cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cranial ontogeny in the direct-developing frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui (Anura: Leptodactylidae), analyzed using whole-mount immunohistochemistry.

Direct development in amphibians is an evolutionarily derived life-history mode that involves the loss of the free-living, aquatic larval stage. We examined embryos of the direct-developing anuran Eleutherodactylus coqui (Leptodactylidae) to evaluate how the biphasic pattern of cranial ontogeny of metamorphosing species has been modified in the evolution of direct development in this lineage. We employed whole-mount immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody against the extracellular matrix component Type II collagen, which allows visualization of the morphology of cartilages earlier and more effectively than traditional histological procedures; these latter procedures were also used where appropriate. This represents the first time that initial chondrogenic stages of cranial development of any vertebrate have been depicted in whole-mounts. Many cranial cartilages typical of larval anurans, e.g., suprarostrals, cornua trabeculae, never form in Eleutherodactylus coqui. Consequently, many regions of the skull assume an adult, or postmetamorphic, morphology from the inception of their development. Other components, e.g., the lower jaw, jaw suspensorium, and the hyobranchial skeleton, initially assume a mid-metamorphic configuration, which is subsequently remodeled before hatching. Thirteen of the adult complement of 17 bones form in the embryo, beginning with two bones of the jaw and jaw suspensorium, the angulosplenial and squamosal. Precocious ossification of these and other jaw elements is an evolutionarily derived feature not found in metamorphosing anurans, but shared with some direct-developing caecilians. Thus, in Eleutherodactylus cranial development involves both recapitulation and repatterning of the ancestral metamorphic ontogeny. These modifications, however, are not associated with any fundamental change in adult morphology and cannot at this time be causally linked to the evolutionary success of this extraordinarily speciose genus.
Extraluminal Varicose Vein Stripping with Endarterectomy Stripper

A new technique of Extraluminal Varicose Vein Stripping using Martin En darterectomy Stripper is described. The procedure was performed as part of triple saphenectomy on 20 legs in 15 patients and proved to be safe, easy to perform and less time consuming.
Experimental Study on Diffraction in the Measurement of the Primary Standard of Light

During the course of the investigation on the primary standard of light at the National Research Council of Canada [ Sanders Jones , J. Opt. Soc. Am.52, 731 ( 1962)] it was found that the illuminance distribution across the image of the opening of the blackbody radiator was not uniform. The nonuniformity was attributed to diffraction caused by the imaging lens. An experimental check on this assumption has been carried out in which the blackbody radiator was simulated by a source consisting of a projection lamp, condenser lens, and an integrating sphere, which provides a uniform luminance. The nonuniformity of illuminance across the image, as well as the decrease of illuminance in the center, was measured using two different lenses. The latter follows the prediction in accordance with the diffraction theory to within 0.1%. If stray light is considered the agreement is further improved. A method is discussed which eliminates errors of the primary standard of light caused by diffraction.
Anxiety sensitivity profile: predictive and incremental validity.

Abstract Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a well-researched risk factor for the development of anxiety psychopathology. AS is typically measured using the anxiety sensitivity index (ASI) but limitations have led to the creation of second generation measures of AS including the anxiety sensitivity profile (ASP). The ASP has not been used very extensively, however, and we believe this may be due to two important issues: (1) the ASP is lengthy, and (2) the predictive validity of the ASP is unexplored in relation to critical outcomes such as anxiety psychopathology. The purpose of the present report was to address these two issues. We evaluated whether an abbreviated form of the ASP was viable and also conducted tests of the scale's predictive validity. Findings suggest that a 22-item version of the ASP (i.e., ASP-22) is comparable to the original 60-item ASP. Moreover, the ASP-22 was predictive of anxious responding to a CO 2 challenge. In fact, the ASP-22 outperformed the ASI as a predictor of CO 2 reactivity. Also, the ASP-22 was a significant longitudinal predictor of incidence of Axis I diagnoses. In regard to predictive validity, the ASP-22 was comparable to the original ASP. In summary, the ASP-22 appears to represent a viable measure of AS that may complement the ASI.
Synthesis of covalently linked porphyrin dimers and trimers

The synthesis of covalently linked porphyrin dimers and trimers is described. Mono- and dihydroxyporphyrins were synthesized by transeslerifying 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-carbomethoxy-phenyl)porphyrin with ethylene glycol. The mixture of transesterified porphyrins were separated by preparative thin layer chromatography. Metal derivatives were made of the mono- and dihydroxyporphyrins and these were reacted with the acid chloride of a monocarboxyporphyrin to yield hybrid dimers and trimers containing one melalloporphyrin and either one or two free base porphyrins. The structures and purity of the dimers and trimers were established by measuring the absorbance spectra, nmr spectra, and molecular weight by gel permeation chromatography.
LINKING WITH CONTINUOUS EXPONENTIAL FAMILIES: SINGLE-GROUP DESIGNS

