cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An assessment of road impacts on wildlife populations in U.S. national parks.

Current United States National Park Service (NPS) management is challenged to balance visitor use with the environmental and social consequences of auto- mobile use. Wildlife populations in national parks are increasingly vulnerable to road impacts. Other than isolated reports on the incidence of road-related mortality, there is little knowledge of how roads might affect wildlife popu- lations throughout the national park system. Researchers at the Western Transportation Institute synthesized informa- tion obtained from a system-wide survey of resource managers to assess the magnitude of their concerns on the impacts of roads on park wildlife. The results characterize current conditions and help identify wildlife-transportation conflicts. A total of 196 national park management units (NPS units) were contacted and 106 responded to our questionnaire. Park resource managers responded that over half of the NPS units' existing transportation systems were at or above capacity, with traffic volumes currently high or very high in one quarter of them and traffic expected to increase in the majority of units. Data is not generally collected systematically on road-related mortality to wild- life, yet nearly half of the respondents believed road-caused mortality significantly affected wildlife populations. Over one-half believed habitat fragmentation was affecting wildlife populations. Despite these expressed concerns, only 36% of the NPS units used some form of mitigation method to reduce road impacts on wildlife. Nearly half of the respondents expect that these impacts would only worsen in the next five years. Our results underscore the importance for a more systematic approach to address wildlife-roadway conflicts for a situation that is expected to increase in the next five to ten years.
Considerations for High Frame Rate Operation of Two-Dimensional a-Si:H Imaging Arrays

Large area, two-dimensional, amorphous silicon arrays are under development for x-ray imaging applications. Theoretical limits on frame rates imposed by array design and operational requirements are examined. Measurements of image lag as a function of frame rate are reported.
A joint wavenumber-time domain technique to determine the transient acoustic radiation loading on planar vibrators

Abstract A new method is presented to determine the transient radiation loading on planar vibrators mounted on rigid infinite baffles by using a wave-vector-time domain technique. The specified non-uniform velocity of the vibrator is expressed as a time-dependent modal expansion where the modes are solutions to the homogeneous problem. The time-dependent acoustic modal forces can then be expressed as a sum of the modal radiation impulse responses convolved with the modal velocities. In order to evaluate the radiation impulse responses, the relationship between the Fourier and Hankel transforms of circular symmetric functions is first used to express the Green's function for the problem as an integral over wave-vector space. The integral form of the Green's function is then used to reduce the expression for the radiation impulse responses from a double surface integral over the vibrator to an integral over the wave-vector space. In contrast to the double surface integral, which is difficult to evaluate, the integral over the wave-vector space can be evaluated easily. Numerical results are presented for clamped circular plates and simply supported square plates.
Calculation of odds ratios on the TI-59 from logistic regression output

A program for the Texas Instruments TI-59 and, optionally, a print cradle is described that allows calculation of point estimates and confidence intervals for odds ratios using information included in the output from most logistic regression programs. The program considers up to fifteen continuous and/or dichotomous independent variables.
Second-harmonic generation in periodically poled lithium niobate single-crystal fibres

Periodic ferroelectric domain structures were introduced into lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/) single-crystal fibres by the electric field poling method using a configuration of direct electrode contact. The fibres were pumped with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a CW input power as high as 1 W. The maximum generated second-harmonic signal was 1.6 mW, thus corresponding to an overall conversion efficiency of 0.016%.
Motivation and Benefits of Complex Systems Approaches in Ecology

Studies of complex systems in other disciplines provide models and analytical strategies for understanding ecosystems and landscapes. The emphasis is on invariant properties, particularly processes that create scaling relations over wide ranges of scale, both in time and space. Translations between levels of ecological organization may be accomplished by succinct characterizations of processes that operate at fine scales, followed by renormalization group analysis to reveal patterns at broad scales. The self-organized patterns found in simple ecosystem, landscape, and forest-fire models may be explained as feedback between the system state and control parameters. Critical phenomena and phase transitions are expected in open, dissipative systems where long-range correlations defy predictions based on average population densities, a concept that becomes irrelevant as nonstationary conditions prevail. Thus, complexity theory for open systems relates to the ecology of self-entailing ecosystems that function as their own environments and thereby create constraints through emergence.
Irgm1 protects hematopoietic stem cells by negative regulation of IFN signaling.

