cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of phospholipase C gamma1 as a protein tyrosine phosphatase mu substrate that regulates cell migration.

The receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPmu has a cell-adhesion molecule-like extracellular segment and a catalytically active intracellular segment. This structure gives PTPmu the ability to transduce signals in response to cell-cell adhesion. Full-length PTPmu is down-regulated in glioma cells by proteolysis which is linked to increased migration of these cells in the brain. To gain insight into the substrates PTPmu may be dephosphorylating to suppress glioma cell migration, we used a substrate trapping method to identify PTPmu substrates in tumor cell lines. We identified both PKCdelta and PLCgamma1 as PTPmu substrates. As PLCgamma1 activation is linked to increased invasion of cancer cells, we set out to determine whether PTPmu may be upstream of PLCgamma1 in regulating glioma cell migration. We conducted brain slice assays using U87-MG human glioma cells in which PTPmu expression was reduced by shRNA to induce migration. Treatment of the same cells with PTPmu shRNA and a PLCgamma1 inhibitor prevented migration of the cells within the brain slice. These data suggest that PLCgamma1 is downstream of PTPmu and that dephosphorylation of PLCgamma1 is likely to be a major pathway through which PTPmu suppresses glioma cell migration.
Measurement issues in tracking the onset of Alzheimer's in probability surveys: Comparing the HRS and the NLTCS

of date. Our aim was to develop a new informant-based IADL questionnaire. The purpose of this questionnaire is to measure subtle deficits in IADL and to be helpful in diagnosing early dementia. The questionnaire also had to be suitable for dementia patients younger than 65 years of age. Methods: We defined the construct IADL by interviewing experts. All IADL items of existing IADL questionnaires were inventoried. Twelve experts, including neurologists and occupational therapists, were asked to select items sensitive for early dementia and to generate new items. Interviews with 30 informants were performed to further select and generate new items. After this selection, experts and informants were asked to judge the interpretability of the items in order to select unambiguous items. A pilot study was conducted to test the practicability of the questionnaire. Results: Of the 139 items from existing IADL questionnaires, experts selected 57 items. Sixty-four items were newly suggested, leading to a total of 121 items. Of these 121 items, 36 were marked as ambiguous by informants and experts. After the removal of these items, the questionnaire consisted of 75 items. The pilot study with informants resulted in negative feedback on the complexity of the questionnaire. We therefore computerized the questionnaire to an internet-based format. Using this format, items were tailored to the individual responses, thus greatly reducing the complexity of the questionnaire. The experiences of 118 informants demonstrate a practicable and easy to complete questionnaire. Preliminary results on the reliability and validity will be presented. Conclusions: There is a need for a new IADL questionnaire, applicable for early dementia and for early-onset dementia. The Amsterdam IADL questionnaire serves both purposes and preliminary results show that this questionnaire is a promising new tool in the evaluation of dementia.
A rate-distortion framework for supervised learning

An information-theoretic framework is presented for bounding the number of samples needed for supervised learning in a parametric Bayesian setting. This framework is inspired by an analogy with rate-distortion theory, which characterizes tradeoffs in the lossy compression of random sources. In a parametric Bayesian environment, the maximum a posteriori classifier can be viewed as a random function of the model parameters. Labeled training data can be viewed as a finite-rate encoding of that source, and the excess loss due to using the learned classifier instead of the MAP classifier can be viewed as distortion. A strict bound on the loss-measured in terms of the expected total variation-is derived, providing a minimum number of training samples needed to drive the expected total variation to within a specified tolerance. The tightness of this bound is demonstrated on the classification of Gaus-sians, for which one can derive closed-form expressions for the bound.
Maintenance of Sea-Floor Electronics

This paper discusses some of the present developments in in situ electronics maintenance by the use of divers and by remote manipulators, and relates the effect of these developments to the operating cost of future sea-floor instrumentation systems.
Acute respiratory infection with mouse adenovirus type 1

Studies of the pathogenesis of adenovirus respiratory disease are limited by the strict species-specificity of the adenoviruses. Following intranasal inoculation of adult C57BL/6 mice with mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1), we detected MAV-1 early region 3 (E3) and hexon gene expression in the lungs at 7 days post-infection (dpi). We detected MAV-1 E3 protein in the respiratory epithelium at 7 dpi. We did not detect viral mRNA or protein at 14 dpi, but MAV-1 DNA was detected by PCR at 21 dpi. Chemokine transcript levels increased between 7 and 14 dpi in the lungs of infected mice. MAV-1 infection induced a patchy cellular infiltrate in lungs at 7 and 14 dpi. This is the first report demonstrating the presence of MAV-1 in the respiratory epithelium of infected mice and describing chemokine responses in the lung induced by MAV-1 respiratory infection. MAV-1 infection of mice has the potential to serve as a model for inflammatory changes seen in human adenovirus respiratory disease.
Pushdown recognizers for array patterns