Continuous exponential families are applied to linking forms via a single-group design. In this application, a distribution from the continuous bivariate exponential family is used that has selected moments that match those of the bivariate distribution of scores on the forms to be linked. The selected continuous bivariate distribution then yields continuous univariate marginal distributions for the two forms. These marginal distributions then provide distribution functions and quantile functions that may be employed in equating. Normal approximations are obtained for the sample distributions of the conversion functions.
Is It a Prosecutor's World? Determinants of Count Bargaining Decisions

Prosecutors have virtually unfettered discretion in their plea negotiations with defendants. Where discretion is unrestricted, unwarranted disparity is likely to follow. The current study examines ...
The oxidation of polycrystalline silver films by thermal, ground-state atomic oxygen

Abstract Experimental results indicate a linear relationship between oxide layer thickness and exposure time for thin Ag films exposed to thermal, ground-state atomic oxygen fluxes of the order of 10 17 atoms/(cm 2 s). Exposure times ranged between 10 and 120 s, and all exposures were made at ambient temperature. The techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) were used to characterize stress-induced damage in the thickest oxide layers. This damage was also observed using RBS (Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy) techniques which were applied to determine oxide layer thicknesses as a function of exposure time. Results are compared with data recently obtained from similar measurements using thin, polycrystalline Cu films.
Spontaneous arterial perforation: The Ehlers-Danlos specter

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDs) is one of the most frequently inherited disorders of connective tissue. Type IV EDs, the arterial-ecchymotic type, is of concern to vascular surgeons because it is frequently associated with spontaneous catastrophic bleeding. This article summarizes our experience with five members of a family and reviews the 31 patients with type IV EDs described in the literature. The 22 male and 14 female patients had a mean age of 26 years. The 36 patients included 23 with easy "bruisability," 22 with hypermobility of their joints (especially the fingers), 13 with transparent skin, and 11 with excessive elasticity of the skin. The patients had 41 episodes of hemorrhage and 29 vascular surgical procedures. Twenty-nine of the patients had an aneurysm or a dissection, whereas eight patients had arteriovenous fistulas. Arteriography was associated with a complication rate of 67%. The prognosis for a patient with type IV EDs is poor; 44% die before surgery and 19% die during the operative period. Bleeding should be managed nonoperatively when possible. Fifty-one percent die before reaching 40 years of age. Arteriography should be avoided. The standard repair of aneurysms and perforations is unlikely to be successful because of marked vessel friability. Bleeding vessels should be repaired with buttressed sutures and no tension or should be ligated. Genetic counseling with assay of collagen production is recommended for family members.
Endoglin regulates PI3-kinase/Akt trafficking and signaling to alter endothelial capillary stability during angiogenesis

Endoglin interacts with PI3K via GIPC to recruit and activate PI3K/Akt at the cell membrane. TGF-β1 attenuates, whereas BMP-9 enhances, endoglin/GIPC-mediated membrane scaffolding of PI3K/Akt to al...
Complications of laparoscopic surgery.

A review of the world experience related to complications of gynecologic laparoscopic operations involving 1,549,360 patients showed an overall complication rate ranging from 0.2–10.3% (Table 1). 1–15 Higher complication rates were noted with prospective studies. 11,14 As expected, the frequency of
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the elastic moduli of As2S3 and As2Se3 glasses at 195 and 296 K

Abstract Velocities of 30 MHz longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves have been measured in As 2 S 3 and As 2 Se 3 glasses as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 1.5 kbar at 195 K and 3 kbar at 296 K. The elastic stiffness moduli are found to have relatively large, positive, pressure dependences which are about the same at both temperatures for both glasses. This behavior is attributed to the weakness of bonding between layers comprised of AsS 3 and AsS 3 pyramids. Inspection of data for a variety of glasses reveals a correlation between the value of C L /3 C T and whether the elastic moduli are increased or decreased by pressure. ( C L is the longitudinal modulus and C T the shear modulus.) Using the pressure dependences of the elastic moduli obtained in the present work, it is found that volume change is responsible for most of the temperature dependences of the moduli. In addition elastic gammas are obtained which are consistent with thermal Gruneisen gammas at 12 K. The pressure dependence of the volume of As 2 S 3 glass at 296 K is calculated using the present results in the Murnagham equation. Agreement with volumetric data of Weir is obtained.
Solution to the backward-Kolmogorov equation for a nonstationary oscillation problem

The transition probability density function of a Markovian approximation of the response amplitude of an oscillator under nonstationary excitation is determined in an analytical form. A solution is presented for the associated backward-Kolmogorov equation by transforming the equation into a form amenable to solution by the method of the separation of variables. This procedure results in a boundary value problem which is then solved by using an infinite series of Laguerre polynomials. It is found that the infinite series solution is equivalent to a closed-form solution involving a Bessel function.
INFECTIOUS DISEASE EMERGENCIES IN DISASTERS

This article discusses the relationship between disasters and infections. Infections that are reviewed include those resulting from (1) a breakdown of the usual mechanisms of infection control, (2) the introduction or emergence of pathogens, and (3) the movement of populations into new areas. Components of infectious-disease surveillance and disaster teams are detailed.
A tungsten/scintillating fiber electromagnetic calorimeter prototype for a high-rate muon (g-2) experiment

