cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and the SMAD4/TGF-B pathway to juvenile polyposis syndrome and heritable gastrointestinal malignancies

SY27-3 Juvenile Polyposis (JP) and Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) are two uncommon autosomal dominant disorders characterized by distinct and essentially non-overlapping clinical features. JP, an inherited gastrointestinal malignancy predisposition, is caused by mutations in either SMAD4 or BMPR1A . HHT is a vascular malformation disorder caused by mutations in either Endoglin or ALK1 . All four of these genes encode proteins involved in the TGF- β signaling pathway. We recently reported 7 families segregating both JP and HHT phenotypes where all of the affected members have mutations in the COOH-terminus of SMAD4 and none had mutations in either Endoglin or ALK1 . This established SMAD4 as the molecular link between these hitherto separate diseases. To further elucidate the clinical and genetic parameters of this syndrome, we collected DNA samples from additional individuals and families exhibiting the combined JP-HHT syndromic phenotype and from patients with only some of the features of each disease. The coding exons of SMAD4 , BMPR1A , Endoglin, and ALK1 were sequenced in affected patients. Five more instances of mutations in SMAD4 were found, all in patients exhibiting the full range of JP-HHT symptoms. None of these patients had mutations in any of the other three genes examined. This mirrors the results of our first set of patients both in range of symptoms and types and locations of SMAD4 mutations. Only one family displays the full complement of symptoms found in other JP-HHT families but shows no mutation. It is possible that this family has a SMAD4 mutation, such as is a large deletion which would not be observed by sequencing, or a change within a regulatory region which was not analyzed. In the families and individuals not showing the typical symptoms of JP-HHT, no mutations were found in SMAD4, BMPR1A , Endoglin, or ALK1 . At least three of these five new JP-HHT cases are de novo mutations in SMAD4 bringing the total of documented de novo cases of this syndrome to 6 out of our total of 12 instances. This high incidence of de novo cases could have important implications for both genetic screening and counseling of the patients and their families. All of the mutations found to date in this combined syndrome are in the COOH-terminus of the SMAD4 protein. It will be necessary to ascertain JP patients with mutations in other regions of SMAD4 for HHT symptoms to confirm this emerging genotype:phenotype correlation. To begin to establish clinical benchmarks for diagnosis of this syndrome, we have summarized the major symptoms of both diseases found in our SMAD4 mutation positive JP-HHT syndrome patients. We will continue to collect and analyze patients with symptoms of JP and HHT to better delineate the clinical presentation of JP-HHT syndrome.
Precipitation, soil moisture, and climate database, Little River Experimental Watershed, Georgia, United States

[1] The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory (SEWRL) initiated a watershed research program at the Little River Experimental Watershed in 1967. Continuous rainfall measurement across the watershed began at that time. Forty-six precipitation gauges and three climate stations are currently in operation. Soil moisture measurements were added to 29 of the rainfall sites from 2001 to 2006. The research quantifies critical information related to long-term and seasonal climatic relationships, hydrologic budgets for the region, water quality studies, and natural resource planning. Rainfall data from the network have been used to evaluate storm characteristics, climatic patterns, and long-term averages for the region. Soil moisture data have been used to examine large-scale patterns across the region and for comparison to remotely sensed data. All data are available on the SEWRL anonymous ftp site (ftp://www.tiftonars.org/).
Awareness of Mankind as a Factor in Climatic Change

The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the various ways by which mankind can influence the global environment in which it lives, with emphasis on the effect of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration from continued extensive use of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas). The role of carbon dioxide in determining the heat balance of the atmosphere, and consequently the climate, is explained. Finally, the many implications to mankind of a global warming are discussed, since they are to a large extent the reason for our current concern over an impending environmental change.
A genetic screen to identify bacteriophage lysins

Lysins are phage-encoded, peptidoglycan (cell wall) hydrolases that accumulate in the bacterial cytoplasm during a lytic infection cycle. Late during infection, the lysins undergo holin-mediated translocation across the inner membrane into the peptidoglycan matrix where they cleave cell wall covalent bonds required for wall stability and allow bacterial lysis and progeny phage release. This potent hydrolytic activity is now the foundation of a powerful genetic-based screening process for the identification and analysis of phage lysin proteins. Here, we describe a method for identifying a lysin, PlyG, from a bacteriophage that specifically infects the Gram-positive organism Bacillus anthracis; however, the techniques described can be adapted to clone, express, and analyze lysins from any phage infecting Gram-positive bacteria or possibly even Gram-negative bacteria.
Six Step Modulation of Matrix Converter with Increased Voltage Transfer Ratio

