cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cellubrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein-3–mediated endocytosis and trafficking regulate platelet functions

Endocytosis is key to fibrinogen (Fg) uptake, trafficking of integrins (αIIbβ3, αvβ3), and purinergic receptors (P2Y1, P2Y12), and thus normal platelet function. However, the molecular machinery required and possible trafficking routes are still ill-defined. To further identify elements of the platelet endocytic machinery, we examined the role of a vesicle-residing, soluble N-ethylmaleimide factor attachment protein receptor (v-SNARE) called cellubrevin/vesicle-associated membrane protein-3 (VAMP-3) in platelet function. Although not required for normal platelet exocytosis or hemostasis, VAMP-3-/- mice had less platelet-associated Fg, indicating a defect in Fg uptake/storage. Other granule markers were unaffected. Direct experiments, both in vitro and in vivo, showed that loss of VAMP-3 led to a robust defect in uptake/storage of Fg in platelets and cultured megakaryocytes. Uptake of the fluid-phase marker, dextran, was only modestly affected. Time-dependent uptake and endocytic trafficking of Fg and dextran were followed using 3-dimensional-structured illumination microscopy. Dextran uptake was rapid compared with Fg, but both cargoes progressed through Rab4+, Rab11+, and von Willebrand factor (VWF)+ compartments in wild-type platelets in a time-dependent manner. In VAMP-3-/- platelets, the 2 cargoes showed limited colocalization with Rab4, Rab11, or VWF. Loss of VAMP-3 also affected some acute platelet functions, causing enhanced spreading on Fg and fibronectin and faster clot retraction compared with wild-type. In addition, the rate of Janus kinase 2 phosphorylation, initiated through the thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR/Mpl) activation, was affected in VAMP-3-/- platelets. Collectively, our studies show that platelets are capable of a range of endocytosis steps, with VAMP-3 being pivotal in these processes.
The Importance of a Few Good Friends: Perceived Network Support Moderates the Association Between Daily Marital Conflict and Diurnal Cortisol:

This study examined whether the extent to which spouses feel they have available and satisfying support outside their marriage buffers spouses from the potential negative physiological effects of c...
Diazomethane umpolung atop anthracene: an electrophilic methylene transfer reagent

Formal addition of diazomethane's terminal nitrogen atom to the 9,10-positions of anthracene yields H2CN2A (1, A = C14H10 or anthracene). The synthesis of this hydrazone is reported from Carpino's hydrazine H2N2A through treatment with paraformaldehyde. Compound 1 has been found to be an easy-to-handle solid that does not exhibit dangerous heat or shock sensitivity. Effective umpolung of the diazomethane unit imbues 1 with electrophilicity at the methylene carbon center. Its reactivity with nucleophiles such as H2CPPh3 and N-heterocyclic carbenes is exploited for CC bond formation with elimination of dinitrogen and anthracene. Similarly, 1 is demonstrated to deliver methylene to a nucleophilic singlet d2 transition metal center, W(ODipp)4 (2), to generate the robust methylidene complex [2CH2]. This behavior is contrasted with that of the Wittig reagent H2CPPh3, a more traditional and Bronsted basic methylene source that upon exposure to 2 contrastingly forms the methylidyne salt [MePPh3][2CH].
Child nutritional status among births exceeding ideal family size in a high fertility population

Ideal family size (IFS) is measured in social surveys to indicate unmet need for contraception and impending shifts in fertility behaviour. Whether exceeding IFS affects parental behaviour in ways that result in lower investments in child nutrition, well-being, and educational attainment is not known. This study examines parental IFS and the association between exceeding stated ideals and child nutritional status in a high-fertility, high-mortality population in the Bolivian Amazon. Height-for-age z-scores, weight-for-age z-scores, weight-for-height z-scores, stunting, haemoglobin, and anaemia status in 638 children aged 0-5 years are predicted as a function of birth order in relation to parental IFS, adjusting for household characteristics and mother and child random effects. Children of birth orders above paternal IFS experience higher weight-for-age z-scores when living further away from the market town of San Borja, consistent with underlying motivations for higher IFS and lower human capital investment in children in more remote areas (β = .009, p = .027). Overall, we find no statistical evidence that birth orders in excess of parental ideals are associated with compromised child nutrition below age 2, a period of intensive breastfeeding in this population. Despite a vulnerability to nutritional deficiencies postweaning for children age 2-5, there was no association between birth order in excess of parental ideals and lower nutritional status. Further studies examining this association at various stages of the fertility transition will elucidate whether reported ideal or optimal family sizes are flexible as trade-offs between quality and quantity of children shift during the transition to lower fertility.
Effects of Energy Development on Ungulates

Increased energy consumption and overreliance of the United States on foreign energy has led to an increase in the development of domestic resources. This national policy manifested in western North America especially through the late 1990s and 2000s. For example, between 2002 and 2006 in Montana, oil production increased by 213 percent, the number of oil wells by 17 percent, and the number of natural gas wells by 34 percent (Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation 2006). Increases are similar to the nearly 60 percent increase in the number of permit applications throughout the West in the last decade (American Gas Association 2005). Although this relative growth is impressive, comparison with the heavily developed oil and gas fields of Alberta reveals that Montana production is less than 10 percent of currently active oil and gas wells in Alberta. Thus, from an energy development perspective, energy impacts on wildlife in the conterminous United States are just getting started.
A transgenic mouse model of steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in humans.