Abstract A compact and fast electromagnetic calorimeter prototype was designed, built, and tested in preparation for a next-generation, high-rate muon ( g − 2 ) experiment. It uses a simple assembly procedure: alternating layers of 0.5-mm-thick tungsten plates and 0.5-mm-diameter plastic scintillating fiber ribbons. This geometry leads to a detector having a calculated radiation length of 0.69 cm, a Moliere radius of 1.73 cm, and a measured intrinsic sampling resolution term of ( 11.8 ± 1.1 ) % / E ( GeV ) , in the range 1.5–3.5 GeV. The construction procedure, test beam results, and GEANT-4 comparative simulations are described.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetism of T′-phase La2−xYxCuO4: Properties of the 214 T′-phase without magnetic rare earth elements

Abstract We report the synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of magnetic-rare-earth-free T ′-phase material La 2− x Y x CuO 4 . Synthesis of this metastable compound was attempted by three different techniques: 1) a solution-based technique, starting from either oxides or nitrates, followed by low-temperature (≤600°C) reaction; 2) high-pressure, high-temperature synthesis (25 kbar, ∼1000°C); and 3) low-temperature synthesis (∼400°C) in a KOH flux. The first technique yields single-phased T ′-phase La 2− x Y x CuO 4 materials over the range 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.80; high-pressure synthesis has been successful near x = 2, but not for lower values of x . La 2- x Y x CuO 4 is a minority phase product of the the flux technique. The solution-based technique yields smaller particle sizes than the flux technique. Magnetic measurements indeed reveal the behavior of the Cu magnetism, although the low temperature data for the solution-based samples are dominated by ∼8% Cu 2+ defects, more than typically encountered in other magnetic-rare-earth-free copper oxides. We observe a static susceptibility (corrected for core diamagnetism) of χ o = 1.3×10 −4 cm 3 /mole. Attempts to dope these materials with Ce have not yet been successful.
Grassland management for the conservation of songbirds in the Midwestern USA

We monitored breeding eastern meadowlarks, dickcissels, Henslow's sparrows, grasshopper sparrows and field sparrows using strip transect surveys in 1995 and 1996. The 473-ha study area was an array of 3-ha management units of burned, mowed, hayed, grazed and undisturbed (>1 year) cool- and warm-season grasses and annual weeds. Management units grouped by habitat type (management regime and grass type) had different (P<0.05) abundances of each species. Eastern meadowlarks and dickcissels were most frequently observed in grazed warm-season grasses. Observation rates of Henslow's sparrows and field sparrows were highest in undisturbed warm-season grasses, whereas eastern meadowlarks and grasshopper sparrows were observed least often in this habitat type. Grasshopper sparrows were observed most frequently in annual weeds; Henslow's sparrows and field sparrows were not observed in this habitat type. Overall avian abundance was lowest in recently burned cool-season grasses. The low-intensity, late-season grazing system was important for creating a heterogeneous habitat mosaic attractive to the five species studied.
Orthostatic Intolerance in Behcet's Disease

Neurological manifestations are known to occur in patients with Behcet's Disease (BD) and significantly affect the clinical course of the disease. Nevertheless, the prevalence, pattern and severity of autonomic impairment in such patients have yet to be defined. In this paper, we presented a BD patient with orthostatic tachycardia. Non-invasive standardized autonomic function tests revealed no evidence of autonomic impairment, but profound orthostatic tachycardia accompanied by abnormal catecholamine increase was observed upon standing. The diagnosis of Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) was made and initial symptomatic therapy was started. The contribution of an immunological damage to components of neural pathways in the pathogenesis of the autonomic involvement can be assumed.
Salmeterol Xinafoate vs Albuterol in Asthma: Was Race a Factor?

To the Editor. —We read with interest the study by Dr D'Alonzo and colleagues. 1 As pulmonary physicians who provide health care for inner-city, indigent minorities with asthma, we found the conclusion of the study, "Salmeterol inhaled twice daily is more effective than albuterol inhaled four times a day (or as needed) in patients with asthma requiring maintenance therapy," of particular significance to our patients. This is because some of these patients are not fully compliant with inhaled β 2 -agonist therapy administered four times a day and, thus, might be at risk for an acute asthma attack. However, we noticed that in Table 1 of the article the volunteers were not stratified according to race. We believe this point is important because it is well established that the mortality rate from asthma is higher amomg blacks than whites in the United States. 2 For example, 429 persons died with
Full-term and preterm infants' perception of face-voice synchrony

Abstract This study investigated auditory-visual matching of faces and voices by preterm versus full-term infants at 3, 5, and 7 months of age. A total of 141 infants were tested using a two-screen preference procedure in which subjects were presented side-by-side videos of two females reciting nursery ryhmes while a centrally presented voice soundtrack was synchronized with only one film. A significantly higher rate of visual fixation to the sound-matching films was observed in the full-term 3- and 7-month groups, but not at 5 months. Longitudal testing confirmed the U- shaped development curve for full-term infant's task performance. In contrast to full terms, preterm infants did not display evidence of detecting face—voice synchrony. This suggests that an auditory—visual matching deficit may be associated with infant prematurity.
Framing issues of international education

