cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide discovery in the Araneae (Arthropoda, Chelicerata, Arachnida): elucidation of true spider peptidomes using that of the Western black widow as a reference

The public deposition of large transcriptome shotgun assembly (TSA) datasets for the Araneae (true spiders) provides a resource for determining the structures of the native neuropeptides present in members of this chelicerate order. Here, the Araneae TSA data were mined for putative peptide-encoding transcripts using the recently deduced neuropeptide precursors from the Western black widow Latrodectus hesperus as query templates. Neuropeptide-encoding transcripts from five spiders, Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, Stegodyphus mimosarum, Stegodyphus lineatus, Stegodyphus tentoriicola and Acanthoscurria geniculata, were identified, including ones encoding members of the allatostatin A, allatostatin B, allatostatin C, allatotropin, CAPA/periviscerokinin/pyrokinin, crustacean cardioactive peptide, crustacean hyperglycemic hormone/ion transport peptide, diuretic hormone 31, diuretic hormone 44, eclosion hormone, FMRFamide-like peptide (FLP), GSEFLamide, insulin-like peptide, orcokinin, proctolin, short neuropeptide F, SIFamide, sulfakinin and tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) families. A total of 156 distinct peptides were predicted from the precursor proteins deduced from the S. mimosarum transcripts, with 65, 26, 21 and 12 peptides predicted from those deduced from the A. geniculata, L. tredecimguttatus, S. lineatus and S. tentoriicola sequences, respectively. Among the peptides identified were variant isoforms of FLP, orcokinin and TRP, peptides whose structures are similar to ones previously identified from L. hesperus. The prediction of these atypical peptides from multiple spiders suggests that they may be broadly conserved within the Araneae rather than being species-specific variants. Taken collectively, the data described here greatly expand the number of known Araneae neuropeptides, providing a foundation for future functional studies of peptidergic signaling in this important Chelicerate order.
Repressed memory and other controversial origins of sexual abuse allegations: beliefs among psychologists and clinical social workers

The purpose of this study was to assess beliefs about repressed memory and other controversial origins of sexual abuse allegations. This was examined by conducting a national survey of psychologists and clinical social workers. The results indicated that experimental psychologists and clinicians differ regarding belief in repressed memory, with clinicians expressing more confidence that such memories can and do exist. No differences were found between clinicians with different types of academic training. However, academic degree and level of research involvement were found to be related to views toward one or more of the following: (a) usefulness of anatomical dolls, (b) leading questions, or (c) the possibility of therapeutic techniques leading to false allegations of sexual abuse. Although the respondents' sex often accounted for a significant portion of the variance, removing this influence did not alter the overall pattern of the results. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Molecular sieving of lambda phage DNA in polyacrylamide solutions as a function of the molecular weight of the polymer.

Electrophoresis of lambda phage DNA was carried out in solutions at various concentrations of uncrosslinked polyacrylamide of 0.6, 1, 5 and 9 × 106 molecular weight (Mw) with narrow Mw distribution. By inspection of mobilities in the various concentration ranges, it appears that mobilities decrease, and retardation increases, with increasing Mw. The relation between electrophoretic retardation and the Mw of the polymer was also interpreted (i) in the manner previously applied to nonlinear Ferguson plots and compatible with the Ogston model; and (ii) empirically, on the basis of the first derivatives of the functions describing the Ferguson plots at the polymer concentrations used. Interpretation (i) shows that the retardation increases linearly in the order of 0.6, 1, 5 and 9 × 106Mw of polyacrylamide. Interpretation (ii) shows a nonlinear increase of retardation in the Mw range 5 to 9 × 106, and a decrease in retardation as Mw is raised from 0.6 to 5.0 × 106. Hypothetically, interpretation (ii) can be explained mechanistically by a progressive change, as the polymer size is increased, from a collision with the surface of the polymer fiber to one occurring after permeation in the interior of a randomcoiled fiber. Interpretation (i) may fail to detect that change due to the large difference between DNA mobility in solutions of the smallest polymer and the free mobility. DNA peak detection in all of the four size classes of polyacrylamide in solution is limited to relatively narrow ranges of polymer concentration. For the electrophoresis of lambda DNA, polyacrylamide of 5 × 10−6Mw represents an optimum due to a compromise between small mobility differences at various concentrations of the polymer with Mw 0.6 × 106, either little retardation (interpretation (i)) or insufficient responsiveness of the Ferguson plot to concentration changes (interpretation (ii)) in presence of the polymer of 1 × 106Mw and an excessively narrow available concentration range at 9 × 106Mw. A highly disperse solution of polyacrylamide of 18 × 106 molecular weight retarded lambda DNA only slightly. Retardation decreased upon ultrafiltration of the polymer solutions, presumably through the decrease of their concentrations or adsorption of the largest chains within the size distribution.
Prediction of lidocaine tissue concentrations following different dose regimes during cardiac arrest using a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model

