cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Courage and Confidence Mentor Program as a Tier 2 Intervention for Middle School Students with Identified Internalizing Problems

Internalizing disorders among youths represent a significant public health concern due to associated risk for future psychopathology, physical health costs, and the likelihood that affected children will experience difficulty transitioning to adult life. Despite the troubling aspects of internalizing disorders, there is a dearth of selective, Tier 2 interventions that educators can implement for students with identified internalizing problems as part of their school’s multi-tiered system of support. To fill this void, the purpose this study was to evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and integrity of a structured mentor-based program, the Courage and Confidence Mentor Program (CCMP), which represented a modified version of the Check-In/Check-out program. Single-case experimental methods, consisting of a multiple baseline across participants design, were used to evaluate the efficacy of the CCMP with five students. The results of visual analysis and single-case effect size estimates revealed that all participants demonstrated noticeable reductions in internalizing problems as measured by self-ratings of subjective units of discomfort and teacher reports on a standardized behavior rating scale. Limitations of the methods and directions for future research involving Tier 2 interventions for students with internalizing problems are discussed.
THERMALIZATION OF AN INTENSE, SPACE-CHARGE-DOMINATED ELECTRON BEAM IN A LONG FOCUSING CHANNEL

A continuous electron beam with a correlated emittance will eventually thermalize. Initially, the beam emittance for an intense, high-brightness, space-charge-dominated beam will oscillate, but after a sufficiently long time, it will reach an equilibrium value. The emittance oscillations are due to coherent transverse plasma oscillations in the beam and are a manifestation of periodic energy exchange between potential and kinetic energies. The beam eventually attains an equilibrium emittance, as the beam equipartitions the kinetic and potential energies. This equipartioning is reached as the beam thermalizes due to a form of Landau damping of the radial oscillations at different radial positions within the beam. Slight differences in the transverse plasma oscillation frequency for different radial positions lead to incoherence in the oscillations. In this paper, we calculate the equilibrium time scales required for equipartioning. We show that the equilibrium emittance scalings and magnitude can be predicted by conservation of energy considerations. In addition, we show that, in the space-charge dominated regime, there is a correspondence between the energy-conservation approach and the kinematic approach. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Water-Insoluble, Whey Protein- based Microspheres Prepared by an All-aqueous Process

Calcium alginate coated microspheres consisting of whey proteins and a model sensitive core, paprika olecresin, were prepared using an all-aqueous process. Core-in-wall emalsions containing 20%, or 25%, whey protein isolate and 15% to 50% (wt/wt) core were investigated. Retention of proteins and core during the process ranged from 84.9% to 95.6% and from 91.4% to 95.7%, respectively. Results indicated that microspheres were water-insoluble and the encapsulated sensitive core was effectively proctected against oxidative deterioration. This protections could be attributed to the protein-based layer adsorbed at the oil/water interface. The matrix of the microspheres exhibited microstructural features of an interactive composite-type material. Results suggested the potential suitability of the microspheres as delivery systems for controlled care release in food applications.
Experimental hypercholesterolemia differentially affects adventitial vasa vasorum and vessel structure of the left internal thoracic and coronary arteries.

Objective Atherosclerosis is a chronic and diffuse disease that affects all vascular beds. However, some vascular beds are more prone to atherosclerosis than others. Recent evidence suggests a role for the vasa vasorum in the atherosclerotic process. We hypothesized that there is a difference in adventitial vasa vasorum structure between the left internal thoracic artery and the coronary artery. Hence the current study was designed to characterize and compare the structure of the adventitial vasa vasorum in the left internal thoracic and coronary arteries. Methods Samples of vessels were obtained from female crossbred domestic pigs maintained on a normal (n = 6) or high-cholesterol (n = 6) diet for 12 weeks. The samples were scanned with micro-computed tomography, and the tomographic images were reconstructed and analyzed to obtain lumen area, vessel wall area, vasa vasorum count, vasa vasorum density, mean diameter of first- and second-order vasa vasorum, and second-order/first-order vasa vasorum ratio. Results Vasa vasorum density was significantly higher in the coronary arteries versus that seen in the left internal thoracic arteries in the normal group, as well as in the high-cholesterol group. The higher vasa vasorum density in the high-cholesterol group versus that in the normal group was significant for both vessels, being more pronounced in the left internal thoracic artery. Lumen area and second-order/first-order vasa vasorum ratio were higher in the high-cholesterol group than in the normal group only in the left internal thoracic artery. Conclusion This study demonstrated that low vasa vasorum spatial density and higher lumen area observed in the left internal thoracic artery compared with that seen in the native coronary artery can be the structural background for the low incidence of atherosclerosis in this vessel.
Threshold behavior of pion and proton structure functions in the Bethe--Salpeter description

