cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Democratic Dialogic Education For and From Authorial Agency

In this multi-topic interview, Professor Eugene Matusov from the School of Education at the University of Delaware discusses the desirability and necessity for a psychological and educational shift from knowledge, ability, and skill to dialogically and a democratically understood notion of authorial agency. In this discussion, Professor Matusov tells about his own transition from his interest in Vygotsky to Bakhtin, discusses conceptual and ethical tensions among these scholars, and how his pedagogical practice informs his educational research. Professor Matusov provides a somewhat optimistic view on the transition of our society from knowledge-based to agency-based and discusses the role of education in this transformation. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed following closely the discussion. We tried to preserve both orality and the Russian and Serbian accents of the participants without sacrificing the readability of the text. Europe's Journal of Psychology, 2014, Vol. 10(1), 9–26, doi:10.5964/ejop.v10i1.762 Published (VoR): 2014-02-28. *Corresponding author at: 16 W Main street, School of Education, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA. E-mail: ematusov@udel.edu This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Ana Marjanovic-Shane: Let's talk about Dialogic Education For and From Agency – this is what I’m interested in asking you today. Can you explain what that is? What does that mean? Why do you use that term? Eugene Matusov:Well, uh, I'm constantly working on this concept, and currently I would call it "Democratic Dialogic Education for and from Authorial Agency” (DDEFFAA). Ana Marjanovic-Shane: “For and from Authorial Agency?” Wow, so many words there. Eugene Matusov: Let me tell you that it actually started with “EFA,” which was the abbreviation for “Education for Agency.” And then the more I was working on this concept, the more I specified... I hope deeper and more specific, it became “DDEFFAA.” So everything is double except E. Ana Marjanovic-Shane: Ok, so let's jump to the past, to the actual beginning – how did you start thinking about dialogism, and about dialogic education in the first place. Europe's Journal of Psychology ejop.psychopen.eu | 1841-0413
STEM-LOOP RT-qPCR for miRNAS

This unit presents a specific and sensitive quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method for measuring individual microRNAs (miRNAs) in tissue or cultured cells. miRNAs are 17 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in length. Standard and quantitative PCR methods require a template that is at least two times the length of either of the specific forward or reverse primers, each typically ∼ 20 nt in length. Thus, the target minimum length is ≥ 40 nt, making miRNAs too short for standard RT-qPCR methods. In this assay, each of the RT-qPCR nucleic acid reagents, including the RT-primer, the forward and reverse PCR primers, and the hydrolysis probe, contain design features that, together, optimize miRNA specificity and assay sensitivity. The RT-primer contains a highly stable stem-loop structure that lengthens the target cDNA. The forward PCR primer adds additional length with nucleotides that optimize its melting temperature (T(m)) and enhance assay specificity. The reverse primer disrupts the stem loop. Assay specificity is further optimized by placement of the probe over much of the original miRNA sequence, and the probe T(m) is optimized by addition of a minor groove binding (MGB) moiety.
[FeFe]‐Hydrogenase Cofactor Assembly

This article highlights recent advances in our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway for active site H-cluster assembly in [FeFe]-hydrogenases. The H-cluster is composed of a [4Fe–4S] cubane bridged via one cysteine thiolate to a 2Fe subcluster; the 2Fe subcluster is further coordinated by carbon monoxide, cyanide, and bridging dithiolate ligands. Biosynthesis of the H-cluster occurs through stepwise modification of simple Fe–S cluster precursors; these chemical modifications are carried out by three gene products denoted HydE, HydF, and HydG. Maturation of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase requires the presence of a preformed [4Fe–4S] cluster, indicating that HydE, HydF, and HydG are directed toward the biosynthesis of the 2Fe subcluster. HydE and HydG are both radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes and utilize a CX3CX2C motif to bind site-differentiated [4Fe–4S]2+/+ clusters that promote the reductive cleavage of SAM into methionine and a 5′-deoxyadenosyl radical responsible for hydrogen atom abstraction from substrate. In an extraordinary biochemical reaction, HydG uses this chemistry to catalyze the radical degradation of tyrosine into p-cresol and a glycine-like intermediate; an accessory, C-terminal [4Fe–4S] cluster then degrades the latter intermediate into cyanide and carbon monoxide. HydE is presumed to be responsible for bridging dithiolate ligand biosynthesis from an unknown substrate. HydF contains an N-terminal GTPase domain and a C-terminal Fe–S-cluster-binding domain and binds both [2Fe–2S] and [4Fe–4S] clusters; evidence suggests that the former cluster is modified by HydE and HydG to form a 2Fe H-cluster precursor on HydF. The role of GTP hydrolysis in H-cluster maturation remains largely unexplained; however, it may be related to gating the protein–protein interactions between HydF and HydE and HydG. The reactions catalyzed by HydE and HydG can be thought of as specific ligand modification events designed to fine-tune H-cluster reactivity; not only do the chemical transformations themselves have direct links to reactions important on early Earth, but radical SAM enzymes with their canonical CX3CX2C motif are likely very ancient. The modern diversity that is observed in chemical reactions catalyzed by the radical SAM superfamily can be explained evolutionarily through the recruitment of distinct protein domains that impart specific substrate activation capabilities. Recruitment of these domains is discussed in the context of HydE and HydG and important links are made to the nitrogenase system where intriguing parallels between [FeFe]-hydA H-cluster biosynthesis and nitrogenase FeMo-cofactor assembly clearly exist. Keywords: hydrogenase; H-cluster; radical SAM; S-adenosylmethionine; GTPase; cluster assembly; cluster biosynthesis
Why Ischemic Stroke Patients Do Not Receive Thrombolytic Treatment? (P7.122)

