cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further evidence for structural relatedness between murine MHC and thymus-leukemia antigens.

Abstract Results from several laboratories have indicated a close genetic and structural relationship between the murine major histocompatibility antigens, H-2K and H-2D, and the thymus-leukemia antigens. Data presented here support this concept. Electrophoretic studies show that: (1) the light chains of H-2Kk, H-2Dd and the thymus-leukemia antigens of ASL1 cells show indistinguishable isoelectric focusing patterns which are consistent with their identification as β2 microglobulin, and (2) there is an acid labile bond near the midpoint of the heavy chains of thymus-leukemia antigens analogous to the results with HLA (Terhorst et al., 1977). Both of these observations are consistent with the occurrence of conserved sequence homology between genes that code for major histocompatibility antigens and thymus-leukemia antigens and with their evolutionary derivation from common ancestral genes.
Intrinsic structural disorder and sequence features of the cell cycle inhibitor p57Kip2

The cell cycle inhibitor p57Kip2 induces cell cycle arrest by inhibiting the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases. p57, although active as a cyclin A-CDK2 inhibitor, is largely unfolded or intrinsically disordered as shown by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra characteristic of an unfolded protein and a hydrodynamic radius consistent with an unfolded structure. In addition, the N-terminal domain of p57 is both functionally independent as a cyclin A-CDK2 inhibitor and unstructured, as demonstrated by circular dichroism and fluorescence spectra indicative of unfolded proteins, a lack of 1H chemical shift dispersion and a hydrodynamic radius consistent with a highly unfolded structure. The amino acid compositions of full-length p57 and the excised QT domain of p57 exhibit significant deviations from the average composition of globular proteins that are consistent with the observed intrinsic disorder. However, the amino acid composition of the CDK inhibition domain of p57 does not exhibit such a striking deviation from the average values observed for proteins, implying that a general low level of hydrophobicity, rather than depletion or enrichment in specific amino acids, contributes to the intrinsic disorder of the excised p57 CDK inhibition domain.
Insensitivity of the audiogram to carboplatin induced inner hair cell loss in chinchillas

Noise trauma, aging, and ototoxicity preferentially damage the outer hair cells of the inner ear, leading to increased hearing thresholds and poorer frequency resolution. Whereas outer hair cells make synaptic connections with less than 10% of afferent auditory nerve fibers (type-II), inner hair cells make connections with over 90% of afferents (type-I). Despite these extensive connections, little is known about how selective inner hair cell loss impacts hearing. In chinchillas, moderate to high doses of the anticancer compound carboplatin produce selective inner hair cell and type-I afferent loss with little to no effect on outer hair cells. To determine the effects of carboplatin-induced inner hair cell loss on the most widely used clinical measure of hearing, the audiogram, pure-tone thresholds were determined behaviorally before and after 75 mg/kg carboplatin. Following carboplatin treatment, small effects on audiometric thresholds were observed even with extensive inner hair cell losses that exceed 80%. These results suggest that conventional audiometry is insensitive to inner hair cell loss and that only small populations of inner hair cells appear to be necessary for detecting tonal stimuli in a quiet background.
Hemoglobin–Oxygen Equilibrium Curves Measured during Enzymatic Oxygen Consumption

A rapid, new method to measure hemoglobin-oxygen equilibrium curves is described using the protocatechuic acid/protocatechuic acid 3,4-dioxygenase system [C. Bull and D.P. Ballou (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 12673-12680] to deoxygenate hemoglobin solutions enzymatically. The reaction is followed by simultaneous measurements of hemoglobin spectra using a diode array spectrophotometer and oxygen tensions using a polarographic O2 microelectrode. Multicomponent analysis allows the determination of fractions of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and high-spin and low-spin methemoglobins in each spectrum collected as the reaction proceeds. Fractional saturation as a function of oxygen partial pressure is calculated as the ratio of oxyhemoglobin to oxy- plus deoxyhemoglobin. Several advantages are offered by this method: (i) Hemoglobin-O2 binding curves are obtained rapidly and reproducibly; (ii) the speed of the reaction limits methemoglobin formation by autooxidation; (iii) there is no gas-liquid interface, eliminating protein denaturation at the surface; and (iv) direct calculations of fractional saturation are made using spectral analysis, thus avoiding the assumption of a linear transition between deoxy- and oxyhemoglobin.
BRICing down? A new normal for the BRICs

While the BRICs appeared to have decoupled from the global recession, evidence now points to slowdowns in their economies. In fact, as they approach the middle-income mark, economic growth above 6% will be much more difficult to sustain. Economic transition, demographic transition, and structural deficits are all factors that limit high growth. In sum, the BRICs will not enjoy another 10 years like the last 10 years.
Role of 4-1BB in allograft rejection mediated by CD8+ T cells.

