cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncoupling histogenesis from morphogenesis in the vertebrate embryo by collapse of the transneural tube potential.

We have shown that unidirec- tional pumping of Na+ out of the neural tube's luminal fluids in amphibian embryos produces a large potential difference (40-90 mV, lumen nega- tive to the abluminal surface). This transneural tube potential (TNTP) is analogous to the Na+ de- pendent transepithelial potential (TEP) that exists across surface ectoderm. This TEP is retained in ectoderm after it is internalized when the neural folds fuse to form the neural tube. The TNTP can be markedly reduced for several hours by injec- tion of the Na+ channel blockers amiloride or ben- zamil into the lumen by iontophoresis through mi- croelectrodes. Here we describe the effect of TNTP modification on developmental anatomy. Axolotl embryos possessing a fused and closed neural tube (stage 21-23) were injected with either amiloride or benzamil and allowed to continue de- velopment for 36-52 hr. These were compared to control embryos injected with vehicle alone, or to embryos in which amiloride or benzamil was ion- tophoresed just beneath surface ectoderm. All em- bryos in which the TNTP was reduced were grossly defective. These were characterized by a disaggregation of the cells comprising the struc- tures that had already begun to form (otic primor- dia, brain, spinal cord, notochord) as well as a fail- ure in the development of new structures. Remarkably, some of these embryos displayed continuing development of external form in the complete absence of concomitant internal histoge- nesis. We discuss the ways in which a large endog- enous voltage gradient associated with an epithe- lial potential difference (the TNTP) may be required both for the structural integrity of the early neuroepithelium, and a prerequisite for nor- mal morphogenesis. rostra1 end. This tube of presumptive neuroepithelium is formed by a progressive infolding and dorsal fusion of surface ectoderm. The neural tube forms a functional epithelial syncytium, clearly possessing an energy de- pendent polarized ion transporting capability (specifi- cally moving Na+ across itself from inside to outside). This same unidirectional movement of Na+ also pro- duces a potential difference across embryonic surface
the paradox of Nuer feud and the leopard‐skin chief: a “creative” solution to the prisoner's dilemma

It is argued that the study of Nuer feud discloses an existential dilemma the universal aspect of which is suggested by its similarity to the so-called prisoner's dilemma. However, out of keeping with the rationalist spirit in which the prisoner's dilemma is typically presented in Western academic discourse, the Nuer do not attempt to resolve their dilemma once and for all, but instead temporize it: through a creative (arational) move, representatively constituted by the figure of the leopard-skin chief, the Nuer repeatedly put off the dilemma's stultifying implication. The creative twist of the Nuer solution is basically conditioned by the paradoxical constitution of Nuer “reality.” This constitution, in sharp contrast to our own considered ontology, makes logically possible movement between domains — spirit and matter — that appear to us to be perfectly separate and distinct. The resulting practice is what is called here the Nuer folk model. [Nuer feud, leopard-skin chief, prisoner's dilemma, folk model, ontology, paradox, East Africa]
Computing lower bounds on tensor rank over finite fields

Abstract A lower bound on rank is constructed for arbitrary tensors over finite fields. For fields of low cardinality the bound is more precise .than those generated by previously known techniques because the structure of the field is exploited. In addition, the proof technique over Z 2 leads to a method for determining whether the lower bound constructed also represents an upper bound and, hence, the rank. As an application of this idea, it is shown that eight multiplications are necessary and sufficient to calculate the four-dimensional quaternion product over Z 2 .
Rheological studies of the interaction of mucins with alginate and polyacrylate

Abstract The associative interaction of purified ovine and porcine submaxillary mucins (OSM and PSM) with sodium alginate was evaluated by comparing the rheological properties of mixtures against those of pure alginate and mucin in dilute, semi-dilute, and concentrated solutions. These systems were investigated as models for the interaction of mucin with the extracellular alginate produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In dilute solution, evidence for such interaction cannot be obtained because aggregate species exist both in the OSM-alginate mixtures as well as in pure OSM. However, in the semi-dilute regime, mixtures containing a higher proportion of mucin show systematically higher viscosities than those predicted by simple additivity. In concentrated solutions containing higher proportion of mucin, an enhanced elastic response is observed. These results demonstrate a substantial binding interaction of mucins with alginate. This property is not observed in mixtures containing a high proportion of alginate, suggesting that mucins possess relatively low numbers of interacting sites. Introduction of 3 mM Ca2+ ions to all mucin-alginate mixtures enhances the elasticity due to gelation of alginate. Finally, comparison of the rheological properties of PSM-alginate mixtures with those of PSM-polyacrylate mixtures indicates that the binding strength of alginate to mucin is significantly weaker than that of polyacrylate.
Nonimaging Techniques For The Extraction Of Noncoherent Object Information And Its Processing

