cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation of the Optical & Chemical Properties of Starch Granules

Starch granules in fresh and processed foods are routinely identified by a variety of chemical and microscopic methods. In the teaching laboratory, the use of cross-polarized light in a microscope (monocular or binocular) quickly demonstrates the presence of starch granules by their characteristic birefringence, often called a Maltese cross. In the present study, we first identified raw potato starch granules by their birefringence, followed by three overlapping chemical methods to confirm the presence (or absence) of starch. First, Lugol9s iodine solution, a starch indicator, immediately stained the granules black. Second, amylase digested the small starch granules within 30–60 minutes. Third, glucose test strips demonstrated the presence of glucose that resulted from the enzymatic breakdown of starch granules by amylase. Fourth, we also confirmed that the starch granules were broken down by the enzyme amylase by observing the “digested” product under crossed polarization and noting the disappearance of the birefringent effect. Although the demonstration of starch has long been a staple in teaching laboratories, we have combined the optical and chemical demonstrations of starch for the same lab, with each serving as a confirmation for the other.
Maggots, Mucous and Monkey Meat: Does Disgust Sensitivity Affect Case Mix Seen During Residency?

Author(s): Schnapp, Benjamin H.; Fleming, Emily; Kraut, Aaron; Westergaard, Mary; Batt, Robert J.; Patterson, Brian W. | Abstract: Introduction: Emergency physicians encounter scenarios daily that many would consider “disgusting,” including exposure to blood, pus, and stool. Physicians in procedural specialties such as surgery and emergency medicine (EM) have lower disgust sensitivity overall, but the role this plays in clinical practice is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether emergency physicians with higher disgust sensitivity see fewer “disgusting” cases during training.Methods: All EM residents at a midsize urban EM program were eligible to complete the Disgust Scale Revised (DS-R). We preidentified cases as “disgust elicitors” based on diagnoses likely to induce disgust due to physician exposure to bodily fluids, anogenital anatomy, or gross deformity. The “disgust elicitor” case percent was determined by “disgust elicitor” cases seen as the primary resident divided by the number of cases seen thus far in residency. We calculated Pearson’s r, t-tests and descriptive statistics on resident and population DS-R scores and “disgust elicitor” casesper month.Results: Mean DS-R for EM residents (n = 40) was 1.20 (standard deviation [SD] 1.24), significantly less than the population mean of 1.67 (SD 0.61, pl0.05). There was no correlation (r = -0.04) between “disgust elicitor” case (n = 2191) percent and DS-R scores. There was no significant difference between DS-R scores for junior residents (31.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 26.8-35.4) and for senior residents (29.0, 95% CI, 23.4-34.6).Conclusion: Higher disgust sensitivity does not appear to be correlated with a lower percentage of “disgust elicitor” cases seen during EM residency.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neurosurgical Practice at an Academic Tertiary Referral Center: A Comparative Study.

Background Neurosurgical services have been affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and several departments have reported their experiences and responses to the COVID-19 crisis in an attempt to provide insights from which other impacted departments can benefit. The goals of this study were to report the load and variety of emergent/urgent neurosurgical cases after implementing the “Battle Plan” at an academic tertiary referral center during the COVID-19 pandemic and to compare these variables with previous practice at the same institution. Methods The clinical data of all patients who underwent a neurosurgical intervention between March 23, 2020, and April 20, 2020, were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Data of the control group were retrospectively collected from the medical records to compare the types of surgeries/interventions performed by the same neurosurgical service before the COVID-19 pandemic started. Results Over a 4-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic, 91 patients underwent emergent, urgent, and essential neurosurgical interventions. Patient screening at teleclinics identified 11 urgent surgical cases. The implementation of the Battle Plan led to a significant decrease in the caseload, and the variation of cases by subspecialty was evident when compared with a control group comprising 214 patients. Conclusions Delivery of optimal care and safe practice and education at an academic neurosurgical department can be well maintained with proper execution of crisis protocols. Teleclinics proved to be efficient in screening patients for urgent neurosurgical conditions, but in-person clinic visits may still be necessary for some cases in the immediate postoperative period.
Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula masquerading as subdural hematoma.

