bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of expert testimony on decision-making of legal professionals in termination of parental rights proceedings
Authors:   , Perry Janet S. , Bersoff Donald N
Published: July 2024

Study investigated the influence of factors, including expert testimony, on decision-making in termination of parental rights proceedings. Subjects included 69 Pennsylvania Orphans and Family Court judges, 87 Pennsylvania family law attorneys, and 48 family law professors from U.S. law schools. Subjects evaluated a list of 21 criteria as to importance in making termination decisions. Analysis revealed significant differences in assigned importance among groups of legal professionals. Underlying dimensions of the criteria were also explored by factor analysis. Subjects also read one of four vignettes and indicated how likely they would be to terminate parental rights in that fact situation. Vignettes presented either no expert testimony, testimony unfavorable to the parent by a hired expert, testimony unfavorable to the parent by a court-appointed expert, or testimony favorable to the parent by a court-appointed expert. Data were subjected to analyses of variance, but failed tests for normality. Non-parametric tests failed to detect significant differences among levels of expert testimony or among groups. Wide within-group variation suggests the existing statute may be too vague to give the structure and guidance required for consistent decisions to be made.
Studies on selected genotoxic and toxic properties of piperine
Authors:   , Shore Scott Kindell , Buchanan Robert L.
Published: July 2024

Piperine, a natural component of black pepper, was studied to determine some of its toxicological properties. The study was conducted by examining its mutagenicity in S. typhimurium both in vitro and in vivo, observing the effect of piperine on the survival of various DNA repair deficient S. typhimurium and E. coli bacteria, determining the LD(,50) in mice and rats to see if species differences in metabolism or sensitivity exist, investigating the induction of hepatic mono-oxygenases during piperine administration to the rat via the diet, and finally a chronic toxicity study looking for possible carcinogenic properties. Piperine showed a weak mutagenicity in base-pair substitution detecting bacteria with preincubation of piperine with murine liver S9 homogenates and microsomes. Induction of P-450 enzymes by phenobarbital enhanced piperine's mutagenic response. In vivo host/mediated assay in the mouse corroborated the in vitro findings and pointed up the possibility of another metabolic pattern, one resulting in a frameshift mutagen. The mutagenicity assays suggested a difference in metabolism of piperine by rat and mouse. Determination of the LD(,50) showed the mouse to be much more sensitive to piperine related lethality. Enhanced P-450 metabolism observed as a result of piperine consumption indicated that piperine is a hepatic enzyme inducer in the rat. Long-term piperine consumption revealed no histologic differences between experimental and controls except for one of four rats developing forestomach neoplasia. Body weight gains and food consumption patterns were altered using either a low or high piperine content in the diet.
Identification and characterization of transcription co-factor multiprotein bridging factor-1 in Plasmodium
Authors:   , Kumar Sumit , Bergman Lawrence W
Published: July 2024

The most severe form of human malaria is caused by infection with the unicellular apicomplexan parasite Plasmodium falciparum and despite its impact on global health, our understanding of many aspects of the parasite's biology is still in its infancy. Compared with model eukaryotic systems, our knowledge of processes as fundamental as sexual differentiation, gene expression and protein trafficking in Plasmodium is severely lacking. The belief that mechanisms of transcriptional control in P. falciparum somehow differ from those of other eukaryotes is, in large part, based on several genome-wide studies that uncovered significantly fewer transcription-associated proteins (TAPs) than one would expect to find in a genome of comparable size. Other findings, including a dearth of well-conserved promoter elements, unusually high levels of antisense transcription, unique patterns of mRNA decay and a striking, periodic transcriptional cascade, also support this hypothesis. These hypotheses, however, may have to be re-assessed in light of the recent discoveries of several cis-regulatory elements and an expanded family of plantlike transcription factors in Plasmodium. In either case, it is clear that precise regulation of transcription in the parasite is critical. In the work presented here, we have successfully identified and characterized PfMBF-1 (Multiprotein bridging factor-1), which is a well studied transcription co-factor in other eukaryotic species. It does not affect histone modification, but rather acts as a bridging factor between a DNA-binding protein and the entire TFIID complex [TBP and TAFs (TBP-associated factors)]. Our studies show that PfMBF-1 is essential for the parasite survival during the blood stages and it is involved in stage specific transcriptional regulation. Overexpression of PfMBF-1 upregulates specific set of genes which are proposed to be rhoptry associated genes. We have shown in vitro that PfMBF-1 specifically interacts with PfTBP and it is localized in nucleus of the parasite. PfMBF-1 successfully complements the function of yeast MBF-1 and further confirms its ability to act as transcriptional co-factor. We have identified DNA motifs which might be critical in the expression and regulation of Plasmodium genes. We believe that elucidating the role of this transcription co-factor MBF-1 will provide crucial information for enhanced understanding of parasite gene expression regulation and help to discover new transcriptional regulators.
Participation in a formal planning process
Authors:   , Skerrett Claire McAlinden , Childers Thomas A.
Published: July 2024

