cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The comfort ability program for adolescents with sickle cell pain: Evaluating feasibility and acceptability of an inpatient group-based clinical implementation.

Background Integration of nonpharmacological therapies, such as cognitive and behavioral pain management strategies, is recommended to support comprehensive disease and pain management among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD). The Comfort Ability Program for Sickle Cell Pain (CAP for SCP) introduces psychological and biobehavioral pain management strategies to children and adolescents with SCD. This study aimed to pilot the implementation of the CAP for SCP in a group setting to children and adolescents hospitalized for SCD pain examining feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness on improving pain knowledge and coping efficacy. Method Adaptation of CAP for SCP into a three-session group format was guided by four phases of the Dynamic Adaptation Process model: Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment. Youth with SCD (n = 57) hospitalized for pain participated in at least one session and completed self-report of knowledge of pain management skills, pain coping efficacy, and treatment acceptance. Completion rates of sessions and qualitative feedback were gathered to evaluate feasibility and acceptability. Results Feasibility of conducting inpatient group sessions was suboptimal; however, patients and medical providers reported moderate to high levels of treatment acceptance. Patients also reported significant improvements in knowledge of pain management skills following session 1. Conclusions CAP for SCP is a patient-centered first-line psychoeducational intervention that can be integrated into clinical practice settings to introduce youth to cognitive and behavioral pain management strategies to support SCD pain management.
Gut Microbiota Manipulation Promotes Bone Homeostasis in Obese Mice Through Regulatory T-Cell Differentiation

A better understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in regulating skeletal metabolism has recently been reported. Manipulation of the gut microbiome with probiotics can prevent pathologic bone loss. However, the effects of probiotics/gut microbiota on immunomodulatory effect and skeletal homeostasis in the high fat diet (HFD)-linked obesity remains to be explored. Here, we examined the impact of supplementation with probiotics (VSL#3) on immune function and bone homeostasis in HFD mice. µ-CT and mechanical testing revealed that probiotics induced a significant increase of trabecular bone volume and bone mechanical strength in obese mice. Butyrate produced in the gut following probiotics treatment, or butyrate injection directly to obese mice, prevented gut inflammation, improved gut-barrier integrity, and induced the expansion of bone marrow (BM) regulatory T (Treg) cells. Mechanistically, probiotics treatment promoted the Kdm6b/Jmjd3 histone demethylase dependent Tfam promoter demethylation by inhibiting the H3K27me3 epigenetic mark in Treg cells, which increases Tfam expression. Reduced Tfam expression in Treg cells, were found to secrete greater concentration of mtDNA and modulate paracrine signaling. BMMSCs expressed DEC205 that bound to mtDNA and contributed to BMMSCs inflammation. Further, Tfam-transgenic mice, fed with HFD, prevented the obesity-linked reduction in Treg cells and mtDNA-DEC205 dependent BMMSC inflammation. Moreover, fecal transplantation from healthy, probiotic-treated donor mice is sufficient to improve gut barrier permeability and bone loss, suggesting that the probiotics mediated changes in the gut microbiome and may be a novel agent to regulate bone anabolism via the gut-immune axis.
Self-measured blood pressure monitoring among adults with self-reported hypertension in 20 US states and the District of Columbia, 2019.

Background Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Achieving hypertension control requires multiple supportive inventions, including self-measured blood pressure (SMBP). The objective of this study is to report the use of SMBP among US adults. Methods Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were used for this study. The 2019 survey included, for the first time, an optional SMBP module. Twenty states and the District of Columbia (N=159,536) opted to include the module, which assessed whether participants were advised by a healthcare professional to use SMBP, and if they used SMBP monitoring. Among those using SMBP, additional questions assessed the location of SMBP monitoring and whether SMBP readings were shared with a healthcare professional. Results Among adults in the study population, 33.9% (95% confidence interval 33.4%-34.5%) reported having hypertension (N=66,869). Among them, nearly 70% were recommended to use SMBP by their healthcare professional and approximately 61% reported SMBP use regardless of recommendation. The most common location of SMBP was the home (85.6%). Overall, >80% shared their SMBP reading with their healthcare professional, 74% and 7% were shared in person and via the internet or email, respectively. There were differences in healthcare professional recommendations, use of SMBP, and SMBP information sharing across demographic characteristics and state of residency. Conclusions SMBP recommendation was common practice among healthcare professionals, as reported by US adults with hypertension. Data from this study can be used to guide interventions to promote hypertension self-management and control.
Magnetic Exchange Coupling through the Nonalternant Cyclopentadienyl π-System of Ferrocene.