Chronic hepatitis C is a necroinflammatory disease of the liver that is caused by infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (1). Uniquely adapted to establish persistent infections within the human liver, the major pathologic hallmark of this flavivirus infection is the insidious progression of hepatic fibrosis and loss of functioning hepatocyte mass (2-4). Typically, this occurs against a background of chronic hepatic inflammation and associated macroand microvesicular steatosis. A significant proportion of infected persons ultimately develop cirrhosis, hepatic failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (5-7). These lethal manifestations of hepatitis C are currently thought to result in approximately 8,000-10,000 deaths annually among the 3.9 million Americans infected with this virus (8). This makes hepatitis C the single most common cause of clinically significant liver disease in the United States today. Despite this, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the chronic hepatic changes that are associated with this viral infection. However, it is generally believed that most if not all of the pathologic consequences of hepatitis C arise as a result of the cellular immune response to the infection, and that the infection itself is likely to be noncytopathic. Existing therapies for chronic hepatitis C include recombinant human interferon, either alone or in combination with ribavirin (9,10). These antiviral therapies are only partially effective, leading to the
Mechanisms of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) induced gastroprotection against ethanol in the rat: Roles of sensory neurons, sensory neuropeptides, and prostaglandins

The mechanisms by which transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) protects the stomach against mucosal injury are incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of sensory neurons, sensory neuropeptides and prostaglandins in TGFα gastroprotection against ethanol. Fasted rats received TGF-α (50 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) prior to orogastric ethanol (75% v/v, 1 ml). Gastric injury was quantitated 30 min after ethanol. Involvement of sensory neurons and the sensory neuropeptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP), were examined by capsaicin deafferentation and specific receptor antagonist infusion, respectively. Indomethacin (10 mg, intragastrically) was used to determine the role of prostaglandins in TGF-α-mediated gastroprotection. TGF-α significantly diminished ethanol-induced gastric lesion area to 5.7 ± 0.8 mm2 vs 4l.1 ± 5.2 mm2 (P < 0.001). Sensory denervation and CGRP-receptor blockade abolished the TGF-α protective effect. In contrast, SP antagonist and indomethacin did not alter TGF-α gastroprotection. In conclusion, TGF-α-mediated gastroprotection involves sensory neuron activation and CGRP release and this protective effect did not involve substance P or prostaglandin generation.
Sources of Social Influence on Adolescents' Alcohol Use

The present research examines social influences on self-reported frequency of drunkenness in a longitudinal sample of 1,439 adolescents (46% female, 90% White, mean age = 14 at baseline) with social network measures from friends, romantic partners, and romantic partners' friends. We build on past research by addressing multiple mechanisms of social influence-peers' frequency of drunkenness, alcohol-related attitudes, and unstructured socializing-across relationship types. Adolescents' drunkenness frequency increased when their friends' and partners' friends' drunkenness frequency increased and when their romantic partners' positive alcohol-related attitudes increased. Furthermore, the association between unstructured socializing and frequency of drunkenness was stronger for older than younger adolescents. Results advance understanding of the social transmission of alcohol use in adolescence and inform intervention efforts.
Effects of Public Reporting Legislation of Nurse Staffing: A Trend Analysis:

Public reporting is a tactic that hospitals and other health care facilities use to provide data such as outcomes to clinicians, patients, and payers. Although inadequate registered nurse (RN) staf...
Accessing Hidden Treasures in Aggregated Databases and E-Journals

Abstract Providing a reliable tool to locate specific journal articles available from aggregated databases has been a challenge to public service staff in libraries across the country. As more aggregated services and online subscriptions become available, managing access to these tools is a continual problem, as reflected in current online discussions and library literature. This article will focus on one small liberal arts college's attempt to create a searchable data base for patrons and staff to access full-text articles by journal title. Utilizing this tool has improved the ability of patrons to locate full-text articles in a timely fashion, and has created new workflow patterns for staff processing interlibrary loan requests and electronic reserves.
Functional differences in spatial processing along an anterior-posterior axis: are there implications for the retrosplenial cortex?