We investigate the factors that make it difficult to generalize pushdown automata for one-dimensional strings to two-dimensional arrays. Then we resolve the problems and construct two-dimensional pushdown array automata (PDAA). The relationship between isometric context-free array languages and pushdown array automata is established. Several examples of array automata are presented, and a pushdown array automaton is tested on VAX8650/VMS using PASCAL.
Studies in the Three-Dimensional World of a Cancer Community of Cells

Cancer is a dynamic condition in a complex community of cells which move and communicate in 3-D space and complex topologies. We will present results using 3-D microfabrication and materials science which maps out how the community moves and invades.
Metallicity Effects on Mid-Infrared Colors and the 8 μm PAH Emission in Galaxies

We examine colors from 3.6 to 24 μm as a function of metallicity (O/H) for a sample of 34 galaxies. The galaxies range over 2 orders of magnitude in metallicity. They display an abrupt shift in the 8 μm-to-24 μm color for metallicities between one-third and one-fifth of the solar value. The mean 8-to-24 μm flux density ratio below and above 12 + log (O/H) = 8.2 is 0.08 ± 0.04 and 0.70 ± 0.53, respectively. We use mid-IR colors and spectroscopy to demonstrate that the shift is primarily due to a decrease in the 8 μm flux density, as opposed to an increase in the 24 μm flux density. This result is most simply interpreted as being due to a weakening at low metallicity of the mid-IR emission bands usually attributed to PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) relative to the small-grain dust emission. However, existing empirical spectral energy distribution models cannot account for the observed short-wavelength (below 8 μm) colors of the low-metallicity galaxies merely by reducing the strength of the PAH features; some other emission source (e.g., hot dust) is required.
Megacam : paving the focal plane of the MMT with silicon

Megacam is a 36 CCD mosaic camera that will cover a 24' X 24' field of view at the f/5 wide-field focus of the converted 6.5 m Multiple Mirror Telescope. The mosaic is a 9 X 4 array of thinned 2048 X 4068 pixel CCDs with 13.5 micrometer pixels. The CCDs are dual-output EEV devices in a custom package to allow the devices to be closely butted on all four sides. The dewar will be mounted to a 2 m diameter assembly that contains the filter wheels (for 30 X 30 cm filters) and the shutter. Telescope guiding will be accomplished with two additional CCDs mounted at the edges of the focal plane. The guider CCDs will be operated slightly defocused, one on either side of focus, to allow simultaneous focusing and guiding. Guide stars will be selected by reading out the full guider frame, after which only a small area surrounding the guide star will be read out. Our simulations show that the defocused guide star images will also be useful for low order wavefront sensing, allowing corrections to the telescope collimation. We are developing a new CCD controller capable of reading the full Megacam in 24 seconds. This controller will also be used to operate the guide chips.
Risk factors for biliary tract cancers

Abstract Objective: Little is known regarding risk factors for biliary tract cancer, i.e., gallbladder carcinoma and extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma. This is the first case-control study conducted in the U.S. regarding risk factors for these cancers. Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, we reviewed the medical records of 69 patients with primary biliary tract cancer who were admitted to Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center for surgery between January 1, 1980, and April 4, 1994, and of 138 controls, consisting of patients admitted for surgery for benign conditions. Results: We found a significant association between cholelithiasis and biliary tract cancers (odds ratio, 19.5; 95% confidence interval, 6.4–59.4). Risk factors associated with gallbladder cancer included female gender, age, cigarette smoking, and postmenopausal status in women. Risk factors associated with extrahepatic bile duct cancer included history of cholecystectomy and hysterectomy in women. Conclusion: The risk factors for biliary tract cancers that have been identified in our study delineate a high-risk population, which in the future may be targeted for preventive measures.
Glee Fandom and Twitter: Something New, or More of the Same Old Thing?

This study extends critical television studies research by examining the emergence of Glee fan practices on Twitter and the implications these practices have for both producers and consumers. Highlighting the intricacies of the fan behaviors as regulated by Twitter as the medium, this research argues that the narratives developed through transmedia storytelling by fans on Twitter work to both support the notion of participatory culture and yet, in the creation of these fan projects, also reinforce the consumer behavior that marketed programming depends upon when strategizing about targeting audience viewership decisions.
Water imaging (hydrography) in the fetus: the value of a heavily T2-weighted sequence

