cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Pathologic Predictors of Recurrence and Survival in Spindle Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective. To determine clinicopathologic predictors of recurrence and survival in patients with spindle cell squamous cell carcinoma (SpSCC).Study Design. Historical cohort study.Setting. Tertiary care hospital.Subjects and Methods. Forty-eight patients (mean age, 65.2 years; 35 men, 13 women) who underwent definitive treatment for pathologically confirmed SpSCC between 1987 and 2009 were identified and reviewed. The main outcome measures were time to recurrence and overall survival, while controlling for clinical and pathologic parameters (age, sex, TNM classification, stage, tumor subsite, smoking status, treatment modality, margin status).Results. Of 48 patients, there were 25 oral cavity, 15 laryngeal, 7 oropharyngeal, and 1 maxillary sinus tumors. Treatment included surgery in 32, radiation in 9, and concurrent chemoradiation in 7 patients. The 3-year overall survival for the cohort was 62% with a median follow-up of 59 months; 52.1% (25/48) of patients developed a recurrence, and 88% (22/25) recurr...
The profitability of mergers

Abstract Using data on 2,732 lines of business operated by U.S. manufacturing corporations, this paper analyzes the pre-merger profitability of acquisition targets and post-merger operating results for the years 1957–1977. Acquired companies are found to be extraordinarily profitable pre-merger, the more so, the smaller their size. Following merger, the profitability of acquired entities declined except among pooling-of-interests merger partners of roughly equal pre-merger size. The decline was larger than expected under Galtonian regression. This and the high divestiture rate for acquired entities point toward control loss as an explanation of the profit drop.
Preventing the Causes of Drug Abuse

This article develops a conceptual model of the causes of drug abuse and proposes an educational effort aimed at preventing those causes. It is the writer's contention that the goal of education sh...
Developmental stability in plants: symmetries, stress and epigenesis

Plant developmental stability has received little attention in the past three or four decades. Here we review differences in plant and animal development, and discuss the advantages of using plants as experimental subjects in exploring developmental stability. We argue that any type of developmental invariant may be used to assess developmental stability and review the use of fluctuating asymmetry in studies of plant developmental stability. We also examine the use of deviations from translatory, radial, and self-symmetry as measures of developmental instability. The role of nonlinear dynamics and epigenesis in the production of the phenotype is also discussed.
Postural control of trunk during unstable sitting

A method for quantifying postural control of the lumbar spine during unstable sitting was developed. The unstable seat apparatus was equipped with leg and foot supports to isolate the control of the lumbar spine and trunk from the adjustments in the lower body joints. Polyester resin hemispheres with decreasing diameters were attached to the bottom of the seat to achieve increasing levels of task difficulty. The seat was placed on a force plate at the edge of a table and the participating subjects were instructed to maintain their balance while sitting on the seat. Coordinates of center of pressure (CoP) were recorded and quantified with summary statistics and random walk analysis. The CoP movement increased significantly with increased seat instability (task difficulty) (p<0.01). Stabilogram plots of the CoP movement revealed short and long-term regions consistent with the hypothesis that the two regions reflect open and closed-loop postural control mechanisms. Repeatability of the CoP parameters was excellent for the summary statistics and the short-term random walk coefficients (0.77<R<0.96). It was fair for the long-term diffusion coefficients (0.56<R<0.57) and poor for the long-term scaling exponents (0.14<R<0.40). Summary statistics of the CoP movement were positively correlated with body weight (0.69<R<0.73) and the T9 to L4/L5 distance (0.43<R<0.54) of the subjects. This method can be applied to study the deficits in postural control of the lumbar spine in low-back pain population.
The effect of glucagon-like peptide 2 on intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation in acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Abstract Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) initiates a generalized inflammatory response that increases intestinal permeability and promotes bacterial translocation (BT). Impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier is known to promote BT. Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2), a 33 residue peptide hormone, is a key regulator of the intestinal mucosa by stimulating epithelial growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether GLP-2 decreases intestinal permeability and BT in AP. Methods: To examine whether GLP-2 can decrease intestinal permeability and thereby decrease BT in acute necrotizing pancreatitis, 34 male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 to 300 g) were studied. AP was induced in group I and group II by pressure injection of 3% taurocholate and trypsin into the common biliopancreatic duct (1 mg/kg of body weight). The potent analog to GLP-2 called ALX-0600 was utilized. Group I rats received GLP-2 analog (0.1 mg/kg, SQ, BID) and group II rats received a similar volume of normal saline as a placebo postoperatively for 3 days. Group III and group IV received GLP-2 analog and placebo, respectively. At 72 hours postoperatively, blood was drawn for culture of gram-negative organisms. Specimens from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), pancreas and peritoneum were harvested for culture of gram-negative bacteria. Intestinal resistance as defined by Ohm's law was determined using a modified Ussing chamber to measure transepithelial current at a fixed voltage. A point scoring system for five histologic features that include intestinal edema, inflammatory cellular infiltration, fat necrosis, parenchymal necrosis, and hemorrhage was used to evaluate the severity of pancreatitis. Specimens from MLN, pancreas, jejunum, and ileum were taken for pathology. Results: All group I and group II rats had AP. The average transepithelial resistance in group I was 82.8 Ω/cm 2 compared with 55.9 Ω/cm 2 in group II ( P Conclusion: GLP-2 treatment significantly decreases intestinal permeability in acute pancreatitis.
FLUOROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF THE LONG‐WAVELENGTH ABSORPTION BAND OF N‐7 METHYLATED GMP INTO THE CONSTITUENT BANDS OF THE TWO ELECTRONIC STATES

