cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agent-Based Modeling and Organization Studies: A critical realist perspective:

The method of agent-based modeling raises philosophy of science issues that modelers have yet to resolve in a way that reconciles their work with that of other management and organization researchers. As a result, agent-based modelers have made only modest contributions to advancing organization theory and empirical research. In response, this study proposes critical realism as a philosophical perspective to understand and orient agent-based modeling research. A critical realist perspective clarifies the nature and purpose of agent-based modeling and indicates the potential complementarity between agent-based modeling and other approaches to theory building and testing in the field of management and organization studies. Key emphases within critical realism on mechanismic explanations, emergence, simplifying assumptions, and abductive reasoning support agent-based modelers’ practices. Critical realism carries implications for specifying models, clarifying ontology, evaluating model outcomes, validating mo...
The effect of β-endorphin on natural cytotoxicity and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Abstract The ability of the central nervous system to modulate immune responsiveness has received increasing attention. A potential mechanism that would allow the central nervous system to alter the immune system is the release of neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter polypeptides into the peripheral circulation with subsequent modulation of immunocyte function. In this report, we demonstrate that the neuropeptide, β-[D-ALA 2 ]-endorphin augments natural cytotoxicity but does not effect antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The observations are discussed in relation to the mechanisms for natural cytotoxicity and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
Update on human respiratory syncytial virus

Abstract Since its initial discovery 50 years ago, RSV has continued to generate strong and sustained efforts in the scientific and health care communities to develop modalities for prevention and treatment. Further studies that define the molecular evolution of RSV and the mechanisms by which it evades the immune response should facilitate the rational design of effective and safe vaccines.
Mammalian Otolin: a multimeric glycoprotein specific to the inner ear that interacts with otoconial matrix protein Otoconin-90 and Cerebellin-1.

Background The mammalian otoconial membrane is a dense extracellular matrix containing bio-mineralized otoconia. This structure provides the mechanical stimulus necessary for hair cells of the vestibular maculae to respond to linear accelerations and gravity. In teleosts, Otolin is required for the proper anchoring of otolith crystals to the sensory maculae. Otoconia detachment and subsequent entrapment in the semicircular canals can result in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common form of vertigo for which the molecular basis is unknown. Several cDNAs encoding protein components of the mammalian otoconia and otoconial membrane have recently been identified, and mutations in these genes result in abnormal otoconia formation and balance deficits.
p38 and ERK1/2 Coordinate Cellular Migration and Proliferation in Epithelial Wound Healing EVIDENCE OF CROSS-TALK ACTIVATION BETWEEN MAP KINASE CASCADES

One important action of growth factors is their participation in tissue repair; however, the signaling pathways involved are poorly understood. In a model of corneal wound healing, we found that two paracrine growth factors, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), induced rapid and marked activation and prompt nuclear accumulation of phospho-p38 (p-p38) and -ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), but not of JNK (p-JNK1/2), in corneal epithelial cells. Interruption of p38 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways by pretreatment with inhibitors SB203580 and PD98059 and subsequent stimulation with HGF or KGF abolished the activation and nuclear localization. Inhibition of either one of these mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38 or ERK1/2, induced a robust cross-activation of the other. In immunofluorescence studies of wounded cornea, p-p38, unlike p-ERK1/2, was immediately detectable in epithelium after injury. Inhibition of p38 by SB203580 blocked migration of epithelial cells almost completely. In contrast, PD98059 seemed to slightly increase the migration, through concomitant activation of p38. Unlike ERK1/2, p38 did not significantly contribute to proliferation of epithelial cells. Inhibition of either the ERK1/2 or p38 pathway resulted in delayed corneal epithelial wound healing. Interruption of both signaling cascades additively inhibited the wound-healing process. These findings demonstrate that both p38 and ERK1/2 coordinate the dynamics of wound healing: while growth factor-stimulated p38 induces epithelial migration, ERK1/2 activation induces proliferation. The cross-talk between these two signal cascades and the selective action of p38 in migration appear to be important to corneal wound healing, and possibly wound healing in general, and may offer novel drug targets for tissue repair.
D-chiro-inositol glycan stimulates insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells

Insulin has been shown to act on pancreatic β cells to regulate its own secretion. Currently the mechanism underlying this effect is unclear. INS-2, a novel inositol glycan pseudo-disaccharide containing D-chiro-inositol and galactosamine, has been shown to function as an insulin mimetic and a putative insulin mediator. In the present study we found that INS-2 stimulates insulin secretion in MIN6 β cells and potentiates glucose stimulated insulin secretion in isolated mouse islets. Importantly, INS-2 failed to potentiate insulin secretion induced by tolbutamide, which stimulates insulin release by closing ATP sensitive potassium channels (KATP). Electrophysiological studies showed that INS-2 inhibited sulfonylurea-sensitive KATP conductance. The effect of INS-2 on inhibiting KATP channel is mediated by protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C), as knocking down PP2C expression in MIN6 cells by PP2C small hairpin RNA completely abolished the effect of INS-2 on KATP and consequently attenuated INS-2 induced insulin secretion. In conclusion, the present study identifies a novel mechanism involving PP2C in regulating KATP channel activity and consequently insulin secretion.
Role of myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing coronary angiography.

