cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Screening for hazardous drinking using the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test-Geriatric Version (MAST-G) in elderly persons with acute cerebrovascular accidents.

Background: Effective and valid screening methods are needed to identify hazardous drinking in elderly persons with new onset acute medical illness. The goal of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test–Geriatric Version (MAST-G) in identifying hazardous drinking among elderly patients with acute cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) and to compare the effectiveness of 2 shorter versions of the MAST-G with the full instrument. Methods: The study sample included 100 men and women who averaged 12 days posthemorrhagic or ischemic CVA admitted to a rehabilitation unit and who were at least 50 years of age and free of substance use other than alcohol. This cross-sectional validation study compared the 24-item full MAST-G, the 10-item Short MAST-G (SMAST-G), and a 2-item regression analysis derived Mini MAST-G (MMAST-G) to the reference standard of hazardous drinking during the past 3 months. Alcohol use was collected using the Timeline Followback (TLFB). Recent and lifetime alcohol-related consequences were collected using the Short Inventory of Problems (SIP). Results: Nearly one-third (28%) of the study sample met the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for hazardous drinking. Moderately strong associations were found for the MAST-G, SMAST-G, and MMAST-G with alcohol quantity and frequency and recent and lifetime alcohol consequences. All 3 MAST-G versions could differentiate hazardous from nonhazardous drinkers and had nearly identical area under the curve characteristics. Comparable sensitivity was found across the 3 MAST-G measures. The optimal screening threshold for hazardous drinking was 5 for the MAST-G, 2 for the SMAST-G, and 1 for the MMAST-G. Conclusions: The 10-item SMAST-G and 2-item MMAST-G are brief screening tests that show comparable effectiveness in detecting hazardous drinking in elderly patients with acute CVA compared with the full 24-item MAST-G. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
A Comparison of Prototyping on Paper (POP) Software and Traditional Paper Prototyping for Developing Mobile Products with Optimal User Experience

Prototyping is a quick and effective way to facilitate iterative conceptual design, and allows user experience researchers to test the user experience of early conceptual designs. The current study compared usability testing that was supported by traditional paper prototyping methods with testing that was supported by a new iPhone software application called Prototyping on Paper (POP). POP supports testing and development by allowing uploaded images to be linked together to form virtual interactive prototypes. Usability testing was carried out on an actual smartphone product that is currently under development called ‘Fleet,’ a product that provides travelers with crowd-sourced information about commercial air travel. Data from the user testing showed that participants slightly preferred interacting with POP in comparison with traditional paper prototyping, but no reliable differences were found in terms of user performance. Test facilitators also showed no reliable preference between the two techniques. The increased level of interactivity POP offers and its ability to better model actual interactions on a mobile device makes it a novel prototyping technique for smartphone applications that should be considered by usability experts.
A 5.6 ns random cycle 144 Mb DRAM with 1.4 Gb/s/pin and DDR3-SRAM interface

This paper describes a 144-Mb DRAM that operates at a random cycle of 5.6 ns and is capable of producing data rates of 1.4 Gb/s/pin. The 121-mm/sup 2/ die is fabricated in a 0.13-/spl mu/m logic-based process with embedded DRAM. The cycle time is achieved using an early-write sensing technique that eliminates most of the timing overhead associated with the write cycle. Dynamic-precharge decoding in the subarray decode path is implemented to improve the access time. An improved data-formatting circuit is used to arrange the exit order of the eight-word burst. These circuit techniques produce latencies of 5.0 ns. The DRAM uses a DDR3-SRAM interface and is function and package compatible with industry-standard DDR3 SRAMs. Highlights of the DDR3 interface include the use of active termination circuitry on all inputs. The active termination improves the data-eye window and improves data capturing with minimum data setup and hold.
Investment opportunities and the structure of executive compensation

We extend the contracting paradigm advanced in Smith and Watts (1992) to consider cross-sectional associations between investment opportunities and the sensitivity of CEO compensation to performance measures. We predict stronger associations between compensation and performance for firms with greater investment opportunities. We also predict greater use of market-based, rather than accounting-based, performance indicators as a basis for incentive payments when investment opportunities are substantial components of firm value. Results for specifications of 1992 and 1993 changes in compensation paid to CEOs of 1,249 publicly-traded U.S. firms are consistent with these hypotheses.
Halomethane production by vanadium‐dependent bromoperoxidase in marine Synechococcus

