cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of the cycles approach: a multiple baseline design.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Cycles Phonological Remediation Approach as an intervention for children with speech sound disorders (SSD). A multiple baseline design across behaviors was used to examine intervention effects. Three children (ages 4;3 to 5;3) with moderate-severe to severe SSDs participated in two cycles of therapy. Three phonological patterns were targeted for each child. Generalization probes were administered during baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases to assess generalization and maintenance of learned skills. Two of the three participants exhibited statistically and clinically significant gains by the end of the intervention phase and these effects were maintained at follow-up. The third participant exhibited significant gains at follow-up. Phonologically known target patterns showed greater generalization than unknown target patterns across all phases. Individual differences in performance were examined at the participant level and the target pattern level. Learning outcomes: The reader will be able to: (1) enumerate the three major components of the cycles approach, (2) describe factors that should be considered when selecting treatment targets, and (3) identify variables that may affect a child's outcome following cycles treatment.
The Measurement of Full-Surface Internal Heat Transfer Coefficients for Turbine Airfoils Using a Nondestructive Thermal Inertia Technique

A new method has been developed and demonstrated for the non-destructive, quantitative assessment of internal heat transfer coefficient distributions of cooled metallic turbine airfoils. The technique employs the acquisition of full-surface external surface temperature data in response to a thermal transient induced by internal heating/cooling, in conjunction with knowledge of the part wall thickness and geometry, material properties, and internal fluid temperatures. An imaging Infrared camera system is used to record the complete time history of the external surface temperature response during a transient initiated by the introduction of a convecting fluid through the cooling circuit of the part. The transient data obtained is combined with the cooling fluid network model to provide the boundary conditions for a finite element model representing the complete part geometry. A simple 1D lumped thermal capacitance model for each local wall position is used to provide a first estimate of the internal surface heat transfer coefficient distribution. A 3D inverse transient conduction model of the part is then executed with updated internal heat transfer coefficients until convergence is reached with the experimentally measured external wall temperatures as a function of time. This new technique makes possible the accurate quantification of full-surface internal heat transfer coefficient distributions for prototype and production metallic airfoils in a totally non-destructive and non-intrusive manner. The technique is equally applicable to other material types and other cooled/heated components.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Identifying and evaluating causes of alternative community states in wetland plant communities

Ecological communities can vary greatly in species composition. Often this variation is discontinuous, in that abrupt changes in composition occur over small distances in space or short periods of time. A wide range of hypotheses from different subfields of ecology have been proposed to explain these patterns. I suggest a framework to quantitatively evaluate these hypotheses with observational data by characterizing 1) how community composition varies across sites in space, 2) how community composition varies through time, and 3) the possible drivers of this variation. I applied this approach to understand the community composition of producers in temporary and semipermanent wetlands in Michigan, USA. I identified several distinct community states which were variously dominated by particular plant functional groups (submerged, floating or emergent plants) or had no plants throughout a season. Evaluating possible hypotheses to explain this variation, I found that similar communities were not necessarily clustered near each other, suggesting that dispersal was not limited for these plants. Some sites exhibited a great deal of change in plant composition among years, shifting between two community states, but there was relatively little change at sites within a year. Moreover, these shifts did not occur in a particular order to suggest directional change or repeating cycles. Community composition was associated with several environmental variables such as pH, light and depth, and multivariate analyses suggested that species had complex, nonlinear responses to these possible drivers. Alternative stable states and interactions among multiple nonlinear drivers best explained the patterns observed in these wetlands. By formalizing initial data collection in other systems with the framework suggested here, we may gain insight into the causes of alternative community states beyond wetlands and the role of climate change and other anthropogenic forces in precipitating transitions between states.
Linear minimum mean-square error estimation based on high-dimensional data with missing values

In linear minimum mean-square error (LMMSE) estimation problems, the observation data may have missing entries. Processing such data vectors may have high complexity if the observation data vector has high-dimensionality and the LMMSE estimator must be re-derived whenever there are missing values. In this context, a means of reducing the computational complexity is introduced when the number of missing entries is relatively small. All first- and second-order data statistics are assumed known, and the positions of the missing values are also known. The proposed method works by first applying the LMMSE estimator on the data vector with missing values replaced by zeros, and then applying a low-complexity update that depends on the positions of the missing. The method achieves exact LMMSE based on only observed data with lower complexity compared to the direct implementation of a time-varying LMMSE filter based on the incomplete data. We also show that if LMMSE imputation is used to fill the missing entires first based on the non-missing entries, and then a complete-data LMMSE filter is applied to the completed data vector, then the same linear MMSE is also achieved, but with higher complexity.
The effect of PHA, PPD, allogeneic cells, and sheep erythrocytes on albumin gradient-fractionated mouse spleen cell populations.

