cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Beyond Academic Intelligence: Increasing College Success for Students on the Autism Spectrum

Students on the autism spectrum are attending colleges and universities in vastly increasing numbers. Though these students are typically very bright and academically capable of succeeding in higher education, achieving success in college goes far beyond academics. Being a college student, especially on a residential campus, requires many other life and social skills, as well as a certain degree of independence and self-motivation; therefore, it is essential that students choose a college that has programs, services, and resources appropriate for their needs. Keywords: autism support programs; college and autism; college and autism spectrum; disability services
Sleep and Biological Clocks

Human behavioral and physiological processes are under the dual control of circadian rhythmicity and sleep-wake homeostasis. In mammalian species, the underlying mechanism for the generation of most circadian rhythms is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Sleep-wake homeostasis is an hourglass-like mechanism relating sleep propensity and intensity to the duration of prior wakefulness. Studies under “constant routine conditions” have facilitated the detection of circadian and sleep regulation and have delineated the temporal variations over the 24-hr day of subjective alertness (or its antonym, subjective sleepiness), cognitive performance (i.e. objective alertness), and mood, as well as endocrine, metabolic, and cardiovascular function. Subjective and objective alertness vary in parallel, with detectable decreases starting around the usual bedtime until a minimum is reached in the early morning hours, and then increase during the daytime hours. Decreased sleep quality and sleep loss due to voluntary behavioral alterations or to pathological conditions are associated with disturbances of a variety of neurobehavioral, physiological parameters, as well as of subjective alertness, mood, and cognitive performance. Aging is commonly associated with pronounced alterations of both the homeostatic process and the circadian pacemaker. Strategies to improve sleep quality may have beneficial effects on mental and physical well-being. Keywords: aging; circadian rhythms; endocrine rhythms; REM sleep; sleep deprivation; slow-wave sleep; vigilance
Analysis of gunshot residue test results in 112 suicides.

The results of gunshot residue (GSR) tests in 112 suicide cases investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command over a ten-year period are described. Only suicide cases in which there was certainty that the victim fired a weapon were examined in an effort to reduce ambiguous results. Previous case work research by Rudzitis indicated that positive GSR test results were encountered in suicides 62% of the time using various combinations of neutron activation analysis (NAA) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Threshold values of 0.2-micrograms antimony and 0.3-micrograms barium (0.2-micrograms antimony and 0.5-micrograms barium after 1985) used by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory resulted in positive GSR results in suicide cases 38% of the time. The effects of time, location of body, handling of the body, weapon type, caliber, and condition of the hands on GSR results are examined. Case studies involving suicides by unit armorers are discussed.
Design and application of rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes for the dissimilatory iron- and manganese-reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens.

Abstract A 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probe specific for the iron (Fe3+)- and manganese (Mn4+)-reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens was constructed and tested in both laboratory- and field-based hybridization experiments. The radioactively labeled probe was used to detect S. putrefaciens in field samples collected from the water column and sediments of Oneida Lake in New York and its major southern tributary, Chittenango Creek. S. putrefaciens was quantified by (i) hybridization of the probe to bulk RNA extracted from field samples and normalization of the S. putrefaciens-specific rRNA to total eubacterial rRNA, (ii) a colony-based probe hybridization assay, and (iii) a colony-based biochemical assay which detected the formation of iron sulfide precipitates on triple-sugar iron agar. The results of field applications indicated that the three detection methods were comparable in sensitivity for detecting S. putrefaciens in water column and sediment samples. S. putrefaciens rRNA was detected in the surficial layers of the lake and creek sediments, but the levels of S. putrefaciens rRNA were below the detection limits in the lake and creek water samples. The highest concentrations of S. putrefaciens rRNA, corresponding to approximately 2% of the total eubacterial rRNA, were detected in the surficial sediments of Chittenango Creek and at a midlake site where the Oneida Lake floor is covered by a high concentration of ferromanganese nodules. This finding supports the hypothesis that metal-reducing bacteria such as S. putrefaciens are important components in the overall biogeochemical cycling of iron, manganese and other elements in seasonally anoxic freshwater basins.
Testing Statistical Agreement Based on Unbalanced Paired Data

Assessing agreement between two methods of continuous measurement plays a vital role in deciding if one of the methods (newer or cheaper) can be adopted in future experiments. Assuming a bivariate normal distribution for the responses from the two methods, we derive the likelihood ratio test for a combined hypothesis of equality of means, equality of variances and a known high value of pairwise correlation based on unbalanced paired data. This situation arises when one observes multiple replications of one response (cheaper) for a specified single value of the other response (costlier) from sampled units. Our results provide a generalization of Yimprayoon, Tiensuwan and Sinha (2006). An example in the context of a USEPA application is highlighted.
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein Deletion in Efferent Olivocochlear Neurons Perturbs Afferent Synaptic Maturation and Reduces the Dynamic Range of Hearing