To investigate the role of vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidase (VBPO) for the production of halogenated methanes in marine prokaryotes, we measured VBPO activity and halomethane production in two strains of Synechococcus; one with VBPO (strain CC9311) and one without VBPO (strain WH8102). A mutant strain of CC9311, VMUT2, in which the gene for VBPO is disrupted, was also tested. A suite of halomethanes was measured in the headspace above cultures as well as in the culture medium with a purge-and-trap method. Monohalomethanes were the most consistently produced molecules among the three strains tested. Additionally, CC9311 produced 301 ± 109 molecules cell−1 d−1 of bromoform (CHBr3) when VBPO activity was detected, while production was not significantly different from zero when VBPO activity was not detected. VBPO activity and CHBr3 production were only detected when cultures of CC9311 were stirred, which may contribute to the often moderate to weak correlations between CHBr3 concentration and biological markers in the ocean. No production was seen by VMUT2 or WH8102. These data show that CHBr3 production rates are dramatically increased with or exclusive to the presence of VBPO, supporting its involvement in CHBr3 synthesis. This study thus provides genetic evidence that certain strains of marine Synechococcus, under particular conditions, can be a natural source of marine CHBr3, which contributes to ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
Visibility of Text and Icon Highway Signs under Dynamic Viewing Conditions

Threshold sizes for accurate identification were determined for three different types of highway signs (text, icon, and modified icon) under two conditions of horizontal target motion. The two iconic versions were superior to the text version in nearly all cases, and this benefit of the pictorial format was even more pronounced in the higher-velocity condition. The advantage of the modified icon signs over the standard icon signs that had been determined in previous work was replicated here under the low-velocity condition but essentially disappeared under the higher-velocity condition. Sign-reading performance was found to be related to dynamic visual acuity under the two velocity conditions. Results are discussed in terms of the "low-pass format" for sign design suggested by previous researchers and in terms of the potential utility of dynamic acuity for driving setting.
High‐Temperature Failure of Polycrystalline Alumina: III, Failure Times

High-temperature failure data have been obtained for two polycrystalline aluminas, revealing a strongly stress-dependent failure time. The observed stress dependence has been compared with the dependence predicted by models of the nucleation, growth, and coalescence stages of failure. Only models of the coalescence phase indicate sufficient nonlinearity to be a plausible explanation of the data. Further observations and measurements of coalescence, involving continuous crack nucleation and shear-band formation, are identified as requirements for further understanding of the rupture process.
TagPay: A Payment Atomic RFID Ownership Transfer Protocol

Much research has been done on preserving RFID tag owner’s location privacy. This research has produced various RFID tag ownership transfer protocols. Since these protocols operate across various entities in a distributed manner, they should exhibit ownership atomicity. More often than not, ownership transfer could precede or succeed payment transfer. In this paper, we introduce a novel commerce environment, RFCommerce and present a payment atomic protocol, TagPay that facilitates payments and ownership transfers in it. We analyze important properties of TagPay and prove their validity using model checking.
Coronavirus Genome Replication

Viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae are unique among RNA viruses because of the unusually large size of their genome, which is of messengeror positiveor plus-sense. It is ∼30,000 bases or 2–3 times larger than the genomes of most other RNA viruses. Coronaviruses belong to the order Nidovirales, the other three families being the Arteriviridae, Toroviridae and Roniviridae. (For a review of classification and evolutionary relatedness of Nidovirales see Gorbalenya et al. 2006.) This grouping is based on the arrangement and relatedness of open reading frames within their genomes and on the presence in infected cells of multiple subgenomic mRNAs that form a 3′-co-terminal, nested set with the genome. Among the Nidovirales, coronaviruses (and toroviruses) are unique in their possession of a helical nucleocapsid, which is unusual for plus-stranded but not minus-stranded RNA viruses; plus-stranded RNA-containing plant viruses in the Closteroviridae and in the Tobamovirus genus also possess helical capsids. Coronaviruses are very successful and have infected many species of animals, including bats, birds (poultry) and mammals, such as humans and livestock. Coronavirus species are classified into three groups, which were based originally on cross-reacting antibodies and more recently on nucleotide sequence relatedness (Gonzalez et al. 2003). There have been several reviews of coronaviruses published recently and the reader is referred to them for more extensive references (Enjuanes et al. 2006; Masters 2006; Pasternak et al. 2006; Sawicki and Sawicki 2005; Sawicki et al. 2007; Ziebuhr 2005). The genome of coronaviruses is depicted in Fig. 2.1. Its length varies from ∼27.5 to ∼31 kb among the various species of coronaviruses. The 5′-end is capped although the exact structure of the capped 5′-end has not been determined. The 3′-end is polyadenylated and the genome, as well as subgenomic mRNAs, can be isolated by oligo (dT) chromatography. At the 5′-end there is an untranslated region (5′-UTR) of ∼200–500 nucleotides (nts) before the initiation codon for the open reading frame (ORF) that is translated from the genome (ORF1).
A radiologic classification of talocalcaneal coalitions based on 3D reconstruction

Purpose Talocalcaneal coalitions can be difficult to detect on plain radiographs, despite obvious clinical findings. The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to delineate the benefits of thin-cut computed tomography (CT) and 3D reconstructions and (2) to develop a classification scheme for talocalcaneal coalitions that will provide valuable information for surgical planning.
A fully integrated DPSK demodulator for high density biomedical implants

