cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of Integrated Task Sequences Shapes Components of Reaching

Reaching toward an object usually consists of a sequence of elemental actions. Using a reaching task sequence, the authors investigated how task elements of that sequence affected feedforward and feedback components of the reaching phase of the movement. Nine right-handed adults performed, with their dominant and nondominant hands, 4 tasks of different complexities: a simple reaching task; a reach-to-grasp task; a reach-to-grasp and lift object task; and a reach-to-grasp, lift, and place object task. Results showed that in the reach-to-grasp and lift object task more time was allocated to the feedforward component of the reach phase, while latency between the task elements decreased. We also found between-hand differences, supporting previous findings of increased efficiency of processing planning-related information in the preferred hand. The presence of task-related modifications supports the concept of contextual effects when planning a movement.
A Theoretical Model of Radiative Transfer in Young Sea Ice

A four stream discrete-ordinates photometric model including both anisotropic scattering and refraction at the boundaries is presented which treats the case of a floating ice slab. The effects of refraction and reflection on the redistribution of the incident radiation field as it enters the ice are examined in detail. Using one- and two-layer models, theoretical albedos and transmittances are compared to values measured in the laboratory for thin salt ice. With an experimentally determined three-parameter Henyey–Greenstein phase function, comparisons at 650 nm yield single-scattering albedos ranging from 0.95 to 0.9997. The models are then used to compare the effects of diffuse and direct-beam incident radiation, to investigate the dependence of spectral albedo and transmittance on ice thickness, and to determine the influence of very cold and melted surface layers.
State and criminal violence in Latin America

Most explanations of the high levels of violence in Latin America and the Caribbean have focused on economic factors, cultural variables, and drug wars. In this article, I argue that it is necessary to bring the state back into the analysis of criminal violence by examining the many ways in which the state directly contributes to violence. State agents contribute to the escalation of criminal violence in the region by extending the legal limits of the use of legitimate force, by tolerating and supporting the employment of extralegal approaches to deal with crime and disorder, and by partnering with criminal groups and militias. They do this while seeking legitimacy and constructing political authority. The modern-day participation of state institutions in the reproduction of violence stems from the particular mode of state development in Latin America, which has tended to outsource and negotiate the means of legitimate force with different social actors. Processes of democratization of the last three decades unintendedly opened the space for more violent contestation by emergent state-related actors.
Adult education and an African American history museum

AbstractMuseums in the United States have historical significance, which adult educators are beginning to study. Receiving less attention to date, however, is the work of African American history museums. This descriptive case study sought to gain an understanding of the adult education work in one African American history museum — The Calaboose: The Johnnie Armstead African American history museum in San Marcos, TX. Using an Africentric lens, observations, and formal interview and video footage, this study illuminated the founder/educator’s motivations, sense of social responsibility and belief in the power of storytelling to teach problematic racial histories. Problematically, this work is somewhat disconnected from the powerful Black Lives Matter movement, and therefore is more limited in its contributions to current struggle for racial justice in the US. However, as a space of strong anti-racist adult education the work is vitally important and needs greater visibility.
Another look at symbolic ethnicity

I am pleased not only that Ethnic and Racial Studies chose to remember a nearly forty-year-old article, but also that it is evidently continuing to be read. And as a researcher, I am equally please...
Green Storage Technologies: Issues and Strategies for Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Energy cost in the data center is rising at a steep rate, and a significant portion of that cost comes from the storage system. Storage (disks and memory systems) accounts for more than 30% of the total power consumption. This number is expected to rise to 50% of the overall IT budget in the future. Enhancing the power efficiency of storage systems is of utmost importance, and, many techniques have been proposed and are being explored in both component and system levels. This chapter starts by providing a brief introduction on the basic power characteristics of storage components from a device-level perspective. Then several architectural and high-level power management techniques are covered.
Modulation of MicroRNAs by Chemical Carcinogens and Anticancer Drugs in Human Cancer: Potential Inkling to Therapeutic Advantage.

The disorder of microRNAs (miRNAs) often referred as ‘micromanagers of gene expression’ has been implicated with a vast array of neoplasmthe discovery establishes an important connection with the etiology, diagnosis and potential therapy of human cancer. Indeed, the wide range of profiling studies enabled to create miRNA signatures of solid tumors as well as cancers of blood origin. MiRNAs have been observed to play a significant role in the regulation of gene expression-a critical aspect of many biological processes, including cell development, differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation. The differential expression levels of miRNAs in tumors and their normal counterpart have enabled scientists to designate their roles as oncomir or tumor suppressor. Interestingly, the diminishment of oncogenic or enhanced levels of tumor suppressor miRNAs (antagomirs) have been reported to modulate the sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer agents. To the other end, carcinogenic chemicals either possess the ability of silencing beneficial tumor suppressive miRNAs or maintain the augmented levels of their oncogenic counterpart. In this article we provide a comprehensive overview on the modulation of these “micromanaging oligos” by cancer causing as well as cancer preventing agents.
Carbamazepine: The Influence of Other Anti-Epileptic Drugs on its Serum Level

