cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders among people with sleep disturbances: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are more common in people with self-reported sleep disturbance. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS From November 1988 to June 1994, valid self-report questionnaires were mailed to age- and sex-stratified random samples of Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents aged 20 to 95 years. RESULTS Of 2269 study participants (74% response rate), 52% were women (mean age, 45.0 years). The overall age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of sleep disturbance per 100 population was 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.7%-15.3%). Among study participants with sleep disturbance, the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was 33.3% (95% CI, 26.0%-40.5%) and the prevalence of frequent dyspepsia (FD) was 21.3% (95% CI, 14.4%-28.2%). After adjusting for age, sex, and somatization score, IBS was significantly more common in those with sleep disturbance (odds ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2), but the univariate association with FD was no longer statistically significant (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9-1.9). CONCLUSIONS Both IBS and FD are prevalent in those with self-reported sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance was independently associated with IBS but not FD in the general population.
Olson's embryo problem.

(2002). Olson's Embryo Problem. Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 80, No. 4, pp. 502-511.
Technical and management notes: A management information system for engineering and research

The article describes in practical managerial language 1) management information systems (MIS), 2) the benefits and advantages to be gained by utilizing an MIS, and 3) the major attributes and guidelines for construction. To accomplish its objective it is necessary to note and reference many important practices vital to successful management.
Twin-family studies of perceptual speed ability

Perceptual speed tests exhibit consistent sex differences, and an X-linked dominant gene has been hypothesized to explain female superiority in the aptitude. To evaluate that hypothesis, two tests from the ETS battery were administered to like-sex twins of college age, adult monozygotic twins, and their spouses and children. Offspring of MZ twins are genetic half-siblings reared as cousins in separate households; comparisons of the half-fraternities and half-sororities of male and female twin parents provide a direct test of X linkage. Test scores were transformed within age bands, and the age-sex standardized scores were evaluated for genetic variance and X-linked transmission. The analysis documents substantial heritability in perceptual speed that is inconsistent with X linkage. Gender differences in the ability may reflect polygenic transmission, with differing thresholds arising from cultural stereotypy in sex-role training.
The effect of acute irradiation in air, N2 and CO2 on the growth of the shoot apex and internodes of Kalanchoë cv “Brilliant star”

Abstract Acute irradiation with moderate X-ray exposures (1500–2000 R) of Kalanchoe seedlings resulted in temporary inhibition of leaf production. Within two weeks new leaves were formed, and at a slightly greater than “normal” rate. Thus, ultimately, the irradiated plants showed as many as or more leaves than the control material. Internodes which were meristematic during irradiation became severely inhibited, but the subsequently formed internode showed a considerable increase in length over control internodes. The changes in length of internodes were the result of altered cell number rather than cell size. Efforts to determine IAA involvement in this phenomenon proved inconclusive. Either internode lengths or frequency of abnormal phyllotaxies are suitable for quantitative assays of radiation effect. Use of the latter to test the effect of various gases and atmospheric pressures showed that this species is more tolerant to irradiation in a N 2 atmosphere than in air, and that sensitivity increased as the atmospheric pressure of air was increased. Irradiation in a CO 2 atmosphere gave results similar to irradiation in N 2 but an increase of CO 2 pressure in the presence of 1 atmosphere of air increased radiation sensitivity tremendously. Irradiation of the apical meristem proper with β-rays from a Sr 90 /Y 90 point source gave results similar to those obtained with X-irradiation of the entire shoot tip area. Thus the internode pattern of development observed must be under the control of the apical meristem itself.
Oceanic minerals: Their origin, nature of their environment, and significance

The chemical and isotopic compositions of oceanic biogenic and authigenic minerals contain invaluable information on the evolution of seawater, hence on the history of interaction between tectonics, climate, ocean circulation, and the evolution of life. Important advances and greater understanding of ( a ) key minor and trace element cycles with various residence times, ( b ) isotopic sources and sinks and fractionation behaviors, and ( c ) potential diagenetic problems, as well as developments in high-precision instrumentation, recently have been achieved. These advances provided new compelling evidence that neither gradualism nor uniformitarianism can explain many of the new important discoveries obtained from the chemistry and isotopic compositions of oceanic minerals. Presently, the best-developed geochemical proxies in biogenic carbonates are 18 O/ 16 O and Sr/Ca ratios (possibly Mg/Ca) for temperature; 87 Sr/ 86 Sr for input sources, Cd/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios for phosphate and alkalinity concentrations, respectively, thus also for ocean circulation; 13 C/ 12 C for ocean productivity; B isotopes for seawater pH;, U, Th isotopes, and 14 C for dating; and Sr and Mn concentrations for diagenesis. The oceanic authigenic minerals most widely used for chemical paleoceanography are barite, evaporite sulfates, and hydrogenous ferromanganese nodules. Marine barite is an effective alternative monitor of seawater 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, especially where carbonates are diagenetically altered or absent. It also provides a high-resolution record of seawater sulfate S isotopes, (evaporite sulfates only carry an episodic record), with new insights on factors affecting the S and C cycles and atmospheric oxygen. High-resolution studies of Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes of well-dated ferromanganese nodules contain invaluable records on climate driven changes in oceanic circulation.
Electrospun fibrinogen: Feasibility as a tissue engineering scaffold in a rat cell culture model

