cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental Health in an Ageing Population with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to increase, raising concerns about ageing. There is a lack of appropriate tools for screening mental health issues in this population. Most individuals with ASD will experience some psychiatric symptoms at some point in their lives. For example, depression, anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, oppositional behavior, and self-injurious behaviour. Adults with ASD and intellectual disability are more frequently referred to mental health settings. Although individuals with ASD are more likely to manifest anxiety disorder and challenging behaviours, there is also a higher rate of attempted suicide among them. Older adults with ASD may be more acutely affected by loss and bereavement for parents and siblings and have limited opportunities for socialisation, stigma, and lack of fulfilling occupation and recreation, which also create risk factors for emotional distress. Regarding treatment, most older adults with ASD and mental health issues are prescribed at least one psychotropic medication and may engage in cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression. Overall, intervention should include more efforts to improve adaptive skills because they have been found to predict psychiatric disorders in ASD.
Automated Generation of Self-Explanation Questions in Worked Examples in a Model-Based Tutor

A framework is proposed for automated generation of self-explanation questions in worked examples. In the framework, in addition to the questions, the correct answer, distracters and feedback are also automatically generated. The framework is based on model-based generation of worked examples, and is domain-dependent rather than problem-specific.
Red fescue (Festuca rubra L.).

Of approximately 100 species within the genus Festuca, seven are utilized as turf- type grasses including the red fescues. The red fescue species are considered one of the three most important turfgrasses utilized in the cool-humid regions of the world, the other two being the Kentucky bluegrasses (Poa pratensis L.) and the perennial ryegrasses (Lolium perenne L.). Red fescues are separated into three distinct subspecies; strong creeping red fescues (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra), slender creeping red fescues (F. rubra L. ssp. trichophylla) and Chewings red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp.commutata) Schmit et al. 1974). The difference between the subspecies is the degree of rhizome initiation and growth, with strong creeping cultivars having the most vigorous rhizomatous growth habit (2n = 8x = 56) slender red fescues (2n = 6x = 42) being intermediate and Chewings red fescue cultivars (2n = 6x = 42) being a “bunch-type” grass not capable of rhizome growth (Schmit et al. 1974). There are many cultivars within each subspecies. It is difficult to reasonably assess the economic significance of this grass species since so little attention is given to turfgrasses. However, if one begins to consider both the functional and aesthetic (ornamental) properties associated with turfgrasses and the tremendously ubiquitous nature of “lawn grasses”, it would be apparent that any effort to quantify the acreages involved in all situations including home lawns, parks, municipal and private areas, cemeteries, roadsides, airfields, golf courses and other sports turfs would be virtually impossible. The turfgrass industry as a whole is undoubtedly a multi-billion dollar per year industry, which includes specialty chemicals (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators and fertilizers) and a very high demand for seed of improved cultivars. Red fescue species play an integral role in turfgrass culture in the cool-humid regions of the world.
Hubble Space Telescope Images of the Ultraluminous Supernova Remnant Complex in NGC?6946

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) narrow-passband H? and [S II] images and broadband continuum images of the region around an extremely luminous optical and X-ray supernova remnant complex in the spiral galaxy NGC 6946. These images, obtained with the PC1 CCD of the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, show a circular, limb-brightened shell of diameter 035 [9 d/(5.1 Mpc) pc] superposed on the edge of a larger, lower surface brightness elliptical shell (14 ? 08, or 34 pc ? 20 pc). The HST images allow us to see that the [S II]?:?H? ratio remains high across both shells, indicating that both are collisionally heated. A brightening of the H? and [S II] line emission arises on the eastern side of the smaller shell, where it is apparently interacting with the western edge of the larger shell. Our HST V image includes the nebula's strong [O III] ?5007 emission in the blue wing of the filter, providing a glimpse at the [O III] nebular morphology. The smaller shell looks similar, but the extended structure looks sharper than in H? and [S II] images, reminiscent of a cavity wall. The HST and ground-based continuum images show the brightest members of the underlying and adjacent stellar population, indicating the presence of massive OB stars in and near the region. A new optical ground-based spectrum confirms that the [N II]?:?H? ratio is enhanced in the region, consistent with mass loss from massive stars. These data show an average ([S II] ??6716, 6731)?:?H? ratio across both shells of ~1 and a mean electron density of ~400 cm-3, indicating preshock densities of order 10 cm-3. We interpret this nebular morphology and supporting information as an indication of multiple supernova explosions in relatively close temporal and spatial proximity. We discuss possible scenarios for this complex region and the reasons for its extreme luminosity.
Reduced Density and Nest Survival of Ground-Nesting Songbirds Relative to Earthworm Invasions in Northern Hardwood Forests