Abstract Populations of spleen cells from immune and nonimmune mice were separated by albumin density-gradient centrifugation. Primary responsiveness to PHA, to alloantigens in mixed cell culture, and to SRBC was assayed in various fractions by tritiated thymidine incorporation. Changes in the antigen-sensitive cell population in various gradient fractions were also examined in BCG-, alloantigen-, and SRBC-immunized animals. Primary reactivities to PHA, SRBC, and alloantigens are properties of a small, dense lymphocyte population. The antigen-sensitive cell population from immune mice is augmented chiefly in the less dense, large lymphocyte populations of the spleen in the cases of alloantigen and SRBC immunizations. In contrast only the denser, small lymphocytes showed increased antigen sensitivity after BCG immunization. These data suggest that immunity to alloantigens involves augmentation of a second population of antigen-sensitive cells which may produce antibody whereas immunity to BCG under these conditions is limited to an antigenreactive small lymphocyte population.
Perspectives of Rural Prospective Teachers toward Teaching in Urban Schools

Educational inequity in urban schools is due in part to an inability to attract and retain fully educated and experienced teachers. According to data gathered in a study of rural teacher candidates, they have little knowledge or experience about teaching in urban schools. Their information comes primarily from secondary sources rather than from direct experiences. Although they lack both knowledge and experience, these participants reported that they would seek employment in urban schools to be assured of a teaching position. This and other attitudes uncovered in this study raise serious questions for teacher education programs and reforms.
Feeding Stimulants for the Female House Fly, Musca domestica Linneaus

Both casein and yeast hydrolysate contain feeding stimulants for the adult female house fly. Guanosine monophosphate is the major active component in yeast hydrolysate. Several amino acids, including leucine, methionine, lysine, and isoleucine, are also effective feeding stimulants and are presumed to be the active components in the casein hydrolysate. Solution in phosphate buffer is necessary in all instances to obtain maximum activity with the stimulants.
Sickle cell disease and venous thromboembolism: what the anticoagulation expert needs to know

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is common in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The etiology of increased risk of VTE in SCD patients is multifactorial and is related to both traditional factors and SCD-specific factors. Traditional risk factors such as central venous catheters, frequent hospitalization, orthopedic surgeries for avascular necrosis, and pregnancy may lead to increased incidence of VTE in the SCD population. In addition, SCD itself appears to be a hypercoagulable state, and many SCD-specific factors such as thrombophilic defects, genotype and splenectomy may modify the risk of VTE. SCD complications such as acute chest syndrome and pulmonary hypertension may also be related to VTE. Anticoagulation experts should be aware of these factors to help inform prophylaxis and treatment decisions.
Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase: Functional similarities and divergent evolution of the pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductases

Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) is the common component of the three alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes oxidizing pyruvate, alpha-ketoglutarate, and the branched-chain alpha-ketoacids. E3 also participates in the glycine cleavage system. E3 belongs to the enzyme family called pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductases, catalyzing the electron transfer between pyridine nucleotides and disulfide compounds. This review summarizes the information available for E3 from a variety of species, from a halophilic archaebacterium which has E3 but no alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes, to mammalian species. Evidence is reviewed for the existence of two E3 isozymes (one for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex and the other for branched-chain alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex) in Pseudomonas species and for possible mammalian isozymes of E3, one associated with the three alpha-ketoacid dehydrogenase complexes and one for the glycine cleavage system. The comparison of the complete amino acid sequences of E3 from Escherichia coli, yeast, pig, and human shows considerable homologies of certain amino acid residues or short stretches of sequences, especially in the specific catalytic and structural domains. Similar homology is found with the limited available amino acid sequence information on E3 from several other species. Sequence comparison is also presented for other member flavoproteins [e.g., glutathione reductase and mercury(II) reductase] of the pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase family. Based on the known tertiary structure of human glutathione reductase it may be possible to predict the domain structures of E3. Additionally, the sequence information may help to better understand a divergent evolutionary relationship among these flavoproteins in different species.
Alterations in phosphoinositide signaling and G-protein levels in depressed suicide brain.