Background This case highlights an angiographically occult spinal dural AVF presenting with a spinal subdural hematoma. While rare, it is important that clinicians be aware of this potential etiology of subdural hematomas before evacuation. Case description A 79-year-old female presented with acute lumbar pain, paraparesis, and a T10 sensory level loss. The MRI showed lower cord displacement due to curvilinear/triangular enhancement along the right side of the canal at the T12-L1 level. The lumbar MRA, craniospinal CTA, and multivessel spinal angiogram were unremarkable. A decompressive exploratory laminectomy revealed a subdural hematoma that contained blood products of different ages, and a large arterialized vein exiting near the right L1 nerve root sheath. The fistula was coagulated and sectioned. Postoperatively, the patient regained normal function. Conclusion Symptomatic subdural thoracolumbar hemorrhages from SDAVF are very rare. Here, we report a patient with an acute paraparesis and T10 sensory level attributed to an SDAVF and subdural hematoma. Despite negative diagnostic studies, even including spinal angiography, the patient underwent surgical intervention and successful occlusion of the SDAVF.
Baseline Characteristics of a Dyadic Cohort of Mothers With Chronic Pain and Their Children.

Objectives A growing body of research has demonstrated a robust link between parental chronic pain and child pain and psychological function. Although the association between parent and child pain is strong, there are limited data to understand environmental and behavioral processes that account for the association and how this develops over time. This longitudinal cohort study was designed to understand the potential mechanisms that confer risk or resilience for chronic pain among child offspring of mothers with chronic pain. Methods The current paper presents baseline data on the cohort to describe the pain and psychosocial characteristics of mothers with chronic pain and their 8- to 12-year-old children. A total of 400 mothers with chronic pain and their children were enrolled into the longitudinal study and completed measures of pain, physical, and psychosocial functioning. Results Mothers reported a range of pain and pain-related disability and were grouped into 4 pain grades (PGs) representing different pain and disability levels. Mothers in these groups differed on rates of widespread pain and opioid use. Maternal PGs also differed by physical function, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and psychological function. Most children in this sample reported pain and psychosocial symptoms in the nonclinical range, and child variables did not differ by maternal PG. Maternal disability and function were concurrently associated with child psychosocial function. Discussion While maternal PGs map broadly onto several dimensions of maternal functioning, they were not significantly related to child pain or function. Results may help identify potential protective factors in the intergenerational transmission of risk for chronic pain.
The sensor application potential for the plasmonic hyperbolic metamaterial structures

Sensors based on different types of guiding modes have been used for sensor applications for a long time. Those technologies were commercialized and actively used in different sensing applications. However, new challenges in biomedical research are requiring even better sensors. One of those new perspective technologies is plasmonic hyperbolic metamaterials. It was shown that those structures have a big potential for sensing. In order to compare these new guiding structures with traditional ones, we performed the analysis of sensitivity for different guiding structures: optical dielectric waveguide, surface-plasmon polaritons, long-range surface plasmon polaritons (LRSPP), plasmonic hyperbolic materials with a combination of metal and dielectric layers. All structures were placed on the BK7 glass substrate and we set wavelength at 1550 nm. We used the Si3N4 layer a waveguiding medium for the dielectric waveguide, we used gold for all plasmonic structures. The water layer on the top of all structures was used as a sensing area. For guiding modes coupling we used diffraction gratings for a few reasons. Firstly, there are no materials with a refractive index capable to couple guiding modes. Secondly, diffraction gratings provide compact, a planar design which is easier to keep the structure in the thermostatic condition And last but not least, we used coupling gratings with the same grating profile (sinusoidal) and the same corrugation depth so all guiding modes will be coupled the same way. Our results showed that plasmonic hyperbolic structures indeed have much higher sensitivity comparing with the traditional guided wave sensors based on dielectric waveguides and surface plasmon-polaritons.
Asymptomatic Malaria Co-infection of HIV-Infected Adults in Nigeria: Prevalence of and Impact on Cognition, Mood, and Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation.

Background HIV and malaria are associated with immunological perturbations and neurocognitive disorders even when asymptomatic. However, the effect of asymptomatic malaria (AM) in HIV-infected adults on neurocognitive impairment (NCI) is not well understood. This study investigated the biomarkers of systemic inflammation and neurocognition in dually infected Nigerian adults. Methods We assessed the HIV and AM status of 269 adults and measured their global and domain-specific neurocognition and depression using standardized measures. Blood levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were also measured. Results The mean age of the participants (n = 269) was 33 years, 62% were women, and AM among HIV+ and HIV- was similar (36% versus 37%). NCI was found in 23% (62/269) of participants. HIV+/AM+ had a higher prevalence of impaired learning and executive functions and were more depressed than HIV-/AM- or HIV+/AM-. HIV+ with CD4 T-cell counts ≤200/µL were more impaired in the learning domain than those with >200/µL. HIV+/AM+ group had higher levels of sCD14 compared to the other 3 groups and higher levels of sCD163 than the HIV-/AM- group. Higher levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were each associated with NCI. The sCD163 (log10) levels were higher for those with 1+ versus 2+ parasitemia level. Conclusions HIV and AM coinfection was associated with an increased risk of reduced learning and executive functions, and elevated systemic inflammation. Mood was more depressed in HIV patients with than those without AM. The mechanisms and long-term effects on neurocognition and depression among HIV+/AM+ individuals should be studied because this coinfection is common globally.
Tet Proteins Regulate Neutrophil Granulation in Zebrafish through Demethylation of socs3b mRNA

