cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impairments in real-world executive function increase from childhood to adolescence in autism spectrum disorders

Objective Although several studies have investigated developmental trajectories of executive functioning (EF) in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) using lab-based tasks, no study to date has directly measured how EF skills in everyday settings vary at different ages. The current study seeks to extend prior work by evaluating age-related differences in parent-reported EF problems during childhood and adolescence in a large cross-sectional cohort of children with ASD. Method Children (N = 185) with an ASD without intellectual disability participated in the study. Participants were divided into four groups based on age (5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-18-year-olds). The four age groups did not differ in IQ, sex ratio, or autism symptoms. Results There were significant age effects (i.e., worsening scores with increasing age) in three of G. A. Gioia, P. K. Isquith, S. Guy, and L. Kenworthy's (2000) BRIEF: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Odessa, FL, Psychological Assessment Resources scale scores: Initiate (p = .007), working memory (p = .003), and organization of materials (p = .023). In addition, analysis of the BRIEF scale profile revealed that, although multiple scales were elevated, the shift scale showed the greatest problems in both the youngest and oldest age cohorts. Conclusions Older children with ASD show greater EF problems compared with the normative sample than younger children with ASD. Specifically, there is a widening divergence from the normative sample in metacognitive executive abilities in children with ASD as they age. This, in combination with significant, albeit more stable, impairments in flexibility, has implications for the challenges faced by high-functioning individuals with ASD as they attempt to enter mainstream work and social environments.
Correlative morphometry and morphology of normal equine intestinal mucosa and comparison after adaptation to extensive large colon resection.

Summary Light microscopy, morphometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the mucosal morphology of seven intestinal specimens (three from the small intestine and four from the large intestine) from two horses not subjected to surgery and three horses one year after sham-operation for colon resection. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation revealed similar morphology for all horses except that the unoperated horses had significantly (P<0.05) fewer goblet cells in the crypts of the large intestine. In the small intestine, SEM demonstrated that villus shape varied and ranged from coned to broad and flat. In the large intestine, SEM of the right ventral and dorsal colon revealed more prominent crypt openings than in the caecum. The small colon contained the most prominent crypt openings with the least variation among horses. In the small intestine, light microscopy and morphometry revealed a greater number of goblet cells and a decreased width to the enterocytes in an aboral direction from the cranial jejunum to the ileum. In the large intestine, the crypt area and crypt depth increased significantly and the intercrypt area decreased significantly in an aboral direction from the caecum to the small colon (P<0.05). In comparison to the normal morphology, horses one year after extensive large colon resection had significantly greater intercrypt area in the caecum and remaining large colon.
Oestrogen stimulation of nest material preparation in the peach-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether the behaviour involved in nest material preparation by female Agapornis roseicollis is stimulated at least in part by an oestrogen and at what age this behaviour can first be induced with an exogenous hormone. A pilot study indicated that an oestrogen (diethylstilbestrol) can stimulate nest material preparation, but only after the female has reached a certain minimum age. A second experiment, using a single cross-over design, was made to determine this age. Four 10-week-old females received oestrogen pellet implants; four others were given control pellets. After 9 weeks the treatments were reversed, the control birds now receiving oestrogen. Measures of the treatment effects were the number of strips cut from paper sheets and the area of paper left uncut. The treated birds showed nest material preparation beginning in the 3rd week of treatment, peaking at weeks 6 and 7 and decreasing in weeks 8 and 9. The control birds showed almost no nest material preparation until after treatment reversal. These responses indicate that preparation of nest material in A. roseicollis is mediated at least in part by oestrogen and that immature females can be stimulated to this activity at least 2 weeks before they would normally begin.
Changes in brain water, brain chloride, and serum chloride after bilateral nephrectomy in rats.

Summary(1) An accurate procedure is presented for the determination of chloride in small samples of cerebral tissue. (2) Cerebral edema did not occur in rats subjected tobilateral nephrectomy, nor was there any increase in brain chloride concentration. (3) After nephrectomy, the serum chloride of rats falls markedly.
A synergistic antiproliferation effect of curcumin and docosahexaenoic acid in SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells: unique signaling not explained by the effects of either compound alone