OBJECTIVE: To study why only a minority of patients with stroke receive thrombolytic therapy. BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported that only a minority of stroke patients receive thrombolytic therapy. A majority of them do not receive thrombolytic therapy due to late arrival to hospital. However, other causes for the same have not been reported yet. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective observational study was done at University of Kentucky (UK) from October 2012 to September 2013. ‘Get with the Guidelines’ database was used to obtain data for following variables - ICD9 codes, time last seen normal, time of onset of symptoms, time of arrival to hospital, rt-PA administration and reasons for not administrating rt-PA. Reasons for not administrating rt-PA for patients presenting within 4 hours of symptom onset were documented RESULTS: 1017 patients with stroke were admitted to UK during the study period. 119 patients received rt-PA (11.70%), 59 within UK (5.80%) while others at outside hospital. 167 (17.45%) patients arrived within 4 hours of onset of symptoms. 31 of these patients had intracerebral bleed. 59 (43.38%) of the remaining received rt-PA. Reasons for not receiving rt-PA in these patients were minor or rapidly improving symptoms (37.66%), increased risk of bleeding due to co-morbid conditions (15.58%), patient or family refusal (11.68%), care team unable to determine eligibility (10.38%) and advanced age (2.59%). Absolute contraindication for rt-PA use was for 12.98% patients. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis suggests that less than half of the patients presenting within 4 hours of symptom onset receive rt-PA. The most common reason was minor or rapidly improving symptoms. A significant proportion of patients did not receive rt-PA because patient or family refused. Minority of patients had absolute contraindication. More patient and family education is needed to allay fears of rt-PA use. Disclosure: Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose.
Marijuana consequences in a motivational context: Goal congruence reduces likelihood of taking steps toward change☆

This study tested a model of marijuana use, problems, and motivation and barriers to change among a sample of 422 undergraduate students ages 18-25 (M=19.68, SD=1.60) who used marijuana at least once in the past 6 months. We tested a structural equation model (SEM) with use motives (i.e., coping, enhancement, and expansion), perceived use utility, and gender as exogenous variables predicting marijuana use behavior (i.e., use and problems), motivation to change (i.e., problem recognition and perceived costs and benefits of change), and the ultimate outcome, taking steps to reduce marijuana use. Controlling for level of use and problems, expansion motives had a direct effect on increased perceived costs of change and enhancement motives had direct inverse effects on problem recognition and perceived benefits of change. However, the total effect of expansion motives on taking steps was not significant. The perceived role of marijuana in achieving personal strivings (i.e., use utility) was inversely associated with problem recognition, perceived benefits of change, and taking steps toward change. In contrast, coping motives, despite being associated with greater perceived costs of change, were positively associated with taking steps. Problem recognition was positively associated with both increased perceived costs and benefits of reducing marijuana use, reflecting individuals' ambivalence about change. As expected, perceived benefits and costs of reducing use were positively and negatively associated with taking steps toward changing marijuana use, respectively. The results identify individual difference factors that contribute to motivation for change and are consistent with motivational models of change readiness. These results highlight the extent to which integration of marijuana use with personal goal achievement may interfere with taking steps to change use patterns despite associated negative consequences.
Cyclic variations in the cervix of the guinea pig

Abstract In our series, we have satisfied ourselves that in the guinea pig, a definite recognizable cyclic change occurs in the cervix, during the estrus cycle. These alterations follow very closely the variations present in the other parts of the genital tract, especially in the vagina. Emphasis must be placed on the fact, that the most characteristics findings are present in the lower cervix, although they are by no means absent in the upper part. In spite of the fact that the ovaries were examined grossly and microscopically, no attempt was made to correlate ovulation and corpus luteum formation with variations in the cervix, because of the technical handicaps incidental to making serial sections of the ovaries. We found gross inspection of the ovaries inadequate for proper correlation. We feel that the cyclic changes are probably dependent on the hormonal cycle. Sjovall has shown this to be true in part, although he believed that all the variations could be explained on the basis of estrin alone.
Repeated Price Search