Fibrinogen has a well-established tissue engineering track record because of its ability to induce improved cellular interaction and scaffold remodeling compared to synthetic scaffolds. While the feasibility of electrospinning fibrinogen scaffolds of submicron diameter fibers and their mechanical properties have been demonstrated, in vitro cellular interaction has not yet been evaluated. The goal of this study was to demonstrate, based on cellular interaction and scaffold remodeling, that electrospun fibrinogen can be used successfully as a tissue engineering scaffold. Electrospun fibrinogen scaffolds were disinfected, seeded with neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts, and cultured for 2, 7, and 14 days. Cultures were treated to regulate scaffold degradation by either supplementing serum-containing media with aprotinin or crosslinking the scaffolds with glutaraldehyde vapor. Biocompatibility was assessed through a WST-1 cell proliferation assay. Postculture scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and histology. Cell culture demonstrated that fibroblasts readily migrate into and remodel electrospun fibrinogen scaffolds with deposition of native collagen. Supplementation of culture media with different concentrations of aprotinin-modulated scaffold degradation in a predictable fashion, but glutaraldehyde vapor fixation was less reliable. Based on the observed cellular interactions, there is tremendous potential for electrospun fibrinogen as a tissue engineering scaffold.
Anticonvulsant effects upon regional synaptosomal GABA uptake: Differences in convulsed rats

Abstract In vitro studies with synaptosomes regionally isolated from adult rat brain have indicated increased GABA uptake by cerebral cortical endings at physiological concentrations of pentobarbital, phenytoin, and diazepam. Nerve endings from the hippocampal cortex showed decreased GABA uptake from the same anticonvulsants. For synaptosomes from convulsed animals GABA uptake was reduced in cortical endings by the anticonvulsants and increased by these drugs in hippocampal endings. The short-term sequalae of convulsions had no effect upon GABA uptake by cerebellar mossy fiber endings, wherein uptake was reduced by the anticonvulsant drugs.
ICT as a corruption deterrent: a research note

Investigations of white-collar crimes such as corruption are often hindered by the lack of information or physical evidence. The vast amounts of information recorded, stored, analyzed, and shared using information and communication technologies (ICT) by businesses, governments, and citizens may help in investigating and prosecuting these crimes, and in deterring future crimes. This study investigates the relationship between ICT and corruption at the country level using the theoretical lens of general deterrence theory. Using country level data from 97 countries for the years 2011--2013, we demonstrate that countries with higher ICT penetration and higher rule of law tend to have lesser corruption after controlling for social, economic, and political factors.
Risk management in allergen immunotherapy

The major risk of allergen immunotherapy is the development of systemic anaphylactic reactions. The reported frequency of systemic reactions after allergen immunotherapy varies from 36% in patients receiving rush immunotherapy. Fatal and systemic reactions to allergen immunotherapy have similar characteristics. The onset of both types of reaction occurs < 30 minutes after injection in approximately 70% of patients. The most common risk factors for fatal and systemic reactions to allergen immunotherapy include a history of asthma, increasing allergen dose, high allergen sensitivity, previous systemic reaction, and injection during an active allergen season. On the basis of findings from several studies, precautions during allergen immunotherapy have been recommended. In addition, several interventions, including premedication with antihistamines or corticosteroids, measurement of peak flow before injection, and access to an antihistamine or injectable epinephrine after an allergen injection, have been suggested as measures to prevent reactions to and improve the safety of allergen immunotherapy. However, additional studies are necessary before these regimens are implemented routinely in allergen immunotherapy protocols.
THE STRUCTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN: CONCERN FOR SELF, OTHER PEOPLE, AND THE BIOSPHERE

Four studies are reported on the structure of environmental attitudes. Based on Stern & Dietz' (1994) value-basis theory for environmental attitudes, we predicted that concerns for environmental issues would form three correlated factors. The first study presents the results from a confirmatory factor analysis of the proposed three-factor model among a sample of 1010 U.S. college students. The second study presents the results from a telephone survey of 1005 U.S. respondents. The third study examines the relationship between the three identified types of environmental concerns, existing measures of environmental attitudes, empathy, and social-value orientation. The final study presents the results from a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis examining the factor structure of environmental concerns among college students in ten countries. Additional analyses are provided on the relationship between values and environmental concerns. Taken together, the results provide strong evidence for the distinction between egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric environmental concerns.
Cerulenin Blockade of Fatty Acid Synthase Reverses Hepatic Steatosis in ob/ob Mice

