cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoking and arsenic exposure are associated with tumor suppressor gene hypermethylation in bladder cancer

2215 Over 60,000 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. Tobacco use, occupational exposures (particularly to aromatic amines), and exposure to arsenic are all etiologically related to bladder cancer, although the pattern of somatic alterations attributable to these exposures remains unclear. Our lab and others have observed associations between tobacco-smoke exposure and epigenetic silencing of specific tumor suppressors, through promoter hypermethylation, in lung cancer. Associations between carcinogenic exposures and epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes may yield critical understanding of the mechanistic roles of these exposures in carcinogenesis. To identify the relationship of promoter hypermethylation of specific tumor suppressor genes to known etiologic risk factors of the disease, we investigated a series study of bladder cancer derived from a case-control study of bladder cancer in New Hampshire. This study is unique due to its population-based approach, thereby reducing bias in the sampling of tumors. In 360 cases, promoter hypermethylation of CDKN2A, DAPK, RARB, RASSF1A, CDH1, and CDH13 were determined utilizing methylation-specific PCR. The prevalence of hypermethylation for each gene was: RASSF1A 33%, CDKN2A 31%, CDH13 18%, RARB 15%, DAPK 9%, and CDH1 3%. Controlling for age and sex, hypermethylation of CDKN2A occurred more than twice as often in ever-smokers compared to non-smokers (O.R. 2.55 95% C.I. 1.19-5.47) and was associated with invasive tumors (O.R.1.69, 95% C.I. 1.03-2.78). Hypermethylation of RASSF1A, controlling for age and sex, was positively associated with invasive tumors (O.R. 2.86, 95% C.I. 1.54-5.31), TP53 alterations (O.R 2.03, 95% C.I. 1.06-3.87), and arsenic exposure, measured by toenail arsenic (O.R. 3.30, 95% C.I. 1.14-9.54). Both RASSF1A and CDKN2A strongly related to bladder cancer invasiveness making these candidates for determining patient prognosis. The relationship between smoking and CDKN2A methylation provides additional evidence that tobacco carcinogens induce epigenetic silencing or act to select silenced cells which produce altered clonal fields. Finally, the association between RASSF1A methylation and high level arsenic exposure suggests a novel mechanism of carcinogenicity for this non-mutagenic metal. Additional analyses will define relationships between these various epigenetic alterations. Specifically, we will investigate if there is evidence, in bladder cancer, for a CpG island methylator phenotype, similar to that described in other tumor types.
Action enhances perception: Visually evoked neural responses are enhanced when engaging in a motor task

While it is well known that vision guides movement, it is less appreciated that motor cortex also provides input to the visual system. Here we asked whether neural processing of visual stimuli is acutely modulated during motor activity, hypothesizing that visual evoked responses are enhanced when subjects engage in a motor task. To test this, we recorded neural activity from human participants during a car racing video game under 3 conditions: active play with manual control, passive viewing of game playback, and "sham play", where participants were under the false impression that their brain activity was controlling the game. This condition aimed to engage the motor system while avoiding evoked responses related to actual movement. In each case, we assessed the strength of evoked responses as the temporal correlation between the visual stimulus and the evoked electroencephalogram (EEG). We found reduced correlation during passive viewing, but no difference between active and sham play. Moreover, participants that were successfully deceived showed more correlated responses in the sham condition compared to those that were not deceived. Alpha band (8-12 Hz) activity was reduced over motor cortex during sham play, indicating recruitment of motor cortex despite the absence of overt movement. These findings are the first to demonstrate a link between visual evoked responses and motor cortex engagement.
Empowering graph segmentation methods with SOMs and CONN similarity for clustering large and complex data

High-dimensional, large, and noisy data with complex structure challenge the limits of many clustering algorithms including modern graph segmentation methods. SOM-based clustering has been shown capable of capturing many clusters of widely varying statistical properties in such data. However, to date the best discovery results are produced by interactive extraction of clusters from informative SOM visualizations. This does not scale for Big Data, large archives, or near-real-time analyses. We approach this challenge by infusing SOM knowledge into leading automatic graph segmentation algorithms, which produce extremely poor results when segmenting the SOM prototypes without this information, and which would take a prohibitively long time to segment the input data sets. The knowledge translation occurs by casting the SOM prototypes as vertices and the CONN similarity measure as edge weightings of a graph which is then presented to graph segmentation algorithms. The resulting performance closely approximates the precision of the interactive SOM segmentation for complicated data and, at the same time, is extremely fast and memory-efficient. We demonstrate the effectiveness on a simple synthetic data set and on a very realistic fully labeled synthetic hyperspectral image. We also examine performance dependence on available parametrizations of the graph segmentation algorithms, in combination with parametrizations of the CONN similarity measure.
Oseltamivir exposure in pregnancy and the risk of specific birth defects.

