cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Newborn Iodine Status Is Not Related to Congenital Hypothyroidism.

Background Severe iodine deficiency or excess during pregnancy can cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Iodine deficiency is common in pregnant women in the United States. Objectives We conducted a nested case-control study in a cohort of ∼2.5 million births in California to determine whether iodine status is related to CH in a US population. Methods Dried blood spots from 907 newborns with CH identified by newborn screening and 909 unaffected controls matched by month of birth were obtained from the California Newborn Screening Program to measure whole-blood iodine concentration. Iodine status was compared between cases and controls, and logistic regression was used to assess the association between CH status and blood iodine concentrations. Iodine status was also compared between cases and controls among infants treated in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) because CH has been reported in infants exposed to high levels of iodine in the NICU. Results Blood iodine concentrations did not differ significantly between cases (median: 20.0 ng/mL; IQR: 12.1-29.8 ng/mL) and controls (median: 20.3 ng/mL; IQR: 12.5-30.9 ng/mL; P = 0.59). Neither extremely high nor extremely low blood iodine concentrations (1st, 5th, 95th, and 99th percentiles of the distribution) were more common in cases. Among infants treated in NICUs, however, cases had significantly (P = 0.01) higher iodine (median: 22.7 ng/mL; IQR: 16.4-32.1 ng/mL) compared with controls (median: 17.3 ng/mL; IQR: 8.3-26.6 ng/mL). Conclusions CH cases did not have significantly higher or lower iodine in this population, which is reassuring given that maternal iodine deficiency is common in the United States. Among newborns in the NICU, CH cases had higher blood iodine concentrations compared with controls, suggesting that excess iodine exposure in the NICU could be causing CH. It may be beneficial to monitor iodine exposure from surgical procedures, imaging, and iodine-containing disinfectants and to consider non-iodine alternatives.
The occurrence of Hg, Se, S, Ni, Cr, and Th in Talc Ore: A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study of historical samples from the Willow Creek Mine, Montana

Abstract Due to short timeframes over which small-scale talc mines operate (approximately 1 to 10 years), detailed characterization of their mineralogy and geochemistry in the peer-reviewed literature is limited. Investigation of sample 1497 of the Willow Creek Mine, Montana by scanning electron microscopy using back scatter detection (SEM-BSD) indicates a complex minor mineral assemblage. Hg-Se-S minerals are associated with graphite whereas Zn-Cr-Ni minerals and Th minerals are dispersed in the talc matrix. Notably, Hg, Se, Zn, Cr, and Ni are of human health concern. Minerals with these elements are ~ 20 to 0.4 µm in diameter, and all have examples in the PM10 or PM2.5 size fraction. These minerals would likely not be separated out during processing of talc ore and would be inhalable. Results indicate a need for detailed SEM-BSD investigations of historic talc products from the Willow Creek Mine and for investigating ore from similar settings in Montana.
Moral Relativists Resist Health Mandates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract In a study of US residents during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, their moral judgments of noncompliance with health mandates predicted their failure to comply with these health-promoting guidelines (r = +0.87, n = 303). Moreover, and consistent with ethics position theory (Forsyth, 2020), moral relativism predicted both moral judgments of noncompliance and noncompliance itself, and these relationships remained significant when controlling for other factors, such as political orientation and race. Moral beliefs that emphasized minimizing harm to others (idealism), in contrast, were not associated with compliance. These findings are both empirically noteworthy and practically significant: (a) they affirm the close connections among moral personality, moral judgment, and individuals' actions in morally turbulent situations and (b) suggest moral framings will strengthen the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns.
Perceived Social Status and Suicidal Ideation in Maltreated Children and Adolescents.

Recent decades have seen an alarming increase in rates of suicide among young people, including children and adolescents (“youth”). Although child maltreatment constitutes a well-established risk factor for suicidal ideation in youth, few efforts have focused on identifying factors associated with maltreated youths’ increased risk for suicidal ideation, especially across development. The present study examined the relations between maltreated youths' (N = 279, M = 12.06 years, 52% female, 53% Latinx) perceptions of their social status and suicidal ideation and compared those relations between pre-adolescents and adolescents. Findings revealed unique developmental patterns: Perceived social status was associated with suicidal ideation, but only in adolescents, who showed greater risk for suicidal ideation if they viewed themselves as lower ranked in society and lower risk for suicidal ideation if they viewed themselves as higher ranked in society. Findings have implications for scientific and practical efforts aimed at better understanding and preventing suicide in a high-risk developmental population.
Starters and Finishers: Predicting Next Assignment Completion From Student Behavior During Math Problem Solving

