cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A159: Characterization of putative ErbB4 antagonists: targeted melanoma drug discovery

Introduction: Gain-of-function mutations in the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase have been found in a significant fraction of melanoma cell lines that are dependent on ErbB4 for proliferation. However, there is a scarcity of therapeutics for treating these ErbB4-dependent tumors. Our drug discovery approach is based on the observation that the Q43L mutant of the ErbB4 agonist Neuregulin 2beta (NRG2b) functions as a partial agonist/antagonist at ErbB4. NRG2b/Q43L stimulates ErbB4 tyrosine phosphorylation, fails to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation, and competitively antagonizes agonist stimulation of ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation. ErbB4 partial agonists that function as antagonists at ErbB4 may hold promise as targeted therapeutics for ErbB4-dependent melanomas. Experimental Procedures: An automated phospho-ErbB4 sandwich ELISA and automated proliferation assays were developed and deployed to identify small-molecule compounds that are likely to function as ErbB4 partial agonists/antagonists. Hit molecules were then further evaluated for ErbB4 specificity and antiproliferative mechanism(s) of action. To examine specificity for ErbB4, we tested whether the hit molecules inhibit ErbB4-dependent and -independent proliferation of the same cell line. ErbB4 specificity was also evaluated by determining whether the hit molecules exert effects on any of the other three members of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases: EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3. The mechanism(s) of action for antiproliferative effects were investigated by determining whether the hit molecules inhibited known effectors that couple ErbB4 to cellular proliferation, whether they degraded ErbB4, and whether the inhibitory effects induced by the molecules were reversible. Results: High-throughput screening (HTS) strategies have been utilized to identify 20 small-molecule compounds that stimulate ErbB4 tyrosine phosphorylation, fail to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cellular proliferation, and inhibit agonist-induced ErbB4-dependent cellular proliferation. Efforts to determine whether these hits are specific for ErbB4 and by what mechanism they induce antiproliferative effects are under way and will be reported. Structures of these small-molecule ErbB4 partial agonists/antagonists may be reported, pending submission of a provisional patent application. Conclusions: Using validated HTS methodologies for identifying ErbB4 partial agonists that function as ErbB4 antagonists has led to the identification of 20 hits. Molecules that are specific for ErbB4 hold promise as targeted therapeutics for melanoma and other ErbB4-dependent tumors. Citation Format: Richard L. Cullum, Lauren M. Lucas, John T. Piazza, Jared I. Senfeld, Logan T. Neel, Ram B. Gupta, Allan E. David, David J. Riese. Characterization of putative ErbB4 antagonists: targeted melanoma drug discovery [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A159.
Musical instrument categorization is highly sensitive to spectral properties of earlier sounds

Auditory perception is shaped by spectral properties of surrounding sounds. For example, when spectral properties differ between earlier (context) and later (target) sounds, this can produce spectral contrast effects (SCEs; i.e., categorization boundary shifts) that bias perception of later sounds. SCEs influence perception of speech and nonspeech sounds alike. When categorizing vowels or consonants, SCE magnitudes increased linearly with greater spectral differences between contexts and target speech sounds [Stilp et al. (2015) JASA; Stilp & Alexander (2016) POMA; Stilp & Assgari (2017) JASA]. Here, we tested whether this linear relationship between context spectra and SCEs generalizes to nonspeech categorization. Listeners categorized musical instrument targets that varied from French horn to tenor saxophone. Before each target, listeners heard a one-second music sample processed by spectral envelope difference filters that amplified / attenuated frequencies to reflect the difference between horn and saxophone spectra. By varying filter gain, filters reflected part of (25%, 50%, 75%) or the full (100%) difference between instrument spectra. As filter gains increased to reflect more of the difference between instrument spectra, SCE magnitudes increased linearly, parallel to speech categorization. Thus, a close relationship between context spectra and biases in target categorization appears to be fundamental to auditory perception.Auditory perception is shaped by spectral properties of surrounding sounds. For example, when spectral properties differ between earlier (context) and later (target) sounds, this can produce spectral contrast effects (SCEs; i.e., categorization boundary shifts) that bias perception of later sounds. SCEs influence perception of speech and nonspeech sounds alike. When categorizing vowels or consonants, SCE magnitudes increased linearly with greater spectral differences between contexts and target speech sounds [Stilp et al. (2015) JASA; Stilp & Alexander (2016) POMA; Stilp & Assgari (2017) JASA]. Here, we tested whether this linear relationship between context spectra and SCEs generalizes to nonspeech categorization. Listeners categorized musical instrument targets that varied from French horn to tenor saxophone. Before each target, listeners heard a one-second music sample processed by spectral envelope difference filters that amplified / attenuated frequencies to reflect the difference between horn and sa...
Novel mutations in CLN6 cause late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis without visual impairment in two unrelated patients.