Background: Breast cancer is a collection of diseases in which molecular phenotypes can act as both indicators and mediators of therapeutic strategy. Therefore, candidate therapeutics must be assessed in the context of multiple cell lines with known molecular phenotypes. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and curcumin (CCM) are dietary compounds known to antagonize breast cancer cell proliferation. We report that these compounds in combination exert a variable antiproliferative effect across multiple breast cell lines, which is synergistic in SK-BR-3 cells and triggers cell signaling events not predicted by the activity of either compound alone. Methods: Dose response curves for CCM and DHA were generated for five breast cell lines. Effects of the DHA+ CCM combination on cell proliferation were evaluated using varying concentrations, at a fixed ratio, of CCM and DHA based on their individual ED50. Detection of synergy was performed using nonlinear regression of a sigmoid dose response model and Combination Index approaches. Cell molecular network responses were investigated through whole genome microarray analysis of transcript level changes. Gene expression results were validated by RT-PCR, and western blot analysis was performed for potential signaling mediators. Cellular curcumin uptake, with and without DHA, was analyzed via flow cytometry and HPLC. Results: CCM+DHA had an antiproliferative effect in SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-361, MCF7 and MCF10AT cells. The effect was synergistic for SK-BR-3 (ER - PR - Her2 + ) relative to the two compounds individually. A whole genome microarray approach was used to investigate changes in gene expression for the synergistic effects of CCM+DHA in SK-BR-3 cells lines. CCM+DHA triggered transcript-level responses, in disease-relevant functional categories, that were largely non-overlapping with changes caused by CCM or DHA individually. Genes involved in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, inhibition of metastasis, and cell adhesion were upregulated, whereas genes involved in cancer development and progression, metastasis, and cell cycle progression were downregulated. Cellular pools of PPARg and phospho-p53 were increased by CCM+DHA relative to either compound alone. DHA enhanced cellular uptake of CCM in SK-BR-3 cells without significantly enhancing CCM uptake in other cell lines. Conclusions: The combination of DHA and CCM is potentially a dietary supplemental treatment for some breast cancers, likely dependent upon molecular phenotype. DHA enhancement of cellular curcumin uptake is one potential mechanism for observed synergy in SK-BR-3 cells; however, transcriptomic data show that the antiproliferation synergy accompanies many signaling events unique to the combined presence of the two compounds.
Terahertz characterization of graphene thin films on both sides of substrate

Graphene thin films on two sides of quartz substrate are characterized via Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy in this paper. The quartz substrate permittivity is first characterized. The graphene film is then treated as a surface boundary condition between the substrate and air. Using the uniform field approximation, the surface conductivities of graphene films are extracted. Compared to some previous approach, more accurate results in wider frequency range is achieved because of the second layer of graphene film and small substrate loss.
Molecular Cloning of Transferrin Receptor 2 A NEW MEMBER OF THE TRANSFERRIN RECEPTOR-LIKE FAMILY

Transferrin receptor (TfR) plays a major role in cellular iron uptake through binding and internalizing a carrier protein transferrin (Tf). We have cloned, sequenced, and mapped a human gene homologous to TfR, termed TfR2. Two transcripts were expressed from this gene: α (∼2.9 kilobase pairs), and β (∼2.5 kilobase pairs). The predicted amino acid sequence revealed that the TfR2-α protein was a type II membrane protein and shared a 45% identity and 66% similarity in its extracellular domain with TfR. The TfR2-β protein lacked the amino-terminal portion of the TfR2-α protein including the putative transmembrane domain. Northern blot analysis showed that the α transcript was predominantly expressed in the liver. In addition, high expression occurred in K562, an erythromegakaryocytic cell line. To analyze the function of TfR2, Chinese hamster ovary TfR-deficient cells (CHO-TRVb cells) were stably transfected with FLAG-tagged TfR2-α. These cells showed an increase in biotinylated Tf binding to the cell surface, which was competed by nonlabeled Tf, but not by lactoferrin. Also, these cells had a marked increase in Tf-bound 55Fe uptake. Taken together, TfR2-α may be a second transferrin receptor that can mediate cellular iron transport.
Constraints on Stress Energy Perturbations in General Relativity

Conditions are found for the existence of integral constraints on stress-energy perturbations in general relativity. The integral constraints can be thought of as a general-relativistic generalization of the conservation of energy and momentum of matter perturbations in special relativity. The constraints are stated in terms of a vector field V\ensuremath{\rightarrow}, and the Robertson-Walker spacetimes are shown to have such constraint vectors. Although in general V\ensuremath{\rightarrow} is not a Killing vector, in a vacuum spacetime the constraint vectors are precisely the Killing vectors.
The Effect of Sugars on β‐Lactamase Aggregation in Escherichia coli

Overproduction of the secreted protein β-lactamase in Escherichia coli results in the formation of inclusion bodies in the periplasmic space. The aggregation of β-lactamase was inhibited when non-metabolizable sugars, such as sucrose and raffinose, were added into the growth medium. A four-fold increase in the amount of soluble protein was obtained under optimal conditions. The mechanism for the inhibition of protein aggregation was investigated. Addition of 0.3M sucrose decreased the rate of processing of the β-lactamase precursor, causing its transient accumulation within the cell.
Global Geoscience Transect 20. Central Appalachians: Cratonic North America to the Atlantic Abyssal Plain