The threshold behavior of the structure funtion ..nu..W/sub 2/ is evaluated for two- and three-body bound states described by the Blankenbecler--Sugar wave functions. In our approach this is completely equivalent to a fully relativistic Bethe--Salpeter treatment. For spin-zero constituents and a two-body interaction which behaves as (q/sup 2/)/sup -theta/ at large momentum transfer, we obtain (1-..omega..)/sup 1+2theta/ and (1-..omega..)/sup 3+4theta/ for the two- and three-body bound states, respectively. For spin-1/2 constitutents and the interaction V = GAMMA/sub (..mu..)/V-tildeGAMMA/sup (..mu..)/ with V-tilde (q,k) approx. ((q-k)/sup 0/)/sup -1-..delta../ as (q-k) ..-->.. infinity, we obtain again (1-..omega../sup 1+2..delta../ and (1-..omega..)/sup 3+4..delta../, respectively, if GAMMA/sub(..mu..)/ = ..gamma../sub ..mu../ but (1-..omega..)/sup 2+2..delta../ and (1-..omega..)/sup 5+4..delta../, respectively, if GAMMA/sub (..mu..) = 1/sub 1/..gamma../sub 5/. Comparison with previous results on form factors show that the Drell--Yan--West relation is satisfied in all the models considered here. (AIP)
Earning positive evaluations from IT students: effective techniques

Achieving positive student evaluations may be more difficult in technology subjects than in some other disciplines. Research shows that the favorableness of student comments varies by discipline, with faculty in the arts and humanities receiving consistently higher ratings than faculty in science areas. Nevertheless the IT curriculum lends itself toward using technology in ways that promote positive interactions with students and overall satisfaction. Technology can be harnessed to foster innovative approaches to grading; implement testing methods that promote learning; increase the entertainment factor through active learning; and enhance the responsiveness of all students. Some specific methods include: generating a test bank from student input, demonstrating software using voice-over webcams, utilizing a cross-word puzzle format for concept learning, posing questions in a treasure-hunt format, and dramatizing ethical issues through scripts for student-actors. Capitalizing on students' enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory activities of all types and avoiding the conventional lecture format enables the IT instructor to effectively deliver course material in a manner that students find appealing.
Dependence of flux-flow critical frequencies and generalized bundle sizes on distance of fluxoid traversal and fluxoid length in foil samples

Flux-flow noise power spectra taken on Pb80In20 foils as a function of the orientation of the magnetic field with respect to the sample surfaces are used to study changes in frequencies and bundle sizes as distances of fluxoid traversal and fluxoid lengths change. The results obtained for the frequency dependence of the noise spectra are entirely consistent with our model for flux motion interrupted by pinning centers, provided one makes the reasonable assumption that the distance between pinning centers which a fluxoid may encounter scales inversely with the fluxoid length. The importance of pinning centers in determining the noise characteristics is also demonstrated by the way in which subpulse distributions and generalized bundle sizes are altered by changes in the metallurgical structure of the sample. In unannealed samples the dependence of bundle size on magnetic field orientation is controlled by a structural anisotropy, and we find a correlation between large bundle size and the absence of short subpulse times. Annealing removes this anisotropy, and we find a stronger angular variation of bundle size than would be expected using present simplified models.
Identification and characterization of bacteriophages specific to the catfish pathogen, Edwardsiella ictaluri.

Aims: To identify and characterize bacteriophages specific for Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent for enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). Methods and Results: Two bacteriophages were isolated that infect Edw. ictaluri. They both produce clear plaques, have icosahedral heads with a non-rigid tail, and are tentatively classified as Siphoviridae. Phages ΦeiDWF and ΦeiAU are dsDNA viruses with approximate genome sizes of 40 and 45 kb, respectively. The addition of 500 μmol l−1 CaCl2 enhanced phage titres. Both phages have a latent period of 40 min and an estimated burst size of 270. Every Edw. ictaluri strain tested was susceptible to phage infection with variable plaquing efficiencies and with no evidence of lysogeny, with no plaques detected on other bacterial species. Conclusions: Two unique bacteriophages were isolated that show host-specificity for Edw. ictaluri, have temperature and metal cation-dependent infectivity, and are tentatively placed within the family Siphoviridae. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report of bacteriophages specific to Edw. ictaluri, an important fish pathogen affecting farm-raised channel catfish. Initial characterization of these bacteriophages has demonstrated their potential use as biotherapeutic and diagnostic agents associated with ESC.
Vertices of planar curves under the action of linear transformations

The number of vertices of a smooth Jordan curve with nowhere vanishing curvature can change under the action of a nonsingular real linear transformation. We examine the bifurcation set in the space of linear transformations for the number of vertices on the image curve, showing that generally there is a codimension-one set of linear transformations making an arbitrary point into a vertex, and obtaining conditions that the point be capable of being transformed into a higher vertex. We demonstrate that there is always an open set of linear transformations such that the image curves have at least six vertices.
Postirradiation Protein Synthesis and the Inductions of Cytoplasmic and Genic Mutations in Saccharomyces by Ultraviolet Radiation

