cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of food insecurity during college on graduation and type of degree attained: evidence from a nationally representative longitudinal survey.

OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of food insecurity during college on graduation and degree attainment. DESIGN Secondary analysis of longitudinal panel data. We measured food insecurity concurrent with college enrolment using the 18-question United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. Educational attainment was measured in 2015-2017 via two questions about college completion and highest degree attained. Logistic and multinomial logit models adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics were estimated. SETTING USA. PARTICIPANTS A nationally representative, balanced panel of 1574 college students in the USA in 1999-2003 with follow-up through 2015-2017 from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. RESULTS In 1999-2003, 14·5 % of college students were food-insecure and were more likely to be older, non-White and first-generation students. In adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with lower odds of college graduation (OR 0·57, 95 % CI: 0·37, 0·88, P = 0·01) and lower likelihood of obtaining a bachelor's degree (relative risk ratio (RRR) 0·57 95 % CI: 0·35, 0·92, P = 0·02) or graduate/professional degree (RRR 0·39, 95 % CI: 0·17, 0·86, P = 0·022). These associations were more pronounced among first-generation students. And 47·2 % of first-generation students who experienced food insecurity graduated from college; food-insecure first-generation students were less likely to graduate compared to first-generation students who were food-secure (47·2 % v. 59·3 %, P = 0·020) and non-first-generation students who were food-insecure (47·2 % v. 65·2 %, P = 0·037). CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity during college is a barrier to graduation and higher-degree attainment, particularly for first-generation students. Existing policies and programmes that help mitigate food insecurity should be expanded and more accessible to the college student population.
Misdiagnosis of appendiceal neoplasms as ovarian tumors: Impact of prior gynecologic surgery on definitive cytoreduction and HIPEC.

Abstract Background Female patients with pelvic/adnexal masses often undergo gynecologic operations due to presumed ovarian origin. The diagnosis of an appendiceal tumor is often only made postoperatively after suboptimal cytoreduction has been performed. We hypothesized that an index gynecological procedure increases the morbidity of definitive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) in patients with appendiceal mucinous tumors. Methods A single-center retrospective review was performed to identify female patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC for appendiceal tumors from 2012 to 2020. Results During the 8-year period, CRS/HIPEC was performed in 36 female patients with appendiceal mucinous tumors. Eighteen patients (50.0%) had received a prior pelvic operation by gynecologists (PPO Group) for presumed ovarian origin before referral for definitive CRS/HIPEC. The median peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was higher in the PPO group (21 vs. 9, p = 0.04). The median number of days from gynecologic procedure to definitive CRS/HIPEC was 169 days. Compared to patients who did not undergo a prior gynecologic operation, those in the PPO group had higher intraoperative blood loss (650 vs 100 mL, p Conclusion A multi-disciplinary approach is needed for the primary evaluation of patients with pelvic masses of undetermined origin. A gynecological resection is associated with increased morbidity during definitive cytoreduction and HIPEC for appendiceal mucinous tumors.
Determining the novel pathogen Neodothiora populina as the causal agent of the aspen running canker disease in Alaska

Neodothiora populina Crous, G.C. Adams & Winton was determined to be a new pathogen of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) growing in Alaska, based on completion of Koch’s Postulates in replicate...
Adolescent Digital Stress: Frequencies, Correlates, and Longitudinal Association With Depressive Symptoms.

Abstract Purpose Adolescents are among the most frequent users of social media and are highly attuned to social feedback. However, digital stress, or subjective distress related to social media demands, expectations, and others’ approval and judgment, is understudied in adolescents. Methods We conducted a preliminary investigation of self-reported digital stress and its hypothesized correlates (social media, peer status, and mental health variables) among 680 students (Mage = 14.27, SD = .62; 49.2% female). Results Nearly half of participants reported experiencing digital stress at least “sometimes,” regardless of race or ethnicity; sex differences were small. Digital stress was associated with greater social media use and importance, peer importance, popularity, and all mental health variables. Digital stress was also associated longitudinally with increases in depressive symptoms. Conclusions These preliminary findings suggest the importance of further investigation of digital stress and its effects on adolescent health.
On the Generation of Novel Polymer Blend, Graft, and IPN Structures through the Application of Group Theory Concepts

Polymer blends, grafts, and blocks have achieved importance as toughened plastics and novel elastomers because of their complexity, not in spite of it. By definition, these materials are characterized as some intimate combination of two (or more) kinds of polymer molecules. Because of the very small entropy gain on mixing long polymer chains, and the usually encountered positive heat of mixing, most polymer blends, grafts, and blocks form two phases. Most strikingly in these materials, the exact mode of synthesis controls the two-phase morphological features, which in turn influences their mechanical behavior. Thus a one-to-one relationship exists between synthetic detail and potential application.
Kite in Flight

