cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of ego development by sentence completion and personality test

Study aims were (a) to compare the characteristics of the ego development stages as reveated by incomplete sentences and personality inventory scales; and (b) to ascretain how well a structured inventory can estimate ego development as assessed by Loevinger's Sentence Completion Test (SCT). Ss were 423 girls and 225 boys from five high schools five high schools, who were administered the Interpersonal Style Inventory (ISI) and the SCT. The ego development groups to which the boys and girls were allocated on the basis of the SCT scores were compared by means of discriminant function analysis. The 27 self-report scores from the ISI and a supplementary form were used as predictors. The analyses revealed two dimensions of differences for the girls and one for the boys. The first dimension, defined primearily by level of socialization, was essentially the same for girls and boys. The second dimension for girls involved degree of rule-boundness.
Research Note: Influence of Florida 301 Wheat in a Laying Hen Diet on Egg Yolk Rupture Strength

Abstract A study was designed to determine whether wheat could be substituted for corn without reducing yolk quality and yolk membrane strength. Diets with either com or Florida 301 wheat as the grain source were fed to 50-wk-old hens (140 per diet). Eggs were collected and stored at 10 C for up to 4 wk or at 23 C for 1 wk. At weekly intervals Haugh units, yolk index, yolk rupture strength, and yolk deformation distance at rupture were measured and compression percentages were calculated. Haugh units and yolk index were not affected by diet. Yolk rupture strength and deformation were 12.3% and 4.7% greater, respectively, for eggs from hens on the wheat diet than for those from hens on the corn diet. Both rupture strength and deformation declined significantly with storage. Eggs stored at 23 C were lower in yolk rupture strength and deformation than those held at IOC. Percentage of compression at rupture also declined with storage, but the decline was initially more rapid for egg yolks from birds fed the corn diet than for egg yolks from birds fed the wheat diet. It was concluded that Florida 301 wheat may be substituted for com without incurring any problems in the quality of the yolk and that yolk breaking strength would be enhanced.
The invar effect

Abstract The Invar effect attributed to the two electronic states in face centered cubic iron is extended to alpha and gamma manganese and to chromium. These electronic states have different magnetic properties and different atomic volumes.
A Topoisomerase IIß-Mediated dsDNA Break Required for Regulated Transcription

Multiple enzymatic activities are required for transcriptional initiation. The enzyme DNA topoisomerase II associates with gene promoter regions and can generate breaks in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Therefore, it is of interest to know whether this enzyme is critical for regulated gene activation. We report that the signal-dependent activation of gene transcription by nuclear receptors and other classes of DNA binding transcription factors, including activating protein 1, requires DNA topoisomerase IIbeta-dependent, transient, site-specific dsDNA break formation. Subsequent to the break, poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 enzymatic activity is induced, which is required for a nucleosome-specific histone H1-high-mobility group B exchange event and for local changes of chromatin architecture. Our data mechanistically link DNA topoisomerase IIbeta-dependent dsDNA breaks and the components of the DNA damage and repair machinery in regulated gene transcription.
Human intervention and full automation in control systems.

Abstract Much ergonomics research is published in non-archival form, eg, government reports. Sometimes such reports are withheld from general circulation because they are judged to be militarily sensitive. Thus, potentially useful information becomes restricted to a limited number of scientists who are on an initial distribution list. Worse, since the work reported in such papers is not referenced it goes unknown among a large population of workers who have entered the field since the first, limited publication and who have no way of knowing of its existence. Results of experiments carried out some years ago have been rewritten for publication in Applied Ergonomics . The reasons for this are that: (a) the original reports have been regarded as “unclassified” and (b) the substantive problem, the effects of dividing tasks between men and computers in an on-line information system, continues to be of interest to ergonomists and others.
Impact of aprotinin and renal function on mortality: a retrospective single center analysis

Background: An estimated up to 7% of high-risk cardiac surgery patients return to the operating room for bleeding. Aprotinin was used extensively as an antifibrinolytic agent in cardiac surgery patients for over 15 years and it showed efficacy in reducing bleeding. Aprotinin was removed from the market by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after a large prospective, randomized clinical trial documented an increased mortality risk associated with the drug. Further debate arose when a meta-analysis of 211 randomized controlled trials showed no risk of renal failure or death associated with aprotinin. However, only patients with normal kidney function have been studied. Methods: In this study, we look at a single center clinical trial using patients with varying degrees of baseline kidney function to answer the question: Does aprotinin increase odds of death given varying levels of preoperative kidney dysfunction? Results: Based on our model, aprotinin use was associated with a 3.8-fold increase in odds of death one year later compared to no aprotinin use with p-value = 0.0018, regardless of level of preoperative kidney dysfunction after adjusting for other perioperative variables. Conclusions: Lessons learned from our experience using aprotinin in the perioperative setting as an antifibrinolytic during open cardiac surgery should guide us in testing future antifibrinolytic drugs for not only efficacy of preventing bleeding, but for overall safety to the whole organism using long-term clinical outcome studies, including those with varying degree of baseline kidney function.
Pre-K Music and the Emergent Reader: Promoting Literacy in a Music-Enhanced Environment

