cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling the deformation space of soft membranes using fiber reinforcement

Recent efforts in soft-body control have been hindered by the infinite dimensionality of soft bodies. Without restricting the deformation space of soft bodies to desired degrees of freedom, it is d...
Behavioral and Endocrine Alterations to Partner Interactions and Offspring Care during Periods of Conflict.

Biparental care has evolved to ensure successful rearing of offspring. However, separation during periods of care can lead to conflicts that might negatively impact pair bonds and offspring care. In this study, pair-bonded convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) were observed for changes in behavior toward their partners and offspring before and after a period of separation. Males and females were designated either as a Resident (remain with offspring) or Removed (separated from partner and offspring for 5 days) individual. Behaviors between partners and toward offspring were measured before and after separation, and compared to the levels of behavior of control pairs (never separated), as well as individuals introduced to a novel partner instead. Cortisol levels of Resident male and female A. nigrofasciata were assayed using water-borne hormone collection before and after separation. Aggression between pair bond members did increase following reintroduction, but did not lead to the termination of pair bonds. Resident females showed more aggression to novel partners than Resident males. Offspring care decreased in both Resident and Removed females. Experimental pairs decreased the amount of time spent interacting with intruders. Cortisol levels were significantly higher among experimental pairs compared with control pairs that did not experience a separation. Females (both control and experimental) showed small, yet significant increases in cortisol levels, while both control and experimental males did not. These results suggest that while pair bonds appear resilient, prolonged separations influence pair bond and parental care dynamics, both behaviorally and hormonally, and require pairs to re-establish roles, resulting in less time caring for offspring.
Motherhood, Migration and Methodology: Giving Voice to the Other

This paper discusses the need for multi-cultural methodologies that develop knowledge about the maternity experience of migrant women and that are attuned to women’s maternity-related requirements under multi-cultural conditions. Little is known about the transition to parenthood for mothers in a new country, particularly when the country is New Zealand. This paper will challenge the positivist hegemony of previously completed research on migrant women by reflecting on my own experience as a researcher grounded in a broadly–based, pluralistic set of critical epistemologies that allowed me to uncover the issues and contexts that impacted on the experience of migrant women. It concludes by proposing that, where research occurs with minority groups, multiple research strategies are incorporated in order to prevent the reproduction of deficiency
Time to regain birth weight predicts neonatal growth velocity: A single-center experience

Summary Background Failure to Thrive (FTT) describes the development of an inappropriate pattern of growth, generally secondary to inadequate nutritional intake, and is associated with several negative outcomes. We describe key features among neonates with FTT as well as the variables that predicted their growth after birth at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Methods A retrospective single center study of 340 patients grouped into FTT (n = 100) and non-FTT (n = 240) was conducted. FTT was defined as having a weight Results When comparing FTT vs. non-FTT patients, lower birth weights (1897.9 ± 561.4 vs. 2445.9 ± 783.0 g, t(255.1) = −7.2, p Conclusions Days to regain birth weight was consistently the strongest predictor of neonatal growth velocity along with difference in gender positive predicting growth velocity in the total sample. This highlights the importance of the first week of life in growth pattern establishment.
Cheminformatics for accelerated design of chemical admixtures

Abstract Alternative binders require next-generation chemical admixtures, but discovery of such compounds is typically achieved through extensive iterative testing that does not ensure optimal solutions. Here, the use of cheminformatics, a data-driven approach used extensively in drug discovery, is demonstrated to identify new set retarders from small datasets for calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements. Based on a sparse training set of 23 molecules containing polar and anionic functional groups, the cheminformatics approach was used to develop a predictive model relating chemical structure to the retarding capability. Then structures of 500,000 compounds were downloaded from a public database, and 365 were predicted to extend set time beyond 1 h. Among these, glyphosate is a commodity chemical that was found to impart a set time of 55 min. This cheminformatics approach could be used to develop structure-function relationships and perform rapid virtual screening of chemical admixtures to identify novel high-performance chemical admixtures.
What Took You so Long? An Examination of Reporting Time and Police Misconduct Complaint Dispositions

This study examines if and how the promptness of reporting internal and external police misconduct influences the disposition and discipline of misconduct investigations. Data were collected from o...
Association between prostate size and the incidence of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis and review for urologists and clinicians.

