cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a third party observer and anxiety on tests of executive function

For the past 10 years, research on the effects of observer presence on test performance has expanded in the neuropsychological literature. Previous studies have shown that the presence of a third party observer is associated with poorer performance on tests of effort, attention, concentration, learning, and memory. The present study was designed to investigate whether performance on tests of executive function is similarly impaired by the presence of a third party observer. The study also sought to examine associations among examinee anxiety, observer presence, and performance. Seventy-nine college undergraduates were recruited for the study, and 70 were included in the final analyses. Participants were randomly assigned to either the observation or control condition, and were administered verbal fluency tests, the Trail Making Test (parts A and B), and the Tactual Performance Test, as well as the Fear of Negative Evaluation scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Multivariate analyses of variance revealed that performance on the combined dependent variables was significantly associated with observer presence. A significant observation condition by trait anxiety interaction was also found. Univariate analyses revealed that performances on semantic fluency and TPT-localization were most strongly associated with observation and trait anxiety, with performance being poorer in the presence of a third party observer. Additionally, effects of trait anxiety on performance in the presence of an observer appear to vary depending on task characteristics. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
FOURTEEN AND SIX PER SECOND POSITIVE SPIKES.

Abstract The literature daaling with the 14 and 6/sec positive spike pattern is reviewed. This electrographic entity is common and is considared of dafinite diagnostic significance. Incidance, relationship with age and clinical EEG correlations, which were obtained from the analysis of over 5,000 cases in which this pattern was found, are illustrated and discussed.
Anisotropy and Lorentz-force dependence of twin-boundary pinning and its effect on flux-lattice melting in single-crystal YBa2Cu3O7- delta.

The magnetoresistance of both twinned and detwinned single crystals of YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus][delta]] was measured as a function of magnetic field strength, orientation, and temperature to determine the pinning properties of twin boundaries and their effect on the flux-lattice melting transition. Pinning by twin boundaries manifests itself as a drop in the resistance for magnetic fields oriented within a depinning angle'' of the twin boundaries. The onset of twin-boundary pinning is found to occur at the shoulder observed in the low-temperature end of the magnetic-field-broadened resistive transition for [bold H][parallel][ital c]. Two unique current to twin-boundary configurations were employed to induce vortex motion parallel or perpendicular to the twin boundaries when the magnetic field is parallel to the [ital c] axis. We find the drop in the angular-dependent resistance, the depinning angle, and the zero-resistance temperature to be enhanced when the vortices move normal to the twin boundaries indicating that the pinning barriers for this direction of flux motion are significantly larger. The depinning angle for rotations off the [ital c] axis decreases with increasing magnetic field and decreasing temperature whereas for rotations in the [ital ab] plane it is nearly field independent. For applied magnetic fields less thanmore » 4 T the depinning angle for [bold H] rotated off [ital c] is larger than that for [bold H][parallel][ital ab]. Strong pinning by twin boundaries competes with the flux-lattice melting transition for tilt angles less than the depinning angle, totally suppressing the transition for [bold H][parallel][ital c]. For small misalignments off the twin boundaries a second kink is observed which marks the onset of non-Ohmic behavior and which we interpret as the flux-lattice melting transition.« less
Identification of Regulators of Paramecium Surface Antigen Expression and of Regulator-Antigen Complexes

Summary Individual paramecia are capable of making about a dozen surface antigens (i antigens) but usually express only one at a time. A model for this mutual exclusion has suggested that antigen binds to an antigen-specific inhibitor acting at the transcriptional level, thus controlling its own synthesis. We have shown that a group of proteins of about 70 kD molecular weight present in conditioned media and in partially purified antigen preparations may act as the proposed inhibitors. These putative inhibitors can be identified in vitro through enzymelinked immunosorbent assays. Antibodies against the 70 kD molecules can be recognized by the immobilization of cells exposed to antisera when secondary antibody against rabbit immunoglobulins is applied sequentially. In addition, immunoprecipitates of surface antigens have been analyzed by gel diffusion using antisera having antibodies against both surface antigens and “inhibitors”. From these diverse approaches, we conclude that the “inhibitors” are probably surface bound and that they form complexes with specific surface antigens.
Heart rate and respiratory rate changes during drug-induced impairment in a conditioned avoidance task in monkeys.