Abstract Adolescent girls are subjected to strong sociocultural forces as they shape and discover their sense of identity. We propose the therapeutic concerns of young women may be relieved by increased empowerment achieved through identity development and the strengthening of interpersonal boundaries. Feminist family therapy and Bowen family systems theory are integrated to offer a clinical approach toward greater empowerment through increased differentiation in the context of dating relationships. This approach applies a developmental perspective to the unique challenges faced by young women in Western society. The metaphor of a “Kite in Flight” is offered to help therapists conceptualize the elements of the model and goals for treatment. Case examples and interventions are provided, as well as the model application for Specific clinical considerations. doi:10.1300/J086vl9n04_01
Factors Associated with Suicide Ideation in Severely Obese Bariatric Surgery-Seeking Individuals

There are high rates of suicide ideation and/or behavior in severely obese individuals. The potential contributors to suicide ideation in a sample of 334 severely obese bariatric surgery candidates was explored. Lack of college education, a history of suicide ideation and/or behavior, psychological distress, hopelessness, loneliness, history of physical and/or sexual abuse, and lifetime major depression were associated with current suicide ideation. Some of the correlates of suicide ideation in severely obese bariatric surgery-seeking samples are similar to those found in the general community and this knowledge may serve to improve the psychological assessment and care for this group.
Purification of Aminoacyltransferase II (Translocation Factor) from Rat Liver

Abstract Aminoacyltransferase II is one of the two soluble protein factors required for polypeptide biosynthesis from aminoacyl transfer RNA with rat liver preparations. This transfer factor and guanosine triphosphate are required for the translocation of messenger RNA and peptidyl transfer RNA from the aminoacyl to the peptidyl site on ribosomes. A method for the purification of the translocation factor has been devised. After the resolution of the translocase from the other transfer factor (aminoacyltransferase I) on hydroxylapatite, the translocase is chromatographed on cellulose phosphate and DEAESephadex columns and then subjected to electrophoresis in an electrofocusing (sucrose density-pH gradient) apparatus. The final product seems to be homogenous on acrylamide gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifugation. A molecular weight estimate of 60,000 to 65,000 has been made. Specific activities, up to 1,000-fold higher than that of the "pH 5 supernatant" fraction of rat liver homogenates, the starting material for these studies, have been obtained.
Vanadate-Resistant Mutants of Neurospora crassa Are Deficient in a High-Affinity Phosphate Transport System

Mutant strains of Neurospora crassa have been selected which grow on media containing vanadate, an inhibitor of the plasma membrane ATPase. The mutations all map to a single region (designated van) on the left arm of linkage group VII. The van mutants are unable to take up vanadate from the medium and are also deficient in the uptake of phosphate via a derepressible, high-affinity phosphate transport system. In the van mutants, the Km for phosphate transport is elevated as much as 35-fold, indicating that the van locus may code for a structural component of the high-affinity phosphate transport system.
Post‐traumatic stress symptoms and trauma exposure in youth with first episode bipolar disorder

Aims: To examine the prevalence of trauma exposure as well as the rates and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents with bipolar disorder following a first manic episode. Methods: Adolescents (12–18 years) with DSM-IV bipolar I disorder and experiencing their first manic or mixed episode were recruited. Participants underwent structured diagnostic interviews, completed the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), and were prospectively evaluated using diagnostic, symptomatic and functional assessments over the course of 12 months. Results: Seventy-six adolescents (14.9 ± 1.7 years) completed the TSCC and 66% (50 individuals) reported exposure to traumatic events. Two (3%) subjects met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, 11 (14%) had post-traumatic stress t-scores ≥65, the threshold for clinically significant symptoms. Subjects with and without post-traumatic stress t-scores ≥65 did not differ in demographic characteristics. When compared by t-score, TSCC subscores of the first episode bipolar adolescents were similar to normative data. Regression models incorporating TSCC subcomponents, did not predict syndromic recovery or recurrence or symptomatic recovery. Conclusions: Rates of PTSD were lower in this sample of bipolar adolescents at the time of their first hospitalization compared with rates in samples of bipolar adults. These differences coupled with the low incidence of PTSD and trauma symptoms in this young sample suggests that bipolar disorder may be a risk factor for the development of PTSD later in the course of illness or following recurrent affective episodes.
Results of testing the question-and-answer technique

The paper gives results of a test of the question-and-answer technique for presenting information. After describing the design of the test (materials, questions, participants, methodology), the paper presents the comparative test results. Results consist of both hard numbers (information retrieval times) and test takers' opinions. In addition, the writer's perspective on the creation of question-and-answer material is shared. >
Flt3-Ligand Induces Transient Tumor Regression in an Ectopic Treatment Model of Major Histocompatibility Complex-negative Prostate Cancer