Fatty liver or hepatic steatosis is a common health problem associated with abnormal liver function and increased susceptibility to ischemia/reperfusion injury. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the fatty acid synthase inhibitor cerulenin on hepatic function in steatotic ob/ob mice. Different dosages of cerulenin were administered intraperitoneally to ob/ob mice for 2 to 7 days. Body weight, serum AST/ALT, hepatic energy state, and gene expression patterns in ob/ob mice were examined. We found that cerulenin treatment markedly improved hepatic function in ob/ob mice. Serum AST/ALT levels were significantly decreased and hepatic ATP levels increased in treated obese mice compared to obese controls, accompanied by fat depletion in the hepatocyte. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ and uncoupling protein 2 were suppressed with cerulenin treatment and paralleled changes in AST/ALT levels. Hepatic glutathione content were increased in some cases and apoptotic activity in the steatotic livers was minimally changed with cerulenin treatment. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that fatty acid synthase blockade constitutes a novel therapeutic strategy for altering hepatic steatosis at non-stressed states in obese livers.
Liquid crystals in failure analysis today

Abstract One of the prerequisite experimental conditions to have the liquid crystals pinpoint an physical defect (electrically signed on) on an integrated circuit is their uniform orientation when in off state (electric field E=0). Among the methods used to compel the liquid crystals molecules in a planar configuration (into a cell) is the tilted coating of both the walls of the cell. But failure analysis often means you only have a single chip that exhibits the failure mode. Thus, so as to avoid any damage on the die, we tried to work with a single prepared electrode: the coverplate, that was textured with a SiO angular deposition. The so obtained results are quite good in term of contrast.
Characterization of a population of monozygotic twins with asthma

Background. Asthma is a complex inflammatory lung disease that results from allergic and nonallergic environmental exposures in genetically susceptible individuals. The interrelationship and impact of environmental and genetic determinants on the development of asthma is still unclear. Monozygotic twins (MZT) have been considered a potentially useful population to investigate the role of genetic and environmental factors on asthma because of their identical genetic background, similar childhood environmental exposures, and expected high concordance rate for asthma. Methods. A detailed questionnaire designed to obtain demographic information, medical history/severity of asthma, and environmental exposures was distributed to 43 pairs of MZT pairs where one or both probands had a history of asthma. All twin pairs were clinically evaluated for atopy by skin testing. Asthma was assessed by questionnaire, baseline spirometry, disease severity, airway reactivity, and medication scores. Results. Based on a histor...
Golgi and plasma membrane pools of PI(4)P contribute to plasma membrane PI(4,5)P2 and maintenance of KCNQ2/3 ion channel current

Plasma membrane (PM) phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] regulates the activity of many ion channels and other membrane-associated proteins. To determine precursor sources of the PM PI(4,5)P2 pool in tsA-201 cells, we monitored KCNQ2/3 channel currents and translocation of PHPLCδ1 domains as real-time indicators of PM PI(4,5)P2, and translocation of PHOSH2×2, and PHOSH1 domains as indicators of PM and Golgi phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P], respectively. We selectively depleted PI(4)P pools at the PM, Golgi, or both using the rapamycin-recruitable lipid 4-phosphatases. Depleting PI(4)P at the PM with a recruitable 4-phosphatase (Sac1) results in a decrease of PI(4,5)P2 measured by electrical or optical indicators. Depleting PI(4)P at the Golgi with the 4-phosphatase or disrupting membrane-transporting motors induces a decline in PM PI(4,5)P2. Depleting PI(4)P simultaneously at both the Golgi and the PM induces a larger decrease of PI(4,5)P2. The decline of PI(4,5)P2 following 4-phosphatase recruitment takes 1-2 min. Recruiting the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) toward the Golgi membranes mimics the effects of depleting PI(4)P at the Golgi, apparently due to the trans actions of endogenous ER Sac1. Thus, maintenance of the PM pool of PI(4,5)P2 appears to depend on precursor pools of PI(4)P both in the PM and in the Golgi. The decrease in PM PI(4,5)P2 when Sac1 is recruited to the Golgi suggests that the Golgi contribution is ongoing and that PI(4,5)P2 production may be coupled to important cell biological processes such as membrane trafficking or lipid transfer activity.
An Interactive Chromosone Scanning System

To the relatively few groups actively engaged in automated chromosome studies, the title of this paper is rather self explanatory because it proposes to address a problem which has become apparent to all of us who have sought to automate cell analysis. The need for human interaction implies that our automated procedures are not error free and require some degree of human verification and correction within the procedure. Indeed this is so. The fact that a problem exists may be attributed to an over-optimistic concept of the capability of machines to duplicate apparently simple human activity. It follows that certainly one purpose of this paper would be to discuss the need for human interaction in automated chromosome analysis and to suggest an approach to the question of where and how interaction should be implemented. However, so that others who may be unfamiliar with automated chromosome analysis can achieve a better understanding, the format of this paper includes a brief overview of human cytogenetics along with an attempt to treat the significance of chromosome abnormalities in terms of the need for population studies. Unfortunately, the justification for automated procedures in cytogenetics has been based upon the need to reduce the labor and tedium involved in large studies without the need for the large studies themselves being clearly established on a cytogenetic basis.
Triangles inscribed in simple closed curves