The IFN-inducible immunity-related p47 GTPase Irgm1 has been linked to Crohn disease as well as susceptibility to tuberculosis. Previously we demonstrated that HSC quiescence and function are aberrant in mice lacking Irgm1. To investigate the molecular basis for these defects, we conducted microarray expression profiling of Irgm1-deficient HSCs. Cell-cycle and IFN-response genes are up-regulated in Irgm1−/− HSCs, consistent with dysregulated IFN signaling. To test the hypothesis that Irgm1 normally down-regulates IFN signaling in HSCs, we generated Irgm1−/−Ifngr1−/− and Irgm1−/−Stat1−/− double-knockout animals. Strikingly, hyperproliferation, self-renewal, and autophagy defects in Irgm1−/− HSCs were normalized in double-knockout animals. These defects were also abolished in Irgm1−/−Irgm3−/− double-knockout animals, indicating that Irgm1 may regulate Irgm3 activity. Furthermore, the number of HSCs was reduced in aged Irgm1−/− animals, suggesting that negative feedback inhibition of IFN signaling by Irgm1 is necessary to prevent hyperproliferation and depletion of the stem cell compartment. Collectively, our results indicate that Irgm1 is a powerful negative regulator of IFN-dependent stimulation in HSCs, with an essential role in preserving HSC number and function. The deleterious effects of excessive IFN signaling may explain how hematologic abnormalities arise in patients with inflammatory conditions.
Facile, surfactant-free synthesis of Pd nanoparticles for heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract A simple route to a highly active and selective Pd/C heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst has been developed. The 1.5 nm Pd 0 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized at room temperature from the reduction of palladium acetate in methanol under anhydrous conditions. A powdered carbon support was added during the synthesis and dried to produce an active catalyst that did not require any additional treatment. This technique alleviates many of the difficulties reported in using colloidal NPs, such as residues left from the removal of capping agents or agglomeration during ligand removal.
Effects of digoxin on left ventricular function in coronary artery disease patients

Abstract To assess whether digitalis modifies or prevents the deterioration of the left ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion during acute ischemia, we performed gated blood pool radionuclide ventriculograms in 15 patients with angiographically documented coronary artery disease. All patients were studied in the resting state and during maximal supine bicycle exercise, both before and 1 hour after 1 mg intravenous digoxin. There was no significant difference, pre-digoxin vs post-digoxin, in exercise tolerance (415 ± 84 vs 418 ± 107 seconds), number of segments with abnormal resting wall motion (12 vs 11) or exercise wall motion (21 vs 19). Ten patients developed angina during the same exercise load, irrespective of digoxin administration. Twelve patients had subnormal left ventricular ejection fraction during exercise pre-digoxin, vs 13 patients post-digoxin ( P = ns). In the resting state, the left ventricular ejection fraction was higher after digoxin (53 ± 14% pre vs 58 ± 14% post, P P = ns). These data indicate that although acute administration of digoxin improves the resting left ventricular function, it does not improve exercise tolerance to angina. Furthermore, intravenous digoxin does not appear to prevent the deterioration of left ventricular wall motion and ejection fraction during exercise induced ischemia.
Measurement of the vacuum decay rate of orthopositronium formed in an MgO-lined cavity

Abstract Orthopositronium decay rates are measured in MgO-lined cavities with various volumes and entrance apertures. Systematic effects of the entrance aperture, cavity geometry, and collisional pick-off are measured. The vacuum decay rate is determined to be 7.050 ± 0.013 μs −1 .
Gentamicin dosage in children: A randomized prospective comparison of body weight and body surface area as dose determinants

Body surface area and body weight were evaluated as gentamicin dose determinants in a randomized prospective study of 35 children with normal renal function. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous gentamicin doses of either 37.5 mg/m 2 (Group I) or 1.25 mg/kg (Group II) administered every six hours, and were studied after their first dose on days one, three, and six of therapy. When the variability in peak concentrations for the two dosage regimens was compared, there was no statistically significant difference ( P =0.45) between the two groups. The gentamicin volume of distribution for all patients correlated only moderately with body weight (r=0.82) and body surface area (r=0.79). The mean volume of distribution on day one was 0.295±0.115 l/kg when expressed as a function of body weight and 7.26±2.62 l/m 2 when expressed as a function of body surface area, and did not change significantly with multiple dosing. The results indicate that the variability in serum concentrations is not significantly reduced when pediatric doses are calculated from body surface area instead of body weight, supporting the need for individualization of doses based on measured serum concentrations.
Neutron Production in Ag, Ta, Au, Pt, and Pb by the Interaction of 7.5-14-MeV Protons

Use was made of a large liquid scintillator to determine excitation functions for $(p,n)+(p,pn)$ and ($p,2n$) interactions in Ag, Ta, Au, Pt, and Pb. A value of 1.6 F was deduced for ${r}_{\mathrm{o}}$, the nuclear radius parameter. Comparison of these data with the reaction cross sections obtained in another experiment confirms that neutron production is the dominant process for these elements at 10 MeV. The simple statistical model in which only neutron emission is assumed provides a reasonably satisfactory explanation of the observed behavior, but other results indicate that the ($p,pn$) process could be significant in these elements.
Semantic network abnormality predicts rate of cognitive decline in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease

The present study examined the relationship between rate of cognitive decline in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the integrity of the network of associations that comprise their semantic knowledge. The integrity of the semantic network of 12 AD patients was determined by comparing their networks to a standard normal control network derived with Pathfinder analysis, a multidimensional graphic analysis technique. A simple linear regression analysis, comparing the degree of semantic network deterioration with rate of cognitive decline as measured by the difference between the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) scores obtained at the time of the testing of semantic knowledge (Year 1) and one year later (Year 2), was highly significant (r 2 = .84; p < .001). These results suggest that a sensitive measure of the structural deterioration of semantic knowledge may be useful for predicting the rate of progression of cognitive changes in patients with AD. (JINS, 1995, /, 297-303.)
Intracellular calcium changes in rat aortic smooth muscle cells in response to fluid flow.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSM) are normally exposed to transmural fluid flow shear stresses, and after vascular injury, blood flow shear stresses are imposed upon them. Since Ca2+ is a ubiquitous intracellular signaling molecule, we examined the effects of fluid flow on intracellular Ca2+ concentration in rat aortic smooth muscle cells to assess VSM responsiveness to shear stress. Cells loaded with fura 2 were exposed to steady flow shear stress levels of 0.5–10.0 dyn/cm2 in a parallel-plate flow chamber. The percentage of cells displaying a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased in response to increasing flow, but there was no effect of flow on the ([Ca2+]i) amplitude of responding cells. Addition of Gd3+ (10 μM) or thapsigargin (50 nM) significantly reduced the percentage of cells responding and the response amplitude, suggesting that influx of Ca2+ through ion channels and release from intracellular stores contribute to the rise in ([Ca2+]i) in response to flow. The addition of nifedipine (1 or 10 μM) or ryanodine (10 μM) also significantly reduced the response amplitude, further defining the role of ion channels and intracellular stores in the Ca2+ response. © 2002 Biomedical Engineering Society.
Measuring Organizational Power: Resources and Autonomy of Government Agencies

Although power is a major concern of organization theory, little research has focused on the horizontal dimension of power between organizations at relatively equal hierarchical levels. This study attempts to fill that void by operationalizing organizational power for 127 federal government agencies. The derived measure is subjected to tests for internal and external validity by empirically testing one promising theory of agency power.
Wurtzite InP nanowire arrays grown by selective area MOCVD

InP nanowires are a unique material phase because this normally zincblende material forms in the wurtzite crystal structure below a critical diameter owing to the contribution of sidewalls to the total formation energy. This may allow control of the carrier transport and optical properties of InP nanowires for applications such as nano scale transistors, lasers and detectors. In this work, we describe the fabrication of InP nanowire arrays by selective area growth using MOCVD in the diameter range where the wurtzite structure is formed. The spatial growth rate in selective area growth is modeled by a diffusion model for the precursors. The proposed model achieves an average error of 9%. Electron microscopy shows that the grown InP nanowires are in the wurtzite crystal phase with many stacking faults. The threshold diameter of the crystal phase transition of InP nanowires is larger than the thermodynamic estimation. In order to explain this tendency, we propose a surface kinetics model based on a 2×2 reconstruction. This model can explain the increased tendency for wurtzite nanowire formation on InP (111)A substrates and the preferred growth direction of binary III-V compound semiconductor nanowires.
Bauhaus on trial: Aluminum city terrace and federal defence housing policy during World War II

This article examines the housing constructed by the US government for industrial workers under the Lanham Act before the US entrance into World War II. It focuses on Aluminum City Terrace (ACT), a housing development built by the US Federal Works Agency in 1941–42. ACT was constructed in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, a mill town located approximately twenty miles from Pittsburgh. The article is based on federal housing records, the papers of federal housing officials and interviews with residents. Historians and scholars of federal housing policy have traditionally argued that the innovative housing programmes of the New Deal were victims of increasing public and Congressional hostility and mobilization for war. This article argues that in the early phases of its existence, the defence housing programme was committed to the New Deal goal of building modern European‐styled housing developments which were intended to serve as models for private development. During 1941 and 1942, the Federal Works Agency hi...
Multiple congenital anomalies associated with a ring 3 chromosome and translocated 3/X chromosome.

Multiple Congenital Anomalies Associated with a Ring 3 Chromosome and Translocated 3/X Chromosome
Food web modelling for investigating ecosystem behaviour in large reservoirs of the south-eastern United States: lessons from Lake Lanier, Georgia

