cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perception of Immigrants in Europe: A Multilevel Assessment of Macrolevel Conditions

Objective In recent times, immigration has been a controversial topic. Discussions about immigration have become common household conversation. The primary objective of the current study is to explore the dynamics of native‐born citizens' attitudes toward immigrants and examine the potential influence of macro‐level conditions. Methods The current study employed multi‐level techniques to examine macro‐level effects on attitudes toward immigrants across 22 European countries. Specifically, three Hierarchical Linear Models were conducted to achieve the study's stated objective. Results The Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analyses revealed that a country's level of economic development as measured by changes in gross domestic product (GDP) and education significantly influenced native‐born citizens' views about immigrants. Moreover, the number of immigrants (per 1,000 residents) and crime rates determine whether native‐born Europeans will view foreigners positively or negatively. Nevertheless, a country's unemployment rate had no significant effect on perceptions of immigrants. Several individual‐level characteristics were found to predict perceptions of immigrants among native‐born Europeans. Conclusion Results from this endeavor provide insights for addressing common misconceptions about immigration and also help in understanding, from empirical standpoint, how native‐born citizens form their views about immigrants.
Longitudinal Association Between Depressive Symptoms and Multidimensional Sleep Health: The SWAN Sleep Study.

BACKGROUND Depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances disproportionately affect midlife women. While there may be a bidirectional association, few studies have examined whether depressive symptoms are longitudinally associated with subsequent sleep. Sleep is typically considered unidimensional, despite emerging evidence that multidimensional sleep health provides novel information on the sleep-health link. PURPOSE The current study examined whether higher depressive symptoms were longitudinally associated with poorer multidimensional sleep health. METHOD Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale across six to nine annual assessments in 302 midlife women from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Six months after their last assessment, actigraphy (mean ± standard deviation = 29.3 ± 6.9 days) and self-report were used to assess sleep health components: efficiency, duration, mid-sleep timing, regularity, alertness, and satisfaction, which were dichotomized and summed to create a composite multidimensional sleep health score. Mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the longitudinal associations between depressive symptoms and multidimensional sleep health, as well as individual sleep health components, adjusting for covariates. Exploratory analyses stratified models by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Higher depressive symptoms were associated with subsequent poorer multidimensional sleep health (p < .0.001) and lower alertness (p < .0001) and satisfaction with sleep (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Our finding that higher average depressive symptoms were associated longitudinally with actigraphy-measured poorer sleep health in midlife women is novel and converges with the larger body of evidence that these two common symptoms are strongly associated. The bidirectional relationship between these two prevalent symptoms needs to be studied in prospective longitudinal studies.
Using The Cancer Genome Atlas as a Tool to Improve Undergraduate Student Understanding of Cancer Genetics and the Hallmarks of Cancer Progression

Undergraduate students harbor a number of misconceptions about the complexity of cancer. Though educational interventions have been shown to promote student learning of various aspects of this ubiquitous disease, to date no studies have evaluated undergraduate student understanding of the Hallmarks of Cancer, a set of core properties that have emerged as the defining characteristics that drive cancer development and progression. This study documents poor baseline knowledge of many fundamental aspects of cancer biology and genetics by 2nd- and 3rd-year undergraduate students, and it evaluates the efficacy of a student-centered project as a pedagogical strategy for improving student understanding of both the hallmarks of cancer and the genetic influences that drive their acquisition by cancer cells. Using genomic and transcriptomic datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, students investigated the most common genetic aberrations associated with specific cancer types of interest and then researched the functions of these altered genes in order to link their aberrations with specific hallmark properties of cancer. A pre-/post-project assessment of student understanding of topics related to the hallmarks of cancer demonstrated the efficacy of this approach as a means of educating undergraduate students about core cancer concepts.
Tweeting or Listening to Learn: Professional Networks of Mathematics Teachers on Twitter

Informal interactions with expert colleagues support teachers’ development. However, not all teachers have more expert colleagues in their schools. An alternative is for teachers to seek the support of expert colleagues outside of their schools. A large number of mathematics teachers have extended their networks beyond the walls of their schools by collaborating on Twitter (among other social media platforms). In this study we describe and compare two dominant Twitter networks of mathematics teachers (#MTBoS and #iteachmath) to understand their scope and potential influence on teachers. Over a 4-week period in the late fall of 2019, there were over 6500 Twitter users who actively participated in the #MTBoS and #iteachmath networks and over 20,000 Twitter users who likely listened in on the #MTBoS and #iteachmath conversations (i.e., users who followed 20 or more active network participants). Among original tweets, which constituted about 25% of tweets, questions were more prevalent in #MTBoS than #iteachmath, suggesting that #MTBoS may be more of an advice-seeking network. This study suggests that the networks of mathematics teachers on Twitter offer a wide network of support, constituting important informal opportunities for professional learning.
Anti-Mullerian Hormone: Use and Mis-use in Current Reproductive Medicine Practice: A Clinically Oriented Review