We show that given any triangle T and any simple closed curve J ⊂ ℝ2 there are infinitely many triangles similar to T whose vertices are contained in J. In fact, the set of such vertices is dense in J.
Metabolic profiling of mitochondrial disease at rest and with exercise

The mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders represent a large collection of individually rare syndromes. Their phenotypic heterogeneity, combined with the large number of causal genetic and environmental factors, makes their diagnosis and management challenging. While characterisation of the mitochondrial proteome, in combination with next generation sequencing is transforming their molecular diagnosis, we still lack facile biomarkers and useful therapies. In this talk, I will present our lab's recent efforts applying metabolomics technology to study the cellular and human biochemical response to mitochondrial dysfunction. The results provide new insights into the metabolic ripples that ensue in response to mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction to give rise to diverse pathology observed in these disorders. We are combining this cell-based work with studies of patients with mitochondrial disease at rest and with exercise. Our work has implications for discovering new biomarkers of mitochondrial disease, as well as for nominating new therapeutic strategies for these challenging disorders.
Probing the conformational behavior of a monoclonal antibody with surfactant affinity capillary electrophoresis (SurfACE)

Multiple peaks are observed for a monoclonal antibody (mAb) when analyzed by “protein MEKC” (micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography) using SDS-containing run buffers. We present our efforts to understand the mechanism of peak formation and the factors that affect the distribution of the mAb between these peaks. We used “intrinsic” charge ladders of the mAb to determine that peak-to-peak differences in the amount of bound surfactant are comparable to the aggregation numbers of protein-bound micelles. This suggests that the peaks represent sequential unfolding intermediates formed after collisions with micelles. Since this mechanism differs from that of small-molecule MEKC, we prefer to view this technique as a variant of affinity capillary electrophoresis and call it “SurfACE.” We also find that the peak distribution is highly sensitive to pH. Lower pH favors the formation of more highly bound complexes, probably through an electrostatic effect on the kinetics. If the run buffer pH is high enough, the peak distribution appears to be set during the post-injection mixing process, as the mAb encounters surfactant during its transition from the lower-pH sample environment. Analysts who wish to interpret “protein MEKC” electropherograms should take note of these effects.
Inhibition of cortisone-induced cleft palate in mice by cobaltous chloride

Young primipara CF-1 mice were mated overnight and those with vaginal plugs (day zero) were considered pregnant. Animals were divided into five groups of 26 each and subjected to the following treatment: group A received 2.5 mg. of cortisone acetate i.m. on days 11, 12, 13, and 14; group B received cobaltous chloride, 25 mg./Kg. i.p. on day 11 only followed by cortisone acetate, 2.5 mg. i.m. on days 11, 12, 13, and 14; group C received physiological saline, 0.1 ml. i.m. on days 11, 12, 13, and 14; group D represented untreated controls; group E received cobaltous chloride, 25 mg./Kg. i.p. on day 11 only followed by saline, 0.1 ml. i.m. on days 11, 12, 13, and 14. Mice were laparotomized and fetuses were examined on day 18. Group A (cortisone), 140 of 185 fetuses developed cleft palate (75.6 per cent incidence); group B (cobaltous chloride-cortisone), 24 of the 190 fetuses had clefts (12.6 per cent incidence); group C (saline), none of the 201 fetuses showed clefts; group D (untreated controls), none of the 194 fetuses had clefts; group E (cobaltous chloride-saline), 27 of the 208 fetuses had cleft palate (12.9 per cent incidence). Also, the incidence of cleft palate by litters was group A, 100 per cent; group B, 23.1 per cent; group C, 0 per cent; group D, 0 per cent; group E, 50 per cent.
Newton and Hooke on Centripetal Force Motion

In the continuing debate on the relative priorities of Newton and Hooke, it is necessary to insist that Hooke was the one who in fact set upright the crucial problem of orbital motion, which had been conceptualised, as it were, upside down. Hooke rather than Newton stated the mechanical elements of orbital motion in terms adequate to the concept of inertia. [Westfall 1971, p. 427]
Chemical, microbial, and sensory evaluation of a frozen kubbee product.