To review the literature regarding any clinically significant association between prostate size and the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa). No previous review or meta-analysis has reported this clinical question. A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed and applying the ‘PRISMA’ guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined. A total of 30 articles met the search criteria. Of these 30 articles, 27 reported an inverse correlation between prostate volume (PV) and incidence of biopsy-proven PCa. The remaining three articles provided no clear statistically significant results, and there was no study showing a direct or positive correlation between PV and the incidence of PCa. This review and meta-analysis is the first report summarizing the literature on the clinical question of whether prostate size affects the incidence of PCa. Ninety percent of studies (27/30) show significant evidence supporting the hypothesis that prostate size may be protective of PCa. This review and the outlined discussion should encourage other clinical investigators to explore the relationship between PV and the incidence and aggressiveness of PCa. If future studies should confirm the hypothesis of the dynamic interactions between the different prostatic zones in a growing prostate, it will have relevant clinical implications on the management of BPH and PCa.
Interaction of TGF-[beta], EGF, and TPA in their effects on the production of secreted proteins by mouse 3T3 cells and human fibroblasts

36 INTRODUCTION 38 MATERIALS AND METHODS 40 RESULTS 45 DISCUSSION 59 REFERENCES 62 SECTION III: TGF-6 AND EGF HAVE OPPOSITE EFFECTS ON THE PRODUCTION OF A SECRETED 52,000 DALTON PROTEIN AND OF PROCOLLAGENASE BY HUMAN FIBROBLASTS 64 ABSTRACT . 65 INTRODUCTION 67
Galileo's Telecommunications Using the Low-Gain Spacecraft Antenna

Galileo’s accomplishment of a science-rich mission through a low-gain antenna was made possible by the coordinated efforts of the Deep Space Network (DSN) support team, the spacecraft designers, and the science principal investigators. This team has worked together since late 1991, its efforts resulting in the flawless transition of Galileo, on May 23, 1996, to a completely new telecommunications link.
Hofmann Rearrangement Under Mildly Acidic Conditions Using [I,I‐Bis(Trifluoroacetoxy)]Iodobenzene: Cyclobutylamine Hydrochloride from Cyclobutanecarboxamide

Hofmann rearrangement under mildly acidic conditions using [I,I-bis(trifluoroacetoxy)]iodobenzene: cyclobutylamine hydrochloride from cyclobutanecarboxamide reactant: [I,I-bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene (16.13 g, 37.5 mmol; ) in 37.5 mL of acetonitrile intermediate: Cyclobutanecarboxamide (2.48 g, 25 mmol) product: cyclobutylamine hydrochloride Keywords: rearrangements; replacement reactions, hydroxy by amino; [I,I-bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene, preparation of; N-methylmorpholine; tetrahydrofuran
The Ding Functional, Berndtsson Convexity and Moment Maps

The paper discusses the formal structure of the Kahler–Einstein equations over Fano manifolds, introducing a “moment map” interpretation. The key is a result of Berndtsson, which leads to a metric on the space of almost-complex structures. An application to the Kahler–Ricci flow is given.
Acute and chronic megacolon

Megacolon, defined as dilation of the abdominal colon, may occur acutely or in a chronic form. Acute megacolon that occurs in association with severe inflammation of the colon is known as toxic megacolon, whereas acute megacolon without obvious colonic disease is known as Ogilvie’s syndrome. The pathophysiology and management of toxic megacolon, Ogilvie’s syndrome, and chronic megacolon in adults differ significantly, and it is critically important to distinguish among these entities. Toxic megacolon is a medical emergency that requires coordinated intensive medical and surgical management. In addition to vigorous resuscitation with fluids, electrolytes, and blood products, medical treatment consists of parenteral corticosteroids, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and close monitoring of the patient. Surgical intervention is required if there is no improvement, or deterioration after 12 to 24 hours of intensive medical management, or if there is evidence of colon perforation. Ogilvie’s syndrome usually occurs in hospitalized patients with serious underlying medical or surgical illnesses. Management is directed at preventing ischemia and perforation of the distended colon. Supportive therapy includes nasogastric suction, correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances, stopping potentially aggravating medications, and decompressing the colon with a rectal tube and positional changes. Intravenous neostigmine is the only pharmacologic agent of proven efficacy; colonoscopic decompression is an alternative in patients who do not respond to neostigmine or who have conditions that contraindicate its use. Daily oral administration of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solutions appears to decrease the relapse rate after initial decompression is achieved. Chronic megacolon in adults represents advanced colon failure that does not respond to pharmacologic stimulation. Goals of therapy are to cleanse the colon, prevent impaction, and minimize stool volume and gas buildup. For patients with disabling symptoms, surgical exclusion of the colon, decompression and antegrade enemas via cecostomy, or subtotal or segmental resection may be palliative.
Effects of collagen microstructure on the mechanics of the left ventricle

The microstructure of the collagen sheath or weave surrounding a myocyte and the collagen struts interconnecting neighboring myocytes is incorporated into a fluid-fiber-collagen continuum description of the myocardium. The sheaths contribute to anisotropic elasticity, whereas the struts contribute to an isotropic component. Elastic moduli of the composite myocyte-sheath complex and the strut matrix are estimated from existing passive biaxial loading data from sheets of canine myocardium. The contribution of the sheath to the elasticity of the myocyte-sheath complex is critically dependent on the helical pitch angle. Calculations for a cylindrical model of the left ventricle using both a fluid-fiber and fluid-fiber-collagen stress tensor show that the collagen strut matrix tends to limit muscle fiber lengthening; increase myocardial tissue pressure during systole, with endocardial tissue pressure exceeding left ventricular pressure; decrease tissue pressure during diastole, and thus facilitate myocardial blood flow; and aid filling during ventricular relaxation by providing a suction effect that relies on a release of stored elastic energy from the previous contraction. Calculations show that this energy is stored mostly in the collagen struts.
Modeling and characterization of fused deposition modeling tooling for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process