Blockade of traditional costimulatory molecules fails to inhibit rejection in many models where CD8+ T cells are sufficient to mediate rejection. This observation demonstrates that in many settings CD8+ T cells are not dependent upon CD28 or CD154 signals to mediate rejection. 4-1BB (CD137) has been shown to be an important regulatory molecule for CD8+ T cells in a variety of nontransplant models. Here we show that blocking the 4-1BB pathway significantly inhibited rejection of intestinal allografts by CD8+ but not CD4+ T cells. This effect was associated with significantly decreased expression of the genes encoding TNFα and secondary lymphoid chemokine (SLC) within the spleens of recipient mice. Disruption of the 4-1BB pathway also impaired the priming of alloantigen-specific CD8+ T cells and the accumulation of recipient dendritic cells within the spleen. These data directly demonstrate an important role for 4-1BB in allograft rejection; particularly rejection mediated by CD8+ T cells. Our data suggest that in addition to providing a direct costimulatory signal to T cells, the 4-1BB pathway may regulate other important steps in the immune response such as the migration of T cells and dendritic cells.
Stable Matchings and Rematching-Proof Equilibria in a Two-Sided Matching Market

Abstract In this paper we introduce the notion of a rematching-proof equilibrium for a two-sided matching market to resolve Roth′s open question: What kind of equilibria of the game induced by any stable mechanism with respect to misreported profiles produce matchings that are stable with respect to the true profile. We show that the outcome of a rematching-proof equilibrium is stable with respect to the true profile, even though the equilibrium profile may contain misreported preferences. We also show that a rematching-proof equilibrium exists. Moreover, the Nash equilibria in Roth (J. Econ. Theory34 (1984), 383-387) are shown to be rematching-proof equilibria. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C78, D71.
Thermal wounds following heating pad use.

Ms. C, a 59-year-old female, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and underwent a right-sided, modified radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. The exact number of lymph nodes sampled is unknown; however, those sampled were negative for disease and adjuvant treatment was not necessary. In 1999, Ms. C developed recurrent disease that had metastasized to the sternum. She was referred to a radiation oncologist for a palliative radiation therapy evaluation. Upon physical examination, the patient appeared to have two burn sites on the lateral aspect of the right scapular area. According to Ms. C, the injury resulted from falling asleep on a heating pad. She complained of patchy numbness and decreased sensation in the burn area and her right arm, which had been present since her modified radical mastectomy. She reported occasional pain in the surgical area that she “learned to live with.” When interviewing Ms. C, it became evident that she was unaware that she should not use a heating pad on an area of patchy numbness and decreased sensation.
Integration of Dynamic Equation of Spring-Mass-Damper Systems via Chebyshev Polynomials

A numerical scheme based on Chebyshev polynomials for the determination of the response of spring-mass-damper systems is presented. The state vector of the differential equation of the spring-mass-damper system is expanded in terms of Chebyshev polynomials. This expansion reduces the original differential equations to a set of linear algebraic equations where the unknowns are the coefficient of Chebyshev polynomials. A formal procedure to generate the coefficient matrix and the right-hand side vector of this system of algebraic equations is discussed. The numerical efficiency of the proposed method is compared with that of Runge-Kutta method. It is shown that this scheme is accurate and is computationally efficient.
Mode Changes in the Post-Yield Behavior of Bone

A number of factors across multiple length scales (Table 1) may contribute to the mechanical competence of bone (i.e., the resistance to fracture). This structural complexity hinders a complete mechanistic explanation (model) for elderly bone fragility. Although age-related loss of bone mass has been viewed as the reason for the rising incidence of bone fractures in the elderly,(2) bone quality is more meaningful to provide insights into why individuals with ‘normal’ bone mineral density (BMD) suffer fractures. Bone is a hierarchical and hydrated composite of mineral and collagen phases,(3, 4) showing a rather complex response to the mechanical loading.(5, 6) While previous research has investigated the resistance of bone to crack propagation,(7, 8) fatigue behavior,(9–11) and mechanical changes to load-induced damage,(12–14) little is known about the mechanical behavior of bone as a function of progressive deformation (strain). In this study, by employing a previously developed progressive loading scheme,(15) we intend to investigate the progressive stress-strain behavior of bone with increasing strain levels, so as to gain more information on the underlying mechanisms for post-yield behavior of bone. It is hypothesized that the post-yield behavior of bone varies with the increasing strain, which plays a significant role in sustaining the toughness or quality of bone.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The effect of AlloDerm on the initiation and growth of human neovessels.