Abstract Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) was originally discovered because of its role in suppressing uterine and tubal structures during male sexual development. It has since become a valuable adjunct to the practice of reproductive endocrinology in several venues. The ability of AMH to provide useful, albeit indirect information about the size of the ovarian follicle pool has been utilized successfully in the prediction of ovarian reserve, forecasting of time to menopause, supporting the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome and predicting response to treatment, and assisting in dose selection for women undergoing ART. However, enthusiasm for AMH as a relatively new tool in the armamentarium of the reproductive endocrinologist must be tempered by its limitations. Although AMH is helpful is ascertaining the quantity of remaining ovarian follicles, it does not provide information about follicle quality. Therefore using AMH to forecast fertility potential can be fraught with error and drive unwarranted medical treatment. Certain conditions and medications can also result in falsely low AMH determinations, which can again lead to inappropriate treatment recommendations. Knowledge of the proven usefulness of AMH and its limitations is therefore critical for optimal clinical practice.
Characterization of short-pulse laser produced fast electrons by using 3-D hybrid particle-in-cell simulations

Understanding of generation and characterization of fast electrons generated in high-intensity, short-pulse laser-target interaction is important for the development of broadband x-ray sources, creation of high energy density plasma and advanced inertial confinement fusion concepts. We have characterized short-pulse laser produced fast electrons by modeling angularly resolved bremsstrahlung with 3D simulations using a hybrid particle-in-cell code, Large Scale Plasmas (LSP). The experiment was performed at UNR using a 50 TW Leopard laser delivering a 15J, 0.35 ps pulse at a peak intensity of 2×10 19 W/cm 2 . The interaction of the laser pulse with a metal foil generates relativistic electrons predominantly by the ponderomotive potential. Subsequently, the transport of the electrons produces angular dependent bremsstrahlung and high energy electrons escape from the target rear. Bremsstrahlung photons and escaped electrons were recorded with two absolutely calibrated differential filter stack spectrometers and a magnet-based electron spectrometer, respectively. The bremsstrahlung measurements were then modeled with 3-D LSP simulations by varying input electron spectrum (T hot ), divergence angle (θ) and electron beam energy (E hot ). Ranges of the electron characteristics for the Leopard laser are deduced by using a chi-square fitting and the electron spectrum measurements. For a 100 μm thick Cu target, the input fast electron parameters are estimated to be T hot =1.0-1.5MeV, θ=~70o and E hot =0.8-1.5J. The slope temperature inferred from the analysis of the bremsstrahlung agrees with the direct electron measurement. The estimated electron beam energy corresponds to a conversion efficiency of 5.3-10% from the laser to electrons producing the bremsstrahlung. To test the validity of the inferred electron parameters, modeling of bremsstrahlung data for a 100 μm Cu foil attached on a CH backing is underway. Details of the analysis method and a comparison of inferred electron information for the two target types with and without strong electron recirculation will be presented at the conference.
It Doesn’t Apply to Me, So It Isn’t Real: People Are Likely to Deny Science if It Contradicts Their Personality:

When science contradicts people’s experiences, they often deny the science. Psychological science may be particularly prone to denialism because of its relatively high relevance to people’s lives. ...
Various Types of Equidistribution

In the sequel we are considering monotone sequences of positive numbers. The counting function N(r) of such a sequence r1,r2,..., rn, ..., 0 < r1 ≦ r2 ≦ r3 ··· ≦ rn ≦ ···, is defined as the number of those rn’s that are not larger than r, r ≧0: $$N(r) = \sum\limits_{{r_n} \leqq r} {1.}$$
Fluids inside a pore—an integral-equation approach

Integral equations for density profiles of fluids inside a slit pore and a spherical pore are derived using an Ornstein-Zernike system of equations. For a hard-sphere fluid we specialize to a Percus-Yevick (PY) closure and a hypernetted-chain (HNC) closure, and also consider the BBGKY hierarchy with a kind of superposition-approximation (SA) closure. The bulk correlation needed in the OZ system of equations is obtained from the PY approximation. These approximations, which will be referred to as the PY/PY and the HNC/PY approximations and the BBGKY-SA scheme, are applied to a pure hard-sphere fluid. It is shown that the BBGKY-SA equation is the same as the HNC equation used with a simple approximation for bulk direct correlation functions. The density profiles, partition coefficients, and solvation forces for the hard-sphere fluids inside a slit and a spherical pore are calculated and compared with simulation results. It turns out that the PY/PY approximation gives us a better overall agreement with simul...
Ex Ante Due Diligence: Formation of PTAs and Protection of Labor Rights

Kim, Moonhawk. (2012) Ex Ante Due Diligence: Formation of PTAs and Protection of Labor Rights. International Studies Quarterly, doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2478.2012.00758.x © 2012 International Studies Association Do fair trade PTAs—trade agreements that contain provisions for protection of labor rights—lead to improvements in labor protection in PTA partner states? If so, how do the PTAs bring about such improvements? I argue that trade partner states are likely to engage in ex ante due diligence and improve the protection of labor rights at home before they sign or even enter into negotiations for a PTA. Given that large developed economies have increasingly placed value on strong labor protection, trade partners of these economies act on the belief that, holding other factors constant, having stronger labor protection will increase their attractiveness as a potential or a prospective PTA partner. I test this argument in the context of the United States and its trade partners between 1982 and 2005. The evidence shows that trade partner states indeed are much more likely to improve labor protection (i) prior to the 2002 Trade Act publicizing the importance of labor protection and (ii) prior to signing a PTA with the United States.
Agents for Change: Undergraduate Writing Programs in Departments of English.