A study was made of the effects of postirradiation protein synthesis upon u.v. inductions of cytoplasmically inherited respiratory deficiency and genic reversions from adenine auxotrophy to prototrophy in Saccharomyces. Conditions affecting protein synthesis were modified by (a) varying the nutritional status of cells before and after irrradiation and by (b) use of the phenylalanine analogue, p-fluorophenylalanine. Circumstances favoring protein synthesis during the first half of the first postirradiation cell division were found essential for the induction of a maximal number of genic mutants. Previous investigators have reported similar findings with bacteria and Neurospora. Postirradiation protein synthesis did not affect the frequency with which cytoplasmic mutants were induced. These results provide additional support for the proposition that u.v. induced gene mutation is an indirect process requiring the translation of primary radiation damage into the genetic apparatus through processes involving protein synthesis. They also suggest that cytoplasmically inherited respiratory deficiency may be induced by a direct derangement by u.v. of the structural integrity of the mitochondrion.
Detection of Uncured Visible Implant Elastomer Tags in Larval Pacific Lampreys

Abstract Lampreys in the Columbia River basin are a conservation concern, and understanding their status is a priority among managers. Many population assessment techniques depend on the ability to tag fish so that these tags are retained for the duration of the study with minimal effect on survival. There are several methods for tagging small fishes in streams, including passive integrated transponders, coded wire tags, and visible implant elastomer (VIE) tags. Of these, VIE tags have not been extensively tested on larval or juvenile lampreys. We evaluated the performance of uncured VIE tags on ammocoetes of Pacific lampreys Lampetra tridentata in a laboratory experiment to determine tag detection and the influences of color and tag position on detection. Additionally, we examined the effects of transformation (ammocoete to macrophthalmia) on tag detection. Though survival was not specifically tested, 0 of the 84 lampreys died as a result of tagging. Tag detection was 87% after 168 d in lampreys that did...
13C CP/MAS and high-speed magic-angle spinning

Application de la technique a l'etude d'un polyamide-imide (le Torlon) en variant les conditions operatoires. Mise en evidence de distorsions dans les intensites relatives
Tensile strength related to mineralogy and texture of some granitic rocks

Abstract The tensile strengths of a variety of granitic rocks from California were found to be inversely proportional to quartz content. This relationship is attributed to textural differences as suggested by high-quartz rocks composed of equidimensional grains showing little crystal intergrowth, or interlocking, whereas low-quartz rocks consist of interlocking laths and prisms.
In Situ Characterization of Coal Ash Thermal Conductivity Under Oxidizing and Reducing Conditions

This work presents in situ measurements of the effective thermal conductivity in particulate coal ash deposits under both reducing and oxidizing environments. Laboratory experiments generated deposits on an instrumented deposition probe of loosely-bound particulate ash from three coals generated in a down-fired flow reactor with optical access. An approach is presented for making in situ measurements of the temperature difference across the ash deposits, the thickness of the deposits, and the total heat transfer rate through the ash deposits. Using this approach, the effective thermal conductivity was determined for coal ash deposits formed under oxidizing and reducing conditions. Three coals were tested under oxidizing conditions: two bituminous coals derived from the Illinois #6 basin and a subbituminous Powder River Basin coal. The subbituminous coal exhibited the lowest range of effective thermal conductivities (0.05–0.18 W/m· K) while the Illinois #6 coals showed higher effective thermal conductivities (0.2–0.5 W/m· K). One of the bituminous coals and the subbituminous coal were also tested under reducing conditions. A comparison of the ash deposits from these two coals showed no discernible difference in the effective thermal conductivity based on stoichiometry. All experiments indicated an increase in effective thermal conductivity with deposit thickness, probably associated with deposit sintering.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Integrating Ethics into a Research Experience for Undergraduates

A Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is an extra-curricular opportunity for science or engineering students in the sophomore, junior, or senior year to participate in academic research in much the way graduate students do. It is a way to introduce undergraduates to the excitement of real research. Because it also seems an easy and attractive way to integrate ethics into undergraduate education, working out how professors of engineering or science might actually incorporate professional ethics into an REU seems desirable. This paper describes one effort to do that with engineering students.
Integration as a paramount educational strategy in academic pharmacy