Abstract Monkeys trained to perform a discriminated avoidance task were administered secobarbital and chlopromazine in doses designed to produce impairment of responding (errors of omission). Changes in heart rate and respiratory rate associated with stimulus presentation were observed during drug-induced suppression of overt motor responses to the stimuli. Some of these changes were interpreted as indications of stimulus registration, that is, evidence of relatively unimpaired sensory processes during behaviorally efficient phases of the effect of these drugs.
Sensitivity enhancement for NMR of the central transition of quadrupolar nuclei

Abstract A sensitivity enchancement technique for the central transition of half-integer nuclear spins is reported. For a spin-I the largest and smallest thermal equilibrium populations, in the m = ± I levels, are transferred to the m = − 1 2 . The resulting signal enhancement of the central transition is of maximum value 2I. The population transfer is accomplished by frequency or field sweeping, resulting in sequential adiabatic inversions of the satellite transitions. Thus, the technique works on powder and amorphous samples as well as on single crystals, as demonstrated in experiments on 27Al in Al2O3.
The Politics of Accountability and Teacher Preparation

In an effort to understand some of the ways that accountability-based reform efforts have influenced teacher education, this article details the politics of accountability in Pennsylvania that motivated sweeping changes in the policies governing teacher preparation in 2006. This case study provides a poignant example of the kind of complex accountability systems now being constructed across the United States in an effort to change teacher preparation. By analyzing primary documents including the legal statutes governing teacher preparation in Pennsylvania, correspondence from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, related newsletters, memos, reports, transcripts of meetings, and testimony before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, the complex nature of the conflicts underlying the development and implementation of teacher education reform is brought into focus. The study's findings suggest that a deep and uncritical acceptance of accountability-based teacher education reform on the part of educa...
A Self-Calibrating Mathematical Model for the Direct Piezoelectric Effect of a New MEMS Tilt Sensor

This paper presents a self-calibrating mathematical model and simulation results of the direct piezoelectric effect of a new tilt-sensor that measures inclination angles around two orthogonal axes. Using a fundamental description of the mechanical stress generated in suspended beams under static loading, we propose a model of the sensor's direct piezoelectric effect that is only a trigonometric function of its genetic behavior in two orthogonal planes. The significance of the proposed approach lies in the independence of the model from the structural dimensions of the piezo-system and the electro-mechanical properties of the piezoelectric layer. The effect of these structural properties and other external stimuli on the proposed model is implicitly contained, and inherently carried by the genetic data which is curve-fitted using a polynomial approximation. The feasibility of the proposed method and the accuracy of the model are verified by cross-comparison with simulation results. These simulations are performed on a CAD model of the piezoelectric tilt sensor for a case-study operation range of 0 - 90° . An overall considerable accuracy level was noted between the simulated and modeled data over the full operation range, with an average relative peak error of 1.9%.
Polymerase Evolution: Efforts Toward Expansion of the Genetic Code

Genetic information is encoded by, but potentially not limited to, a four-letter alphabet. A variety of predominantly hydrophobic nucleobase analogues that form self-pairs in DNA have been examined as third base pair candidates. For example, the PICS self-pair is both stable in duplex DNA and synthesized by some wild-type polymerases with reasonable efficiency. These efforts to expand the genetic code are expected to be facilitated by optimizing both the unnatural nucleobase analogues and the polymerases that replicate them. Here, we report the use of an activity-based selection system to evolve a DNA polymerase that more efficiently replicates DNA containing the PICS self-pair. The selection system is based on the co-display on phage of DNA polymerase libraries and a DNA substrate containing the self-pair. Only polymerases that accept the unnatural substrate incorporate a biotin-dUTP to the attached primer and may then be isolated on a streptavidin solid support. A mutant of Sf polymerase, P2, was evolved which both inserts dPICSTP opposite dPICS in the template and extends the unnatural primer terminus by incorporation of the next correct natural dNTP, where the parental enzyme catalyzes neither step at detectable rates. P2 was found to be a triple mutant of Sf, with the mutations F598I, I614F, and Q489H. The evolved properties of P2, as well as the observed mutations, are consistent with an increased affinity for the DNA primer-template containing the self-pair.
Epidemiology of hepatitis B vaccine acceptance among urban paramedics and emergency medical technicians

Abstract Background: The epidemiologic pattern of hepatitis B vaccination acceptance has not been thoroughly examined in medical first responders. Methods: A blood-borne pathogen questionnaire was administered to 255 paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in a large, urban fire department. Results: The overall prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination was 78%. The most frequently cited reason for not getting vaccinated was fear of contracting the hepatitis B virus from the vaccination (26%). Vaccination scheduling difficulties (23%) and lack of time to get vaccinated (20%) were also cited. Increased age, being an EMT, and not having obtained the rank of officer were independently and significantly associated with not having been vaccinated. Conclusions: Educational campaigns for medical first responders are needed to increase vaccination compliance, with a special emphass on older workers and EMTs. Administrative barriers, such as vaccination scheduling difficulties, should also be addressed.
Development of environmentally responsive hydrogels with metal affinity behavior

