cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Impulsivity: Construct Coherence, Longitudinal Stability, and Relationship with Externalizing Problems in Middle Childhood and Adolescence

This study focused on the assessment of impulsivity in nonreferred school-aged children. Children had been participants since infancy in the Bloomington Longitudinal Study. Individual differences in impulsivity were assessed in the laboratory when children were 6 (44 boys, 36 girls) and 8 (50 boys, 39 girls) years of age. Impulsivity constructs derived from these assessments were related to parent and teacher ratings of externalizing problems across the school-age period (ages 7-10) and to parent and self-ratings of these outcomes across adolescence (ages 14-17). Consistent with prior research, individual measures of impulsivity factor-analyzed into subdimensions reflecting children's executive control capabilities, delay of gratification, and ability or willingness to sustain attention and compliance during work tasks. Children's performance on the main interactive task index, inhibitory control, showed a signficant level of stability between ages 6 and 8. During the school-age years, children who performed impulsively on the laboratory measures were perceived by mothers and by teachers as more impulsive, inattentive, and overactive than others, affirming the external validity of the impulsivity constructs. Finally, impulsive behavior in the laboratory at ages 6 and 8 predicted maternal and self-ratings of externalizing problem behavior across adolescence, supporting the long-term predictive value of the laboratory-derived impulsivity measures.
The Paradoxical Success of the Iraq Constitution

This is an introductory chapter of my book Negotiating in Civil Conflict. The following is a summary of the book's primary themes.In 2005, Iraq adopted its first permanent constitution in more than eighty years. Even under ideal conditions, drafting a constitution can be a prolonged process marked by contentious debate, and conditions in Iraq are far from ideal: the country has long been racked by ethnic and sectarian conflict, which intensified following the American invasion and continues today. This severe division, which has often erupted into violence, would not seem to bode well for the fate of democracy. So how is it that Iraq was able to surmount its sectarianism to draft a constitution that speaks to the conflicting and largely incompatible ideological views of the Sunnis, Shi’a, and Kurds? Haider Ala Hamoudi served in 2009 as an adviser to Iraq’s Constitutional Review Committee, and he argues here that the terms of the Iraq Constitution are sufficiently capacious to be interpreted in a variety of ways, allowing it to appeal to the country’s three main sects despite their deep disagreements. While some say that this ambiguity avoids the challenging compromises that ultimately must be made if the state is to survive, Hamoudi maintains that to force these compromises on issues of central importance to ethnic and sectarian identity would almost certainly result in the imposition of one group’s views on the others. Drawing on the original negotiating documents, he shows that this feature of the constitution was not an act of evasion, as is sometimes thought, but a mark of its drafters’ awareness in recognizing the need to permit the groups the time necessary to develop their own methods of working with one another gradually.
O BANCO MUNDIAL E AS POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS PARA O ENSINO SUPERIOR NO BRASIL: UM ESTUDO A PARTIR DOS MICRODADOS DO INEP (1995-2010)

The study is part of a research project developed in “PPG – Educacao Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos” and its main objectives is to match the economic system to the discussions about work and education in Brazil from 1995 to 2010 aiming at verifying the relation that these variables have with each other and with the economic sys­tem as well. The selected variables were the employment contracts in the formal market, the amount of universities, the amount of universities, the amount of enrolments and the amount of graduates. The variable and total expense and the expenses with education were researched at the “Secretaria do Tesouro Nacional”. Some data show that the higher the quantity of workers the smaller is the increase of their pay and one can also observe that the variables quantities of IES performances, enrolments and graduates is disconnected from the PIB’s performance.
Effects of capillary number, Bond number, and gas solubility on water saturation of sand specimens

To better understand how to prepare completely water-saturated specimens or centrifuge models from dry sand, the mechanisms of the infiltration and filling of pores in sand are studied. Complete saturation has been shown by others to be especially important in studies involving the triggering of liquefaction. This paper discusses how the degree of saturation obtained during infiltration increases with the “Bond number”, Bo (ratio of body forces and capillary forces), and the “capillary number”, Ca (ratio of viscous forces and capillary forces), as well as the solubility of gas bubbles in the pore fluid. Bo is varied by changing the particle size, fluid density, and centrifugal acceleration. Ca is varied by changing the fluid viscosity and infiltration rate. The dissolution of gas is encouraged by replacing pore air by CO2 (56 times more soluble in water than N2), by de-airing the liquid prior to infiltration or by increasing the pore fluid pressure after infiltration. Infiltration experiments performed at...
Psychotherapy for adolescents and young adults at high risk for psychosis: a systematic review.