The retrosplenial cortex has recently received attention from the neuroscience community for its role in spatial processing and involvement in diseases such as Alzheimer's. Here, we discuss a recen...
Radius measurement and uncertainty evaluation using three-sphere reciprocity method

Three-dimensional (3D) measuring instrument has become widely applied by manufacturers due to the fast measurement capability and the flexible measuring procedure. It is also a crucial topic to evaluate or improve the measuring performance of these instruments, including the contact type like coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or the non-contact type like structure light scanners. Recently, the most commonly used standard feature is a sphere with a non-specular surface. It is because the ceramic materials is used to ensure the durability of the standard spheres, or is limited by the measuring principle of structure light scanners where the measured objects need to be lambertian surface. In the light of these limitations, the interferometry methods could not directly calibrate these standard spheres. In order to calibrate the radius and form of a non-specular sphere, this research focuses on the tactile method of spheres reciprocity method based on the previous researches. More details of the measuring principle and the formulas would be discussed. Final, the uncertainty of this method is evaluated using Monte Carlo method. The evaluated result of uncertainty is less than 10 nm for 15 mm radius sphere. This is very useful for common 3D measuring instrument calibration.
The interactive association of proximal life stress and cumulative HPA axis functioning with depressive symptoms.

Background Stress is consistently implicated in depression. Using a vulnerability-stress framework, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be one factor affecting the stress-depression association. However, the interactive influence of recent life stress and HPA axis functioning on depressive symptoms remains unclear. It is particularly important to understand the synergistic association during adolescence, as this is a developmental period associated with a high risk for depression. Methods A community sample of 58 adolescents (67% female, 59% Caucasian; mean age, 15.07 years) participated. Adolescents completed a well-validated measure of depressive symptoms and a structured life events interview to assess recent life stress. Hair cortisol concentration was obtained to measure cumulative exposure to HPA axis functioning. Results Recent life stress and cumulative HPA axis exposure measured through hair cortisol were directly associated with higher depressive symptoms. Further, cumulative HPA axis exposure moderated the relationship between recent life stress and depressive symptoms. The recent life stress-depression association occurred for adolescents who experienced average and high, but not low, levels of cumulative HPA axis exposure. Conclusions The current study builds on prior work and finds both a direct and interactive association of recent life stress and cumulative HPA axis functioning with depressive symptoms during adolescence. Identifying youth who experience high levels of HPA axis exposure is important to prevent the onset of depression.
Inhibition of the Super Elongation Complex Suppresses Herpes Simplex Virus Immediate Early Gene Expression, Lytic Infection, and Reactivation from Latency.

ABSTRACT Induction of herpes simplex virus (HSV) immediate early (IE) gene transcription promotes the initiation of lytic infection and reactivation from latency in sensory neurons. IE genes are transcribed by the cellular RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) and regulated by multiple transcription factors and coactivators. The HCF-1 cellular coactivator plays a central role in driving IE expression at multiple stages through interactions with transcription factors, chromatin modulation complexes, and transcription elongation components, including the active super elongation complex/P-TEFb (SEC-P-TEFb). Here, we demonstrate that the SEC occupies the promoters of HSV IE genes during the initiation of lytic infection and during reactivation from latency. Specific inhibitors of the SEC suppress viral IE expression and block the spread of HSV infection. Significantly, these inhibitors also block the initiation of viral reactivation from latency in sensory ganglia. The potent suppression of IE gene expression by SEC inhibitors indicates that transcriptional elongation represents a determining rate-limiting stage in HSV IE gene transcription and that the SEC plays a critical role in driving productive elongation during both phases of the viral life cycle. Most importantly, this supports the model that signal-mediated induction of SEC-P-TEFb levels can promote reactivation of a population of poised latent genomes. IMPORTANCE HSV infections can cause pathologies ranging from recurrent lesions to significant ocular disease. Initiation of lytic infection and reactivation from latency in sensory neurons are dependent on the induced expression of the viral immediate early genes. Transcription of these genes is controlled at multiple levels, including modulation of the chromatin state of the viral genome and appropriate recruitment of transcription factors and coactivators. Following initiation of transcription, IE genes are subject to a key regulatory stage in which transcriptional elongation rates are controlled by the activity of the super elongation complex. Inhibition of the SEC blocks both lytic infection and reactivation from latency in sensory neurons. In addition to providing insights into the mechanisms controlling viral infection and reactivation, inhibitors of critical components such as the SEC may represent novel antivirals.
Two's Company: Multiple Thoracic Lesions on Prenatal US and MRI.