This work describes initial efforts to incorporate affinity ligands within an environmentally responsive hydrogel. Metal affinity ligands were chosen as model affinity groups and thermally responsive N-isopropyl acrylamide/acrylamide copolymers were used as the base hydrogels. The NH2 group of the acrylamide serves as a reactive group for functionalization with metal affinity ligands. The gels were synthesized by free radical polymerization and Cu2+ was bound to the gel via 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDE) as a linker and iminodiacetic acid (IDA) as a chelating ligand. The base acrylamide gels were also functionalized with metal affinity ligands to allow for comparison with thermally responsive affinity gels. The results show the effectiveness of this technique for both these types of gels, and an improved method to immobilize metal affinity groups on to thermally sensitive N-isopropyl acrylamide gels was also developed. It was seen that the yields for the reaction with BDE decreased with increased reaction time in both kinds of gels, whereas reaction with IDA showed a decrease in yields with increase in temperature for N-isoporpyl acrylamide gels and increase in yields for acrylamide gels. Further techniques were developed to overcome diffusional resistances and stresses in the thermally responsive N-isopropyl acrylamide gels so as to improve the distribution of Cu2+ ions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Improving heating uniformity of fresh fruit in radio frequency treatments for pest control

Non-uniform heating of fresh fruit caused by variations in radio frequency (RF) fields is a major obstacle in developing postharvest insect control treatments based on RF energy. A fruit mover was developed to evaluate possibilities to improve RF heating uniformity of large fruit, such as oranges and apples, in a 12 kW batch type RF system. This fruit mover provided a means to rotate and move fruit in water when subjected to RF heating. Parameters for moving and rotating fruit in the mover were selected based on consideration of vortex formation, foaming, damage to the fruit, and volume occupied by the fruit in water. RF heating uniformity of oranges and apples in the mover was assessed using an infrared imaging technique and direct temperature measurement with fiber-optic sensors and thermocouples. The results showed that, with rotation and movement of fruit, temperature uniformity in oranges and apples was significantly improved with less than 2.8 and 3.1 ◦ C standard deviations, respectively, after an average temperature rise of about 30 ◦ C in 7.8 min. The fruit mover can be used to develop a treatment
A collisional-radiative model including sublevel parameters (CRISP) for H-alpha radiation

We have developed a new kind of collisional-radiative model for a hydrogen beam which could find wide application in fusion-related experiments. The model differs from previously reported models in that it incorporates detailed calculations of the variation with the magnetic field of the transition probabilities and energy levels of all the fine-structure sublevels of the n = 1, n = 2 and n = 3 states of hydrogen. This technique is termed CRISP, for collisional-radiative including sublevel parameters. The model can treat separately all 18 sublevels of the n = 3 level, all 8 sublevels of the n = 2 level and both 2 sublevels of the n = 1 level. In this paper, we describe the model, which includes the effects on electronic level populations of collisional processes with background gas as well as radiative transitions. The dependence of the radiative transition terms in the collisional-radiative model on background fields is calculated using the perturbation theory and includes the fine structure of the transitions as well as the Zeeman and motional Stark effects. We also present results which agree well with experimental data for an enhanced laser-induced fluorescence signal seen from a hydrogen neutral beam in a perpendicular applied magnetic field of 0–10 mT with a background of neutral gas. This work may have application in the measurement of magnetic fields in environments that are not appropriate for magnetic probes. We expect the CRISP model approach to have application in calibration of motional Stark effect diagnostics on existing fusion experiments, and an extension of the modelling may enable an alternative motional Stark effect measurement of the magnetic field magnitude and direction on many devices.
On evaluating performance of classifiers for rare classes

Predicting rare classes effectively is an important problem. The definition of effective classifier, embodied in the classifier evaluation metric, is however very subjective, dependent on the application domain. In this paper a wide variety of point-metrics are put into a common analytical context defined by the recall and precision of the target rare class. This enables us to compare various metrics in an objective, domain-independent manner. We judge their suitability for the rare class problems along the dimensions of learning difficulty and levels of rarity. This yields many valuable insights. In order to address the goal of achieving better recall and precision, we also propose a way of comparing classifiers directly based on the relationships between recall and precision values. It resorts to a composite point-metric only when recall-precision based comparisons yield conflicting results.
New insights into the role of the macular carotenoids in age-related macular degeneration. Resonance Raman studies