Abstract The material extrusion additive manufacturing process, i.e., fused deposition modeling (FDM), as opposed to traditional subtractive manufacturing, offers a superior way of manufacturing tooling components in terms of great design flexibility, rapid tooling development, material requirement reduction and significant cost savings. However, it is always challenging to design a tool structure with minimized material and labor cost while maintaining satisfactory tooling performance. In the current study, a comprehensive finite element model was developed for ULTEM 9085 FDM tools subjected to applied pressure and elevated temperature for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. Both solid-build and sparse-build tools were studied. Material properties of the tools were obtained from solid coupon testing at elevated temperatures. The thermo-mechanical behavior of tools during the VARTM process was investigated using the finite element model. The ULTEM tools were manufactured using Stratasys Fortus 400mc FDM machine. Thermal cycling of the tools was performed at elevated temperatures (180 °F and 250 °F). Dimensional analysis and surface roughness of the tools were evaluated after thermal cycling. This study on the performance of FDM tooling for VARTM composite manufacturing process can be extended to other composite manufacturing processes.
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CORTIN AND SOME CARDIAC GLUCOSIDES1

A LARGE NUMBER of crystalline compounds have been isolated from crude extracts of the adrenal cortex. These have been identified as steroids in a series of exhaustive researches (1, 2, 3). They vary widely in their physiological activity, the exact sequence depending on the biological test used. The mother liquor or amorphous residue, after removal of these crystalline compounds, is believed to be from 10 to 100 times more potent than the best of the crystalline products (2, 4, 5). The last two authors also believe the more potent material has a greater number of hydroxyl groups than the corticosterone steroids. From the same gland a strongly reducing sugar-acid was obtained (6), which has since been identified with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) (7). Extraction of hormone activity from beef adrenal glands has been found possible with practically all aqueous and organic solvents with the possible exception of petrolic ether.
Body size and fatness in young adults in relation to age at menarche.

The relationships among age at menarche, body size, and body composition were considered in university students surveyed in 1970 (n = 342) and 1987 (n = 109). Recalled ages at menarche, stature, weight, and the triceps skinfold thickness were measured. Subjects ranged in age from 17.5 to 22.5 years in both surveys and were divided into four categories by age at menarche: before 12 years, 12.0 through 12.99 years, 13.0 through 13.99 years, and older than 14 years. In both the 1970 and 1987 surveys, later maturers had significantly more linear physiques than those experiencing menarche earlier. Late maturers also showed a tendency to lower values for the body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold compared with early maturers. Comparative data for women of the same age from the Fels Longitudinal Study (n = 234) showed similar findings. Women who reached menarche at ages older than 14 years were significantly taller than women with menarcheal ages less than 13 years. Women with menarcheal ages younger than 12 years were significantly heavier and had higher BMIs than those from any older menarcheal category. They also had significantly thicker triceps skinfolds than those with menarcheal ages older than 14 years. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Detecting conserved interaction patterns in biological networks.

Molecular interaction data plays an important role in understanding biological processes at a modular level by providing a framework for understanding cellular organization, functional hierarchy, and evolutionary conservation. As the quality and quantity of network and interaction data increases rapidly, the problem of effectively analyzing this data becomes significant. Graph theoretic formalisms, commonly used for these analysis tasks, often lead to computationally hard problems due to their relation to subgraph isomorphism. This paper presents an innovative new algorithm, MULE, for detecting frequently occurring patterns and modules in biological networks. Using an innovative graph simplification technique based on ortholog contraction, which is ideally suited to biological networks, our algorithm renders these problems computationally tractable and scalable to large numbers of networks. We show, experimentally, that our algorithm can extract frequently occurring patterns in metabolic pathways and prot...
Fabrication of Sub 30 Nanometer Sheets of Single Crystalline Silicon

A relatively simple technique for the fabrication of sub 30 rim thick sheets of perfect single crystalline silicon is described. The thinnest sheets formed were 15 nim thick. The width of the sheets is 300–1000 nmn and the length of the sheets can be tens of microns. The sheets are crystallographically well defined with the thin dimension being bound by atomically smooth {111} planes. The sheets are fabricated using a combination of reactive ion etching and wet KOH etching steps.
Food preference and food consumption in relation to growth of Limapontia capitata (Opisthobranchia, Sacoglossa)