The Van Cittert-Zernike theorem from the theory of partial coherence provides a Fourier relationship between the intensity distribution of a plane noncoherent object and the spatial coherence function of the light in a plane illuminated by the object. Although the spatial coherence function has the dimensions of optical intensity, it is not directly accessible to measurement. Information about the real and imaginary parts or the absolute value and the phase argument of the spatial coherence function permits us to derive the intensity distribution of the noncoherent planar object. In this paper, two methods of obtaining information on the complex-valued spatial coherence function are discussed. In the first method, we review briefly the determination of the cosine and the sine of the phase argument using triple- and quadruple-intensity correlations. Combined with the intensity interferometry of Hanbury Brown and Twiss which measures the square of the absolute value of the normalized coherence function, this provides sufficient information to derive the intensity distribution of the noncoherent object. In the second method we show how a hologram of a noncoherent object, referred to as a r hologram, is formed by encoding the complex-valued spatial coherence function on a photographic film. This record is made possible by means of a self-referencing interferometer. Such a record behaves much like a hologram; it permits reconstruction of the noncoherent source object with the aid of the same interferometric arrangement. This procedure opens new possibilities of noncoherent-object information processing such as matched filtering and spatial-frequency filtering.
Stochastic Technology and Prices: Reply

only in a version which could solve problems with a nonlinear objective function, but only linear constraints. As is well known, the presence of nonlinear constraints greatly complicates any solution procedure, and its success is not always guaranteed. In their preface to the highly acclaimed MINOS, Murtagh and Saunders wrote: "To date, many users have been able to develop substantial nonlinear models and have come to be fairly confident that the Optimal Solution message actually means what it says. Certainly, other less joyful exit messages will often have greeted eager eyes. These serve to emphasize that model building remains an art, and that nonlinear programs can be arbitrarily difficult to solve" (p. i). Prior to MINOS/AUGMENTED, Easter and I decided to tackle a large-scale programming model of Australian agriculture, recognizing the specification of a stochastic technology involving pasture productivity, crop yields, livestock fecundity, and other products. Soon, the formulation of the problem exhibited a considerable number of nonlinear constraints as the chance constraints were replaced by their deterministic equivalents. Without access to a suitable computer program, we decided to linearize the constraints using the simplest iterative scheme possible: evaluate the nonlinear terms by means of the previous solution. This is not a very original idea because all solution procedures are based upon the same iterative notion. The difference among them, however, involves three aspects of computation: the solution direction, its steplength, and the rate of convergence. Often, the solution direction is chosen via an elaborate projection scheme and the step-length by a related, but separate, optimization search. None of these complex aspects is involved in the Paris-Easter procedure.
Multiphase Dynamics in Arbitrary Geometries on Fixed Cartesian Grids

In this work, a mixed Eulerian?Lagrangian algorithm, calledELAFINT(Eulerian Lagrangian algorithm for interface tracking) is developed further and applied to compute flows with solid?fluid and fluid?fluid interfaces. The method is capable of handling fluid flows in the presence of both irregularly shaped solid boundaries and moving boundaries on a fixed Cartesian grid. The field equations are solved on the underlying fixed grid using a collocated variable, pressure-based formulation. The moving boundary is tracked explicitly by the Lagrangian translation of marker particles. The moving boundary passes through the grid and the immersed boundary technique is used to handle its interaction with the underlying grid. The internal solid boundaries are dealt with by using a cut-cell technique. Particular attention is directed toward conservation and consistency in the vicinity of both phase boundaries. The complex geometry feature has been tested for a variety of flow problems. The performance of the immersed boundary representation is demonstrated in the simulation of Newtonian liquid drops. The combination of the two features is then employed in the simulation of motion of drops through constricted tubes. The capabilities developed here can be useful for solving flow problems involving moving and stationary complex boundaries.
Posaconazole as salvage therapy in a patient with disseminated zygomycosis : Case report and review of the literature