In the summer of 1987, Donald Stewart began a survey of English departments, attempting to uncover the changes in curriculum that had resulted from changes in the discipline. Stewart reported the results of his survey in a 1989 CCC article, "What is an English Major, and What Should It Be?" Stewart acknowledged the limitations of his study: he was considering only 194 colleges, and only 108 of these actually responded to his request for information beyond the catalogue description. Furthermore, many of the respondents indicated that their curriculum was constantly being revised. Still, the survey provided an important window on the English major, particularly with regard to options in creative writing and rhetoric/composition. Stewart found that only 74 of the 194 colleges surveyed, or 38%, offered students the chance to specialize in some aspect of writing in addition to literature. The majority of English departments surveyed by Stewart (55%) offered only literature emphases, with optional electives from other areas of English. Based on his findings, he made a call for "the establishment, in all departments, of options in creative writing, linguistics (where departments of linguistics do not exist), and composition and rhetoric" (193). In our survey of writing concentrations or majors within English departments, we wanted to follow up on Stewart's survey to see if more undergraduates were able to specialize in composition and rhetoric.1 The initial impetus for this survey came from an e-mail discussion among writing program directors about the concentrations in writing and rhetoric being offered in their departments. After several writing program directors informally announced new courses and writing concentrations, we thought a review of these changes
A MODEL OF THE INTERPLANETARY MEDIUM

Abstract An empirical model of the interplanetary medium is constructed. Near the orbit of earth, we find an electron density of about 1/cm3 and an expansion velocity of about 200 km/sec. A high velocity “solar wind” seems to prevail for 0⩽r⩽2 au, while a low velocity “solar breeze” seems to prevail beyond 2 au. This type of model is compared with other lines of evidence, and considerable agreement is found.
Statistical Mechanics of Antiferromagnetic Layer Crystal, FeCl 2

For the spin system in FeCl 2 we developed a statistical theory with Bethe-Peierls method and performed the numerical calculations to compare the results with experimental data of antiferro-ferro transition. Our results are also compared with those obtained by the molecular field approximation. The short range correlation gives rise to the following effects: the decrease of the Neel temperature, more rapid increase of the sublattice magnetization with decreasing temperature, and larger critical magnetic field of antiferro-ferro transition. From the experimental data of the critical magnetic field of antiferro-ferro transition, the values of two exchange coupling constants are estimated. For these values, it is concluded from theoretical considerations that the antiferro-ferro transition is of the first kind in almost whole the temperature region below the Neel point.
Uptake of magnesium, strontium, barium, and manganese by Plectonema boryanum (Cyanophyceae) with special reference to polyphosphate bodies

The ability of a cyanobacterium to take up and concentrate metals in polyphosphate bodies was tested. It was found that Mg, Ba and Mn are taken up by 3 and 4 week old cultures ofP. boryanum and in all cases the metals were concentrated in the polyphosphate bodies. In the case of Mn it was also detected in the cytoplasm. Strontium was sometimes taken up and incorporated into dense bodies which contained Sr, high S, high K and low Ca. In a number of trials no uptake of Sr could be detected. Polyphosphate bodies, formed as a result of the overplus phenomenon did not incorporate the metal at the time they are being formed. Polyphosphate bodies from 2 and 3 week culture contain P, K, Ca and Mg while bodies from 4 week cultures also possess Zn. It is suggested that sequestering metals in polyphosphate bodies may be a significant mechanism by which heavy metals are concentrated.
Pulsed doppler echocardiographic diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus: Sensitivity, specificity, limitations, and technical features

To determine the diagnostic features, sensitivity, and specificity of pulsed Doppler echocardiographic (PDE) diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 110 infants with heart disease were examined by PDE from the precordial and suprasternal notch approaches. On precordial examination, PDA was diagnosed upon recording of diastolic ductal flow into the pulmonary artery. From the suprasternal approach, PDA was suspected upon recording of continuous turbulent flow in the right pulmonary artery. A PDA was proved by invasive means in 45 of 110 cases. Precordial PDE had diagnosed PDA in 43 of 45 cases. In eight of 110, continuous turbulent flow was present in the pulmonary artery from the precordial approach, but no PDA jet was recorded. In two of eight, PDA was present, and in six of eight others systemic-to-pulmonic communications were present. Precordial PDE diagnosis of PDA had a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive index of 100%, and negative predictive index of 97%. From the suprasternal notch approach, PDA was suspected in 51 cases, with six false-positive diagnoses, yielding a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 91%, positive predictive index of 88%, and negative predictive index of 100%. Since the diastolic ductal jet flowing into the pulmonary artery was specific for PDA in all patients in whom it was recorded from a precordial approach, that approach and diagnostic feature, with sensitivity and positive predictive index of 100%, would seem preferred for PDE diagnosis of PDA. This would be especially important if the PDE diagnosis of PDA were to be used in place of invasive documentation of PDA, and in the differential diagnosis of PDA and other systemic-to-pulmonic communications. The suprasternal approach, while not specific for PDA, may have the advantage of sensitive detection or exclusion of a variety of systemic-to-pulmonic communications.
Strichartz Estimates for Wave Equations with Coefficients of Sobolev Regularity