Background Influenza during pregnancy contributes to maternal morbidity and mortality. Neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir, are recommended for treating women with influenza during pregnancy. Methods Data from the Slone Birth Defects Study from 2009 to 2015 were used to investigate associations between oseltamivir and specific birth defects. We classified exposures according to timing in pregnancy and examined 52 and 16 defects with early and potential late pregnancy etiology, respectively; we calculated crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for defects with three or more exposures. Results Among 8,379 cases and 4,190 nonmalformed controls, we identified 79 and 42 oseltamivir exposures, respectively. The majority of defects had no exposures. ORs were elevated for several defects, but the CI excluded the null only for intestinal malrotation (OR: 10.7 [1.8, 45.2]; three exposures). Conclusions Largely null findings for specific defects are reassuring. The association with intestinal malrotation, while unstable, warrants further investigation.
Scabies and Head Lice

Infestations either as scabies or head lice have been around during recorded time. Scabies can present with extreme pruritus. The presence of a mite on a scraping can confirm a diagnosis, but usually it is diagnosed by pattern recognition of signs and symptoms. It is usually treated topically but, in some instances, oral treatment is used. Head lice often present in clusters in younger children. Like scabies, the presence of a live louse confirms the diagnosis. Oftentimes, egg casings or nits attached to the hair lead to a diagnosis. Head lice are also treated topically along with nit removal in most instances. With both types of infestation, environmental measures can help prevent reinfection or spread to others.
"Cleanse" detoxification diet program in Appalachia: Participant characteristics and perceived health effects.

Introduction Numerous detoxification or "detox" diets purport to eliminate toxins from the body, help with weight loss, and improve health. Despite the claims of proponents, few of these programs have evidence of effectiveness. They often have significant associated costs and may have potential for harm, but they seem to be quite popular. Members of a community in Appalachia were invited to participate as a group in one such diet (called a "cleanse"). We conducted a study to explore characteristics of people who chose to complete the program, including their motivations and their perceptions of the health effects related to participation. Methods Those who volunteered to participate were educated on this program's definition of a "clean" diet through an information session and were given written guidelines. The diet was to last 21 days, and instructions were outlined as to which foods were allowed and which were to be eliminated. This study evaluated participants in two cohorts (June 2014 and January 2015). Individuals who registered for the study were asked to complete three anonymous surveys: one pretest before beginning the program (PRE), one roughly 1 week after completion (1wPOST), and one follow-up 8 weeks after the end of the diet period (8wPOST). Descriptive statistics, Skillings-Mack test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze results. Results Thirty-four individuals completed the PRE surveys, 15 individuals completed the 1wPOST surveys (44% of those completing the PRE surveys), and 8 individuals completed the 8wPOST surveys (24% of those completing the PRE surveys). Comparing results from the PRE, 1wPOST, and 8wPOST surveys, there were significant overall differences seen in the following health characteristics: cravings for sweet/salty foods (p=0.03), "giving in" to cravings (p=0.04), energy levels (p=0.001), and sleep quality (p=0.0001). These differences seen were between the PRE and 1wPOST surveys. Weight satisfaction and overall health did not show any overall significant differences. Conclusions While participants in Appalachia could benefit from a program that could improve health, this program's participants did not share socioeconomic characteristics reflective of most people from that area. Most were college-educated females with a reported family income and level of education that were higher than the average population. Self-reported health characteristics related to cravings, energy levels, and sleep quality demonstrated overall significant improvements from the PRE to the 1wPOST surveys. This exploratory study provides insight into the popularity of such programs. While measurement rather than self-report of clinical outcomes would be needed to more definitively determine the effects of this program, it would be worthwhile to explore further in an experimental study the outcomes identified in this study as being affected (cravings, energy, sleep, and weight).
Pathogenesis of myocarditis following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in a cynomolgus monkey model

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting PD1, PDL1, or CTLA4 are associated with Multi-organ immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including myocarditis. The pathogenesis and early diagnostic markers for ICI-induced myocarditis are poorly understood. We aimed to develop a preclinical model to further understand ICI associated myocarditis. Methods Chinese-origin cynomolgus monkeys were dosed intravenously with vehicle or nivolumab 20 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 15 mg/kg once weekly for a total of four doses. Immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subsets was performed on blood and tissue samples. Microscopic examination of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections was performed on all major organs. Immunohistochemistry and RNA sequencing were performed using heart sections. Results ICI combination resulted in loose faeces, lymphadenopathy, and mononuclear cell infiltrations of varying severity in heart, colon, kidneys, liver, salivary glands and endocrine organs. Three of 5 monkeys developed myocarditis characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration in myocardium, cardiomyocyte degeneration, and or increases in cardiac troponin-I and NT-pro-BNP. Mononuclear cell infiltration primarily comprised of T cells, with lower numbers of macrophages and occasional B cells. Morphologically, cardiac lesions in our monkey model are similar to the reported ICI myocarditis in humans. Increased proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes as well as an increase in activated T cells and central memory T cells in the blood, spleen, and lymph nodes, were observed. Transcriptomic analysis suggested increased migration and activation of T cells and increased phagocytosis and antigen presentation in the heart. Conclusions We have developed a monkey model characterized by multiple organ toxicities including myocarditis. This model may provide insight into the immune mechanisms and facilitate biomarker identification for ICI-associated irAEs. Legal entity responsible for the study Pfizer. Funding Pfizer. Disclosure C. Ji: Full / Part-time employment: Pfizer.
Photocaged Quinone Methide Crosslinkers for Light‐Controlled Chemical Crosslinking of Protein–Protein and Protein–DNA Complexes