Emergent literacy may be nurtured in an early childhood environment that integrates literacy experiences with meaningful music activities in which young children develop skills necessary for success in both areas simultaneously. Early childhood educators can develop the knowledge and skills needed to bring music into the classroom as an engaging and stimulating element of literacy education.
Coble creep in a powder-metallurgical nickel aluminide of composition Ni–22.8Al–0.6Hf–0.1B (at. %)

Coble creep, which is controlled by mass transport along grain boundaries, has been identified in a powder-metallurgically prepared nickel aluminide with the nominal composition Ni--22.8Al--0.6Hf--0.1B (at. %). Diffusional creep rates epsilon-dot as a function of temperature T, stress sigma, and grain size L are well described by epsilon-dot = 33delta/sub b/D/sub b/..cap omega..sigma(kTL/sup 3/), where delta/sub b/D/sub b/ = 3 x 10/sup -6/ m/sup 3/ s/sup -1/ x exp(-(313 kJmol)(RT)) (delta/sub b/ is the diffusional grain boundary width, D/sub b/ is the grain boundary diffusivity, R is the gas constant, and T is the absolute temperature). The activation energy of 313 kJmol is unusually high as compared to that for volume diffusion
Recent trends and strategies for state nongame checkoff funding in the United States

Growing stakeholder expectations along with decreased traditional funding have prompted state fish and wildlife agencies throughout the United States to develop alternative mechanisms to fund nongame programs. During March–May 2010, we collected responses from 42 state natural-resource agencies to assess characteristics of nongame checkoff initiatives, evaluate recent levels of funding procured, and identify marketing efforts used during fiscal years 2004–2008. We found that 32 of the respondent states used tax checkoffs to secure nongame funding, and that the total donations they received exceeded US $7 million/year. Annual nongame checkoff contributions declined from 2004 to 2008. Reported levels of nongame checkoff funding varied among states, ranging from about US $20,000 to >US$ million in annual donations. Number of tax checkoffs per state ranged from 1 to 27, but we found no evidence of a significant relationship between the number of checkoffs in a state and nongame funding procured. Additionally, we failed to observe a correlation between nongame checkoff funding and per capita income or population density among states during 2008, but we did find a positive correlation between nongame checkoff funding and state population size during 2008 (R27 = 0.54; P = 0.002). The most widely used marketing approaches reported by states were Internet and print advertising, press releases, tax outlets, and television or radio advertising. States that included nongame checkoff logos on their income tax forms received greater average donations (US $400,877/yr) than did states that did not list logos (US $194,919/yr). We developed a list of funding recommendations for states to consider for enhancing nongame funding. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Fast approximate methods for calculating nucleic acid base pair interaction energies

Interaction enthalpies for six base pairs have been computed at a variety of efficient levels of electronic structure theory and compared to experiment. In addition to previously defined levels of theory, modified Hamiltonians with adjusted parameters in hybrid Hartree–Fock/density functionals and semiempirical neglect-of-diatomic-differential-overlap models were examined. Of the pure and hybrid density functional levels, mPWPW91/MIDI! performed most satisfactorily, as judged by comparison not only to the available experimental data, but also to data from more robust electronic structure methods for 22 additional base pairs. The low computational cost of the mPWPW91/MIDI! model was further exploited in an investigation of various base trimers, tetramers, and one base pentamer. A carefully reparameterized semiempirical model, PM3BP, was able to achieve similar levels of accuracy at a still greater savings in terms of computational effort. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 57–67, 2003
Changes in sex steroid levels in yolks of the leghorn chicken, Gallus domesticus, during embryonic development.

Yolk steroid hormones have been documented to have growth and behavior effects on hatchlings in several avian species. The purpose of these investigations was to determine initial levels of androstenedione (A), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E2), and testosterone (T), and document any changes in those hormones during the course of embryonic development in the Leghorn chicken, Gallus domesticus. Eggs were collected, labeled for hen of origin and egg sequence, incubated at 37.8°C, and sacrificed at predetermined times during development. The embryos were staged, the yolk material collected, homogenized and hormones extracted. A, DHT, E2, and T were separated via column chromatography and hormone levels determined using radioimmunoassays (RIAs). Results indicate a significant decrease in A and T during embryonic development, similar to that reported by our laboratory for the alligator, with A levels being significantly greater initially than levels of all other hormones. Changes in DHT mirrored changes in T levels. Chicken E2 yolk content dynamics differ from those we have measured in both the turtle and the alligator. After an initial decline, E2 in the yolks of chicken eggs undergoes a significant increase at the end of development, between embryonic stages 40 and 45 (days 14 and 20 of development). As the increase is much larger than could be accounted for by hormones present in the yolk material, this may represent early embryonic production of steroid hormones by the developing gonads. J. Exp. Zool. 293:594–600, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Neuropsychologic effects of neuromodulation techniques for treatment-resistant depression: A review

