cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Particle trapping by dusty microplasmas

Summary form only given. The highly localized potential gradients created within microplasma are capable of trapping micro- and nanoparticles. In this work, microplasma is generated within a 150 mum gap formed in a microstrip transmission line split-ring resonator. The resonator operates at 900 MHz and consumes 300 mW of power from 100 Pa to 1 atm in argon. Melamine (ML) particles are released 1 cm from the microplasma. The particles acquire a negative charge and are captured within the localized potential well of the microplasma. The residence time of particles is several minutes in flowing argon at 300 Pa. The particles are illuminated by HeNe laser and are observed to form "plasma crystals" with a periodicity of 120 microns. At low concentrations, particles are also found to move in non-decaying circular orbits with orbital radii of ~100 microns. The particle positions allow for the visualization of the microplasma sheath and can be used as a plasma diagnostic. Auxiliary electrodes consisting of quarter-wave microstrip transmission lines are used to directly modify the DC potential within the microplasma without affecting the microwave impedance within the discharge. These electrodes are used to electrostatically manipulate the suspended particles. Application of these principles to nanoparticle sensing and diagnostics will be discussed
Effects of Teaching Syllable Skills Instruction on Reading Achievement in Struggling Middle School Readers

Direct, explicit, and systematic instruction of critical skills has been a hallmark of effective teaching for many years. In this study, we implemented a quasi-experimental pre-/post-test design with nonequivalent groups to determine the effectiveness of syllable skills instruction on reading achievement. Classes were randomly assigned to control or treatment groups. Participants included middle-school students with high incidence disabilities, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their peers at risk for reading failure. The syllable skills intervention included instruction in syllable patterns, syllabication steps and rules, and accenting patterns. Students practiced skills by decoding and encoding nonsense and low-frequency mono- and multisyllabic words. Statistically significant differences were evident between pre-test and post-test scores for three dependent measures: (a) word identification, (b) word attack, and (c) reading comprehension. The treatment group demonstrated gre...
Neuronal overexpression of APPL, the Drosophila homologue of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), disrupts axonal transport

Abstract The two pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, involve two apparently unrelated proteins, the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Tau. Although it is known that aberrant processing of APP is associated with Alzheimer's disease [1], the definitive role of APP in neurons is not yet clear [2]. Tau regulates microtubule stabilization and assembly in axons [3] and is, thus, an essential component of the microtubule-associated organelle transport machinery [4,5]. Although several groups have reported physical interaction between APP and Tau [6,7], and induction of Tau phosphorylation by APP [8] and β-amyloid peptide [9], the functional connection between APP and Tau is unclear. To explore the possibility that the functions of these two proteins may somehow converge on the same cellular process, we overexpressed APPL, the Drosophila homologue of APP, along with Tau in Drosophila neurons. Panneural coexpression of APPL and Tau resulted in adults that, upon eclosion, failed to expand wings and harden the cuticle, which is suggestive of neuroendocrine dysfunction. We analyzed axonal transport when Tau and APPL were coexpressed and found that transport of axonal cargo was disrupted, as evidenced by increased retention of synaptic proteins in axons and scarcity of neuropeptide-containing vesicles in the distal processes of peptidergic neurons. In an independent approach, we demonstrated genetic interaction and phenotypic similarity between APPL overexpression and mutations in the Kinesin heavy chain ( Khc ) gene, the product of which is a motor for anterograde vesicle trafficking [10].
Effects of particle's off-axis position, shape, orientation and entry position on resistance changes of micro Coulter counting devices

With the recent advance in micro/nano-fabrication technology, micro Coulter counters have been widely used in detecting and characterizing micro- and nanoscale objects. In this paper, the electrical resistance change during translocation of a non-conducting particle through a channel is studied numerically. The numerical results are validated by proven analytical results available in the literature. The effects of particle's off-axis position, shape and orientation, and entry position are studied for particles with a large dynamic range. From the numerical results, a new fitted correlation is proposed that can accurately predict the resistance change caused by off-axis spherical particles regardless of their size. The shape and orientation effects of the electrical resistance change are studied by changing the axis ratio of spheroid particles and their orientation angles. Results show that a particle's shape and orientation have a significant influence on the resistance change. Simulation of an entry effect indicates that a particle starts to induce a resistance change before it enters the channel and still causes a resistance change even after the particle exits the channel completely. This study will offer some guidelines in designing and implementing Coulter counting devices and experiments, and provide insights into explaining experimental results.
THE EFFECT OF OXIDIZED LIPOIC ACID ON DEVELOPING ECHINODERM EMBRYOS.