Normal hearing requires proper differentiation of afferent ribbon synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) that carry acoustic information to the brain. Within individual IHCs, presynaptic ribbons show a size gradient with larger ribbons on the modiolar face and smaller ribbons on the pillar face. This structural gradient is associated with a gradient of spontaneous rates and threshold sensitivity, which is essential for a wide dynamic range of hearing. Despite their importance for hearing, mechanisms that direct ribbon differentiation are poorly defined. We recently identified adenomatous polyposis coli protein (APC) as a key regulator of interneuronal synapse maturation. Here, we show that APC is required for ribbon size heterogeneity and normal cochlear function. Compared with wild-type littermates, APC conditional knock-out (cKO) mice exhibit decreased auditory brainstem responses. The IHC ribbon size gradient is also perturbed. Whereas the normal-developing IHCs display ribbon size gradients before hearing onset, ribbon sizes are aberrant in APC cKOs from neonatal ages on. Reporter expression studies show that the CaMKII-Cre used to delete the floxed APC gene is present in efferent olivocochlear (OC) neurons, not IHCs or SGNs. APC loss led to increased volumes and numbers of OC inhibitory dopaminergic boutons on neonatal SGN fibers. Our findings identify APC in efferent OC neurons as essential for regulating ribbon heterogeneity, dopaminergic terminal differentiation, and cochlear sensitivity. This APC effect on auditory epithelial cell synapses resembles interneuronal and nerve–muscle synapses, thereby defining a global role for APC in synaptic maturation in diverse cell types. Significance Statement This study identifies novel molecules and cellular interactions that are essential for the proper maturation of afferent ribbon synapses in sensory cells of the inner ear, and for normal hearing.
Big Data's Other Privacy Problem

Big Data has not one privacy problem, but two. We are accustomed to talking about surveillance of data subjects. But Big Data also enables disconcertingly close surveillance of its users. The questions we ask of Big Data can be intensely revealing, but, paradoxically, protecting subjects' privacy can require spying on users. Big Data is an ideology of technology, used to justify the centralization of information and power in data barons, pushing both subjects and users into a kind of feudal subordination. This short and polemical essay uses the Bloomberg Terminal scandal as a window to illuminate Big Data's other privacy problem.
Structural and Functional Studies of Bacterial TrkG Potassium Transporters

The TrkG/TrkH family K+ transporters are essential for survival of bacteria in low potassium media. Active transport of K+ is likely achieved by coupled transport of either Na+ or H+. Based on sequence homology and mutational studies, it has been proposed that a TrkG or TrkH protein has four homologous repeats that assemble in a K+ channel-like architecture. Since the putative selectivity filter region of the transporter has very little sequence identity to that of a K+ channel, it is unclear how K+ selectivity is achieved. Furthermore, how a channel-like architecture supports the function of active transport of K+ remains a mystery. In addition, all TrkG/TrkH proteins assemble with a cytosolic domain, TrkA, which binds to ATP or NAD, and the function of TrkA is unknown. To address these questions, we first took a structural genomics approach to identify proteins suitable for structural studies. 90 TrkG/TrkH genes were cloned from 57 prokaryotic genomes and their expression was examined in E. coli. 5 of the clones expressed higher than 0.25 mg/liter cell culture and the stability of the purified protein in various detergents was then analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography. 3 of them exhibited a mono-disperse chromatography profile, and were pursued for crystallization. For these three transporters, their corresponding TrkA protein was cloned and co-expressed, and one yielded a stable complex which could be purified to homogeneity. Crystallization of the transporters, alone or in complex with TrkA, is ongoing. In parallel, functional studies confirmed their role as K+ transporters in complementation studies using a K+ uptake deficient E. coli strain transformed with a plasmid carrying the cloned TrkG/TrkH gene(s). Equilibrium binding studies using 35S-ATP, 3H-NAD, or 86Rb+ with the purified complex further showed that it retained its function in detergent-solubilized form.
The Processes Taking Place in the Body by Which the Number of Erythrocytes Per Unit Volume of Blood is Increased in Acute Experimental Polycythaemia.

In a previous communication to the PROCEEDINGS1 I reviewed the work of the past on polycythaemia, and reported a series of experiments carried out in the hope of determining if possible the process by which the number of erythrocytes per unit volume of blood is increased in acute experimental polycythaemia. Since then further experiments have been undertaken, some of which have already been reported.2 The results of these experiments, and others about to be published, are collected here in a brief summary of this work up to the present time. This complicated problem may be divided into four main parts: (1) The causes capable of producing an increase in number of erythrocytes per unit volume of blood. (2) Localization of these processes. (3) The manner in which the number of erythrocytes is increased. (4) The mechanism by which the red corpuscle content of the blood is controlled.
Further contribution to the conceptual validity of the unified biosocial model of personality : US and Yugoslav data