European earthworms (Lumbricus spp.) are spreading into previously earthworm-free forests in the United States and Canada and causing substantial changes, including homogenization of soil structure, removal of the litter layer, and reduction in arthropod abundance and species richness of understory plants. Whether these changes affect songbirds that nest and forage on the forest floor is unknown. In stands with and without earthworms in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin (U.S.A.), we surveyed for, monitored nests of, and measured attributes of habitat of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) and Hermit Thrushes (Catharus guttatus), both ground-dwelling songbirds, and we sampled earthworms at survey points and nests. Bird surveys indicated significantly lower densities of Ovenbirds and Hermit Thrushes in relation to Lumbricus invasions at survey point and stand extents (3.1 and 15-20 ha, respectively). Modeling of Ovenbird nest survival (i.e., the probability that nestlings successfully fledge) indicated that lower survival probabilities were associated with increased sedge cover and decreased litter depth, factors that are related to Lumbricus invasions, possibly due to reduced nest concealment or arthropod abundance. Our findings provide compelling evidence that earthworm invasions may be associated with local declines of forest songbird populations.
Functional properties of ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes.

Publisher Summary Intense efforts have yielded a wealth of data regarding the changes in nucleosome structure by ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes; however, linking all of the data points into cohesive models has proven elusive. The first class of enzymes includes the ones that covalently modify the nucleosomal histones, such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs), which, respectively, add and remove acetyl groups from the amino termini of the four core histones.The second class of enzymes uses the energy of ATP hydrolysis to alter or disrupt nucleosome structure. These ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes are multi protein complexes that alter nucleosome structure by affecting histone–DNA interactions, thereby changing the location or conformation of the nucleosome. Further work will be necessary to precisely elucidate how energy from ATP hydrolysis initiates structural changes on nucleosomal templates. In addition, a more complete understanding of what physical form or forms remodeled chromatin assumes is needed as is greater investigation of how the structural changes are maintained. Finally, whether all classes of ATP-dependent remodeling enzymes function via the same mechanisms will need to be determined. In short, there currently exist decent working models to guide further in-depth studies of the mechanisms.
Unipolar depression in the elderly. Reoccurrence on discontinuation of tricyclic antidepressants.

Nine of 15 elderly male VA outpatients receiving long-term tricyclic antidepressant therapy underwent gradual placebo substitution under double-blind conditions. Three of the 9 (33.3%) experienced a reoccurrence of depressive symptoms on placebo (at 4, 5 and 6 months). None of the 6 remaining on active medication experienced a reoccurence. The Hamilton Depression Scale and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale scores indicate a significantly (P<0.05) worse outcome for those switched to placebo. The results suggest the need for close follow-up after discontinuation of antidepressant therapy in this population.
Learning a dictionary of shape-components in visual cortex: comparison with neurons, humans and machines

In this thesis, I describe a quantitative model that accounts for the circuits and computations of the feedforward path of the ventral stream of visual cortex. This model is consistent with a general theory of visual processing that extends the hierarchical model of [Hubel and Wiesel, 1959] from primary to extrastriate visual areas. It attempts to explain the first few hundred milliseconds of visual processing and "immediate recognition". One of the key elements in the approach is the learning of a generic dictionary of shape-components from V2 to IT, which provides an invariant representation to task-specific categorization circuits in higher brain areas. This vocabulary of shape-tuned units is learned in an unsupervised manner from natural images, and constitutes a large and redundant set of image features with different complexities and invariances. This theory significantly extends an earlier approach by [Riesenhuber and Poggio, 1999a] and builds upon several existing neurobiological models and conceptual proposals. First, I present evidence to show that the model can duplicate the tuning properties of neurons in various brain areas (e.g., V1, V4 and IT). In particular, the model agrees with data from V4 about the response of neurons to combinations of simple two-bar stimuli [Reynolds et al., 1999] (within the receptive field of the S2 units) and some of the C2 units in the model show a tuning for boundary conformations which is consistent with recordings from V4 [Pasupathy and Connor, 2001]. Second, I show that not only can the model duplicate the tuning properties of neurons in various brain areas when probed with artificial stimuli, but it can also handle the recognition of objects in the real-world, to the extent of competing with the best computer vision systems. Third, I describe a comparison between the performance of the model and the performance of human observers in a rapid animal vs. non-animal recognition task for which recognition is fast and cortical back-projections are likely to be inactive. Results indicate that the model predicts human performance extremely well when the delay between the stimulus and the mask is about 50 ms. This suggests that cortical back-projections may not play a significant role when the time interval is in this range, and the model may therefore provide a satisfactory description of the feedforward path. Taken together, the evidences suggest that we may have the skeleton of a successful theory of visual cortex. In addition, this may be the first time that a neurobiological model, faithful to the physiology and the anatomy of visual cortex, not only competes with some of the best computer vision systems thus providing a realistic alternative to engineered artificial vision systems, but also achieves performance close to that of humans in a categorization task involving complex natural images. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Cool Web Sites