Kubbee, a Middle Eastern entree, was made from ground beef (10% fat), bulgur wheat, and spices with a filling of barbecue sauce. Shelf-life of raw and precooked vacuum packaged product was evaluated during 180 days of storage at -18C. Precooked frozen kubbees were reheated in a conventional or microwave oven, and uncooked frozen kubbee was baked in a conventional oven prior to evaluation. Except for redness, color values did not change during storage (P Le kubbee, plat d'entree d'origine moyen-orientale, est cuisine a partir de boeuf hache (10% de matieres grasses), de boulgour et d'epices avec une garniture de sauce barbecue. La duree de conservation du produit emballe sous vide cru ou precuit est evaluee pendant une periode de 180 jours de stockage a -18°C. Le kubbee est microbiologiquement stable pendant cette periode de stockage mais quelques qualites sensorielles se degradent avec le temps de conservation et le rechauffage au micro-ondes.
The Impact of Aggression Subtypes and Friendship Quality on Child Symptoms of Depression

Although aggressive behavior and poor friendship quality have both been linked to child depressive symptoms (Card and Little 2006; Panak and Garber 1992; Oldenberg and Kerns 1997), little to no research has examined how the combined form and function subtypes of aggression (i.e., proactive-overt, reactive-overt, proactive-relational, and reactive-relational) are related to depressive symptoms. Further, it is unclear if these subtypes are associated with depressive symptoms when also accounting for the variance associated with friendship quality or whether friendship quality interacts with the aggression subtypes to impact child depressive symptoms. The purpose of the current study was to examine the link between aggression subtypes, friendship quality, and child depressive symptoms. The sample included 89 children (56 % male; 74 % Caucasian) who were between 9 and 12 years of age (M = 10.4 years, SD = 1.1) and their caregivers. Child reports of depressive symptoms and ratings of friendship quality with a best friend as well as caregiver reports of children’s aggressive behaviors were obtained during separate interviews. Correlation analyses indicated that reactive-overt, reactive-relational, and proactive-relational forms of aggression were positively associated while friendship quality was negatively associated with child depressive symptoms; however, regression analyses revealed that only reactive-overt aggression and friendship quality were uniquely associated with depressive symptoms. Friendship quality did not moderate the association between any subtype of aggression and depression. This study suggests the need to specifically target individuals who exhibit reactive-overt aggression for the prevention of depressive symptoms, regardless of their levels of friendship quality.
Steady flows at the top of the core from geomagnetic field models: The steady motions theorem

It is demonstrated that the steady tangential velocity at the closed surface of a perfect-fluid conductor bounded by a rigid impenetrable exterior can be uniquely determined from knowledge of the normal component of the time-varying magnetic-flux density on the surface. In the context of a simple earth model consisting of an electrically insulating mantle surrounding a perfectly conducting core, the assumption of steady flow provides enough extra information to eliminate the toroidal ambiguity and to allow derivation of a unique global flow at the top of the core from a model of the geomagnetic field.
Efficient Implementation of Weighted ENO Schemes

In this paper, we further analyze, test, modify, and improve the high order WENO (weighted essentially non-oscillatory) finite difference schemes of Liu, Osher, and Chan. It was shown by Liuet al.that WENO schemes constructed from therth order (inL1norm) ENO schemes are (r+ 1)th order accurate. We propose a new way of measuring the smoothness of a numerical solution, emulating the idea of minimizing the total variation of the approximation, which results in a fifth-order WENO scheme for the caser= 3, instead of the fourth-order with the original smoothness measurement by Liuet al.This fifth-order WENO scheme is as fast as the fourth-order WENO scheme of Liuet al.and both schemes are about twice as fast as the fourth-order ENO schemes on vector supercomputers and as fast on serial and parallel computers. For Euler systems of gas dynamics, we suggest computing the weights from pressure and entropy instead of the characteristic values to simplify the costly characteristic procedure. The resulting WENO schemes are about twice as fast as the WENO schemes using the characteristic decompositions to compute weights and work well for problems which do not contain strong shocks or strong reflected waves. We also prove that, for conservation laws with smooth solutions, all WENO schemes are convergent. Many numerical tests, including the 1D steady state nozzle flow problem and 2D shock entropy wave interaction problem, are presented to demonstrate the remarkable capability of the WENO schemes, especially the WENO scheme using the new smoothness measurement in resolving complicated shock and flow structures. We have also applied Yang's artificial compression method to the WENO schemes to sharpen contact discontinuities.
Detection of a prostate-specific protein, human glandular kallikrein (hK2), in sera of patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen levels

Abstract Objectives Messenger ribonucleic acid for human glandular kallikrein (hK2), a protein similar to prostatespecific antigen (PSA), is expressed in the prostate. Quantitative tests for the relative amounts of PSA in serum have become important in the diagnosis and management of patients with prostate cancer. Measurement of hK2 in serum may also serve as a diagnostic indicator of disease. The object of this study was to determine if hK2 is present in the serum of patients with high serum concentrations of PSA. Methods Recombinant prohK2 with an alanine to valine mutation at aa217 (phK2v217) was expressed in a hamster tumor cell line, AV12. The propeptide was treated with trypsin to yield the mature form of hK2 (hK2v217). Using a monoclonal antibody, HK1G586.1, which recognized wild type and mutant forms of proand mature hK2, an hK2-specific radioimmunoassay was developed. Results PSA cross-reactivity in the radioimmunoassay (RIA) was 0.23%. hK2 was detected in the sera of 51 of 76 patients with PSA levels above 100 ng/mL. The dose-response curve of hK2-positive samples was linear, and recovery of phK2v217-spiked serum samples was close to 100%. The correlation between PSA and hK2 values in the patient sera was low ( r =0.168). Conclusions Given the importance of the role of PSA as a serologic indicator of prostate cancer, the demonstration that hK2 is also circulating in the blood of patients in different relative proportions to PSA suggests that it may be a significant novel marker for prostate cancer.
Cumulative Results of Extended Forecast Experiment. III: Precipitation

