cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Evaluation of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return with the Use of Digital Subtraction Angiography

D igital subtraction angiography has been found to be increasingly effective in the evaluation of the heart and great vessels. This technique is extremely efficient in its recognition ofcontrast differences at low levels of intensity, thus allowing arterial studies with venous injections. It can also supply functional infor- mation. The need for conventional angiography with its associated morbidity thus may be obviated.'
Exploiting Binding Kinetics of Fluorogen Activating Peptides to Enhance Photostability: Applications to Live Cell Single Molecule Imaging

Inefficiency of fluorescent labels imposes key limitations in fluorescence microscopy. Photobleaching, non-specific signal from multiple fluorophores, and lack of multiplexing and orthogonal labels impose major challenges in studying complex cellular systems, both at ensemble and single molecule levels. We have addressed these problems by exploiting the binding kinetics of fluorogen activating peptides that on binding to a non-fluorescent molecule (a fluorogen) exhibit fluorescence. Novel methods in flow cytometry and rational design of peptides enabled the elucidation of peptides and fluorogen pairs with varying off rates. Complexes with fast off rates (koff∼5E-3 s-1) can exchange a bleached fluorogen molecule with a fresh fluorogen molecule in solution. Since the free fluorogen is dark, we can image for extended time scales in the presence of excess fluorogen. For complexes with slow off rates (koff∼5E-5 s−1) and high affinity (Kd<1E-9M), we can target commercially available Streptavidin QDots to proteins on the cell membrane, cytoplasm and the nucleus. We have imaged these proteins at a single molecule level for long time scales by exploiting the exceptional photostability of QDots. We have shown the use of this technique in particular, to the study of the diffusion dynamics of the β-2 adrenergic receptor and a trans-membrane protein on the cell surface simultaneously in real time. We have also developed peptides that non-covalently target cyanine dyes with sub-nanomolar affinities. This solves the problems associated with protein-dye conjugation and enhances the photostability of these dyes up to ten fold. We have demonstrated the use of these peptides in single molecule studies of membrane proteins. Thus by exploiting kinetics, we have developed a genetically encoded toolbox for targeting fluorogens, organic dyes and QDots for the study of proteins on and inside the cell.
Linking corpus characteristics to performance of semantic annotation systems for biosystematic descriptions

Digitizing and repurposing taxonomic descriptions of living organisms is an urgent task facing biodiversity informatics researchers. Semantic annotation is the essential technology that makes taxonomic descriptions' reuse and repurpose possible. However, annotation systems performance often vary by collections. Given large content and structural variations inherent in different collections of taxonomic descriptions, this paper looks into corpus characteristic measures in an attempt to establish a performance prediction model which, when given a small set of samples, predicts a system's performance for a collection. The predication model helps deepen our understanding of strengths and weaknesses of an annotation system, but more importantly provides a valuable decision-making tool for end users. We started this research by using MARTT (Markuper for Taxonomic Treatments) system as a base. Although an universal performance predication model for all systems and all corpora may not be possible at this time, we hope more and more individual systems would offer such tools as a regular component in their delivery package.
Scleral nodule associated with sarcoidosis.

Abstract Purpose To describe an unusual case of an inflammatory scleral nodule associated with systemic sarcoidosis. Design Observational case report. Methods A patient presented with a red, painful, elevated scleral nodule on the left eye that was unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and topical corticosteroids. Results Laboratory evaluation was normal with the exception of elevated liver function tests. Further evaluation by a gastroenterologist revealed a granulomatous hepatitis secondary to sarcoidosis, which was confirmed by liver biopsy. Treatment with oral prednisone resulted in resolution of the hepatitis and scleral nodule. The patient has been recurrence-free over 7 months of follow-up. Conclusion Although rare, scleral disease may be associated with sarcoidosis.
A computed tomographic study of the distances between the maxillary sinus floor and the apices of the maxillary posterior teeth

The mean distance between the apices of the maxillary posterior teeth and the floor of the maxillary sinus was measured from computed tomographic display data from 12 autopsy specimens and 38 human subjects. The distance from these apices to the adjacent lateral bony surfaces was also measured. The apex of the mesiobuccal root of the maxillary second molar was closest to the sinus floor (mean 1.97 mm) but farthest from the buccal bony surface (mean 4.45 mm). The apex of the buccal root of the maxillary first premolar was closest to the adjacent lateral bony surface (mean 1.63 mm) but farthest from the floor of the sinus (mean 7.05 mm).
Likelihood Ratio: A Powerful Tool for Incorporating the Results of a Diagnostic Test Into Clinical Decisionmaking

Abstract [Hayden SR, Brown MD: Likelihood ratio: A powerful tool for incorporating the results of a diagnostic test into clinical decisionmaking. Ann Emerg Med May 1999;33:575-580.]
A pore-scale investigation of the dynamic response of saturated porous media to transient stresses