We assessed the in vivo efficacy of Flt3-ligand (Flt3-L) treatment in C57BL/6 mice bearing a well-established MHC class I-negative prostate carcinoma TRAMP-C1. Flt3-L immunotherapy was initiated approximately 30 days after tumor inoculation, a time when ≥ 80% of the mice had palpable TRAMP-C1 tumors. Treatment with Flt3-L at 10 μg/day for 21 consecutive days suppressed TRAMP-C1 tumor growth and induced tumor stabilization ( P = 0.0337). Enhanced tumor regression was demonstrated at a higher dose of 30μ g/day ( P < 0.0001). Tumors excised from mice treated with Flt3-L were smaller than carrier-treated controls and contained a more pronounced mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate primarily composed of mΦ. In regressor mice, tumors reappeared at the site of injection when Flt3-L therapy was terminated. When the experiment was repeated with MHC class I-positive TRAMP-C1 cells, tumor stabilization and/or regression was again observed after treatment ( P < 0.0001); however, once again, tumors reappeared after the termination of therapy despite an extended treatment schedule (35 days). MHC class I-negative variants were present in tumors isolated from carrier- and Flt3-L-treated mice, and this phenotype could be reversed by IFN-γ treatment in vitro . Thus, Flt3-L treatment of mice with preexisting transplantable prostate tumors results in tumor regression that is dose-dependent and accompanied by a pronounced mixed-cell inflammatory tumor infiltrate. However, disease relapse was invariably observed after the termination of therapy, which suggests that Flt3-L treatment of advanced MHC− prostate cancers will require adjuvant modalities to achieve a durable response.
Effect of potassium sorbate on yogurt cultures

The effect of 0.05 and 0.10% potassium sorbate on acid and acetaldehyde production and growth of three commercial yogurt cultures was studied. Either amount of potassium sorbate retarded growth of both Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus strains in the commercial cultures and also decreased the rate of acid production of cultures incubated at 45 C. Acetaldehyde in these cultures decreased during storage and decreased more in samples containing potassium sorbate. In all trials 0.1% potassium sorbate had a greater effect than 0.05% on the above characteristics of the yogurt cultures.
B Cell Heterogeneity I. A Study of B Cell Subpopulations Involved in the Reconstitution of an X-Linked Immune Defect of B Cell Differentiation

Male (CBA/N × BALB/c) F1 hybrid mice cannot mount humoral immune responses to thymus-dependent (T.D.) or thymus-independent (T.I.) phosphorylcholine (PC) antigens and to trinitrophenyl (TNP)-AECM-Ficoll and TNP-AECM-dextran. Transplantation of spleen, bone marrow, or neonatal liver cells from BALB/c mice can restore responsiveness to these antigens. Engraftment of spleen and bone marrow cells occurs in unirradiated NBF1 hosts, whereas restoration of PFC responses by neonatal liver cells requires a sublethally irradiated NBF1 recipient. Reconstitution experiments demonstrated that the spleen contains T.D. and T.I. B cell precursors that can respond immediately to antigenic challenge, although the bone marrow contains only mature T.D. B cells and immature cells (progenitor cells) which will restore T.I. responses 2 weeks after transplantation. Neonatal liver cells contain only immature progenitor cells which, after 1 to 2 weeks in the NBF1 recipient, become antigen-reactive cells. In contrast to anti-TNP PFC responses, which are fully restored in all NBF1 recipients of BALB/c neonatal cells, only a fraction of NBF1 mice gain responsiveness to PC antigens. The frequency of successful reconstitutions of T.D. anti-PC PFC responses was higher than T.I. anti-PC responses. Idiotypic analysis in the reconstituted recipients demonstrated that H8 and non-H8 anti-PC PFC were being generated. Evidence is presented to indicate that the reconstitution with neonatal liver cells functionally resembles a limiting dilution assay for immature PC-specific progenitor cells, which include both H8 and non-H8 idiotype specificities in T.D. and T.I. anti-PC responses.
A conserved family of enzymes that phosphorylate inositol hexakisphosphate

Inositol pyrophosphates are a diverse group of high-energy signaling molecules whose cellular roles remain an active area of study. We report a previously uncharacterized class of inositol pyrophosphate synthase and find it is identical to yeast Vip1 and Asp1 proteins, regulators of actin-related protein-2/3 (ARP 2/3) complexes. Vip1 and Asp1 acted as enzymes that encode inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol heptakisphosphate (IP7) kinase activities. Alterations in kinase activity led to defects in cell growth, morphology, and interactions with ARP complex members. The functionality of Asp1 and Vip1 may provide cells with increased signaling capacity through metabolism of IP6.
Characterization of the Resistance of Alloy 22 to Stress Corrosion Cracking

In its current design, the high-level nuclear waste container includes an external layer of Alloy 22 (Ni-22Cr-13Mo-3W-3Fe). Since the containers may be exposed to multi-ionic aqueous environments over their lifetime, a potential degradation mode of the outer layer could be environmentally assisted cracking (EAC). The objective of the current research is to characterize the effect of applied potential and temperature on the susceptibility of Alloy 22 to EAC in simulated concentrated water (SCW) using the slow strain rate test (SSRT). Results show that Alloy 22 may suffer EAC at applied potentials approximately 400 mV more anodic than the corrosion potential (Ecorr ).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy

PRA has become our preferred technique for resection of relatively small, benign adrenal masses and isolated metastases to the adrenal glands. PRA offers a direct, minimally invasive approach to the adrenal glands and avoids the need to enter the peritoneal cavity, deal with intraabdominal adhesions, and mobilize adjacent organs-steps necessary during anterior laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In addition, some patients tolerate retroperitoneal CO2 insufflation better than intraperitoneal CO2 insufflation from a hemodynamic and respiratory perspective. Finally, bilateral PRA can be performed without the need for patient repositioning. PRA requires the surgeon to become comfortable with the anatomy of the adrenal gland and surrounding structures from the posterior perspective. In addition, the surgeon must become adept at working in the retroperitoneal space, which is relatively restricted compared with the large cavity created by insufflation of the intraperitoneal space. However, in our experience, the learning curve can be overcome in a relatively short period, and the posterior approach is particularly advantageous in patients who have undergone prior open abdominal surgery or who are moderately obese. Proper patient positioning and trocar placement, high-pressure CO2 insufflation, and mobilization of the inferior aspect of the adrenal gland from the superior pole of the kidney before dividing its other attachments are critical technical details that greatly facilitate the procedure. In experienced hands, PRA is safe and is an ideal option for patients who are candidates for minimally invasive adrenalectomy.
Amyloid β peptide induces necrosis rather than apoptosis

Abstract Amyloid β peptide (AβP), a major component of Alzheimer's disease plaques, is toxic to rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and to rat cortical neurons. A reduction in cell survival could be detected after 24 h incubation with 0.01 to 20 μM of the 25–35 peptide fragment (β25–35) of AβP. To study the mechanism of cell death induced by AβP, the morphological as well as the biochemical features of neuronal cell death were analyzed. To distinguish between necrosis and apoptosis, PC12 cell death caused by β25–35 was compared to that induced by serum deprivation, a process known to be apoptotic in these cells. The DNA-degradation pattern of AβP treated cells appeared random rather than at distinct internucleosomal sites as with apoptosis. Electron microscopic studies of NGF-treated PC12 cells and cortical primary cultures exposed to 20 μM β25–35 revealed immediate cellular damage such as vacuolization of the cytoplasm, breakdown of Golgi-apparatus and other membrane systems, and neurite disintegration. This was followed by total collapse of the cytoplasm and cell lysis. These data show that AβP toxicity occurs via a necrotic rather than an apoptotic pathway.
Environmental and Contextual Influences on School Violence and its Prevention

School violence has received unprecedented attention in recent years, particularly since the infamous events unfolded in Littleton, Colorado at Columbine High School. For many Americans, such events were not imagined possible while for others, they confirmed the need for urgent and careful examination of the nature and scope of school violence. It appears, however, that school violence research has been relegated to the individual level of analysis. In this introduction to the special issue about the environmental and contextual factors related to school violence, the authors examine what we know about school violence, how school violence has been addressed, and argue that environmental factors must be part of research and intervention in this area. Finally, the contributions of the articles included in this special issue are discussed.
Three-dimensional dose verification for intensity modulated radiation therapy using optical CT based polymer gel dosimetry.

Dose distributions generated from intensity-modulated-radiation-therapy (IMRT)treatment planning present high dose gradient regions in the boundaries between the target and the surrounding critical organs. Dose accuracy in these areas can be critical, and may affect the treatment. With the increasing use of IMRT in radiotherapy, there is an increased need for a dosimeter that allows for accurate determination of three-dimensional (3D) dose distributions with high spatial resolution. In this study, polymergeldosimetry and an optical CT scanner have been employed to implement 3D dose verification for IMRT. A plastic cylinder of 17 cm diameter and 12 cm height, filled with BANG®3 polymergels (MGS Research, Inc., Madison, CT) and modified to optimal dose-response characteristics, was used for IMRTdose verification. The cylindrical gel phantom was immersed in a 24 × 24 × 20 cm water tank for an IMRT irradiation. The irradiated gel sample was then scanned with an optical CT scanner (MGS Research Inc., Madison, CT) utilizing a single He - Ne laser beam and a single photodiode detector. Similar to the x-ray CT process, filtered back-projection was used to reconstruct the 3D dose distribution. The dose distributions measured from the gel were compared with those from the IMRTtreatment planning system. For comparative dosimetry, a solid water phantom of 24 × 24 × 20 cm , having the same geometry as the water tank for the gel phantom, was used for EDR2 film and ion chamber measurements. Root mean square (rms) deviations for both dose difference and distance-to-agreement (DTA) were used in three-dimensional analysis of the dose distribution comparison between treatment planning calculations and the gel measurement. Comparison of planar dose distributions among geldosimeter, film, and the treatment planning system showed that the isodose lines were in good agreement on selected planes in axial, coronal, and sagittal orientations. Absolute point-dose verification was performed with ion chamber measurements at four different points, varying from 48% to 110% of the prescribed dose. The measured and calculated doses were found to agree to within 4.2% at all measurement points. For the comparison between the gel measurement and treatment planning calculations, rms deviations were 2%–6% for dose difference and 1 – 3 mm for DTA, at 60%–110% doses levels. The results from this study show that optical CT based polymergeldosimetry has the potential to provide a high resolution, accurate, three-dimensional tool for IMRTdose distribution verification.
A Method to the Madness of N-Glycan Complexity?