Abstract 1. 1. Lipoic acid, a naturally occurring cyclic disulfide, induces abnormal development, especially at the time of gastrulation in Echinarachnius parma and Arabacia punctulata . 2. 2. No delay in cleavage is produced in E. parma by lipoic acid in concentrations up to 10 −3 M . In A. punctulata a moderate delay is produced in the cleavage of some eggs at concentrations which also block cleavage entirely in many eggs after one or a few initial cleavages. 3. 3. The portion of the developmental period sensitive to the reagent occurs before blastulation while the morphological manifestations of the deleterious action occur at the blastula stage or later in E. parma . 4. 4. In A. punctulata the developmental period most subject to the influence of lipoic acid in producing abnormal embryos occurs after the first 2 hr of development and at least 2 hr before the blastulae hatch. 5. 5. The action of lipoic acid produced during the sensitive period is not reversed by removing the embryos to fresh sea water in either the sea urchin or sand dollar.
Cosmogenic10Be: A critical view on its widespread dominion in geosciences

The radionuclide10Be (half-life = 1.5my), produced naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere by nuclear interactions of cosmic rays, was sought in ocean sediments in the late fifties, considering its potential usefulness as a radiotracer for dating sediments.10Be was discovered independently by two groups, one in India and the other in the USA, and used only for dating marine sediments and manganese nodules until the seventies. Subsequently, as a result of a technical advance resulting in the improvement in the sensitivity of measurement of10Be by about a factor of 106, there was a global rush to measure this nuclide in most materials participating in the physical, chemical and biological processes in the dynamic geosphere. This paper outlines the reasons for this “isotope rush”, and the lessons learned from these studies. I also present my personal views of the special attractive features of this nuclide on the one hand, and on the other, the pitfalls or the wrong message this nuclide could convey!
The Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite Measuring Amyloid-Related Decline

Importance As Alzheimer disease (AD) research moves to intervene in presymptomatic phases of the disease, we must develop outcome measures sensitive to the earliest disease-related changes. Objective To demonstrate the feasibility of a cognitive composite outcome for clinically normal elderly participants with evidence of AD pathology using the ADCS Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (ADCS-PACC). The ADCS-PACC combines tests that assess episodic memory, timed executive function, and global cognition. The ADCS-PACC is the primary outcome measure for the first clinical trial in preclinical AD (ie, the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s study). Design, Setting, and Participants With the ADCS-PACC, we derive pilot estimates of amyloid-related decline using data from 2 observational studies conducted in North America and another conducted in Australia. The participants analyzed had normal cognition and mean ages of 75.81, 71.37, and 79.42 years across the 3 studies. Main Outcomes and Measures For the 2 studies that collected data on Aβ levels (ADNI and AIBL), we estimate decline in a preclinical AD “Aβ-positive” placebo group and compare them with an “Aβ-negative” group. For the study that did not include data on Aβ levels (the ADCS Prevention Instrument [ADCS-PI] study), we grouped participants by the presence of APOE -e4 and by clinical progression. Results In ADNI, Aβ-positive participants showed more decline than did Aβ-negative participants with regard to the ADCS-PACC score at 24 months (mean [SE] difference, −1.239 [0.522] [95% CI, −2.263 to −0.215]; P = .02). In AIBL, the mean (SE) difference is significant at both 18 months (−1.009 [0.406] [95% CI, −1.805 to −0.213]; P = .01) and 36 months (−1.404 [0.452] [95% CI, −2.290 to −0.519]; P = .002). In the ADCS-PI study, APOE -e4 allele carriers performed significantly worse on the ADCS-PACC at 24 months (mean [SE] score, −0.742 [0.294] [95% CI, −1.318 to −0.165]; P = .01) and 36 months (−1.531 [0.469] [95% CI, −2.450 to −0.612]; P = .001). In the ADCS-PI study, cognitively normal participants who progress from a global Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0 are significantly worse on the ADCS-PACC than cognitively normal participants who are stable with a global Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0 at months 12, 24, and 36 (mean [SE] ADCS-PACC score, −4.471 [0.702] [95% CI, −5.848 to −3.094]; P Conclusions and Relevance Analyses of at-risk cognitively normal populations suggest that we can reliably measure the first signs of cognitive decline with the ADCS-PACC. These analyses also suggest the feasibility of secondary prevention trials.
Binding and oxidation-reduction of monoamine oxidase-type 8α-(S-peptidyl)flavins with azotobacter (shethna) flavodoxin

Summary Binding of 8α-(S-peptidyl)flavins, the type of covalently attached flavin within the active site of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase, can occur within the FMN-binding site of Azotobacter flavodoxin. Association results in typical hypochromicity of the visible absorbance and a bathochromic shift. There is a decrease in fluorescence of protein but not flavin and a generation of negative ellipticity in the near-UV band in the CD spectra. Bound peptidyl flavins are reduced with EDTA and light to blue semiquinone complexes. Reduction to the hydroquinone level can be effected with excess free flavin during photoreduction or with excess dithionite. No significant monoamine oxidase activity could be detected. In common with other flavodoxins, the FMN-binding site of Azotobacter flavoprotein affixes the coenzyme within a flexible tryptophanyl-containing pocket that allows the benzenoid edge of the isoalloxazine ring to project toward solvent.
Analysis of leukopenia and anemia after gastric bypass surgery