Objectives/Hypothesis: AlloDerm (LifeCell Corp., Branchburg; NJ) is commonly employed for reconstruction of ablative soft tissue and mucosal defects following surgical resections. Although devoid of growth factors, AlloDerm may serve as an adhesive matrix for binding of growth factors, increasing local angiogenesis, and wound healing. We hypothesized that AlloDerm would enhance angiogenesis and might be altered with autologous blood products to enhance initiation of the angiogenic response. Methods: We used a human placental vein in a fibrin-thrombin clot-based angiogenesis model. Four groups, human placental vein (HPVM), HPVM with AlloDerm, HPVM with AlloDerm plus platelet-poor plasma, and HPVM with AlloDerm plus platelet-rich plasma were evaluated. Endothelial cell growth was evaluated visually (40×). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescent staining for growth within the AlloDerm matrix were also performed. To assess human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) sites of attachment to AlloDerm, we incubated HUVEC cells with AlloDerm for a period of 2 weeks and evaluated attachment with anti-factor VIII immunofluorescence. Results: Angiogenic initiation decreased in the combined placental vein with AlloDerm group (P < .0001 at day 7, 14, 21). Additionally, initiation in the AlloDerm plus platelet-poor plasma group was significantly better than the AlloDerm alone group when placentas 2 and 3 were compared (P < .0001). On hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunofluorescent factor VIII staining, no endothelial growth into the AlloDerm was noted in the samples analyzed. Conclusions: AlloDerm may be enriched with platelet-poor plasma to stimulate greater initiation and wound healing; however, AlloDerm inhibits angiogenic initiation in this model.
Cholesterol metabolism in the myelin of rat brain.

La persistance de la radioactivite incorporee dans le cholesterol et les lipides totaux de la myeline cerebrale a ete mesuree pendant 200 jours apres un injection i.p. de glucose U-14C chez des rats de 6 semaines ayant donc precisement depasse la periode de myelinisation active et egalement chez des animaux de 6 mois. La radioactivite specifique relativement faible incorporee dans le cholesterol de la myeline des animaux les plus jeunes a decru lentement tandis que chez les animaux adultes elle est restee pratiquement constante. L'incorporation de carbone de glucose dans le cholesterol de la myeline des animaux adultes ne reflete probablement pas le «turnover» du cholesterol mais pourrait indiquer plutot que la myeline continue a etre formee lentement tout au long de la vie de l'animal.
Experiments on Cosmic-Ray Mesons and Protons at Several Altitudes and Latitudes

Experiments to obtain further information about the meson component and the nucleonic component present in the atmosphere have been carried out near sea level, and in a B-29 aircraft flying at different altitudes and latitudes, using G-M counters simultaneously in delayed coincidence and in anticoincidence. A summary of the results obtained is given in Section V of this paper.
Foreign Capital, Dependence, Destabilisation and Feasibility of Transition to Socialism

Abstract The paper analyses the argument that external capital inflow could create dependence and thus sabotage the possibility of a successful transition to socialism. The formal model deployed is of the Harrod-Domar variety and simulation run are undertaken for five underdeveloped countries, using savings functions estimated by Weisskopf. The conclusions lend some support to radical concerns about the adverse effects of foreign aid on recipient countries.
Role of alphav integrins and angiogenesis during wound repair

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels, is thought to be critical for wound repair. Yet few studies have critically examined dermal wound repair in a system in which angiogenesis was impaired. Since alpha(v)-containing integrins are critical for angiogenesis, we administered either an alpha(v) integrin blocking antibody or cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide into a murine excisional wound model to restrict wound angiogenesis. Although both methods markedly decreased wound angiogenesis, decreased angiogenesis had no significant effect on wound epithelization, contraction, or ultimate wound closure. These results suggest that if other cellular components of wound healing are intact, moderate impairment of angiogenesis alone does not necessarily retard normal wound healing.
Top-Down, Routinized Reform in Low-Income, Rural Schools

Since 1991, the National Science Foundation has funded fifty-nine state, urban, and rural systemic initiatives. The purpose of the initiatives is to promote achievement in math, science, and technology among all students, and to encourage schools and communities to secure the resources needed to maintain such outcomes. The Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) is a six-state consortium which focuses these efforts on low-income, rural schools. The primary means of accomplishing ARSI's aims is a one-day-one-school site visit, called a Program Improvement Review, done by an ARSI math or science expert. The centrally important Program Improvement Reviews, however, seem to be premised on unsubstantiated assumptions as to the static, easy-to-understand, easy-to-evaluate nature of educational achievement in rural Appalachian schools. As a result, the Reviews resemble exercises in early-twentieth century scientific management, and are unlikely to enhance achievement in science or math. Consequently, even if there is merit to the commonsense human capital approach to economic growth and development on which systemic initiatives are tacitly premised, this first- person account makes a case that desired payoffs are unlikely to follow from the work of ARSI.
Methylene dianiline: acute toxicity and effects on biliary function