The Central Appalachian Geoscience Transect (GGT20) extends from the Atlantic coast across the Appalachian orogen to the Grenvillian structural front in the cratonic interior of North America. The character of the continental crust along the transect results from two Wilson cycles during Proterozoic and Phanerozoic time, comprised of the Grenvillian orogeny, Eocambrian rifting, Paleozoic orogeny, and Mesozoic rifting. The purpose of the transect is to address questions regarding the Paleozoic development of the eastern margin of North America related to: (1) structural development of the middle and lower crust during rifting and orogeny; (2) sources of major potential field anomalies, including the New York–Alabama magnetic lineament; (3) displacement termination of the Appalachian foreland thrust; and (4) thrust displacement transfer from the crystalline terranes into the foreland.
Development of Basic Auditory Discrimination in Preschool Children

Intensity (loudness), frequency (pitch), and duration discrimination were examined in 41 normal-hearing children, aged 4 to 6 years, and 9 adults. A second study retested 25 of the youngest children 12 to 18 months later. Intensity discrimination showed the least improvement with age and was adultlike by age 5 for most of the children. In contrast, frequency and duration discrimination showed highly significant improvement with age, hut remained poorer than adults' discrimination for many 6-year-olds. Large individual differences were observed within alt tasks and age groups.
Does rapid economic growth improve the human lot? Some empirical evidence

Politicians and decision-makers in both developed and developing countries have sought to maximize economic growth on the basis of the belief that this leads to advances in the quality of life. This paper seeks to test whether this belief is well-founded. An application of the Diffusion Index to time-series data collected from a rapidly growing, low income country demonstrates that while higher national income makes for greater welfare the rate of welfare enhancement is almost independent of the rate of national income growth. On the basis of these findings, it is argued that the Gross National Product by itself may not be used as a reliable measure of human welfare. Finally, this paper suggests that in order to provide the maximum quality of life for the members of a given society, its national policy should be based on a much broader conception of welfare than is currently implied by the idea of GNP growthmanship.
Schemata Training and Transfer of an Intellectual Skill.

2 experiences portant sur le raisonnement analogique, etudiant l'effet de l'entrainement (analogie, syllogisme) et du transfert d'apprentissage (strategies generales ou specifiques) dans des tâches de resolution d'analogies verbales, sont conduites aupres de 169 etudiants
Mechanisms of sprouting in the adult central nervous system : cellular responses in areas of terminal degeneration and reinnervation in the rat hippocampus

Abstract Neurons of the adult mammalian central nervous system are limited in their ability to regenerate in response to injury. In certain circumstances, however, such neurons can exhibit morphological plasticity (e.g. sprouting). Unilateral transection of the perforant path in the adult rat induces terminal degeneration of entorhinal axons within the molecular layer of the ipsilateral hippocampal dentate gyrus. Cholinergic (and other) afferents subsequently sprout within the denervated zone. We show that despite the breach in the blood-brain barrier at the site of the aspirative lesion, the barrier remains intact in the areas of terminal degeneration (and reinnervation), and peripheral monocytic macrophages do not infiltrate this area to participate in the degenerative and/or regenerative events. Perforant path transection does not induce expression of major histocompatibility antigens on reactive cells within the denervated zone, nor are T lymphocytes recruited to this area. T lymphocyte-deficient Nude rats exhibit normal cholinergic sprouting. Perforant path transection does induce rapid and robust proliferation of microglia, and astrocytes to a lesser extent, in areas undergoing terminal degeneration. Histological evaluation after antimitotic administration shows that this glial proliferation is not required for the subsequent neuronal sprouting events. These results show that the reparative process in this model system involves interactions between cells endogenous to the brain in a non-immune context. Knowledge of these cellular responses provides a framework from which to further investigate putative molecular signals involved in initiating the neuronal sprouting events. Discovering the cellular and molecular interactions taking place under sprouting conditions is likely to be critical for understanding the mechanisms of reactive neuronal growth and, furthermore, may provide insights as to why regeneration is so limited in the central nervous system.
A Qualitatively Constructed Interpersonal Communication Model: A Grounded Theory Analysis.

This study examined 288 interpersonal research articles published during the past 25 years in Human Communication Research. The method used was grounded theory. Through constant comparison analysis, a 17-part categorization system was developed to account for each of the articles. The categories were cognition, nonverbal communication, compliance-gaining, message type, personality, interpersonal effects, conversation, close relationships, perception, deception, initial interaction, culture, relationship development, apprehension, self-disclosure, competence, and conflict. The categories were then placed in relationship with one another to create a model of interpersonal communication that consists of seven components. The final representation provides a new model of interpersonal communication, which is obtained from data, empirically supported, and analytically derived.
Personality analysis of a swingers' club