Abstract Background Although anemia is a well-described complication after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in association with iron deficiency, no studies have been published regarding changes in the white blood cell count. Methods Mixed longitudinal models were used to follow the changes in white blood cell count, platelet count, and hematocrit over time after RYGB. Results A total of 590 patients, who had undergone RYGB from 2006 to 2010, inclusively, had laboratory studies available. The mean follow-up was 398 days (range 30–1484). The incidence of leukopenia (white blood cell count ≤4000 cm 3 ) increased significantly from 2.0% (12 of 590) before surgery to 14.6% (86 of 590) afterward ( P P P Conclusion RYGB is associated with a generalized decrease in the white blood cell and platelet counts. These decreases do not seem clinically important, unlike the substantial decrease in red blood cell mass in premenopausal women. A generalized suppression of hematopoiesis might occur after RYGB.
Analysis of antibody response to ovine lentivtrus by using viral gene products expressed in a prokaryotic system

Abstract The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify, clone, and express eight DNA fragments encoding p25, p16, reverse transcriptase (FT) core, C′-terminal RT, N′- and C′-terminals of external (gp70), and transmembrane (gp40) envelope proteins from visna virus infectious recombinant DNA. Efforts were focused on characterizing the nature of the humoral immune response of ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP) virus infected animals and identifying the conserved and prime-reactive antigenic determinants that have potential diagnostic value. This communication reports that the N′-terminal region of gp40 appeared to be the most immunoreactive of the bacterially expressed proteins and could serve as a sensitive immunodiagnostic antigen for the detection of OPP infection.
Impact force identification in aerospace panels by an inverse ultrasonic guided wave problem

This paper deals with monitoring impacts on aluminum and composite aerospace panels. The specific problems addressed are (1) the identification of the impact forces (force magnitude time history) and (2) the discrimination of "damaging impacts" from "non-damaging impacts." Ultrasonic guided waves generated by the impacts are used as the sensing mechanism. Flexible Macro-Fiber Composite (MFC) patches are used as the ultrasonic receivers. The impact force identification method is based on an optimization routine which minimizes the difference between the experimental impact waves and the numerical impact waves calculated by a Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) forced analysis. The differentiation of "damaging impacts" vs. "non-damaging impacts" is based on a frequency analysis of the impact waves. These techniques are demonstrated through an extensive experimental testing program involving the following six specimens: an aluminum panel, a quasi-isotropic CFRP composite panel, a highly anisotropic CFRP composite panel, a stiffened aluminum panel, a stiffened quasi-isotropic CFRP composite panel, and a stiffened anisotropic CFRP composite panel. These panels were subjected to low-velocity hammer impacts and to high-velocity gas-gun impacts by ice projectiles at speeds up to 170 m/sec using UCSD's gas-gun test facility. In all of these experiments, the techniques summarized above gave excellent results for both impact force identification and impact force discrimination.
REWARD, PUNISHMENT AND REVERSAL ON A MIRROR-TRACING TASK

Szzmmary.-In an attempt to "equate" punishment and reward, a siruation was devised where the informational content, intensity and method of delivery were the same. On a mirror-tracing task both punishment and reward affected Ss' performance. The initial effect of punishment was more pronounced than the initial effect of reward. When Ss were told to reverse the direction of tracing, degradation of performance was less for the punished group than for the reward group. The similarities and differences between reward and punishment have been investigated and speculated upon for a very long time (Campbell & Church, 1969; Postman, 1947, 1962). Over-all evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of the two procedures has been somewhat contradictory (Boe & Church, 1968). One problem with trying to compare the relative effectiveness of reward and punishment is that of "equating" the two as nearly as possible. Equating, however, can be done on a number of factors. One such factor is the informational content of reward and punishment. That is, reward may be considered more effective than punishment because it specifies a correct response or behavior while punishment, .per se, only indicates that one (usually of many) response or behavior is incorrect. On the surface it seems that reward given for performing better than criterion and punishment given for a task performed poorer than criterion would seem to equate the informational content of the two procedures. Another factor is the intensity of reward and punishment. The first requirement for this kind of equating is that the reward and punishment procedure be mediated the same, like the winning or losing of money or some other desirable commodity. Finally, it would seem necessary to deliver rewards and punishments in a similar manner. The intent of this study, therefore, was to set up a procedure which seemed to meet the above requirements and compare the relative effects of reward and punishment. METHOD A task which meets the above requirements is a mirror-tracing task. A metal mirror-tracing apparatus of standard design (McGeoch, 1942) was used. The device requires that S trace a pattern, usually with a pen or stylus, while viewing a pattern through a mirror. The pattern developed for this experiment is shown in Fig. 1. The figure was printed on common bond paper and held in place in the apparatus with clips. S traced a pencil line between the two borders of the pattern. The width between borders was slightly less than onefourth of an inch. Ss were 30 males, between the ages of 17 and 25 yr. from a general psychology course. All Ss were volunteers who understood the nature of
Nonlinear Identification Problems Under Large Deflections