The present research focused on individual effects of formal planning participation in a non-profit setting. It examined some of the most frequently proposed secondary outcomes of formal planning in other settings, specifically those of organizational communication, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job performance. The study was built on a belief that the individual outcomes of participation in formal planning had not yet been fully explored. Prior formal planning research had concentrated on the organization's financial outcomes. A survey of employees in ten major research libraries, which had participated in the same planning process, at the same time, and on the same topic, constituted the research population. The return rate was good, with 502 usable surveys (79%). The study was hypothesis-based and data analyses included Pearson's correlations and multiple regressions. Hypotheses regarding correlations among participation, hierarchical level, organizational communication, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job performance were generally supported, although most correlations were small. Job satisfaction and organizational commitment had stronger results than job performance. Satisfaction with communication had the most important relationships with both job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Hypotheses regarding organizational communication variables as moderators of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables were not supported. Subsequent exploratory multiple regression analyses indicated that organizational communication variables were more effective as predictors of the dependent variables. Salient personal and organizational variables were also added in the exploratory analyses and models were developed for each of the dependent variables, with up to 45% of the variance explained. Organizational attitudes of job satisfaction and organizational commitment were well predicted by the study's variables for informal participants in the planning process, with up to 75% of the variance explained. Job performance was best predicted for formal participants, with 34% of the variance explained. Exploration of the potential secondary effects of individual participation in formal planning demonstrated that the quality of life for employees may be improved with participation in planning. Therefore, both the individual and the organization may benefit from the planning process.
Theoretical basis and computer realization of a compartmental model for O₂-CO₂ coupled transport in the microcirculation
Authors:   , Ye Guo-Fan , Jaron Dov , Moore Thomas W
Published: July 2024

Multielement compartmental modeling is a powerful tool for depicting the global properties of gas transport in the microcirculation-tissue system. Since a compartmental model is the lumped format of the corresponding distributed model, the compartmental governing equations and the relevant lumped parameters of a compartmental model should be derived from the space-averaging of the corresponding distributed model. However, although several compartmental models for O₂ transport or for O₂-CO₂ coupled transport have appeared in the literature, none has been rigorously derived in this way. In addition, an O₂-CO₂ coupled transport process, rather than a single O₂ transport process, is essential for oxygen transport study. The systematic derivation presented in this thesis remedies the lack of a theoretical foundation of the multielement compartmental models for O₂-CO₂ coupled transport in a microcirculation-tissue system. Three computer models have been constructed in this way for either single O₂ transport or O₂-CO₂ coupled transport, and for steady state or time-varying behavior. These models can predict the distribution of O₂ partial pressure, CO₂ partial pressure, O₂-Hb binding saturation and pH values for both normal and hypoxic conditions. A comparison between these models and previous models appearing in the literature showed a significant difference both in value of individual lumped parameters and in the behavior of the resulting distributions of the compartmental gas partial pressures. The predictions of the derived models are supported by available experimental findings, and are more reasonable from a physiological point of view. Results also indicated that coupling O₂-CO₂ interaction into an oxygen transport model is important. The thesis includes suggestions of further experiments to validate the model, and suggestions for research applications.
Intersegmental dynamics analysis of the effect of an ankle foot brace on walking
Authors:   , Talaty Mukul C. , Seliktar Rahamim
Published: July 2024

Mechanisms of molded ankle foot orthosis (MAFO) function are unclear. A MAFO has a direct effect upon the pathologic structure of interest and an indirect effect on the remainder of the kinetic chain. Neither effect is objectively discernable with conventional inverse dynamics. The primary purpose of this research was to develop and apply analytical techniques to objectively assess the effects of a MAFO on the pelvis, ipsilateral hip and knee during gait. The correlated and compensatory postures and movements selected by subjects in response to the brace were investigated. Intersegmental dynamic analysis (IDA) was employed to calculate stance phase hip and knee flexion and forward progression acceleration components due to the hip, knee, ankle, and brace moments. IDA was robust for the following foot-floor interaction models: no translation (1) but rotation about the center of pressure under the foot, (2) but rotation about the foot center of mass, and (3) and no rotation of the entire foot. The center of pressure constraint was used for subsequent analyses. Walking data were collected from free and locked brace conditions from three healthy subjects. A model was used to separate the ankle moment into brace and physiological components. Comparison of IDA calculated acceleration components between brace conditions was sensitive to joint kinetic variability and stance phase timing determination. Criteria for consistent stance phase selection and ensemble averaging of the output accelerations accounted for some of this variability. Brace effects occasionally contradicted conventional clinical wisdom. During weight acceptance the locked brace accelerated the knee and hip into flexion (instability). Small changes in body positioning significantly modulated the effects of the brace and those of compensatory changes in joint moments nearly 40% of the time. Accelerations produced by the ankle moment were most sensitive to modulation by body position. A synergy index was proposed to quantify movement inefficiency. The index was sensitive to minor brace-related changes. Results clarify mechanisms by which a MAFO can control remote segments and joint moment roles in compensation. The techniques and analyses developed and used in this work can clarify the clinical effects of brace function on individuals with pathology.
Rab6A is Required for the Post-Entry Nuclear Localization of HIV-1
Authors:   , Zentner Isaac James , Cocklin Simon
Published: July 2024