Consumers check few sites in online purchases. Previous research and experiments we perform demonstrate that consumers can not calculate the optimal strategy for price search. They use heuristics whose performance is better than random and less than optimal. To investigate online price search performance we survey student online textbook purchases. Students achieve good performance because they start with a good strategy and online market organization of marketplace and meta-search sites. An important factor is that algorithms at sites searched perform calculations that reduce the computational complexity of the search.
Computational Study of Binding Between DDX3 and Hiv-1 MRNA Nucleocytoplasmic Export Complex

For patients suffering from HIV, there exist several therapeutic drugs that can target various aspects of the HIV life cycle; however, treatment aggressiveness is limited by the very potent and potentially dangerous side effects of these drugs. Molecular traffic between the nucleus and the cytoplasm is exclusively regulated by the nuclear pore complex (NPC), which acts as a highly selective channel perforating the nuclear envelope in eukaryotic cells. HIV exploits the nucleocytoplasmic pathway to export its RNA transcripts across the NPC to the cytoplasm. DDX3 is a RNA helicase necessary for HIV replication which is found to interact with a protein, CRM1, which shuttles HIV mRNA out of the nucleus. Recent work has exposed DDX3 as a promising new target of the viral replication cycle that has not yet been thoroughly investigated due to limitations in experimental methodologies. In the present research we have developed a general computational protocol for analyzing protein-protein binding. This method is based on molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics simulation and accompanied by approximate free energy calculation (MM/GBSA), computational alanine scanning, clustering and evolutionary analysis. This research seeks to explore the details of the structural interaction between DDX3 and CRM1 using the proposed hybrid computational approach. Utilizing this approach to study the HIV mRNA export complex, we have highlighted some of the most likely binding modes and interfacial residues between DDX3 and CRM1 both in the absence and presence of RanGTP. This work shows that although DDX3 can bind to free CRM1, addition of RanGTP leads to more concentrated distribution of binding modes and stronger binding between CRM1 and RanGTP.
Signaling cross-talk between TGF-beta/BMP and other pathways.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling is involved in the vast majority of cellular processes and is fundamentally important during the entire life of all metazoans. Deregulation of TGF-β/BMP activity almost invariably leads to developmental defects and/or diseases, including cancer. The proper functioning of the TGF-β/BMP pathway depends on its constitutive and extensive communication with other signaling pathways, leading to synergistic or antagonistic effects and eventually desirable biological outcomes. The nature of such signaling cross-talk is overwhelmingly complex and highly context-dependent. Here we review the different modes of cross-talk between TGF-β/BMP and the signaling pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, and the interleukin/interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha cytokines, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Generalized stress variables in Continuum Damage Mechanics

Abstract “Damage” in Continuum Mechanics is an internal variable used at the scale of a Representative Elementary Volume (REV) to model the decrease of stiffness due to the nucleation and propagation of crack tips in the bulk. Moreover, irreversible deformation can result from specific distributions of crack displacement vectors. This communication presents a work in progress on the thermodynamic consistency of Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) for quasi-brittle materials such as rock or concrete, in which “damage” actually lumps two effects: cohesive damage (i.e. propagation of crack tips) and adhesive damage (i.e. separation of crack faces). It is shown that state-of-the-art CDM models lumping cohesive and adhesive damage into the same internal variable are based on contradicting thermodynamic assumptions, and that the ambivalent definition of damage requires the use of generalized stress variables in a CDM framework. Corresponding work-conjugates of damage and crack-induced deformation are expressed for a general CDM model. Future work will investigate the conditions in which a hyper-elastic framework can be used in CDM.
Predictors of Initial and Sustained Remission from Alcohol Use Disorders: Findings from the 30-Year Follow-Up of the San Diego Prospective Study

BACKGROUND: Individuals who report problematic drinking early in life often recover from alcohol-related disorders, with or without formal treatment. While risk factors associated with developing alcohol use disorders (AUDs), such as a family history of alcoholism and the genetically influenced low level of response (LR) to alcohol, have been identified, less is known about characteristics that relate to remission from AUDs. METHODS: The male subjects (98% Caucasian) for this study were 129 probands from the San Diego Prospective Study who were first evaluated at age 20 as drinking but not alcohol-dependent young men, most of whom were college graduates by follow-up. The individuals evaluated here met criteria for an AUD at their first follow-up at ages 28 to 33 and were followed every 5 years for the next 2 decades. Discrete-time survival analysis was used to examine rates of initial and sustained AUD remission and to evaluate the relationships of premorbid characteristics and other risk factors to these outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty percent of the sample met criteria for an initial AUD remission of 5 or more years, including 45% with sustained remission (i.e., no subsequent AUD diagnosis). Higher education, lower drinking frequency, and having a diagnosis of alcohol abuse (rather than dependence) were associated with higher rates of initial AUD remission. A lower LR to alcohol at age 20, as well as lower drinking frequency, having received formal alcohol treatment, and older age at the first follow-up all predicted a greater likelihood of sustained AUD remission. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified key factors associated with initial and sustained AUD remission in subjects diagnosed with AUD in young adulthood. Characteristics associated with better outcomes early in the life span, such as lower drinking frequency and early treatment, appear to have a lasting impact on remission from AUD across adulthood. Language: en
Abscisic acid and CO2 signalling via calcium sensitivity priming in guard cells, new CDPK mutant phenotypes and a method for improved resolution of stomatal stimulus-response analyses.

