cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lignocellulose and lignin in the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora: initial concentrations and short-term, post-depositional changes in detrital matter

Lignocellulose was found to comprise the bulk of various anatomical structures of the salt marsh grass Spartina alterniflora, as well as of detritus derived from this plant; although concentrations of both lignin and lignocellulose varied with plant height-form, age, and anatomical structure. Changes in the relative concentrations of lignin and polysaccharide in lignocellulose due to long-term degradation by natural marsh microflora were determined using standard gravimetric assay procedures and a new procedure utilizing specifically-radiolabelled 14C-(cellulose)-lignocellulose and 14C-(lignin)-lignocellulose prepared from S. alterniflora. Results obtained with the two methods agreed, thus validating the new procedures. Mineralization of the cellulose moiety was more rapid than mineralization of the lignin moiety resulting in relative enrichment of S. alterniflora detritus in lignin. Rates of mineralization of both moieties decreased over time such that extent of mineralization was a function of the logarithm of aging time.
Upregulation of mitochondrial base-excision repair capability within rat brain after brief ischemia.

The mechanism by which brief episodes of cerebral ischemia confer protection (tolerance) against subsequent prolonged ischemic challenges remains unclear, but may involve upregulation of cell injury repair capability. The mitochondrion is a key site for the regulation of cell death pathways, and damage to mitochondrial genes has been linked to a number of neurologic diseases and aging. Therefore, the authors examined the response of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway in rat brain mitochondria after either brief (tolerance-inducing) or prolonged (injury-producing) focal cerebral ischemia. Brief (30-minute) middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) induced mild oxidative mitochondrial DNA damage and initiated a prolonged (up to 72-hour) activation above control levels of the principal enzymes of the mitochondrial BER pathway, including uracil DNA glycosylase, apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease, DNA polymerase-, and DNA ligase. In contrast, prolonged (100-minute MCAO) ischemia induced more substantial mitochondrial oxidative DNA damage whereas elevation of BER activity was transient (1 hour), declining to less than control levels over the course of 4 to 72 hours. These data reveal the differences in BER capacity after brief or prolonged ischemia, which may contribute to the neuron's ability to resist subsequent ischemic insults.
Mute swans, Cygnus olor, killed from collision with electrical wires, a study of two situations in Sweden.

Abstract Different studies indicate that 19–38% of the Swedish ringed Mute Swans (Cygnus olor) are killed by collision with electrical wires. The relative frequency of killed swans is not related to the density or type of electrical wires in the landscape, but to where in the landscape the wires are constructed, and to the time when mass movements of swans occur. Experience (age), bodyweight (“too heavy to raise”), breast muscle weakening (“engine problems”) and heavy metal (lead) loads strongly affect the chances of birds avoiding collision; but, swans not belonging to these risk-groups are also killed. Different skeletal injuries were found in dead birds after collision but many of them were not lethal. It was proved, however, that most collision-birds ultimately died from liver damage, probably caused by their heavy bodies hitting the ground.
Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation: summary of an NIDDK workshop

A workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases focused on research gaps and opportunities in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for the management of chronic pancreatitis. The session was held on July 23, 2014 and structured into 5 sessions: (1) patient selection, indications, and timing; (2) technical aspects of TPIAT; (3) improving success of islet autotransplantation; (4) improving outcomes after total pancreatectomy; and (5) registry considerations for TPIAT. The current state of knowledge was reviewed; knowledge gaps and research needs were specifically highlighted. Common themes included the need to identify which patients best benefit from and when to intervene with TPIAT, current limitations of the surgical procedure, diabetes remission and the potential for improvement, opportunities to better address pain remission, GI complications in this population, and unique features of children with chronic pancreatitis considered for TPIAT. The need for a multicenter patient registry that specifically addresses the complexities of chronic pancreatitis and total pancreatectomy outcomes and postsurgical diabetes outcomes was repeatedly emphasized.
A constitutively active form of neurokinin 1 receptor and neurokinin 1 receptor-mediated apoptosis in glioblastomas

Previous studies have shown that neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) occurs naturally in human glioblastomas and its stimulation causes cell proliferation. In the present study we show that stimulation of NK1R in human U373 glioblastoma cells by substance P increases Akt phosphorylation by 2.5-fold, with an EC(50) of 57 nM. Blockade of NK1R lowers basal phosphorylation of Akt, indicating the presence of a constitutively active form of NK1R; similar results are seen in U251 MG and DBTRG-05 glioblastoma cells. Linkage of NK1R to Akt implicates NK1R in apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. Indeed, treatment of serum-starved U373 cells with substance P reduces apoptosis by 53 +/- 1% (p < 0.05), and treatment with NK1R antagonist L-733,060 increases apoptosis by 64 +/- 16% (p < 0.01). Further, the blockade of NK1R in human glioblastoma cells with L-733,060 causes cleavage of Caspase-3 and proteolysis of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Experiments designed to elucidate the mechanism of NK1R-mediated Akt phosphorylation revealed total involvement of non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src and phosphatidyl-3-kinase, a partial involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor, and no involvement of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-related kinase. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate a key role for NK1R in glioblastoma apoptosis.
A Theory of Domain Creation and Coercive Force in Polycrystalline Ferromagnetics