While some aspects of the HIV-1 replication cycle have been thoroughly investigated, the proteins involved and the mechanism by which the viral contents are trafficked to the nucleus remains poorly understood. The small Rab GTPase, Rab6A, has been identified as a HIV-1 dependency factor by a number of siRNA screens. Rab6A, ubiquitously expressed in two closely related isoforms, Rab6A and Rab6A', is primarily involved in the retrograde membrane traffic to the ER via the Golgi and contrary to initial studies, likely functions in the cytosolic transport of the virus to the nucleus. To test this, we utilized siRNA knockdowns in cell lines and primary human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs), coupled with a HIV-1 single-round infection assay to accurately define the role of Rab6A in HIV-1 infection. Additional characterization of the function of Rab6A/A' in infection was achieved by silencing Rab6A-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Ric1, and Rab6A/A' effector proteins DENND5A and BICD2. We found that depletion of Rab6A/A' in cell lines and MDMs confirmed its role in the early stage of infection. Contrary to previous reports, the role of Rab6A was not dependent on the HIV-1 envelope suggesting a post-entry pre-integration function. Diminishing Ric1 or overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of Rab6A decreased infectivity similar to silencing, revealing that Rab6A activation is required for efficient viral replication. Using real-time PCR, Rab6A or Rab6A' depletion displayed minimal effects on early/late viral reverse transcription products, but resulted in undetectable (or extremely low) levels of 2-LTR circles and integrated pro-viruses. Moreover, nuclear localization of HIV-1 pre-integration complex was diminished when Rab6A/A' were absent. Consistent with a role of Rab6A in nuclear localization, silencing of BICD2, a protein involved in retrograde transport and known to interact with nuclear pore complexes, and not DENND5A, displayed a similar effect on the incoming virus as Rab6A/A' silencing. Lastly, a direct role of Rab6A on the HIV-1 nuclear entry pathways was ruled out by using HIV-1 capsid mutants in concert with Rab6A/A' depletion. Taken together, this study reveals a novel retrograde trafficking pathway regulated by activated Rab6A and Rab6A' that is required for efficient HIV-1 nuclear localization.
Internal drainage of low permeability backfill soils of geosynthetic reinforced earth walls
Authors:   , Kim Chul Woo , Cheng Shi-Chieh
Published: July 2024

The focus of this thesis is to study the potential of internal drainage materials for geosynthetic reinforced earth walls. In addition, design methods for such internal drainage within the reinforcement soil zone of geosynthetic reinforced earth wall were also developed. In order to analyze the behavior of internal drainage and seepage flow rates finite difference methods are employed. Major parameters considered are the existence of front drainage, in-plane permeability of the geosynthetic (typically a needle punched nonwoven geotextile), permeability of reinforced/retained soil, geosynthetic length/wall height ratio, wall height, geosynthetic spacing, and backfill inclination. Various conclusions were drawn with respect to the factors mentioned above. Transmissivity testing with foam as superstrate and substrate was performed on potential products for the purpose of providing data for analyses and design. The tests, short-term and extended-term tests (100hr), are based on ASTM D4716. During both types of testing, the ultimate flow rate and transmissivity of each product was measured. Two alternative design methods of internal drainage in geosynthetic reinforced earth walls were developed; one is design by seepage flow rate and the other is design by total seepage force. Internal drainage design by seepage flow rate assigns actual drainage to the geosynthetic in the system while comparing required and allowable flow rate at each potential drainage geosynthetic location. Internal drainage design by total seepage force determines the optimal solution for internal drainage of geosynthetic reinforced earth walls while comparing hypothetical total seepage force and actual total seepage force at the end of reinforcement geosynthetic by using simulations. Using the results of these two design methods, the number of drainage layers required by total seepage force method is generally equal to or less than by seepage flow rate method. However, both methods show potential over the existing approach of assuming uniform drainage within equally spaced layers. Optimal design approaches using example problems are included.
One-session exposure treatment for odontophobia
Authors:   , Gitin Nancy M.
Published: July 2024