Abstract The food spectrum of Limapontia capitata (Opisthobranchia, Sacoglossa) is tentatively determined. A food preference among the algal species eaten by Limapontia capitata i.e. Cladophora spp., Chaetomorpha linum, and Bryopsis plumosa could not be detected. It is suggested that the restricted food spectra of sacoglossans are due to the chemical structure of algal polysaccharides as well as to the diameter and cell size of the algal species. A positive correlation between food consumption and growth at various temperatures is established. The calorific value of mean food intake is estimated to be 0.3 0.4 cal /8 days per adult animal at room temperature.
Simulating the impact of the large-scale circulation on the 2-m temperature and precipitation climatology

The impact of the simulated large-scale atmospheric circulation on the regional climate is examined using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model as a regional climate model. The purpose is to understand the potential need for interior grid nudging for dynamical downscaling of global climate model (GCM) output for air quality applications under a changing climate. In this study we downscale the NCEP-Department of Energy Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP-II) Reanalysis using three continuous 20-year WRF simulations: one simulation without interior grid nudging and two using different interior grid nudging methods. The biases in 2-m temperature and precipitation for the simulation without interior grid nudging are unreasonably large with respect to the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) over the eastern half of the contiguous United States (CONUS) during the summer when air quality concerns are most relevant. This study examines how these differences arise from errors in predicting the large-scale atmospheric circulation. It is demonstrated that the Bermuda high, which strongly influences the regional climate for much of the eastern half of the CONUS during the summer, is poorly simulated without interior grid nudging. In particular, two summers when the Bermuda high was west (1993) and east (2003) of its climatological position are chosen to illustrate problems in the large-scale atmospheric circulation anomalies. For both summers, WRF without interior grid nudging fails to simulate the placement of the upper-level anticyclonic (1993) and cyclonic (2003) circulation anomalies. The displacement of the large-scale circulation impacts the lower atmosphere moisture transport and precipitable water, affecting the convective environment and precipitation. Using interior grid nudging improves the large-scale circulation aloft and moisture transport/precipitable water anomalies, thereby improving the simulated 2-m temperature and precipitation. The results demonstrate that constraining the RCM to the large-scale features in the driving fields improves the overall accuracy of the simulated regional climate, and suggest that in the absence of such a constraint, the RCM will likely misrepresent important large-scale shifts in the atmospheric circulation under a future climate.
Alterations in electrophysiology of cultured BALBcfC3H mouse mammary epithelium associated with neoplastic transformation

Abstract Mammary tumor virus and neoplastic transformation affect prolactin-modulated electrophysiology of mouse mammary epithelium in vitro. Trans-epithelial resistances of both prelactating and neoplastic BALB cfC3H mouse mammary epithelial cell cultures are lower than those seen in BALB c pre-lactating cell cultures. Unlike the response to prolactin in BALB c cultures, there are no effects of this hormone on transepithelial potential difference or resistance of BALB cfC3H prelactating or neoplastic cultures. However, prolactin significantly increases short-circuit current in both BALB c and BALB cfC3H prelactating cell cultures and in BALB cfC3H neoplastic cell cultures. The response of tumor cell cultures suggests that pregnancy-independent mouse mammary epithelium may not be entirely refractory to prolactin.
Quasi-static limit for the propagating mode along a thin wire in a circular tunnel

A previous modal analysis for a circulartunnel containing a thin wire is shown to be greatly simplified at low frequencies provided the wall conductivity is high. The explicit formula for the propagation constant, so obtained when specialized to a perfectly conducting wire, is in agreement with a quasi-static analysis by Wu et al. [2] for a similar configuration.
Early Urinary Markers of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study From the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)

Background Urinary markers were tested as predictors of macroalbuminuria or microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes. Study Design Nested case-control of participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Setting & Participants 87 cases of microalbuminuria were matched to 174 controls in a 1:2 ratio, while 4 cases were matched to 4 controls in a 1:1 ratio, resulting in 91 cases and 178 controls for microalbuminuria. 55 cases of macroalbuminuria were matched to 110 controls in a 1:2 ratio. Controls were free of micro-/macroalbuminuria when their matching case first developed micro-/macroalbuminuria. Predictors Urinary N -acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), pentosidine, advanced glycation end product (AGE) fluorescence, and albumin excretion rate (AER). Outcomes Incident microalbuminuria (2 consecutive annual AERs > 40 but ≤ 300 mg/d) or macroalbuminuria (AER > 300 mg/d). Measurements Stored urine samples from DCCT entry and 1-9 years later when macro- or microalbuminuria occurred were measured for the lysosomal enzyme NAG and the AGE pentosidine and AGE fluorescence. AER and adjustor variables were obtained from the DCCT. Results Submicroalbuminuric AER levels at baseline independently predicted microalbuminuria (adjusted OR, 1.83; P P P P P = 0.002). Baseline AGE fluorescence predicted microalbuminuria (adjusted OR, 1.68; P = 0.02). However, adjusted for NAG excretion, pentosidine excretion and AGE fluorescence lost the predictive association with macroalbuminuria and microalbuminuria, respectively. Limitations Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors was not directly ascertained, although their use was proscribed during the DCCT. Conclusions Early in type 1 diabetes, repeated measurements of AER and urinary NAG excretion may identify individuals susceptible to future diabetic nephropathy. Combining the 2 markers may yield a better predictive model than either one alone. Renal tubule stress may be more severe, reflecting abnormal renal tubule processing of AGE-modified proteins, in individuals susceptible to diabetic nephropathy.
Inactivation of vegetative bacterial threat agents on environmental surfaces