A substantial amount of research has been conducted by the educational data mining community to track and model learning. Previous work in modeling student knowledge has focused on predicting student performance at the problem level. While informative, problem-to-problem predictions leave little time for interventions within the system and relatively no time for human interventions. As such, modeling student performance at higher levels, such as by assignment, may provide a better opportunity to develop and apply learning interventions preemptively to remedy gaps in student knowledge. We aim to identify assignment-level features that predict whether or a not a student will finish their next homework assignment once started. We employ logistic regression models to test which features best predict whether a student will be a “starter” or a “finisher” on the next assignment.
Use of Vollenweider-OECD Modeling to Evaluate Aquatic Ecosystem Functioning

The Vollenweider-Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) models are statistical relationships that describe the functioning of aquatic ecosystems in the use of aquatic plant nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) for the production of planktonic algae. These models were developed on the basis of data from several hundred bodies of water throughout the world; those discussed herein define the relationships between normalized phosphorus loads to lakes and reservoirs and the planktonic algal chlorophyll, algal productivity, algal-related water clarity, hypolimnetic oxygen depletion rate, and fish yield. Guidance is provided on the use of these relationships for assessing the overall functioning of an aquatic ecosystem.
Narrative methods in collaborative systems research

There have been numerous calls to incorporate narrative more explicitly into social science methods. Towards that end, this paper identifies a range of choices concerning the analysis of narrative data. I argue that preserving the most basic features of narrative (sequential structure) is helpful, but that incorporating more aspects of narrative (such as the focal actor(s), narrative voice, and evaluative context) creates some interesting possibilities in the area of collaborative systems research.
Experiences with virtualization technology in education

This paper describes how virtualization technology was used to facilitate the teaching of three classes and presents heuristic results describing when certain technologies were preferred over others.
Síntesis y caracterización de oligosilanos complejos en el sistema pentametilciclopentadienil dicarbonilo de fierro: [η5-C5(CH3)5]Fe(CO)2Sin(Sin = SiMe3; Si2Me5; Si3Me7; y 2-Si3Me7)

En este trabajo se presentan la sintesis y caracterizacion por resonancia magnetica nuclear de proton, carbono-13 y silicio-29, asi como por espectroscopia infrarroja y cristalografia de rayos-X de los complejos en el sistema [η5-C5(CH3)5]Fe(CO)2Sin (Sin = SiMe3; Si2Me5; Si2Me7 y 2-Si3Me7). Se compara la geometria molecular de estos complejos con estructuras similares en el sistema indenil dicarbonilo de fierro. Se encontro que el mayor poder donador de densidad electronica y mayor tamano del grupo pentametilciclopentadienil respecto al indenil no son factor determinante en la naturaleza del enlace Fe-Si en estos compuestos
Marginalized Youth, Delinquency, and Education: The Need for Critical-Interpretive Research

There is a lack of critical, interpretive research on marginalized youths' schooling experiences. There is a significant need for research that furthers theoretical and empirical understanding of how these youths experience school. I posit that a specific type of critical, interpretive research is required in order to understand and improve the educational experiences of marginalized youths. This paper argues that the vast majority of current delinquency and education research, while providing important and useful information, is limited by its adherence to the positivist paradigm and quantitative methods. I suggest that researchers must critically investigate schooling objectives and processes to explore how the educational system may be implicated in reproducing marginalized youths' academic failure and delinquency. Such critical research would investigate how the substantive content and processes of schools correspond with students' everyday lives and values. Such an approach will enable us to learn how to make “better” schools that serve marginalized youths and create more effective learning environments.
Foreseeing the Unforeseen through Collaborative Self-Study by a Teacher Educator and Two Teacher Candidates

This article reports the collaborative self-study of a teacher educator and two teacher candidates, focusing on the unforeseen negativity of experiences encountered by the three researchers in both a university methods course and student teaching settings. The implication of this study helped the researchers foresee new hypothetical learning trajectories for their respective students. Throughout the study, the university teacher educator and two teacher candidates tried to maintain a collegial relationship while analyzing their teaching and learning experiences. The researchers analyzed the effectiveness of their mathematics teaching strategies over an extended period of time. The changing roles of the researchers throughout the study encouraged them to examine not only their own teaching processes but also those of the other researchers. As critical colleagues they positioned themselves in different contexts. This study generates several insights for the improvement of the researchers' future teaching pr...
Pediatric Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are among the most common kinds of cancer in childhood. This chapter introduces the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the most common kinds of pediatric brain tumors. We also describe common complications that can arise from tumors or during treatment. Treatment requires a team effort between several different professionals including doctors, nurses, case managers and child life specialists. Several treatment options are available, and will vary in each individual case. We also discuss frequently asked questions, and provide a glossary of common terms.
The Multifaceted Relationship Between Physical Activity and Affect