Thirty swingers (16 females, 14 males) from a private metropolitan swinging club volunteered to take the MMPI. One half of the 30 had significant elevations on the clinical and/or validity scales, most frequently on the 9 scale (Hypomania). One third of the sample with normal MMPI scale elevations had significant elevations on validity scales that indicate defensiveness in responding. Analysis of a selected group of special scales of the MMPI indicated that a significant minority of the subjects 1) may be seriously emotionally disturbed, 2) may be substance abusers, or 3) may have serious sexual problems. The MMPI records suggest further that the absence of significantly elevated clinical scales among the normal subgroup may have been a function of defensiveness. On the other hand, most of the subgroup evidencing psychopathology possess ego resources sufficient to enable them to cope with emotional problems.
Use of the Ulnar Artery for Monitoring Arterial Blood Pressures and Blood Gases

A simple and effective technique is described for monitoring arterial pressures and blood gases using the ulnar artery at the wrist. This method can be used for up to five to seven days postoperatively and is admirably suited to adult patients. No permanent vascular or neurological damage to the hand has been observed in more than 300 patients in whom this method was used. A few patients have noted transient paresthesia following use of this technique. In 1 patient this persisted for three months postoperatively, but it is now resolving.
EIT Waves: A Changing Understanding over a Solar Cycle

We present here a review of observations and the current theories that attempt to explain coronal EIT waves. EIT waves were first observed by SOHO-EIT in 1996. Since then, careful analysis has shown that they are related to various other phenomena, such as: CMEs, coronal dimming regions, Moreton waves, and transverse coronal loop oscillations. Over the years, myriad theories have been proposed to explain EIT waves. Early attempts, while elegant, relied heavily on theories based on pre-coronal observations. More recent work, which tends to consider a larger data pool, has led to two competing theoretical camps: wave vs. non-wave models; in many cases, proposed hypotheses flatly contradict each other. Sifting through these seemingly-incongruous models requires a thorough understanding of the available data, as some observations make certain theories more difficult to justify. However, some questions still do not appear resolvable with current data and will likely require help from the next generation of coronal telescopes.
Glycosylation of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform NHE-3 is species specific.

Abstract The glycosylation of Na + /H + exchanger isoform NHE-3 was studied in brush border membrane (BBM) vesicles isolated from rabbit, dog, and rat kidney cortex. Western blot analyses were performed against BBM proteins by using polyclonal antibodies to an NHE-3 fusion protein. In rabbit kidney, NHE-3 antibody recognized a band with ~95 kd molecular mass. Treatment of rabbit cortical BBM with glycopeptidase F, at 16 U/ml, for 4 or 16 hours increased the apparent mobility of NHE-3 to 84 and 82 kd, respectively. Incubation of rabbit BBM proteins for 16 hours with endoglycosidase H, at 0.1 U/ml, did not alter the apparent mobility of NHE-3. Deglycosylation of NHE-3 with glycopeptidase F did not affect acid-stimulated, amiloride-sensitive sodium 22 influx in BBM vesicles as compared with that in controls ( p > 0.05). Immunoblot analysis against BBM proteins from canine kidney cortex demonstrated the presence of an ~83 to 92 kd protein. Treatment of canine BBM with glycopeptidase F or endoglycosidase H or F for 16 hours did not alter the apparent mobility of NHE-3, suggesting that canine renal NHE-3 is not glycosylated. Treatment of canine kidney BBM with glycopeptidase F did not affect acid-stimulated 22 Na + influx as compared with that in controls ( p > 0.05). Immunoblot analysis against BBM proteins from rat kidney cortex demonstrated the presence of a sharp band at 90 kd. Treatment of rat BBM with glycopeptidase F or endoglycosidase H or F for 16 hours did not alter the apparent mobility of NHE-3, suggesting that rat renal NHE-3 is not glycosylated. The above experiments suggest that NHE-3 glycosylation in mammalians is species specific and that glycosylation does not affect the exchanger activity.
Event visualization in a 3D environment

Semantic event tracker (SET) is an interactive visualization tool for analyzing events (activities) in a three-dimensional environment. We model an event as an object that describes an action, its location, time, and relations to other objects. Real world event information is extracted from Internet sources, then stored and processed using Semantic Web technologies that enable us to discover semantic associations between events. We use RDF graphs to represent semantic metadata and ontologies. SET is capable of visualizing as well as navigating through the event data in all three aspects of space, time and theme. Temporal data is illustrated as a 3D multi-line in the 3D environment that connects consecutive events. The line is marked with user-selectable objects that represent the events being visualized. Upon an event's selection, SET "speaks" to the user semantically associated information via a speech synthesizer. Then, upon the user's verbal command SET can display semantically associated media such as digital images, audio and/or video clips. SET provides access to multi-source, heterogeneous, multimedia data, and is capable of visualizing events that contain geographic and time information.
Selection pressures are mounting

n 1976 Richard Dawkins posited cultural replicators by analogy togenes, and gave them the snappy name memes. The term has colon-ised the World Wide Web and infiltrated the dictionaries; it has evenpushed itself on some of Dawkins’ rivals. (Wilson, 1998, has discontinuedthe house brand and no longer speaks of ‘‘culturgens’’.)Unfortunately, while some have found the sales-pitch enticing, 20-oddyears of meme-talk have yet to give rise to a credible theory of memes. Weknow how the theory is supposed to be labelled: memetics, by analogy withgenetics. But what is its content? Memes are packets of knowledge that arejust like genes. That is, they are built up out of atomic units; they encodesomething; and they replicate or fail to replicate. Memes take over the machineryof (some kinds of) minds to get themselves replicated, just as viruses take over themachinery of cells. This two-part formulation is readily remembered andeasily recited, but it explains hardly anything on its own. So what hasBlackmore done to make memetics into a real theory?
The I/S leader as 'innovator'