Background Stomatal guard cells are the regulators of gas exchange between plants and the atmosphere. Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-independent mechanisms function in these responses. Key stomatal regulation mechanisms, including plasma membrane and vacuolar ion channels have been identified and are regulated by the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt).
Autoactivation profiles of calcium-dependent matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in inflammatory synovial fluid: Effect of pyrophosphate and bisphosphonates

Abstract Background The presence of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), gelatinase A and B, in synovial fluid is typical in inflammatory connective tissue diseases especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because MMPs are synthesized as latent proforms, a pathophysiologic understanding of MMP regulation has focused on mechanisms of activation that remain to date largely unresolved. Methods Synovial fluid was collected by aseptic aspiration from RA patients and incubated with and without physiologic levels of calcium and other modifiers (pyrophosphate, bisphosphonates, and the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), under conditions that activate MMPs. MMP-2 and -9 were then characterized by substrate gel electrophoresis (gelatin zymography) to resolve both latent and activated ‘partially proteolyzed’ forms. Results Gelatin zymography revealed that RA synovial fluid contained latent neutrophil MMP-9 (92, 130, 225 kDa) and fibroblast MMP-2 (72 kDa). A small amount of activated MMP-2 (64 kDa) was also noted. Incubation of synovial fluid without calcium resulted in MMP-9 activation to 87, 116, and 209 kDa forms. MMP-9 activation was, however, substantially delayed in the presence of physiologic calcium (2.5 mmol/l). MMP-2 did not demonstrate any appreciable activation with or without physiologic calcium. MMP-9 activation likely occurred via an autoactivation mechanism since it was susceptible to inhibition by the tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1). Pyrophosphate and bisphosphonates (alendronate and risedronate) were ineffective in blocking synovial fluid MMP-9 autoactivation. Some early MMP-9 activation was noted with alendronate despite the presence of physiologic calcium. Discussion Although RA synovial fluid contained abundant MMP-2 and MMP-9, only MMP-9 underwent autoactivation to lower molecular weight forms. MMP-9 was transiently stable in the presence of physiologic calcium concentration, whereas autoactivation was more pronounced without exogenous calcium. The apparent lack of MMP-2 autoactivation with or without calcium, likely resulted from the coexistence of its bound endogenous inhibitor, TIMP-2. The role of differential autoactivation of MMPs activity in inflammatory arthritic disease is discussed.
Mutational analysis of human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2B1 isoforms reveals that exon 1B of the SULT2B1 gene produces cholesterol sulfotransferase, whereas exon 1A yields pregnenolone sulfotransferase.

As a result of an alternative exon 1, the gene for human hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase (SULTB1) encodes for two peptides differing only at their amino termini. The SULT2B1b isoform preferentially sulfonates cholesterol. Conversely, the SULT2B1a isoform avidly sulfonates pregnenolone but not cholesterol. The outstanding structural feature that distinguishes the SULT2B1 isoforms from the prototypical SULT2A1 isozyme is the presence of extended amino- and carboxyl-terminal ends in the former. Investigating the functional significance of this unique characteristic reveals that removal of 53 amino acids from the relatively long carboxyl-terminal end that is common to both SULT2B1 isoforms has no effect on the catalytic activity of either isoform. On the other hand, removal of 23 amino acids from the amino-terminal end that is unique to SULT2B1b results in loss of cholesterol sulfotransferase activity, whereas removal of 8 amino acids from the amino-terminal end that is unique to SULT2B1a has no effect on pregnenolone sulfotransferase activity. Deletion analysis along with site-directed mutagenesis of SULT2B1b reveal that the amino acid segment 19–23 residues from the amino terminus and particularly isoleucines at positions 21 and 23 are crucial for cholesterol catalysis. In the gene for SULT2B1, exon 1B encodes for only the unique amino-terminal region of SULT2B1b; however, exon 1A encodes for the unique amino-terminal end of SULT2B1a plus an additional 48 amino acids. Thus, if the gene forSULT2B1 employs exon 1B, cholesterol sulfotransferase is synthesized, whereas if exon 1A is used, pregnenolone sulfotransferase is produced.
Privatizing Social Services in the U.S.A.