Persons with odontophobia, an extreme fear of and/or avoidance of dental procedures, experience high levels of distress when receiving dental care, and many avoid such care altogether, resulting in adverse effects on oral health. Various forms of behavior therapy have proven successful in the treatment of odontophobia, but these treatments are typically conducted over a period of several weeks to months. Some researchers have questioned the need for such elaborate treatments to achieve satisfactory treatment results. Lars-Goran Ost has developed a highly efficient and extremely cost effective method of treating specific phobias. The approach consists of in vivo exposure and therapist modeling, and is conducted in a single, prolonged treatment session. This procedure has been shown to be effective for a variety of specific phobias, but has not yet been applied to odontophobia. This study evaluates the efficacy of a one-session exposure based treatment for odontophobia, as an alternative to the more elaborate methods of treatment reviewed in the literature. Twenty-two self-referred subjects who were screened for appropriateness for this study received a one-session exposure therapy procedure. Subjects completed measures of dental and generalized anxiety, pre- and post-treatment. Subjects were also interviewed about their dental fear by an independent assessor. A physiological measure (pulse rate) was also included. A follow-up telephone interview was conducted three months post-treatment to assess whether or not subjects felt comfortable enough to seek dental treatment. As predicted, data revealed a significant decrease in dental anxiety from pre to post-treatment. Results also confirmed the hypothesis that treatment effects were specific to odontophobia; that is, generalized anxiety did not change significantly from pre to post-treatment. Also as predicted, the mean pulse rate change from initial presentation of stimulus to the post-exposure, following treatment, decreased significantly. In addition, the follow-up analysis revealed 62.5% of the subjects who were not making regular dental visits were able to go to the dentist post treatment. These results suggest that one-session exposure is an effective treatment for odontophobia. Limitations of this study and implications for future research are discussed.
Topographic and neurochemical organization of the dorsal raphe nucleus with respect to the trigeminal somatosensory pathway in the rat
Authors:   , Kirifides Michael L. , Waterhouse Barry D.
Published: July 2024

The dorsal raphe (DR) has been the focus of extensive research. While the global distribution of the DR and its impact on selected brain regions has been previously investigated, less is known about the organization of this efferent system with respect to specific sensory pathways. The goal of this project was to explore the anatomical relationship between the DR and the rat trigeminal somatosensory pathway (TSP). In particular we examined (1) the distribution and organization of DR-TSP projection neurons; (2) the location and patterns of branching of DR neurons which branch to multiple relay sites along the TSP; (3) neurochemical identity of DR-TSP projection neurons. Adult Long Evans hooded rats received three pressure injections of different fluorescent retrograde tracers into sites along the TSP. Following these injections, coronal sections through the DR were examined by fluorescence microscopy. Cells through these sections were counted and mapped indicating the location and distribution of DR projection cells to the TSP. In the second component of this study, combinations of fluorescent retrograde tracers noted within single DR neurons were studied to determine the degree in which individual neurons may influence signal transmission along the trigeminal sensory pathway. The presence of multiple tracers within cell bodies of single neurons provided evidence that individual DR cells concurrently innervate multiple structures along the TSP via axon branching. The third goal of this study was to determine the neurochemical identity of DR neurons that project to the trigeminal sensory pathway. Previous investigators have determined that the rat DR consisted primarily of serotonin (5HT), dopamine (DA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) containing neurons. Although subregions within the DR are organized with respect to cortical and subcortical targets, we could not confirm a clear organization of DR branching neurons with respect to TSP. The dorsomedial and ventromedial subregions contained branching neurons which projected to all three levels of the TSP. In immunochemical studies, 5HT was noted in DR projection neurons to all three levels of the TSP. This study found that 80% of 5HT neurons within DR subregions also stained positively for GAD or GABA. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
The electrophysical properties of the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte
Authors:   , DellaVecchia Michael Anthony
Published: July 2024

The polymorphonuclear leukocyte is the primier hematologic cellular component of acute inflammation and is responsible for many concomitant and subsequent physiological and pathological processes in the human body. In this treatise the electrophysiological properties of the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte with emphasis on its dielectric relaxation mechanisms and cataphoretic behavior is presented. In order to guaranty specificity and viability of testing samples, new techniques were developed by the author for the isolation of the human polymorphonuclear leuykocyte from human peripheral circulation and for assessing its viability. The leukocytes are isolated from human peripheral circulation via Dextran centrifugation gradient. A 99% isolation viability was determined as tested by microscopically counted polystyrene microsphere phagocytosis. This technique compared favorably to non-vital trypan blue viability testing. Polystyrene microsphere phagocytosis testing along with transmission and scanning electron microscopy was employed to determine that measurement parameters did not significantly alter test sample viability. Electrophoretic measurements of the polymorph suspended in M15 phosphate buffered solution undertaken on a Northrup-Kunitz cataphorometer yielded a mobility of 0.47 +/- 0.02 mu-cm/volt-sec. From this data was subsequently calculated a zeta potential of 6.26 mV; a surface charge density of 5.49 x 10('-7)Coulomb/cm('2); a net charge of 1.82 x 10('7) effective charges per polymorphonuclear leukocyte, and a fractional ionic area of 0.3%. Dielectric measurements were taken over the frequency spectrum from .01 megahertz to 0.1 megahertz using a Wayne Kerr Universal B221 Mk III bridge, from 0.1 to 3 megahertz using the Wayne Kerr B201 transformer-ratio arm bridge, and from 0.5 to 180 megahertz using the Boonton General Radio 250 RX bridge. Relaxation was observed in the lower frequency ranges consistent with beta frequency membrane dispersion exhibiting a relatively constant relaxation time, a dispersion which increases with increasing volume fraction and a membrane capacitance of 0.44 +/- 0.023 uf/cm('2). Recommendations are given for advancement in measurement techniques and further studies on the physiological and pathological variants of the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte and suspendable cytological samples.
Measuring user success in the digital library environment
Authors:   , Jung Jin Taek , Childers Thomas A.
Published: July 2024