In the process of exploring some cool Web sites - ones that make me sit up and take notice - I also comments on the hazards of writing about Web sites generally, some ways to find cool sites, and keeping track of them once you do.
AAOA allergy primer: history and physical examination

Background Allergic disease is very common in the general population and makes a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic disease manifests throughout the body, but many signs and symptoms of inhalant allergy are centered in the head and neck region. Methods A thorough yet focused history of allergic symptoms and potential physical examination findings of inhalant allergy are described. Results History should include types and timing of symptoms, environmental and occupational exposures, family history, associated diseases, and prior treatment, if any. Physical examination should include the skin and structures of the head and neck region. Nasal endoscopy can be helpful in visualization of nasal polyps. Conclusion Many times, history alone can serve to make the diagnosis, but physical examination also demonstrates specific findings that confirm the practitioner's presumptive diagnosis of allergic disease. However, should medical treatment fail or the diagnosis be in doubt, further diagnostic investigation with allergy testing should be pursued.
Finite-difference and pseudospectral time-domain methods for subsurface radar applications

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is widely applied to simulate transient electromagnetic wave propagation. In this method, the spatial and temporal derivatives in Maxwell's equations are approximated by finite differences. Numerical experiments show that accurate results require a fine discretization of about 8-20 grids per wavelength at the highest frequency being simulated. To increase the efficiency of time-domain solutions, various spectral-domain techniques have been developed to reduce the grid density. In particular, the pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) method uses a fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to represent the spatial derivatives in Maxwell's equations, and provides accurate results with only two grids per wavelength. This article compares the FDTD and PSTD methods in terms of their development and capabilities in the simulations of subsurface radar applications. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate their relative accuracy and efficiency for different problems.
Axion topological field theory of topological superconductors

Topological superconductors are gapped superconductors with gapless and topologically robust quasiparticles propagating on the boundary. In this paper, we present a topological field theory description of three-dimensional time-reversal invariant topological superconductors. In our theory the topological superconductor is characterized by a topological coupling between the electromagnetic field and the superconducting phase fluctuation, which has the same form as the coupling of ``axions'' with an Abelian gauge field. As a physical consequence of our theory, we predict the level crossing induced by the crossing of special ``chiral'' vortex lines, which can be realized by considering $s$-wave superconductors in proximity with the topological superconductor. Our theory can also be generalized to the coupling with a gravitational field.
Impact of Damping Scaling Factors on Direct Displacement-Based Design

Damping scaling factors (DSFs) play an important role in direct displacement-based design (DDBD) as they provide a means to establish displacement response spectra for damping values beyond 5%. Res...
Comparison of the utility of two abbreviated forms of the MMPI for psychiatric screening of the elderly.

Assessed the utility of the Faschingbauer Abbreviated MMPI (FAM) and MMPI-168 for use with the elderly. FAM and MMPI-168 items were extracted from the MMPIs of 24 older male veteran medical or alcoholic patients. The results indicate that both abbreviated forms are highly correlated with and yield similar diagnostic inferences to the standard MMPI. For this sample population, the FAM was significantly (p less than .001) more in accordance with the standard MMPI than the MMPI-168.
Interfacial steps and growth mechanism in ferrous pearlites

The role of steps at the growth and interlamellar interfaces in ferrous pearlites is examined. The direction steps at the ferrite/cementite interlamellar interface (FCI) first characterized by Hackney and Shiflet (HS)1-5 are quantified by relating the degree of macroscopic curvature to step height and spacing using lattice imaging techniques. These interlamellar steps associated with alloy curvature are demonstrated to result directly from pearlite growth ledges. Interphase boundary carbide precipitation in an Fe-C-V alloy is employed to further demonstrate that the pearlite growth mechanism occurs through the migration of steps laterally across the growth front and that the reported mechanism is not specific to the high Mn-containing alloy. Analysis is based within the context of the dynamics of the phase transformation, with the argument made that the static interpretation of interphase boundary structure can be misleading.
Analysis of Solder Fatigue in Electronic Packaging Using a Mesh-Insensitive Structural Stress Method

Solder fatigue is one of the major product reliability concerns in electric packaging design. In this paper, the application of a mesh-insensitive structural stress method, previously developed by the authors, is demonstrated for characterizing fatigue of solder joints under thermal fatigue and mechanical fatigue conditions. Three sets of experimental data from literature are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the structural stress method in its ability to correlate test data over different packaging designs, test methods, etc. As evidenced in this study, the meshinsensitive structural stress method offers a simple but effective means to correlate the fatigue behavior of solder joints among various test conditions. The results show that the structural stress method can be used as an effective alternative to existing methods in the literature, in reliability design of electronic packaging.
Variant angina of Prinzmetal with normal coronary arteriograms. A variant of the variant