Granular inclusions, grain boundaries, lamellar precipitates, and the crystalline surface have been examined as possible nucleation centers for domains of reverse magnetization in ferromagnetic materials. It is concluded that the surface density of magnetic poles at the grain boundaries ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{*}$ is the most common source of nucleation energy in polycrystalline materials.
Complications with the use of Artelon in thumb CMC joint arthritis

Background Complications with the use of the Artelon spacer in thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis include inflammation, osteolysis, and persistent pain. We evaluated our short-term results and complications.
Rapid evolution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in humans and other primates

The maintenance of chromosomal integrity is an essential task of every living organism and cellular repair mechanisms exist to guard against insults to DNA. Given the importance of this process, it is expected that DNA repair proteins would be evolutionarily conserved, exhibiting very minimal sequence change over time. However, BRCA1, an essential gene involved in DNA repair, has been reported to be evolving rapidly despite the fact that many protein-altering mutations within this gene convey a significantly elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancers. To obtain a deeper understanding of the evolutionary trajectory of BRCA1, we analyzed complete BRCA1 gene sequences from 23 primate species. We show that specific amino acid sites have experienced repeated selection for amino acid replacement over primate evolution. This selection has been focused specifically on humans and our closest living relatives, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus). After examining BRCA1 polymorphisms in 7 bonobo, 44 chimpanzee, and 44 rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) individuals, we find considerable variation within each of these species and evidence for recent selection in chimpanzee populations. Finally, we also sequenced and analyzed BRCA2 from 24 primate species and find that this gene has also evolved under positive selection. While mutations leading to truncated forms of BRCA1 are clearly linked to cancer phenotypes in humans, there is also an underlying selective pressure in favor of amino acid-altering substitutions in this gene. A hypothesis where viruses are the drivers of this natural selection is discussed.
Restriction and Renewal, Pollution and Power, Constraint and Community: The Paradoxes of Religious Women’s Experiences of Menstruation

Across cultures and historical time, menstruation has tended to be perceived as mysterious, dangerous and potentially contaminating. Most world religions place prohibitions on and prescribe codified purity rituals for menstruating women. We surveyed 340 religious and non-religious women from the Rocky Mountain West region of the United States regarding their attitudes and experiences of menstruation. We found that prescriptive religious women rated their periods as more bothersome, embarrassing, shameful, and endorsed more prohibitions, prescriptions and seclusion during menses compared to non-religious women. However, perhaps because their religions openly acknowledge menstruation, and their practice of rituals spotlights menstruation as a special time, religious women also identified a positive aspect of their menstrual cycles not shared by their non-religious counterparts. This was a heightened sense of community with other women. Further, women in committed relationships had more positive experiences of menstruation than single women, and this was especially true for women in prescriptive religions, despite a greater onus placed on them to observe menstrual rituals. This study complicates our understanding of how the practice of codified religious prohibitions and prescriptions around menstruation impacts women’s experience.
Rigorous management of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus during pregnancy.

The effect of rigorous management of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) during pregnancy on the perinatal outcome was assessed by comparing 78 prepartum gravid patients with IDDM managed prospectively with 78 matched controls. The diabetic women were treated with insulin by either infusion pump or split-dose therapy, with the goal of normalization of the fasting blood sugars and hemoglobin Hb A1c values. Differences in the perinatal outcome were evaluated by either chi-square or analysis of variance. Of the women with IDDM, 14% where White class B, 43% class C, 26% class D, 17% classes R and F. The mean Hb A1c value in the first half of pregnancy was 8.49%±2.30%, and 7.34%±1.79% in the second half. Women with IDDM had higher rates of premature delivery (31% vs. 10%,P=0.003), pre-eclampsia (15% vs. 5%,P=0.035), and cesarean section (55% vs. 27%,P=0.002). Complications of infants born to diabetic mothers included large size for gestational age (41% vs. 16%,P=0.0002), hypoglycemia (14% vs. 1%,P=0.0025), hyperbilirubinemia (46% vs. 23%,P=0.0002), and respiratory distress (12% vs. 1%,P=0.008). The Apgar scores and mortality were similar. Congenital malformations occurred in 7.7% of infants of diabetic mothers and 1.3% of controls (P=0.05). The maternal Hb A1c level did not correlate with the infant size for gestation. Although the improved medical management of IDDM has decreased neonatal mortality, significant perinatal complications persist.
THE ARIZONA RADIO OBSERVATORY CO MAPPING SURVEY OF GALACTIC MOLECULAR CLOUDS. IV. THE NGC 1333 CLOUD IN PERSEUS IN CO J = 2-1 AND 13CO J = 2-1