Wave packet techniques provide an effective method for proving Strichartz estimates on solutions to wave equations whose coefficients are not smooth. We use such methods to show that the existing results for C 1, 1 and C 1, α coefficients can be improved when the coefficients of the wave operator lie in a Sobolev space of sufficiently high order.
Predictions of selectivity and flux for CH4/H2 separations using single walled carbon nanotubes as membranes

Abstract We have used atomically detailed simulations to predict the binary permeance of CH4/H2 mixtures through defect-free (10,10) single walled carbon nanotubes acting as membranes at room temperature. Earlier simulations indicated that single-component gas diffusion in carbon nanotubes is extremely rapid compared to other known nanoporous materials. Our results show that this observation also holds for binary mixtures adsorbed in carbon nanotubes. As a result, carbon nanotube membranes are predicted to exhibit extremely high fluxes. Our results predict that carbon nanotubes are strongly selective for CH4 over H2 when a mixture of these gases permeates through a membrane. Our results explore the performance of the membranes for mixtures of CH4 and H2 as a function of the composition and total pressure of the feed gases and the total pressure drop across the membrane.
Circadian Rhythms of Glucocorticoid Hormone Actions in Target Tissues: Potential Clinical Implications

Organisms face unforeseen short- and long-term changes in the environment (stressors). To defend against these changes, organisms have developed a stress system that includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which employs glucocorticoids and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) for signal transduction. In addition, organisms live under the strong influence of day-night cycles and, hence, have also developed a highly conserved circadian clock system for adjusting their activities to recurring environmental changes. This regulatory system creates and maintains internal circadian rhythmicity by employing a self-oscillating molecular pacemaker composed of the Clock-Bmal1 heterodimer and other transcription factors. The circadian clock consists of a central master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain hypothalamus and peripheral slave clocks in virtually all organs and tissues. The HPA axis and the circadian clock system communicate with each other at multiple levels. The central clock controls the HPA axis, creating the diurnal oscillation of circulating adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol, and the HPA axis adjusts the circadian rhythmicity of the peripheral clocks in response to various stressors through the GR. Further, Clock-Bmal1 regulates the response to glucocorticoids in peripheral tissues through acetylation of the GR, possibly antagonizing the biologic actions of diurnally fluctuating circulating cortisol. Importantly, dysregulation in the clock system and the HPA axis may cause similar pathologic manifestations--including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease--by uncoupling circulating cortisol concentrations from tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids.
Clonidine, but not bradykinin or ANP, inhibits Na+ and water transport in Dahl SS rat CCD.

Clonidine, but not bradykinin or ANP, inhibits Na + and water transport in Dahl SS rat CCD. We examined the actions of potentially natriuretic autacoids in the isolated perfused cortical collecting duct (CCD) dissected from inbred Dahl (Rapp strain) salt-sensitive rats (SS). Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP, 10 nM), bradykinin (BK, 10 nM), and clonidine (1 µM) were studied to determine their effects on the lumento-bath flux of 22 Na + (J 1→b , pmol min -1 mm -1 ), hydraulic conductivity (P f , µm/s), and transepithelial voltage (V T , mV). ANP and BK have been shown by others to significantly reduce net Na + reabsorption and hydraulic conductivity in the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat CCD, but previous results from our laboratory showed no ANP or BK effect in the SD CCD. In the present study, we were also unable to observe any effect of either ANP or BK in the SS rat CCD. However, in the presence of AVP, clonidine (a partial α 2 -adrenergic receptor agonist) significantly reduced J 1→b and P f from 139 ± 6 (SEM) to 88 ± 7 and from 959 ± 176 to 490 ± 73, respectively. In addition, clonidine significantly depolarized V T from -14.5 ± 2.8 to -11.2 ± 1.8. However, unlike its effects in the SD rat CCD, yohimbine (300 nM, an α 2 -adrenergic receptor antagonist) did not significantly reverse the effects of clonidine on J 1→b , P f , or V T in the SS rat CCD.
Human triosephosphate isomerase: substitution of Arg for Gly at position 122 in a thermolabile electromorph variant, TPI-Manchester.