Conventional modulation strategies for matrix converters based on trigonometric transformations and space vector techniques have their voltage transfer capability limited at about 0.866 p.u. This leads to a derating of motor capability by 25% in the realization of variable frequency drives using off-the-shelf line-fed motors, or requires custom designed motors for operation at reduced voltage. In this paper, a six-step variable frequency modulation strategy for the matrix converter that is capable of providing more than 1 p.u. fundamental component of output voltage is presented. Six step operation suitable for the conventional 9-switch topology and the reduced switch dual bridge topologies are presented, with capability of unity displacement factor operation at the input and output simultaneously. It is demonstrated that by varying the switching angles, control of fundamental component of output voltage and input current is possible, with concomitant generation of reactive power at the input and output terminals of the converter, with bidirectional power flow. The paper presents analytical results, computer simulation results along with laboratory scale experimental results.
Therapeutic Yoga: Symptom Management for Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common autoimmune inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the age of disease onset is typically between 20 and 40 years, with a higher incidence in women. Individuals with MS experience a wide range of symptoms, including declining physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms (e.g., fatigue, imbalance, spasticity, chronic pain, cognitive impairment, bladder and bowel dysfunction, visual and speech impairments, depression, sensory disturbance, and mobility impairment). To date, both the cause of and cure for MS remain unknown. In recent years, more individuals with MS have been pursuing alternative methods of treatment to manage symptoms of the disease, including mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, breathing, and relaxation techniques. It has been suggested that the practice of yoga may be a safe and effective way of managing symptoms of MS. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to summarize the most relevant literature on exercise and mind-body modalities to treat MS symptoms and, more specifically, the benefits and potential role of yoga as an alternative treatment of symptom management for individuals with MS. The article also discusses future directions for research.
Reduction of nitroaromatic pesticides with zero-valent iron

Reduction of eleven nitroaromatic pesticides was studied with zero-valent iron powder. Average half-lives ranged from 2.8 to 6.3 h and the parent compounds were completely reduced after 48-96 h. The di-nitro groups of the 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides were rapidly reduced to the corresponding diamines, with a negligible amount of partially reduced monoamino or nitroso products. Low levels of de-alkylated products were observed after 10 days. The nitro group of the organophosphorus insecticides was reduced dominantly to the monoamines but in a slower rate than the 2,6-dinitroanilines. A trace amount of oxon products was found. Reduction of nitro to amino was also the predominant reaction for the diphenyl ether herbicides. Aromatic de-chlorination and de-alkylation were minor reactions. These amine products were more stable than the parent compounds and 60% or more of the amines were detected after two weeks. Humic acid decreased the reduction rates of pendimethalin, and dichlone (a known quinone redox mediator) counteracted the effect of humic acid on the reactivity. Storage of iron powder under air decreased the reactivity very rapidly due to iron oxidation. Repeated use of iron powder also showed similar results. The reduced activity of air-oxidized iron was recovered by purging with hydrogen, but not nitrogen. Integration of iron powder with hydrogen- and quinone-producing microbial technologies may be a viable mean for remediation of highly oxidized xenobiotics in the environment.
Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Based-Ultrasonic Electrostatic Actuators on a Flexible Substrate

We present a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based electrostatic actuator on a flexible substrate, made of polyethylene naphthalate, which emits acoustic waves at ultrasonic frequencies. The actuator has a suspended diaphragm, made of parylene, of 2-6-mm diameter and a 6-μm gap between the diaphragm and substrate. The actuator is driven by hydrogenated amorphous silicon integrated circuits. The driving circuits consist of voltage-controlled oscillator and buffer chain, which can tune the output voltage from 3 to 32 V with 35-V supply. A single actuator emits ultrasonic waves at 25 kHz and pressure of 27-dB sound pressure level (SPL), and a 1 × 2 array emits up to 34.6-dB SPL at 1-cm distance.
Self-Esteem among Intercollegiate Athletes: The Role of Achievement Goals and Competitive Orientation

The conceptualization of competitiveness has been limited in sport research to its motivational basis with few studies investigating its relation to athlete self-perceptions. A sample of 186 intercollegiate athletes was used to determine the multivariate relationship between task and ego goal orientations, hypercompetitive and personal development competitive attitudes, and the self-esteem components of self-regard, social confidence, and physical abilities. Canonical correlation analyses revealed that the self-regard and physical ability aspects of athletes' self-esteem were related to task orientation, personal development competitiveness, and not hypercompetitiveness. Conversely, low levels of these self-esteem indices were associated with ego orientation and hypercompetitiveness. Results are discussed both in terms of conceptual differences between motivational goals and competitiveness as well as methodological issues regarding the assessment of competitive attitudes among athletes.
Affinity chromatography of antiserum to a gram negative organism