The human macula uniquely concentrates extraordinarily high levels of two xan- thophyll carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. The function, metabolism, and physiology of these yellow pigments are incompletely understood, but they are likely to prevent age-related damage to the foveal region by virtue of their ability to act as free-radical quenching antiox- idants and to absorb phototoxic blue light with high efficiency. A wealth of circumstantial evidence suggests that high macular levels of these two carotenoids may protect against age- related macular degeneration (AMD), but definitive prospective clinical studies still remain to be conducted. It is imperative to gain a greater knowledge of the basic biochemical and physiological mechanisms underlying the specific uptake and metabolism of lutein and zea- xanthin in the macula and to develop improved methods of quantifying macular carotenoid levels noninvasively in order to facilitate the rational design of successful interventions against the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly in the developed world. The development of resonance Raman spectroscopic methods for the objective measurement of macular carotenoid levels in living humans with and without AMD will be reviewed. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world, is a disorder that results from the complex interaction of numerous inherited and acquired risk factors including increasing age, smoking, family history, race, light exposure, and nutrition. It destroys the central vision of one or both eyes through damage to the macula, the cone-rich region of the retina responsible for high-acuity vision necessary for reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The damage may be either atrophic (dry AMD) or due to complications of choroidal neovascularization (wet AMD). While many new treatments have been introduced for patients with advanced cases of the exuda- tive form of AMD, the vast majority of these individuals will still progress to legal blindness. Thus, there is considerable interest among both patients and clinicians to intervene at much earlier stages of the disease so as to slow its progression at a time before substantial visual damage has occurred. Nutritional interventions with antioxidant supplements have been widely touted in the United States for many years to individuals at risk for AMD, but high-quality scientific data to support the marketing claims have been notably lacking. The recent publication of the results of the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) finally puts some of these nutritional claims on solid scientific footing (1). This very large long-term prospective placebo-controlled study demonstrated that oral supplementation with antioxidant vitamins and minerals (zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene) could slow the rate
Review of the Genus Thoracophorus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Osoriinae) in North America North of Mexico, with a Key to Species

Three species of Thoracophorus Motschulsky (Staphylinidae: Osoriinae) are reported from North America north of Mexico: T. brevicristatus (Horn), T. costalis (Erichson), and T. guadalupensis Cameron. A survey of nearly 5,000 specimens from 38 institutions showed that T. costalis was the most common and widespread of the three species, representing 99% of all specimens and ranging throughout eastern North America west to central Texas and north to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Thoracophorus brevicristatus is found across the extreme southern USA from Arizona to Florida. Thoracophorus guadalupensis is found only in Florida. A key to species and range maps are provided.
The effects of global change upon United States air quality

Abstract. To understand more fully the effects of global changes on ambient concentrations of ozone and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in the United States (US), we conducted a comprehensive modeling effort to evaluate explicitly the effects of changes in climate, biogenic emissions, land use and global/regional anthropogenic emissions on ozone and PM2.5 concentrations and composition. Results from the ECHAM5 global climate model driven with the A1B emission scenario from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) were downscaled using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to provide regional meteorological fields. We developed air quality simulations using the Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (CMAQ) chemical transport model for two nested domains with 220 and 36 km horizontal grid cell resolution for a semi-hemispheric domain and a continental United States (US) domain, respectively. The semi-hemispheric domain was used to evaluate the impact of projected global emissions changes on US air quality. WRF meteorological fields were used to calculate current (2000s) and future (2050s) biogenic emissions using the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN). For the semi-hemispheric domain CMAQ simulations, present-day global emissions inventories were used and projected to the 2050s based on the IPCC A1B scenario. Regional anthropogenic emissions were obtained from the US Environmental Protection Agency National Emission Inventory 2002 (EPA NEI2002) and projected to the future using the MARKet ALlocation (MARKAL) energy system model assuming a business as usual scenario that extends current decade emission regulations through 2050. Our results suggest that daily maximum 8 h average ozone (DM8O) concentrations will increase in a range between 2 to 12 parts per billion (ppb) across most of the continental US. The highest increase occurs in the South, Central and Midwest regions of the US due to increases in temperature, enhanced biogenic emissions and changes in land use. The model predicts an average increase of 1–6 ppb in DM8O due to projected increase in global emissions of ozone precursors. The effects of these factors are only partially offset by reductions in DM8O associated with decreasing US anthropogenic emissions. Increases in PM2.5 levels between 4 and 10 μg m−3 in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and South regions are mostly a result of increase in primary anthropogenic particulate matter (PM), enhanced biogenic emissions and land use changes. Changes in boundary conditions shift the composition but do not alter overall simulated PM2.5 mass concentrations.
The role of mandibular plane inclination in orthodontic diagnosis.

Abstract No Abstract Available. From the Orthodontic Department, Univ. of Iowa. This investigation was supported in part by United States Public Health Service Research Grant DE-00853, National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Reconstruction of Community College Vocational Education: A Vision for Renewing American Democracy.