The dynamical response of saturated porous media to transient stresses is complex because of the coupling between the solid and fluid phases. Over the last three decades, theoretical models have emerged and they predict that the transient response of porous media to pore-pressure fluctuations depends only on a single dimensionless number. This single parameter represents the ratio of the forcing frequency to a characteristic frequency of the medium. Although theoretical models for the frequency dependence of the effective permeability of the medium have successfully predicted the response of porous media at high frequency observed in laboratory and numerical experiments, they rely on assumptions that limit their applicability to homogeneous media and narrow pore-size distributions. We use pore-scale flow simulations with four different porous media topologies to study the effect of pore geometry and pore-size distribution on the dynamic response to transient pore-pressure forcing. We find a good agreement with published theoretical work for all but one medium that exhibits the broadest pore-size distribution and therefore the largest degree of pore-scale heterogeneity. Our results suggest the presence of a resonance peak at high frequency where the discharge, and therefore the effective permeability, is significantly amplified compared to their value around the resonant frequency. We suggest two interpretations to explain resonance. At the continuum scale, a finite speed of pore-pressure propagation during transients requires the addition of a correction term to Darcy's law. We derive a hyperbolic mass conservation equation that admits resonance under certain conditions. This model can explain the peak observed for one medium but fails to explain the absence of resonance displayed by the three other media. The second interpretation, motivated by the different pore-size distribution for the texture where resonance is observed, calls for pore-scale processes and heterogeneous pore-pressure distribution among primary and secondary flow pathways.
Inhibition of an Erythroid Differentiation Switch by the Helix-Loop-Helix Protein Id1

Abstract The Id proteins function as negative regulators of basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors, which play important roles in determination of cell lineage and in tissue-specific differentiation. Down-regulation of Id1 mRNA is associated with dimethyl sulfoxide-induced terminal differentiation of mouse erythroleukemia cells. To examine the significance of Id1 down-regulation in erythroid differentiation, we generated stable mouse erythroleukemia cell lines that constitutively express a “marked” form of the murine Id1 gene. Terminal erythroid differentiation was inhibited in these lines, as indicated by a block in activation of the erythroid-specific genes α-globin, β-globin, and band 3 and continued proliferation in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide. Interestingly, this block occurred even in the presence of normal levels of the lineage-specific transcription factors GATA-1, NF-E2, and EKLF. Constitutive expression of Id1 did not interfere with DNase I hypersensitivity at site HS2 of the locus control region, expression of the erythropoietin receptor gene, or down-regulation of the endogenous Id1 or c-myc genes. The differentiation block is reversible in these lines and can be rescued by fusion with human erythroleukemia cells. These findings suggest that in vivo, Id1 functions as an antagonist of terminal erythroid differentiation.
Activation of Superficial Dorsal Horn Neurons in the Mouse by a PAR-2 Agonist and 5-HT: Potential Role in Itch

Itch, an unpleasant sensation associated with the desire to scratch, is symptomatic of dermatologic and systemic disorders that often resist antihistamine treatment. Histamine-independent itch mediators include serotonin (5-HT) and agonists of the protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). We used behavior, Fos immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology to investigate if these mediators activate spinal dorsal horn neurons in a manner consistent with itch. Intradermal (i.d.) injection of the PAR-2 agonist SLIGRL-NH(2) in the rostral back evoked bouts of directed hindlimb scratches over 20-30 min. Hindpaw injection of SLIGRL-NH(2) produced Fos staining in superficial dorsal horn which was then targeted for single-unit recording. Small id microinjections of SLIGRL-NH(2) or 5-HT identified responsive single units in the superficial dorsal horn of mice anesthetized with pentobarbital. Thirty-eight units characterized as wide dynamic range, nociceptive specific, or mechanically insensitive exhibited significantly increased firing after i.d. SLIGRL-NH(2) for 9 min, to partial (25%) tachyphylaxis with repeated injection. A majority additionally responded to 5-HT (70%), mustard oil (79%), and capsaicin (71%). Seven units isolated with the 5-HT search stimulus exhibited significant and prolonged responses to 5-HT with tachyphylaxis to repeated injections. The majority also responded to SLIGRL-NH(2), mustard oil, and capsaicin. The prolonged responses of superficial dorsal horn neurons to SLIGRL-NH(2) and 5-HT suggest a role in signaling itch. However, their responsiveness to algogens is inconsistent with itch specificity. Alternatively, such neurons may signal itch, whereas noxious stimulus levels recruit these and a larger population of pruritogen-insensitive cells to signal pain which masks or occludes the itch signal.
Electrochemistry of cobalt-porphyrin complexes in aqueous solution.