This paper presents a fully integrated DPSK demodulator for high density biomedical implants through dual-band telemetry. In order to eliminate the power interference in the data receiver, differential phase shift keying scheme is used, and the power efficiency as well as the data rate is increased by separating the power and data carrier frequency. Furthermore, the minimum sampling rate, which results in reducing the chip size, makes it possible for all functional blocks to be fully integrated on single chip. The demodulator operates at 22 MHz carrier frequency providing 4 Mbps and is fabricated in 0.35 mum CMOS process, with a power consumption of 8.4 mW and an active die area of 1.4times1.0 mm2.
Generalized deficits in visual selective attention after V4 and TEO lesions in macaques

To test the role of areas V4 and TEO in the attentional filtering of distracting information, we studied the effects of lesions in these areas, in monkeys discriminating target stimuli surrounded by irrelevant distracters. The lesions were restricted, such that a single visual field quadrant was affected by a V4 lesion alone, a TEO lesion alone, or a combined lesion in V4 and TEO, while one quadrant served as a normal control. The monkeys fixated a spot while discriminating the orientation, colour or motion of target stimuli presented extrafoveally in each quadrant. When the target was presented alone, discrimination deficits in the quadrants affected by the lesions were generally small. However, these deficits were substantially increased by surrounding the target with luminance, colour or motion distracters. The discrimination of target orientation was more impaired than the discrimination of target colour or motion, irrespective of distracter type. The discrimination of target motion was strongly affected only by motion distracters. The magnitude of the impairments increased with distracter strength and with the extent to which the distracters conveyed information conflicting with the target. Deficits in the quadrant affected by combined V4 and TEO lesions were twice as large as those in quadrants affected by V4 or TEO lesions alone. The results suggest that in the absence of V4 and TEO, information from both relevant and irrelevant stimuli is 'averaged' together across several different feature domains, impairing the discrimination of the relevant target features. The results suggest a broad role of V4 and TEO in visual selective attention.
Quantitative determination of lysolecithin and sphingomyelin in phospholipid mixtures by thin-layer chromatography as applied to the thymus of the fmfm mouse.

Lysolecithin and sphingomyelin may be readily separated from other phospholipids on thin-layer plates impregnated with silver nitrate using the solvent system chloroform–methanol–concentrated ammonium hydroxide 65:35:8. Quantitation is carried out by determining the phosphorus content of the developed bands. The minimum amount of phospholipid that can be quantitatively determined is that which contains 0.7 μg of phosphorus. This method has been used for the determination of lysolecithin and sphingomyelin in the tissues of mice having foam-cell reticulosis.
Regulation of renal fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in Akita and OVE26 mice with type 1 diabetes.

In Akita and OVE26 mice, two genetic models of type 1 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy is characterized by mesangial expansion and loss of podocytes, resulting in glomerulosclerosis and proteinuria, and is associated with increased expression of profibrotic growth factors, proinflammatory cytokines, and increased oxidative stress. We have also found significant increases in renal triglyceride and cholesterol content. The increase in renal triglyceride content is associated with 1 ) increased expression of sterol regulatory element–binding protein (SREBP)-1c and carbohydrate response element–binding protein (ChREBP), which collectively results in increased fatty acid synthesis, 2 ) decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-α and -δ, which results in decreased fatty acid oxidation, and 3 ) decreased expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and small heterodimer partner (SHP). The increase in cholesterol content is associated with 1 ) increased expression of SREBP-2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase, which results in increased cholesterol synthesis, and 2 ) decreased expression of liver X receptor (LXR)-α, LXR-β, and ATP-binding cassette transporter-1, which results in decreased cholesterol efflux. Our results indicate that in type 1 diabetes, there is altered renal lipid metabolism favoring net accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol, which are driven by increases in SREBP-1, ChREBP, and SREBP-2 and decreases in FXR, LXR-α, and LXR-β, which may also play a role in the increased expression of profibrotic growth hormones, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress.
Scanning tunneling spectroscopy investigation of the strained Si1-xGex band structure

The band offsets and band gap are the most important parameters that determine the electrical and optical behavior of a heterojunction. In situ scanning tunneling spectroscopy was employed to measure the valence-band offset of strained Si1−xGex-on-Si (100) for the first time. The valence-band offsets of the strained Si0.77Ge0.23 and Si0.59Ge0.41 on Si(100) were found to be 0.21 and 0.36 eV, respectively. The results were in good agreement with theory and with results from other experimental methods. Due to band bending and surface states, it was difficult to determine the conduction band edge at the interface of the Si1−xGex/Si exactly but we found that the conduction band offset is much smaller than the valence-band offset.
Parameters for adapting journal writing activities.