The purpose of the present paper is to provide a summary of scientific findings on the relationship between physical activity (PA) and affect. We provide separate narrative reviews of (a) the association between PA and well-being in the general population; (b) PA as a prophylactic and/or treatment for clinical depression; and (c) immediate affective response to individual PA sessions and the implications for adherence to PA programs. Findings suggest an association between engaging in regular PA and more positive well-being, decreased risk of future depression, and reduction of depressed mood among those who are already depressed. However, despite the fairly strong evidence for these associations, there is less evidence for causal effects of PA on well-being and depression. Individual sessions of PA generally result in positive shifts in affective valence from pre-PA to post-PA, but during PA, affective response is intensity-dependent, with considerable variability for moderate intensity PA. In sum, despite the “physical activity feels good” narrative often portrayed in the popular media, the relationship between PA and affect is complex and multifaceted.
BiCMOS Devices and RF Integrated Circuits

In this article, BiCMOS technology development focusing on the most recent achievements of SiGe BiCMOS technology is reviewed first. Several important figures of merit of SiGe device for RFIC designers such as fT, fmax, BVCEO (collector–emitter breakdown voltage with an open base), and NFmin are studied in detail. We begin with the stringent system requirements of typical modern wireless communication standards. Commercial available technology options for RFIC are compared according to performance, power consumption, level of integration, and cost with special emphasis on GaAs, RF CMOS, and SiGe BiCMOS. Passive devices are also explored with respect to their impacts on RFIC design. The design of key wireless system building blocks is investigated. Recently reported results of SiGe BiCMOS low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs) and integrated voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) are reviewed. Finally, future trends of RF integrated system adopting SiGe BiCMOS technology are discussed. Keywords: BiCMOS, SiGe HBT, RFIC
An Interpretation of the WC Stars

I wish to draw your attention to a (quite unexpected) property of the WC binaries. I believe that it gives us a clue to one of the parameters that controls the subclasses of the WR stars.
The MACH Model: from competencies to instruction and performance of the public health workforce.

In A National Public Health Strategy for Terrorism Preparedness and Response 2003–2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlined the 11 imperatives for preventing death, disability, disease, and injury associated with urgent health threats.1 Imperative five, Competent and Sustainable Workforce, identifies four critical objectives: (1) increase the number and type of professionals who comprise a preparedness and response workforce; (2) deliver certification and competency-based training and education; (3) recruit and retain the highest quality workforce; and (4) evaluate the impact of training to ensure learning has occurred. The plan states: “Challenges that exist … include defining the role of certification, practicing quality assurance and performance measurement, developing customized standard competencies …”1 The MACH (Miner, Alperin, Cioffi, and Hunt) Model, developed at the Rollins School of Public Health, serves as a logic map that describes the associations among the objectives and challenges within this imperative. The MACH Model places into context the organizational and instructional theories that underpin workforce preparation and practice. It also accounts for the two general types of needs within public health: those of the employee with skill deficits for specific tasks, which can be met through training or other expert systems; and those of the institution with deficiencies in the work environment, which can be met through management practices and organizational priorities.
Ancestral Rites and Political Authority in Late Imperial China: Chen Hongmou in Jiangxi

In 1742, Jiangxi Governor Chen Hongmou (1696-1771) undertook an experiment to grant lineage headmen (zuzhang and zuzheng) considerable judicial and disciplinary powers over their kinsmen, to be exercised in conjunction with their officiating over the sacrificial rites at the ancestral temple (zongsi). Chen was broadly regarded, both in his day and after, as a model provincial governor and an exemplar of the style of governance known asjingshi (ordering the world, or, more loosely, "statecraft"), and this action in 1742 seems to have been seen fairly quickly as a touchstone for his overall political approach. In this article, I want to look not only at Chen's initiative itself but also at the creative way his experiment was read by later figures in the Qing statecraft tradition. What I hope this will illuminate is the seductive appeals and practical limitations of the ideology of governance through "natural" local elites and, still more generally, the enduring tension between family and state in late imperial Chinese history.
Parallel Dispatch Queue: a queue-based programming abstraction to parallelize fine-grain communication protocols

This paper proposes a novel queue-based programming abstraction, Parallel Dispatch Queue (PDQ), that enables efficient parallel execution of fine-grain software communication protocols. Parallel systems often use fine-grain software handlers to integrate a network message into computation. Executing such handlers in parallel requires access synchronization around resources. Much as a monitor construct in a concurrent language protects accesses to a set of data structures, PDQ allows messages to include a synchronization key protecting handler accesses to a group of protocol resources. By simply synchronizing messages in a queue prior to dispatch, PDQ not only eliminates the overhead of acquiring/releasing synchronization primitives but also prevents busy-waiting within handlers. In this paper, we study PDQ's impact on software protocol performance in the context of fine-grain distributed shared memory (DSM) on an SMP cluster. Simulation results running shared-memory applications indicate that: (i) parallel software protocol execution using PDQ significantly improves performance in fine-grain DSM, (ii) tight integration of PDQ and embedded processors into a single custom device can offer performance competitive or better than an all-hardware DSM, and (iii) PDQ best benefits cost-effective systems that use idle SMP processors (rather than custom embedded processors) to execute protocols. On a cluster of 4 16-way SMPs, a PDQ-based parallel protocol running on idle SMP processors improves application performance by a factor of 2.6 over a system running a serial protocol on a single dedicated processor.
Instantaneous Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (iSLIM)

We developed Instantaneous Spatial Light Interference Microscopy (iSLIM) as white light-based quantitative phase imaging method, which provides single-shot, speckle-free imaging at different colors (RGB) simultaneously. It is implemented as add-on module to phase contrast microscope.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting with application of postoperative continuous positive airway pressure after laparoscopic gastric bypass.