Abstract An immunoadsorbent method is described for the purification of antibody directed against gram negative bacteria. Two anion exchange materials were compared for their ability to immobilize whole cells of Veillonella alcalescens , a gram negative oral bacterium. Purified antibody preparations were applied to the columns and subsequently eluted with various combinations of desorbing buffers. The quantity of recovered antibody was measured and its activity assayed, using a microagglutination technique. The highest levels of protein and specific antibody activity were recovered from Dowex-1-acetate columns desorbed by a combination of borate buffer pH 10 and 3 M KSCN pH 6, followed by levels of specific antibody activity obtained from a DEAE cellulose column desorbed by glycineHCl, pH 2.3.
Multiple-gestation pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology treatment: population trends and future directions

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, have benefited many couples worldwide. However, ART as currently practiced, with the usual transfer of at least two embryos, poses sizable risks for multiple-gestation pregnancy and accompanying serious maternal and child health sequelae. While limiting the number of embryos transferred would appear a straightforward solution, treatments with single-embryo transfer are rare. Likely reasons for this include patient and provider desires to maximize the chance for success in a single treatment given the high cost and lack of insurance coverage, the (sometimes mistaken) belief that transferring more embryos will increase the chance for pregnancy, and the preference for multiple births among some women undergoing ART. Although recent population-based data in the USA and Europe suggest the number of embryos transferred is decreasing, the ART multiple-birth rate remains high. Comprehensive patient-education efforts and continued r...
A comparison of carbon contaminant buildup on conductors and insulators in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

Abstract In a spectrometer of high X-ray flux and moderate vacuum level, C 1s buildup differed drastically on conducting and insulating samples. A model is proposed which depends on photoelectron hole-site lifetime differences on such samples leading to different probabilities of film-forming chemical reactions with constituents of the vacuum atmosphere.
Prolonged exposure of mixed aerobic cultures to low temperature and benzalkonium chloride affect the rate and extent of nitrification

The combined effect of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and prolonged exposure to low temperature on nitrification was investigated. Ammonia oxidation at 22-24°C by an enriched nitrifying culture was inhibited at increasing BAC concentrations and ceased at 15 mg BAC/L. The non-competitive inhibition coefficient was 1.5±0.9 mg BAC/L. Nitrification tests were conducted without and with BAC at 5mg/L using an aerobic, mixed heterotrophic/nitrifying culture maintained at a temperature range of 24-10°C. Maintaining this culture at 10°C for over one month in the absence of BAC, resulted in slower nitrification kinetics compared to those measured when the culture was first exposed to 10°C. BAC was degraded by the heterotrophic population, but its degradation rate decreased significantly as the culture temperature decreased to 10°C. These results confirm the negative impact of quaternary ammonium compounds on the nitrification process, which is further exacerbated by prolonged, low temperature conditions.
Spermatogenesis in sturnus vulgaris: Refractory period and acceleration in relation to wave length and rate of increase of light ration

Between December 10th and January 24th, using red, green, and white electric lights at equal intensities of about 1.7 foot-candles, sixty-nine males, with females, were subjected nightly to, (a) constant six- and six-and-one-quarter-hour periods of illumination; (b) periods increasing gradually from one-quarter to six and one-quarter hours; (c) no added light (controls), in a basement room lighted by day from three large windows. Relative heat intensities reaching the birds were: for white, 1; for green, 2.5; for red, 10. Birds were killed for testis study at 5, 12, 16, 22, and 23 days. Refractory period was shorter, and modification of spermatogenic activity much greater, under a than under b types of treatment, as compared with controls. Effects were also more consistent. Descending order of testis activity induced at all stages was red, white, control, green, under both a and b. Effects on testis activity are not proportional to heat intensity of incident light, but depend on wave length, since green effect is not intermediate between those of white and red, as its heat intensity is. Green inhibited germ-cell activity even in birds already at normal midwinter minimal condition. Constant six-hour red-light treatments, of this intensity, induced flrst appearance of metamorphosing sperms in twenty-three days in midwinter. Apparatus and mode of light regulation and measurement are described.
Environmental effects on cognitive and affective states: The experiential time sampling approach

Twenty professionals, half men and half women, half above and half below the age of thirty, were signaled at random during their normal waking hours by an electronic paging device or "beeper" over the course of a week. Self reports on seven cognitive and affective measures were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance. Environment was demonstrated to have a highly significant impact on respondents' reports. Age and sex within age group effects as well as significant interactions between environment and age and sex appeared. A characteristic profile of life experiences of professionals emerged in which there appeared significant contrasts in cognitive and affective states, particularly at home and work, but in recreation and transportation as well. The research is introduced as a new method for examining personality in the normal range of environments which persons typically inhabit. The results serve to reinforce the belief that personality is not expressed consistently across environments, and underscores the limitations of measuring personality in a single and often atypical testing situation. The introduction of this new method provides some promise for advancing personality research through providing a more representative picture of persons' typical experience than has been possible previously.
Growth and magnesium uptake of tall fescue clones with varying root diameters