Cell-surface glycoprotein receptors have varying numbers of N-glycan sites. In this issue of Cell, Lau et al. (2007) report that increasing intracellular UDP-GlcNAc leads to increased branching of N-glycans, increased receptor association with cell-surface galectin-3, and enhanced signaling. They also show that the kinetics of this response differ between growth-promoting receptors, which have 8-16 N-glycans, and those that induce growth arrest, which have very few N-glycans, suggesting that hexosamine flux may regulate the transition from growth to arrest.
Priming the search for HOX mutations.

Background: The HOX gene family consists of highly conserved transcription factors that specify the identity of the body segments along the anteroposterior axis of the embryo. Because the phenotypes of mice with targeted disruptions of Hox genes resemble some patterns of human malformations, mutations in HOX genes have been expected to be associated with a significant number of human malformations. Thus far, however, mutations have been documented in only three of the 39 human HOX genes (HOXD13, HOXA13, and HOXA11) partly because current knowledge on the complete coding sequence and genome structure is limited to only 20 of the 39 human HOX genes. Methods: Taking advantage of the human and mouse draft genome sequences, we attempted to characterize the remaining 19 human HOX genes by bioinformatic analysis including phylogenetic footprinting, the probabilistic prediction method, and comparison of genomic sequences with the complete set of the human anonymous cDNA sequences. Results: We were able to determine the full coding sequences of 19 HOX genes and their genome structure and successfully designed a complete set of PCR primers to amplify the entire coding region of each of the 39 HOX genes from genomic DNA. Conclusions: Our results indicate the usefulness of bioinformatic analysis of the draft genome sequences for clinically oriented research projects. It is hoped that the mutation panel provided here will serve as a launch-pad for a new discourse on the genetic basis of human malformations.
PERCEIVED PARENTAL ATTITUDES AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AS RELATED TO MALADJUSTMENT

Summary,-The relative contribution of perceived parental attitudes and of demographic variables to student maladjustment was investigated in 80 Ss who attended a college offering majors in the performing arts. As predicted the perception of parents as encouraging independence was negatively associated with maladjustment and better predicted maladjustment in the students than did the 7 demographic variables employed. Factor analysis identified 4 parental attitudinal patterns: mother's trust in S's judgment, father's trust in S's judgment, parental encouragement of independent living, and parental encouragement of independent effort. Although the joint father and mother attitude encouraging independent living was significant, it was the father's trust in the student's judgment which was found to be most important to the student's adjustment. Counseling practices and theories concerning maladjustment of college students are not based on an adequate body of data relevant to college students. From a survey of existing knowledge, King (1964) concluded that there was a serious absence of systematic data. In his review of many studies, Segal (1966) concluded that few variables had been investigated and only tentative conclusions about the extent and nature of the problem were possible. There is increasing need for pertinent and systematic data. Colleges, according to Clark (1966) reported making plans to expand supportive services with an emphasis on personal counseling. The College Discovery Program (1969), a program designed to provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged groups, reported the incidence of personal problems which interfered with academic performance to be higher than 50%. The present study sought to identify psychological and demographic vari
Eyes and extraocular photoreceptors in midwater cephalopods and fishes: Their roles in detecting downwelling light for counterillumination

The means of detecting downwelling light for counterillumination in several midwater animals has been examined. Eyes and extraocular photoreceptors (drosal photosensitive vesicles in the enoploteuthid squid Abraliopsis sp. B and pineal organs in the myctophid fish Myctophum spinosum) were alternately exposed to overhead light or covered by a small opaque shield above the animal and the bioluminescent response of the animal was monitored. Covering either the eyes or the extraocular photoreceptors resulted in a reduction in the intensity of counterillumination. Preliminary experiments examining the bioluminescent feedback mechanism for monitoring intensity of bioluminescence during counterillumination in the midwater squid Abralia trigonura indicated that the ventral photosensitive vesicles are responsible for bioluminescent feedback.
Openness to experience, plasticity, and creativity: Exploring lower-order, high-order, and interactive effects ☆