A number of challenges are facing senior information systems (I/S) executives, among them the demand to function as innovators and to promote creativity within their respective organizations. The authors present a model of I/S leadership which posits four key roles-technologist, manager, innovator and strategist-and focus attention on the particular role of innovator. They further discuss the conditions that facilitate I/S innovation and the role of the I/S leader in championing the reengineering of business processes. >
In Situ Control of Cell Substrate Microtopographies Using Photolabile Hydrogels

Substratum topography can play a significant role in regulating cellular function and fate. To study cellular responses to biophysical cues, researchers have developed dynamic methods for controlling cell morphology; however, many of these platforms are limited to one transition between two predefined substratum topographies. To afford the user additional control over the presentation of microtopographic cues to cell populations, a photolabile, PEG-based hydrogel system is presented in which precisely engineered topographic cues can be formed in situ by controlled erosion. Here, the ability to produce precisely engineered static microtopographies in the hydrogel surface is first established. Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) response to topographies with features of subcellular dimensions (∼5 to 40 μm) and with various aspect ratios increasing from 1:1 to infinity (e.g., channels) are quantified, and the dynamic nature of the culture system is demonstrated by sequentially presenting a series of topographies through in situ modifications and quantifying reversible changes in cell morphology in response to substratum topographies altered in real time.
Control of osteoblast function and regulation of bone mass

The skeleton is an efficient 'servo' (feedback-controlled/steady-state) system that continuously integrates signals and responses which sustain its functions of delivering calcium while maintaining strength. In many individuals, bone mass homeostasis starts failing in midlife, leading to bone loss, osteoporosis and debilitating fractures. Recent advances, spearheaded by genetic information, offer the opportunity to stop or reverse this downhill course.
When Cross-Racial Contact Transforms Intercultural Communication Competence: White Novice Teachers Learn Alongside Their African American High School Mentees

This study examined whether and why an academic mentoring program affected how skillfully its participants communicated with students from a different cultural environment. Based on theory and research about achieving perspective shift via intercultural contact, this longitudinal study assessed changes in the observed intercultural communication abilities of White preservice teachers over their 8 months as academic mentors for members of an African American cultural group, from whom they themselves learned realities of institutional racism. Analysis revealed several statistically significant improvements in these novice teachers' observed interactional abilities over time. By highlighting actual improved actions, these results extend previous attitude-focused and affect-focused research about intergroup contact outcomes. Advancing antiracism education aims, this report also explicates the teacher training experience that successfully prepared these novice teachers to invest in communicating mindfully and ...
Music models for music-speech separation

We consider the task of speech recognition with loud music background interference. We use model-based music-speech separation and train GMM models for music on the audio prior to speech. We show over 8% relative improvement in WER at 10 dB SNR for a real world Voice Search ASR system.
Pediatric EEG (DVD Format)

edited by Douglas R. Nordli Jr., Demos Medical, 2012, $99 When learning to interpret EEGs, it is best to have one-on-one guidance from an expert. Textbooks and atlases are great resources, but they lack the personal interaction that is so helpful in learning the nuances of this particular skill. In Pediatric EEG: An Interactive Reading Session , Dr. Douglas Nordli, Jr. bridges the divide between one-on-one teaching and self-learning with an interactive computer program. The program is designed to make users feel that they are in an EEG reading session with Dr. Nordli. It is targeted to neurology residents, clinical neurophysiology fellows, practicing neurologists, and technologists. It is available as a DVD and in a downloadable software format.
Clinical outcome 10 years after infant heart transplantation.