Governmental and private sector social services organizations have traditionally shared important roles for provision and delivery of social services in the United States. Over the past fifty years, however, a predominant position has developed for the public sector, especially through federal funding for social service programmes. Recent challenges to the prevailing role of public sector dominance have been expressed by the proponents for privatization at a time when decreasing federal funds are made available for social service programmes. The analysis presented here examines the potential and problems associated with the privatization strategies offered through load shedding, limited-government arrangements, fee charging and competition. As a macro level approach for a comprehensive system of social service provision and delivery, these privatization strategies raise more questions than immediate solutions. A more optimistic view is taken if privatization leads to a more meaningful balance with increased co-operation between public and private social welfare auspices.
Topology of amino-phospholipids in the red cell membrane

The red cell membrane has an asymmetric arrangement of phospholipids. The amino-phospholipids are localized primarily on the inner surface of the membrane and the choline phospholipids are localized to a large extent on the outer surface of the membrane. Evidence is presented based on the use of covalent chemical probes in sequence that the red cell membrane contains heterogeneous domains of PE and PS and that the transport systems for Pi and K+ are asymmetrically arranged. Certain amino groups of PE, PS, and/or protein localized on the outer membrane surface are involved in Pi transport and certain amino groups of PE, PS, and/or protein localized on the inner surface of the membrane are involved in K+ transport. Cross-linking studies with DFDNB show that the cross-linked PE-PE molecules are rich in plasmalogens. This suggests that clusters of plasmalogen forms of PE occur in the membrane. Both PE and PS are cross-linked to membrane protein. These PE and PS molecules contain 24–28% 16:0 and 18:0 fatty acids and 12% fatty aldehydes. PE and PS molecules are cross-linked to a spectrin-rich fraction. It is proposed that the binding of spectrin to membrane PE and PS may help anchor spectrin to the inner surface of the membrane and regulate shape changes in the cell. K+-valinomycin forms a complex with TNBS and converts it from a non-penetrating proble to a penetrating probe. Valinomycin enhances K+ leak and Pi leak in the red cells. SITS inhibits completely the valinomycin-induced Pi leak and inhibits partially the valinomycin induced K+ leak. Valinomycin and IAA have additive effects on Pi leak. Ouabin has no effect on basal or valino-mycin-induced Pi leak. These data suggest that Pi leak and K+ leak occur by separate transport systems. In summary, the amino-phospholipids in the red cell membrane are asymmetrically arranged; some occur in clusters and some are closely associated with membrane proteins. Amino-phospholipids also are believed to bind spectrin to the inner surface of the membrane and also may play a role in cation and anion leak.
Conceptual Magnet Design for an Iron-Free Colliding Beam Accelerator

Superconducting accelerator magnets usually have magnetic iron yokes to obtain maximum magnetic field and to limit stray field. However, the iron is expensive and heavy. The smaller size and weight of an iron-free magnet can result in lower magnet and refrigeration costs. However in a colliding beam accelerator the stray field from one ring produces aberrations in the field in the other. A way to eliminate this mutual interference is to surround each magnet with a coil that exactly cancels the field from the in the other ring magnet. That is expensive in terms of superconductor requirements. However the cancellation of the external dipole field component is unnecessary. Only a small amount of superconductor is required for cancellation of the higher-order field-aberration components. Parameters for the iron-free magnet concept are investigated, and a preliminary conceptual design for an accelerator is presented.
Diet of Juvenile Lake Trout in Southern Lake Ontario in Relation to Abundance and Size of Prey Fishes, 1979–1987

Abstract We examined the diet of juvenile lake trout Salvelinus namaycush (<450 mm, total length) in Lake Ontario during four sampling periods (April–May, June, July–August, and October 1979–1987) in relation to changes in prey fish abundance in the depth zone where we caught the lake trout. Over all years combined, slimy sculpins Cottus cognatus contributed the most (39–52%) by wet weight to the diet, followed by alewives Alosa pseudoharengus (3–38%), rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax (17–43%), and johnny darters Etheostoma nigrum (2–10%). Over 90% of alewives eaten during April–May and June were age 1, and 98% of those eaten during October were age 0 (few alewives were eaten in July–August). Mean lengths of rainbow smelt and slimy sculpins in stomachs increased with size of lake trout. Juvenile lake trout generally fed opportunistically—seasonal and annual changes in diet usually reflected seasonal and annual changes in abundance of prey fishes near bottom where we captured the lake trout. Furthermore, diet ...
The Influence of Acidic Runoff Episodes on Slimy Sculpin Reproduction in Stone Run

Abstract Much research has been devoted to the effects of acidic runoff episodes on populations of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Less is known about slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus and why their numbers have declined in acidified streams. Adult tolerance of low pH and aluminum (Al) toxicity is similar in these two species. Slimy sculpin spawn in the spring, when high stream flows elevate concentrations of toxic Al and decrease stream pH in acid-sensitive watersheds. We hypothesized that acidic episodes in spring were a source of stress for slimy sculpin and hindered their reproduction. We tested this hypothesis by examining the mortality, behavior, whole-body sodium concentrations, and spawning among slimy sculpin exposed to ambient conditions during the spring spawning period in two Pennsylvania streams, Stone Run (an episodically acidified stream that formerly contained slimy sculpin) and Benner Run (a stream with slimy sculpin that does not experience severe acidic episodes). Our hypothesis was supp...
Using norms to improve the interpretation of service quality measures