Pharmacy education must continually adjust to the evolution of pharmacy practice, which is driven by sophisticated advancements in patient care, a rapidly growing body of biomedical information, and innovations in technology. Academic pharmacy should recognize the demands of the ever-changing
Abstract C3: Receptor tyrosine kinase(s) modulate androgen receptor signaling in castrate-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract This study is designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying effects of receptor tyrosine kinase(s) on androgen receptor (AR) in castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Hormone ablation therapies remain the mainstay of treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, but disease eventually reoccurs as CRPC where AR has been reactivated despite castrate androgen levels. Amongst ways that facilitate restoration of AR activity in CRPC, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have been reported to activate AR and induce CRPC growth through as of yet unclear mechanisms. Our investigative studies revealed that lapatinib (inhibits Her2/Her3 heterodimer and EGFR) treatment inhibited endogenous AR expression and activity in C4-2 CRPC cells. Lapatinib induced destabilization and proteosomal degradation of the AR with minimal effect on AR mRNA transcript levels. To further investigate if this effect was dependent on Her2/Her3 or EGFR, an EGFR inhibitor erlotinib was used. It produced modest effects on AR, indicating that effects of lapatinib are predominantly through Her2/Her3. As AKT, a serine/threonine kinase, functions downstream of Her2/Her3, we then directly investigated the effects of AKT on AR in CRPC cells. Our studies revealed that inhibition of AKT decreased endogenous AR expression through proteosomal degradation. Moreover AKT inhibition decreased endogenous AR activity and C4-2 cell survival, indicating that AKT positively regulates AR and CRPC growth. As many groups have previously reported conflicting effects of AKT on AR, we are now focused on the molecular basis for this positive effect of AKT on AR expression and function in CRPC. Preliminary studies indicate that AKT inhibition may be decreasing levels of heat shock proteins (Hsp70, Hsp90) that serve as chaperones for cytoplasmic AR, and may by another mechanism be decreasing AR accumulation in the nucleus. We anticipate that these studies will provide a clear mechanistic view of effects of RTKs and AKT on AR in CRPC and highlight molecules that may be targeted for novel therapeutic interventions. Citation Format: Ankur Sharma, Steven P. Balk. Receptor tyrosine kinase(s) modulate androgen receptor signaling in castrate-resistant prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr C3.
Identification of Functional Conserved Residues of CTP:glycerol-3-phosphate Cytidylyltransferase ROLE OF HISTIDINES IN THE CONSERVED HXGH IN CATALYSIS

The CTP:glycerol-3-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (GCT) of Bacillus subtilis has been shown to be similar in primary structure to the CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferases of several organisms. To identify the residues of this cytidylyltransferase family that function in catalysis, the conserved hydrophilic amino acid residues plus a conserved tryptophan of the GCT were mutated to alanine. The most dramatic losses in activity occurred with H14A and H17A; these histidine residues are part of an HXGH sequence similar to that found in class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The k cat values for H14A and H17A were decreased by factors of 5 × 10−5and 4 × 10−4, respectively, with no significant change in K m values. Asp-11, which is found near the HXGH sequence in the cytidylyltransferases but not aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, was also important for activity, with the D11A mutation decreasing activity by a factor of 2 × 10−3. Several residues found in the sequence RTEGISTT, a signature sequence for this cytidylyltransferase family, as well as other isolated residues were also shown to be important for activity, with k cat values decreasing by factors of 0.14–4 × 10−4. The K m values of three mutant enzymes, D38A, W74A, and D94A, for both CTP and glycerol-3-phosphate were 6–130-fold higher than that of the wild-type enzyme. Mutant enzymes were analyzed by two-dimensional NMR to determine if the overall structures of the enzymes were intact. One of the mutant enzymes, D66A, was defective in overall structure, but several of the others, including H14A and H17A, were not. These results indicate that His-14 and His-17 play a role in catalysis and suggest that their role is similar to the role of the His residues in the HXGH sequence in class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases,i.e. to stabilize a pentacoordinate transition state.
Insertion orientation of terminal vastus lateralis obliquus and vastus medialis obliquus muscle fibers in human knees

The quadriceps mechanism consists of the patellar ligament distally and the quadriceps tendon proximally. The quadriceps tendon is the confluence of the tendinous portions of the vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris. Lieb and Perry (J. Bone Joint Surg. 50A:1535–1547, 1968) have described the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and Hallisey et al. (J. Bone Joint Surg. 69A:545–549, 1987) have described the vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO). These muscles are the terminal medial and lateral insertions of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis. This study delineates and quantifies anatomic sex differences for the medial and lateral angular terminal insertions of the vastus lateralis obliquus and vastus medialis obliquus in relationship to the longitudinal axis of the patella in 40 embalmed cadaver knees. A mathematical model is developed and discussed using least steps regression equations y = Ax + B, where y = the VLO insertion angle, x = the VMO insertion angle, A = the coefficients, and B = the y intercept. These equations are different in males and females, with males having more horizontally oriented VLO fibers than females. The vastus lateralis obliquus (VLO) insertion angle can be predicted based upon measurement of the vastus medialis obliquus insertion angle and sex: Log VLO = 1.36 + .00531 VNIO − 0.000166 (S × VMO), where S = 1 for females and S = 0 for males. In embalmed cadaver knees, the angular terminal insertion of the vastus lateralis obliquus related to the longitudinal axis of the patella is more horizontally oriented in males than in females. The angular terminal insertion of the vastus medialis obliquus of males and females does not increase equally with increases in the angular terminal insertion of the vastus lateralis obliquus. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Concepts for the study of regional culture

This article proposes a terminology and conceptual framework for studying culture in internally differentiated regional spaces. In the first section I discuss the insights and limitations of regional analysis, poststructuralist theory, and Marxist geography regarding the study of regional culture. I then develop the idea of regional culture as culture in power regions; I propose several concepts that specify key areas for the ethnographic description of regional culture and hegemony. The utility of this framework is illustrated with examples from two Mexican regions.
Sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity of human lymphocyte membrane vesicles: kinetic parameters, substrate specificity, and effects of phytohemagglutinin.