Steady-state measurements of fluorescence anisotropy are used to resolve the long-wavelength absorption spectrum of 7-methyl guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GMP) in pH 5 buffer at room temperature into component spectra that correspond to the electronic transitions I and II present in that spectral region. We have chosen this derivative of guanine because its fluorescence quantum yield is much greater than that of GMP. It is found that the data are adequately described by a model that involves emission exclusively from state I, with state II converting to it with 100% efficiency. The shape of the absorption spectrum of state II is virtually independent of the angle theta between the absorption transition dipole moments of states I and II, whereas that of state I is dependent on theta. We analyze the data on the basis of the premise that in the short-wavelength region state II is the predominantly absorbing state. This premise is based on studies of single-crystal polarized reflection and linear dichroism from stretched films. The spectral maxima for the two states are found to be at about 290 and 260 nm, respectively. There is also a weak band which is centered at about 245 nm. The oscillator strengths are found to be 0.07, 0.21 and approximately 0.04, for states I, II and that associated with the weak band, respectively. The importance of these findings with regard to the photophysical properties of nucleic acids and calculations of their CD spectra is discussed.
Stabilizing Additives Added during Cell Lysis Aid in the Solubilization of Recombinant Proteins

Insoluble recombinant proteins are a major issue for both structural genomics and enzymology research. Greater than 30% of recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) appear to be insoluble. The prevailing view is that insolubly expressed proteins cannot be easily solubilized, and are usually sequestered into inclusion bodies. However, we hypothesize that small molecules added during the cell lysis stage can yield soluble protein from insoluble protein previously screened without additives or ligands. We present a novel screening method that utilized 144 additive conditions to increase the solubility of recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. These selected additives are natural ligands, detergents, salts, buffers, and chemicals that have been shown to increase the stability of proteins in vivo. We present the methods used for this additive solubility screen and detailed results for 41 potential drug target recombinant proteins from infectious organisms. Increased solubility was observed for 80% of the recombinant proteins during the primary and secondary screening of lysis with the additives; that is 33 of 41 target proteins had increased solubility compared with no additive controls. Eleven additives (trehalose, glycine betaine, mannitol, L-Arginine, potassium citrate, CuCl(2), proline, xylitol, NDSB 201, CTAB and K(2)PO(4)) solubilized more than one of the 41 proteins; these additives can be easily screened to increase protein solubility. Large-scale purifications were attempted for 15 of the proteins using the additives identified and eight (40%) were prepared for crystallization trials during the first purification attempt. Thus, this protocol allowed us to recover about a third of seemingly insoluble proteins for crystallography and structure determination. If recombinant proteins are required in smaller quantities or less purity, the final success rate may be even higher.
Scattering of polarized neutrons by spin waves in magnetite

Abstract The one-magnon zero-phonon scattering of polarized 1.13 A neutrons by acoustic spin waves has been measured in the neighborhood of the (111) reflection of a magnetite crystal at 204°C. Qualitative confirmation has been obtained for theoretical predictions of the dependence of this scattering on the incident neutron polarization.
Fleet sizing of automated guided vehicles: a linear programming approach based on closed queuing networks

We use multi-class closed queuing networks to model operations of automated guided vehicles in a manufacturing or distribution environment. We approximate the dynamics of the system using the first moment balance equations of the embedded stochastic chain representing the network under the steady-state conditions. These moments account for loaded and empty-travel times, as well as times when vehicles are being loaded/unloaded or waiting to be dispatched. We model the steady-state behaviour of the closed queuing network by a linear program whose optimal value is the estimate of the required fleet-size. The result of the analytical model is compared with those of the simulation studies for a set of numerical examples. The comparison shows that the analytical model provides a good estimate for the required number of vehicles.
A boundary element formulation for design sensitivities in problems involving both geometric and material nonlinearities

A BEM formulation for the determination of design sensitivities for shape optimization in problems involving both geometric and material nonlinearities is presented in this paper. This approach in based on direct differentiation (DDA) of the relevant BEM formulation of the problem. It retains the advantage of the BEM regarding accuracy, while avoiding strongly singular kernels. This approach provides a new avenue toward efficient shape optimization of elastic-viscoplastic or elastic-plastic problems involving large strains and rotations.
The role of Grb2-associated proteins in T-cell activation.