The interactions between various anti-epileptic drugs have been reported on from time to time (Hansen et al. (1968), Cucinell et al. (1965), Kutt et al. (1969), Morselli et al. (1971) etc.). In the case of carbamazepine, its action on the serum concentration of phenytoin has been recognized previously (Hansen et al. (1971)).
History of PPAR Discovery

Using electron microscopy, microbodies were first discovered in 1954 in mouse renal cells by Rhodin (Afzelius 1965). Later in 1966, De Duve and Baudhuin were the first to isolate these organelles from rat liver and, based on biochemical studies, termed them peroxisomes (Schrader and Fahimi 2008). Peroxisomes were later found in all eukaryotic cells with the exception of mature erythrocytes and sperms (Schrader and Fahimi 2008; Fidaleo 2010). Although all peroxisomes have common metabolic pathways, unique cell- and/or tissue-specific peroxisomal functions may also exist. Future discovery of various peroxisomal marker proteins as well as more sensitive detection techniques such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics should provide insights toward better understanding of peroxisomal functions in different tissues and species (Islinger et al. 2010).
Externally Induced Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia continues to be the subject of numerous clinical trials and intensive multidisciplinary investigations in biology, physics and engineering laboratories. Progress has been steady but painstaking since investigators are continually challenged by the complex problems of determining how to combine hyperthermia with the already effective modalities of X-radiation and chemotherapy and whether treatment has been improved by the addition of heat. Perhaps even more challenging is the task of safely and effectively heating anatomic regions of clinical importance. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the present art and science of externally or non-invasively induced hyperthermia; reasonable restrictions on its length do not permit an exhaustive discussion of the relevant subject material. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with some of the basic principles of the developing field of hyperthermia (see Stewart and Gibbs 1984 for review).
REGULATION OF ADENYLATE KINASES FROM RAT LIVER, MUSCLE, AND TUMOR TISSUES

ABSTRACT. The major enzymatic forms of adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3) have been purified and compared from rat liver, skeletal muscle, and hepatoma (Morris tumor #3924A) tissues.
Library Resources in Specialty Rehabilitation Model System Centers

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) funds three types of Model System Programs in the United States: spinal cord injury, traumatic brain ...
Treatment patterns of malignant melanoma in the United States in 2011-2016: A retrospective cohort study.

e21633Background: Novel therapies have changed melanoma treatment since 2011, but real world clinical practice has not been well studied. Our study described advanced melanoma treatment changes fro...
Strain-rate effects associated with the HJC concrete model

The Holmquist-Johnson-Cook (HJC) model for concrete was presented in 1993 and has been used extensively since that time. Since then a third invariant effect has been added and the shear modulus has been revised to vary such that Poisson's ratio is held constant. It has always been diffcult, however, to determine the appropriate constant for the strain-rate effect as most of the published data are for the net stress as a function of the strain rate. Because concrete is both pressure dependent and strain-rate dependent, it is necessary to separate the individual effects. Recently strain-rate data for three concrete materials were presented by Piotrowska and others [1, 2], where the data are presented as equivalent stress versus confining pressure for a high strain rate and a quasi-static strain rate. This is the form necessary to determine the appropriate strain-rate effect, and the data show that the strain-rate effect is larger than used in the initial publication of the HJC model, and also that the strain-rate effect is a function of the confining pressure. For lower pressures the strain-rate effect is a factor to be applied to the quasi-static data (which is the effect represented in the original HJC model), but for higher pressures the strain rate effect is better represented by an additive term. With the addition of an another HJC constant (the pressure at which the strain rate effect transitions from a multiplied factor to an additive term) it is possible to more accurately represent the response of concrete under high pressures and high strain rates, and it is possible to compute more accurate results for projectile penetration into concrete targets. The paper presents the modified form of the HJC model, an analysis of the strain-rate effects, and results of penetration computations that are compared to experimental data in the literature.
Cinnamic Acid Protects the Nigrostriatum in a Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease via Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptorα

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common devastating human neurodegenerative disorder and despite intense investigation, no effective therapy is available for PD. Cinnamic acid, a naturally occurring aromatic fatty acid of low toxicity, is a precursor for the synthesis of a huge number of plant substances. This study highlights the neuroprotective effect of cinnamic acid in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. Oral administration of cinnamic acid protected tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and TH fibers in the striatum of MPTP-insulted mice. Accordingly, oral cinnamic acid also normalized striatal neurotransmitters and improved locomotor activities in MPTP-intoxicated mice. While investigating mechanisms, we found that cinnamic acid induced the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), but not PPARβ, in primary mouse astrocytes. Cinnamic acid mediated protection of the nigrostriatal system and locomotor activities in WT and PPARβ (-/-), but not PPARα (-/-) mice from MPTP intoxication suggests that cinnamic acid requires the involvement of PPARα in protecting dopaminergic neurons in this model of PD. This study delineates a new function of cinnamic acid in protecting dopaminergic neurons via PPARα that could be beneficial for PD.
Stigma, isolation and depression among older adults living with HIV in rural areas