Abstract A cool season perennial grass with a root system capable of penetrating hardpans and which can accumulate adequate Mg to prevent deficiencies in forage is needed in the Coastal Plain region. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effects of magnesium (Mg) concentration in nutrient solution and root diameter on Mg uptake and growth of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Propagules of two fescue clones with large root diameter (LDR >1 mm), two clones with small root diameter (SDR <0.8 mm), and a single clone from ‘Kentucky 31’ (Ky‐31) were transferred into 12‐liter tanks containing Mg concentrations of 3, 21, 42, 125, 250, and 500 μM as MgSO4 and grown for 39 or 70 days. Leaf Mg concentration was increased linearly with Mg solution concentration in LDR clones for a 39‐day growth period (Harvest 1), but increased according to a cubic equation in the SDR clones and the Ky‐31. Predicted leaf Mg concentration as a function of solution Mg followed a cubic equation for a 70‐day gro...
Creating Learning Opportunities in Strange or Familiar Contexts: A Response to Gerald R. Fast's “'Africa, My Teacher!'”

Having had the opportunity to observe in classrooms throughout Zimbabwe as an external examiner about ten years ago and having spent time in other African countries since then, I found myself closely connecting to Fast's stories of living and teaching in Zimbabwe. If readers have not had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a foreign culture, Fast's stories may, on the surface, appear intriguing but distant from their own lives and ways of functioning. From these appealing stories, however, there is much for any reader to contemplate and better understand about teaching and learning in any culture. In my response, I will explore Fast's two main themes and highlight the need for similar learning opportunities for teachers even when they cannot travel to foreign countries or visit unfamiliar cultures.
A functional description of macromodules

This paper describes a set of macromodular building blocks such as registers, adders, memories, control devices, etc., from which it is possible for the electronically-naive to construct arbitrarily large and complex computers that work. Machines are assembled by plugging the modules into cells of a special frame which provides for communication between adjacent cells. Explicit data pathways and control structures are then made by plugging in standardized cables. All pieces of a system are therefore recoverable and systems can be reconfigured easily. Data modules process twelve-bit word-segments; greater word lengths are obtained by interconnecting modules. Memory modules hold 4096 twelve-bit segments and can also be interconnected to form larger arrays. Particular attention is given to the problem of designing control structures. The control signals for a given process are routed along the cables of a control network whose topology is isomorphic to the flow diagram representing the process. The step from conception to realization can therefore be made directly.
The Role of Environment in Mental Health Individual Empowerment through Social Restructuring

Despite substantial progress in developing empirically validated psychotherapeutic treatments for specific mental health problems, most current efforts are based largely on treatment with drugs, which may not produce permanent recovery. The result has been an almost nihilistic attitude that assumes that little can be done to rehabilitate persons with mental health problems. Empirical evidence gleaned from innovative treatment programs and ethnocultural studies indicates clearly that healthy environments that provide meaningful work and a variety of nonmedical interventions offer more lasting health results than medical treatment alone. The supportive and curative influence of the environment has been greatly neglected, in part because of medical dominance in the treatment of emotional problems. More effective is the removal of the social, economic, and professional barriers to mental health and the strengthening of rehabilitative efforts that promote activity and purpose.
Nodal Metastasis in Major Salivary Gland Cancer: Predictive Factors and Effects on Survival

Objectives To determine how regional nodal metastasis affects survival in patients with major salivary gland malignancy and to identify clinical predictors for nodal disease. Methods Major salivary gland cancer cases with nodal sampling were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer database for 1988 through 1998. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to compare patients with and without histopathologic evidence of nodal disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of clinical predictors on the presence of regional nodal disease. Results A total of 1268 patients with major salivary gland malignancy and regional node sampling were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 58.3 years, with a male-female ratio of 1:4. Mean tumor size was 3.0 cm. Overall mean survival time was 83 months (95% confidence interval, 80-87 months). Patients with no evidence of nodal cancer had significantly improved survival over patients with any pathologically positive nodes (mean survival time, 100 months vs 59 months, respectively; P Conclusions Nodal disease significantly decreases survival in patients with major salivary gland malignancy. Tumor histopathologic type, facial nerve involvement, extraglandular tumor extension, and tumor grade are the most important predictors of nodal disease.
Induction of fibrin-specific antibodies by immunization with synthetic peptides that correspond to amino termini of thrombin cleavage sites.