Abstract The function of the phosphoinositide signal transduction system and the levels of heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunits were examined in postmortem prefrontal cortex regions (8/9) and region (10) from suicide victims with major depression and matched control subjects without psychiatric illness. The hydrolysis of [3H]phosphatidylinositol (PI) stimulated by phospholipase C, GTP-γ-S, NaF, and neurotransmitter receptor agonists was measured in membrane preparations from both groups. Phospholipase C-β activity was similar in depressed suicide and control subjects in the two regions of prefrontal cortex. In prefrontal cortex (10), but not in (8/9), the GTP-γ-S concentration-dependent stimulation of [3H]PI hydrolysis was significantly lower (30%) in the depressed suicide group compared to the control group. Receptor-coupled, G-protein-mediated [3H]PI hydrolysis induced with carbachol, histamine, trans- 1-aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD, a glutamatergic metabotropic receptor agonist), serotonin, or 2-methylthio-adenosine triphosphate (2mATP, a purinergic receptor agonist) in the presence of GTP-γ-S stimulated equivalent responses in the two groups of subjects in each brain region. In prefrontal cortex (10) there was a 68% increase in the level of the 45 kDa subtype of Gαs and in prefrontal cortex (8/9) there was a significant decrease (21%) in the level of Gαi2 in the depressed suicide group compared to the control group. Levels of other heterotrimeric G-protein α-subunits (Gαq/11, Gαil, and Gαo) were not different in depressed suicide and control subjects in either brain region. Moreover, there were no differences in the levels of phospholipase C-β or protein kinase C-α in the two groups of subjects in either brain region examined. These results demonstrate that in the prefrontal cortex of suicide victims with major depression compared to normal control subjects there is a region-specific alteration of G-protein-induced activation of the phosphoinositide signal transduction system and in the levels of G-protein α-subunits involved in cyclic AMP synthesis. These findings provide direct evidence in human brain that these two important signal transduction systems are altered in suicide subjects with major depression.
Slow positron studies on clean and oxygen-exposed Sn(100) surfaces

A well-characterized Sn(100) sample was examined with monoenergetic positrons before and after exposure to oxygen. The positronium formation at the surface was measured as a function of sample temperature, incident positron energy, and oxygen exposure. The positronium fraction increased both with sample temperature and oxygen exposure, but decreased with increasing incident positron energy. Positronium formation from thermally activated detrapping of the positron from the surface state is observed providing an estimate of the positron binding energy to this surface state. No change was found in the positronium fraction when the Sn(100) crystal was exposed to hydrogen suggesting a lack of interaction between hydrogen and Sn. In all of the above cases positronium was emitted but no positron re-emission was observed; this result suggests a negative positronium work function but a positive positron work function.
Experimental Test of Gravitationally Induced Quantum Interference

We call attention to a feasible laboratory experiment with an outcome that depends necessarily on both Planck's constant and the gravitational constant. A neutron interferometer for which the two beams enclose an area of ~ 6 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ can be cut from a single crystal of silicon. A shift of ~ 10 fringes is anticipated when the interferometer is rotated 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} about an axis parallel to both the earth's surface and the incident neutron beam.
Molecular genetic analysis and regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis.

Aflatoxins, produced by some Aspergillus species, are toxic and extremely carcinogenic furanocoumarins. Recent investigations of the molecular mechanism of AFB biosynthesis showed that the genes required for biosynthesis are in a 70 kb gene cluster. They encode a DNA-binding protein functioning in aflatoxin pathway gene regulation, and other enzymes such as cytochrome P450-type monooxygenases, dehydrogenases, methyltransferases, and polyketide and fatty acid synthases. Information gained from these studies has led to a better understanding of aflatoxin biosynthesis by these fungi. The characterization of genes involved in aflatoxin formation affords the opportunity to examine the mechanism of molecular regulation of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway, particularly during the interaction between aflatoxin-producing fungi and plants.
Optimal Design of a Vibration Isolation Mount Using Physical Programming

Vibration isolation tables find application in diverse production and research environments. The structure of a table is such that a designer is forced to compromise among design metrics such as transmissibility, force-disturbance rejection, and controller effort. As both structural and controller parameters impact these design metrics, we chose to perform simultaneous control-structure integrated design (CSID) to optimize the overall performance. We employed a new model that enhances physical insight and used physical programming as the optimization framework. We explored several design scenarios and effectively uncovered the appropriate compromises among the competing objectives. The results highlight the utility of the new model in this design context and the usefulness of physical programming in performing simultaneous CSID.
Structure–function relationships of HIV-1 envelope sequence-variable regions refocus vaccine design

One of the main challenges of developing an HIV-1 vaccine lies in eliciting immune responses that can overcome the antigenic variability exhibited by HIV. Most HIV-1 vaccine development has focused on inducing immunity to conserved regions of the HIV-1 envelope. However, new studies of the sequence-variable regions of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein have shown that there are conserved immunological and structural features in these regions. Recombinant immunogens that include these features may provide the means to address the antigenic diversity of HIV-1 and induce protective antibodies that can prevent infection with HIV-1.
Wave Augmented Diffusers for Centrifugal Compressors

A conceptual device is introduced which would utilize unsteady wave motion to slow and turn flows in the diffuser section of a centrifugal compressor. The envisioned device would substantially reduce the size of conventional centrifugal diffusers by eliminating the relatively large ninety degree bend needed to turn the flow from the radial/tangential to the axial direction. The bend would be replaced by a wall and the flow would instead exit through a series of rotating ports located on a disk, adjacent to the diffuser hub, and fixed to the impeller shaft. The ports would generate both expansion and compression waves which would rapidly transition from the hub/shroud (axial) direction to the radial/tangential direction. The waves would in turn induce radial/tangential and axial flow. This paper presents a detailed description of the device. Simplified cycle analysis and performance results are presented which were obtained using a time accurate, quasi-one-dimensional CFD code with models for turning, port flow conditions, and losses due to wall shear stress. The results indicate that a periodic wave system can be established which yields diffuser performance comparable to a conventional diffuser. Discussion concerning feasibility, accuracy, and integration follow.
Phosphate, ammonium, magnesium and iron nutrition of Streptomyces hygroscopicus with respect to rapamycin biosynthesis.