Abstract Recently, attention Ins focused on the role of adaptor proteins as modulators of signal transduction. Grb2, a cytosolic protein comprising two src -homology 3 (SH3) domains flanking a single SH2 domain, plays an important role in coupling receptor tyrosine kinases with downstream signals. In this article, proteins that associate with Grb2 in T cells are discussed, and models are presented suggesting how these interactions may be important far T-cell activation.
Diabetes ketoacidosis in pregnancy

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious medical and obstetrical emergency usually occurring in patients with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Although modern management of the patient with diabetes should prevent the occurrence of DKA during pregnancy, this complication still occurs and can result in significant morbidity and mortality for mother and/or fetus. Metabolic changes occurring during pregnancy can predispose a pregnant diabetic to DKA. The diagnosis of DKA can be more challenging during pregnancy as it does not always manifest with the classic presenting symptoms or laboratory findings. In fact, although uncommon, during pregnancy, DKA may develop even in the setting of relative normoglycemia. Prompt diagnosis and management is essential in order to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. This article will provide the reader with information regarding the pathophysiology underlying DKA complicating pregnancy and will provide practical management guidelines for the diagnosis and management of this condition.
Phanerozoic marine diversity and the fossil record

Strong correlations between various local and global estimates of Phanerozoic marine diversity for taxa below the ordinal level indicate a single pattern of change underlying all data on fossil density. Geological time alone seems insufficient to explain all of the significant covariation among the data sets, and it is proposed that the common pattern in diversity reflects the signal from a real evolutionary phenomenon strong enough to overcome the biases inherent in the fossil record.
Finite Element Modeling of Ankle Joint Replacement Incorporating Subject-Specific Soft Tissue Constraints for Prediction of Intercomponent Motion and Loading

This paper describes the use of finite element modeling methods to predict intercomponent sliding, rotation, constraint, and contact mechanics in a total ankle replacement device. Ligaments are modeled to constrain motion occurring during physiologic loading and articulation over a full gait cycle.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Potential for Establishing Nonvertical Flow within the Vadose Zone

Laboratory experiments and numerical studies are used to study the potential to induce water flux in the vadose zone, which is characterized by significant horizontal components of the water velocity. Specifically, a question is addressed as to whether water can be injected or withdrawn from lenses or layers of fine sediments (bordered by coarse sediments), thus establishing flow in those portions of the vadose zone commonly associated with higher moisture contents and a higher mass of dissolved contaminants. Laboratory experiments provided the base-line proof of concept of the ability to induce horizontal components to flow in unsaturated sediments through use of suction-cup lysimeters, but were limited to ideal media and short distance scales ( 50 years) time scales, and only with thorough knowledge of subsurface heterogeneity. Implications of this work beyond the present study may include continuing discussions of constructed capillary barriers and development of improved technologies for removal of water from the vadose zone.
Preparation and gas permeation properties of silicone-coated dry polyethersulfone membranes

Abstract Flat polyethersulfone membranes of different pore sizes were prepared and characterized by ultrafiltration experiments with polyethylene glycol solutes at operating pressures below 50 psig. The membranes were then air-dried and surface coated with silicone rubber material. The surface coating was repeated, and the permeabilities of hydrogen and nitrogen were determined after each coating at an operating pressure of 50 psig. It was found that the permeation rate decreased rapidly with coating. Furthermore, a maximum in the H2/N2 permeability ratio appeared as the number of coatings was increased. The maximum permeability ratio increased as the pore size of the polyethersulfone sublayer decreased. The change in permeation rate with the operating period was also investigated.
SU‐EE‐A2‐01: A General Formula Predicting Near‐Target Dose Fall‐Off Characteristics for Different Isocentric and Non‐Isocentric Delivery Modalities

Purpose: To investigate whether a common relationship exists governing the near‐target dose fall‐off for Gamma Knife, Cyberknife and MLC‐based Novalis linac systems. Method and Materials: Three groups of intracranial patient cases treated with Gamma Knife, Cyberknife, Novalis MLC‐based system were selected for the study. Each group contains 10–20 delivered treatment plans. In each case, the target was covered conformally by a peripheral isodose line ranging from 45% (Gamma Knife) to 95% (Novalis) of the maximum dose inside the target. Based on the divergence theorem, the dose fall‐off near the target was derived as V / V 0 = ( D / D 0 ) −γ , where V0 is volume of the prescribed isodose line covering at least 99% of the target volume, γ is a constant fitting parameter, which measures the steepness of the dose fall‐off near the target. The goodness of the fit and the average γ‐values were obtained for all cases of each modality. Results: The formula fitted excellently for all cases with the linear correlation coefficient R2 exceeded 0.99 in the log‐log plot for each case. No obvious dependence was found for the size of the targets, the number of the beams or the isocenters used for each group. An average γ‐value of 1.49± 0.13 was obtained for Gamma Knife, 1.48± 0.41 for Cyberknife, and 1.46 ± 0.19 for Novalis group of cases. No statistical significance was found in the mean value differences among the groups. However, Gamma Knife exhibited the smallest range of deviations in the mean value while Cyberknife exhibited the largest range of deviations in the mean value. Conclusion: A general formula and a common parameter was demonstrated for relating the average dose fall‐off near the target for Gamma Knife, Cyberknife and Novalis MLC‐based Linac systems. Despite large physical differences, nearly identical dose fall‐off was found for these modalities for treating intracranial lesions.
Chaos, cycles and orbit distributions for families of variants of the shift map