Abstract CLN6 is a transmembrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum that is involved in lysosomal acidification. Mutations in CLN6 cause late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), and teenage and adult onset NCL without visual impairment. Here we describe two pediatric patients with LINCL from unrelated families who were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health. Both children exhibited typical phenotypes associated with LINCL except that they lacked the expected visual impairment. Whole exome sequencing identified novel biallelic mutations in CLN6, i.e., c.218-220dupGGT (p.Trp73dup) and c.296A > G (p.Lys99Arg) in Proband 1 and homozygous c.723G > T (p.Met241Ile) in Proband 2. Expression analysis in dermal fibroblasts showed a small increase in CLN6 protein levels. Electron micrographs of these fibroblasts demonstrated large numbers of small membrane-bound vesicles, in addition to lipofuscin deposits. LysoTracker™ Red intensity was increased in fibroblasts from both patients. This study supports a role for CLN6 in lysosomal homeostasis, and highlights the importance of considering CLN6 mutations in the diagnosis of Batten Disease even in patients with normal vision.
Evidence and explanation for the involvement of the nucleus accumbens in pain processing

The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a subcortical brain structure known primarily for its roles in pleasure, reward, and addiction. Despite less focus on the NAc in pain research, it also plays a large role in the mediation of pain and is effective as a source of analgesia. Evidence for this involvement lies in the NAc’s cortical connections, functions, pharmacology, and therapeutic targeting. The NAc projects to and receives information from notable pain structures, such as the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, periaqueductal gray, habenula, thalamus, etc. Additionally, the NAc and other pain-modulating structures share functions involving opioid regulation and motivational and emotional processing, which each work beyond simply the rewarding experience of pain offset. Pharmacologically speaking, the NAc responds heavily to painful stimuli, due to its high density of μ opioid receptors and the activation of several different neurotransmitter systems in the NAc, such as opioids, dopamine, calcitonin gene-related peptide, γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and substance P, each of which have been shown to elicit analgesic effects. In both preclinical and clinical models, deep brain stimulation of the NAc has elicited successful analgesia. The multi-functional NAc is important in motivational behavior, and the motivation for avoiding pain is just as important to survival as the motivation for seeking pleasure. It is possible, then, that the NAc must be involved in both pleasure and pain in order to help determine the motivational salience of positive and negative events.
Peri-Calculus Ureteral Thickness on Computed Tomography Predicts Stone Impaction at Time of Surgery: A Prospective Study

Introduction and Objectives: Ureteroscopic management of impacted ureteral stones poses multiple challenges. We examined whether ureteral thickness measured on preoperative noncontrast computed tom...
HIGH RISK OF NEW PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IN DEMENTIA

Occurrence of new mental health (MH) disorders in patients with dementia is neglected, with next to nothing known. We examined association between dementia diagnosis and risk of new psychiatric disorders and suicide, and MH services use. We merged four national databases from US Department of Veterans Affairs. Sample included 2,529,181 patients (≥50 years) in fiscal years (FY) 2012-2013 with no MH disorders. Dementia, psychiatric disorders (mood, anxiety, substance), suicidal behavior (ideation, plan, attempt, death by suicide) were identified by ICD-9/10 codes and national suicide databases. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models, with time-to-event defined as age at first diagnosis of MH disorder during FY 2014-2016. Analyses adjusted for medical/sociodemographic factors. Compared to those without dementia, dementia patients showed roughly 2-fold increased risk of new mood (HR: 2.19, 95% Wald CI: 2.15-2.24, p<.001) or anxiety (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.50-1.63, p<.001) disorders. Recent dementia diagnosis was associated with highest risk of these disorders than prior or no diagnosis; for example, patients with recent diagnosis showed 72% greater risk of anxiety disorders (HR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.63-1.81, p<.001). Although patients with prior dementia diagnosis had lower risk of suicidal behavior, risk increased with recent dementia diagnosis. However, dementia patients with new MH disorders showed little MH services use (< 20%). Patients with dementia have increased risk of new MH disorders, especially recent dementia diagnosis. Furthermore, MH services are underutilized, highlighting critical need for integration of such services in caring for dementia patients.
Treatment of malignant inferior vena cava obstruction with Gianturco-Rosch-Z stents: a single center 13-year experience.

Abstract Rationale and objectives Malignant obstruction of the IVC can cause severe morbidity and impairment of quality of life in end-stage oncology patients. However, medical literature regarding minimally-invasive palliation using large diameter percutaneous stents, particularly the Gianturco-Rosch-Z (GRZ) stent is limited. Materials & methods A retrospective review from January 2004 to February 2017, revealed 17 subjects with malignant obstruction of the IVC who were treated with a total of 34 GRZ stents. Pre- and post-stent pressure gradients were measured in 10. Available data regarding clinical presentation and follow-up were recorded. Results Technical success for stent deployment was 100%. A median of 2 stents (range 1 to 5) were deployed per patient, with median stent diameter 20 mm (range 15 to 30 mm). The median pre-treatment pressure gradient of 17.5 mmHg (range 9–31 mmHg) decreased to a median of 4.5 mmHg (range 0–21 mmHg, p Conclusion Endovascular treatment of malignant IVC obstruction can be safely performed with GRZ stents. Although overall survival is poor, this technique can effectively palliate lower extremity edema symptoms.
APOE2 orchestrated differences in transcriptomic and lipidomic profiles of postmortem AD brain