SUMMARYThe purpose of this article is to discuss journal writing parameters, which have proven useful in shaping student journal assignments. In a qualitative audit of journal writing activities currently utilized in an occupational therapy curriculum at a midwestern university, the authors used four parameters-focus, temporality, feedback, and sharing-to analyze five student journal strategies: Video Journal, OT/OTA Collaborative Fieldwork Journal, Course Objectives Journal, Subject-Specific Journal, and Activity Response Journal. A student exemplar follows the parameter analysis for each journal writing strategy. Various outcome evaluation methods show journal writing activities to be valuable tools in a curriculum that emphasizes reflection, critical thinking skills, and learner-centered educational approaches. Adaptable by means of the four parameters, these five generic student journal activities can be easily implemented in a variety of courses, allowing for development of professional attitudes, re...
The Escherichia coli tppB (ydgR) Gene Represents a New Class of OmpR-Regulated Genes

The EnvZ/OmpR two-component regulatory system plays a critical role in the Escherichia coli stress response. In this study, we examined the expression of a new OmpR-regulated gene, ydgR. Our results indicate that ydgR is equivalent to the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium tppB gene and represents a new class of OmpR-regulated genes.
Design and analysis of low-voltage current-mode logic buffers

This paper investigates important problems involved in the design of a CML buffer as well as a chain of tapered CML buffers. A new design procedure to systematically design a chain of tapered CML buffers is proposed. The differential architecture of a CML buffer makes it functionally robust in the presence of environmental noise sources (e.g., crosstalk, power/ground noise). The circuit design issues in regard to the CML buffer are compared with those in a conventional CMOS inverter. It is shown, both through the experiments and by using efficient analytical models, why CML buffers are better than CMOS inverters in high-speed low-voltage applications.
Normalized Unit Hydrograph Aggregation

: The unit hydrograph is a common tool in hydraulic design. Used correctly, it allows a design engineer to estimate a runoff hydrograph from a drainage basin given a rainfall event. The typical method for estimating a unit hydrograph for a gaged watershed is by deconvolution. However, distinct storms produce different unit hydrographs for a single watershed. Consequently, a design engineer usually develops a composite, or average, unit hydrograph based on several recorded storm events. Common methods for estimating this composite unit hydrograph include curve fitting, simple aggregation, and multistorm optimization techniques. This paper introduces a new method to perform aggregation of unit hydrographs. The method is an extension to the simple averaging technique, in which prior to averaging, the individual unit hydrograph time ordinates are normalized with respect to the average time to peak. The normalization method is compared to a simple averaging technique and two multistorm aggregation techniques at six rural watersheds in Alabama. The results indicate that on average the normalization method predicts runoff nearly as accurately as the multistorm techniques, and displays improvement for 60 percent of the storms tested when compared with the simple averaging technique.
Phase steps and resonator detuning measurements in microresonator frequency combs

The nonlinear dynamic interaction between optical comb frequencies and microresonator modes are not yet fully understood. Here, the authors demonstrate a method to characterize microcomb states and observe discrete phase steps that have not been observed in conventional frequency combs.
Pulmonary Autoimmunity and Inflammation

Of the epithelial surfaces exposed to environmental chemicals and pathogens, the lungs are unique, in that, they have the largest surface area in the body and one that is constantly being exposed to airborne xenobiotics due to respiration. Thus, there must be means to regulate tissue entry and elimination of the foreign constituents in a controlled fashion so that immune hyperresponsiveness is minimized. The ciliary and mucous-producing cells of the respiratory system are aided in this process by leukocytes (white blood cells). Leukocytes are derived from hematopoietic multipotential stem cells located mainly within fetal liver and adult bone marrow. Leukocytes provide all aspects of immune defense which includes: 1) innate (non-antigen specific) reactivity by such cell types as polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs or neutrophils), monocytes/macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, which are large granular lymphocytes (not B- or T-lymphocytes), and 2) acquired, antigen-specific immunity involving bone marrow-derived B-lymphocytes and thymus-derived T-lymphocytes. Other cells of the hematopoietic system such as mast cells and eosinophils also play significant roles in immune processes within the respiratory system as well as other systems. The biological and chemical reactivities of some of these cell types will be discussed with regard to the delicate homeostatic balance that must be maintained to provide protection against airborne constituents and concomitant limitation of reactions to self.
A Transmetalation Reaction Enables the Synthesis of [18F]5-Fluorouracil From [18F]Fluoride for Human PET Imaging

Translation of new 18F-fluorination reactions to produce radiotracers for human positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is rare because the chemistry must have useful scope and the process for 18F-labeled tracer production must be robust and simple to execute. The application of transition metal mediators has enabled impactful 18F-fluorination methods, but to date none of these reactions have been applied to produce a human-injectable PET tracer. In this article we present chemistry and process innovations that culminate in the first production from [18F]fluoride of human doses of [18F]5-fluorouracil, a PET tracer for cancer imaging in humans. The first preparation of nickel σ-aryl complexes by transmetalation from arylboronic acids or esters was developed and enabled the synthesis of the [18F]5-fluorouracil precursor. Routine production of >10 mCi doses of [18F]5-fluorouracil was accomplished with a new instrument for azeotrope-free [18F]fluoride concentration in a process that leverages the tolerance of water in nickel-mediated 18F-fluorination.
Spatial distribution of trace elements in floodplain alluvium of the upper Blackfoot River, Montana