Abstract A diagnostic analysis and an appraisal of the precipitation calculation by the GFDL (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory) 1967 version prediction model are presented, using two-week forecasts of 12 January and 12 July cases. The geographical distribution of predicted rainfall, moisture, and snow over the Northern Hemisphere and the contiguous United States was investigated in comparison with climatological maps published by other authors. The agreement of precipitation and dew-point temperature is marginal. The major causes for the deficiencies are 1) a specification of excessive soil moisture over land, 2) probably an improper treatment of moisture diffusion associated with topography, and 3) an inadequate rain generation process in the model. However, the predicted snow distribution over the United States was reasonable.
Stereochemistry of the Ph3P-CCl4 mediated cyclization of carboxylic acids and 1,2-amino alcohols (Vorbruggen method)

Abstract In contrast to a previous report,β-hydroxy amides formed via the Ph3P-CCl4 condensation of acids and amino alcohols, cyclize to oxazolines with complete inversion of the carbinol center.
Abelian subgroups of any order in class groups of global function fields

Let F be a finite field with q elements, and T a transcendental element over F. In this paper, we construct infinitely many real function fields of any fixed degree over F(T) with ideal class numbers divisible by any given positive integer greater than 1. For imaginary function fields, we obtain a stronger result which shows that for any relatively prime integers m and n with m,n>1 and relatively prime to the characteristic of F, there are infinitely many imaginary fields of fixed degree m such that the class group contains a subgroup isomorphic to (Z/nZ)m−1.
BRAIN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING CHARACTERISTICS IN DOGS AND CATS WITH CONGENITAL PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS

Animals with a portosystemic shunt (PSS) often have neurologic abnormalities. Diagnostic imaging, including brain magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, is not performed routinely in these animals. In this study, brain MR images were obtained in 13 dogs and three cats with a PSS, and in 15 dogs and five cats that were neurologically normal and used as controls. All animals with a PSS had widened sulci. In addition, 10 out of 13 dogs with a PSS and one out of three cats with a PSS had hyperintense focal areas in the lentiform nuclei on T1-weighted (T1W) images, which did not enhance after intravenous gadolinium. Following surgical correction of the PSS, MR imaging examinations were repeated in one dog and one cat. The hyperintensity of the lentiform nuclei had decreased. This study indicates that MR imaging findings of widened sulci and hyperintensity of the lentiform nuclei on T1W images may be found in dogs and cats with a PSS.
Constitutive activation of the collagenase promoter in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa fibroblasts: role of endogenously activated AP-1

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a mutilating disease of the skin characterized by recurrent blistering and erosions that result from compromised integrity of the basement membrane zone. In this study, fibroblasts derived from the skin of RDEB patients were characterized for expression of the major metalloproteinases, particularly interstitial collagenase. Consistent with previous reports on increased collagenase protein levels in fibroblasts from some RDEB patients, we found that steady-state levels of collagenase mRNA were significantly increased in fibroblast strains derived from three of five RDEB patients compared to fibroblasts obtained from normal donors. Stromelysin mRNA was elevated in the same three fibroblast strains, whereas expression of neither the 72- nor the 92-kDa type IV collagenases was different from that of controls. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases was expressed in RDEB fibroblasts at levels similar to those observed in normal fibroblasts. To investigate the mechanism behind the steady-state elevation in collagenase and stromelysin expression, AP-1 expression and activation were studied. Although levels of Jun expression were not different from those seen in normal fibroblasts, AP-1 activity, as assessed by ability to bind to a TPA response element-containing oligonucleotide, was endogenously elevated in RDEB fibroblasts compared to normal fibroblasts. Transfection studies using a plasmid construct containing the collagenase promoter linked to a CAT reporter gene demonstrated that RDEB fibroblasts were able to support active transcription of the promoter compared to normal fibroblasts. These studies support the hypothesis that RDEB fibroblasts contain chronically activated AP-1, and perhaps other transactivating factors, that contribute to the cellular phenotype of collagenase and stromelysin overexpression.
Citizens' Educational Values and Their Satisfaction with a State University.