This study was performed to assess postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) with application of postoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The anesthesia database was searched for patients who underwent RYGB for 5 years. Three hundred fifty-six patients met the inclusive criteria. Wilcoxon two-sample rank test, Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the data and identify the potential factors. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The overall incidence of the PONV (nausea or emesis or both) was 42%during the first 24 h postoperatively. Thirty-six percent and 35% in CPAP and no-CPAP groups respectively had reported nausea in postanesthesia care unit (PACU). There was no difference between groups (p > 0.05). There was a less frequent occurrence of emesis in both groups. The incidence of emesis in PACU was 19% in CPAP group and 17% in no-CPAP group (p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences of PONV in postoperative 24 h could be shown between the groups (p > 0.05). The postoperative hypertension occurred more often and intravenous antihypertensive medications were required more in no-CPAP patients (p = 0.013). More patients in no-CPAP group developed oxygenation disturbances (p = 0.012).The mean length of PACU stay was significantly longer in this group (p = 0.029). Reintubation and intensive care unit admission occurred more frequently in no-CPAP patients; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no significantly increased risk of PONV with the use of postoperative CPAP. We recommend the routine use of postoperative CPAP for patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing RYGB to optimize their respiratory function.
Inhibition of the neutrophil oxidative burst and degranulation by phenothiazines.

Abstract Trifluoperazine inhibits superoxide production and O 2 uptake by guinea pig neutrophils incubated with arachidonic acid, N-formylmethionylphenylalanine, digitonin or ionophore A23187, with IC 50 values of 7–37uM. Since this inhibition is produced by concentrations of trifluoperazine which inhibit interaction of calmodulin with proteins, we examined the effects of two other phenothiazines which interact less effectively with calmodulin. Chlorpromazine, promethazine and trifluoperazine all inhibit N-formylmethionylphenylalanine-stimulated superoxide production with similar efficiency. Furthermore, degranulation stimulated by A23187 or N-formylmethionylphenylalanine is inhibited similarly by all three phenothiazines with IC 50 values of 18–45 uM. These results are consistent with the suggestion that phenothiazines may inhibit neutrophil function as a result of non-specific interactions with the cells' membranes rather than by specific interaction with calmodulin.
The single prostacyclin receptor of gel-filtered platelets provides a correlation with antiaggregatory potency of PGI2 mimics

Abstract Gel-filtered human platelets (GFP) display only a single binding site for [ 3 H]-PGI 2 : K D =61nM, 234 fmol/10 8 platelets (1410 sites/platelet). Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) displays the same receptor density but the K D value increases to 123 nM due to protein binding of PGI 2 which lowers its effective concentration. The [ 3 H]-PGI 2 /GFP binding assay has been used to evaluate the molecular basis of aggregation inhibition for prostacyclin analogs and mimics, three PGE type structures, and PGD 2 . Antiaggregatory IC 50 s and radioligand binding IC 50 s correlate for PGE 2 , E 1 and six PGI 2 analogs. PGD 2 , and to a lesser extent 6-oxo-PGE 1 , display greater antiaggregatory potency than expected based on PGI 2 -binding site affinity data.
Large momentum transfer production of direct photons, jets, and particles

The theoretical framework for describing the production of direct photons in hadronic collisions is reviewed. A detailed comparison between the theoretical predictions and existing data is presented along with a critical evaluation of the various sources of theoretical uncertainty. The information available from direct-photon experiments is contrasted with that learned from jet or single-hadron production. Prospects for new types of measurements in future experiments are also presented.
Plasmon hybridization in nanoapertures for development of an efficient nanoantenna array

Extraordinary optical transmission through nanoholes has recently taken much interest for its promise to a wide range of applications. Enhancement of non-linear optical phenomena and the development of sensitive biosensors are among the leading ones. As a result of recent studies on the subject, it is now widely accepted that either the non-trivial interaction of the localized and extended surface plasmons or only the localized surface plasmons (for direct transmissions) are responsible from the extra-ordinary light transmission effect. On the other hand, there is little conceptual understanding for controlling the localized surface plasmonic behavior of the individual apertures and their coupling to the extended surface plasmons. In this letter, an intuitive and straightforward picture of the extra-ordinary light transmission phenomena is developed using basic antenna principles for the elementary plasmonic excitations and hybridization of these plasmonic excitations in complex nano-apertures. As an example, the model is successfully applied to explain the experimentally observed plasmonic response of the complex rectangular coaxial apertures. Experimentally measured red-shifting of the plasmonic resonances of the rectangular coaxial-apertures with respect to those of the simple rectangular aperture arrays are successfully described and the asymmetric nature of the plasmonic resonances are explained in relation to strong shape anisotropies. Further enhancement of the extra-ordinary light transmission is also predicted by the model and experimentally demonstrated by using rectangular coaxial aperture arrays as a result of significantly larger net dipole moment in the apertures. Model is also verified by rigorous 3D-FDTD calculations.
The ever-elusive liberal education.