The Mike Horse Mine tailings dam in western Montana was partially breached in 1975 due to heavy rainfall and a failed drainage bypass. Approximately 90,000 tons of metal and arsenic-enriched tailings flowed into Beartrap Creek and the Blackfoot River. The spatial distribution of trace elements As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in floodplain alluvium of the upper Blackfoot River were examined along 20 transects in the upper 105 river kilometers downstream from the tailings dam. Trace element concentrations decrease with distance from the failed dam, with As reaching background concentrations 15 km from the Mike Horse dam, Cd and Pb at 21 km, Cu at 31 km, and Mn and Zn at 37 km. Distance from the Mike Horse tailings dam and mine area is the dominating factor in explaining trace element levels, with R 2 values ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. Maximum floodplain trace element concentrations in the upper basin exceed US. EPA ecological screening levels for plants, birds and other mammals, and reflect adverse hazard quotients for exposure to As and Mn for ATV/motorcycle use. Trace element concentrations in channel bank and bed alluvium are similar to concentrations in floodplain alluvium, indicating active transport of trace elements through the river and deposition on the floodplain. The fine fraction (<2 mm) of floodplain alluvium is dominated by sand-sized particles (2.0–0.05 mm), with Cu and Mn significantly correlated with silt-sized (0.05–0.002 mm) alluvium. Ongoing remediation in the headwaters area will not address metal contamination stored downstream in the channel banks and on the floodplain. Additionally, some trace elements (Cu, Mn and Zn) were conveyed farther downstream than were others (As, Cd, Pb).
The Influence of Predeposition of Nonolayer Thin Titanium Filns Upon the Crystallography of Subsequently Formed Pd2Si Layers on (100) Silicon

This paper reports upon a new technique for the formation of epitaxial Pd2Si on (100) silicon using thin predeposited titanium layers. Improvements in the quality of epitaxy in Pd2Si on {111} silicon by this technique will also be shown. A preliminary model for the formation of epitaxy will be given. Discrepancies between this model and results in the literature will be discussed and experiments suggested to resolve the uncertainties.
Movement Patterns in Adult Male and Female Mantids, Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure (Orthoptera: Mantodea)

Male and female adult Tenodera aridifolia sinensis Saussure (Orthoptera: Mantodea) were marked in an old field shortly after ecdysis. Mantid movement was ploned over a 17-day period. Males had a significant directional component to their movement, but the females did not. Males also moved significantly greater distances than the females over comparable periods of time.
Institutional Ownership and the Dynamics of Trading Volume Around FFO

We examine the effect of institutional ownership on abnormal trading volume around the announcement of funds from operations (FFO) by real estate investment trusts (REITs). Our central thesis is that abnormal trading volume is lower for the more informed institutions vis a vis non-sophisticated retail investors/institutions. We find a negative relationship between ownership by pension funds and abnormal trading volume around quarterly FFO announcements. However, ownership by pension funds and abnormal trading volume around quarterly FFO announcements. However, ownership by the other types of institutions is unrelated to abnormal trading volume. Consistent with the view that some institutional investors are more informed than individual investors and therefore respond less to end of year announcements, we find that higher ownership by investment advisors is associated with lower levels of trading volume around end of year FFO announcements. Lastly, we find no evidence of institutional sell-offs associated with announcements of less than expected FFO.
Diagnosis of Malaria Cases in Panzhihua Eastern District,2006-2010

Objective To provide evidence for the development of malaria prevention and control strategies by understanding the diagnostic capacity of malaria.Methods Epdemic data from Panzhihua Eastern district direct network reporting system during 2006-2010 was collected and analyzed.Result Totally 31 malaria cases were reported in 5 years in Panzhihua Eastern district,laboratory diagnosis of 20 cases,in which 16 were undifferentiated type;clinical diagnosis of 11 cases.Conclusion The proportion of malaria laboratory diagnosis is not high in the hospitals in Panzhihua Eastern district,that should be improved significantly to provide accurate laboratory support for the prevention and control of malaria.
Use of the Benchekroun hydraulic valve as a catheterizable continence mechanism.

AbstractProblems with continence and access for catheterization with previous continent stoma techniques have led us to search for an alternate method. We report our initial experience with the Benchekroun hydraulic valve in 9 patients. Five patients underwent creation of an ileocolic bladder: for myelodysplasia in 1, after cystectomy for bladder cancer in 2 and for exstrophy in 2. Two patients underwent conversion from an uncatheterizable Indiana pouch because of exstrophy (1) and interstitial cystitis (1). Two patients underwent small bowel augmentation of a small, poorly compliant bladder with an abdominal Benchekroun stoma: 1 had exstrophy and 1 had myelodysplasia. Patient age ranged from 7 to 63 years. Two patients had de novo creation of an ileocolic bladder, whereas 7 had bladder or previous bowel conduits incorporated in the continent reservoirs. At up to 20 months of followup all patients had diurnal and nocturnal continence, and none had experienced serious long-term complications. Problems were...
Preparation of Fosmid Libraries and Functional Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Community DNA