Following a wide-area biological terror attack, numerous decontamination technologies, techniques, and strategies will be required for rapid remediation. Establishing an understanding of how disinfectants will perform under field conditions is of critical importance. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of several liquid decontaminants, when used to inactivate vegetative biological agents on environmental surfaces. Aluminum, carpet, concrete, glass, and wood coupons were inoculated with 1×10(8) CFU of Burkholderia mallei, Francisella tularensis, Vibrio cholerae, or Yersinia pestis. Using spray-based application methods, decontamination was then attempted with pH-adjusted bleach, 1% citric acid, 70% ethanol, quaternary ammonia, or Pine-Sol®. Results indicated that decontamination efficacy varied significantly by decontaminant and organism. Materials such as wood are difficult to decontaminate, even when using sporicides. The data presented here will help responders develop efficacious remediation strategies following a large-scale contamination incident.
Philosophy and objectives of econometrics

In this paper, the philosophy and objectives of econometrics are discussed. The roles of induction, deduction and reduction in economic research are explained. Further, the roles of sophisticated simplicity and predictive performance in model building are described. Many examples, drawn from the work of leading scientists, are provided to illustrate general points. In addition, the work that has been done leading to the formulation of a disaggregate Marshallian Macroeconomic Model is briefly described. It is concluded that greater emphasis in teaching to explain the roles of deduction, induction and reduction in economic research would be very beneficial in terms of producing more valuable and useful research results. Also, development and use of many more sophisticatedly simple models and further use of Bayesian inference and decision techniques will do much to promote more rapid progress in economic science.
No Association of COMT Val158Met Polymorphism with Suicidal Behavior or CSF Monoamine Metabolites in Mood Disorders

The Met allele of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene functional polymorphism (COMT-V158M) is associated with lower enzymatic activity than the Val allele and is reported to be associated with aggression, depression, and suicidal behavior. Since depression and impulsive-aggressive behavior may mediate risk for suicidal behavior, we assessed the association of this polymorphism with suicidal behavior. Clinical (impulsive aggression) and biological (CSF monoamine metabolites) endophenotypes were tested as potential mediators of the effect of genotype on suicide risk. Subjects with mood disorders (N = 486) and healthy volunteers (N = 119), all European Caucasian, were genotyped for COMT-V158M and assessed for DSM IV diagnoses, lifetime suicidal behavior, lifetime impulsivity, hostility, and aggression. CSF monoamine metabolites were assayed in a sub-sample of mood disorder patients (N = 111). We found no association between genotype and mood disorder diagnosis or with reported history of suicide attempt in mood disorder subjects. There was no association between genotype and lethality or method of suicide attempt, or with aggressive/impulsive traits. Further, there was no difference in monoamine metabolites by genotype. The COMT-V158M polymorphism was not associated with suicidal behavior in a Caucasian sample of mood disorder subjects, or with possible clinical or biological endophenotypes.
Effect of lip and centerbody geometry on aerodynamic performance of inlets for tilting-nacelle VTOL aircraft

Inlets for tilt-nacelle VTOL aircraft must operate over a wide range of incidence angles and engine weight flows without internal flow separation. Wind tunnel tests of scale model inlets were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of three geometric variables to provide this capability. Increasing the lip contraction ratio increased the separation angle at all engine weight flows. The optimum axial location of the centerbody occurred when its leading edge was located just downstream of the inlet lip. Compared with a short centerbody, the optimum location of the centerbody resulted in an increase in separation angle at all engine weight flows. Decreasing the lip major-to-minor-axis ratio increased the separation angle at the lower engine weight flows.
Agglutination of cultured cells by wheat germ lipase; effect of prednisolone.