The application of advanced sequencing technologies and improved mass-spectrometry platforms revealed significant changes in gene expression and lipids in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. The results so far have prompted further research using “multi-omics” approaches. These approaches become particularly relevant, considering the inheritance of APOEe4 allele as a major genetic risk factor of AD, disease protective effect of APOEe2 allele, and a major role of APOE in brain lipid metabolism. Postmortem brain samples from inferior parietal lobule genotyped as APOEe2/c (APOEe2/carriers), APOEe3/3, and APOEe4/c (APOEe4/carriers), age- and gender-matched, were used to reveal APOE allele-associated changes in transcriptomes and lipidomes. Differential gene expression and co-expression network analyses were applied to identify up- and downregulated Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathways for correlation to lipidomics data. Significantly affected GO terms and pathways were determined based on the comparisons of APOEe2/c datasets to those of APOEe3/3 and APOEe4/c brain samples. The analysis of lists of genes in highly correlated network modules and of those differentially expressed demonstrated significant enrichment in GO terms associated with genes involved in intracellular proteasomal and lysosomal degradation of proteins, protein aggregates and organelles, ER stress, and response to unfolded protein, as well as mitochondrial function, electron transport, and ATP synthesis. Small nucleolar RNA coding units important for posttranscriptional modification of mRNA and therefore translation and protein synthesis were upregulated in APOEe2/c brain samples compared to both APOEe3/3 and APOEe4/c. The analysis of lipidomics datasets revealed significant changes in ten major lipid classes (exclusively a decrease in APOEe4/c samples), most notably non-bilayer-forming phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid, as well as mitochondrial membrane-forming lipids. The results of this study, despite the advanced stage of AD, point to the significant differences in postmortem brain transcriptomes and lipidomes, suggesting APOE allele associated differences in pathogenic mechanisms. Correlations within and between lipidomes and transcriptomes indicate coordinated effects of changes in the proteasomal system and autophagy—canonical and selective, facilitating intracellular degradation, protein entry into ER, response to ER stress, nucleolar modifications of mRNA, and likely myelination in APOEe2/c brains. Additional research and a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of proteostasis in the early stages of AD are required to develop more effective diagnostic approaches and eventually efficient therapeutic strategies.
Emotional Intelligence: A Study on University Students.

Nature bestowed humans with emotions. Emotions are significant predictors of anyone’s success. Now Emotional Intelligence is an established phenomenon is under eye of researcher and psychologist. The objectives of this study were (i) to explore the level of Emotional Intelligence of University’s students. (ii) to find ouu the difference between Emotional Intelligence on the basis of gender, locality, level of course and School of study. This survey based study used data from 200 students of Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, India. Results indicated that all university’s students were having high level of emotional intelligence. Result indicates that all students of School of Education have emotional Intelligence of high level except in comparison of students of School of Law and Governance. Male and female students are significantly differed from each other on Emotional Intelligence on overall sample. Female students found more Emotional Intelligent with high mean value. UG and PG students of were found not significantly differ from each other on Emotional intelligence. UG students were more emotionally intelligent on the basis of mean value. Residential location does not have any significant role but rural students were more emotionally intelligent in comparison to their counterpart.
Giant cell arteritis manifesting as retinal arterial occlusion and paracentral acute middle maculopathy in a patient on pembrolizumab for metastatic uveal melanoma

Abstract Purpose To report the association of pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), with giant cell arteritis (GCA) presenting as paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) secondary to retinal arterial occlusion. Observations 86-year old male with history of treated choroidal melanoma now with metastatic uveal melanoma to the liver on pembrolizumab, an ICI, who presented with acute vision loss in the uninvolved left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed band-like increased hyperreflectivity in the middle retinal layers at the level of the inner nuclear layer consistent with PAMM. Intravenous fluorescein angiogram demonstrated significant delay in filling of the superotemporal and inferotemporal arteries with nonperfusion of the temporal retina consistent with multiple branch retinal arterial occlusions. Work-up for GCA was performed and temporal artery biopsy showed healed arteritis. Conclusions and Importance Pembrolizumab can cause ocular and life-threatening systemic adverse effects and as use of ICIs has increased, it is important to be aware of these associations. There should be a low threshold for GCA work up in patients on ICI therapy who present with acute vision loss and evidence of retinal occlusive disease with or without classic GCA systemic symptoms.
Pervasive Effects of Wolbachia on Host Temperature Preference.