Aim Unlike medication treatment, which may confer an unfavourable risk-benefit ratio, psychosocial intervention has been an emerging target of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing its efficacy in delaying or preventing the onset of psychosis in individuals identified at ‘clinical high risk’. Literature comparing qualitative differences in these psychotherapeutic interventions is scarce. The aim of the current study was to conduct a PRISMA systematic review evaluating the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions in reducing the rates of conversion to psychosis in clinical high-risk individuals. Methods RCTs were identified in PubMed, Medline and PsycINFO databases up to 30 November 2013. Six studies (comprising 800 participants) met review inclusion criteria. Three investigators performed data extraction independently by using a pre-structured selection form, and conducted risk of bias assessment employing the Cochrane approach. Results All six studies employed cognitive behaviour therapy as a core element. Three trials achieved a significant effect. The two trials that employed cognitive behaviour therapy enhanced for the specialized needs of clinical high-risk patients maintained significant effects at post-treatment follow up. Conclusion Evidence from recent trials suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy may be beneficial in delaying or preventing onset of psychosis in clinical high-risk individuals, although effect sizes to date appear small. Further research is needed in larger samples to establish whether cognitive behaviour therapy is efficacious, and if additional intervention components can enhance established psychotherapies.
Exposure to sublethal concentrations of a pesticide or predator cues induces changes in brain architecture in larval amphibians

Naturally occurring environmental factors shape developmental trajectories to produce variable phenotypes. Such developmental phenotypic plasticity can have important effects on fitness, and has been demonstrated for numerous behavioral and morphological traits. However, surprisingly few studies have examined developmental plasticity of the nervous system in response to naturally occurring environmental variation, despite accumulating evidence for neuroplasticity in a variety of organisms. Here, we asked whether the brain is developmentally plastic by exposing larval amphibians to natural and anthropogenic factors. Leopard frog tadpoles were exposed to predator cues, reduced food availability, or sublethal concentrations of the pesticide chlorpyrifos in semi-natural enclosures. Mass, growth, survival, activity, larval period, external morphology, brain mass, and brain morphology were measured in tadpoles and after metamorphosis. Tadpoles in the experimental treatments had lower masses than controls, although developmental rates and survival were similar. Tadpoles exposed to predator cues or a high dose of chlorpyrifos had altered body shapes compared to controls. In addition, brains from tadpoles exposed to predator cues or a low dose of chlorpyrifos were narrower and shorter in several dimensions compared to control tadpoles and tadpoles with low food availability. Interestingly, the changes in brain morphology present at the tadpole stage did not persist in the metamorphs. Our results show that brain morphology is a developmentally plastic trait that is responsive to ecologically relevant natural and anthropogenic factors. Whether these effects on brain morphology are linked to performance or fitness is unknown.
Screened exact exchange functional calculations of the spin-wave dispersion in transition metals

The screened ''exact'' nonlocal exchange approach is applied to the calculation of magnetic susceptibility of transition metals, particularly to the calculation of spin-wave dispersion. We discuss the choice of an appropriate approach and aspects of linear muffin-tin orbital-atomic sphere approximation (ASA) calculations, in particular calculation of the Green function in the three-center approximation. We calculated transverse spin-wave frequencies in Fe with the local density approximation and with the nonlocal functional using both the ''frozen'' magnon method and calculation of bound state energies (corresponding to spin-wave excitations). (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.
Human Operator Learning on Double-Pendulum Bridge Cranes

Oscillation of crane payloads makes it challenging to manipulate payloads quickly, accurately, and safely. The problem is compounded when the payload creates a double-pendulum effect. This paper evaluates an input-shaping control method for reducing double-pendulum oscillations. Human operator performance testing on a 10-ton industrial bridge crane is used to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the method. The tests required the operators to drive the crane numerous times over a period of eight days. Data from these experiments show that human operators perform manipulation tasks much faster and safer with the proposed control scheme. Furthermore, considerably less operator effort is required when input shaping is used to limit the oscillation. These experiments also show that significant learning occurred when operators did not have the aid of input shaping. However, the performance never approached that achieved with input shaping without any training. With input shaping enabled, only moderate learning occurred because operators were able to drive the crane near its theoretical limit during their first tests.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Novel DNA materials and their applications

The last two decades have witnessed the exponential development of DNA as a generic material instead of just a genetic material. The biological function, nanoscale geometry, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and molecular recognition capacity of DNA make it a promising candidate for the construction of novel functional nanomaterials. As a result, DNA has been recognized as one of the most appealing and versatile nanomaterial building blocks. Scientists have used DNA in this way to construct various amazing nanostructures, such as ordered lattices, origami, supramolecular assemblies, and even three-dimensional objects. In addition, DNA has been utilized as a guide and template to direct the assembly of other nanomaterials including nanowires, free-standing membranes, and crystals. Furthermore, DNA can also be used as structural components to construct bulk materials such as DNA hydrogels, demonstrating its ability to behave as a unique polymer. Overall, these novel DNA materials have found applications in various areas in the biomedical field in general, and nanomedicine in particular. In this review, we summarize the development of DNA assemblies, describe the innovative progress of multifunctional and bulk DNA materials, and highlight some real-world nanomedical applications of these DNA materials. We also show our insights throughout this article for the future direction of DNA materials.
Uptake and loss of water in diapause and non‐diapause eggs of crickets