Abstract The feasibility of heart transplantation for infants has now been established. Clinical outcome data is necessary to assist in targeting areas for improvement and for counseling families considering this option. This report describes clinical outcome in 29 infant heart transplant recipients who have survived at least 10 years. A query of the transplant database, referring physicians and parental questionnaire was performed. Patient survival for the overall infant population is 64% at 13 years. Parents of 19/29 (55%) children described them as developmentally normal. Three children have had a severe developmental outcome. Sixteen of 29 children are in mainstream school environments. Four have repeated one grade in school. Speech delay was present in 10/26 (38%). Somatic growth is normal in 88%. All children are NYHA class I. Renal function shows only modest insufficiency with most recent BUN (mean±S.D.)=25±7 mg/dl and serum creatinine=0.8±0.2 mg/dl. Only four children have creatinine levels >1 mg/dl. No child requires dialysis. No children have developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease beyond 10 years. Four children have experienced rejection beyond 10 years with one mortality due to rejection and transplant coronary artery disease. Conclusion: Heart transplantation during infancy is technically feasible and results in good survival. Many children have some degree of learning disability but most are mild and the children function well in society. Improvements in surgical techniques may improve developmental outcome. Other side-effects of immunosuppression are manageable and most survivors have a good functional outcome.
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome

The patient serving as a focus for our discussion had many symptoms and findings characteristic of the proliferation and overgrowth of a bacterial microflora in the small intestine. This syndrome has been recognized by several descriptive terms: blind-loop syndrome (BLS), small intestinal stasis syndrome, contaminated small bowel syndrome, and stagnant loop syndrome. Each emphasizes that alterations in intestinal structure or function permit the development of an abnormal small bowel flora which is the major pathophysiologic determinant of those clinical features which distinguish the syndrome (l-4). The classic syndrome is characterized by megaloblastic anemia due to vitamin B,, deficiency, and weight loss and diarrhea due to fat malabsorption. There are many causes for the syndrome. With each, there is some disruption or normal processes which prevent small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, such as intestinal motility, mucosal antibacterial defenses, and gastric acidity (5). The syndrome may occur at all ages but is primarily recognized in later life. It also may occur in a less florid manner when associated with or superimposed on other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
The "magic cure": a review of the current controversial approaches for treating learning disabilities.

There are many professionals in multiple disciplines proposing treatment approaches for individuals with learning disabilities. when research has been done to support an approach, the reports and data may be published in journals normally not read by parents, educators, or other professionals. When research data are not available, the information may be in a popular book, the newspapers, lay magazines, or on television. Thus, parents may hear of ideas and suggestions before professionals. It is understandable that parents would seek out improved ways of helping their son or daughter. It is the purpose of this paper to review the significant literature in an effort to assist parents and professionals in assessing controversial approaches to treatment.
HOXB13 Mutation and Prostate Cancer: Studies of Siblings and Aggressive Disease

Background: Recent work detected for the first time a high-risk prostate cancer mutation, in homeobox B13 ( HOXB13 ) among European-Americans. Methods: We further evaluated this G84E missense mutation (rs138213197) in two genetic association studies of prostate cancer: a family-based study of brothers and a case–control study of more aggressive disease ( N = 2,665 total). We then calculated overall impact of this mutation by pooling all published studies of European-Americans. Results: In our studies, the mutation was found exclusively among men with prostate cancer (carrier frequency = 1.48%) or unaffected brothers of cases carrying the mutation (frequency = 0.34%), and carrying the mutation gave an OR for disease = 4.79 ( P = 0.01). The G84E mutation was more common among men with an earlier age of onset (≤55 years) or a family history of prostate cancer. We also observed for the first time an African-American case carrying the G84E mutation, although at HOXB13 both of his chromosomes were of European-American ancestry. The pooled analysis also indicated that carrying the G84E mutation results in an almost five-fold increase in risk of prostate cancer ( P = 3.5 × 10−17), and this risk is even higher among cases with an early age of prostate cancer onset (≤55 years) or a family history of disease: a test of heterogeneity across these strata gives P < 1 × 10−5. Conclusions: The HOXB13 mutation substantially increases risk of early onset, familial prostate cancer in European-American men. Impact: Testing for the G84E mutation in men with a positive family history may help distinguish those who merit more regular screening for prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 1–6. ©2013 AACR .
Correlation of Drain Current Pulsed Response with Microwave Power Output in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs

The drain-current response to short (<1μs) gate pulses has been measured for a series of GaN HEMT wafers that have similar dc and small-signal characteristics. This response has been found to correlate well with the measured microwave power output. For example, for devices where the pulsed drain current is greater than 70% of the dc value, output power densities of up to 2.3 W/mm are attained. This is in contrast with 0.5 W/mm measured for devices with low pulse response (less than 20% of the dc value). These results, which can be explained by the presence of traps in the device structure, provide a convenient test which is predictive of power performance.
Older adults in the SeniorWISE study at risk for mild cognitive impairment.