There is a growing population of ageing individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Older adults living with HIV often contend with intersecting stigmas including HIV stigma, ageism and, for some, homonegativity and/or racism. Although the HIV stigma literature is quite robust, research on the relationship between HIV stigma, social support and mental wellbeing among older adults living with HIV is limited. This study begins to address this gap by examining how intersectional stigma affects social support and mental wellbeing among rural-dwelling older adults living with HIV. Qualitative interviews were conducted by phone with 29 older adults living with HIV, over the age of 50, living in rural areas of the United States of America. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis in MAXQDA qualitative analysis software. Analysis revealed three primary themes. The first had to do with gossip and non-disclosure of HIV status, which intersected with ageism and homonegativity to exacerbate experiences that fell within the remaining themes of experiences of physical and psychological isolation and loneliness, and shame and silence surrounding depression. The prevalence of social isolation and the effects of limited social support among older adults living with HIV are prominent and indicate a need for tailored interventions within the HIV care continuum for older adults living with HIV.
Improving Medication Information Presentation Through Interactive Visualization in Mobile Apps: Human Factors Design.

Background: Despite the detailed patient package inserts (PPIs) with prescription drugs that communicate crucial information about safety, there is a critical gap between patient understanding and the knowledge presented. As a result, patients may suffer from adverse events. We propose using human factors design methodologies such as hierarchical task analysis (HTA) and interactive visualization to bridge this gap. We hypothesize that an innovative mobile app employing human factors design with an interactive visualization can deliver PPI information aligned with patients’ information processing heuristics. Such an app may help patients gain an improved overall knowledge of medications. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility of designing an interactive visualization-based mobile app using an HTA approach through a mobile prototype. Methods: Two pharmacists constructed the HTA for the drug risperidone. Later, the specific requirements of the design were translated using infographics. We transferred the wireframes of the prototype into an interactive user interface. Finally, a usability evaluation of the mobile health app was conducted. Results: A mobile app prototype using HTA and infographics was successfully created. We reiterated the design based on the specific recommendations from the usability evaluations. Conclusions: Using HTA methodology, we successfully created a mobile prototype for delivering PPI on the drug risperidone to patients. The hierarchical goals and subgoals were translated into a mobile prototype.
Sex Bias in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren’s Syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with protean manifestations in both clinical and immunological domains. Sjogren’s syndrome is another rheumatic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that is related to SLE at the level of clinical and serological manifestations as well as underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. For both diseases there are clearly genetic and environmental contributions to the risk of disease, but the etiology is largely undefined. Both SLE and Sjogren’s syndrome predominately affect women compared to men at a ratio of at least 10:1. The mechanism by which female-bias is mediated has not been fully elucidated. Sex steroids, estrogens and androgens, do not differ between SLE patients and controls with another chronic disease. Elevated levels of prolactin are found in the sera of some women with either SLE or Sjogren’s syndrome, but a cause and effect relationship is not established. The transcription factor vestigial-like family member 3 (VGLL3) may regulate sex-biased gene expression in a way that promotes autoimmunity. The X chromosome aneuploidies 47,XXY and 47,XXX are found in excess among men and women, respectively, with SLE or Sjogren’s syndrome. X chromosome genes that escape X inactivation, such as TLR7 and CXorf21, may mediate the X chromosome dose effect found in these diseases through effects of TLR7 signaling. Other X chromosome abnormalities including acquired X monosomy and skewed inactivation have not been found in SLE. The theory that genes escaping from X inactivation leads to increased intracellular protein concentration and subsequently to autoimmunity is untested. Thus, relatively new research has identified pathways other than sex hormones for female sex bias in these diseases. There may in fact be more than one mechanism by which autoimmune disease affects mostly women.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress implication in senescence of small airway fibroblasts from COPD patients