“Why is a liberal education so elusive?” asks Timothy Goldsmith (Editorial, 13 Sept., p. [1769][1]). His answer is that science teaching is being shortchanged in favor of scientific research. But is “the disjunction between scientific consensus and political will on issues as diverse as stem
Increased Expression of Membrane-Type Matrix Metalloproteinase and Preferential Localization of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 to the Neointima of Balloon-Injured Rat Carotid Arteries

Background—Remodeling of the injured vascular wall is dependent on the action of several extracellular proteases. Previous studies have shown that expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) is upregulated after vascular injury and that MMP-2 is required for the migration of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells across complex extracellular matrix barriers. The present study examined changes in the expression of membrane-type metalloproteinase (MT–MMP-1), a putative regulator of MMP-2, in the tissue localization of MMP-2, and in the expression of activated and latent forms of MMP-2 and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, TIMP-2, in rat carotid arteries subjected to balloon catheter injury. Methods and Results—MT–MMP-1 mRNA levels increased sixfold after 3 days of injury, coinciding with an increase in MMP-2 activation assessed by gelatin zymography. Western blotting and gelatin zymography showed an increase in MMP-2 protein levels beginning 5 to 7 days after injury; immunocytochemist...
Ultraviolet weathering of HDPE/wood-flour composites coextruded with a clear HDPE cap layer

This study examined the effect coextruding a clear HDPE cap layer onto HDPE/wood-flour composites has on the discoloration of coextruded composites exposed to accelerated UV tests. Chroma meter, FTIRATR, XPS, SEM, and UV vis measurements accounted for the analysis of discoloration, functional groups, and degree of oxidation of both uncapped (control) and coextruded composites before and after UV exposures. Two separate discoloration characteristics occurred in the discoloration of composites. For uncapped WPCs (control), chemical changes due to photooxidation resulted in darkening followed by physical changes, including loss of colored wood components from the surface, as well as increased roughness on the surface, which led to lightening of WPCs. By contrast, because a hydrophobic cap layer prevented the loss of colored components from the surface, coextruding a clear hydrophobic HDPE cap layer over WPCs significantly decreased the discoloration during the weathering process. Photooxidation of wood components at the interface accounted for the discoloration of coextruded WPCs before the failure of cap layer. Moreover, as the cap layer absorbed a specified amount of UV light and reduced oxygen available to interface, it decreased the photooxidation rate at the interface compared to that at the WPCs surface.
A modification of the rapid glyoxylic acid technique permits visualization of serotonergic and hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons.

Abstract The rapidity, simplicity, and reproducibility of the rapid glyoxylic acid technique (SPG) has made it the method of choice for many investigators interested in the histofluorescence of CNS catecholamine systems. Unfortunately, the serotonergic system and the dopaminergic hypothalamic cell groups are poorly visualized with this method. Using intraventricular colchicine pretreatment, reliable visualization of these systems can be obtained. The serotonergic fluorescence seen with colchicine administration is augmented by l -tryptophan pretreatment and diminished by pretreatment with para-chlorophenylalanine, a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor. It is relatively resistant to fading under ultra-violet illumination and photographs can be taken up to 4 weeks after the sections have been processed. Visualization of dopaminergic, hypothalamic neurons as well as visualization of the dendritic fields of all catecholaminergic neurons is comparable to that obtained with tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytohistochemistry.
Computing labs and technology classroom (CLTC) initiative: a model for distributed support

DePauw University is a small, liberal arts institution with 2200 undergraduate residential students and 222 faculty members, located in Greencastle, Indiana. The challenges of supporting a campus with multiple and diverse facilities are further amplified by limited staff support resources. One of the strategies for addressing these challenges led to the formation of the Computing Labs and Technology Classrooms (CLTC) initiative. The CLTC recognizes and draws on the strengths of support specialists with a wide variety of professional training and experience, who regularly collaborate in the support and management of campus-wide labs and technology classrooms.The veritable explosion of new technologies presents its own fiscal challenges. As with many other institutions, our financial ability to hire enough staff with the requisite skills to fulfill the ever-increasing support requests is very limited. In an effort to address these concerns, a committee was formed of individuals active in supporting technology in their respective disciplines.The committee includes faculty members, technical and administrative support specialists, instructional technologist, a graphic artist and the director of Instructional Media Services. Their individual support perspectives combine to provide a broad understanding that enriches and increases each committee member's ability to provide support at all levels. In addition to the focus on support, the CLTC initiative has also provided a forum for collaborative work on budgets, policy and planning.In this paper, four committee members describe the CLTC initiative and the distributed support model developed at DePauw University, along with its impact on labs, technology classrooms and the broader campus community.
Regional HIV/AIDS Information Environments and Information Acquisition Success