Background Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestrations (BPS), and CPAM-BPS hybrid lesions are most commonly solitary; however, >1 lung congenital lung lesion may occur. Objectives To assess the frequency of multiple congenital thoracic anomalies at a high-volume referral center; determine prenatal ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of these multifocal congenital lung lesions that may allow prenatal detection; and determine the most common distribution or site of origin. Methods Database searches were performed from August 2008 to May 2019 for prenatally evaluated cases that had a final postnatal surgical diagnosis of >1 congenital lung lesion or a lung lesion associated with foregut duplication cyst (FDC). Lesion location, size, echotexture, and signal characteristics were assessed on prenatal imaging and correlated with postnatal computed tomographic angiography and surgical pathology. -Results: Of 539 neonates that underwent surgery for a thoracic lesion, 35 (6.5%) had >1 thoracic abnormality. Multiple discrete lung lesions were present in 19 cases, and a lung lesion associated with an FDC was present in 16. Multifocal lung lesions were bilateral in 3 cases; unilateral, multilobar in 12; and, unilobar multisegmental in 4. Median total CPAM volume/head circumference ratio for multifocal lung lesions on US was 0.66 (range, 0.16-1.80). Prenatal recognition of multifocal lung lesions occurred in 7/19 cases (36.8%). Lesion combinations were CPAM-CPAM in 10 cases, CPAM-BPS in 5, CPAM-hybrid in 2, hybrid-hybrid in 1, and hybrid-BPS in 1. Of 5 unilateral, multifocal lung lesions, multifocality was prenatally established through identification of a band of normal intervening lung or intrinsic differences in lesion imaging features. Conclusions Although less common, multiple thoracic abnormalities can be detected prenatally. Of multifocal lung lesions, the most common combination was CPAM-CPAM, with a unilateral, multilobar distribution. Prenatal recognition is important for pregnancy counseling and postnatal surgical management.
Riot, Strike, Commune: Gendering a Civil War

This article departs from Joshua Clover’s historical and theoretical schema that locates riots and strikes within the categories of circulation and production struggles, moving from the categories of capital’s reproduction to the reproduction of the proletariat. Here it offers the commune as the exemplary form of the category of reproduction struggle. The commune is understood not as an intentional community of withdrawal but as something like counter-reproduction, able not just to reproduce itself but to strike at capital as an antagonistic force — striking at the vital exposure of an increasingly circulation-centered capitalism. Crucial examples are encampments against extractive capital such as Standing Rock or the ZAD. The article shows how political sovereignty and economic circulation are entirely entangled, pointing to the ways that social movements have looked upon them as separate domains. Therefore, the commune is a process at the crux of the political and the economic, overcoming the tendency to prefer one or the other. Finally, the article discusses the gendered aspect of the sphere of reproduction that makes possible the double confrontation of counter-reproduction.
Transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy for misophonia in youth: Methods for a clinical trial and four pilot cases

Abstract Background Misophonia is a condition marked by dysregulated emotions and behaviors in response to trigger sounds, often chewing, breathing, or coughing. Evidence suggests that misophonia develops in adolescence and the emotions and behaviors are a conditioned response to distress, resulting in social avoidance, stress, and family conflict. In addition, co-occurrence with other psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety, OCD, and Tourette syndrome is common. A transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapeutic (CBT) approach appears appropriate. There are currently no controlled studies of youth with misophonia. The current paper describes the approach to a pilot randomized, blinded family-based treatment study for youth ages 8-16 years. Preliminary results from a pilot open trial also are described. Methods A 2-phase dual site telehealth treatment study using a transdiagnostic CBT approach, the Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders in Children and Adolescents (UP-C/A; Ehrenreich-May et al., 2018), is proposed. Phase 1 consisted of a 4-case pilot of UP-C/A. Phase 2 includes a randomized trial comparing the UP-C/A to a standard relaxation and education protocol. Results Preliminary results from the pilot show modest improvements in evaluator-rated misophonia symptoms on the Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scales. Limitations There is little research to inform evidence-based practice for youth with misophonia. Study limitations include lack of standardized misophonia assessment instruments and an absence of formal diagnostic criteria. Conclusions The current paper describes proposed methods for the first randomized controlled trial for youth with misophonia and their families along with results from a 4-case pilot.
Willingness of a Multiethnic Immigrant Population to Donate Biospecimens for Research Purposes.

This cross-sectional study explores the willingness to donate biospecimens for research purposes among six refugee communities in North Texas (spanning Myanmar, Central Africa, Somalia, Nepal, Arabic speaking countries, and others). Participants were asked four questions about biospecimen donation: (1) previously asked to donate, (2) ever agreed to donate, (3) willingness to donate for future research, and (4) what samples they would be willing to donate. Most participants (77%) were willing to donate biosamples for medical research; 58% were willing to donate samples. Fewer refugees from Somalia were willing to donate compared to immigrants from Myanmar, Central Africa, and Nepal (p < 0.01). Participants in the older age group (40 + years) were 3.2 times more likely to be willing for donation of biospecimens than the younger ones (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.22, 8.55). Findings suggest refugees’ willingness to participate in biospecimen donation which support intentional inclusion of multicultural populations into medical research.
Protection against herpes simplex virus-induced eye disease after vaccination with seven individually expressed herpes simplex virus 1 glycoproteins.