Small-molecule crosslinkers are invaluable for probing biomolecular interactions and for crosslinking mass spectrometry. Existing chemical crosslinkers target only a small selection of amino acids, while conventional photo-crosslinkers target almost all residues non-specifically, complicating data analysis. Herein, we report photocaged quinone methide (PQM)-based crosslinkers that target nine nucleophilic residues through Michael addition, including Gln, Arg, and Asn, which are inaccessible to existing chemical crosslinkers. PQM crosslinkers were used in vitro, in Escherichia coli, and in mammalian cells to crosslink dimeric proteins and endogenous membrane receptors. The heterobifunctional crosslinker NHQM could crosslink proteins to DNA, for which few crosslinkers exist. The photoactivatable reactivity of these crosslinkers and their ability to target multiple amino acids will enhance the use of chemical crosslinking for studies of protein-protein and protein-DNA networks and for structural biology.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia A 74-year-old woman presented with an acute stroke. The physical examination showed multiple mucocutaneous telangiectasias, and a diagnosis of hereditary hemor...
Spatial Parrondo games with spatially dependent game A.

Parrondo games with spatial dependence were introduced by Toral (2001) and have been studied extensively. In Toral's model, $N$ players are arranged in a circle. The players play either game $A$ or game $B$. In game $A$, a randomly chosen player wins or loses one unit according to the toss of a fair coin. In game $B$, which depends on parameters $p_0,p_1,p_2\in[0,1]$, a randomly chosen player, player $x$ say, wins or loses one unit according to the toss of a $p_m$-coin, where $m\in\{0,1,2\}$ is the number of nearest neighbors of player $x$ who won their most recent game. In this paper, we replace game $A$ by a spatially dependent game, which we call game $A'$, introduced by Xie et al.~(2011). In game $A'$, two nearest neighbors are chosen at random, and one pays one unit to the other based on the toss of a fair coin. Noting that game $A'$ is fair, we say that the \textit{Parrondo effect} occurs if game $B$ is losing or fair and game $C'$, determined by a random or periodic sequence of games $A'$ and $B$, is winning. We investigate numerically the region in which the Parrondo effect appears. We give sufficient conditions for the mean profit in game $C'$ to converge as $N\to\infty$. Finally, we compare the Parrondo region in the model of Xie et al.\ with that in the model of Toral.
Does Corporate Governance Matter for Equity Returns

We reexamine the findings of Gompers, Ishii, and Metrick (2003) and Bebchuk, Cohen, and Ferrell (2009) and find the link between corporate governance (measured by G index and E index) and firm stock returns is weaker than previously suggested. We extend the sample period and find a reversal of the relationship documented in these works over the 1990s and early 2000s. We show the observed superior performance of good governance firms during the 1990s is partially driven by large firms and the Nasdaq bubble. We conclude corporate governance is less important for firm stock returns than suggested by previous literature.
Prodromal dysfunction of α5GABA-A receptor modulated hippocampal ripples in Alzheimer’s disease

Decades of research attempting to slow the onset of Alzheimers disease (AD) indicates that a better understanding of memory will be key to the discovery of effective therapeutic approaches. Here, we ask whether prodromal neural network dysfunction might occur in the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit by using 5IA as a selective negative modulator of extrasynaptic 5GABA-A receptors in TgF344-AD transgenic rats, a model for early onset AD. The results demonstrate that orally bioavailable 5IA, an established memory enhancer, increases CA1 pyramidal cell mean firing rates and peak CA1 ripple amplitude during wakeful immobility in wild type F344 rats resting in a familiar environment. We show that TgF344-AD rats, which express human amyloid-beta precursor protein (with the Swedish mutation) and human presenilin-1 (with a {Delta} exon 9 mutation), exhibit high serum A{beta}42 and A{beta}40 levels by 3 months of age. By 9 months of age, CA1 ripples in young adult TgF344-AD rats are nonresponsive to 5IA indicating network dysfunction prior to the onset of AD pathology and memory dysfunction. These results demonstrate, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence for prodromal 5GABA-A receptor dysfunction in the AD hippocampal trisynaptic circuit. Moreover, as 5GABA-A receptors are located extrasynaptically and subserve the function of tonic inhibition we posit that an early stage of memory dysfunction involves the disruption of tonic inhibition in the hippocampus.
Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk Assessment for Non-cardiac Surgery