Electronic and magnetic coupling through nonalternant π-systems is an area of intense interest in photonics and molecular electronics research, yet relatively little is known regarding coupling through nonalternant π-systems. Herein we present magnetic exchange coupling in two semiquinone-based biradicals: 1,3-SQ2Fc has two semiquinone radicals attached to the one- and three-positions of the same cyclopentadienyl ligand (a nonalternant π-system) of ferrocene, whereas 1,1'-SQ2Fc has one semiquinone radical attached to each of the two cyclopentadienyl ligands of ferrocene.
Atherosclerosis and oxidant stress : a new perspective

The Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis and Plaque Instability.- Epidemiological Studies on Atherosclerosis: The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.- Interventional Trials of Antioxidants.- Oxidative Stress in Arterial Hypertension: Oxidative Stress and Hypertension.- Lipids, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Disease.- Nuclear Receptors in the Control of Lipid Metabolism.- Diabetes and Oxidant Stress.- Molecular Mechanisms of Environmental Atherogenesis.- The Role of Glutathione Pathways in the Prevention of Atherosclerosis.
Small-Group Discourse: Establishing a Communication-Rich Classroom.

Abstract Establishing a communication-rich classroom can be difficult. This article describes the process and findings of a practitioner action research study addressing the question of how teachers can interact with their students while they are working in groups to encourage and enhance student-to-student communication. Recommended research-based teacher interventions that foster small-group discourse are provided as well as suggestions for practitioners who are interested in conducting practitioner action research to improve their practice.
Java-based tools for accurate bandwidth measurement of Digital Subscriber Line networks

This paper presents the design and implementation of Java-based tools for accurate bandwidth measurement for xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) networks, including the ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) case with different upstream and downstream bandwidths. First, a multi-packet bandwidth measurement technique is presented, based on the integration of packet-pair and filtering techniques. Considering the importance of a traffic generator to accurate measurement, a smooth and stable traffic generator is studied. We also present a stepwise algorithm designed to minimize the effect of ATM traffic shaping on the bandwidth measurements in xDSL deployments. Implementation details of the components of the Java-applet- and Java-application-based tools are described. Finally, evaluation experiments in both a laboratory testbed and a commercial ADSL network demonstrate that these tools achieve accurate bandwidth measurement in xDSL networks, and offer better performance than other popular tools such as pathchar and clink in terms of accuracy and usability.
Interactions between Spinacia oleracea and Bradysia impatiens: a role for phytoecdysteroids.

Plant produced insect molting hormones, termed phytoecdysteroids (PEs), are thought to function as plant defenses against insects by acting as either feeding deterrents or through developmental disruption. In spinach (Spinacia oleracea), 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) concentrations in the roots rapidly increase following root damage, root herbivory, or methyl jasmonate (MJ) applications. In this inducible system, we investigated the plant defense hypothesis by examining interactions of roots, 20E concentrations, and larvae of the dark-winged fungus gnat (Bradysia impatiens). Root herbivory by B. impatiens larvae resulted in a 4.0- to 6.6-fold increase in root 20E concentrations. In paired-choice tests, increases in dietary 20E stimulated B. impatiens feeding deterrency. B. impatiens larvae preferred control diets, low in 20E, to those constructed from induced roots and those amended with 20E (25 to 50 μg/g wet mass). When confined to 20E-treated diets, concentrations as low as 5 μg/g (wet mass) resulted in significantly reduced B. impatiens survivorship compared to controls. The induction of root 20E levels with MJ resulted in a 2.1-fold increase in 20E levels and a 50% reduction in B. impatiens larval establishment. In a paired-choice arena, untreated control roots were damaged significantly more by B. impatiens larvae than MJ-induced roots that contained 3-fold greater 20E levels. Based on dietary preference tests, the 20E concentrations present in the MJ-induced roots (28 μg/g wet mass) were sufficient to explain this reduction in herbivory. Interactions between spinach roots and B. impatiens larvae demonstrate that PEs can act as inducible defenses and provide protection against insect herbivory. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 51:204–221, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Incidence and distribution of white pine blister rust in the high‐elevation forests of California

Summary In 2004–2006, a California-wide survey was conducted to evaluate the incidence and distribution of Cronartium ribicola, cause of white pine blister rust (WPBR), in the high-elevation white pine forests. WPBR occurrence varied considerably within and between regions, and little to no disease was found in the Basin and Range, eastern Sierra Nevada and Transverse and Peninsular mountain ranges. Field surveys revealed no evidence of rust on Great Basin bristlecone, limber or the southern subspecies of foxtail pine. Rust incidence for western white pine was highest in the North Coast region (42% of trees surveyed), followed by the Klamath (18%) and northern Sierra Nevada (14%). For whitebark pine, WPBR incidence averaged 24% in the northern Sierra Nevada; this was considerably greater than other regions where whitebark pine was found infected. Latitudinal trends in WPBR incidence (i.e. greater in the north) may correspond with earlier introductions of C. ribicola into these regions, reflecting the southward spread of the pathogen since its introduction from the north in the early 1900s and environmental conditions favourable for infection. Distance from inoculum sources and potentially host phenology may also be important factors influencing the distribution of C. ribicola.
New CLEO Results for |V_cb| and |V_ub|