Abstract Background: The purpose of our study was to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model describing the behavior of lidocaine in humans by scaling up physiological variables from animal models of cardiac arrest. We attempted to identify the optimal dose regime for lidocaine during cardiac arrest using this model. Methods and results: We designed a flow-dependent PBPK model representing nine body tissues for lidocaine. Physiological organ flow rates, tissue volumes, and plasma-tissue partition parameters for lidocaine in humans were taken from the literature. Data from published animal studies were used to estimate loss of organ blood flow during cardiac arrest and lidocaine tissue partition coefficients. The model assumed a 70 kg cardiac arrest patient. The following five lidocaine dose regimes were simulated: (1) 4 mg/kg IV push (IVP) (2) 1.5 mg/kg IVP then 1.5 mg/kg IVP in 4 min, (3) 3 mg/kg IVP, (4) 2 mg/kg IVP, and (5) 1.5 mg/kg IVP. A simulation of Regimen 2, which is the current American Heart Association (AHA) recommendation, suggests that the concentration of lidocaine is suboptimal at the decision point (3–5 min) to administer another dose. Regimen 4 offers a slightly more rapid progress towards optimal cardiac concentrations and more acceptable brain concentrations compared to regimes 1–3. Conclusion: Simulations from our PBPK model suggest that the current AHA lidocaine dose regime for cardiac arrest may not result in optimal lidocaine concentrations in the heart and brain. Simulations suggest that 2 mg/kg IVP may be the most acceptable lidocaine dose regime during cardiac arrest.
Do client dependence and amount of audit fees affect lending decisions

Purpose – The objective of this paper is to examine whether lending decisions are affected by knowledge about the auditor's revenue dependence on a client and whether the amount spent by a company on audit fees (AF) affects lending decisions concerning the company.Design/methodology/approach – The approach used is a behavioral experiment where risk assessments and lending decisions are made by bank loan officers for four hypothetical lending scenarios.Findings – The paper finds that loan officers' decisions are not affected by knowledge about the size of a client's AF or by the auditor's revenue dependence on a client.Research limitations/implications – Lending officers typically obtain more information about a prospective borrower than is provided in the research questionnaire. As well, economic incentives such as being fired for making poor lending decisions are absent in the paper. Also, the AF variable is subject to two divergent interpretations.Practical implications – Lenders need not be provided wi...
Free energies and entropies of water molecules at the inhibitor-protein interface of DNA gyrase.

Complexes of the antibiotics novobiocin and clorobiocin with DNA gyrase are illustrative of the importance of bound water to binding thermodynamics. Mutants resistant to novobiocin as well as those with a decreased affinity for novobiocin over clorobiocin both involve a less favorable entropy of binding, which more than compensates for a more favorable enthalpy, and additional water molecules at the protein−ligand interface. Free energy, enthalpy, and entropy for these water molecules were calculated by thermodynamic integration computer simulations. The calculations show that addition of the water molecules is entropically unfavorable, with values that are comparable to the measured entropy differences. The free energies and entropies correlate with the change in the number of hydrogen bonds due to the addition of water molecules.
Need for Cognition and Electronic Health Literacy and Subsequent Information Seeking Behaviors Among University Undergraduate Students

1. Rebecca K. Britt[1][1] 2. Kristen Nicole Hatten[2][2] 1. 1The University of Akron, OH, USA 2. 2Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA 1. Rebecca K. Britt, The University of Akron, Kolbe Hall 105 E, East Buchtel Avenue, Akron, OH 44325, USA. Email: rivic{at}uakron.edu eHealth literacy (eHEALS) has yet to be examined with regard to need for cognition (NFC), as well as whether NFC moderates the relationship between eHealth literacy and seeking out online health information. Past research that has examined NFC as an interaction between whether interactivity on health web sites affected comprehension and attitudes, but no research to date has examined whether cognitive need interacts with eHEALS and subsequent information seeking behaviors. The present study tests eHEALS and its connection to need for cognition (NFC) in the role of online health information seeking behaviors. Results showed that high eHEALS individuals were more likely to seek out online health information and were more likely to have higher NFC scores. NFC did not emerge as a moderator on the relationship between eHealth literacy and online health information seeking behaviors. Future directions are discussed, in particular, examining eHEALS as a construct of efficacy and further need to examine eHEALS with need for cognition in health communication research. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #aff-2
Thermal-Boundary-Layer Response to Convected Far-Field Fluid Temperature Changes