Tet proteins (Tet1/2/3) convert 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxy-methylcytosine (5hmC), initiating the process of active demethylation to regulate gene expression. Demethylation has been investigated primarily in the context of DNA, but recently Tet enzymes have also been shown to mediate demethylation of 5mC in RNA as an additional level of epitranscriptomic regulation. We analyzed compound tet2/3 mutant zebrafish and discovered a role for Tet enzymes in the maturation of primitive and definitive neutrophils during granulation. Transcript profiling showed dysregulation of cytokine signaling in tet mutant neutrophils, including upregulation of socs3b. We show that Tet normally demethylates socs3b mRNA during granulation, thereby destabilizing the transcript, leading to its downregulation. Failure of this process leads to accumulation of socs3b mRNA and repression of cytokine signaling at this crucial step of neutrophil maturation. This study provides further evidence for Tets as epitranscriptomic regulatory enzymes and implicates Tet2/3 in regulation of neutrophil maturation.
Like Father, Like Queer Son?: Gay Chicanx and Latinx Males and Their Fathers

This study finds Chicanx and Latinx father-son relationships depicted in literature and film tend to stereotype father figures as absent or uninvolved in the lives of children. Fathers are represented as domineering men who uphold traditional family values, humble hardworking men who have some authority at home, but none in the workplace, or failed men who have no authority at home or workplace. Despite such drawbacks, these fathers exert heteronormative beliefs and behavior on the family, which is particularly disruptive for queer sons. The essay finds father-queer son relationships require sustained negotiation and the reconfiguration of masculinity revealing that queer sons may have more in common with their fathers than expected. The essay ends with the author’s reflections on his relationship and similarities with his own father.
Effect of diet, exercise and other contributing factors on menstruation

Background: The poor knowledge and understanding of menstruation may lead to unsafe hygienic practice that in turn increases the risk of reproductive and genito-urinary tract infections and leads to overall poor quality of life. The food we consume have a complementary relationship with the pattern of menstrual cycle and so is the involvement of exercises. The study focused on understanding the relationship between effect of diet, exercise and other contributing factors on menstruation. Methods: The study was a prospective observational study done with a sample size of 650 subjects of 9 to 18 age group in whom menstruation already occurred who were recruited from five different schools in regions of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. Results: It was found that lack of exercise before and during menstruation has caused increased cramps and mood instability in girls. As well as skipping of breakfast and consumption of junk food was found to elevate pain, eventually affecting daily activities. Conclusions: The importance of counselling to all girls from the age of 9 was found to be necessary through the study and thereby adequate changes for a healthy future. Lack of exercise, unhealthy food habits and delayed identification of menstrual problems can have a negative impact on health.
Single-tree salvage logging as a response to Alaska yellow-cedar climate-induced mortality maintains ecological integrity with limited economic returns

Abstract Cost-benefit analyses of salvage logging have generally focused on large-scale, landscape disturbances salvaged at high intensity, and there is limited research on the ecological and economic outcomes of low-intensity salvage implemented for the benefit of forest-dependent communities. Here, we assess the potential impacts of small-scale, single-tree salvage logging of a foundation tree species (yellow-cedar, Callitropsis nootkatensis) on ecological integrity against the viability of salvaged wood as a source of timber for cultural and economic purposes. We designed a salvage logging demonstration project in southeast Alaska, USA, and leveraged adjacent salvaged and unsalvaged, reference stands to: 1) investigate the degree to which salvage alters ecological integrity, defined by the abundance of yellow-cedar and post-disturbance stand trajectories, 2) track the volume and kinds of timber products generated by salvage logging activity, and 3) analyze the costs and revenues associated with the harvest and manufacturing of these products. Our results suggest that small-scale, single tree salvage logging has limited impact on yellow-cedar abundance and its potential to serve its foundation species role in forest successional trajectories while providing small to modest economic returns, though with large heterogeneity in net revenue among mill operators. Our findings indicate that salvage at this scale and intensity maintains ecological integrity but with limited economic viability. This management tool is thus best suited for land managers addressing multiple resource objectives in communities dependent on small, continuous streams of forest products.
Wear Debris as an Indicator of Valid Simulation in Wear Tests

Wear testing is often unreliable because wear is a complex process. There are several wear modes for each material, and often a small change in operating condition produces a drastic change in wear rate. Uncertainty in developing wear tests may be reduced by examination of wear debris from both the wear tester and the full scale machine being simulated. If the debris from both are similar, the wear test is worthy of further use.
Reifications of the intellectual: representations, organization and agency in revolutionary China.