In this study, the conceptual validity of the unified model of personality, postulated by Cloninger (1987) and measured by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), is tested in diverse Yugoslav and American societies. The issue of cross-cultural sensitivity of personality studies and the methodology that minimizes distortions and alternative explanations are discussed in detail. Similar personality structures were observed in the Yugoslav and US samples. Differences in novelty seeking (NS, attributed to age differences between the two samples) and harm avoidance (HA, possibly due to long-standing socioeconomic instability in Yugoslavia) are consistent with the unified biosocial theory of personality. Also, the TPQ was found to be psychometrically sound and valid for further research, although some revision in the reward dependence (RD) scale is warranted.
Risk factors for conversion to permanent ventricular shunt in patients receiving therapeutic ventriculostomy for traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial pressure is routinely monitored in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients with TBI sometimes develop hydrocephalus, requiring permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the need for permanent CSF diversion in patients with TBI. METHODS: Patients who received a ventriculostomy after TBI between June 2007 and July 2008 were identified, and their medical records were abstracted to a database. RESULTS: Sixteen of 71 patients (22.5%) receiving a ventriculostomy required a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt before discharge from the hospital. The average number of days between ventriculostomy and shunt was 18.3. Characteristics that predispose these patients to require permanent CSF diversion include the need for craniotomy within 48 hours of admission (odds ratio, 5.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-18.35) and history of culture-positive CSF (odds ratio, 5.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-25.52). Length of stay was increased in patients receiving permanent CSF diversion (average length of stay, 61 vs 31 days; P = .04). Patient discharge disposition was similar between shunted and nonshunted patients. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, 22% of TBI patients who required a ventriculostomy eventually needed permanent CSF diversion. Patients with TBI should be assessed for the need for permanent CSF diversion before discharge from the hospital. Care must be taken to prevent ventriculitis. Future studies are needed to evaluate more thoroughly the risk factors for the need for permanent CSF diversion in this patient population.
Resolving power of 3D x-ray microtomography systems

The use of x-ray microtomography to evaluate 3D volumes of bone has become wide spread with the introduction of numerous commercial systems intended for the examination of small animals and specimens. However, a consistent method for describing the spatial resolution has not been employed in characterizing the performance of these units. In this paper, we report the blur factors which contribute to a system's performance, methods to experimentally assess the performance of microtomography system components, and an experimental method to assess tomographic resolving power. By scanning a 1.5 mm diameter ruby sphere, the overall system resolving power of a classic microtomography system was measured to have a 98 micron FWHM of a determined plane spread function, while the FWHM for a contemporary system was determined to be 23 microns.
Survey of classification practices and needs: Technical working area 14 on the classification of advanced ceramics

Abstract Currently, there is no accepted classification system in place for advanced ceramics, products, and what is evolving through common practice is discordant among ceramic producers and users within nations and between nations. One of the first activities undertaken by the Task Group of VAMAS Technical Working Area 14 was a comprehensive survey to assess the classification practices and preferences of industry. Questionnaires were distributed to ceramic producers, users and RD 4.2. (b) by the major functional use, such as electrical, mechanical, etc. Both are viewed as primary identification characteristics and generally are used simultaneously. 5. (5) There was general consensus by industry that there is a pronounced need for a broad-based, multipurpose classification system for advanced ceramics. Once developed, the system should be administered and maintained by a standards organization or a professional society. The essential categorization elements must include the designation of end-use application functions and the defining chemical character of the product. Other distinguishing features, such as properties, must be identified, but as a subset in a hierarchical classification scheme.
Electroactive actuator materials: investigations on stress and temperature characteristics

The quasistatic electromechanical and dielectric behaviors of different electroactive actuator materials are investigated under the simultaneous influence of uniaxial stress and temperature at high driving field. An experimental setup capable of applying 9000 newtons of uniaxial force was carefully designed, based on a precisely guided steel frame. Extra caution was taken to minimize the effects of mis-alignment and contact surface clamping. The materials examined in this study include a prospective PLSnZT anitferroelectric ceramics which is currently under development, as well as electrostrictive ceramics, namely PMN-PT 90/10 and PMN-PT 76/24. To assess the applicability of these materials in real systems, multilayer stacks were assembled and their response to stress and temperature was examined. The overall strain of the PLSnZT composition showed increases with increasing uniaxial stress. This might be the result of re-orientation of antiferroelectric domains under pre-stress. It also showed excellent stability in strain over the temperature range 20 to 75°C under stress as high as 100 MPa. In contrast, the electrostrictive ceramics are less dependent on stress than antiferroelectrics but more susceptible to temperature changes.
The effects of manipulation of sedimentary iron and organic matter on sediment biogeochemistry and seagrasses in a subtropical carbonate environment