The purpose of preoperative evaluation is to optimize the patient’s status before surgery and thereby minimize risk. Generally the most feared post-operative cardiac complications are myocardial infarction, heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, and death. Factors to consider during the preoperative evaluation are patient risk factors, patient functional capacity, and the type of surgery the patient will undergo. Patients with comorbidities such as peripheral arterial disease have higher incidences of underlying coronary artery disease and left ventricular dysfunction. Deconditioned patients also have a higher incidence of cardiac complications. Finally, certain procedures, such as vascular surgery or major thoracic and abdominal procedures, predispose to myocardial ischemia due to greater blood loss, fluid shifts, increased myocardial oxygen demand (due to increased heart rate and blood pressure), and increased post-operative platelet reactivity.
The transformers: Overcoming resistance to motivational change

Expert knowledge of motivational principles and robust intent to implement domain-specific strategies are rendered pragmatically useless when interventions are rejected by the intended recipient. The final chapter shifts focus from strategy mastery to an overview of how to execute motivational change, which is often resisted and refuted. Using evidence from biology, business, social psychology, and conceptual change (CC) research, this chapter illuminates why individuals may be unmotivated to change, which strategies individuals will use to sabotage change efforts, and how to overcome individual or organizational resistance to motivational interventions. This chapter concludes with a summary of strategies used by the motivation leaders profiled in the book as a means to suggest a conceptual model of optimal motivation.
Police Handling of Domestic Violence Calls: An Overview and Further Investigation

Abstract Summary. This study compares the rates and correlates associated with an arrest response when police respond to domestic assault calls in one jurisdiction at one point in time through two different methodological approachespolice self-report and case record analysis. While police self-reported a high likelihood to arrest (approximately a 60% rate of arrest), police reports indicated a much lower rate of arrest (20%). However, the two methodologies showed greater similarities in terms of correlates associated with this arrest response. Specifically, both indicated the predominance of situational factors over officer, offender or victim characteristics.
Gro¨bner basis methods for multivariate splines

Abstract For a finite polyhedral subdivision δ of a region in IR d , we consider the space C r k (δ) consisting of all C r piecewise polynomial functions on δ. C r k (δ) is a finite dimensional vector space, and we consider the problem of determining the dimension and a basis for this space. After summarizing some properties of the formal power series σ k ≥0 dim IR C r k (δ) t k , we describe how the methods used to obtain these properties can be used to develop a computational scheme for obtaining this series as well as the desired vector space bases. Underlying this scheme is the Grobner basis algorithm of computational commutative algebra. Computational experience with this method is discussed briefly at the end.
Mimicking the niche: cytokines expand muscle stem cells

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) have long been considered to be potential therapeutic vehicles for diseases of muscle such as muscular dystrophies. A recent study published in Cell Research by Fu et al. reveals that recapitulating in vitro the in vivo microenvironment of MuSCs that occurs during muscle regeneration might be a major step towards translation.
Fibrosarcoma of the mandible. A clinicopathologic study.

Abstract A study of thirteen cases and a review of the literature have reaffirmed that fibrosarcoma of the mandible is a distinct entity. Its cells have sufficient anaplasia to allow the lesion to be distinguished easily from a benign fibrous lesion. Roentgenograms characteristically showed evidence of lytic destruction, indicating the malignant nature of the process. The sexes were affected equally, and the lesion occurred in patients of all ages, including children. The tumor most often involved the body and angle regions and was highly lethal because of its tendency to recur locally and to metastasize. In most of the Mayo Clinic cases there was no evidence that the tumors had an odontogenic origin, but two lesions arose in ameloblastic fibromas, one in a myxoma, one in a desmoplastic fibroma, and one in fibrous dysplasia that previously had been exposed to radiation. Wide local resection was the treatment of choice.
FCRL5 promotes T cell-independent innate-like B cell responses and counter-regulates tolerance through the Lyn/SHP-1 circuit (IRM8P.717)