A key step in the partnership process with cross-border coalitions involves addressing contradictory dynamics and creating a shared sense of understanding.
Prediction of Cognitive Behavior Treatment Outcome for Children with Anxiety Disorders: Therapeutic Relationship and Homework Compliance

We examined a non-specific or relationship variable as well as a specific or technical variable (i.e. homework compliance) and their prediction of cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) outcome for children with anxiety disorders. Therapist ratings of the therapeutic relationship (TR), but not homework compliance (HC) predicted CBT outcome at posttreatment (n = 138) and at I -year follow-up (n = 121) for anxious children (aged 9 to 13 years). Findings from this study suggest the therapeutic relationship is a hardy non-specific factor in CBT of anxious children. Implications for the treatment of children with anxiety disorders using CBT and recommendations for research are offered.
Partial absence of the posterior semicircular canal in Alagille syndrome: CT findings

We report a case of bilateral partial absence of the posterior semicircular canals (with normal lateral semicircular canals) imaged with CT in a patient with Alagille syndrome. Similar histologic findings have been reported in the pathology literature. This association has been previously reported only for Waardenburg syndrome in the imaging literature. We review the imaging findings and embryology of the semicircular canals, and suggest that this abnormality is specific to patients with Alagille or Waardenburg syndrome.
Comprehensive Neurofeedback Bibliography: 2007 Update

A previous comprehensive bibliography of neurofeedback outcome studies was published by the author in 2001. Since that time there have been many new publications as the field of neurofeedback continues maturing, and a few older references were discovered. Therefore a new update of references under categories for various clinical conditions is provided.
Situation awareness with different levels of automation

What effect will periods of automated driving will have on driver performance after transfer of control? In our driving simulator experiment (N = 48) participants in four different automation conditions (fully autonomous vehicle, autonomous steering, autonomous speed control, no automation) were evaluated based on their post-transition accident avoidance, situational awareness, and feelings of trust in and comfort with autonomous or partially autonomous driving. Preliminary results from behavioral data show significant differences in time to initiate evasive action across conditions. Participants in the fully autonomous condition showed greater trust and comfort with the car’s autonomous features than those in the autonomous speed control condition.
Data mapping framework in a digital library with computational epidemiology datasets

Computational epidemiology employs computer models and informatics tools to reason about the spatio-temporal spread of diseases. The diversity of models, data sources, data representations, and modalities that are collected, used, and modified motivate the development of a digital library (DL) framework to support computational epidemiology. The heterogeneous content includes metadata, text, tables, spreadsheets, experimental descriptions, and large result files. There is no accepted framework that allows unified access to such content. We propose a framework for a digital library system tailored to such datasets to support computational network epidemiology.
Purification and partial characterization of two acid phosphatases from rat bone.

Acid phosphatase activity in homogenized tibiae and femora of suckling rats was extracted with 0.3M KCl and 0.1% Triton X-100. A high-speed supernatant was treated with protamine sulfate, dialyzed, and chromatographed on CM-52 cellulose. All of the acid phosphatase activity was eluted with a sodium acetate buffer and combined ionic strength-pH gradient into two peaks (E1 and E2). Both enzyme peaks were further purified with Sephadex G-200, which resulted in 700- and 1000-fold purification for E2 and E1, respectively. A total of 220 units (µmoles substrate/min) of E2 with a specific activity of 160 units/mg protein has been obtained in one run by this procedure. E1 has a high molecular weight (>100,000) and shows preference for monophosphate ester substrates, is markedly inhibited by tartrate, and has a pH optimum near 5. E2 has a lower molecular weight (<40,000) and shows negligible activity with monophosphate esters [except withp-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-NPP)], but high activity with ADP and ATP. E2 is unaffected by tartrate and shows a pH optimum near 6. Both enzymes are competitively inhibited by inorganic phosphate, and E2, but not E1, is markedly inhibited byp-chloromercuribenzoate. Withp-NPP as substrate, E1 and E2 have distinctly different values for Km. E1 appears similar to the high molecular weight acid phosphatases of soft tissues. However, E2 appears to differ from the low molecular weight phosphatases in soft tissues with regard to substrate specificity.
The influence of linoleic acid intake on membrane-bound respiratory activities