What are creative people like? Openness to experience is important to creativity, but little is known about plasticity, the higher-order factor that subsumes openness. College students (n = 189) completed measures of the Big Five and measures of creative cognition (fluency and quality of divergent thinking), everyday creative behaviors, creative achievement, and self-rated creativity. Latent variable models found broad effects of openness to experience and few effects of the other four domains. At the higher-order level, plasticity predicted higher scores on nearly all of the facets of creativity, and stability had several significant effects. For some creativity measures, plasticity and stability had opposing effects. Tests of latent interactions found no significant effects: plasticity and stability predict creatively independently, not jointly.
Climatological Characteristics of Atmospheric Rivers and Their Inland Penetration over the Western United States

AbstractNarrow corridors of water vapor transport known as atmospheric rivers (ARs) contribute to extreme precipitation and flooding along the West Coast of the United States, but knowledge of their influence over the interior is limited. Here, the authors use Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data, Climate Prediction Center (CPC) precipitation analyses, and Snowpack Telemetry (SNOTEL) observations to describe the characteristics of cool-season (November–April) ARs over the western United States. It is shown that AR frequency and duration exhibit a maximum along the Oregon–Washington coast, a strong transition zone upwind (west) of and over the Cascade–Sierra ranges, and a broad minimum that extends from the “high” Sierra south of Lake Tahoe eastward across the central Great Basin and into the deep interior. East of the Cascade–Sierra ranges, AR frequency and duration are largest over the interior northwest, while AR duration is large compared to ...
Leucine binding protein and regulation of transport in E. coli

Leucine is transported into E. coli cells by high-affinity transport systems (LIV-I and leucine-specific systems) which are sensitive to osmotic shock and require periplasmic binding proteins. In addition leucine is transported by a low-affinity system ( LIV-11) which is membrane bound and retained in membrane vesicle preparations. The LIV-I system serves for threonine and alanine in addition to the 3 branched-chain amino acids. The LIV-I1 system is more specific for leucine, isoleucine, and valine while the high-affinity leucine-specific system has the greatest specificity. A regulatory locus, livR at minute 22 on the E. coli chromosome produces negatively regulated leucine transport and synthesis of the binding proteins. Valineresistant strains have been selected to screen for transport mutants. High-affinity leucine transport mutants that have been identified include a LIV-binding protein mutant, livJ, a leucine-specific binding protein mutant livK and a nonbinding protein component of the LIV-I system, livlf. A fourth mutant, /ivP, appears to be required only for the low-affinity LIV-I1 system. The existence of this latter mutant indicates that LIV-I and LIV-11 are parallel transport systems. The 4 mutations concerned with high-affinity leucine transport form a closely linked cluster of genes on the E. coli chromosome at minute 74. systems suggests that an attenuator site may be operative in its regulation. This complex regulation appears to require a modified leucyl-tRNA along with the transcription termination factor rho. Regulation of leucine transport is also defective in relaxed strains. in LIV-I activity suggesting a special role of this amino acid in the physiology of E. coli. It was shown that the rapid exchange of external leucine for intracellular isoleucine via the LIV-I system could create an isoleucine pseudoauxotrophy and account for the leucine sensitivity of E. coli. The results of recent studies on the regulation of the high-affinity transport Among the branched-chain amino acids only leucine produces regulatory changes
Novice Tutors and Their ESL Tutees: Three Case Studies of Tutor Roles and Perceptions of Tutorial Success.

Abstract This article presents case studies of three tutor/tutee dyads, focusing on the negotiation of tutor roles over a semester as part of a course requirement for MATESOL candidates. Tutors were enrolled in the course “Issues in Second Language Writing,” and tutees were ESL student volunteers. Data came from on-line discussions from the course, videotapes of tutoring sessions, tutors’ and tutees’ retrospective interviews, and the tutors’ final reflective papers for the course. Results indicate that the dyads negotiated relationships that differed from each other but were viewed as successful by those involved. For each dyad, different factors emerged as influential in negotiating the tutor’s role, including tutors’ and tutees’ beliefs about writing, tutees’ language proficiency, affective factors, and aspects of the tutorial setting.
Positive Behavior Supports for Children and Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ABSTRACT Positive behavior support has gained attention in recent years as an effective practice for reducing challenging behaviors in children and youth with a variety of disabilities including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The goal of positive behavioral interventions for students with ASD is to prevent and reduce the occurrence of interfering behaviors, such as repetitive or disruptive behaviors, through the use of evidence-based practices. To implement specific behavioral methods and strategies, a tiered approach gradually increases the nature and intensity of support for students with ASD as interfering behaviors become more problematic. In this approach, functional behavioral assessment identifies possible causes of interfering behaviors as well as the strategies that are implemented within the context of a comprehensive behavioral intervention plan. This article aims to (a) discuss interfering behaviors in children and youth with ASD, (b) present a model for preventing and reducing these behavio...
Comments on Badejoko et al.: Overflow urinary incontinence due to bladder stones