We mapped the NGC 1333 section of the Perseus Molecular Cloud in the J = 2-1 emission lines of 12CO and 13CO over a 50' × 60' region (3.4 × 4.1 pc at the cloud distance of 235 pc), using the Arizona Radio Observatory Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope. The angular resolution is 38'' (0.04 pc) and velocity resolution is 0.3 km s–1. We compare our velocity moment maps with known positions of young stellar objects (YSOs) and (sub)millimeter dust continuum emission. The CO emission is brightest at the center of the cluster of YSOs, but is detected over the full extent of the mapped region at ≥10 × rms. The morphology of the CO channel maps shows a kinematically complex structure, with many elongated features extending from the YSO cluster outward by ~1 pc. One notable feature appears as a narrow serpentine structure that curves and doubles back, with a total length of ~3 pc. The 13CO velocity channel maps show evidence for many low-density cavities surrounded by partial shell-like structures, consistent with previous studies. Maps of the velocity moments show localized effects of bipolar outflows from embedded YSOs, as well as a large-scale velocity gradient around the central core of YSOs, suggestive of large-scale turbulent cloud motions determining the location of current star formation. The CO/13CO intensity ratios show the distribution of the CO opacity, which exhibits a complex kinematic structure. Identified YSOs are located mainly at the positions of greatest CO opacity. The maps are available for download as FITS files.
Separable interactions and high energy scattering

Abstract A model for the elastic scattering of two particles in the presence of inelastic processes is proposed, in which a complex non-local potential simulating the presence of inelastic channels is taken to be separable. In particular, the form of a complex separable interaction leading to linear Regge trajectories, Regge behaviour and a finite cross section at infinite energy is given. The model can also be used as a guide as to what properties a separable potential fitting some low and intermediate energy data should have, and find some possible application in the three-body problem.
Probation recommendations and sentences received: The association between the two and the factors that affect recommendations

Although an association has been established between sentencing recommendations made by probation officers and the actual sentences received by offenders, to date, few scholars have examined the ro...
The Convergent and Divergent Validity of the Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education (VAL-ED): Instructional Leadership and Emotional Intelligence.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing dialog of whether and how instructional leadership is distinguished conceptually from general leadership notions, such as charisma, and to continue the ongoing psychometric research on the The Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education (VAL-ED) by examining its convergent and divergent validity. The authors hypothesize that the VAL-ED will be highly correlated with another measure of instructional leadership, but will be weakly correlated with more general measures of leadership that are rooted in personality theories. To test the convergent validity the authors implement the Hallinger and Murphy (1985) Instructional Management Behavior of Principals (IMBP) inventory, (Hallinger and Murphy, 1985; Hallinger, 2011). The authors use an instrument for emotional intelligence, Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) as the divergent measure (Petrides et al., 2007). Results indicate that principals and teachers have different p...
ICESat observations of seasonal and interannual variations of sea-ice freeboard and estimated thickness in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (2003-2009)

Sea-ice freeboard heights for 17 ICESat campaign periods from 2003 to 2009 are derived from ICESat data. Freeboard is combined with snow depth from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) data and nominal densities of snow, water and sea ice, to estimate sea-ice thickness. Sea-ice freeboard and thickness distributions show clear seasonal variations that reflect the yearly cycle of growth and decay of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) pack ice. During October-November, sea ice grows to its seasonal maximum both in area and thickness; the mean freeboards are 0.33-0.41 m and the mean thicknesses are 2.10-2.59 m. During February-March, thinner sea ice melts away and the sea-ice pack is mainly distributed in the west Weddell Sea; the mean freeboards are 0.35-0.46 m and the mean thicknesses are 1.48-1.94 m. During May-June, the mean freeboards and thicknesses are 0.26-0.29 m and 1.32-1.37 m, respectively. The 6 year trends in sea-ice extent and volume are (0.023+/-0.051) x 10(exp 6)sq km/a (0.45%/a) and (0.007+/-1.0.092) x 10(exp 3)cu km/a (0.08%/a); however, the large standard deviations indicate that these positive trends are not statistically significant.
Absence of ketamine effects on memory and other cognitive functions in schizophrenic patients

Glutamatergic dysfunction may play an important role in both the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and impaired memory commonly observed in that disorder. NMDA receptor antagonists impair learning/memory in animal models, putatively based on its ability to block long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. Although well studied in animal models, research in humans is limited and confounded by administration of NMDA antagonists before the learning experience. Based on presumed glutamatergic dysfunction, it was predicted that the NMDA antagonist ketamine would not effect memory in schizophrenic subjects. Bolus injections of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) or placebo were given to seven patients with schizophrenia in this double-blind cross-over study. Immediately prior to injection, subjects were administered verbal and figural memory tests. Delayed recalls were obtained 30-45 min postinjection. In order to rule out drug-induced generalized cognitive impairments, other cognitive tasks were administered pre- and postinjection. The results indicate no differences between the drug and placebo conditions for either memory task, and no changes on the other cognitive tasks observed.
Strains of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 with Altered PsaC I. MUTATIONS INCORPORATED IN THE CYSTEINE LIGANDS OF THE TWO [4Fe-4S] CLUSTERS FA AND FB OF PHOTOSYSTEM I