Zygomycosis refers to any fungal infection originating from the class Zygomycetes and the order Mucorales. In immunocompromised patients, these fungi produce a relatively rapid, violently destructive, and highly fatal infection. Treatment approaches include both aggressive antifungal pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention. Unfortunately, even with optimal therapy, morbidity and mortality rates remain relatively high. As failure rates are elevated with commercial antifungals, new treatment options are needed. Posaconazole is an orally available, extended-spectrum triazole antifungal being investigated in phase III clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of invasive fungal infections, including zygomycosis. We report the case of a 26-year-old Vietnamese man with a medical history of acute lymphocytic leukemia who had undergone consolidation chemotherapy and had neutropenic fever when he came to the emergency department. The patient was admitted to the hospital and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and caspofungin. Two weeks into his admission, however, abscesses in the pelvis, prostate, and musculature surrounding the hip were detected radiographically; these abscesses eventually cultured for Mucor sp. Disseminated zygomycosis was diagnosed. Caspofungin was immediately discontinued, and high-dose liposomal amphotericin B 10 mg/kg/day was begun. Over the next month, infection spread to the right lung, left kidney, middle thoracic spine, and epidural space. As a result, oral posaconazole 200 mg 4 times/day was added to the liposomal amphotericin B. Significant clinical, hematologic, mycologic, and radiologic improvements were demonstrated as early as 10 days after start of posaconazole therapy and continued through 41 days of inpatient treatment. Liposomal amphotericin B was discontinued after 3 weeks of posaconazole, and the patient was discharged on hospital day 92 receiving oral posaconazole, with no major adverse events reported. Five months after discharge, the patient had no evidence of fungal disease recurrence or progression. Posaconazole appears to be a well-tolerated and effective salvage treatment for zygomycosis, including disseminated disease.
Characterization of Gold–Titania Catalysts via Oxidation of Propylene to Propylene Oxide

Abstract Propylene oxidation to propylene oxide (PO) was performed with an H 2 /O 2 mixture in the temperature range of 373–473 K using Au/TiO 2 catalysts synthesized by a variety of techniques, including one which produced Au–Ti nanoclusters with controlled composition. The two most PO-active catalysts were one prepared by deposition–precipitation of gold onto titania-modified silica and one consisting of silica-supported Au–Ti nanoclusters with a 200:1 gold-to-titanium ratio. Most Au/TiO 2 catalysts had a small spread in PO activity and selectivity at 373 K, but gave a much wider distribution in performance at temperatures above 413 K. With very few exceptions, these catalysts exhibit a maximum in PO turnover frequency over the experimental temperature range, resulting from sequential reaction of PO to other oxidation products. The largest observed losses in PO selectivity with increasing temperature and decreasing WHSV were to the oxidative cracking products ethanal and CO 2 , suggesting that maximizing the number of PO active sites is not the only solution to increase PO yields over these catalysts. The amount, phase, and method of contacting titania with gold controlled both PO oligomerization, as seen in the time on stream studies, and H 2 -assisted oxidative cracking rates. Catalysts that have isolated Ti atoms, such as the silica-supported Au–Ti nanoclusters, generally maintain a higher selectivity to PO with temperature. A D 2 kinetic isotope effect was observed for PO formation which strongly suggests that a hydroperoxy intermediate is involved in the rate-limiting step for PO formation.
Mitochondria-Derived Ros Disturb Ca2+ Cycling and Evoke Abnormal Action Potentials in Guinea-Pig Ventricular Myocytes: A Theoretical Study

Abnormal Ca2+ handling often results in contractile dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias, the leading causes of sudden cardiac death. However, in spite of extensive efforts, the molecular mechanisms underlying disturbance of Ca2+ cycling are not completely understood, hindering the development of effective antiarrhythmic therapies. Accompanying dysfunctional Ca2+ handling, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is also observed in the diseased heart. Since mitochondria are in close proximity to the redox-sensitive sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release channels (ryanodine receptors, RyRs) and the SR Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA), mitochondria-derived ROS could play a crucial role in modulating Ca2+ cycling under pathological conditions. Previous work has shown that mitochondrial depolarization and ROS-induced ROS release significantly enhance spontaneous SR Ca2+ release (Ca2+ spark frequency) in resting myocytes, but the role of mitochondria-derived ROS on Ca2+ dynamics and action potentials in paced cardiac myocytes has not been examined. We hypothesize that the pathological mitochondrial ROS burst forms a ROS microdomain between mitochondria and SR, altering the proximal SR Ca2+ handling channels and consequently leading to disturbed Ca2+ cycling and abnormal electrical activity. To test this hypothesis, we developed a new multiscale myocyte model that incorporates mitochondria and local Ca2+ control, and links RyRs and SERCA to the ROS environment surrounding the SR. The simulations show that the mitochondria-derived ROS burst stimulates RyRs and inhibits SERCA, inducing a cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transient. This extra [Ca2+]i transient activates the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and Ca2+-sensitive nonspecific cationic channels, forming a transient inward current (Iti) that evokes early or delayed afterdepolarizations. This study defines the role of mitochondria-derived ROS in Ca2+ overload-mediated ventricular arrhythmias, and underscores the importance of considering mitochondrial targets in designing new antiarrhythmic drugs in the context of sudden cardiac death.
Improved growth with growth hormone therapy in a child with glycogen storage disease Ib.