Objective:The purpose of this article is to explain how central points developed in Dewey’s 1916 Democracy and Education provide the rationale needed to adopt institutional and policy recommendatio...
Canopy disturbance and tree recruitment over two centuries in a managed longleaf pine landscape

Disturbance history was reconstructed across an 11300 ha managed longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) landscape in southwestern Georgia, USA. Our specific objectives were to: (i) determine forest age structure; (ii) reconstruct disturbance history through the relationship between canopy disturbance, tree recruitment and growth; and (iii) explore the relationship between canopy disturbance and climate. Age structure, canopy disturbance events and initial growth patterns at coring height were examined by randomly sampling 1260 trees in 70 1.3 ha plots. Principal component analysis was used to group plots with similar age structures to gain insight into the dynamics between canopy disturbance and recruitment. Disturbance events were detected by large and rapid increases in radial growth. We tested the following hypothesis to investigate whether these growth increases could have been triggered by improved climatic conditions: precipitation and drought are positively correlated to radial growth releases. Only four stands (comprising <6% of the study area) had an even-aged structure. Further, tree recruitment prior to European settlement indicates that longleaf pine naturally recruited into areas 1.3 ha or less, supporting early-20th century observations that the primary longleaf pine forest was uneven-aged. Contrary to our hypothesis, growing season precipitation and drought was significantly and negatively correlated with canopy disturbance (radial growth releases), which indicates that a reconstruction of disturbance history could proceed with some confidence. Most trees sampled were recruited at coring height from 1910 to 1935. Of the 67 canopy disturbances detected from 1910 to 1935, the average growth release ranged from 139 to 277% per half decade suggesting the occurrence of large canopy disturbances. Rapid initial growth patterns of young trees during these years show evidence of reduced overstory competition and support the detected disturbance intensity. Our reconstruction of stand dynamics is markedly similar to independent records of local oral and written history, which gives an additional set of evidence that the disturbance detection methodology used can be useful in open-canopied forests. Stands with multiple cohorts reveal a mix of continuous minor and major canopy disturbances leading to continual tree recruitment, suggesting their applicability as models for long-term forest management. The significant relationship between climate and disturbance in our data suggests that with the expected warming over the next 100 years, climatic impacts on stand dynamics should be incorporated into long-term longleaf pine forest restoration and management.
My sister, myself: a culture- and gender-based approach to HIV/AIDS prevention.

African American women are bearing an excess burden of HIV/AIDS, becoming infected at a rate 25 times that of White American women. This places African American girls at the highest risk for becoming infected with HIV/AIDS. Culturally appropriate prevention strategies are indicated to suppress this trend. Two qualitative research methods were used to evaluate a culture- and gender-based HIV prevention intervention: My Sister, Myself. Community action participatory research was used to engage the community in the development of the intervention for early-adolescent girls. Eight girls participated in the 8-week intervention. Data were collected about culture and gender identification, sexual health knowledge, and future intentions throughout the intervention. Focus groups and observation participation data revealed three major themes: “high aspirations,” “needing to know the truth,” and “internal, external, and eternal resources.” Findings indicate promise for intervention strategies that utilize culture- a...
Climate suitability and human influences combined explain the range expansion of an invasive horticultural plant

Ecological niche models are commonly used to identify regions at risk of species invasions. Relying on climate alone may limit a model’s success when additional variables contribute to invasion. While a climate-based model may predict the future spread of an invasive plant, we hypothesized that a model that combined climate with human influences would most successfully explain its present distribution. We used the ecological niche model MaxEnt to test our hypothesis with Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), a common invasive horticultural plant in the United States. We first predicted the future range expansion of the species in the United States using a model that was trained on the climate conditions in its native range. We then tested the ability of a climate-based model, which was trained on climate conditions in the invaded range, to predict the current distribution in the United States. Finally, we tested whether including a measure of human influence would improve this model. Our results indicate that, despite L. japonica’s 200-year invasion history, it is expected to spread beyond its current US range. Climate and human influence combined explain the current distribution. Modeling the spread of invasive horticultural plants using climate alone risks under-predicting areas with poor climates and high human influence. Therefore, planting invasive horticultural species should be discouraged as even suboptimal climates may result in further range expansion.
Structural Integration of Cerebellar Grafts in Ataxic Mouse Mutants

There are many mutations in the laboratory mouse that interfere with the formation and maintenance of the cerebellar circuitry (refs. 1, 2 and chapter 4 in this book). The cerebellar lesion may consist in either defective positioning of specific neuronal populations or selective loss. Such mutations provide unique material for investigating developmental and degenerative events because: (i) the background on the cellular architecture and synaptic connections of the cerebellum is strong; (ii) the cerebellum is a relatively simple neuronal circuit for studying phenomena with general implications for the CNS and (iii) the molecular genetics and chromosomal structure have been characterized in the laboratory mouse better than in any other mammal. In addition to insight into cerebellar ontogeny, neurological mutants offer invaluable experimental models pertinent to the neuropathological lesions of the human cerebellar ataxias. A description of cerebellar transplantation studies in cerebellar mutants (Table 7.1) addressing various issues follows.
How Design Experiments Can Inform Teaching and Learning: Teacher-Researchers as Collaborators in Educational Research.