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at high risk of cardiovascular events. This study examined the prognostic power of stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in 150 patients with ESRD (mean age 53 ± 9 years; 30% women; 66% with diabetes mellitus) being evaluated for renal transplantation with known coronary anatomy using angiography. Baseline data in addition to perfusion and angiographic parameters were compared between survivors and nonsurvivors. All-cause mortality was defined as the outcome measure. An abnormal MPI result was present in 85% of patients, 30% had left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≤40%, and 40% had multivessel coronary artery disease using angiography. At a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 1.5 years, 53 patients died (35%). LVEF ≤40%, LV dilatation (LV end-diastolic volume >90 ml), and diabetes mellitus were associated with higher mortality (all p
Photodynamic therapy against common bacteria causing wound and skin infections.

Abstract Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the combination of a photosensitising (PS) agent and visible light. Historically, various injectable PS agents have been used with medical grade lasers to treat neoplasia. The objective of this in vitro study was to determine whether PDT using topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA) with a non-coherent light source would kill common wound infecting bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus canis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Bacterial strains were sensitised to light with ALA before exposing to the non-coherent light source. Colony counts were performed in triplicate and compared to controls. When compared with controls there was a significant decrease in bacterial survival following PDT for all organisms except E. coli. A single treatment required 2–3 h of light exposure. These data suggest that PDT may be a possible treatment option for wound infections but repeated treatments or alterations in the PS or its carrier will be needed to decrease treatment times.
Social Exchange and Symbolic Interaction Perspectives: Exploring Points of Convergence in Research on Family and Aging

Symbolic interaction (SI) and social exchange are two popular theoretical approaches which have guided research on family interactions. In any one study, these two perspectives are almost always employed independently of each other. The present study recognizes that either theory can be used to investigate social support, but finds that, when used alone, their explanatory power is more tenuous. Because of definitional ambiguity, SI, for example, is weak on quantitative measurement but strong on qualitative analysis. Social exchange is more rational, and its assumptions can be tested more empirically. This paper attempts to discuss a convergence thesis and argues that a more comprehensive theoretical framework is made possible.
“OBLIGATE” ALGAL EPIPHYTE: SMITHORA NAIADUM GROWS ON A SYNTHETIC SUBSTRATE1

SUMMARY The supposedly obligate epiphyte Smithora naiadum, normally found only on the sea grasses Phyllospadix scouleri and Zostera marina, grew on an artificial substrate under field conditions. This development shows that the alga does not appear to require a chemical factor from its normal host plant for (1) substrate selection and adhesion, (2) growth of basal cushion and young blades, or (3) maturation of thick cushions.
Large atmospheric noble gas excesses in a shallow aquifer in the Michigan Basin as indicators of a past mantle thermal event

Abstract Significant atmospheric noble gas excesses in aquifer systems have systematically been linked to increased hydrostatic pressure, either due to increased water table levels or due to the development of ice cover. Measured noble gases (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe) in the shallow Saginaw aquifer in the Michigan Basin display both moderate (∼20–60% Ne excess) and large (∼80−>120% Ne excess) excesses of atmospheric noble gases with respect to air saturated water for modern recharge conditions. All large atmospheric noble gas excesses are located in the main discharge area of the Michigan Basin, in the Saginaw Lowlands region. Here, through a step-by-step analysis, we first show that large atmospheric noble gas excesses in the Saginaw aquifer do not result from increased hydrostatic pressure but, instead, are the result of vertical transport of atmospheric noble gases that are believed to have escaped from deep Michigan Basin brines following a past thermal event of mantle origin. Subsequently, we show that the atmospheric noble gas pattern of the entire Michigan Basin strata appears to result from two distinct end-members: (a) an end-member represented by the deepest, most depleted brines from which most of the atmospheric noble gases escaped; and (b) an end-member with excess atmospheric noble gas values above those displayed by the Saginaw samples. The latter is unconstrained due to the dilution effect exerted by recharge water. Using a Rayleigh distillation model we further show that the greater enrichment of lighter relative to heavier noble gases in the Saginaw aquifer in the Saginaw Lowlands area is compatible with either diffusion or solubility related mechanisms. These findings reinforce the notion that a past thermal event is indeed responsible for the atmospheric noble gas excesses found in the Saginaw aquifer in the Saginaw Lowlands area. They are also consistent with and reinforce previous findings with respect to the occurrence of a thermal event of mantle origin in the Michigan Basin.
Synergistic pay-offs in Indo-US strategic alliances