Two [4Fe-4S] clusters, FA and FB, function as terminal electron carriers in Photosystem I (PS I), a thylakoid membrane-bound protein-pigment complex. To probe the function of these two clusters in photosynthetic electron transport, site-directed mutants were created in the transformable cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Cysteine ligands in positions 14 or 51 to FB and FA, respectively, were replaced with aspartate, serine, or alanine, and the effect on the genetic, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of PS I complexes from the mutant strains were studied. All mutant strains were unable to grow photoautotrophically, and compared with wild type, mixotrophic growth was inhibited under normal light intensity. The mutant cells supported lower rates of whole-chain photosynthetic electron transport. Thylakoids isolated from the aspartate and serine mutants have lower levels of PS I subunits PsaC, PsaD, and PsaE and lower rates of PS I-mediated substrate photoreduction compared with the wild type. The alanine and double aspartate mutants have no detectable levels PsaC, PsaD, and PsaE. Electron transfer rates, measured by cytochrome c6-mediated NADP+ photoreduction, were lower in purified PS I complexes from the aspartate and serine mutants. By measuring the P700+ kinetics after a single turnover flash, a large percentage of the backreaction in the aspartate and serine mutants was found to be derived from A1 and FX, indicating an inefficiency at the FX→ FA/FB electron transfer step. The alanine and double aspartate mutants failed to show any backreaction from [FA/FB]-. These results indicate that the various mutations of the cysteine 14 and 51 ligands to FB and FA affect biogenesis and electron transfer differently depending on the type of substitution, and that the effects of mutations on biogenesis and function can be biochemically separated and analyzed.
Detection of 3-Hydroxy Fatty Acids at Picogram Levels in Biologic Specimens. A Chemical Method for the Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?

A method for the detection of 3-hydroxy dodecanoic acid at low picogram levels is described. The procedure involves preparation of a heptafluorobutryl derivative of the butyl ester of the fatty acid and its detection by gas-liquid chromatography using an electron capture detector. The method was adapted for use with biological specimens. Potential of the method for screening for gonococcal infection is discussed. Limitations of the method are that about 10 5 Neisseria gonorrhoeae cells are required for detection and that interfering substances are a major problem working at maximum sensitivity of the electron capture detector necessitating complex purification procedures. The method eliminates the need to maintain the viability of cells in specimens, thus. facilitating collection and transport of specimens.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-based magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites for hyperthermia cancer therapy

Hyperthermia, the heating of cancerous tissues to between 41 and 45 degrees Celsius, has been shown to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy when used in conjunction with irradiation and/or chemotherapy. Here a novel method for remotely administering heat is presented, which involves the heating of tumor tissue using hydrogel nanocomposites containing magnetic nanoparticles which can be remotely heated upon exposure to an external alternating magnetic field (AMF). Specifically, this research explores the use of hydrogel nanocomposites based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and dimethacrylate with iron oxide as implantable biomaterials for thermal cancer therapy applications. Swelling analysis of the systems indicated a dependence of ethylene glycol (EG) content and cross-linking density on swelling behavior where greater EG amount and lower cross-linking resulted in higher volume swelling ratios. Both the entrapped iron oxide nanoparticles and hydrogel nanocomposites exhibited high cell viability for murine fibroblasts, indicating potential biocompatibility. The hydrogels were heated in an AMF, and the heating response was shown to be dependent on both iron oxide loading in the gels and the strength of the magnetic field. As proof of concept of these systems as a thermal therapeutic the ability to selectively kill M059K glioblastoma cells in vitro with hydrogel nanocomposites exposed to an AMF was demonstrated.
Predictors of entry to the nursing home: Does length of follow- up matter?

This study examined the extent to which predictors of nursing home entry vary in their salience as a function of length of follow-up. Participants were 201 persons attending five senior day care centers. The impact of baseline assessment on nursing home entry was examined at one, two, and three-year follow-up periods. Analysis revealed that MMSE, IADL, physical non-aggressive agitated behavior, and 4 indicators of caregiver burden had significantly changing impacts on time to nursing home entry. Only depressed affect and age remained significant predictors at all three follow-up periods in the multivariate analysis. Physical and verbal aggressive agitation and declining caregiver health were significant predictors in the short term. Socializing and ethnicity became predictors at year three. We have demonstrated that while some predictors of nursing home placement are robust over varying follow-up times, the predictive value of others changes with length of the follow-up period. Length of follow-up needs to be taken into account in clarifying the processes that predict nursing home entry.
Criterion-related validity and stability: Equivalence of the MMPI and the MMPI-2