Variant angina of Prinzmetal has been generally presumed to be caused by a significant focal obstruction in a single major coronary artery which should be an ideal lesion for aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass graft. Recognition of this clinical syndrome would then be of particular diagnostic and therapeutic importance if such a consistent association can be demonstrated. Of five patients with variant angina studied in our cardiac catheterization laboratories, four had normal coronary arteriograms. Two important conclusions may be derived from this study. First, identical ECG changes may be observed both in the presence and absence of pain and thus the incidence and severity of the variant angina could be underestimated. Second, until a larger series of patients with variant angina is studied by coronary arteriography, one must exercise reservation in assuming that all patients with the clinical syndrome are operative candidates for saphenous vein bypass surgery.
Evidence of a Universal Perceptual Unit in Mammals

Evidence from many studies conducted over the past century suggests that human perception is partitioned into 1–4-s units. More recently, a similar 1–4-s time constant has been found in non-perceptual phenomena, i.e. movement patterns, of both human and non-human mammalian species. Based on these findings, it appears that an evolutionarily conserved mechanism exists that segments human and non-human mammalian motor actions into 1–4-s units. This being the case, it is believed that the 1–4-s segmentation seen in human perception may also occur in mammalian perception. However, it is currently impossible to determine whether both human and non-human perception is partitioned into 1–4-s units because the paradigms used to study the 1–4-s unit in human perception cannot be applied to non-human species. This study hypothesized that vigilance postures represent a paradigm that will allow such comparative work. This is based on the fact that investigators recently found that vigilant postures in humans are partitioned into 1–4-s units, and the literature argues strongly that vigilance is largely a perceptual phenomenon. With this in mind, the current study determined whether similar vigilant postures occur in non-human mammals and whether such vigilant postures are also segmented into 1–4-s units. The study found that such postures averaged 2–3.5 s in primates (n = 1 species), carnivores (n = 2 species), artiodactyls (n = 3 species), and marsupials (n = 1 species). These findings support the hypothesis that perception in humans and other mammals is partitioned into units by a conserved mechanism. It is believed that vigilant postures will be an important quantifiable bioassay with which to conduct comparative studies of mammalian perception.
The Efficacy of Group Counseling with Older Adults

This article argues that group counseling is more conducive to coaching older adults than is the traditional one-to-one approach.
How Network Externalities Can Exacerbate Intergroup Inequality

The authors describe a common but largely unrecognized mechanism that produces and exacerbates intergroup inequality: the diffusion of valuable practices with positive network externalities through social networks whose members differentially possess characteristics associated with adoption. The authors examine two cases: the first, to explore the mechanism's implications and, the second, to demonstrate its utility in analyzing empirical data. In the first, the diffusion of Internet use, network effects increase adoption's benefits to associates of prior adopters. An agent-based model demonstrates positive, monotonic relationships, given externalities, between homophily bias and intergroup inequality in equilibrium adoption rates. In the second, rural-urban migration in Thailand, network effects reduce risk to persons whose networks include prior migrants. Analysis of longitudinal individual-level migration data indicates that network homophily interacts with network externalities to induce divergence of ...
Measuring the seemingly immeasurable

This year celebrates the twentieth anniversary of frequency-resolved optical gating — the first and most general technique for measuring ultrashort laser pulses.
Isolated left ventricular ischemia after the Norwood procedure

Aortic atresia is the most severe variant of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), and has been associated with significant mortality after stage I palliation. Coronary artery abnormalities are more prominent in this group of patients, especially in the presence of a patent mitral valve. Herein, we describe a case of isolated left ventricular ischemia after the Norwood procedure in a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy, mitral stenosis, aortic atresia, and anomalous left coronary artery.
Entropic Unfolding of DNA Molecules in Nanofluidic Channels

Single DNA molecules confined to nanoscale fluidic channels extend along the channel axis in order to minimize their conformational free energy. When such molecules are forced into a nanoscale fluidic channel under the application of an external electric field, monomers near the middle of the DNA molecule may enter first, resulting in a folded configuration with less entropy than an unfolded molecule. The increased free energy of a folded molecule results in two effects: an increase in extension factor per unit length for each segment of the molecule, and a spatially localized force that causes the molecule to spontaneously unfold. The ratio of this unfolding force to hydrodynamic friction per DNA contour length is measured in nanochannels with two different diameters.
Bridging theory and practice: A comparative analysis of integrative behavioral couple therapy and cognitive behavioral couple therapy