Purpose. To compare the efficacy of each of seven expressed herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) glycoproteins as vaccines to protect against ocular disease after primary ocular HSV-1 infection. Methods. Mice were vaccinated three times with equal amounts of each of seven individually expressed HSV-1 glycoproteins (gB, gC, gD, gE, gG, gH, and gl) and then ocularly challenged with McKrae, a corneal disease-producing strain of HSV-1. Viral clearance from the eye, blepharitis, keratitis, and neovascularization were determined at various times after infection. Results. Mice vaccinated with gD or gB had the best protection against eye disease. Vaccination with gI, gC, or gE produced moderate protection against eye disease. Vaccination with gG produced less protection, and vaccination with gH produced no apparent protection against eye disease. Conclusions. These results suggest that when used as vaccines, different HSV-1 glycoproteins provide different levels of protection against HSV-1-induced eye disease. Based on comparison with the authors' previously published results, the ability of each glycoprotein to protect against eye disease correlated with the ability of the glycoprotein to induce high serum neutralizing antibody titers and killer cell activity. Results suggest that the effectiveness of these seven glycoproteins in protecting against eye disease can be ranked as follows : gD > gB > gI > (gC = gE) > gG > gH. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1995 ;36 :1352-1360.
Mechanical yield of the lumbar annulus: a possible contributor to instability

Object Segmental instability in the lumbar spine can result from a number of mechanisms including intervertebral disc degeneration and facet joint degradation. Under traumatic circumstances, elevated loading may lead to mechanical yield of the annular fibers, which can decrease load-carrying capacity and contribute to instability. The purpose of this study was to quantify the biomechanics of intervertebral annular yield during tensile loading with respect to spinal level and anatomical region within the intervertebral disc. Methods This laboratory-based study incorporated isolated lumbar spine annular specimens from younger and normal or mildly degenerated intervertebral discs. Specimens were quasi-statically distracted to failure in an environmentally controlled chamber. Stress and strain associated with yield and ultimate failure were quantified, as was stiffness in the elastic and postyield regions. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistically significant differences based on lumbar spine l...
Fast electron temperature measurements with Langmuir probes : considerations for space flight and initial laboratory tests

Measurements of ionospheric electron temperatures with Langmuir probes are usually done with a technique that sweeps a bias voltage to determine the current-voltage (IV) characteristic for the local plasma. We report on results in the use of a technique which is new to space experiments, but has been used in laboratory experiments. This technique should allow for faster electron temperature measurements than the typical swept probe while imposing less disturbance to the space plasma and to other instruments. The technique uses a small ac modulation of the Langmuir probe signal at a dc bias point, and the detection of harmonics in the probe current. Analysis shows that the ratio of the fundamental and second harmonic is dependent only on the electron temperature and the amplitude of the applied ac bias. We show results from tests of this technique in the NRL Space Physics Simulation Chamber (SPSC) and discuss the applicability for space measurements. The SPSC was designed to produce plasmas with parameters similar to those seen in the ionosphere. It appears that to make a reliable temperature measurement it is necessary to use a two-probe system. One probe is used to monitor the floating potential and, thus, allows for the correct dc biasing of the second probe. The laboratory results show that it should be possible to make fast (∼1 ms) temperature measurements using very simple electronics circuitry. Several suggestions are made for more sophisticated experimental configurations which could prove to be useful depending on the local ionospheric conditions.
Surface characterization of nanostructured systems

Publisher Summary Nanostructured systems have five different modes of aggregation: powder, aerogel, nanocrystalline film, polycrystalline film, and single crystal. This chapter deals with the surface characterization of these nanostructured systems. If one takes a 5nm typical particle and defines a surface at about 0.5 nm thickness, 50% of the volume can be defined as “surface.” The chapter bridges the gaps between the various aggregation modes and traces the development of some of the emerging collective properties. Most of the aggregation modes can be synthesized through sol-gel processing. Most of the demonstrations are confined to titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ) aerogels and xerogels. The chapter provides schematic representation of the morphology of TiO 2 aerogels, as determined by various experimental techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET ((Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) surface area measurements, and nitrogen absorption isotherms.
Survival Models on Unobserved Heterogeneity and their Applications in Analyzing Large-scale Survey Data

In survival analysis, researchers often encounter multivariate survival time data, in which failure times are correlated even in the presence of model covariates. It is argued that because observations are clustered by unobserved heterogeneity, the application of standard survival models can result in biased parameter estimates and erroneous model-based predictions. In this article, the author describes and compares four methods handling unobserved heterogeneity in survival analysis: the Andersen-Gill approach, the robust sandwich variance estimator, the hazard model with individual frailty, and the retransformation method. An empirical analysis provides strong evidence that in the presence of strong unobserved heterogeneity, the application of a standard survival model can yield equally robust parameter estimates and the likelihood ratio statistic as does a corresponding model adding an additional parameter for random effects. When predicting the survival function, however, a standard model on multivariate survival time data can result in serious prediction bias. The retransformation method is effective to derive an adjustment factor for correctly predicting the survival function.
Hepatocyte disturbances induced by artificial feed in juvenile sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax: ultrastructural study of their reversibility.