Fluid flows of varying temperature occur in heat exchangers, nuclear reactors, nonsteady-flow devices, and combustion engines, among other applications with heat transfer processes that influence energy conversion efficiency. A general numerical method was developed with the capability to predict the transient laminar thermal-boundary-layer response for similar or nonsimilar flow and thermal behaviors. The method was tested for the step change in the far-field flow temperature of a two-dimensional semi-infinite flat plate with steady hydrodynamic boundary layer and constant wall temperature assumptions. Changes in the magnitude and sign of the fluid-wall temperature difference were considered, including flow with no initial temperature difference and built-up thermal boundary layer. The equations for momentum and energy were solved based on the Keller-box finite-difference method. The accuracy of the method was verified by comparing with related transient solutions, the steady-state solution, and by grid independence tests. The existence of a similarity solution is shown for a step change in the far-field temperature and is verified by the computed general solution. Transient heat transfer correlations are presented, which indicate that both magnitude and direction of heat transfer can be significantly different from predictions by quasi-steady models commonly used. The deviation is greater and lasts longer for large Prandtl number fluids.
Genotoxic effects of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human and rat mammary epithelial cells.

Five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of different carcinogenic activities were evaluated for their effects on DNA synthesis ({sup 3}HTdR labeling index (L.I.)) of rat and human mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and for their effects on chromosomes in MEC-mediated sister chromatid exchange (SCE) assays. When compared with DMSO-treated cells, exposures of rat MEC to the two most potent carcinogens, i.e., 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), resulted in a 45-62% reduction in the L.I. of rat MEC. Another carcinogen, 20-methylcholanthrene (MCA), produced a 35-48% reduction in L.I., while the noncarcinogenic PAHs, 1,2-benzanthracene (BA) and benzo(e)pyrene (B(e)P), showed no effect. Similarly, exposures of human MEC to DMBA and B(a)P resulted in a 50-90% depression in L.I. while BA was significantly less effective. When co-cultivated with Chinese hamster V-79 cells in the presence of PAH, both rat and human MEC can activate and release the active metabolites to induce SCE in V-79 cells. Comparing depression of L.I., SCE, and in vivo carcinogenicity for the 5 PAHs, SCE mediated by rat MEC is better correlated with carcinogenicity in rat than L.I. depression.
Characterization of the Ia antigens involved in suppressor T cell generation in the rat.

The WRC rat, an intra-class II recombinant strain (RT1.B β n B α a D α, β a ), was used to study the relative roles of the two class II loci in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) proliferation and suppressor T cell (Ts) generation. Both MLR proliferation and Ts generation were noted in cultures of WRC with DA (RTI a) stimulator cells. In contrast, cultures of WRC with BN (RT1sun ) stimulator cells proliferate but do not generate significant amounts of Ts. The data suggest that RT1.B β incompatibility is important in the generation of Ts in the WRC rat. Suppressor cells generated in cultures of WF (RT1 u ) with WRC stimulator cells potently suppressed a WF+WRCx test MLR, with less suppression when tested against either the WF+DAx or WF+BNx MLRs. The latter experiments suggest that Ts clones may be produced to either class II subregion, and therefore that MLR proliferation and Ts induction are not necessarily linked, but vary with particular genotypes. The current lack of other rat intra-class II recombinant strains precludes assignment of suppressor induction/activation to a single locus.
Nonequivalence of the nucleotide binding domains of the ArsA ATPase.

Abstract The arsRDABC operon of Escherichia coli plasmid R773 encodes the ArsAB pump that catalyzes extrusion of the metalloids As(III) and Sb(III), conferring metalloid resistance. The catalytic subunit, ArsA, is an ATPase with two homologous halves, A1 and A2, connected by a short linker. Each half contains a nucleotide binding domain. The overall rate of ATP hydrolysis is slow in the absence of metalloid and is accelerated by metalloid binding. The results of photolabeling of ArsA with the ATP analogue 8-azidoadenosine 5′-[α-32P]-triphosphate at 4 °C indicate that metalloid stimulation correlates with a >10-fold increase in affinity for nucleotide. To investigate the relative contributions of the two nucleotide binding domains to catalysis, a thrombin site was introduced in the linker. This allowed discrimination between incorporation of labeled nucleotides into the two halves of ArsA. The results indicate that both the A1 and A2 nucleotide binding domains bind and hydrolyze trinucleotide, even in the absence of metalloid. Sb(III) increases the affinity of the A1 nucleotide binding domain to a greater extent than the A2 nucleotide binding domain. The ATP analogue labeled with 32P at the γ position was used to measure hydrolysis of trinucleotide at 37 °C. Under these catalytic conditions, both nucleotide binding domains hydrolyze ATP, but hydrolysis in A1 is stimulated to a greater degree by Sb(III) than A2. These results suggest that the two homologous halves of the ArsA may be functionally nonequivalent.
Probing the catalytic properties of copper(II) complexes of appended cyclams: correlations between catalysis and stability constants or electrochemical properties