Although health information is widely available, information acquisition patterns may vary according to where one lives. Using Lievrouw's 2001 information environments IE theory, this mixed methods study compares three regional HIV/AIDS information environments in rural Canada. In accordance with IE theory, findings showed regional variation in institutional aspects of HIV/AIDS information environments: health institution service models; resource munificence and technology use; and some measures of social engagement and source availability. Differences were also present in the personal/relational aspects of environments: information network characteristics and levels of interpersonal interaction. However, in divergence from IE theory, regional success rates for answering HIV/AIDS-related questions were similar 86.26–89.34 percent. Furthermore, individual-level factors were more important than network position in predicting participants’ success rates. Yet, in line with IE theory, there were regional differences in the barriers that people affected by HIV/AIDS faced when seeking answers to their questions. These unaddressed barriers suggest that further development of IE theory requires incorporation of institutional capacity: provider knowledge, responsiveness, and service availability.
Optimization of InGaP metamorphic buffers grown by MOVPE

Abstract Inverted metamorphic multijunction solar cells have shown high solar conversion efficiencies and utilized InGaP based metamorphic (MM) buffers to change the lattice constant using compositional graded buffer layers while minimizing dislocation density in the final material layers. In this study, optimization of InGaP metamorphic buffers was done by systematically exploring key metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) growth conditions and the MM buffer epitaxial stack structure. To optimize MOVPE growth parameters, growth temperature and V/III ratio were varied during the growth of a standard MM buffer test structure and the final InGaP buffer layer was characterized by photoluminescence, X-ray reciprocal space maps, atomic force microscope, cathodoluminesence, and ex situ bow measurements. The in situ measurement of wafer curvature was also monitored during MM buffer layer growth. Evaluation of material characterization data provided optimized growth conditions for the InGaP based MM buffer. The second part of this study evaluated the actual layer thickness and number of compositional graded steps in a MM buffer. Our results showed that in situ deflectometer measurements of the wafer curvature of the MM buffer layer can be correlated to ex situ determined strain relaxation of the final buffer layer of the MM buffer. Process optimization tests showed a growth temperature of 580 °C with a V/III ratio of 37 provided for the best surface roughness, highest PL intensity and also allowed for low dislocation defect density of the final buffer layer. Using the optimized growth conditions, further optimization of the step grade layers showed that a 350 nm thick grade layer for a six step layer MM buffer for a final buffer composition targeted for In0.8Ga0.2P provided the best surface roughness and 100% final buffer relaxation.
Distinctive G Protein-Dependent Signaling by Protease-Activated Receptor 2 (PAR2) in Smooth Muscle: Feedback Inhibition of RhoA by cAMP-Independent PKA

We examined expression of protease-activated receptors 2 (PAR2) and characterized their signaling pathways in rabbit gastric muscle cells. The PAR2 activating peptide SLIGRL (PAR2-AP) stimulated Gq, G13, Gi1, PI hydrolysis, and Rho kinase activity, and inhibited cAMP formation. Stimulation of PI hydrolysis was partly inhibited in cells expressing PAR2 siRNA, Gaq or Gai minigene and in cells treated with pertussis toxin, and augmented by expression of dominant negative regulator of G protein signaling (RGS4(N88S)). Stimulation of Rho kinase activity was abolished by PAR-2 or Ga13 siRNA, and by Ga13 minigene. PAR2-AP induced a biphasic contraction; initial contraction was selectively blocked by the inhibitor of PI hydrolysis (U73122) or MLC kinase (ML-9), whereas sustained contraction was selectively blocked by the Rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632). PAR2-AP induced phosphorylation of MLC20, MYPT1 but not CPI-17. PAR2-AP also caused a decrease in the association of NF-kB and PKA catalytic subunit: the effect of PAR2-AP was blocked by PAR2 siRNA or phosphorylation-deficient RhoA (RhoA(S188A)). PAR2-AP-induced degradation of IkBa and activation of NF-kB were abolished by the blockade of RhoA activity by Clostridium botulinum C3 exoenzyme suggesting RhoA-dependent activation of NF-kB. PAR2-AP-stimulated Rho kinase activity was significantly augmented by the inhibitors of PKA (myristoylated PKI), IKK2 (IKKIV) or NF-kB (MG132), and in cells expressing dominant negative mutants of IKK (IKK(K44A), IkBa (IkBa (S32A/S36A)) or RhoA(S188A), suggesting feedback inhibition of Rho kinase activity via PKA derived from NF-kB pathway. PAR2-AP induced phosphorylation of RhoA and the phosphorylation was attenuated in cells expressing phosphorylation-deficient RhoA(S188A). Our results identified signaling pathways activated by PAR2 to mediate smooth muscle contraction and a novel pathway for feedback inhibition of PAR2-stimulated RhoA. The pathway involves activation of the NF-kB to release catalytic subunit of PKA from its binding to IkBa and phosphorylation of RhoA at Ser(188).
de Haas van Alphen Effect in Zinc Manganese Alloys