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ablative neurosurgical procedures are established interventions for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but their use may be limited in part by neuropsychological adverse effects. Additional neuromodulation strategies are being developed that aim to match or exceed the efficacy of ECT/ablative surgery with a better neurocognitive side effect profile. In this review, we briefly discuss the neurocognitive effects of ECT and ablative neurosurgical procedures, then synthesize the available neurocognitive information for emerging neuromodulation therapies, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. The available evidence suggests these procedures may be more cognitively benign relative to ECT or ablative neurosurgical procedures, though further research is clearly needed to fully evaluate the neurocognitive effects, both positive and negative, of these novel neuromodulation interventions.
Short-Term Memory for Shape Information Processed Intra- and Intermodally at Three Ages

2 experiments are reported in which the effects of intra- and intermodal information acquisition and memory for shape are studied. Exp. I examined the relative performance of children (8 yr.) acros...
After Atheism: An Analysis of Religious Monopolies in the Post-Communist World

Dramatic religious growth has occurred throughout the former Soviet Union in the past 30 years with approximately 100 million people joining religious groups for the first time. These religious revivals correspond to lessening restrictions on religious activity - a clear prediction of the "religiouseconomies" or "supply-side" approach to the study of religion. Nevertheless, a comparative analysis of post-communist countries reveals that levels of religious pluralism are not commensurate to levels of religious growth, a finding which seemingly contradicts a central proposition in the supply-side approach. This paper argues that a religious-economies explanation of post-communist religious growth remains untarnished when one considers the impact of Soviet atheism on religious markets and the role of religious regulation in the post-communist era. These two factors have created an instance where religious monopolies are able to grow at unprecedented rates. Substantial religious revivals that are occurring throughout the former Soviet Union are beginning to be systematically documented (see Bourdeaux 2000; Ramet 1998; Borowik and Babinski 1997; Anderson 1994; Greeley 1994; and Swatos 1994). According to theorists advocating a religious-economies approach, religious competition drives religious growth (lannaccone, Finke, and Stark 1997; Stark and Finke 2000; and Stark and lannaccone 1994). Because competition is difficult to measure directly, indicators of religious pluralism and religious repression are often used as proxy measures for competition. Therefore, religious revivals that correspond to the lifting of communist religious regulations fully support the expectations of religious-economies theorists. But the particulars of these revivals appear less supportive. In a comparative analysis of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, Steve Bruce (1999b:72) found that "of these three countries with in many senses similar recent histories, Lithuania is markedly more religious than the other two and it is the one with the most homogeneous religious culture." Therefore, Bruce maintains that competition does not explain religiosity in Lithuania. Although the case of Lithuania is unique because it is the only former Soviet republic that is predominantly Roman
Identification of a Specific Role for the Na,K-ATPase α2 Isoform as a Regulator of Calcium in the Heart

It is well accepted that inhibition of the Na,K-ATPase in the heart, through effects on the Na/Ca exchanger, raises the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and strengthens cardiac contraction. However, the contribution that individual isoforms make to this calcium regulatory role is unknown. Assessing the phenotypes of mouse hearts with genetically reduced levels of Na,K-ATPase alpha 1 or alpha 2 isoforms clearly demonstrates different functional roles for these isoforms in vivo. Heterozygous alpha 2 hearts are hypercontractile as a result of increased calcium transients during the contractile cycle. In contrast, heterozygous alpha 1 hearts are hypocontractile. The different functional roles of these two isoforms are further demonstrated since inhibition of the alpha 2 isoform with ouabain increases the contractility of heterozygous alpha 1 hearts. These results definitively illustrate a specific role for the alpha 2 Na,K-ATPase isoform in Ca2+ signaling during cardiac contraction.
A real time control strategy for Bayesian belief networks with application to ship classification problem solving

Efficient ways to prioritize and gather evidence within belief networks are discussed. The authors also suggest ways in which one can structure a large problem (a ship classification problem in the present case) into a series of small ones. This both re-defines much of the control strategy into the system structure and also localizes run-time control issues into much smaller networks. The overall control strategy thus includes the combination of both of these methods. By combining them correctly one can reduce the amount of dynamic computation required during run-time, and thus improve the responsiveness of the system. When dealing with the ship classification problem, the techniques described appear to work well. >
The “More for Less” Paradox: Public Attitudes on Taxing and Spending