UNLABELLED In type Ib glycogen storage disease (GSD) growth is typically affected and short stature is a common feature. Reported use and effect of growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with GSD is limited. We report on the use of substitutive GH treatment in a poorly growing adolescent female with GSD type Ib. The patient's growth velocity increased from a baseline level of 2.5 cm/y to an average growth velocity during GH therapy of 8.7 cm/y. During GH therapy this patient did not demonstrate metabolic decompensation but increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were seen (A-1). CONCLUSION Patients with GSD may experience an improvement in growth response with GH treatment. Prior to GH therapy, treatment of hyperlipidemia associated with GSD should allow the therapy to be safely tolerated.
Clamp subunit dissociation dictates bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase holoenzyme disassembly

Clamp proteins confer processivity to the DNA polymerase during DNA replication. These oligomeric proteins are loaded onto DNA by clamp loader protein complexes in an ATP-dependent manner. The mechanism by which the trimeric bacteriophage T4 clamp protein (the 45 protein) loads and dissociates from DNA was investigated as a function of its intersubunit protein−protein interactions. These interactions were continuously monitored using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based assay. A cysteine mutant of the 45 protein was constructed to facilitate site-specific incorporation of a fluorescent probe at the subunit interface. This site was chosen such that FRET was observed between the introduced fluorescent probe and a tryptophan residue located on the opposing subunit. By use of this fluorescently labeled 45 protein, it was possible to obtain an estimate of an apparent trimer dissociation constant from either a cooperative (0.08 ± 0.04 μM2 at 25 °C) or a noncooperative (0.51 μM and 0.17 μM at 25...
Efficacy of cefixime in the treatment of acute otitis media in children.

• Objective. —To compare the efficacy of cefixime with amoxicillin in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. Design. —Randomized, nonblinded study. Setting. —General pediatric clinic at a university hospital in Texas. Participants. —A volunteer sample of 201 children, aged 2 months through 6 years. Interventions. —A 10-day oral course of cefixime (8 mg/kg per day administered once daily) or amoxicillin (40 mg/kg per day administered in three divided doses [every 8 hours]). Measurements/Main Results. —Tympanocentesis for bacterial culture was performed on all affected ears on enrollment and after 4 to 6 days of therapy. The patients were evaluated clinically 4 to 6 days after starting therapy, at the end of therapy, and 3 to 4 weeks after therapy was completed. Using Fisher's Exact Test, no significant difference was found between the two treatment groups for rate of clinical improvement or rate of eradication of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae . However, combining the results from this study and two previously reported studies, cefixime was found to be more effective in eradication of H influenzae and less effective in eradication of S pneumoniae . ( AJDC . 1993;147:81-86)
Characteristics of the in vitro interaction of a small proteoglycan (PG II) of bovine tendon with type I collagen.

Abstract Binding of the small derma tan sulfate proteoglycan of bovine tendon (PG II type/decorin-like) to type I collagen was characterized in an in vitro fibril-forming assay, using native collagen prepared from bovine tendon by acid extraction and radiolabeled proteoglycans synthesized by bovine tendon fibroblasts in culture. Substantial binding to collagen was noted for both intact small proteoglycan and core protein from which the glycosaminoglycan chain was removed. However, binding to collagen was minimal for free glycosaminoglycan chains or large proteoglycans. Binding of the small proteoglycan was optimal at approximately physiological conditions of salt concentration and pH. Scatchard analysis showed a binding affinity constant of 3.3 X 10 7 M- 1 with 0.054 proteoglycan binding sites/collagen molecule, when about 0.25 -6 µg proteoglycan was combined with 100 µg collagen. Binding to preformed fibrils of native tendon collagen and to pepsin-treated bovine skin collagen was similar to binding to native tendon collagen. Binding occurred in non-ionic detergents at concentrations up to 1 % and once bound, the proteoglycan was not released by washing with up to 2 M NaCl. When both PG I and PG II small proteoglycans were added to collagen, only PG II was bound. This difference is not readily explained by differences in disulfide bond position. These studies indicate a strong, specific interaction between type I collagen fibrils and the core protein of the small (PC II) proteoglycan of tendon.
Two-day-olds prefer their native language

Newborn infants whose mothers were monolingual speakers of Spanish or English were tested with audio recordings of female strangers speaking either Spanish or English. Infant sucking controlled the presentation of auditory stimuli. Infants activated recordings of their native language for longer periods than the foreign language.
The degradation of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] thin films studied by capacitance-voltage analysis and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy

Abstract The degradation of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV), affected by the presence of oxygen and moisture traps, is a major concern in the use of this electroluminescent polymer in light emitting diodes. This paper reports on a novel way of studying presence of oxygen in MEH-PPV through the Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) Capacitance–Voltage (C–V) analysis, and the Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy technique. The presence of oxygen detected by ATR-IR has also been verified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In quasi-static C–V measurements of the MIS (Al/MEH-PPV/p-Si) capacitors made, an extension of the weak inversion region was measured before strong inversion. Moreover, the observed extension in the weak inversion region became more pronounced with aging in ambient environmental conditions. This increase in the weak inversion region is attributed to electron trapping by oxygen to form negative ions in the MEH-PPV layer. An increase in the trapped charge density of MEH-PPV from 1.2×10+11 cm−2 to 1.7×10+11 cm−2 has been observed. ATR-IR spectroscopy shows the formation of carbonyl peak at 1651 cm−1 with aging, which is due to the presence of oxygen. Atomic concentration table from XPS analysis shows the increase in the oxygen concentration of the MEH-PPV polymer with aging, further supporting the ATR-IR results. Both the C–V analysis and ATR-IR spectroscopy are powerful tools for investigating the degradation of MEH-PPV polymer.
Mantle dynamics and seismic anisotropy