We have prepared human blood lymphocyte membrane vesicles of high purity in sufficient quantity for detailed enzyme analysis. This was made possible by the use of plateletpheresis residues, which contain human lymphocytes in amounts equivalent to thousands of milliliters of blood. The substrate specificity and the kinetics of the cofactor and substrate requirements of the human lymphocyte membrane Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase activity were characterized. The Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase did not hydrolyze ADP, AMP, ITP, UTP, GTP or TTP. The mean ATPase stimulated by optimal concentrations of Na/sup +/ and K/sup +/ (Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase) was 1.5 nmol of P/sub i/ hydrolyzed, ..mu..g protein/sup -1/, 30 min/sup -1/ (range 0.9 to 2.1). This activity was completely inhibited by the cardiac glycoside, ouabain. The K/sub m/ for K/sup +/ was approximately 1.0 mM and the K/sub m/ for Na/sup +/ was approximately 15 mM. Active Na/sup +/ and K/sup +/ transport and ouabain-sensitive ATP production increase when lymphocytes are stimulated by PHA. Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase activity must increase also to transduce energy for the transport of Na/sup +/ and K/sup +/. Some studies have reported that PHA stimulates the lymphocyte membrane ATPase directly. We did not observe stimulationmore » of the membrane Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase when either lymphocytes or lymphocyte membranes were treated with mitogenic concentrations of PHA. Moreover, PHA did not enhance the reaction velocity of the Na/sup +/, K/sup +/-ATPase when studied at the K/sub m/ for ATP, Na/sup +/, K/sup +/ or Mg/sup + +/, indicating that it does not alter the affinity of the enzyme for its substrate or cofactors. Thus, our data indicate that the increase in ATPase activity does not occur as a direct result of PHA action on the cell membrane.« less
Lethal Ladies Revisiting What We Know About Female Serial Murderers

Serial murderers are rare offenders, and this, coupled with challenges to accessing data about them, poses a significant challenge to empirical investigation. It is also true that female serial mur...
Rapid regression of pituitary prolactinomas during bromocriptine treatment.

herapy for large prolactinomas remains controversial. Surgery is often unsuccessful in restoring endocrine function to normal. However, medical therapy with bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, not only suppresses PRL levels, but may also lead to a reduction in tumor size. Previous reports have demonstrated radiographic evidence of tumor regression only after 3 or more months of bromocriptine therapy. We have now documented, for the first time, objective evidence of extremely rapid reduction in tumor size in two patients harboring large PRL-secreting pituitary tumors (mean pretreatment serum PRL levels, 2350 and 3900 ng/ml) who were prospectively treated with bromocriptine (7.5 mg/day) in preference to surgical intervention despite marked visual impairment in one of the patients. After 2 and 6 weeks of therapy, respectively, marked reduction in tumor size was demonstrated radiographically in both patients. Headache, visual acuity, and visual fields had improved after only 3 days. Although the mechanism of b...
Inflammasomes and their activation

The innate immune system relies on the recognition of pathogens by pattern recognition receptors as a first line of defense and to initiate the adaptive immune response. Substantial progress has been made in defining the role of Nod (nucleotide-binding oligimerization domain)-like receptors and AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) as pattern recognition receptors that activate inflammasomes in macrophages. Inflammasomes are protein platforms essential for the activation of inflammatory caspases and subsequent maturation of their pro-inflammatory cytokine substrates and induction of pyroptosis. This paper summarizes recent developments regarding the function of Nod-like receptors in immunity and disease.
Hospital information system and patterns of cancer screening

Relative ease, implied accuracy, and unprecedented possibilities of computerized health care information systems, is very tempting for researchers. Attempts at determining the referral patterns for cancer screening at a large county hospital through the use of computerized administrative and clinical files, and some of the problems encountered is reported here. Only 17% of women over 18, and 16% of women over 50 who visited this hospital were referred and received screening for cervical and breast cancer, respectively. Pap testing was concentrated at clinics dealing with reproductive health, and women with higher visit frequencies had a higher referral rate. Major problems encountered were lack of uniformity in capturing information for similar variables in different files, inconsistency in capturing data elements, and partial coverage. To enhance capabilities of computerized health information system, following principles must be incorporated in the designs: complete coverage, uniform collection of data across time and files, and inclusion of linking capabilities.
Empirical versus subjective procedures for identifying gender differences in science test items