Using a statewide random sample of over 9(X) respondents, attitudes toward taxing and spending are examined in order to try to explain the seeming paradox of a public that wants more spending but less taxation. We investigate the possibility that the public which wants more spending is willing to pay for it by means other than taxes, such as through reallocation or increased nontax revenue. Moderate support for this expectation is found. Overall, the desire for a "free lunch" is not as widespread as a simple comparison of taxing and spending preferences suggests. Susan Welch is Carl A. Happold Professor of Political Science, University of NebraskaLincoln. The author gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the University of Nebraska Research Council for this project. John Hibbing made many helpful comments on the paper. Public Opinion Quarterly Vol 49.310-316 ?3 by the Trustees of Columbia University Published by Elsevier Science Publishing Co, Inc (X)33-362X/85/0049-310/$2 50 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.215 on Wed, 31 Aug 2016 05:14:47 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms TAXING AND SPENDING 311 crats, hold preferences for increased funding that is not financed by taxes. President Reagan and Congress have financed increased military spending through borrowing. States and localities normally have strict borrowing limits but have increased user fees as revenue sources. Beginning to chart these heretofore unexplored preferences is the object of this article. For each of the three levels of government, we will explore several alternative possible public preferences for financing increased spending other than increased taxes.
Special issue on noisy text analytics

Noisy unstructured text data are ubiquitous in real-world communications. Text produced by processing signals intended for human interpretation, such as printed and handwritten documents, spontaneous speech, and cameracaptured scene images, are prime examples. Application of Automatic SpeechRecognition (ASR) systems on telephonic conversations between call center agents and customers often see 30–40% word error rates. Optical character recognition (OCR) error rates for hardcopy documents can range widely from 2–3% for clean inputs to 50% or higher depending on the quality of the page image, the complexity of the layout, and aspects of the typography. Unconstrained handwriting recognition is still considered to be largely an open problem. Recognition errors are not the sole source of noise; natural language and its creative usage can cause problems for computational techniques. Electronic text taken directly from the Internet (emails, message boards, newsgroups, blogs, wikis, chat logs, and web pages), contact centers (customer complaints, emails, call transcriptions, message summaries), and mobile phones (text messages) is often very noisy and challenging to process. Spelling errors, abbreviations,
The Usefulness of Dynamically Categorizing Search Results

Objective: The authors' goal was to determine whether dynamic categorization, a new technique for organizing search results, is more useful than the two existing organizational techniques: relevance ranking and clustering. They define a useful tool as one that helps users learn about the kinds of information that pertain to their query, find answers to their questions efficiently and easily, and feel satisfied with their search experience. Design: Fifteen patients with breast cancer and their family members completed query-related tasks using all three tools. The authors measured the time it took the subjects to accomplish their tasks, the number of answers to the query that the subjects found in four minutes, and the number of new answers that they could recall at the end of the study. Subjects also completed a user-satisfaction questionnaire. Results: The results showed that patients with breast cancer and their family members could find significantly (P < 0.05) more answers in a fixed amount of time and were significantly (P < 0.05) more satisfied with their search experience when they used the dynamic categorization tool than when they used either the cluster tool or the ranking tool. Subjects indicated that the dynamic categorization tool provided an organization of search results that was more clear, easy to use, accurate, precise, and helpful than those of the other tools. Conclusion: The experiments indicate that dynamic categorization is an effective and useful approach for organizing search results. Tools that use this technique will help patients and their families gain quick and easy access to important medical information. � J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2000;7:605-617.
Improvement of crystallization and particle size distribution of boric acid in the processing of a boron carbide precursor

In the processing of crystalline boron carbide, boron oxide and carbon precursors are used as feedstock into a carbothermal reduction process reactor. The uniformity of the precursor blends has a dramatic effect on the homogeneity of the resultant boron carbide. In boron carbide precursor preparation via a wet process, boric acid is usually dissolved into water at 80 °C and then mixed with carbon and dried at 120 °C, followed by calcination then comminution to obtain the desired feed particle size. However, controlling the crystallization and particle size of boric acid is challenging and there are no prior published studies dealing with this issue. In this study, a simple process demonstrated that adding hexane to the boric acid water solution during the drying can achieve a highly crystallized powder with a narrow particle size distribution. Hexane generates supersaturation during the recrystallization of boric acid by increasing boric acid nucleation. The hexane can inhibit boric acid crystal growth by isolating the formed nuclei thus providing a barrier to molecular diffusion. The water to hexane volumetric ratio, suitable processing parameters, and optimized dispersant amount were investigated. It was found that the process of mixing the optimum solution at room temperature and then drying it at 120 °C produced the relatively uniform 0.3 μm particles. By adding 1.5 wt% dispersant (Triton X-100) to the mixture, 20 nm boric acid particle size can be obtained. The boron carbide powder fabricated by carbothermal process from the modified precursor demonstrated a finer and more uniform particle size with lower free carbon content. The precursor calcination temperature could be lowered from 600 °C to 450 °C.
Moving the Journey Towards Independence: Adolescents Transitioning to Successful Diabetes Self-Management