Background: In COPD, senescence of small airway fibroblasts (SAF) is closely related to the oxidative imbalance. The SAF secretome is characterised by a pro-inflammatory pattern that may drive small airway fibrosis. Molecular events leading to senescence are not clearly defined but in vitro studies suggest endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress may be a key event in COPD pathogenesis. Aim: Assess the role of ER stress in SAF senescence. Methods: SAF were isolated from COPD lung tissue and age-matched non-smokers (NS) (n=6). Senescence (p21, γ-H2AX) and ER stress markers (p-IRE1, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, XBP1) were evaluated by Western blot. CXCL-8 and PAI-1 release were measured by ELISA. Co-expression of XBP1 and p21 was studied by immunochemistry. To link ER stress and senescence, SAF were exposed to ISRIB, a selective inhibitor of P-eIF2α and modification of senescence markers as well as the level of antioxidant markers (NRF2 stabilisation, SOD3 expression, catalase activity) were evaluated. Results: At baseline, the expression of p21, γ-H2AX and CXCL-8 were increased in COPD SAF compared to NS (2.6, 3.2 and 2.7-fold-change). Phosphorylation of PERK and eIF2α was only observed in COPD SAF. XBP1 and p21 were co-expressed in the nucleus of ~35% of COPD SAF. ISRIB reduced expression of p21 and γ-H2AX (47% and 63% decrease, p Conclusion: These data imply a role for ER stress in SAF senescence in COPD and suggest p-eIF2α as a new target for therapeutic strategy.
Proximity to traffic and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in relation to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and conduct disorder in U.S. children

Abstract Background Traffic related air pollution (TRAP) and its component polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be neurotoxic in children. There is limited research on postnatal exposure to TRAP and PAHs and child neurodevelopment. Methods We linked data from the U.S. NHANES 2001–2004 with the National Highway Planning Network 2005 to examine the proximity to major roads (highway or urban/rural principal arterials), urinary PAH metabolites, and diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) based on Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children (C-DISC) in 1253 children aged 8–15 years. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for ADHD and CD by traffic proximity and PAH exposures using logistic regression adjusted for confounders. Results Higher ADHD prevalence was observed among children living Conclusion We found living close to a major road was not associated with increased PAH levels. We did not find statistically significant relation between proximity to a major road or urinary PAH metabolite levels and ADHD or CD diagnosis in this cross-sectional analysis. Prospective studies are needed for the investigation of postnatal TRAP exposure and ADHD and CD diagnosis.
Systematic Analysis of Functionally Related Gene Clusters in the Opportunistic Pathogen, Candida albicans

The proper balance of gene expression is essential for cellular health, organismal development, and maintaining homeostasis. In response to complex internal and external signals, the cell needs to modulate gene expression to maintain proteostasis and establish cellular identity within its niche. On a genome level, single-celled prokaryotic microbes display clustering of co-expressed genes that are regulated as a polycistronic RNA. This phenomenon is largely absent from eukaryotic microbes, although there is extensive clustering of co-expressed genes as functional pairs spread throughout the genome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. While initial analysis demonstrated conservation of clustering in divergent fungal lineages, a comprehensive analysis has yet to be performed. Here we report on the prevalence, conservation, and significance of the functional clustering of co-regulated genes within the opportunistic human pathogen, Candida albicans. Our analysis reveals that there is extensive clustering within this organism—although the identity of the gene pairs is unique compared with those found in S. cerevisiae—indicating that this genomic arrangement evolved after these microbes diverged evolutionarily, rather than being the result of an ancestral arrangement. We report a clustered arrangement in gene families that participate in diverse molecular functions and are not the result of a divergent orientation with a shared promoter. This arrangement coordinates the transcription of the clustered genes to their neighboring genes, with the clusters congregating to genomic loci that are conducive to transcriptional regulation at a distance.
Your Home is Insecure: Practical Attacks on Wireless Home Alarm Systems

Wireless home alarm systems are being widely deployed, but their security has not been well studied. Existing attacks on wireless home alarm systems exploit the vulnerabilities of networking protocols while neglecting the problems arising from the physical component of IoT devices. In this paper, we present new event-eliminating and event-spoofing attacks on commercial wireless home alarm systems by interfering with the reed switch in almost all COTS alarm sensors. In both attacks, the external adversary uses his own magnet to control the state of the reed switch in order to either eliminate legitimate alarms or spoof false alarms. We also present a new battery-depletion attack with programmable electromagnets to deplete the alarm sensor’s battery quickly and stealthily in hours which is expected to last a few years. The efficacy of our attacks is confirmed by detailed experiments on a representative Ring alarm system.
Phase-Shifted Quad-Input LLC Converter with Variable Pulse Width Modulation 1

In this paper, a novel quad input DC-DC converter is proposed for photovoltaic (PV) applications where four PV panels are connected to the load through a single LLC tank. This topology uses Frequency Switching Modulation (FSM) to regulate the load and Phase Shift Modulation (PSM) to balance the power between both sides of the converter. In addition, variable duty cycle Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) on each side to control the power supplied by the panels within it. This means four degrees of freedom are used to control all the ports of the proposed converter. This topology features a low-cost solution due to the number of components reduction and centralized control which leads to easier functionality and higher efficiency. This paper includes the detailed topology analysis, steady-state operation, and the gain equations are derived. Finally, the theoretical analysis is verified by simulation using MATLAB Simulink platform.
Computers and the Visually Impaired Kindergarten Child