Abstract Fibrin-specific antibodies have been produced in rabbits which were immunized with synthetic peptides. Specificity against human fibrin monomer was achieved because the synthetic peptide haptens were derived from sites unique to fibrin as compared with fibrinogen. Two undecapeptides were chemically synthesized according to the amino acid sequence of the amino termini of human fibrin α-and β-chains which are revealed by thrombin cleavage. Rabbits immunized with either an α- or β-chain peptide conjugate produced anti-peptide sera which reacted with fibrin monomer. Following immunoadsorption of the rabbit sera with human fibrinogen-Sepharose, fibrin-specific antibodies were detectable by solid-phase radioimmunoassay that did not react with fibrinogen. Antisera elicited by clotted human fibrin contained antibodies that reacted with fibrin and fibrinogen when treated in a similar manner.
Stalking the magma ocean

Planets and smaller bodies are evidently differentiated, at least into a metallic core, silicate mantel and buoyant crust. Much of the differentiation occurred or began when the body was much hotter than now, back at the time of planetary formation around 4.5 thousand million years ago.
Adrenergic Control of Bicarbonate Absorption in the Proximal Convoluted Tubule of the Rat Kidney

The effects of norepinephrine and phenoxybenzamine on bicarbonate absorption in the rat proximal convoluted tubule were studied by simultaneous microperfusion of tubule and peritubular capillaries. Bicarbonate was determined by using a pH-sensitive membrane electrode system. The rates of bicarbonate absorption\((J_{HCO_3 } )\) were examined in the same proximal tubule before and after the addition of norepinephrine or phenoxybenzamine. When the proximal tubule was perfused with Ringer solution and peritubular capillaries were perfused with albumin Ringer solution,\(J_{HCO_3 }\) was 145±3.3 pEq/min×mm. Addition of 2×10−6 mol/l norepinephrine to the capillary perfusate caused a 21% increase in\(J_{HCO_3 }\). Addition of 2×10−6 mol/l phenoxybenzamine to the capillary perfusate caused a 12% decrease in\(J_{HCO_3 }\). Addition of both norepinephrine and phenoxybenzamine to the capillary perfusate caused a 19% decrease in\(J_{HCO_3 }\). However, there was no significant effect on\(J_{HCO_3 }\) observed when either norepinephrine or phenoxybenzamine was added to the luminal perfusate. These results suggest that adrenergic nerves participate in the regulation of renal tubular bicarbonate absorption through the direct action of norepinephrine on adrenergic receptors located at the basolateral side of the proximal tubule.
Localization of the TIG3 transglutaminase interaction domain and demonstration that the amino-terminal region is required for TIG3 function as a keratinocyte differentiation regulator.

Tazarotene-induced gene 3 (TIG3) regulates keratinocyte terminal differentiation by activating type I transglutaminase (TG1). TIG3 consists of an amino-terminal (N-terminal) segment, that encodes several conserved motifs, and a carboxy-terminal (C-terminal) membrane-anchoring domain. By producing a series of truncation mutants that remove segments of the N-terminal region, and monitoring the ability of each mutant to co-precipitate TG1, function as a TG1 substrate, or functionally localize with TG1 in cells, we show that the TIG3 domain that interacts with TG1 is located within a TIG3 segment spanning amino acids 112–164. Although they bind TG1, TIG3 mutants lacking the conserved N-terminal region drive apoptosis-like cell death characterized by cell rounding, membrane blebbing, cytochrome c release, procaspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and reduced p53 and p21 levels. Compared with TIG3, these truncated mutants have an increased tendency to associate with membranes. A mutant lacking the C-terminal membrane-anchoring domain is inactive. These findings suggest that TIG3 interaction with TG1 does not require the N-terminal conserved domains, that the TIG3 N-terminal region is required for TIG3-dependent keratinocyte differentiation, that its removal converts TIG3 into a proapoptotic protein, and that this change in action of TIG3 is associated with an intracellular redistribution.
Incidence of nosocomial hemodialysis-associated bloodstream infections at a county teaching hospital

Background Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Limited information is to be found regarding nosocomial hemodialysis-associated bloodstream infections (HABSI). Methods We sought to determine the rate of nosocomial HABSI and its associated risk factors at Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Inpatients who received hemodialysis during 2011 and 2012 were included, and outcomes were recorded along with risk factors. Data was analyzed with SPSS Inc software. Results A total of 619 patients was included. Fourteen HABSI were detected, with a rate of 3.33/1,000 hemodialysis sessions and 1.03/1,000 patient-days. An association was detected between HABSI and vascular access type (highest risk with nontunneled catheters), length of hospital stay, number of hemodialysis sessions, and hemoglobin A1c level. A correlation was also noted between HABSI because of MRSA and colonization of nares with MRSA. A predominance of staphylococci infections was detected. Conclusion The rate of HABSI observed at Riverside County Regional Medical Center was lower than similar studies (2.5 per 1,000 patient-days and 3.95 per 1,000 hemodialysis sessions). The most important risk factors were determined to be nontunneled catheters, hemoglobin A1c greater than 7%, and nares colonization for HABSI because of MRSA. Infection prevention efforts in the inpatient hemodialysis population should focus on control of hyperglycemia and decolonization of nares from MRSA.
The pre-admission period and precare programs for the mentally ill: A review of the literature