Phosphate, ammonium and magnesium salts interfered with rapamycin production byStreptomyces hygroscopicus at concentrations optimal for growth. These observations point to the existence of phosphorus, magnesium and nitrogen-negative regulation mechanisms for rapamycin biosynthesis. On the other hand, Fe2+ stimulated rapamycin production at concentrations greater than that required for growth.
Family history of alcoholism mediates the frontal response to alcoholic drink odors and alcohol in at-risk drinkers

Although a family history of alcoholism is the strongest risk factor for developing alcohol dependence, there are few studies of the association between familial alcoholism and the human brain's reward system activity. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine how family history affects the brain's response to subjects' preferred alcoholic drink odors (AO) as compared to appetitive control odors (ApCO). Fourteen non-dependent heavy drinkers (HD) who were family history positive (FHP) participated, as did 12 HD who were family history negative (FHN). Subjects were imaged under both alcohol intoxication and placebo, using intravenous infusion and pharmacokinetic modeling to target a blood alcohol level of 50 mg%. Under placebo, HD-FHP had a larger medial frontal [AO>ApCO] effect than did HD-FHN. Alcohol intoxication dampened this response in the HD-FHP but potentiated it in the HD-FHN. This suggests that a family history of alcoholism and brain exposure to alcohol interact in heavy drinkers to differentially affect how the brain responds to alcohol cues.
Mechanical behavior of bulk (ZrHf)TiCuNiAl amorphous alloys

Abstract Experimental investigation of thermodynamic behavior and mechanical properties of bulk Zr/Hf-based amorphous alloys revealed that crystallization and glass transition temperatures, hardness and modulus increased with increasing Hf content. It is postulated that the observed strengthening might result from the microstructural changes with addition of Hf in place of Zr.
Capture and retrieval of plutonium oxide particles at ultra-low concentrations using high-gradient magnetic separation

A high-gradient magnetic separation system has been developed for capture and retrieval of ultra-low plutonium oxide concentrations. The application of advanced matrix materials and improved methodology has demonstrated the effective collection and recovery of submicron paramagnetic actinide particles with particle concentrations as low as 10−23 M. Incorporation of multiple passes during recovery of magnetically captured particles improves the system mass balance. Activity balances for plutonium were verified with stringent sampling protocols. Collection and recovery values demonstrate that 99% of the submicron plutonium oxide particles can be accounted for when recycle loops are incorporated into capture and recovery circuits, magnetically captured particles are released by sonication, carrier fluids are organically based, and longer matrix lengths are utilized.
Welcome to the nucleus: CAN I take your coat?

Individual viruses have evolved strategies for surmounting a formidable barrier in their path to replication in the nucleus — the nuclear envelope. A new study describing the nuclear entry of adenovirus 2 finds that this virus docks at the CAN/Nup214 protein of the nuclear pore, then hijacks histone H1 and specific H1-import receptors to effect a targeted uncoating of its nucleocapsid at the nuclear pore.
Large amplitude periodic solutions of a system of equations derived from the Hodgkin-Huxley equations

The Hodgkin-Huxley equations form the most widely accepted model of nerve conduction in the squid axon.
CURRENT PROBLEMS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION.

Abstract This paper discusses current problems and new developments in the field of respiratory protective devices. Speaking diaphragms and electronic amplifiers have been introduced to improve voice transmission. In new designs, nose cups prevent fogging of the eye-piece lenses. Data on cold chamber tests are included. The reliability and acceptability of fit of the facepiece continue to be problems; fitting data from test results are presented here. New developments in combination supplied air and air purifying respirators are discussed.
Predictors of Co-Occurring Risk Behavior Trajectories Among Economically Disadvantaged African-American Youth: Contextual and Individual Factors