A monthly section highlighting the impact of technological development on consumers and the blindness/visual impairment field. We need your support. Please send news, reviews, and descriptions of n...
Molecular Chemistry for Dark Matter II: Recombination, Molecule Formation, and Halo Mass Function in Atomic Dark Matter

Dissipative dark matter predicts rich observable phenomena that can be tested with future large-scale structure surveys. As a specific example, we study atomic dark matter, consisting of a heavy particle and a light particle charged under a dark electromagnetism. In particular, we calculate the cosmological evolution of atomic dark matter focusing on dark recombination and dark-molecule formation. We have obtained the relevant interaction-rate coefficients by re-scaling the rates for normal hydrogen, and evolved the abundances for ionized, atomic, and molecular states using a modified version of RecFAST++. We also provide an analytical approximation for the final abundances. We then calculate the effects of the atomic dark matter on the linear power spectrum, which enter through a dark-photon diffusion and dark acoustic oscillations. At the formation time, the atomic dark matter model suppresses halo abundances on scales smaller than the diffusion scale, just like the warm dark matter models suppress the abundance below the free-streaming scale. The subsequent evolution with radiative cooling, however, will alter the halo mass function further.
The Six-Day War and Israeli Self-Defense: Questioning the Legal Basis for Preventive War

Part I. A War Is Generated: 1. Who was to blame and why it matters 2. The Syrian connection 3. Egypt flexes its muscle 4. Historical opportunity for Israel Part II. Cold War Togetherness: 5. Britain has a plan 6. Southern passage: Aqaba as cause for war 7. The Americans will not sit shiva 8. How to attack: we have to be the victims Part III. The First Victim of War: 9. Turkey shoot 10. Cover-up in the Security Council 11. Security Council in the dark 12. Cover-up in the General Assembly Part IV. Rallying Round Self-Defense: 13. How to read the silence on aggression 14. The experts fall in line 15. No threat? No matter Part V. War Without Limit?: 16. War by mistake 17. Defending in advance 18. A new doctrine of preventive war Part VI. Peace Sidelined: 19. Permanent takeover? 20. Blocking the path to peace.
Parasitism of a native Hawaiian stream fish by an introduced nematode increases with declining precipitation across a natural rainfall gradient

Climate change can promote disease emergence if shifting conditions favour infection of native fauna by introduced parasites and pathogens. In Hawai'i, climate warming is predicted to reduce net precipitation and surface flow in streams, which in turn could increase parasitism of native stream fishes by non-native parasites. In this study, we utilised a natural precipitation gradient across the Hamakua coast on the island of Hawai'i to assess the relationship between precipitation and infection of Awaous stamineus, a native amphidromous goby, by the introduced nematode Camallanus cotti. We found that the abundance, intensity and prevalence of C. cotti in A. stamineus increased with declining rainfall. Our results also show that parasitism tracks precipitation patterns across the archipelago and that parasitism increases even with moderate decreases in rainfall. As the Hamakua coast precipitation gradient represents a proxy for predicted climate-driven reductions in precipitation, these findings suggest that infection of native Hawaiian fishes by introduced parasites will increase if climate conditions change as expected. Our findings also suggest that parasitism may be exacerbated by other factors that reduce surface flow, including water extraction for agricultural and urban uses. If so, then adaptive management of minimum flow standards in Hawai'i and elsewhere could improve the well-being of at-risk native fishes by alleviating parasitism under current and future climate conditions.
Extending the Construct of Psychopathy to Youth: Implications for Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Antisocial Children and Adolescents:

This paper reviews several attempts to extend the construct of psychopathy to children and adolescents. The research suggests that the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits may be particularly important. Specifically, the presence of these traits designates a clinically important subgroup of youth with childhood-onset conduct problems who show a particularly severe, aggressive, and stable pattern of antisocial behaviour. Also, children with CU traits show numerous emotional, cognitive, and personality features that are distinct from other antisocial youth that are similar to features found in adults with psychopathy. The research on CU traits has important implications for understanding the different causal pathways through which children develop severe antisocial and aggressive behaviour, as well as implications for diagnosing and intervening with antisocial youth.
Internal Consistency Approach to Test Construction

Internal consistency reliability refers to the degree to which separate items on a test or scale relate to each other. All things being equal, tests with higher internal consistency more accurately measure the intended construct of the test developers. The most face valid way to measure internal consistency is to split the test into two equal halves and compare the reliability of each, known as split-half reliability. The three most commonly used statistical tests for measuring internal consistency are the Spearman–Brown, the Kuder–Richardson 20, and Cronbach's alpha formulas. Cronbach's alpha is the most frequently used because it calculates all possible split half values of the test. Using statistical programs, test developers can also measure changes in Cronbach's alpha if questions were to either be added or removed. This method enables test developers to create a psychometrically sound test without including unnecessary test items. Keywords: measurement in psychology; psychometric testing; reliability; statistical methods in psychology; test construction
Introduction to Adenosine Receptors as Therapeutic Targets