Abstract Observations of seismic anisotropy yield some of the most direct constraints available on both past and present-day deformation in the Earth's mantle. Insight into the character of mantle flow can also be gained from the geodynamical modeling of mantle processes on both global and regional scales. We highlight recent progress toward understanding mantle flow from both observations and modeling and discuss outstanding problems and avenues for progress, particularly in the integration of seismological and geodynamical constraints to understand seismic anisotropy and the deformation that produces it. To first order, the predictions of upper mantle anisotropy made by global mantle circulation models match seismological observations well beneath the ocean basins, but the fit is poorer in regions of greater tectonic complexity, such as beneath continental interiors and within subduction systems. In many regions of the upper mantle, models of anisotropy derived from surface waves are seemingly inconsistent with shear wave splitting observations, which suggests that our understanding of complex anisotropic regions remains incomplete. Observations of anisotropy in the D" layer hold promise for improving our understanding of dynamic processes in the deep Earth but much progress remains to be made in characterizing anisotropic structure and relating it to the geometry of flow, geochemical heterogeneity, or phase transitions. Major outstanding problems related to understanding mantle anisotropy remain, particularly regarding the deformation and evolution of continents, the nature of the asthenosphere, subduction zone geodynamics, and the thermo-chemical state of the lowermost mantle. However, we expect that new seismological deployments and closer integration of observations with geodynamical models will yield rapid progress in these areas.
Mapping invasive Phragmites australis in the coastal Great Lakes with ALOS PALSAR satellite imagery for decision support

Abstract The invasive variety of Phragmites australis (common reed) forms dense stands that can cause negative impacts on coastal Great Lakes wetlands including habitat degradation and reduced biological diversity. Early treatment is key to controlling Phragmites , therefore a map of the current distribution is needed. ALOS PALSAR imagery was used to produce the first basin-wide distribution map showing the extent of large, dense invasive Phragmites -dominated habitats in wetlands and other coastal ecosystems along the U.S. shore of the Great Lakes. PALSAR is a satellite imaging radar sensor that is sensitive to differences in plant biomass and inundation patterns, allowing for the detection and delineation of these tall (up to 5 m), high density, high biomass invasive Phragmites stands. Classification was based on multi-season ALOS PALSAR L-band (23 cm wavelength) HH and HV polarization data. Seasonal (spring, summer, and fall) datasets were used to improve discrimination of Phragmites by taking advantage of phenological changes in vegetation and inundation patterns over the seasons. Extensive field collections of training and randomly selected validation data were conducted in 2010–2011 to aid in mapping and for accuracy assessments. Overall basin-wide map accuracy was 87%, with 86% producer's accuracy and 43% user's accuracy for invasive Phragmites . The invasive Phragmites maps are being used to identify major environmental drivers of this invader's distribution, to assess areas vulnerable to new invasion, and to provide information to regional stakeholders through a decision support tool.
Using microlabs to teach modern distributed computing

Closed labs have become a common feature in computer science education because they provide hands-on experience in a supervised setting. Microlabs extend this approach into the lecture format with very short hands-on activities in the "middle of" the lecture. This approach was developed for a modern distributed computing course that integrated all levels of parallelism (multicore, cluster, and grid) into a single course and required a substantial course project that used all these levels. After presenting the current status of our activities, we will discuss future directions that include stand-alone distributed computing modules and a distributed computing repository. This work is supported, in part, by a National Science Foundation grant.
Development and characterization of biodegradable films made from wheat gluten protein fractions.

Gliadins and glutenins were extracted from commercial wheat gluten on the basis of their extractability in ethanol and used to produce film-forming solutions. Films cast using these gliadin- and glutenin-rich solutions were characterized. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer, and its effect on the films was also studied. Films obtained from the glutenin fraction presented higher tensile strength values and lower elongation at break and water vapor permeability values than gliadin films. Gliadin films disintegrated when immersed in water. The GAB isotherm model was used to describe the equilibrium moisture sorption of the films. The glycerol concentration largely modified mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of both film types. Keywords: Edible films; gliadins; glutenins; tensile strength; water vapor permeability
On the accuracy of determining rate constants in enzymatic reactions