The Joint Commission on Mental Illness and Health recommended that the programs providing immediate, or emergency psychiatric care should be expanded or extended. Twenty-one such programs are reported in this review along with studies on the pre-admission period. The programs are grouped according to what appeared to be their most distinctive feature. No attempt is made to evaluate them or compare their geographical differences. The results of these precare programs are cited, and the fact that alternatives to hospitalization can be found indicates that such programs may become an important part of community care treatment for the mentally ill.
Success and Failure in Adult Education: the Immigrant Experience 1914-1924

Between 1914 and 1924, fear of radicalism and political disloyalty as well as desire to help newcomers led Americans to launch a massive campaign to educate unnaturalized immigrant adults. The camp...
Fast eQTL Analysis for Twin Studies

Twin data are commonly used for studying complex psychiatric disorders, and mixed effects models are one of the most popular tools for modeling dependence structures between twin pairs. However, for eQTL (expression quantitative trait loci) data where associations between thousands of transcripts and millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms need to be tested, mixed effects models are computationally inefficient and often impractical. In this paper, we propose a fast eQTL analysis approach for twin eQTL data where we randomly split twin pairs into two groups, so that within each group the samples are unrelated, and we then apply a multiple linear regression analysis separately to each group. A score statistic that automatically adjusts the (hidden) correlation between the two groups is constructed for combining the results from the two groups. The proposed method has well-controlled type I error. Compared to mixed effects models, the proposed method has similar power but drastically improved computational efficiency. We demonstrate the computational advantage of the proposed method via extensive simulations. The proposed method is also applied to a large twin eQTL data from the Netherlands Twin Register.
On the Use of the Aspects, Independent Personal Pronouns, Fillers, and Attention Grabbers in Algerian Arabic Oral Narratives

This paper examines, via microlinguistic or micropragmatic textual analysis, the use of the perfect and imperfect aspects, independent personal pronouns, so-called fillers, and attention grabbers, among other interrelated topics related to information flow, in two Algerian Arabic (AA) oral narratives: the first of a mother, and second a father (both from the city of Tbessa, located south of Constantine and close to the Tunisian border) talking to their daughter describing events that occurred in the past. One conclusion offered from an investigation of these stories is that the imperfect contributes to the ‘immediacy’ of the narratives in that they are ‘made’ to take place in the here and now, although the monologue refers to events which have already taken place. This traditional analysis affirms that it is as if the past in the narrative is brought into the present in which it is being told. 1 This is similar to English: ‘So he says to me — he says …’, in which ‘says’ really means ‘said’. 2 Another conclusion is that AA can use the perfect that must be translated, according to the context, with the English present tense: fhǝmti ‘(Do) you understand?’ = ‘(You) see what I'm saying?’ (and not ‘You saw what I'm saying?’). Repetition is another major ingredient of this discourse 3 (see Johnstone [1991], although none of the examples in this book are from colloquial Arabic dialects), and many examples of this phenomenon can be adduced in the AA texts that follow.
The neuronal architecture of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat in the region of the cochlear nerve root: Golgi and Nissl methods

Abstract This report characterizes the cells and fibers in one part of the cochlear nucleus, the posterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. This includes the region where the cochlear nerve root enters the brain and begins to form endings. Nissl stains reveal the somata of globular cells with dispersed Nissl substance and those of multipolar cells with coarse, clumped Nissl bodies. Both parts of the posterior division contain cells with each Nissl pattern, but in different relative numbers and locations. Golgi impregnations demonstrate two types of neurons: bushy cells, with short bush-like dendrites, and stellate and elongate cells, with long tapered dendrites. Several varieties of bushy cells, differing in the morphology of the cell body and in the size and extent of the dendritic field, can be distinguished. Comparison of the distributions of these cell types, as well as cellular morphology, suggest that the globular cells recognized in Nissl stains correspond to bushy neurons, while the multipolar cells correspond to stellate and elongate neurons. Golgi impregnations reveal large end-bulbs and smaller boutons from cochlear nerve fibers, as well as boutons from other, unidentified sources, ending in this region. The particular arrangements of the dendritic fields of the different cell types and the axonal endings associated with them indicate that these neurons must have different physiological properties, since they define different domains with respect to the cochlear and non-cochlear inputs.
Toughening of a Particulate-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Composite by Thermal Residual Stress