Abstract The polarography and cyclic voltammetry of cobalt(III) hematoporphyrin was investigated in buffered aqueous solutions. In the absence of nitrogenous bases, which can act as axial ligands, the cobalt porphyrin is not electroactive. Polarographic waves are found in solutions containing pyridine and similar compounds. Both cobalt(III) and cobalt(II) hematoporphyrin can add two pyridine molecules, although only one ligand may react at lower concentrations. Adsorption problems were encountered.
Using hierarchical tree-based regression model to predict train-vehicle crashes at passive highway-rail grade crossings

This paper applies a nonparametric statistical method, hierarchical tree-based regression (HTBR), to explore train-vehicle crash prediction and analysis at passive highway-rail grade crossings. Using the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) database, the research focuses on 27 years of train-vehicle accident history in the United States from 1980 through 2006. A cross-sectional statistical analysis based on HTBR is conducted for public highway-rail grade crossings that were upgraded from crossbuck-only to stop signs without involvement of other traffic-control devices or automatic countermeasures. In this study, HTBR models are developed to predict train-vehicle crash frequencies for passive grade crossings controlled by crossbucks only and crossbucks combined with stop signs respectively, and assess how the crash frequencies change after the stop-sign treatment is applied at the crossbuck-only-controlled crossings. The study results indicate that stop-sign treatment is an effective engineering countermeasure to improve safety at the passive grade crossings. Decision makers and traffic engineers can use the HTBR models to examine train-vehicle crash frequency at passive crossings and assess the potential effectiveness of stop-sign treatment based on specific attributes of the given crossings.
Evaluation of Recycled Asphalt Pavement Materials from Ultra-Thin Bonded Bituminous Surface

Ultra-thin bonded bituminous surface (UBBS), also known as Novachip, is a preventive maintenance or thin surface treatment that consists of a thin, gap-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) layer applied over a thick polymer-modified emulsion. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has been using UBBS since 2002. However, some of these projects are now being rehabilitated. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) materials from existing UBBS layers can be used in chip seal and Superpave mixtures. UBBS millings were studied with two different polymer-modified emulsions to assess their performance as precoated aggregates in chip seal. The ASTM D7000-04 sweep test was used to assess chip retention of UBBS millings. Three different mix designs were developed for both 12.5-mm and 9.5-mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) Superpave mixtures using a PG 70-22 asphalt binder and three different percentages (0%, 10%, and 20%) of reclaimed UBBS materials. The designed Superpave mixes were then tested for performance in terms of rutting and stripping using the Hamburg wheel tracking device (HWTD) and moisture sensitivity by the modified Lottman tests. Sweep test results showed that UBBS millings did not improve chip retention. Superpave mix design data indicated volumetric properties of Superpave mixes with UBBS millings met all requirements specified by KDOT. HWTD and modified Lottman test results indicated all designed mixes performed better with the addition of UBBS millings as RAP materials.
Assessing the impact of computer technology on the performance of interlibrary loan networks

Performance of interlibrary loan networks in terms of probability of success and average time to satisfy a request is enhanced when location and availability information can be accessed. Existing computer technologies such as shared cataloging networks and automated circulation systems can be of use in obtaining this information. A procedure is presented for quantitative assessment of the impact of these technologies and their various combinations on interlibrary loan activities. As an example, the procedure is utilized for predicting the impact of these computer technologies on the Illinois Library and Information Network (ILLINET). Results show that the value of location information as obtained from a shared cataloging network or similar technology is highly dependent on the information being specific enough to free the lending library from searching their own main catalog. The value of availability information is shown to be related to the processing time that can be avoided by having prior information about the circulation status of the desired item. These results are dependent on the policies employed in Illinois. However, the assessment procedures presented here have general applicability to interlibrary loan networks.
Tumoral and angiogenesis factors in hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional therapy

Locoregional therapy (LRT) is used as a bridge to orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Liver explants in OLT patients with HCC were studied regarding both tumor stage, histology, and immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin (CK)7, CK19, P53, Ki-67, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Patients receiving no LRT (control) (n=30) were compared with LRT treatment groups with conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) (n=25) or drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB TACE) (n=17). Tumor stage and histology were similar between treatment and control groups. The mean percent necrosis was significantly higher for treatment groups versus the control group (p<0.0001 for both groups versus control) and was significantly higher in the cTACE group versus the DEB TACE group. Only the DEB TACE group showed peritumoral CK19 positivity, and tumors were all CK19-negative. Using a threshold of 50% of tumoral cells, tumoral VEGF was significantly different between groups, with the control group having the highest degree of positivity; however, peritumoral VEGF was not significantly different between the groups. The Ki-67 proliferation fraction was higher in the treated groups with a statistically significant difference between the DEB-treated group and those without treatment (p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in tumoral or peritumoral CK7 or p53. Percent necrosis and percent Ki-67 positivity were higher with LRT, with a significant difference between groups for percent necrosis, confirming that LRT causes necrosis and suggesting that treatment leads to increased proliferation and decreased tumoral VEGF.
The Core Competencies: A Roman Catholic Critique