4,4'-Methylene dianiline (4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane, DAPM), which is used in the polymer industry, causes hepatobiliary damage in exposed humans. Our objectives were to characterize the acute toxicity of DAPM in liver, particularly on secretion of biliary constituents and on biliary epithelial cell gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity. Biliary cannulas were positioned in Sprague-Dawley male rats under pentobarbital anesthesia. After 1 hr of control bile collection, each rat was given 250 mg DAPM/kg (50 mg/ml) po in 35% ethanol or 35% ethanol only; bile was collected for a further 4 hr. Groups of rats were also examined for liver injury and biliary function at 8 and 24 hr after DAPM. Four hours after DAPM administration, main bile duct cells were severely damaged with minimal damage to peripheral bile ductule cells. Focal periportal hepatocellular necrosis and extensive cytolysis of cortical thymocytes occurred by 24 hr. Serum indicators of liver injury were elevated by 4 hr and continued to rise through 24 hr. By 4 hr, biliary protein concentration was increased 4-fold while concentrations of biliary bile salt, bilirubin, and glutathione were decreased by approximately 80, 50, and 200%, respectively. DAPM also induced a striking effect on biliary glucose with an approximately 20-fold increase. Histochemical staining of main bile duct GGT was absent by 8 hr after DAPM. Bile flow was diminished by 40% at 4 hr; three of five rats had no bile flow by 8 hr and none had any bile flow by 24 hr. These results indicate that DAPM rapidly diminishes bile flow and alters the secretion of biliary constituents and is highly injurious to biliary epithelial cells.
Puberty Rites as Clues to the Nature of Human Adolescence

Puberty rites are widespread in traditional cultures and hence probably offer some general adaptive advantages. Elucidating the general features and functions of puberty rites may shed light on the basic nature of human adolescence itself. It is suggested that puberty rites function generally to provide intensive instruction in adult sex roles, instill cultural loyalty, regulate and publicize the attainment of adult status, and enhance the mate value of the initiate. These functional explanations are consistent with evolu tionary theory and with data on pubertal changes and their func tions, and with cross-cultural and cross-species behavioral data. That is, puberty rites may conspire with the evolved bodily and behavioral changes of adolescence to prepare the individual for adulthood. Moreover, although puberty rites vary widely around the world, they may possess certain common features to accomplish these functions. Preliminary functional explanations of these modal features are proposed and evaluated.
Microbial ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase: a molecule for phylogenetic and enzymological investigation

Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) catalyzes the key reaction of the Calvin reductive pentose phosphate cycle and as such is responsible for life as we know it. This enzyme has been intensively studied for decades. Evidence that RubisCO phylogenies are incongruent with those derived from other macromolecules has been accumulating and recent discoveries have driven home this point. Here we review findings regarding RubisCO phylogeny and discuss these in the context of the important biochemical and structural features of the enzyme. The implications for the engineering of improved RubisCO enzymes are considered.
Relation between inflation and relative-price variability in the United States: Evidence from data for the 1980s

Abstract Monthly CPI data for 1967–1986 in respect of 10 major categories are utilized. The most significant result is a strongly negative association between relative-price variability and inflation as well as its expected and unexpected components during the 1980s. Variations in the estimated coefficients for the three subperiods studied also seem interesting.
Multidimensional pattern classification of bottles using diffuse and specular illumination

Abstract A robust and fast method for segmenting and recognizing bottles based on features extracted only from their circular tops is presented. The approach exploits a dual (stereo) camera system that views trays of bottles illuminated by one of two spatially separated sequenced light sources. The first of these light sources produces specularly illuminated bottle caps while the other diffusely illuminates them. The images obtained using light sources that produce specular reflections are employed primarily for segmentation purposes, although two features based on mean specular intensity and bottle height are extracted from these images. The images obtained while the diffuse light sources are active are used to extract three other features which are the mean diffuse intensity, intensity variance, and intensity distribution of the bottle caps. It is shown that this dual lighting approach increases the overall reliability of the integrated system which must be capable of accurately segmenting and recognizing many bottle types. Results of test runs involving sets of hundreds of training samples and unknowns are presented and demonstrate that recognition rates in excess of 99% may be expected.
Approximate and exact photon-maxwellian electron cross-sections and a Monte Carlo sampling scheme

Abstract Fast and accurate approximate methods for computing temperature-corrected photon-Maxwellian electron cross-sections, using distribution averaged electron energies and scattering angles, are presented. Use is made of the covariant (frame independent) picture of scattering for relativistic electrons. The schemes are motivated and detailed, predictions are obtained and compared with exact values, and appropriate limiting forms that retain the Thomson and Klein-Nishina cross-section structure are also recovered. A two-parameter fit to the total cross-sections in a Klein-Nishina picture is detailed using an invariant scattering kernel. This particular fit is useful in extending existing sampling schemes which employ the static probability density. Extensions of Kahn's technique (for sampling the Klein-Nishina density) arepresented for a temperature-corrected set of probability densities obtained from the fitted cross-sections. The methods are amenable to further pointwise (Monte Carlo) or multigroup ( S n ) cross-section processing. An exact numerical scheme employing adaptive quadrature techniques, as implemented in the production code module MAXWELL is also described.
Neurobehavioral mutants identified in an ENU-mutagenesis project