As part of a larger clinical trial, SeniorWISE™ (Wisdom Is Simply Exploration), this study provides baseline affective, cognitive, and functional ability data and reports on the likely incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in a triethnic community sample of older adults (N = 265). Seventy-eight individuals had memory complaints, whereas 105 had none. Of the complainants, 32 had normal memory function and 46 had poor memory performance. Among those without memory complaints, 42 had no memory impairment and 63 had poor memory performance. Forty-six individuals (17%) met the criteria of poor everyday memory functioning and memory complaints whereas 81 (31%) would be considered to be at risk based on other MCI criteria. This pattern of results suggests that those with declining memory are less aware of their deficits in activities of daily living that their actual performance would suggest are occurring.
Structural investigation of zymogenic and activated forms of human blood coagulation factor VIII: a computational molecular dynamics study

Human blood coagulation factor VIII (fVIII) is a large plasma glycoprotein with sequential domain arrangement in the order A1-a1-A2-a2-B-a3-A3-C1-C2. The A1, A2 and A3 domains are interconnected by long linker peptides (a1, a2 and a3) that possess the activation sites. Proteolysis of fVIII zymogen by thrombin or factor Xa results in the generation of the activated form (fVIIIa) which serves as a critical co-factor for factor IXa (fIXa) enzyme in the intrinsic coagulation pathway. In our efforts to elucidate the structural differences between fVIII and fVIIIa, we developed the solution structural models of both forms, starting from an incomplete 3.7 A X-ray crystal structure of fVIII zymogen, using explicit solvent MD simulations. The full assembly of B-domainless single-chain fVIII was built between the A1-A2 (Ala1-Arg740) and A3-C1-C2 (Ser1669-Tyr2332) domains. The structural dynamics of fVIII and fVIIIa, simulated for over 70 ns of time scale, enabled us to evaluate the integral motions of the multi-domain assembly of the co-factor and the possible coordination pattern of the functionally important calcium and copper ion binding in the protein. MD simulations predicted that the acidic linker peptide (a1) between the A1 and A2 domains is largely flexible and appears to mask the exposure of putative fIXa enzyme binding loop (Tyr555-Asp569) region in the A2 domain. The simulation of fVIIIa, generated from the zymogen structure, predicted that the linker peptide (a1) undergoes significant conformational reorganization upon activation by relocating completely to the A1-domain. The conformational transition led to the exposure of the Tyr555-Asp569 loop and the surrounding region in the A2 domain. While the proposed linker peptide conformation is predictive in nature and warrants further experimental validation, the observed conformational differences between the zymogen and activated forms may explain and support the large body of experimental data that implicated the critical importance of the cleavage of the peptide bond between the Arg372 and Ser373 residues for the full co-factor activity of fVIII.
Estimation of Demographic Parameters from Live‐Encounter Data: a Summary Review

Abstract Estimation of demographic parameters is central to research questions in wildlife management, conservation, and evolutionary ecology. I review the 7 major classes of mark–recapture models that investigators can use to estimate apparent survival and other parameters from live-encounter data. Return rates are the product of 4 probabilities: true survival (S), site fidelity (F), site propensity (δ), and true detection (p*). Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) models improve upon return rates by separating apparent survival (ϕ = S × F) from the probability of encounter (p = δ × p*). The main drawback to mark–recapture models based on live-encounter data is that the complement of apparent survival (1 − ϕ) includes losses to mortality and to permanent emigration, and these 2 ecological processes are difficult to disentangle. Advanced mark–recapture models require additional sampling effort but estimate apparent survival with greater precision and less bias, and they also offer estimates of other useful demograph...
Murine S Factors for Liver, Spleen, and Kidney

UNLABELLED Preclinical evaluation of new radiopharmaceuticals is performed in animal systems before testing is started in humans. These studies, often performed in murine or other rodent models, are important in understanding the relationship between absorbed dose and response, which can be translated to preclinical results for humans. In performing such calculations, either electrons are assumed to deposit all of their energy locally or idealized models of mouse anatomy are used to determine absorbed fractions. Photon contributions are generally considered negligible. To improve the accuracy of such absorbed dose calculations, mouse-specific S factors for (131)I, (153)Sm, (32)P, (188)Re, and (90)Y have been generated, and the photon and electron portions have been tabulated separately. Absorbed fractions for 5 monoenergetic electrons, ranging in energy from 0.5 to 2 MeV, are also provided. METHODS Female athymic mouse MR images were obtained on a 4.7-T MRI device. Fifteen T1-weighted, 1.5-mm-thick slices (0.5-mm gap) were collected. Using a previously developed software package, 3-dimensional Internal Dosimetry (3D-ID), organ contours were drawn to obtain a 3-dimensional representation of liver, kidneys, and spleen. Using a point-kernel convolution, the mean absorbed dose to each organ from the individual contributions of each source organ were calculated. S factor equivalent values were obtained by assuming a uniform distribution of radioactivity in each organ. Results were validated by comparing 3D-ID generated electron S factors for different-sized spheres with published data. Depending on matrix size, sphere size, and radionuclide, 1% (256(2) matrix) to 18% (64(2) matrix) agreement was obtained. RESULTS S factor values were calculated for liver, spleen, and right and left kidneys. Cross-organ electron-absorbed fractions of up to 0.33 were obtained (e.g., (90)Y right kidney to liver). Comparisons between S factor values and values obtained assuming complete absorption of electron energy yielded differences of more than 190% ((90)Y spleen self-dose). CONCLUSION The effect of cross-organ and self-absorbed dose is dependent on emission energy and organ geometry and should be considered in murine dose estimates. The approach used to generate these S factors is applicable to other animal systems and also to nonuniform activity distributions that may be obtained by small-animal SPECT or PET imaging or by quantitative autoradiography.
Are There Metrics for MOOCS From Social Media