We report recent measurements from CLEO of the first two moments of the photon energy spectrum for b -> s gamma decays and the hadronic recoil mass in B -> X_c l nu. These physical quantities allow one to fix non-perturbative parameters occurring in calculations based on HQET and QCD. Predictions for semileptonic decay rates within this same framework depend in addition on the CKM matrix elements V_qq' governing quark mixing. We can thus extract |V_cb| from the inclusive semileptonic decay rate of B mesons, and |V_ub| from the lepton endpoint spectrum of B -> X_u l nu. Model dependence is reduced except for the assumption of quark-hadron duality. Finally, we update the classic measurement of |V_cb| from B -> D* l nu at zero recoil.
Separation and Quantitation of Anionic, Cationic, and Nonionic Surfactants by TLC

Abstract TLC is a potentially powerful technique for the separation of surfactants. Reversed phase thin layer chromatography (RPTLC) can be used to separate entire classes of surfactants (i.e., anionics from nonionics from cationics). Conversely, silica gel can be used to separate individual anionic or cationic surfactants from other similarly charged surfactants. RPTLC can also be used to separate individual nonionic surfactants. Using two dimensional TLC (with a special silica gel plate containing a 2.5 cm strip of reversed phase material along one edge) a complex mixture of surfactants was first fractionated into classes and then (using the second dimension) into individual components. Standard scanning densitometry was used for quantitation.
Monolithic integration of the self-rolled-up vertical SiN x ring resonator and the ridge waveguide

We incorporated axial confinement to the self-rolled-up SiN x tube to form a vertical ring resonator and monolithically integrate it with a ridge waveguide to suppress higher order mode and achieve 3x wider free spectral range.
Persistence of heavy drinking and ensuing consequences at heavy drinking colleges.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine drinking levels, related harms, and secondhand effects of alcohol use at heavy drinking colleges between 1993 and 2005 at colleges with high levels of drinking in 1993. Method: Students attending 18 colleges with high levels of heavy episodic drinking (50% of students or more) from the 1993 Harvard School of Public Health College Alcohol Study were surveyed in 2005 (n = 4,518). Data collected through mailed and Web-based questionnaires were compared with responses from students at the same schools in 1993, 1997, 1999, and 2001 (N = 13,254) using time trend analyses. Results: Overall, levels of alcohol consumption, experience of problems, and levels of secondhand effects remained high among students attending heavy drinking colleges. More than four of five students at these schools drank alcohol (range: 85%-88%), and more than half engaged in heavy episodic drinking (range: 53%-58%). The stability of drinking behavior occurred among subgroups of students ...
The case of the triangular foreign body.

To the Editor.— At times foreign bodies present diagnostic dilemmas. The following is a case of an unusual but distinctly shaped foreign body in the esophagus. Report of a Case.— A 54-year-old nurse with a five-year history of ovarian cancer had been treated with radiotherapy and later with HEXACAF (a combination of methenamine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil). She originally responded to HEXACAF, but because of progressive disease, her therapy was switched to cis -diamminedichloroplatinum II on an every three-week schedule. During her admission on July 6, 1977, she had a routine chest roentgenogram that demonstrated what appeared to be a foreign body in the midesophageal region (Fig 1). The object was radiodense, with a rather distinctive triangular shape. The patient denied any history of dysphagia or dyspnea and in the last 12 hours had swallowed only one tablet of Pepto-Bismol (subsalicylate bismuth, phenyl salicylate, and phenolsulfonate zinc), which she felt
Ethyl chloride: An ineffective bacteriostatic or cidal agent for arthrocentesis

The local and general anesthetic properties of ethyl chloride have been well delineated. The purpose of this study was to determine if ethyl chloride, when used as a local anesthetic, had any bacteriostatic or cidal effects on the normal array of skin flora. Fifteen different aerobic bacteria or fungi were collected from pure cultures. A total of 30 specimens were sprayed; 2 specimens of each of the 15 bacteria were sprayed with ethyl chloride for both 5 and 10 seconds. These specimens then were restreaked once the ethyl chloride had evaporated, and were incubated for 24 hours. At 24 hours the cultures were checked and found to have no significant growth inhibitions. It is thus concluded that ethyl chloride alone does not have any bacteriostatic or cidal effects on these commonly found skin flora.
MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE STABILIZEDEMULSIONS

ABSTRACT Miorocrystalline cellulose stabilized emulsions (o/w) were evaluated by means of brightfield and polarized light microscopy, freeze-etch electron microscopy, droplet size analyses and rheologic measurements. These studies indicated that miorocrystalline cellulose (Avicel RC591 ) forms a network around emulsified oil droplets. This structure provides a mechanical barrier at the o/w interface which stabilizes the emulsion without the necessity for decreasing interfacial tension, as in conventional surfactant-stabilized emulsions. Rheologic studies indicated that emulsions containing Avicel RC591 had a considerable degree of thlxotropy which contributed to their stability. When Tween 80 was incorporated in this system, oil droplets coalesced indicating that the stability of the emulsion was affected adversely.
Improving neural response to sound improves reading