We define dynamical systems of families of maps on the unit interval. The mapś, called variants, are obtained by complementation of selected linear segments of the Bernoulli Shift. We determine a recursive relation for cycle structure. We show that if x0 is normal to base m then the orbit of x0 under a symmetric variant of Bm is uniformly distributed. We utilize the fact that inverse images of open sets under a symmetric variant are symmetric sets, and on symmetric sets the diicrete time average for symmetric variants and the shift are equal. For non-symmetric variants we exhibit an inequality for the discrete time average of iterates of normal numbers which is based on the number of intervals over which f is non-symmetric
The effect of various environmental factors on cocaine and ephedrine toxicity

The effect of environmental factors on the toxicity of ephedrine and cocaine has been examined and the results compared with those obtained with amphetamine. Ambient temperatures were identified at which these drugs have an “aggregation effect”, and isolated mice treated with ephedrine or cocaine were then forcibly exercised and the effect of increased motor activity on body temperature and mortality compared with the results obtained by grouping the animals together. In general, the toxicity of either drug is increased by a rise in ambient temperature. Both drugs produce an aggregation effect and forced exercise increases the toxicity of each drug as much as does grouping. In all parameters tested the effects of ephedrine and cocaine resemble qualitatively those of amphetamine, but are less potent. In mice given certain central nervous system stimulants the aggregation effect may be due to hyperpyrexia associated with increased spontaneous motor activity resulting from a greater response to external stimuli.
An olfactory discrimination apparatus: Modification of the basic “wind-tunnel” design

A modified “wind-tunnel” olfactory discrimination apparatus for rats is described and evaluated. The apparatus, constructed of Teflon, features a precise stimulus delivery system that is easy to build, and a high contiguity of stimulus, manipulandum and reward. Discrimination between odorants to a high performance criterion is obtained within 3–6 h of shaping and training.
Synthesis and evaluation of 11β-(4-Substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs: Transition from estrogen receptor agonists to antagonists

Abstract Introduction As part of our program to develop estrogen receptor (ER) targeted imaging and therapeutic agents we chose to evaluate 11β-substituted estradiol analogs as a representative scaffold. Previous synthetic studies provided an entry into this class of compounds and other work indicated that 11β-(substituted aryl) estradiol analogs were potent antagonists of the ER. Little information existed about the specific structural features involved in the transition from agonism to antagonism for the 11β-aryl estradiol analogs or their potential as scaffolds for drug conjugation. Methods We prepared and characterized a series of 11β-(4-Substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs using modifications of existing synthetic methods. The new compounds, as well as standard steroidal agonists and antagonists, were evaluated as competitive ligands for the ERβ-LBD. Functional assays used the induction of alkaline phosphatase in Ishikawa cells to determine potency of the compounds as ER agonists or antagonists. Results The synthetic strategy successfully generated a series of compounds in which the 4-substituent was sequentially modified from hydroxyl to methoxy to azidoethoxy/N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy and eventually to a prototypical 1,4-naphthoquinone-containing moiety. The new compounds all retained high relative binding affinity (RBA) for the ERα-LBD, ranging from 13–83% that of estradiol. No subtype selectivity was observed. More importantly, the transition from agonist to antagonist activity occurs at the 4-methoxy stage where the compound is a mixed antagonist. More notably, antagonism appeared to be more dependent upon the size of the 11β-substituent than upon the nature of the terminal group Conclusions We have developed a synthetic strategy that provides facile access to potent 11β-(4-substituted phenyl) estradiol analogs. The resultant compounds retain high affinity for the ERα-LBD and, more importantly, demonstrate potent antagonist activity in cells. Large functionalities distal to the 11β-phenyl ring had little additional effect on either affinity or efficacy, suggesting the incorporation of diverse imaging or biologically active groups can be attached without significantly compromising the ER-binding capacity. Future studies are in progress to exploit the 11β-aryl estradiol analogs as potential drug delivery systems and imaging agents.
Effects of ruthenium red, A23187 and D-600 on steroidogenesis in Y-1 Cells