Abstract In a highly competitive business environment, strategic alliances between companies best ensure their continued survival. An increasing number of firms are therefore willing to share control for the larger benefits which an alliance offers. In recent years many US and Indian corporations have forged an ‘entente’ to derive such synergistic payoffs. The 1990s are likely to witness a further growth in the popularity of alliances between Indian and US firms. This paper examines the benefits derived by the collaborating companies and studies the experience of some of these firms in building cross-border partnerships.
The ultraviolet spectra of nearby radio galaxies

New and archival IUE SWP spectra are reported for nine nearby radio galaxies (V is less than 15 mag), together with optical emissionlike data for these galaxies as well as a number of candidates with weaker line emission. Both their UV line and continuum properties, as well as their UV and UV-optical line ratios, are examined. Ly-alpha emission is found to be common among local radio galaxies, at modest luminosities (typically 10 exp 41-42 erg/s). No apparent relation is found between L(Ly-alpha) and radio power for the nearby radio galaxies alone. The Ly-alpha/H-alpha ratio in low power nearby radio galaxies is 2-5 times lower than the prediction for case B recombination. The destruction of Ly-alpha photons by grains during resonant scattering can explain the observed deficiency for reasonable metallicities. The nearby radio galaxies have in general a small C IV/Ly-alpha ratio (less than 0.1). Comparison of the C IV and Ly-alpha strengths with those in luminous AGN suggests that most of the UV continuum comes from the stellar population, and not from the AGN.
A Filtering Method to Generate High Quality Short Reads Using Illumina Paired-End Technology

Consensus between independent reads improves the accuracy of genome and transcriptome analyses, however lack of consensus between very similar sequences in metagenomic studies can and often does represent natural variation of biological significance. The common use of machine-assigned quality scores on next generation platforms does not necessarily correlate with accuracy. Here, we describe using the overlap of paired-end, short sequence reads to identify error-prone reads in marker gene analyses and their contribution to spurious OTUs following clustering analysis using QIIME. Our approach can also reduce error in shotgun sequencing data generated from libraries with small, tightly constrained insert sizes. The open-source implementation of this algorithm in Python programming language with user instructions can be obtained from https://github.com/meren/illumina-utils.
Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma metastatic to the brain.

Background: Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS) is a rare tumor with an aggressive growth pattern. They occur in women from 40 to 60 years and are generally characterized by poor prognosis, a high rate of local recurrence, and distant metastases. UUS accounts for 0.2% of all gynecological malignancies. Possible treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Case Description: A 65-year-old female with postmenopausal bleeding was found to have a uterine mass for which she underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and omentectomy. The pathologic evaluation was consistent with undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma. She began experiencing headaches with associated visual disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed a homogenous enhancing occipital dural-based mass measuring 1.6 × 1.8 × 1.7 cm. Due to the rarity of metastatic uterine sarcoma to the brain, this was believed to represent a meningioma and subsequently observed. Interval MRI scan revealed a significant increase in size of the right occipital mass to 2.3 cm with increased edema and mass effect. She underwent right occipital image guided craniotomy for resection of the mass. Histopathology confirmed UUS metastases. Conclusion: Randomized trials analyzing these treatment options are limited due to the rarity of this disease; therefore, a standard therapy is not established. Based on a review of the literature, this is only the fourth case reported of UUS metastatic to the brain.
1968 Intermag conference

The 1968 INTERMAG Conference was held in the Sheraton-Park Hotel, Washington DC, on April 3, 4, and 5, 1968. The event officially recorded 939 registrants, almost 200 higher than the record established in 1967. This year 25 invited and 120 contributed papers covering a wide range of applied magnetics and superconductivity were presented by authors from 13 dflerent countries.
Real-time edge enhancement using the photorefractive effect

Edge enhancement, a type of optical image processing, is performed in a photorefractive material in real time and with low incident-light intensities (10−3 W/cm2). We calculate the expected images using two different four-wave mixing geometries, which show good agreement with the images that we experimentally observe using a single-domain crystal of BaTiO3 as the photorefractive material.
Objective Criteria for the Evaluation of Clustering Methods

Abstract Many intuitively appealing methods have been suggested for clustering data, however, interpretation of their results has been hindered by the lack of objective criteria. This article proposes several criteria which isolate specific aspects of the performance of a method, such as its retrieval of inherent structure, its sensitivity to resampling and the stability of its results in the light of new data. These criteria depend on a measure of similarity between two different clusterings of the same set of data; the measure essentially considers how each pair of data points is assigned in each clustering.
Struggling to maintain balance: a study of women living with fibromyalgia.