Despite intense focus on improving reading scores, the most recently released National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that only one in three fourth grade students in the United States read at or above a proficient level, a change of only 5% since 1992 (1). In PNAS, Hornickel et al. (2) review the growing body of evidence that links reading failure to auditory processing disorders. They report that a group of dyslexic children who used an assistive listening FM system for one school year during classroom instruction significantly increased their phonological awareness (P < 0.001) and basic reading scores (P = 0.006). These data support an increasing number of studies that demonstrate that rapid and significant improvement in reading can result from auditory interventions. Their study also provides physiological data that supports the hypothesis that children with language learning impairments, including dyslexia, respond inconsistently to the rapidly changing spectrotemporal acoustic cues in speech and that this response becomes more consistent after auditory intervention.
Stability characteristics of laminated cylindrical panels under transverse loading

Static and dynamic approaches for the stability analysis of a laminated composite arch, a laminated composite cylindrical panel, and an elastic isotropic cylindrical panel subjected to transverse loading are discussed. The inspiration of this stability analysis during the snapping process is based on the phenomenon of energy transfer from potential energy to kinetic energy as the applied load reaches the critical value. Some important features in dynamic analysis characterizing the snapping motion, which are not observed in static analysis, are shown. Different snapping phenomena in dynamic analyses are presented in terms of variations in depth and effects of anisotropy. HE stability analysis of laminated panels under trans- verse loading merits a great deal of attention due to its occurrence in practical applications. Thin laminated panels under transverse loads could encounter deflections of the or- der of the shell thickness or greater. Laminated cylindrical panels subjected to transverse static loading could also result in the snapping through phenomenon, which characterizes an instantaneous dynamic instability. Some researchers applied static analysis for such instantaneous instability problems, whereas others argue that the dynamic analysis should be employed to cope with the complex transient phenomenon the snapping process. Nevertheless, both static and dynamic approaches dealing with the stability problem in the occur- rence of snapping and/or buckling have been studied in the past.1 The nature of the stability for elastic media was dis- cussed2 thoroughly in terms of the energy criterion. Static and dynamic buckling behaviors of elastic structures were investi- gated,3 in which definitions of dynamic buckling loads, esti- mates of the buckling loads, and assessments of the accuracy of these estimates were presented. The objective of this re- search is to investigate the fundamental concept and basic issues of instantaneous instability for geometrical nonlinear laminated panels when snapping occurs and to identify some important features in both static and dynamic analyses. Because of the high ratio of in-plane elastic modulus to transverse shear modulus in laminated composite structures, transverse shear deformation plays a much more important role in reducing the effective flexural stiffness of laminated plates and shells.4 Snapping stability response of these kinds cannot be predicted correctly by using the small or intermedi- ate displacement theory. In addition, the transverse shear deformation, which is usually neglected in the classical shell theory, cannot be ignored in the stability analysis of laminated composite shell structures subjected to transverse loading. As a result, the need to include large displacement, large rotation theory in studying the stability characteristics of thin lami- nated panels is of great importance. In the present study, the kinematics of large displacements and rotations for small
Optically Tunable Terahertz Metamaterials on Highly Flexible Substrates

We present optically tunable metamaterials (MMs) on flexible polymer sheets operating at terahertz (THz) frequencies. The flexible MMs, consisting of electric split-ring resonators (eSRRs) on patterned GaAs patches, were fabricated on a thin polyimide layer using a transfer technique. Optical excitation of the GaAs patches modifies the metamaterial response. Our experimental results revealed that, with increasing fluence, a transmission modulation depth of ~ 60% was achieved at the LC resonant frequency of 0.98 THz. In addition, a similar modulation depth was obtained over a broad range from 1.1 to 1.8 THz. Numerical simulations agree with experiment and indicate efficient tuning of the effective permittivity of the MMs. Our flexible tunable device paves the way to create multilayer nonplanar tunable electromagnetic composites for nonlinear and multifunctional applications, including sensing, modulation, and energy harvesting.
How do Local Governments in Mexico City Manage Global Warming

ABSTRACT Cities are both significant emitters of carbon dioxide and centres of innovations that may contribute to de-carbonizing our societies. More voices claim therefore that local authorities should be included in efforts to mitigate climate change. However, few studies have analysed how local authorities manage carbon and climate in urban areas in middle- and low-income countries. Yet, the institutional settings and governance structures of such cities are different from those prevailing in cities of wealthy countries. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring: (a) whether and—if so—how local authorities in Mexico City actually ‘manage’ carbon emissions; (b) how the city's evolving governance structures function and whether they ‘fit’ with the problem they address; and (c) how institutional capacity constrains authorities' management efforts. The paper suggests that policy networks and research groups have been critical in launching a climate agenda. Nevertheless, this has not been enough to push ...
Relations among Teachers' Emotion Socialization Beliefs and Practices, and Preschoolers' Emotional Competence.