Abstract Purpose African-American youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, evidence high rates of negative outcomes associated with three problem behaviors, conduct problems, risky sexual behavior, and substance use. This study used a contextually tailored version of problem behavior theory (PBT) to examine predictors of the simultaneous development of problem behaviors in this specific cultural group. Methods Sociocontextual and individual variables representing four PBT predictor categories, controls protection, support protection, models risk, and vulnerability risk, were examined as predictors of co-occurring problem behaviors among economically disadvantaged African-American adolescents (n = 949). Specifically, the likelihood of following three classes of multiple problem behavior trajectories spanning ages 12–18, labeled the "early experimenters," "increasing high risk-takers," and "adolescent-limited" classes, as opposed to a "normative" class, was examined. Results Among other findings, controls protection in the form of a more stringent household curfew at age 12 was related to a lower likelihood of being in the "early experimenters" and "increasing high risk-takers" classes. Conversely, vulnerability risk manifested as stronger attitudes of violence inevitability was associated with a higher likelihood of being in the "early experimenters" class. However, the PBT category of support protection was not associated with risk trajectory class. More distal neighborhood-level manifestations of PBT categories also did not predict co-occurring behavior problems. Conclusion Guided by an incorporation of contextually salient processes into PBT, prevention programs aiming to decrease co-occurring problem behaviors among low-income African-American adolescents would do well to target both proximal systems and psychological constructs related to perceived security throughout adolescence.
Epidermal Growth Factor and Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB Induce a Stable Increase in the Activity of Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Altering Receptor Distribution and Recycling

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) is a multifunctional receptor, expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in normal arteries and in atherosclerotic lesions. In this investigation, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for the regulation of LRP activity in cultured rat aortic VSMCs. Cells that were treated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) for 24 h bound increased amounts of the LRP ligand, activated α2-macroglobulin (α2M), at 4°C. The Bmax for activated α2M was increased from 56 ± 5 to 178 ± 24 and 143 ± 11 fmol/mg cell protein by PDGF-BB and EGF, respectively, while the KD was unchanged. Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrated that neither PDGF-BB nor EGF increase LRP mRNA or protein levels. Instead, LRP was redistributed to the cell surface and remained localized primarily in coated pits, as determined by surface protein biotinylation, affinity labeling, and immunoelectron microscopy studies. The increase in cell-surface LRP was partially explained by a 50% decrease in receptor endocytosis rate; however, at 37°C, PDGF-BB- and EGF-treated VSMCs still bound/internalized increased amounts of activated α2M and subsequently released increased amounts of trichloroacetic acid-soluble radioactivity. The cytokine-induced shifts in LRP subcellular distribution were stable when VSMCs were challenged with a saturating concentration of ligand and then incubated, in the absence of cytokine, for 2.5 h at 37°C. Regulation of LRP distribution and activity may be an important aspect of the VSMC response to the atherogenic cytokines, PDGF-BB and EGF.
Carotid Sinus Pressure Reflex Bioassay for Veratrum Viride

From a total of 238 anesthetized dogs, a series of regression analyses was performed examining the relationship between the variables (sex of the animal, date on which the experiment was performed, effect of the three veratrum alkaloidal drug preparations studied, and the number of days the dogs were stored in the animal house) on the arterial pressure pressor amplitudes of the predrug and postdrug carotid occlusion response and on the blood pressure-lowering effects of the drug treatments. The seasonal date of the experiment and the drug treatments significantly influenced the arterial pressure responses, while sex of the animal or days stored prior to use did not consistently alter the slope constants or arterial pressure responses for the drug subgroups.
Characterizations of the Poisson distribution based on random splitting and random expanding

Let X be a discrete random variable with parameter ? = EX] < ∞ and denote B(n,r,a) = (nrnr)arr(1 ? a)nrn?r. Let the distribution of X be compounded with B(n,r,a ). If the resulting distribution is governed by the same law as X, then a characterization of the Poisson distribution is obtained. An alternative proof of the Rao-Rubin characterization is provided.
Compact infrared spectrometers

Concentric spectrometer forms are advantageous for constructing a variety of systems spanning the entire visible to infrared range. Spectrometer examples are given, including broadband or high resolution forms. Some issues associated with the Dyson catadioptric type are also discussed.
Influence of TiO2/Perylene Interface Modifications on Electron Injection and Recombination Dynamics

It is well-known that the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells can be improved by controlling the interface energetics using molecular interface modifiers. Whereas this leads to a beneficial band level shifting, it also affects the interfacial electron injection and recombination dynamics. Here we demonstrate a significant retardation of the injection process and a loss of ultrafast recombination components by coadsorbing inert gases and solvents with increasing dipole moments on a TiO2/perylene interface. Model perylene dyes with different electronic couplings to the colloidal TiO2 films were subject to precisely defined chemical environments, and the electron transfer dynamics was investigated with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The coadsorption of N2 and Ar doubled the injection times compared to the ultrafast sub-60 fs electron injection in vacuum. The introduction of solvents led to injection retardations by up to 2 orders of magnitude. This slow-down correlates well with the degr...
The association of Incontinence Symptom Index scores with urethral function and support.