How did ‘intellectuals’ evolve from a class of subjects in Marxian thoughts to highly visible populations under communism? Such ‘reifications of the intellectual’ have deeply affected subjectivity, conflict and organization, but received little attention in the political sociology of communism. This essay draws on research on classifications and social boundaries to address the objective and subjective foundations of the reifications and their impact on communist rule. The intellectual is viewed as an identification formed and performed around multiple social axes (most notably family background, educational achievement, occupational history, institutional affiliation and revolutionary rank) that reflected broader patterns of communist political domination. I use the Chinese Communist movement to demonstrate that (1) interaction of political contests, ruling strategies and institutional developments turned a diversity of persons into ‘intellectuals’ who were allegedly imbued with reprehensible interests and habits linked to privileged economic classes; (2) constant competitions for power and organizational changes led to classificatory ambiguities and, in turn, allowed individuals some control over their identifications; and (3) the developments profoundly influenced identity, state and class formation. Focusing on the dynamics that produced a highly visible but fluid population of ‘intellectuals’ opens new pathways for comparative research on communism.
Analysis of opportunistic method for cooperative search by mobile agents

A decentralized cooperative strategy for cooperative search by a team of mobile agents (of particular interest is the case of unmanned air vehicles) is presented, where cooperation is accomplished by having each agent take into account the other agents' possible actions. The preliminary associated analysis shows that the proposed strategy guarantees a complete global search of the environment, gives a lower bound on the search time and shows that it is finite.
Opportunistic constructive induction: Using fragments of domaiin knowledge to guide construction

One subfield of machine learning is the induction of a representation of a concept from positive and negative examples of the concept. Given a set of training examples, the goal of the inductive system is to create a description capable of classifying the training examples, yet general enough to accurately predict the classification of unseen examples. Often the original attributes describing the instances are inadequate to capture important regularities in the concept. New descriptors, constructed through the application of operators to the original attributes, can provide the proper vocabulary to create concise concept representations at the right level of generalization to be highly predictive. Constructive induction is the process of generating and applying new descriptors during inductive learning. The large number of possible constructive operators and combinations of attributes defines an enormous search space for the inductive process. Knowledge about the concept or problem domain can be used to guide the construction of new descriptors. This thesis lays the foundation of \fIopportunistic constructive induction\fR in the context of decision-tree assembly, providing a framework for dynamically applying fragments of knowledge to produce potentially useful descriptors of \fIhypotheses\fR. A two-staged process of generating candidate descriptors (hypothesis generation) and focusing the induction on the most promising (hypothesis ordering) has been developed and partially implemented. This thesis concentrates on the development of a hypothesis ordering mechanism that incorporates the evaluation of multiple objectives to identify the most promising descriptors. Experiments in four test domains demonstrate the hypothesis ordering mechanism to be a robust, effective method of significantly reducing the potential computational burden created by prolific hypothesis generation. In addition, preliminary investigation of hypothesis generation indicates that small amounts of knowledge can provide substantial increases in the predictive accuracy of the induced decision-trees.
Performance analysis of time division and code division waveforms in co-located MIMO

Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) beamforming holds much promise as a concept appropriate for a variety of radar applications. In this paper, MIMO beamforming is examined both theoretically and experimentally in order to highlight fundamental differences in performance between the time division and the code division forms of multiplexing (TDM and CDM). There are significant differences in system performance due to limits on the orthogonality of waveforms that occur when using CDM. These limits are manifested in the peak-to-mean sidelobe correlation ratio, resulting in extended range sidelobes.
Dynamic Optimization of an Oligopoly Model of Advertising

We examine an oligopoly model of advertising competition where each firm's market share depends on its own and its competitors' advertising decisions. A differential game model is developed and used to derive the closed-loop Nash equilibrium under symmetric as well as asymmetric competition. We obtain explicit solutions under certain plausible conditions, and discuss the effects of an increase in the number of competing firms on advertising expenditure, market share and profitability.
Effect of phorbol myristate acetate on the oxidative metabolism of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The addition of 0.1 mug/ml of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) to a suspension of resting human neutrophils causes a marked stimulation of all aspects of cellular oxidative metabolism normally associated with phagocytosis. PMA induces a greatly increased rate of glucose oxidation via the hexose monophosphate shunt, increased production of superoxide anion and of hydrogen peroxide, increased cellular chemiluminescence, and increased iodination of protein material. The time course of hexose monophosphate shunt activation and of chemiluminescence are similar to those observed following phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan; the levels of activation achieved in all cases approximate those seen following phagocytosis. These phenomena are not simply reflections of altered cellular permeability, since PMA actually inhibits the uptake of radioactive 2-deoxyglucose and of uniformly labeled amino acids. The addition of PMA similarly inhibits the uptake of 14C-labeled bacteria, suggesting a competition between the effect of the chemical and the process of phagocytosis. These results suggest that PMA activates the cell in the same manner as does phagocytosis. This compound should provide a useful tool for elucidating the metabolic events underlying the phenomena of phagocytosis and bacterial killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Coarse-Grained Modeling of Charged Colloidal Suspensions: From Poisson-Boltzmann Theory to Effective Interactions