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoreses of polymerase chain reaction amplified DNA products and subsequent direct sequencing identified a G-to-A transition causing a replacement of Gly 122 with Arg in an electrophoretic mobility variant of human triosephosphate isomerase, TPI-Manchester. This was the only TPI electromorph variant detected in screening of > 3,400 humans in an Ann Arbor, Mich. population. This substitution is at the amino terminus or solvent interaction end of the fifth β sheet of the α/β barrel structure. The TPI-Manchester variant is a thermolabile enzyme, but the stability of the variant enzyme is not sensitive to other denaturants. This amino acid substitution does not involve residues of the active site and does not detectably alter the kinetic properties of the enzyme. The data provide additional insight into the amino acid residues that are important for the maintenance of the structural characteristics of this very evolutionary constrained protein.
Decay and evolution of the neutral kaon

The time evolution of the neutral-kaon complex is investigated, making use of the constraints of {ital CPT} invariance, a non-negative energy spectrum, and the corrections to the Lee-Oehme-Yang phenomenological theory. Some numerical estimates are made which are compared with the work of Khalfin, which stimulated the present work.
Image fusion as a new postprocessing method to evaluate the radiofrequency ablation zone after treatment of malignant liver tumors.

Objective We describe a manual segmentation and image fusion method to assess the relationship between liver tumors and the radiofrequency ablation zone depicted on cross-sectional imaging. Conclusions Manual fusion of segmented images of hepatic tumors from a preprocedural scan with the ablation zone depicted on the postinterventional imaging examination may be used to create a composite image demonstrating the ablation margin. This technique may improve evaluation of the size of the ablation margin around the circumference of the tumor, thereby predicting which patients are more likely to incur local tumor recurrence.
Fast, exact linkage analysis for categorical traits on arbitrary pedigree designs

Multi-symptom diseases without a consistent continuous measurement of severity may be best understood with a categorical interpretation. In this paper, we present LOCate v.2, a fast, exact algorithm for linkage analysis of all types of categorical traits, both ordinal and nominal. Our method is able to incorporate missing data and analyze complex genealogical structure, including inbreeding loops. LOCate v.2 computes exact likelihoods efficiently through an elimination algorithm, similar to that used by Superlink for binary traits. We compare LOCate v.2 to LOT and QTLlink, two existing methods of linkage analysis for ordinal traits. We find that LOCate v.2 outperforms both methods when used to analyze simulated nominal traits. In addition, LOCate v.2 performs as well as QTLlink on simulated ordinal traits, and better than LOT due to the necessity of cutting large pedigrees for analysis in LOT. To demonstrate the versatility of LOCate v.2, we conduct an ordinal and nominal linkage analysis of ventricular arrhythmias in a large, inbred pedigree of German Shepherd dogs. We find that a trichotomous ordinal or nominal interpretation strengthens the evidence in favor of linkage to a region on chromosome 6, and provides new evidence of linkage to a region on chromosome 11. LOCate v.2 is a unified, fast, and robust method for linkage analysis of ordinal and nominal traits which will be valuable to researchers interested in investigating any type of categorical trait. Genet. Epidemiol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. 35:371-380, 2011
Memory for common objects: brief intentional study is sufficient to overcome poor recall of US coin features

Prior studies have explained the very poor recall for the features of a coin in terms of visual characteristics. Two experiments compared incidental exposure and intentional study of US coins on recall of their features. In Experiment 1, recall performance for a rarely seen Mercury dime after a 1-min study period was better than that for an unstudied penny, even when the test on the dime was delayed 1 week. In Experiment 2, participants studied the dime for 15, 30, 45, or 60 s. Recall of the dime was greater than that of the unstudied penny even with the shortest study interval. Thus, a high level of recall of a coin's features can be obtained with brief intentional study, and that level can be maintained across a long delay interval. These findings suggest that poor retention of coin features is due to incidental exposure rather than to visual characteristics. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proopiomelanocortin Processing in the Anterior Pituitary of the Ovine Fetus after Lesion of the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis plays an essential role in the maturation of fetal organs and, in sheep, birth. Lesioning the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in fetal sheep prevents adrenocortical maturation and parturition without altering plasma immunoreactive ACTH concentrations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of PVN lesion on anterior pituitary processing of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to ACTH, plasma concentrations of ACTH and ACTH precursors (POMC; 22-kDa proACTH), and expression of subtilisin-like prohormone convertase 3 (SPC3) in corticotropes in fetal sheep. PVN lesion did not affect anterior pituitary POMC and 22-kDa proACTH levels, whereas ACTH was significantly affected. The ACTH precursor (POMC plus 22-kDa proACTH) to ACTH ratio in the anterior pituitary was significantly increased after PVN lesion. Post-PVN lesion, fetal plasma ACTH1–39, was below the limit of detection, whereas ACTH precursors (POMC plus 22-kDa proACTH) were not affected. In the inferior r...
Valuing self‐protection: income and certification effects for safe rooms