This article critically examines, from the perspective of a Roman Catholic Healthcare ethicist, the second edition of the Core Competencies for Healthcare Ethics Consultation report recently published by the American Society for Humanities and Bioethics. The question is posed: can the competencies identified in the report serve as the core competencies for Roman Catholic ethical consultants and consultation services? I answer in the negative. This incongruence stems from divergent concepts of what it means to do ethics consultation, a divergence that is rooted in each perspective's very different visions of autonomy. Furthermore, because of the constitutive elements of Catholic ethics consultation, such as the Ethical and Religious Directives for Health Care Services, the tradition needed to apply those directives, and the Catholic facility's membership in the institutional Church, the competencies needed for its practice differ in kind from those identified by the report. While there are many practical points of convergence, the competencies identified by the report should not be adopted uncritically by Catholic healthcare institutions as core competencies for ethical consultation services.
Size-Dependent Magnetic Properties of Single-Crystalline Multiferroic BiFeO3 Nanoparticles

As-prepared, single-crystalline bismuth ferrite nanoparticles show strong size-dependent magnetic properties that correlate with: (a) increased suppression of the known spiral spin structure (period length of ∼62 nm) with decreasing nanoparticle size and (b) uncompensated spins and strain anisotropies at the surface. Zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization curves exhibit spin-glass freezing behavior due to a complex interplay between finite size effects, interparticle interactions, and a random distribution of anisotropy axes in our nanoparticle assemblies.
In VitroStudies of Spontaneous and Corticosteroid-Induced Apoptosis of Lymphocyte Populations from Metamorphosing Frogs/RU486 Inhibition

Abstract Metamorphosis in the South African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, results in significant changes in the immune system. It is characterized by a striking involution of the thymus and spleen followed by lymphocyte expansion in the postmetamorphic period. While thyroid hormones are generally thought to be the most important mediators of morphological changes during metamorphosis, corticosteroid hormones (CH) have also been shown to accelerate metamorphic changes. We have been studying the possible role of CH as effectors of changes in the immune system at metamorphosis. Because CH induce apoptosis of developing murine thymocytes, we examined in vitro levels of spontaneous and CH-inducible apoptosis of lymphocyte populations removed from the thymus and spleen of tadpoles before metamorphosis, during the period of naturally elevated corticosteroids at the climax of metamorphosis, and from postmetamorphic adults. We show here that spontaneous apoptosis of splenocytes or thymocytes measurable at the time of sacrifice or after culture for 24 h at 4°C is very low at all stages of development and is not increased at metamorphosis. Apoptosis induced by culture of lymphocytes for 24 h at 26°C in 10 n M corticosterone (well below the peak level of 70 n M found at climax of metamorphosis) ranges from about 30–50% in the splenocyte population and 55–70% in the thymocyte population. Using the corticosteroid hormone receptor antagonist, RU486, we separated the CH-dependent component of apoptosis from apoptosis due to other factors. In the spleen, about 12–23% of lymphocytes are susceptible to corticosteroid-induced apoptosis at all larval stages as well as during climax of metamorphosis as measured by this short term culture assay. Another approximately 15% of cells undergo spontaneous apoptosis which is independent of CH. Although dissociated thymocytes exhibit very high levels of apoptosis (55–75%) during culture at 26°C for 24 h, most of the apoptosis is independent of CH and may result from loss of “survival signals” due to the disruption of the thymic microenvironment. These studies support the hypothesis that naturally elevated levels of endogenous free CH delete a significant proportion of the larval splenocyte population during climax of metamorphosis by induction of apoptosis. This clearing of lymphocytes may prevent destructive autoimmune responses to the new set of adult-specific antigens that emerges at metamorphosis.
Differences in transcript profiles between hepatocarcinogen-sensitive and -resistant mice as a basis for understanding chemical induction of mouse liver tumors

Differences in transcript profiles between hepatocarcinogen-sensitive and -resistant mice as a basis for understanding chemical induction of mouse liver tumors
Absence of potentiation of bromoform hepatotoxicity and lethality by chlordecone.

Abstract Our previous studies indicated that the toxicity of chloro- or bromo-methanes is potentiated by chlordecone (CD). The present work was conducted to study the effect of prior dietary exposure to CD on toxicity of bromoform. Male S-D rats (175–200 g) were fed 0 or 10 ppm CD in the powdered ration for 15 days. Bromoform (25 to 300 μl kg ) was given i.p. on day 15. 24 h later, hepatotoxicity was assessed by functional, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Excretion of phenolphthalein glucuronide in bile and the rate of bile flow were unaltered by either bromoform or CD-bromoform combination. Serum enzymes (GPT, GOT and isocitric dehydrogenase (ICD) were also not significantly elevated by any treatment. The results suggest that, unlike chloroform, CHBr3 does not act as a potent hepatotoxin and that its effects are not potentiated by CD to any significant extent.
Insulin resistance in adolescents.