Abstract Copper(II) complexes were prepared from the dinucleating octadentate ligand tetra-1,4,8,11-(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (tpmc). The five-coordinate complexes [Cu 2 (tpmc)X](ClO 4 ) 3 (with X = F, Cl, Br, or I) were characterized by chemical analysis, absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The data show the dinuclear Cu(II) complexes to be five-coordinate with a bridging halide donor. All display chemically reversible redox behavior, with two one-electron reductions observed in acetonitrile at glassy carbon. The values for E 0′ range from 118 to − 126 mV vs SCE for the first reduction, and from − 122 to − 241 mV for the second reduction. Catalysis of the oxidation of 3,5,-di- tert -butylcatechol to 3,5-di- tert -butylquinone using these complexes was studied. Correlations among reactivity, binding constants, and reduction potentials were determined. These correlations show that the rate of the oxidation reaction is linearly correlated to the binding of the halide bridge; the most reactive complex ([Cu 2 (tpmc)I](ClO 4 ) 3 ) is the one with the smallest binding constant while the least reactive ([Cu 2 (tpmc)Cl](ClO 4 ) 3 ) has the largest binding constant. Electrochemical data showed a non-linear relationship between the complexes' ability to oxidize 3,5-di- tert -butylcatechnol and their reduction potentials. Comparisons to the naturally occurring enzyme tyrosinase are made.
Abstract 5132: 14-3-3sigma coordinates breast tumor invasion by regulating cytoskeletal dynamics

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC 14-3-3sigma was initially described as a tumor suppressor silenced in about 80% of breast tumors. Surprisingly however, in two independent culture models of breast cancer progression, we discovered 14-3-3sigma expression increased as cells transition towards malignancy, and that it contributed to motility and tumor invasion into surrounding tissues in vivo. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that 14-3-3sigma expression preferentially identified a subset of invasive breast carcinomas, and in independent breast cancer patient cohorts, 14-3-3sigma correlated with poor clinical outcome. We observed several lines of evidence that 14-3-3sigma regulates cytoskeletal architecture in cells, providing a molecular mechanism by which 14-3-3sigma may coordinate tumor progression and invasion. Funding is provided by a DOD BCRP Predoctoral Fellowship and a CBCRP Dissertation Award to AB, as well as DOE, NCI, NIH, and DOD grants to MJB. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5132.
A commentary on ‘The long road to publishing: A user-friendly exposé’

Paul de Lange (2005) has written an insightful account, based on his experience regarding the processing of his co-authored manuscript (de Lange et al., 2003), of some of the inner workings of the ...
Nonlinear Control of a Shape Memory Alloy Actuated Manipulator

This paper presents a nonlinear robust control algorithm for accurate positioning of a single degree of freedom rotary manipulator actuated by Shape Memory Alloy (SMA). A model for an SMA actuated manipulator is presented. The model includes nonlinear dynamics of the manipulator, a constitutive model of Shape Memory Alloy, and electrical and heat transfer behavior of SMA wire. This model is used for open and closed loop motion simulations of the manipulator Experiments are presented that show results similar to both closed and open loop simulation results. Due to modeling uncertainty and nonlinear behavior of the system, classic control methods such as Proportional-Integral-Derivative control are not able to present fast and accurate performance. Hence a nonlinear, robust control algorithm is presented based on Variable Structure Control. This algorithm is a control gain switching technique based on the weighted average of position and velocity feedbacks. This method has been designed through simulation and tested experimentally. Results show fast, accurate, and robust performance of the control system. Computer simulation and experimental results for different stabilization and tracking situations are also presented.
Life in the universe: bringing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) into elementary and middle school classrooms

The Life in the Universe Curriculum Development project has been a three year program which developed educational materials based on the SETI for use in elementary and middle school classrooms. The process and products are described in this paper.
Object Files Can Be Purely Episodic

Our ability to track an object as the same persisting entity over time and motion may primarily rely on spatiotemporal representations which encode some, but not all, of an object's features. Previous researchers using the 'object reviewing' paradigm have demonstrated that such representations can store featural information of well-learned stimuli such as letters and words at a highly abstract level. However, it is unknown whether these representations can also store purely episodic information (i.e. information obtained from a single, novel encounter) that does not correspond to pre-existing type-representations in long-term memory. Here, in an object-reviewing experiment with novel face images as stimuli, observers still produced reliable object-specific preview benefits in dynamic displays: a preview of a novel face on a specific object speeded the recognition of that particular face at a later point when it appeared again on the same object compared to when it reappeared on a different object (beyond display-wide priming), even when all objects moved to new positions in the intervening delay. This case study demonstrates that the mid-level visual representations which keep track of persisting identity over time--e.g. 'object files', in one popular framework can store not only abstract types from long-term memory, but also specific tokens from online visual experience.
Fathers and the Bodily Care of Their Infant Daughters