Electrostatic interactions between macroions largely govern the equilibrium thermodynamic and dynamical properties of charge-stabilized colloidal suspensions and polyelectrolyte solutions. Predicting the properties of such complex, multicomponent systems with accuracy sufficient to guide and interpret experiments requires realistic modeling of the interparticle interactions and collective behavior of many-particle systems. While the fundamental interactions may be simple, the sheer number of particles and the broad ranges of length and time scales confront the modeler with significant computational challenges. A general strategy for mitigating such challenges is to "coarse grain" or "integrate out" the degrees of freedom of some components, reducing the original multicomponent model to a simpler model of fewer components. The trade-off for so reducing complexity is that the simpler model is governed by modified (effective) interparticle interactions. This chapter is a "how-to" manual for implementing coarse-graining methods to derive effective electrostatic interactions in systems of charged macroions. After reviewing the cell model implementation of the Poisson-Boltzmann theory of charged colloids and polyelectrolytes, we describe an alternative implementation, based on perturbation theory. From a linear response approximation, we derive effective electrostatic interactions for charge-stabilized suspensions of spherical colloids.
The effect of sedimentary cover on the flexural strength of continental lithosphere

The factors that control the flexural rigidity — or effective elastic thickness (EET) — of continental lithosphere have been extensively studied over the past two decades. Using EET estimates derived from the analysis of topography, basin structures and gravity anomalies, several authors1,2,3,4,5 have shown that crustal thickness, geothermal gradient, strain rate, rheology and plate curvature all affect the flexural strength of continents. Recognition that certain combinations of these parameters result in a significant reduction of flexural strength caused by decoupling of the crust and the upper mantle3,5 has been a critical step in understanding why many continental areas have estimated EETs that are thin compared with the total mechanical thickness of the continental lithosphere5. Here we develop a semi-analytical model of the EET through a parametrization of the yield stress envelope6,7 that includes the effects of crust–mantle decoupling. We perform a detailed comparison of EET estimates at foreland basins and mountain belts to values predicted by our model and find that, to predict the EET estimates successfully, we need to take into account the effect of the sediment cover and to use a strong plagioclase-controlled rheology. The effect of sediment cover is to weaken the lithosphere because of the lower density of sediments relative to crystalline crust5,8,9 and by thermally insulating the lower crust9,10,11.
Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: roles of norepinephrine deficiency in its causes, its treatment, and future research directions

AbstractBackground:Although a diversity of neurotransmitters and hormones participate in controlling blood pressure, norepinephrine released from postganglionic sympathetic nerve terminals is an important mediator of the rapid regulation of cardiovascular function required for homeostasis of cerebral perfusion. Hence, neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) often represents a deficiency of noradrenergic responsiveness to postural change.Research design and methods:PubMed searches with ‘orthostatic hypotension’ and ‘norepinephrine’ as conjoint search terms and no restriction on language or date, so as to survey the pathophysiologic and clinical relevance of norepinephrine deficiency for current NOH interventions and for future directions in treatment and research.Results:Norepinephrine deficiency in NOH can arise peripherally, due to cardiovascular sympathetic denervation (as in pure autonomic failure, Parkinson’s disease, and a variety of neuropathies), or centrally, due to a failure of viscerosensory si...
Effect of longitudinal oxygen gradients on effectiveness of manipulation of tumor oxygenation.

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that longitudinal O2 gradients in tumor affect response to manipulation of oxygenation. Previously we showed that pO2 is higher on the fascial than the tumor surface of the R3230Ac rat mammary carcinoma when growing in a dorsal skin-fold window chamber, reflecting a longitudinal oxygen gradient. Magnetic resonance angiography verified prior results: the fascial surface has arterioles and higher vascular density than tumor; and the tumor surface has no arterioles. Phosphorescence lifetime imaging was used to measure each surface hypoxic percentage (HP; percentage of pixels < 10 mm Hg) before and after administration of mannitol or glucose (1 g/kg, i.v.) followed by O2 breathing. The fascial surface had a smaller HP (median = 2.72%) than tumor (median = 27.94%; P = 0.0002) at baseline. HP on the fascial surface was positively correlated with HP on the tumor surface ( P = 0.0067). HP decreased on the fascial surface after either sugar + O2 (mannitol P = 0.03; glucose P = 0.06; combined P = 0.002), but HP did not change on the tumor surface. Therefore, the tumor surface is refractory to improvement in pO2 with this method. Additional refinements may be needed to improve pO2 of analogous regions in larger tumors; mechanism-driven suggestions are provided.
Insights into the Mechanism of Carbon Monoxide Dehydrogenase at Atomic Resolution