. In laboratory-laid eggs of the striped ground cricket, Allonemobius fasciatus DeGeer (Gryllidae), water absorption occurs at an early stage of embryogenesis (stage II) at 30°C but is delayed until later stages at lower temperatures. This is related to the variation in diapause stage at different temperatures. No egg developed beyond stage VII (the end of anatrepsis) without water absorption. A. fasciatus shows seasonal variation in the stage of water absorption. At 30°C, eggs collected in August absorb water at the early stage while many of those collected in September avert diapause and absorb water at a later stage. Diapause also influenced the water absorption of eggs in A. socius Scudder. Eggs of short-day females enter diapause and absorb water at stage II, while those of long-day females develop without diapause and absorb water at a later stage (around stage IV). The susceptibility to desiccation (r.h. 50%) was examined at 20°C with A. fasciatus eggs. The percentage water loss and mortality of eggs varied with the time and duration of exposure to desiccation. Eggs are most sensitive to desiccation during the first several days after being laid and during the period of water absorption.
Effect of solution composition upon poly U

The effect of salt concentration, ion type, pH, and solvent upon poly U melting temperature, Tm, has been investigated. Alcohol increases the Tm of poly U. The Tm depends on the type of ion present and salt concentration in a way which is different from that observed for the RNA of R17 virus. Ultracentrifuge data and the dependence of the Tm upon KCl concentration suggest that the melting of poly U is a complex phenomenon.
DNA electrophoretic mobility and deformation in agarose gels

Abstract Time-dependent electrophoretic mobility, μ, of large DNA fragments in agarose gels and the corresponding conformational changes under an applied electric field can be measured by means of movements of fluorescence pattern after photobleaching (MOFPAP) and transient electric birefringence (TEB), respectively. The short-time (≈ min) averaged electrophoretic mobility initially increased with increasing electric field-on time and finally reached a steady state value. The rate of increase in μ is closely related to the DNA size/gel pore size ratio. The change may also be correlated to the rate of deformation of DNA chains as observed by TEB. The field-free decay for large DNA fragments in agarose gels is very slow, lasting tens of seconds. Coupling of TEB and MOFPAP measurements together with fluorescence microscopy and dichroic measurements should permit us to provide a better description of the short-time averaged mechanisms responsible for polymer chain motions in pulsed field gel electrophoresis.
The millimeter-wave spectrum of the MgOH radical (X 2Σ+)

The pure rotational spectrum of the ground electronic state (X 2Σ+) of the MgOH radical has been observed using millimeter/sub-millimeter direct absorption spectroscopy, as well as that of MgOD, and the less abundant magnesium isotopically-substituted species 25MgOH and 26MgOH. The free radicals were created in a Broida-type oven by the reaction of metal vapor with hydrogen peroxide. The spin—rotation splitting was readily observed in these data; however, the hyperfine structure was only resolved for 25MgOH. The rotational and spin—rotation constants of the radicals have been determined from a non-linear least-squares fit using a 2Σ Hamiltonian. The 25Mg hyperfine constants are also estimated.
Evidence for Prevention of Developmental Retardation during Infancy.

This article reviews children's intellectual response to four major programs concerned with the prevention of developmental retardation that have used experimentally adequate research designs. Results indicate that it is feasible to prevent retardation in high-risk samples using a variety of educational formats and that intellectual response to treatment is positively related to the intensity of the program.
Factors affecting erectile function after radical retropubic prostatectomy: results from 1620 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVE To report the return of erectile function in 1620 consecutive men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), chosen by half of men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer, and the goal of which is to completely excise the tumour while preserving continence and erectile function. PATIENTS AND METHODS From January 1992 to October 2006, one surgeon performed RRP with a nerve-sparing technique where feasible. Men with erectile dysfunction before surgery, salvage RRPs, those not having a nerve-sparing procedure, neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy within 6 months of RRP and a follow-up of <6 months were excluded from the analyses. Erectile function was evaluated by the surgeon when possible or by an annual questionnaire. Potency was defined as erectile function sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. RESULTS Of 619 men who had a bilateral and of 178 who had a unilateral nerve-sparing RRP, 72% and 53%, respectively, were potent. When stratifying by age groups (≤49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥70 years) potency rates were 86%, 76%, 58% and 37%, respectively. Potency was more common after bilateral than unilateral nerve-sparing RRP in all age groups (P < 0.001). Age, bilateral nerve-sparing (odds ratio 2.9) and surgeon experience were associated with potency in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Careful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are essential to achieve the right balance between cancer control and morbidity. The patient’s age, nerve-sparing RRP and the surgeon’s experience were the significant predictors of return of potency after RRP.
An organotypic hippocampal slice culture model of excitotoxic injury induced spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges

Stroke is the major cause of acquired epilepsy in the adult population. The mechanisms of ischemia-induced epileptogenesis are not completely understood, but glutamate is associated with both ischemia-induced injury and epileptogenesis. The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro model of epileptogenesis induced by glutamate injury in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs), as observed in stroke-induced acquired epilepsy. OHSCs were prepared from 1-week-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups. They were exposed to 3.5 mM glutamate for 35 minutes at 21 days in vitro. Field potential recordings and whole-cell current clamp electrophysiology were used to monitor the development of in vitro seizure events up to 19 days after injury. Propidium iodide uptake assays were used to examine acute cell death following injury. Glutamate exposure produced a subset of hippocampal neurons that died acutely and a larger population of injured but surviving neurons. These surviving neurons manifested spontaneous, recurrent epileptiform discharges in neural networks, characterized by paroxysmal depolarizing shifts and high frequency spiking in both field potential and intracellular recordings. This model also exhibited anticonvulsant sensitivity similar to in vivo models. Our study is the first demonstration of a chronic model of acquired epilepsy in OHSCs following a glutamate injury. This in vitro model of glutamate injury-induced epileptogenesis may help develop therapeutic strategies to prevent epileptogenesis after stroke and elucidate some of the mechanisms that underlie stroke-induced epilepsy in a more anatomically intact system.
ChREBP in NASH - a liver transcription factor comes in from the cold.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with all features of the metabolic syndrome. Although deposition of excess triglycerides within liver cells, a hallmark of NAFLD, is associated with a loss of insulin sensitivity, it is not clear which cellular abnor- mality arises first. We have explored this in mice overexpressing carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP). On a standard diet, mice overexpressing ChREBP remained insulin sensi- tive, despite increased expression of genes involved in lipogenesis/ fatty acid esterification and resultant hepatic steatosis (simple fatty liver). Lipidomic analysis revealed that the steatosis was associated with increased accumulation of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). In primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes, ChREBP overex- pression induced expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) into MUFAs. SFA impairment of insulin-responsive Akt phosphoryla- tion was therefore rescued by the elevation of Scd1 levels upon ChRE- BP overexpression, whereas pharmacological or shRNA-mediated reduction of Scd1 activity decreased the beneficial effect of ChREBP on Akt phosphorylation. Importantly, ChREBP-overexpressing mice fed a high-fat diet showed normal insulin levels and improved insulin signaling and glucose tolerance compared with controls, despite hav- ing greater hepatic steatosis. Finally, ChREBP expression in liver biop- sies from patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was increased when steatosis was greater than 50% and decreased in the presence of severe insulin resistance. Together, these results demonstrate that increased ChREBP can dissociate hepatic steatosis from insulin resis- tance, with beneficial effects on both glucose and lipid metabolism. 2013 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published
α-Synuclein Is Phosphorylated by Members of the Src Family of Protein-tyrosine Kinases

alpha-Synuclein (alpha-Syn) is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease, genetically through missense mutations linked to early onset disease and pathologically through its presence in Lewy bodies. alpha-Syn is phosphorylated on serine residues; however, tyrosine phosphorylation of alpha-Syn has not been established (, ). A comparison of the protein sequence between Synuclein family members revealed that all four tyrosine residues of alpha-Syn are conserved in all orthologs and beta-Syn paralogs described to date, suggesting that these residues may be of functional importance (). For this reason, experiments were performed to determine whether alpha-Syn could be phosphorylated on tyrosine residue(s) in human cells. Indeed, alpha-Syn is phosphorylated within 2 min of pervanadate treatment in alpha-Syn-transfected cells. Tyrosine phosphorylation occurs primarily on tyrosine 125 and was inhibited by PP2, a selective inhibitor of Src protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) family members at concentrations consistent with inhibition of Src function (). Finally, we demonstrate that alpha-Syn can be phosphorylated directly both in cotransfection experiments using c-Src and Fyn expression vectors and in in vitro kinase assays with purified kinases. These data suggest that alpha-Syn can be a target for phosphorylation by the Src family of PTKs.
A Method for Estimating Wind-Driven Frictional, Time-Dependent, Stratified Shelf and Slope Water Flow

Abstract Friction, the alongshore pressure gradient and time-dependent effects are all of lowest-order importance in the dynamics of wind-driven fluctuating currents and sea levels on continental shelves. Previous work has shown that when all these effects are included, the ocean response can be described by an infinite sum of coastal- trapped waves whose amplitudes satisfy a fully coupled infinite set of forced, first-order wave equations. We present a practical method for solving this coupled set of equations for general low-frequency, large-scale wind stress forcing as input. Convergence properties of the solution are examined analytically. For the same accuracy, more modes are required to describe alongshore currents than sea level and fewer modes are required to describe barotropic than depth-dependent motion. As an example, numerical calculations were carried out for a model of the West Florida Shelf. The sea level field was effectively described by one mode but the alongshore velocity field was not...
Five-year survival does not equal cure in non-small cell lung cancer: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-based analysis of variables affecting 10- to 18-year survival.