ABSTRACT Heritable symbionts can modify a range of ecologically important host traits, including behavior. About half of all insect species are infected with maternally transmitted Wolbachia, a bacterial endosymbiont known to alter host reproduction, nutrient acquisition, and virus susceptibility. Here, we broadly test the hypothesis that Wolbachia modifies host behavior by assessing the effects of eight different Wolbachia strains on the temperature preference of six Drosophila melanogaster subgroup species. Four of the seven host genotypes infected with A-group Wolbachia strains (wRi in Drosophila simulans, wHa in D. simulans, wSh in Drosophila sechellia, and wTei in Drosophila teissieri) prefer significantly cooler temperatures relative to uninfected genotypes. Contrastingly, when infected with divergent B-group wMau, Drosophila mauritiana prefers a warmer temperature. For most strains, changes to host temperature preference do not alter Wolbachia titer. However, males infected with wSh and wTei tend to experience an increase in titer when shifted to a cooler temperature for 24 h, suggesting that Wolbachia-induced changes to host behavior may promote bacterial replication. Our results indicate that Wolbachia modifications to host temperature preference are likely widespread, which has important implications for insect thermoregulation and physiology. Understanding the fitness consequences of these Wolbachia effects is crucial for predicting evolutionary outcomes of host-symbiont interactions, including how Wolbachia spreads to become common. IMPORTANCE Microbes infect a diversity of species, influencing the performance and fitness of their hosts. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria infect most insects and other arthropods, making these bacteria some of the most common endosymbionts in nature. Despite their global prevalence, it remains mostly unknown how Wolbachia influence host physiology and behavior to proliferate. We demonstrate pervasive effects of Wolbachia on Drosophila temperature preference. Most hosts infected with A-group Wolbachia prefer cooler temperatures, whereas the one host species infected with divergent B-group Wolbachia prefers warmer temperatures, relative to uninfected genotypes. Changes to host temperature preference generally do not alter Wolbachia abundance in host tissues, but for some A-group strains, adult males have increased Wolbachia titer when shifted to a cooler temperature. This suggests that Wolbachia-induced changes to host behavior may promote bacterial replication. Our results help elucidate the impact of endosymbionts on their hosts amid the global Wolbachia pandemic.
Fluorescent aptamers for detection and treatment of pathogenic bacteria and cancer

Abstract Issues presented by the application of monoclonal antibodies in diagnostic assays and as curative agents can make the use of such molecules cost-prohibitive and sometimes even unsafe. This has warranted the development of short single-stranded oligonucleotides known as Aptamers. The structural malleability of these short DNA or RNA nucleotide segments allows them to exist in distinct conformations. SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) is a multi-step process for synthesis of aptamers. Each step of this procedure is governed by a diverse set of factors that influence production efficiency, binding affinity, and specificity of the oligonucleotides. Headway in aptamer research has been made in recent years by the introduction of newer iterations of the SELEX process. A greater number of studies are now being carried out to incorporate aptamers into existing disease detection tools and therapies. An overview has been given first on the key aptamer properties and the process of their production (with its newer iterations), contrasting each of them with that of monoclonal antibodies. Possible manifold applications afforded due to unique aptamer characteristics are also discussed. A keen review is further provided on the design, development and use of fluorescent aptamers in bioimaging, sequencing or profiling, and treatment of pathogenic bacteria and tumour cells.
Criminalizing Match-Fixing as America Legalizes Sports Gambling

In May 2018, the Supreme Court decided Murphy v. NCAA, striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that prohibited states from allowing sports betting. In the two years after the Murphy decision, eighteen states enacted legal sports betting, five states plus Washington, D.C. passed legislation that is pending launch, and twenty-four more introduced sports gambling bills. Somewhat myopically, these legislative efforts fail to address the game integrity concerns flagged by the sports leagues and other entities that create the contests on which bets are being placed. Little attention is paid to the increased risk of match-fixing and in-play manipulation associated with expanded sports betting. In particular, the enacted and proposed legislation prescribe very little in the way of criminal penalties in the event of betting-related manipulation of the underlying athletic competitions. This article explores the moral and legal dimensions of honest athletic competition and the importance of defining game manipulation as a crime. Building on the historical record and international experience with increasingly sophisticated match-fixers, the article recommends a federal penal provision that makes competition manipulation a separate criminal offence rather than relying on existing general provisions incriminating fraud, bribery, cheating, corruption, or deception.
Effect of Voluntary Adolescent Alcohol Consumption on Encoding of Decision-Related Variables in Prefrontal Cortex