We report on a battery of behavioral screening tests that successfully identified several neurobehavioral mutants among a large-scale ENU-mutagenized mouse population. Large numbers of ENU-mutagenized mice were screened for abnormalities in central nervous system function based on abnormal performance in a series of behavior tasks. We developed and used a high-throughput screen of behavioral tasks to detect behavioral outliers. Twelve mutant pedigrees, representing a broad range of behavioral phenotypes, have been identified. Specifically, we have identified two open-field mutants (one displaying hyperlocomotion, the other hypolocomotion), four tail-suspension mutants (all displaying increased immobility), one nociception mutant (displaying abnormal responsiveness to thermal pain), two prepulse inhibition mutants (displaying poor inhibition of the startle response), one anxiety-related mutant (displaying decreased anxiety in the light/dark test), and one learning-and-memory mutant (displaying reduced response to the conditioned stimulus). These findings highlight the utility of a set of behavioral tasks used in a high-throughput screen to identify neurobehavioral mutants. Further analysis (i.e., behavioral and genetic mapping studies) of mutants is in progress with the ultimate goal of identification of novel genes and mouse models relevant to human disorders as well as the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Universality for Static Properties of Polystyrenes in Good and Marginal Solvents

Premiere preuve experimentale du fait que, des solutions de polymeres flexibles sont caracterises par une longueur universelle dependant de la concentration qui est aisement mise en loi d'echelle pour etre independante de la masse moleculaire et de la qualite du solvant
Thermoluminescent Charge Recombination in Saturated Hydrocarbons

Thermoluminescence from the recombination of N,N,N‘,N‘-tetramethylparaphenylenediamine (TMPD) cations with trapped electrons in squalane and cis-decalin glasses and in microcrystalline methylcyclohexane is reported. The glasses exhibit distributions of activation energies maximal at 0.20 eV in squalane and 0.19 eV in cis-decalin, with half-widths at half-height of approximately 0.03 eV. Microcrystalline methylcyclohexane exhibits a single activation energy at 0.30 eV. These activation energies for thermal electron release are much smaller than photoionization threshold energies determined optically in similar glasses, suggesting that the mechanism of electron release is trap destruction, not electron excitation within a stable trap. The similarity between these activation energies and those determined for quenching of the TMPD phosphorescence also supports this interpretation.
Excitation spectrum and order parameter for the integrable N-state chiral potts model

Abstract The integrable N-state chiral Potts model is the first solvable model where Boltzmann weights lie on c curve of genus greater than one. We here study the eigenvalues and order parameter. For the superintegrable point where Onsager's operator algebra is obeyed we find that all eigenvalues have an amazingly simple form. This allows a very precise study of the finite-size energies. The results demonstrate that at the self-dual point the model is massless but not conformally invariant.
Patient communication skills training: a review with implications for cancer patients

Although considerable attention has been given to physicians' communication, relatively little research has been directed to patients' communicative contributions to the medical interview. The research in patient communication skills training within the context of primary care is reviewed and implications are discussed for applying skills training in a cancer environment.
Narrowing the zone of uncertainty between research and development in biological warfare defense.

Although "research" is not prohibited by the Biological Weapons Convention, States Parties to the Convention have maintained the spirit of the Convention in actions relating to research. The confidence-building measures agreed to at RC2 refer to research facilities, publication of research results, and promotion of contacts between scientists engaged in research related to the Convention. However, assessment of basic research on biological agents is not a productive way to distinguish an offensive from a defensive program. Additionally, if a country were to initiate a biological weapons program, basic research on biological agents may not be necessary. For example, the extensive published research on Bacillus anthracis, both as a cause of anthrax in cattle and other species and as a biological-warfare agent, would enable any motivated group or nation to initiate a biological weapons program that could immediately advance to the development and scale-up stages. Research on biological agents for offensive purposes would be characterized by activities such as selection for growth, virulence, and toxin production; improving stability under varying environmental conditions; and selection of strains that might overcome existing means of prophylaxis and treatment. A biological program with an offensive intent would in most cases be characterized by evidence of development efforts in mass production and dissemination, which are often agent-specific. Thus, an assessment of development may distinguish offensive from defensive programs. If a country were to initiate a biological weapons research program, and were willing to risk worldwide condemnation should existence of such a program become known, it is likely that such a program would include development and production capabilities. If a country were not committed to production capability, there would be no rationale for an offensive biological research that would bring worldwide condemnation. Critics of the U.S. Biological Defense Research Program have suggested that the program could easily and quickly be turned into an offensive effort. To accomplish this, however, we have to assume that all military personnel, including the civilians employed by the Department of the Army, are unethical and willing to break the law and run the risk of placing the U.S. in a noncompliance status. The Army is under constant scrutiny by governmental agencies, by visiting scientists, by audiences at scientific meetings, by scientists who review manuscripts for publications, by news media, and by private citizens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Pythagorean fuzzy subsets