Objective Five-year survival after the diagnosis of non–small cell lung cancer is the most common benchmark used to evaluate long-term survival. Data on survival beyond 5 years are sparse. We sought to elucidate variables affecting 10- to 18-year survival. Methods A total of 31,206 patients alive at least 5 years after diagnosis of non–small cell lung cancer who were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1988 to 2001 were examined. Primary end points were disease-specific survival and overall survival. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier estimates, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression, and competing risk models. Results Overall survival at 10, 15, and 18 years was 55.4%, 33.1%, and 24.3%, respectively. Disease-specific survival at 10, 15, and 18 years was 76.6%, 65.4%, and 59.4%, respectively. In multivariable regression analysis, squamous cell cancers had a disease-specific survival advantage (hazard ratio, 0.88; P P = .0002) compared with adenocarcinoma. Pneumonectomy (hazard ratio, 0.44) and lobectomy (hazard ratio, 0.474) had improved disease-specific survival compared with no surgery ( P P = .036) and node-negative cancers (hazard ratio, 0.562; P Conclusions Five-year survivors of non–small cell lung cancer have a persistent risk of death from lung cancer up to 18 years from diagnosis. More than one half of all deaths in 5-year survivors are related to lung cancer. In multivariable regression analysis, age, node-negative disease, and lobar or greater resection were strong predictors of long-term survival (ie, 10–18 years).
A randomized trial of CMF versus CMFVP as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with node-positive stage II breast cancer: A CALGB study

Women treated by mastectomy for node-positive breast carcinoma were randomly assigned to receive an induction course and 2 years of maintenance chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) or CMF plus vincristine and prednisone (CMFVP). Five-hundred twenty-five evaluable patients were entered between 1975 and 1980. CMVFP was superior to CMF for patients with more than 3 positive nodes (p=0.01) with disease-free survival of 50% at 5 years with CMFVP compared with 36% with CMF. The advantage of CMFVP was not seen in patients with 1–3 positive nodes and was most marked in patients with 10 or more nodes. This suggests benefit from increased treatment with increasing disease burden. The superiority of CMFVP was more marked in postmenopausal patients (p=0.04) than in premenopausal (p=0.12). The advantage of CMFVP in disease-free survival is not yet apparent in overall survival.
Space science strategy

The headline to a recent news article read “NASA Focuses on Station, Faces Growing Budget Crisis” [Covault, 1989], which I thought summarized NASA's present and probable future succinctly. The article was unusual: it not only discussed NASA's budget options through 2000, a long time by the normal standards of these discussions, but it also pointed out that “major design decisions over the next two years will be critical to constructing a [space] station that will endure 30 years.” Imagine trying to think 30–40 years ahead in the space program to a time in the middle 2020s when the station will presumably cease to endure! As I will try to show, however, it is crucial for those of us in the space program to think ahead for those 30–40 years if we are going to interpret correctly the events already beginning to shape the program for those years and which must soon begin to have a dramatic effect on its viability.
Sequence Variability During Hypopharyngeal Bolus Transit

The pharyngeal phase of deglutition is considered to occur in a reflexive, preprogrammed fashion. Previous studies have determined a general sequence of events based on the mean timing of bolus transit and swallowing gestures. Individual variability has not been studied, however. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of sequence variability that normally occurs during the hypopharyngeal phase of deglutition. Dynamic swallow studies from 60 normal volunteers were evaluated and event sequence variability was determined for 12 two-event sequences during swallowing of three bolus sizes. There was found to be some variability in event sequences for almost all events evaluated except for the following : (1) arytenoid cartilage elevation always began prior to opening of the upper esophageal sphincter, (2) the sphincter always opened prior to the arrival of the bolus at the sphincter, (3) larynx-to-hyoid approximation always occurred after the onset of upper esophageal sphincter opening, and (4) maximum pharyngeal constriction always occurred after maximal distension of the upper esophageal sphincter. Variability was more common during swallowing of the smallest bolus size. This information may be helpful in evaluating event coordination in patients with dysphagia.
Evaluation of a 305‐mm Minimum‐Length Limit for Smallmouth Bass in the New River, Virginia and West Virginia

Abstract A 305-mm minimum-length limit on angler catches of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieui was evaluated in 1982 and 1983 by comparing populations in a section of the New River in Virginia, where the limit was applied, and a section in West Virginia, where there was no length limit. Smallmouth bass at age 4 averaged 281 mm total length in the Virginia section and 331 mm in the West Virginia section. Condition of smallmouth bass, as measured by relative weight (W r), was significantly greater for West Virginia fish for most size categories in both years. Survival estimates for both sections of the New River were low (less than 24%); survival was generally lower for the Virginia population. Proportional stock density values (1.8–5.1% for both sections) were not significantly different between sections. The minimum-length limit has not improved fishing, as measured by catch rates or population size structure, in the Virginia section of the New River. New regulations should be adopted in both sections ...
Characterization of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases in uninfected and cowpea chlorotic mottle virus-infected cowpea leaves: selective removal of host RNA polymerase from membranes containing CCMV RNA replicase.