Abstract The effects of the calcium antagonists ruthenium red and D-600 and the cation ionophore A23187 on steroidogenesis were investigated. Steroidogenesis triggered by corticotrophin and cyclic AMP was inhibited by each of the agents. Incubation of Y-1 cells with an excess of ethyleneglycol-bis-( β -aminoethylether)- N , N ′-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) abolished the steroidogenic response to corticotrophin while the response to cyclic AMP was unaffected. The ability of ruthenium red and D-600 (1 · 10 −5 M), and A23187 (6 · 10 −6 M) to inhibit a response which does not require the presence of extracellular calcium (cyclic AMP induced steroidogenesis) suggests that they are altering intracellular calcium. Neither of the calcium antagonists nor the cation ionophore inhibited the steroidogenic response to exogenous pregnenolone, thereby suggesting that the cells were still viable. Only when A23187 was used in the presence of a 15-fold increase in extracellular calcium (4.8 mM) was the response to pregnenolone diminished. The data are interpreted as a further indication that, in intact cells, intracellular calcium plays a role in the steroidogenic pathway.
Phosphor efficiency and deposition temperature in ZnS:Mn A.C. thin film electroluminescence display devices

Abstract ZnS:Mn A.C. thin film electroluminescent (ACTFEL) display devices were fabricated at various phosphor deposition temperatures ( T s ). The phosphor layer of all devices was formed by electron beam evaporation from ZnS:Mn powder with 1.2 wt.% Mn content. The amount of Mn actually present in the film was found to increase with T s while the luminous efficiency of ACTFEL devices also increased with increasing T s . Increased phosphor efficiency was attributed to the higher Mn content and to the presence of larger phosphor fields in the higher deposition temperature devices. Crystallite perfection as measured by the full width at half maximum of X-ray diffraction peaks remained constant up to 300 °C, but decreased for higher T s values. © 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.
Hg 1-x Mn x Te: A New Candidate For Infrared Detectors

The band structure as well as electrical and optical properties of Hgl-xMnxTe are remarkably similar to those of Hg l-xCdxTe, making Hgl-xMnxTe a competitive candidate for applications in infrared detectors. In this paper we examine the properties of Hg1-xMnxTe which are relevant to this application. Hgl-xMnxTe is formed by substitution of tie magnetic Mn ions for Hg in the HgTe lattice; although Mn is not a group II element, Hgl-xMnxTe crystallizes in the zincblende structure, forming good quality crystals up to x 0.3S. Its energy gap and related band parameters vary with x, but at a rate about twice as fast as in Hgl-xCdxTe. The electrical properties of Hg1-xMnxTe are again similar to those of Hgl-xCdxTe, including electronic mobilities and doping characteristics. As-grown Hgl-x MnxTe is p-type due to a natural tendency to form Hg-vacancies, which act as acceptors and whose concentration can be reduced by appropriate annealing. Because Mn is a magnetic ion, Hg l- differs from Hgl-xCdxTe in its magnetic properties, as well as in the behavior of its electrical and optical properties in the presence of a magnetic field. For example, for x > 0.17 Hg1-xMnxTe exhibits a transition to the spin glass phase at low temperatures. Furthermore, the presence of Mn ions leads to an exchange interaction between the localized magnetic moments and the band electrons, which in turn affects the band parameters and leads to new and spectacular effects in the transport and optical properties. It is to be emphasized that magnetic properties associated with the Mn ions, such as electron paramagnetic resonance, magnetic susceptibility, etc., also offer a unique handle by which the distribution of Mn over the lattice (e.g., its tendency to form clusters) can be studied.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of dietary restriction during juvenile development on adult performance of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas)

An experiment was performed to determine if dietary restriction in the nursery significantly affects the performance of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) after two years in the field. Five outbred full-sib families and three inbred full-sib families were created in August 2000, and reared under each of the three feeding levels during juvenile development in the nursery. In June 2001, 40 individuals from each family–nursery treatment combination were stocked into each of ten replicate lantern net tiers and suspended in Yaquina Bay, OR, USA. ANOVA was used to determine if genotype, nursery environment, or genotype×nursery environment interactions significantly affected yield (kg tier �1 ), individual body weight (g), and survival (%) after one and two growing seasons in the field. Average outbred family yield after two growing seasons in the field (490 days) was significantly affected by genotype (P 0.34). Average inbred family yield and average body weight after two growing seasons were significantly affected by genotype (P<0.01), nursery environment (P<0.029) and genotype×nursery environment interaction (P<0.019). Average inbred family survival was affected by genotype (P<0.01) but not nursery environment (P=0.929) or genotype×nursery environment interaction (P=0.197). Significant rank changes among inbred families for both individual body weight and yield occurred only among families reared under the most stressful nursery feeding regime. Although the effect of nursery feeding environment was detected even after two growing seasons in the field, the lack of a genotype×nursery environment interaction suggests differences in nursery feeding regime should not significantly alter relative field performance of outbred oyster families. Significant rank changes were seen among inbred families; however, relative field performance should not be affected under all but the most stressful juvenile growing conditions.
Hexokinase binding sites on mitochondrial membranes.