The earliest phases of humoral defense are orchestrated by splenic marginal zone (MZ) and body cavity-derived B1 B cells. These frontline responders have been termed “innate-like” given their broadly-reactive natural antibody repertoires and capacity for rapid responses to T cell-independent (TI) antigens. Despite their key contributions to primary responses, why these cells possess such prompt responsivity to innate-stimulation is poorly understood. The discovery of a family of Fc receptor-like (FCRL) molecules with homology to the classical FCRs for IgG and IgE, complex tyrosine-based function, and preferential B cell expression has introduced a new level of humoral regulation. Although their in vivo functions have not yet been investigated, human FCRL (hFCRL) members are becoming increasingly appreciated for their associations with immune-related diseases. In particular, hFCRL3 has emerged as a generalized risk factor in autoimmunity. To better understand the role of hFCRL3 in B cells, we investigated its closest relative mouse FCRL5 (mFCRL5). This molecule shares homologous extracellular domains, binary tyrosine-based signaling, and innate-like B cell expression. Here we demonstrate that Fcrl5 deficiency impairs humoral responses to TI antigens and differentially modulates autoimmunity in lupus-prone SHP-1 and Lyn mutant mice. These data indicate a critical role for mFCRL5 in regulating innate-like B cell function at the interface of host defense and tolerance.
Scaling variable distributions for antineutrino-nucleon scattering in the 15-ft bubble chamber at Fermilab

This paper continues the discussion of high energy (10–200 GeV) antineutrino interactions with nucleons in the hydrogen-neion filled 15-ft bubble chamber. The earlier paper at this meeting presented by V. Kolganov discussed the limit in this experiment for the reaction ν + N → μ+ e- X. Herein we present the Bjorken scaling variable distributions y and x. The y distributions are fitted with a parameter B which in the quark-parton model is related to the relative antiquark content in the nucleons. The antiquark content is determined to be (10 ± 3) % and shows no antineutrino energy dependence. A comparison is made of fitted B values for this experiment and other antineutrino experiments discussed at this meeting. The x distributions for x > 0.2 are consistent in shape with the structure functions extracted from e-d scattering data.
School‐Related Behavior Disorders

Walker and Gresham describe the current status of the field of behavior disorders, followed by a discussion of current research and best practices. Other topics reviewed include functional assessment of behavior, interventions that utilize positive behavioral support, research examining teacher interactions with students with behavior disorders, the association between language deficits and behavior disorders, and resistance to intervention as a cardinal symptom for treatment eligibility. Practical problems facing the field are presented, including the interpretation of federal education legislation and the relative lack of attention to early identification activities. The authors provide evidence to support the use of social skills instruction and appropriate inclusion to modify maladaptive behaviors. Keywords: behavior disorders; conduct disorders; emotional disorders; functional assessment; mental health
Acquiring meaning for decimal fraction symbols: A one year follow-up

Fourth graders with differing achievement records participated in a specially designed two week unit on decimal fractions. Students were encouraged to connect meaningful referents with decimal fraction symbols and use these meanings to develop procedures for adding and subtracting decimal numbers. One year later these students and a matched set of fifth graders were interviewed and given paper-and-pencil tests. Three questions were of interest: (1) Do short term changes in the processes students use to solve problems remain stable over time; (2) Do students who have been instructed in conceptually-based processes exhibit a higher level of performance one year later than their conventionally taught peers; and (3) What is the relationship between entry achievement level and the year-long effects of conceptually-based instruction? The results suggest that: (1) If students used the meanings of written symbols as a basis for solving problems immediately after instruction, they used these processes to solve problems one year later, regardless of entering achievement; (2) Compared to their conventionally taught peers, students in the lower achievement group benefitted relatively more from the conceptually-based instruction than students in the higher achievement group; (3) However, higher achieving students were more likely to exhibit use of conceptually-oriented processes one year later than the lower achieving students.
Worldwide detection and identification of new and old rickettsiae and rickettsial diseases

To determine the prevalence and distribution of rickettsial pathogens around the world, scientists have relied more and more upon molecular techniques in addition to serological and culture methods. The ease of use and sensitivity/specificity of molecular techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR assays and multilocus sequence typing have lead to an increase in reports of the detection and identification of new and old rickettsiae in previously known and in new endemic regions. These assays have been successfully used with clinical samples such as serum, blood, and tissue biopsies and with environmental samples such as arthropod vectors including ticks, fleas, lice, and mites, and blood and tissue specimens from small mammal collections and from wild and domestic large animals. These methods have lead to the detection of new and old rickettsial pathogens often in new locations leading investigators to suggest new regions of risk of these rickettsioses.
Transformations reducing the order of the parameter in differential eigenvalue problems

Abstract A family of order-reducing transformations applicable to a wide class of differential eigenvalue problems with nonlinear parameter dependence is developed. The highest or the first few highest powers of the parameter are removed, leading to the increased efficiency of the global numerical eigenvalue-search scheme of choice (taken to be spectral in this work). For unbounded-domain problems this cost reduction is accompanied by an increased accuracy and increased searching capability of the spectral technique. Applications to the spatial stability of the Orr-Sommerfeld problems for channel, boundary-layer, and wake flows are addressed explicitly.
Direct Observation of the Wheland Intermediate in Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution. Reversible Formation of Nitrosoarenium Cations