This article adds to information on the internal complexity of gender portraits, as well as a psychoanalytic subjective aspect to the small literature on hands-on infant caretaking by fathers. The clinical material, based on the treatment of three fathers of infant daughters, affirms othersm,' claims that fathers as primary caretakers can do well with their infants. The material provides evidence for countering essentialist biologic gendered notions that birthing females alone can accomplish these tasks; evidence that the infants' needs called forth elements of the men's capacity for symbiotic fantasy as bodily providers; associative links with their own internalized infant caretakers—usually women; and evidence that the storied male playful push toward a child's ability to separate may be connected to the sublimated uses of his sexual arousal in proximity to the child's body. The impact of the primary male caretaker with the female child provides a vivid corporeal template upon which to examine these issues.
Direct Computation of the Simultaneous Stone-Weierstrass Approximation of a Function and Its Partial Derivatives in Banach Spaces, and Combination with Hermite Interpolation

We present a new variant of the simultaneous Stone-Weierstrass approximation of a function and its partial derivatives, when the function takes its values in a Banach space, and provide an explicit and direct computation of this approximation. In the particular case of approximation by means of polynomials, we show that the simultaneous approximation can be required to be exact at a finite number of prescribed points.
Hemodynamic Effects of Acute Caffeine Ingestion in Young Adults

This study investigated hemodynamic effects of acute caffeine ingestion in young adults 21 to 26 years of age. Data showed an increase in heart rate corrected velocity of circumferential fiber shortening at an indexed afterload up to 4.5 hours following caffeine consumption.
Esophageal function testing: Role of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry

Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII-EM) is a relatively new technique that allows simultaneous measurement of intraesophageal pressures and bolus transit. Combined MII-EM has the ability to identify what percentage of manometric normal/peristaltic, ineffective, and simultaneous swallows have complete or incomplete bolus transit. Predictors of normal bolus transit in patients with ineffective esophageal motility are the distal esophageal amplitude, the number of sites with low amplitudes, and the overall number of manometric ineffective contractions. Outcome studies are necessary to evaluate whether combined MII-EM is superior to traditional manometry in evaluating patients with nonobstructive dysphagia and in identifying patients at risk for developing dysphagia after antireflux surgery.
Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center's Metabolic Newborn Screening Long-term Follow-up Study: a collaborative multi-site approach to newborn screening outcomes research.

Purpose: This article presents the rationale and design of the Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center's Metabolic Newborn Screening Long-Term Follow-up Study. Methods: This study is a collaboration of multi-site metabolic providers throughout the Mountain States region investigating the long-term outcomes of individuals with metabolic conditions detected by newborn screening. Results: The Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center's Metabolic Consortium developed disease-specific care plans that included baseline and follow-up datasets for all metabolic disorders detected by both standard and tandem mass spectrometry newborn screening. Conclusion: These disease-specific care plans are used at multiple metabolic clinics throughout the Mountain States region. The shared datasets consisting of both performance and outcome indicators will be used to explore questions related to the treatment and outcome of these rare metabolic disorders. They will be used to assess the impact of newborn screening by comparing those individuals detected by newborn screening with those individuals diagnosed clinically, therefore allowing the systematic investigation of factors that impact long-term outcome.
Organolanthanide-catalyzed dehydrogenative coupling of silanes : mechanistic implications

Organolanthanide complexes of the type Cp'2LnR (Cp' = eta-5-Me5C5; Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Y, Lu; R = Nd; R = CH(SiMe3)2), Cp'2Sm, and Cp'2Sm(THF)2 catalyze the rapid dehydrogenative oligomerization of PhSiH3. Kinetic and mechanistic arguments exclude the importance of metal-centered redox processes in the catalytic cycle and support instead ''four-center'' ''heterolytic'' bond-scission/bond-forming sequences.
Complications of selective percutaneous transfemoral coronary arteriography and their prevention. A review of 445 consecutive examinations.

Complications encountered during a typical 12-month period of routine work with the Judkins percutaneous transfemoral method of selective coronary arteriography are reviewed. In 445 examinations, 20 complications (16 local and four cardiac) occurred. Local complications included nine delayed hemorrhages, five thromboses of femoral arteries, and two peripheral emboli. Cardiac complications included one ventricular fibrillation, one significant bradyarrhythmia, and two myocardial infarctions. Causes of individual complications are analyzed and means for their prevention discussed. Guidelines of the procedure are proposed to minimize the complications of selective coronary arteriography. Emphasis is placed on patient evaluation, preparation for the procedure, and meticulous examination technique.
Rhetoric, technical writing, and ethics