This paper presents a method of identifying unknown parameter and force histories for nonlinear structures. The nonlinearities treated are those that arise from large deflections and rotations and/or from material behavior in the form of elastic-plastic and hyperelastic responses. The method is based on a sensitivity response approach in conjunction with a general finite element program; it can determine multiple isolated force histories as well as multiple forces in the form of traction distributions. Because it successfully allies a general finite element program with the inverse methods, there is (potentially, at least) little restriction on the geometric and material complexity of the problems that can be handled. Experimental data from a very flexible beam-like structure is used to demonstrate the attributes of the developed method. Both quasi-static and dynamic tests are performed and evaluated.
A shock-metamorphic model for silicate darkening and compositionally variable plagioclase in CK and ordinary chondrites

Abstract Silicate darkening in ordinary chondrites (OC) is caused by tiny grains of metallic Fe-Ni and troilite occurring mainly within curvilinear trails that traverse silicate interiors and decorate or, in some cases, cut across silicate grain boundaries. Highly shocked OC (characterized by olivine grains with undulose to mosaic extinction) tend to have greater degrees of silicate darkening than lightly shocked OC; this indicates that silicate darkening is probably a result of shock metamorphism. The low Fe-FeS eutectic temperature (988°C) renders metal and troilite susceptible to melting and mobilization during shock heating. A few OC also contain thin melt veins of chromite; this implies that localized shock temperatures reached ≥ 1635°C in these meteorites. Silicate darkening is also evident in CK carbonaceous chondrites, where magnetite and pentlandite grains form analogous curvilinear trails. It is possible that magnetite and pentlandite in CK chondrites were mobilized during shock metamorphism and dispersed through silicate interiors; alternatively, metal and troilite may have been dispersed and then transformed into magnetite and pentlandite during subsequent oxidation of these chondrites. Unshocked OC tend to have plagioclase with uniform compositions; shocked OC tend to have plagioclase with more variable (albeit still stoichiometric) compositions. The low impedance of plagioclase to shock compression makes it particularly susceptible to melting and mobilization; this is consistent with the molten appearance of plagioclase in highly shocked OC (e.g., Rose City and Paragould). CK chondrites also have compositionally variable plagioclase. The common association of silicate darkening with compositionally variable plagioclase is consistent with the hypothesis that both are products of shock metamorphism. Some CK and OC chondrites exhibit light shock effects in olivine that are consistent with equilibrium peak shock pressures that are too low to account for the silicate darkening or opaque shock veins in these meteorites. Therefore, the olivine in these chondrites may have been annealed after intense shock produced these effects. A few CK chondrites that contain olivine with undulose or mosaic extinction (e.g., LEW87009 and EET83311) may have been shocked again, after annealing.
A mechanistic model for photosynthesis based on the multisubstrate ordered reaction of ribulose 1,5 bisphosphate carboxylase

Abstract. A mechanistic model of photosynthesis is developed based on the characteristics of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase and the assimilation of CO2 as an ordered reaction with RuBP binding before CO2. An equation is derived which considers the effects of light (for regeneration of RuBP) and CO2. Taking values for the maximum turnover of RuBP carboxylase at substrate saturation, the maximum carboxylation efficiency (maximum increase in rate per increase in CO2 concentration) and the minimum quantum requirement for the C3 pathway, photosynthesis in the absence of photorespiration is simulated. In the model, at varying concentrations of CO2, the efficiency of light utilization approaches a maximum value as photon flux density decreases. Similarly, with a given maximum carboxyation capacity, at varying photon flux densities the carboxylation efficiency approaches a constant maximum value (equal to Vmax/KmCO2) as CO2 is decreased. However, a decrease in the state of activation of RuBP carboxylase under low light results in a lower carboxylation efficiency. Limits on the rate of photosynthesis, as the maximum capacity for regeneration of RuBP is reduced relative to carboxylation potential, or as the maximum capacity of the carboxylase varies, are considered.
Comet outbursts and polymers of HCN

Dramatic cometary outbursts have been noted by observers for many years. These outbursts can sometimes increase the apparent brightness of a comet up to 9 mag and release energy on the order of 10 exp 19 ergs. A number of mechanisms have been suggested for outburst activity; however, none has been generally accepted. HCN is a known constituent of both interstellar icy grain mantles and cometary nuclei, and HCN polymers have been postulated to exist on the dark surface of comets such as P/Halley. Since polymerization is a strongly exothermic process, we investigate the possibility that HCN polymerization can provide the energy needed for outbursts. Polymerization may be continuing in the inhomogeneous interior of comets. In addition, the reactive CN groups in these oligomers can be hydrolyzed and may contribute to CO2 and CO pressure buildup in the interior of comets.
Time-correlated single-photon counting with superconducting single-photon detectors