Dear Editor, I read with interest the article by Badejoko et al. [1]. The authors reported an interesting case of multiple bladder calculi in a woman who presented with urine incontinence. I would like to share a few comments related to this article. First, although I agree with the treatment offered, I disagree with the authors’ diagnosis of overflow incontinence. Overflow incontinence is the type of incontinence associated with urine retention. There is no support for the diagnosis of urine retention in this case. The authors based their diagnosis solely on the patient’s symptoms. There is a large volume of urology literature that suggests these symptoms are actually typical for bladder stones. The literature further supports the fact that these symptoms are primarily related to bladder irritation and not urine retention [2–4]. As a matter of fact, large bladder stones are very rarely a cause of urine retention [5]. Furthermore, there was no objective evidence of urine retention in the study. There was no reported use of bladder ultrasound, bladder scan, straight catheter, etc., to prove the diagnosis. I believe the correct diagnosis is urgency urinary incontinence secondary to bladder irritation by bladder stones. Second, the authors commented on the value of intravenous pyelogram (IVP) in the setting of urine incontinence based on their findings in this particular case. Although the IVP has well-established clinical value in urological imaging, I do not see how IVP helped in this particular case. Bladder stones do not necessarily need an IVP for diagnosis. They can simply be diagnosed using a regular abdominal X-ray or bladder ultrasound. The authors would have an argument if the IVP findings supported their diagnosis of urine retention. Those findings may include vesico-ureteral reflux and/or large post-void residual volume seen in the post-evacuation film. Unfortunately, the IVP showed only bladder stones and was normal otherwise, and as reported by the authors. This again argues against the diagnosis of urine retention and overflow incontinence. Also, the X-ray figure shown in the article is actually for a scout film, not an IVP. There is no contrast seen in the film presented. Finally, multiple bladder stones in adults are almost always secondary to an underlying pathological condition of the bladder [5]. I would suggest that this patient receives further evaluation for possible underlying pathological conditions such as neurogenic bladder.
Characteristics of older at-risk drinkers who drive after drinking and those who do not drive after drinking.

Objective: To describe and compare characteristics of older adults who drive after drinking and those who do not, whether an intervention addressing at-risk drinking reduces risk among those reporting driving after drinking, and reasons reported for driving after drinking.Methods: Secondary data analysis of a randomized trial testing the efficacy of a multifaceted intervention to reduce at-risk drinking among adults with a mean age of 68 years in primary care (N = 631).Results: Almost a quarter of at-risk drinkers reported driving after drinking (N = 154). Compared to those who did not drive after drinking, those who did were more likely to be younger, male, and working. They consumed a higher average number of drinks per week, had more reasons they were considered at-risk drinkers, and were more likely to meet at-risk drinking criteria due to amount of drinking and binge drinking. Those driving after drinking at baseline reduced the frequency of this behavior at 3 and 12 months and there were no statisti...
A diamond detector for X-ray bang-time measurement at the National Ignition Facility

An instrument has been developed to measure X-ray bang-time for inertial confinement fusion capsules; the time interval between the start of the laser pulse and peak X-ray emission from the fuel core. The instrument comprises chemical vapor deposited polycrystalline diamond photoconductive X-ray detectors with highly ordered pyrolytic graphite X-ray monochromator crystals at the input. Capsule bang-time can be measured in the presence of relatively high thermal and hard X-ray background components due to the selective band pass of the crystals combined with direct and indirect X-ray shielding of the detector elements. A five channel system is being commissioned at the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for implosion optimization measurements as part of the National Ignition Campaign. Characteristics of the instrument have been measured demonstrating that X-ray bang-time can be measured with ±30 ps precision, characterizing the soft X-ray drive to +/- 1 eV or 1.5%.
Investigation of two mercury vapor collection techniques

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this investigation was to develop and test two in vitro mercury vapor collection techniques: a closed bottle technique (CB) and an intraoral flow (IOF) technique. Methods: Amalgam samples were prepared in acrylic first molars (#30) with standardized Class I preparations. In the CB technique, samples were placed in either a 25, 100 or 500 ml bottle (n=5). Vapor was analyzed with the Jerome M-411 using a syringe method over a 7 day period. In the IOF technique an impression of the lower right quadrant of a Typodont was taken with PVS impression material leaving a 5 mm space over #30. Samples were analyzed with the Jerome M-411 connected to the impression tray via tygon tubing at the buccal surface. Average mercury vapor release rates and standard deviations were calculated for each method. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD pairwise analysis for significant findings (α=0.05). Results: Both techniques indicated mercury vapor release was dependent on volume. The largest bottle, 500 ml, yielded a significantly greater (p≤0.00) amount of mercury vapor within the CB systems. In the IOF technique, the addition of air flow over the restoration demonstrated a significant increase (p≤0.05) in mercury vapor released compared to the sealed IOF technique. Significance: A method for mercury vapor analysis was developed for possible intraoral application. The IOF method with direct air flow removes possible saturation effects found in a CB system, while limiting external variables, which may contribute to errors associated with in vivo measurements.
How are blacks portrayed in business ads