Adenosine acts as a cytoprotective modulator in response to stress to an organ or tissue. Although short-lived in the circulation, it can activate four subtypes of G protein-coupled adenosine receptors (ARs): A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. The alkylxanthines caffeine and theophylline are the prototypical antagonists of ARs, and their stimulant actions occur primarily through this mechanism. For each of the four AR subtypes, selective agonists and antagonists have been introduced and used to develop new therapeutic drug concepts. ARs are notable among the GPCR family in the number and variety of agonist therapeutic candidates that have been proposed. The selective and potent synthetic AR agonists, which are typically much longer lasting in the body than adenosine, have potential therapeutic applications based on their anti-inflammatory (A2A and A3), cardioprotective (preconditioning by A1 and A3 and postconditioning by A2B), cerebroprotective (A1 and A3), and antinociceptive (A1) properties. Potent and selective AR antagonists display therapeutic potential as kidney protective (A1), antifibrotic (A2A), neuroprotective (A2A), and antiglaucoma (A3) agents. AR agonists for cardiac imaging and positron-emitting AR antagonists are in development for diagnostic applications. Allosteric modulators of A1 and A3 ARs have been described. In addition to the use of selective agonists/antagonists as pharmacological tools, mouse strains in which an AR has been genetically deleted have aided in developing novel drug concepts based on the modulation of ARs.
Curanderismo: Demystifying the Health Beliefs and Practices of Elderly Mexican Americans

In Mexican American communities traditional folk healing historically has played an important role in meeting critical health care needs of residents. Despite this fact, researchers who study health care rarely consider the role of folk healing among elderly Mexican Americans, and thus little knowledge is available about its use by this group. In this article, 25 Mexican American elderly people participated in extensive ethnographic interviews about folk healing (curanderismo) and its influence on health care behaviors. Although participants relied on modern medicine to treat serious injuries and major health problems, they still considered traditional folk healing a viable alternative in situations in which modern health care was unsatisfactory or ineffective. Therefore, social workers need to become more knowledgeable about and sensitive to folk beliefs and practices and to develop culturally appropriate health care interventions.
The Adenine−Thymine Base Pair Radical Anion: Adding an Electron Results in a Major Structural Change

The adiabatic electron affinity (AEA) for the Watson−Crick adenine−thymine (AT) DNA base pair is predicted and contrasted to that of guanine−cytosine (GC) with a range of density functional methods with double- and triple-ζ plus polarization plus diffuse (DZP++ and TZ2P++) basis sets. An estimate of the true AEA is provided using a bracketing method that has been calibrated against a comprehensive tabulation of experimental electron affinities [Rienstra-Kiracofe, J. C.; Tschumper, G. S.; Schaefer, H. F.; Nandi, S.; Ellison, G. B. Chem. Rev. 2002, 102, 10163]. Optimized structures for AT and the AT anion are compared to the neutral and anionic forms of the individual bases as well as Rich's 1976 X-ray structure for the related sodium adenylyl-3‘,5‘-uridine hexahydrate, ApU·6H2O. In contrast to the angular distortions (to nonplanarity) occurring in GC upon anion formation, the angular distortions for the AT anion are slight. However, in an analogous fashion to the GC anion, major changes in the AT anion hyd...
Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Potential Future Approaches

Attempting to forecast future trends in research is difficult enough in any area but is well nigh impossible with the volatile field of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Undaunted in this review it is suggested that more frequent use of intact animal models of HE to probe the pathogenesis of HE will occur with newly developed pharmacological agents. This process would be greatly facilitated by wide acceptance of a discrete number of reproducible animal models of this syndrome. Brief comments are made on the current status on some of the current hypotheses. Greater utilization of patients with subclinical HE for clinical studies will occur. Continuing interest in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy findings peculiar to HE will be seen over the next decade.
Liver necrosis induced by thyroid hormone administration in rats fed ethanol.

Recently it was observed that the hypothyroid state induced by propylthiouracil treatment reduced the elimination rate of ethanol. This was based on the fact that hypothyroid rats could only tolerate 10 g/kg/day of ethanol infusion over 24 h. Euthyroid rats tolerate 13 to 14 g/kg/day of ethanol infusion. In the present report it was postulated that thyroid supplements would increase the daily dose of ethanol that the treated rats could tolerate. Daily thyroid supplements, given intraperitoneally or orally, did, in fact, result in an increase in the elimination rate of ethanol. Death from ethanol overdose did not occur until the amount of ethanol given reached 16 to 19 g/kg/day. In addition, thyroxine supplements blunted or completely inhibited the urinary ethanol cycle. Submassive centrilobular liver necrosis was present in 9 of 10 rats given thyroid hormone and fed ethanol. Periportal duct metaplasia and fibrosis were also observed. Thus, thyroid supplements probably enhanced central hypoxia caused by ethanol to the point where ischemic necrosis developed. The latter healed by scar formation. Thyroid treatment completely prevented ethanol-induced steatohepatitis, indicating that the fatty change is responsive to the metabolic rate.
Respiratory distress: a model of responses and behaviors to an asphyxial threat for patients who are unable to self-report.