The assessment of service quality has proven to be an important consideration for managers and researchers. The dominant service quality framework posits that consumers consider both their own expectations and service provider performance when evaluating service quality. In recent years, however, debate has emerged on how this comparison process should be operationalized and comparative analyses have been performed to assess the psychometric properties and diagnostic usefulness of different operationalizations. Reviews problems in the interpretation of service quality measures and demonstrates the additional diagnostic meaning imputed to service quality scores through the development of measurement norms using a case analysis in a professional services context. Offers recommendations on the measurement of service quality.
Clinically unsuspected and undetected (clinical stage t0) prostate cancer diagnosed on random needle biopsy.

Abstract Objectives. To describe the findings in 4 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically undetected and unsuspected prostate cancer detected on random needle biopsy. Methods. We reviewed the Mayo Clinic Radical Prostatectomy Prostate Cancer Database of 5793 prostatectomies from 1987 to 1997, and identified 4 patients who had prostate cancer detected on random needle biopsy of the prostate with serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) less than 4 ng/mL and normal digital rectal examination. Each had requested biopsy despite the absence of clinical suspicion of cancer; 3 had normal transrectal ultrasound, and the fourth had a benign hypoechoic lesion contralateral to the cancer. Results. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 65.5 years (range 61 to 67). Mean PSA was 2.4 ng/mL (range 2 to 2.9). Mean tumor volume was 3 cc (range 0.04 to 11.2). Mean Gleason grade at prostatectomy was 5.75 (range 5 to 7). Prostate cancer was Stage T2a in 1 patient (25%), T2c in 2 (50%), and T3a (25%) in 1. Three tumors were DNA diploid, and one was aneuploid. All patients were alive without evidence of cancer at a mean follow-up of 43 months (range 25 to 53) with undetectable serum PSA concentration. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that clinically unsuspected and undetected (clinical Stage T0) prostate cancer may be clinically significant. Patient insistence on biopsy reflects increasing concern among the public about prostate cancer. Current clinical thresholds for biopsy detection will fail for some patients with clinically significant prostate cancer.
Modeling subgrid-scale effects on particles by approximate deconvolution

The approximate deconvolution is implemented to reconstruct the instantaneous velocities from the filtered velocities before using them in the momentum equations of particles in the large-eddy simulation (LES) of particle-laden turbulent flows. It is shown that the various statistics of particles obtained through deconvolution are in good agreement with those obtained by the direct numerical simulation (DNS) by conducting a priori and a posteriori tests in a particle-laden homogeneous shear turbulent flow. On the other hand, the neglect of the effects of subgrid scales on the particles results in discrepancies between DNS and LES results.
Environments that Induce Synthetic Microbial Ecosystems

Interactions between microbial species are sometimes mediated by the exchange of small molecules, secreted by one species and metabolized by another. Both one-way (commensal) and two-way (mutualistic) interactions may contribute to complex networks of interdependencies. Understanding these interactions constitutes an open challenge in microbial ecology, with applications ranging from the human microbiome to environmental sustainability. In parallel to natural communities, it is possible to explore interactions in artificial microbial ecosystems, e.g. pairs of genetically engineered mutualistic strains. Here we computationally generate artificial microbial ecosystems without re-engineering the microbes themselves, but rather by predicting their growth on appropriately designed media. We use genome-scale stoichiometric models of metabolism to identify media that can sustain growth for a pair of species, but fail to do so for one or both individual species, thereby inducing putative symbiotic interactions. We first tested our approach on two previously studied mutualistic pairs, and on a pair of highly curated model organisms, showing that our algorithms successfully recapitulate known interactions, robustly predict new ones, and provide novel insight on exchanged molecules. We then applied our method to all possible pairs of seven microbial species, and found that it is always possible to identify putative media that induce commensalism or mutualism. Our analysis also suggests that symbiotic interactions may arise more readily through environmental fluctuations than genetic modifications. We envision that our approach will help generate microbe-microbe interaction maps useful for understanding microbial consortia dynamics and evolution, and for exploring the full potential of natural metabolic pathways for metabolic engineering applications.
Analysis of type II diabetes mellitus adipose-derived stem cells for tissue engineering applications.