Rate constant estimates accuracy assessed for differential equations in connection with kinetics of enzymatic reaction
Studying the data practices of a scientific community

To be effective and at the same time sustainable, a community data curation model has to be aligned with the community's current work organization: practices and activities; divisions of labor; data and collaborative relationships; and the community's value structure, norms, and conventions for data, quality assessment, and data sharing. This poster discusses a framework for developing a community data curation model, using a case of the scientific community gathered around the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, a large national lab. The poster also reports findings of preliminary research based on semi-structured interviews with a sample of the main stakeholder groups of the community.
Relative clinical utility of three child symptom inventory-4 scoring algorithms for differentiating children with autism spectrum disorder vs. attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Objective The present study compared three separate Child Symptom Inventory-4 (CSI-4) scoring algorithms for differentiating children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from youngsters with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Parents/teachers completed the CSI-4, a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale, for 6 to 12-year-old clinical referrals with ASD (N = 186) and ADHD (N = 251). Algorithms were based on either all CSI-4 items (forward logistic regressions) or the 12 DSM-IV symptoms of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) included in the CSI-4. Results ROC analyses indicated generally good to excellent values for area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive power. Algorithms for parent ratings were superior to teacher ratings. The algorithm based solely on PDD symptoms evidenced the greatest generalizability. Conclusion Although algorithms generated from regression analyses produced greater clinical utility for specific samples, the PDD-based algorithm resulted in greater stability across samples.
Spouses' perceptions of readiness for discharge after cardiac surgery

The purpose of this study was to describe spouses' perceptions of readiness for discharge after a partner's coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. An exploratory design was used to address the research questions. Six weeks after discharge, a nonrandom sample of 67 female spouses responded to open-ended questions about discharge readiness. The data were examined using content analysis. One hundred eighty-six statements were coded from the 67 questionnaires. Forty-two women (62%) reported they felt prepared for discharge. Four key people were identified as very helpful to spouses at discharge: nurse, physician, immediate family member, and friends who have had the same experience. Availability of social support, use of coping strategies, personal resources, and knowing what to expect were the major factors that influenced spouses perceptions of readiness for discharge.
Risk return and cost of equity of small and large casual-dining restaurants.

Abstract Although the financial performance of US casual-dining restaurants has been better than returns in other restaurant segments, it is not known how large and small casual-dining restaurant companies perform when their stock returns are adjusted for risk. The present study uses traditional and contemporary risk-adjusted performance and cost of equity models to fill the void in this area of research. The results indicate that large casual-dining restaurants outperformed their smaller counterparts on a risk-adjusted basis, and had a lower cost of equity for the 1998–2002 period. In addition, the findings demonstrate that the cost of equity estimates pose some serious challenges when sub-periods before and after September 11 events are included in the analysis.
Microcomputer-based three-dimensional stereoscopic macromolecular graphics display

Software which permits an IBM AT and two IBM Professional Graphics Displays to be used to display high-quality three-dimensional space-filling stereoscopic images of macromolecules is described. Stereo image pairs generated on two screens are visually fused using a simple mirror system to provide binocular depth perception. Images are colored to identify atomic type, residue type, charge or hydrophobicity according to user-specified codes and can be rotated and rescaled. Macromolecules containing over 16,000 atoms can be rapidly drawn using Brookhaven Protein Data Bank or user-supplied coordinates.
1,1,3,3-Tetraethylurea as a solvent for conductance studies

1,1,3,3-Tetraethylurea (TEU), a solvent of relatively low dielectric constant, 14.4, was evaluated as a medium for conductance studies of a series of alkali metal salts and organic acids. Conductance data for KSCN, NaSCN, NaI, NaClO4, and NaBPh4 in TEU were analyzed by the Fuoss-Shedlovsky, Fouss-Onsager, and expanded Pitts equations. The behavior of these salts in TEU was compared with that of the same salt series in the previously studied tetramethylurea. Tetraethylurea also was used successfully as a solvent for conductometric titrations of several carboxylic acids and phenols.
Electron-beam enhanced growth of CVD-deposited silicon on alumina

Abstract Silicon was deposited onto polycrystalline alumina and single crystal sapphire substrates by low-pressure chemical vapor decomposition (CVD) of silane. The experiments were conducted in a custom UHV specimen/reaction chamber of a transmission electron microscope and recorded in-situ using an image intensifier-TV chain. Sapphire substrate areas were obtained by in-situ electron beam flash-heating of electron-transparent alumina films prepared by anodic oxidation of aluminum foil. Silicon was observed to grow epitaxially on those sapphire substrate areas that were impinged by the electron beam during the CVD process, while in all other recrystallized substrate areas no silicon was deposited. Silicon also deposited the original amorphous/polycrystalline alumina areas that had not been heated by or exposed to the electron beam. On the other hand, no deposit was noted in alumina areas heated by the electron beam to over 1000°C but below the sapphire recrystallization temperature. We speculate that, once the substrate surface is clean, no silicon will deposit, independent of the state of crystallinity; only where the electron beam locally stimulates the decomposition of silane, deposition of silicon on the alumina substrate is observed.
Dexfenfluramine-induced contraction of human and rat isolated pulmonary arteries.