Purpose To gain a greater understanding of adolescent’s experiences living with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and create a theoretical paradigm. Methods Grounded theory as described by Glaser was used. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with adolescent’s ages 11–15 with T1DM. Symbolic interactionism is the theoretical framework for grounded theory. Data were collected; transcribed, coded, and analyzed simultaneously using constant comparative analysis and findings were grounded in the words of participants. Results A theoretical model was created with the concept of “normalizing” . Normalizing was defined as the ability to integrate diabetes into one’s daily life to make diabetes ‘part of me’. Phase four of the model, and the focus of this manuscript was “Moving the Journey towards Independence” and included: 1) taking over care, 2) experiencing conflict with parents, and 3) realizing diabetes is hard. The major task for adolescents in this phase was separating from parents to independently manage diabetes. The normalizing task for this phase was: “taking on the burden of care” . Adolescents described challenges with independent care and increased parental conflict including: fearing needles, forgetting insulin, feeling embarrassed and believing that diabetes was a burden in their life. Additionally, juggling the multiple responsibilities of home, school and work along with managing a chronic illness during adolescence is challenging. Conclusions Transitioning to diabetes self-management is a challenge for adolescents. This model advances understanding of the moving processes in adolescents transitioning; additionally, hypotheses are presented that may be used for developing interventions to promote success in self-management.
Transparent boundary conditions for the wave equation—a Kirchhoff point of view†

We reduce an exterior initial boundary value problem for the wave equation in three space dimensions to an initial boundary value problem on a bounded computational domain bounded by an artificial boundary as well as the original boundary. From a Kirchhoff representation formula for the solution of wave equation in an exterior domain, we derive on the artificial boundary (exact) transparent boundary conditions that are nonlocal in space and time. These lead to local approximate transparent boundary conditions of the first and second orders. It is shown that these approximate transparent conditions are satisfied exactly for a related spherically symmetric problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytic solutions of charge and capacitance in symmetric and asymmetric double-gate MOSFETs

A one-dimensional (1-D) analytic solution is derived for an undoped (or lightly doped) double-gate (DG) MOSFET by incorporating only the mobile charge term in Poisson's equation. The solution is applied to both symmetric and asymmetric DG MOSFETs to obtain closed forms of band bending and inversion charge as a function of gate voltage and silicon thickness. It is shown that for the symmetric DG device, "volume inversion" only occurs under subthreshold conditions, with a slightly negative impact on performance. Comparisons under the same off-state conditions show that the on-state inversion charge density of an asymmetric DG with one channel is only slightly less than that of a symmetric DG with two channels, if the silicon film is thin. From the analytic solutions, explicit expressions for the various components of the equivalent capacitance circuit are derived for symmetric and asymmetric DG devices. These help gain an insight into the electrostatic coupling between the back gate and the front channel in the asymmetric case. Finally, the gate work function requirements are quantified for symmetric and asymmetric DG CMOS, based on threshold voltage considerations.
Adherence must always be considered: is everolimus really ineffective as a treatment for atopic dermatitis?

This issue of the Journal of Dermatological Treatment includes the presentation of two very interesting cases of severe atopic dermatitis treated with everolimus, a rapamycin-derived immunosuppressive agent (1). Everolimus is effective as a psoriasis treatment, and its mechanism of action (inhibiting T cell function) seems promising as a basis for treating atopic dermatitis as well.
Retrospective chart review of skin cancer presence in the wide excisions.