To address the functionality of diabetic adipose-derived stem cells in tissue engineering applications, adipose-derived stem cells isolated from patients with and without type II diabetes mellitus ...
Containing sybil attacks on trust management schemes for peer-to-peer networks

In this paper, we introduce a framework to detect possible sybil attacks against a trust management scheme of peer-to-peer (P2P) networks used for limiting the proliferation of malware. Sybil attacks may underscore the effectivity of such schemes as malicious peers may use bogus identities to artificially manipulate the reputation, and therefore, the levels of trust of several legitimate and honest peers. The framework includes a k-means clustering scheme, a method to verify the transactions reported by peers, and identification of possible collaborations between peers. We prove that as the amount of public information on peers increases, the effectivity of sybil attacks may decrease. We study the performance of each of these mechanisms, in terms of the number of infected peers in a P2P network, using computer simulation. We show the effect of each mechanism and their combinations. We show that the combination of these schemes is effective and efficient.
Approaching the Limits

Ranging from prehistory to the present, Smil offers a quantitative global survey of human exploitation of the living world.
Low-profile and high-efficiency probe-fed patch antenna array at S-band using an air dielectric for radar applications

An S-Band, half-wave length, probed-fed, two-patch (uniformly linear array 2 x 1 configuration) array antenna is presented. The array was constructed using an air dielectric between the patch and ground plane. The two-metal patches have coaxial feeds with type N (or HN) connectors and are supported by two metal posts positioned for bandwidth enhancement. In addition, these patches are separated at prescribed distance and locations for obtaining electrical performance in terms of antenna pattern and gain. The array can produce a maximum achievable gain of 11.5 dBi with broad azimuthal angle. The antenna's architecture is low profile and suitable for platform integration such as airborne as well as ground radar systems. The design is unique, reproducible, and affordable for manufacturing a low cost radar system. The paper will present the design of the antenna, experimental data, and its implementation.
Toward a Contingency Theory of Multibusiness Organization Design

In this paper I develop a contingency model of organization design for multibusiness enterprises — those competing simultaneously in several different business areas — and compare this model to the one underlying most single-business contingency research. Three important differences emerge: (1) the degree to which management influences contextual variables, (2) the nature of the casual relationship between contextual and organizational variables, and (3) the way in which these two kinds of variables are distributed.
From Ambient to Adaptation: Interpersonal Attention Management Among Young Adults

Ubiquitous mobile usage provides more opportunities to interact with more people than ever, but with the constraint that people's capacity for attention to others is limited. People manage demands on their attention by limiting their availability to others, and this may cause failure in attempts to reach others. In today's always-connected world, we know very little about how people manage their own availability, maintain awareness of others, and adapt their strategies for reaching others in the face of failure. This paper draws on results from a qualitative field study to present an integrative, joint action approach to attention management. Results suggest that mobile devices play a large part in assessing ambient awareness of others and signaling availability, but are rarely used in isolation. Attention is a continuum that spans multiple devices and channels involving actions and choices learned over time.
Attenuation of amphetamine-induced enhancement of learning by adrenal demedullation

Summary These experiments investigated the effect of immediate posttrial administration of peripherally acting dl -4-hydroxyamphetamine on retention of a one-trial inhibitory avoidance response in intact, adrenal medullectomized, sympathectomized, and medullectomized and sympathectomized rats. In intact rats, 0.82 mg/kg of dl -4-OH-amphetamine enhanced retention performance. In rats sympathectomized by peripheral 6-hydroxydopamine, 24 h prior to training, a lower dose of 4-OH-amphetamine (0.21 mg/kg) was most effective in enhancing retention. Adremal demedullation abolished the memory enhancing effects of dl -4-OH-amphetamine and also d -amphetamine. These findings suggest that the memory enhancing effects of dl -4-OH-amphetamine and d -amphetamine involve adrenal medullary catecholamines.
Modification by preirradiation growth conditions of the shoulder of the UV fluence-survival curve of Escherichia coli B/r WP2 thy trp and changes in mutagenic response toward tryptophan prototrophy

Abstract The distinct three-section UV fluence-mutation frequency response (MFR) curve demonstrated in Escherichia coli strain B/r WP2 thy trp and its uvrA derivative supports the SOS hypothesis and suggests that trp + revertants can arise either from isolated lesions (1DM) plus SOS induction of from two lesions in proximity (2DM). Preirradiation growth on arabinose instead of glucose converted the fluence—survival curve from highly shouldered to exponential but did not affect the three-section MFR curve. Prestarvation of the uvrA + strain for tryptophan, which drastically increases the expanse of the shoulder of the survival curve, greatly decreased both 1DM and 2DM. With the uvrA strain the increase in shoulder expanse after tryptophan prestarvation was accompanied by greatly increased 2DM but no change in 1DM. Preincubation with chloramphenicol induced an even greater increase in 2DM response than amino acid prestarvation. Nalidixic acid, which prevents DNA accumulation, eliminated the response.
Dentinal Tubule Disinfection Using Three Calcium Hydroxide Formulations