ABSTRACT: One major anomaly of hepatocytes of juvenile sea bass induced by artificial feed consists of large deposits of lipid droplets that are interpreted as reflecting a deviation in the metabolism of fatty acids. Two phenomena support the interpretation of the reversibility of such hepatocyte disturbances induced by artificial feed. Firstly, the number and size of lipid droplets decreased as did their affinity for osmium in hepatocytes of sea bass returned to natural feed. It would appear that in such cases fatty acids were not stored but metabolized when there were less lipids in the diet. On the other hand, rough endoplasmic reticulum is well developed. This may be associated in some yet undetermined way with the activation of lipid metabolism. In conclusion, it seems that hepatocyte disturbances induced by artificial feed represent a short-term reactive adaptation of the cell. When such a degenerative change is long term, it finally leads to liver necrosis.
On managed evaluation processes

Abstract Essential step in an evaluation process are descrived. Evaluation projects often follow a somewhat different process because sponsors have considerable incentive to shape the process. The evaluation process can be distorted by altering transactions, by disregarding steps, or by modifying information flowing from a given step in the process. Several types of managed evaluation processes are described to predict evaluations unlikely to provide useful results. To improve the prospects of success for evaluation projects, some essential dialogues between evaluators and sponsors are sketched.
Scent, physical appearance and skin care

The influence of the mind on the body and the body's influence on the mind have far reaching implications for human health and well-being in modern society. One of the most salient present-day examples of this interaction is the complex relationship between emotional state and skin health, which appears to be positively correlated. Because odorants have been demonstrated to improve mood and increase relaxation, Aromachology can assist in the maintenance of good skin health, and can be an important part of skin-care practices. Through both the natural qualities of odorants and through odor-induced stress-reduction, the sense of smell can enhance skin appearance and health, which leads to a sense of well-being and better quality of life.
Effect of cAMP on nucleoside metabolism. I. Effect on thymidine transport and incorporation in monkey cells (CV-1).

The effect of cAMP on a monkey kidney cell line (CV-1) noninfected and infected by SV40 was studied. No effect was found on either growth rate or cell morphology when concentrations up to 1 mM of 3′5′ cAMP were used. However, cAMP was found to increase the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into both cellular and viral DNA without a net increase in DNA synthesis. This increased incorporation was found to be related to an enhanced uptake of thymidine into the nucleotide pool which is reflected in an increase of phosphorylated nucleotides. This, coupled with a lack of effect of cAMP on endogenous deoxyribonucleotide production, produces an increased specific activity of the deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates, with a resultant increase in specific activity of DNA.
Cellular mechanisms of neural fold formation and morphogenesis in the chick embryo.

The mechanisms underlying neural fold formation and morphogenesis are complex, and how these processes occur is not well understood. Although both intrinsic forces (i.e., generated by the neuroepithelium) and extrinsic forces (i.e., generated by non-neuroepithelial tissues) are known to be important in these processes, the series of events that occur at the neural ectoderm-epidermal ectoderm (NE-EE) transition zone, resulting in the formation of two epithelial layers from one, have not been fully elucidated. Moreover, the region-specific differences that exist in neural fold formation and morphogenesis along the rostrocaudal extent of the neuraxis have not been systematically characterized. In this study, we map the rostrocaudal movements of cells that contribute to the neural folds at three distinct brain and spinal cord levels by following groups of dye-labeled cells over time. In addition, we examine the morphology of the neural folds at the NE-EE transition zone at closely-spaced temporal intervals for comparable populations of neural-fold cells at each of the three levels. Finally, we track the lateral-to-medial displacements that occur in the epidermal ectoderm during neural groove closure. The results demonstrate that neural fold formation and morphogenesis consist of a series of processes comprising convergent-extension movements, as well as epithelial ridging, kinking, delamination, and apposition at the NE-EE transition zone. Regional differences along the length of the neuraxis in the respective roles of these processes are described. Anat Rec 262:153–168, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimizing nano-patterned metal films for Use as transparent electrodes in optoelectronic devices

We optimize the optical properties of nano-patterned metallic films for use as transparent conductive electrodes in optoelectronic devices by performing a constant-sheet-resistance transformation. Our design principles apply to both one- and two-dimensionally patterned films.
Radiation Balance of Jupiter and Saturn

