofructokinase is 144,000. The enzyme is dissociated to subunits with molecular weight of about 35,000 in guanidine or urea or by treatment with maleic anhydride. Peptide mapping of a tryptic digest of the enzyme, acrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme in urea, and the electrophoresis of the maleylated phosphofructokinase indicate that all these subunits are identical. Based on these observations, it is concluded that clostridial phosphofructokinase consists of 4 identical subunits. Kinetic studies show that the enzyme exhibits sigmoidal kinetics with respect to fructose 6-phosphate at all levels of ATP. ADP normalizes this initial velocity pattern to yield Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Unlike mammalian phosphofructokinases, the clostridial enzyme is not significantly inhibited by ATP, phosphoenolpyruvate, or citrate. The activity of the enzyme is absolutely dependent on NH4+ and Mg++, and a possible physiological significance of the former cation is discussed.
Electronic Spectroscopy in the Gas Phase

A frequency-doubled continuous wave (CW) ring dye laser, operating in the ultraviolet (UV), has been combined with a molecular beam machine and rapid data acquisition methods to obtain the electronic spectra of several large polyatomic molecules and their weakly bound complexes at unparalleled spectral resolution, approaching one part in 109. Thus revealed for the first time are the underlying molecular eigenstates of isolated molecules, which provide unique information about their structures and dynamical behavior in both ground and excited electronic states. Light-induced changes in the electronic charge distributions of different electronic states, with or without the attached solvent molecules, are revealed by studies of these spectra in applied electric fields (the Stark effect). Potential applications of the method to small biological molecules are discussed. Keywords: high-resolution electronic spectroscopy; UV/vis; conformational analysis; electronic transition moments; permanent electric dipole moments; Stark effect; van der Waals complexes; hydrogen bonding; tunneling; intramolecular dynamics; biomolecules