Abstract Binding sites for brain hexokinase are found on the outer mitochondrial membrane, but are not present on inner mitochondrial or microsomal membranes.
Experimental Analysis of the Reliability of Observations of Social Behavior

(1952). Experimental Analysis of the Reliability of Observations of Social Behavior. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 151-160.
Cardiovascular recovery from laboratory stress: Biopsychosocial concomitants in older adults

Although cardiovascular recovery may be important to long term cardiovascular health, its biopsychosocial correlates have received much less attention than the correlates of cardiovascular reactivity. Of the few studies that have examined recovery, fewer still have examined men and women over 60 yr of age. This study examined relationships of psychosocial factors (e.g. state anxiety, anger, avoidance coping, Type A behavior, etc.) with recovery in 186 older married men (n = 63) and women (n = 123) (mean age = 69.7 +/- 6.1 yr). Regressions were performed to explain recovery variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) in response to emotional and cognitive tasks. In each analysis, we controlled for the effects of gender, type of task, reactivity to the task, and other important covariates. Individuals with slower recovery had higher scores on anxiety (for SBP, p < 0.03 and DBP, p < 0.01), higher scores on avoidance coping (for DBP and HR, p < 0.01), and lower scores on anger held in (for DBP, p < 0.01). Psychosocial factors may be important in explaining recovery in older adults.
Only the Names Have Been Changed: Ability Grouping Revisited

In this paper, I employ a study of 25 sixth grade teachers of “regular” and “honors” language arts classes in a large urban district as a vehicle for discussing ability grouping. Despite not being asked any questions about grouping or differentiation, differences in students and instruction among the two class levels was a major focus of the teachers’ responses. Most of the teachers’ descriptions of students in regular classes were remarkably similar to negative descriptions from ability grouping and tracking research of the 1970s and 1980s, and the instruction they described was comparably limiting. The findings suggest that, among these teachers, euphemistic terms such as regular and “grade level,” have replaced clear-cut terms used in the past (“basic” and “low”), making class leveling systems more confusing. Navigating this system is especially difficult for parents with social, cultural, and/or academic capital that does not match well with that of most school personnel. Implications for research and practice are addressed.
Comments on "Computation and transmission requirements for a decentralized linear-quadratic-Gaussian control"

The decentralized system in the above paper can be reduced to a simpler system, which achieves the same goal but with less computations. The new system is obtained by a straightforward decomposition of the Kalman filter.
Hepatofugal portal flow in cirrhosis: Observations on hepatic hemodynamics and the nature of the arterioportal communications

Six of 85 patients (7%) with alcoholic liver disease undergoing transhepatic portal pressure measurement had either stagnant (3 patients) or reversed (3 patients) portal blood flow documented by gentle hand injection of 1 to 2 ml of angiographic contrast. Portal blood flow was uniformly hepatopetal in 24 patients with nonalcoholic liver disease. Recurrent spontaneous hepatic encephalopathy and sodium retention occurred in 4 of 6 patients with stagnant or reversed portal flow; gastrointestinal bleeding was not seen. Standard laboratory tests of liver function were widely variable. Net portal pressure was lower in this group than in patients with alcoholic liver disease and forward portal flow (9.2 +/- 2.6 vs. 15.6 +/- 4.1 mm Hg, p less than 0.001). Wedged hepatic vein pressure was 1 to 7 mm Hg higher than portal vein pressure in patients with reversed portal flow. The arterioportal extraction of bile acid was calculated from the difference in concentration between artery and portal vein, and total functional hepatic blood flow was calculated from the hepatic extraction and systemic clearance of indocyanine green. Extraction was 0%, and hepatic blood flow was 0.469 liter per min in a patient with hepatofugal portal flow and recurrent encephalopathy. Extraction was 20%, and hepatic blood flow was 4.014 liters per min in a patient who had never had encephalopathy. These data indicate that arterioportal communications may be sinusoidal or presinusoidal in patients who lose forward portal flow and that the amount of flow in the arterioportal circuit, together with its efficiency, largely determine the clinical outcome.
Isolation of a toxin B-deficient mutant strain of Clostridium difficile in a case of recurrent C. difficile-associated diarrhea

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) recurs in approximately 15%-20% of patients after discontinuation of metronidazole or vancomycin therapy. Most recurrences are believed to be endogenous relapses due to the persistence of spores. However, there is evidence that reinfection with a different strain is a cause of recurrence. We report the case of a patient with a history of multiple episodes of C. difficile colitis. The patient, a 56-year-old female, has had 5 years of repeated recurrences, each shortly after discontinuing vancomycin therapy. During the course of these episodes, three isolates were cultured from her stools at different times. These isolates were analyzed for the presence of toxin A and B gene sequences and genotyped by means of arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR). The original two isolates contained the toxin A and B genes, as determined by PCR, and were of the same AP-PCR type. During her last relapse, a C. difficile strain lacking at least a portion of the toxin B gene was isolated. AP-PCR analysis of this isolate showed a different DNA banding pattern from that of the previous isolates. A vancomycin susceptibility assay revealed a slight decrease in vancomycin activity as compared with that against the prior isolate. This case demonstrates two unique features: (1) recurrent infections can be due to reinfections and (2) toxin B mutants can possibly cause CDAD. This study also raises concerns about long-term vancomycin use and the development of resistance of C. difficile to vancomycin.
Religious Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism in Tunisia