Research Findings: Utilizing a 3-part model of emotion socialization that included modeling, contingent responding, and teaching, this study examined the associations between 44 teachers’ self-reported and observed emotion socialization practices and 326 preschoolers’ emotion knowledge and observed emotional behavior. Multilevel analyses revealed that the majority of the variance in the children's emotion knowledge scores and observed emotional behavior was predicted by factors within, rather than between, classrooms. Teachers’ use of all 3 emotion socialization techniques did contribute to the prediction of the children's scores; however, the nature of these associations differed by children's age and gender. Practice or Policy: The development of children's emotional competence is a complex, multifaceted process in which many interaction partners play a role. Early childhood teachers act as emotion socialization agents for the children in their care by modeling emotions, responding either supportively o...
Quantification of carotenoid and tocopherol antioxidants in Zea mays.

Recent investigations into carotenoid and tocopherol biological activity in mammalian systems indicate that these antioxidants are associated with the prevention of degenerative diseases. Both carotenoids and tocopherols can be found in corn kernel tissue. A replicated survey of 44 sweet and dent corn lines was conducted to determine qualitative and quantitative variability of lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, and β-carotene, as well as the α-, δ-, and γ- forms of tocopherol. The primary carotenoids in fresh market sweet corn were found to be lutein and zeaxanthin, with the γ form dominating among the tocopherols. Mean values among the genotypes were observed to range from 0 to 20.0 and 2.4 to 63.3 μg/g dry weight for lutein and γ-tocopherol, respectively, indicating variability among genotypes in genes regulating the metabolism of these compounds. The observed genetic variability suggests profound differences in potential health promotion among genotypes and supports the feasibility of dev...
Precipitation of lead as lead molybdate from homogeneous solution

Abstract Lead molybdate can be precipitated in a granular form from a homogeneous solution by taking advantage of the long induction period for the formation of the precipitate in strong acid solution. The rate of precipitation is probably controlled by the rate at which the polymolybdate species depolymerize to yield simple molybdate ions. Although the bulk (90%) of the precipitate forms at pH ca . 1.0, quantitative recovery requires final adjustment of the pH of the digested solution, either homogeneously (urea hydrolysis) or heterogeneously (dropwise addition of ammonia), to pH 3.0. Contamination by molybdic oxide occurs but both methods yield reliable results if the excess of molybdate is limited to 5% and the precipitate is ignited to 725°. Contamination by copper and cadmium was also studied.
Electron Transfer from Cytochrome c to O2

Transient-state kinetic results on the reaction between oxygen and cytochrome oxidase alone and in its electrostatic complex with cytochrome c are reported. Time courses at 830 nm for the enzyme alone reacting with O2 reveal complex kinetics for the oxidation of CuA. The time course begins with a lag phase, which becomes progressively shorter as the O2 concentration is increased. When cytochrome c is included the lag phase is extended. Cytochrome c oxidation proceeds to a level of 80% in 5 milleseconds, and it is possible to resolve two rates over this time range. The dependence of these rates upon O2 concentration is reported here. The second, slower phase is rate-limited at a first-order value of 500 sec-1 at or above 200 microM O2. In contrast, the initial phase is proportional to O2 up to the highest O2 concentration used here (i.e. 340 microM) and reaches a rate of 6500 sec-1. In addition the time course of cytochrome c oxidation begins immediately (i.e., without a lag). It is proposed that the fast phase of cytochrome c oxidation is the result of electron transfer to O2, either via CuA or direct to the oxygen binding site. These pathways for electron transfer are not observed in the reductive half-reaction and may be the result of a conformational change in the oxidase that lowers a kinetic barrier to electron transfer present in the oxidized enzyme.
Optical-model analysis of the scattering of 24.7 MeV alpha particles

Abstract The measured elastic scattering of 24.7 MeV alpha particles from the nuclei O, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ma, Ni, Co, Cu, Ge, Zr, Ag, In, Sn, Hf, W, Au, Bi and U has been analysed using the optical model. Fits were obtained using a four-parameter Woods-Saxon potential. No marked improvement was found by using a more general potential. The fits for medium and heavy nuclei are good, but those for the lighter nuclei are noticeably poorer. Potential ambiguities were studied in some detail for Ni and Mg, and potentials with depths of about 150 MeV and 200 MeV were obtained for all the nuclei in addition to a more shallow potential. The medium-weight nuclei show a preference for the deep potentials, the light nuclei for the shallow ones. The behaviour of the predicted scattering matrix elements is discussed also.
Parent, Teacher, and Self Perceptions of Psychosocial Functioning in Intellectually Gifted Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Parent, teacher, and self-perceptions of 54 high ability students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were assessed through administration of the Behavioral Assessment Scales for Children, Second Edition. Parent reports resulted in clinically elevated scores on the Atypicality, Attention Problems, Depression, Hyperactivity, Withdrawal, Activities of Daily Living, Adaptability, and Social Skills subscales, and teacher reports resulted in clinically elevated scores on the Atypicality, Depression, Withdrawal, and Adaptability subscales. Self-report scores were in the average range. Parents and teachers of adolescents reported greater adaptability and fewer symptoms of atypicality than parents and teachers of children. Psychosocial functioning appears impacted in high ability students with ASD and developmental differences in severity may exist.
C-geranyl compounds from Mimulus clevelandii