Survey data from Tulsa, Oklahoma residents are used to examine individual valuations of safe rooms. The study utilises two measures of individual valuations, the maximum willingness to pay (WTP) and willingness to accept (WTA) for safe rooms. The primary research questions are concerned with whether the willingness to pay measure exhibits income effects and whether certification standards make the safe room investment more desirable. The main findings can be summarised as follows. The mean willingness to pay for a safe room was $2,500. The value of certification by a national organisation increased willingness to pay for the safe room by $600 on average. There is no direct income effect in that respondents' stated willingness to pay does not bear a statistically significant relationship to reported income. There is evidence of a secondary income effect in that willingness to pay elicited from attendees of a suburban parade of homes was $731 higher than attendees of an urban parade of homes. A mortgage pay...
Evidence That Autoregulation of Prolactin Production Does Not Occur at the Pituitary Level

PRL production in primary cultures of rat pituitary cells was examined for evidence of autoregulation. The kinetics of PRL accumulation in the culture medium were linear (r = 0.993) over a 20-fold range of PRL concentrations (85–1800 ng/ml). The addition of 0.01–1000 ng/ml biologically active ovine PRL for 2 h had no effect on the rate of secretion or the intracellular levels of PRL. The functional integrity of the cells was verified by the demonstration that estradiol (10-8 M) caused a 3-fold increase in both PRL synthesis and secretion. Ergocryptine (10-8 M) inhibited PRL secretion by 57% (P < 0.001), and this response was modulated by pretreatment with estradiol. Increasing concentrations of endogenously secreted PRL did not detectably alter the rate of incorporation of [35S]methionine into cellular PRL in control or ergocryptine-treated cells for up to 8 h. These results indicate that autoregulation of PRL does not operate directly at the level of the pituitary.
Effects of atypical antipsychotics on vertebrate neuromuscular transmission

Abstract A study was made of the effects of the atypical antipsychotics clozapine, olanzapine, sulpiride and risperidone on nicotinic synaptic transmission at the frog neuromuscular junction. At concentrations higher than 10 μM, these atypical antipsychotics partially reduced the amplitude of miniature end-plate currents (mEPCs) in a dose-dependent and reversible manner. Atypical antipsychotics were, however, less effective than typical neuroleptics of the phenothiazine family at inhibiting mEPCs. In addition to decreasing mEPC amplitude, the atypical antipsychotics reduced the half-decay time of mEPCs. In the case of clozapine, the reduction in mEPC amplitude and duration was not markedly voltage-dependent. Beside their post-synaptic effects, all atypical neuroleptics, except sulpiride, increased the frequency of mEPCs in a concentration-dependent manner, with the strongest effect seen with clozapine. Altogether, these results raise the possibility that atypical neuroleptics could derive some of their therapeutic effects not only from their well-known inhibitory action on dopaminergic receptors, but also from their pre- and post-synaptic modulation of nicotinic neurotransmission.
ATPase activity and force production in myofibrils and twitch characteristics in intact muscle from neonatal, adult, and senescent rat myocardium.

To determine whether age-associated alterations in the cardiac muscle twitch could be related to altered myofibrillar ATPase activity or to an altered force-pCa relationship, these variables were measured in rat cardiac preparations across a broad age range. Between 2 and 6 months, maximum ATPase activity in detergent treated myofibrils decreased approximately two fold (0.166±0.01 v. 0.078±0.02 μ m Pi/min·mg protein, P
Signal hyperintensity of the callosum after ventriculoperitoneal shunting.

A 66-year-old man underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunting for communicating hydrocephalus. MRI 10 months postoperatively, done for transient headache, showed new fluid-attenuated inversion recovery/T2 hyperintensities within the corpus callosum (figure), while examination revealed improved gait and bladder control with no evidence of a callosal disconnection syndrome.
Improved tapered tubular optical waveguide probe for magnetic focusing immunosensors

Based on a non-sequential raytrace simulation, a previously developed tubular optical waveguide probe for magnetic- focusing immunosensors has been redesigned and tested. The design features a tubular waveguide tapered at both ends with a tapered magnet embedded inside of the waveguide. For reducing background, the excitation light is directly projected into the sample solution via a fiber against the cuvette wall adjacent to the waveguide. The fluorescent signal is collected by the probe and is coupled into a transmission fiber at the distal end of probe. Simulated antigen samples (paramagnetic microspheres of 5-micron diameter with immobilized antibodies that are labeled with Cy5 dye) have been prepared for testing magnetic signal enhancement and fluorescent signal collection. Typical results show that the sensitivity of the tubular probe is one order of magnitude higher than that of a similar dual- fiber probe. With the improved excitation and transmission scheme, the new tubular probe reduces background noise to one-third that of a previously reported tubular probe and is less sensitive to the interference of ambient light.
The developmental psychopathology of social anxiety disorder.