Thirty-six women with fibromyalgia (FM) were asked to describe how they live with their FM. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. The goal was understanding the process of living with FM through theory development. The women described living with FM as struggling to maintain balance; this involves recalling perceived normality, searching for a diagnosis, finding out and moving on (transcending the illness). Several women relinquished the struggle because of situations that may or may not be under their control (e.g. depression and feeling imprisoned by treatment). Over time the illness moves from being a primary life focus to being part of the backdrop of the lives of women with FM.
Relationships between speech perception abilities and spoken language skills in young children with hearing loss

The goal of this study was to examine the relationships between scores obtained from measures of speech perception and language in a group of young children with hearing loss (HL). Eighteen childre...
Injectable Hydrogels with In Situ Double Network Formation Enhance Retention of Transplanted Stem Cells

Stem cell transplantation has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for treating many injuries and diseases including peripheral arterial disease,[1] cardiac disease,[2, 3] stroke,[4] peripheral nerve injury,[5] and spinal cord injury.[6] Cell transplantation by injection is a minimally invasive and clinically preferred strategy that delivers cells directly to the desired site of repair.[7] However, numerous studies in recent years have shown that injectable cell therapies result in low cell retention and engraftment, which is a major obstacle to clinical translation.[2, 3] Low cell retention is partly attributed to (i) mechanical forces during injection that damage the cell membrane, and (ii) the lack of a three-dimensional (3D) matrix to support cell viability post-injection.[2, 3, 8] Injectable hydrogels have been explored as a strategy to address both of these causes of low cell retention.[8–20] Pre-encapsulating cells in a shear-thinning, physical hydrogel can provide mechanical protection that prevents cell membrane damage during injection.[8] Weak hydrogels with shear moduli < 50 Pa were previously found to offer the best protection; however, these materials typically biodegrade too quickly (within one to two weeks) to support long-term cell survival in a 3D matrix.[8, 16, 21–23] Therefore, it has been challenging to design a hydrogel that can simultaneously address both causes of low cell retention in a single gel formulation. Toward this end, we aim to design an injectable hydrogel that undergoes two different physical crosslinking mechanisms: 1) weak, heterodimeric, molecular-recognition ex vivo to provide mechanical cell protection during injection and 2) additional crosslinking in vivo induced by thermo-responsive formation of a reinforcing network to support long-term cell survival within a 3D matrix.
Advertising Mutual Fund Returns: A Critical Analysis of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposal to Change Advertising Law

Abstract The Mutual Fund Tax Awareness Act of 1999 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives for the expressed purpose of requiring the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to change mutual fund disclosure and advertising law to better inform investors of the tax implications of various mutual funds. The Commission’s proposed change in advertising law has inadequately addressed this congressional mandate and may lead investors to make poorer, not better, decisions.
Variability of perceptual function: the sensory cortex as a "categorizer" and "deducer".

Abstract Variability of performance is a recognized characteristic of patients with cerebral lesions. Variability is partially explained by general inattention and by perseveration (handling of multiple, consecutive data). Cuing or prompting the patient with a perceptual deficit frequently allows the patient to perform a function he previously could not accomplish. Sensory analyzer systems are modality-specific regions which usually begin analysis of a sensory stimulus by categorization. This is followed by further analysis of the object, based upon the initial hypothesis. The context in which the stimulus appears or artificial cues may alter the patient's analysis of the stimulus and may also be factors in the variability of perceptual function.
P-transposable vectors expressing a constitutive and thermoinduce hsp82-neo fusion gene for Drosophila germline transformation and tissue-culture transfection

Abstract Three P-transposable vectors (approx. 16, 12, and 9 kb) were constructed containing a hsp82-neo fusion gene encoding a truncated heat-shock protein 82 of Drosophila pseudoobscura and the bacterial neomycin phosphotransferase (NPT). In transgenic Drosophila melanogaster, hsp82-neo exhibits high levels of housekeeping gene promoter and NPT activities in all cells in the absence of heat-shock and is further induced (fivefold) by elevated temperature (35°–36°C). The hsp82-neo selection of transformants is possible from embryo to adulthood. The hsp82-neo insertion in a P-element plasmid carrying an alcohol-dehydrogenase-encoding gene (Adh) produced plasmids pHS22 (approx. 16 kb) and pHS24 (approx. 12 kb), in which both genes were expressed, as observed in 13 transgenic strains. Cloning of DNA fragments up to at least 16 kb in a third vector, pHS85 (approx. 9 kb), lacking the Adh cointegrate is facilitated by a 104-bp multiple cloning site (MCS) positioned downstream (3′) from hsp82-neo. To accept inserts of nonselectable foreign genes, MCS provides 20 restriction site, eight of them unique. The hsp82-neo-expressing vectors also function in cell-culture transfection assays. The hsp82-neo fusion gene (3.73 kb) may be of wide application as a dominant selection marker in other animal system and plants.
An econometric analysis of household donations in the USA