Fractionation of the MeCOEt extract of Mimulus clevelandii yielded the novel 4-geranyl-5-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzofuranone (1) and the five known 6-geranylflavanones diplacone (2a), 3'-O-methyldiplacone (2b), diplacol (2c), mimulone (2d), and 3'-O-methyldiplacol (2e). 2D-NMR methods required revision of assignments for diplacone and diplacol and resolved the uncertainty in the site of methylation for the methyl ethers.
Growth and physiological responses of creeping bentgrass to changes in air and soil temperatures

High air or soil temperature is a major factor limiting growth of cool-season grasses during summer months in the transition zone and warm climate regions. Knowledge of how cool-season grasses respond to differential high air and soil temperatures would facilitate our understanding of heat tolerance mechanisms. The objectives of this study were to compare the influence of air versus soil temperature on turf quality, physiological activities, and root growth of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. cv. Penncross), and to investigate whether shoot and root growth could be improved by reducing soil temperature at high air temperatures. Shoots and roots were exposed to four air/soil temperature regimes (20/20, 20/35, 35/20, and 35/35°C) for 56 d in growth chambers. High soil (20/35°C) and high air/soil (35/35°C) temperatures reduced canopy photosynthetic rate (P n ), turf quality, and the number of roots. High air/soil temperatures also reduced photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm). The adverse effects of high air/soil temperatures were more pronounced than either high soil or air temperature alone for turf quality, Fv/Fm, P n , and root growth. High soil temperature was more detrimental than high air temperature. Lowering soil temperature at high air temperatures (35/20°C) increased root growth, canopy P n , Fv/Fm, and turf quality, compared with high soil temperature at low or high air temperatures (20/35 and 35/35°C). The results demonstrated that roots mediated shoot responses to high temperature stress in creeping bentgrass, and that reducing root-zone temperature could help maintain quality creeping bentgrass under supraoptimal ambient temperatures.
Improvement in muscle strength after an anterior cruciate ligament injury corresponds with a decrease in serum cytokines

The purpose of this communication was to identify if a decrease in serum cytokine concentrations associates with an improvement in muscle strength after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. To establish groups with contrasting serum cytokine concentrations, subjects scheduled for ACL reconstructive surgery were separated into one of two groups (gender matched) based on their time from injury occurrence: (1) Early (<21-d from injury occurrence; n=22) or (2) Late (⩾21-d from injury occurrence; n=22). Before surgery, each subject provided a fasting blood sample and performed single-leg peak isometric force testing on the injured (INJ) and non-injured (NI) limbs. Compared to the NI limb, peak isometric force in the INJ limb was decreased (p<0.05) in both groups (Early, ∼35%; Late, ∼18%). The deficit in peak isometric force, however, was increased (p<0.05) in the Early compared to Late group. Similarly, serum granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-13 were increased (all p<0.05) in the Early group. These unique findings show a concurrent increase in muscular weakness and serum cytokine concentrations shortly after (<21-d) an ACL injury. Importantly, muscular weakness persisted thereafter (⩾21-d) but at an attenuated level and parallel to a decrease in circulating cytokine concentrations. We conclude that a decrease in serum cytokines associates with a reduction in muscular weakness after an ACL injury.
Hexosamine and acid glycosaminoglycans in human teeth

1. 1. Human tooth dentine-cementum and enamel contain 0.08% and 0.03% hexosamine, respectively, with approximately equivalent amounts of glucosamine and galactosamine. 2. 2. Chondroitin 4-sulfate and/or chondroitin 6-sulfate are present in dentine-cementum and enamel of human teeth with smaller amounts of hyaluronic acid. There is apparently no dermatan or keratan sulfate. 3. 3. Chondroitin 6-sulfate is the major acid glycosaminoglycan in the dentine-cementum of human teeth.
Phosphorylation of the Streptococcus pneumoniae cell wall biosynthesis enzyme MurC by a eukaryotic‐like Ser/Thr kinase

Streptococcus pneumoniae contains a single Ser/Thr kinase-phosphatase pair known as StkP-PhpP. Here, we report the interaction of StkP-PhpP with S. pneumoniae UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl:L-alanine ligase, MurC, an enzyme that synthesizes an essential intermediate of the cell wall peptidoglycan pathway. Combinatorial phage display using StkP as target selected the peptide sequence YEVCGSDTVGC as an interacting partner and subsequently confirmed by ELISA. The phage peptide sequence YEVCGSDTVGC aligns closely with the MurC motif spanning S. pneumoniae amino acid coordinates 31–37. We show that MurC is phosphorylated by StkP and that phosphoMurC is dephosphorylated by PhpP. These data suggest a link between StkP-PhpP with the coordinated regulation of cell wall biosynthesis via MurC.
AN UNUSUAL EPICUTICULAR WAX ULTRASTRUCTURE ON LEAVES OF PROSOPIS TAMARUGO (LEGUMINOSAE)