The microbial metabolism of organic matter (OM) in seagrass beds can create sulfidic conditions detrimental to seagrass growth; iron (Fe) potentially has ameliorating effects through titration of the sulfides and the precipitation of iron-sulfide minerals into the sediment. In this study, the biogeochemical effects of Fe availability and its interplay with sulfur and OM on sulfide toxicity, phosphorous (P) availability, seagrass growth and community structure were tested. The availability of Fe and OM was manipulated in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment arranged in a Latin square, with four replicates per treatment. The treatments included the addition of Fe, the addition of OM, the addition of both Fe and OM as well as no addition. The experiment was conducted in an oligotrophic, iron-deficient seagrass bed. Fe had an 84.5% retention efficiency in the sediments with the concentration of Fe increasing in the seagrass leaves over the course of the experiment. Porewater chemistry was significantly altered with a dramatic decrease in sulfide levels in Fe addition plots while sulfide levels increased in the OM addition treatments. Phosphorus increased in seagrass leaves collected in the Fe addition plots. Decreased sulfide stress was evidenced by heavier δ34S in leaves and rhizomes from plots to which Fe was added. The OM addition negatively affected seagrass growth but increased P availability; the reduced sulfide stress in Fe added plots resulted in elevated productivity. Fe availability may be an important determinant of the impact that OM has on seagrass vitality in carbonate sediments vegetated with seagrasses.
A model for an omnidirectional radiometer

Most radiometers are directionally sensitive. Measuring optical radiation in a given environment is typically done using a collection aperture pointing in the direction of the optical source. The collection aperture has a limited field of view, and the collection efficiency decreases as the angle from direct line of sight increases. Thus, radiometers typically have a limited solid angle for viewing sources. This paper describes a model of an omnidirectional, multi-channel, rotating radiometer that provides a framework for acquiring spatially comprehensive radiometric data from an environment. By exploiting the spatial diversity of multiple collection apertures in multiple directions, sources from all directions are measured via three-dimensional scanning. As the radiometer rotates, data are collected that denote the radiant flux seen by each collection aperture as a function of time. These waveforms are used to determine the directions and magnitudes of electromagnetic sources in the environment without requiring a priori knowledge about the directions of specific sources.
Purification and chemical characterization of the major glycoprotein of avian myeloblastosis virus.

Abstract The major glycoprotein of avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) has been purified to an apparent state of homogeneity by gel filtration on a Sepharose 4B column in the presence of 6 m guanidine hydrochloride followed by dialysis against distilled water and then extraction with chloroform-methanol. The AMV glycoprotein remains soluble in the aqueous phase whereas contaminating proteins precipitate, either upon dialysis against distilled water or after treatment with chloroform-methanol. Carbohydrate, represented by glucosamine, mannose, galactose, fucose, and sialic acid, constitutes 40% of the weight of AMV glycoprotein. Glucosamine is the major carbohydrate component whereas fucose and sialic acid are present in relatively low amount. Amino acid analysis indicates a relatively high content of aspartic and glutamic acid, serine, threonine, and glycine. Based on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a molecular weight value of 77,500 ± 500 was determined for AMV glycoprotein.
CA-15.3 assay in effusions : Comparison with carcinoembryonic antigen and CA-125 assay and cytologic diagnosis

Objective To compare the sensitivity of CA-15.3 with cytologic diagnosis and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA-125 content and to determine if elevated CA-15.3 suggests a breast primary. Study design A retrospective study of 111 consecutive effusions. CEA was measured by enzyme immunoassay (cutoff > 5 ng/mL), CA-125 by radioimmunoassay (cutoff > 5,000 micron/mL) and CA-15.3 by radioimmunoassay (cutoff > 15 micron/mL). Results were correlated with cytologic diagnosis, histology (when available), clinical and radiologic data, and follow-up. Results The results were: benign, 39; malignant, 72; sensitivities and specificities: cytology, 76%/100%; CEA, 80%/97%; CA-125 22%/100%; and CA-15.3, 69%/89%. The sensitivity of CEA and cytology was 97% and of CA-15.3 and cytology, 87%. Neither mean (293.4 micron/mL) nor range of CA-15.3 predicted a breast primary. Falsely elevated CEA and CA-15.3 were noted in ascites with fecal contents from colonic perforation. High CA-125 and low CEA predicted an ovarian/endometrial primary. Conclusion CA-15.3 assay in effusions is not recommended since it neither enhances the sensitivity of cytologic diagnosis nor predicts a breast primary.
Is aging preprogrammed? Observations from the brain/gut axis.

Abstract Age related differential gene expression occurs in the neuro-enteral axis. Brain and gut organ weight, total RNA, total protein and three peptides were quantified in 4-, 10- and 37-week-old Sprague—Dawley rats. As animals aged, total RNA decreased in the brain (0.65 ± 0.3—0.28 ± 0.03 mg/g), but remained stable in the gut (2.6 ± 0.3—2.9 ± 0.4 mg/g). Total protein concentration rose in the duodenum (612 ± 28—734 ± 34 mg/g), while levels remained stable in the brain (641 ± 54—666 ± 34 mg/g). Three peptides were studied, cholecystokinin (CCK), VIP and secretin. With increasing age, significant changes were found only in CCK a true neural-enteral peptide. The concentration of smaller molecular forms of CCK decreased in the brain (248 ± 18—188 ± 21 pmol/g), while they remained stable in the duodenum (33 ± 2—36 ± 3 pmol/g). By contrast, the concentration of the larger forms of CCK were stable in the brain (36 ± 3—40 ± 4 pmol/g), but rose in the gut (89 ± 14—134 ± 17 pmol/g). These data indicate that as rats age there is preprogrammed differential control of gene expression between brain and intestine.
Formation of Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers in Sterile Culture