Since the development of fast imaging sequences, MR has proved to be a helpful tool in the evaluation of fetal pathology. Because of the high water content of fetal tissues and pathology, hydrography imaging (MR fetography) can provide additional diagnostic information. To demonstrate the benefit of MR fetography in fetal imaging. From 2004 to 2005, 126 fetal MR examinations were performed for evaluation of an abnormality depicted on an antenatal sonogram. Single-shot fast spin-echo MR imaging and MR fetography were performed through the area of fetal pathology. The two studies were retrospectively compared. The primary diagnosis was not changed with the addition of MR fetography. New findings, particularly in the kidneys and spine, were identified in 9% of the patients. When fetal pathology was of high water content (80% patients), the MR fetography imaging increased diagnostic confidence. In 11% of the patients, those with cardiovascular or low water pathology, the MR fetography was not beneficial. The mainstay of fetal imaging is currently the HASTE and SSFSE sequences. However, MR fetography is an excellent adjunct that highlights fetal pathology by reinforcing the diagnosis, identifying additional findings, and providing high-contrast high-resolution images that are helpful when counseling clinicians and patients.
Treatment of superficial bladder cancer with intravesical chemotherapy.

Proper care of patients with superficial bladder cancer requires the assessment of multiple factors, including an understanding of the natural history of this disease, accurate clinical staging, and the expected efficacy of each drug. The pharmacology of intravesical mytomycin C is discussed in detail, as many of this drug's pharmacological principles are applicable to all intravesical chemotherapeutic agents, including doxorubicin, thiotepa, bacillus Calmette-Guerin, epirubicin, and ethoglucid. The bladder wall, bladder cavity, chemical properties of intravesical chemotherapeutic agents, and tumor considerations are discussed. Suggestions based on pharmacological studies are presented to optimize the efficacy of intravesical chemotherapy.
Evidence for a collagen-like protein within spicules of coelenterates

Abstract 1. Calciferous spicules were obtained fromBriareum asbestinum, a gorgonian or “soft” coral. 2. The spicules were washed extensively and treated with potassium hydroxide to remove the exterior sheath and any proteins on the outside. 3. After solubilization of the calcium carbonate with acid, an insoluble material remained. 4. Peptides with molecular weights between 1600 and 5000 were isolated from this core material. 5. These peptides had amino acid compositions characteristic of the collage like proteins.
Modeling the dynamic habitat and breeding population of Southwestern Willow Flycatcher.

Abstract To aid in the management and conservation of Southwestern Willow Flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii extimus , hereafter “Flycatcher”), we developed numerous models of flycatcher breeding habitat at Roosevelt Lake, AZ. For model development and testing, we compiled 10 years of flycatcher territory data that were obtained from intensive fieldwork between 1996 and 2005. We identified riparian vegetation annually in the project area from Landsat Thematic Mapper images, and extracted floodplain features from a digital elevation model. We created a novel class of temporal (i.e., multiyear) variables by characterizing the stability and variability in breeding habitat over a 6-year time interval. We used logistic regression to determine associations between environmental variables and flycatcher territory occurrence, and to test specific hypotheses. We mapped the probability of territory occurrence with a GIS and determined model accuracies with a classification table and a 10-year population database. Environmental features that were associated with breeding flycatchers included floodplain size, proximity to water, and the density, heterogeneity, age and stability of riparian vegetation. Our best model explained 79% of the variability in the flycatcher breeding population at Roosevelt Lake. The majority of predicted flycatcher habitat formed between 1996 and 2004 on an exposed lakebed ∼3 years after water levels receded during a prolonged drought. A high correlation between annual reservoir levels and predicted breeding habitat ( r = −0.82) indicates that we can create and manage habitat for conservation purposes. Our predictive models quantify and assess the relative quality of flycatcher breeding habitat remotely, and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of habitat restoration activities. Numerous techniques we developed can be used to characterize riparian vegetation and patch dynamics directly off of satellite imagery, thereby increasing its utility for conservation purposes.
Effects of characteristics of image quality in an immersive environment

Image quality issues such as field of view (FOV) and resolution are important for evaluating "presence" and simulator sickness (SS) in virtual environments (VEs). This research examined effects on postural stability of varying FOV, image resolution, and scene content in an immersive visual display. Two different scenes (a photograph of a fountain and a simple radial pattern) at two different resolutions were tested using six FOVs (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 deg.). Both postural stability, recorded by force plates, and subjective difficulty ratings varied as a function of FOV, scene content, and image resolution. Subjects exhibited more balance disturbance and reported more difficulty in maintaining posture in the wide-FOV, high-resolution, and natural scene conditions.
Impaired Production and Increased Apoptosis of Neutrophils in Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor–Deficient Mice