The medial and orbitofrontal regions of prefrontal cortex (PFC) have been implicated in guiding optimal behavior and updating the economic value of rewards that result from choice behaviors. Both regions mature through adolescence into early adulthood and are thus vulnerable to exposure to neurotoxins, such as alcohol, during this critical developmental window. We sought to examine how voluntary alcohol consumption during adolescence would alter long-term PFC function and subsequent decision-making behavior in adulthood. Male and female rats were given adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure to provide voluntary access to alcohol during the period of PFC maturation. In adulthood, we assessed the long-term effects on decision-making behavior using a risk task in adulthood, while concurrently recording neural activity in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). While control animals9 preferences for risky rewards increased with the likelihood of their delivery, AIE animals showed an overall reduction in their preferences for the risky option with higher levels of alcohol consumption, suggesting reduced discriminability of uncertain rewards and a shift away from the potential for reward omission. During task performance, neurons in mPFC and OFC responded to events (lever press, reward delivery). In mPFC, neurons with phasic increases at the time of lever press showed a reversal from larger elevations for risky presses in control animals to larger elevations for certain presses as prior alcohol consumption increased. Neurons in mPFC generally showed less discrimination of reward outcome with increased alcohol consumption as well. In OFC, responses to lever press were largely unaffected by AIE exposure. However, encoding of reward size in OFC showed differential effects in males and females. With higher alcohol consumption in males, OFC neurons showed largest excursions from baseline activity in response to largest reward, and smallest excursions for reward omission. This discrimination was reduced as prior alcohol consumption increased. In females, neurons with increased reward-activity, showed an overall higher level of activity due to stronger responses to certain rewards that were selected more frequently. Collectively the results show diminished capacity of PFC to encode decision-related elements to guide adaptive behavior and further clarify the lasting impact of adolescent alcohol use on neural function and behavior, even in the absence of continued use.
Deboning the Fish: Hosting a Future Creating Workshop with Undergraduate Women in STEM

Despite the broad scope of literature on the topic of women in STEM, women in male-dominated spaces within academia are rarely given the opportunity to speak openly about their disadvantages in the toxic STEM culture. The current study implements a Critical Utopian Action Research method, Future Creating Workshop (FCW), with undergraduate women in STEM in order to highlight women’s voices in the context of their experiences in their undergraduate STEM programs, and develop a salient and timely action plan with women in STEM that capitalizes on their strengths and works towards dismantling barriers to their STEM participation. Four key themes that arose from the FCW that highlighted barriers women in STEM majors face: (1) Social Inequalities, (2) Research Accessibility, (3) Unwelcoming Academic Environment, and (4) Lack of Confidence. A fifth theme, ‘Need for Mentorship,’ developed from the action phase of the FCW, in which the women came up with suggestions for programming moving forward. The current study is couched in a larger participatory action research project, Participatory Opportunity for Women Researchers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (POWER in STEM). The purpose of POWER as a whole is to understand the lived experiences of women in STEM at the University of Cincinnati, and mobilize this knowledge to create an action plan that will influence programming.
Comida, Cultura e Energia

As interpretacoes de um sistema alimentar mundial devem levar em consideracao sua emergencia inicial ha, pelo menos, cinco seculos, assim como as relacoes mutuas de energia e cultura no seu subsequente crescimento e complexidade mutante. Neste artigo, um esboco dos estagios historicos da alimentacao mundial antecede um contraste entre um passado de sistemas de alimentacao amplamente autarquicos e os atuais, quando a producao e o consumo geralmente aparecem independentes um do outro. O artigo conclui com uma discussao a respeito da energia no mundo e oferece algumas predicoes (AD 2005), que foram confirmadas desde entao por eventos globais. Palavras-chave: Comida; cultura; globalizacao; combustiveis fosseis globais.
Power scaling of diode-pumped neodymium yttrium aluminum borate laser

Preliminary results are presented of the efficient diode-pumped operation of a neodymium yttrium aluminum borate (NYAB) laser at 531.5 nm using two 1-W diode-laser arrays for the pump. With 1380 mW of CW power incident on the crystal, as much as 51 mW of 532.5-nm laser radiation was obtained with the unoptimized cavity. The corresponding optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was 3.7 percent. A plot of the output 531.5 nm vs incident 807 nm pump power is shown. The crystal output power was critically dependent on the rotational and translational adjustment of the NYAB crystal inside the cavity. It is suggested that a crystal cut at the exact phase matching angle, placed in a cavity with proper optimal reflection and transmission mirror coatings, and pumped at proper wavelength can result in higher output power. Thus, the NYAB output power approaches that of a CW intracavity frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser.
Measuring Adolescent Violent Behavior Across Groups Assessing Measurement Invariance of the Violent Behavior Checklist–Modified

Measures of violent behavior are often assumed to function identically across different groups (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity). However, failure to verify measurement invariance can lead to biased cross-group comparisons. The current study examines the measurement invariance of the Violent Behavior Checklist-Modified across genders and race/ethnicities. Using multiple group confirmatory factor analysis, configural and metric invariance are assessed in a sample of racially/ethnically diverse middle and high school students ( N = 4,128) in two rural counties. Results indicate that the Violent Behavior Checklist-Modified has partial measurement invariance across genders and race/ethnicities. Specifically, four out of six items were non-invariant across genders, while one out of six items was non-invariant across race/ethnicities. Findings suggest that the latent factor of violence may be qualitatively different across males and females. Implications are discussed.
The Texture of Change: Cloth, Commerce and Social History in West Africa, 1750-1850