DURING the development of shoots of Helianthus tuberosus L. in sterile in vitro culture, swollen, ellipsoidal structures bearing scale leaves, and producing roots, were formed. These structures resemble, and are considered to be, tubers. The shoot cultures were derived originally from the growth of sterilized ‘eyes’ of tubers (artichoke strain P 17 of Nitsch and Nitsch1). From a leafy shoot growing in sterile culture, a section of stem 1 cm. long, including a single node with its pair of foliage leaves, was taken as explant, and was placed on a complex medium containing salts, 2 per cent sucrose, naphthalene-acetic acid (0.01 mgm./l.), casein hydrolysate, and coconut milk. The composition of the medium is given by Marsden and Wetmore2, except that cysteine and urea were omitted. When kept at 25° C. in a 12-hr, day at the relatively low light intensity afforded by pairs of fluorescent lamps and tungsten lamps at a distance of about 1 m., one or both axillary buds of the explant grew out into elongated shoots bearing foliage leaves (referred to hereafter as long shoots). Tubers were first noticed forming sporadically in such cultures, either at the base, or in the axils at recently formed nodes, or at the shoot apex. Fig. 1A shows a culture of the latter type, in which roots are forming abundantly from the tuber even though it is wholly in the air. The tubers would continue to grow if the entire culture, or the portion bearing the tuber, were transferred to new medium at intervals of about a month, and they could attain lengths of several centimetres; some, however, ‘bolted’ after transfer, that is, the apex grew out as a long shoot.
Strange bedfellows: recovering the origins of black english

L'A. effectue un rapport critique de l'ouvrage edite par S. Poplack (The English History of African American English, 2000) et qui regroupe un ensemble d'articles sur l'anglais afro-americain et son origine. Ces contributions s'inscrivent dans le courant de la Nouvelle Dialectologie qui s'oppose a la vision pronee a travers l'hypothese creoliste et affirme que l'anglais afro-americain serait une variante non standard de l'anglais et ne serait pas apparente a un creole. Ainsi l'hypothese dialectologique ne s'appuie pas sur une ideologie mais sur des donnees empiriques non explorees depuis 1980. L'A. discute des arguments avances a travers les differents articles qui offrent un large eventail des recherches menees dans multiples domaines grammaticaux de cette variete linguistique.
The power of analytical methods for measuring suspected endocrine disrupting compounds: a pilot field study

International awareness of the potential hazards posed by endocrine disrupting compounds has led to several programs to optimize the selection, sampling, and analysis of a wide variety of media. The interpretation of analytical results and any subsequent regulatory changes can only be as reliable as the weakest link in the protocol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently engaged in a multi-disciplinary project to ensure that the analytical methods used are sufficient for the task. The Neuse River in North Carolina was chosen for a pilot study because of its geographic scale, contaminant spectrum, and potential for human and ecological exposure. Methods are being developed or modified for the study. Samples taken in 1998 are being analyzed to determine contaminant levels, compare analytical method results, build a working database, and observe any correlation among analyte groups. Samples include water, sediment, soil, fish, clams, mammals, and certain agricultural crops. This ambitious research project is a concerted effort of the EPA Office of Research and Development and the United States Geological Survey. It combines technological innovation, biological interpretation, and data analysis to strengthen the analytical protocol used to measure trace contaminants in various environmental matrices.
The use of TG/DSC–FT-IR to assess the effect of Cr sorption on struvite stability and composition

Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O; MAP) can be recovered from animal and human wastes for use as fertilizer. This encourages the sustainable use of phosphorus (P), closing the human P cycle. The toxic metalloid chromium (Cr) is a common component of wastes, and can substitute for P in geochemical and biological systems. Thus, its sorption to, and effect on the stability and composition of recovered MAP requires assessment. MAP precipitated from solutions with 1–100 μM Cr(III) had higher Cr loadings compared to those reacted in the presence of Cr(VI), indicative of higher sorption affinity of the lower oxidation state. Simultaneous thermal analysis of unreacted MAP revealed an endothermic peak at 126 ± 0.5 °C by DSC with a mass loss of 52.9% by TG. Sorption of Cr produced minimal effects on the transition temperature and overall mass loss. The inflection in the TG curve indicated that Cr increased the temperature of maximum decomposition, but also the mass loss at this point. Combining TG results with FT-IR spectra revealed that for initial concentrations of 10–50 μM Cr(III) and 1–5 μM Cr(VI), NH4 + was added, and H2O(s) lost from the MAP structure. The change in composition was consistent with substitution of Cr(III) or Cr(VI) into the MAP structure. The TG/DSC–FT-IR technique confirmed that Cr contamination affects the MAP composition and may accelerate the release of nutrients upon mineral decomposition. This has implications for the use of MAP fertilizers and subsequent cycling of P and contaminants in agricultural systems.
Navier-Stokes solutions using Stetter's method