The differential criterion-related validity of the MMPI and MMPI-2 and their stability over a 4-month period of time were examined in a university population by correlating the clinical scales with their counterpart SCL-90-R factors. Fair to moderate correlations were found on all eight paired MMPI scales and SCL-90-R factors, while only two of eight MMPI-2/SCL-90-R pairings were found to be correlated significantly. Further analyses, however, found no significant differences between these MMPI/SCL-90-R and MMPI-2/SCL-90-R correlations. Adequate stability was found between MMPI-2 and SCL-90-R pairs over 4 months, except for the MMPI-2 D scale with the SCL-90-R Depression factor. Several issues related to the equivalency between the MMPI and the MMPI-2 were discussed.
Confidence intervals for median survival times under a piecewise exponential model with proportional hazards covariate effects

Brookmeyer and Crowley derived a non-parametric confidence interval for the median survival time of a homogeneous population by inverting a generalization of the sign test for censored data. The 1-alpha confidence interval for the median is essentially the set of all values t such that the Kaplan--Meier estimate of the survival function at time t does not differ significantly from one-half at significance level alpha. Here I extend the method to incorporate covariates into the analysis by assuming an underlying piecewise exponential model with proportional hazards covariate effects. Maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters are obtained via iterative techniques, from which the estimated (log) survival curve is easily constructed. The delta method provides asymptotic standard errors. Following Brookmeyer and Crowley, I find the confidence interval for the median survival time at a specified value of the covariate vector by inverting the sign test. I illustrate the methods using data from a clinical trial conducted by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group in cancer of the mouth and throat. It is seen that the piecewise exponential model provides considerable flexibility in accommodating to the shape of the underlying survival curve and thus offers advantages to other, more restrictive, parametric models. Simulation studies indicate that the method provides reasonably accurate coverage probabilities.
Dissociable and non-dissociable cytoplasmic protein-thyroid hormone interactions

Abstract Dog kidney cytosol contains a high molecular weight (50 000–70 000) and a low molecular weight (approx. 6000) thyronine-binding protein. Low molecular weight cytosol thyronine-binding protein has not been previously recognized in cytoplasm. Binding of thyroxine (tetraiodothyronine, T4) by the low molecular weight protein has a half-time of association of more than 24 h and accounts for 32% of bound cytoplasmic tetraiodothyronine after 48 h of incubation. Binding of labeled tetraiodothyronine and triiodothyronine by this moiety is non-dissociable in the presence of 1 · 10−5 M unlabeled tetra- or triiodothyronine. The low molecular weight protein exists in a dispersed and apparently aggregated form; the latter elutes in the void volume on Sephadex G-100 and its generation is minimized by 2 mM Ca2+. This binding protein elutes in a fraction which has a high A260nm : A280nm ratio, is pentose enriched (orcinol method) and which, because of these characteristics and low susceptibility to digestion by nuclease, is postulated to be a ribosylated cytoplasmic protein or polypeptide. Binding of tetra- and triiodothyronine by the high molecular weight protein has a half-time of association of 2 h and is saturable. Displacement of labeled triiodothyronine from this cytosol thyronine-binding protein is more readily effected with excess unlabeled tetra- than with triiodothyronine, indicating the absence of a triiodothyronine-specific cytosol thyronine-binding protein site. 3,3′,5′-Triiodothyronine (reverse triiodothyronine) is bound with low avidity. Uptake of high molecular weight protein by isolated kidney cell nuclei cannot be demonstrated. Binding of tetraiodothyronine by cytosol proteins is independent of pH in the pH range 6.8–8.9, but binding of triiodothyronine is minimized at pH 7.4 and enhanced at alkaline pH to the point of equivalency of tetra- and triiodothyronine binding at pH 8.9. At concentrations of tetraiodothyronine calculated to exist intracellularly, essentially all soluble fraction tetraiodothyronine is bound to cytosol thyronine-binding protein, restricting access of this iodothyronine to binding sites in nucleus and mitochondria. Cytosol removes labeled tetra- and triiodothyronine previously reacted in vitro with isolated cell nuclei; such removal is a linear function of cytosol protein concentration and is blocked by saturation of cytosol thyronine-binding protein with unlabeled iodothyronines. Only the high molecular weight protein accounts for unbinding by cytosol of nuclear hormone.
Latinos in Science: Trends and Opportunities.