Respiratory distress is the suffering that results from asphyxiation, and is characterized by observable behaviors. Standard measures of dyspnea rely on the patient’s ability to self-report. However, not all patients who experience dyspnea are able to self-report because of temporary impairments or declining cognition, making them vulnerable to under-recognition and undertreatment of their distress. Hence, there is a need for a multidimensional behavioral assessment of respiratory distress. A synthesis of scientific literature contributed to the development of this model of respiratory distress behaviors. The proposed model relies on primitive, subcortical, emotional, and autonomic neurologic systems that are rapidly triggered in response to an asphyxial threat to sustain survival. The near-immediate activation of autonomic and fear responses from subcortical brain areas produces observable and measurable behaviors. This proposed model has clinical and scientific usefulness, if testing characterizes and confirms one or more patterns of patient behaviors, in response to an asphyxial threat.
MPTP causes a non-reversible depression of synaptic transmission in mouse neostriatal brain slice

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) causes a Parkinson's disease-like syndrome. The mechanism of MPTP's neurotoxicity is unknown; however, one hypothesis is that MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium), a product of MPTP's oxidation, is the neurotoxic agent. Using a mouse brain slice preparation we studied the effects of MPTP and MPP+ on synaptic transmission. We found MPTP caused a decrease in amplitude of an excitatory synaptic response not reversed by washing. This non-reversible action of MPTP was prevented by GBR-32 and parglyline. MPP+s caused a decrease in synaptic transmission, but this decrease was reversed by washing. The results suggest that the toxic effect of MPTP on synaptic transmission is not accounted for by the action of MPP+.
Diode laser spectroscopy of the ν6 band of 13CH3l and the ν″6 band of 12CH2Dl

Abstract The ν 6 band of 13 CH 3 I and the ν ″ 6 band of 12 CH 2 DI have been recorded under Doppler-limited resolution in the region 820–866 cm −1 using a tunable diode laser spectrometer. For 13 CH 3 I the constants for the ν 6 band were determined by simultaneous analysis of seven p Q ( J , K ) branches and several p P ( J , K ) and p R ( J , K ) transitions. For 12 CH 2 DI, the slight asymmetry introduced by the single D atom gives rise to noticeable asymmetry effects in the spectra of some of the p Q ( J , K ) subbands. From the analysis of six such subbands, the molecular constants for the ν ″ 6 level were determined.
Beach tar accumulation, transport mechanisms, and sources of variability at Coal Oil Point, California

A new field method for tar quantification was used at Coal Oil Point (COP), California to study the mechanisms transporting oil/tar from the nearby COP natural marine hydrocarbon seep field. This method segregates tar pieces into six size classes and assigns them an average mass based on laboratory or direct field measurements. Tar accumulation on the 19,927 m 2 survey area was well resolved spatially by recording tar mass along twelve transects segmented into 4-m 2 blocks and then integrating over the survey area. A seasonal trend was apparent in total tar in which summer accumulations were an order of magnitude higher than winter accumulations. Based on multiple regression analyses between environmental data and tar accumulation, 34% of tar variability is explained by a combination of onshore advection via wind and low swell height inhibiting slick dispersion. � 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Changes in nucleolar ultrastructure associated with differentiation in the root tip

The development of the nucleolus in the root apex of Plantago ovata has been studied primarily at the ultrastructural level. Nucleolar volumes in the quiescent center and selected regions of the root cap, cortex, and epidermis correlate qualitatively with cytoplasmic basophilia and mitotic frequency. The small nucleoli of the quiescent center have been shown by means of serial sections to contain intrusions of heterochromatin into the internal fibrillar zone. The number of intrusions corresponds to what would be expected if each represents the attachment of a nucleolar organizing chromosome. Differences in the chromosomal-nucleolar junction following different fixation procedures are described. One per cent collidine-buffered OsO4 routinely produces a sharp nucleolar image with the fibrillar and ribosomal regions clearly distinguished. Other fixatives such as acrolein-glutaraldehyde followed by OsO4 produce a more diffuse nucleolar image but make much clearer the differences between chromatin and nucleolar heterochromatin. Where cortical and epidermal nucleoli are largest (10–12 times the volume of those in the quiescent zone) the ribosomal regions are intermingled with the fibrillar regions and the general structure is less compact. Often present is a large central lacuna containing fibrils of a chromatin-like character as well as what appear to be free ribosome-like particles. As division ceases and cells increase in size, the vacuoles occupy an increasing proportion of the cell volume, the nucleoli return to a size and arrangement like that in the quiescent center.
p-Hydroxyphenacyl ATP1: A new phototrigger