Objectives To investigate the relationship of other body mass index (BMI) ranges with Homeostasis Model Assessment–Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), a surrogate marker for insulin resistance in adolescents. Study design Cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of 1837 nondiabetic, nonpregnant 12 to 19 year old persons from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2002. The main outcome measurement of insulin resistance was calculated as HOMA-IR >3.16. Results Having a BMI ≥75 th percentile is associated with a high HOMA-IR levels. As the BMI percentile increases, the odds of high HOMA-IR levels increase (BMI percentile 75-84.9, OR 4.277, 95% CI 2.090-8.752; BMI percentile 85-94.9, OR 4.299, 95% CI 2.158-8.563; BMI ≥95 th percentile, OR 17.907, 95% CI 11.360-28.228). Conclusion Adolescents with BMI percentile of 75 to 84.9, which represents approximately 1.2 million US adolescents, have not previously been identified as having higher HOMA-IR levels.
High efficiency deep-blue and white phosphorescent OLEDs

ABSTRACT We report studies on blue and white organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) based on the deep-blue electro-phosphorescent dye iridium(III) bis(4,6-difluorophenylpyridi nato)tetrakis(1-pyrazolyl)borate (FIr6). Using high triplet energy charge transport layers and a dual -emissive-layer structure as well as the p-i-n device structure, we have achieved external quantum efficiencies of 20% and maximum power efficiency of 36 lm/W in these deep-blue OLEDs. White OLEDs with a CRI of 79 and a maximum power efficiency of 40 lm/W were also demonstrated by incorporating red and green phosphorescent dopants together with FIr6. Keywords: Organic light-emitting devices, OLEDs, phosphorescent, charge transport layers, triplet energy, dual emissive layers, p-i-n, quantum efficiency, white OLEDs. 1. INTRODUCTION Organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) have attracted great a ttention for use in full-color displays and as general solid-state lighting sources. [1,2] The introduction of organic phosphorescent emitters
Numerical Experiments in Spiral Structure. II

Results of an n-body calculation, containing about 120000 particles, were shown as a motion picture. Some of the particles are treated as ‘gas’, obeying a special dissipative dynamics, the rest as ‘stars’. The system was started as pure ‘gas’, and ‘stars’ were made out of the ‘gas’ in a manner closely mimicking real galaxies. Spiral density wave patterns appear in the ‘gas’, and last for about 3 ‘galactic rotations’ without substantial change of form. Various experiments are described that have been undertaken in an attempt to learn the roles of various parts of the system in the maintenance of spiral patterns.
Variation of mean SiO bond lengths in silicon-oxygen octahedra

Abstract The mean bond length SiO in silicon-oxygen octahedra is a function of the mean coordination number of the oxygen atoms (CN) in the octahedron: (SiO)mean = 1.729 + 0.013CN. The radius of Si in six coordination against oxygen is 0.407 A.
Top Picks from the 2008 Computer Architecture Conferences

The 12 articles in this special issue highlight the following key trends in current computer architecture design and research: the increased importance of thread-level parallelism; the increasing complexity of software and the need for architectures that improve programmability, analyzability, and correctness; the increasing urgency of controlling chip-wide power; and the emerging problem of process variation.
Differential Effects of the Protein Kinase C Activator Phorbol 12-Myristate 13-Acetate on Calcium Responses and Secretion in Adherent and Suspended RBL-2H3 Mucosal Mast Cells (∗)

Adhesion of RBL-2H3 mucosal mast cells to fibronectin-coated surfaces has been linked to changes in secretion and tyrosine kinase activity. We now show that adhesion affects the sensitivity of RBL cells to the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). In suspended cells, PMA inhibited antigen-induced calcium influx (as measured by manganese influx) and changes in intracellular free calcium and had complex effects on antigen-stimulated secretion. However, in adherent cells PMA had little effect on these responses. Suspended cells only secreted in response to thapsigargin if they were co-treated with PMA, while adherent cells secreted in response to thapsigargin alone. The thapsigargin-induced secretion in adherent cells was inhibited by protein kinase C down-regulation and by the protein kinase C inhibitor GF 109203X, but not by calphostin C. We suggest that protein kinase C is constitutively activated in adherent cells, possibly due to modification of the regulatory domain of the enzyme.
Counterexample to regularity in average-distance problem

Abstract The average-distance problem is to find the best way to approximate (or represent) a given measure μ on R d by a one-dimensional object. In the penalized form the problem can be stated as follows: given a finite, compactly supported, positive Borel measure μ, minimize E ( Σ ) = ∫ R d d ( x , Σ ) d μ ( x ) + λ H 1 ( Σ ) among connected closed sets, Σ, where λ > 0 , d ( x , Σ ) is the distance from x to the set Σ, and H 1 is the one-dimensional Hausdorff measure. Here we provide, for any d ⩾ 2 , an example of a measure μ with smooth density, and convex, compact support, such that the global minimizer of the functional is a rectifiable curve which is not C 1 . We also provide a similar example for the constrained form of the average-distance problem.
Phenomenology and measurement of circumscribed interests in autism spectrum disorders