In this commentary, I summarize my own research with colleagues to affirm Dr. Gersten's call for considering design experiments prior to conducting intervention research. I describe how design experiments not only can inform teaching and the learning of innovative approaches, but also hold the promise of effectively bridging the research-to-practice gap to produce meaningful change in practice when innovative practices are fine-tuned and validated by partnerships with teacher-researchers.
Decoding region bubble size and aminoglycoside antibiotic binding.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics promiscuously bind to structurally diverse RNA molecules containing internal bubbles and bulges with affinities in the μM range. An interesting exception is found in the human 12S mitochondrial decoding region where aminoglycoside binding, unlike in the case of its bacterial and human cytoplasmic counterparts, is absent. Mutations that reduce the size of the bubble in the 12S decoding region immediately restore aminoglycoside binding, giving the system chemical switch like behavior.
Spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leaks and intracranial hypotension

ContextSpontaneous intracranial hypotension is caused by spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and is known for causing orthostatic headaches. It is an important cause of new headaches in young and middle-aged individuals, but initial misdiagnosis is common.ObjectiveTo summarize existing evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of spontaneous spinal CSF leaks and intracranial hypotension.Evidence AcquisitionMEDLINE (1966-2005) and OLDMEDLINE (1950-1965) were searched using the terms intracranial hypotension, CSF leak, low pressure headache, and CSF hypovolemia. Reference lists of these articles and ongoing investigations in this area were used as well.Evidence SynthesisSpontaneous intracranial hypotension is caused by single or multiple spinal CSF leaks. The incidence has been estimated at 5 per 100 000 per year, with a peak around age 40 years. Women are affected more commonly than men. Mechanical factors combine with an underlying connective tissue disorder to cause the CSF leaks. An orthostatic headache is the prototypical manifestation but other headache patterns occur as well, and associated symptoms are common. Typical magnetic resonance imaging findings include subdural fluid collections, enhancement of the pachymeninges, engorgement of venous structures, pituitary hyperemia, and sagging of the brain (mnemonic: SEEPS). Myelography is the study of choice to identify the spinal CSF leak. Treatments include bed rest, epidural blood patching, percutaneous placement of fibrin sealant, and surgical CSF leak repair, but outcomes have been poorly studied and no management strategies have been studied in properly controlled randomized trials.ConclusionsSpontaneous intracranial hypotension is not rare but it remains underdiagnosed. The spectrum of clinical and radiographic manifestations is varied, with diagnosis largely based on clinical suspicion, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and myelography. Numerous treatment options are available, but much remains to be learned about this disorder.
Time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance in young, vocally untrained adult females

Summary Time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance were investigated in 20 vocally healthy untrained women between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Each subject produced two complete voice range profiles: one in the morning and one in the evening, about 36 hours apart. The order of morning and evening trials was counterbalanced across subjects. Dependent variables were (1) average minimum and average maximum intensity, (2) Voice range profile area and (3) center of gravity (median semitone pitch and median intensity). In this study, the results failed to reveal any clear evidence of time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance, for any of the dependent variables. However, a reliable interaction of time-of-day and trial order was obtained for average minimum intensity. Investigation of other subject populations, in particular trained vocalists or those with laryngeal lesions, is required for any generalization of the results.
Personalization of Web browsing: adaptations to meet the needs of older adults

Despite difficulties in using the Web, older adults are motivated to use it. This paper reports on work underway to ease Web access for this population. Although Web accessibility standards provide specifications that Web content providers must incorporate if their pages are to be accessible, these standards do not guarantee a good experience for all Web users. This paper will discuss user controls that make a number of dynamic adaptations to page presentation and input that can greatly increase the usability of Web pages for older users. The paper will discuss the authors’ original work on the topic, lessons learned, and usage patterns. Current extensions to that work are also discussed.
Summary of Workshop 2b: Lipid-Membrane Interactions of Platelets and Coagulation with the Arterial Wall