We have generated mice carrying a homozygous null mutation in the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR) gene. G-CSFR-deficient mice have decreased numbers of phenotypically normal circulating neutrophils. Hematopoietic progenitors are decreased in the bone marrow, and the expansion and terminal differentiation of these progenitors into granulocytes is impaired. Neutrophils isolated from G-CSFR-deficient mice have an increased susceptibility to apoptosis, suggesting that the G-CSFR may also regulate neutrophil survival. These data confirm a role for the G-CSFR as a major regulator of granulopoiesis in vivo and provide evidence that the G-CSFR may regulate granulopoiesis by several mechanisms. However, the data also suggest that G-CSFR-independent mechanisms of granulopoiesis must exist.
Possible uses of the FASTBUS in medium energy physics

Abstract The FASTBUS is a high-speed data-acquisition bus currently being developed by the NIM-CAMAC Committee of the National Bureau of Standards. The major features of the FASTBUS will be reviewed and evaluated with respect to possible uses in medium-energy physics experiments.
Height and risk of sudden cardiac death: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities and Cardiovascular Health studies.

Abstract Purpose Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is an important cause of mortality in the adult population. Height has been associated with cardiac hypertrophy and an increased risk of arrhythmias but also with decreased risk of coronary heart disease, suggesting a complex association with SCD. Methods We examined the association of adult height with the risk of physician-adjudicated SCD in two large population-based cohorts: the Cardiovascular Health Study and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Results Over an average follow-up time of 11.7 years in Cardiovascular Health Study, there were 199 (3.6%) cases of SCD among 5556 participants. In Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, over 12.6 years, there were 227 (1.5%) cases of SCD among 15,633 participants. In both cohorts, there was a trend toward decreased SCD with taller height. In fixed effects meta-analysis, the pooled hazard ratio per 10 cm of height was 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–0.98; P = .03. The association of increased height with lower risk of SCD was slightly attenuated after inclusion of risk factors associated with height, such as hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The association appeared stronger among men than women in both cohorts. Conclusions In two population-based prospective cohorts of different ages, greater height was associated with lower risk of SCD.
Stochastic Structure and Nonlinear Dynamics of Food Webs: Qualitative Stability in a Lotka-Volterra Cascade Model

Two competing models currently offer to explain empirical regularities observed in food webs. The Lotka-Volterra model describes population dynamics; the cascade model describes trophic structure. In a real ecological community, both population dynamics and trophic structure are important. This paper proposes and analyses a new hybrid model that combines population dynamics and trophic structure: the Lotka-Volterra cascade model (LVCM). The LVCM assumes the population dynamics of the Lotka-Volterra model when the interactions between species are shaped by a refinement of the cascade model. A critical surface divides the three-dimensional parameter space of the LVCM into two regions. In one region, as the number of species becomes large, the limiting probability that the LVCM is qualitatively globally asymptotically stable is positive. In the region on the other side of the critical surface, and on the critical surface itself, this limiting probability is zero. Thus the LVCM displays an ecological phase transition: gradual changes in the probabilities of various kinds of population dynamical interactions related to feeding can have sharp effects on a community’s qualitative stability. The LVCM shows that an inverse proportionality between connectance and the number of species, and a direct proportionality between the number of links and the number of species, as observed in data on food webs, need not be directly connected with the qualitative global asymptotic stability or instability of population dynamics. Empirical testing of the LVCM will require field data on the population dynamical effects of feeding relations.
First-order removal of particulate aluminium in oceanic surface layers

Little is known about processes which remove particles with radii of <5 µm from surface layers of the oceans although they influence the geochemical cycling of many substances. Agglomeration resulting from particle–particle interactions and/or incorporation into faecal pellets by organisms may accelerate the settling rate of such particles1,2. We report here the vertical distribution of particulate aluminium in the Gulf Stream which is consistent with that expected if primary input were from the atmosphere and first-order removal occurred in the upper 100 m of the water column. We hypothesize that filter feeding, particularly by salps, may be responsible for calculated removal rates.
The development and validation of the Revised Iowa Dental Control Index (IDCI)

Abstract The Iowa Dental Control Index (IDCI) measures the amount of control individuals desire (desired control) and expect to feel (predicted control) in dental situations. Two studies provided information about the reliability and validity of scores on this revised instrument. In the first study, 136 dental patients completed the IDCI and several other scales. Factor analysis results, correlations, and regression analyses confirmed the theorized pattern of relationships among the subscales of the IDCI and other measures. In the second study, 208 dental patients completed the IDCI and other measures of dental distress before and after a 1–2 year interval. Correlations among the measures revealed the hypothesized pattern and confirmatory factor analysis results provided moderate model fit. Taken together, the results of the two studies strongly support the reliability and validity of these IDCI scores for this population.
Body image assessment in patients with bulimia nervosa and normal controls