Observations of the long period de Haas van Alphen effect in pure zinc and in a zinc alloy containing 0.01 at.% manganese have been made to determine whether the Fermi surface of the alloy changes in the temperature region where the zinc manganese alloy exhibits an electrical resistance minimum. On the basis of a nearly free electron interpretation it has been shown that: (i) Within the experimental error the Fermi surface of pure zinc and the 0.01 at.% zinc manganese alloy are identical. (ii) The number of electrons added or subtracted from the conduction band on alloying cannot be greater than 1 electron per impurity atom. (iii) If the resistance minimum is due to a change in the density of states in the conduction band, this change is less than 0.0015%. (iv) If the ionic state of the manganese ions changes in the temperature range of the resistance minimum, then less than half of the ions are involved. In order to obtain a consistent interpretation of the variation of the amplitude of the de Haas van Alphen oscillations in the alloy it was necessary to assume that the collision damping (Dingle) factor varies with magnetic field. A simple extension of the Schmitt scattering model [R. W. Schmitt, Phys. Rev. 103, 83 (1956)] would predict this behavior both for the relaxation time derived from magnetoresistance and the de Haas van Alphen effect.
Falls associated with lower-extremity-nerve blocks: a pilot investigation of mechanisms.

Objective Documented falls after lower-extremity–nerve blocks are rare. We believe this paucity of documented falls is the result of underreporting and the lack of serious complications resulting from these falls. In addition, the mechanism(s) for falls after lower-extremity–nerve blocks has not been elucidated. Case Reports These reports highlight the mechanism of fall in a patient with a femoral-nerve block (FNB) and in a patient with a femoral-nerve and sciatic-nerve block (FNB/SNB). In addition, we report our findings when volunteers underwent FNB, sciatic-nerve block (SNB) and FNB/SNB and were studied in a gait-analysis laboratory. Conclusions Lower-extremity–nerve blocks result in decreased leg stiffness and lateral instability, which may lead to difficulty with pivoting maneuvers.
A fully automated plasma protein precipitation sample preparation method for LC-MS/MS bioanalysis.

This report describes the development and validation of a robust robotic system that fully integrates all peripheral devices needed for the automated preparation of plasma samples by protein precipitation. The liquid handling system consisted of a Tecan Freedom EVO® 200 liquid handling platform equipped with an 8-channel liquid handling arm, two robotic plate-handling arms, and two plate shakers. Important additional components integrated into the platform were a robotic temperature-controlled centrifuge, a plate sealer, and a plate seal piercing station. These enabled unattended operation starting from a stock solution of the test compound, a set of test plasma samples and associated reagents. The stock solution of the test compound was used to prepare plasma calibration and quality control samples. Once calibration and quality control samples were prepared, precipitation of plasma proteins was achieved by addition of three volumes of acetonitrile. Integration of the peripheral devices allowed automated sequential completion of the centrifugation, plate sealing, piercing and supernatant transferral steps. The method produced a sealed, injection-ready 96-well plate of plasma extracts. Accuracy and precision of the automated system were satisfactory for the intended use: intra-day and the inter-day precision were excellent (C.V. < 5%), while the intra-day and inter-day accuracies were acceptable (relative error < 8%). The flexibility of the platform was sufficient to accommodate pharmacokinetic studies of different numbers of animals and time points. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first complete automation of the protein precipitation method for plasma sample analysis.
Periodic coexistence in the chemostat with three species competing for three essential resources.

Abstract A chemostat model of three species of microorganisms competing for three essential, growth-limiting nutrients is considered. J. Husiman and F.J. Weissing [Nature 402 (1999) 407] show numerically that this model can generate periodic oscillations. The present contribution is concerned with rigorous analysis regarding the existence of periodic oscillations in this model. Our analysis is based on the following observation made by Huisman and Weissing: there is a cyclic replacement of species, if each species becomes limited by the resource for which it is the intermediate competitor. Using a permanence theory, an index theory, and a Poincare–Bendixson theory for three-dimensional competitive systems, we analytically succeed to give sufficient conditions for the existence of periodic orbits in the limit sets in this model. The results in this paper suggest that with a wide range of parameter values, sustained periodic oscillations of species abundances for the model are possible, without involving external disturbances. Our results also suggest that competition is not necessarily destructive, i.e., in the case of existence of sustained periodic oscillations, if one of three competitors is absent, one of the other two rivals cannot survive.
A novel splice site mutation in EYA4 causes DFNA10 hearing loss (Am J Med Genet 143(14): 1599–1604)