One of the most important challenges in contemporary microbial ecology is to assign a functional role to the large number of novel genes discovered through large-scale sequencing of natural microbial communities that lack similarity to genes of known function. Functional screening of metagenomic libraries, that is, screening environmental DNA clones for the ability to confer an activity of interest to a heterologous bacterial host, is a promising approach for bridging the gap between metagenomic DNA sequencing and functional characterization. Here, we describe methods for isolating environmental DNA and constructing metagenomic fosmid libraries, as well as methods for designing and implementing successful functional screens of such libraries.
Regulation of Rat Liver Glycerophospholipid Fatty Acid Composition in Hypo- and Hyperthyroidism

The fatty acid composition of microsomal phospholipids isolated from rat liver has been shown to be altered in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (1–4). In hypothyroidism, the proportions of linoleic (C18:2ω6), eicosatrienoic (C20:3ω6), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5ω3), and docosahexaenoic (C22: 6ω3) acids were increased, while the proportion of arachidonic (C20:4ω6) acid was decreased (2). In contrast, chronic hyperthyroidism increased the proportions of stearic (C18:0) acid and C20:4ω6 and concomitantly decreased the proportions of palmitic (C16:0) acid, palmitoleic (C16:1ω9) acid, C18: 2ω6 and C20:3ω6 (1). The increased C18:2ω6 and decreased C20:4ω6 in hypothyroidism may be due to diminished fatty acid desaturation (Δ6 desaturase). However, in hyperthyroidism, changes in C18:2ω6 and C20:4ω6 are reversed without evidence of increased Δ6 desaturase activity. Furthermore, the other changes in fatty acid composition cannot be readily explained by the observed alterations in fatty acid desaturation and in many cases are opposite to that predicted by the altered desaturation (1,2).
Resilience and Happiness After Spinal Cord Injury: A Qualitative Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with resilience among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods: Qualitative analyses were conducted of the written comments that were completed as part of a cross-sectional survey of individuals with SCI living in the community. More than 1,800 mail surveys were distributed to individuals identified as having a traumatic SCI through the records and/or membership lists of 4 organizations. Four hundred and seventy-five individuals completed and returned the survey, with approximately half (48.6%; n = 231) of respondents answering the open-ended question "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your resilience or ability to 'bounce back' when you face a challenge?" Results: Analyses of these responses identified both specific resources and cognitive perspectives that are associated with perceived happiness. Responses fell within 8 general categories: resilience, general outlook on life, social support and social relationships, religion or faith in a higher power, mood, physical health and functioning (including pain), social comparisons, and resources. Nuanced themes within these categories were identified and were generally concordant with self-reported level of happiness. Conclusion: A majority of respondents with SCI identified themselves as happy and explained their adjustment and resilience as related to personality, good social support, and a spiritual connection. In contrast, pain and physical challenges appeared to be associated with limited ability to bounce back.
Visualizing and Calculating Tip–Substrate Distance in Nanoscale Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Using 3-Dimensional Super-Resolution Optical Imaging

We report a strategy for the optical determination of tip–substrate distance in nanoscale scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) using three-dimensional super-resolution fluorescence imaging. A phase mask is placed in the emission path of our dual SECM/optical microscope, generating a double helix point spread function at the image plane, which allows us to measure the height of emitting objects relative to the focus of the microscope. By exciting both a fluorogenic reaction at the nanoscale electrode tip as well as fluorescent nanoparticles at the substrate, we are able to calculate the tip–substrate distance as the tip approaches the surface with precision better than 25 nm. Attachment of a fluorescent particle to the insulating sheath of the SECM tip extends this technique to nonfluorogenic electrochemical reactions. Correlated electrochemical and optical determination of tip–substrate distance yielded excellent agreement between the two techniques. Not only does super-resolution imaging offer a se...
Diastereoselective synthesis and biological evaluation of enantiomerically pure tricyclic indolines

Tricyclic indolines are common in both natural products and synthetic chemical probes. In this study we demonstrated that enantiomerically pure tricyclic indolines can be prepared from an inexpensive commercially available chiral starting material, pyroglutamic acid. The synthesis features a highly diastereoselective gold-catalyzed cyclization of alkyne-tethered indoles and subsequent diastereoselective reductive ring-opening reaction. Using this approach, we synthesized analogs of our previously discovered tricyclic indoline probes that possess antibacterial and resistance-modifying activity. The biological activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) of these analogues was evaluated and reported. The synthetic approach reported may be leveraged in the future to prepare diastereopure chemical probes for the determination of biological targets for drug discovery.
Amédée Mas, La caricature de la femme, du mariage et de l'amour dans l'œuvre de Quevedo. Ediciones Hispano-Americanas, Paris, 1957; 415 pp.