IT is frequently stated1,2 that the radiation balance of Jupiter presents a significant problem in that the temperature derived for the cloud tops (∼165° K) is considerably higher than the value which would be achieved by a rapidly rotating body having Jupiter's characteristics in simple equilibrium with solar radiation (∼125° K). This discrepancy has been cited as possible evidence for thermal radiation from the interior of the planet; that is, it has been suggested that Jupiter might still be cooling down from an early, high-temperature phase2. The role of the atmosphere in maintaining the thermal balance has generally been disregarded since it has been assumed that the known constituents were all transparent in the wavelength region of importance (20–40µ). The situation for Saturn is very similar; the temperatures are simply somewhat lower. A number of recent findings when considered together appear to require a revision of these ideas.
ASSESSING BANK EFFICIENCY IN AN EMERGING MARKET: THE KUWAITI EXPERIENCE IN THE 1990S

Kuwait's banking system has experienced considerable difficulties in the past two decades due to financial and political shocks. In the aftermath of the Gulf War, government financial support re‐established confidence in the financial system, allowing banks to restore their balance sheets and increase profitability starting in the mid 1990s. This paper examines the performance of banks in Kuwait during the period of financial renaissance, 1994–1997. We provide an empirical assessment of the efficiency, productivity, and technological progress of banks on the basis of the Data Evelopment Analysis and the Malmquist Index. The empirical results suggest that Kuwaiti banks fail to optimally utilize a significant proportion of their resources. The sources of bank inefficiency appear to be both allocative (regulatory) and technical (managerial) in nature. The results also indicate that smaller banks in Kuwait are more efficient than larger ones, although all banks have improved their efficiency‐levels and experienced some gains in productivity.
On the choice of a discrepancy functional for model selection

Consider the problem of several mathematical models competing to explain an empirical phenomenon. it is argued that fundamental model selection questions of model discrimination, model correctness and model adequacy can be answered by measuring the discrepancy of each model from an estimate of the unknown data generating process. Formally, the framework adopted is that of Linhart and Zucchini (1986), who considered a very general definition of discrepancy. In the present paper, it is demonstrated that requiring a discrepancy to possess several very reasonable properties is in fact equivalent to requiring it to be a metric on the relevant space of probability distributions.
The killer and the executioner: how apoptosis controls malignancy

An escalating research effort focused on apoptotic cell death continues to chip away at the central mechanisms of this intriguing process. One of the areas in which this research has already yielded fundamental insights is in the analysis of oncogenesis, where defects in cell death can have profound effects. Recent progress has been made in understanding the processes of apoptosis induction, transduction, and effect (or 'execution'), especially with respect to our understanding of malignancy, hyperplasia and related phenomena.
A general linear model for the genotypic covariance between relatives under assortative mating

A linear model for the genotypic covariance between relatives under assortative mating comprising the “classical linear model” and the model of “selective assortative mating” is proposed. The general conditions on the genetical and developmental mechanisms of quantitative characters, as well as on selection and the mating system, on which the model is based, are explicitly stated and discussed. A classification of different relationships is presented and it is shown that these conditions are sufficient to obtain the genotypic covariance between relatives only if the relationship is a combination of descendant-ancestor, full sib, Type 1 and Nth uncle-niece relationships. All the “traditional” relationships, i.e., those for which the covariances of the relatives have been obtained in the literature, fall into this category. These conditions also ensure that the regression of the individual's genotypic value on the genotypic value or phenotype of any of its ancestors is always linear.
Estimating individual treatment effects from multiple-baseline data: a Monte Carlo study of multilevel-modeling approaches.

While conducting intervention research, researchers and practitioners are often interested in how the intervention functions not only at the group level, but also at the individual level. One way to examine individual treatment effects is through multiple-baseline studies analyzed with multilevel modeling. This analysis allows for the construction of confidence intervals, which are strongly recommended in the reporting guidelines of the American Psychological Association. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of confidence intervals of individual treatment effects obtained from multilevel modeling of multiple-baseline data. Monte Carlo methods were used to examine performance across conditions varying in the number of participants, the number of observations per participant, and the dependency of errors. The accuracy of the confidence intervals depended on the method used, with the greatest accuracy being obtained when multilevel modeling was coupled with the Kenward—Roger method of estimating degrees of freedom.
Finite rationalizability and cooperation in the finitely repeated Prisoners' Dilemma

Abstract Using the concept of k-point rationalizability, it is shown that cooperation in the finitely repeated Prisoners' Dilemma can be explained as the outcome of rational behavior if the beliefs of players are limited in terms of their complexity.
The Brief Family Relationship Scale: A Brief Measure of the Relationship Dimension in Family Functioning