Abstract Extracts from Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV)-infected Cowpea leaves contained membrane-bound (31,000 g pellet) and soluble (31,000 g supernatant) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities. The membrane-bound RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (CCMV RNA replicase) increased 12-fold 4 days after inoculation. The viral RNA synthesis in vitro proceeded linearly for 20 min and required the four nucleoside triphosphates and Mg 2+ ions for activity. Manganese ion was a poor substitute for Mg 2+ . Optimal enzymatic activity in vitro was unaffected by exogenous RNA or KCI. The CCMV RNA replicase product was predominantly heterodisperse single-stranded RNAs, some of which comigrated with CCMV virion RNA. Small amounts of large double-stranded RNAs were also products of the replicase reaction. The soluble RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from CCMV-infected or healthy Cowpea leaves required the four nucleoside triphosphates and Mg 2+ ions for activity. Its activity in the in vitro assay was stimulated by adding exogenous RNAs but was inhibited by KCI. The product of the soluble RNA-dependent RNA polymerase was predominantly double-stranded RNA of approximately 4 to 6 S. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, similar to that detected in the soluble fraction, was detected in the membrane pellet. This activity, which complicates the analysis of viral replicase assay, was removed without affecting CCMV RNA replicase activity by washing the 31,000 g pellets with buffer containing 0.5 M KCI. The KCI treatment aids in preparation of membrane-bound fractions devoid of host RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity and high in viral replicase activity.
Coping with bladder exstrophy: diverse results from early attempts at functional urinary tract surgery.

OBJECTIVES To report the long-term surgical outcome in a group of patients with bladder exstrophy treated from 1960 to 1982, and to assess physical health, social integration and sexual function, as attempts at functional closure during the development of this surgery resulted in patients with differing surgical status of the genitourinary organs. PATIENTS AND METHODS A review of medical record archives revealed 36 patients; of these, seven had died, six were untraceable and six declined to participate, leaving 15 evaluable subjects (seven men and eight women, mean age at follow-up, 35 years). Data were collected from medical records and direct interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, after obtaining informed consent. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) v2 Health Survey instrument was used to assess health and well-being. RESULTS Three patients have retained the use of their bladder, and 11 had initial bladder closure but required (at a mean age of 3.1 years) various urinary diversions. Eight patients had a pelvic osteotomy. Of 27 functioning renal units, 25 are in reasonable to good condition. Six men and six women had genital reconstruction. Four men are capable of penetrative intercourse and ejaculate; six women manage penetrative intercourse and five have orgasms. All patients attended mainstream school and 13 achieved examination success. Nine patients took vocational training and 11 work full-time. Five patients are married and five are in long-term relationships. Two men have achieved three pregnancies and one women has had a child. The mean total SF-36 score (maximum 3600) was 2763 in men and 2235 in women. CONCLUSIONS Surgery for bladder exstrophy has been developing for more than 40 years and the legacy of early attempts at functional closure is a population of adults who have a diversity of lower urinary tracts, good preservation of renal function overall and acceptable sexual function. They are usually robust, healthy and well-adjusted individuals functioning well in society, often in full-time employment and long-term relationships. Adolescent follow-up must be clearly focused, incorporating a multidisciplinary team approach to facilitate a seamless transition into adulthood.
Cushing's Syndrome Associated with Galactorrhea, Amenorrhea, and Hypothyroidism: A Primary Hypothalamic Disorder

A 19-year-old woman presented with a unique constellation of endocrinopathies, including Cushing's disease, post-partum galactorrhea, hypothalamic hypothyroidism and hypothalamic amenorrhea. There was no evidence of granulomatous or neoplastic disease in pituitary or hypothalamus. The potential role of excess glucocorticoids and disturbances in normal hypothalamic regulation of anterior pituitary function in the pathophysiology of this syndrome is discussed.
Two-step Mechanism for Modifier of Transcription 1 (Mot1) Enzyme-catalyzed Displacement of TATA-binding Protein (TBP) from DNA