Se reseno el libro: La caricature de la femme, du mariage et de l'amour dans l'œuvre de Quevedo.
Rationale and Design of the Brigham Cohort for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis registry (COPPAR)

Psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are related conditions with poorly defined transition among them, risk factors for progression, complex treatment algorithms, and biomarkers for treatment response and long-term outcomes. We describe the development of a PsO/PsA registry at an academic medical center. We developed a single-center PsO/PsA longitudinal disease registry including biorepository that captures relevant disease markers and treatment choices in a circumscribed population with a defined catchment area. We searched the electronic medical record for patients with visits in the last year for PsO or PsA. They formed the potentially eligible registry population. Baseline patient and provider questionnaires were developed using standardized measures, including demographics, comorbidities, medications, specific disease characteristics, functional status, quality of life, mental health, and resource use. An abbreviated set of items was collected every six month and at visits with treatment changes or disease flares. Biospecimens included blood (serum, plasma, DNA, RNA) and skin biopsy samples, with repeat collections of serum and plasma. Data from the EMR to augment the registry questionnaires are available on all patients. Searching the Brigham EMR system from 2013 through 2014, we found 1694 patients with PsO and 1028 with PsA. Their mean age was 55 years and 53% were female. Of these 17% had diabetes, 38% hyperlipidemia, and 45% hypertension. The median BMI was 29.6. PsA patients used more systemic prednisone, MTX, and TNF alpha inhibitors (47%, 60%, and 66%) compared to PsO patients (28%, 20% and 21%). We have collected plasma in 410 patients, DNA/RNA in 453 patients. In conclusion, we have developed a PsO/PsA registry to better define longitudinal disease characteristics, perform biomarker studies, and examine treatment trends.
Studies of Lissencephaly and Neurodegenerative Disease Reveal Novel Aspects of Cytoplasmic Dynein Regulation

Publisher Summary The major form of cytoplasmic dynein (dynein 1) is involved in a very wide range of functions. Basic research has revealed much of what is known regarding intra- and extramolecular dynein regulation. This chapter reviews recent clues that have emerged from the investigation of mechanisms underlying cytoplasmic dynein-related diseases. It also discusses the implications of these studies for understanding dynein regulation. It begins with discussing extramolecular regulation of cytoplasmic dynein force generation by LIS1 and NudE/NudEL, which are dynein accessory factors. Mutations in cytoplasmic dynein and dynactin can cause motor neuron disease and sensory neurodegeneration in humans and mice. The study then reasons that identification of the molecular basis for the mutant phenotype helps understand neurodegenerative disease and provides novel insights into cytoplasmic dynein regulation and function. Analysis of lissencephaly and a form of neurodegeneration has provided insight into mechanisms by which dynein motor behavior may be modulated. Evidence indicates that LIS1 affects the dynein powerstroke, identifying a new requirement for external regulatory factors in high-load cytoplasmic dynein functions. Analysis of the Loa mutation has implicated the tail region of the dynein heavy chain in coordination between motor domains. Thus, dynactin and NudE may act in part through the dynein tail, perhaps by upregulating or downregulating an inherent form of tail-mediated motor coordination.
The Berezin Transform and BMO

In this chapter, we study the Berezin transform on F α 2 and certain spaces of functions of bounded mean oscillation (BMO) on the complex plane. We first consider the Berezin symbol of a bounded linear operator on F α 2 and show that this is a Lipschitz function in the Euclidean metric. We then consider the Berezin transform of a function and show that there is a semigroup property with respect to the parameter α. We also consider the action of the Berezin transform on L p spaces and the behavior of the Berezin transform when it is iterated.
Postdictive confidence (but not predictive confidence) predicts eyewitness memory accuracy

If testing conditions are uncontaminated, confidence at test reliably predicts eyewitness memory accuracy. Unfortunately, information about eyewitness postdictive confidence (at the time of the identification test) is frequently unavailable or not well documented. In cases where postdictive confidence is unavailable, a useful indicator of eyewitness accuracy might be an eyewitness’s predictive confidence made shortly after the event. How do the accuracy of predictive and postdictive confidence judgments compare; and do variables reported to affect memory (e.g. exposure duration, face race) affect the reliability of the confidence-accuracy relationship for predictive and postdictive judgments? In two experiments, we tested the accuracy of memory predictions (immediate and delayed judgments of learning [JOLs]) and postdictions (confidence) for same- and cross-race faces. Although delayed high JOLs were indicative of higher recognition memory accuracy than delayed low JOLs for both same- and cross-race faces, the accuracy of even high predictive JOLs was objectively low. Postdictive confidence was a far stronger indicator of memory accuracy than predictive JOLs; high postdictive confidence was indicative of high accuracy; and this was true for both same- and cross-race recognition memory.
Comparison of two psychophysical methods across visual and haptic perception of stand-on-ability