In U.S. coverage of leadership in science and engineering (S&E), Latinos are generally dismissed from consideration. The pipeline metaphor tends to ignore advances made by Latinos in completing doc...
Putting research data into context: Scholarly, professional, and educational approaches to curating data for reuse

In this panel session we will discuss approaches to data curation for data reuse, with particular emphasis on the contextual information needed for reuse. We invite three panelists to present perspectives from communities that are 1) conducting scholarly research in the area of data reuse, 2) performing data curation and preservation work, and 3) educating information professionals. Given the shared interests among the three communities, one of the major objectives of the panel session is to deepen the engagement and connection among these groups. We have planned interaction with the audience to integrate the panelists’ different perspectives and approaches, outline common objectives, and explore ways we might create a common agenda in the area of data curation for data reuse.
Scattering of two coherent photons inside a one-dimensional coupled-resonator waveguide

We consider the coherent propagation of n photons in a one-dimensional coupled-resonator waveguide for n=2,3,4.... The scattering by a three-level atom, which resides in one of the resonators of the waveguide and gives rise to only two-photon transitions, results in a perfect quantum switch that allows either total reflection or total transmission. This is to be contrasted to the case of a single photon inside a one-dimensional resonant waveguide scattered by a two-level system with single-photon transitions where only total reflection can be accomplished; viz. the system behaves only as a perfect mirror but not as an ideal, transparent medium.
Reciprocal Suppression and Interaction Effects of Age with Undergraduate Grades and Gre on Graduate Performance in a College of Education

A validity study is presented in which GRE scores, undergraduate grades and age are used to predict first semester grades in graduate school in a college of education. Results suggest that age interacts with other variables in the predictor set to produce underpredictions for older students with low to moderate entering credentials. Conversely, grades tend to be underpredicted for younger students with high credentials. Further, three instances of reciprocal suppression are cited in which age is involved. As such, the complex relationship between age and other variables should not be ignored in validity studies dealing with graduate students entering the field of education.
A cerebellar neural network model for adaptative control of saccades implemented with Matlab

This paper describes the implementation of a neural network for the adaptative control of the saccadic system. The model shows the cerebellum plays an important role in the adaptive control of the saccadic gain. Using only eye position input through the granule cells, the cerebellum projects this signal to the other cerebellar structures and then to motor neurons responsible for the saccade. The generation of an adjustment signal occurs in the inferior olive as a result of the error sensory signal created by the open loop saccade system from propioceptive position inputs from the last eye movement generated by the network until the movement towards the target is completed. In addition, a memory component has been defined in the error system to achieve the adaptation. This neural network involves only the horizontal saccade component modeled with Matrix Laboratory language (MATLAB), in conjunction with the Simulink tool.
Vasopressin reduces the cumulative epinephrine dose in hypothermic swine with traumatic brain injury

Prevention of secondary neurologic injuries is paramount for improved neurologic outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Evidence suggests that although therapeutic hypothermia (TH) lowers intracranial pressure and attenuates secondary cerebral insults after TBI [1], it also induces hypotension. Brief episodes of mild hypotension in brain-injured patients can trigger secondary injuries, which have been associated with increased mortality in patients with TBI [2]. Vasopressin mitigates hypotension in septic shock and improves coronary perfusion in hypothermic cardiac arrest models [3]. We hypothesized that a low-dose vasopressin infusion may reduce the cumulative epinephrine dose in hypothermic, brain-injured swine.
Predictive Value of CD19 Measurements for Bacterial Infections in Children Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

We investigated the predictive value of CD19 cell percentages (CD19%) for times to bacterial infections, using data from six pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocols and adjusting for other potentially prognostic variables, such as CD4%, CD8%, immunoglobulin (IgA) level, lymphocyte count, prior infections, prior zidovudine treatment, and age. In addition, we explored the combined effects of CD19% and IgG level in predicting time to infection. We found that a low CD19% is associated with a nonsignificant 1.2-fold increase in hazard of bacterial infection (95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.49). In contrast, a high IgG level is associated with a nonsignificant 0.87-fold decrease in hazard of infection (95% confidence interval: 0.68, 1.12). CD4% was more prognostic of time to bacterial infection than CD19% or IgG level. Low CD19% and high IgG levels together lead to a significant (P < 0.01) 0.50-fold decrease in hazard (95% confidence interval: 0.35, 0.73) relative to low CD19% and low IgG levels. Similarly, in a model involving assay result changes (from baseline to 6 months) as well as baseline values, the effect of CD19% by itself is reversed from its effect in conjunction with IgG. In this model, CD19% that are increasing and high are associated with decreases in hazard of infection (P < 0.01), while increasing CD19% and increasing IgG levels are associated with significant (at the P = 0.01 level) fourfold increases in hazard of infection relative to stable CD19% and decreasing, stable, or increasing IgG levels. Our data suggest that CD19%, in conjunction with IgG level, provides a useful prognostic tool for bacterial infections. It is highly likely that T-helper function impacts on B-cell function; thus, inclusion of CD4% in such analyses may greatly enhance the assessment of risk for bacterial infection.
Three Perspectives on School Reform