The TATA box binding protein (TBP) is a central component of the transcription preinitiation complex, and its occupancy at a promoter is correlated with transcription levels. The TBP-promoter DNA complex contains sharply bent DNA and its interaction lifetime is limited by the ATP-dependent TBP displacement activity of the Snf2/Swi2 ATPase Mot1. Several mechanisms for Mot1 action have been proposed, but how it catalyzes TBP removal from DNA is unknown. To better understand the Mot1 mechanism, native gel electrophoresis and FRET were used to determine how Mot1 affects the trajectory of DNA in the TBP-DNA complex. Strikingly, in the absence of ATP, Mot1 acts to unbend DNA, whereas TBP remains closely associated with the DNA in a stable Mot1-TBP-DNA ternary complex. Interestingly, and in contrast to full-length Mot1, the isolated Mot1 ATPase domain binds DNA, and its affinity for DNA is nucleotide-dependent, suggesting parallels between the Mot1 mechanism and DNA translocation-based mechanisms of chromatin remodeling enzymes. Based on these findings, a model is presented for Mot1 that links a DNA conformational change with ATP-induced DNA translocation.
Assessing Equitable Access to Urban Green Space: The Role of Engineered Water Infrastructure

Urban green space and water features provide numerous social, environmental, and economic benefits, yet disparities often exist in their distribution and accessibility. This study examines the link between issues of environmental justice and urban water management to evaluate potential improvements in green space and surface water access through the revitalization of existing engineered water infrastructures, namely stormwater ponds. First, relative access to green space and water features were compared for residents of Tampa, Florida, and an inner-city community of Tampa (East Tampa). Although disparities were not found in overall accessibility between Tampa and East Tampa, inequalities were apparent when quality, diversity, and size of green spaces were considered. East Tampa residents had significantly less access to larger, more desirable spaces and water features. Second, this research explored approaches for improving accessibility to green space and natural water using three integrated stormwater management development scenarios. These scenarios highlighted the ability of enhanced water infrastructures to increase access equality at a variety of spatial scales. Ultimately, the "greening" of gray urban water infrastructures is advocated as a way to address environmental justice issues while also reconnecting residents with issues of urban water management.
The Changing Political Economy of Higher Education and Its Significance for United States Agriculture

FRANCIS BACON observed that "adversity is not without comforts and hopes." Higher education in the United States today, whether viewed from a financial, social, political, or to some extent even from an academic perspective, is certainly showing the marks of adversity. If Bacon implied any inverse proportionality it is difficult to detect, for comforts are few and hopes, while numerous, are far from being fulfilled.
Mediastinal Thymic Cyst

SUMMARY Thymic cyst should be suspected when a sharply defined mass is seen far anteriorly in the mediastinum, particularly in relation to the great vessels and base of the heart. Calcification in the margin, when present, supports the diagnosis, as does a palpable extension in the neck. Treatment is surgical resection.
Endodontics: A peep into the past and the future

Abstract The author paints a picture of a half-century of endodontic practice: when diagnosis and treatment were done without benefit of an x-ray machine, when preparing an anesthetic solution was cumbersome and time consuming, when pulp was “killed” with arsenic but at times refused to die, when the 40-year-reign of the focal infection theory eliminated the teaching of endodontics at some schools or else limited treatment to anterior teeth at others. Today, the scope of endodontics has been broadened to include surgical endodontics, hemisection, intentional replantation of teeth, and endodontic implants. And the future looks promising for transplantation of natural teeth when subjected to tissue culture and for implantation of acrylic and ceramic teeth.
Nonlinear Stabilization in Infinite Dimension

Significant advances have taken place in the last few years in the development of control designs for nonlinear infinite-dimensional systems. Such systems typically take the form of nonlinear ODEs (ordinary differential equations) with delays and nonlinear PDEs (partial differential equations). In this article we review several representative but general results on nonlinear control in the infinite-dimensional setting. First we present designs for nonlinear ODEs with constant, time-varying or state-dependent input delays, which arise in numerous applications of control over networks. Second, we present a design for nonlinear ODEs with a wave (string) PDE at its input, which is motivated by the drilling dynamics in petroleum engineering. Third, we present a design for systems of (two) coupled nonlinear first-order hyperbolic PDEs, which is motivated by slugging flow dynamics in petroleum production in off-shore facilities. Our design and analysis methodologies are based on the concepts of nonlinear predictor feedback and nonlinear infinite-dimensional backstepping. We present several simulation examples that illustrate the design methodology.
The Southern Oscillation. Part VII: Meteorological Anomalies over the Indian and Pacific Sectors Associated with the Extremes of the Oscillation