This study investigates philanthropy, an American tradition. A censored system of donation equations is estimated by full-information maximum likelihood, using data from the 1995 Consumer Expenditure Survey. Results suggest that the censored system estimates are more appropriate than the single-equation estimates attempted in much of the donation literature. Income, age, and education are contributing factors of donation, regardless of whether it is to charity, religious organizations, or other organizations.
Assessing the Effectiveness of a Trauma-Oriented Approach to Treating Prostituted Women in a Prison and a Community Exiting Program

Women who have been prostitutes are social work clients in many clinical, correctional, and community settings. Unique programming that addresses the high levels of trauma symptoms reported by prostituted women has yet to be explored. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a group trauma and abuse intervention for prostituted women from two settings, prison and a community exiting program. A quasi-experimental research design was used. Twenty-nine women participated in a 12-week psychoeducational trauma and abuse intervention program called Esuba. All participants reported decreases in trauma symptoms, but the prison group showed a greater number of significant changes in trauma symptomology than the community group. Implications for practice and future research implications are discussed.
Continuing Colorado plateau uplift by delamination-style convective lithospheric downwelling

The Colorado plateau is intermediate in elevation between the adjacent Rocky Mountains and Basin and Range province, but unlike both these regions, which almost surround it, the plateau is largely undeformed. The causes and timing of the uplift of the Colorado Plateau to its current elevation of 2,000 metres are longstanding questions in Earth science. Levander et al. combine seismic tomography and receiver function images to resolve a vertical high-seismic-velocity anomaly beneath the west–central Colorado plateau, which extends to more than 200 kilometres in depth, topped by a dipping interface extending from the lower crust. They interpret this structure as an ongoing regional, delamination-style foundering of lower crust and continental lithosphere. Combined with Grand Canyon incision rates and Pliocene basaltic volcanism patterns, the new data suggest that this event has been active during the past 6 million years. The Colorado plateau is a large, tectonically intact, physiographic province in the southwestern North American Cordillera that stands at ∼1,800–2,000 m elevation and has long been thought to be in isostatic equilibrium1. The origin of these high elevations is unclear because unlike the surrounding provinces, which have undergone significant Cretaceous–Palaeogene compressional deformation followed by Neogene extensional deformation, the Colorado plateau is largely internally undeformed. Here we combine new seismic tomography2 and receiver function images to resolve a vertical high-seismic-velocity anomaly beneath the west-central plateau that extends more than 200 km in depth. The upper surface of this anomaly is seismically defined by a dipping interface extending from the lower crust to depths of 70–90 km. The base of the continental crust above the anomaly has a similar shape, with an elevated Moho. We interpret these seismic structures as a continuing regional, delamination-style foundering of lower crust and continental lithosphere. This implies that Pliocene (2.6–5.3 Myr ago) uplift of the plateau and the magmatism on its margins are intimately tied to continuing deep lithospheric processes. Petrologic and geochemical observations indicate that late Cretaceous–Palaeogene (∼90–40 Myr ago) low-angle subduction hydrated and probably weakened much of the Proterozoic tectospheric mantle3,4,5 beneath the Colorado plateau. We suggest that mid-Cenozoic (∼35–25 Myr ago) to Recent magmatic infiltration subsequently imparted negative compositional buoyancy to the base and sides of the Colorado plateau upper mantle, triggering downwelling. The patterns of magmatic activity suggest that previous such events have progressively removed the Colorado plateau lithosphere inward from its margins6, and have driven uplift. Using Grand Canyon incision rates7,8 and Pliocene basaltic volcanism patterns, we suggest that this particular event has been active over the past ∼6 Myr.
Software issues related to cited references

Purpose – The underlying software issue related to cited references is the capability of the software to identify the specific work cited by a reference, and associate it with the correct author and journal. This paper aims to investigate this issue and to discuss the latest editions of Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper the strengths and weaknesses of the Distinct Author Set feature of WoS and the Author Details feature of Scopus are discussed.Findings – The paper reveals that these tools will have an increasingly important role in refining the process of disambiguating author (and journal) names in calculating their h‐index.Originality/value – The paper provides useful information on software issues related to cited references and on the Distinct Author Set feature of WoS and the Author Details feature of Scopus.
Altered biliary prostaglandins and cholesterol gallstones: an in vivo study.