Unexpected similarities: Atomic-resolution structures of CO2- and NCO(-)-bound nickel-containing carbon monoxide dehydrogenases (Ni-CODHs) reveal that the reaction pathway of this enzyme involves an intermediate that is generated by two-electron reduction.
Positive Behavioral Support for At-Risk Students: Promoting Social Competence in At-Risk Culturally Diverse Learners in Urban Schools.

The authors examine positive behavioral support (PBS) as a behavior management intervention that facilitates the development of appropriate and positive behaviors in culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) children who are at risk for failure in urban schools. One of the major problems facing urban schools today is the abuse and misuse of zero-tolerance policies to suspend and expel at-risk CLD students and the need to create and maintain safe learning environments. In an age of accountability and political scrutiny, urban schools are being asked to accomplish more than ever with limited resources; consequently, there is a need for intensive academic and behavioral intervention for at-risk CLD children in these schools. Research on PBS has evolved and shows that this intervention can be designed to be culturally responsive and contextually fitting in urban schools.
Purification and properties of cyclic phosphodiesterase: 3'-nucleotidase, a periplasmic enzyme of Haemophilus influenzae.

The cyclic phosphodiesterase: 3′-nucleotidase of Haemophilus influenzae catalyzes the cleavage of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotides to 3′-monoesters, and the hydrolysis of the resulting 3′-nucleotides to nucleosides and inorganic phosphate. It also hydrolyzes the artificial substrate bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate, yielding p-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The enzyme is located in the periplasmic space of H. influenzae, and can be selectively released by subjecting the cells to osmotic shock, or by converting the cells to spheroplasts. The selective removal of the enzyme from H. influenzae was effected by incubating the cells in a solution of Tris, EDTA, and Nonidet P-40; the enzyme was further purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity. The enzyme from H. influenzae hydrolyses 3′-nucleotides in the absence of any added metal ion, although Co2+ and Ca2+ stimulate the cleavage of bis(p-nitropheny])phosphate. We have observed a marked competitive inhibition of bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate cleavage by 2′-, 3′-, and 5′-adenosine monophosphate. The 2′- and 5′-nucleotides also inhibit the cyclic phosphodiesterase and 3′-nucleotidase activities. These results indicate that nucleotide substrates and the artificial chromogenic substrate interact with the same active site.
Explicit realization of a metaplectic representation

F + 2. In [W] Weil explicitly con- structed a model of a genuine unitary representation 0 of the two-fold covering group Sp of the symplectic group Sp over F. In particular, the existence of the covering group Sp was first proven in [W]. It is now known (see, e.g., [M]) how to construct r-fold covering groups of split semi-simple groups over a field F ~ C containing a primitive rth root of unity. In particular, when r = 2, such F has
The paradox of schizotypy: Resemblance to prolonged severe mental illness in subjective but not objective quality of life

Abstract An interesting paradox has emerged regarding the schizophrenia-spectrum. Put simply, college students with schizotypy (defined as the personality organization reflecting a vulnerability to schizophrenia-spectrum pathology) report experiencing pathology with respect to some key functional domains on a level that is equal to or more severe than older, outpatients with an prolonged psychiatric disorders. Notably, this self-reported pathology is not supported by objective/behavioral performance data, suggesting that the primary deficit is psychological in nature (e.g., metacognition). We evaluated whether this subjective–objective dysjunction extends to quality of life (QOL). Eighty-three college students with schizotypy were compared to 50 outpatients with severe mental illness (SMI) as well as to 82 undergraduate and 34 community control groups in subjective and objective QOL via a modified version of Lehman׳s Quality of Life Interview, which covers a range of QOL domains. The schizotypy and SMI group were equally impoverished in all measures of subjective QOL compared to the college and community control groups. In contrast, the schizotypy group was relatively normal in most measures of objective quality of life compared to the SMI group. The subjective–objective dysjunction appears to extend to QOL, and these differences do not appear to reflect a more global negativistic reporting bias.
Characterization of immunoreactive α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSHi) in human brain tissue