AIM: To investigate cancer cell absence or presence in wide excision after biopsy of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients. METHODS: 200 patients (100 BCC and 100 SCC) from the same dermatology clinic, who had positive margin upon biopsy, were selected from a computer generated randomized report. All selected patients had wide excision following biopsy. To determine the correlation of gender, age distribution and cancer absence, BCC and SCC cases were separated based on excision-cancer absent or present after wide excision. χ2 tests, Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyze the ratio of male to female between excision-cancer absent and excision-cancer present patients, while Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the age distribution in the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.0 for Windows. RESULTS: Our retrospective chart review of the patients showed that cancer cells were absent in 49% of BCC patients (n = 100) and 64% of SCC patients (n = 100) who had previously had positive margins upon biopsy. Gender analysis showed the ratio of male to female (M/F) in the BCC arm was significantly higher compared with the SCC arm in those with excision-cancer absent (2.06 vs 0.66; P = 0.004; χ2 test). But M/F of excision-cancer absent and excision-cancer present in neither BCC nor SCC patients was statistically significant. Age adjustment showed no significant difference between excision-cancer absent and excision-cancer present in BCC and SCC patients. Nevertheless, in excision-cancer absent cases, the age distribution showed that the BCC patients were younger than SCC patients (average age 67 vs 74; P < 0.001; Mann-Whitney U test). In addition, our data also indicated that in the patient group of 71-80 years old, there were more SCC patients who showed excision-cancer absence (67.6% vs 39.4%; P = 0.02; χ2 test). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that approximately 50% or more of BCC and SCC patients with positive margins found on biopsies did not have cancer cells present at the time of wide excisions.
Abstract ED06-02: MicroRNAs and cancer progression

Since the discovery of miR-15a and miR-16-1 deletions in CLL15, many laboratories around the world have shown miRNA dysregulation in all tumors studied, including the most common, such as lung, breast, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers. Such dysregulation, like the dysregulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, can be caused by multiple mechanisms, such as deletion, amplification, mutation, transcriptional dysregulation and epigenetic changes. As miRNAs have multiple targets, their function in tumorigenesis could be due to their regulation of a few specific targets, possibly even one, or many targets. A future challenge will be to identify all of the targets of the miRNAs involved in cancer and establish their contribution to malignant transformation. An additional challenge will be the identification of all of the miRNAs that are dysregulated by pathways that are consistently dysregulated in various types of human cancers. This point is of particular importance, as instead of focusing on specific alterations in protein-coding oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes — which may be difficult to treat — we could focus on their downstream miRNA targets. If these miRNA targets are crucial for the expression of the malignant phenotype and the cancer cells depend on their dysregulation for proliferation and survival, we can expect that the use of miRNAs or anti-miRNAs will result in tumor regression. Genomic analyses for alteration in miRNA genes or for copy number alterations in various human tumors by deep sequencing is in progress but has not been completed. These studies could provide additional information concerning the involvements of miRNAs in cancer and in many other diseases. Over the past few years, we have observed a shift from conventional chemotherapy to targeted therapies, and miRNAs and anti-miRNAs will contribute extensively to the latter. Citation Format: Carlo M. Croce. microRNAs and cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr ED06-02.
Reform Proposals: Part 1, Apply the SUA Convention to Piracy

This chapter examines the proposed application of the prevailing international law regarding maritime terrorism, as embodied in the SUA Convention, to maritime piracy. The main advantage of this Convention over the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the basis in international law for prosecuting acts of piracy, is that the SUA Convention contains features that would substantially increase international enforcement efforts. Among other things, these include a requirement for signatory nations to extradite and prosecute offenders, something that the Law of the Sea does not currently require. It appears that the main impediment to the application of the SUA Convention to piracy is its stated intent of addressing terrorism specifically, which apparently is perceived as a more serious threat than piracy.
On the mechanisms of CO2 absorption and desorption with phase transitional solvents

Abstract Two phase transitional aqueous solvent blends consisting of diethylenetriamine (DETA) and N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) were experimentally investigated to determine their CO2 absorption, phase transition, and desorption performance. Both solvents revealed higher CO2 loading capacities and desorption pressures than a 5 M monoethanolamine solution under comparable conditions. The evolution of solvent species during the CO2 absorption and desorption processes was determined quantitatively by using 1H, 13C, and 2-D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques. Mechanisms of the CO2 absorption and desorption reactions were proposed based on the speciation analysis. Carbon dioxide absorption occurred as the carbamates and dicarbamates of DETA were formed, followed by CO2 hydration promoted by proton exchange with PMDETA. Desorption of CO2 could generally be described as a reverse absorption process, but it was also coupled with a dual phase transition.
Event-related brain potential indices of cognitive function and brain resource reallocation during working memory in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objective To examine event-related brain potentials (ERPs) in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) during a visual n-back working memory (WM) task, and test the hypothesis that compensatory brain function may be associated with variance in task performance in MS patients. Methods Midline ERPs for 25 MS patients and 18 HCs were obtained for a visual n-back task that placed increasing demands on WM. N-back behavioral measures and neuropsychological performance measures of WM were also obtained. Results MS patients had slower reaction times (RTs) than HCs during the n-back task. Accuracy on the n-back and on neuropsychological tests did not differ between groups. P3 ERP amplitude decreased for both groups as WM demand increased. MS patients had lower overall P1 and P3 amplitudes compared to HCs. In MS, anteriorization of P3 amplitude was associated with better n-back performance. P1 and P3 amplitudes were also related to neuropsychological test performance in MS. Conclusions MS patients had reduced ERP amplitude compared to HCs during the n-back, and changes in ERP anterior–posterior midline amplitude distribution in MS were associated with cognitive performance. Significance ERPs, and in particular the P3 component obtained during a visual n-back task, are sensitive to subtle WM dysfunction in MS and may reflect compensatory reallocation of brain resources.
Masculinities and literary studies: intersections and new directions