The fatty acid composition of subcellular membranes, like that of depot fats, can be altered by dietary manipulation. Most attention has been directed toward the effects of feeding an essentialfatty-acid-free diet. We chose to examine some responses generated by the feeding of a dietary fat containing a disproportionately high level of an essential fatty acid. Rats were fed diets formulated with beef tallow (BT) to provide 4% (P/S, 0.2) or safflower oil (SO) to provide 24% (P/S, 7.6) of total energy as linoleic acid. Lipids isolated from hepatic mitochondria of rats fed the SO diet contained, in relative terms, 85% more unsaturated bonds. Mitochondria isolated from livers of rats fed either diet were tightly coupled. When all aspects of oxidative metabolism examined in this report are considered, mitochondria of SO group origin exhibited greater oxidative activities but lower ADP/O ratios than did BT mitochondria. Our hypothesis is that the perturbed state of the membrane-bound phospholipids initiates a remodeling-response through which an intramitochondria source of ADP is generated to support state-3 respiratory activity.
Risk and “N-1” Criteria Coordination for Real-Time Operations

This letter describes a new perspective on coordinating system “N-1” criteria and risk for real-time operations, where risk is modeled to capture the system's overall security level. A risk-based security-constrained optimal power flow (RB-SCOPF), considering “N-1” criteria and risk together, is compared with the traditional SCOPF. The IEEE 30-bus system is tested to illustrate the coordination between risk and “N-1” criteria in RB-SCOPF.
Theoretical models for Mars and their seismic properties

Theoretical seismic properties of the planet Mars are investigated on the basis of the various models which have been proposed for the internal composition of the planet. The latest interpretation of gravity field data (Reasenberg, 1977), assuming a lower value of the moment of inertia, would require a less dense mantle and a larger core than previous models. If Mars is chondritic in composition, the most reasonable models are an incompletely differentiated H-chondrite or a mixture of H-chondrites and carbonaceous chondrites. Seismic profiles, travel times, and free oscillation periods are computed for various models, with the aim of establishing which seismic data is crucial for deciding among the alternatives. A detailed discussion is given of the seismic properties which could—in principle—help answer the following two questions: Is Mars' core liquid or solid? Does Mars have a partially molten asthenosphere in its upper mantle?
The role of nitric oxide in saline-induced natriuresis and diuresis in rats.

This study was designed to determine to what extent nitric oxide (NO) mediates the natriuretic and diuretic responses to acute isotonic saline (0.9 gram % NaCl) volume expansion (SVE, 0.5 ml min-1 kg-1). Studies were performed on 49 pentobarbital anesthetized (65 mg/kg) female Sprague-Dawley rats with or without a NO synthase inhibitor, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (LNA). Group 1 received saline at 27 microliter/min for 1 hr (baseline) and then SVE for 1 hr; Groups 2-4 received LNA at 10, 150, and 200 microgram kg-1 min-1, respectively, for 1 hr followed by LNA + SVE. To determine to what extent inhibition of NOS would reverse an ongoing SVE-induced natriuresis and diuresis, Group 5 was saline-volume-expanded for hours 1 and 2 whereas Group 6 was administered SVE during the first hour and then SVE + 150 microgram kg -1 min-1 LNA during the second hour. SVE caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of Group 1 and the LNA-treated rats (Groups 2-4). This SVE-induced increase in the GFR occurred despite the fact that baseline GFR was significantly lower in the two groups of rats that were infused with the highest doses of LNA (Groups 3-4). SVE was also associated with similar increases in urine flow rate, sodium and potassium excretion, and total osmolar excretion in Groups 1-4. On the other hand, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was significantly higher in Group 2 during SVE + LNA and during the baseline as well as during the SVE periods in Groups 3-4; MAP was also significantly elevated in Group 6 during SVE + LNA. Thus, despite the fact that MAP was higher in LNA-treated rats, sodium and urine flow rates were the same as in Group 1 (i.e., there was no evidence of a pressure natriuresis or diuresis in these animals). Along these lines, there was a small but significant positive linear correlation coefficient (r = 0.41, P = 0.05) between sodium excretion values and corresponding MAP values in SVE control rats but not in Groups 3-4 during SVE (r = 0.28, P = 0.26). The current data demonstrate that 1) NO does not mediate SVE-induced hyperfiltration in the rat, 2) NO also does not mediate SVE-induced natriuresis or diuresis, and 3), consistent with other reports, NO appears to mediate pressure natriuresis and diuresis.
Examining the role of psychological distress in linking childhood maltreatment and alcohol use in young adulthood

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood maltreatment is related to alcohol use as well as psychological distress in young adulthood. Few studies have examined whether psychological distress mediates the relationship between child maltreatment and alcohol use. We examined the role of psychological distress in linking child maltreatment subtypes (ie, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) to four patterns of alcohol use, including frequency of alcohol use, binge drinking, alcohol-related problems, and alcohol dependence. METHODS: We used a community sample of young adults (N = 337), who completed an interview assessing exposure to childhood maltreatment, current psychological distress, and drinking behaviors. RESULTS: Emotional abuse was associated with psychological distress, whereas psychological distress was related to more pathological drinking behaviors such as alcohol-related problems and alcohol dependence. Subsequent analyses indicated significant mediated effects between emotional abuse and alcohol-related problems and alcohol dependence via psychological distress, even after controlling for demographic factors, other maltreatment subtypes, parental alcoholism, and peer alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings suggest that among four types of childhood maltreatment, emotional abuse might be the major driver of pathological drinking among child maltreatment victims. Interventions aimed at negative emotionality may be useful in preventing and treating problematic drinking among the victims of childhood emotional abuse. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:1-9). Language: en
Protein kinase Cβ and δ selectively phosphorylate odorant and metabotropic glutamate receptors