Abstract Mechanisms of dexfenfluramine-induced vasoconstriction were studied in isolated pulmonary arteries suspended in organ baths for isometric tension recording. Dexfenfluramine (10 −7 -10 −4 M) caused concentration-dependent contractions in rat and human pulmonary arteries with and without endothelium. In pulmonary arteries of the rat, the response to dexfenfluramine was nearly abolished by treatment with the α-adrenoceptor antagonists, phentolamine (10 −6 M) or prazosin (10 −7 M). In human pulmonary arteries, the concentration-response curve to dexfenfluramine was unaltered by the presence of phentolamine (10 −6 M), prazosin (10 −7 M), ketanserin (10 −6 M), or indomethacin (3×10 −6 M). The results suggest that dexfenfluramine causes contraction of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle by multiple mechanisms, one of which involves activation of α-adrenoceptors within the blood vessel wall. The mechanisms by which dexfenfluramine causes pulmonary vasoconstriction may differ between rat and human pulmonary arteries.
Vector Spaces of Non–measurable Functions

We show that there exists an infinite dimensional vector space every non–zero element of which is a non–measurable function. Moreover, this vector space can be chosen to be closed and to have dimension β for any cardinality β. Some techniques involving measure theory and density characters of Banach spaces are used.
Intercalation of Aliphatic Amines into the Layered Structure of Vanadyl(IV) Hydrogen Phosphate Hemihydrate (VOHPO4.cntdot.0.5H2O)

The vanadyl(IV) hydrogen phosphate hemihydrate, VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O, is a pyrolytic precursor of the vanadyl(IV) pyrophosphate phase, (VO)[sub 2]P[sub 2]O[sub 7], generally believed to be the active phase in the selective oxidation of n-butane into maleic anhydride. Pyrolytic transformation into the pyrophosphate phase occurs with conservation of a morphology of the material. VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O is a layered hydrogen phosphate, where -POH groups form interlayer hydrogen bonds with the water molecules shared by two face-linked vanadyl octahedra. The structure of the hemihydrate is similar to that of [alpha]-zirconium hydrogen phosphate ([alpha]-ZrP), where hydrogen bonds are within the same layer and -POH groups are also pointed into the interlayer space. In contrast to [alpha]-ZrP, where extensive data exist, intercalation chemistry of the layered vanadyl(IV) hydrogen phosphate hemihydrate at present is a terra incognita. This paper reports the results of the first systematic study of VOHPO[sub 4][center dot]0.5H[sub 2]O intercalation with aliphatic amines as a new route to novel vanadyl(IV) phosphate phases. N-Alkylamines have been commonly known as excellent intercalation agents for testing the intracrystalline reactivity of layered oxides. Intercalated alkylamines may also facilitate introduction of thermostable guest molecules, or [open quotes]pillars[close quotes], by ion exchange producing microporous materials whichmore » can modify catalytic and sorptive properties. 9 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.« less
Linear Frequency Domain Equalization of SOQPSK-TG for Wideband Aeronautical Telemetry Channels

This work explores multipath interference mitigation for a single transmit antenna, single receive antenna system with SOQPSK-TG using a linear single-carrier frequency domain equalization (SCFDE) technique. Linear SCFDE with maximum likelihood (ML) channel estimation is shown to greatly improve system Bit Error Rates (BER). Simulation results also demonstrate that three samples per bit at the receiver are adequate to achieve the best BER performance.
Double group considerations, Jahn-Teller induced rovibronic effects, and the nuclear spin-electron spin hyperfine Hamiltonian for a molecule of symmetry C3v in an electronic 2E state

Abstract Two different double groups of the point group C3v are compared. These double groups arise for molecules in a 2E state, and are associated with the half-integral electron spin, and with a half-integral vibronic quantum number, respectively. For many aspects of molecular energy level calculations, the use of these double groups can be avoided if desired. Contributions to the effective rotational Hamiltonian for a C3v molecule in a 2E electronic state are derived. These contributions correspond to large “l-type doubling” and “(2, −1) resonance” terms, and arise because of the Jahn-Teller distortion tendencies of the molecule. Similar contributions to the effective rotational Hamiltonian, which arise from interactions with other electronic states, are also briefly considered. A hyperfine Hamiltonian is derived, which describes the interaction of the three proton nuclear spins in a C3v molecule of the type CH3O with the odd electron spin in a 2E electronic state. A prescription for determining hyperfine matrix elements in a Hund's case (aβ) basis set is given.
Isolation of structurally intact secretory cavities from leaves of African marigold, Tagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae)