When judgmental and statistical procedures are both used to identify potentially gender-biased items in a test, to what extent do the results agree? In this study, both procedures were used to evaluate the items in a statewide, 78-item, multiple-choice test of science knowledge. Only one item was flagged by the sensitivity reviewers as being potentially biased, but this item was not flagged by the statistical procedure. None of the nine items flagged by the Mantel-Haenszel procedure were flagged by the sensitivity reviewers. Eight of the nine statistically flagged items were differentially easier for males. Four of these eight measured the same category of objectives. The authors conclude that both judgmental and statistical procedures provide useful information and that both should be used in test construction. They caution readers that content-validity issues need to be addressed when making decisions based on the results of either procedure.
Structural transition in chromatin induced by ions in solution

Structural transition in chromatin was measured as a function of counter ions in solution (NaCl or MgCl(2)) and of histones bound on the DNA. The addition of counter ions to aqueous solutions of chromatin, partially dehistonized chromatin, and DNA caused a drastic reduction in viscosity and a significant increase in sedimentation coefficient. Transitions occurred primarily at about 2 x 10(-3) M NaCl and 1 x 10(-5) M MgCl(2) and are interpreted as a change in structure of chromatin induced by tight binding of cations (Na(+) or Mg(++)) to DNA, either free or bound by histones, and is an intrinsic property of DNA rather than of the type of histone bound. At a given ionic condition, removal of histone H1 from chromatin had only a minor effect on the hydrodynamic properties of chromatin while removal of other histones caused a drastic change in these properties. An increase in the sedimentation coefficient of DNA was observed also for protamine. DNA complexes wherein the bound protein contains only unordered coil rather than the alpha-helices found in histones.
Unexplained fetal baseline bradycardia in congenital panhypopituitarism

An unexplained fetal baseline bradycardia apparently not secondary to uteroplacental insufficiency is reported. Congenital panhypopituitarism was diagnosed in the neonate. A common cause of both findings is speculated and a review of possible methods for antenatal diagnosis is given.
Predictive modeling of nonlinear wave propagation for structural health monitoring with piezoelectric wafer active sensors

This article presents predictive modeling of nonlinear guided wave propagation for structural health monitoring using both finite element method and analytical approach. In our study, the nonlinearity of the guided waves is generated by interaction with a nonlinear breathing crack. Two nonlinear finite element method techniques are used to simulate the breathing crack: (a) element activation/deactivation method and (b) contact analysis. Both techniques are available in ANSYS software package. The solutions obtained by these two finite element method techniques compare quite well. A parametric analytical predictive model is built to simulate guided waves interacting with linear/nonlinear structural damage. This model is coded into MATLAB, and the WaveFormRevealer graphical user interface is developed to obtain fast predictive waveform solutions for arbitrary combinations of sensor, structural properties, and damage. The predictive model is found capable of describing the nonlinear wave propagation phenomen...
Implementing Two-lane Highway Simulation Modeling into CORSIM1

While urban areas and the corresponding traffic demand continue to grow, rural areas are experiencing significant growth as well. This growth is now resulting in congestion on facilities that previously did not have any. One area that is becoming a concern, particularly in Florida, is rural areas transitioning into a more developed area. Access to these areas is usually by twolane highways, but within these areas, there may be an occasional traffic signal, and possibly segments of multilane highway as well. Currently, no analysis tool exists for analyzing two-lane highway facilities with occasional intersections. The signal spacing and other general characteristics of these roadways do not fit with the analysis criteria for signalized arterials in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), and the two-lane highway analysis procedure does not account for interruptions to the flow, such as from signals. To pursue further investigation of the traffic operations within these areas and to assist with developing a facilitylevel analysis methodology, a simulation tool is required. However, the existing simulation tools cannot fully meet the research demands. The objective of this project was to develop a simulation tool that is capable of modeling the combination of two-lane highway segments and signalized intersections. The development approach used was to incorporate this modeling capability into CORSIM by making the necessary additions and modifications to the existing CORSIM software code base. The primary issues that had to be addressed to implement this modeling capability included: developing the model components that deal with passing maneuvers in an oncoming lane, developing the model components that deal with passing lanes, and developing a mechanism to link highway segments to signalized intersections. Preliminary testing showed that the developed two-lane highway modeling logic produced results that are reasonably consistent with expected traffic flow theory and field observations discussed in the literature.
Novelty, Familiarity, and Significance of Object in the Assessment of Object Permanence:

The level of object-permanence was assessed for 16 infants (age, 7 months) when three types of stimuli were used. A familiar object (a toy brought from home), novel objects, and a significant object (baby's bottle) were used to examine how each object type would affect the infants' levels of search. Results indicated that when presented with a novel object, 7-month-old infants, as a group, would exhibit significantly higher levels of search behavior than they would for either the significant or the familiar stimuli. The babies' bottle elicited significantly higher levels of search from all infants than did a familiar object. In three cases it was observed that the significant object elicited a higher level of search than did novel objects. Definitions of novelty and significance are examined. Implications of the findings in terms of assessment are discussed.
The evolutionary history of eye movements

Abstract The nature of eye movements is discussed from the evolutionary point of view. Their origin lies in the need to keep an object fixed on the retina, not in the need to scan the surroundings. Distinctions are made between egocentric and oculocentric directions in their dependence upon voluntary and involuntary eye movements. The possibility, in Man, of retinal correspondency between two regions of the same eye is discussed.
Unlimited volumes of laboratory data: a confusing and diagnostically deceptive product of modern technology.