Abstract This paper presents the development and evaluation of a macroscopic food web model, for the primary purpose of identifying the key and redundant uncertainties associated with the constituent processes of the reservoir ecosystem of Lake Lanier (Georgia, USA). The ultimate goal is to provide assistance in directing the focus of future ecological research on Lake Lanier. The model interweaves the conventional grazing food chain with a microbial loop, and incorporates sediment–water–nutrient interactions. Model evaluation is performed by hypothesis screening, using the regionalized sensitivity analysis (RSA) procedure. RSA is conditioned on two target endpoints defined by nutrient concentration and fish biomass, one {nutrient-rich; fish-depleted} and the other {nutrient-depleted; fish-rich}. The results suggest that: (i) watershed inputs are most critical to attaining both target endpoints, particularly the sorptive association between phosphorus and the dominant iron-rich clay sediments; (ii) the phytoplankton-based grazing food chain is critical to reaching the {nutrient-rich; fish-depleted} endpoint, whereas the bacteria-based microbial loop determines the attainability of the {nutrient-depleted; fish-rich} endpoint; (iii) fisheries management practices could significantly impact ecosystem behaviour; and (iv) the availability and distribution of dissolved phosphorus in the water column is critical to productivity for both endpoints. Uncertainties associated with sediment loading, secondary and microbial production, and phosphorus dynamics indicate significant gaps in current scientific knowledge about the food web ecology of Lake Lanier. It is therefore suggested that future research be directed towards reducing these uncertainties, thereby providing a more reliable knowledge base for managing and protecting the integrity of Lake Lanier’s ecosystem.
The effect of sea-water submergence on rhizome bud viability of the introduced Ammophila arenaria and the native Leymus mollis in California.

Ammophila arenaria, an invasive European beach grass, dominates most United States Pacific coast beaches north of San Francisco Bay, and it appears to severely reduce opportunities for regeneration of native plant species, including American beach grass,Leymus mollis. The knowledge of how longAmmophila rhizomes can survive in sea-water is important for long-tern management strategies, which must consider the probability of reinvasion of areas whereAmmophila has been eradicated. The bud viability of bothAmmophila arenaria andLeymus mollis remained high following submergence in sea-water for 7 days, andLeymus bud viability was still high after 13 days submergence. In fact,Leymus bud viability appears to be enhanced slightly by submergence for 7 days in sea-water. SinceAmmophila rhizomes retain a mean bud viability of >50% following submergence for 7 days, there is clearly the potential for long distance dispersal to other beaches. Even after 13 days of submergence,Ammophila rhizomes still had a mean bud viability of 8.5%. Assuming near-shore current speeds of 5–45 cm/sec, viableAmmophila rhizomes can be transported up to 505 km in 13 days.
Cardiac image integration implications for atrial fibrillation ablation

Cardiac image registration using computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and fluoroscopy is currently being investigated and clinically used for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Cardiac image registration, in the context of left atrium, is intermodal, with the acquired image and the real-time reference image residing in different image spaces, and involves optimization, where one image space is transformed into the other. Geometry-based methods, which include using fiducial points and/or surface-based techniques, are usually used for cardiac image registration. During fiducial point registration, fiducial points are either external skin markers or manually determined by marking anatomical landmarks, using mapping catheters. Usually, a minimum of three non collinear points are needed for optimal registration. Recently, a catheter placed inside the coronary sinus has also been used as a fiducial marker for the purpose of registration. During surface registration, the process involves characterizing surfaces in each of the images and deriving the best transformation between them. Unlike rigid body registration, such as has been extensively used in imaging the brain, cardiac image registration is unique and challenging. In addition to the errors inherent in intermodal registration, such as errors in pixel and voxel dimension and errors due to fiducial point selection, there are errors specific to cardiac image registration, i.e., errors due to cardiac motion during the cardiac cycle and due to respiration. This review addresses the basic principles of registration and the inherent registration errors as they relate to cardiac imaging and registration.
The trauma triangle

Recent research supports the hypothesis that more active engagement of the patient in occurring illnesses improves quality of life and probably even life expectancy. In this study experience and theoretical knowledge from psychotherapy is transplanted to clinical practice in order to improve the physician's engagement in the patient-disease relationship. By defining severe and long-term illnesses as a psychotrauma, the transfer of the psychotherapeutical model leads to the creation of a new triangular relationship: patient-illness-doctor. Practical examples are used as illustrations for the conceptual differences between psychotherapy and clinical medicine. Options for dialogue show the difference between adaptation ("learning to live with") and adjustment (active coping strategies and controlling). The hypothesis is that a better dialogue will reduce illness-related stress, giving the patient better and more effective access to personal psychic and physical support systems.
Complex Stable Sums of Complex Stable Random Variables

A definition of complex stable random variables is presented which includes earlier definitions as special cases. The class of complex stable random variables is characterized and is shown to be a subclass of the operator stable random variables. The exact conditions under which a sum of independent complex stable random variables is again complex stable are also found.
Diurnal fatigue patterns, sleep timing, and mental health outcomes among healthy postpartum women