The role of developmental theory and developmental psychopathology in understanding the development, maintenance, and course of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is explored in this article. Following a brief examination of the phenomenology of SAD in youth, we provide an overview of the tenets of developmental psychology and developmental psychopathology, including the principles of equifinality (i.e., the same outcome can result from diverse developmental pathways) and multifinality (i.e., the same risk factor can lead to or result in different outcomes). We review various pathways for the acquisition and maintenance of SAD (e.g., genetic and temperamental influences, parental factors, conditioning or learning experiences, peer influences, and cognitive styles) and conclude, consistent with a developmental psychopathology perspective, that multiple pathways to SAD exist and that the various precursors to SAD do not invariably lead to SAD. We suggest that specificity in outcome is afforded by the combination, timing, and circumstances surrounding these various risk factors. Finally, we propose studies to test the viability of the developmental psychopathology model in understanding SAD.
Operating D-C motors from controlled rectifiers

THE D-C output voltage of a typical rectifier has more ripple than the output of a d-c generator. The ripple increases as the number of rectifier phases is decreased. It also increases as the rectifier voltage is reduced by phase control. The voltage ripple affects the performance of d-c motors in a number of respects including heating, commutation, and speed regulation, particularly at light loads and reduced voltage. In recent times the extension of controlled-rectifier drives to d-c motors in the range of 100 horsepower or more has raised the question of modifying the rating of these larger motors when operated from rectifiers with phase control. In order to evaluate the effect of a polyphase rectifier supply on a medium or large sized motor, tests were made on a 400-horsepower 375/750-rpm 230-volt d-c stabilized shunt-wound force-ventilated motor. Tests were made with both 6-phase and 3-phase rectifier supplies, and the results were compared with similar tests using a d-c generator as a source.
Interdiffusion in complex polymer systems used in the formation of microporous coatings

A model is presented for the development of membranes upon the contact of polymer solutions with nonsolvents under coagulating conditions in which the membranes increase in thickness with time. Good support for the model is presented in the form of experimental measurement of solvent diffusion rates in the formation of porous membranes from polyvinyl chloride blends with polyurethanes using dimethylformamide as the polymer solvent and water as the coagulant. Qualitative observations are described for the effect of solvent/nonsolvent interdiffusion rates on the pore structures of the membranes.
The Work Of Possession(s)

We are delighted to introduce these papers under the rubric of ‘The Work of Possessions’, which names a fault line where two tectonic plates of twenty-first-century thought collide. Identifying two major meanings for the word possession in the English language—on the one hand an owned, held or otherwise controlled item, and on the other hand the overcoming of a person by a spirit; on the one hand the work of ‘possessions’ in capital acquisition, and on the other hand the work of ‘possession’ as a model of subjectivity in which humans are perceived to be dialectically spoken-through as well as speaking—we propose that the two vectors collide and overlap. The two issues bear on one another, although the idea that they do, and the empirical ways in which this occurs, have rarely been studied. The papers are introduced with reference to significant threads raised by their respective analyses and with critical reference to our own concerns in the study of possessions that motivated this special issue.
Age of acquisition estimates for 1,208 ambiguous and polysemous words

Age of acquisition (AoA) estimates are provided for 3,460 senses of 1,208 words (i.e., words with multiple meanings e.g., duck). The AoA rating estimates appear to be relatively consistent across participants. The Spearman-Brown split-half reliability coefficient is .95, while the correlations between each participant’s ratings and the overall mean ratings yielded correlation coefficients between .325 to .794 with a mean of .69 (SD = .10). These estimates will be of use to those interested in: (a) the influence of AoA on word processing, (b) the influence of AoA on meaning access, (c) the structure of semantic memory, and (d) developmental trends in lexical ambiguity resolution. These AoA estimates can be downloaded from the Psychonomic Society’s Web archive of norms, stimuli, and data at www.psychonomic.org/archive .
Differential expression of genes associated with collagen fibril growth in the chicken tendon: identification of structural and regulatory genes by subtractive hybridization.

Abstract Collagen fibril growth is a very rapid and abrupt process, resulting in a 4- to 5-fold increase in fibril length between 16 and 18 days of chicken metatarsal tendon development. This fibril growth is due to a postdepositional fusion/association of preformed intermediates, termed fibril segments. We propose that the regulated assembly of collagen fibrils from the segment intermediates is mediated by interactions of structural macromolecules. The cells could modulate this process by responding to cytokines and altering cell–matrix signaling, transcription, and translation. To identify the genes involved in this process a subtractive hybridization procedure was utilized. Genes of cell proliferation were excluded as major contributors to differential gene expression in avian tendon on days 14 and 19 of development after analysis of BrdUr incorporation. The BrdUr incorporation studies revealed little, if any, tendon fibroblast proliferation at both stages. This suggested that observed alterations in gene expression would be related to the pre- and postfibril growth phases in developing tendons. A total of 80 unique up- and down-regulated cDNA fragments were isolated and 26 of these were identified. There was an up-regulation of structural proteins (for example, collagen types I, VI, and XI and fibromodulin), a number of regulatory proteins (including TGF-β2 and IGF-1), as well as other enzymes/proteins. Northern analysis confirmed the up-regulation of mRNAs for all the structural proteins. The observed 20-fold increase of mRNA for the isolated clone corresponding to the 3′ UTR of α1(VI) collagen makes it a possible marker for the postfibril growth stage of collagen fibrillogenesis. The large number of isolated genes differentially expressed during the rapid phase of fibril growth reveals a fine and possibly tissue-specific control of fibrillogenesis.
The Principle of Relevant Similarity