The Relationship dimension of the Family Environment Scale, which consists of the Cohesion, Expressiveness, and Conflict subscales, measures a person's perception of the quality of his or her family relationship functioning. This study investigates an adaptation of the Relationship dimension of the Family Environment Scale for Alaska Native youth. The authors tested the adapted measure, the Brief Family Relationship Scale, for psychometric properties and internal structure with 284 12- to 18-year-old predominately Yup'ik Eskimo Alaska Native adolescents from rural, remote communities. This non-Western cultural group is hypothesized to display higher levels of collectivism traditionally organized around an extended kinship family structure. Results demonstrate a subset of the adapted items function satisfactorily, a three-response alternative format provided meaningful information, and the subscale's underlying structure is best described through three distinct first-order factors, organized under one higher order factor. Convergent and discriminant validity of the Brief Family Relationship Scale was assessed through correlational analysis.
Upper Extremity Considerations for Oncologic Surgery

It was estimated that more than 3000 people would be diagnosed with a primary bone or joint malignancy and more than 11,000 people would be diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in 2013. Although primary bone and soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity are infrequent, it is imperative that the clinician be familiar with a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions to prevent inadvertently compromising patient outcome. With advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, tumor imaging, and surgical reconstructive options, limb salvage surgery is estimated to be feasible in 95% of extremity bone or soft tissue sarcomas.
Fibrinogen houston: A dysfibrinogen exhibiting defective fibrin monomer aggregation and α-chain cross-linkages

A 38-year-old male patient with a life-long history of easy bruising and mild bleeding had a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). Reptilase (Bathrops atrox) clotting time was normal. His undiluted and diluted plasma prolonged the APTT, PT, and TT of normal plasma. Fibrin produced from patient plasma was insoluble in 5 M urea. Plasma fibrinogen level was increased when measured as clottable protein and by Laurell electroimmunoassay. Specific assays of plasma factors II, V, VII, X, VIII, IX, XI, and XII were normal. A circulating antithrombin in patient plasma was excluded by demonstrating normal thrombin-induced platelet aggregation of gel-separated platelets in the presence of patient plasma. Purified patient fibrinogen reproduced the anticoagulant effect of patient plasma. Patient fibrinogen antigen was similar to normal fibrinogen antigen by immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis (pH 5.2 and 8.6), and crossed immunoelectrophoresis. His unreduced purified fibrinogen had normal migration on polyacrylamide slab gels. Also, the migration in gel slabs of A alpha, B beta and gamma-polypeptide chains, produced by mercaptoethanol reduction of purified patient fibrinogen, was similar to reduced normal fibrinogen. Thrombin-induced total fibrinopeptide release was normal. However, fibrin monomers produced from patient fibrinogen by thrombin (devoid of fibrinopeptides A and B) reaggregated abnormally; fibrin monomers produced by reptilase (devoid of only fibrinopeptides A) reaggregated normally. Fibrin generated from patient plasma in the presence of factor XIII and calcium, was defective in the formation of covalently bonded alpha-alpha polymers and demonstrated an increased susceptibility to the lytic effects of plasmin (generated in vitro by the addition of streptokinase).
Temperature-sensitive loss of tumor characteristics in a tobacco crown gall strain

Three independently isolated tobacco crown gall strains incited byAgrobacterium tumefaciens C58 required phytohormone (auxin and cytokinin) supplements in the basal medium to grow, at 37°C. Six other tobacco crown gall strains incited, respectively, byA. tumefaciens IIBV7, B6, CGIC, A6NC, 27 and AT4 expressed, at 37°C, the tumor characteristic of ability to grow in vitro on medium lacking phytohormones. Nopaline was not detectable in C58 tumors cultured at 37°C, but octopine was produced by B6 tumor tissues incibated at the elevated temperature. C58 tumor strains kept at 37°C for 1 week or more lost the ability to express tumor characteristics at 27°C such as tissue morphology, growth on basal medium lacking phytohormones and nopaline production. Heat-treated C58 tissues also differed from the original tumor strain in regeneration ability and phytohormone requirements of explants; i.e. explants from regenerated, heart-treated C58 tumors required both auxin and cytokinin for growth in vitro.
FLOW OF A SUSPENSION THROUGH A VERTICAL TUBE

Jiang el at. (1986) have developed the local volume averages of the equations of motion as well as the appropriate boundary conditions for a flowing suspension of non-neutrally buoyant, uniform spheres in an incompressible Newtonian fluid under conditions such that inertial effects can be neglected. Neither the equations nor the boundary conditions involve any free or undetermined parameters. These local volume-averaged equations of motion have been solved for flow through a vertical tube and the results compared with available measurements of velocity profiles and of apparent viscosities. The predictions of measured apparent viscosities are in error by no more than 3%, when the volume fraction of solids is less than 0.20. The errors in representing the velocity profiles are comparable, but based upon fewer data.