We introduce a new class of non-standard fuzzy subsets called Pythagorean fuzzy subsets and the related idea of Pythagorean membership grades. We focus on the negation operation and its relationship to the Pythagorean theorem. We compare Pythagorean fuzzy subsets with intuitionistic fuzzy subsets. We look at the basic set operations for the Pythagorean fuzzy subsets.
Perceived social support among bullies, victims, and bully-victims

Research indicates that social support plays a protective role among adolescents, but little research has explicitly evaluated its function among youth involved in bullying. Accordingly, this study examined relations among social support, bully/victim status, and psychological distress in a sample of 784 ethnically diverse youth. We assessed differences in perceived social support across bully/victim subtypes, and evaluated peer and maternal social support as protective factors among victims, bullies, and bully-victims. Youth were classified as uninvolved (61.6%), as bullies (14.3%), as victims (12.5%), and as bully-victims (11.6%). Uninvolved youth reported the most peer and maternal social support and the least anxiety/depression. Multivariate analyses revealed that there was a significant interaction between bully/victim groups and peer social support. Specifically, bullies, victims, and bully-victims who reported moderate peer social support also indicated the least anxiety/depression. Results highlight the importance of encouraging youth to develop and effectively use peer support networks as part of bullying intervention programs.
Challenges for forensic science: new demands in today’s world

In their 2009 report entitled ‘Strengthening forensic science in the United States: a path forward,’ the National Research Council (NRC) provided an assessment of the past, present, and future state of forensic science – especially related to impression evidence. The NRC described the need for further advances in some forensic science disciplines in order to improve criminal investigations, reduce the possibility of wrongful convictions, and to enhance national security. Recent events in international and domestic terrorism and the identification of dozens of wrongful convictions have further demonstrated the need for forensic science to address new challenges. From the bioterrorism events within the United States related to the anthrax mailings, to the seemingly endless stream of improvised explosive devices in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, forensic science has new demands and an increasingly important opportunity to play a vital role in the world’s major events. With this demand comes a requirement to enha...
Solar dynamic heat receiver thermal characteristics in low earth orbit

A simplified system model is under development for evaluating the thermal characteristics and thermal performance of a solar dynamic spacecraft energy system's heat receiver. Results based on baseline orbit, power system configuration, and operational conditions, are generated for three basic receiver concepts and three concentrator surface slope errors. Receiver thermal characteristics and thermal behavior in LEO conditions are presented. The configuration in which heat is directly transferred to the working fluid is noted to generate the best system and thermal characteristics. as well as the lowest performance degradation with increasing slope error.
Water Re-use in Processing of Pacific Shrimp

A Pacific shrimp (Pandalus jordani) processing plant was instrumented to measure water usage. A water balance was completed which identified fluming as a main user of water and subject to design improvements. Re-use of water in fluming was investigated in pilot plant simulation to evaluate alternatives to fresh flow usage. A counter current flow system was designed to reduce water usage from 264 gpm to 156 gpm with acceptable microbiological quality.
An improved set of mndo parameters for sulfur

The MNDO parameters for sulfur have been reoptimized. Calculations for a number of sulfur compounds indicate a very significant improvement. Inclusion of d AOs failed to correct the errors for compounds of sulfur in its higher valence states. Since d AOs are not included, the calculations are still confined to compounds of divalent sulfur.
Lunar Variations in Auroral Zone

AN investigation of the frequency content of the geomagnetic record, collected during the IGY/IGC at several stations spread over the globe, has been carried out by high resolution spectrum analysis. I have already described the method1 and a detailed discussion of the analysis will appear elsewhere. At most of the stations, besides the solar harmonics, several lunar tidal lines and luni-solar lines appeared significantly above the noise level of the spectrum. The amplitudes of these lines have been estimated from the power energy of the appropriate peak in the spectrum; in this note only the variation of the amplitude of the harmonic terms L1, L2 and L3 with respect to the dipole latitude is considered. The frequencies of these lines as calculated by Chapman's formula are 0.93227, 1.93227 and 2.93227 cycles per day respectively and the frequencies of the corresponding lunar tide lines O1, M2 and M′3 (corresponding to the term A84 of Schureman3) are respectively 0.92953, 1.93227 and 2.93427 cycles per day. With the frequency interval (0.00416666 cycles per day) allowed for in the spectrum analysis, the minor differences in the frequencies of the luni-solar and the tidal lines remain indistinguishable and the resultant effect appears as a peak in the spectrum.
A new look at the cosmological argument

Almost fifty years later, Russell’s objections seem quite dated, dependent on a form of logical empiricism that has not weathered the intervening years well. The logic and metaphysics of possibility and necessity have proved to be a fruitful and rich area of investigation. Cosmology – the study of the universe as a whole – has matured and gained respectability. The notion of causation has taken root once again within philosophy, proving to be indispensable to recent advances in semantics, epistemology and cognitive science. The theory of
Strategies for inducing protection against avian influenza A virus subtypes with DNA vaccines