Postpartum women have frequently interrupted sleep, report high levels of fatigue, and may experience circadian rhythm disruptions. They are also susceptible to mood impairments, anxiety, and stress. The current study explored associations between maternal postpartum daily fatigue patterns, which should vary according to circadian influences and mental health. Seventy-one primiparous, healthy mothers completed multiple daily self-reports of fatigue during postpartum Weeks 2 and 12 and were categorized at each week as having either a rhythmic or random fatigue pattern during the daytime. Wrist actigraphy data were used to calculate sleep midpoints. Surveys assessed chronotype, mood, anxiety, and stress. At postpartum Week 2, there were no differences in mental health measures between fatigue groups. At postpartum Week 12, higher overall fatigue levels were associated with increased anxiety, stress, and mood disruption. However, overall fatigue levels did not differ between fatigue groups. Women with a rhythmic fatigue pattern reported significantly less stress and more vigor than women with a random fatigue pattern. An earlier sleep midpoint was associated with a rhythmic fatigue pattern during postpartum Week 12. These data suggest that, despite similar average daily fatigue levels, having a rhythmic daily pattern of fatigue may be advantageous for mental health outcomes among postpartum women.
UNCONSTRAINED VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR LINEAR ELLIPTIC EIGENPROBLEMS

This paper introduces and studies some unconstrained variational principles for finding eigenvalues, and associated eigenvectors, of a pair of bilinear forms (a,m) on a Hilbert space V.T he functionals involve a parameter µ and are smooth with well-defined second variations. Their non-zero critical points are eigenvectors of (a,m) with associated eigenvalues given by specific formulae. There is an associated Morse-index theory that characterizes the eigenvector as being associated with the j- th eigenvalue. The requirements imposed on the forms (a,m) are appropriate for studying elliptic eigenproblems in HilbertSobolev spaces, including problems with indefinite weights. The general results are illustrated by analyses of specific eigenproblems for second order elliptic Robin, Steklov and general eigenproblems. Mathematics Subject Classification. — Please, give AMS classification codes —.
Central but not basolateral amygdala mediates memory for positive affective experiences

Rats were trained in an 8-arm radial maze on a task in which memory for magnitude of reinforcement was tested. Rats received a single trial per day consisting of a study phase and a test phase. In the study phase, the animals received 1 or 7 pieces of food on different arms of the maze. After the study phase, the rats were delayed for 5 s, 5 min or 15 min. After the delay the animals were allowed to choose between the two arms presented in the study phase. The correct response, leading to an additional reinforcement, was to select the arm in which the animal had received the 7 pieces of food. After learning this task to a criterion of 80% or better performance on blocks of 10 trials for each delay, the animals received electrolytic lesions of the basolateral or central amygdala. After recovery from surgery animals were tested at each delay. The results indicate that there were no deficits at any delay with basolateral amygdala lesions. In contrast, lesions of the central amygdala produced a marked deficit at the 5- and 15-min delays, but no deficit at the 5-s delay. Based on the assumption that in this task memory for magnitude of reinforcement is a function of the formation of reinforcement-spatial location associations resulting in the activation of affective experiences, it is concluded that the central but not basolateral amygdala is involved in the coding of positive affect information.
Transmission Mode Desorption Electrospray Ionization

A new mode of operation for desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) analysis of liquids or solid residues from evaporated solvents is presented. Unlike traditional DESI, the electrospray is not deflected off of a surface but instead is transmitted through a sampling mesh at a 0° angle between the electrospray tip, sample mesh, and capillary inlet of a mass spectrometer. In this configuration, deposited samples can be analyzed rapidly without rigorous optimization of spray distances or angles and without the preparation time associated with solvent evaporation. The new transmission mode desorption electrospray ionization (TM-DESI) technique is not applicable to bulk materials, but instead is a method designed to simplify the sample preparation process for liquid samples and sample extracts. The technique can reduce analysis time to seconds while consuming only microliters of sample. The results presented summarize the optimization of the technique, highlight key figures of merit for several model compounds, and illustrate potential applications to high throughput screening of liquid mixtures in both extraction solvents and biological matrices.
Identification of conserved promoter elements for aldB and isozyme specific residues in aldolase B.

Abstract The comparison of three complete aldolase B genes-including known and putative regulatory elements-is presented. The third aldolase B gene was provided by the complete ald B gene sequence (14 803 bp) encoding the rabbit aldolase B isozyme. The promoter sequence alignment included the nonmammalian chicken aldolase B gene and confirms the promoter sequence conservation of those elements where trans -factor binding has been demonstrated in rat ald B. Moreover, the alignment reveals conserved sequences that may represent previously unidentified promoter elements that are present in all ald Bs or specifically in the mammalian ald B promoters. One remarkable feature is a poly-purine segment found between the CAAT and TATA elements. In the mammalian promoters, this is exclusively a 9–10 bp poly-dA stretch. The avian promoter has an additional stretch of eight dG-bases immediately upstream of the poly-dA. Alignment of a portion of intron 1 of the chicken, human, and rabbit ald B genes reveals conserved sequences that are likely candidates for a reported positive activation sequence. In addition, the amino acid sequences of all eight known aldolase B isozymes is compared to the other vertebrate aldolases. A number of aldolase B-specific residues are identified that cluster in the carboxyl-portion of the sequence. With the exception of residue C268, these residues are not found near the active site, although, they are likely to be responsible for the substrate specificity of aldolase B.
Possible immunogenetic basis for autism