The Wheland intermediate in electrophilic aromatic nitrosation, viz. the nitrosoarenium σ-complex, is directly observed by transient absorption spectroscopy. Femtosecond time-resolved laser experiments based on charge-transfer photoexcitation of electron donor/acceptor (EDA) complexes of nitrosonium cation with various arenes reveal the ultrafast formation of nitrosobenzenium to occur in less than 10 ps via the radical/radical coupling of arene cation radicals and nitric oxide. The lifetimes of the σ-complexes in dichloromethane solution are strongly temperature dependentvarying from nanoseconds (T = 298 K) to microseconds (T = 195 K). Steady-state photolysis of arene/NO+ complexes in n-BuCl glasses at T = 77 K leads to nitrosoarenium σ-complexes which persist for several hours. Based on a reaction scheme that includes an ultrafast equilibrium between the [ArH+•,NO•] radical pair and the nitrosoarenium σ-complex, energy diagrams are constructed which establish the highly endergonic reaction profile of ele...
Automated performance monitoring provides a strategic management tool for crisis management

Abstract Organizational crises ultimately result from an inadequate management process. Dysfunctional reporting mechanisms cause higher management to learn about emerging problems only when they become critical. To strengthen an organization's defenses, I propose adding a graphical framework to the MIS output for strategic-level managers
A Continuous, Spectrophotometric Activity Assay for Nitrogenase Using the Reductant Titanium(III) Citrate

A continuous, spectrophotometric assay for determining electron transfer rates through nitrogenase during substrate reduction reactions was developed. The assay takes advantage of the facts that Ti(III) citrate can serve as a reductant for nitrogenase-catalyzed reduction reactions and that oxidation of Ti(III) citrate to Ti(IV) citrate results in a dramatic change in its absorption spectrum. Ti(III) citrate supported nitrogenase-catalyzed substrate (e.g., H+ or acetylene) reduction reactions at about the same rate as that supported by the reductant dithionite (S2O4(2-)). In addition, Ti(III) citrate had an absorption maximum centered at 325 nm, while oxidized Ti(IV) citrate had a much lower absorption in this wavelength region. An absorption coefficient for Ti(III) citrate of 0.73 mM-1.cm-1 at 340 nm was determined by titration with redox dyes with known absorption coefficients. Using this experimentally determined absorption coefficient, we developed an assay that provides a convenient way to determine electron transfer rates through nitrogenase in real time by spectrophotometrically following the oxidation of Ti(III) citrate to Ti(IV) citrate. Average electron transfer rates of 3749 +/- 218 nmol of electrons transferred.min-1.mg iron protein-1 for H+ reduction were determined using this assay which are directly comparable to the rates calculated from fixed time point, gas chromatographic assays of H2 formation. The utility of the Ti(III) citrate assay for nitrogenase is discussed and demonstrated using the nitrogenase inhibitors MgADP, CN-, and NO.
Evidence for Pineal Involvement in Timing Implantation in the Western Spotted Skunk

Experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that the pineal gland mediates the effects of changing day length and thereby synchronizes implantation within the population of spotted skunks. Intact, sham-superior cervical ganglionectomized (SCGx), SCGx, and SCGx/bilateral orbitally enucleated (B1) pregnant skunks were subjected to a natural photoperiod, and the duration of the preimplantation period was monitored. In a second set of experiments, melatonin was administered to pregnant skunks via two methods to determine whether or not this pineal hormone would mimic the effects of short day photoperiods or B1 on duration of the preimplantation period. Bilateral SCGx, which presumably denervated the pineal, had no effect on the average duration of the preimplantation period (232 +/- 57 vs. 199 +/- 6 days). However, SCGx reversed the inhibitory effect of B1 on implantation as SCGx/B1 animals had an average duration of the preimplantation period that was not significantly different from intact controls (262 +/- 46 vs. 214 +/- 11 days) but was significantly shortened in comparison to enucleated animals (262 +/- 46 vs. 316 +/- 45 days). Melatonin significantly lengthened the duration of the preimplantation period in animals receiving either daily afternoon injections of melatonin or those receiving melatonin Silastic capsule implants. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the pineal gland synchronizes photoperiod-induced blastocyst implantation in the western spotted skunk.
Defect chemistry modeling of high-temperature proton-conducting cerates

The appropriate equations governing proton incorporation into perovskite oxides with an emphasis on high-temperature proton conductors (HTPCs) are reviewed. The prototypical compound SrCe0.95Y0.05O3−δ is considered in detail. The mathematical approach of Poulsen is applied and the defect concentrations are modeled with a C language routine. A cluster-defect model is not considered here. Defect concentrations are calculated as a function of water vapor pressure and oxygen partial pressure. The solutions are presented in the form of two- and three-dimensional graphs of defect concentrations versus water vapor and oxygen partial pressures. Their physical meanings are explained by pertinent proton incorporation equations. Effects of water vapor pressure and A/B ratio on the n–p transition point are simulated.
Toward a better understanding of the lignin isolation process from wood.