Recombinant protein segments from a metabotropic glutamate receptor and from an odorant receptor were used as substrates in protein kinase C phosphorylation assays. Protein kinase Cβ and δ phosphorylated an intracellular consensus phosphorylation site in the metabotropic glutamate receptor. Only protein kinase Cδ phosphorylated a novel extracellular consensus phosphorylation site in the odorant receptor. These results suggest differential regulation of these receptors by protein kinase C isotypes.
Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching and Its Influential Factors: An Analysis of Chinese Elementary Mathematics Teachers

Sound mathematics knowledge for teaching is crucial for developing teachers’ effective mathematics instruction and thus, improving their student mathematics learning. What are the characteristics of such knowledge? What are the influences of teachers’ training in mathematics and mathematics specific pedagogy, mathematics teaching experiences, and study of curriculum materials for teaching particular mathematics topics with their colleagues on the quality of such knowledge? These two questions have not been appropriately explored and understood. Chinese elementary teachers are found to have deep mathematics knowledge for teaching and their various professional backgrounds and curriculum contexts provide a unique situation to examine these questions. This study analyzes the open surveys with 25 Chinese elementary mathematics teachers from three elementary schools in an urban metropolitan context and curriculum data that they used for their teaching. It found that the participants’ mathematics and mathematics specific pedagogy training or their mathematics teaching experience alone had limited influences on the quality of their mathematics knowledge for teaching. Their reconstruction of understanding of mathematics concept that they need to teach under the centralized curriculum with their colleagues shaped importantly the quality of their mathematics knowledge for teaching.
Semistable divisorial contractions

Abstract The semistable minimal model program is a special case of the minimal model program concerning 3-folds fibred over a curve and birational morphisms preserving this structure. We classify semistable divisorial contractions which contract the exceptional divisor to a normal point of a fibre. Our results can be applied to describe compact moduli spaces of surfaces.
Importance of cis Determinants and Nitrogenase Activity in Regulated Stability of the Klebsiella pneumoniae Nitrogenase Structural Gene mRNA

The Klebsiella pneumoniae nitrogen fixation (nif) mRNAs are unusually stable, with half-lives of 20 to 30 min under conditions favorable to nitrogen fixation (limiting nitrogen, anaerobiosis, temperatures of 30 degrees C). Addition of O2 or fixed nitrogen or temperature increases to 37 degrees C or more result in the dramatic destabilization of the nif mRNAs, decreasing the half-lives by a factor of 3 to 5. A plasmid expression system, independent of nif transcriptional regulation, was used to define cis determinants required for the regulated stability of the 5.2-kb nifHDKTY mRNA and to test the model suggested by earlier work that NifA is required in trans to stabilize nif mRNA under nif-derepressing conditions. O2 regulation of nifHDKTY mRNA stability is impaired in a plasmid containing a deletion of a 499-bp region of nifH, indicating that a site(s) required for the O2-regulated stability of the mRNA is located within this region. The simple model suggested from earlier work that NifA is required for stabilizing nif mRNA under conditions favorable for nitrogen fixation was disproved, and in its place, a more complicated model involving the sensing of nitrogenase activity as a component of the system regulating mRNA stability is proposed. Analysis of nifY mutants and overexpression suggests a possible involvement of the protein in this sensing process.
Third harmonic generation in optical fibers

Third harmonic (TH) generation by four-wave mixing is investigated in a novel design optical fiber. Numerical modeling predicts that TH conversion efficiency of ≫ 50% is achievable in the proposed fiber design. Experimentally demonstrated TH conversion efficiency is 2.5%. The main causes for lower than expected conversion efficiency are studied.
Parent self-efficacy for managing pain in seriously ill children and adolescents nearing end of life.

Objective: Using data from a multi-site study of parent–child symptom reporting concordance, this secondary analysis explored the role of parent self-efficacy related to pain management for seriously ill school-age children and adolescents. Method: In the initial study, 50 children and adolescents whowere expected to survive 3 years or less were recruited along with their parent /primary caregiver. Parent self-report data were used in this secondary analysis to describe parent self-efficacy for managing their child’s pain, caregiver strain, mood states, and perception of the child’s pain; to explore relationships among these variables; and to determine predictors of greater self-efficacy. Results: Parents expressed a wide range of self-efficacy levels (Chronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale; possible range 10–100, mean 76.2, SD 14.7) and higher levels on average than reported previously by family caregivers of adult patients. Caregiver Strain Index scores were markedly high (possible range 0–13, mean 8.1, SD 3.8) and inversely correlated with self-efficacy (r ¼ 20.44, p ¼ 0.001). On the Profile of Mood States parents reported more negative moods ( t ¼ 4.0, p , 0.001) and less vigor ( t ¼ 25.0, p , 0.001) than adults in a normative sample, yet vigor rather than mood disturbance predicted self-efficacy. With the exception of child age, self-efficacy was not associated with demographics (child gender, ethnicity, household income, parent age, education, family size) or with the diagnostic groups (primarily cardiac and oncologic) comprising the sample. Younger child age, less caregiver strain, more parent vigor, and parent perception that child is without pain predicted more than half of the variance in parent self-efficacy ( R 2 ¼ 0.51). Significance of results: Findings advance knowledge of parent self-efficacy in managing the pain of a child with life-threatening illness. Results can be used to design supportive interventions enhancing parents’ caregiving roles during their child’s last stages of life.
Numerical simulation of sedimentation processes in reservoirs as a function of outlet location