Adult human hypothalamic tissue was analyzed for the presence of products generated by post-cleavage processing of ACTH 1-13. The displacement curve generated by immunoreactive a-melanocyte stimulating hormone ( α -MSH i ) in extracts (5 M acetic acid or acidified ethanol) of adult human hypothalamic tissue was parallel to the α -MSH radioimmunoassay standard curve, and α -MSH 1 eluted as a single peak on Sephadex G-10, G-25, and G-50 columns in a manner identical to that of synthetic α -MSH 1 . The α -MSH 1 was clearly distinguishable in its mobility on Sephadex G-50 columns from such peptides as α -MSH, luteinizing hormone releasing hormone, and ACTH. After high performance liquid chromatography of extracts of hypothalamic tissue from young as well as aged men and women, we found that the major peak of α -MSH 1 (75–95% of total α -MSH 1 ) coeluted with desacetyl α -MSH 1 (ACTH 1-13 amide) rather than α -MSH. We suggest that desacetyl α -MSH 1 , rather than α -MSH 1 , is the predominant α -MSH 1 in adult human brain tissue.
Optical characterization of free-falling mold-damaged wheat kernels

One of the most common molds that infects the seeds of small cereals worldwide, such as wheat, is Fusarium Head Blight (FHB). The mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (also known as DON or vomitoxin) is often produced by this mold, which, upon ingestion, causes health problems to not only livestock (especially non-ruminants), but to humans as well. In the United States, the FDA has established advisory levels for DON in food and feeds, a practice that is likewise conducted by most countries of the world. Our previous research has shown that commercial high-speed optical sorters are on average 50 percent efficient at the removal of mold-damaged kernels; however, under more careful control in the laboratory, this efficiency can rise to 95 percent or better. Ongoing research is examining the potential to achieve the higher efficiencies at conditions that are more akin to those of commercial processing. For example, multispectral information is collected on single kernels in freefall at the sub-millisecond level. Knowledge gained from this research will provide design criteria for improvement of high-speed optical sorters for reduction of DON in raw cereals commodities, as well as in finished food products.
Protein analysis of herpes simplex virus latency in vitro established with cycloheximide.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-specific protein synthesis was examined during establishment of HSV latency and reactivation of virus in human embryonic lung cells treated with cycloheximide and incubated at 40.5°. Eight viral proteins, identified during the first two days of establishment of latency at 40.5°, were undetectable by Day 3. At least two synthesized proteins were present during the maintenance phase of latency. Reactivation of HSV (viral protein 135K) was first detected in latently infected cultures between 2 and 3 hr after superinfection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). During this period an 82K protein with the same molecular weight as one of the HCMV immediate-early proteins (82 and 75K) was detected in the immunoprecipitates of latently infected cultures with anti-HSV serum. Thus, this HSV latency system can be used to analyze protein synthesis and clarify reactivation of HSV by HCMV superinfection.
n -3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and immune function

n-3 PUFA have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. However, they have also been shown to suppress T-cell-mediated immune function, an undesirable effect, especially in immuno-suppressed individuals. Studies have thus far suggested that this immuno-suppression may be in part attributable to increased lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant (especially vitamin E) levels, which can be prevented by appropriate vitamin E supplementation. Further well-designed human studies are needed to determine the appropriate levels of n-3 PUFA and vitamin E supplementation to optimize the beneficial anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFA and minimize their suppressive effect on T-cell function.
Synthesis of Parathyroid Hormone-Like Peptides by a Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Hypercalcemia associated with various types of cancer has been reported by several investigators. In most cases, the postulated cause of the hypercalcemia, ectopic production of parathormone, has been identified only from immunologic measurement of serum or tumor extracts. We have studied the capacity of the malignant tissue from 6 patients with non-parathyroid cancer and hypercalcemia to synthesize parathyroid hormone in vitro. One of these, an esophageal tumor from a 51 year old man which was identified histopathologically as a squamous cell carcinoma, appeared to synthesize peptides(s) with properties similar to parathyroid hormone. Ultrastructural examination of the carcinoma cells revealed the presence of secretory granule-like structures. A sample of tumor tissue slices was incubated with [3H]lysine in a balanced salt solution for 3 h. The tissue was processed by standard procedures for isolation of parathyroid hormone. The resultant tissue extract was gel filtered on G-100 Sephadex. The elution pro...
The structural implications of measurement error in sociometry

Measurement error, an inherent quality of any empirical data collection technique, is discussed in the context of sociometric data. These data have long been assumed to possess face validity and to be the data of choice in any study of the sentiment structure of small scale social systems. However, it is argued that while methods of sociometric analysis have become increasingly more sophisticated they have failed to yield unequivocal results because they do not distinguish structural complexity from measurement error. Through a discussion of increasingly more complex examples the distortion laden character of most sociometric data is illustrated. This distortion is introduced by the formalities of the sociometric test and it will not be removed by developing increasingly more sophisticated structural models or throwing out some of the data. Instead, when issues concerning the nature of specific relational networks are raised data of much higher quality than those which are commonly available are required....
Bullying and ostracism experiences in children with special health care needs.