A video image distortion technique was used to assess differences in the perceived (actual) and ideal body size and shape among female patients with bulimia nervosa (n = 12) and two groups of nondepressed, non-eating-disordered women classified as restrained (n = 12) or unrestrained (n = 12) eaters. On the majority of measures of body image the bulimic patients and restrained eaters differed from the unrestrained eaters but did not differ significantly from each other. The results do not show that body image disturbance, at least as it was assessed in this study, discriminates bulimics from appropriate nonclinical controls. In absolute terms the bulimics were more accurate than the controls in estimating their current body size. The latter underestimated their body size. However, the bulimics' estimates were higher in relation to the controls. The discrepancy between perceived body size and ideal body size also differentiated the groups, with the bulimic and restrained subjects exhibiting significantly more discrepancy between perceived and ideal than the unrestrained subjects. Significant correlations between body size estimation and self-report of body satisfaction suggests that evaluation and perception of body are closely associated.
Thermal transport in the DIII-D edge pedestal

A new procedure for inferring χi,eexp in the plasma edge from experimental data and integrated modeling code calculations has been developed that takes into account atomic physics and radiation effects and convective as well as conductive heat flux profiles. Application to DIII-D [J. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] shots indicates that proper inference of χi,eexp in the edge pedestal (sharp gradient region) depends on accounting for the variation in electron and ion heat fluxes and in the convective fraction of each over the edge region. The frequently observed steep edge temperature gradients are found to depend as much on the variation in conductive and convective heat fluxes as on a reduction in χi,e. Inferred χi,eexp are compared with theoretical predictions.
Satisfaction, demographic, and media environment predictors of cable subscription

As cable subscribership surpasses half of all U.S. television households, there is little consistent information about cable subscribing behavior, including the factors that lead to initial subscription and to subscription retention. Regression analyses of a national survey of 1,296 U.S. homes passed by cable revealed that intentions to disconnect were more strongly predicted by satisfaction variables than those related to demographics, service cost, or other differences between markets.
Lower Triassic Marine Facies: An Index to Tectonic Transport in Southeastern Nevada: ABSTRACT

A detailed regional facies analysis of the lower part of the Moenkopi Formation (Triassic) is helpful in understanding Sevier tectonic transport along the shelf-miogeosyncline transition in southeastern Nevada. The Virgin Member represents deposition during the last pulse of marine transgression in the Cordilleran geosyncline from the basin onto the shelf in southeastern Nevada and adjacent Utah and Arizona. Because facies changes and corresponding thickness changes assume linear trends along the transition zone, the post-depositional translation and distortion of facies can be determined. The stratigraphic section in an area comprising the North Muddy Mountains east to Lake Meade is an apparent autochthonous sequence which is not logically underlain by a regional thrust with scores of miles of displacement. The distance measured perpendicular to depositional strike from true shelf facies to the basinward margin of the transition facies is about 35 mi. Included within this span is a thick evaporite sequence that is equivalent to beds deposited in an open marine setting in the basin on the west. On the north, between the Beaver Dam and the Mormon Mountains, the span between the same 2 facies is about 10 mi. The apparent facies change on the north in the area of the Mormon Mountains is ascribed to a major sole thrust that has displaced facies about 20 mi toward the shelf. The areas are separated by an approximate east-west shear zone that has a minimum right-lateral displacement of about 12 mi. I believe that attractive oil and gas possibilities exist in the North Muddy Mountains-Lake Meade area which was previously interpreted to be a major allochthon. End_of_Article - Last_Page 539------------
Clinical factors predicting successful electrophysiologic-pharmacologic study in patients with ventricular tachycardia

Data from 142 patients who had sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were analyzed to determine if clinical variables predict response to antiarrhythmic drugs at electrophysiologic study. Effective antiarrhythmic drugs were identified for 43 patients (30%). Ten of 25 variables analyzed were univariate predictors of drug response at the probability (p) level of less than 0.05. Stepwise logistic regression identified three variables independently predictive of drug response: fewer coronary arteries with 70% or greater stenosis (p less than 0.001), female sex (p less than 0.002) and fewer episodes of arrhythmia (p less than 0.03). A function incorporating these three variables was constructed to predict the probability of drug response, and ranges of the predictor function corresponding to high, intermediate and low probabilities of drug response were identified. Response rates in the high (greater than 50%), intermediate and low (less than 10%) probability ranges were 28 (58%) of 48, 10 (27%) of 37 and 5 (9%) of 57, respectively. Thus 40% of the patients who had a less than 10% likelihood of benefit from electrophysiologic-pharmacologic study were classified into the low probability range. When the predictor function was applied prospectively to 25 additional patients, response rates in the three probability ranges were 3 (50%) of 6, 1 (12%) of 8 and 0 (0%) of 11. These data show that analysis of clinical variables can be used to estimate the probability of benefit from electrophysiologic-pharmacologic study.
Admissibility and nonlinear Volterra integral equations