Despite being titled Masculinities and literary studies: Intersections and new directions, this new edited volume from Routledge goes beyond examining masculinities from a literary studies perspect...
The HMGCR inhibitor Fluvastatin induces apoptosis and autophagy in primary and neoplastic mast cells

Mast cells are best known for their role in inflammatory and allergic disease. Mast cell leukemia is a rare subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia, typically expressing the c-Kit mutation, D816V, that yields factor-independent growth. Understanding and treating mast cell hyperplasia and leukemia could be beneficial to both inflammatory and malignant diseases. Recently the family of statin drugs, widely employed as HMG CoA Reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors to lower serum cholesterol, have also been found to be immunosuppressive. However, statin effects on mast cell survival are not known. We report that Fluvastatin induces apoptosis in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) and P815 mastocytoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was evidenced by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. Importantly, the mastocytoma line P815, which expresses mutant c-Kit, was readily killed by Fluvastatin, with an IC 50 of 5–10μM. P815 cell death was marked by c-Kit upregulation preceding mitochondrial membrane instability and Caspase-9 activation. Chemical blockade of autophagy reduced Fluvastatin-mediated apoptosis in primary mast cells, but augmented apoptosis in transformed mast cells. These data suggest that the HMGCR pathway may be targeted to suppress mast cell survival, and that its combination with autophagy inhibitors may be useful for treating mast cell neoplasias.
Phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers in indoor dust from childcare facilities, salons, and homes across the USA.

Abstract The quality of indoor environment has received considerable attention owing to the declining outdoor human activities and the associated public health issues. The prolonged exposure of children in childcare facilities or the occupational exposure of adults to indoor environmental triggers can be a culprit of the pathophysiology of several commonly observed idiopathic syndromes. In this study, concentrations of potentially toxic plasticizers (phthalates as well as non-phthalates) were investigated in 28 dust samples collected from three different indoor environments across the USA. The mean concentrations of non-phthalate plasticizers [acetyl tri- n -butyl citrate (ATBC), di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), and di-isobutyl adipate (DIBA)] were found at 0.51–880 μg/g for the first time in indoor dust samples from childcare facilities, homes, and salons across the USA. The observed concentrations of these replacement non-phthalate plasticizer were as high as di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, the most frequently detected phthalate plasticizer at highest concentration worldwide, in most of indoor dust samples. The estimated daily intakes of total phthalates (n = 7) by children and toddlers through indoor dust in childcare facilities were 1.6 times higher than the non-phthalate plasticizers (n = 3), whereas estimated daily intake of total non-phthalates for all age groups at homes were 1.9 times higher than the phthalate plasticizers. This study reveals, for the first time, a more elevated (∼3 folds) occupational intake of phthalate and non-phthalate plasticizers through the indoor dust at salons (214 and 285 ng/kg-bw/day, respectively) than at homes in the USA.
Caracterização do grau de sobrecarga dos cuidadores de utentes dependentes da Unidade de Saúde Familiar USF Descobertas

Objectives: To characterize caregiver burden in the care of dependent individuals in the home care program of the Descobertas Family Health Unit, to test the association between caregiver burden and the level of dependence of the patient, and to identify the dimensions of caregiver wellbeing that were affected. Study design: Observational study. Location: USF Descobertas. Population: Informal caregivers of dependent individuals in a home care program. Methods: Each informal caregiver of a dependent individual in the medical and nursing home care program was included in the study over a two-month period. We conducted interviews by telephone using three questionnaires: a social and demographic description of the caregivers, the Katz scale to evaluate the level of dependency of the patient, and the Zarit caregiver burden interview. Spearman coefficients and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test for associations between variables. Results: A total of 174 dependent patients were identified, 65 of whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who were cared for by 60 caregivers. Five caregivers were taking care of two dependents simultaneously. Regarding the Zarit scale, 44.6% (n=29) of the caregivers reported a heavy burden, 20.0% (n=13) a light burden and 35.4% (n=23) no burden. The mean value of the Katz scale was 2.78. There was no statistically significant correlation between caregiver burden and the level of dependency of the patient (p=0.053). Conclusion: The burden of caregiving was identified in the majority of informal caregivers and was reported to be at an intense level. The items identified on the Zarit Scale were similar to those found in other national studies. Healthcare professionals should perform a systematic evaluation of caregiver burden and be able to intervene when needed. Further study of this issue is required in larger populations.
From form to process: Re-conceptualizing Lynch in light of complexity theory