This study describes citizens' values regarding (1) the importance of various university goals and activities, (2) the importance of various academic fields or disciplines, and (3) the importance of various reasons for attending the University of Minnesota. The study examines the relationships between these categories of educational values and citizen satisfaction with the University of Minnesota. A stratified random sample of 722 Minnesota citizens received a questionnaire which had a series of items related to the purposes of the study; 56% returned completed questionnaires. Common factor analyses were used to identify categories of educational values. Citizens' values regarding important goals and activities of the university and their values regarding important reasons for attending the university were somewhat useful in explaining their satisfaction.
Bounds for the correlations of expected inflation with real and nominal interest rates

Abstract This paper derives bounds for the correlations of the (unobservable) expected rate of inflation with nominal and expected real interest rates. For quarterly U.S. data from 1955 to 1990, the bounds suggest that expected changes in (CPI) inflation have a weak positive correlation with changes in the nominal T-bill yield, and a strong negative correlation with expected changes in the real T-bill yield.
Estimation of the Transmissibility of Anti-Vibration Gloves when Used with Specific Tools

Anti-vibration gloves are increasingly being used as personal protective equipment to help reduce the hazards of hand-transmitted vibration. A vibration transfer function method for estimating the tool-specific performance of anti-vibration gloves has been proposed to help select appropriate gloves for particular tools and to assess the potential risks posed by tool vibration. This study evaluates the validity of the method by comparing the predicted vibration transmissibility with the measured value. Two typical vibration-attenuating gloves (air-bladder and visco-elastic material gloves) were used in the study. Two series of experiments were performed for the evaluation. In the first series, the isolation efficiency of selected anti-vibration gloves was evaluated in the laboratory under synthesized handle vibration spectra of six different tools. The second series of tests involved the measurement of the glove transmissibility, while operating two different pneumatic chipping hammers. The results of the ...
Food-sharing signals among socially foraging cliff swallows

Abstract Colonially nesting cliff swallows, Hirundo pyrrhonota, in southwestern Nebraska use a vocal signal, termed the squeak call, which alerts conspecifics that food has been found. Birds were recruited to playbacks of this call, and the frequency of calling increased when insect swarms were provided to the swallows. Squeak calls were used mostly while birds were foraging in loose groups away from their colonies. Calling occurred primarily on days when temperatures were less than 17°C, solar radiation was less than 500 W/m2, and wind speed was less than 26 km/h, conditions under which foraging success was presumably poor. Weather conditions appropriate for calling occurred regularly, with an average 24·5% of days in each breeding season suitable for use of the squeak call. Calling probably improves the caller's own foraging efficiency. By recruiting other foragers to a discovered food source, the caller may increase the chances that the insects' movements will be tracked and thus that the caller itself will be able to exploit the insect swarm for a longer time.
Sucrose Synthase and Natural Ripening in Sugarcane

Sugarcane (spp. hybrids) cultivars vary in the timing and extent of natural ripening, an increase in the sucrose concentration of stalk juice that increases sucrose recovery in the sugar industry. The present study was conducted to determine (i) what changes sugar accumulation occur in individual internodes during ripening, and (ii) if changes in sucrose synthase (SS) activity accompany natural ripening in sugarcane. Sugar concentrations and SS activities were determined in elongating and sucrose-storing internodes of two sugarcane cultivars sampled at monthly intervals during the 1989–1990 and 1990–1991 harvest seasons in South Texas. Ripening was indicated by a decrease in elongation rate, increase in total sugar concentration, and increase in sucrose percent of total sugar over successive sampling dates. These changes occurred earlier and to a greater extent in ‘CP 70-321’, an early ripening cultivar, than in ‘LCP 81-10’, which ripens later in the season. The specific activity of SS did not change significantly during this same period. In this study, changes in SS activity did not appear to be related to ripening.
Crystal growth in gels

Abstract A method is described which permits certain types of single crystals to be grown in silica gels. The technique is of special value for substances which by virtue of their low solubilities or low dissociation temperatures cannot readily be grown in other ways. It can yield large crystals (e.g. up to 11 mm) of high optical quality, doped or undoped. Most of the results refer explicitly to calcium and copper tartrates, but a great variety of other crystals have been prepared. The nucleation rate and the uptake of impurities from the gel are found to be functions of the irradiation intensity and dosage and this is believed to be a new effect. It should be possible to test existing theories which apply specifically to crystal growth in stagnant solutions by means of gel systems.
A course in anatomy for emergency medicine residents

Abstract The understanding of human anatomy is a critical component of the practice of medicine. A specialty with the breadth of emergency medicine is best approached with a sound basis in anatomy and pathophysiology which leads to a better understanding and differential diagnosis of the disease process. It was the authors' opinion that a specialty with the surgical emphasis found in emergency medicine should have a correlating emphasis in the antomical sciences. Subsequent testing of PGY-II residents demonstrated a fair to poor understanding of anatomy when gauged by a standard freshman anatomy examination tailored to clinical circumstances. This paper reports on a 3-year experience in giving a 1-week 40-hour anatomy course which included didactic presentations by the anatomy and surgery departments. The impact of this course on clinical practice, problems in its preparation, and outcome of a shared experience with residents from general surgery are discussed. The course is felt to be a successful addition to the training of emergency medicine specialists.
A Sensitivity Approach to Reachability Analysis for Particle Size Distribution in Semibatch Emulsion Polymerization