Nonlinear perturbations of linear Volterra integral equations are studied in an abstract setting which contains and generalizes some earlier results on the same problem. The per- turbed problem is first written as a variation of constants equation on a Fr6chet space. It is then shown that standard fixed point theorems may be applied if the linear equation is admissible w.r.t. a Banach subspace of the Frechet space. This theory is applied to an example where L2-stability is proved.
Growth responses of mature loblolly pine to dead wood manipulations

Large-scale manipulations of dead wood in mature Pinus taeda L. stands in the southeastern United States included a major one-time input of logs (fivefold increase in log volume) created by felling trees onsite, annual removals of all dead wood above P10 cm in diameter and P60 cm in length, and a reference in which no manipulations took place. We returned over a decade later to determine how these treatments affected tree growth using increment cores. There were no significant differences in tree density, basal area or tree diameters among treatments at the time of sampling. Although tree growth was consistently higher in the log-input plots and lower in the removal plots, this was true even during the 5 year period before the experiment began. When growth data from this initial period were included in the model as a covariate, no differences in post-treatment tree growth were detected. It is possible that treatment effects will become apparent after more time has passed, however. Published by Elsevier B.V.
All Together Now: Measuring Staff Cohesion in Special Education Classrooms

This study sought to validate a new measure, the Classroom Cohesion Survey (CCS), designed to examine the relationship between teachers and classroom assistants in autism support classrooms. Teachers, classroom assistants, and external observers showed good inter-rater agreement on the CCS and good internal consistency for all scales. Simple factor structures were found for both teacher- and classroom assistant–rated scales, with one-factor solutions for both scales. Paired t tests revealed that on average, classroom assistants rated classroom cohesion stronger than teachers. The CCS may be an effective tool for measuring cohesion between classroom staff and may have an important impact on various clinical and implementation outcomes in school settings.
A simplified circuit for stimulus artifact suppression

Abstract This note describes a simple electronic method of eliminating time-locked stimulus artifacts from recordings of cerebral evoked potentials. The hardware required for a 16-channel battery-powered suppressor system costs less than $80. The complete circuit can be fabricated from readily available components on a single 6.5 × 4.5 in., 44-pin circuit board.
Sequential injection technique employed for stoichiometric studies, optimization and quantitative determination of some fluoroquinolone antibiotics complexed with iron(III) in sulfuric acid media.

Abstract A sequential injection spectrophotometric method for stoichiometric studies, optimization and quantitative determination of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin was developed. The work is based on the complexation reaction of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin with iron(III) in sulfuric acid media and a spectrophotometric measurement of absorbances of the corresponding complexes at 447 and 430 nm respectively. The stoichiometries and formation constants were determined. A 1:2 iron(III) to drug mole ratio was found to give the most predominant complexes for both drugs with 5.00 × 10 −3 M H 2 SO 4 and at 0.20 M ionic strength utilizing Job's method and the molar ratio method. A numerical method was utilized for the calculation of the formation constants, the logarithms of which were found to be 7.756 ± 0.121 and 7.839 ± 0.056, for ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin respectively. A factorial design together with the all-model-search method was utilized for the optimization of the concentration and aspiration volume of iron(III) as these were the variables which most affected peak absorbance. Working dynamic ranges of 50–500 ppm and 50–400 ppm were obtained for ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin respectively. The method was found to be suitable for the determination of these compounds in pharmaceutical preparations.
Integrin α4β7 and its counterreceptor MAdCAM-1 contribute to hematopoietic progenitor recruitment into bone marrow following transplantation

Previous studies have shown that alpha4beta1 (very late activation antigen-4 [VLA-4]) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) play a major role in hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) homing to bone marrow (BM). However, the antibody used to block VLA-4 function in the mouse (hybridoma clone PS/2) is not specific to VLA-4 but inhibits both alpha4beta1 and alpha4beta7 integrins. Here we have evaluated the contribution of alpha4beta7 in HPC homing to BM. Lineage(neg)Sca-1(pos)c-kit(pos) cells from adult mouse BM and the factor-dependent cell progenitor (FDCP)-mix progenitor cell line express similar levels of alpha4beta7 by flow cytometry. The alpha4beta7 complex was functional since the chemokine CXCL12 enhanced the adhesion of FDCP-mix to immobilized mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) and this was completely abrogated by anti-alpha4beta7 (hybridoma clone DATK32) or anti-alpha4 integrins (PS/2). BM intravital microscopy revealed that alpha4beta7 plays a predominant role in initial tethering and rolling but not in firm adhesion of FDCP-mix cells. Using homing assays, we demonstrate that alpha4beta7 on HPCs contributes to about half of all alpha4 integrin-mediated homing activity following BM transplantation. MAdCAM-1 is likely expressed since its inhibition significantly reduced HPC homing. Although there may be other alpha4beta7 integrin ligands involved (eg, fibronectin and VCAM-1), these data thus suggest that alpha4beta7 and its counterreceptor MAdCAM-1 represent a novel adhesion pathway mediating HPC homing to BM.
The effect of memory color on form identification