The objective of this study was to determine the antibacterial efficacy of three calcium hydroxide (CH) formulations using an in vitro model of Enterococcus faecalis dentinal tubule infection. CH mixed with water (CH), CH mixed with iodine-potassium iodide (CH+IKI), and CH mixed with iodoform and silicone oil (Metapex) were tested. Human cylindrical dentin specimens infected with E. faecalis were filled with disinfectants and incubated for 1 week. Dentin powder samples collected with ISO 018 burs showed a statistically significant reduction in E. faecalis for all three experimental groups in comparison with untreated control specimens. Statistically significant differences were also found between the three experimental groups. Metapex was the most effective dentinal tubule disinfectant, followed by CH+IKI and then CH. Similar results were observed at greater dentin tubule depths (ISO 021 burs) with the exception that intracanal treatment with CH resulted in significantly higher numbers of E. faecalis in comparison with untreated control specimens.
Intra-rater reliability of ultrasound imaging of wrist extensor muscles in patients with tetraplegia.

Objectives (i) To determine the intra-rater reliability and precision of the ultrasound cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the wrist extensors in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), and (ii) to determine whether tetraplegia has a negative influence on the reliability and precision for these measurements. Design A repeated-measures cross-sectional study. Settings Clinical hospital and academic settings. Methods The study was conducted with 20 men with SCI (9 paraplegia and 11 tetraplegia) and 10 able-bodied controls. Ultrasound images were captured of the right side extensor carpi radialis-longus (ECRL) and the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) were captured in 2 sessions separated by 48-72 hours. Results The intraclass correlation coefficients for the CSA measurements of the ECRL and EDC muscles were greater than 0.87 for all 3 groups. The standard error of the measure (SEM) ranged from 0.11-0.22 cm 2 for the ECRL and 0.13-0.27 cm 2 for the EDC. The minimal detectable change of ECL ranged from 0.16 to 0.31 cm 2 and of EDC from 0.19 to 0.38 cm 2 . The group differences in muscle CSA of both muscles were found; these differences were greater than the calculated minimal detectable changes. The intraclass correlation coefficients were lower and the SEMs and minimal detectable changes were higher for the group with tetraplegia compared with the able-bodied controls and the group with paraplegia. Conclusions This study documented substantial intra-rater reliability of measurements of the ECRL and ECD CSA by using ultrasound images, which support the use of this technique to effectively evaluate the musculoskeletal changes after SCI and during rehabilitation. Skeletal muscle atrophy in persons with tetraplegia might have a negative influence on the reliability and precision of these CSA measurements; however, these differences in reliability and precision are not of clinical significance.
Life Stress as Mediator of the Childhood Maltreatment – Intimate Partner Violence Link in Low-Income, African American Women

This study examined the relations between childhood maltreatment, daily life hassles, and intimate partner violence among low-income, suicidal, abused African American women (N = 208). Findings indicated a significant association between childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence, such that women who experienced childhood maltreatment were more likely to experience intimate partner violence as adults than those who reported no childhood maltreatment history. Also, results from bootstrapping analyses revealed that daily life stressors mediated the link between childhood maltreatment and both physical and nonphysical forms of intimate partner violence. These findings highlight the importance of thoroughly assessing for a history of childhood maltreatment, current intimate partner violence, and the nature and extent of daily hassles when working with low-income African American women, as well as helping abused women with a history of childhood maltreatment to cope effectively with the daily life hassles that they encounter.
Leyendo juntos (Reading Together): New Directions for Latino Parents' Early Literacy Involvement

Early reading experiences in the home prepare children for formal literacy instruction when they enter school. Most practitioners and researchers support the need for educational initiatives for increasing parents' involvement in early literacy. However, there is less of a consensus about how to develop family literacy models for Latino families. Existing literature suggests that deficit-based theories have historically shaped many programs geared toward Latino families. As an alternative, the authors propose a sociocultural framework for family literacy programs. The model includes participants' cultural, linguistic, and social experiences, and respects family dynamics, ways of knowing, and perceptions of how literacy functions in life in real and meaningful ways. Recommendations are offered for developing programs to help parents and educators recognize and broaden the role of families in their children's learning and establish home-school relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Synthesis, SAR and biological evaluation of 1,6-disubstituted-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines as dual inhibitors of Aurora kinases and CDK1

Since the early 2000s, the Aurora kinases have become major targets of oncology drug discovery particularly Aurora-A and Aurora-B kinases (AKA/AKB) for which the selective inhibition in cells lead to different phenotypes. In addition to targeting these Aurora kinases involved in mitosis, CDK1 has been added as a primary inhibition target in hopes of enhancing the cytotoxicity of our chemotypes harboring the pyrazolopyrimidine core. SAR optimization of this series using the AKA, AKB and CDK1 biochemical assays led to the discovery of the compound 7h which combines strong potency against the 3 kinases with an acceptable microsomal stability. Finally, switching from a primary amide to a two-substituted pyrrolidine amide gave rise to compound 15a which exhibited the desired AKA/CDK1 inhibition phenotype in cells but showed moderate activity in animal models using HCT116 tumor cell lines.