The digital library is one of the most significant areas of study to emerge in information science in the past several years. The digital library is, in broad terms, a computerized system that allows a community of users to obtain a coherent means of access to an organized, electronically stored repository of information and knowledge. The information resources and technologies embodied by the World Wide Web are now accepted as the primary example of the digital library. The need exists for a means to measure user success in the digital library environment. Because a digital library environment involves two broad functions-(1) information search and retrieval and (2) interactivity with and through the medium-this research posits that measures of both of these functions will show positive correlation with user success. A review of the literature for measures of success in terms of these two functions revealed two key models: (1) The End User Computing Satisfaction Model (EUCS), which consists of five dimensions for measuring user success in an end-user computing environment (thus relating to the search and retrieval function of the digital library). (2) The Flow model, a four-dimension instrument used to study human-computer interaction. "Flow" has already been recommended as an appropriate measure of success in hypermedia, computer-mediated communication environments, such as the World Wide Web. The core of this research has involved the development and testing of a Comprehensive Model for Digital Library User Success, based on a combination of the EUCS and Flow models. Three basic research questions are explored: (1) Is interaction-oriented experiential satisfaction measured by the Flow construct significantly related to overall user success in the digital library? (2) What is the correlation between Flow and EUCS? (3) Does some combination of Flow and EUCS dimensions better predict overall success with the digital library experience than either dimension separately? The current research utilized as its target population undergraduate and graduate students who are current users of a digital library in medium to large-sized universities in Korea. The research validated the EUCS (five dimensions) and Flow (three dimensions) by studying the two constructs within the context of the digital library user population. Correlation was found between EUCS and Flow, with four dimensions retained as components of a Comprehensive Model. It was determined that these four dimensions-Content, Intrinsic Interest, Control, and Timeliness-are significant predictors of user success. The Comprehensive Model was validated, and it is therefore suggested as a basis for further study of user success indicators in the digital library environment.
Chemical dosimetry in the near zone of brachytherapy sources
Authors:   , Hasson Brian
Published: July 2024

New treatment methods and technical advances in the field of radiation oncology have challenged Medical Physicists to design sophisticated dosimeters to measure the dose in the near-zone of brachytherapy sources. To accurately map steep dose-gradients in the near-zone the detector should not perturb the radiation field and should be tissue equivalent, energy independent, and dose rate independent. The treatment of neointimal hyperplasia, prostate cancer with permanent brachytherapy seed implants, and transition zone effects in 3-D conformal therapy has spurred the development of new dosimeters and apparatuses for evaluating steep dose-gradient regions. This project has developed two dosimetry systems to accurately measure the radial dose in the near-zone of clinically used 137Cs and 192Ir sources. A polymer gel dosimeter was designed and implemented for this project. This study represents the first attempt to use a custom-made polymer gel dosimeter to exclusively investigate the radial dose in the near-zone of brachytherapy sources. The custom-made polymer gel dosimeter in conjunction with a high-field strength small-bore MR scanner was determined to provide accurate and reproducible data of the dose in the near-zone. A second dosimetry system consisted of gaf-chromic film-"the gold standard"-and a custom-built precision scanner. The scanner was designed with a 670nm wave length diode-laser and precision-built micrometers for scanning. The scanner provided optimal scanning conditions for the gaf-chromic film. The gaf-chromic film data for the radial dose in the near-zone of the clinically used 137Cs and 192Ir sources agreed well with the data from the polymer gel dosimeter. This project has confirmed the radial dose results in the near-zone of the often-cited Monte-Carlo data of Williamson. The polymer gel and the gaf-chromic film radial dose data agree well with the Monte-Carlo data in the near-zone of a single 137Cs source and a single 192Ir seed. This project has extended the reliable data in the near-zone from 3mm down to 1mm. Both detectors were shown to be excellent candidates for near-zone dosimetry, and have created an empirical benchmark for the Monte-Carlo theorist.
The particularization of computer-efficacy and its influence on the technology acceptance model
Authors:   , McFarland Daniel J. , Arinze Orakwue Bay
Published: July 2024