The Guinea rivers region of the West African coast between the Iles de Los and Freetown was reshaped between the 17th and 19th centuries as migrants clustered there for trade, extending a trend that had been unfolding over a much longer period. Settlements of Mande Muslim traders joined a polyglot, multi-ethnic mix of coastal settlers and traders. As the largest category of goods used for trading on the Guinea coast during the period, cloth also has a long history of being produced locally and traded within western Africa. Focusing on Mande-speaking communities along the Upper Guinea coasts and in the interior, this study engages questions about the origins and competitiveness of an African industry and the meanings people constructed through cloth. “The Texture of Change” uses GIS, archival documents and close readings of oral narratives to re-examine the exchange of cloth along networks between the interior and the coast in the context of broader migration patterns and Atlantic trade.
On the sintering of gold nanorod assemblies towards continuous networks

Low temperature sintering of metallic nanoparticles can be used to enhance the thermal properties of composite, thermal interface materials. Here, we present an approach to achieve the coalescence and sintering of a gold nanorod (AuNR) assembly in a block copolymer pattern by thermal annealing at low temperatures. Prior to thermal annealing in a conventional furnace or a rapid thermal processing unit, self-assembly of AuNRs is directed by the guidance of nanochannels in the block copolymer thin films and the removal of surfactants by a brief plasma treatment. Both furnace thermal annealing and rapid thermal annealing are employed to study the sintering behavior of the AuNR assembly. It is found that the sintering process initially takes place locally, resulting in small AuNR aggregates. Eventually the aggregates grow into a globally continuous, percolating network structure. The condensation heat transfer coefficient was measured in an environmental scanning electron microscope by following droplet growth over time and it is shown to be 3.7 times higher for AuNR composites.
Property Rights in Groundwater - Some Lessons from the Kansas Experience

This article summarizes the ideas presented by the author at the Kyoto 3rd World Water Forum. In general, American states and not the national government control water resources. Western states generally define water rights as property rights and apply the prior appropriation doctrine, or “first in time is first in right”, to handle disputes in times of shortage. Kansas, located in the center of the U.S., adopted this doctrine in its 1945 Water Appropriation Act and expressly defined water rights as “real property rights.” Permits were issues through the 1960s when authorities became aware that groundwater depletion was occurring in the groundwater aquifers. The legislature then enacted a statute that enabled creation of “groundwater management districts” (GMD), which were to allow local control of groundwater within the framework of Kansas water law, and “intensive groundwater use control areas” (IGUCAs), for more intensive management in serious problem areas. An IGUCA was created in the Cheyenne Bottoms area in 1992, and the Order cut back on existing irrigation water rights by limiting annual quantities from 64% to 71%. A potential problem with cutting annual quantity of existing water rights is that such action might amount to a “taking” of property, for which compensation to the water right holder should be paid, but the irrigators did not appeal the Order The article describes other attempts to control groundwater withdrawals, discusses philosophical and policy issues, and proposes a solution for Kansas that would involve incremental reduction of groundwater pumping to achieve safe yield 25 or 40 years in the future.
Estimating reach-specific fish movement probabilities in rivers with a Bayesian state-space model: application to sea lamprey passage and capture at dams

Improved methods are needed to evaluate barriers and traps for control and assessment of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes. A Bayesian state-space model provided reach-sp...
The design for a nonintercepting photon-beam monitor

Abstract We describe the design of a combination collimator-monitor used with the SLAC Compton-scattered photon beam facility. The beam is collimated to a half angle of 10 −5 rad and the monitor is sensitive to changes in beam steering of 10 −6 rad.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Stroke: Should PFOs Be Closed in Otherwise Cryptogenic Stroke?

Since initial reports of its association with ischemic stroke appeared in 1988, there has been continued controversy regarding the existence and strength of the association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and ischemic stroke. Many case-control studies have reported an association between incident cryptogenic ischemic stroke and PFO, yet population-based studies have failed to confirm this association. Studies of the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke with or without PFO have not shown an increased risk of recurrent stroke in patients with PFO. Meanwhile, use of devices to close PFOs and atrial septal defects percutaneously has increased dramatically since their introduction. Completion of the randomized clinical trials of PFO closure currently in progress is vital to determine if the benefits of PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke outweigh its risks.
From fluxes and isotope labeling patterns towards in silico cells.