Studies of Prosopis tamarugo Phil. leaflet surfaces by scanning and transmission electron microscopy disclosed an aggregate coating of basic wax structures of various shapes along with large semi-vertical plates. The basic structures, with some degree of variation, were also present on P. velutina Woot. and on several other Prosopis species which had been previously investigated. However, the plates, about 3 ,um in size, were observed only on P. tamarugo. The basic wax structures were first observed on very young leaflets, about 6 h after emergence from the apical bud. The plates appeared after 24 to 72 h. Both plates and basic structures were larger on seedlings grown in a low (20-25%) relative humidity as compared to high (70%) humidity. When grown side-by-side in the greenhouse, leaflets of P. tamarugo seedlings were more isolateral in structure than those of P. velutina, suggesting a greater xeromorphic adaptation. The unusual epicuticular configuration described could be a mechanism that enhances the foliar absorption of atmospheric moisture, or at least minimizes cuticular transpiration, thereby aiding survival of this unique tree in its native habitat of northern Chile.
LIA‐ANOTHER VIEWPOINT

In April of last year, Secretary of Education William J. Bennett introduced the Library Improvement Act (LIA) to Congress. (Vice‐President—then Senator—Dan Quayle proposed it to the Senate in June.) Designed to replace the over‐30‐year‐old Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) and Title II of the Higher Education Act (HEA II), LIA drew an angry response from the library profession. The proposed legislation wore a price tag of $76 million, quite a mark‐down from the previous year's congressional appropriations of $127.2 million for LSCA and $10 million for HEA II.
Comparative hematology: Studies on elephants, Elephas maximus

Abstract 1. 1.Elephant blood clots rapidly and the clots retract only slightly. The partial thromboplastin time is faster than human and most coagulation factors are much higher when assayed in systems designed for human plasma. 2. 2.Thrombin time was long but antithrombin III was essentially absent. 3. 3.Platelet counts were in the high-normal human range and aggregation with ADP and collagen was less marked than in human platelet rich plasma. 4. 4.Red cells were large, discoid in shape, but fewer in number than in human blood. 5. 5.Leukocytes were present in greater numbers than in human and showed some morphological differences. 6. 6.Some biochemical and protein differences were also observed.
Rationalization of a residential microgrid on PJM

As we continue to push the limits of technology further, our power grid is struggling to keep up with these technological advances. This project outlines the design of home microgrid with load management, smart metering, and distributed generation, which is the future of smart grid technology. In order to properly stabilize itself, a microgrid will require load management and smart metering to balance the loads to the generator. This system will be introduced to an existing home to convert the home into a smart home microgrid. The load management and smart metering will help the homeowner identify large drains of power in the home and control these electrical loads to lower energy costs and waste. The distributed generation will allow the homeowner to further reduce their electrical load on the power grid by taking the load up itself and it will also be able to push power back out onto the distribution lines. When the value placed on a microgrid by local distribution and PJM is considered, the financial benefits will produce a low risk investment with other physical benefits. Finally, when the microgrid is islanded in a power outage, the generator will produce electric power increasing the reliability of the home's electricity and allowing power inverters to remain active so PV can still be utilized.
TSV capacitance aware 3-D floorplanning

3D-IC design facilitates reduction in wirelength by vertically stacking dies. Through-silicon-vias (TSVs) are used to connect inter-die signals. The dynamic power consumption of interconnects in 3D-IC is contributed by wires, buffers and TSVs. The delay in interconnects for 3D-IC is greatly influence by TSV capacitance. In this paper we propose TSV capacitance-aware 3D floorplanning to reduce the delay and dynamic power consumption in 3D-interconnects. The TSVs with specified dimensions and pitch are positioned in islands. TSV islands offer advantages over individual TSVs like reduced stress impact and more efficient inclusion of redundancy. TSV capacitance depends on TSV dimensions, pitch and wire technology. TSV capacitance aware floorplanning reduces power consumption in interconnects on average by 7% when using Cu-TSVs and 9% for W-TSVs. The approach also reduces peak delay for nets using Cu based TSVs on average by 15% and W based TSVs by 21%.
Factors contributing to the internal loading of phosphorus from anoxic sediments in six Maine, USA, lakes