Many outside science and engineering, especially social scientists and “rhetoricians”, claim that rhetoric, “the art of persuasion”, is an important part of technical communication. This claim is either trivial or false. If “persuasion” simply means “effective communication”, then, of course, rhetoric is an important part of technical communication. But, if “persuasion” has anything like its traditional meaning (a specific art of winning conviction), rhetoric is not an important part of technical communication; indeed, its use in technical communication would be unethical.
The Moderating Effect of Autism Symptomatology on Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in the general population and the prevalence of anxiety disorders for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is even higher. Researchers have shown how cognitive and adaptive functioning are related and affect anxiety symptoms in children as well as the high comorbidity with ASD. The aim of this study was to confirm those relationships and to examine the moderating effect of autism symptomatology in infants and toddlers. A sample of 2,366 infants and toddlers between the ages of 17 and 36 months of age was examined using a hierarchical moderation analysis. Post-hoc analyses were then completed to determine the source of any interaction. The relationship between autism symptomatology and anxiety was confirmed as was the relationship between Cognitive Developmental Quotient (DQ) and anxiety; adaptive DQ was found to be positively correlated with anxiety. The moderating effect of autism symptomatology between DQs individually and anxiety was statistically significant but with a small effect size. Autism symptomatology also moderated the relationship between Cognitive and Adaptive DQ with anxiety but with a negligible effect size.
Development and characterization of clinically relevant tumor models from patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Animal models are instrumental in understanding disease pathophysiology and mechanisms of therapy action and resistance in vivo. Objective: To establish and characterize a panel of mouse models of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) derived from patients undergoing radical nephrectomy. Design, setting, and participants: In vivo and in vitro animal experiments. Measurements: Tumor tissues obtained during surgery were implanted into the subcutaneous space of female BALB/c nude mice and serially passaged into new mice. Tumors were characterized by histology, short tandem repeat (STR) fingerprinting, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene sequencing, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with sunitinib or everolimus. Primary cell cultures were derived from patient tumors and transfected with a lentivirus carrying the luciferase gene. Four subcutaneous xenograft mouse models were developed, representing papillary type 1, papillary type 2, clear cell, and clear cell with sarcomatoid features RCC. Results and limitations: RCC mouse models were established from four patients with distinct histologies of RCC. Tumor growth was dependent on histologic type, the size of the implanted tumor chip, and the passage number. Mouse tumors accurately represented their respective original patient tumors, as STR fingerprints were matching, histology was comparable, and SNP profiles and VHL mutation status were conserved with multiple passages. Bioluminescence imaging results were commensurate with subcutaneous xenograft growth patterns. Mice treated with sunitinib and everolimus exhibited an initial response, followed by a later stage of resistance to these agents, which mimics the clinical observations in patients with RCC. Conclusions: We developed four mouse xenograft models of RCC with clear-cell and papillary histologies, with stable histologic and molecular characteristics. These models can be used to understand the basic biology of RCC as well as response and resistance to therapy.
Transport of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Microspheres in Biochar-Amended Soils with Different Textures

The incorporation of biochar into soils has been proposed as a means to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. An added environmental benefit is that biochar has been shown to increase soil retention of agrochemicals, and recent research has indicated that biochar may be effective in increasing soil retention of bacteria. In this study we investigate the transport behavior of O157:H7, serovar Typhimurium, and carboxylated polystyrene microspheres in water-saturated column experiments for two soils (fine sand and sandy loam) amended with 2% poultry litter or pine chip biochars pyrolyzed at 350 and 700°C. Adding poultry litter biochar pyrolyzed at 350°C did not improve soil retention of either bacteria in fine sand and even facilitated their transport in sandy loam. Addition of either biochar pyrolyzed at 700°C generally improved retention of bacteria in fine sand, with the pine chip biochars being more effective in limiting their transport. Results from the column studies and auxiliary batch studies suggest that changes in cell retention after biochar amendments were likely due to changes in bacterial attachment in the column and not to physical straining or changes in survivability. We also found that changes in bacterial hydrophobicity after biochar amendments were generally correlated with changes in bacterial retention. The influence of biochar amendment in increasing retention of both bacteria was generally more pronounced in fine sand and indicates that soil texture affects the transport behavior of bacteria through biochar-amended soils.
Evaluation of Postoperative Radioactive Iodine Scans in Patients who Underwent Prophylactic Central Lymph Node Dissection

Background Prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) accompanying total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remains controversial. Our hypothesis is that CLND may help select patients who benefit from postoperative radioactive iodine (RAI).
Solution x-ray scattering-based estimation of electron cryomicroscopy imaging parameters for reconstruction of virus particles.