The micromechanics involved in increased crack growth resistance, KR, due to the addition of TiB2 particulate in a SiC matrix was analyzed both experimentally and theoretically. The fractography evidence, in which, the advancing crack was attracted to adjacent particulates, was attributed to the tensile region surrounding a particulate. Countering this effect is the compressive thermal residual stress, which results in the toughening of the composite, in the matrix. This thermal residual stress field in a particulate-reinforced ceramic-matrix composite is induced by the mismatch in the coefficients of thermal expansion of the matrix and the particulate when the composite is cooled from the processing to room temperature. The increase in KR of the composite over the monolithic matrix, which was measured by using a hybrid experimental-numerical analysis, was 77%, and compared well with the analytically predicted increase of 52%. The increase in KR predicted by the crack deflection model was 14%. Dependence of KR on the volume fraction of particulates, fp, and of voids, fv, is also discussed.
DNA Contacts Stimulate Catalysis by a Poxvirus Topoisomerase

Eukaryotic type 1B topoisomerases act by forming covalent enzyme-DNA intermediates that transiently nick DNA and thereby release DNA supercoils. Here we present a study of the topoisomerase encoded by the pathogenic poxvirus molluscum contagiosum. Our studies of DNA sites favored for catalysis reveal a larger recognition site than the 5'-(T/C)CCTT-3' sequence previously identified for poxvirus topoisomerases. Separate assays of initial DNA binding and covalent complex formation revealed that different DNA sequences were important for each reaction step. The location of the protein-DNA contacts was mapped by analyzing mutant sites and inosine-substituted DNAs. Some of the bases flanking the 5'-(T/C)CCTT-3' sequence were selectively important for covalent complex formation but not initial DNA binding. Interactions important for catalysis were probed with 5'-bridging phosphorothiolates at the site of strand cleavage, which permitted covalent complex formation but prevented subsequent religation. Kinetic studies revealed that the flanking sequences that promoted recovery of covalent complexes increased initial cleavage instead of inhibiting resealing of the nicked intermediate. These data 1) indicate that previously unidentified DNA contacts can accelerate a step between initial binding and covalent complex formation and 2) help specify models for conformational changes promoting catalysis.
Localization of Iron in Arabidopsis Seed Requires the Vacuolar Membrane Transporter VIT1

Iron deficiency is a major human nutritional problem wherever plant-based diets are common. Using synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microtomography to directly visualize iron in Arabidopsis seeds, we show that iron is localized primarily to the provascular strands of the embryo. This localization is completely abolished when the vacuolar iron uptake transporter VIT1 is disrupted. Vacuolar iron storage is also critical for seedling development because vit1-1 seedlings grow poorly when iron is limiting. We have uncovered a fundamental aspect of seed biology that will ultimately aid the development of nutrient-rich seed, benefiting both human health and agricultural productivity.
The Gender Gap in Support for Capital Punishment: A Test of Attribution Theory

Studies of public support for capital punishment have consistently observed a strong and enduring gender gap in the level of death penalty support, with males consistently more inclined than females to support capital punishment. This unexplained relationship has endured over time and space as well as across a myriad of research designs. The present study uses attribution theory in a factorial survey design to account for this relationship. Analyses of data obtained from jurors provide mixed support for attribution theory yet fails to bridge the gender gap in death penalty support. The implications of these findings as they relate to gender, socialization, and attributions are discussed.
Symmetry principles in old and new physics

Symmetry and invariance considerations have long played important roles in physics. The 32 crystal classes—that is, groups of rotations in three-dimensional space all the elements of which are of the order 2, 3, 4 or 6—were determined 137 years ago, in the same year in which group theory was born. The determination of the 230 space groups, by Schonflies and by Fedorov (these are the discrete subgroups of the Euclidean group which contain three noncoplanar translations) was a masterpiece of analysis and so was the determination by Groth of the possible properties of crystals with the symmetries of these space-groups.
Centroid-moment tensor solutions for July-September 1995

Abstract Centroid-moment tensor solutions are presented for 230 earthquakes that occurred during the third quarter of 1995. The solutions are obtained using corrections for aspherical earth structure represented by a whole mantle shear velocity model SH8/U4L8 of Dziewonski and Woodward (1992, Acoustical Imaging , Plenum Press, pp. 785–797). A new model of anelastic attenuation of Durek and Ekstrom (1994, EOS, Trans. Am. Geophys. Union, Spring Meet. Suppl. , 75: 83) is used to predict the decay of the waveforms.
Nationwide threshold of representation