The purpose of the paper is to provide behaviorally and cognitive behaviorally oriented couples' therapists with a comparison of Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT) and Cognitive Behavioral Marital Therapy (CBMT) that highlights similarities and differences between these two therapeutic approaches to treating marital discord. Both approaches derive from traditional behavioral marital therapy (BMT) but have emphasized emotional and cognitive factors more so than BMT. IBCT's contextual, or radical behavioral, viewpoint has translated to interventions that aim to establish a dyadic context supporting acceptance, empathy, and understanding through both acceptance and behavior change strategies. Rooted in social cognitive theory, CBMT also aims to increase acceptance, empathy, and understanding, but does so primarily through change-based interventions that target dysfunctional cognitive, behavioral, and affective responses and processes. It is our contention that understanding the relationship between the underlying theories and practices of these empirically supported approaches may improve their effective dissemination and use within the practice community.
A General Method for Kinematic Retargeting: Adapting Poses Between Humans and Robots

This paper presents a method for kinematic retargeting that is general to a broad class of kinematic chains. Kinematic retargeting is the adaptation of a pose or motion from one kinematic embodiment to another. Our method distinguishes itself in its ability to adapt poses to new robots with very little configuration by the user. We accomplish this by defining two general metrics for retargeting and minimizing a cost function which is the weighted sum of these two metrics. This allows the method to automatically adapt poses between source and target chains that have different link lengths and degrees of freedom.These capabilities address a specific problem in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), where behaviors are often defined in a robot-specific manner. The ability to automatically adapt behaviors from humans to new robots, and from one robot to another, will facilitate experimental repeatability. Through simulation and experiments, we demonstrate that our method is effective in adapting poses across chains with different numbers of joints, and in adapting socially expressive gestures from a human to two very different robots.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Effects of plasma glucose manipulations on food intake in white-crowned sparrows

Abstract Migratory birds show a number of physiological adaptations for long distance flight, including increased storage and utilization of fat promoted by increased food intake before migration. However, the relationship between food intake and metabolic fuels in migratory birds has received little attention. To determine whether food intake is sensitive to carbohydrate utilization in white-crowned sparrows ( Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii ) maintained on short days (9L, 15D), we manipulated plasma glucose levels by injecting insulin (0.5, 1, 2, 4 U/kg, intramuscular) and glucagon (1, 10, 25, 50 μg/kg, intraperitoneal) and measured the feeding response. Low doses of insulin (0.5 or 1 U/kg) did not affect feeding and higher doses (2 and 4 U/kg) significantly decreased food intake after 30, 60 and 120 min. Similarly, the highest glucagon doses (25 and 50 μg/kg) significantly decreased feeding. While insulin significantly decreased plasma glucose concentrations dose-dependently, glucagon caused a significant and dose-dependent increase in glucose levels. Injections of glucose (10, 50, 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) had no significant effect on food intake. These results suggest that food intake in white-crowned sparrows is not sensitive to changes in plasma glucose levels.
Review of the Development of the Proposed Yucca Mountain Geologic Repository

It can be said that the nuclear community neglected the issue of final storage of nuclear waste in the first era of nuclear power production, with many nations not looking at this topic until some years into its program. This is a matter that must not be neglected now during the ‘renaissance’ of nuclear if nuclear energy is to have a part on the stage of the play in world energy supplies. In 1982, the United States (U.S.) Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (NWPA), which outlines the screening process for selecting a national site for used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste storage. This paper describes the U.S. nuclear waste policy dilemma and its impact on the selection and development of the nation's first long-term geologic repository for over 70,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. In 1987, the U.S. Congress designated Yucca Mountain, which can be described as the "most studied real estate on the planet", as the repository site to be characterized. However, due to political pressures, the fate and realization of the Yucca Mountain repository is uncertain.
Size quantization of FeS2 (pyrite) produced in a polymer matrix

Abstract Quantum or Q-particles of FeS2 were synthesized in an ion-exchange polymer (Nafion) matrix by treatment of Fe2+-exchanged polymer with H2S and S at 120°C for 16 days. For comparison Q-FeS2 was also prepared in MeOH and MeCN. Size quantization effects were determined from the absorption spectra. Compared to bulk FeS2(Eg=1.0±0.2 eV), a blue-shift of about 0.5 eV was observed for the absorption edge of the Q-particles prepared in Nafion, while a shift of about 1.0 eV was observed for the Q-colloidal particles suspended in the organic solvents. The smaller blue-shift for the sample prepared in Nafion may be related to the effect of moisture on particle growth.
Application of Brønsted-type LFER in the study of the phospholipase C mechanism

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C cleaves the phosphodiester bond of phosphatidylinositol to form inositol 1,2-cyclic phosphate and diacylglycerol. This enzyme also accepts a variety of alkyl and aryl inositol phosphates as substrates, making it a suitable model enzyme for studying mechanism of phosphoryl transfer by probing the linear free-energy relationship (LFER). In this work, we conducted a study of Bronsted-type relationship (log k = βlg pKa + C) to compare mechanisms of enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions, confirm the earlier proposed mechanism, and assess further the role of hydrophobicity in the leaving group as a general acid-enabling factor. The observation of the high negative Bronsted coefficients for both nonenzymatic (βlg = −0.65 to −0.73) and enzymatic cleavage of aryl and nonhydrophobic alkyl inositol phosphates (βlg = −0.58) indicates that these reactions involve only weak general acid catalysis. In contrast, the enzymatic cleavage of hydrophobic alkyl inositol phosphates s...
Alterations in nuclear anatomy by chemical modification of proteins in isolated rat liver nuclei