The recently developed protocol for isolating enzymatic mild acidolysis lignins (EMAL) coupled with the novel combination of derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) and quantitative 31P NMR spectroscopy were used to better understand the lignin isolation process from wood. The EMAL protocol is shown to offer access at lignin samples that are more representative of the overall lignin present in milled wood. The combination of DFRC/31P NMR provided a detailed picture on the effects of the isolation conditions on the lignin structure. More specifically, we have used vibratory and ball milling as the two methods of wood pulverization and have compared their effects on the lignin structures and molecular weights. Vibratory-milling conditions cause substantial lignin depolymerization. Lignin depolymerization occurs via the cleavage of uncondensed β-aryl ether linkages, while condensed β-aryl ethers and dibenzodioxocins were found to be resistant to such mechanical action. Condensation and side chai...
Induction of luteinizing hormone receptors by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in cultured granulosa cells.

The induction of LH receptors by exogenous and endogenous cAMP was examined in granulosa cells from ovaries of hypophysectomized diethylstilbestrol-implanted rats. During the 96-h culture period, FSH stimulated cAMP production, protein synthesis, progesterone formation, and the expression of LH receptors. cAMP accumulation and LH receptor formation were stimulated by 2.5–10 ng FSH, and were maximal at 72 h of culture with 175 ng FSH. Progesterone production peaked after 48 h of culture, but required 25 ng FSH to initiate steroidogenesis and 375 ng for the maximal response. In cells cultured with 5 mM 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP), progesterone production at 48 h was similar to that stimulated by FSH, and LH receptor formation was one third as much as with FSH. Removal of 8-BrcAMP after 48 h of culture caused a fall in LH receptors and progesterone production at 96 h, indicating that continual presence of the cyclic nucleotide was required for the maintenance of granulosa cell function. The LH receptors induced...
A model of work frustration–aggression

The current study was designed to investigate the situational, dispositional, and affective antecedents of counterproductive work behaviors. A model based on the organizational frustration–aggression work of Spector and colleagues was tested using structural equation modeling and zero-order correlational analysis. As expected, a positive relationship was found between employees' experience of situational constraints (events frustrating their achievement of organizational and personal goals) and counterproductive behavioral responses to frustration (personal and organizational aggression), mediated by affective reactions to frustration. In addition, personality (trait anger and trait anxiety), control beliefs (Work Locus of Control), and estimation of likelihood of punishment were strongly associated with affective and behavioral responses. In particular, strong direct relationships were found between affective response variables and anxiety and locus of control, while direct relationships were found between behavioral response variables and anger and punishment. Finally, differentiated relationships between two facets of trait anger (angry temperament and angry reaction) and four categories of counterproductive behaviors (serious and minor deviance directed at organizational and personal targets) were explored. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process and content in a long-term PTSD therapy group for Vietnam veterans

Process and content were studied in four 16-session segments of a psychodynamically oriented therapy group for Vietnam veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). On the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ-S), the group scored significantly higher in the Engaged dimension and significantly lower in the Avoiding and Conflict dimensions than contrasting samples of neurotic and psychotic groups. There was no evidence of group stages. Topics related to symptoms of PTSD were discussed most frequently (43.1%), followed by issues concerning relations with others (32.4%),general group therapy issues (13.7%), and other topics (10.8%). Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Studies on the Action of Nalidixic Acid in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The effect of the antibiotic nalidixic acid on macromolecular metabolism in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been studied. It was found that, upon the addition of nalidixic acid to a logarithmically growing culture, there is a transient inhibition of total cell ribonucleic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid, and protein synthesis, after which the cells show an almost complete recovery. In addition, there is no preferential inhibition of yeast mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis.
Induction of booster antibody formation without specific antigenic drive

Abstract Injection of antigen into the rabbit eye leads to the development of an immunogenic uveitis and local immunologic memory, with extensive intraocular formation of immunoglobulins. During both primary and booster responses within the eye, only a small proportion of Ig-forming cells contain antibody specific for the inciting antigen. Preliminary evidence suggests that most of the antibody formed is specific for antigens within the prior extraocular experience of the host. It is postulated that the inflammatory reaction is accompanied by the local release of lymphokines capable of attracting a representative sample of B cells from the blood, and of nonspecifically activating them to booster antibody formation without specific antigenic drive.
Why science is exceptional and religion is not: A response to commentators on Why Religion Is Natural and Science Is Not

I clarify and elaborate my views in response to my colleagues’ commentaries. I am grateful to each for their efforts, and I am grateful to the editors of Religion, Brain & Behavior for this opportu...
Nuclear preamplifiers and the pulse pile-up problem

Abstract The influence of the preamplifier decay time constant on the resolution of γ-ray spectra is discussed. It is shown that for a preamplifier time constant in the millisecond range and for the full range of γ-ray energies commonly encountered, the system count-rate limitation is never in the preamplifier but in the shaping amplifier which follows it. It is also shown that if the detector i dc-coupled to the preamplifier, the upper count rate limit for a given pile-up level in the preamplifier is degraded by a factor of 10 or more. Even in this mode of operation, the main amplifier sets the upper limit on permissible count rate.
Die Sedimentationszeit kleiner Teilchen in einer Flüssigkeit

Im Anschlus an eine Arbeit von Furth wird die Frage der oberen Grenze fur die Sedimentationszeit kleiner Teilchen nochmals diskutiert.
Arthroscopic treatment of internal rotation contracture and glenohumeral dysplasia in children with brachial plexus birth palsy.