OBJECTIVE: Bullying experiences are becoming increasingly common in children and can have devastating consequences. Ostracism threatens a child's need for self-esteem, sense of belonging, sense of control, and meaningful existence. Recent literature suggests that children with special health care needs may be at risk for these negative events and consequences. This study compares bullying and ostracism experiences in children with and without various special health care needs. METHODS: Participants aged 8 to 17 years completed questionnaires during a routine primary care or subspecialty clinic visit. Children with learning disabilities (N = 34), attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder (N = 100), autism spectrum disorders (N = 32), behavioral or mental health disorders (N = 33), and cystic fibrosis (CF, N = 22) were compared with 73 control children with no diagnosis on Reynolds' Bully-Victimization Scale scores and a 15-item pilot ostracism scale. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, children in the learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder groups exhibited significant victimization scores on the Bully-Victimization Scale, whereas the behavioral or mental health disorders group had increased mean victimization scores. The learning disabilities group also reported clinically significant bullying. The CF group did not report involvement as bullies or victims. All children with special health care needs groups had increased mean frequency of threats to basic needs related to ostracism, and children with attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders were at higher risk for ostracism experiences. CONCLUSION: Children with special health care needs may be at higher risk for bullying, victimization, and ostracism. Further research is needed to explore this relationship, especially as it relates to child adjustment. Children with special health care needs should be asked about bullying and ostracism experiences and potential effects as part of mental health screening. Language: en
Does estimation of prostate volume by abdominal ultrasonography vary with bladder volume: A prospective study with transrectal ultrasonography as a reference

Objectives: Ultrasonography (USG) is the commonest modality for ascertaining prostate volume. Urologists commonly encounter a discrepancy between prostate volume on USG and actual volume of prostate, whereas transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) gives near correct prostate volume. We undertook a prospective study to compare the relationship between changing bladder volumes to the volume of prostate. Materials and Methods: After approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent, 25 patients (age group: 52-78 years) with lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed for prostate volume by USG at different bladder volumes and final comparison was done with TRUS in one setting. Each USG and TRUS was done by one urology resident under the guidance of one qualified radiologist with experience of over 15 years in this field. Equipment used was SIEMENS SONNOLINE ADARA with 3.5 MHz probe for USG and 7.5 MHz Endo p-2 (biplaner) probe for TRUS. First, patients were asked to empty their bladder and post void residual urine was measured along with prostate volume. Patients were given oral fluids and USG was repeated serially at three intervals with bladder volume of 100-200 ml, 200-300 ml and > 300 ml. Finally uroflowmetry was carried out followed by TRUS. Results were recorded in a tabulated form on 'Excel spread sheet'. Results: 1. Measurement of prostate volume increases with increase in bladder volume. 2. Calculated prostate volume at minimal bladder capacity (100-200 ml) was found to be the closest to the volume calculated by TRUS. Conclusion: Minimal bladder volume (100-200 ml) is essential for near correct estimation of prostate volume by USG. With increasing bladder volume, the volume of prostate increases disproportionate to its actual volume.
Effects of heavy metals on development of the killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus

When F. heteroclitus embryos were exposed to inorganic mercury at concentrations of 0.03 or 0.1 mg/1 at the early blastula stage, the percentage of successful axis formation was reduced and a significant proportion of embryos developed cyclopia or intermediate conditions leading to cyclopia. Treatment at the late blastula stage reduced the severity of the defects. Embryos which developed in lead at concentrations of 1 and 10 mg/1 were normal in appearance until hatching, at which time they exhibited lordosis or were unable to uncurl from the position they had while still inside the chorion. No significant effects of cadmium at concentrations up to 10 mg/1 were noted.
Enhancing dyadic performance through boundary spanners and innovation: An assessment of service provider-customer relationships

Firms recognize that working together through collaborative relationships offers potential benefits such as improving cooperation, information sharing, and overall performance. An additional and extremely valuable benefit of working together is the potential for creating innovative business approaches and solutions. Thus, developing external linkages has become a higher priority within many organizations. Boundary spanning employees offer one means of achieving closer cross-firm relationships. We investigate the roles of boundary spanners by examining service providers and their relationships with customers. More specifically, we examine boundary spanning employees that are physically on-site at customer facilities. Results provide strong support that boundary spanners perceiving higher levels of external organizational support from a client subsequently develop affective commitment to the customer. This, in turn, drives knowledge exchange and logistics innovation. A relationship between logistics innovation and performance (of service providers and of customers) was also found. Managerial implications of the research findings are discussed and suggestions presented covering future research.