Autism results from several different etiologies or combination of pathological mechanisms. Mounting evidence indicates that immune dysfunction along with an environmental pathogen may be factors contributing to the development of some cases of autism. One of the immune deficiencies observed in autism is abnormal T-cell mediated immunity. Another is altered levels of certain classes of antibodies (immunoglobulins), including decreased levels of immunoglobulin A and deficient complement activity, based on the inheritance of a null allele of the C4B gene. In addition to the C4B gene, other genes on chromosome 6 also appear to be associated with autism. In the developing child, genetically determined immune deficiencies might increase the risk for autism in two ways: 1) A pathogen or its toxins might damage the brain, 2) the pathogen might trigger an autoimmune mechanism that would interfere with brain functioning. In the mother, immune deficiency might allow a pathogen to persist in utero, damaging the fetal brain directly or triggering a maternal immune response that creates pathogenesis in the fetal brain. MRDD Research Reviews 1998;4:137–141. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A consideration of select pre-trauma factors as key vulnerabilities in PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a pathological response to a traumatic event. A number of risk and vulnerability factors predicting PTSD development have been identified in the literature. Many of these variables are specific factors occurring during and after exposure to a traumatic event or are not measured prospectively to assess temporal sequence. Recent research, however, has begun to focus on pre-trauma individual differences that could contribute to risk for developing PTSD. The present review proposes that a number of biological and cognitive vulnerability factors place individuals at risk for PTSD development prior to the actual experience of trauma. Accordingly, this review provides a summary of evidence for a select number of these factors as pre-trauma vulnerabilities to PTSD. Included is a discussion of biological factors, including molecular genetic studies of systems regulating serotonin, catecholamines, and glucocorticoids as well as aspects of the neuroendocrine system. Specific cognitive factors are also considered, including intelligence, neuropsychological functioning and cognitive biases such as negative attributional style and appraisals. For each factor, the present review summarizes evidence to date regarding PTSD vulnerability and highlights directions for future research in this area.
Two Protein N-Acetylgalactosaminyl Transferases Regulate Synaptic Plasticity by Activity-Dependent Regulation of Integrin Signaling

Using a Drosophila whole-genome transgenic RNAi screen for glycogenes regulating synapse function, we have identified two protein α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (pgant3 and pgant35A) that regulate synaptic O-linked glycosylation (GalNAcα1-O-S/T). Loss of either pgant alone elevates presynaptic/postsynaptic molecular assembly and evoked neurotransmission strength, but synapses appear restored to normal in double mutants. Likewise, activity-dependent facilitation, augmentation, and posttetanic potentiation are all suppressively impaired in pgant mutants. In non-neuronal contexts, pgant function regulates integrin signaling, and we show here that the synaptic Position Specific 2 (αPS2) integrin receptor and transmembrane tenascin ligand are both suppressively downregulated in pgant mutants. Channelrhodopsin-driven activity rapidly (<1 min) drives integrin signaling in wild-type synapses but is suppressively abolished in pgant mutants. Optogenetic stimulation in pgant mutants alters presynaptic vesicle trafficking and postsynaptic pocket size during the perturbed integrin signaling underlying synaptic plasticity defects. Critically, acute blockade of integrin signaling acts synergistically with pgant mutants to eliminate all activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.
A time-implicit Monte Carlo collision algorithm for particle-in-cell electron transport models

A time-implicit Monte Carlo collision algorithm has been developed to allow particle-in-cell electron transport models to be applied to arbitrarily collisional systems. The algorithm is formulated for electrons moving in response to electric and magnetic accelerations and subject to collisional drag and scattering due to a background plasma. The correct fluid or streaming transport results are obtained in the respective limits of strongly or weakly collisional systems, and reasonable behavior is produced even for time-steps greatly exceeding the magnetic-gyration and collisional-scattering times.
Neostigmine infusion: new standard of care for acute colonic pseudo-obstruction? by RJ Ponec, MD Saunders, MB Kimmey, Neostigmine for the Treatment of Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction, N Engl J Med 1999;341:137–451

Abstract This study was designed to assess the efficacy of i.v. infusion of neostigmine in patients with acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, which was defined as colonic distention with a cecal diameter of at least 10 cm on plain radiographs and no radiographic evidence of mechanical obstruction. Patients who failed to respond to conventional management (nothing by mouth, nasogastric suction, postural changes, i.v. fluids, electrolyte replacement, and discontinuation of any drugs that affect colonic motility) for 24 h were included in the study. Those with bradycardia (heart rate 3 mg/dL were excluded. Twenty patients were included in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eleven patients received neostigmine 2.0 mg i.v. over 3–5 min with electrocardiographic monitoring, and 10 received placebo. Patients were evaluated for immediate clinical response (passage of flatus or stools associated with decreased abdominal distention within 30 min) and sustained response with decreased abdominal girth and reduced colonic dilation on radiographs 3 h after infusion. Ten patients in the neostigmine group had an immediate clinical response (median time, 4 min) compared to none in the placebo group (p
Common Angle Plots as Perception-True Visualizations of Categorical Associations