The cross-species transfer of a H5N1 influenza virus from birds to humans, and the systemic spread of this virus in mice, has accelerated the efforts to devise protective strategies against lethal influenza viruses. DNA vaccination with the highly conserved nucleoprotein gene appears to provide cross protection against influenza A viruses in murine models. Whether such vaccines would protect human hosts against different influenza A viruses, including strains with pandemic potential, is unclear. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the ability of a combination DNA vaccine consisting of two plasmids encoding the HA genes from two different subtypes and a DNA vaccine encoding the viral nucleoprotein gene from a H5 virus to induce protection against highly lethal infection caused by H5 and H7 influenza viruses in chickens. Chickens given a single dose of plasmids expressing H5 and H7 hemagglutinins protected the birds from infection by either subtype. However, birds immunized with nucleoprotein DNA and challenged with either A/Ck/Vic/1/85(H7N7) or A/Ty/Ir/1/83 (H5N8) showed definite signs of infection, suggesting inadequate immunity against viral infection. Fifty percent of the nucleoprotein DNA immunized birds survived infection by influenza A/Ty/Ir/1/83 (H5N8) virus (virus of same subtype) while 42% survived infection by influenza A/Ck/Vic/1/85/(H7N7) virus (virus of a different subtype). These studies demonstrate that immunization with DNA encoding a type-specific gene may not be effective against either homologous or heterologous strains of virus, particularly if the challenge virus causes a highly lethal infection. However, the combination of HA subtype vaccines are effective against lethal infection caused by viruses expressing any of the HA subtypes used in the combination preparation.
Autonomic Markers of Impaired Glucose Metabolism: Effects of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Background: The association between diabetes and abnormalities in autonomic function is well-known, but it is not clear if this association can be extended to subjects with prediabetic impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which commonly occurs in this population, is often overlooked. We sought to determine how autonomic function, monitored in an overnight sleep study setting, may be impaired in subjects with IGM and/or SDB. Methods: Polysomnograms (PSGs) selected from the Cleveland Family Study database were categorized into four groups: normal, SDB (respiratory disturbance index > 5/h), IGM, and both SDB and IGM. Impaired glucose metabolism was defined as an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) level > 140 mg/dl. Time-domain and frequency-domain indices of heart rate variability were used to quantify autonomic impairment. Baroreflex sensitivity determined using pulse transit time (BRSPTT), an indirect measure of baroreflex sensitivity based on spontaneous pulse transit time fluctuations, was used as a surrogate measure of baroreflex sensitivity. Results: Based on 31 PSGs from subjects (16 males, 15 females) ages 20.8–61.2 years, both SDNN and BRSPTT were found to be 20-25% lower in SDB and ~40% lower in IGM and SDB + IGM as compared to subjects without either condition. In analyses of continuous measures, mean standard deviation of 5 min R–R intervals (SDNN) and BRSPTT were found to be negatively correlated with OGTT following adjustment for age and body mass index. Oral glucose tolerance test and age were the two most significant factors for predicting SDNN and BRS PTT. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest that cardiac autonomic control is impaired in IGM, regardless of whether SDB is present. The abnormal autonomic function involves degradation of baroreflex regulation.
Bone marrow evaluation in pediatric patients

Pediatric bone marrow evaluation is often challenging, especially for pathologists with more experience evaluating bone marrow specimens from adults. This article reviews the features of several pediatric hematologic malignancies that have been selected because they illustrate the different approach required to evaluate pediatric bone marrow specimens, and highlight potential diagnostic pitfalls. The following topics have been selected for discussion: ancillary studies required for prognostication in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the classification of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia, congenital acute leukemia and its distinction from Down syndrome-associated transient myeloproliferative disorder, diagnosis and classification of pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia as a distinct disease entity of childhood.
Effect of solenoid field errors on electron beam temperatures in the RHIC electron cooler

As part of a future upgrade to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), electron cooling is foreseen to decrease ion beam emittances. Within the electron cooling section, the "hot" ion beam is immersed in a "cold" electron beam. The cooling effect is further enhanced by a solenoid field in the cooling section, which forces the electrons to spiral around the field lines with a (Larmor) radius of 10 micrometers, reducing the effective transverse temperature by orders of magnitude. Studies of the effect of solenoid field errors on electron beam temperatures are reported.
Feasibility of Using Actigraphy and Motivational-Based Interviewing to Improve Sleep Among School-Age Children and Their Parents