Abstract Recent investigations suggest that biliary prostaglandin metabolism is altered during cholesterol gallstone formation. Most of the available data, however, has been obtained from in vitro studies. The purpose of the present study was to define the effects of cholesterol gallstone formation on in vivo biliary prostaglandin metabolism. Male prairie dogs were fed either a control chow for 21 days or a 1.2% cholesterol-enriched chow for 14–21 days. Cholecystectomy was performed and gallbladder tissue and bile were collected for analysis of prostaglandin concentrations using radioimmunoassay techniques. Gallbladder bile was examined for the presence of crystals and stones. No control animals but all cholesterolfed animals developed either cholesterol crystals or gallstones (P
Secondary Students' Concepts of Probability.

Summary Students develop concepts of probability withut formally studying the discipline and some of their concepts are at variance with those taught in the classroom. A sruvey of 200 students in five schools in Missouri was undertaken in an attempt to learn about pre-conceptions. The results are discussed in this article.
Crystalline material in gastric secretion.

SummaryHuman and canine gastric secretion mounted upon electron microscope specimen screens is found to dry in fern-like patterns of tiny single crystals. These crystals evaporate under electron bombardment in a manner similar to NaCl. X-ray diffraction analysis of the dried secretions gives a strong NaCI identification with some weak unidentified lines also present.
Understanding variation in behavioural responses to human-induced rapid environmental change: a conceptual overview

A key issue in animal behaviour is the need to understand variation in behavioural responses to human-induced rapid environmental change (HIREC) such as habitat loss, exotic species, pollution, human harvesting and climate change. Why do some individuals show maladaptive behaviours, while others show adaptive responses to evolutionarily novel situations? At present, we lack a unified conceptual framework for generating predictions and guiding empirical and theoretical work on this critical question. Drawing from the concept of ecological traps, I suggest that a conceptual framework for explaining this variation should include four main points: (1) behavioural responses (adaptive or not) are the result of cue–response systems, or behavioural ‘rules of thumb’; (2) limited or imprecise, unreliable information often underlies suboptimal behaviour; (3) the organism’s behavioural flexibility affects its response to novel situations; and (4) evolution (and development) in past environments has shaped cue–response systems, responses to imperfect information and degree of behavioural flexibility to be adaptive in past environments, but not necessarily in novel environments. The degree of match/mismatch between past environments and novel environments altered by HIREC is thus a key to explaining adaptive versus maladaptive behaviours. I suggest several existing frameworks that address these four points, and are thus potentially useful for explaining behavioural responses to HIREC: signal detection theory, adaptive plasticity theory, extended reaction norms and cost–benefit theory on variation in learning. I further discuss more complex aspects of reality that would be useful to add to these existing frameworks.
Site of conduction disturbances in a family with myotonic dystrophy.

Myotonic dystrophy has a high incidence of electrocardiographic abnormalities in the absence of clinical heart disease; the most common are atrioventricular and intraventricular conduction defects. The few pathologic studies of hearts from patients with myotonic dystrophy have not been helpful in determining the site of conduction delay. A father and son with myotonic dystrophy and conduction defects were studied with the use of His bundle electrocardiograms to determine the physiologic site of these disturbances. The father demonstrated H-V prolongation, Wenckebach phenomenon in the left bundle branch and spontaneous as well as pacing-induced type II (Mobitz II) A-V block, all of which signify marked impairment of His-Purkinje conduction. In the son, A-V nodal, intra-His bundle and infra-His bundle conduction delays were manifested by prolonged A-H and H-V intervals and a broad His deflection. This study confirms the usefulness of His bundle electrocardiograms in determining the site of conduction disturbances.
The biological clock is regulated by adrenergic signaling in brown fat but is dispensable for cold-induced thermogenesis.

The biological clock plays an important role in integrating nutrient and energy metabolism with other cellular processes. Previous studies have demonstrated that core clock genes are rhythmically expressed in peripheral tissues, including the liver, skeletal muscle, pancreatic islets, and white and brown adipose tissues. These peripheral clocks are entrained by physiological cues, thereby aligning the circadian pacemaker to tissue functions. The mechanisms that regulate brown adipose tissue clock in response to physiological signals remain poorly understood. Here we found that the expression of core clock genes is highly responsive to cold exposure in brown fat, but not in white fat. This cold-inducible regulation of the clock network is mediated by adrenergic receptor activation and the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α. Brown adipocytes in mice lacking a functional clock contain large lipid droplets accompanied by dysregulation of genes involved in lipid metabolism and adaptive thermogenesis. Paradoxically, the “clockless” mice were competent in maintaining core body temperature during cold exposure. These studies elucidated the presence of adrenergic receptor/clock crosstalk that appears to be required for normal thermogenic gene expression in brown fat.
Using cauliflower to find conserved non-coding regions in Arabidopsis.