Abstract This paper builds on a recently published one-dimensional moving-boundary model of the coevolution of topset, foreset and bottomset in a reservoir that captures the dynamics of the internal muddy pond typical to reservoirs. This model was modified to account for different outlet locations at the reservoir's downstream end. This model considers a river carrying two sustained phases of sediments: coarse (sand) and fine (mud). The coarse phase deposits in the topset and delta foreset, while the fine phase forms a dilute suspension of wash load in the river. As the river enters the reservoir, the muddy water plunges on the foreset to form a Froude-supercritical (purely depositional) turbidity current. This turbidity current emplaces the bottomset. The modified numerical model was tested against five laboratory experiments previously reported by the author. The model successfully locates the muddy-water/clear-water interface. In addition, modeled and measured bed deposits are in good agreement. Results clearly indicate that the location of the internal hydraulic jump plays a key role in the final bed deposit.
Calculation of the electric polarizability of a charged spherical dielectric particle by the theory of colloidal electrokinetics

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is increasingly being explored as a means to manipulate or separate colloidal particles. The direction and strength of the DEP force depend strongly on the induced dipole strength, K, of a polarized particle, and predictions of DEP forces require carefully computed values for K. In this paper, we present the calculation of the dipole strength using the full electrokinetic theory of Mangelsdorf and White for both static and oscillating electric fields. The effects of particle zeta potential, radius, Debye length and electrolyte composition on the magnitude and sign of Re(K) are discussed. The full theory model is compared with the extended Maxwell-Wagner (EMW) model and the results show that the EMW model can fail to predict the full Re(K) variation with frequency, even predicting Re(K) with the incorrect sign depending on system parameters. A program for the dipole strength calculation shown in this paper is available from the authors.
Round Goby Predation on Smallmouth Bass Offspring in Nests during Simulated Catch-and-Release Angling

Abstract Round goby Neogobius melanostomus first appeared in Lake Erie in 1993 and now occur in extremely high densities in some areas. As known nest predators, round goby currently pose a threat to nest-guarding smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu. We conducted manipulative experiments to evaluate the combined effects of round goby predation and catch-and-release angling during 1999–2001 in the Bass Islands, Lake Erie. We quantified how many smallmouth bass offspring were consumed by round goby when nest-guarding smallmouth bass males were present, removed, and recovering from angling-related stress. In 10 h of video observations, we only saw one instance of round goby consuming smallmouth bass offspring while the nest was guarded. Upon removal of nest-guarding smallmouth bass, round goby quickly entered unguarded nests (4.3 round goby/min for nests with unhatched embryos and 1.8 round goby/min for nests with hatched embryos). During experimental catch-and-release angling, round goby consumed an average...
Re-membering the body: applications of computational neuroscience to the top-down control of regeneration of limbs and other complex organs

A major goal of regenerative medicine and bioengineering is the regeneration of complex organs, such as limbs, and the capability to create artificial constructs (so-called biobots) with defined morphologies and robust self-repair capabilities. Developmental biology presents remarkable examples of systems that self-assemble and regenerate complex structures toward their correct shape despite significant perturbations. A fundamental challenge is to translate progress in molecular genetics into control of large-scale organismal anatomy, and the field is still searching for an appropriate theoretical paradigm for facilitating control of pattern homeostasis. However, computational neuroscience provides many examples in which cell networks – brains – store memories (e.g., of geometric configurations, rules, and patterns) and coordinate their activity towards proximal and distant goals. In this Perspective, we propose that programming large-scale morphogenesis requires exploiting the information processing by which cellular structures work toward specific shapes. In non-neural cells, as in the brain, bioelectric signaling implements information processing, decision-making, and memory in regulating pattern and its remodeling. Thus, approaches used in computational neuroscience to understand goal-seeking neural systems offer a toolbox of techniques to model and control regenerative pattern formation. Here, we review recent data on developmental bioelectricity as a regulator of patterning, and propose that target morphology could be encoded within tissues as a kind of memory, using the same molecular mechanisms and algorithms so successfully exploited by the brain. We highlight the next steps of an unconventional research program, which may allow top-down control of growth and form for numerous applications in regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering.
An Intelligent Backtracking Algorithm for Parallel Execution of Logic Programs