Recent research (Hajnal et al. in Perception 45(7):768–786, 2016) found apparent differences between haptic and visual perception of the affordance of stand-on-ability. One reason for this discrepancy might be the imprecision of the measurement method. We compared the psychophysical method of adjustment with a dynamic staircase method of stimulus presentation in an affordance task. Three groups of participants either visually inspected a flat sturdy sloped ramp, placed one foot onto the ramp occluded from view, or placed one foot on the ramp while allowed to look at it, in the visual, haptic, or multimodal condition, respectively. Each trial was presented by moving the ramp up or down until the participant perceived the action boundary, i.e., the steepest slope that still afforded upright stance. After perceptual trials, we measured the actual action boundaries by allowing participants to attempt to stand on the ramp. The action boundary was the average between the lowest false alarm and steepest hit within a 1.5° margin of difference. Visual perception was found to be equivalent with haptic perception. Perceptual and action boundaries were indistinguishable, but only when employing the more precise staircase method. The results support the postulate of equivalence among perceptual systems proposed by Gibson (The senses considered as perceptual systems. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, 1966), and the idea of correspondence between perception and action which is the cornerstone of affordance theory.
Evolving through Tensions: Preservice Teachers' Conceptions of Social Justice Teaching.

This study utilized cultural historical activity theory to explore the evolution of nine preservice teachers’ (PSTs’) conceptions of social justice teaching while enrolled in a social justice-orien...
Reprint of: Serotonin as a link between the gut-brain-microbiome axis in autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract Autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and repetitive patterns of behavior. ASD is, however, often associated with medical comorbidities and gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is among the most common. Studies have demonstrated a correlation between GI dysfunction and the degree of social impairment in ASD. The etiology of GI abnormalities in ASD is unclear, though the association between GI dysfunction and ASD-associated behaviors suggest that overlapping developmental defects in the brain and the intestine and/or a defect in communication between the enteric and central nervous systems (ENS and CNS, respectively), known as the gut-brain axis, could be responsible for the observed phenotypes. Brain-gut abnormalities have been increasingly implicated in several disease processes, including ASD. As a critical modulator of ENS and CNS development and function, serotonin may be a nexus for the gut-brain axis in ASD. This paper reviews the role of serotonin in ASD from the perspective of the ENS. A murine model that has been demonstrated to possess brain, behavioral and GI abnormalities mimicking those seen in ASD harbors the most common serotonin transporter (SERT) based mutation (SERT Ala56) found in children with ASD. Discussion of the gut-brain manifestations in the SERT Ala56 mice, and their correction with developmental administration of a 5-HT4 agonist, are also addressed in conjunction with other future directions for diagnosis and treatment.
Does sharp force trauma alter blow fly attraction to, colonization of, and decomposition of vertebrate remains?

Forensic entomologists use insect evidence to estimate the minimum postmortem interval of human remains. However, how different forms of trauma influence insect attraction to, and colonization of, the body is poorly understood. Our objective was to identify the Calliphoridae community present in the Piedmont region (Georgia, USA), and determine whether postmortem sharp force trauma (none vs. slashed vs. stabbed) altered insect attraction, colonization, and the resulting decomposition rate of stillborn pigs (Suidae). We show that the limited blow fly community is dominated by Lucilia coeruleiviridis Macquart (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Third instars (L3) of L. coeruleiviridis were found on control pigs at 48 h, slashed pigs at 36 h, and stabbed pigs at 24 h. Decomposition rate, as determined by total body score, was greater in the first 12 h in stabbed pigs, compared to control and slashed pigs. Further experimentation is required to determine the effect of different forms of trauma on insect attraction, colonization, and resulting vertebrate decomposition rates.
If the shoe fits: Gender role congruity and evaluations of public managers

Traditional stereotypes about both gender and managers make women appear to be incongruent with management positions; a potential consequence of which is less favorable evaluations of women managers. Using an original survey experiment, this study tests whether and how gender role incongruity, combined with the gender-typing of organizations and gender of the evaluator, affect evaluations of hypothetical public managers. Results suggest that men and women public managers are evaluated equally favorably overall; however, men evaluators perceive women managers less favorably than do women evaluators. This is largely driven by the gender-typing of organizations. While men evaluators rate women managers in feminine organizations as favorably as do women evaluators, they rate women managers in masculine organizations less favorably compared to women evaluators. Indeed, men evaluators rate women managers in masculine organizations lower compared to all other groups of comparison, including all other possible combinations of evaluator, manager, and organization gender. Findings indicate that though perceived incongruity between women and management positions may have diminished over time, there is evidence that gender biases still remain problematic for women managers’ careers, especially in masculine gender-typed organizations.
‘The burqa is not us (wir sind nicht burka)’: strategic Islamophobia and the mainstreaming of nativist appeals

I illuminate the affective and economic factors that drive anti-Muslim sentiment. By lowering the bar of what is sayable, the German New Right creates more acceptance of Islamophobia. Conservative-...
Counseling Families of Severely Visually Handicapped Children.

Professional counseling can benefit both the severely visually handicapped child and his family. Initially, counseling may be useful to family members as they deal with their immediate reactions to...