Abstract Whole rat liver nuclei were treated with citraconic anhydride, a reagent specific for primary amines. Dramatic changes were observed in nuclear morphology and light scattering properties. An analysis for DNA and RNA content suggested that DNA was released from the nuclei with a short half-time, ~2–4s demonstrating a biphasic release profile. RNA was similarly released but with a monophasic profile. Analysis of SDS-PAGE gels of modified nuclei demonstrated a progressive enrichment of nuclear matrix (lamins) polypeptides with extent of modification. H1 histone was quantitatively lost as a function of modification reagent concentration, while approx. 50% of the nucleosomal histones cosedimented with DNA- and RNA-free nuclei. Modification in the presence of 2 mM EGTA released all the DNA and RNA ((⩽1% remaining) while retaining structures characteristic of nuclear matrix, nucleoli, and ribonucleoprotein (predominantly hnRNA group A and B). These nucleic acid-deficient structures have been termed nuclear fossils to differentiate them from high salt detergent-prepared empty nuclear sacks, nuclear remnants, or nuclear scaffolds. Modification in the presence of 2% Triton X-100 results in structures similar to the nuclear fossils (EGTA treatment), but missing the double bilayer and a 51K polypeptide that is a major component of the other structures. The use of chemical modification on the nucleus provides an experimental approach for examining the role of ionic interactions in controlling nuclear structure. Citraconylation may thus serve two functions: ( a ) as a protein-specific perturbant of nuclei capable of simply and rapidly preparing a range of structural variants for the analysis of nuclear interactions; ( b ) offer a paradigm for control of nucleic acid-polypeptide interactions based on post-translational alterations in protein charge.
Transmit selection in spatial multiplexing systems

In this letter we solve the transmit antenna selection problem for a zero forcing spatial multiplexing system with knowledge of the channel statistics at the transmitter. We show through Wishart matrix analysis that the signal-to-noise ratio on the kth stream is a weighted Chi-squared variable with the weight equal to-the kth diagonal entry of the inverted transmit correlation matrix. We use this result to develop selection algorithms for two cases-maximizing ergodic capacity and minimizing the average probability of error. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate potential performance improvements.
Effect of instruction on ESL students’ synthesis writing

Abstract Synthesis writing has become the focus of much greater attention in the past 10 years in L2 EAP contexts. However, research on L2 synthesis writing has been limited, especially with respect to treatment studies that relate writing instruction to the development of synthesis writing abilities. To address this research gap, the present study examines the effect of instruction on ESL students’ synthesis writing. Participants were from two intact ESL classes; one class was randomly chosen to be experimental and the other the control. During a one-semester treatment, the experimental group received five iterations of discourse synthesis instruction while the control group worked on a comparable amount of reading and writing practice. Students’ discourse synthesis skills were measured by pre- and post-tests, for which they wrote problem-solution essays using two source texts. Results showed that (1) the experimental group performed significantly better at the post-test and (2) the experimental group improved significantly more from pre-test to post-test than the control group. These results suggest a positive effect of instruction on discourse synthesis writing. More importantly, the study demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating synthesis writing instruction into an ESL course without significantly disrupting the curriculum.
A stable direct-coupled transistor servo preamplifier

In the designer approach to transistor servo-amplifier design, only limited consideration has been given to direct coupling. This is particularly true in applications involving operation over a wide temperature range. This paper discusses design and performance relationships and d-c stability considerations for a 2-stage direct-coupled preamplifier capable of d-c operating-point stability and high gain at temperatures in excess of 125 C (degrees centigrade).
Dynamic behavior of cryogen spray cooling: effects of spurt duration and spray distance