Experimental and simulation-based sensitivity studies on the process of evolution of particle size distribution (PSD) in semibatch emulsion polymerization are presented. The experimental studies identify an effective control strategy for PSD, and the appropriate manipulated variables. The complementary simulation studies identify the potentially reachable PSDs in the complex operating space. The study also examines the effect of uncertainties and disturbances on the reachable distributions, to evaluate the benefits of in-batch feedback control.
Synaptic vesicle endocytosis: the races, places, and molecular faces.

The classical experiments on synaptic vesicle recycling in the 1970s by Heuser and Reese, Ceccarelli, and their colleagues raised opposing theories regarding the speed, mechanisms, and locations of membrane retrieval at the synapse. The Heuser and Reese experiments supported a model in which synaptic vesicle recycling is mediated by the formation of coated vesicles, is relatively slow, and occurs distally from active zones, the sites of neurotransmitter release. Because heavy levels of stimulation were needed to visualize the coated vesicles, Ceccarelli’s experiments argued that synaptic vesicle recycling does not require the formation of coated vesicles, is relatively fast, and occurs directly at the active zone in a “kiss-and-run” reversal of exocytosis under more physiological conditions. For the next thirty years, these models have provided the foundation for studies of the rates, locations, and molecular elements involved in synaptic vesicle endocytosis. Here, we describe the evidence supporting each model and argue that the coated vesicle pathway is the most predominant physiological mechanism for recycling synaptic vesicles.
A fifty‐question self‐audit on ADA compliance

Three converging trends should cause employers to go beyond the minimum requirements of the ADA in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and promoting disabled workers. 1. The number of entry-level employees, ages eighteen to twenty-five, is decreasing to the extent that many businesses are finding it difficult to fill open, entry-level job positions. Hiring disabled people can help fill these positions. 2. The Education for the Handicapped Act of 1975 that requires mainstreaming disabled students is responsible for ensuring full educational benefits for all individuals with disabilities. 3. As we become more of an informational society, employees' brainpower becomes more important than their physical abilities. Therefore, effective compliance not only with the letter of the ADA, but also with the spirit of this law is simply good business.
Development of hydroxyapatite-mediated synthesis of collagen-based copolymers for application as bio scaffolds in bone regeneration

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible bio-ceramic whose structure and composition is similar to bone. However, its lack of strength and toughness have seriously hampered its applications as a bone graft substitute material. Attempts have been made to overcome these mechanical properties deficiencies by combining HAP bioceramic material with absorbable polymers in order to improve its mechanical properties. However, poor interfacial bonding between the HAP and the polymers has limited the benefits of such biocomposite structures. At the other end of the biomaterials spectrum is collagen, which constitutes the most abundant proteins in the body and exhibits properties such as biodegradability, bioadsorbability with low antigenicity, high affinity to water, and the ability to interact with cells through integrin recognition. These favorable properties renders collagen as a natural candidate for the modification and compatibilization of the polymer-HAP biocomposite. In this study, we developed a novel approach to the synthesis of a potential bone graft material, where the HAP moiety acts not only as a bioceramic filler, but also constitutes the initiator surface that promotes the in-situ polymerization of the adsorbable polymer of choice. The synthesis of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer was catalyzed by nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) particles and upon reaction completion, the biocomposite material was tethered with collagen. The synthesis was monitored by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopies and the products after each step were characterized by thermal analysis to probe both thermal stability, morphological integrity and mechanical properties.
Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with blood pressure in predominantly 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficient Hispanic and African Americans.

Background Several observational studies have recently suggested an inverse association of circulating levels of vitamin D with blood pressure. These findings have been based mainly on Caucasian populations; whether this association also exists among Hispanic and African Americans has yet to be definitively determined. This study investigates the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) with blood pressure in Hispanic and African Americans.
Transformational Leadership and Performance Across Criteria and Levels: A Meta-Analytic Review of 25 Years of Research:

Although transformational leadership has been studied extensively, the magnitude of the relationship between transformational leadership and follower performance across criterion types and levels of analysis remains unclear. Based on 117 independent samples over 113 primary studies, the current meta-analytic study showed that transformational leadership was positively related to individual-level follower performance across criterion types, with a stronger relationship for contextual performance than for task performance across most study settings. In addition, transformational leadership was positively related to performance at the team and organization levels. Moreover, both meta-analytic regression and relative importance analyses consistently showed that transformational leadership had an augmentation effect over transactional leadership (contingent reward) in predicting individual-level contextual performance and team-level performance. Contrary to our expectation, however, no augmentation effect of t...