Some people resist using information technology (IT) despite potentially tremendous benefits. As investments in IT reach unprecedented amounts, and as IT becomes more of a competitive necessity, practitioners are increasingly interested in understanding the circumstances surrounding this resistance. Researchers cite the technology acceptance model (TAM) as one of the most influential computer usage models. Although the TAM has empirically demonstrated its validity, the model accounts for only a fraction of system usage variance. Some researchers suggest that the TAM constructs are too general. By simultaneously considering diverse attributes, people become confused regarding what is being measured and how much weight should be given to a particular attribute. Other researchers suggest that by not explicitly considering the influences of external variables, the results of the TAM may be spurious or misleading. Research suggests that additional IT-specific variables should be incorporated into the TAM. Self-efficacy and the characteristics of the task are among those variables that may provide additional insights into human computing behaviors. Although prior studies have defined computer-efficacy measures, they do not specifically consider the task or the particular situational circumstances. Based on self-efficacy theory, these general measures of efficacy are fundamentally inaccurate and vague. Empirical studies investigating computer-efficacy have been able to explain very little of the computer-efficacy variance. This study develops a new particularized computer-efficacy measure and incorporates it and those IT-specific antecedents believed to influence it into the TAM. The findings of this study provide strong support for the particularization of IT behavioral research. Additionally, the results support social cognitive theory, in that the contextual variables directly effect system usage.
Interpersonal issues of nonhospitalized adult adoptees
Authors:   , Kossar Michelle Duffine
Published: July 2024

The present study was designed to investigate the role of age at adoption in nonhospitalized adult adoptees on several measures of interpersonal relating and psychological functioning. Two groups of adult adoptees, those adopted before the age of 6 months (n = 50) and those adopted after the age of 1 year (n = 49), were utilized. Subjects ranged in age from 25 to 67 years old. It was first hypothesized that on a measure of interpersonal relatedness, the Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), those adoptees adopted before the age of 6 months would have more adaptive or flexible views of others than those adopted after the age of 1 year. Adoptees adopted after 1 year may have experienced more adverse early attachment histories, which then may lead to less flexible or developed perceptions of relationships as adults. A one-way MANOVA revealed that the two groups of adoptees were significantly different on two of the four subscales of the BORRTI. On both the Alienation and Egocentricity subscales of the BORRTI, the adopted-after-1-year-group demonstrated less flexible and less developed object relations functioning than the adopted-before-6-months group. It was also hypothesized that the two adoptee groups would differ on two measures of attachment. Most of the analyses indicated a lack of differences on the attachment measures. Finally, it was hypothesized that on a measure of psychological distress, the Global Severity Index (GSI) of the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), that those adopted after 1 year would be more distressed than those adopted before 6 months. T-tests performed separately on the GSI for both males and females revealed that there were differences between the two adoptee groups only for the male adoptees, with the adopted after 1 year male adoptees reporting more psychological distress than those males adopted before 6 months. Research should be conducted to further examine the interpersonal repercussions of adoption with larger, more diverse samples of adoptees.
Essential kinematic parameters of attainment of sit-to-stand in children
Authors:   , Prasertsukdee Saipin
Published: July 2024

The objectives of this study were to examine (1) essential kinematic parameters of attainment of sit-to-stand (STS) in children, and (2) relationships of the kinematics of the center of mass (COM) during STS across different ages and anthropometrics. The subjects were a sample of convenience of 27 children with typical development, 7-11 years old. The subjects sat in a standardized position and then stood up as naturally as possible (STS-N). Then, in a random order, the subjects attempted STS under two experiments: (1) when the forward lean of the trunk was limited to two-thirds (STS-D2/3) and one-third (STS-D1/3) of the distance that they naturally leaned the trunk; and (2) when the forward lean of the trunk was limited to two-thirds (STS-SP2/3) and one-third (STS-SP1/3) of the velocity of STS-N. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects attained STS-D2/3; however, only 22% attained STS-D1/3. For the limited STS conditions, the mean relative horizontal location of the COM was significantly posterior to the base of support (BOS) (p < 0.0005) while the mean maximum horizontal linear momentum of the COM significantly increased (p < 0.0005), compared to STS-N. In the unsuccessful STS-D1/3 only the mean relative horizontal location of the COM to the BOS significantly decreased compared to the successful STS-D1/3. All of the subjects attained STS-SP2/3 and STS-SP1/3. The mean relative horizontal location of the COM was significantly anterior to the BOS in these two limited speed conditions (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the relative location of the COM to the BOS did not significantly correlate to either age or anthropometrics whereas the momentum of the COM significantly correlated to both age and anthropometrics. However, only anthropometrics significantly accounted for the variance of the momentum of the COM. Overall, this study suggests that the relative horizontal location of the COM to the BOS would be a primary essential kinematic parameter for the attainment of STS in children. The horizontal momentum of the COM is essential in assisting the COM to move into the BOS. The study also suggests physical growth (anthropometrics) rather than neural maturation (age) influences the kinematics of the COM during STS.
Effects of maternal identity and incubation environment on morphological, physiological and behavior traits in snapping turtles
Authors:   , Steyermark Anthony Cecil , Spotila James Robert
Published: July 2024