The relationship between religion and entrepreneurial activity has been an ongoing subject of sociological interest since Weber (1958) first identified the association between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism in Western Europe. One recent collection of papers on the subject (Eisenstadt, 1968) indicates that the topic remains highly controversial, and that the debate moves in two general directions. Some analysts challenge (or support) the factual and/or theoretical validity of Weber's analysis as it applies to Western Europe, or to Protestantism (Green, 1959). Another branch of research attempts to apply the idea on a different level, finding other religious groups for which the theory is valid, in other parts of the world. Most such studies have been made in East and Southeast Asia, but there is a scattering of articles on other countries as well (Eisenstadt, 1968). Bellah (1963) cites several studies of merchant groups in Asia which conform to the Protestant ethic pattern, but points out that they seldom transform the norms of the whole society as Protestantism did in parts of Europe. Their impact is limited to a subgroup within society. These studies suggest that the Weberian thesis might apply on an intra-societal level in cultures different from Europe. The present study attempts to support this idea by positing a relationship between religious ethic and capitalism among a group of merchants in Tunisia who are members of a distinct religious sect within Islam.
Motion Correction of Multi-b-value Diffusion-weighted Imaging in the Liver

Rationale and Objectives Motion artifacts are a significant source of error in the acquisition and quantification of parameters from multi-b-value diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The objective of this article is to present a reliable method to reduce motion-related artifacts during free-breathing at higher b-values when signal levels are low. Materials and Methods Twelve patients referred for magnetic resonance imaging of the liver underwent a clinical magnetic resonance imaging examination of the abdominal region that included DWI. Conventional single-shot spin-echo echo planar imaging acquisitions of the liver during free breathing were repeated in a “time-resolved” manner during a single acquisition to obtain data for multi-b-value analysis, alternating between low and high b-values. Image registration using a normalized mutual information similarity measure was used to correct for spatial misalignment of diffusion-weighted volumes caused by motion. Registration error was estimated indirectly by comparing the normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) values of data fitted to the biexponential intra-voxel incoherent motion model before and after motion correction. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected in the liver close to the surface of the liver and close to internal structures such as large bile ducts and blood vessels. Results For the 12 patient datasets, the mean NRMSE value for the motion-corrected ROIs (0.38 ± 0.16) was significantly lower than the mean NRMSE values for the non–motion-corrected ROIs (0.41 ± 0.13) ( P Conclusions The proposed method addresses motion-related artifacts to increase robustness in multi-b-value acquisitions.
Interrupting ability of horn-gap switches

A HORN-GAP switch has limitations in its ability to successfully open a circuit because of the restricted space available for expansion of the arc. It is not the length of the arc but its spread, and where it goes, that is important in switch operation. The clearance available for the spread of the arc must be such that the arc cannot form a short circuit between phases or to ground.
Practical management of cutaneous reactions to the methylphenidate transdermal system: recommendations from a dermatology expert panel consensus meeting.

Abstract Background: Psychostimulants remain the most-used medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS) is the first stimulant patch dosage formulation to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the symptoms of ADHD in children aged 6 to 12 years. The MTS patch is approved to be applied once daily to the hip and worn for 9 hours. While cutaneous reactions may occur with any formulation of medication, they are more likely with transdermal administration. Objective: The purpose of this commentary was to describe the types of cutaneous reactions that have been reported with transdermal systems in general, review the cutaneous adverse events seen in clinical trials with the MTS specifically, and provide practical management suggestions for prevention and treatment of these potential cutaneous reactions. Methods: In September 2007, a group of child psychiatrists, pediatricians, developmental pediatricians, and pediatric neurologists who treat ADHD and have had experience in their practices with MTS convened to discuss cutaneous reactions in relation to its use. Information collected from this meeting and from the clinical trials database of the sponsor was reviewed by a panel of 3 dermatologic clinical experts in contact dermatitis and 1 pediatric dermatologist. The panel's recommendations form the basis for this report. Conclusions: Mild to moderate erythema is a common cutaneous effect with MTS use, and is generally not a cause for discontinuation if seen in isolation. Irritant contact dermatitis is relatively common and can be reduced and treated by alternating patch application sites, moisturizing, gentle skin care, and application of topical corticosteroids at the previous patch sites if needed. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and allergic contact urticaria are rare when MTS is worn as directed in the prescribing information. MTS should be discontinued if ACD is suspected.
Structure and function of restriction endonucleases