Inadequate sleep occurs in 25% of our nation's children; poor sleep is associated with physical, cognitive, and social consequences. Developing good sleep hygiene in middle childhood is important, because habits typically extend to adolescence and adulthood; yet, there has been little research on sleep interventions for school-age children. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a developmentally tailored, motivation-based intervention (MBI) focused on improving sleep behaviors in school-age children aged 8-11. Nine parent-child dyads participated in an 8-week protocol utilizing MBI and comparisons of objective (actigraphy) and subjective (sleep diaries) data. Results suggest that parent and children are able to identify a target behavior to change and complete the protocol. Further, preliminary evidence indicates that sleep patterns change using MBI. Future research will be directed toward comparative effectiveness testing and exploring ways in which it can be adapted and incorporated into school nursing practice.
Learning Inhibition in the Monty Hall Problem: The Role of Dysfunctional Counterfactual Prescriptions

Despite repeated trials, people consistently fail to learn the solution to the Monty Hall problem (MHP). This research examines the links between learning, counterfactual thinking, and memory for decision/outcome frequencies. Study 1 participants completed 60 MHP trials and listed their thoughts following losses. Results showed that participants tended to counterfactualize switch losses more than stick losses, adhered to the prescriptions of their counterfactuals more frequently following switch losses than any other decisions/outcomes, and were less likely to learn the solution as counterfactuals increased. Furthermore, memory for switch losses was significantly overestimated, and the relationship between counterfactuals and learning was mediated by misestimation of decision/outcome frequencies. In Study 2, counterfactual salience was manipulated. Learning was less likely to occur when counterfactual salience was high than when it was low, a relationship that was again mediated by memory of decision/outcome frequencies. Findings are discussed in light of their theoretical and applied implications.
A unified Modular Transformer Converter (MTC) system with advanced angle control structure

A unified Modular Transformer Converter (MTC) system is proposed that is transportable and can be installed in existing transmission substations to provide power flow control, back-up, and fault current limiter functions. The multifunctional characteristic of the proposed system is obtained by inserting the device across the substation transformer. The MTC system can be realized with standard drive converters and regular transformers through advanced angle control. The proposed controller structure enables the line frequency switching operation of the converter system while maintaining a superior harmonic spectrum.
Quantitative and Qualitative Research: A View for Clarity

This paper compares and contrasts two different approaches utilized in research on education: quantitative and qualitative research. A description of these two approaches is followed by a discussion of how the components of these two approaches differ. Philosophical assumptions, methods/types, purposes/goals, question/hypotheses, those being researched, those conducting the research, and data/data analysis are examined. In order to enhance the understanding of these different approaches, two service-learning research projects are discussed with a focus on these components. Finally, what is gained and lost with each approach is presented.
Dendritic cell-directed vaccination with a lentivector encoding PSCA for prostate cancer in mice.

Many studies have demonstrated that prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is an attractive target for immunotherapy based on its overexpression in prostate tumor tissue, especially in some metastatic tissues. In this study, we evaluated dendritic cell (DC)-directed lentiviral vector (DCLV) encoding murine PSCA (DCLV-PSCA) as a novel tumor vaccine for prostate cancer in mouse models. We showed that DCLV-PSCA could preferentially deliver the PSCA antigen gene to DC-SIGN-expressing 293T cells and bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). Direct immunization with the DCLV-PSCA in male C57BL/6 mice elicited robust PSCA-responsive CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in vivo. In a transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate cell line (TRAMP-C1) synergetic tumor model, we further demonstrated that DCLV-PSCA-vaccinated mice could be protected from lethal tumor challenge in a prophylactic model, whereas slower tumor growth was observed in a therapeutic model. This DCLV-PSCA vaccine also showed efficacy in inhibiting tumor metastases using a PSCA-expressing B16-F10 model. Taken together, these data suggest that DCLV is a potent vaccine carrier for PSCA in delivering anti-prostate cancer immunity.
Economic Changes and Surges in Micro-Nationalist Voting in Scotland and the Basque Region of Spain

I During the 1970s, residents in Scotland and the Basque region of Spain began to vote in large numbers for nationalist candidates. Almost overnight the Scottish National Party and a collection of three Basque parties became important electoral forces, expanding their shares in general elections by more than 15 percent of all ballots cast (see Tables 1 and 2).
Tracheal intubation in a manikin: comparison of supine and left lateral positions

Tracheal intubation in the left lateral position may be necessary in some circumstances. Using a manikin we demonstrated that anaesthetic trainees found tracheal intubation in the left lateral position was more difficult and took longer than in the supine position. However, the time to successful tracheal intubation decreased with practice, indicating the presence of a learning curve. We suggest that tracheal intubation in the left lateral position should become part of training in the management of the difficult airway.
Accountability in Nursing: Reflecting on Ethical Codes and Professional Standards of Nursing Practice from a Global Perspective

The concept of accountability is a concept closely aligned with public trust and confidence with a healthcare discipline. It is of vital importance to the discipline of nursing to define and examine the obligations and duties of professional nurse. The term is referred to and often defined through international and national professional codes of nursing and in standards of nursing practice documents. This column will begin exploration of the concept with offering a definition from a humanbecoming perspective.