Objective The objective of this study was to establish categories of symptom severity based on Incontinence Symptom Index (ISI) scores and to show how these categories are associated with urethral function and support. Study Design Women with stress incontinence (n = 97) and asymptomatic controls (n = 98) completed the ISI. Asymptomatic women's scores were between 0 and 6; this range was designated as absent/mild (n = 104). The median score for symptomatic women was 16; scores from 7 to 16 (n = 50) were designated as moderate, and scores of 17 or greater (n = 40) were designated as severe. Results Urethral function differed in women with mild, moderate, and severe scores: Valsalva leak point pressure (162.3 vs 123.5 vs 101.9 cm H 2 O; P = .001), cough leak point pressure (202.0 vs 163.0 vs 134.3 cm H 2 O; P = .001), and maximum urethral closure pressure (69.1 vs 44.1 vs 35.3 cm H 2 O; P = .001). Loss of urethrovesical support (point Aa: -1.0 vs -0.6 vs -0.5 cm; P = .004) was found in women with moderate and severe symptoms, compared with those with mild symptoms. Conclusion Categories of symptom severity assessed by the ISI are associated with urethral function and support.
Sp1 nuclear factor represses glucose transporter (Glut 3) gene transcription in mammalian neurons and placental trophoblasts. |[bull]| 412

Glut 3, the most efficient facilitative glucose transporter, is solely expressed in murine brain neurons (N) and placental trophoblasts (T), and ensures glucose supply to fuel neurotransmission and fetal growth. To determine the molecular mechanisms which control Glut 3 expression in N and T, we undertook primer extension assays and established the transcription start site (TSS) of the mouse Glut 3 gene upstream from the ATG translation start codon at -305 bp in the N2A murine neuroblasts, and at -125 bp in the HRP.1 rat placental T. We then cloned the -203 to +243 bp (numbered per the TSS in N) mouse Glut 3 DNA which contains putative binding sites and successive 5′-deletions, upstream to a promoterless and enhancerless luciferase reporter gene. These deletional constructs were transfected into the N2A, and HRP.1 cells and the reporter gene activity assessed. The -203 to +243 bp DNA exhibited an increase (promoter), where as the -177 to +243 bp DNA showed an inhibition of the reporter gene activity (repression) which disappeared in the-104 to +243 bp DNA fragment. Mobility shift (EMSA) and DNAse 1 footprinting assays established that the -143 to -123 bp mouse Glut 3 DNA duplex specifically bound a nuclear protein from N2A and HRP.1 cells. Computer analysis for potential DNA binding motifs and competition EMSA using oligonucleotides with a consensus sequence for canonical transcription factors suggested, while supershift assays established the nuclear factor Sp1 to bind this DNA element. We conclude that 1] alternate TSS situated ≈180 bp apart initiate Glut 3 transcription in N vs. T, and 2] Sp1 represses the promoter-driven Glut 3 transcriptional activity in N and T. We speculate that changes in Sp1 DNA-binding activity modulate Glut 3 gene expression and function in N and T.
Spatiotemporal analysis of the January Northern Hemisphere circumpolar vortex over the contiguous United States

January 2014 will be remembered for the sensationalized media usage of the term “polar vortex” which coincided with several polar air outbreaks. A United States polar vortex (USPV) perspective is presented to better understand the January spatial and temporal variability of this regional component of the Northern Hemisphere circumpolar vortex. Use of the monthly mean 5460 m isohypse to represent the location of the USPV extent and area revealed that the spatial features of the January 2014 USPV were not extreme relative to certain 1948–2013 Januaries. Furthermore, the Arctic Oscillation (AO), Pacific-North American (PNA) Pattern, and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) are all linked to southernmost latitude of the USPV trough, but the PDO and PNA are most closely associated with the longitude at which this latitude occurs. The AO is closely related to the area of the United States enclosed within the USPV.
Evaluating Quality of Care in the New Health Care Environment

Today's health care environment explicitly emphasizes quality monitoring and improvement systems. To better understand the new concepts of quality, the quality systems currently used and under development at the Doheny Eye Institute, Los Angeles, Calif, and The Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Baltimore, Md, were reviewed and the underlying principles and pertinent examples extracted. In the future, quality monitoring will require measurement of rates of conformance with indicators of each of the three components of quality of care, ie, structures, processes, and outcomes. As such, significant changes in the philosophy of quality monitoring and development of newer and more advanced measures and indicators will be needed to meet the challenges of quality review in the new health care environment.
Alfalfa Establishment with Barley and Oat Companion Crops Differing in Stature