Fluxes and metabolites are the functional manifestations of a living cell. Metabolic flux analysis evolved as a powerful means for systems biology to quantitatively analyze intracellular flux distributions. With the integration of data from tracer experiments, the formerly descriptive methodology has turned into a versatile tool to validate assumptions on genome-derived flux networks. Powerful modeling frameworks balancing ‘isotopomers’, ‘cumomers’, or ‘elementary modeling units’ have reduced computational effort and introduced rigorous statistical quality measures. The advent of metabolomics, stimulus response experiments, and highly sensitive mass spectrometry techniques for mass isotopomer analysis has extended the reach of metabolic flux analysis from steady-state to highly dynamic conditions. With the integration of regulatory circuits and more ‘omics’ data into mechanistic flux models, the simulation-based prediction of cellular responses to environmental and network perturbations becomes possible — an in silico cell.
Eero Saarinen's Firestone Baars Chapel: Poetics of a Sacred Place

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this criticism are to provide a brief history and description of the Chapel, review the coincidence between expression and interpretation through functionalist and formalist approaches, make conjectures about the origin of the Chapel's interior, and draw conclusions about the poetic qualities of the Chapel's humanistically conceived space. RESEARCH DESIGN: The above objectives are met by reviewing original archival material, conducting on-site observations, interviewing current and retired faculty, and documenting the interior space through photographs. ANALYSIS: Two types of analysis focus on the interior. The first is historical with regards to the Chapel's conception and the origin of its form. The second uses a framework for criticism that is based on the search for coincidence between the expression and interpretation of the Chapel's space. KEY FINDINGS: The criticism articulates why this inconspicuous Chapel radiates poetics of a sacred place. CONCLUSIONS: Criticism of the Chapel promotes a better understanding of Saarinen's approach to the design of a sacred place. Time has not diminished the fundamental qualities of the space, its genuineness, and probity. Saarinen's Chapel endures as a place for human existence at the meeting point between heaven and earth.
DESIGNING FOR PERFORMANCE, PART 3: DESIGN, DEVELOP, AND IMPROVE

In this final of three articles on how to design for performance, you will find practical steps and useful tools for developing the performance technologies that make up a performance improvement system. Use these systemic and systematic processes as the starting place in creating performance technologies that achieve the strategic performance objectives of your organization and its partners. Then improve on these processes by customizing them for the specialized Human Performance Technology (HPT) solutions you have selected for your performance improvement efforts.
Transient slip behaviour of metal/insulator pairs at 4.2 K

Abstract Experiments have been conducted to observe the sliding behaviour, at 4.2 K, of freshly prepared metal/insulator combinations during a set of sequential slip tests. Measurements of the tangential force versus displacement, as well as displacement and acoustic emission rate versus time, were recorded. A triboelectric effect was also monitored. Depending on the particular metal/insulator pair tested, completely stable (slow velocity), completely unstable (rapid velocity), or a transition from unstable to stable sliting behaviour was observed. This transition behaviour was noticed for several metal/insulator combinations commonly used in superconducting magnet windings. An asperity plowing model is proposed to account for this behaviour, and is based upon the abrasive action of rubbing materials poorly matched in hardness against each other. The training phenomenon in unimpregnated superconducting magnet windings may be attributable to this wearing-in of frictional surfaces. A simple epoxy coating technique was successful in eliminating initial rapid slip events, thereby completely stabilizing the sliding behaviour of a conductor/insulator combination.
Periodicity in ascospore discharge in Bombardia

Bombardia fasciculata Fr. in the field and under controlled conditions in a growth chamber displayed diurnal periodicity in release of ascospores. Discharge occurred at night with peaks between 22.00 h and 24.00 h. However, ascospores began to be discharged in the afternoon in both the field and growth chamber, suggesting an endogenous rhythm, which was confirmed by observations in continuous light and continuous dark.
Nitrosation Chemistry of Pyrroline, 2-Imidazoline, and 2-Oxazoline: Theoretical Curtin−Hammett Analysis of Retro-Ene and Solvent-Assisted C−X Cleavage Reactions of α-Hydroxy-N-Nitrosamines

The results are presented of a theoretical study of the nitrosation chemistry of pyrroline 1 (X = CH2), imidazoline 2 (X = NH), and 2-oxazoline 3 (X = O). Imines 1-3 are converted to the alpha-hydroxy-N-nitrosamines 7-9 via the N-nitrosoiminium ions 4-6. The NN-cis isomers of 7-9 may undergo retro-ene reactions to the delta-oxoalkyl diazotic acids 10-12. With the opportunity for microsolvation, C-X cleavage becomes possible for 8 and 9 and leads to the formation of N-(2-aminoethyl)- and N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-nitrosoformamides 15 and 16, respectively. The NN-isomerization barriers are comparable to the barriers for the ring-opening reactions, and the consideration of two Curtin-Hammett scenarios is required: CH-I for the NN-trans-rotamers of 7-9 to undergo C-X cleavage or NN-isomerization and CH-II for the NN-cis-rotamers to undergo C-X cleavage, C-N cleavage, or NN-isomerization. We determined all stereoisomers of the substrates, the products, and of all transition states structures for the retro-ene reactions of 7-9, the C-X cleavages of microsolvated 8 and 9, and the NN-isomerizations of 8 and 9. The potential energy surfaces were explored at the B3LYP/6-31G level, and the results are discussed with emphasis on the comparison of the kinetics and thermodynamics of C-N versus C-X cleavage. The study shows all decompositions to be very fast with activation barriers below 21 kcal.mol(-1), and the comparative analysis predicts that the chemical toxicologies of 1 and 3 should be similar and remarkably different from that of 2.
Relationships between vegetation indices, radiation absorption, and net photosynthesis evaluated by a sensitivity analysis