Circumscribed interests (CI) are important and understudied symptoms that affect individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The present study sought to develop quantitative measures of the content, intensity and functional impairment of CI in 50 children with high-functioning ASD compared to an age-, IQ-, and gender-matched sample of 50 typically developing (TD) peers. The Interests Scale, a parent-rating questionnaire, and the Interview for Repetitive Behaviors, a semi-structured interview, were used to assess CI. Groups did not differ on the number of interests children held, but they did differ on types of interests and impairment associated with them. The interests of ASD participants were more likely to be nonsocial in nature (e.g. mechanical systems) than TD participants. Parents of children with ASD endorsed higher degrees of functional impairment on metrics including frequency, interference, resistance when interrupted, flexibility, and accommodation required, as well as less involvement of...
Automatic MPI application transformation with ASPhALT

This paper describes a source to source compilation tool for optimizing MPI-based parallel applications. This tool is able to automatically apply a "prepushing" transformation that causes MPI programs to aggressively send data as soon as it is available, thus improving communication-computation overlap and improving application performance. In this paper we present asphalt_transformer; the Open64-based component of our framework, ASPhALT, responsible for automatically performing the prepushing transformation. We also present an extensive study of the performance gains witnessed from automatically transformed codes. In particular, we demonstrate how different levels of aggregation affect the performance of parallel programs executing various computation kernels on different clusters. Furthermore, we discuss the differences in performance improvement between the hand-optimized and automatically optimized codes, as well as the effect of automation on time-to-solution.
High Performance Side-Chain Polyquinolines and Perfluorocyclobutane-Containing Thermoset Polymers for Electro-Optic Applications

A modular approach for making second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) side-chain aromatic polyquinolines has been developed. The synthesis provides a method for readily incorporating NLO chromophores into the pendent phenyl moieties of parent polyquinolines at the final stage via the Mitsunobu reaction. The method produces polyquinolines with a wide range of polymer backbones and offers great flexibility in the selection of NLO chromophores. These side-chain NLO polyquinolines demonstrate high electro-optic (E-O) activities (up to 35 pm/V at 830 nm and 22 pm/V at 1300 nm) and excellent tradeoffs among thermal, optical, and electrical properties. Most recently, a series of novel second-order NLO thermoset polymers containing silicon-perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) has also been synthesized. This was accomplished via the crosslinking reaction between the di(trifluorovinylether)-containing NLO chromophores and the tris(trifluorovinylether) monomer in solid state at 180-250 °C. The radical-mediated, stepwise cycloaddition reaction offers great tolerance to very sensitive functional groups such as tricyanovinyl acceptor. A variety of NLO chromophores could be easily incorporated into these thermoset polymers compared to the modular approach. Preliminary results have indicated these polymers to possess excellent processability, low optical loss, and a combination of highly desirable thermal, nonlinear optical, and mechanical properties.
Evidence for the continuous latent structure of mania in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area from multiple latent structure and construct validation methodologies

BackgroundAlthough psychiatric diagnostic systems have conceptualized mania as a discrete phenomenon, appropriate latent structure investigations testing this conceptualization are lacking. In contrast to these diagnostic systems, several influential theories of mania have suggested a continuous conceptualization. The present study examined whether mania has a continuous or discrete latent structure using a comprehensive approach including taxometric, information-theoretic latent distribution modeling (ITLDM) and predictive validity methodologies in the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study.MethodEight dichotomous manic symptom items were submitted to a variety of latent structural analyses, including factor analyses, taxometric procedures and ITLDM, in 10105 ECA community participants. In addition, a variety of continuous and discrete models of mania were compared in terms of their relative abilities to predict outcomes (i.e. health service utilization, internalizing and externalizing disorders, and suicidal behavior).ResultsTaxometric and ITLDM analyses consistently supported a continuous conceptualization of mania. In ITLDM analyses, a continuous model of mania demonstrated 6.52:1 odds over the best-fitting latent class model (LCM) of mania. Factor analyses suggested that the continuous structure of mania was best represented by a single latent factor. Predictive validity analyses demonstrated a consistent superior ability of continuous models of mania relative to discrete models.ConclusionsThe present study provided three independent lines of support for a continuous conceptualization of mania. The implications of a continuous model of mania are discussed.
Sagittal plane biomechanics cannot injure the ACL during sidestep cutting