Abstract How large must parties be to achieve minimal representation in a national assembly? The degree of institutional constraints is reflected indirectly by the number of seat-winning parties (n) and more directly by the threshold of representation (T), defined as the vote level at which parties have a 50–50 chance to win their first seat. The existing theoretical threshold formulas use district-level reasoning and therefore overestimate the nationwide threshold. This study extends the theory to the nationwide level. In addition to district magnitude (M), the number of electoral districts and hence assembly size (S) emerge as important variables. When all seats are allocated in M-seat districts, T=75%/[(M+1)(S/M)0.5] and n=(MS)0.25. T and n are connected by T=75%/[n2+(S/n2)]. These theoretical expectation values are tested with 46 durable electoral systems.
Sensitive high-density lipoprotein cholesterol assay

Abstract A procedure has been described in which a currently acceptable simple procedure for the precipitation of low-density and very-low-density lipoproteins is paired with a modified sensitized enzyme reagent system containing sodium 2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorobenzenesulfonate for the determination of cholesterol by equilibrium reaction with the high density lipoprotein fraction of serum. The resulting increase in absorbances by using the auxochromic derivative of phenol is some four to five times that of the phenol system and therefore makes it possible to discriminate with more assurance within the critical ±50 mg/liter concentration difference. Factors such as comparative calibration slopes for the phenol reaction and its auxochrome substitute, the water displacement error, the presence of bilirubin, and the contamination by LDL-VLDL precipitating reagents are considered and discussed.
Nutritional blindness in developing countries

Of the world's estimated forty two million blind population ninety percent live in the Southern countries. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.
Rheological behavior of dilute solutions of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polysiloxane in 4,4'-n-octylcyanobiphenyl

The electrorheological (ER) behavior and stress transient response of dilute solutions of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polysiloxane (LCP) in 4,4′-n-octylcyanobiphenyl (8CB) is studied. In the flow-tumbling regime of 8CB, i.e. from T = 34–38 °C, the stress transients of both 8CB and LCP/8CB solutions show oscillatory responses, but with shorter oscillation periodicities for the solution. In the flow-aligning regime of 8CB, i.e. at 39 and 40 °C, a transformation to flow-tumbling is observed in the stress transients of the LCP/8CB solution. In both cases, analysis of the transient responses indicates that the change in Leslie viscosity coefficients on dissolving the LCP are δα2 0. The amplitude of the ER response, defined as the viscosity difference between the on and off states, Δη = ηon − ηoff, is only weakly affected by the dissolution of LCP. These rheological results can be interpreted consistently using a modified version of a hydrodynamic theory by Brochard, provided an additional dissipation mechanism is included, which derives from the presence of an elastic torque between director rotation and LCP orientation.
Seronegative secondary syphilis.

In syphilology, the most secure of the clinical-laboratory correlations has been the impression that secondary syphilis is very nearly always accompanied by a positive serologic test. A statistical study of 13,000 cases of untreated secondary syphilis by Kiesselbach and Eagle in 1946 (1) revealed that 1.7% of these had negative or doubtfully positive serology. Their figures were compiled from data sent to them by the various rapid treatment centers all over the country. Since these were, therefore, mere statistical reports without clinical data, it was suggested that we do a detailed study at our own rapid treatment center to determine the incidence of seronegativity in untreated secondary syphilis.
Subclassifying atypical urinary cytology specimens

BACKGROUND Subclassifying atypical gynecologic Papanicolaou smears successfully stratifies patients for risk of a significant underlying lesion. Subclassifying atypical urine cytology specimens also may be of value. METHODS A literature review and summary of personal experience with urine cytology specimens were performed. RESULTS Although a wide range of atypical urinary specimens exists, most can be categorized into a limited number of patterns. Different patterns are associated with different levels of risk for either low grade or high grade urothelial neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS Subclassifcation of urinary cytology specimens may be of value in stratifying patients for their risk of either low grade or high grade urothelial carcinoma. Awareness of these patterns may aid in evaluating urinary cytology specimens. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2000;90:222–9. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Affinity labeling of highly hydrophobic integral membrane proteins for proteome-wide analysis.

The ability to identify and quantitate integral membrane proteins is an analytical challenge for mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The use of surfactants to solubilize and facilitate derivatization of these proteins can suppress peptide ionization and interfere with chromatographic separations during microcapillary reversed-phase liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry. To circumvent the use of surfactants and increase proteome coverage, an affinity labeling method has been developed to target highly hydrophobic integral membrane proteins using organic-assisted extraction and solubilization followed by cysteinyl-specific labeling using biotinylation reagents. As demonstrated on the membrane subproteome of Deinococcus radiodurans, specific and quantitative labeling of integral membrane proteins was achieved using a 60% methanol-aqueous buffer system and (+)-biotinyl-iodoacetamidyl-3,6-dioxaoctanediamine as the cysteinyl-alkylating reagent. From a total of 220 unique Cys-labeled peptid...