Both platelets and the arterial wall contain enzymes capable of converting arachidonic acid into the prostaglandin endoperoxides, PGG2 and PGH2. These endoperoxides are subsequently metabolized in platelets into thromboxane A2 which causes platelet aggregation and is a potent vasoconstrictor. By contrast, the endoperoxides are converted in the arterial wall into prostacyclin, a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation and vasodilator. In the presence of isomerases, the endoperoxides are converted into PGE2 or PGD2.
Apical nonspecific cation conductances in rabbit cecum

Rabbit cecum exhibits electrogenic Na absorption in vitro. However, because this transport process is not inhibited by amiloride nor does it demonstrate saturation kinetics typical of the amiloride-inhibitable Na channel, we considered whether the cecal transporter represented one of a recently described family of nonselective cation conductances or channels (NSCC). Both transepithelial and vesicle studies demonstrated that K, Cs, and Rb were transported via an apical conductance. Electrogenic transport was inhibited by divalent cations including Ca, Mg, and Ba but was unaffected by either lanthanum or gadolinium. Parallel studies in distal colon did not exhibit a similar response to either K substitution or Ba inhibition. Phenamil, verapamil, and nicardipine significantly inhibited the short-circuit current (Isc). stimulated by nominal Ca- and Mg-free conditions. Flux studies demonstrated a correlation between changes in Isc and Na transport. Microelectrode impalement studies suggested that there may be both NSCC and K conductance in the apical membrane. Planar bilayer studies identified a 190-pS cation channel that may correlate with the macroscopic transport properties of this epithelium. These studies are consistent with a model of cecal Na absorption mediated by a NSCC in the apical membrane; this may be the mechanism underlying the distinct epithelial transport characteristics of this intestinal segment.
In Situ Tensile Deformation and Residual Stress Measurement by Neutron Diffraction in Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel

The deformation behavior of monolithic modified 9Cr-1Mo (Grade 91) steel during uniaxial tensile loading was studied using the in situ neutron diffraction technique. The residual stress distribution across gas tungsten arc welds in the Grade 91 steel was measured by the time-of-flight neutron diffraction method using the SMARTS diffractometer at Lujan Neutron Scattering Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory. Grade 91 plates were welded using the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) technique. The load sharing by different grain orientations was observed during the tensile loading. The residual stresses along three orthogonal directions were determined at the mid-thickness, 4.35 and 2.35 mm below the surface of both the as-welded and post-weld heat-treated plates. The residual stresses of the as-welded plates were compared with those of the post-weld heat-treated plates. The post-weld heat treatment significantly reduced the residual stress level in the base metal, the heat-affected zone, and the weld zone. Vickers microhardness across the weld zone of the as-welded and post-weld heat-treated specimens was evaluated and correlated with the observed residual stress profile and microstructure.
Uncertainty Analysis of Dielectric Elastomer Membranes Under Multi-Axial Loading

A variety of models have been developed to simulate the behavior of electroactive elastomers. As with all modeling applications, there are varying levels of uncertainty associated with measurement limitations and lack of knowledge of the constitutive behavior. Methods of quantifying this uncertainty have been explored previously using Bayesian statistics under uniaxial mechanical loading. The research presented here expands prior developments to quantify constitutive model uncertainty under multi-axial mechanical loading at different electrostatic fields. Specifically, we experimentally characterize and simulate transverse loading of a pre-stretched membrane under different electrostatic fields. We also quantify the dielectric response from electric displacement versus electric field loops. Bayesian statistical methods are employed to quantify modeling uncertainties in light of the data conducted on the 3M elastomer, VHB 4910.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Determination of LTCC Shrinkage Variations from Tape Manufacturer to Consumer

Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) technology can be applied in numerous functions due to a wide variety of benefits, particularly related to flexibility of applications. Controlling the LTCC shrinkage tolerances in the x, y, and z dimensions is critical during manufacturing and avoids an assortment of down-stream issues that will affect yields. All manufacturers of LTCC tape provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which contains the results of the manufacturer's shrinkage testing so production variation can be established from lot to lot. Data from this COA is generally used as a starting point in the shrinkage predictions for manufacturing purposes; however, verification of this data must be performed prior to initiating an LTCC build. This paper investigates validation of one manufacturer's COA data and explains how shrinkage differences can occur between the COA data and the data collected during the verification process. The tracking of this data is also presented as a means to ensure proper con...
Fecundity and Parthenogenesis of the Yellowheaded Spruce Sawfly, Pikonema alaskensis

Fecundity of the yellowheaded spruce sawfly, Pikonema alaskensis (Rohwer) was studied in the greenhouse and the field using a bag cage tied over branches of white spruce trees, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. Dissections of 279, 3–5-day-old females revealed a mean potential fecundity of 83.3 mature eggs. Females caged in the field laid 91.9% of their eggs, but females in the greenhouse laid only 61.7%. Longevity of females was 4–7 days, with 1 ♀ living 18 days. Parthenogenetic eggs developed into males. Peak oviposition in the field occurred when 80% of the new shoots were just barely retaining the bud cap. Female cocoons are significantly wider and longer than ♂ cocoons.
9C 2D Piceance Survey: Near-surface Velocity Model Building And Tomostatics Solution