Background. Knee joint sagittal plane forces are a proposed mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament injury during sport movements such as sidestep cutting. Ligament force magnitudes for these movements however, remain unknown. The need to examine injury-causing events suggests elucidation via model-based investigations is possible. Using this approach, the current study determined whether sagittal plane knee loading during sidestep cutting could in isolation injure the anterior cruciate ligament. Methods. Experiments were performed on subject-specific forward dynamic musculoskeletal models, generated from data obtained from 10 male and 10 female athletes. Models were optimized to simulate subject-specific cutting movements. Random perturbations (n = 5000) were applied to initial contact conditions and quadriceps/hamstrings activation levels to simulate their effect on peak 3D knee loads. Injury via the sagittal plane mechanism was based on the criterion of an anterior drawer force greater than 2000 N. Findings. Realistic neuromuscular perturbations produced significant increases in external knee anterior force and valgus and internal rotation moments. Peak anterior drawer force never exceeded 2000 N in any model, and thus failed to cause anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Valgus loads reached values that were high enough to rupture the ligament, occurring more frequently in females than in males. Interpretation. Sagittal plane knee joint forces cannot rupture the anterior cruciate ligament during sidestep cutting. The interaction between muscle and joint mechanics and external ground reaction forces in this plane, places a ceiling on ligament loads. Valgus loading is a more likely injury mechanism, especially in females. Modifying sagittal plane biomechanics will thus unlikely contribute to the prevention of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Immunologic findings in idiopathic cardiomyopathy: a prospective serial study.

Abstract Thirty-two patients with idiopathic cardiomyopathy were followed for 51.6 patient years and evaluated for evidence of immunologic disease. Serologic and immunologic variables were correlated with exacerbation and remission of the underlying disease. Twenty-eight per cent of patients had H.R.F. and 28 per cent had positive latex tests. Nineteen per cent had positive thyroid antibody tests. There was no correlation between positive tests and the clinical course, or between positive tests and the severity of the disease. The results suggest that idiopathic cardiomyopathy is a disease in which secondary immunologic mechanisms are present but that they do not play a role in etiology or pathogenesis.
Rate and oxygen activity oscillations during hydrogen oxidation on nickel films in a CSTR

Abstract The catalytic oxidation of hydrogen on polycrystalline nickel films was studied in a CSTR at 510-681°K and atmospheric pressure. The technique of Solid Electrolyte Potentiometry (SEP) was used to monitor the thermodynamic activity of oxygen adsorbed on the catalyst surface. To this end the reaction was studied in an yttria-stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte cell. Both steady state kinetics and potentiometric results indicate formation and reduction of a surface nickel oxide. In a certain range of temperature and gas composition sustained oscillatory phenomena were observed on both the reaction rate and the surface oxygen activity. A dynamic model of six differential equations that takes into account transient changes of the gas phase concentration of H 2 , O 2 and H 2 O as well as of the surface coverage of adsorbed hydrogen, oxygen and nickel oxide has been developed. The model explains quantitatively the stable steady state kinetic and SEP results. The same model predicts oscillatory behavior and explains qualitatively the observed unsteady state phenomena.
The Relative Rates of Thiol-Thioester Exchange and Hydrolysis for Alkyl and Aryl Thioalkanoates in Water

This article reports rate constants for thiol–thioester exchange (k ex), and for acid-mediated (k a), base-mediated (k b), and pH-independent (k w) hydrolysis of S-methyl thioacetate and S-phenyl 5-dimethylamino-5-oxo-thiopentanoate—model alkyl and aryl thioalkanoates, respectively—in water. Reactions such as thiol–thioester exchange or aminolysis could have generated molecular complexity on early Earth, but for thioesters to have played important roles in the origin of life, constructive reactions would have needed to compete effectively with hydrolysis under prebiotic conditions. Knowledge of the kinetics of competition between exchange and hydrolysis is also useful in the optimization of systems where exchange is used in applications such as self-assembly or reversible binding. For the alkyl thioester S-methyl thioacetate, which has been synthesized in simulated prebiotic hydrothermal vents, k a = 1.5 × 10−5 M−1 s−1, k b = 1.6 × 10−1 M−1 s−1, and k w = 3.6 × 10−8 s−1. At pH 7 and 23°C, the half-life for hydrolysis is 155 days. The second-order rate constant for thiol–thioester exchange between S-methyl thioacetate and 2-sulfonatoethanethiolate is k ex = 1.7 M−1 s−1. At pH 7 and 23°C, with [R″S(H)] = 1 mM, the half-life of the exchange reaction is 38 h. These results confirm that conditions (pH, temperature, pK a of the thiol) exist where prebiotically relevant thioesters can survive hydrolysis in water for long periods of time and rates of thiol–thioester exchange exceed those of hydrolysis by several orders of magnitude.
Changes in participants' scientific attitudes and epistemological beliefs during an astronomical citizen science project