Small-grain companion crops are commonly used for establishing forage legumes in the north-central USA. Semidwarf-stature barley (Hordeum vulgate L.) and oat (Avena saliva L.) show promise as less competitive and more lodging-resistant companion crops. This study compared forage production and agronomicharacteristics of companion-cropped semidwarf and conventional-stature genotypes of barley and oat. Alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) was seeded both with and without companion crops in experiments conducted at St. Paul, MN, from 1987 through 1989 on a Waukegan silt loam soil (fine-silty over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludoll). Both semidwarf and conventional-stature barley and oat genotypes were evaluated. Small-grain and alfalfa forage harvests were made at the boot and soft dough stages of the small grain. Subsequent alfalfa harvests also were made later in the establishment season and at first flower in the following spring. Light penetration through the canopies of the various companion crops was monitored in all years. Weed biomass was measured in 1989, to estimate weed suppression by the companion crops. Light intensity at the level of the alfalfa within the semidwarf companion crop canopy was consistently higher than within the conventional-stature companion crops. Averaged over all small-grain genotypes, companion crop treatments produced from 202 to 2355 kg ha⁻¹ more forage dry matter than direct-seeded alfalfa (no companion crop). Alfalfa dry matter production during establishment was suppressed by all companion crops, especially those with conventional stature. Weeds were greatly suppressed by all companion crops. Companion crops increased mortality of alfalfa plants during establishment, but did not lower production of the alfalfa at subsequent harvests in the establishment season or in the following spring. Overall, semidwarf and conventional barley and oat were comparable in performance as companion crops in these studies, but semidwarf genotypes should prove particularly advantageous under conditions where lodging is likely to occur. Contribution of the Agronomy and Plant Genetics Dep., Univ. of Minnesota. Minnesota Agric. Exp. Stn. Journal Series Paper no. 20,975.
Industry momentum and common factors

Abstract Jegadeesh and Titman [1993. Journal of Finance 48, 65–91] suggest that if there is a delayed reaction to common information in the stock market, a factor model should include not only contemporaneous but also lagged common factors. We therefore consider a delayed-reaction model that includes both contemporaneous and lagged Fama–French factors. Empirically, we find that common risk based on such a delayed-reaction model can largely explain the momentum in industry portfolio returns. Thus, the present paper rejects the idea that momentum is mainly due to idiosyncratic risk and supports the idea that momentum is due to common risk.
Integrated Electro-Optic Modulator For Ultra-High-Frequency Electric Field Sensing

Integrated optics offers a unique opportunity for ultra-high frequency electric field sensing. We report here design and operating parameters for a Mach-Zehnder travelling-wave modulator for operation at ultra high frequencies. The interferometer is fabricated on LiNb03 crystals by Ti-indiffusion. The electrode design features an asymetric coplanar line coupled to the optical waveguides by a series of thin, parallel capacitor structures.
Influence of Social and Community Capital on Student Achievement in a Large Urban School District

Education professionals and policy makers have been working to “close the achievement gap” for some time. Differences in school performance for children from diverse and different family backgrounds have been at the core of past and present social, political, and education reform initiatives and practices. Previous research suggests that student characteristics and social capital (i.e., supportive aspects of social structures and people) predict academic achievement. In the present study, we examined the impact of school demographics, including distributions of exceptional children, and community capital (i.e., financial, human, and social capital in a family) on educational achievement as an opportunity to reframe the perspective on blame and explore the benefits of intentional diversity and integration on the educational advancement for all children. One result showed that community capital was a strong predictor of academic outcomes. We also found that the concentrations of students with academic gifts, behavior problems, or mental retardation and interesting interactions among these variables had differing impacts on academic achievement at the school level.
Modeling and evaluating the scattering of Rayleigh waves by a linear distribution of surface cracks

A numerical evaluation model of the reflection coefficient of Rayleigh waves for a linear distribution of surface cracks is developed using the weight function estimation method. The numerical evaluation of the reflection coefficients varying with respect to the crack depth ratios, frequencies, and the number of the cracks for several commonly used engineering materials is performed. The results show that the model can effectively be used to evaluate the reflection coefficient for a linear distribution of the cracks. The crack depth which can be evaluated has been extended substantially and the evaluation results have been improved.
Sobre incerteza, dúvida, responsabilidade e viagens: um ensaio sobre dois livros de Ole Skovsmose

A natureza critica da educacao matematica representa elevada incerteza. Naturalmente, e possivel tentar ignorar esta incerteza. Isto, por exemplo, pode ser feito assumindo que a educacao matematica, de alguma forma, pode tornarse “determinada” a servir algumas funcoes sociais atrativas quando organizadas em, digamos, um curriculo nacional coroado por alguns objetivos bem escolhidos. Mas acho que isso seja uma ilusao. A funcao da educacao matematica nao pode ser determinada (ou re-determinada) pela mera introducao de alguns principios orientadores explicitados no topo do curriculo. Mudar o “indeterminismo” da educacao matematica nao e tarefa facil. Nao existem procedimentos diretos para a “determinacao”. As funcoes da educacao matematica dependem dos multiplos e particulares contextos nos quais o curriculo e chamado a agir. Reconhecer a natureza critica da educacao matematica, incluindo nisso todas as incertezas relativas a ela, e uma caracteristica da educacao matematica critica. (SKOVSMOSE, 2005, p.44). ...
Comparison of scores on two recent editions of the Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration.