Most research on school reform over the past several decades is characterized by three perspectives-the technological, political, and cultural (House, 1979; House, 1981). Studies based on these three perspectives account for a vast amount of the scholarly literature. An adequate understanding of school reform necessarily involves all three perspectives, though many reformers emphasize only one, a partial knowledge which often results in reform failure because of neglect of the other powerful factors. According to our analysis, successful school reform must be based on all three aspects. In this chapter, we outline the three perspectives and suggest how successful reforms embody an appreciation of all three.
Onychomycosis in the Denver Pediatrics Population, A Retrospective Study

Onychomycosis (OM) is a common nail disorder in adults but has been rare in children. Recent international studies have demonstrated a rise in the prevalence of OM in children and adolescents, with Trichophyton rubrum being the most common pathogen. This 5-year retrospective chart review of children (aged <18) found that 66 of 141 patients (46.8%) presenting to Children's Hospital Colorado or Denver Health Medical Center Dermatology clinics with nail complaints had OM, with the highest prevalence in those aged 6 to 10 and a slight male predominance. Toenails were more commonly affected, and Trichophyton rubrum was the most common pathogen.
CRC Codes Based on a Non-Primitive Generator Polynomial: A New Error Control Scheme Targeting a Prescribed Set of Error Patterns

A new approach to error correction codes based on non-primitive cyclic redundancy check (CRC) generator polynomials is introduced. A CRC code can be designed to detect a prescribed set of error patterns that can occur anywhere within the codeword. In this work, we observe that by using a non-primitive generator polynomial, the error pattern can be identified completely (among the prescribed set) and side information on the position of the error event can also be generated. We show that there exists a non-primitive generator polynomial that produces syndromes that can completely specify each prescribed error pattern. Moreover, we show that the computed syndrome can also determine the position of the error event within some sub-block of the codeword.
Using National Drug Codes and drug knowledge bases to organize prescription records from multiple sources.

Purpose. The utility of National Drug Codes (NDCs) and drug knowledge bases (DKBs) in the organization of prescription records from multiple sources was studied. Methods. The master files of most pharmacy systems include NDCs and local codes to identify the products they dispense. We obtained a large sample of prescription records from seven different sources. These records carried a national product code or a local code that could be translated into a national product code via their formulary master. We obtained mapping tables from five DKBs. We measured the degree to which the DKB mapping tables covered the national product codes carried in or associated with the sample of prescription records. Results. Considering the total prescription volume, DKBs covered 93.0–99.8% of the product codes from three outpatient sources and 77.4–97.0% of the product codes from four inpatient sources. Among the in-patient sources, invented codes explained 36–94% of the noncoverage. Outpatient pharmacy sources rarely invented codes, which comprised only 0.11–0.21% of their total prescription volume, compared with inpatient pharmacy sources for which invented codes comprised 1.7–7.4% of their prescription volume. The distribution of prescribed products was highly skewed, with 1.4–4.4% of codes accounting for 50% of the message volume and 10.7–34.5% accounting for 90% of the message volume. Conclusion. DKBs cover the product codes used by outpatient sources sufficiently well to permit automatic mapping. Changes in policies and standards could increase coverage of product codes used by inpatient sources.
Podcasts on Mobile Devices as a Read-Aloud Testing Accommodation in Middle School Science Assessment

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a digitized podcast to deliver read-aloud testing accommodations on mobile devices to students with disabilities and reading difficulties. The total sample for this study included 47 middle school students with reading difficulties. Of the 47 students, 16 were identified as students with disabilities who received special education services. Participants were randomly assigned to three experimental testing conditions, standard administration, teacher-controlled read-aloud in traditional group delivery format, and student-controlled read-aloud delivered as a podcast and accessed on a mobile device, and given sample end-of-year science assessments. Based on a factorial analysis of variances, with test conditions and student status as the fixed factors, both student groups demonstrated statistically significant gains based on their testing conditions. Results support the use of podcast delivery as a viable alternative to the traditional teacher-delivered read-aloud test accommodation. Conclusions are discussed in the context of universal design for learning testing accommodations for future research and practice.
Estrogen Induction of VLDLy Assembly in Egg-Laying Hens

The yolk of a 60-g chicken egg contains 6 g of triacylglycerols transported to the oocyte from the liver of the laying hen in apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing particles. With the onset of egg production, estrogen shifts hepatocytic lipoprotein production from generic VLDL to VLDLy (yolk targeted). These VLDLy are triacylglycerol-rich particles; they are reduced in size by one half, are resistant to lipoprotein lipase and are taken up intact by oocyte receptors. The VLDLy pathway for apoB provides sufficient energy for the caloric requirements of chick development. VLDLy size reduction occurs in spite of surplus liver triacylglycerols and is necessary for VLDL particles to pass through the granulosa basal lamina and reach the receptors located on the oocyte surface. New ultrastructural data show that some proximal tubule cells of bird kidney secrete generic VLDL, perhaps providing energy and other VLDL-associated nutrients to tissues bypassed by VLDLy. Birds are an apoB100-only species, providing a natural in vivo model with which to investigate mechanisms of apoB100 VLDL assembly. Preliminary studies of liver lipoprotein assembly intermediates isolated from the biosynthetic membranes (endoplasmic reticulum) of the laying hen are consistent with the presence of both putative first- and second-step precursor particles of VLDLy. These findings suggest that the two-step mechanism of apoB core lipidation is an ancient development in apoB biology, handed down to mammals from oviparous ancestors.
A developmental model for the evolution of language and intelligence in early hominids