In the above referenced article, the restriction digest we reported to test the CEPH control patients does not correctly identify the disease-causing variant. To address this mistake, we have screened 160 CEPH control chromosomes by DHPLC and direct sequencing. In brief, we amplified the EYA4 gene using gene-specific primers as described previously [Wayne et al., 2001] ((forward, 50-cttcaagcatggtaacaagc-3 (intron 14)0; reverse, 50-gtgcaaaactccacagcc-30 (exon 15))). A standard PCR protocol was used with Tm1⁄4 538C. All amplicons were pooled post-PCR and heteroduplexes were formed by denaturing at 958C for 5 min in a thermal cycler and cooling at a rate of 18C/min to room temperature. DHPLC analysis of each amplicon was performed at three different temperatures. The analysis was conducted using Navigator Software (Transgenomic, Omaha, NE) to estimate optimal temperature, run time, and acetonitrile gradient. The best predicted temperature was then bracketed by 28C to optimize sensitivity. In addition, direct sequencing was completed with a BigDye v3.1 Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Sequenced products were read using an ABI 3730s Sequencer (PerkinElmer, Waltham, MA), and chromatograms were compared to published cDNA sequence using Sequencher v4.5 (Gene Code Corp., Ann Arbor, MI). The ca. 1282-12T>A alteration was not observed in any control 160 chromosomes. These data support our conclusion that the variant we have reported is a disease-causing allele for DFNA10.
The school psychologist as a behavior management consultant in a special class setting

Abstract The efficacy of the consultant's role in dealing with problems in large special classes and the value of introducing operant techniques through untrained teachers were investigated in the present study. Twenty-two out-of-control boys in a special class for emotionally disturbed children were brought under the control of a number of token reinforcement systems with a resultant increase in task-oriented behavior and academic productivity. With teachers acting as observer-recorders and behavior change agents the school psychologist was able to minimize his role as a consultant with considerable success.
Simulations to characterize a passive microwave blackbody design

This paper discusses the design of a microwave blackbody to be used as a primary laboratory standard for passive remote sensing applications. This temperature adjustable design is required to operate and be fully characterized from 10 to 220 GHz. We discuss the challenges involved in designing this type of calibration source and address how improvements can be made to increase performance over blackbodies typically flown on airborne and space-borne instruments. A simplified electromagnetic model for absorber layer optimization is introduced as the precursor to a finite-element, full-wave solution for the calculation of emissivity. A temperature simulation predicts the physical temperature of the blackbody and surrounding chamber. The simulated data are used as inputs to a rigorous calculation of the microwave brightness temperature radiated by the blackbody source. This calculation provides an estimate of the offset between measured physical temperature and radiometrically measured brightness temperature.
The More You See It, the More You Know It: Memory Accessibility and Sexual Harassment Judgments

The influence of the availability of personally known and media known sexual harassment victims and harassers on perceptions of social sexual workplace conduct was examined. Male and female full-time workers evaluated two videotapes that depict sexual harassment in the workplace. Results indicated that perceived likelihood of harassment and discrimination increased as participants recalled more examples of harassment victims whom they personally knew. In some instances, recall of victims in the media had a similar influence. As predicted, the influence of availability was stronger for men than for women. Similar findings resulted from the analyses of the unwelcomeness, severity, and pervasiveness of the conduct; however, legal standard, gender, or case often moderated this relationship. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The role of proteomics in prostate cancer research: biomarker discovery and validation.

Abstract Purpose Prostate Cancer (PCa) represents the second most frequent type of tumor in men worldwide. Incidence increases with patient age and represents the most important risk factor. PCa is mostly characterized by indolence, however in a small percentage of cases (3%) the disease progresses to a metastatic state. To date, the most important issue concerning PCa research is the difficulty in distinguishing indolent from aggressive disease. This problem frequently results in low-grade PCa patient overtreatment and, in parallel; an effective treatment for distant and aggressive disease is not yet available. Result Proteomics represents a promising approach for the discovery of new biomarkers able to improve the management of PCa patients. Markers more specific and sensitive than PSA are needed for PCa diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment. Moreover, proteomics could represent an important tool to identify new molecular targets for PCa tailored therapy. Several possible PCa biomarkers sources, each with advantages and limitations, are under investigation, including tissues, urine, serum, plasma and prostatic fluids. Innovative high-throughput proteomic platforms are now identifying and quantifying new specific and sensitive biomarkers for PCa detection, stratification and treatment. Nevertheless, many putative biomarkers are still far from being applied in clinical practice. Conclusions This review aims to discuss the recent advances in PCa proteomics, emphasizing biomarker discovery and their application to clinical utility for diagnosis and patient stratification.