Background and Objectives: Cryogen spray cooling (CSC) is used to minimize the risk of epidermal damage during laser dermatologic surgery. Since optimization of CSC permits the safe use of higher light doses, which improves therapeutic outcome in many patients with superficial skin lesions, studies have focused on understanding spray–surface interactions and cooling dynamics. The objective of this study is to measure accurately temperature variations at the sprayed surface and the effects of spurt duration (Dt) and nozzle-to-sprayed surface distance (L) on cooling dynamics during CSC. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A fast-response temperature measurement sensor is built using thin (20 mm) aluminum foil placed on top of a poly methylmethacrylate resin (Plexiglass 1 ) with a 50 mm bead diameter thermocouple positioned in between. Liquid film residence time (tr) and minimum surface temperature (Tmin) are systematically measured as a function ofDt andL. Results: Two distinct spray–surface interaction mechanisms are recognized. The transition between them occurs at a critical length Lc� 25–30 mm. Noticeable characteristics include: (1) for spurts at L Lc, Tmin is dependent on Dt and L, while tr is a function of Dt only; (2) for spurts at L > Lc, Tmin still depends on L but not on Dt, while tr becomes a function of both Dt and L. Finally, for all Dt, tr reaches a maximum at L ¼ 40 mm. Conclusions: Based on our results, a good choice to achieve low Tmin and tr for the treatment of superficial skin lesions may be met by using Dt of � 30–50 milliseconds and the shortest spray distance that is tolerable by the patient. Spurt durations (Dt) of more than 30–50 milliseconds at spray distances (L) greater than Lc lead to higher Tmin and longer tr. These parameters may be appropriate for laser therapy of deeper targets. Lasers Surg. Med. 32:152–159, 2003. 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) chromosome contains a group II capsular gene cluster

During our study of de novo synthesis of Escherichia coli K1 capsular polysaccharides, we found that E. coli BL21(DE3) has a capsular gene cluster, similar to those of group II capsular E. coli strains. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the E. coli BL21(DE3) gene cluster showed homologues to all group II regions 1 and 3 genes and the presence of an IS1 element in one of the region 2 ORFs, which likely prevents capsule expression. Complementation analysis showed that region 1 and 3 genes encode functional proteins that are sufficient for the export of newly synthesized polysaccharide. The gene products of Bl21(DE3) kpsC and kpsS supported in vitro de novo synthesis of K1 polysaccharide when co-expressed with K1 NeuE and NeuS. Sequence homology between BL21(DE3) region 2 open reading frames and capsule-related genes in other bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae serotype b, suggests that the encapsulated ancestor of BL21(DE3) may have produced a ribose/ribitol-phosphate containing polysaccharide.
Comparison of indium 111 oxine—labeled platelet aggregation between sutured and argon laser—assisted vascular anastomoses

Abstract The thrombogenicity of argon laser—assisted vascular anastomoses (LAVAs) was compared with that of sutured vascular anastomoses (SVAs) by measurement of platelet aggregation at the site of repair in a canine model. Sequential 1 cm longitudinal carotid and femoral arteriotomies (n = 80) or jugular and femoral phlebotomies (n = 80) were performed, with each vessel having two tandem, randomly positioned arteriotomies or phlebotomies separated by a 4 cm length of intact vessel. One incision was repaired by SVA with continuous 6-0 polypropylene sutures and the other by argon LAVA. For the laser fusions, argon laser energy was applied to the adventitial surface of the vessel with a 300 μm fiberoptic probe with 0.5 W power, 1100 joules per square centimeter energy fluence, and 150 second exposure per 1 cm length. The arterial and venous segments of SVAs and LAVAs and an equivalent length of normal vessel were harvested at 48 hours (n = 16, 16, 16), 2 weeks (n = 12, 12, 12), and 4 weeks (n = 12, 12, 12). Autologous indium 111 oxine—labeled platelets were injected intravenously 48 hours before removal of the vascular repairs and the radioactivity of the specimens was determined on removal with a NaI (T 1 ) well-type scintillation counter. Anastomotic platelet adherence index (APAI) was calculated as the ratio of emissions of SVA or LAVA to normal reference vessel. Argon arterial LAVAs had significantly less platelet deposition when compared with SVAs in the canine model at 48 hours (APAI = 161 ± 76 and 93 ± 41, respectively; p
Sharp power mean bounds for the Gaussian hypergeometric function

Sharp inequalities are established between the Gaussian hypergeometric function and the power mean. These results extend known inequalities involving the complete elliptic integral and the hypergeometric mean.
Functional responses to extremely high plasma epinephrine concentrations in cardiac arrest

ObjectiveTo evaluate the action of high-dose epinephrine by measuring simultaneously its vasopressor and norepinephrine releasing effects in humans during cardiac arrest.DesignA prospective study on consecutive patients admitted with cardiac arrest.SettingEmergency Department in a large, urban hospi
BDNF PROTEIN MEASURED BY A NOVEL ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY IN NORMAL BRAIN AND AFTER SEIZURE : PARTIAL DISAGREEMENT WITH MRNA LEVELS