We report use of a niobium nitride superconducting single-photon detector in a time-correlated single-photon counting experiment. The detector has a timing jitter of 68 ± 3 ps full width at half maximum with a Gaussian temporal profile. The detector's dark count rate and detection efficiency can be tuned by adjusting the bias current applied to the device. Typical values include a detection efficiency of ~1-2% and a dark count rate below 100 Hz. We use this detector to measure time-resolved photoluminescence at wavelengths up to 1650 nm, well beyond the range of conventional silicon detectors. We also use this superconducting detector to measure the emission of a quantum dot single-photon source.
Evaluating treatment efficacy for adults: Assessment of stuttering disability

Abstract The proposed strategy for evaluating the efficacy of treatment for adults who stutter involves repeated assessments of stuttering and speech naturalness from conversation samples recorded in and away from the clinic. This strategy conceptualizes chronic stuttering among adults as a disorder that is best viewed and measured at three levels: impairment, disability, and handicap. A common goal of current treatments for adult stuttering is the reduction or elimination of the disability of stuttering. Therefore, the evaluation of treatment efficacy is logically and most directly related to measures of stuttering disability. Both basic and optional measures of the disability of stuttering are proposed and discussed.
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons Associated with Particulates in Pittsburgh Air

Pittsburgh air was sampled continuously at one site for 886 hrs./sample at 45 cfm with a high volume sampler equipped with a horizontal elutriator as a first stage of separation, and an MSA 1106B glass fiber filter as a final particulate collection stage. The horizontal elutriator was designed to simulate the particulate deposition characteristics of the human respiratory tract. Samples were collected during the period June 1964 to February 1965. Respirable and non-respirable particulate samples were analyzed for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon content by a new technique which utilized dual column, flame ionization gas chromatography. It was possible to quantitatively analyze a concentrated benzene extract of the particulate sample for the following individual components: 1, 2 benzanthracene; chrysene; pyrene; 3,4 benzofloranthene; 1, 12 benzoperylene. It was not possible to distinguish between 3,4 benzopyrene, 1,2 benzopyrene and perylene; only the total quantity of these compounds present was detected....
Racial-Sex Disparities—A Challenging Battle Against Cancer Mortality in the USA

Decline in US cancer mortality has recently been reported, based on either pooled mortality of all cancer sites or age-adjusted mortality rates of specific sites. While the former could be dominated by a few cancer sites and would not reflect that of other sites, the latter used the US 2000 Population as reference for age-standardization, which was lack of justification. This study aimed to examine US cancer mortality trend and disparities in sites, races, and sex. We studied cancer incidence-based mortality by race and sex from 1974 to 2008 of cervix, prostate, colon and rectum, lung, leukemia, liver, pancreas, and stomach in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We developed a model-based mortality rate and examined rate ratio of each calendar period to the first period within each race-sex group. Cancer mortality of cervix, colon and rectum, leukemia, and stomach declined in all groups. Prostate cancer increased first in all racial groups and decreased thereafter at different pace. Lung cancer declined among males of all races but increased among females. Liver cancer increased steadily fast among white and black females, doubled in whites and black males, and climbed slowly in other races. Pancreas cancer declined among black males and females, and changed little among others. Cancer mortality trend presents heterogeneity across sites, races, and sex. Recently observed mortality decline may not reflect every cancer site or group. More effort needs to focus on specific race-sex groups that had increasing lung and liver cancer mortality.
MULTICULTURALISM AND CBTE: A HISTORIAN'S REFLECTION

(1976). MULTICULTURALISM AND CBTE: A HISTORIAN'S REFLECTION. The Review of Education: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 44-51.
Laser pump and X-ray probe surface photovoltage spectroscopy on Si(111)

Laser pump and X-ray probe core-level photoemission experiments probe surface photovoltage transients on p-type Si(111) surfaces. The data are consistent with a picture where the dynamics of mobile surface charge dominate the photovoltage shift, with changes in the surface-states charge density of only secondary importance. A value for the equilibrium band bending is determined, which suggests that a residual oxide layer reduces the density of surface states.
Diet and the Longevity of Adult Honey Bees

Pollens and honeys fed to newly emerged Apis melli fear L. were evaluated on the basis of: (1) longevity of the bees, (2) development of the hypopharyngeal gland, and (3) amount of nitrogen in the pollens. The reduction in longevity of bees fed dandelion pollen was highly significant when compared with the longevity of bees fed either blueberry or cranberry pollen.
Transport of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid by alveolar macrophages incubated with cigarette smoke and nicotine.

Aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke or nicotine at concentrations that did not greatly affect cellular viability, as measured by dye exclusion, markedly reduced the transport of α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) by rabbit alveolar macrophages. Smoke extract was prepared by drawing smoke from three cigarettes (100 mm, nonfilter) into 25 ml of a modified Hanks solution. Aqueous extract of smoke, and nicotine, produced a biphasic effect on AIB transport: a stimulation at low concentrations and an inhibition at higher concentrations. Cell viability, as estimated by dye exclusion, was reduced only 17% by the highest concentration of the smoke extract. These data suggest that transport of a nonmetabolizable amino acid, 14C-AIB, is a sensitive and quantitiative assay for examining the influence of air contaminants on membrane permeability.
Polyphosphate: an ancient molecule that links platelets, coagulation, and inflammation

Inorganic polyphosphate is widespread in biology and exhibits striking prohemostatic, prothrombotic, and proinflammatory effects in vivo. Long-chain polyphosphate (of the size present in infectious microorganisms) is a potent, natural pathophysiologic activator of the contact pathway of blood clotting. Medium-chain polyphosphate (of the size secreted from activated human platelets) accelerates factor V activation, completely abrogates the anticoagulant function of tissue factor pathway inhibitor, enhances fibrin clot structure, and greatly accelerates factor XI activation by thrombin. Polyphosphate may have utility as a hemostatic agent, whereas antagonists of polyphosphate may function as novel antithrombotic/anti-inflammatory agents. The detailed molecular mechanisms by which polyphosphate modulates blood clotting reactions remain to be elucidated.
Pilot Randomized Evaluation of Publically Available Concussion Education Materials: Evidence of a Possible Negative Effect

Many states and sports leagues are instituting concussion policies aimed at reducing risk of morbidity and mortality; many include mandates about the provision of concussion education to youth athletes. However, there is limited evidence if educational materials provided under these typically vague mandates are in fact effective in changing concussion risk-related behavior or any cognition predictive of risk-related behavior. The purpose of this pilot randomized controlled study was to conduct a theory-driven evaluation of three publically available concussion education materials: two videos and one informational handout. Participants were 256 late adolescent males from 12 teams in a single league of ice hockey competition in the United States. Randomization of educational condition occurred at the team level. Written surveys assessing postimpact symptom reporting behavior, concussion knowledge, and concussion reporting cognitions were completed by participants immediately before receiving their educational intervention, 1 day after, and 1 month after. Results indicated no change in any measure over any time interval, with the exception of perceived underreporting norms. In one of the video conditions, perceived underreporting norms increased significantly 1 day after viewing the video. Possible content and viewing environment-related reasons for this increase are discussed. Across all conditions, perceived underreporting norms increased 1 month after intervention receipt, raising the possibility that late in the competitive season underreporting may be perceived as normative. The need for the development of theory-driven concussion education materials, drawing on best practices from health behavior scholars, is discussed.
Influence of temperature and length of storage on resistance of potato to tuber rot induced byErwinia chrysanthemi

Tubers of 11 clones ofSolanum tuberosum subsp.andigena (andigena) and 12 cultivars ofS. tuberosum subsp.tuberosum (tuberosum) were inoculated with water suspensions (5.5 × 104 5.5 × 105, 5.5 × 106 CFU/ml) ofErwinia chrysanthemi. Tubers were inoculated immediately after harvest and after 6 and 16 wk of storage at 4 and 23°C. Tuber rot incidence in andigena and tuberosum increased as inoculum concentration increased. Based on tuber rot severity, clones of andigena were classified as resistant, intermediate, or susceptible and cultivars of tuberosum were classified as intermediate or susceptible. Rot severity increased in all tubers stored at 4°C and in tubers of tuberosum stored at 23°C; rot did not increase in tubers of andigena stored at 23°C. Electrolyte leakage (EL), total sugars (TS), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS) and dry matter (DM) were determined in non-inoculated tubers. There was a significant positive correlation between the rate of EL, concentration of RS and tuber rot in andigena and tuberosum. Tuber rot and DM were negatively correlated in tubers of andigena; but they were not correlated in tuberosum. Clones of andigena with low EL, TS, RS, and high DM were resistant to tuber rot, and the incidence of tuber rot in these clones was much less influenced by temperature and length of storage. The influence of temperature and length of storage on susceptibility toE. chrysanthemi may be explained by increased cell membrane permeability; increased leakage of accumulated sugars in potatoes stored at 4°C could favor bacterial proliferation resulting in more disease.
The Effects of a Teacher-Training Intervention on Student Interns' Use of Naturalistic Language Teaching Strategies

Four student interns were taught to use environmental arrangement strategies and delayed prompts to enhance the number of teaching occasions and to facilitate communicative requesting of students with severe language delays. A multiple-probe design across interns was implemented to evaluate the effects of the training on interns' use of the intervention procedures. Three of the four interns immediately increased their use of the strategies when the intervention was introduced. A specific component of the intervention, researcher-generated vs. intern-generated teaching occasions, was analyzed separately. The use of researcher-generated and intern-generated teaching occasions varied across interns with no clear preference found. To assess observer reactivity, unobtrusive data were gathered and revealed fewer teaching occasions for all participants (relative to scheduled observations), but their rates remained above those in baseline. Limitations and implications of this investigation for practice and resear...
Developmental Trajectories of Boys’ and Girls’ Delinquency: Sex Differences and Links to Later Adolescent Outcomes