Compressible Navier-Stokes equations for quasi-one-dimensional flow in a converging-diverging nozzle have been solved using Stetter's three-step predictor-corrector technique. Particular emphasis is given to the minimum iterative step feature for steady-state solutions. It is found that for the nonviscous-dominated case, Stetter's method attains the steady-state solution in the fewest steps when compared to four other currently used techniques.
Associations Between Alcohol, Heroin, and Cocaine Use and High Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Detoxification Patients

The purpose of this study was to assess associations between substance use (alcohol to intoxication, heroin, and cocaine) and sexual activity, high risk sexual behaviors, and STD among detoxification inpatients (n = 470). Participants were surveyed on past 30 day substance use, past 6 month sexual behaviors, and STD in the past 6 months and/or over 24 months of follow-up. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographics found that cocaine use was significantly associated with being sexually active (OR(adj) = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1-4.8) and selling sex (OR(adj) = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.3-5.3). Alcohol and heroin were not significantly associated with sexual activity, high risk sexual behaviors or STD in this sample.
Promotion of Amyloid β Protein Misfolding and Fibrillogenesis by a Lipid Oxidation Product

Oxidatively damaged lipid membranes are known to promote the aggregation of amyloid beta proteins and fibril formation. Oxidative damage typically produces 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal when lipid membranes contain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acyl chains, and this compound is known to modify the three His residues in Abeta proteins by Michael addition. In this report, the ability of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal to reproduce the previously observed amyloidogenic effects of oxidative lipid damage on amyloid beta proteins is demonstrated and the mechanism by which it exerts these effects is examined. Results indicate that 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal modifies the three His residues in amyloid beta proteins, which increases their membrane affinity and causes them to adopt a conformation on membranes that is similar to their conformation in a mature amyloid fibril. As a consequence, fibril formation is accelerated at relatively low protein concentrations, and the ability to seed the formation of fibrils by unmodified amyloid beta proteins is enhanced. These in vitro findings linking oxidative stress to amyloid fibril formation may be significant to the in vivo mechanism by which oxidative stress is linked to the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease.
Mechanisms of Association Between Paternal Alcoholism and Abuse of Alcohol and Other Illicit Drugs Among Adolescents

The current study examines the effect of paternal alcohol problems on adolescent use of alcohol and other illicit drugs as a function of maternal communication, as well as adolescent social and coping skills (N = 145). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses indicated that adolescents with a paternal history of alcohol problems reported higher levels of problematic communication with their mothers than did adolescents with fathers who were light drinkers or who were non-drinkers. Moreover, problematic maternal communication functioned as a partial mediator for both adolescent negative social skills and self-blame coping skills. Adolescents who reported using self-blame coping skills more frequently also tended to use alcohol more frequently. Findings suggest that these high-risk adolescents might need more intensive and targeted social and psychological services in their schools and communities.
Examining the sediments and soils of Gusev Crater with the Athena science payload

[1] Gusev Crater has been proposed to contain lacustrine and/or fluvial sediments; however, eolian or volcanic sediments, global dust, and locally produced soils may also be present. This work describes the use of the Athena instrument package to evaluate the environment in which sampled materials were deposited in Gusev Crater. Sedimentary or soil deposits can be sampled by examining materials that were (1) excavated by impact events, (2) revealed by wind deflation, or (3) exposed by spinning the rover wheels. Specific observations can be diagnostic of a depositional environment. For instance, Pancam images of thin (e.g., 5 cm) planar layers of phyllosilicates and/or evaporites (as determined by Mini-TES) would suggest lacustrine sediments. Layered sediments (e.g., trough cross bed) with rounded particles (>4 mm) would suggest fluvial activity. Eolian sediments may have planar or cross-planar layers of well-sorted grains (∼200 μm). Parallel bed deposits consisting of glass observable by Microscopic Imager would indicate volcanic ash. Soil bulk chemistry reported by Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer that is similar to the Viking and Mars Pathfinder soils would indicate global dust. Mini-TES should only detect primary mineralogies in physically weathered soils, whereas chemically weathered soils may contain carbonates, sulfates, and/or phyllosilicates. Although some characteristics are unique to a sediment or soil deposit, different deposit types can have similar characteristics (e.g., planar layering). Determining the depositional history of material in Gusev will require the integration of measurements from several instruments and careful geologic reasoning by the investigators.
A comparative study of abused and neglected American Indian children in the Southwest

Samples of target and control American Indian children in the Southwest United States are compared for child abuse/neglect and family alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is present in virtually all families that abuse/neglect children. However, alcohol abuse exists exclusive of the association with child abuse/neglect. The study demonstrates that alcohol abuse is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for child abuse/neglect.
Abstract A53: Chemoprevention of colon cancer by PBIT, an iNOS‐selective inhibitor, administered alone or in combination with low‐doses of celecoxib, a COX‐2 selective inhibitor

Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors such as celecoxib, reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. However high doses of NSAIDs causes gastrointestinal toxicity and increased cardiovascular risk. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), like COX‐2, is overexpressed in colon tumors. Interestingly, nitric oxide stimulates COX‐2 activity and contributes to the tumor growth. The present study examines the effects of S,S ′‐1,4‐phenylenebis(1,2‐ethanediyl)bisisothiourea (PBIT), an iNOS‐selective inhibitor on 1) azoxymethane (AOM)‐induced colon adenocarcinomas in F344 rats 2) evaluates the combined effects of a low‐dose PBIT and celecoxib on chemopreventive efficacy in rats. Seven‐week old male F344 rats (36/group) were fed control AIN‐76A diet and one week later, AOM was administered s.c to induce colonic tumors. Four‐weeks after the AOM treatment, groups of rats were fed experimental diets containing either 0, 50, 100 ppm of PBIT or 250 and 500 ppm of celecoxib or a combination of 50 ppm PBIT plus 250 ppm celecoxib. Forty‐eight weeks after AOM treatment, rats were killed and the intestinal tumors were evaluated. Multiple samples of colonic tumors from each group were assayed for expression and activity of iNOS, COX‐2 and markers of apoptosis and cell proliferation. We found that 50 and 100 ppm PBIT in diet suppressed colon adenocarcinoma incidence by 34.6% (p WAF1/CIP expression in colonic tumors. Administration of 100 ppm PBIT, 250 ppm or 500 ppm celecoxib and a combination of 50 ppm PBIT plus 250 ppm celecoxib suppressed tumor cell proliferation (BrdU index by 22–53%, p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A53.
Spin-transport theory of magnetically inhomogeneous systems

Abstract We review the key ingredients of our current theoretical formulation of spin-dependent transport in magnetic layered and granular solids. The meaning of effective spin-dependent internal electric field is given, and the shortcomings of current approaches are signaled. The essential features of realistic model calculations of conduction in magnetically inhomogeneous systems are discussed.
Use of an acellular dermal allograft for dural replacement: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, a nonimmunogenic, acellular, dermal collagen matrix termed XenoDerm (LifeCell Corp., The Woodlands, TX) was examined for use as a dural replacement material in a porcine model. This model was used to investigate whether AlloDerm (LifeCell), an almost identical material made from human dermis, could be safely used in neurological surgery. METHODS: Bilateral temporoparietal dural defects were surgically created in 12 Yucatan minipigs. One side was repaired with autologous pericranium, and the other was repaired with XenoDerm, The pigs were killed after 1, 3, or 6 months, and the areas of dural repair were collected and examined macroscopically and histologically. XenoDerm is derived from porcine skin collected in thin sheets. It is processed so that the epidermis and all dermal cells are removed without disruption of the collagen matrix, rendering the material immunogenically inert and resistant to calcification. It is packaged as a freeze-dried sheet and is easily rehydrated at the time of surgery. RESULTS: There were no postoperative complications, and all pigs survived. Both grafts performed well as dural replacements in all cases. There was no macroscopic evidence of inflammation or cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The XenoDerm grafts were intact, retained their original dimensions, and resembled the surrounding dura. The autologous pericranial grafts, in contrast, were thicker than when implanted and had bony excrescences firmly adhering to their surfaces. Again, however, there was no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid fistulae. There was no gross adherence to the underlying meninges or brain tissue in any specimen. Repopulation by fibroblasts and neovascularization were evident in the XenoDerm grafts as early as 1 month after surgery; by 3 months, the XenoDerm had been remodeled to assume the connective tissue appearance of the surrounding dura. CONCLUSION: In this porcine model, an allograft of acellular dermis is a nearly ideal dural replacement. AlloDerm, the human equivalent of XenoDerm, would be an allograft of acellular dermis after implantation in human subjects. On the basis of this study and previous work with AlloDerm in other reconstructive applications, it is proposed that this material could be similarly used for duraplasty in human subjects.
Transport of a lipophilic ionizable permeant (capric acid) across a lipophilic membrane (silicone polymer membrane) from aqueous buffered solutions in the presence of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present study describes a physical model approach applicable to understanding the transport of highly lipophilic, ionizable drugs across a lipophilic membrane between two aqueous compartments in the presence of a cyclodextrin in the aqueous phase. Model predictions were compared with experimental results of capric acid (HA) transport across a silicone polymer membrane in the presence and in the absence of 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPB) in the aqueous phase over wide ranges of conditions. Key parameters entering into the physical model calculations were the HA–HPB and the A − –HPB binding constants, the unionized and ionized free and the complexed HA species diffusion coefficients, the HA p K a, the HA intrinsic silicone polymer membrane permeability coefficient, and the aqueous boundary layer thickness. All of these key parameters were determined from independent or essentially independent experiments. The agreement between the model predictions and the experiments were generally quite good over the entire ranges of the studied independent variables. The results of this study provide an approach that is useful in the mechanistic understanding of how cyclodextrins may enhance the passive absorption of highly lipophilic, low solubility drug molecules in the intestinal tract.
Hydrogen Stark broadening calculations with the unified classical path theory.