Abstract Foliar secretory cavities were isolated from Tagetes erecta L. plants. Leaf discs were vacuum infiltrated with a macerating enzyme solution (cellulysin/macerozyme in a mineral salts medium) and alternately ultrasonicated and shaken on a rotary shaker. Secretory cavities free of surrounding mesophyll and vascular tissue were obtained after 3 sonication/shaking cycles. Based on both visual inspection and retention of secretion products, the cavities were structurally intact; they also were viable according to their reaction to vital dyes, e.g., trypan blue. The described protocol should be useful in isolating other embedded secretory structures.
The Use of Health Services by Older Adults

Using baseline data on the 5,151 respondents surveyed as part of the panel design of the Longitudinal Study on Aging (LSOA), this article estimates, cross-sectionally, the relationships hypothesized in the behavioral model of health services utilization. In addition to the traditional indicators of the predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics, the richness of the LSOA permits the inclusion of measures of multigenerational living arrangements, kin and nonkin social supports, health worries and the sense of health control, health insurance coverage, residential stability, and several multiple-item scales of functional limitations. Despite these innovations, the ability of the behavioral model to accurately predict the use of health services by older adults remains relatively unchanged. Important conceptual clarifications involving the hypothesized relationships, however, are identified and discussed.
Evaluation Of Benefits From Research In Home Economics

This study was done in response to a need for the development of methodologies for evaluating benefits from home economics research. Benefit-cost and cost-effectiveness analyses are effective methods to use when possible. Their use, however, requires that costs be quantifiable in dollars and, for benefit-cost analysis, that benefits, too, be expressed in monetary terms. By the use of benefit-cost analysis, one child development research project was found to have a potential net savings of $1,468 over a five year period at just one institution. Application of cost-effectiveness analysis to research to solve an environmental problem had research costs of $51,905 which may result in the elimination of more expensive solutions now costing more than $165,000 per year. Citation analysis may be used to identify the impact of information gained from research, but simple citation counts are not sufficient. To obtain optimum results from evaluation, methods must be selected and developed when the research is being planned. Evaluation analyses can be valuable tools for programming and for demonstrating that home economics research makes a difference.
Effects of task experience and group experience on group performance, member ability, and recognition of expertise

Abstract Three studies examined the impact of two types of experience on the performance of problem-solving groups: group experience and task experience. In Study 1, 36 groups completed a survival exercise, and in Study 2, 65 groups completed a price estimation task. As hypothesized, task experience led to better group performance by increasing member ability. Study 3, which examined 21 groups solving quizzes, supported predictions that group experience on a related task increases group performance by facilitating recognition and utilization of member expertise. Results suggest that both group and task experience can facilitate group performance, but through the operation of different mechanisms.
Role of antioxidants in health maintenance

Free radicals are produced in the body as by products of normal metabolism and as a result of exposure to radiation and some environmental pollutants. Because they are highly reactive, they can damage cellular components and are implicated in a variety of diseases. Free radicals are normally neutralized by efficient systems in the body that include the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and the nutrient-derived antioxidant small molecules (vitamin E, vitamin C, carotenes, flavonoids, glutathione, uric acid, and taurine). In healthy individuals, a delicate balance exists between free radicals and antioxidants. In some pathologic conditions such as diabetes, and in critically ill patients, oxidative stress causes the level of antioxidants to fall below normal. Antioxidant supplements for such conditions are expected to be of benefit. As a preventive measure against certain diseases, the best approach for healthy individuals is to regularly consume adequate amounts of antioxidant-rich foods, eg, fruits and vegetables.
Multivariate analyses of visible/near infrared (VIS/NIR) absorbance spectra reveal underlying spectral differences among dried, ground conifer needle samples from different growth environments

Summary • Absorbance of visible and near infrared (400–2500 nm) radiation by plant material is determined primarily by biochemical and structural components. We used three multivariate techniques to explore the spectral differences among dried, ground foliage samples of two conifer species from different montane growth environments (three elevations and two crown positions on three different mountains). • Principal components analysis indicated underlying spectral patterns strongly related to species and crown position, and the derived components were correlated with the chemical composition of the samples. Discriminant analysis showed that it was possible to perfectly separate samples by species, but much more difficult to discriminate among different elevations, using just the spectral information. Samples from low and high elevation were well-separated, but mid elevation samples were frequently misclassified. • Partial least squares regression produced results that were superior to those of discriminant analysis, in that all groups were better separated and there was less within-group variability. • These approaches do not directly reveal the biochemical basis of the spectral differences. However, such methods provide a solid foundation for hypothesizing the overall degree of biochemical similarity among diverse samples. Thus, samples from different growth elevations appeared to be biochemically more similar than samples from different species or crown positions. Other potential applications are discussed.