This study examined gender differences in trajectories of delinquent behaviors over a 6-year period in adolescence and differential outcomes of these diverse developmental pathways. Participants were 754 children who were part of a longitudinal study of the development of early starting conduct problems. Four trajectory patterns were identified across grades 7–12: increasing, desisting, chronic, and nonproblem groups. Although the proportion of boys and girls varied across the pathways, both genders were represented on these trajectories. Boys were more represented on the chronic and desisting trajectories; girls were more represented in the nonproblem group. However, the proportion of boys and girls was similar in the increasing trajectory. Trajectory membership significantly predicted age 19 outcomes for partner violence, risky sexual behavior and depression, and the risk conferred on these negative adjustment outcomes did not vary by gender. The overall pattern was characterized by poor outcomes at age 19 for youth in both the chronic and the increasing trajectories. The major conclusion is that, other than base rate differences, developmental patterns and outcomes for girls mimic those previously found for boys.
A type 2 diabetes-associated polymorphic ARE motif affecting expression of PPP1R3 is involved in RNA-protein interactions.

Abstract We have previously described a polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the PPP1R3 gene that encodes the muscle-specific glycogen-targeting regulatory PP1 subunit. This polymorphism alters the distance between two putative mRNA-destabilizing ATTTA (AUUUA) motifs and is distinguished by a 10-nucleotide (allele ARE1) vs a 2-nucleotide interval (allele ARE2). ARE2 is associated with insulin resistance as well as increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the Pima Indians, and correlates with reduced expression of this subunit in vivo, causing a 10-fold half-life reduction of reporter mRNA in NIH3T3 cells. Gel shift assays, Northwestern blotting, and RNA–protein UV crosslinking revealed three proteins (43, 80, and 139 kDa) binding to the polymorphic ARE region in these cells. The interactions are sequence specific, and can be suppressed by an unlabeled competitor in a dose-dependent manner. The less stable ARE2 allele shows at least 2-fold higher relative protein binding, indicating that the polymorphic ARE region has a mRNA-destabilizing role. We suggest that the increased protein binding to ARE2 contributes to a faster degradation of PPP1R3 mRNA carrying this allele, and the resulting lower concentration of the protein contributes to insulin resistance, thus increasing the risk for development of type 2 diabetes.
Microbial subpopulations in the biofilm attached to the substratum and in the free flocs of a fixed-bed anaerobic bioreactor

The microbial flora of a fixed-bed anaerobic methanogenic bioreactor fed with acetate/propionate/butyrate was studied by direct, qualitative and quantitative methods avoiding culture isolation. The aims were to identify species, determine the distribution of microbes between the biofilm attached to the substratum and the free flocs, and define the acidogenic, acetogenic and methanogenic contingents. Optical and scanning electron microscopies showed heterogeneous assemblies of microbes in the biofilm and flocs, which were confirmed by antigenic fingerprinting. A diversity of species involved in the three phases of methanogenesis was detected, and most of these species were antigenically different from the reference organisms. Some microbial subpopulations identified by antigenic fingerprinting changed in size within an interval of 3 weeks, i.e. they either increased or decreased their concentrations by at least tenfold, while others remained relatively constant. The total cell concentration in the flocs was lower than in the biofilm, but at least one microbial subpopulation was more concentrated in the former than in the latter, indicating a preference of location between the compartments available within the bioreactor.
Extracellular matrix-coated cultre dishes: An in vitro model for primary human gynecologic tumors

Culture dishes coated with an extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by bovine corneal endothelial cells were utilized to investigate human gynecologic carcinomas of epithelial origin. A high culture success rate was achieved for both solid tumor (83%) and ascitic fluid (75%) derived from specimens from 59 patients. Because of the high percentage of tumor cells attaching to the ECM and actively proliferating, a variety of in vitro studies (karyotypic analysis, morphologic appearance on ECM, and ability to digest the ECM) could be done. A preliminary in vitro profile of the various tumor cell types could be made on the basis of these studies. In addition, five long-term cultures were established utilizing the ECM model system.
A DISCUSSION OF THE PAPER "THE USE OF TENSION TESTING TO INVESTIGATE THE EFFECT OF W/C RATIO AND CEMENT TYPE ON THE RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE TO SULFATE ATTACK" BY ANDREW J. BOYD, SIDNEY MINDESS

This brief discussion comments on a recent research study (Boyd and Mindess, 2004) on concrete specimens that were cast and partially immersed in a sulfate solution for varying periods of time up to 1 year. The study found that water/cement (w/c) ratio had a greater influence on the resistance of the concretes to sulfate attack than did cement type. In addition, the pressure tension test appeared to be more sensitive than the compressive strength test in detecting internal damage, particularly at early ages. In this commentary, Hime takes the researchers to task for failing to be clear about the distress mechanisms discussed or even the study results. Hime contends that the term "sulfate attack" is not adequately defined, nor is the distress under investigation necessarily confined to sulfate attack at all; it may be due to physical salt attack due to precipitation of sodium sulfate as either thenardite or mirabilite or both. Hime also notes that the authors fail to provide any explanation why the tests fail to show any loss from the initial measurement of the prisms in sodium sulfate solution, except for one type of cement studied. Lastly, the authors failed to make any study of the tested cylinders to determine the actual mechanisms for distress.
Counsellors' perspectives on the experience of providing HIV counselling in Kenya and Tanzania: The Voluntary HIV-1 Counselling and Testing Efficacy Study