This paper presents a model for the nature and adaptive significance of intelligence and language in early hominids based on comparative developmental, ecological, and neurological data. We propose that the common ancestor of the great apes and man displayed rudimentary forms of late sensorimotor and early preoperational intelligence similar to that of one- to four-year-old children. These abilities arose as adaptations for extractive foraging with tools, which requires a long postweaning apprenticeship. They were elaborated in the first hominids with the shift to primary dependence on this feeding strategy. These first hominids evolved a protolanguage, similar to that of two-year-old human children, with which they could describe the nature and location of food and request help in obtaining it. The descendents of the first hominids displayed intuitive intelligence, similar to that of four- to seven-year-old children, which arose as an adaptation for complex hunting involving aimed-missile throwing, stone-tool manufacture, animal butchery, food division, and shelter construction. The comparative developmental and paleontological data are consistent with the hypothesis that the stages of development of intelligence and language and their neural substrates in our species recapitulate the stages of their evolution.
Undermining the Corrective Effects of Media‐Based Political Fact Checking? The Role of Contextual Cues and Naïve Theory

Media-based fact checking contributes to more accurate political knowledge, but its corrective effects are limited. We argue that biographical information included in a corrective message, which is often unrelated to the inaccurate claim itself, can activate misperceptioncongruent naive theories, increasing confidence in a misperception’s plausibility and inducing skepticism toward denials. Resistance to corrections occurs regardless of initial belief accuracy, but the effect is strongest among those who find the contextual information objectionable or threatening. We test these claims using an online survey-embedded experiment (N = 750) conducted in the wake of the controversy over the proposed Islamic cultural center in New York City near the site of the 9/11 attacks, and find support for our predictions. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The effect of altered bone metabolism on orthodontic tooth movement

The purpose of this study was to determine how bone remodeling changes induced by nutritional hyperparathyroidism affect tooth movement through alveolar bone. Twelve beagle dogs, approximately 1 year old, were randomly divided into two groups of six. The controls were fed a standard dog diet (calcium 0.54 percent, phosphorus 0.42 percent). The experimental diet was identical to that fed the controls except for a decrease in the calcium (0.12 percent) to phosphorus (1.20 percent) ratio. At the tenth week of diet administration, following extraction of the lower third premolars, the second and fourth premolars were moved toward each other with a reciprocal elastic force of 100 Gm. Twelve weeks later the animals were killed and the mandibles were prepared for laboratory evaluation, which included Paragon 1301 staining of undecalcified sections, scanning electron microscopy, and a bone ash analysis. Radioimmunoassays during the experiment showed that the test animals had significantly elevated levels of parathyroid hormone, indicating a probable state of hyperparathyroidism. The clinical data revealed more rapid tooth movement in the experimental animals. Laboratory data indicated that the hyperparathyroid animals had significantly decreased bone density, as well as bone remodeling changes consistent with high PTH levels. These findings suggest that, in addition to applied force, tooth movement is dependent upon the state of calcium metabolism in alveolar bone.
Use of the Risk Perception Attitude Framework for Promoting Breast Cancer Prevention

The risk perception attitude (RPA) framework classifies people into 4 groups based on their perceptions of risk and personal efficacy: responsive (high risk, high efficacy), avoidance (high risk, low efficacy), proactive (low risk, high efficacy), and indifference (low risk, low efficacy). This study tested the central propositions from the RPA framework among a group of immigrant Indian women (N = 413) in the Washington, DC area in their propensity to pay attention to breast cancer information and engage in self-exams and clinical screening. Self-efficacy and knowledge about breast cancer were consistent predictors of these outcomes. Use of the RPA framework explained 16% to 27% of the variance. Implications for breast cancer prevention campaigns are discussed.
Plasma lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels in heart failure: association with mortality in the community.

Objective Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a useful inflammatory marker of cardiovascular risk, yet little is known of its prognostic role in heart failure (HF). We evaluated the association of Lp-PLA2 with mortality in subjects with HF and assessed its incremental value for risk discrimination over established risk factors and biomarkers.
Approximate euclidean shortest paths in 3-space

Papadimitriou's approximation approach to the Euclidean shortest path (ESP) in 3-space is revisited. As this problem is NP-hard, his approach represents an important step towards practical algorithms. However, there are several gaps in the original description. Besides giving a complete treatment in the framework of bit complexity, we also improve on his subdivision method. Among the tools needed are root-separation bounds and nontrivial applications of Brent's complexity bounds on evaluation of elementary functions using floating point numbers.