A bioinformatics approach is used to analyze the degree of conservation between upstream non-coding regions of cauliflower ( Brassica oleracea ) and Arabidopsis. The level of homology suggests that comparison of these two species could reveal functional cis-regulatory elements. There is growing
Abstract B192: Selective induction of apoptosis in TSC2-null cells.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is an important regulator of cell cycle progression and proliferation, and is a target of the inhibitor rapamycin. The mTORC1 pathway is hyperactivated in many types of cancer, as a consequence of inappropriately regulated growth factor signaling pathways, and in diseases with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) 1/2 loss, such as TS and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Thus, use of rapamycin analogs has emerged as a viable therapeutic option in treatment of these diseases. However, rapamycin is not an effective monotherapy agent because it is cytostatic, and promotes autophagy induction and Akt reactivation, which may contribute to malignant cell survival, impeding tumor regression. We have observed that the combination of rapamycin with the plant-derived polyphenol resveratrol prevents rapamycin-induced autophagy and Akt activation, and selectively promotes apoptosis of TSC2-null cells, such as TSC2-/- MEFs and LAM-derived cells. This combination may be an effective option for targeted killing of cells with dysregulated mTORC1 signaling. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):B192. Citation Format: Anya Alayev, Rose B. Snyder, Marina K. Holz. Selective induction of apoptosis in TSC2-null cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B192.
Mercury and selenium ingestion rates of Atlantic leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea): a cause for concern in this species?

Bodily accumulation of certain toxic elements can cause physiologic harm to marine organisms and be detrimental to their health and survival. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a broadly distributed marine reptile capable of consuming hundreds of kilograms of gelatinous zooplankton each day. Little is known about toxicants present in these prey items. Specifically, mercury is a known neurotoxin with no known essential function, while selenium detoxifies bodily mercury, but can be toxic at elevated concentrations. I collected 121 leatherback prey items (i.e., gelatinous zooplankton) from known leatherback foraging grounds and sampled the esophagus and stomach contents of stranded turtles. All samples were analyzed for total mercury and selenium. Additionally, two prey items and three liver samples were analyzed for methylmercury, the most toxic form of the element. Total mercury concentrations in prey items ranged from 0.2 to 17 ppb, while selenium concentrations ranged from <10 to 616 ppb; methylmercury concentrations in liver ranged from 25 to 236 ppb. Prey items had methylmercury concentrations below the limits of detection (<0.4 ppb). Hazard quotients and exposure rates indicate that leatherbacks of all life stages may be at risk for selenium toxicity. For endangered species like the leatherback, continued anthropogenic deposition of mercury and selenium into the environment is concerning, especially since bodily mercury and selenium concentrations increase as organisms age. Because leatherbacks are long-lived and have large daily prey consumption rates, mercury and selenium loads may increase to physiologically harmful levels in this imperiled species.
Cobra venom phospholipase A2: A review of its action toward lipid/water interfaces

This review focuses on the mechanism of action of phospholipase A2 from cobra venom (Naja naja naja) toward the lipid/water interface. Particular points of interest include dramatic changes in the enzyme activity if the physical state of its substrate is altered and the activation of the enzyme by phosphorylcholine containing lipids. The experimental findings include the following: Micellar substrates are hydrolyzed faster by the enzyme than various bilayer forms of substrate aggregation. The activity of the enzyme toward short chain phospholipids increases suddenly above their critical micelle concentrations. An abrupt change in susceptibility to the enzyme is observed at the thermotropic phase transition of phospholipid vesicles. The enzyme shows the kinetic phenomena of surface dilution and activation by certain lipids, which suggest a two-step mechanism of action. A model is discussed which accommodates the present data both for the action of this enzyme at various lipid/water interfaces as well as its interaction with synthetic monomeric ligands and substrates.
Myocardial viability in asynergic regions subtended by occluded coronary arteries: Relation to the status of collateral flow in patients with chronic coronary artery disease