Demand for HIV counselling services is increasing in developing counties, but there have been few previous studies that describe counsellors' roles and experiences providing HIV-related counselling in developing countries. Such information can be used to better supervise and support counsellors and thereby improve counselling services. As a sub-study of the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study, we conducted focus groups and individual interviews with 11 counsellors and counselling supervisors providing HIV counselling services in Kenya and Tanzania. Counsellors told us that their jobs were both rewarding and stressful. In addition to their obligations in the counselling relationship (providing information, protecting confidentiality and being non-judgemental), they perceived pressure to provide information and be good role models in their communities. Additional stresses were related to external (economic and political) conditions, 'spillover' of HIV issues from their personal lives and providing counselling in a research setting. Counsellor stress might be reduced and their effectiveness and retention improved by (1) allowing work flexibility; (2) providing supportive, non-evaluative supervision; (3) offering alternatives to client behaviour change as the indication of counsellor performance; (4) acknowledging and educating about 'emotional labour' in counselling; (5) providing frequent information updates and intensive training; and (6) encouraging counsellor participation in the development of research protocols.
Variability of in-situ HMA volumetric and mechanistic characteristics using non-destructive test (NDT): case study

This paper discusses the variability of in-situ physical and mechanistic characteristics of three construction projects using non-destructive test (NDT). Six sites from each project in the state of Louisiana were selected. Three NDT tests – falling weight deflectometer (FWD), light falling weight deflectometer (LFWD) and pavement quality indicator (PQI) – were carried out during and after construction. The deflection data from FWD and LFWD were utilised to backcalculate in-situ layer moduli and composite moduli, respectively. ELMOD and MICHBACK backcalculation softwares were used to calculate and compare the hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer moduli. The in-situ density of the HMA layer was obtained from the PQI device. Project variability in the in-situ measurements of the HMA layer was attributed to HMA layer thickness, temperature and seasonal variations. It was found that there was a good relationship between the HMA composite moduli calculated using the FWD deflection and Bossinesq's equation and moduli fro...
The Role of Type IV Collagenases in Rat Bladder Development and Obstruction

The role of type IV collagenases during rat bladder development and in response to partial bladder outlet obstruction was evaluated. Gelatinase gel zymography was performed on developing rat bladders (gestation d 16 and 19, at birth, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 75 d postnatally), after partial obstruction of the bladder outlet in young adults and after separation of the epithelium from the mesenchyme in young adults. Bladder function was assessed by cystometry in obstructed animals. During development, the 72-kD type-IV collagenase [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, both latent and activated] was maximally expressed in the fetal period and decreased with age; whereas the 92-kD gelatinase(MMP-9) was not expressed in developing or adult bladders. MMP-2 was localized to the bladder mesenchyme and was undetectable in isolated epithelium. In 46 obstructed rats, there was an 8-fold increase in bladder volume and weight along with smooth muscle hypertrophy (mean smooth muscle cell diameter 7.09± 0.11 μm versus 4.65 ± 0.05 μm in normal animals, p < 0.001). Obstructed rats had increased quantities of latent and activated MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared with sham-operated and normal controls. These findings suggest that expression and activation of type IV collagenases (MMP-2 and 9) are developmentally regulated and play a role in bladder remodeling during developmental morphogenesis and after partial outlet obstruction.
Are cancer survivors/patients knowledgeable about osteoporosis? Results from a survey of 285 chemotherapy-treated cancer patients and their companions.

Abstract Objective This study assessed osteoporosis knowledge deficits among cancer patients and their spouses/partners. Design Single-institution survey (modified version of the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool). Setting The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Participants Consecutive chemotherapy-treated cancer patients (n = 285) with their spouses/partners (n = 101). Outcome Measures The main outcome was the percentage of cancer patients who incorrectly conveyed that 1) cancer treatment strengthens bones (or did not know) and/or 2) male cancer patients are not at risk for osteoporosis (or did not know). Analyses Test scores and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as well as the correlation between patient and spouse/partner scores, are reported. Results 39% of patients (95% CI, 32% - 48%) thought cancer treatment strengthened bones or did not know, and 39% (95% CI, 32% - 48%) either answered that osteoporosis almost never occurred in men or did not know. The mean correct score on the modified Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool was 6.7 (95% CI, 6.7, 7.9), and scores from patients correlated with companion scores ( r = 0.42; P Conclusions and Implications Chemotherapy-treated cancer patients and their companions have knowledge deficits concerning osteoporosis. Educational initiatives to increase awareness may be of value.
Scar revision by punch-graft transplants.

Abstract. The use of punch grafts for the treatment of pitted acne scars has been established.1–4* The application of this technique may be expanded to include the revision of unsightly scars created by excisional and flap surgery.