The large volumes of laboratory data currently available in clinical practice can lead to erroneous conclusions. Our current statistical interpretation of these data is univariate (one variable at a time) and often not age-and sex-corrected. Using an optimal technique of multivariate analysis, a SMAC® profile of 19 tests performed on normal subjects resulted in over a 500% improvement in defining the reference range. Using physiologic subsets of the SMAC profile for patients, improvements in interpretation of between 100% and 300% are possible. Results indicate a serious clinical problem that will require modification of laboratory reports using modern technology as an adjunct for diagnostic medicine.
How Society Views Stepfamilies

(1997). How Society Views Stepfamilies. Marriage & Family Review: Vol. 26, No. 1-2, pp. 85-106.
Simplify or Perish

Three suggestions are made for breaking the gridlock which paralyses progress in automating massive symbolic calculations in celestial mechanics:(i) simplifications by canonical transformations, (ii) object oriented programming to endow the algebra of Poisson series with various structures, (iii) massively parallel processing.
MSE-Based Source and Relay Precoder Design for Cognitive Multiuser Multi-Way Relay Systems

We consider joint design of source and relay precoders in a cognitive multiuser multi-way relay system, which supports simultaneous transmission of multiple secondary users concurrently with primary network with the help of a relay station. The design criterion is minimum mean-square error (MMSE) of all secondary users under a transmit power constraint for each transmitting node and a constraint on the interference to primary network assuming complete knowledge of the channel state information is available. To solve this non-convex optimization problem, an iterative algorithm is proposed to iteratively solve the precoding matrices at secondary source nodes and relay node, and the decoding matrices at secondary nodes, where each subproblem is convex. To reduce the computational complexity, a matrix distance based non-iterative algorithm which can be implemented in a distributed manner is also proposed. Given the fact that perfect channel state information is usually non-realistic, a robust precoder design is also proposed to address this problem. Simulation results show the effectiveness of our proposed algorithms.
The measurement of single motor-axon recurrent inhibitory post-synaptic potentials in the cat.