In menschlichen Zellkulturen mit Zugabe von Prednisolon wird die Agglutinierbarkeit der Zellen durch den Einfluss der Weizenkeimlipase gesteigert. Die Vorbehandlung mit Sialidase (N-Acetylneuraminidase) verhindert die Agglutination, was auf eine Hormonwirkung an der Zellmembran hinweist.
Brief Report: Feasibility of Social Cognition and Interaction Training for Adults with High Functioning Autism

The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of a group-based cognitive behavioral intervention to improve social-cognitive functioning in adults with high-functioning autism (HFA). We modified the treatment manual of a previously validated intervention, Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT), for optimal use with HFA adults (SCIT-A). We then conducted a pilot study to compare SCIT-A (n = 6) to treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 5) for adults with HFA. Feasibility was supported; attendance was high (92%) and satisfaction reports were primarily positive. Participants in SCIT-A showed significant improvement in theory-of-mind skills and trend level improvements in social communication skills; TAU participants did not show these improvements. Findings indicate SCIT-A shows promise as an intervention for adults with HFA.
Cryo-electron tomography of bacterial viruses

Bacteriophage particles contain both simple and complex macromolecular assemblages and machines that enable them to regulate the infection process under diverse environmental conditions with a broad range of bacterial hosts. Recent developments in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) make it possible to observe the interactions of bacteriophages with their host cells under native-state conditions at unprecedented resolution and in three-dimensions. This review describes the application of cryo-ET to studies of bacteriophage attachment, genome ejection, assembly and egress. Current topics of investigation and future directions in the field are also discussed.
College Students' Perceptions of a Smoking Ban in Restaurants and Bars

Abstract This study investigates college students' perceptions of smoking bans and their knowledge of smoking bans implemented in a college town. A total of 180 college students enrolled in two hospitality management classes participated in the study. While the majority of students were strongly supportive of smoking bans in general, results of the study indicated that significant differences were found in smoking ban perceptions based on respondents' future employment segments. The length of residency also affects how much information respondents knew about implemented smoking ban regulations.
The palladium(II)catalyzed olefin carbonylation reactions. The stereochemistry of the hydroxypalladation of cyclooctadiene

Abstract The reaction of dichloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)palladium(II) in aqueous sodium carbonate resulted in the formation of the σ-bonded hydroxypalladation enyl complex di-μ-chlorobis(1-hydroxycyclooct-4-ene-8σ,4π)dipalladium(II) (III). Carbonylation of III in water afforded exclusively trans-2-hydroxy-5-cyclooctenecarboxylic acid β-lactone IV and demonstrated that hydroxypalladation occurred stereospecifically trans.
A space–time variational approach to hydrodynamic stability theory

We present a hydrodynamic stability theory for incompressible viscous fluid flows based on a space-time variational formulation and associated generalized singular value decomposition of the (linearized) Navier-Stokes equations. We first introduce a linear framework applicable to a wide variety of stationary or time-dependent base flows: we consider arbitrary disturbances in both the initial condition and the dynamics measured in a “data” space-time norm; the theory provides a rigorous, sharp (realizable), and eciently computed bound for the velocity perturbation measured in a “solution” spacetime norm. We next present a generalization of the linear framework in which the disturbances and perturbation are now measured in respective selected space-time seminorms; the semi-norm theory permits rigorous and sharp quantification of, for example, the growth of initial disturbances or functional outputs. We then develop a (BrezziRappaz-Raviart) nonlinear theory which provides, for disturbances which satisfy a certain (rather stringent) amplitude condition, rigorous finite-amplitude bounds for the velocity and output perturbations. Finally, we demonstrate the application of our linear and nonlinear hydrodynamic stability theory to unsteady moderate Reynolds-number flow in an eddy-promoter channel.
Intersectoral linkages and the role of the state in shaping the conditions of industrial accumulation: A study of Ludhiana's manufacturing industry

Abstract This article traces the historical and institutional sources of small firm competitiveness in Ludhiana's manufacturing sector. Four features emerge as salient: the indirect historical links and dynamics between the region's industrial and agrarian sectors; past policies and the key role of the state in indirectly transforming the local skill base and creating the conditions for small scale accumulation among skilled metal workers; demand surges early in the region's industrial history; and complex ties among firms of different sizes that created a capital-conserving, interdependent production network in the region. These processes together help explain why, despite being located hundreds of miles from any mineral or resource base, firms in this region outcompeted others in the country to dominate national markets in the sectors in which they specialized: bicycles and parts, sewing machines and woolen hosiery.
Missing: Vital Statistics

In July, I attended and spoke at a conference sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics called “Putting it All Together.” The conference was billed as being for education data users and pre‐parers. Nearly 700 people with interests in datasys‐tems such as IPEDS, CCD, SPEEDX, FSCS, and a lot of other acronymns attended. There were lots of interesting topics discussed and sessions dealing with financial issues were among the most well‐attended.
New insights into polycystic kidney disease and its treatment.