Several factors can affect offspring phenotype, including maternal effects, developmental conditions, and genetic effects. I examined the contribution of maternal effects, egg incubation temperature, and clutch identity to variation in hatching success, hatching body size, growth, standard metabolic rate, and righting response of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina. Mass at hatching was correlated with egg mass. Both clutch identity and egg incubation temperature affected hatching success and size at hatching. Growth rates varied significantly among clutches, ranging from 5.76 mg d⁻¹ to 9.20 mg d⁻¹. Egg size and mass at hatching were negatively correlated with growth rate, but mass at hatching was positively correlated with individual mass at 175 d. In contrast to results from previous studies, incubation temperature had no significant effects on individual growth. I measured standard metabolic rate at 15°C and 25°C. Mass at hatching, individual mass, and egg mass had no significant effects on metabolic rate at 15°C, but did at 25°C. Incubation temperature had no significant effect on metabolic rate at 15°C, but did at 25°C. Clutch identity had a significant effect on metabolic rate at both 15°C and 25°C. Inter-individual variation in standard metabolic rate due to incubation temperature, and especially clutch identity, could have large effects on energetic considerations. Clutch identity had a significant effect on righting response times in both 1996 and 1997, while egg incubation temperature had no significant effect on righting response time in either 1996 or 1997. Righting response time was consistent and repeatable across individuals and clutches. Results suggest that maternal effects (egg mass) can have significant effects long into ontogeny, because effects of egg size on individual mass were still detectable at 6 months of age. Incubation temperature has effects on some individual traits. Because all individuals received similar treatments and were in similar environments, results suggest that there is a genetic component to growth rate, and both an environmental effect and a genetic effect on standard metabolic rate. Clutch identity had significant effects on all traits examined, and should be considered in future studies as a potential source for phenotypic variation.
Mechanisms of azole resistance in Candida glabrata
Authors:   , Vermitsky John-Paul , Edlind Thomas D
Published: July 2024

Candida glabrata emerged in the last decade as a common cause of mucosal and invasive fungal infection. This is in large part due to its intrinsically low susceptibility or acquired resistance to azole antifungals such as fluconazole. In C. glabrata clinical isolates and laboratory-derived mutants, the predominant mechanism behind azole resistance is upregulated expression of multidrug transporter genes CDR1 and PDH1. One of these laboratory-derived mutants, F15, contains a putative gain-of-function mutation (P927L) that was identified in the single homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcription factors Pdr1-Pdr3. Disruption of C. glabrata PDR1 using a novel technique (PRODIGE) conferred equivalent fluconazole hypersensitivity to both F15 and 66032 and eliminated both constitutive and fluconazole-induced CDR1-PDH1 expression. Reintroduction of wild-type or F15 PDR1 fully reversed these effects; together these results demonstrate a role for this gene in both acquired and intrinsic azole resistance. CDR1 disruption had a partial effect, reducing fluconazole trailing in both strains while restoring wild-type susceptibility to F15. In an azole-resistant clinical isolate, PDR1 disruption reduced azole MICs 8 to 64-fold with no effect on sensitivity to other antifungals. To extend this analysis, C. glabrata microarrays were generated and used to analyze genome-wide expression in F15 relative to its parent. Homologs of 10 S. cerevisiae genes previously shown to be Pdr1-Pdr3 targets were upregulated (YOR1, RTA1, RSB1, RPN4, YLR346c, and YMR102c along with CDR1, PDH1, and PDR1 itself) or downregulated (PDR12); roles for these genes include small molecule transport and transcriptional regulation. Additional genes involved in transport (e.g., QDR2, YBT1), lipid metabolism ( ATF2, ARE1), cell stress (HSP12, CTA1), DNA repair (YIM1, MEC3), and cell wall function (MKC7, MNT3 ) showed altered expression. These azole resistance-associated changes could affect C. glabrata tissue-specific virulence; in support of this, we detected differences in F15 oxidant, alcohol, and weak acid sensitivities. Finally, we describe a candidate C. glabrata virulence factor involving catalase-meditated hydrogen peroxide resistance. This organism provides a promising model for studying the genetic basis of multidrug resistance and its impact on virulence.
Impulsivity in pedophilic sexual offenders
Authors:   , Kalal David M. , Nezu Arthur M.
Published: July 2024