New Urbanism’s disposition towards urban design emphasizes creating places that, in part, derive structure and meaning from ‘imageable’ components. These components resonate with the formal categories articulated by Kevin Lynch. That is to say, New Urbanist projects emphasize defined streets (edges) neighborhood coherence (districts) civic buildings (landmarks) connective public open spaces (nodes) and gridiron street networks (paths). Lynch, however, deemed that such urban features arose from dynamic processes, whereas New Urbanists pre-designate formal features without full consideration of their functional dynamics. In order to better situate this notion of ‘functional dynamics’, this paper argues that urban settings can be considered as examples of complex adaptive systems (CAS). The paper re-purposes Lynch’s formal categories to discuss CAS dynamics in urban settings, with processes rather than forms providing the essential mechanisms with which to achieve the conviviality NU projects aspire to.
Religious/Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs, Frequency of Contact, and Gender as Predictors of Attitudes Toward Persons With Disabilities:

Although much research has been carried out to identify the demographic and psychological variables linked to attitudes toward persons with disabilities (PWD), little research has examined the asso...
Gender differences in acute coronary syndromes: focus on the women with ACS without an obstructing culprit lesion.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The etiologies of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in women expand beyond the traditional paradigm of obstructive epicardial atherosclerotic disease and plaque rupture. Fundamental differences in pathobiology and presentation can partially explain the gender disparity in ACS diagnosis and management, but there is also much we do not know about the spectrum of coronary artery disease in women.Areas covered: This review seeks to explain some key differences between men and women in terms of risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical presentations, as well as identify areas where more data are needed, focusing on women presenting with ACS but without a culprit lesion to explain their presentation. Literature search was undertaken with PubMed and Google Scholar.Expert commentary: Women with acute coronary syndromes but without plaque rupture or obstructive epicardial atherosclerosis can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Improving care in this underdiagnosed and undertreated population ...
Teaching experiences with Alice for high school students

As participants in the Partners for Innovation in Information Technology (PIIT) National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, I was privileged to work with 15 high school students during a week-long Alice workshop. Alice is free software provided by Carnegie Mellon [5] and provides a visual programming environment to help introduce beginning programming concepts in a fun and exciting way. This paper is an experiential paper denoting efforts in the organization and delivery of the Alice workshop. Organizational efforts in preparing for the workshop, experiences in the delivery of the workshop, the effectiveness of the workshop and suggestions for delivering an Alice workshop will be shown.
Pearl Harbor bombing attack: A contamination legacy revealed in the sedimentary record

Abstract Sediment cores collected from Middle Loch and West Loch of Pearl Harbor were dated using fallout 137 Cs and excess 210 Pb and analysed for several major elements and trace metals. Results indicate that sediment deposited immediately following the 7 December, 1941, bombing attack on Pearl Harbor contained elevated levels of several trace metals. The bombing attack resulted in about six times more lead input to this estuarine area than the total combined lead input from sewage and naval maintenance operations during the succeeding 45 years. Although buried under 1 m of sedimentary material, this lead burden remains an environmental concern because dredging activities, ship traffic, and tropical storms could potentially resuspend this contaminated layer.
Calculation of the Average Properties of Hadronic Cascades at High Energies (CASIM)

CASIM1 is a Monte Carlo program which simulates the average development of internuclear cascades when high energy hadrons (10–1000 GeV) are incident on large targets. The program computes such desiderata as star densities, momentum spectra of interacting particles and energy deposited by the cascade as a function of location throughout the target. From these quantities,effects of interest in radiobiological protection, radiation damage, accelerator design, detector development, etc., can be estimated. CASIM is sufficiently general to apply to cascades in heterogeneous targets, arbitrary geometries and the presence of magnetic fields. Only the less conventional features of the program will be discussed here.
Development and Validation of the Latina American Shifting Scale (LASS)

The present research developed and validated a new measure of Latina American shifting (the Latina American Shifting Scale, LASS) or the self-altering coping strategies employed by some Latina American women. A 17-item instrument was developed to measure various facets of shifting phenomena based on a review of the literature, focus group feedback, and cultural experts. An initial validation study, using principal components analysis and promax rotation, was conducted with a national sample of 582 Latina Americans that reduced the initial set of 37 items to 17 items that assessed three constructs. A second independent national sample of 448 Latina Americans provided support for the 3-component structure using a confirmatory factor analysis. The final version of the new 17-item inventory comprised the following three subscales: Cultural Presentation Appropriateness, Language Appropriateness, and Appealing to the White Ideal. Implications for future research are discussed.