Major advances in the understanding of the genetics and pathogenesis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease have occurred within the past year. The proteins encoded by the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, polycystin 1 and polycystin 2, are membrane proteins, capable of interacting physically in vitro, and are likely components of a complex signalling pathway. The majority of PKD1 and PKD2 mutations so far identified are unique inactivating mutations dispersed over the entire genes. Immunohistechemical studies have shown that polycystin 1 and polycystin 2 are developmentally regulated and are overexpressed in polycystic kidneys. The cysts probably result from clonal expansions of single cells. The demonstration of loss of heterozygosity for PKD1 and the absence of immunoreactive polycystin 1 in approximately 20% of the cysts supports a two-hit tumor suppressor gene model of cystogenesis. Regardless of the nature of the initial pathogenic mechanism, the cysts in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease are accompanied by partial dedifferentiation of the epithelial cells, disregulation of epithelial cell proliferation, expression of a secretory phenotype, and disarray of cell matrix interactions which leads to interstitial inflammation and matrix accumulation. Recent observations in animal models of inherited polycystic kidney disease have implicated oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. These downstream pathogenetic events have been targeted for intervention, and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that the course of polycystic kidney disease in rodents can be altered by environmental and pharmacological interventions. Nevertheless, these experimental observations cannot be extrapolated to human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The recent generation of mice with PKD1 or PKD2 targeted mutations will help to bridge this gap.
Optimal contracting with dynastic altruism: Family size and per capita consumption ☆

We use a Barro–Becker model of endogenous fertility, in which parents are subject to idiosyncratic shocks that are private information (either to labor productivity or taste for leisure), to study the efficient degree of consumption inequality in the long run. The planner uses the trade-off between family size and future consumption and leisure, to provide incentives for workers to reveal their shocks. We show that in this environment, the optimal dynamic contract no longer features immiseration in consumption. We also discuss the implications of the model on the long run properties of family size in the optimal contract and show that the long run trend in dynasty size can be either positive or negative depending on parameters.
Obesity-related glomerulopathy: an emerging epidemic.

Obesity-related glomerulopathy: An emerging epidemic. Background We report the first large renal biopsy-based clinicopathologic study on obesity-related glomerulopathy. Methods Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI)> 30 kg/m 2 . Obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) was defined morphologically as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and glomerulomegaly (O-FSGS; N = 57) or glomerulomegaly alone (O-GM; N = 14). Results Review of 6818 native renal biopsies received from 1986 to 2000 revealed a progressive increase in biopsy incidence of ORG from 0.2% in 1986–1990 to 2.0% in 1996–2000 ( P = 0.0001). Mean BMI in ORG was 41.7 (range 30.9 to 62.7). Indications for renal biopsy included proteinuria ( N = 40) or proteinuria and renal insufficiency ( N = 31). Seventy-one patients with ORG were compared to 50 patients with idiopathic FSGS (I-FSGS). Patients with ORG were older (mean 42.9 vs. 32.6 years, P P = 0.003). ORG patients had a lower incidence of nephrotic range proteinuria (48% vs. 66%; P = 0.007) and nephrotic syndrome (5.6% vs. 54%; P P P P = 0.003). On renal biopsy, patients with ORG had fewer lesions of segmental sclerosis (10 vs. 39%; P P P P P P Conclusion ORG is distinct from idiopathic FSGS, with a lower incidence of nephrotic syndrome, more indolent course, consistent presence of glomerulomegaly, and milder foot process fusion. The ten-fold increase in incidence over 15 years suggests a newly emerging epidemic. Heightened physician awareness of this entity is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.
Femtogram detection limits for biogenic amines using microbore HPLC with electrochemical detection.

Abstract Detection limits for biogenic amines, serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan, norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), of 50–200 fg are reported. This was accomplished using microbore HPLC with electrochemical detection. Reproducibility at the 1–5 pg level of 1.6–8.1% was obtained. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for analysis of brain tissues of 1 μg or less
Role of two upstream open reading frames in the translational control of oncogene mdm2

Overexpression of oncoprotein MDM2 has been found in a significant number of human soft tissue tumors. In a subset of these tumors, overexpression is a result of enhanced translation of mdm2 mRNA. There are two transcripts from the mdm2 gene that differ only in their 5' leaders: a long form (L-mdm2) and a short form (S-mdm2) that arise from the use of different promoters. L-mdm2 mRNA contains two upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and this mRNA was loaded with ribosomes inefficiently in comparison with S-mdm2. The 5' leader of L-mdm2 was sufficient to transfer translational repression to a reporter gene and the two uORFs acted synergistically to achieve full suppression. In contrast, the 5' leader of S-mdm2 allowed efficient translation of an attached reporter gene in the tumor cells. These results are consistent with a model in which overexpression of MDM2 in certain tumors results from a change in mRNA structure due to a switch in promoter usage.
Serotonin, septal lesions, and shock-escape learning in rats.