Phosphorus (P) is the limiting macronutrient for primary production in most lakes. Seasonal anoxia in the hypolimnion of lakes has been strongly correlated with internal P loading to the water column. Gravimetric sediment cores were collected before and after the onset of anoxia in six Maine (USA) lakes during the summer of 2003. This study investigates the relative importance of P sequestration by aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3(s)), and ferric (oxy)hydroxide (Fe(OH)3(S)) dissolution with subsequent P release in lakes with varying trophic status. Two lakes, Pennesseewassee and Highland, are oligotrophic. The remaining lakes, China, Cobbosseecontee, Webber and Salmon, have varying levels of productivity. Sediment P, Al and Fe in the top 10 cm were extracted sequentially using ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), bicarbonate-dithionite (BD), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 25 degrees C. The results suggest that a sediment [NH4Cl-Al+BD-Al+NaOH25-Al]:[NH4Cl-Fe+BD-Fe] molar ratio >3 and a sediment [NaOH25-Al]:[NH4Cl-P+BD-P] molar ratio >25 predict low P flux from sediments during the development of anoxia, as proposed by Kopacek et al. [Kopacek J, Borovec J, Hejzlar J, Ulrich K, Norton S, Amirbahman A. Aluminum control of Phosphorus Sorption in Lake Sediments. Environ Sci Technol 2005; 39: 8784-8789.], despite the development of anoxia in and the release of Fe(II) from the hypolimnia of the two study lakes. However, when these molar ratios are not exceeded the model does not adequately describe sedimentary P flux. The application of the model proposed by Kopacek et al. to Cobbosseecontee Lake suggests that its sediment may be a source of P to the water column. However, water column data indicate little to no sedimentary P flux. Therefore, the lack of P flux may be attributed to the absence of Fe(III) reduction in the Cobbosseecontee Lake sediment or perhaps to the slow diagenesis of organically-bound P.
41.2: Lifetime and Wattage Extension of High‐Pressure Hg Arc Lamps with Enhanced Reflector Modules

The eele-enhanced™ lamp reflector module geometry enables, besides higher collection efficiency for smaller collection etendue values, also increased cooling design freedoms. Experimental results prove that with the correct cooling design both lifetime and light output decay is significantly improved for both large and small collection etendue values when a standard Osram P-VIP™ burner (120W, 1.3mm arc gap) is operated in either a normal-, under- or over-powered (80–150W) mode inside a 45mm tall, electroformed, eele-enhanced™ lamp reflector module.
Effect of the parasite Copidosoma truncatellum on development of its host Trichoplusia ni.

Parasitism of larvae of Trichoplusia ni (HUbner)by Copidosoma truncatellum (Dalman) caused 33 to 58% of the T. ni larvae to undergo a supernumerary molt, regardless of whether the host was from a normal culture which pupated at the end of the 5th or 6th instar. Parasitized larvae which did not enter a supernumerary instar gained weight significantly faster and had greater head capsule sizes than unparasitized larvae. Parasitized larvae which entered a supernumerary instar gained weight more slowly and possessed smaller head capsules than unparasitized larvae, except for the supernumerary instar, which had a significantly greater final weight and head capsule size than achieved by unparasitized larvae.
Information transmission between Eurocurrency and domestic interest rates: evidence from the UK

This study examines mean and volatility linkages between the UK domestic and Europound interest rates during the 1983–2002 period. Recursive cointegration analysis identifies a structural break in the long-run relationship between the domestic and Europound rates around the September 1992 European currency crisis. Further subperiod analysis clearly shows that there exists feedback between the UK domestic and Europound rates during both subperiods and that both mean and volatility linkages have been weakened after the 1992 crisis.
On the Production of the Positive Electron

The experimental discovery of the positive electron gives us a striking confirmation of Dirac's theory od the electron, and of his most recent attempts to gice a consistent interpretation of the formalism of that theory. As is well know, and quite apart from the difficulties connected with the existence and stability of the electron itself, the theory in its original form led to very grave difficulties in all problems involving length sof the order of the Compton wavelength, in that it predicted the occurrence of electrons of negative kinetic energy, in gross conflict with experience. Dirac has pointed out that we might obtain a consistent theory by assuming that it is only the absence of electrons of negative kinetic energy that has a physical meaning; in this way one could avoid the occurrence of the critical transitions, and yet understand the validity of many correct predictions of the theory, such as the formula for relativistic fine structure, and the Thomson and Klein-Nishina scattering formulae: only the physical interpretation of the formalism was changed, and involved in many cases the appearance pairs of electrons and "antielectrons" -- particles of electronic mass and of positive charge numerically equal to that of the electron. It was this aspect of the theory which remained dubious; and the discovery of the positive electron appears to settle that doubt.
A Contemporary Approach to Dysmenorrhea in Adolescents

Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecologic complaint among adolescent girls. Despite progress in understanding the physiology of dysmenorrhea and the availability of effective treatments, many adolescent girls do not seek medical advice or are undertreated. Dysmenorrhea in adolescents is usually primary (functional), and is associated with normal ovulatory cycles and no pelvic pathology. In approximately 10% of adolescents with severe dysmenorrhea, pelvic abnormalities such as endometriosis or uterine anomalies may be found. Potent prostaglandins from the second series and potent leukotrienes from the fourth series play an important role in generating dysmenorrhea symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common pharmacologic treatment for dysmenorrhea. A loading dose of NSAIDs (typically twice the regular dose) should be used as initial treatment for dysmenorrhea in adolescents followed by a regular dose until symptoms abate. Adolescents with symptoms that do not respond to treatment with NSAIDs for three menstrual periods should be offered combined estrogen/ progestin oral contraceptive pills for three menstrual cycles. Adolescents with dysmenorrhea who do not respond to this treatment should be evaluated for secondary causes of dysmenorrhea. Adolescent care providers have the important roles of educating adolescent girls about menstruation-associated symptoms, as well as evaluating and effectively treating patients with dysmenorrhea.