Abstract Composite surface pressure, temperature, and precipitation anomalies are mapped over the Indian and Pacific sectors during the various stages of Warm and Cold Events in the Southern Oscillation. In the year before the development of positive sea surface temperature anomalies in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific (Year–1 of a Warm Event), a strong South Pacific High is associated with below normal surface pressure over Australia and the Indian Ocean. This occurs concurrently with a poleward displacement of the Pacific convergence zones, with above normal air temperature and precipitation over the subtropical Pacific, and opposite conditions along the equator. By the next year (Year 0) of the Warm Event, thew anomalies have the opposite sign. The sequence of anomalies during a Cold Event is inverse to that during a Warm Event but otherwise the anomaly patterns are remarkably similar. It appears that enhanced convection and low surface pressure within the Pacific convergence zones contribute...
Understated Meaning in Frank O’Hara

Not surprisingly, many critics of O’Hara's “A Step Away from Them” have focused on 1950s’ postwar themes, contrasting the atrocities of World War II (WWII) with a celebration of daily life in the h...
Amnioinfusion during labor complicated by particulate meconium-stained amniotic fluid decreases neonatal morbidity

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic amnioinfusion in decreasing neonatal morbidity associated with labor complicated by particulate meconium-stained amniotic fluid and to assess potential complications of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred five laboring pregnant women with particulate (moderate or thick) meconium by subjective clinical analysis were randomly assigned to receive amnioinfusion or to receive standard obstetric care without amnioinfusion. Patients with any antepartum complications, other than the presence of meconium, were excluded from the study. Statistical analyses consisted of the two-tailed and paired Student t tests, Pearson χ 2 test, and Wilcoxon nonparametric test. Significance was set at p RESULTS: The study included 47 patients in the study group and 58 patients in the control group. A significantly greater proportion of study patients demonstrated decreased meconium concentration between rupture of membranes and delivery (46 of 46 vs 15 of 58, p p p p p p CONCLUSION: Prophylactic amnioinfusion should be considered a possible addition to the intrapartum management of patients with particulate meconium-stained amniotic fluid. (AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 1994;170:842-9.)
Prediction of Organization in Free Recall from Reported Learning Strategy

The effect of learning strategies on amount of clustering in recall of randomized categorized word lists was investigated. Significant correlations between the degree of Ss' repotted use of the categories in learning and clustering in recall were obtained for each of 3 lists. Instructions designed to interfere with the use of the categories as a learning strategy were ineffective in lessening clustering, in part because few Ss followed the instructions. An hypothesis that Ss who reported that they had been unaware of the categories would cluster less than aware Ss was not confirmed, in part because few Ss were unaware. These results were discussed as suggestive of what happens in similar experiments.
Predicting partition coefficients in polyethylene glycol-potassium phosphate aqueous two-phase systems

Abstract Partition coefficients in polyethylene glycol-potassium phosphate aqueous two-phase systems are predicted using a previously developed mathematical model. The model is based on a simplification of equations which arise from an osmotic pressure virial expansion and relates the partition coefficient to the concentration difference between phases of one of the phase-forming components and to the solute hydrophobicity. The predicted partition coefficients are compared to experimental values for several different solutes in this phase system over the range of pH of 5.5 to 9.2. The predictions are generally good for uncharged solutes, but show disagreement with experimental values for charged solutes.
A structural perspective on copper uptake in eukaryotes

Over a decade ago, genetic studies identified a family of small integral membrane proteins, commonly referred to as copper transporters (CTRs) that are both required and sufficient for cellular copper uptake in a yeast genetic complementation assay. We recently used electron crystallography to determine a projection density map of the human high affinity transporter hCTR1 embedded into a lipid bilayer. At 6 A resolution, this first glimpse of the structure revealed that hCTR1 is trimeric and possesses the type of radial symmetry that traditionally has been associated with the structure of certain ion channels such as potassium or gap junction channels. Representative for this particular type of architecture, a region of low protein density at the center of the trimer is consistent with the existence of a copper permeable pore along the center three-fold axis of the trimer. In this contribution, we will briefly discuss how recent structure-function studies correlate with the projection density map, and provide a perspective with respect to the cellular uptake of other transition metals.
Service-Oriented Network Description and Discovery for High-Performance

Grid computing is an emerging computing paradigm that will have a significant impact on the next generation information infrastructure. Networking systems form the foundation of Grid computing and must be integrated into the Grid. Service-oriented architecture is the basis of Grid computing; therefore service-oriented network description and discovery are the keys to network-Grid integration. High-performance Grid computing must select appropriate network services that meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of various Grid applications. However, current Grid service description and discovery approaches are based on functional criteria instead of performance criteria thus are insufficient to support network service discovery. In this paper, a new description approach is proposed for describing QoS capabilities of network services. Based on this new description approach, a performance-based service discovery technology is developed for selecting network services that meet the QoS requirements of Grid applications. The network service description and discovery technologies developed in this paper are highly flexible and applicable to various networking systems crossing multiple heterogeneous domains. The network service discovery system proposed in this paper is embedded in the service-oriented Grid architecture and can be implemented within the current Grid service discovery framework.