Sexual offenses against children in the United States have increased dramatically over the past 10 years (Hanson, Cox, & Woszcyna, 1991). In 1995 the Federal Bureau of Investigation identified over 100,000 sex offenders in the criminal justice system (United States Department of Justice Statistics, 1996). It is estimated, however, that the annual incidence of sexual assaults is anywhere from 2 to 20 times higher than that reported to the authorities (Lockhart et al., 1989). Although sexual offenses against children are presumably mediated by several variables, one factor that may facilitate pedophilic behavior is a lack of impulse control (Fowler, Burns, & Reheel, 1983; Prentky, Knight, Lee, & Cerce, 1995). Although impulsivity has been studied in numerous populations including criminals, few studies have specifically focused on pedophiles. In this project two widely used self-report measures, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Eysenck Impulsivity Questionnaire, were administered to a population of incarcerated pedophiles. Their results were compared to groups of violent, but non-sexual, offenders and community controls. Results obtained from 133 subjects failed to reveal significant differences in impulsivity, both within subtypes of pedophiles and between pedophiles and comparison groups. This would appear to suggest that differences in impulse control do not mediate offending behavior.
Phospholipids
Authors:   , Jian Bo , Swaney John B
Published: July 2024

Peripheral cholesterol can be transported back to liver by acceptors, particularly HDL, for disposal. The properties of cholesterol acceptors have been studied extensively. It has been demonstrated that the ability of serum to promote cholesterol efflux from Fu5AH rat hepatoma cells correlated best with the phospholipid content of HDL. In our studies, serum was enriched with phospholipid and the consequences of phospholipid enrichment were studied. We found that the ability of serum to elicit efflux of cholesterol could be enhanced by phospholipid modification in Fu5AH cells, suggesting phospholipid is a key parameter in modulating cellular cholesterol efflux. To elucidate the mechanism(s) by which PL-modification of serum influences efflux, we have proposed several possibilities: (1) lipoprotein surface area is increased resulting in increased cholesterol solubilization; (2) new HDL-like particles are generated, increasing the numbers of cholesterol acceptors; and (3) PL alters the surface structure of lipoproteins, particularly HDL, increasing their affinity for a receptor on the cell surface, such as SR-BI, the HDL receptor which mediates cholesterol ester uptake. To discriminate among these alternatives, cholesterol efflux studies were performed in a variety of cell lines which express different levels of SR-BI. Our results show that the rate of cholesterol release from different cell types varies significantly and that phospholipid-modification of serum can enhance the efflux ability of serum in some cell types but not others. Further studies demonstrated that the percentage of efflux stimulation by phospholipid-modification of serum is correlated to the expression levels of SR-BI in cells. In addition, a strong correlation between efflux to 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphotidylcholine small unilamellar vesicles (POPC-SUV) and levels of SR-BI was observed, suggesting that neutral phospholipid vesicles can also interact with SR-BI. We conclude that phospholipids can modulate the interactions of lipoprotein with SR-BI and that enrichment of serum, particularly high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, with phospholipid can increase their ability to bind to SR-BI and thus increase their efflux ability.
Influenza hemagglutinin mediated membrane fusion
Authors:   , Mittal Aditya , Bentz Joseph Edward
Published: July 2024

This work focuses on understanding molecular architecture of the fusion site of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) mediated membrane fusion from kinetic data. Some key HA-mediated fusion data has been analyzed using a mass-action kinetic model (Bentz, 2000a). In Chapters 3 and 4, the comprehensive model has brought together kinetic data for fusion of HA expressing cells with erythrocytes, and fusion of the virus with liposomes, despite differences in assays and experimental design. Consensus of all the analyses shows that of the 8 or more HAs at the fusion site, only 2 need to undergo a slow "essential" conformational change to initiate bilayer destabilization. In Chapter 3, we find that HAs bound to sialates on glycophorin can participate in fusion as members of the fusogenic aggregate, but they cannot undergo the essential conformational change, thus solving a long standing debate about the role of receptor-bound HAs. In Chapter 4, the model is extended to include inactivation and activation of HA following protonation. Various experiments involving A/PR/8/34, X31 and A/Japan/305/57 strains of HA are analyzed. We find that "pKa" for the final protonation site on each monomer of the trimer molecule is 5.6-5.7, irrespective of the strain. We also find that "pKi" for the PR/8 strain is 4.8-4.9. Inactivation rate constants for HA, measured from experiments done with PR/8 virions fusing with liposomes and X31 HA-expressing cells fusing with RBCs, are both found to be of the order of 10-4 s-1. In Chapter 5, kinetics of lipid mixing between HA expressing cells and R18 labeled RBCs are compared using three different experimental approaches. In Chapter 6, an automated video fluorescence microscopy technique has been developed that allows us to monitor kinetics of large numbers of single cell-cell fusion events and enables us to separate fusion from hemifusion. For cell pairs showing any lipid mixing, the onset to completion kinetics of lipid mixing measured by the technique suggest more than one subsets of events. We believe that the fate of a fusion event is decided during the delay time before onset of lipid mixing, however it is independent of the delay time.