Summary.-The involvement of reduced serotonin in deficient leverpress, shock-escape performanre of rats with septal lesions was assessed in two studies. In Exp. 1, rats were treated with either para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) or saline and then tested in a leverpress, shock-escape task. In Exp. 2, rats with septal lesions and sham-operated control rats were treated daily with either 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) or saline and tested on the same shock-escape task. Primary findings were as follows: (a) rats treated with PCPA learned to escape shock as quickly as saline control rats; (b) the shock-escape performance of rats with septal lesions was significantly inferior to that of control rats; and (c) the administration of SHTP did not significantly improve the performance of either lesioned or control rats. These results suggest that the reduction of brain serotonin induced by septal lesions is not involved in the deficient shockescape performance of septal-lesioned rats. Following damage to the septal nuclei of the limbic forebrain, there is a significant reduction of brain serotonin levels. Smith (1979a) has suggested that chis lesion-induced decrease of brain serotonin may be responsible for many of the behavioral effects of septal lesions in aversive learning situations. This view is supported primarily by the similarities observed between the behavioral effects of septal lesions and the effects of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), a drug which depletes brain serotonin. As examples, both septal lesions and PCPA treaunents in rats increase pain sensitivity, disrupt passiveavoidance learning, and facilitate two-way active-avoidance learning; see Caplan (1973) and Peters, Anisman, and Pappas (1978) for review. Moreover, injections of 5-hydroxyrryptophan (~HTP), a drug which increases brain seroconin levels, reverses the septal-lesion induced facilitation of active avoidance learning (Smith, 1979a). The objective of the present study was to determine whether lesioninduced reductions in brain serotonin are involved in other behavioral effects of septal lesions in avertive learning tasks. Specifically, the present study investigated the involvement of brain serotonin reductions in the deficient leverpress shock-escape performance of rats with septal lesions (Gotsick, Os
Polysaccharide A from the capsule of Bacteroides fragilis induces clonal CD4+ T cell expansion.

For 3 decades, the view of MHCII-dependent antigen presentation has been completely dominated by peptide antigens despite our 2004 discovery in which MHCII was shown to present processed fragments of zwitterionic capsular polysaccharides to T cells. Published findings further demonstrate that polysaccharide A (PSA) from the capsule of Bacteroides fragilis is a potent activator of CD4+ T cells and that these T cells have important biological functions, especially in the maintenance of immunological homeostasis. However, little is known about the nature of T cell recognition of the polysaccharide-MHCII complex or the phenotype of the resulting activated cells. Here, we use next-generation sequencing of the αβT cell receptor of CD4+ T cells from mice stimulated with PSA in comparison with protein antigen simulation and non-immunized controls and found that PSA immunization induced clonal expansion of a small subset of suppressive CD4+CD45RBlow effector/memory T cells. Moreover, the sequences of the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) loop from top clones indicate a lack of specific variable β and joining region use and average CDR3 loop length. There was also a preference for a zwitterionic motif within the CDR3 loop sequences, aligning well with the known requirement for a similar motif within PSA to enable T cell activation. These data support a model in which PSA, and possibly other T cell-dependent polysaccharide antigens, elicits a clonal and therefore specific CD4+ T cell response often characterized by pairing dual-charged CDR3 loop sequences with dual-charged PSA.
Microwave irradiation and the blood-brain barrier

The mammalian blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an anatomically and physiologically defined system that is believed to play a role in regulating the fluid environment of the brain. Earlier reports of altered BBB function in small animals after brief exposure to weak microwave fields (30 to 1000 µW/cm2, averaged) are reviewed in the light of more recently reported studies that have generally yielded negative findings. The physiological data indicate that the tight junctions of the BBB's capillaries are loosened by microwaves only at high field strengths that markedly elevate brain temperature. Anatomical data reveal that the tight junctions apparently remain intact but that enhanced blood-to-brain vesicular transport of normally excluded tracer molecules occurs reversibly in small animals exposed for 2 to 8 h to cm waves at a moderate field strength (10 mW/cm2). Recent conceptual and technical advances in measurement of BBB function support the thesis that the early reports of altered permeability actually reflect microwave-induced changes in cerebral circulation. There is no warrant to conclude that brief exposure to weak microwave fields impairs cerebrovascular function, but the question of effects of long-term exposure, which have not been studied, is moot. Hiatuses of reported studies that need to be repaired are absence of dosimetric and thermometric measurements, near-exclusive use of small albinic species, and confounding of experimental endpoints by anesthetics and other sources of stress.
Electrical properties of AsxSe1−x (x ≤ 0.05) Mott-barriers

Abstract We have experimentally measured the current–voltage and capacitance–voltage characteristics of Au/amorphous AsxSe1 − x (x ≤ 0.05)/Zr trilayer structures at temperatures from 4 to 295 K. The observed capacitance of structures with an amorphous AsxSe1 − x (a-AsxSe1 − x) thickness of ~ 0.4 to ~ 2.8 μm does not significantly change over the entire range of applied bias (− 5 V to 5 V), indicating that the a-AsxSe1 − x films are fully depleted and thus the structures are Mott barriers. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the a-As0.03Se0.97 device at low ( 104 V/cm) increases rapidly with applied field as a result of carrier emission from localized states and is consistent with transport by the Poole–Frenkel mechanism. A permanent transition to a high conductance state (~ 10− 3 S) is observed after exposure to very high electric fields (~ 4 × 105V/cm).