Abstract A new photoactivated “caged” ATP, p -hydroxyphenacyl ATP ( 4 ), is introduced to replace the o -nitrophenethyl and desyl analogues as a more efficient, rapid release phototrigger for ATP.
Engineered bromodomains to explore the acetylproteome

MS-based analysis of the acetylproteome has highlighted a role for acetylation in a wide array of biological processes including gene regulation, metabolism, and cellular signaling. To date, anti-acetyllysine antibodies have been used as the predominant affinity reagent for enrichment of acetyllysine-containing peptides and proteins; however, these reagents suffer from high nonspecific binding and lot-to-lot variability. Bromodomains represent potential affinity reagents for acetylated proteins and peptides, given their natural role in recognition of acetylated sequence motifs in vivo. To evaluate their efficacy, we generated recombinant proteins representing all known yeast bromodomains. Bromodomain specificity for acetylated peptides was determined using degenerate peptide arrays, leading to the observation that different bromodomains display a wide array of binding specificities. Despite their relatively weak affinity, we demonstrate the ability of selected bromodomains to enrich acetylated peptides from a complex biological mixture prior to mass spectrometric analysis. Finally, we demonstrate a method for improving the utility of bromodomain enrichment for MS through engineering novel affinity reagents using combinatorial tandem bromodomain pairs.
Bilateral Intratesticular Masses in a Patient With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Male patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia are at risk for testicular tumors of adrenogenital syndrome (TTAGS). This case report discusses the etiology of this disease and its sonographic findings.
Effects of Goggle-Altered Color Perception on Sleep

This study was designed to examine the effects of long-term perceptual alterations in color and illumination, which have been associated with changes in dream content, on physiological parameters of sleep. Subsequent to a period of sleep standardization, 3 Ss slept 4 or 5 baseline nights in the lab immediately followed by 4 or 5 experimental nights. Sleep was monitored polygtaphically. During all waking time on the experimental days, Ss wore goggles equipped with No. 29 Wratten color filters which screen all light save the red band. Ss were required to continue normal daily routines The variables assessed were: total minutes of REM sleep (REMS) and of NREMS stages 1, 2 and 3/4; latencies to initial stage 3/4 and to REMS, and the intensity of REMS. No variable showed a statistically significant difference between baseline and goggle conditions in any single S or in the group. Statistical power analysis did not indicate that the failure to achieve significance could be meaningfully attributed to the number ...
TAILOR: A FORTRAN Procedure for Interactive Tailored Testing.

TAILOR, a FORTRAN program for tailored testing, is described. The procedure for a joint ordering of persons and items with no pretesting as the basis for the tailored test is given, and a brief discussion of the computer program is included.
Higher order convergent algorithms with applications to polynomials and matrices

New stable higher order algorithms for computing matrix nth root are presented. Specifically, a generalization of Denman-Beaver iteration for matrix square and cubic roots are given. The new iterations are obtained by change of variables applied to variations of Newton's method and higher order methods. Extensions of these methods for orthonormalization of a rectangular matrix with respect to a positive definite matrix are also given.
Etiology and outcome of extremely low-birth-weight infants

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether the reason for delivery of extremely low-birth-weight infants influenced the immediate neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: At a regional perinatal center a retrospective analysis of 111 neonates with birth weights between 500 and 800 gm and their respective mothers was performed. The mother-infant pairs were grouped according to the reason for delivery. Group 1 included those with idiopathic preterm labor. Group 2 included mothers with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Group 3 included those delivered for maternal or fetal indications. Group 4 included all multiple gestations. Maternal, intrapartum, and neonatal outcome variables were then evaluated for statistical significance by analysis of variance and χ 2 methods and a p value of 005. RESULTS: The neonatal outcome variables (survival and incidence of major intraventricular hemorrhage, hyaline membrane disease, and fetal sepsis) were not found to be significantly different among the four groups tested. CONCLUSION: The reason for the delivery of extremely low-birth-weight infants does not have an impact on the immediate neonatal outcome in these neonates. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996;174:1896-902.)
Chancery’s ‘Younger Sister’: the Court of Exchequer and its Equity Jurisdiction, 1649–1841

An analysis of Exchequer equity litigation (subject-matter, parties and procedures), in part by comparison to Chancery. The analysis identifies general similarities as well as some particular features of Exchequer process that help to account the preference of some litigants (or their legal advisers) for pursuing their disputes in Exchequer rather than in Chancery.