Abstract Advertising studies have shown that blacks resent the way that they have been depicted in advertising. These feelings can have negative effects on blacks' attitudes toward the products and services shown in such advertisements since industrial purchasing behavior has been shown to be influenced by emotional as well as rational considerations. This article reports the results of an analysis of the portrayal of blacks in trade journal publications over three decades. The findings show that the increase in the use of blacks in industrial advertising has leveled off during the 1980s and that there have been some subtle changes in the ways in which blacks are portrayed in such ads.
Models fail to capture Arctic ice thinning, drift trends

Observations have shown that Arctic sea ice extent has declined over the past several decades and that this decline has accelerated in recent years. However, climate models used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) fourth assessment report underestimate the observed decrease in ice extent. Furthermore, Rampal et al. studied 13 IPCC models and found that the models underestimate Arctic sea ice thinning by about a factor of 4 on average. In addition to thinning, observations show that Arctic sea ice is drifting more rapidly, but the authors found that the climate models do not capture this drift acceleration. The authors note that in most of the models, sea ice drifts faster when it is thicker, contrary to observations, which show thinner ice drifting faster. Faster drift increases the rate at which ice flows out of the Arctic. The models' weak coupling between ice thickness and drift velocity partly explains the models' underestimation of ice area, thickness, and velocity trends.
Debates—Perspectives on socio-hydrology: Changing water systems and the “tyranny of small problems”—Socio-hydrology

We are well and truly in the Anthropocene. Humans can no longer be considered as mere external drivers or boundary conditions in the hydrologic systems we study. The interactions and feedbacks between human actions and water cycle dynamics on the planet, combined with the evolution of human norms/values in relation to water, are throwing up a range of emergent “big problems.” Understanding and offering sustainable solutions to these “big problems” require a broadening of hydrologic science to embrace the perspectives of both social and natural scientists. The new science of socio-hydrology was introduced with this in mind, yet faces major challenges due to the wide gulf that separates the knowledge foundations and methodologies of natural and social sciences. Yet, the benefits of working together are enormous, including through adoption of natural science methods for social science problems, and vice versa. Bringing together the perspectives of both social and natural scientists dealing with water is good for hydrologic science, having the salutary effect of revitalizing it as use-inspired basic science. It is good for management too, in that the broader, holistic perspectives provided by socio-hydrology can help recognize potential “big” problems that may otherwise be unforeseen and, equally, identify potential “alternative” solutions to otherwise intractable problems.
NMR studies of P-450 model systems: New structural probes for sulfur-containing hemoproteins

Abstract A simple model for ferrous cytochrome P-450 has been investigated by proton and carbon-13 Fourier transform NMR. In the proton spectrum of the β-phenethyl mercaptan-protoheme-CO complex, the protons α and β to mercaptide sulfur are observed 2.62 and 0.62 ppm upfield of tetramethylsilane. The 13 CO spectra show characteristic shifts at 204.7 and 197.0 δ for neutral and deprotonated mercaptan complexes, respectively.
The Effects of High Temperature Exposure on the Fracture of Thin Tantalum Nitride Films

Continuous microscratch testing was used in this study to determine the effects of elevated temperature exposure on the adhesion and toughness of thin tantalum nitride films. These films were sputter-deposited at room temperature on sapphire substrates to a nominal thickness of 600 nm with some films heated to 600°C in vacuum while others were heated to 600°C in air. The films heated in vacuum exhibited no changes in composition or structure while the films heated in air completely transformed to tantalum pentoxide. Comparison of the results shows that the interfacial fracture toughness increases from 0.5 MPa-m1/2 for as-sputtered films to 0.8 MPa-m1/2 for films heated in air. However, the toughness increases to more than 3.0 MPa-m1/2 when the films are heated in vacuum. The increase in toughness values follows the reduction in deposition defect content where formation of an oxygen deficient tantalum oxide layer in air from the as-sputtered film increases interfacial toughness slightly while full densification of the tantalum nitride films in vacuum increases toughness to very high levels.
Quenching and annealing effects on the specific heat of YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract The effect of heat treatments and quenching with no change in oxygen content was studied for a polycrystalline sample of YBCO. Quenching the sample changes the properties drastically, as seen in the specific heat and resistivity. This study shows that non-superconducting regions, some of which are not associated with Cu 2+ moments, can be created in YBCO by heat treatment alone.
On the soundness of altering granular information

Computer based multi-source and information fusion is often an intermediate step in the deduction of decision-relevant information. Fuzzy sets provide a useful formalism for the representation of the types of uncertain granular information that appear as inputs and outputs of these fusion systems. When our ultimate goal is the derivation of human oriented decision-relevant information we must often alter the output of these fusion systems to provide information in a form more readily accessible to the human recipient. In this work we introduce and investigate a measure of soundness which can be used to calculate the validity of various alterations of fuzzy granular information in the course of transforming outputs of fusion systems into forms more useful for human comprehension and manipulation. An important role in this work is played by the idea of similarity.