Messenger RNA for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is distributed in many brain regions and regulated by excitatory neuronal activity. Despite numerous studies of BDNF mRNA, the distribution and regulation of BDNF protein are poorly understood because of the difficulty of its quantitative measurement. We have established a two-site enzyme immunoassay that detects trace amounts of BDNF protein (> 1 pg/assay) but not other neurotrophins or growth factors. The highest levels of BDNF in adult rat brain were found in the hippocampus, followed by the hypothalamus, neocortex, cerebellum, thalamus and striatum. This pattern is similar, but not identical, to the distribution of BDNF mRNA. A similar disparity between BDNF protein and mRNA levels was observed in their changes after hilus lesion-induced limbic seizures. In limbic structures, BDNF concentrations remained elevated 4 days after seizure onset, whereas BDNF mRNA has been reported previously to return to basal levels within 46 h. The temporal and spatial differences between the dynamics of protein and mRNA levels suggest the importance of post-translational and/or subcellular processes for BDNF production. The persistence of the increases in BDNF content was also reflected in its biological activity, e.g. peptidergic differentiation activity. After limbic seizures, neuropeptide Y content was most markedly and persistently elevated in the entorhinal/amygdaloid region, where the most sustained up-regulation of BDNF protein was observed. These results suggest that the sustained increase of BDNF protein in these limbic structures is involved in prolonged post-seizure phenomena, including peptidergic alterations.
Ancient DNA and the origin of modern humans

Central to the debate over the origin of modern Homo sapiens are arguments over the mode, location, and timing of the transition from large-brained “archaic humans” to anatomically modern human form. Some argue for an African replacement model, where modern Homo sapiens arose as a new species in Africa roughly 150–200 thousand years ago (ka), followed by their dispersal throughout the Old World replacing archaic human groups (including the Neandertals). Others argue for a multiregional interpretation, where the transition from archaic to modern humans took place within a single evolutionary lineage extending back as far as 2 million years ago (1, 2). Some variants of multiregional evolution suggest that the transition to modernity first occurred in Africa and was then shared across the Old World through gene flow, while others argue that modern traits appeared in different times and places, such that modern humans evolved through the coalescence of these changes (3). The basic difference between African replacement and multiregional evolution advocates is between those favoring speciation and replacement and those favoring evolution within a single species. The debate over modern human origins has been addressed using the fossil and archaeological records, as well as reconstructions of evolutionary history based on the examination of patterns of genetic diversity within and between populations of living humans. In 1997, the genetic evidence was extended to prehistoric samples with the successful extraction of a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence from the European Neandertal specimen from Feldhofer Cave in Germany (4). Since then, Neandertal mtDNA has also been extracted from Neandertal specimens from Mezmaiskaya Cave in the northern Caucasus (5) and from Vindija Cave, Croatia (6). These studies noted the difference between the mtDNA of Neandertals and living humans, and they suggested that these differences reflect separate species status for the Neandertals, implying an …
β common receptor inactivation attenuates myeloproliferative disease in Nf1 mutant mice

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome is caused by germline mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor, which encodes neurofibromin, a GTPase activating protein for Ras. Children with NF1 are predisposed to juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) and lethally irradiated mice given transplants with homozygous Nf1 mutant (Nf1−/−) hematopoietic stem cells develop a fatal myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) that models JMML. We investigated the requirement for signaling through the GM-CSF receptor to initiate and sustain this MPD by generating Nf1 mutant hematopoietic cells lacking the common β chain (Beta c) of the GM-CSF receptor. Mice reconstituted with Nf1−/−, beta c−/− stem cells did not develop evidence of MPD despite the presence of increased number of immature hematopoietic progenitors in the bone marrow. Interestingly, when the Mx1-Cre transgene was used to inactivate a conditional Nf1 mutant allele in hematopoietic cells, concomitant loss of beta c−/−reduced the severity of the MPD, but did not abrogate it. Whereas inhibiting GM-CSF signaling may be of therapeutic benefit in JMML, our data also demonstrate aberrant proliferation of Nf1−/−myeloid progenitors that is independent of signaling through the GM-CSF receptor.
The State of the Art in Radiation Therapy

Objectives To describe the modalities used to administer radiation therapy and discuss the acute effects and long-term survivorship issues experienced by patients who receive radiation therapy. Data Sources Radiation oncology, surgical, and oncology nursing journals, textbooks, electronic resources. Conclusion New technology and state-of-the-art equipment has resulted in improved treatment modalities, thereby expanding traditional treatment paradigms and exploring new frontiers. Implications for Nursing Practice It is critical that oncology nurses remain cognizant of advanced technology and its influence on treatment outcomes and patient toxicity. Such knowledge will better serve patients and hopefully influence evidence-based treatment interventions.
Tangible programming and informal science learning: making TUIs work for museums

In this paper we describe the design and initial evaluation of a tangible computer programming exhibit for children on display at the Boston Museum of Science. We also discuss five design considerations for tangible interfaces in science museums that guided our development and evaluation. In doing so, we propose the notion of passive tangible interfaces. Passive tangibles serve as a way to address practical issues involving tangible interaction in public settings and as a design strategy to promote reflective thinking. Results from our evaluation indicate that passive tangibles can preserve many of the benefits of tangible interaction for informal science learning while remaining cost-effective and reliable.