A nine component (9C) 2D test program was conducted in September 2010 in the Piceance Basin region with the goal of improving the seismic reservoir characterization. The current study focuses only on the direct shear wave component (i.e., horizontal source – horizontal detector, SS data). In particular, we investigated three methods of obtaining a reliable longwavelength statics solution for the SS stack These methods are based on: (1) refracted shear waves; (2) refracted p-waves and (3) surface waves. We conclude that all the tested techniques for estimating the long-wavelength shear statics provide comparable and acceptable results in this region.
Increased sleep duration precedes the improvement of other symptom domains during the treatment of acute mania: a retrospective chart review

Understanding trajectories of symptom changes may help gauge treatment response and better identify therapeutic targets in treatment of acute mania. We examined how symptoms of sleep disturbance, mania, and psychosis resolved in a naturalistic treatment setting, hypothesizing that improvement in sleep would precede improvement in manic and psychotic symptoms. Charts of 100 patients with admitting diagnoses of bipolar mixed or manic episode were retrospectively reviewed. Medications and demographic variables were recorded, and the Clinician-Administered Rating Scale for Mania (CARS-M) mania and psychosis ratings and sleep hours were determined for 8 observation points. Times to minimum symptom level in each domain were compared via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Symptom correlations and trajectories and medication effects were explored using repeated measures ANOVA and regression models. Manic and psychotic symptom resolution was linear over the time of hospitalization. In contrast, sleep showed a slow initial response, followed by rapid increase to peak, preceding peak improvement in mania and psychosis (p < 0.001). Rate of sleep restoration was a predictor of rate but not of magnitude of treatment response for symptoms mania and psychosis. Patterns of medication use did not affect symptom trajectories. In acute mania, improvement in sleep with treatment is dissociable from resolution in symptoms of mania and psychosis, but there appears to be no therapeutic advantage to patient oversedation. Sleep improves first and may be both a predictor of the rate of treatment response and a useful therapeutic target.
Design and Implementation of an Interleaved Double-transistor Flyback DC/DC Converter

Aiming at overcoming the disadvantages of the traditional flyback converter,this paper introduces the technique of interleaved power conversion into the double-transistor flyback circuit.It achieves the benefits such as raising the working frequency,smoothing the output voltage ripple,increasing power level.The operation modes of the interleaved double-transistor flyback converter have been analyzed.The DCM small signal AC model using the averaged switch method has been built up.The design of the feedback compensator using the peak current control method and opto-coupler insulation is analyzed in details.A 100W prototype is built to verify the operation principle and parameter design.
Bioethics education in a clinical pastoral education program.

Notes that contemporary health care delivery and the interface of clinical professionals with patients and families are marked by complexity and pluralism and that within this modern matrix patients, families, professionals, and administrators frequently struggle with difficult ethical issues. Observes that these realities have significant implications for chaplains and for chaplains-in-training, a factor which has received the attention of the Bioethics Committee of the Professional Chaplains Association through its Bioethics Committee and resulting in a set of guidelines for the chaplain's appropriate roles in bioethical issues and for their role on bioethics committees. Describes the establishment of a bioethics module at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) in which chaplain residents are enabled to function as professional peers with other healthcare professionals and as competent chaplains with patients and families in bioethical decision making. Reports on the methods and the results of a pilot st...
Internalization and Subcellular Trafficking of Poly-l-lysine Dendrimers Are Impacted by the Site of Fluorophore Conjugation

Internalization and intracellular trafficking of dendrimer–drug conjugates play an important role in achieving successful drug delivery. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the endocytosis mechanisms and subcellular localization of poly-l-lysine (PLL) dendrimers in Caco-2 cells. We also investigated the impact of fluorophore conjugation on cytotoxicity, uptake, and transepithelial transport. Oregon green 514 (OG) was conjugated to PLL G3 at either the dendrimer periphery or the core. Chemical inhibitors of clathrin-, caveolin-, cholesterol-, and dynamin-mediated endocytosis pathways and macropinocytosis were employed to establish internalization mechanisms, while colocalization with subcellular markers was used to determine dendrimer trafficking. Cell viability, internalization, and uptake were all influenced by the site of fluorophore conjugation. Uptake was found to be highly dependent on cholesterol- and dynamin-mediated endocytosis as well as macropinocytosis. Dendrimers were trafficked to endosomes ...