Visualizations are great tools of communications-they summarize findings and quickly convey main messages to our audience. As designers of charts we have to make sure that information is shown with a minimum of distortion. We have to also consider illusions and other perceptual limitations of our audience. In this paper we discuss the effect and strength of the line width illusion, a Muller-Lyer type illusion, on designs related to displaying associations between categorical variables. Parallel sets and hammock plots are both affected by line width illusions. We introduce the common-angle plot as an alternative method for displaying categorical data in a manner that minimizes the effect from perceptual illusions. Results from user studies both highlight the need for addressing line-width illusions in displays and provide evidence that common angle charts successfully resolve this issue.
Conducting Undergraduate Research at Vincennes University

Undergraduate chemical research can serve a useful and important role in the education of community college students. For students who have no other contact with research it is an opportunity for a new perspective on science and serves to encourage students to select and remain in a science career. It also brings credibility to chemistry students among their peers. Faculty leadership, laboratory facilities, and flexible scheduling are available at the community college level for students, yet other resources, including some laboratory equipment, access to the chemical literature, and upper-level student leadership are more difficult to provide to community college students. Areas of research described are from the CASPiE modules Solid Phase Organic Synthesis, and Bio-Diesel Production and Evaluation.
Interpersonal problem solving: An intervention program for preschool children

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention program designed to train preschool children in interpersonal problem solving skills. Forty preschool age children were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Experimental subjects were trained in interpersonal problem solving skills for ten weeks, four days per week, for a total of 10–13 hours. Problem-solving skills were assessed at pretest, posttest, and three months after training was completed. Seventy-eight percent of the children who participated in pretest and posttest were tested at follow-up. Results indicated that the experimental group, compared to the control group, showed a significant increase in both cognitive—verbal and behavioral interpersonal problem-solving skills from pretest to posttest and that these changes were maintained at follow-up testing. Discussion focuses on suggestions for future research and implications for applied settings.
Purification and Characterization of S-Linalool Synthase, an Enzyme Involved in the Production of Floral Scent in Clarkia breweri

Abstract S-Linalool is one of the volatiles emitted by Clarkia breweri Grey [Green] flowers to attract its moth pollinator. S-Linalool synthase, the enzyme that stereoselectively converts the ubiquitous C10 intermediate GPP to S-linalool, is abundant in stigmata of freshly opened flowers, and it was purified to >95% homogeneity by anion-exchange and hydroxyapatite chromatography. S-Linalool synthase is operationally soluble as are other monoterpene synthases, has a Km of 0.9 μM for geranyl pyrophosphate, exhibits a strict requirement for a divalent metal cofactor with a preference for Mn2+ (Km = 45 μM), and shows an optimal pH of 7.4. The enzyme is active as a monomer of 76 ± 3 kDa as determined by gel permeation chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Neither S- nor R-linalyl pyrophosphates are substrates for the C. breweri S-linalool synthase, although this tertiary allylic pyrophosphate ester is a bound intermediate in the biosynthesis of cyclic monoterpenes from geranyl pyrophosphate in many plant species, where it also serves as an alternate substrate.
Nonlinear Interactions Between Forced and Self-Excited Acoustic Oscillations in Premixed Combustor

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the nonlinear interactions between self-excited and driven oscillations in a premixed swirl-stabilized combustor. This interaction is studied by externally forcing oscillations at some frequency, fdrive , in an unstable combustor oscillating at a frequency, fins . Above a certain amplitude of forcing, the self-excited oscillation amplitude decreases. In some cases, the self-excited oscillations can be eliminated almost completely, but in others the effect is slight. As such, in the former case, open-loop forcing is very effective in reducing the overall acoustic power. This paper characterizes a variety of features of these oscillations, such as the quenching amplitude, its dependence upon frequency spacing between the driven and natural modes, and the frequency shift of the unstable mode. Although not understood, it is observed that the key difference between cases where open loop forcing is and is not effective in reducing the overall acoustic power, is that the instability frequency stays roughly constant and changes with forcing amplitude, respectively.
A Climatology of Precipitating Open-Cell Convection over the Northeast Gulf of Alaska