A two-stream approximation to the radiative-transfer equation is used to calculate the vegetation indices (simple ratio and normalized difference), the fraction of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorbed by the canopy, and the daily mean canopy net photosynthesis under clear-sky conditions. The model calculations are tested against field observations over wheat, cotton, corn, and soybean. The relationships between the vegetation indices and radiation absorption or net photosynthesis are generally found to be curvilinear, and changes in the soil reflectance affected these relationships. The curvilinearity of the relationship between normalized differences and PAR absorption decreases as the magnitude of soil reflectance increases. The vegetation indices might provide the fractional radiation absorption with some a priori knowledge about soil reflectance. The relationship between the vegetation indices and net photosynthesis must be distinguished for C3 and C4 crops. Effects of spatial heterogeneity are discussed.
Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda

Caffeine is the most commonly used drug in the world. Although consumption of low to moderate doses of caffeine is generally safe, an increasing number of clinical studies are showing that some caffeine users become dependent on the drug and are unable to reduce consumption despite knowledge of recurrent health problems associated with continued use. Thus, the World Health Organization and some health care professionals recognize caffeine dependence as a clinical disorder. In this comprehensive literature review, we summarize published research on the biological evidence for caffeine dependence; we provide a systematic review of the prevalence of caffeine dependence and rates of endorsement of clinically meaningful indicators of distress and functional impairment among habitual caffeine users; we discuss the diagnostic criteria for Caffeine Use Disorder—a condition for further study included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.); and we outline a research agenda to help gu...
Prospective determination of medical necessity for ambulance transport by paramedics.

Objective. It has been estimated that between 11% and 61% of ambulance transports to emergency departments are not medically necessary. This study's objective was to analyze paramedic ability to determine the medical necessity of ambulance transport to the emergency department. Methods. Paramedics prospectively assessed adult patients transported to an emergency department during a six-week period. The setting was an urban, all advanced life support, public utility model emergency medical services (EMS) system with 58,000 transports per year. Paramedics determined medical necessity of patient transport based on the following five criteria: 1) need for out-of-hospital intervention; 2) need for expedient transport; 3) potential for self-harm; 4) severe pain; or 5) other. On arrival in the emergency department, the emergency physician made a blinded determination based on the same criteria. Kappa statistics were used to assess agreement. Results. Data forms were completed on 825 of 1,420 (58%) patients trans...
Characteristics of prospective memory deficits in HIV-seropositive substance-dependent individuals: Preliminary observations

The construct of "prospective memory" (PM) refers to a type of episodic memory for a future intention or "remembering what one must do." This function has been proposed as a candidate mechanism underlying behaviors of critical importance in HIV disease, including adherence with medication regimens and continued engagement in risk behavior. We administered tasks of time-based and event-based prospective memory and control tasks of retrospective and working memory to 31 HIV-seropositive and 35 HIV-seronegative substance-dependent individuals (SDIs). We found that compared with HIV- controls HIV+ participants showed deficits in time-based but not event-based PM. Retrospective, but not working, memory performance correlated significantly with time-based PM performance. In addition, performance on the time-based PM task was a significant predictor of scores on a self-report measure of risky sexual and injection practices. These preliminary data provide new and unique findings regarding the components of executive function mediated by prefrontal cortical systems that are impaired among HIV+ SDIs and their relevance to "real-world" behaviors.
Predicting currency return volatility

Abstract Standard deviations and elasticity of variance coefficients implied in currency option prices are employed to predict subsequent currency return volatility. Despite documented variance non-stationarity, strong predictive relationships are found. The predictive accuracies of standard deviations and elasticity coefficients are statistically indistinguishable. Finally, predictive accuracy is invariant to the weighting techniques employed.
Ontogenetic change in thermal tolerance of the toad Bufo woodhousii fowleri

Abstract 1. 1. Premetamorphic Bufo woodhousii fowleri tadpoles exhibit a high critical thermal maximum (CTM) of 42.5°C which decreases during metamorphosis to 37°C. 2. 2. The CTM of progressively larger (older) postmetamorphic or juvenile toads gradually increases until the adult CTM of 41.1°C is attained. 3. 3. This gradual increase in CTM from juvenile to adult toad suggests that the physiological systems underlying thermal tolerance change or mature following metamorphosis until the adult condition is reached. 4. 4. Basking in juvenile toads elevates their metabolic rate and thus may facilitate the acquisition of the adult physiological state.