Suppose, for example, that I a m x and y is my next-door neighbor and that the homes we own are connected to the municipal sewer line. If I am entitled to use the sewer line, and if my neigbor is similar to me in relevant ways (suppose that the relevant similarity in this context is that we are both homeowners and taxpayers and that our respective families put roughly the same strain on the system), then if the Principle of Relevant Similarity is true, we ought to infer that my neighbor is entitled to use the sewer line as well. Now, we might think it is possible to replace moral arguments which appeal to this meta-ethical principle with a similar form of argumentation in which we employ a moral rule that is applicable to both x and y. For example, wouldn't it be simpler (and more effective) to argue before a magistrate that all homeowners who pay their taxes are entitled to use the sewer line, y is a homeowner who pays her taxes, and, therefore, she is entitled to use the sewer line? We might criticize those who treat the Principle of Relevant Similarity as an adequate desideratum in moral matters on the grounds that appealing to a general moral principle is always preferable to appealing to an analogy; after all, when faced with such an analogy can we not ask why the similarities between x and y are relevant? Don't we require something in the nature of a moral principle in order to answer this question? Indeed, wouldn't our capability to even specify the
Dynamics of solid/liquid interface shape evolution near an insoluble particle : an X-ray transmission microscopy investigation

In this article, for the first time, in situ and real-time experimental observations of changes in solid/liquid (s/l) interface shape during interactions with a particle or void are reported for metallic systems. Real-time interface shape evolution for both stationary and growing interfaces was observed by use of a state-of-the-art X-ray transmission microscope. Localized interfacial perturbations were studied as a function of the particle or void diameter, the distance between the s/l interface and the particle or void, and the thermal conductivity ratio between the matrix and the particle or void. In particular, the sensitivity of interfacial perturbation to the thermal conductivity ratio is critically analyzed. Analytical predictions of interface shape are compared to the real-time, in situ experimental data. A good agreement between the experimentally observed and predicted interface shapes was found for stationary interfaces. Based on the differences in experimental observations, between a moving and a stationary interface, an alternate hypothesis is suggested to explain the observed kinetics of particle engulfment by a growing interface.
Magnetic and thermal instabilities in a textured YBa2Cu3Ox superconductor with high transport Jc

Abstract Magnetization hysteresis measurements on a melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O x superconductor have been carried out. Saw-toothed flux jumps occurred more frequently when the relaxation time (the stable-field-time interval during measurement) was reduced, or the field sweep rate was increased. The jump-starting field H FJ was found to be related with the relaxation time in a linear form. A large amount of trapped flux due to flux jumps was observed when the direction of the sweeping field was reversed and illustrated using an adiabatic critical state model. An evaluation of the temperature variation from flux jumping has been made by comparing the hysteresis loops in some particular field at various temperatures. It is estimated that the thermal pulses induced by flux jumps at 5 K can cause an instantaneous temperature rising of the sample as high as 32 K, a value about 30 times higher than that of the conventional type-II materials. An intergranular effect of the field-dependent magnetization was also discussed.
Delayed traumatic cerebral aneurysm after brain injury

Traumatic aneurysms (TAs) are an unusual etiology for late neurological deterioration after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and represent less than 1% of all cerebral aneurysms. TAs most often are diagnosed acutely but may be delayed in presentation. To increase awareness of this serious but treatable condition when diagnosed early, we report a delayed TA after a motor vehicle accident. The patient experienced a seizure on day 46 postinjury while in rehabilitation and demonstrated persistent lethargy and hemiparesis. Neuroimaging revealed a large, ruptured left pericallosal artery TA, which was surgically clipped. The patient completed his rehabilitation course and was eventually discharged home with family. Among TBIs, TAs are associated with penetrating injuries and skull base or anterior cranial fossa fractures. Associated mortality is high, especially if rupture has occurred. Although TAs are rare, the clinician should be vigilant in the at-risk patient.
STUDY OF THE ADSORPTION/REMOVAL EFFICIENCY OF WOVEN AND NONWOVEN ACTIVATED CARBON FABRICS FOR MEK

The initial gaseous contaminant removal efficiency and adsorption characteristics for various commercially available activated carbon fabrics were determined at air flow rates, air temperature and pressure drop typical of an indoor air residential or small office environment. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was used as the hazardous air pollutant for the laboratory tests. For the range of MEK concentrations tested, the initial fabric adsorption efficiency decreased as concentration increased, although the total adsorption capacity (g/g) increased. Initial fabric efficiencies were also higher at a lower air flow rate. The pure activated carbon nonwoven felt had higher adsorption capacity as well as higher initial adsorption efficiencies than the woven carbon fabrics tested. In all of the fabrics which were tested, the maximum adsorption efficiency was achieved initially, lasted only momentarily, then steadily decreased until adsorption capacity was reached. It was also observed that fabrics that had reached capa...