AbstractThis brief paper addresses the frequency of precipitating open-cell convection over the northeastern Gulf of Alaska during a 5-yr period (2002–06). The research employs 154 previously documented satellite synthetic aperture radar–derived wind speed (SDWS) images that contain open-cell convection signatures. Each SDWS image is paired with a near-in-time, National Weather Service Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler Level-III 0.5°-elevation-angle short-range base reflectivity image from coastal Alaska for which coverage spatially overlaps open-cell convection signatures. The time difference between any two images of a single pair is typically a few minutes or less. For 65% of the image pairs, at least one SDWS open-cell convection signature in the overlap region is associated with precipitation. That percentage may be conservative given the method used in this research. Thus, the results of this research support a suggestion that has been posed in previous studies that the organization of open-ce...
Regional differences in magnesium, calcium, and zinc composition of arterial wall in normal and hypertensive dogs

Abstract Mg, Ca, and Zn content were determined in arteries from 12 different sites in the arterial tree of normal and hypertensive dogs. Regional variation of Mg tended to parallel estimated content of smooth muscle, being highest in the pulmonary and mesenteric vessels and lowest in the femoral. Ca content, on the other hand, more closely paralleled size of vessel, being highest in the great vessels. Zn content was high in the mesenteric and low in the femoral vessels. The differences between normal and hypertensive vessels were not very marked. In no site was the Mg content significantly different between normal and hypertensive vessels. In three sites, renal, thoracic aorta, and pulmonary, Ca content was significantly lower in hypertensive vessels. In one site, proximal mesenteric, Zn content was significantly lower in hypertensive vessels. It thus appears that the state of renal hypertension is not associated with a general increase in Mg, Ca, or Zn in the walls of the arterial tree.
Extremely Small Two-Element Monopole Antenna for HF Band Applications

This paper presents a novel antenna architecture to achieve an extremely small form factor for HF band applications. The approach is based on manipulating the topology of a short monopole antenna without utilizing a high index material. A new architecture incorporating two radiating elements is configured, which allows significant gain enhancement. It is shown that such architecture can render a miniaturized HF antenna on air substrate having lateral and height dimensions as small as 0.0115λ0 × 0.0115λ0 × 0.0038λ0 (150 mm× mm × 50 mm for operation at 22.9 MHz). It is found that the measured gain of such architecture can be as high as - 18.1 dBi, which is 16.7 dB higher than a reference inverted-F antenna realized on a high index material (eR = 10.2) having exactly the same dimensions. The proposed antenna architecture is composed of two in-phase radiating vertical elements connected to two inductors between which a capacitive top load is connected to achieve the desired resonant condition. The two vertical elements act effectively as a monopole having increased height. It is also shown that the gain of the antenna can be increased monotonically by increasing the quality factor (Q) of the phase shifter. High Q air-core inductors that can be accommodated in electrically small monopole antenna are designed and incorporated in the phase shifter to achieve a gain value of - 17.9 dBi. Details about the proposed design approach, simulation, and measurement results are discussed.
The effects of outdoor science lessons with elementary school students on preservice teachers’ self-efficacy

Teachers’ self-efficacy develops based on their appraisal of their experience with a task or similar tasks. Elementary science education should provide opportunities for students to experience science learning opportunities in authentic settings. This retrospective study describes one example of preservice teachers teaching elementary school students environmental science lessons in the outdoors during their science methods course. The preservice teachers’ recognition of the students’ enthusiasm and excitement of learning science in the outdoors positively impacted their confidence level as future teachers of science and helped them recognize the potential for using the outdoor setting as an effective location for science instruction.
Role of Caveolae in Shear Stress-Mediated Endothelium-Dependent Dilation in Coronary Arteries

Aims Caveolae are membrane microdomains where important signalling pathways are assembled and molecular effects transduced. In this study, we hypothesized that shear stress-mediated vasodilation (SSD) of mouse small coronary arteries (MCA) is caveolae-dependent. Methods and results MCA (80–150 μm) isolated from wild-type (WT) and caveolin-1 null (Cav-1−/−) mice were subjected to physiological levels of shear stress (1–25 dynes/cm2) with and without pre-incubation of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (L-NAME), cyclooxygenase (indomethacin, INDO), or cytochrome P450 epoxygenase (SKF 525A). SSD was endothelium-dependent in WT and Cav-1−/− coronaries but that in Cav-1−/− was significantly diminished compared with WT. Pre-incubation with L-NAME, INDO, or SKF 525A significantly reduced SSD in WT but not in Cav-1−/− mice. Vessels from the soluble epoxide hydrolase null (Ephx2−/−) mice showed enhanced SSD, which was further augmented by the presence of arachidonic acid. In donor–detector-coupled vessel experiments, Cav-1−/− donor vessels produced diminished dilation in WT endothelium-denuded detector vessels compared with WT donor vessels. Shear stress elicited a robust intracellular Ca2+ increase in vascular endothelial cells isolated from WT but not those from Cav-1−/− mice. Conclusion Integrity of caveolae is critical for endothelium-dependent SSD in MCA. Cav-1−/− endothelium is deficient in shear stress-mediated generation of vasodilators including NO, prostaglandins, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Caveolae plays a critical role in endothelial signal transduction from shear stress to vasodilator production and release.