Abstract Objectives. This study aimed to determine whether angiographically visualized collateral vessels in patients with chronic coronary artery disease imply the presence of viable myocardium in asynergic regions subtended by completely occluded coronary arteries. Background. Patients with chronic coronary artery disease who are being considered for revascularization frequently exhibit angiographically visualized collateral vessels to completely occluded coronary arteries supplying seventy asynergic myocardial regions. However, little is known about the relation between angiographic collateral flow and myocardial viability in these patients. Methods. We studied 42 patients with 78 completely occluded coronary arteries supplying asynergic territories. Angiographic collateral vessels were interpreted as absent (grade 1) in 14 patients, minimal (grade 2) in 27 and well developed (grade 3) in 37. Myocardial viability was determined with positron emission tomography using nitrogen-13 (N-13) ammonia and fluorine-18 (F-18) deoxyglucose lor assessment of regional perfusion and glucose uptake, respectively. Positron emission tomographic patterns were interpreted as mismatch (perfusion defect with enhanced F-18 deoxyghicose uptake); transmural match (severe concordant reduction or absence of both perfusion and F-18 deoxyglucose uptake) or nontransmural match (mild to moderate concordant reduction of both perfusion and F-18 deoxyglucose uptake). Results. There was no significant correlation (p = 0.14) between the severity of perfusion deficit assessed by positron emission tomography and the collateral grade. The extent of mismatch was unrelated to either the presence or the magnitude of collateral vessels. Conversely, with increasing collateral vessels from grade 1 to 3, the total extent of positron emission tomographic match remained similar, whereas the ratio of transmural to nontransmural match decreased. Myocardial viability was usually present in severely hypokinetic regions (82%). It was lower in akinetic-dyskinetic regions (49%). Of the 64 regions with angiographic collateral vessels, 37 (58%) (95% confidence interval [CI]46% to 70%) showed positron emission tomographic mismatch. In contrast, 7 (50%) of 14 (95% CI 24% to 76%) regions without collateral vessels on angiography exhibited positron emission tomographic mismatch. The presence of angtographically visualized collateral vessels was a sensitive (84%) but not specific (21%) marker of viability. Conclusions. In patients with chronic coronary artery disease, angtographically visualized collateral vessels to asynergc myocardial regions subtended by occluded coronary arteries do not always imply the presence of viable myocardium, suggesting that revascularization may not always provide a functional benefit.
Graphs in Statistical Analysis

(1973). Graphs in Statistical Analysis. The American Statistician: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 17-21.
IMPORTANCE OF THE POST-KNOWLEDGE DELAY INTERVAL ON TRANSIT REACTION

The purpose of this study was to determine if transit reaction or anticipation of coincidence could be improved by allotting more processing time. 120 subjects were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups. The groups were formed by changing the temporal location of knowledge of results within the research paradigm, specifically to control the possible confounding from the inter-response interval. Data were analyzed via a series of two 6 (treatment conditions) × 5 (trial blocks) factorial analyses of variance, with repeated measures on the last factor for absolute and variable errors. The post-knowledge delay interval was the most important time of the paradigm, and transit reaction was positively related to duration of processing.
Persistent surface snowmelt over Antarctica (1987–2006) from 19.35 GHz brightness temperatures

[1] Persistent melting (e.g., continuing for more than three days or for one consecutive day and night) is mapped in Antarctica (1987–2006) using night- and day-time Special Sensor Microwave Imager brightness temperatures (Tb) at 19.35 GHz, horizontal polarization. Snowmelt is indicated when Tb and relative daily difference exceed threshold values, respectively Tc and ΔT, computed for each pixel and year, or when both daytime and nighttime Tb exceed Tc. Results from an electromagnetic model suggest that the minimum detectable liquid water content ranges between 0.2 and 0.5%, in volume. We find that melting areas have been moving inland since 1987. A first-time extensive melting (1987–2006) is detected over the Transantarctic Mountains on January 2005, 875 Km inland and 2000 m above sea level. Melting extent and index have been decreasing over Antarctica, since 1987, although either positive and negative trends are observed from a sub-continental scale analysis.
Structural stabilization of phase separating PC/polyester blends through interfacial modification by transesterification reaction

Competition between phase separation and transesterification in immiscible polymer blends of polycarbonate (PC) and a copolyester (PET) is studied as a function of time and temperature by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). We found that (1) Global structure coarsens at T ≤ 200°C due to the dominance of phase separation over transesterification and melts at T ≤ 220°C due to the dominance of transesterification at the domain interface. However, transesterification is slow but still significant even at T ≤ 200°C. (2) An intricate balance of transesterification and phase separation rates controls global and interfacial structures. (3) Interfacial structures become measurable under certain conditions, and the interfacial thickness between PC or PET and the copolymers generated by transesterification increases with time. (4) DSC results are consistent with results obtained by SANS, but the latter is more sensitive than the former and differentiates the structural change at different length scales caused by phase separation and transesterification. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Robust Control Approach to Perfect Reconstruction of Digital Signals

In this paper we present a deterministic worst-case approach for reconstructing discrete-valued signals that have been filtered via dispersive and noisy systems (ldquochannelsrdquo). This approach, which is explored based on robust control ideas and makes no assumption on the noise (distribution or structure) other than a requirement that its magnitude be bounded, can serve as a complement to existing approaches that attempt to reconstruct discrete-valued signals by optimizing probabilistic criteria. The particular problems touched upon are: (i) necessary and sufficient conditions for causal (possibly delayed) perfect reconstruction under deterministic magnitude bounded noise for single-input single-output (SISO) and multi-input multi-output (MIMO) channels; (ii) perfect reconstruction based on decision feedback (DF) structures; and (iii) necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect reconstruction with DF structures in the presence of uncertainties in the channel. The l1 control theory emerges as the natural key player for analysis and synthesis of perfect reconstructing strategies in this framework.