Abstract The unified theory has been generalized for the case of upper and lower state interaction by introducing a more compact tetradic notation. The general result is then applied to the Stark broadening of hydrogen. The thermal average of the time development operator for upper and lower state interaction is presented. Except for the time ordering it contains the effect of finite interaction time between the radiator and perturbers to all orders, thus avoiding a Lewis type cutoff. A simple technique for evaluating the Fourier transform of the thermal average has been developed. The final calculations based on the unified theory and on the one-electron theory are compared with measurements in the high and low electron density regime. The unified theory calculations cover the entire line profile from the line center to the static wing and the simpler one-electron theory calculations provide the line intensities only in the line wings.
Conservatism and diversification of plant functional traits: Evolutionary rates versus phylogenetic signal

The concepts of niche conservatism and adaptive radiation have played central roles in the study of evolution and ecological diversification. With respect to phenotypic evolution, the two processes may be seen as opposite ends of a spectrum; however, there is no straightforward method for the comparative analysis of trait evolution that will identify these contrasting scenarios. Analysis of the rate of phenotypic evolution plays an important role in this context and merits increased attention. In this article, independent contrasts are used to estimate rates of evolution for continuous traits under a Brownian motion model of evolution. A unit for the rate of phenotypic diversification is introduced: the felsen, in honor of J. Felsenstein, is defined as an increase of one unit per million years in the variance among sister taxa of ln-transformed trait values. The use of a standardized unit of measurement facilitates comparisons among clades and traits. Rates of diversification of three functional traits (plant height, leaf size, and seed size) were estimated for four to six woody plant clades (Acer, Aesculus, Ceanothus, Arbutoideae, Hawaiian lobeliads, and the silversword alliance) for which calibrated phylogenies were available. For height and leaf size, rates were two to ≈300 times greater in the Hawaiian silversword alliance than in the other clades considered. These results highlight the value of direct estimates of rates of trait evolution for comparative analysis of adaptive radiation, niche conservatism, and trait diversification.
Long noncoding RNAs and human disease

A new class of transcripts, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), has been recently found to be pervasively transcribed in the genome. Multiple lines of evidence increasingly link mutations and dysregulations of lncRNAs to diverse human diseases. Alterations in the primary structure, secondary structure, and expression levels of lncRNAs as well as their cognate RNA-binding proteins underlie diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to cancer. Recent progress suggests that the involvement of lncRNAs in human diseases could be far more prevalent than previously appreciated. We review the evidence linking lncRNAs to diverse human diseases and highlight fundamental concepts in lncRNA biology that still need to be clarified to provide a robust framework for lncRNA genetics.
Adapting and Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions for Trauma-Exposed Refugee Youth and Families

Refugee youth routinely encounter difficult challenges related to past trauma, loss, and resettlement stressors. The recent surge in refugees resettling in the United States has made it increasingly likely that mental health service providers will receive referrals to work with refugee youth. It is thus essential to prepare the national mental health workforce to provide the best care possible. Although the current evidence base regarding the use of empirically-supported treatments with refugee youth living in Western countries is insufficiently developed to provide authoritative standards for evidence-based practice (EBP), sufficient advances have nevertheless been made to offer evidence-informed suggestions and guidance to practitioners who work with this unique population. We thus focus on three primary considerations for adapting and implementing evidence-based interventions with refugee youth by drawing on the American Psychological Association’s (Am Psychol 61:271–285, 2006) framework for EBP, which integrates (1) the best research available, (2) client characteristics, culture, and preferences; and (3) clinical expertise. We use this framework as a lens to selectively review research pertaining to the refugee youth experience and identify sound therapeutic practices. We recommend key factors to consider when seeking to provide culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate trauma interventions to this at-risk yet underserved population in real-world settings. We discuss the promise of modularized interventions that integrate both common elements of evidence-based trauma interventions and common therapeutic factors, while also underscoring the importance of addressing extra-therapeutic factors within the broader ecology that can powerfully influence the well-being and functioning of refugee youth and their families.
Quality of service (QoS) in internet cache coherence

Caching has long been employed in computer systems to improve performance at the expense of additional complexity in memory organisation and management. The coherence schemes developed for traditional large-scale systems (CC-NUMA) fail when applied to the vastness of today's mobile internet. A quality of service (QoS) approach is ideally suited for a general-purpose internet cache coherence protocol, providing strong consistency when needed while permitting weaker consistency for less critical data. An inexpensive, QOS solution to internet cache coherence is presented, and an experimental framework is outlined to verify the potential of the proposed scheme as a viable coherence solution for general internet applications.