Abstract Structure factor amplitudes and phases can be computed directly from electron cryomicroscopy images. Inherent aberrations of the electromagnetic lenses and other instrumental factors affect the structure factors, however, resulting in decreased accuracy in the determined three-dimensional reconstruction. In contrast, solution x-ray scattering provides absolute and accurate measurement of spherically averaged structure factor amplitudes of particles in solution but does not provide information on the phases. In the present study, we explore the merits of using solution x-ray scattering data to estimate the imaging parameters necessary to make corrections to the structure factor amplitudes derived from electron cryomicroscopic images of icosahedral virus particles. Using 400-kV spot-scan images of the bacteriophage P22 procapsid, we have calculated an amplitude contrast of 8.0±5.2%. The amplitude decay parameter has been estimated to be 523±188A 2 with image noise compensation and 44±66A 2 without it. These results can also be used to estimate the minimum number of virus particles needed for reconstruction at different resolutions.
Bulk service queues with deviations from departure schedules: The problem of correlated headways

Abstract The usual approach to studying bulk service queues is to assume that successive headways are independent. This assumption is frequently violated in systems where vehicles depart according to a fixed schedule, but where deviations from the schedule may occur. A late departure implies there is one long headway followed by a shorter one. This problem is solved exactly using both classical transform techniques and iterative numerical methods. Experiments with the latter approach are presented, and comparisons between the exact results and those obtained by ignoring correlations between headways are performed. The results suggest that upper and lower bounds may be developed using existing results, where the upper bound is accurate in light traffic while the lower bound is accurate in heavy traffic.
Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase dependent MAP kinase activation via p21ras in endothelial cells exposed to cyclic strain.

Hemodynamic forces play a key role in the modulation of the morphology and function of the endothelium by activating several kinases. We have previously shown that cyclic strain, a repetitive mechanical stretch, induces activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), members of the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase family. In order to investigate the upstream pathway of strain-induced ERK1/2 activation, we examined p21ras activation by cyclic strain and the effect of wortmannin and LY294002, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitors on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Cyclic strain induced a transient and rapid activation of p21ras at 1 min after strain. Wortmannin inhibited strain-induced ERK1/2 activation by 56.3 and 86.3 %, respectively. LY294002 inhibited ERK1 activation completely and ERK2 activation by 42.9%. These results suggest a possible involvement of p21ras and PI 3-kinase in the signal transduction pathway leading to the strain-induced ERK1/2 activation.
Catalytic synthesis of biodiesel from high free fatty acid-containing feedstocks

Recyclable and reusable heterogeneous diarylammonium catalysts are highly effective in catalyzing the esterification of the free fatty acid (FFA) present in greases to methyl esters to reduce the FFA content from 12–40 wt% to 0.5–1 wt%; the resulting ester–glyceride mixture (pretreated grease) could then be readily converted to methyl esters by base-catalyzed transesterification.
Distributions across the plume of transverse liquid and slurry jets in supersonic airflow

Liquid and slurry jets were injected through a circular orifice transverse to a M = 3 airflow. Mass samples of both jets were taken across the plume 30 injector diameters downstream. Pitot and static pressure surveys were taken across the liquid jet. These data allowed the calculation across the liquid jet plume of the Mach number, air mass flow, liquid-to-air ratio, and momentum flux. In the center third of the plume area, there is a core region of subsonic airflow that carries two-thirds of the mass collected in the plume. In the core, the liquid mass flow is nearly constant from side to side at a given height and the average velocity of the liquid is only 30-60% of the local air velocity. A supersonic mixing region surrounds the core region. Comparison with these direct sampling results indicate that correlations developed from photography are inadequate in determining the penetration and width of either jet. The slurry jet showed substantial phase separation. When a 30% mass-loaded slurry of 1-5 p,m silicon dioxide particles mixed with water was injected, the local loading varied from a low of 13% at the bottom of the plume to 100% outside the plume.
The importance of early weight gain in the intrauterine growth and birth weight of twins.

Abstract Objective: It was our objective to evaluate the association between early maternal weight gain (before 20 weeks), midpregnancy weight gain (20-28 weeks), and late pregnancy weight gain (28 weeks to birth) with fetal growth and birth weight in twins. Study Design: This historic cohort study was based on 1564 births of live twins ≥28 weeks' gestation from Baltimore, Maryland, Miami, Florida, Charleston, South Carolina, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Results: Early fetal growth was affected only by smoking and chorionicity. Factors in models of both mid and late fetal growth included maternal age, pregravid weight, parity, rates of early pregnancy and midpregnancy maternal weight gain, smoking, and pre-eclampsia. Increased midpregnancy fetal growth was associated with early maternal weight gain (10.91 g/wk per pound per week) and midpregnancy maternal weight gain (15.89 g/wk per pound per week). Increased late fetal growth was associated with early maternal weight gain (16.86 g/wk per pound per week) and midpregnancy maternal weight gain (23.88 g/wk per pound per week). Increased birth weight was associated with early (283.02 g per pound per week), mid (163.58 g per pound per week), and late (69.76 g per pound per week) maternal weight gains. Conclusions: These findings confirm the importance of early maternal weight gain in twin fetal growth and birth weight. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;179:1155-61.)
Leaching Kinetics of Platinum and Palladium from Spent Automotive Catalysts