1. Signal averaging was used in forty experiments on low-spinal cats to measure and characterize the oligosynaptic responses of seventy-six motoneurons supplying the medial gastrocnemius muscle to the single impulses of antidromically stimulated single motor axons supplying the same muscle. 2. In thirteen experiments on chloralose-urethane anaesthetized preparations, twelve (43%) of the tested twenty-eight motoneurones exhibited a single-axon recurrent inhibitory post-synaptic potential (recurrent i.p.s.p.), as compared to sixty-four (62%) of the 103 motoneurones tested in twenty-seven animals in the absence of anaesthetic after ischaemic decapitation. 3. Single-axon recurrent i.p.s.p.s most often consisted of a single, long-lasting hyperpolarization. Ten of the recurrent i.p.s.p.s contained a second late peak of hyperpolarization. In another eight of the i.p.s.p.s, a small late depolarization was evident. 4. The distinct profiles of the recurrent i.p.s.p.s were readily distinguished from the relatively flat profiles with low noise levels in the averages of the fifty-five 'no-response' cells. The transmembrane and post-synaptic nature of the i.p.s.p.s was confirmed by extracellular control recordings taken immediately outside seven of the cells with positive responses. In addition, ten cells with positive responses were subjected to current passage during the averaging procedure. In all cases, depolarization increased and hyperpolarization reduced the amplitude of their single-axon recurrent i.p.s.p.s. 5. The mean amplitude of the responses was 12.0 microV in chloralose-urethane preparations as compared to a peak-to-peak noise level less than 6.0 microV in the no-response averages. Corresponding values in ischaemic-decapitate preparations were 46.2 microV and less than 7.5 microV, respectively. 6. Latency, rise-time and half-width (i.e. duration at half-amplitude) values of the i.p.s.p.s were similar for chloralose-urethane and ischaemic-decapitate preparations. The average values in both preparations were 2.5, 5.6 and 19.3 ms, respectively. The latency values indicated both disynaptic and, perhaps, longer components in the recurrent i.p.s.p.s. The rise-time and half-width values were relatively similar to those reported or measured from published records for analogous composite recurrent i.p.s.p.s (i.e. responses to antidromic stimulation of the whole muscle nerve rather than single motor axons). A weak, but significant, correlation between rise-time and half-width was observed for the sixty-six single-axon recurrent i.p.s.p.s with a single negative-going peak.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Intermediary purine-metabolizing enzymes from the cytosol of Dictyostelium discoideum monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The use of high-performance liquid chromatography to identify and quantitate five purine-metabolizing enzymes from a partially purified subcellular fraction of the eucaroytic microorganism Dictyostelium discoideum is described. All HPLC separations were carried out in an isocratic manner using reverse-phase C18 as the stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of a phosphate buffer with either methanol or acetonitrile as cosolvent, and optimal separation conditions were attained by varying the organic concentration or the pH of the buffer or by employing pairedion chromatographic techniques. Substrates and products were detected at either 254 nm for the purines or 295 nm for the formycin analogs. An adenosine kinase activity was identified, and it was demonstrated that formyin A (FoA) could be substituted for adenosine as the phosphate acceptor, yielding FoAMP as the product. With FoA as the substrate an apparent Km of 18.2 μ m and an apparent Vmax of 32.4 mmol min−1 mg−1 were observed for the activity. A purine nucleoside phosphorylase activity was found to cleave adenosine to adenine and ribosylphosphate. FoA was not found to be a substrate for this activity due to the unusual formycin C-glycosyl bond which was not hydrolyzed by enzymes or chemically with either HCl or NaOH. An adenylate deaminase activity was found to be present in the cytosolic S-100 of cells harvested during the onset of development, and this deaminase activity was greatly stimulated by ATP. With FoAMP as the substrate, an apparent Km of 236 μ m and Vmax of 2.78 μmol min−1 mg−1 were observed. The deamination of FoAMP could be inhibited by the addition of the natural substrate AMP. An apparent Ki value of 136 μ m was determined from initial rate data. An adenylosuccinate synthetase activity was observed to have a Km value for GTP, IMP, and aspartic acid of 23, 34, and 714 μ m , respectively. The formycin analog FoIMP was not a substrate with this activity but was a competitive inhibitor of IMP. Finally hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase was found to have Km and Vmax values for hypoxanthine of 55.5 μ m and 34.3 nmol−1 min−1 mg1. When guanine was used as the substrate, the rate of nucleotide formation was 50% that with hypoxanthine as the substrate. The advantages of using HPLC to examine the interconnecting activities of a multienzyme complex in subcellular fractions are discussed, including the increased sensitivity obtained by using formycin analogs in the assay procedures. The methodology is extended to interpreting a series of enzyme reactions in which the product of the first was the substrate for the second.
LUNG FUNCTION AND STATUS OF DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS (DA) IN PRETERM LAMBS TREATED WITH INTRAVENOUS STEROIDS IN UTERO

Nineteen control fetuses and 12 chronic preparations (111-130 days' GA) were delivered by C-section and ventilated for 3 hours. The 12 chronically catheterized fetuses (jugular vein) received hydrocortisone q.8.h. (30 to 180 mgm/day) for up to 10 days. The GA in steroid and control lambs were not different (119 ± 2.2 and 119.5 ± 1.5). Aortic (AOP) and pulmonary artery (PAP) pressures and blood gases were monitored. Ductal shunts were assessed by cineangiograms. Pressure-volume (PV) curves were done on the excised lungs and expressed as V10 (lung volume/gm. of wet lung tissue at a deflation pressure of 10 cm. H2O). Arterial PO2 (100% O2) in steroid vs control lambs were not different (83 ± 17 vs 79 ± 14 mmHg). Mean PAP and AOP in the steroid-treated lambs were 43 ± 4 and 61 ± 4 and were not different from controls (43 ± 4 and 54 ± 3). The DA in the control lambs 120 days'. Lambs with open DA had large L → R shunts. The V10 was not different in steroid-treated lambs vs. controls (.36 ± .12 ml vs .18 ± .05 p > 0.05). Also, no differences in the V10 was seen in 6 twins, in which one twin was a control and the other given steroids. The results indicate that lung gas exchange and P-V curves were not altered by the fetal IV steroid therapy. In lambs with open DA at 1.5 hours, there was a large L → R shunt. The PAP was always less than systemic in spite of non-compliant lungs.
Primary cultures of shark rectal gland epithelial cells : a model for hormone-sensitive chloride transport

Methods are described for establishing primary monolayer cultures from chloride-secreting epithelial cells of the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) rectal gland (SRG). After stimulation, cultures display exceptionally high rates (150 to 250μA/cm2) of transepithelial chloride secretion. Hormones and neurotransmitters which increase cytoplasmic cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, calcium or phospholipid-derived second messengers are potent secretagogues. Cultures can be analyzed using a variety of morphologic, biochemical, and electrophysiologic methods. These characteristics make SRG cultures a powerful model for delineating the molecular basis of the transmembrane and intracellular signaling networks that stimulate or inhibit secondary active chloride transport in epithelia. Secondary active chloride transport occurs in a variety of epithelia, including those comprising both the proximal and distal segments of vertebrate nephrons.