Previous studies have demonstrated that a form’s identity affects the phenomenal hue of that form. This effect has been attributed to the operation of the “memory color” phenomenon. The present study was proposed to assess the effect of “memory” or characteristic color on form identification. Results indicate that memory color, rather than interacting with the object in such a manner as to aid identification, induces a bias toward identification of an object of the memory color.
Comparison of three trap types for monitoring insect populations in stored grains.

Three trap types--probe, cone, and sticky--were used to monitor insect populations infesting shelled maize, Zea mays L., housed in galvanized steel storage bins. Sticky traps were suspended in the headspace 1 m above the grain mass, probe traps were inserted into the grain near the top and bottom of the grain mass, and cone traps were positioned at the surface of the grain mass. Although there was some overlap, each trap type was rather specific in the range of insect species trapped. Probe traps positioned near the grain surface trapped mostly Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), and Cynaeus angustus (LeConte); whereas those positioned near the bottom of the grain mass trapped mostly Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. Cone traps caught mostly Typhaea stercorea (L.), Cryptolestes spp., and Ahasverus advena Waltl. Sticky traps caught primarily stored-product moths [Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) and Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier)] and A. advena. In addition to catching pest species, cone traps also caught hemipteran predators and hymenopteran parasitoids, and sticky traps caught large numbers of parasitoids. Although probe traps caught smaller numbers of several pest species than cone traps, these traps generally detected the presence of these species at the same time as cone traps, in addition to trapping other species that were not detected at all in cone traps. Therefore, a combination of sticky traps in the grain bin headspace and probe traps positioned just below the grain surface is probably most efficient for monitoring the presence of pest and beneficial insect species in grain storage. If pests cannot be eliminated from the space beneath the false floor of a grain bin, probe traps set at the bottom of the grain mass should provide the best early warning of infestation by species colonizing a grain mass by this route.
Evidence that homologous X-chromosome pairing requires transcription and Ctcf protein.

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) ensures the equality of X-chromosome dosages in male and female mammals by silencing one X in the female1. To achieve the mutually exclusive designation of active X (Xa) and inactive X (Xi), the process necessitates that two Xs communicate in trans through homologous pairing2,3. Pairing depends on a 15-kb region within the genes Tsix and Xite2. Here, we dissect molecular requirements and find that pairing can be recapitulated by 1- to 2-kb subfragments of Tsix or Xite with little sequence similarity. However, a common denominator among them is the presence of the protein Ctcf, a chromatin insulator4,5,6,7 that we find to be essential for pairing. By contrast, the Ctcf-interacting partner, Yy1 (ref. 8), is not required. Pairing also depends on transcription. Transcriptional inhibition prevents new pair formation but does not perturb existing pairs. The kinetics suggest a pairing half-life of <1 h. We propose that pairing requires Ctcf binding and co-transcriptional activity of Tsix and Xite.
Extreme genome reduction in symbiotic bacteria

Since 2006, numerous cases of bacterial symbionts with extraordinarily small genomes have been reported. These organisms represent independent lineages from diverse bacterial groups. They have diminutive gene sets that rival some mitochondria and chloroplasts in terms of gene numbers and lack genes that are considered to be essential in other bacteria. These symbionts have numerous features in common, such as extraordinarily fast protein evolution and a high abundance of chaperones. Together, these features point to highly degenerate genomes that retain only the most essential functions, often including a considerable fraction of genes that serve the hosts. These discoveries have implications for the concept of minimal genomes, the origins of cellular organelles, and studies of symbiosis and host-associated microbiota.
Cross-national Distance and FDI: The Moderating Role of Host Country Local Demand

Abstract In this paper, we draw on the demand-side perspective to suggest that host country local demand influences the relationship between cross-national distance and foreign direct investment (FDI). Using FDI outflows from the United States to a cross-sectional sample of 110 host countries over the period of 2006–2011, we find that distance negatively influences FDI, largely confirming previous research. However, our results also suggest that a host country's local demand mitigates the negative relationship between geographic, cultural and administrative distance and FDI outflows, while it aggravates the negative effect of political distance on FDI.
Photoaffinity Labeling the Agonist Binding Domain of α4β4 and α4β2 Neuronal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors with [125I]Epibatidine and 5[125I]A-85380