Abstract Empirical rate expressions for both platinum and palladium were obtained from mass balances and concentration-time data in a packed bed reactor using different (HCl):(HNO3) leaching solution concentration ratios. The spent catalysts used in this study (-60+70 mesh to -120+140 mesh) were analyzed to be 3791 ppm platinum and 1306 ppm palladium. High initial rates for both platinum and palladium were obtained for the early stages of leaching and were followed by rapid decay up to about 110 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. Typical concentrations in the leached solution were about 40 ppm Pt and 20 ppm Pd after about 5 hours for the experimental conditions used. The extent of reaction for platinum was in the 90 percent range while that of the palladium was in the 70 percent range.
Patterns of parental socialization of the preventive health behavior of young Mexican origin children

Thirty-eight (38) Mexican origin preschool children and their mothers (and 44 Euro-American mothers and their preschool children) residing in the southwestern U.S. were participants in a study of patterns of maternal socialization of children's preventive health behaviors. Mothers reported their parenting practices by completing questionnaires about their health beliefs, parenting beliefs, and parenting practices. Children's handwashing, healthy food selection, and danger avoidance were independently reported by the children's preschool teachers. Patterns of parent beliefs and parenting practices that contributed to children's autonomous performance of healthy and safe behavior, as reported independently by the children's teachers, were identified. Moreover, these patterns were unique and not similarly associated with the successful maternal health socialization of the Euro-American preschoolers. In addition, the findings demonstrated some domain specificity of Mexican origin maternal socialization practices whereby specific parenting strategies were differentially related to three different healthy and safe behaviors. Theoretically, the findings of this study provide information about unique family processes associated with ethnicity that impact on the parenting behavior of Mexican origin parents and that serve to socialize young children's health and safety. These findings can additionally inform culturally appropriate interventions designed to improve children's health outcomes.
Numerical model validation and prediction of mist/steam cooling in a 180-degree bend tube

Abstract To achieve higher efficiency target of the advanced turbine systems, the closed-loop steam cooling scheme is employed to cool the airfoil. It is proven from the experimental results at laboratory working conditions that injecting mist into steam can significantly augment the heat transfer in the turbine blades with several fundamental studies. The mist cooling technique has to be tested at gas turbine working conditions before implementation. Realizing the fact that conducting experiment at gas turbine working condition would be expensive and time consuming, the computational simulation is performed to get a preliminary evaluation on the potential success of mist cooling at gas turbine working conditions. The present investigation aims at validating a CFD model against experimental results in a 180-degree tube bend and applying the model to predict the mist/steam cooling performance at gas turbine working conditions. The results show that the CFD model can predict the wall temperature within 8% of experimental steam-only flow and 16% of mist/steam flow condition. Five turbulence models have been employed and their results are compared. Inclusion of radiation into CFD model causes noticeable increase in accuracy of prediction. The reflect Discrete Phase Model (DPM) wall boundary condition predicts better than the wall-film boundary condition. The CFD simulation identifies that mist impingement over outer wall is the cause for maximum mist cooling enhancement at 45° of bend portion. The computed results also reveal the phenomenon of mist secondary flow interaction at bend portion, adding the mist cooling enhancement at the inner wall. The validated CFD simulation predicts that average of 100% mist cooling enhancement can be achieved by injecting 5% mist at elevated GT working condition.
Ground-Water Flow in the Coastal Plain Aquifers of South Carolina

The characteristics of the Coastal Plain aquifers of South Carolina are being studied as a part of the Regional Aquifer System Analysis program of the United States Geological Survey. Potentiometric maps were constructed for the Middendorf aquifer of Cretaceous age and for the Floridan aquifer system and its sand facies equivalent, Tertiary sand aquifer, prior to development. Also constructed was a potentiometric decline map for the period prior to development to November 1982 for the Middendorf aquifer. These maps are used to describe the ground-water flow system. The Coastal Plain aquifers are recharged primarily by precipitation in their outcrop areas. Ground water flows from these areas of recharge, through the aquifers, and discharges to upper Coastal Plain rivers, overlying aquifers as upward leakage, and wells. Ground-water flow in the Floridan aquifer system and the Tertiary sand aquifer prior to development is generally perpendicular to the coast. Predevelopment flow in the Cretaceous aquifers, however, turns northeastward as it approaches the coast, almost paralleling the coast. The change in flow direction is caused by less effective intervening confining units, the aquifers being closer to the land surface, and the rivers at lower altitudes farther upstream in the vicinity of the North Carolina/South Carolina State line. Water-level declines in the Cretaceous aquifers have occurred throughout much of the eastern part of the Coastal Plain of South Carolina due to pumpage in the Myrtle Beach and Florence areas. Large areally extensive water-level declines have also occurred in the Floridan aquifer system in South Carolina due to pumpage in the Savannah, Georgia area.