In this paper we present a simple but efficient backtracking scheme which works when AND-parallelism is exploited in a logic program. The scheme is well suited for implementation on a parallel hardware. We show that the backtracking scheme presented by Conery and Kibler in the context of AND/OR process model is incorrect, i.e., in some cases it may miss solutions while performing backtracking. Even if no AND-parallelism is exploited (i.e., all literals are solved sequentially), our scheme is more efficient than the "naive" depth-first backtracking strategy used by Prolog because our scheme makes use of the dependencies between literals in a clause. Chang and Despain have recently presented a backtracking scheme which also makes use of the dependencies between literals. We show that our scheme is more efficient than their scheme in the sense that our scheme does less backtracking.
Evidence for substantial maintenance of membrane integrity and cell viability in normally developing grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries throughout development

Fluorescein diacetate (FDA) was used as a vital stain to assay membrane integrity (cell viability) in mesocarp tissue of the developing grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berry in order to test the hypothesis that there is a substantial loss of compartmentation in these cells during ripening. This technique was also used to determine whether loss of viability was associated with symptoms of a ripening disorder known as berry shrivel. FDA fluorescence of berry cells was rapid, bright, and stable for over 1 h at room temperature. Confocal microscopy detected FDA staining through two to three intact surface cell layers (300-400 μm) of bisected berries, and showed that the fluorescence was confined to the cytoplasm, indicating the maintenance of integrity in both cytoplasmic as well as vacuolar membranes, and the presence of active cytoplasmic esterases. FDA clearly discriminated between living cells and freeze-killed cells, and exhibited little, if any, non-specific staining. Propidium iodide and DAPI, both widely used to assess cell viability, were unable to discriminate between living and freeze-killed cells, and did not specifically stain the nuclei of dead cells. For normally developing berries under field conditions there was no evidence of viability loss until about 40 d after veraison, and the majority (80%) of mesocarp cells remained viable past commercial harvest (26 °Brix). These results are inconsistent with current models of grape berry development which hypothesize that veraison is associated with a general loss of compartmentation in mesocarp cells. The observed viability loss was primarily in the locule area around the seeds, suggesting that a localized loss of viability and compartmentation may occur as part of normal fruit development. The cell viability of berry shrivel-affected berries was similar to that of normally developing berries until the onset of visible symptoms (i.e. shrivelling), at which time viability declined in visibly shrivelled berries. Berries with extensive shrivelling exhibited very low cell viability (15%).
Tissue-specific Expression of the L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule Is Modulated by the Neural Restrictive Silencer Element

The cell adhesion molecule L1 mediates neurite outgrowth and fasciculation during embryogenesis and mutations in its gene have been linked to a number of human congenital syndromes. To identify DNA sequences that restrict expression of L1 to the nervous system, we isolated a previously unidentified segment of the mouse L1 gene containing the promoter, the first exon, and the first intron and examined its activity in vitro and in vivo. We found that a neural restrictive silencer element (NRSE) within the second intron prevented expression of L1 gene constructs in nonneural cells. For optimal silencing of L1 gene expression by the NRSE-binding factor RE-1–silencing transcription factor (REST)/NRSF, both the NRSE and sequences in the first intron were required. In transgenic mice, an L1lacZ gene construct with the NRSE generated a neurally restricted expression pattern consistent with the known pattern of L1 expression in postmitotic neurons and peripheral glia. In contrast, a similar construct lacking the NRSE produced precocious expression in the peripheral nervous system and ectopic expression in mesenchymal derivatives of the neural crest and in mesodermal and ectodermal cells. These experiments show that the NRSE and REST/NRSF are important components in restricting L1 expression to the embryonic nervous system.
Phylogenetic Analysis of L4-Mediated Autogenous Control of the S10 Ribosomal Protein Operon

We investigated the regulation of the S10 ribosomal protein (r-protein) operon among members of the gamma subdivision of the proteobacteria, which includes Escherichia coli. In E. coli, this 11-gene operon is autogenously controlled by r-protein L4. This regulation requires specific determinants within the untranslated leader of the mRNA. Secondary structure analysis of the S10 leaders of five enterobacteria (Salmonella typhimurium, Citrobacter freundii, Yersinia enterocolitica, Serratia marcescens, and Morganella morganii) and two nonenteric members of the gamma subdivision (Haemophilus influenzae and Vibrio cholerae) shows that these foreign leaders share significant structural homology with the E. coli leader, particularly in the region which is critical for L4-mediated autogenous control in E. coli. Moreover, these heterologous leaders produce a regulatory response to L4 oversynthesis in E. coli. Our results suggest that an E. coli-like L4-mediated regulatory mechanism may operate in all of these species. However, the mechanism is not universally conserved among the gamma subdivision members, since at least one, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, does not contain the required S10 leader features, and its leader cannot provide the signals for regulation by L4 in E. coli. We speculate that L4-mediated autogenous control developed during the evolution of the gamma branch of proteobacteria.