Abstract The development of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists, particularly those that discriminate between neuronal nAChR subtypes, holds promise as potential therapeutic agents for many neurological diseases and disorders. To this end, we photoaffinity labeled human α4β2 and rat α4β4 nAChRs affinity-purified from stably transfected HEK-293 cells, with the agonists [125I]epibatidine and 5[125I]A-85380. Our results show that both agonists photoincorporated into the β4 subunit with little or no labeling of the β2 and α4 subunits respectively. [125I]epibatidine labeling in the β4 subunit was mapped to two overlapping proteolytic fragments that begin at β4V102 and contain Loop E (β4I109–P120) of the agonist binding site. We were unable to identify labeled amino acid(s) in Loop E by protein sequencing, but we were able to demonstrate that β4Q117 in Loop E is the principal site of [125I]epibatidine labeling. This was accomplished by substituting residues in the β2 subunit with the β4 homologs and finding [125I]epibatidine labeling in β4 and β2F119Q subunits with little, if any, labeling in α4, β2, or β2S113R subunits. Finally, functional studies established that the β2F119/β4Q117 position is an important determinant of the receptor subtype-selectivity of the agonist 5I-A-85380, affecting both binding affinity and channel activation.
Mathematical formulation of the potato peeler perspective

In parallel beam computed tomography, the measured projections at conjugate views are mathematically identical. This symmetry can be exploited for either reducing the scanning angle, or the size of the detector arrays. In single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), because the gamma-rays in the conjugate views suffer different photon attenuation, the measured projections at conjugate views are generally different. Therefore, it had been often considered that projections over 360 degrees and the whole detector face are required for exactly reconstructing the distributions of gamma-ray emitters. In the case of uniform attenuation, it has been shown that redundant information in the sinogram can be exploited to perform reconstruction from short-scan data. For the case of non-uniform attenuation we have recently proposed the "potato-peeler" perspective to reveal redundant information in the sinogram data, and that only "half-data" is needed to reconstruct a unique image. In this work, we present a preliminary investigation on the extension of the mathematical formulation of the potato-peeler perspective to cases when there are a finite number of discontinuities in the activity distribution.
Bayesian parallel Imaging with edge-preserving priors

Existing parallel MRI methods are limited by a fundamental trade-off in that suppressing noise introduces aliasing artifacts. Bayesian methods with an appropriately chosen image prior offer a promising alternative; however, previous methods with spatial priors assume that intensities vary smoothly over the entire image, resulting in blurred edges. Here we introduce an edge-preserving prior (EPP) that instead assumes that intensities are piecewise smooth, and propose a new approach to efficiently compute its Bayesian estimate. The estimation task is formulated as an optimization problem that requires a non-convex objective function to be minimized in a space with thousands of dimensions. As a result, traditional continuous minimization methods cannot be applied. This optimization task is closely related to some problems in the field of computer vision for which discrete optimization methods have been developed in the last few years. We adapt these algorithms, which are based on graph cuts, to address our optimization problem. The results of several parallel imaging experiments on brain and torso regions performed under challenging conditions with high acceleration factors are shown and compared with the results of conventional sensitivity encoding (SENSE) methods. An empirical analysis indicates that the proposed method visually improves overall quality compared to conventional methods.
Exploring Intimate Partner Violence Status Among Male Veterans and Associated Health Outcomes

The World Health Organization has identified intimate partner violence (IPV) as a public health issue affecting both men and women, though significantly more information is available regarding female victimization. This study examines IPV through the lens of male victimization, focusing on a comparison of physical and mental health consequences among men who are and are not military veterans. Results from a secondary analysis of data from the Behavior Risk Factor Survey taken by 13,765 males indicated that all males, regardless of veteran status, should be screened for IPV victimization given the prevalence reported in this sample (9.5% to 12.5%). Furthermore, it was found that veteran status did affect prevalence of particular health consequences, such as depression, smoking, and binge drinking. Based on the specific comparisons examined in this study, implications for Veteran's Administration Health Services are discussed, as is the need for more research on IPV victimization rates for men and the particular health consequences that they suffer.
Nationalism and ethnicity

Neither nationalism nor ethnicity is vanishing as part of an obsolete traditional order. Both are part of a modern set of categorical identities invoked by elites and other participants in political and social struggles. These categorical identities also shape everyday life, offering both tools for grasping pre-existing homogeneity and difference and for constructing specific versions of such identities. While it is impossible to dissociate nationalism entirely from ethnicity, it is equally impossible to explain it simply as a continuation of ethnicity or a simple reflection of common history or language. Numerous dimensions of modern social and cultural change, notably state building (along with war and colonialism), individualism, and the integration of large-scale webs of indirect relationships also serve to make both nationalism and ethnicity salient. Nationalism, in particular, remains the pre-eminent rhetoric for attempts to demarcate political communities, claim rights of self-determination and leg...