Since “the year of the MOOC” in 2012, the effectiveness of massive open online courses (MOOCs) has been widely debated. Some argue that MOOCs are not an effective mode of instructional delivery because of low completion rates. In the interest of developing alternative indicators of performance this study draws from recent efforts to measure engagement in social media, as well as from research on indicators of student engagement in traditional college courses. Using data from 16 Coursera MOOCs offered by the University of Pennsylvania we calculate standardized access rates for lectures and assessments. While these indicators have clear limitations as measures of educational progress they offer a different, more nuanced understanding of the level and nature of users’ engagement with a MOOC. This paper shows that a very small share of users takes up available opportunities to access course content but notes that the standardized access rates compare favorably with those for social media sites and with response rates to large-scale direct mail marketing programs. For MOOC providers and platform managers, indicators like the ones developed in this study may be a useful first step in monitoring the extent to which different types and combinations of activities may be providing better opportunities for learning.
Dead Capital and the Sea: Post-Tsunami Relief for the Souteast Asian Informal Economy

This paper addresses the effects of natural disaster on areas that are inhabited by citizens without formal property rights. This is an issue that must be addressed in the context of the tsunamis that devastated Southeast Asia in December 2004. When large portions of these communities are washed away and no formal titles exist to protect property rights, foreign investors are likely to face fewer barriers to entering local markets, leaving erstwhile informal property holders worse off economically and driving poverty levels to new heights. The paper suggests that governments in Southeast Asia should begin to implement a set of policies that will address these concerns and build a foundation for future economic growth based on formal property markets.
Managing Small Projects

Early in their careers civil engineers normally become project engineers on small projects. An example is used in this paper to illustrate how project management can be used with relative ease for such projects. The civil engineer who becomes a project engineer has entered the ranks of management and should start thinking like a manager. He should start training himself in management and with some approaches start applying the acquired skill in his daily work.
Approximate Spatial Layout Processing in Early Vision

Imagine yourself running through rough terrain, perhaps fleeing a predator, or perhaps chasing after prey. Your visual system does not have time to scrutinize the countless trees, rocks, and other objects you pass by. What you need most is enough spatial information to avoid obstacles, to orient yourself, to pick a path. In this situation, even a rough sketch of the spatial layout of the environment can provide crucial information.
The Digestion and Intake of Winter Foods by Wild Ptarmigan in Alaska

This paper describes a method for measuring the digestibility, metabolizable energy, and daily intake of foods eaten by wild ptarmigan in winter, using the magnesium which occurs naturally in the food as a digestibility marker. This method has already been tested on captive Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus) (Moss and Parkinson 1972). Further laboratory tests with captive Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) are now presented together with winter energy budgets of free-living Willow (Lagopus lagopus), Rock, and White-tailed (Lagopus leucurus) Ptarmigan in Alaska.
On the Inadequacy of Cofinal Subnets and Transfinite Sequences

A basic theorem of general topology states that if p is a cluster point of a net S, then there is a subnet of S that converges to p [4, p. 71], [7, p. 75]. In [4, p. 77] Kelley gives an example, due to Arens [1], to show that in this theorem the net S need not have a cofinal subnet that converges to the cluster point p. Another example has been given by Priestley [5]. These two known examples probably impress many students as being rather complicated or pathological. We show in this note that a familiar source of counterexamples in topology, namely the "Tychonoff Plank," can be readily adapted to provide a simple example of the above type. We follow [4] and [7] in our terminology and notation concerning nets. The reader will recall that if S = {S(n), n E D} is a net defined on the directed set D, and if E is any cofinal subset of D, then the restriction of S to E is called a cofinal subnet of S. Let N denote the nonnegative integers, and W the set of all ordinals less than 2, the first uncountable ordinal. Let N* = N U {X}, and W* = W U {Q}, each provided with the usual order topology. Consider the space X = W* X N* in its product topology, and let p be the point (2, co) in X. Note that a base for the neighborhood system of p in the product topology consists of all subsets of X of the form
Incorporation of cystine and lysine by normal and cystinuric leukocytes.

SummaryLeukocytes of cystinuric patients incorporate labelled cystine and lysine from the medium at a normal rate, even when these amino acids are added in very low concentration. Rate of uptake of cystine by either normal or “cystinuric” leukocytes is not affected by presence of high concentrations of arginine and lysine. The mechanism of renal tubular concentration may therefore be different in kind from that of leukocytes.