Standard scores on the third and fourth editions of the Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration (VMI-3 and VMI-4) were compared for a sample of 120 children (4-17 years of age) referred to an outpatient diagnostic clinic for developmental learning, attention, mood, and behavior problems. The two editions of the test have the same items, so the test was administered only once to each child, but the editions differ in their scoring systems and norms. The correlation between the pairs of standard scores on the two editions was .99, and the absolute mean difference between scores was only 1.5 points.
A strategy for minimizing the effect of misclassifications during real time pattern recognition myoelectric control

Pattern recognition myoelectric control in combination with targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) may provide better real-time control of upper limb prostheses. Current pattern recognition algorithms can classify movements with an off-line accuracy of ~95%. When amputees use these systems to control prostheses, motion misclassifications may hinder their performance. This study investigated the use of a decision based velocity profile that limited movement speed when there was a change in classifier decision. The goal of this velocity ramp was to improve prosthesis positioning by minimizing the effect of unintended movements. Two patients who had undergone TMR surgery controlled either a virtual or physical prosthesis. They completed a Target Achievement Control Test where they commanded a virtual prosthesis into a target posture. Participants showed improved performance metrics of 34% increase in completion rate and 13% faster overall time with the velocity ramp compared to without the velocity ramp. One participant controlled a physical prosthesis and in three minutes was able to create a tower of 1” cubes seven blocks tall with the velocity ramp compared to a tower of only two blocks tall in the control condition. These results suggest that using a pattern recognition system with a decision based velocity profile may improve user performance.
DISTINGUISHING SENSITIVITY OF FREE-LIVING SOIL NEMATODE GENERA TO PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DISTURBANCES

During the past 50 yr, ecological and agricultural scientists have pursued an integrated definition and metric of soil quality. In the past 20 yr, considerable attention has been paid to nematodes, demonstrating that these ubiquitous members of the soil community reflect change in ecological structure and function of soils in ways more predictable and efficient than for other soil flora or fauna. With the help of multivariate analysis, we studied the application of free-living nematode communities as model indicators of physical and chemical disturbance of agricultural soil. We used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and partial CCA to segregate effects of tillage and chemical/nutrient treatments. With the results of CCA, we assigned relative direct and indirect tillage sensitivity and chemical/nutrient sensitivity ratings to soil genera found in two test data sets, each containing three matrices: (1) sites by species or genera, (2) sites by soil properties, and (3) sites by management practices. Of ...
Psychological and social recovery of children disfigured by physical trauma: elements of treatment supported by empirical data

Survivors of physically disfiguring trauma experience a series of assaults on the mind as well as on the body that present extraordinary challenges to human resilience. The 'trauma' for the survivor is complex. The injurious event itself is traumatic; additional traumas can also occur from painful and frightening medical treatments. The physical changes in the survivor's body are permanent reminders of the fear, horror, sadness and pain experienced. The reactions (real and imagined) of others to their disfigured bodies present survivors with the additional and ongoing trauma of feeling rejected, isolated, unworthy and humiliated.
Thermomigration in SnPb composite solder joints and wires

Composite flip chip solder joints and composite solder wire samples were used to study thermomigration. The composite solder joint consists of 95Pb5Sn on the Si side and eutectic 37Pb63Sn on the substrate side. Composite wire samples were made by joining Cu (wire) - 95Pb5Sn (ball) - eutectic 37Pb63Sn solder (ball) - Cu (wire) together with the size of the wire and ball of 300 /spl mu/m in diameter. We have observed thermomigration induced composition redistribution of Sn and Pb, in which Sn moved to the hot end and Pb to the cold end. A threshold temperature gradient, which is about 1000 /spl deg/C/cm, is needed to induce the thermomigration.
CD80 Expression on B Cells Regulates Murine T Follicular Helper Development, Germinal Center B Cell Survival, and Plasma Cell Generation

Germinal center (GC) B cells and T follicular helper (T(FH)) cells interact in the production of high-affinity long-lived plasma cells (PCs) and memory B cells, although the mechanisms regulating the formation of these long-lived populations remain unclear. Because CD80 is one of the few markers shared by human and murine memory B cells, we investigated its role in the development of GCs, memory cells, and PCs. In CD80-deficient mice, fewer long-lived PCs were generated upon immunization compared with that in B6 controls. In concert, the absence of CD80 resulted in an increase in apoptotic GC B cells during the contraction phase of the GC. CD80(-/-) mice had fewer T(FH) cells compared with that of B6, and residual T(FH) cells failed to mature, with decreased ICOS and PD-1 expression and decreased synthesis of IL-21 mRNA. Mixed bone marrow chimeras demonstrated a B cell-intrinsic requirement for CD80 expression for normal T(FH) cell and PC development. Therefore, B cell expression of CD80 plays a critical role in regulating B-T interactions in both early and late GC responses. This, in turn, results in impaired ability to produce long-lived PCs. These data provide new insights into the development of GCs and Ab-forming cells and the functions of CD80 in humoral immunity.