Background The purpose of the study was to assess the ability of arthroscopic anterior release, +/- tendon transfers to maintain shoulder joint alignment in children with brachial plexus palsy, and to assess their outcome after arthroscopic reduction. Methods Forty-four patients underwent arthroscopic release, +/- tendon transfers to realign a dysplastic glenohumeral joint in children with brachial plexus palsy. Twenty-eight children underwent isolated release and 16 children underwent concomitant tendon transfers. MRI and clinical measurements were used to assess outcome at 1-year follow-up. Results There was a significant improvement ( P P P = .008) degrees. Patients that underwent tendon transfers obtained greater active elevation, 147 (±9) degrees compared to 119 (±6) degrees. Mallet aggregate and domain scores also demonstrated statistically significant improvements. Conclusions Our results after arthroscopic release +/- tendon transfers are encouraging with improvements in joint alignment and clinical evaluations following surgery. The clinical improvements paralleled the MRI corrections. Importantly, superior outcomes were associated with better preoperative clinical and MRI status. This indicates that early recognition of glenohumeral dysplasia and timely intervention results in better shoulder motion and improved joint alignment. Level of Evidence 4.
Occupational decision development over the high school years

Abstract This study described the development of occupational decision processes over the high school years. Five developmental trends derived from theory were examined separately for males and females in three rural schools. Growth was defined as increased frequency in classes of behavior from early 9th grade to late 12th grade. The key processes in occupational decision development for both sexes appeared to be an information search strategy and an elaborate rationale. Both processes increased in complexity and contributed to confident feelings about occupational choices in 12th grade. Implications for measurement of occupational decision processes and for developmental research are discussed.
Combined Medical and Psychological Treatment of Postchemotherapy Nausea and Vomiting: A Case Study:

The current case study illustrates the innovative potential of combined medical and psychological treatment of postchemotherapy nausea and vomiting for cancer patients. A 58-yr.-old male patient diagnosed with leukemia and on a weekly cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) treatment protocol, experienced violent vomiting episodes approximately 3 hr. after each injection. Emesis was so severe that the patient considered terminating treatment. Control was attempted with antiemetics (Compazine, Reglan), an antianxiety agent (Valium), an hypnotic (Dalmane), canabinol, hypnosis, and relaxation training without success. A re-examination of these strategies employing experimental rigor and data-responsive experimental designs indicated how success can be achieved without the necessity of new interventions. The patient experienced complete emetic relief and at 3-yr. follow-up remained symptom-free.
Electromagnetic Radiation from Unbalanced Transmission Lines

Abstract—A theory for the electromagnetic radiation from unbalanced transmission lines is developed. It is shown that radiation results from the convection current that develops in unbalanced transmission lines where the resistances of the lines are unequal. The process that leads to the generation of the nonlinear convection current in unbalanced transmission lines is explained. It is proved that the classical transmission line theory is not valid for unbalanced lines. The convection current and the radiation forces are included in the transmission line equations to develop a generalized model valid for all two-conductor transmission lines. The generalized model is validated via comparisons of its numerical solutions with laboratory measurements.
Radiation as a Nervous System Toxin

The neurotoxic effects of radiation can be characterized best by the study of a broad range of radiation exposures from various sources. These sources include radiation used therapeutically in the medical field, low-level exposures from various sources, and higher level exposures from nuclear accidents or intentional exposures in the atomic bomb survivors. Although there are substantial coherent data among people exposed to higher doses of radiation from medical exposures, radiologic accidents, and the atomic bomb survivors, there is a great deal of controversy and an enormous body of literature over the effects of low-level exposures. Much of the available data at all levels of exposure exhibit what is referred to as a ‘‘dose response’’ for adverse effects, meaning that the likelihood of the event occurring or the severity of the effect increases with increasing radiation dose. Much effort is expended in the literature to attempt to characterize the doses involved and to attempt to correlate outcomes with dose levels. Where small numbers of adverse events occur, a pattern of clustering of these events among the individuals with the highest levels of exposures can lend support to radiation as a causal factor. Although this article alludes to the dose data to some extent, they are presented in a broad conceptual context, and the reader is referred to the references themselves for more detail.