Citizen science projects provide non-scientists with opportunities to take part in scientific research. While their contribution to scientific data collection has been well documented, there is limited research on how participation in citizen science projects may affect their scientific literacy. In this study, we investigated (1) how volunteers' attitudes towards science and epistemological beliefs about the nature of science changed after six months of participation in an astronomy-themed citizen science project and (2) how the level of project participation related to these changes. Two main instruments were used to measure participants' scientific attitude and epistemological beliefs and were administered before they registered for the program and six months after their registration. For analysis, we used pre- and post-test data collected from 333 participants who responded to both tests. Among them, nine participants were randomly chosen for interviews. Participants' responses were analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale Model. Results show that overall scientific attitudes changed positively, p < 0.01. The change was strongest in attitudes towards science news and citizen science projects. The scientific attitudinal change was related to participant social activity in the project. There was a negative change in their evaluation of their knowledge. The interviews suggest that this is due to a greater appreciation for what they have yet to learn. Epistemological beliefs about the nature of science significantly improved from the pre- to the post-tests, p < 0.05. Overall, we found volunteers' participation in social components of the program was significantly related to their improvement in scientific literacy while other project participation variables (such as amount of data contributed to the project) was not. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50: 773–801, 2013
Fat Metabolism in Higher Plants: XLVII. The Effect of Nitrite and Other Anions on the Formation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids by Isolated Chloroplasts

Intact spinach and barley chloroplast normally incorporate 14C-acetate into palmitate and oleate as the major 14C fatty acids. Addition of nitrite markedly altered the relative patterns of the products with the appearance of stearate, a drop in oleate, but no marked change in palmitate. Arsenite greatly increased appearance of palmitate with a concomitant decrease in the C18 fatty acids. The effect of other anions was also examined. Spinach and barley plants grown under different nitrogen nutritional conditions also served as sources of chloroplasts, and their activities suggest a correlation between nitrite reductase activity and stearate accumulation.
Flunking Kindergarten after Head Start: An Inquiry into the Contribution of Contextual and Individual Variables.

The author examined the extent that nonpromotion to 1st grade after kindergarten can be predicted from information about school and family contexts as well as Head Start children's individual characteristics. The sample comprised 261 Head Start children and parents who were participating in a study on the transition to school. Children who lagged behind their peers on academic achievement and social adjustment indicators were more likely to be in the nonpromoted group. Parental school involvement, parental estimates of children's school adjustment, and parental satisfaction with school programs were predictive of risk for nonpromotion. Head Start children were less likely to be retained in public schools that provided educational as well as family services intended to support the transition to public school. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
On the use of structural equation models in experimental designs: Two extensions

Bagozzi and Yi (1989) recently introduced new procedures for usmg structural equation models in experimental designs with I.ISREL. We extend their research by showing that the structural equation analysis of experimental designs can be accomplished via Wold’s partial least squares (PLS) approach, which can be used without many of the assumptions necessary for maximum likelihood estimation in LISREL. We show that PLS is applicable not only to the basic design, but also to other complex designs. We also identify two restrictive assumptions imphctt in Bagozzi and Yi’s step-down analysis procedures, and describe a more general approach that can be used even when these assumptions are not met. The proposed procedures are illustrated with Bagozzi and Yi’s data, and the conditions suitable for alternative procedures are discussed.
Viscous flow and colloid transport near air-water interface in a microchannel

In order to understand the transport behavior of colloids near an air-water interface (AWI), two computational methods are applied to simulate the local water flow field near a moving AWI in a 2D microfluidic channel. The first method is a mesoscopic multicomponent and multiphase lattice Boltzmann (LBM) model and the second is the macroscopic, Navier-Stokes based, volume-of-fluid interface tracking method. In the LBM, it is possible to predict the dynamic contact angles after the static contact angle is correctly set, and the predicted dynamic contact angles are in good agreement with previous observations. It is demonstrated that the two methods can yield a similar flow velocity field if they are applied properly. The flow field relative to AWI depends on the direction of the flow, and exhibits curved streamlines that transport fluid between the center of the channel and the wall region. Using the obtained flow, the motion of sub-micron colloids in a de-ionized water solution is then studied by a Lagrangian approach. The observed colloid trajectories are in qualitative agreement with our visualizations using a confocal microscope.
SURVEYING THE INTERNET: DEMOCRATIC THEORY AND CIVIC LIFE IN CYBERSPACE

The Internet, with its rapidly growing worldwide community of users, provides the means to develop a new public space that facilitates democratic participation in politics adapted to advanced post-industrial societies. We describe models of electronic democracy that derive from the power of the Internet to enhance citizens' participation in politics. We then explain how we developed and administered a survey to collect data on how people use the Internet to participate in civic life. After reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of our data collection, we analyze and report the results. Finally, we evaluate our results with regard to the validity of the models of democracy with which we began, and we comment on some of their broader substantive and methodological implications for democratic theory.