Structures of two restriction endonucleases, BamHI and PvuII, were reported in the past year. This doubles the number of restriction endonuclease structures now known from two to four, and enables a comparative analysis of their structures and modes of DNA recognition. Despite a lack of sequence homology between the enzymes, BamHI turns out to resemble EcoRI, and PvuII turns out to resemble EcoRV. The active-site regions are structurally similar in all four enzymes, but their mechanisms of cleavage may differ.
Aniptodera (Halosphaeriaceae) from wood in freshwater habitats

Aniptodera chesapeakensis, a species common in brackish water and seawater, is reported and illustrated from freshwater habitats. Three new species of Aniptodera, A. limnetica, A. fusiformis, and A...
Corona Associations and Their Implications for Venus

Abstract Geologic mapping principles were applied to determine genetic relations between coronae and surrounding geomorphologic features within two study areas in order to better understand venusian coronae. The study areas contain coronae in a cluster versus a contrasting chain and are (1) directly west of Phoebe Regio (quadrangle V-40; centered at latitude 15°S, longitude 250°) and (2) west of Asteria and Beta Regiones (between latitude 23°N, longitude 239° and latitude 43°N, longitude 275°). Results of this research indicate two groups of coronae on Venus: (1) those that are older and nearly coeval with regional plains, and occur globally; and (2) those that are younger and occur between Beta, Atla, and Themis Regiones or along extensional rifts elsewhere, sometimes showing systematic age progressions. Mapping relations and Earth analogs suggest that older plains coronae may be related to a near-global resurfacing event perhaps initiated by a mantle superplume or plumes. Younger coronae of this study that show age progression may be related to (1) a tectonic junction of connecting rifts resulting from local mantle upwelling and spread of a quasi-stationary hotspot plume, and (2) localized spread of post-plains volcanism. We postulate that on Venus most of the young, post-resurfacing coronal plumes may be concentrated within an area defined by the bounds of Beta, Atla, and Themis Regiones.
κ-Opioid receptor-mediated thermonociceptive mechanisms in streptozotocin diabetes☆

The effects of the benzomorphan kappa-opiate antagonist MR 2266 and its dextro enantiomer MR 2267 were assessed on thermonociception in male Swiss Webster mice. Experimental diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin (200 mg/kg IP, 7-8 days before). Animals with dextrose treatment (5 g/kg, IP, at the time of opiate injection) were used as acute hyperglycemic controls. Nociception was assessed by supraspinal nociceptive reflex (licking and jumping in hot plate test) indicative of higher cognitive process as well as a predominantly lower spinal monosynaptic reflex (tail immersion test). In normoglycemic, acute hyperglycemic and diabetic mice, MR 2266 decreased, while MR 2267 increased, the reaction latencies. The results indicate tonic stereospecific kappa-opiate receptor-mediated spinal and supraspinal thermonociceptive reactions are not modulated by experimental diabetes and thus are distinct from those of naloxone-sensitive mu-opiate receptor sites.
Lifetime Video Game Consumption, Interpersonal Aggression, Hostile Sexism, and Rape Myth Acceptance A Cultivation Perspective

Although previous research has investigated relationships between media consumption, sexism, and rape myth acceptance (RMA), limited research has investigated video games despite their emergence as one of the most popular forms of media entertainment globally. Given that video games typically feature even less diverse and more objectified representations of women than traditional mainstream media, we predicted that there would be relationships between video game consumption and negative beliefs and attitudes about women. In this study, we conducted a survey (N = 351) of male and female adults and used structural equation modeling to analyze relationships among video game consumption, trait interpersonal aggression, ambivalent sexism, and first-order (percentage of false rape accusations) and second-order cultivation effects (RMA). We found support for the hypothesized cultivation model, indicating a relationship between video game consumption and RMA via interpersonal aggression and hostile sexism. Although these findings cannot be interpreted causally, we discuss the implications of these associations and future directions for research.
Conversion of Non-immune Cells into Antibody-forming Cells by RNA

RNA extracted from the spleens of mice immunized with sheep red blood cells converts some spleen cells from non-immunized mice to form antibody. The substance responsible for this conversion is RNA rich material with a coefficient of sedimentation between 8S and 12S. There may be specific recognition sites for this RNA on a few competent recipient cells which respond by producing antibody.
Managerial assessment of potential entrants: Processes and pitfalls

Abstract While others have studied the awareness and action phases of incumbent response, there has been little research on the threat assessment phase. In this paper, we focus on the incumbent's threat assessment decision process, i.e. how task characteristics can influence the evaluation of potential entrants. In an experiment using experienced marketing managers as subjects, we examine the influence of firm dependence, decision accountability and task complexity on their information acquisition behavior while assessing potential entrants. Our results provide important insights into how companies can and cannot improve managerial assessment of potential entrants.